Birmingham, AL March 2025

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In 2024, I was honored to be involved in 75 residential real estate sales totaling $47,126,620 in sales volume. Each sale or purchase represented a life-changing moment for my clients, and I am so grateful to have been part of each of these journeys. Guiding each of them through such meaningful milestones is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

Also, I am incredibly proud and thankful to be part of ARC Realty, a relationship company with over 475 talented agents right here in Birmingham. This past year, based on my sales volume, I was named a Top 3 Producer in the company. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the trust and support of my incredible clients

Thank you for working alongside me in 2024, and I look forward to all of the exciting opportunities ahead in 2025!

Home & Design Issue

Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

March 2025

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Blair Moore | blair.moore@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kali McNutt, Blair Moore

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mary Fehr; Courtney Morgan, Vibes Media

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Guin Service LLC is a family owned and operated business that’s been here to assist the residents of Birmingham and the surrounding communities since 1958. We pride ourselves on offering high quality residential and commercial cooling, heating, plumbing, and generator solutions.

Our philosophy at Guin is simple: Doing things right is good business.

business monthly

Upward Behavioral Health Expands Beyond Alabama

Upward Behavioral Health is excited to announce its expansion. Clinical psychologist Dr. Misti Norton is now licensed through PSYPACT to see clients in 42 participating states, making virtual visits widely available.

The Arc Hosts Shamrock Shindig

Join The Arc of Central Alabama’s Junior Board for an incredible evening of live music, exciting prizes, and plenty of fun—all supporting The Arc’s programs and services. This year’s Shindig will be held at B&A Warehouse on March 14 from 6-9 p.m. Come ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and #inclusionforALL.

Community Foundation of Birmingham Names Sanjay Singh Board Chair

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is pleased to announce its new Board Chair, Sanjay Singh, Ph.D. An entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, Singh was a faculty member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for 20 years. He serves on numerous boards, including the Birmingham Museum of Art, Rotary Club of Birmingham, Prosper Birmingham, Alys Stephens Center, Leadership Alabama, and Alabama Symphony Orchestra. New board members include Dr. Anupam Agarwal, Tate Forrester, Danny McKinney, Mitchie Neel, and Ralph Williams.

Restore Hyper Wellness is thrilled to introduce new team members Alex Heermann and Jackie Collins to the Restore family.  Alex brings more than 20 years of relevant experience to his new role as General Manager, and Jackie brings over 10 years of industry experience to her role as Lead Esthetician.

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HUM Concierge Expands to Huntsville

Beginning this March, HUM Concierge will offer its lifestyle management services in Huntsville. HUM benefits clients by providing fractional house management services, as well as personal chief of staff and personal assistant services that are sophisticated and professional. HUM aims to give clients the luxury of  time to focus on what matters most— relationships, family, health, well-being, and more.

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Amanda Pair Foundation to Host Legacy Classic

The Amanda Pair Foundation’s annual golf tournament gathers golfers and community members to compete while helping together to fight cancer.  The funds raised at this event support the Foundation’s three-pronged mission to support families, fund research, and invest in the next generation. This year’s tournament will be at the Founders Course at Greystone Golf & Country Club and is presented by Alabama Oncology. To participate or to sponsor, visit amandapair.org .

Revive Pro is your one-stop shop for interior & exterior painting, as well as cabinet painting. We are a locally owned & operated company dedicated to providing Birmingham residents with high-quality service at competitive prices. Call us for a free estimate.

A GARDEN REAWAKENED

Revitalizing a Storied Forest Park Landscape

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

When Cammie Crowder and Harrison Walker purchased their Italianate home in Forest Park, the yard was simply an afterthought. Overshadowed by the masterfully renovated interior, the dormant, ivy-covered landscape went largely unnoticed— until summer arrived.

“Everything started to bloom, and it was like a jungle,” Cammie recalls. As newlyweds, scientists, and nature enthusiasts, the couple decided to tackle the untamed yard themselves. Garden tools in hand, they set out to rein in the wild bamboo, wisteria, and invasive plants that sprung from every corner of the property, which was much larger than they initially realized. “We got poison ivy and poison oak so many times,” Cammie shares, noting that the vines had even overtaken their mailbox. “We quickly realized that we were in over our heads.”

