Table of contents for Spring 2021 in Chic Compass

As we approach the end of this crazy winter and long for spring to arrive, I can’t help but feel like we are slowly coming out of the storm at last. With the offering of the vaccine, the lessening of government mandates for capacity crowds, and the number of new cases of COVID going down, perhaps spring is eternal. In reflection of what has come and gone in this past year, I find myself remembering many life stories shared by friends. Some stories were full of anxiety, fear, and sadness, yet others were full of love, hope, and courage. So many personal friends lost loved ones or struggled to survive financially through this horrible time in history. Then there were friends and family that celebrated births and marriages along with…

It was a Tuesday afternoon like no other on this planet. In fact, I quickly realized within thirty minutes of my conversation with Tony Award Winner Ben Vereen, I was encapsulated in a soul-to-soul experience. He had answered immediately, and when his warmth and inviting, charming voice (like none I had ever heard) greeted me, I was breathless and star-struck! Vereen’s tone was soft, musical, and wise. It felt like the heavens just opened, and the angels were floating in concert around me. Oh, what a feeling…. and we had only exchanged the greeting “Hi, how are you?” He asked how I was with such heartfelt sincerity that I immediately felt a Presence surrounding me. We started with small talk of the weather in Vegas, my family, and then a…

DO SOMETHING! That is usually the first or earliest thoughts most philanthropists, volunteers, and people with a big heart speak out loud to themselves. It has to start with a spark to ignite the fire. Giving back is as natural for some as breathing, expressing gratitude, and saying Thank You. Think about it. We have all grown up around nonprofits, charity, and fellowship through religious affiliations, Goodwill, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, among the thousands of other organizations that rely upon donations, our time, and interest. The year 2020 was no different. Even amid global pandemic, sources have confirmed that now more than ever, people are still giving, looking for ways to give, and following through with their donations. In Las Vegas, still reeling from the effects of 9/11, the…

Anna Gupta (maiden name Kile), of Nanai descent, fashion model and aspiring clothing designer, was born and raised in Russia. She began her modeling career at age 18 when studying at The Academy of Economics and Law. After graduation, Anna decided to pursue her career in the fashion industry. She worked in countries like Russia, Italy, Israel, China, and eventually in the United States. In 2015 Anna moved to Los Angeles and attended the Fashion Design School. When working as a model for different fashion brands and designers, Anna said she fully represented their creative vision. And because of that and a deep passion for art, she saw fashion design as a creative field where you can express yourself. Forher, it was natural to choose this field and to want…

As always, all of our multi-talented writers and staff have done an outstanding job in portraying what’s going on today in our glorious city and beyond. We continue to include articles about travel, food, fashion, music, design, and artists. I’m always fascinated by what each issue of Chic Compass Magazine brings forth for our enjoyment. And this issue is no different in its diversity of talented artists of all kinds, writers sharing their travels, organizations doing us proud by helping others in need, new restaurants opening up, a new television channel available, and so much more. As you read each piece, I believe that you will feel as I do, thinking how very blessed we are to live in a world filled with an abundance of inspiring people, events, and…

What would it be like to be born in Hollywood to famous parents and spend your entire childhood playing in the movie studio your parents owned? Would you be fascinated? Would you think it was unusual? Would you imagine yourself growing up and creating a fascinating lifestyle? Temma Keatan Hammond had just such a life. She was an only child of Harry Keatan, a silent film star and personal stand-in for Charlie Chaplin, also a friend. The two famous men built studios in Hollywood across the street from each other on La Brea Blvd. Her mother was a writer and director and also taught acting. For Temma, it was a constant education, which made her life a fulltime adventure, and she loved it! Her life was always busy in filming…

Top model Diana Havry-lyuk was born in the Ukraine. As a child, she didn’t like to be photographed or draw attention her way. One day her mother said that she wanted her to attend modeling school. “When I got there, I did not feel very beautiful among other beautiful models, but photographers began to notice me and I went to all the castings. It was there that I met my best friend (a photographer) who later taught me how to pose. And I began to love modeling. I feel at my best when I pose, and when the photographer says that he likes my work, I begin to work harder and better. Modeling had allowed me to open up in a new way, to love myself and understand that…

Can fate really change someone’s life? Tiffany Darling has her doubts when she’s picked up off the street and asked to become one of the Angels out of the Dark. She and the other angels have to bond together to help other women escape their circumstances of working on the streets. Can they do it? This is an empowering story for every woman who has come to a fork in the road of her life where even a simple choice becomes crucial. You will see yourself in all the angels and rejoice in knowing you are one of them. Are you aware that four to five people go missing EACH day here in Las Vegas? Do you know that only 60% of murders country-wide ever get solved? Have you thought…

Early in the pandemic, a Las Vegas woman who lost her job could no longer afford to buy food, so she turned to a Three Square food distribution center for help. A few months later, she returned with a $45 donation and told the receptionist, “I am doing better now. I just wanted to pay it forward and give thanks for the support.” She isn’t alone, thanks to the work of Three Square, the only food bank serving four Southern Nevada counties. Director of Development, Kate Hibbard Gaines says there are thousands of people just like this woman getting the assistance they need. “First and foremost, there’s always a lot of gratitude once [people] know that there’s a resource that’s available and that someone’s got their back,” said Hibbard Gaines.…

Travel is a passion for us, so to celebrate our 30th anniversary, in the spring of 2017, we packed our bags and explored the country of Japan on a self-guided adventure. Whatever our expectations might have been, they were greatly exceeded in every aspect of our journey. As we traveled throughout this amazing country and we became immersed in Japanese culture, we began to experience firsthand what life is like in this extraordinary island nation. It has a rich culture steeped in history and tradition, which carries forward to this day. The Japanese are incredibly industrious and take great pride in who they are, what they do, and how they do it. They excel in so many areas and strive to become masters. That is evident by their devotion to…