Savannah Magazine - May/June 2024

RELIEVING PAIN RESTORING LIVES . .

GA

After two sleepless days and nights of debilitating abdominal pain, Gwen visited the emergency room at Candler Hospital. Dr. Emma Walker, the on-call surgeon, identified biliary dyskinesia, a disfunction of the gallbladder. Dr. Walker then scheduled a robotic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder.

The procedure was performed using the innovative da Vinci Xi robot in conjunction with indocyanine green (ICG)—a solution that allows the robot to best visualize the patient’s biliary anatomy. This complex, yet minimally-invasive surgery allowed Gwen to recover quickly so she could get back to yoga, biking and walking her beloved Prissy.

“St. Joseph’s/Candler provides me with the team and technology I need to provide the best outcomes for my patients. We’ve relieved Gwen of her acute pain and she feels fabulous again!” – Dr. Walker

“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER”

– Dr. Emma Walker, D.O. – General Surgeon, SouthCoast

Gwen Sparger - Savannah,

52

EMILY MCCARTHY’S NEXT ERA

From a small stationery endeavor to a glistening new storefront on Victory Drive, Emily McCarthy + Company continues to reinvent and inspire.

Written by Nicole Letts

Photography by Kelli Boyd Photography

61 SUMMERTIME POOL DAZE

Float from a pool day to cocktail hour or the pickleball court with the season’s hottest essentials.

Styled by Sara Spicer

Photography by Peter Colin Murray

68 DIVING DEEPER

A decade after launching LAKE, co-founders and friends Anne Read Lattimore and Cassandra Cannon continue to find inspiration in their Savannah homes.

Written by Margaret Daniel

Photography by Kelli Boyd Photography

91 BON APPÉTIT

Meet Annie Coleman, the executive chef helming a female-led team at Flora and Fauna, the newest concept from FARM Hospitality Group. Plus: her recipes for strawberry shortcake crème brûlée with madeleines.

Written by Lia Picard

Photography by Michael Schalk

102 MIDNIGHT’S CURTAIN CALL

Three decades after John Berendt’s book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” swept the nation, a team of world-class talent is finally reimagining the story as a musical with Broadway aspirations.

Written by Colleen Ann McNally

113 THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE CLICKBAIT

Local beauty experts share tips for navigating skincare trends in the era of social media.

Written by Allison Sanders

ON THE COVER

Fashion designer Emily McCarthy stands inside her company’s new headquarters, warehouse, retail shop and bubbly bar — set to open this summer.

Photograph by Kelli Boyd Photography

MICHAEL SCHALK

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Editor’s Letter

BUZZ

23 New in 912

With the Flow 30 May/June Calendar

37 Old Savannah: Maximum Effort

STYLE

45 My Savannah: Erika Snayd

52 Emily McCarthy’s Next Era

61 Summertime Pool Daze

68 At Home: Diving Deeper

TASTE

85 Coffee Klatch

91 Chef Q&A: Annie Coleman 94 Savoring Tradition

FEATURE

102 Midnight’s Curtain Call BE WELL

113 The Good, the Bad and the Clickbait

SEEN

201 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade

203 Flannery O’Connor’s Birthday & Local Author Day

204 United Way Women Who Rule Luncheon

205 Catie’s Gathering to Cure Childhood Cancer

206 GSU Parker College of Business Gala; Telfair Ball THE AFTERWORD

208 Whatever Floats Your Boat SPECIAL

118 Women in Business 192 Savannah Area REALTORS® Annual Awards

BEFORE I MOVED TO SAVANNAH a few summers ago, I recall my real estate agent Mary Ann Sinclair raving to me about Emily McCarthy Shoppe as one of her favorite local places to find gifts. When I first entered the colorful boutique on Abercorn Street, it was easy to see the attraction. Although I hadn’t visited before, the store felt familiar, which made more sense when I realized its namesake owner started her career at Swoozie’s.

Growing up in Atlanta, Swoozie’s was an essential stop for invitations and inspiration before hosting parties, showers or other special occasions. I still remember ordering custom stationery there as a teen and the sense of agency it gave me to have my name embossed on pretty paper.

McCarthy’s brand, however, has evolved well beyond party supplies and paper goods. As a fashion designer, she creates wearable art and while she is 15 years into the business, in some ways she is just getting started. This summer, her company moves into a multimillion-dollar headquarters on Victory Drive, including a larger office, retail space, bubbly bar and warehouse to keep up with the growing demand for her styles via wholesale and e-commerce.

The best part? As she grows, she brings others along for the party — both her expanding team of employees as well as her 70,000-plus followers on Instagram. And while plenty of Savannahians already recognize her — whether from her store, from philanthropic events, walking with her family in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, cheering on her kids at sporting events or elsewhere — the

company’s expansions means that soon, more people can be included in her bright and bold world (“Emily McCarthy’s Next Era,” page 52). Highlighting Savannah’s penchant for memorable parties is also a driving force behind the long-awaited musical adaptation of John Berendt’s 1994 nonfiction book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Decades in the making, the show finally takes the stage at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre this June (“Midnight’s Curtain Call,” page 102). Ellen Bolch is one of the influential locals who helped the world-class producers and creative talent in their research and preparation for the premiere. In fact, she hosted a cocktail party at her home overlooking the Vernon River and invited her friends with the most pronounced Southern drawls to enthrall them and attempt to teach them “that Southern dialogue.” And while the jury is still out if the show will continue on to Broadway, if the production is even a smidgen as successful as “The Book,” as I fully anticipate it will be, we will see Lady Chablis sparkle in New York and beyond.

