20 minute read
Sarah Lopez-Smith
SARA LOPEZ-SMITH: All Things Chocolate & More
Sara Lopez-Smith inspires those around her with her positive outlook, incredible work ethic, and zest for new experiences. Her story has many chapters and is far from done, in fact in some ways she is just getting started!
Originally from Guacara, a small and colorful town in Venezuela, Sara says, “I grew up around a big family and surrounded by the mountains and the very blue Caribbean Sea.” She also pictured herself living in a country where she could play in the snow, see skyscrapers, smell the aroma of new foods, and learn about other cultures. She was determined to “dream the American dream and make it mine,” she says.
Sara came to the USA in 1995 with her two young daughters, $32 dollars and “the goal to be part of this amazing country and grow as someone without barriers, taking fear by the hand until it became just a good friend to me,” she says.
In many ways it is clear Sara has achieved that goal. Life provided many opportunities to travel and live throughout the United States where she, her daughters and son, were able to play in the snow of North Carolina and see the skyscrapers of Atlanta.
It was a serendipitous opportunity which allowed Sara to explore the opportunities in Savannah. Sara was on the path to opening her own insurance agency in Atlanta before fate, and a Facebook post headlined “Get Yourself a Sweet Deal,” about a chocolate shop in Richmond Hill, changed everything.
Sweet Savannah
When asked why she wanted to own a candy store she says, “I had a vision of kids in a candy store, happy and laughing and I had to pursue it.” At All Things Chocolate & More it was love at first sight. She asked the owners to “take a leap of faith” with her and they did, agreeing to finance a large part of the asking price for seven years.
Initially it was difficult. “I put in very long hours, working in the shop from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day, seven days a week. “Every single day I was at the store,” she says. “I have eased up a bit on the long hours. I am still at the store pretty much every day, but it is a team effort. There is now a larger team that allows her to focus on growing and expanding in new areas such as Rincon.
Delectable Goodness
“I eat chocolate every day. My favorite are pecan delights, which is like a pecan pie but better. For savory I love my Jalapeno Chicken salad, I could eat it every day!” says Sara.
She is justifiably proud of the ingredients used in her food and the richness of her chocolate. “Chocolate is the food of the Gods. Chocolate comes from tropical places like I do but it adapts to new flavors and temperatures like I do. I guess I am what I eat!”
You can find chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate, rum balls, cheesecakes, white chocolate lemon cake bar, layered parfaits, French Toast rolls filled with vanilla crème, as well as the entire range of traditional chocolates and pastries. The cannoli are so popular, Sara says they are the ‘backbone’ of the pastry case.
They also have an in-house professional cake decorator, Jeniffer Santana, who can create gorgeous cakes for any occasion.
The cafe’s crepes are a big customer favorite as are the avocado toast, the chicken-bacon avocado wrap, quesadillas, soups, sandwiches, breakfast paninis, Buffalo chicken pinwheels and the Jalapeno chicken salad. “All Things Chocolate & More is MORE!” says Sara, “It’s a place to visit for the food and the experience. Drop by for a coffee, some lunch, and sweet treat!”
Life Today
Sara, ”I love life. I cry hard and I laugh harder. I live to be the best I can be. From every mistake I make, I take that as a lesson. I move on so I can experience what life has to offer me because I will adapt to that too.”
All Things Chocolate & More to Open in Rincon!
Sara Lopez-Smith, owner of All Things Chocolate & More, (ATCM) says she is very excited to grow her Richmond Hill chocolate shop and café by opening a new location in Rincon.
“I know this will be a great addition to the community. We are bringing the love from our shop in Richmond Hill to the wonderful people of Rincon!”
The new shop will offer the same experience and as her other location and most of menu items – from fine chocolates to delicious fresh baked breads and pastries, including her super famous cannoli, the jalapeño chicken salad, because “everyone loves that little kick of flavor!” she says.
At ATCM, “the M is really for MORE! From cupcakes to fabulous wedding cakes. We serve breakfast all day but also offer to catering services. All from our hearts to yours,” says Sara, “It is more than a shop, it is an experience, and we grow every day in love and knowledge.”
