What qualities make an eligible bachelorette? Smart, strong, self-reliant, funny, kind and successful, for starters. In our book, those characteristics make a woman in general.
With more than 50 nominations, Coast Monthly’s committee narrowed the list to 12. It wasn’t easy. We couldn’t choose them all, tempting as it was. But it was easy to see the upper Texas Coast has no shortage of women with a lot to offer a special someone.
In this first-ever Bachelorette Issue, you’ll find women of all different backgrounds and interests. Each bachelorette has her own distinct personality, apparent in the answers each gave to our questions. But the bachelorettes had some things in common, including a love for the coast, being adventurous, gracious and all around good sports at the cover shoot.
If you’d like to meet one of these women, email feedback@coastmonthly.com and provide your name and phone number. We’ll forward that on to the bachelorette who caught your eye.
Without further ado, meet the women of Coast Monthly.
— Laura Elder
Amy Taber. Hair and makeup by Michelly Villalpando, of Tangles Salon in Texas City. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Amy Taber
Age: 28
Town: League City
Occupation: Teacher for Texas City Independent School District and cheer coach at the school
My ideal mate: Outgoing, assured of what they want in life; someone who has my back, is kind and loyal and definitely a Christian; someone who loves life, loves to travel and someone who won’t play games.
Something you’re dying to try: Travel to exotic places.
Top song on my playlist: “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and “Cheerleader” by OMI.
Super powers I wish I had: Mind reader. I’d like to know what everyone is thinking — especially men.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: The laid-back atmosphere, restaurants, the variety of things to do. From League City to Galveston, there is always something going on.
What’s one of your hidden talents? Since I was a gymnast and cheerleader growing up, I can do tumbling and back flips.
Biggest turnoff: Dishonesty, lack of ambition, unfaithfulness, being noncommittal.
Celebrity crush: J.J. Watt. He seems to be a genuine guy and I admire the charity work he does. He just recently said he was looking for a girlfriend, so J.J. Watt, I hope you read this.
My proudest accomplishment: I recently bought my own home, plus I’m in graduate school right now with a 4.0 GPA.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Somewhere tropical, like Bora Bora, in one of those huts over the water.
Callie Walker. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Callie Walker
Age: 27
Town: Galveston
Occupation: Marketing coordinator
My ideal mate: Outgoing, outdoorsy, trustworthy and honest with a great sense of humor. Someone who can make me laugh and is always up for an adventure.
Something you’re dying to try: Surf. I’ve lived on the island now for three years and have paddle-boarded and kayaked, but have still yet to go surfing.
Top song on my playlist: “I’ve Got This Friend” by The Civil Wars.
Super powers I wish had: The ability to freeze-frame time, so that I could get more done in the day.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: Taking my son to the beach; he’s about to turn 3 years old. Also, driving along the seawall on my way to work, so I get to see the Gulf every day.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I’m a self-taught graphic designer.
Biggest turnoff: Lack of communication, inconsistencies and smoking.
Celebrity crush: Brandon Boyd, lead singer of Incubus.
My proudest accomplishment: My son. He teaches me something new every day and continues to bring out the best in me.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Greece, so that I could swim in the clear blue water and photograph the beautiful islands.
Concetta Maceo. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Concetta Maceo
Age: 27
Town: Galveston
Occupation: Restaurateur at Maceo Spice & Import Co.
My ideal mate: Someone who is trustworthy, can get along with my family, has a good sense of humor, is intelligent and driven.
Something you’re dying to try: Go to Sri Lanka. The food and the culture interest me. I love Indian food and the food in Sri Lanka is very similar.
Top song on my playlist: “Volare” by Dean Martin. I love music, so it’s really about my mood, but I listen to Dino the most since he’s playing at the shop. I also like anything by the Gorillaz and 311.
Super powers I wish I had: To teleport like on “Star Trek.”
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: Seeing the beach. It balances me and gets me ready for the day.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I love to paint, especially with acrylics, charcoal and even crayons. I recently painted a third eye, free hand. I have it hanging on my wall to remind myself to focus.
Biggest turnoff: Jealousy. I deal with a lot of people every day and my customer base is mainly men, so I don’t like someone I’m dating getting jealous if I’m talking to another guy.
Celebrity crush: Matthew McConaughey. He does good work for the community and is easy on the eyes.
My proudest accomplishment: Running my own business. I’m about to expand onto The Strand and will be opening a full bar and restaurant. And yes, my dad will still be around. Also, graduating from college. I was the first person in my family to do so.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Any place next to water.
Erin Jensen. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Erin Jensen
Age: 28
Town: Galveston
Occupation: Communications specialist at Galveston Independent School District
My ideal mate: Someone who is funny, outgoing, ambitious, goal-oriented and who shares my similar values and is easy to get along with.
Something you’re dying to try: Take a helicopter tour over Stewart Beach.
Top song on my playlist: “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran.
