lmhotep Academy provides each student with accelerated academics, which challenges them on and above their grade level and provides tailored academics to those students whose educational achievements may not meet the standard requirement.
Pre-Kto 8th Grade schedule A Tour!
LIFESTYLE
As we begin a new year, January offers us a moment to pause and reflect. In this special issue, we have curated a collection of stories and inspirations that embody the essence of living. From a breathtaking travel destination that promises an unforgettable escape, to the most touching stories, this issue is your guide to embracing the new year. This issue has some brand new fitness tips and a healthy recipe that is sure to delight your pal ate! There's a heartwarming story about SoFu's Miracle League and the littlest athletes with the biggest hearts! In 2025, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and shared passion for the luxury lifestyle right here in SoFu. Your discerning taste and enthusiasm inspire us to push boundaries, bringing you stories that resonate and elevate. Here’s to creating moments that matter and memories to cherish.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Photo by Gerrell Farries
MICHELLE TAYLOR WILLIS, PUBLISHER @SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Michelle Taylor Willis
michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kevin Giles | kevin.giles@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jada Garner, Zaria Samuel, Tomeka Jones
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brook Sabin, Tim Gibson, Juwan Official, Gerrell Farries, Tiffany Ade, Shantel from Telless Photography, Nile Images
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 Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
The long-awaited celebration of your favorite small businesses is finally here! The Best of SoFu is back in 2024! Thanks to everyone who nominated and voted for the best businesses in SoFu on our social media outlets!
Best Brunch | Gocha’s Breakfast Bar GOCHASBREAKFASTBAR.COM
Best Bar | Nouveau Bar and Grill NOUVEAUBAR.COM
Best Attorney| Georgia Injury Attorneys GEORGIAINJURYATTORNEYS.COM
Best Doctor | Prestige Healthcare PRESTIGEHEALTHCAREATLANTA.COM
Best City - TIE CITY OF SOUTH FULTON UNION CITY
Best Dentist | Beautiful Smiles SMILESATL.COM
Best Car Dealership | Mercedes Benz (SOUTH ATLANTA) MERCEDESBENXATLANTASOUTH.COM
Best Burger | Brake Pad BRAKEPADATLANTA.COM
Best Pizza | Oz (East Point) OZPIZZA.NET
Best Spa | The Wellness Spot THEWELLNESSSPOTATL.COM
Best Realtor – TIE THE CONTRACT SLAYER APRIL ROGERSON KELLI ADAMS
Best Cigar Lounge | Stanley’s STANLEYSCIGARLOUNGE.COM
Best Non-Profit | 5 Strong 5STRONGSCHOLARS.COM
Best Interior Designer | Design Duo DESIGNDUOINTERIORS.COM
Best Plumber | Head’s Plumbing HEADSPLUMBING.COM
Best Roofer | Legend Roofing LEGENDROOFING.COM
Best Business | Desi Date Nights DESIDATENIGHTS.COM
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-14:
Over 200 participants raised funds for Noble Clay’s mission of providing fitness and wellness solutions to underserved communities through their sliding-scale membership model. The Changemaker Challenge was a morning of camaraderie, determination, and purpose at Noble Clay Fitness' City of Refuge location. The annual event brought teams together, raising $106,000 to fuel Noble Clay’s mission. Noble Clay is more than a gym—it’s a community. If you’re interested in joining this incredible community, visit nobleclayfitness.com
Big Boi and Polow da Don Tie for Victory at Ryan Cameron’s Celebrity Thanksgiving Bowling Night
Ryan Cameron’s Celebrity Thanksgiving Bowling Night delivered an unforgettable evening of fun, competition, and philanthropy, hosted by Emmy Awardwinning radio personality and TV host Ryan Cameron. Grammy-winning rapper Big Boi and super-producer Polow da Don tied for first place, each achieving an impressive score of 234. The event’s proceeds will directly benefit the Ryan Cameron Foundation’s initiatives to empower Atlanta’s youth through education, health, and community development programs.
Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. "& Juliet" asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,” and “Can't Stop the Feeling!”
