Naples Illustrated September 2021

Last September, I was thrilled about Naples Illustrated’s cover story on football pro Michael Walker and his Naples upbringing. We packed that issue with stories of inspiring Neapolitans under the age of 35, but we’ve upped the ante with this 2021 version. I had a blast at this issue’s cover shoot with the five fabulous standouts from Naples, whom we carefully selected. Their energy and excitement was palpable. This year, there was more overlap between portrait time slots and more mingling behind the scenes, which made the shoot so much more vivacious. Wait until you see what these amazing young people have to offer! Their stories begin on page 66. A quick note on our cover guy, Dominic Blanco: We sent him and our other young gentleman in the feature, Philip…

STARABILITY FOUNDATION WHAT: Dining for the STARs SUPPORTS: Programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities DETAILS: Small dinner gatherings were held in 19 local homes and restaurants while a live virtual program connected nearly 700 participants near and far COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES WHAT: Angel Ball SUPPORTS: Need-based financial aid for academically successful students who would not otherwise have the means to attend the private school WHERE: The school’s new John N. Allen Family Stadium…

Oliver Mikkelsen, age 28, son of Elizabeth and Paw Mikkelsen, owners of their eponymous bakery and pastry shop, grew up in Naples with his two sisters. However, he headed to California after college to learn his age-old trade—winemaking. Mikkelsen, a proud graduate of Barron Collier High School, is currently assistant winemaker and ranch manager at Villa Creek Cellars in Paso Robles (villacreek.com). Between checking on grapes and barrels, he took the time to share his insights with us on being a young winemaker. NI: What made you decide to be a winemaker? Mikkelsen: My mother is from England and my father is from Denmark, so I grew up appreciating food and wine and the pairing of both. In high school, I had a friend who owned a winery in New York’s Finger…

The stylish fashion and jewelry brand Kendra Scott opened a store in the Waterside Shops in April 2021. Loyal customers were eager to shop in person rather than online, while shoppers unfamiliar with the brand were interested to see what it was about. Sarah-Butler McKinney, marketing and philanthropic manager of Kendra Scott, says, “The great thing about Kendra Scott is we have products that appeal to 15-year-olds and 80-year-olds, so there is something for everyone.” Naples is an ideal location for this store because of the brand’s philanthropic focus. “Naples has a heart for philanthropy,” McKinney says. “Making ourselves an integral part of the community through philanthropy and retail is exciting, as is finding a customer base that feels as passionate about giving back as we do.” One unique aspect of…

Joaquin Acuna has been playing soccer since he was five years old in Argentina, where he practiced in his backyard with his family. Now, this Golden Gate High School graduate is off to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville to play Division 1 college soccer. “My dedication grew once my dad told me I had something special,” Acuna says. Other family members also shaped Acuna into the player he is today and continue to fuel his drive to improve with healthy competition. “My brother and my cousins push me to play and dedicate myself more,” Acuna says. Putting in countless hours per week training, practicing, and conditioning, Acuna received interest from multiple colleges but chose to stay in-state. “UNF is for me,” Acuna says. “They embody the way I play…

AVOW TREASURES RESALE SHOP Avow Treasures Resale Shop has two locations, one on Tamiami Trail North and another on Davis Boulevard. Both feature gently used clothing, jewelry, home goods, furniture, and more. Customers can expect top-notch items, with clothing ranging from True Religion jeans to vintage designer jackets, along with statement-piece belts and tasteful handbags. In addition to womenswear and menswear, select children’s items are also sold. Aside from clothing and accessories, shoppers at Avow Treasures will have a wide selection of pieces to freshen up their home decor. At the Tamiami Trail location, donators can drop off items or call for a fast, free, and friendly pickup of large items. Proceeds from all sales benefit the hospice, palliative care, and children and adult grief support programs of Avow. (avowtreasures.org) CHELSEA’S RESALE…