Decatur Living - Summer 2024

THRIVE CONNECT INSPIRE

DECATUR LIVING, LLC

P.O. BOX 2589

DECATUR, GA 30031

PUBLISHER

Natalie Gregory

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Monique LaRue

CREATIVE DI RECTOR

Brent Cashman

PHOTOGRAPHY

Chris Lawery

Joshua Vensel WRITERS

Our Inner Us

THEIR STORIES are our stories. That’s one of the messages we wanted to convey when we selected the people who would grace the cover of this issue. We wanted business owners and entrepreneurs who were not only committed to the products and services they offer, but also who were making a difference in the community.

I don’t mind saying we nailed it. Benedicte, Diane, Mandy, Lisa and Kate represent everyone and everything that makes Decatur what it is. They are custodians of the collective experiences, triumphs and ambitions that our community stands for.

Our plan was to give you a peek into the stories behind the people and places you visit. The restaurant owner whose slice of the American dream is a culinary ode to her homeland. The bookstore owner whose love of literature has been an inspiration to every family who loves to turn pages. The yoga instructor whose passion for mental and physical well-being is a guiding light for every mat she touches. The artistically versed apparel, shoes and accessories shop owner whose styles help find our inner us. And the antique store owner whose shop has become a local and national beacon for everyone with a flair for eclectic and collectible pursuits.

Their stories are our stories because who they are and what they do is intertwined with the fabric of our community. Getting to spend time with each of them during our Decatur Living meet and greet cover shoot is why I love doing what I do.

Along with a snapshot of each of their stories, we will be offering expanded, fun coverage online highlighting some of their inspirations, favorite places to visit and quotes that drive them. We also have several Q&As with some of the country’s foremost entrepreneurial thought leaders – in case you are exploring taking your next big adventure.

We are so excited about this issue – and the many things we have planned ahead.

Hope you enjoy this issue. And don’t forget to stop by and say hello to our cover mavens.

See ya soon.

Natalie Gregory Publisher, Decatur

Denise K. James

Carol Badaracco Padgett

Jennifer Morrell

Michael J. Pallerino

Vanessa Pascale

Decatur Living Telephone: 404-373-0076

hello@decaturliving.com

Decatur Living is published quarterly by Natalie Gregory. Distribution is a minimum of 14,000 with up to 11,000 being mailed to households in Decatur, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Candler Park, Lake Claire and Oak Grove. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. The publisher does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in Decatur Living Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance, and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.

On the cover

Business owners redefining community

Photography by Chris Lawery

Bliss Out at the Pool House

Three outdoor designers share the secrets to their collaborative success

By Carol Badaracco Padgett

Calo Owner and founder, Garden Lights Landscaping

SUNNY DAYS laced in gardens of striking green. Sparkling evenings gifted with a light breeze. Scents and sounds that wander hazily around the bends of an urban scene. These are the visions we crave for our ideal outdoor experiences – moments where the boundaries between inside and out dissolve.

Whether your outdoor canvas is a lush backyard oasis or a quaint balcony, creative collaboration and intentional design are the keys to unlocking its full potential.

According to three leading designers we spoke with, transforming your home into a sanctuary that marries the comforts of the interior with the allure of the exterior is an art form. Here’s a peek at how they’re bringing the outdoors in – and the indoors out – for living spaces that defy boundaries.

Kirk Road’s historic abode Historic schoolhouse. Rural home. Aging abode. Take a deep dive into the historic home that sits near Agnes Scott College and you’ll find stories from each era of its incarnations. But the latest may be the most fabulous yet – home to a thriving film director.

After years of work and travel, the latest owner wanted a space to refresh and call home. Enter Garden Lights Landscaping owner and founder Jovani Calo and his team. As regular collaborators with Arlene Dean Home and general contractor Lesley Dean Petosa, Garden Lights was brought onboard to craft an outdoor space and landscape that coaxes contemporary peace of mind.

Take the pool house. A bit more modern, and not as historical or traditional like the house, it provided the owner with an entirely new space. “The main house is super-cool, but it’s a small schoolhouse with just a couple of rooms,” Petosa says. “So the pool house has given the owner an entirely new space. The owner is also a writer, and now he can move his studio out there [by the pool]. He has space to get out of his main house.”

Artistically complemented by its landscaping, the outdoor space features an open-air kitchen made of cedar wood, which was designed by Mosley Architecture and Gardens. Marc Mosley and his team also worked alongside Garden Lights Landscaping to transform the run-down deck area on the back of the schoolhouse, marrying it to the new pool, pool house and outdoor kitchen.

Together, the various components are modern in structure, but with a rural garden character. “We custom-built the outdoor kitchen and hand-cut a beautiful, bluestone thermal countertop,” Calo says. “There’s a very beautiful pergola over the top with confederate jasmine that will climb up and over it.”

Another outstanding feature is the pool deck itself. Crafted from an intricate blend of brick and Zoysia grass, it exudes a warmth

Jovani

and character that elevates the entire space. And the pattern is anything but ordinary. “If you take a [Norman] brick, 11 inches long and 4 inches wide, and then flip it on its side, it makes a thinner, more distinctive and stronger patio that will be here for centuries,” Calo says.

