Publisher of Hamptons Mouthpiece

Art and Soul, a Soulful Celebration in the Hamptons

Art & Soul: Where Culture, Flavor & Black Joy Took Center Stage in the Hamptons

Let’s keep it real — ART & SOUL: Hamptons didn’t just return this year. It showed out.

From July 18–20, the East End was alive with color, culture, and connection as this sold-out, three-day celebration spotlighted the brilliance of Black creativity. We’re talking visual art, Caribbean soul food, live music, crafted cocktails, and thought-provoking conversations — all wrapped in a weekend that radiated joy from start to finish.

And when I say this event had layers? I mean layers.

✨ Visual artists like Reynoir Lewis, Laura R. Gadson, and Suliman Onque lit up the outdoor exhibitions with bold, breathtaking work.

✨ Photographer Kurt Leggard (yep, that’s my husband!) captured the magic of the red carpet, from the glow-ups to the candid moments of joy.

✨ Music floated through the air — with flutist Dwayne Kerr (of Erykah Badu’s band), master kora player Yacouba Sissoko, SIYA African Band, and DJ Infmatick setting the tone.

And y’all already know my favorite part: Friday night’s Culinary Tasting & Film Night. The flavors were bold, the chefs brought the heat (shoutout to Chara’s Kitchen, SMAC, Infusery, and more!), and the screening of ERASED — narrated by Idris Elba — hit deep. It was powerful, moving, and necessary. The talkback, moderated by Brenda Simmons of the Southampton African American Museum, opened the floor to the kind of conversations that stick with you long after the credits roll.

Throughout the weekend, guests sipped on curated cocktails and moonshine from New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery (yes, moonshine!), and toasted with HRLM Champagne and wines from Charles Springfield’s stylings. And let’s not forget the soulful wellness sips and bites from PAIJA Tea Co., Happy Bubble Soda, The Nourish Spot, and more.

The vibes? Immaculate. The crowd? A mix of tastemakers, artists, philanthropists, and real-deal community leaders. Names like actress Novi Brown (BET’s Sistas), Peter Marino, Vanessa Gordon, Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, and yes, me (Vanessa Leggard of Hamptons MouthPiece!) came out to celebrate.

But this event wasn’t about the names. It was about the energy. The joy. The community. The real talk, real People

As festival producer Yaya Reyes put it best, “ART & SOUL is not just an event — it’s a declaration of presence, purpose, and power.”

And that’s exactly what it felt like.

From the luxe florals by April & Ashley to the curated gift bags filled with purpose-driven Black-owned brands — everything felt intentional, elevated, and full of soul.

This was a weekend that didn’t just entertain — it uplifted. It honored the past, celebrated the present, and poured into the future of Black excellence in the arts, food, and beyond.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry — Art & Soul is just getting started. Follow @ArtAndSoulHamptons to stay plugged in.

Because around here, we do more than show up.

We celebrate, we support, and we shine.

Hamptons MouthPiece; Real Talk. Real People. From NYC to the East End.

Lonely, But Not Alone

Loneliness: Real Talk. Real People.

Loneliness: Let’s talk about something real for a second—something that doesn’t always show up in pretty pictures or polished conversations: loneliness.

Loneliness: Not the kind where you spend a quiet night in.

Not the kind where you cancel plans and feel relieved. But the kind that settles in your chest, even when you’re surrounded by people. The kind that whispers, “No one really sees you.”

Loneliness is a complex emotion. It’s not just about being physically alone—it’s about feeling disconnected, unheard, unseen. And in today’s hyper-connected world where we’re constantly “on,” it’s surprisingly easy to feel isolated.

Scroll through social media and everyone seems to be living their best lives: parties, vacations, group dinners, flawless skin, perfect partners.

But behind the filters? Many of those same people are struggling too.

They just don’t talk about it.

So let’s go there. Let’s say it out loud: loneliness is real.

Loneliness: It doesn’t care how old you are, how social you are, or how many people know your name. It shows up during transitions, grief, breakups, career changes, motherhood, aging. It creeps in when you move to a new place or lose touch with a friend. It can even happen while you’re sitting at dinner with people you love.

And here’s what many don’t realize:

Chronic loneliness isn’t just hard emotionally—it’s hard on your body too. It increases stress levels, fuels anxiety, impacts sleep, and can even raise the risk of heart disease.

But you’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re not the only one.

You are human.

And there are ways to gently move through it:

Start with small, meaningful conversations.
Say yes to a coffee.
Say no to things that drain you.
Write the text. Make the call.
Let people know you’re thinking of them.
Let someone in when they ask how you are—and answer honestly.

