Shockingly, Madison County is home to a large number of impoverished students.  Upon hearing this surprising news, two extraordinary women joined forces to provide for children in need.  As Kris Beatty and Gretchen Gentry began touching the lives of several students, they realized the number of children living in economic strife was staggering.  Hoping to better serve the children of this community, a non-profit was born.  Gretchen says, “We put our heads together, formed Madison County H.O.P.E. for Kids and ever since, we have been helping meet the needs of impoverished students.”   

We had the great pleasure of speaking with Gretchen, and today she shares more about the non-profit and how they are helping the youth of Madison County:

How did H.O.P.E. for Kids start? 
“Kris Beatty found out about some specific needs of students in Madison County. She reached out to me because at the time, I was involved with a few non-profits serving the Greater Jackson Metro area. We soon realized that those organizations focused mainly on specific school feeder patterns and while they could help some, we would need to do something ourselves. We pulled together some friends that lived in Madison to meet those immediate few needs of which we had learned. In meeting those needs we also realized that there were many more impoverished students in Madison County.

We decided to do some Christmas care packages for students and the schools serving those students. Then we made the decision that we should keep it going after Christmas.  By this time, it was evident that we needed a full fledged non-profit that focused on helping counselors within Madison County, since many of the counselors and teachers were trying to meet the needs for many of their students.” 

Who runs the non-profit?
“As for the day-to-day operations, Kris Beatty, who serves as the President, does most of the heavy lifting. I am her back up.  We also have several volunteers who help out such as Ashley Chambliss, Lauren Fairburn, Heather Grovich, Shea Whittington, and Monique LeFleur, to name a few. Dr. Brenda Jones has also been a supporter and was helpful to us in making sure we navigated correctly through student privacy issues.”  

How does H.O.P.E. enrich the lives of Madison County children?  Tell me about everything you do!
“We provide clothing and hygiene products to students facing economic challenges via the student's school counselors. We also do Christmas care packages for students, as needed. We have helped families who are victims of house fires in the tri-county area and have also helped impoverished families in the tri-county area as well. However, our main focus is making sure children in Madison County have access to hygiene products and thanks to Levis Strauss, clothing. We love to connect families in need with other resources as well.”

How do you choose the children you reach out to?
“Most of the time, school guidance counselors reach out to us. In those cases, we never meet or know what students we are helping. We know whether they are male or female and sometimes the grade or size clothing they wear. We are completely dependent upon the counselor to let us know what is needed. We are also very careful not to infringe on student privacy.  However, on several occasions we have helped families whose homes have burned or families who are in need, simply through word of mouth. When the parents of the students reach out to us we normally get to meet the faces of the people we are helping.”

Where are you located?
“I almost laughed out loud, as we really are in a couple of closets and garages!! We do not have a physical location and there is really not a need for one at this time. We run the non-profit out of our homes. Every closet Kris and I have is stuffed with containers filled with HOPE donations. We have been lucky to be able to use local churches and businesses to help out with out events and collections projects. We have collected hygiene products at Beagle Bagel Madison, First Methodist Church of Madison, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. We also had a fundraiser at Burgers & Blues in Ridgeland. In addition, Levi Strauss stores most of the clothes except for a few of each size that Kris and I keep on hand for emergencies.”

How can people volunteer with H.O.P.E.?
“We have had several organizations, such as Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, schools such as Highland Elementary, day cares such as First United Methodist of Madison, and some high school prayer groups do product drives to collect shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, hand sanitizer, body wash, tooth paste, tooth brushes, dental floss, wet wipes, socks and underwear. We depend on organizations to help us with the collections and this is the heart of our non-profit. Kris and I go pick up the products, sort and distribute them. We need volunteers in early December to help us put the Christmas packages together, and also throughout the year to sort clothes and products as they are donated.”

With their Mission Statement, “H.O.P.E.: Helping others by providing essentials. MADISON COUNTY H.O.P.E. FOR KIDS is organized for the purpose of providing healthy essentials to enrich and empower the lives of Madison County children experiencing economic challenges,” Kris, Gretchen and their incredible volunteers are positively impacting the community of Madison.  Thank you, Gretchen, for sharing your story of H.O.P.E.!  For more information, please visit their Facebook page here, or reach them at [email protected].

