The Lakelander - Issue 97

PERSONAL TRAINERS for you

SIMPLE HEALTH HACKS

FAITH WAGNER personal trainer

TOP MEDSPAS

local DR. GUS DE JESUS vein & vascular

URGENT CARE just for you.

Feeling under the weather? Our three Urgent Care locations offer you and your family comprehensive services, like flu shots and diagnostic testing with no appointment needed, to make sure you get back to feeling your best!

Not an LRH patient? Not a problem. We welcome all patients ages 2+ to receive care even if they are not established with LRH. So come on in, we’ll take care of the rest!

HOURS: Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm I Saturday - Sunday 8am to 5pm

OUR URGENT CARE LOCATIONS:

2400 Kathleen Road, Lakeland, FL

Lake Miriam (S. Lakeland)

Pablo Campus (Near Southgate)

Kathleen Campus (N. Lakeland) 130

COMMON CONDITIONS WE TREAT:

• Asthma

• Bronchitis

• Cough & cold symptoms

• Earaches

• Flu symptoms

• Minor back & shoulder pain

• Minor medical concerns

• Minor trauma, burns, or lacerations

• Seasonal allergies

• Sinus infections

• Skin rashes

• Sprains

• Urinary tract infections

• Yeast infections

ALYSIA CORTES

Hello Florida Real Estate (863) 812-5683

Alysia@hellofloridarealestate.com

KALEI FIORENTINO

EXP Realty (813) 758-8498

HomeSweetPolk@gmail.com

LANA BURKE

LPT Realty (863) 529-4436

LanaBurkeHomes@gmail.com

ANDREA ANDERSON

S&D Real Estate (863) 808-8626

AndreaSellsFlorida@yahoo.com

TAMMY STORIE

Regal Real Estate (863) 698-6000

TammyStorie@gmail.com

VANESSA ARMAS

La Rosa Realty Prestige (786) 514-6868

VanessaArmasRealtor@gmail.com

CHRISTINE EHLENBECK

Keller Williams Realty Smart (863) 617-8544

Christine@nextstephometeam.com

JENNIFER DANIELL

La Rosa Realty Prestige (863) 440-3603

JenniferDaniell.Realty@gmail.com

MADISON ZORN

S&D Real Estate (863) 838-7411

Madison@sanddrealestate.com

CHRISTINE HUBBERT

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Fine Living (863) 370-4915

ChristineHubbert.Realtor@gmail.com

HEATHER ALFORD

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Fine Living (863) 327-6564

HeatherAlford.Realtor@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARI VAUGHN

VIDEO BY MICHAEL WALKER

Realtors included in photo from left to right.

WE ARE REALTORS ... AND WE ARE

LAKELAND

We may not have our own reality TV show, but we do share a strong passion and hustle with each of our real estate businesses and in helping our clients with achieving their real estate goals and homeownership dreams.

#sellinglakeland #lakelandrealtors

eauty and fashion has always been my muse, and for 15 years I have committed my heart and mind to creating fabulous hair color and hair extensions. It hasn’t always been easy operating a small business at the lofty standards we set for ourselves, but at Belle La Vie we are a resilient bunch of positive like-minded professionals who are driven to leave every person feeling fabulous.

Just like every one of you, I am so thankful to be part of this community, and I can confidently say that we are ready to transform how you look and feel.

After nearly eight years of rigorous research I have determined the right recipe to create my own hair extension line, and I could not be more ecstatic to share it with you, as well as colleagues

throughout Polk County and beyond. With these extensions we cater to every texture, every age and every gender. We offer-semi permanent options, and soon will also offer wigs, toupees and other exciting choices.

Come stop by for a visit and allow yourself to be pampered. We offer everything from the latest haircuts to colors, extensions and perms, to facials and massages, to teeth whitening. Our spa can become an essential part of you living your most beautiful life. We are certified in the newest massage technique called lymphatic massage, and our facial treatments leave you feeling good and looking great.

Bella Vie Owner

PUBLISHER

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs

STRATEGIST

RJ Walters CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jonathan Sierra

VP, FINANCE

Deb Patterson

Ted W. Weeks IV

CREATIVE

Briana Chenot

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jordan Randall

Madi Elizabeth

CIRCULATION

Jason Jacobs DISTRIBUTION

David Heideman

For exceptional Chiropractic Care after a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the Lake Miriam Publix Plaza.

DON’T IGNORE YOUR INJURIES.

We would love to evaluate and treat you!

Iwould walk in and be greeted by a smiling face offering me an array of made-to-order espresso beverages.

I would then find my spot next to friends (and of course my wife) and go through a slow and purposeful half hour of stretching. Next, I’d run through about 15 minutes of high intensity interval training exercises, and then use a low impact machine for 20-30 minutes—with sports or my guilty pleasure HGTV keeping me company.

Next up would be a stint in a hot tub (with at least 20 jets), followed by a short massage, fresh beard trim and moisturizing treatment for my skin.

Then give me a chance to sit, read and pray in a quiet space, with a nutrientrich smoothie on a side table—and all the while, please ensure my six lovely children are taken care of so I don’t have to wonder what kind of mischief they are getting into.

For me, at age 39, count me in for a membership at RJ’s Reverie Retreat.

Unfortunately I don’t have three hours a day to devote to activities and services that make me look and feel better, but it’s fun to share with you what my idea of health, wellness and beauty looks like.

The reality is that looking good and feeling good about yourself is a very personal matter.

For some people health and beauty looks like intense training at the gym, others a mountain biking excursion, others a laser or injectable treatment, others a spiritual retreat to connect with God and remember the man or woman they see in the mirror each day.

If you pick up this issue and feel body shamed or feel guilty that you’ve already

failed at your New Year’s resolution, then you’re missing the point.

We want you to see that fellow Lakelanders deeply care about your well being and how you feel about you, and they offer ways to come alongside you on your journey.

Maybe you’re looking to get back into a gym or find a personal trainer; maybe you need a few simple ways to fuel your body in a healthier way; maybe you want medical experts to personalize a plan to help you achieve results that seem unattainable. Whatever it is, you’re not alone, yet it’s also true that no two journeys are exactly the same.

