Summer 2023 Issue Gladys Magazine

About

For Article submissions and considerations

Email: info@gladysmagazine.com

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Gladys is a quarterly high end, luxury lifestyle, inspirational magazine showcasing the best of haute couture, jewelry, celebrity & exclusive events. Gladys can be found at upscale booksellers like Barnes & Noble, sophisticated retail outlets and select newsstands throughout the country. With each issue, Gladys brings you the best goods, services, and trends in today’s industries; reflecting upon unparalleled understanding of the passion and pursuits of its discerning readers. We are focused on providing our Advertisers with the quality of exposure expected to successfully market their fine goods and services.

Kudos! Our 2013 Holiday 5 Year Anniversary Issue was honored with“The Silver Award” at the 2014 Print Excellence Awards! Celebrating our 15th Year publishing GLADYS in 2023

Travel Fashion Beauty Featured People

Dream Stars

Gladys Girls

For this issue we are featuring Fashion Travels throughout Santorini, Paris & Costa Rica! Our Cover Model Olga Kwasniewski traveled to Greece in May and took Gladys along with her. She’s on Top of the World (literally) at her photo shoot which was shot beautifully on location at the Imer Villas, Santorini Greece by photographer Serhii Drobotenko.

Fashionista Olga epitomizes our Supermodels Of the World which we hand selected for this Issue! Olga is a model, serial entrepreneur, actress and Director of Fashion here at Gladys and everyone in the Boston area knows Olga from the fashion events she produces and as a model. She does it all with style, grace and beauty.

Check out Page 76 to see who made it onto our Top 50 Supermodels of the World List! We scoured the world to feature models from Italy, South Africa, Germany, France, Belgium, Ukraine, Honduras, Costa Rica and from across our beautiful country. We also feature our Top Summer Stars of Tomorrow that feature our younger models doing incredible things.

We have a travel article on the idyllic island of Crete at a wellness spa and an article on the Pegasus Suite Spa in Santorini. Photographer & Contributor Chalo Garcia takes us along to the Costa Rican Fashion Festival and Travel Director Karen Holly Berliner encourages us to Dine, Slumber and Splurge in the Hamptons this summer and suggests taking a cruise on the MSC Seascape.

We are honored to feature our 2023 Women of Achievement! These extraordinary women are SuperStars who pay it forward in their community through speaking, non profit work, performing, Arts, education and entrepreneurship. See their features starting on page 56 and get inspired!

Jenny And the City takes to us to the Secret Room Gifting Suites, behind the scenes of Areva Martin’s Pink Pump Affair celebrating the “Power of Women” and has interviews with Artist Sona Mirzaei, Managing Director/Founder of Create Twenty Two Agency, Lisseth Villalobos-Azab & Valentina Koleva.

I know that I love Summer - everything about it and I love dreaming of exotic locations and the wardrobe I’ll pack. I am excited to be planning my own vacation destination trip with my husband coming up in September to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary! It’s the fun in planning that makes the journey exciting and I will be taking all of you along with me! “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Let Gladys take you away even if it’s only through the pages of our stunning Summer Issue!

Enjoy!

Andrea Patrick Forte Editor-in-Chief

On Location at Imer Villas Santorini, Greece with Cover Model

Cover Credits

COVER MODEL: Olga Kwasniewski

PHOTOGRAPHER: Serhii Drobotenko @drobotenko.s

SANTORINI FLYING DRESS TEAM @santorini_flying_dress santorini-flying-dress.com

ASSISTANT: @Angelina_stylist_santorini

LOCATION: Imer Villas Santorini, @imervillas

Olga Kwasniewski and photographer Serhii Drobotenko

Gladys

a magazine dedicated to anyone who has been inspired to pursue their dreams by someone they love.

Dedicated to Mom & Dad

Publisher GLADYS LLC

ANDREA PATRICK FORTE

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director FABIAN FORTE

Director of Development ELIZABETH LYNN

Creative Director SUSAN FONTAINE

Travel Director KAREN HOLLY BERLINER

Associate Director of Fashion West Coast JENNY LEESER

Associate Director of Fashion East Coast MONTE DURHAM

Associate Director of Fashion North East Coast OLGA KWASNIEWSKI

Fashion Features Directors ANNA KATHRYN KOVACH, CARLY BRIGAMAN

Writers KAREN HOLLY BERLINER, ANDREA PATRICK FORTE, ANNA KATHRYN KOVACH, OLGA KWASNIEWSKI, JENNY LEESER

Art

International Director of Photography DJORDJE BUKVIC

Cover Photographer SERHII DROBOTENKO

Photographers

JENNY LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY, GRETCHEN PINGLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

KIM G, BARON DAPARRE, JOSHUA SHARP IMAGERY

International Photographers

DJORDJE BUKVIC, PETER MÜLLER

Design SUSAN FONTAINE

GladysMagazine.com

Director JASON MCCRANIE

Social Media Strategist JOSEPHINE ANTHONY

Business

Director of Development ELIZABETH LYNN

Advertising Executives ELIZABETH LYNN, CARLY BRIGAMAN, DEBRA WILSON

Culture & Lifestyle Development Manager DEBRA WILSON

Production Assistant DEVIN SEARS

Our Forever Gladys Mascot MAX

Articles, Letters and Press Releases: Articles and letters may be edited for clarity and length and may be published with space providing. Articles and letters submitted to us may not be used in any other publication, printed or online. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. We are not liable for missing articles. Copyright Information: No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means, print, electronic or other without prior written permission. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply an endorsement by Gladys Magazine. Gladys Magazine disclaims responsibility for the statements, either of fact or opinion advanced by the contributors and/or authors. Gladys Magazine reserves the right to revise or reject any advertisement and only the publication of the advertisement shall constitute acceptance. Gladys Magazine is not responsible in whole or any part for any advertisement or typographical error. Gladys Magazine P.O Box 951, Connellsville, PA 15425 ph: (724) 322-6026 email: info@gladysmagazine.com, website: gladysmagazine.com

SERHII DROBOTENKO

Cover Photographer

Known For: co-founder and main photographer santorini-flying-dress.com

Inspired by: flying dress photoshoot

Social Media: web:santorini-flying-dress instagram.com/santorini_flying_dress/

See Cover Story on pg: 22

PETER MÜLLER

Contributing Photographer

Known For: Natural look and story-telling photography, mostly black and white and showing women as strong and self confident.

Inspired by: Peter Lindbergh, Greg Gorman and Helmut Newton.

Social Media: inst main: @peterulimax Color @petermuellerphoto Webpage: Pem-photography.de

See his Editorials pgs:12 & 30

CHALO

GARCIA

Contributing Photographer

Known For: Producing International Fashion Editorials - Empowering and Promoting New Faces in Beauty and Fashion World.

Inspired By: The Beauty of Moments! Art, Beauty, Dreams, Faith, Love and Talent.

Social Media: IG @photosbychalo

See his images/event starting on pg: 48

Gladys is a quarterly high end, luxury lifestyle, inspirational magazine showcasing the best of haute couture, jewelry, celebrity & exclusive events. Gladys can be found at upscale booksellers like Barnes & Noble, sophisticated retail outlets and select newsstands throughout the country. With each issue, Gladys brings you the best goods, services, and trends in today’s industries; reflecting upon unparalleled understanding of the passion and pursuits of its discerning readers. We are focused on providing our Advertisers with the quality of exposure expected to successfully market their fine goods and services.

Kudos! Our 2013 Holiday 5 Year Anniversary Issue was honored with“The Silver Award” at the 2014 Print Excellence Awards!

Celebrating 15 years of Gladys!!

For Article submissions and photography considerations , Email: info@gladysmagazine.com

Customer Care

Subscriptions, renewals, gifts, address changes, payments, inquiries: Email: info@gladysmagazine.com

Advertising & Opportunities

Advertising rates or for Sponsorship

Opportunities:

EMAIL: info@gladysmagazine.com

PHONE: (724) 322-6026

gladysmagazine.com

Photography by Peter Müller page 12 page 22 page 44 page

Summer GLOW

Welcome to Wellness Island Paradise

Photography by Serhii Drobotenko

WELCOME TO A WELLNESS ISLAND PARADISE

London, UK: Life can be exhausting, and sometimes what you really need from a holiday is simply time away from the every day, some total rest and relaxation in a quiet place where your wellness is the priority. That place is ACRO Suites, in Crete, a luxurious, adults-only boutique retreat with an emphasis on helping guests feel better, body and soul.

It’s all about you here. The resort’s exceptional 49 suites and villas feature muted, earthy tones and organic elements throughout to create a peaceful, relaxed environment in which to unwind. Special touches include top-of-therange mattresses that are hypoallergenic and aerated for a better night’s sleep and a special pillow menu so you can choose the exact kind you prefer, firm or snuggly. There’s even a turn-down service during which guests are offered a special pillow mist that contains a blend of calming essential oil.

Public areas echo the same chic look and calm and classy ambiance. A superb cliffside location with sea views galore in quiet Agia Pelagia comes courtesy of Mother Nature; manmade facilities all for your enjoyment include a spa inspired by Byzantine hammams, exceptional restaurants serving Cretan dishes with a fine-dining twist, poolside bars, and cosy lounges.

In addition, for the new 2023 season that has just opened, ACRO Suites introduces a brand-new restaurant and new deep relaxation yoga sessions.

Extraordinary Yoga

Why not get your relaxing holiday off to a great start by joining one of the new weekly yogic deep relaxation sessions, held on Sunday evenings? These extraordinary classes feature the practice of yoga nidra, a conscious yogic sleep induced by a special guided meditation. Sessions take place in the hotel’s Asana Yoga Shala, an exceptional space dedicated to wellness that is built entirely out of bamboo.

Relax and rejuvenate body and soul on an adults-only, life-enhancing wellness retreat at ACRO Suites on idyllic Crete.

Sound Bath Sessions and Holistic Wellness Days

The resort is also offering intriguing sound bath sessions this summer, with the chance to try an unusual wellness therapy under Manolis Zografakis, a certified sound therapist and meditation practitioner. The sessions will be staged in the Asana Yoga Shala, with the aim of guiding guests through a spiritual journey of reconnection and discovery of the inner self, back into a natural state of balance and harmony, just what you need. The Bath House spa with its authentic Byzantine hammam, a tempting range of therapies, sauna, and outdoor pool is also ready and waiting to help you get the most out of your stay. Treatments can even be taken in your suite. From tension-melting massages to radiance-boosting facials and holistic wellness days, the spa’s extensive menu offers a plethora of relaxing experiences to choose from.

Food for Thought

The new restaurant, Elaionas, based on an exclusive, fine-dining experience, offers a variety of delicious, traditional Cretan dishes to try. Guests can also indulge in olive oil and wine-tasting experiences. To reflect the name, which means ‘olive grove’ in Greek, the restaurant’s setting is a pretty olive garden with panoramic sea views. Food lovers will also be interested in the gastronomy events planned for this summer. Hosted by two Michelin Star chefs, Bjorn Swanson, and Liam Rogers, with the resort’s exemplary chefs by their side, the events will feature stunning menus with seasonal Cretan produce, all expertly cooked and beautifully presented.

About ACRO Suites

ACRO Suites is a 5* luxury boutique resort set on the rocky cliffside of Mononaftis Bay, in Crete, Greece. ‘ACRO’ originates from the ancient Greek word ‘Akros/Akron’ which means ‘on the edge’ – where the wellbeing retreat is built. The property has 49 suites, lofts, and villas with private pools. All suites and villas offer sea views. ACRO Suites is a 20-30 minutes’ drive from Heraklion International Airport. Mononaftis Bay, where the property stands, is in the picturesque area of Agia Pelagia, offering access to beaches, seaside cafes, and restaurants. Ready to embark on an unforgettable wellness journey? Book your stay today at acrosuites.com

Blue

Skies Ahead

Photography by Peter Müller

Photographer|Peter Müller, pem-photography.de, instagram.com/peterulimax instagram.com/petermuellerphoto, 58daylight Studio: instagram.com/58daylightstudio Models|Jordan Hickman- Icemodels icemodels.co.za/future-faces/all/1827641/Jordan-Hickman, Meagan Shehab- Icemodels icemodels.co.za/genetics-models/women/1851257/Meagan-Shehab Sarai Lewis- Icemodels, icemodels.co.za/genetics-models/women/1823770/Sarai-Lewis and Maren Tschinkel, IG: @maren_tschinkel, Styling|Aneeqah Mirza Dresses|Maurice Martinez, maumar.de/#maurice, Makeup|Mariaan Louw, mariaan.com

Jenny and the City

Exclusive Interview with Artist Sona Mirzaei

Interview by Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City Photos courtesy of Sona

Sona Mirzaei is a multi-disciplinary artist from Los Angeles, CA. Sona studied at the Florence Academy of Art and learned many abilities to propel her art career further. She has been featured in the Huffington Post and Miami Living Magazine, Vegas to LA recently as a celebrated artist. Internationally awarded Artist of the Year by the London International Creative Competition in 2014, and by Art for Progress in New York City, and as an LA winner for Scope Art Basel Bombay Gin with Rush Philanthropic and featured artist with Saatchi art gallery as well.

Her body of work include large scale abstract paintings, collage- mixed media, pop art, street art, public art, and sculptures. Sona’s approach to art is culturally rich, bold, daring, while evoking a gentleness. Sona conceptualism is as much street art as poetry, beckoning us with seeming self-help earnestness to “just be you,” “whatever it takes,” “who cares,” and “do epic shit.” But it is in the realm of form-and-color-as-form-and-color that Mirzaei nestles most comfortably – and takes off in many directions. She achieves great depth and contrast with use of her brush work, creating paintings with dynamic layers and texture, manifesting dimensions, liveliness, and joy. Diversity and culture define her work and bridges her outlook on life with the creative expression of many interests that serves to be a motivation and force in her life. Art and color create energy that provokes an emotional reaction that is meaningful and organic to humanity. She says, “without our imaginations, we are nothing”, and this ails Sona every day to create and keep society inspired.

Her work has been widely exhibited throughout California, Art Basel Miami, Saatchi Gallery in London, Dubai, Europe. Including the Asian Civilization Museum of Art in Singapore, Milton Museum in Massachusetts, the Tokyo National Museum of Art in 2019, and most recently with the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in 2021. As well as being featured on TV shows, KTLA News, FOX, Million Dollar Listings on Bravo, The Morning Show, Beverly Hills Housewives, etc., in many magazines, collected by high-profile patrons, executives, and celebrities, in a leading multi-million-dollar homes all over the world! She has corporate sponsorships with Air France, Wells Fargo, The Ritz Carlton, Bombay Gin, etc. for various art projects throughout her career to for these extraordinary creations and achievements.

A statement by Los Angeles based art critic, Peter Frank: “Sona is certainly an artist of our times. She seems almost literally to whip her abstract paintings into shape. The results of her furious brush-wielding are roiled surfaces and foreign materials brought to a sudden, almost revelatory visual coherency, exciting to witness. In Sona works, the painting is the place, the paint is the thing, the thingness of the place is the point. The canvas may be encrusted with paint, but its resulting objecthood is not its prime raison d’être; its space, so much immateriality wrested from so much materiality, is. Neither your eye nor the myriad prominent painterly incidents get lost in the web of infinitude, but they do get untethered. A mark in Mirzaei’s universe is a glowing cipher, a morsel of space dust but a special one, loaded with potential, prepared to do epic shit on the most epic scale.”

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU START PAINTING? I was very expressive as a child and highly interested in art at an early age. My mother knew that I was more into sports and athletically driven. They never pushed art or music too forcefully, but I did well on school assignments, and my passions developed. I started producing artwork around 10 years old when my sister was sick, and that was abstract works. Somewhat like what Damien Hirst produces now with the spin wheels with a blend of Jackson Pollack.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU START PAINTING? I was very expressive as a child and highly interested in art at an early age. My mother knew that I was more into sports and athletically driven. They never pushed art or music too forcefully, but I did well on school assignments, and my passions developed. I started producing artwork around 10 years old when my sister was sick, and that was abstract works. Somewhat like what Damien Hirst produces now with the spin wheels with a blend of Jackson Pollack.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?