As for the unique brick patio and grass design, when Mosley and his team removed some of the bricks to add grass strips, it enabled the brick work to bleed into the landscaping, and the landscaping to bleed into the brick work.

“The brick, the sod, the outdoor kitchen, the bluestone thermal countertop – it’s just magnificent,” Calo says. “We brought in 12-foot tea olives, flushing – meaning they’re full, in bloom and having new growth – and very fragrant, as well as beautiful evergreen trees [to add privacy to the home which sits in a high-traffic area].”

The entire space is complemented by fence lights, which light the whole space and give a nighttime atmosphere.

Outdoors all around

In a community where nature’s embrace is never far away, Decatur has long fostered a love affair with the outdoors. No matter the neighborhood or architectural style, a multitude of enduring trends continue to take root in the city’s outdoor spaces.

In a community where nature’s embrace is never far away, Decatur has long fostered a love affair with the outdoors. No matter the neighborhood or architectural style, a multitude of enduring trends continue to take root in Decatur’s outdoor areas, reflecting the city’s deep connection to nature and its commitment to fostering a vibrant outdoor culture.

This is hardly surprising for people who revel in the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Whether it is a cozy bungalow or one of its stately manors, the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces continue to blur, inviting the outside world in with open arms.

“Any environment in a home will feel better when it merges the interior with the landscaping and merges inside and out,” Mosley says. “In the schoolhouse, we turned the pool area into an outdoor room, like a living room that just happens to be outside.”

When it comes to crafting an outdoor oasis that reflects the homeowner’s unique style, the key lies in thoughtful intentionality. Calo recommends getting very deliberate with different bed lines in your landscaping – and the mulch therein. “Mulch can create a great impact.”

Calo also recommends a fire pit as a focal point for your patio area, a popular backyard amenity that can infuse the space with warmth and ambiance. For Calo, the magic begins closest to home. “A simple way to make a big impact is to be very intentional with foundational plants. What’s up close to

Outdoor Entertaining

Read more about creating outdoor spaces. Scan the QR code.

your house? The outside is an expression of the inside. So, have a strong intentionality with what’s close to your house.”

Collaboration is king

In an area renowned for its creative collaborations across industries, Calo and Mosley agree that homeowners and their landscape, hardscape designers and architects will achieve the best results when they work hand in glove. “The art of collaboration is something that’s so important – working with other professional designers, landscape architects, architects and builders,” Calo says. “We’re working with the best of the best to bring our clients’ visions to life.”

The power of collaboration extends beyond the design team, encompassing the homeowner’s involvement throughout the process. “There are certain clients who want you to design something, and then they run off,” Mosley says. “You don’t get to stay involved. Yet, the key to getting a very successful project is to have the same set of eyes that envisioned a project see it through to the very end. A client will miss out on what they paid for if they don’t have that involvement all throughout.”

Ultimately, creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space is an investment – not just in your house and property, but in the experiences it will foster. “Being outside and in nature – it’s a great platform for enjoying moments,” Calo says. “Outdoor space provides a truly wonderful opportunity to create and share memories.”

So, whether you’re envisioning a cozy nook for intimate gatherings or a grand expanse for entertaining, let your outdoor oasis be a canvas for cherished moments that will last a lifetime.



Conscious Consumerism

Shopping gently used goods this summer

By Vanessa Pascale

RETRO COOL. Boho hip. Internationally chic. In the heart of Decatur, nestled amid the hustle and bustle, are stores offering a treasure trove of hidden gems. They are the places where sustainability meets style and environmentally conscious shoppers thrive.

Gregory Akroyd believes that, as a community, if you commit yourself to making a difference in how you think, act and shop in regards to the environment, everybody wins. The COO of T.E. Wilcox Home calls the mindset conscious consumerism, where

prioritizing quality over quantity translates into supporting businesses that embrace eco-friendly practices and choosing to reuse and recycle whenever possible. “By giving new life to vintage items and repurposing, we can significantly reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact."

T.E. Wilcox is one of a number of local shops dedicated to being champions of the movement, weaving threads of eco-consciousness into the fabric of our community and breathing new life into pre-loved garments. It is a transactional landscape where every purchase tells a story of hope, renewal and collective action.

As more local retailers jump on the resale trend, they – and you – become part of the worldwide market for secondhand goods (clothes, furniture, musical instruments, sports gear, etc.), reach is expected to hit $350 billion by 2027, according to ThredUp’s “2023 Resale Report.” In the U.S. alone, the secondhand market is expected to reach $70 billion by 2027, per the report.

So, if you are looking to refresh your wardrobe or home, unload treasures and make space for something new, meet three environmentally conscious store owners with three distinct visions for Decatur’s world of gently used goods.

For Wild & Funky Home goods

T.E. Wilcox Home

131 E. Trinity Place tewilcox.com

The concept for T.E. Wilcox Home originated from owners Parker Ray and Tranise Coryell and their passion for hunting down one-of-a-kind pieces, and desire to preserve and share them with others who appreciate the beauty and character of vintage items.

