VIE Magazine March 2023

PHOTO BY ED GUTENTAG

Heritage Dunes, Seagrove Beach, Florida

lazy beach days. summer sunsets. vacation vibes.

Mallory Ervin is way more than a triple threat! This bubbly personality is now known for her insightful videos on YouTube and social media. She is also a three-time Amazing Race contestant, a former Miss Kentucky and Miss America runner-up, a wife, a mom, an entrepreneur—and a recovering addict. Ervin’s second book, All In, was released in February as the companion volume to her inspirational memoir, Living Fully In both books, she details her struggles with addiction, anxiety, and life’s highs and lows on a mission to help her readers live fully in everything they do. See and read more starting on page 26!

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.

74 Let’s Talk with the Change Makers: VIE Speaks Season Two Is Here!

EACH YEAR, THE CHARLESTON LITERARY FESTIVAL BRINGS A HOST OF WORLDRENOWNED AUTHORS, JOURNALISTS, SPEAKERS, POETS, AND FANS TOGETHER FOR TWO WEEKENDS OF INSIGHTFUL LECTURES AND MEMORABLE PARTIES. VIE WAS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE OPENING NIGHT GALA FOR THE 2022 FESTIVAL.

Photo by Romona Robbins

Photo by Ed & Val Photography

CREATIVE TEAM

CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LISA MARIE BURWELL

Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

FOUNDER / PUBLISHER

GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR

JORDAN STAGGS

Jordan@VIEmagazine.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

EMME MARTIN Emme@VIEmagazine.com

CHIEF COPY EDITOR

MARGARET STEVENSON

COPY EDITOR

WENDY ANDERSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

LAURIE CROWLEY, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, MYLES MELLOR, CAROLYN O’NEIL, SUZANNE POLLAK, XENIA TALIOTIS, JANET THOMAS

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TRACEY THOMAS

Tracey@VIEmagazine.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER SALLY NEAL

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

HANNAH VERMILLION

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

LAUREN ATHALIA, HUNTER BURGTORF, JIM CLARK, LYNN CROW, KATIE DESANTIS, ALEX DOSSEY, HANNAH DREW, JACK GARDNER, RICCARDO GHILARDI, ED GUTENTAG, JOHN HOLLAN, JEFF LANDRETH, CARLO PIERONI, ROMONA ROBBINS, SHELLY SWANGER, KIANA TATE, DAVE WARREN, ARIX ZALACE, NATHAN ZUCKER, DEVOTE STUDIO, ED & VAL PHOTOGRAPHY, MCG PHOTOGRAPHY, MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK, UNSPLASH

ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com

MARKETING COORDINATOR

ADDIE STRICKLAND

MARKETING INTERN

HAILEY BETHKE

BRAND AMBASSADORS LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

ALEX CURRY Alex@VIEmagazine.com

MARTA RATA

Marta@VIEmagazine.com

AD MANAGER

ADDIE STRICKLAND

Addie@VIEmagazine.com

A Dedication

This issue is dedicated to Harriet Crommelin, founder and owner of Cafe Thirty-A restaurant on Scenic Highway 30-A.

It is apropos that our Change Makers Issue bids farewell to a prominent trailblazer in our community as she embodied a pioneering spirit and created a landmark business that so many have had the privilege to enjoy for several decades. Her legacy lives on, and we are forever grateful to her for being a champion for good in our area.

To all of her friends and loved ones, we are sorry for your great loss. Thank you, Harriet, for all you did to foster community, class, and a place we could all go to be nourished in mind, soul, and body.

As a friend, colleague, and faithful partner with VIE for over fifteen years, we will miss you, gracious lady.

Harriet Huntress Crommelin (1946–2023)

Harriet Huntress Crommelin, 76, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away on February 8, 2023, at her home in Seagrove Beach. Harriet was predeceased by her parents, Vice Admiral Henry Crommelin and Sally (Huntress) Crommelin, and her siblings, Diane Miller Kershaw, Henry Jr., and Sally (Susie) Crommelin-Dell. Harriet is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews, dear friends, and her restaurant family.

Harriet was born February 19, 1946, in Washington, D.C., and was the youngest of four. She grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and graduated from Sidney

Lanier High School and later the University of Alabama. Harriet entered the restaurant business in 1982, opening Kat & Harri’s Nice Place in Cloverdale, Montgomery, followed by The Bistro a few years later. In 1995, she moved to the Emerald Coast of Florida to open one of the first restaurants on Scenic Highway 30-A, Café Thirty-A, which has been successful for almost twenty-seven years. Harriet was a true trailblazer and visionary. Her passion for fine wine and consistently delicious food has paved the way for many restaurants in South Walton, Florida. She was an inspiration to women entrepreneurs everywhere. Harriet enjoyed traveling, wine tastings, and supporting many

local charities in the 30-A area, including Alaqua Animal Refuge, Caring and Sharing of South Walton, and Children’s Volunteer Health Network. She never met a stranger and treated everyone like family. She also loved dogs and a good party. Harriet was considered by many to be the matriarch of 30-A.

A celebration of life will take place on May 5, 2023. Details are coming soon. A private burial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Harriet’s family requests donations be made to Alaqua Animal Refuge, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, or Caring and Sharing of South Walton.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CHANGING the WORLD ONE STEP at a TIME

There is no mistaking that change is in the air for many of us. Growth and transitions are part of the natural cycle of life, but they seem more revved up than ever before. From my vantage point, I feel a supercharged energy for change, and many people in my circle seem to feel the same. Meeting so many interesting and memorable people throughout the journey of publishing VIE has been an enriching experience. With this issue dedicated to “change makers” far and wide, what I have marveled at the most is how many people do amazing things for good as they shape and change our world. I stand in awe of their respective endeavors.

We have written about so many people accomplishing good work over the years, and our team is proud to publish their stories. I want to give a special shout-out to one of our Top Ten Change Makers recognized in our hundredth issue last February, on which Julian Lennon graced the cover. Tiffanie Nelson was a young mother who saw a need when she learned that a few of her son’s classmates didn’t have enough to eat. She started by helping six kids each week with simple meals they could take home, which led to her founding her nonprofit organization, Food for Thought Outreach, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. What an amazing place the world would be if we all helped when we saw a need in our daily walk through life. Tiffanie saw kids struggling and did something about it. Her act of kindness grew, with locations in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach now serving over 3,400 food-insecure children across 34 schools each week. Her decision in 2010 has changed our community for the better and continues to do so year after year. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, please visit FFTFL.org.

Our gorgeous cover girl Mallory Ervin shines as an inspirational influencer. She shares her life and story through her books and social media platforms, resonating with many and inspiring them with her candor about the challenges she has overcome and what she learned through the process. She has grown an extremely loyal following of millions who adore her and are some of the world’s most supportive fans, engaging with her on a daily basis. Her second book, All In, was released last month with sales growing beyond expectations as people can’t get enough of this powerhouse who spreads joy and happiness wherever she goes. Along with her widely popular Living Fully memoir and podcast of the same name, this has given this beauty queen, singer, Amazing Race contestant, wife, mother of three, and best-selling author a megawatt voice across multiple platforms to empower change. Read all about Mallory in Hailey Bethke’s article, “You Were Made for More: The Art of Living Fully.” You will not be disappointed!

Change makers initiate action to solve a social problem, and so many are doing what they can to help. We commend and wholeheartedly thank them for their commitment

to leaving the world a better place than it was before. Join us in celebrating many individuals and organizations throughout this issue as they sacrifice to bring forth change with courage, commitment, and resilience.

To Life, Love, and Growth!

Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief

VIE CEO/editor-in-chief and VIE Speaks podcast host, Lisa Marie Burwell

Photo by Romona Robbins

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 ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHO HAS BEEN A CHANGE MAKER IN YOUR LIFE AND HOW?

Best-Selling Author and Public Speaker

@torihopepetersen

Her name is Tonya—a woman who stepped in as my mother figure. Because I grew up in an abusive home, I always wondered if I’d ever be a good mom, and I also sought out motherly relationships. Tonya doesn’t go out and change the world. She’ll never be a CEO, but she’s opened her home to our family and treated me like her daughter and my children like her own grandkids. To be so radically loved and welcomed is healing, and her hospitality makes me want to be more hospitable. Her listening makes me want to be a better listener. And her motherhood makes me want to be an even better mom.

the greatest masters of this philosophy. Following Leonard’s growth as an artist and then rebirth in the latter years of his life had a profound impact on my own life. His journey showed me that poetry never ends and the poem is never truly finished.

MALLORY ERVIN

Best-Selling Author, Living Fully and All In @malloryervin

My literary agent Shannon Marven has been a huge change maker in my life. She heard my story and message in the background as I shared bits and pieces for years, and she single-handedly shifted the direction of my career. This is the space I know I was meant to be in, so that shift was big for me. She always makes time to talk me through significant business and career shifts even though she’s got top authors on her roster and piles of things to do for them. She has believed in me and my message of living fully more than anyone outside my family. She will forever be my biggest change maker and the one who was pivotal in bringing me into a space where I can be a change maker for others. I also just love being around her because she’s a big thinker and one of my all-time favorite people.

ARIX ZALACE

Artist and Founder, The Paper Bear @azalace

I would have to say the biggest change makers in my life have been Jenifer Kuntz (my partner) and Leonard Cohen. Jenifer has always told me, “Life is poetry. All of life, the good and the bad.” When I view the world through this lens, my life becomes richer and more satisfying. Powerful prose, whether shared through a pen, paintbrush, or camera lens, truly is the poetry of life. Jen taught me that. Leonard was one of

DAVE KING

Entrepreneur, SOWAL House @king.daveking

A random encounter with Bill Murray, the actor, completely changed my life. I was stopped at a crosswalk while on the way to my office in New York when someone put their hands over my eyes from behind and said, “Peekaboo.” I turned around, initially thinking I was being mugged, only to see a familiar face. It took me a second to recognize that it was Bill Murray, the quirky deadpan actor from all the ’80s films I grew up watching. He patiently waited for me to register that it was him, then held up his index finger and said, “No one will ever believe you.” A split second later, the light turned green, and he walked off. This was life-changing because Bill gave me the gift of immediate reprieve. Every thought about preparing for work had vanished, albeit only for a few minutes. In its place was simple, innocent wonderment—and a smile. This sense of wonder is what we aim for at every SOWAL House event. Internally, we call them “Bill Murray moments.” I believe they’re more important now than ever because, in today’s hustle culture, we all deserve a few minutes of reprieve.

TORI HOPE PETERSEN

Hi, Beautiful!

We love connecting with our readers and seeing what’s happening in the community. Don’t forget to share, post, and tag VIE in all your exciting conversations and experiences! We enjoy nothing more than hearing your stories and sharing them with our audience. Thank you, and happy reading!

@alilydiamond This week at a glance: Sav got her film back; Interviewed Mike Ragsdale for the podcast; Got an article in VIE; Hotel Effie put us on their website; We love a photo booth! And RockIt Lanes; The REP put us on their website; Got an article on Visit South Walton! @emeraldcoaststorytellers

@lisamburwell Last Wednesday was one of those magical days when hard work met creativity with a great group of people for a cover shoot with the vivacious and beautiful @malloryervin for the @viemagazine Change Makers Issue! There is so much goodness and vitality packed into this issue, and we think you’re going to love it! @romonarobbinsreynolds @traceyleighthomas

Thank you for snapping the photo of me @addie.strickland_

@jordanlstaggs Taste of the Race with @seasideschoolfoundation, @viemagazine, @tonyameyer4, @lisamburwell, @cademeyer34, @taylor_stanleyyy, and some amazing Gulf Coast restaurants and chefs! Not to mention a taste of Southern tradition coming to #30A thanks to the one and only @velcropygmies!

@hadleyjameshome Whenever my kid is about to do something he’s not supposed to, he says, “Don’t look at me,” and that’s how I know he’s not cut out for a life of crime. @oneawkwardmom; Architect @wadeweissmannarchitecture; Interior design @simondsdesign; Featured @viemagazine; Photographer Holly Lepere

@theideaboutique Please help us welcome  @30acurry to The Idea Boutique team! We are thrilled to have him as our new sales director for  @viemagazine and more!

LET’S TALK!

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

@thepaperbearfilm Love is in the air.

YOU Were MADE for Feature

More

By Hailey Bethke

How do you live fully?

Many of us would struggle to answer that question. What does it feel like to live a vibrant life—one that allows you to tap into peace, abundance, and gratitude more frequently than anxiety, stress, and fear? Is that even possible for everyone, or is a plentiful life reserved for a select few? We often turn to those we think “have it all figured out” to guide us in such an endeavor.

Mallory Ervin, former Miss Kentucky, Miss America runner-up, three-time competitor on The Amazing Race, entrepreneur, wife, mother, influencer, author, singer, and public speaker, is accomplished, to say the least. From graduating valedictorian and performing the national anthem at an NBA game during her childhood to racing around the world on a reality television show and participating in one of the world’s biggest pageants, Ervin is no stranger to success or the spotlight. “In my youth, I just kept winning,” she remarks. “For a long time, I thought that’s what ‘living fully’ was.”

Upon meeting Ervin in person, one immediately realizes she is a ray of sunshine on and off camera. She radiates an inspiring enthusiasm for life and effortlessly adds vibrancy to any room. Yet, beyond her magnetism and commendable achievements, she is a woman of wisdom and depth who values vulnerability and intention. As she shares in her debut book, Living Fully, although her achievements portray the illusion of perfection, her life is far from flawless. Beyond her massive success in the public eye, she is an exemplary woman of strength who has braved devastating rock bottoms and learned to release unhealthy attachments to external validation and accolades.

“I got really nervous to tell my story, worried that sharing those five or so years of that low would negate the bright and vibrant childhood I had,” Ervin admits. As she details in Living Fully, released in February 2022, she fell into a spiral of prescription-drug abuse after college. The result was a physical and emotional breakdown that forced her to make a life-altering decision: continue with her growing dependency on the medication (which would undoubtedly lead to premature death) or seek healing. With the support of her family, she enrolled in a rehabilitation program that transformed her life from the inside out.

“Something I’ve come to understand is that the issue that manifests is rarely the actual problem. The problem wasn’t the substances; the problem also wasn’t the hair or the boyfriend, the titles, the success and notoriety, the need for approval, or anything else. The problem—my problem—was my attachment to all those things,” she emphasizes. “Filling my life with those big experiences—the titles and achievements— led to emptiness.”

I got really nervous to tell my story, worried that sharing those five or so years of that low would negate the bright and vibrant childhood I had.

Photography by Romona Robbins

Above and opposite: Mallory Ervin is a Nashville-based author, entrepreneur, and inspirational influencer. Her second book, All In, debuted in February and quickly topped the charts in Self-Help categories on Amazon. Ervin joined VIE for a colorful cover shoot at Fonville Press in Alys Beach, Florida, to celebrate!

Left: The chic design of Fonville Press by Summer House Lifestyle and the teams at Quest Hospitality Concepts and Alys Beach made a perfect backdrop for a bright, bold photo shoot with Mallory Ervin.

Above right: A beautiful home at Kaiya Beach Resort on Scenic Highway 30-A served as HQ and a secondary shoot location, courtesy of Inlet Beach Real Estate.

In both of her books, Ervin addresses that living a full life is very different than living fully. She had mastered living a full life, eagerly running from one project to the next. However, during her healing journey, she realized big things don’t equate to a great life. Although addiction led her to rock bottom, she says even people without life-threatening low moments often need a wake-up call to claim the life they deserve.

“Rock bottom is when the situation is so bad you have to make a change,” she says. “Typically, we think of rock bottom when a drug addict or alcoholic is at their darkest, lowest point. Here’s what I want you to know: being ‘fine’ is also a life-or-death decision because fine is an emotional death—the death of a full life.” When there’s no

pressure on ourselves to make a change, simply because everything is “OK,” that is where we will remain: in a mediocre life when we are made for more.

