Food + Beverage

A Toast to the Ladies

With Madre Prosecco - Crafted by Women for Women Article by Reid Brown | Photography by Madre Prosecco Madre Prosecco is more than just a wine—it’s a celebration of life’s precious moments, big or small. As a brand created by women, for women, this premium sparkling wine offers a luxurious experience with exceptional quality and freshness. Produced in small batches by a family-owned winery in Italy, Madre Prosecco blends traditional craftsmanship with a modern, elegant touch. The journey of...

Food + Beverage

Hyla Crane: Non-Profit Leader

Champion of the Arts Article by Jenn Wideberg | Photography by Samantha Bloom Q. What inspired you to get involved in the arts and non-profits? A. I had stopped practicing law to stay home and take care of my two daughters. My tennis partner’s husband told me he had a vision of FREE Shakespeare in the park in New Haven, Connecticut. I thought it was a swell idea, but couldn’t understand why he was pitching it to me. As a former lawyer, he was sure I would be able to get the company...

Beauty

Katie Dudley: Beauty & Business Expert

Reaching for the Stars Article by Jenn Wideberg | Photography by Samantha Bloom Q. Did you always see yourself as a business owner? A. Yes, I’ve always had big visions. I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist at an extremely young age. As I got older, it was always in mind that I wanted to own something great, and make my parents proud.  Q. How do you stay motivated during tough times? A. When you own a business, there are always people looking up to you and relying on you. It’s important to...

Local Services

Linda Meak: Philanthropic Advocate

Giving Back to Our Community Article by Jenn Wideberg | Photography by Samantha Bloom Q. What inspired you to get involved in the non-profit space, and why The Shelter, specifically? A. After buying a home and spending the first few years discovering Naples and enjoying all that it has to offer, I felt the need to give back to this special community. I met the lovely wife of a man that was in my golf and tennis groups, and asked her how she likes to spend her free time since we never saw her...

Food + Beverage

Rebecca Maddox: Accomplished Entrepreneur

Giving us Something to Talk About! Article by Jenn Wideberg | Photography by Samantha Bloom Q. Rebecca, did you always see yourself as an entrepreneur? A. No!  I spent 20+ years in Corporate America in Finance and Accounting roles in NYC and Philadelphia.  A manager I once had did used to tell me that I was the only entrepreneur in the company at that time, though, as I was always thinking of new ideas and solutions outside of often bureaucratic, corporate red tape! Q. So, how did all of...

Food + Beverage

Rachel Keller: Thriving Business Owner

Who Transitioned her Career from Politics to Professional High-End Services Article and Photography by Samantha Bloom Q. What inspired you to start your business? A. With over 25 years of experience catering to high-net-worth individuals, I saw an opportunity to create a luxury wine storage facility that goes beyond basic storage—one that offers a white-glove experience, personalized service, and a true sense of connection for wine collectors. That vision led to the launch of Carl’s Wine...

Food + Beverage

Ladies' Get-Together Inspiration

Fun Places for a Ladies' Outings! Article by Mr. Bites In honor of this month’s Ladies' Issue, we’re going to take a look at the best places to go when you and your female friends want to get together.  Never fear, though dear readers - Mr. Bites is not going to mansplain the best places HE thinks women want to go, but rather, he went right to the source and asked some gal pals to pick their favorite places. Next month, we’ll dive into where the guys go when it’s their turn to get together. ...

Finance + Legal Services

Investing Our Money

Meet Martha 'Lupe' Mercier - A Locally-Based, Award-Winning Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor, Who Takes a Personal Approach to Investing Article by Jenn Wideberg | Photography by Merrill Lynch Q: Martha, can you share your journey into wealth management and what inspired you to pursue this career?   A:  First, please call me Lupe!  I was born Martha Guadalupe Reyes, a first generation American in Michigan, and moved to Florida over 30 years ago.  My career has very much been...

Life + Culture

Investing in Our Communities

At Home in Our Paradise Coast and Beyond Article by Caitlin Pfitzinger | Photography by Matetsi Victoria Falls & AHA The Power of Collaboration: Travel, Community, and Impact Southwest Florida is a place where community matters. From Naples to Marco Island, we take pride in supporting one another, giving back, and finding ways to make a meaningful impact—whether through philanthropy, local businesses, or global initiatives that align with our values. As a luxury travel advisor, I’ve seen...

Food + Beverage

Mr. Bites' 'Hidden Gems'

Always Invested in Your Culinary Delights... Article by Mr. Bites Mr. Bites’ pet peeve #145: On certain food pages, there’s a tendency for people who disclose dining spots that are commonly referred to as hidden gems. Common refrains include “Don’t tell anyone so we can still get a reservation”, or “We don’t want it to get too popular.” Why? If someone makes something I love, I would want to share it with the world.  Don’t you want the people who make delicious food to be rewarded for...