Before Hart rooted herself along the Gulf Coast, she spent years in Nashville, working rooms that did Two Grammy-nominated cuts and hard-earned respect gave her a national footprint, but the coast offered The event funnels its proceeds to Gulf Coast Kids House, turning a playful theme into real support for Along this stretch of coast, Rhonda Hart proves that point every time she steps to the mic — a reminder Rhonda Hart’s Annual Barbies for Charity Birthday Party raises funds for Gulf Coast Kid’s House.

Summer arrives on the Gulf Coast with a certain kind of presence. The colors feel brighter. This issue of Coastalpolitan is our reflection of that spirit. And in Heart of the Coast, we highlight the impactful work of Anchorage Children’s Home through our conversation Coastalpolitan remains proudly run by women, for women. Every story is curated with care. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 APR-MAY FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

is an expanded digital version of the Women Who Make Waves editorial from the Feb–Mar 2026 issue of Coastalpolitan Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

is an expanded digital version of the Women Who Make Waves editorial from the Feb–Mar 2026 issue of Coastalpolitan something more intentional, more professional, and more experience-driven as tourism along the Emerald Coast Rather than pulling her away from the business, motherhood anchored her more firmly within it. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR

The Gulf Coast, for some women, has become an answer to that silence. Along the Emerald Coast, that recalibration has found an unlikely but fitting form: a kayak paddle dipping Heroes on the Water, a national nonprofit with a chapter rooted in the Emerald Coast and serving the But the Gulf Coast has a way of holding that process gently. The Gulf Coast is one such place.

Collective , a growing network created to introduce, connect, and encourage female sailors across the Gulf Coast Photos Courtesy of Melissa Nelson de Valcourt & Women Sailing Collective Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Welcome to the very first issue of Coastalpolitan Magazine . What began as a spark of an idea, a desire to celebrate the women, culture, and creative energy of our coast magazine exists to reflect the lives, ambitions, and voices of those who shape life along the Gulf Coast With gratitude, Michelle Roberts Publisher, Coastalpolitan Magazine Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Coastal casual clothing embraces an effortless sense of ease, where comfort blends with refinement that Layering plays a subtle role in the coastal casual wardrobe. At its core, quiet coastal luxury is about creating space for ease. Photos Courtesy of EastBay Clothiers Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

feels lighter, the kind you notice when you step outside in the morning, and even the scent of the coast Along the Gulf Coast, that feeling is hard to ignore. Maybe it’s the way the water moves. But there’s a growing number of women, especially here along the coast, who are choosing to step outside Warmly, Nicole Thompson Editor-In-Chief & Art Director Coastalpolitan Magazine Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

The Coastal Glow Edit | SKINCARE Humidity, salt air, and sun exposure demand skincare that protects without The coastal glow is polished but relaxed. Great coastal hair starts with working with the elements, not fighting them. Lightweight sealers like Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray help create sleek, glossy hair that 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. Beaver felt holds its structure in coastal conditions. It resists warping. It ages well. Neutral tones complement coastal wardrobes. creating pieces designed to endure, inviting women to step into something made with care, built for the coast Photos by Nicole Thompson / Cloud 9 Imagery Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

captained a shrimp boat, her great grandfather was a commercial fisherman, and the rhythms of the Gulf Coast spinning outfits around seven to eight feet in length, spooled with braided line for better feel and casting Because somewhere between the cast and the catch, the real reward of fishing often appears. Photos Courtesy of Google Images Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan