Home + Design

Creating Interior Jewels on the Emerald Coast

HOME AT EASE Incorporates Design Indoors & Outdoors Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Robert Young, Forever Young Images If you have ever watched HGTV and thought it would be fun to have a home remodel and redesign like they do in the home improvement shows, Laura Bommarito of HOME AT EASE is your girl.  “I have solid relationships with long-term local trades providing concierge level service to my clients in the area,” Laura said. “I’m different from other designers in that I...

August 2024

Life + Culture

Floral Fashion Forward

Boutique Florist, Bella Flora 30A, Has An Eye For Modern Design Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Salvatore Brancifort Custom floral design is at the heart of everything Maggie and Kevin Sotomey do at   Bella Flora 30A. When asked to design a one-of-a-kind floral dress, Bella Flora 30A rose to the occasion. In the course of three days, the team at Bella Flora along with the DCL team, assembled timeless wearable floral art using 800 fresh flowers and a mesh frame. Upscale floral...

August 2024

Beauty

Redesigning Their Future

Local Couple Use Creative Skills to Uplift the Community Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Salvatore Brancifort & Frederik Grosskopf Jason and Jenna Shinholster have a storied past. The two met 15 years ago, early in recovery. But as the couple re-discovered their faith together, they dreamed of a future where they could make a difference in the lives of others who struggle with addiction and the challenges of life.  Jenna, a hair stylist with a heart for ministry, uses her salon...

August 2024

Life + Culture

Fashion Extended

How hair health & quality extensions amplify personal fashion Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Shanna Perret with Davista Photography Brianna O'Brien of Destin Blowout Bar has worked in the cosmetic and hair industry for nearly two decades and knows that quality products paired with highly trained professionals equal the best possible outcome for both her clients.  “Feeling good in your own skin and hair is one of the most important aspects of fashion,” Brianna said. “Hair...

August 2024

Life + Culture

All Age Boutique

Kiss The Sky Boutique Offers Women's Fashion in Destin Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Robert Young & Salvatore Brancifort Sunny Mitchell has always had a knack as a creative. She has worked as a floral designer and baker and now for the past four years, as a boutique clothing store owner at  Kiss The Sky Boutique in Destin.  “I have a lot of design work in my background, the artist gene runs strong in my family,” Sunny said. “I’m one of eight children, all of whom are creative...

August 2024

Entertainment

Becoming Sarah Again

Local influencer shares message of self worth Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Robert Young, Forever Young Images Meet Sarah Weinberg, the captivating social media influencer better known as Sarah Again, who's taking the digital world by storm with her unique voice and vibrant personality. In February, Sarah posted a reel on Instagram in response to a fan's comment about her slowly growing following. With her characteristic candor, she described her voice as an "acquired taste,"...

August 2024

Life + Culture

Children & Charcuterie

A local mom took her two loves and found success Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Robert Young, Forever Young Images Children have always been at the center of everything Shelli Chinlund of Charcuterie by Shelli does. From the time she was a young girl, to her job as a preschool teacher at First Baptist Church of Destin, Shelli has felt a special connection to children. She has dedicated her life to supporting childhood education. Shelli has homeschooled her own children and been...

July 2024

Life + Culture

Pink N Blue

Children's Boutique Celebrates 10 years in Destin Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Galina Wells Photography Gulia Metcalf, owner of Pink N Blue Avenue, moved to the United States 18 years ago on a student program from Russia. When she first arrived in Destin, Florida, she said she found herself facing a new culture, new language and new job experiences.  "At first, I questioned why I'd traded my secure government job, after graduating from a prestigious college in Russia, for...

July 2024

Arts + Culture

Salty Paws

A Boutique for Boujee Pets Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Robert Young, Forever Young Images Imagine a place where pets are center stage; a place where you can find cute clothes for your miniature dachshund, birthday cupcakes for your poodle, or even a celebratory “21st Birthday Martini Bone,” for your 3-year-old labrador. Well, imagine no more, as Salty Paws Pet Boutique and Barkery in the Destin Commons has everything you need to make your four-pawed pet feel loved.  “I’ve...

July 2024

Professional Services

Pets & Professionals

Meet some of Destin's frontline businesswomen and their favored pets Article by Savannah Vasquez | Photography by Contributed Photos Let's meet some of Destin's pet owners who are also some of the area's most versatile business owners. From a gym owner with a focus on educating about bully breeds to a cleaning service that specializes in pet-friendly services, check out our round-up of amazing pets with their professionals.  Grettel Olivos Grettel Olivos is a native Peruvian and the owner...

July 2024