As Scripture reminds us, each of us were wonderfully and fearfully made by God—and on the days we feel great about ourselves, as well the days we want to hide from the world, that Truth never changes.

CONTRIBUTORS

MADI ELIZABETH

Madi Elizabeth is a California-born photographer who now resides in Lakeland. Known for her ability to capture fleeting moments with authenticity, Madi's work showcases a diverse range of subjects and settings, from landscapes to intimate portraits.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she invites viewers to experience the emotions and beauty of each captured scene. Madi's talent has gained recognition through features and publications in People Magazine, The Lakelander, Voyage Tampa, etc, solidifying her place as a sought-after artist in the field of photography.

ADAM SPAFFORD

Adam came to Lakeland in 1999 to attend Florida Southern College and, except for a 20-month graduate school stint in Massachusetts, has been here since.

When he’s not writing page-turners for The Lakelander, he trades stock and index options.

DAVE HEIDEMAN

David grew up in Minnesota and Iowa, but made the move to Lakeland to be close to family and enjoy the Sunshine State's amenities. Most of his working life was spent in upper management in the restaurant industry. He also controlled inventory and shipping for a large manufacturer and owned a fulfillment company.

His favorite hobbies are spending time with family, attending church, dining out and enjoying the activities the area has to offer. David enjoys working with his colleagues at The Lakelander, where he leads the Distribution Department (you'll see his smiling face filling racks of magazines!) and does other special projects.

Left to right: Nurse practitioner CJ Birge, Dr. Kimberly Corbitt, Dr. Gus De Jesus and nurse practitioner Nestor Guerrero.

Written by RJ Walters Photos by Jordan Randall Produced in partnership with Vein and Vascular Experts Designed by Briana Chenot

The Heart and Expertise to Create Healthier Communities It

is fitting that every day when Dr. Gus De Jesus walks into his clinic in South Lakeland he heads into a building that has a bank vault in it.

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican born De Jesus and his family are fully invested in Lakeland, and the completely renovated Vein and Vascular Experts building that was formerly a Fifth Third Bank branch is a foundation to build the practice into wherever God leads him next.

“When I see someone in my office, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling,” De Jesus says. “We’re motivated by making this community stronger, better and healthier, and educating people to make sure that we can put them on that path.”

In 2012 De Jesus moved to Lakeland, and he worked at Bartow Hospital and then Choice Healthcare in North Lakeland before opening Vein and Vascular Experts in 2017. In the 12 years since he became a Lakelander, the population of Polk County has exploded from around 615,000 to nearly 800,000, and De Jesus is positioning his practice to help and educate as many people as possible.

VVE currently serves patients in South Lakeland and at a smaller location in Auburndale, and De Jesus is keen on adding a location in Plant City, where eventually the newly hired Dr. Kimberly Corbitt will work out of.

“There are gaps in vascular surgery all across the country, especially in Florida,” De Jesus says. “If you ask me what our one year, five year, and 10 year plan is, we basically want to triangulate the central Florida corridor, the I-4 corridor.”

If you’re curious or uncertain what vascular health is all about, you’re not alone. Much of modern medicine is compartmentalized into distinct subspecialties, but as De Jesus and his team will tell you, your vascular health is all tied into the main switchboard of your entire body.

“Every single organ in your body has arteries and veins, so it is impossible for me to compute

everything in a compartment where, ‘This is just vascular,’” he says. “When you have eye problems, it could be a vascular problem. When you have kidney problems, it could be a vascular problem. Skin issues, vascular problem. And when you see people with risk factors like aneurysms, they are a dangerous condition that could rupture and be life-threatening.”

The clinic is also highly regarded for its treatment options for varicose veins.

He notes that “your body keeps score” and risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and what he calls a “toxic food environment” that most Americans are naive to contribute to why people end up with vascular and/or vein challenges.

De Jesus and his team take every opportunity to educate patients, as well as family and friends that accompany patients, about ways to prevent vascular issues, such as walking and exercising frequently and being intentional about what you are putting in your body.

The recent hire of CJ Birge and Nestor Guerrero as nurse practitioners,

as well as bringing in Dr. Corbitt proves De Jesus is set on making the greatest impact possible in a community that he says he believes God has placed him in with a purpose.

The 33-year-old Corbitt, who was born in Orlando and attended Ocoee High School before embarking on the long and intense journey to become a surgeon, said she is excited to work with and for someone who has a great reputation and can relate to the challenges that come with the profession.

“He has kind of already been through some of the bumps in the road,” she says. “And I could just tell by talking to him that he’s well experienced and everything you could want in a mentor.”

Corbitt became interested in the medical field when she dual enrolled in some EMT classes in high school, and she enjoys vein and vascular work specifically because of the variety of different cases she sees and how she can help make transformative impacts in patient’s lives.

She has long sought to find her way back to Central Florida, but

she had never spent a moment in Lakeland. Now that she and her husband, Dr. Devlin McCormick, who is a trauma acute care surgeon at Lakeland Regional Health, have settled into the Swan City, she can’t believe how fortunate they are to have ended up here..

“It has every feature you could ever want in a town…as far as a lot of restaurants, things to do outdoors, parks, and you’re close to other major cities,” she says. “It’s kind of a small town secret or something…and I hope they keep it that way.”

She does want to provide solutions to as many health problems as possible and help people realize that most of the time someone doesn’t just wake up with pain in their calves or swollen veins, it is usually an accumulation of years of chronic health issues that have been building up.

“God brought her to our doorstep,” De Jesus said. “She is a very humble and approachable individual….I know that she fits Lakeland, and this community is going to love her.”

“She is a very humble and approachable individual….I know that she fits Lakeland, and this community is going to love her.”

Dr. Kimberly Corbitt is excited to make a difference for Lakelanders.

percolating with purpose

How Ethos Roasters is Changing the World Through Coffee

WRITTEN BY DIEGO DE JESUS | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ETHOS COFFEE ROASTERS | DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

“Many families take the kids from school just for the harvest season so that they can get enough money to survive to eat... many consumers here in the U.S. probably have no idea that even happens.”