From McCarthy to Bolch to Chablis, this issue’s pages are packed with hundreds of real, local women who are leading Savannah’s culture, commerce, and creative communities. Step inside the homes of LAKE co-founders, Cassandra Cannon and Anne Read Lattimore, where they find inspiration for the apparel brand known for its luxe pajamas (“Diving Deeper,” page 68). Raise a mug to the mom-daughter duo behind Gallery Espresso’s 30 years of caffeinating regulars, artists and celebrities alike (“Coffee Klatch,” page 85). Get a taste of the newly debuted Flora and Fauna from chef Annie Coleman (“Bon Appétit,” page 91), and treasured family recipes from Donna Eichholz’s new book honoring her mother, Judy Byck (“Savoring Tradition,” page 94).

As always, telling these stories is my dream job come true. I couldn’t do this work I love so much without the small but mighty team of women at Savannah magazine — get to know them on page 148 — and all the incredible women in our community who support us.

This one’s for you!

Colleen Ann McNally Editor

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990

Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine.

To subscribe and save 80% off the newsstand price, go to savannahmagazine.com or call 800.453.1049.

For address changes and other concerns, contact savannahmag @emailcustomerservice.com. Send pitches, ideas and feedback to colleen.mcnally@savannah magazine.com.

To advertise, download our media kit at savannahmagazine.com, email jane.townsend@savannah magazine.com or call 912.652.0294.

6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202 Savannah, Georgia 31405; savannahmagazine.com

CORRECTION

In “Irish Blessings” in the March/April 2024 issue, the Stricklands own River Street Sweets, The Shrimp Factory, River House Seafood, The Warehouse Bar & Grill, Lizzy’s Burger Bar & Grill and Churchill’s British Pub.

Pam Liebman, Stephanie Anton, Stephanie Wilson-Evans, Holley Powelll, Danyell Wright, Alana Dykes, Dee Daniels, Andrea Kennedy, Debbi Lloyd, Anna Young, Beverly Poindexter, Brandi Lane, Corinne Brown, Hannah Walker, Jennifer Crumpton, Karen Beasley, Lauree Morris, Lucy Wi, Melissa Hall Rowan, Pam Miller, Ridley Stallings, Shannee Theus, Shay Healy, Tiffany Burckhalter-Alewine

MEDICAL & COSMETIC PROCEDURES

DROOPING EYELIDS AND BROWS | FRACTURES AROUND THE EYE | BLOCKED TEAR DUCTS TUMORS OF THE EYELIDS | COSMETIC EYELID SURGERY | COSMETIC/MEDICAL BOTOX

Thomas Kandl, MD

Dr. Thomas Kandl is a board certified ophthalmologist specializing

Get ocial

These stories from our March/April 2024 issue ranked among our readers’ favorites on Instagram and Facebook. Follow @savannahmagazine to stay connected.

“Chefs off the Clock” Local chefs dish on where they eat and drink on their days off.

Written by Caroline Hatchett

“Irish Blessings”

A new pub in City Market strengthens Savannah’s centuries-old connection to Ireland’s County Wexford.

Written by Colleen Ann McNally

“Behind the Bardo” The revamped urban resort on Forsyth Park beckons as equal parts social club and stylish stay.

Written by Allison Stice

PUBLISHER Anita Hagin

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

EDITOR Colleen Ann McNally

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melanie Schmermund

DIGITAL EDITOR Andrea Burg

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Andrea Goto

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Andrea Burg & Britt Scott

ADVERTISING

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Jane Townsend

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jill Strauss & Lane Pelliccione

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Corinne Karmiel & Kasey Huggins

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Holly Todd

EXECUTIVE

PRESIDENT Tina Battock

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & OPERATIONS Scott Ferguson

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION Sherry Brown

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Veronica Brooks

CIRCULATION BUSINESS MANAGER Michelle Rowe

MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS

CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III

CEO Craig S. Mitchell

Established May 1, 1990

Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine.

Subscribe: 800.453.1049

Address changes: savannahmag@emailcustomerservice.com

Advertise: 912.652.0294

A publication of Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Savannah magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, GA 31405. Copyright 1990-2024 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June, October and December for $19.95 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, Georgia 31405. Periodical postage paid at Savannah, Georgia, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah magazine, P.O. Box 37131, Boone, IA 50037-2131

CONTRIBUTORS

Josephine Johnson Writer

“Coffee Klatch,” page 85

JOSEPHINE JOHNSON is a freelance writer and traveling musician. She contributes regularly to Savannah Morning News and performs in a loop of resorts, wine bars, restaurants and vineyards from Savannah to North Georgia. Josephine has a master’s degree in English from Cal Poly Humboldt in Northern California.

Nicole Letts

Writer

“Emily McCarthy’s Next Era,” page 52

NICOLE LETTS is an Atlanta-based freelance journalist. Her work has been published

by top publications, including AAA Explorer, Architectural Digest, BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Garden & Gun, Good Grit, Southern Living and many more. She is also the author of the new book, “Unique Eats and Eateries of Alabama.”

Britt Scott Designer

“Emily McCarthy’s Next Era,” page 52

“Summertime Pool Daze,” page 61

“Diving Deeper,” page 68

“Midnight’s Curtain Call,” page 102

BRITT SCOTT is a freelance art director and graphic designer who calls Savannah home. After graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, she jumped head first into the local editorial world. Formerly the art director of Savannah magazine, Britt has also worked for Connect Savannah, Skirt! magazine and South Magazine.

