Posts by Laurie Talerico | Panache Vue' Magazine

Fun, Passionate, and Patient

December 18, 2012 By Laurie Talerico Leave a Comment

Jeffrey Thomas - Awesome Jewelry - Photo: Don Shepherd XOPIXO Photography

Jeffrey Thomas - Photo: Don Shepherd XOPIXO Photography

Awesome Jewelry. The name says it all. Jeffrey Thomas, master jeweler and custom jewelry designer, has been creating exquisite jewelry in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 20 years. When Panache Vue asked him why he chose this business, Jeffrey, a third generation jeweler, said he believes it is the business that chose him. At Awesome Jewelry, Jeffrey believes in staying true to what he was taught by those before him: that it is really about the people. He takes time to get to know his clients so he can design a piece specifically to suit the individual. Jeffrey will create a unique piece that will be cherished in a family for many generations. Heirlooms are created at Awesome Jewelry. When asked what sets Awesome Jewelry apart from the competition, Jeffrey said it is the personal service with special attention to the details. There are four jewelers on staff and each jeweler specializes in a different area. “There is nothing we cannot do and do right.”

Top of the line name brands are also available at Awesome Jewelry. The newest addition is the Scott Kay sterling silver and cobalt wedding rings for men. Awesome Jewelry is very proud to offer this line as there never seems to be enough choices for men in the jewelry industry. Other lines available are Galatea carved pearls (with award winning designs), Skagen watches, and Nancy B sterling, as well as Debbie Brooks purses.

The precious metals market is constantly changing, especially in today’s economy. When asked about his goals for Awesome Jewelry, Jeffrey stated that flexibility is the only option. “We set shorter goals so that we can stay relevant in our industry. Being able to change on the fly is our biggest asset. Our main focus is on being the best we can be every day.” Aside from designing masterpieces for his clients, Jeffrey’s other passion is contributing to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. He says helping the Shriner’s is what keeps him grounded. In his spare time, Jeffery enjoys live music, art, Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games and having dinner with friends.

Awesome Jewelry is located at 6305 South Dale Mabry, Tampa.

Filed Under: 2012, December 2012 / January 2013, Entrepreneur, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Awesome Jewelry, Entrepreneur, Jeffrey Thomas, Jewelry, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Bubbly, Bold, Stylish

November 18, 2012 By Laurie Talerico 235 Comments

Every little girl loves to play dress up with her mother’s clothes and jewelry. And many little girls pose in front of the mirror and dream about being a fashion model and walking the runways of Paris, Milan and NYC. Bobbie Y. Kingsbury was bitten by the fashion bug early on. Today she is known all over the area as The Fashion Authority. Bobbie is a fashion designer and wardrobe stylist. Bobbie started her business in the fall of 2006, but fashion has always been her passion!

Growing up, Bobbie spent hours scrutinizing Vogue and Glamour magazines, dreaming about traveling to the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan and NYC. As her talent developed, Bobbie gave style advice to friends and loved ones; she advised them on how to put together their wardrobes and as to what styles looked good on their body types. She’d been sewing for many years but became frustrated with commercial patterns. She knew she could create her own fashion designs and patterns so she enrolled in the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) for professional training. Bobbie has been sewing clothes for 17 years and designing clothes for six years.

Bobbie Kingsbury - Photo: Don Shepherd XOPIXO Photography

What sets Bobbie apart from other fashion designers is that she focuses on easy care, natural fibers ~ clothes that are universally flattering to every woman. Bobbie’s mission is to “make the world a more beautiful place, one woman at a time.” Just because something is in style doesn’t mean that it is flattering to each figure. Roughly, statistics for women’s bodies indicate that approximately 23% of women are pear shaped, 17% are apple shaped, 50% are rectangle shaped and 9% are hour glass shaped. Because of these different body types, not all clothes look the same on all women. And some styles are much more flattering to particular body types than others. It takes talent and skill to recognize what works for a woman and what doesn’t, and Bobbie takes great pleasure in helping women realize what is most flattering to their figures. Bobbie’s training in draping for design helps her to know a woman’s silhouette. If a client can’t find what she is looking for in the stores, Bobbie can design it. Bobbie can also do special occasion clothes, but she specializes in creating clothes that women will live in and love. Name brands that Bobbie compares her style to are Ella Moss, Banana Republic and 3 Dots. Some other brands she admires most are Free People, L.A.M.B., Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim. As a wardrobe stylist, Bobbie will go through a client’s closet with her professional eye, organize the wardrobe, and provide style advice to her client. Since Bobbie is a skilled seamstress, she can also make repairs and alterations to her clients’ items.

