Best Self Atlanta 0821-0921 by Best Self Atlanta

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

bestselfatlanta.com

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FOUNDER Sherri Adair PUBLISHER Patti Stephens EDITOR Cory Olesen COPY EDITOR Jill Becker ART DIRECTOR Dona Halliday GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION A.J. Weston MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Wyndi Kappes DIGITAL MEDIA & EVENTS ASSISTANT Emily Chebib MEDIA CONSULTANTS – PRINT/DIGITAL David Leonard dleonard@atlantabestmedia.com Dawn DeSantis ddesantis@atlantabestmedia.com Amy Smith asmith@atlantabestmedia.com SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT/ NORTH ATLANTA REGION Witt Beckman witt@atlantabestmedia.com OFFICE MANAGER Gail Sawyer CONTRIBUTORS Jill Becker Jennifer Colosimo Kathy Kantorski Drea Nicole Matthew Quick Claire Ruhlin Lisa Washington

For print, web, email and digital advertising information, contact us at: 4279 Roswell Rd. NE., Ste. 208, #217 Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 303-9333

Inquiries and submissions regarding advertising and editorial should be directed to the address above. Atlanta Best Media does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Readers are encouraged to notify Publisher when they suspect false advertising. Atlanta Best Media reserves the right to edit editorial for clarity and space availability. No content i.e. articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Publisher.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

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CONTENTS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

WONDER WOMEN 11 powerhouse Atlanta women share how they got where they are, along with tips on how you can get there, too. p. 38

30 You Gotta Have Friends

Lucy and Ethel, Laverne and Shirley, and Oprah and Gayle have nothing on these four circles of friends, who share what’s kept them tight through thick and thin.

50 The Giving Continues As Over 40 & Fabulous! Kicks Off Its 11th Year Former winners update us on their charitable endeavors. Vote and follow along at www.bestselfatlanta.com

56 12 Weekend Getaways Within Driving Distance

Finally planning that vacation? Here are a dozen exciting options, all within a few hours drive of Atlanta.

ON THE COVER: Pinky Cole, the founder of the Slutty Vegan, is changing the way we view healthy food. Photography by Drea Nicole Photography, www.dreanicole.com

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Photos courtesy of (Bolden) Danielle Escobar, (Weiss) ConNext Media. Photography by (Charles) Alexandra Folster, (Jones) Chris Glover of A Day To Celebrate Photography.

(Clockwise from left): Dayna Bolden, Stacey Weiss, Jennifer Morris, Lillian Gray Charles, Katie Jones

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TAKING IN THE SCENERY AT THE GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT.

(Charles) Alexandra Folster, (Jones) Chris Glover of A Day To Celebrate Photography.

IN EVERY ISSUE

SPECIAL SECTIONS

8 From the Founder

23 2021 Partners in Health

A Very Special Announcement

13 Local Biz Love

Check out these businesses that help you be your best self

15 Mindfulness + Joy

Learn From Atlanta’s Top Healthcare Experts

62 Best Rx

Atlanta Experts Answer Your Health and Beauty Questions

A licensed professional counselor shares the secrets to finding your personal joy

18 Beauty + Anti-aging

How a lip lift can perfect your pout

20 Health + Wellness

Finding the right-fitting bra

22 Fitness + Nutrition

Stock your kitchen with summer’s best produce

bestselfatlanta.com

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

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{From The Founder} A Very Special Announcement As the owner and founder of Best Self Atlanta, I am extremely passionate about all we do here. I’m passionate about our community, our team, our events, our print and digital magazines, our ambassadors, and of course, our mission of inspiring Atlantans to live their best lives. While the creation and continued growth of Best Self Atlanta has been a true team effort over the years, it is rare when someone joins our team and shares the passion for all that we do in the same way. Wyndi Kappes joined our Atlanta Best Media/Best Self Atlanta team in the fall of 2016. Since that time, our company has grown from two to six magazines and evolved from being a predominantly print publishing business to a full-service marketing and media company. She has taken a lead role in creating, marketing and implementing many of our events, feature stories, social media initiatives and on and on. If there is something going on at Best Self and Atlanta Best Media, she is involved and, more often than not, leading the charge. Because of her dedication, determination, creativity, commitment and limitless talent, it is with great pride that I announce Wyndi Kappes as the new editor of Best Self Atlanta. Many of you know her, and if not, please get to know her. She is dedicated to learning who, what and where in Atlanta people find the inspiration and resources to live their best lives. family for me. From friendly hugs at events to encouraging comments on Facebook, you lift me up and inspire me daily. I am so excited to step into this new role and give back to you by delivering even more quality content and events that push us all to be our best selves. Please reach out to me at wkappes@atlantabestmedia.com with your ideas and suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you!” As Wyndi takes the reins at Best Self, our current editor, Cory Olesen, will be stepping over to our sister publication, My Home Improvement, full-time. With this official expansion to our editorial team, I know that we will be able to bring our readers even more — more content, more of the latest trends, and more of the best that Atlanta has to offer.

{

“Over the years, the Best Self community has truly become a second

I am so excited to step into this new role and give back to you by delivering even more quality content and events that push us all to be our best selves. —Wyndi Kappes

{

Sherri Adair, Founder

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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REAL People. REAL Smiles.

Let Your Smile Change The World “Dr. Kovitch and her team at Atlanta Smiles went above and beyond to take care of me. She made sure to put my health first and now, I could not be happier with the work they have done. I am grateful for what they have been able to do for me and my smile.” - Charlie Culberson

BEFORE

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{Best Self Contributors}

T t Jennifer Colosimo

Drea Nicole

Matthew Quick

Jennifer Colosimo is a freelance writer and photographer in metro Atlanta. She lives on the Northside, where she and her family are constantly exploring new pockets of their community — meeting cool people and discovering fun adventures that make it impossible not to love her job of retelling those stories to readers. See article on p. 18

Drea Nicole is a cutting-edge photographic artist who has received national acclaim for her beauty, commercial, fashion, and portrait imagery. From her branding photography to her breathtaking beauty snaps, her work is distinctive and mesmerizing for its striking concepts, artistic style and fashion-forward touches. Drea’s passion extends beyond her love of photography with the launch of two online magazines, Rebel Lifestyle and Rebel Teens. www.dreanicole.com

Matthew Quick is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia, as well as a national board certified counselor. He is also the founder and director of North Atlanta Psychotherapy. He specializes in men’s issues, anxiety, obsessivecompulsive disorder and working with teens. www.northatlantapsych.com See article on p. 15

An Atlanta native, Claire Ruhlin is a writer, editor and content marketer. In addition to her experience leading content marketing for businesses in the interior design space, she has also served as associate editor at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine and has contributed to publications such as LUXE Interiors + Design and Long Island Pulse. www.claireruhlin.com See article on p. 20

Lisa Washington Lisa Washington is the CEO of B’Tyli Wellness and Beauty Co. She has authored three books: a cookbook and two meditation books. She has shared her approach to wellness on several TV outlets, such as the Food Network, “Good Day Atlanta" and “Atlanta & Company," as well as on radio shows and in magazines. www.facebook.com/btyliskintherapies See article on p. 19

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Photography by (Colosimo) Willett Photography, (Washington) Robinson Polanco.

Claire Ruhlin

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Photography by (Colosimo) Willett Photography, (Xxxxxxx) Xxxxxxxxxx.

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{Local Biz Love} Check out these businesses that help you be your best self September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and to help battle the ugly statistic that one in seven men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, the local nonprofit ProstAware will hold its annual fundraiser, the Blue Ties Luncheon, in Buckhead on Sept. 10. Your attendance funds programs that generate awareness about how early detection can save lives. Details: Flourish, 3143 Maple Dr. NE., Atlanta; www.prostaware.org/blue-ties

Photography by (top right) Heidi Harris, (bottom left) Jack Deese. Photos courtesy of (middle left) Caren West PR, (bottom right) Liz Carlile.

Mark your calendar for Aug. 21-22, folks, because you’ve got plans. The annual Piedmont Park Arts Festival is back, offering a weekend’s worth of live music, children’s activities, food trucks and an expansive artist market featuring the works of more than 250 painters, photographers, glassblowers and more. Details: Piedmont Park, Atlanta; www.piedmontparkartsfestival.com

Around-the-clock medical care? That’s what you get through national, membershipbased primary care provider One Medical, which now has three offices in the Atlanta area. In addition to in-office visits, which are billed to your insurance as usual, a $199 a year membership provides you with a suite of free virtual services available to you 24/7/365, including on-demand video visits, mental health assistance and prescription refills. Details: www.onemedical.com

A VISIT TO THE PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL IS AN ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE FOR MANY ATLANTANS.

Perhaps nothing says summer more than a fresh, juicy Georgia peach. The Georgia Peach Truck is the state’s original farm-to-street truck,

distributing genuine Georgia peaches to farmers markets throughout Atlanta. It also delivers bags and boxes of peaches straight to people’s doorsteps on its annual summer and holiday road trips across the East Coast. Details: www.georgiapeachtruck.com bestselfatlanta.com

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Atlantan Liz Carlile, host of the popular parenting podcast Motherhood Unstressed, has released her first book, “Motherhood Unstressed: Daily Meditations on Motherhood Self-Care, and the Art of Living a Life You Love.” A daily source of inspiration, it provides what one reader called “a touchstone in my day for nurturing greater self-love and inner peace.” Details: www.motherhoodunstressed.com AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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7/27/21 11:21 AM

{Mindfulness + Joy}

Best Self sits down with licensed professional counselor Matthew Quick to discover the secrets to finding your personal joy By Jill Becker circumstances aren’t so favorable. I think finding your joy is the process of uncovering and recognizing what’s already present in your life, which can ultimately bring a sense of satisfaction, hope and security.

Did the pandemic have an effect on the population’s ability to find joy?

MQ: Finding our joy was especially important over the last year since our collective experience was one of anxiety, panic, hopelessness and depression. Being socially distant and seemingly disconnected from others forced us to become creative and find joy in establishing new ways of connecting to others and ourselves.

MATTHEW QUICK, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR AND FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF NORTH ATLANTA PSYCHOTHERAPY

There’s no denying 2020 was a rough year, and many of us may still be feeling some of the effects. That’s why it’s more important than ever to concentrate on the positive things in our lives and discover what truly makes us happy. We sat down recently with Matthew Quick, a licensed professional counselor and the founder and director of North Atlanta Psychotherapy, to gather some insight into finding our personal joy.

How would you define “finding your joy?”

Matthew Quick: First, I would make a distinction between happiness and joy. Happiness comes from the word ‘happenstance’ and indicates that good feelings are a byproduct of favorable circumstances. Getting a raise, receiving a compliment and buying new clothes are examples of circumstances that can produce happiness. Joy is similar, but it communicates a deeper sense of well-being. Joy points to something less dependent on the circumstances of life and more on something that can be tapped into when

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Why is it so important to find your joy? Can’t people live a full and satisfying life even if they’re not necessarily happy all the time but at least not sad all the time? MQ: It’s important to find joy because people naturally don’t want to feel pain or go through struggle. Pain and struggle remind us of the boundaries of our control. If you can find your joy, then you’ve gained the ability to exercise some form of control when life turns upside down. Joy can be a deeper source of positivity that assures us that BEST SELF ATLANTA

Finding y ou is . the pr r joy of uncov ocess er recognizin ing and g already p what’s resent in your life —Matthew .

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Quick

7/27/21 11:21 AM

life will get better. Imagine that life feels out of control, uncomfortable and difficult, but you have the ability to manage, understand and comfort yourself. The power might be in your hands rather than the fate of your circumstances. That’s the benefit of finding your joy.

What are some of the obstacles that make it so difficult?

MQ: One of the most common is our difficulty staying in the present. Dwelling on the past and living in the future rather than in the present are futile attempts at control that ultimately rob us of our joy. When focusing on the past, we can be overly critical of ourselves and beat ourselves up for things we can’t do anything about now anyway. Past trauma cuts deep and steals our opportunity at a fuller life. Living in the past distresses our frame of mind, and we have no immediate resolution because we can’t change the actual events. Dwelling on the future is equally problematic. We can do our best to take action and prepare for concerns in the times to come, but we often become so consumed with this effort that we get drained and have difficulty living in the present. Paralysis can set in with our fears and

Finding joy in

relationships

with significant others, family and social networks is innately important to

our mental health and contentment.

—Matthew Quick 16

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worries. We get suffocated with the what-ifs. We create distressing narratives about a reality that hasn’t happened and may never happen.

Are there certain key areas that are universally important in helping us achieve our joy, such as relationships with family and friends, financial stability or good health?

MQ: My experience tells me that the most crucial area is by far relationships. A meaningful career might be second. Finding joy in relationships with significant others, family and social networks is innately important to our mental health and contentment. When those relationships suffer, we suffer.

Are there particular situations we may be dealing with that are more likely to create barriers to joyfulness, such as getting a divorce or experiencing too much stress?

MQ: Without a doubt, the most important factor is attitude. The good news is we have control over that. Circumstances will absolutely vary by degree and test our resolve based on how severe they are. One thing to keep in mind is the power of our ability to think and change our posture or attitude in given situations. One remarkable attestation to this is the account of Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl as he describes in his book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”

BEST SELF ATLANTA bestselfatlanta.com

7/27/21 11:21 AM

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing …

Joy to the World

to choose one’s attitude

Licensed professional counselor Matthew Quick shares his thoughts on some things you can do to help discover your inner joy.

—Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist

Think about what brought you joy as a child. Children experience joy more easily than adults because everything is so new to them. They’re filled with wonder, and their experiences aren’t as complicated. Consider what it was that brought you joy back then. Was it playing a sport, riding your bike or playing dress-up? Why did you lose joy in doing those things? If you were to do them now, what would that look like, and how would it feel? What is it that’s stopping you from experiencing childlike joy?

in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

He recalled the moment while caged in a concentration camp that he came to a profound realization. He had been stripped of his clothing, family, possessions and freedom, yet he recognized that although the Nazis could take almost everything from him, they could never take away his freedom to feel or think what he chose. He wrote, ‘Everything can be taken from a man but one thing … to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.’

Are there things people might be doing that are unknowingly keeping them from finding their joy?

MQ: One is a lack of gratitude. We all struggle with it when we gradually become desensitized to accumulating more and more things. Another is unrealistic expectations. Movies and social media are the usual culprits in this case. Finally, there are negative thought patterns. The consistent narrative we create around our life may be the very thing robbing us of our joy. Details:

Matthew Quick, M.Div., LPC, NCC, North Atlanta Psychotherapy, 4360 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Ste. 515, Atlanta; www.northatlantapsych.com bestselfatlanta.com

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Make a gratitude list. Make a list of everything that’s currently going well in your life and practice becoming thankful for it. This includes things, people and experiences. Schedule time to look at the list whenever you can, whether it’s first thing in the morning, on your lunch hour or before you go to bed each night.

If you’re willing to dig a little deeper and invest more time, thought and even money into it, here are some other things you can do. Go to therapy. Psychotherapy is a great experience to engage in to better understand yourself and find out why you may not be experiencing joy. You may discover there are both conscious and unconscious reasons for it. Get a life coach. While psychotherapy allows you to take a deep dive into your psyche and consciousness, life coaching offers practical ways to navigate through life. Talking with someone about changing course in your career, for example, may open the door for more joy in your life. Practice yoga. With its origins in the spiritual tradition of Hinduism, yoga allows us to connect to ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. By enhancing the mind-body connection through breathing and stretching, many people find that it challenges and strengthens them to become more present and aware and that it allows for a greater sense of well-being. Volunteer. Volunteering forces us to put aside our own stuff for the time being. It allows us to help others in ways that remind us of what we have and that we should be grateful for it. Volunteering usually involves working on another’s behalf to obtain some of the most basic things in life that many of us take for granted. BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

7/27/21 11:21 AM

{Beauty + Anti-Aging}

How a lip lift can perfect your pout

By Jennifer Colosimo

You know that little space between your upper lip and your nose? Some of us are born with more of it than others, and on many of us, the length of it grows as we age and begins to sag. But according to oral and maxillofacial surgeon Brenda Hall, DDS, M.D., either group can benefit from what is known as a lip lift, a revolutionary procedure that can revive any smile.

Not to be confused with a lip flip, a lip lift is a minimally invasive surgery that corrects and enhances a patient’s natural smile using small incisions to achieve permanent results. Dr. Brian Maloney, of the Maloney Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, explains that it’s done two ways. The first is a nasal base resection, which helps patients with a well-defined upper lip shorten the space between their upper lip and the base of their nose to reveal more “teeth show” when smiling. The other option is a vermillion advancement. It is designed for patients with thin lips, and involves an incision at the top edge of the upper lip to remove part of the white space and help roll out some of the lip’s pink part, allowing more of it to show. “There really are no other procedures like it,” says Dr. Hall. “It’s a very forgiving procedure with a very minimal scar to produce a more youthful shape to the lips.” Following an in-depth consultation, a lip lift is performed in the plastic surgeon’s office under local anesthesia. The procedure takes around 90 minutes, recovery takes about a week and final results are usually achieved within four months.

BEFORE

AFTER

LIP LIFT BY DR. BRIAN MALONEY

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

LIP LIFT BY DR. BRENDA HALL

“The most common question I get is if the lips can be lifted with fillers instead of surgery,” says Dr. Hall. “The answer is yes, but only sometimes. If the space above your upper lip is too long and you inject fillers, the filler will push the lip out instead of up.” And while Dr. Maloney explains that a lip lift doesn’t add volume, the good news is that you can combine it with other forms of lip augmentation, using either AlloDerm®, fat or a hyaluronic filler such as Juvéderm® Vollure™or Juvéderm Ultra to achieve more plumpness. “Lips are associated with health and beauty,” says Dr. Maloney. “The benefits of these procedures are that they help to restore proportion and balance back to the lower portion of the face.” Now that’s something to smile about.

Details: Dr. Brian Maloney, Maloney Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, 6111 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Bldg. E, Ste. 201, Atlanta. www.maloneycenter.com Dr. Brenda Hall, www.facebook.com/drbrendahallomfs

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

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{Health + Wellness}

One of the best acts of self-care? Finding the right-fitting bra.

By Claire Ruhlin Ladies, chances are that if you’ve ever bought a bra before, you’ve probably unknowingly bought the wrong size. “If the first thing you want to do is rip your bra off at the end of the day, that’s a sign you’re not in the right bra,” says Candice McDowell, manager of Rigby & Peller Atlanta, a luxury lingerie boutique in Phipps Plaza. The key to the right-fitting and -feeling bra? Leave it to the professionals by investing in a custom fitting. “Women try to save money and time on bra shopping because they imagine the bra doesn’t show the way that shoes and purses show,” says Jenette Goldstein, founder of Jenette Bras, which specializes in sizes D and above and has locations in Los Angeles and Decatur. “These are the ways it shows: It lifts and shapes your bust, which reveals and creates your waist and sets the draping of your clothes. You stand up straight and beam confidence too because you’re not hunched forward in pain.”

A custom fitting will cover the foundational checkpoints of bra sizing — the band, the straps, the underwire, the gore (or center) and the cups — as well as lifestyle factors and body type.

A CUSTOM BRA FITTING AT RIGBY & PELLER.

This includes details like shoulder width, slope and breast shape and orientation. Once you find your perfect fit, be sure to stock up so you have good bra rotation, which is about a week’s worth. “You’ll get more longevity and continuous support if you properly rotate your bras,” says Candice. It’s also important to get a fit checkup every 6 to 12 months to see if anything has changed. Having a bra that fits properly is an investment that helps you look and, most importantly, feel your best. “Your breasts need support, but so do you,” says

with women as we fit them, not only about the items, but about their feelings, about their bodies, about the stages of their lives. You need to find a professional who’s knowledgeable and supportive, pun intended. So many rites of passage, from prom to pregnancy, are helped by a good bra and a kind ear.” Details: Rigby & Peller Atlanta, 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. www.rigbyandpeller.com Jenette Bras, 307-A E. College Ave., Decatur. www.jenettebras.com

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Photos courtesy of Rigby & Peller Atlanta

Jenette, who offers in-person and remote fittings via Google Meet. “We talk

BEST SELF ATLANTA bestselfatlanta.com

7/27/21 5:00 PM

5 Steps to the Perfect-Fitting Bra Rigby & Peller, the luxury lingerie retailer founded in 1939, shared the following advice every woman needs to ensure they’re wearing a properly fitted bra. Because if you’re going to wear a bra, it should be one that not only looks good but also feels comfortable and does its job.

3. Adjust the straps.

2. Check the central part of the bra.

1. The band is the most important part in providing the necessary support. Fasten your bra on the middle hook. If the back rides up and isn’t sitting horizontally, the band size is likely too loose and you should try going down a size bracket. Ideally, you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the fastening of the band at the back. If more than two fingers fit, the band is too loose. Similarly, if fitting two fingers is difficult, the band is too tight. Note that if you go down in the back, you will need to go up in the cup to compensate. For example, if a 34C cup is loose, try a 32D cup.

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They should sit firmly on the shoulder without digging in or leaving marks and indentations. Straps help to balance the weight of your breasts with the main support coming from the band.

Ideally, the middle section in the front between the cups should sit flat on your chest, directly on the skin, without digging in or feeling too loose.

5. Check the cups.

4. How does the wire sit? Follow the wire with your finger: It should be sitting closely but comfortably around your bust to give you the best fit. If it is sitting directly on your breast tissue or stands away from your bust, the cup is too small and you should try one or two cup sizes up. Similarly, if the wire is loose, try moving down a cup size.

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If you notice the cups digging into the breast or any wrinkling around the cup, the size is likely to be incorrect. Your breasts should be fully encased, creating a smooth, clean silhouette. Assessing the fit of the cups is best done with a non-padded bra.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

7/27/21 12:10 PM

{Fitness + Nutrition} ’Tis the season to stock your kitchen with summer’s best produce By Lisa Washington Summertime is here, and she’s ready to offer up her best harvest to help keep you fit and fulfilled. Here’s a list of fresh fruits and vegetables, available from your favorite store or farmers market, that are great to keep on hand this time of year. Apples Asparagus Avocados Berries

Cherries Cucumbers Green Beans Peaches

Strawberries Tomatoes Watermelons Zucchini

There are countless ways you can use your summer produce, such as adding berries to a smoothie or chopping and adding raw cucumbers and green beans to a salad for extra crunch. Also, did you know you can use zucchini as a substitute for pasta? All you need is a spiralizer and, presto, you have zucchini noodles. The key to summer cooking is to keep it fresh, simple and delicious. Here’s a recipe for an easy but elegant side dish you can whip up all season long.

