There is a quiet shift happening along the coast. It doesn’t announce itself loudly. You won’t see it in viral LinkedIn posts or late-night productivity hacks. Instead, it shows up in subtler ways. A woman closing her laptop at 3:30 to walk the beach before dinner. Another choosing to start a consulting business rather than climb another corporate ladder. A former city executive trading rush-hour commutes for school drop-offs and morning coffee on the porch. For many women living along the Gulf Coast and other seaside communities, the hustle culture that once defined ambition is beginning to lose its appeal. And increasingly, they’re choosing something else. The Rise and Fall of the Hustle Era For more than a decade, the cultural message to ambitious women was clear: work harder, move faster, prove yourself. The “girlboss” era celebrated packed calendars, endless side projects, and the idea that success required constant motion. But the reality behind that narrative was often exhaustion. Research from Gallup shows that 33 percent of working women report feeling burned out very often or always, compared with about 25 percent of men. At the same time, stress levels have continued to climb. Roughly half of working women say they feel stressed a lot of the day, a noticeably higher percentage than their male colleagues. In other words, the hustle wasn’t just ambitious. It was unsustainable. And for many women, especially those balancing careers, families, and community roles, the cost eventually became too high. Why Coastal Living Feels Different One reason the shift feels especially visible in coastal communities is that the environment itself invites a different rhythm. Coastal towns operate on a slower clock. There is less pressure to perform success outwardly and more emphasis on quality of life. People spend time outside. Conversations linger. Work and life often blend in more flexible ways. Women who relocate from larger cities frequently describe a similar realization: they don’t necessarily want to stop working. They just want work to fit into life, not consume it. Remote work has made this transition even more possible. Professionals who once felt tethered to office buildings in New York, Atlanta, or Dallas can now run businesses or manage teams from places where the day might start with a paddleboard ride or an early beach walk. And for many, that shift is transformative. The Pandemic Reset The pandemic accelerated this reevaluation. During that period, millions of women reconsidered what work meant to them and whether traditional career paths were worth the personal cost. Some stepped away temporarily. Others changed industries entirely or built businesses that offered more flexibility. The experience forced a broader question that many had never paused long enough to ask before: What does success actually look like? For some, it still means leadership roles and large organizations. But for others, success now looks quieter and more intentional. What Coastal Women Are Choosing Instead Rejecting hustle culture doesn’t mean abandoning ambition. It means redefining it. Across coastal communities, women are building careers that prioritize autonomy and sustainability rather than constant growth at all costs. Some are launching small businesses. Others are consulting, freelancing, or creating hybrid careers that combine professional expertise with lifestyle flexibility. Creative fields have also flourished. Photography, design, writing, wellness services, and boutique retail are increasingly led by women who want meaningful work without the rigid structure of traditional corporate environments. Equally important is the freedom to participate more fully in family and community life. School events, volunteer work, and local collaborations become possible again when every hour of the day isn’t dictated by meetings and deadlines. In many ways, it’s not about doing less. It’s about doing what matters more. A Different Definition of Success The coastal shift away from hustle culture isn’t about rejecting work. It’s about rejecting the idea that productivity alone defines value. Ambition hasn’t disappeared. It has simply evolved. For many women, success is no longer measured by how busy they are or how late they stay online. Instead, it’s defined by freedom, creative fulfillment, and the ability to design a life that feels both meaningful and manageable. Along the coast, where the tide moves at its own pace, that realization feels especially natural. Sometimes the most powerful move isn’t pushing harder. It’s choosing a different rhythm altogether. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 APR-MAY FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Some places instantly feel like they get it.  The pace, the menu, the mood.  Bistrology is one of those places. Tucked into Miramar Beach, this modern bistro blends elevated comfort food with an effortlessly cool atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer. It is the kind of spot where brunch turns into cocktails, and a casual dinner somehow becomes a full evening out. The menu strikes that sweet balance between refined and approachable. Thoughtfully crafted dishes, bold flavors, and just enough creativity to keep things interesting without trying too hard. Whether you’re in the mood for a standout brunch, a polished lunch, or a dinner that feels special without being stuffy, Bistrology delivers every time. The vibe is just as intentional as the food. Warm, stylish, and welcoming, it’s a go to for girlfriends catching up, date nights that feel elevated but relaxed, and anyone who appreciates great food in a space that feels curated but comfortable. Add in a cocktail menu that knows what it’s doing, and you’ve got a place that easily earns its spot on the list. Bistrology is not just a meal, it’s a moment. One you’ll want to repeat. Pro Tip:  Come hungry, stay awhile, and do not skip the cocktails. Photos Courtesy of Google Images NAME THE NEXT MUST-TRY SPOT Where Women Go To Eat is a Coastalpolitan favorite for a reason. These are the places we actually go, love, and recommend when asked, “Where should we eat?” Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Along the Gulf Coast, where homes are shaped by salt air, light, and a deep sense of place, construction is more than a profession. It is a legacy carried forward through generations. For Suzanne Vickers, that legacy began long before she stepped into leadership. It started in the spaces where she grew up, surrounded by blueprints, tools, and the steady rhythm of her parents building something meaningful together. Her parents founded their company in the mid-1980s, both earning their construction licenses and working side by side. Suzanne was immersed in that world from an early age, often on job sites, absorbing the work ethic and dedication that defined their business. Those early experiences shaped her perspective and instilled a deep respect for the craft, the people behind it, and the impact it has on families and communities. Working alongside her father felt like a natural progression. Their time together strengthened not only their relationship but also her confidence in the field. In an industry often described as male-dominated, Suzanne never felt out of place. Instead, she embraced the opportunity to bring her own perspective to the work. Her approach blends strength with intuition, focusing on both the structural integrity of a build and the experience of those who will live in it. Today, Suzanne leads with intention and humility. She sees herself as a coordinator and encourager, someone who supports her team and ensures every moving piece comes together seamlessly. Many of her subcontractors and vendors have worked with her for more than twenty years, reflecting a culture built on trust, consistency, and mutual respect. She prioritizes providing the best materials and resources so her team can focus on what they do best, creating quality work that stands the test of time. Family continues to play a central role in her story. Her two sons, James and Brad, have both been part of the business. While James has chosen a different path, Brad remains deeply involved, serving as a project supervisor and working toward his license. For Suzanne, passing down values is just as important as passing down a business. It is about continuing a standard of integrity and a shared commitment to building something that matters. After officially joining the company full-time in 1998 and earning her residential construction license in 2017, Suzanne stepped into ownership following her father’s retirement. With that transition came a new chapter, marked by the rebranding of the company to Suzanne Vickers Construction Inc., a reflection of both continuity and growth. At its core, Suzanne’s work is driven by passion. She loves the process, the collaboration, and the moment a client’s vision becomes reality. More than that, she is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the beauty and strength of the Gulf Coast, one project at a time. Photos Courtesy of Suzanne Vickers Construction Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Spring along the Gulf Coast carries its own kind of renewal. The light lingers longer. The air softens. There’s a return to movement, but it feels intentional. Not hurried. Just alive. This issue of Coastalpolitan reflects that shift beautifully. In our featured editorial, “Why Coastal Women Are Rejecting the Hustle: And What They’re Choosing Instead,” we explore a powerful trend unfolding across our shoreline. More women are redefining success, choosing presence over pressure and purpose over burnout. You’ll see it in Saltwater Success Stories, where four remarkable women quietly power our local economy. You’ll feel it in “Women at the Helm: Pensacola’s New Sailing Collective Opens Doors on the Water,” and in “The Woman Behind the Build,” highlighting strength and leadership in industries long considered unconventional. Wellness takes center stage in “Finding Your Rhythm Again: Rebuilding Strength After Winter,” while “He Heard One Thing, She Meant Another,” explores communication gaps that affect women’s mental health and relationships. Spring style arrives with ease in our Fashion Spread and The Coastal Glow Edit, celebrating looks that feel polished yet attainable. Coastalpolitan remains proudly run by women, for women. Every story is curated with intention. Every page is designed to inspire and reflect the ambition and heart of our coastal community. As you turn these pages, I hope you feel inspired and reminded that growth does not require chaos. Sometimes it simply requires clarity and the confidence to choose differently. Here’s to longer days, fresh starts, and women shaping this coast with grace and strength. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 APR-MAY FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

