Issuu

M AY 2 02 1

The Women's Issue

LI F E + C U LTU R E M O T H ER 'S DAY S ALU T ES , G I F T S , AC C ES S O RI ES & I D E AS VEN I C E ARE A B USI N ES SES ' RISI N G WO M EN S TARS SM H'S F RO N T L I N E H ER O ES SHARE T H EI R S T O RI ES

IT’S NEVER TOO L AT E TO H AVE A

beautiful smile

1218 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL. 34285

(941) 488-1075 venicedentist.com We want to reassure our patients & community that we continue to provide a safe treatment environment and will do our best to accommodate Dr. Frank Lewicki | Dr. Brent Beyer | Dr. Charles Davis

all comprehensive, preventative & emergency dental procedures during the COVID-19 health crisis. New off ice protocols to promote social distancing and safe practices are in place. Park & Call upon arrival.

A Change of

Scene A Change of

Pace

Village On The Isle—your destination for peace of mind, community, security and so much more. Village on the Isle is not just any retirement community. It’s also a never-ending vacation community. With ocean breezes and coastal sunshine, f riendship and fun, laid-back luxury, and peace-of-mind plus on-site health care—for life. So, make a change. Enjoy a new view and a new, caref ree you. Village On The Isle is Venice’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community (Life Plan Community). Come discover for yourself why savvy seniors choose Village On The Isle!

920 Tamiami Trail South, Venice, FL 34285 | (941) 202-2533 www.VillageOnTheIsle.com/Change OIR #88005

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Tony D'Souza | tony.dsouza@lifestylepubs.com

The Women's Issue

Virginia LaPlante | virginia.laplante@lifestylepubs.com

VENICE, DO WE HAVE AN AMAZING ISSUE PUT TOGETHER FOR YOU THIS

Matthew Endersbe

MONTH: THE WOMEN’S ISSUE!

ACCO UNT MANAGER

AD DESIGNER

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

In this issue, we’ve gone the extra mile to seek out the women rising stars of our local business community. Venice is blessed with talented people and one day we hope to cover all of them. But we know you’ll discover that the ones we have chosen to highlight in these pages are all excellent at what they do. You’ll meet Emma Kate Silvestri, Nicole Britton, Christina McCauley, Kristen Myers and Camelle Liakokos. They represent such

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony D'Souza CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Snow Photography, Victoria Dietz-Artistic Solutions

wonderful organizations as The Venice Pier Group, The Twig, Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County, Village On The Isle, and Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold. Each of them share their life experiences and tips for success with us. This shoot was done by our very own Stephanie Snow at Sharky’s On The Pier. Thanks, Sharky’s! You will also meet two true heroes, Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Michelle Marshall and Vicki Morrison, who have been on the frontlines of Covid care all of the past year. They share stories of true resilience and bravery with us. The Venice High School Girls Soccer Team won the state championship for the first time in its history and we are pleased to congratulate them in our Around Town section. We meet Coleen Henry

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

and get to know how her wonderful murals have helped beautify our town and region.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

May also brings with it Mother’s Day, and if you are looking for that perfect gift, make

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

your way to Shauna Boichut’s Island Way Boutique. Shauna tells us the story of her life

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

and shows us some wonderful totes and clutches. And as a Parting Thought, some of

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

our friends and staff salute their mothers as a surprise for Mother’s Day!

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Lastly, I'd like to wish a very happy Mother's Day to my daughter Dawn! She's mother to my wonderful grandchildren Jonathan, Cameron, Emily and Grace. As well as to Stephanie, mother to my grandson Mason. And to all the mothers out there, have a truly special day!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Charmaine Tincher, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Venice ON THE COVER Kristen and Gabby—A Mother's Love PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Venice Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Venice area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Venice Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2021

FEATURES 12 Rising Stars Five Local Leaders Offer Insights Into Their Professional Lives

18 Sarasota Memorial's Frontline Heroes SMH's Michelle Marshall And Vicki Martin Share Their Experiences On The Frontlines Of The Pandemic

22 Love & Fashion Island Way Boutique's Shauna Boichut's Life Is A Marriage Of Work And Romance

12 22

26 Mural Artist Coleen Henry's Art Is Inspired By A Life Well-Lived

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Limelight

22 Locally Owned 26 Inspired By 28 Artist’s Palette 30 DIY 34 Parting Thoughts

Give a gift that will last forever

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AROUND TOWN

VENICE HIGH SCHOOL GIRL'S SOCCER WINS FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

THE VENICE SYMPHONY TO PERFORM LIVE AT COOLTODAY PARK

The Venice High School Girls Soccer Team

The Venice Symphony is back live, in concert

defeated Miami's Lourdes Academy in the Class 6A

with Patriotic Pops and Fireworks, May 29 at 7:30

State Championship in early March to bring home

pm at CoolToday Park, 18800 South, W Villages

their first state title in team history. After 100 minutes of

Pkwy, Venice, FL. Music Director Troy Quinn leads

a scoreless regulation and overtime, the Indians finally

the orchestra in a program of American music from

won on penalty kicks, 3-1, avenging last year's state

John Philip Sousa to Elton John, a salute to veter-

championship loss to the same school. Goalie Ashton

ans and more. Guest soloist is SFC Randy Wight.

Pennell stopped three of four penalty kicks. The title

Gates open at 5:30 pm. Presenting sponsor is

match was played at Stetson Univesity's Spec Martin

the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Stadium in Deland. The Indians are coached by Gary

Socially-distanced seating. Tickets available at

Bolyard and finished their championship season with

ticketmaster.com or call 941.413.5000. Groups of

a record of 16-4-1. Congratulations Indians! On behalf

five or more, call 941.207.8822.

of everyone at Venice Lifestyle Magazine and the greater Venice community, you have really made all of

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

us proud. Our very best wishes to all of the graduating

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

seniors on their next steps in life. This championship

Venice using the Get In Touch link and let us know

and memory is yours to cherish forever!

what you think.

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY - SHOT AT SHARKY’S ON THE PIER

E M M A K AT E S I LV E S T R I MARKETING DIRECTOR Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins at Sharky’s, Snook Haven An advertising major/history minor UF grad, Emma Kate Silvestri spent a summer studying in London, where she fell in love with traveling. She and her husband Joe have a two-year-old daughter, Blake. Emma Kate previously worked for Gulf Coast Medical Group/ Venice Regional Bayfront Health. She’s been Marketing Director at Venice Pier Group for nearly seven years. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR POSITION? The variety. I’ve always enjoyed art and drawing, and love designing ads, flyers, digital graphics, signage and more. Being part of a supportive, family-owned business, the sky’s the limit in terms of creativity. Marketing food and drink in unbelievably gorgeous locations is a huge plus! No day is ever the same. DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR YOUNGER WOMEN? Never stop learning. Marketing changes so fast – especially when it comes to SEO and digital advertising. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I used to hate public speaking, but the more I did it the more I became comfortable. WHO IS AN IMPORTANT WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM HER? My mom. Her advice is to do your best, be a good person, and be honest. Now that I have my daughter, I’m learning more and more all of the sacrifices my mom made for me. I hope I can instill the same values in Blake. Venice Pier Group corporate office: 205 Base Avenue, Venice. Sharkysonthepier.com