COO Gregory Akroyd says the retailer is passionate about recycling and reusing because it believes it is crucial for both environmental sustainability and preserving unique pieces of history. “Fast furniture, mass-produced and cheap, contributes to extensive environmental waste. By giving new life to vintage items and repurposing, we can significantly reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact.”

This means prioritizing quality over quantity, supporting businesses that embrace eco-friendly practices and choosing to reuse and recycle whenever possible.

The store’s selection changes nearly every day, so stop by early and often.

Summer Finds

Customers can expect a curated selection of quality vintage furniture and vintage-inspired home décor sourced from estate sales, private sellers and flea markets. Ray and Coryell spend

their weekends hunting for vintage and vintage-inspired pieces, just like the team from The History Channel’s “American Pickers” who travel to find great antiques traveling around in a van. For vintageinspired and new goods, T.E. Wilcox does its best to identify items that will easily complement and intermingle with vintage treasures seamlessly. The goal is to elevate the appreciation for each new item, transforming it into a timeless heirloom.

If you’re interested in selling, connect via Instagram @t.e.wilcox or by email at hello@tewilcox.com

For Women’s Consignment & Furnishings

Finders Keepers

Consignment Stores

Furnishings:

2853 E. College Avenue

Women’s

Clothing:

2134 N. Decatur Road

fkconsign.com

It’s the one-of-a-kind items that grab Lee Ann Harris’ attention. While she knows them when she sees them, when she sees that “I-cannotlive-without-this-item” on a customer’s face, it takes on a whole new meaning.

And there’s more to it. The Finders Keepers owner loves what being in the consignment business does for the community.

“Shopping resale is the ultimate in supporting your community because consignments are sourced locally, and those consignors are earning money they are putting back into our

For Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary Pieces

George Lawes is passionate about making the environment a better place through recycling.

local economy – a bonus for our customers shopping sustainably and saving money.”

At Finders Keepers Consignment Stores, which includes home furnishings and women’s clothing, the mantra is something old to you is something new to someone else. “By shopping at consignment stores in our communities, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits from reducing waste and saving resources to supporting local economies and promoting a culture of reuse,” Harris.

At its Furnishings Store, you will find gently loved, on-trend items, while the women’s consignment store features everything from apparel, shoes and accessories. Featuring an eclectic mix of items, its inventory continually changes.

Summer Finds

During the summer months, Finders Keepers loves receiving outdoor furniture and décor items. At its clothing store, seasonal items such as maxi dresses and sandals are in demand. Both stores accept inventory six days a week, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

Being in business for more than 40 years, the stores feature tens of thousands of consignors and shoppers.

E. Ponce de Leon Avenue

For years, he and his wife, Kate, have been deeply concerned about the environment, so much so that they hosted an environmental news show on TBS called "Network Earth."

“Modern society’s creation of enormous amounts of trash and that waste of resources is one of our world’s most pressing challenges," George says. "When we all drop our recycling bins on the street, we think we are making a difference, and, in a tiny way, perhaps.”

Walk into Kudzu and you will find pieces procured from its buyers, who travel overseas to places like Europe seeking out antique and vintage items. Many of these need repair and restoration, which is done in-house.

The team also seeks out handmade, recycled and upcycled items from India, Mexico and South America, along with buying from local sellers and homeowners.

At Kudzu, it is the items someone else might have discarded that are a joy to sell – items that it has found worn and broken, and then brought back to life. “It is satisfying to fix something, an effort which is quickly becoming a thing of the past in our world,” George says. “I hate sending something to the landfill.”

Summer Finds

Summer inventory focuses on the outdoors, including a large selection of upcycled items. This includes things like yard art from Mexico that is made from recycled metal, and traditional vintage porch furniture such as restored metal gliders, rescued antique watering cans from roadside brocantes in France, as well as lots of pottery made from simple abundant clay.

Community / LIFESTYLE

Thrive Inspire Connect

See how these five business owners are redefining community

It’s not the moment that matters, until it is. Having an entrepreneurial mindset is more than just starting a business or inventing a breakthrough product or service; it is a gift. In that moment – when an idea becomes the catalyst for a venture, the venture becomes action, and the action becomes reality – the entrepreneur is not afraid. Equipped with vision, resiliency, creativity and leadership, the entrepreneur is the one who sees opportunities where others see obstacles, embraces challenges when others turn away and, above all else, is not afraid to fail.

Sculpting futures. Crafting destinies. Nurturing communities. In the grand tapestry of human pursuits, the women on the following pages of our cover story are fostering a culture of collaboration – one where individuals and communities can come together to exchange ideas, support one another and collectively strive toward common goals.

Their stories are the cornerstone of community building, strategically building bonds of trust and solidarity that fortify the social infrastructure and enrich the lives of everyone they meet.

–

Stories by

Michael J.

Pallerino

“ Build your business success around something that you love – something that is inherently and endlessly interesting to you.”

– Martha Stewart

Channeling Her Retro

How Kudzu Antiques’ Kate Lawes balances today, tomorrow and beyond

The story behind Kudzu Antiques + Modern is a true hometown success story. After college, Atlanta native Kate Lawes flirted with the idea of joining the family antique business her mother started in the old DeKalb Purina Seed and Feed store, but was flatly rejected. Her older sister, Russell, was already involved and her mom had different designs on Kate’s future. Disappointed, Kate turned her efforts to building a career in sales.

