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Exalte May 2015
Glamour and the
Beach The Art of
Hat Fashion
BEAUTY OF THE
DISTURBED
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Exalte Magazine.com
Publisher Kymberly Soulé Kymberly@ExalteMagazine.com
Associate Publisher Mike Soulé
Contributors Desha’ Ringe Tambra Carter Audra Warren
Graphic Design Kymberly Soule
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Advertising Info@ExalteMagazine.com
On the Cover: Photographer Chip Kennedy Wardrobe/Styling - Destani Hoffman Hair Niki Walker-Kennedy Makeup Doria Grace
Elle Photography www.ellephotography.net
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Editor's Letter I have had the pleasure of working with the National Alliance of Mental Illness this past year, which made me realize that I really didn’t know as much as I thought about this disorder. I feel very blessed to have helped NAMIWalks and will never forget the experience. Mental Illness is a very real disease. It doesn’t discrimate and will change your life, as well as your family and friends forever. With that being said, I wanted to encourage you all to take time to find out about what mental illness entails. I am sure that you know someone who is affected by this illness. I think the sad thing is that there is such a stigma surrounding mental illness. People think they can catch it or don’t think it is a real issue. It is a disease of an organ, the brain, just like any other organ. Suicide has affected my family. If I would have known certain signs and things about depression, I surely would have made some changes in my life and not assumed everything would always be ok. Take some time out in this busy world to listen, see and feel what is going on around you.
God Bless You Kymberly Soule’
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones,not one of them will be broken.
Psalm 34:17-20
In this Issue Beauty of the Disturbed The Fashion of a Hat Glamour on the Beach Mental Illness - The Struggle is Real
June 4, 2015 6:00 - 9:00 pm $25 Donation
THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS ALLIANCE CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO THE
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015 4PM COMPLIMENTARY
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ROGERS-WILLIAMS ANTEBELLUM HISTORICAL MANSION 250 ST. ANTHONY STREET MOBILE, ALABAMA 36603
RSVP Info! TICKET PRICES
$80 FOR SINGLE TICKET HOLDERS $150 FOR DOUBLE TICKET HOLDERS ORDER ONLINE AT: WWW.WOMENSBUSINESSALLIANCE.ORG/STEELMAGNOLIAS
SPONSORED BY: ALABAMA POWER, HALL’S SAUSAGE, FLOUR GIRLS & CRAWFISH CRATER
For more information 251-660-2725 info@womensbusinessalliance.org
Bridal Show Daphne Civic Center
June 14, 2015 from 1 - 4 pm 2603 US-98, Daphne, AL $10 entry fee/$7 if pre-register
Enjoy an afternoon of getting to know local wedding professionals who can make all of your dreams come true! There will be plenty of door prizes given throughout the event and a Grand Prize at the end of the event that you will want to WIN! Pre-Register ahead of time and enter to win a Special Grand Prize and receive discounted tickets
www.bridesjustwannahavefun.com
Vendors contact studioglitz@gmail.com for more information
Sponsored by: The Bridal Directories
Inspiring Women
on the Coast Lunch
heon
June 10, 2015 12:00 to 1:00 pm Legacy Bar & Grill 9 Du Rhu Drive, Mobile, AL 36608 $20 per person
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Cfashion oastal week
Emerging Designer Winner
Statement: DH Designs features an annual avant-garde womenswear collection, which is presented in multiple cities nationwide. DH is best known for her boundary pushing and outrageously artistic themes. About the Designer: Destani Hoffman is an avant-garde designer currently residing in Spanish Fort, Alabama. Attending both Parsons: The New School for Design and SCAD: Savannah College of Arts & Design, Hoffman has earned her Bachelors in Fashion Design. Her first collection was shown at Mobile Fashion Week 2013, a serious display of her technique in crinoline and imagination with over-the-top designs, typically seen on the runways of New York rather than Mobile. It became her goal to bring the avant-garde standard to a place that’s only known boutique fashion, and in 2014 her latest collection debuted at Mobile Fashion Week 2014. This collection mastered the technique of art with a story, and her inspiration was the mentally unstable. She incorporated the idea of a straightjacket into the tied down arms and large buckles seen in her collection, as well as googly-eyes to recognize the idea of “always being watched”. She’s seen much