A Day of Shopping

SHOPPING A Day of Shopping (and other treats)

Find out where the dynamic duo behind Personify Shop go for food, fun, and fabulous nds

BY LISA MOWRY

As a mother-daughter team who’s always enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, Tammy Lopez and Maddie Morden were a natural pair to open a store together. In 2017, they launched Personify Shop in downtown Duluth, securing a prime location in this walkable and charming area of Gwinnett. Packed with delightful finds—from funky sweaters to adorable PJs, cheeky mugs to colorful desk planners—the popular store has been drawing people from all over since day one, since you never know what you’ll find. “We believe that a life worth living is full of whimsy and surprise,” says Maddie.

Here’s where Tammy and Maddie go to shop, eat, and drink in Gwinnett:

Early morning: Phoenix Roasters on Main Street in Duluth is a great place to grab a specialty coffee, as well as buy coffee beans and pick up some Phoenix Roasters swag, all while knowing that the company’s commitment to sustainable coffee (that helps people) is an extra benefi t.

Mid-morning: Time to browse at Personify Shop. “We buy all the things we love for our store, so we tend to shop our own store,” admits Maddie. New on the horizon: lots of fl oral dresses and striped sweaters, high-rise fl are jeans, and knitwear that’s both chic and comfortable.

For the littles: A charming neighborhood toy and book store, Hello Rainbow in Duluth is wellstocked with tales for all ages. Art supplies, jigsaw puzzles, and music boxes are just some of the other goodies inside, and the store is also known for its goodies inside, and the store is also known for its reading events and crafts activities.

Time to unwind: There’s no better place than Jeju Sauna, a traditional Korean bathhouse and spa in Duluth that offers everything from saunas and body scrubs to massages and authentic Korean food. “We love the full-body scrub there because it’s different and refreshing. It’s a nice, relaxing way to spend an afternoon,” says Maddie.

Jeju Sauna

Personify

Late morning: The best gifts (even The best gifts (even for yourself) just might be made of for yourself) just might be made of chocolate, so not surprisingly, the duo recommends the Chocolaterie in Duluth. Artisan-made truffl es, fudge, and dipped strawberries are truffl es, fudge, and dipped strawberries are just some of the items that lure people in just some of the items that lure people in again and again.

Lunch with carbs: More than just biscuits—but the biscuits are amazing—the Flying Biscuit Cafe in Peachtree Corners is great for enjoying breakfast all day. Need a gift? Their signature cranberry-apple butter is available as a grab-and-go item. And get dolled up: “My mom and I both have been getting our nails done at Nail Salon 1st & Spa and our hair done at Trendy Hair for almost 20 years now. Both establishments are in Duluth and we have become good friends with the owners over the years. My whole family gets their haircut from Gaio. She’s the best!”

End-of-the-day treat: Mojitos and Cuban sandwiches at Mojitos are top picks from this family-owned restaurant in Norcross, which offers West Main Tradeauthentic cuisine and a “buzzy atmosphere.”