Lia Picard Writer

“Bon Appétit,” page 91 LIA PICARD is an Atlantabased lifestyle journalist. She writes about all the fun things in life, including food, travel, interior design and interesting people. Her work appears in The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Atlanta magazine. You can follow her adventures on Instagram at @helloitsliapicard.

Mike Schalk Photographer

“Walking on Sunshine,” page 45

“Coffee Klatch,” page 85

“Bon Appétit,” page 91

MIKE SCHALK, born and raised in Coral

Springs, Florida, now calls Savannah home. This city is where he met his wife and cultivated his career. He loves it so. Photography has been a part of his life since the early 2000s when he would borrow his mom’s camera to make skateboarding videos. Fifteen years later, he has found his stride in the commercial and lifestyle space.

Margaret Daniel Writer

“Diving Deeper,” page 68 AFTER GRADUATING from Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in interior design, Margaret honed her skills with luminary decorators Miles Redd and David Kaihoi in New York City. In 2021, she opened Margaret Daniel, LLC, an interior design and content creation studio. She serves as Guest Editor of Savannah HOMES magazine, and her writing has been featured in Augusta magazine, WebMD and Vinepair.

Provider Spotlights

Jonathan Kandiah, MD

Advanced Gastroenterologist

Interventional Endoscopy Procedures

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

Hemorrhoid Banding

Daniel K. Mullady, MD

Advanced Gastroenterologist

Interventional Endoscopy Procedures

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

Innovation in Practice

At The Center for Digestive & Liver Health, we believe in making healthcare truly convenient and effective for you. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s woven into everything we do. Your health, your convenience, your peace of mind. We’re here to transform healthcare into an experience that empowers you. Welcome to a new era in health and well-being.

Modern Connectivity

Pioneering Technology Time and Money Savings

Health Partners

CONTRIBUTORS

Allison Sanders Writer

“The Good, the Bad and the Clickbait,” page 113

ALLISON SANDERS is a freelance writer and editor in the areas of health and wellness, food and wine, and nonprofit communications. Raised in Northern California and schooled in New England, Allison found home when she moved to Savannah four years ago with her husband and two daughters.

Kelli Boyd Photographer

“Emily McCarthy’s Next Era,” page 52

“Diving Deeper,” page 68 THROUGH YEARS of

experience in the world of marketing and design coupled with a welltraveled mind and heart, the language of Kelli Boyd’s work embodies a unique approach to visual storytelling. Her bespoke sense of style speaks to those seeking an intuitive, creative and unforgettable embodiment of the moment. Her passion for cultivating and sharing an authentic connection through her photographs expresses itself naturally in a style that is joyful, distinctive and artful.

Sara Spicer Stylist

“Summertime Pool Daze,” page 61

SARA SPICER is a freelance fashion and stills stylist and designer based on the East Coast. She graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2015 and had the initiative to get back up to Philadelphia where she had completed a summer internship at Urban Outfitters’ home office.

After interning, she grew her freelance connections in Philadelphia to include Urban Outfitters, David’s Bridal, Anthropologie and Free People. Sara now works full time at SCAD as an exhibitions marketing and communications manager, while also taking freelance styling jobs in her off time.

Andrea Goto Writer and Contributing Editor

“Whatever Floats Your Boat,” page 208

ANDREA GOTO grew up in the Pacific Northwest before “temporarily” moving to Savannah with her husband. Twenty-five years, one daughter and a handful of rescue animals later, she has no plans to leave the Southeast — or the sun. Andrea teaches writing at Savannah College of Art and Design and is a freelance health and lifestyle writer. She’s always up for a writing adventure — whether tagging sharks or testing

out cosmetic procedures — and good conversation, the most memorable being those with the late Julia Reed and Sonny Seiler.

Brienne Walsh Writer

“ With the Flow,” page 26 BRIENNE WALSH is a New Yorker who moved to Savannah three years ago with her family — and never wants to move again. A writer, photographer and art critic who has contributed to The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Interview, Art in America and Real Simple , among many other publications, Brienne currently teaches a class on art criticism at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Katelyn & Holly:

SAVANNAH’S FAVORITE HYGIENISTS

BUZZ

New in 912

Stock up on summer’s must-have accessory at the new Mess Hall Truck Shop in City Market. From the creative minds behind Mamie Ruth and East + Up, this interactive, cafeteria-themed, trucker hat making experience serves up a large helping of retro camp style. There’s no food in this mess hall, but rather a buffet of colorful patches and pins to mix and match — creating a personal and one-of-a-kind accessory to wear to the beach, on a boat or at summer music festivals. Stop in Wednesday through Sunday or book a private party with pals.

After much anticipation and building a fan following while serving treats around town at Late Air, Provisions Wine & Groceries and the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Sixby (220 E. 40th St.) is set to open its doors in May. Touted as a “little neighborhood cafe” from Natasha Gaskill, Matthew Palmer Lee and Daniel Ray, the debut is sure to be a big hit. … Two new concepts are now open at Starland Yard. Head to Uncle June’s (2411 DeSoto Ave.) for fresh takes on familiar favorites, like the pork belly BLT and the funky Caesar salad, or chow down on hand-rolled flautas made from fresh tortillas, conchas and more at Nixtate (2411 De Soto Ave.) … Life on Whitemarsh Island just got sweeter. Longtime downtown destination Lulu’s Chocolate Bar added a second location (4700 U.S. Hwy. 80 E.), with its same beloved menu of desserts and martinis. Meanwhile, Sandfly staple Auspicious Baking Company announced its expansion in the former location of Paula Deen’s Creek House (104 Bryan Woods Road) and is targeting a fall opening. … The Waters Avenue corridor continues to see new investment from a variety of business, including a larger home for the bridal boutique, wedding planners and florists of Ivory & Beau (1010 E. Victory Drive, Unit D), houseplant shop Cast & Grey Botanical

Mess Hall Truck Shop

(2411 Waters Ave.), and the forthcoming neighborhood grocer, Goodfortune Market (2413 Waters Ave.).

