She Sets <br/>The Scene

It’s easy to be swept away with enthusiasm in the company of Leslie Joy Ickowitz.

She possesses a passionate spirit devoted to exploring possibilities. Her unique perspectives have earned her the reputation as an authority on the lifestyle experience.  With VERTICAL, she raises the bar for cultural awareness.

Creating imaginative events to bring the pages of VERTICAL to life is one of Leslie’s specialties. "So Not Sari" at PUSH Ultra Lounge and "Something Very VERTICAL" at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts were vivid expressions of her imagination.

Leslie is the Style Editor for Creative Loafing and can be spotted on monthly segments of Studio 10 TV for which Mark Thorn, the show's executive producer, calls her the “Purveyor of Fabulous.”  Her guests have included local fashion designers, owners of super exotic cars and the local chef responsible for the balloon au chocolat—an imploding chocolate balloon filled with cake and fresh fruit.

She has shiny new cars delivered to people's doorsteps to drive to Anna Maria Island for Get VERTICAL Getaways—weekend trips she designed for guests to enjoy total relaxation and bliss.

Leslie is enamored with Working Women of Tampa Bay (WWOTB) for whom she once delivered a "Living the Dream" speech. It was a life-changing experience. Since then, she partners with WWOTB throughout the year to host "Get VERTICAL Happy Hours." 

Some of Leslie’s happiest moments take place behind the lens of her camera. Her photography focuses on objects of desire, travel, nature, art & fashion. Leslie Joy Original images are woven throughout VERTICAL’s pages.

An avid world traveler, Leslie understands that the meaning of life lies in the journey. With appreciation for the beauty that surrounds her, she seeks opportunities to make a difference in her community, inspires others to achieve their potential, to get VERTICAL…and to be part of something fabulous!

Photo by Wicked Lens Imaging. Makeup by Pamela Bloomgren of MOD Productions.