Savannah magazine May/June 2021 by Savannah Magazine

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 1

LOWCOUNTRY-INSPIRED RECIPES | DIVINE DESSERTS | SUMMER COCKTAILS | PERFECT PLUMS

180+

EATERIES TO TRY page 178

Cold Miso Noodles with Miso-Tahini Dressing, page 92

Vol.32 No.4 $6.99

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SO FRESH!

Mike Cole - Harrison, GA

SMART HEALTHCARE STANDS TALLER THAN THE REST.

As a forester, Mike Cole is required to move about freely through some difficult terrain. But he had pain in his abdomen that was really slowing him down. He knew he could trust Dr. Anthony Foley and the team at St. Joseph’s/Candler, who discovered the giant abdominal hernia. Highly experienced in hernia repair, Dr. Foley reconstructed Mike’s abdominal wall with the innovative da Vinci robot. This minimally-invasive surgery allowed Mike to recover quickly.

Five weeks after surgery, Mike’s strength and mobility were back to 100%.

THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER Anthony Foley, M.D. - Surgeon

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M A Y / J U N E

2 0 2 1

T A S T E CONTENTS A U DREY B ROMSTA D A N D SAVA N N A H BOC K

WATERMARKED

An Isle of Hope home spotlights Lowcountry landscapes By Margaret Daniel

JUICY FRUIT

Go plum crazy for summer’s most versatile stone fruit By Sophia Leopold

SWEET SPOTS

These desserts are the icing on the cake Photography by Michael Schalk

MICHA EL SCHA LK

KEN DRA FRA N KLE

PETER COLIN MU RRAY

PASSION PROJECT

Two best friends craft an ode to Savannah and Tybee Island cuisines By Audrey Bromstad and Savannah Bock

GIVE AND TAKE How local restaurants took on take-out By Jay Lankau

104

A HEAVY TOLL

Working women work even harder during the pandemic By Jessica Lynn Curtis

ON THE COVER

A refreshing cold miso dish featured in the Our Kitchen: At Home cookbook Photo by Savannah Bock and Audrey Bromstad

M AY/J U N E 2 0 21

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 Editor’s letter 20 Get Social BUZZ

25 New in 912 31 Giving Back: The Grey 34 May/June Events 37 Old Savannah: The Olde Pink House STYLE

41 Straight Up Style 46 Challenge Accepted 48 My Savannah: Ryan McMaken 51 At Home: Watermarked TASTE

65 Juicy Fruit 69 Rare Bird 73 Monday Flavor 78 Chef Q&A: John Benhase of Common Thread BE WELL

99 All Smiles

COMMERCIAL LENDING TAILORED TO COMMERCIAL LENDING TAILORED TO

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

80 Chefs Dish Profiles 108 Women in Business Profiles

Trust your business to Trapper Griffith Trust your business to Trapper Griffith and TC Federal Bank for a and TC Federal Bank for a premium lending experience. premium lending experience.

SPECIAL SECTION

178 Serving Savannah SEEN

187 Preservation is Fun with Carleton Varney — a Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend event

189 Candler Clay’s Charity Shoot 189 2021 Korn Ferry Tour’s Club Car Championship SALT OF THE CITY 105 W. Congress Street, Unit C | Savannah, Georgia | 912.483.0060 105 W. Congress Street, Unit C | Savannah, Georgia | 912.483.0060

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192 A Sugar-Coated Life

SUMMER CAMP FUN! at The Savannah Country Day School

CAMP MOON RIVER

A full-day traditional-style summer day camp for rising K - 8th graders that promotes personal growth, relationship building, and fun.

COASTAL ECOLOGY CAMP

Celebrating its 39th year, discover our local marshes, waterways and Barrier Islands with Bill Eswine.

savcds.org/summercamps

ATHLETIC CAMPS

Join the Savannah Country Day coaching staff for a variety of camps to learn fundamentals, hone skills and have fun!

RISE UP READY

A great way to help your child transition from summer to school—in a fun environment!

EDITOR’S LETTER

SERVING S AVA N N A H Our guide to local restaurants is on page 178

WHEN I WAS A CHILD, my mother and grandmother joked that I would one day write a cookbook called So Good, where I’d chronicle those recipes that I deemed exceptionally tasty. The only problem? My palate was unrefined and overenthusiastic. Notoriously tricky Beef Wellingtons and chocolate souffles got my trademark endorsement — “So good!” — but so did homey, pedestrian fare like potato-cornflake casserole and my grandmother’s peanut butter and raspberry jam (never jelly) sandwiches. I’ve written a lot since then but never did get around to that cookbook. As Martha Stewart would say, it’s a good thing. Fortunately, the consolation prize is sweet: these days, I have the delicious job of championing Savannah’s restaurants after a year like no other. In the Food Issue, you’ll find stylish sips to amplify your home bar cart and desserts to drool over, but it’s the heartier fare (the figurative kind) from Jay Lankau, who reveals the unexpected hardships of takeout-style dining on page 94, and Allison Stice Bulka, who illuminates the surprising politics behind a bottle of

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French pinot on page 31, that sustains. I hope you’ll find that the quiet fortitude of Savannah chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders, baristas and servers leaves you feeling humbled, inspired and hungry. The issue also boasts several recipes, including four from Audrey Bromstad and Savannah Bock, the young women who developed, tested, photographed and published a cookbook, Our Kitchen: At Home, by themselves during quarantine (such gumption will one day land them among our annual Women in Business section, which starts on page 108). Although I’ve only tried one recipe so far, an easy, dreamy coffee frappé, you’ve probably guessed my review by now. It was so good.

Sara Watson Editor

Photography by PETER COLIN MURRAY

The business law firm

HunterMaclean proudly celebrates all of our Women in Business.

Not pictured:Vicky Anderson, Mary Ann Bell

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CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Bower

Allison Stice Bulka

Peter Colin Murray

Margaret Daniel

ILLUST RAT OR

WR I T ER

PHOTOGRAPHER

WRIT ER

“Give and Take,” page 94

“Lending Their Voices,” page 31

“Juicy Fruit,” page 65

“Watermarked,” page 51

Voted

r u o T t s e B 2020 2003

through

and gazine h ah Ma a Savann ect Savann Conn

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CONTRIBUTORS

Jay Lankau

Jessica Lynn Curtis

Michael Schalk

Alexis Hubbard

W R ITE R

PH O T O GR APHER

STYLIST

WRIT ER

“Straight Up Style,” page 41

“Give and Take,” page 94

“A Heavy Toll,” page 104

“Straight Up Style,” page 41

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FROM OUR READERS

The way to Savannahians’ hearts is through their stomachs. Pass the napkins, please. NEXT UP: The Life on the Water Issue. Snap a pic of your aquatic adventures for a chance to be featured in our July/August issue — just tag @savannahmagazine and use #savannahmagazine.

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P R E S E N T E D

B Y

S C A D

COMFORT ZONE Serenity and ease at Cristina Drumm’s Hygge

“

People come [to Hygge] with a purpose in mind, looking to buy something that they know is sustainably made.” — Cristina Drumm owner, Hygge

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ON A SUNNY SPRING DAY, Cristina Drumm is chatting with a new customer, sharing some tips on modest purchases that might suit his home. “You want to live in a place that smells nice,” she says, pointing out the tidy bundles of palo santo sticks and Mimi & August Copenhagen candles that adorn a handsome table in the center of her shop, Hygge. When a woman bustles into the store, the tone of Drumm’s greeting suggests they are dear friends; she turns out to be a return shopper who has embraced the principles of this salubrious retail environment. A few minutes later, the woman leaves noticeably relaxed, having acquired a special “Hygge Blend” of loose-leaf tea by Savannah’s own Hale Tea Co. and a coffee chai balm called Skin Tight by skincare company Laughing Tansy. It is a very Hygge moment. “I don’t want people to buy just on impulse,” Drumm says. “I want them to buy because they understand what they’re buying and how it fits into their life. I want them to ask: ‘Does this product make me happy and make my space happy?’ That’s

what I ask myself before I carry a product in my store.” Cue Hygge’s mission statement: “A cozy home and lifestyle shop for all your slow fashion, small-batch apothecary, sustainable wares, jewelry, local ceramics and gifting needs.” The shop’s origin story begins in 2010, when Drumm spent a summer in Copenhagen inspired by the balance between everyday life and sustainability that induces a sense of comfort. The Danish call it “hygge.” A few years later, she came to Savannah, where she earned her B.F.A. in advertising at SCAD. She opened her shop in 2018, just as the comfort concept — and its correct pronunciation (hugh-guh, for the record) — gained steam stateside. Drumm’s idea that a retail shop can foster community hinges on Hygge’s extracurricular offerings, including popular watercolor painting workshops led by her mother, Venezuelan artist Ana Maria Leonardi. Conducted virtually during the tumultuous past 12 months, Hygge’s workshops are beginning to return as on-site events. “As an entrepreneur and

Photography by PAPRIKA SOUTHERN

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

S C A D

The shop, at 600 E. Broughton St., includes clever home goods, like these tea light holders with built-in matchboxes.

business owner, Cristina has shown unwavering resilience,” says SCAD advertising professor Arlene Distel, who taught Drumm as an undergraduate. “She’s collaborated with other local businesses and artists to draw people to her store, including offering on-site yoga classes and art events. This is her education at work, a foundation she’s built on with passion and mindfulness. It’s a joy to see it fully realized at Hygge.” Drumm is also something of a retail pioneer in Savannah, having opened Hygge on the eastern end of Broughton Street, before businesses including The Circle and Frayed Knot followed suit. “One of the beauties about being tucked away is that I get people coming in who are really looking forward to being here,” Drumm says. “It’s more of a destination. People come with a purpose in mind, looking to buy something that they know is sustainably made. They know they’re going to find something that’s not going to harm themselves or the environment. I get a lot of shoppers who are looking to buy more intentionally.” Despite its Broughton Street address, the shop’s entrance is actually on Broad Street, via a garden area that includes a Little Free Library and an inviting bench, where comfort-seekers can sit and enjoy the sunshine at their leisure. But Drumm isn’t rushing anyone to drop by — that wouldn’t be very Hygge.

M AY/J U N E 2 0 21

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CO UR T E S Y OF S AVA N N AH TE QU I L A COM PA N Y

S A V A N N A H

New in 912

Savannah Tequila Company (500 W. River St.) in Plant Riverside District has a tequilier on staff — you know the margaritas are going to be good … Upcycled vintage, modern ready-to-wear pieces and even organic coffee are at The 22o7 Shop (2207 Harmon St.), all expertly curated from a seasoned,

M AY/J U N E 2 0 21

BUZZ

ENZO Olive Oil available at Franklin’s

New York City stylist … Next door, get inspired at Chapel (2207 Harmon St.), a fine art gallery that spotlights up-and-coming artists of all mediums … Newborns, kids and teens alike can count on cutting-edge care in a nurturing environment at Memorial Health’s Dwaine

Troupial

New Realm Brewing Company

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C OU R T ES Y O F N E W R E AL M B R EWI NG CO M PA NY

COU R T E S Y OF T RO UP I A L

COU R TESY OF FRA N KLIN ’S

and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah (4700 Waters

Ave.), the only children’s hospital in the region ... The Tea Room (326 Bull St.) offers a variety of both traditional and unique teas, including Savannah Breakfast — a blend of Chinese, Indian and Ceylon teas — to energize your morning (or midday) … If coffee is your beverage of choice, head to Franklin’s (5 W. Liberty St.), which also serves brunch all-day … For even more coffee, try Troupial (2605 Whitaker St.), serving up decadent coffee beverages with traditional Venezuelan street food … New Realm Brewing Company (120 Whitaker St.) will quench your thirst of another kind … Nigiri, sashimi, sushi: Seabass Restaurant (11215 Abercorn St.) has it all … New vegan restaurant The Haunt (606 Abercorn St.) keeps it close to home with a Georgia-only beer list and foraged ingredients ... Move over, Blue Apron. Morsel (morselmeals. com) serves Savannah with a meal plan delivery service that prides

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BUZZ

COU R TESY OF COQU I COOKIES

COU R TESY OF HOKU L I A SHAV E I C E

Hokulia Shave Ice

Coqui Cookies

C OU R T ES Y OF PA RKER’S SPIRITS

Parker’s Spirits

COU R T E S Y OF M A RS H & C O.

Marsh & Co.

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itself on never using any animal products in their food ... From the folks behind Treylor Park, Double Wide Diner (135 W. Bay St.) is cooking up comforting breakfast classics — co-owner Trey Wilder likens it to an “elevated Waffle House.” ... Everyone’s favorite convenience store just got more convenient: Parker’s Spirits (8 Godly Station Blvd.) sells premier wines, craft beers, collectible bourbons and more … Dr. Carl B. Pearl, one of Savannah’s premier plastic surgeons, is launching a new venture: Chatham Plastic Surgery (8 Stephenson Ave.) ... 208 Wine Bar (208 E. Bay St.) offers wine flights and event space in the heart of the Historic District ... Get on island time with Hokulia Shave Ice (110 E. Broughton St.), Savannah’s only traditional Hawaiian dessert

spot … Take a drive to Mizu (1450 Dean Forest Road) in Garden City for modern takes on traditional Japanese cuisine … Coqui Cookies (coquicookiesllc@gmail.com) is an at-home bakery specializing in Puerto Rican-style baked goods that are sure to sweeten any moment … For a variety of handmade goods, head to Marsh & Co. (444 Johnny Mercer Blvd.), a sophisticated marketplace for artists and makers alike to connect with the community … Hilton Head’s breezy, beachy Bennali’s Coastal Wear (1732 E. President St.) has a new outpost on Tybee Island ... It makes perfect sense for Seabolt Real Estate (300 W. River St.) to have a satellite office at Plant Riverside District — they specialize in riverfront properties … Did you hear? Neufeld Hearing Healthcare Centers (1 Diamond Causeway) offers a boutique health care experience that prioritizes the physician-patient experience ... Get a fresh chop at Sola Salon Studios (2400 Bull St.), the first tenant for buzzed-about Station 24 in the Starland District.

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BUZZ

The Grey managing partner John O. Morisano and executive chef and partner Mashama Bailey

GIVING BACK

Lending Their Voices The Grey’s partners step up for struggling restaurants nationwide

Photography by ADAM KUEHL

M AY/J U N E 2 0 21

BUZZ

FROM THE TIME THE GREY WAS just an idea, proprietors John O. Morisano and Mashama Bailey envisioned an Old World wine program, featuring balanced, light-bodied varieties that enhanced executive chef Bailey’s regionally sourced menu. “We built the restaurant that way,” says Morisano. “We wanted the wine that we thought was most complimentary to Mashama’s food and to her classically trained technique, rooted in Italy and France.” So when a 25 percent tariff on European wine, spirits and food arrived in late 2019 — the latest escalation in a 17-year-old trade dispute over how the U.S. and the European Union subsidize their respective commercial airline industries, of all things — hit the struggling hospitality industry, The Grey partners knew they had to get involved. Bailey and Morisano joined the national leadership team of the Coalition to Stop Restaurant Tariffs (CSRT), in the company of renowned chefs and restaurant owners like Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Danny Meyer and Alice Waters. The coalition

The Grey

often passed on to the customer, who might find it difficult to understand why a standoff between Boeing and Airbus meant they had to pay more for their favorite bottle of red. While the tariffs did not affect the food menu at The Grey, which prizes seasonal and regional produce, seafood and meat, they significantly added to the costs associated with procuring European wines to enhance the ingredients that grow nearby and come out of local waters. The blend of Old World and new echoes the methods and ingredients inherent to the melting-pot cuisine of port

“We were getting to a point where we couldn’t find a glass of pinot noir we could afford that customers would pay for.” —John O. Morisano fights for relief for small and independent restaurant owners, already facing staggering challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, by calling for lawmakers and the Biden administration to keep them out of tariff tiffs. Without pandemic aid, nearly 40 percent of Georgia’s restaurants and bars could close within six months, according to a December study by the Georgia Restaurant Association. The tariffs added yet another burden to food and beverage providers by increasing the price of steady profit drivers like wine by the glass, and adding to the cost of imported cheese and meats that are essential to the fine-dining experience. Those costs were

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cities like Savannah, Morisano says. “We were getting to a point where we couldn’t find a glass of pinot noir — the restaurant’s most popular glass of wine — we could afford that customers would pay for,” he says. “We were priced out of the market.” That gives restaurant owners the additional task of sourcing new ingredients that meet the standards their guests expect — or else finding another way to cut costs, like laying off staff or diminishing support for local producers. The goal of a restaurant like The Grey is to create a guest experience that inspires support of a small business, where 90 to 95 cents on the dollar

go back into the community. The ripple of ill effects from a European winemaker to a Lowcountry farmer make the tariffs a much larger issue than the cost of a fancy bottle of wine, olive oil or prosciutto di parma ham, says Morisano, who has been educating decision-makers about the issue through his and Bailey’s work with the CSRT. This spring, the coalition had reason to celebrate. In March, the Biden administration temporarily suspended tariffs for four months with plans to negotiate “a balanced settlement to the disputes.” In a statement from the leadership team, the CSRT applauded the decision and its positive impact on chefs, line cooks, sommeliers, servers and every other restaurant worker. “Our industry should never have been pawns in a fight over aircraft subsidies.” There will definitely be “a hangover” from the tariffs, though, Morisano says: The fourmonth reprieve leaves many restaurateurs like himself sitting on inventory purchased at cost. Still, the coalition is hopeful that a trade truce will help keep the industry afloat. Representing restaurants and suppliers in all 50 states and top kitchens from New York to California, the organization will continue to apply pressure to lawmakers and the Federal Trade Commission to find a truce that permanently scraps the tariffs. Here in Georgia, where Morisano and Bailey work on the leadership team with chefs like Steven Satterfield of Atlanta’s Miller Union, that means persuading Georgia’s newly elected senators Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock to step up to the plate.

I’M GOING OFF THE DEEP END. Call me crazy, but working from home isn’t so bad. And with daily lunchtime dips and post-work patio happy hours, I feel as young as ever.

Experience the Landings life. Call 912-598-0500 or visit TheLandings.com today for a tour of our island.

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M AY E V E N T S

1–2 Add the finishing touches to your cosplay — it’s time for the Savannah Comic Con.

| Did you know that Cinco de Mayo traditionally celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire in 1862? Margarita anyone?

14 Lace up your sneakers! It’s the Relay For Life of the Coastal Empire at Daffin Park. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

A bouquet from Urban Poppy or Madame Chrysanthemum makes for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. 22

| Enjoy local flavors from local chefs at Taste of Savannah, a tasting event benefiting St. Andrew’s School.

23–30 Savannah Music Festival brings everything from jazz to acoustic performances and blues to the Hostess City.

27 | Sample Colonial-era tea varietals

and treats at Springtime Tea at the Davenports’, happening Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Fridays ... at Davenport House Museum all month long.

JUNE EVENTS

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month by re-watching Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which stars Lady Chablis, an iconic Savannahian and transgender woman.

4 As if you needed an excuse for a doughnut. Happy National Doughnut Day!

5 | The Georgia Historical

Society inducts the 2021 Georgia Trustees, David Abney and Juanita Baranco, at the virtual Trustees Gala.

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19 | Honor Juneteenth by

supporting a Black-owned business, like Sisters of the New South, or visiting the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum.

It’s the ﬁrst day of summer and Father’s Day! Better light the grill.

3 | The Leukemia &

Lymphoma Society honors individuals who have worked tirelessly to help find a cure for blood cancers during its Man and Woman of the Year Finale.

30 Indulge in a morning of shopping before the Ronald McDonald House Charities Signature Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Hyatt Regency. (Get ready, Wine, Women and Shoes is tomorrow night!)

Enjoy Savannah All Year Long Celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community by subscribing to Savannah magazine today. 1 YEAR $19.95 • 2 YEARS $32 • 3 YEARS $40 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

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O L D S AVA N N A H

A Taste of History Savannah’s famed The Olde Pink House offers a dining experience 250 years in the making Written by TJ LAGGIS

BRICKS THAT BLED, staining the once-white house pink. A fire that charred the walls of its upper-story ballroom. The throws of Yellow Fever in the 19th century and the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, both of which shuttered doors across the city. One simply has to ask, how has this blush-colored gem from Savannah’s antiquity withstood the trials of time?

Photography by ANGELA HOPPER-LEE

“They don’t build them like they used to,” jokes Craig Jeffress, general manager of The Olde Pink House. “This home has incredible bones.” Throughout the course of its 250-year history, The Olde Pink House has changed hands many times. James Habersham Jr., the pioneering merchant and wealthy planter, built the original residence in 1771

on a land allotment granted by the Crown of England. In 1811, a decade after his passing, Habersham’s halls became home to the vaults of Planters’ Bank, the first bank in Georgia. Later still, in 1864, the house became a military generals’ headquarters for Union troops following Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s Civil War Siege of Savannah.

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While this timeline can be found on the back of restaurant menus, there’s even more history within the dishes themselves. Every meal and every glass of wine served honors the cultural collisions that occurred during our port city’s checkered past: overlooked immigrants, wayward travelers, enslaved peoples brought here against their will. “The very story we tell through our food is one of survival,” Jeffress says. “It’s a way of honoring all of those hardworking people who endured, so that we can be here [today].” Pickled watermelon rinds, a tradition rooted in preserving the food you can’t afford to waste, now garnish blackened oysters. Collard greens, the thick, leafy vegetation found and perfected by those who had no alternatives, feature pork scraps to punch up the flavor. West African spices, an Asianinspired seafood fry and Madeira wine from the Portuguese islands have all found their way onto The Olde Pink House menu, too. “I think it’s important that we represent

That care and attention to every last detail doesn’t stop with the cuisine, either. Revived, hand-plucked, period pieces curated by the owner herself, Donna Moeckel, fill the walls of The Olde Pink House with the pathos of the South. Ivy curls around the Palladian portico, crystal chandeliers shimmer in every room and an extensive oil-painting collection tells the story of Savannah through centurial seaside vignettes and portraits of the city’s esteemed citizens. A night at The Olde Pink House isn’t simply a fancy meal, it’s an experience that sends diners swirling through history, from the moment they step through the front entrance to the time they sign the check and box up their desserts. “We make it a point to never let the 250 years of history seem average or pedestrian to us,” Jeffress says. “Every meal, every event is special.” The staff, who shoulder the work seven days a week to keep The Olde Pink House standing, are the ones Jeffress credits with the success of the famed restaurant. “We didn’t ask for the fire [in December

"We make it a point to never let the 250 years of history seem average or pedestrian to us. Every meal, every event is special." — Craig Jeffress, general manager, The Olde Pink House this region with our food,” Jeffress says, “but, in doing so, we have to also represent cultures from around the globe.” That’s a tradition The Olde Pink House remains committed to year after year, as they add to their growing list of global vendors. “We go out to Guadalajara, Mexico, for our tequila, and we see the love that goes into creating it,” Jeffress says. “We go to Kentucky for our bourbon, America’s original spirit. We go out to the cattle ranch. We go on the fishing boat. The coffee we source comes solely from a specific lot, on a specific farm, in Nicaragua.”

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2018], we didn’t ask for the pandemic, but here they are,” Jeffress says. “So, the question we lead with, always, is, ‘What’s the best thing we can do for everyone involved?’” The team’s response, no matter the crisis, remains the same: “We pull together and take care of one another.” “We’re a relationship business,” Jeffress says. “The relationship we have with our amazing staff, the relationship we have with each and every guest, and the relationship that we have with our purveyors are the key to stewarding this privilege we’ve been given.”

THE J OY O F COOKING May is Preservation Month, a time when Savannah’s rich history is celebrated and made new again. This year, it’s also deliciously timed with the release of Old Southern Cookery, by Dr. Christopher E. Hendricks, a history professor at Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus, and his mother, Sue. Together, the pair has reimagined Mary Randolph’s 1824 cookbook, The Virginia Housewife, reinventing colonial and early 19th-century recipes for modern audiences, and with all proceeds generously benefiting the Davenport House Museum. “We’re bringing the past to life by making Randolph’s food accessible to people today,” Hendricks says. “She published her book in 1824, while the Davenport House was under construction, and Sarah Davenport may very well have prepared these same dishes,” he says. The Hendricks’ cookbook emphasizes contemporary ingredients and preparation methods, but the essence of each historic recipe remains intact. “How often do you get to teach people what the past tasted like?” — SYLVIE BAGGETT

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TA S T E STYLE S A V A N N A H

Think beyond the bottle. Mixers, artwork, glasses, books and greenery are all welcome at the bar. These shelves include items from Emily McCarthy Shoppe, One Fish Two Fish, The Horseshoe Crab and PW Short.

