Bella Magazine June 2026

COOL

Enjoy the magic of summer with local hidden gems, chic designer deals and story-worthy get-togethers.

INSIDE:

Pensacola Young Professionals celebrates 20 years of impact, leadership and connection.

from the publisher

There are a couple of different ways I go about writing this monthly column. One is to just take the theme and start typing my meandering thoughts. The second is to wait until the stories and photos are in, the magazine is laid out and then share my thoughts.

I’m glad I waited to see this month’s issue come together before working on this column because it’s a good one. Of course, I think all issues of Bella are good. We work really hard every month to put together a collection of fun, informative articles while also telling the inspiring stories of local women. I love both aspects of Bella. A fun escape from life is important and I think we all enjoy reading about other women’s journeys.

As I started reading, I began thinking about the magic of coastal life. I love to travel, but my blood needs the salty air. I love the fun, flowy dresses of summer, and I love hats. I really, really, really love hats. So, I enjoyed reading about ES Custom Hats and the two friends who launched the business together.

Then I got to the story about Alvina Wooten. Wow. Just, wow. What a story. Wooten recently celebrated her 100th birthday, and I’m sure there’s so much more to her story than what we were able to touch on in just a couple of pages. Please make sure to turn to Page 33 and read about Wooten and some highlights from her life in Pensacola.

Back to the theme: Coastal Cool. Coastal culture has mastered the art of slowing down, and honestly, the rest of us should take notes. Long lunches. Sunset walks. Saying “maybe tomorrow” to anything stressful. There’s power in embracing a softer pace, especially during summer.

As for coastal style, it’s less about perfection and more about attitude. Hair gets messy. Sand ends up everywhere. Plans change with the tide. But the coolest women on the coast know one thing for sure: Confidence never goes out of style.

— Kelly MacLeod

meet the team

Liz Biggs, writer/columnist

Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career, but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.

Colette Boehm, writer

Colette Boehm is a freelance writer and photographer and a native of coastal Alabama. She specializes in telling compelling stories of the people and places she encounters and also provides effective travel-related content and photography to a variety of clients, including destinations and marketing firms.

Courtney Hays, administrator/assistant editor

Courtney Hays, a West Virginia native, made Navarre her home in 2020 after purchasing her grandmother’s house. A former English teacher for eight years, she now enjoys her work with Bella Magazine. Newly married, Courtney loves traveling, practicing yoga, listening to podcasts and hosting game nights with friends.

Kristin Holifield Cagle, advertising

Kristin Holifield Cagle is a fifth-generation Pensacola native who loves to help women and business owners alike achieve their goals. With a master’s degree from the University of West Florida, she specializes in marketing. She is the mother of two and enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach and spending time with family.

Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist

Sharla Dawn Gorder is a Pensacola Beach resident and columnist for the Island Times newspaper. She is the author of “My Vices Collide; a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up,” and “Crayon Dawn,” a coffee table book sold in stores throughout the Pensacola area and at her website, crayondawn.com.

Jennifer Harrison, advertising

Jennifer Harrison is a Pensacola native (via the Navy). She is involved in the Pensacola community through IMPACT 100, Pensacola Navy Days, charitable food distributions, Leadership Pensacola, ECPS Foundation, Achieve Escambia, ECCPTA and more.

Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist

Allison McCrory is almost a Pensacola native who has worked in writing and editing since 1984 when she started with The News, an afternoon newspaper that later merged with the morning Journal. The mom of two adult kids, Allison suffers from a tennis addiction, practices yoga and loves to cook.

Elizabeth Meyer, designer

Elizabeth Meyer spent her early career as a designer and design director at newspapers across the country. She is currently an adjunct instructor and director of The Agency at Cardinal Media at Ball State University. Betsy was born in Pensacola while her father was in the U.S. Navy.

Chelsea Owens, writer

Chelsea Owens grew up in Gulf Breeze and received degrees in communications and art from the University of West Florida. She has a lifelong passion for style and art, and over 10 years of social media and marketing experience. She is also a pilates instructor who enjoys both staying busy and relaxing at the beach.

Cynthia Reeves, writer

Long-time writer Cynthia Reeves spent 25 years as a broadcast journalist in the southeast, including 10 years as a reporter at WEAR-TV in Pensacola. As a high school teacher of journalism, TV production and English, she passed her skills down to young writers. She also served as District 1 director for the Florida Scholastic Press Association.

Justine Williams Roper, writer

Justine Williams Roper is a doctor of physical therapy, personal trainer, and speaker from Pensacola. She has written women's health articles for publications like Essence and enjoys all things movement and food. She is the proud owner of InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness, where her passion for women’s health truly shines.

Leslie Peck, writer/beauty expert

Leslie Peck is a local aesthetician, makeup artist, lash artist and brow specialist. She has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles and 11 seasons of NYC Fashion week. Leslie was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007 for her work at Fashion Week.

Sonshine, writer

Sonshine is a Northwest Florida media personality, currenting hosting “Sonshine’s Corner” on BLAB TV. She is a business consultant, author, motivational speaker and fitness consultant. Sonshinemoorer@gmail.com.

Toni Sparks, photographer

Toni Sparks is a proud Pensacola native. As the visionary behind Short Story Studios, Toni is dedicated to creating magazine-quality images with elegance and style. Her experiences infuse her photography with a unique perspective that celebrates and elevates every moment.

Kate Treick, photographer

Kate Treick is a professional photographer, writer, speaker and publisher who has called Pensacola home since 2012. She and her husband, Joel, have two teenaged kids and two funny little dogs. Kate loves spending time with friends, leading music at her church, reading and traveling. kate@katetreickphotography.com

Magi Thomley Williams, advertising/writer

Magi Thomley Williams, ACB, ALB is a business and nonprofit consultant, writer, trainer and speaker. Dedicated to improving her community by helping nonprofits build their boards, improve their media presence and attract donor funding, Magi enjoys writing about impactful nonprofits, thriving businesses and the women who lead them. Magi@ThomleyConsulting.com.

Teresa Torres Zwierzchowski, social media

Teresa Zwierzchowski has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, including more than 15 working for the Pensacola News Journal. She is a lover of all things communication including brand, culture, social media as well as community and public relations.

Talk About It Tuesday on

Sonshine’s Corner

Bella Magazine is teaming up with Sonshine’s Corner to bring you the most inspirational show on the Gulf Coast — and you’re invited!

Join us live at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month on WPAN-TV / BLAB-TV for Talk About It Tuesday — a powerful, uplifting hour featuring Bella’s finest: beautiful women, bold voices, smart conversations, and stories that empower, inspire, and uplift.

