Category: Mississippi Magazine

Mississippi Magazine

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Mississippi Magazine
January/February 2011

Looking back on their lives together, Fay and Francis Reid had a lot to be thankful for.  The couple lived through a World War, raised two children, and were later blessed with four grandchildren.  In 2002, with the approach of the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary, the Reid’s decided to put an announcement in the wedding edition of Mississippi Magazine.  

A few months later, that very magazine was delivered to the mailbox of Mary Nell Kemp Kuhlo.  Mary Nell, a native of Corinth, lived in Germany at the time and enjoyed receiving her little reminder of home in the mail.  As she flipped through the glossy pages, her eyes landed on the Reid’s anniversary announcement.  Mary Nell, the Reid’s son Marvin, and Mary Nell’s best friend Jane Dees Cozart – also a native of Corinth – had all been best friends during their time at Northeast Community College in Booneville.  Jane’s husband had passed away twelve years earlier and upon reading the Reid’s article, Mary Nell discovered that Marvin Reid was also a widower.  That’s when the wheels of fate and romance began to turn.

Mary Nell called Jane from Germany, told her about the article, and encouraged her friend to give Marvin a call.  “I told her ‘No!  I have never called a man before and I am not going to start now!’” recalls Jane.  She quickly put the conversation out of her mind until Mary Nell came home for a month-long visit to America later that summer.  Mary Nell, Jane, and several of their lifelong friends got together for brunch in Memphis.  Mary Nell shared the Reid’s story from Mississippi Magazine   with the group of ladies and her plan to get Marvin and Jane together.  “They all ganged up on me,” laughs Jane.  “I still refused to call him.  After that brunch, I thought the conversation was over -again.”

However, Jane’s former college roommate, Linda Wicker Kindrick, a native of New Albany, would not take no for an answer.  Linda called Mrs. Reid a few months later and asked how she could get in touch with her son.  Turns out, Marvin was sitting right next to his mother.  Linda convinced Marvin to give Jane a call, which he did ten minutes later.

“It had been 38 years since I last talked with Marvin,” Jane said.  “He had gone to Delta State and I went to Mississippi University for Women and we lost touch with each other.  But when we talked on the phone, it was like no time had passed since we last talked.  We picked up right where we left off.”  Jane and Marvin met for their first date six weeks later.  Forty two days after that, the couple married in Paris, Tenn.

The wedding took place at First United Methodist Church in Paris, Tenn., on December 7, 2002.  The couple’s children and grandchildren stood at the altar with them, including Marvin’s identical  twin daughters Allison (Jeff) Fracchia and their two sons Reid and Owen Fracchia,  daughter Amy(Charlie) Knighton and their daughters Abbie and Celeste Knighton, Jane’s son John (Angie) Cozart and their son Will Cozart, and Jane’s daughter Amy Cozart.  A wedding luncheon followed at the bride’s home for 100 family members and friends. The couple’s “ole gang” from their college days at Northeast Community College were present as well as many of the couple’s close friends.

Looking back on the chain of events that lead to their nuptials, Jane and Marvin are now thankful for the tenacity of her friends.  “This all happened because Mrs. Frances Reid put an article in Mississippi Magazine,” she adds.  “Mary Nell Kemp Kuhlo read her copy and remembered Marvin. Linda Wicker Kindrick never stopped trying to contact Marvin.  Marvin and I have so much in common and have had a beautiful life together.  This was all fate that ended so well all because of Mississippi Magazine.”

Mississippi Magazine

Slumbering in Style: Lazy Bones Beds

Mississippi Magazine
July/August 2010

Most people dream of being able to take something they enjoy and turning it into a career.  What started out a fun side project for Jackson natives Hilary Armstrong and Elizabeth Winkelmann, owners and co-founders of Lazy Bones Beds, quite unexpectedly blossomed into an exciting new business venture.  As their success has begun to take on a life of its own, the two business partners have found themselves making plans to become the leading provider of fashionable dog beds that merge both practicality and elegance.