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

FIVE LOCAL LEADERS OFFER INSIGHTS INTO THEIR PROFESSIONAL LIVES

Rising S ta r s

NICOLE BRITTON DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT The Twig Cares, Inc. Working with children has been Nicole’s passion since working at St. Mark’s Preschool at age 15. She attended Florida State and earned a BA in Developmental Psychology from Keiser University. Her family includes children Hayley, Ryley, Mattisyn, and Wyatt, and she and her husband Matt are foster parents to a 5-month old son. In 2017, she became the Director of Development at The Twig Cares, Inc, which provides new clothing and other services to children in foster care. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR POSITION? I love spreading awareness about the needs of foster children, and to create opportunities for people to make a difference. Whether they become a volunteer, a donor, hold a clothing collection, or learning about fostering, I love helping people find how they can give back. WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? I’m often in the middle of planning more than one in-house fundraising event while also running collection drives, writing grant requests, handling donor relations, and being involved in networking and community engagement. A lot of planning and background work goes into each of our events and fundraisers to make them successful. DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR? My mom always gave her time volunteering and serving on committees within our church and our community. She taught me how to love others while also being there for my family. 826 Pinebrook Rd. Venice. 941.220.7958. Thetwigcares.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

CHRISTINA MCCAULEY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County

Christina graduated from Venice High, where she met her husband and high school sweetheart, Don. The couple have two children, a son Seth, and daughter Quinn. A University of Tampa communications graduate, she began her career as a reporter for the Venice Gondolier, and later became Executive Director of the Friends of the Venice Library. In 2016, she joined Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR WORK? I love seeing our homeowners’ lives improve. Once in their Habitat home, they feel a new sense of security and comfort. Many then seek further education or advancement in their careers. WHAT IS A MAJOR WORK CHALLENGE YOU HAVE TO HANDLE? Time management. It is important to prioritize and keep a to-do list. There are also so many wonderful networking opportunities in the area that it is easy to want to do them all. Finding a good work-home balance is important. ADVICE TO YOUNGER WOMEN? Be yourself! In marketing and development, relationships are key. Being genuine and approachable. Speak from your heart and truly care about the mission of your organization. DID YOU HAVE A WOMAN MENTOR IN YOUR LIFE? My mom, Nancy, was a business owner for decades, running a shop in downtown Venice, and my aunt Susan was a high-level executive at Equifax. I’ve never doubted that women can be the boss and be amazing at it. Habitat For Humanity South Sarasota County, 280 Alligator Drive, Venice. 941.493.6606. HabitatSouthSarasota.org 14

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

KRISTEN MYERS SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Village On The Isle A graduate of USF with a Social Work degree and graduate

WHAT IS A WORK CHALLENGE YOU FACE THAT

certificates in Gerontology and Marketing, Kristen recently

PEOPLE DON’T THINK ABOUT OR NOTICE?

completed a Digital Marketing Certificate through UCF.

I feel a huge responsibility to make sure our revenue

The proud mother of Christopher and Kaitlyn, Kristen’s life

goals are met, and I take personal pride in my integrity as

partner is Sander Bergstrom, Executive Chef at Mission

a salesperson and director. There is so much involved in

Valley Country Club. A Program Director for Lutheran Social

making a decision to move into a retirement community,

Services Guardianship Program in Sarasota County for eight

and I help with every step.

years, Kristen has worked for Village On The Isle since 2002. She has been VOTI’s Sales & Marketing Director for five years.

DID YOU HAVE A WOMAN MENTOR IN YOUR LIFE?

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO?

how to work hard, and the importance of family. A former

My mother showed me how to be generous, responsible, Seniors. Their life experiences and knowledge inspire me. I have always advocated for them and enjoy finding

co-worker taught me about communication, relational selling and how to stand up for myself.

the perfect homes for them here at VOTI. As one of VOTI’s Executive Directors, I also enjoy working with my fellow

920 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. 941.484.9753.