Led by lifelong service industry professional Becca Goossen, the latter is on a mission to bring fresh foods to the surrounding community with support from Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. … After meeting while working at The Restoration Hotel in Charleston, husband-and-wife team Robert and Breana DeLeo are bringing modern Italian dining to Old Town Bluffton at Joelle (132 Bluffton Road, Suite 100). Inspired by the couple’s Italian American background, the restaurant and bar is helmed by executive chef Brandon Torre (formerly of the Colleton River Club), with a menu of housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza and coastal, seasonal fare. … The full-service Woodhouse Day Spa has arrived at Eastern Wharf (301 Passage Way, Suite A-102). Serene services include massage therapies, facial rejuvenation, whole-body treatments, sleep therapies, expert manicures, pedicures and waxing. … In City Market, Wexford Irish Pub (27 Barnard St.) plans to begin pouring pints in June. A new concept from River Street Restaurant Group, the pub honors Savannah’s historic connection to Ireland’s County Wexford with noteworthy artifacts and its authentically sourced design. … In case you missed it, there is a new spot to stock up on Key Lime Coolers and Scotch Oatmeal Cookies. Family-owned Byrd’s Famous Cookies (102 E. Broughton St.) recently opened its 25th retail store, complete with a cookie bar, complimentary Byrd Cookie Company samples and their signature bakery bags, gifts and collectible cookie tins. … Founded by mother-andson team Rebecca and Adam Wyatt, Artstryngs Gallery & Studio and Suntone Recording Studio (530 E. Liberty St.) have formed an inspiring and collaborative environment for artists, musicians and creatives to work, teach, practice and display their crafts. Various studio spaces are available to rent in 3-hour blocks, while the 960-square-foot gallery space can be reserved for special events. … The Bunny Hive (1506 Bull St.) has landed in Savannah. Designed for children and adults alike to learn, play and mingle, the social hub hosts classes and small group activities through membership packages or single sessions, plus offers a picture-perfect space for birthday parties, baby showers and other special occasions.

All Booked Up

In need of a new summer read? Try one of these titles by local authors.

Three-time finalist for the Southern Book Prize and the 2021 Georgia Author of the Year, Taylor Brown, is back with a new novel. Launching May 14, “Rednecks” offers readers a new perspective on the meaning of the word through a dramatized recount of the West Virginia Mine Wars in the 1920s, including the largest armed conflict on American soil since the Civil War and the largest labor uprising in American history.

Viggy Parr Hampton traces her affinity for horror back to a chilling experience as a teenager on a Savannah ghost tour. Now, she shares her penchant for spooky thrills in her debut, self-published novel, “A Cold Night for Alligators.” The fictional book includes many real local landmarks, such as The DeSoto Savannah and St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital.

Acclaimed Atlanta chef and James Beard Award–winning author Todd Richards partnered with Savannah-based writer Amy Paige Condon for “Roots Heart Soul: The Story, Celebration, and Recipes of Afro Cuisine in America” — a collection of more than 100 recipes exploring the West African diaspora cooking in the Americas, from the mouthwatering Haitian oxtail with beef broth and pikliz, to Chicago-Style Beach Spaghetti to peach cobbler with butter pecan ice cream and more.

Private chef, author and culinary personality Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser dishes on the past and present of Savannah’s evolving food scene in “Unique Eats and Eateries of Savannah,” published by Reedy Press. To celebrate the release, Lingenfelser is hosting a series of book signing events in May and June at local restaurants, including Erica Davis Lowcountry, Ardsley Station and Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons. For dates and times, visit rebekahlingenfelser.com.

The Bunny Hive Joelle

The word “fiduciary” goes to the heart of what we do and how we do it. We are a team of highly skilled professionals with deep expertise in the fields of finance, business, accounting, and law. We have passion for what we do and discipline in how we do it. Our allegiance flows in one direction: to the needs and best interests of each client. It’s in our name and it’s what we do.

with the flow

With a new

home studio

and an impressive

exhibit on view at Laney Contemporary, artist Katherine Sandoz keeps moving forward

Written by BRIENNE WALSH

LEARNING IS INTEGRAL to making art for Katherine Sandoz. She picks a subject every year and then she learns whatever she can about it — past subjects have included Hawaii, magnolia trees and katniss plants, for example. She talks to scientists, artists, students in divinity school and even quantum physicists. She reads books on ecology, biology, visual culture and foundational texts from world religions. When she has studied enough, she paints.

For “water ways,” an exhibition on view at Laney Contemporary through June 1, Sandoz chose the lotus, a flower that grows in mud but due to its superhydrophobic nature, blossoms pure white even in swamps. The exhibition includes 44 works on canvas and more than 20 sculptures whose components were appropriated from “Katniss,” a mobile sculpture made of colorful acrylic pieces that hung in the lobby of the Jepson Center in 2019, all of which are inspired by the lotus. The show fills both the upstairs and downstairs galleries of the unique brutalist building in which Laney Contemporary is located.

In creating the works, Sandoz was especially inspired by the “Lotus

“We are constantly rede ning exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology.

“We are constantly rede ning exceptional dentistry with the latest

Truly state-of-the-art!”

Truly state-of-the-art!”

- Mark N. Dye, DMD

- Mark N. Dye, DMD

“We are constantly redefining exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology.