On top of her busy work schedule, Bobbie is very involved in giving back to the community. She volunteered on the planning board of the Florida Fashionistas, which is the group that brought Wine, Women and Shoes to Tampa to benefit the Children’s Dream Fund in 2010 and 2011. Bobbie was the corporate sponsorship chair in 2010 and the official spokesperson in 2011, appearing on television to promote the event. Since 2007, she has been on the Passion Committee for the American Heart Association after losing her mother to heart disease. In 2008, she was a chosen designer in the Red Dress Project and her original design was featured at the annual heart association luncheon. Bobbie’s most memorable experience as a designer is her involvement with the Red Dress Project, where she was paired with a “survivor” who served as inspiration for the design. Bobbie loved the entire process and said, “I got to meet women who are still friends of mine to this day.”

Bobbie is a single mother of three beautiful children, Seth, 25, Dalia, 16, and Charlie, 13. Dalia and Charlie are both on the principal’s honor roll and are very involved in their school. Of her many accomplishments, Bobbie was recognized this year as one of the Best Mom’s of the Bay by the Ryan Nece Foundation. Bobbie’s hobbies include sewing, reading and volunteering in the community. As a Massachusetts native, she is a huge New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. Bobbie owes her success to her mother, who loved fashion, had style and was full of grace. When she passed away, Bobbie made a vow to herself that she would live her dreams and make every day count. “There are no second chances and this life isn’t a dress rehearsal. I want to see my dreams become a reality.”

For more information email bobbie@thefashionauthority.com or call 813-312-6322

Filed Under: 2012, Entrepreneur, November 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Bobbie Kingsbury, Bobbie Y. Kingsbury, Entrepreneur, Features, South Tampa, Tampa, The Fashion Authority

Genuine, Caring, Unique

October 22, 2012 By Laurie Talerico 940 Comments

Julie Halifax

Consignment boutiques are all the rage these days. Hidden treasures are waiting for savvy shoppers. And the great news is that they aren’t your grandmother’s consignment shops anymore. According to the National Association of Resale Professionals, consignment boutiques have become shopping destinations. As much as 15% of shoppers have discovered the magic of consignment boutiques compared to 21% of shoppers who patronize the major department stores. Today’s consignment boutiques offer conscientious shoppers gently used designer clothing and other fabulous finds at very reasonable prices that are far below retail costs.

Fresh Threads Designer Consignment Boutique in south Tampa, established in 2009, offers ladies’ high quality designer clothing and accessories. Juli Halifax, from the New York City area, which is, of course, the fashion capital of the world, is the owner. While living in Brooklyn, Juli roamed the shopping districts of SoHo, Tribeca, Park Slope and Greenwich Village, admiring the styles and collecting ideas for the boutique she would own one day. That day finally arrived when she acquired Fresh Threads in 2010. Juli and her staff provide personalized service to their customers. Each customer and consignor is truly appreciated. There are many consignment shop choices available, and Juli and her staff take it to heart when Fresh Threads is chosen over all others.

Juli’s focus is to provide the financially conscious woman with quality, contemporary designer couture, shoes, jewelry and handbags way below retail prices. Some of the famous brands available in this boutique are Anthropologie, Burberry, Tory Burch, Chanel, Coach, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Frye, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik, Prada and Roberto Cavalli, but there are many, many more treasures hidden in this trendy boutique. Hidden treasures indeed, and it’s all about the thrill of the hunt; nothing can match the excitement a savvy, urban huntress experiences when she finds that one of a kind piece that will make her look and feel like a million bucks, especially when it is actually the bargain of the year. Juli understands that women love pretty things in all price ranges, and she offers items for everyone’s budget. At Fresh Threads, conscientious shoppers from all economic levels buy fabulous, high-quality clothing for a fraction of the retail price. When developing the inventory, Juli and her staff carefully select only the best contemporary styles and designer items that are in excellent condition.

Besides all the hottest designer goods, personal touches and carefully selected merchandise, Fresh Threads’ staff can provide closet organization, personal styling and fashion design by one of their referrals or their full time employee, stylist and fashion designer Bobbie Y Kingsbury (aka The Fashion Authority).