team members to make sure our residents are happy and

Villageontheisle.com

well cared for.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

C A M E L L E L I A K A K O S OPERATIONS MANAGER Classic Creations In Diamonds & Gold Camelle earned a BA in Business Administration from Towson University, moved to Florida on a whim in 2006, and married her husband, Peter, in Sarasota in 2013. Camelle is stepmother to Peter, mother to Nikolas, and is expecting a daughter. Before joining Classic Creations, Camelle worked in the restaurant, retail, property management, customer service, and marketing industries. She’s soon leaving Venice for new opportunities and everyone at Venice Lifestyle Magazine wishes her well! WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR POSITION? The independence and freedom. I’ve been given goals and objectives, but they are mine to formulate and execute. I really appreciate the confidence my superiors have given me. I’d be remiss to say that being around diamonds all day definitely has its perks! WHAT IS A WORK CHALLENGE YOU FACE? Being in retail fine jewelry in an area known for ‘retired life’ can be tricky. You want to keep in touch with new trends without changing the scene too much. I think the fact that Classic Creations has been in business for 40 years speaks for itself. ANY ADVICE FOR A YOUNGER WOMAN? Be willing to learn as much as possible. Become indispensable to your company, and to yourself. DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR? My mother. Being pregnant now with my daughter, I feel a responsibility to raise a confident woman who knows her worth, just like my mother did for me. 2389 Tamiami Trail S., Venice. 941.497.6331. ClassicCreationsJewelers.com

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

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REFLECTIONS

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Sarasota Memorial's Frontline Heroes SMH'S MICHELLE MARSHALL AND VICKI MORRISON SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES ON THE FRONTLINES OF THE PANDEMIC

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY VICTORIA DIETZ ARTISTIC SOLUTIONS

Vicki Morrison and Michelle Marshall

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

"I t 's been a very ch allenging time, but we're going t o keep figh ting bec ause we h ave t he support of each ot her. Y ou step up t o t he pl ate and you go in t here bec ause you are a nurse and t h at 's wh at you do."

FOR THE PAST YEAR, SARASOTA MEMORIAL

“The Covid patients are super sick and they

HOSPITAL’S MICHELLE MARSHALL, AN ICU

are isolated because we can’t allow the virus

NURSE, AND VICKI MORRISON, A RESPI-

to spread. If they’re not intubated, we try to

RATORY CARE THERAPIST WHO WORKS

have them Facetime their families as much as

WITH ICU PATIENTS, HAVE DONE WHAT FOR

possible. But they’re alone in these rooms. You

THE REST OF US SEEMS UNIMAGINABLE:

feel a need to constantly check on them, tell

THEY’VE DRESSED CAREFULLY IN PPE AND

them not to give up hope. You really try to give

SPENT 12-HOUR SHIFT AFTER 12-HOUR

them what they need emotionally, spiritually,

SHIFT CARING FOR THE MOST CRITICALLY

whatever they need to fight.”

ILL COVID-19 PATIENTS. In the beginning,

Like most frontline workers in Covid wards,

they were scared for their own health as so lit-

both Michelle and Vicki pushed through

tle was known about the disease. As the year

moments of intense physical and emotional

progressed, they battled through three waves of

exhaustion. But Michelle and Vicki never broke

new infections, caring for patients who ranged in

and always went to work with a desire to help

age from 18 to beyond 90.

their patients however they could.

Michelle—mother to Cassidy, Lilly and Lloyd

“Even when I didn’t want to go in, when you

with her husband Lloyd—is part of the team

are a nurse caring for a patient, the love of car-

who opened SMH’s first Covid critical care pod.

ing, helping, and hopefully seeing your patient

Vicki—mother to Logan and Oliver with her

get better takes over,” Michelle says. “It’s been

husband Rob—uses all of her respiratory care

a very challenging time, but we’re going to keep

training to get her patients to keep fighting.

fighting because we have the support of each

Michelle’s and Vicki’s patients are unable to

other. You step up to the plate and you go in

have visitors because of the necessary safety

there because you are a nurse and that’s what

restrictions put in place by hospitals across the

you do. I know we are going to look back at this

country. These tireless heroes—because heroes

time and remember how determined and strong

are exactly what Michelle and Vicki are—and

we were even when we were afraid.”

others like them at SMH, continue to step up

Venice Lifestyle thanks Michelle, Vicki, and all

and serve as stand-ins for the loved ones who in

the frontlines heroes who have given so much of

normal times would be at the patient’s bedside

themselves this year. Thank you so very much!

