Angela Donaldson is an Investigator with Department of Defense with Kings Bay Naval Station. “I do background investigations for anyone in Federal Government who needs a security clearance: Navy, Army, Marines and DOD civilians.” Angela continued about her background, “I’m half Japanese, then German, Irish and English. I get my thick brown hair from my mom’s German/Irish background. I love sushi, and when I was growing up, we had white rice for dinner every single night!”  

Two years ago, at age 55, Angela upped her skincare regime adding facial appointments every six to eight weeks at Golden Isles Center for Plastic Surgery on St. Simons Island, an easy ride from her Southport Brunswick home.

Meet Taffie:
Taffie James finally has a happy ending to what seemed for her, a never-ending weight loss story. “I dieted all the time (it was horrible) for many years of my adult life. I was often bored and ate late at night; I became a snack-aholic. And, with added stress, I felt sluggish,” she said.
Taffie decided she’d had enough. “So, I went to Glow Georgia Coast Surgical Med Spa & More on a consult and had the Lap Band procedure the next week.” Taffie did research online and talked with a friend who recommended she see Dr. Harold Kent, practice owner and surgeon.  

“As of today, I have lost 70 pounds and feel so much better. The staff at Georgia Coast Surgical are so great—Dr. Kent, Suzanne, Tammy. I’ve lost inches all over in my legs, arms, stomach, neck and face, too.”

Dr. Colleen Knight is an associate professor of chemistry at the College of Coastal Georgia. With her Ph.D. in biomolecular chemistry, serving as Department of Natural Sciences chair, this 36-year-old phenom teaches nursing chemistry, biochemistry and advanced biochemistry. Colleen grew up in Warner Robins and lived in Atlanta but likes our area’s pace. “It’s not so harried here and way calmer, so much so my parents ended up moving here, too,”  Colleen said. Beyond academia, Colleen enjoys musical roles in community theatre, especially with the Island Players and Glynn Academy. She also bakes and rides three bikes—a road bike, mountain bike and beach cruiser—but not all at once.

Professor Time:
Colleen quit smiling in photos and in public early on, even after getting braces. “I was missing one lateral adult tooth with a tiny one on the other side.” Her front teeth looked smaller, and she felt her smile reflected she had no teeth. “Not liking to smile and always in front of a class, one of the most common comments in my student surveys was I came off as ‘super-intimidating, apathetic, or unimpressed.’ Students felt uncomfortable to ask me questions. So, I decided to do something about it.

Ellen White Sweem, age 61, was surprised at the face she saw in the mirror. The face was hers, of course, but she longed to be able to recognize her younger reflection once again. She did not like her skin tone and uneven brows. “I was shocked at how much older I was looking on the outside, than how I felt on the inside.”

A St. Simons Island resident for 13 years, Ellen loves to immerse herself in yard work and flower gardening. She also loves to read and paint furniture. Her father and sister both have homes here too, which made the decision to move here easier after Steve, her first husband, passed away. Now remarried, she and her husband Todd love calling St. Simons home.

Meet Stan: Raised in Macon, Ga., Stan Greene made his dream come true, which was to retire to St. Simons Island. He loves having the word “island” in his address and is the happiest man living on the Island’s north end you will ever meet.

Stan, and his fiancé, Julie Bedford, moved here four years ago. As a couple, they enjoy taking full advantage of land and sky activities, which often includes daily biking, walking, boating, dining out and occasional trips in their private plane. Some days incorporate an early dinner on SSI and a boat trip upriver towards Mudcat Charlie’s. A retired engineer and 1981 UGA graduate, Stan is known as Papa, and Julie is Nana, to her four grandchildren, whom Julie claims are spoiled often and unconditionally. This brings us to Stan’s Paisley Magazine debut. Upon his surprise discovery he said, “Well, if I’m going to have a makeover, I’m going ‘rad’!”

St. Simons Island resident Mary Frances Allen is ready to level up her career in life and is looking for professional opportunities to learn and thrive. Sister of Master Cosmetologist Becca Wynn, and friend to the staffers at B.Lush Salon + Spa, our 30-year-old candidate was chosen because everyone at B.Lush is excited to help in her transformation. As such, Mary Frances received two special days of overall beauty and pizazz like only B.Lush can provide.

Mary Frances shared: “I’ve been up in the air as to where to look for a job since I’m from here but have been living four years in Statesboro. I may job hunt in both areas. I have a degree in psychology and want to do speech pathology, too. I want to help people in some communicative facet. Getting this makeover and having so many things done to enhance my look will be great for me as I look for work in my career path.”

Meet Professor Leonard: Lesley Leonard, EdD, has had two marvelous careers: Her first as an environmental civil engineer and now as Associate Professor of Health Promotion in the Department of Nursing and Health Science at the College of Coastal Georgia. “I decided a decade ago to switch and follow my passion, which is health and exercise. I love the research and science of what I do and inspiring others.”

Married with two daughters, Morgan, age 19, and Langley, age 17, Lesley looks younger than her 50 years. Her genes, sensible lifestyle and 16 years of marathon running have been helpful. “I run five days a week, sometimes with the Brunswick “Fasties.” I do 26K runs when I can and did a 50K for my 50th birthday.”

