The Smile of 30A Has Moved to the Heart of 30A! With over 20 years of experience, as well as extensive knowledge of the local market, Linda Miller has been the number one agent in sales since 2015, with over $525 million in career sales along the 18 miles of Scenic 30A. She is thrilled to announce her new brokerage and office conveniently located in Seagrove Beach. “My dream came true, now let’s make yours and you’ll be smilin’ too!”
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In this issue On the Cover
On a mild October day, members of the VIE team met the illustrious Tina Brown at her charming New York City apartment for a photo shoot for our first Women’s Issue. We are honored to feature this icon of global media and journalism and to promote her latest venture, Women in the World—a live media platform and annual summit dedicated to telling stories through the voices of women everywhere. Photo by Carlo Pieroni WARDROBE: Akris notched-collar poplin blouse – $795, available at Bergdorf Goodman; Carolina Herrera ball skirt – $1,990, available at Carolina Herrera, New York; Aquazzura Deneuve suede pumps – $750, available at Net-a-Porter.com; Mazza Company freshwater soufflé pearl and 14K gold strand necklace – $3,595 and Mazza Company freshwater pearl, 14K gold, and diamond earrings – $2,635, both available at The Jewel in Miramar Beach, Florida (ShopTheJewel.com); John Hardy Dot Triple Coil Bracelet in Silver and 18K Gold – $4,600, available at JohnHardy.com Styled by Christine Hahn; Makeup by Gary Greco; Hairstyling by Serena Lo Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
PUBLISHED BY
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LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! ON THE SCENE AT THE EMMY AWARDS, THE PREMIERE OF MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL, AND THE VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO CLASSIC LOS ANGELES: OUR LA SCÈNE SECTION IS FULL OF CELEBRITIES AND POWERHOUSE WOMEN ON THE STAGE, THE RED CARPET, AND MORE!
Photo courtesy of the Emmy Awards
FEATURE 30 A Conversation with Tina Brown: A Woman
and the Evolution of Feminism
of the World
LA VITALITÉ 105
SPECIAL EDITION WOMEN’S ISSUE 29
106 The Fight against MS
43 L’intermission: International Treasure
111 L’intermission: No Child Hungry
LE MONDE 45
A Story of Hope
46 Women Who Lead: Veronica Schnitzius
112 One Person Can Change the World:
53 L’intermission: The First Lady
VIE BOOK CLUB: THE READERS CORNER 121
54 A Woman of Destiny: Jane Hamon
122 Face It. Women Are Fierce!
60 Building a Brand with a Smile and Results 64 A Good Shepherd: Helping the Voiceless 69 L’intermission: For the Children 70 Class Is in Session: Insights and Inspiration from Female Leaders in Business and Life
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION: HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS 82 SARTORIAL 89
TheIdeaBoutique.com info@theideaboutique.com
98 Wielding the Torch: Diane von Furstenberg
129 L’intermission: Building a Movement 130 The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You
LA SCÈNE 134 THE LAST WORD: WOMEN OF THE WORLD 141 AU REVOIR! 145
90 Becoming BECASA
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 13
LIVE YOUR
BEST LIFE
Exclusively offered by
FO R D E TA I L S , V I D E O & P R I C I N G V I S I T
1201 B AY C R E S T. C O M © MMXIX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.
CREATIVE TEAM FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SALLIE W. BOYLES, FELICIA FERGUSON, ANTHEA GERRIE, SOL ANGE JAZAYERI, ANNA KLEMENT, STEVE L ARESE, SALLIE LEWIS LONGORIA, MYLES MELLOR, KELSEY OGLETREE, CAROLYN O’NEIL, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, COLLEEN SACHS, JANET THOMAS, MEGAN WALDREP
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR TRACEY THOMAS Tracey@VIEmagazine.com
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OLIVIA PIERCE HANNAH VERMILLION
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ALEX ANDRA ARNOLD, MICHAEL BELK, ALEX J. BERLINER, DEBRA HURFORD BROWN, K AIL A BRUNER, S. BUKLEY, ALEX HALL, OVIDIU HRUBARU, SAMIR HUSSEIN, K ATHY HUTCHINS, L AUREN KINSEY, BRENNA KNEISS, PHOTOCOSMOS1, CARLO PIERONI, LEV RADIN, MARK REINSTEIN, ROMONA ROBBINS, ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ, LINDA ROY, JOE SEER, SKY CINEMA, TINSELTOWN, DAWN CHAPMAN WHITT Y, ABIMAGES, FASHIONSTOCK.COM, GETT Y IMAGES, IREVA PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR MEGHN HILL ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ABIGAIL RYAN BRAND AMBASSADOR LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com
AD MANAGER OLIVIA PIERCE Olivia@VIEmagazine.com
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER TIM DUTROW
VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2019 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
16 | DECE MBER 2019
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Editor’s Note
WOMEN ARE DIVINE The Beauty of Being Female
S
ince early childhood, I have cherished being born a female. I have never felt “lesser than” in what is sometimes referred to as the ageold war of the sexes, and I am unapologetically proud that I am not a man. I am grateful to feel comfortable in my given gender role, as I know that may not be the case for others. It’s so important to be happy and satisfied with who you are, no matter your race, creed, or gender. Being the eldest of six children (three girls and three boys) in an Irish Catholic family may have helped to cultivate an innate self-confidence. In my house—no matter the gender—you had to be smart, competitive, quick-minded, and tough for your opinion to count for something. At our dinner table set for eight, the ritual was one of fostering robust conversations that ranged from the Bible to sports and everything in between. Male and female alike, we all had a voice, and no subject was off limits. The mantra at the table was simply “May the best man win!” (and no preferential treatment was implied).
This month’s issue has been in the works for the past year and it’s one of the most exciting that we have ever produced. We sought the legendary Tina Brown, former editor of Tatler, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker, as the cover personality for our inaugural Women’s Issue. Since founding Women in the World ten years ago, Tina has tirelessly nurtured and grown this live media platform to transcend all other live platforms by advancing conversations in the traditional salon style, but with all the modern-day digital accoutrements available for spreading the word around the world. Her sphere of influence is unmatched, and as a publishing goddess, we are honored to have Tina on VIE’s cover. A core ethos of Women in the World is “women lifting women,” which is accomplished by providing a platform for discourse. Tina echoes the sentiment of “sisterhood” in that it is our responsibility as women to assist other women whenever it is within our power to do so. This posture of celebrating the power of women is in clear juxtaposition to the focus of the recent Me Too movement, which seems to concentrate more on victimized women—although the arrival of the latter was necessary to bring about change within a male-dominated culture. Read all about Tina Brown in “A Conversation at Home with Tina Brown” as we celebrate women of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. My intent behind this curated collection of powerful and engaging women is to start new conversations that focus on the uniqueness of womanhood but may also provide
Gerald and Lisa Burwell, VIE’s publisher and editor-in-chief
an understanding of the differences that can be found among the women of our culture. To say I’ve given immense thought to this issue would be a gross understatement. A few weeks ago, an oldie but a goodie came across the car radio: Chaka Kahn’s “I’m Every Woman.” Its message is still relevant and appropriate today. I cranked the volume and sang along with Chaka because, like the lyrics say, “It’s all in me!” And it’s all in you, too. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, so shout it from the rooftops. To Life!
—Lisa Marie Founder/Editor-In-Chief Thanks to my late father and to my husband, who encouraged me to be me and celebrate my womanhood—their support has been the wind beneath my wings!
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
PHOTOGRAPHIC FINE ART Medium to large-scale artwork focused on the waterways of the Gulf Coast.
J o n a h A l l e n .c o m | @ J o n a h A l l e n St u d i o | J o n a h @ J o n a h A l l e n .c o m | (850) 739- 0 929
The Creatives We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
IN THIS ISSUE, WE WANTED TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE CREATIVES WHO MAKE VIE EVERY MONTH, SO WE ASKED THEM: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT CREATING VIE? WHAT MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE TO YOU?
GERALD BURWELL
been blessed with meeting amazing and accomplished people and having incredible experiences that I couldn’t possibly imagine. I love the voice that VIE has in bringing its uplifting stories of “heart and soul” to our readership, and I am very proud of working hand in hand with the hardworking and talented VIE team!
LISA MARIE BURWELL Founder/Editor-in-Chief @lisamburwell
When I envisioned VIE in my mind, I knew I wanted to tell the stories that no one else was telling. When the stock market crashed in 2008 and quality magazines were shuttering by the hundreds, I founded VIE on the premise of telling stories about people doing good things and sharing beauty and love with the world. It’s my privilege and honor to publish a magazine whose very name means “life” in French for almost twelve years, and it’s one of my greatest achievements to date. Working with my team to create each and every issue is a joy to me, and I love the collaborative spirit that abides in the process. It has been difficult and worthwhile, and I thank my husband, Gerald, for staying the course with me to bring VIE to the world.
with the team, from creative editorial meetings to planning photo shoots or creating an eye-catching cover or article design that aligns well with the story or overall theme of an issue. All of these elements in the process of creating an issue are important, exciting, and rewarding when we look back at the completed issue in print. Another rewarding aspect of creating each issue of VIE is the people we meet. I enjoy interacting with various personalities from all walks of life. Most people that we work with are very appreciative to be in VIE, whether it is a small product feature in our staff-curated C’est la VIE Curated Collection or a multipage profile story—the people and relationships that are formed make it all worthwhile and affirm that VIE is shedding light and love on the world and our beloved readers. Thank you for believing in us.
WORKING WITH MY TEAM TO CREATE EACH AND EVERY ISSUE IS A JOY TO ME, AND I LOVE THE COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT THAT ABIDES IN THE PROCESS.
JORDAN STAGGS Managing Editor @jordanlstaggs
Founder/Publisher @burwell_associates
In late 2007, architects across the nation experienced a considerable downturn in work and my business was no exception. It was then that my wife, Lisa, was blessed with the brainchild to publish VIE. With the advent of the Great Recession and seemingly no architectural work to be found, I was fortunate enough to utilize my design talents in a leadership role of this amazing luxury lifestyle magazine: my design eye benefits graphic design, my understanding of structure complements writing and composition, and my attention to detail is crucial to production management. During the past eleven years, I have 22 | DECE MBER 2019
TRACEY THOMAS Art Director @traceyleighthomas
For me, there is not just one particular thing. I enjoy various elements that go into creating VIE. As an art director and designer, I always enjoy collaborating
As someone who wants to try and help people and make the world better but often feels powerless to do so, one of my favorite things about creating VIE is sharing stories that truly help people. Whether that’s getting the word out about an amazing artist who deserves attention or spreading good news about a nonprofit organization whose work is changing lives, I think storytelling really can make a difference in the world. Hearing from people who have been featured in VIE that they are thrilled and have received great feedback from their stories is what makes all the hard work worthwhile. Thank you to all those who have shared their stories with us over the years!
MARGARET STEVENSON Chief Copy Editor
My favorite thing is the thrill I get from being even a small part of such a beautiful product. You see, there is a lot of artistic talent in my family, but, for the most part, those genes bypassed me. So I am in constant awe of the talent and creativity that go into each issue—from concept through to gorgeous completion. Needless to say, I am always amazed at the incredible design and graphics that come out of VIE’s art department. The stories in VIE, too, are a source of wonder and inspiration. Again, I’m not responsible for the content or original thought in them; only the writers and subjects could lay claim to those. My job as copy editor is basically technical: I apply the rules of grammar, punctuation, and traditional publishing to every story. There’s nothing creative about the process—it’s just my contribution to making VIE the best it can be. And I am very proud to be part of that!
that’s designing a new ad campaign for a client or assisting on a photo shoot. I love that I’m able to refine my skill set in different areas. I also love that the team at VIE plays a part in helping with the content—particularly sharing people and organizations in the Goodness Issue. It’s amazing to see when something I am passionate about, a product someone loves, or a favorite place makes it in the magazine to be shared with others! It’s a privilege to work with such a talented group of people who all have big parts to play in the success of VIE. I’m so thankful to be a part of it!
HEARING FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN VIE THAT THEY ARE THRILLED AND HAVE RECEIVED GREAT FEEDBACK FROM THEIR STORIES IS WHAT MAKES ALL THE HARD WORK WORTHWHILE.
ABIGAIL RYAN Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief @aint_so_shabby_being_abby
Lisa, Gerald, and the entire staff took me under their wing when I joined the VIE staff in 2014 and completely submersed me into every aspect of the company to help grow my experience and knowledge. Two of my favorite things to be a part of when creating VIE are writing articles and curating photo shoots. I love being able to share the success stories of others and see how their drive and passion for their businesses have come to full fruition because of their diligence. Whether they are well-known designers or up-and-coming artists, it’s a beautiful chance to let everyone stand in the spotlight. The feedback our team gets from each story and the gratitude we witness when a business skyrockets because of this platform make it all worthwhile for us.
OLIVIA PIERCE MEGHN HILL Senior Graphic Designer & Ad Manager @olivia_pierce
HANNAH VERMILLION Senior Graphic Designer @hannahcvermillion
One of my favorite things about creating VIE is the freedom to try new things and ideas every day. Each new article I design is a chance to try something totally different. I love reading the articles and collaborating with my team to find the best way to visually tell each story! At VIE, you have to be able to stretch your creativity, whether
Being a creative, I think it’s important to have an outlet to share your talents and a team to support your strengths. The VIE team is a group of gifted individuals who strive to produce a well-packaged product in print and digitally. I personally enjoy getting to work so closely with our advertisers. With every dynamic theme and issue, we try to cater to each advertiser and their needs. It’s such a joy to use my design skills to help make the advertisements a success. Seeing my work across the pages of VIE is truly an honor.
Digital Marketing Director @meghn_theideaboutique
I love being a part of the amazing team behind VIE. It is nothing short of pure magic watching each issue come to life every month. Even though I play a smaller role in the design and content selection, I love being able to share the final product across all of our digital platforms and giving the people and companies featured in each issue the visibility and recognition they deserve. It is always rewarding to watch the numbers grow with each story published and to see how storytelling is constantly evolving with new technological advances. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23
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La conversation
Chat Room WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!
@authorrebeccaahall Just a small sample of where I’ve had writing featured this year. Love my job!
@tameramassey What an honor!
@adaroart Thank you so much @annaklement and @viemagazine for writing such a sweet article about our little world. Made me a little jealous of myself. Thank you so much @mooncreekphoto for taking our only professional family portrait to date. You made us look amazing. Go pick up the new magazine this month.
@nationalbraillepress Thanks for running such a thoughtful piece about us and braille’s impact on people’s lives in the October Issue of @viemagazine. Thanks to Nicholas S. Racheotes for writing it and all of the other work that you do for braille!
LET’S TALK!
@dgalysbeach Feeling rad this Thursday as we #throwback to the #dg2018 awards party hosted by @viemagazine!
@kelseyhowardart Thank you, @viemagazine, for featuring me in your November 2019 issue. November also happens to be my birthday month, so this is like the best early birthday present ever. I’m so thankful for the people who believe in me and my artwork. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
VIEmagazine.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25
S E E T I O N R E U
H S
M WO
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TI LIF
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M WO
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When envisioning the spirit of this issue, we knew we wanted to celebrate women from all walks of life. Our goal was to INSPIRE, UNITE, CREATE, EMPOWER, and MOTIVATE. We have curated a diverse group of “sheroes” in this issue to honor just how great it is to be a woman. So many women found within these pages—and beyond—work tirelessly to shine a bright light on the superhero found within each of us. We hope you learn a lot, but most of all, we hope you are inspired to be you! V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29
A C O N V E R S AT I O N w i t h
TINA BROWN A WOMAN of the WORLD Story and interview by Lisa Burwell Photography by Carlo Pieroni
T
he sun wrestled with hazy clouds on the cool mid-October afternoon as our photography team ascended to a high-rise apartment at an exclusive Manhattan address. Tina—our host and model—greeted us wearing all black; she wore no makeup, but there was a shade of apprehension on her face. She is a confident and natural beauty, yet she appeared a little fazed by the presence of our six-person creative team when added to the three stylists already present in the comfort of her private abode. After exchanging introductions and politely offering refreshments, she disappeared to prepare for the first performance. With another pressing engagement looming on her schedule, we had a short hour and a half to make magic: setup, hair, makeup, three wardrobe changes, and breakdown. An example of efficiency, it wasn’t long before Tina reemerged, looking regal and stately in a fashionable white blouse neatly tucked into a Carolina Herrera black silk faille skirt. Simply put, she looked exquisite. As someone who has had a mind-blowing publishing career, Tina is responsible for some of the most celebrated
30 | DECE MBER 2019
covers in magazine history. One such example is the groundbreaking and provocative Vanity Fair cover featuring then-pregnant Demi Moore in her birthday suit, which was orchestrated by photographer Annie Leibovitz—a decision that is still remembered as being bold, daring, and well ahead of its time. Creating a buzz is what the magazine publishing world is all about—and there may not be anyone more legendary at it than Tina Brown.
THE BACK STORY Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Tatler, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker, founder of The Daily Beast, and author of The Diana Chronicles and The Vanity Fair Diaries, needs little introduction. A global media influencer and a change maker, Tina was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II for her success in journalism, and in 2007, she was inducted into the Magazine Editors’ Hall of Fame by the American Society of Magazine Editors. She founded Women in the World (WITW) in 2009
Wardrobe: Custom white shirt; Roland Mouret Arreton skirt – $595, available at Net-a-Porter.com; Mazza Company freshwater soufflé pearl, 14K gold, and diamond earrings – $2,635, available at The Jewel in Miramar Beach, Florida; her own snakeskin print Christian Louboutin pumps V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31
“
I H AVE A LWAYS HA D A N AVID CUR IO S IT Y A N D A N IN S T IN CT FO R N EW S . I’ M A N EW S JUN KIE A N D I WA KE EA R LY T O D EVO UR N EW S .
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to bring together women leaders, activists, and political voices from around the world with the purpose of sharing their stories and offering solutions for building a better life for women and girls. In 2014, she launched Tina Brown Live Media to expand WITW internationally. I had the pleasure of first meeting Tina in Charleston, South Carolina, last fall at the 2018 Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival. VIE was the proud sponsor of her segment of the festival lecture series where Tina discussed some of her most notable life experiences and her recent memoir, The Vanity Fair Diaries, which was named one of the best books of 2017 by Time, People, Amazon.com, The Guardian, Paste, The Economist, Entertainment Weekly, and Vogue.
I turned to live media when I founded The Daily Beast. WITW looks at the world through the eyes of women and that is what makes this platform so important. Some countries—many countries—are not even getting coverage in the media, and this platform allows us to tell these important stories. I’m thinking about the poignant speaker at WITW 2019, Lina al-Hathloul, pleading for her sister, the Saudi Arabian activist Loujain al-Hathloul, who was arrested while championing women’s right to drive and is now awaiting trial; this is just one example of many that are not being covered. Even with Syria and all that is going on with the Turks invading Syria this morning. A few years ago, at WITW, we had a Syrian doctor tell us what it is like to be in the war-torn area and how gruesome it is. This, and so much more, is not being covered or talked about and we are doing such important work to champion women. VIE: Do you think the clout you’ve amassed with a seemingly endless sphere of influence set the stage for Tina Brown Live Media to be birthed and thrive?
