TAKE THE RISK
Bold moves to break free; cooler weather fashion; trailblazers Margie Stone, Sonya Ahmed and Taxie Lambert; strength training for all ages; navigating diabetes
PLUS
Go charming with ALK Designs! Exploring Abbeville, AL
from the editor
One of our topics for this month is mentorship, and that’s gotten me thinking about the women who have provided guidance, encouragement and help in my own life. At every turn, someone older and more experienced lit the path with her advice while modeling characteristics of dedication, professionalism and skill. I took their lessons to heart and carry them with me even now.
As a young professional, I thought I needed to know everything and that asking for help was a sign of weakness. But now I know that everyone needs guidance, and there is a wealth of it out there for the taking. The key is to accept that you need to learn and grow and then look around for someone with the knowledge and skills you need. Reach out. Ask for a lunch date or a meeting. It just might change your life.
Another one of this month’s themes is risk. I think we all know that giant leaps forward (personally and professionally) often require significant risks. Maybe the biggest risk of all is looking in the mirror, seeing your true self and then allowing her to the surface for all to see. The happiest people could be those who are the most authentic. It’s difficult to grasp that the things that make us different – even the things that keep us from fitting in – are the parts of us we need to embrace and reveal to the world. Think about the most successful businesspeople, artists and influencers. They are usually at the top of their fields because they are unique. It takes guts and the willingness to risk acceptance to become the exceptional person you were meant to be.
This month, let’s all remember to thank the heroes in our lives –the ones who have been our mentors and the ones who have set an example by bravely taking big risks toward success.
And special thanks to all our readers this month as well! Because of your support and interest, Bella is still growing and going strong. Our whole team is grateful for you!
If there’s something you’d like to learn about in next year’s pages of Bella, send me a note at lisa@bellamagazine.com. Happy November, y’all. — Lisa Player
Liz Biggs, Alice Crann Good, Sharla Gorder, Allison McCrory, Chelsea Owens, Leslie Peck, Lisa Player, Justine Williams Roper, Leah Seacrest, Magi Thomley Williams
Harrison, Magi Thomley Williams
staff
Liz Biggs, writer/columnist
Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career, but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.
Alice Crann Good, writer
Award-winning writer Alice Crann Good spent 20 years with USA TODAY and Pensacola News Journal; accolades include the Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award. She was also a state college PR specialist and is author of Betsy the Bookworm children’s book series.
Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist
Sharla Dawn Gorder is a Pensacola Beach resident and columnist for the Island Times newspaper. She is the author of “My Vices Collide; a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up,” and is currently working on her next book, entitled “Crayon Dawn,” due out in November 2024.
Jennifer Harrison, advertising
Jennifer Harrison is a Pensacola native (via the Navy). She is very involved in the Pensacola community through IMPACT 100, Pensacola Navy Days, Food Distributions for Representative Salzman, Leadership Pensacola, ECPS Foundation, Achieve Escambia, ECCPTA and more. Making an impact is what drives her to do more.
Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist
Allison McCrory is almost a Pensacola native who has worked in writing and editing since 1984 when she started with The News, an afternoon newspaper that later merged with the morning Journal. The mom of two adult kids, Allison suffers from a tennis addiction, practices yoga and loves to cook.
Magi Thomley Williams, advertising/writer
Magi Thomley Williams, ACB, ALB is a business and nonprofit consultant, writer, trainer and speaker. Dedicated to improving her community by helping nonprofits build their boards, improve their media presence and attract donor funding,Magi enjoys writing about impactful nonprofits, thriving businesses and the women who lead them. Magi@ThomleyConsulting.com
Chelsea Owens, writer
Chelsea Owens grew up in Gulf Breeze and received degrees in communications and art from the University of West Florida. She has a lifelong passion for style and art, and over 10 years of social media and marketing experience. She is also a pilates instructor who enjoys both staying busy and relaxing at the beach.
Justine Roper, writer
Justine Roper is a doctor of physical therapy, personal trainer, and speaker from Pensacola. She has written articles surrounding women’s health for publications like Essence magazine and enjoys all things movement and food. She is the proud owner of InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness, where her passion for women’s health truly shines.
Leslie Peck, writer/beauty expert
Leslie Peck is a local aesthetician, makeup artist, lash artist and brow specialist. She has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles and 11 seasons of NYC Fashion week. Leslie was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007 for her work at Fashion Week.
Leah Seacrest, writer/fitness expert
Leah Seacrest, a seasoned fitness industry veteran with over 30 years, experience in group fitness and personal training, coowns REGYMEN Fitness Pensacola and is the SVP of REGYMEN Fitness overseeing operations and franchise growth. She is a mother of three and loves spending time outdoors.
Sonshine, writer
Sonshine is a Northwest Florida media personality, currenting hosting “Sonshine’s Corner” on BLAB TV. She is a business consultant, author, motivational speaker and fitness consultant. Sonshinemoorer@gmail.com.
Toni Sparks, photographer
Toni Sparks is a proud Pensacola native. As the visionary behind Short Story Studios. Toni is dedicated to creating magazine-quality images with unparalleled elegance and style. Her experiences infuse her photography with a unique perspective that celebrates and elevates every moment.
Kate Treick, photographer
Kate Treick is a professional photographer, writer, speaker and publisher who has called Pensacola home since 2012. She and her husband, Joel, have two teenaged kids and two funny little dogs. Kate loves spending time with friends, leading music at her church, reading and traveling. kate@katetreickphotography.com
Teresa Torres Zwierzchowski, social media
Teresa Zwierzchowski has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, including more than 15 years working for the Pensacola News Journal. She is a lover of all things communication including brand, culture and social media as well as community and public relations.
Elizabeth Meyer, art director
Elizabeth Meyer spent her early career as a designer and design director at newspapers across the country. She is currently an adjunct instructor and director of The McKinley Avenue Agency at Ball State University. Betsy was born in Pensacola while her father was in the U.S. Navy.
inside this issue
COVER STORY
RISK, a good four-letter word Page 26
PROFILE
Sonya Ahmed, M.D. Page 34
10 SPEND OR SAVE
12 FASHION: Cooler weather ushers in earthy fabrics and hues
24 BEAUTY: Celebrating the hero alongside the hero
30 PROFILE: Margie Stone, WWII vet
38 PROFILE: Taxie Lambert’s mission to help teens shine
42 LOCAL FARE: What impact has a mentor had on you?
44 LOCAL FARE: Inspired Closets
46 BODY & SOUL: Embrace strength training
56 GNO: A charmed life with ALK Designs
60 WORTH THE TRIP: Exploring Abbeville, Alabama
64 HER PERSPECTIVE: The bionic mentor
66 HER PERSPECTIVE: Wondering about wanderlust
BODY & SOUL Navigating Diabetes Page 50
On the cover: Air Force reservist Laneikia Wilson is a fashion hero in the Monika jacket and Just Black jeans from Bluetique. Story on Page 12.
Photo by Kate Treick Photography
BY
Sylvia wide calf knee high boot, $250, samedelman.com
AGOLDE Luna high rise barrel leg jeans, $258, bloomingdales.com
Marcie hobo bag, $2,390, chloe.com
$49, lulus.com
Super Barrel regular jeans, $39.99, hm.com Mia tote, $258, dolcevita.com
Katari cranberry croc pointed-toe knee high boots,
fashion
Cooler weather
ushers in earthy fabrics and hues
By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
“Jackets — lots and lots of jackets.”
That is the top fall fashion newsmaker, according to Pensacola’s Bluetique owner Laura Belsinger.
Shorter and boxier styles have especially been trending this season as well as quilted jackets.
Shirt dresses with or without a belt are a smart Gulf Coast autumn choice to exude a pretty puttogether look.
Throwback denim skirts in midi or maxi lengths are popular. In denim as well as other fabrics, wide legs are still reigning as queen of pants.
Perfect for signaling a fall vibe, suede and corduroy are trending. But if you’re just adding one new fall piece, vegan leather is where it’s at.
“While in New York for market earlier this year we couldn’t believe how much vegan leather we saw for fall. It seemed like every line we met with had at least a couple of leather pieces in their collection,” Belsinger noted.
Current colors as well as fabrics shout autumn!
“Chocolate brown, caramel, burgundy, olive and deep blue,” are the latest fashion spectrum, Belsinger said, adding that leopard print is off the charts.
“There are also some fun pops of color — mustard, paprika, and scarlet red.”
Mary Jane shoes “are everywhere right now,” she added, with ballet flats a popular choice as well.
Finish your autumn look by tossing essentials in this season’s favorite purse — a woven bag — to celebrate fall on the Gulf Coast.
Shopping list: Jackets are big news this fall! Add quilting and classic neutral tones that will team with black, chocolate and winter white and you have a winner.
Monika jacket, $398; Just Black denim jeans, $98; Tyler Boe turtleneck, $110.
Shopping list: Vegan leather is the season’s favorite fabric, surfacing in nearly all fashion lines. These joggers by Emily McCarthy, $228, make a versatile fall duo paired with this poppy top, $210, also by Emily McCarthy.
Laneikia Wilson
After relishing participating in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for four years at Tate High School, Laneikia Wilson knew a military career was in her future.
Flash forward 10 years: Wilson has served in the Air Force reserves for a decade as an E6 technical sergeant in civil engineering. During that time, her work as a heavy equipment operator sparked an interest in project management. She completed a degree at Pensacola State College last year and is still going strong.
“I am now halfway through my bachelor’s in project management and am projected to finish next December, 2025,” said the Monroeville native.
When not working for the Veteran’s Administration, doing reserve duty and studying, Wilson cares for her two young children and also enjoys exercising especially outdoors.
“I love to work out and have a huge passion for nature and anything outdoors. Some of my favorite activities have been skydiving over the Grand Canyon and scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean when I was on military duty in Guam.”
Wilson also reveres November’s patriotic holiday, Veterans Day, which she calls “near and dear to my heart.”
Shopping list: Looking for an outfit that will take you everywhere you want to go this fall? How about this Tyler Boe Harper bomber jacket, $252, paired with a versatile top and jeans? Le Jean Virginia wide leg jeans, $235; Amanda Uprichard Freya top, $212.
Shopping list: Make a statement in this Alden Adair dress featuring vibrant colors, clean flowing lines and a whimsical ruffle, $312.
Shopping list: The era of Carole King ballads and Volkswagen vans comes to mind when sporting this stunning crocheted art piece by Marie Oliver, $398.
About the Location Razzy Showbarns The Cantonment home of Cindy and John Rasmussen
Hair Compliments of NaShae Stallworth
NaShae Stylz 14 W. Jordan St., Pensacola; 850-332-4189
Makeup Compliments of Tiffani Loveless, travel MUA
Facebook: Uniquely Created by Tipp
Clothes Compliments of Bluetique 125 Palafox Pl., Pensacola; 850-432-1264; bluetiquepensacola.com
Model Compliments of Izon Models & Talent LLC
301 N. Barcelona St., Suite E, Pensacola; 850-433-2099; izonmodels.com
stylingthe shoot
Kate Treick / Fashion styling: Allison McCrory Where to shop: Bluetique
enewton bracelets, $38, $62, $78
Earrings, $68
Bracelet, $22
Photography:
enewton earrings, $58
Earrings, $36
Bracelet, $26
Earrings, $29.95
Straw clutch, $48
enewton bracelets, $48, $52, $78
PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY
Urinary urgency or frequency
Inability to empty bladder completely
Frequent trips to the restroom at night
Pain during or after intercourse
Persistent low back or hip pain
Postpartum weakness & discomfort
Rectal pain
Abdominal separation or weakness
Recurrent abdominal pelvic symptoms after surgery
Pubic bone pain during pregnancy
The Egypt Clutch, $78
The Velvet Clutch, $48
beauty
Celebrating
the hero alongside the hero
JENNIFER SHASHATY
Story and photo by Leslie Peck
If you ask Jennifer Shashaty where home is, she will tell you she was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but has since made many places “home” along the way. She is the wife of Pensacola’s US Navy Captain, Terrence (Terry) Shashaty.
Prior to meeting her future husband, Jenn Shashaty graduated from St. Francis College in downtown Brooklyn, where she studied ultrasound and genetics. She worked as an ultrasound tech for nine years at Sonoscan Genetic Sciences, which is part of North Shore University Hospital.
“After marrying Terry, I quit work and organized the OSC, Officer Spouse Clubs, and FRG, Family Readiness Groups, in Washington, California and Rhode Island. When time allowed in other non-deployment states, I was a substitute teacher,” Shashaty said. “Giving up a career is hard, but I would do it all again, the same exact way, but would try to slow down and live in each moment longer.”
Along the wild ride of moving and staying busy with commitments and deployments, the Shashatys had four children. Chris, 18, is a freshman at Ole Miss, Nick is a junior at Catholic High School and the twins, Matt and Ellie, 12, are in sixth grade at Episcopal Day School.
Shashaty has been a military spouse for 20 years.
“24 years in total. It took me a few years to marry him. I was reluctant of the lifestyle, but so grateful for the day I said yes!” she said.
Throughout their Navy career, they have lived in Washington three different times, California, Rhode Island, Colorado, Virginia and a final stop in our beautiful Pensacola.
There are many responsibilities that come along with the role of a military spouse and even more so as the wife of a captain.
“We are the core ambassadors for our uniformed members,” Shashaty said. “I’ve attended a few leadership symposiums and created spouse groups throughout the years. It has given me the courage from
seasoned spouses to share an understanding of traditions and customs in this military community through my own experiences. I enjoy sharing the knowledge and providing resources for transitioning through deployments, moving and readiness for the sake of the needs of the Navy. How to live on the fly and embrace the excitement of change.”
If you know Shashaty, then you know she is always attending events for the Navy, hosting other Military families in her home and supporting her husband every step of the way. She goes above and beyond to keep her four children going in all the many directions they need to be on a daily basis, and she usually has their friends in tow. Military life isn’t always easy, but she has helped guide her family through the many transitions that come along with Terry’s career.
“Our kids have learned how to be resourceful; they’ve learned how to embrace change, integrate themselves in new environments and competitive teams,” Shashaty explained. “Home to them is ‘home plate;’ familiar is a lane line in a swimming pool; love is passion shared in recreational or competitive teams. They thrive to leave places better than they found them. We’ve learned the most through our children.”
Terry Shashaty is retiring from the military after 26 years this month. As Jenn Shashaty prepares to celebrate all the festivities of this wonderful career she has had the privilege of sharing with him, she reflects on her role and what a big part it plays as a wife, mom and fellow military “village” member. When asked what her favorite memories are, her response was, “ALL of it!
“I loved meeting people from across the country, learning about different cultures, different traditions, building lasting Navy family friendships, extended aunts, uncles and grandparents too. I discovered strengths I never knew possible and turned weaknesses into opportunity. None of it is easy, but with the right village, there is no other place I’d rather be. Thank you for welcoming us home to Pensacola, Florida!” she said.
JENN SHASHATY’S BEAUTY LOOK
Bella beauty expert Leslie Peck went with smooth, even-toned skin with a blushing, rosy cheek, a lightly filled in brow, minimal shadow with a highlighted brow bone, a strip lash with muted black/brown eyeliner and topped it off with a bright, bold lip. This look is perfect for all of the many events Shashaty will be attending this month
RISK
A good four-letter word
By Alice
Today, copious amounts of information provided by New York Times best-selling authors, master life coaches, mentors and medical professionals educate women on the importance of tackling a call to action: Take risks!
Do it, because it can be life-changing, says research professor, social worker and chart-topping author Brené Brown in her book “Daring Greatly.”
Devoting decades to studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy, Brown makes a strong point: “When we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena — whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation.”
Emmy-winning life coach and best-selling author Rhonda Britten is on the same page. Britten is the author of several best-sellers and the free guide “From Fear to Freedom — How Fear Secretly Sabotages Your Happiness and Success.”