It would be years later, as her mom’s health began to decline, that Kate and her husband, George, stepped in to help. And then it hit Kate. She realized that her earliest attraction was real. She indeed had a passion for the

business. Following her mom’s death, George and Kate decided to continue the family legacy her mom named after the overgrown kudzu vines seemingly overwhelming it. So, in 2001, they quit their careers, bought the business from Kate’s family and jumped in full time. “We were eager to put our creativity into every fiber of the business and see what we could build.”

Like any business with up and down cycles, Kate admits it was a struggle for a number of years. Short on cash, new to learning the business and continually patching the roof, the Lawes pushed on. And then, something magical happened. As the years went on, and their tenacity and love grew, so did Kudzu Antiques, eventually evolving into the perfect blend of old and new.

Sectioning the 26,000-square-foot store, customers could shop for furniture, yard art, pottery, gifts, and so much more. Today, Kudzu Antiques + Modern is like three stores in one: an antique mall, a furniture store and a gift store, including a sister store, Kudzu and Company, in Sandy Springs. As its reputation grows, it has become a staple for friends, family and out-of-towners alike. “When people ask me what I love about Kudzu, I say everything. The customers. The dealers. Our team. The continuous hunt for antiques from all over the world. When you shop Kudzu, the bet is that you will get fabulous finds.”

Above all else, if you ask Kate what makes Kudzu what it is, her answer is community every time. Even with the scores of newcomers who shop the store every day, it is the regulars that give the store its legacy. “Some come to see what’s new, others just come by to chat. This is a community that stepped up to help us through the 2008 economic crash and COVID. Without sounding too corny, I think people love us because, while we aren’t perfect, every one of us leads with good intentions and has a sincere heart. It is part of the Kudzu experience.”

Kudzu Antiques + Modern 2928 E Ponce de Leon Ave. kudzuantiques.com

Phoenix Rising

How Mandy Roberts is saving the world one yoga class at a time

Mandy Roberts was always a gym rat, the kind who lived and breathed for the experience. It didn’t hurt that the gym was a safe space. In the pages between the chapters of her life she was writing, the gym was the place she could retreat. No pain. No gain. No problems.

The story of how she ended up in a yoga studio and how it ended up being the thing that saved her is both long and complicated. Mandy has been – and always will be – very open about the painful twists and turns that led her to that mat. A daughter of parental neglect and abandonment. A mother and wife in her teens. As a child, she escaped in books, finding heroes and heroines who overcame obstacles put before them. Giving up was never an option.

The path that led her to a yoga studio was both a painful and challenging time. Entering the studio was different from the gyms she was used to. The loud music and clanging iron was replaced by darkness and a single candle. The restorative yoga class encouraged physical, mental and emotional relaxation. It was beautiful and transformative. “And I never went back, at least not right away. I needed to understand what it all meant, so I walked away.”

It would be years before Mandy returned. It was after 9/11, a time she says changed the way she viewed everything. Helping her thenhusband with their construction business and raising their daughter, 9/11 made her want to seek connections with other people. “The gym seemed senseless to me.”

The story of Mandy and yoga is quite remarkable. While going through a divorce, Mandy leaned heavily into her yoga practice. After friends noticed the support and solace it gave her, they recommended she try teaching, something she admits she’d never thought she could do. But Mandy needed a way to support herself and her children, so, after years of being a yogi, she became certified. Right before Form Yoga opened, owner Michelle DeHaven hired Mandy to teach. But less

than a year into the job, Michelle decided to close the studio. Despite Mandy’s pleading through a business plan she typed up in an email, Michelle said no. But something else happened. “She gave me the business lock, stock and barrel. No money exchanged hands. With so much going on in my life (an impending divorce, homeschooling her son and an impending divorce), I said yes.”

The love and support the Decatur community has given Mandy is everything she ever wanted. Remarried and rededicated to being the heroine in her own story, she helps others find the way forward through yoga – the same yoga that saved her. “I am living life moment to moment – the next day, the next struggle. Being tethered to the community the way we are is important. Form Yoga is something I want to be there for the community – a space where people can find peace.”

Living the dream

Why Squash Blossom Boutique is the role Lisa Bobb was born to play

Lisa Bobb still remembers the moment. When life comes at you in one of those “it’s the worst of times; it’s best of times” scenarios, it is not easy to forget. After more than eight years at Coca-Cola – the last two-plus of which she created and ran a global technology and culture change program – she was laid off in 2015. While shaking off the shock, worry and fear, Lisa learned the owners of Squash Blossom Boutique were looking to sell the business after 15 years.

The opportunity intrigued her. The question became whether or not she should invest her severance package and go to work for someone else or take the entrepreneurial leap.

As fate would have it, there was no better time than the present. “I always wanted to own a boutique and I had been a customer for years. I loved the eclectic style and have a passion for curating beautiful, unique clothing and accessories. When I travel, I always visit local markets to see what’s out there. I decided to give it a shot.”