Coastal resident Kelley Spaeder was recently treated to a day of skincare rejuvenation at BellaMichelle Skincare on St. Simons Island. Kelley is the Development Director for St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. She loves the environment of her job, everyone associated with St. Francis and her work in securing a great future for the school.

Kelley loves living coastal and can often be seen walking St. Simons Island south end solo or with her dog, and especially, walking the beach. She smartly covers up, wears a hat, sunglasses and applies sunscreen. Seeking anti-aging skincare advice, we turned to Boni Ray Chaney, PMA, who provided her skillful skincare expertise for Kelley, our lucky 52-year-old makeover candidate. Along with BellaMichelle products’ guidance, Kelley became more adept at staying skin-damage protected.

Coastal resident Kelley Spaeder was recently treated to a day of skincare rejuvenation at BellaMichelle Skincare on St. Simons Island. Kelley is the Development Director for St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. She loves the environment of her job, everyone associated with St. Francis and her work in securing a great future for the school.

Kelley loves living coastal and can often be seen walking St. Simons Island south end solo or with her dog, and especially, walking the beach. She smartly covers up, wears a hat, sunglasses and applies sunscreen. Seeking anti-aging skincare advice, we turned to Boni Ray Chaney, PMA, who provided her skillful skincare expertise for Kelley, our lucky 52-year-old makeover candidate. Along with BellaMichelle products’ guidance, Kelley became more adept at staying skin-damage protected.

Kristen Cummings says her best personal asset is her SMILE. She is age 29, headed for the big 3-0. A Brunswick High class of 2007 graduate, Kristen lives locally with her mom and dad. She likes to dote on her toddler nephew and is excited about her new niece’s arrival.

Kristen’s story is about regaining personal confidence. “I was born with childhood diabetes, which runs on both sides of my family. The first time I had a related diabetes episode was just after high school graduation… my 2017 diabetic episode affected my kidneys and bladder and sent me to the hospital. I got a little better and then relapsed into septic shock. I was in the hospital almost three months on a lot of medication that made me lose a lot of weight and affected my teeth.”

Jennifer Shaddix loves her job as a certified nurses’ aide (CNA) with Georgia Nurse Care. To be a successful CNA, one needs strength, patience, grace, and cleverness all at the same time. CNAs anticipate their client’s needs each day, for they are professionals who truly take the time to assist with the activities of daily living, which includes transferring, lifting, and cleaning. Jennifer, at age 30, is agile and strong. She knows she must keep in shape to effectively carry out her duties, so she runs. Two years ago, she met fellow runner, Misty Lane Ambrose, the owner of Misty’s Element Massage group. And this month, she became our therapeutic massage candidate.  

Her morning routine includes a run, shower, a little work with her hair, a little makeup, and she grabs her mascara on her way out the door to work. When Misty told us about Jennifer, we agreed a day of therapeutic massage and beauty would be well deserved and perhaps a day she’d never forget.

Recent Albany State University graduate, Rachel Fanucci, has her Georgia Teaching Certificate and fantastic job as Pre-K teacher. The 26-year-old said, “This is a dream come true job; teaching is my favorite thing to do!”

“I wanted to be healthy in my adult years—to be able to go to any store and buy any clothes in any style and wanted to accomplish personal goals like running a 5K. I reached out to Dr. Harold Kent at Georgia Coast Surgical, and here I am today.”

In 2015, Rachel began her journey with the medical staff at Georgia Coast Surgical. She credits her parents, Lori and Robert Fanucci, for their support. Then, at 5 feet 2.5 inches tall, she weighed 256 pounds with a body mass index of 46. She has since lost 143 pounds, closing in on her ideal body weight.

Meet Lee: 
Lee Clements Baxter, 57-year-old St. Simons Island native and busy successful realtor, was delighted to receive her call to a day of beauty from Boni Ray Chaney, Owner and Aesthetician at BellaMichelle.

“It seemed like the right thing to do and I was ready,” Lee said. “There’s been so much going on in my life. My husband, Mel, and I had a busy holiday season with our three kids and four grandchildren, we recently moved, and then there’s the business merger with Keller Williams of the Golden Isles Real Estate. My skin care has been neglected!”

Lisa Sarro had no idea her life was about to change when she logged onto Facebook just like any other day. Scrolling, she came across a post seeking Paisley’s holiday makeover candidate, which Master Stylist Amanda Kicklighter had posted. Usually shy and reserved, Lisa said she didn’t quite know what came over her. “In that moment, I knew wanted to be selected,” she said. “Then Amanda messaged me back and here I am!”  

Lisa was a Military Police Officer E4 in the US Army. “I was exposed to agent orange and other chemicals at Fort McClellan and have been on Army disability the last 30 years with related health issues. My main role has been one I love—caregiver for my two children and two grandkids. I haven’t done much for myself. But now, I’m hoping to boost my confidence and personal happiness.”