Curiosity took hold as Cammie and Harrison began exploring the history of their property. “We started asking, ‘What’s the story here?’” Cammie says. Conversations with longtime neighbors revealed that the property was once known for its thriving garden. “Everyone was telling us, ‘Oh, that

house used to have a beautiful garden. It’s such a shame that it doesn’t anymore,’” she recalls.

As they dug deeper, the couple also discovered that the Forest Park neighborhood had been saved from demolition in the 1970s. When developers planned to plow through the area to expand Highway 78, community members intervened to have it protected. Their home was part of a larger preservation story. They also learned that the first owner’s granddaughter, Catherine Hammond, an avid gardener, funded a downtown Birmingham garden through the Episcopal Church of the Advent. This inspired Cammie and Harrison to restore their landscape in a way that would honor its roots.

Cammie and Harrison’s vision for the property crystallized during their honeymoon to Lake Como, where they toured Italian villas with breathtaking gardens. “We were taking all these pictures of the plants, identifying them, and realizing, ‘We have that plant in our yard!’” Cammie explains. They decided to create a garden that reflected the home’s Italianate ties. To help bring this vision to life, they enlisted landscape designer Amy Murphree, who is known for her expertise and passion for plants. “Amy listened to us and encouraged us to dream it up — and she’s just a beautiful person,” Cammie says. “She designed something equal parts historical, Italianinspired, and whimsical, and we were thrilled with her design.”

“This project had its share of challenges, but that is also part of what made it a lot of fun. As it started coming together everyone got more and more excited, and the end result is incredible.”
- Aaron Sanders,

Acre Group

Execution was in the capable hands of Aaron Sanders and his team at Acre Group. “I don’t know if everybody would have wanted to touch the project because of the challenges of working with original structures. It’s on steep hills, and there wasn’t a stitch of grass anywhere on the property,” Amy says. “Aaron and his guys knew every detail, including how tall walls should be, down to the inch. They did a phenomenal job.”

"This project had its share of challenges, especially with the grade, overgrowth, and all the components, but that is also part of what made it a lot of fun," Aaron says. "It was an honor for us to be part of the team and work with such incredible people.  Amy did such a great job of capturing Cammie’s vision and balancing new with the old.  As it started coming together everyone got

more and more excited, and the end result is incredible."

As the installation progressed, the team uncovered hidden gems—stone walls, terraces, and winding paths—that they preserved whenever possible. “It felt like we were uncovering a secret garden,” Cammie says.

Over nearly a year, the landscape transformed into a stunning retreat featuring over 50 plant varieties, from evergreens to blooming annuals. Italian Cypress trees stand tall, offering a dramatic architectural presence, while Arbequina Olive trees bring Mediterranean charm with their silvery foliage. Six varieties of hydrangeas, including Gatsby Pink Oakleaf, offer vibrant blooms and stunning seasonal colors. Hedges of Winter Gem Boxwood provide a sophisticated evergreen backdrop and a sense of structure that elevates the overall design.

The garden features a statuary, bird bath, obelisk, and a luxurious cocktail pool. Terracotta pots, sourced from Greece and filled with whimsical ornamentals, add timeless elegance and charm. “Cammie’s taste is kind of old world, eclectic,” says Amy. “The pool was European-inspired, and we used old limestone and chert rock, which was popular when the Forest Park neighborhood was built. The walls were made of all different kinds of granite and cobble.”

The outdoor spaces throughout the yard have become a daily haven. Both dedicated neuroscientists at UAB–Cammie holds a Ph.D, and Harrison is an M.D.–the

couple delights in having a vacation-like space to relax and unwind. “We both work a lot but love to travel, so we wanted to create a home that feels like you're on a vacation, touring the villas in Italy—our own little home oasis,” Cammie explains. “We envisioned a place where we can host other people, have dinner parties, and grow in friendship and community.” One of their favorite things is to sit on their front porch with a glass of wine, watch the sunset, and talk about their day.

Cammie and Harrison have enjoyed their newfound hobby, too. “We’ve gotten really into gardening,” says Cammie. “Harrison loves mulching leaves and composting. We’re both really into reusing everything we can from the yard.” Their two doodles, Bernie and Coco, have also embraced the lifestyle. “They’re always outside with us,” Cammie says. “I’ll put Coco’s leash on my belt loop while weeding, and Bernie relaxes around the yard.”