Truly state-of-the-art!”

- Mark N. Dye, DMD

Sutra,” a Buddhist scripture that offers a path toward enlightenment. In the exhibition, Sandoz imagines that her lotuses become actors in the great drama that is the universe, as do all beings. “The lotus is a mirror of so many of our musings,” says Sandoz. In the paintings, the form of the lotus unfolds in layers of colorful acrylic paint.

The lotus, while inherently beautiful, does not need beautiful circumstances to thrive. In Georgia, Sandoz says, you are more likely to find a lotus plant in a watery ditch beside a gas station than you are in a cultivated garden. In fact, to draw studies for the show at Laney, Sandoz often drove to a mile marker sent to her by a friend, where she would find a lotus pond blossoming alongside an asphalt highway.

In a mirrored room on the top floor of the gallery, Sandoz’s lotus sculptures are grouped together on pedestals, seemingly floating like they would be in nature. Reflected in the ceiling and walls, and awash in sunlight during the day, the colorful sculptures morph and flood the senses, just like the sky does on a day full of changing weather. When combined with the paintings hanging

LEFT: “The Tower” BELOW: “The High Priestess”

throughout the space, all of which are made with water-washed acrylic paints that mimic the watery conditions the plant needs to thrive, Sandoz’s lotuses embody Wassily Kandinsky’s quote: “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” The exhibition, in turn, can be seen as an exploration of the path to nirvana.

It’s been a busy few years for Sandoz. Concurrent to the exhibition at Laney, a site-specific exhibition of Sandoz’s work will appear this summer in the Thompson Hotel at Eastern Wharf. Sandoz also recently built a new, larger art studio behind her Vernonburg home and began a collaboration with fellow artist Ashley Woodson Bailey that includes sweatshirts printed with her iconic water-infused compositions.

The lotus is the leading lady in her most recent body of work, but Sandoz always returns to the salt marshes of Georgia for her core inspiration. In the same way that the tides rise and fall every day near her home and studio, Sandoz paints. “I know that I paint so that I can learn and I’m learning to paint,” she says. “They are both rising and falling in that same tidal way.”

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MAY

MAY 3

Grab your sunscreen; it’s time for the Savannah College of Art and Design Sand Arts Festival on Tybee Island, where SCAD students and alumni compete to wow spectators and judges with their sand savvy and vie for awards.

MAY 4

Head to Bethesda Academy between 8:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the 46th Savannah Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, a grand celebration of Scottish culture, featuring music, dancing, athletic competitions, children’s activities, food, sheep herding and falconry.

Take in the Kentucky Derby via livestream at Savannah’s Premier Derby Party, benefiting Park Place Outreach. Enjoy live music, classic Derby cuisine, cocktails and a silent auction and raffle from 4-7 p.m. at The Olde Pink House.

Join the Relay for Life Carnival for a Cure event 3-10 p.m. at Daffin Park and help raise funds for the American Cancer Society to benefit cancer research and patients.

MAY 8

Join the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia in honoring the past, present, and future of Girl Scouts in Savannah at their Legacy of Leadership event at the Hyatt Regency Savannah.

MAY 8-9

Don your best kicks for Wine, Women & Shoes at Kehoe Iron Works, where you’ll enjoy wine tastings, a fashion show, raffles and more, all benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire.

MAY 9

Senior Citizens, Inc. will host its “Legends, Leaders and Life Well Lived” Award Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at The Palmetto Club at The Landings. The event, presented by Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, honors people 70 years and older who have made a significant contribution in our community.

MAY 12

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures.

MAY 16

TEDxSavannah will showcase thought-provoking talks and thrilling live performances at the Fine Arts Auditorium at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus from noon-5 p.m.

MAY 17

Bring your lawn chair or a blanket to Eastern Wharf’s Riverfront Concert Series between 6-9 p.m. for food trucks and a free outdoor performance by Talking Heads tribute band, Same As It Ever Was.

MAY 18

The area’s dancing pros and amateurs converge at the Savannah Convention Center beginning at 6 p.m. for Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia , a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association.

MAY 22-23

Celebrate National Maritime Day at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum by experiencing Celestial Seafarers, a multi-artist, nautical collaboration evoking the light and sounds of a nighttime voyage. Participating artists include Greg Finger, Marcus Kenney, Kevin Kirkwood, Will Penny, Abby Portner, Todd Schroeder and more.

MAY 27

It’s Memorial Day — and the unofficial start to summer.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Find more can’t-miss events in our weekly email newsletter. Scan to sign up now.

ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Savannah’s Premier Derby Party

JUNE 1

Comedian and “Saturday Night Live” alum David Spade performs at Johnny Mercer Theatre for one night only as part of his “Catch Me Inside” tour.

JUNE 6

Singer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist

Ben Folds brings his alternative rock/power pop to Plant Riverside District’s District Live.

JUNE 7-9

The Dog Days Presents music festival is back with 30-plus bands across seven venues.

JUNE 14-17

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JUNE

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Commemorate a pivotal point in LGBTQIA+ history and the opening of the First City Pride Center at the Stonewall Block Party Highlights include free HIV testing, vaccinations, panel discussions, gender affirming haircuts, entertainment and art advocacy projects.

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OLD SAVANNAH

Maximum Effort

A multimillion dollar expansion at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force prepares for take o

Written by AUSTIN FREEMAN

ELEVEN MILES OUTSIDE OF SAVANNAH , the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is seeing an uptick in visitors, both in person and on the website.

“It has definitely been busier,” says Heather Thies, the museum’s director of education and volunteers. “We are getting a lot more questions asking if we have any information on family members who served, and we’ve seen a lot more artifact donations.”

Since opening in May 1996, the 90,000-square-foot museum has been on a mission to preserve the stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the

men and women of the Eighth Air Force — also known as the “Mighty Eighth” — which activated in Savannah in 1942 and played a critical role in World War II.

The recent rise in interest is thanks largely in part to the popular new television series “Masters of the Air,” streaming on AppleTV+ and starring Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan. Created by Steven Speilberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman — the producers of “Band of Brothers’’ — the show is based on the book by historian Donald L. Miller and recounts the riveting history of the young men who flew the bombers that helped defeat the Nazis and liberate Europe.

More than Airplanes

This surge of curiosity could not have come at a better time as the museum recently surpassed its $12 million capital campaign, titled “Maximum Effort,” to fund enhancements and a 20,000-squarefoot expansion. The addition will allow more stories to be told — making the museum’s vast collection more accessible to the public, advancing its mission, and ensuring its continuation for generations to come.

“A lot of people think that we are an airplane museum, but we are a museum that has planes,” adds Dawn Brosnan, director of communications and marketing. “They are a focal point for sure, especially our B-17, but we are about the stories of the Eighth Air Force, the Airmen. We tell their stories.”

In February 2024, the museum broke ground on the expansion, which promises to include state-of-the-art exhibition and gallery spaces that have been specifically designed to accommodate a B-24 bomber, along with rotating educational programs that will ensure there is always something new and exciting for visitors to explore.

“We want to become more of a place that you keep coming back to,” says Brosnan. “Even now, it takes you a few hours to go through all the exhibits, and you’re not even going to hit everything.”

“A lot of people think that we are an airplane museum, but we are a museum that has planes. They are a focal point for sure, especially our B-17, but we are about the stories of the Eighth Air Force, the Airmen. We tell their stories.”

— Dawn Brosnan, director of communications and marketing for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

A rendering of planned gallery spaces

When the expansion completes in late 2025, the existing museum will also be redesigned to further contextualize artifacts and better immerse visitors in the stories of the Eighth Airmen. “From interactive displays and multimedia presentations to engaging storytelling, every element has been carefully curated to evoke a sense of awe and admiration for these brave individuals who served their country,” says Brosnan.

Sign of Bravery

The local history of the Eighth traces back to January 1942, when the United States Army Air Corps formed the Eighth Air Force. A historical marker in front of the American Legion Post 135 on Bull Street, which was then a National Guard Armory, honors where it all started.

Quickly after forming in Savannah, the Eighth was moved to bases across East Anglia, England, and tasked with the strategic daylight bombing of Nazi infrastructure. As the threat of Hitler and the Nazis grew, the Eighth would eventually consist of more than 350,000 Americans. Throughout the war, the Eighth became the largest air armada in the world, capable of sending more than 2,000 heavy bombers and over 1,000 fighter planes on a single mission.

“They would attack oil refineries, factories, railways and the airfields of Nazi Germany,” says Thies, “basically anything essential that would create and build the materials necessary to fight in the war.” Eventually, their mission would include directly targeting the German Air

Force itself, the Luftwaffe. Thies explains that because of the Eighth’s success, “the skies would be clear of the German Air Force on D-Day.”

A Lasting Legacy

This victory, however, did not happen without significant losses. In October 1943, nearly one out of four Eighth Air Force crew members could expect to be shot down before completing their tour of duty: 25 combat missions. By the end of the war, the Eighth would suffer over 26,000 casualties, more than that of the entire U.S. Marine Corps.

Because “there are no battlefields in the sky” — one of Brosnan’s favorite sayings around the museum — it is up to the museum to educate visitors about the character, courage, valor and patriotism of the brave members of the Eighth and those who fought and lost their lives in combat, some of whom were in their early 20s.

“I think it is important for visitors to leave remembering that these are people just like us who got thrown into extraordinary, scary circumstances, and it completely changed everything,” says Thies. “The whole world was different afterward.”

A rendering of the planned expansion of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

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American gold nches are easy to see with their bright yellow colors. Strict vegetarians, gold nches select an entirely vegetable diet, preferring to eat nyjer and sun ower seeds. Within the world of native plants, gold nches love milkweed and thistle — even using the brous seeds as part of their nests and feeding their young.

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PROFESSIONAL STAFF (Not pictured)

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MY SAVANNAH

ERIKA SNAYD

Walking on Sunshine

As the co-owner of Rethink Studio, Asher + Rye and the recently acquired American Rhino, there is never a dull moment for this design powerhouse

Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY // Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

ERIKA SNAYD RISES WITH THE SUN. “I like the shades open to wake up to natural light,” she says.

The beep and aroma coming from her preset coffee maker is often her alarm. She froths her oat milk so its warm and creamy, greets her dog, Asher, and makes breakfast for her son, Rye (11), before setting off for a run — earbuds tuned into one of her favorite podcasts.

For those who know Snayd from her charming shop and cafe on the corner of Whitaker and Jones streets, none of these details should come as a surprise. Named after her dog and son, respectively, Asher + Rye is a feast for the senses — every scent, sound and product is intentionally selected, from the handcrafted goods on the shelves to the locally made provisions behind the counter.

Global Reach

Still, even A+R regulars may be surprised to learn that it’s just one of the businesses that Erika leads alongside her husband, Joel. In 2005, the pair founded Rethink Studio, a full-service interior design, decorating and construction management firm for commercial and residential spaces, including clients such as Local 11ten and Mirabelle Cafe.