Fresh Threads has grown significantly since Juli took it over. Initially starting with 150 registered consignors, the number has increased to 600 consignors in less than two years. This is in part due to the dedication to personalized service. Close attention is paid to their clients’ style preferences and they even keep a wish list of customers’ “wants.”

In addition to designer merchandise, Fresh Threads offers unique items by local artists. It is important to Juli to build relationships and strong ties to the community. She also conducts a prom dress drive every spring. One of Juli’s most memorable experiences was when she received a photograph and handwritten note from a high school girl who received one of the gowns for her prom. Juli was deeply moved by this girl’s gratitude. Helping the community is something that drives Juli every day. She also supports local charities including Alpha House, The Spring of Tampa Bay, Kimberly Home and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, just to name a few.

Juli has always had a flair for fashion and owning her own boutique has been a dream that has finally come true. She owes her success to every entrepreneur and business associate she has met along her path, every business seminar she has attended and every business book she has ever read; Juli has learned something valuable from every experience. Juli also credits family and friends for her success. One very special person who has taught her the precious lesson of how to be strong and persevere, regardless of circumstances, is her infant son, Gavin, who was born premature, only weighing one pound, five ounces at birth. “I start my day with gratitude for him, for life, and the power of prayer.”

Fresh Threads designer consignment boutique is located in South Tampa at 4230 S. MacDill Avenue. They also have a “pop up” shop is inside The Emporium, an eclectic shop offering clothing, furniture, shabby chic treasures and gifts. The Emporium is in Largo at 904 Clearwater Largo Road. Both locations are open Tuesday through Saturday.

Please visit Fresh Threads on Facebook or the website for specific hours. For more information go to www.ShopFreshThreads.com or call 813.449.3578.

Filed Under: 2012, Entrepreneur, October 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Consignment, Entrepreneur, Features, Fresh Threads, Julie Halifax, South Tampa, Tampa

Youthful Rejuvenation, Masterful Artistry

September 21, 2012 By Laurie Talerico 1,134 Comments

In today’s competitive world, upon first meeting, people often make snap judgements based on one’s appearance. Remarkably, studies show that even the smallest improvement in a person’s outward appearance manifests in raised self-esteem, improved social skills, and greater occupational success. The exciting field of aesthetic medicine has introduced us to safe, non-invasive solutions that are able to renew, repair, or enhance one’s appearance.

Lecada Medical Artistry, Tampa, is your one-stop source for non-surgical, effective, anti-aging, aesthetic procedures with little or no downtime. Reduce wrinkles, say goodbye to spider veins, tighten skin with Exilis, marvel at your lunch-time “nose job” or “liquid face-lift, enjoy rejuvenated skin…..well, you get the idea! Recognizing that beauty is more than skin-deep, Lecada’s overall wellness division also provides bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and a proven, sustainable, medically-supervised weight-loss program. Lecada’s full menu of services is designed to help you look and feel your best, resulting in a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

This was only using dermal filler... she did not have any laser resurfacing (yet) or surgery of any kind. The patient is 60 years old.

Lecada, established in March, 2010, is owned and operated by Dana Martinez and Leanne Cross, M.D.. Dana has had an extensive career in the aesthetic industry since graduating from the University of South Florida. This varied experience gave her a unique insight into the great amount of people that wanted to pursue cosmetic enhancement but felt it was cost-prohibitive. As CEO and co-founder, Dana’s tireless enthusiasm and passionate creativity made her determined to provide affordable, effective aesthetic services without sacrificing either quality or integrity. Her consistent leadership keeps Lecada running like a well-oiled machine and her attention to the smallest detail provides the warm, personal touch Lecada’s patients have come to expect.

Dr. Leanne Cross, M.D., Lecada’s co-founder and chief medical officer shares Dana’s commitment to providing affordable, quality care without compromising ethics. Dr. Cross combines extraordinary skill, experience, and training to address not only the overt, but also the more subtle signs of aging, giving patients a natural, rejuvenated outcome that is difficult to match. This masterful artistry has earned Dr. Cross the prestigious “Best Facial Injectable Award” at the Aesthetic Show in Las Vegas, NV, both in 2011 and 2012. Highly respected amongst her peers for her talent and exemplary standards, Dr. Cross has become known as “the injector to the injectors”.

It is not surprising that this award-winning team has made Lecada the “go-to” place in Tampa for the highest quality, yet, cost-effective anti-aging therapies. Their results-driven services and extraordinary customer service has created a phenomenally loyal patient base; 50% of new patients are referred by existing Lecada patients. Surely, there is neither a better demonstration of patient satisfaction, nor a greater compliment.