A GLOBAL FORCE Held last April at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in NYC to a sold-out audience, the 2019 Women in the World Summit commemorated its tenth year of bringing live journalism to the stage. Tina took the podium with quiet confidence as she welcomed summit attendees to the star-studded journalism extravaganza and introduced her first speaker—Oprah Winfrey. Oprah was powerfully engaging and, as one might expect, gifted everyone in the audience with her new book, The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose. In her keynote address, she offered her vision to answer the crucial question posed at this year’s WITW summit: Can women save the world?
TB: I have always had an avid curiosity and an instinct for news. I’m a news junkie and I wake early to devour news, spending at least two hours every day diving into the world news on multiple channels—that includes digital and print and, of course, The New York Times. I cover a wide range of topics. VIE: You had already amassed a legacy in the publishing world with your name known in several countries. When you founded Tina Brown Live Media, was the core value to further the legacy of being a media mogul or a global humanitarian? Maybe a little of both?
TINA BROWN LIVE MEDIA Wo men i n t he World Summit
VIE: Was it always a dream of yours to create a global media platform (WITW and Tina Brown Live Media) when you were making your mark at Tatler, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker?
TINA BROWN: To some degree, in looking back to when I was with The New Yorker, I wanted to expand it globally then, but there wasn’t any interest in doing so. What I am doing with WITW is a combination of live media and magazines as well as incorporating digital so it’s a multiplatform stage. The summit is a platform for our time. We need to offer live media more and more to discuss and shed light on so many topics that are not being considered or discussed. Shortly after leaving The New Yorker,
Left: Tina Brown and keynote speaker Oprah Winfrey at t he 2019 Women in the World New York Summit Photo courtesy of Tina Brown’s Women in the World Summit / Tina Brown Live Media Opposite: Wardrobe: See page 13 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33
TB: First and foremost, I have always been a journalist and storyteller. I would say I still veer toward the journalist side on the WITW platforms, but that merges with humanitarian causes when we are able to tell stories that are not being told. VIE: You have had a stellar career going Opposite: Wardrobe: Ralph Lauren Collection Kristian silk tuxedo dress – $4,790, available at RalphLauren.com; John Hardy Classic Chain Spear drop earrings with diamonds – $4,200, available at JohnHardy.com; Mazza Company necklace, see page 13; Aquazzura Deneuve suede pumps – $750, available at Net-a-Porter.com Above right:
Diane von Furstenberg in conversation with Kate Bolduan at the 2019 Women in the World New York Summit
Below:
Brie Larson and Radhika Jones during “The Superhero We Deserve” panel at the 2019 Women in the World New York Summit
Photos courtesy of Tina Brown’s Women in the World Summit / Tina Brown Live Media
from one success story to another. Have you ever had a failure, and if so, what did you learn from it?
TB: I have. You know about Talk magazine and my partner, Harvey Weinstein, and all that went on with that. That was a horribly painful period of time in my life. I loved that magazine and the covers looked so good and would still look good on the newsstands today. It really was a great magazine and idea. Talk magazine was a painful and searing experience for me and sometimes you just have to forge through. I rebounded from the disappointment of Talk magazine by shuttering and immersing myself in writing my book The Diana Chronicles, and that was the best antidote to get over the sting of that experience. In looking back, this actually saved me from that failure. My partner Harvey Weinstein was not a good choice and that would be revealed years later how bad it was or could have been. I really liked what we were doing and some of the covers were so fresh and would even work in today’s climate and be fresh even now. VIE: What has been your greatest career achievement to date that exceeded your own expectations?
TB: I would have to say that where I am today with WITW is my greatest achievement to date and one that I am very proud of. This will be my real legacy—I am proud to spread global awareness of women’s problems and topics through my platform.
‘‘
WE ARE MADE BY OUR FAILURES. I SIT HERE TODAY BECAUSE I FAILED ONE BILLION TIMES. —Brie Larson actor and director
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VIE: I’ve read that you’ve said you would not be back in the magazine business as “the screen has eclipsed print” and that you prefer multimedia platforms. Do you see any magazines that you like that are doing something new or different that could make you love the medium again, or is it passé?
TB: That is not totally accurate as I love the tactile nature of magazines and truly believe that stories in a printed magazine appear much more credible than online content, but it is so hard to determine how to make it work in today’s business climate. If I was at Vanity Fair today, I honestly would not know what to do with it to make it work as things are so different now. VIE: You have had the privilege of meeting so many people throughout your life. Who has impressed you the most as being a standout human being?
TB: Oh, let me think about that. That is a really tough question. I would have to say Nancy Pelosi. I am so impressed with her and believe she is an extremely good role model for strong women. As the third most powerful person in the United States—and the only woman in American history to hold the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives—she deserves so many accolades. She is wildly successful in her career and as a mother, grandmother, and wife. I really respect her.
“
I W O UL D HAV E T O S AY T HAT WHERE I A M T O DAY WITH W IT W IS M Y GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DAT E A ND ONE T HAT I A M VERY PR O UD OF.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 35
VIE: As an accomplished author of two
VIE: Your question for WITW 2019 was, “Can women save the world?” Unfortunately,
noteworthy books, The Diana Chronicles
even the WITW summit and the noteworthy
and The Vanity Fair Diaries, which one was
endeavors of thoughtful individuals are not
harder to write?
a panacea for all that ails the world. What do you think is the most important crisis we need to overcome as a society?
TB: Inequality as the divide between the rich and poor is widening, and the poor will feel the weight of this so much more than those who have means. Everything really stems from this, even including climate change. This is a serious problem and so widespread, and we need to get a handle on this—and fast. VIE: We know that the Me Too movement has highlighted the prevailing zeitgeist of women across the country, but how much of a foothold do you feel it has gained since the women’s march the day after President Trump’s inauguration? Are we almost there, or is there a long road ahead in your opinion?
TB: That moment in history put corporations and businesses on notice that women could and would no longer be treated like that any longer. We still have a long way to go and I don’t believe we’re even halfway there yet. We still have a long road ahead, but this was a pivotal moment in time.
AUTHOR OF T H E VA N I T Y FA I R D I A R I E S Named one of the best books of 2017 by Time, People, Amazon.com, The Guardian, Paste, The Economist, Entertainment Weekly, and Vogue. Tina’s book follows the British editor’s rise and eight-year reign at the helm of Vanity Fair in the 1980s when she arrived in New York City at twentynine years of age. The book, based on a detailed diary she kept while there, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse and a front-row seat to an era of glamour and opulence in a male-dominated industry. She not only maneuvered her way through that world, but she also came out on top. VIE: Bruna Papandrea, the founder of Made Up Stories and producer of Big Little Lies, recently optioned The Vanity Fair Diaries for a limited-edition television series. As an
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“
AS THE THIRD MOST POWERFU L PERSON IN THE UNITED STATES—AND THE ONLY WOMAN IN A MERICAN HISTORY TO HOLD THE POSITION OF SPEAKER OF THE HOU SE OF REPRESENTATIV ES— SHE DESERVES SO MANY ACCOLADES.
executive producer alongside Papandrea, are you excited about this project? Have
TB: VFD was harder in that it was such a risk to publish. It was much more of a risk and was actually a nerve-racking experience. I did need to interview 250 sources for The Diana Chronicles book, so it was intense, but the risk was greater on VFD as I had no idea how it would be received. It was extremely rewarding to get such great reviews from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. I am gearing up to write a new book about what happened to the monarchy after Princess Diana died and how it has changed since then. VIE: The lunch you and Anna Wintour had with Princess Diana must have been a sight to see, with you and Anna as bookends to the princess at the Four Seasons in NYC just six weeks before her tragic and untimely death. Two of the most powerful women in magazine publishing dining with the media darling of all time must have created a buzz. Were security and paparazzi swarming when you all entered and left the building?
TB: There really wasn’t any security and Anna and I arrived first and sat in a booth, and then in walked Diana in a lime-green Chanel suit, baring her long legs in a miniskirt. She was a vibrant creature and really so much more beautiful in person than she was in photos. Since the lunch spot was used to serving kings and queens and prime ministers, there wasn’t much fanfare with security, but seeing Diana walk unescorted through the dining room to be seated with us was a sight to behold. As you can imagine, many of the patrons took note.
you thought about which actress you would like to represent you and your story, and is
VIE: What advice would you give to women
this a daunting task for you?
in today’s social and political climate to help them penetrate the proverbial glass ceiling
TB: It is very exciting to see it take shape as I just reviewed the fourth draft today. I have to look at myself as a character on the screen now and get into that mind-set, which is a bit challenging. I can’t reveal which actress we are considering at the moment but can say we’ve looked at many English actresses. I will be able to share the news soon though.
that still persists in 2019?
TB: I would say that if you’re not happy or satisfied where you are, you need to create your own trajectory and make your own way. So many are creating their own environment, and this is a way to overcome this.
M OV I N G F O RWA R D
Right: Viola Davis and Meryl Streep are also on the roster of incredible women who have spoken at Women in the World Summit in years past. S. Bukley / Shutterstock Opposite: Tina Brown names US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as one of the most fascinating and impressive people she has interviewed. Photo by Lev Radin / Shutterstock
My first Women in the World summit experience was unforgettable. In its remarkable ten-year history, the WITW summit has played host to lively discourse that has informed and inspired thousands of women. The cross section of female panelists to share the stage with Tina is as varied as it is impressive: Sonita Alizadeh, Viola Davis, Glenda Jackson, Meryl Streep, Anna Wintour, and Oprah Winfrey are just a small sampling of the exceptional people to share their inspirational stories and experiences in order to further empower women. Don’t miss the Women in the World Summit 2020 in New York City, April 1–3, which serendipitously coincides with the one hundredth anniversary of women’s suffrage in America—a milestone for both women and democracy.
For more information, please visit WomenInTheWorld.com and sign up for the Women in the World email newsletter.
WOMEN IN THE WORLD SUMMIT
‘‘
Tin a B row n’s Women in the World
IT IS YOUR JOB TO MAKE YOURSELF WHOLE. NOT PERFECT, BUT WHOLE AND FULL.
S u mm i t , enteri ng its eleventh year in 2 020, has become a beacon of “ life event s, com pelling stories , a n d vi t al news” as told through the vo ices of women from across the
—Oprah Winfrey philanthropist and global media leader
g lo be. These are just a few of the in c redi bl e l adi es who have graced its st age. Photos courtesy of Tina Brown’s Women in the World Summit / Tina Brown Live Media
Tory Burch
Anna Wintour
Hillary Clinton
Rebecca Traister, Ashley Judd, and Katie Couric
Glenda Jackson
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Wanda Sykes
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Tina Brown and Hillary Clinton
Audrey Gelman and Adwoa Aboah
Pilar Hill
Lynsey Addario, Nima Elbagir, and Alexandra Ulmer
Stacey Abrams and Ashley Judd
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WE ALL KNOW CHARACTER IS THE ONLY THING THAT WE HAVE TOTAL CONTROL OF . . . YOU CAN LOSE EVERYTHING, INCLUDING YOUR FREEDOM, BUT YOU CAN NEVER LOSE YOUR CHARACTER.
Amanda Gorman and Sherrie Silver
Indra Nooyi and Margaret Brennan
—Diane von Furstenberg founder and chairman of DVF Studio
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 39
Joy Buolamwini
Manal al-Sharif and Safa al-Ahmad
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I INTERNED MY BUTT OFF AND I DIDN’T LET MY WHEELCHAIR STOP ME. —Jillian Mercado model and disabilities activist
Shubham Issar
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Cristina Mittermeier and Juju Chang
‘‘
IF WE TARGET THE KIDS AND GIVE THEM A PLACE WHERE THEY FEEL WANTED, THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO TAKE THEIR FUTURES INTO THEIR OWN HANDS. —Priyanka Chopra Jonas actress, producer, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Padma Lakshmi
Flaviana Matata
Susan Rice and Alyssa Mastromonaco
Bozoma Saint John
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 41
L’intermission
International Treasure Photo by Samir Hussein / Getty Images
Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Los Angeles–born Meghan Markle was known as an actress and writer. Her blog featured encouraging posts for women around the world who wanted to make a difference. Now, Meghan is using her new platform to keep the momentum going—she and Prince Harry have spoken out on issues including health, women’s rights and empowerment, female education, violence toward women and girls, inclusivity in society and business, and more. In a speech in Cape Town, South Africa, she said, “While I am here with my husband as a member of the royal family, I want you to know that for me, I am here as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of color, and as your sister. I am here with you and am here for you.”
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43
Le monde
Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND
Photo by Tinseltown / Shutterstock
Move over, Elle Woods—another California style icon has hit the books to become a licensed attorney. Kim Kardashian West might be best known as a model and pop-culture megastar who “broke the internet,” starred with her family on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and became a highly successful businesswoman through her makeup, fragrance, and shapewear lines. But in the spring of 2019, she announced to the world that she was studying to take the California Bar exam in 2022. She has since shared updates with her nearly 150 million fans on Instagram while undertaking a four-year apprenticeship with a San Francisco–based firm. Her goal, she says, is to specialize in criminal law and focus mainly on criminal justice reform. This is evidenced by her involvement in the 2018 release of Alice Marie Johnson, a convict from Memphis who was serving a life sentence in prison for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 45
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WOMEN WHO LEAD By L I S A M A R I E B U R W E L L 46 | DECE MBER 2019
Photography courtesy of A M E R I C A N L E A T H E R
I
It was an honor to meet Veronica Schnitzius, president of American Leather, and her team at their campusstyle manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas, this past June. She is a vivacious and beautiful person who graciously arranged a tour of the facility and a catered lunch for our team. The 350,000-square-foot, state-ofthe-art factory and corporate office are well organized and impressive, with innovative engineering methods used to handcraft each piece of furniture. The VIE team toured the facility thanks to one of our advertising brand partners—Todd Reeves, owner of Isidro Dunbar Modern Interiors (idMI) in Miramar Beach, Florida. He shared that Veronica and American Leather would make a great addition to our Women’s Issue, and we agreed wholeheartedly. Since idMI is the exclusive Northwest Florida retailer for American Leather furniture, it was the perfect marriage for our readers both locally and across the US. “It makes me proud to know that American
culture and team esprit de corps at American Leather is evident, and if more companies would take cues from their craftsmanship and leadership acumen, the world would be a better place.” He adds that he is proud to be involved with such a dynamic, innovative, and creative company with a leader who has the grace and wisdom to lead but also listens and gives respect to her employees and partners. It’s been two years since American Leather CEO Bruce Birnbach announced Veronica Schnitzius as president of the company. “As we grow, we want to keep our small-company culture, and Veronica is the person to do that,” he said. When asked how she felt about the new position, Veronica said, “I’m excited to be president after working at American Leather for fifteen years.” Founded by engineers in 1990, American Leather was built on the belief that three months is too long to ever wait for a piece of customized furniture; instead, they determined that thirty days was a reasonable goal. They were successful in being able to take an order from concept through completion in thirty days, and that has become one of the central differentiators as they were able to automate a system capable of achieving this. From humble beginnings, American Leather has grown to a team of six hundred today—thanks in no small part to Veronica.
Veronica Schnitzius was born in Medellín, Colombia, and earned her degree in production engineering from EAFIT University in “IT MAKES ME PROUD TO KNOW THAT AMERICAN LEATHER IS THE Medellín in 2001. She graduated as an industrial LEADER OF INNOVATION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP IN THE FURNITURE engineer and then accepted an internship in Dallas that turned into a full-time position, but INDUSTRY. VERONICA HAS CERTAINLY EARNED THE POSITION OF unfortunately, the company she was working for PRESIDENT, AND SHE IS AN AMAZING LEADER FOR THE COMPANY.” declared bankruptcy shortly after she arrived. Misfortune turned around, though, as she was hired as an engineer at American Leather. She says the rest is history. The determined young woman climbed the ranks, serving Leather is the leader of innovation and craftsmanship in in many roles throughout her tenure, including maintenance manager, cutting the furniture industry,” says Todd, beaming. “Veronica manager, assistant plant manager, director of product development, vice president has certainly earned the position of president, and she is of operations, chief operating officer, and now, of course, president. While advancing an amazing leader for the company.” in her career, she also earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. VIE hosted a meet-and-greet event in Dallas during our trip as part of our ongoing Stories with Heart & A champion of her fellow Latina women and other women of color, Veronica has Soul Tour around the country, which began in 2017. It been heavily involved with community organizations working to aid and applaud has been a great way to cultivate lasting relationships them. She served as secretary of the Hispanic 100, an organization of professional with both our readers and our advertisers, as well as Latina leaders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She was vice president and committee a way to find new stories to tell. chair of financial development for Women in the Home Industries Today (WithIt) and also served as a board member of the Young Professionals of the Dallas Regional Veronica’s rich story highlights both the achievement Chamber. One of her most recent appointments was as a board member for YPO of the American Dream and the fact that she is (formerly Young Presidents’ Organization) Lone Star–Dallas chapter. strong woman who was born to lead. As president of American Leather, she oversees all aspects of Veronica Schnitzius, We caught up with this brilliant and inspirational business leader to hear more of the operations for a $300 million manufacturer of president of American Leather her story, insights, and advice: custom-ordered furniture. Todd says, “The work-family V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47
Le monde
Was it always your plan or dream to lead American Leather as president while you were working there in numerous capacities for fifteen years?
in a relationship-based approach to solving problems and finding solutions. In addition, since women make 90 percent of the buying decisions in home decor and furnishings, how we relate to women as a company is important, and it makes a female leader even more relevant in our industry.
VERONICA SCHNITZIUS: Yes, I love
American Leather was founded in 1990 on the belief that custom-made furniture should be available to consumers at the best quality in a fraction of the average industry completion time. One of their most popular products is the Comfort Sleeper sofa (above). Opposite top: The Nico recliner Opposite bottom: The company’s combined corporate office and manufacturing plant is based in Dallas, Texas, and employs over six hundred people. 48 | DECE MBER 2019
the company and the people who work at American Leather, and I was given every opportunity to succeed there. It was always important to me, in every role I moved into, that I could enhance the work experience for our employees and bring the same opportunities for advancement and success to anyone who wanted to grow. What is your leadership style? Do you believe that being a woman equips you to oversee and grow the company in a way that could be different from how a man might lead?
Do you have advice for both men and women on what companies are looking for in their employees? VS: Companies today want an employee who is willing to work hard, is open to new ideas, and is always striving to better themselves. I would also take an employee who honors and helps cultivate the company culture over pure skill every time. You can always find people who are qualified to do the job, but finding someone who is passionate is rare. You can teach skills or a job role—you can’t teach them to care.
VS: I would say I am a “hands on, walk the talk”
VS: Doing the job, digging in, and working hard are the most important aspects
kind of leader. I wouldn’t ask anyone to do something I am not willing to do as well. I also believe in “servant leadership,” where we can create a culture in which everyone can win. As a female leader, I have natural empathy for our employees and truly believe
of leadership. It’s also critical to not be afraid to take risks and try something new. Learn from your own mistakes and experiences, but also from those of others.
Can you share words of wisdom regarding your leadership acumen and who or what can make a great leader?