{Bride}  Aleshia Lynn Cox
{Groom} Landon Harris Magee
{Hometowns} Bride: Booneville, MS
Groom: Brookhaven, MS
{Wedding Site} Paris-Yates Chapel, Oxford, MS
{Reception Site} The Inn at Ole Miss, Oxford, MS

{How did the two of you meet?} 
Landon and I met playing intramural basketball at Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis, TN. After talking, we realized that we had lived in the freshman dorms at Ole Miss at the same time! I had moved to Memphis to Baptist College of Health Sciences, and a couple of years later Landon moved to the same college, into the dorms as well. Who knows how many times we passed each at Ole Miss and never knew!

{What is your proposal story?}
Landon surprised me with the idea of a mini-weekend vacation to Asheville, NC, during the first weekend in November 2013 to see all the fall foliage and relax for a weekend. Landon planned an entire Saturday of activities from breakfast to a picnic, while exploring DuPont State Forest. After a long day climbing trails to three different waterfalls and a failed picnic attempt (we forgot a wine bottle opener and the crackers to go with our hummus!), Landon got down on one knee and proposed. Landon was shaking and I was crying. His proposal was so personal and thoughtful. My response was, "Of course I will!"

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}
We both love Oxford, MS. Landon graduated from Ole Miss in 2011. Since our families live on opposite sides of the state, Oxford was a perfect location for our friends and families.

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
Since we were having a December wedding, I wanted all white flowers. There is something so beautiful and simple about classic white flowers. We chose navy bridesmaid dresses for the same reason. Navy is such a formal, classic color that we both love. The groomsmen wore black tuxedos with suspenders and bowties. Landon chose to wear a navy tuxedo, which turned out wonderfully. I really wanted a formal, timeless look for our entire wedding.

{How did you pick “the dress?”}
I went dress shopping not long after our engagement. However, I did not find exactly what I was looking for initially. I went again with my mom and sister a few weeks later and found a simple ivory satin gown. I walked out and my mom and sister knew it was “the dress” before I did! After comparing several different styles and dresses, we always loved the satin one best. We bought it that day!

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?}
Without a doubt, my favorite accessory was Landon’s grandmother’s vintage fur stole. Her initials were monogrammed inside, making it even more special. I knew that I wanted to wear a fur since a December wedding would be cold. Landon’s mom offered to let me wear her mother’s fur and upon trying it on, we both cried. It fit perfectly! I am so honored that I got to wear “Meme’s” fur on my wedding day!  

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
There was a day in October when I met my mom and Landon’s mom in Oxford, and we met with several different vendors. We toured the Inn at Ole Miss and Paris-Yates Chapel, met with our florist and chose wedding flowers, picked out the tuxedos, and tasted wedding cake. So many items were checked off my to-do list that day. So maybe my favorite part was completing tasks!

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}
After the ceremony, my dad escorted Landon, our photographer and me to the Oxford Square to capture some pictures with the Christmas lights, and give our guests time to arrive at the reception. Riding in the car, we got to talk about the ceremony and everything that had happened that day. It was a wonderful fifteen minutes to be together right after saying “I do.”

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}
Landon and I chose to do a first look before the wedding. Of course, seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day was magical! After talking for several minutes, Landon surprised me with a wedding day gift. He pulled a double-strand pearl bracelet out of his tuxedo jacket pocket and draped it around my wrist! It was such a beautiful, sweet gesture and a gorgeous bracelet!

{Your favorite picture from the big day?}
Our favorite picture is a black and white picture taken during our wedding ceremony. It was taken during the final prayer, before we were pronounced man and wife. The picture includes our entire wedding party and many of our family and friends. To me, it is a perfect picture from our wedding day; two people in love being prayed for by people who love us.

{The picture that represents the two of you best?}
Perhaps the picture that represents us best would be another black and white photo where we are walking towards the camera with the Lyceum behind us. Our smiles are so natural as we are holding hands and walking. As much as we loved the ceremony, the picture of us casually walking hand-in-hand really represents our lives.