You don’t have to fix it all at once. You just have to take one small step.

The truth is, loneliness is something we all experience at some point. It’s not an exception—it’s part of being human. But when we acknowledge it, when we share it, when we reach out instead of retreat—we take away its power.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s me,”—know this:

You are not alone.

You are not invisible.

You matter.

Let’s keep checking in on one another. Let’s keep being honest. Let’s keep it real.

Real Talk. Real People.

That’s what we do here.

Beyond Botox: A Sit-Down with Dr. Sobel in Southampton

Botox by the Bay…and Beyond: A Skin-Deep Sit-Down with Dr. Howard Sobel in Southampton.

You know the name. You’ve probably heard it whispered over brunch at Tutto il Giorno or casually dropped during a Pilates class. “He’s the one—Botox by the Bay.” But Dr. Howard Sobel is no one-trick pony. This board-certified dermatologic surgeon, with over 30 years of experience in Manhattan also has a practice in Southampton, is also a laser wizard—offering treatments like Fraxel and Helix that are rewriting the rules of skincare in the Hamptons.

We sat down with Dr. Sobel for a conversation that went beyond Botox. From skin cycling to laser resurfacing to caring for melanin-rich skin, this was no fluff facial. This was real talk, the kind we love at Hamptons Mouthpiece.

So, what’s the difference between Fraxel and Helix—and who needs what?

“Lasers aren’t just lasers,” Dr. Sobel says, immediately clearing up one of the biggest misconceptions. “They’re built for specific issues.”

Fraxel, he explains, is a fractional laser that targets pigmentation, sunspots, and even pre-malignant lesions. Translation? It’s doing double duty: helping your skin look better and stay healthier. It’s ideal for folks in their 20s to 50s—basically anyone whose skin has seen a little too much sun or who’s ready to get ahead of aging.

Helix, on the other hand, is a CO2 laser that’s like sandpaper in light form (sounds scary, but stick with us). It removes fine etched lines by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen. “With age, we lose volume, collagen, and elasticity. Helix helps bring that bounce back,” Dr. Sobel explains. “It can take your skin back 10, 15—even 20 years.”

Heads up: Helix has a longer recovery (5–7 days), while Fraxel has a shorter downtime (3–5 days).

Retinol, Skin Cycling & Not Peeling Like a Croissant

Retinol may be trending, but Dr. Sobel wants you to respect the retinol. Whether it’s over-the-counter (retinol) or prescription-strength (Retin-A), this vitamin A derivative is one of the only ingredients proven to boost collagen production.

So how do you add it into your routine without turning into a flake fest?

“Start slow,” he says. “Pea-sized amount. Rub it in. Every other day. Then move to daily only if your skin can handle it.” Also? Don’t forget the sunscreen. Retinol makes your skin more sun-sensitive, so protection is non-negotiable.

The earlier you start, the better. “Start in your 20s if you can,” he advises. “Because after 20, you lose 1% of collagen every year. That adds up.”

Let’s Talk Lasers and Melanin-Rich Skin

Here’s where Dr. Sobel’s honesty and experience really shine. “In the past, we were more hesitant with lasers on darker skin tones because of the risk of hyperpigmentation or light spots,” he says. “Now, with newer technology, we can safely treat Black, Brown, and Asian skin—but we go more conservatively.”

The key is customization, not a one-size-fits-all laser blast. “The goal is glow, not damage.”

The Takeaway? It’s Not Just About Skin

“It’s about health care, not just skin care,” Dr. Sobel reminds us. These treatments aren’t just about looking good (although, yes please)—they’re about taking care of your skin in a real, science-backed way.

And with his signature mix of Manhattan expertise and Hamptons approachability, Dr. Sobel is bridging the gap between high-end treatments and beach-town vibes.

✨ Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Sobel—coming soon to Hamptons Mouthpiece. We’ll be diving even deeper into skincare myths, his go-to products, and the real deal on glow-ups.

Take a listen to the full conversation, dropping soon. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably book an appointment.

Follow Dr. Sobel on Instagram

Hookah Harmless Fun or a Smoke Screen? Let’s Talk Truth

Hookah 101: What’s Actually Happening?

For the uninitiated, hookah (also called shisha, waterpipe, or narghile if you want to sound fancy) is a way of smoking flavored tobacco. The tobacco is heated with charcoal, the smoke bubbles through water, and you inhale it through a hose.

People often think, “Hey, the water cleans it! Science!”

Spoiler: It doesn’t. Not in any way that actually helps your lungs.

