home + life

ADELA SEJDIC

Blue Mimi Concierge & Lifestyle Management

Adela was born in 1986 in the former Yugoslavia. During the civil war, the family emigrated to Germany, where Adela spent her childhood and early youth. The time in Germany shapes her and her character until today. As a teenager, Adela came to the U.S. and quickly managed to assimilate into society and find her place. After high school, she graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and worked successfully in the banking and insurance industry for many years. Today, the mother of two and entrepreneur runs her own Concierge & Lifestyle Management Service and is going for her MBA. Her company - Blue Mimi - was born out of a desire to make the most of life’s opportunities. Clients are given the freedom to focus on their own goals and desires while Blue Mimi handles the time-consuming routine tasks for them.

1343 Main Street, Ste 416 bluemimi.com info@bluemimi.com

ALEXIS FRASER

Lipstick Lex

Sarasota, Florida artist, Alexis Fraser, is otherwise known in the creative space as ‘Lipstick Lex.’

Lex is an international artist who works on both private and corporate projects. Her work has been showcased nationally and abroad where she has landed various exhibitions, collaborations, campaign work, live performances, public speaking engagements, gala events, TV segments, celebrity endorsements, collectors, and more.

Lex is an alternative visual artist utilizing a complete color palette of lipstick as her primary medium, while in addition, adorns everything she creates with her signature kiss. Her unconventional approach differentiates her work in the saturated art space and her brand is rapidly expanding as she evolves in the world of design and fashion with her bespoke signature wearable art collection.

The kiss print is her symbol as it promotes love, self-love, beauty, personal empowerment, joy, and affection.

lipsticklex.com @lipsticklexofficial 941.704.8551

ALISSA SILVERS

Liss Art Design

Alissa Silvers, the effervescent creative behind the global brand LISS, is an internationally recognized contemporary artist and graphic designer. Born and raised in Münchwilen, Switzerland, she now calls Sarasota home.

Inspired by diverse destinations from her travels, powerful women, and people she meets along the way, Alissa’s commissions, featured in private and public collections worldwide, have ranged from 10ft pieces to live painting performances for philanthropic events.

She brings a dynamic and modern feel to her paintings through a unique balance of color compositions and inspiring portraiture creating an exciting, kinetic experience for viewers. Alissa’s talents also extend to digital media, working with international and local clients to turn their businesses into industry powerhouses through evocative branding and design.

Her passion is to create valuable community connections, support inspiring and meaningful causes, and uplift. Whether creating digitally or with a paintbrush in hand, whatever she touches turns into a masterpiece.

lissartdesign.com @liss.art.design liss@lissartdesign.com

AUTUMN MCCONNELL

Summer Success Institute

No stranger to the world of education, Autumn is the owner and founder of Summer Success Institute, an academic based summer camp for children entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Her program not only focuses on the core subject areas of reading and math but equally emphasizes social and self-awareness skills, community involvement, and developing incredible little citizens in our community. The combination of Autumn’s passion for children and educational experiences over the past 20 years (including teacher, principal, and adjunct professor) and knowing Sarasota’s need for a relevant summer camp led to the birth and growing success of this expanding program. Autumn also enjoys working each Sunday in the children’s ministry at church, living a healthy lifestyle, and spending quality time with her foster children, family, and friends.

summersuccessinstitute.com summersuccess@icloud.com @summersuccessinstitute

CAT FORD-COATES

Portrait Unforgettable

Cat discovered her love of Photography in Florida at the State College of Florida and has spawned into a lifelong adoration and business(es) throughout the southeast.

An award-winning Photographer and filmmaker, & is an accredited Fellow Master Photographer with The Portrait Masters (1/12 Photographers worldwide) who specializes in boutique campaign design for entrepreneurs and Fine Art Portraiture.

A speaker, a Mentor with Sue Bryce Education, a judge for the most prestigious print competition worldwide, WPPI, and has photographed clients from Bali to Los Angeles.

Her favorite moment with her clients is witnessing the transformation that occurs when their confidence shifts during a session and they step into embodying the person they are meant to be. That confidence

Photo Credit: Portrait Unforgettable

initiates a ripple effect throughout their lives for their families, their businesses, and their communities. This transformation wouldn’t be possible without her pursuit of Mastery through continued education and the love of her craft.

portraitunforgettable.com 828.417.7400 @portraitunforgettable

ELIZABETH HARRISON MCDONALD

Sarasota Home Organizer

No stranger to moving, Elizabeth grew up in Portugal, and after graduating from college, settled in Florida where she began her 20-year career as a Project Manager for several international corporations. Her corporate and world-traveling experience taught her that sometimes no matter your good intentions, it can be challenging to find the time or energy to keep your home and business organized and on track. This realization paired with her passion for helping people led Elizabeth to establish Sarasota Home Organizer in 2014.

Sarasota Home Organizer now features a full team of Professional Organizers who provide hands-on help for clients in all stages of life to clear the clutter and maximize their efficiency at home and in the office. Their goal is to set up processes and systems that bring order, simplicity and efficiency to your workspace and home. With these creative, individualized solutions in place, you have more time to enjoy the things you love!

sarasotahomeorganizer.com @SarasotaHomeOrganizer @organizesrq

ELIZABETH K. TOPP

Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency Pinellas-Sarasota

Elizabeth K. Topp owns and operates Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency PinellasSarasota. Twinkle Toes provides concierge style childcare in an affordable and hassle-free manner. Elizabeth’s decade of experience in Early Childhood Education and caregiving supports the families and nannies in the Twinkle Toes network consistently.

As a community champion Elizabeth is involved in multiple organizations holding board positions and volunteering her time including Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, The American Cancer Society, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Junior League Sarasota, and Easterseals Happiness House.

Elizabeth is passionate about the youth and believes that through education and experience we can impact future generations in grand ways. She is also committed to lifting and empowering other women in their journeys to rise as one.

twinkletoesnanny.com elizabeth@twinkletoesnanny.com @twinkletoesnanny_pie.srq

JENNY ALDAY TOWNSEND

Music Compound / Level Up

Jenny Townsend is the founder of Music Compound, a performance-based music school. Founded in 2016, Music Compound has become one of Florida’s leading music schools. Her background is in sales, marketing, fundraising, real estate, and assisting startups with rapid growth. She is a fifth-generation Sarasota native. Jenny has been instrumental in helping to grow several for and not-forprofit businesses. She attributes her success to her entrepreneurial parents, private school education, 10 years of 4-H, and youth sports. She recently launched a mentor and entrepreneur program for area teens known as Level Up.

Jenny was named the 2019 Young Professional of the Year and Music Compound won Small Business of the Year for Products in Service in 2019. She was also a finalist for Women-Led Business in 2021. She has also been recognized by the Business Observer as one of the 40 Under 40.

MusicCompound.com / LevelUpSRQ.com @JennyInSRQ @Jenny Alday Townsend

JULES MACKIE

Coldwell Banker Realty Longboat Key

Jules brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and expertise of our local communities. Whether it’s information on current market conditions, or the nuances of home buying and selling, she’s considered by many to be among the top in her field. Her quick rise in real-estate sales stems from over 20 years experience at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as a successful, independent commodities floor trader. She thrives in a fast paced, ever-changing environment and brings that confidence and persistence to guide her clients. Jules takes great pride in providing exceptional service, and the best experience every step of the way. When not out with clients, she can be seen around town – at her son’s soccer games, paddle boarding, & enjoying live music. She is a member of the Junior League of Sarasota and national volunteer and supporter of La Leche League helping new mothers and babes.