After coming home from treatment and feeling like the most grounded and whole version of herself, Ervin started her blog and YouTube channel. Here, she gives viewers an inside look into life as a Nashville-based mom and lifestyle brand creator. Her media focuses on delivering uplifting content on health and wellness, family time, fashion, and beauty. Now, she has a community of over a million followers across various platforms and continues to express her creativity and authenticity through her podcast, Living Fully, and clothing brand, Living Fully Co. Behind the mic, she spotlights inspiring guests, including Gabby Bernstein, Morgan Harper Nichols, and Dr. Tara Swart, and shares valuable lessons on how to prioritize joy and satisfaction in a world where we often feel lost and numb. Designed to encourage listeners as they navigate the human journey, the Living Fully podcast is ideal for anyone craving more fulfillment and

Above: Mallory Ervin was crowned Miss Kentucky in 2009 and was the fourth runner-up for Miss America 2010.

Photo courtesy of Mallory Ervin

Left: All In: A Vision for Living Fully Every Day is Mallory Ervin’s second book, a self-help journal companion to her memoir, Living Fully

Rock bottom is when the situation is so bad you have to make a change. Typically, we think of rock bottom when a drug addict or alcoholic is at their darkest, lowest point.

Follow Mallory on social media, YouTube, or her website to see her many projects and shop her collection of apparel and accessories.

The VIE team was thrilled to have Mingle 30A balloons, Rose & Co. Flowers, and Fonville Press on board to help create an unforgettable set for this feature.

I would get DMs from people all the time saying I wish I could be like you; you look so happy, And I would respond with, It ’ s been a journey to get here ’ and share what I went through behind the scenes and off social media.

meaning in everyday life. At Living Fully Co., Ervin utilizes whimsical colors with thoughtful designs to create swoon-worthy statement pieces. The apparel company does seasonal drops, and collections sell out almost immediately, thanks to the loyalty and support of Ervin’s community.

The Living Fully book was an immediate success; readers loved the raw realness of Ervin’s journey and commended her for choosing to be vulnerable when sharing her story. For Ervin, this was a book she felt like she needed to write. “I would get DMs from people all the time saying I wish I could be like you; you look so happy,” she says. “And I would respond with, ‘It’s been a journey to get here’ and share what I went through behind the scenes and off social media.” To “influence” people in the way that she wanted—which meant to instill a message of truthfulness and hope— she needed to share her whole story, even the painful parts. Living Fully is for the person who is wondering if their life is made for more; the person wondering if their childhood dreams were merely a fantasy; the person who believes an absence of bad is a qualifier for good; and the person who intuitively knows they need a wake-up call to step into the more significant role they were meant to play in their lifetime.

Ervin’s second literary installment, All In, was released in February 2023. All In is the companion volume to Living Fully and serves as a journal and action guide to empower the reader to make their new life a reality. Each chapter is concise and leaves you with powerful lessons and mindful practices, designed for the dreamer who wants to create their ideal life but doesn’t know where to start. All In has quickly topped the charts on Amazon, ranking number one across the Self-Help and Motivation and Christian Self-Help categories. This Amazon Bestseller was also named a Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller, making All In a phenomenon.

As we strive to be resilient and inspire through life’s highs and lows, the VIE team is honored to have Mallory Ervin as our cover girl for the March 2023 Change Makers Issue. We loved bringing this cover and feature story to life through a photo shoot at the newly opened Fonville Press market and café in Alys Beach, Florida. Thank you to owners Jeremy and Angela Walton! The beautiful spaces, both indoors and outdoors, brought our creative vision to fruition. We would also love to express our gratitude to Michaelanne Lauderdale from Inlet Beach Real Estate for allowing us to shoot in a secondary location at her premier listing, 149 Kaiya Avenue in Kaiya Beach Resort. We are thankful for these community partners, whom you will learn more about as you peruse this issue.

We are also excited to announce that Ervin will be joining the lineup for Season

Two of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart and Soul podcast. Tune in across all listening platforms on March 28, 2023, for an exclusive conversation with Mallory Ervin and our podcast host, CEO, and editor-in-chief, Lisa Marie Burwell.

Ervin encourages us to find gratitude in the everyday moments—spending time with our family or running to the grocery store—to pause and appreciate the little things that make life so meaningful. “I discovered that we can’t find a full life in those ‘hero moments,’ just as we can’t find it in the ‘zero moments,’” she expresses. “Instead, we find it in practice, in a constant way of life.” Cheers to celebrating the small moments—if you let them, they will bring you ever closer to living fully.

To connect with Mallory Ervin, follow along on Instagram @malloryervin, visit MalloryErvin.com, and check out her books Living Fully and All In, now available nationwide. Tune in to VIE Speaks and Living Fully podcasts on your favorite listening platforms.

Hairstylist: Brooke Miller; Makeup: Paige Szupello; Stylist: Cherie Kilchrist; Balloons: Mingle 30A; Cake: Fonville Press; Flowers: Rose & Co.

Left: Mallory Ervin’s story of navigating life’s highs and lows, overcoming addiction, and learning to live fully is relatable and raw. Her loyal community of followers has made both her books instant bestsellers.

’ Feature

’

Supporting Creativity

Nicole Mueller and Amanda Adams host Beyond the Studio, a podcast focusing on bringing transparency to the art world. As artists, they have faced the professional challenges of career development. Their podcast exists to talk candidly about those challenges and ultimately mentor other artists on their journeys “beyond the studio.” Enjoy authentic conversations, open your mind to new artistic possibilities, and learn the business of being an artist when you give them a listen.

Hosts Nicole Mueller and Amanda Adams of Beyond the Studio podcast; Visit BeyondThe.Studio to learn more.

Photo courtesy of Beyond the Studio

La maison

WHERE THE HEART IS

Eny Lee Parker is a furniture and lighting designer who uses clay as her primary medium to bring light and texture to any space. Her latest collection, Soft & Sensitive (a love letter to me), showcases playful shapes and celebrates the child within all of us. Her work embraces the raw beauty of ancient craftsmanship, and rather than having a significant meaning behind each design, Parker and her team celebrate each unique piece for the fun process in which it was crafted. The Brazilian-born Korean designer champions the slow approach to crafting furniture and sculpture.

Eny Lee Parker with her Rope Column Lights; For more details, visit EnyLeeParker.com.

Photo courtesy of Eny Lee Parker

A PEEK INTO

KAIYA BEACH

RESORT LIFE IN HARMONY

Interview by HAILEY BETHKE

ashville-born Michaelanne Lauderdale and her husband, Matt, visited Scenic Highway 30-A for a vacation shortly after their engagement. Every aspect of their trip felt like a dream, from the beautiful beaches to the quaint towns and restaurants. No matter where they traveled, the two shared the same sentiment: “I wish we were coming home to 30-A!”

After Michaelanne’s father was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer and Matt’s father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, their desire to live life to its fullest took on a new meaning. “We looked at each other and said, ‘What do we want to do every day, rather than be excited to do on the weekends, next summer, or when we retire—whenever that is?’” says Michaelanne. “The beauty of not having a clear path is that you can actually do anything. You can go anywhere, try anything or a few things, and move through life doing what feels right. We didn’t exactly have a plan, but we knew we wanted to be at the beach. I knew we could do anything as long as we did it together.”

VIE March 2023 cover girl Mallory Ervin and her team stayed in this gorgeous residence in Kaiya Beach Resort on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A during our feature photo shoot.

Photo by Romona Robbins Opposite: The home is listed for sale by agent Michaelanne Lauderdale of Inlet Beach Real Estate.

Photo courtesy of Inlet Beach Real Estate

THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL HARMONY BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPACES OF KAIYA. IN MY OPINION, THE COMMUNITY’S BOUTIQUE SIZE IS ONE OF ITS SUPERPOWERS.

Shortly after this realization, the duo moved to Inlet Beach, Florida. They began working jobs in house-watching, renting bikes, wedding planning, grocery stocking, babysitting, helping at a yoga studio, and even starting a pontoon boat business. These various experiences led them to foster meaningful connections in the community. “We had become what felt like the concierge for our entire network of family and friends for the 30-A area. So it made sense to start helping people find their perfect houses, as well,” she explains. “During that time, I was pregnant with our daughter, Frankie, and we also opened our brick-andmortar bike rental business, Salt Air 30A, at The Hub. We loved the idea of bringing ourselves and our personalities into whatever project we did. In the eight years since then, it has been a constant reinforcement that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.”

As an expert in 30-A real estate, we asked Michaelanne to share her perspective on authentic client relationships, guide us through her new premier listing in Kaiya Beach Resort, and detail the importance of a home’s unique design.

VIE: What is your take on selling real estate? What made you realize the importance of strong client relationships, and how does this perspective aid you in the industry?

Michaelanne Lauderdale: I never really wanted to get my real estate license. It didn’t feel like a good fit for me; selling something I don’t believe in or telling people what they want to hear is not really where I shine. But, as it turns out, I think that’s what

makes me successful in this role. I have always joked that I want to be the Jerry Maguire of real estate—fewer clients, more personal relationships. People’s trust is so precious to me. I want to immerse myself in the process completely, really understand what my clients want, and deliver it. I have never been driven by money, and that fact allows me to help people make the right decision for themselves and their families. I feel like I have been able to prove that time and time again, and because of that, my business is pretty much 100 percent based on referrals. People, connections, and creating experiences are truly what I love, so selling this dream is the perfect fit for me.

VIE: Tell us about launching Inlet Beach Real Estate. How does your brand represent who you are and how you operate?

149 Kaiya Avenue features a beautiful great room combining the kitchen, bar seating, and living room that opens via expansive sliding doors to the large patio and courtyard pool deck.

Photo by Romona Robbins

Left: An intimate dining room off the kitchen is perfect for family dinners.

Photo courtesy of Inlet Beach Real Estate

ML: When Gordon Tarver and I partnered up, we talked about how important it is to feel grounded and approachable. We both have a very relationship-based approach to selling real estate, and we wanted a place where that came through to our clients. We also wanted to have a bit of fun with our branding while still being able to compete, experience-wise, with the larger brokerages in the area. The goal has never been to grow as big as we can but rather to remain authentic to who we are. I love being able to bring a bit of color and individuality to this business, as well as represent our neighborhood in a boutique, connected way.

VIE: What are some of your favorite aspects of your listing at 149 Kaiya Avenue? Do you have a favorite space in the home?

ML: This home, 149 Kaiya Avenue, has always been one of my favorites. The open layout and how the inside connects to the outside, the grand covered porches, and the pool area are breathtaking. I had the opportunity to watch it come to life from the ground up, and I remember being in awe at completion that it was even more

spectacular than I imagined. I have a lot of favorite things about this house, but my favorite room is the media room in the front of the house. It’s an understated space meant for watching TV, playing games, or just relaxing. The addition of this space to the large open living room and the kitchen brings a coziness to the home.

VIE: Why should prospective buyers consider Kaiya Beach Resort? What are your favorite aspects of this new community along Scenic Highway 30-A?

ML: Kaiya, from inception, has been about connection and belonging. The developer had a vision of creating a community of neighbors and friends, and you can feel that with the design of the homes, big front porches, and connected greens lining the road up front. There is a beautiful harmony between the public and private spaces of Kaiya. In my opinion, the community’s boutique size is one of its superpowers. It’s not so big that you get lost in it or lose sight of the goal of this development. The emphasis on concierge services is another unique thing about this community.

Left: The den near the front of the home is Michaelanne’s favorite room, providing a cozy spot for movies, games, reading, and relaxing.

Below and opposite: The five-bedroom, six-bathroom home features a mostly neutral palette, but pops of color and coastal whimsy appear in printed wallpaper and other details.

VIE: If you could sell real estate in any other country, where would it be?

ML: Oh my gosh! This is an impossible question—haha! My answer today, which could change at any moment, would be Spain or South Africa. Being somewhere near the coast is a must, and we fell in love with the people of South Africa on our trip there; we also fell in love with the pace and quirkiness of Barcelona and Mallorca in Spain, so those are my top two countries right now.

VIE: Describe your interior design style in a few words. Does your personality match the style of your home?

ML: Bold, colorful, fun, and unexpected. We recently sold the last home we built and had so many comments from family and friends about how it “felt” like me and my husband. It was colorful and bright, with a lot of wallpaper, tile, and patterns. So, I would say yes, my style hopefully matches the energy I put into the world! We are building another home now with a lot of color and fringe, plus wallpaper on the ceilings, and I cannot wait. The more, the better, as far as I’m concerned!

Visit InletBeachRE.com or follow them on Instagram @inletbeachre to learn more. You can also see more from Kaiya at KaiyaBeachResort.com.

Photos courtesy of Inlet Beach Real Estate

by Lambert Realty and Development in the Dune Allen Beach community along Florida's Scenic Highway

Interview by ADDIE STRICKLAND

Photography courtesy of LAMBERT REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT

THE EMERALD COAST OF FLORIDA IS KNOWN AS A PRIME DESTINATION. WITH ITS PRISTINE BEACHES AND A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND FAMILY, SOME WOULD CALL THIS AREA A PERFECT VACATION SPOT—OTHERS GET TO CALL IT HOME.

nderstanding the significance of owning or developing property in this area can help fulfill the desire to feel at home here. Lambert Realty and Development takes pride in making the real estate process as personal and seamless as possible for its clients. In January 2016, Nathan Lambert branched out and founded his brokerage with the support of his wife, Corina. They are committed to the relationships they build and the clients and coworkers that are a second family to them. VIE had the opportunity to get to know them better. Enjoy this peek into their lives!

VIE: How did you get started in real estate?

Nathan Lambert: I was exposed to the concepts of buying, selling, and renting real estate by my grandfather. Growing up here in Walton County, we had a close-knit family, and Grandpa was always around and sharing words of wisdom with my brothers and me. For as long as I can remember, he owned and managed rental properties, so I was exposed to that aspect of real estate early on in my life. He also taught me strong work ethics and often reiterated the importance of honesty, kindness, and treating people right. I suppose

Corina and Nathan Lambert

Photo by Hunter Burgtorf

Above and opposite top: Lambert Realty and Development works directly with developers and homebuyers on residential projects from start to finish by partnering with some of the area’s best architects, builders, and interior designers.

Opposite bottom: A family business; Nathan and Corina Lambert own and operate the boutique luxury real estate brokerage. Nathan's brothers are also on the team, and their other agents and staff are like a closeknit extended family.

all his words of wisdom stuck with me and eventually led me to where I am today. I earned my BSBA in finance and initially went into the mortgage banking side of the business. It seemed like a logical path for me at first, but after a few years, I realized I wanted to be more involved with helping people find their ideal beach home in the area, so I got my real estate license. I’ve been working to help people buy and sell along the Emerald Coast ever since.

Corina Lambert: It feels like every decision I made up to this point was meant to lead me to real estate and my life here along the Emerald Coast. I still remember the moment over ten years ago when I first crossed over the Destin bridge and saw Crab Island. I thought to myself, “What is this place? It’s absolutely beautiful!” The name Destin soon came to mean ‘destiny’ for me, and I just knew this was where I was supposed to be. I grew up in Moldova, Eastern Europe, and my father worked in construction for as long as I can remember, so the building process has always been familiar. Let’s just say I learned how to use a level at a young age! I always dreamed of living in a coastal town with white sandy beaches, and when I eventually came to Destin and met Nathan years later, everything seemed to fall into place. When we first started dating, it was sort of annoying that he was always on work-related calls, but I soon realized that real estate is about so much more than just selling homes. It’s about helping people make their dreams of owning a vacation home in the area come true! So many of our clients have been coming here since they were kids and want their children to have a similar experience. When this realization hit me, it was easy for me to decide to join Nathan in real estate. Now I’m helping make that dream a reality for other families, and I can honestly say that it’s a great feeling and very satisfying on a personal level.