Lisabeth Pacheco (center), co-owner of Ethos Coffee Roasters, in Poaquil, Guatemala last December with farmhands contracted by Ethos.

thos Coffee Roasters imports around 10,000 pounds of green coffee beans annually from farming cooperatives across Latin America. Ten contracted farms, that range from 30 farmhands to 50 families in size, are the origin of the beans stored in burlap sacks at the roastery located along Lake Beulah.

Being directly sourced from Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala, these beans come from remote villages that boast some of the best coffee in the world.

Ethos Coffee Roasters champions these farmers, roasts exquisite coffee to share with the world and strives to positively impact these communities.

That is the mission of co-owners Lisbeth Pacheco and her husband, Jolian Rios, who launched Ethos at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market in 2017—a spot you will still find them on Saturdays.

“The reason that we started the business and the reason that we keep going and the reason, honestly, it’s so much fun, and it’s a passion for us,” Pacheco said. “It’s because of the impact.”

Raised in the heart of Colombia’s eje cafetero or “coffee lands,” Rios witnessed the impoverished conditions of caficultores , coffee farmers, that Ethos strives to alleviate.

“Many families take the kids from school just for the harvest season so that they can get enough money to survive to eat,” Rios said. “Many consumers here in the U.S. probably have no idea that even happens.”

“Just thinking about the fact that some kids never have the chance to go to school was something I always dreamed of one day [doing something to combat,]” Pacheco said.

When they immigrated to the States, they both earned college degrees. Among their degrees, Rios earned a Doctorate of Medicine and Pacheco a Doctorate in Food Chemistry.

With their scientific background, they understand how to maintain optimal conditions for their roastery and carefully roast each batch to their standard.

While attending private school in Guatemala City, coffee always surrounded Pacheco. She even admits that she would enjoy a little coffee being added to her milk as young as age 2. Her inspiration for establishing a better future for children of these cooperatives stems from seeing children her age outside the classroom picking coffee cherries from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—supporting their families but missing out on their education.

Before she immigrated to the States in 2005, Pacheco attended Zamorano University in Honduras in 2004, where she made many connections in the coffee industry that would be the framework for Ethos to source its products directly. Ethos resulted from much planning, beginning with the language defined in their contracts.

Ethos requires these cooperatives to send their children to school without contributing as a farmhand. These families typically would have had their children help in farming to ensure demand was met. To compensate for this, Pacheco says Ethos pays three to four times more than average coffee distributors so that children can attend school.

They’ve maintained this price and contract since their founding, with one of their earliest sources being Cooperativa La Asuncion, in Poaquil, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, which is home to 30 farmhands.

Poaquil is a remote town in the Guatemalan countryside that is predominantly families of Mayan descent. When Pacheco and Rios first visited the cooperative, the town didn’t have paved roads or the necessary resources to properly educate their children.

Ethos has maintained its relationship with the Poaquil cooperative for almost eight years. Since their contract began, the employees have made the profit necessary to improve their conditions with

Lisabeth Pacheco and her husband, Jolian Rios, both have Latin American roots that have served them well in business.

paved roads, which has helped grant access to cities and all the amenities that come with that.

“One of the reasons why we believe even more strongly now in the model is because we’ve seen the effects of it,” Pacheco said, noting that she and her husband enjoyed a December trip to visit the farmers at Poaquil.

The model is not only making an impact in other countries, it has created a business that is ready to expand.

Pacheco excitedly shared with The Lakelander that the couple recently purchased a lot near Christina Park in South Lakeland where they have plans to build a coffee shop, complete with the convenient option of drive-thru service.

“My target is to actually get people who go through Starbucks or Dunkin every day,” she says. “I feel like if we could get more of the mass market kind of customer…I’m hoping once they become a regular for us they’re going to start asking more questions about the coffee and we will be able to explain our mission.”

“My target is to actually get people who go through Starbucks or Dunkin every day.”

She says the build out will likely take around 18 months, and Lakelanders should expect the Ethos Roasters coffee shop experience to open in 2025.

In the meantime, coffee aficionados can dive deeper into the Ethos brand by signing up at EthosRoasters. com for a brewing experience where guests learn the basics, brew a variety of coffees and even leave with a brand new V60 dripper and a bag of coffee.

As Ethos grows and continues its impact with more farmers, patrons can dabble in unique roasts, become monthly coffee subscribers at EthosRoasters.com , or meet the team at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market.

Order coffee, learn more about the business or become monthly subscribers at EthosRoasters.com

REFRESH

RENEW AND REFRESH

TOP MED SPAS

PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL & MADISEN ELIZABETH

med spa marries the science of healthier skin and nonsurgical aesthetic medical services with the relaxing, nourishing options that people have come to traditionally love at spas.

In Lakeland the choices are plentiful, but each spot has its own vibe, unique offerings that set it apart and staff with varying experiences that play into what med spa might be right for you.

Meet some of the top local professionals and teams who are dedicated to helping people feel good and look their best.

DESIGNED BY

BRIANA CHENOT

TR UEM E DSPA

CUSTOMIZED BEAUTY BEYOND SKIN DEEP

nearly two decades, Lisa Birket and her team, which she lovingly refers to as the “True Tribe,” have poured their time, energy and passion into building TrueMedSpa into a premier spot where locals can enjoy the latest procedures, technologies and trends. They have been awarded Central Florida’s Best Medical Spa five years in a row by The Official Community’s Choice Awards. Lisa says her team of more than 30 professionals is constantly learning new practices to better serve clients, and she stays on the cutting edge of new technologies that are proven to help people.

“We are like a big family,” Lisa says with a smile “We all help each other and we don’t compete against each other…it’s all about love and respect.”

therapeutic massages. They also offer health and wellness services including weight loss management therapies, hormone replacement and sexual wellness therapy.

“We want everyone to feel welcomed," Lisa says. "We want them to experience our professionalism but feel that warmth.”

