21 minute read
HER STYLE
MODERN MUSE
From suits to casual wear, Elisabeth Pickle’s look is always polished
BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY
Wearing pieces and outfit combinations that never go out of style ensures Elisabeth A. Pickle never looks like she’s trying too hard. Effortlessness is key for her timeless style. Hailing from southern Maine, Pickle’s closet has evolved from housing mostly black and gray items that could withstand a harsh East Coast winter to versatile layering pieces in vibrant hues reminiscent of Scottsdale sunsets. “I live in color!” she says. Pickle favors midcentury modern prints and patterns from designers including Trina Turk and Orla Kiely, as well as wide-leg pants, oversized white shirts and structured blazers. As a trusts, estates and intellectual property attorney, a power suit in white or a pop of color is her signature uniform. Influenced by designer Diane von Furstenberg, Pickle incorporates the designers iconic wrap dresses. “There is still no wardrobe that is considered complete without [a wrap dress],” says Pickle, adding she is also inspired by Stevie Nicks. “Her freewheeling style of chiffon skirts and billowing velvet sleeves appeals to my gypsy loving soul.” To top it off, Pickle’s wardrobe includes a modern denim jacket in every color. “You can throw it over everything,” she says.
How does fashion play a role in your career? As a trademark attorney, I represent many entrepreneurs in the fashion and apparel industry. It’s important for me to understand the latest trends and IP issues, opinion and rulings so I keep up to date consistently.
What is your most prized possession in your closet and why? My Veronica Beard blazer with interchangeable dickies in leather, tweed, cashmere and hoodies. It’s literally 10 jackets in one!
What are your favorite brands? Diane von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, Alice + Oliva, and Veronica Beard for timeless style, structured fit, pops of color, and modern glamour.
Actor and model Tanisha Harper talks joining the cast of General Hospital
BY KAYLOR JONES / PHOTOS BY BRUCE TALBOT / HAIR & MAKEUP BY GAYATRI BHAMIDIPATY / STYLED BY RAGAN WALLAKE JEWELRY FROM MAISON MÈRENOR / TALENT REP: MAXX MANAGEMENT/NTA TALENT
As a model, Tanisha Harper has been featured in hundreds of magazines, advertisements and runway shows, but her new role as Jordan Ashford on General Hospital may be her most exciting gig yet. Growing up, Harper was known for her love of fashion. “Every summer when visiting my grandmother, I’d show her all these outfits I liked from the magazines,” she says. “We would recreate the looks and I’d go to school in all these crazy, avant-garde outfits.” One day, when Harper was watching a fashion show at Scottsdale Fashion Square mall at age 14, she was approached by a woman who asked if she was interested in modeling. Harper immediately said no – she wanted to be a fashion designer. But Harper and her mom visited the woman’s agency at her insistence and found a warm, welcoming environment. The woman later said she’d sent a photo of Harper to Nike, who was asking if she would join a campaign promoting their newest collection. “When she told my mom how much money it was, my mom was like, ‘OK, where do we sign?” Harper, who started her career with the Ford Model Agency, felt right at home. “I loved it. In Arizona, there weren’t many Black models at the time, so I was working like crazy. It allowed me to be independent – I had my own money and could save for college and go shopping to buy clothes, which was what I really wanted!” But it took a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Harper to realize this wasn’t just a side job. About two years after she began modeling, she entered a national competition to be on the cover of Cosmopolitan – and made it to the top four out of thousands of entries. She was flown to New York, featured on the Today show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and shot test covers with world-renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier. “That was a pivotal moment, when I really thought this could be a career for me,” says Harper, who had already decided that being a designer wasn’t the best fit for her. Though she didn’t win the competition, her feature in the magazine exposed her to an array of high-profile clients. Today, Harper’s resume includes names like Vogue, Ralph Lauren and L’Oréal Paris.