VIE : What is the best part of being a family-owned and operated real estate agency?

Nathan: The best part for me is getting to work and interact with the people I love every day of the week. Working with your spouse or family doesn’t work for everyone, but it does for us. We have different personalities, perspectives, and

strengths that we bring to the office every day, and the collaboration of those various ideas is partially what has helped us grow over time into a more well-rounded brokerage. I’m more of an old-school, back-to-basics type of guy who has been in the business for a long time, while Corina, for example, always brings fresh and innovative ideas to the table. We may not always agree initially, but we always find our way to the best solutions at the end of the day. Getting to experience this journey called life together on a day-to-day basis is very special, and I feel lucky to be able to spend every day at work with her and my brothers, who are licensed agents with our firm. After all, it doesn’t really feel like work when you do what you love with the ones you love the most.

Corina: I studied law in Moldova. Although I never finished my law degree because of moving to Florida, I always felt the need to be a productive member of society and make a real difference in people’s lives in some meaningful way. Working with Nathan in real estate ended up being my way of achieving those goals I set for myself all those years ago. The fact that we own and operate the brokerage together as a family makes the whole journey even more fulfilling!

Photo by Hunter Burgtorf

VIE: What is your favorite development along Scenic Highway 30-A, and why?

Nathan:There are so many great communities along 30-A, and I am fond of all of them for different reasons. That said, I’ve always been a big fan of WaterColor and Watersound Beach. Both were master planned by the St. Joe Company and serve as excellent examples of thoughtfully creating a family-oriented luxury beach community. It’s all about the overall experience; both neighborhoods successfully achieve this by having amazing homes and architecture and the great amenities they offer owners and guests alike. Key elements include quick access to expansive private beaches, thoughtfully designed neighborhood parks and bike paths, multiple community pools, and convenient access to nearby commercial options for shopping and dining. All of these factors make both of these neighborhoods easy to like for the entire family. Many other great master-planned communities along 30-A embrace similar ideals, such as Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and, of course, Seaside, the first master-planned community in the area, which helped to found the New Urbanism concept of a simplified lifestyle. Part of what makes 30-A so remarkable is that owners and visitors can experience each of these amazing beach communities, as well as the smaller neighborhoods scattered in between, regardless of which one they choose for a vacation or home ownership. We truly have something for everyone here on 30-A.

Corina: Oh yes, I completely agree. Watersound Beach is my personal favorite, with the longest single stretch of privately owned beaches on all of 30-A. I love the seclusion and the privacy that it offers. Another personal favorite for me is Rosemary Beach, which is especially impressive at night with the gas lanterns everywhere, the ambience, and being able to leave the car parked while we walk around and enjoy the shops and restaurants. Another community that we are watching closely right now is Watersound Camp Creek, the newest master-planned community on 30-A. It will be very special thanks to the larger-than-average homesites, direct access to Camp Creek Golf Course, and the proximity to other great communities like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. Many new homes are being built in that community right now, and it will be interesting to watch it mature over the coming years.

VIE: How has your team grown over time?

Nathan: At our core, we are a boutique, luxury real estate firm that serves buyers and sellers with purchases and resale listings here on 30-A and all along the Emerald Coast. Over the last several years, we have developed great relationships

I’M MORE OF AN OLD-SCHOOL, BACK-TO-BASICS TYPE OF GUY WHO HAS BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR A LONG TIME, WHILE CORINA ALWAYS BRINGS FRESH AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS TO THE TABLE.

with outstanding architects, builders, designers, and decorators and have been lucky enough to successfully leverage those professional relationships into collaborative efforts with new construction projects. So, we now have the ability to offer our clients start-to-finish, turnkey new construction services as well.

Corina: Besides our commitment to exceptional service for our buyers and sellers, another important aspect of our brokerage is, of course, nurturing our great agents and team members. We care about their success and do all we can to help them grow and better serve their clients in this dynamic and ever-changing industry. Our focus is not on achieving massive growth in the number of agents we recruit. Instead, we focus more on helping them achieve personal growth and success in this business. We have a relatively small but successful and client-focused team of realtors and support staff who are more like family members to us than coworkers, and that’s how we like it. Our team is like an extension of our family. It’s more intimate and personal for us, and watching them succeed in helping their clients is the reward.

VIE: What is the greatest challenge you have faced in your career?

Corina: English is my second language, so one of the greatest challenges I have had to overcome was accepting my accent and getting past the language

OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE THE DESIGN AND BUILD PROCESSES FUN AND EASY AND TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF IT FOR OUR CLIENTS BY STREAMLINING THE ENTIRE PROJECT FOR THEM, FROM CONCEPTUALIZATION TO HANDING OVER THE KEYS.

barrier. I always know what I want to say or the ideas I want to communicate, but sometimes it doesn’t come out quite the way I would like. It was definitely a process to overcome that difficulty for me personally. It caused me to be apprehensive at times in the past, but I’m happy to say it has gotten much easier over the years. One time in particular, I remember feeling inspired with a new sense of confidence when a client trusted me (a foreign girl with an accent) to help them with a high-end purchase here on 30-A. Their trust in me to help them, regardless of my accent, really helped me gain the confidence that I needed to pursue my career further and not be afraid to be me and express myself in my own way.

VIE: How do you maintain a balance between family and business?

Nathan: Time blocking. You have to do your best to carve out time for activities, whether work-related or family-related. It can be challenging to accomplish, as we all lead busy lifestyles these days, but being conscious of the need to give both the time and energy they deserve is important.

Corina: Yes. It’s common for our work discussions to follow us home in the afternoons and our family discussions to follow us to the office the next day. For us,

Above and right: With new projects underway and existing listings from Inlet Beach to Dune Allen Beach and everywhere in between, Lambert Realty and Development can help prospective homebuyers turn their 30-A beach home dreams into reality!

Left: Corina and Nathan with their son, Ethan

they often seem to flow into each other, and maybe that makes it easier in some ways. It’s a constant interflow between our professional and personal lives. But yes, for sure, time blocking for family and business activities helps us strike the right balance.

VIE: Can you explain the development aspect of your brokerage?

Nathan: We have multiple building projects underway all along 30-A, from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach and everywhere in between. The process usually starts with identifying the specific needs of the client or investor. What are their goals with a new build? Are they building it to keep and use as a primary or second home for the family for years to come, or are they simply building it to sell and therefore trying to maximize the highest and best use of that specific homesite? Once we understand that aspect, we can help the client identify and purchase a suitable homesite based on their needs. From there, we go into the design phase with our preferred architects. Once we have a concept finalized and ready for approval by the client, we work through the project’s permitting and construction stages with the help of our spectacular building partners. We stay entirely hands-on throughout the process, from start to finish. Our goal is to make the design and build processes fun and easy and to take the stress out of it for our clients by streamlining the entire project for them, from conceptualization to handing over the keys. It’s a wonderful and fulfilling experience, helping people to realize their dream of building and owning their ideal beach home here on 30-A. It’s a very special thing, and we are honored to help make that dream happen for so many real estate investors and families alike.

Corina: Taking a project from A to Z in a seamless way depends heavily on the team of collaborative partners we have developed working relationships with over the years. We’re building our own dream home on the bay right now, and we’re using the same architects and builders we would suggest for our clients. We trust them to build our personal residence and have complete confidence in their ability to help bring our clients’ dreams of owning their ideal beach home in the area to life. Each client is different, and their needs are different, so we work very closely with each of them and our team of professional partners to

try and deliver the best experience and results possible. Top-notch build quality, exceptional fit and finish, and thoughtful home design are always our top priorities.

VIE: What advice would you give someone looking to sell their home?

Nathan: First, you need to find a knowledgeable agent who understands this market. Our local market is dynamic and changing all the time, so you should endeavor to find someone who is keeping up with or, ideally, trying to stay in front of the evolving market conditions. It’s also important to work with an agent who you feel comfortable with and have a positive synergy with on a personal level. Working with someone you trust and have confidence in to put you and your needs first is vital. It sounds simple, and maybe it goes without saying, but I think these things are key elements for successfully marketing and selling your home.

VIE: As locals, what are your favorite dinner spots?

Nathan: I think I speak for both of us when saying part of the charm of 30-A is exploring the many great restaurants in the area. They are so varied in terms of themes, vibes, and menu items, but all are mostly boutique-style, family-owned businesses, which is nice. It’s great to get away from the big chain restaurants. There are so many places here on 30-A that we love to frequent on a weekly basis, but one restaurant is especially near and dear to our hearts—Paradis in Rosemary Beach. We had our first date there and go back every year on our anniversary. So, I guess you could say it’s our lucky charm, and it has to be at the top of the list for us. Plus, the ambience, steaks, and coffee martinis are amazing!

VIE: How would you describe the housing market in this area, and what do you expect for this year?

Nathan: The last few years have been a wild ride with the recent influx of people moving to Florida and, more specifically, to our area. I think there were a lot of buyers who wanted to have a position in the market either before or perhaps during this last cycle that might have been priced out or missed their opportunity because they couldn’t find the right property. Inventory levels got very low for a while in

2021. Now that the market has stabilized a bit and returned to some normalcy, I see a lot of opportunity for those buyers and for the sellers who already own in the area. Inventory levels are starting to come back, which means buyers have more choices again, and sellers are positioned well with the increased market demand and improved home values. I expect to see a vibrant market as we move into the spring and summer of 2023 and beyond. The fundamentals of our area are strong, with amazing communities and architecture and perhaps the most beautiful beaches in the country, so I’m confident it will be a great year for buyers and sellers here on 30-A and all along the Emerald Coast.

Corina: I agree completely! The last few years have been challenging for many buyers. Lately, though, I have been hearing renewed optimism from buyers and sellers about the local market over the coming year. Real estate tends to be cyclical, and timing is everything. Now is a great time to be actively engaged in our market!

VIE: What would you say is your greatest career achievement so far?

Nathan: Branching out and starting our family-owned brokerage while expanding the services we offer our clients—but a lot of that achievement has come as a direct result of meeting my lovely and talented wife, Corina. She’s been with me throughout the evolution of our team and the early days of our brokerage and has been instrumental in our success with her great ideas, and her support and hard work have helped make it all a reality.

Corina: Picking a particular moment is hard because our personal life is closely tied to our brokerage. As a family-owned and operated business, the

growth and development of the brokerage are perhaps also a testament to the growth of our personal relationship. When I first started in real estate, other agents seemed to just refer to me as “Nathan’s wife,” as most of them knew him first. Now that I’ve been doing this for several years and have forged my own reputation among our peers, they refer to me as “Corina Lambert.” It seems silly, but for me, that was a big deal. Earning the acknowledgment and respect of our peers by doing good business every day was a big achievement for me.

VIE: What is your favorite weekend family activity?

Nathan & Corina: You mean meeting with clients and showing property all weekend? Haha! We are partly joking, of course, although as busy agents in this vacation home market, we often work weekends. In all seriousness, though, as a family, we love to get out and about and ride bikes through the neighborhoods or go to the beach whenever possible. We often spend time with our friends and clients who also have kids, and we love to let them all play and have fun. Spending quality time together as a family and being with our son is most important for us right now. He’s five years old, and it’s such a wonderful time for us. He is growing up faster than we would like, so we try to take the time to get outside with him and explore the parks and playgrounds. We also go to a lot of kids’ birthday parties these days! There’s always something going on, and we like to stay active and make the most of our time together in this special area we are grateful to call home.

We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to learn more about who we are as a family and how we help our buyers and sellers make their dreams come true here on 30-A and in the surrounding areas. Feel free to reach out to us anytime so we can help you and your family achieve your dreams of home ownership in the area. We’ll look forward to hearing from you soon!

REAL ESTATE TENDS TO BE CYCLICAL, AND TIMING IS EVERYTHING. NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN OUR MARKET!

One of Africa’s leading luxury safari companies, andBeyond, operates based on the premise that for conservation to be successful and sustainable, it must benefit the communities surrounding Africa’s wildlife reserves. In partnership with the School of Wildlife Conservation at the African Leadership University, andBeyond is launching the WILDeconomy Masterclass. The six-day educational journey hosted at its lodges in Tanzania and Kenya examines the role of the wildlife economy in Africa. For more information, log on to andBeyond.com or contact your preferred travel provider.

to the

Journey

Wild

Photo courtesy of andBeyond

a modern utopian society of

by hailey bethke // photography courtesy of musa

o be part of a place before it becomes well-traversed is a gift. Witnessing a virgin paradise during the earliest stages of a new creation is a fleeting experience to be cherished and met in a state of pure presence.

An amalgam of work and play, sustainability and cunning design, this destination fulfills both community interactions and restful solitude. As I stand on my balcony, I realize that I have landed somewhere surreal yet tangible. A sweet-smelling breeze rustles palm trees as far as the eye can see, the vibrant jungle greenery and nearby lagoon bordering unobstructed miles of beachfront. This is the Modern Utopian Society of Adventurers, shortly known as MUSA.

premier residential and hotel-serviced community in Guerrero, Mexico, MUSA spans 177 acres of lush jungle and coastline between the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. It was founded by Mexico City-born designer Andrés Saavedra and Canadian entrepreneur Tara Medina, a visionary team passionate about returning to the basics. To them, this means minimalist design that celebrates tropical modernist living, serving nature and the local community, and fostering connection between individuals from all walks of life. “We imagine MUSA as a town where like-minded people—adventurers, travelers, entrepreneurs, and creatives—can enjoy infinite adventure, fresh food, and good vibes within inspired dwellings for living and working,” explains Medina.

Everything at the resort and community known as the Modern Utopian Society of Adventurers (MUSA) is built with a mission of sustainability and preservation.

TO THEM, THIS MEANS MINIMALIST DESIGN THAT CELEBRATES TROPICAL

MODERNIST LIVING, SERVING NATURE AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, ANDFOSTERING CONNECTION BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

Saavedra grew up visiting Zihuatanejo as a child and instantly fell in love with Guerrero’s natural beauty through underwater dives and surfing Loma Bonita’s legendary swells. Soon after recognizing his passion for the region, he moved there from Mexico City. Around the same time, Medina began visiting the area with her family on vacation. Although the two would not meet until years later, one of their first interactions led to discovering the property MUSA is situated upon; they both immediately recognized its potential, and in 2020 (nearly a decade later), they purchased the acreage together.

The master plan for MUSA is bold—as any vision should be. It includes the construction of a “biopool,” a naturally purified freshwater lake with an accompanying pool deck designed for comfortable lounging and recreation. This recently completed element is at the center of the Hideaways: “surf shack” inspired properties uniquely designed by Saavedra and available for purchase. The newest addition, opened in March 2023, is the boutique, thirteen-bedroom beachfront Hotelito and adjacent Beach Club, which will complement the construction of a self-sustaining organic farm, multipurpose exercise facilities, and a bike park.

e’re really trying to create a model community that is built from the heart and takes care of everybody and everything around us. Everything about MUSA, everything about what we’ve been building here, is dedicated to doing good business, doing right by the environment, and doing right by our people,” Medina explains. That includes treating the staff as family. By providing jobs, transportation, language programs, and ethical working practices, Medina and Saavedra are closing the gap in the often unjust proprietor-to-laborer relationship. The team is frequently brought together to share experiences such as sound baths or boating excursions aboard the Society’s private day yacht, The Fjord. Here, everyone is known on a firstname basis. “MUSA represents a vision of an evolving Mexico—a place with the freedom to live outside lines previously drawn, a place to learn, explore, and create without boundaries. We hope to define a new era of education as we play an

active role in building a positive future for ourselves and the local community,” the founders say.

In addition to developing organic gardens, MUSA’s chef, Rodrigo “Mole” Serna, takes great pride in preparing elevated cuisine from seasonal and local ingredients. Just thirty miles south of the property lies Puerto Vicente, a sleepy seaside village known for its rich history, generational divers, and local fishermen. Here, commercialized overfishing is nonexistent, leaving skilled free divers to harvest mollusks and crustaceans from the biodiverse waters. These delicacies are then used to craft vibrant plates back at MUSA’s restaurant, all while keeping sustainability at the forefront.