Straight Up Style Tips and recipes for the polished home bar (it’s always open) Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK Styling by EMILY McCARTHY and ALEXIS HUBBARD

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Belgian Bee This recipe comes from rooftop destination Peregrin, which debuted a new menu in April. “Make sure you use a gin high in botanicals, such as Hendricks or The Botanist,” shares one Peregrin bartender, “to enhance the overall flavor profile.” 2 oz. Hendricks Gin ½ oz. Lillet Blanc ½ oz. Wildflower Savannah Bee Honey ¾ oz. lemon juice ¾ oz. grapefruit juice 1 can Belgian witbier, such as Scattered Sun from Southbound Brewing Company Orange twist

Shake all ingredients except beer in a cocktail shaker and pour in a snifter glass. Top with witbier to taste. Garnish with an orange and cherry. Books, like these from PW Short, are a great way to add varied height and visual interest to a home bar setup.

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Banana Spliff Feeling adventurous? You can elevate this cheeky, tiki libation from Water Witch Tiki by smoking it with a cocktail smoker (several options are available on Amazon). “It’ll further layer the cocktail while creating an amazing aroma in your home,” says owner Brigitte Harley. 1 oz. Barbados rum, such as Bumbu, Mount Gay XO or Doorly’s 12 Year 1 oz. bourbon; Harley recommends Town Branch 1 oz. Giffard Banane du Brésil banana liqueur ½ oz. mezcal, such as Reyes y Cobardes A dash of bitters, such as Angostura

Add all ingredients to mixing glass and stir. Pour over one large ice cube in rocks glass.

Bold glassware and napkins make a DIY cocktail feel extra special. These are from The Horseshoe Crab and Emily McCarthy Shop.

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Tres Chiles Margarita This is a go-to cocktail at Plant Riverside’s Savannah Tequila Co., says tequilier Chelsea DeMark. “It’s a delightful take on a spicy margarita with the flavors of three distinct peppers.” 1 ½ oz. blanco tequila, such as Corralejo ½ oz. orange liqueur 1 ½ oz. three pepper piloncillo syrup (see recipe below) 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime

Combine tequila, orange liqueur, three pepper piloncillo syrup and lime juice. Serve over ice.

To make the piloncillo syrup: Remove all seeds and roughly chop one serrano pepper, one jalapeño pepper and one poblano pepper. Add to a pot with two cups of water, bring to a boil, and immediately reduce to a simmer. Stir in 6 ounces of piloncillo sugar, also known as panela (can be found in the international section at the grocery store). Let simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat, let cool and strain.

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Serve a crowd with pretty pitchers. A covered, taginestyle dish keeps bugs at bay.

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Bourbon with mint, ginger and lemon This recipe is adapted from the lifestyle blog Husbands That Cook. Any bourbon will do, but Prime Liquor (5500 Abercorn St., Ste. 20) has a vast selection of rare bourbons to up the ante. 3 slices of fresh ginger 4 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish 3 oz. bourbon 1 oz. lemon juice 1 oz. simple syrup 2 dashes bitters, such as Angostura

A brandy glass from The Cottage Shop pairs with monogrammed cocktail napkins from Emily McCarthy Shoppe.

Muddle ginger slices and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker until thoroughly crushed. Add bourbon, lemon, simple syrup and bitters, then fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with mint, if desired.

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Challenge Accepted Robby Perkins, creative director of Daniel Reed Hospitality, on finding resilience — and impeccable style Interview by ARIEL FELTON

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Photography courtesy of DANIEL REED HOSPITALITY

DURING THE MIDDLE of an already difficult year, Public Kitchen & Bar was dealt another devastating blow. In June 2020, a fire caused significant damage to the entire restaurant as well as Franklin’s, the attached coffee shop set to debut that fall. “It set us back quite a bit,” says Robby Perkins, creative director of Daniel Reed Hospitality and designer of Franklin’s and Public.

SAVANNAH MAGAZINE: How does the renovated Public differ from its original design? ROBBY PERKINS: Public’s mid-century modern design was originally inspired by Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, a 1942 oil on canvas painting of a downtown diner, late at night. We loved everything about Public before, but eight years pass in the blink of an eye, and things change. I spun the design away from industrialmodern to more French-modern. It’s a clean and sophisticated look. The biggest changes are in the downstairs dining room that connects Public to Franklin’s: the accents, light fixtures, wall paneling and bathroom tile are all new. SM: Were any pieces salvageable? RP: The soffit over Public’s bar defines

the interior architecture of the space, but after the fire it had to be completely reveneered in walnut with the help of Forsyth Metal Works and Sean Keeth at

“Smoke and water from the firefighting damaged what was left untouched by the flames. In the end, it was a total redo.” Tasked with finding a silver lining, Perkins took the opportunity to give Public a design refresh while also putting the finishing touches on Franklin’s “fancy coffee” atmosphere. Both spaces opened in January, leaving 2020 firmly in the past.

Keeth Woodworking. Getting it in and out of the space alone was a feat! SM: We hear Franklin D. Roosevelt

was part of the inspiration for Franklin’s. How so? RP: I was investigating coffee in different time periods when I stumbled across a story about coffee rationing during World War II, the only time it’s been rationed in American history. President Roosevelt, as it turned out, was a coffee fanatic, and there are several stories about him brewing his own coffee at the White House. It also explains the Art Deco influence on the design of Franklin’s, inspired by the period of the late 1930s and ’40s. SM: Like those touches of brass —

they’re Art Deco, but in a fresh way. Can you talk about that balance? RP: I’m always trying to create a new way of doing things; new combinations, funky juxtapositions. I like to take a material like marble, which one might associate

with being fancy, and hone it to a flat finish, and use it in an unexpected way. The tone and style of Franklin’s isn’t pretentious. It’s fun! SM: Were any Savannah artisans

a part of the renovations? RP: Definitely. Forsyth Metal Works created the paneling and millwork throughout the restaurant — and, of course, that soffit. The murals at Franklin’s were hand painted by Bethany Travis of Penshaw Hill in her studio in Atlanta. Surface Setters did all of the marble countertops, and Savannah Surfaces provided the tile. The gorgeous light fixtures are all Circa Lighting. SM: Now that you’ve made it to the

other side, how does it feel? RP: It’s bittersweet in many ways, but we are so very thankful for all the local support of Franklin’s and, of course, Public, which has become such a staple for locals and tourists alike. We really feel the love.

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7 a.m.: I start with reading local and national news, along with performing arts news, and making a cup of coffee. My wife, Pfeffer, and I usually take our two hounds for a walk in Daffin Park. Our favorite weekday breakfast follows: a toasted slice of Auspicious Baking Co.’s country white bread with avocado. 9 a.m.: I’ve been with Savannah Music Festival since 2007, but unlike back then, these days, most work days begin with a Zoom check-in with senior staff or other team members. For the past year, I’ve been doing a lot of scheduling and rescheduling, working with our team and colleagues in the field to plan for the re-emergence of live music. If I’m at our downtown office, hopefully I’ve arrived by bike. 12 p.m.: At lunch, I’m always looking to get out-

side. If I didn’t pack it, I’ll pick up to-go from Flying Monk Noodle Bar, Kayak Kafé or Naan on Broughton. And I often fall prey to that fast sub place (it’s a chain, I know!).

3:30 p.m.: Most work days wind down with a

check-in with SMF team members, along with an assessment of priorities for the following day. Ideally, I’ve also bookmarked a few new-to-me music releases and music news to check out in the evening.

M Y S AVA N N A H

Ryan McMaken How the Savannah Music Festival artistic director (and accomplished musician) finds harmony in the everyday 48

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5 p.m.: If it’s later in the week, a stop to meet friends at Crystal Beer Parlor, Two Tides Brewing Co. or Hop Atomica is pretty likely. I’ve been playing a sport called disc golf for 20 years, so if I don’t take discs out to Daffin in the evening, I’ll try to get to the short course at Forrest Hills off of Skidaway Road (it’s a very beginner-friendly course, by the way) or even the Tybee Island course when the sun is out late. If the latter, it’s hard not to take a swim or stop by Sea Wolf Tybee. 7 p.m.: My wife and I love to cook. It’s a major aspect of our relationship, unwinding after the workday as one of us works on food and the other speculates about the efficiency of various processes. Then food, wine and often Jeopardy. I also like to practice an instrument at this point in the day. I play the guitar, fiddle and squareneck dobro, a type of resonator guitar that lies flat when you play it instead of on its side. 10 p.m.: Hopefully there’s a good book in progress, or I’ll listen to some music or a podcast. Then, I’m thinking through the calendar for the next day, and eventually down for the count. Photography by JEREMIAH HULL

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AT HOME

Watermarked Marsh views steal the show at an Isle of Hope home Written by MARGARET DANIEL / Photography by RICHARD LEO JOHNSON

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The home’s ground floor includes a separate kitchen and bar, allowing for impromptu parties to spill out onto the lawn.

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WHEN AN ISLE OF HOPE COUPLE heard a ranch house down the street was for sale, they jumped at the chance to purchase the property. The existing structure, cramped and outdated, left much to be desired, but the site, with its uninterrupted views of the intracoastal waterway, sturdy oak trees dotting the property and backyard bordered by the marsh, checked every box. The homeowners were determined to make it work. Architect Brian Felder and project manager Ryan Claus, of Felder & Associates, and general contractor, Tony Reardon, of Tony Reardon Construction, were brought on to build their dream home — an elegant French Colonial complete with a detached boat garage (outfitted with a woodshop, pottery studio and

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A formal living room ties in colors like tidal blue and warm greens, inspired by the marsh outside.

guest quarters) and a renovated pump house. With Felder & Associates meticulously detailing the exterior, interior functions and design were dictated by the homeowners. “While the husband got the garage, the main house was the wife’s dream project,” Felder explains. The result is a culmination of more than 30 years’ worth of magazine clippings and design research come to life: a neutral color palette and mix of natural materials create a polished yet laid-back air that emphasizes the home’s Lowcountry setting, visible through an abundance of French doors and transom windows. The homeowners relied on reclaimed finishes to give the new home a sense of age and maturity. Savannah gray brick (salvaged from the demolished ranch) columns add patina to the ground level; planks from an old bowling alley clad the stairs; pine from a defunct downtown bar runs throughout the home; and marble from the old DeSoto hotel faces the master bedroom fireplace. While many of the building materials have a historic connection to Savannah, the family also infused their home with pieces of personal, family history. Collections acquired on family trips and over time — menus and New Orleans Jazz Fest playlists, ornate corkscrews and pottery thrown by the homeowner — line the

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An array of corkscrews create quirky, eye-catching artwork for a built-in bar.

The top-floor study boasts barrel ceilings made from pecky cypress.

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Structural details like exposed beams and shiplap unify the home’s expansive floor plan.

hallway; each piece speaks to the family’s adventures and passions. The home’s floor plan also suits a penchant for entertaining. When temperatures drop, the homeowners make use of an outdoor fireplace (the home boasts eight in total) allowing for al fresco dining year-round. On the ground floor, there’s also a spare kitchen, plus a full bar in the living room, which spills out into the backyard, to further enhance get-togethers. Upstairs, more formal entertaining spaces feel accessible, not stuffy, thanks to off-white paint and a mélange of furniture. Beyond these, the family room, or “River Room” as the homeowners have dubbed it, kitchen and breakfast room flow together, joined by exposed beams and shiplap walls and ceilings. “I was so used to a small kitchen,” recalls the homeowner. “It feels like a luxury to spread out.” But even with space to sprawl, every inch shows precise planning: an efficient corner sink preserves precious countertop space, appliances hide cleverly

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The main kitchen (one of three total on the property) includes a built-in feeding station for the family’s Jack Russell Terrier.

behind a mix of painted and stained wooden cabinets and a discreet marble feeding station is tucked into the island — perfect for the family’s Jack Russell Terrier, Ozzie. Although thoughtful details abound throughout the home, the star of the show is the master bathroom. Designed to look like a library, the space features dark wood paneling and inset stone floors offset by a gleaming, white marble shower. Complete with a marble-topped soaking tub and vanity and linen cabinets reminiscent of bookcases, the room is the perfect place to unwind from an evening of entertaining. On the top floor, work and play have their place in the study and luxurious spa featuring a soaking tub and sauna look out onto the marsh. The barrel ceiling, covered in handsome pecky cypress wood, adds an element of sophistication to the serene space where bats and birds can be seen flying at eye level from the rear balcony. It’s here at high tide the wife feels most at home, looking toward the future as she looks across the abundant marshland. “I feel so lucky to get to take care of this place for a little while.”

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The main bedroom’s modern fireplace comes from salvaged marble once on display at the original DeSoto hotel.

DETAILS*

Contractor/builder: Tony Reardon Construction

Countertops: Creative Stone Accessories, Inc.

Plumber: Gary McBride Plumbing Services

Square footage: 7,000 main house; 2,000 garage

Tile/flooring: Creative Stone Accessories, Inc.

Bath design: Homeowner

Plumbing fixtures: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths (including carriage house)

Hardwood Flooring: Wood Grain Hardwood Flooring, Matthew Grimes

Time to complete renovation/remodel: 1 year

Paint/wallpaper: Sharpe Painting, Inc.

Electrician: Maxwell Electric Co.

Architects/planners: Felder & Associates

Windows/doors: Marvin Windows and Doors, Coastal Millworks

Audio/visual: Sight & Sound Integration

Year built: 2017 Year purchased: 2017

Interior designers: Dawn Ingram Designs, Libby Boyden Interiors

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Kitchen design: Layden Construction Co.

Lighting design: Circa Lighting Mason: David Andrews

Carpenter: Ronnie Morgan, Georgia Framing and Remodeling

Landscaper: ATA Landscape & Construction Pond: Exotic Aquatic HVAC: Dean Custom Air, LLC Furniture: Homeowner Appliances: Livingood’s Appliances & Bedding Accessories: Homeowner Art: Homeowner

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TA S T E TA S T E S A V A N N A H

Ripe plums readied for the oven with cardamom pods

Juicy Fruit Peaches’ next of kin is key for summer’s most versatile topping Written by SOPHIA LEOPOLD Photography by PETER COLIN MURRAY / Styling by SARA SPICER / Food consultant SOPHIA LEOPOLD

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In a Pinch Never squeeze a plum to check for ripeness. This could bruise its tender flesh (the same is true of peaches and nectarines). Instead, use your sense of smell: if they’re fragrant, they’re ready to eat. You can also buy plums that aren’t quite ripe and wait it out, placing them in a paper bag on your kitchen countertop to speed up the ripening process.

IN THE PEACH STATE, it stands to reason that plums often take a backseat to their more famous cousin. But plums, those fuzz-free stone fruits ranging in color from red to deep purple depending on the variety, offer room for expansion when it comes to regional stone fruit pride. Although slurping ripe, raw plums is perfectly fine throughout the height of summer (they come into season toward the end of May), there comes a moment in

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September that I call “plum panic,” when they begin to slip out of seasonal availability, and, while still good, are decidedly less drippy than those from a market haul in June, July or August. Whether it’s late in summer or you find yourself with too many plums to eat before they spoil, there’s an easy fix: turn on the oven. Roast ripe plums to create a quick compote, a delicious topping that straddles the line between condiment

and main event. Its fluidity — not quite a liquid nor a solid— defies categorization and is appropriate at all times of the day: sweet enough as dessert with panna cotta, ice cream, mascarpone, whipped cream or a simple, un-iced cake, yet virtuous enough for breakfast over oatmeal, yogurt or with a smear of chevre on toast. For a savory pairing, it offers a saucy tartness served alongside roasted chicken, pork or lamb at lunch or dinner.

ROASTED PLUM COMPOTE

Hands-on time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40–50 minutes

Makes a generous four cups, enough to top dessert for 12 — or many, many bowls of porridge for one 2 lbs. ripe plums of any variety, pitted and quartered 2 tbsp. honey, white sugar or brown sugar ¼ c. red wine, white wine, rose wine or vermouth (Alternately, 1 tbsp. liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto also works.) Cook’s choice of aromatics: one cinnamon stick, one star anise, whole cloves, fresh ginger root, cardamom pods, one vanilla bean and lemon or orange peels work well on their own or in various combinations. Sprinkle of sea salt

1. With a rack placed in the middle setting, preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. Place quartered plums into a foillined 9×13 roasting pan, adding in your desired selection of spices and wine or liqueur directly into the pan. Mix to combine. (Clean hands are the best tool!) 3. Cover the pan tightly with foil and transfer to oven. 4. After 20 minutes, stir the plums, replace foil and return to oven.

5. After another 20 minutes, check if they’re ready. Depending on the plums’ starting ripeness and your desire for softness, they may be finished roasting. Or, they may need another 10 minutes.

6. Allow plums to cool at room temperature. You may want to crush some of them to create a more jam-like topping. 7. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and store refrigerated for one week or freeze for up to three months. This is a dish of generous proportions, so unless I’m hosting a large group, I’ll divide the finished batch into two: half in the fridge for now, and the rest into the freezer for later.

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Finches’ menu changes regularly, but the Bay of Pigs sandwich with crispy boneless pork shoulder and Swiss cheese on a Cuban loaf is a fan favorite.

Rare Bird Part restaurant, part retail — all Finches Written by SOPHIA LEOPOLD Photography by KENDRA FRANKLE

FINCHES SANDWICHES & SUNDRIES co-owners Miles and Rebecca Matthews heard on good authority that every day, an average of 40,000 cars cross the city via Victory Drive. Populated by superstores, sprawling parking lots and fast-food fixes, the thoroughfare is one of Savannah’s roads most traveled. Just off of this busy stretch, however, sits Mechanics Avenue, a quiet street in Thunderbolt featuring an immaculately preserved filling station, a second-hand wonderland (YES Antiques & Thrift) and now, the Matthews’ multifaceted, meticulously designed restaurant-meets-retail experience. In a few short months, the Matthews and their business partner, Jamie Pleta, transformed a 780-square-foot mechanics garage into a destination for takeaway daytime fare and retail therapy. Finches’ front of house features a boutique instead of indoor seating, but guests can linger outside, where clusters of wire chairs surround crackling bonfires on chillier days, and where it’s OK to sip champagne alongside a (thymeinfused) grilled cheese. Everything at Finches feels cheerful and cheeky, from the verdant AstroTurf to the turmericinfused pickled onions punching up the grilled eggplant sandwich — dubbed “The Inappropriate Emoji” — served on a retro, tangerine-hued tray. “I felt like [Thunderbolt] needed

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something with a bit of local flair and good quality food,” Miles says. “Something that maybe you would find in downtown Savannah, but that wasn’t here yet.” Born in the Northeast, Miles built his career in fine-dining kitchens, from Cape Cod’s Truro Vineyards, where he met Rebecca, to the opening team at Husk Savannah. Like Husk, Finches also features daily menus, and Miles often looks to the iconic sandwiches he grew up with for inspiration: chicken sandwiches, pork belly and even the humble PB&J. “I try to play off those classics and give them a twist,” he says. Finches also offers a lighter selection of sides, like pickled vegetables and vegan soups, proving “you can have a lot of flavor without having everything being super decadent.” Miles brings culinary prowess to the

“I love the element of surprise and the unexpected. I’ve got headbands in here. Why not have a sandwich and a headband in the same afternoon?” — Rebecca Matthews , co-owner, Finches Sandwiches & Sundries table, while Rebecca, who has spent her life surrounded by sales, from antiques to high-end boutiques, is Finches’ master merchandiser. “I think in my past life I did all of my shopping at a general store,” she says. “I love the idea [of a place] where people would grab the essentials. You got your fashion ‘ya ya’s’ out at the same time you picked up a slab of meat.” In her nod to general stores past, Rebecca’s curation reflects a mix of eras and locales: it’s as much vintage New England clam shack as it is mid-century, poolside Palm Springs. Pop in for food, and you might also peruse vintage cake stands piled high with Auspicious Baking

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Co.’s pop-tarts (the bakery also supplies Finches’ sandwich bread), a collection of wicker picnic baskets and beaded necklaces in kaleidoscope colors. Some items are made locally in Savannah while others are just things Rebecca fancies. “I love the element of surprise and the unexpected,” Rebecca says. “I’ve got headbands in here. Why not have a sandwich and a headband in the same afternoon?” The fun, lighthearted vibe across sandwiches and sundries alike is all a part of Finches’ mission, Miles says. “I don’t think we’re ever going to be too formal. I mean, you’re eating off an elementary school lunch tray.”

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ELE TRAN of Ele and the Chef enjoys the food and service at FARM Bluffton on industry Mondays.

Monday Flavor The most maligned day of the week offers chefs and restaurateurs a chance to dine out Written by FEIFEI SUN

MONDAY TYPICALLY MARKS the return to work, but for Savannah’s beloved service industry, it’s typically a well-deserved day off. With many of the city’s best restaurants closed at the start of the week,

Photograph by GEOFF L. JOHNSON

dining out can prove a trickier task for chefs and restaurateurs alike. We asked five of them to share their go-to Monday spots (and their triedand-true orders, too).

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Bull Street Taco’s shishito and steak tostada

MAJO LAPREA RODRÍGUEZ, chef, Troupial

“I always visit Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant (402 Martin

Luther King Jr. Blvd.) on Mondays. I love the Pineapple Filled with Seafood entrée, coffee and the Banana Dream dessert, a deep-fried pastry roll made with sweet plantains, cinnamon and queso fresco. Otherwise, you can find me at Savoy Society (102 E. Liberty St.) after 4 p.m. I love the cocktails and the vegan hot dog — so tasty!”

ABOVE: Ele Tran’s go-to order? The Lady’s Island oysters. BELOW: Cocktails from Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

KAY HERITAGE, owner, Big Bon Bodega

“I love Bull Street Taco (1608 Bull St.) because their great owners, Jon and Sharon [Massey], truly care about their guests — and it shows in their products. The fried cauliflower is one of my favorites. You have the crunchy texture of cauliflower with a hint of spice. And their street corn? What do they even put on those things! Crunchy corn smothered in basil cream and Cotija cheese — such a fun and delicious way to eat corn on the cob. I usually get their house margarita to sip in between bites.”

KYLE JACOVINO, chef, Pizzeria Vittoria ABOVE: Chef Nick Wilber spills: Bella Napoli offers half-price wine for food-and-beverage industry workers. BELOW: The carne asada plate at Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant

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“When my lady and I go out, we like to hit up Husk (12 W. Oglethorpe Ave.) for Monday night dinner. We love to get the heritage pork and charcuterie, but other than that, we let Executive Chef Chris Hathcock send whatever else he wants. Everything is locally sourced and executed in such a smart way. Our go-to casual meal is at Amigos Latin Taqueria (12333 Largo Drive) — you can’t go wrong with the al pastor and carnitas tacos.”

NICK WILBER, chef, The Fat Radish

“Bella Napoli Italian Bistro (18 E. State St.) is my go-to spot for spoiling myself with good, Jersey Italian pastas and half-off wine for industry people. For an ace hole-in-the-wall spot, it would have to be Panaderia La Canasta (1545 E. Montgomery Cross Road), a fantastic Mexican bakery in a strip mall next to a vacuum store, with a lowrider out front. The tacos and sopes are amazing, and if you’re lucky, they may have some menudo [soup] left over from Sunday. What more could you ask for?”

ELE TRAN, restaurateur, Ele and the Chef

“As a restaurateur and mother, it’s a challenge to decide what’s for dinner after a long day of work. One of my favorite restaurants for industry Monday is FARM Bluffton (1301 May River Road, Bluffton). The service is top notch, and the food gives a bold tribute to Coastal traditions. My favorite dishes are the Lady’s Island oysters and the shrimp pancake, cooked with broccoli, carrot and shitake mushroom.”

