February 2012 VIP 1

volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | theVIPmag.
com
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 4 | February 2012 | theVIPmag.com
o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s
complimentary
Mardi
Gras
couture
Bedazzled!
10
HOT
V-DAY
GIFTS
Pearls: Heirlooms AND must-have fashion
Chandeliers: Bling for your home!
Homespun: 3 local jewelry artists
Brian Alter: A gem of a life
VIPersonalities: the Worthams
oyster recipes for your inner Cajun
Nederlands splash of Karma
2 February 2012 | theVIPmag.com
Whether youre dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a big production,
your wedding should be as unforgettable as you are.
3950 I-10 South (@Walden Road) Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: 409.842.5995 Fax: 409.842.7810 www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza
We can assist you every step of the way.
theVIPmag.com | February 2012 3
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Editorial
Executive Editor
DAVID CONSTANTINE
dconstantine@thevipmag.com
Contributing Writers
CATHLEEN COLE
mArgArET b. gArDNEr
LArENA HEAD
grACE mATHIS
JANE mCbrIDE
SCOTT rENICk
CHEryL rOSE
Editorial Assistant
TAmArA mENgES
Photography
Contributing Photographers
SCOTT ESLINgEr
SILVIA C. mCCLAIN
rEN SHEppArD
LEE E. STINSON
Graphic Designer, Creative Media
DAVID CONSTANTINE
Advertising
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on the cover
Model Elizabeth Campbell was stunning in purple, green and gold,
demonstrating that you don't have to resort to costumes to get into the
Mardi Gras spirit. See all the fashion on page 15.
Left: Campbell shows off our favorite piece from the shoot, a rhinestone
egg purse by J Tiras, provided by Bella Bella.
Photography by Scott Eslinger; styling by Grace Mathis and Larena
Head; hair and makeup by Grace Mathis; cover outft provided by YaYa
Club, Express and BBS Collection.
c o n t e n t s
vip magazine
inside february
07 vip home
06 Bling your home with
a fabulous chandelier
11 vip style
11 Three local jewelry
designers show home-
made can be charming
15 Festive, fashionable
looks for your Mardi
Gras celebrations
22 Why you should own
pearls
18 vip viewing
18 Nederland's newest
boutique
29 vip spotlight
29 SE Texas events
34 vipersonality
34 Brian Alter on life as
a jewelry kingpin
36 The Worthams fnd
passion in each other
and their community
39 food&drink
39 Easy oyster recipes
41 Simple chocolate
desserts for your
sweetie
43 vip adviser
43 Valentines Day gifts
to pamper and please
47 5 great dates in
February
48 Calendar
49 Crossword puzzle
50 vip voices
50 Scott Renick:
My most
feared movie
22
41
11
Mark your oalendar now to enrioh yourself both personally and professionally at the fifth
annual CRl31u3 Livewell women's Conferenoe, presented by the CRl31u3 Livewell
women's Network. 1he all-day oonferenoe inoludes keynote lunoheon, health soreenings,
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at www.ohristushospital.org/oonferenoe or oall 409-899-7700.
REGISTRATIONOPENS MONDAY, MARCH 26
ITS ALL ABOUT
WOMEN.
YOU.
ITS ALL ABOUT
2012 LiveWell
Womens Conference
THURSDAY, MAY 3 FORD PARK / BEAUMONT, TX 7:00 am4:30 pm
The Blind Factory
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Chandeliers can be traditional or contemporary, simple or elaborate.
But no matter what, they add a touch of bling to any home.
En-LIGHT-enment
vip home
text by MarGarET BaTTIsTELLI GardnEr photography by rEn sHEppard
A
t some point in time,
someone somewhere
must have been having
so much fun at a party
that he or she actu-
ally did swing from the
chandelier. Or tried to,
anyway. Otherwise, how
would it have become
such a universally accepted euphemism for
having a good time?
So yes, you might be tempted to try. But
dont. It wont end well or you or for the
chandelier.