Jack & Jill of America, Atlanta Chapter Presents 7th Bold Lips & Bow Ties
The fall season is always a very special time for the Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill, a 73-year-old organization of moms dedicated to nurturing African American leaders. During this time, they plan meaningful activities for their children to learn and grow into future leaders as well as identify charities and communities they could positively impact throughout the year.
The organization’s most impactful fall event is their annual fundraiser, Bold Lips & Bow Ties. Since its inception in 2015, this event has evolved from 50 supportive friends to over 1,600 patrons. The 2024 event on Sunday, October 13 at The Gathering Spot welcomed notable attendees, including Jack & Jill’s newly elected National President Darlene Whittington, Southeastern Regional Director Takeysha Lewis, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, and local radio personality actress and J&J Member Rashan Ali.
Comprised of over 200 African American mothers, the organization reached out to Atlanta’s community of donors, sponsors, and supporters, and raised over $200,000 , with
The Home Depot pledging to be a Diamond Level Sponsor at $25,000. They are also grateful for their Platinum Sponsors, Dr. Obi Ugwonali and Peachtree Orthopedics, Cadence Bank, and Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Engineering.
In 2024, the chapter chose to support CRIADO GA , a nonprofit dedicated to improving women’s health and wellness; Raising Expectations , an organization that empowers youth to help facilitate high school graduation and beyond; The Center for Children and Young Adults , which provides a home for youth who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their caregivers; Turning Point Breast Cancer Rehabilitation ,
Opposite Top: BLBT7 Event Committee
Opposite Bottom: BLBT7 Event Co-Chairs Christina Washington, Joni Harris, and Ursula Carter
Opposite Right: Atlanta Chapter President Mikki Anderson
Above: National President Darlene Whittington (center, bottom row) with Southeastern Region Leadership and Atlanta Chapter President and BLBT7 Chairs
“BOLD
supporting breast cancer survivors; and The Jack and Jill Foundation, which is the oldest African American-led nonprofit in the United States that invests in programs and services for children.
For more information on the chapter and its fundraising efforts, visit Fundraising@jackandjillatlanta.org or the Atlanta Chapter Website at JackandJillAtlanta.org .
Experience the Magic of the Miracle League!
ARTICLE BY JADA GARNER
For the past 20 years, the Miracle League has broken down barriers and celebrated athletes of all skills. As the Spring 2025 season approaches, the excitement grows and they require your assistance to maintain the momentum. Whether you want to lend a hand, contribute, or register as a player, there is a place for you in this amazing community. The Miracle League is genuinely unique in that it focuses on athletes with varying abilities rather than limitations. The league creates an environment in which everyone is welcome to play regardless of any obstacles. With dedicated rubberized turf pitches, players in wheelchairs or with other support equipment can easily participate in the action, feeling the excitement of teamwork and the sense of belonging to a team.
The Miracle League is more than just athletics; it’s also about joy. With over 350 local chapters throughout the world, the league has grown into a community-building movement. It’s a place where athletes are honored for their efforts, where every play is important, and where everyone is welcome. As the new season begins, the Miracle League welcomes new players onto the pitch. Every athlete, no matter their experience or talent, has a place here. Whether you’re hitting a home run or applauding from the stands, every second is about feeling respected and loved.
Volunteers play an important role in the league’s success. They support participants, help with transportation, and contribute to a great atmosphere that leaves each game memorable. The Miracle League is also seeking donations, sponsorships, and collaborations to help it continue its purpose and expand its impact. These efforts directly benefit players and volunteers, resulting in unforgettable moments for everyone involved.
If you have what it takes to make a difference, contact Karen Nunnally at nunnally@mlosf.com. Let’s make Miracle League one to cherish and pave the way for another 20 years of prosperity!
NIKKI BARJON’S COMMITMENT TO MEANINGFUL CHANGE
ARTICLE BY ZARIA SAMUEL
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“I want to make sure that every life that I touch, every person I've come across, that their lives, in a way, were different for the better,” Nikki Barjon said, displaying her dedication to leaving an impactful legacy.