“Both Hilary and I are dog lovers and owners,” explains Winkelman, who is the proud owner of a Bernese Mountain dog named Linus.  “Like most southerners, we are attuned to the décor of our homes.  However, Hilary and I were particularly frustrated by the limited options in dog beds –we were tired of bringing in these ugly brown beds!”

Winkelman credits Armstrong –owner of Riley, a golden retriever – as the creative genius behind the business.  Armstrong began covering her old dog beds with colorful upholstery fabric.  During a get together at her home, friends took notice.  “They commented on how great the beds were and really encouraged me to do something with the idea,” she commented.

Armstrong approached Winkelman about the possibility of taking the idea retail.  However, both women hold demanding full-time jobs – Armstrong as a nurse practitioner and Winkelman as an airline pilot.  “We knew we couldn’t sew the beds in our homes!” explains Armstrong.

In their spare time, they researched local manufacturers that would be open to taking on the production.  Both were adamant that only Mississippi manufacturers and suppliers be used.  “We think our state is so special and we wanted to bring more attention to the region,” said  Winkelman.  “We know how special our home is and we think more people need to know about it as well.”

Each bed is covered in upholstery weight designer fabrics that come in a variety of patterns and colors.  A waterproof liner protects the inner core, making the bed not only pretty but functional.  The beds are overstuffed to ensure they hold their shape over time.  Armstrong and Winkelman  decided to take the connection to their Southern ties even further by naming each design after Southern writers, towns, and landmarks.  Customers can choose from the multi-colored Eudora, named after the brightly colored gardens found at Ms. Welty’s estate; the stately Mark Twain design, inspired by the brown and blue waters of the Mississippi River; or the muted colors of the Natchez, named for the trellises and latticework found on many of the old homes that have made the town famous.  Other patterns include the Peabody, Mardi Gras, Mr. Faulkner, Charleston, and the St. Francis.

Once the finished products were in hand, the two decided to test the waters at the 2009 Mistletoe Marketplace.  “That was really our debut,” adds Armstrong, “and we had such an amazing response!  All the vendors were very helpful and made great suggestions on how we could build on that momentum.”  After an encouraging response at Mistletoe, Armstrong and Winkelman applied to the January 2010 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.  There they were able to secure several wholesale accounts across the country including retail outlets in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Aspen, Colo.; Austin, Texas; and Asheville, N.C.

Says Armstrong, “This really just started as a fun project and we are surprised at the success we have already had.”  The pair have since launched a website – and are planning to make an appearance at the Dallas Home Market in July.  They are also looking to expand into Nashville, Boston, New York, and Charleston, South Carolina.

In five years, both would like to see LazyBones Beds become one of the top retailers of dog beds.  “I don’t think we want to quit our day jobs because we both really like our jobs,” laughs Armstrong.  “But it would be nice to see the brand take off and become a viable source of income.  It started as a hobby – a creative outlet for us both.  I would like to see it become a career, but stay fun at the same time.”

Lazy Bones Beds, LLC
lazybonesbeds@gmail.com
601.896.3756
www.lazybonesbeds.com

Mississippi Magazine

Lofty Aspirations

Mississippi Magazine
Home & Garden 2010

Click here for PDF of original article.

Ten years ago, when Mike McRee made arrangements to take over the Old Elks Club Building in downtown Jackson, he had big plans for the unassuming, three-story Neoclassical Revival brick building.  Located at 119 South President Street, the structure was originally built in 1912 and served as Jackson Lodge 416 for the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.).  The founder of Investek Timber Management quickly moved his office into the second story and opened Highlands Gallery of Art (now Gallery 119) – a contemporary fine art gallery specializing in the works of Mississippi and Southern artists – on the first floor.

In 2008, McRee decided to convert the third story into a luxury apartment.  The third floor of the building originally housed the Elk’s grand ballroom and provided a wide open space for architect Ann Somers of the Jackson-based firm Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons.