Every leader should also have a business coach—someone you can bounce ideas off of, but who will also push you beyond your comfort zone. Beyond that, always
VS: Bob and the management team founded American Leather with the vision to offer highly customized, quality leather furniture produced to be shipped in twenty-one days—a delivery standard that was three times faster than the industry average. By applying modern, “just-in-time” manufacturing methods to the “old line” furniture industry, this vision became a reality. To this end, the factory is engineered to manage mass customization of product through the latest technology and manufacturing systems, making American Leather the most automated leather furniture manufacturer in North America. Employing lean manufacturing methods means we have successfully and consistently delivered custom-designed products to consumers in thirty days, all made in the USA.
be a student: learn something new every day, both inside and outside of your industry, by listening to podcasts, attending seminars, or taking courses. The more you expand your experiences within the world, the more you can share knowledge with others.
Every piece of furniture is made to order, with choices from hundreds of leathers or performance fabrics and various materials or wood finishes. The company’s culture of innovation also makes American Leather one of the most patented furniture “ALWAYS BE A STUDENT: LEARN SOMEmanufacturers in terms of the mechanisms we use. Our award-winning innovation THING NEW EVERY DAY, BOTH INSIDE products include the Comfort Sleeper, AND OUTSIDE OF YOUR INDUSTRY, BY Comfort Air chair, Re-Invented Recliner, Style in Motion seating, and Comfort LISTENING TO PODCASTS, ATTENDING Theatre collections, which have redefined how people sit and relax on their furniture. SEMINARS, OR TAKING COURSES.”
I have read that Bob Duncan, the founder of American Leather, is a mentor for you and has been an influential figure in your life and career path. Can you share this story with us?
VS: It has always been important to me to work hard in each role I served, but I was also very fortunate to be given new opportunities to succeed. Bob saw potential in me as a leader and he supported my education, put me through the Stagen business program, hired a communications coach, and was very supportive of my family as well. He was also open to my ideas for creating a healthier workplace and supported the initiatives we put in place to bring opportunities and programs to the employees that could enhance their work and personal lives. Bob has been a mentor and inspiration for me, and he has helped me see our employees as our biggest asset and see how we must always look to the next milestone as a measure of success. American Leather is a disrupter in the furniture industry—implementing Japanese “lean manufacturing” innovations that allow you to deliver custom-made furniture 75 percent faster. Can you tell us how you knew this was the right move for the company? V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 49
“AS A FEMALE LEADER, I HAVE NATURAL EMPATHY FOR OUR EMPLOYEES AND TRULY BELIEVE IN A RELATIONSHIP-BASED APPROACH TO SOLVING PROBLEMS AND FINDING SOLUTIONS.” You manage a diverse group of employees from over thirty-five countries, with many being first-generation immigrants. Can you share how you have created such a vibrant work culture?
VS: I’m an immigrant myself, so naturally it’s something I understand and am passionate about. American Leather as a company exemplifies that notion of being given the opportunity to work hard and make a good life for yourself and your family here. Being centrally located in the country means we have a large immigrant workforce in the factory; in fact, many are family members who come to work together. It was important to me to create a work environment that offers not only the opportunity to succeed but also access to good health care and financial support through college scholarships for employees’ children. Because your product is made in America, will this save you from any adverse reactions to the ongoing tariff wars we are currently experiencing? If not, how will you maneuver through an unforeseen paradigm shift?
VS: Yes, the current tariff situation makes “Made in America” even more attractive to potential consumers; but our home-turf advantage really affords the opportunity for consumers to get the exact piece of furniture they want, customized for their spaces, within thirty days. Tell us a little about American Leather University. When was it established, and how often do you offer it so that retailers can attend and experience your brand firsthand?
VS: American Leather University was established more than twenty years ago as an annual opportunity for retailers to get hands-on training about American Leather and its products. Each year, retail sales associates come to the factory for a tour, to learn about what sets American Leather products apart in the market, and to receive sales motivation training. This experience is so valuable and helps sales associates become more familiar with American Leather and its products, allowing them to be more effective when selling American Leather from their stores. How has the acquisition of Lee Industries impacted American Leather?
VS: The acquisition has allowed us to learn from an “old competitor,” offering a different approach to manufacturing and a view of different processes and team structures. This combined family under American Leather Holdings helps us all be stronger together.
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Le monde
Innovation, European craftsmanship, technological advances, and performance are intrinsic to your product as well as the design. How much do you rely on fashion and style trends to make sure you’re staying ahead of the curve and giving your customers what they want—maybe before they even know they want it?
is also a solid part of our business, and we want to continue to grow that while also supporting the overall retail channel. We want to serve every end consumer in whatever way they prefer to buy.
VS: Our team consistently visits shows in Europe, travels to different markets,
The VIE team was incredibly impressed with the entire company and culture of American Leather. We would like to extend a warm thank-you to Veronica and her team, as well as to Todd Reeves of Isidro Dunbar Modern Interiors and Todd Crandall, owner and founder of Crandall & Associates in Atlanta, for organizing our visit.
and follows various influencers to see what new trends are emerging. But, in many ways, American Leather sets the trend for innovation with comfort and style, bringing products to market that really “solve problems” and provide a better seating, relaxing, and lounging experience for consumers. As a company that both designs and manufactures high-end, customized upholstered furniture that is sold through private labels and retail and hospitality channels, are there specific channels you’re growing in to stay competitive?
VS: Growing our own brand is very important, and all our channels grow at different times, as markets tend to be cyclical. Our hospitality division continues to grow strong, and we continue our efforts to build brand awareness among consumer audiences so they can go into retail stores and ask for the American Leather brand. Private label
American Leather’s full line of stationary and motion furniture is all designed and manufactured in the Dallas headquarters and is sold through more than 650 retail stores nationwide. Visit AmericanLeather.com to learn more. Northwest Florida locals can also find American Leather at Isidro Dunbar Modern Interiors—idMIdesign.com.
Opposite top: American Leather Comfort Sleeper sofa Opposite bottom: Each piece of American Leather furniture is made to order and built by hand in the Dallas factory.
L’intermission
The First Lady Photo by Mark Reinstein / Shutterstock
When Melania Trump assumed the role of First Lady of the United States in January of 2017, she also became the first in this position to be a naturalized US citizen and the first whose native language is not English (in fact, she is fluent in five languages). Her primary platforms for change include initiatives against bullying and drug use. She has spoken out for the advancement of women’s and children’s rights around the globe, and she has been cited as actively working to improve immigration policies. Her role has not been an easy one, but amid controversy and ridicule, the First Lady remains graceful and composed, commanding the respect her office deserves.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 53
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BY LISA MARIE BURWELL
A legacy of preaching the word of God as an international minister, pastor, apostle, author, public speaker, wife, mother, and grandmother is to her credit. Jane Hamon became a believer in Jesus at age fourteen, and by age seventeen, she was attending Bible college. Two years later, she and her husband, Tom, started their first church. They later began copastoring one of the foremost prophetic churches in the nation, Vision Church founded by bishop and prophet Bill Hamon. Vision Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is the headquarters for Christian International, a network of over five thousand churches around the globe that are laboring together to bring the Gospel to the world.
Jane has traveled extensively throughout the globe and helped build Vision Church, Vision Outreach Ministries, and numerous affiliate partners, including Mercy Multiplied, a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to helping young women break free from life-controlling behaviors and situations, such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addiction, unplanned pregnancy, depression, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking.
been my pastor, teacher, and counselor, and has blanketed me in love and prayer. That includes helping me get through breast cancer, the deaths of my parents and my husband’s parents, a miscarriage, and the general trials and tribulations that we bear as humans throughout the course of our lives. Some might think I am biased in my love and admiration for this woman, but I am not. She truly is the real deal—she is filled with enlightened knowledge and wisdom from above. In this issue of VIE, Jane shares some of that wisdom and her story with us: How many countries have you traveled to since your ministry started?
Opposite: Pastor Jane Hamon Photo by Brenna Kneiss 54 | DECE MBER 2019
Having known Jane personally as pastor/apostle and my friend for the past thirty years, my goal is to showcase this accomplished and mighty woman of God in this interview. By way of full disclosure, she officiated at my marriage ceremony twenty-three years ago, has
JANE HAMON: I have visited sixty-six nations and ministered in forty. Some of the places I have visited most frequently are South Korea (over thirty times), the UK (over twenty times), Australia and New Zealand (fifteen times), and Norway (eight times), and I have visited many others multiple times.
Of all the countries you’ve ministered to in the past decade, which country has the most hunger for God and walking in His reflection? Why do you think certain places and people are more apt to follow the Bible? Is it cultural, or do places with a lack of resources seem to need God more than affluent countries?
JH: From all the nations I have traveled to in the last decade, it is clear that there is a hunger for God throughout the earth. Latin America is experiencing incredible church growth. Asia is seeing nations impacted by the truth of the Gospel. Even Europe and Scandinavia have pockets of revival that are giving hope to many. The Philippines is a remarkable nation in transformation, which over the past twenty years has gone from a third-world to a first-world economy. It was previously a nation that was predominantly Catholic and Muslim but has been rapidly transforming into a culture that embraces evangelical, spirit-filled principles, not only in the church but on many levels of government as well. We have interacted with Christians who are senators, mayors, judges, company owners, and pastors of congregations hundreds of thousands strong. In this nation, the people have begun to see that biblical principles have the power to transform their culture—and it is working. Though there is still a great deal of poverty, the nation has begun to take on a healthier culture, valuing and improving life for its citizens and connecting the nation globally to both the United States and to friendly nations in the East. It might be true that typically poorer countries have experienced spiritual growth as people are drawn to the church for worship, hope, and community; but today we are also seeing a hunger for God stirring among the professional business crowds, with people finding a deeper sense of purpose in Christ to influence their world. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 55
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Opposite: Jane Hamon and her husband, Tom (left), lead worship at Vision Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, which is also the headquarters of Christian International, a global network of over five thousand churches. Photos courtesy of Jane Hamon
ne businessman we know in South Korea has a place for prayer, worship, and biblical teaching for his thousands of employees at each of his many business sites, believing the Bible has the answers to help each person live their best life.
You are the author of The Deborah Company: Becoming a Woman Who Makes a Difference, Dreams and Visions, and Discernment: The Essential Guide to Hearing the Voice of God. Will you please share how we can understand and love the things of God—what is the essential piece of wisdom needed to walk in a daily relationship with Him?
Have you ever traveled to war-torn countries while preaching the Gospel, and did you fear for your life?
JH: I think many people have the idea that
JH: My husband and I traveled to Colombia, South America, while the rebels were besieging cities back in 1996. We flew into the city since you could not drive in. Our team were the only outsiders in a city of 250,000 people, because all other foreigners had previously been kidnapped, killed, or run out of town. It was quite dangerous the entire ten days we were there.
becoming a Christian merely means following a list of “dos and don’ts” and forever falling short. The truth is, God knew that, on our own, no one person could be good enough or perfect enough to deserve God’s love and favor. That was why God sent His son, Jesus, to pay the price for our shortcomings so that we can each have a relationship with a loving, forgiving God. The Bible says if we seek Him, we will find Him. It’s that easy. He longs to reveal His heart and plan to us through His Word, the Bible. He loves us. He wants to be our Father, our friend, and our strength. Once we learn to trust that He truly wants to help us live the quality life we were created to live, the daily journey with Him becomes a joy we can treasure. Why do you think God has found the need for the prophetic, and what does that mean today?
JH: When we use the word “prophetic,” we mean that we believe God is still speaking today. When Jesus walked the earth, He told His disciples that His people should hear His voice. As we read the stories of the early church, we see that God continued to speak to His followers through dreams, visions, angels, and even in an audible voice. With all the turmoil in the world today, we need to hear God’s voice more than ever before. We need to know His heart for us, His will for us, and His practical plan for our lives. When we hear God’s voice, we can change our world! How does God’s voice manifest to you?
JH: I was sixteen years old the first time I heard the voice of God. He spoke Many of our trips to South Korea were during times of great tension with North Korea, with missiles being fired into the Sea of Japan while we were there. We have also traveled to Ukraine during a time when Russia was crossing the border. There was a trip planned to Ukraine when their war began, but we felt we needed to reschedule due to the danger. In all these dangerous situations, we have seen God show up and bring life to many in times of crisis. 56 | DECE MBER 2019
to me in an audible voice during a time of prayer and redirected the course of my life. All I am doing today is the result of having heard the voice of God that day. Since that time, I have learned He speaks to me through the scriptures, through messages in dreams and visions, and through His voice in my head— which sounds different from my own voice. Once, I had a dream in which God showed me my brother getting sick and dying. He told me to get up and pray, which I did. The next day, I learned my brother’s appendix had ruptured the previous night while he was camping deep in the woods. By the time he got to the hospital, he was close to death. I believe God showed this to me so I could pray him out of death into life.
as one nation under God, and impact other nations for good in our world. It’s been said that God uses the most unlikely or seemingly unqualified to accomplish his goals. As the religious right wing has been so supportive of President Donald Trump, do you ever feel conflicted about whether he appears to be a godly man?
JH: I think many people in America voted for
What is your view on all of the turmoil and strife in our world today, and can prayer be the answer for all that ails us?
JH: When we pray, things change. We connect heaven and earth because
Donald Trump not because they believed he was an example of virtue or biblical godliness, but because he was willing to stand up for values that are important to them: religious liberty, the sanctity of life, small government, and conservative and family values. Over the years prior to the election, many Christians felt marginalized or discriminated against and have endured hostility toward our Christian faith and beliefs right here in America. We encourage people in our church to vote in each election, but to consider not only the person but also the platform on which they are running. We weren’t electing a pastor, but rather a president who would stand up for our values and beliefs and who would hopefully fight to see America remain an influence for good in the world.
our Heavenly Father hears our cry. And when He hears, He is moved by our prayer and responds by sending help. I am reminded of a quote by General George Patton, who said, “When this world goes from bad to worse, it is because there are more battles than We need to there are prayers.” My prayer is that people everywhere will call upon the name of the Lord. know His heart Do you think America will have a revival soon? With our country so terribly divided, what is the answer to helping heal our land?
JH: I believe revival is coming to America! It is awakening
for us, His will for us, and His practical plan for our lives. When we hear God’s voice, we can change our world!
our families, our churches, and our culture to realize our greatest potential as a nation. The word “revival” means “to bring back to life.” It also indicates a spiritual awakening. America was settled by Christians seeking religious freedom and a better life. The establishment of the government of our nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles as found in scripture, which has caused us to become one of the greatest, most generous, most freedom-loving nations of all time. However, human failures have caused many to lose their faith in not only the greatness of our nation but also in God on whom this nation’s principles were based. We have forgotten who we are, and God wants to bring the dream of America back to life. I believe healing will come to our nation when we the people embrace those founding biblical principles once again, wake up to our destiny and responsibility
What prayer would you like to see activated throughout the world to help heal the divisiveness we face today?
JH: Since the beginning of time, nation has risen against nation. It is the cry of every generation for there to be peace and safety in their lifetime. When Jesus was born on earth, the angels announced he came to bring peace on earth and good will toward all men. He came to bring us back to the heart of the Father and to establish His kingdom in our hearts. His kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy. Our prayer should echo the prayer Jesus taught us to pray: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” and the words of a popular hymn, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” How many times have you been interviewed on CBN— Christian Broadcasting Network?
JH: Not only have I been privileged to be interviewed on CBN seven times, but for five of those times, I had the opportunity to cohost the program with my friend Gordon Robertson. I have also been featured on Cornerstone Television, GOD TV, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Today with Marilyn and Sarah, Enlace Spanish television network, Miracle Channel in Canada, Joni Lamb’s show Joni Table Talk, and Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 57
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ince America and the world at large have become a “celebrity culture,” do you find it interesting that many in the entertainment industry seem to be turning to the word of the Lord? Kanye West and Justin Bieber, to name a couple, are boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are poised to influence a completely different audience than the traditional Sunday churchgoer. What do you think of what we see happening?
JH: I am very excited to see what is happening with these cultural influencers! Above left: Jane Hamon has authored several books on Christian principles, understanding prophecy, and working to make a difference in the world. Her latest is Discernment: The Essential Guide to Hearing the Voice of God. Pastors Jane and Tom Hamon have shared God’s Word on many television networks and programs including Christian Broadcasting Network, GOD TV, The 700 Club (above right), Joni Table Talk (right), Today with Marilyn and Sarah, and more.
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I am praying for them to stand strong in their faith, to hear God’s voice, and to be surrounded by those who will support them as they grow in Christ. I applaud them for utilizing their popularity platform to spread the truth that God has personally changed their lives in a very real way, in hopes their stories will enrich others as well. Historically, some of the greatest awakenings and revivals have happened outside the walls of the traditional church. I see this as a sign of the beginning of the next great awakening! Please describe the gifts of the Spirit and prophecy in a manner that nonchurchgoers can understand.
JH: God loved the world so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins and then conquer death so we can have a relationship with Him. Jesus loved His followers so much, He gave us the Holy Spirit to live in us, to empower us to change our world for
good by walking in His footsteps. The Holy Spirit so wants to help us live strong, purposeful, healthy lives that He has provided everything possible to help us live in victory: gifts such as healing, miracles, revelation, prophetic insight, power, and faith. God is supernatural and all-powerful and lives in us. It shouldn’t surprise us that He wants to speak to us, direct us, give us insight, heal our bodies and minds, and give us the strength to build strong families and the courage to share our hope with others. With the power of God’s Spirit living in us, we can expect supernatural, out-of-the-ordinary miracles to be a part of our daily lives.
So many people think of prophets from days of old during the time Jesus walked our earth. What does it mean to be a prophet in today’s world?
Historically, some of the greatest awakenings and revivals have happened outside the walls of the traditional church. I see this as a sign of the beginning of the next great awakening!
JH: One can see prophets in the Bible
from the first book, Genesis, to the last book, Revelation. The prophet’s job was to hear God’s voice and share with the people what He said and what His expectations were of the people of that day. One thing to remember is that God’s voice is always congruent with His revealed Word found in the Bible. Today, there are many twenty-first-century prophets on earth. As a prophet, I feel I have a responsibility to share what I hear God saying and make Him real to the lives of individuals, churches, and even nations. God’s voice through His prophets shines light into dark places and gives hope, direction, and guidance to all who receive it. When God speaks a word through a prophet and the person listening knows that the prophet has no natural knowledge of his life, his eyes are opened to realize God is real.
One of my favorite places to minister the prophetic voice of God is with the precious young women at Mercy Multiplied. Its founder, Nancy Alcorn, is a dear friend and such a hero for the thousands of young women she has helped break free from lifecontrolling issues through a healing relationship with God. When I come in with my team and pray for them, knowing nothing about their personal stories, and God shares His heart with them (speaking specifically at times about times and events in their lives), they realize God is real and that He loves them and is fighting for them. Beyond prophesying, I believe I am called to help others hear the voice of God for themselves. God always has the desire to speak to His people—the question is, are we listening?
Visit ChristianInternational.com to learn more or VisionChurchCI.org to find the church’s worship schedule.
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REAL ESTATE IS THE NAME OF THE GAME FOR LINDA MILLER, WHO HAS BEEN A LICENSED REALTOR SINCE 1978, THOUGH SHE WORKED IN RETAIL MANAGEMENT FOR TWO DECADES BEFORE PUTTING HER PASSION TO GOOD USE WHEN SHE MOVED SOUTH FROM THE SMALL TOWN OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, TO THE COASTAL COMMUNITY OF SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA.
grew up coming to Destin as a child, and my fondest family memories take place in the turquoise water and on the sugar-white sands,” Miller recalls. “Even in those days, I would tell people ‘I’m gonna live here one day.’” She made her dream come true when she moved to Northwest Florida after her youngest child started college in 1998. She has been a realtor in the area since then, has been the top agent in sales along Scenic Highway 30-A for the last five years, and has amassed over half a billion in sales over her career. 60 | DECE MBER 2019
his year, Miller continued to write her love letter to the coast by launching her own brokerage, Linda Miller Real Estate. She credits her success to a positive attitude and putting her clients first—not to mention taking advantage of the beautiful scenery along Scenic 30-A. “My first customer, who is from Atlanta, made a comment to me that she was ‘back on the smile’ of 30-A when she returned to her newly purchased home,” Miller says. “I asked what she meant, and she said that once she gets on Scenic Highway 30-A, she just starts smiling. I looked at a map and noticed 30-A even looks like a smile coming off of Highway 98. I was convinced that I wanted to be the ‘Smile of 30-A,’ so I got her permission to use that as my slogan, and my personal brand was born.” The real estate industry is saturated with agents, so Miller knew she would have to make herself stand out in people’s minds and in her promotional efforts throughout the area. This is where the Smile of 30-A really came into play. She became famous for bringing a sofa resembling a large pair of red lips to open houses and promotional events around the area. “It’s always a great conversation starter,” she says. “It helps that once you own property on 30-A, you’ll be smiling, too, because you will be in paradise and making money. Plus, smiling is really good for you!” As a businesswoman and now business owner, Miller admits that things have not always been easy. She cites that it often feels like men in most business industries,
SHE HAS BEEN A REALTOR IN THE AREA SINCE THEN, HAS BEEN THE TOP AGENT IN SALES ALONG SCENIC HIGHWAY 30-A FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, AND HAS AMASSED OVER HALF A BILLION IN SALES OVER HER CAREER.
especially in the South, would prefer to keep women out of their arena. “Growing up as a child of the 1960s, I have seen it all,” she says. “When I went to university, I wanted to work as a buyer of fashion merchandise, so my ‘guidance counselor’ sent me to the School of Home Economics to learn how to sew and create textiles, et cetera. Can you believe there was even a college called the School of Home Ec? My daughter is amazed that I graduated based on my cooking skills.” She continues, “At the same time, when the guys said they wanted to work in merchandising or retailing, they were sent to the business school to learn how to manage all the women from the home ec school when they became our bosses—ha! It’s not really funny, but it’s true. Plus, we made about half the salary that men did for a long time.” In real estate, Miller says, the ladies have the edge. “I believed then and I believe now that women are smart. We make the best agents and can create more value in a property. What a wonderful world it would be if the girls just stuck together like the guys do.” And it’s possible, she insists. “I think that women, as a collective, have great power. I love the idea of empowering women every chance I have, because I remember the days when we had many fewer choices. We’ve ‘grown up’ into an empowered society where a woman’s worth is respected and valued.”
Above: Linda Miller Real Estate has luxury properties listed along the eighteenmile stretch of Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida communities including Alys Beach (above), Rosemary Beach, Paradise by the Sea, Seaside, Blue Mountain Beach, and more. Opposite: Broker/owner Linda Miller Photos by Brenna Kneiss
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or women who are working on building their personal brands or starting a business, Miller has some simple pieces of advice: “Be true to yourself; be honest with your clients; listen first, then ask questions; and watch your back—protect yourself and your brand.” These were invaluable lessons Miller learned during her tenure as a realtor on 30-A over the past twenty-one years, even weathering the financial storm that so many faced after the Great Recession. “Looking back at the years since the crash, I realized I had grown a brokerage from around $20 million to over $275 million per year and managed about a dozen agents on top of selling over $80 million last year and being the number one agent on 30-A since 2015.” She is also a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, which offers a global network of agents dealing exclusively in luxury properties. This industry expertise was one reason that prompted Miller to form her own brokerage; another reason was wanting to be a positive role model for her family. “I wanted to build a legacy of my own for my children and theirs. I realized I had missed my oldest ‘grands’ who live in Louisiana, and wanted to be sure I intentionally spend the next years of my life being a mother and ‘Mimi’ who puts family first, as well as create an environment where family works together to build their legacy.”
I BELIEVED THEN AND I BELIEVE NOW THAT WOMEN ARE SMART. WE MAKE THE BEST AGENTS AND CAN CREATE MORE VALUE IN A PROPERTY. WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD IT WOULD BE IF THE GIRLS JUST STUCK TOGETHER LIKE THE GUYS DO.
Walton County is the fifth-fastest-growing county of its size in the country, according to census numbers from 2017 to 2018. As an expert on the area’s real estate, Miller knows that she must also plan growth for her brokerage for the coming year. “We plan to expand our team as I am led to find the right people,” she says. “When I started twenty-one years ago, a great lady named Sandi Nichols mentored me. She was the first female broker on 30-A and a great teacher and leader. I hope to return the favor to some young real estate professionals, and know I will find the right people to teach and work with.”
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helping the voiceless
A GOOD SHEPHERD BY FELICIA FERGUSON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE
Laurie Hood, the founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, hears the cries of the winged and four-footed and has spoken on their behalf for twelve years. As of May 2019, she and a platoon of volunteers have partnered with local sheriffs’ departments and rescued more than four thousand dogs from hoarders, puppy mills, abusive situations, and natural disasters. They have also taken in over twenty thousand animals from across the Florida Panhandle. But recently, new opportunities to expand her scope and reach have developed, offering her the ability to impact the lives of both animals and humans.
recipient of multiple honors and awards for her work in animal rescue, Hood added Florida state director for Animal Wellness Action to her many roles. The national nonprofit organization supports and partners with political leaders who are dedicated to animal rights at the state and federal levels. “I met the founder, Wayne Pacelle, years ago at a convention in D.C.,” Hood says. “I had always admired and followed the vast scale of his animal protection work and all he was able to accomplish. When he asked me to be the state director, I knew it was an incredible opportunity to expand my realm of work. But it was a little daunting as well because politics is a whole different world.” 64 | DECE MBER 2019
Laurie Hood founded Alaqua Animal Refuge in 2007 with the mission of providing shelter, safety, and second chances for animals from throughout the Northwest Florida area and beyond. Since then, Alaqua has rescued and helped find homes for over fifteen thousand animals. Center: Photo by Dawn Chapman Whitty Bottom left: Photo by Romona Robbins V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 65
Le monde ut Hood brings her own success in crafting and passing animal rights legislation to the position. In 2018, she lobbied for Florida’s Amendment 13, the ban on wagering on dog races, which passed during a general election vote with a 69 percent voter approval. The two-year phase-out period is currently under way, with the last racing days occurring at tracks across the state. Most dog-racing venues will be closed well before the deadline due to a lack of public support for the sport. With Hood’s backing, the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act, part of the Horse Protection Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives in one of the most significant landslide votes in history. The bill is now making its way through the Senate. While Hood answered the call and continues to lobby at the state and national levels, her first love will always be Alaqua Animal Refuge. Her ongoing work to protect animals and provide them a second chance is expanding after a donation of one hundred acres; a $15 million capital campaign is under way. Designed with an eye toward impacting future generations of leaders, veterinarians, and rescuers, the new animal welfare park and education center will operate more like a small town than a traditional refuge. Architectural designs are in place for a veterinary teaching clinic, including on-site cabins where interns can live while training. Those amenities will be open to other animal refuge coordinators who wish to learn about and experience Alaqua’s innovative practices firsthand.
Designed with an eye toward impacting future generations of leaders, veterinarians, and rescuers, the new animal welfare park and education center will operate more like a small town than a traditional refuge.
Hood also plans to create a learning experience for children. “When I was a kid, if you loved animals, you were supposed to become a vet. Well, that’s not for everybody. Many young children love animals, but they don’t realize that they can love animals, do what they’re passionate about, and have a career at the same time.” Encouraging and inspiring the next generation of lobbyists, zoologists, animal rights attorneys, and refuge founders is a dream she sees becoming a reality with this expansion. However, the penultimate achievement is something that has never been created before: an innovative healing center for both humans and animals. “When we were first granted the land, we were initially just going to have a larger version with expanded programs from what we have now.” But those plans morphed into something much bigger.
hearing their stories, Hood discovered many were just as wounded as the animals they tended. Amid their traumas and health or personal issues, these people came to Alaqua to give back and instead found peace. “It’s an amazing thing to offer people of all ages. So, we decided to move toward creating a place on this new property that’s a healing place for people and animals.” There will be a chapel on the grounds as well as meditation classes. But the foundation will be what has always worked in the past—the opportunity to experience the animals’ unique gift of recharging the soul through unconditional love without judgment.
“I’ve always talked to the volunteers and asked them why they came, and, of course, it’s because they love animals.” But, over her years of interacting with volunteers and
To accomplish these goals, the new facility must be self-sustaining. “I hear over and over people saying,
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Right: The Alaqua team partnered with other rescues to transport dozens of animals out of Northwest Florida during and after Hurricane Michael in October of 2018. Above right: Laurie Hood with Loverboy Photo by Dawn Chapman Whitty
But through her dedication, she is evolving into something more: a good shepherd who tends to the hearts and minds of animals and humans. While there is still much more to be done, she is up to the challenge.
‘I can’t go to an animal shelter. It’s just too sad.’ So, from the very beginning, we wanted to create something that was the total opposite of that.” And she longs to change the image of shelters as cells of concrete and chain link to fields and sunlit runs where animals live in a native space and families come to visit for an outing. To that end, areas are being designed to host events like farmers’ markets, children’s parties, and weekend music festivals. In October, she and Alaqua dove headfirst into the music festival waters with the Inaugural Barn Jam. Four Nashville singers and songwriters and two local artists performed live at the first public opening of the new property. The Barn Jam rounded out Alaqua’s Animoré, a festival fund-raiser weekend. The first night hosted the 100-Point and Cult Wine Dinner. The annual dinner, now in its sixth year, is an exclusive evening featuring a unique experience for Alaqua patrons. In past years, the dinner was held in Hood’s home, with sixty guests savoring culinary delights and incredible wine pairings. The evening juxtaposed “the luxury of all these wines with the casual aspect of being able to come in boots and jeans.” This year attendance doubled, and the event moved to the new grounds. Huge tepee buildings complete with wooden floors and chandeliers were installed on the property for the event. However, unlike many parties where the venue disappears at the event’s end, the tepees are now permanent structures on the property and are offered for use to the community. Laurie Hood’s voice and those of the animals she loves and fights to protect are being heard. But through her dedication, she is evolving into something more: a good shepherd who tends to the hearts and minds of animals and humans. While there is still much more to be done, she is up to the challenge. “I would love to see the new facility open. I can already see everything happening the way I want it to. I can’t wait until it’s finally a reality, when people are coming here to learn about us and we are inspiring children.”
VISIT AL AQUA .ORG TO LE ARN MORE OR SUPPORT AL AQUA ANIMAL REFUGE TODAY. Felicia Ferguson holds master’s degrees in healthcare administration and speechlanguage pathology but is currently a freelance writer and author. She finds inspiration in lakes and gardens and is blessed to have both at her home in Destin, Florida. More details can be found at FeliciaFergusonAuthor.com. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 67
L’intermission
For the Children Visit CVHNKids.org to learn more, see a schedule of events, and support the cause. Photo by Michael Belk
Tricia Northcutt was volunteering at a church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, when she met a boy who was bullied at school because of his teeth. Her determination to help him get braces free of charge blossomed into a mission to improve the health and wellbeing of children in her area and beyond. Children’s Volunteer Health Network was born in 2005, and the rest is history.
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CLASS SESSION IS IN
INSIGHTS AND
INSPIRATION FROM FEMALE LEADERS IN BUSINESS AND LIFE
70 | DECE MBER 2019
Suzanne Pollak, dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits, interviews nine incredible women on their careers, fears, relationships, and lessons learned. The following pages share their candid advice and perceptions in their own words.
DR. JOAN ROBINSON-BERRY Senior Vice President of Engineering, Modifications, and Maintenance at Boeing Global Services What regular circumstances still make you anxious? Being a black female executive.
bring your uniqueness to the table. Most importantly, be the CEO of your own career and protect your brand. Don’t expect anyone or anything else to define or navigate your career for you. Make sure to find sponsors and build an informal “board of directors” who have your best interests in mind and to whom you can go when you need help making important decisions or changes in your life.
How do you deal with relationship ruptures? My faith plays an important role in how I manage my relationships—especially when there is strain or conflict. I am grounded in the biblical principles of forgiveness and I try to make conscious decisions to repair relationships by trying to let go of the past. This is not always easy. It takes a combination of self-discipline, building trust with others, having the courage to speak up in uncomfortable situations, and having a mind-set of always being humble and willing to forgive.
Speaking broadly, research shows that black executives suffer “social isolation”—for example, belonging to different clubs or enjoying different nonwork activities. Oftentimes, I’m identified first by my race and then by my accomplishments—think of all the news stories with headlines that include “first black CEO.” It means that, whether you like it or not, you are seen as a role model and you carry additional responsibilities of society’s expectations of you as representative of all black business professionals. Right or wrong, your actions are watched and viewed as indicative of a group. All of these things can happen when people define black business professionals by their “otherness” rather than focusing on their requirements, performance, and merits. These obstacles drive anxiety, but remember this: obstacles can be overcome when you recognize them and then face them so that, ultimately, you can clear a path for others. Here are some tips I give women and minorities to help reframe their anxiety and turn it into something positive: “It’s OK to be ‘different,’” and “Focus on the job at hand—good performance always rises to the surface.” You need to be yourself and V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 71
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If your voice is not being heard, talk louder. If you see a situation where diverse people, thoughts, and ideas are not present, challenge the people who are not embracing an inclusive mind-set. What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? I feel most vulnerable when I don’t have a seat at the table—when I feel I can help make a difference on a critical business need and my voice is silenced. So what do I do to make sure I’m at the table? Demand inclusion. If your voice is not being heard, talk louder. If you see a situation where diverse people, thoughts, and ideas are not present, challenge the people who are not embracing an inclusive mindset. Heck, if there is no room at the table, bring a folding chair! Sometimes a catalyst is needed to bring in the right voices and perspectives—don’t be afraid to advocate for inclusion.
What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career? Work-life balance. I can speak from experience that every executive who has a family deals with stress and guilt about fulfilling our requirements at work and spending quality time with our families and loved ones. I address this personally by prioritizing faith, family, and factory. If I find myself off balance in the pursuit of these three things, I remind myself that while juggling these three areas is worthy, it’s not worthwhile if the endeavor creates more stress in my life. 72 | DECE MBER 2019
I’m also real with myself. On any given day, something has to give—there just aren’t enough hours in the day. My approach is to set aside time on another day to devote to the activity you’ve slighted today. The bottom line—think of it less as a balance but as a blend instead. Take control of your schedule and your life and achieve a blend that minimizes stress and guilt. You’ll know when you find it.
WENDA MILLARD Vice Chairman, MediaLink What regular circumstances still make you anxious? I take seriously the expression “you only have one life,” and I have always wanted it to be as full as I can make it. I have done that, but sometimes I get concerned I can’t do all I want to do or all I committed to. I try to do everything I say I will do when I make a commitment—I just make a lot of them! I do know that I am always happier and feel more fulfilled when I am ultraproductive. This means I am involved not only in my “day job,” but I also sit on the boards of Caleres (a $3 billion publicly held footwear company), several emerging companies, several nonprofits that work with children and educational programs, and the Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival. I am on the marketing committee of the James Beard Foundation and recently have been very active with Swing Left, an organization that is supporting Democratic candidates in the swing states for the House and the Senate and for Democratic candidates for president. One of my passions is to counsel women at all ages and stages about their careers (and lives!), and I host a number of events for women throughout the year. I do a lot of entertaining at home and try to spend a lot of time with family and friends. I can never play enough tennis and am always up for great travels. At times, there is definitely anxiety associated with my schedule.
What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? Empathy is usually thought of as a great quality to have—and it is—but being very “in the moment” and understanding of others’ situations means that I am often tempted to make decisions that aren’t always based on hard-core analytics. I have a firm belief in my gut, and it’s not always easy to explain or justify certain points of view to others who base their decisions on data and logic. I value their quantitative skills, but I don’t think those things are the only factors that should be involved in decision-making. You have to trust yourself.
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What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career?
I started my professional career in the mid-1970s. Back then, the media and advertising business operated more like Mad Men than you might believe, meaning that much of the “accepted” behavior would land you on the #MeToo list today. It was a challenge being in that environment where drinking during the day and taking hours-long lunches, socializing with colleagues late into the night, “what happens at sales meetings stays at sales meetings,” and very offensive attitudes and behavior toward female professionals were the norm. Peggy Olson is real!
Photo courtesy of Fox News
Being short! I am five foot two, which I do consider to be a business obstacle. I have learned a number of tricks that allow me to appear taller: always measure the height of the podium the day before your speech so the microphone isn’t sticking out of your head; always take the first seat at the conference room table so you can adjust the chair upward; always choose a chair over a couch in a business setting so you are sure your feet touch the ground; never stand in the middle of two very tall people when your picture is being taken; stand up straight!
always find them—I am the NSA at our house. Speaking on television and filling hours of airtime during breaking news when the president is deciding whether to launch a Tomahawk missile strike or when Bin Laden is killed does not make me nervous. My kids call me “Mommy Tsunami” because they say I leave a wake of destruction when I come home after a long day at the Pentagon.
How do you deal with relationship ruptures?
JENNIFER GRIFFIN National security correspondent for FOX News Channel What regular circumstances still make you anxious? After years of living in the Middle East covering wars and too many suicide bombings, I do not get anxious about life’s big events. Frankly, I am more comfortable in a crisis than dealing with life’s day-to-day annoyances. Going to the grocery store makes me anxious; figuring out which of my three children’s back-to-school nights to attend; how to be in two places at once; pulling the trigger on Expedia flights for a family vacation—all that makes me anxious. Not knowing where my teenage children are after midnight makes me anxious. I warn them that I can
In general, I don’t allow relationships to rupture. I still have the same friends from when I was ten years old. I went to a girls’ school, and friendships mean the world to me. These relationships and the ones I have made with sources and colleagues at the Pentagon and across the Middle East after more than three decades in journalism are very important to me. Having to walk into a building and face the people you report on causes you to think twice before you burn sources or rupture relations. In Washington, as in life, relationships are all that matter.
What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? I think all women who rise within any profession have to worry about the bias they face in terms of the tone they use in their communications at work.
After years of living in the Middle East covering wars and too many suicide bombings, I do not get anxious about life’s big events. Frankly, I am more comfortable in a crisis than dealing with life’s day-to-day annoyances. We have to worry that our emails, texts, or communications can be misconstrued or seen as “bossy,” so I use a lot of smiley faces and exclamation points in top lines and texts, which is antithetical to my personality for anyone who knows me.
What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career? The most challenging obstacle for me during my career was when my colleagues were kidnapped in the Gaza Strip thirteen years ago. Eventually, they were freed unharmed, but I have other friends who were killed while covering the news, and others who were shot or lost limbs. The very real dangers of being a journalist in recent years have had a chilling effect on reporters’ willingness and ability to travel to war-torn countries overseas. That has been the biggest obstacle to pursuing my chosen career in the years since 9/11.