Photographer: B. Flint Photography (http://bflint.com/)
Dress: Kay’s Kreations (http://www.kays-kreations.net/)
Bride’s Jewelry: Kay’s Kreations (http://www.kays-kreations.net/)
Hair: Carey-Ann Pearce from Salon Nfuse (https://www.facebook.com/carey.a.pearce?fref=ts)
Make-up: Carey-Ann Pearce from Salon Nfuse (https://www.facebook.com/carey.a.pearce?fref=ts)
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Thomas Brother’s Formal Wear (https://www.facebook.com/ThomasBrosFormalWear)
Venue: Paris-Yates Chapel (http://www.olemiss.edu/chapel/)
Rentals: Details Rentals (http://www.detailsrentals.com/)
Florist: Oxford Floral (http://www.oxfordfloral.com/)
Catering: The Inn at Ole Miss (http://www.theinnatolemiss.com/)
Bar: The Inn at Ole Miss
Band: The Sensation Band (https://www.gigmasters.com/top-40-band/the-sensations)
Bride’s Cake: Kelli’s Cakes and Confections (https://www.facebook.com/kelliscakery)
Groom’s Cake: The Inn at Ole Miss (cobbler and ice cream in lieu of cake)
Print Material: Brown-Line Printing (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brown-Line-Printing/123203794404222)

"Knowing that I can get an intense, full body workout in just 55 minutes never ceases to amaze me. Pure Barre has completely changed my mindset on exercising. The music, the moves, and the motivating community make my Pure Barre workout one of the best parts of my day! I love getting to meet and develop friendships with women of all ages and backgrounds who are all trying to live healthy, positive lives!" - Avery Shannon, Pure Barre Instructor

In the fall of 2011, Heidi Hogrefe introduced Pure Barre to the Jackson area.  Pure Barre is a total body workout that promises to lift your seat, tone your thighs, abs and arms, and burn an impressive amount of calories, all within a 55 minute class. 

Pure Barre is positively changing the bodies and attitudes of women across our state.  With its non-impact exercises, clients are discovering long, lean and beautiful muscles.  Both clients and instructors are amazed at the quick results, and the refreshing sense of community in each studio.  Emiko Faust, a Pure Barre client, says, "Pure Barre has not only toned my body, but changed me from a person who despised working out to a person who is upset if they have to go a day without a class. But the people at Pure Barre are the real treat.  The instructors are all amazing and inspire you to push yourself past what you did in class the day before.”  

We had the pleasure of speaking with Heidi about what makes Pure Barre such an addictive, unique and effective form of exercise:

Why did you decide to open Pure Barre in Jackson?
“I have been teaching the technique since 2009.  Teaching Pure Barre quickly became a passion and was very rewarding for me!  This passion and love made me take the jump from teaching to owning a Pure Barre studio. I brought Pure Barre to Jackson since Mississippi did not have any Pure Barre studios to call their own. I wanted to share this amazing technique with the Jackson community. Also, Jackson is where I met my husband, so we have strong ties to the city. He went to Millsaps College and is now one of the owners of Char, Amerigo, Sombra and Anjou Restaurants. Jackson is our second home!”

How is Pure Barre different than other exercise classes?
“Pure Barre will motivate you to push yourself. You will see results in as little as 10 classes. When taking a class, the client is able to ‘block out’ the world and she is forced to focus on herself.  A Pure Barre class will not stop from start to finish. This is key in order to see quick results. Finally, there is a sense of community in the studios. I think the clients like the idea of belonging to this community of strong women; they truly motivate and encourage each other!”

Explain the technique that is used in class and what type of results participants can expect!
“It is non-impact exercise and focuses on many areas that women struggle with the most: seat, thighs, hips, arms and abs. Pure Barre utilizes the ballet barre, but is not dance. During your 55-minute class, you will strengthen each part of the body, followed by stretching. This creates long, lean muscles. Pure Barre technique involves small isometric movements, which work your muscles to fatigue. When the muscles are worked to fatigue, this is when you gain strength and burn fat. This is a good thing!

Also, a certified instructor teaches every class. You will receive personal attention, motivation and guidance with every class. The instructors are there to answer any questions after class as well. Finally, Pure Barre is an athletic technique, which is challenging and fun!”

What advice can you share for someone wanting to try Pure Barre for the first time?
“All classes are the same level, as the technique was designed to work people at all different fitness levels. Seasoned clients can always work deeper or at a new level. The veteran clients usually encourage the new clients, as they had their first class at one point as well. New clients take alongside our seasoned women everyday. The class moves at such a fast pace that everyone is in their own ‘zone.’

Our staff is extremely welcoming and helpful to new clients. As a Pure Barre teacher of 6 years, I realize how hard it is for someone to take that first step. I believe in encouraging this person and motivating them through their first steps. I always tell a new client that she is not going to do everything correctly and this is OK! With every class you can work deeper and gain more knowledge of the technique. If you can hold onto the barre, you can do a Pure Barre class!”