Squash Blossom Boutique

113 E Court Square

squashblossomboutique.com

The beginning had its share of bumpy moments. Because the brand was widely known and well-loved, Lisa inherited myriad relationships. On the other hand, she lost customers who felt an allegiance to the original owners. And there was that staff mutiny, where she was told to hire her own people.

As cold as the world can be at times, the warm spots are where people like Lisa succeed. She started purchasing items from larger, more well-known brands that appealed to a wider audience, while continuing to carry smaller, lesser-known independent labels. She added treasures she found on her travels. “There is something for everyone: mother, daughter and granddaughter. Even if someone comes in with a corporate wardrobe and aesthetic, we can usually nudge them out of their comfort zone into something a bit more artsy, colorful and unique.”

In 2017, Lisa opened a second store in Grant Park with more of a focus on gift items. And then, as so many stories include, the pandemic struck. While Lisa closed the store during Covid’s early days, she created the Squash Box, a collection of small “happy” items wrapped up in a bow with a personalized handwritten message from the sender. Lisa and her team delivered hundreds throughout Decatur, including Birthday Squash Boxes, featuring a helium balloon and a piece of cake inside. “I received countless messages from people who said it meant the world to them. It sort of went viral, which was not only great for the community, but helped keep us in business during those tough months.”

The other part of Squash Blossom where Lisa thrives is in her interaction with her customers. A big proponent of customer feedback, she loves working the counter and walking the store. She also records videos about things like shop life, wardrobes and life in general. “I think it helps me gain the trust of my customers and the community.”

Bienvenue a Café Alsace

How Benedicte Cooper’s dream of France in Decatur is changing lives

Benedicte Ulsas Cooper still thinks about the $100 bill at the bottom of that money jar. The gesture moves her – still. The money was left by a customer as the world was squaring off against the coronavirus. The gesture showed what her restaurant, Café Alsace, meant to the community at large. Nobody knew what lay ahead, especially for the service industry, where owners like Benedicte made their living interacting among guests they viewed as family.

Benedicte didn’t want to take the money. And then, before she knew it, there were other donations. More people started contributing what they could to help out. In a gesture that runs as deep as the 27-plus years she has built with the Decatur community, she used the cash to make meals for local people on the front lines of the virus.

The message was clear: Café Alsace and Decatur are intertwined in a way most businesses only dream of. “It reminded me of why I started the restaurant here. So many people have told me over the years how much Café Alsace didn’t remind them of a restaurant, but of a home. I have always approached it like I was opening my home to them. We need people, and they need us.”

Café Alsace is not your typical restaurant because Benedicte is not your typical restaurant owner. The business model works because she is able to balance her time between being the chef and the hostess. Having a meal means you will see her interacting with guests – them discussing all things that life puts in front of them, and her getting to watch them enjoy her food. “I love the flexibility. I love that I can spend half my time in the kitchen and the other half with my guests. That is rare, but it was a priority for me.”

It was the opportunity Benedicte knew she couldn’t have in France. The opportunity she fell in love with after spending three summers on a work visa working in and out of

the metro Atlanta area. Serving ice cream in a food truck. Working as a waitress at a French restaurant. Managing the former Decatur restaurant, St. Agnes Tea Room, where a customer approached her about taking over a small restaurant space in the heart of Decatur. “I really didn’t have a plan. Once I moved here for good in 1995, I knew my professional life was over in France. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to open my own business or go to work for a corporation in the US.”

The restaurant would later become Café Alsace – one that was unlike any of the other snobbish, upscale French eateries she had visited and more like the ones in her hometown of Colmar. In 1997, Benedicte Ulsas Cooper became an entrepreneur, giving what she says until this day is 200% of her time – a family trait. The menu, which allows two people to dine for anywhere between $30 and $200, features soups, salads, quiche, cassoulet, bouillabaisse, boeuf bourguignon, Coq au Vin, and more.

“All these years later, I am still not bored. I love it, and I love the people and community. What I do is a huge privilege.”

A Storybook Success

How Diane Capriola turned the Little Shop of Stories into a Decatur icon

On February 3, 2004, Diane Capriola sat down at her computer and hit send on an email that would change the course of her life. A voracious reader as a child and teenager, she dreamed of opening a children’s bookstore. A busy mother with three young kids, the email was about finding a partner or partners who shared her vision.

The early 2000s seemed like a pictureperfect time for a family-oriented store in Decatur’s growing downtown area. The city was coming into its own with a flurry of restaurants and shops opening their doors to a community seeking kinship. Even the Decatur Downtown Development, whom Diane spoke with, was looking to add a bookstore to the downtown area.

512 days. 11 hours. 43 minutes. That’s how long it took Diane’s email to come to fruition. Connecting with Dave Shallenberger,

her business partner for the past 19 years, Diane’s vision became a reality. Located at 515 North McDonough Street right below Eddie’s Attic, the Little Shop of Stories (a name her mother came up with) opened to the public. It later moved to its current location in 2008. With Diane and Dave working full-time, their first official hire was Terra McVoy. The only person with any bookstore experience, she went on to become an author, and still runs its Kids & Companions and Page Turners book groups.

