Coast glam [glam] Informal. Noun. An over-the-top look that is NOT casual: form-fitting pants/jeans with jacket and lots of accessories; fedora hat with skinny jeans, blazer, clutch bag; sunglasses; high heels; top with circle skirts; chunky jewelry/layered jewelry; handle bags, etc.
MEET Kelli Kingsley Dickens
58, Biloxi
Owner of Kelli’s Steps School of Dance and director of the international award-winning dance company Kelli’s Showstoppers.
“Beauty begins when your day begins.”
ABOUT ME
I am married to David Krenning. I am the proud mother of Trent Dickens, who resides in Los Angeles and is the director of the upcoming short film “Panda,” and am the excited stepmom of Karli, a soon-to-be MSU student of fashion marketing. I am celebrating 37 years of teaching the art of dance and am the newest member to the board of directors of Dance Educators of America.
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
Beauty begins when your day begins. Grace whatever the day may hold for you with your own style, confidence and southern charm. My mother always reminds me of her southern lady rule: “Sometimes you just don’t need to say anything” and “just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
Teaching dance to our youth definitely keeps me on my “toes.” I have always taken pride in keeping in touch with the newest movement that may be sweeping our country. In the dance world my right side of the brain (creative side) is exercised at all times and filled with wonderful choreography. I have to find personal time to remind myself to listen to the left side of my brain (logic) to slow down and enjoy the simple steps in life.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
I believe that accepting and finding peace in your choices and decisions in this journey we call life will allow our inner beauty to shine for all to see.
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
I am a product of my beautiful mother. She passed on to me the secret of Olay.
MEET Bella Gonzalez
22, Diamondhead, student at Ole Miss, graphic designer
Fashions by Charisma, Ocean Springs
Hair and makeup: Antonian Salon, Gulfport
“Less is more.”
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
As an artist, beauty to me is much deeper than the mere appearance of objects, people or places. Beauty is subtle; it’s hidden, yet stares us right in the face everyday. It can be seen, heard, felt, experienced. It never tries too hard. It’s natural and poised, all the while spontaneous and original.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
I believe that spending time outside everyday is vital to maintaining my peace of mind. I relish the fresh air, the warmth of the sun, and the ambiance of outside. I also maintain a strict diet for health reasons, which consequently enforces me to eat healthily (because I tend to stray to an unhealthy diet otherwise). While I typically curse the diet, I am also extremely thankful for it, as I know I am doing my body a favor. Additionally, I must always be listening to music, podcasts or audio books (my fave). They keep me sane during long car rides, tedious art projects or stressful times.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
Less is more. I prefer natural makeup, neutral colors for clothes, and a simplistic overall design for my personal appearance and surroundings. I think that all women have something beautiful to show, but it’s very hard to see that if it’s covered up with an artificial facade. I do think there is a time and a place to accentuate and go all out on a look, but you’d be surprised at how far a plain tee, jeans and a trendy necklace can take you.
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
I am obsessed with Burt’s Bees makeup removing wipes. Taking off my makeup has always been a chore to me, but I actually look forward to it now. These wipes smell amazing and are gentle on my face.
MEET Yuki Northington
48, Bay St. Louis, interior designer, artist, owner of Social Chair and Art & Interiors
Fashions by Coral Boutique, Gulfport and Gautier
Hair and makeup: Antonian Salon, Gulfport
“I would take a beautiful soul over a pretty face any day.”
ABOUT ME
I’m a mother of four and have been married for 24 years. I run two businesses and I’m a member of the Old Town Merchants Association, Bay St. Louis Rotary Club, Nereids, the Raw Oyster Marching Club and founded The Queens of BSL. I believe in working hard so that I can play hard.
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
I think what makes people different is what makes them interesting. Some of the most beautiful people that I know may not be considered physically beautiful, but I would take a beautiful soul over a pretty face any day.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
Enjoying life. Whether it is work or play, if you are happy, it shows.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
Two organic fruit and veggie smoothies every day and you have to floss.
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
False lashes.
MEET Amanda Mavar Schmidt
38, Ocean Springs, owner of Paddles Up
Fashions by Fly Boutique, Gulfport
Hair and makeup: Tracy Perry’s Salon, Gulfport
“Take care of your skin!”
ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Biloxi, I’m a mother of two beautiful teenage girls, and I graduated from William Carey with a bachelor’s in graphic design. I moved to Florida after Katrina and discovered a love for stand-up paddleboarding. A few years later, I moved back to the Coast and started Paddles Up.
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
Beauty entails more than just outer appearances. True beauty shines in everyone, we just have to know how to see it.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
I stay very active by running, paddleboarding, group fitness classes, kickboxing, and yoga — I do a little bit of everything. Nature helps me to connect with Spirit and eases my daily stress. I believe being out on the water is very therapeutic and love introducing people to stand up paddleboarding. Loving what you do everyday is a blessing that I count regularly.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
I don’t think I have a beauty secret, so to speak. I believe in being true to yourself. That shines through more than any product you can use. However, I also believe you need a good moisturizer with an SPF. Take care of your skin!! I recommend a really good one like EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 that you can get at your dermatologist’s office. Neutrogena or other over-the-counters are good, too.
MEET Caray Grace
25, Gulfport
Anchor and reporter for WLOX News
Fashions by Panache, Gulfport
Hair and makeup: Tracy Perry’s Salon, Gulfport
“It’s learning to embrace your so-called imperfections instead of longing to change them.”
ABOUT ME
I’m a wife and new momma to a beautiful little girl. I’m originally from Tennessee, but I now call Mississippi home. My favorite things are Jesus, coffee and good food!
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
Beauty is all about self-confidence! It’s learning to embrace your so-called imperfections instead of longing to change them.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
As far as physical health, it’s all about staying active, even if that means chasing my baby around the house and eating a balanced diet. For my soul and mind, it’s prayer and the Word of God. Every day, I wake up, have some coffee, read my devotional and pray.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
Not sweating the small things. It’s easier said than done, but stress wears on you and it shows. Oh yeah, and lipstick!
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
It’s a 10 Miracle leave-in conditioner. It’s great for hair like mine and helps me stay camera ready.
MEET Jillian Strayham Ladner
32, Biloxi
Nurse practitioner, Saad’s Healthcare Services
Fashions by Jubilee, Ocean Springs
Hair and makeup: Antonian Salon, Gulfport
“My favorite beauty product is sleep!”
ABOUT ME
I’m a wife to Wesley Ladner and we have four children: Ryleigh, 8; Harper, 4; Sawyer, 3; and Wesley, 2 months. I enjoy weekends, fishing, being outdoors, shopping, caring for named Russell, Amos, Leonard and Angie.
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
Beauty is two-fold: nature and nurture. Inner beauty is developed from nurturing. Outer beauty comes from nature (genetics). Without my mother, Joan’s nurturing and nature, I would not have either quality. As I have gotten older, I have learned that outer beauty can be ruined by a bad personality. What constitutes a good personality? Someone who is genuinely kind, considerate of other peoples’ feelings, and includes all individuals (does not exclude others). I am trying very hard to raise our children to have these personality traits.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
After the birth of each child, I engage in an intense diet and exercise program to get back to my healthy body. A healthy body paves the way for a healthy soul and mind.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
I do not drink alcohol and have never smoked a cigarette. As a healthcare professional, I feel as if both of those vices contribute to premature aging.
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
My favorite beauty product is sleep! (and root touch-up spray, shhhhh…)
MEET Jaimee Dorris
35, Bay St. Louis
Owner/art director of Jaimee Designs Web Studio, LLC and TV show host of “MS Congeniality with Jaimee Dorris”
Fashions by Ivy Boutique, D’Iberville
Hair and makeup: Antonian Salon, Gulfport
“Beauty is when confidence and self-care meet.”
ABOUT ME
I am a Coast native who has traveled the world, but still prefers to make Mississippi home with my husband and children. I have grown my web design business, Jaimee Designs Web Studio, to include marketing, video production, and social media management. I also produce and host the original web series, “MS Congeniality.”