I was enamored with Persian, Greek and Roman history- classical art. Later I was exposed about other artists after spending a lot of time in museums while traveling abroad and home. The artists outside of traditional art that made an impression were Rothko, Frankenthaler, Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Cezanne, Pollack, Miro, Motherwell, Warhol, Basquiat, Rodin, Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Rubens, Lawrence, Gainsbourg, etc. I studied their work in art history and I knew that I wanted to be an artist, but how to have my own voice was the mystery to unfold. Time did its job, I guess.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Everyday life inspires me. Working out, playing sports, traveling, creating, culture, cuisines, concerts, music, fashion, reading, learning, cinema, building relationships, humanitarian issues, etc., you name it. It all makes an impact. You never know what can happen in one day that can lead into many lives and creativity.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST AND WHY? Picasso - I love him because you can never get bored with his work. There is something for everyone and in many genres, mediums, colors, and never limited. He painted the way he wanted to, art was treated like a business, and that was always inspiring for me. He was commercial but not like Warhol, he was very passionate about life, and competitive in nature, but with himself overall in his own league. I can relate and see these qualities within myself.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE CITY IN WORLD? Los Angeles is my home which I love, but I also like Manhattan, London, Paris, Tulum, Rome, Barcelona, Miami, Istanbul, and others. It’s very tough to have a favorite when I have so many fond memories everywhere.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT ART SHOW? Everything Now Exhibition is a happy diary of the last few years during the pandemic and post till now. There is a bit of everything from the Word Porn series graffiti with positive uplifting mantras, and the Talking Heads sculptures. My abstracts which are new as well. I had time to create a great new body of work that was different, additions to ongoing series, then also an entire new genre of work art that I had not done since I was in high school. I decided to go back to the basics of what I love art and that started with still-life floral portraitures. My studio is in Malibu with a lot of nature, succulents and wildlife on a nursey, so this is a part of my inspiration – nature. The Papillion series is all about the pursuit of chasing dreams and embracing life, then letting go. Thankfully, all the work flows well together. Butterflies and flowers create a colorful life. This show is all about spring and nature, so that is a prominent theme throughout.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE AN ARTIST? My advice would be to follow your interests in life (as Jeff Koons told me that many years ago) that is forever changing and adapt to those feelings and express it in whatever capacity you see fit. Follow your dreams. I am still going. Don’t give up and Do Epic Shit, my motto! This is a lifetime relationship like golf. Ups and downs. There are no guarantees to absolute success, sales, nor an express way to fame. You must work very hard to achieve success as an artist; this is a business which is surrounded with building and maintaining relationships that can change your life. However, you must stay true to your soul and just be awesomely you!

Social Media: IG: thesonamirzaei

Santorini plendor

Location Imer Villas Santorini, Greece

Photography by Serhii Drobotenko

Model|Olga Kwasniewski Photographer|Serhii Drobotenko, @drobotenko.s Santorini flying dress team|@santorini_flying_dress, santorini-flying-dress.com Assistant|@Angelina_stylist_santorini, Location|Imer Villas Santorini, @imervillas

Gucci Vault Summer

The collection presents an array of styles and aesthetics by young brands as well as by fabled houses possessing decades of history. Eight brands from around the globe including, Agua by Agua Bendita, Connor McKnight, Husbands, Maison Michel, Prounis Jewelry, Rowing Blazers, Vans and Judith Leiber Couture have contributed to the selection that encompasses ready-to-wear, jewelry, shoes, and accessories for women and men curated for everything from carefree seaside getaways and outdoor adventures to the season’s most anticipated formal celebrations and rituals. Created exclusively for Vault, the limited-edition Vault Summer capsule collections will be available at gucci.com

Art Director| Kevin Tekinel & Charles Levai, Director|Harley Weir Photographer|Harley Weir, Make up| Diane Kendal. Hair|Mustafa Yanaz, Model|Sora Choi

Paris Nights

Photography by Peter Müller

Photographer|Peter Müller, pem-photography.de, instagram.com/peterulimax instagram.com/petermuellerphoto, 58daylight Studio: instagram.com/58daylightstudio

Model|Jane Galt, @janegalt, @modelagentgroup

Styling|Greg Alexander, mephistopheles.fr/%C3%A0-propos?lang=en

Styling|Another Stylist|Zhenia @anotherstylist, Dresses|Lena Erziak - lenaerziak.com

Makeup|Nina Gräser, ng-makeupartist.com

HALLE BAILEY WEARS EMERGING AMERICAN DESIGNER, MICHAEL FAUSTO, PERFORMING “PART OF YOUR WORLD” ON AMERICAN IDOL

(Disneyland) - Michael Fausto is pleased to announce that actress, Halle Bailey, wore a custom Michael Fausto gown that was seen during her incredible performance of “Part of Your World”, on American Idol’s Disney Night. Additionally, Fausto worked closely with Disney’s creative team, crafting a fantastical set which centered around the mermaid-like gown while cast against the illuminated Sleeping Beauty Castle. Developed exclusively for Ms. Bailey, this custom made ‘‘Aphrodite Gown’ is an exuberant burst of vibrant oceanic blue, cut in a lustrous Italian silk zibeline. The silhouette is reminiscent of the iconic Little Mermaid scene, during “Part of Your World (Reprise)”, where Ariel is singing on the rocks while waves crash behind her. Echoing this moment, the dramatic scallop shell draping envelopes the body and cascades into a trumpet silhouette and grandiose platform. Michael Fausto would like to thank the creative teams at Disney and stylist, Nichole Good, for the exciting opportunity to create this look as well as several others for Halle Bailey to wear throughout The Little Mermaid press tour.

ABOUT MICHAEL FAUSTO

After graduating from The Fashion Institute of Technology and training in the ateliers of luxury designers throughout New York, Michael Fausto launched his eponymous collection in 2019, at the age of twenty-five. Inspired by the convergence of myth & modernity, his designs are meant to cater to the modern heroine. Along with collaborations hosted by The Baccarat Hotel as well as luxury silversmith, Christofle, Michael Fausto has been featured in publications such as WWD, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and was showcased on The Tamron Hall Show as part of its “Up and Coming Designer” series. Seen on red carpets such as The Oscars and the CMA Awards, his creations have been worn by celebrities including Laverne Cox, Christine Quinn, and Mj Rodriguez.

Social Media: Instagram: michael_fausto, michaelfausto.com

Dream Products

Inspiration for Life

list products you can’t live without. Gladys Magazine

SUZY LEVIAN

Suzy Levian Launches the “Hue Harmony Collection,” Featuring Vibrant, Empowering Jewelry on HSN. HSN is offering an exclusive new Suzy Levian jewelry collection, Hue Harmony, which celebrates one’s own milestones. hsn.com, suzylevian.com

JENNY LAUREN JEWELRY

Soft Dreamy Necklace with Mesmerizing Lollipop Blue Pendant Jade, Glass, Glass Pendant, 14k Gold S-Hook Clasp

Length: 17” Pendant Size: 2”x2”

Price: $375 jennylaurenjewelry.com

CHINESE LAUNDRY

We’ve had our feet in the shoe industry for over fifty years. Since we started in 1971, we’ve remained dedicated to creating trendsetting shoes for people from every walk of life, and have been able to watch our family company grow from a small manufacturer to a globally-recognized fashion house. Eventually, we expanded into the three unique brands of the Laundry Club: Chinese Laundry, CL By Laundry, and Dirty Laundry, as well as our fourth luxury-footwear brand, 42 Gold. It’s been our pleasure to keep you well-heeled through every step of your evolution. chineselaundry.com

The Jewel Box

Discover something shiny + new with these bold + colorful pieces! All eyes will be on YOU!

OMÈ

Eri Bracelet Ancient Pink ome-ome.com

EFFY

Yellow Gold Blue Topaz, Tuquoise and Diamond Pendant effyjewelry.com

HULCHI BELLUNI hulchibelluni.com

EFFY

Classique 14K White Gold Diamond Bangle effyjewelry.com

EFFY

14K Rose Gold Amythest and Diamond Ring effyjewelry.com

EFFY

Watercolors 14K Gold Ruby and Multi Sapphire Butterfly Pendant effyjewelry.com

DEL POZZO JEWELRY

14k yellow gold, anodized silver Bee delpozzojewelry.luxury

HULCHI BELLUNI hulchibelluni.com

EFFY

14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz, Tuquoise and Diamond Ring effyjewelry.com

HULCHI BELLUNI hulchibelluni.com

EFFY

14K Rose Gold Diamond and Multi Stone Butterfly Ring effyjewelry.com

Olga

On Location Imer Villas Santorini, Greece

Olga Kwasniewski is a serial entrepreneur, who launched successful businesses in the restaurant and cosmetic industries. She is the recipient of the world prestigious business award “ Stevie’s Award” as a silver medalist in the category “ Female Entrepreneur of the Year” and a bronze medalist in the category “ Best Workplace Run by Female”. Olga is known as a philanthropist who has organized and raised significant funds during fashion events for non-profit organizations.

Model|Olga Kwasniewski, Photographer|Serhii Drobotenko, @drobotenko.s, Santorini flying dress team|@santorini_flying_dress,, santorini-flying-dress.com, Assistant|@Angelina_stylist_santorini, Location|Imer Villas Santorini, @imervillas

Social Media: FB: Olga Konstanzia IG: Olga_Konstanzia

Pegasus Suite Spa elevates your dream vacation in SANTORINI

By Associate Director of Fashion North East Coast, Olga Kwasniewski

Santorini is a word that has an instant picture in billions of people’s minds: Snow White caved style houses and heavenly blue domes. Millions of visitors arrive each year to glimpse at its jaw-dropping landscapes and cobalt seas. The island itself is a stunner. It’s a breathtaking amphitheater of cliffs that was once a volcano. The heart of Santorini is caldera. The one time tip of the volcanic dome, it’s now a flooded bay of sky blue Aegean Sea, dotted with tiny islands and one the most majestic sunsets in the world. Santorini is known for its juxtaposition of rugged landscapes and quaint Greek villages. The latter drift like wisps of smoke along the edge of the island’s great volcanic rim. Most showcase the classic cubist style of the Aegean, with square-cut adobe walls that are painted in a perfect white. Perhaps the most gorgeous of the lot is the small settlement of Oia. Simply sitting and watching the ferry from Athens to Santorini drift in and out of the bay, or the sunset glowing orangey-red across the peaks, is one of the island’s top (not to mention most romantic) treats.

One of the must-see places in Santorini is Ammoudi Bay that hosts a small Greek port and harbor. Its history goes back some centuries, to when Santorini was a largely unknown speck on the Mediterranean map. So, expect time-stood-still fishing cottages and paint-peeling fishing skiffs, all bolstered by a few of the island’s most acclaimed seafood tavernas – if you want to eat there I recommend Sunset in Ammoudi Tavern.

Anyone wondering what to do in Santorini can’t go wrong if they plot a course to the enchanting capital of Fira. Steeped in history and looking downright gorgeous thanks to a caldera-top setting and cubist Greek tavernas aplenty, it’s an amazing place to get stuck into the history, hertiage, and lived-in vibes of the isle.

Santorini could one day be buried under a layer of ash once more. But for now – as visitors enjoy another stunning sunset over a glass of assyrtiko –the volcano keeps quiet. Choosing a stay at Santorini is not an easy task although hundreds of resorts and hotels of different levels of accommodation are available to satisfy a wide range of tourists. After a closer review of plethora of beautiful locations, our ultimate choice was Pegasus Suites and Spa. Let us to take to this world of excellence of hospitality . This hotel offers the perfect combination of relaxation and natural beauty. A cobblestone path will lead you from the hotel to Fira, where you can take in views of the volcano and dazzling waters of the sea.

Laze your days away by the pool, enjoying panoramic views of the caldera under the warm Aegean sun. Experience the true meaning of island-living, take it slow and spend some time letting your mind and body breathe easy.

The spa can help you with this – from heavenly therapies to an indoor heated pool, you’ll be at peace in the spa’s blissful ambience. Indulge in an gourmet breakfast buffet to start the day. Breakfast items are changing daily and it’s always a pleasant surprise to try new and traditional delights of Greek cuisine. Later, experience only the finest dining with flavours from all the Greek islands combined under one roof. Traditional Greek dishes are interpreted with contemporary flair by the hotel’s skilled chefs. And the ‘Under the Stars’ restaurant stays true to its name – this open-air dining spot is perfect for a romantic dinner under the stars. You can take romance a step further by booking a candlelit dinner on your private balcony, at your request.

The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly that you feeling like a family, every time they serve you. Our server, Daniel Braho was amazing in every aspect of taking care of our dining experience. From room service to table service at the restaurant.

The stay at Pegasus Suites and Spa could not be more delightful without the unbelievable assistance of Maria Panouklia, from-desk guest relationship coordinator. She was like a magical fairy who would solve any problems the guest would have from advising the great spot to visit to ordering taxi in an instance. She is an amazing tour guide of the resort and is always elevating guests’ accommodation. A private shopping experience at signature Pegasus boutique was unforgettable. Maria is very knowledgeable about Greek fashion designers and the fashion scene .

There’s no place quite like this. Set over the cliffs and blending beautifully into the backdrop of Santorini, Pegasus Suites and Spa is the enchanting island destination of your dreams. pegasussuites.com

Maria Panouklia, front desk /guest relationship

Daniel Braho, a server of Pegasus suite spa restaurant Jetset ladys G

Breakfast on a private terrace

Olga Kwasniewski on a private terrace with “Gladys “ magazine

Private jacuzzi in a suite

Boutique at Pegasus suite spa

Ahmoudi bay at red beach

Summer

Jewerly by Hulchi Belluni hulchibelluni.com

Costa Rican Fashion

Written by Juan José Jiménez Granados. Images by Chalo García

Festival

Location: Hotel Barceló San José, Costa Rica, Event Hair and Makeup: IECSA

On April 21 and 22, the first version of the Costa Rican Fashion Festival was held at the Barceló San José Hotel, the perfect place for this activity in the city of San José, Costa Rica. International photographer Chalo García and fashion industry specialist Juan José Jiménez, both with extensive experience, created FCRModa, aimed at textile entrepreneurs and fashion designers in Costa Rica.

THE EVENT FEATURED THREE PROGRAMS:

FASHION DESIGN WORKSHOPS - With topics presented by national and international experts, ranging from the consolidation of companies, sustainable fashion, value-added production, rather than the production of “fast fashion” in volume. Up to technical issues of improvement in the manufacture and finishing of the final product.

FASHION MARKET - The Fashion Market was an exhibition that showcased products of the designers and brands that participated in the Fashion Runways. There was also a wonderful exhibition on Sustainable Fashion presented by the National Learning Institute of Costa Rica-INA.

RUNWAY PROGRAM - The Fashion Runway program presented Costa Rican Fashion Designers and international guests.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21 7P.M

FCRModa

Marcelo Leiva - Marcelo Leiva, despite his youth, is perhaps one of the most established designers in Costa Rica, with extensive national and international experience, with excellent finishes and always up to date with international trends. On this occasion he presented a fabulous collection of swimsuits for men and elegant beachwear, complemented by beautiful accessories, where it is worth mentioning the swimsuits and transparencies in the “Kimono” style.

Brisa Hernandez (Nicaragua) - Brisa Hernandez is a young Nicaraguan designer, who closed the opening night of the Costa Rican Fashion Festival. Her brand is just celebrating its 10th anniversary in the market. This time she presented a collection called “Wild Street”, a “Cruise” collection composed of 15 outfits for men and women where linens in natural tones prevailed, in addition to yellows and greens with inserts of black and blue fabrics to create textures. Her proposal is youthful and avant-garde.

Fashion Workshops

Red Point Textiles

Red Point is a Costa Rican brand with more than 75 years in the market. This company produces: socks for all ages and needs, men’s intimate apparel, T-shirts and novelty pajamas in beautiful colors, textures and design.

Michelle Morgan- She is a young Costa Rican designer graduated from the National Learning Institute who presented a resort style collection that combined women’s swimwear, casual summer attire to cocktail and gala wear. Glitter characterized this collection.

Abelardo Castini - Abelardo Castini is a young and talented Costa Rican designer from the National Technical School. He presented a collection inspired by beta fish, where the colors of the palette prevailed in shades of pink to red. Abelardo bets on an active, elegant, sexy and professional woman. His collection is full of glamorous and romantic details. The designer is currently looking for commercial partners for the development of his brand on an industrial level.