Those early days were fraught with growing pains. Poised and passionate, Diane pushed forward, eventually establishing herself and the store’s place in the book world.

“You have to be open to continual growth and pivoting when you own a small business. That doesn’t change. There is a willingness to take risks and to view failure as opportunities, an openness to always growing and changing and adapting. You also have to have a constant desire to connect with others and their ideas. Staying stagnant or comfortable is the opposite of that spirit.”

A two-time winner of the prestigious “Pannell Award,” a national recognition that honors independent bookstores demonstrating excellence in children’s bookselling, Little Shop of Stories and its owner have settled into the fabric of the community. Today, Diane is rewarded when local college students and new parents come back to show their friends and children the bookstore they grew up with.

“Our mission is to get children excited about reading. The books we put on our shelves and the events we plan are all centered on that. When you’re working to get kids to love books and reading, their parents are a big part of the equation. If parents are not reading themselves or lifting up books and reading, our job is that much harder.”

Instgram @alanclarkarchitects

Website www.alanclarkarchitects.com

Creature Comforts

Your guide to all things pet parenting

By Jennifer Morrell

OUR PETS ARE our “children.” Our sunshine. Sources of unconditional love. We’d do anything for them. Animals undeniably contribute to our happiness in tangible ways. Research shows that even small interactions with our pets trigger oxytocin in our brains, fostering feelings of relaxation, trust and empathy, while simultaneously alleviating stress and anxiety.

Along with the feel-good benefits of pet ownership comes a significant economic boost for pet products and services. The numbers are rather staggering. In 2023, the pet industry supplied an overall economic contribution of $303 billion, according to the American Pet Product Association. Pet care also tops the fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG) category, surpassing even grocery and dairy.

Known for its thriving, small business dynamic, Decatur is rich in pet products, services and veterinary care establishments. Take Taj Ma-Hound, the pet bakery and specialty cake shop that opened in 2007 with hopes of becoming a draw to the Oakhurst neighborhood as an uncommon option for nearby residents. “Our customers come here from all over Georgia and even Alabama,” says owner Krista Aversano. “After they shop with us, they often ask us to recommend a good place for lunch. We can then tell them about our dog-friendly restaurants around our neighborhood.”

The synergy is a win-win for small businesses and establishments, especially as they vie for customers with area big box pet stores. The advantages can be found in what Aversano says are the increased quality offered by a small, independent retailer. “Our products are made fresh every single day. You can trust the ingredients and see the process, which also makes the visit a fun experience. Come into the shop, and bring your pet for an enjoyable time. It really is a win-win, because you’re also helping support small, neighborhood businesses. We have prices comparable to online retailer Chewy, for instance, so why not buy from a local place?”

At the heart of Decatur’s civic pride, the bond between humans and their pets is celebrated through establishments that embody community spirit and dedication to quality. Supporting these local treasures not only enrich our pet lives, but strengthen the fabric of the community.

See page 24 for a snapshot of the places in and around Decatur that will help cater to your pet’s needs:

Taj Ma-Hound 

3 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PET SITTER

Our pets are precious cargo. So, when we need to leave them, they need to be in good hands. Decatur Living gathered tips from some local experts for selecting a pet boarding facility, daycare or a pet sitter.

Don’t skip the temperament test: Bring your pet to the facility ahead of time, whether for boarding or daycare. “You can get to know the people, and they can get to know your pet,” says Taj Ma-Hound owner Krista Aversano.

Be selective:

Just like when using a boarding facility or daycare, if you are having someone be a pet sitter, get to know them. “Just because someone likes animals doesn’t mean they’ll care for them the way you’d like,” Aversano says. “Be selective with pet sitters as well.”

Do your due diligence: You can never ask too many questions when you’re looking for the perfect boarding facility for your pet. Keira Cooksey, Manager of Spot for Dogs, says every facility is unique regarding play areas and the amount of time to be spent playing versus being kept in a kennel. “Keep this in mind when you choose that home away from home for your beloved animal.”

Spot for Dogs

PET SERVICES

Abo Gear

 Pet Supplies, Pet Food 820 Church Str., Decatur abogear.com

Avondale Vet Hospital

 Veterinarians

2947 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 100, Decatur avondalevet.net

Barking Hound Village Decatur

 Boarding, Daycare, Training, Grooming 251 Rio Cir., Decatur barkinghoundvillage.com

Camp Kitty

 Pet Boarding

2959 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur campkitty.com

Church Street Animal Hospital

 Veterinarians 711 Church Str., Decatur churchstanimalhospital.com

Clairmont Animal Hospital

 Pet Boarding 1226 Clairmont Rd, Decatur clairmontanimalhospital.com

Columbia Belvedere Animal Hospital

 Veterinarians 3956 Glenwood Rd., Decatur columbiabelvedereanimalhospital.com

Dearborn Animal Hospital

 Veterinarians, Pet Sitting 235 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur dearbornanimalhospital.com

Dogtopia of Decatur

 Boarding, Grooming, Pet Sitting, Bath, Pet Spa 2098 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur dogtopia.com/decatur

For Pet’s Sake

 Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital 1058 Mistletoe Rd., Decatur forpetssake.com