• SHOP COASTALPOLITAN EDITOR's PICK • The Coastal Closet introduces Seaside Sophisticate , a timeless, coastal-inspired collection that blends effortless elegance with everyday wearability. Anchored in soft neutrals, tailored denim, and breezy silhouettes, this curated look pairs polished staples with statement accessories for a refined yet relaxed coastal style. Belle Poque High-Waisted Wide Leg Denim Pants (Blue) Belle Poque High-Waisted Wide Leg Denim Pants (White) Vertige Women’s Sleeveless Ruffle Blouse Frances Valentine Reese Slingback Heels (Navy/Light Blue) Alexis Bittar Brut Gold Mosaic Wide Cuff Bracelet Mytheresa Khaite Tidal Gold-Plated Drop Earrings Sunglass Hut Chloe Square Frame Sunglasses (Pink Lens) VICI Collection Harbor Light Striped Maxi Dress Hermès Kelly 25 Craie Epsom Sellier Bag (Gold Hardware) Aidonger One Piece Swimsuit with Gold Shell Accent Mark and Graham Waterproof Natural Caning Tote (Navy Trim) Products featured are independently selected and not sponsored or paid promotions. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

| SKINCARE Beach days and coastal glow start with skincare that protects, hydrates, and enhances your natural radiance. Start by refreshing and balancing skin with oSea Sea Minerals Mist , a mineral-rich mist that instantly hydrates and preps skin for the day’s elements.  Keep lips soft and shielded from sun and salt air with Fresh Sugar Lip Balm , a nourishing essential that delivers moisture and a hint of protection. For a subtle, sun-kissed finish without sun damage, layer on Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk ; its gentle, gradual tan builds a natural-looking glow while moisturizing.  Finally, secure your skin’s defense with Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 , a luminous sunscreen that blends broad-spectrum protection with a dewy glow perfect for coastal living. | Makeup Coastal makeup calls for a glow that lasts from sunrise to sunset without budging in heat or humidity.  Start with Tower 28 SunnyDays™ Tinted SPF 30  for lightweight, skin-loving coverage with broad-spectrum protection that lets your natural beauty shine through. Define your eyes with Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner , formulated to stay crisp and smudge-proof even in steamy conditions, so your gaze stays sharp from beach walks to evening cocktails. For a fresh flush of color, sweep on Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint ; its cooling, sheer tint brings a dewy, just-kissed finish to cheeks and lips while keeping skin comfortable. Seal your summer look with Revlon ColorStay™ Lock Setting Mist  to lock everything in place and resist humidity’s pull. | HAIRCARE Humidity may be part of coastal living, but frizz does not have to be. Start by strengthening and hydrating strands with Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask  once a week to replenish moisture lost to sun and salt.   After washing, apply No.5L Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner  to damp hair to smooth, protect, and support elasticity before styling. For effortless texture, mist Oribe Aprés Beach Wave and Shine Spray  through mid-lengths and ends to create soft, touchable waves with a subtle sheen. Once styled, finish with  to form a lightweight barrier against Gulf Coast moisture, helping preserve shape and shine without stiffness. *Products featured are independently selected and not sponsored or paid promotions. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

For more than three decades, Conna O’Donovan has helped buyers and sellers navigate the Gulf Coast real estate market with confidence and care. Serving communities from Pensacola to Navarre, she brings 36 years of experience and a steady presence to every transaction. Her journey into real estate began after a difficult home-buying experience, inspiring her to build a career rooted in advocacy, transparency, and genuine client care. Conna began with boutique firm JME Realty Co., where mentor Joe Endry shaped her early career, before spending a decade with Coldwell Banker and becoming a Beach Specialist working with coastal properties. After those early years, Conna briefly attempted to open her own real estate office, but a hurricane destroyed the space before it opened. She continued with RE/MAX for another decade, gaining experience and a loyal client base. When the timing was right, she launched Conna O’Donovan Real Estate, now celebrating 10 years. Known for keeping clients calm when transactions take unexpected turns, she prides herself on going above and beyond and has earned honors including Best of Bay. “My goal is to keep my clients calm and confident, even when the path to closing gets a little chaotic.” Conna O'Donovan | Realtor 850.232.4001 conna@connaodonovanteam.com pensacolahomelistings.com Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

At Coastalpolitan, we spend much of our time celebrating the women shaping life along the Gulf Coast. But occasionally, we meet someone whose work is intentionally designed to support them. To elevate them. To help them step into a room feeling entirely like themselves. Jeff Johnson is one of those people. Inside a warm, wood-lined studio tucked within Coastal Clothing in Grayton Beach, rows of felt hats line the walls like quiet works of art. Cream, camel, charcoal, sand. Each one shaped by hand. Each one waiting for its person. Johnson did not begin his career as a milliner. For many years, he worked in the restaurant industry, where long hours and fast decisions defined his days. It was a season that sharpened his eye for detail and deepened his understanding of service. But over time, he felt drawn toward something slower. Something more lasting. He made the decision to learn millinery. What began as curiosity became discipline. Discipline became craft. And in November 2025, that craft became Santa Rosa Hat Co., now open