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RENÉ MARIE Musician, lyricist, and composer What regular circumstances still make you anxious? Whoo, boy! I don’t think I will ever be comfortable with the competitive nature of the music business. I italicize music business because, left to our own devices, artists in general—and musicians particularly—are by nature inclusive, commendatory, and encouraging of each other’s creativity. Very seldom do you run into an artist who is all about the transactional aspect and not the creative. But the music business is another animal altogether. It thrives on imbuing a false sense of scarcity; that there is room for only a few people at the “top,” only so much magazine space or so many TV or radio shows to be featured on, only so many concert halls or jazz festivals, only so much money to go around, only one Grammy in your category, only so much success to be had. And if you are a female artist in the jazz community, there is an even smaller piece of that pie for you. Often the very people who represent the artist (the booking agents, managers, record labels, publicists, etc.) do and say things to keep the artist “hungry.” They make you feel threatened by that perceived scarcity so you work harder than the others, do better than the others. And with the advent of keeping one’s social media profile front and center, it’s my opinion that creativity really suffers from all the pressure. There’s not much I can do about it except recognize when I am getting stuck in that anxious “scarcity trap” and extricate myself from it by reminding myself of what is most important. Sometimes it works right away, and sometimes it takes a little longer to calm myself down.
How do you deal with relationship ruptures? My entire musical career has been studded with relationship ruptures, starting with my first husband, who forbade me to sing and told me if I continued to do so, I had to move out of our home. I have been the leader of my quartet since 1998 (the same year I moved out) and, as such, I hire the musicians I want to accompany me. Whenever I find someone whose creativity matches up more fully with my perceived creative goals, then I change the lineup. That lineup has changed many times. At one point, I let go of three musicians at the same time in an attempt to find musicians who could replicate the sound I was hearing in my head. Except for the ultimatum my husband gave me and my consequential and immediate departure, these relationship ruptures have never been personal; but they always feel personal, because making music together is such an incredibly intimate expression. If done correctly, it comes from our most tender and vulnerable places. It is the closest thing to lovemaking I have experienced—very personal indeed. However, like with most relationship ruptures, the passing of time takes care of a great deal of the pain. I try to stay in touch with all the musicians I’ve ever
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played with. But when all is said and done, I trust in the process of moving forward creatively, regardless of who or what is left behind. Sometimes, that something left behind is a part of myself, as when my relationship with my husband fell apart. Your question is “How did I deal with it?” Based on the ultimatum I was given, you can probably surmise that the power structure in that relationship was not equitable. I moved out because the idea of continuing to live my life with someone who thought it was OK to issue ultimatums was not appealing to me. I moved out because I was forty-two, our sons were in college, my husband had gotten physical with me, and it was time to go. Initially, I was traumatized and devastated; but as the months went on, I began to see his ultimatum as a gift. I learned that not all gifts come in brightly colored packages tied up with pretty bows. They can look beat-up and scraggly and godforsaken. With packages like those, the last thing you want to do is open them, but the wonders inside are many! So, looking beyond the obvious pain, scrounging around for the blessing in the mess is the way I deal with these ruptures. When keeping my balance feels impossible, I adjust my gait and figure out how to walk on shaky ground.
What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? There are many! The first that comes to mind is my inability to wear more than one hat at a time. I can either focus on the creative side or the business
side; I cannot focus on both sides at once. And when I say focus, I mean be deep down in it, handling my stuff. I can’t even switch those two hats on a weekly basis—one week business, the next week creativity. No—it takes too much out of me, creatively speaking, to blithely set aside any given hat. This makes me deeply dependent on others to handle the business side for me. I have been quite fortunate these past twenty-two years (with a couple of bad apples here and there) in attracting honest, hardworking, conscientious people to handle the business side of my career. The second professional vulnerability I have is that my musical “schooling” consists only of two years of piano lessons. My knowledge of musical theory is extremely shallow. This is a huge liability for someone who composes and sings mostly her own music. I manage to get it done by hook or crook (mostly crook), but the long and laborious first drafts are always rife with errors. Fortunately, I have musician friends who help me sort it all out and get it into a readable format that I can then bring to the band for rehearsal and, eventually, recording and performance.
What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career? Probably relationships—are relationships obstacles? I don’t know. They can be, I suppose. Yes, relationships have been obstacles to the fullest expression of my creativity. That uninhibited pocket of creativity hasn’t been fully tapped into. Perhaps a vein has been here and there, but not the mother lode. I’ve always wanted to be the kind of person who takes a slapdash, swashbuckling approach to creativity, where I could be big and bold and just bravely barrel through, leaving chaos in my wake, frightening the cat, and overturning tables and s**t. Ha! I’d like to not give a damn who gets offended or scandalized. I think that person is there, deep inside me, exerting a big influence on my creative bent. But she is also restrained—tied to a chair in one of my inner rooms somewhere, yelling out suggestions or ideas that make me blush and wish, “If only I could . . .” Occasionally, I follow through on her suggestions, but not without pulling some punches or softening the message. Relationships—being somebody’s mother, somebody’s
wife, somebody’s daughter—stifle this free expression for me. Oh, to be wanton and brazen! To have the courage of Sojourner Truth and the focus of Harriet Tubman in my creativity, without editing or censoring it or making it more palatable! Relationships keep me from that, I think. The thing is, I love these people I am in relationships with; but I care too much about what they will think or say if the woman tied up in the chair were suddenly let loose. Would they still love me, or encourage me to do more of the same? Would they still embrace what I do? And if they didn’t, what if I couldn’t put her back in the chair?
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I am a fan of the direct approach. When I experience challenges with a person I am in a relationship with, I tend to engage them directly and urgently about it. PHYLLIS TURNER-BRIM Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Starbucks Coffee Company What regular circumstances still make you anxious? I still get anxious in environments where I do not know anyone. This is particularly true when the group is small and intimate. I have had to practice and have perfected the skill of “never meeting a stranger.” By contrast, I have no anxiety about standing up and speaking in front of hundreds of strangers.
How do you deal with relationship ruptures? I am a fan of the direct approach. When I experience challenges with a person I am in a relationship with, I tend to engage them directly and urgently about it. Sometimes the challenges can be worked through and sometimes they cannot, but letting things linger is most often not the right thing to do.
What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? Hands down, it is letting people get to know me on a personal level. My organization has a culture of relationships, and many of the executives have personal relationships with each other. I am not one to share a lot about my personal life with coworkers and peers. It’s not really because I am guarded— I just don’t think my life is that interesting to others.
What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career? People underestimating my abilities. Time and time again, I have had to prove that I am capable of accomplishing things beyond what people expect. This gets tiresome because, at some point, I would expect my track record to speak for itself.
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BETTY HUDSON President, Hudson & Associates; former chief communications officer for the National Geographic Society; previous senior communications positions at NBC, the Reader’s Digest Association, and more What regular circumstances still make you anxious? Any situation in which I am wondering, Why am I here?—especially if I’m thinking that others are asking themselves, Seriously, why is she here? Those feelings of belonging and being wanted are kind of primal needs for people.
How do you deal with relationship ruptures? I treasure my relationships, so I try to be attuned to the state that they are in. A true rupture would be pretty extreme, and probably doesn’t happen because of a single episode, so finding ways to rebalance dynamics when something feels off kilter—but before we’ve deteriorated toward “rupture”—is my MO. I’m pretty direct, so I usually try to get the person into a semisocial setting—lunch, drinks, whatever— and put whatever is nagging or concerning me on the table. Sometimes just being willing to bring something up is saying to the other person that you care enough to try, and that in itself will help stabilize the relationship. Sometimes, one of us may have overreacted or misread the situation. Clearing the air is always good. In business, if I had been in an intense meeting with a group debating different ways to manage a problem, I would then find time later to walk around the office and stick my head into people’s lairs just to check in. If we had been on opposite sides of an issue, I might ask for additional info or follow up in some way that would signal I’m listening or just asking if we are OK.
What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? Lately, I’m aware of the extraordinary challenge of just keeping up with the worlds of business, technology, and politics in a way that enables me to still be relevant and “in the conversation.” The pace of change and the myriad ways in which change is happening are intimidating. I’m aware of my own sensitivity to the “probably too old to contribute” bias with which we now-older professionals can sometimes be viewed. And now that I have moved to that next stage of life where I don’t have a full-time gig with the associated credentials (some call that retired—a term I hate), finding ways to communicate that I might still have value (ways that don’t feel sort of needy) can contribute to feelings of vulnerability. 76 | DECE MBER 2019
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In the late 1970s, I was a single, sixfoot-tall, young, Southern woman who appeared in the media business in New York City. That work environment was not exactly welcoming. What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career? The challenges have varied based on my age and stage. My early working years coincided with the sea change of more women participating in the workplace in nonclerical roles. In the late 1970s, I was a single, six-foot-tall, young, Southern woman who appeared in the media business in New York City. That work environment was not exactly welcoming. There wasn’t just one set of biases, there was a basketful—everything from ageism to misogyny to geographical prejudice (some believe Southerners just aren’t that sharp). Finding my footing had to include making my male colleagues more comfortable and accepting of me as a team member when they had historically not played with females. While I obviously had to deliver on the work itself, having a sense of humor was an enormous help. Looking back, it may have been what helped me get in and stay in the game (to keep the sports metaphors going). Finding ways to laugh with someone can be a form of bonding and relationship building that can bridge everything from hierarchies to prejudice.
What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? There was a steep learning curve as I moved from a museum of art to a museum of plants. But I realized that I had a chance to redefine cultural experience as one that creates joy—not just happiness, but awe-inspiring, get-out-of-your-head joy. My passion for learning, sharing, asking questions, and listening carefully actively conjures strength when my subject-area knowledge is weak. Curiosity is key.
What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career? Obstacles melt away through collaboration and understanding. I like to ask, “What are we solving for?” It’s a simple concept that reframes a problem. So often we are grappling with a symptom rather than addressing the core issue, and this helps us get to the root.
CARRIE BARRATT
Everything is better understood when you embrace it “up close”—and even if something feels impossible to overcome, when I see it closer I feel an empathy and sensitivity that enables me to move to a place of finding solutions, compromise, common ground, and, ultimately, positivity. As someone who has learned that being “too sensitive” is not a fault, but one of my superpowers, learning how to channel that sensitivity into deep connections and positive outcomes is a focus I know will continue to be front and center for me throughout all moments of my life.
What regular circumstances still make you anxious?
CEO and the William C. Steere Senior President of the New York Botanical Garden; former deputy director for collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art What regular circumstances still make you anxious? The weather—more specifically, the climate. All of my life, thinking about the weather meant planning what shoes to wear or whether to carry an umbrella or put on a scarf. Now, the term weather can mean conditions that challenge not only the comfort zones of humans, plants, and animals, but also conditions that threaten our very existence. There’s hope, though. I relieve my anxiety by eating a plantbased diet, taking joy in sharing the wonder and science of plants with visitors to the botanical gardens, and working to sustain our 250 acres—a little piece of the planet—which is something we can all do.
a life motto that has always served me: “It’s hard to hate up close.” Whenever I am feeling frustrated, upset, hurt, or misunderstood by someone, I fight the natural instinct many of us have to pull away and instead do everything I can to get closer. It’s never easy, as it is my natural independent way to try and shut down or flee from what is causing me stress; however, I have learned that fleeing is futile. The only real breakthroughs come when I pull the situation as close to me as humanly possible and work through the often messy, complicated, and dynamic mix of thoughts and emotions causing the relationship strain.
MAUREEN SULLIVAN COO, Rent the Runway How do you deal with relationship ruptures? Whenever I am feeling the strain and stress of a relationship not going in the right direction, I have
Now in my late thirties, I’m amazed at how my fears, worries, and anxieties have shifted. Early on in my career, I worried about things that, at the time, felt like career-defining moments: big pitches, stressful deadlines on operationally complex projects, opportunities to take on new, yet unknown challenges. Now, as life moves even quicker and the years tick by, the focal point of my anxiety has shifted. I am much more cognizant now that time is truly my most valuable commodity, and most of my anxiety centers around maximizing my time and ensuring that it is spent with the people, ideas, and values that give my life purpose and meaning. I often think of this Thomas Edison quote: “Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can’t afford to lose,” reminding me of the true gift that time is and its power in our lives.
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CAROLYNE ROEHM Fashion designer and author What regular circumstances still make you anxious? I find that there are so many parallels between one’s private world and one’s professional world. The same anxieties and needs, and many of the same hopes and dreams, exist in both of those worlds. I get nervous when I am late. I grew up with a mother who was constantly on my case about being on time. I can hear her saying, “Your time is not more important than others’.” Of course, I had to end up with a partner who does exactly the same thing. And anytime I make a presentation that exposes anything I have created, I always feel anxious. But, as they say, that comes with the territory.
How do you deal with relationship ruptures? I am from the Show Me State (Missouri). I was brought up with the notion that “Talk is cheap; actions prove.” When someone talks a good story but will not show me (by their nonperformance of what I consider to be a reasonable task), I walk away from that person. Saying “trust me” is not enough. This is possible to do in a business situation; however, I have shot myself in the foot by sometimes walking away too quickly. On the other hand, it is so very hard, if not impossible, to do in a love situation.
What are your most challenging professional vulnerabilities? I definitely know my most challenging professional vulnerability is always asking myself the questions Am I good enough? and How does my work stack up against my direct competition? There are moments
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I find that there are so many parallels between one’s private world and one’s professional world. The same anxieties, needs, and many of the same hopes and dreams exist in both of those worlds. when I only care about this, and then there are moments when I grow up and say to myself, I do not care. I am me, and at this moment in time, this is the best I can do. Unfortunately, there are more instances of the former than the latter. That said, that fear chases one to try and always “jump the higher fence”!
What have been the most challenging obstacles for you in your career? My biggest obstacle in my career has always been myself. I let the evil worm of self-doubt eat away at my confidence. But then I give myself a pep talk and just get on with doing what I need to do. (I should clarify that I have no children and I am an only child; therefore, there is a huge gamut of worries that I do not share with other women. The flip side is that I have other concerns and worries, such as who will take care of me, as I am taking care of my mother, when I am an old woman?)
Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal “Mansion” section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.
Photography by Jack Gardner
• Winner of 2019 Seaside Prize • Exhibited by the Smithsonian Museum • Featured in Architectural Design, Architectural Record, and Veranda • Homes have been featurded on HGTV’s Homes Across America 1701 E County Hwy 30-A, Suite 201-C, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 ChristandAssociates.com | (850) 231-0883
C’est la vie
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS 2019
’Tis the season! The VIE team is gearing up for the holidays, as we’re sure plenty of our readers are doing, and we’d like to share some fun gift ideas with you in this C’est la VIE Curated Collection. Whether you’re searching for something different this year or hoping for a win with a classic gift, we think you’ll find “the one” (or maybe two or three) in this roundup. Gifts for women, men, and kids are all here— plus a few luxury items if you really want to go all out! We can dream, right?
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A Girl’s Best Friend
Pomellato Iconica Choker in Rose Gold with Diamonds pomellato.com 82 | DECE MBER 2019
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Hat’s off to You
The Correspondent Pink Deluxe Hatbox $475 – steamlineluggage.com
She’s on a Roll
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Impala Quad Skates – Marawa Rose Gold $120 – impalarollerskates.com
Weekend Vibes
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Monarchy London Marquee Bag $1,694 – shop.monarchy-london.com
Just in Time
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Versace Men’s Univers 43mm Watch with Leather Strap $1,095 – neimanmarcus.com
Money Where 6 Your Mouth Is
Jonathan Adler Lips Trinket Tray $98 – jonathanadler.com
Be a Shero
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Wonder Woman: Ambassador of Truth Hardcover $25 – amazon.com
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Make Your Move
Aerin Shagreen Chess Set $3,250 – aerin.com
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Santa Baby, 9 I Want a Yacht . . .
2019 Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht Price on request – legendarymarine.com 84 | DECE MBER 2019
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In Good Hands
Jonathan Adler Eve Accent Bowl $148 – jonathanadler.com
Fit for a Queen
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Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet, Five Motifs $12,800 – vancleefarpels.com
Shine Bright like a Diamond 12
Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb II All-Over Diamond Veil $38 – fentybeauty.com
Float like a Butterfly 13
Baccarat Papillon Lucky Butterfly in Blue $140 – us.baccarat.com
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Holiday Classic
FAO Schwarz Twelve-Inch Musical Wooden Nutcracker Prince $48 – faoschwarz.com
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Deal Me In
Enzo Travel Card Set with Embossed Leather Case $325 – aerin.com
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Time to Play!
Loog Kids’ Guitars $79–$299 – loogguitars.com
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Welcome 17 to Paradise
Il Paradiso – Custom Home in Paradise by the Sea, Inlet Beach, Florida $14,000,000 lindamillerluxury.com 86 | DECE MBER 2019
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Just a Spritz
C’est chic!
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Tonino Lamborghini Ginevra Women’s Fragrance Collection lamborghini.it
The French Riviera in the 1920s Hardcover by Assouline $195 – assouline.com
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Rose Parade
Van Cleef & Arpels Brume de Saphir Earrings $121,000 – vancleefarpels.com
The 21 Sweetest Thing
Bite Beauty All Agave Three-Piece Lip Care Set $14 – bitebeauty.com
Worth the Buildup 22
FAO Schwarz Toy Designer Wooden Blocks $32 – faoschwarz.com
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Get Tanked
Tom Dixon Tank Whiskey Set in Platinum Stripe $255 – tomdixon.net
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What’s Up, Dog?
AeroSystem Aero Bulldog XS1 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $799 – neimanmarcus.com
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Sartorial
Sartorial STRIKE A POSE
Photo by Sky Cinema / Shutterstock
J.Lo is redefining fifty! Powerhouse star Jennifer Lopez has stepped back into the spotlight this year in a big way, calling attention to her stellar career as an actress, singer, dancer, businesswoman, producer, and fashion designer. In addition to starring in recent films including Hustlers, Second Act, and the upcoming Marry Me, she starred on the NBC crime drama Shades of Blue for three seasons, is releasing new music, was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, and had a major fashion moment as she reprised her iconic green Versace “jungle dress” on the runway during the line’s Spring 2020 show (she originally wore it to the Grammys in 2000). She is a cofounder of the international Lopez Family Foundation with her sister, Lynda, is an avid supporter of LGBTQ rights, and has been involved with fund-raisers and campaigns for various charitable organizations and causes throughout her career. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 89
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becoming
BECASA By Anna Klement
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You can take the girl out of Florida,
but you can’ t take Florida out of the girl.
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rowing up in one of Florida’s oldest coastal boomtowns, Emily Raffield was born into a life most of us daydream about until retirement. The Raffield family shared the same zip code as some of America’s finest Gulf seafood and white-sand beaches. Beyond growing up in a historic home on Saint Joseph Bay, her family owned a commercial fishing business, allowing Emily to connect with the magic of Old Florida practically from infancy. As John Denver sang, “To live on the land we must learn from the sea.”