Frogs to Dogs

 Pet Sitting, Boarding, Daycare, Training, Walking

318 E. Howard Ave., Ste. A, Decatur frogstodogs.com

Fury Tails

 Pet Supplies & Foods-Wholesale & Manufacturers

228 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur petrestart.com

Furside Pet Grooming

 Grooming, Pet Spa

308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., J, Decatur fursidepetgrooming.com

Hollywood Feed

 Pet Food, Pet Supplies, Pet Furnishings 1575 Church Str., Ste. 220, Decatur hollywoodfeed.com

K & B Elite Doggie Daycare

 Boarding, Daycare, Spay/Neuter 137 New Str., Decatur kandbelite.com

Jabula Dog Academy

 Boarding, Daycare, Training

2770 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur jabuladogs.com

Leash Me Out!

 Pet Sitting, Boarding, Daycare, Walking, Bath

1683 Austin Dr., Decatur leashmeout.com

Oak Grove Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

 Pet Sitting, Grooming, Daycare, Walking

3072 Hudson Woods Ct., Decatur oakgrovepetsitting.com

Paws-a-tive Results Dog Training

 Dog Training

2311 Belmont Dr., Decatur paws-a-tiveresults.com

Petco

 Pet Grooming, Pet Furnishings, Pet Supplies

2115 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur petco.com

Petmeisters Pet Sitting

 Boarding, Training, Walking

2529 White Oak Dr., Decatur petmeisters.com

Pet Supermarket

 Pet Furnishings, Pet Supplies

2508 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur petsupermarket.com

Pets R Pals Too

 Pet Supplies, Pet Food

1248 Columbia Dr., Decatur facebook.com/petsarepalstoo

Rex and Roxys

 Boarding, Daycare, Training, Bath

142 New Str., Decatur rexandroxys.com

Simmons Veterinary Clinic

 Veterinarians

121 Church Str., Decatur simmons.vet

Spot for Dogs

 Daycare, Boarding, Pet Food, Baths

320 E. Howard Ave., Decatur spotfordogs.com

Swag Pets Atl

 Grooming, Walking/Pet Sitting, Boarding, Training

5107 Covington Hwy., Decatur petswaggerga.com

Taj Ma-Hound

 Pet Food, Pet Cakes

707D E. Lake Dr., Decatur tajmahound.com

The Village Vets

 Veterinarian, Pet Sitting

217 N. McDonough Str., Decatur thevillagevets.com

Thrive Pet Healthcare - Decatur

 Veterinarians

1605 Church Str., Decatur thrivepetcare.com

WAG-A-LOT Decatur

 Pet Sitting, Boarding, Daycare, Bath

225 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur wagalot.com

Wild Birds Unlimited

 Bird Feeders, Houses, Supplies

2080 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur decatur.wbu.com

Catch of the Day

4 Decatur go-to spots to answer your seafood siren call

By Vanessa Pascale

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SEAFOOD that sings to your summer soul. Maybe it’s the peel ‘n’ eat shrimp, succulent lobster tails or plump, briny oysters that harken the aura of the beach. Or maybe you really just love seafood. Whatever the reason, when the mercury rises, seafood is like an irresistible siren song. Fortunately, you don’t need to be at the beach to answer that call. With a list of restaurants serving the best in fresh lobster, mussels, oysters, and more, Decatur has you covered. Here’s our list of top choices.

Kimball House 

Kimball House

303 E. Howard Avenue kimball-house.com

Seasonal, farm-fresh cuisine. A top-tier wine and cocktail list. If you’re looking to elevate your dining experience, the Kimball House is the spot. The Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring more than 15 types of oysters from the East and West coasts, coveted caviar service, mussels, and more.

The raw bar boasts appetizing standouts such as its Shrimp Cocktail, Snapper Crudo and Salt & Pepper Rock Shrimp. And if you’re in the mood for a nice, juicy steak, there are several quality cuts available.

“Summertime on the patio calls for cocktails and oysters,” says co-owner and General Manager Kizzy Patel. “With lively conversations and a gentle breeze, the Kimball House patio is the perfect setting to celebrate the season’s beauty and the company of friends.”

Parker’s on Ponce

116 E Ponce de Leon Avenue parkersonponce.com

Parker’s on Ponce boasts seafood and requisite premium steaks. And, to relax while you wait, there is fruit-driven cocktail list that includes the Eagle Smash (Eagle Rare bourbon with maraschino cherries, black tea and cherry bark-vanilla bitters), Shanghai Pear (Asian pear-infused Belvedere vodka, pear nectar and ginger liqueur) and Decatur 75 (Murrell’s Row Tulsi Gin, Farmers Jam peach basil cocktail syrup and lemon juice).

The Grilled Octopus is impressive, with fresh slices served on a bed of celery root puree mixed with blood orange, grapefruit, shaved fennel, micro herbs and drizzle of EVOO. Surf ‘n’ turf is always a good idea –order the tender filet mignon topped with a 6-ounce fried lobster tail. The menu also boasts PEI mussels, fried calamari and baked, smoked salmon dip. If you need something sweet, we suggest the Chocolate Mousse Pie, which is rich, light and simply divine.