In a world driven by rapid trends, finding leaders who prioritize purpose over popularity is refreshing. True impact comes from building lasting legacies rather than fleeting fame.
Nikki Barjon, a multifaceted entrepreneur, exemplifies the definition of a trailblazer. She has dedicated her career to uplifting youth through intentional development and brand building. The founder of Brandeshoppe, Crownville, and Brxnd Sportsplex, Barjon is reshaping how young people approach personal and professional growth.
Brxnd Sportsplex is a testament to this mission.
The 15,000-square-foot facility offers much more than a space for athletics. Featuring a full basketball court, a state-of-the-art training room, and tools tailored to brand building, Brxnd Sportsplex is designed to equip young athletes with everything they need to excel within and outside of their sport.
“I decided that I would create a spin-off of my existing agency that would, in fact, service and help
young athletes understand who they are as a brand, what decisions they need to make, and what’s in the best interest of their futures,” Barjon said.
This drive to empower others is the core of Barjon’s success. Her work across industries is guided by one principle: purpose.
“I have always been purpose-driven,” Barjon said. “My mantra has been to build a brand and build a life that matters. So, I’m not really chasing success. I never have. I’ve always chased significance, and that has remained the same.”
Barjon’s book, BRAND NEW: Mastering the Art of the Pivot and Moving to the Place Where God is Calling You, expands this mantra. She shares practical advice about embracing change, making intentional choices, and growing through life’s pivots. Barjon is thriving on her journey of purpose and innovation and plans to release a second book for young athletes while creating her own sports agency. On the road to success, Barjon is far from slowing down.
headsplumbing.com
Renowned as the fastest-growing City in Georgia and the 4th fastest-growing suburb in the Nation, Union City combines the charm of an intimate community with the cultural, educational, and economic prowess of a large metropolis.
Nestled just minutes from the world's busiest airport, Union City stands proud as the residence of influential brands like Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, ASOS, Amazon, Merecedes-Benz, Walmart E-Commerce, and Atlanta Metro Studios.
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The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.
2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.
4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!
Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*
These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate chips as desired
Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
ARTICLE BY TIFFANY BASKETT OF THE FITNESS COLLECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANTEL FROM TELLESS PHOTOGRAPHY
The soma refers to the body as a living, conscious entity, encompassing not only the physical form but also sensations, emotions, and stored experiences, including trauma. Unlike viewing the body as a mechanical structure, the soma is understood as an interconnected system where healing happens through awareness and intentional movement. Somatic movement connects the mind and body to release tension and promote healing. Here are 5 simple ways to practice somatic movement:
1. Body Scanning with Breath Awareness Practice: Lie or sit comfortably, scan your body from head to toe, and notice areas of tension while breathing deeply.Benefit: Builds awareness and releases stored tension. 2. Gentle Micro-Movements Practice: Make small, slow movements like shoulder rolls, neck stretches, or swaying hips. Move intuitively. Benefit: Regulates the nervous system and improves mobility.
3. Somatic Stretching Practice: Stretch slowly, pause at resistance, and add gentle movements while breathing deeply. Benefit: Releases trauma stored in fascia and enhances flexibility.
4. Grounding Through Touch Practice: Place hands on tense areas (e.g., chest, abdomen), apply gentle pressure, or make small circles while breathing. Benefit: Promotes safety and calms the nervous system.
5. Rhythmic Movement Flow Practice: Engage in rhythmic motions like rocking, swaying, or walking naturally and soothingly. Benefit: Balances physical and emotional rhythms. These practices are simple yet profound, helping you reconnect your mind to your body, release trauma, and experience peace in both body and mind.
ARTICLE BY TOMEKA JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK SABIN
Imagine you’ve landed in paradise at Nadi International Airport and the preparation begins to take a dip in the clear indigo-colored South Pacific Ocean and sip a tropical cocktail or two while sunbathing on a beach on a private island. Welcome to Fiji! You’re likely excited for this dream vacation while unaware of the complete eudemonia you’re about to experience in this stunning island nation.