4 Elements - 4 Elementos is a brand that starts the development process under its creator Silvia Rodriguez. The source of inspiration is the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. She presented very elaborate costumes, some of them embroidered with crystals completely by hand.

4 Elements

Designer: Abelardo Castini Model: Ariana-Chacon

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 3P.M FLOR BIKINIS (CHILE)

The experienced Chilean designer Isabel Ramirez, reinvents herself in her new brand “Flor Bikinis”. A beautiful swimwear line and beach outfits, complemented with summer clothing designed for a woman who likes summer, the beach and outdoor activities but wants to look elegant and very fashionable. Gold and copper tones predominated with some floral prints.

Tony Pineda (México)

Tony Pineda is a Mexican designer of fine silver and gold jewelry and accessories that follows a long tradition from her family and her native Taxco. From circular and volumetric creations, to subtle accessories full of fine details and complex workmanship, especially very fine fabrics and filigree. Her parade showed wonderful handmade pieces, totally handmade on tunics in pink-aqua tones that served as a frame for the showcasing of her wonderful creations. Pectorals, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and earrings completed this wonderful display of the Mexican woman.

Joy by Amanda Moncada

Joy is a celebration of life, color and the elegance of women.It is the line created by entrepreneur Amanda Moncada, who has decades of experience in the world of national fashion. Joy has the particularity of going from casual to gala. With a predominance of green and pink tones and beautiful prints.

Luxux Di, Antonio Salazar (Nicaragua)

The renowned Nicaraguan designer Antonio Salazar, presented his collection “Fever”. His proposal is full of romanticism and sensuality, fine details and finishes where floral prints prevail over transparencies. Mostly cocktail to gala suits, very contemporary, designed for a timeless woman, who highlights her figure and beauty. With a strong European influence in his design, Antonio is a tireless lover of design and fashion in his native Managua,

Designer: Isabel Ramirez/Flor Bikinis

Model: Maria-Jose-Poltronieri

Designer: Isas Novias

Model: Melania-Cedeno

Isas Novias y Quinceaños

The fashion designer Isa Rodriguez has a long family experience in making wedding dresses, bridesmaids, graduation and quinceañeras. Her fashion show creatively showcased all these facets, complemented by fine tiaras, accessories, lighting effects and spectacular accessories.

Designer: Luxux Di Model: Jissell Rivera

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 7P.M FANTASTIC MAKEUP

Master Makeup Artist Natalia Montoya presented 5 super elaborate make-up proposals, from the tradition of the catrinas to fantastic beings in the 3D technique.

ZEJI

The young Costa Rican designer Mario Lynx, presented a wonderful mixed collection of very Avant Gard clothing in tones ranging from subtle straw to strong shades of yellow and pink. Where volumes, accessories and footwear, create very complete and well finished pieces.

Mario is a scenic artist coming from theater and dance who has then successfully ventured into fashion design, so his works have drama, romanticism but are absolutely possible for everyday use. His collection was framed by a beautiful performance by two contemporary dancers and a cellist who linked the introductory performance with the runway.

Designer: Brisa Hernandez

Model: Linda Avila

TEXTIL SECÚ

Fernando Rojas is an experienced tailor with a long trajectory in national and international companies, creator of his brand Textil Secú. Rojas presented a collection that ranged from men’s swimsuits under the sublimation technique, to modern creations of women’s and men’s blazers in a predominantly pink tone to prints under the sublimation technique with comic and news elements.

TERRA FIRME

The experienced Costa Rican designer Marielena Alfaro, presented a collection that was characterized by elegance and perfect finishes. This collection was full of color with prevalence of green tones and volumetric floral prints that undoubtedly evoke the Costa Rican tropical rainforest in all its splendor.

A fresh, elegant and very Latin proposal complemented with accessories or bio-jewelry in biodegradable and natural materials created by the young designer Kris Chaverri daughter of Mrs. Marielena Alfaro. Marielena offers timeless fashion designed for women of all ages.

Make up by makeup artist Natalia Montoya

Designer: Textil Secu Model: Alejandro Elizondo

Terra Firme

Zeji

KASANDRA FARRIER- Kasandra Farrier is a young and experienced Costa Rican designer with a lot of national and international experience who is committed to Haute Couture. Her collection GAIA, seeks to connect the empowered woman, lover of fashion and elegance with Mother Earth. Exquisite pieces finely elaborated with very fine fabrics where greens, pink and prints prevailed, unique pieces designed for adult women full of exoticism and subtle sensuality. Her proposal is consistent with the care of nature, therefore, all waste from her workshop is reused to develop other pieces and accessories.

SEED Clothes

Andrés Serrano is a young and very talented Costa Rican designer specialized in tailoring, who has overturned the traditional paradigms of conventional tailoring and traditional shirting, giving it his own stamp and a series of characteristics that make it contemporary designs designed for a modern man who likes fashion. His proposal was integrated by a series of out fits within the resort line very suitable for those who live in this tropical climate or for the tourist who visits us. Shorts, geometric print shirts with prevalence of yellow, blue, brown and carmelite tones, to pants and blazers ideal for the executive or for executive and gala events.

ALINE MORENO - The experienced Mexican designer Aline Moreno closed this first edition of the Costa Rican Fashion Festival. Her proposal, called “Guerreras”, rightly suggests a modern, strong, powerful woman.

With a strong Rock and Roll influence, the bias skirts prevail in black transparencies and with very contemporary embroidery that evoke the rich tradition of embroidery in Mexico with the constant presence of the heart theme which adds a certain romanticism to her warriors. Interesting headdresses, colorful accessories and shoes make Aline Moreno’s proposals a complete experience, where black and yellow tones and transparencies are the constant.

This event also served as a cultural platform where we had live music with Nava Sax, and singers such as Rowena Scott as well as the participation of the Ballet of Costa Rica and its principal dancers.

Don’t miss out on its 2024 version, which will take place March 8th, 9th and 10th at the Barceló San José Hotel. All details at fcrmoda.com Welcome to Costa Rica!

Designer: Aline Moreno Model: Daniela-Lopez

Designer: Kasandra-Farrier Model: Glenda-Parker

SEED Clothes

A SOUTH FORK IN THE ROAD Dine, Slumber and Splurge in The Hamptons

by Karen Holly Berliner

The approach to East Hampton from NY-27 E onto Main Street toward Amagansett begins with a picturesque long pond, flanked by historical inns and offering a bounty of boutiques, top notch restaurants and of course, the proverbial landmark windmill or two.

Marc Miller, who handles operations, complete the Miller family dream team.Custom designed and built by Adam Miller, the space itself is resplendent with Oaxacan textiles and vibrant pieces of pottery, enhancing its authentic vibe. The indoor dining room features an inviting bar and dining tables, leading directly out to a back patio with indigenous plants, Adirondack chairs and white picnic tables sitting on a bed of sand and beneath a canopy of vintage yellow umbrellas. This array all merged together, has you whooshed off to a Western Caribbean beach. A bonfire surrounded by matching beach chairs, allow guests to sip and dine in the atmosphere beyond a sit down dinner. Rita Cantina’s menu pays homage to Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on local offerings, from farm and water in Gardiner’s Bay and beyond. With a menu that features a range of ceviches, quesadillas, tacos, slow-cooked dishes and large plates, every palate is satisfied. Signature dishes such as the local littleneck clams with chorizo, serrano and tecate or the seafood ceviche with fluke, scallop, squid, shrimp, habanero and pomegranate are winning choices among others. Large plates, like the Local Market Catch offers a whole fish roasted with citrus is both aesthetically pleasing and flavorful. Why not pair with a refreshing cocktail mixed with tequilas or mezcal such as the Horchata Colada with rum blend, house-made and dairy-free horchata and pineapple? Frozen and original Margaritas hit the spot anytime. The tres leches cake with strawberries and passion fruit completes the meal with finesse. ritacantinahamptons.com

RITA CANTINA

Located in Springs, this modern Mexican Cantina features seasoned and renowned East Hampton Chef Eric Miller, known for his prior successful restaurants such as Bay Kitchen Bar. His partners Adam Miller, who is behind Rita Cantina’s creative and mindfully curated bar program and

EHP Resort & Marina

Rita Cantina

Rita Cantina

EHP RESORT & MARINA

This Hamptons landmark underwent a multi-million-dollar transformation and reopened as EHP Resort & Marina. Featuring a contemporary Mediterranean vibe, this sprawling waterfront property offers open-air dining, private accommodations, curated activities and more. Historic exteriors blended with contemporary interiors make for stylish and comfortable cottages and suites. Most suites and cottages feature private balconies, backyards or decks, spacious living areas, a fully equipped wetbar or kitchenette. Resort amenities and activities include a tennis court, a swimming pool, a state of the art fitness center, complimentary bikes for venturing out and a wellness/fitness calendar with classes such as yoga. Helmed by Executive Chef Dane Sayles, EHP offers 3 individual eateries. Sí Sí’s signature paella, roasted striped bass and bucatini verde with lobster are popular choices among so many other menu items. Sunset Harbor offers a range of shareable American fare including feature items such as shrimp scampi topped with fresh crab and signature sushi rolls. Buongiorno, their Italian bakery and espresso bar, presents a variety of light morning bites and rich coffee blends by the cup, with a select stock of imported Italian goods for purchase. With two full-service marinas, EHP accommodates the yachting community to dock. EHP’s marina, located on Three Mile Harbor accommodates boats from 25ft to 120ft across 58 slips, with professional dockhands in season to assist while the affiliated Shagwong Marina about a half mile from EHP, accommodates boats from 25ft to 45ft across 40 slips, with professional dockhands on staff in season as well. Exclusive membership packages allow for added amenities throughout the summer season. ehpresort.com

EL TURCO AND CHEF GUNEY

El Turco is located close to the heart of East Hampton at 44 Three Mile Harbor Road. El Turco offers a unique dining experience in the Hamptons. Every aspect of each course is rooted with the uniqueness of the incredible dishes paired with unique Turkish ingredients and flavor notes. The offerings are presented with wine pairings and cocktails to elevate the dining experience. Guests experience a remarkable level of professional and warm service infused with Turkish cultural values of hospitality. An eclectic range of live entertainment & curated music are featured as guests enjoy food and drinks. Whether already a devoted Miami patron who is Out East on vacation or a visitor from New York, everyone who visits falls in love with the Turkish hospitality of El Turco. El Turco has proudly created a chef’s tasting experience of Turkish food showcasing the grand tastes and traditional expressions of the rich cultural heritage mixed with a contemporary nod to bold flavors. Each dish on the menu is based on classic Turkish recipes, reimagined by the culinary team lead by Mr. Yuzbasioglu and talented Executive Chef Guney with some dishes originating from the Aegean and Anatolian part of Turkey, as well as special select dishes from the Mediterranean and South-Eastern region.

Dishes include Armenian style Pilaki or classic mains such as Ali Nazik Kebab - a smoked pureed eggplant topped with cubes of sautéed lamb. The menu also features a variety of summer salads and avariety of delightful small plates such as Manti - small beef dumplings topped with garlic yogurt, sumac and dry mint. El Turco catering is offering traditional Turkish Cuisine delivered to your home as well as take-out options including convenient delivery by UberEats. Chef Meze will offer divinely scrumptious menus and white-glove service for all types of parties and affairs throughout the region. Be it weddings or anniversaries, special birthdays, fundraisers or beyond, this highly anticipated catering company will produce top-notch events showcasing their culinary creations while providing the highest level of service and hospitality.

elturcoturkishfood.com/EAST-HAMPTON/

EHP Resort Pool

EHP Resort Cottage Interior

BOSTWICKS CHOWDER HOUSE

Somethings are better left alone. Bostwick’s in East Hampton is a perfect example of this as their classic menu has returned this season, with favorites such as baked stuffed clams, seared tuna seaweed salad, pickled ginger and spicy Asian and wasabi sauces or the beloved Raw Bar Sampler here, served in its simple perfection, featuring three oysters, three clams and three shrimp, cocktail style. Homemade chowders and soups such as the lobster bisque continue to be popular. Local fluke Milanese sautéed with a panko crust and topped with baby arugula, tomatoes and onions, tossed with lemon vinaigrette is fresh and tasty. Sautéed crab cakes with remoulade sauce, vegetables and rice or a potato is consistently delicious. Tuna poke bowl with rice and a flavorful mango salsa, edamame, cucumbers, pickled ginger, wasabi cucumber sauce and sesame seeds, surpasses the ordinary poke bowl. bostwickschowderhouse.com

THE MILLHOUSE INN

This boutique destination inn is open year-round. With 10 rooms and suites, each beautifully, yet individually designed and some with a fireplace, it lends for the perfect Hamptons getaway. Prepare to soak in a claw-footed tub and take in the faint occasional sound of a train passing through, an unexpected charming lullaby. Mornings here are about breakfast, as the menu offers a variety of tasty and inventive choices. A signature dish is blueberry pancakes, fluffy and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. A new menu item along with other sandwich choices is the pair of Montauk lobster rolls; traditional soft and tasty buns, celery, mayonnaise, heirloom tomato salad and baby greens with a sherry vinaigrette. The coffees and teas are offered with great pride and expertise. Enjoy anything from a boutique blend tea thanks to palais des thés paristo, to an extra strong and rich cup of coffee by Baby’s Coffee such as la tasse Cajun as the menu playfully invites you to “watch your spoon stand up all on its own”.

millhouseinn.com

Photography by Eric Striffler

WOMEN of ACHIEVEMENT Gladys WOA

The mission of our GLADYS Women of Achievement is to recognize extraordinary women throughout the world. Our Women of Achievement for 2023 are SuperStars who pay it forward in their community through speaking, non-profit work, performing, Arts, education and entrepreneurship. We honor you and are inspired by you and we thank you for being role models to so many!

Shannon Patrick

Kennedy Walls

Angela Emery

Kandi Burrus

Haley Michelle

Tina Rush

Meg Libby

Tanya Newbould

Autumn Kinkade

Tara Nicole Hughes

Katie Marie McNamee

Arielle Spring

Leslie Means

Loren Escandón

Gabby Barrett

Taisyn Crutchfield

Kirsten Gackowski

Tamekia Powell

Megan Moroney

from left to right

Shannon Patrick

Occupation: Ms. West Virginia Curvy Plus Universal Global 2023

Social Media: IG: @vividluxuryllc

FB: Ms. West Virginia Curvy Plus Universal Global Shannon Patrick is the owner of Vivid Luxury LLC and is West Virginia’s first ever Curvy Plus queen. Her life’s mission, Tammy’s Purpose, is about P.O.T.S Awareness and the importance of women’s health advocacy.

Kennedy Walls

Occupation: Massage Therapist/Certified Personal Trainer

Known For: My platform, PRs in Pink: Giving Busy Moms Access to Fitness & Well-being Content that is Helpful & Easily Digestible Without a Financial Commitment.

Social Media: IG: @keepingitkennedy_2.0_ , FB: Kennedy Walls

WOA

Angela Emery

Occupation: Buyer Specialist - Realtor ® / Founder & President of Trauma to Triumph Inc.

Social Media: IG: angela_emery_portland_realtor facebook.com/angela.marie.emery facebook.com/AgentEmery

Angela Emery is a Buyer Specialist & Realtor ® licensed in the state of Maine, focusing her business in the Greater Portland area. Her number one priority is her clients and making sure with each transaction she is delivering top-notch results. She is also the Founder and President of a non-profit, Trauma to Triumph, Inc. Her non-profit is designed to help people thrive after domestic violence. Trauma to Triumph Inc. partners with local organizations during the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to help raise funds that support survivors of domestic violence. Her non-profit also partners with other organizations during the holidays, raising donations, to help make holidays happen for families who otherwise could not afford to do so. Angela’s goal is to set aside a portion of her commissions from each home she sells to establish a fund in which proceeds will go to help survivors of abuse. Angela is driven to make a difference in her community.

