EDITOR’S NOTE

A Fresh Start

Ilove New Year’s traditions. Countdowns, fireworks and quirky little rituals that are said to bring good luck help turn this holiday into something more than just a clean page on the calendar. If I’m being honest, though, I have always preferred New Year’s Day over Eve, which I have sometimes found to be a bit of a letdown. Through the years and stages of life, it seems I could never find a date, a dress, a cab, a designated driver, a babysitter — insert whatever thing I needed to make the night as unbelievable as society tells us it’s supposed to be. The only caveat is that if the celebration involves fireworks and a bonfire (thought to cast out the evil spirits of the past year), I’ll find a way to be there.

Of course, my New Year’s Day plans usually revolve around food, and so that helps it win preferred status. I start thinking about my black-eyed peas before Christmas is over, and I always make a big pot of braised greens and pork for a crowd. After the frenetic pace of the entire month of December, it feels so wonderful to slow down a little bit and hit the reset button, preferably with a few friends and some Conecuh sausage to bring prosperity!

Along with the turning of the calendar each year comes the inevitable New Year’s resolutions, too. The practice is said to have begun with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C., so I think it’s safe to say they are a useful practice. But in addition to the inevitable “eat less, exercise more” kind of goals, I hope you can use this annual Trailblazers issue to think outside the box.

It’s no coincidence that the January issue of MB always features movers, shakers, doers and the ever-popular 40 Under 40 Awards. This is the time of year that we want to feel inspired! We want to try something new, push ourselves a little bit, think bigger and give back more than ever this year. We hope the local go-getters included in these pages will inspire you to kick off 2023 with a bang and hit all your goals!

While our publisher has been renovating MB’s new office space, the editorial team has been working at the Fuse Factory, a super-cool coworking space in downtown Mobile. It has given us the chance to be surrounded by small businesses, entrepreneurs and non-profits all working to reach their goals. And if you are ever in need of motivation, the bathroom mirror says “Do it tomorrow today.” Here’s hoping we can cast off the evil spirits of last year and make an amazing 2023— today.

Maggie Lacey

EXECUTIVE EDITOR maggie@pmtpublishing.com

 The magazine has moved! We are thrilled to be renovating an early 1900’s building on Government Street, right next to the historic La Clede Hotel. Among its many former uses, it was once a Greer’s, as seen in this mid-20th century photo. Stay tuned for more details in the February issue! LOVE THIS ISSUE

ARCHITECTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR THANK GOODNESS THE ISLE DAUPHIN IS NO LONGER ON SLEDGE’S LIST OF PLACES IN PERIL. I WOULD MOVE IN TOMORROW IF I COULD! PAGE 38

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU THESE OLD BONES NEED SOME YOGA THIS YEAR! MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS TO HIT JUST ONE CLASS A WEEK. ANYONE WANT TO OPEN A STUDIO IN DOWNTOWN MOBILE, PRETTY PLEASE?

JUST BREATHE EDUCATOR AND TIKTOK PHENOM CAREY ARENSBURG LOVES THESE EXPANDABLE BREATHING BALLS TO HELP KIDS CALM DOWN. I NEED ONE ON MY DESK. PAGE 16

PEDAL POWER YUBA CARGO BIKES HAVE A SUPER LONG TAIL AND CAN BE CONFIGURED TO HAUL KIDS, GROCERIES, SURFBOARDS — YOU NAME IT! BAYKEEPER’S WILLIAM STRICKLAND PEDALS HIS KIDS AROUND TOWN ON ONE, AND I’M ADDING THIS ECO MODE OF TRANSPORTATION TO MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. PAGE 26