Blanched Asparagus with a Ground Mustard Champagne Vinaigrette Vinaigrette: • 3 cup Champagne vinegar • 2 teaspoons ground mustard • 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 small shallot, finely diced • 1 teaspoon honey • ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper • ½ cup olive oil

Add all ingredients except olive oil to mixing bowl and whisk together. Slowly add oil and whisk vigorously until dressing is combined. Set aside. Asparagus: • 1 bunch asparagus

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Photo courtesy of (bottom right) Lisa Washington.

Fill medium saucepan halfway with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil. While water is heating, rinse asparagus thoroughly, break off any tough, white bottoms and discard. Cut spears into 1- to 2-inch sections, slicing asparagus at slight diagonal. Blanch asparagus by adding it to the boiling water and lowering the heat slightly to maintain a simmer. Parboil asparagus for 2 minutes. Drain water. While asparagus is still hot, toss it in a bowl with a generous amount of the vinaigrette or plate the asparagus and drizzle the vinaigrette over it. Add an optional topping of shaved Parmesan. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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7/27/21 3:37 PM

2021 LEARN FROM ATLANTA’S TOP HEALTHCARE EXPERTS

Partners In Health 25

A HIDDEN THREAT TO MEN’S HEALTH IS HAIR LOSS INEVITABLE AS I GET OLDER?

Scott D. Miller, M.D., MBA Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Photo courtesy of (bottom right) Lisa Washington.

Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS Vital Living Healthcare

CAN EFFECTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS? GARDENING: TIPS TO PREVENT BACK AND NECK PAIN

Dr. Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., DABDSM Atlanta Smiles

Robert T. Greenfield, M.D. Resurgens Spine Center

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2021 Partners in Health

Is Hair Loss Inevitable as I Get Older? By Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS

Both men and women can see a decline in the thickness and quality of their hair as we move through life. This can be due to many factors, including genetics, hair processing and styling, hormones and aging. The good news is that if you start early, there are several ways to lessen your hair loss and preserve your hair.

within the healthy physiologic range for healthy men and women. Too often, we find that many patients (especially females) are being given inappropriately high doses of testosterone, which can speed hair loss on the scalp and increase unwanted body and facial hair. Call us today for a Best Self Atlanta special on our PRP packages.

There is good scientific evidence for prescriptive topical solutions that can help decrease and preserve hair loss, low-level laser light therapy and our topic of today—PRP injections. PRP, or platelet rich plasma, is a derivative of your own blood. It contains natural growth factors and other peptides that protect and promote hair rejuvenation. When used correctly, PRP has been proven to protect your hair, rejuvenate dormant hair follicles and reduce hair loss over time. PRP is best used when hair loss is in its early stages.

Board-certified in anti-aging and family medicine, Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS, is an expert at turning back time. Firmly rooted in a scientific approach, Vital Living Healthcare focuses on early detection, prevention and innovative treatments to reverse age-related decline. By using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, along with focusing on all aspects of your health (mind, body, spirit and surroundings), Dr. Cox will create a comprehensive and personalized design for maintaining or reclaiming your health and vitality. Experience the healthcare you deserve and schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Cox today.

Compared to many other treatments, PRP for hair loss is surprisingly affordable. As always, we recommend strongly that if you are on any type of hormone replacement therapy, you make sure your levels are

Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS • www.vitallivinghealthcare.com • 404.843.3636 24

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2021 Partners in Health A Hidden Threat to Men’s Health By Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA

The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that resides below a man’s bladder. Its sole function is to produce a portion of the fluid that is generated during ejaculation (along with the neighboring seminal vesicles and the testicles). The prostate has no other urinary or sexual functions, but it is surrounded by several delicate structures that do provide these functions. As such, when this “walnut” misbehaves, it can certainly make you a little “nutty.” The prostate enlarges over a man’s lifetime. As urine exits the bladder, it passes through the prostate. Prostate enlargement can restrict urine flow and cause a more frequent desire to urinate. These symptoms can be particularly bothersome at night, interrupting an otherwise good night’s sleep. A prostate infection can also cause the prostate to swell and lead to similar symptoms. However, with an infection, the symptoms are often more severe and can be associated with pain during urination. The prostate can also wreak havoc with no warning at all. In fact, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Unfortunately, once prostate cancer becomes symptomatic, it has most likely spread beyond the prostate. In addition, the earlier a man is diagnosed, the more likely he will preserve those urinary and sexual functions provided by the delicate structures surrounding the prostate. As such, starting at age 40, all men should learn about their best approach for screening and prevention based on their individual risks and health needs. Men at particular risk for prostate cancer include those with the following: • Family history of prostate cancer • Unknown family history • African-American race • Prior history of an abnormal PSA blood test Most men with prostate cancer are diagnosed because of an abnormal PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, the most common method

for prostate cancer screening. However, an abnormal blood test does not mean that you have prostate cancer. Other causes of an elevated PSA include: • Prostate enlargement • Urinary tract infection • Age Recent advancements have allowed doctors to utilize the PSA test in ways to reduce the number of men who require prostate biopsies or prostate cancer treatment. Examples include: • Blood tests that are more advanced than PSA • Observing trends in PSA values over time • MRI scan of the prostate • Molecular (genomic) testing of prostate tissue samples PSA testing should begin at age 50, but earlier if other risk factors mentioned above are present. Many urologists recommend a baseline PSA test at age 40 in order to use it for future comparison. When caught early, the cure rate for prostate cancer is 98 percent. When caught late, as many as 30 percent will succumb to this disease. Look for my article on “The Healthy Road to Weight Loss for Men” in the next issue. Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA, is the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. He is a urologist with Wellstar Urology in Roswell and has practiced in Atlanta for over 20 years. Wellstar Health System is a proud sponsor of ProstAware’s Blue Ties Luncheon and run4Dad 5K, both of which happen in September. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We encourage all men and their loved ones to learn how to reduce the risk of prostate cancer deaths in our community. Visit ProstAware.org to learn more.

Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital • 470.956.4230 • www.ScottDMillerMD.com bestselfatlanta.com

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2021 Partners in Health Gardening: Tips to Prevent Back and Neck Pain By Robert Greenfield, M.D.

Gardening is one of my favorite things to do and helps provide some much needed stress relief from my busy day-to-day life. It is fun to see the vegetables that I grow served on my family’s table. However, for some people gardening can cause new or exacerbate existing back or neck pain due to prolonged bending. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy gardening without the aches and pains.

Ground-Level Gardens Most of us have ground-level gardens, so I hope these tips help you prevent back pain. First, try to avoid bending that can cause pain by increased pressure on the discs in your spine or increased risk of a muscle sprain. Instead, try maintaining your back in a neutral position. If you are able, squat down while on the ground. After you finish, rise up from the squatted position by placing pressure on your heels and using your gluteal muscles to help you to a standing position. Consider this a bonus exercise. If squatting down is not an option for you, try using a stool and sit while you work in your garden. Gardening kneeler seats allow one to kneel on a supportive pad and can be adjusted for a sitting position.

Above-Ground or Container Gardens I use a container garden. A container garden or platform garden can help prevent neck and back pain by limiting you from working at ground level and limiting unnecessary bending. The platform or container can be placed at waist level

and allow you to grow your favorite vegetables or flowers while promoting good body mechanics. Build the platforms small enough so you don’t have to reach or bend forward repeatedly to avoid causing strain on your lower back and neck.

Grow Vertical If a vegetable can be grown vertically, I take full advantage. Squash, cucumbers and melons, among others, can be grown vertically. This saves space and harvesting can be done without bending. Gardening in metro Atlanta is great almost year-round. I hope these tips help you prevent or alleviate back pain as you enjoy being outdoors and growing your favorite vegetables and flowers. If you experience neck or back pain that is not alleviated by home remedies, the physicians at Resurgens Spine Center are here to help you get back to doing what you love. Robert T. Greenfield, M.D., received his medical degree and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed his fellowship in Adult Reconstructive Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center in Downey, California. Dr. Greenfield practices at Resurgens Orthopaedics’ Covington office.

Resurgens Spine Center • Non-surgical & Surgical Spine Care • 24 Convenient Atlanta Locations • www.ResurgensSpine.com

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2021 Partners in Health Can Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment Help with Weight Loss? By Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., DABDSM

Obesity is a major contributor to sleep apnea. Unfortunately, many of the health impacts from sleep apnea make it harder for an individual suffering from the condition to lose weight. However, adequate sleep apnea treatment not only improves your sleep and breathing, but when combined with weight loss strategies, can also help with success in losing weight.

The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Health Sleep apnea poses many risks to a patient’s health. While patients often discover a sleep apnea diagnosis because of snoring, the condition impacts many other areas of one’s health, such as: • Interrupted breathing during sleep • Poor quality of sleep or restlessness while sleeping • Problems with memory or concentration • Irritability and mood swings • Weight gain • Sore throat • Heartburn • Morning headaches • Gasping for air • Increased daytime fatigue • Reduced cognitive function

How Sleep Apnea Limits Weight Loss According to the American Thoracic Society, losing 5% to 10% of an obese person’s body weight can improve or resolve obstructive sleep apnea. Yet, the poor sleep associated with sleep apnea makes it much harder to lose weight. Symptoms like fatigue and reduced cognitive function inhibit the focus needed to implement healthy eating and exercise changes. In addition, interrupted or less sleep creates changes in metabolism and hormones, which tie directly to weight gain. Plus, research shows that people are more likely to overeat when tired. Altogether, sleep disruption not only makes losing weight harder, but also makes weight gain more likely.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Leads to Improved Weight Loss The good news is that one promising study shows that treating sleep apnea may help obese patients lose weight. Patients frequently ask if losing weight will help treat sleep apnea. While the answer is yes, not moving forward with treatment can make weight loss strategies

feel frustrating. A better approach is to incorporate weight loss strategies with sleep apnea treatment.

CPAP The CPAP machine is the most commonly recommended treatment for sleep apnea. This machine covers a patient’s nose while they sleep to deliver a continuous stream of air. Patients see great results, including improved sleep, with CPAP machines.

Oral Appliances Patients often resist using the CPAP machine because it can be uncomfortable. For these patients, oral appliances offer another treatment for sleep apnea. The patient wears a custom appliance that shifts the lower jaw forward, allowing the patient to breathe unobstructed. Both treatment options improve the symptoms associated with sleep apnea. Patients experience less fatigue and improved concentration, both of which reduce barriers to implementing a weight loss program. Atlanta Smiles focuses on total body wellness. Dentistry is more than simply dealing with teeth. It involves the treatment, aesthetics and diagnosis of oral health issues. Plus, our oral health impacts our entire body. We treat sleep apnea with custom-designed and crafted dental appliances. In addition, we coordinate with other sleep disorder professionals to build the best treatment plan to help our patients find lasting sleep apnea solutions. In addition, we offer nutritional counseling to aid in weight loss and address the symptoms of obesity. We aim to help our patients enhance their wellness and quality of life. Make weight loss easier with sleep apnea treatment at Atlanta Smiles. Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (DABDSM). Dr. Kovitch received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia after earning her Bachelor of Science with honors in chemistry as well as recognition in research publications for her work in biochemistry from Georgia State University. Dr. Kovitch has been an active board member of the Academy of General Dentistry since 2013 and has been a contributor to the development of dentistry excellence in Georgia.

Marianna Kovitch, D.M.D., DABDSM • Atlanta Smiles • www.goodnightsleepga.com • 404.262.7733 28

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Couples That Sleep Together Stay Together.