in the Grayton Beach and 30A area. In his studio, the process feels almost ceremonial. Steam softens the felt. Wooden blocks shape the crown. Fire lightly singes the surface, sealing fibers and adding subtle character. Hands smooth the brim. Fingers test the weight and balance. Nothing is rushed. The work demands patience. Johnson works primarily with wool, rabbit, and beaver felt. While wool offers accessibility and rabbit provides refinement, beaver felt stands apart. It is dense, naturally water-resistant, and remarkably durable. In a climate defined by humidity and salt air, those qualities matter. Beaver felt holds its structure in coastal conditions. It resists warping. It ages well. It softens without collapsing. For women balancing sun, travel, salt air, and full calendars, that durability is not simply practical. It is freeing. Most of Johnson’s clientele has traditionally been men, many drawn to the heritage appeal of a well-shaped brim. But he is intentional about expanding that narrative. “There is something powerful about putting on a hat that feels like it was made for you,” Johnson says. “I want women to feel good in what I create. Confident. Comfortable. Like it belongs to them.” And they do. A structured crown paired with a balanced brim frames the face beautifully. Neutral tones complement coastal wardrobes. A simple band, a subtle feather, or a hint of turquoise shifts the mood from understated to expressive without ever feeling overdone. What stands out most inside Santa Rosa Hat Co. is not only the craftsmanship, though it is evident in every detail. It is the atmosphere. Calm. Focused. Intentional. A quiet departure from the pace Johnson once knew. There is a throughline between hospitality and hatmaking. Both require listening. Both require understanding fit, preference, and personality. The difference is longevity. A meal ends. A hat stays. Step inside on a quiet afternoon and you may find Johnson shaping felt beneath warm light. Or you may find him seated in the corner, guitar in hand, playing a few easy chords while hats line the walls behind him. The rhythm is unhurried. The space feels creative but grounded. Personal, not performative. On 30A, where style leans relaxed yet thoughtful, Jeff Johnson is shaping more than felt. He is creating pieces designed to endure, inviting women to step into something made with care, built for the coast, and worn with confidence. Photos by Nicole Thompson / Cloud 9 Imagery Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Her Workspace Her Story Soft, intentional, and rooted in purpose, Jennifer Allwood’s workspace reflects the same layered journey that built her career. After 17 years running a nationally recognized decorative painting business in Kansas City, including features on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Jennifer transitioned into business coaching, where she now empowers women to build profitable online businesses through faith-led strategy. Today, her world blends design and entrepreneurship seamlessly, from her bestselling book Fear Is Not the Boss of You to her top-ranked podcast and a growing collection of beautifully curated short-term rentals, including properties in Arizona, Destin, and along 30A. Her office, thoughtfully designed around a custom desk gifted in her signature family “power color,” is both functional and deeply personal. Built with custom cabinetry to conceal the realities of everyday work and layered with handmade touches like a faux fur bench, the space balances beauty with practicality. It is not just where she works, but where creativity, faith, and strategy meet, a reflection of a woman who has built her business and her life with intention. Photos by Jennifer Allwood Her Workspace Her Story Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

*This blog feature is an expanded digital version of the Women Who Make Waves editorial from the Feb–Mar 2026 issue of Coastalpolitan Magazine, offering additional insight into Madison Sullivan Wallace’s journey, leadership, and evolving definition of success. Susan N. Story is a distinguished utility executive whose leadership has shaped critical infrastructure and community investment across the Southeast. She is best known for her role as President and CEO of Gulf Power, where she guided the company through pivotal years of operational growth, resilience, and community engagement. Story’s foundation was built far from the boardroom. She grew up in the Sand Mountain region of northern Alabama, where her parents worked in a cotton mill before her father, Tom Nolen, found steady work as a pipe fitter. At home, learning came through play. Her father introduced his children to games like “Krypto,” a fast-paced card game that required quick math and sharp thinking. Combined with the encouragement of an eighth-grade algebra teacher, those early experiences sparked Story’s interest in math and science. That focus never came at the expense of connection. Story was well-liked and socially engaged, and elected Carnation Ball queen during her senior year of high school. Her younger brother, Steve Nolen, recalls that she treated everyone the same, a quality that set her apart even then. Her love of math led her to Auburn University's engineering school. While there, Story worked as a reporter for her hometown newspaper and tutored fellow students to support herself. Driven and disciplined, she graduated in less than four years, already clear about her direction. In 1982, she began her career as a nuclear power plant engineer with Southern Company. At a time when few women entered engineering