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KROUSKOFF HOUSE, the historic 1897 home at the corner of Abercorn and 37th streets, now has a satisfying second act as home to Common Thread, one of the city’s newest restaurants from the team behind FARM Bluffton. The interiors feel like home (due to the building’s history, many of its original details remain), but it’s the food that makes guests want to get comfortable: co-executive chef John Benhase presents a delectable mashup of classic and modern Lowcountry fare within Common Thread’s cozy, vintage-inspired confines. Here, Benhase shares how he found his way into the culinary world and why the support of his friends and family helped him persevere through a challenging year. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ON HUMBLE BEGINNINGS:

I have always been a creative and tactile person, so finding a career path where I could combine those things with the joy you get from hospitality and service was a perfect fit. I knew I wanted to cook, and I figured the best way to learn was to just get in a kitchen and work hard. I started washing dishes, making salads and desserts and even cleaning hotel rooms just to try and get my foot in the door. ON FAMILY (AND WORK FAMILY): CHEF Q&A

Close to Home JOHN BENHASE, CO-EXECUTIVE C H E F, C O M M O N T H R E A D Interview by STEVEN ALFORD

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As for my values and who I am as a person, I could not have a more wonderful or supportive family on both sides. Sarah, my wife, is truly incredible. My family members have always been my biggest fans; I just try to make them proud. [FARM executive chef and partner] Brandon Carter has become a great friend and mentor to me during the process of opening Common Thread. We joke about finishing each other’s sentences now. In our kitchen, we all taste things together, we influence one another, and we draw from our individual backgrounds to create uniquely collective food. ON LOCAL INGREDIENTS:

In the Lowcountry, we have incredible growing seasons, which allows chefs like us to cook with the seasons and have constant inspiration rolling in. We also have truly beautiful seafood down here, from

Photography courtesy of COMMON THREAD

“For me, food is an international language that brings us all together.” — John Benhase, co-executive chef, Common Thread committed to realizing their dream. The culture we’ve been able to create in such a short time is amazing, but we had a massive head start because of all the work the FARM Bluffton family has been doing for years. In both the front of house and back, our team is all in. ON FOOD’S UNIVERSALITY:

For me, food is an international language that brings us all together. The ability to cook for other people is fun and rewarding and is even more fulfilling when you’re able to use ingredients that have as much of a story to tell as the inspirations behind the dishes themselves. shellfish to oysters to fish coming through at different times of the year. There’s peace in the simplicity of special ingredients being the best version of themselves. ON TEAM SPIRIT:

Common Thread is special because of the people behind it. [Partners Brandon and Jessica Carter, Alan and Karen Sheriff and Ryan and Joanne Williamson] dreamt of this place years ago, and we’ve all been fully

ON FUTURE PLANS:

We look forward to being able to expand more and more as it becomes viable and safe. We have an incredible outdoor space and are really excited about starting to do events and more interactive cooking experiences. We are also very excited to start interacting with the community more and get involved in philanthropic and socially conscious avenues. We have ideas for other concepts, too, that we can’t wait to execute during a return to “new normalcy.”

Common Thread’s custom hearth — a versatile type of oven — was built by Sea Island Forge on St. Simons Island.

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Chefs Dish

Savannah’s culinary creatives step into the spotlight. Photography by

JO H N A L E X A N D E R & A N G E L A H O P P E R-L E E

a.lure Low Country Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Cohen’s Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Wet Willie’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

BRYCE KNOTT & ADAM YARBORO a.lure • 309 W. Congress St. 912.223.2111 aluresavannah.com I’VE BEEN: experimenting with a lot of modern techniques lately. I am constantly buying new cookbooks from my favorite chefs and trying to improve my skills. MY SPECIALTY: is anything with seafood. I grew up here in Savannah; I know Lowcountry! I CAN’T COOK WITHOUT: my spoons and knives. Nothing is in my hand more. I’m obsessed with Kunz spoons. MY DREAM DINNER GUESTS WOULD BE: my mom, my sisters

and my beautiful girlfriend.

MY LAST MEAL WOULD BE: Lowcountry boil — I’m a simple

Southern boy!

—Answers by Executive Chef Knott, shown above with Sous-chef Yarboro, right

DARIN SEHNERT Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table 2514 Abercorn St., Ste. 140 (entrance on 42nd Street) 912.662.6882 • chefdarin.com

MY TEACHING KITCHEN: features five dual-fuel ranges so guests can cook hands-on simultaneously with me for maximum hands-on experience. In addition to the open-enrollment classes, we offer private classes for two, team-building or social experiences for up to 50 — and everything in between. IN MY STORE: we offer a couple of options per category (cookware/bakeware, etc.) based on quality, durability, performance and price point for quality. We don’t try to be everything to everyone. I look for quality products that serve a beneficial purpose in the kitchen and don’t just look “cute.” ENHANCE YOUR TIME IN THE KITCHEN BY: tasting your food as you cook (unfortunately, most people wait until the end), not being afraid of salt and pepper and learning to use a chef’s knife properly. (We go over that in class, too.)

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WILL HERRINGTON Cohen’s Retreat 5715 Skidaway Road 912.355.3336 cohensretreat.com

MY SPECIALTY IS: our house-smoked fried chicken with hushpuppies and Bradford collard green slaw. This is a fun dish that really captures what’s going on in our Cohen’s Retreat kitchen. We love combining our wood smoker with menu items. I CAN’T COOK WITHOUT: cast iron and butter. These two

ingredients are essential in my cooking — and Southern cooking as a whole — and you will always find them in my home kitchen as well as Cohen’s Retreat.

AT OUR PLACE: expect the unexpected! Cohen’s Retreat has

a unique vibe with an emphasis on art, food and community, making it a legendary experience.

MY LAST MEAL WOULD BE: fried chicken and hot sauce with collard greens, pickles and a hoe cake to sop it all up.

MATTHEW RUSS Wet Willie’s 101 E. River St. • 912.233.5650 20 Jefferson St. • 912.235.5651 16 Tybrisa St. • Tybee Island 912.786.5611 • wetwillies.com OUR SPECIALTES ARE: Shrimp ’n’ Grits, with a delicious creamy

bell pepper and bacon gravy finished with herry wine, and Willie’s Wings, oven-baked (never fried!) with a special herb-marinade.

I GOT MY START IN THE KITCHEN: at 14. I started dishwashing, then climbed the ranks to line cook by 16. After high school, I pursued a culinary degree at the Culinary Institute of America. hat started a career path filled with ama ing experiences. ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: to have a detailed plan, be prepared and ignore distractions. ther career-defining lessons have come from the New York City restaurateur, author and CEO Danny Meyer. His philosophy of “Enlightened Hospitality” and “Whoever wrote the rule?” certainly shaped my approach to this business.

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Catering and Delivery available LOCALLY OWNED! The Timmons Family

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SWEET SPOTS THESE DESSERTS ARE ICING

ON THE CAKE Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

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Also Try:

RAPTURE SUNDAE

For another boozy dessert option, enter a.lure’s chocolate torte, featuring Bailey’s white chocolate ganache and Kahlua whipped cream.

LULU’S CHOCOLATE BAR

Chocoholic Served in a chocolate bowl, the Rapture Sundae combines frozen mousse with fresh berries, three sauces, plus Amarula, Chambord and chocolate liqueurs.

Leave off the the chocolate crisps for a gluten-free take on this decadent dessert. That makes it healthy, right?

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LEMON BARS

with Blueberry Ice Cream BELFORD’S SEAFOOD AND STEAKS

Also Try:

Lemony Fresh

If you’re more about the house-made blueberry ice cream than the lemon bar, visit Leopold’s Ice Cream or The Sugar Shack on Tybee Island.

Lemon and blueberry are a classic combination. At Belford’s, these two complementary flavors contrast distinct textures and temperatures.

These brightly hued bars use Meyer lemons, known for their lower acidity and sweeter, smoother taste.

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STRAWBERRY TART HUSK SAVANNAH

Pretty in Pink Also Try: Get your sugar fix on demand through Flour Child Cookie or Le Macaron — they offer delivery or in-store pickup, respectively.

Although rooted in Husk’s distinctly Southern philosophy, this elevated tart would fit right in at a Parisian patisserie.

This beauty swims in a pool of strawberry consommé, adding a burst of bright flavor.

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passion project For best friends Audrey Bromstad and Savannah Bock, quarantine yielded a bountiful harvest through their new cookbook, Our Kitchen: At Home

OUR PATHS MUST HAVE CROSSED a hundred times browsing the aisles at Tybee Market, grabbing a bag of boiled peanuts from Davis Produce, eating pecan waffles at the Breakfast Club or riding the tide on our paddleboards up and down the Back River in summertime. But it wasn’t until we found ourselves in Zaragoza, Spain, on a study-abroad program that we actually, finally met. A mutual love of food and deep connection to our homes of Savannah and Tybee Island (despite being some 4,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean) instantly bonded us. These passions have remained a large part of our friendship ever since. In March of last year, we both unexpectedly landed back at home in Savannah. We had always talked about compiling the recipes that we created together, and quarantine allowed us the time to do it. With all the darkness surrounding the pandemic, we found light by embarking on the adventure of testing, writing and photographing Our Kitchen: At Home, a project we’d otherwise only dreamed about. The recipes we offer are inspired by fresh, local produce and seafood, as well as the flavors we associate with growing up in the Lowcountry, like tomato sandwiches. It’s crave-worthy anytime, anywhere, but a tomato sandwich simply feels most right to us

Photography by SAVANNAH BOCK AND AUDREY BROMSTAD

when we’re sticky and crusted with salt after a long day spent in Tybee’s creeks. This idea of the deep emotional connection between food and place — even just between Savannah and Tybee Island — ultimately forms the basis of our cookbook and is the reason why we decided to format the book the way we did: not by appetizers, entrees and desserts, but rather in two distinct sections, one for downtown and one for Tybee. Our Kitchen: At Home also includes our market basics list, which features obvious necessities alongside several unique ingredients that may feel foreign to the “traditional” Southern kitchen. Tahini, for example, can be used to create a creamy salad dressing or paired with a humble can of garbanzo beans to make a luscious hummus; it can also serve as a fat in baked goods, adding a subtle nuttiness. Hibiscus flowers, when brewed like tea and stirred together with a generous squeeze of honey, transform into a thick nectar so delicious and refreshing that we think it should be considered the new sweet tea. We’ve traveled the world together, and the flavors we fall in love with on those journeys are well represented in this cookbook, becoming new staples in our kitchens, wherever we are. Still, it all circles back to Savannah.

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seed bread

A menagerie of seeds and nuts come together to make this hearty and delicious loaf of bread. Our version is adapted from a recipe by Sarah Britton of My New Roots. ½ c. raw sunflower seeds ½ c. raw pumpkin seeds ½ c. flax seeds ½ c. raw almonds 1½ c. rolled oats 2 tbsp. chia seeds 4 tbsp. psyllium husks (available at most health-food stores, like Brighter Day Natural Foods) 1 tsp. salt 1 tbsp. honey 3 tbsp. olive oil 1½ c. water Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8.5 × 4.5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Grease the sides with olive oil. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add the honey, olive oil and water, and stir until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into the loaf pan, and press down firmly to remove any air bubbles. Cover the loaf, and let it rest on the counter for at least 2 hours before baking. Bake in the loaf pan for 40 minutes. Remove the loaf from the pan, place it directly on the oven rack, and bake for another 40 minutes. Turn the oven off, but keep the loaf in the oven until it has cooled completely.

Serving suggestions: Toast thick slices of bread and enjoy with a slather of nut butter, honey or jam. You can also use this bread as a base for sandwiches, like the Tybee Tomato Sandwich at right.

frappé

While traveling through Greece, we were introduced to the frappé, an iced coffee topped with a sweet, whipped, instant coffee cloud. This recipe serves four, so share with friends or prepare to be over-caffeinated. 4 tbsp. instant coffee 4 tbsp. coconut sugar 4 tbsp. boiling water 4 c. iced coffee Your choice of milk, if desired (we like cashew milk) In a bowl, whisk together instant coffee, coconut sugar and boiling water for several minutes until thick, pillow-like peaks form. Pour iced coffee into a glass and add milk, if using Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the iced coffee

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Tybee tomato sandwich

With the crunchy, toasty texture of the bread, big juicy slices of Davis Produce’s “killer tomatoes” and the perfect ratio of mayonnaise to salt and freshly cracked pepper, this simple tomato sandwich is one you’ll crave all summer long. Bread, sliced and toasted (we love it with our seed bread at left) Mayonnaise Summer tomatoes, sliced Salt Freshly cracked black pepper Thinly sliced yellow onion (optional) Slather toasted bread with a generous layer of mayonnaise. Add sliced tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper and top with onion, if desired.

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cold miso noodles with miso-tahini dressing

Packed with umami, this dish, which serves four, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: crunchy, colorful, fresh and ideal for a dinner party. To up the ante, top it with a pile of spicy pickles — the recipe is available on page 25 of Our Kitchen: At Home. 5 bok choy, halved 1 lb. rice ramen noodles 2 tbsp. sesame oil Miso-tahini dressing (see recipe) 4 carrots, peeled and shredded

(Makes about 10 oz.) ½ c. tahini ¼ c. water

½ medium purple cabbage, thinly sliced

3 tbsp. rice wine vinegar

4 scallions, thinly sliced

1 tbsp. peeled, minced ginger

Leaves from 1 bunch cilantro, chopped ¼ c. toasted sesame seeds

Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer. Add the bok choy and simmer for 1 minute, removing with a slotted spoon and placing in a bowl to cool.

miso-tahini dressing

3 tbsp. white miso paste 2 tbsp. maple syrup 3 cloves peeled, minced garlic 1 medium jalapeño, chopped and added to taste

Bring the remaining water to a boil, add noodles and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until al dente. Strain the noodles into a colander, and run cold water over them until completely cooled. Transfer the noodles to a large serving bowl and toss with sesame oil.

Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl. The dressing should be pourable but not runny. If too thick, add one extra tablespoon of water at a time. If too thin, add one extra teaspoon of tahini at a time.

Toss the noodles with a generous coating of the miso-tahini dressing. Arrange the bok choy, carrots and cabbage on top of the noodles. Sprinkle with scallions, cilantro, cucumber slices and sesame seeds.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

To buy Our Kitchen: At Home, visit audreybromstad.com/shop, or shop local retailers Asher + Rye, E. Shaver, Bookseller and The Cottage Shop. For more delicious content follow along on Instagram at @its.ourkitchen.

Book cover illustration by MARGO BOCK

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Give AND

TAKE A lot more than food goes into takeout orders Written by JAY LANKAU / Illustrations by TIM BOWER

WHETHER YOU CALL IT IN or put together your order entirely online, takeout food has evolved in the past year: when it comes to placing and receiving an order, options include the more standard delivery and pickup, plus curbside pickup and even contact-free. And while this process has become increasingly normal (or, rather, “new normal”) for customers, it is the result of tireless, hard work on behalf of Savannah’s food workers. When Gov. Brian Kemp ordered a state-wide closure on bars, restaurants and clubs in March 2020, the decision seemed inevitable in order to keep customers and food workers safe, but for restaurateurs like Josh Yates, who owns Green Truck Pub with his wife, Whitney, it meant that hard decisions would follow. “Our biggest priority was always to look out for our staff,” Yates says. “When dining rooms closed, we decided to close entirely and file for everyone’s unemployment while we figured out our next steps.” After an initial shutdown, some restaurants began to open on a takeout-only basis. For Yates, like many restaurant workers, this was a period of growing pains. Yates recalls that when he looked at shifting to a takeout-only model, it seemed like breaking even would be impossible. In order to keep everything running, his staff would have to adapt every step of the way, from phone to kitchen to table. Many restaurants, Green Truck Pub included, had to address their takeout menus before they even reopened. There’s a hard balance between streamlining the menu

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“I THINK LOCATION IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE WHEN IT COMES TO TAKEOUT.” — JENNIFER STRICKLAND, River House Seafood, The Shrimp Factory and Churchill’s and keeping it status quo, especially since removing items risks taking away something that customers love, but Turner Food & Spirits’ director of operations Cathy Colasanto shares that a full menu simply becomes too difficult to manage. “Unfortunately, not all items are great selections for carryout,” says Colasanto, who oversees restaurants like Pearl’s Saltwater Grille, The Cotton Exchange and The Pirates’ House. “Fried foods get soggy when packaged, and many entree items overcook when they’re sealed in a container.” (Yates agrees, adding that Green

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Truck Pub wants people to “have the same experience with our food in a takeout format as if they were sitting in a booth here.”) There were other hurdles to overcome, too. Colasanto recalls that when they first reopened, to-go orders at Pearl’s were so popular they had to assign a dedicated staff member to take those calls each night. Over at River House Seafood, The Shrimp Factory and Churchill’s, Jennifer Strickland shares that she and the team weren’t initially signed up for courier services. According to Strickland, River Street is so pedestrian-friendly that pickup orders weren’t practical for pre-COVID times — and they still aren’t, since the stretch isn’t easily accessible for vehicles. “We signed up for Uber Eats and DoorDash, but many of our to-go orders still come from locals who live or work downtown,” Strickland says. “I think location is the biggest issue when it comes to takeout.” Although Green Truck Pub had the benefit of an

existing parking lot, streamlining the ordering process meant investing in technology. When online ordering became an option, the building’s phone and internet had to be upgraded. “Those new systems came with their own headaches on top of everything else,” Yates says. But once the order is in, business as usual, right? Not quite. This stage of the takeout timeline, Yates says, is actually the most difficult to manage. A restaurant’s kitchen is typically designed around the number of seats it has. The restaurant can control how many orders come into the kitchen by having the host set the pace of seating. When it comes to takeout and online ordering, the number of seats becomes meaningless. Now, 20 orders can come in at once, meaning the cooks get “swamped in a heartbeat,” he says. It’s another reason simplifying the menu becomes a necessity; it’s the only way that a restaurant ensures it can keep up with orders during peak times. When your order leaves the kitchen, it needs to get packaged. An influx in takeout meant a high demand of things like takeout boxes, paper bags and other to-go equipment that restaurants need. Prices for these items

skyrocketed at the beginning of the pandemic, when retailers were in comparatively short supply. This issue has resolved over time, but it remains that restaurants lose some control when it comes to packaging and delivering. In the case of dine-in, restaurants are able to oversee everything they send to the customer. Dishes are prepared the same way every time so that they’ll remain consistent, and they’re plated nicely before they’re sent to the table. But this kind of supervision is something that restaurants have to relinquish when it comes to takeout. “Herein lies the problem for full-service restaurants: we lose some control of how the food will look and taste when the guest finally sits down to enjoy,” Colasanto says. Takeout foods offer quick comfort and sustenance during times of stress, or maybe just a reason to sit down with others. It’s true that sometimes an order isn’t quite right. It may be cold or soggy, despite every best effort. Sometimes, what you wanted isn’t even on the menu anymore. Colasanto says restaurants like hers are working to improve the takeout process all the time, but to-go meals taste best when paired with a dash of grace and gratitude.

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All Smiles How dentists are making patients more comfortable in the chair Written by ANDREA GOTO

IF YOU’D JUST as soon sit in an electric chair as you would a dentist chair, you aren’t alone. In fact, a 2018 study from DentaVox revealed that more than 61 percent of people worldwide suffer from dental fear. It makes sense; there’s the worry of pain, the sense of entrapment, the anticipation of what’s to come. The bad news is, dentophobia is anything but healthy if it prevents you from regular checkups, and it actually ends up hurting you more in the long run, both in the mouth and the wallet. “A lot of dental problems are very easy

and inexpensive to fix when it’s early in the process,” explains Gladden Dental’s Dr. Eric Gladden. So, here’s the rub: if you really don’t like being in the dentist chair, the key to avoiding lengthy and expensive procedures, is to — you guessed it — get back in the dentist chair for regular checkups. Luckily, many dentists have adopted technologies, techniques and practices to help address and ease your fears. Fear of pain is the leading reason people cite for avoiding the dentist. No one wants a scrape or a shot, but it’s important to keep in mind that dentistry has moved far beyond

the days of pulling teeth with pliers as patients grimace and bear it. You aren’t supposed to feel pain during a dental procedure. Assuming you have an adept dentist who can take torturous pain off the dental tray with local anesthetic, there’s still the fact that they use needles to administer it — oftentimes an intimidating, silver syringe of cartoonish proportions. Dr. Scott Cohen of Cohen Dental uses what’s called “The Wand” to replace the conventional syringe as often as possible. The Wand, which looks more like an IV than a syringe, is a computer-assisted system

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that controls the rate and flow of anesthesia, which can, surprisingly, be a source of pain in itself. “When liquid is plunged into your gums, it stretches the tissues out,” Cohen explains. By slowing down and controlling the drip, the anesthesia diffuses better, numbing the tissues and easing discomfort. There’s still the matter of the initial needle prick, which Cohen mitigates with another piece of technology called DentalVibe. The device looks like a very small tuning fork and delivers a gentle vibration to the tissues at the injection site. When the vibration and injection occur simultaneously, the brain registers the vibration first, essentially blocking the feeling of the injection. Afterward, many of Cohen’s patients are incredulous, asking, “Was that the shot?!” The Wand is disposable, so it does cost more than a conventional syringe that can be sterilized and reused. “But the benefits outweigh the cost,” Cohen assures.

Dr. Stephanie Sweeney at Savannah Dental takes a slightly different approach to injections by placing an additive in the anesthetic. “The stinging sensation as it’s being injected is caused by the pH level of the anesthetic, which is different than that of your body tissue,” Sweeney says. “A sodium bicarbonate additive changes the pH of the anesthetic to make it the same as your body. That way, we can make the shot as painless as possible.” Additionally, Sweeney’s practice provides IV-sedation dentistry administered by an anesthesiologist for her most fearful patients. “There are dentists who administer it as well, but we figure the safer way to do it is to let the dentist worry about the dentistry and have a second doctor in the room who’s focused on your anesthesia,” she says. Nearly every dentist office still offers patients nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”

“A sodium bicarbonate additive changes the pH of the anesthetic to make it the same as your body. That way, we can make the shot as painless as possible.” —Dr. Stephanie Sweeney, Savannah Dental 100

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When it comes to dental scans, most dental practices have gone digital, moving away from film X-rays where the patient bites down on an oversized piece of plastic that has been crammed into their mouth. The digital X-ray still requires holding an uncomfortable device in your mouth under the weight of a lead apron, but the resulting image can be sent directly to the computer, where it can be enhanced and enlarged to see the tiniest of changes to the health of a tooth. Dr. Stephanie Sweeney’s office was the first in Savannah to pony up for the iTero 5D, a digital scanner that uses non-ionizing radiation (i.e. not dangerous) to create a 3D, digital model of a patient’s teeth. Sweeney can scan her patients’ teeth at every cleaning to catch issues early — when they’re smaller and less expensive to fix. This technology also allows Sweeney to see how a patient’s teeth fit together, determine where the pressure points are that can lead to wear and predict the future of their bite based on different courses of treatment. “Some people have so much crowding that I can’t really tell if there’s room to straighten the teeth,” Sweeney explains. “In the past, that was something measured by hand. With this scan, we’re a lot more scientific and precise.” In the case of crowding, the computer can simulate the “after” image based on which tooth, if any, is extracted. It can also use an algorithm to provide an accurate image of how a patient’s teeth would look after orthodontics. “There’s sometimes more than one way to fix a problem, but [a different approach] can create a different aesthetic,” says Sweeney. She appreciates how this technology puts the choice in the patient’s hands, adding, “I can’t imagine practicing without it.”

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Mama knows BEST! Dr. Cohen with his mom, Carole

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as it’s commonly known, but Gladden isn’t a fan. Inhalation sedation requires a mask, which can be difficult to work around. It can also cause debilitating headaches in some patients. Gladden, who worked as a pharmacist prior to dental school, prefers to medicate fearful and anxious patients with Halcion. He explains that the oral medication, a benzodiazepine in the same family as Xanax and Valium, gets in and out of the system quickly so patients don’t burn up an entire day feeling “foggy.” It also has what is called a neuroleptic effect, where time seems to pass quickly, turning a 90-minute appointment into something that feels more like 15 minutes. But beyond medication and technology, Gladden notes how important it is to build a rapport with a fearful or anxious patient. His initial visits with these patients are pretty much a hands-off experience. “I get them in for a 15- or 20-minute appointment, and I’ll try to get an understanding of where the fear lies,” he says. “Some things about dentistry you can’t change, but some things you can. And if you can avoid a patient’s trigger, you can provide a better experience.” Gladden points out that most dentistry-related fears stem from a childhood visit when the dentist gave the patient few details about a procedure — a practice he’ll never engage in. He recalls having patients who wouldn’t even let him lie them back in the dental chair. “But when you tell them you are going to work on them and not hurt them, and it goes the way you say it’s going to go, the fear tends to get stripped away a little bit at a time,” he says. “That’s one of the most rewarding experiences.” Sweeney takes the patient experience a step further than most offices, offering a more boutique atmosphere with a “comfort menu.” At each visit, patients can request pillows and warm blankets. Each room is also outfitted with televisions that can access streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. “Today, we had notes that a patient’s child’s favorite movie was Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, so we had that playing as soon as they walked into the room,” she says. Whatever excuse you’ve been using to justify avoiding the dentist hasn’t served your long-term health or well-being. And with better technology and a more patient-centered experience, the whole ordeal won’t be as bad as you think or remember. Finding a dentist with whom you can form a plan and build a rapport might also mean avoiding big bills and unnecessary discomfort — the likely source of your fear in the first place.

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A Heavy Toll

Disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, working women share their story Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

IN FEBRUARY 2020, Monique Silen was excited to return to work and to “regain some normalcy” after 10 weeks at home on maternity leave. “A month later,” she shares, “I was back at home with my two young children as Savannah shut down, and we were glued to the latest terrifying news reports. I rolled out of postpartum and into pandemic.” Silen owns Kayak Kafé, the restaurant beloved by Savannahians for its fresh salads and vegan options, with her husband, Brendan Pappas, and their partner, Mallie Clark. They immediately closed their downtown location and began offering takeout and delivery only from their midtown outpost. “I was working from home and taking care of our children, as daycare and babysitters were no

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longer an option,” Silen recalls. “My management team and I would spend our evenings mapping out the next steps Kayak needed to take to survive.” This has been a common thread among women during the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools shut down and childcare options dwindled, many women were on double duty, working from home while caring for and homeschooling their kids. Many others left the workforce entirely. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women ended 2020 with 5.4 million fewer jobs than they had in February. Men lost 4.4 million jobs — a whopping 1 million less — in the same time period. A National Women’s Law Center analysis of these numbers showed that among these unemployed women, almost 40 percent

had been out of work for six months or longer: not only had they lost their jobs, but they also couldn’t find new ones. And since the beginning of the pandemic, 2.1 million women have completely left the labor market, meaning they weren’t even looking for work. The reasons for this go beyond the suddenly homebound children needing someone to care for them (mothers have become that someone more often than not). There are also the childcare workers who lost these same charges. The BLS report shows that of the million people who care for children ages 5 and younger in this country, one in six lost their employment during the pandemic — and 95 percent of childcare workers are women. The industries hit hardest during COVID — restaurants, retail and hospitality — are also more heavily comprised of women at 53.1 percent. The disparity is even greater among women of color. While the unemployment rate for women overall was 6.3 percent at the end of 2020, it was 8.4 percent for Black women and 9.1 percent for Latinas. For Silen, she simply had to find a way to get back into her restaurants as they lost more and more employees, supply chains teetered on the verge of collapse, and each day brought new challenges. In June, a close family friend agreed to watch her little ones. “The fear of getting sick was overwhelming,” she says. “There is no such thing as keeping six feet apart in a commercial kitchen. You mask up, wash hands and sanitize as if your life depends on it. I’d come home consumed by anxiety and stress. But when the business that feeds your children is in jeopardy, there is no option but to keep pushing, keep trying, keep problem solving. Sacrifice was and is a part of my daily life. But I’ve learned to look at the bright side and be thankful for our amazing staff and the wonderful customers who continue to support us.” Stephanie Wilson-Evans founded her real estate company, Three Oaks Realty, in 2013. As 2020 began, she was in talks with Austin Hill Realty about merging their like-minded businesses. “Our whole teams are highly involved in the community, we’re all very philanthropic. There were so many things that aligned. Then, just about the time that we decided to take the leap, the country went on lockdown.” Wilson-Evans says they shut down both locations and everybody decided to work remotely. They were trying to figure out things like new safety protocols for agents, along with several more general concerns: how it would all work now that people were working from home and kids were home from school? How could they help people who still wanted to sell their houses but were nervous about showing them? There were occasions when an agent or property manager would go into somebody’s home and find the occupant was not wearing

Photography by ANDREA KINNEAR

Monique Silen

a mask — and then find out an occupant tested positive for COVID. The agents and property manager then had to quarantine because they’d been exposed. Wilson-Evans acknowledges the general danger of life during COVID across industries, “but when you’re talking about going in and out of people’s homes, that’s such an intimate spot. That’s where we all confined ourselves to feel safe, right?” She watched as real estate as a whole changed dramatically. There were people buying houses through virtual tours, and agents who’d previously been reluctant to use things like FaceTime were learning quickly. “Fortunately, we didn’t have to lay off or do any cuts in pay for any of our staff, which was a godsend. That was

“When the business that feeds your children is in jeopardy, there is no option but to keep pushing, keep trying, keep problem solving.” — MONIQUE SILEN, CO-OWNER, KAYAK KAFÉ

very stressful when we were losing closings pretty rapidly, because that was our source of income. And you just kind of work through it. What I found is that everybody we came into contact with — from our owners who had tenants struggling with their rent to buyers and sellers — everybody became really thoughtful and very kind and patient. That was pretty heartwarming to see.” Women working in the health-care field have faced hurdles, too. Beth Adkisson Fleming is a speech pathologist and the owner and CEO of Chatterbox Pediatric

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:

Dale Parker, Beth Adkisson Fleming, Stephanie Wilson-Evans

Therapy, an outpatient clinic with offices located in Pooler and Richmond Hill that provides speech, occupational and physical therapy services to children in the greater Savannah area. “The services we offer are essential for the children we serve to gain critical developmental skills. They might come to our clinic anywhere from one to four times a week depending on the severity of their delay or disorder,” explains Fleming. At the start of the pandemic, Fleming realized she’d need to quickly pivot Chatterbox’s service

“We were ready to open before St. Patrick’s Day, which was going to be a huge boost. Instead, we had three stores full of inventory shut down. But we tried to stay relevant.” — DALE PARKER, CO-OWNER, J. PARKER LTD.

delivery method. “I had the challenging task of figuring out how to educate myself and my staff on this remote therapy model. It was totally new for most of our therapists, who had never completed a therapy session or evaluation without being face-to-face with the child and their family.” The unknowns were overwhelming. What would they do if insurance wouldn’t cover teletherapy? What platform was the best, and how would they afford this additional expense as a small business facing a pandemicrelated downturn? How were staff with children going

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to handle work and homeschooling? And how would Fleming keep her staff employed and her business from going under if this didn’t all work? “As a business owner and parent, I had never been so worried and stressed about the current situation and what the future held. But with a strong faith in God and great online support from other private-practice owners across the state and country, we found the answers.” Fleming became a recipient of the Sara Blakely Red Backpack Grant, which was given to 1,000 women-owned businesses to aid in their recovery during the pandemic. Some therapists began working from home. Others staggered their hours so as not to have too many in the office at the same time. “And the parents!” she says. “They had to be our ‘hands’ as we guided them on the skills we were teaching the children and how they could teach them. It was amazing to see how parents really rose to the challenge and how quickly their children progressed with their help.” Dale Parker coached high school basketball for 30 years before taking over J. Parker Ltd., the clothing store founded in 1972 by her husband, Jimmy Parker. Although she had been involved in the stores for many years, with this new leadership role, she says, “It’s been a whole new career for me, and it’s been great.” What Parker was not expecting was a deadly virus that would not only throw a wrench into her existing business but also the opening of J. Parker’s newest store in Plant Riverside District. “There was the stress of already having two stores and managing those day-to-day functions and keeping those employees employed, and the stress of opening a third location on top of all of that,” shares Christine Fournier at Joselove-Filson Advertising, the agency that represents J. Parker Ltd. “We had already completely paid for that location and were ready to open before St. Patrick’s Day, which was going to be a huge boost,” Parker chimes in. “Instead, we had three stores full of inventory shut down. But we tried to stay relevant. My stepson, Kieffer, stayed at the Broughton Street location, and I stayed at the Abercorn Street store,” she recalls. “We did appointments and curbside pickup, online sales and a lot of extra social media letting people know we were still here.” Today, all three locations are open and operating within the guidelines of the Savannah Safe Pledge, and Parker’s take on the ordeal recalls the experience of Silen, Wilson-Evans and Fleming, too. “We have a loyal group of employees who have really bent over backward,” Parker says. “It’s like a big family, and we’re going to make it through.”

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Meyer & Sayers LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty — Annie Rockwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty — Ezelle-Strong Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Chatham Academy at Royce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Coastal Care Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Cohen’s Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Coldwell Banker Access Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Crowned Elite Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 Dapper Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

The Mint Green Tag Sale Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Miss Judy Charters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Morgan Rae Boutique. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 New Yoga Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 New York Life Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Norburg Chiropractic & Wellness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 The Printed Peach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Queensborough National Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Dozier Properties of Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Realty One Group Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142–143

Edible Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Refine Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

The Eichholz Law Firm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

RoofCrafters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Emily McCarthy + Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Royal Palms Motel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Engel & Völkers Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Royal Restrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Everard Auctions and Appraisals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Felder & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Savannah Blinds Shutters and Shades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Fiduciary EDGE Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Savannah Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

The Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Georgia Eye Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 G-Force Automotive Films . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Goodwill Southeast Georgia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Great Oaks Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Hannah E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Heather Murphy Group — Keller Williams Realty . . . . . . . . 165 The Heritage Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Savannah General Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Savannah Healing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Savannah Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Savannah Realty — Mary Kathryn Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Savannah Speech & Hearing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Savannah Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 Sid Was Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 South University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Horizon Staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

State Farm Insurance — Erica Timmons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

The Horseshoe Crab and The Monogram Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Water Witch Tiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Ivory & Beau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Wax and Wane Waxing Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

J Parker Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Weichert, REALTORS — Stanford & Company . . . . . 124 –125

The Landing's Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Wicked Cakes of Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

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Amy Pierce,

MY MISSION: is to respond relentlessly to this demanding time with novel health-care solutions that meet my clients where they are — in their homes. We go to them with expert, convenient and individualized care that puts patients at the center of the care continuum.

most respected physicians and health-care providers who value giving patients the best care available. I’m blessed that they see Coastal Care Partners and My Nurse Now as healthy and innovative extensions of their own care in the home and community.

COASTAL CARE PARTNERS LLC

I LEAD BY: having a visceral connection to my work. I love connecting to people in need. Every one of us at one time or another is at a point of small or great need. I can feel and understand the desire to get healthier, to be better in both large and small ways. I believe that being emotionally connected gives meaning to the mission. Everyone on our team can feel this passion.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I started Coastal Care Partners in 2018 with just two employees — my husband, Scott, and myself. Now we have more than 120 employees, and we’re growing!

RN, CMC coastalcarepartners.com 912.598.6312 7070 Hodgson Memorial Drive MY NURSE NOW LLC mynursenow.com

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THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: is relationships. I have ongoing, developing, healthy relationships with many of Savannah’s

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MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS:

adventurer. I love exploring the unknown, the undiscovered, the yet-to-be-seen. Whether it’s researching a new business solution or trying a new book, recipe or weekend destination with my family, a fun new adventure gives me energy.

BankSouth 912.200.9420 18 W. Bryan St. banksouth.com From left: Kay Ford, Chairman of BankSouth Savannah Advisory Board and Chief Banking Officer; Laura Moore, Market President; and Heather Peloquin, Vice President and Commercial and Consumer Relationship Manager

OUR MISSION: is to provide quality banking and financial services to the avannah area in a manner that benefits our community by being ready, responsive and respectful. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: demonstrate the same commitment and support we have to our customers, friends, family and this great community we call home. OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE US BECAUSE: we are always people first and digitally forward. s a local bank with close ties to our community and as your neighbors living the same realities as you, we understand your financial needs. herefore, decisions are always made locally with our customers as our priority. WHEN WE’RE NOT IN THE OFFICE we love to enjoy all the fun our coastal area offers

WE STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: our unwavering service to our local

nonprofit organi ations, schools, colleges, government and professional organi ations to continue to develop the city of avannah into a community that families, businesses and visitors love. MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: we’re celebrating our 5th

anniversary as a community bank — serving the avannah area for the past six years. WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY: having

our team of bankers and lenders empowered to provide a dynamic banking experience. Whether you’re looking to expand your business or call avannah home, ank outh provides banking, mortgage and savings plans that help you reach your goals.

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Coldwell Banker Access Realty 912.352.1222 • 6349 Abercorn St. mycbhomes.com Standing, from left: Jill Poole, Karen “Cricket” Walton, Arnetta Gibert, Lyn McCuen, Bonnie Scurry and Christine Estridge; seated, from left: Beverly Sheppard, Jane Beare, Marianne Greer and Karen Henry Thomas

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WE ARE: a successful group of professional

women who are experts in real estate in avannah, ooler, ichmond ill, ffingham County and areas beyond. We are your trusted advisors with unparalleled integrity and local market knowledge, all combined with the advantage of the global Coldwell Banker brand and the exceptional marketing power behind it.

WE PROVIDE: results by creating strategic marketing and pricing strategies that maximize your home’s marketability, aimed at selling your home in the shortest time possible at the most favorable price. When purchasing, we guide you every step of the way to find the home of your dreams by helping you negotiate the best terms and conditions that meet your real estate goals.

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THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE DO: for our clients is offer expert guidance. During the last year, “home” has taken on an even more central role in our lives by transforming into our schools, gyms and places of work. As such, consumers need guidance now more than ever. “Guiding You Home” is not just what we do, it’s who we are. We love being able to impact our clients’ lives personally. Our greatest satisfaction comes from making a difference and helping our clients achieve their goals and dreams. That is the true measure of our success! CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US: because Coldwell Banker Access Realty

has more than 00 agents in offices in South Carolina and Georgia and is better equipped to provide exceptional support and unsurpassed marketing tools in real estate.

Jayne W. Di Vincenzo FIDUCIARY EDGE ADVISORS 33 Bull St., Ste. 505 912.695.0203 Jayne@Fid-EDGE.com FiduciaryEDGEAdv.com

Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research Inc. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Advisors Inc. Fiduciary EDGE Advisors LLC and Cambridge n estment nc are not affiliated companies

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: they know I care. I make sure

they understand my rationale and know that I’ll keep their confidence and never pressure them to take a path they don’t want. It’s important to approach investment education in a way that is easy to understand so clients feel heard, understood and not intimidated by jargon.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I enjoy cooking for my family and guests, gardening, painting, walking around beautiful avannah and hanging out with my crazy dogs. I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: serving on boards, supporting causes

important to my family and volunteering with programs like Court Appointed pecial dvocates. In irginia, we supported

the local food bank and served on the public school foundation and an arts foundation board among others. My family has also financially supported the education of three young women in frica for several years. MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I lived in Isfahan, Iran, in the

1970s, and I’m the eighth of nine children.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE:

comfortable shoes (I’m always on the go); a calculator (there’s always something to multiply, divide, subtract or add in this business ) and a rolling briefcase (to travel to my clients who are spread everywhere). MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS:

social worker. I enjoy helping clients through tough situations.

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Katherine Weeks BUDGET BLINDS OF SAVANNAH 3114 E. Victory Drive 912.344.4200 budgetblinds.com/savannah BONAVENTURE BLUES

3114 E. Victory Drive, Ste. 4528 912.349.3983 bonaventureblues.com

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I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: lift other women

around them, by supporting them in their friendships and in business, by holding one another accountable and by raising the bar every day.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I’m in my art studio making something. I enjoy painting and making pottery. It’s a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Most of my artwork is available at Bonaventure Blues. ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: the

amount of hard work that goes into owning your own business(es). People think you make your own schedule and work your own hours. In reality, it’s doing whatever needs to be done whenever it needs to be done. You’re never really off. In the end, though, it’s still extremely rewarding and satisfying.

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MY HEROINES ARE: all the strong women in my family — women who had careers long before that was the norm. hey exemplified hard work and integrity in everything they did. I’m proud to see those attributes in my own daughters (and son, too)! I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: my family, who

have supported me and been my greatest cheerleaders. My parents taught me to believe that I could do anything I set my mind to. That’s given me the courage to take a few leaps of faith now and then. I’m also thankful for my kids, who think I can do anything, and the amazing team of people who make these businesses run from day to day.

OUR SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY: how often our clients return to us for projects and refer us to their family and friends.

The Landings Company 912.598.0500 • 1 Landings Way N. thelandings.com Seated, from left: Mary Beth McInerney, Stephanie Giorgio, Linda Novack, Jill Brooks, Ginna Carroll, Gail Toler, Skyler Frazier, Judy Green, Katie Hart. Standing, from left: Suzanne Lin, Eileen Galves, Liz Giddens, Candice Parsons, Pat Ewaldsen, Ashley Gold, Angela Sauers, Christy Moore, Wendy Reed, Georgine Scott. Not pictured: Susan Connelly and Peggy Utley

WE ARE PROUD TO BE: a group of

professional and distinguished business women who are experts in all aspects of The Landings community, including its real estate, lifestyle and world-class resortstyle amenities. We know The Landings better than anyone because it’s the only community that we represent and most of us are fortunate enough to call it home. We are as vibrant as the community and lifestyle that we represent.

OUR MISSION: is to market and promote

The Landings’ incomparable standards. Our dedication and vested interest in our community sets us apart. We market not only real estate but also Savannah’s charm, our exceptional amenities and the lasting friendships that can be made when you live here.

WE CHOOSE TO WORK HERE BECAUSE: we

are passionate about marketing a community that offers exceptional real estate and a tremendous lifestyle combined with a small-town feel within a beautiful Intracoastal Waterway community. The mission, advanced marketing strategies and investment by The Landings Company in attracting buyers and supporting our sellers provides excellent partnering opportunities for our team.

OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS: are more than the Realtor designation on our business cards. Our skills and talents go far beyond what meets the eye. Many of us bring years of experience from diverse backgrounds, enhancing our business acumen with clients. That said, some of our proudest achievements come from being mothers, wives, sisters, activists, athletes, friends and good stewards of our community.

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Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty Savannah: 9-13-17 W. Charlton St. • 912.234.3323 • Bluffton: 49 Boundary St. • 843.836.3900 • celiadunnsir.com From left, top row: Maria Justice, Duchess Raehn, Helen Marshall, Lauren Tomhave, Rachel Umbreit, Lavinia Strong, Annie Rockwell, Laura Reid, Lu Hostetter, Debbie Hayes, Janet Miller, Lynne Bozeman, Carolyn Ezelle, Celia Dunn, Julie Kehoe, Laurie Ross, Helen Johnson, Monica McGoldrick, Jean Stacy, Margaret Federal, Catherine Cooper, Therese McMillan, Kendall DuToit, Ruthie Lynah Whitlow, Betsy Kingston Myers, Emily Trust and Corinne Brown; bottom row: Dawn Morgan, Lisa Swatton, Allie Anderson McGinty, Kelli Weis, Missy Kolgaklis Taylor, Jess Mikell, Allyson Etheridge, Lucy Hitch, Judy Collins and Virginie Blackwell

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THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH IS: to be friendly and kind.

Relationships are what real estate is all about. If you want to have any longevity in this town, it’s important to always treat others as you wish to be treated.

OUR MISSION: is to provide the best

service to all our clients. We are known as a luxury real estate firm, but we believe luxury is a level of service, not a price point. Our global network and commitment to luxury service set us apart. Clients are consistently impressed with both our local prowess and ability to place properties and gain exposure on some of the most prominent

Pictured at HISTORIC WORMSLOE PRIVATE RESIDENCE

national and international media outlets. We dominate market share when it comes to luxury real estate. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: focus their passion, integrity and vision toward becoming the best versions of themselves as professionals and members of their communities. Celia Dunn, our broker, founded one of the first female-owned real estate firms in Savannah on these fundamental values. elia knows first-hand the kind of dedication and perseverance required to establish a highly reputed brokerage that continues to make dreams come true for our clients. She continues to lead and support her

agents to reach ever-higher achievements. ur aim is to foster confident and competent professionals who will continue to uphold our values and serve Savannah and the Lowcountry communities. WE TAKE PRIDE IN: our passion for real estate and being positive role models for future generations as active members of our communities. Our female agents’ and staff member’s willingness to support one another makes for a wonderful team atmosphere. This attitude extends to our community, where our team members generously provide their time and talents to better the world that we live in.

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Diana Morrison AD SPECIALTY

912.920.4901 402 E. Montgomery Cross Road adspecialtyservices.com From left, standing in back: Diana Morrison, Liz Peschock and Elizabeth Davis; seated: Florence Slatinsky, Cori Sessions, Jennifer Smart, Laura Celaya and Jade Aaron

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MY MISSION: is to provide our clients with quality products in a timely manner with the service they deserve and to maximize their ROI. MY MOTTO: is do what you say you will

do, when you say you will do it.

I ADMIRE A WOMAN WHOM: other

women can trust. Have the courage to tell another woman direct when she has offended, hurt or disappointed you. Successful women have a tribe of loyal and honest women behind them; be a woman who lifts up other women.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: sharing

33 years of business experiences and the life lessons that go along with them.

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I’VE LEARNED, IT’S PARAMOUNT:

to hire and train good people and allow them to shine; to promote honesty, loyalty and support; and to insist on good work-life balance for myself and my hard-working team. I LEAD BY: understanding we are all

human, forgiving mistakes and teaching what I know to all who want to learn and grow, knowing that we all learn differently and have varying skills. Most of all, I lead by listening, hearing, understanding and growing from the knowledge of others.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I love exciting adventures like skydiving, skiing, scuba diving, sailing and driving fast cars — but I am not good at riding a bike.

Low Country Dermatology 912.354.1018 6510 Waters Ave. lcderm.com From left: Elizabeth B. Brennan, PA-C; Corinne Howington, MD; Caroline Turner, NP-C

MY MISSION: is to have every patient leave with a better understanding of the condition that brought them in and the steps for diagnosis and treatment. –Howington

understand that it is not because the previous physician is inferior, rather it might not have been the perfect fit. –Howington

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS: good customer service. If you

want every patient — young or old; medical, surgical or cosmetic — to feel comfortable here. My dog, Tucker, is an added bonus! He loves to “knock” on doors for surprise visits.

make your patients happy, they will come back — and tell their friends. If they have a problem, make it right. Keep an open line of communication so that patients know how to reach you and have the best staff. –Brennan

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME:

that you are not going to make everyone happy every single time. Just try your hardest to help someone. Every doctor-patient relationship is two-way, and if a patient feels more comfortable with another provider, I respect that. When a patient comes to me, I

I’M MOST PROUD OF: our new facility. I

–Howington

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR : my supportive husband and the privilege of having a job that I love! –Turner I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: can multitask and keep a good attitude. –Brennan I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: use sunscreen in their daily skin-care routine. –Turner

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Rebecca Eddins ANDREW LOW HOUSE MUSEUM 912.233.6854 329 Abercorn St. andrewlowhouse.com

I’M FROM: coastal Mississippi and went to college in New England, but the South drew me back! I began my career in the museum administration field in Washington, , about 25 years ago. My focus has been on preserving and interpreting museum collections. I CAME TO SAVANNAH: to be Executive

irector at the ndrew ow ouse useum, one of the true gems of avannah’s istoric andmark istrict. here is such beauty and amazing history on every block of this city; it’s a very special place. I feel lucky to be doing something that I feel is important — sharing ideas through history.

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: to trust your instincts and intuition.

Quite often, I think women tend to second-guess themselves.

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NEXT FOR THE ANDREW LOW HOUSE MUSEUM IS: to build upon the success the

museum has had with welcoming visitors from across the country while also growing engagement with the local community. s executive director, I think there are a lot of exciting opportunities to create and host more programs and events at the museum that I believe our local audience would find appealing, educational and fun.

MY PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH:

includes a morning stroll around Forsyth Park followed by a relaxing brunch and a fabulous view of the Savannah River at Rocks on the Roof atop the Bohemian otel. In the afternoon, I would go for a hike at the Wormsloe istoric ite then finish the day with a casual dinner and a margarita at he Wyld.

Georgia Eye Institute

MY MISSION: To provide the best surgical eye care in Savannah. –Piros

while balancing motherhood is inspirational.

MY MOTTO: “Work for it more than you

MY PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH INCLUDES: taking my dog to the Forsyth

hope for it.” –Bromley

I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR: the strength

my parents instilled in me to persevere. –Piros

PATIENTS CHOOSE ME BECAUSE:

I am efficient, caring and honest. –Bromley

912.354.4800 • 4720 Waters Ave. 912.352.7941 • 2 E. Jackson Blvd. Other locations in: Pooler, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, Hinesville, Jesup, Vidalia and Bluffton, S.C. gaeyeinstitute.com Judith Piros, MD and Jennifer Bromley, MD

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: was from my ad, who said to

–Bromley

Farmers’ Market and then spending the afternoon crabbing in our wonderful creeks. –Piros THE BEST CONNECTION I EVER MADE:

was coming to work at Georgia Eye Institute with my mother, r. li abeth iller (retired). –Bromley

WHEN I AM NOT IN THE OFFICE:

develop a strong business relationship early on with a great banker. –Piros

I love to fish and go to dog shows to show my dog. –Piros

MY LOCAL HEROINE IS: my sister — she

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: that I have climbed Mount

opened her own business, on rapp nimal Lodge. Watching her manage her business

Kilimanjaro. –Bromley

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Carolyn Hannaford CHATHAM ACADEMY AT ROYCE

912.354.4047 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd. chathamacademy.com Principal/Associate Director

WE ARE: the only private special education

school that serves the needs of students with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and similar learning differences. We have designed the classrooms, teaching approaches and curriculum to allow each child to experience academic and social success and enable them to advance to their fullest potential.