Julesmackie@gmail.com @julesmackierealtor julesmackie.com

KANDY MAGNOTTI

FL Suncoast Real Estate

Kandy Magnotti is a Florida Licensed Real Estate Agent and owner of FL Suncoast Real Estate and Relocation Consulting partnered with Preferred SHORE, an elite, boutique brokerage and real estate marketing company specializing in Florida’s coastal areas. After working for 20 years in the healthcare and wellness industry, with the last few years working as a successful life transitions counselor and residential sales agent in the highly competitive senior living sector, nothing brings Kandy more joy than to now successfully apply her diverse skillset and professional expertise in contract negotiation, sales, marketing, and facilitating life transitions to helping clients achieve their real estate goals and dreams. Backed by a progressive, cutting-edge, 21st century marketing powerhouse and real estate firm, if you are buying, selling, relocating, or investing, Kandy will be a partner on your real estate journey. “If

you can dream it, I’ll help you achieve it.” ~ Kandy

941.807.7431 @flsuncoastrealestate @KandyMagnotti

KAROLINA LIRA

DJ Lira

Karolina is a born Ukrainian, but a true Hungarian at heart! Her love for DJing started over 10 years ago in a small club out on Siesta Key. From there she had moved to Orlando in order to continue her education at UCF while also working on her DJ skills. She had the opportunity to play at some large events in Orlando such as the New Year’s Eve Charity Ball; fashion shows at the Firestone Club, in addition to over 50 weddings at hotels and resorts like the Gaylord Palms. Right after graduation she had moved back to Sarasota to work at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. But she wasn’t ready to give up music just yet! After some time and networking, she had the opportunity to DJ at more local venues, weddings, events, and earn residency as the first local female DJ in Sarasota.

djlira.com @djlirak @DJLirak

KELLY BALDWIN

Coldwell Banker Realty

Kelly graduated from the University of Florida and went on to work in marketing and event management, developing a sophisticated skill set that translated perfectly to the real estate business when she started her career in 2013. A native Floridian with a wealth of market knowledge, Kelly brings a fresh perspective and proven results to every real estate experience. A specialist in new construction and waterfront properties, she enjoys serving first-time buyers and seasoned sellers alike throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties at all price points. An award-winning Realtor and rising star, Kelly was selected as an honoree for the National Association of Realtor’s Realtor Magazine’s “30 under 30” in 2016. Based out of Coldwell Banker’s prestigious and top-ranked Longboat Key office, she relishes in helping customers with the enhanced support of Coldwell Banker’s national and local strength in advertising, marketing, and technology.

941.404.9396 Kelly.Baldwin@floridamoves.com KellyBaldwin.com

LUCY SUITS

The Modern Girl Party & Co.

A party enthusiast, passion driven boss with a love for all things pretty, brings basic parties to a whole new level of design sophistication. Known for her extra style and unexpected edge, she merges “fun” and “luxury” to every execution in party design. Making spaces beautiful has always been a passion of Lucy’s. Lucy loves creating anything fun + whimsical to elegant. The latest addition to TMGP is their boutique-style Tee-pee & Picnic parties, or as she likes to call it “Glamping”. Much inspired by Lucy’s soon to be 11-year-old daughter, Lily. The Modern Girl Party works with all kinds of celebrations, from one year old parties to weddings. They execute Party Styling & Party Planning.

TheModernGirlParty.com hello@themoderngirlparty.com @TheModernGirlParty

MELISSA ESTEP ROBIN KORNETT

Two Blooms Events

Melissa and Robin are a dynamic duo full of creativity, joy, and meticulous taste. Combining their professional lifestyle and design talents, the women launched Two Blooms Events several years ago and have been curating epic memories and elaborate parties ever since. Hosting fun and creative floral arranging workshops at favorite local hotspots or privately, guests arrive to a beautiful display of fresh blooms and leave with a new set of skills along with a gorgeous arrangement they made themselves! Entertaining guests with back-and-forth banter, Melissa and Robin love sharing top tricks of the trade and dishing out their favorite décor secrets.

From florals to fine details, Melissa and Robin also offer customized boutique-style event branding for special celebrations. A one-of-a-kind signature look is their specialty!

twobloomsevents@gmail.com @twobloomsevents twobloomsevents.com

MORIAH K. TALIAFERRO

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Moriah Taliaferro is a leader in luxury real estate sales throughout Sarasota and Longboat Key.

As an experienced REALTOR® with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, she has represented sellers and buyers in high-level transactions, and she has represented several luxury new development projects including Sage LBK, Orange Club, and ONE88.