The couple has particularly cherished the warm and welcoming reception from their neighbors. “This neighborhood was like a big hug when we moved in and throughout this project,” Cammie says, noting neighborhood book clubs, garden clubs, and the hospitable spirit of the area. “We’d be working in the yard, and cars would stop by just to say, ‘We love what you’re doing!’” she says. “It was so encouraging.”

What began as an ambitious renovation became a bridge to new friendships and a deeper connection to the community. The flourishing garden Cammie and Harrison have cultivated in Forest Park is a sanctuary. It’s a living tribute to history, and it’s a vibrant testament to the transformative power of renewal.

Local Resources:

Landscape Design: Amy Murphree

Landscape Design

Landscape Installation & Lighting: Aaron Sanders, Acre Group Lawn & Landscaping

Cocktail Pool: Keith Coley

Copper Awning and Iron Work: CopperWorks Corp

Greek Urns: The Fish Market

Outdoor Stone Tables: Elegant Earth

Inside the closets of Birmingham’s most stylish, a treasure trove of vintage and luxury finds.

AT HOME WITHSTYLE

Danielle Balanis: The Art of the Hunt

For interior designer Danielle Balanis, fashion isn’t just about what’s trending—it’s about the thrill of discovery, the story behind a piece, and the enduring value of true craftsmanship. Her most treasured find? A vintage matador suit from 1stDibs, a testament to her love for rare, storied fashion.

Regarding investment pieces, Danielle has an eye for timeless luxury. “Chanel is currency,” she says, noting her timepiece wishlist includes a 1980s Rolex and a Chanel watch spotted on a recent trip to Palm Beach. To her, certain labels hold intrinsic value, transcending trends and retaining their worth.

Her shopping philosophy is deeply rooted in exploration. She’s particularly drawn to Paige Albright Orientals’ curated finds from abroad, treasures both worldly and sophisticated. “Finding things in dark corners or in boxes I’m not meant to open is all part of the hunt,” she says. Online, the dig for one-of-akind treasures often leads to extensive searches on eBay, The Outnet, Etsy, and The RealReal.

Locally, Danielle frequents MK Quinlan, Susan Dumas, and Lé Weekend for vintage and new fashions, and she is always on the lookout for unexpected gems. Inspired by icons like Loulou de la Falaise, Bianca Jagger, and Kate Moss, she champions individuality through power suits and Dries Van Noten’s layered, living art—an approach that seamlessly blends fashion with interiors.

Follow Danielle on Instagram @daniellebalanis_design CONTINUED >

Danielle’s look is inspired by an iconic photograph of Halston with model Pat Cleveland. In the image from 1977, Cleveland wears a red cape and red boots.

Mila and Joe Hirsch: A Passion for Turquoise

For Mountain Brook natives Mila and Joe Hirsch, turquoise isn’t just a gemstone—it’s a lifelong love story. Their journey began when Joe gifted Mila a pair of mosaic turquoise earrings when they were just 16. Decades later, that passion has evolved into Bear Knuckle Trading, a curated collection of vintage Native American jewelry reflecting their appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition.

“We love the hunt,” Mila says. Joe, a true collector, scours auctions and estate sales, always searching for unique, storied pieces. While Mila offers her opinion, Joe’s instinct guides the collection, which has grown to the point where selling has become a necessity.

Instead of a traditional storefront, the couple is embracing pop-ups and trunk shows, with recent successful events at KEMO SABE in Vail and Bennie & Coco in Mountain Brook.

Their love for the West, particularly Vail, played a significant role in their collecting journey. “Buying a place there two years ago might have been the catalyst,” Mila explains. With a deep appreciation for style as self-expression, the Hirschs’ collection is more than jewelry—it’s a lifestyle. And while parting with pieces will be difficult, they’re excited to share their finds with fellow collectors.

Follow Bear Knuckle Trading’s journey on Instagram @bear_knuckle_trading

Mila and Joe seamlessly blend Bear Knuckle Trading’s turquoise with denim from Veronica Beard (her) and Momotaro (him). Joe wears a leather jacket purchased at a Paris flea market; Mila sports an Isabel Marant blouse with Sea NY vest.