A SHOWSTOPPING ACT
Eager to see where her career could take her, Harper finished high school and college early, studying media arts and marketing at the University of Arizona. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, where she booked her first acting gig on The Bold and the Beautiful. She enjoyed it so much that when a friend mentioned she was auditioning for a different soap opera that was looking to cast a Black model who could act, Harper’s interest was piqued. “Rule of thumb is you never crash an audition you weren’t invited to,” she says. “I was apprehensive, but figured it was worth a shot.” When the casting director saw Harper and asked if she’d auditioned yet, Harper said she was just waiting for a friend – but they handed her a script anyway and thrust her into the metaphorical spotlight. “Funny enough, my girlfriend didn’t get the role, but I did – a series regular on an American telenovela called Desire.” Harper credits the series for giving her a crash course in acting, sparking a love affair that led to her booking roles in a variety of shows and movies, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Dear White People. But she was still modeling fulltime, traveling frequently and sometimes missing out on important auditions. And at a time when retouching photos wasn’t as widespread, the pressure of being perfect started to catch up with her. “You couldn’t show up with a scar or bruise because it took time out of the production schedule to cover them up. If I got a pimple, I could lose a job. That was tough for me as a teenager, and as I got older I started to get insecure. I needed to remember that this was supposed to be fun, that you’re supposed to love what you do.” When it came time to choose between the two career paths, Harper bowed out of the modeling industry and decided to pursue her passion for acting. But Harper credits her modeling experiences for helping her hone her persistence. “In both modeling and acting, you’re rejected every day, people constantly looking at your photos or audition tapes and saying yes or no,” she says. “It’s hard not to take criticism to heart. With modeling, I built a tough skin – you just have to keep fighting.” Harper’s biggest break to date came at the end of last year, when she had the opportunity to audition for a part on General Hospital. She had weeks to prepare for her screen test, working with coaches and honing her character, who she was told was a district attorney. “I’m really drawn to roles of power, and my mom is an attorney, so I knew this was it – I really needed to get this role” Harper says. And her hard work and preparation paid off – Harper got the job. But when she received her script a few days before going to set, she realized she wasn’t playing an attorney, but an established character – police commissioner Jordan Ashford. “They had kept it hidden because the producer wanted a fresh take on the character. It definitely came as a shock – it was an even bigger role than I thought I was getting!” Harper, who debuted as Ashford this March, says joining General Hospital has been something of a dream job. “I pinch myself every day sitting there in my dressing room. Working on an iconic set with people I look up to and respect – this is what I focused on, what I created. I just can’t believe this is my life.”
CHEERING ON CHANGE
Over the past few years, Harper says she’s noticed more roles available to people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities. “Diversity within the industry is always an ongoing battle. My hope is that the rise of inclusivity continues to grow, with more thought-provoking roles for people with diverse backgrounds.” Looking forward, Harper is excited to further her acting career while sparking change in the industry, hopefully making some more forays into producing and writing along the way. “I’ve written several scripts I’d love to get developed, one of many hats I’ve worn,” says Harper, who once edited a national magazine and wrote for many others. “Writing would’ve been the next step had my modeling career not taken off. It’s such a powerful tool.” Another powerful tool, Harper says, is knowing how to root for yourself no matter what. “We all have those days where we wonder if we’re on the right path, but you have to really believe in yourself to see your goals achieved. During times where I’d do twenty auditions to no avail, it took me loving myself, continuing to work harder and make sure I was best prepared for my acting jobs, to see it through.” When not caught up in the hustle and bustle of her career, Harper looks to visiting her family in Arizona and reconnecting with nature as a source of peace. Though her life can be hectic, it’s all by design. “At the end of the day, I love a challenge. In these challenging careers, it’s about rising through – as a writer, getting your words out there; as a model, creating an image; on camera, portraying a character the way you feel they should be portrayed. It’s so important to have your voice heard."
They’re highly motivated, results-oriented and successful at a young age. And if you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, they’re the people you want on your side. They’re the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors’ 40 Under 40, honored last month for a combination of their business success, professional leadership, community engagement, and industry involvement. Here, we spotlight five of these high-performing young professionals to watch in 2022 and beyond for their community contributions and real estate savvy.