to offer comfort and support. “It’s been a roller coaster year, unlike anything else I’ve done in healthcare,” Vicki says.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital. 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941.917.9000. SMH.com

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

LOCALLY OWNED

LOVE & FASHION ISLAND WAY BOUTIQUE'S SHAUNA BOICHUT'S LIFE IS A MARRIAGE OF WORK AND ROMANCE ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

TEN YEARS AGO, SHAUNA BOICHUT AND HER HUSBAND EMMANUEL MOVED TO VENICE AFTER A TWOYEAR SEARCH THROUGH FLORIDA FOR THE PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE. Originally from Colorado and France respectively, Shauna and Emmanuel toured Florida’s east coast one year, the west coast the next, and chose Venice as their home. They also brought their business skills with them. In Colorado, the couple had been French linen importers for 17 years, wholesalers to 200 stores in five countries. “We started off as farmer’s market people on the weekends and just got bigger and bigger,” Shauna says. “Then we were working in New York and Atlanta four times a year at the largest wholesale trade shows in the US. When we moved here, we started the French Linen Chest on Miami Avenue.” As tastes changed and interest in linens waned, Shauna capitalized on her past experience owning a women’s clothing store and transformed her shop into the fashion and accessories business she and Emmanuel run now, Island Way Boutique. “Emmanuel and I do all the buying together,” Shauna says. “We make selections for our local residents, folks on vacation, and our international visitors. We are known for top quality and styling at the very best prices.” Warm, welcoming, and funny, Shauna is the vital heart of her business. But Emmanuel, the love of her life, more than does his part to help. “Emmanuel was a ski and dive instructor in Chamonix and Corsica,” Shauna says. “And he still says this is the favorite job he has ever had! Customers come into our store and ask me, ‘So where is that man?’ I say, ‘The man is home cooking,’ and they say, ‘Oh, he cooks, too?’ It’s a crackup in here. We love coming to work every day.” 225 West Miami Ave., Venice. 941.451.9668 Facebook.com/DownIslandWayBoutique 22

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

Shauna Boichut

TOP PHOTO: Island Way Boutiques's vegan tote and purse line. The periwinkle blue ostrich tote shown here comes in over ten colors, and the famous flowered ostrich clutch comes in two styles and several colors. This line is one of the store's most popular. It comes in purses, clutches, totes, and wallets and phone cases, is very durable and customers come back for other colors and styles year after year. The handpainted leather coin purses are from Spain. The store offers beautiful selections of jewelry and scarves to accessorize its handbags and incredible collection of dresses, tops, pants, jackets, cover ups, sports wear and more. There is always something new and exciting arriving at the store. BOTTOM LEFT: Island Way Boutique's all leather extensive collection of wallets, purses, ID holders, coin purses, credit card holders, eyeglass cases, and passport holders start at as little as $12.00. The line has a vivid color selection--currently pastels--and changes its color palates every season. It is a highly versatile line, and the quality and beauty really shows and will last. BOTTOM RIGHT: Emmanuel and Shauna at Island Way Boutique. CityLifestyle.com/Venice

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INSPIRED BY

Mural artist Coleen Henry

“IT REALLY HAS BEEN A JOY TO PAINT THESE MURALS BECAUSE THE APPRECIATION I GET HAS BEEN AMAZING,”

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Mural

ARTIST COLEEN HENRY'S ART IS INSPIRED BY A LIFE WELL-LIVED A VENICE LOCAL SINCE AGE 18, COLEEN HENRY HAS PAINTED

These days, Coleen is hired to paint murals everywhere from

GORGEOUS MURALS ALL OVER THE GULF COAST. Her themes

private residences to large public spaces. She painted the history

run from undersea life, to birds, to religious and historical motifs.

mural on the Venice Gondolier print shop, as well as the murals on

Self-trained, Coleen’s striking murals are as interesting as the life

the Jacaranda library. She’s painted murals for restaurants, municipal

she has lived. After all, she has spent much of it traveling the country

water storage tanks, and many churches.