Would-be party prop aside, chandeliers
can be anything from a point of understated
elegance shimmering above the dining-room
table to a massive extravaganza of glittering
crystal hanging center court in a grand foyer
or the main lobby of some upscale hotel. (Have
you seen the ones at places like the Waldorf or
the Plaza in NYC? Yowza!)
Either way, a chandelier speaks volumes
about the person who chooses it, and most of-
ten the message is, I have style. I have taste. I
have money. Though, to be fair, you dont have
to be rich to have a chandelier in your home.
Sure, hotel- and palace-worthy versions can
run upwards of $100,000 or more, but you can
get perfectly lovely ones for as little as $250.
Having a chandelier means something
diferent for each individual, said Judy
McManus-Manuel, an owner of The McManus
Co., 820 N. 11th St., in Beaumont. There are
requests for more traditional styles for the
more formal or older homes. For the newer
home theyre asking for more clean lines, iron,
less crystal. Its a personal statement, refecting
a personality.
The most popular among the higher-end
chandeliers are made by Schonbek, said Jon
Hampton, owner of Snoopers Paradise, 5509
E. Parkway, in Groves. Baccarat and Strauss
also make top-of-the line versions. Hampton
explained that the more expensive chandeliers
use crystals with a high lead content, which
increase their luminosity.
The higher the lead content, the more they
catch the light, he said.
The more elaborate chandeliers work well
in homes with larger rooms and a more tradi-
tional feel. But McManus-Manuel said theres a
trend toward sleeker models that have fewer or
no crystals. Hampton added that another trend
is toward modern chandeliers with crystals but
with high-tech lighting that uses halogen to
create a glow where mostly all you see is the
crystals.
The best way to choose a chandelier is to
talk with a professional who can assess your
Pictured chandeliers available at The McManus Co. in Beaumont.
space and fnd the best chandelier to suit
your tastes and budget.
A grand foyer aside, the most popular
place for a chandelier in the home is above
the dining room table. A professional can
help you decide between a single chandelier
and a grouping of two or three smaller ones
to run across the ceiling for the length of
the dining room table. One thing to keep in
mind, McManus said, is that with a single
chandelier, a 6-inch margin on each side of
the light works well.
If the table is 48 inches, then you need a
36-inch chandelier, she said.
But dont worry, thats the kind of thing a
lighting expert will help you fgure out.
And pro is the way to go for installation,
as well. Installing a chandelier isnt the same
as putting up an ordinary fxture or install-
ing a ceiling fan.
The professionals put the body up frst,
then drape the crystals, Hampton said.
Newer homes tend to have higher ceilings
in the foyer or living rooms [20- to 30-feet
ceilings]. We dont want [home owners] to
fall or break the crystals.
No matter how much you spend or how
large your chandelier, whether its bronze or
gold-plated, with lots of crystals or next to
none, its bound to be a stunning focal point
in your home no matter how elaborate or
humble that home is.
You can have a very ordinary home
and want a very pretty chandelier over the
dining room table, McManus-Manuel said.
Added Hampton: If you had a chandelier in
times past when they were a luxury, it was
obvious you were very wealthy. Now, its
more about focal point and adding some-
thing beautiful.
Way to Glow!
Without proper cleaning, the crystals in a chandelier
can become clouded or pitted, diminishing its shine. The
safest way to clean them is to remove each individual
crystal from the chandelier, dip it into a mixture of two-
thirds distilled water to 1/3 denatured alcohol (though
some experts suggest half distilled water and half iso-
propyl alcohol). Wash them in the solution, then hand dry
with a soft white cloth or shammy. Never use ammonia,
Windex or other household cleaners on crystals.
Alternately, you can use a soft cloth dampened with
the appropriate mixture to dust the crystals while
theyre still on the chandelier. Judy McManus-Manuel
warns, however, instead of turning the chandelier around
and around, move the ladder each time. Otherwise, if you
keep turning and twisting the chandelier, you wear out the
threaded piece holding it up and it could eventually fall. VIP
With over 50 scents to choose from, Ellis Pottery is your one stop
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www.ellispottery.com
409-839-8473
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FABULOUS CUSTOM HOMES START WITH CLASSIC HOMES...
just charming
h a n d m a d e j e w e l r y
vip style
W
ho says pretty jewelry has to be
expensive? Not these Southeast Texas
designers! Using baubles, beads, sea glass,
stones and even electronics parts, they create
eye-catching pieces with affordable prices.
