1. Cleanse Your Skin
An excellent facial will cleanse your face thoroughly, which is not possible at home. The Esthetician understands your skin type and knows what needs to be done to keep it in good shape. He/she uses steam to open up the pores and cleanse your skin thoroughly.

2. Prevent Aging
Because you have only one face, you need to take care of it properly. Regular facials and face massages boost cell regeneration and promote collagen development. This gives you younger looking skin.

3. Rejuvenate Your Skin
With age, your skin loses its luster. That’s natural. Your lifestyle and pollution make it difficult for your skin to recuperate. Facials can help rejuvenate the skin. The therapist or facial expert uses various methods, products, and technology that help improve your skin texture.

 4. Facials Help Detoxify the Skin 
Your skin needs to get rid of the waste that accumulates on it on a regular basis. And if this is not done correctly, it results in breakouts. That’s why a skin detox is necessary. Apart from cleansing and washing your face every day, you need facials to detoxify it. Therapists use ingredients, such as antioxidant-rich creams, sea salt, herbal extracts, and oils, to make your face fresh and radiant.

5. Treat Acne and Acne Marks
When you squeeze a pimple (or acne), you run the risk of scarring. Acne marks can be stubborn, but facials can help you in treating them. Estheticians often use products containing salicylic acid to treat acne. Peels help reduce acne and the resulting scars. IPL Skin Rejuvenation is light therapy that can successfully treat acne.

6. Eliminate Whiteheads and Blackheads
Extraction is a crucial part of the facial. A skilled person uses the extraction tool to extract all the whiteheads and blackheads without hurting your skin. This is not possible at home. Blackheads and whiteheads clog the pores and make your skin dull. So, if your skin looks a bit bumpy, it’s time to go for a facial.

7. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation is the process where the dead skin cells are gently sloughed off your skin’s surface. The cells die and tend to pile up on the surface (if not removed), making your skin rough and dry. Microdermabrasion or chemical peels that thoroughly clean the skin surface are the best option to remove the dead skin cells properly & reveal a healthy layer of skin beneath.

8. Tighten Your Skin
With age, your skin loses its elasticity as the production of collagen diminishes. During facial treatments, the professionals use chemical peels, IPL Skin Rejuvenation, Microneedling, masks, lotions, and creams that are enriched with botanical extracts that stimulate the production of collagen and reduce the signs of aging.

9. Boost the Absorption Abilities of Your Skin
This is another advantage of going for a facial regularly. It increases your skin’s ability to absorb other products effectively. You might be spending a lot of money on cosmetic products but find that they aren’t being absorbed by your skin. With regular facials, your skin becomes smooth and ready to absorb the products.

10. Get an Even Skin Tone
Worried about those dark patches on your skin, under eye bags, dark circles, and crow’s feet?  Aging, too much sun exposure, and hormonal changes may cause too much melanin production, resulting in dark spots. Facials can even out those dark spots, giving you a bright skin tone and the estheticians know how to treat the delicate under eye area.


​BodyBrite offers a monthly Smooth & Glow Monthly Membership that gives you complete freedom to try all BodyBrite services and look amazing at a fantastic price.  For more information www.bodybriteusa.com/stjohns or visit us at 120 Everest Lane, St. Johns, FL 32225

​
Open floor plans - They are more popular than ever; it keeps spaces light and airy, and people are focusing on spending time together making the most out of this tech-driven society. 

Bringing the outdoors in and vice-versa - Using multiple sliders/bifold patio doors and lots of windows allowing for more natural light and expansion of the living area.
Quartz countertops - Yes it’s man-made, but the choices are endless and the maintenance free qualities are very appealing even though it is on the more expensive side.
 
Accent walls - Some designers say they have had their time, but I saw a lot of ‘feature walls’ with shelves, brick, tile and panelling from bedroom and bathroom walls to TV walls and everywhere in between.

Wood floors - A lot of people are opting for vinyl (wood look) floors for their value and comfort, but you can’t beat the real thing, especially for resale, and depending on the vinyl it can sometimes cost just as much! The tones of wood are more on the lighter side, which look great and airy, but who knows how long this trend will last? So if it’s not your forever home I advise to stick with medium tones - again, it’s classic. 
 
Master bathrooms - Builders are replacing shower/tub combos with separate walk-in showers, and free-standing tubs, making it the focal point.