“The building possesses a lot of historical elements,” explains Somers.  “As we were laying out the plans, we wanted to create a livable space but also keep the characteristics of the existing building.”

Early in the process, Somers opted to keep with the wide open, loft-like feel while creating separate vignettes for the living areas and private spaces towards the back of the apartment.  When deciding how all the elements would tie together, Somers decided to keep the original plaster walls, exposed ductwork, and tongue-and-groove beadboard wainscoting that runs along the outside perimeter of the space.  Two adjacent dividers were constructed to create a living area, grand foyer, and dining area.  The walls stop just a few feet short of the twelve-foot tin ceilings.  Somers kept the two dividing walls open and utilized multi-colored stained glass panels in an effort to keep the separate-but-open effect.

To help tie the new layout together, McRee also enlisted the help of Sarah Nelson of Sarah Jones Interiors.  Nelson drew her inspiration from an antique cream-colored Oushak rug she used in the living room.  The trim, moulding, and wainscoting were painted vibrant white to directly contrast with the cream color of the walls that were selected to coordinate with the rug.  Matching tuxedo-style couches from Edward Ferrell flank either side of the living room while two reclining chairs, upholstered in Calvin fabric, provide a relaxing sitting area.  Granite counter tops allow McRee to showcase his unique collection of antique oil cans and fire hose nozzles.  Floor-to-ceiling Zoffany drapes accent large glass windows and a wooden door- also original to the building- which opens onto a tiled balcony with views of President Street below.  A small office just off the living room provides a quiet and comfortable reading area and space for a small studio for McRee, who is an avid art lover and collector.

Behind the living area is the formal dining room and raised galley kitchen featuring a large open island where McRee can keep an eye on guests while he entertains.  A Wolf range, contemporary stainless steel appliances, steel-grey glass mosaic wall tiles, and cream-colored granite countertops round out this gourmet kitchen.  Dark cabinetry was utilized throughout the apartment and richly colored cork flooring was selected for the kitchen to coordinate with the beautiful heart of pine wood floors already featured in the apartment.  Because McRee enjoys entertaining, Nelson selected a large 10-foot wooden dining table from Englishman’s Fine Furnishings. “The table is actually made from an old piece of wood that was redesigned to create a new table,” adds Nelson.  Nineteen-thirties inspired Baker art-deco chairs with Barbara Barry upholstery from Kravet seat up to twelve dinner guests comfortably.  A bar area allows for additional seating.

Just off the kitchen, a small breakfast nook provides the perfect spot for entertaining a smaller, more intimate group of friends.  Guests can sip a beverage from the loft’s fully stocked wet bar or a glass of wine from the large stainless steel wine cooler.  Music lovers will enjoy a tune from the black K. Kawai baby grand piano.

“The apartment also serves as an extension of the art gallery,” Nelson explains.  Mike often splits his time between the loft and his home in Flora and enjoys volunteering the space for use by many local charity organizations and non-profit events.  Paintings from the art gallery below are rotated out on a regular basis and feature work by artists such as Melissa Neville, William Dunlap, and Patterson/Barnes.  Mike also enjoys showcasing his own personal collection by some of his favorite artists including Ginger Williams and Mississippi native Derek Blanks.

A long rear hall leads to the apartment’s two bedrooms.  The master bedroom features an eclectic mixture of old and new furniture styles.  The smoky blue wall color stays true to the masculine theme in addition to the modern wall sconces and contemporary custom made iron four poster bed from Old Biscayne Designs.  These elements are paired with French antique nightstands and dresser.  Directly behind the bed, a raised dressing area and large master bath were added.  The chic master bath features a glass enclosed steam room and white porcelain vessel sinks.  Sandy-hued tile floors and earth-toned glass mosaic tiles on the wall help to create an air of serenity in the room.

A comfortable second bedroom at the rear of the apartment provides a private area for guests.  The structure’s original bathroom was redesigned with a modern twist, featuring a large garden tub and vessel sink vanity.