Super powers I wish I had: I wish I was able to fly. I love being on planes, in the sky and in flight. I even went paragliding on one of my birthdays. This is a recent development, because I was actually afraid of flying a couple of years ago.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: Being so close to the beach and the fresh seafood. Shrimp is my super favorite: fried, stuffed, sautéed, in gumbo; I like it fixed all ways.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I’m a pretty good cook. Not too many people know that; they probably think I can’t make toast.
Biggest turnoff: Inability to commit.
Celebrity crush: Jake Gyllenhaal. I like his beard, his eyes, and he seems easygoing with a sense of humor.
My proudest accomplishment: Getting my master’s degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? The Amalfi Coast in Italy. It looks so gorgeous in the photos: the colorful houses on the side of the cliffs, the deep blue ocean, and all that fresh seafood. Why not?
Laura Apodaca. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Laura Apodaca
Age: 34
Town: League City
Occupation: Online marketing specialist
My ideal mate: He would be tall, smart, funny, educated, patient and have to love children since I am a single mother to a 9-year-old son.
Something you’re dying to try: Sky diving.
Top song on my playlist: “I Wanna Love You” by Bob Marley.
Super powers I wish I had: Mind reader. I like to listen more than I like to talk, so reading people’s minds would take that to a whole other level. I could see how people really are, not only from their actions but by what they’re thinking.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: The water and the birds. I moved here seven months ago from El Paso, which is very dry and flat, so living in League City gives me the opportunity to enjoy the coastal life.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I play the violin. I played it from the ages of 11 to 18. I’m also bilingual since I’m Tex-Mex.
Biggest turnoff: Immaturity and loudness. If I’m out with someone like that, I just smile and listen. I’ll finish the date but just not see them again.
Celebrity crush: Gerard Butler, because he generates manliness. He takes charge, but can be sensitive at the same time.
My proudest accomplishment: Raising my child as an independent mother and getting out of El Paso by taking a huge step with my son and my career in order to advance in life.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Ireland. I’ve always wanted to go there. It’s so green, rich in history and they have great pubs. I’m a beer drinker. I’m big on 8th Wonder’s Intellectuale and Saint Arnold’s Fancy Lawnmower.
Marta Sanchez Lastowska. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Marta Sanchez Lastowska
Age: 35
Town: Santa Fe
Occupation: Winemaker and vineyard manager at Haak Vineyards & Winery
My ideal mate: Intelligent, good values, sense of humor, caring, eager to have fun, likes to travel and go camping.
Something you’re dying to try: Visit all the national parks in the United States. I love camping; it’s hard to find people who like to camp.
Top song on my playlist: “Time” by Pink Floyd.
Super powers I wish I had: To be invisible.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: Being at the beach during my off time. Living between Houston and Galveston means I am only 30 minutes from the Gulf and the city of Houston.
What’s one of your hidden talents? Singing and dancing. I like to sing the oldies and love to dance. I can do the flamenco, but I’m very shy and would not do that publicly. I’m pretty musical because I played piano for many years.
Biggest turnoff: A man who feels threatened by a woman’s success.
Celebrity crush: Bono of U2.
My proudest accomplishment: That I came by myself from Spain to a foreign country.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? San Francisco. It is my favorite city. I love the weather, the architecture, the diversity of cultures and it is close to the wine country.
Mary Whiteley. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Mary Whiteley
Age: 27
Town: Galveston
Occupation: Nurse
My ideal mate: Good manners, funny, smart, a gentleman, goal-oriented, outdoorsy and likes to surf.
Something you’re dying to try: Run a 10K. I’ve accomplished a few 5Ks, so I’m aiming for a 10K.
Top song on my playlist: “Ordinary Girl” by Rebelution.
Super powers I wish I had: To be the greatest nurturer. Because of the work I do, I see a lot of people suffering.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: Having the beach in my backyard. I paddleboard every chance I get.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I am really good at playing dance games on Xbox Kinect. I took ballet, tap and jazz between the ages of 3 and 18.
Biggest turnoff: Bad manners, smoking, foul language and roses. I much prefer tropical flowers — anything but roses, which conjure up bad memories of a former boyfriend.
Celebrity crush: Scott Eastwood. He’s down to earth and loves the water, like me.
My proudest accomplishment: Graduating from nursing school.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Jamaica. I love the island life and reggae music, but I’m not really into rum drinks. I’m more of a beer girl. Give me a Dos Equis and I’m a happy camper.
Michelle Craig. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Michelle Craig
Age: 38
Town: Texas City
Occupation: Consultant in operational accounting for Aetna Insurance
My ideal mate: Passionate about life, open-minded, has compassion for others; someone who is spiritual, honest and has a sense of humor.
Something you’re dying to try: Visit all seven continents. Also, visit all the states in the U.S.; I’m 12 short at the moment.
Top song on my playlist: “Nude” by Radiohead.
Super powers I wish I had: Teleportation. It would make checking places off my bucket list a lot easier.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: The beach recalibrates my life. I love everything about it: the smells, the sounds, the breeze. I am never more at peace than when I am in tune with God’s creation — my eyes closed, relaxing and soaking up the sun.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I play piano and drums. Most know that I play guitar, but not piano and drums.