WOMEN of ACHIEVEMENT

WOA

Kandi Burruss

Known for: RHOA, Social Media: Instagram: @kandi

RHOA Kandi Burruss stars on the critically acclaimed Showtime series, The Chi. She is also starring opposite Snoop Dogg in the MGM film for Amazon, Underdoggs and Pretty Stoned for Paramount Plus. She will join Ala Carte for season 2 on ALLBLK and will return to her 14th season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta (#1 Show on Bravo). She has been nominated for a People’s Choice Award the last two years and is currently nominated for an NAACP Award. Kandi was the first female winner of the Masked Singer on Fox. In 2018 Kandi starred on Broadway as “Mama” Morton in Chicago. She is currently producing the critically-acclaimed broadway play The Piano Lesson, from Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson, starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks. Kandi recently launched her new podcast Kandi Coated Live on AMP, which is currently featured on a billboard in Time Square.

Kandi is a Grammy Award winner and recipient of the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award and has written hit songs for Pink, Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, NSync, Mariah Carey, Usher, Alicia Keys, Boys II Men, and TLC. Kandi is a founding member of the chart topping girl group Xscape. Kandi’s passion for championing women underlies her foundation, Kandi Cares, which supports single parents and kids who are the product of single-parent homes. Her latest venture, Beautiful Bosses, is a web platform where women can network and promote their businesses. Kandi was recently named to Ebony magazine’s 2022 Power 100 list (Entertainment Powerhouse)

Kandi Burruss wearing: dress|Sergio Hudson, Hair|@sewjodie, MUA|@taetv Nails|@imnails, Accessories|styled by @ryanisstyle, Shoes|YSL

Haley Michelle

Known for: Paranormal Princess

Social Media: Tiktok & Instagram - @misshaleymichelle

I’m Haley Michelle and I’m known as the Paranormal Princess. I’m a psychic medium, paranormal investigator and I own and perform in a party princess company called Royal Wishes .

Kara Pulfer Photography

Tina Rush

Occupation: Owner/Designer, North Fork Jewelry Design

Social Media: FB: @northforkjewelry IG: @northforkjewelrydesign, northforkjewelrydesign.com

Meg Libby

Occupation: Domestic Abuse Advocate, motivational speaker

Social Media: IG @meg4maine

Tanya Newbould

Occupation: Life Transformation Strategist, Speaker and Coach

Social Media: @tanyanewbould, @sozoheart @delpozzojewelry

Autumn Kinkade

Occupation: Speaker/Ordained Minister

Social Media: FB: Autumn Kinkade, Website: AutumnKinkade.com

Tara Nicole Hughes

Known for: Co-choreographer of The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins Returns

Social Media: instagram.com/taranicolehughes?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Tara Nicole Hughes is a creative force. She has collaborated as a choreographer on iconic musical films including Danny Collins, Nine, Burlesque, Mary Poppins Returns, Joker 2 and most recently the Disney live action The Little Mermaid. Tara continues to enjoy a two decade long collaboration with luminary director Rob Marshall crafting some of the most beloved movie musical moments of all time and is a recipient of the World Choreography Award. She has had an illustrious career that has taken her from the Broadway stage (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) to film and television screens, with over 40 credits to her name, to concert arenas and world tours with Pharrell and Cher. As a movement coach, Tara has worked with brilliant artists including Joaquin Phoenix, Daniel Day Lewis, Nicole Kidman and Emily Blunt. Among a long list of choreographic credits for TV and film projects, her work has appeared on Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and The American Music Awards.

Norike Photography

Photo by Tanya Newbould

WOA

Arielle Spring

Occupation Life & Health Coach & Author of When Birds Sing: My Journey from Trauma to Triumph

Social Media: IG: .instagram.com/ariellespringauthor/ FB: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083006238902

Arielle Spring, author of When Birds Sing: My Journey from Trauma to Triumph, is a living example of a phoenix rising. Her idyllic life spiraled out of control for over 20 years due to experiencing many traumas. In her darkest moment, she saw a light to freedom and began her ascent to wholeness. Spring’s openness, insight, and warm empathetic heart has inspired her to share her story. A health and life coach, Arielle also has served as a group facilitator for abuse and trauma victims. ariellespring.net

Leslie Means

Occupation: Bestselling Author Leslie Means

Social Media: @herviewfromhome, Website: Herviewfromhome.com

Former TV anchor and mom of 3, Leslie Means is the compassionate author of the #1 Bestselling Motherhood book on Amazon titled So God Made a Mother. Leslie Means had quite a few stories to share after having children. She began writing about her children online at her website Herviewfromhome.com (2.5+ million monthly readers) in 2016. The website took off, other mothers contributed their stories and Leslie decided to gather the stories in her new book, So God Made a Mother: Tender, Proud, Strong, Faithful, Known, Beautiful, Worthy, and Unforgettable--Just Like You

Loren Escandón

Occupation: award-winning Filmmaker & Actress

Social Media: @lorenescandon across all platforms

Loren Escandón, an award-winning Afro-Latina actress and filmmaker, has made a significant impact in both the world of acting and directing. Hailing from Cali, Colombia, Loren’s artistic journey began with ballet, igniting her passion for storytelling and acting. After completing her degree in Theater at the Universidad del Valle, she embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue her dreams. In a short span of time, Loren has left an indelible mark with her compelling performances, appearing in prominent series such as MGM’s The Baxters, CW’s The Messengers, Fox’s 9-1-1, Netflix’s Gentefied, CBS’s S.W.A.T, ABC Studio’s For the People, Netflix’s Selena: The Series, and Apple TV+’s Truth Be Told to name a few. She can best be recognized for her role as Marisol in Netflix’s hit 2022 summer film, Purple Hearts, and most recently for her new Freevee series, Casa Grande. Her talent and versatility have captivated audiences across different platforms, showcasing her range as an actress. With her talent, dedication, and commitment to her craft, she continues to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating her future projects.

Photography|Paula

Neves

Photo| ArielleSpring.net

Bronwyn Gillespie Photography & Design

WOMEN of ACHIEVEMENT Gladys

WOA

Gabby Barrett

Occupation: Singer/Entertainer

Social Media: IG: gabbybarrett_, FB: Gabby Barrett YouTube: @gabbybarrett, gabbybarrett.com

Warner Music Nashville’s MULTI-PLATINUM star Gabby Barrett continues to prove herself to be an unstoppable force in Country music. Surpassing 2.6 BILLION global career streams, the powerhouse vocalist’s PLATINUM single “Pick Me Up” off the DELUXE version of her top-streaming PLATINUM album, GOLDMINE, follows mega breakout 7X PLATINUM “I Hope”; 4-week Hot AC #1 crossover “I Hope (feat. Charlie Puth)”; and 3X PLATINUM three-week #1 “The Good Ones.” Ruling the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for a record-breaking 27 weeks, “I Hope” was the first debut single by a solo female artist to top the Country radio charts since 2017 and made her the youngest artist with a #1 debut at Country radio in over two decades. Tallying major accolades like Billboard Women in Music 2022’s Rising Star Award, 2021 CMT Artists of the Year, and the iHeartRadio Titanium Award, plus nods from ACM, AMA, Billboard, CMA, CMT, and iHeartRadio. A dynamic entertainer, Barrett has also co-hosted the ACM Awards and CMA Country Christmas. Returning to the road this summer on select dates with Kane Brown, she’s supported Jason Aldean and Brooks & Dunn.

WOA

Taisyn Crutchfield

Occupation: Police Officer

Social Media: @taisyntainea

My name is Taisyn Crutchfield and I am a police officer in the state of California. As a woman of color and representing minorities in law enforcement, patrolling and protecting the community has always been my dream. Now that I get to live up to my dream, I want women across the world to know that it doesn’t matter what color, size, or shape you are, to always go after your dreams! As a former track and field athlete and national champion, giving back to my city holds a special place in my heart. As a track and field coach and police officer, I hope to aspire women and young girls to chase their dreams and never stop even when the answer is “No.”

Photographer|Georgina Vaughan

Kirsten Gackowski

Occupation: Deputy Sheriff

Social Media: FB: Kirsten Gackowski IG: @kirsten.gackowski

Hi everyone, my name is Kirsten Gackowski and I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. I’ve grown up being raised with the concept that I could do anything that I wanted to do so long as I put my mind to it and worked hard. “Sweat Equity” is something that my Mom had always told me. Which means that if you put hard work into something, you’ll reap the benefits of your hard work in the end. Armed with these concepts in mind, I’ve gone on to use these concepts and mold them into a platform to help inspire young women.

A little bit about me, I am very passionate about health and fitness, and I currently train in Powerlifting, which is a rigorous strength-training style of weight lifting. Powerlifting has really amplified my fitness and workout routine, and it has helped me to be in the best shape that I can be in. I also play Classical Piano. I am self-taught and play by ear. When I was in my Sophomore Year of High School, I was told by a Music Professor at a University who specialized in Composition and Music Theory (who was my private Music Instructor at that time), that I had what was known as “Absolute Pitch Disorder”, otherwise known as “Perfect Pitch”. :) Essentially, I am able to hear sounds and tones in “absolutes”, which was how I was able to master difficult classical pieces within a matter of 1 to 2 weeks. These were considered to be pieces that, according to the Professor, would take classically trained pianists months to master. I believe that music is the color of life. It is able to express things when words can’t, and it transcends both culture and language. You can have a room full of people from different places and cultures who perhaps, speak different languages or can’t communicate with each other, and it can still evoke the same emotions and feelings in everyone. I also like to Crochet sometimes too. My Nana had taught me how to Crochet when I was young and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. What I love about all of my hobbies is that they are also great for stress relief.

I’m a professional agency-represented fashion model, and I am currently signed in Illinois, Michigan, and New York. I have previously been signed in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Miami Beach. Getting into the modeling industry has shown and taught me so much about not only fashion, but also about the world. It is truly a mixed bag of extremely creative individuals. Being able to see their concepts and ideas come to life is an amazing process to be a part of, and I feel so blessed and so grateful that I was given the opportunity to be a part of the industry. Being a proud mixed kid, and me being “ethnically ambiguous” (as my modeling agents/ agencies say), has allowed me to work with a wide variety of very wellknown major brands and clients. Celebrating diversity is something that is important to me because I, myself, am a diverse person. I am part Japanese, Pacific Islander, Filipino, Spaniard, French, English, Polish and Sicilian. I’m also a 4.0 GPA student at Purdue University, and I am slated to graduate Summa Cum Laude. I am also part of 7 different Honors Societies. I am part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), Golden Key International Honors Society, Alpha Beta Kappa Honors Society, Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honors Society, the Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement (SCLA), the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS), and Alpha Sigma Lambda. I am finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security and Counter-Terrorism, and I will be officially starting to take my graduate level courses soon for my Master’s Degree, which is a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. After my Master’s Degree, I have plans to continue on and obtain a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration. You could say that I consider myself somewhat of a professional student at this point. Which leads me into the reason why I’m getting these degrees.

In terms of what I do in my professional life, I am a government employee who works in Public Safety. Hint: Sometimes I have to drive fast with red and blue lights on, and other times you can find me sitting and enjoying a coffee and a donut. :) If you haven’t been able to guess yet, I am active Law Enforcement. I have been working in the field for a little over 3 years, and I currently hold the rank/title of Deputy Sheriff. I am the 5th person, but 3rd generation in my

family to be in this field and I am honored to be the first woman in my family to do so. I fully support women being in the field of Law Enforcement, and especially diverse women. Diversity and inclusivity is something that I hope to see more and more within my field. I wish to be the change that people have been wanting to see in this field and I personally align very closely with the Community-Oriented Policing concept. I strive to become a Detective one day, and then one day move on to becoming a Sergeant.

I am also a state titleholder for the Miss Earth USA/Mrs USA Earth Organization and Pageant System, which is part of the international Miss Earth Organization and Pageant System as well. Fun Fact: Miss Earth is one of the “Big Four” Pageants (along with Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International). The Big Four are considered to be the biggest and most prestigious international pageants in the world. I am currently Mrs Hawaii USA Earth 2023. :) This is so special to me for a couple of reasons. First, to be able to represent the state of Hawaii is special because there is a large majority of people who live in the state of Hawaii that are of Pacific Islander or Filipino ancestry and heritage. Being able to represent the people in that way, as well as being able to represent my own personal ancestry and heritage in this way is so special. Additionally, the Miss Earth Organization and Pageant System was created and founded in the Philippines, specifically in the capital of Manila, which is where a lot of my family members from my Mom’s side of the family are from. So even more so, it just makes it that much more special to me to be a part of the Miss Earth USA/Mrs USA Earth and Miss Earth Pageant Organization and System.

I plan on using all of these platforms and elements about myself to help usher in the next generation of successful and inspiring women, and women who truly can do anything that they set their minds to. I am also here to stand up and break boundaries, and show the world that women can be and do whatever they want to. I can wear a state titleholder crown and sash, model for major brands and walk runways, and also take down a 200+ pound man in a fight if I needed to. The limit does not exist. Welcome to the Women of Achievement of 2023!

Model|Kirsten

Gackowski, Photographer|Kent

Squires, Makeup Artist|Adrenalinka Sergeevna

Megan Moroney

Occupation: Singer/Songwriter

Social Media: meganmoroney.com

Born and raised in Georgia, Megan Moroney is one of Nashville’s most exciting up and coming artists. Megan grew up in a musical household heavily influenced by legendary songwriters in classic country, southern rock, and Americana. During Megan’s freshman year at the University of Georgia, an opportunity to open for an established country artist at the iconic Georgia Theater prompted Megan to write her very first original song. Named a “2023 Artist to Watch” by the likes of Amazon Music, Pandora, and Spotify, as well as an iHeart “On The Verge” Artist and one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for 2023, Moroney released her debut album LUCKY this past May. After opening for Country legends Brooks & Dunn this summer, Moroney will embark on her sold-out THE LUCKY TOUR this fall and bring her magnetic live show to iconic venues across the U.S.—all while continuing a meteoric rise that now includes over 303 MILLION total global streams to date.

ACHIEVEMENT Gladys

Tamekia Powell

Occupation: teacher, breast cancer speaker, runway and print model, and entrepreneur

Social Media: IG: @twophaced_clothing, TIKTOK: @TwoPhaced2LLC

My name is Tamekia Powell. I am a survivor of many things but just to name a few, I am a survivor of depression and I am a two time breast cancer survivor. I am currently a teacher, breast cancer speaker, runway and print model, and entrepreneur. I’ve been modeling for a long time now even through my illness. One of the toughest challenges that I faced having to deal with rejections from fashion designers and the modeling world overall because of how I looked while sick. Despite my challenges, I continued to soar in life not letting the experiences, the things or the people sent to break me win and because of that, I’ve been in many fashion shows, pageants, modeled in New York fashion week, I’ve been in several magazines, I recently won the National crown in a pageant competition and was crowned for the year 2023 and I have my own clothing line called “TwoPhaced”. My clothing design represents bravery, strength, and survivorship. I created this design for those of us that are fighting battles that people may know we’re fighting (cancer, diseases, disabilities, etc…) or, for those of us that are fighting silent battles that no one knows of (suicidal thoughts, abuse, etc…) as I sit here with a big smile on my face I’m proud of myself. Proud of knowing that I never had the opportunity to focus on one thing at a time but I never gave up. I always kept my head up, kept pushing and kept being strong and in the end, I MADE IT! I was raised on believing that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. But after going through life and experiencing everything that I have, I believe that God doesn’t give the hardest battles to his toughest soldiers; He creates the toughest soldiers out of life’s hardest battles. Some of my hardest battles that I have been through have come when I was at my weakest but with my faith it made me the strongest and made me who I am today and because of that, I STILL RISE!

-Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

GUCCI

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OLITA

Lip balm

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GUCCI

Gucci Boat Print Sparkling Jersey Swimsuit gucci.com

PANAMA JACK

Panama Jack has released several new scents meant to enhance the travel experience or at least make you think that you’re on your ideal vacation. EDPs, body sprays, and essential oils are on the slate for the season, and all will have you reaching for the sunscreen and margaritas. Meant for all ages, both sexes, and anyone who needs a scent escape. These are vegan and cruelty-free. panamajack.com

JUST BEE®

Just Bee Cosmetic Candles are made with natural soy wax, organic coconut oil, naturally gathered beeswax, fragrance, organic essential oils, and 100% natural cotton wicks. All Just Bee Cosmetics Candles are available in 13 oz ($29) or 7 oz ($22) sizes. shop.justbee.us

GUCCI Sparkling Jersey Swimsuit gucci.com

Women’s Interlocking G Cut-Out Slide Sandal gucci.com

SUZY LEVIAN

Women’s Purple Tortoise Round Lens Silver Accent Sunglasses suzylevian.com

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GUCCI

Olita - a clean and organic collection of sun and skin care that is reef and planet safe olitashop.com

GG Embroidered Cotton Bucket Hat gucci.com

MSC cruises!!

Truly Floats Your Boat!

by Karen Holly Berliner

No matter where I have lived, no matter what part of the country I’ve moved and adapted to, I remain a die-hard native New Yorker.

Despite my love and devotion to the “city that never sleeps”, every now and then I look to venture out on a luxury cruise ship in its entire splendor and explore this great big world.

Imagine my joy when I was introduced to the latest and the greatest in cruise experiences, resplendent with a NYC vibe and theme at every turn:

The MSC Seascape

With utter finesse and authenticity, the MSC Seascape not only pays tribute to New York City but it captures the very heart and soul of it via cultural experiences, its nods to NYC design and personality, which is expressed through its public areas and venue names- the very essence of my home town.

Expect to be awestruck by a grand replica of lady liberty herself- The Statue of Liberty at the center of its vibrant casino, also expect an expansive retail and entertainment promenade duly named Times Square and all things wonderful about the city that never sleeps.

And you might not sleep yourself. Here’s why:

Miniature skyscrapers featuring Times Square-like giant screens light up the stage inside the ship’s casino as well, accented by thousands upon thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals within the staircases in the four deck atrium. Just like New York City, the dining is global and spectacular. Featuring 11 restaurants including 5 specialty spots and 20 unique bars, ranging from signature seafood and Asian cuisine to Mexican street food and a New York old school steakhouse with new school culinary delights, there is something to satisfy all palates. MSC Seascape’s main restaurants, dedicated dining venues for Yacht Club guests and a sprawling buffet complete the options.

Butcher’s Cut

MSC Seascape features MSCs signature American-style steakhouse; Butcher’s Cut, with al fresco dining allowing sublime views while you indulge. The menu is accompanied by bold New World wines and modern cocktails.

Is there anything quite like a good steak cooked to perfection and a glass of Cabernet?

HOLA! Tacos & Cantina

Featuring select Mexican-inspired dishes with a twist, enjoy an impressive selection of tacos, tamales and an interactive guacamole station. Choose from a variety of signature frozen margaritas, fresh juices, horchata and a selection of homemade salsas and hot sauces.

Kaito Sushi Bar

This sushi bar has a conveyor belt that constantly moves fresh and varietal sushi, allowing guests to hand pick sushi creations.

Kaito Teppanyaki

Be seated and await the magic that comes from the very talented hibachi chefs, complete with comedic interactions and downright fabulous food prepared before your eyes.

The fried rice alone will have you eating seconds---and thirds.

Ocean Cay Restaurant

Offering a menu of fine fish dishes, guests can feast on fresh seafood complemented by an expansive wine list.

After dinner, visit Venchi 1878 for some gelato or perhaps sip and savor a chocolate martini. The Wine Cave showcases the Seascapes wine cellar where you can enjoy a tasting paired with a cheese selection. The elegant rooftop Sky Bar cocktail lounge offers live music complimented by ocean views while the Champagne Bar offers a variety of champagne, prosecco and other choice bubbly’s accompanied by an impressive array of caviar and chilled seafood.

HOLA! Tacos & Cantina

Kaito Sushi Bar

Stairs, Seascape Hall

Sundeck and Pool

Cruisingladys

For something more casual than and truly as adored as old New York, the Sports Bar offers craft beers, a fully stocked bar, game time bites and individual TV booths to watch the action. The Sports Bar has walls adorned with boxing gloves, hockey helmets, baseball bats and other memorabilia. A billiards room beckons you to stay and play. And if you do indeed intend to get some sleep---

The MSC Seascape features new cabins designed to accommodate all. Choose among several types of cabins and suites with balconies including the coveted aft suites, terraced suites with large balconies; even suites with outdoor private whirlpools. The 2 palatial Owner’s Suites are worth viewing if you have the opportunity, as they are the largest and most luxurious of the MSC Yacht Club suites. Be prepared to be wowed!

The MSC Seascape Yacht Club

Head to the port curb and present your yacht club ID. From there let the ready and waiting staff take you away. Give yourself over to the yacht club experience as indeed you will be treated from there to the very last moments of your return, with the utmost in white glove service.

(Yes, with actual white gloves on hand.)

Yacht Club staff persons meet and greet you and whoosh you seamlessly through check in protocols, handing you champagne to sip as you proceed. A butler then escorts you onto the ship and to your suite when you are ready.

--And then there is your faithful and diligent butler, who studies and prepares for your every want and need, from your favorite newspaper delivered to your cabin daily to your drink of choice, to the delicate pastries delivered to your cabin each afternoon.

In addition, MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy dedicated venues throughout the ship. The Top Sail Lounge is open from 6am to 1am as a fabulous gathering point and entrée spot to dinner just upstairs in the yacht club dining venue. The expansive rooftop deck allows guests the indulgence of day beds, loungers, a pool and hot tub, a dedicated bar and seating to dine. MSC provides Yacht Club guests a sprawling breakfast and lunch buffet, as well as special events like a white party complete with a DJ or a Seafood Buffet lunch complete with grilled seafood brimming with lobster tails to your hearts delight.

The premium drink package and complimentary Wi-Fi add convenience and amenities, along with the Thermal Spa where Yacht Club guests enjoy unlimited access.

The MSC Seascape Yacht Club provides the most decadent of experiences in the cruising arena.

And then, you have arrived.

The yacht club suites are resplendent with elegant design, complete with kingsized beds adorned with Egyptian cotton linens and a memory foam mattress. All of the accoutrements that you could ever want for from flat and still Italian bottled water, teas, nuts, wine glasses and a fully stocked mini-bar, await you. A generous sized and appointed bathroom allows for ease in living, while a large screen state of the art television provides for your viewing pleasure including the Turner Classic Movies channel featuring 24 hour showings of old classic movies whenever you please.

MSC Sescape Cabin

Pirates Cove Aqua Park

Yacht Club Restaurant

Sundeck and Pool

EXCURSIONS AWAIT YOU on the MSC Seascape!

MSC Seascape

The MSC Seascape is a Caribbean and Bahamas destined cruise ship departs from Miami and offers stops to Miami, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel, George Town, Ocho Rios, making the excursion possibilities endless...

Here are just a few of its many options to put you in the mood!

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve- The Bahamas

Explore Ocean Cay Marine Reserve via kayak on a team adventure to explore the crystal blue Bahamian waters.

Not a fan?

Stand-up paddle boarding , the latest craze allows you first hand viewing of these waters, teeming with marine wildlife while enjoying exercise at your own pace.

Exclusively offered to Yacht Club guests, enjoy a luxury beach front Yacht Club Cabana, directly on this sprawling beach. You are immediately pampered and welcomed with fresh water and towels, a complimentary lunch and beverages, along with tasty fruit skewers. Four sets of snorkeling equipment and complimentary floating mats are provided to explore and relax in the calm Bahamian waters. The service is impeccable. Just put your flag up and you will be attended to in moments!

Getting restless?

Enjoy all of the beauty and wonder of Ocean Cay by catamaran while sipping a complimentary signature cocktail - the Ocean Cay Sway. After a short ride around Ocean Cay, the catamaran will anchor at one of the nearby natural shallow waters of the Bahama Banks where you can leisurely enjoy lively music and soak up the natural scenery.

COZUMEL

The SCOOT COUPÉ Caribbean Island Drive offers a 2-person, 3-wheel scooter adorably coined the Scoot Coupé –Driving instructions and helmets are provided before you form a convoy and head out on the open road to explore the beautiful and history infused island of Cozumel. Enjoy photo stops to capture perfect moments to share and get ready to visit Cozumel’s vibrant hotel district, where a luxury beach club awaits you for some free time to relax, sunbathe or go for a refreshing swim!

If you would like to shop for a special trinket, time at a gift shop is allowed, where jewelry and other fanciful items are available. Perhaps shiny tanzanite ring would suit your fancy?

REEF and WRECK on the Cayman Islands

Discover two of the Cayman Islands’ best snorkeling sites, the first of which will be at the wreck of the USS Kittiwake- a former US Navy submarine rescue vessel. In 2009 this submarine was deliberately sunk off Seven Mile Beach in order to provide an artificial reef for local marine wildlife. Also, the Cheeseburger Reef-playfully named for a nearby outlet of a global fast-food brand, is a natural reef system at a depth of about 25 ft. /7.6. with visual pleasures and boundless treasures await you to explore. Good fun!

PUERTO SECO BEACH GETAWAY in Ocho Rios

Arrive at Puerto Seco Beach Club which proudly offers a white sandy beach, a swimming pool, and all of the comforts to enjoy it. Also make your way to the dining facilities and a hip beach bar and grill, where live entertainment is provided by their in house entertainment troupe, showcasing fabulous Jamaican dance and talent.

Picture to the right: The author Karen Holly Berliner on an Excursion.Cozumel The Scoot Coupe

Sundeck and Pool

Boulevard Du Cabaret

Photography by Ivan Sarfatti

Cocktail Bar

Hall of Games

Gladys of the WORLD Summer Supermodels TOP 50

Summer Supermodels

Gladys TOP 50 of the WORLD

Taisyn Crutchfield

OCCUPATION: Police Officer

SOCIAL MEDIA: @taisyntainea

My name is Taisyn Crutchfield and I am a police officer in the state of California. As a woman of color and representing minorities in law enforcement, patrolling and protecting the community has always been my dream. Now that I get to live up to my dream, I want women across the world to know that it doesn’t matter what color, size, or shape you are, to always go after your dreams! As a former track and field athlete and national champion, giving back to my city holds a special place in my heart. As a track and field coach and police officer, I hope to aspire women and young girls to chase their dreams and never stop even when the answer is “No.”

Photographer|Georgina Vaughan

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

VIRGINIA

CALIFORNIA

SOCIAL MEDIA: @majopoltro

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Flor Bikinis Photographer|Garrin Evan

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: Rachelashleyjohnson

Photographer|David Cullipher, IG: thundersstruckcreative

GERMANY

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @twophaced_clothing, TIKTOK: @TwoPhaced2LLC

ILLINOIS Photography|Tyrus Davis

SOCIAL MEDIA: Louisa Models, louisa-models.de/en/women/development/ 70-amelie-cara-klingel/ Photographer|Peter Müller, Styling|Another Stylist - Zhenia @anotherstylist, Makeup|Nina Gräser ng-makeupartist.com

Tamekia Powell

Amelie Cara Klingel

Rachel Ashley Johnson

Rachel Kraemer

COSTA RICA

Maria Jose Poltronieri

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

WEST VIRGINIA

Carli Smith

SOCIAL MEDIA: carli_smithxoxoxo

SOUTH AFRICA

VIRGINIA

Jordan

SOCIAL MEDIA: Icemodels, icemodels.co.za/future-faces/ all/1827641/Jordan-Hickman

Photographer|Peter Müller, pem-photography.de, instagram.com/peterulimax

Styling|Aneeqah Mirza, Dresses|Maurice Martinez maumar.de/#maurice

Makeup|Mariaan Louw mariaan.com

Victoria

Weatherford

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @weatherfordvfwmgdc

FB: Victoria Weatherford

Photographer|Jamie Weatherford

SOUTH AFRICA

SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram:@xolsntele

Twitter:@ntelezixolelwa

Facebook:Xoli Ntelezi

Gretchen Pingley Photography

Hickman

Summer Supermodels

Gladys TOP 50 of the WORLD

MASSACHUSETTS

Olga Kwasniewski

OCCUPATION: Serial Entrepreneur, a Model, an Actress and a Associate Fashion Director of “Gladys” Magazine

SOCIAL MEDIA: FB: Olga Konstanzia IG: Olga_Konstanzia

Photography|Javier Rosa Photography, Gown|Vieira Luxe, Hairstyle|Tatyana Kovaleva, Location|Danversport Yacht Club (Danvers, MA)

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

COSTA RICA

TENNESSEE GERMANY

Daniella Lopez

SOCIAL MEDIA: @danielalopez0994

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Aline Moreno

BELGIUM /NY

Summer Coleman

SOCIAL MEDIA: @summercoleman03, @ete.alexandrie

Photography|Kimberly Smith

HONDURAS

Jacky Wruck

SOCIAL MEDIA: @Jackywruck

Photographer|Peter Müller Styling|Anoother Stylist Zhenia @anotherstylist, Dress| Maurice Martinez, maumar.de/#maurice, Makeup|Pacquo, oneleague.co.za/talent/pacquo/

COSTA RICA

Sixtine Rouyre

SOCIAL MEDIA: @sixtinerouyre

Jissell Rivera

SOCIAL MEDIA: @jissrivera___

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Luxux Di

Melania Cedeno

SOCIAL MEDIA: @melania.cedeno

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Isas Novias

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

Glenda Parker

SOCIAL MEDIA: @glendabarker

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Kasandra Farrier

Emily Lash

SOCIAL MEDIA: @biggybliggy

Photography|Jodelle Lyn Wrenn

MAINE WEST VIRGINIA

Tyl-Elle

SOCIAL MEDIA: @tyl_elle

Photography|Yana Russell, @yanavpr

Riley Kennedy

SOCIAL MEDIA: @missmaineprincessintl

Photography|@stewartsmithphotography StewartSmithPhotography.com, Hair and makeup by certified Master MUA Tiana Brown owner of Be You Beauty by T

Mattie Vandale

SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram- mattievandale07Tiktok-mattievandale07

Facebook- Mattie Vandale

Photograpy|Gretchen Pingley Photography

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

ALABAMA

SOUTH AFRICA

Stephanie

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: Stephanie_drake_actress_model

MASSACHUSETTS

Sophia

SOCIAL MEDIA: @sophiabruno_official

Meagan Shehab

SOCIAL MEDIA: Icemodels https://www.icemodels.co. za/genetics-models/women/1851257/Meagan-Shehab

PENNSYLVANIA

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @antoniettabrownell

Photography|@terencia.michal, MUA|@madelinecoveymua, Fashion| @express

SOCIAL MEDIA: @Reagan.bleiler

Hair/Makeup|Sabrina Podolak

Antonietta Brownell

Reagan Bleiler

Photographer|Joe Kelly,

Drake

Donna Jean Photography

Bruno

Photography|Brett Martelli

Photographer|Peter Müller, Styling|Aneeqah Mirza, Dresses|Maurice Martinez Makeup|Mariaan Louw

Summer Supermodels

Gladys TOP 50 of the WORLD

GERMANY

Anna Hiltrop

SOCIAL MEDIA: anna-hiltrop.com

Photographer|Peter Müller, pem-photography.de, instagram.com/peterulimax instagram.com/petermuellerphoto, 58daylight Studio: instagram.com/58daylightstudio/ Model|Anna Hiltrop, anna-hiltrop.com, Styling|Greg Alexander, mephistopheles.fr/%C3%A0-propos?lang=en Dress|Lena Erziak - https://lenaerziak.com/, Makeup|Kathrin Gebler, @kathringebler

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

SOUTH AFRICA

WEST VIRGINIA PENNSYLVANIA

Mary DuCoeur

SOCIAL MEDIA: .icemodels.co.za/genetics-models/ women/1823770/Sarai-Lewis

Photographer|Peter Müller, Styling|Aneeqah Mirza, Dresses|Maurice Martinez Makeup|Mariaan Louw

SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @maryducoeur

Photography|Anthony Panzino/Eireann Photography Make Up|JodielynnMakeup, Hair|Kaitlyn Gourley

CALIFORNIA NEW JERSEY

Pilar Kanner

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @pilarkanner

Photography| Isabelle Ruen Photography, IG: Isabellruen

Hope Kiehl

SOCIAL MEDIA: @ki3hl

SOCIAL MEDIA: facebook.com/franklin.bush.33

Jonathan Carter Photographer/Carter Studios Inc.

Photography|Matty Jacobsen, IG: @magicdreamsproduction

Sarai Lewis

Franklin Bush Jr.