Stop Snoring, Sleep Better, Feel Better. REAL People. REAL Smiles. Real Sleep. Follow us on Instagram @atlsmiles and see what Atlanta influencers have to say about us.

Dr. Dina Giesler

Dr. Marianna Kovitch

(404) 262-7733 4405 Northside Pkwy NW Ste 110 Atlanta GA 30327

www.atlantasmiles.com www.goodnightsleepga.com

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7/27/21 12:11 PM

You Gotta Have

Friends

By Cory Olesen

Lucy and Ethel, Laverne and Shirley, and Oprah and Gayle have nothing on these four circles of friends, who share what’s kept them tight through thick and thin.

As an only child, friendship has always been incredibly important to me. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to having siblings, except I get to pick who my friends are. I’ve been fortunate to have kept many of my friendships from as far back as preschool, but I’ve always wondered why and how we’ve remained friends for so long. What makes some friendships endure while others fade away? Are there particular elements that make for a solid friendship? 30

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Dr. Richard Slatcher is a professor of psychology at the University of Georgia who studies close relationships. Like me, he has friendships from childhood that he has held onto into adult life. “Friendships are the glue that holds society together,” he explains. “If you go back to our ancestral times and early evolutionary history, friendships were people who you could literally trust with your life.” These days, there’s a bit less spear-throwing involved, but friendships remain integral to our survival, just in slightly different ways. We still rely on friends to help us, whether it’s moving apartments, navigating the loss of a loved one or just cheering us on. According to Dr. Slatcher, the making of a good friendship comes down to several key factors: • Reciprocity — a give and take. • Responsiveness — a person’s interest in what you’re saying or doing. • Self-disclosure — the natural process of opening up and being vulnerable with someone. • Trust — the most important factor of them all. To see these elements in action, I spoke with different sets of friends around the city, including my own, in an attempt to unravel the mystery behind these ties that bind us so tightly to one another. bestselfatlanta.com

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Lifelong Friends Nancy Brooks and Bobbie Pope “You can never replace old friendships,” says Dr. Slatcher. “I can never meet a new person who knew me and my family when I was 5. Those people all fit special roles in our lives. We have these friends from different points in our lives who allow us to reconnect to those times.” Such is the case with Nancy Brooks and Bobbie Pope.

“We’ve been friends since we were 14,” says Nancy. The two met their freshman year at Clarkston High School after Bobbie moved to Atlanta. “I can’t remember exactly how we met, though,” Nancy admits with a laugh. “We went to the same church and the same school,” Bobbie reminded her. “We were just kind of always around each other.” And they’ve continued to be around each other for the last 52 years. Together, they have gone through college, marriage, divorce, parenting and the loss of loved ones. “I just think I can be with Nancy and never have to explain stuff,” says Bobbie. “It’s just so natural. And she’s the closest thing to a sister, so a lot of things go unsaid. But we share everything, too.” BOBBIE AND NANCY TODAY.

NANCY (LEFT) WITH BOBBIE (RIGHT) ON HER WEDDING DAY IN 1977.

The pair has been lucky enough to live close to one another (less than 2 miles apart) for more than 35 years, which has been a huge factor in being able to stay close. Their kids went to the same school; they even went on joint family vacations. As they reminisced, an inside joke came up that has been going on since college, causing both women to erupt with laughter. “I think that’s what keeps you connected, too,” says Bobbie, “because you have so many memories together.” Recently, the two were brought even closer when Nancy’s husband, Mel, passed away. In the months since, Bobbie has been with Nancy every step of the way, inviting her over to dinner, taking her to Disney World with her daughter and grandchildren, reminding her to enjoy life just as Nancy did when Bobbie lost her father a few years before. “As you lose family members, it does bring you tighter to the others in your life who are still there,” says Nancy. “Because there is still life, and we have to remember that.”

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Professional Friends Sherri Adair and Patti Stephens As noted earlier, trust is a major factor in a successful long-term friendship. Another place where trust is important is business. And one of the quickest ways to build up trust is to spend time together. Often we measure friendship in terms of how long we’ve known someone versus how much time we’ve spent with them. For Best Self Atlanta founder Sherri Adair and publisher Patti Stephens, it’s both. They have spent nearly every day of the past 23 years together. “I don’t even think I realized until we were having this conversation how much time we’ve spent together and how special it is that we’ve been able to navigate so many waters,” Sherri tells Patti. “And that you still speak to me!”

As business colleagues, Sherri and Patti discuss every aspect of the company’s dayto-day dealings, constantly communicating and problem-solving. “It’s a partnership,” says Sherri. “It’s almost like a marriage.”

(L TO R): SHERRI AND PATTI.

And it was the groundwork for a great friendship. Rather quickly, the synergy that the two shared in the workplace naturally found its way into their personal lives. “We really balance out well,” says Sherri. “We learned that early on, and we’ve refined it and developed it over the years. And that’s what made me feel safe to completely dive into the friendship.” “We’re two very different people, with very different personalities,” adds Patti. “But we respect what the other one brings. That’s a huge part of why it has lasted so long.”

(TOP) PATTI AND SHERRI, CELEBRATING MY HOME IMPROVEMENT'S (SISTER PUBLICATION TO BEST SELF) 4TH YEAR IN 2005, (BOTT0M) AT PATTI'S SON'S GRADUATION CELEBRATION IN 2021.

Not only have the two found their way through tough personal times, but they’ve also maneuvered around a number of professional hurdles as well, especially considering how much the print industry has changed over the past two decades. “A lot of that is based on our relationships with clients and business associates,” says Patti. “We’ve both always strived to play fair, do the right thing, and I know that for both of us, that’s a very important element.”

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New Friends Tran Bui Smith, Michele Thomas and Lisa Washington “As we get older, we tend to prune back our friendships, particularly as we enter our 30s, 40s and beyond,” says Dr. Slatcher. “We tend to want to focus on deeper friendships rather than superficial ones.” Tran Bui Smith, Michele Thomas and Lisa Washington will attest to that.

The three women met through Best Self Atlanta’s 2017 Over 40 & Fabulous! contest, where they were all in the top 10. While they met at different points during the contest, they all agree that the night of the reveal party for the cover of the magazine is where their friendship was sealed. “If it wasn’t for this magazine, I don’t think we would have traveled in the same circles,” says Michele. “One of the things that I appreciate about Best Self is that you bring people from various backgrounds together.”

(L TO R): MICHELE, TRAN AND LISA AT BEST SELF ATLANTA’S 2017 OVER 40 & FABULOUS! REVEAL PARTY.

At the party, the ladies took a picture together that has since become a sort of signature move anytime they get together. “We have like six or seven now,” says Lisa. But what was it that drew them to one another? (L TO R): LISA, TRAN AND MICHELE IN 2020

“It was their authenticity, and they just wanted to get to know who I was,” says Lisa. “We’re interested in each other, not about what we’re doing, but just about who we are. It’s the energy about who they are as human beings. Every time we’re together, it’s like these are my women, these are my girls. We call ourselves the ‘Best Self Besties.’” “Authenticity is a big word,” says Tran. “At this stage in life, I think we know who we are and who we want in our space. When I was younger, I wanted to be friends with everybody, and now, it’s not that I don’t want to be friends with people, but for the heart of my world, I only want certain people with a place in it.”

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Male vs. Female Friendships Earlier this year, Best Self Atlanta ran a feature on men’s emotional health, and one of the things I took away from the story is that men seem to struggle to have friendships that are as close as the ones women have. I shared my observation with Dr. Slatcher, and he had some interesting insights to share on the subject, including a saying that goes, "Women’s friendships tend to be more faceto-face whereas men’s friendships tend to be side-to-side.” Women typically socialize through speaking and connecting emotionally. A typical outing for female friends usually consists of going out for coffee or having a meal, both of which are very conversation-focused.

Men, however, tend to do activities together, such as playing sports or video games or watching movies and TV together. The time they spend together isn’t centered around conversation like it is with women. “That’s not to say that male friendships aren’t close,” says Dr. Slatcher. “But men don’t have as many friends that they really are disclosing [things] with. When men pair off and have intimate relationships, their partners tend to be the ones they go to for really intimate, emotional conversations.” But having people you can confide in and share both good times and bad times with is as important for men as it is for women, as it’s been shown that individuals with strong social connections are typically less stressed, and have lower blood pressure, and even have a tendency to live longer.

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Childhood Friends Cory Olesen, Kimberly Patton and Natalie Webber I have been friends with Kimberly Patton and Natalie Webber since elementary school, second and third grade, respectfully. Not only did we make it through puberty together, we’ve made it through college, marriage and kids. “We’ve just been there every step of the way together. I can’t imagine not being friends with you guys,” says Kim. Of course, we’ve long since passed the point where we’ve been in each other’s lives longer than we haven’t been. “It doesn’t matter how weird y’all are going to get. You’ll still be my friends,” says Natalie. “Because I know you’re going to accept me no matter what weird stuff I do.” Adds Kim, “We’ve maxed out our weird. We know what the threshold is, and it would be pretty hard to pass at this point.”

(L TO R): CORY, KIMBERLY AND NATALIE HANGING OUT IN 1996.

Being odd was always kind of our defining trait, and it still is. We were the kids who were really into “Lord of the Rings," anime and lots of “Harry Potter." Essentially we were and still are giant nerds. I used to think that our niche tastes and awkwardness were what bound us together, but after talking with them, I see what really kept us together was a universal effort. We wanted to stay friends, so we made the time to see each other and talk to each other. We’ve since traded in our bikes for cars and our Friday night sleepovers for game nights. Our lives are completely different now than they were 20-plus years ago, but very little about us, about our friendship, has changed. “You’re just like ingrained in my brain,” Natalie says of Kim, who went to college in a different state, while Natalie and I went to the same school. “As soon as I would see you again, I’d just feel like we were right back to (L TO R): KIMBERLY, CORY AND where we left off.” NATALIE IN 2021. “Picking up where we left off” was a theme I’d noticed among these sets of friends. It was mentioned in three of my four interviews. When I asked Dr. Slatcher about it, he said, “People generally remain more the same than they do change. So when you see someone with whom you are quite close, it’s like that friendship never changed. That we can do that is, I think, part of the magic of friendships.”

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W W WONDER WOMEN By Wyndi Kappes

11 powerhouse Atlanta women share how they got where they are, along with tips on how you can get there, too.

Photos courtesy of (Morris) Atlanta Humane Society; (Cole) Slutty Vegan, photography by Will Sterling of Sterling Pics; (Bray) Elle Wood Photography, (Weiss) ConNext Media. Photography by (Bolden) Andrea Ibeanusi, (Charles) Alexandra Folster, (Andrews) Bill Miles, (Jones) Chris Glover of A Day To Celebrate Photography, (Knight) Lisandra Vázquez; (Elliott) Ryan Carpenter of Ryan Aaron Photo.