An Arizona Native
Janelle Flaherty is passionate about creating community
For Janelle Flaherty, of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, real estate was in her blood. “My parents used real estate as their preferred investment platform. I nannied for a family in college during the 05-06 boom, and the husband was a very successful agent. I began helping in his office and knew real estate would be perfectly coupled with a Bachelor’s in Marketing, and then and there, the decision to go into real estate was made,” she says. Janelle finds her motivation from the spiritual and earthly realms. “My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each day, I want my attitude, actions, and success to point to Him, from whom all blessings flow,” she says. “My parents are also a huge inspiration to me.” Because of the volatile and stressful nature of the real estate market, it’s best if an agent enjoys what they do, and Janelle says her favorite part of the job is that she’s able to be a resource for all things, not just real estate. “Whether it be where to send your kids to school, where to get your hair done, or which restaurants to go to- I love connecting my clients to the best in my community. Having lived in the Phoenix area all my life, I have 30+ years of references to give.” Janelle’s commitment to her clients and the business hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was selected for the Scottsdale Association of Realtors 40 under 40 award in 2021 and 2022, and she’s maintained a Chairman’s Board title given to the top producers in the company. She was also recognized by Real Trends in their 2022 America’s Best list. Not content with resting on her laurels, Janelle looks to expand her business by continuing to create and foster new referrals. “I have a database of people, that I treat like gold. They’re the heart and soul of my business, and I want to make sure they know how much I appreciate them,” she shares. She has enjoyed assisting the reining horse community with their Arizona Real Estate needs whether it be relocation to a horse property or investment. While she hasn’t been in the saddle for a few years, she enjoys attending shows to cheer on her husband and kids. Janelle supports the Russ Lyon Charity Foundation by volunteering at their events and has made it a point to have supply bags ready to hand out to the homeless. She also plans to continue her women owned business event, The Spring Fling to support women run charities. When she’s not working for her clients, Janelle loves keeping in shape, riding her Peloton, and supporting her kids in various activities. “If and when we ever have down time, you can find us at the lake, where I can still impress my kids by my water skiing or on our favorite Rocky Point Beach!” she says.
Contact Janelle Flaherty at 602.615.3251 or visit www.janelleflaherty.com
Consistency and Collaboration
Ashley Krolak is the woman behind the Krolak Group with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. She focuses on helping clients create the American dream of homeownership throughout Phoenix and northern Arizona. Ashley was born and raised in Scottsdale and grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. “Growing up my parents owned a variety of different businesses, and have taught me everything I know,” she shares. “I work with my mother in real estate and my brothers work within my dad’s construction company. We come as a unit and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” As a young woman, Ashley gained experience working for her parents’ different companies, Southwest Garage Cabinets and Catch 22 Sports Grill to name a few. She attended Arizona State University and graduated with a degree in psychology with no intention of getting into real estate. Ultimately, it was her mother, who was in the industry, that urged her to get her license. “I’ve been in real estate for six years now and have not looked back!” Ashley says. Because of her hard work and dedication to her clients, Ashley has become a top realtor in Scottsdale. “Once you work with me, we become a team and ultimately part of our family. I will dedicate my full attention to every detail needed to get my clients where they need to be. I have their best interest at heart,” she says. What sets her apart from other realtors is that she desires to create long-lasting relationships with her clients, not forgetting them once the job is done. “I truly want to see my clients happy, so I will not stop until they are satisfied.” The real estate industry is fraught with challenges and market fluctuations, so collaboration is essential for success. “Our business is built on referrals. It’s all about who you know, whether it’s another agent or contractor. It’s always in the forefront to create a solid, respectful relationship because you never know when they can help you and vice versa,” she says. Ashley’s hard work has paid off. She was a recipient of SAAR’s 40 under 40 award, the 40 under 40 award from Homeowner’s Magazine in 2020 and 2022, and part of SAAR Leadership Class XXIII. Charitable giving plays a significant role in Ashley’s life. She sits on the Advisory Council for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s Charitable Foundation for the Pinnacle Peak office. Their key charity for 2022 is Arizona Helping Hands, which supplies essential needs to foster children. “We are helping with their Back to School drive this year by collecting backpacks and supplies. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces,” she says. When she’s not serving her clients’ real estate needs or supporting the charitable organizations close to her heart, you can find Ashley enjoying outdoor activities that give her an adrenaline rush, like dirt bike riding, skydiving, boating, kayaking and hiking.