Local artisans show homespun
jewelry can be beautiful
text by Cathleen Cole
photography by lee e. stinson
>>
medical spa & laser center
skinologie
@ baptist hospital in beaumont, 810 hospital dr., suite 100
Call today for a consultation! 409.833.0342 www.skinologie.com
this gift is a thing of beauty
You choose the amount, she chooses how to use it:

Coastal Creations Jewelry
G
rowing up in Crystal Beach, Jennifer Devillier of Lumberton learned
to appreciate the treasures of the sea. But it wasnt until she was
married that her surfer husband showed her a piece of sea glass, the
beautiful result of broken bottle pieces tumbling through the surf. She
collected different colored glass for 12 years with the idea of eventually
doing something with it. Finally, in January 2010, she decided to make
jewelry with her collection. She watched some tutorials on-line and got to
work. Her frst creation was a wire-wrapped piece of sea glass.
Glass isnt the easiest substance to work with, especially when you
try to drill holes in it. Ive had a lot of pieces shatter, Devillier said. Sea
glass tends to naturally break in triangular pieces, and she doesnt gener-
ally reshape them unless theyre too big. You work with what you get,
she said. She replenishes her supply with trips to Bolivar Peninsula.
Although she started out with sea glass and loves that medium, she
enjoys working with beads and stones. One of her favorite necklaces
includes a green teardrop pendant with turquoise accent stones. Another
favorite is a necklace made of amber geodes on a copper wire. Her
creations range in price from $5 to $35.
My jewelry is one of a kind because no two pieces of sea glass are
alike, Devillier said, adding that creating her jewelry is relaxing. Its a
really fun hobby.
Binary Boutique
T
his is what happens when a com-
puter geek and a creative, artsy
type get married. They end up making
funky earrings, bracelets and neck-
laces made from electronics parts. Its
geek-chic jewelry, according to the
Nederland couple.
It all started when James Nick-
lebur was taking apart a computer
last September and his wife, Jen
Nicklebur, saw all the intricate little
pieces and thought they would make
cute jewelry. She also saw it as a
way to get rid of the hundreds of
computer parts her husband had
stashed around the house. It didnt
work. Now people are giving them
their old computers. Well never be
out of supplies, she said.
He does most of the harvesting of parts while she creates the designs,
although he does the acrylic resin work. Their pieces range in price from $5 to
$30. They are both fond of the circuit-board earrings and the little devil (ca-
pacitor) stud earrings. They also like their keyboard, single-key hair barrettes.
The husband and wife make jewelry on their date nights staying at
home and designing together after their three kids are in bed. Their product is
defnitely geared toward a specifc market, they noted, or as they like to say,
Its geektastic! >>
JEWELRY REPAIR ENGRAVING GIFT WRAPPING
250 Dowlen Road Beaumont,Texas.
Phone: 409.860.4800 heartfelddesigns@gmail.com
DAZZLE YOUR
VALENTINE
WHATS YOUR STORY?
Each Bead was Created to Express
Yrf Tru Jwry r
Unique One of a Kind Bracelet
Beads Available in Sterling & Gold
THE HANNAH COLLECTION
Vintage Inspired Styles
Diamonds Set in Sterling Silver
Sweet Ps Jewelry
I
n the summer of 2003, April Hecker of Beaumont bought a hand-
made bracelet at a local shop. When she looked at it closely, she
thought she could make one just like it. When it comes to creating,
Ive always been good at it, she said. She immediately went to a
craft store and bought wire and assorted glass beads. She made
10 bracelets that night. I already had my design in my head, she
said. She brought them to work with her the next day and sold eight
of them. A friend at work inspired her to do more. She was my frst
customer, she said. Because of this encouragement, she noted, a
whole new world opened up to her.
