In keeping with the shared responsibility every woman has to the next generation of women, we begin this issue by explaining the purpose behind ELYSIAN’s cover. We are repeatedly asked about the model selection and how these diverse and unique faces represent the complexities of our publication. Who is she? Why was she chosen?
ELYSIAN believes that in discovering young women, we uncover dreams and help to build young women’s confidence. Our cover model on the Fall Issue is a rising freshman at the University of Tennessee. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Brandi Sherbert is a nationally acclaimed dancer, having won top titles throughout the country.
Brandi personifies the breadth of ELYSIAN and our two notable Fall Issue partnerships: our Media Partnership with The FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 and our Signature Partnership with the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. Our cover captures the spirit of the enthusiast, whether it be the equestrian or the connoisseur of vintage cars and airplanes. It was easy to imagine Brandi galloping across the moors of Ireland or attending the renowned Concours d’Elegance gala, Flights and Fancy.
Inspiring Women. ( anecdotal stories )
We are privileged to present four exceptional equestrians, whose stories will embolden our readers to pursue their own passion. Three-Day Eventer and Olympic medalist Karen O’Connor is one of the finest equestrian athletes of our time. Show-jumper Donna Cheek made history as the first black representative of the US Equestrian Team and the first equestrienne inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Lisa Lourie is partner in the Tryon International Equestrian Center and owner of Spy Coast Farms, a multidimensional operation, breeding quality performance horses. The farm has locations in Kentucky, Florida, and North Carolina. Fourth-generation horsewoman, award-winning broadcast journalist, and media maven, Misdee Wrigley Miller, is one of the only women in the world to compete internationally in the sport of combined driving.
We explore horsepower of a different variety at the Concours d’Elegance as we uncover the stories of two female powerhouses: Gloria Taggart, former CEO of telecommunications giant Hargray, a longstanding sponsor of the Concours d’Elegance and the company credited with bringing the first telephone to Hilton Head Island; and Carolyn Vanagel, president of this premier motoring festival, whose dedication and inventive spirit has transformed this trademark Hilton Head Island event into a lively and intriguing national destination.
Graceful Living. ( deliberate, spirited and bold )
In highlighting the discipline needed to develop precision in any skill—whether it be equestrian technique or the organization of a premier motoring event — this issue exemplifies the spirit of graceful living and success.
Graceful Living also incorporates giving back. The charities we champion in this issue—The Brooke Foundation and Driving Young America — are the philanthropic polestars of the FEI World Equestrian Games and Concours d’Elegance, respectively.
We hope the stories found in these pages will propel you to new experiences.
Read Past Letters from the Publisher