🚭 The Big Myth: The Water Makes It Safe

It’d be great if dunking smoke in water turned it into magical healthy air — but that’s not how physics works. The water cools the smoke so you can take bigger puffs — which just means you’re inhaling more smoke.

You’re still getting:

• Nicotine: Addictive. (Surprise!)

• Carbon monoxide: Same stuff that comes out of car exhausts.

• Cancer-causing chemicals: Yes, they’re in there too.

📏 One Hookah Session = How Many Cigarettes?

Brace yourself: A typical hookah session can last an hour. In that time, you might take hundreds of puffs — the smoke volume can equal 20–50 cigarettes. So if you’d never chain-smoke a pack in an hour, you might want to rethink that hookah hose.

😷 More Than Just Smoke: The Other Nasty Surprises

1️⃣ Secondhand Smoke: Your friends next to you are breathing it too. The charcoal adds extra toxins. So everyone’s lungs are at the party — whether they like it or not.

2️⃣ Sharing Mouthpieces: Everyone’s germs are going on a field trip. Cold sores, flu, maybe worse. It’s like a group project — but with germs.

3️⃣ Long-Term Health: Regular hookah use is linked to lung cancer, heart disease, messed-up lungs — you name it. Just like cigarettes, but with fancy cushions and flavored clouds.

🪻 “But Mine Is Herbal!”

Nice try. Even herbal or “nicotine-free” shisha still gets heated with charcoal. That means carbon monoxide and other nasties are still along for the ride. So, water + fruit flavor + charcoal = still toxic. Sorry, strawberry-mango fans.

✅ So… What Now?

Hey, I get it — hookah is social. It’s chill. It feels classy. But it’s not harmless. If you’re already thinking about cutting back or quitting, you’re ahead of the game.

• Talk to your doc.

• Find a quit-smoking app.

• Pick up a new ritual that doesn’t involve inhaling burning stuff.

💬 Final Puff of Truth

Hookah isn’t some magical loophole where smoking becomes healthy. It’s cigarettes in disguise — with more cushions and fruit flavors.

Next time someone says, “It’s just hookah, it’s fine!” — hit them with the facts. Or better yet, share this article.

Stay smart, stay social — and keep your lungs out of the party.

What’s your hookah story? Love it? Hate it? Shocked? DM me your thoughts on my sociall media or email hamptonsmouthpiece@gmail.com — and tag a friend who needs to read this!

Real Talk, Real People Meet Hamptons Mouthpiece

Real Talk, Real People — Meet Hamptons Mouthpiece – If you’ve ever found yourself leaning in to overhear the best conversation at a Hamptons brunch, you already know what Hamptons Mouthpiece is all about. But if you haven’t — pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of rosé, and let’s get you up to speed.

Real Talk, Real People. It’s not just our tagline — it’s our promise. In a place where the waves are calm but the chatter isn’t, Hamptons Mouthpiece is your all-access pass to the stories that make the Hamptons more than just a pretty postcard.

So, Who Are We?

We’re your nosy-but-friendly neighbor, the plus-one you actually want at the party, the friend who’ll tell you the truth about your outfit and the best spot for a lobster roll. We’re the ones laughing at the back of the room, but also the ones asking the real questions everyone else is too polite (or too posh) to say out loud.

What Do We Do?

Hamptons Mouthpiece covers it all — the glitzy galas and the beach bonfires, the small-town heroes and the big-name headliners. We champion local businesses, shine a light on hidden gems, and celebrate the people who make this place tick.

But here’s what makes us different: our stories don’t stay locked behind the hedges. Sure, we’ll keep you in the know about what’s happening from Montauk to Riverhead— but we’re also here to share ideas and conversations that resonate no matter where you live.

Because real talk, real people is universal. A reader in Singapore could find themselves nodding along with an article we write out here on the East End. Why? Because everyone loves a good story, and we know how to tell them.

Why It Matters

Behind the designer sunglasses and backyard soirées, the Hamptons is still a village — and every village needs a Mouthpiece. We’re here to amplify the voices that make this place feel like home: the artists, the shopkeepers, the volunteers, the everyday folks doing extraordinary things — the people whose stories deserve to be told, near and far.

Come Sit With Us

Got a story? Spill it. Need the inside scoop? We’ve got it. Want to know where the locals really eat? We’ll whisper it — if you promise not to Instagram it before we do.

Hamptons Mouthpiece — Real Talk. Real People. Local stories with a global heartbeat.

Stay curious, stay connected, and keep your ear to the ground — or at least to us. We’ll handle the talking.