Smart technology -  Installation of Smart home technology is becoming more popular with added safety/security cameras and energy efficient features such as lights turning off when you leave, and sprinkler systems and thermostats being accessed while away at the touch of a button. 

     There also seems to be a lot of mudrooms off the garage, large walk-in pantries, and lots of little nooks, window seats, and under the stairs hide aways. 
     Whether you are building a custom home or renovating an existing one, I hope you have fun with your selections! 

by Kelly Wissinger

​Changing Spaces Jax
Home Staging & Redesign
904 325 3160   
 Changingspacesjax@yahoo.com

​Spring is not only a good time to have a good old fashioned ‘spring clean’, it’s also the perfect time to freshen up the home with a simple Redesign. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, adding a few updated accessories, or changing the layout, you can give your home an uplifting new look and fall in love with it again.

There are lots of new trends on the home front from modern farmhouse (my favorite) to eclectic; whites and grays (yes, they are still voted the best) to bold colors, and everything in between. 

Color Palette
For a simple Redesign you can start with a new color palette. Usually, the bigger the space the bolder the color, but nowadays it’s about thinking outside the box. It also depends on your personality and what you want to feel when you walk in the room; relaxed, energized etc. 

Accessories
Add some new accessories; metal sculptures and mirrors allowing the light to bounce, a few pieces of artwork, some new pillows, and some vases with greenery - welcoming spring. 

Layout
Change the layout of your furniture. You can downsize on the amount of furniture to make the space feel less cramped; bring the furniture away from the walls into the center to make it feel more cozy and intimate and more of a conversational space.

Mix 
Gone are the days of matching side tables to coffee tables, repeated metals throughout the space, and having a coordinating bedroom suite. Don’t be afraid to mix styles and materials. Combining old and new, such as a modern dining table and chairs with a vintage buffet, creates a clean-line appearance but adds a touch of character; along with mixing woods, such as a darker stained/painted bed with a raw distressed chest. 

Mixing metals, such as brushed nickel hardware on kitchen cabinets with a wrought iron pendant over the island creates a timeless look. It’s not only fun to mix, it brings texture, visual interest and the look of years collected. 

This is just a handful of ideas and whatever Redesign you choose, simple or complex, I hope you enjoy it!

by Mikayla Lindenfeld

The word “pageant” has earned itself an unfortunate reputation. Most people tend to think of a “Toddlers and Tiaras” situation, or a bunch of grown women in ball gowns clawing for the crown. However, over the last few months, the Miss Bartram Trail Scholarship Pageant has taught me and the 27 other girls that participated in it exactly what a “pageant” means to us.

When we first started practices in October, there was a clear division among the 28 girls. We stuck to our own little groups, with some girls sitting all on their own, and we didn’t even know each other’s names. Speaking up during meetings felt forced and judged. As the date neared, more pageant-related activities came up. One of the activities included a dinner and a sleepover, which the majority of us were nervous for and a few of us were even dreading. The reality? Memories and friendships were formed that could never be broken. Between karaoke at midnight and waking up to see the sunrise on the river in the morning, these girls were finally starting to feel like sisters.

The next month was spent as living proof of the pageant’s theme: “‘Bee’ your best self!” Girls supported other girls, hyped them up, helped them pick their outfits for the pageant, prepare for the interview, and get ready for the big day: April 13th. We learned so much about each other that we never would have known otherwise, from philanthropic work to the reasons behind our favorite animals.

Before we knew it, the big night had arrived! We practiced every day after school until late at night during the week leading up to it. Girls cheered for each other at the practices and helped each other through any difficulties that might have put them on edge. When the final night came, we knew exactly what to expect. During the show, there was an excitement in the air, and everyone cheered on the other contestants. According to Julia Perry, a contestant in the pageant, “I’ve never felt more confidence or more like myself than I did on stage that night.”

Carolina Balcita was crowned Miss Bartram 2020, and the support she received from the other contestants after receiving her title was unreal. She says that she “...truly felt the bond between everyone standing up on stage hand-in-hand, and I think that’s what the pageant was truly all about.” Everyone was thankful for the experience and excited for the ladies who received awards. The most touching must have been the tears that were shed after Rebecca Kerr had an award named after her due to her unmatched service at Timberlin Creek Elementary school over the course of the past few months.