“My go-to seafood dish is the Seared Dry Pack U10 Scallops,” says front-of-house manager, Freddy Jones. “They are seared to perfection and accompanied with toasted coconut jasmine rice, snow peas, broccoli and carrots, then finished with a coconut-panang curry and crushed peanuts.”

On Wednesdays, Parker’s offers half-priced bottles of wine for Wine Down Wednesday.

BOHO115: Oyster Bar + Grill

115 Sycamore Street boho115.com

If you’re looking for a more casual vibe, BOHO115 is your place. BOHO – short for boat house – serves delicious, fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

For the best view in the house, head to the second-floor counter, which is situated in front of open windows overlooking Decatur Square. It has a fun chair swing, bar seating downstairs and several tables. The seafood-laden menu features mussels, tuna sashimi, crab cakes, tacos, peel ‘n’ eat shrimp, “Tin to Table” offerings (Espinaler’s gourmet canned seafood served in individual cans), octopus, ceviche, and the list goes on. The oysters are another must. On Mondays and Thursdays, it offers “Half Off Half Shells” all day.

“BOHO115 is truly a special place to us,” says owner Humberto Bermudez. “After years of creating and opening many restaurants in Mexico and Spain, I wanted to bring the coastal seafood concept to Atlanta. It’s not Mexican; it’s not Spanish; it’s a unique fusion of coastal flavors that makes it unlike anything else. It’s fresh and creative with a touch of spice and a love for food."

For a meal that truly epitomizes summer, we suggest their refreshing Boho Skinny (El Jimador tequila, lemon, lime, agave syrup and triple sec), an order of the fresh guacamole and chips and a couple of lobster tacos. And don’t miss out on their Smoked Passionfruit Old Fashioned.

Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., with specials on cocktails and small tapas plates.

Wahoo Grill

1042 W. College Avenue wahoogrilldecatur.com

This quaint Decatur bistro serves appetizing cuisine with a European flair. Wahoo Grill’s menu is bursting with an array of seafood options, from their appetizers (crab bisque, shrimp cocktail, fried calamari and sous vide octopus) to their entrees, which include the Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Crab Cakes, Sesame-crusted Ahi Tuna and Shrimp & Grits.

In addition to its seafood options, Wahoo offers a number of crowd-pleasers. If you love fried green tomatoes, Wahoo’s is topped with citrus-marinated lump crab, pimento cheese and creole mustard remoulade. And for something sweet, order the Bread Pudding with bourbon glaze – it’s sweet, rich and the perfect way to end your meal. At the back of the restaurant is its lovely alfresco garden patio, an idyllic milieu perfect for sipping on their signature cocktails and indulging in fresh seafood.

“We source from sustainable fisheries, and we buy from local farmers,” says Executive Chef Zach Starr. “The miso glaze of the seared sea bass is salty and funky and is offset by the sweetness of the baby carrots brought out by roasting them. The zucchini and squash noodles provide another layer of flavor and mouthfeel to the dish.”

Read more about local restaurants and drinks. Scan the QR code. 

Food & Drink

JUNE • 7:30PM

WHISKEY TASTING EVENT

Embark on an exclusive whiskey odyssey with Decatur Package Store and Brick Store Pub. Check out selections from George T. Stagg (2023), Old Rip Van Winkle (2023), and vintage Old Fitzgerald (fall 2018), and others. Tickets for this private event are limited, so secure your spot today.

4

JULY • 6PM FOURTH OF JULY IN DECATUR

Come one, come all for the hometown Fourth of July festivities. Glide or stroll alongside the Pied Piper Parade through downtown. Gather on the grass for the annual dazzling fireworks display, which starts at 9 p.m. Claim your lawn spot early.

17

AUGUST • 3:30PM PAN AFRICAN FESTIVAL

Fun, free and educational for the whole family, Decatur’s “Pan African Festival” is a celebration of Black culture. The event, produced by the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights in conjunction with the City of Decatur, features cultural activities, art exhibitions, African cuisine and vendors.

23

AUGUST • 7PM

SUMMER COVERS CONCERT SERIES

Nothing says summer like live music outdoors. This free concert series is happening the last Friday of each month at the Decatur bandstand through August 23. The music starts at 7 p.m., so stop by to see if your favorite local band is playing.

5, 12, 19, 26

SEPTEMBER • 7PM

OAKHURST JAZZ NIGHTS

Attention all jazz lovers. Head to Oakhurst on Thursday evenings in September. Picnic at sunset outside the Solarium. Enjoy a free outdoor concert on the lawn from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public. Remember to bring a blanket. No high-back chairs, please.

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SEPTEMBER • ALL DAY WEST PONCE MUSIC STROLL AND 5K

You can jam out all day, Saturday, Sept. 14, when the patios and parking lots transform into stages along West Ponce de Leon Ave. for the annual “West Ponce Music Stroll.” The music goes from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Other festivities include a makers market, chalk art and fitness classes, all free. That morning, the annual 5K run and dog walk will be hosted by Fleet Feet. Registration required.

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a n . P r otect. Prov i de .

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