On her website, Britten shares: “Fear’s job is to keep us safe. It wants you to stay stuck right where you are. The tricky part is that fear doesn’t always show up as teeth-chattering, heart-pounding terror. It can show up as worry, anger, confusion, self-doubt, disappointment, frustration, procrastination, and more.”
A PROFESSIONAL PENSACOLIAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Cover Brooks, a Pensacola Women’s Alliance board member who mentors and empowers women from
Crann Good / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
cover story
“
With risk is fear, and fear is inherent in all of us. Fear is a way that our bodies try to protect us. Our body wants us to stay in the fear lane, but we have to break away in order to continue to grow, learn and expand to meet our goals.”
—
Cover Brooks, Pensacola Women’s Alliance board member
“I
RISKTAKING 101
A Pensacola Women’s Alliance board member who mentors and empowers women from all walks of life, Cover Brooks says beat the fear of taking risks by identifying the fear relative to what it is you are trying to accomplish. Change careers? Travel to Europe solo? Tell someone you love them? Buy a house?
BROOKS’ TIPS:
We are all responsible for our own lives, and it is important to know what you want. Set some goals. Every day, take action that gets you closer to those goals. Focus on progress, not perfection. Identify what is holding you back and ask yourself why? Is it a true concern or just fear of the unknown? Take steps to dissolve the unknown — practice, educate, talk to others. Act toward your goals and stretch yourself; it is the only way to accomplish them. Remember it is normal to feel uncomfortable. As we grow, we experience growing pains. Action leads to motivation, motivation leads to progress, and progress leads to accomplishment and a feeling of pride. Be proud of who you are, what you do and what you have yet to accomplish!
firmly believe that during childhood it is encouraged for girls to be more cautious and tempered and for boys to be more gregarious and bolder in their behaviors. I believe to some extent this carries over into adulthood.” — Jennifer Richardson, PA, owner of Emerald Coast Medical Group
all walks of life to reach their goals, stresses it’s not necessarily your fault if you are fearful.
“With risk is fear, and fear is inherent in all of us,” Brooks said. “Fear is a way that our bodies try to protect us. Our body wants us to stay in the fear lane, but we have to break away in order to continue to grow, learn and expand to meet our goals.”
It’s difficult; change is hard, but it’s necessary to get out of your comfort zone, Brooks said.
“We are all responsible for our own lives, and every action we take should get us closer to our goal,” Brooks added. “It doesn’t have to be big actions; it’s about taking steps.”
Still, even inching forward can induce fear, she said.
“When we think of our lives and what we should do, our analytical self naturally thinks about the risks and fear — the fear that we are not good enough, the fear of what other people might think, the fear of the unknown and failure.”
On the other hand, “Some people are better at putting on blinders, not listening to the brain chatter, and going after the goal faster than others,” she said.
Go ahead and recognize fear, but do not let it stop you, Brooks advised. And don’t let others stop you, she said.
“Women, people in general, are scared of change. So, when someone they know takes a big risk, they may take on the fear for that person. It’s not necessarily that they are not supporting the person, but they may not have such a broad point of view, may not have the same perspective. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s limiting on how people can support one another.”
Now a Morgan Stanley wealth manager, Brooks is a risk taker who left a corporate job in Memphis she had for 15 years when she and her husband decided to move the family back to Pensacola.
“That was a huge risk, but it’s all about what is best for us and our family,” Brooks said. “Remember, you have to break down the fear to be comfortable with your decisions.”
A SUPER SUCCESSFUL RISK
Jennifer Richardson’s story reveals she has experienced all of the above. She is still in awe when recalling one of the most monumental risks she has ever taken.
Richardson graduated from the University of South Alabama with a master’s degree in physician assisted studies in 1999 and straightaway joined Dr. Gary Gotthelf MD and Associates in Pensacola.
“He was a huge advocate for physician assistants and mentored me for over two decades,” Richardson said. “When it came time for his retirement, I felt strongly that the practice needed to maintain its independence.”
Since another physician didn’t show an interest in purchasing the practice, and after “a tremendous amount of consideration” and with the support of her husband, Richardson purchased the practice in 2021. Gotthelf retired in 2022.
As a PA, Richardson is the proud owner of Emerald Coast Medical Group.
“With that came overcoming a lot of fear,” Richardson said. “My primary fear was rejection. I was going to have to find physicians who were of the same mindset and interested in the benefits of private practice, but were also willing to work for me, not a physician, but a physician assistant.
“Fortunately, I have found several like-minded physicians who recognize that we have a relationship of mutual respect, and our goals to provide quality medical care align.”
Fear No. 2: Financial failure.
“My husband and I have both worked since high school,” Richardson shared. “We are hard workers who have worked to secure our financial future and our children’s education. Purchasing this practice meant refinancing our home and risking our financial future should it not be successful. Fortunately, that has proven not to be an issue.”
Richardson said another fear was how owning the practice would impact family life.
“All of this occurred at a time when
my youngest son was a senior in high school,” she recalled. “He witnessed us working late into the night, most nights for quite a while, but fortunately we were able to carve out time and prioritize our family life.
“I’m grateful both of our boys have watched us work hard over the past three years and have seen what overcoming fear and hard work can create.”
And she is overjoyed her sons have witnessed a win for women everywhere.
“I firmly believe that during childhood it is encouraged for girls to be more cautious and tempered and for boys to be more gregarious and bolder in their behaviors,” Richardson said. “I believe to some extent this carries over into adulthood.”
An essential role in Richardson’s life today is sharing her knowledge, skills and experiences as a coach and teacher. She is a preceptor for the University of South Alabama master’s physician assistant program and the Florida State University physician assistant program, and she mentors pre-PA students for the University of West Florida.
She aspires to help women understand the importance of risk taking.
“In my decades of practice, I have had numerous conversations with women who have limited themselves due to fear and the discomfort that’s associated with trying something new,” Richardson said.
So, she returns to square one and reiterates how it all starts by taking one step at a time.
“One such example is women often tell me that they are intimidated to go into the gym because they don’t know what to do,” Richardson said. “I challenge them and tell them that the sense of discomfort they feel is nothing compared to the growth and sense of accomplishment they will feel once they walk through the doors of the gym and ask for help.”
Richardson’s bottom line: “Fear of taking risks in our business and personal lives is immensely limiting. Our capacity as women is only limited by us.”
profile
Margie Stone
WWII vet, 101, makes historic Normandy trip
By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography & provided
Awe and gratitude are strong in the heart of Pensacola World War II veteran and volunteer 101-yearold Margie Stone.
And possibly no life moment was more awe-inspiring than sitting behind President Biden on a stage in Normandy, France, on June 6, and hearing her name called out to commemorate the more than 350,000 women who answered the call to World War II service.
Stone tried to sit in a less prominent spot, but organizers wanted her positioned just behind the presidents, to highlight women’s contributions to the war effort.
“So they put me on the front row and sure enough when Biden gave his speech, he mentioned the ladies and he mentioned my name,” said Stone, who was born on July 4, 1923, in Maine.
Stone was one of 68 veterans ages 96 to 107 who visited the iconic region in June for more than a week to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
FINDING THE BEAUTY
After landing in Paris, one of the first stops for the veterans was at Suresnes American Cemetery where the oldest
veteran, a 107-year-old former gunner, laid a wreath to remember the 4,414 Allied troops who died on D-Day,
A military musician played taps as the veterans encircled the wreath.
“That just sends you somewhere. It just gets to you in a very special way,” said Stone.
The visit was bittersweet, Stone said.
“All of these white crosses slant down the hill and it is something else to see that many crosses. And when you’re looking down the hill, here’s the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It’s just so pretty.
“Most of them were 18, just out of high school,” Stone recalled. “Some of them didn’t even graduate they were so eager to be a part of it. It’s just unreal.”