Of course, it is a team effort including her kitchen manager Suchittra Muay Watson. “She is creative, smart, firm and very organized. She is also a very cool lady! “she says. Chocolatier lead Amie Lane has been doing chocolate even before Sara bought the business, “She keeps learning, exploring, and improving everyday. “Cakes by Jeniffer Santana, who can create a special cake for any occasion, which will also be available at the new location.
“I should name all my employees who help make this possible, but this is about the new store in Rincon so let’s find those that want to be part of this new chapter.”
Opening Soon!
All Things Chocolate & More Rincon will be on opening July 1, Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will serve breakfast and lunch, and indoor dining and take out will be available.
DiAnna Jenkins and Kimberly Stalnaker are a true partnership, combining their skills and expertise so that every client, buyers, and sellers alike, get the best of both of these real estate professionals.
As a team, they are never too busy, or too stretched between clients, to devote their attention to your situation. If one is not available, the other is standing by and ready. DiAnna says, “We don’t divide our clients, instead we try to do everything together so that our clients are comfortable with either of us at any time. You really are getting ‘two for one’!”
Kim says, “Because most of our clients are referrals, we see that as a testimony to our outstanding customer service. We are transparent and honest.”
Both women have been in real estate for almost twenty years and partners since 2016. They agree the reason their team works is their faith in God. Kim says, “I am grateful for her and feel so blessed. We know we are nothing without Jesus Christ Our Savior.” “DiAnna says, “We pray over our clients, and we know it is in God’s hands.”
Current Market
If you are buying and searching for a house, they are honest, it can be a tough ride these days. DiAnna says, “We will let you know upfront everything you need to do to be prepped and ready.” They advise It’s a wonderful time to sell IF you have somewhere to go, and before the market shifts, but you need to understand that you can’t replace what you are selling.
The team recognizes that every sale, no matter the price point, is relative to a buyer’s situation. “Every buyer is important, and we provide the same level of service for the first-time buyer and someone who has purchased multiple properties,” says Kim. “We go the extra mile for everyone.
DiAnna: 912-308-7408 | Kim: 912-663-0982 HomesAroundSavannah.com
2 Businesses 1 Owner
SERVINGTHELOCALCOMMUNITY AVANTI SPORTHORSES
Visit us at: thelearningtreehouse.net Main Location 250 Goshen Rd 912.826.2893
Treehouse Too 226 Goshen Rd. 912.826.0204
At The Learning Treehouse, a Quality Rated child care center, we provide Effingham County and the surrounding area with a safe learning environment for your child while instilling a lifelong love of learning and education. Our program is dedicated to a high quality learning experience for all students.
vanti
S P O R T H O R S E S
734-649-8069
HORSE RIDING LESSONS BOARDING TRAINING
1768 PLEASANT ACRES RD GUYTON, GA
JMG
R E A L E S T A T E
Jessica MacDonald Real Estate Group REALTORS ACHIEVING YOUR HOME GOALS
The Learning Treehouse is proud to be women-owned and employing over 55 women! 717-649-2169
912-756-5888 www.JessicaMacDonaldGroup.com LiveRichmondHill@gmail.com 17 Richard Davis Drive Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union provides all the conveniences of a large bank with the personalized touch of a small community bank. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Chatham, Effingham, or Bryan County is eligible to open an account.
Members can benefit from special rates on car loans, home loans and checking account perks like monthly dividends, shopping rewards and travel and leisure discounts. Having an account with Georgia Heritage can make banking an enjoyable experience. Just ask branch managers Corrine Reedy and Victoria Harden.
How long have you been with Georgia Heritage and what do you do?
Corrine Reedy (CR): I have been with Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union since December 2021, and I am the branch manager of the Lathrop Avenue location in Savannah. I educate and empower my team and members when they have questions about loans. Financial literacy is my passion.
Victoria Harden (VH): I have been with Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union for three years, and I am the branch manager of the Pooler location. I enjoy providing financial guidance and helping our members save money. There’s so much gratification in seeing our members achieve their goals.
What is different about GH as opposed to other financial institutions? What makes them unique?
(CR): As an employee, they afford us opportunities to get out into the community and provide a work-life balance. It’s a supportive environment.