From Escambia to Santa Rosa, we’re changing the conversation and celebrating the confidence, culture, and community that make us shine. So grab your coffee, tell a friend, and tune in.

Sonshine’s Corner + Bella Magazine — where sass meets substance.

Let’s talk about it.

The place to be inspired,informed & uplifted

inside this issue

WORTH THE TRIP: Nashville 48 OUT & ABOUT: The Art of Fashion 52 OUT & ABOUT: Cabaret: Storybook Soirée 56 OUT & ABOUT: Blue Gala 60 OUT & ABOUT: Women of Excellence Awards 64 HER PERSPECTIVE: Fun on the 405 66 HER PERSPECTIVE: Take me back to the future LOCAL FARE Epiphany Skincare Page 22

Alvina Wooten Page 32

FARE Jen’s Designer Deals Page 42 On the cover: Madison Kinard embraces the coastal weather and the effortless style of Innerlight Surf & Skate. See more starting on page 12.

10 SPEND OR SAVE 12 FASHION: Coastal chic

24 COVER: Celebrating 20 years of Pensacola Young Professionals 28 LOCAL FARE: ES Custom Hats 38 FOOD & DRINK: Sneaky Tiki

BY CHELSEA OWENS / BELLAMAGAZINE.COM / PHOTOS PROVIDED

spendorsave

• Long dress with crossed straps in chevron viscose, $2,340, missoni.com

• Caroline twist cord necklace with white pearl, $490, chanluu.com

• The Inca sunhat, $159, lackofcolor.com

• Majesty turquoise and brown crochet halter midi dress, $65, lulus.com

• Rope necklace with pendant, $14.99, hm.com

• Shade & Shore packable straw down brim hat, $12,

where to shop

H&M: Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 855-466-7467; hm.com

Target: multiple area locations; target.com

fashion Coastal chic

Sun, surf and style: This season’s coastal fashion trends, straight from the pros

By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

The salt, sand and surf are beckoning. Answer the call in style with some tips from the beachwear gurus at Innerlight Surf & Skate located in Gulf Breeze proper.

In swimwear, a retro duo of an underwire top and boy-short bottoms is trending, as are reversible swim prints.

“Always a two-for-one winner,” said Cherie Krohn of Innerlight, adding that triangle tops and side-tie bottoms remain the store’s top-selling swimwear.

Athleisure is a favorite for multipurpose dressing, with shoppers prioritizing comfy, natural fabrics. Easy, breezy beach pants and maxi dresses are cool coastal fashion choices, with lightweight denim a great summer alternative to heavier options.

For the younger set, early 2000s vibes of tube tops, babydoll tops and micro-minis are having a moment. Yet, if your micro-mini days are long gone, no problem!

“Micro-mini to maxi — all the skirts are in,” noted Krohn.

Coastal-inspired colors are perfect beach hues. Think buttery yellow, shades of blue and sea glass when dressing for seaside adventures this summer. Day-to-night beach chic adds simplicity and versatility.

“We are seeing a lot of big, bold florals, polka dots and nautical stripes,” said Krohn. Feeling something extra?

“Waterproof jewelry is our current fave!” noted Krohn.

Straw sun hats, baseball caps and visors are timeless options. Flat slides and flip-flops are 2026’s favorite summer beach shoes.

Shopping list: Butter yellow and retro tube tops are two of summer style’s favorites. This mini dress by Roxy, $58, meshes both looks into one multipurpose garment. Wear it as a cover-up or dress. Add or subtract wedges, a jacket or wrap, a hat, flats, tennies or jewelry to mix up the vibe.

Shopping list: Leave it to Billabong to create a cover-up, dress and work of art all in one, $89.95.

Madison Kinard

Panama City resident Madison Kinard relishes the renewal and surprises beach escapes offer.

“It’s such a blessing to live close to such a beautiful coast, and I always enjoy seeing new wildlife every time I go and adding to my shell collection. I also enjoy reading in the sun, listening to the waves,” said Kinard, who loves sealing her beach days by taking in a sunset.

Playing volleyball, doing Pilates, reading, baking sourdough bread, crocheting, sewing and horseback riding are among a long list of hobbies for Kinard, who holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with an emphasis in equine studies from Auburn University. One of her proudest accomplishments was the publication of her undergraduate research paper on techniques for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions of grazing livestock.

Shopping list: Florals in coastal hues are right on trend for summer 2026. This classic one-piece suit by Rip Curl is $109.99.

About the location

Hilton Pensacola Beach

12 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach 850-916-2999; hiltonpensacolabeach.com

Clothes compliments of

Innerlight Surf & Skate

203 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze 850-932-5134; innerlightsurf.com

Hair and Makeup

compliments of

Blue Magnolia Salon & Beauty Bar

2878 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze 850-733-9774; bluemagnoliasalon.com

• Hair by Alison Sardiña

• Makeup by Sydney Cooper

Model compliments of Izon Models & Talent LLC

301 N. Barcelona St., Suite E, Pensacola 850-433-2099, izonmodels.com

stylingthe shoot

Where to shop: Innerlight Surf & Skate

local fare

The science of glow:

How Katrina’s Epiphany is transforming Pensacola skincare

By Jennifer Harrison

Photo by Kate Treick Photography

In the world of beauty, we often hear the word glow tossed around as a marketing buzzword. But to meet Katrina Madden, the founder of Epiphany Naturals, is to understand that a true glow starts from within. She has a contagious energy, with a smile and a laugh that make people want to pull up a chair and stay a while.

Her personality is the perfect mirror for her passion: making people feel genuinely comfortable while helping them look their absolute best. For Katrina, glowing skin isn’t just an aesthetic — it’s a chemical equation she’s been solving for over 30 years.

An Air Force veteran and licensed esthetician, Katrina’s journey into the world of skincare began with a case of mistaken identity. At 16, while wandering through an outdoor market in Myrtle Beach, she spotted what she thought was a tray of delicious fudge. Upon closer inspection, she realized it wasn’t a sweet treat, but handcrafted lye soap. That moment of curiosity sparked a lifelong obsession.

THE SPARK OF AN “EPIPHANY”

Katrina didn’t just want to buy the soap; she wanted to understand the why behind it. She spent her afternoons at the library, scouring books on chemistry and traditional soapmaking to write her first original recipe.

When she finally began sharing her creations, the feedback was life-changing. Friends reported that her formulations were clearing acne and soothing chronic skin issues. For the first time, Katrina’s love for chemistry met a deeper purpose — helping people feel comfortable in their own skin.