PARENTS CHOOSE CHATHAM ACADEMY BECAUSE: we offer hope for their child who

requires a different way of teaching to succeed. We are a safe place both physically and emotionally where their child can learn to try again, accept their weaknesses and appreciate their strengths. WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I enjoy time

at the lake with my family.

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ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: that every child is different. You have to listen, understand their perceptions of a situation and treat those perceptions as the starting point. It requires understanding, empathy and believing in them when they do not believe in themselves — compassionate tough love. I KNEW I WANTED TO BE: a teacher in third grade because I wanted to read the notes the teachers passed back and forth and to write on the blackboard. I’M MOST THANKFUL: to have a career that I

have loved for 43 years.

I’M MOST PROUD WHEN: students come back to visit and share what they have been doing since Chatham Academy. It is like visiting with old friends.

Audiology & Hearing Aid Services 912.351.3038 • 803 E. 68th St. Locations also in Pooler and The Village on Skidaway Island 912.598.0616 (Skidaway Island direct) From left: Sara King, AuD, CCC-A; Cori Palmer, AuD, CCC-A; Katy Laws, AuD, CCC-A; Susan Timna, AuD, CCC-A; and Casey Allen, AuD, CCC-A

OUR MISSION: is to improve a patient’s quality of life by improving their hearing health and addressing their communication needs. The pandemic has given us an opportunity to use the best technology to offer remote visits and program devices. The pandemic has also shown patients with mild hearing loss the struggle of understanding speech while everyone is wearing a mask, which eliminates the ability to read lips. WE HEAR YOU: when you say that your hearing loss is not always noticeable to you, but your family and friends are complaining. earing loss typically first presents itself by not understanding the conversation, especially when there is competing noise or people talking in the background. What is not so commonly known is that studies show that untreated hearing loss leads to earlier

memory problems and cognitive decline. We hear with our brain; the ear is just the conduit. WE ADVISE YOU: to visit us for a hearing

test to get a baseline of where your hearing falls compared to normal and to discuss your communication needs, from simply not understanding the TV to not hearing your loved ones. Hearing loss causes people to isolate from others and can cause tension in relationships.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP: you get back the clarity of speech or give you the appropriate referral if your loss can be medically treated. We offer complimentary in-office hearing screenings, consultations with a doctor of audiology and demonstrations of the newest in hearing health technology. ENT physicians available by appointment.

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Weichert,

REALTORS

– Stanford & Company

912.356.5533 • viewsavannahhomes.com 1116 E. Montgomery Cross Road, Ste. D From left: Andra Steele, Laura Rayno, Eden Browne, Tonye Hyre, Melissa Stanford, Megan Kozlowski, Susie Sowell and Staci Fordham.

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MY MISSION: is to provide our Realtors with the resources, training and mentorship that allows for seamless and stress-free real-estate transactions for our clientele. We offer a supportive and encouraging culture in which we celebrate one another’s successes and assist one another to ensure a cohesive team environment where everyone has an opportunity to be successful. MY MOTTO: “People buy people before they buy products or services.” We are in a people business, not just a home-selling business. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: my

phone (my lifeline for my business), Laura Rayno (my administrative assistant who keeps me on top of everything) and Megan Kozlowski (our sales manager and recruiter, who keeps our agents up to date and our business growing).

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MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: that I grew up with a severe

speech impediment.

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME:

to always focus on others. Many people think working in real estate is rooted in sales. It has nothing to do with selling. Rather, it’s about your experience with others.

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: is building your network and

connections. Get involved in different community activities and businesses other than your own.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED WAS: don’t worry about not

having work to do. o out and find the business you’re looking for.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: fundraising through the office or

different organizations such as America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Toys for Tots. I am also active in my church and host community group at my house weekly.

I LEAD BY: personally mentoring each of

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my success in growing a small real-estate brokerage from five agents to currently — and it’s growing more by the day. I’m proud of each and every one of my agents for their determination and growth within the company. MY LOCAL HEROINE/MENTOR: is

Bunny Ware. She’s always so energetic, has so many amazing ideas and is a great person to be around!

my agents and sharing my knowledge and experience of the buying and selling process with agents and clientele.

–Answers by Melissa Stanford, Broker

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: my family,

MEET THE WOMEN OF WEICHERT:

my husband (who has supported me throughout my entire career), my Dad (who believed in me and pushed me to be the best I could be), my children (who encourage me to be everything I can be) and Christ (who focuses me when I feel off-track).

Andra Steele: “I love Disney movies and my

Jack Russell/Pomeranian mix rescue dog, Jack. I’m obsessed with my nieces and nephews and pride myself on being the best auntie ever.” Laura Rayno: “I was in a cover band in my 20s,

and I use to deal blackjack.”

Eden Browne: “I am the . . ueen ee — I’m a beekeeper and currently have 30 hives on my farm.” Tonya Hyre: “I love my furry family — two dogs, two granddogs and a grand bunny — and I raise chickens ” Megan Kozlowski: “I’ve been in real estate

for about seven years, from the front desk to sales manager. I love to cook and spend time with my family.” Susie Sowell: “If selling houses wasn’t my

gig, I’d be a chef. I’ve made several meals my kids kind of liked anyway. Also, I’ve been known to snort when I giggle.” Staci Fordham: “I use to sell homemade

dog treats and apparel at local craft fairs, markets and online.”

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Emily McCarthy EMILY MCCARTHY + CO. 912.495.5386 2428 Abercorn St. emilymccarthy.com

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MY MISSION: is to cultivate a lifestyle brand inspired by signature prints, joyful living and entertaining.

them the value of hard work and following your dreams. Both kiddos frequent the Shoppe and are tasked with little chores.

I TRULY ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: embrace

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IS: staying connected with the community and organizations. We actively participate in local fundraisers and support our local customers in their endeavors as much as possible. We also curate many products for our local customers that differ from our online presence.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: my Mac

“What’s for you won’t pass you by.”

computer, Pantone color book and coffee.

–my grandmother, Lil

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: a mother of two little redhead gems. They are my greatest joy, and the most rewarding part about being a working mother is showing

I’M THANKFUL FOR: my amazing staff and

their own signature style. This also translates over to business and products, challenging your company to push the envelope on being unique in your services, marketing and product offerings. ou’ll find more long-term success this way and stand out in the crowd. Challenge yourself to be different.

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BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:

family, which are closely integrated. My family often jumps in to help with the business, and our wonderful staff truly is part of our family.

Stephanie Joy Sweeney DMD

SAVANNAH DENTAL 912.355.8821 815 E. 68th St. savannah.dental

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: our entire team is focused on

creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere where getting dental treatments is enjoyable. We offer all types of dental treatments as well as focus on preventing problems. Using modern technology, we can predict problems before they happen. WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I travel for

surfing and snowboarding. urfing is one of my passions, and traveling to amazingly beautiful locations for longer and steeper waves is exciting. Both sports recharge my batteries and allow me to come back to the office reinvigorated.

THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE WAS: meeting my mentor, Eric Morin.

When I first started avannah

ental, I quickly

realized that I was great at dentistry, but struggled with the business aspect. I didn’t know what reports to look at, what my profit-and-loss statement meant, or anything. Eric has taught me so much — it’s like I’ve gotten an through quarterly training and coaching events. I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: my team.

This amazingly talented group of women and even a few men make every day at the office super fun

I’M MOST PROUD OF: our team book club. We’re all motivated to do and be our best, not only at work but also in our personal lives. We read personal development books together and discuss over lunch once a week. It’s a fun way to grow together. It’s our favorite day of the week

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Terri L. Norburg, DC NORBURG CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER

912.236.0330 1980 Chatham Parkway, Ste. 603 norburgchiro.com

MY MISSION: is to help as many people as possible live life to its fullest, without the need for pills, needles and scalpels.

EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT ME: to take at

MY MOTTO: is life is better without pain.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I RECEIVED WAS: listen first and carefully. It helps you

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: are CEOs of their

own businesses and who raise children — and these do not need to be mutually exclusive!

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY:

by singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and performing with the Savannah Music Festival. THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: is to participate in as many ven-

dor events as possible. Shake hands, be sincerely interested in other people and support their businesses as much as you can.

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least one four-day weekend every six months to recharge mentally.

narrow down the root of the problem and be most helpful to patients’ needs.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my mother — for single-handedly raising me and putting me through chiropractic college with astronomical foreign-student rates. MY PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH: includes breakfast at Little Duck Dinner, a walking tour of the downtown squares, lunch at Funky Brunch Café, dinner at Chive Sea Bar and Lounge and then enjoying drinks and live music at Plant Riverside District.

Hannah Lewis HANNAH E.

717.269.7109 412 Whitaker St. hannahestyle.com

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I’m chasing after my sweet pup, Gretta Belle, or spending time with my hubby exploring the Lowcountry.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: take a leap of faith and pursue whatever is in their hearts. Life is too short; go for it!

BEFORE OPENING MY DOORS: on Whitaker

spending time on the water, soaking up the sun, listening to country music and ending up at The Wyld for an evening of cocktails.

Street, I had many years of experience working under fabulous ladies who owned their own businesses. Early on, I learned it was important to be who you are, create a space that feels like you, and everything else would fall into place.

I LEAD WITH: my heart, always. I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: my wonderful family, my sweet and supportive husband and all of the Savannah locals who have supported a girl from out of town as she chases her dream.

MY PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH: includes

THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE IS: my family. I am a third generation

of entrepreneurs; I guess you can say it is in my blood. It is my family who has helped me create a business model that represents my own wit, wisdom and creativity. MY STYLE: appeals to simplicity and minimalism, while still being bold and on trend. I love helping people build a wardrobe that is personalized, creative and wearable.

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Great Oaks Bank Pooler: 912.450.6257 2100 Pooler Parkway Richmond Hill: 912.445.6868 42 Town Centre Drive greatoaks.bank From left: Joyce Kenard, VP/Branch Manager; Emily Doherty, Director of Marketing; Kristi Davis, VP/Commercial Relationship Manager; Katharine Miller, Mortgage Loan Originator

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WE ARE: the fresh, new community bank in Savannah. Although we are new to this market, Great Oaks Bank has been serving customers across Georgia since 1934. We are excited to expand our footprint to provide exceptional service to Pooler and Richmond Hill with the best local bankers around. WHAT SETS US APART IS: our passion for

community banking. Your banker is whom you see in the office, whom you talk to on the phone and who is out supporting the Savannah community. There are no 800 numbers at Great Oaks Bank, just real people assisting our customers with their personal and business banking needs.

OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE US BECAUSE: we provide warm, friendly, responsive customer service, banking products designed to meet

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the needs of small businesses and families and true relationship banking supported by best-in-class technology. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: encourage

and mentor each other personally and professionally. Balancing family, community, church and business is a struggle all women face. Supporting each other inside and outside of the office is the key to all of our success.

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: bringing authentic, community banking to the coastal region. We are redefining what exceptional banking services are for our customers and our community. It is exciting to be a part of a company that genuinely values our customers, our employees and the communities we serve.

Savannah Plastic Surgery

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: realize nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief she has in herself. –Davies MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I am honest and meticulous.

I study their faces and take the time to understand their facial movements and shapes. I utilize my background in art to provide natural, balanced, beautiful results. –Bouchard

912.351.5050 savannahplasticsurgery.com 7208 Hodgson Memorial Drive From left: Barbara L. Davies, MD FACS, and Karen Bouchard, PA-C, Aesthetic Physician Assistant

THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT I EVER RECEIVED FROM A PATIENT WAS: that

I turned a good marriage into a terrific marriage. I had a patient who was extremely insecure about her body and would never let her husband turn the lights on when they were together. That changed considerably after her breast augmentation. –Davies

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: are all the injectables, including Restylane, Juvederm, Botox/Dysport, Sculptra, Radiesse, multiple laser platforms and medical-grade skincare. –Bouchard

MY PERSONAL BEAUTY SECRET: is

always take care of your skin! Keep your daily beauty regimen fairly simple. I use SkinMedica products twice daily and keep my skin rejuvenated by getting procedures at regular intervals. –Davies

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: that I have been

married 27 years to my high-school sweetheart, and that we have two daughters (ages 24 and 10), a handsome son-in-law (active duty Navy) and now a beautiful granddaughter, too. –Bouchard

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Engel & Völkers Savannah 912.238.0874 • 31 W. Congress St. 1650 E. Victory Drive savannah.evrealestate.com Back, from left: Caitlin Conneff, Donna Davis, Esther Goossens, Teo Doms, Julie Evans, Cortney Elwood, Sarah Pounders, Ashley Behlke, Victoria Turner, Ann Boese and Meredith Halloran; on stairs, left from top, Farrell Click, Kimberly Ergul and Kimberly Miltiades; on stairs center, from top: Kimberly Pelletier, Kelly Bittinger and Jessica Kelly; on stairs, right from top; Fran Belloir, Monika Bryant and Amber Holt

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OUR CORE VALUES ARE: competence, exclusivity and passion — these define our real estate firm. here is a single vision shared by the professionals who represent ngel lkers worldwide to link the aspirations of discerning individuals around the world, be it in a private or business context, with total passion. ur training, marketing capabilities and international network ensure that our advisors can competently meet your real estate needs. We will develop a customi ed real estate strategy and provide speciali ed services that will work for you and your property. nd we do it all with total passion OUR BUSINESS: is a full-service, residen-

tial real estate brokerage firm speciali ing in avannah and the surrounding coastal communities. We are ngel lkers, a premier global real estate company founded

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in urope in . ngel lkers now operates 00 property shops in nations. y partnering our local boutique real estate firm with ngel lkers, we have the ability to market homes across a global network of affiliates, increasing exposure among individuals within an exclusive international audience. OUR MISSION: is “ elling avannah to the world ” We are extraordinary, award-winning business women who enjoy sharing our love of avannah, our knowledge of the housing market and the investment opportunities our beautiful city offers. OUR CREATIVE TEAM: helps clients discover the excitement surrounding their next move — whether it’s their first home or a luxurious upgrade they’ve been dreaming about for years.

Erin Lambright & Kendall Beene NEW YOGA NOW 912.777.5615 3131A Bull St. newyoganow.com

OUR MISSION: is to share yoga as an experience and a lifestyle. Yoga is for everybody and so much more than a workout. The path of yoga is a game changer for tapping into inner strength, self-love and authentic compassion for humanity. As people connect in this experience, we believe the world becomes a better place. THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS: getting to know your clients

and offering them your personal attention. When we first opened, we made a concerted effort to connect with our students. This now takes zero effort; it has become a part of the culture at New Yoga Now. You can feel it when you walk in the door — the kindness, acceptance and connection that ows among teachers, staff and students.

OUR CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE: we educate our students.

Our students are hungry to learn more deeply about the path of yoga. Whether it be the physical asana practice, breath-work, meditation or philosophy, we strive to learn and share all that we can to help them better understand this multifaceted path. WE LEAD BY: trusting our team. We are

grateful to have an incredible group of teachers and support staff, and our team is happiest and at its best when everyone has control and ownership over what they are doing. We are also incredibly passionate about the services we offer. Joy is contagious, and we can’t think of a better way to lead a team than being genuinely enthusiastic about what we do.

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Ansley S. Tharpe, MD GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH 912.354.9447 519 Stephenson Ave. gastrosav.com

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MY MISSION: is to be committed to the health and well-being of not only my patients, but also our community. An important health issue I feel passionately about is colon cancer awareness. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in our nation. Unfortunately, people don’t like to talk about it, so those most at risk don’t know the danger — or that this type of cancer is extremely preventable and treatable. I’m doing all I can to get the word out about the importance of colon cancer screenings and early detection. Colonoscopies save lives.

cancer awareness and a Single-A Braves baseball game in Macon.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS: that I love to sing and have written and recorded several of my own songs. I have performed several times, including singing the National Anthem at a “Get Your Rear in Gear” 5K race for colon

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I’m enjoying time with my Pekingese-Lhasa Apso mix, Cassie, and my two cats, Lucy and Abby. Cassie loves our park ventures and road trips to the beach on St. Simons Island.

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THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: was from my father, a wonderful

businessman — “make every effort to associate yourself with good, honest people with good character.” It’s also vital to have good professional, financial and legal resources. I’M PROUD OF: my team’s honesty, work

ethic and compassion for people. We strive to solve what we can and do our best to make patients feel their best.

New York Life Insurance Company SAVANNAH GENERAL OFFICE

9 Park of Commerce Blvd., Ste. 200 912.355.3353 • newyorklife.com From left: Noris Toth, Carmen Briggs, Marsha Sanders LUTCF, Michelle Stenson, Autumn Collins, Lydia Rayner-Syed, Lynne Bethune, Judy Blackston and Reshma Dalsania

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: they know I will take

good care of them. After 18 years, the majority of my clients are referrals. I stay with them through all of life’s changes and challenges, and one of my life’s joys is having them thrive. –Sanders I KNEW I WANTED TO WORK IN FINANCIAL SERVICES WHEN: I saw

first-hand the impact of a life-insurance policy on my immediate family. It allowed my mother to buy a home — and three generations now live in that home. his career also provides an opportunity to serve others and make a difference in my community every day. –Rayner-Syed THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: came after working in the retail

world and not being able to spend enough time with my growing son. I was told to choose a career that would enable me to have my own schedule and be able to spend quality time with family. –Toth y first managing partner served as a wonderful mentor. He taught me how to build relationships and furthered my interest in giving back to the community. My involvement with New York Life’s rief- ensitive chools Initiative was the result of his invitation. –Blackston I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR: my family.

They are at the heart of everything I do, a constant source of joy and the most wonderful support system. We are not perfect, but there is no shortage of love.

–Collins

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Ann Linton DDS

ABERCORN FAMILY DENTISTRY

1310 Abercorn St. 912.234.0789 abercornfamilydental.com

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IS: to care about people and provide outstanding service by being honest, genuine and listening to the needs of your patients. Strive for excellence in what you do. Know your limitations and don’t promise what you can’t do. tay knowledgeable in your field with continuing education for you and your team. THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: was from my parents. They said,

you can’t please everyone, don’t let someone else’s low standards become yours, strive to deliver quality and raise the bar whenever you can. I’VE LEARNED THROUGH EXPERIENCE THAT: being in business is a 24-hour job.

Be prepared to spend time with business activities seven days a week, versus relaxing

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at home after 5 p.m. Make your work environment comfortable — you will be spending a lot of time there. With time so precious, I try not to waste it, and I’ve learned to work with the willing. I GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY:

mentoring students interested in dentistry, speaking in daycares, schools and colleges about careers in dentistry and oral-hygiene care and supporting nonprofits like ark lace Outreach, Old Savannah City Mission and 100 Women Who Care. I’m currently working with hatham ounty afety et lanning Council on a free dental pop-up clinic for those in need this August. I’M PROUD OF: my caring team members who work hard to provide compassionate personalized quality care for each of our patients.

Refine Savannah 912.944.8751 300 Commercial Court, Ste. E refinesavannah.com From left: Co-owners Janie Futch, BSN, RN, and Martina Kolovich, MSN, AGNP, and Kathryn Taylor Day, LE

OUR MISSION: is to create a paradigm

shift in aesthetics that adds new levels of accessibility and convenience for the types of services offered and who can receive them.

OUR MOTTO: is, “Where eauty Is efined,

ot efined.” We want to support everyone’s unique goals while always ensuring we do what’s best for our patients.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: see value in

Savannah is a place where every person is loved and not judged for the imperfections they are coming in to discuss. ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH US THAT: having the client’s best interest in mind

is the key to success. With our nursing backgrounds, being a patient advocate comes easy to us. Do everything in your power for the best client outcomes, and retention and success will follow.

collaboration. ur business wouldn’t be what it is without the many minds and hands that comprise it as well as the input and support of the community and our clients.

WE LEAD BY: example. Women don’t want somebody to look up to; they want to have empowering examples with whom they can stand side-by-side and hand-in-hand.

OUR CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE: we are real and vulnerable. There

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE WE EVER RECEIVED WAS: “Always add value and

is no such thing as perfection, and efine

be an asset.”

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ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear 912.483.6600 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. forsighteye.net From left: Layla Lugo, April Hunter, Shara Chaney, Mini Dog, Dr. Erika Morrow, Shadaish McCrary and Kristina Kelly

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WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON: offering the

highest quality products and elite customer service. Your eyes deserve the best. Seeing well is essential for all aspects of life, and we believe that starts with a thorough eye exam and eye wear that provides the best vision and comfort.

IF YOU CAN BE ANYTHING: be kind.

We can always be kind to one another. We remind each other, our staff and our guests of this every day.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: include an exceptional team and unique eye wear. ForSight features a collection of eye wear that has grown over time, and each pair of specs can complement an outfit. yeglasses are my jewelry. I could not provide the best eye care without seeing and looking my best.

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astly, a clean and organi ed office is essential to my mental wellbeing. Often times, that means I work on the weekends to keep ForSight looking top notch. –Dr. Morrow OUR NAME WAS INSPIRED BY:

Forsyth (Park) and the intricate beauty of Savannah’s Historic District. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: is being genuine. We would

never grow our business if we looked at others as just an opportunity. We see everyone as a potential relationship — a relationship that is beneficial to both parties, whether that’s mentally, physically or monetarily.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN: will continue

to be brave, take risks and lift others up. We can do anything we set our minds to.

Fatima Alexis Zeidan THE EICHHOLZ LAW FIRM PC 912.232.2791 319 Eisenhower Drive thejusticelawyer.com

MY MISSION: is to amplify the voices of

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I am genuine.

Boykin, Esq. While in college, I was a runner for his law firm, but my real job responsibility was to pick up his lunch every day. The perk was that I was able to scoop up every morsel of brilliance he shared and displayed — and those principles have defined my legal career. e has continued to remain just a phone call away and always willing to lend an ear and advice.

I WANTED TO BECOME A MANAGING PARTNER WHEN: I fully understood the

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I was once a law clerk for the

those I serve.

MY MOTTO: is feel the fear and do it anyway. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: lift as they climb.

power of representation.

Supreme Count of Uganda.

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH IS: investing in

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME:

your team.

—Nelson Mandela

THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE WAS: my legal mentor, Charles

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: experience the beauty that comes with refusing to settle.

“I never lose. I either win, or I learn.”

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Goodwill Southeast Georgia 912.354.6611 7220 Sallie Mood Drive goodwillsega.org From left: Meredith Champagne, Director of Workforce Development; Veronica Styron, Director of Career Development Services; and Laura Villegas, MA, Vice President of Human Resources & Compliance

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OUR PURPOSE: is to help eradicate poverty

that forward to other individuals who need the same opportunity. –Styron

OUR MOTTO: “Changing lives through

I’M MOST PROUD OF: being legally blind. I was diagnosed when I was 12 and was told many things would no longer be possible. I did not listen to the limitations others put on me. I found ways to adapt and live the life I desired. This drive brought me to work for organizations focused on helping individuals with disabilities and other barriers. –Champagne

through education and employment.

the power of work.”

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME:

that you cannot be all things to all people, but you can be the best version of yourself. Recognizing your special gifts and skills while committing to your personal and professional development is key to success. –Villegas I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: my community

that lifted me up by providing support and encouragement. I have had individuals in my life who saw my potential and encouraged me to take advantage of opportunities even when I wasn’t sure I could do something. I feel a duty to pay

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THE OPPORTUNITY CENTER AT GOODWILL: helps people build brighter

futures with individual support to overcome barriers and gain the skills and confidence to thrive in high-demand, middle-wage careers. We bridge the gap between highly motivated candidates and employers to build better lives, families and communities.