Other stops included Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, where veterans each tossed a red rose on the beach. The group was welcomed by schoolchildren along their historic journey, was serenaded by a military choir, watched a reenactment of the historic era, visited museums, lunched at a historic chateau, participated in a parade in Pointe du Hoc where they were greeted by townspeople who generations after
“The thing about it is, this was such a big invasion. I guess it was different from all the others because you had the landings, you had the air and the ships bombing all the time. It was a huge, huge undertaking. There’s a saying, I think Eishenhower said it, that there was no Plan B if this hadn’t worked. There was no Plan B.”
— Margie Stone, 101, WWII vet
by Frank M. Jackowiak
D-Day expressed their gratitude to the veterans.
“The people are just so excited and so glad to see you. When you get to Normandy, those people remember what happened and they know that they were saved. They appreciate it. They’re not forgetting it and they have a celebration every year. They keep it all alive,” said Stone.
“Beautiful” is a word Stone used over and over — to describe the cemeteries, the French bread, the new buses that transported the group, the clothes and blankets gifted to the veterans.
“It was such a nice trip and so well planned. All the places that we stayed were so nice. And the food was excellent, and the restaurants went out of their way to please you,” said Stone.
“PROUD TO BE PART OF IT”
After she completed two years of college, on the day after her 20th birthday, Stone joined the Navy WAVES.
Her younger brother Donald was drafted and that prompted her to seek military service also.
“I had one brother that I grew up with and we were very close, and my brother had to go. He was drafted and I wanted to go too.”
She went to boot camp at Hunter College, NY, then rode a train to Norman, OK, for airplane mechanic training.
“I can remember that train trip and the black cinders were falling in my lap,” recalled Stone with a chuckle.
Rather than being scared, Stone said she was excited. While the military was
Photo
very regimented, she quickly adapted to the rules.
“You fall into them easily because everybody is doing it too. It was fun learning to march and do different things,” Stone said.
“We were so proud that we could have a little part in all of it. When something that big happens, you want to be part of it. You want to be able to help. And so we were. So many fields opened up and from there — look at where the women have gone. They do so much now,” said the mother of three daughters.
From Oklahoma, she was sent to Jacksonville to work on airplanes. She met her husband, Harry Stone, also stationed in Jacksonville, and after the war, they moved to his hometown of Pensacola and raised three daughters.
While Stone is a quiet person, “her actions speak for her,” explained her daughter Barbara Grass.
At 101, Stone drives, lives independently and volunteers at least weekly at Baptist Hospital. She’s in a sewing group and makes blankets, scarves and other gifts for family and friends. She tends to her many plants, cross stitches and is active in D.A.R. and East Brent Baptist Church. She loves to attend local Blue Angels events and “anything patriotic,” said Grass.
Grass remembers that often as a child when her dad would travel, Stone would announce “Girls, we are going camping,” packing up the tent, the girls and everything else needed for a nature adventure — to the Smokies if they had more time or to St. Andrews State Park if they had less.
Always an adventurer, Stone went on to swim competitively into her ’90s. Despite the passing of more than 80 years since the United States was immersed in World War II, Stone’s passion for peace is strong.
“If there’s any way we can, we should avoid another war. Look at all of the thousands that were killed in that war. And now with this nuclear, it would be just unbelievable. It would just destroy so much. We need to avoid another war. We just couldn’t imagine what could happen now.”
profile
Women’s health champion Sonya Ahmed, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon
By Magi Thomley Williams / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
Sonya Ahmed, M.D., has been an athlete all her life, beginning gymnastics at the age of 5.
“My largest reason for my career choice is that I was an athlete,” she said, “and it was so hard to find a female in orthopedics then. And it honestly still is! I loved the musculoskeletal system and being an athlete with all my injuries, I thought orthopedics was best for me.”
The career path has taken her on a rewarding journey.
“I have been a provider for the US Olympic team. I was the chief medical officer for the Lillehammer Youth Olympics,” she said.
Ahmed is a certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. She sees patients at North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists, and she is a physician provider to the Andrews Institute.
Orthopedists have primarily two jobs: They treat fractures and joint problems; ultimately, the goal is prevention of injuries. For injury prevention and bone mineral density, building muscle mass helps. It also burns more calories, making the body more efficient when doing nothing at all or doing another activity.
“And that’s probably the one thing that I would say for female readers — try to be more active and be more cognizant of the idea of prevention,” Ahmed said.
“If you want to talk about the best thing right now for bone density, prevention of fracture, prevention of injury — I cannot stress it enough — is strength training. Strength training can be an endorphin release, a stress reliever. It is statistically
proven to help build bone mineral density, prevent future fractures,” she said.
She tells women to get over the idea that weightlifting is manly and will make women look too manly.
In general, women are more susceptible to injury due to post-menopausal hormonal imbalances, which lead to bone mineral density issues. Often women are already a little bit uncomfortable participating in some sports.
Her advice: “Get out of your comfort zone. Go challenge yourself. Do it in an intellectual, strategic way, and you’ll prevent injury, you’ll build bone density, and you will probably have better mental health too.”
Ahmed sees there are challenges for others like her who want to become orthopedic surgeons.
“I think medicine has become extremely difficult for everyone and especially women. Especially in ortho.”
Reports show that only 4% to 9% of orthopedists are female. The specialty tends to be a man’s club where most patients (mostly males) learn of the specialty because of sports injuries. Surgeries like joint replacement can require more physicality than finesse, which can be off-putting to some females.
Ahmed’s brother (also a physician) has dubbed her the “carpenter of the family” because of the physical demands of her work. She describes herself a bit differently.
“I am a Southern girl at heart, but I am fullblooded Egyptian. I currently love to teach and previously had academic jobs for teaching. I travel giving lectures about foot and ankle, different products, etc.”
Ahmed is also a champion for women’s health and female medical professionals.
Helping teens
Taxie Lambert’s heartfelt mission SHINE
By Jennifer Harrison / Photos by Kate Treick Photography & Getty Images profile
When you meet her, you just love her.
Taxie Lambert turned a tragedy in her life into something the community embraces. Lambert’s daughter, Desirea Sierra, was killed at the age of 11 in an act of domestic violence. Desirea never had the chance to grow up and experience a high school formal event. So, with her strong will and determination, Lambert created the initiative 4EVR DEZ in memory of her daughter.
“My passion behind 4EVR DEZ stems from being a 15-year-old girl who needed a resource to access formal wear just to feel socially included,” Lambert said. “I know the deep impact that being part of those experiences can have on a young girl’s self-esteem and sense of belonging. It breaks my heart that my daughter, Desirea (DEZ), never had the chance to attend a school formal before her life was tragically taken by an act of domestic violence. Through 4EVR DEZ, I honor her memory by ensuring that every
girl, no matter her circumstances, has the opportunity to feel included, empowered, and celebrated.”
4EVR DEZ empowers students, volunteers and ambassadors to make a difference in a teen’s life and, in turn, the community. It helps teens experience the right of passage of prom and other high school dances, whether they have the means or not. Along the way, Lambert also teaches the teens the importance of self-worth, belonging and understanding.
Lambert is a woman of strength who understands the value of working together to get things done. That’s why she brought together volunteers and created a board to make it all happen for young women of any background.
When you see the look on a teenage girl’s face at one of her prom trunk shows, it’s priceless. Finding the perfect dress for that magical night is something every young woman should experience. Lambert has gathered a team of partners and sponsors that create the shopping experience, from the dress to the jewelry, the hair, the
“Our board and volunteers have witnessed girls look in the mirrors when trying formal wear on and tell themselves, ‘I am pretty.’ That is the moment it turned into something. ”
— Taxie Lambert
makeup and everything in between. This experience gives girls a sense of self and power they may never have experienced before. They can own the night without worrying about how they will afford it. They can love themselves and see their own beauty, which is something that Lambert knows will change their lives forever.
“The first time I felt the calling to start 4EVR DEZ was when I was searching for formal wear for my 10-year-old daughter, who was performing at a voice recital. As I looked for the perfect dress to make her feel confident while performing on stage, I was shocked by the cost of formal wear,” she said.
That moment opened Lambert’s eyes
to how critical it is for girls to feel a sense of belonging and self-worth. She felt called to ensure that all girls — regardless of circumstances or finances — would feel “included, empowered and confident in themselves.”