Here are three memorable Fijian experiences to anticipate:
Fiji’s visitors will have a chance to participate in at least one Kava ceremony. The gathering takes place in a small space with Fijian warriors wearing grass-like skirts called Sulu. The warriors sing, dance, and chant in celebration of welcoming guests or for other special occasions. During the ceremony, participants can drink kava, an herbal remedy made from the Piper methysticum plant native to the islands.
Warriors blend the kava powder with water and pass around a coconut-shaped shell to each guest to drink. The beverage is known to have a sedative effect. In my experience, it tastes like dirt, but each time I drank it I felt relaxed and slept well.
The kava ceremony is a traditional cultural ritual for encouraging social bonding, community connection, and a sense of well-being.
Bula , a popular word meaning more than just hello (it also means welcome, good health, and good life), is used byFijians to greet everyone, every day, all day. This four-letter word is therapeutic, as its connotation promotes positivity and aligns with the Fijian cultural motto, “Where happiness comes naturally.”
A Warrior Welcome is also common upon arrival to most islands and resorts in Fiji. A unique experience is at Barefoot Kuata Island Resort. A warrior stands on top of a mountain in the middle of the ocean welcoming guests with a spirit dance.
On other islands, visitors are greeted by a small group of locals with songs, and, of course, a big bula. It’s tradition for Fijians to also sing goodbye when guests depart.
In my opinion, the most authentic cultural experience takes place while touring a village. Guests wear sarongs and no hats to respect the village’s sacred customs. You can arrange a short walking tour or an overnight stay to learn about the village’s history and connect with the Fijian people.
Fiji is more than rejuvenating, it’s a place where you’re told, “Welcome Home!”
If food is the way to your heart, then Fiji will win you over with its fresh and flavorful cuisines. I ate fish and seafood nearly every day because Fiji has plenty of it all, prepared grilled, steamed, and even smoked (my favorite!).
Fijian curries like Butter Chicken and Chicken Curry are popular dishes influenced by Indian cuisines with delicious blends of local ingredients and spices. Every meal is served with several options of exotic tropical fruit and seasonal vegetables.
A traditional cooking method in Fiji is lovo, an outdoor experience where Fijians dig a pit in the ground, add stones, light a fire, and cook a variety of fresh food. Visitors are invited to indulge in a lovo feast.
Fiji is more than rejuvenating, it’s a place where you’re told, “Welcome Home!”
For more about Fiji, visit www.tourismfiji.com
ARTICLE BY CHEF KITURA
Elevate your dining experience with this elegant dish featuring flaky-buttery, pan-seared sea bass atop fluffy couscous infused with fresh herbs and citrus. It’s simple yet sophisticated—a true showstopper for any occasion.
ingredients:
• 4 (6-oz) sea bass fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp Love My Everything ~ Boujee seasoning
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup couscous
• 1¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
directions:
1. Couscous: Bring the broth to a rolling boil, then stir in the couscous, olive oil, and salt. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff and mix in lemon juice, parsley, and garlic powder.
2. Sea Bass: Pat fillets dry and season with garlic powder, Boujee, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Cook fillets skin-side down for 3-4 minutes (if skinless, cook time should be the same for both sides), then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until opaque.
3. Serve: You may place the sea bass atop of the couscous
Chef Kitura, the celebrated founder of All About the Minis, has turned her love for cooking into a culinary empire in metro Atlanta. Inspired by her grandmother’s recipes and love for flavor, she crafts dishes that are both nostalgic and modern. Known for her innovative tapas-style creations, Chef Kitura has been featured in major publications and captivates audiences with her unforgettable private chef experiences. From authoring Grandma’s Handz, a recipe and story collection, to creating her signature Love My Everything seasoning line, Chef Kitura is a visionary who blends tradition and flair. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a corporate event, she delivers bold flavors with a personal touch. Poised to empower young women through cooking and one day host her own TV show, Chef Kitura’s journey proves that every dish can tell a story.
