Boomer Beauty: Classic Cool Girls

Photography by Jordan Kelly-Laviolette | Hair & Makeup Touch Ups by Emily Apatow via Cutting Loose Salon Photographed on New College of Florida Campus | Car provided by David Gubney

August 2022—In celebration of our Boomer issue, five local beauties share their secrets to staying young!

Audrey Robbins

“With privilege comes responsibility: give, share, teach, serve”

Tell us a little about yourself.

I arrived in Sarasota in 1999, having taken a job as the Math Department Chair at the Out-of-Door Academy. My daughter Callan was 2, and my son Trey was 7. I was newly divorced and had lived in the Caribbean for 10 years. I bought a house in Lakewood Ranch and never looked back! Over the years, I have started a school, worked in universities, tutored extensively, coached sports, and worked in independent schools. For a few years, my ex-husband and I ran a restaurant on a tiny island in the Dutch West Indies. 

What are some recent projects you’ve been working on? 

As a lifelong advocate for those who have less than I, I am currently researching ways we can help alleviate the homeless crisis in our area. I am also passionate about women’s reproductive rights, and hope to keep up the fight.  

Any hobbies?

I am an avid athlete. I play team tennis throughout the year, and have recently taken up golf. I play 4-5 times per week, even in the summer heat. I also spend the better part of the season at musical events nightly, and just started taking piano lessons. One of the keys to my happiness is to keep learning. As my good friend Bob Roskamp says, “it’s a good day if you’ve learned something new.”

Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? 

I am a devoted board member of the Sarasota Ballet as the chair of the Development Committee. I am also proud to be a new member of the Board of Trustees of Marie Selby Gardens, and hope to add in some way to the vibrant group leading this magnificent organization into the future. We love music and attend every concert that the Sarasota Orchestra performs. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County inspires me as well. 

Do you have a mantra? 

I have tried to adopt a phrase that my son Trey Malone left in his letter to us before he took his own life in 2012: Lead a good life. I try to live each day spreading love and kindness. It is the best way I know to honor his short life. 

What brings you joy? 

First of all, my greatest joy is the love that I have found with my husband, Harry Leopold. It has been life-changing. Much of my joy comes from my relationship with my daughters and my best girl friends. The power of relationships among women is mighty. French fries and ice cream also make me happy. Joy is found along the path, of which mine is one of service, sport, spirituality, and community. Music of all kinds makes me happy—especially 70’s rock and roll and classical. As everyone knows, I also love fashion. Getting dressed makes me smile. 

Favorite beauty products and procedures? 

I love natural products, like Ilea, Osea, and Eminence. I keep my skin routine pretty simple: Eminence serum and oil, Isden sun screen, and makeup only when we go to events. I have a facial done every month, using all natural products. I no longer use lotions/cremes on my face, only oils, as they don’t block my pores. I am blessed with good genes—a good thing, as I have spent most of my life outside. I am a proponent of doing anything I can to avoid “the knife.” I love Sculptra; it has worked well to built a lot of collagen. I have never had any resurfacing procedures. I strangely love the fuzz on my face!

Let’s talk hair and nails.

My hair has been short since I was 30. It’s easy and fun. Recently my hair stylist, Amanda Vincent, suggested that I go blonde. Why not? I also love fun, colorful nails and try to go chemical free. Paint Nail Bar is my go-to.

Tell us more about your nutritional regiment.

I have always exercised. I started playing competitive sports when I was 10. Presently, I work out at home every morning with a streaming service, walk the dog, play tennis, and golf. For years I swam daily; it’s on my mind to restart. It’s very meditative. I have also been a vegetarian since I was 18. I weigh myself daily, and try to eat accordingly. That being said, because I am so active, I eat what I want. I believe that the gut is the key to everything, so I try to eat a lot of greens and take a number of pre and pro-biotic supplements.

What do you do for “me time”?

I start every day with a cup of coffee out on the lanai. I write at least a page in my journal and meditate before I read the paper or get online. As a luxury, I get massages every week. I use my body a lot, and it needs the work. I also go to acupuncture weekly; I feel it keeps my mind, hormones, and body balanced. I  do the NYT crossword puzzle everyday; somehow that relaxes me too. 

Debbie Dannheisser

“Appreciation is the doorway into the heart, it opens and lets love inside”

Tell us a little about yourself.