Overall, the Miss Bartram Trail Scholarship Pageant instilled confidence in all 28 girls and helped them form real friendships with real incredible young women. Personally, the pageant has led me to the realization that, when given the tools, I can empower myself and help other women to follow the pageant’s theme and “bee” the best version of ourselves possible.

​This year St. Johns Magazine attended St. Augustine Fashion Week (STAFW) featuring Bartram Trail Fashion Academy student designers.  Young and full of passion, creativity & motivation, these designers along with the staff of STAFW put on an amazing show.  The first of two runway shows was held at a stunning venue, Art N Motion in the San Marco neighborhood.  SJM was able to speak with Rebekah Marsh - Fashion Academy Director and Teacher - to learn more about the designers and the program.

​SJM: How were the competitor’s chosen for the runway show on Friday night?

Rebekah: Students from all four years have the option of participating in the competition portion of STAFW. 

SJM: What did they do to prepare for competition?

Rebekah: The students who chose to participate in the competition worked independently since January, sketching, selecting materials, constructing and fitting their final designs. The students worked on their pieces in their “free” time and had to do several check-ins with me, so I could track their progress.

SJM: Could you tell me a little about the competitors and the winner of the competition?

Rebekah: Rachel Williams and Katie Hayes are sophomores in the program. They first learned to sew when they joined my class last year and have really challenged themselves with this competition. 

Liddy Dow is also a sophomore, she is interested in an occupation in the fashion industry and has even started her own fashion blog to get a head start on her career. Lexi Burditt, Carla Moceri and Marta Miles are all juniors in the program. They have been in fashion for three years. Carla participated in STAFW last year, while this was Marta and Lexi’s first time entering. 

Lauren Donalson is an outrageously talented seamstress, learning from her grandmother at a very young age. Although she is only a junior she has been making her own clothing for years. This was her third time entering into the competition and she was elated to have won. She is inspired by historical fashion and most of her design reflect such. On most days she can be found sewing a new creation sometimes from a pattern and sometimes from her own method and often wears her own hand-made garments. Sewing and designing is a passion of Laurens and she recently received an internship with Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine for the summer. She has already started planning her feature collection for next year.  

SJM: What do you like most about teaching young designers?

Rebekah: I choose to be an educator in a subject that enables students to leave school feeling like they have learned a new skill, are efficient in that skill and feel more confident and successful for doing so. I have the advantage of having students for all four years so I get to watch them grow from novice sewers to designers right before my eyes. You see them struggle with concepts and techniques at the beginning and then one day you watch the light bulb come on and they are able to apply all their skills to be independents and create on their own. It is incredible to see their minds at work and to be able to give them the opportunity to express their creativity in such a unique way, and to give them a break from the crazy busy and stressful lives that teenagers live today. It’s a lost art and they are gaining skills that not many people have; it really is an amazing matchless program.  

​Fashion Academy Teacher, Rebekah Marsh is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and went to school in Scranton, PA she received a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, the subject formally known as Home Economics. 

"The incredible thing about FCS is that it is an all-encompassing subject area, where I have the advantage of both educating and creating. I have always had a creative mind; growing up I was a dancer, and a performer and would often provide my own costumes for performances and so I was a self-taught sewer. Although performing was a passion that I could have pursued, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I learned of FCS and had the opportunity to learn to be and educator and hone my design skills in college with courses in apparel design and merchandising, I knew I had hit the jackpot. Moving to Florida and finding this fantastic school and program was a one and a million chance and I am beyond lucky to be in the position I am. I love to learn and there are always new skills to be had so I am consistently looking at courses and classes to stay current on industry sewing that I can then pass along to my remarkable and talented students."

​
SJM: What are the entrance requirements the Fashion Academy?
Rebekah: Students must apply for the program through an online application, with their enrollment to BTHS and are selected through a lottery system. 

SJM: What happens on a typical day in class?
Rebekah: There are four levels to the fashion academy and six different sections of classes. In a day I see six different groups, all working on different projects. They come into class where each student has their own work space and sewing machine, they take out their materials that they store in their lab tables and begin working on their respective project. On non-sewing days they may be sketching, take notes, or presenting a final project. 

SJM: What are some of the projects students create?
 
Rebekah: Underclassmen have completed projects such as a t-shirt redesign project where they are given a large plain t-shirt and are instructed to use 90% of the shirt to make a new functional design, an eco-fashion project where they use unappreciated clothing and recyclable unconventional materials of their choice to create a wearable design. They also work with a number of sewing patterns to build their basic sewing skills such as pajama shorts, totes, an A-line skirt, and a crew neck shirt.