The jeweler, whose nickname is Sweet P, started with beads and
then began incorporating stones and fabrics into her designs. I
like to mix in different elements, different textures, she said. She
attends markets in Houston and Dallas what she refers to as bead
heaven. I like to buy things you cant buy locally, she said.
All of Heckers designs are unique. I make one-of-a-kind pieces,
she said. I dont want to mass produce. Her works start at about $7
and range from $30 to $50 for a necklace, bracelet and earrings set.
One of her favorite necklaces incorporates a small antique skeleton
key with a vintage cameo on a thin brass chain with some crystal
beads. Its a simple piece but it gets a lot of attention, she said.
Another favorite is a vintage gold chain with a row of small cream
faux pearls and a row of teardrop amber crystals with a gold-rose
vintage pin.
My jewelry is an extension of my personality, Hecker said. Its
my passion. VIP
When it comes to your health, you now have more choices than ever.
Altus Healthcare offers Beaumont the highest levels of service, quality and convenience. Our state-of-the-art facility on
11th Street, between Broadway and Liberty, features a wide variety of imaging, sleep and surgical services in an attractive,
friendly and comfortable environment.
Our new Altus Cancer Center will open this Fall, offering the latest and most innovative cancer treatments by
board-certified/board-eligible oncologists, right here in Beaumont.
To learn more, talk to your physician or visit us at www.altushms.com.
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Our new Altus Cancer Center is now open, offering the latest and most innovative cancer treatments by board-certied/
board-eligible oncologists, right here in Beaumont.
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W
hy do we love Mardi Gras? Well of
course for the food, fun and all the par-
tiesbut also for the brilliantly iconic
color combination of gold, purple and
green! Heres a collection of looks that will inspire your
Mardi Gras festiveness while keeping you from looking
like youre sporting a costume for the entire month of
February. From a brunch date to the ball, share the Mardi
Gras spirit wherever you go this month.
Dance the Night Away
All eyes will be on your dancing moves in this rockin
ensemble. A menswear-inspired blazer makes a bold
statement with lots of sparkle so you can tone down the
accessories. For some variety, try a vintagestyle clutch
so you dont look like youre mindlessly copying trends.
Green tunic, YaYa Club, $50
Black sequin blazer, YaYa Club, $70
Black faux suede shorts, YaYa Club, $30
Patterned tights, Express, $17
Purple peep toe pumps, YaYa Club, $40
Purple stone and tassel necklace (comes with ear-
rings not pictured), YaYa Club, $25
Purple rhinestone dangles, YaYa Club, $13
Teardrop cut cocktail ring, BBS Collection, $38
Gold vintage-style clutch, BBS Collection, $38
m a r d i g r a s
vip style
Mardi
Gras
couture
text and styling by grAce mAthis AND lAreNA heAD
photography by scott esliNger
hair and makeup by grAce mAthis
Dinner party
Shorts and tights are elevated beyond a
trend just for teenagers. Elegant fabrics
and textures, combined with statement-
making shoes and an armful of Mardi-
Gras inspired bangles, make for a chic
ensemble perfect for that Fat Tuesday
dinner party.
Mustard blouse, Naked Zebra, Splash
of Karma, Nederland, $58
Champagne tweed shorts, Comme
Toy, YaYa Club, $48
Black opaque tights, Express, $15
Black velvet studded pumps, Sam
Edelman, Dillard's, $225
Leopard jewel bracelet, Natasha,
Dillards, $68
Black and gold chandelier earrings,
Splash of Karma, Nederland, $16
Green bangle, Dillards, $11
Iridescent beaded bracelet, Dillards,
$20
Multi stone cuff, BBS Collection, $48
Black bangle, Dillards, $30
Round purple cocktail ring, BBS
Collection, $24
Black evening clutch, Bella Bella, $58
Cocktail party
When a dress so perfectly epitomizes
the feel of Mardi Gras with elaborate
beading and feathers, the need for a
strong palette diminishes. Add a touch
of green and purple in your accesso-
ries to complete the look. Its time for
a Mardi Gras party, yall.