Christina Dozier DOZIER PROPERTIES AT REALTY ONE GROUP INCLUSION 912.665.5699 (c) 912.298.7200 (o) christina@dozierrealestate.com dozierpropertiessav.com

MY MISSION: is to add value every step of the way. I strive to lead with authenticity and relatability while maintaining the utmost professionalism and efficiency. I will go the extra mile on my clients’ behalf while ensuring that they understand every aspect of the process of buying, selling or investing in property. I ADMIRE WOMEN LIKE: Janet Howard,

my incredible broker at Realty One Group Inclusion. She has a strong sense of self and consistently strives for excellence and growth in her field, all while empowering others. I want to encourage more women to be bold and to never be afraid to pursue their dreams with authenticity, drive and purpose.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: is mother and

wife first, then project manager, cheerleader, therapist, motivator and ass-kicker!

Photo by SAMANTHA BYRD PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I’m getting caffeinated at The Green Spork Cafe & Market or Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, exploring Oatland Island with my husband and son, dropping off diaper donations to Shelter from the Rain (a Dozier Properties charity favorite that gives back to mothers and women here in our community) or having a relaxing family dinner on the water at Fish Tales, enjoying the outdoors. THE SECRET TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS: authenticity. You can never go wrong by

being yourself; it attracts the right clients for you! By staying true to myself and going above and beyond in even the most difficult situations, I’ve forged genuine, lifelong connections and even received some amazing referrals. This has led to serious growth and fantastic opportunities for my business.

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Realty ONE Group Inclusion 912.298.7200 • 7025 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Unit A • searchhomesinsavannah.com LEFT PAGE: From left, rear row standing: Kati Ann Wright, Brandi Simpson, Beth Lynah Vickers, Jennie McCallister, Kim Shaw, Ann Marie Neill, Wen McNally, Chelsey O’Herron, Tamara Naidoo, Nicole Soldan, Natalie Foulk, Anna Bunton, Lucie Lamb, Rolonda Hunter and Angela Peer; second row sitting: Susan Dailey, Logan Fox and Elizabeth Nolan; front row sitting: Jen Morse, Anne Gantt, Tanner Stratton, Kim Rodenberg, Sara Tinley, Jen Smith, Alison Smith and Nashira Sterling

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RIGHT PAGE: From left, standing: Janet Howard, Heather Filgate, Karen Winters, Cecilia Tambon, Sydney Cobb, Bonnie McGee Whittle, Renee Williams,Jodi Clark, Andresa Mueller, Quincy Culver, Sally Lufburrow, Casey Brewton, Christina Dozier, Cathy Rodgers and Monique Allen; front row sitting: Susan Tran Garrison, Inna Adams, Laura Celaya, Kathleen Linzey, Tasha Webster, Rebecca Wayman, Susan Ross, Gloria Saugh and Alyson Beasley

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WE ARE: a dynamic group of real estate

professionals with an innovative and supportive real estate brokerage behind us. Together, we deliver unsurpassed concierge-level service to all our clients. We empower our buyers and sellers by utilizing cutting-edge tools and advanced technology needed to adapt in this evolving marketplace.

WE HAVE FUN: whenever we get together, either virtually or in-person, to support one another and our business. We understand the value of active volunteerism. We seek opportunities to connect with the community by coming together as a team to make a positive impact. We believe that giving is receiving and that by changing lives we impact our own.

WE ARE PROUD OF: being much

OUR VISION: is to take risks, be bold,

OUR SECRET WEAPON: is a culture of supportive and diverse agents who work together to provide our clients with the best resources, industry knowledge and forward-thinking marketing to reach their real estate goals.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR: this beautiful, eclectic city that we get to live in and represent as ambassadors to clients from around the world every day. We are grateful to be able to showcase our hometown or adopted city and its unique personality and help our clients find the perfect place to call home.

more than our brand name “Inclusion.” In Savannah, we embody inclusion in both our diversity of agents and our representation of all consumers. We are knowledgeable professionals who can confidently guide and service the novice homebuyer, the luxury market of both buyers and sellers and the seasoned real estate investor. Above all else, we represent all our clients with integrity.

seize the day and respect others and the world around us. Remember, your circumstances will change, people will change, and you willchange. So be open to it, embrace it, live it. Everyone matters — everyone’s voice, everyone’s dreams. We all have ONE life to live, ONE chance to make it mean something and ONE opportunity to live with no regrets.

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Captain Judy L. Helmey MISS JUDY CHARTERS 912.897.4921 (o) 912.429.7671 (c) 124 Palmetto Drive missjudycharters.com

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MY MISSION: is to catch a bigger fish than

the last one

MY MOTTO: is you can’t catch a fish if you

don’t have a line in the water.

I AM CELEBRATING: turning 0 in

ovember. I started fishing with my father, apt. herman I. elmey ( 0 ) at age 5, and he let me take out my first fishing charter at . I started as the youngest charter captain, and now I am (among) the oldest y trademarked slogan is, “ icking ish ail ince 5 ”

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE: fisherman, charter boat captain, story teller, entertainer, psychic, author, crystal ball reader, meteorologist, speaker, psychiatrist and parking attendant.

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ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: fish

and customers don’t always bite what you are offering — and the learning never stops.

THE BEST ADVICE I RECEIVED: was from my

father, “ ou cannot get where you are going if you don’t remember how or where you came from.”

SOME OCEAN MOMENTS I WON’T FORGET: include meeting uck wens,

taking aula een’s family fishing, being asked navigational directions by the crew of oward orbes’ yacht, hooking up a nuclear submarine, being fired on by a avy warship, navigating around bales of oating “square grouper” in the ’ 0s, finding a oating mine and telling true stories about my father and his endless shenanigans with big l apone.

Dale Parker J. PARKER LTD.

912.335.1439 Downtown: 20 W. Broughton St. 12 Oaks Shopping Center: 5500 Abercorn St. Plant Riverside District: 300 W. River St., Ste. 6C jparkerltd.com

MY MOTTOS ARE: I don’t know how we do

association and the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: give their best

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I coached basketball for 30 years!

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: we have been around since 1972,

I WANTED TO GET INTO RETAIL WHEN: I

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am playing

I LEAD BY: using what I learned from coaching basketball for three decades. I treat my employees like players on a team. We all have a job to do, and I like to be positive and encouraging. It’s important to be the first one at work in the morning and the last to leave.

it, and it’s never too late to change careers.

every day and are not afraid of a challenge.

and our attention to detail and personal service continues almost 50 years later.

pickleball, out on the water, having lunch at the Savannah Golf Club or spending time with my family. Either that, or I’m at Market.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY:

serving on the boards of the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Savannah, the Downtown Business Association, Savannah’s Waterfront

retired from Savannah Country Day. Retirement wasn’t for me, and I felt that our family business had a lot more things to accomplish.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: discover the new ladies’ apparel in all three of our stores.

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Nicole Corson ROOFCRAFTERS ROOFING LLC 912.920.4147 roof-crafters.com

MY MISSION: is to provide job opportunities for others to thrive, grow and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME THAT: business is not a series of transactions.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: embrace who

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: the nucleus. Whether we are talking family or business, I hold it all together.

they are and go after what they want.

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I am real. I do what I say every

time. People can count on me and my team, and that means a lot to my clients. WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I create content for my podcast and personal brand, spend time with my family and hit the gym. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: investing

in personal development, keeping a schedule and my laptop.

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Business is helping people solve problems.

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS: integrity. It’s a word that is

overused, but the meaning of that word is so important. When you always do what is right, word spreads, and people want to do business with you. THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED WAS: a healthy business starts

with a healthy individual — mind, body and soul. If your personal life is in chaos, your business will be in chaos.

Royal Restrooms 912.200.3126 2403 US Hwy. 80 W., Garden City royalrestrooms.com From left: Aixa Gonzalez and Kym McCarty

MY MOTTO: is always do the right thing,

CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE:

Take chances, make mistakes and get messy, like Ms. Frizzle says. –Gonzalez

I am genuine. I share their joy for upcoming special events, and I’m saddened for their loss when renting restrooms for a funeral. I want to assist in any way I can. –McCarty

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and diving into hard, challenging work — dirty or not. I appreciate women who are problem solvers and know how to use a tool, like my teammate, Aixa!

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: having a strong work ethic, a never-say-never attitude and bringing fun to every situation. –Gonzalez

even when it’s not the easiest option. –McCarty

–McCarty

I WANTED TO EXPERIENCE: different

aspects of the company when I started as a cleaner. Soon I was implementing an easy, efficient system for cleaning. I had the opportunity to learn to drive with the trailers and was then promoted to an administrative position. I know that in my line of work, the sky is the limit. –Gonzalez

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my daughters. Seeing my girls demonstrate meaningful qualities like strength, courage, a strong work ethic and compassion are extremely rewarding. –McCarty I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: see the big picture. You might not be working in your dream job right now but find meaning in it. Your true purpose could be much greater than the job itself. –McCarty

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The Horseshoe Crab & The Monogram Place 912.920.2404 • 704 Mall Blvd. thehorseshoecrab.com From left: Melanie Rathbun, Madison Boatright, Lisa Wood, Jacquelyn Harn, Jessica Williams, Leanne Dodd, Ashley Groover, Alex Quattlebaum, Julia McGahee, Regan Bowers and Maia Storm

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MY MISSION: is to serve God in all that I do, which in my business means serving our customers well and pouring into my team. MY MOTTO: is work smarter not harder. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: are able to

balance family, faith, self-care and work.

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I am honest and customer-

service oriented.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am on

I WANTED TO START A SECOND CAREER WHEN: my three girls were grown and going

to college. I wanted to fill my days with meaningful work that challenged me.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: mother — it’s always and forever my favorite job. THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: is treating your staff and

customers like family.

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: my family.

my dock reading a book, enjoying fresh air and sunshine.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my three daughters.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I started my career as an

needed — because I need it, too!

industrial engineer.

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I LEAD BY: extending grace when it is most

–Answers provided by Leanne Dodd, owner

Nikki Petitt SAVANNAH BLINDS SHUTTERS AND SHADES 912.224.0459 5500 White Bluff Road savannahblinds.com

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH IS: engaging the

community. We are always participating in social events, trade shows and giving back to the community. As a local Savannahian, I know how important it is to support a community that supports you. We’ve been fortunate to be included in so many local events and work with many local publications. It’s a great privilege to be a part of the greater Savannah community.

I LEAD BY: true grit. I know when the going gets tough, the tough get going! I see the vision of where I want my business to be and know hard work will pay off. I inspire my staff with a strong work ethic every day. My team wins with its ever-enduring perseverance — especially in 2020, when every day was a new obstacle with supply-chain disruptions.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECIEVED: was, “Work on your business,

not in your business.” When you get bogged down in simple details that your employees could be working on, you are not being an effective leader, says business author, coach and entrepreneur Rhett Power. This quote keeps me motivated to look at the next steps, so we can progress every day. I credit this mentality as a reason we’ve been able to grow and handle such a high demand with great strides. I know to be an effective leader, the majority of my time needs to be spent planning, strategizing and building my great business. WE SPECIALIZE IN: custom interior

window treatments, awnings and storm protection. We will advise, measure and install your next project for you.

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Mary Kathryn Smith SAVANNAH REALTY

912.344.9750 (c) 912.236.9000 (o) 100 Bull St., Ste. 200 marykathrynrealestate.com

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THE BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN SAVANNAH ARE: the squares — they

bring us together. While strolling through the 22 squares lined with live oaks and Spanish moss, you are bound to run into somebody you know with a cold beverage in hand. Gen. James Oglethorpe’s original city plan from 1733 can be appreciated today. His distinctive street network of repeating squares of residential blocks, commercial blocks and small green spaces has Southern hospitality built into it. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: are social media

and Google Calendar. Social media is the number one way to market and stay ahead of the curve. As a Realtor, you are hired to sell, which means aligning your client’s property with your personal brand and

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reputation. With a background in marketing, I understand the power of utilizing these strategies in order to create the most value for my clients. Google Calendar allows me to block out time for other areas of my life in order to maintain work-life balance, which is critical due to the 24/7 nature of the real estate business. THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS:

“There is no such thing as a stranger, just a friend you haven’t met yet.” I’M THANKFUL FOR: my incredibly

supportive husband, family and friends, loyal clients and being able to call downtown Savannah “home.” I am thankful to be in a position where I have the ability to share the unparalleled lifestyle of Savannah with others in our community and beyond.

Julie Gates SID WAS HERE

912.574.4473 sidwashere.com

I AM: the “Queen of the Long-Short.” MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I provide a service that no one

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS: exceptional customer service,

a great team, staying positive and being a hustler.

else offers — month-to-month leases on fully furnished rental homes. I call them Long-Shorts, a long stay in a short-term rental home.

I LEAD BY: kindness and appreciation. Everyone I work with is told they make a difference and paid on time.

MY PROPERTIES ARE PERFECT FOR:

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY:

digital nomads, traveling professionals and families moving in between homes — whoever needs a fully furnished rental home for stays of 30 nights or more. Renters can stay in my properties for as long as they want. I’M MOST PROUD OF: my unique decor.

Every single house has a theme, and you see it everywhere.

by doing random acts of kindness. When I am working on a new property, I’m there for weeks. My neighbors are a big part of my success, and I surprise them in any way I can. I SMILE WHEN: my team hears the theme for

a new home, and everyone rolls their eyes. My themes always sound crazy, but when the house comes together, it’s a unique home with its own personality — just like me.

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Valarie J. Trimarchi SOUTH UNIVERSITY

912.201.8007 709 Mall Blvd. southuniversity.edu/savannah

MY MISSION: as campus president is to guide future female leaders to set good examples, to take-on leadership roles and help others to step forward building their goals and dreams.

and support one another. Women support other females through mentoring, shared experiences and helping one another in a unique local way.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: are forward thinking and have tenacity and a kind heart.

EDUCATION IS CRITICAL TO WOMEN RIGHT NOW BECAUSE: getting the right

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: claim what

is theirs. Women have perspectives on and passions for issues that have not always been prominently addressed. There is a way to move these issues to the forefront, and women have the style, knowledge and experience to make that happen.

AS A NEWCOMER, I’VE LEARNED: that

Savannah is the place where you must have a community mind-set. Savannah is a big small town where neighbors care about each other

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education can open doors and paths for more opportunities. Education provides the tools to help everyone (and particularly women) reach their professional goals, gain independence, improve their self-worth and build a better future for themselves. SOUTH UNIVERSITY PROVIDES: a warm,

supportive learning environment, small classes and hands-on experiences that shape one’s skills and excellence in a chosen field and forge one’s character through community involvement and volunteerism.

Brynn Howard THE PRINTED PEACH

912.233.6375 417 Whitaker St. theprintedpeachsavannah.com

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: was to treat every customer like

MY MISSION: is to empower women of every shape and size to feel beautiful every day in beautiful clothes.

your closest friend.

MY MOTTO: is to live colorfully and find a

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: my best friend,

little sunshine in every day.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: cheer on their girl-

Amelia, who helps keep The Printed Peach running at full speed and me sane.

friends in the high moments and provide their shoulders to cry on during the low moments.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: are coffee, a good sense of humor and an amazing playlist.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY:

MY PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH: starts with taking my puppies, Louie and Lilly, for a walk through Forsyth Park. After an early brunch at Collins Quarter at Forsyth, I start my day at The Printed Peach, where I meet lots of Savannah ladies (and gentlemen). To end the day, I meet my friends for cocktails at The Grove or The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market.

shopping, eating and supporting local!

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I am still in college (at SCAD), and

therefore juggling school and my store.

I LEAD BY: having a cheerful and positive attitude even on the hardest days.

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Edible Arrangements 912.925.8742 00 0 bercorn t. ediblearrangements.com From left: Slade Dye, owner, and Megan Dahm, manager

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: was from successful businessman

Brian McCluskey, “Focus on your strengths and organize yourself to make your weaknesses irrelevant.” –Dye

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: build other women

up and aren’t afraid to ask for what they want. We should all fix each other’s crown a little each day! Women are strong and powerful, and we are at our best when we are challenging and pushing each other to be their best.

–Dahm

I KNEW MEGAN WAS A PERFECT FIT:

because of her killer background and years of managing experience. he’s the yin to my yang. While I’m working on marketing, PR and strategic plans, Megan runs the day-today operations and guides our amazing team.

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I could not do this without her! –Dye I LEAD BY: example and compassion. I never ask something from my team that I wouldn’t do myself. My team is the reason behind so many smiles that occur when our customers receive our beautiful arrangements. We take pride in what we do each day, and I truly could not do what I do without them –Dahm WE DON’T JUST: sell chocolate-covered

strawberries. We meet people where they are and create a lasting moment with great customer service. –Dye

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am deep in a book, in my kayak, “momming” my two incredible girls, my plant babies and my fur babies, or tinkering around the house working on projects! –Dahm

Wax and Wane Waxing Salon 912.233.7002 • 1917 Bull St. waxandwanewaxing.com From left: Jordan Taaffe, Dani Marcano, Katie Hauser, Savanna Royer, Lexie Taylar, Ashley Grimsey; not pictured: Jena Berenberg, Toni Hofmann-Packer and Neginah Williams

OUR MISSION: is to create a positive and professional hair-removal experience built on relationships, rooted in education, focused on results, created by our team and motivated by care. WE LEAD BY: transformational and compas-

sionate leadership. We believe that it takes the care, knowledge and expertise of all of our team members to create an elevated company culture. Hands-on coaching, continuing education and open-book management are the core of our business. Inspiration, compassionate communication and teambased innovation keep our team and salon motivated and loving what we do.

WE’RE MOST THANKFUL FOR: our wonderful guests and hardworking team. It has been a challenging year with the pandemic. The support, understanding and patience of our

guests have been extraordinary and gave us the security and motivation to keep moving forward. We are equally fortunate for our team of incredible salon coordinators, waxing specialists and management that we’ve built during the past year. They have shown up, worked hard, adapted to change and have remained committed to providing a safe environment for our guests to continue to enjoy. WE’RE MOST PROUD OF: the relationships

and connections we build with our amazing clientele. We have the opportunity to provide a safe space to offer women (and men) selfcare services rooted in body positivity. It’s an honor to offer services that encourage people to feel great about themselves and more confident in their bodies. We are proud of the trust we build with our guests every day.

–Answers provided by Jena Berenberg, owner

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Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals 912.257.4050 • 317 East Broad St. luckysavannah.com From left: Jamillah White, Guest Experience Manager; Megan Mooneyham, Director of Sales and Marketing; April Sanders, General Manager; and Gaby Montesino, Housekeeping Manager; sitting: Rebeca Feitz, Reservations Supervisor; top of the stairs, from left: Kelly Minadeo, Guest Service Agent; Kathryn Stevens, Property Manager; Katrin Marshall, Guest Service Agent; Shannon Williams, Property Manager; and Erika Dovicinova, Property Manager

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OUR MOTTO: is, “Lucky to be here in

Savannah.” Our mission is to provide guests with the best that Savannah has to offer, including first-rate service and access to local hot-spots and exceptional amenities, all within the comfort of your private vacation home. Since most of us are native avannahians, we have our finger on the pulse of the city.

OUR CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE: we provide authentic

Southern hospitality at every turn – whether it’s offering the most diverse range of vacation rental options in the city, helping our guests book a tour or providing our clients with the best local recommendations. We strive to make sure every visitor receives a true avannah experience.

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WE STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: volunteering with Family Promise of

Greater Savannah, Coastal Pet Rescue and Arcadia Hospice, working with Savannah’s homeless population and so much more. Savannah is home to so many great causes, and each of us is passionate about giving back in our own unique ways.

OUR PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH: includes walking our majestic city. Each of our properties is steps away from the many historic sites that make our city so unique. We also pride ourselves on supporting local businesses. Our days off include shopping at local boutiques, enjoying the beautiful weather in town and on ybee Island and exploring the extensive foodie scene emerging downtown. Cocktails at one of our many rooftop bars are the perfect way to wind down after work.

Lesley Francis

OUR MISSION: is to become an extension of our clients’ organizations, learn about what they want to achieve and then design and execute marketing programs to get it done. Our approach is to get print, broadcast, digital and social media all working together to make a lasting impact on target audiences.

and budget of each client. We work hard to build initiatives that punch above their weight to give the best possible return on investment. Unlike old-fashioned public relations and marketing programs, we always take an integrated approach and measure our performance on tangible and documented results.

LESLEY FRANCIS PUBLIC RELATIONS INC.

I AM MOST PROUD OF: my team of ded-

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: successfully balance family, community, church and business. Creating a successful career while staying connected to these other important aspects of life is something we should all strive to achieve.

912.417.LFPR (o) 912.429.3950 (c) 11258 Ford Ave. #2, Richmond Hill lesleyfrancispr.com From left: Hollie Barnidge, Vice President; Kristyn Fielding, Account Manager; Lesley Francis, Founder and CEO; Allie Robinson, Account Executive; Crystal Vogel, Senior Account Executive; and Sally Whitehead, Copywriter/Editor

icated, loyal and professional women who stand alongside me every day and have shown exceptional commitment during this challenging year. A huge shout-out to Hollie, Kristyn, Allie, Crystal, Sally, Mary and Chaeli — I could not do it without you!

I’VE DISCOVERED THAT: there are no short

cuts and one si e does not fit all. very truly effective marketing program must be individually tailored to meet the specific needs

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY:

by donating my time and skills to nonprofit organizations in the region. I sold my large PR business in London before the economic downturn of 2008. When I came to Savannah in 2009, I was determined to pay it forward.

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Monica McGoldrick CELIA DUNN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 912.667.7407 (c) 912.234.3323 (o) 9-13-17 W. Charlton St. celiadunnsir.com mmconsults@comcast.net

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF SELLING REAL ESTATE: is the symmetry of matching

people with property. This dynamic is inherent in each transaction. When it is executed well, it is such a rewarding experience.

IN ORDER TO SERVE CLIENTS WELL: you

must listen closely. In fact, listening is the most important step in the selling process.

I AM SO THANKFUL THAT: as a native

Savannahian, I am able to promote this unique city. I appreciate its history, its beauty and its Southern charm. I am also exceedingly grateful for my company, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, and our broker, Celia. She’s a highly inspirational woman.

CLIENTS SHOULD KNOW THAT I: have

been an agent for years. In my first year of real estate, I joined the Distinguished Sales

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Society and have been a continuing member. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work in many areas within our market and at many price points. Now, as a Top Producer for more than 12 years, I am determined to be a strong negotiator for my clients. IN LOOKING AHEAD: I relish the

opportunity to work with more new prospects as well as returning clients, offering them the best service in real estate.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: serving on numerous boards and

associations in Savannah.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I:

graduated from Trinity College in Washington, DC, and then earned a masters in English from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont.

Annie Rockwell CELIA DUNN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

912.234.3323 (o) 912.844.5783 (c) celiadunnsir.com ann.rockwell@sothebysrealty.com Realtor, Associate Broker and Top Producer

QUOTES I TRY TO LIVE BY:

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” –Dalai Lama “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” –Dr. Seuss “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” –Mark Twain “Don’t give in! Make your own trail. Don’t moan. Don’t complain. Think positively.” –Katharine Hepburn It’s never too late … to be whoever you want to be. ... I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start over again.” –F. Scott Fitzgerald

OFT-SHARED THOUGHTS THAT INSPIRE ME:

Five rules of life: Smile. Be Kind. Don’t give up. Don’t compare. Avoid negativity. Never say mean words out of anger. Your anger will pass. But your mean words can scar a person for life. So use kind words or be silent. KINDNESS (noun): Loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness. You can sit on the sidelines and wait for things to happen or you can actually make things happen. When you focus on the good, the good gets better.

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Abby Wolfe QUEENSBOROUGH NATIONAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY www.QNBTRUST.bank

Vice President of Commercial Banking, NMLS#673842

MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE I AM: their

partner. I am not a traditional banker. I may have on tennis shoes with a suit, but I am determined to help their business succeed.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BECOME A COMMERCIAL LENDER WHEN: I was working in wealth management and began

meeting business owners. I loved learning about the different businesses and creative ideas people had, and I decided I wanted to become a part of their teams. WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I paint and play with real fish, shrimp, octopus and other sea creatures to make unique artwork. Chances are good that I have an octopus in my fridge right now! THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED WAS: to listen. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: not be afraid to try new things, even if those things are typically reserved for the men.

Royal Palms Motel 912.786.4763 • 909 Butler Ave., Tybee Island theroyalpalmsmotel.com From left: Managers Cynthia Hodges and Kelly Minadeo

OUR MISSION: is to provide the ultimate beach vacation experience on Tybee with a colorful, retro vibe that will leave you feeling refreshed. Here you will enjoy clean and comfortable rooms and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. WHEN WE’RE NOT IN THE OFFICE: we are taking trips into

Savannah and enjoying the sights and sounds of Tybee Island. We have a unique community with so many hidden gems. Between beachside yoga, music on the pier and the eclectic folks around here, there is something new around every corner.