Upperclassmen complete projects such as the history of fashion project which is a yearlong adventure where               students do extensive research on a particular period of time and compose a design that combines aspects of both their era and modern day attributes, they then learn about draping and finally construct their one of kind piece. They also work with patterns, making kimonos, rompers and other garments. An exciting project that seniors participate in annually is an unconventional materials competition, put on by local designer Linda Cunningham. Each year she chooses a new material such as post-it notes and rubber bands or cupcake liners and students have two months to design a one-of-a-kind gown using those materials. They are then displayed at Jacksonville Fair and voted on by the public. Seniors also participate in St. Augustine Fashion Week each year, working in groups to create unique clothing lines which they design and construct themselves, then finding and fitting models for their looks. They then use those clothing lines to create their own theoretical boutique with which they select all the elements one would choose when opening their own store. 

We also do a multitude of service projects for difference organizations within the community such as Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville Humane Society, local nursing and hospice centers, and many other establishments.

SJM: After graduation what skills will students have?
Rebekah: Students will have the skills of all the basic functions of a sewing machine, hand sewing, fashion sketching, clothing construction and repairs, and basic design concepts. 

SJM: How about opportunities?
Rebekah: The academy itself is a wonderful opportunity to gain professional skills and combine academic and occupation-related course requirements that aim both to promote applied learning and to satisfy college entrance requirements. The academies at BTHS establish partnerships with local employers to build sequences of career awareness, with mock-interviews, resume and cover letter help, dress for success days and many other work-based learning opportunities for my students; whether they choose this specific career or not. Although most students choose fashion as a hobby students have had the opportunity to network with local designers to get jobs in their privately owned shops, working for theatres in their costume department, or combining aspects of business and seek jobs in fashion merchandising.  If they so choose to continue their studies in higher education they are opening up themselves to start careers as a fashion professional in a wide variety of settings, including corporate offices nation-wide in positions such as Fashion Designer, Buyer, Merchandiser, Wholesale Account Manager, Technical Designer, Product Developer, and Visual Merchandiser, as well as in entrepreneurial roles such as boutique owners and independent designers.

SJM: Where have some of the past graduates (that have gone on in fashion) gone to college?

Rebekah: SCAD, Miami University of Art and Design, UF College of the Arts 

by 
​Nikki-Lyn Holm

​make·o·ver
ˈmākˌōvər/
noun
1. a complete transformation or remodeling of something, especially a person's hairstyle, makeup, or clothes. 

​What I love about Candice Snyder’s story, is how her HEART experienced a transformational makeover when she was just 16 years old.  And suddenly found out she was pregnant. Such a rocky time in her life,  although Candice admits she was doing what many young people become exposed to. Experimenting. She was spiraling down a bad path of drugs and alcohol. In the interview, I appreciated when her honest heart shared this solid truth: Her oldest son Tyler literally saved her.  God knew Candice being a mother would steer her in a different direction. Life would no longer be about her first. She married the father of all of her children very young. Sadly they divorced 15 years later. She is thankful they still having a good relationship as co-parents. 

  Born in Maryland and raised by a single mother too, she is proud of her mom who did the best she could. She can now relate to all her mother went through, and has immense respect the for the mother she was. Candice stated her mom was a big supporter of her, as well as her younger sister.  
  With a very strong and outgoing personality, I can also say,  Candice is one of the most courageous mothers I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.  

  One of the best attributes of Candice, aside from her humor and ability to engage well with others, is how she pours EVERYTHING into her 3 incredible children:

Tyler is now 22. She loves that he still calls her momma. He works at Top Golf and is striving to climb their corporate ladder. 

Noah is 18 and according to this proud, single mom? Has a heart of gold! Noah is a star athlete who is graduating with a full ride scholarship for basketball. 

  Madison is her 16 year old daughter.  This proud momma would describe her as a true  and loyal friend. She played varsity basketball as a sophomore too. Wow. Both of her current high schoolers get A’s and B’s as well.

  I find it amazing in today’s world, where children seem to be less passionate about anything except their technology, how dedicated her athletic children are. 

  Candice said they go early and stay late. They practice.  They do and give more.  How? Why? She told them early on, if they don’t want to end up struggling in life then they should do the extra! 