Lambert’s mission is how Project Formal grew into where it is today.
“Our board and volunteers have witnessed girls look in the mirrors when trying formal wear on and tell themselves, ‘I am pretty.’ That is the moment it turned into something,” she said.
Prom is an essential part of the high school experience, blending social fun with personal development.
By enlisting a group of young women she calls ambassadors, Lambert
leverages the power of mentorship to help spread the word. Currently, there are ambassadors in 23 high schools along the Gulf Coast, including Washington High School, Pensacola High School, Tate High School, Pace High School, Milton High School, Florida Virtual School, Gulf Breeze High, Pine Forest High and Episcopal Day School.
Working year-round, Lambert and her 4EVR DEZ team do more than provide formal wear. They have projects about healthy teen dating and violence prevention and provide emergency period packs in area middle and high schools.
Lambert has turned what was once a tragedy into a powerful movement, creating a world for today’s young women that can help them find themselves and, in the process, improve their future and the future of our communities.
For more information or to volunteer or donate to Lambert’s organization, visit projectformal.com.
What makes prom and the dress so important?
• Social Experience: Prom provides a unique opportunity to socialize outside the typical school environment, fostering friendships and connections.
• Milestone Celebration: For many, prom is a rite of passage, marking the transition from high school to adulthood. It symbolizes the end of an era and the beginning of new adventures.
• Memories: The event creates lasting memories, often cherished for years. It’s a time for fun, laughter, and celebration. The right dress can enhance the overall experience and make it feel even more special.
• Self-Expression: Prom allows students to express their individuality through fashion, whether through their choice of outfits, hairstyles or makeup.
• Tradition: In many places, prom embodies cultural values of celebration and community. For many, the prom dress is part of a long-standing tradition that includes shopping, fittings and sometimes matching dates, adding to the event’s excitement.
• Social Significance: Prom dresses often follow trends and can symbolize social status or belonging within a group. Students may want to fit in or stand out in their social circles.
• Building Confidence: Preparing for prom, from planning to dressing up, can enhance students’ self-esteem and confidence. Feeling good in what a girls wears can positively influence how she carries herself throughout the night.
• Photos and Memories: Prom is heavily centered around photography, so choosing the right dress ensures students look their best in pictures that will be cherished for years.
• Bonding Opportunities: It’s an occasion to bond with peers, share experiences and create stronger ties.
• Event Planning Skills: Students often participate in planning the event, teaching them valuable skills in organization and teamwork. Ultimately, the prom dress is more than just clothing; it’s a key component of the memories and emotions associated with the prom experience.
Say goodbye to traditional retreats and embrace the future of
Crafty Vacation Travel
We redefine travel experiences with tailor-made stays that elevate your journey beyond imagination. Offering craft and sewing retreats that transform the way you explore, relax, and create lasting memories.
• INSTRUCTOR-LED OR OPEN SEW
• PRIVATE GROUPS OR OPEN TO NEW FRIENDS
• ALL LEVELS WELCOME
Quilting • Bag-Making • Yarn Artistry
Photo illustration by Getty Images
local fare
What impact has a mentor had on you?
This month we asked Bella readers how an experienced mentor’s influence, guidance or direction can affect personal or professional growth and success. Read their responses here. Bella invites you to share the impact a mentor has had on your life at facebook.com/ pensacolabella or instagram.com/pensacolabella.
—
Compiled by Magi Thomley Williams
My son, Dr. Dominique Foster, industrialorganizational psychologist, has greatly influenced my personal and professional growth. Throughout his academic and professional career, I’ve watched him face and overcome many obstacles and challenges with poise and integrity. In my personal life and career, I have turned to him to discuss difficult challenges. Rather than telling me what I want to hear, my son would help me see the bigger picture and use critical thinking to find the best possible solution.
— Valerie Foster Boyd, founder and CEO of Sonia Faye’s Botanicals
I’ve embraced stepping into uncomfortable situations and learned the power of asking. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and remember: If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. A great mentor doesn’t need to mirror your appearance or share your profession; diversity can be a strength, helping you see challenges from new angles. My experience has proven this true. Mentorship transcends superficial similarities, focusing instead on shared values, mutual respect and the transfer of wisdom.
— Olevia McNally, VP of Build a Brain
Mentoring someone is a unique opportunity — while the positives may be obvious for the mentee, I find so many benefits as the mentor! I get to make a deeper connection and share lessons learned. Something that I may have struggled with in the past may now be inspirational or helpful to someone. Often this reflection spurs more personal growth for me, as I now see the bigger picture. A lesson learned and shared as a mentor can be meaningful to both the mentor and the mentee.
— Martha Holden, president, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area
Jess VanErt paved the way for me back in 1975 when I was a 27-year-old attorney very early in my career. He encouraged me to step up to challenges. He accepted me and made a space for me which enabled me to do well through hard work. He was so kind to me, which was unheard of in an era where I was considered a diversity hire. One precious memory is when he discreetly covered the credit card bill for a large group when my card was declined! I would not have been successful without him.
— Barbara Little, retired chief environmental lawyer, Shell Oil
Inspired Closets co-owners Tracy and
join family and team members to build trust and strengthen community.
Joe Selogy
local fare
Inspired Closets
Guided by faith, sustained by family, committed to service
By Magi Thomley Williams / Photo by Kate Treick
For Joe and Tracy Selogy, the foundation of their business ventures is not just rooted in creating custom closets or providing shading solutions; it’s deeply tied to their faith and family. As co-owners of Inspired Closets and Gulf Coast Shades and Blinds, they’ve grown their businesses through trust, teamwork and a shared belief in serving their community with excellence.
The journey into the closet business was, in fact, inspired by their customers. After being in the blind business for quite some time, customers would often ask if they knew anyone who handles custom closets. And after hearing that enough times, the Selogys, along with their business partner, Matt Uhl, began their research to find a supplier who could deliver on time and support their team as they supported the customer. From there, members of the team traveled to Michigan for training, and their business expanded into custom closets.
Moving from Ohio to Gulf Breeze in 2012, the Selogy family quickly established their roots in the community where they’ve since built a familycentered business led by husband-and-wife Joe and Tracy.
“A lot of people tell us they could never work together as a married couple, but honestly, we do it fairly well. I do the designing, the ordering of projects, and review designs. We have a very strong marriage, and that trust flows into the business,” Tracy Selogy explained.
Joe Selogy couldn’t agree more.
“If Tracy says something’s going to be done, I don’t question it,” he said.
Family extends beyond their own home, too. Their son, Luke, works as a controller for the business, and during the summers, all of their children help out in the warehouse. Everyone who works at the business has a vested interest, inspiring the entire team to work together for success.
What truly stands out about their work is their desire to serve the community, often beyond the demands of profit. One of their favorite projects was for the Majella House, a nonprofit that helps single mothers and their children. The Selogys felt that it was a blessing to be able to give back to the community. Their team did the closets for the whole house, the pantry, the garage area and all of their shades and blinds. They want to help those in need, and when they meet people who’ve benefited from programs like that, they feel rewarded.
Their guiding business philosophy is rooted in faith.
“We have strong faith, and that guides us. We want to provide the best experience we can possibly deliver. Our next project is only as good as the current one we’re working on,” Joe Selogy said.
For this pair, it’s not just about the product — it’s about building trust, strengthening their community and leaving a lasting, positive impression.
Photography
TOP: No matter your age, weight training provides great benefits to your overall health and wellness. MIDDLE: Working out with friends provides accountability. RIGHT: Strength training is adaptable no matter your age.
body & soul
Embrace strength training
It’s not too late to start one of the most effective ways to support your health
By Leah Seacrest / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
As women, we often juggle countless responsibilities — family, work, friendships and self-care. Amidst the hustle, it’s easy to overlook a crucial element of maintaining our vitality: strength training. Many women may assume lifting weights is for bodybuilders or athletes, but the truth is that strength training is one of the most effective ways to support our health as we age.