BECASA is a new clothing and lifestyle brand created by author and designer Emily Raffield. Above: Photo by Kaila Bruner Opposite: Photos by Lauren Kinsey
Emily is a big deal in the quaint region of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, which encompasses her hometown of Port Saint Joe as well as Mexico Beach, Apalachicola, Cape San Blas, and other towns stretching east to Saint Marks, even if she refuses to admit it. At twenty-seven, she put together her first major writing project, collaborating on a coffee-table book, Saints of Old Florida, which became a visual devotional of storytelling dedicated to the lifestyle of the Florida Panhandle and a favorite keepsake among locals and visitors. After a stint in Atlanta, Emily is back home on the coast, having recently relocated with her family to Apalachicola. For those unfamiliar with the region, “Apalach” sits on the Northwest Florida Panhandle and was one of the state’s first fishing villages. It’s home to about 2,500 full-time residents and a good portion of the state’s seafood supply—from fish and shrimp to wild caught and farm-raised oysters. The town is as diverse in aquaculture as it is in the people who live there. Enter her latest love letter to the coastal lifestyle: BECASA, an original linen clothing line and collection of other apparel and home decor items. What V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 91
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began in 2018 as a curated online store for women looking to bring the style of the Gulf Coast into their lives evolved into a pop-up brick-and-mortar store in downtown Apalachicola this past summer. Thanks to the pop-up’s success, the location became permanent. Emily brought life to a preserved brick building with baby blue trim surrounding its antique wooden doors and an unmissable logo on the front display windows. BECASA is located in the historic district on Commerce Street, steps away from the Apalachicola River and Bay. The hook in BECASA’s business approach stems from Emily’s keen grasp on the aesthetic of her personal brand mixed with savvy promotional knowhow. Her Instagram feed, @becasa, became popular for posting heavily curated scenes of Old Florida and travels to other coasts, from boat days to landscapes and other bits of inspiration. She reels people in with vignettes of her life and style in an area whose claim is “Old World Charm and New World Cool.” BECASA is the embodiment of both. Emily shares more about the store, life in Apalach, and her upcoming projects:
ANNA KLEMENT: Tell me how you decided on the name for BECASA. 92 | DECE MBER 2019
EMILY RAFFIELD: BECASA, in my mind, is a contraction for “beach house” and it also means to “be home” in the places our souls find rest—for me, that’s at the coast. The Spanish influence of “casa” came from my husband, Rene, and his background growing up in the Dominican Republic. BECASA is just an expression of myself; it’s all of the things that I love, and I wanted to create and give those things to other women for them to love as well.
Above: The brick-andmortar shop started out as a summer pop-up in downtown Apalachicola, Florida, but became permanent thanks to its success with locals and visitors alike.
Was there a specific “quit your job and buy the ticket” moment that brought you back to Florida?
Above left: BECASA founder Emily Raffield Photos by Kaila Bruner
EMILY: I was working a corporate brand marketing job in Atlanta and driving back and forth to Florida every chance I could. I always laughed that I never got a Georgia license plate when I lived there—granted, I was disobeying the law—but I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of my Florida plate. The pull of home and of this rich, beautiful state answers so many questions in my life and has given me such guidance through the years. If I’m home, what can’t I do? The feeling of home is something people search and search for and sometimes never find. When you find home, it’s magic. That’s when your soul can rest. Who or what played a part in creating the image of BECASA’s signature style?
EMILY: I’m an observer. I read a lot of magazines, and I like traveling to immerse myself in totally new surroundings. That’s when I have lightbulb moments for
When you find home,
it ’s magic. That’s when your soul can rest.
BECASA. I’m hoping to get to the Balearic Islands and India sooner rather than later, and that’s aside from making a road trip along the coast of Florida that has been on my list for a while. I also get inspired by other entrepreneurial women who are doing some semblance of what I hope to do with BECASA; I’m thinking of the ravishing India Hicks, interior designer Gen Sohr out of Nashville, clothing designer Lisa Marie Fernandez, and, most of all, women who have encouraged and mentored me along the way, like my local friend, interior designer Erika Powell, who’s a huge inspiration in my staying true to myself and to my own creative bent in business. How do you provide such high-end quality and styles that appeal to everyone at an equally appealing price point?
EMILY: I believe when you spend your money, you should be well taken care of in quality. The reality is that linen garments are historically more expensive (much of that’s based on the perception of the resort lifestyle), but they don’t have to be. I’m taking a fabric like linen that seems unapproachable in price and making it accessible and stylish for everyday life. My pieces are made in the USA—South Georgia to be exact—with a lot of love by a handful of people. I don’t claim to be a couture designer; I just want to make high-quality, beautiful, and basic things that people already love and need, and that are easy to pack and travel with. I imagine my clients sink-washing BECASA pieces and drying them on the hotel
balcony so they can rewear them, packing less and enjoying the trip more. You have such a strong aesthetic presence with BECASA. Has the business aspect been a challenge for you?
Above: BECASA’s offerings include original linen clothing designs, beach bags, home decor, and more. Photo by Lauren Kinsey
EMILY: I wish I could say no and just stay in the creative space all the time; but, yes, it’s been a challenge. I think most creative entrepreneurs would probably say the same. I do everything myself, from designing pieces to fulfilling the web orders. I invested my entire savings in this business, and I never doubted what I wanted to give people and why I wanted to do it—but the logistics just about killed me. I’ve had to teach myself every part of the business and ask for help when I needed it—which I did. Always, always ask for help! Mentors and fellow entrepreneurs have been quick to throw me a life ring, and I’m forever thankful for them. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 93
EMILY: My best friend Hillary Sparks (of Atlanta) and I started the dinner series as a fun thing for the summer. We both love the communal idea of the table and exploring the area’s local harvest. Hillary was our food-and-drink extraordinaire, and I styled the table and shared some of my Old Florida soul in the overall atmosphere. We kept filtering our decisions for the socials with questions like, “Is this fun? Does adding this or changing this still make it fun for us to host?” When anything felt like it fell short, we would adjust it. We wanted to have as much fun as our guests and get to experience the gathering all together. We collaborated with Chef Chris Infinger of Beau’s Meat & Two + BBQ in Panama City Beach and local oyster farmer Cainnon Gregg, who shucked his well-known Salty Bird oysters for us. It’s a gathering for people of all ages to hang out and enjoy some good food that they’re probably not going to get anywhere else. If anything, that’s the same spirit and approach I take with BECASA. They definitely have a place on the same street.
I’m an observer. I read a lot of magazines, and I like traveling to immerse myself in totally new surroundings. Were you nervous or insecure at all about the idea of returning to the coast and opening the store in a small town?
Above and opposite: All of BECASA’s linen apparel is made in South Georgia and inspired by coastal living and global travel. Photos by Lauren Kinsey
How did you find the perfect location for BECASA’s first brick-and-mortar store?
EMILY: I saw the building when I was home one weekend. We had been to lunch at Apalachicola Seafood Grill just around the corner, and I was peeking in the windows. The old storefront with its big windows, exposed brick walls, and historic Apalachicola architectural style made an impression on me. I sought out the building’s owner right away—he’s an entrepreneur and artist with a heart for the old buildings and commerce of Apalachicola. I think he could tell that I had a big dream in my eye from the first time I met him. I see this building as a huge door that opened for me and for BECASA. It’s been the perfect place; in the adjoining gallery space, we also hosted our Sundown Social supper series this past summer. Yes! Tell me more about Sundown Social and how it ties into the future of BECASA.
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EMILY: You know, it’s funny. A lot of people have asked me that question. The answer is no, not really. My mom, my sister-in-law, and my best friend (who’s only a shake older than me, but enough older to impart wisdom) all tell me your “give a damn” meter drastically decreases after hitting thirty. I’m starting to believe they’re right. I’ve finally decided— and I had to learn—to do what makes me deeply happy. I’m an old soul and a Florida girl, so historic Apalachicola always had my attention. It’s a gift to live here and have the shop. I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing. No matter the age, style, or size, I want people to feel good in their clothes and begin to collect a wardrobe of quality that won’t
Sartorial break the bank—one that maybe inspires a leisurely porch sit, a patio dinner at their favorite restaurant, or a trip to their bucket-list destination. Even with a fledgling company, Emily is already thinking of other ways to give back to the community she loves. Following the devastation from Hurricane Michael in October of 2018, Emily set up a scholarship fund for high school graduates in her hometown of Port Saint Joe, using a percentage of the profits from BECASA’s second collection. Three students planning to go into creative careers were awarded scholarships from her donation. Emily Raffield doesn’t have to talk about Southern hospitality—she lives it. She is a tenacious leader and wants everyone who owns something from BECASA to have a relationship they can count on. It’s a new, genuine degree of brand loyalty, and she’s just getting started.
VISIT SHOPBECASA.COM TO LEARN MORE OR SHOP ONLINE! Anna Klement is a freelance magazine writer and editor. She is a Santa Rosa Beach local and has a degree in journalism and creative media from the University of Alabama. She writes profile essays inspired by people, places, and good food for both print and digital media. She strives to write meaningful stories that are enlightening and offer a different perspective.
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Kitty Taylor, Broker, GRI, CRS, CIPS Catherine Ryland, Broker Associate “Grayton Girl Team” Selling Grayton and Beach Properties along 30-A Realtor of the Year 2017 for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors
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850.231.2886 | 850.585.5334 133 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach, FL GraytonCoastProperties.com
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98 | DECE MBER 2019
RCH DIANE VON
FURSTENBERG
and the E VO LU T I O N of F E M I N I S M
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J O R DA N S TAG G S
“The minute I knew I was about to be Egon’s wife, I decided to have a career. I wanted to be someone of my own, and not just a plain little girl who got married beyond her deserts.” This is what internationally known fashion designer, author, and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg told the New York Times in February of 1977 when discussing her former marriage to Prince Egon von Furstenberg of Germany and the title and privileges that came along with their 1969 union. True to her heart and her word, the newly minted princess invested $30,000 in her eponymous fashion and beauty line; the brand’s worth grew to over $100 million in the first decade and has grown exponentially since. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 99
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D Right: Brandon Maxwell, Christian Siriano, Ashley Longshore, and Diane von Furstenberg celebrate the opening of DVF and Ashley Longshore’s Women in Charge art series (opposite) at the DVF flagship store in New York on March 8, 2019, for International Women’s Day. Photos by Alexandra Arnold
espite being a princess by marriage and more than financially secure, von Furstenberg bucked the norm when she started her business and continued to do so in more ways than that. In the beginning, she preached the importance of women using their power—looks and style included—to achieve their goals. Though the idea might seem a bit taboo today, she insisted that even intelligent and driven women should consider the importance of looking the part for any situation. Her beloved wrap dress design now has a permanent place in the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “I design for the woman who loves being a woman,” von Furstenberg says, but far from being limited to fashion tips, she has gone several steps further to help lift women up in spirit, style, and power, often through disrupting social and political norms. She said at the 2017 Women in the World New York Summit, "I’ve been disrupting for a long time. I became who I wanted to be through a little dress, and
“I WAS BORN WITH A TORCH OF FREEDOM IN MY HAND, AND THAT IS VERY HEAVY TO CARRY. I HAVE HONORED MY MOTHER BECAUSE I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND I FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WANT FREEDOM, BECAUSE FREEDOM IS EVERYTHING.” 100 | DECE MBER 2019
through that same little dress, I made a lot of women feel good about who they are; so my legacy is to tell women they can be the woman they want to be." She and her husband, Barry Diller, formed the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation to aid nonprofit organizations in everything from creating safe and healthy communities to supporting the arts, education, the environment, human rights, and more. Through the foundation, von Furstenberg also established the annual DVF Awards in 2010; the awards honor five women each year who have committed themselves to furthering women’s causes. The 2019 honorees were Nadia Murad, Hadeel Mustafa Anabtawi, Susan Burton, Katy Perry, and Anita Faye Hill. The DVF Awards is an affiliate of Vital Voices, a global partnership whose mission is to improve the world through supporting and investing in women leaders from all industries and walks of life. When speaking about her drive to support her fellow women across the globe, von Furstenberg credits her mother, Liliane Nahmias, a survivor of the Holocaust who had been imprisoned at Auschwitz just a year and a half before her daughter was born. Von Furstenberg says her mother called her daughter “her torch of freedom” because she gave her new life after the horrors she endured during that time. “I was born with a torch of freedom in my hand, and that is very heavy to carry,” von Furstenberg says. “I have honored my mother because I fight for freedom and I fight for the people who want freedom, because freedom is everything.”
And, of course, she fights with an impeccable sense of style and an irreverence that could only belong to a self-proclaimed disrupter. She encourages having fun, living life to the very fullest, dismantling the patriarchy, and being whomever and whatever you want to be. “Women are so strong. Women are so wonderful. Women are so powerful. Why the f**k are you insecure?” she asked at Women in the World, quickly admitting, “I’m insecure, too.” The designer commissioned fellow disrupter Ashley Longshore, a New Orleans– based pop artist, to create a series of thirty-seven original paintings to debut at the DVF flagship store in New York City on March 8, 2019—International Women’s Day. Each painting depicted a powerful “woman in charge” in all her colorful, whimsically unique beauty. Several of them, including Gloria Steinem and Michelle Obama, were painted wearing DVF heritage prints and styles. “I was immediately impressed by Ashley’s contagious enthusiasm and vibrant talent,” said von Furstenberg of the idea. “I knew she was a ‘woman in charge,’ and I felt she would be perfect to curate our next inspiration room, especially with International Women’s Month approaching. The collaboration felt seamless.” Longshore describes being commissioned by von Furstenberg as “a dream.” She says, “Diane has an incredible legacy that she built for herself, not only as a brilliant fashion designer and entrepreneur but also as the godmother to the Statue of Liberty,
raising $100 million for that incredible museum on Liberty Island, and the ongoing efforts she makes to connect amazing women with each other, to wake up in the morning and to try to do something for somebody that they may not be able to do for themselves.” The artist, who is known for painting (often irreverent) portraits of powerful women and men, says she learned a lot while creating pieces for the DVF installation. “I think the greatest lesson was not about the accomplishments these women have made, but rather how they dealt with adversity in their lives—and all of them have faced huge amounts of adversity in one way or another. That, to me, is the connectivity. It isn’t all about perfection, money, being thin, or having the right clothes; it’s about what you do when everything goes to hell in a handbasket and how you pick yourself up, give yourself a pep talk, and continue to stand up for yourself when nobody else believes in what you’re doing. I think that’s where the magic is.” Pieces of the collection are still on display and available for purchase at the DVF flagship store. And stay tuned, because Longshore says her partnership with von Furstenberg isn’t over yet. At age seventy-two, what is the secret to von Furstenberg’s seemingly endless supply of energy and her passion for propelling “the feminist agenda”? She is a vocal advocate for designing your own life, as professed in her September 2019 speaking engagement at TEDxVeniceBeach. Again citing the wisdom of her mother, von
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Sartorial “ THAT IS VERY MUCH Photo by Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock
WHAT I WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE DOING, IS TO USE MY VOICE AND TO CAPTURE THE VOICES OF OTHER WOMEN TO WEAVE INTO A FABRIC OF STRENGTH, COMPASSION, AND IMPACT TO MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER ONE.” Furstenberg gives two lessons she learned as a young girl: “Fear is not an option,” and “No matter what, you can never be a victim.” This advice comes not from a position of shame but from a reminder of something she realized when looking in a mirror: “I have control over myself, and it’s probably been the most useful thing I have ever had.” Throughout her whole life, she says, she’s not worried about aging or things changing, because she gets to go through it with herself. “The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself,” has become von Furstenberg’s mantra, and it is echoed loudly in her mission to empower women of all ages and with all types of dreams for their futures. The new voices of feminism seem to agree, drawing on the leadership and wisdom from independent foremothers such as von Furstenberg. She says, “That is very much what I want to spend the rest of my life doing, is to use my voice and to capture the voices of other women to weave into a fabric of strength, compassion, and impact to make this world a better one.” Be yourself, love who you are, and design your life to reflect the woman you want to be.
Visit DVF.com to lear n more. 102 | DECE MBER 2019
La vitalité
La vitalité A ZEST FOR LIFE
Autumn Peltier is an Anishinaabekwe and a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation in northern Ontario. She has become internationally known as a “water warrior” thanks to her advocacy for clean water. Photo by Linda Roy / Ireva Photography
In the quest to protect the world’s natural water sources and provide clean water for all, the determined voice of fifteen-year-old Autumn Peltier stands out from the crowd. Inspired by her great-aunt, water activist Josephine Mandamin, she began advocating for clean water at the age of eight. Since then, she has been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize for the past three years, received several awards and honors for water conservancy, and made waves at the Assembly of First Nations in Canada, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York, and the Children’s Climate Change Conference in Sweden. Her actions inspired the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council to create the Niabi Odacidae fund for clean water. She has also taken on the mantle of Anishinabek Nation’s chief water commissioner, a title previously bestowed upon her great-aunt Josephine. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 105
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FIGHT MS T B Y J O R D A N S TA G G S
against
he unknowns we encounter throughout life can be scary. For those living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the unknowns that linger on the periphery of their diagnoses, treatment, and future might become a constant source of anxiety. So much is still unpredictable about this condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack the myelin, a layer of insulating cells around nerve endings. It causes nerves to become exposed, creates lesions in the brain and spinal cord, and creates a disruption in communication between the nerves and the brain. Its harrowing side effects include numbness, fatigue, vision problems, and difficulty with motor functions, including walking. Though the cause is still a mystery, studies by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society show that MS occurs at least twice as often in women as in men. It also appears to be more prevalent in countries farther 106 | DECE MBER 2019
from the equator. Treatment plans range from oral medications to injectable medicines and intravenous infusions (chemotherapy) to treat symptoms and alter the disease’s progression. Unfortunately, no cure is yet known. In 2019, two celebrity women stepped to the forefront of raising awareness and funds for research, treatment, and finding the cure for MS.
Actress Selma Blair—best known for her roles in Brown’s Requiem, Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, and more—spoke out about her diagnosis with MS in October of 2018. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, which began as a thank-you to her costume designer on the Netflix series Another Life, she wrote, “I have multiple sclerosis. I am in an exacerbation. By the grace of the Lord and willpower and the understanding producers at Netflix, I have a job. A wonderful job. I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken GPS. But we are doing it. And I laugh, and I don’t know exactly what I will do, precisely, but I will do my best.” She continued, “I am in the thick of it, but I hope to give some hope to others, and even to myself. You can’t get help unless you ask.”
Actress Selma Blair attends the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in February of 2019 following her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in August of 2018. Photo by Joe Seer / Shutterstock V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 107
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Selma Blair and her son, Arthur, walk the orange carpet at the Race to Erase MS Gala in Beverly Hills on May 10, 2019. Blair was honored at the event for demonstrating great bravery and strength during her personal battle with MS. Photo by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock
B
lair revealed that she received her diagnosis in August of 2018 after visiting Dr. Jason Berkley, a neurologist and pain management physician in LA, at the advice of her friend Elizabeth Berkley (Jason’s sister). “I have had symptoms for years but was never taken seriously until I fell down in front of him trying to sort out what I thought was a pinched nerve. I have probably had this incurable disease for fifteen years at least. And I am relieved to at least know.” The post included sincere thanks to her friends and colleagues for their support following her diagnosis and more encouragement for those who are also living with the condition. Blair wrote, “I have MS, and I am OK.”