I moved to Sarasota for love, marrying my husband Dan and joining the family here in 1994 from Atlanta, Georgia. I worked as a personal coach and manager of a leadership and personal growth consulting firm for years, and my current passion project is my art and athleisure business, Debbie Dannheisser Fine Art Threads. I am a painter and  love creating and experimenting with color. For years I have expressed myself on canvas, but Debbie Dannheisser Threads combines colorful art and colorful clothing. The endeavor of my company is created from my feelings of both love and loss of our daughter Nicole. Creating art is part of the fibers of the bond and connection that she and I hold, and I want to keep her beautiful and colorful spirit alive as well as support others to keep going through life’s difficult times.

Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? 

Tidewell  Foundation that benefits the Tidewell Butterfly Grief Center is a big one for me.  They have helped me through so much over the years. Additional charities I work closely with include Big Brothers, Big Sisters, 40 Carrots Family Center, Make A Wish, New College Scholarship Fund and a few others.

Do you have a mantra? 

My favorite quote is, “Appreciation is the doorway into the heart, it opens and lets love inside,” by Shakti Gawan. I always feel more beautiful when I am in gratitude, and in appreciation of myself and others.

Tell us about what keeps you “young” at heart? What brings you joy? 

Being silly! I love teasing and telling funny stories. I love being with our boys, Sam and Josh, just hanging and laughing with them. I try to  keep things light and enjoy a good sense of humor. We love McCurdy’s Comedy Club and FST Improv and Music to do just that!

What are some things you find beautiful?

Right now, I love watching the many birds, rabbits and squirrels eating nuts and seeds outside my mom’s window that open against our gorgeous tropical garden backyard. She recently passed, so I find it is therapeutic to watch and feel her spirit live on. I find certain colors incredibly beautiful especially when they look even more yummy next to each other. I find the turquoise wall in my family room beautiful. ( I do love color!)  But most of all, I adore enriching the relationship between me, my husband, and my sons. Now that is beauty to me!

Favorite beauty products and procedures? 

For hair, Sandra from Nuovo is my girl—I love her! She cuts, highlights, and adds low lights, with occasional damage treatments. I use the strengthening shampoo and conditioner by Aveda.

For skin, I use a daily exfoliating cleanser, followed by Biopelle moisturizers and serums with eye cream and, some days, a skin lightener. My favorite lipstick is from Sisley (number 22 and 10 ). I get facials about twice a year, and mani/pedis at Two Sisters Salon in downtown Sarasota.

Let’s talk nutrition and exercise. Any tips?

I work out with trainer, Kem Lindsay, 3 times a week at the Evolution gym downtown. In between that, I do yoga at home and occasionally at Dawn Epstein’s kundalini class. I also walk and use the elliptical, which can sometimes be the best exercise, both mentally and physically.

In terms of diet, I do occasionally try to make smoothies and juices, but found the most beneficial thing is sticking to the Mediterranean Diet. This consists of foods like fruits and vegetables, potatoes, whole-grains, beans, nuts, seeds and extra virgin olive oil, and moderate amounts of lean poultry, fish, seafood, dairy and eggs. It’s inspired by the eating habits of people who live near the Mediterranean Sea.

What do you do for “me time”?

I’ve been learning new mindfulness techniques, and I breathe in and out Sa Ta Na Ma to meditate and center myself. I have a brain gym app I recently discovered and get reminders all during the day and work out my brain. Reading and journaling in the book called The Artist’s Way is another great way to keep my creativity flowing. A massage a couple times a month doesn’t hurt either!

Elisabeth Waters

“Live every day.”

Tell us a little about yourself.

I moved to Sarasota in the 90s with my daughter, so she could play tennis at Nick Bollettieri Academy (now IMG Academy). We’re originally from Austria, where I started my career as a Chemical Engineer. I love people! And I’m always working on different projects. At the moment I am working on finishing my condo. I also love working out and staying fit.

Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? 

I support many organizations in town, and love giving back. Especially notable is Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, CAN Communnity Health, Asolo Rep, the Circus Arts Conservatory, Forty Carrots, Sarasota Orchestra, and many more. You’ll see me at a lot of the events in town, showing my support, and always dressing for the cause!

Do you have a mantra? Tell us about what keeps you “young” at heart? 

One of my favorite sayings is “Live every day.” That’s what I try to do. I also spend my time with young, and young-at-heart friends, which I find keeps my mentally and emotionally rejuvenated. 

Favorite books or movies?

I’d say my favorite book is Shantaram, a novel by Gregory David Roberts. As for movies, I like anything that’s a comedy. 