“It is important to note how incredible my husband is. His talent is beyond, as is his integrity and work ethic,” Erika says. “I have never met someone with such ability to see the big picture but also the most granular of details.”

Speaking of big pictures, the Snayds recently announced their latest venture,

On their acquisition of American Rhino ...

“The brand is special to us because it has a purpose and story. Proceeds from each sale go to a foundation to help save the rhinos in Kenya.”

— Erika Snayd

Erika catches up with friends Ebru Caglayan and Valarie White on the patio at Asher + Rye.

American Rhino — an apparel and accessories company they have carried at A+R for years. “The brand is special to us because it has a purpose and story,”

Erika says of the serendipitous acquisition after the previous owner approached the Snayds with the opportunity. “Proceeds from each sale go to a foundation to help save the rhinos in Kenya.”

This year, the foundation is tagging up to 20 rhinos with chips so they can be heat-mapped and watched to keep poachers away. The Snayds will not only sit on the board of the foundation to continue its existing work in Kenya — where the manufacturing plant and employees are located — but they also plan to extend the brand to include more products, including home decor.

Work Perks

Once she is caffeinated and Rye is off to school, Erika’s mornings can be a mix of catching up on emails or writing project proposals from home. A couple of days each week, she joins a training session with CustomFit .

From there, Erika fills much of her days with client meetings, reviewing anything from design plans and layouts to materials and furniture to budgets. She splits her time between A+R and the Rethink office, located in the West Broad neighborhood near fellow design luminaries like Weezie and Courtyard by Chuck Chewning.

To fuel her days, she brings healthy snacks like grilled chicken, vegetables and almonds to keep her going — plus some chocolate sea salt caramels as a midday pick-me-up. “I like to have an afternoon coffee at A+R, whether I’m taking it to go or meeting with my friends,” she adds.

Joel and Erika in the Courtyard at Hotel Bardo

Playing Overtime

Dinners are happening later in the day now that Rye keeps their calendars filled with multiple sports practices and games.

If Erika and Joel aren’t cheering in the stands, they may grab a quick bite at Ben’s Neighborhood Grill or chill out with a mojito (vodka instead of rum for Erika) at Hotel Bardo, where they are inaugural members of Club Bardo.

When the calendar is clear and they are staying in, odds are they are ordering takeout. PJ’s Thai Corner is their go-to. To unwind in the evening, Erika enjoys what she calls her “most guilty pleasure” — watching a NBA basketball game with her son. “It allows me to be present in the excitement of the game. Basketball is fastpaced, and my son knows every stat, so I love talking

players and trades,” she says. “Add some popcorn, and I am in heaven.”

Moving Forward

On Saturday, Erika slows her pace — slightly — walking instead of running, and trades a podcast (Marie Forleo, Andrew Huberman and “Smartless” are a few of her favorites) for a phone call with her best friend from college. She laces up a pair of American Rhino sneakers and heads out to the basketball courts at Forsyth Park with the family — and Asher in tow, of course.

Looking ahead, the Snayds are planning their first visit to Kenya. Beyond that, it’s hard to say what else — whether for business, adventure or otherwise — might be afoot this year. One thing for certain: they aren’t standing still.

Erika and Asher in Forsyth Park

“It’s really about creating an environment for people to come together, share memories, learn things and spend time together.”

— EMILY MCCARTHY

EMILY MCCARTHY’S EPONYMOUS LIFESTYLE and clothing brand all started — like many things do — with a passion.

A graphic designer by trade and a Southerner by birth, McCarthy’s first love was creating stationery. Following graduation from LaGrange College, she landed a job at Swoozie’s, an Atlanta-based paper, gift and lifestyle company, and became immersed in merchandise design.

After marrying her husband, Patrick, and moving to Savannah, she developed the confidence to give the industry a go on her own. “To this day, my husband still says he was scared about that choice,” says McCarthy.

When she founded her business in 2009, she focused on custom client work before eventually launching an online retail shop which has grown from her home office to an 8-year brickand-mortar stint on Abercorn Street and selling wholesale to nearly 400 retail locations around the country. In 2023 alone, the company produced over 400 original styles and sold more than 67,600 pieces, including the top-selling Poppy shirt. Named for McCarthy’s father, the signature style has sold more than 23,200 pieces alone in the brand’s history. And this June, McCarthy moves into her sparkling new, renovated, 14,000-square-foot headquarters on Victory Drive.

“She works with every employee. She’ll clean, take out the trash and help with our oor sets. Her work ethic is something I’ve always admired about her.”

—SUSANNAH DOWNER, Shoppe Manager

THE MORE, THE MERRIER

While the brand carries her name, McCarthy has built a dedicated and loyal team of 25 employees and counting who, in turn, help carry the load.

McCarthy hired her longest-standing employee, Susannah Downer, in 2016. A college student studying education at the time, Downer was initially hired as a nanny for McCarthy’s daughter, Lillian. Downer recalls being enamored by McCarthy and her designs. She even found herself working on her days off to help complete shipping, count inventory and package new items. By the time graduation rolled around, Downer couldn’t see herself anywhere else. She asked McCarthy for a job.

“I didn’t even know what to tell her to do when she showed up,” McCarthy says. “I just knew I needed help.”

Downer credits McCarthy with teaching her about how to be a leader in action. “She works with every employee. She’ll clean, take out the trash and help with our floor sets. Her work ethic is something I’ve always admired about her,” Downer says.