Life, as it often does, required a pivot. As

Katrina Madden, founder of Epiphany Naturals, welcomes customers to her Pensacola skincare boutique at 24 N. Tarragona St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more at epiphany-skincare.square.site or call 850-716-3609.

a young mother, Katrina paused her craft due to safety concerns about working with lye around small children. It wasn’t until years later, during a period of financial hardship, that she felt the call to return.

The challenge this time was emotional: “putting yourself out there” felt terrifying. The name Epiphany represents that exact moment of clarity when she decided to move forward despite her doubts, choosing passion over fear.

A MISSION BORN OF RESILIENCE

As her business grew, Katrina realized she was sending people away. When customers came to her with dry skin or sun damage that went beyond soap, she found herself recommending other brands’ remedies. She soon realized she had the skill to create those solutions herself, leading to an expansion into a full skincare line.

However, it was the arrival of COVID-19 that solidified her path. During the pandemic, Katrina faced a devastating double blow: She was hospitalized and she lost her mother. This traumatic period became a catalyst. Facing her own mortality reinforced one truth — life is too short to work for someone else’s dream. She committed herself fully to her business, turning her personal “epiphany” into a sanctuary for others.

MORE THAN JUST A FACIAL: A HEAD-TO-TOE MENU

Katrina pairs her decades of formulation experience with formal esthetics training and mentorship under a medical doctor and herbalist. Her menu of services bridges the gap between holistic botanical care and cutting-edge technology. At Epiphany, customization isn’t a buzzword — it’s a standard.

The Core Facial Experience:

Whether clients need a quick reset or a deep corrective session, Katrina’s facial services are driven by real-time skin assessment.

• The Basic Facial: A focused, 45-minute “skin reset” featuring a signature double cleanse. It’s the perfect maintenance shot for the busy professional.

• The Fully Customized Facial: No two skins are alike. Katrina adjusts every step — from the steam to the mask — based on each client’s specific goals and what she sees under the light.

• Microdermabrasion & Hydrodermabrasion: While many spas use a “one-size-fits-all” liquid for hydrodermabrasion, Katrina custom-mixes her formulations to ensure the exfoliation and infusion match each client’s unique needs.

Targeted Skin Solutions:

Katrina’s chemistry background shines when she tackles specific skin concerns. Her protocols are designed to first repair the skin barrier, ensuring long-term health rather than just a temporary fix.

• Acne Support: Using specialized treatments like lactic acid facials, clients can see significant reduction in inflammation in as little as four days.

• Hyperpigmentation & Sun Damage: Using evidence-based approaches, she works to fade sunspots and even out skin tone.

• Hydration vs. Aging: She often discovers that aging lines are actually signs of severe dehydration, and can correct them instantly with specialized CO2 facials.

Advanced Anti-Aging & Body Sculpting:

For those looking for non-invasive “tweakments,” Katrina uses high-end aesthetic technology to lift and tighten.

• HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) & Radiofrequency: These modalities stimulate collagen production to soften fine lines and wrinkles.

• Ultrasound Therapy: Deep-tissue support to firm and tone the skin.

• Body-Focused Pivoting: Katrina’s approach is head-to-toe. Her studio offers laser sculpting, green light laser and cavitation to help clients contour and refine their bodies with the same care she gives their faces.

THE TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

Walk into most spas and you’ll be handed a menu; walk into Epiphany and you’ll be handed a masterclass. Katrina’s central philosophy is that a client who understands their skin is a client who gets results.

Katrina’s assessment begins the moment she greets a client. She doesn’t just look at an intake form; she observes

the client’s skin in real-time, discussing lifestyle and goals before adjusting her formulations and modalities on the fly. This isn’t “by the book” skincare — it’s skincare written specifically for each individual.

Katrina spends time explaining exactly why a certain treatment was chosen and what is inside the products she uses. She actively encourages her clients to ask the hard questions about ingredients.

“Not all chemicals are inherently bad,” she noted.

Her approach is a sophisticated blend of natural-based formulations and evidence-based clinical additions. For example, when treating hyperpigmentation, she may combine botanical brighteners with precise clinical approaches to get the most effective, safe results.

Katrina is refreshingly candid. She estimates that 70-80% of skincare results are driven by what clients do at home. Inoffice treatments are powerful boosters that support and accelerate a solid home routine, but they cannot replace it. This honesty builds a partnership with her clients, shifting the focus from a one-time indulgence to a long-term lifestyle of skin health.

For those looking to start their journey at home, the buzz is all about saffron jelly. This best-selling serum is a powerhouse for brightening and anti-inflammation. Katrina recommends layering the saffron jelly under a facial oil to lock in the 2% arbutin — a natural melanin inhibitor that fades dark spots without the harshness of traditional bleaching agents.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR PENSACOLA

Ultimately, Epiphany Naturals is more than a skincare studio — it is the culmination of a 30-year love affair with chemistry and a deeply rooted desire to serve. Whether you’re a 12-yearold learning the basics of hygiene or a 65-year-old looking to restore your skin barrier, Katrina has a seat for you.

With her commitment to transparency, ongoing research into the latest peptides and a heart for mentoring the next generation of local estheticians, she isn’t just treating skin; she’s building a community. In a world of filtered perfection, Katrina offers something far more valuable: a personalized, evidencebased path to feeling as vibrant as her own contagious laugh.

PENSACOLA

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

story

Celebrating 20 years of Pensacola Young Professionals:

A legacy of courage, community and connection cover

By Magi Thomley Williams

Two decades ago, Pensacola Young Professionals emerged from a moment of civic urgency and possibility. What began as a call for young voices in a heated community debate has grown into one of the most influential leadership incubators in Northwest Florida. As PYP celebrates its 20th anniversary, its success is seen not only in the city’s progress but in the lives of the women who have stepped into their power because this organization exists.

BORN FROM A NEED FOR YOUNG VOICES

In 2005, Pensacola was wrestling with a referendum on the future of the Community Maritime Park. While leaders spoke passionately about retaining young talent, few young professionals were actually in the room. That disconnect sparked a challenge from Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen, who urged the Pensacola Chamber to help create a platform for emerging leaders. Chamber CEO Evon Emerson accepted the challenge.

“We asked a dozen young professionals to meet, and we discussed forming a group that would give them a voice in what was happening in our community,” Outzen recalls. “The core group came up with the name ‘Pensacola Young Professionals.’ They elected officers and created their charter… the referendum passed with their help. We had the perfect moment — a strong, energetic group of young leaders, a political cause that galvanized them and a victory that showed the community they were a force to be reckoned with.”

That force has only grown stronger — especially through the women who have shaped, led and been shaped by PYP. Throughout Greater Pensacola, women credit PYP with helping them discover their voice, their confidence and their community.

WANT TO GO?