With multiple options for vacation rentals and home ownership, MUSA aims to become a coastal townscape rather than a tourist destination.

The property has three spaces to host curious travelers: the aforementioned Hotelito; Casa MUSA, a five-bedroom home complete with an infinity pool, palapa bar, and five “glamping” tents—perfect for hosting private groups and retreats; and Base Camp, which features three boutique guest rooms centered around an open-air kitchen and bar, cozy hammocks, and a sleek saltwater pool. At all premises, guests are encouraged to make a positive impact during their stay through community-centered excursions, such as a half-day trip to the nearby sea turtle conservation sanctuary, La Tortuga Feliz Campamento. Founded by brothers Fredy de la Cruz Solís and Rey Baltazar de la Cruz Solís, the sanctuary aims to protect thousands of sea turtle hatchlings from various threats, including poaching, commercial fishing, and the degradation of local habitats. Following a ten-minute ATV ride down the beach from MUSA, Fredy briefs visitors on the various turtle species before guests guide emerging hatchlings from their nests into the ocean. Education and ocean conservation combine in an enriching experience that leaves

THESE DELICACIES ARE THEN USED TO CRAFT VIBRANT PLATES BACK AT MUSA’S RESTAURANT, ALL WHILE KEEPING SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FOREFRONT.

visitors with long-lasting memories and provides the sanctuary with funding to continue conservation efforts year-round.

MUSA’s transformation is one of excitement, anticipation, and paradox: can it stay like this forever? But with each new addition to the property, I become more assured of its inevitable success. One phase at a time, MUSA is an exemplary pioneer in redefining community and what it means to stay connected to ultimate meaning and value.

the With strong ultimate

IS THE DIFFERENCE

MARKET INTELLIGENCE

EXPERIENCE Is The Difference

We conduct market research and review current trends to determine the viability and velocity of real estate sales, with data spanning over 20 years. La Florida harnesses the power of the latest technology and shares knowledge so you are informed when buying or selling, identifying strengths and weaknesses so that your decisions are on target.

We do what we do because we are passionate about the field of Real Estate and we execute with objectivity. With more than 40 years of experience coupled with our strong community alliances, La Florida has evolved into the ultimate brand for expertise, advice and support.

That’s the La Florida Difference.

Coastal Dune Lake on 30A as photographed by Jeff Landreth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

Coastal Dune Lake on 30A as photographed by Jeff Landreth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

Le monde

GOES ROUND AND ROUND

Project Três is changing fashion and supporting women artisans around the world. Founded in 2015

by fashion designer Carla Maria de Souza, Project Três began in India and has now grown to seven countries. The Project educates women and teaches them the skills they need to become artisans with work being sold around the globe. Through their efforts, over a hundred women have received training, and Project Três provides jobs for thirty-one women artisans in India and Kenya. Not only is Project Três changing the world of fashion, but it is also impacting the lives of women and communities worldwide.

To learn more about Project Três, visit ProjectTres.com.

Photo courtesy of Project Três

REFUGEA Place of

By JANET THOMAS

Photography courtesy of ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE

“Want to play outside now?” the eyes seem to ask. “How about now?” they plead a moment later. The sweet, longing eyes belong to foster dog Coral, whom I lovingly call Miss Coral. She’s been with me a few months, as she awaits a forever family. Surely a fortunate individual or family will soon recognize how wonderful she is and what an ideal companion she would make.

It Starts with a Vision

Coral comes from Alaqua Animal Refuge, which was born in 2007 as founder Laurie Hood became aware there were no animal adoption centers or no-kill shelters in Walton County, Florida, nor in any nearby counties, which meant a shocking number of animals were being euthanized. Since then, Alaqua has become a premier, no-kill animal refuge and sanctuary for domestic and farm animals—and even wildlife. Located in the Freeport area of Northwest Florida, Alaqua is growing, thanks to donated land, non-stop fundraising, and a ton of hard work. A state-of-the-art, jaw-dropping hundredacre facility opens to the public in March 2023 and is a dream come true for many animals and humans alike.

Hood wears many hats and works tirelessly for the benefit of animals. In addition to being the president and founder of Alaqua, she’s the Florida State Director for Animal Wellness Action, serves as the Vice Chair of the Florida Wildlife Federation, has authored curricula to assist law enforcement with animal abuse cases, and is a founding board member of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. Her numerous awards include the “Daily Point of Light Award” from President George H. W. Bush.

Sitting down with Laurie Hood and watching her eyes sparkle as she tells of her vision and the backstory to this fairy tale is a privilege and delight that will long stay with me.

“Alaqua Animal Refuge has become a place where dreams come true for animals and the people who are so dedicated to its mission. It’s a place of healing, where broken hearts mend and damaged souls find solitude, a place where school children come out and memorize the name of every animal and leave wanting to be their voice. It’s been called by many ‘heaven on earth’ for the creatures who pass through these gates,” Hood beams.

Tens of thousands of animals have been helped since Alaqua came to be. Like many businesses, Alaqua had to close its doors to the public for almost three years during the pandemic, and fundraisers were canceled, but the care of the animals somehow had to go on.

Below: The new Jumonville Family Welcome Center at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s recently opened hundredacre sanctuary in Freeport, Florida

As I sit at my desk writing, I feel a pair of eyes fixed on my every move.

Opposite: Alaqua Animal Refuge founder Laurie Hood

Photo by Romona Robbins

Photo by John Hollan

Opposite, clockwise from top left:

Members of the Alaqua Wildlife Division

Alaqua operates on the kindness of volunteers and donors who share its love and mission to help animals in need.

Interested parties can view adoptable animals at Alaqua.org or by appointment at the refuge.

The new sanctuary’s state-of-the-art facilities include event spaces and cabins for special guests and educational visitors.

New Lease on Life

The new sanctuary is making up for lost time with spectacular spaces, many with special naming opportunities for corporations, families, and individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of animals and people. Hood says she’s always envisioned a sanctuary that would be a place where happy animals would be surrounded by nature, making it a peaceful place to adopt or volunteer.

“I can see so clearly the facility in its completed stage—a space that will allow us to inspire even more people to make a difference,” she shares. “Guests enter a magical land of animals and wander through exhibits and interactive enclosures of beings they may have never been able to touch or know before. Adoptable animals are featured in home-like environments so adopters can easily picture them with their families. People of all ages and students of all kinds come out for weekend seminars on horse care or canine obedience, and local law enforcement benefits from hands-on examples that will enable them to process their cases more effectively. Grieving families have a place to hold a memorial service for their pets in a chapel surrounded by woods. Rustic cabins provide a space for interns from veterinary schools to learn new skills or for future sanctuary founders to experience what we offer. It will become a destination for animal welfare advocates throughout the country and a model for the future of animal refuges.”

The new facility is designed like a small town, and the Jumonville Family Welcome Center boasts a beautiful breezeway with a French Quarter feel, visitor reception, staff offices, and a cheery gift shop. The generous Jumonville family even donated a yacht for Alaqua to use in its fundraising efforts, which has become the seed money for a future black bear sanctuary, the first in Florida. Alaqua’s most significant need continues to be funding, with a whopping $250,000 per month required to operate.

The momentum and support of Alaqua are growing. The Rosemary Beach Foundation recently donated $10,000 of a $50,000 visionary pledge for Alaqua’s

“Second Chances Start Here” capital campaign, and the new facility’s courtyard will be named after the foundation. Executive director Malayne DeMars states, “We are proud to support Alaqua and their efforts to protect and rehabilitate neglected, abused, and injured animals.”

The outstanding Dog Adoption Center allows the public to visit and observe adoptable dogs and puppies in climate-controlled buildings, where indoor and outdoor runs are attached to large play yards. Charming, homey meet-and-greet rooms allow prospective adopters to spend time with a dog in a relaxed and comfortable setting. If you love walking and you love dogs, consider volunteering as a happy and helpful dog walker.

Unique cat cottages host adoptable felines in cagefree areas with large screened-in porches. And talk about a dreamy volunteer shift: Imagine chilling out with the cute cats, interacting with them and their toys. Soon to come are a fenced courtyard and café, where guests can enjoy coffee or tea while observing the cats. A kitten cottage allows moms and litters to stay together until adopted.

Photo by John Hollan

Below: Laurie Hood speaks at a welcome event at the new location

Photo by John Hollan

Alaqua Animal Refuge has become a place where dreams come true for animals and the people who are so dedicated to its mission. It’s a place of healing, where broken hearts mend and damaged souls find solitude.

Barnyard Friends is another delight for kids and adults of all ages. Unlike your typical petting zoo, the emphasis is on educating and inspiring youth to become aware of how they could launch a career one day focused on protecting and helping animals of all kinds. Birthday parties have already been a hit on the new Alaqua grounds, and food trucks will also be a draw to encourage people to come and stay awhile.

A beautiful enclosed Wildlife Sanctuary sits on more than forty acres. Here guests can learn about and connect with wildlife animals—including hawks, owls, other birds, deer, raccoons, and more—who are orphaned, have permanent disabilities, or are being rehabilitated.

Gardens will be splendid to stroll through, as will the miles of nature trails. A Sacred Spaces area is located near a spring-fed creek at the back of the peaceful property. A stone labyrinth encourages quiet contemplation and meditation, and a rustic chapel will be an idyllic setting for memorials and weddings.

Healing Hearts, Hooves, and Paws

Over several years, Hood noticed something about many of the people who were drawn to what had been created at the refuge. Many volunteers had experienced some type of trauma in their lives, and it was with the animals that they experienced healing and an improvement of their well-being while bettering the lives of the animals. Thus, Kindness Kollective was created, providing an environment of sanctuary and ease for humans through animal and earth awareness and interaction. Workshops, yoga classes, and art therapy are just some of the offerings, with a focus on mental health and human wellness. The Kindness Kollective program aligns perfectly with the overall Alaqua vision of creating a kinder, healthier, and more empathetic society for animals and people.

Opposite left (top and bottom): The incredible volunteers of Alaqua Animal Refuge make miracles possible every day for animals in need and the families who adopt them.

Opposite right: Miss Coral, currently being fostered by Janet Thomas, is looking for her forever family!

“ Le monde

In addition to the new facility, Alaqua will maintain its original ten-acre farm setting, where it will continue to host the successful Equine Interactions Program, utilizing the healing power of horses to provide therapy to a wide range of individuals, including those with PTSD and autism. Farm animals and a quiet Wildlife Rehabilitation Center are also housed here, providing much-needed resources for rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned native Florida wildlife.

Among the most impressive traits Hood is blessed with is her humbleness and readiness to put others in the spotlight to further a cause. After having a network show on National Geographic Wild, she decided that instead of tooting her own horn, she’d produce high-quality podcasts. The podcast titled Laurie Hood’s Difference Makers showcases the work of animal advocates who’ve dedicated their lives to animal protection and safety. You can view compelling podcasts like those highlighting the work of Ellie Phipps Price and “Mustang Meg” on behalf of America’s wild horses at Alaqua.org/podcast or on YouTube. Hood adds that the episodes are expensive to produce, and she’d love some sponsors to step up for future podcasts.

Longtime volunteer Lisa Snow says, “I volunteer to help animals through a transition period until they are

healthy enough physically and mentally to find their second chance. Helping to connect an animal in need with a person in need is rewarding beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. Alaqua is the most open-armed rescue, taking cases that others won’t or can’t.”

This Alaqua volunteer wholeheartedly agrees. Becoming involved with Alaqua will enrich your life and the animals’ lives. Like American philosopher William James said, “The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.”

Laurie Hood has the rare ability to have her boots firmly on the ground and her head in the clouds, dreaming of future possibilities and how to make our earth a better place for animals and humankind. She sees the refuge as a healing place for both animals and people; it’s a place to cultivate and encourage future generations of rescuers, veterinarians, animal lovers, and leaders. Thank God for rainmakers and change makers like Laurie Hood, who can—and undoubtedly will—make the dreams a reality.

And Miss Coral? This sweet soul is still in foster care, but we feel sure something wonderful will happen for her soon. Stay hopeful and stay tuned!

For more information on Alaqua Animal Refuge and how to donate, adopt, foster, or volunteer, visit Alaqua.org or call (850) 880-6399.

Janet Thomas is a longtime writer, editor, and animal lover. She’s a former Editor-in-Chief of American Airlines’ luxury magazine, Celebrated Living, and is joyfully beach-based near Rosemary Beach, Florida— when she’s not traveling the world for a good story.

Photo by John Hollan

CREATIVE ª

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

Photo by Lynn Crow

by jordan staggs

FORCE IN

photography courtesy of sowal house

the European-inspired New Urbanism town of Rosemary Beach, Florida, a jewel-toned speakeasy is the home of creative collaboration, great conversation, and unique events. But a selection of craft cocktails or a wall of wine isn’t what’s hiding behind this door—it’s SOWAL House, a creative space designed to foster new friendships and ideas among artists and entrepreneurs from Northwest Florida and around the globe.

The club’s cofounder and chief visionary officer, Dave King, moved to South Walton, Florida, in 2018 with his wife, Bo, and immediately felt the inherently creative energy surrounding the beachside community. The Kings had lived in Atlanta before making their dream of living near the Gulf of Mexico a reality. So they moved to the beachside communities along Scenic Highway 30-A, where Bo opened her optometry practice, South Walton Eyecare, a year later. Dave, meanwhile, had joined the FIRE (Financially Independent Retiring Early) movement in his thirties and became “obsessed” with the idea of retiring by forty, which he did after

THROUGH INSIGHTS I GAINED FROM A RELATED NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE, I DECIDED TO BUILD A BUSINESS THAT GAVE ME A TRUE SENSE OF PURPOSE.

SOWAL House cofounder and chief visionary officer

Dave King

Photo by Kiana Tate

a lucrative career in computer science, later joining a prominent hedge fund in New York, and then working for a cybersecurity firm. He was helping Bo as a business advisor after their move, but after learning his wife was a natural at entrepreneurship and needed his help less than they initially planned, Dave says he quickly became a “house dad” and enjoyed most of his ample free time paddleboarding and exploring South Walton while Peter was at school.

“I learned the hard way that early retirement did not suit me well,” Dave admits. “In fact, it nearly killed me. I had inadvertently conditioned myself to work eighty to one hundred hours a week over the course of a decade, and stopping had severe consequences. Through insights I gained from a related near-death experience, I decided to build a business that gave me a true sense of purpose.”

During the first year and a half or so of living along the Gulf Coast, Dave had been interested in getting back into painting and the arts, something he’d done to put himself through college and greatly enjoyed. Looking for that creative scene he’d known and loved in New York, he says, “When we moved here, I had a lot of spare time on my hands. So I would go around asking people where the creatives hung out.” Most people, he says, gave the same response: They don’t. Everyone works from home. Recognizing an opportunity to fill a niche in the area, Dave’s entrepreneurial mind began generating the idea for a place where local creatives, and just locals in general, could hang out and meet each other, forming much-needed connections in what is essentially a small town full of transplants and transients. “SOWAL House was intentionally developed as an answer to that conversation,” Dave says.

Dave, along with SOWAL House CMO Rob Cantave and CFO Blake Jones, started planning to open the speakeasy-meets-studio in 2020 (a hell of a time to open a new business, as we all know), and it debuted in summer 2021 to rave reviews from the lucky locals invited to set foot inside. Its cerulean and gold interiors are easily unlike anything else in the area, where beach-inspired style is prominent and muted palettes prevail. “We designed SOWAL House to be an alternative to the beach,” Dave explains. “It’s one of the few places in South Walton where you can forget that you’re in paradise—escape it, even, if only for a few hours. To be clear, I love living in paradise like anyone else, but sometimes I get ‘paradise fatigue.’ I had a hunch other people may feel the same way. Marisol Gullo of Not Too Shabby did a great job with our decor to serve that purpose.”