We also asked Heidi to share her tips for staying healthy, happy and hydrated during the warm summer months:
“Drink smoothies! You can get so many nutrients in one smoothie.  Play around with what you like. I always include lots of baby kale/spinach, one lemon/lime, one green apple, and your favorite berries. Mix with water and/or sugar free juice.”

“Don’t be sedentary. Try to keep up with some sort of workout regimen. It may not be your usual 4-5 classes a week. However, even if you cut your workouts in half, you won’t lose the stamina/strength when returning to your usual schedule. If you’re on vacation, try to at least squeeze in a walk or visit a local Pure Barre studio. There are over 300 locations across the U.S. Also, we do rent Pure Barre DVDs at our locations!”

“Try to keep food portions under control. If you’re on vacation and exercising less, eat what you like. However, cut your portions accordingly.”

“Have snacks! Eat when you’re hungry. When you workout regularly your metabolism goes up, you burn more calories and in turn, are hungry more often. Nuts/dried fruit, celery/apples with almond butter, baby carrots with light cream cheese and Greek yogurt are quick go-to’s.”

“Drink water! Staying hydrated replenishes the body and rids the toxins.”

“Eat within 45 minutes of a hard workout. You will burn these calories immediately and the body needs immediate replenishment.”

Thank you so much, Heidi, for bringing this powerfully effective workout to the Jackson area.  For more information on Pure Barre, please visit their website here or their Facebook page here. 

“Looking back, I was very shy growing up.  Walking a runway or being in front of a camera brought something else out of me.  I am a creative person, so the fashion, style, and different types of photos were very appealing to me.  Modeling was fun and exciting, and helped me grow as a person,” reflects Jamie Ainsworth. 

As a timid, but beautiful young teen in Magee, Mississippi, Jamie was intrigued with the modeling industry.  “My dad heard a casting call on the radio and took me.  It turned out to not be very professional, but it was a good experience and I walked away knowing I wanted to be a model.”

Jamie’s supportive parents helped her pursue her dreams.  She signed with several modeling agencies, both locally and in Chicago and Atlanta.  She traveled to New York City and booked Fashion Week shows, but always returned to her roots.  “I’m a country girl,” she laughs.  “I never wanted to move.”

Jamie began working for Libby Story and many of the girls at the company realized that Jamie had true modeling experience.  “I was a real model in their eyes.  The girls would come to me for advice to go further, and learn about runway modeling.  I began mentoring many of the models, and suddenly I booked one of the girls for a job!”  She reflects, “It kind of fell into my lap and I thought, ‘Why don’t I do this for real?’”

Jamie founded JEA Model Management (after her name, Jamie Elyse Ainsworth) and she now has a booming modeling agency.  Through her personal contacts, experience and incredible hands-on approach, Jamie is changing the face of modeling in Mississippi. 

JEA books locally and nationally, and has worked with magazines such as Premiere Bride, The Northside Sun, and Social South.  JEA also works closely with boutiques such as Libby Story, 25 South, and Mulberry Dreams. 

The faces of JEA are beautifully unique. “I love diversity within my agency.  I do not have any models that look just alike.  I try to keep refreshing and adding new talent,” says Jamie.  Many of her models also have marvelous potential.  “I have a girl signing with Major Models in New York City!  I have another under negotiations.  The ultimate goal is to get them great experience, develop their skills and get them further with their careers,” says Jamie.

Jamie personally coaches and trains her models.  Refreshingly, everything is one-on-one; there are no group classes. “We do a portfolio shoot and perfect their look.  We make sure we promote each client the way they need to be promoted.”  They not only coach models for photo shoots, but also fashion shows, acting, and more. 

JEA Model Management is the modeling agency in Mississippi.  Through JEA, Jamie is extending the same poise and self-assurance to young girls that she received from modeling.  “Seeing them build their confidence is truly rewarding, and is the best part of my job,” admits Jamie. 

If you are interested in joining JEA Model Management, you can apply and submit photos here.  JEA also has open calls, or Jamie might even spot you in a restaurant!  “I have scouted around Mississippi.  If I see someone intriguing, I will walk up to them and talk to them!  I have found people on Instagram and asked them to come to a casting.”

Jamie, thank you for sharing your passion and expertise with models around the state.  For more information on Jamie and JEA Model Management, please visit their website here. 