OUR PERFECT DAY ON TYBEE: starts by taking a stroll along the beach, then heading to a late breakfast at The Breakfast Club. For a treat, we enjoy ice cream at The Sugar Shack and end the day with a beautiful dinner on the water at A-J’s Dockside Restaurant. We also love catching live music when it’s happening around the island.

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Steffany Farmer BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE LEGACY 912.484.5552 • steffanyfarmer.com

MY MISSION IS TO: make my clients’ transactions as smooth as

possible. I want my clients to feel they have put their business in the best hands possible.

MY MOTTO IS: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” I’M PROUD OF: my kids. Hannah and Brice have grown up in real estate. They understand hard work and the rewards it can bring. They have always helped when needed and have been understanding of my sometimes-challenging schedule. Hannah and Brice are independent thinkers with level heads on their shoulders. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: have successful careers while

balancing family life.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: was that peo-

ple don’t know what you are doing for them unless you tell them.

Judy Curley & Amber Ealy BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE LEGACY 912.224.1312 • judycurley.com 706.284.3375 • amberealyrealtor@gmail.com sellingsavannahga.com

I LOVE SAVANNAH BECAUSE: I love the coast, the weather, the history, the food and the wonderful people. I headed South 22 years ago to find my forever home. I’ve raised my children here, and now I get to share it with my grands. –Curley MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: is being

om I just moonlight as a real estate agent. y entire life revolves around my daughter, urora. It gives me so much joy to be able to spend time with her in the house that my husband and I built. I want every family to be able to have a place to call home, which is why I do what I do. –Ealy

BEING A REALTOR IS: lots of work with lots of great rewards. I’ve found it’s my best way to serve. –Curley

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Sammie Igoe BAR • FOOD

912.349.6350 • 4523 Habersham St. savannahbarfood.com

MY MISSION: is to create an atmosphere with a heightened level of service, a familiar yet inimitable culinary experience and continued entertainment and fun. I’M THANKFUL FOR: my gorgeous girlfriend, Allison Andrews, who brought me to Savannah; the overwhelming welcome that I have received since moving here; and the level of trust afforded me to create and lead Bar • Food into a new level of greatness. I’M PROUD OF: Paula Letcher. Not only has she been an inspiration this past year, but she also continues to prove to her employees and the community that she is a strong, trustworthy business woman who strives for greatness, no matter the situation. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: be encouraged to work with each other to build empires for future generations of females.

Nicole Mason IVORY & BEAU

912.704.0158 (c) • 912.200.4794 (o) • @ivoryandbeau

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: are moms and work full-time! Now a

mother myself, I have a newfound fascination and appreciation of the superpower of moms.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am enjoying my son, Dash Alex Mason, and trying to soak up all the baby snuggles while he is still small. THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED WAS: from my

Dad, “keep your knees bent over the moguls.” Don’t let your head get too big when doing good, and don’t let yourself get too down when things are going poorly. There will be ups and downs, and it’s important to stay steady through whatever life brings.

I’M MOST PROUD OF MY: team, who not only managed the shop for six weeks while I was on maternity leave but were also thriving while I was gone. I could not thank them enough for their hard work and dedication.

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Carolyn Ezelle & Lavinia Strong CELIA DUNN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 912.234.3323 • 17 E. Charlton St. Carolyn Ezelle: 912.272.9711 Lavinia Strong: 912.272.3250 celiadunnsir.com

IN ORDER TO SELL YOUR HOME: it is imperative to clean, stage

and paint. Every room should be spotless, closets neatly organized, and any repairs made prior to listing. Choose neutral paint colors and furnishings so your property appears like a model home. Potential buyers need to be able to visualize themselves living in the house.

OUR CLIENTS LOVE THAT WE: are a team. We love working so that one of us is always available for our clients. ellers benefit from having two experienced Realtors market their property, and buyers have two agents available to show them homes and networking to find properties that have not yet hit the market.

Morgan York Smith THE BROW BAR SAVANNAH

912.312.0829 • 2424 Drayton St., Ste. A thebrowbarsavannah.com • @thebrowbarsav

MY MISSION: is to have women leave my studio feeling beautiful

and more confident.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: mother and wife. I love what I do, but my real passion is making sure my family knows how important and loved they are. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: pursue their dreams. It’s scary, and failure can be daunting, but you never know what you can achieve until you just do it. When I first started this business, I would tell myself daily, “We all have to start somewhere.” THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE: was my friend and mentor, anuela, at iami row ar. he has been a wonderful role model and has shared her business tips with me. ne day, I hope to share my knowledge with others in this industry.

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Gabby Ballance COHEN’S RETREAT

5715 Skidaway Road • 912.355.3336, ext. 2 cohensretreat.com I’VE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE: that you can’t always control the situation. If this last year has taught us anything, it is to be exible, understanding and find the positivity in all situations. I LEAD BY: example. I do not ask anyone to do anything I am not

willing to do. his makes for a positive work atmosphere, which leads to a positive guest experience. When you have a restaurant, retail market, event space and irbnb cottages, it is important to have a staff willing to jump in whenever it’s needed.

I’M PROUD OF: my husband, o, and our two girls, onnie, , and

a el, .

close second is our fabulous ohen’s etreat team.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IS: making connections and

growing relationships within our community and neighborhoods.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I have climbed the ydney

arbor

ridge — because I am truly terrified of heights

Amanda Everard EVERARD AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS 912.231.1376 • everard.com

MY MISSION: is to help people handle the sale of their fine art and antiques in a professional manner. Whether you are the executor of a large estate or are downsizing, I try to make the process as simple as possible and achieve the highest value for you through our online auction house with global reach. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: is to do a great job for people, because word of mouth goes a long way. Most of our business comes through client referrals. I’M PROUD OF: my involvement with “Antiques Roadshow.” It is a great experience traveling to different cities throughout the country and appraising interesting objects. It also gives me access to a distinguished network of appraisers who are helpful throughout the year in my business.

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Felder & Associates 912.777.3979 2514 Abercorn St., Ste. 120 felderassociates.net From left: Cathryn Sinclair, Carrie Harvill, Gretchen Callejas, Sophia Rodriguez and Elisa Dogor. Not pictured: Alma Johnson

OUR MISSION: is to focus on helping owners find the right solutions for their needs. We listen to our clients and work together to create solutions that are functional and beautiful. We are a team of creative problem solvers. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: are quietly confident, hardworking and can make themselves heard without all the drama. Women can be powerful without being condescending, and we should not be afraid to laugh at ourselves. YOU’D NEVER GUESS: that our firm is 5 percent women.

In a world where only percent of registered architects are women, we are striving to empower young women to achieve professional growth. We are also semi-excellent bowlers

Heather Murphy HEATHER MURPHY GROUP

912.335.3956 • 329 Commercial Drive, Ste. 100 heathermurphygroup.com

OUR MISSION: is to exceed the expectations of our clients by providing a luxury experience using innovative techniques and niche marketing throughout the buying and selling process. Additionally, we ensure our collaborative work environment empowers each team member to grow professionally and personally so that, ultimately, they can make a difference in our community. WE STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: making a

difference. We kicked off 2021 with a group resolution to make a positive impact in the Coastal Empire every month. By engaging different organizations, we are taking the opportunity to serve our community while cultivating new relationships. Whether it’s providing needed supplies to an animal shelter or showing thanks to locally owned and operated businesses, we are fiercely dedicated to supporting our ostess ity.

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Morgan Bryant MORGAN RAE BOUTIQUE

912.658.4259 • 301 W. Broughton St., Unit B, upstairs morganraeboutique.com • @shopmorganrae OUR MISSION: is to create an inviting and inclusive atmosphere and provide superior customer service and quality clothing at an affordable price for our customers. I KNEW I WANTED TO: open a women’s clothing boutique when

I was at St. Vincent’s Academy. My friends and I would window shop down Broughton Street on our free period, and I was mesmerized by the beautiful stores. I now have the ability to enhance women’s confidence every single day.

THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE: was the day I met Jami, the owner of Sip ’n Shop Tour. Morgan Rae was the first boutique to join the tour njoy a three-hour guided tour of downtown Savannah while sipping wine and shopping at Savannah’s best boutiques. Plus, receive an exclusive discount at each store. It’s a great way to spend time with friends while discovering new boutiques, supporting local businesses and enjoying our charming city

Sherry Buckman PRIDE POOLS, SPAS & LEISURE PRODUCTS, INC. Savannah: 912.927.3957 • Claxton: 912.739.2230 pridepools.com MY MISSION IS: to adhere to and live by PRIDE: Personalized

service, Readiness to serve, Intelligent product knowledge, Dedication and Enthusiasm to go the extra mile.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my business — now 46 years strong!

We believe in family values, which carries over to staff — our extended family.

MY BUSINESS TOOLS INCLUDE: the vision to sell, promote and service an industry dedicated to bringing family and friends together for the enjoyment of BACKYARD. FAMILY. FUN. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IS: quality customer

service with a well-trained, dedicated and knowledgeable staff.

OUR BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS: are rooted in “local” – building local relationships, providing local customer service and offering a local customer service department.

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Gennie G. Long MEYER & SAYERS LLP

912.598.5151 • 500 Stephenson Ave. meyersayers.com I KNEW I WANTED TO: focus my legal career on estate plan-

ning and probate administration when I realized I could provide peace of mind and help clients ensure their legacy is carried out. I use wills and trusts to ensure that my clients’ wishes are documented properly. Similarly, I advise clients after the loss of a loved one to guide them through the process of settling their loved one’s affairs.

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS: great collaboration skills. I enjoy working with clients of all ages across multiple generations, along with their accountants and financial advisors. By working together successfully, we can create a thorough estate plan and ensure that the transfer of wealth is a smooth process. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: get it all done while making it look easy. As a wife and mother of three young children, I am always seeking that perfect balance.

Amy Bodek SAVANNAH GENERAL CONTRACTORS 912.655.4647 savannahgeneralcontractors.com

MY MISSION: is to provide the best service to make my client’s experience as smooth as possible — to be professional, to communicate, to respect their home and family life and to ensure work is completed in a timely manner. MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I represent them throughout the process. I do the job for them, not the contractor. I manage the whole job, eliminating the stress involved with scheduling, selections and installations. MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED: when they learn that I uprooted my family and moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for four years to experience another culture. ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: that it’s most important

to stay true to yourself, always be kind and remember that you do not know what is happening in another person’s life.

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Cathy Thomas SAVANNAH HEALING ARTS

912.571.2388 • 104 E. 40th St. savannahhealingarts.com I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A MASSAGE THERAPIST: at age 4!

I would rub my grandmother’s back and her sister’s backs and feet. y great aunt had severe rheumatoid arthritis and was confined to a wheel chair. My massages felt so good to her that she would cry; I could feel her relief.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: my hands, forearms, elbows

and even feet, as well as hot towels, hot stones, cupping sets, Gua Sha tools, essential oils and music.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: giving my time to those who don’t have the financial capacity to do something for themselves. Single moms struggling to balance family, career and everything else life throws at them touch my heartstrings — as a mom of six, I can identify. An hour of my time is nothing when it helps someone feel better. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: realize that in order to take care of everything and everyone else, they must first take care of themselves.

Savannah Speech & Hearing Center 912.355.4601 • speechandhearingsav.org 5414 Skidaway Road • Also in Rincon and Pooler From left: Dr. Beth McIntosh, Dvora Gottlieb and Dr. Sheana Richardson

OUR MISSION: is to provide access to comprehensive speech, hearing, language and other therapeutic services that empower and transform lives. We are committed to excellence in customer service and satisfaction. OUR LICENSED AND CERTIFIED EXPERTS PROVIDE:

speech-language therapy, pediatric occupational and physical therapy, audiology, Sound Start (a program for deaf and hard-ofhearing children), hearing testing, hearing aids, cochlear implant eligibility testing and mapping. WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT: our new state-of-the-art building on Skidaway Road, recently completed and offering the latest technology for our clients. We also have offices in incon and ooler. WE ARE MOST THANKFUL FOR: our 67 years in business and the many thousands of people who have experienced the personalized care offered at Savannah Speech & Hearing Center.

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Kimberly Smith SAVANNAH SQUARE

912.927.7550 • 1 Savannah Square Drive savannahsquareretirement.com Executive Director

I LIVE MY LIFE BASED ON: “To whom much is given; much shall be required.” (Luke 12:48) I am blessed beyond measure, so I choose to live a life of service to others. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: shatter glass ceilings. For many years, I did not see an executive director/administrator who looked like me, so I make it my purpose to go where there is no trail and leave a path for the little girls, young ladies and women who come behind me. I LEAD BY: allowing the team to have a voice in everything we do. MY FOCUS IS: never on a competitor or another community. It’s always to create a world-class experience for my residents that is unmatched in the industry. I KNEW I WANTED TO: serve older adults when I couldn’t get to

work fast enough. I can’t believe they pay me to do this!

Michelle Rouzer 40 VOLUME SALON & AV8 BARBERS 912.695.5599 • 816 E. 71st St. 40volume.com • av8barbers.com

MY MISSION IS TO: provide a beautiful company in which all of

our employees can ourish, grow and be supported and mentored and where members of our community can feel at home, valued and treated with the best services we can offer.

MY MOTTO IS: never stop dreaming for something bigger. WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am working on a project with my boys. hey are very hands on with our real-estate projects, and we love creating things together. hey have a bigger yobi tool collection than most full-size men. I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: supporting local. I sit on the board for uy ocal, a group of the most incredible local business professionals who truly support each other. ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME THAT: you don’t always

have to be right. ompromise is a huge part of success.

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Erica Herndon Timmons STATE FARM AGENCY

912.354.6464 • 3228 Skidaway Road ericaSF.com

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN THAT:

State Farm agents are small business owners and each location is independently owned. We are backed with a national brand and financial strength, but when it comes to our team we are local and give back to the local community. TYPICAL DAYS IN THE OFFICE: don’t exist. No two are the

same. I enjoy meeting with my customers to make sure that they are financially protected in the event of a claim. ou may think that’s my job, but most consumers do not know what their coverage limits are on their policies. We offer a wide variety of products and services to meet consumer’s needs auto, fire, life, health and bank.

I AM THANKFUL FOR: our customers and my team who allow

me to do what I love every day. elping people is my passion, and this profession allows me to do that.

Kristi HofstadterDuke, PhD SAVANNAH BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS LLC

912.436.6789 • 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com MY MISSION: is to expand access to the highest quality psychological assessment and treatment services for children and families struggling with developmental, behavioral or learning challenges. At Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, we aim to change behavior and change lives. OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE US BECAUSE: our commitment and dedication to children and families is evident in everything we do. Whether we are conducting an assessment or providing therapy, we take the time to tailor our approach to ensure that what we do makes a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. I’M THANKFUL FOR: my amazing team of psychologists and therapists. y practice is filled with a truly remarkable group of women who are as passionate about helping children and families as they are talented.

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Angela Hopper-Lee THE BULL STREET LIGHT ROOM & ANGELA HOPPER PHOTOGRAPHY

912.402.5655 • thebullstreetlightroom.com 912.898.7878 • angelahopperphotography.com 3131 Bull St., Ste. C MY MISSION: is to provide quality portraiture and photography as well as a quality studio space for the creative community to rent. MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN THAT:

I sing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and travel the world with Up With People.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: my Canon 5D Mark III, my

Toyota 4Runner and my iMac.

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME THAT: we have to

learn from our mistakes, face the truth even though it is painful sometimes and that my art is worth it.

THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE WAS:

Jeffrey Quasha, a professional chef for Morrison Healthcare. I’ve gotten to travel and have been published nationally!

Jeanine Thompson THE HERITAGE BANK, MEMBER FDIC 912.236.4099 • 620 Stephenson Ave. the-heritage-bank.com

MY MISSION IS: to build long-lasting relationships with my

clients — to listen and learn what it is they do and truly be a partner in their ventures.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: my family and friends. Their unwavering support in all I do is astonishing. They are there to encourage me when I’m struggling, cheer me on when I’m doing well and ground me when I need it. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: continue to support and encourage one another. We are all individuals and make different choices with our lives. No choice is better than another. Whether we work, stay home and raise families or juggle both, we are all strong, sel ess, ambitious, compassionate women. et’s give each other a boost when we can!

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Sylvia Farrow G-FORCE AUTOMOTIVE FILMS 110 Echols Ave. • 912.655.2888 gforce-films.com

MY MOTTO: is don’t be afraid to fail; it’s part of the journey.

I’d rather live with failure than with regret.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: support each other, who are not afraid of

genuinely complimenting one another and building each other up.

MY MISSION: is to continue to be known in Savannah as a premier service provider for automotive accessories and protection as we continually grow and expand. WE SPECIALIZE IN: vehicle aint rotection ilm, window film,

wraps, graphics and stripes. We have more than 40 years of experience in our field of automotive aftermarket accessories.

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: family! Particularly for my children, who are all business owners themselves. (Psst, one is across this page from me.) I get inspiration and ideas from them all the time. I’m so grateful for our tribe-like relationship.

Abby Longwater & Sophie Longwater WICKED CAKES OF SAVANNAH: 912.298.0040 466 Montgomery St. • wickedcakesofsavannah@gmail.com DAPPER EVENTS: 912.856.7363 466 Montgomery St. • info@dappereventco.com I AM MOST PROUD OF: starting my own business at age 24

and watching it blossom into a very successful venture.

–Sophie, owner of Dapper Events

Never did I think that I would be working on so many movies, but the best was partnering with Disney to make all of the dessert props during the filming of “ ady and the ramp.” –Abby, owner of Wicked Cakes of Savannah

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: the doer of all things. I help manage Wicked Cakes of Savannah, manage my father’s business, tephen’s ocksmith, and run my own business, apper vents. I love what I do, and I love being close to my family. –Sophie WE’VE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE: you have to put yourself out there socially — it’s great word-of-mouth advertising. –Abby

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Sheena Allen THE FIRM SAVANNAH

Fitness. Health. Empowerment. • 912.380.6842 903 E. 70th St. • efirms .com • efirms MY MISSION: is to empower mind, body and spirit through the power of movement and overall wellness. I believe each of us has a superpower unique to them. I want to help make each one of my clients the best version of themselves, making them strong in both mind and body. MY MOTTO: is when you feel good, you do good. MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I was raised in the car business and know cars better than most men I know, and I have four children ranging from ages 7 to 19. THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE WAS: the Habersham Street YMCA. I enjoyed many amazing years there and was able to grow a strong following. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: follow their passions. You can never be fully prepared just be willing to do the work, sacrifice and take a leap of faith. It is a universal law that what you put in, you will in turn receive.

Brigitte Martin Harley WATER WITCH TIKI

912.201.3164 • 2220 Bull St. • waterwitchtiki.com ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: to empower people

with their knowledge and allow them to take ownership of their offerings. They will be more productive and conscientious participants in the project. Also, learn every aspect of your business. You can be a better leader, and when times get challenging, you may need those skills.

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: the support we received during

COVID, which started two months after we opened. Challenging times push our boundaries and force us to grow. I’m excited to see what we will do on the other side of this pandemic.

PEOPLE COME TO WATER WITCH TIKI BECAUSE: we offer a bit

of an escape, whether you are missing a vacation, had a hard day or are celebrating something special.

I LOVE WHAT I DO BECAUSE: I get to meet so many interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life. Some really great stories come out over a glass of rum!

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Lisa Yannett HORIZON STAFFING

912.355.5966 (o) • 912.596.4345 (c) 7722 Waters Ave. • or o s ffi g.com MY MOTTO: is to be genuine, authentic and nice. CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I do what I say,

and I don’t overpromise.

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: is

persistence, building relationships and following through.

I LEAD BY: example and encouragement. THE BEST BUSINESS CONNECTION I EVER MADE: was Ron Ramsey and Mike Emanuele. They hired me in Atlanta as operations manager of ori on taffing. I opened my own office in avannah a year and a half later. I’M MOST PROUD OF: being in business for more than 20 years. I built ori on taffing in avannah from the ground up, and we are one of the most successful staffing companies in the area.

Dawn Kutchey & Kristen Kutchey THE MINT GREEN TAG SALE COMPANY 912.232.1039 • 3025 Bull St., Ste. 220 themintgreentagsalecompany.com

WE LOVE OUR WORK BECAUSE: we help people navigate a difficult and demanding time in their lives. he icing on the cake is finding new homes for both the practical, useful items we all have as well as the cherished, unique treasures that each family acquires over the years. WE’RE MOST PROUD OF: adapting during the

I - pandemic. We came up with a plan to remain in business and do the best job we could for our clients while keeping our shoppers and staff safe.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: they should call us for a free consultation first — before they begin cleaning up and clearing out an estate. amilies often throw things away that others would love to have. We strive to keep as many items out of the landfill and make as much profit for the family as we can.

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Marvee McKenzie

Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric, manager/designer

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: certified multitasker. y most rewarding job is being a mother to two sweet and spunky girls and a wife to a great man. y other roles include event planning, helping my mother, herry, with fabric and design, and my sister, ha i, with coaching her cheer teams. I love every minute of it

Sherry Saferight

Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric, owner • 912.777.4532

MY MOTTO: “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” –The Little Engine That Could

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: upport each other and their businesses

while building their families. y girls have each created their own businesses ( ha i and arvee here in avannah and helsea in orth arolina). heir incredible work ethic and devotion to family are some of the many reasons why I’m so very proud of them

Shazi Edmonds

Crowned Elite Athletics, owner/cheer professional; FIT Gym Savannah and Train Me 24/7, co-owner; DanceCheerMove, owner/choreographer • 912.308.5719

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: om I’m a om to one of the coolest, sweetest and cra y-talented -year-olds I know. er ad and I love enjoying our time watching her grow. I’m also a wife to a wonderful husband and father. s a coach and gym owner with my husband, rew, I take on a motherly role to more than 00 athletes as well. eing a mother is the best job I’ve ever had, and I take pride in that daily

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Saluting All Women in Business The National Association of Women in Construction is an international nonproﬁt organization of more than 7,000 women in hundreds of chapters worldwide providing education, networking, legislative awareness, industry collaboration, community involvement, business and personal development.

From left: Lisa Pinyan, LS3P Associates; Robin Grenchik, Custom Cabinets by Williamson Millworks, Inc.; Anne Smith, Lominack Kolman Smith Architects; Kelly Gubenko, Omega Construction; April Mundy, LS3P Associates; Vickie Callaway, McGriﬀ Insurance Services, Inc.; Caitlyn Huls, R.B. Baker Construction; Felicia Lambert, Johnson-Laux Construction LLC; Laura Skellie (2020-2021 President), JE Dunn Construction; Jessica Leavitt, Alair Homes of Savannah; Rebecca Fenwick, Ethos Preservation; Ashley Scott, SDG Construction Services

nawiccoastalga.org

Past Presidents, from left: Tonya Reed, Henry Plumbing Co. and Laura Lee Bocade, Corporate Environments

Edgar’s Proof and Provision specializes in handcrafted cocktails and small bites. C OU R TESY OF EDG A R’S PROOF A N D PROVISION S

MORE TO LOVE For additional local restaurants and eateries to support, visit resources like buylocalsavannah.com, savannahchamber.com, and savannahdba.com.

SERVING SAVANNAH From casual cafes to fine dining, local restaurants are the city’s bread and butter

NOTE: As restaurants adapted to the crisis conditions of the past year, many have adjusted hours and days of operation. Calling ahead is always recommended. Our outdoor dining designation means different things to different restaurants. Some have purpose-built, outside patios that are permanent parts of their structure. Others have improvised temporarily with sidewalk space, courtyards or other measures. O Outdoor seating available

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/ W Waterfront/Waterfront views

*This is not an exhaustive list of all the eateries in Savannah and the surrounding areas.