• What: Pensacola Young Professionals Legacy & Leadership: Celebrating PYP’s 20th Anniversary

• Where: Blue Wahoos Stadium

• When: September 17

• Info: pensacolayp.com/20th; sponsorship opportunities and ticket information available

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

• Pensacola Young Professionals membership is open to all “young thinking” and “young-at-heart” professionals. Anyone new to the area or interested in becoming more involved in the community is encouraged to join.

• Info: pensacolayp.com; info@pensacolayp.com

FOUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

• Connect: Connect young professionals to each other and the community

• Develop: Provide professional development opportunities to support and advance the local workforce

• Impact: Create a positive impact by improving quality of life in the community

• Grow: Strengthen the network, expand opportunities and ensure sustainability

ANNA LOCHAS: MAKING AN IMPACT

Anna Lochas, president of PYP, has strengthened her skills and broadened her perspective through PYP service.

Lochas, director of university events at the University of West Florida, acknowledged, “Serving on the board has been especially rewarding, helping me grow as a leader while strengthening my skills… One of the most valuable aspects of my experience has been the connections I’ve made.”

She found that PYP relationships introduced her to new opportunities, organizations and perspectives she wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.

“I’m truly grateful for the experiences and opportunities PYP has given me, and I’m excited to continue serving and making an impact in my second term as president.”

Her growth spotlights the importance of PYP in building leaders by providing a broader perspective.

HONG PETOMSKI: LEADERSHIP THAT ECHOES ACROSS THE COMMUNITY

For Hong Petomski, MBA, FACHE, PYP was a launchpad for a lifetime of service.

Petomski, market president for Florida Blue, shared, “I was able to build relationships with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders that led to career opportunities, mentorship and lifelong friendships. Being involved in PYP helped me build essential skills such as leadership, communication and problemsolving that I was able to apply in my professional career. PYP gave me the opportunity to get involved and give back to the community.”

The ripple effect: when one woman grows, the entire community benefits.

EBONY DELAIRE: PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

For Ebony Delaire, M.H.A., PYP became a catalyst for both career advancement and meaningful connection.

Delaire, account manager at Amergis Healthcare Staffing, observed, “My involvement with PYP significantly shaped my professional growth and leadership journey.”

During her presidency, she spearheaded a multiyear Youth Peace Walk, partnering with youth organizations to elevate the International Day of Peace.

“These experiences strengthened my ability to implement and manage programs,” she said, noting how directly they contributed to her success as a healthcare executive.

Beyond the boardroom, PYP gave her something even more precious: community.

“PYP also connected me with incredible mentors who have become long-term friends,” she commented.

Her success is a testament to PYP’s support for personal relationships as well as professional growth.

MONICA WRIGHT: A NETWORK THAT BECOMES FAMILY

Monica Wright, vice president of community impact for PYP, found that PYP served as a foundation for her leadership growth.

Wright, resource manager for Huron Consulting Group, explained, “Attending professional development sessions and community events expanded my knowledge, sharpened my skills and helped me build a strong professional network. On a personal level, PYP introduced me to many of my closest friends.”

PYP is where professional ambition meets authentic connection.

A COMMUNITY FOREVER CHANGED

Twenty years after its founding, PYP’s influence is visible across Pensacola. Confident, experienced women are serving on nonprofit boards. Young leaders are shaping policy and civic discourse. Young professionals are launching businesses and community programs. A culture is being cultivated that encourages collaboration, innovation and service.

PYP doesn’t just help retain young talent for the area; it empowers them to lead. As Pensacola continues to grow, the women of PYP stand at the forefront, carrying into the next decade a legacy built on courage, community and connection.

Creating hats & friendships

ES Custom Hats brings wearable artistry — and a little magic — to pop-ups across Pensacola and beyond local fare

By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

There’s something magical about a creative endeavor with girlfriends. It’s even better when that creation is a sun hat on the cusp of beach season.

Enter ES Custom Hats — a pop-up company formed by two women who were childhood friends in Pensacola. The women were on their annual post-Thanksgiving shopping trip for seasonal plants and flowers when a pivotal conversation ensued.

“Shaner mentioned that she had attended a party where she had designed her own custom hat and what a fun experience it was for her,” said company co-owner Liz Jasperson about her partner, Shaner Crooke.

Enthusiasm surged, and by the time the women were leaving the parking lot, the formation of an LLC for ES Custom Hats was under way. On January 1, ES Custom Hats was officially a business. Their first pop-up was February 13.

WEARABLE ARTISTRY ABOUNDS

The imaginative process of the ES Custom Hats patron is an engaging adventure in choosing the perfect hat and transforming it into a masterpiece. If it’s not sun hat season, guests may opt for a suede or wool hat. Classic fedoras, ruffled palm brims and timeless cowboy styles are among the many options. Children’s sizes are available as well.

“Guests will pick the style of hat they want to design. We always encourage guests to try on several different styles to find what truly complements them,” explained Crooke. “Many arrive with a specific look in mind, but often discover that a different shape or color suits them even better — so we love when everyone comes with an open mind.”

Headpiece in hand, the real fun begins.

“You will customize your piece with our wide assortment of ribbons, ropes, fabrics, fringe, leathers, chains, charms, feathers and initials,” said Crooke. “With so many options, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first — but don’t worry, we will be there to help you.”

The process can be quick or lengthy depending on the creator.

“Each hat is a true reflection of your personal style. We love watching guests collaborate, help one another and even make new friends along the way.”

— Shaner Crooke

ES CUSTOM HATS POP-UP EVENTS

When/Where:

• June 14: Rusted Arrow Mercantile, 130 Palafox Pl., Pensacola

• July 11: Artesana, 242 W. Garden St., Pensacola

• Aug. 14: Bluetique, 125 Palafox Pl, Pensacola,

• Sept. 11: Colette Boutique, 160 S Jefferson St., Pensacola

Interested?

• escustomhats@gmail.com

• Instagram and Facebook: ESCustomHats

“We don’t want anyone to rush so we encourage you to have an idea or colors in mind and ask us for help. Once the ribbons and adornments are picked our process of crafting the hat is roughly 20 minutes,” said Jasperson.

POPPING UP AROUND THE GULF COAST AND BEYOND

“We have had pop-ups around town: Colette, Bluetique, Buffi Bailey, NP, Health, Wellness, Prevention for You, Petit Ami, Episcopal Day School annual fundraiser, Noteworthy & ALK Designs, The Lark Aesthetics & IV Boutique and Artesana. Along with multiple house parties,” noted Jasperson.

Events, birthdays and showers are among the special occasions choosing ES Custom Hats parties.

Since the partners both have “day jobs” — Crooke has worked at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition for 18 years and Jasperson is employed by a North Carolina biotech company — most pop-ups and parties are weekends and nights.