Lecada offers complimentary consultations that are unhurried and honest, giving each patient realistic options and goals customized for each person’s unique needs….and then, they deliver what’s promised. Call 813-874-2332 for an appointment or visit www.lecadatampa.com. Lecada Medical Artistry is conveniently located at 3710 West Azeele St., Tampa, 33607.

Filed Under: 2012, Beauty, September 2012 – Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: aesthetic medicine, anti-aging, clinical aestheticians, Dana Martinez, Leanne Cross, Lecada, Lecada Medical Artistry, liquid face lift, M.D., nose job, skin, skin care, South Tampa, spider veins, Tampa, wrinkles

Service Above Self: Welch Agnew, D.V.M.

September 19, 2012 By Laurie Talerico 276 Comments

Welch Agnew, DVM

Veterinarian. Rotarian. Humanitarian. Welch Agnew, D.V.M., has dedicated his career to helping animals and his life to helping humans. Married 46 years to “the girl next door,” he is a dedicated father, grandfather, and golf aficionado. Dr. Agnew’s accomplishments are, in all honesty, too numerous to mention. He is an outstanding member of our community. His motto, like that of Rotary, is “Service above self.”

Born in Memphis, TN, he was like any other happy-go-lucky child in the U.S. By the time he was five, like many boys his age, Welch wanted to be a cowboy like his hero Roy Rogers. But unlike most five year old boys in the 1940s, Welch developed Polio, a highly contagious and easily transmitted viral infection. One day as Welch walked down the hallway of his home, he fell against the wall. Paralysis had set in. His parents took him to the hospital where he was admitted to an isolation ward with four other boys stricken by the same disease. He recalls being isolated for nearly a month. His parents would visit him but they had to remain outside in the courtyard; the only way Welch could see his parents was through the window. But due to his strength and determination, and the love of his family, he kept up his immune system and his body was able to fight off this virus within six months. By age six, Welch’s mother put him in tap dancing classes to aid the rehabilitation process. But it wasn’t long before Welch traded his dancing shoes for cleats; he gave up the stage for the baseball diamond where he excelled as a shortstop. To this day, there are no visible signs of him ever having Polio.

Welch attended West Point, launching a 29 year career in the Army. He attended Airborne and Ranger schools, served in the 82nd Airborne Division and following Flight School, did a tour in Vietnam as a pilot. After that, Welch attended graduate school, majoring in Spanish, and returned to West Point, but this time as a Spanish professor. By now, anyone would think this has been an amazing career, or rather, an amazing series of careers: Army pilot, officer, Spanish professor. But Welch was driven to do more. He needed to answer yet another calling. Welch resigned from the Army and enrolled in veterinary school at the University of Tennessee. After graduating, Dr. Agnew rejoined the Army as an Army Veterinary Corps officer. The Veterinary Corps is dedicated to public health and a significant number of Army veterinarians are involved in medical research and development, investigating diseases and researching vaccines, among other activities. Dr. Agnew worked as a public health officer overseeing food inspection and food plant operations, with some animal care mixed in.

After retiring from the Army, Dr. Agnew went to work at the Pinellas County Animal Services, first as Assistant Director, then Director. One of the major projects he faced was to control a serious rabies outbreak in the county. There were no known cases of rabies in the county for 40 years, but 39 cases were reported in 1995. Raccoons were the culprits and they infected domestic animals. Dr. Agnew helped to oversee an oral bait program modeled after one from the USDA. Helicopter and ground teams covered the county with baits the size of matchboxes. These vaccine-laced fishmeal polymer treats were ambrosia to raccoons. Eventually, the program controlled the rabies outbreak in Pinellas County. Another major accomplishment during his tenure at Animal Services was the implementation of the mobile clinic bus that brought basic veterinary care to low-income areas in the county.

Currently, Dr. Agnew dedicates part of his time to the PetLuv Spay/Neuter clinic in Brooksville. This operation keeps him involved with animals and off the golf course one day a week. But, he doesn’t stop there. Dr. Agnew continues to help humanity through the Rotary club and is the current President of the Rotary Club of Dunedin North, which supports many charities, including the global eradication of polio. Rotarians help the Dunedin Fine Arts Center by providing scholarships for summer camp programs. The club’s signature project is the Sing, Spell, Read & Write literacy program, which is an after school program for children in kindergarten and first grade that helps them develop reading skills through music. Dr. Agnew is organizing the Rotary Golf Tournament to be held October 5, 2012 at the Dunedin Golf Club, 1050 Palm Blvd., Dunedin. This is the major fundraiser of the year for the Rotary club. Registration is at 11:30 a.m. with a 1:00 p.m. Shotgun start. Players and sponsors are needed. This event benefits all the charitable work done by the Rotary club. For more information go to www.DunedinNorthRotary.org.