{Bride}  Lauren Bagley
{Groom} Jake Cox
{Hometowns} Madison, MS
{Wedding Site} Providence Hill Farm in Jackson, MS
{Reception Site} Providence Hill Farm in Jackson, MS
{Bride’s Bouquet} White O'Hara roses, Mother of Pearl roses, Vendella roses, Silver Brunia, Scabiosa pods.
{Bridesmaid Bouquets} Smaller versions of mine with more color and succulents added.

{How did the two of you meet?} We were introduced through a mutual friend from my nursing school class.

{What is your proposal story?} Jake called me earlier that day and told me that his family was going out to eat that night. So I got ready and he picked me up a couple of hours later. He told me his parents weren't home yet, so we were just going to go to their house and wait on them. When we got there, he wanted to show me the tire swing he had made for his niece. So we got out of the truck, and walked down to the swing. It was under this big, beautiful oak tree.  We walked around and talked for a few minutes. Then, he pointed at something off in the distance to make me look away, and when I looked back, he was down on one knee! I was speechless. I had even forgotten to say "yes."  So he had to ask me again, haha! He then pointed to where his brother, Joseph, was hiding behind a tree taking pictures and videotaping the entire thing! Well, to add to the surprise, both of our families were inside the house watching as well! Instead of going out to eat, our moms ended up cooking a delicious dinner for everyone and we spent the rest of the night celebrating! It was a perfect day! 

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?} I first visited Providence Hill Farm a few years ago for a friend's wedding, and since then I have been in love with it! I knew I wanted a classic, Southern-style wedding, so Providence was the perfect venue!

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?} When I think of March, I think of green. It just so happens to be one of my favorite colors, too. So I searched through magazines and found the perfect color for my bridesmaid dresses. The color was a soft "pistachio" green.  For my flowers I went with pale pink, peach, and cream to compliment the dress and give a fresh spring look.

{How did you pick “the dress?”} I knew exactly what I wanted when we went dress shopping. I had even brought several pictures of different dresses to show the shop. I showed Mrs. Catherine from Imaginations the pictures, and she said "I know exactly what you're looking for.”  She and another girl picked out several dresses for me to try on, just to have a variety. The last dress I tried on was the one! It was everything I had been looking for!

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?} My favorite accessory was my "something borrowed" which was my mom's veil. The night after we found my dress, my mom and I opened her wedding dress that had been preserved and played dress up with her dress and veil. My mom then told me that I could use her veil if I wanted to. Of course, I did! So I contacted MollyGee Designs the following week. She redesigned my mom's veil and gave it a new look! My mom's veil also had a cap piece that Molly took the lace from and constructed a beautiful hair piece that I wore after I took the veil off. It was very special to me to be able to wear my mom's veil for my special day! It was a little reminder of my parents' wonderful marriage that has been going strong for 34 (almost 35) years. 

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?} Cake tasting...duh! No, but really I would say it was seeing all of my plans and ideas come together. Also, I enjoyed the meetings with Kendall Poole Ellis of Kendall Poole Event Planning. Every meeting we went to, I felt more relieved from all the wedding stress. She and her team did an amazing job!

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?} My favorite was our "first look.” Words cannot describe that moment. It definitely put both of us more at ease to be able to have that special time just to ourselves right before the wedding!

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?} After the ceremony, Jake and I had a private, candlelit dinner prepared for us in the suite above the barn. It was so nice to be able to sit down and enjoy our first meal together as husband and wife!

{Your favorite picture from the big day?} I honestly cannot pick just one! Melanie Thortis and Robert Smith did an awesome job!

{The picture that represents the two of you best?} I would say all the ones of us laughing together and being silly. Especially the one that was taken after I smeared cake all over Jake's face!

Photographer: Robert Smith of A Visual Life and Melanie Thortis of Thortis Photography
Event Planner: Kendall Poole Event Planning
Dress: Imaginations Bridal
Veil and hairpiece: MollyGee Designs
Hair: Bay Hartness from The Parlor Salon
Make-up: Jamie Bobbitt from Merle Norman 
Bridesmaid Dresses: The Bridal Path
Tuxes: Tuxes Too
Videographer: Fresh Focus Films
Venue: Providence Hill Farm
Lighting: Davaine Lighting
Rentals: Great Southern Events
Florist: Fresh Cut Catering and Floral
Catering: Loose Ends Catering
Bar: World of Wines and Liquors
Band: The Houserockers
Bride’s Cake: Cakes by Iris
Groom’s Cake: Mary Jane Cox (mother of the groom)
Print Material: Invitations were designed by sister of the groom, Meagan Babb. Calligraphy was also by Meagan.