Muscle mass naturally decreases with time, and along with it, we lose the strength and stability that support us in daily activities. By the time we hit our 40s and beyond, the decline in muscle can lead to a higher risk of injury, slower metabolism and even feelings of fatigue. But the good news? It’s never too late to start. Strength training offers immense benefits that go far beyond the number on the scale.
Several local women of all ages shared the power they gain from including strength training in their routines.
“It is so important for balance, bones, heart and brain. Everything you need to keep sharp as you get older,” said Carmella Porter, 74.
“Plus, it’s nice to show off a little gun at an older age,” she laughed.
Strength training has many benefits. It helps build and maintain muscle mass, which in turn boosts our metabolism. This means that even when we’re at rest, our bodies are burning more calories. Beyond aesthetics, however, strength training protects our bones. For women, particularly postmenopausal women, osteoporosis becomes a greater concern. Lifting weights helps increase bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and breaks.
Kim Tilka, 66, is another proponent of lifting weights. She said she has always enjoyed working out, but realized as she got older how important strength training is.
“I get my bone scans done every two years and have been told how beneficial strength training is for women as we age. I feel fortunate to be able to work out!” she said.
Brenda Dela Cruz, 58, added, “As women age, muscle mass naturally declines, a process called sarcopenia. Strength training helps counter this by building and maintaining muscle, keeping one’s body strong and functional. Strength training
ABOVE: Lauren Gaddy and Kim Tilka know that an active lifestyle that includes weight training improves quality of life.
is a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being. Fostering a healthy and active lifestyle can make differences as we age.”
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, it’s important to remember that strength training is adaptable. It’s not about how much weight you can lift, but rather about moving your body in ways that challenge you, build resilience, and improve your overall quality of life. Many women who have adopted strength training later in life find it incredibly empowering, shattering the myth that aging means slowing down.
Just ask Allison Hill, 53.
“For me, fitness is important because I’ve realized I like an active lifestyle and want to be able to continue that even as I get older. I don’t want to wake up every day with aches and pains. I want to be able to do any of the things I want to do without physical limitations!”
Another woman passionate about strength training is Lauren Gaddy, 41.
“Strength training is a crucial part of my routine as I’m
entering into perimenopause. Sleep cycles are disrupted and anxiety levels have been heightened during this stage of my life. Lifting weights helps not only my body but my mind as well,” she said.
In addition to the physical benefits, strength training provides mental and emotional rewards. Lifting weights challenges you to push past your limits, and there’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment after completing a workout. It’s a form of self-care that builds confidence from the inside out.
“I am 38, and one of the reasons that I strength train is so that I can very easily participate in our local fitness events such as the Santa Rosa Island Triathlon, Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Lessons and 5Ks and longer running events,” said Lindsay Thompson. “I also love that I can keep up with my 9-year-old son in everything we do like going to Sky Zone, riding bikes and swimming and diving. I am more fit now at 38 years old than I was at 18
years old thanks to strength training! I enjoy waking up and feeling like a physically and mentally stronger person every single day rather than having any regrets for aging.”
Even younger women see the benefit. Madison Hill, 22, gets it.
“Strength training is important to me in my early 20s because it kickstarts my day on a high note and makes me feel strong, especially when I spend so much time sitting for work and school. It really helps manage my stress levels, giving me that hour each day to unplug and focus on myself.”
Perhaps the best part about strength training is that it’s never a solo journey. Whether you join a class, work with a trainer, or team up with friends, you’ll find a community of women who are all focused on improving their health and well-being. And that camaraderie makes the journey that much sweeter.
“I feel fortunate to be able to work out and appreciate classes and instructors that make working out fun,” Tilka said.
Strength training isn’t just about getting fit. It’s about reclaiming our power as women, no matter our age. As we embrace this form of exercise, we prove to ourselves — and the world — that we can stay active, strong and full of life for decades to come.
Cruz believes wholeheartedly in making exercise a priority.
“A body in motion stays in motion and my plan is to stay healthy and keep moving,” she said.
If you’re ready to start, don’t be afraid to take it one step at a time. Find a fitness professional who can guide you safely and gradually into strength training. Whether it’s lifting dumbbells, using resistance bands or simply working with your body weight, there’s a routine that will work for you.
Remember, it’s never too late to start, and the benefits are well worth the effort. Embrace your strength. It’s the foundation of your future, and it will carry you through life with resilience and vitality.
The Marriage of Figaro
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Librettist: Lorenzo Da Ponte
Mozart’s TheMarriageof Figaro
Conductor: Cody Martin Director: Corey McKern
January 24 + 26, 2025
Susanna and Figaro are getting married! There’s just one problem— Figaro’s boss, the overbearing and womanizing Count Almaviva, is trying to delay their marriage in order to seduce Susanna himself. Luckily, Figaro has a few tricks up his sleeve...Mozart and Da Ponte’s timeless comedy—based on Beaumarchais’s sequel to The Barber of Seville—contains some of opera’s most brilliant music…and plenty of laughs!
Susanna and Figaro are getting married! There’s just one problem—Figaro’s boss, the overbearing and womanizing Count Almaviva, is trying to delay their marriage in order to seduce Susanna himself. Luckily, Figaro has a few tricks up his sleeve! This timeless comedy— based on Beaumarchais’s sequel to The Barber of Seville—contains some of opera’s most brilliant music…and plenty of laughs!
PERFORMANCES: Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM Saenger Theatre
Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci
March 14 + 16, 2025
While preparing for a performance with their commedia dell’arte troupe, Canio becomes enraged when he discovers that his wife, Nedda, has been having an affair. During the performance, Canio returns to his jealous rage, and Nedda’s young lover, Silvio, rushes the stage to save her—culminating in a very real tragedy. Featuring one of the most well known arias of all time, “Vesti la giubba,” is a verismo masterpiece of dra matic proportions.
Composer
Conductor:
Director: While preparing dell’arte that his wife, refuses to urges them Canio returns lover, Silvio, a very real arias of all masterpiece
Teach them young
Being a role model for your daughters extends beyond words — it’s about showing them the importance of self-care and strength through action. By encouraging healthy habits like strength training early on, mothers can instill a lifelong appreciation for fitness, confidence and well-being in their daughters. Allison Hill and her daughter Madison perfectly capture this dynamic.
“I didn’t start working out until my late 30s — and now wish I would have had those habits much younger in life,” Allison said. “And that’s why I’ve encouraged Madison to workout with me. It’s easier to develop habits earlier in life, especially healthy living habits like exercise and eating right! It’s also nice to have an accountability partner. We check in every day and make sure that the other is moving that day!”
Madison agrees.
“My mom is the best gym partner — not only does she help make sure I’m awake and make it to the gym, but she also realizes the importance of focusing on lifting heavy weights and taking rest days. I am glad I’ve built these habits at a young age because now my gym time is something I look forward to!”
body & soul
DIABETES Navigating
Small changes, big impact for women’s health
Story by Justine Roper / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
Managing or preventing diabetes is often seen as a scary task, but for Lila Cornelio, MS, RDN, it’s a journey rooted in balance and small, sustainable changes. With over a decade of experience as a diabetes educator and dietitian, Cornelio is passionate about decreasing the perceived complexities of diabetes and empowering women to reclaim their health.
“It’s not about restriction,” she says. “It’s about education and finding what works for each person.”
Cornelio’s approach goes beyond the numbers — she
Photo illustration by Getty Images
“There is no nutrition without food, and the food that we eat influences the way that the body navigates stressors.”
— Lila Cornelio, MS, RDN
encourages women to focus on what they can do, like incorporating nutrientdense, satisfying foods and physical activities they enjoy, all while setting realistic goals.
After starting her career in Chicago, Illinois, Cornelio found herself working with many women impacted by diabetes and going on a fitness journey to improve her own personal health. After seeing an undeniable need, she pursued further education in order to better serve this population.
“Diabetes is truly dysregulation in the way that the body is able to regulate glucose. We need glucose to survive and to control all of our organs,” Cornelio says.
Diabetes can impact anyone. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin, while Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin, typically due to lifestyle factors
or genetics.