success with her second collection, having shown it at Coastal Fashion Week 2015 and Southern Coalition of Fashion and Design Week 2015 (SCFD 2015). At Coastal Fashion Week, Hoffman was named as an Emerging Designer by onlookers from the CW, and renowned photographer and model manager Chip Kennedy. Since then, Hoffman has worked closely with Kennedy on both an Editorial Shoot and a video featuring her designs. About DH’s Charity Efforts: Eye Heart World is a non-profit organization Hoffman has worked with for the last two years to help raise awareness about Human Trafficking—a very real issue in the US. They sell multiple t-shirts and accessories, using the profits to better the girls in some of the places that house victims of Human Trafficking. In 2013, Hoffman did charcoal artwork for the Eye Heart World Gala in 2014. The art she drew was auctioned off at the Gala and all of the proceeds went to benefit victims of Human Trafficking. However, prints were made of the art and have now traveled to multiple gallery’s to carry on the message of real-life slavery. Hoffman’s also worked closely with the EHW co-founders Season & Brian Russo on their editorial, styling all of the looks. Even more importantly, her recent collection was first inspired by the eye-opening experiences of girls and boys who were forced at young ages to sell themselves, or “bound”. Though the collection has moved towards a story of the mentally unstable, the restraining of limbs in the designs was also inspired by these stories. About Custom Designs: DH Designs is also nationally known as a custom gown and evening wear designer. She is best known for her controversial prom dresses and custom event wear. By Jinapher J. Hoffman
Destani Hoffman
DH Designs
The Ezell House
The Perfect Setting for your Perfect Event Weddings . Receptions .Parties Can accommodate up to 500 guests in our historic Renaissance home and courtyard.
407 Conti Street Mobile, Al 36601 Tel: (251)432-4174 Fax: (251)432-7009 www.ezellhouse.com
fredboyd
_Shorelineknit Collection
It has been an interesting journey for fredboyd from LA to LA – Southern California to Lower Alabama, that is – with a long layover in the midwest. He went from a kid growing up surfing the beaches of California to a corporate executive to alpaca farmer and fiber mill owner - and now to the beaches of Alabama. Today fredboyd calls Gulf Shores home. Where he enjoys everything the beaches have to offer. He also designs and produces custom knitwear, primarily sweaters and coverups that are definitely not your grandmas’s button up cardigan. He started down this road when fredboyd was working in the corporate world near Chicago, and circumstances caused him to change directions quickly. “fredboyd was already raising alpacas, and eventually this led him in another direction. More and more alpaca owners needed a way to have their alpaca fiber processed into yarns, so he built a fiber mill, where he spun yarns from the alpacas for alpaca farmers and craftsmen.” fredboyd then took the next step when clients needed a market for their alpaca yarns, and he began designing knitwear. He found the world of machine-knitting, and eventually he sold the mill and focused on his unique wearable art, where he designs and now produces custom knitwear. “fredboyd now has two women who contract knit for him, while he does the design work, selects the yarns and the knitting of prototypes.” When fredboyd relocated to Gulf Shores, he found a locale and lifestyle that suits his lifelong love of the water and his new found love of the South. fredboyd’s _Shorelineknit Collection “His knitwear is a fashion statement, one-of-a-kind creations. They are light in weight and feel, perfect for our climate and lifestyle of the South.” Weather it be on the beach or a night on the town, fredboyd has a design and style that will fit your every desire. fredboyd continues to utilize alpaca yarns, but he now includes other natural fibers. Cottons, linen, hemp and bamboo, which are lighter and cooler for our area. He brings in natural fibers from around the world. At this time, fredboyd knitwear collection can be found in selected boutiques and online. Knitwear devoted to you feeling elegant and at home between exquisite fibers and independent styles you will be inspired to create that special occasion. www.fredboyd.com
Derrick Bias Photography www.500px.com/dbiasphotography On Location at Happy Harbor Marina
'The fashionable woman wears clothes. The clothes don't wear her.' - Mary Quant
Derrick Bias Photography www.500px.com/ dbiasphotography
'The difference between style and fashion - Giorgio Armani
is quality.'
'Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.' – Rachel Zoe
Calendar Launch at the
Colors of Fashion Runway Show & Gala July 16th, 2015 - 6:00 - 9:30 PM The Temple, Downtown Mobile, AL Featuring music by Rumor Mill
$50 per ticket
MENTAL ILLNESS Mental Health Conditions
A mental illness is a condition that impacts a person's thinking, feeling or mood may affect and his or her ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis. Recovery, including meaningful roles in social life, school and work, is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process. A mental health condition isn’t the result of one event. Research suggests multiple, interlinking causes. Genetics, environment and lifestyle combine to influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events like being the victim of a crime. Biochemical processes and circuits as well as basic brain structure may play a role too. Recovery and Wellness 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition every year. 1 in 20 lives with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In addition to the person directly experiencing by a mental illness, family, friends and communities are also affected. 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% of mental health conditions develop by age 24. The normal personality and behavior changes of adolescence may mimic or mask symptoms of a mental health condition. Early engagement and support are crucial to improving outcomes and increasing the promise of recovery.
www.nami.org
Know the Warning Signs Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy. There's no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the result of a physical illness. Each illness has its own set of symptoms but some common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following: Excessive worrying or fear Feeling excessively sad or low Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger Avoiding friends and social activities Difficulties understanding or relating to other people Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite Changes in sex drive Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don't exist in objective reality) Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia) Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”) Thinking about suicide Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance (mostly in adolescents)
Children Warning Signs Mental health conditions can also begin to develop in young children. Because they’re still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. Symptoms in children may include: Changes in school performance Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school Hyperactive behavior Frequent nightmares Frequent disobedience or aggression Frequent temper tantrums Where to Get Help Don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step. Reach out to your health insurance, primary care doctor or state/country mental health authority for more resources. Contact the NAMI HelpLine to find out what services and supports are available in your community. If you or someone you know needs helps now, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911. www.nami.org
Photography by Heather Forrester
Life is not always ...
Glamorous
by Jeffery Morris
This weekend I worked as a model, an editorial stylist, and modeled again. My life LOOKS beautiful. It is, but there is a past that is not so pretty. February 3, 2008, after the Superbowl, a few minutes before the 10:00 news, my son called. A call I never imagined I would get. He said “Dad, Dad, Uncle Randy and Aunt Debbie are dead......Ricky killed them!” My beautiful mentally ill nephew had done the unthinkable, he killed his own parents. The news was RELENTLESS. Less than 4 months later, he was sentenced to 2 life sentences. When I spoke at the sentencing, I stated that a mentally ill person should be treated. I knew that the outcome would not be good. Two years later, Ricky was killed in prison by serial killer, Leo Boatman. Our family is not alone. Mental illness is in EVERY family. Through my journey, I have put my heart and soul into becoming a strong advocate for this cause. One particular yearly event that I am passionate about is “The Empty Place at the Table.” The event celebrates the lives of victims of mental illness. Through my journey, I have realized I am not alone. I have become good friends with many who are part of this movement, including Sheveena Jackson, Victims Rights liaison with the Bay County Sherriffs Department. So what do you do after a tragedy? In my family, unfortunately, everyone did not cope the same way. My sister and mother have both had health issues, but I have always had faith. Everything, even the bad, was for a reason. In 2012, I was by chance, given a reentry into the fashion world. Here I can show positivity on every front. I use my experience and outlets to make a difference. Model life means a lot to me, but I'm always watching. Someone will cry out and I will be hear to listen. I love the beauty in my industry, but I never forget there is darkness.
