By Sarah Gigli I used to believe that being a good mom, and a successful human, meant measuring myself against the noise of the world — the advice, the opinions and the expectations. I thought if I followed the right formula, chose the “right” path and avoided mistakes, I could guarantee a good outcome for […]
Jack and Jill of America Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2–19 who are dedicated to nurturing and strengthening future African American leaders through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. Mississippi Gulf Coast JJOA Chapter President Kutina Carter tells us more. SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE CHAPTER’S BACKGROUND […]
Choosing their child’s school is one of the most momentous decisions parents can make. And many families pick private schools for a host of reasons: a strong academic focus, smaller class sizes, values-based education and college and career preparedness, among others. So, is private school right for your child? While every student is different, these […]
When it comes to design, color is much more than an aesthetic choice. It makes a statement, sets the mood and transforms a space. It packs an emotional punch, too, influencing feelings and behaviors and creating a lasting impression. In choosing their 2026 colors of the year, brands have leaned into warm neutrals, earthy greens and […]
Melissa Byars is a lifelong Mississippi Gulf Coast resident who has lived in Biloxi for the past 15 years. She’s been married to her husband, Wayne, for 22 years, and they have two children: 20-year-old Judson and 17-year-old Claire. MY HEALTH CHALLENGE I don’t remember anything from that day or the days that followed, but […]
Amy Kathleen Bowman is a passionate advocate for Irish culture on the Coast. Born in California and raised in Idaho, she began Irish dancing at age 12 — advancing to become a champion. In 2012, she co-founded and ran a performance-based Irish dance school before relocating to Utah for college. A life-changing summer visit prompted […]
Mattie Codling is the executive director and chief curator at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA). Q: Tell us about yourself and the impact you are making. A: I view my role as that of facilitator. I can enable moments of inspiration and connection for the public that the museum serves on a daily […]
Heading into spring of 2026, Paula Gamboa of FC Design Center says the trends she’s most excited about prioritize warmth, restraint and longevity. “Natural materials, softer color palettes, thoughtful textures and spaces designed around real living — not perfection — are leading the conversation,” she adds. “We’re seeing a return to layered neutrals, natural stone, wood tones, wallpaper used intentionally and […]
Oya (center) with her children: Cayleigh, 13; Caysie, 6; O’Rhyan, 9; and Sevyn, 8 Oya Rhodes, 30, of Wiggins is a mother of four and a former certified nurse assistant who is now a work-from-home medical customer-service representative. MY HEALTH CHALLENGE For starters, I could hear whooshing in my ear. I also suffered from stiffness, […]
In honor of International Women’s Day, we invited members of GCW’s 2025 class of 100 Successful Women to Know to reflect on how they got where they are and the lessons that shaped them. We asked: If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you share? Here’s what they had […]