roles, Story weighed her options carefully and chose the power industry for a simple reason. She wanted to work where the impact mattered. Over time, she held roles across engineering, customer operations, and human resources, even climbing poles with linemen to better understand the work from the ground up. In April 2003, Story became President and CEO of Gulf Power Company, making history as the first woman and one of the youngest executives to lead the Pensacola-headquartered utility. Just over a year later, Hurricane Ivan would test her leadership in ways few executives ever experience. The storm devastated the region, knocking out power across Northwest Florida and cutting Pensacola off from the rest of the state. Story worked nearly nonstop for weeks, making the uncommon decision to allow media into storm center meetings to provide transparency during the recovery. Calm and steady under pressure, she focused on clarity, communication, and trust. Her leadership during the crisis set new standards for storm response and customer engagement. Beyond the company, Story became deeply involved in regional recovery and growth efforts, from Rebuild Northwest Florida to statewide business and policy organizations. Her work consistently reflected the same belief she carried from childhood forward: strong communities are built through preparation, service, and responsibility. Susan Story’s leadership is not defined by flash or volume. It is defined by steadiness, integrity, and care. Her legacy lives in the systems that hold communities together and in the example she continues to set for leaders who understand that real power is earned, not declared. Photos Courtesy of Google Images THE FIRST WAVE Begin Part One of Women Who Make Waves  series with Madison Sullivan Wallace , whose bold vision and leadership set the tone for the powerful stories to come. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

*This blog feature is an expanded digital version of the Women Who Make Waves editorial from the Feb–Mar 2026 issue of Coastalpolitan Magazine, offering additional insight into Madison Sullivan Wallace’s journey, leadership, and evolving definition of success. Madison Sullivan Wallace earned her captain’s license at just 19 years old, well before Crab Island became the iconic destination it is today. At the time, the docks told a different story. Few women were running boats in the area, and even fewer were operating their own charters. Madison was one of the first female captains regularly working at Crab Island, and from the beginning, she saw what many others missed: an opportunity to build something more intentional, more professional, and more experience-driven as tourism along the Emerald Coast continued to grow. She officially launched Crab Island Adventures in early 2020, just one month after graduating from Florida State University. Her first boat was purchased in February of that year. Weeks later, the world shut down. With the DMV closed and insurance companies unresponsive, the logistics of launching a charter business stalled almost overnight. Rather than waiting idly, Madison pivoted. She leaned into skills she had always enjoyed, storytelling, photography, and social media, and began documenting life on the water. At the same time, TikTok was emerging as a new platform, still unpolished and wide open. Madison posted consistently, sharing behind-the-scenes boating moments, the realities of running a charter business, and the quieter, less glamorous sides of entrepreneurship. That consistency paid off. Her following grew to nearly 90,000, creating awareness long before tourism rebounded. When it did, demand followed quickly. That first summer was relentless. Madison was running up to three cruises a day, spending 12-hour days on the water while answering calls, managing bookings, and handling customer service between trips. It was exhausting work, but it was also validating. The business was no longer just an idea. It was real. In the years that followed, growth came steadily and with intention. Madison focused on refining operations, strengthening safety standards, and building a reputation rooted in trust. Crab Island was evolving, and so was her business. Then, this past year brought a rare convergence of opportunity: a new dock with available slips, boats being built and delivered faster than ever, and the ability to assemble the right team at the right time. For Madison, it felt like a signal to finally take a leap she had been preparing for all along. Today, Crab Island Adventures operates eight boats with a growing team and systems built from years of firsthand experience on the water. What began as a single-boat operation run by a 21-year-old captain has grown into a family-run business rooted in Destin, shaped by timing, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the local boating community. That growth, however, has reshaped how Madison defines success. “I don’t see success as a destination anymore,” she says. “I see it as learning how to enjoy the journey.” Entrepreneurship, she’s learned, is never finished. There is always another idea, another challenge, another opportunity waiting. Success now means not allowing fear to dictate decisions. It means taking risks, learning from missteps, and having the resilience to stand back up when something doesn’t go as planned. As the business expanded, Madison faced one of the most difficult mindset shifts of her career: learning to let go. For years, she wore every hat, believing that doing everything herself was the only way to ensure quality. Eventually, she realized