with her husband Jim, a commercial hot air balloon pilot. “We flew balloons for Disney and other big corporations,” Coleen

Recently, she has been painting new murals at the downtown Venice Post Office, a project supported by VABI.

says. “Jim’s semi-retired and misses flying but he’s just not able to

“It really has been a joy to paint these murals because the appre-

because the area has become so built up, there are no good spaces

ciation I get has been amazing,” she says. “I have been overwhelmed

for flying here anymore.”

with the compliments of the people walking by. Just over and over,

Coleen painted her first mural for her church more than 20 years ago. “When I was a kid, my father had a printing business,” Coleen explains. “I would take his clip art and copy that over and over. That’s how I developed good drawing skills. When I came to Venice, I wanted to go to Ringling College, but I met Jim and got detoured with the balloons and having a family (Coleen and Jim have two

people keep saying, ‘Thank you, thank you.’” The murals feature a sandhill crane family, colorful flowers, and a bougainvillea trellis. Coleen can be hired to paint any sort of mural. “I like doing whimsical themes,” she says. “But I will paint pretty much anything.” Please turn the page for more murals by Coleen!

adult sons, Christopher and Tim). Then I helped paint a mural in our church and my mural painting career took off.”

941.525.0872. Chenryart@comcast.net. Chenryart.com.

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

ARTIST’S PALETTE PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY AND COLEEN HENRY

M U R A L S BY C O L E E N H E N RY LOCAL ARTIST'S WORK CAN BE FOUND DECORATING PUBLIC SPACES ALL OVER TOWN

COLEEN HENRY HAS BEEN PAINTING MURALS ALL OVER OUR REGION FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS. Her themes range from the historical, to wildlife, to the religious, to beautification projects including displays of flowers. She has painted murals in private residences and on public spaces. People have been stopping to compliment and chat with her as she helps beautify Venice’s Historic Downtown. 941.525.0872. Chenryart@comcast.net. Chenryart.com. 28

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

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DIY

THE FLOWER

PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

THE FLOWER, SO LUXURIOUS TO ADORN THE GRANDEST OF

celebrate a life lived. The flower is rarely invited but always wel-

EVENTS AND WEALTHIEST OF SPACES AND YET SO SIMPLE

comed, accepted, and even expected there. What is it that draws us

AND COMMON THAT EVEN CHILDREN ARE FOUND RUNNING

to their blooms? Whatever it is, I am thankful for their presence in all

THROUGH FRONT DOORS WITH HANDFULS FOR THEIR

the different times, reasons and seasons.

MOTHER. The flower attends practically every special occasion

The flowers of Spring are my favorite of them all. After a long

from wedding celebrations to welcoming new babies into the world.

cold and dark winter, hope of Summer is born in a Spring flower.

It is often used as a gesture of love as it is given to a sweetheart,

Claude Monet once said, “I must have flowers, always, and always.” I

used as a symbol of remembrance on anniversaries and a thought-

couldn’t agree more, especially as my heart and bones begin to thaw

ful act of congratulations at graduations of all kinds. The flower even

from winter. As Spring continues to slowly roll in, I encourage you to

reaches past joy into the spaces of hardship, loss and mourning.

take the chance to bring flowers into your home or workplace. Here

Never a misplaced sight to find a flower tucked somewhere in

are a few ideas to inspire the beauty and joy that the flower can most

a hospital room or somewhere close by a sickbed. The flower is

certainly bring this Spring.

welcomed into our moments of grief as we gather at funerals to 30

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

{I PROMISE, THEY ARE} FAUX-REAL BOUQUETS I have a secret! More than half of the flowers in my Spring tablescape are faux. Can you tell which ones are which? I’ll reveal one of them... all of my white tulips are faux! I am sure I’ve made all Florists cringe but in my humble opinion, when you mix faux flowers with real ones it really does something magical. Not only do faux look real next to real flowers but the whole bouquet lasts so much longer (I mean, half of them aren’t going to die anyway so I guess that’s pretty obvious). Mixing faux-real does a trick on the eye and I promise that you cannot tell the difference. There are, however, a lot of really bad obviously-faux flowers out there so follow these simple tips to get the best looking ones. FAUX FLOWER TIP #1: When hunting for the best faux flowers, look for the colors that you would see in nature. For example, in the natural world, flowers are often brightly colored but never, ever neon (save that for an outfit at your next 80’s party). FAUX FLOWER TIP #2: Choose faux flowers that have a natural looking shape as real flowers are rarely perfect and never identical. Stay away from faux flowers that are totally perfect. Perfect is not real life. FAUX FLOWER TIP #3: When choosing faux florals don’t forget to keep an eye on the stems and leaves. Go for a finish that is textured and never high gloss or smooth. Check out my faux floral highlight on instagram to see the difference @silvertoothfarmhome. FAUX FLOWER TIP #4: Unlike real flowers where you can use a floral frog to secure stems into place, faux flowers work much better if you use chicken wire inside your vase. Using chicken wire lets you place flowers exactly where you want them and they stay put. FAUX FLOWER TIP #5: When arranging faux flowers (even if you aren’t mixing with real flowers), always, always add water to the vase. Seeing the water is another eye trick that will make your faux flowers look completely real. CityLifestyle.com/Venice

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PARTING THOUGHTS

VENICE LIFESTYLE'S ADVERTISERS AND STAFF SALUTE THEIR MOTHERS ON THIS SPECIAL DAY!

Mother's Day Salutes

GET IT GONE’S JAKE EDMUNDS ON HIS MOM HELEN EDMUNDS: “Throughout my entire life, Mom has been an

Our friend, Jake Edmunds,

amazing example of love and care for our family. She

founder of Get It Gone

helped shape in me a common sense approach to

professional moving and

life, a reverence of God and family and dedication

removal services, with his

to whatever you put your hand to. She is never one

mom, Helen.

to say, ‘You can’t,’ but instead says, ‘How?’ Always gracious, she has shown me and my siblings what love is and I’m forever grateful for that. My mom has been happily married to my dad for 60 years and they currently live in Cape Coral.” 941.525.6444 Estimates@Getitgone.com VENICE LIFESTYLE’S EDITOR TONY D’SOUZA ON HIS MOM ALICE D’SOUZA: “I have long daily to do lists, but the only thing that’s on them every single day is: ‘Call Ma.’ My mom has been there for me through all the ups

Venice

and downs of life. Now raising my own kids, I get

mother, Alice D'Souza, with

Lifestyle's

to see her laugh as she watches history repeat

her

itself. My mother was a Peace Corps Volunteer

Cedar D'Souza, 9 months old.

in India and that’s just the start. She taught me

Cedar has his granny's eyes!

youngest

editor's

grandchild,

toughness, bravery, and to take on the challenges of life. I love you, Ma!” Citylifestyle.com EPIPHANY CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S LEAH MIMH (NEE HORAN) ON HER MOM CAROL HORAN: “It really is hard to put into words how special

Leah, left, with her sis-

our mom is. She is the backbone of our family and

ter Natalie, mother Carol,

leads with a quiet assurance. Now that I’m a mom,

and brothers Andrew and

I truly understand all the sacrifices, the stress, and

Matthew. This picture was

love that went in to raising four kids while main-

taken at Leah's grandmother's

taining a solid marriage. Being a mom is a full-time

100th birthday celebration.

job and it surely doesn’t end once your kids are out of the house--as evidenced by our almost daily phone calls or visits. Mom always tells me, ‘Leah, it never ends. If it’s not you, it’s one of your siblings that needs us.’ I think that statement says a lot about our family and how much we still need our mom, even when we’re all grown up.” 941.615.0284. Ecstigers.com 34

Venice Lifestyle | May 2021

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