Favorite beauty products and procedures? 

For my everyday products, I use MAC makeup and SkinMedica moisturizers. I find they work the best for me and my skin. 

I also get hydrafacials every six weeks. It combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection that removes dead skin cells and impurities, while also putting moisturizing serums into the skin.

Anything special for hair and nails?

For hair, I go to Hrvoje Horvat at The Met. He’s amazing! 

And Paint Nail Bar is my go-to for manicures. They offer a chemical-free manicure that lasts for weeks without the negative effects on the nails.

Tell us more about your nutritional regiment.

As I mentioned earlier, I love working out. I attend both Pure Barre for a total-body barre workout, and ThaVma in Sarasota where I do yoga at least 5 times a week, if not more. I keep up with cardio as well, but definitely prefer the stretching of my muscles to maintain my flexibility as I get older! It’s hard to maintain such a rigorus routine, but it’s all about making it a habit. It helps me be my best self. 

As for diet, I’ve been a pescatarian for more than 40 years, and find it helps keep me feeling healthy and refreshed.  I also do my best to sleep 8 hours a night. Sleep is very important to me, and is the key to having a good day.

Any other tips?

Another notable mention is Sarasota IV Lounge. They offer customized IV vitamin cocktails, boosters & shots that maximize health, prevent illness and reverse disease. It’s somewhere I frequent to make sure my health is at its best. 

Nikki Sedacca

“Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers, plant your own garden.”

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve been in Sarasota since I was 17, and I have been a business owner here for over 35 years. The entrepreneurial spirit comes to me naturally, as my father was in the restaurant business and owned Windjammer, Davy’s Locker, and Hemingway’s on St. Armands Circle. 

Currently, I own an art gallery downtown in Burns Court, 530 Burns Gallery. I am a creative and designer by trade, and have expanded from textile design and handmade one-of-a-kind art jewelry to interiors. My interior decorating and design business, Curated Interiors SRQ, has me busy! I have several projects ongoing at any given time, and no one project is the same. Each client’s unique style gives me to the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, textile designers, and custom furniture designers.

What keeps you “young” at heart, and brings you joy?

My grandchildren keep me young—and always moving! They keep things in perspective for me, and bring so much energy and joy to my life. My girlfriends and their spirit, zest for life and ability to make me laugh is refreshing and revitalizing! My work and passion to stay on top of the trends and style keeps me young and (I like to think) “in the know.” I have always loved to cook and travel, and one of my favorite things to do is to take cooking classes wherever we go. 

Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? 

Over the past 35 years, I have been so fortunate to see the incredible work that many local organizations are doing. It is so important to me to give back. Currently, I sit on the Advisory Board of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Board of Directors of the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

Do you have a mantra? 

My mantra has ALWAYS been “Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers, plant your own garden.” What this means to me is that you control your own destiny. You have the ability to create the life that you want to live and don’t waste your time waiting for someone else to do that for you. 

What are some things you find beautiful?

I am always amazed by the beauty found in nature and it is an inspiration in all of my design work. If you look around you can always find beauty in your surroundings.

Let’s talk beauty products and procedures.

I have used Dermalogica products for years. They are reasonable and work well with my skin. The YSL moisturizer is a splurge, but to me it is worth it. Lipsticks in my make up drawer range from Revlon to some special Chanel, and when I travel I love to try different beauty products from the countries I am in.

I try to get a few facials a year, focusing on a good deep cleanse. When I can’t make it, I will do a facial at home. I have always protected my skin from the sun and now more than ever I am grateful for that. One thing I am always consistent with is getting my nails done. It’s the one thing I make time to do for myself. My signature color is Big Apple Red. I also get a hair cut and color regularly and I have been seeing Ana Molanari for over 30 years. 

Tell us more about your nutritional regimen.

Exercise—can’t stand it. Next question! (Haha)

I love to eat a lot of greens, like stir fry with organic vegetables. As I get older, I realize that my love for pasta doesn’t make me feel great so I can’t do that as much as I used to. I am not a big meat eater. I try to eat as clean as I can to keep me feeling energized, but I can never turn down an ice cream cone. Mint chocolate chip, always.

Do you have a regiment for beauty sleep? 

I have always been big on having a routine in the evening and I enjoy those few moments to really relax. No television, calming music and a cup of hot tea before bed does the trick. I also use a calming essential oil on my skin before bed. It triggers it is time to wind down. I start by removing my make up with a gel cleanser, toning, a vitamin C cream at least 3 times a week and a good moisturizer. I never go to sleep with my make up on no matter how late or how tired I am!