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

PENNSYLVANIA

COSTA RICA

Amelia Chick

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG @ameliarosechick

MAINE

Lucy DuCoeur

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @lucy.ducoeur

Linda Avila

SOCIAL MEDIA: @_lindaavila

Lizzie Baker

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @ogdoctorsizzle, @msmainepetite, @untamed_maine, facebook: @sizzlinsizzle, tiktok: @ogdoctorsizzle

Lizzie is a pediatric hospitalist who has worked in major institutions in New England for the past 10 years. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare leadership and hopes to work toward a career as an entrepreneur in preventive medicine as well as focus on advocacy and policy change.

Lizzie is actively involved in the community as a volunteer with the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing and with the American Lung Association in Maine. Having lost her mother in 2022 after a 7-year battle with terminal lung cancer, she has volunteered and been a philanthropist with these organizations for the past 8 years. This year Lizzie traveled to Washington DC as the Maine/NH Lung Force Hero to advocate for lung cancer research and treatment funding.

Lizzie is an avid athlete, sailor and artist. She grows a garden and is a passionate cook.

Photographer|Carlos Velez

Photography|Anthony Panzino/Eireann Photography Make Up|JodielynnMakeup, Hair|Kaitlyn Gourley

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Brisa Hernandez

Photography|Patrick Gildard Photography

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

WEST VIRGINIA

WEST VIRGINIA MAINE

Emily Grace Anderson

SOCIAL MEDIA: @Emily.grace.twirler.06

Photography|A+ Photography

Danielle Durant

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Danielle Durant

Photography|Megan Hall with Hall Photography

Anna Poore

SOCIAL MEDIA: @_annapoore_

Photography Hair & MU|Gretchen Pingley

COSTA RICA COSTA RICA

Adrian Zuniga

SOCIAL MEDIA: @adrianzuniga.oficial

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Marcelo Leiva

UKRAINE

Jane Galt

SOCIAL MEDIA: @janegalt, @modelagentgroup

Photographer|Peter Müller, pem-photography.de, instagram.com/peterulimax

Styling: Greg Alexander, mephistopheles.fr/%C3%A0-propos?lang=en

Styling: Another Stylist|Zhenia @anotherstylist, Dresses|Lena Erziak - lenaerziak.com

Makeup|Nina Gräser, ng-makeupartist.com

Sylvette Gabert

SOCIAL MEDIA: @syl_alayssa

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer| Michelle Morgan

Photographer|Peter Müller, pem-photography.de, instagram.com/peterulimax, instagram.com/petermuellerphoto, 58daylight Studio: instagram.com/58daylightstudio/ Dress|Fatima Halwani /fatima-halwani.com, Makeup|Mariaan Louw mariaan.com

Gladys TOP 50 Summer Supermodels of the WORLD

COSTA RICA

Ariana Chacon

SOCIAL MEDIA: @intermodelo

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer| Abelardo Castin

COSTA RICA

Michela Bergamo

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @bergamo_mitch

Photographer|Hill Zhou, IG: @hillzhouphotographer

MAINE

Alejandro Elizondo

SOCIAL MEDIA: @ale_eligar13

Photographer|Chalo García, @photosbychalo, Designer|Textil Secu

GERMANY

Paige Quilty

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: Paigequilty, FB: Paige Quilty

Photography|Tess J Photography

Caro Casay

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @carocasay_official

Photographer|Peter Müller, Styling: Another Stylist - Zhenia @anotherstylist, Makeup: Nina, ng-makeupartist.com/

WEST VIRGINIA

Kendall Tucker

SOCIAL MEDIA: @kendalltucker06

Photographer|Lenka Drstakova, Brooklyn, NY

AREVA MARTINPINK PUMP AFFAIR

HOW DID YOU START THE “PINK PUMP AFFAIR” AND WHY?

It all started when my son, Marty, was diagnosed with autism. As a mother, I needed answers. I needed resources. I needed support. The lack of support and resources available to families like mine was staggering. That’s why I founded the Special Needs Network - to provide the support and resources that were missing. And shortly after that, a Pink Pump Affair took root as a way to celebrate women and to support the work of Special Needs Network.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO CELEBRATE FIFTEEN YEARS OF THE PINK PUMP AFFAIR? It feel good. It feels really really good. We’ve had our share of ups and downs, but the most important thing is that we’ve survived and thrived. We made a commitment 15 years ago to never leave one family or child behind.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OVER THIS PAST AND ICONIC FIFTEEN YEARS? Over the last 15 years, we have recognized the accomplishments of incredible women such as Vice President Kamala Harris and many others who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families. From elected leaders to actresses to corporate CEOs, all of them are exceptional women of distinction. We take great pride in knowing that some of the women spearheading the fight for justice and equality for our children and families are also part of our Pink Pump family.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM PPA?

I have many fond memories, but here are a couple that stick out:

1. One year we decided to honor our first and only man ——award winning producer, Jason Katims. He has produced a very popular series that featured individuals on the autism spectrum and I had an opportunity to meet and get to know him and his wife. I was so inspired by how he was using his platform as a producer and showrunner to raise awareness of autism, that we made an exception to our women of distinction honorees to honor him. He was incredibly gracious. He wore as much pink is, he could muster the

courage to don and he told the most inspiring story about his own families, journey with an autistic son, which inspires his work as a television and film producer.

2. Another fun memory is the year one of the very first families who attended camp JPAC—Meshell Baylor was our ambassador family. We had created a video of her in her home, interacted with her for children to a former on the spectrum, and she talked so powerfully about how camp JPEG had changed the lives of her children and her family. We showed the video and then Meshell, and one of her sons took the stage and there wasn’t a dry in the room. In the video she talked about how nervous she was dropping her children off at camp, but this tall lady placed her hands on her shoulders and reassured her that her babies would be safe. That tall woman was me. I had totally forgotten that moment, and had no idea what impact it had on her decision to trust her children with us. These are the types of transformative experiences that keep me going.

WHEN DO YOU START PLANNING FOR THE EVENT?

Next year’s planning starts today!

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE PROGRAMS THAT SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK SUPPORTS?

Special Needs Network created Camp JPAC many years ago which has grown into an inclusive and supportive community where children with special needs can thrive. I’m proud to share that we’re just opening the landmark Autism Wellness Center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital campus. The new clinic provides a central location where all programs and services can come together under one roof, enhancing our focus on serving Watts Willowbrook and the South Los Angeles community, a community that needs and deserves first rate access to these resources. The clinic is the realization of our vision to create a comprehensive, state-of-the-art facility that provides the highest quality care to children with special needs and their families.

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE PASSION AND ENERGY TO KEEP DOING EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO?

The need is massive. The rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 8 years old has increased to 1 in 36. Knowing this coupled with how challenging it was for me as a mother helps motivate and inspire me to strive for deeper advocacy daily.

Interview by Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City

Jenny and the City

(left to right) Special Needs Network President & CEO Areva Martin, Award-Winning Actress Alfree Woodard, and Award-Winning Actress and Director Salli Richardson.

Photo by Leroy Hamilton

(left to right) Actress Angelique Bates and Special Needs Network President & CEO Areva Martin. Photo by Leroy Hamilton

Actor Donnell Turner and Special Needs Network President & CEO Areva Martin. Photo by Leroy Hamilton

(left to right) Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, California State Controller Malia Cohen, Special Needs Network President & CEO Areva Martin, Award-Winning Actress and Director Salli Richardson, and Award-Winning Actress Alfree Woodard. Photo by Leroy Hamilton

TOP

Summer Starsof TOMORROW

Julia Yock

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @julia_nicole_yock

@misspreteenlandoflincolnintl23 @dancewithambition

Julia is 12 years old and dances as part of the competitive dance company at Konquer Dance Company in Orland Park. She loves all forms of dance with her favorites being Acro, Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop. Because of this passion, Julia has started a nonprofit organization called Dance With Ambition. It promotes mental and physical health and teaches team building skills and the power of community. Dance With Ambition supports kids who do not have these opportunities. Julia is a hard-working student not only in dance but in her academic schoolwork regularly making the Honor Roll. She has been and is involved in many competitive sports, including basketball, volleyball, competitive gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, along with other activities and accomplishments such as playing the trombone, choir, and recently being crowned Miss Pre-Teen Land of Lincoln International 2023.

Q&A

THE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS: My dance teacher Miss Alyssa Francoeur motivates me to work hard and always do my best.

MY FAVORITE DESTINATION: My favorite destination is Florida because we have gone so many times with my family, and I have so many great memories.

THIS SUMMER I WON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: I won’t leave home this summer without my sunscreen and my air pods.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME ARE: Strong, Kind, & Funny.

MY FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE IS: Before you can achieve, you must believe in yourself. You are more capable than you think -Simone Biles

Photography|Matty Jacobsen of Magic Dreams Productions @magicdreamsproductions Hair & Makeup|Constantine James @constantine_james

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG @theworldofegypt

facebook.com/kelseymarie0304?mibextid=LQQJ4d

SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @izzi_james

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG @stellatiek

Egypt Torres

Stella Tiek

Kelsey Lawson

Tuxel

Izzi James

TOP

Summer Starsof TOMORROW

If you dreamcan it, youdocan it

“ ”

~ Walt Disney

Gladys TOP Summer STARS of TOMORROW

Milana Grace Rojas Kulida

TITLE: Dancer/gymnast/actress/model

SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: Milana.grace.diary

Hello everyone! My name is Milana Grace and I am 8 yo. I was born in a sunny city of Miami and have a russian-ukranian-venesuelan background. I strongly believe that I inherited creativity and multiple talents from my mom and a determined personality from my dad. Since I was little, my parents told me I am a star and very special. I do think every child is a star , they just need to find their talent to shine. I am at the beginning of my life journey which I am sure will bring many interesting experiences and adventures.

When I was a small child I was always very mature, creative , with a vivid imagination but shy and serious at the same time. I would dress up in different clothes out of my mom’s closet and pretend to be some character from the books I read or cartoons I watched. I loved singing and dancing around. So at the age of 4 my mom put me in acting and ballet classes. I absolutely loved acting. Being on the stage and performing made me feel so great and comfortable. It helped me greatly to develop my personality and skills. I was not the same shy child any more.The teachers also loved working with me because I was a great listener and followed directions very well. I played in a few movie productions for a russian Miami Acting Academy while I continued my English acting classes with a coach from NY. Later on I switched from ballet classes into latin ballroom classes. A whole new world opened up to me! The world of grace, endless beauty and admiration. I absolutely fall in love with dancing and till today it is one of my biggest passions in life. Dancing taught me how to be disciplined and dedicated. I learned if you work hard you can achieve your goals and become a fantastic dancer. My teachers inspire me and I would love to dance like them one day! Over the years I took participation in many championships/competitions and won many 1st places. But what matters the most for me is that I enjoy what I am doing!

In 2022 I started to do rhythmic gymnastics. It helped me to develop my flexibility and build a beautiful posture. Over the last year I performed in several competitions and in 2023 I became a Florida State Champion in rhythmic gymnastics. I also have several hobbies. I love traveling to new places and learn about new cultures. My favorite destinations are London, Paris, Vermont and Colorado. I love skiing, snow and cold weather.I also love writing short stories on my trips, reading, hiking, horseback riding and playing with my little yorkie Misha who brings me a lot of joy. Even though I have been on a stage on multiple occasions , performed in front of the audience a lot and participated in many competitions, now I am interested to try myself on modeling/acting arena. I am a big fashion lover and enjoy to transform my apperance with different styles. My dream is to walk like Cindy Crawford or Kate Moss, and become as iconic as Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. I want to create my own style of self expression as a model/actress through my unique qualities. I would love to become an inspiration for people one day. I am very excited to explore my talents and see what will make me shine! I know that all of my dreams will come true if I believe in them! As Walt Disney said “ If you can dream it, you can do it”.

to a more expressive type of a dance… She decided to take me to a latin ballroom school in Miami. I fell in love with ballroom dancing from the very first time! A whole new world of endless beauty, elegance, grace and admiration opened up to me. In a ballroom world a girl is always a flower and her partner is alway a gentleman who shows off her beauty and talent. Ballroom dancing conquered my heart. My favorite part was to perform on the stage in front of people. I enjoyed being all dressed up in a colorful dress and do my best dance for the audience. Over the years I took participation in many domestic and International championships/competitions and won many 1st places. But what really matters to me is my passion for what I am doing. I am following my dreams to become a great dancer and I’m having fun! As Mary Poppins said : “ In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.”

THE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS:

My mom taught me if I want to achieve succeed I have to work for it and be consistent. She always encourages me to do better every day. She also explained to me that nowadays the world is very demanding and I have to learn first how to love and value myself. She believes in me and it helps me every day to remember that I am unique, I am smart, I am talented and I am enough! I am very blessed to have a very supportive family and I love them very much!

On the other hand, I motivate myself by setting up new goals and planning how to reach them. For example, it was my dream coming true that in May of this 2023 year I traveled to Blackpool, England and competed on the stage of the most beautiful ballroom. I practiced a lot for that special day and kept dreaming about that very moment would come. And it did. I had the best time of my life dancing there! My teachers are also my biggest inspiration for me and I hope to dance like them one day!

THE PERSON I’M DYING TO WORK WITH:

I am also an aspiring actress and I really like the movies “Princess Diary”, “Mary Poppins returns” (2022) and “Eloise at the Plaza”. So I would dye to work with Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews and Emily Blunt.

MY FAVORITE DESTINATIONS: I love traveling, seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. England is on my top list. It has so much history, picturesque countryside, old traditions, beautiful architecture and the most famous ballroom in Blackpool! I am a big fan of skiing and snowy weather. For that reason I love Vermont and Colorado. I adore Paris for its fashion, museums and yummy macaroons.

THIS SUMMER I WON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: Reaching new goals and great mood.

MY FIRST JOB WAS: Since I am 8 yo and I am at the beginning of my professional path, I did’t get a paid job yet. My job for now is to get good grades at school, continue to get better in ballroom dance and gymnastics and gain more acting/modeling experience.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DANCING CAREER: When I was about 4 yo, my mom got tired to watch me goofing around in the studio and hanging on the bar during my ballet classes. She thought maybe it was time to switch me

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME ARE: unique, talented, brave.

MY HOBBIES ARE: traveling, skiing, writing short stories, reading, art, drawing. WHO INSPIRES YOU: My mom, she is a supermom. She finds time for everything even when I think we not have it. She is very supportive , strong, creative and silly at times. For example, when I feel tired, she starts dancing to cheer me up or puts a smile on my face by surprising me with a picnic in the park.

Salon Monte

Festival of SPEED & Style

Photography by Dana Giammarco Photography

Old Town Alexandria is knowns for being “stylish and quaint”, which made it the optimal location to host the unique fashion celebration of “Speed and Style” on May 21, 2023. This event seamlessly pairs together exquisite cars with high fashion and style. The theme was “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, styled by Monte Durham, celebrity stylist of “Say Yes to the Dress and owner of Salon Monte.

Jenny and the City

Exclusive Interview with Rita Branch co-founder of the Secret Room Gift Suite

Interview by Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City

Award Season is like a Holiday in every way that I can’t even explain it!

The glitz, the glam, the red carpets, the A-list celebrities and the gift suites. The Secret Room is the “Golden Ticket” created by two power women Rita Branch and Amy Boathouse. I’m so thrilled to share an exclusive interview with one of the co-founders of the Secret Room.

Q&A

WHAT IS THE SECRET ROOM GIFT SUITE?

Secret room gifting suite is when we bring brands together with celebrities and media to showcase the brands and products and to get attention from main stream media to promote the brand many have worked with their whole life to bring the product to the public.

HOW DID YOU START DOING GIFT SUITES?

I started doing the gifting suites in 2007 when the economy crashed from the financial crisis. It was a really special time to start because we could help struggling brands that needed media attention to bring sales at such a tough time in history. Many of the brands we had at that time had gone on to sell their brands to huge corporations and made a lot of money.

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT IT?

I love getting to know all the company brands and I get excited about new brands I get to discover. It’s truly exciting for me

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST INTERESTING SWAG AT YOUR SUITE?

