Access August 2022 Magazine by Fox Press

MOBILE'S OWN gabriellasaab More Than A AugustACCESSTHEBAY.COMMagazine!2022 MEET LOCAL CHANGE AGENTS BREAKING BARRIERS, FINDING BALANCE & TAKING ACTION What's New in Health & Happiness

©2022 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. YOU DON’T NEED NAVIGATION TO KNOW YOU’VE ARRIVED. LEXUS.COM | #LEXUS ENDS SEPTEMBER 6 The Lexus Golden Opportunity Sales Event is the perfect time to find the sensations you’ve spent all Summer chasing. ES F SPORT RX F SPORT NX FSPORT SALES EVENT LEXUS OF MOBILE 3024 Government Blvd. (251) 478-3300

Centenary University is offering a 30 credit online-only Master of Arts in Happiness Studies in partnership with The Happiness Studies Academy with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a world-renowned expert in wellbeing and happiness. HAPPINESS Studies Earn your Master’s Degree in Questions? Contact: Dawn Homer Senior Graduate Enrollment Counselor (908)Dawn.Homer@centenaryuniversity.edu852-1400ext.5035 Why choose a degree in happiness? The American workforce is currently in the midst of an era dubbed “the Great Resignation.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, resignation rates rose to record levels when 4.4 million employees left their jobs. The happiness and wellbeing measurement is statistically proven to change employee retention and productivity. Who is choosing happiness? Leaders and managers across corporations, organizations, and educational institutions are flocking to an advanced degree in happiness. From our partners at Happiness Studies Academy, we know that most applicants for the program already have graduate degrees. This highly-educated group of advanced learners recognize that a modern workforce is changing and that they need to ready their companies to be in lock-step with employee expectations for better employee retention and better shareholder value. The Science of Wellbeing Graduate Students • Understand and apply the science of happiness. • Draw on modern research and ancient wisdom from around the world. • Increase wellbeing—and success—in yourself, your family, clients, and colleagues. • Lead yourself and others on the path of flourishing. centu.org/happiness-courses

CONTENTS

Cover Image by Stevye Murray, StevyePhotography.com Shot on location at Knucklebones Elixir Co. and Beard & Blade in The Social Experiment Collective, 202 Government Street, Mobile, TheSocialExp.com. Hair Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Body Suit, $128, Skirt, $89, Heels, Call For Price; Dillard’s, 251.471.1551. Earrings, $44; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Necklace, $245; CK Collection, 251.990.9001. Bangle, $255; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

4 From where we sit, Bay life just keeps getting more and more interesting. Countless locals are raising the bar on just about every front imaginable. One in particular that caught our attention is topic of happiness. While a seemingly simple subject, many thought leaders have questioned age-old and outdated norms and are carving out promising new ideas and approaches. We welcome this information as so many are struggling in the mental health department. This issue is being tackled, reconfigured, and dissected on every level, bringing hope to what can feel hopeless. Other antidotes for hopelessness? Becoming a change agent for the changes you want to see and finding ways to bring balance to your daily routine. All this to say we’ve got stories from fascinating people on all of the above in this special issue. Rounding out the heavier topics, we’ve got loads of party pics from our big summer bash that definitely delivered more happiness than we ever could have imagined. It certainly always makes me happy to see our friends and clients dressed to impress on the dance floor and having a great time. Enjoy! AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 85 NUMBER 76 from the EDITOR... the STAFF... FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / PUBLISHER Hayley Hill CREATIVE DIRECTOR / STAFF FINANCIALEDITORIALMANAGINGPHOTOGRAPHERStevyeMurrayARTDIRECTORRebeccaFooseEDITORAmberWielkensMARKETEDITORKristiWelfordHicksASSISTANTSchonReedCOORDINATORMaryFrancesDeLongCONTRIBUTINGWRITERAllyClements

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COLUMNS Figs are having a moment (and a sale) at Stokley Garden Express, True Yoga’s Sydney Wasdin on getting out of your own way, and Charlotte Kilborn Carey’s take on a girl’s best friend.

COVER CREDITS

PARTY PICS

SUBSCRIBEACCESSTHEBAY.COMTODAY!

Our 50 Most Beautiful Party lit up downtown Mobile, Strategic Wealth Management’s Justin Law played host at the Financial Feud event, and Southern View Media raised a toast (and tacos) to their loyal clientele. Add in the inaugural Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageantry Program and it’s been a busy summer!

Gabriella Saab, already an acclaimed author after her first book, The Last Checkmate, shares on writing it and what’s next for her already-devoted fanbase.

REDEFINING SUCCESS Whether it’s through the study of happiness, finding your passion and shaping your brand, offering hope to those who need it most, making an impact through travel and research, or simply taking the leap into a new workplace, these stories of positive changemakers might make you rethink your own definition of success.

COVER STORY

Behind the scenes at The Social Experiment

Manuscripts, photos and art material will be considered, but will be recieved only with the understanding that the magazine or its employees shall not be responsible for loss or damage, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. All contents @Hayley Hill Style Access, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. ACCESS mobile.baldwin is published 10 times per year. Subscription rate is $21.95 per year. All subscription inquiries should be mailed to P.O. Box 8586, Mobile, AL 36689-8586 or visit AccessTheMagazine.com. If the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years.

6 Express Yourself! Our 2022 50 Most Beautiful Party theme brought out the creativity and style of partygoers and our sponsors alike. The Outsider Sports Lounge and Cedar Street Social Club were packed with revelers for summer’s biggest bash on July 15, 2022. Nonstop surprises awaited attendees, from aerial artists to a drag queen Madonna and a bevy of Britneys. Title sponsor Jason Pilger Automotive—as well as Rock N Roll Sushi, The Social Experiment and SOHO Event Rentals—gave us the opportunity to treat guests to a showcase of local talent, all in service of our tropical neon vision and aided by the custom work of Nadine Andrews, owner of Sterling Event Design. DJ Dalton Muse kept the crowd on the strobe-lit dance floor, playing hits old and new. Our favorite part? The party doubled as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. By Amber Wielkens Photos Layla Lambert, L-egantPortraits.com, Ransom Phelps,

PARTY PICS JASON PILGER AUTOMOTOVE With various dealership brands and locations, Jason Pilger Automotive was the title sponsor of the 2022 Beautiful Bash. Owner Jason Pilger entertained friends and clients in a supersized VIP lounge and even pulled a new Genesis into the venue for all to see. With our goal of supporting local, we can’t thank Jason enough!

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THE OUTSIDER SPORTS LOUNGE In the heart of Downtown Mobile, The Outsider and The Cedar Street Social Club served as the perfect location for the 2022 Beautiful Bash! With sleek amenities such as a gold-topped bar, selfie-worthy restrooms, and the adjoining Insider Food Hall, where guests grabbed delicious fare from the Hammered Cow, P.S. Taco Company, and more, this new establishment did not disappoint.

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ROCK N ROLL SUSHI Event sponsors and entrepreneurs extraordinaire Lance and Gerri Mach Hallmark treated guests to sushi bites and more. As the founders of the oh-so-successful Rock N Roll Sushi, we can’t thank them enough for their support— stay tuned for their new adventure and dining concept, Vandals Street Kitchen.

THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT A new venue in downtown Mobile that’s also home to Knucklebones Elixir Co. and the Beard & Blade was a much-appreciated event sponsor that brought the fun. Serving cookies from the Dropout Bakery & Company to guests and setting up an actual barber’s chair for selfies, Government Street’s latest addition is the vision of Brad Custred and a must-see!

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HELPING DOCTORS HELP THEIR PATIENTS FOR OVER 10 YEARS! DocRx, Inc. | www.DOCRX.com | (251) 342-9477 | info@docrx.com DocRx is a U.S. based Healthcare Firm dedicated to helping Hospitals, Pharmacies, and Physicians treat patients, with their Health being the 1st priority. Our mission is simple... ensure patients receive the best possible care, anytime, anywhere! Partnering with DocRx provides significant cost savings on a comprehensive portfolio of over 30,000 products and services. ☑ Point-of-Care Medication Dispensing ☑ Physician Dispensing Billing ☑ Specialty Diagnostic Testing ☑ Compliance Programs ☑ Wholesale Pharmacy ☑ Patient Monitoring ☑ Medical Supplies ☑ 503B Injections Contact DocRx today to learn more about how we can help you provide the best possible care to your patients. We look forward to showing you the DocRx difference!

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GULF Delivers Opportunities In Multiple Locations Through Community, Diversity, Career Development & More. JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY! Gulf Distributing Holdings | 3378 Moffett Rd, Mobile, AL 36607 | 251.476.9600 | GulfDistributingHoldings.com Distributing More Than Beverages — GULF Delivers Career Paths. “I have been at Gulf Distributing going on 25 years. We are employee proud and community strong!” “I recently got a promotion from inventory clerk to load crew manager. While it is a big job, everyone has been very helpful getting me comfortable in this new role. I am very excited to keep learning and will continue to push our team every day!” John Racciatti - GDH Ambassador Candie Rea - Load Crew Manager WHO’S GOT THE BEST PLACE TO WORK IN 2022? MEET OUR PEOPLE WE DO! Find your careerpath GulfDistributingatHoldings.com!increasedWe’ve GULFwages!our

PARTY PICS DECAL DOODLE + SOHO RENTALSEVENT Sleek furnishingsmodernfrom Soho created cushy lounges for our VIP guests to party in style and Decal Doodle’s tropical dance floor and tiger-skinned bar had guests roaring as it brought the tropical décor theme to the next level. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Jennifer Lopes and Andee Thomas, both 2022 50 recipients, brought a team of dedicated volunteers to collect funds raised at the door that will go toward supporting local services for patients needing everything from transportation to counseling.

Semmes Location 9720-A Moffett Rd.Semmes, AL | info@stokleygardenexpress.com | 251.929.9353 Midtown Location 1451 Goverment St. Mobile, AL | midtown@stokleygardenexpress.com 251.461.6434 | 251.461.6438 | StokleyGardenExpress.com COME SEE EVERYTHINGUS,ISBLOOMING&BEAUTIFUL!

18 PARTY PICS WESLYN WALTERS A 50 recipient and an accomplished songstress, Weslyn took the crowd by storm with her larger than life rendition of classic hit song “Redneck Woman.” After all, who doesn’t love this Southern anthem? GULF DISTRIBUTING COMPANY The region’s leading beverage distribution company and the sponsor of the Beautiful bash provided welcome drinks, making it possible for guests to enjoy the latest popular adult beverages from Loverboy, Truly, and more. Summer never tasted so good!

LUSHHOMEGARDENEVENT.COM251.473.61211910GovernmentStreetMobile,Alabama home • garden • event Monday-Friday | 9:00AM - 5:30PM Saturday | 9:00AM - 2:00PM Sunday | Closed SPEICALISTWEDDINGFLORAL

20 PARTY PICS STOKLEY GARDEN EXPRESS Access rolled out a custom pink carpet for this larger-than-life fountain that served as a fun welcome drink serving station for guests to grab on their way into the soiree. Traveling from midtown, the team also added a few of their pristine palms that brought our tropical vision to life!