Beaded feather party dress, Bella
Bella, $510
Gold and pearl dangle earrings,
Bella Bella, $68
Gold and rhinestone bracelet, Bella
Bella, $68
Purple and gold cocktail ring, BBS
Collection, $38
Color block lace peep toes, (not
shown) Betsey Johnson, Dillards,
$110
Mardi Gras Ball
In a sea of costume-like clothing,
stand out in the crowd with muted
colors. For your accessories, choose
simply elegant and refned yet bold
pieces. Heres to making a state-
ment without being loud.
Full-length sequin gown, Tadashi
Shoji, Bella Bella, $490
Geometric cuff, Bella Bella, $28
Gold ring, Kenneth Cole, Dillards,
$38
Green refective metal clutch,
BBS Collection, $48
Black and gold dangle earrings,
Splash of Karma, Nederland, $16
Girls Brunch
Flaunt a playful version of prim
and proper. The button-up blouse
is made fun with bold Mardi Gras
color, sheer fabric and unique
cut. A classic pearl necklace and
elegant egg purse combined
with glam gold jeans and girly
shoes create this classic meets
edgy look.
Sheer cropped button-up,
YaYa Club, $40
Eggplant sequin tank, BBS
Collection, $28
Gold metallic jeans, Aphrodite,
YaYa Club, $54
Green peep toe wedges, YaYa
Club, $48
Pearl collar necklace, Bella
Bella, $68
Emerald earrings, Maya J,
Splash of Karma, $240
Pearl costume ring, Dillards,
$20
Rhinestone egg purse, J Tiras,
Bella Bella, $560
The CHRISTUS Outpatient Center now offers Ultra-Short
Open Bore MRI, providing you with more room for greater
comfort and less worry. The MRI is also quieter, so you feel
more relaxed. Additionally, a majority of procedures can be
performed feet rst with your head outside of the equipment.
The end result? You feel less confined, less stressed, and have
much better outcomes. Its another way CHRISTUS Hospital St. Mary is
providing a higher standard of healthcare in Southeast Texas.
www.christushospital.org/stm-mri
HAVING AN MRI JUST GOT A LOT MORE COMFORTABLE.
Give the gift of
jewelry for your
Valentine!
From the
Love Heals
Collection.
Exclusively at
Purse Strings.
6385 Calder 866-9742
HANDMADE IN THE U.S.A.
CANTU
FINE JEWELRY
5905 PHELAN BLVD.
BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77706
409-866-5859
A dozen roses for
your sweetheart
A limited edition ring, created
for this Valentines Day, is
sterling silver
AND IS MADE UP OF
12 beautiful roses made with
14k rose gold
6755 Phelan, Ste. 17 Beaumont, TX (409) 861-5762
pearls
the house of
p e a r l s
vip style
Whether family heirlooms or
fashion-forward statement
pieces, a look for everyone
T
he soft, lustrous pearls in
Kemper Morris Gibsons jewel-
ry case mark some of the most
important moments of her
life. The collection beautifully
illustrates the legacy of three
generations of Texas women.
Kempers frst pearls were a delicate strand
that her paternal grandmother, Lois Morris,
chose to adorn the new baby.
As a teen, Kemper often borrowed Lois
pearls for special occasions. When Kemper
married her high school sweetheart, James
Gibson, he presented her with a diamond and
pearl drop necklace.
Kempers mother, Beverly Lisenby Morris,
gave Kemper her frst adult strand of pearls on
her 40th birthday. The following year, Beverly
upgraded the pearls and had the original strand
fashioned into a bracelet and earrings.
James and Kempers frst child, a beauti-
ful, red-haired daughter, became the second
generation to wear the baby pearls. When
Leigh graduated from high school with honors,
Beverly gave her teenage granddaughter her
frst strand of pearls.
When Lois died, she left her granddaughter
the pearls Kemper so loved. When Beverly
died, she left her pearls to Leigh. Both plan on
passing that inheritance down.
