Table of contents for Winter 2025 in Chic Compass

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Joseph Donato, Cashman Photo MODELS: Louie (L) and William (R) Tandiono-Cellona Welcome to the first edition of Chic Compass for 2025! We appreciate your continued interest in and support of our publication as we enter our seventh year. This edition's cover story features Louie and William Tandiono-Cellona, partners in both business and life. Their dedication to transforming the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges through their company, Tancell Care, is truly inspiring. Their work in the disability sector led to the opening of the Autism Pride Center, where people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities can acquire and retain skills that promote independence, productivity and community engagement. Stories like these bring us joy, and we are proud to share them with you…

Like molten glass and hammered metal, this story mirrors the resilience and artistry of Barbara and Larry Domsky's relationship. It's a true privilege to share their journey and work—one that's deeply personal to me, having collaborated with the studio firsthand. Their artistry has continually enriched my design projects, and this piece aims to spotlight what makes them both so extraordinary. The Spark of Creation Meet Barbara and Larry Domsky, local artists who have been married for more than 30 years and are now collaborators and business owners. A tour of their gallery and studio, Domsky Glass, on Highland Drive in Las Vegas, immediately begins with the story of two artists in love and sharing their love of their craft. Larry begins: “Growing up in a creative environment, I was inspired…

It's feeding time at the HAV Horse Rescue barn in Las Vegas, but that doesn't keep CEO Alice Whitfield from singing to her stable. She bursts out her rendition of “Side by Side” as Casper, a 17-year-old Quarter Horse and retired barrel racer, continues inhaling a handful of hay. “I have my repertoire, and I sing to all of them,” says Whitfield. “But when it comes to food, I take second place.” Always quick with a quip, this feisty five-foot (15 hands in horse lingo) force of nature—with her signature lime-colored hair—never puts her cart before the horse. But don't let her small size fool you. This former Broadway singer and actress is a thoroughbred in saving and rehoming surrendered horses. “Lilac was bones when she came here and wouldn't…

One thing that defines Louie Tandiono-Cellona, CEO of TC Group, a Las Vegas-based business consulting firm he co-founded with his partner-turned-husband, William, in December 2023, is his unwavering passion for people. “As successful as I am in business, I have one philosophy,” he says. “I don't do what I do for money. I don't pursue it for anything other than a simple meaning behind it all. I want people to know and feel they have a meaning and purpose in life. I think it's important to be that way because everything else will follow if you do something from the heart.” Louie's journey from growing up in the Philippines to his family's move to the United States has deeply influenced his commitment to giving back. “I didn't want to take…

“Right now, everything is about longevity.” Mark Wahlberg is focused on the long game. Not just on the golf course, but in his extensive entertainment career, ever-expanding entrepreneurial empire, and endless exercise routines. “I got up today at 2:30 this morning,” boasts the 53-year-old former rapper-turned-actor-turned-investor. The notorious early riser has workouts to complete, films to shoot, businesses to buy, and restaurants to open—like the over 10,000-squarefoot Flecha Cantina by Mark Wahlberg. This is his second “Mexican redefined” restaurant and the latest venture in his newly adopted home of Las Vegas. “When I came, I wanted to make sure that I was bringing something to the table,” says Wahlberg. “I've made two films here already and put a lot of money into the economy. Everything we do is based on…

Hearing the dreaded words from their health care provider that their child has cancer is one of the most devastating moments a family can face. It often catapults them into a tumultuous new world filled with extensive medical testing, emotional turmoil, and financial challenges. How does a family or individual navigate such life-altering circumstances?” I recently met with one individual who provided answers to my questions. He, too, had cancer many years ago but has since transformed his life into a testament to healing by supporting families in Nevada who are facing the greatest challenges of their lives. This extraordinary individual is Jeffrey Gordon, president and CEO of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF). The nonprofit organization recently celebrated 31 years since its inception. Through supportive, multifaceted programs, NVCCF provides…

Every father dreams of his daughter someday meeting her Prince Charming and giving her a magical wedding fit for a fairy tale. Shaina Guest met Brandon Shamieh during their first year at the University of Nevada, Reno. They dated throughout college but took a few years apart when she relocated to Virginia for a job. But fairy-tale love is strong, and she soon found herself back in Nevada, then near his home in Northern California, rekindling love's flame. Eventually, he proposed, and Daddy's dream became a reality. They were married on a gorgeous fall afternoon on the grounds of the beautiful Everline Resort & Spa in Lake Tahoe, California. The impending sunset, “God rays” lighting, and mountain backdrop combined to create a magical motif worthy of such a joyous occasion.…

On April 19 and 20, the biggest event in professional wrestling returns to Las Vegas when WrestleMania takes place at Allegiant Stadium. Wrestling fans from all over the world will travel to the Entertainment Capital of the World for the two-night event, which is just one of several events World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will bring to Las Vegas in the days leading up to and following its annual “Showcase of the Immortals.” While the Road to WrestleMania is always filled with plenty of twists and turns, Chic Compass caught up with WWE Superstar Bianca Belair last November to talk about WrestleMania 41, her dream match scenarios and her career as one of WWE's most decorated Superstars. Chic Compass: It's been 32 years since WrestleMania was last held in Las Vegas…

Shelley Berkley embodies all the glamour, heart and pioneering spirit that defines the transformative power of intention and destiny. Her story is a shimmering tale of happenstance, family resilience and a city's promise—a narrative deeply interwoven with the evolution of Las Vegas itself. At just 13 years old, Berkley and her family arrived in Las Vegas on what was meant to be a brief stopover during their journey to California. However, fate had other plans. Energized by the neon lights and vibrant spirit of the desert oasis, her parents made the life-altering decision to stay, forever changing the trajectory of Berkley's life. More than her impressive résumé, Berkley is a petite powerhouse who exudes charisma and genuine care for her community. Known for her articulate and polished demeanor, she captures…

The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals with unique abilities, particularly those diagnosed with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides a variety of impactful programs and recreational activities, all of which are offered free of charge to its members. Peter Whittingham, chair of the board of directors and acting executive director, is the organization's “volunteer in chief” and a staunch advocate for the Down syndrome community. “The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada was founded in 1987 by a group of families looking for target-specific services that addressed the needs of people with Down syndrome in Southern Nevada. There were just a few organizations that provided such services at the time, and these family members came…

It has been five years since my husband, Ruben, and I last visited the Philippines, so our trip back home in November was special. It was our first time flying via Philippine Airlines (PAL), and during the 13-hour flight, the flight attendants made us feel like we were already in the Philippines. They served delicious Filipino food, from sinigang na baboy and pork adobo to arroz caldo and tapsilog. My dad, Vic Rodriguez, recently turned 92. I haven't seen him or my family—which has grown from a family of eight to a clan of 35—with the new additions: grandnephews and grandnieces, new in-laws, and new partners. For our first week, we stayed at the Solaire Resort & Casino in Entertainment City, built along the Bay City area of Parañaque in…

Desert Quilters of Nevada (DQN), the first and largest quilt guild in Southern Nevada, was formed to promote, encourage and preserve the art of quilt-making by developing an appreciation for fine quilts. It sponsors and supports quilting activities, teaching techniques, the history of quilting and the future of modern quilt expressions. Stitching Together a Patchwork for the Future DQN was a dream of Nancy Walters of Las Vegas and Alice Godwin of Boulder City. Groups of quilters had been meeting informally in small sewing circles for years. DQN was organized to share quilting ideas, methods and experiences with other quilters. The goal was to expand on these ideas and to grow throughout the state of Nevada. An admirable side effect of the guild has been to help the unfortunate and…