Lisa says that vision often comes to life at TrueMedSpa, where recently a client who had been struggling with a prolonged illness shared the newfound confidence Lisa and her team helped her find.

“We are like a big family. We all help each other...it's all about love and respect.”

As Lakeland continues to grow, TrueMedSpa offers a luxury experience with a hometown feel, and their goal is to be an “all in one destination” for guests with their extensive range of services. TrueMedSpa customizes beauty and wellness treatments ranging from Botox, dermal fillers, body contouring treatments such as truSculptiD and truSculptFlexPlus, corrective skin care services, hair and nail services and clinical and

“She stated that she had been hiding from pictures, but with treatments she has been receiving at TrueMedSpa, she felt more confident and recently was in pictures for the first time in many years,” Lisa says. “That’s what keeps me thriving.”

In addition to doing everything it takes to be a premier medical spa, Lisa also makes it her mission to continually give back to the community.

She is involved in numerous charitable outreaches, including Rotary Club, SPCA, Central Florida Speech and Hearing, and KidsPack, where she has served on the board of directors for a number of years.

Botox & Dermal Fillers

Weight Loss/ Body

Sculpting/Smart Lipo

Laser Hair Removal

Hormone Replacement/ Sexual Wellness

Microneedling/ Hydrafacial MD

Corrective Skin Care Services

Laser Treatments

Lash Extensions

Medical Massage

4935 Southfork Drive Lakeland, FL 33813 863-646-3376

TrueMedSpaLakeland.com

LISA BIRKET Owner/Director

C LIQUE

LOOK YOUNGER, FEEL BETTER, LIVE LONGER

midst the relentless demands of the pandemic, Racheal Santarpia, a dedicated nurse practitioner, found herself longing for a change. Encouraged by her daughter Brandie, a cosmetologist, the duo embarked on a transformative journey, resulting in the opening of Clique Salon and Med Spa in South Lakeland. Driven by Racheal's extensive medical expertise and her husband John's astute business acumen, Clique became a haven where health, wellness, and aesthetic aspirations converge.

Transitioning from the hectic hospital environment to curating rejuvenating experiences, Racheal found solace in blending her medical background with a passion for holistic well-being.

"We dive into your medical history and lab results for a personalized experience that transcends ordinary med spas.”

The spa's ethos resonates with those seeking more than surface-level transformations; it's about understanding the underlying factors affecting one's health and beauty.

"We dive into your medical history and lab results for a personalized experience that transcends ordinary med spas.”

At Clique, the focus extends beyond treatments—it's about crafting personalized journeys rooted in comprehensive consultations, medical histories and cutting-edge technologies. Services like body contouring, muscle sculpting, medical weight loss, and skin rejuvenation are meticulously tailored to address individual needs, supported by advanced solutions like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, IPL Photo Facial and Morpheus8 RF Microneedling.

Racheal's approach mirrors her own quest for vitality as she embraces the wisdom of age with a commitment to natural enhancements.

"Less is best," she asserts, advocating for treatments that enhance natural beauty without compromising authenticity.

As both a practitioner and a patron, Racheal understands the desire to preserve youthfulness gracefully.

With empathy born of experience and a dedication to excellence, Clique Med Spa and Clique Health & Wellness promise not just a transformation, but a journey towards enduring well-being.

SERVICES INCLUDE

Injectables/fillers

Trusculpt iD Body

Contouring

Trusculpt Flex Muscle Sculpting

Morpheus8 RF

Microneedling – Face, Neck & Body

Hydrafacial

IPL Photofacial

Laser Hair Removal

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Semaglutide/ Tirzepatide Weight Loss Injections

CHECK THEM OUT

5315 S Florida Ave South Lakeland, FL 33813 (Outback Restaurant Plaza)

863-249-3002

CliqueMedSpa.com

Morpheus8 RF

Microneedling Face Special - $450

Trusculpt iD Body

Contouring Treatment for $999 (50% off) Receive

Trusculpt Flex Session ($449 value)

RACHEAL SANTARPIA Owner, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C

REBECCA TYLER Aesthetician/ Laser Technician

B E LLA VISAG E

LOVE WHO YOU'RE BECOMING

almost 20 years, Jeanna Parker helped patients facing heart problems as a trauma and intensive care nurse. Today as the owner of Bella Viságe Medical & Aesthetic Rejuvenation, with her husband Mark, she is as dialed in as ever on helping people’s hearts, both physically and emotionally.

Jeanna is passionate about helping women invest in themselves so they can, in turn, feel better and have more to offer in many facets of their lives.

“I personally think that women run their well so dry and ignore things. Honestly, that’s how I ended up at 231 pounds—I was putting this before me, this before me, this before me, and I feel like women take so much on and then it turns into this destructive selfneglect,” she said.

She has shared with numerous media outlets about her wellness and weight loss journey in 2020 that resulted in losing 90 pounds through primarily eating more nutritious food and regular exercise. She is more enthusiastic than ever to help others achieve life-changing results, whether through aesthetic rejuvenation services, scientifically backed products or through the spa’s new Bella Wellness Program.

“I want to be a partner in helping you create a healthy life that honors your schedule, that honors your budget,” she says. “So that you really love who you’re becoming.”

That mindset was the catalyst for launching the Bella Membership Program earlier this year. For $149 per month, members can choose a Bella Classic Facial, Neck Revive RF Treatment, CoolPeel Laser Hand Treatment or IPL Photo Treatment for the hands. Members also receive discounted pricing on a number of products and services, as well as complimentary skin or body care products during their birthday month.

“Honestly, I want people to be able to get everything they want here and feel comfortable and know they don’t have to wait for a sale or promotion to get a great deal,” Jeanna says. "We see you, we hear you and we're ready to help you."

“I want to be a partner in helping you create a healthy life that honors your schedule, that honors your budget”

Jeanna smiles as she recalls when she received a text from a client who was thrilled that everyone thought she was in her 30s. The text read: "Thank you for everything you have helped me achieve all these years."