In today’s world, it can feel like women have to have it all. We all want to be an outstanding mother, a great cook, a fashionista, a world traveler, spiritually fulfilled and more. But is it possible? I sat down with 11 inspiring Atlanta women, from a bestselling author to an industry-changing entrepreneur, to hear about their paths to success and to get their advice for being your best self. My consensus? We’re all doing the best we can, and with the examples and advice of women like these, super-talented ladies, anything is possible. 38

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7/27/21 1:03 PM

WONDER WOMEN Megan Elliott, 33, Grant Park Travel Influencer and Lush to Blush Blogger Megan Elliott always wanted to travel the world, but between bills, rent and student loans, she was short on funds. However, after her brother passed away in 2015, she made it a priority to do whatever it took to finally see the world. The now budding globe-trotter has visited locations from Puerto Rico to Cape Town, Bali to Boston. After a visit to each locale, Megan shares her tips, tricks and places you can’t miss with her readers and followers on her blog Lush to Blush in hopes of inspiring others to get out there and experience all that life has to offer. Q: What makes a great trip to you? Megan Elliott: To me, a great trip is one where I go where the locals go and make lots of friends. Q: What traits are essential in a good travel buddy? ME: The most important quality is flexibility. Things rarely go according to plan, and you might get invited to a jungle party last minute or decide to island-hop instead of staying in one place. You never know where the journey will take you when traveling, and that’s the best part.

Q: What are a few travel essentials you don’t leave home without? ME: I have an international travel bag I keep packed and ready to go at all times. Some essentials are lotion, lip balm, hand wipes, chargers with international adapters, peppermint oil and a sleep mask. I post extensive guides on my blog with specific travel picks for each destination, from Maui to Morroco. Q: What’s the most challenging part of traveling for you? ME: I would have to say very long flights and layovers are my biggest challenge. I can’t sleep on planes, so I tend to get sleep-deprived from the get-go. The biggest help has been airport lounges. They make a world of difference. I have a Priority Pass membership with my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, but even without a membership, many lounges are only $30 to enter. They have free food and booze, and most of the time, they have showers and dark, quiet rooms. www.lushtoblush.com, www.instagram.com/lushtoblush

Megan’s tips for those looking to travel more Photography by Ryan Carpenter of Ryan Aaron Photo.

Save up for trips and pay for things in portions. For example, I always buy my flight first. A few weeks later, I’ll get the hotel. Then by the time I go on the trip, the only thing I need to worry about is daily expenses. Breaking up the big purchases helps a lot. Use credit cards to your advantage. All of my credit cards give me travel perks. I use the one for flight perks and another for travel points and hotel stays. Be flexible in your travel dates to save money. This is the biggest reason I’m able to travel. I jump on flight deals as soon as I see them. Sign up for “The Flight Deal” and “Secret Flying.” I get these newsletters every day, and there are some incredible deals. Be open to any and all destinations. Every place has something unique and exciting to offer — even right here in the United States.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

7/27/21 5:08 PM

WONDER WOMEN Pinky Cole, 33, Buckhead Rarely do chefs come along that completely change the cultural and food landscape. Pinky Cole has done just that. What started as a humble food truck has grown into a plantbased movement centered around the Slutty Vegan, a counter-service eatery in southwest Atlanta. One bite of its delectable and juicy vegan burgers and you’ll understand the hype that draws lines down the block and consistently brings celebrities like Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg and Killer Mike in the door to be “sluttified.” Q: Why the name Slutty Vegan? Pinky Cole: It might seem risque but Slutty Vegan isn't a reference to sex! I use it to describe the ultimate euphoric experience of eating the perfect vegan burger. We chose our language to make plant-based food more accessible — and, fundamentally, to break down barriers — since vegan food is normally associated with rich, white spaces. Sex and food are two of the most pleasurable experiences in life, so why not pique people's interest with both? Q: What is your advice for cooking vegan recipes that are as tasty and indulgent as Slutty Vegan? PC: I use fresh herbs to spice up all of my meals. I believe I can make anything taste good. I use fresh herbs, pimento, coconut milk, Jamaican peppers, fresh garlic, vegetable bouillon, exotic mushrooms, and more to make my vegan food taste delicious. I primarily get all of my ingredients at local farmers markets around town, The Fresh Market, and Whole Foods.

Q: Tell us more about The Pinky Cole Foundation. PC: My mother inspired my altruism that speaks to my identity and the work I do daily for The Pinky Cole Foundation. She came from Jamaica to this country when she was 17 and once she got here, she met my dad and — long story short — he ended up doing 22 years in prison. The whole time I was growing up she not only kept our house afloat but also helped others. We started The Pinky Cole Foundation in 2019 with her in mind and with the desire to empower young people of color to leverage economic opportunities, successful risk-taking and innovation. I’ve paid the rents of local business owners in the middle of the pandemic and partnered with the Department of Juvenile Justice to employ ex-juvenile offenders at Slutty Vegan. I’ve made a commitment to use my resources so that I can help as many young Black men get out of the system early as I can and I think that more business owners should take the responsibility to do that. For more information on how you can help; visit pinkygivesback.com/donate. www.sluttyveganatl.com, www.instagram.com/pinky907

Pinky’s tips for those hoping to start their own food concept Get unstuck. The beautiful part of being an entrepreneur is that you’re willing to take a risk, and it starts with your mind. Know that with hard work, you can conquer anything in this life. No doesn’t hurt! People will tell you “No” all the time. Entrepreneurs use “No” as motivation to do what they said you could not do. Success is like mud. You keep throwing things at the wall; something will stick. If you want to be successful, keep throwing that thing at the wall and eventually, it will work out! Be consistent in all you do and you will be successful.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Photo courtesy of Slutty Vegan, photography by Will Sterling of Sterling Pics.

Acclaimed Chef and Entrepreneur, Owner of Slutty Vegan

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7/27/21 5:37 PM

Stacey Weiss, 51, Sandy Springs Realtor, Bert’s Big Adventure Founder and Health Nut Atlanta’s sweetheart Stacey Weiss has just about seen it all. After overcoming an addiction to painkillers 13 years ago and navigating a public divorce, Stacey has recently taken the next step to becoming her best self. Her inspirational journey to health has included quitting smoking, working out and healing her past traumas, all while sharing her ups and downs with her community. While she’s continuing in her efforts to do and be better, at 51, this single mother of two couldn’t be happier or more confident about her identity and her future. Q: What inspired you to quit smoking and get healthy? Stacey Weiss: I started doing some personal growth and healing work in October 2019. A year later, through my deep dive into my personal healing, I began to learn to love myself and realized what a cruel thing smoking was to do to myself. Being a smoker did not align anymore with who I was growing into. I have tried to quit probably 15 times over the past five

Stacey’s tips for those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle You need balance in your life. I use an app called The Balance Chart that helps me track the healthy habits I do weekly. Every time I complete one of the habits I’ve set up for myself, I log it on the balance chart and make that deposit into myself. Photo courtesy of ConNext Media.

Photo courtesy of Slutty Vegan, photography by Will Sterling of Sterling Pics.

WONDER WOMEN

Join a community group. Look for one where you receive weekly feedback and feel connected to people who love and support you. Love yourself through self-care. You’re in the best position to fill everyone else’s cup after your cup is full.

years, but until I really started to value myself, I couldn’t do it. Q: What resources did you use along your journey to quit smoking and get fit? SW: I weaned down from a pack a day to five cigarettes a day over six months, then I did a juice fast to push me over the edge and give up the last few cigarettes. I used an app called Quit It. For my fitness journey, I work out and am part of a transformational healing community called YourDay Balance Game. I train with the leader of the group three times a week, and I eat very clean. The most significant component of getting fit has been the personal growth and healing I have concentrated on for the last 18 months. Most of the weight I released was the emotional weight of past trauma that I’d been carrying around for a long time. Q: What’s the most difficult part of getting healthy? SW: The most challenging part is getting started. Just pick one healthy thing you can add to your life and start doing it. That one thing will become routine or a habit, then add the next one. Just take it one step at a time, and eventually, they build on each other, and before you know it, you’re living healthy. Your life is happening whether you want to participate in it or not. Start being the creator of your life. www.jamisonandcompany.com, www.instagram.com/staceysweiss

Meditate and journal. Spend more time doing things you enjoy. Dance, read or create art. Take the time to bring that joy into your life.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

7/27/21 5:37 PM

WONDER WOMEN Katie Jones, 26, Buckhead Artist and Buckhead Art & Company Owner While her friends partied it up post-grad, 23-year-old Katie Jones was preparing to become the owner of one of the most prestigious art galleries in the Southeast, Buckhead Art & Company. After interning there through college and staying close with thenowner Hutton Snellings, Katie took the plunge and wholeheartedly decided to fill Snellings’ shoes when she passed on the biz. Plenty of late nights, prayers and oops moments later, Katie is proudly blazing a trail featuring local artists and a new event space.

Q: What advice do you give to clients looking for that perfect art piece for their home? KJ: Buy art that you love and that’s meaningful to you, not just to fill the walls in your home. Less is more, and a statement piece can change a room.

Q: What do you wish more people understood about art and art galleries in particular? Katie Jones: As an artist who’s taken on the business side of a gallery, it’s been very eye-opening. I think it’s important for artists to know that just because we don’t represent your work doesn’t mean we don’t support you. The art world is small and not the easiest. We all have to stick together and support one another. I also think there’s a common misconception about galleries and price points. We have a wide price range from paper pieces to collector’s pieces. Don’t judge the whole gallery from one price tag on the wall.

Q: What’s been your biggest challenge so far? KJ: The most challenging part of owning a gallery is that there are a lot of unknowns and not many guarantees. That being said, I make the most of our space by renting the gallery out for events. My favorite part about being an event space is that many guests are surprised to see something they love and then they end up purchasing a piece that becomes part of their home.

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Q: So what's next? KJ: We're so excited about presenting our 2021 Holiday Market benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; look out for more details to come.

Photography by Chris Glover of A Day To Celebrate Photography.

Q: Where do you find inspiration for your own art? And where do you love to paint? KJ: I find my inspiration from interior designers. From Melanie Turner to Wolf Design Group and Valerie Garrett Interiors. As far as a favorite place to paint, you can catch me late at night in the gallery or in my kitchen. I grew up always painting on the dining room table.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since taking over the gallery? KJ: I think it’s important to know your community. I can’t tell you how lucky I am to have had such supportive neighbors in the Buckhead Village District.

www.buckheadartcompany.com, www.instagram.com/katie.buckheadartco

Katie’s tips for those looking to create art or learn more about it Always keep yourself inspired. Pay attention to detail. Art is a process. It’s alright to step away from a painting and come back later with a new perspective. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Learn as you go.

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7/23/21 5:10 PM

Dayna Bolden, 33, Alpharetta Mom Blogger and Influencer When Dayna Bolden quit her corporate job in 2017, she cried. Uncertain of the future, the busy mom of two was excited but nervous to see how her gamble on becoming a full-time blogger and influencer would turn out. Her leap of faith has been fruitful, as four years later, she has continued to support and inspire women through her blog, books and, most recently, a lifestyle fitness brand. Outside of growing her brand, she remains intentional about setting boundaries and cultivating relationships with her children, Aria and Bryce. Q: Does being a blogger/influencer give you more time to spend with your family? Dayna Bolden: The amount of time you spend with your family is solely up to you and the boundaries you create. I don’t think the job you hold has a significant part to play in it unless you’re an astronaut. I leave evenings and weekends reserved for my family and spending time with loved ones. I make sure to disconnect during those times so that I can be fully present in the moment. My family and I get to continue to build beautiful memories.

Dayna’s tips for overwhelmed moms chasing after their dreams Hire help if you can! Create a realistic schedule and hold yourself to it. Photography by Danielle Escobar.

Photography by Chris Glover of A Day To Celebrate Photography.

WONDER WOMEN

Always make time for yourself. Remember your “why.” Give yourself grace.