For our members, Georgia Heritage FCU is innovative in the technology and services that it offers. For example, our Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) allows members to do anything at the ATM that they can do in a physical location and speak faceto-face with a local representative through the ITM.
(VH): Georgia Heritage FCU is definitely geared more toward member services and helping members achieve their financial goals. They provide the feel of a small community institution with the convenience and services of large financial institutions.
Even when you’re traveling, Georgia Heritage FCU is there for you. When you’re a member, you can utilize all your services at more than 5,000 credit union locations nationwide through coop shared branching. Corrine Reedy, branch manager at the Lathrop Avenue location, and Victoria Harden, branch manager of the Pooler location.
How is the experience different for your customers?
(CR): We are customer-centric; members always come first. We bend over backwards for our members, and we go the extra mile to help them.
(VH): You aren’t just a number at Georgia Heritage. We strive to build relationships and get to know our members so it feels like you’re coming to see friends rather than conduct transactions. I’ve had customers stop in to my office and say they look forward to coming to see us!
If you could give one piece of advice to another woman in business, what would it be?
(CR): Be unafraid to follow your dreams, your heart, and your passion and be uncompromising in pursuit of that.
(VH): You have no boundaries or limits unless you believe you do. Don’t mistake your inexperience for incompetence. There’s no limits to what you can achieve when you persevere, remain determined and have confidence in yourself.
LOCATIONS: Lathrop Branch & Main Office: 1085 West Lathrop Ave, Savannah Stephenson Branch: 200 Stephenson Ave., Suite 100, Savannah Pooler Branch: 102 Park Ave., Pooler | Rincon Branch: 5745 Hwy 21 South, Rincon Georgetown Centre (ATM ONLY),: 1040 King George Blvd. Savannah
(912) 728-3728 | www.faithetc.org
Mo Southern at Faith Equestrian. Pete Bushnell and Mr. Ears.
Connor and Mr. Ears at Faith Equestrian.
Parker’s recently donated $14,000 to Effingham County Schools as part of the company’s Fueling the Community program. Effingham County Schools Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford and Rincon Elementary School administrators accepted the unrestricted donation on behalf of area teachers and students at a check presentation at on May 11. The Fueling the Community program is a longstanding charitable initiative that donates a portion of every gallon of gas sold on the first Wednesday of each month to area schools in coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Parker’s is donating approximately $275,000 to public and private schools in Georgia and South Carolina this spring and has given more than $1.8 million to area schools since the program’s inception in 2011.
For over 17 years, Godley Station Dental has been providing the Pooler, Savannah, and surrounding areas with premier dental care and an exceptional patient experience. At one time the dental industry, like most medical services, was dominated by male professionals. Thankfully, those days are past and today women are found in all areas of the modern dental practice. At Godley Station Dental (GSD) they are leaders in hiring, promoting, and retaining women in all levels of the practice. It starts with Stephanie Barnes, Director of Operations, who has been with GSD for twelve years and continues to dentists Dr. Catherine Hatch, DMD, Dr. Heather M. Duffy, DDS, to their Specialty Coordinator Kerri Kurowski, team leaders Lauren Attaway and Katie Jenkins, through to all of their hygienists and assistants. GSD is proud to have a female centric office serving their patients with the highest of skills, integrity, and compassion.
Dr. Matthew Allen founded Godley Station Dental in the early 2000s with just an office administrator and two hygienists. Since then, GSD has evolved and grown to be one of our area’s leading practices with a team of 5 doctors, 12 hygienists, and 11 assistants. Built on the core belief that if you provide an amazing experience, people will continue to return, GSD is a resounding success story that works every day to find ways to improve their patient’s dental experience.
GSD Services:
Make an appointment today for any of these services: • Restorative Dentistry • Preventative Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Invisalign • Sleep Apnea • Endodontics • Botox and Juvéderm • Periodontal Therapy
Dental Savings Plan
GSD Dental Insurance Plan options allow patients to accept treatment with confidence, taking the guesswork out of what your dental insurance will pay. If you have a dental plan that really doesn’t suit your and your family’s needs, take a look at their plans. They currently provide two plans for both Adults and Children centered on their Standard Plan and including the add on Periodontal plan.