Any other tips?

I am a big fan of vitamin B shots as I know that’s somewhere I am deficient. I think being diligent and knowing my body is important because then I know when something is off. I drink a lot of water and work to maintain balance and manage stress the best I can.

Terri Klauber

“Always live life with gratitude.”

Tell us a little about yourself.

I moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 1981 to be closer to my grandmother who lived in St. Petersburg. When I started my family, I wanted to move to a community that had great schools, arts, and culture—and Sarasota was the best choice. My professional career allowed me to succeed in marketing, sales, retail, management and I owned my own business. Today I’m thrilled to be the Director of Community Engagement for our company, Michael’s On East!

I am currently working on our 13th annual Cooking for Wishes event on February 23, benefitting our Make-A-Wish children, as well as co-chairing the Easterseals Abilities Shining Luncheon on March 2. I also enjoy working on our many Michael’s On East design projects, which always seem to keep popping up! Another part of my focus is identifying organizations that may be interested in hosting events at one of our multiple Michael’s On East special event venues. My husband Michael and I have also led over 40 food and wine journeys across the globe with our Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club. We are taking a group on a fabulous cruise of the Greek Islands on the Regent Explorer later this month.

Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? 

I am very involved in philanthropy; I have been on our Make-A-Wish Southern Florida chapter advisory board for the past 13 years. I am very passionate about this organization and how we help grant local wishes in our community. Locally, I work closely with the Child Protection Center, Easterseals, All Star Children’s Foundation, and various other non-profits. I also helped create the All Heart Fund in Sarasota in 2013, which supports the Good Work Foundation in South Africa. We have helped build seven innovative digital learning centers to date in some of South Africa’s most rural communities serving thousands of children and young adults each week.

Tell us about what keeps you “young” at heart? 

I definitely have an “inner child.” I love spending time with my children and grandchildren! They keep me young at heart and watching them grow into the amazing humans they are today, is my greatest blessing. I find joy in nature, in people, in my faith, and in creating memories for my family—that brings me complete joy!

Read any good books lately? 

I am currently reading my dear friend Beth Knopik’s newly published book, Beyond the Rainbow. It’s a story of “a mother’s journey through grief to grace” and I can’t say enough wonderful things about it. 

Favorite beauty products and procedures? 

Aveda Shampoo, Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum, Chanel Rouge Cocoa Lipstick, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation with SPF 15. Charlotte Tilbury “Instant Look of Love in a Palette” is my go-to, all-in-one for on the go! For skincare routine, washing my face with a gentle cleanser is very important and moisturizing daily—and I always apply sunscreen. I use Chanel Le Blanc Foam Cleanser. My favorite sunscreen for under make-up is ISDIN Photo Ultralight Emulsiom SPF 50+. The best moisturizer for me is Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Crème. It’s an investment, that’s for sure, and “a little dab will do you!” I have also had Red & Blue Light Therapy for skin cancer damage. I get a facial every 2-4 months. I have never had a “peel” but I might try one in the future.

Let’s talk hair and nails.

Nuovo Salon hair stylist David Roodbeen has been my hair god for the past 18 years. He helps to keep my “natural red” color up to date as I continue to mature in my age. He uses all Aveda products on me. As for nails, I also frequent Paint Nail Bar. I love their super friendly atmosphere and great attention to all things nails/current trends.

Tell us more about your nutritional regiment.

I have pivoted from the gym in my condo to a home gym. We purchased two pieces of equipment that I love: The Nordic Track X32i Treadmill with iFit, and the Lululemon Mirror. I work out every day for at least 20 minutes. No personal trainer. I enjoy yoga, pilates, weight training, and walking on our treadmill for two miles per day—unless I’m on vacation!

As for food and drink, I try to keep to a 1500-2000 calorie-based diet, low carbs and Keto (until I have to try the newest wine for our Michael’s On East wine cellar!). I love cooking with fresh vegetables, light proteins, and have been exploring some great vegan recipes lately.

Any other helpful tips?

I am a huge note-taker and Post-It sticker gal. I also set many reminders on my daily calendar. I like to be pro-active with meal planning and start planning each Sunday for the week. I cook at home every night unless it’s an event night out. I am a travel planner, so for travel I plan all outfits that can easily be mixed and matched. I use the “travel pouches” for easy access and to condense packing.