- Sandy Bowers (owner of Monkee’s Of Lake Norman)
Sandy Bowers is the perfect example of how to combine fashion and philanthropy. Frustrated by impersonal department store shopping and driven by a love of shoes, Sandy Bowers decided to open Monkee’s of Lake Norman in Davidson, a town she has called home since 2002. She thought it would be nice, too, to bring a locally owned designer boutique to the underserved women of the Lake Norman area. Sandy is active in a variety of charitable organizations, especially the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Her work with her father on the Light the Night campaign in Greensboro holds special meaning, as Sandy was 12 years old when she lost her mother to leukemia. “I am confident that if (my mother) were here today, she would tell everyone to ‘Follow their dreams,’ ” Sandy says. “Do what you love because life is short. There are so many things that I have done and more things that I’d love to do and the clock is ticking.”
Jami Svay (pronounced s-why) believes having your makeup done is more than just lashes and liner. It’s beauty therapy. The makeup artist and creator of Tastee Cosmetics, a national line of organic lip products, has been in the beauty business for more than ten years, working in salons, as a cosmetics representative and as a model. She decided to forgo college dreams of being a fashion designer once she realized that makeup artistry combined her love of color and fine art. Building on a personal philosophy of “Everyone has something beautiful, just enhance it,” Jami’s impressive client roster belies her versatility. She has worked on a range of celebrities, including Brooklyn Decker and Michael Jordan, and has done work for Neiman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Kohl’s, Hanes, Essence and Jezebel magazines, among others.
Nicole Sinclair is the Chief Creative Officer for The Style Sanctum, a fashion art studio. Nicole’s thoughts on style and fashion have been cultivated by the best names in the industry. While studying fashion design at Parsons School of Design (yes, the same place where Project Runway was filmed), she interned at Bergdorf Goodman. Here, she was involved in personal appearances with Kate Spade, Lulu Guinness, and Rafe. She attended style clinics given by Lillian von Stauffenberg, at the time Lillian Wang (best dressed list 2002) and the Creative Director for Bergdorf. She has also dressed hundreds of women for retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. She was the style columnist for Charlotte the City Magazine, and did a Wardrobe Wednesdays segment for Fox News Rising.
Brittney Cason is the ultimate socialite with a genuine love for charitable causes. Brittney is a columnist, TV host, spokesperson, guerilla philanthropist, “facilitator of fun,” freelance writer and Frequent Flyer. Brittney’s description of herself pretty much sums it up: “I’m the girl next door, to the girl next door.” Brittney also co-hosted last year’s 25 Most Stylish event.
Ron Freeman Jr. is a NC native and has lived in Charlotte for 15 years. He is married (Nicole) with a seven-year old son (Spencer). As the Managing Partner of Dry Creek Holdings LLC and Bespoke Media, his company invests in and helps to grow lifestyle brands primarily in the print and online media industries. In Charlotte, Ron is most recognized for the successful 2009 launch of UPTOWN Media Group’s regional property UPTOWN Charlotte, which celebrates the success and luxury lifestyle of affluent African Americans. Behind the scenes, Ron is working to help raise awareness and create a more robust Charlotte fashion scene; he has been a board member for Charlotte NC Fashion Week and created the annual Passport to Luxury holiday event at South Park Mall. Ron is active with the YMCA as a basketball coach and participant in the Y guides program. He is a Character Education volunteer at Beverly Woods Elementary. He is currently a member of the 2011 Arts & Science Council’s, Cultural Leadership Training Class and is reviewing committee and board seat opportunities with three major arts organizations. He is a member of the silent auction committee for the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Ball and a participant /supporter of the Children’s Theatre Spring Jam. He is a member of the Mint Museum’s Romare Bearden Society and the Romare Bearden Centennial Celebration committee. Ron is also an active member of Charlotte Sportsmans Club, Good Fellows Club and Urban Crisis Ministry.
For more information about The 25 Most Stylish and to purchase tickets, please go to http://www.styleweekcharlotte.com. Charlotte STYLE Magazine’s 25 Most Stylish Event is an official STYLE Week Charlotte event. To schedule interviews or other media related inquires, contact Jameka Whitten at jameka@jswmediagroup.com or call 704.261.5290. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign.