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
Beauty is when confidence and self-care meet. When a woman knows her worth, she’ll stand tall, smile big and speak strong. And when that woman learns how to look her best, she’s unstoppable. The combination of the two is real beauty.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
I walk everyday, eat for pleasure, drink wine every night, have lots of sex, and do yoga on Sundays.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
I have so many beauty secrets, but I’m going to have to go with posture. When all else fails, stand up straight!
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
Coconut oil. I use it for everything: face wash, teeth cleaning, digestive health, skin moisturizer and more. (I have videos about that on my YouTube channel.)
MEET Kristina Graham
24, Biloxi
Owner/buyer of Tribe Boutique
Fashions by Tribe Boutique, Biloxi
Hair and makeup: Tracy Perry’s Salon, Gulfport
“The most beautiful people are those who choose to put others first.”
ABOUT ME
I am a happy wife and proud stepmother to two beautiful children. I enjoy going to work everyday to dress my amazing customers and I’m always looking for new styles and trends to bring to the Coast.
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
I think beauty is a combination of qualities found inside and out. It’s how you present yourself. I think the most beautiful people are those that choose to put others first. They also know when to focus on themselves… it’s okay to be selfish sometimes.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
To stay healthy I go to the gym regularly and I really enjoy instructed classes like Zumba and cycling. I try to eat healthy by sticking to a lean diet, but I also believe in treating yourself when you want it. It’s all about moderation. For a healthy mind, I turn to my family because they always keep me smiling and striving to be my best. A healthy mind is a motivated mind.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
Mascara is my beauty secret. I’m not big into makeup but a strong set of lashes makes any woman look and feel beautiful.
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
My favorite beauty product is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Wash. Nothing feels better than having a clean, fresh face.
MEET Rep. Sonya Williams Barnes
47, Gulfport
Owner of Lockett-Williams Mortuary Inc and member of Mississippi House of Representatives, District 119
Styled by Bayou Belle, Ocean Springs
Makeup: Tracy Perry’s Salon, Gulfport
“Beauty is what one feels when they enter your company.”
ABOUT ME
I am a woman of many hats with my most favorite hat being a mother to my son, Kenson Barnes. I’m the owner of Lockett Williams Mortuary and I serve in the Mississippi legislature representing House District 119. I’m also the chair of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, the second largest Black Caucus in the nation.
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
Many think beauty is what one sees, but I believe beauty is what one feels when they enter your company.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
Meditate, walk/run, and enjoy a day at the spa when I have time.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
Water and juicing.
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
La Prairie Skin Care Products.
MEET Tanya Tancredi-Russell
47, Biloxi
Colorist at Hair + Tonic
Fashions by Elle Boutique, Gulfport
Hair: Antonian Salon, Gulfport
Makeup: Hair + Tonic and Tracy Perry’s Salon, Gulfport
“Beauty is kindness, thoughtfulness, unspoken and quiet.”
ABOUT ME
I’m the mother of two dynamic daughters, a “Momager” for my oldest daughter, sidekick to my wonderful husband and parttime colorist at Hair + Tonic.
HOW I DEFINE BEAUTY
Beauty to me has always been within. Because I’ve been a hairstylist for over 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working on and with many beautiful souls. For me, beauty is kindness, thoughtfulness, unspoken and quiet. Beauty can be felt the moment you meet someone.
HOW I STAY HEALTHY
I am constantly on the go! I have a 5-year old and a 17-year-old with totally different schedules. Incorporating fitness, yoga, as well as eating clean and juicing is key. I am a spiritual person. I’m Catholic and I believe having strong faith is paramount to living a healthy life.
MY BEAUTY SECRET?
If I must tell, Emma Bain’s magic facials and massages at Red Lily Spa. Dr. Milan at Island Medi Spa takes care of the rest!
FAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT
Korean Bio Medi Masks.
Special Thanks!
HAIR & MAKEUP
Antonian Salon, Gulfport Ann Marie S. Walley, stylist/makeup artist
Stephanie Coats, stylist
Jordan Hughes, stylist
Tracy Perry’s Salon, Gulfport Peggy Anderson, stylist/makeup artist
Heather Watkins, stylist/makeup artist
Camille Durham, stylist
PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION
Saenger Theater, City of Biloxi