Kelly Lewis: Style, Substance, and Sparkle

Fashion is more than just clothing for lawyer and hotelier Kelly Lewis—it’s a statement, a strategy, and an extension of her identity. Growing up immersed in fine jewelry through her family’s pawn and jewelry business, she developed an eye for craftsmanship and rarity early on. Now a certified gemologist, she believes in the longevity of jewelry as the ultimate investment: “It doesn’t wear out, it always fits, and it tells a story.”

Her love affair with luxury fashion began with Vogue magazines, a fascination with designer exclusivity, and a beloved (and stylish) aunt. Over time, she cultivated relationships with top fashion houses, securing invitations to Dior and Chanel fashion shows in Paris—sometimes negotiating major purchases for once-in-a-lifetime access. “Chanel is currency,” she says, underscoring her strategic approach to style.

Kelly describes her aesthetic as “classic with a twist.” She leans toward timeless silhouettes but elevates them with standout accessories—custom Fendi bags, statement shoes, and metallic touches. Dressing up is non-negotiable. “I hate that formal events are disappearing,” she laments. “A maxi dress isn’t a gown, and a wrinkled t-shirt on Zoom is unacceptable.”

With an eye for detail and an appreciation for bold choices, Kelly Lewis proves that fashion is as much about presence as personal style.

Follow Kelly on Instagram @Krushin1213

Kelly Lewis is a fan of accessories and cats “of all sizes!” Her rug is a custom English Village Lane.

A WORLD OF COLOR: INSIDE THE HOME STUDIO OF LIZ HUBBARD

Walking into Liz Hubbard’s studio feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope of stories. Vibrant hues leap from the canvases, each painting a portal to another world—an ornate Mediterranean poolside, a tree standing stark against a crimson backdrop, whimsical balloons floating across a lush

PHOTOGRAPHY
“Painting has always been my constant—the one thing I’ve always had. I didn’t grow out of it. It wasn’t just an extracurricular activity for me. It’s something that’s always been a part of my life for which I’m really grateful.”

green landscape. Blending clean, defined lines with intentional brushstrokes, Liz achieves an effortless yet highly curated look.

Liz’s artistic journey began at age 10 in the home of fine artist Julie Jamison, who offered summer classes for a small group of kids in Tuscaloosa. “She taught us everything,” Liz says of the oil painter, fondly recalling the seven-hour days she spent learning everything from color theory to how to grid a painting onto a canvas. The experience was such a joy for everyone that Julie invited them back the following summer.

Painting became an increasingly meaningful part of Liz’s life throughout her high school years. “It was

such a therapeutic thing for me. I love being able to express myself through art,” she explains. “And I’ve always loved color.”

In college, Liz took a temporary detour by studying music business and working in the fast-paced Birmingham music industry. She then spent a few years working at Lolo French Antiques in Birmingham, surrounded by beautiful historic items, but her true passion ultimately called her back. At first, she created paintings for friends and family as gifts. By 2023, Liz was making her mark on Birmingham’s art scene.

“Painting has always been my constant—the one thing I've always had. I didn't grow out of it. It wasn't just an extracurricular activity for me. It’s

something that’s always been a part of my life for which I’m really grateful,” she explains. “It basically keeps me sane.”

These days, Liz spends her time in her home studio, singing loudly along with her favorite playlists—Simply Red, Lana Del Rey, Bon Iver, Beck, or the latest band she’s discovered. Colorful pawprints dot the studio floor, the handiwork of Rambo, her apricot teacup poodle, and Luca, her bichon-poodle mix, the sometimes-too-curious pair who would accompany her in the studio all day if she would let them.

Drawing inspiration from fashion, architecture, and world cultures, Liz spreads a layer of yellow ochre across the canvas—her signature starting point. Then, with an array of brushes and her go-to palette knife, she creates marks with energy and precision, balancing structure and chaos as she infuses life into each composition.

Liz’s work is rich with cultural influences inspired by her travels: the colorful streets of Mexico, the vast African savannah, and the serene beaches of Thailand. Masks—her souvenir of choice—are often spotted in her paintings. “There’s so much history and meaning behind the masks,” she says. I love learning about a place’s culture and history and weaving that into my work.”