MEET THE TEAM
The team at Godley Station works every day to provide expert quality care and treatment to their patients.
STEPHANIE BARNES, who started out as a patient at Godley Station turned hygienist and is now Director of Operations managing the day to day business operations of the practice.
you’ll love!) KERRI KUROWSKI, who works with specialty patients interested in Sleep Apnea Therapy, Invisalign, or Botox and Juvederm. (It’s a spa experience
LAUREN ATTAWAY, who manages the front administrative team helping patients with insurance, treatment, scheduling, and payments
They Make It Easy
1. Use the online scheduler or call 912-748-8585 to schedule your appointment. 2. Submit Your Online Forms 3. Attend Your Appointment
Let’s make this as easy as possible. GSD is family friendly when it comes to scheduling because they want you to ‘walk through the least number of doors’ before your appt. GSD will text you reminders for your appointments as well as follow up texts about self-care after your procedure. They can even send you digital invoices- easy!
Fun Stuff
At GSD they really practice a patient centric culture. It’s a busy place, but every patient is treated as an individual, and as one of the GSD family. Check out their Facebook page for Patient of Week and all the birthday celebrations—GSD is a fun place!
Alice Huger Hurst is a lifelong Effingham County resident who knows the lay of the land. That’s why she can help so many people buy and sell land as an agent with Next Move Real Estate. She works with both residential and commercial listings, including resale properties, new builds, and land purchases.
Wherever Alice goes, she manages to find someone to catch up with and forges new connections by striking up a conversation with new people.
“I love working with people,” Alice said. “I meet a lot of newcomers and I also get to work with people I’ve known my whole life.”
Alice’s previous experience with a home warranty company gave her a wealth of knowledge about new home warranties, new home construction, and remodeling. In 2016, Alice decided to give up all the travel and got into real estate.
After 5 years with Coldwell Banker, Alice joined the team at Next Move Real Estate in 2021 and was named Agent of the Year that same year.
Real estate can be a competitive business but Alice still networks with other agents and encourages new people who want to join the field. It’s in her nature to offer support whenever she can. “You have to have tough skin for this business, but I believe there is plenty of business to go around,” Alice said.
No matter how busy Alice gets, every client gets her full attention and care. She makes sure her clients are happy and taken care of. She derives motivation from doing two things she truly loves: helping people and sharing her love for Effingham County.
“No matter how much we grow, we maintain that community feel. You can always find people who are willing to help,” Alice said.
Alice loves spending time on her own plot of land where she has lived since childhood. She spends plenty of quality time outdoors with her son Carson. Together they enjoy hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers, boating and sitting by the fire pit.
If you’re looking to make your next move, Alice Huger Hurst is the woman you need to help you secure the property of your dreams for your home or business! alicehurst.com | (C) 912-665-0755 (O) 912-295-5807
www.moncriefsquare.com | 912-800-5258 | 205 Laurel St, Springfield
Photo by Railyard Media
OWNERS: Brittney McCord & Whitney Lipe
(912) 826-0909 | www.mirrorimagerincon.com
Thank you for reading Your Community Magazine
Be sure to check our calendar of events at EffinghamMagazine.com
Please thank these advertisers for contributing to our community and making this publication possible. If you want to be part of this list, email Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406.