Jeanna said she was hesitant to start offering the trendy option of weight loss injections, but soon realized she could pair that with health coaching, clinically-proven products and educating clients on their nutrition habits to build something that fosters long-term health.

Her team of nurse practitioners and aestheticians is always excited to welcome people into the Bella family because they want what is best for the client.

“I think people actually have more respect when they see where you have traveled from,” Jeanna says. “Girl, I hear you, I was you, and actually am still you, I’m just on the other side.”

Owner & Nurse

JEANNA PARKER

Practitioner

VE NETIAN

SAFE, TRANQUIL AND INVITING

Dr.

Benito Torres has spent his career helping people feel better about themselves for the long haul—as a doctor at Moffitt Cancer Center and as the owner of the award-winning Novus Spine & Pain Center here in Lakeland—so it’s no surprise his newest venture Venetian Medical Spa and Aesthetic Surgery focuses on that, just with different vernacular and procedures.

Torres prides himself on having a staff of certified experts, a clean and sterile spa that is also warm and inviting, and a menu of services that he says sets him apart from the competition.

Dr. Torres received his training with a leading cosmetic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Calif. and Torres is a double board certified physician and assistant clinical professor.

contouring" but only provide one modality, which may not target the deep fat, resulting in less desirable outcomes.

"We offer several options for minimally invasive body contouring and sculpting provided by a physician, including liposculpting, Facetite and Bodytite, which are advanced minimally invasive technology," Dr. Torres says. "These treatments induce collagen and elastin production, which tightens the skin to provide a more youthful look."

“We do out best to ensure our clients fully understand the services we are proposing and do our best to ensure outcomes match expectations.”

So why has he built his business in Lakeland?

"In speaking with colleagues and patients, I realized many patients traveled outside of Polk County to get treatment or services that could be provided locally by a properly trained physician. We have the expertise and technology to meet those needs."

Torres says a lot of medspas offer "body

Venetian also offers a mix of services like PDO thread lifts, as well as traditional medspa offerings including hydrafacials, derma fillers, laser hair removal, discoloration treatments, superficial vein treatments and more.

“We do our best to ensure our clients fully understand the services we are proposing and do our best to ensure outcomes match expectations."

Torres admits that after moving to Lakeland from Tampa with his wife and three children eight years ago he wasn’t sure how long it would be for, but he has found a place to call home where he says he fell in love with the area and the people— and he’s always looking to help people love themselves a little more.

DR. BENITO TORRES Medical Director

AGELESS AESTHETICS

BEAUTY BEYOND SKIN DEEP

When a woman in her 60s stopped in Ageless Aesthetics & Wellness several years ago she looked tired and sad, and she was admittedly hopeless. She had been a caregiver to her husband for nearly four years, and he had recently passed away. She didn’t know how to go on. At Ageless, she chatted with founder and nurse practitioner Ashley Newman, and the client simply said, “Can you help me?”

“I said, ‘Well, I believe we can,’” Ashley recalls. “It will take some time, it will take appointments, it will cost money, but you have to trust me along this journey.”

About a year and a half later, the client's confidence was renewed when she looked in the mirror, and she had begun working out and dancing again, and she had started attending church.

or the way that they look. My job is to take what God has already given them and enhance natural beauty...and make them feel better and more refreshed,” she says.

Ashley thanks God for his continual hand of provision on her journey. The Lakeland Christian School graduate, who is married to her middle school sweetheart Cori, opened Ageless in 2018, utilizing a single room in a shared space. Just after purchasing a laser machine, the pandemic struck and like many local businesses, Ashley had to shut down for several months.

“My job is to take what God has already given them and enhance natural beauty.”

Fast forward another year and a half to earlier this year when the client walked through the doors at Ageless’s brand new spa at 242 Lake Harris Dr.

“She shared with me that she's engaged to be married again. I’ve watched her evolve, and she has a whole new outlook on life,” Ashley says. “This is why I do what I do.”

Ashley has been serving people through healthcare for almost 20 years now, including eight in aesthetics. She has worked with thousands of patients, and she knows everyone has a little bit different DNA so every person deserves an individualized treatment plan.

“It is not my job to change someone's face

“It was tough, being a single injector owner…and having a staff and renting at the time,” she recalls. "But I always believe God will provide, and throughout my life I have seen Him helping me."

Fast forward to 2022, and Ashley found a piece of land on Lake Harris that she wanted to buy, but someone else snatched it up before she could— or so she thought. Two months later the lot was back on the market, and she found out that local builder Mark Hulbert—a family friend for many years—owned it. He was excited to help make her dream become a reality.

In November 2023, Ageless opened the doors to its brand new Hulbert-built facility, and Newman couldn’t be more ecstatic about what’s ahead.

“To say I'm thankful is an understatement. It has been nothing short of blood, sweat, and tears…but it’s been so worth it.”

Ageless

AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

ASHLEY NEWMAN

MSN, APRN-C Provider and Founder

MONAR C H

MAKING AGING MORE ENJOYABLE

Dr.

Timothy Knight and his team aim to “make aging more enjoyable,” and at The Monarch MedSpa in North Lakeland their expertise in skincare is peerless.

Dr. Knight has more than 35 years of experience in dermatology, and since 2003 he and his wife, Judy, have operated North County Dermatology Clinic in Lakeland, devoting themselves to the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions.

In 2023, they opened The Monarch MedSpa at the same location, a venture Dr. Knight was confident in because of his own experience, as well as that of his team of experienced practitioners Lexi, PA-C, Kristen, DNP, and Joann, an aesthetician.

and aesthetically, all in the same building. We really enjoy helping people feel better and more confident about themselves."

The Monarch MedSpa offers a wide-range of “state of the art” services in the areas of injectables, skincare contouring, and laser treatments.

“Our providers can treat patients medically, surgically and aesthetically, all in the same building."

“Our aesthetic providers are very, very well trained and have combined decades of experience in the field,” Dr. Knight says. “Our providers can treat patients medically, surgically

Dr. Knight and his staff focus on meeting the needs of patients of all age groups. He says many of the treatments can help people look 5, 10 or even 15 years younger, depending on the treatments provided.

“We listen to the patient to determine their goals and expectations. We then offer them options and together decide the best treatment plan," he says. "We discuss risks and benefits, possible downtime and cost.”

Dr. Knight prides himself on ensuring the spa is always sparkling clean, as well as a professional and friendly environment.

DR. TIMOTHY KNIGHT Medical Director

ALTH Y GET AND ST A Y H

HTLAE

FIND fIT

PERSONAL TRAINERS COMMITTED TO COACHING

WRITTEN BY ADAM

PHOTOS BY JORDAN

SPAFFORD

RANDALL

DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

YOUR Be

it a group class or one-on-one coaching, whether their clients aim to regain lost vigor or have never broken a sweat inside a gym before, or even if clients desire app-based remote instruction, three of Lakeland’s top trainers–Faith Wagner, Will Doyle, and Blake Scheidt–all share a passion for improving people’s lives through fitness. We connected with each of them about the why and what of personal training—to see how it’s helping Lakelanders get and stay healthy, and how they could help you reach your fitness goals.

Will joined the Army at age 22 after earning a degree in exercise science. Although he’d grown up playing sports he was, perhaps counterintuitively, overweight and out of shape at the end of his nine-year military stint. But he fell in love with the local fitness scene, managed a gym and trained clients on the northside for about a decade, and then opened up Will Power Fitness five years ago.

Will is dedicated to helping everyone reach his or her fitness goals, and being a gym that is accessible 24/7/365 helps accommodate people of all lifestyles.

“After you’ve trained people for a decade or more,” he says, “it becomes clear that helping people reach their weight or strength goals is important, but it’s really about your clients building self-confidence. It’s the father with

the bad blood work whose wife encouraged him to look after his health—and now he’s fit and confident. It’s the grandparents who are able to get on the floor and play with their grandkids when pain kept them from it before they started training.”

Will recalls one of the more poignant stories of inspiration that his gym cultivated was that of a fellow veteran who was deeply depressed but has now found hope through training at Will Power Fitness.

In fact, helping veterans stay fit—as well as active duty military, police, firefighters and first responders—is one of Doyle’s main missions. Roughly a quarter of Will Power’s 275 members serve in those capacities and receive a 20 percent membership discount. All members can choose from small group classes in the morning and evening as well as personal training from one of Will Power’s nine personal trainers.

“We focus on mobility, correcting form, and imbalances,” Will says, “by making sure

WILL DOyLE

WILL POWER FITNESS WILL DOyLE

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

OWNER AND COACH

“THOUGH WE’VE TRAINED PEOPLE FOR POWERLIFTING AND MORE EXTREME

PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, WE KNOW THAT MOST PEOPLE JUST WANT TO GO

THROUGH THEIR DAY PAIN-FREE WITH HIGH ENERGY LEVELS.”

“THOUGH WE’VE TRAINED PEOPLE FOR POWERLIFTING AND MORE EXTREME PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, WE KNOW THAT MOST PEOPLE JUST WANT TO GO THROUGH THEIR DAY PAIN-FREE WITH HIGH ENERGY LEVELS.”

DOyLE DOyLE

CAMARADERIE

ENERGY

joints are aligning safely under load. If the form isn’t correct, we deload until we correct it. Though we’ve trained people for powerlifting and more extreme physical challenges, we know that most people just want to go through their day pain-free with high energy levels.”

Doyle recalls how his approach to training has changed since the beginning of his career. “I used to be a drill sergeant!” he laughs. “I didn’t want anyone to have a better workout than the one I gave them. I still want that, but I’ve come a long way in how I achieve it.”

He’s found replacing his own intensity with simple questions is most effective.

“We are constantly doing little spot checks: how are you feeling? How did that last workout make you feel? Several weeks in, we assess a client’s energy levels, sleep quality, food choices, and recovery strategy. The most common question is, are you feeling stronger?”

He said he knows a client is on the right path if they feel stronger, their appetite is increasing and if they have more energy to pour into what matters most to them.

Will Power’s next move is a revamped website and gym expansion, but Doyle’s vision goes even further.

“I love the fact that there are so many other gyms and fitness options popping up in Lakeland. As the city grows, I hope fitness remains a part of it. I would love to collaborate with other gyms, perhaps have health fairs, fitness competitions,etc.”

“Wefocusonmobility,correctingform, andimbalances.”

LOCAL EDUCATION. GLOBAL IMPACT.

We know that knowledge is cultivated in the classroom, but tested in the real world. It’s why Florida Southern College has been named a leader in experiential learning year after year. And the reason our graduates achieve a 98% placement rate post-graduation.

Immersive, hands-on experiences such as internships and research equip students to lead, succeed, and make an impact in our community and across the globe.

Learn more at FLSouthern.edu

EARN YOUR STRIPES

DIRECTOR

Acompetitive gymnast through college, Faith Wagner earned a Master’s Degree in kinesiology and serves as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University in the discipline in addition to being the director of Earn Your Stripes, a gym that launched in the heart of Downtown in 2023. Her lifetime of experience and academic training allows her to adapt and customize workouts for clients that includes corrective movement and accommodation for existing injuries.

“I love being able to meet people where they are, give them a phenomenal workout, and help them prove to themselves they can do it,” she says. “I’ve worked with people who’ve been suffering with longstanding pain, clients struggling with mental health issues, moms returning to the gym after having

babies, retired athletes—and together we’re able to create super effective workouts.”

Earn Your Stripes is primarily a group fitness studio that also offers personal training. Their signature class, EYS Fit, runs about 45 minutes and involves a dynamic workout that includes strength, function, endurance and power training.

“We really focus on a balance of those four areas, training to the appropriate heart rate zone in each one,” Faith says.

For the particularly ambitious, EYS Combat is another class designed around full-body HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).

For people who might be inexperienced with or intimidated by fitness classes and personal training, Faith said EYS staff provides prospective members tours of the gym and makes sure they are comfortable. Her team also finds out where people are in their personal health and wellness journeys.

“We ask about any existing injuries, pain, or anything physical our certified trainers should know about—and we modify workouts as needed,” she says. “Everyone who hasn’t yet taken a class starts at a station that monitors the

FAITH WAgNER FAITH WAgNER

HIGH INTENSITY

LIKE YOU GOT A PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION.”

“WE WORK TO BUILD CAMARADERIE IN THE CLASS…YOU SHOULD LEAVE FEELING

“WE WORK TO BUILD CAMARADERIE IN THE CLASS…YOU SHOULD LEAVE FEELING LIKE YOU GOTA PERSONALTRAINING SESSION.”

WAgNER WAgNER

YOUR STRIPES 64 FIND YOUR FIT THE LAKELANDER HEALTH + BEAUTY | ISSUE 97

EMBRACE

CONSISTENT

heart rate throughout the class. We work to build camaraderie in the class and give personal attention to members during it, too…you should leave feeling like you got a personal training session.”

Faith offers some sage advice for those starting out: “When people take the all-or-nothing approach starting out, going from zero to several classes a week, they have a hard time finding balance in their lives. I suggest starting slow and taking a bite-sized approach; perhaps start with two days a week, be consistent while you try to make it seamless with the rest of your schedule.

When that feels good, add a third day.

305 W Main St. Lakeland, FL 33815

(863) 225-0560

LAKELAND ATHLETIC CLUB

PERSONALIZED REMOTE COACHING

Blake Scheidt has been a trainer for a decade, podcasting and building a digital footprint along the way to help younger coaches build their training businesses and to train people in the comfort of their own home.

Through trainerslab.io, Scheidt offers coaching calls, blueprints for success as a personal trainer, collateral and resources. At blakescheidt.com he offers remote personal coaching to individuals anywhere in the world who are ready to get and stay fit. And for the old school in-person experience with Blake, you can train with him at Lakeland Athletic Club.

“I love helping people,” Scheidt says. “I was a youth minister in the inner city for 10 years before this and, as I made this career shift, I found I could use that gift in a new way.

“This work is deeply relational; my clients are allowing me to train their bodies and paying me

for it, so I have to maintain their trust and buyin. It requires constantly knowing what they need and encouraging them while I challenge them. I really enjoy those ‘lightbulb moments’ when people realize their lives have improved.”

Blake has found that the best recipe for serving clients includes both empathy and a data-driven approach.

Some of his clients have never played a sport or done much physical activity in their lives. Scheidt says data is critical because it allows clients to see their progress objectively, and once they start seeing results they are even more motivated.

Scheidt’s clients have also included bodybuilders training for a competition, those in their 70s who just want to live longer with less pain, as well as Crossfitters.

“I strive to be a Swiss Army knife of training,” he says.

To that end, Blake spends about $10K a year on his own continuing education.

BLAKE SCHeIDT BLAKE SCHeIDT

MINDSET

“MY MAIN GOAL IS TO MAKE MY CLIENTS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE THAT THEY ARE

AUTONOMOUS AND THEREFORE THEY COULD FIRE ME.”

“MY MAIN GOAL IS TO MAKE MY CLIENTS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE THAT THEY ARE AUTONOMOUS AND THEREFORE THEY COULD FIRE ME.”

SCHeIDT SCHeIDT

VIGOR

GOALS

“It’s just built into my budget–I have a mentor coach who I talk to weekly and I pursue certifications where I’m not equipped.”

His approach is serving clients well. “I’m most gratified that I have high client retention,” he says. “But—weirdly perhaps—my main goal is to make my clients so knowledgeable that they are autonomous and therefore they could fire me. I have a client who came to me for in-person training–she didn’t know how to workout. She worked hard on that until she went to a hybrid in-person/online program, and now she is fully remote.”

Blake said she has lost 30 pounds, is confident in her home gym, and her quality of life has vastly improved.

Blake really enjoys helping people

realize how reaching their health goals can positively impact them as a mom or dad, or even regain daily energy that was unintentionally lost as they pursued careers and other ventures.

“Sometimes they’re depressed or have trouble sleeping. Together, we’re able to build a program around those things to improve them,” he says.

“Fitness has reached a point where there’s no lack of information available. So why do many of us remain unhealthy? It’s because the hardest part about knowledge is wisdom: when to do the right thing at the right time”

2295 Commerce Point Dr #180 Lakeland, FL 33801

BlakeScheidt.com

trainerslab.io

“...the hardest part about knowledge is wisdom...”

FIT AS SCHEIDT

When Life Gives You Lemons, Use Them!

TEN SIMPLE HEALTH HACKS

THAT ANYONE CAN DO

WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS

DESIGNED BY BRIANA CHENOT

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Lemonade is filled with sugar, but lemon water? Prevention.com lists seven benefits of a few squeezes of lemon in your H2O, including vitamin C, it helps with bloating and it can prevent kidney stones. Lemons also can zest up a salad, add flavor to other healthy beverages like tea and you can even use lemon juice to keep your fresh sliced apples from turning brown (aka oxidizing).

Get Your Fill of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc

These two vitamins and mineral make a potent trifecta, and you can find them neatly packed into everything from pills to gummies. Vitamin C builds your immune system, helps your body heal and plays an important role in everything from the forming of blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen to absorbing and storing iron. Vitamin D is famously known as the hero that builds strong bones, because it is necessary to absorb calcium. Zinc helps stave off sicknesses, enables wounds to heal quicker and generally contributes to healthier skin. Simply put, why wouldn’t you want more of these power players in your daily routine? (of course, check professional resources for any side effects or exceptions)

Create a Tech Curfew and Stick To It

Slowly walk away from your phone. Lock it in a box that will not open until morning. And then…

Ok, wake up, or should we say, let’s get to sleep! It is popular to count on melatonin or a variety of habit forming sleep aids to ensure Zs, but research proves that letting your screens sleep well before you do is a healthy routine to practice. The blue light emitted from most screens actually suppresses melatonin production and your mind stays engaged with information and movement instead of preparing to rest. Most research recommends a tech curfew of 1-2 hours before going to bed.

5

Spice Up Your Life

A study by the Food and Drug Administration found that nearly 9 in 10 Americans eat more sodium than recommended, which leads to health problems like high blood pressure. A lot of “healthy” options (sometimes they are moderately healthy and sometimes clever marketing tricks us) like more nutritious frozen dinners or soups are loaded with salt, as are some of your fast food and restaurant dishes. Have some fun by buying one new “salt free” spice or herb to try each month and see what becomes a fan favorite in your household. There are tons of exciting options with catchy names and various heat levels, so cut the salt and buy a new spice rack!

Find Workouts That Work For You

It sounds simple enough, but it’s also human nature to shoot for the stars and never even leave earth’s atmosphere, so to speak. If you think walking more might be your thing, consider buying ankle weights or incorporating some stair steps or short spans of jogging to take it to the next level. If a gym is too intimidating, do a quick internet search for “Top Fitness Apps,” and see what has worked well for others in your shoes. If you already train five days a week, good for you—you’ve clearly already mastered this tip, so help others find entry points to get started.

6

Make Life Sweet Without So Much Sugar

Now that your salt shaker is staying more full longer, it’s time to zoom in on the “added sugar” category on all your labels. A 2022 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, indicates the average American consumes nearly 70 grams of sugar per day, far above the recommended limit of 50 per day. You might not realize how much sugar is in your barbecue sauce or your “healthy” sports drink, but the labels don’t lie. Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, beetroot and dates are all oftrecommended substitutes that can

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC

CLINIC

Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991

Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work

Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991

Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work.

Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street SE Winter Haven, FL 33880

863.419.9301

3200 Physicians Way Sebring, FL 33880 863.471.9700

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Keep Healthy Snacks On Hand

Your stomach is growling again and you can see the massive fast food sign outside your office window. If you have a selection of nuts, fruits and snack bars that are low sugar and filled with “real” ingredients at your disposal you’ll reduce calories, feel better and save yourself money. Buying snack-sized portions becomes costly, and the reality is we need good snacks to keep us going, just prepare accordingly.

Don't Let the Colors Fool You

Artificial dyes make for bright colored treats, sports drinks, baked goods,etc. But more and more research is showing your gut doesn't like these dyes as much as your eyes do. A new study from Cornell and Binghamton University shows colorants such as dyes Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 can be found in 90 percent of artificially colored product in the U.S. Certain dyes can negatively affect intestinal functionality and can mess with your digestive system as a whole.

Simply Slow Down

We get it, life is often frantic, and we love to reward efficiency, but your body is made to enjoy what you’re putting in it. Biologically speaking, it takes about 20 minutes for your hormones to tell your brain to be satisfied by what you are consuming, so if you like to brag about being on your fifth slice of pizza 15 minutes in, you’re really just cheating the system, and creating unhealthy habits in the process. Eating slower improves chewing and is linked to passing less gas and better overall gut health.

Make Every Day “Berry” Good

Living across the county line from the home of the Strawberry Festival, we all know that berries make for a good time, but did you realize they can also help you live longer? A plethora of studies indicate they help prevent cancer and the antioxidants boost overall health. Berries have the added benefit of being able to make dishes sweeter without adding any sugar, and an article on Health.com shares research that says frozen berries may be even more nutrient rich than their fresh counterparts.

Located at:

The Strand Salon

2537 S. F lorida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803

863.604.7776

@car riejarahair Q

Carrie Jara Hair

PROFESSIONAL STYLIST

OVER 17 YEARS OF HAIR STYLING

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TOP HAIR COLORIST IN LAKELAND, FL

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Cranapple Chicken

Salad Sandwich on Multigrain Bread

In1978 Anthony Miller decided she wanted to do something where she could help people every day, and 46 years later she is still doing just that.

The 88-year-old founder and owner of Anthony’s Health Hut and Restaurant isn’t lacking for energy or enthusiasm, and she is on a mission to help Lakelanders live their healthiest, longest lives possible.

When you walk into the store located in a wellestablished plaza in South Lakeland you are greeted by shelves lined with the latest supplements, scientifically backed natural wellness products, sugar substitutes and more, but you will also smell the aroma of nutritious fresh soup, homemade quiche and freshly made pies.

The restaurant offers a number of healthy flavorful options under $10, they make a wide array of fruit and veggie based smoothies, and for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, homemade key lime pie is among the options.

Anthony acknowledges it’s challenging to compete with all of the large online retailers in the health and wellness space, meaning she has to be diligent to maintain personal connection with customers.

When Anthony quit her banking job in the late 70s, and reflected on her time previously spent working in the medical field, she knew she could make an impact by building relationships built on helping people feel better.

“I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, but I pray to God every day—I am a woman of faith—and He has guided me along the way...”

Avocado Toast with Tomato and Sprouts

“I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, but I pray to God every day—I am a woman of faith—and He has guided me along the way,” she said.

Anthony chuckles when she says, “Sugar is the root of all evil,” but in the same vein acknowledges she cheats “once in a while” including a recent trip to The Joinery to try the much-talked about Mayday Ice Cream.

She believes everyone can benefit from finding the right supplements to meet their needs and says from her experience a lot of doctors simply don’t take the time to help patients realize that.

She talks about how the right supplements have eliminated chronic joint pain for her, and recently she was excited to bring in a new product called Fisetin, a supplement that touts itself as a “powerful senolytic activator, antioxidant and brain support.”

While science unveils new truths about human health and wellness and trends come and go, Anthony’s Health Hut and Restaurant remains a staple.

“I am just so grateful to be part of Lakeland, a community that has supported this business and that I have been able to help all these years,” she says.

See more of what

Anthony's Health Hut has to offer:

5329 Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33813

(863) 644-5330

Mediterranean Salad with Feta Dressing

Keylime Pie

Green Goddess Smoothie

Participants in the Lakeland, Florida marathon run along Main Street, passing through the intersection with Kentucky Avenue.

Courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

Lakeland Marathon

1991

EXPERIENCED MINDS