ATKINS PARK TRUE ORIGINALS

opportunity to become “part of a true international real estate company,” which has more than 500 offices outside the U.S. Askew’s firm was the first from Georgia to join Engel & Volkers this past April. “It’s been very good for us,” Askew said. “We’re seeing more people wanting to buy Intown because of amenities like restaurants, shops, the BeltLine and wanting to park their cars and be able to walk. It’s very exciting.”

Ten Thousand Villages

1056 St. Charles Ave., Atlanta, atlanta.tenthousandvillages.com

Back in 1994, Ten Thousand Villages was called Windows on the World, but the Virginia-Highland fair trade retailer’s mission remains the same: establishing long-term buying relationships where skilled artisans from around the globe lack opportunities for stable income. Two friends, Marg Lambert and Karen Gross, started the Virginia-Highland store in 1993. Gross, a nurse practitioner, and Lambert, a grade school teacher, were moved to take action after learning about children living in the Guatemala City Dump. The duo’s creative energy continues to operate the store today, along with a very active board of directors. The store hosts Nonprofit Shopping Nights in November and December which give sales to artisans, but also gives a small percentage back to local nonprofits in Atlanta.

Worthmore Jewelers

500 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, 30306 worthmorejewelers.com

Worthmore has been a passion project for its owners Harris and Gerri Botnick for 20 years. The first shop opened on Amsterdam Walk in 1994 and a second in Decatur in 2008. The Botnicks said their clientele started out purchasing simple silver bands and return whenever there is another occasion – an engagement, commitment ceremony, marriage birthday or holiday. The shop also does repairs and offers appraisals.