For me, every product is interesting. I like to hear stories of how the brands started and why. So many have some sad stories about how they started, like starting a skin care brand with nothing in it that would cause skin cancer or other cancers. So when the company shares with me how they started, some are very inspiring and emotional and I learn it’s more than a brand. It’s their soul that went into the brand. It’s very touching and I always build a special relationship with our sponsors. With many of them I have a long friendship and they come back to do many more gift suites and we know each other like family and friends.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CREATE AND PREPARE FOR THE DAY OF THE EVENT?

It takes about 6 months to really put together a great event, to get many different brands together and have an amazing experience. I don’t like to just have a bunch of products and do an event. I like to take my time and put brands together I know my celebrity clients and media would love to get and do a great write-up on the brands.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITY GUEST?

Funny we have had so many throughout the 16 years doing the event but I have to say the cast of 90210 came my 1st year doing the events and I grew up watching the show so it was fun! I love to see the 90s celebrity still coming out to events because it was my time when I 1st arrived in LA when I was 19. Its sounds very corny but it’s the truth.

Jenny Leeser with Co-Founder of Secret Room Gift Suite, Rita Branch

Jenny Leeser with Kate Linder

Mario Lopez

Jenny Leeser Jenny and the City, Associate Director of Fashion West Coast, for Gladys Magazine

Rami Malek

Patricia Arquette

Megan Markle

Co-Founder of Secret Room Gift Suite Rita Branch, and Actor Vin Diesel

Hollywood Rising Stars Actress

The Rising Stars Dominating 2023!

Madison Lagares

KNOWN FOR: Fran ‘Frenchy’ Facciano in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount+

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @MadisonLagares

TikTok: @TheMadisonLagares

FIRST PROFESSIONAL ACTING JOB:

My first job was the feature film A Walk Among the Tombstones when I was 6 years old. My first TV show was Blindspot when I was 8 and I made my Broadway debut in On Your Feet when I was 9.

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: I’m currently involved in multiple Broadway readings and am constantly in the studio working on releasing new music for everyone to hear!

IF I WEREN’T AN ACTRESS, I’D BE… A psychologist. I’ve always been very intrigued by people’s behavior and the cognitive science behind it.

THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH IS… Natalie Portman or Zendaya. I think both of them are such well-rounded actresses and I would love to learn from them.

IF I HAD TO LIVE IN A WORLD FROM A MOVIE OR TV SHOW, I WOULD CHOOSE… Pandora from the Avatar movies. I think it’s so beautiful and colorful.

THE PERSON I’VE BEEN MOST STARSTRUCK BY IS… Anne Hathaway. I had the opportunity of meeting her when I was 6 on the set of The Intern and I haven’t forgotten it since. I’ve always been so inspired by her and love her work.

3 THINGS OR PEOPLE I LOVE ARE: My family and how much they’ve sacrificed to help my sister and I do what we love, the songs on my Spotify playlist and reading books.

Yonas Kibreab

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: The new Pixar movie Elio, I will be starring as the main character Elio. Elio will premier spring 2024. I am also working on a new Disney Jr. show called Pupstruction, I will be starring as the crew leader Phinny. Pupstruction will premiere on June 14th on Disney Jr. and Disney+

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:IG: @hiyonas_

Hollywood Rising Stars

Actor

FIRST JOB: My first job was being a KidCaster at the 2018 U.S. Open in New York City. As a KidCaster I was responsible for creating social media content, interviewing tennis players and attending press conferences.

IF I WEREN’T AN ACTOR I WOULD BE:

I play piano and sing, so I would have to say a musician.

THE ACTORS I WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH IS:

I love all the Spiderman movies and The Black Panther movies, so I would have to say Tom Holland and Michael B. Jordan.

IF I HAD TO LIVE IN A WORLD FROM A MOVIE OR TV SHOW, I WOULD CHOOSE: Definitely the world of the Star Wars Movies.

THE PERSON I’VE BEEN MOST STARSTRUCK BY IS: Jake Gyllenhaal

3 THINGS I LOVE ARE:

Music, Strawberry acai drink with no strawberries and skateboarding.

Gladys

Hollywood Rising Stars

Singer

Sophia Treadway

KNOWN FOR: Singing

SOCIAL MEDIA: Sophia Treadway on all platforms

Q&A

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: I am currently working on new music, just released the song “Title”.

THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH IS… Justin Bieber.

IF I HAD TO LIVE IN A WORLD FROM A MOVIE OR TV SHOW, I WOULD CHOOSE… Think living in a show like Modern Family, Friends, or Gossip Girl would be so fun.

THE PERSON I’VE BEEN MOST STARSTRUCK BY IS… I don’t get starstruck a lot, but I once ran into Jamie Foxx and got super excited about it.

3 THINGS OR PEOPLE I LOVE ARE: Family, friends and music.

Photography|David Arellano

Kensington Tallman

KNOWN FOR: Actress SOCIAL MEDIA: You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @heykensington

Q&A

FIRST JOB: My first job was a print ad for the Toys R Us Holiday Catalog! I was so excited, and seeing myself in the catalog was so special! My first commercial was for Dunkin Donuts, where I met my best friend, Samantha A. Smith! My first television appearance was opposite the wonderful Bob Saget on a Netflix show called ‘The Good Cop.’ I had two lines and got to show him some card tricks! He was so kind and welcoming to me on my first job. I will never forget that.

CURRENTLY WORKING ON:

I just wrapped season 1 of ‘Home Sweet Rome!’ where I play Lucy in this fun, international, music-led show! You can check it out on Family Channel in Canada, HBO Max in the US, RAI and ARD in Europe, and BBC in the UK! I am working on some upcoming animated projects that will be released in 2024, and I am filming my first live-action feature film right now! (I can’t say much, but it will release in 2024!) I am also continuing my work on Nickelodeon’s ‘That Girl Lay Lay,’ where I play Tiffany Highlander!

IF I WEREN’T AN ACTRESS, I’D BE…

If I wasn’t an actress, I would work on the production side of animation as a storyboard artist and animator! I have always loved art and LOVE animated films, so it would be the perfect combo! I have so much respect for everyone working in animation. Their creativity, passion, and detail for storytelling inspire me so much.

THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH IS…

I am dying to work with Catherine O’Hara! She is brilliant in everything she does! From ‘Waiting for Guffman’ to ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ she really is a comedy master. I would love the opportunity to learn from her.

IF I HAD TO LIVE IN A WORLD FROM A MOVIE OR TV SHOW, I WOULD CHOOSE… If I had to live in a world from a movie or TV show, it would be ‘The Little Mermaid!’ Ariel has been my favorite princess for as long as I can remember! Being a mermaid would be so fun; breaking out into song at any given moment and living under the sea with Sebastian and Flounder would be a blast!

THE PERSON I’VE BEEN MOST STARSTRUCK BY IS… Eugene Levy. I have been his biggest fan for basically my entire life. My favorite movies of his are ‘Waiting for Guffman’ and ‘Best in Show.’ And I’m also the biggest ‘Schitt’s Creek’ fan. I recently got to meet him, and he was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. It’s crazy to see someone you have admired on the screen and then in person. (I tried to play it really cool, but inside I was freaking out from excitement!) I hope I have the opportunity to work opposite from him someday. He is so brilliant at improv and I would love to learn from him.

3 THINGS OR PEOPLE I LOVE ARE: Family/friends, animals, and performing.

Hollywood Rising Stars

Jenny and the City

Exclusive interview with Lisseth Villalobos-Azab founder & Managing Director of Create Twenty Two Agency.

Q&A

WHAT IS CREATE TWENTY TWO?

CREATE XXII is a specialty showroom in the heart of Hollywood. We specialize in bringing Middle Eastern designers to the US for special projects, celebrity placements, red carpets and sales opportunities. We are a full service showroom with hand-selected designers that have something unique to introduce to the US market.

HOW DID YOU START YOUR JOURNEY WITH INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS? I started my journey with a handful of designers from the MENA (Middle East and North African) region. I split my time between Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the US for over a decade now and have always wanted to be the bridge between east and west in the fashion / creative space. Initially, we only brought designers during the red carpet season and then slowly grew to ready to wear, accessories, beauty etc. and created a home for these brands in our LA showroom.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT FASHION? I love the creative process learning about the designers and the brands. We only take designers and brands that have a unique story and creative process. I love that we are part of the growth and journey of the brands/ designers.

HOW IS A DAY IN YOUR LIFE?

A day in my life is always interesting, not one-day is ever the same. I travel quite a bit so that is always a starting point. My day will depend on what city I am in. My home is in Parkville MO right outside of Kansas City MO. A day there is usually very typical. I usually have a few calls scheduled from the Middle East between 2am and 5am then wake up again with all the mom duties to my lovely girls Yasmine 13 and Sara 9. Breakfast, school runs etc. Then head to the office to take more zoom meetings with my clients and/ or schedule meetings with members and sponsors of Fashion Group International where I sit as Regional Director to the Kansas City Chapter. In LA, I am usually on “LA time” taking meetings with creatives, photographers, celebrity stylist and buyers. I can attend 2 to 3 events a week for networking and spend all my free time at the showroom, strategizing and building up our process and procedures.

In Dubai and Saudi, I am dedicated to my designers, event production and management of several clients and taking meetings with potential designer clients and media contacts.

WHEN DID YOU OPEN AND WHY IN LOS ANGELES? I started the process in 2016 and opened our first showroom in 2018. Since then we have moved to a new location in the iconic Hollywood Athletic Club on Sunset overseeing the Hollywood sign and the beautiful view of the hills. We re-launched the showroom in April 2023.

Interview by Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City Photos courtesy of Create Twenty-Two and social media.

Gowns: Basil Soda (Lebanese designer), Zaid Farouki (Dubai designer), Basil Soda.

TALK TO US ABOUT THE DESIGNERS THAT WE CAN FIND ONLY AT CREATE TWENTY TWO AGENCY?

All our designers are exclusive to our showroom:

Nida Lu - Turkey descent but from Kansas City

Sandbox - Jewelry – Egypt

Sara Tamimi - Abu Dhabi – Luxury ready to wear

Arak Studio - Jordan – Saudi Arabia – unisex luxury ready to wear Deuxlans - Luxury handbags – Lebanon

Mardini - Couture – Lebanon

Indira- Jewelry - Egypt

Zaid Farouki - Menswear and Unisex - Dubai

WHAT IS DIFFERENCE THAT YOU SEE BETWEEN U.S DESIGNERS FROM MIDDLE EASTERN DESIGNERS? The most obvious difference between US designers and Middle Eastern designers are the homage the Middle Eastern pay to their heritage and culture through their designs. Middle Eastern designers take pride in their culture, regions and religion and it shows through their designs, colors, shapes and garment details. Craftmanship is a big deal in the region most gown designers or couture designers have in house ateliers, embroidery, and hand sewn beading.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO ASPIRES TO BE YOU? Never aspire to be anyone but yourself. We all have something different to offer, it can be in our professional field, within our communities, families, network etc. Never strive to be like anyone other then the best version of yourself. One thing that has helped me not to derail from my vision is not looking over the fence so much, I believe with so much access we have to each other and the vast influence we receive on so many platforms, it is very easy to get stuck overseeing some ones else’s accomplishments, successes and notoriety but if you spend all our time looking over we forget to stay focused on our mission and vision.

Social Media: @createtwentytwo, Website: createtwentytwo.com

Pia Miaar

Kristin Cavalari, Red Carpet: Nadine Attar

Left to Right: Doree Testermen - Cambas , Lisseth Villalobos- AZAB, Logan Nichols

Kate Mansi

KNOWN FOR: Amazon Freevee’s “Casa Grande”  SOCIAL MEDIA: @katemansi

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: PEACE. When your insides match your outsides and vice versa.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: A New York one since I’m currently here.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Wellness weekend with my girlfriend in Arizona last year. THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Authenticity.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My grandmother’s custom made kitchen table that my father and his siblings ate every meal at and is now mine.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: Very excited the world gets to experience Hunter in Casa Grande now!! #huntingseasonCG

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: Working with Mike White.

Photography|The Riker Brothers

KNOWN FOR: One of the conjoined twins on “Good Doctor,” “Tiny Beautiful Things” and “American Auto.”

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG and Tik Tok: @elizabethhinkler, Twitter: @ElizabeeHinkler

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: Petting my puppy Ellerie as she sleeps on my lap.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: Hopeful- the people who know me joke that I am hopeful to a fault sometimes, but it’s just who I am. So I guess currently I feel extra hopeful.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Hmm, I’m really not that extravagant. I bought $70 worth of chocolate one time because buying more made it more of a discount. It was totally worth it- it had cherry and chilies in it!

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Compassionate understanding.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:

When I was five years old, my grandpa bought me a small gold bracelet that had “Love, Grandpa Joe” engraved on the inside. I told my grandpa that he didn’t have to buy me anything- I knew he loved me, and he replied that someday when he was gone, this will remind me of him. Today, I finally understand.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: “Tiny Beautiful Things” on Hulu, with the beloved Kathryn Hahn.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: to make my two-person play, My Sister, into a film. This play holds a special place in my heart - it was written specifically for my identical twin Emily and I by playwright Janet Schlapkohl. The story centers around identical twins in 1934 Berlin; one is an aspiring cabaret performer, and the other, a home-bound writer living with Cerebral Palsy. We won the Hollywood Fringe’s Duende Distinction Award for Best Acting and a Stage Raw nomination for Best Acting, and had four month run at the Odyssey Theatre.

Gladys FEATURED PEOPLE

Roderick Ejuetami

KNOWN FOR: Creative Director & Photographer  SOCIAL MEDIA: @deeds_art

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: My Idea of perfect happiness is having good health, an amazing career as an Artist, peace of mind and joy with my family and long life.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: Work smart, keep it moving, building an exponential growth in mind and financially.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Paid isolation from the world.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Honesty.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My time.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: Photography Project for which I shot a nationwide billboard campaign for a global brand.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: More Projects in line with Global Campaigns, Editorials and Commercials.

Elizabeth Hinkler

Julia Lee

KNOWN FOR: Asian-American supermodel, actress, and advocate SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @ItsJuliaLee

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: Taking a scenic route to a weekend getaway where I can have a spa day.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: Focused. I’ve been auditioning for acting roles, attending acting classes, modeling, and creating content for my social media platforms. I feel like I’m seeding my future and putting in the time and love it needs to grow.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Traveling. Being able to get up and go wherever whenever. Living in between two of the best cities in America, NYC and LA. And experiencing new places where modeling takes me.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Realness. I don’t think you necessarily have to be the nicest person in the room. But if you’re real and straight up, I appreciate that. It shows you are comfortable with who you are and you can own up to it, take it or leave it.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:

A jade necklace with two fish kissing that was my Grandma’s. In Asian culture, jade symbolizes prosperity, success, and good luck. I always carry it with me for good energy.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: Modeling for Summer Sizzle in the British Virgin Islands. It’s a fashion showcase that brings the NYC fashion industry down to BVI. It’s going to be an exciting event where I will walk shows and experience the BVI for the first time.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: Being a superhero in a Marvel movie. Who doesn’t want to have super powers?

Moe Jeudy Lamour

KNOWN FOR: Ted Lasso and Race SOCIAL MEDIA: Moe- @moethursdaylove

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: My idea of perfect happiness is to be surrounded by love ones and working on great projects.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: My current state of mind is to try to find peace and love.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: I love traveling and discovering new places and people.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: I love see how people host. You can learn a lot by going to someone ‘s house.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: It my be cliche but I’d say it’s my life.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: Ted Lasso Season 3. I’m extremely proud to be a part of such a beautiful project.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: My dream project is to work with Denis Villeneuve.

Chantelle Albers

KNOWN FOR: Lionsgate’s TWO SINNERS AND A MULE SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @chantellealbers

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: Having fulfillment and trust in God. There are so many things in life that are out of our control, and knowing that there is a higher power in charge and all you need to do is pray, let go, and trust can give you peace and happiness in the hardest of times.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: My state of mind changes day to day with all the different circumstances in life, but currently I feel hopeful for the future.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE:

Hello Fresh, Lol! I’ve learned so much on cooking.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Honesty.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My Bible, and the knowledge in it.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: Two Sinners and a Mule

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: A new script that I read, a dark comedy.