After painting the final brushstroke, Liz enjoys watching her completed works take on new forms. “Once I varnished a piece, I used to think that was it. But now I feel it’s almost the beginning of the painting’s life. By putting it on a puzzle, a scarf, or stationery, that piece can take on so many different roles and shapes—and that makes it accessible to more people.”

Liz’s eclectic artistry has found a devoted following in Birmingham and beyond. Alongside her finished pieces, she has crafted numerous custom works that grace homes throughout the city. “When I recreate a scene from a photograph for someone, I have the chance to transport them back to a meaningful place or moment in their life—and that brings me so much joy,” Liz shares.

Liz will showcase her Endless Summer series at Bennie & Coco this April. To explore more of her work, follow her on Instagram at @lizhubbard_art.

Mocha Magic Mousse

1. Chanel Le Vernis in Pariculiére

2 . Chocolate Espresso Marshmallows, Deliciously, deliciouslymarshmallows.com

3. Hunza G Nadine Bikini Set in Metallic Cocoa, $255

4. Artwork entitled “Mellow Yellow,” by Caroline Stroud, available at Design Supply, $3,200, designsupplyshop.com

5. Schumacher Lotus Garden Fabric in Mocha

6. Schumacher Rolling Hills Fabric in Mocha

11. “Perennial,” a New Zealand Wool Rug by English Village Lane, is made to order in any size with an 8-10 week lead time, englishvillagelane.com

7. System Zipper Tote in Cappuccino by Cuyana, $458
8. Civil Stoneware tableware in Rojo, civilstoneware.com
9. Secret Stays: Pioneering Hosts of The New Chic by Melinda Stevens, $120
10. Cocoon Silk Ribbon in Golden Mocha is 100% silk dyed with locally foraged acorns. On Instagram @cocoonsilkribbon
12. Pearl drop earrings with free cut flat table diamonds set in yellow gold, Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, avanirupa.com

In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families –helping, healing, teaching and discovering.

Childrens AL •org

Are you ready for therapy that works?

Upward’s evidence-based approach to care will help you achieve measurable results in a reasonable time frame.

Upward provides superior mental and behavioral healthcare for the following conditions: Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, OCD and Tic Disorder, Grief, Chronic Pain, and Adult ADHD/Executive Functioning.

Upward also provides comprehensive Autism and ADHD Evaluations for Children and Adults.

Unlike other mortgage lenders, Allen Mortgage searches the

Front Row: Leslie Wyatt, Morgan Gearhart, Penny Calvert-Ward, Lynda Lewis Back Row: Kenny Burns, Paul Mitchell, Collins Compere, Ken Alderman, Ken Griffin

Christopher Collection 2913 Linden Avenue, Homewood, AL 35209 christophercollection.com

Henhouse Antiques 1900 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223 henhouse-antiques.com

Lolo French Antiques et More  4300 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 lolofrenchantiques.com

CLEMONTÍN 2717 2nd Ave S. Suite B, Birmingham, AL 35233 On Instagram @clemontinshoppe

Found  2921 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 foundbham.com

Postmark Paris Antiques 3258 Cahaba Heights Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 postmarkparisantiques.com

Stash Antiques 2417 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 stashbham.com

Hanna Antiques Mall 2424 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 hannaantiques.com

Revival Antiques

Antique Market on Linden 2828 Linden Ave, Homewood, AL 35209

On Instagram @antiquemarketonlinden

The Nest 2718 19th Pl S, Birmingham, AL 35209

On Instagram @betty_margaret_the_nest

Revival Antiques 701 37th Street S #12, Birmingham, AL 35222

On Instagram @revivalbirmingham

Urban Suburban Antiques 5514 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35212 urbansuburbanantiques.net

Black Sheep Antiques 39509 AL-25, Harpersville, AL 35078

On Instagram @black_sheep_and_co

Brass Bear Antiques 2652 Valleydale Rd, Hoover, AL 35244

On Instagram @brass_bear_antiques

Roman Brantley Arts and Antiques

2790 B M Montgomery St, Birmingham, AL 35209 On Instagram @romanb_art_antique

Architectural Heritage

2718 19th Pl S, Homewood, AL 35209 architecturalheritage.com

MAISON 2834 Culver Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223 maisonshoppe.com

Christopher House Antiques 3722 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 christopherhouseantiques.com

Tricia's Treasures 2700 19th Pl S, Birmingham, AL 35209 triciastreasures.us

Crestwood Pickers 7001 Crestwood Blvd Suite 900, Birmingham, AL 35210 crestwoodpickers.com

Irondale Pickers 5401 Beacon Dr, Irondale, AL 35210 irondalepickers.com

CLEMONTÍN

WALLS FILLED WITH WONDER

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR
Liz Allison’s ethereal murals turn spaces into stories

It all began with a house—and not just any house. The yellow 1913 craftsman cottage sat on the street where Liz Allison first met her husband Matt. On a gorgeous May afternoon, while strolling through the Southside neighborhood years later, they knocked on the front door and asked the elderly couple who answered, “Can we buy this house?” The owners welcomed the Allisons inside, and the rest was history—in more ways than one.

Liz grew up in an atmosphere where creativity was embedded in everyday life. She remembers spending her Friday nights watching HGTV with her mom and took ballet with the dream of becoming a professional dancer. But at the age of 17, an athletic accident ended in a devastating foot injury—11 fractures, 9 breaks, and a diagnosis that she may never walk normally again.

During the year of limited mobility that followed, Liz took an interest in painting and drawing, discovering she liked art and was good at it. “It spiraled from there,” she remembers. “I put my portfolio out there, kind of on a whim, and got accepted to Samford University on a fine arts scholarship.” She fell in love with Birmingham. “This city holds so much nostalgia for me because of its influence on who I became

as an adult—finding my voice and finding my style—it was all birthed here.”

A self-taught photographer and natural entrepreneur, Liz took photos throughout college to support herself. By the time she graduated from Samford, she had a thriving wedding photography business and had abandoned painting as a therapeutic outlet.

Over 15 years of running her own business, Liz captured photos as a portrait and humanitarian photographer, which took her to numerous countries spanning four continents. “Many artists are introverted, but I love people, so I tried to find an art form that connected me with people and their cultures.” Her photography garnered attention from every corner of the internet, leading to prestigious opportunities such as being published by The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Then, in 2022, Liz and Matt moved into that yellow house in Five Points with their one-yearold son, Asher, and a new chapter began. They started the involved process of restoring the home to its original glory piece by piece. “I love old things. Give me all the antiques. I’m a grandma at heart!” Liz says.

Last year, the Allisons welcomed another son—Abel—to the family. “And so, as an act of faith, I decided to step back from photography and start focusing on raising these little boys,” Liz explains. “I believe your house is a reflection of who you are and what you are fostering. I want my kids to grow up in a very magical, creative environment, so I started painting ethereal dreamscapes throughout the house.” Starting with her firstborn’s nursery, she painted a 15-foot mural with pastoral scenes based on Psalm 23 as a prayer over his life. When she shared a photo online, it quickly captured attention. When she shared an image of the mural she painted in her kitchen, it drew over a million views.

Soon, Liz found herself adorning the vast walls of a monastery in England or lying on a scaffold painting the 13-foot curved walls of a castle turret in Homewood. With thick brushes, calming hues—and sometimes her infant strapped to her chest—she moves about the room painting to the serene sounds of her favorite band, Sleeping at Last, unless she turns to 2000s pop for an extra burst of energy on a late-night project.

Liz’s home is her canvas, and her family is her muse. It’s on the walls of her house that she experiments with techniques that have taken her all over the globe. As Matt finishes a cabinet

build-out, their boys are close at hand learning to use tools. When Liz finds Asher drawing on the mural she painted in his room, she doesn’t stop him. She smiles. “Mommy colors on the walls all the time, so how can I tell him not to?” she laughs.

Liz is building more than an art career. She’s building a legacy—a home filled with wonder, where creativity isn’t just encouraged but celebrated—a place where her children will grow up seeing

beauty as a way to heal and connect. “Art saved me. Painting is how I’ve worked through hard times throughout my life,” she says. “Creativity is one of the greatest gifts we can share—and one thing humanity will always need.”

Discover more of Liz’s work at lizallisonart.com and on Instagram @LizAllison.

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