COMMUNITY SPONSORS Brooke Autry, Platinum Properties Chick-Fil-A Rincon EMPWR Solar iHeart Dental LEAP Youth Development Program Rincon Chevrolet State Farm, Clay Clark Stille-Dewitt Health Brokerage, LLC Sweet Treats Cannery Total Services Heating and Air
All Things Chocolate & More .................. …………………………55 Ally’s Bakery................................................. …………………………24 Audiology & Hearing Aid Services ..........…………………………20 B&M Pools ...................................................…………………………50 Bank of Newington....................................…………………………68 Bank South Mortgage - Melissa Guzman ......................... 24 Beau Dossey Roofing ............................... ………………………… 22 Brad I Cherney Agency State Farm........ ………………………….53 Brand Name Realty ...................................………………………… 56 Coca Cola .................................................... …………………………67 Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy..................…………………………58 Charmaine Jones .......................................…………………………40 City of Port Wentworth........................…………………………36,37 CNR Farms................................................................................43 Crossfit GroundSpeed................................…………………………51 Dena C. Rodewolt, ERA Real Estate ......…..……………………..44 DeWitt Insurance....................................... ………………………….45 Diabetes Made Better LLC........................ …………………………39 Dominique Fell Real Estate ......................…………………………34 Dozier Law, P.C........................................... …………………………22 DJs Homecare Specialists........................ …………………………16 Edward Jones - Trisha Boyett..................…………………………38 Effingham County Recreation.................…………………………64 Effingham Health System .......................... ………………………… 2 Elonwick Candle Co. ................................………………………… 50 EL Real Mexican Restaurant..................... …………………………18 Emily Roscher Photography ....................…………………………38 ENT Associates of Savannah, P.C............ …………………………19 Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union .............................59 Godley Station Dental ............................... …………………………61 Golden Hours Senior Services, LLC........…………………………49 Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County ......................34 Hall & Navarro............................................. …………………………52 Horizon Staffing.......................................... …………………………16 Horne Law ................................................... …………………………52 iHeart Dental ...............................................…………………………26 J.Delsur Marketing Group ........................…………………………03 Jessica MacDonald Real Estate............... …………………………56 Jon Burns.....................................................…………………………49 Kicklighter Law.............................................…………………………17 Kronos Media Productions....................................................42 LEAP ..............................................................…………………………58 Live Oak Public Libraries...........................…………………………50 Mathnasium.................................................…………………………29 Magic Insurance ........................................ ………………………….35 Melissa McBride Stille ................................…………………………06 Merle Morman Cosmetics........................…………………………06 Michelle Edwards, Realtor........................…………………………49 Mirror Image Hair Salon............................…………………………62 Morell Mobile Notary & More,LLC .......... …………………………16 Moncrief Square .........................................…………………………62 Nutrition Coach Kerri .................................…………………………21 Next Move Real Estate Alice Hurst .........…………………………62 Patriot Pros Roofing................................... …………………………25 Platinum Properties ........................ …………………………47,48,49 Realty Georgia............................................. …………………………41 Rincon Chevrolet .......................................…………………………08 Rusty Pig BBQ ............................................ …………………………22 S&P Auto ...................................................... …………………………18 Savannah Blinds......................................... ………………………….27 St. Joseph Candler....................................………………………….66 Stamper’s Boutique....................................…………………………20 State Farm, Ashley Boyette.......................…………………………09 State Farm, Clay Clark ...............................…………………………28 Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes...........…………………………28 Streets & Sons Tire and Auto Repair …………………………58 Sue Anderson Intercoastal Realty........... …………………………24 Suncare Hospice ........................................…………………………50 The Learning Treehouse ........................... …………………………56 Thomas C. Strickland & Son’s Funeral Home.... …………….28 Towne Pharmacy.....................................................................40 Two Rivers Health Clinic........................................................28 Vitali Med Spa........................................................................... 57 Veals Mobile Car Wash and Detail ....................................... 22 West Chatam YMCA...................................…………………………42 Wiley’s Home Center.................................…………………………40 Wright Wicks Candle Co ..........................…………………………64 Woof Gang Bakery .....................................…………………………44 Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control ....... …………………………18
Westside residents now have access to the ease and convenience of a state-of-the-art imaging center at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Pooler Campus. From CT scans and 3-Dimensional mammography to high resolution MRI services, you’ll find a wide spectrum of advanced imaging services much closer to home and work. Available services include:: • X-ray • Ultrasound: Abdomen, pelvis, venous carotid and Ob/Gyn studies • CT: Head, chest, cardiac scoring, spine, abdomen and pelvic imaging • MRI: Head, spine, abdomen and pelvic imaging • 3D mammography
For westside residents, it’s clearly the smart choice. Call now to make an appointment: 912-748-0068.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FROM YOUR COMMUNITY BANK
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Newington, GA (912) 857-4466 • Springfield, GA (912) 392-4466 • Sylvania, GA (912) 564-7390