I decided to use the extra pearls from my
frst necklace to have a pearl and diamond drop
necklace made that we will give Leigh as a gift
on her wedding day, Kemper said. We will do
the same for the young woman our son, Dallas,
chooses as his bride one day.
Kemper and Leigh hope the future will bless
their family with at least one or more baby
girls to wear that much-cherished baby strand
of pearls. And when they turn 16, the newest
generation of Morris/Gibson girls will open
a beautifully-wrapped box to discover identi-
cal pearl and diamond drop necklaces, made
from the last of the pearls. Kemper, a guidance
counselor at East Chambers Elementary in
Winnie, jokes that a woman can never have too
many pearls.We hope there are more pearls in
our future.
A gift of love
Cheryl Shufs love afair with pearls re-
fects the fre and passion of the silver screens
greatest couples. She frst glimpsed the jewel of
the seas in a movie, when the handsome hero
opened a beautiful box, revealing a luxurious
strand of pearls.
I connected the gift of pearls to love and
romance, and to me, pearls still are all about
romance, Cheryl said. One of the most
traditional wedding gifts from a groom to his
bride is a string of pearls. Even if its a gift
from a mother to a daughter, its a gift to those
we love.
Cheryl began handling pearls as a gift wrap-
per at Christmas when she was 15. Jeweler Stan
Mathews hired her to work in his jewelry store
a few years later. When he promoted Cheryl to
manager of his Beaumont store, she celebrated
by buying a classic, 16-inch strand of cultured
pearls.
I chose pearls because I wanted something
to reward myself with, and pearls make a so-
phisticated and elegant statement. They
are timeless. Even though fashion changes,
text by jane mcbride
>>
when other pieces fade in and out, pearls remain.
Cheryls frst pearls are tucked away in her jewelry
box with a tag that explains their history, something
that will be meaningful to the next owner.
Determining quality
To judge pearls, lay the strand fat on a white
background to best appreciate the color. Gently roll the
strand back and forth to see how spherical and uniform
the pearls are. Examine the refection; the crisper and
more defned the luster, the better.
When it comes to choosing a color, take a cue from
your complexion.
One of the most desirable colors is a pink hue.
Those really look good on ladies with fair complexions,
Cheryl says. Women with olive skin tones look better
in warmer, cream colors. Ladies with white or silver
hair look their best in white pearls.
Fashion-forward
Today, jewelers also design pieces for the fashion-
forward. At BBS Collection in Beaumont, owner Pam
Edwards carries faux, mother-of-pearl and freshwater
pearls, in styles with a more contemporary look.
Faux pearls are either hard plastic or glass beads
that are coated up to 10 times to increase the nacre,
or luster. Mother of Pearl is the lining of the shell,
crushed, reconstituted and formed into a good, heavy
pearl. Some now have permanent, forever color added.
Freshwater pearls are either natural or cultured pearls
harvested from fresh water sources, as opposed to sea
water.
The pearl industry always is updating, Pam said.
One trend is to string a small number of pearls on black
rubber cords for a casual look that pairs perfectly with
jeans.
Its a good way for young people to be introduced to
pearls for only $30 or so.
No matter what style suits one best, Pam warns pearl
lovers not to wear creams or perfumes that can damage
the fnish, and to always clean pearls with a damp cloth
after wearing. Pearls should be stored in a soft fabric
bag so they dont bump against other jewelry and chip
the nacre.
Those who buy classic pearls should have the silk
cord checked periodically.
Silk is not forever and will fray with lots of wear.
Thats why pearls are individually knotted. If a strand
breaks, you might lose one pearl, but not the rest.
p
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Making pearls
Pearls are formed when a small irri-
tant settles into a living oyster or other
mollusk, which produces a lustrous
substance called nacre to coat the
irritant. The longer the period before
harvesting, the thicker the nacre and
larger the pearl. Natural pearls are
those that occur without any help
from man. They are extremely rare
and expensive. Cultured pearls are
created when small pieces of shell
or other material are injected into an
oyster or mollusk, which kick-starts
the process. About 99% of todays
pearls are cultured. Pearls can be
farmed in either sea or fresh water.
A
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,
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.