Renovations to the loft were completed in 2009.  “Redesigning this space ended up being a really fun project that posed several good challenges to myself and the other designers,” adds Somers.  “We had to figure out how to touch the space as lightly as possible while creating something that would make sense in the existing area.  I think we ended up with something the owner would really enjoy.”

“I really enjoy the location of the apartment the most,” comments McRee, who recently opened Underground 119, a restaurant/club featuring live blues, jazz, and bluegrass music, in the building’s basement area.  “However, the open floor plan and the spaciousness make it great for entertaining and when the weather is warm, I enjoy having my morning coffee on the balcony.”

Mississippi Magazine

King of the Carnival: Paul’s Pastry

Mississippi Magazine
January/February 2010

King cakes have been a long-standing tradition for generations.  Originating in France during the 12th century, the circular cakes represent the journey of the three kings to Bethlehem to honor the Christ child.  For Sherri Paul-Thigpen, owner of Paul’s Pastry Shop in Picayune, king cakes are a way of life.  The second generation baker has been creating these colorful rings of sweet cake and cream cheese for almost 40 years.

Paul’s Pastry was founded by Thigpen’s parents, Harry and Shirley Paul, in 1970 when Thigpen was thirteen years old.  “I spent many afternoons after school and weekends helping out,” she recalls.  At the time, the Paul’s operated their bakery in an 855 square-foot facility.  When Thigpen officially took over the bakery in 1989 she began making expansions.  The bakery now operates in a 5,000 square foot facility and employs approximately 35 employees.

The season for king cake begins twelve days after Christmas and extends to Mardi Gras day, also known as Fat Tuesday. “Fifty-percent of our business is generated between December and February,” Thigpen explains.  She estimates they sell 52,000 king cakes during those months through in-store sales, off premise wholesale, and shipping.  Thigpen has shipped her cakes all across the United States, including a shipment every year to North Pole, Alaska.  For the last six years, Paul’s Pastry has shipped a king cake to every state on Fat Tuesday.

“We have even gotten requests to ship internationally,” she says.  “However, we like our cakes to reach their destination within 1-2 days to ensure freshness.  By the time the cakes make it through customs, they are usually four to five days old and well past their prime.”

While original king cakes were very simple with little to no decoration, today a typical king cake is brightly decorated with traditional Mardi Gras colors – gold, representing power; green, which represents faith; and purple for justice.  In 1972, Paul’s Pastry became the first bakery to fill their cakes with fruit and cream cheese.  They now offer the largest selection of flavors in the United States, with over 30 different varieties of filling such as Reece’s, Pina Colada, Pecan Praline, and Mississippi Mud.  Paul’s doesn’t just limit their king cakes to Mardi Gras.  The bakery offers brightly colored cakes for every season and special event including 4th of July, Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, graduations, and wedding or baby showers.  Each cake includes the signature Mardi Gras “baby” hidden inside.

When asked what makes her cakes stand out from the rest, Thigpen credits a secret family recipe. “It’s not traditional pastry dough,” she explains. “It’s more like a sweet bread that really holds in the filling.  When you cut into the cake and take a bite, you get fruit and cream cheese in the same bite.”  Thigpen’s cream cheese filling is also a closely guarded secret recipe.

Attention to detail and a passion for quality have helped the family-owned bakery gain notoriety among the rich and famous.  Well-known patrons include Reba McIntyre, both President Bushes, Garth Brooks, and the cast of the popular Discovery Channel show Mythbusters.

In addition to their nationally famous cakes, family is another long-standing tradition that has now touched three generations.  Thigpen’s daughter works as the office manager and her son-in-law serves at the production manager.  It is a tradition Thigpen hopes will continue for another 40 years.

Paul’s Pastry Shop
1 Sycamore Rd # A
Picayune, MS 39466-2666
1-800-669-5180
(601) 798-7457