“Insulin is the key. Without insulin you cannot bring glucose from the bloodstream into our cells,” Cornelio said.
Some risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are family history, smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet, poor cardiovascular health, lack of physical activity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
While there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes can be influenced by lifestyle changes.
She admits that there are some unique challenges that women specifically face when preventing or managing diabetes. One major thing is the fear of change, which can make lifestyle adjustments feel overwhelming.
“Women often carry the weight of many responsibilities — family, work and caregiving. This can sometimes lead to neglecting their own mental and physical health.,” Cornelio said.
She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, using resources and breaking down big goals into small, actionable steps. It is important to understand that even minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements over time. One of her top recommendations when someone is beginning to prevent or manage diabetes is to focus on small dietary changes.
“You don’t need to follow a strict diet,” she says. “The key is finding nutrient-dense foods that you enjoy and incorporating them into your routine. Whether it’s adding more whole grains, healthy fats or lean proteins, these changes can make a big difference in blood sugar management.”
One large misconception is that you don’t take care of your health if you develop diabetes. The unfortunate reality is that women are more prone to mental health struggles like anxiety and depression, and if impacted by
diabetes, diabetes-related distress. Taking care of your mental health is a large part of preventing and managing diabetes.
If we are consuming energy in the form of food and not utilizing it, this energy is stored as fat. The more fat that a person has around the pancreas and in between cells, the more difficult it is to get insulin into your cells. This is how insulin resistance occurs. This is why physical activity matters. Cornelio goes on to discuss the impact of hormonal changes on diabetes management, particularly during pregnancy, menopause and monthly cycles.
“Women’s bodies are constantly evolving, and these shifts can make it harder to control blood sugar levels,” she said.
However, through mindful eating and staying active, women can regain control.
Cornelio also addresses the barriers that women from diverse ethnic
backgrounds may face, such as limited access to healthy food options or foods that have high fat and carbohydrates.
“We have to acknowledge the impact of food deserts and economic constraints,” she said.
In these situations, Cornelio helps clients find affordable, nutrient-rich foods that fit within their budget and lifestyle, ensuring that healthy eating doesn’t feel unattainable. She stresses that you do not have to give up your favorite foods.
From stress to the change of our gut microbiomes over generations, there are so many things that weigh modern day women down. Cornelio recommends portion control, cutting back on starches and increasing fiber. Fiber helps sustain your blood glucose levels, helping you to avoid spikes which lead to weight gain and inflammation. Adding more vegetables to your stew or eating one less tamale with a fun side salad loaded with roasted beans, boiled egg, lean protein,
pumpkin seeds and balsamic vinegar are examples of achieving this. Do not be afraid of adding color to your plate.
Cornelio warns women to be careful when trying to take various overthe-counter supplements to address diabetes. Those with renal health issues or conditions should be wary of supplements heavy in concentrated forms of potassium and magnesium. The best practice is to verify whether your supplements are third-party tested due to the fact that supplements are not FDA regulated and to discuss your selection with your medical provider.
One advancement in diabetes care that Cornelio is excited about is increased access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
“One of the barriers I see is having to prick yourself to test your blood glucose levels,” she explained.
CGM is a wearable device that helps you to see your blood glucose levels in real time. After competing in fitness competitions, Cornelio noted the
Where Inspired Days Begin
major changes to her body and became curious to learn more after realizing that she had impaired blood glucose levels during training.
Many women may desire to work directly with a dietician. When asked where to start when searching, Cornelio shared that if you are unable to find the right fit locally, going to eatright.org can help you find a virtual provider.
She sees herself continuing to make an increasing impact within the Gulf Coast community through education and providing a comforting, safe space for those impacted by diabetes and their loved ones. In the journey of managing diabetes, it’s important to remember that progress is more valuable than perfection.
“With diabetes, it is an exciting journey to learn about your body and learn about the foods that affect it,” she said. “Use the opportunity to motivate yourself to create healthier habits that will influence your family and motivate others.”
CUSTOM ROLLER SHADES, BLINDS,
SHUTTERS, WOVEN GRASS,
DRAPERY
Infographic by Getty Images
girls night out
WITH ALK DESIGNS A charmed life
By Liz Biggs / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
After a corporate accounting career and raising her three sons, Angie Kercher started her company in 2013 at the age of 52.
“When I founded ALK Designs, I was looking to create jewelry that would reflect a woman’s personality and style and be affordable,” Kercher said.
Her love for jewelry began at a young age watching her French-born mother, the ultimate fashionista, accessorizing her daily outfits with lavish costume jewels. Kercher enjoys all aspects of jewelry design, but her focus is on fun, creative and affordable pieces that can be worn every day.
Sales are brisk thanks to the current trend in fashion jewelry — charm necklaces and bracelets.
“Custom charm necklaces offer wearers a unique way to express their individuality. Charm necklaces tell your story!” Kercher said. “It’s a story of all your favorite things — charms with your favorite hobby, memories or loved ones, including birthstones, initials and symbols of your life.”
Kercher enjoys in-person sales and stays busy “popping up” at local shops,
OPPOSITE LEFT: A sampling from ALK Designs; TOP: Magi Thomley Williams, Liz Biggs, Leah Seacrest, Lisa Player, Justine Williams Roper, and Allison McCrory; FAR LEFT: Kircher brings joy to her jewelry business; LEFT: Seacrest’s meaningful charms.
TOP: A variety of bracelets; LEFT TO RIGHT: Kercher helps Biggs arrange charms; attaching charms to a new necklace; endless charms to choose from; OPPOSITE TOP: Roper tries on her new running-themed design; Seacrest and McCrory visit while waiting for charms to be attached.
markets and fundraisers in the Pensacola area. You can find her at local shops and boutiques like Artesana, Drift, Gray, Indigeaux and Rusted Arrow. She also participates in local shopping markets like the Rally Gulf Coast Shopping Soiree and the St. Paul’s Christmas Market.
Kercher hosts quarterly open house events as well as shows for Mardi Gras krewes, local groups, schools and churches. Custom pieces for the Fiesta of Five Flags, Hip Huggers, Gatsby Girls, Mystic Maids and Mayoki Indians are created in her home studio. She is excited for new opportunities to collaborate with local artists to provide more custom pieces including new Pensacolathemed charms with Laurel Farrell of Noteworthy.
Kind and caring, Kercher gives back to our community through jewelry donations to local fundraising events for the American Cancer Society, Sacred Heart Foundation, Rally Foundation, Catholic High Auction and others. Look for her designs when you shop the silent auctions for these causes.
The Bella Magazine team had a blast at our girls night out gathering at Kercher’s home studio. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: grab a board, choose your chain, choose your charms (allow yourself some time for this step, the selection is vast!), arrange them the way you want them, and hand it over to Kercher to attach them. Bring beverages and snacks and it’s a party! (Or if you’d rather host the gathering at your own home, ALK can pack up and come to you.) It was fun to see how everyone’s charms reflected their personalities. Gone are the days of kitchenware parties — the time for ALK Designs is now.
PLAN YOUR OWN GNO
• What: ALK Designs
• Who: Angie Kercher, owner/designer
• Info: 850-293-5216; Instagram @alk_designs; Facebook ALK Designs
Southern adventure worth the trip
Exploring Abbeville, Alabama
One of the perks of being selfemployed is a fluid schedule. And one of the advantages of a fluid schedule is the ability to take a road trip any day of the week. Recently my husband and I decided to take a spur-of-themoment day trip as a little distraction. The charming town of Abbeville, Alabama had recently popped up in my husband’s social feed, so we decided — why not?
A three-hour drive through bucolic views found us in a quaint downtown nestled in southeast Alabama, near Dothan and Eufaula, home to only about 2,360 residents. You probably won’t find it by accident.
The town’s name is derived from the Muscogee for Abbey Creek, “Yatta Abba,” meaning dogwood tree grove. Abbeville’s nostalgic downtown is host to a refurbished Standard Oil gas station and an entire main street lined with vintage neon signs for Ford Motor Co., Rexall Drugs, Buster Brown Shoes
Story by Magi Thomley Williams
Photos by Jackson Williams
FRIDAY LUNCH
EVERY FRIDAY FROM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
and many others. Storefront windows are filled with retro vignettes circa 1950s and ’60s styles.