“You can still be a Christian and be cool.” –Brent Loper
LOL…
By Audra Warren
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see the acronym LOL? Laughing out loud…right??? Not for thirty-six year old Brent Loper. For Brent, he immediately thinks of the phrase Living Out Loud…And let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, that is exactly what he is doing. Born and raised in Alabama, Brent grew up playing sports and drums in church. Today, he writes, sings, acts, and can play music by ear. Although most would consider him to be Mr. Popularity, Brent would suggest otherwise. Everything he is today, and is still working for did not come without great challenges. Growing up he felt as if he never quite fit into the typical mold of kids his age. After graduating from high school, Brent attended different colleges before starting to play music with the Christian band called Truth. Since 2000, Brent has appeared on local TV stations from Mobile to New Orleans, played the drums at the ACM’s for country musicians Joey & Rory, as well as the Stage Coach Festival performing on the same stage as artists like Keith Urban, Sugarland, and Phil Vassar. He has written songs for Ole Miss and Mississippi State. In 2014 Brent wrote, produced, and performed a music video for the New Orleans Saints cheerleaders. He recently made the transition to acting appearing on the set of movies such as Extraction starring actor Bruce Willis, as well as other projects in New Orleans. Brent would not change his experiences for anything in the world, stating, “You learn what not to do.” All of this, as grand as it may appear, does not change who he is or what’s most important to him. Aside from his six year old son, it’s obvious that his relationship with Christ is what remains number one in his life today. Matthew 5:16, God says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
More about Brent… AW: Without even really knowing you, I think it’s pretty apparent that you are a man who marches to the beat of your own drum….no pun intended by the way (LOL). Was there ever a time that you felt the need to conform to what others thought you should do with your life? BRENT: Oh sure. I think there's constant pressure to conform, especially here in the South. It's not typical or always accepted for people in the arts to chase their dream. You're always going to have naysayers and those who don't believe in you. But you can't focus on that. I like to say you have to have passion because passion is the fuel that drives you to your destiny. AW: Since you started to play the drums at just two years old, it’s obvious to me that your first love in the arts was music. Where did this passion come from, and what do you think made you continue? BRENT: You know honestly, I was always a jock growing up. I loved sports and that's what I wanted to do. Music was just something I did at church and I never really thought of it as a profession. When sports didn't work out, I guess it was just a natural gravitation to music. It's really just a God given gift. The reason that I continued in it is because it’s just a huge part of who I am. AW: What is it about film that you love? BRENT: I love the whole process of film. From the props to logistics, to wardrobe, makeup, costumes, scripts, just the whole process is so intriguing to me. Knowing what goes on behind the scenes makes me appreciate the finished product of a movie so much more.
What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say. -Ralph Waldo Emerson AW: How did you get into acting? BRENT: It was really by accident. I had a friend in town ask me to audition for a local healthcare commercial. I got that gig and then the next thing I did was extra work on the Bruce Willis movie, “Extraction.” A friend encouraged me to get with a New Orleans based casting company, I did and the rest is history.
“As representatives of Christ, like his secret service, we have a role to fulfill. The work is not about us…it’s about him”. –Brent Loper
AW: What advice would you give anyone else interested in acting as a career? BRENT: First, I would say make sure you know it's what you are gifted to do, and really have a heart and passion for it. If that's the case, then start getting involved. Sign up with a casting company, be an extra, get some professional head shots, and network… network… network. This business is all about relationships. Often times it's just about being a cool hang as opposed to talent or ability. Learn what not to do. Really study the craft of acting. Knowledge is power. Just be humble and always be willing to learn.
AW: In one of Les Brown’s lectures he says, “It is okay if no one else gets your vision of what God has given to you…he gave it to you, not to them.” What would you have to say about that? BRENT: I would totally agree 100%. God created you to be YOU! We are not robots here. AW: During our interview, you said something that I can firmly agree with, you said, “You don’t have to be behind a pulpit to minister to others.” In what ways would you say that you minister to others? BRENT: Yea, so like you don't have to stand on the street corner waving a bible or condemning people to hell. Jesus's commandment was quite the opposite. It's just real simple. You can witness to more people by just being a cool representative of God here on the earth. And that's in whatever line of work you do. Live your life in a godly manner. Let your light shine and others will be drawn to it. AW: Is there any advice you can give to people who are struggling to find their purpose or recognize their calling in their own life? BRENT: Yes. Seek God first. After that, find out what drives you. What are you drawn to? What are you passionate about? What are your natural gifts and abilities and go from there. Matthew 6:33 Check out some of Brent’s work by clicking on the link below: http://youtu.be/OT_Cs9AGSb4
“You cannot have a personal relationship with Christ, and not expect to have change in your life.” – Brent Loper
Elle Photography - www.ellephotography.net Fashions provided by Jos. A. Bank/Spanish Fort, AL www.josbank.com
The Fashion of a Hat
Fashion Hats by Parrish Elle Photography - www.ellephotography.net Makeup - 3G Up-Do/Face-it Makeup Artistry Hair - 3G Up-Do
New Year, New Packages! Don’t miss out on getting your year captured!
Book with Heather Horne Photography for any of your photography needs! 251.423.1335
www.heatherhornephotography.com
F A S H I O N
Glamour Beach on the
Blue Lagoon - Orange Beach, Al www.bluelagoonorangebeach.com Derrick Bias Photography www.500px.com/dbiasphotography
“Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The women who wear them will.” ― Anne Klein
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” ― Coco Chanel
Cfashion oastal week
January 12 - 16, 2016
www.coastalfashionweek.com