Contact Ashley Krolak at 480.993.7136 or visit krolakgroup.com.
Homes For Good
Tim McBride is making an impact on his community
One wouldn’t usually see a link between the worlds of sports and real estate, but Tim McBride tapped into his past experience to become a top-rated real estate agent in Scottsdale. Before jumping into residential real estate in 2017, Tim spent the previous 12 years working in the sports agency, entertainment and marketing realm. “My career began in Los Angeles, where my dream was to become a sports agent. I worked my way up through the agency ranks, then pivoted to pursue more education in sports marketing through the University of San Francisco.” Tim landed a job at Red Bull North America. He worked in their sports marketing division and eventually moved to San Diego with his wife to launch a high-performance athletic training facility. In 2015, he relocated his family to Scottsdale and founded and launched Pledger, a social impact app that utilized real-time game performance statistics to solicit charitable donations from sports fans. His entrepreneurial spirit moved him into the world of residential real estate, where he got his first listing through a Zillow lead and has since become one of Arizona’s leading residential real estate professionals. What sets Tim apart from others in the field is diverse background. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve seen that sports had the power to not just entertain but inspire, motivate, mentor, and unify. I see the industry of real estate having similar potential,” he says. “I’m on a mission to be a Change Agent and build a platform that doesn’t just celebrate the narrative of transactions; instead, it celebrates transformation and immediate impact of our community.” Hard work, drive, and perseverance garnered Tim a few much-deserved accolades, including being named to the Scottsdale Association of Realtors’ Forty Under Forty list in 2022, winning the Housing Wire’s 2022 Rising Star award, and being included in the top 1% of Real Estate agents in 2021. Beyond real estate accolades, Tim works tirelessly to give back to the community through Homes for Good, which raises money for local nonprofit partners through real estate transactions via personal and matching donations. “I make a donation for each home myself, or any member on my Wexler Real Estate Group team closes,” he said. Homes for Good has reached over 25,000 people, raised over $100,000, and benefitted 19 unique Arizona nonprofits with an emphasis on youth and sports like First Tee of Phoenix and Giving-Sole. Tim says he’s currently pursuing growth and expansion with a mission to build a network of like-minded Change Agents stretching into other markets around the country. When asked what makes him a top realtor, he says, “ I’m not necessarily motivated by leaderboards or titles; I’m driven because of my passion for people, and stimulated to challenge the industry to be of greater service to the community.
Contact Tim McBride at 858.775.5422 or visit www.changeagenttim.com.