B
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:
P
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l
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B
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.
VIP
Nickolinas
1257 W. Lucas, Beaumont, TX
409-896-2543 www.nickolinas.com
Kameleon Jewelry is the most fun, interchangeable
jewelry system in the world, and it is now available
exclusively at Nickolinas. Create your own style by
choosing from hundreds of center jewel pops to place in
your sterling silver pendant, bracelet, ring, and more.
These love pops are the sweetest gift you can give your
Valentine! New jewelry designs are now in stock!
Cat5 is available to check out every Thursaday
in the Beaumont Enterprise and it is distributed
to the top locations in the
Golden Triangle.
thecat5.com
The best spot to fnd out what is going on with the
latest trends in dining, night life, music, art, events,
and fashion in the Southeast Texas and Southwest
Louisiana areas.
Serving our community since 1918 with elegant to
casual catering from small to large groups. Let us cater
your next event. Youll fnd our experience and attention
to detail sets us apart from the rest. Call our specialist
at 409.840.9051 ext. 1
Monclas Catering. 2530 W. Cardinal Dr., Beaumont, TX
409.840.9051 ext.1. www.monclas.com
Fred A. Simons Tae Kwon Do
3965 Phelan Plaza, Suite 107
Beaumont, TX 409.212.9669
Southeast Texas highest ranking Black Belt, 9th degree
Grand Master Fred A. Simon, is now offering classes
in his new studio. Study martial arts under a Texas
Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial Arts Hall of
Fame Member. Call now to reserve a spot for you or your
child! Classes are conveniently offered at noon and at
night.
*Member of the BBB
Its not shopping, its retail therapy!
Set in the beautiful, historic Mildred Building, ella & scott
offers a touch of elegance in a fun atmosphere.
ella & scott carries the hottest, young, contemporary
brands at great price points.
Youll fnd the latest fashion jewelry, handbags, shoes and
scarves will help to complete your perfect out.
Stop in soon to see whats in store for you!
ella & scott
460 N. MLK (The Mildred Bldg.) Beaumont
409.728.6056
Visit us on Facebook/shopellascott
6
fabulous nds
Retailers we love and their
merchandise we love to have!
Also follow Burns on Facebook! www.facebook.com/burnsantikhaus
A direct importer of European Antiques, Burns Antik Haus,
located on Calder at 6th Street, can help you bring old world charm
to your home.
Open Tues - Thurs 10 am to 5 pm and Fri - Sat 10 am to 3 pm.
(409) 835-3080
Thursday
splash
J e s s i c a B a s s
vip viewing
just a
S
outheast Texas
is relatively full
of boutiques,
appealing to
different aesthetics
and demographics.
But the most recent
addition just might
take your breath
away. Splash of
Karma in Nederland is owned by Jessica
Bass, 28, and opened on Nov. 15, 2011.
But dont be fooled by the newness of this
establishment. Bass refined and eclectic
taste translates into chic clothing and
beautiful accessories that anyone can
love.
Talking to Bass, one thing is appar-
ent above all else, she loves being a
mother. I feel like I was just born to be a
mom. Its one of those things that I never
dreamt of and never could have imagined
loving something as much as I do, Bass
said of her 18-month old son. And how did
becoming a mother afect her decision to
own a boutique? [The store] has always
been a dream, which I never thought would
become a reality. Its strange because
becoming a mother put all my dreams into
perspective, the importance of things. I
wanted to do what I knew would make me
happy, and for my son in return.
So 8 months ago, with infant in tow,
Bass started making and selling jewelry
and doing feather hair extensions at a Ned-
erland salon and a boutique. That opened
my creative door, she said. Everyone
was like you need to have your own store,
so that dream and all the buildup just got
bigger and bigger. Talking with my family
and just getting all this support behind me,
it was the right time to do it. And it still
hasnt hit me that this is it. I mean some-
times I feel like Im just the one working
here, that its not really my store.
New Nederland shop owner
takes inspiration from family, bold
personal style... and Buddha
text by Grace Mathis photography by Lee e. stiNsoN

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