Esteemed guest speakers, artists, and performers have included: songwriters and musicians Tarrah Reynolds, Anthony Peebles, Paul McDonald, Daniel Pratt, Jackson Rohm, Luke Pinegar, Laura Vida, Jessie Ritter, Jessica Heit, Austin Collazo, and more; playwright Nancy Hasty; author and Emmy-winning producer Brandon Adams; tap dancer Anthony J. Russo; Danica McKellar of The

Above: Young Professionals of Walton County hosted a meet-up and fundraiser at SOWAL House in the fall of 2021.

Photo by Hunter Burgtorf

Right: Lisa Marie Burwell interviews musician and entrepreneur Brian Kelley on a recording of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart and Soul podcast at SOWAL House.

Photo by Jordan Staggs

THE FEELING THAT SOWAL HOUSE INVOKES WHEN YOU ENTER HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH OUR DESIGN OR AESTHETICS AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE ENERGY OF THOSE WHO HAVE COME PRIOR.

Wonder Years; improv poet Ta’ki Brown; renowned transcendental meditation instructor Prudence Farrow Bruns; and others. A host of South Waltonarea artists, entrepreneurs, writers, organizations, and other creatives have rounded out the lineup with exceptional local talent.

The space is filled with art, as well. Photographs by Steve Lazarides line some of the walls, mostly depicting street art by the renowned yet elusive Banksy—one of Dave’s favorites. (Look closely when visiting; you’ll even spot two original Banksy pieces on display.)

Meanwhile, a gritty photo of Kurt Kobain’s ink bottle, also by Lazarides, is a newly implemented piece, and the SOWAL House podcast studio is lined with wallpaper featuring toile-inspired sketches of Brooklyn by Mike D of the Beastie Boys.

“I have a theory that creative energy has mass,” Dave expounds when speaking of the interiors and gallerylike artwork of SOWAL House. “It radiates from

paintings, sculptures, and even performances and resonates in the spaces where things are created. So I decided to fill our space with world-class ‘not beach’ artwork. Not many people know this, but the feeling that SOWAL House invokes when you enter has very little to do with our design or aesthetics and everything to do with the energy of those who have come prior. It’s been incredible to witness, and it’s becoming more and more potent over time.”

This theory, Dave believes wholeheartedly, also applies to the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast in general. “I recently did a podcast with Didon Comer, one of the oldest living residents in Seagrove Beach, and her friend, local author Garrett Horn. They shared these incredible stories of walking along the dunes and discovering troves of ancient Native American pottery unearthed after each heavy storm. Priceless pottery, hundreds or thousands of years old, just lying in the open sand. There’s something special about this place that makes people want to create. It compels them to. Didon and Garrett’s discovery proves that the inherent creative energy that resides here precedes us. It’s been here since the beginning.”

Marisol Gullo of Not Too Shabby worked with the SOWAL House team on its rich, colorful interior design.

Photo by Hunter Burgtorf

Below: Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage mixing creative cocktails at SOWAL House during a private event

Photo by Hunter Burgtorf

Tapping into the creative energy the area offers often starts in places like coffee shops, where rotating batches of artwork are on display for sale, and it’s easy to discover local artists such as Chris Tipton, Susan Gunn, Bradley Copeland, Wes Hinds, and many more. “I could rattle off a dozen more names without breaking a sweat,” Dave shares. “I believe the creative class of South Walton and the adjacent areas rival that of major cities, and the 2020 decade of our creative class rivals that of SoHo New York in the 1980s. These ‘up-and-coming’ artists are particularly inspiring.” In addition to cafés, Justin Gaffrey’s Gallery on 30-A, Foster Gallery in Miramar Beach, and Maxine Orange Gallery in Fort Walton Beach are some standouts Dave recommends for discovering local art. He’s also got his own gallery in the works right in the Mercado Building of Rosemary Beach, where SOWAL House is located. “We’re opening a new concept called Mercado Public Gallery,” he reveals. “It’s being led by Christy Milliken, director at the Seaside Institute. Located on the second floor of the Mercado Building, this gallery features ‘up-and-comers’ and gives a 75 percent commission split back to the artists, while 20 percent goes to the Rosemary Beach Foundation and the other 5 percent goes to the Mercado Building for maintenance. It’s a very exciting concept!”

Citing the need that many transplants have for social connection and value after moving to a new place, as so many have to the South Walton area, Dave says, “The arts serve as a magic elixir, a salve that treats social trauma. Culinary arts, written arts, performing arts, visual arts—these things feed our soul like a hot bowl of Vietnamese pho. The beach does too, but the arts take more of an effort to get to, more of an effort to find. And there’s an even bigger payoff when you find them.”

THE

AS

His goal is to help people find them through SOWAL House and its affiliated programs. In the meantime, he says, he gets to indulge in the “selfish intention” of hanging out with the cool creative souls he meets along the way. “I don’t want to live in an area that doesn’t have a thriving creative class. Fortunately, I think many transplanted locals feel the same way. That’s why artists here aren’t just supported; they’re cherished, almost like local celebrities. You are who you hang out with. I want to hang out with these people as often as I can.”

This happens at least once a month when SOWAL House hosts an invite-only Creatives Meetup. Other events, some tickets and others more exclusive, include the studio’s SOWAL Sessions live performances by world-class musicians. The first-ever SOWAL Selections art exhibition recently featured works by over a dozen local artists throughout the space that will soon house the Mercado Public Gallery. Among those artists was Dave—who says although he hadn’t produced art in over twenty years before the event, he was greatly encouraged to do so by

ARTS SERVE

A MAGIC ELIXIR, A SALVE THAT TREATS SOCIAL TRAUMA. CULINARY ARTS, WRITTEN ARTS, PERFORMING ARTS, VISUAL ARTS— THESE THINGS FEED OUR SOUL LIKE A HOT BOWL OF VIETNAMESE PHO.

Photo by Hunter Burgtorf

the other exhibitors. “I love weaving odd textures and rare earth materials (most recently, uncut Ukrainian dollars and palladium) into narratives, then letting people determine the story. I’m heavily influenced by artists who produce social commentary. Their pieces aren’t meant for a wall; they’re meant for a discussion.”

More discussions of art, life, business, and South Walton’s creative flair often happen on the SOWAL House Podcast, which Dave also hosts. Citing that podcasts seem to be experiencing such a boom likely because they are so accessible to the public and embrace a wide array of topics, Dave plans to help new producers get their voices into circulation by offering a podcast course this year.

This is in addition to the current SOWAL House monthly event lineup, the art gallery concept, and other exciting projects in the works. “We’re co-producing a documentary with Jessica Plowden Anderson about Jackie Cochran, a World War II hero from Defuniak Springs,” Dave shares. “We’re in the beginning stages of a crowdfunding campaign to bring her story to life. It’s a remarkable story that we can’t wait to share. Be on the lookout for The Flight of Jackie Cochran.

“We’re also launching Orbiter One this spring. It’s an executive Mercedes shuttle service with a unique exterior design that will ‘orbit’ South Walton. Designer Chris Tipton and I are completely geeked out by this offering. This will easily be the most recognizable vehicle in the area. It should evoke the same excitement as an ice cream truck when you were little—but for adults.”

To say Dave and the SOWAL House team are busy would be a colossal understatement. But with the hearty support of the South Walton creative community at their backs, they’re sure to soar to new heights in 2023.

Those interested in becoming SOWAL House CLUB members can learn more about doing so on the organization’s website. You can also request to be added to invite lists for upcoming events (such as the monthly Creatives Meetup), learn more about renting SOWAL House as an event space, listen to podcasts, or view the virtual SOWAL Selections gallery. Visit SOWALhouse.com or follow them on Instagram @sowalhouse to learn more.

The final SOWAL Sessions event of 2022 featured a jazz quartet led by Luke Pinegar and a surprise encore by improv poet Ta’ki Brown.

Photo by Jim Clark

Artist Nathan Alan Yoakum and his mentor, artist and gallerist Jay Etkin, in front of some of Yoakum’s sculptural resin works at Jay Etkin Gallery in Memphis

BY JORDAN STAGGS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JAY ETKIN GALLERY

Mentoring is an Art Form F

inding a person who believes in what you are doing enough to give candid advice and support can be life-changing. For some, especially in creative fields, it can make the difference between giving up or pushing through to complete a project or goal. Jay Etkin might not be a household name, but he has made a difference in the lives of countless artists. He says relationships and connections have driven his life and career as a successful artist, gallery owner, instructor, and museum director.

“I do not encourage young artists to get into the market or focus on selling,” Etkin notes, which may seem counterintuitive to those who want to make a living from their art. Still, his advice is sound. “Those early years should be devoted to building one’s technical skills and, equally important, building one’s ideas.”

Etkin was born in the Bronx, New York, and began creating art “as far back as I can remember”—mostly painting. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in

SOMETIMES THOSE WHO IMPACT OTHERS MOST ARE NOT DIRECT FAMILY MEMBERS, INFLUENTIAL CELEBRITIES, POLITICIANS, OR PHILANTHROPISTS—THEY ARE MENTORS.

fine arts and education and apprenticed under realist painter Philip Pearlstein, also serving as his studio assistant. Learning from Pearlstein and others in the industry and growing up in the city deepened Etkin’s appreciation for creators.

“I had art around me, and living in New York allowed me, as I got a bit older, opportunities to visit galleries and museums,” he recalls. “I had mentors who were artists, but I also had mentors who were well-known New York art dealers.”

Inspired by his mentors and wanting to see fellow artists succeed, he developed a desire to help others. In the early 1970s, he began running outreach programs for at-risk children, teaching them that the arts can be a healthy way to express emotions and spend time over activities that may get them into trouble. He also worked as an instructor and illustrator and has been passionate about running galleries and alternative art spaces for decades. Etkin collaborates with the dance and theater communities, as well as writers, musicians, and filmmakers, supporting the arts however he can.

Etkin arrived in Memphis in 1983 for an exhibition at the old Art Academy (Memphis College of Art) and says he was well-received and quickly made many friends in the community. He rented a midtown studio that year, intending to stay in Memphis for three months to paint and get acquainted with the South. “I was indeed inspired and, shortly thereafter, moved here full-time.” He’s been a proud Memphian ever since, passionately supporting the arts and artists in the city while growing his business.

“In my early years, I focused on being in the studio, but I always reflected on my visits to galleries,” he says. “I had a lot of opinions on the value of galleries; I had both positive and negative experiences visiting these artful establishments. Occasionally I felt a bit intimidated, but then I had the simple thought that those dealers would not exist without us artists! That’s when things changed.” Etkin decided to open his own gallery to create meaningful connections and spread the word about up-and-coming artists.

“I witnessed many artists looking for representation but constantly hitting a wall in New York and here in Memphis,” he explains. “I felt I could contribute to building opportunities for artists, so I moved forward with my gallery and have never regretted that decision.”

Today, the Jay Etkin Gallery on South Cooper Street in Memphis represents twenty artists, plus Etkin’s own work.

He says when starting his gallery in 1989, “I focused on career-minded artists wanting to grow, experiment, and impact the viewer. Some were not particularly ‘commercially viable’; their work was challenging but very well crafted. That did not stop me from representing them. At that time, I had already garnered dedicated collectors prior to opening the gallery and even had private viewings in my home. I wanted to further develop that audience. I simply said that I appreciated their support and asked if they would be open to viewing the works of other artists they might not be familiar with. My first gallery sales were from folks who had bought my works prior; that turned into a good business plan. Our audience through the gallery environment grew exponentially, and I live in gratitude!”

One of the artists whose work Etkin shared with his clients is Nathan Alan Yoakum, a mixed-media artist from Memphis who Etkin met in the early 1990s. Yoakum was a promising teenage artist who needed a clear vision for his future and guidance to follow his dreams.

“Nathan was a teenager when we started chatting about his artwork,” Etkin recalls. “I saw great possibilities for him. I tried not to focus on selling (I believe he was selling some of his work back then) but instead really to understand what to paint and the why behind the work. I watched him develop, and one fine day, I asked him to bring work to hang in the gallery. I constantly challenged him to experiment, grow, study art history, and commit to finding his unique voice as an artist.”

Yoakum, now a successful artist represented in multiple galleries and selling his creative resin sculptures, pop art, mixed-media paintings, and screen prints, has also been a past VIE magazine cover artist and a twotime guest on the VIE Speaks podcast. He credits Etkin as a massive influence in his life, calling Etkin his “art dad” and thanking him profusely for being there when others were not so supportive of his career. He regularly visits the Jay Etkin Gallery in Memphis and has work on display there and in several of Etkin’s residential and commercial projects.

“His newest work of black-and-white dimensional resin and paint is some of his finest—conceptually strong and aesthetically powerful,” Etkin shares of his friend and protégé. “Bravo, Nathan!”

I FELT I COULD CONTRIBUTE TO BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS, SO I MOVED FORWARD WITH MY GALLERY AND HAVE NEVER REGRETTED THAT DECISION.

Above: Artwork by Johnny Taylor

Works on display at Jay Etkin Gallery in Memphis

Opposite right: Artwork by Roy Tamboli

The Jay Etkin Gallery has a continually rotating collection of art. Other staple creators who have captured Etkin’s attention and praise include Roy Tamboli, Pam Cobb, Julie Schumer, Johnny Taylor, and Juan Rojo, to name a few. “Each of these is a dedicated, lifelong artist,” Etkin describes. “Each strives for growth, greater skills, and developing new ideas, and they’re stylistically all very different.”

Etkin’s own style varies, but he loves creating abstract concepts and working with oils. “I’ve been painting with oils for over forty-five years, and it’s never boring. I feel as if I’ve just touched the surface of what I can do with paint. I acknowledge the intellectual aspect of painting, but just standing in front of a piece, living, moving, breathing—just doing it will get me to the outcome. Every piece is an adventure.” He continues, “Beauty in abstraction is powerful, with form, color, and technique working together into something very personal. It works on an intimate level that’s intuitive rather than intellectual. I liken myself to a mad scientist in a laboratory whose goal is to make some fantastic thing happen. And as in science, unexpected things do happen. I strive for this experience. The work is sifting through the personal—all those things that affect me.”

This can be quite the challenge, says the mad scientist. “I struggle through each painting, physically and emotionally. It is the passion and commitment to the paint that holds the work together. All the time I spend in the studio, moving, scraping, adding, subtracting, and blending—endless blending—is because I want something to come out of that process.”

Owning and operating a successful gallery for thirtythree years has also been challenging. Still, Etkin wouldn’t change the experience for the world and staunchly believes art galleries have an important place in an increasingly digital market. “I believe in brick-and-mortar, and all my spaces—studios, galleries, and my home—have been gathering places for friends, neighbors, tourists, families, poets, and creatives to gather and chat, share ideas, build friendships, and collaborate. In our digital age, human connection is more critical than ever. I’m a people person and a storyteller. Those kinds of interactions are best served in person, through letter writing, or even emails; texting will never substitute for talking.”

Etkin’s other noble efforts to build relationships have included a museum and cultural center in Memphis, the Flow Museum of Art & Culture. Its focus is traditional African tribal art, Latin American folk art, historical photography, Southern folk art, and vernacular art. Flow’s collection even includes works from the historic photographic archives of the Hooks Brothers Studio that started on Beale Street in 1907 and documented African American life in Memphis for over seventy years.

The gallerist is also working with a team to restore Saint Paul’s Spiritual Holy Temple, an African American religious folk art site in Memphis, now considered a “national treasure,” he says. This was a Masonic Temple, and the family who founded it created art as part of their religious practice.