Everything goes into her kids.  It’s obvious to most who know Candice. She wears a very natural look. She doesn’t buy herself new clothes. Truly a selfless, loving single mom. 

I believe this is a rare quality to find these days.  Over the past year, Candice joined a group called Freedom. Her life verse is “For we live  by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 

  Prior to the makeover, I asked Candice what excited her most about this experience. She said she was looking forward to feeling beautiful again. She confessed to feeling nervous about wearing a dress...and also feared that she may really like the clothes and want to buy more. Hahaha!!! 

  Yes Candice, it can get into your blood. Though knowing her heart, she will continue to put her children before her own wants and needs.  This is simply what good mothers do. She aspires to finish nursing school, after her children graduate. Proudly, she already has her associates degree, and just a few classes left. I have no doubt she will do just that: Become a nurse. She is quite the nurturer, and will love on her future patients, as sweetly as she has her own children.

by Vanessa Kromer & Nikki-Lyn Holm

​Our makeover model for January, Erica Bean, has set her goals high for the new year! She is ready to step out BIG in 2018 and having this makeover was her first step!  As Erica stated herself, “she works in a male dominated industry.”  Erica owns Driftwood Printing and runs the warehouse with her husband. Not only is the job hard work, but it also restricts how she can dress while on the job. Now 7 years later, Erica’s work attire and dress code have crossed over to her everyday attire by design, not by choice. 

​
Prior to opening the business, Erica always dressed nice but her warehouse dress code was now holding her back. About 2 years ago, Erica was ready to make some changes. She began with a personal trainer who worked with her to begin her weight loss journey through clean eating and weightlifting. She also introduced the Isagenix shake system into her plan. This rapidly increased her mental clarity, stamina, and energy. After 18 months, Erica had lost 50 pounds! She felt great, and her self-esteem and confidence increased. She now had the confidence to take group classes at the gym, something that she would have never considered prior! Her husband and children were her motivation for her health journey and they were very proud and supportive. Erica began to feel a fire within her this summer, so she started stepping out of her comfort zone more and more. And now with the timing of this makeover, the puzzle pieces had fallen into place. 


We asked Erica what she was most excited about with this makeover. She shared how thrilled she was to have a new hair cut and color and she was over the moon excited about her clothing and accessories. She plans to purge her old “warehouse” looks. In fact, she ended up purchasing several outfits from The Pink Nickel as we left her fitting. By the time her makeover was complete, Erica felt renewed and confident. From her new pink velvet boots to her smokey eyes and bold lip, she now had the finishing touches to complete her look. Erica was the perfect makeover candidate for January, as she set the bar high and was ready to go big, and she did just that. She stepped right into those pink boots and is crossing into 2018 with a renewed confidence, a fire within her, and a pretty joyfully excited pep in her step. 

​Creative Coordinator: 
Nikki-Lyn Holm
www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

Amazing Accessory Stylist:
Vanessa Kromer 
​vanessakromer@gmail.com

Hair Hottie: Mallory Wingert with In Vision Hair Design, Inc.
1637 Race Track Rd. 
St. Johns, FL 32259

Magical Makeup Artist: Josie Otero with Nic Studios 
904-252-3243

Fabulous Fashions: The Pink Nickel 
108 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste 107 
St. Johns, FL 32259
www.thepinknickel.com

Photography Perfection: Kim Pennington 
www.kpennington.com
904-460-7567 

Teeth Whitening
Blue Sky Dental
www.blueskydentalgroup.com

Gratitude to our community 
favorite, Maple Street Biscuit Company for providing delicious meals for our makeover event! 1627 Race Track Rd. St. Johns, 
FL 32259

Facial & Gift Basket from
www.skinandbodycenter.com
904.342.2415

Makeover Coordinator: 
Nikki-Lyn Holm
www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

by Nikki-Lyn Holm

​There is something to be said for taking the time to write another person. I’ve always loved a good story, and appreciate authenticity in people who are asking for help.  Our December makeover model reached out to us with the following email:

Here's why I think I need a makeover... KIDS!
Seriously, because I'm so wrapped up with them all the time, I don't do or buy much for myself. It's all about them. Most days I don't wear makeup, don't do my hair, and don't wear anything except jean shorts. I had said to my husband, this fall I'd like to work more with my business...so that's what I'm hoping to do. More wreaths, vinyl decals, and I'm hoping to get an embroidery machine! I think it's time to work on me for a change, set some goals, and live happier!
-Amy Schell

     11 years ago, Amy became a widow when her husband Jerry Beckmeyer, (a JSO police officer) was killed in a motorcycle accident.  At the time, Amy was pregnant with her daughter and started creating wreaths to keep her mind occupied.  This hobby evolved into her own small business, “Hanging With Wreaths” which has a page that can be found on Facebook.  
     Amy is now remarried to her husband Steve, and has two children, Kyle and Lexi. Going on ten years married, and raising her two children has had Amy feeling stuck. Blah.  Mundane. Her day to day cycle has been laundry. Kids. Repeat. Laundry. Kids. Repeat.   She confesses to losing sight of making herself a priority too.  


After Your "In Style Team" Took Over
     Amy claims we may have created a monster.  A style monster that is!  Before her makeover she lived in flip flops and ponytails.  She now does her hair.  Which by the way, her friends are obsessed with the depth and lowlights that compliment Amy’s eyes and skin. Mrs. Schell is also becoming a frequent flyer at the Pink Nickel.  She is suddenly addicted to jewelry too. I know all too well, how easily that can happen.  Amy is really excited about hosting her own style show next month, where she will earn tons of free bling!  
     What I loved most about watching Amy evolve with this confidence booster, is her gratitude and takeaway. In the beginning of this project, Amy was VERY nervous to change her hair color. Even her comfortable “go to”clothes. 
     Today, this is what Amy has to say: “I realized it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone….It’s JUST hair. Or an outfit.  Whatever we do to enhance ourselves, doesn’t alter who we are. Exterior choices can be temporary. However, making these changes can made a BIG difference in who we think we are, and who we want to be.” 
     This makeover has inspired Amy with a new vision for her 2018. She will create more business opportunities, and remember she is still a rockin’ woman: An entrepreneur. A friend. A wife. AND, of course a dedicated mother too! She can wear all of these hats with heels, accessories, and confidence while she “Sparkles In Style!”
XOXO
Nikki

​Creative Coordinator: 
Nikki-Lyn Holm
www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

Amazing Accessory Stylist: Rosanne Hearn 904-316-2576

Hair Hottie: Mallory Wingert with In Vision Hair Design, Inc.
1637 Race Track Rd. 
St. Johns, FL 32259

Magical Makeup Artist: Josie Otero with Nic Studios 
904-252-3243

Fabulous Fashions: The Pink Nickel 
108 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste 107 
St. Johns, FL 32259
www.thepinknickel.com

Photography Perfection: Kim Pennington 
www.kpennington.com
904-460-7567 

Teeth Whitening
Blue Sky Dental
www.blueskydentalgroup.com

Gratitude to our community 
favorite, Maple Street Biscuit Company for providing delicious meals for our makeover event! 1627 Race Track Rd. St. Johns, 
FL 32259

Makeover Coordinator: 
Nikki-Lyn Holm
www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

****  We are searching for the first quarter of 2018.  

WEBSITE ADDRESS:  
www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

After our first issue announcing our monthly makeover project, I received the following email: 

​Hi Nikki,
I'm a 55 year-old grandmother who has recently become the primary caregiver for my 5 year-old grandson.  My circle is now young(er) mothers and I feel very old and matronly....ughhh 
I need some help 'getting with the times' and presenting a fresh new me!  I'm open to suggestions as well as new routines to stay young in order to give my grandson all that he deserves!  I want him to be involved with his peers and their families and be proud of his Gigi :)
Thank you!  Billie Garcia

At a time of year when we are reminded to reflect back and appreciate who and what we have in our lives, I could think of no better model to feature, than  Ms. Billie Garcia. 
Life happens, and often in very unpredictable ways, though when it does... plans B's are essential. 
Billie was a necessary blessing, called to raise her sweet 5 year old grandson in a season where the traditional family unit was not accessible to him. 

The irony is, as thankful as she feels that she "gets" to take care of Braedon, he will one day look back and realize his greatest blessing was how selfless his "Gigi" was, to step up and lean into a parental role again.   
​
Billie and Braedon live in Nocatee, and this sweet young man she is raising is a polite, adorable boy. I had the pleasure of meeting him and was quite impressed with his manners. 

Billie's experience:

We first met at the Pink Nickel. Billie was pleasantly surprised at a few items we found to  compliment her taller framed curves. 