Q: As a mom in the busy world of social media, there's surely a lot of pressure to maintain the appearance of the perfect Instagram family. What's your advice in terms of putting the phone down and instead savoring that one-on-one time with your family? DB: Remember that you will not get these moments back. We all talk about how fast time flies and how quickly our little ones grow up, and that couldn’t be more true if you don’t spend time with them. My advice to moms is to prioritize your family just like you prioritize your business. Q: What can you tell us about “Super Cool Aria,” the platform and book you helped your 7-year-old daughter write and promote? DB: “Zoey the Unicorn Can Do It” is my daughter Aria’s first bestselling children’s book. Aria loves to encourage her friends to believe in their passions and love themselves. She has been obsessed with reading and writing since a very young age, so I figured she would be on board to write a book, but I didn’t want her doing anything her heart wasn’t into. I believe in authenticity in everything you do, and that includes new ventures for your children. My advice to parents is to instill a personal desire for success in your children and you’ll see them do incredible things. Q: What’s the most challenging part of parenting for you? DB: Feeling like I’m not doing enough or spending enough time with them. I have to remind myself that I am doing the best that I can as a parent and providing the framework for a beautiful life for my children. www.daynabolden.com, www.instagram.com/daynabolden

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

7/23/21 5:10 PM

WONDER WOMEN Lucinda Bray, 39, Midtown Entrepreneur and Landscape Designer, Owner of Floralis Garden Design Having grown up on a farm, plants have always been a large part of Lucinda Bray’s life. “My dad instilled in me a faith and love for growing things, a trait for which I will be forever grateful,” she says. But in 2012, after years of working in the Atlanta landscaping industry, she decided that it was time to plant her own seeds and grow a business. The harvest from those seedlings has been rich. Over the past nine years, her garden design business Floralis has received more than 30 awards for completed projects from the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. This high-powered entrepreneur isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Q: What’s been the most challenging part of your career so far, and how did you overcome it? LB: The biggest challenge in my career has been getting over the fear of the unknown. I’m sure I join the ranks of most business owners with this response, but going out on your own is a tough leap to take. I now somehow find myself on the other side of my fear, not looking back but instead looking forward to all that’s yet to come. The one thing most responsible for my success has been my drive and desire. I will always strive to be the hardest worker in the room. Q: In what ways do you approach your craft that’s different from those who came before you? LB: I tend to be a very hands-on landscape architect. Some days you’ll find me sitting at the computer drafting construction plans and the next day on a project with my hands in the soil planting gardens. What I like most about my career are the people and places that I encounter along the way. Each person and every place has its own story, and sometimes I’m even lucky enough to get to leave my mark.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

Photography by Elle Wood Photography,; hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

Q: Do you think working in a maledominated field made your path to entrepreneurship more difficult? Lucinda Bray: Growing up on a dairy farm taught me the value of hard work at a young age. But what it also gave me was a unique background that would forever make me stand out in the crowd. You can look at the difficulties women have in maledominated industries, or you can focus on the positive “purple elephant” www.floralisdesign.com, effect. When there’s anything www.instagram.com/floralis_garden_design about you that’s less common, you stand Lucinda’s top tips for those hoping to out more. In my case, start their own business being female, driving Know your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your a pickup truck, having strengths and layer others in to support you where needed. grown up with cows as pets and loving the Start with a simple idea. Then expand as your business grows. ability to put my hands Be passionate about what you’re doing. in the soil to grow Surround yourself with a robust support system. something all make me Don’t be afraid to ask for help. more memorable.

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7/23/21 5:10 PM

WONDER WOMEN Lillian Gray Charles, 33, Kirkwood Master Stylist and Energy Healer

Q: You often describe your work as style therapy. Tell us more. Lillian Gray Charles: In my oneon-one programs with women, we work from the inside out — literally. In an energy healing session, I use my intuition to deeply read what’s holding the client back from fully stepping into the level of greatness she deserves to live in. An energy healing session might show stress,

Lillian’s tips for those looking to dress better Don’t sacrifice fit for anything. Comfort can come from the cut of a garment and the material. Buy a garment that’s meant to be loose in the correct size, not a meant-to-be-fitted garment in a size too big.

Photography by Alexandra Folster.

Photography by Elle Wood Photography,; hair and makeup by The Green Room Agency.

From a very young age, Lillian Gray Charles was inspired by her stylish grandmother. “She was immaculate,” says Lillian. “Her style was charming, sharp, crisp, elegant and sophisticated. From the lipstick she wore to her tiny quadruplenarrow Italian shoes.” With a lifelong love of clothing and a desire to help women, Lillian quickly ended up en route to becoming a stylist. But instead of a formal fashion education, she focused on becoming a certified energy healer and spoke with women about getting dressed as a form of self-love, self-care and selfexpression. The result is a unique approach called style therapy.

If you’re going to wear loose clothes, add a little lift. That could mean a flatform or a 1-inch block heel. You’ll look longer. And feel happier. Figure out which brands work best for your specific body type. Certain brands are cut narrow versus wide. Some are cut really straight, while others allow for more curve. Accessorize. I tell women every day that accessories are just “eye tricks.” They command the eyes where to go and provide balance when worn with intention.

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fear, self-loathing, trauma or a disruption in the home or career. These holdups always seep into the way we speak to ourselves and how we show up. Once we get clear on what’s holding us back, we get to make choices for ourselves, like how we dress, who we date and what career we choose, from a place of self-love versus a lower vibrational state. In 2016 I renamed my business Style Therapy because women always said, “This is better than therapy!” Q: What do clothes say about people? LGC: Clothing is just a big giant metaphor. What we choose to wear indicates what we believe we deserve. I could give hundreds of examples of clothing in correlation to an individual woman’s story, but I’ll say this, we’re all essentially wearing the stories of our inner worlds. When we course-correct our inner world and breathe into our personal possibility, everything else falls into place. Dressing well is about the energy you carry and exude. It’s an affirmation of what’s within. Q: What do you wish more people understood about working with a stylist? LGC: Now more than ever, I wish women knew that they could start working with a stylist at any size. We have to stop treating being thinner as some treat. "When I lose weight, I’ll date, I’ll hire a stylist, I’ll travel to see friends." Life is happening right now, right this moment. I wish women understood this: You’re good and solid and wonderful right now. www.lilliancharles.com, www.instagram.com/lilliangraycharles

BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

7/23/21 5:11 PM

WONDER WOMEN Jennifer Morris, 42, Alpharetta Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Director of Veterinary Outreach at the Atlanta Humane Society

Q: What do you wish more people knew about the Atlanta Humane Society? Jennifer Morris: Every person who works and volunteers there has a huge heart. Caring for healthy, fluffy puppies and kittens is only a small fraction of the work we do at AHS. We rescue animals from cruelty and hoarding situations and help pets when disasters strike. We also help other animal shelters with their needs like food, grants and veterinary care. We help pet owners with affordable veterinary care and pet food, and our shelter medicine teams work miracles to save sick and injured dogs and cats.

Q: Studies show that veterinarians have a three times higher suicide rate than the average American. How do you cope with mental health pressures? JM: Mental health well-being has rightly become a focus for our profession in the last 10 years or so. Many veterinarians suffer from the same sorts of issues, such as anxiety, depression and panic disorder. I began seeing a therapist and taking medication about eight years ago, which has significantly improved my quality of life. I try to be open with my colleagues about my mental health struggles so they can feel more empowered than I was when I first sought help. Q: Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the impact you’re making at a nonprofit. How do you stay motivated? JM: I know that everything I do is directly related to our goals, which saves more animals. Luckily, I find my motivation staring right at me with a wagging tail.

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Humane Society.

For more than 20 years, Jennifer Morris has had one mission: saving animals. What began as an effort in her undergraduate years to provide medical care to shelter animals on the euthanization list has grown into her dedicating her life to nonprofit veterinary medicine at the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS). With her mission in mind and the love of her three pets (Louis the French bulldog, Kevin the Rottweiler and Marisol the rabbit), she’ll stop at nothing to aid Atlanta’s furry friends.

www.atlantahumane.org, www.instagram.com/atlantahumane

Jennifer’s tips for those looking to get involved in the nonprofit world Find a cause you’re passionate about and dive in. Chat with current volunteers. Learn from their experiences to figure out where you’ll like volunteering and in what capacity. Don’t get discouraged. If you don’t know something, just ask, and a staff member will be happy to help or guide you to the correct training. Do your research. Look online to see all your volunteer options, but don’t be afraid to call your favorite nonprofit and ask how you can help. Don’t be afraid to go it alone. Always remember that volunteers are priceless to an organization. Working with animals is great, too, because they don’t mind if you’re an introvert.

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BEST SELF ATLANTA

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7/23/21 5:11 PM

Mary Kay Andrews, 67, Avondale Estates Bestselling Author Mary Kay Andrews, born Kathy Hogan Trocheck, began writing her first novel as a lot of writers do — in secret while still working her full-time job. While her first shot didn’t sell, her second manuscript, “Every Crooked Nanny,” did and was released to critical acclaim in 1992. After a few years of writing stories centered around Atlanta, she turned her focus to Southernbased, self-proclaimed “beach reads” and she hasn’t looked back, having authored more than 25 novels, including “Sunset Beach,” “The High Tide Club” and, most recently, “The Newcomer.” Q: Where do you find inspiration for your books? Mary Kay Andrews: I find inspiration everywhere. In an overheard conversation at a restaurant (“Savannah Breeze”), a vivid dream (“Spring Fever”), an obituary dealing with a beloved politician’s secret family (“Hello, Summer”) or a newspaper article about illegal Airbnb landlords in New York City (“The Newcomer”). I don’t really keep a journal or a notebook. If an idea sticks in my mind long enough, I know it must be right for a book.

Photography by Bill Miles.

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Humane Society.

WONDER WOMEN

Mary Kay’s advice for aspiring writers looking to publish their first book Treat your writing as a job. Take it seriously and schedule writing time and stick to it. Force yourself to write a synopsis. It gives you a roadmap for where your book will start and end. Be wary of too much rewriting. If you keep deleting and reworking every precious paragraph in a novel, you’ll only end up with a few paragraphs. Publishers want a whole book to publish, not a paragraph. You can’t fix what you haven’t written. Get the idea down on the page. Then you can go back and rework it. Writing is a craft. Work hard at it, respect it. Research the publishing world so you understand this universe you’re trying to break into.