Moriah’s passion for real estate aligns with her dedication to serving others, ensuring that people are met with the highest level of care and attention to detail as they transition between homes. She extends the same commitment to community involvement, actively advocating for green space, conservation, and children’s causes through the Rosemary District Association, Junior League, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

She celebrates her past as an accomplished ballerina by promoting Sarasota’s distinguished arts culture and by seeking the balance between grace and strength in her daily life.

moriahtaliaferro.com moriah.taliaferro@premiersir.com @livinginsarasotaluxury

RANA TIERNEY

Roohi Photography

From dreaming up creative, oneof-a-kind photo shoots to providing an unbelievable hair and makeup experience by her team, Rana Tierney, owner and photographer at Roohi Photography, has designed her exclusive portrait sessions around magazineworthy, interior design and a home full of gallery-worthy images.

Rana specializes in WOMEN. From high school seniors to incredible women entrepreneurs and all the boss babes in between, Rana’s main focus is providing amazing portraits to women of all ages. She shows them that investing in themselves should always be high on their priority list.

Focusing on branding sessions for women as well as high school senior portraits, Rana is able to take her talent of photographing women and create images that leave her clients speechless. She is dedicated to making her clients’ portrait dreams come true.

She’s a mom, coffee-lover, wife and a woman who believes in empowering others.

roohiphotography.com rana@roohiphotography.com @roohiphoto

SHANTEL NORMAN

Jah Movement & Humble Yourself Clothing Brand

Shantel Norman is a native of Lexington, North Carolina, and moved to Florida in 2009. Shantel has competed in many talents shows such as Triad Idol for the triad area of North Carolina winning a spot as one of the finalists, the Omega Psi Phi talent show winning 2nd place, and in the Summer 2011 and made the national spotlight on ABC network reality show Karaoke Battle USA. Shantel was the 2nd place finalist as one of the best singers in the USA. Shantel has also sung at the Legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem NY and came in 2nd place. Shantel has a very popular Reggae Band called Jah Movement and her own clothing line, “Humble Yourself”. Shantel is also an influencer and specializes in Digital Marketing and helping small businesses with their social media content. Shantel also works for Visit Sarasota County, Sarasota County Convention, and Visitors Bureau.

shantelvnorman.com @jahmovementband info@jahmovement.com

VIKTORIA WARREN

VictoriaBlooms

It started with a simple concept a little over 10 years ago: to turn a passion for floral design into a bespoke floral design company. European born, and New York City raised gave Viktoria that edge and flair to her work in Sarasota, which she recognized the city was craving. “As soon as I started designing, it was like a fire started burning inside me. I loved every minute and wanted to keep creating.” Today, her trained team has grown to accommodate the company’s growing list of clients throughout Sarasota and the greater Tampa Bay area. Whether the client is hosting an intimate dinner party, fashionable gala, or a high-end wedding, the team take the time to know their client and materialize a vision into a floral reality. Seeking inspiration from traveling and collaborating with US and European designers on various projects is what keeps the company driven and fuels the creativity needed to beautifully execute every event.

@victoriabloomssrq 941.363.0900 info@victoriabloomssrq.com

TAMMY MACEY JENNIFER FOLSOM SAMANTHA BENNA ABRESHA ABOUZEID PAULA BRYANT

BMW of Sarasota & Lamborghini Sarasota

From the razor sharp finance skills of Tammy Macey to the backend accounting management of Jennifer Folsom, BMW and Lamborghini Sarasota’s Ladies of Luxury delivery premium experiences like no others. Samantha Benna has nearly a decade of experience configuring six and seven figure Lamborghini’s along with coordinating the owners experience from anywhere around the world.

Arbresha Abouzeid brokers horse power and the finest brand in the exotic car world with poise and confidence. And last but definitely not least, Paula Bryant manages hundreds of client touches daily using a balance of the most cutting-edge technology and AI with well-trained humans that must be prepared to intercept the challenges that life presents between an exceptional client sales or service experience. These ladies bring nearly 100 years of industry experience to the table that started with companies like Verizon Communications and were perfected at BMW and Lamborghini Sarasota.

bmwofsarasota.com lamborghinisarasota.com jfolsom@bmwofsarasota.com