Etkin’s galleries, the museum, and other spaces he collaborates with also host arts-focused events throughout the year, including opera performances, workshops, flamenco and modern dance performances, programs for children, exhibitions, public art opportunities, mural commissions, private commissions, and more.

In a world where challenges never cease and focusing on good things instead of bad can be difficult, Etkin says he pushes to keep going through “sheer tenacity, a willingness to reinvent oneself as needed, relentlessness, patience, surviving, tolerating the uncertainties, and having faith. Regardless of pandemics, recessions, wars, endless tragedies, and crises in the world around us, we understand the value of art as something that can heal lives and uplift and strengthen communities. You live knowing your gallery’s mission is part of your life’s mission, and you know it will prosper, even when others give up. I believe I impact people’s lives in many positive ways. I’ve told artists in particular not to obsess about selling; building relationships is the needed focus at this time.”

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Protecting your piece of paradise.

Jenny Lus

LUXURY HOME & CONDO INSURANCE SPECIALIST

OFFICE: (850) 231-0042

MOBILE: (850) 585-3800

COASTALCOVERAGE.COM

The Ocean Connects

Change maker Emily Penn is the cofounder of eXXpedition, a community interest company and nonprofit organization that runs pioneering all-women sailing expeditions researching ocean plastic pollution. She has spent the last eight years leading trips to remote parts of the planet to connect with the challenges facing our oceans. When she is not leading expeditions, Penn spends her time developing upstream solutions to the ocean plastic epidemic with corporate partners, scientists, and government bodies.

Cofounder of eXXpedtion Emily Penn; To learn more, visit EmilyPenn.com.

Photo courtesy of eXXpedition

Let’s Talk

WITH THE

Change Makers

VIE SPEAKS SEASON TWO IS HERE!

Like the days of fireside chats and radio dramas, listening to entertainment is cool again. Whether you’re into educational topics, motivational speaking, science fiction, celebrities, movies and TV, or anything else, there’s probably a podcast about it—and listening is free for most of them. In 2020, the creators of VIE magazine embarked on a new adventure to make VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul. This podcast series features our CEO and editor-in-chief, Lisa Marie Burwell, hosting guests at VIE HQ and chatting about various topics, taking the content on our print pages to a more in-depth and personal level. Each guest is an expert in his or her field, and each conversation is an entirely unscripted look into a different brilliant, beautiful mind. Check out VIE Speaks Season Two, or catch up on Season One! Episodes are now streaming on all your favorite podcast platforms, plus our in-person video interview on YouTube.

Don’t miss these influential VIE Speaks Season Two guests, who are all change makers in their own right:

Daryl Rose Davis

Cofounder and Visionary of Seaside, Florida and Founder of The Seaside Style®

Since the founding of the New Urbanist town of Seaside, Florida, in the early 1980s, Daryl Rose Davis has led her community as a visionary and entrepreneur alongside her husband, Robert Davis (see VIE Speaks Season One, Episode 11). Daryl has also been a staunch champion for business owners finding their stride, especially women in business. She founded the globally known company The Seaside Style® after years of selling her wares at the Seaside Farmers Market, and its simple, classic designs have since become a symbol of a life well lived by the beach. Lisa and Daryl discuss all this, plus the upcoming The Seaside Style coffee-table book and much more, in this insightful episode.

Lettye Burgtorf

Founder of the Ohana Institute

Changing the face of education isn’t easy, but that hasn’t stopped Lettye Burgtorf, founder of the Ohana Institute. The fully accredited independent, private, exploratory, innovative school serves students in Pre-K through grade 12 in the Florida Panhandle. Ohana Institute’s mission is to respect all students’ individual needs, foster a caring and creative environment, and use innovative technology to deliver an experiential, studentcentered blended education model. Ohana recognizes the individuality of each child and that all children are creative and need to succeed. Ohana believes that the paths of learning include social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development, which invites the passionate pursuits of each student’s interests. Lettye and Lisa dig into the challenges and rewards of creating and implementing such a unique system in a world where education is evolving (sometimes still not fast enough), Lettye’s plans to expand the program, and more.

Megan Trent and Dr. Iysha Cawthon

Children’s Volunteer Health Network

Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) eliminates barriers to accessible, affordable health care for Northwest Florida children in need through mobile solutions and community partnerships. Serving nine schools in Okaloosa and Walton counties and assisting organizations such as Children in Crisis and Destin Boys + Girls Club, CVHN’s two state-of-the-art mobile dental clinics provide free preventative and restorative dental care to eligible children in grades K through 5. It also recognizes the challenge that lack of access to mental health care presents to children and families. When less than 15 percent of children in poverty receive mental health support, CVHN is adding mental health services to help kids and the community. Lisa and CVHN executive director Megan Trent talk about all the nonprofit is doing in 2023, including the second annual Soiree on the Bay fundraiser on March 10–11, 2023. Then, Dr. Iysha Cawthon hops on the podcast to discuss how providing children with preventative and restorative dental care increases their physical and mental health, confidence, school performance, and more.

Linda Miller

Founder of Linda Miller Real Estate

The real estate market is still hot! Linda Miller has been a leading realtor in the Florida Panhandle’s coastal region for twenty-five years and is celebrating the third year of her luxury brokerage, Linda Miller Real Estate. With prominent listings through the communities along Scenic Highway 30-A, Linda is in the know on trends, tips for buyers and sellers, and predictions for where the market may go in 2023 and beyond. She and her team of agents are also passionate about supporting the arts and nonprofits in the community. A portion of proceeds from her sales this year supports Children’s Volunteer Health Network. Linda and Lisa talk shop and have fun in this spirited episode of VIE Speaks.

Demetrius Fuller

Music & Artistic Director of Sinfonia Gulf Coast

Supporting music and the arts is vital to the health of a community. Music and artistic director Demetrius Fuller of the revered Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra knows this is an intrinsically important way to foster camaraderie, raise money for good, and bring joy to the people. Demetrius and Lisa talk about the storied history of Sinfonia, past VIE partnerships such as the tenth-anniversary photo shoot featuring Kristin Chenoweth, the orchestra’s upcoming events and programs, and its mission to do good. Be sure to check out Sinfonia’s lineup of incredible events and concerts for the year!

Mallory Ervin

Author of Living Fully and All In

Our March 2023 cover girl joined Lisa virtually in the VIE podcast studio to discuss her new book, her life and wellness journey, and much more! We’re excited to celebrate Mallory Ervin in this issue as she recently released her second book, All In: A Vision for Living Fully Every Day. This journal-like volume is a followup to her 2022 debut inspirational book, Living Fully: Dare to Step into Your Most Vibrant Life. This former Miss Kentucky and three-time The Amazing Race alumna opens up about her battles with addiction, mental health, and more in this episode as she talks with Lisa Burwell and in her VIE cover story, so be sure to listen and read for Mallory’s tips on overcoming debilitating habits and living fully.

Dr. Bart Precourt

Health Coach and Founder of Balance Health Studio

Dr. Bart Precourt and his wife, Kelli—a former Olympic field hockey player—own and operate Balance Health Studio and Prema Organic Cafe in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. These two houses turned studio and café have become fixtures along Scenic Highway 30-A and the local wellness industry. Dr. Precourt sat down to discuss their new endeavors and hopes for the future of the community. He has also shared his thoughts on simple “biohacking” methods for anyone to improve their health regimen daily, most recently penning a column for VIE’s January 2023 Wellness Issue. Lisa and Bart talk about what’s next for Prema and Balance, some of the doctor’s top tips, and more.

HONOR YOUR SOUL & WHO YOU REALLY ARE.

Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams

Founders and Hosts of Almost 30 Podcast

Two more VIE cover girls join the lineup for VIE Speaks Season Two! Lisa was pleased to sit down over Zoom with the dynamic duo of Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams, the founders and hosts of spiritual wellness podcasts Almost 30 and Morning Microdose. The pair share their journey from traditional careers to launching a lifestyle brand and coaching others on living their best lives through the Almost 30 membership platform. Be sure to also listen to their podcasts and read the cover story from VIE’s January 2023 Wellness Issue!

Returning to the VIE Speaks “stage” is contemporary artist Nathan Alan Yoakum, whose colorful resin sculptures and mixed-media works beautify homes and spaces across Northwest Florida, Memphis, Atlanta, and beyond. Also a former model and actor, Nathan delves into his life struggling with undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome, finding himself through art and good friends in the industry, and the inspiration he hopes to impart to others with his work and story. Hear more from Nathan in Episode 8 of VIE Speaks Season One, his VIE cover story from the August 2020 Art & Culture Issue, and our luxury lifestyle coffee-table book HOME by VIE.

Nathan Alan Yoakum Artist

Joseph Bohler and Alexis Wroten

Owners of Vale of Paradise Mushrooms

Joey found his passion for mushrooms at the Telluride Mushroom Festival in 2017. On the ride back to Florida, he researched as much as he could about mycology (the study of fungi). He then studied under Eric Myers of Myers Mushrooms in El Paso, Texas, where his passion further blossomed. In December 2017, Joey built his first “mushroom operation” in his garage. Business partner Alexis Wroten later joined the team, and Vale of Paradise now supplies many South Walton, Florida, restaurants with premium mushrooms, including Farm & Fire and others owned by Chef Jim Shirley. They also attend the weekly farmers markets in Rosemary Beach, Niceville, Grand Boulevard, and Seaside and are building a new facility and mushroom farm. Their products include foraged mushrooms, mushroom grow kits, tinctures, and dehydrated mushroom jerky. Learn more about this superfood when you give this episode a listen.

Diana Lane Director of Public Relations at Alys Beach, Florida

One of the most exclusive and most beautiful communities along the Florida Gulf Coast, Alys Beach is much more than just a gorgeous photo backdrop. The resort town hosts world-class events, is home to unique architecture you won’t find anywhere else, and is rooted in family history along the gorgeous white-sand Gulf of Mexico. Lisa caught up with Alys Beach’s director of public relations, Diana Lane, to talk about what’s coming up in the idyllic destination for 2023, what’s new and exciting for visitors to enjoy, how growth is ramping up with its Phase 4 expansion, and more.

Anthea Knapp Turner

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Anthea Knapp Turner knows what beauties people love to behold! A master in curated collections and merchandising, Anthea spent years working in the jewelry industry on cruise ships before planting herself full-time in Northwest Florida and opening her charming lifestyle boutique, Anthea Le Jardin. Located in The Shops at The Hub on 30-A, the shop is a wonderland microcosm filled with fine jewelry, decor, trinkets, gifts, apparel and accessories, and other unique finds. Lisa sits down with Anthea to talk about the thrills and challenges of retail and how creating a brand based on personal style can be a rewarding and lucrative venture when you have enough faith, heart, and soul to keep going.

We hope you enjoy learning more about these esteemed guests and tune in to their episodes of VIE Speaks! You can also find all of Season One streaming now, featuring over thirty guests, including musician, visual artist, and philanthropist Julian Lennon, fashion and interior designer and TV personality Christian Siriano, pop artist Ashley Longshore, musician and entrepreneur Brian Kelley, fashion CEO Brittney Kelley, Broadway star and musician Morgan James, Space Perspective CEO Jane Poynter, Alaqua Animal Refuge founder Laurie Hood, veteran Geoff Speyrer, Seaside founder Robert S. Davis, restaurateur and philanthropist Dave Rauschkolb, and many more!

Owner of Anthea Le Jardin

FOOD

is Our Love Language Le monde

By Jordan Staggs Photography courtesy of

Quest Hospitality Concepts

There’s an inherent change that happens among people when they share a lovely meal. Tensions relax, new ideas form, and laughs are often abundant. Deep connections can be forged or renewed when we break bread together. To foster an environment and experience that allows these things to happen requires special care, and the restaurateurs, chefs, and staff who imbue such hospitality nightly deserve our utmost respect. Some places become integral characters in the story of a community, which is precisely what Jeremy and Angela Walton set out to create.

“I think food plays such a special part in our lives. There is something very real about the idea of creating community through food,” says Jeremy Walton, the creator and owner of Quest Hospitality Concepts, proprietor of The Citizen and the newly reimagined Fonville Press in the idyllic town of Alys Beach, Florida.

After serving as the vice president of resort operations there since 2014, Jeremy found himself in the unique position to branch out to open his own restaurants in Alys Beach with the help of his wife, Angela.

The hospitality industry is part of the couple’s history. They met while both were working at NorthRiver Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa during their college years attending the University of Alabama, and the club later served as their wedding venue.

After graduating, Jeremy managed food and beverage and hospitality operations at several resort destinations, including the Cloister Hotel at Sea Island, Georgia, and Auberge Resorts and Montage Resorts at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. “Eventually, my many years in luxury hospitality operations led us to Alys Beach,” he shares.

Opposite: Fonville Press was reimagined as a contemporary café, market, and indoor-outdoor bar in the Lucian building of Alys Beach’s town center. Quest Hospitality Concepts worked with interior designer Melissa Skowlund of Summer House Lifestyle and the team at Alys Beach to create a bright, colorful, welcoming new space.

Photo by Katie DeSantis

Below: Angela and Jeremy Walton, owners of Quest Hospitality Concepts, outside the new Fonville Press

Photo by Hannah Drew

hile working for Alys, I was tasked with helping to identify potential chefs and restaurateurs to become a part of the developing town center,” Jeremy continues. “After twenty years in hospitality and food and beverage, I developed many close relationships within the industry and started reaching out to several people to pitch the idea of opening some dynamic restaurants within Alys Beach. The more conversations I had with colleagues to sell them on the idea, the more it began selling me on the idea. I kept thinking. ‘Why wouldn’t we do this?’ I think Angie, even more than I, was the biggest proponent of the idea. She knew better than I did that this was the right place and time to leverage our experience to build a company. Quest Hospitality was born.”

Shortly thereafter came the inception of The Citizen, a modern coastal tavern in the heart of the resort community. Working with the Alys Beach team and the town planners at Khoury & Vogt Architects on the restaurant’s design, Quest Hospitality sought to bring a sophisticated, city-inspired dining experience to the area.

“The vision was to develop a design-forward restaurant where the experience was centered around three things: a big, beautiful bar, an immersive raw bar, and a wood-burning hearth in an open kitchen,” says Jeremy. Of course, a menu featuring fresh Gulf seafood and oysters from local and regional purveyors was also a must. Still, international influences and ingredients also play into the restaurant’s ethos and its patrons as being “citizens” of the world, not just the Gulf Coast. “Given that so many great food cities are situated near the coastline, we wanted to draw inspiration for the menus from any and all of those coastal cuisines.”

The vision was to develop a design-forward restaurant where the experience was centered around three things: a big, beautiful bar, an immersive raw bar, and a wood-burning hearth in an open kitchen.

The Citizen is Quest Hospitality Concepts’ modern coastal tavern across the amphitheater lawn from Fonville Press in the heart of Alys Beach.

Opposite bottom: Oysters from local and regional purveyors are always on the menu at The Citizen, with a dedicated raw bar inside for the true fans.

Opposite top: The bar at The Citizen is a prime gathering spot serving creative cocktails curated in partnership with mixologist Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage.

Photos by Devote Studio

Photo by Katie DeSantis

Storytelling is also a focus at The Citizen, from the travelinfluenced decor to the quotes printed on each menu and its team’s curated approach to social media. It all melds to create an experience diners feel they could have in a seaside pub along the Mediterranean, a dockside café in San Francisco, or an upscale Caribbean resort. Navy, white, and gold interiors evoke the nautical feeling, while rattan seating and a few warm wood accents add a laidback luxury vibe indicative of Alys Beach. “While we wanted the restaurant to be beautiful, we did not want it to be formal,” Jeremy reiterates. Ample seating at the bar and raw bar further amplify the sense that this is a gathering spot for lively conversation and good times, not stuffy special occasions only.