Welcoming locals at the chamber of commerce and library were happy to chat with us and share the town’s history. We took time to browse through a few specialty and gift shops before settling in for lunch. Huggin’ Molly’s restaurant and soda fountain is THE place for lunch in Abbeville. And we learned that the diner is linked to a bit of colorful folklore too.
Residents tell me that Jimmy Rane, founder and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving and town benefactor, established the Huggin’ Molly’s restaurant as an homage to a local legend.
Here’s the intriguing story: A tall woman wearing a hat comes to visit children downtown at night. She doesn’t harm the kids. She gives them a firm hug and then screams in their ears. You can be sure we didn’t see any little ones wandering the streets after dark.
At Huggin’ Molly’s, with Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra peering down on us from original movie posters, I ordered the Molly’s Fingers
chicken fingers lunch. After all, the dish was added to the list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama. If you are not familiar with Alabama white sauce, Huggin’ Molly’s is the place to get your first taste; their recipe is worth the miles. My husband chose to build his own burger, and the huge portion was mouthwatering. As we shared a creamy, thick bespoke milk shake for dessert, we reminisced to the accompaniment of retro music and décor.
There are a couple of other interesting stops in Abbeville for the history buff. The Bethune-Kennedy House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is used by the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce for events. A historical marker denotes the former home of Rosa Parks, located at Alabama Highway 10 near Abbeville. The civil rights pioneer lived in Abbeville briefly with her family long before she became a civil rights icon.
You don’t have to hop on a plane or make elaborate, expensive travel plans. Take a day trip. Create lasting memories. Explore something new close to home.
“You don’t have to hop on a plane or make elaborate, expensive travel plans. Take a day trip. Create lasting memories.
Explore something new close to home.”
is
with charming neon signs and inhabited by talented milkshake mixologists and a startling spirit.
Downtown Abbeville
decked out
By Sharla Gorder
The Bionic Mentor her perspective
I walked back to my hotel feeling like I had had a blood transfusion. Rich new energy coursed through me. Melendy always has this effect on me. I feel validated and invigorated in her presence. She is everything a best friend should be. I wish we were next-door neighbors. But alas, she lives West; I live East. These visits are few and far between, but her influence never wanes. She is always with me.
Back in the ’90s when the teens were wearing those rubber wristbands inscribed with the letters WWJD (What would Jesus do?) I wanted one that read WWMD. From the time that Melendy and I became friends, in the 1980s, I found myself “consulting” her, either in person or in my imagination, any time I had an emotional quandary. Some 40 years later, I still do. Melendy always approaches situations from a position of love and compassion. Always.
from each (in order of the list above) the nuances of compassion and gentleness and adventurousness and self-care and altruism and resilience and competence and dependability and kindness and vulnerability and joyfulness and empathy and friendship and affability and sapience.
WWMMLDKPJBABBLCDVD? Ha!
And while Jesus is a pretty darn good role model, I’ve always found that a flesh and blood human is more relatable, a little less intimidating.
That said, the concept of role models, or mentors, is tricky. I have a hard time with the idea of heroes in the traditional sense — revering someone completely and totally. I’ve lived too long to believe that anyone can withstand the harsh light on a high pedestal for long without their halos eventually catching their hair on fire. We are all flawed.
And we are all gifted.
Maybe I do have a hero, and she is Melendy. And Mary. And Laura. And Dawn. And Kitty. And Piper. And Janna. And Beverly. And Amy. And Betty. And Barbara. And Lynas. And Caren. And Denise. And Val. I could go on.
Each of these women epitomizes different qualities that I not only admire, but endeavor to emulate. I learn
If we put all of these amazing qualities together into one person, they’d put Mother Teresa to shame. But the thing is, if such a person existed, no one would want to be around them. I believe it is our vulnerabilities, as much as our strengths, that make us relatable. At least I hope this is the case. I have made it a practice to be pretty candid about my foibles and failures. I even wrote a book a few years ago — My Vices Collide, a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up — in which I literally spell out the many ways I’ve gone astray or failed to live according to my values. I have learned so much more from my mistakes than my achievements. In fact, I believe it is my missteps that have engendered many of my proudest accomplishments.
Teresa de Avila, a 17th century Carmelite nun venerated by the Catholic church as a saint — the loftiest of pedestals — recognized the value of waywardness. She wrote: “To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus acquire experience.”
I’m sure that all of my mentors have “gone astray,” just as I have. But those life experiences have polished them in ways that make them such good people. I’m so blessed to learn from them.
What initials would be inscribed on your wristband? Would you need a bigger wrist to accommodate them all? This is so much fun to contemplate. Think about it for moment.
Who is your bionic mentor?
By Liz Biggs
Wondering about wanderlust her perspective
I wonder about wanderlust. Am I the only one consumed with it? Why am I curiouser and curiouser like Alice in Wonderland?
According to Wikipedia, wanderlust is the intense urge for self-development by experiencing the unknown, confronting unforeseen challenges and getting to know unfamiliar cultures, ways of life and behaviors. Yep, Dr. Wikipedia has diagnosed me. Also, I love the Devo song “Uncontrollable Urge.”
A year ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and lived to tell. Is that why I hastily traveled to Rome, Florence, Portugal, Spain, Australia and New Zealand and will depart for Greece and Turkey in April?
A few years ago, I traveled with family to Spain and North Africa. We stayed with my sister’s dear friend, Carol, in Morocco. Carol had lived in East Hill; when her husband passed away, she and her cat moved to Tangier. She learned the language, immersed herself in the culture and became the quintessential expat. I was incredibly grateful to stay with her and learn firsthand about life in Tangier. We rocked the Casbah and rode a camel on the beach. We went to one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the artsy mountain town of Chefchaouen — the “Blue City” — where all the buildings are shades of blue. A few years later, Carol’s breast cancer snuck back in and she died suddenly. Maybe Carol is the inspiration for my wanderlust?
didn’t have access to them in 1983; heck, females barely did back then but that’s another story — I got on plane with a small suitcase and $200 cash to last me an entire term at the London School of Economics. I only ate meals in the dorm cafeteria so I could spend every pence on weekend train travel. I didn’t want to waste my precious few coins on a pay phone so I wrote letters to my mom to let her know I was okay. Maybe that experience is what fuels my desire to jump at the chance to travel? Even as a broke teenager, I still had the time of my life. Travel may be expensive, but wandering is free.
After 28 years, the curtains in our living room started to dry rot and fall off the rickety, paint-peeled curtain rings. My husband begged me to replace them. I got an estimate for custom-designed drapes but I told my hubs, “We could go to Australia for two weeks for the same price as these curtains.” Guess what? We went to Australia. I ordered some cheap ready-made curtains online for a fraction of the price. Every time I’m tempted to buy something, I think, “That’s the price of a ticket to … !” And then I talk myself out of buying it. Am I the only one who does that? I wonder.
No, I think I was born with the wanderlust gene. As soon as I could walk, I wandered the neighborhood knocking on doors looking for new friends and adventures.
During my sophomore year in college, I won a scholarship contest and immediately transferred the money to a study abroad program in London. Not knowing a soul and with no credit card — teenagers
Sociologists distinguish sunlust from wanderlust as motivating forces — the former primarily seeking relaxation, the latter, engagement with different cultural experiences. Hmmm, well at least I know I’m not afflicted with sunlust. Beach vacations are not my jam. I’ll end this rant with my favorite line from the Rolling Stones song, “Rocks Off” — “The sunshine bores the daylights out of me.” I think growing up in a beachy town, “laying out” too much as a teenager (so boring) ruined beach vacays for me. Or maybe I’m a vampire, LOL. Or just a curious cat. I wonder. Do I have kindred spirits out there? Maybe I should start a Wanderlust Club.
Congratulations to Beré couple Sarah and Brett!
Photo by Mariann Greene Photography