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Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? MKA: I took a writer’s workshop with Sue Grafton [a prolific writer of detective novels] more than 30 years ago. She talked about the importance of setting goals and asking for what you want. I give myself daily page quotas and have been working toward my goals ever since. Asking for stuff, especially as a woman raised in the South, is hard. But I also remember my literary agent’s mantra, “You don’t ask, you don’t get.” So I’m working on that. Q: What’s the most challenging part of writing? MKA: Every day, I sit down to write and feel overwhelmed with self-doubt and self-loathing. But I remind myself the only way around these roadblocks is to charge right past them. Just keep writing, and eventually, it’ll come together. Q: What’s next for you, and is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? MKA: I’m thankful to anyone who’s read one of my books, reviewed it or recommended my work. Next up? I have a Christmas novella, “The Santa Suit,” coming out on Sept. 28, and next summer’s book is already in progress. Q: What do you wish you could tell your younger self? MKA: I'd tell myself that no one gets to define me, and remind myself that I am a work in progress. And, yeah, that sometimes the class clown gets the last laugh. www.marykayandrews.com, www.instagram.com/marykayandrews

BEST SELF ATLANTA

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

7/23/21 5:11 PM

WONDER WOMEN Kelley Knight, 38, Poncey-Highlands/O4W Tarot Reader and Psychic Medium, Owner of Modern Mystic

Q: What are some of the ways you believe mysticism can improve your life? Kelley Knight: I use mystical practices to enhance my intuition, connect more deeply to myself and harness my power. When I’m tuned in, trusting myself and experiencing what a powerful being I am, I show up in my life in a more positive way. I’m actually super practical and value efficiency. If these tools didn’t help me or enhance my life, I’d find something else. But for me, and for many people, these practices work. Q: Modern Mystic focuses on carrying products from family businesses, women and other underrepresented groups. Why is that important to you? KK: Most metaphysical shops stock their shelves with the same products from a few main companies. Many of these products aren’t natural or intentionally made. In a business that focuses on

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energy, it’s essential to have as much energetic integrity with what we stock as possible. It also feels important to give visibility and revenue to makers who are underrepresented so they can grow along with us and vice versa. We still have strides to make in this area, but we’re doing better in this process every day. Q: What are some little ways people can incorporate mysticism into their lives? KK: Pull a tarot or oracle card a day. This is a great way to learn the modality while also enhancing intuition and daily intention. Meditate and breathe. I’m a broken record, but a few minutes of quiet with long, deep breathing will help create less reactivity and a still, internal space. Mindfully carve your intention into a candle and light it. This creates focused intention through a mini ritual as you infuse your desires into the wax and send it off into the ether through burning.

Photography by Lisandra Vázquez.

After doing all the “right” things to create a fulfilling life as a high-level marketer, a dissatisfied Kelley Knight was introduced to mystical practice in her mid-20s. Years of training and healing later, Kelley found her purpose and a new profession in mysticism. Now, she’s made it her life's mission to make mysticism mainstream, establishing Modern Mystic in Ponce City Market. The popular storefront offers tarot, astrology, energy healing and more in a chic, high-vibration atmosphere, attracting celebrities like Usher and Uma Thurman.

www.modernmysticshop.com, www.instagram.com/modernmystic_shop

Kelley’s tips for those looking to grow deeper spiritually and connect with their intuition Heal your trauma. Your body is the vessel for your intuition, and when it’s reactive and traumatized from the past, it creates interference to hearing your inner voice. Meditate. It helps your nervous system find neutrality, which is the baseline for understanding what’s an “intuitive hit” versus a pattern driving you in the same direction. Become a master. After the exploratory phase, commit time and energy to mastering something. Trust yourself. Never forfeit your inner knowing for someone else, even if it’s a reader, teacher or the Dalai Lama himself. Have fun. Some people take this stuff way too seriously. Sure, it can be hard and confronting work, but take time to enjoy the process. Injecting humor and fun keeps folks humble.

BEST SELF ATLANTA

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7/23/21 5:11 PM

Photography by Lisandra Vázquez.

WONDER WOMEN Alison Easterby, 51, Brookhaven Entrepreneur and Owner of Busy Girl Bath Bakery Born with sensitive skin and consistently let down by the beauty industry, Alison Easterby, like many, was inspired to create better skincare products. But it wasn’t until her daughter was diagnosed with vitiligo and rosacea that she decided to try to craft something new. While her first invention was a preservativefree, ultra-gentle makeup foundation, she naturally progressed to making bath and body products for her entire family. After years spent relegating skincare as her side hustle, Alison made the jump from her 17-year career as a litigation paralegal to run her company Busy Girl Bath Bakery full time. Now she churns out hundreds of products each day, from luxurious whipped body butters to gentle clay masks, all made naturally and designed to pamper even the most sensitive skin types.

one near-explosion. But my worst mistakes involved the use of fragrance. The number of fragrance variables is mind-boggling. It can be found in many forms and purity levels, and it differs in price, safety, skin sensitivity, strength and longevity.

Q. What mistakes did you make at the start of your journey? Alison Easterby: There were some memorable mistakes involving colorants, additives, and at least

Q. What does self-care look like to you? AE: For as long as I can remember, a hot bath has been my response to just about everything that ails me, from a migraine to sore muscles to a panic attack. It’s my favorite way to relax and reflect, and some of my best ideas and solutions have come to me as I lounged in a bath. Everyone has different needs, and for me, self-care includes time alone. Now that I’m an empty-nester, I try to make it a priority to steal some time at least once a week to use a hair mask and a clay face mask or exfoliate from head to toe while enjoying a long soak in the tub.

Alison’s top tips for self-care Many people think self-care means mud masks and shopping. I believe the it starts with the basics. Nutrition – Strive to eat at least one nutritious meal a day. Sleep – If seven to eight hours a night isn’t possible, make sure the hours you do sleep are comfortable and uninterrupted. Exercise – I’m a firm believer in just moving. Sure, getting the 30 minutes of aerobic exercise we’re supposed to get daily would be great, but it’s more important to avoid being sedentary. Skincare – Safe and skin-loving products for cleansing and moisturizing are a must, but so is sunscreen.

Q. Why do you think it’s crucial for women to focus on their self-care? AE: I think much of the time, we push self-care aside because we confuse self-care with being selfish. But selfcare is whatever you need at any given time to keep going. One of the most basic forms of self-care is washing. You wash every day, but do you know what you’re washing with? Everything I create is formulated without preservatives to be gentle enough for my own family’s sensitive skin — from the youngest to the oldest. So I like to believe I’m helping everyone with that one most basic form of self-care.

www.bgbathbakery.com www.instagram.com/busygirlbathbakery

Organization – I’ve found that when everything is organized, I become much more efficient in everything I do, saving me time I can use on other things, like soaking in a hot bath at the end of the day. bestselfatlanta.com

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The Giving Continues As Over 40 & Fabulous! Kicks Off Its 11th Year Former winners update us on their charitable endeavors. Vote and follow along for our 2021 contest at www.bestselfatlanta.com

An important part of the reason we chose the people who were named our Over 40 & Fabulous! winners over the years is their willingness to share their time and money with those in need. Here’s an update on some of the work our Over 40 & Fabulous! alumni have been doing with their individual foundations or favorite charities since they last graced the pages of Best Self Atlanta.

Michele Stumpe, Class of 2020, Give-Back Award During COVID-19, Children of Conservation raised money to provide face coverings for impoverished fishing villagers in Uganda. The funds were used to hire local women to make the masks, which in turn, helped them feed their families when their husbands were unable to work because of the pandemic. www.childrenofconservation.org

Kwavi Agbeyegbe, Class of 2019, Fab 5 I’ve been working with Out of Darkness, which rescues children, women and men from sexual trafficking. During lockdown, I was part of the prayer team. Now that places have opened back up, I will be

working with the encounter team that goes out to brothels, strip clubs and the streets to minister to sexually exploited individuals. www.outofdarkness.org

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Pitter Goughnour, Class of 2020, Top 10 When I first became part of the Over 40 & Fabulous! family last year, I supported many charities. That all changed on October 22, 2020, when my former husband, high school sweetheart and father of our daughter passed away. I have switched gears and now help widows

who are going through grief and loss through

Doug Barron, Class of 2013, Top 10

Widow Strong. www.widowstrong.com

As the executive director of the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, I continue the awareness fight. Our mission of ovarian cancer education and awareness has taken me across the state, and I have made many new friends. Sadly, we have lost many of those friends to ovarian cancer. www.gaovariancancer.org

Jackie Madison Class of 2015, Top 10 As the CEO of Glamour Girl Fitness, my mission is to raise awareness

of the benefits of exercise, health and wellness at an early age, while also encouraging adults

Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance

to take positive steps toward living a longer life. Our second in-person event, Back to School Fitness Jam, will be held Aug. 14. www.glamourgirlfitness.org

The mission of the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance is to increase awareness and knowledge about the disease in an effort to lead to earlier detection.

Julie Turner, Class of 2019, Top 10 I am excited to say that this year’s Ivy Lane spring fashion show benefiting Sources of Strength, a national organization

that focuses on teen suicide prevention, raised $22,000. Even with the COVID-19 aftermath, we had an overwhelming response, resulting in 56 sponsors and more than 600 tickets sold. www.sourcesofstrength.org bestselfatlanta.com

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The GOCA’s annual Teal Trot 5K fundraiser in Chastain Park returns in-person this year on Sept. 18, during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds going toward its patient outreach programs and other initiatives.

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Danielle Beverly, Class of 2018, Give-Back Award I have stayed actively involved in The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, which continues to aid the lower-income breast cancer patients at Grady, in addition to my hometown in Michigan. The foundation

has helped more than 650 financially burdened patients with utilities, rent, groceries, transportation and more. www.beverlyfamilyfoundation.org

Lynn McCray, Class of 2020, Super 6 Even with COVID-19, Eco Sneakers has partnered with former NFL players and the Professional Football Players Mothers Association (PFPMA) to get shoes

to people locally and globally. URPT/BenchMark Physical Therapy did a countrywide Sneaker Week in July to benefit youth in the U.S. We’ve launched Circles of Giving, which allows others to give tax-deductible donations. www.ecosneakers.org

Lisa Washington, Class of 2017, Cover Winner I raised funds for the annual Angels of Life fashion and beauty show benefiting the Georgia Transplant Foundation. My husband and I had our portrait hung in the Tubman Museum as part of “The Perfect Gift,” a photography exhibit showcasing inspiring stories of African American organ donors, organ recipients and their families. www.gatransplant.org

Tonya Guillory, Class of 2019, Cover Winner I am excited to announce that we will resume our yearly polo event for the Wounded Warrior Project this year. Due to COVID-19, last year was the first time in six years that we weren’t able to coordinate the event. I will also be helping with Make-A-Wish, a cause near and dear to my heart. www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Lisa Mohager, Class of 2018, Inspiration Award As the founder of Drab to Fab Life, I was nominated for the

Dress for Success Atlanta 2021 Women of Power Campaign. Dress for Success Atlanta’s mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing tools, resources and support to help them thrive in work and in life. atlanta.dressforsuccess.org

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Kristin Andree, Class of 2019, Top 10 My charitable endeavors

continue to pour into the lives of women and girls. I currently serve as president of the board of Ellevate Atlanta, and as a board member of Golf for the Kids benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). I am a frequent speaker and donor to numerous women's and children’s organizations around the country. www.ellevatenetwork.com/chapters/7-us-atlanta

Nova Kopp, Class of 2020, Top 10 I work to increase education and funding through Hillside, which spreads awareness about the needs of children affected by mental illness, trauma, abuse and neglect. As an advocate

for women and children dealing with domestic violence, I help provide training and tools to individuals as they begin their emotional healing and lives abuse-free. www.hside.org

Tom Sullivan, Class of 2016, Top 10 As a corporate host and charity emcee, I have hosted virtual fundraising events for The National Pancreas Foundation, FOCUS, SafeHouse Outreach, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and more. Events that nurture my inner spirit and sing to my soul are the ones I resonate with the most.