Jeremy continues, “People gather and connect differently when food and drink are involved. It is a part of our lives in the best of times and worst of times. It can connect people, console them, and sustain them. Markets, cafés, coffee shops, and bars all become these spaces where we gather and intersect with each other. We have the opportunity through hospitality to be a part of people’s memories, and in these moments, those of us working in hospitality can add to these moments or take away from them. For us and our team, the primary job is to build genuine relationships and create memorable experiences. At Fonville, we mean it when our motto says ‘For The People.’”

This spread and next page: Although the original Fonville Press was primarily a coffee shop and café, the newly reimagined space includes a grocery market and full bar.

Photos by Katie DeSantis

For us and our team, the primary job is to build genuine relationships and create memorable experiences. At Fonville, we mean it when our motto says ‘For The People.’

He is referring to Fonville Press, the storied Alys Beach café and market reimagined and reopened in 2022 after the original location closed in 2018.

“I managed Fonville Press as part of the resort division at Alys Beach and very much loved the old Fonville,” he recalls. “I remember we frequently visited when we vacationed here long before I came to work at Alys. As many know, Fonville was a fixture along 30-A from 2005 to 2018. It was such a special part of Alys Beach, and when the decision was made to lease the space, I was charged with managing the transition. We worked to reassign the team members to other jobs, and I was there with the team on the last day. That was a hard day. But little did I know that moment would become the genesis for both The Citizen and the return of Fonville Press.”

It was that very day when Jeremy made what seemed like an offhand remark about hoping to see Fonville Press reopen with a new twist someday as part of the new Lucian building under construction in the Alys Beach town center. The gentleman he spoke to stopped him as he was leaving, Jeremy says, and offered to help invest in making that happen when the time came. Look for more from the newly reimagined Fonville in VIE’s April 2023 Culinary Issue!

Now with two thriving restaurants, Quest Hospitality has become a change maker, both through creating places for people to gather and connect and working with local foundations and organizations to help others in need.

“As a business, we want to be a positive force where we live and work,” Jeremy explains. “Serving our associates

and the community was just as important as creating a sustainable business. We ask that any of our employees be willing to participate in our efforts to serve, which we contribute through volunteering, fundraising, and hosting charity events. If we can do what we do every day and use that to give back to the local charities that dedicate so much to serving others, it’s easy to say, ‘Yes, we will do it.’”

There’s much more to come from Fonville Press and The Citizen, and the Waltons are hopeful that other projects may be announced in the near future, so keep an eye out. Fonville just launched its breakfast and lunch menus, available from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., along with new dinner offerings from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and weekly live entertainment. Meanwhile, The Citizen has been updated with soundproofing to make for a cozier guest experience and launched a new weekend brunch menu and an oyster happy hour from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. daily.

“Fonville is just beginning, and in many ways, so is The Citizen,” Jeremy shares. “We are continually working from a bank of ideas to add new experiences and enhance what we offer in both locations. The creative part of what we do is what makes it fun. Trying new things, collaborating with others, and enhancing experiences are what we love to do.”

“

Playful Wonder

As March rolls around, the sun starts to warm the air and water! It’s time to say goodbye to winter coats and boots and break out the sun hats and bright colors. This month’s C’est la VIE collection was pieced together with springtime in mind, from decorative pieces to brighten your home to warmer-weather activewear. So pack up those lingering mementos of winter and dive headfirst into this spring bundle!

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Phoenix One-Piece in Wisteria RiotSwim.com – $150

Singer-songwriter, Broadway starlet, and former VIE cover star Morgan James, known for her rich vocals filled with soul, is on tour throughout the US! One of the recent stops included Destin, Florida, where she performed as part of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s ongoing premiere programming that brings world-class music and educational programs to adults and children of all ages. Through her poetic storytelling and a deep understanding of music, James understands music’s impact on emotions and delivers real wisdom through her songs.

Visit MorganJamesOnline.com to learn more or buy tickets to see Morgan James live. Also, check out Sinfonia’s 2023 lineup of events at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

of Petite pause

Photo by Romona Robbins

La vitalité

“Our goal is to create an environment that is comfortable, hospitable, and down-to-earth, but one that never sacrifices the highest standards for service and cuisine,” says the team at Forage, a neighborhood bistro in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Creating change in the community through “real food made by kind and caring people with the best local ingredients,” Forage also serves small-production natural wine and craft cocktails in its charming indoor-outdoor establishment. Owner/operator Stanislas Hilbert and his team prove that doing good can start with good food!

Photo courtesy of Forage

A GAME FOR

CHANGE

By EMME MARTIN

Many people know Rosemary Beach Racquet Club tennis coach Tim Barnes for his steadfast enthusiasm and ability to make anyone feel welcome on the court. Because let’s face it, tennis can be intimidating. But according to Coach Barnes—and at the risk of sounding cliché—the beauty of tennis is how it brings people together. Tennis is an opportunity to meet new people and disconnect from technology, two things we need now more than ever. This passion has led Barnes to teach tennis worldwide, from Antigua and Barbuda to Rosemary Beach to a small town called Opp, Alabama.

Barnes admits a younger version of himself would disagree with the idea that tennis is only about having fun. Growing up playing tennis, starting to teach at sixteen, and playing under the tutelage of players such as Ed Collins, Terry Ward, and Peter Burnwash, playing

competitive tennis was his forte. But, as with all good things, after playing competitively for years, he realized it was time to retire when he lost a match and no longer felt the need to seek revenge. This realization prompted Barnes to switch gears and start teaching full-time, which he will proudly tell you is the only job he has ever had. Looking back, he wouldn’t have it any other way, admitting he now enjoys coaching more than playing. Over the years, it’s become his mission to bring tennis to all parts of the world.

A piece of that mission was realized one day at Rosemary Beach tennis courts when the assistant principal of Opp High School, Cindy Alverson, was attending one of Barnes’s clinics, and he asked her if the school had a tennis team. After Alverson replied no, Barnes—always quick with his return—said, “Now you do.” Barnes’s mission to bring tennis to all extended two hours north to Opp, Alabama.

Change makers come in many different forms, but among all of them, a passion for others is consistent.

That was the short version of the story, but the more extensive version reveals Opp High School did have a tennis team at one point. It started in the 1970s when the town’s cotton mills provided abundant employment opportunities, creating an influx of high school students. Throughout this time, the local country club had a tennis pro who provided lessons for students. However, in the late 1980s, when the apparel industry declined, so did most of the workforce—yes, including the tennis pro. As a result, the tennis courts turned into parking lots, and students no longer had the opportunity to play the game.

For years the school had worked tirelessly to bring back tennis for students, even providing courts. When the high school football team’s offensive coordinator, Griffin Windham, became the head coach of the salvaged program four years ago, only four boys and one girl were on the roster. Unfortunately, they needed more members to compete with other schools, leaving students without the chance to advance. And while competition isn’t everything, it establishes a work ethic and breeds resilience that will follow students throughout their lives.

It’s important to note that Windham is another change maker in this story. As a father of three and the head coach of the football team, he doesn’t have copious amounts of free time. But he’s passionate about coaching and does it because he understands the impact team sports have on students. Sports help children make friends, get outside, exercise, learn teamwork, play fair, improve self-esteem, and gain countless other positive benefits. Before the tennis team, Opp High School students could participate in football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, or track, but it’s rare to see a lifetime trajectory with these. So giving students a chance to learn a sport they can play for decades, such as tennis, can be life-changing.

As the saying goes, if there is a will, there is a way, and the Opp community does not lack will. “The best part about the Opp community is the willingness to help and the unwavering support,” explains Coach Griffin. This sentiment brings us back to the day Coach Barnes committed to giving the students at Opp High School a real shot at tennis. Since connecting with Assistant Principal Alverson, Barnes has helped the program exceed its goal of raising over five thousand dollars in donations to enhance the facilities, purchase team gear, and cover other miscellaneous expenses. Paige Siebert was generous enough to donate the team’s uniforms.

This renewed spirit has resulted in a team of eight boys and ten girls—enough to compete officially. Last year the girls were able to play their first district match in Mobile, Alabama, a massive accomplishment for the program. With plans to compete again this year, the program shows no signs of slowing down. The players are excited to be on the courts. One student in particular, Joshua Smith, claims Coach Windham is his favorite part of the program. Another player, Brooke Butler, has found a new passion in her two years playing the sport and is excited to see where it goes.

To meet his goal for Opp High School students to keep a competitive tennis program, Barnes travels to Opp weekly and donates his time by teaching clinics for free. He also continues to advocate for the program by spreading the word to his clients in Rosemary Beach, many of whom are willing to donate. His favorite part of the program is “the students’ encouragement, effort, and willingness to learn.”

Stories like this show that anything is possible with a mission and persistence. And in true sports fashion, teamwork always helps too. Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of Opp High School, Coach Windham, and Coach Barnes, the students of Opp will be able to play a sport that connects them with others, and there is nothing more beneficial to a person’s upbringing than that. So get out and play!

Learn more about the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club at RosemaryBeach.com.

“Tennis is an opportunity to meet new people and disconnect from technology, two things we need now more than ever.”

Coach Tim Barnes

Photo by Addie Strickland

Left: Members of the Opp High School tennis team

YOUR VIEW, OUR PASSION.

E. F. San Juan’s renowned wood millwork creations are complemented by the highest quality windows and doors. Our craftsmen work seamlessly with the most trusted providers of impact-rated doors and windows, such as Loewen®, to create custom homes that masterfully combine security, beauty, and function.

ARCHITECT: KHOURY & VOGT ARCHITECTS

BUILDER: HUFHAM FARRIS CONSTRUCTION

PHOTO: LAYNE LILLIE | COURTESY OF KHOURY & VOGT

BOOK CLUB

THE READERS CORNER

It’s almost time for a girls’ trip to the theater! Some of our favorite bookworms are going on another adventure. Starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen and set to release May 12, 2023, Book Club 2: The Next Chapter features four best friends taking on sunny, sexy Italy! If you haven’t seen the hilarious first movie, we highly recommend it—hopefully, it inspires you to join the VIE Book Club, coming soon! We can’t always live a romanticized life, but we can always be the heroines in our own stories.

Book Club 2: The Next Chapter is set to release May 12, 2023.

Photo by Riccardo Ghilardi, © Endeavor Content

Guests gather at the Circular Congregational Church for “Press and Palace” featuring Tina Brown, Betsy Prioleau, and Amanda Foreman at Charleston Literary Festival 2022.

Photo by MCG Photography

by suzanne pollak

art of my position includes orchestrating multiple social events that I hope will be unforgettable for everyone. That desire is tenfold when it comes time for CLF, where our guests include esteemed authors, speakers, visionaries, community leaders, donors, and ticket holders. We always strive to leave them feeling well-appreciated and happy to support or attend the event again. This is vital to our area, as the arts, literature, and cultural events can contribute so much to the overall health of a city.

The festival’s foundation is its roster of diverse, highly regarded authors who are most certainly befitting the epithet of “change maker”—often Pulitzer, Booker, Nobel, and book-of-the-year winners. The 2022 lineup alone was a who’s who in thought leadership—see the sidebar for the impressive list. Their sweep of ideas and abundant creativity are enriching and transformative, with discussion topics including race, gender, war, technology, evolution, health, law, art, music, poetry, theater, opera, and more.

Also important are the skilled interlocutors whose conversations with the authors draw us in like eavesdroppers, enabling the guests to connect with the audience, capture their attention, and keep them engaged. From big contemporary ideas to ancient wisdom and personal details, the experience evokes empathy, discovery, and enjoyment.

photography courtesy of charleston literary festival

Every summer, I become absorbed by the world of books and brilliant minds as I embark on a mission to raise money and plan parties for the Charleston Literary Festival (CLF) each November in historic Charleston, South Carolina.

he festival is an international vacation to the nth degree—all without the need for a passport. An immersive community of reading and dialogue with some of the best writers in the world, the experience provides infinitely better insight than reading alone or listening to a podcast. And the festival is well rooted in Charleston, a port city between two converging rivers, offering wide-ranging beauty that richly stages the events in magnificent venues, including historic private homes, making it a fantastic destination to discover between author panels. Charleston is a critical component of the festival’s success, adorned with eighteenth-century buildings on cobblestone streets canopied with branches of ancient live oaks.

Writers from everywhere want to visit for many reasons. The city has world-class restaurants and bars, as well as churches on most corners, and its complicated past— hurtful and beautiful—sharpens the present with the echo of what went before. During CLF, history, architecture, geography, and well-versed authors merge to create a multidimensional experience for participants and attendees alike.

Fundraising to support this event is essential and challenging. Finding new donors is a never-ending part of my job, and after six years, my understanding of what motivates potential donors has deepened. Within minutes of meeting a new potential donor, I can tell whether the person loves literature, is willing to give, is inspired to help Charleston or some special group, wants recognition, or wants to remain anonymous. It is rewarding to succeed at this job because the work makes an impact: bringing people together and serving an important cause. Our donors and patrons are change makers for good, and we are so appreciative of their passion and generosity.

The parties are also a big draw, creating a buzz that helps bring in authors and build audiences. They are not fundraisers, nor are they cocktail parties; they are special events that stimulate purposeful, engaging, enriching conversation. The settings are personal and magical—scented gardens with live oaks and reflecting pools or historic houses with original paneling and ballrooms intact. The guests are an intriguing mix of friends, strangers, and brilliant authors. Who among us can invite Joyce Carol Oates, Eddie Glaude, or Carl Zimmer into our home and have them show up?

Of course, there is always Murphy’s Law to consider. Last year’s opening party (graciously sponsored by VIE magazine) almost caused my heart to stop as it seemed like everything was going wrong just two hours before the start time. Bike racks were still blocking the gathering space, the reflecting pool fountains weren’t on, storm clouds had appeared in the sky, the rain venue was off-limits, and the outdoor venue’s bathrooms were locked. But as with many other crises, our dedicated team worked out the logistics. The weather cleared, and the Opening Gala presented by VIE turned out to be a beautiful evening under the stars—so beautiful that it became the talk of the city. Jazz musician Wycliffe Gordon and his International All Stars played worldclass music for a dancing literary crowd in front of the College of Charleston library.

I’ve come to expect little hiccups in our best-laid plans. As Elsie de Wolfe, legendary decorator and arbiter of twentieth-century taste, warned, “It is not chic to be too chic.” Sometimes parties are more about personality than perfection. In 2021, freezing rain forced the opening party indoors. Although tightly packed, in the beautifully restored nineteenth-century ballroom at 20

During CLF, history, architecture, geography, and well-versed authors merge to create a multidimensional experience for participants and attendees alike.

Eddie S. Glaude Jr. talks about his book Begin Again at Dock Street Theatre.

Photo by MCG Photography

Sarah Moriarty with poet Edoardo Ballerini at CLF 2022

Photo by Ed & Val Photography

Elizabeth Williamson discusses her book Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth

Photo by Ed & Val Photography

South Battery, with lights dimmed and the ETHEL string quartet playing incredible music, suddenly a whole new wonderful vibe was created, bringing with it new connections and some truly awesome memories.

To pull off memorable events that can become change makers in their own right, thinking outside the box is vital. For example, to welcome celebrated authors Tina Brown, Amanda Foreman, Betsy Prioleau, and Jean Hanff Korelitz for the 2022 festival, we hosted a women’s brunch with a fashion show by designer Ala von Auersperg. VIE magazine’s CEO and editor-inchief, Lisa Marie Burwell, introduced our guests of honor. To attract young professionals to the festival in the past, we also held a party for some of the most interesting people in Charleston, literary and otherwise. Later, one of those guests became Charleston’s most recent poet laureate.

We would not have had such a successful festival last year or in years past without CLF’s artistic director, Diana Reich, whose esteemed tenure has been instrumental in building the program into what it is today.

CLF is also pleased to welcome Sarah Moriarty as its new executive director for 2023.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Sarah has two degrees in literature—a BA from Trinity College Dublin and an MA from Freie Universität Berlin. Her interests include modern Irish drama, literature in exile, and the writings of Samuel Beckett. For the past ten years, she has built a career as a branding specialist and marketing creative working with tech start-ups, including five years at a short-form audiobook start-up (which fused her love of books with her passion for branding).