In the past year, she has continued to share her journey via social media: getting around the city with aid from her Alinker walking bike, pairing haute couture with a cane on the red carpet, taking a therapeutic mineral bath with heavy towels to ease muscle spasms, supporting the 2019 Race to Erase MS, and, most recently, sharing her shaved head—a result of her chemotherapy treatments. The responses from Blair’s social media audience have been overwhelmingly supportive and positive, with many people who are also battling chronic diseases expressing their gratitude for her candor and outlook. Through it all, she has continued to have hope that she will again be able to do the things she loves, such as swim in the ocean with her son, Arthur, or ride her beloved horse, Mr. Nibbles. Blair was awarded the Medal of Hope at the Twenty-Sixth Annual Race to Erase MS Gala, which raised over $1.8 million for MS research and programs. Among a multitude of celebrities diagnosed with or directly impacted by MS, British author and philanthropist J. K. Rowling has been an avid warrior in the fight against this and other neurological diseases. Her mother, Anne, died due to complications related to MS in 1990. After the tremendous success of Rowling’s Harry Potter book series, she donated £10 million to found the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. The country has been reported to have some of the highest instances of MS in the world.
The responses from Blair’s social media audience have been overwhelmingly supportive and positive, with many people who are also battling chronic diseases expressing their gratitude for her candor and outlook. “I cannot think of anything more important, or of more lasting value, than to help the university attract world-class minds in the field of neuroregeneration, to build on its long and illustrious history of medical research and, ultimately, to seek a cure for a very Scottish disease,” said Rowling when the clinic opened in 2010. In addition to MS, the Anne Rowling Clinic includes centers for motor neuron disease (MND), early-onset dementias, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, and centers for patients suffering from strokes, movement disorders, and neuroinflammatory disorders. According to its website, “The clinic seeks to tackle this need through its patient-based clinical research into regenerative neurology—targeting the discovery of treatments that will slow progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including MS, with the ultimate ambition of repairing damage.” In September of 2019, Rowling donated an additional £15.3 million (nearly $19 million) for new facilities and research projects at the clinic. 108 | DECE MBER 2019
“Our research is shaped by listening to and involving individuals who are living with these tough conditions,” says Professor Siddharthan Chandran, director of the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic. “The Anne Rowling Clinic’s vision is to offer everyone with MS or neurodegenerative diseases such as MND the opportunity to participate in a suite of clinical studies and trials. This incredibly far-sighted and generous donation will unlock the potential of personalized medicine for people with MS in Scotland and further afield.” “When the Anne Rowling Clinic was first founded, none of us could have predicted the incredible progress that would be made in the field of regenerative neurology, with the clinic leading the charge,” says Rowling. “I am delighted to now support the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic into a new phase of discovery and achievement as it realizes its ambition to create a legacy of better outcomes for generations of people with MS and non-MS neurodegenerative diseases.”
To learn more or join the fight against MS and other neurological
Author J. K. Rowling founded the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic in honor of her mother, who died from complications related to MS. Photo by Debra Hurford Brown
disorders, visit NationalMSSociety.org and AnneRowlingClinic.org.
THE ZOO GALLERY since 1979
Grayton Beach Grand Boulevard T h e Z o o G a l l e r y. c o m s t a n d o u t f r o m t h e h e r d
E XCLUSI V E NORTH W EST F L O R I D A R E TA I L E R F O R
L’intermission
No Child Hungry More details, events, and volunteer opportunities are available at FFTFL.org. Photo courtesy of Food For Thought
Founder and CEO of Food For Thought Tiffanie Nelson is busy prepping for the holiday season. “Food For Thought offers special programs to bridge the meal gap created by the lengthy breaks from school,” she says. “The average child in our service will miss ten meals over Thanksgiving break and twenty over Christmas break.” The nonprofit provides weekly meals for over 3,300 children facing food insecurity in Florida’s Walton and Okaloosa Counties. FFT celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2020!
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A STORY OF HOPE
ONE PERSON CAN
As a woman who spent the first eight years of her career working at a correctional facility for teen girls who had been classified as juvenile delinquents by the state of Tennessee, Nancy Alcorn understood that the systems in place were not always the way to help every young woman in need of guidance.
Mercy Multiplied founder Nancy Alcorn (center) with some of the program’s graduates. The ministry, built to help young women cope with life-controlling issues, now has locations around the US and abroad. 112 | DECE MBER 2019
he facility where she worked for five years was home to approximately three hundred inmates at any given time—each one sentenced by the court to one year in the facility because they were too young for the women’s prison. “Working for the state on a daily basis gave me direct encounters with government programs funded by taxpayer dollars that were not producing permanent results and changed lives,” Alcorn says. “It broke my heart to see young women leave the correctional facility and go back to the same neighborhoods where pimps, drug dealers, and gang members were waiting for them. Some were murdered by their pimps, others died from
THE WORLD INTERVIEW BY LISA AND GERALD BURWELL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERCY MULTIPLIED
street gang fights, and many died from accidental drug overdoses. In addition, there were quite a few of those girls who committed suicide before the age of eighteen because they felt like they had no hope.” Of the young women who survived to see age eighteen, Alcorn says, many ended up in the women’s prison system anyway due to a lack of getting the help they needed to reform their lives. While pursuing her master’s degree, Alcorn met many of those women while interning at a women’s prison in Nashville. She also spent three years investigating emergency child abuse cases, and says she quickly made a connection that the anger she had witnessed in so many teen girls was something that stemmed from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse they suffered during childhood. “I also realized that we should never judge anyone because we have no idea what they have been through,” she says. “There is always a why behind the what.” Determined to find a better way to help these young women than putting them in a government system, Alcorn moved to Monroe, Louisiana, and founded Mercy Ministries in January of 1983. The faith-based residential program for young women ages thirteen to thirty-two was designed to help them cope with and recover from life-controlling issues, such as anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, addictions, unplanned pregnancy, and sex trafficking.
Now known as Mercy Multiplied, Alcorn’s vision has evolved into a successful program with US locations in Monroe and Nashville, as well as Sacramento, California, and Saint Louis, Missouri. Mercy also has international affiliates in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. “Now, thirty-six years later, we have seen thousands of women come through our doors,” Alcorn says. “They are now living their lives with hope and purpose.” Alcorn expounds on her mission for helping young women in need and the challenges faced while running an international faith-based recovery program: VIE: What is the hardest part of running the ministry—obtaining funding, dealing with legal bureaucracy, staffing? Nancy Alcorn: The most challenging part of running the ministry is the financial provision aspect. All of our facilities are debt-free, and we are committed to operating at the highest level of excellence. We are also committed to paying our staff as much as they would make in a comparable position at a
for-profit organization. In addition, we are committed to taking every young woman in free of charge. The vast majority of them would not be able to pay, and even if they could pay, they need to be able to trust that we genuinely care about them and that we are not trying to make money off of their issues. Facilities like ours typically charge up to $2,000 per day; but because we have hundreds of people who choose to give to Mercy Multiplied, our doors are open to all young women thirteen to thirty-two who are committed to making a change.
THE FAITH-BASED RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM FOR YOUNG WOMEN AGES THIRTEEN TO THIRTY-TWO WAS DESIGNED TO HELP THEM COPE WITH AND RECOVER FROM LIFE-CONTROLLING ISSUES. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 113
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he fact that we do not take state or government funding enables us to share God’s unconditional love and mercy with each young woman who walks through our doors. This enables us to help them get rid of the shame and guilt and condemnation of the things that have happened to them in their past. Operating all of the facilities at such a high level of excellence requires us to pray continually for more people to become monthly, quarterly, and annual donors. There are times that it looks like we are not going to make it—yet God never fails to touch the hearts of people from all over the United States and around the world to give. We are continually making efforts to grow our donor base, especially in light of the new facilities that we plan to build and operate.
to a nice long nap when I settled into my seat to fly back to Louisiana. I looked around the plane and noticed that the only vacant seat was right next to me and was thanking God for extra space to stretch out for my nap! Right before they closed the cabin door, a man came down the aisle to occupy the last vacant seat. I quickly pretended that I was already asleep because I didn’t really have the energy to be “chatty” with a stranger. But that plan didn’t last long, because as we were about to take off, I felt him poking me in the arm. Apparently, he was ready to chat! He asked how much money I had lost gambling in Vegas, and I told him that I had actually been there to speak at a conference. He began to ask more questions about the conference and what I did for a living, so for the next two and a half hours, I talked to this man about Mercy and how we help girls with lifecontrolling issues. DFW Airport was our first stop, which was where his trip ended, but I had one more flight to go. As we parted ways, he asked for my contact details. I didn’t really think twice about the interaction because I regularly meet people in my travels and don’t usually hear from them again. Four weeks later, the phone rang at Mercy, and my executive assistant told me that there was a man on the phone who wanted to talk to me. He told her that he was “the man on the plane” and I would know who he was. I picked up the phone, and he immediately began to tell me why he was calling.
Right: Nancy Alcorn founded Mercy Multiplied after years of working in the criminal justice system. She encountered many young women who struggled to improve their lives and others who felt hopeless to do so. Opposite: Mercy Multiplied has five locations in the US and Canada—all are stateof-the-art homes with room for around forty residents, plus a professional staff that includes a nutritionist, a fitness instructor, and counselors. Mercy’s corporate headquarters (shown here) is in Nashville.
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Here are two examples of how God has given major provision for us over the years:
“Nancy, I had so many things I wanted to tell you that day on the plane, but we ran out of time. When I get stressed out because of my job, I usually fly to Vegas to gamble, party, and chase women. But this time, it just didn’t feel like that’s what I was supposed to do. Three months before that day I met you on the plane, I asked God to forgive me and help me get my life together. I don’t know a whole lot about this ‘God stuff ’ yet, but I get up every morning, make my coffee, smoke my cigarettes, and read my Bible. I’m not perfect, but I’m a different guy than what I used to be.” I told him that no one is perfect, and we had a good laugh.
Several years after opening our first home in Louisiana, we quickly realized that we needed additional space. We bought the property next door so that we could build an additional building to bring in more young women seeking help. Around that time, I was invited to speak at a weeklong conference in Las Vegas. I was absolutely exhausted after the conference ended, so I was looking forward
He continued with his story and shared, “I sat through three flights that day trying to fly standby to get home, and I got the last seat next to you on the plane that day. I now realize that I was supposed to be on that flight to meet you. I’m not used to this ‘being led by God stuff ’ yet, but every morning when I pray, I keep seeing your face and feel like I’m supposed to help you build. Are you trying to build something?”
I told him that we had started taking in girls facing unplanned pregnancies, and we had been getting so many requests that we needed to build another building. He was silent for a moment and then started crying. When he finally was able to speak, he said, “Forty years ago, I was born to a teenage girl who had been violently raped. I never met my biological mother, but I’m sure that if there hadn’t been a place for her to go, I would have been aborted. I am so grateful for her decision to choose life and allow me to be born. When I was five days old, she placed me in a wonderful adoptive family, and I had a great upbringing. My adoptive mother passed away last year and left me with millions of dollars. I want to do something with the money that will honor her memory. I am going to pay for the building that you need.” I was absolutely speechless.
He flew me out to Dallas to meet with his attorney and accounting firm to sign an agreement that I could share the story about how we met, but I could never share his name. So, to this day, there is a plaque hanging in the lobby of that building in Louisiana that says, “Special thanks to the ‘man on the plane’ who made this building possible.” A more recent story of God’s awesome provision is the story of how our home in Sacramento came to be. A billionaire from the city had it in his heart that he wanted to build a place for young women who were struggling to get the help they needed. He started asking people he knew around the country if they knew anyone who was doing this, and people kept telling him about me and our work at Mercy. He contacted me and made arrangements to fly his private plane to Nashville to tour our facilities, hear some of the girls’ stories, and meet with our accounting team to review our financial records. He was so moved that he flew me out to Sacramento three weeks later to show me an expensive piece of land that he wanted to donate to us. He also let me know that he wanted to pay for the building of the home. It’s now a twenty-five-thousand-square-foot, multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art facility with room for forty residents. Today, we have twelve acres of property in the Florida Panhandle, which is where we believe God is calling us to open the next Mercy home.
THERE ARE TIMES THAT IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE IT— YET GOD NEVER FAILS TO TOUCH THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES AND AROUND THE WORLD TO GIVE. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 115
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VIE: What are some of your favorite success stories? NA: Nicky’s story is undoubtedly one of the most incredible stories of transformation that I have ever witnessed. Nicky was sexually abused as a child, her parents divorced when she was eight, and she began looking for ways to numb the pain from her trauma. By age ten, she developed an eating disorder, and by age thirteen, she had begun self-harming and doing drugs. In addition, Nicky was diagnosed as an addict, as bipolar, and as having borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She was raped in high school and spiraled downward, eventually attempting suicide. By age twenty-one, Nicky was addicted
to cocaine and heroin, living the life of a prostitute to support her drug habit. She was hospitalized in forty-two different treatment facilities 126 different times. After a nearly fatal overdose, Nicky made the decision to enter our Mercy Multiplied program. When she walked through our doors, she was on fourteen prescribed medications and had been told that she would be in psychiatric programs for the rest of her life. Nicky graduated from the Mercy program eight months later, completely drug-free and no longer in need of any of the psychotropic drugs. Nicky’s relationship with her family is completely restored, and they now live in the same city. Since graduating from Mercy seven years ago, Nicky has graduated from college with a degree in social work and is now in graduate school to receive her master’s degree and become a therapist.
SINCE GRADUATING FROM MERCY SEVEN YEARS AGO, NICKY HAS GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE WITH A DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK AND IS NOW IN GRADUATE SCHOOL TO RECEIVE HER MASTER’S DEGREE AND BECOME A THERAPIST.
Porsha, another of our residents, was the daughter of a crack addict—she only weighed three pounds when she was born. Porsha’s mother abandoned her when she was three in favor of her drug-addicted lifestyle. Her father was a heroin addict who was jailed for grand theft auto. The state intervened, and Porsha was put into foster care as a very young child. She experienced both physical and sexual abuse while in foster care. At age six, she moved in with her grandparents and was sexually abused by her older boy relatives. The pain of Porsha’s early years led her to seven suicide attempts, the first one being at age nine. Porsha was eventually diagnosed as bipolar and schizophrenic. At age seventeen, she moved in with her cousin, and a very serious suicide attempt landed her in the hospital. It was at that point that pastors from a local church told Porsha about the Mercy Multiplied program. She was excited to know there was a place she could go to get real help and that she did not have to pay. During her time at Mercy, Porsha experienced the power of forgiveness toward her parents. She worked through the pain and trauma of her past and was eventually reconciled with both her mother and her father. Since graduating from Mercy over six years ago, Porsha has found very fulfilling work at a group home for people with various disabilities. She pours out love on them from the overflow of love that God has given her. Porsha is also a worship leader, and for the first time in her life, she has found financial stability. In Porsha’s own words, “When I tell my story, I feel like I’m describing a different person. Everything about me has changed. My heart was broken at one point, but God created it to love and to be loved. That’s the life I have now.” VIE: Does Mercy Multiplied have one general rehabilitation program, or are there different programs operating simultaneously? 116 | DECE MBER 2019
NA: We build all of our Mercy Multiplied homes debtfree. We have twelve acres of property on Highway 331 just south of Bay Bridge, before you get to Highway 98. We have received unanimous approval from Walton County Commissioners, and we have all our construction documents completed. Because of Hurricane Michael in 2018, we feel like the timing is not right to begin public fund-raising. Because of this, we do not have an anticipated opening date; however, we are currently praying for donors who have the resources to step up and provide the $10 million we will need so that we can start this building process right away. VIE: Describe the environment of the Mercy Multiplied home and some of the primary goals that were considered when designing the program.
Above: Porsha graduated from Mercy Multiplied over six years ago and is now a worship leader in her church. Opposite: Mercy graduate Nicky completed the program about seven years ago, has graduated college with a degree in social work, and is working on her master’s to become a therapist.
NA : We do not have generalized tracks. Our multidimensional approach is uniquely designed to address the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. Our counselors are highly trained in trauma. They utilize best practices in intervention and therapeutic skills to address multiple issues. The core of the program is to identify the root issues in the lives of the residents rather than continually treating symptoms that mask the pain instead of healing it. Mercy’s goal is to help residents permanently stop destructive cycles, discover purpose for their lives, and become productive and thriving individuals who understand their past does not determine their future. VIE: Are family members part of the rehabilitation program? NA: Yes, family members are an important part of the process; however, we have some young women who come to our facilities who are not connected to their families. In such cases, we do all that we can to utilize outside resources to move them toward family reconciliation whenever possible. VIE: Mercy Multiplied is hoping to open a new state-of-the-art rehabilitation home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida—how close are you to reaching your funding goal, and when do you anticipate opening?
NA: Many young women have come to Mercy expecting a cold, hospital-like environment and are shocked to discover a beautiful, warm home with staff who truly love and care for them. I remember telling God when He called me to start Mercy, “If you’re asking me to do this, then I’m asking you to make a way for us to be able to provide the very best for these young women. I don’t want to tell these young women how valuable and precious and special they are and then bring them into a place that is less than first-class.” We want our residents to know we value them, even more so because of what they’ve been through, how they have been mistreated because of what other people have done to them, or because of bad choices they’ve made that have exposed them to being mistreated. VIE: Where does Mercy Multiplied get its operating fund? NA: Mercy is funded 100 percent by donations. We do not receive any government funding and we do not charge our residents. Donations come from individuals, foundations, businesses, civic organizations, and churches. We have several monthly partnership programs, including our Sponsor a Girl program at two hundred dollars per month. We also have our Team Mercy 360 monthly partnership at thirty dollars per month. Supporters can become monthly partners at any amount or give special gifts of any size. Mercy seeks to operate under the highest standards of financial accountability and excellence. We work to consistently exceed industry standards through the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), we have received
WHEN I TELL MY STORY, I FEEL LIKE I’M DESCRIBING A DIFFERENT PERSON. EVERYTHING ABOUT ME HAS CHANGED. MY HEART WAS BROKEN AT ONE POINT, BUT GOD CREATED IT TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED. THAT’S THE LIFE I HAVE NOW. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 117
La vitalité the top-ranking Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, and we have top ratings from Great Nonprofits. VIE: Does the average resident suffer from mainly one life-controlling issue, or is the diagnosis usually multifaceted? NA: Diagnosis is almost always multifaceted. Recent data indicates an average diagnosis of at least three mental health diagnoses per resident. We live in a world functioning in high levels of complex trauma. The mental health industry is trying to figure out what to do with everybody. Almost every young woman who walks through our doors has had at least one suicide attempt. VIE: Are diet and nutrition of any particular importance? NA: Yes! Each of our Mercy homes has a fitness and nutrition manager on staff. Meals for our residents are set with a menu plan approved by a registered dietician. There are three meals each day, plus optional healthy snacks available. If a resident is dealing with an eating disorder or other health issues, she is given an eating regimen set for her by our nutrition manager. Our residents also participate
WE WANT OUR RESIDENTS TO KNOW WE VALUE THEM, EVEN MORE SO BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY’VE BEEN THROUGH, HOW THEY HAVE BEEN MISTREATED BECAUSE OF WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE DONE TO THEM, OR BECAUSE OF BAD CHOICES THEY’VE MADE THAT HAVE EXPOSED THEM TO BEING MISTREATED. 118 | DECE MBER 2019
in regular recreational activities, including aerobics, going to the gym, and neighborhood walks led by the fitness manager, who designs specific fitness plans for our residents. On the weekends, residents can participate in recreational activities like volleyball and going to the park. V I E : Are residents able to pursue their basic educational needs while in the program? NA: Residents between the ages of thirteen and seventeen who have not graduated or do not have their high school equivalency test are required to participate in a school option. Options include our online home-schooling program or pursuing the GED/HiSET/TASC for those who are seventeen and older. Adults who have not graduated from high school have the opportunity to work toward a high school equivalency test as well.