A Customized Approach
Alison Guelker provides extraordinary service and expertise
Alison Guelker is an Arizona native and grew up in Scottsdale. Since she was a little girl, Alison loved architecture and beautiful homes. This love was fueled by walking and touring homes under construction with her father, a general contractor in Arizona. It didn’t come as a shock to anyone when she decided to make her career in real estate, and after working for other companies, she formed the Guelker Girls group. Alison earned her real estate license while in college at the University of Arizona in 2004, and after graduation, she joined a team of realtors in Tucson. She spent five years in Las Vegas working with a top Vacation Ownership Corporation followed by a promotion that brought her back to Phoenix to lead the Arizona Marketing Team. After a successful ten years it was time to transition back to her first love, residential real estate sales. “Real estate is my passion, and nothing gives me more joy than helping my clients with all their needs. As an Arizona native, I have seen firsthand the changing landscape and have a strong understanding of the market, the neighborhoods, and the growth that has taken place in the Valley,” she says. Every successful person needs the motivation to drive them forward, and Alison’s inspiration comes from her clients and her parents. “I love what I do each day and working with all types of clients. They motivate me to go above and beyond and my parents instilled a strong work ethic in me after watching how they pursued their careers,” she shares. Although the real estate market is highly competitive, Alison stands out thanks to her instincts to quickly adapt to exactly what her clients are looking for. “My specialty is being a chameleon. I’m able to recognize someone’s wants and needs and adapt,” she says. This adaptability allows her to design a customized approach instead of a one-size-fits-all. Another key to her success is collaboration. “Part of the job is creating relationships with everyone involved in the business. I always treat all parties with respect and kindness, and think cultivating relationships amongst our peers is crucial.” Alison’s unique approach, determination, and work ethic have helped her become a top realtor. She’s recently won the 40 Under 40 awards for the Scottsdale Association of Realtors, and Scottsdale Homeowner Magazine, and she won the Top 1% award for Arizona Realtors. You might think that she is all business, but Alison enjoys cutting loose and having fun like everyone else. Alison loves spending time with her 2 rescue dogs, her family & friends and exploring all the valley has to offer. Alison offers this advice to prospective clients. “Choose your agents carefully. Not all agents are created equally. Make sure you work with someone that is honest, knowledgeable, hardworking, and always has your best interest first, not theirs.”
Contact Alison Guelker at 602.920.8101 or e-mail Alison@GuelkerGroup.com.
A Rising Star
Growing up in Scottsdale, Tyler McShane of The McShane Group at RE/MAX Fine Properties has a unique understanding of the valley real estate market. Tyler, a second-generation real estate professional, specializes in buyer representation and focuses on the luxury market. He attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School, and graduated from ASU in 2016 with a BS in Industrial Engineering. However, he decided that engineering wasn’t the right career path during the final year of his studies. “I worked so hard to earn my engineering degree, I felt it was best to stick it out even if I didn’t choose that career path. Resultantly, I chose a different route. I joined a boutique search firm called Pinnacle Group, which recruits finance professionals for the alternative investment space. After 5 years and midpandemic, I was able to take some time and think about what I really wanted to do. I always had an interest in real estate, grew up around it, and knew it was time to make the move. I partnered with my dad and hit the ground running” he says. Being exposed to the housing industry his entire life made the transition to his new career path seamless. “My dad has been in the business for 25+ years and has been a fantastic partner, and more importantly, mentor to me. Enjoying and appreciating architecture and design makes real estate fun. I’ve always had appreciation of the global influences that inspire some of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen,” he says. Understanding that real estate is an exciting, demanding, and fulfilling career, Tyler draws inspiration from the successful and genuine family members and friends he surrounds himself with. “I’m thankful for the life I have and aim to provide an equal or greater opportunity to my future children as well as others less fortunate. I hope to be a mentor and serve as an inspiration,” he says. And his hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed; he earned a spot on the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors 40 under 40 list and the RE/MAX 100% Club. He credits his success to his extensive market knowledge, dedication to his clients, impressive track record thus far, and passion for the work. Over the next two years, Tyler plans to get his broker’s license and continue his education to grow his business. Besides helping people find their dream home, Tyler continually gives back to the community that’s helped him grow. He’s a member of the Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix, an organization of men who give back to their community by raising money for local children’s charities. “We raised over $1 million this year and have hosted some of the valley’s most iconic events, including the Suitcase Party and Goldwater Classic.” In his spare time, Tyler enjoys golf, traveling, and exploring the new hot spots in and around the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
Contact Tyler McShane at 480.295.1868 or visit www.mcshanegroupaz.com.
Find Yourself
4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale AZ 85251 www. CornelisHollander.com 480-423-5000 800-677-6821 PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOM DESIGNS AVAILABLE