Filed Under: 2012, Community, September 2012 – Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Animals, Cats, Community, Dogs, Humanitarian, Pets, Tampa Bay, Veterinarian, Welch Agnew

Commitment to Fitness

July 18, 2012 By Laurie Talerico Leave a Comment

John Kent

Admit it, sometimes working out can be a bore. For some women it’s one more thing on the daily to-do list that’s as thrilling as doing the dishes. But thanks to the creative mind of John Kent, the North Pinellas Adventure Boot Camp for Women is here putting an exciting new spin on fitness training. His motto is a commitment to fitness, fun and friendship. And if you are ready for an exciting change to the average workout routine, then this is the program for you. Boot camps aren’t just for soldiers anymore.

John Kent, owner and fitness coach, has been a certified personal trainer for 10 years and was a stage performer before that. He started the boot camp in October 2007, combining his experience as a personal trainer and stage performer to transform the rudimentary workout into a fun fitness experience that takes the drudgery out of exercise and makes working out an adventure to look forward to.

The boot camp concept came from California, and it provides two key elements that personal training at a traditional gym cannot do. One element is the boot camp makes time fly and it puts the adventure into a workout. When you are mentally engaged in an energizing activity, there is no chance for boredom to set in. Secondly, it is also affordable. Five days of boot camp training costs the same as one session with a personal trainer and the results are amazing. John’s philosophy is that exercise shouldn’t be what one lives for, but what helps one to live better.

Behind all of the fun, there is a scientific theory to this fitness program. This is life changing, science-based fitness and nutrition coaching exclusively for women. The training is different every day. Time in boot camp moves so fast then BAM! it’s over before you know it. Expert fitness instruction is provided so clients can be assured they are doing purposeful workouts, not just random exercises. Every day is an adventure and every day is different. Since the body is efficient and designed to become conditioned to routine, John’s training activities change every five to seven minutes during each session so the body won’t have a chance to become complacent. John uses a combination of resistance training and interval training to “blast fat off the body.” Training is offered three times a day, 5:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m., to fit into everyone’s schedule. The boot camp meets outside in the open air so clients workout in a natural setting instead of inside a gym. During the summer months, the 9:00 a.m. boot camp meets indoors to avoid the intense Florida heat.

John’s program also includes habit-based nutrition coaching to teach clients how to develop habits and rituals to aid in weight loss and maintain long term success. He is committed to a program with proven results. He realizes there are many diet and exercise programs on the market that claim “quick fixes and magic bullets.” But, there isn’t a fix-all pill, fad diet or pixie dust anyone can use to transform themselves. John accentuates the positive and likes to focus on what clients can do, not on what they can’t do. The combination of John’s science-based exercise program and habit-based nutrition coaching is his recipe for long term success. “This way the weight loss effort is not like the movie Groundhog Day where you’re always starting over with the next new diet, new exercise program, new pills or gadgets.”

This boot camp positively impacts the women who commit to the program, but there is one instance that touched John and remains in his thoughts. One day he noticed one of his clients off to the side, crying. He approached her with concern and asked if she was alright. She told him that she felt silly, but that she was crying tears of joy because she’d finally found a program she could stick with. John realized at that moment what a huge impact he could have on the ladies in the boot camp and in the community. John is able to inspire his clients and keep them enthusiastic, which motivates them and keeps them moving in a healthy direction. John, in turn, owes his success to God and is motivated and inspired by his wife, a/k/a “Super Assistant Extraordinaire.” He says her support allows him to be a better trainer and coach while she keeps everything running smoothly in the office and their home with their four young children.

The home base for the North Pinellas Adventure Boot Camp for Women is north Pinellas county and is easily accessible to clients in Pinellas, Pasco and east Hillsborough counties. For more information go to www.BootCampRocks.com or call 727-420-8139.

Filed Under: 2012, Entrepreneur, July/August 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Entrepreneur, Features, Fitness, Health, John Kent, North Pinellas Adventure Boot Camp for Women, Tampa Bay, Weight loss