Many of the events are in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. But surrounding areas like Mobile, Fairhope and Orange Beach have jumped on the ES Custom Hats bandwagon.

“We have shipped custom-ordered hats to clients in Georgia, Nashville, Palm Beach and New Orleans. We hope to continue to grow the company where we can take on more private parties in other parts of the country, but right now, we are focused on our community and the surrounding areas,” said Crooke.

“We have had a great response so far and we are still continuing to book out months in advance for private parties. It really has been so much fun and our favorite part of the parties is seeing people connect, enjoy the company and even make new friends,” she added. “It is really great to hear people say: ‘That was such a fun experience’ or ‘I had the best time at your party or pop-up.’”

A long life and lasting legacy profile

Alvina Wooten

By Colette Boehm / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

“The last five years or so, I haven’t been too active,” Alvina Wooten said.

Considering she had just marked her 100th birthday, it would be easy to understand why. But only two days back from an out-of-town sorority conference, and on the heels of a birthday party that brought out friends and family from near and far, perhaps she doesn’t give herself enough credit.

The regal, soft-spoken centenarian is still doing the things she loves, both at home and in her community. The cakes she still bakes from scratch are popular at family functions. She also participates in a graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a service organization that supports the efforts of local nonprofits and provides scholarships to high school seniors. She is also the longest-serving member of her church, Mount Zion Baptist.

“I joined when I was nine,” she recalled, “and have been a member ever since. Although I lived away for six years, I didn’t join another church and my membership remained there.”

During those six years living away, she was earning her teaching degree and beginning what would be a 38-year career in education. After graduating from high school in Pensacola in 1943, Wooten attended college in St. Augustine and earned a degree in elementary education. Her first teaching job was in Monticello, Florida, with an assignment to teach first through sixth grades in a one-room schoolhouse.

“It was in a little farming community right outside of the little town,” she said. “After that year, I taught for six years at another Monticello school.”

Then the opportunity to move back and teach in her hometown arose. From then on, she’s been a part of the Pensacola community, living through many societal changes and influencing many young lives.

“I subbed for about a half year, then got on regular,” she said of teaching in thensegregated schools.

Segregation was a way of life she grew up with. Her recollection of those years is filled with a sense of community.

“That was part of our life,” she noted. “We created our own social life and everything. So, it wasn’t difficult for us. We had our own community.”

She was a part of that community from birth. Born March 10, 1926, to parents Lawrence and Winnie Reese Benbow, Wooten grew up in the 600 block of Belmont Street. Her mother, also born in Pensacola, spent her early years living at NAS Pensacola.

“Back in the day, civilians lived on the base. That’s where she was born. They

“I was blessed, better than blessed, to be able to move home because I wanted to, not because I had to. She was living independently.”

— Wanda Wooten Brown, pictured with her mother, Alvina Wooten.

had a community on the base,” Wooten said, noting that the area was known as Old Warrington. “When civilians were moved off the base, they established New Warrington.”

Her parents met and married after her father moved here from Montgomery to repair furniture at a local store. Wooten is the youngest of five children.

As a teacher in the 1960s, when schools were integrated, Wooten recalls both positive and negative reactions from white teachers as well as parents.

“It was good and bad, I’ll just say. You had people who accepted you and were friendly. Then you had some that didn’t accept you. The majority of parents accepted you.”

It’s clear that her strong teaching skills, coupled with a welcoming, gentle demeanor, won her favor with both students and adults. Integration led to her assignment as a teacher at Myrtle Grove Elementary School, where she taught for 17 years.

Throughout those years, in addition to the hundreds of students’ lives she touched, she also supported education and other efforts in the community, notably with her church and sorority. She has served as a tutor, Sunday School teacher

and committee chairwoman at her church. With her AKA sorority, she has been a part of activities as diverse as mentoring young women on social graces to raising funds for a host of worthy causes.

Until a few years ago, she did all that while living on her own. In 2017, however, her daughter moved back home from Maryland and now once again shares her childhood home with her mother.

“I was blessed, better than blessed, to be able to move home because I wanted to, not because I had to,” said Wanda Wooten Brown, Wooten’s daughter. “She was living independently.”

In fact, Wooten was driving until 2020. It was then that she made the decision to hand over the keys.

“I was talking to someone, and they said, ‘Did they stop you from driving?’” Wooten recalled. “I said, ‘Didn’t anyone stop me from driving. I decided myself not to drive anymore.’”

She noted that she is blessed with people, in addition to Wanda, who are willing to help her get where she wants to go. Nieces and nephews and sorority sisters are always willing to help. Those folks and many more were on hand to help Wooten celebrate

her 100th birthday. The large crowd included her two grandsons and a host of other relatives, including her nephew, a former Pensacola city councilman. There was also a proclamation from the Escambia County Commission and even a written greeting from former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama. One of her former students spoke, sharing his grade school memories.

Even those who could not be there sent their good thoughts online. The celebration, messages and comments showering wishes on this teacher and friend are a testament to her enduring legacy.

As this humble woman celebrates 100 years of life, she must take pride in knowing that her life’s work has made a positive impact on so many young people in Pensacola, from first-graders in the classroom, to churchgoers in the Sunday School class, to coeds finding their footing in the world.

And she’s not finished yet. Family gatherings filled with board games and made-from-scratch cakes bring more opportunities for younger generations to enjoy and learn from this positive, resilient matriarch.

• Dry Eye Syndrome

• Thyroid Eye Disease

• Glaucoma Treatment

• Complex Eye Diseases

Aesthetic Treatments

• Botox

• Permanent Makeup

food & drink

Sneaky TIKI

This local favorite is deliberately hard to find and impossible to forget

By Cynthia Reeves

Sneaky Tiki is that off-the-beaten-path place most tourists are imagining when they ask, “Where do the locals hang out?” Walk, bike or boat there — the key is finding it.

WHERE TO FIND IT

The Tiki’s physical address is 17 Via De Luna Drive at the edge of the Pensacola Beach RV Park. There’s no parking lot unless you count the shoreline where boats pull up or anchor out.

The popular phrase repeated for specific directions is simply, “Ask a local.”

Originally called the Island Culture Tiki Bar when it opened in 2018, the owners officially changed it to The Sneaky Tiki because that’s what locals called it, and the nickname stuck.

“Kick

—

— come

WANT TO GO?

• What: The Sneaky Tiki

• Where: 17 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach (behind Pensacola Beach RV Park)

• When: 12 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., MondayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., FridaySunday (weather permitting)

More Ways to Get There

• Pensacola Beach Island Trolley

• Gopher Carts: 850-972-8485

• Island Breeze Carts: 850-940-6280

DRINK SPECIALS

There are special drinks most nights because serving up a cold beer or beachy cocktail is, of course, the central focus of the fun.

The week starts with Mojito Monday, followed by Tequila Tuesday, which features margarita specials. Wednesday is called Waggy Wednesday.

“We’re pet-friendly all the time. But we dedicated a day, Waggy Wednesday, with our friends at Tito’s Vodka. They’ve got a whole tagline that’s ‘Vodka for Dog People’ and they do a lot of animal rescue work.”

Born-and-bred local Jennifer Jackson, known as JJ to friends, is the general manager and co-owner, along with Pensacola native Scott Zep. Customers say Jackson’s positive energy sets the tone for the Sneaky Tiki’s vibe.

“I definitely feel like bringing positive energy into any place is going to attract people because they want to be around.”

Being humble, Jackson attributes the bar’s success to her team.

“When I hire people for the team or bring people to the team, it’s really, you’re becoming a part of our tiki family.”

The semi-secret, secluded setting is just cool.

“We built a place that we can hang out in with our friends, our families, our dogs, a little bit off the beaten path. It’s just kind of more private, and then who knew?”

AN INTERNATIONALLY INSPIRED ATMOSPHERE

But that laid-back atmosphere is actually carefully curated. Jackson travels the world and finds “fun concepts from other places we really enjoy and really like. We try to bring back concepts here and incorporate them into the bar.”

This year, customers will find a new portable bar area with swings hanging from it that was inspired by a trip to Puerto Banus in Marbella, Spain. It is a nod to the Pensacola area’s Spanish heritage.

“So, it’s always evolving based on where we’ve been and who we’ve talked to, but it’s always very authentic.”

Last year, the inspiration for totem poles, stickers, koozies and tumbler designs came from a trip to the original Tiki Village in Tahiti. Jackson is always thinking outside the box and searching for ways to surprise patrons with cool little tie-ins.

Tito’s Vodka is actually named after a dog, so “for every Tito’s drink purchase that people do on that day, we donate a portion back to local animal rescue.”

Guests can bring their furry friends, and Jackson or the staff will give them a free dog treat or some swag like a little bandana or plush toy.

Thursday is Tumbler Thursday, which offers $5 off a tumbler and includes a free drink. Fridays are Island Fridays.

“So, we usually pick one of our islandinspired signature cocktails and put that on special. We kind of rotate it.”

SIMPLE FOOD

Most customers bring their own food from nearby restaurants or picnic from their boats. The Wet Taco floating food truck is usually on the premises too, but Jackson says there’s another secret: The Tiki does have a limited menu.

“So we actually always carry Maria’s Seafood, yellowfin smoked tuna and Ritz crackers.”

Or order the “Redneck Charcuterie Board.” Haha! It’s actually just a grocery store Lunchable and probably pairs well with a Michelob Ultra.

EXTENDED HOURS

Since October 2025, The Sneaky Tiki got the green light from the Island Authority to open year-round rather than just seasonally.

The bar is open at noon Monday through Thursday and at 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

“Depending on the weather, we’re going to either close at 9 or 10…We have a fire pit out there, and we have heaters under the bar, so if the weather’s good, we’re going to stay open.”

Typically, the establishment is closed after its New Year’s Day Polar Plunge through Mardi Gras to refresh and renew.

local fare

The heart and soul behind the newly remodeled…

Jen’s Designer Deals

By Jennifer Harrison / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

In the world of retail, there are shops where you buy clothes and then there are places that create an experience. For the women of Gulf Breeze, Pensacola and Navarre, Jen’s Designer Deals has long been the latter.

After six years of navigating the turbulent waters of a global pandemic, Hurricane Sally and the rise of fastfashion algorithms, owner Jen Wells decided it was time for more than just a survival strategy. It was time for a rebirth.

This spring, Wells pulled back the curtain on a stunning boutique remodel that marks a new era for the brand. The space has been transformed from a high-traffic storefront into an elevated, happy place that feels less like a shop and more like stepping into Wells’ own home.

“The remodel wasn’t just about new paint or finally hanging that chandelier,” Wells shared. “It was about making the space reflect the heart of the business. I wanted a sanctuary for my customers — a place where they can breathe, play dress-up and leave feeling more confident than when they walked in.”

WANT TO GO?

• What: Jen’s Designer Deals Boutique

• Where: 360 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze

• When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., MondayFriday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., SaturdaySunday

• Info: 850977-4419; visit jensdesignerdeals. com to book a Shopping with Friends event; follow Jen’s Designer Deals on Facebook and Instagram for daily 5 a.m. style updates

THE EXPERIENCE FACTOR

At a time when “add to cart” is the norm, Wells is betting on the power of human connection. Jen’s Designer Deals isn’t just about the deals — though the designer-quality pieces are curated to be as affordable as they are stylish — it’s about the experience. Wells and her team specialize in consultative styling, offering honest feedback and encouraging women to step outside their comfort zones.

Whether a customer is navigating a life transition — be it a new career, a weight loss journey or the bittersweet quiet of an empty nest — Wells views her role as a partner in that evolution.

“It’s never just about the clothes,” she said. “It’s about empowering women through every stage of life.”

SHOPPING WITH FRIENDS

One of the most exciting developments post-remodel is the official launch of the “Shopping with Friends” program. Think of it as a modern, high-fashion take on the classic Tupperware party. Groups — from Mardi Gras krewes to book clubs — can book the boutique for a private, twohour after-hours event.

The host receives a $50 store credit and each guest (minimum of six) receives a $25 credit to start his or her shopping experience. With charcuterie boards, wine and a “mingling model” atmosphere, it’s becoming the newest destination for a local girls’ night out.

A CURATED, CONSCIOUS COLLECTION

Post-relaunch, Wells has shifted her inventory strategy to ensure exclusivity. By ordering limited runs — often only one set of a specific style — she ensures that her customers won’t see their outfit on everyone else at the local grocery store. This creates a curated feel for regular shoppers.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Wells noted.

Beyond the racks, Wells’ heart for the community shines through her unique local partnerships. Notably, Jen’s Designer Deals serves as the exclusive storefront for Amy Hobbs, a local artist who has secured the rights to create exclusive U.S. Navy Blue Angel earrings and who also creates stunning vintage hand-painted denim jackets. Customers can also find treasures like 12th Ave Designs’ Pensacola Beach Ball jewelry

and one-of-a-kind wearable art featuring vintage Pensacola Beach signs.

Perhaps most impactful is Wells’ commitment to Magdalene’s Inc. By carrying their “Blessing Rings” and donating a portion of the proceeds to the nonprofit, Wells uses her platform to join the fight against human trafficking, proving that fashion can have a heart.