PJ’s Thai Corner / O 147 Abercorn St. 912.201.3534 pjsthaicorner.com Ruan Thai Cuisine Savannah / O 17 W. Broughton St. 912.231.6667 On Facebook

Pie Society

ASIAN/ASIAN FUSION CO 10 Whitaker St. 912.234.5375 eatatco.com Coco & Moss / O 30 Barnard St. 912.999.8699 coconmoss.com Current Kitchen and Cocktails / O 7815 U.S. Hwy. 80 E. 912.898.2221 currentsavannah.com Flock to the Wok 37 Whitaker St. 912.239.6697 flocktothewok.com

Photograph by JASON B. JAMES

Flying Monk Noodle Bar / O 5 W. Broughton St. 912.232.8888 flywiththemonk.com Hirano’s / O 4426 Habersham St. 912.353.8337 hiranoshabersham.com Hirano’s Southside 13015 Abercorn St., D-10 912.961.0770 facebook.com/hiranosouthside Madame utter y O 110 W. Congress St. 912.999.8539 madamebutterflysavannah.com

Henny Penny Art Space and Cafe / O 1514 Bull St. 912.328.5497 hennypennycafe.com Le Cafe Gourmet / O 53 Montgomery St. 912.200.3258 lecafegourmet.com

The Vault Kitchen and Market / O 2112 Bull St. 912.201.1950 thevaultkitchen.com

The Little Crown by Pie Society / O 19 Jefferson St. 912.650.0050 thebritishpiecompany.com

YATAI ramen + yakitori / O 10 Barnard St. 912.349.1985 yataisavannah.com

Mattie Belle’s Bakery 1000 Eisenhower Drive 912.235.2813 On Facebook

BAKERIES

Pie Society / O 115 Canal St., Pooler 912.856.4785 thebritishpiecompany.com

Auspicious Baking Company 7360 Skidaway Road 912.349.3444 auspiciousbakingco.com Back In The Day Bakery 2403 Bull St. 912.495.9292 backinthedaybakery.com Check website for updated hours Baker’s Pride Bakery 840 E. DeRenne Ave. 912.355.1155 savannahbakery.com

Savannah Rum Runners Bakery and Cafe / O 324 W. Bolton St. 912.355.4177 savannahrumrunners.com Savannah Scone Company 4 Marburg Lane 912.388.0354 savannahsconecompany.com Delivery only

Big Bon Bodega / O 2011 Bull St. 912.349.4847 bigbonfamily.com

The Tybee Bakery/ Cafe Miss Korea 1204 U.S. Hwy. 80, Tybee Island 912.441.6999 facebook.com/cafemisskorea

Chef Charlotte’s Confections / O 140 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.657.2927 chefcharlottesconfections.com

Unforgettable Bakery and Cafe / O 238 Eisenhower Drive 912-355.6160 unforgettablebakery.com

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BARS Abe’s on Lincoln / O 17 Lincoln St., 912.349.0525 abesonlincoln.com Alley Cat Lounge 207 W. Broughton St. (entrance in lane) 912.631.8160 alleycatsavannah.com Artillery Bar 307 Bull St., 912.335.5200 artillerybar.com Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and Moon Deck / O W 400 W. River St. 912.373.9070 plantriverside.com The Grove / O 301 W. Congress St. 912.777.7597 thegrovesavannah.com Jen’s & Friends / O 34 Bull St., 912.238.5367 jnfsavannah.com Lone Wolf Lounge / O 2429 Lincoln St. lonewolfsav.com The Lost Square / O 412 Williamson St. 912.715.7000 thelostsquare.com McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 E. McDonough St. 912.233.6136 mcdonoughslounge.com Moodright’s 2424 Abercorn St. 912.335.7276 moodrights.com

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Peregrin / O 256 E. Perry St. 912.559.8333 peregrinsavannah.com Savoy Society 102 E. Liberty St. 912.662.6665 savoysociety.com Sea Wolf Tybee / O 106 S. Campbell Ave., Tybee Island facebook.com/seawolftybee Water Witch Tiki / O 2220 Bull St. 912.201.3164 waterwitchtiki.com The Wayward / O 257 E. Perry St. 912.559.8400 waywardsavannah.com CAFES AND DINERS Bitty & Beau’s Coffee 319 W. Congress St. 912.358.7180 bittyandbeauscoffee.com Cafe M / O 128 E. Bay St. 912.712.33422 cafemsavannah.com Clary’s Cafe / O 404 Abercorn St. 912.233.0402 claryscafe.com The Coffee Fox / O 102 W. Broughton St. 912.401.0399 thecoffeefox.com Cup to Cup Cafe 140 Abercorn St. 912.376.9173 cuptocupcoffee.com

Sea Wolf Tybee

Fork and Dagger / O 1402 Habersham St. 912.495.5859 forkanddaggersav.com Foxy Loxy Cafe / O 1919 Bull St. 912.401.0543 foxyloxycafe.com

Mirabelle Savannah / O 313 Abercorn St. 912.231.3936 mirabellesavannah.com PERC Coffee / O 1802 E. Broad St. 912.209.0025 perccoffee.com

Goose Feathers / O 39 Barnard St. 912.233.4683 goosefeatherscafe.com

Rise Southern Biscuits / O 10 W. Broughton St. 912.201.3599 risebiscuitschicken.com

Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe / O 1514 Bull St. 912.328.5497 hennypennycafe.com

The Sentient Bean / O 13 E. Park Ave. 912.232.4447 sentientbean.com Also features plant-based foods

Photograph by JASON B. JAMES

S T E V E F R E I HON

Green Truck Pub

Troupial 2605 Whitaker St., 912.441.0506 streetfoodhomeflavors.com Wright Square Cafe and Chocolatier / O 21 W. York St., 912.238.1150 wrightsquarecafe.com DELIS Brighter Day Natural Foods / O 1102 Bull St., 912.236.4703 brighterdayfoods.com coffee.deli / O 4517 Habersham St. 912.352.7818 savannahcoffeedeli.com FraLi Gourmet 217 W. Liberty St. 912.234.4644 fraligourmet.com

COU R TESY OF G REEN TRU CK PU B

@CHA R ISSE ST Y L E S

The Fat Radish

Grouchos’ Deli / O 4 Wilmington Island Road 912.200.3067 grouchos.com

423 E. River St. 912.721.1566

Midtown Deli and Bagel Shop 7805 Abercorn St., Ste. 18 912.355.8717 themidtowndeli.com

200 Tanger Outlets Blvd., Ste. 372, Pooler, 912.721.1549

Rocky’s NY Deli and Italian Catering 7360 Skidaway Road 912.354.2914 rockysofsavannah.com DESSERTS Byrd’s Famous Cookies 6710 Waters Ave. 912.355.1716 213 W. Saint Julian St. 912.721.1563

9 Mill Creek Circle, A-2, Pooler, 912.721.1560

300 W. River St., Ste. 6 912.721.1521 byrdcookiecompany.com Chocolat by Adam Turoni 323 W. Broughton St. | 912.335.2914 236 Bull St. | 912.335.2068 chocolatat.com King of Pops Retail outlets and moveable carts kingofpops.com Le Macaron 204 W. Broughton St. 912.712.5094 lemacaron-us.com

Cotton and Rye

Leopold’s Ice Cream / O 212 E. Broughton St. 912.234.4442 leopoldsicecream.com Lulu’s Chocolate Bar 42 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.480.4564 luluschocolatebar.com Mabel’s Cupcake Emporium 151 W. Bryan St. 912.341.8014 facebook.com/mabelscup cakeemporium Peaches and Creme / O 7 E. River St. 912.233.5743 River Street Sweets 13 E. River St., 912.234.4608 4515 Habersham St. 912.201.3654 riverstreetsweets.com

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Savannah Square Pops 347 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 912.999.7078 300 W. River St. 912.999.7078 savannahsquarepops.com Seaweeds 1405 Butler Ave., Tybee Island 912.786.5360 The Sugar Shack / O 301 1st St., Tybee Island 912.786.4482 tybeesugarshack.com Wicked Cakes of Savannah 38 Whitaker St. 912.298.0040 wickedcakesofsavannah.com FINE DINING 39 Rue de Jean 605 W. Oglethorpe Ave. 912.721.0595 holycityhospitality.com 1540 Room 15 E. Liberty St. 912.443.2022 thedesotosavannah.com

Baobab Lounge 500 W. River St. 912.373.9033 plantriverside.com

Noble Fare 321 Jefferson St. 912.443.3210 noblefare.com

Cha Bella / O 102 E. Broad St. 912.790.7888 cha-bella.com

The Olde Pink House 23 Abercorn St. 912.232.4286 theoldepinkhouserestaurant.com

Common Thread 122 E. 37th St. 912.944.7482 commonthreadsavannah.com

The Public Kitchen & Bar / O 1 W. Liberty St. 912.200.4045 thepublickitchen.com

Cotton and Rye 1801 Habersham St. 912.777.6286 cottonandrye.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 111 W. Bay St., 912.721.4800 ruthschris.com

Elizabeth’s on 37th 105 E. 37th St. 912.236.5547 elizabethon37th.net The Fat Radish / O 36 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 912.298.0499 thefatradish.com Garibaldi 315 W. Congress St. 912.232.7118 garibaldisavannah.com

Sundae Cafe 304 1st St., Tybee Island 912.786.7694 sundaecafe.com Vic’s on the River / O W 26 E. Bay St. 912.721.1000 vicsontheriver.com GASTROPUBS & BISTROS B. Matthew’s Eatery / O 325 E. Bay St., 912.233.1319 bmatthewseatery.com

The Grey / O 109 Martin Luther King Blvd., 912.662.5999 thegreyrestaurant.com

bar.food / O 4523 Habersham St. 912.349.6350 savannahbarfood.com

a.lure 309 W. Congress St. 912.233.2111 aluresavannah.com

Husk Savannah 12 W. Oglethorpe Ave. 912.349.2600 husksavannah.com

Churchill’s / O 13 W. Bay St. 912.232.8501 churchillsonbay.com

Alligator Soul 114 Barnard St. 912.232.7899 alligatorsoul.com

Local 11ten / O 1110 Bull St. 912.790.9000 local11ten.com

22 Square Restaurant and Bar 14 Barnard St. 912.233.2116

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Circa 1875 48 Whitaker St. 912.443.1875 circa1875.com Also features fine dining

The Collins Quarter 151 Bull St., 912.777.4147 621 Drayton St. (Forsyth Park) 912.298.6544 The Common Restaurant . Bar 118 E. Broughton St. 912.777.3742 broughtoncommon.com Crystal Beer Parlor / O 301 W. Jones St. 912.349.1000 crystalbeerparlor.com Edgar’s Proof & Provisions 15 E. Liberty St., 912.443.2000 proofsavannah.com Green Truck Neighborhood Pub / O 2430 Habersham St. 912.234.5885 greentruckpub.com Hitch 300 Drayton St. 888.873.9567 treylorpark.com Hop Atomica / O 535 E. 39th St. 912.335.2715 hopatomica.com J. Christopher’s / O 122 E. Liberty St. 912.236.7494 jchristophers.com Jazz’d Tapas Bar 52 Barnard St. 912.236.7777 jazzdtapasbar.com Little Duck Diner 150 W. Saint Julian St. 912.235.6773 littleduckdiner.com

Pakwan Indian Cuisine 7102 Abercorn St. 912.349.4261 pakwanus.com

Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana / O 2411 De Soto Ave. 912.417.3002 vittoriapizzeria.com

Persepolis Lounge and Grill 41 Whitaker St. 912.443.0414 On Facebook

Screamin’ Mimi’s / O 513 E. Oglethorpe Ave., Ste. P, 912.236.2744 screaminmimispizza.com

Yia Yia’s Kitchen and Marketplace 3113 Habersham St. 91.2.200.3796 yiayiasav.com I TA L I A N Basil’s Pizza & Deli 216 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.897.6400 orderbasilspizza.com Tequila’s Town

The Ordinary Pub 217 ½ W. Broughton St. 912.238.5130 theordinarypub.com Six Pence Pub / O 245 Bull St. 912.233.3151 sixpencepub.com Soho South Cafe 12 W. Liberty St. 912.233.1633 sohosouthcafe.com Treylor Park 115 E. Bay St. 888.873.9567 treylorpark.com

Photography by ANGELA HOPPER-LEE

INDIAN/ MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EASTERN Al Salaam Deli 2311 Habersham St. 912.447.0400 alsalaamdeli.com

Bella Napoli Italian Bistro 18 E. State St. 912.355.5555 bellanapolibistro.com Bocci’s Italian Bistro on Bull / O 1526 Bull St. 912.777.7487 On Facebook

Halal Kennedy Fried Chicken 924 Pennsylvania Ave. 912.233.8396 kennedysfriedchicken.menufy.com

Huc-a-Poo’s Bites & Booze 1213 U.S. Hwy. 80, Tybee Island 912.786.5900 On Facebook

Naan on Broughton 114 E. Broughton St. 912.349.0324 naanonbroughton.com

Kay’s Pizza 103 W. Congress St. 912.298.0201 orderkayspizza.com

Olympia Cafe / O W 5 E. River St. 912.233.3131 olympiacafe.business.site

La Scala Ristorante / O 119 E. 37th St. 912.238.3100 lascalasavannah.com

Squirrel’s Pizza / O 2218 Bull St. 912.335.7873 squirrelspizza.com Vinnie Van Go-Go’s / O 317 Bryan St. 912.233.6394 vinnievangogo.com MEXICAN/ L AT I N Bull Street Taco / O 1608 Bull St. 912.349.6931 bullstreettaco.com Cuban Window Cafe 1116 Abercorn St. 912.777.5042 On Facebook Jalapeños 8840 Abercorn St. 912.920.0704 930 Morgans Corner Road, Pooler, 912.450.1555 107 Charlotte Road 912.897.8245 226 Pooler Parkway 912.988.3017 7405 Skidaway Road 912.356.1800 7 E. Broughton St. 912.712.5125 jalapenosinc.com

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Orale Tacos 111 W. Congress St. 912.349.6012 oraletacoplus.com Pupuseria Jireh 309 Main St., Garden City 912.335.2027 pupuseriajireh.com Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant 402 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 912.292.1656 ranchoalegrecuban.com Savannah Tequila Company / W 400 W. River St. 912.373.9133 plantriverside.com TACOS + TEQUILA by Tequila’s Town / O 1611 Habersham St. 912.303.5454 tequilastown.com/tacos-plus-tequila Tequila’s Town 109 Whitaker St., 912.236.3222 7360 Skidaway Road 912.226.3307 tequilastown.com P L A N T- B A S E D Blend and Press Wellness Bar 4505 Habersham St. 912.401.2594 blendpresswellnessbar.com Edible Arrangements 10010 Abercorn St. 912.925.8742 ediblearrangements.com Fox and Fig Cafe 321 Habersham 912.297.6759 foxandfigcafe.com

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The Green Spork Cafe and Market 10747 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill 912.323.6046 greensporkcafe.wordpress.com Namaste Savannah 8 E. Broughton St. 912.298.0112 namaste-savannah.com QUICK BITES Big Bon Bodega / O 2011 Bull St. 912.349.4847 bigbonfamily.com Black Rabbit / O 1215 Barnard St. 912.200.4940 blackrabbitsav.com

GB Lobster

Brighter Day Natural Foods / O 1102 Bull St., 912.236.4703 brighterdayfoods.com

Kung Fu Tea 206 W. Broughton St. 912.388.2882 kungfutea.com

Finches Sandwiches & Sundries / O 2600 Mechanics Ave., Thunderbolt 912.509.8053 finchessandwiches.shopsettings.com

Spudnik / O 416 W. Broughton St. 912.232.1986 spudniksavannah.com

Fire Street Food 13 E. Perry St. 912.234.7776 firestreetfood.com The Grey Market / O 109 Jefferson St. 912.201.3924 thegreymkt.com Kayak Kafe 1 E. Broughton St. 912.233.6044 5002 Paulsen St. 912.349.4371

Zunzi’s / O 108 E. York St. 912.443.9555 zunzis.com

Chive Sea Bar & Lounge 4 W. Broughton St. 912.233.1748 chivelounge.com Driftaway Cafe / O 7400 Skidaway Road, Ste. D 912.303.0999 driftawaycafe.com

SEAFOOD

Erica Davis Lowcountry / O 3209 E. Victory Drive 912.544.5544 ericadavislowcountry.com

AJ’s Dockside / O W 1315 Chatham Ave., Tybee Island 912.786.9533 ajsdocksidetybee.com

GB Lobster 518 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 912.596.4148 gb-lobster.business.site

Belford’s / O 315 W. Saint Julian St. 912.233.2626 belfordssavannah.com

Lili’s Restaurant & Bar / O 326 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.235.2664 lilisrestaurantandbar.com

Photography courtesy of GB LOBSTER

Pearl’s Saltwater Grille / W La Roche Ave. 912.352.8221 On Facebook Pier 16 / O 1601 Inlet Ave.,Tybee Island 912.472.4326 On Facebook The Pirates’ House 20 E. Broad St. 912.233.5757 thepirateshouse.com River House Seafood / O W 125 W. River St. 912.234.1900 savannahriverhouse.com Shrimp Factory / W 313 E. River St. 912.236.4229 theshrimpfactory.com Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar / O 116 W. Congress St. 912.234.5397 sorrycharlies.com

Sisters of the New South

The Wyld Dock Bar

St. Neo’s Brasserie 7 Drayton St.912.662.8901 saintneos.com Sundown Lodge / O W 138 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 912.999.8129 thesundownlodge.com The Wyld Dock Bar / O W 2740 Livingston Ave. 912.692.1219 thewilddockbar.com SOUTHERN

@ THE WYLDDOCKB A R

Bowtie Barbecue / O 6724 Waters Ave. 912.354.7810 bowtiebarbecueco.com

The Cotton Exchange Tavern / O W 201 E. River St. 912.232.7088 On Facebook Geneva’s Famous Chicken and Cornbread Co. 1909 E. Victory Drive, Ste. 102, 912.235.2978 eatgenevas.com Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room / O 107 W. Jones St. 912.232.5997 mrswilkes.com Randy’s Bar-B-Q 750 Wheaton St. 912.412.2671 a d y O 8413 Ferguson Ave. 912.356.5463 1220 Barnard St. 912.335.8058 sandflybbq.com Savannah Smokehouse BBQ and Brew 16 W. State St. 912.335.1082 savannahsmokehouse.com Sisters of the New South / O 2605 Skidaway Road 912.335.2761 thesistersofthenewsouth.com Sweet Potatoes Kitchen / O 531 Stephenson Ave. 912.352.3434 sweetpotatoeskitchen.com Wiley’s Championship BBQ / O 4700 U.S. Hwy. 80 912.201.3259 wileyschampionshipbbq.com

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TA S T E SEEN S A V A N N A H

Brinsley Matthews, Paula Fogerty, Carleton Varney, Mary Lee Stevens and Courtney Hester

Savannah Antiques and Architecture’s “Preservation is Fun!” Talk Photography by PAUL MEACHUM

MARCH 13 Held at the picturesque Andrew Low House garden, guests learned about the importance of historical preservation from renowned interior designer Carleton Varney.

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SEEN

PRESERVATION IS FUN WITH CARLETON VARNEY

Beverly Reynolds

Meghan Weber and Emily Polgardi

Martha Sullivan, Cindy Howard, Beth Aldrich, Beth Johnson and Nancy Beckman

Alexis Toler and Tiffany Alewine

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Photography by PAUL MEACHUM

Candler Clays Charity Shoot

Mary and Terry Hubbard

FEB. 26–27 This annual two-day event featured a charity auction, clay-shooting competition o s er ro s o e efi ceme s in cancer care at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Curt Oelschig, Dee Pinckney, Sales Pinckney, Larry Austin

From left, Paul P. Hinchey, Vernice Rackett, Anne Bone, Michael Bone and Einar Trosdal III

Katie Rudder, Gretchen Pearce and Vernice Rackett

Ella Whitley, Gracie Whitley, June McKenzie, Lee Whitley

Photography by PAUL CAMP

2021 Korn Ferry Tour Club Car Championship MARCH 25–28

Vinny Diroff with young golfers

Photography by DR. CARY SHAPOFF

Dana Bowman

S TA N BA DZ / GE T T Y I M AG E S

Golfers and audience members alike delighted in the springtime weather, tournament and military appreciation event at The Landings.

Ellen Pitts, Elsa Lindenschmidt and Carolina Ambrose, second from right

Adam Svensson, Club Car Champion 2021

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TUNE IN AND CHILL OUT.

wrhq.com

ADVERTISER INDEX 13 Secrets Jewelry Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Arrowleaf Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Atlanta Gas Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Austin Hill Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Liza DiMarco — Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Cora Bett Thomas Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Mark N. Dye DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 National Association of Women in Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Azalealand Nursing and Rehabilitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Nephrology & Hypertension Medical Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Cora Bett Thomas Realty. . . . . . . 30

Old Savannah Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The Bluff Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Queensborough National Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Buckingham South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

River House Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

River Street Sweets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Chatham Plastic Surgery — Dr. Carl B. Pearl, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ronald McDonald House Charities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Churchill’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Sandpiper Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Circa Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Savannah Bee Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Coastal Canvas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Savannah College of Art and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22–23

Coastal Dental Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 –77 Cohen Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Flying Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Foxy Loxy Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Georgia Eye Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Georgia Historical Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Georgia Ports Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover Georgia Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Georgia Public Broadcasting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Glow Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Groucho’s Deli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Guerry Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Hannah E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 HunterMaclean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 John-Wesley Villas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Savannah Country Day School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Savannah Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Seabolt Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sound View Wealth Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 St. Joseph’s/Candler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover Staci Donegan — Seabolt Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 TC Federal Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Center for Digestive & Liver Health and The Endoscopy Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Landing’s Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 The Shrimp Factory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Upper East River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 WRHQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Latitude Margaritaville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Le Macaron French Pastries Savannah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

Levy Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover

Women in Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 –175

Livingoods Applicances and Bedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Chefs Dish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80– 82 M AY/J U N E 2 0 21

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SALTof the CITY

A SugarCoated Life Written by JESSICA LEIGH LEBOS

MOST OF US LEARN to accept the bitter parts of life, but Dixie Crystal Dickey will tell you, “It’s all been sweet.” Such a sentiment reflects an admirably amiable attitude — but the sharp-witted nonagenarian is also playing off the French expression toute de suite, which means “hurry up.” It’s a linguistic vestige of her Cajun roots: her ancestors settled in Port Wentworth to open the Dixie Crystal sugar refinery in 1916.“Everyone we knew worked there,” recalls the 92-year-old,

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whose father was one of the original mechanical engineers who built the plant. She married a nice Irish boy, William Dickey, who signed on with the company after the wedding and blended in like a spoonful of sugar. The Dickeys raised their own brood of four daughters in the village until the early 1970s, when the plant expanded to meet the growing demands of a global sweet tooth. The family settled in the Windsor Forest neighborhood, and though the

historic factory village was paved over for parking lots, the intimacy of its denizens remained. When she lost her husband at 46 to a heart attack just a few years later, Dickey allowed herself to be buoyed from her grief by the kith and kin of the refinery. “I was so lucky; I always had so much family around me,” she says, adding that the company, now part of an international conglomerate, continues to honor his pension after all these years. Family scrapbooks reveal that Dickey was born a redhead with twinkling green eyes and an easy smile. The flaming hair has long turned white, but her eyes still sparkle as she describes the following decades with joy: water-skiing off of Kings Ferry Landing in her 50s, traveling to Europe in her 60s, meeting Mother Teresa in her 70s. Although she never remarried, the selfdescribed “firebrand” enjoyed a few dates, especially if they could do the jitterbug. “Eventually, I got myself a boyfriend so he could take me dancing at Johnny Harris Restaurant,” she remembers with a smile. She’s witnessed harsher times — the Great Depression, sending off her brothers and sister to fight in World War II, the tragic explosion at the historic sugar refinery in 2008 that killed 14 — with a deep compassion for others and approaches each day with the same strategy she applies to her bridge game: “You’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt, play as smart as you can and don’t whine.” These days, she watches the sunsets from her home on Dutch Island, often surrounded by her doting daughters, all of whom live close by. Now that she’s had the COVID-19 vaccine, she also gets plenty of visits from her eight grandchildren and who-knows-how-many great-grands. “A dozen, maybe? I quit counting,” she says, laughing. She always tallies up her blessings, though. “I never thought I’d be here so long. I’ve lived through everything! All that’s left are my children.” And that, she guarantees, is the sweetest thing of all.

Photography by KATIE M C GEE

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the le xing ton collec tion

Savannah magazine May/June 2021

Articles inside

Women in Business Profiles

Preservation is Fun with Carleton Varney — a Savannah Antiques and Architecture Weekend event

A Sugar-Coated Life

All Smiles

Chef Q A: John Benhase of Common Thread

Rare Bird

Monday Flavor

Juicy Fruit

Old Savannah: The Olde Pink House

Challenge Accepted

My Savannah: Ryan McMaken

Straight Up Style

New in 912

At Home: Watermarked

Get Social

Giving Back: The Grey