Chanelle Hayes

From the Editor

BY CHANELLE HAYES

Strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet persistence of those who refuse to give up, the grace of resilience after loss or the courage to carve a path where none existed. In this issue of Chic Compass, we celebrate the power of perseverance with the theme: Only the Strong Survive.

This issue is a tribute to individuals who embody strength in its truest form—physical, emotional, spiritual and visionary. Meet our cover star, Tony Pearson, a Las Vegas bodybuilder who transformed personal trials into triumphs. His story isn’t just about relentless discipline and mental grit but also about the transformative power of believing in yourself—especially when life throws its hardest punches. As you read his story, you’ll be inspired by the fact that he doesn’t just lift weights; he lifts the spirits of those around him.

In a different key, we turn to the entertainment world with singer-songwriter A.J. Croce, whose name carries a legacy and a personal resilience journey. As the son of music legend Jim Croce, he has forged his own path in the music industry, rising above early tragedy and vision challenges to become a powerful voice and an incredible storyteller in his own right.

In this issue, you’ll learn about motivational speaker, author, business coach and entrepreneur Jamar “J Haleem” Washington. His message is simple yet profound: your past doesn’t define your potential. From adversity to advocacy, his story reminds us that strength often comes from choosing purpose over pain and using your platform to elevate others.

We also spotlight Linda Smith, founder of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada and the Christopher Smith Foundation. Her journey is rooted in love, advocacy and a mother’s will. Throughout her life and career, she has changed the landscape for families across the state, proving that strength is measured in compassion, vision and service.

Each story touches on what it means to endure, rise and inspire. After all, survival isn’t just about getting through the challenging moments—it’s about growing stronger because of them. Growing stronger comes from overcoming challenges and having a sense of hope and optimism.

You’ll also read about organizations like the Hospitality Charitable Foundation (formerly known as the Epicurean Charitable Foundation), which empowers and transforms the lives of hospitality students through scholarships, mentorships and various programs, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed in the competitive hospitality industry. We also highlight The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, which provides critical services and a safe space to one of the region’s most vulnerable populations through counseling, support groups and advocacy services.

You can always count on Chic Compass to take you into a world of fashion and style, and we made every effort to do so with the stunning fashions of David Tupaz Couture. We have features on Will Roger, Alisha Kerlin, Hal Savar, Desert Roots Rising Stars and Valerie Perri; take you inside the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, the Las Vegas Jazz Society’s 50th Anniversary, this year’s Academy Awards, as well as local restaurants such as Zio’s Italian Steakhouse and Panevino. Our compass also took us to Lyon, France, to cheer on the chefs of the Bocuse d’Or competition. Plus, we’ve introduced a new column on health and wellness. For a touch of history, we also explore the evolution of tariffs in the United States, from their role in early American economic policy to their continued impact on trade and industry today.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it. As always, thank you for joining us on this journey. We’re excited to continue exploring, discovering and sharing the stories that inspire and connect us all.