Dr.Donnellan Dr.DonnellanSkinAndLaserCenter Follow us on social media to learn more about our monthly specials. Trust your face to the expert Dr. Kimberly Donnellan offers surgical and non-surgical options to help her patients achieve a more youthful, healthy appearance. Call 251-341-4094 to set up a free consultation. Dr. Donnellan is the only female double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon on the Gulf Coast. Backed by the resources of academic medicine, she and her team use the latest equipment and leading-edge techniques to help patients achieve their goals. FACIAL PL ASTIC SURGERY DonnellanKimberly , M.D. , F.A.C.S. Facial Plastic ReconstructiveandSurgeon Call (251) 341-4094 to make an appointment. USA Health Midtown 2505 Old Shell Road Mobile, Alabama 36607

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HAPPY TOMORROWS STARTS WITH FINANCIAL PLANNING TODAY TOMORROW STARTS TODAY Strategic Wealth Specialists | 3213 Executive Park Circle Mobile, AL 36606 334.672.5665 | Justin.Law@YourSWS.com JUSTIN LAW Wealth Management Advisor, MBA This material is intended for general use. By providing this content, Park Avenue Securities LLC and your financial representative are not undertaking to provide investment advice or make a recommendation for a specific individual or situation, or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 3664 Coolidge Ct., Tallahassee, FL, 32311, 850-562-9075. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Strategic Wealth Specialists, LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. 2022-138758 Exp 5/24

VIP

24 PARTY PICS LUSH HOME, GARDEN, EVENT

View

LIGHTS BY THE BAY Larger than life carnival letters spelling out Access and the number 50 added the perfect pop to the Beautiful bash décor. Owner Ashley O’Brien’s new business venture promises to light up the Bay with these custom creations. GIFT BAGS Local businesses like Dillard’s, Interwoven, Southern Media, Fire Shell Candles, and The Better Skin Co. kicked in great goodies for our VIP guests.

Inspired by the invitation, owner Susan George knocked it out of the park with various arrangements complete with palm leaves, bright flowers, and more that transported our VIPs to a magical tropical destination. The pièce de résistance? An oversized, custom-created pair of glasses made of flowers.

Schedule a time to own your best look! 251.929.7850 | EasternShoreCosmeticSurgery.com Get social with us on Facebook & Instagram. @EasternShoreCosmeticSurgery Aging gracefully and happily is about a journey of transformation. Together, we can create your beauty story. As a globally recognized board-certified cosmetic surgeon, I’m here to help you. With a customized plan just for you, feel confident that you’ll receive the best care, results, and Specializingexperience.inafullrange of cutting-edge cosmetic surgical procedures for the face and body and Med Spa Services. EXPERIENCE. PERSONAL. EXCELLENCE.

AERIAL ARTISTS On arrival, guests were treated to sight of this trio of aerial artists decked out in top hats and tails. Kayla Tillman, Jessica Fletcher, and Christine Walker continued to wow with their acrobatic skills on both hoops and hanging silks. Partygoers delighted in a dazzling display celebrating the strength, artistry, and grace of dance in mid-air.

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PICKETT ORTHODONTICS PERFECTS SMILES OF ALL AGES WITH CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT IN A RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! PROUDLY SERVING MOBILE, ALABAMA AND SURROUNDING AREAS, 6611 Wall Street • Mobile, AL 36695 | 251.607.0110 - local | www.pickettortho.com 111 W. Church Street • Jackson, AL 36545 | 877.660.1103 - toll free | info@pickettortho.com B E S T O RTH OD O N TI S T

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Aimee is a licensed medical esthetician with extensive experience in the cosmetic industry and advanced skincare treatments. A lifelong skin enthusiast, Aimee has dedicated years to the art of skin perfection with the understanding that great skin is rarely achieved with a “one size fits all” viewpoint. Her professional background includes consulting and experience using various technologies, ranging from chemical peels, IPL and BBL laser treatments, microneedling, dermaplaning, skin-tightening, as well as expert knowledge of various skincare lines. She has had extensive training in medical grade skincare lines including Skinceuticals, Skinbetter, Lira, and Elta. Aimee’s passion is educating her clients on their best treatment and skincare options that will lead them to their desired aesthetic outcome. your skincare with Aimee today by calling 251.414.5900. Medical Group is happy to the of a medical esthetician to our healthcare team.

announce

Alabama Medical Group 101 Memorial Hospital Drive Mobile, AL AlabamaMedicalGroup.com251.414.5900 Alabama

Alabama Medical Group is pleased to announce that Melissa Reimer-McAtee, M.D., has joined its healthcare team. A native of Mobile, Dr. Reimer-McAtee is board-certified and fellowship trained in infectious disease and provides inpatient care to hospitalized patients. Melissa Reimer-McAtee, M.D. Infectious Disease Billeaud, M.D. | Neurology and Sleep Medicine Ste. B-127 • Mobile, AL 36608 • 251.414.590 0 alabamamedicalgroup.com A Multi-Specialty Practice 101 Memorial Hospital Drive (Building 3) Mobile, AL 36608 alabamamedicalgroup.com • 251.414.5900 We’re growing in expertise.andnumber,inour

battled for financial knowledge supremacy and prizes on a custom gameshow set

Guests and contestants alike enjoyed Moneymaker Margaritas and delicious bites

be so fun? By

32 GAME ON!

Host Justin Law with winning team Hold My Beer from Gulf Distributing Co. Amy Baldwin, Whitney Rouse, Virginia Holder, Suzanne Donaghey, and Jeanie Hope Team At Your Cervix—Amy McCoy, Brooke Lenz, Lara Pierce, Hannah Hoffman and Ceara Weaver

Locals flocked to Access and Justin Law of Strategic Wealth Specialists/North Florida Financial’s Family Feud-inspired event at POST Crafted Cocktails & Wine Bar. Teams from Coastal OB/GYN (At Your Cervix) and Gulf Distributing Company (Hold My Beer) courtesy of SOHO Event Rentals. from the bar. could Amber Wielkens Photos Layla Lambert, L-egantPortraits.com

Who knew learning finance

GAME ON Cameron Clary lights up the buzzer. The Amber Ivey Fine Art crew and photographer Lala Courtney Leslie & Aaron VanHauter

34 QUESTION 1: What is the average amount of assets an individual needs to begin working with a wealth strategist? A) 500K B) 100K C) 10K D) QUESTION0 2: What is the average life expectancy of a healthy 60-year-old female? A) 79 B) 81 C) 89 D) QUESTION85 3: If someone earned an income of $50,000 40 years ago, how much money would they have to make today to maintain a similar lifestyle (assuming a 4% inflation rate)? A) $75,000 B) $150,000 C) $240,000 D) QUESTION$500,0004: If a certain Access staffer had saved the $30 per week that she spent on lattes for the last 30 years, today she’d have how much money saved (assuming an average 7% return on her money)? A) $68,000 B D)C)$157,000$330,000$428,000Test Your Financial Knowledge D)ANSWERS:Question1:0 Question2:D)85(Source:AnnuityAdvantage.com) Question3:C)$240,000 Question4:B$157,000 GAME ON Nicole Shipman & sweetheart Justin Law Stevye Murray & Dr. Amy McCoy

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brought his hosting A-game!

36 DistributingGulfteam“HoldMyBeer”

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 3664 Coolidge Ct., Tallahassee,

32311, 850-562-9075. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of

Justin Law is a FL, America¢ç Law

Jennifer Lopes, Nicole Shipman, and Krystle Gilbert

Ron Barrett & Jim Sapser

(Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Strategic Wealth Specialists, LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. 2022-141753 Exp 8/24 “AtOB/GYNCoastalteamYourCervix” GAME ON Justin

1525 East Interstate 65, Service Rd. S., Mobile AL 36606 · (251) 459-8997 · M–F 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. VolvoCarsMobile.com The award-winning XC60 was created with technology driven by human needs. Experience a sense of conﬁdence only Volvo can give you with features like Pilot Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Steering Assist, and Pedestrian Detection with Autobrake. At Volvo Cars Mobile. DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY. ROOTED IN SAFETY. TRUST. EXCELLENCE. COMMITMENT.

ReevesShaun Claiborne

Southern View Media in Daphne hosted their Client Appreciation Day for their loyal clientele with next-level catering from the always delicious Taco Mama. Additionally, guests were treated to margaritas and other libations—always sure to liven up a crowd—and their offices were decked out with beach umbrellas and balloons while music floated through the air. Rounding it out were baskets of promo goodies for the taking (because CEO Michelle Murrill knows a thing or two about marketing), making the affair fun for all and a memorable reminder that Southerners always have something to celebrate.

Clayton Stopa, Ginny Stopa, Michelle Murrill, Brittney Reeves, Ronnie

Keith Wall, Justin Lester, Jonathan Smith, Brad Murrill, Michelle Murrill, Josh Warner, Alona Melendez, Grace Cox, Lillie Busch, Kayla Murray, Leigh Wright Brandon Reed and KaylafriendsMurray & Lillie Busch

38 APPRECIATION DONE RIGHT

By Amber Wielkens Photos Layla Lambert, L-egantPortraits.com

WOMEN CARING FOR WOMEN AT EVERY AGE 3290 Dauphin Street Suite 200 Mobile, AL 36606 | 251.631.2595 | CoastalOBGYN.com NOW OPEN! SAME GREAT SERVICE IN A BRAND NEW SPACE OFFERING SERVICES FOR: Pregnancy & Childbirth, Surgical Procedures, GYN For All Ages, Pap Tests, Incontinence, Birth Control, Wellness Exams Osteoporosis, Prolapse Hormone Imbalance, Breast Health Menopause, Endemetriosis, Minimally Invasive Surgery & More ACCEPTINGNEWPATIENTS

Junior Miss Juneteenth Winner - Clair Basey Runner-up - Savannah Stone Best BeYoutiful - Savannah Stone Best Career Aspirations - Micah Johnson Best Talent - Clair Basey Best Formal - Savannah Stone Teen Miss Juneteenth Winner - Kendra Jordan Runner up - Mia Hardy Best BeYoutiful - Mia Hardy Best Career Aspirations - Kendra Jordan Best Talent - Kendra Jordan Best Formal - Mia Hardy Philanthropic Award - Kamryn Powe Salesmanship Award - Krislyn Yates

If you haven’t been blessed by her presence, you’ve certainly felt her impact. Attorney Suntrease Williams-Maynard, one of our 50 Most Beautiful this year, has trickled her talents from the federal courts all the way down to our community to bring inclusivity and integral change in all facets of our society. This year, Juneteenth was celebrated as a national holiday across our nation on June 19, and in light and love, the inaugural Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageantry Program was created by The Maynard 4 Foundation (TMF4).

CELEBRATINGClements REPRESENTATION

By Ally

A long with her husband and children, Suntrease founded The Maynard 4 Foundation to bring cultural change to society in our everyday lives, from educational institutions to cubical-walled offices. Through many directions of life in education and career, they saw a need for change—and became it with this nonprofit organization. This inaugural year, the M4F welcomed the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageantry Program into their list of programs. Open nationwide to young women between the ages of 13–18, the pageant is geared toward showcasing not only outward beauty, but the ability to break stereotypes while building confidence and embracing our local Black and African-American history and culture. Suntrease has walked many walks through her career and life. All those paths led her here, providing an experience and stepping stone for these young women. The foundation’s goal is to implement integral change in our society by extending resources so that everyone can equally share the American dream, and for these 14 young women, they did just that—they were seen, they were heard, and they were given the floor to build the confidence needed to go the distances they deserve. The pageant provided three days of resources, workshops, and experience, allowing contestants to learn and grow in their abilities and skills. Ranging from financial literacy to fund college to a talent portion showcasing their culture and highlighting an African-American woman they researched, these young women more than rose to the occasion. The final day offered a historical tour of the Dora Franklin Finley AfricanAmerican Heritage Trail. With an emphasis on giving back, the program’s impact included almost $9,000 in scholarships for participants and grants to 13 local and national charities. Fourteen young ladies from our area and as far away as South Carolina participated in this weekend of opportunity. We offer warm congratulations to both them and the Maynards for their continuous support of their community. Save the date for next year’s pageant showcase June 16–18, 2023 Visit TheMaynard4Foundation.org for details.

The Maynard family (Suntrease, Destiny, Dareon, and Stephen) with Salesmanship Award winner Krislyn Yates.

Junior Miss Juneteenth Clair Basey Teen Miss Juneteenth Kendra Jordan

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Bursting onto the literary scene in October 2021 with the debut of The Last Checkmate: A Novel, to instant acclaim, Gabriella Saab isn’t resting on her laurels. Announcing the publication date of her second work of historical fiction this January, this hometown treasure spoke to us about her path to becoming a novelist, her inspiration, and her next chapter. By Amber Wielkens Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Hair Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Shot on location at Knucklebones Elixir Co. and Beard & Blade in The Social Experiment Collective, 202 Government Street, Mobile, TheSocialExp.com. GAMBIT GABRIELLA’S

44 W atching Gabriella at her oh-so-glam photoshoot is a revelation. She’s engaging and game to try different looks (did we mention she’s gorgeous?), and she’ll chat with anyone about anything, but there’s more to her than meets the eye. She’s both a towering intellect and the model of humility, making her mark on the world via the novels she writes, so there’s no need to carry on about it. We already love her for her restraint—let’s just say if it were one of us with a hit debut and our second book being published soon, we’d possibly be wearing a T-shirt that said so.

“Thought-provoking, immersive, and powerful,” reads one review. “Raw and powerful in its humanity, The Last Checkmate will break your heart and stitch it back together again,” says another. We could go on quoting reviews of Gabriella’s debut novel, but we think you get the gist—it was well received by readers and critics alike. Currently available in in 14 countries and counting, Gabriella’s star is on the rise. Celebrated locally as well, she has held readings and book signings at Mobile’s Haunted Bookshop and Fairhope’s Page & Palette, as well as met with local book clubs. Likened to Netflix’s hit miseries The Queen’s Gambit due to both stories featuring a teenaged girl who’s a fierce chess player, The Last Checkmate takes place during the much darker era of Poland during World War II and at the darkest place—Auschwitz. Our protagonist is Maria, a young Polish resistance worker imprisoned there after being caught opposing the Nazis and helping Jewish people; for the camp guards’ entertainment, she is forced to play chess in exchange for her life. In doing so, she fights to bring the man who destroyed her family to justice. The book also paints a riveting, if horrifying, picture of life for the prisoners of Auschwitz while never letting us forget the humanity that shines through even the darkest of times, as shown through Maria and her relationships with her fellow prisoners. Buy it, read it, and trust you’ll be as enthralled as we were.

And the author? Gabriella’s family moved from Madison, Mississippi, when she was a young girl, and she grew up here, studying ballet with Mobile Ballet until it began conflicting with her studies.

Turning 28 this month, Gabriella was certain at an early age that she wanted to become an author, and while attending McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, she began laying the groundwork to become one. “I started getting serious about learning how the publishing industry works, and when I graduated and began attending Mississippi State University, I had a good grasp on the business side of things. I earned a degree in marketing because it would either help me promote myself if I got published or give me a useful degree if I didn’t,” she claims.

With a fallback degree in place, Gabriella began writing her first novel in January of 2018 while also working two jobs (at the now-shuttered Sarah B. Atchison’s and Pure Barre). There’s no disputing her excellent marketing skills, but they’re used entirely to market herself, as she signed with her literary agent in January of 2020. Those not familiar with the publishing process might be unaware of this, but writing a book and acquiring a literary agent within two years is almost unheard of, and Gabriella won’t tell you that, so we will. “I wrote and researched the first draft in about six months, then went to visit Warsaw and Auschwitz in Poland to learn more about the “I WROTE AND RESEARCHED THE FIRST DRAFT IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS, THEN WENT TO VISIT WARSAW AND AUSCHWITZ IN POLAND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCES AND SETTINGS OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED THERE.” Dress, $119, Jacket, $89; Dillard’s, 251.471.1551. Earrings, $88; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Heels, $165; CK Collection, 251.990.9001.

Make no mistake that Gabriella’s full-time job is being a gifted writer, but she’s also currently working as an instructor at Pure Barre’s midtown location and remains a lifelong aficionado of the art of ballet.

experiences and settings of the people who lived there,” she says, acknowledging that visiting the grim setting for her novel was crucial to the process. After working with her agent to write the best version of the book, they started pitching it to publishing houses that summer. The pandemic impacted the process, but Gabriella had a book deal with William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (her first choice) within six months and it was released 10 months later. Inspiration for The Last Checkmate abounded, but Gabriella’s main source was her beloved late grandfather, to whom the book is dedicated. In the fall of 2019, when she was still seeking literary agent representation, her grandfather, called Poppy, was diagnosed with cancer. She dropped everything to be one of his caretakers, both at his home and in the hospital. “I would make the fourhour drive to Mississippi every week, spending Thursday through Sunday and then come home to Mobile to teach barre classes Monday through Wednesday. It was back and forth for 12 weeks,” she says, “and I wouldn’t trade the time I got to spend with him for the world.” Poppy passed away at the end of 2019, but Gabriella was left a legacy of his constant love and encouragement. Other influences were both familial and global. “My paternal grandmother served in WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) for the U.S. Navy in World War II and my paternal grandfather served in Japan with the U.S. Army. He passed away before I was born and my grandmother died when I was 14. I wasn’t aware she had served until afterward and wish I’d known to ask her about her experience,” she says. The Last Checkmate was inspired by true stories of the Polish resistance movement, the camp resistance movement in Auschwitz, and the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz. “This group of women were forced to play during prisoner executions and to perform for the guards,” Gabriella says, adding, “This made me ponder having the skill you love and have worked so hard to master being warped into a tool to keep yourself alive. What would that look like psychologically?” Here, Gabriella offers a peek into her writing process, telling us, “As I was getting to know Maria, my main character, and figuring out how to weave these interesting bits of history together, she made it very clear that she was a talented chess player, and there was my answer.”

How exactly does one come up with an idea for a novel? We have plenty of ideas, none of which could be stretched out over 400 pages. For Gabriella, who’s Catholic, it started with the idea of a Franciscan priest and a young girl in Auschwitz together. “That scene is in the book, but from that idea, I had to figure out a scenario in which my fictional characters could conceivably be there, as women weren’t yet imprisoned there. I always knew Maria was Polish and Catholic because I’m not Jewish and it’s not my place to tell the story from a Jewish perspective,” she claims. “Then I began researching the Polish resistance and the Catholic Church in Poland at Sweater Dress, $223, Heels, $250; CK Collection, 251.990.9001. Earrings, $32; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

Although Gabriella is quick to say that she isn’t an accomplished chess player like Maria, she nonetheless possesses the strategic and creative thinking necessary to become one. Evidence? From educating herself about publishing in high school to earning a marketing degree to better position herself as an author, her well-plotted (pardon the pun) rise to success is a master class in playing the long game, and we applaud both her and the important stories she tells.

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46 the time, which led to some of the truthful elements in the story, like the camp resistance at Auschwitz.”

Perhaps the most touching reviews for the book come from Polish reviewers, one of whom wrote, “It is worth noting how much space the author has devoted to Polish affairs, recalling historical figures and highlighting the dedication of Poles who rescued children from the Warsaw ghetto, exposing themselves to death in the camp. Gabriella Saab is certainly an ally of Poles, whose sacrifice and bravery are highlighted in this historical novel.” We can imagine no higher validation for a historical fiction writer than these words.

What she hopes readers take away from her first book? “Despite taking place in one of the darkest times and places in history, I hope the story demonstrates how courage, resilience, and love can emerge and triumph over such evil. It’s a story of loss and struggle, but also one of strength, hope and survival,” she says, astutely noting, “The further each generation gets from historic and world-changing events, the harder it is to imagine and to understand them, which is why I’m drawn to studying history and writing historical fiction. If you can place readers in these situations via characters, there’s the hope they’ll want to learn more about that time in history.” We’ll get the chance to learn even more history with her announcement of the release date of her second novel, Daughters of Victory, on January 24, 2023—mark your calendars! Gabriella gives us a preview, saying, “This story spans from the Russian Revolution to the Nazi occupation of the Soviet Union, following Svetlana, who defies her aristocratic family by joining the revolution (paying dearly for it) and her granddaughter Mila, who comes to live with her in her remote village ahead of the Nazi siege of Leningrad. When Mila joins the resistance, dangerous secrets and old enemies soon threaten all Svetlana holds dear and force her to confront her long-buried past.”

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Happiness—everyone wants it, but according to national statistics, not everyone gets it. Luckily, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a world leader and true pioneer in the science of happiness, sought and found new evidence-based tools and techniques that led to increased levels of wellbeing. Passionate and driven, the waves he’s creating are fast becoming a tsunami of thought transformation, changing the very landscape of how we live and work. Brilliantly funneled into a Master of Arts in Happiness Studies program available to all, whether you’re looking for skill enhancement or a new career, his practices are quickly becoming the new norm. Here, he shares his journey and a fresh approach to what matters most.

