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  
[email protected]

Kim Pennington Photography
www.kpennington.com
[email protected]
904-460-7567