Sarah moved to Charleston in November 2021 with her family and has taken the city by storm. Upon arrival, she helped CLF with marketing and other management tasks and established herself as a dynamic, brilliant, and lovely person with whom to work. After a national search, she was selected as the new executive director for the festival as it enters its seventh year. Sarah’s vivacious personality and passion for literature make her an excellent advocate for the event and all it stands for, while her international background will strengthen and expand CLF’s worldwide appeal. She is firm in her commitment to championing the literary arts and embracing diverse audiences and thinkers in Charleston and beyond. The festival and Charleston look forward to her leadership!

It also takes talented and willing friends to help pull off a two-week, multi-venue endeavor such as this. My friend Susan designs our donor lounges, so they feel like living rooms, only more engaging. Once, a young College of Charleston MFA student charmed Imani Perry (National Book Award winner for non-fiction), who was waiting there and ended up wanting to know all about his studies. Other integral people to our success include our brilliant artistic director in London; a committed local leader who invested passion, time, and money; other benefactors who took a chance on our visions; and staff members who gave countless hours of dedicated service.

Keeping an eye on the bigger picture and all the people it takes to organize a change-making event year after year, I have come to know that, first and foremost, we must be a team.

The Charleston Literary Festival (CharlestonLiteraryFestival.com) is now a preeminent cultural event that provides a forum for experiencing the transformative power of great literature, ideas, and creativity. Visit the website to learn more, and keep an eye out for the 2023 program and tickets coming soon.

Author Patrick Radden Keefe signs books after speaking at CLF 2022.

Photo by MCG Photography

An intimate discussion between students and featured authors shared insight and industry knowledge.

Photo by Ed & Val Photography

Geraldine Brooks discusses her novel Horse with Anne Blessing at Dock Street Theatre.

Photo by Ed & Val Photography

Tiya Miles signs her book All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, A Black Family Keepsake

Photo by MCG Photography

Sarah Moriarty, Lyndall Gordon, Blake West, Suzanne Pollak, and Bill Goldstein

Fashions by Ala von Auersperg shown at the female authors’ brunch

Sandra Newman and Regina Marler discuss Newman’s novel The Men

The Opening Night Gala at the College of Charleston

Kelly Curry, Lisa Burwell, and Jordan Staggs of VIE with Tina Brown, Betsy Prioleau, and Diana Reich at the female authors’ celebratory brunch

Charleston’s first poet laureate, Marcus Amaker, speaks at the Circular Congregational Church.

Grooving at the Opening Night Gala presented by VIE magazine

Wycliffe Gordon and Adrian Cunningham perform at the Opening Night Gala presented by VIE magazine.

Clothing designs by Ala von Auersperg

Jean Hanff Korelitz and Summer Anderson at the Circular Congregational Church

Charleston FestivalLiterary 2022

Speaker Lineup

Author Nick Hornby

Professor John Mullan

Primatologist Frans de Waal

Dr. Jennifer Wilhelm

Charleston poet laureate Marcus Amaker

UK poet laureate Andrew Motion

Journalist Marie Brenner

Dr. David Adams

Former Vanity Fair editor-in-chief and Daily Beast founder Tina Brown

Author Betsy Prioleau

Historian Amanda Foreman

Author Jean Hanff Korelitz

Book reviewer Summer Anderson

Pulitzer Prize winner Margo Jefferson

Historian Belinda Gergel

Professor Imani Perry

Historian Tamara Butler

Historian Antony Beevor

Professor Margaret MacMillan

Author Ian McEwan

Professor Geoffrey Harpham

Historian Tim Bouverie

Dean Edward Hart

Journalist Jennifer Griffin

Historian Elisabeth Griffith

Women’s rights advocate Jennet

Robinson Alterman

Author Julie Orringer

Dean Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein

Author Renee Dudley

Digital marketing and advertising pioneer Wenda Harris Millard

Author and professor Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Author and civil rights attorney

Armand Derfner

Journalist Elizabeth Williamson

Editor Autumn Phillips

Author Patrick Radden Keefe

Journalist and producer Ruth Streeter

Author John Taylor Williams

Author Regina Marler

Professor Tiya Miles

Professor Shannon Eaves

Author Sandra Newman

Journalist Jyoti Thottam

Rector Adam Shoemaker

Author Hernan Diaz

Editor Bill Goldstein

Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks

Equestrian Anne Blessing

Biographer Lyndall Gordon

Narrator Edoardo Ballerini

Vocalist Alyson Cambridge

Historian Harlan Greene

Opposite page: Photos by MCG Photography

Deep discussion happening at the luncheon celebrating authors Imani Perry and Margo Jefferson

Photo by MCG Photography

Geraldine Brooks signing copies of Horse at a special students-only session

Photo by Ed & Val Photography

CLF Donors Richard and Barbara Hagerty

Photo by MCG Photography

Patrons pack the house at Dock Street Theatre.

Photo by Ed & Val Photography

FINDING

Faith Family &

THROUGH FOSTER CARE

Tori Hope Petersen (left) and one of the children her family has fostered

interview by laurie crowley

photography courtesy of tori hope petersen

rom the time she was three years old until she “aged out” at eighteen, she was shuffled to multiple foster homes to escape an abusive mother. Those homes were often less than ideal, but with an incredible faith in God and the guidance and kindness of people in her path, she was able to beat the odds. With strong academics and as a five-time state champion in track, she earned a full college scholarship. She is not yet thirty and already a wife, a mom, a foster mom, a sought-after public speaker, Mrs. Universe 2022, and a best-selling author.

She continues to tell her story as she builds a community for those who have experienced abuse. Petersen was kind enough to answer a few questions for VIE. I encourage everyone to read her memoir. Her generous spirit of love and forgiveness is on display and a reminder for us all to walk in kindness.

VIE: When did you decide it was time to tell your story?

Tori Hope Petersen: Throughout college, I shared pieces of my story through social media. I was even given a few opportunities to speak. The more I shared, the more people came to me and shared their stories. One time someone messaged me and said they were thinking about committing suicide but saw my post that night and found hope. I’ve received many messages from parents telling me they adopted or started fostering after they heard my story. There is so much need in the foster care system and for youth. I wanted to share my story so it would have a greater reach and influence people to overcome and love others.

VIE: What do you hope will come from telling your story?

Tori: When you read my story, you will see that the best parts have little to do with me and much to do with the people around me, especially my track coach. While others labeled me a troubled child and a bad kid, my track coach saw me as God saw me, as a person made with potential and purpose. His belief in me caused me to believe in myself more than I ever had. I think he chose to see me as God saw me, as loved and worthy. He knew there was a plan for my life and helped me tap into a narrative of victory rather than victimhood. All that said, I pray that my story inspires people to love others where they are and see them for who they truly are.

VIE: Your honesty and vulnerability are on display throughout the book. This allows the reader into a world often shrouded in secrecy. Was it difficult to expose the personal and raw details of your childhood?

Tori: There were times when writing the book was difficult, and I had to take a break or rest from thinking about the hardship and abuse. But in retrospect, I know it could have been a lot harder. Overall, I felt like God carried me through it. I think that’s because He wanted the story to be shared.

Tori Hope Petersen’s life is a compelling story of faith, hope, and forgiveness. With the clarity and wisdom of a much older person, her debut memoir, Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care , reveals a firsthand account of life in the foster care system.

Tori Hope Petersen is a speaker, author, Mrs. Universe winner, and former college athlete who grew up in the foster care system. She now educates others about her experience as a child and a foster parent.

VIE: Have you had any feedback, good or bad, from former caseworkers or advocates?

Tori: The caseworkers who hurt me and aren’t proud of me do not address me. I’ve found a lot of peace in the scripture John 15:18 as my life has become more public. It says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” But there are many more people who were a part of my case who have been encouraging and uplifting. They said they’ve even bought my book for their friends and family because they want them to understand what the system is like and how they can help kids coming from hard places.

VIE: You touch on many faults in the foster care system, first from your own experience as a child

trying to navigate and comply with the rules and regulations of the state and then as an adult and mother. If you were asked to identify immediate changes that should be made to the system, what would that look like?

Tori: A great ordeal in the foster care system is that caseworkers are overworked and underpaid. They carry so much weight and sacrifice so much emotionally for their work. And they are the main point of contact and have so much responsibility over a child’s case. Like any of us, when we are overwhelmed with decision-making and lacking support, we fail to make the best decisions. And children deserve adults in their lives who make the best decisions for them. The system isn’t setting caseworkers up for success. Therefore, children are even more likely to fall through the cracks of the system.

VIE:You clearly and honestly discuss your trauma as a child. It is hard not to tear up as you describe the abusive and obvious psychological trauma inflicted on children while in the care of those claiming to be a safe harbor and a respite from harm. (I understand there are many excellent foster care parents and social workers.) Do you have any suggestions for vetting and monitoring the homes where children are sent?

Tori: As an adult and foster parent, I have seen more behind the veil of foster care. I sense that proper vetting is not being done for foster parents because there is such a great need. There are counties and states where children are sleeping in human services offices or hotel rooms, which is a dangerous and vulnerable situation that can easily result in human trafficking. There are many hoops you have to jump through to become a foster parent, and it is very difficult; however, I feel some agencies feel like they can’t be picky because they are so desperate to get kids into homes.

Right: Scott Wichman, Tori’s former track coach and biggest cheerleader, walking her down the aisle at her wedding

Below: Tori and her husband, Jacob

Bottom: Tori was crowned Mrs. Universe in 2021.

I’ve found a lot of peace in the scripture John 15:18 as my life has become more public. It says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

VIE: How important was the mental health care you received while in foster care?

Tori: It was mandated for me to be in therapy because of the abuse I suffered. I am so thankful for those early years of therapy. I truly feel like I got a head start before therapy became cool. I credit therapy and journaling for my ability to process my emotions and tragic events now.

VIE: You were fortunate to have people in your life who introduced you to God, took you to church, and helped build your faith. Can you share how your relationship with God got you to where you are today?

Tori: My relationship with God has been a journey of understanding more about who He is and who He says I am walking in that truth. I call God “Abba,” because it is more intimate than “Father”—more like “Daddy.” God has filled this space in my life that was so empty. I think faith is so complex and hard to explain. But I’ve known God for a really long time. I just didn’t want to surrender to Him. Then when I was seventeen,

I really wanted to live a life that glorified God. I realized He gave so much and loved me so much, and I wanted to extend that kind of love to others, but it really was not until this past year that I understood that love is also for me. God also really, really, really does love me. I used to say it, but in the past year, I have been able to understand that I really am loved.

VIE: You talk a lot about people who have shown you kindness. Can you shed some light on the importance of offering these small acts of love that leave a lasting impact?

Tori: When I look back at my story, so many moments of people’s kindness and love formed who I am today. A lot of people like to chalk it up to what my track coach did for me—and that is good, and he did have a great impact on my life when he believed in me and became my forever father—but there are so many things that have made me who I am. Our little acts of kindness can be the pieces people choose to remember or hold onto during hard times. Our acts of kindness can change the trajectory of someone’s life and sometimes even save it.

VIE: Thank you, Tori!

To learn more about Tori, follow her on Instagram @torihopepetersen and online at ToriHopePetersen.com.

Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care is available from Amazon and other major booksellers.

Left: Tori and Jacob with their children, Sar, Leyonder, and Ezzeri

Below: Tori shares her story in her memoir, Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care.

Architecture by Anthony Vallee | Photo by Katie DeSantis

When Arix Zalace captured this photograph of a young Max, the roughly two-month-old black bear appeared to be discovering his body and all he was for the first time. The mother was nearby, and Zalace had spent over a year with her, which allowed her to feel comfortable in his presence while he collected footage for The Paper Bear. Through this upcoming feature film, Zalace and his team work to bring awareness to the immense biodiversity in the Florida Panhandle through the eyes of its majestic black bears. This photograph, titled Curiosity, is one of fourteen belonging to The Paper Bear Limited Art Series, which depicts Zalace’s incredible experiences filming wild black bears in the state forests of South Walton, Florida.

To learn more or purchase limited-edition prints, visit ThePaperBear.org.

Photo by Arix Zalace

VIE X MALLORY ERVIN X CC.BOONE

It was a wrap party to remember as we celebrated our March 2023 cover and feature story shoot with Mallory Ervin and her team in February. Realtor Michaelanne Lauderdale of Inlet Beach Real Estate and her clients were gracious enough to allow us to use this gorgeous home in Kaiya Beach Resort for the shoot, and Caroline Boone of CC.Boone Creative & Culinary Experiences planned an elegant cocktail and dinner party later that evening. With a long table on the home’s spacious courtyard pool deck, it truly felt like one big happy family. Thank you to everyone involved in such a beautiful day and evening. Be sure to check out CC.Boone’s Saltwater Supper Club for future events!

Photography by Hunter Burgtorf

Madison Todd, Jessica Ervin, Mallory Ervin, Cherie Kilchrist, and Paige Szupello

The dinner table setting by CC.Boone

Maddie Bilderback and Caroline Boone

Alex Curry, Michaelanne Lauderdale, Hailey Bethke, Kelly Curry, Madison Todd, Jessica Ervin, Mallory Ervin, Addie Strickland, Sally Neal, Jordan Staggs, Lisa Burwell, Paige Szupello, Cherie Kilchrist, Marta Rata, and Tracey Thomas

A beautiful evening at this residence in Kaiya Beach Resort

Sesame-crusted snapper by Chef Bill Leavy

Chef Bill Leavy

30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL 2023

World-class musicians hit the beach for the annual 30A Songwriters Festival presented by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Headliners Lyle Lovett, the Gin Blossoms, Rickie Lee Jones, Yola, Steve Earle, Morgan Wade, and many more took the stage at venues throughout South Walton, Florida, from Grand Boulevard in Sandestin to Alys Beach and everywhere in between. Keep an eye on 30ASongwritersFestival.com for announcements about 2024 tickets and artists.

Photography courtesy of 30A Songwriters Festival

Corey Crowder

Photo by Jim Clark

Everette, Matt Dragstrem, and Jaren Johnston

Photo by Jim Clark

Steve Poltz

Photo by Jack Gardner

Gin Blossoms

Photo by Nathan Zucker

Lyle Lovett

Photo by Nathan Zucker

Chuck Prophet

Photo by Nathan Zucker

Rickie Lee Jones

Photo by Shelly Swanger

Jordan Staggs and Sammi Accola

Photo by Kelly Curry

Cale Dodds

Photo by Jim Clark

AVAILABLE ON:

AMAZON MUSIC, AUDIBLE, APPLE MUSIC, SPOTIFY, AND IHEART RADIO

CHANGE MAKERS

MYLES MELLOR

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.

—Mother Teresa

MARCH

Presenting Sponsor: THE DUGAS FAMILY FOUNDATION

Food + Wine Sponsor : CAFÉ THIRTY-A

For a complete listing of all of our wonderful sponsors please visit our website.

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT CVHNKIDS.ORG or CAFETHIRTYA.COM

Shuttle service to the event will be provided. Must be 21 to attend this event.

Au revoir!

BEFORE YOU GO . . .

Ethiopian-American artist Awol Erizku is widely celebrated for his unique Afrocentric aesthetic. Based in Los Angeles, Erizku attended The Cooper Union before receiving his MFA from Yale. From photography to sculpture, his work explores a range of mythology, tradition, and contemporary culture. His visual vocabulary draws on and often incorporates hip-hop references and historical events with a definite focus on African arts. He weaves history’s heartstrings with the breadth of modern artistic mediums.

Artist Awol Erizku with some of his works; To learn more, visit BenBrownFineArts.com.

Photo courtesy of Ben Brown Fine Arts

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PHOTO BY ALEX DOSSEY