By Hayley Hill Photos Udi Moses, Happiness Studies Academy

MASTERING HAPPINESS

T here’s new evidence revealing Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years. Interestingly, most polls were conducted prior to the pandemic. Weighing in as our new resident happiness expert, Tal adds, “Levels of anxiety and depression were extremely high leading up to the pandemic and became significantly higher as a result of it. Why were they high before? Much of it is a result of social media—the focus on likes rather than deep relationships, on the virtual rather than the real, and on being sedentary at home rather than moving in the world.”Tal doesn’t just talk the talk. In fact, he’s walking us right into a happiness revolution. How? The simple answer is by creating an accredited Master’s in Happiness Studies program to provide students with evidencebased tools and techniques for increasing levels of wellbeing, both on and off the job. Additionally, new jobs are being created to ensure staff happiness, as it’s no longer just a futuristic idea. But there’s so much more— we’re all being called upon to rethink current norms and definitions. On the topic of happiness, I’ll be the first to admit I can’t help thinking of a Jerry Garcia look-alike leading the charge, big yellow smiley faces, the “Come on Get Happy” theme song from The Partridge Family, and my parents rolling their eyes at what they’d surely call new-age, self-centered gibberish. My first thoughts on happiness are a bit cynical, no? Tal is changing my (and my generation’s) mindset.Kind, clean cut, and whip-smart, Tal is a thought leader. Born and raised in Israel and currently residing in New Jersey, his long list of accomplishments would appear to check all the personal and professional happiness boxes. For example, Tal is a graduate of Harvard University, he’s penned several best-selling books that have been translated into 30-plus languages, he’s an established lecturer, and, as an avid sportsman, won the U.S. Intercollegiate and Israeli National Squash Championships. Yet his journey into the field of happiness started with his own lack of it. “Initially, what got me interested in studying happiness was my own unhappiness. I was doing well as an undergraduate at Harvard, I was a top athlete, I had a well-paying job, and good professional prospects. And I was unhappy,” he explains. “Halfway through my second year, on a very cold Boston morning, I got up, went to my academic advisor and told her I wanted to switch majors. Surprised, she wanted answers and I responded, ‘Well, I’m leaving computer science and moving into philosophy and psychology because I have two questions: First, why am I not happy? Second, how can I become happier?’ With those two questions, I proceeded to earn my undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Psychology and my PhD in Organizational Behavior. And I actually did become happier through my studies, especially in positive psychology, and wanted to share what I learned, so I started teaching.”

After all, how can one person effect profound change alone? Realizing there’s a

Tal became a revered Harvard lecturer, teaching two of the largest classes in the University’s history—Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. From there, he became a leading consultant and lecturer to executives in multi-national corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations, covering topics like leadership, education, ethics, politics, happiness, self-esteem, resilience, goal setting, and mindfulness. The result? These experiences led Tal to question society’s approach to happiness.

50 universal need for a new approach to happiness in both personal and professional realms, Tal quite brilliantly saw an opportunity to create just that and founded The Happiness Studies Academy. Bringing together the thinking of the world’s leading scholars and the latest scientific research, Tal went on to create the world’s first accredited Master’s Degree in Happiness Studies in collaboration with New Jersey’s Centenary University, launching online this October. His lightbulb moment? Tal paints a picture in his reply. “In 2015, I was on a flight from London to New York City,” he begins. “The monotonous hum of the plane and the tranquil expanse of water soothe me into a state of calm repose. And in this meditative state a question strikes me: How are there fields of study dedicated to psychology, physics, business, and dozens of other subjects, yet none are dedicated to the study of happiness?” Continuing, he adds, “There is positive psychology, a field I immersed myself in for almost two decades, but that’s just the psychology of happiness. What about an interdisciplinary field that takes what psychologists have to say about happiness and combines it with what philosophers, economists, theologians, artists, biologists, and others have to say about the good life? There was not a single institution of higher learning anywhere in the world that offered a degree in happiness studies. While there were a handful of programs that took a very specific and narrow approach to cultivating wellbeing, when contrasted with programs in economics, for instance, no academic program in happiness focused on both micro happiness (individuals and relationships) as well as macro happiness (organizations and nations). No academic program in happiness compared to a rigorous medical school curriculum, in which different fields merge to shed light on a particular subject. So I created the Happiness Studies Academy to fill the gap. From there, I outlined the master’s degree program based on scientific, evidence-based interventions that will provide students with the tools and techniques to increase levels of wellbeing and, by extension, raise innovation levels, productivity, and improve teamwork and retention rates.“Ready, he started looking for an academic partner, an academically forward-thinking, innovative, agile, and flexible university. “Centenary University is all that and more,” Tal summarizes. “For over 155 years, Centenary University has committed to providing dynamic learning experiences to prepare their students with regional and global opportunities. With students from the states and countries such as Brazil, Israel, China and Canada, President

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Asked how he got behind this idea, he states, “Like most people who frst hear about a master’s degree in happiness, I was skeptical. My questions included ‘What is it?’ and ‘What will graduates do with it?’

(and professor) Dr. Bruce Murphy tells us, “The Master’s Degree in Happiness Studies is the frst, and so far, the only one of its kind in the world. This gives an incredible advantage to the university, students, and graduates of the program. The early success of the rollout is unparalleled in university history.”

Obviously, I have to ask Tal what is happiness, anyway? “My defnition of happiness expanded from being based on meaning and pleasure to one that is more complex. There are many defnitions and one I fnd most useful draws from the words of Helen Keller: ‘To me, the only defnition of happiness is wholeness.’ Inspired by her, I melded the words ‘wholeperson’ and ‘wellbeing’ to create ‘wholebeing.’ Happiness is about the experience of wholebeing. Whether it’s individuals, groups, or societies, there are fve wellbeing elements, including spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational and emotional wellbeing.” It seems logical, but I can’t help ask how we’re getting it so wrong, especially as it relates to work. “Most people don’t understand how happiness relates to work. They believe getting a raise or a promotion will make them

Expanding on the ways students will beneft, Dr. Murphy explains, “The students for this online 30-credit program will largely be working professionals seeking to enhance their skill set in various felds like education, healthcare, business, and industry, whose jobs are to transform people and organizations to a higher level. Think of an HR director conducting workshops and seminars on enhanced wellbeing and a CEO working with other organizations to create a more authentic, more responsible industry or community. The Chief Happiness Offcer position has already begun to sprout up in organizations and the pandemic caused us to refect on who we are as an institution and how we make good on our mission in a post-pandemic world. I can think of no better qualifcation for the job than our Master of Arts in Happiness Studies.”

Upon further research, I learned the feld is not as new as it seems. The content areas in the program are all legitimate research-based felds of inquiry including psychology, public policy, sustainability, economics, ethics, and human health. Positive Psychology is a closely related feld widely taught, most notably at the University of Pennsylvania, whose founding director I had the pleasure to consult. Working with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar for the past year and a half, I’ve come to know his keen intellect, gift for teaching, and determination to create a high quality, accredited degree program and realized the potential to reach and serve a market previously untapped by Centenary.”

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happier, when at best, they lead to a temporary high. After our basic needs are met—which is the top priority—the most important aspect of work is the meaning it provides. If people understand that, they’ll look for, and possibly find, work that provides them with the ultimate currency—the currency of happiness.” Dr. Murphy agrees, adding, “This program has developed a culture of service since its inception—service to self, service to others, service to the community.”

The question I’m often asked is: Why? Why spend time and effort pursuing this degree? My answer would be, for the same reason you would study any other field or discipline, namely to become happier and to help those you care about become happier.” For example, If you asked an MBA candidate why she chose to pursue a business degree, she might say, ‘So I can become a better businesswoman.’ If you probed further and asked her why she would want to become a better businesswoman, she could respond, ‘So I can make more money.’ Continue with another why or two, she will ultimately arrive at, ‘So that I (and those I care about) can be happier.’ You would arrive at the same answer from students in any field. As the ultimate currency—the highest on the hierarchy of goals, the end toward which all other goals lead—happiness is the justification for investing time and effort in any pursuit.”

Leading this cultural sea change, Tal declares, “The purpose of the field of happiness studies is to inspire and support a happiness revolution—a large-scale, society-wide shift from a material perception to a happiness perception. Material perception is about seeing the material—in the form of wealth and prestige—as the ultimate currency. The happiness revolution is about dethroning the material from being the highest on the hierarchy of values, replacing it with happiness—with spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional wellbeing. Old habits die hard— and the habit of seeing the material as the end-all was formed over thousands of years of material scarcity and then reinforced by the tangible successes of the industrial revolution. The happiness revolution will take place when enough people internalize the fact that the end toward which all others lead is wholeperson wellbeing.”Talpractices what he preaches, and states, “I do not teach anything I don’t apply. I exercise regularly, express gratitude daily, spend quality time with my family and friends, strictly limit technology consumption, keep a journal, and work in a field that is personally meaningful to me. From the moment I set my heart and mind on creating an academic degree in Happiness Studies, I’ve been a great deal busier, and at the same time infinitely inspired and motivated.” Now in possession of all the reasons I need, I find myself wondering if I could hitch a ride to New Jersey on that famed Partridge Family bus to join the happiness revolution. Care to join me?

While some of the solutions seem simple, if there were professionals prompting these actions and weaving them into the workday, maybe we wouldn’t be in the midst of what’s been coined The Great Resignation. Given the fact that many millennials (and now Gen Z) are charged with expectations of happiness and the earlier generations aren’t, perhaps this is the place where everyone meets? “Most leaders don’t recognize that happiness is a good investment. Organizations should invest in their employees’ happiness as an end in itself, and as a means toward higher creativity, productivity, engagement, as well as higher profits. Happiness pays!” Tal beams. His teachings include everything from creating safety nets for failure to encouraging employees to exercise regularly. “Regular physical exercise has the same effect as our most powerful psychiatric medication. The workplace will be happier, more creative, and less stressful if the employees start an exercise regimen with time to recover at home. Being ‘on’ all the time is not helpful for employee or for the organization. We need to recharge our psychological batteries,” Tal tells us. Addressing the naysayers, Tal shares, “Ever since that transatlantic flight, I’ve been tirelessly advocating for the study of happiness.

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Louise McCown will be the first to admit she doesn’t know everything, but her personal brand is “Learning Out Loud,” and she’s eager to share what she has learned (and products she loves) with anyone asking. The recent HBO docuseries Not So Pretty, an eye-opening exposé on the beauty and personal care industry, is the latest in a line of revelations that may leave us feeling overwhelmed by so much bad news. Louise is proof positive that making small changes can (and will) add up to big gains. Her platform—offering clean personal care products and cosmetics, being an active agent for change in the industry, and providing advice to her clients regarding other clean choices—is a big one, but she’s not stopping there. We spoke to Louise about her mission and what we can change to make our lives better.

I t feels like we’ve known Louise forever (she’s graced our pages several times), but this interview felt different. She is different. Always gracious and singularly elegant, what’s changed is that we’re talking about her life’s passion—changing the conversation around clean products—and it’s clear she’s speaking from the heart. Which is not to say her family doesn’t come first. Married to Robert McCown of McCown Design (his stunning architectural and interior design work is on display at our shoot location), they have five children ranging in age from 12 down to an almost 3-year-old. In fact, their welfare plays a big part in her pursuit of change. In her job as Marketing Director for Beautycounter, Louise’s phone notifications are almost a soundtrack to her days. And many of the calls and texts she receives have nothing to do with her selling cosmetics and personal care items. “Our mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. Note the omission of the company’s name. Not just our products, but all products,” she shares. “Lots of what I do isn’t monetized, but I’m thrilled to be a resource for my clients, whether it’s personal products or which water filter or detergent to buy.” And that’s where she takes her relationship-based business. For Louise, It’s not job in sales, it’s a service industry, and Louise considers customer service paramount, even if the customer isn’t buying her product. Check out her Instagram feed, where she recently highlighted the safest sunscreens at CVS. “I understand that people aren’t able to devote their already busy lives to research, so when I find an effective clean alternative to something, I love to spread the word.“

She wasn’t always this focused on clean ingredients. “When I started as a consultant eight years ago, I was working full-time as the director of a real estate trust. Before I started at Beautycounter I’d never been in sales, much less in beauty products and personal care. I stumbled upon it when I had my own health crisis when I was pregnant with my third child,” she claims. “It was my pulmonologist who gave me my lightbulb moment regarding products I was using on myself, my children, and to clean our house. I feel like that’s the way it is for most people. Until you have a direct connection between something you use and how it might hurt you, you don’t think about it.”

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Joining on a whim because she was trying to find safer products for herself, a college friend she trusts for their thoughts on health told her about seeing founder Gregg Renfrew speak about the lack of regulation in the cosmetics industry. She adds, “I also knew it could be an extra source of income and offered more flexible work hours. I started learning about the subject and the people I talked to were so responsive that I just ran with it. Within three months, I was able to quit my job. I do work full-time, but I’m able to structure my work so that I’m still present for my family.” Working for a clean company poses unique challenges, and gently disabusing people of misconceptions seems near the top of her job description. “Many people think clean and natural means granola crunchy-type products that won’t offer powerful results—that these products don’t work. But you can make cleaner, non-toxic choices in

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58 your beauty products and in your life while also being fun, fashionable, creative, and chic. You don’t have to compromise performance and results.” We cite Louise herself as Exhibit A. She adds, “Beatycounter’s products address both the need for effectiveness and the desire to use clean ingredients—and they’ve done all the homework so you don’t have to worry if it’s safe.”

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But don’t other companies tout their products as non-toxic and made with no harmful ingredients? Of course they do. The difference is Beautycounter can prove it with their too-many-to-list accreditations from international organizations like The Environmental Working Group (EWG), which “certifies personal care products as free from chemicals of concern,” according The Guardian and B Lab (the B stands for Benefit), which requires rigorous annual certification ensuring companies use fair labor practices and environmentally sustainable materials. What many of us don’t know can hurt us. In 2019, Claire’s was discovered to be selling makeup that the FDA said contained asbestos (after private citizens sounded the alarm). While the company disputed the findings, they voluntarily recalled the products. The key word here is voluntarily, since the FDA (or any regulatory agency) can’t legally force the issue. Many Americans were shocked to learn that the cosmetics and personal care industry is essentially self-regulated. For context, we’ve all seen lettuce recalls on the news. Stores will remove it from the shelves within minutes of receiving notice. Agriculture is so well-regulated we can learn not only the farm that grew it, but the harvest date of the lettuce in question.Askedfor an example of the change she wants to see in the industry, Louise says, “Take Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Wash. The formula sold here is completely different than the one sold in Europe. The United States hasn’t passed a major federal law governing the cosmetics industry since 1938—that’s over 84 years.” She adds that the European Union (EU) has outlawed the use of over 1,400 ingredients and US is holding steady at—wait for it—30. We’re obviously behind, but Beautycounter actually goes beyond what’s required in the EU with their “Never List” of over 1,800 ingredients known to be or with high probability to be harmful to human health. In April, Louise went to Washington DC with other consultants to lobby congress for more health protective laws in the beauty industry. “I never in a million years would have thought that I’d be involved in anything like lobbying because I’ve never been a political person; my role in politics was to vote. On our trip to DC, we emphasized that this is not at all a partisan issue—it’s a human health issue and should be treated as such,” she says, explaining, “We met with our

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representatives and their staff and it was very refreshing to learn how open they were to our message.”Louise’s message is clear and also kind to those of us who are trying to make cleaner choices. “We’re not trained chemists, nor are we detectives, and we shouldn’t have to be in order to consume products that are safe,” she declares. While she’s passionate about her work, she’s never preachy. She smiles, telling us, “I’ve been asked if my kids are allowed to eat junk food. Of course they are—they’re kids! I don’t drive a Prius or police birthday parties telling my kids they can’t drink a Capri Sun.”

While she does make changes she believes make a difference, there’s no shaming involved. Many of us have a crammed-full cabinet of cleaning chemicals for every imaginable surface under the sink. Louise is reassuring on that front, saying, “One of the biggest things I try to teach people is that it’s about progress, not perfection. It really is one small change at a time, but they make a difference.” All this to say that little changes matter. “No one is demanding you fill up your trash with every product you own and replace it immediately—you can switch to a cleaner option as you run low on something and eventually those small steps will become permanent,” she adds. “Ultimately, I’m trying to help people understand that they can make cleaner, safer, better choices across their lives. I want to help empower people to more easily make those choices.”

Apart from explaining that clean personal care products can still be highly effective, another challenge is skepticism as the default reaction for many when hearing the words “direct marketing.” Louise shares, “One of the hardest uphill battles I’m still fighting is people sometimes confusing what I do with MLMs (multi-level marketing companies), which require constant recruitment of new consultants and paying upfront for a large inventory of products. Beautycounter is a direct sales company by design. Our founder knew this would be a business that was person-toperson, that to understand the benefits of using her products and supporting the company mission would require conversations, not hard selling to everyone we know.” Louise’s vast circle of friends and family are a testimonial to her not mentioning she has the perfect remedy for our age spots unless she’s asked. Another part of her platform is her advocacy for women to understand their finances. “It’s unfortunate, but we need to face the eventuality that many women will outlive their husbands, get divorced, or have a life event that profoundly changes their circumstances, and understanding household finances such as their mortgage and taxes will allow them to make smart decisions when the worst happens.” No, she’s not trying to recruit new consultants here, but she is pointing out that her company wants to empower women with financial knowledge and the means to make money—it’s up to the individual to decide how much, be it as a full-time or parttime job or just a side hustle to earn some extra spending money. Her children are also the recipients of her message, and to her, the most important.

GET STARTED! Text LOUISE to 251.202.2753 or scan the QR code to receive top tips on cleaner living and download Louise’s free e-book 10 Small Changes with Big Impacts. InstagramLouiseMcCown.com@LouiseMcCown

“When I arrived home after my trip to DC, they asked me, ‘Did you go change the world?’ I want them to understand that they, too, have the power to effect change. It also models for them that we don’t have all the answers and that’s okay as long as we’re trying.” With her 12-year-old daughter already stating she wants to become a consultant when she turns 18, we think Louise is on the right track.

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By Amber Wielkens Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon,

There’s a reason Courtney Matthews (aka Coco) has been our go-to makeup artist (and like family) for as long as we can remember. It’s the same reason everyone from debutantes to Mardi Gras queens to brides and more have Courtney on speed dial—she’s just that good. And it’s not just her way of making her clients look and feel their most beautiful; if you’re in her chair, she’s thoughtfully teaching you both how to replicate her work and also which products will best achieve it. We spoke with Mobile’s premier makeup artist to get her take on clean beauty.

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62 able to offer my clients clean skincare and makeup without wondering about its legitimacy. Thankfully, in the last few years, other companies have realized consumers are demanding clean products and launched lines like Jones Road by Bobbi Brown and Give by Gwen Stefani,” she says. “This is what Beautycounter has been pursuing from the beginning—raising awareness both locally and in the government, which leads to real change in the industry. We have far to go, but we still celebrate the wins.” As we wrap up, Courtney leaves us with some actionable to-do’s. ”Apps like The Healthy Living app make it easier for us to buy safer products. Just scan the item and their researchdriven database will rank it on their health meter—the lower the number, the safer the product.” Lest you think Courtney is judging anyone’s choices, she’s clearly not. “Of course I’m not perfect in every choice I make—none of us are. My advice is to start by changing a few of your day-to-day products and replace others with safer options as you run out.” As in all things, baby steps are small but still move you forward. Carry on, Courtney.

251.689.7427COCO

Joining Louise’s Beautycounter team because of their missionbased platform, it also empowered Courtney in her work. “I wanted to be

KEEPS IT CLEAN

Longtime friends with Louise McCown, Courtney shares, “Louise and I first met when her mom brought her in to pick out her first Bobbi Brown makeup and I helped teach her about makeup application. We kept up over the years and when she called me to help spread the word about safe ingredients and product choices, I was immediately inspired. Honestly, I was furious when I realized the industry I work in encouraged us to use products they knew were unsafe.”

A fter 22 years in the business, Courtney is a master of her craft, full stop, but a little background is in order to grasp how far she’s come. “My career began when I was 21 and I was approached by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics about joining their team. After my training, they offered me a position at the counter in Mobile,” she says. Moving quickly to full-time, she worked there for ten years, becoming a local favorite, with regular customers bringing in their daughters to buy their first makeup and learn how to use it. A promotion to management was her wakeup call. “I was doing less makeup artistry and was more stressed; it was time for me to have faith that my name and skill set had spread and to go freelance,” she shares. That faith in herself paid off—almost immediately, she was getting calls for weddings, photoshoots, and local magazines. “I started getting more and more busy and it quickly proved that this is my calling,” she tells us. Hard agreement from her Access family. Working with the Mobile Carnival Association Court, individual organizations, and brides (and their wedding parties) for 15 years now, Courtney says, “I wish I’d kept a book listing all of my brides. In my phone contacts alone, I have over 150 brides—and that’s just since 2018! It thrills my heart to know I’ve been a part of so many women’s special events in their lives, and it’s important to me that they feel like their most perfect self.”

COURTNEY MATTHE W S

MOBILE’S CHICEST SALON FOUNDED BY AWARD-WINNING HAIR STYLIST PHRANKEY LOWERY. The standard in Haircare. 60 SRINGDALE BLVD. STE A. 251.219.4955

Getting help and finding solutions can feel never-ending. Whether it’s a child with learning issues, a depressed or possibly suicidal teen, our own anxiety, or an employee lost in substance abuse, many are left feeling hopeless and overwhelmed as they face a shortage of clear answers and care providers. Meet Mobilian Jack C. Carney, PhD. Finding himself in the center of it all as a licensed psychologist, he dug deep and opened Clarity Health to provide the missing links long before the term “mental health crisis” became an all-too-common phrase. A leading expert, he shares his approach, method, and best of all, his humanity.

By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

G etting to know Jack has been a life-changing experience. A literal Jack of all trades, he has a skill set I feel compelled to share. While my particular story isn’t groundbreaking, finding Jack changed my life and that’s meaningful to me. As parent who is friends with other parents and fellow business owners, I know how those feelings of helplessness keep us up at night and impact our ability to work and parent on the daily. I mean, who among us doesn’t know someone who is in some sort of distress? Who has had an easy time getting to the bottom of it? Trying to find answers to the anything-but-simple mental health questions isn’t just overwhelming, it can be like trying to find a specific snowflake in Siberia.

Although I had long been told I have an attention disorder, I just kept swimming like that beloved yet forgetful Disney fish, Dory. Using humor and tapping into my creative side, I’ve been able to make my scatterbrained tendencies an endearing quality. However, I mentioned this to my general practitioner Clare Carney, MD, PhD, at Alabama Medical Group, and rather than just write a prescription, she sent me for a psychological assessment with her husband, Jack, who transitioned his private practice into Clarity Health in 2015. Not knowing what to expect, I arrived at my appointment, noted the cool mid-century modern aesthetic, and proceeded to take a variety of tests. Easy-peasy. From there, I made a follow-up appointment to review my results with Jack. Thinking we’d talk about my attention deficit disorder, I was positively floored at how much more than that the tests Fromrevealed.vulnerability to anxiety, forgetfulness and—of course— attention span, I was stunned by the 12-page document that showed everything I was experiencing but was unable to put into words. I felt

64 A BEAUTIFULMIND

instant relief as Jack took me through my results and explained how each issue I was experiencing impacted me as a whole and made helpful suggestions for improvement. Everything clicked and I had instant answers. Naturally, I signed my kids up and told anyone who would listen about the miracle of Jack’s services. I almost felt guilty, like I used a shortcut to what can take years to uncover in traditional talk therapy. But, I didn’t care. I’m 54 and don’t have time to beat around the bush.Available to all, Jack’s psychological assessments provide a clear diagnosis and insight for what many may simply attribute to stress or simply being a lazy teenager. Most importantly, Jack can identify behaviors and beliefs that are incredibly specific to each patient in addition to phycological issues such as anxiety, emotional disturbances, developmental disorders, impulse control, learning disabilities, and so much more. Not to throw my child under the bus, but I have a teenager who thinks in black and white and has a very short temper and attention span. Jack was able to hone in and show said child on a graph how quickly he tunes others out and shared that while his mother may overlook this, it will cost him in future relationships and jobs. The result? My son made instant changes and is noticeably happier. Sometimes seeing really is believing. There was more, but the point is that having such specific personal insight into why we do what we do has been a total game changer. Using ADHD to demonstrate both how invested he is and how deeply an undiagnosed condition may impact an individual and their family, Jack explains, “Typically, when someone drives by us quickly, we assume it’s because they’re reckless. When we drive past someone quickly, it’s because the other person is too slow. We all have the tendency to attribute bad things to others and to justify our behavior with outside stressors. All too often I hear from caregivers that their child may be lazy, stupid, dumb, and bad. Tragically, I hear children describe themselves in this manner as well. This isn’t surprising if they’re hearing it from a loved one and incorporating this belief into how they see themselves. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and can undercut a child’s willingness to engage in any effort. Even parents with the best intentions may find their child picks up on subtle facial expressions or outbursts and come to see themselves as the problem in the family stress.

Thereby, symptoms of ADHD are magnified with additional anxiety and sadness, which only makes learning more difficult. However, many are shocked to learn that symptoms of ADHD may result from birth trauma, oxygen deprivation, genetics, or a traumatic brain injury. Consider objective performance testing to compare your child to the general population of other children of the same age.

“THE LIVE OAK TREES IN MOBILE ARE MY INSPIRATION. I’VE ALWAYS LOVED THEM— THEY’RE SLOW, STEADY, AND STAND STRONG IN ANY HURRICANE. CLARITY HEALTH PROVIDES THE FOUNDATION THAT FACILITATES STRONG AND SUCCESSFUL FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND LOCAL BUSINESSES SO THEY MAY STAND THE TEST OF TIME, JUST LIKE OUR LIVE OAKS.”

At least as a parent you can be assured in knowing objectively if it’s an organic structural or emotional difficulty versus defiance.”

A revered expert in the field, Jack is often sought out to serve and engage in complex cases with child protection services and the domestic and juvenile court system to address safety, risk threat, parental alienation and fitness, child custody, childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, relocation impact, stalking, intimate partner violence, substance abuse, visitation and treatment planning, and parenting coordination, as well as forensic consulting to complete assessments for Employee Assistance Program (EAP), return-to-work assessments, and Accustomedmore.toswitching

gears, Jack also works with many businesses in multiple roles. If you’re a business owner, you’re well Photo by Layla Lambert

Perhaps what’s most impressive about Jack is that he’s interested in and incredibly knowledgeable about almost every psychological condition. Filling a void and using a holistic approach, Jack explains, “We use research-based assessment tools to guide individual and family evidenced-based treatments, educate the courts, and improve decisionmaking of federal and state agencies and private companies. We even work with internists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and cardiologists when warranted—having a diagnosis is a tremendous help, but we often conduct further testing to help patients and their caregivers with education planning and job exploration, and to determine what’s reasonable if faced with a limiting diagnosis. We can even pre-test potential employees to ensure a good fit for an employer.”

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While he has a deep-rooted understanding of the science-based solutions that work, it’s his compassion for all people that stands out the most. From veterans suffering from PTSD to victims of bullying, Jack has great empathy, as he’s a constant witness to the long-term effects and societal impact of what many of us don’t see. Explaining the cycle, he says, “It’s easy to see how bullying and namecalling can negatively impact a child, but newer research strongly emphasizes that when children witness domestic violence, it plays a much bigger role in emotional, educational, and economic performance. Higher rates of future substance abuse, depression, disturbed

68 aware a new day is upon us. Companies have learned employee retention and wellbeing go hand-in-hand with growth, safety measures, and success in general. You also know how easy it can be to end up on the wrong side of a costly lawsuit. So yes, corporate responsibility is serious business. For starters, Jack shares, “It’s important to know that substance abuse costs our nation over $600 billion annually and the National Council on Alcoholism states that $81 billion are from loss of productivity. it’s clearly reasonable that drug testing and treatment can significantly reduce these loses, as most substance abusers are employed. In fact, drug testing employees is effective in reducing accidents, low productivity, health issues, legal actions and costs, absenteeism, and missed deadlines. Employees are expensive and are an employer’s greatest asset. Substance abuse can derail this investment.” Further, “Psychological testing paired with drug testing can bolster an employer’s confidence in decision-making, as it allows them to identify employees who aren’t reaching their full potential and to seek timely solutions. My grandfather told me, ‘It’s not hard to soar like an eagle when you’re flying with turkeys!’ To his point, employers can avoid hiring turkeys with pre-employment drug testing so everyone can soar.”

Turkey analogy aside, Jack has long known what society seems to now accept— we can’t separate the individual from the business. Being qualified to testify in court as an expert in various categories led Jack to expand his services. “Attorneys told me they were limited in court-approved places to send their clients for drug testing. Soon after, we became accredited by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and added drug-testing services. We have a Certified Professional Collector Trainer to ensure our staff are Certified Professional Collectors. So not only can businesses secure drug testing for pre-employment, we also offer the collection of data needed to apply for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to our maritime facilities and vessels.”

8AM TO 8PM TUESDAY-THURSDAY, 9AM-3PM SATURDAY 5 N. CHURCH STREET DOWNTOWN FAIRHOPE | 251.270.7171. | COLORE’VOUS.COM

Clarity Health LLC 2054 Dauphin Street, Mobile ClarityHealth.com251.635.4541 romantic relationships, academic underachievement, and even severe mental illness are strongly tethered to witnessing domestic violence as well.”Obviously, this is a heavy topic. But as we navigate all the findings bubbling up to the surface of the mental health crisis, Jack has our backs. As a licensed psychologist with experience ranging from his VA clinical internship to his dissertation, which focused on parent and child early attachment and development, to his certification as a Substance Abuse Professional with the Department of Transportation, he’s got the chops. As for watching the expression on my teenager’s face as Jack described the difference between marijuana today versus the marijuana of the ‘70s and ‘80s? Priceless. Also, having witnessed Jack at home with his wife and teenaged sons, Jacob and Max, it’s easy to see he steers the family ship with a blend of science and compassion in the form of family runs and workouts, scheduled screen time, and plain old-fashioned togetherness. Perhaps Jack sums it up best, telling us, “The live oak trees in Mobile are my inspiration. I’ve always loved them—they’re slow, steady, and stand strong in any hurricane. Clarity Health provides the foundation that facilitates strong and successful families, communities, and local businesses so they may stand the test of time, just like our live oaks.”

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DESTINATION SUCCESS Masters of their own universe, local marrieds Leslie and Aaron VanHauter are that married couple you meet and wonder how they do it. Each with varied interests, a combined love of travel and experiences, as well as a passion for learning, the VanHauters are both strong individuals and an enviable couple that clearly enjoy being together. Proving that a sense of curiosity counts, they’ve both created and achieved different personal and professional goals that have allowed them to live what they call their best lives together. Inspired— and a little envious—we dig deeper into this wedded bliss. By Hayley Hill Photo Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Hair Jessica Price, Primp Lash & Beauty, 251.285.3000 Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, youneedblush2020@gmail.com Leslie Dress, $148; CK Collection, 251.990.9001. Earrings, $76; Stephanie’s Downtown, 251.270.7001. Aaron Belt, $140; CK Collection Men, 251.928.4824. Jacket, $2,699; Saks Fifth Avenue, m.saks.com. Shirt, $229; Todd Snyder, toddsnyder.com. Shoes, $325; Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com. Jeans, $285; Bergdorf Goodman, bergdorfgoodman.com. 72

Of course, it’s never as easy as it appears, and Aaron and Leslie are a testament to making both a relationship and a business a success. Traveling the world and seeking knowledge has paid dividends and is the tie that binds them. Witnessing how people in other cultures embrace health, relaxation, and the simple art of breaking bread and sharing good wine, Aaron and Leslie became purveyors of what’s best described as the good life. We actually refer to them as the Chip and Joanna Gaines of the CBD world. Why? Because they’ve worked hard to incorporate their worldly experiences into becoming brand ambassadors of better living through their business, Simply CBD. “Constant travel, continuous learning, and shared experiences are our not only our bond, they’ve become an integral part of our business,” beams Aaron.Guided by curiosity and with a thriving digital advertising agency, it all began when Aaron quickly responded yes when asked to present the ins and outs of digital advertising at a national CBD store owner convention in Tampa in 2019. “In the weeks before, I studied the industry and ended up staying for the entire conference because I was absolutely blown away by how tremendously well these products work for people when they’re using the right ones in the right way,” he says. Inspired, he opened Simply CBD that same “Uponyear.my return, I talked with Leslie and we made it our goal to not just find CBD products, but to locate and sell only the best, top-quality products.” Knowing many people are confused by or don’t trust CBD and have low expectations met by shops filled with tacky décor reminiscent of an old-school headshop, their mission has been to provide an upscale location with a spa vibe that offers the very best products and a knowledgeable staff that incudes himself. “I want people to understand I’m not at the store because I have to be, but because I want to be. I could have an online-only business and still have robust sales. I’m here because the affirmation I receive from people coming in and telling me I’ve changed their lives—which still happens frequently after three years in business— sends chills down my spine. I believe I’m making a difference and that what I do matters,” Aaron tellsThey’veus. since franchised, but still ensure everything offered is up to the standards they’ve set. By the end of the year, they’ll open a store in Foley, and best of all, have a truck that travels from events to festivals and more, allowing people to easily access premium CBD products. Although Leslie is busy pursuing her interests, her influence is felt throughout the entire business, as Aaron relies on her input for every decision.

ScottsdaleHawaii

MontrealCharleston Mexico

We’ve all sat at a restaurant near a couple that seem to have nothing to say to each other. Dining with Aaron and Leslie, we dare you to get a word in. Simply put, they make a happy marriage look easy. Gracious, educated, and charming, the couple recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary and still hold hands like newlyweds.

“CONSTANT LEARNING,CONTINUOUSTRAVEL,ANDSHAREDEXPERIENCESAREOURNOTONLYOURBOND,THEY’VEBECOMEANINTEGRALPARTOFOURBUSINESS.” CityAZ

Also Sicilian, Aaron laughs, “There’s always a party, whether it’s for Christmas, Arbor Day, or Flag Day—any reason to get 30 or 40 people together.” It’s important to note this large family also serves as product testers and Aaron even has a story about using a CBD pet product to successfully bring peace to a neurotic family dog! As for a favorite place to visit? “Positano Rome Italy

Hailing from a large Sicilian family, Leslie is the only girl out of five children, which might explain her fearlessness and take-charge personality. “They’ve become Aaron’s family, as well. “My family not only loved him, they also introduced him to travel,” Leslie explains.

“Working as a team not only ensures our clients receive the best possible advice, her engagement makes our lives better, as well,” AaronForclaims.Leslie, a love of learning is baked into her DNA. Even a master’s in education wasn’t enough. Teaching at Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School since its inception in 2020—when Baldwin County was forced to exponentially ramp up its virtual elementary school during the pandemic—tech-savvy Leslie was at the forefront, taking it as a personal challenge to help new teachers and to give each of her students the educational tools they needed to succeed. Just like her husband, Leslie wanted to meaningfully impact her school, her students, and (thank goodness) their parents when virtual learning was not at all common. Add this as one of the many reasons we adore her. Basically, their different paths allow each of them to encounter all kinds of people which in the end shapes their success.This is where the couple’s love language, travel, comes in as well. “The excitement of visiting new and different places, appreciating cultural differences, trying local cuisines— everything about it is appealing and inspiring,” says Aaron. “Everywhere we go, whether it’s Hawaii, Italy, Mexico City or Montreal, we visit CBD stores from the low-end to the highend to see how they operate, what products they have, and what their best performing products are so we can bring that knowledge back to lower Alabama, taking the guessing game out of researching products for the consumer.”Andit’s personal, too. Knowing that traveling often involves planes, trains and automobiles as well as delays, language barriers, lost luggage, and more, Aaron and Leslie have had ample opportunities to put their products to the test. Just like the rest of us, Aaron knows that oh-so-familiar stress that can easily rob the most experienced traveler of their joy. Through his journey, he’s tested and found the most effective anxiety-reducing products that allow him to simply enjoy himself and avoid getting frustrated by what, in the end, is the small stuff. For Leslie, it’s the pain salve that soothes her sore muscles after walking for miles in a new city.

Positano, Italy

on the Amalfi Coast, hands down,” the couple agrees. This year alone, they will visit Hawaii, Ireland, New York City, and Punta Cana. Next year? Greece, Brussels, Copenhagen, Budapest, and Prague. What an itinerary! While the couple aren’t your typical influencers, they share many of the same traits. They’re authentic, original, and do what they love. Leslie sums it up, telling us, “Bonding through knowledge and learning has taken us around the world and our CBD adventure has only made it better.”

Naturally, people wonder if their CBD is legitimate, third-party tested, made in FDAcompliant labs, and if it’s U.S. hemp. “It’s my job to understand these products, so a big part of our travels is to go to not just the stores, but to meet the scientists who create them at their facilities. There is no product in our stores that we haven’t been to the scientific facilities where they’re made. And these aren’t little storefronts—think more along the lines of college campuses where dozens of scientists are working to create the best products, staying one step ahead,” Aaron shares, adding “These products work differently and have different applications depending on what you need them for. One person may have tweaked a muscle and a topical salve will work for them. But if they have deep inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, topical salves won’t work, but an oil will. My knowledge paired with the right product is effective at alleviating countlessAaron’ssymptoms.”highlight?

LOWERKNOWLEDGEWEPRODUCTSPERFORMINGARESOCANBRINGTHATBACKTOALABAMA,TAKINGTHEGUESSINGGAMEOUTOFRESEARCHINGPRODUCTSFORTHECONSUMER.”

“The icing on the cake had to be when a client came in with a prescription pad paper from their doctor, who’d written ‘Simply CBD, the only CBD store I send patients to.’” So, we guess Aaron and Leslie’s prescription for a happily ever after can be found somewhere between Positano and their lower Alabama Simply CBD stores. And, if their influence grows, perhaps the book A Life Well Traveled is a Life Well Lived will add a chapter about CBD, too. After all, sleeplessness and stiff joints aren’t on our travel itinerary. How about yours? Simply CBD 2005 US-98, Simply-CBD.Net251.586.8890Daphne

“EVERYWHERE WE GO, WE VISIT CBD STORES FROM THE LOW-END TO THE HIGH-END TO SEE HOW THEY OPERATE, WHAT PRODUCTS THEY HAVE, AND WHAT THEIR BEST

When it comes to healthcare, especially in a time so imperative to women, we now have a new option. The highly accomplished physicians at Coastal OB/GYN have opened the doors of their brand new practice. Ready to provide comprehensive care in a family-friendly environment, excited doesn’t begin to describe it. With an exceptionally trained and compassionate staff, cozy rooms with exclusive technology, and their partnership with USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital, let the bragging begin!

Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, CocoKat1978@gmail.com

Hair Felisha Allen, HeadDress Salon, 251.478.2409

By Ally Clements Photos Stevye Murray, StevyePhotography.com

MOVING ON UP: COASTAL OB/GYN 76

ith freshly painted new digs that bring dignity to the whole stirrup situation, their doors are open and Team Coastal is ready to share the recently renovated space with established patients as well as new ones. Not only does this space offer a myriad of services, it also provides a place of comfort and familiarity for women while receiving healthcare for every phase of life. The staff at Coastal is a tight-knit group who not only care about their patients, but each other, too. This friendship and comradery makes the walls of their practice sing and makes each patient feel safe, cared for, and supported. Currently working on getting all the décor in place, they’re excited to show off their new state-of-the-art space. If you’re already a patient, don’t worry—Dr. McCoy’s funny signs made the move, too! Décor details aside, Dr. Erin Saucier shares, “Our goal with Coastal OB/GYN was to create a cohesive group, all working together and doing what is needed to benefit the patient, and I think we have truly succeeded at this. All of our physicians specialize in minimally invasive surgery. These techniques mean shorter recovery time, less time in the hospital, and smaller incisions or no incisions at all.” In the office, they offer state-of-the-art ultrasounds with private rooms for the families to join in on the scans and a fetal monitoring room with recliners to offer IV therapy inhouse. Further expanding on their minimally invasive surgery techniques, Dr. Brooke Lenz tells us, “Nitronox machines are available to provide on-board pain relief during procedures. Although I like to think we are young (my kids would disagree), several of us have been doing robotic surgery since it came to the area in 2006.” Robotic surgery is laparoscopic surgery but with more fine motor skills built in, allowing for treatment of larger and more difficult cases. In addition, they offer vNOTES surgery, which combines traditional vaginal surgery with laparoscopy using only vaginal incisions. That means a quicker recovery with little to no hospital stay and no visible scarring. If a hospital stay is needed or a baby is ready to be delivered, Coastal OB/GYN’s partnership with USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital means the highest level of care will be provided. The team’s decision to move was definitely influenced by the fact that USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital is the only hospital in the area with a Level III NICU, 24/7 inhouse anesthesia for emergency intervention, has Maternal Fetal Medicine doctors who specialize in caring for high-risk pregnancies, and is the only hospital in the area with 24/7 inhouse pediatricians who are available for any delivery. At Children’s & Women’s, you and your baby will get the highest level of care without being separated from them. The hospital also offers walking monitors for labor, nitrous oxide, gentle C-sections, clear drapes, and other amenities you might want for your delivery experience. They have brought on board-certified Ob/Gyns to assist and stay in the hospital 24/7 for emergencies as well as making the safety for patients and their babies hard to beat. You will find your favorite familiar faces at Coastal OB/ GYN, along with some friendly new ones ready to care for you in a space that provides comfort and exclusivity. This group

“SHARING OUR STORIES AND EXPERIENCES (SOMETIMES WE’RE GUILTY OF OVERSHARING) WITH EACH OTHER, WE LEARN THINGS THAT HELP US BOTH EMPATHIZE AND BETTER TREAT OUR PATIENTS. WE’RE A TIGHT-KNIT GROUP THAT REALLY CARES ABOUT OUR PARTNERS AND ALL THE PATIENTS OF THE PRACTICE.”

DR. BROOKE LENZ Dr. Lenz was a college cheerleader and met her husband when he was her stunt partner. She can still rock a toe touch! THE TEAM & some fun facts

MEET

DR. AMY MCCOY Dr. McCoy was once a synchronized swimmer!

DR. KATELYN PARNELL Dr. Parnell remains an avid Auburn fan, for which her partners forgive her.

DR. ERIN SAUCIER Dr. Saucier had a career as an accountant before deciding to go to medical school. 78

DR. FLO DAVILA MCCARTHY Dr. Davila is fluent in Spanish and although she has been gone from the area for a minute, she graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School.

Your Go To for Real Estate from the Bay to the Beach JPAR Gulf Coast 318 Dauphin St Mobile, AL 36602 7840 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort AL 36527 Office 251.423.6423 Cell JPARGulfCoast.com251.213.5358Owned and operated by Owen and Adrienne Gill Member FINRA SIPC JEFFREYMATTHEWS.COM Accounts carried by RBC Clearing and Custody, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. Member NYSE/SIPC. Investment advisory services provided by Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management. MOBILE OFFICE FAIRHOPE OFFICE 1555 University Blvd South, Suite 200, Mobile scherniak@jefferymatthews.com251.301.0869cbailey@jefferymatthews.comjlyle@jefferymatthews.commadams@jefferymatthews.com 311 Magnolia Ave Suite, 108-120, Fairhope ccarrick@jefferymatthews.comcfraley@jefferymatthews.com251.928.9008251.990.0824 LET’S GROW TOGETHER CHARLIE BAILEY Senior VP / AdvisorFinancial CHAD CARRICK VP / InvestmentsCLIFF FRALEY VP / Financial Advisor SETH CHERNIAK VP / ManagerBranch ClientWINTERSSUSANServiceAssociate MA’ON ADAMS Senior VP Consultant,Management/InvestmentAIF JOHN LYLE SeniorAdvisorVP/Financial

Coastal OB/GYN 3290 Dauphin Street, Suite 200 Mobile, CoastalOBGYN.com251.361.2595AL

practice is made up of doctors who can relate to their patients, giving an extra layer of empathy and effort in their care by sharing their own stories and experiences. Dr. Amy McCoy is heartfelt, saying, “I love that we’re all moms and each have our own stories, allowing us to relate to our patients. Some of us have had high-risk pregnancies or have struggled to get pregnant and some of us are battling hot flashes in menopause. Sharing our stories and experiences (sometimes we’re guilty of oversharing) with each other, we learn things that help us both empathize and better treat our patients. We’re a tight-knit group that really cares about our partners and all the patients of the practice.”

From high-risk pregnancies to infertility struggles to battling the symptoms of hormone imbalances and menopause, these ladies have seen it all and let you know you’re not alone. Treating women In all phases of their lives, from puberty to post-menopause, the Coastal OB/GYN group has the opportunity to develop relationships with their patients and individualize their care. Summing it up, Dr. Katelyn Parnell concludes, “This support system for us and the safety of our patients is exciting to be able to offer.”

1802 US-98 Suite F, Daphne, AL DAPHNE251.220.99213652660 Cotton Creek Dr Unit 290, Gulf Shores, AL GULF251.312.337836542SHORES 860 Industrial Parkway Suite J Saraland, AL SARALAND251.287.211436571 23705753MOBILEOldShellRd.Mobile,AL36608251.241.5328HillcrestRdUnit R Mobile, AL Mobile251.250.104336695GovernmentPlaza,205GovernmentSt.Mobile,AL36602251.574.6247 The best Chicken Salad in the South! Locally Owned & Operated By Peter & Misty Hudson Whitehead

Take care of you ,, Mama! “Why can’t we just be happy?” A golden question in my office. To start to answer this question, we need to start from ground zero. Happiness isn’t the final destination that persists once you finally find the key to life like people like to think it is. This month, we’ll talk about happiness and how reframing the narrative around it will benefit us all.

THE WELLNESS WHISPERER

HEALTHY SELF-TALK “Things are really hard right now. And also, I trust myself to make decisions that work for me.” “It’s so frustrating when things don’t go right. One thing that went well/ decently today was __.” “I feel disappointed that this didn’t go well. And also I’m grateful for the people in my life who support me.”

By Sydney Wasdin True Therapy + Yoga 8851 Rand Avenue, Suite B, Daphne | 251.250.9440 | TrueYogaTherapy.com

All emotions are normal and valuable. You get to decide how much you stew in them. And if you ignore or resist them, they intensify and pile up, which may also land you in a therapist or doctor’s office later on. Developing a truly healthy awareness and relationship to emotions can help you cultivate the emotions you desire (happiness, calm, and satisfaction) and move through or appropriately cope with the others (anger, sadness, grief, fear). That comes with dropping the ego and allowing yourself to be an actual human and acknowledge your experiences as they come up for you, without judgement. When you notice something repeatedly coming up, it can be an indicator there’s something to unpack there (see your therapist I mentioned earlier). Acknowledge your own reality and everything about it. Don’t dismiss or turn a blind eye to it, as the only way out of the things you don’t want to feel is through. Then, when you’re ready, take a step back and look for something different—the small joys, opportunities, loved ones, or options you have. The things that do bring you even just a small amount of happiness, gratitude, and love. Then build on that. The next time, it’ll be even easier and as these things grow, so will the time you’re spending feeling happiness, joy, calm and peace. Just remember that everything is a balance and you’re allowed to be human. After all, you wouldn’t be experiencing those desirable feelings if you never experienced anything else.

UNHELPFUL SELF-TALK

“Why are you being so negative? Just be happy! It’s not that hard.”

“There’s nothing wrong. It’s all in your head. Just smile more!” “Things could always be worse. Stop complaining.”

Hello,! Happiness is an emotion. Though it’s a desirable one that people always want to linger in a little longer, it’s an emotion just like others: anger, sadness, fear, surprise and calm. The thing about emotions is that they are fleeting, temporary experiences of being and feeling. They come and they go—but they may linger a little longer if you stew in them.

Emotions are heavily influenced by cognition, or thought. And the two together precipitate behavior or action (i.e. what you do or decisions you make). That’s the basis of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), an empirically supported treatment facilitated by qualified counselors/therapists that can help pull us out of a sticky bundle of thought, emotions, and behaviors that quickly pile up when we need it to find clarity and ourselves once again.

Almand J. Westbrook, Jr., M.D. 2651 Old Shell Road | Mobile, AL 36607 P (251) 243-7058 | F (251) 243-7059 Dr. Kimberly A. Westbrook, MD 101 Lottie Ln Unit 6, Fairhope, AL 36532 P (251) 990-1980 251.990.6550 | bwhfairhope.com Lauren Cooper, M.D. Specializing in Obstetrics Gynecologyand Bayside Women’s Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Lauren Cooper Bayside Women’s Health has been providing high-quality care for women for more than 45 years. As a group, our physicians are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for women through all phases of their lives. From pregnancy to menopause, our office brings experience and innovation. We understand that life is busy, so we are pleased to offer, in most instances, same day appointments. We also provide Telemedicine appointments through certain insurance providers. To make an appointment with Lauren Cooper, M.D. call 251.990.6550.

With the sweltering heat outside, it’s hard not to talk about the weather, much less want to work in our yards, making it the perfect time to turn our attention to our interior plants. A quick glance at any Instagram feed will remind you that big leaves are super chic right now, and Stokley’s Garden Express in midtown Mobile is making it easier to level up your greenery game with a sale on fiddle leaf figs. A bonus? Stokley’s extensive inventory of unique pottery to put them in. Ewa Wiggins, an experienced horticulturist, shares some tips on the best way to care for them. 84

Peace, love and peonies, Ewa Garden Express Semmes Location 9720-A Moffett Rd.Semmes, AL | 251.929.9353 Midtown Location 1451 Goverment St. Mobile, AL | 251.461.6434 | 251.461.6438. StokleyGardenExpress.com

Hello! From stylish hotel lobbies to luxe spas, fiddle-leaf figs are everywhere. Perhaps it’s because they stand out with their dramatic oversized leaves, making them hard to miss, but we’ve definitely seen a spike in people wanting them for their interior spaces. Luckily, we’re having a sale on these beauties right now! Come by and browse our selection. While you’re here, make sure to choose one of our extensive collection of pots to take it home in. We’ll happily pot it, load it in your car, and even deliver it if needed. Once you’ve got it home, put it in a spot where it will receive plenty of indirect sunlight, ideally, near an eastfacing window where it can sit in the indirect light all day without any direct sun in the afternoon. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to burn, turn brown, and fall off. On the other hand, it does need sunlight, so an alwaysdark corner will result in leaves that turn yellow and fall off.

Some are confused by a fig tree that doesn’t produce fruit, but in their native habitat of the rainforests of western Africa, they do just that. The one you set in your family room won’t be able to bear fruit, but it will make a fantastic architectural statement. Of course, feel free to call us or stop by if you have questions. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch advice. Enjoy the familyfriendly atmosphere as well as customer service second to none. We hope to see you soon!

PEACE, LOVE & PEONIES

Fertilize your fiddle-leaf fig with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio of 3-1-2, which we stock here. Watering is possibly the biggest challenge with these trees. Test the soil with your finger before watering. It it’s at all moist two inches down, don’t water it, since the roots need to dry out between watering.

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Speaking of weight, the last C is for carat which is basically the size of the diamond, and we all know size

A kiss on the hand can be quite continen tal, but nothing is truer and more last ing than a woman’s relationship with jewelry. If asked what her first love and biggest weakness is, a lady will often reply, ”Dia monds!” They’re timeless, durable, elegant, and stunning pieces of art that can be worn countless ways—think bracelets, rings, pendants, and broach es. Add in their versatility; their translucent color and allure is woven into all facets of our lives, from cosmic to conventional. They go with everything! In a practical sense, diamonds are extraordinarily durable—it’s true that only a diamond can cut a diamond. A well-researched, quality gem will hold its value, unlike a sometimes unpredictable stock market. The beauty of this gemstone is how it instantly elevates any outfit. No longer reserved for special occasions, the “everyday diamond” market has seen huge growth over the past years, as have pavé diamonds, where you can get more bling for your buck with more carats at a lower cost. The stone’s versatility is endless, with an array of cuts from the classic round and princess cuts to the elegant emerald and Asscher shapes. The pear and marquise shapes tend to appear larger on the hand while the cushion cut will sparkle brilliantly. You can even get more personal with your selection, opting for a trendy heart shape or popular colors like pink and green. (J Lo and Ben have done Diamondsboth.) also have a positive astrological significance, symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and resilience because of their association with Venus. They are also believed to have spiritual energy and healing powers. It is also thought that wearing them can help channel the positive energies of the planet. When given as a gift, the powers of the diamond are believed to be symbolically transferred to the recipient and often represent everlasting love from the giver.

A smart buyer of this highly sought-after jewel will do well to research the ins and outs of the attributes of the precious gem. Definitely be versed in the 4 C’s—color, cut, clarity, and carat. Gemologists rate and price diamonds according to a very specific scale and any potential investor should be well versed in the lingo. The color of a diamond is rated on an alphabetic scale, with the colorless D, E, and F the most desirable. Making up most of the market are G through J ratings. The higher the letter, the farther from colorless. The cut simply means the shape of the diamond. As mentioned earlier, there are many, from a classic cushion cut which has been around for over a century to the more modern shapes such as the heart. Clarity is defined as the presence or absence of inclusions or flaws. This rating is also on a scale ranging from SI-2, which has inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye to VVS-1, which may have a flaw only visible with 10-times magnification. The highest categorization for color is FL which stands for flawless. Discerning buyers will trade a better color for lower carat weight when buying as an investment.

XOmatters! pink table talk Brenny’sStowe’sJewelersJewelersStowe’sJewelersHarvestJewels 86

Ever elegant and with charm to spare, Southern influencer Charlotte Kilborn Carey shares some of her vast knowledge about the dazzling gems Marylin Monroe called a girl’s best friend. The king of all gemstones, diamonds in lore are known for being eternalstruggles.providingindestructible,thewearerwithinnerstrengthtofacealloflife’sAsymboloflove,diamondsbringabundance,clarity,andbalance.