Feeling Younger:
St. Simons Resident, Shirley Maybury Egan, just turned 84 and is living life looking about half her age, all while singing the praises of Dr. Diane Bowen of the Golden Isles Center for Plastic Surgery, PC. Completing her eyesight rejuvenation means she no longer feels any impairment or the need for eyeglasses for her three favorite activities: reading, walking and playing duplicate bridge.  A member of the St. Simons Bridge Duplicate Club, Shirley recently achieved the sanctioned level of Silver Master!

MEET TAMMY:
Tammy Gault, at age 50, has rejuvenated her self-esteem. In 2011, Tammy decided “to begin checking into improving my health options because I weighed 310 pounds. I had a later-in-life child and want to be around longer for my son and husband, so it was time for me to be healthy. Because I am a strong-minded, accountable person, I researched lap band surgery and came to Georgia Coast Surgical to meet Dr. Harold Kent.”

Matilda Gibbons is truly a wonder woman. The mother of 12 children with two still at home, she and her husband, Robert, also have seven grandchildren. Robert is the minister at Church of Christ on Johnston Street in Brunswick. A former home engineer and renowned fabulous cook, Matilda has also created a motivational speaking ministry, which began with “The Sisters” of her congregation and has now grown to include other groups near and far. Matilda often carries a heavy load of responsibilities and tasks, and although she loves them all, she knows she should be taking better care of her own well-being. When offered a specially designed therapeutic day of relaxation at Coastal Hypnosis Center, her answer was a resounding “Yes, I would love to do it!”

Amanda Weaver, age 38, started her personal transformation in 2016, and today she is a rejuvenated woman of vitality and confidence. After successfully re-creating her diet and incorporating dedicated gym time, Amanda also desired to redesign her body for a more youthful look.

Navigating the Process:
The Weavers have four children, ranging in age from 20 to 7: Braxton, Konlin, Brock and Elaina. All four childbirths were C-sections. Amanda confided, “The more weight I lost through working out and diet, the sloppier I felt. In clothes I had more confidence, but wanted to feel even more confident with my husband, who matters most to me.”

Meet sweet Tonya Walters, age 48. Always on the go, Tonya and her husband Michael jokingly compare their Walters family to TV’s The Walton’s. “There’s my mom Kay, our daughter Rachel-Chalina, our son Jacob, our nephew Ricky. and our niece Kaylee—plus two rescue dogs! My life is busy and full.”

Last month, Tonya joyfully transitioned from a part-time certified nurse’s aide working two jobs to a full-time office career at Georgia Nurse Care. “I’m so pleased to work with such enjoyable women. They encouraged me to take the entire day off for my Paisley makeover and were genuinely happy for me.”

J. Elizabeth Arrington-Fowler, whose father told her to always tell the truth, take responsibility for what she does, and to only do things she would not be ashamed of, is sharing proud news about her new lifestyle and well-being. “I went to see Dr. Angela Britt at Dentistry by Angela Britt (mostly for my vanity) and came out with renewed health—both emotional and physical health. “Yes, and I do look good!

Wendy Stephens’ mantra “get back to it” has changed her life for the better, and she gives Paisley Magazine most of the credit. Encouraging herself to do more, she is now off the sofa and out meeting new and interesting friends, like the ones she met at December’s Paisley Partini, whom she now shops and dines with. “It’s true, Paisley is the catalyst—you all have inspired me,” she exclaimed!

Raised in Brunswick and married to Eric Stephens for 24 years, Wendy has two daughters, Olivia and Emily. She worked more than two decades as a local first-grade schoolteacher and reluctantly retired two years ago after brain surgery. In addition, she also lives with chronic Scleroderma. Full of humbleness and gratitude, she worked diligently for six months in cognitive and occupational rehab therapies. Now, at age 50, Wendy is pursuing opportunities to “get back” to her new lifestyle.
At Serendipity Spa-lon, a trio of cosmetology experts joined forces to plan Wendy’s day of relaxation and rejuvenation. On deck were an anti-aging natural facial, dimensional hair color, a makeup session and manicure.

Elaine Townsend experienced a life changing moment in early 2017 as she leaned over to pick up a mirror lying on a table. She saw her familiar smiling reflection taken over by her chin moving in ways she had only imagined in nightmares! “I saw too much movement—too loose of skin. It was all too much.” Mirror side glances weren’t much better. “It drove me nuts because it was making me look older than I felt.”

Living on St. Simons in an active coastal lifestyle and career, enjoying golf and leisure time with husband Bill, Elaine was ready to take action. “I wanted to try CoolSculpting at Georgia Coast Surgical. I know Hilary Kent and trust their staff, so what was not to try?”

At age 49, Debora Crosby was on a mission to look younger and feel stronger. She is a shining example of the quote, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” With a new nursing career on the horizon and a big heart for community service, we chose Debora to receive this well-deserved spa makeover in the good hands of Susan Cokley, Paramedical Aesthetician and Owner of Athena Spa by the Sea.

First, Debora found a new style at Peruvian Cloth and Label Boutique. Nery Eyler dressed her in a gorgeous Peruvian jacket, filled with color and panache, which was layered over a casual, linen brown dress. Nery accessorized the outfit with jewelry from the store and gifted Debora the beautiful pair of earrings!