that her mindset was limiting growth rather than protecting it. Trusting her team allowed her to step into true leadership instead of constant oversight, a transition that didn’t come easily but proved essential. Scaling the business while navigating personal milestones brought its own challenges. The most difficult moments, Madison notes, were often mental rather than logistical. Many obstacles turned out to be solvable within hours. What surprised her was how often the fear of a problem felt heavier than the problem itself. She began to see that growth isn’t always about doing more. Often, it’s about building solid systems and placing the right people in the right roles. That clarity deepened when Madison became a mother. She had assumed that once she had a child, the business would naturally take a backseat. Instead, motherhood gave her work new meaning. Crab Island Adventures became a creative outlet and a source of balance. Her son has been present for nearly every milestone, boat designs, website launches, customer check-ins, and captain interviews, sometimes from her chest, sometimes from her hip. Rather than pulling her away from the business, motherhood anchored her more firmly within it. “It turned the business into something deeper,” she reflects. “A true family business.” One that allows her to model work ethic, resilience, and ambition firsthand. That sense of legacy now guides every decision. Madison and her husband run the business full-time together after he transitioned from his career as an engineer at Lockheed Martin. Her mother manages five-star customer service and trip planning. Even her younger sister spent the summer working on the boats as a mate. What started as a post-college idea has become a multigenerational operation that connects families through shared purpose. When asked what advice she would offer other women building businesses alongside real life, Madison doesn’t offer rigid rules. Instead, she returns to presence. Be where you are, fully. When you’re with your children, put the phone down. When you’re working, focus on what truly matters. The clarity she gains from time with her son sharpens her decision-making everywhere else. Growth, she’s learned, doesn’t require sacrificing one part of life for another. It requires intention, trust, and the courage to move forward even when the next step isn’t fully visible. And sometimes, it requires believing that building a life and building a business don’t have to compete. They can grow together. Photos courtesy of Madison Sullivan Wallace & Crab Island Adventures THE WAVE CONTINUES Don’t miss Part Two of Women Who Make Waves , featuring Susan Story , as her inspiring journey continues and the impact she’s making comes fully into focus. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR

In Orange Beach, Alabama, Melanie Martin ’s showroom on Canal Road feels calm and carefully composed from the moment you step inside. On a recent visit, one piece in particular stayed with me long after I left: a Brazilian onyx table, currently offered for sale. It anchors a sitting area with a soft, luminous presence, its veining shifting from cream to pale honey like sunlight sliding across shallow Gulf sandbars. The table is styled with the same restraint that defines Melanie’s work: a curated stack of books, a sculptural box, a piece of coral that quietly nods to the coast. Behind it, a tailored sofa dressed in layered neutrals and subtle animal patterns sits beneath a framed sea fan. Stone, texture, and pattern are all in conversation, reinforcing her signature balance of Southern refinement and modern coastal ease without ever slipping into theme. “Where you live” is often the water’s edge. Many of her projects open to sweeping waterfront views: living areas layered in creamy textiles and natural woods, framed by tall glass doors that slide open to reveal palm trees, a slim lap pool, and the shimmer of the bay. Outdoor spaces are treated with the same respect as interiors: dining tables under warm ceilings, generous wicker chairs, and soft cushions turned toward the horizon. Inside and out, the line between home and coastline is deliberately blurred. Her path to this point has been steady rather than splashy. Years ago, Melanie left north Alabama for the Gulf Coast and joined an established local design firm, learning the cadence of coastal construction and the particular demands of salt, light, and humidity. Project by project, home by home, she built deep relationships in Orange Beach and beyond. Eventually, she opened her own studio on Canal Road. Over time, “a Melanie Martin house” became shorthand along the coast for clean, timeless Southern design with a distinctly coastal point of view. Ask her what it means to be a woman in business, and she does not reach for a scripted answer. “In the business world, there is no challenge to being a woman,” she says. For her, the focus has always been on the work itself. When younger designers and entrepreneurs come to her for guidance, her advice is direct: “Start slow and start simple, and build it. Don’t go borrow a bunch of money. Do what you love.” It is the same philosophy that guides her most refinedprojects: measured, grounded, and quietly confident. In a region where interiors can drift toward theme or trend, Melanie’s spaces stand apart. They feel like an edited reflection of the Gulf itself—calm, light-filled, and enduring— anchored always by that unmistakable sense of coastal ease and elegance. Photos Courtesy of Melanie Martin Interiors melaniemartininteriors.com Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan