An Hayward’s extraordinarily long modeling career, spanning more than three decades, followed a three year career traveling the world as a professional ballerina. She has been paired with the world’s most innovative fashion photographers, walked the runways of shows in fashion capitals around the world, and participated in campaigns for top-tier fashion brands, catalogs as well as popular magazines. She’s worked alongside Cindy Crawford, Giorgio Armani, Herb Ritts and others among the elite of the fashion world. For years, she was the “face of Chico’s”, appearing on many catalog covers and in tens of thousands of styles. 

In 2022, An and her husband, Ashton, moved to Pensacola, his hometown. Their son, Aiden was born the next year. 

When Ashton was elected Pensacola’s mayor in 2010, An dove into myriad civic duties as the First Lady of Pensacola. She’s currently serving on the board of the Baptist Health Care Foundation and First City Art Center. 

Over the past two years An has been an active volunteer at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul thrift store, where she has redirected her fashion skills to curate a clothing collection for those in  need benefitting the Alfred Washburn Center for the Homeless. 

An is honored to participate in the Pensacola Opera’s celebration of many artists and art forms that bring such a rich diversity to our city. 

Jarvis Derrell (they/them), a Pensacola native, corresponds for MTV Style, covering such events as, New York Fashion Week, The Met Gala, The Grammys, The Oscars, The Emmys and The Golden Globes to name a few. Jarvis is the creator and writer of the social media hit handle “@shehashadit,” landing them in numerous publications such as W Magazine, PAPER Magazine, and Vogue. When not writing, Jarvis hosts a weekly Cabaret featuring the best of Broadway, as well as multiple parties in the NYC nightlife scene. Most notably known for their hit series on VHI1, “Jarvis in the Elevator,” Jarvis Derrell has dominated social media with their hit instagram handle “@shehashadit.” A staple in New York nightlife, Jarvis has also been seen performing on tours across the country, and in dozens of venues in New York City.   Before the pandemic, Jarvis collaborated with Drag Superstars and created the “Sunday Service” brunch at Therapy, which performed to a completely sold out run. Jarvis has hosted various shows in Manhattan and has also been a featured writer for MTV Style.

Will Bowers, aka DJ Dad, runs Easy Going Gallery: a new venue, art gallery, espresso bar in Pensacola. Easy Going Gallery opened in August 2021 with one of our main goals being to promote growth and inclusivity in Pensacola’s dance music scene.

DJ Dad started DJ’ing in college and has since DJ’d at some amazing parties across the Panhandle, Orlando, and NYC.

Nate Simmons grew up in Ankeny, IA. In 2001, he moved to Pensacola because of his love for the beautiful white sand beaches. Nate moved a few times over the years living in Tampa, Atlanta and Denver, but eventually made his way back to Pensacola. Nate worked as a bartender and manager for Margaritaville Beach Hotel on Pensacola Beach, opened Garden & Grain and Perennial Garden Bar, and currently serves as the bar manager at Union Public House. Nate has an amazing (almost) 5  year old daughter River Rose and resides in Gulf Breeze.