Photography|Sarah Orbanic

Photographer|David Muller

Gladys FEATURED PEOPLE

KNOWN FOR: (Walker/Major Crimes)

SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter and IG: @KearranGiovanni

Q&A Kearran Giovanni

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: Contentment. The feeling that everything you have, wherever you are and who you are with, including yourself, is enough.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: GRATEFUL. It’s always the first place I find in my mind. I’m 41 and I think with age I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff and focus on the positives.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: TRAVEL! It is my happy place. Big or small. An hour or 15 hours away…I’m in. I love settling into somewhere new and surrounding myself with something unfamiliar.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Honesty. I am honest to a fault and I really appreciate it in other people. Say how you feel, own it, I’ll accept it with no stings or judgment every time.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My family. I know that’s more than one, but it’s the only thing that I couldn’t live without. Everything else is gravy. They say your “why” should make you cry and they are it for me.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: “Walker” on CW! I play Kelly James Wife (for the 2nd time) to Captain James! She’s a boss and tells it like it is…kinda like me! It is such a warm and wonderful experience shooting in Austin. I grew up in Katy, Texas so it feels like home.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: Something wordy and witty, like “The Newsroom”. I really feel my best in an ensemble environment and love the play of working in a squad or team. It’s the theater kid in me.

Photographer|Ben

Cope, Stylist: Jordan Grossman, Hair|Diane Dusting, Makeup|Liz Briseno

Cal Barnes

KNOWN FOR: The Astrid Experience, Son of Neverland

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: @CalBarnes

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: Happiness is a feeling, and feelings follow actions, so I think how I’d achieve perfect happiness — or as close to it as possible — would be creating a life where I’m participating in actions that fulfill me everyday, and meet all of my needs, and hopefully helps others as well.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: Creative — I’m about to head to acting class in an hour, so I’ll be working on this weeks scene after this which I’m really excited about.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Currently — not much. Probably creating The Astrid Experience over the last four years at that took everything I had in my being to finish it, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Future — unlimited. One thing I know about myself is that when money comes my way I will use it to create things, so I’ll probably just keeping making more and more extravagant movies. What’s beyond that? I don’t know, Elon Musk is already doing it.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: The quality I like most in people is when they take personal responsibility for what they desire out of life. Also, honesty, integrity, and courage.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My creativity — it’s what I use to take the natural suffering and malevolence inherent in the world, and spin it to create art and positive experiences for myself and others.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: The Astrid Experience, currently available to stream free in 4K on Youtube

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: Starring in Son of Neverland, based off my novel series of the same name.

Sheva Elliot

KNOWN FOR: Blues, Americana Singer Songwriter

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: sheva.elliot , Twitter: @sheva_elliot YouTube: sheva elliot, Website:sheva-elliot.com

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: Being content in the moment, without wanting more.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: Gratitude, excitement, overwhelmed with a lot of good stuff!

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: This is a fitting question for a Libra Sun, Leo Venus. Body work for sure – massage, lymphatic drainage, facials.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Honesty. Be kind, but please be direct.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My imagination.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS:

My full-length debut album! Due out this summer 2023. The newest single off the record, Lost & Found, came out on May 19th.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: A benefit concert featuring a lineup of badass female musicians.

Gladys FEATURED PEOPLE

Zibby Allen

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: A solid sense of self, feeling good in my skin, deep connection with wonderful friends and family, creative juices flowing on tap, collaborating with artists that I admire, a home that feels like a luxurious hug, effortless and worry-free, not even thinking about what’s next.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: Well, quite literally, Georgia is on my mind (my husband and I have been on the hunt for where we might want to call home, staying a month or so in each place we’ve been considering.) Currently we’re here in the state of Georgia, and I gotta say, I’m loving it so far. As a California girl who has spent the last 8 years splitting time between very cold N. Ireland (where my husband is from), also very cold Scotland (where I met my husband and where many of our friends remain), and cold and rainy Vancouver, Canada (where we film Virgin River), Georgia’s heat and humidity is a highly welcomed climate departure for me! But truly, my state of mind these days is very much centered around paying attention to how I feel in all of these different places we’re trying out. It’s easy to start listing pros and cons to a place, and I can get really heady about it. So I’m focusing on connecting to the more subtle, wordless sensation of place as a way of knowing where is right for me, vs. where is right according to a list of reasons.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Splurging on first class travel, even when it wasn’t the wisest move as far as my bank account was concerned. And you know what? Zero regrets. No shame. Travel can give me anxiety, so the choice to spend extra to be a little more comfortable will always be worth every additional penny to me. You know that saying ‘you can’t put a price on peace of mind’? Yeah, that one really resonates with this lil’ nervous traveler.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Kindness. Kindness-forfree and kindness-just-because kind of kindness! That and authenticity, even (and especially) when it goes against the grain of the majority (which sometimes is extending kindness to a person that no one else is being nice to!)

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: This may sound super cheese ball, but I’d say my most treasured possession is my self-awareness. Of course, I’m constantly honing that awareness, and probably will for the rest of my days, but self-awareness has been one of the single most useful tools in navigating my career, artistry, relationships, decision-making process, my self-esteem.I could go on and on. And the best part about self-awareness, is no one can ever take it away from me, (I mean, I can lose it every now and again, but it’s always there waiting to be found again), and it only gets stronger and more valuable as life goes on.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: I’m in the development phase of an exciting potential project with my good friend and co-star on Virgin River, Alexandra Breckinridge. It’s early stages so I’m not obliged to say much about it just yet, but I look forward to sharing more eventually. We all know Alex is a brilliant actress, but what I can also tell you is she’s an all-around brilliant creative whom I admire endlessly. We discovered we both have producer-y brains and a strong desire to be more deeply involved in projects that light us up, so joining forces was just the obvious next step.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: I mean. There are so many dreamy variations of an ideal project! Right now, though, I’m craving something of a different era. Revisiting a significant piece of history, perhaps a female lead story, a new perspective, fabulous period costumes, and whatever it is, I’d like it to be much grittier than our sweet Virgin River.

Photographer|Storm Santos, Hair and Makeup|Cat Sherwin

KNOWN FOR: playing Brie Sheridan, on Netflix’s Virgin River SOCIAL MEDIA: @zibbyloo Instagram

Lauren O’ Brien

KNOWN FOR: Actress, Model, Country Singer/Songwriter

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: L aurenalexisobrien,YouTube: @laurenalexisobrien

Website: laurenalexisobrien.com

Q&A

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: Creating music while in a beautiful environment.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: Inspired, creative, and energized.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE:

My Tecovas cowboy boots! They’re great quality and I know I’ll be buying more.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: I like people who can make me laugh and vice versa. There’s nothing better than spending time with someone and having stomach pains because you’ve been laughing so much!

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:

My film camera! I love capturing moments with my friends on it.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: Releasing my song “Another Shot”! It’s a country-pop song about rekindling a past romance with another shot.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: Collaborating with one of my favorite artists, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, or Kelsea Ballerini.

Gladys FEATURED PEOPLE

Q&A Sigi Ravet

YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS: While I don’t think “perfection” or “happiness” is ever the goal, I feel most content when things in my life are aligned and have a sense of ease about them. When there’s a steady flow of acting jobs, I’m in a show or working on a project, I’m connecting to my friends and family, I’m feeling accomplished and challenged and working towards a clear goal. And also, a giant oat milk latte never hurts -- Oatly Barista milk if we’re getting specific, which according to the Law of Attraction, we must.

YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND: I just finished the Artist’s Way, have projects in the works and others about to be released, and am finally back on stage after the pandemic hiatus, so I’m currently feeling excited and at peace. Of course, I’m an actor, so ask me again tomorrow. Or like, in an hour.

YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: I love Erewhon’s “healthy” chocolate brownies. I’m (self) banned from going into that grocery store because I cannot avoid purchasing over 17 of them at once and dropping 10 times their weight in money. Luckily, I found not quite as overpriced yet just as delicious gluten-free baked goods at Modern Bread and Bagel. So I drop tons of money there instead.

THE QUALITY YOU LIKE MOST IN PEOPLE: Authenticity. I like when people share their feelings and what they’re thinking. Otherwise I will sit there and try to dissect your mind anyway, so you’re better off just being upfront. My analysis is often right but I am willing to admit I tend to also read into things. Sometimes. Often. Usually.

YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My first instinct is to say my toddler, but I will stick to an actual possession which is probably my box of sentimental cards I’ve collected over the years. Close second is my milk frother. See question one.

YOUR LATEST PROJECT IS: I recently filmed a Wayfair commercial opposite Kelly Clarkson and am in the upcoming Apple+ show, Lessons in Chemistry.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT IS: I have always felt I belonged on a hit comedy series, so that is definitely the main dream. Another major bucket list item is playing a victim-turned-killer on SVU. You know the type. You think she’s a victim but it turns out she DID it. You think she’s a teen but she’s really an ADULT. Manifesting!

Photography|Gina Lombardo

Photography|Candice Rose

KNOWN FOR: Girl Meets World SOCIAL MEDIA: @sigiravet

Dreams Stars Gladys

Karlie Kar lie

Dream Star Model|Karlie Gilley

Photographer| Photography By: Kim G Beach Location|Boneyard Beach, Jacksonville FL Bridge photo|Camp Milton Preserve

Dreams Stars Gladys

Gladys

Gladys

Dreams Stars

Dreams Stars

Gladys

Dreams Stars

Dream Star Model|Taylor Miller Photographer|Joshua Sharp Imagery HMUA|Laura Armstrong

Dream Star Finalists

Emmah Jones

Peyton Duncan South Branch Photography Zaria Hilton Lisa Weaver Photography

Elizabeth Lynch Photographer|Jenn Cady

Hope Kiehl Anthony Panzino @eirannphoto on Instagram

Laci Cummings Redsup Photography

Samantha Potvin Photography|Stewart Smith

Blaike Hepner Gretchen Pingley Photography LLC

Kaleigh Coldwell

Rebecca Berry Storm Dragon Photography

Shea Thompson Photography|Kimberly A. Newell

Olivia Gurney Creative Designs Photography

Maddison Jones

Lizzie Baker Photography|Susan Costa

Gloria Smart

Adalynn Brown Photography| Picture S

Summer Coleman Photography|Kimberly L Smith

Isabella McConnell

Alegria

Jenny Lynn Photography jennylynnphotowv.com

Braelynn Jenny Lynn Photography jennylynnphotowv.com

Ruthie Gusler Tess Johnson photography H/MU Tess Johnson

Sienna Bryant Jennifer Lynn Photography

Photography|April Sixsmith

Trinity Huffman Jenny Lynn Photography jennylynnphotowv.com

GG Sabrina JULY

Gladys Girl Model|Sabrina Harrison, Photography|Jenny Lynn Photography, jennylynnphotowv.com

Photography Assistant|McKayla Dodson, HMUA|Mark Castle, MakeUp By Mark Wardrobe|Floral dress and accessories provided by Jordan & Hess Company

GGAUGUST Karley Karley

Gladys Girl Model|Karley Photographer|Gretchen Pingley

HMUA|Gretchen Pingley

GG

Kelsey SEPTEMBER

Gladys Girl Model|Kelsey Lawson

Photographer|Joshua Sharp Imagery

HMUA|Kristin Jordan, Owner of Headlines Hair Salon

Jenny and the City Exclusive Interview with Valentina Koleva

Interview by Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City

Valentina Koleva is a dynamic and accom plished veteran in the battery industry with a proven track record of driving sales growth and building successful customer networks. Valentina has played a critical role in expanding the company’s market share and driving innovation in the industry. Valentina’s journey to the battery industry began with an MBA degree, and over the years she developed a keen sense of what it takes to succeed in the competitive battery industry. She has a relentless focus on understanding customer needs and delivering innovative solutions that exceed their expectations. Valentina’s leadership style is characterized by a focus on collaboration, transparency, and accountability. She believes that everyone on the team has a critical role to play in driving sales growth and each team member should be empowered to contribute to the company’s success.

How did you start in a business that might be more dominant by man? I will break all clichés and remind that the world we live in has not been just a man’s world for a number of years. Many companies including Saft, the company I work for, celebrates and respects women who are in nu merous leadership roles. In the past, women were not allowed to be lawyers, doctors and be in any administrative and management roles. Today, the numbers speak for themselves as talented women surpass men in the number of graduate degrees earned each year. Speaking from experience, opportunities do come easier to the ones who have earned a degree from a reputable university. Multiple internships, honors and recognitions especially if fresh out of college with no experience can be key factors as well. Perseverance and trust are indicators leading to companies’ willingness to provide an opportunity and “invest” in the individual.

How is a day in your life? Back in the day, I focused on Battery 101, Ohm’s Law, and the market side of the battery industry. I read a book called “Batteries in the Portable World” written for individuals who are not engineers. I stayed close to all engineers and learned as much as possible until everything clicked after a couple of years. Power, Energy, Capacity, Voltage, and Energy density were all foreign terms to me. Learning the battery chemistries and their capabilities is like learning a foreign language. It takes time to sink in but once you get it, it just flows, and you start forming sentences and get to a point where you can intelligently converse on technical level. Then, work with the Applications Engineer on designing the next battery. Of course, it becomes even more fun when you know what battery to suggest before you even present to the Engineer. This all comes with experience and by knowing the markets, the competition, etc. Today, my days are a bit easier because of all the knowledge I gained throughout the years. I assist my customers, distributors, OEMs, and end users with designing and qualifying high-quality batteries for critical applications. At times, I even teach them the battery language as the battery community remains small.

What are lithium batteries? Tell us a little bit about the battery world and why is it so important? Lithium batteries are one of the most important technological innovations of modern times – lithium primary non rechargeable and lithium ion rechargeable were introduced in the 1970s and 1990s respectively. They are small, portable, and can store electrical energy for use in a wide range of applications. From powering our smartphones to storing renewable energy, batteries have revolutionized the way we live and work. The importance of batteries in the world cannot be overstated. They are essential

components of modern life, providing power for everything from transportation to communications to medical equipment. Without batteries, many of the things we take for granted would simply not be possible.

What is the difference between regular batteries & Lithium? Sometimes we don’t think of how essential batteries are for our daily lives, can you share some examples of them? Regular batteries, also known as alkaline batteries. They are inexpensive and widely available. The main differences between regular batteries and lithium batteries are their composition, energy density, rechargeability, and intended use. Regular batteries are typically disposable and used in devices such as flash lights and remote controls to name a few, while lithium batteries have a higher energy density, and used in high-drain devices. In simple language, regular batteries are consumer batteries – the ones that can be found at your local grocery store, Costco, Dollar Tree, etc. When it comes to lithium batteries, imagine industrial, medical, aviation applications where a failure is not an option.

An example here could be Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – that battery better has zero Voltage delay and work as intended or else…Think about the Total Cost of Ownership (we call it) when purchasing a battery that can last in your device for 10 – 15 years vs. 6 months – 1 year. Batteries used in potentially explosive environments having special requirements. How about batteries in space? Oh yes – satellites! Just to name a few more more – downhole drilling, military, navy, Internet of Things (IoT) applications all require quality and reliable batteries with long life.

In a way you guys were saving lives during the pandemic, tell us how did Saft came to the rescue? During the Covid 19 Pandemic, batteries came to the rescue by assisting first responders in respirators. A respirator is designed to protect the user from inhaling airborne contaminants associated with inhaling particle droplets. Public safety and first responder communities face many dangers and use personal protective equipment to protect themselves. As I mentioned earlier, batteries are being used in AEDs located in airports, police vehicles, etc. Body camera videos are being released all the time capturing the heroic moments of state troopers saving lives of individuals who fell unconscious in a crash for example. Delivering a shock before chest compressions is key in regaining cautiousness. State troopers have AEDs in their vehicles and have regular trainings on the use of AEDs and CPR. The list is long…

Meagan Jordan Sarai Maren

Photographer|Peter Müller, web: pem-photography.de, Insta Main nstagram.com/peterulimax, Insta Color instagram.com/petermuellerphoto, 58Daylight Studio :instagram.com/58daylightstudio Models|Jordan Hickman, Icemodels: icemodels.co.za/future-faces/all/1827641/Jordan-Hickman, Meagan Shehab, Icemodels: icemodels.co.za/genetics-models/women/1851257/Meagan-Shehab, Sarai Lewis, Maren Tschinkelp and Maren Tschinkel, IG: maren_tschinkel Styling|Aneeqah Mirza, Dresses|Maurice Martinez, Makeup|Mariaan Louw