Michelle Hodgson, Class of 2015, Cover Winner At Children Helping Children, we provide platforms for children and teens to showcase their specific strengths, aka their “light,” and find ways through programming and events to pair this light with tangible in-kind gifts like food, clothes and art therapy supplies. Our newest initiative, LOVETRAIN, will be carrying donation items our Atlanta kids need most from area schools to area nonprofits. www.chcatlanta.org

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Erin Freer, Class of 2018, Top 40 I’ve been focused on initiatives aimed at frontline healthcare

workers by giving them a little self-care through discounted services at my Blo Blow Dry Bar locations. I’ve also continued to support my favorite charities that I get to participate in with my children, including the Solidarity Sandy Springs food pantry and Young Mother’s Service League (YMSL). www.solidaritysandysprings.org

Ethan King, Class of 2020, Cover Winner My giveback initiatives are focused on children. I have friends with kids who battled cancer and nothing breaks my heart more. I generously support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Keris Kares. This year, I also made a contribution to Vibha, a nonprofit that dispersed $2 million in COVID-19 relief to support underprivileged children in India. www.vibha.org

Tran Bui Smith, Class of 2017, Inspiration Award I am the co-founder of a family volunteer group called Little Helpers. Members of our 20 chapters are committed to

giving back at least once a month, whether it’s organizing a community service project, donating to a charity or simply showing kindness to someone. www.facebook.com/ littlehelpersofatlanta

Elise Roth Tedeschi, Class of 2020, Super 6 On behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, I am advocating to

the 117th Congress for crucial federal funding to make pancreatic cancer a national priority in fiscal year 2022. I share my personal story as a stage IV pancreatic cancer survivor with our Georgia senators and representatives to help put a face to the cancer, so to speak. www.pancan.org

Lynne McDonald, Class of 2018, Cover Winner I have followed my passion for art into service with art therapy. I counsel families dealing with diabetes and work with Camp Kudzu, a nonprofit organization that offers education and support to children with Type 1 diabetes. I am currently raising funds for scholarships for kids to attend the camps, which are back after being virtual for a year. www.campkudzu.org

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Tammy von Nordheim, Class of 2018, Fab 5 Whether it is a lifestyle shift, a mental health check-in or a business idea blossoming into something spectacular, Girl in the Glass serves women from a core of healthy, positive mentoring to begin living life for

themselves in their truth by setting healthy boundaries and practicing unapologetic self-care. www.gawtc.com

Caroline King, Class of 2011, Top 10 Drawing on my own invaluable experiences, I give back to the community by serving those struggling with breast cancer, as well as those facing caring for a loved one with a severe head or spine injury.

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{Travel + Leisure}

Weekend Getaways Within Driving Distance

By Kathy Kantorski and Wyndi Kappes

Finally planning that vacation? Here are a dozen exciting options, all within a few hours drive of Atlanta. Whether you choose horseback riding, kayaking at sunset or foraging for forest-to-table ingredients, you’ll return refreshed and rejuvenated.

Chateau Élan Winery & Resort Drive time: 45 minutes Just a quick drive to Braselton, northeast of Atlanta, is Chateau Élan, a 3,500-acre resort and vineyard featuring healthy dining, wine tastings, a European health spa, top-notch accommodations, a saltwater pool, tennis and pickleball courts, 45 holes of championship golf and more. www.chateauelan.com

Photo courtesy of Chateau Elan Winery & Resort.

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Drive time: 2 hours

2 3 Photos courtesy of (top) Paradise Hills Resort; photography by (bottom) Kyle Werner.

Photo courtesy of Chateau Elan Winery & Resort.

Paradise Hills Resort

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Originally from Northern Maine and Belgium, the Lander family moved to Blairsville in 2002 to open and run this winery/resort. Situated on a mountain ridge, Paradise Hills offers cabin rentals, a spa, vineyards and a farm winery. The area is also popular for outdoor activities such as fishing, rafting, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. www.paradisehillsresort.com

No Taste Like Home Drive time: 3.5 hours This culinary travel group based in Asheville, North Carolina, offers several expertled foraging field trips for adventurous foodies. The excursions include a woodland “shopping spree” where you gather wild mushrooms and other edible plants, enjoy a cooking demo and tasting, then enjoy fine dining at one of the city’s top restaurants as the chefs there cook up your “catch of the day.” www.notastelikehome.org

Historic Banning Mills Drive time: 45 minutes Soar up to 60 mph over the lost gorge and the ghost town of Banning at this thrilla-minute resort and adventure park. The family-owned conservancy features almost 10 miles of zip lines and a multitude of sky bridges, along with a 100-foot free fall, aerial challenge courses, kayaking, hiking and even the opportunity to spend the night in a treehouse. www.historicbanningmills.com BEST SELF ATLANTA

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Amicalola Falls and Unicoi State Park Drive time: 1.5 hours Newly introduced adventure lodge experiences await at these state parks in the North Georgia Mountains. Both offer treetop zip lines, GPS scavenger hunts, 3D archery and a GoPro rental program that enables guests to make an entertaining record of their day using the action camera mounted on a bike, kayak or helmet. Amicalola Falls also features guided hikes and fitness trail runs, survivalist camping and a birds of prey experience, while Unicoi adds lessons in fly-fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and primitive camping under the stars. www.amicalolafallslodge.com, www.unicoilodge.com

Columbus This Georgia town is a hotspot for whitewater rafters and kayakers. Its 2.5-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River features Class I to Class V rapids, along with a lazy river. And what makes this whitewater destination unique is its urban location — exit the river and bike, stroll or skate along the city’s miles-long river walk, where you’ll find live music, food, boutiques and more. www.visitcolumbusga.com

AMICALOLA FALLS

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Photos courtesy of (top) Explore Georgia/Geoff Johnson, (bottom) Explore Georgia/Ralph Daniel.

Drive time: 1.5 hours

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7 Bryson City

Photos courtesy of (top) Bryson City NC/Swain County Chamber of Commerce, (bottom) Explore Georgia/Geoff Johnson.

Photos courtesy of (top) Explore Georgia/Geoff Johnson, (bottom) Explore Georgia/Ralph Daniel.

Drive time: 3 hours

Take a break from the gym and take a fitness trip to the Smoky Mountains instead — Bryson City, North Carolina, to be exact. The city offers a two-day get-fit itinerary that involves jogging past waterfalls and through woods, paddleboarding on Fontana Lake, a sunset kayak tour, mountain biking and a one-hour massage to cap off the trip. www.greatsmokies.com

Blue Ridge Drive time: 1.5 hours This cozy mountain town offers easy access to the Aska Trail System, which features 17 miles of walking and biking trails. Visit Mercier Orchards, the largest family-owned orchard in the South, or catch a movie out under the stars at the ‘50s-era Swan DriveIn Theatre. If you decide to stay overnight, Escape to Blue Ridge offers a wide selection of cabins with great views and amenities. www.escapetoblueridge.com, www.blueridgemountains.com

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Primland Resort Drive time: 6 hours Let the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains take your breath away as you sleep not just under the sky, but in it, in one of Primland Resort’s three treehouses. Heights aren't your thing? You can opt to stay on the ground in the lodge of this 12,000-acre private estate. Enjoy activities such as disc golf, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, nature walks, sporting clays, off-road adventures, archery, swimming, tennis and stargazing from the resort’s observatory. www.primland.com

9 10 Photos courtesy of (top) Primland, (bottom) Explore Georgia/Geoff Johnson.

Dahlonega Drive time: 1 hour Home to the largest hard-rock gold mine east of the Mississippi (and site of the first major U.S. gold rush), Dahlonega is a historic mountain town in the heart of Georgia wine country. Enjoy panning for gold and gemstones, visiting the heritage museums and touring the quaint town with its bustling arts scene and gold-medal wineries. Or crank the activities up a notch and go hiking, kayaking, tubing, golfing, birding or camping. www.dahlonega.org

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Biltmore Drive time: 3.5 hours

Photos courtesy of (top) The Biltmore Company, (bottom) 2021 Gaylord Opryland.

Photos courtesy of (top) Primland, (bottom) Explore Georgia/Geoff Johnson.

In 1889, George Vanderbilt began building this 250-room French Renaissance chateau in Asheville, North Carolina, which stands today as the largest home in America. The estate’s gardens, boasting the Blue Ridge Mountains as their backdrop, were designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Outdoor activities include fishing, horseback riding, bike rentals and carriage rides. Visits to the nearby Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery are popular highlights of this trip. www.biltmore.com

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Gaylord Opryland Resort Drive time: 3.5 hours This family-friendly Tennessee resort has more than 2,500 rooms and nine acres of gorgeous indoor gardens, attractions, restaurants, a worldclass spa and an indoor waterpark open year-round. Just outside you can find a bustling Nashville with the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery and plenty of live music and delicious eats. www.gaylordopryland.com

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{Best Rx} Atlanta Experts Answer Your Health & Beauty Questions

Daniel Nicholson, M.D.

Teri Eastin

Paul E. Cox, M.D., MS

Perimeter Orthopaedics

Owner and licensed esthetician, Atlanta Acne Specialists

Vital Living Healthcare

Why Is Sports Medicine/ Orthopedics Even More Important in the Summertime? Summer means heading to the golf course, going on hikes or bike rides and having fun at the pool or beach to take advantage of the warmth. Staying active and getting some sun is great for your health and well-being, but summer sports and activities bring a number of potential injuries. It is important to visit Perimeter Orthopaedics as soon as a possible injury occurs. Dr. Daniel Nicholson is an award-winning sports medicine orthopedic surgeon specializing in both traditional and modern techniques. Dr. Nicholson can treat your injury quickly and efficiently to get you back out enjoying the summer!

Contact 404.255.5595 (Atlanta) or 404.458.8859 (Woodstock) lmueller@perimeterortho.com www.perimeterortho.com

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What Are Some PoreClogging Ingredients in Skincare? Before using any new products on your hair or skin, be sure to check the ingredients first — even if the bottle says “won’t clog pores” or “noncomedogenic.” Government agencies don’t oversee this process, so often skincare companies will claim that their products promote clear skin while the ingredients actually contain many pore-clogging elements. Natural oils such as jojoba, olive and lanolin are mildly comedogenic and can be a problem if formulated with other comedogenic ingredients. While others like cocoa butter and coconut oil are the worst offenders and often found in many organic skin care lines. Prescription products such as Retin-A cream, over-the-counter acne medications and even “oil-free” acne products can also contain pore-clogging ingredients.

Contact 404.900.5152 denise@atlantaacnespecialists.com www.atlantaacnespecialists.com

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Can HRT Help Women With Weight Loss? Yes. We know that changes in hormones that begin in the early to mid-40s and progress through menopause can change a woman’s metabolism, mood, body composition and energy levels. All of this can affect weight negatively. Low estrogen and high FSH, which is common in menopause, have been proven to slow metabolism and increase insulin resistance. Low testosterone levels can impede maintaining lean muscle mass and lower energy levels. Low progesterone can cause anxiety, moodiness and sleeplessness. Taken together, all of these factors can result in the gradual weight gain women often battle in their 40s and 50s. Women sometimes resort to extreme dieting or have liposuction, but most won’t be able to maintain those gains without balanced hormones. If you are experiencing these issues, call today for your complimentary consultation with Dr. Paul E. Cox at Vital Living Healthcare, Atlanta’s hormone whisperer.

Contact 404.843.3636 info@vlhmd.com www.vlhmd.com bestselfatlanta.com

7/27/21 12:00 PM

run4DAD 5K Run/Walk Sunday, September 19, 2021 5K Run/Walk • 1 Mile Walk • kids4DAD Run Home Depot/Costco Parking Lot 6400 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

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A Feel-Good

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Best Self Atlanta 0821-0921

Articles inside

Fitness + Nutrition

Mindfulness + Joy

Best Rx

Health + Wellness

Local Biz Love

From the Founder

Beauty + Anti-aging