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

It is this unwavering commitment to others that has earned Wells the Gulf Breeze Chamber Foundation’s SOAR Spirit Award for two consecutive years.

While she may work “eight days a week,” her focus remains on the local ecosystem — often referring customers to neighboring boutiques if she doesn’t have exactly what they need.

“Community is everything,” Wells said. “We are all ‘Jens’ in a way — women supporting women, businesses supporting businesses.”

Whether you’re looking for that perfect Italian collection one-size piece, a thoughtful gift for a friend or simply a dose of confidence, the beautifully remodeled Jen’s Designer Deals Boutique is waiting. Stop in, see the chandelier and stay for the connection.

worth the trip

NASHVILLE

From trendy spots and local dives to the Grand Ole Opry, Music City delivers the perfect girls’ getaway

Story and Photos by Cynthia Reeves

Like an old country song, Nashville is a hot mess — a little mix of nostalgia and pizzazz. Think mama’s country cooking and a rowdy tailgate party juxtaposed with trendy, stylish cocktail bars, restaurants and boutiques.

My travel friends and I set out looking for a happening place for a four-day weekend and found it in Music City. We call ourselves the “Out of the Blue Society” since we met in random places while traveling solo. Miranda Lambert’s “Bluebird” ended up as the theme for this adventure — a perfect setting to “turn the light on in my soul and keep a bluebird in my heart.”

GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH

We opted to stay outside the bustling downtown area — way off Broadway. We found a cute bungalow Airbnb in the heart of laid-back East Nashville.

In the walkable neighborhood, we were able to sample the no-frills Mas Tacos restaurant or relax at a popular beer garden called The Pharmacy, known for its locally sourced burgers and German-style bratwursts. For dinner, Lockeland Table was a lovely, cozy spot. Try the juicy bone-in pork chop with mac and cheese and collard greens for a Southern delight.

In search of the local music scene, we took a short Uber ride to Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge. Dee’s lived up to its reputation as a popular, retro-themed dive bar. The 1970s-inspired decor took us back in time, as did several of the patrons dressed as Lorretta Lynn look-alikes. Dee himself was on the stage with local guests performing a tribute to the legendary country-folk singer John Prine.

EXPERIENCE BROADWAY

No trip to Nashville would be complete without hitting lower Broadway, packed with country star-branded bars, live music, souvenir shops and boots. We opted to do Broadway during the day to avoid the crowds of bachelor and bachelorette partyhardy tribes of revelers. At Boot Country, they promote “buy one pair of boots, get two free.”

Sitting down at the counter at Roberts Western World is a must-do experience. The little bar prides itself on being “Nashville’s Home of Traditional Country Music.” The short order cook will fix you up a basket of fried bologna sandwiches with a side of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a MoonPie.

The Stage is a renowned honky-tonk and an amazing live music venue. Blake Shelton’s Ole Red offers a high-energy, two-story LED stage. We also liked Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville.

Since this was a girls’ trip, we also sought out some bars with a feminine vibe. We loved relaxing at Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up bar, which featured a nice rooftop space. Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa was a great spot for a margarita and TexMex food. Note: Tamales are the Friday special. Sit upstairs under the pink lights and a huge silver sequined saddle. For something sweet, stop by the Goo Goo Cluster candy store downtown. The mound of caramel, nougat, peanuts and

chocolate is known to be America’s first combination candy and it’s yummy!

SECRET NASHVILLE

Being intrepid travelers, my group tried a tour we found on Viator called “Nashville Speakeasy Secrets: Murder True Crime Cocktail Crawl.”

We met in Printer’s Alley, and as the name suggests, our guide took us into the secret backrooms of Nashville. At one stop, we were required to enter a red phone booth and whisper the secret code to enter a clandestine lounge in the back. Other speakeasies were tucked behind closed doors in upscale hotels. Shh, we can’t reveal the locations!

At each stop, we sipped on scrumptious cocktails or coffees while our energetic guide regaled us with macabre stories from Nashville’s murderous past.

SHOPPING AND SNACKING

Nashville has no shortage of shopping opportunities, and the 12 South area is ideal for a Saturday stroll. Start off with mini doughnuts or pastries at Five Daughters Bakery — the lemon blueberry doughnut is delightful.

The street is dotted with pop-up shops and boutiques. We all found something on sale at the Wild Iris pop-up. Other notable shops included Ya’ll Come Back, Molly Green, and Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, where customers are offered a little “mommy break” with prosecco and sorbet or a cup of ice cream.

Lunch at a cute little spot called The Play Date was a surprise. In addition to tasty flatbread pizzas and salads, guests can go through a big tube slide from the deck to a grassy patio below. Fun!

THE OPRY

No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting the Grand Ole Opry, which features several musicians each night. We saw The Oak Ridge Boys, the Gatlin Brothers, Trace Adkins and Brad Paisley, among others, performing a tribute to the legendary Little Jimmy Dickens.

To get the most out of the experience, we toured the Ryman Auditorium the day before to understand the rich history of the first location of the Opry. The admission price includes an opportunity to stand on the stage like a star for a photo in front of the microphone.

Dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center set the stage for a beautiful Tennessee night.

ONE LAST THING

Saying goodbye to Nashville was as rough as a Johnny Cash song, but we managed to soften the blow with some fluffy biscuits and grits at the Nashville Biscuit House on Gallatin Road. A sign there read, “Mind your own biscuit and life will be gravy.” Life was certainly gravy in Nashville, and these Bluebirds are planning a trip back.

out&about

Art of Fasion

Covenant Care hosted its 20th annual Art of Fashion: Whispers on the Serengeti on April 2. Guests experienced a high-energy runway show and after-party, along with food and drinks. The event blended style and purpose, with proceeds supporting counseling services for children and granting special wishes for those in need in the community.

out&about

Cabaret: Storybook Soirée

On

out&about

Gulf Coast Kid’s House hosted its Blue Gala April 30 at Bayview Community Center. Guests wore blue and enjoyed food, drinks, live music and an impactful presentation. The event raises awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month and all proceeds support the expansion of essential therapy services for local children.

out&about

Women of Excellence Awards

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women hosted the Women of Excellence Award Ceremony and Gala on March 28. The event honored an extraordinary group of women whose leadership, service and impact continue to uplift and inspire the community. Awards recognized leaders in education, health, economic empowerment and community advocacy.

By Sharla Gorder

Fun on the 405 her perspective

We were stuck. GPS said 2 hours, 32 minutes… to travel a mere 45 miles.