VIE: What kinds of efforts are necessary for follow-up or aftercare when residents graduate from Mercy Multiplied? NA: A transitional care liaison helps graduating residents with planning what their life is going to look like after they graduate. Our goal is to assist residents in reentering their community successfully. We provide assistance in the areas of education, employment, transportation, community involvement, and health care. VIE: How do you measure or study the Mercy Multiplied program’s success rate? NA: Every five years, we have an independent firm conduct an anonymous survey of former Mercy residents to determine how successfully our residential homes are fulfilling our mission. In our 2018 survey, 627 former residents responded. Nine out of ten of those who responded said that their hope was restored and their lives were transformed during their time at Mercy, and 93 percent of them said that they would recommend Mercy Multiplied to other young women who are hurting or struggling.
To learn more or to become a supporter, visit MercyMultiplied.com.
tweens, womens, gi�s 104 north barre� square RO S E M A RY B EA C H , F L
850.231.1720
Opposite: In a 2018 survey, 90 percent of responding program graduates said their lives were transformed through the help they received while living at Mercy Multiplied.
Why be like the others when you were born to STAND OUT?
We focus on details, antique beams, architectural corbels, vintage doors, and reclaimed wood. D E V ELO P ER | D E S I G N ER | CO N T R AC TO R | B R O K ER (4 0 4) 93 6 -7 7 20 | (4 0 4) 93 6 -20 8 0 | C H E W C O N .C O M
BOOK CLUB THE READERS CORNER
Becoming by Michelle Obama is now available, and the Becoming journal will be released on November 19, 2019. Learn more at BecomingMichelleObama.com.
What do you want to become? Following on the heels of her number one best-selling memoir, Becoming, former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama will debut a companion journal, Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice, to help readers reflect on their own goals and dreams. The journal, set to release November 19, 2019, includes an introduction by Michelle Obama and thoughtful questions and prompts throughout to guide your journaling process. Crown Publishing describes her memoir as “a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling,” chronicling her journey from growing up on Chicago’s South Side to becoming a successful businesswoman, wife, mother, and, of course, First Lady. “With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms.”
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Face It.
WO M EN
The female mind is a collective; it births the future and raises it. Wired to work together and impart wisdom to one another, leading women are redefining the meaning of “it takes a village� by making their mentorship and metaphorical toolboxes readily available for others through books, web series, podcasts, speaking engagements, and more.
Are Fierce!
A Review of Inspirational and Motivational Books Written by Women for Women
BY SOLANGE JAZAYERI
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The Readers Corner Whether you only have seventeen minutes to spare or you can commit an entire month to an online course, expanding and reframing your mind-set has never been easier. The following group of women is changing the cultural tides, but perhaps more importantly, they are leveling up the conversation among females so their voices and platforms affect positive change. Check out these women and the wisdom they offer:
In her words: “Rule 1. All problems (or dreams) are figureoutable. Rule 2. If a problem is not figureoutable, it’s not really a problem—it’s a fact of life or law of nature (e.g., death or gravity). Rule 3. You may not care enough to figure this problem out or achieve this particular dream. That’s okay. Find another problem or dream that ignites a blazing fire in your heart and go back to Rule 1.” (Everything Is Figureoutable) The mentor’s toolbox: Ȇ Free audio training program on making life easier and pursuing your vision Ȇ B-School, an online how-to course on growing wealth with passion and purpose Ȇ Award-winning webcast, MarieTV: interviews with inspiring individuals Latest books: Ȇ Everything Is Figureoutable MarieForleo.com
GABBY BERNSTEIN Author of seven books, Gabrielle Bernstein is a selfproclaimed spirit junkie. Her mission? To crack open a spiritual relationship with your own mind and body, helping you to live in alignment with your true purpose.
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Whenever you notice your thoughts detour into ATTACK mode, say out loud or to yourself: ‘Happiness is a CHOICE I make.’
In her words: “To begin your commitment to new perceptions, start by paying attention to ‘attack thoughts’ toward yourself and others. Whenever you notice your thoughts detour into attack mode, say out loud or to yourself: ‘Happiness is a choice I make.’ Make this your mantra.” (Miracles Now: 108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow, and Finding Your True Purpose) Check out Oprah’s SuperSoul Sessions talk where Bernstein shares her five steps to spiritual surrender, so you can become the happiest person you know. The mentor’s toolbox: Ȇ A free four-track meditation album Ȇ The Miracle Membership, giving members access to podcasts, connection to a spiritually minded online community, and more to help you stick with your practices Ȇ The Spirit Junkie app, providing daily affirmations on your smartphone
MARIE FORLEO World-renowned life coach and New York Times number one best-selling author Marie Forleo encourages you to build a life you love through her website, web TV series, and new book, Everything Is Figureoutable.
Latest Books: Ȇ The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith Ȇ Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life beyond Your Wildest Dreams GabbyBernstein.com
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ANNA WINTOUR
Just be TRUE to yourself, and LISTEN as much as one is able to to other people whose opinions you RESPECT and look up to but in the end it has to come from YOU.
GRETA THUNBERG So often we look to our elders for advice, but sixteenyear-old climate activist Greta Thunberg first took on the TED stage in August of 2018, and the world took notice. Thunberg is a reminder to us all that climate change is an urgent matter we must address to improve the world we are leaving for our children. In her words: “Adults keep saying, ‘We owe it to the young people to give them hope,’ but I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful; I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act. I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if our house is on fire, because it is.” Want to help lead the charge? Join the movement at FridaysForFuture.org.
With her trademark sunglasses and signature bob, Anna Wintour is one of the world’s most well known fashion icons. She’s also been a staunch supporter of young designers and the cultural markings of our generation as editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988 and artistic director of Condé Nast. Wintour offers advice in her new MasterClass series. In her words: “Just be true to yourself, and listen, as much as one is able to, to other people whose opinions you respect and look up to but in the end, it has to come from you. You can’t really worry too much by looking to the left and the right about what the competition is doing or what other people in your field are doing. It has to be a true vision.” Follow Anna Wintour’s MasterClass on creative leadership at Masterclass.com.
SHERYL SANDBERG Aside from her role as chief operating officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg serves on the boards of Facebook, the Walt Disney Company, Women for Women International, ONE, and SurveyMonkey. She is certainly a busy woman, but business has not stopped her from being a mother. Sandberg admits the conversation about work-life balance can be tricky and often uncomfortable, but it’s also important and meaningful. With over nine million views, Sandberg’s 2010 TED Talk was a call to arms for women to have honest conversations with their partners and employers about working together at building their careers and families.
Above: Anna Wintour Photo by Lev Radin / Shutterstock Right: Greta Thunberg Photo by Photocosmos1 / Shutterstock 124 | DECE MBER 2019
In her words: “When looking for a life partner, my advice to women is date all of them: the bad boys, the cool boys, the commitment-phobic boys, the crazy boys. But do not marry them. The things that make the bad boys sexy do not make them good husbands. When it comes time to settle down, find someone who wants an equal partner. Someone who thinks women should be smart, opinionated, and ambitious. Someone who values fairness and expects or, even better, wants to do his share in the home. These men exist and, trust me, over time, nothing is sexier.”
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Latest books: Ȇ Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead Ȇ Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy (coauthored with Adam Grant) For inspiring stories and expert advice, follow the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation (SGFF.org), which works to build a more equal and resilient world by bringing people together to support each other through two key initiatives: LeanIn.Org and OptionB.Org. You can also visit TED.com to listen to her TED Talk on why we have so few female leaders.
ARIANNA HUFFINGTON
Don’t just climb the ladder of success—a ladder that leads, after all, to higher and higher levels of STRESS and burnout—but chart a new path to SUCCESS, remaking it in a way that includes not just the conventional metrics of money and power.
Former editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global founder Arianna Huffington has accumulated more accolades than can be listed on this page, but here are two impressive honors: she was in Time magazine’s list of the world’s one hundred most influential people and on the Forbes Most Powerful Women list. Huffington is a powerhouse and no stranger to overwork and sleepless nights. Now a sleep ambassador, she urges others to look at the dangers of fatigue and impresses upon them to reevaluate the definition of success, weighing financial gains against overall well-being. In her words: “Don’t just climb the ladder of success—a ladder that leads, after all, to higher and higher levels of stress and burnout—but chart a new path to success, remaking it in a way that includes not just the conventional metrics of money and power, but a third metric that includes well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving, so that the goal is not just to succeed but to thrive.” The latest of her of eighteen books: Ȇ Thrive Ȇ The Sleep Revolution If you are feeling a little sleep deprived and in need of a good laugh, check out the clip The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Arianna Huffington – Orgasms Are Nature’s Ambien (on her website). AriannaHuffington.com
ESTHER PEREL In our relationships, we seek intimacy, security, and support but also sexiness, spontaneity, and romance. Are we asking too much of our partners? Therapist, author, and speaker Esther Perel unpacks how couples communicate in their everyday lives so the romance and intimacy become more satisfying for both partners. In her words: “Love enjoys knowing everything about you; desire needs mystery. Love likes to shrink the distance that exists between me and you, while desire is energized by it. If intimacy grows through repetition and familiarity, eroticism is numbed by repetition. It thrives on the mysterious, the novel, and the unexpected. Love is about having; desire is about wanting. An expression V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 125
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LOVE enjoys knowing everything about you; DESIRE needs mystery. Love likes to SHRINK the distance that exists between me and you, while desire is ENERGIZED by it.
RACHEL HOLLIS Girl, Stop Apologizing is the mantra, theme, and title of Rachel Hollis’s new book. Founder of the lifestyle website the Chic Site and CCO (chief creative officer) of her own media company, Hollis encourages women to embrace a messy and authentic life by challenging them to define themselves on their own terms. She says this can be done by adopting a mind-set geared toward growth and an unapologetic attitude, owning who you are and what you want. “Women are taught that to be a good woman you need to be good for other people. If your kids are happy, then you’re a good mom. If your husband is happy, you’re a good wife. How about a good daughter, employee, sister, friend? All of your value is essentially wrapped up in other people’s happiness. How can anyone successfully navigate that for a lifetime? How can anyone dream of more? How can anyone follow their “what if ” if they need someone else to approve of it first?”
of longing, desire requires ongoing elusiveness. It is less concerned with where it has already been than passionate about where it can still go. But too often, as couples settle into the comforts of love, they cease to fan the flame of desire. They forget that fire needs air.” (Mating in Captivity: Reconciling the Erotic and the Domestic) The mentor’s toolbox: Ȇ Free “intimacy inventory” resource to help partners communicate Ȇ Rekindling Desire online workshop Ȇ Where Should We Begin? podcast— Season 3 is now available on Spotify! Latest books: Ȇ Mating in Captivity Ȇ The State of Affairs EstherPerel.com
Solange Jazayeri has an MBA in communication and leadership from the University of West Florida. As a reader, she enjoys books that delve into personal journeys of self-identity. As a writer, her research explores the intersection of
The mentor’s toolbox: Ȇ TheChicSite.com, a lifestyle website and blog full of tips and insights on life, food, and family Ȇ Rachel Hollis YouTube channel: Youtube.com/user/MyChicLife Latest books: Ȇ Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Ȇ Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals
love and identity in this new age of technology.
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L’intermission
Building a Movement Visit ComicRelief.org to learn more about Red Nose Day and other initiatives and to find out how to get involved. Photo courtesy of Comic Relief USA
Janet Scardino, former CEO of Comic Relief USA, built an exceptionally talented team spanning the organization’s Red Nose Day initiative and Hand in Hand hurricane relief benefit, which harness the power of entertainment to raise money with the mission of ending child poverty. In the process, Comic Relief USA raised $250 million during her tenure. “I am so very grateful for the huge response and engagement by Americans across the country,” she says. “It has meant that we could touch the lives of millions of children here at home and around the world.”
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 129
The Readers Corner
Most Powerful THE
WOMAN IN THE ROOM IS YOU LY D I A F E N E T O N H O W T O CHANGE THE GAME B Y S O L A N G E J A Z AY E R I
magine walking into the glitz and glamour of a gala-style benefit auction. Guests buzz about and chat; the sounds of glasses clinking and laughter are loud enough to drown out the orchestra. Between sips of bubbly, you study the room: everything is aglow. This is what champagne dreams are made of—celebrities, millionaires, even billionaires mingling to their hearts’ content. That is, until “the Strike.”
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Crack, crack, crack. It’s a loud, explosive call to attention. Small but mighty, Lydia Fenet silences the crowd with her gavel. As managing director and lead auctioneer for Christie’s auction house, Fenet knows how to dominate a room. Tall and lithe, this brunette proves to be the best kind of femme fatale: one who, with a flick of her wrist and tap of the gavel, has racked up over half a billion dollars for more than four hundred nonprofits worldwide. She’s been known to raise a million dollars in under a minute and without apology.
IN THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN THE ROOM IS YOU, FENET SHARES HER WRONG TURNS AND WINS THROUGH CASE STUDIES OF MANY PROMINENT LEADERS SHE HAS BEFRIENDED IN HER TWENTY-YEAR CAREER
Fenet says, “The most powerful woman in the room is me,” and in her first book, she assures, “The most powerful woman in the room is also you.”
AT CHRISTIE’S.
Her secret: be yourself; sell yourself. In The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You, Fenet shares her wrong turns and wins through case studies of many prominent leaders she has befriended in her twenty-year career at Christie’s.
H E R E A R E F I V E O F H E R S E LLI N G T I P S : 1. THE STRIKE METHOD Most of us don’t work with a gavel in hand. That said, Fenet urges you to find an action, a mantra, or an inspiring thought that quiets your mind and centers your sense of purpose. You can command a room too. A focused mind-set demands respect. When you know your “Strike”—what differentiates you from others— this strength provides forward momentum toward your goals. 2 . S E L L A S YO U R S E L F. In an industry dominated by men with English accents, Fenet shares her life experience in trying to imitate those whom she saw as the most successful in her field. Though promotions came her way, the difference between leveling up from a good auctioneer to a great one was the result of her selling as herself. No English accent—just her funny, authentic, and down-to-earth personality. Sharpen your strengths and sell yourself !
5 . M A P O U T YO U R LI F E A N D FO L LOW T H R O U G H — B U T S K E TC H I T I N P E N C I L . After the economic crash, auctions needed reshaping. The money wasn’t flowing as it once had been. To keep from having to fire team members, Fenet outlined opportunities within Christie’s. Then she spoke to the leaders in her company who could ease implementation. This strategy kept her team intact while also allowing her to develop a new sales department. The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You is more than a catchy title: it is a no-nonsense guide to failing forward, negotiating the salary you deserve, and building a network that renders value throughout time.
3 . LI S T E N . Before you recite that elevator pitch you’ve perfected and memorized, make sure to listen first. Listen to what your audience wants and needs. Be a resource. Show that you care. Ask them what they want before you tell them what you have. 4 . R E J EC T I O N I S L I K E E X E R C I S E . The more you take the blows of rejection and failure, the better you get at responding to them. Do you want to be better at selling yourself or your idea? You have to try it! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It’s important to ask even when it feels uncomfortable and even if you’ve received a repeated “no” from your callbacks. Remember, it’s not personal—it’s business.
Author Lydia Fenet
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The Readers Corner SMALL BUT MIGHTY, LYDIA FENET SILENCES THE CROWD WITH HER GAVEL. AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AND LEAD AUCTIONEER FOR CHRISTIE’S AUCTION HOUSE, FENET KNOWS HOW TO DOMINATE A ROOM .
About author Lydia Fenet Lydia Fenet also serves as the global director of strategic partnerships at Christie’s. Fenet has trained all of Christie’s benefit auctioneers for the past seven years and travels around the country to speak to corporations and groups on “the art of selling.” Fenet’s auctioneering achievements have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Vogue, Crain’s, Elle, Vanity Fair, WWD, and WorkingMother.com. The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You is now available for purchase. You can follow her on Instagram @LydiaFenet. Solange Jazayeri has an MBA in communication and leadership from the University of West Florida. As a reader, she enjoys books that delve into personal journeys of selfidentity. As a writer, her research explores the intersection of love and identity in this new age of technology.
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TENTH ANNUAL VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO CLASSIC LOS ANGELES On Saturday, October 5, 2019, the Tenth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles returned to Will Rogers State Historic Park. Patrons and celebrities alike joined Veuve Clicquot to watch an exciting polo match while picnicking and, of course, sipping champagne. Guests enjoyed access to Veuve Clicquot champagne bars featuring Yellow Label, Rosé, La Grande Dame, Rich, and Rich Rosé, food offerings from some of the city’s most popular food trucks, lawn games, and prime seating to cheer from the sidelines during a thrilling polo match led by world-renowned polo player Nacho Figueras. Take a peek inside the VIP tent! Photography courtesy of Veuve Clicquot
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Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier
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Chrishell Stause and Justin Hartley
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Garcelle Beauvais ?? Nacho Figueras
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La scène
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Mandy Moore
SEVENTY-FIRST PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS The biggest honors in primetime television were awarded at the Emmys on September 22, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in LA, and the red carpet was buzzing with excitement. Everyone’s favorite stars were out and looking their very best. BBC’s Fleabag took home four wins, while HBO’s fantasy favorite Game of Thrones had the most nominations (fourteen) and two wins. Photography courtesy of the Emmy Awards
Chrishell Stause and Justin Hartley
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MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL LA PREMIERE Disney fans and stars alike embraced the darkness with the release of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which celebrated its Los Angeles premiere and press conference on September 30, 2019. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning reprised their starring roles in the sequel to the 2014 film about one of Disney’s most formidable villains. Michelle Pfeiffer joined the sequel cast as Queen Ingrith. The premiere’s red carpet boasted celebs in glamorous dark colors and smoky makeup looks in honor of the occasion. Photography by Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney Angelina Jolie
Jenn Murray
Olivia Rodrigo
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WOM E N O F T H E WO R L D BY MYLES MELLOR
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Au revoir! BEFORE YOU GO . . .
Learn more at UrbanZen.com and DavidLynchFoundation.org. Photo courtesy of Donna Karan / Urban Zen Foundation
The David Lynch Foundation recently announced that its special International Women of Vision 2019 awards luncheon will take place on Tuesday, December 3, in New York City. The event will honor several extraordinary women who have made a significant impact on the world; one of the honorees is fashion icon and philanthropist Donna Karan, who will receive a Lifetime of Service to Global Health and Healing Award. Karan founded the Urban Zen Foundation in 2007 to provide groundbreaking therapy programs to patients through a combination of Eastern healing practices and Western science. She says, “Urban Zen embodies not just my philanthropic passions, but also my passion for design—dressing and addressing people both on the inside and the outside.” Proceeds from the Women of Vision event will support the David Lynch Foundation’s work providing Transcendental Meditation to under-resourced youth, veterans with PTSD, women survivors of violence, and adults and teens battling substance use disorder. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 145
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