Biggest turnoff: Smoking. Also, men who are overly emotional.
Celebrity crush: Idris Elba.
My proudest accomplishment: Raising two highly intelligent, hilarious children. I am humbled to have a front-row seat, watching their journey unfold.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Florence, Italy. It’s so beautiful and peaceful, and of course, the art is amazing.
Nancy Hernandez. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Nancy Hernandez
Age: 29
Town: Texas City
Occupation: Labor and delivery nurse, studying to be a nurse practitioner
My ideal mate: Someone who makes me laugh, is trusting, career and family oriented. Faith is important to me, so someone who goes to church or will join me at Sunday Mass.
Something you’re dying to try: Complete a full marathon and visit the Great Wall of China.
Top song on my playlist: “Drag Me Down” by One Direction.
Super powers I wish I had: Able to be in different locations as fast as Superman.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: I love anything having to do with the water, especially lying out in the sun and fishing. I grew up fishing with my dad on the Texas City Dike. I still fish during my time off.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I like to bake. I really can’t cook, but I love to bake, particularly cakes. And my favorite part is decorating them.
Biggest turnoff: Smoking. I don’t like the smell of cigarette smoke because it gives me a headache. I’m glad smoking has been banned in most places.
Celebrity crush: J.J. Watt. I saw him on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. Fascinating man.
My proudest accomplishment: Coming from a family of five brothers, I was the first to go on to college and now working on my graduate degree.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Anywhere tropical; maybe Bora Bora. Photos of the water there look amazing.
Sara Martin. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Sara Martin
Age: 32
Town: Galveston
Occupation: Administrative aide, City Manager’s Department, city of Galveston
My ideal mate: He has to have backbone and be able to go to bat for me. Be strong, have a good personality and able to make me laugh.
Something you’re dying to try: Do stand-up comedy in front of an audience. I like to make people laugh.
Top song on my playlist: Anything ‘90s R&B related.
Super powers I wish I had: Teleport myself to New Zealand in two seconds to see my best girlfriend from college.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: It has a little bit of everything. I can have an awesome meal, go watch my dad surf, or go fishing with my pappaw. Everything about this area is connected to my family history and I look forward to my kids making a legacy of their own in Galveston.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I am a master chef. I love to cook and I love to eat. My specialty is Mexican food, especially queso.
Biggest turnoff: Weakness. Somebody who won’t stand up for themselves, or who doesn’t have an opinion. Also, arrogance.
Celebrity crush: Bradley Cooper. He looks like he would be fun to hang out with and make me laugh.
My proudest accomplishment: Being a part of Island Church, the church that my family started in Galveston. My uncle is the pastor and my dad is the associate pastor.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Auckland, New Zealand. I’m going there in February.
Tere French. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Tere French
Age: 55
Town: Galveston
Occupation: Nanny
My ideal mate: Intelligent, funny, good sense of humor and positive attitude.
Something you’re dying to try: Travel around the world visiting other countries and getting to know their cultures.
Top song on my playlist: “Gone Away” by The Offspring.
Super powers I wish I had: To be a healer. There are so many people in pain who are suffering with disease. My daughter died when she was 8 of a brain tumor.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: It’s extremely peaceful and I love all the festivals. I particularly like the Southern hospitality — everyone is so friendly and I love the hugs. Plus, you can go anywhere in a T-shirt and flip flops and fit in just fine.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I can do the splits and a backbend. I’m very flexible. I can sit on the floor, spread my legs and touch my nose to the ground.
Biggest turnoff: Negativity. I’m a positive person. I enjoy life and love people.
Celebrity crush: Brad Pitt. He’s handsome and a caring humanitarian.
My proudest accomplishment: My children.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? On a yacht in the French Riviera, sipping expensive Champagne with Brad Pitt.
Theresa Carrig. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Theresa Carrig
Age: 50
Town: Galveston
Occupation: Senior manager for University of Texas Medical Branch
My ideal mate: A person with a sense of humor, loves the outdoors, adventurous, honest and loves to travel.
Something you’re dying to try: Skydiving — I’ll do it someday — flying a plane, and driving a race car. I have a thrill for speed and adventure.
Top song on my playlist: “Want To Want Me” by Jason Derulo.
Super powers I wish I had: The ability to speak and understand all languages so I could communicate with everyone I meet. Also, X-ray vision.
Favorite thing about living on the Gulf Coast: Definitely all of the fresh seafood that is available, especially grilled red snapper and grilled stuffed shrimp.
What’s one of your hidden talents? I can cook Minute rice in 56 seconds.
Biggest turnoff: Unauthentic people, Negative Nellies and smokers.
Celebrity crush: Jennifer Aniston
My proudest accomplishment: Graduating from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world, where would it be? Next to my celebrity crush or significant other on the island of Bora Bora in Tahiti.
I vote for Theresa caraig