If you’ve ever lived in LA — or even visited for any length of time — you’ll understand the dread the three little digits 4-0-5 can spark in the hearts of anyone wanting to go anywhere at any time. This Southern California freeway consists of eight to 14 lanes of mostly stop-and-sometimes-go traffic at all hours of the day. At times, you could walk your route faster than drive it.

We were stuck driving it. Or parking in it, with occasional bouts of driving here and there.

And it was so much fun. It was perhaps the highlight of my trip back west last month to visit old friends.

You see, I was with my BFotP — my Best Friend on the Planet. Her name is Melendy. I once gave her a little pin for her birthday, a tiny ceramic brooch with two girls linked arm in arm standing atop the planet.

At the airport on my way back home after our visit, I was overcome with gratitude as I headed to my gate. James Taylor sang to me over the PA system — “You’ve Got a Friend.” It seemed he was celebrating with me. (And the next song, amusingly, was Dan Fogelberg’s “Missing You.”)

And still, after more than 45 years, we are linked in ways both predictable and uncanny. When we’re together we truly do feel like we’re on top of the world. Throughout our visit, Mellie kept exclaiming, “I can’t believe how synced we are, Sharla.”

We hadn’t spent time together in over a year, and we’ve lived on opposite coasts for decades. And yet, we fell back into our friendship like falling into a brisk lake on a hot day. So refreshing. So exhilarating. So natural.

I often joke that after spending time with Melendy, I feel all new, like I’ve had a blood transfusion and fresh wholesome energy is coursing through my veins.

But our visit wasn’t all laughter and lightness. There were tears. There was sorrow. But it was all made bearable by sharing, right there in that vast parking lot that is the 405 Freeway. Cicero wrote, “Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief.” So true. I would be lost without my BFFs.

It got me pondering — what is it that makes some friendships so enduring, so special, so bulletproof? And I came up with a surprising answer: My BFFs are all better than me. Ha! (They are also humble and would beg to differ on that point.)

I’m not being coy here, and I’m not suffering from an inferiority complex. I like who I am right now and am excited about who I’m still becoming. And my BFFs often serve as a benchmark and inspiration for my own growth. Melendy, for example, is the most helpfully altruistic person I’ve ever known. When I’m with her I watch and learn. When we’re apart, I often find myself asking, WWMD? (What Would Melendy Do?) And the answer always guides me to a place of love and compassion.

Other best friends are “better than me” in other ways. Perhaps when I was younger this would make me feel competitive. But these days, it sparks admiration that feels inspiring and hopeful. I still have so much to learn.

And so many friends to make! I often joke that my dance card is never full. I’m always open to new friendships. I realize that it’s often challenging to find the time to nurture the relationships we already have, let alone cultivate new ones. Who has that kind of time?

I think we all do — or perhaps we all should. We don’t need the 405 Freeway to force us to slow down a bit and really engage with the people in our lives. We can do this intentionally by setting aside time to connect with others in meaningful ways. Relationships are our greatest resource. Old ones and new.

Hey, would you like to dance?

By Liz Biggs

Take me back to the future her perspective

I had a dream last night that I was a time traveler. I traveled back to the 1980s, and it quickly became a nightmare. I was looking everywhere for my cell phone, but duh, it hadn’t been invented yet. Everyone thought I was insane when I told them about search engines, FaceTime, Netflix, Jumbotrons, Hawk-Eye, GPS, Black Monday and knee replacements.

If you could travel back in time (knowing what you know now), what would you miss the most? For me, it’s definitely the wealth of information we have at our fingertips… aka our phones. I can’t bear the thought of being a mother back then, with only a landline to communicate with my children (if even that, due to lack of access and expensive longdistance charges). Their texts, photos, FaceTime calls, Instagram posts and group text banter pretty much rock my world.

How reliant we have become on the exponential amount of information we are able to Google! How barbaric to go back to looking up things in an encyclopedia or (gasp) go to a library and research a topic on microfiche. My favorite hobby of doing a deep dive down random rabbit holes would not exist in the ’80s — what a bummer.

the house without snacks after that.) How frustrating to use paper maps again when you know modern navigation systems exist in the future!

I tried to listen to music in my dream and it tried my patience. Spotify wasn’t there for me to access any song I wanted to hear immediately. I remember going to record stores in the olden days and wishing I was rich so I could buy all the records. And when I splurged on a record, sometimes I loved one song but didn’t really dig the rest. Making mixtapes was quite an investment in time and money, but worth it. How I would miss 2026 — making fun, fantastic playlists in minutes.

When I was a sales rep, fresh out of college, my company car was loaded with maps of all the states and cities I had to cover. Sometimes I still have nightmares about all the times I got lost; the worst was in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I didn’t look at the map very closely and thought I could zip from Atlanta to north Georgia and back quickly. Dang, those mountains got in the way. I ran out of gas and slept in my car. Finally, the next morning a car passed, and I frantically waved for help. (I never left

And sports, don’t get me started on sports. In basketball, the 3-point shot wasn’t invented until 1980 — on a trial basis to boost excitement — and was initially considered a gimmick. In tennis, the HawkEye electronic line-calling technology was developed by Paul Hawkins in 1999 and was first used in Grand Slams in 2006. Good riddance to the days of “You cannot be serious!” Football would be hard for me to watch before 1986, when the NFL started using instant replay to overturn calls. How boring it would be to go to a big game without a Jumbotron, which was introduced by Sony in 1985. My apologies to Marty McFly, but in true Biff fashion, maybe I’d pack a bag of money and go back to December 12, 1980 — the day of the Apple IPO. Since 1980, Apple has conducted five stock splits, turning one original share of the IPO into 224 shares. I’d stick around for the Microsoft IPO on March 13, 1986 — it created 300 millionaires instantly. I’d buy stock in the top performers of the decade: Circuit City, Hasbro, The Limited, Gap, Reebok, Wal-Mart, Marion Labs, Toys R Us and Tyson Foods (chicken nuggets for the win). Of course, I’d sell them all on Friday, October 16, 1987, in the nick of time before the stock market crashed on Black Monday, the largest one-day drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average’s history. And buy them back on Tuesday. Maybe not Circuit City, though, since they filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Maybe not Toys R Us either. I wonder about Hasbro too, but this column is due, so that rabbit hole will have to wait.

It would be really hard to go back to video stores to rent movies when you know how easy it is to stream movies and shows nowadays. I surely don’t want to go back to getting rolls of film developed — remember all the bad pictures you paid for? And think of all the medical advancements — we can all be like the Bionic Woman now with knee and hip replacements.

Yeah, if my dreams send me to the 1980s again, I will click my ruby slippers and go back to the future.

Perfected. YOUR MOMENT,