With our fashion recommendations, she picked up a pair of Agnes and Dora leggings. We completed her look by adding in a Dreamin' of Lace Tank Top with black laced trim. The featured floral cardigan kimono really made her look and confidence pop!  Though Billie typically wears flat sandals, we encouraged her to "step" out of her comfort zone, and into a pair of "In Style" open-toed "booties" with a platform heel. 

We decorated our model in golden colorful accents. Wearing all Premier Designs  accessories, Billie's earrings are called Zoey. Light weight, with cut crystal accents.  They are 2 inches long on french wires. 

Her neckline is adorned with a removable strand necklace called Glam Girl.  A sparkling look for the upcoming holiday season. Finally, sporting another favorite piece, called  Pop of Posh, which is a soft, gold and light colored wrap bracelet. 

After Billie's transformation, we had to ask....what was her favorite part of this makeover? 

• She loved the end result of her hair color and cut.
• Wearing leggings and lashes was most "out of her comfort zone!" 

We all enjoyed making Billie over from head to toe, though in truth? More people can stand to have a heart like Billie's. Loving others above ourselves. 
​
We were thankful to make her day, as much as she is thankful to make her grandson's life a better one. Every day! 

InStyle Team
Creative Coordinator: 
Nikki-Lyn Holm
www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

Amazing Accessory Stylist: Rosanne Hearn 904-316-2576

Hair Hottie: Mallory Wingert with In Vision Hair Design, Inc.
1637 Race Track Rd. 
St. Johns, FL 32259

Magical Makeup Artist: Josie Otero with Nic Studios 
904-252-3243

Fabulous Fashions: The Pink Nickel 
108 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste 107 
St. Johns, FL 32259
www.thepinknickel.com

Photography Perfection: Kim Pennington 
www.kpennington.com
904-460-7567 

Teeth Whitening
Blue Sky Dental
www.blueskydentalgroup.com

Gratitude to our community 
favorite, Maple Street Biscuit Company for providing delicious meals for our makeover event! 1627 Race Track Rd. St. Johns, 
FL 32259

Makeover Coordinator: 
Nikki-Lyn Holm
www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

​     DeArcy Vaughan made a decision with complete intentionality.  One year ago this month, she ventured on a journey of weight loss and transformation. She was determined to “make herself” over. To be better. To “Be Balanced.” Within 12 months, she managed to lose 70 pounds. We all know, losing weight is never easy. Especially as we age.  DeArcy is a 38 year old pharmacist by trade, a busy working mother of 2 younger children, and she is getting ready to launch her own “Be Balanced” center in October, to help other women obtain their own heath goals.  
     What I love about DeArcy, is how laid back she is. And her genuine kind hearted smile. She is new to St. Johns County, but not new to connecting, so it was no surprise that she and Mallory (our hair hottie) really hit it off.  Mallory enjoyed DeArcy, as she appreciated how “open” she was.  There seems to be a budding relationship between these two now. Our Makover Model loved how talented and fun Mallory was. She said she has never had a hair stylist give so many practical tips and good instructions for how to manage her hair at home!

A mini “AFTER” interview: 

SJM: What is your favorite thing about living in St. Johns county?

DeArcy: Is it cliche to say the schools? (Chuckles) And….how close I live to the outlet malls!!! 

SJM: What was your favorite part of the makeover experience?

DeArcy: I loved how Mallory admitted to “FB stalking” me to get an idea of my lifestyle…We had a great consultation, and a color/cut that suits me.  Also. my husband was floored by my transformation. He keeps complimenting me, and has admitted to feeling like he is “cheating on me.”  This hasn’t happened before…

SJM: What was your biggest takeaway? 

DeArcy:  I learned that Fake Eye Lashes are the BOMB! I believe I will be addicted now…

SJM: What was the biggest change  out of your comfort zone?

DeArcy: The clothes!  I would have never picked out those skinny jeans and top, which were VERY comfortable. 

Mallory Wingert of In Vision Hair Design    
904-240-9278 

Makeup by Nicole Boutros of Nic Studios 
904-252-3243 

Fall Fashions by Angela Widener of The Pink Nickel 
108 Bartram Oaks Walk # 107 Fruit Cove, Fl 32259 

Accessories By Nikki-Lyn Holm...
Here to help all women Sparkle  “In Style”  904-327-2797  
nikkilyn.holm@gmail.com

Kim Pennington Photography
www.kpennington.com
Kim@kpennington.com
904-460-7567