THE WOMEN BEHIND THE WOMAN

TOP ROW (FROM LEFT):

Lucy Batchelor, wholesale regional account manager; Laken York, director of merchandising; Jacie Middlebrooks, brand stylist; Mariana Reyes, Shoppe sales associate; Sarah Morgan Curry, intern; Ally Burke, inventory and e-commerce operations assistant

BOTTOM ROW (FROM LEFT):

Halle Hoyt, inventory and e-commerce operations manager; Laura Anne Lewis, director of marketing; Ashley Ann Howell, wholesale manager; Stacy Glazier, Shoppe sales associate; Susannah Downer, Shoppe manager; Julia Barrett, wholesale operations manager; Emily McCarthy, owner and designer; Lois Thigpin, bookkeeper; Tricia Howard, Shoppe sales associate; Grace Ann Wooten, Shoppe sales associate; Jordan Pearson, lead Shoppe sales associate

WILD IDEAS

Fellow employees echo Downer. “Emily instills confidence and creativity in us,” says Laura Anne Lewis, director of marketing. She loves a wild idea, but [she ensures] we have the confidence to make a plan, tell her how we’re going to do it and execute that plan.”

As a mentor, McCarthy also encourages her employees to work through problems on their own. “My favorite advice someone ever gave me for managing employees was when people come to you with a question, put the question back on them. Force them to do the critical thinking and find a resolution,” she says.

“We’re bringing the fashion world into the interior side, so everything is full circle.”

—KELLY CARON, Kelly Caron Designs

McCarthy also maintains a growth mindset. Indeed, the company experienced a 31% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023. Director of Merchandising Laken York says that with this growth, McCarthy is flexible in giving her staff opportunities to explore other creative avenues. “I started as a production manager designing and making all the monograms, cocktail napkins and gift items. Over time, I was able to show that I wanted to be involved in our clothing line, and here I am.”

and here I am.”

“Obviously she’s done something right, because she’s getting us into a much larger space!” Downer adds.

BIG GIRL ENERGY

That space is the latest evolution of the Emily McCarthy brand. She purchased a former car center at 2237 Victory Drive for $2.4 million in 2023. With the help of Lynch Associates Architects, JTVS Builders, Inc. and Kelly Caron Designs, the building is being transformed into the Emily McCarthy headquarters complete with a storefront, warehouse, offices and even a wine bar. McCarthy describes the spot as the brand’s “big girl space,” saying the vision is to create a colorful and elevated spot that better matches the brand’s growth and potential. Tapping Caron, who is known for her vibrant Lowcountry aesthetic, was a natural fit.

Caron and McCarthy worked side by side to develop an aesthetic for the shop, focusing on the brand’s signature kelly green, gold insignia and other punchy hues. “It was up to me to pull from the furniture and material world to complement that energy,” Caron says.

Since McCarthy’s vibrant clothing line should remain the star of the shop, Caron sprinkled in some of the brand’s classic patterns — bold cheetah spots, colorful prints and coastal botanicals — in unexpected places such as the wall coverings and lampshades. “We’re bringing the fashion world into the interior side, so everything is full circle,” says Caron.

The Joy Club, a wine bar and event space, rounds out the retail space. “It’s really about creating an environment for people to come together, share memories, learn things and spend time together,” says McCarthy — whose middle name is Joy.

Caron adds she is extremely proud to be working alongside McCarthy and company on the project. “She could have picked anyone,” Caron says. “She’s Emily McCarthy!”

LEFT & BELOW: Models strut in McCarthy’s “Art of Fashion” show at Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center in April 2023.

RIGHT: McCarthy with members of her team.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Julia Barrett, Halle Hoyt, Laken York, Ashley Ann Howell, Susannah Downer and Emily McCarthy

S U M

M E

RT I M E P O O L DA Z E

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER COLIN MURRAY + STYLED BY SARA SPICER ON LOCATION AT PERRY LANE

PACK LIGHT

Go from a pool day to cocktail hour with the season’s hottest essentials.

From left: French Girl Rose Gold Shimmer Oil and Archive hand cream from Marmalade Fresh Clothing; multicolor hair clip from Red Clover; Yaupon Daily Facial Oil from Muse at Perry Lane; Persol sunglasses from J. Parker Ladies; bracelets and clear handbag from J. Paige

FLOAT ON

Catch some sun rays with metallic accessories.

Top to bottom: btb Los Angeles Chloe embellished rattan bag from Marmalade Fresh Clothing; gold block heel with crossover strap from Red Clover

CHASING BUBBLES

Bring on the pattern and color play.

Clockwise from top: polka dot slides and blue stemless wine glass from Muse at Perry Lane; multicolored bracelets and necklace from Brown Dog Market at Cohen’s Retreat; sunglasses from Marmalade Fresh Clothing; earrings from Morgan Rae Boutique

SITTING PRETTY Just relax, OK?

Clockwise from top: neon dress from Morgan Rae Boutique; Dolce & Gabbana handbag from Madison & 5th; Summer House block print pareo from Satchel; book from Muse at Perry Lane; Summer House x Satchel bag with sun hat from Marmalade Fresh Clothing; gold heels from Morgan Rae Boutique; wine glass from Muse at Perry Lane

SERVING LOOKS

Show your true stripes — on and off the court.

Counter-clockwise from bottom: Chanel espadrilles from Madison & 5th; sunglasses from Harper; tote from J. Parker Ladies; jewelry and striped dress from Marmalade Fresh Clothing

TROPICAL

All that’s missing is a frozen piña colada.

Counter-clockwise from top: Farm Rio shorts set and pom pom straw tote from Muse Boutique at Perry Lane; Beast Fashion braided slide sandals from Red Clover; Little Words Project bracelets and sunglasses from Morgan Rae Boutique; leather koozie from Satchel

ROCK LOBSTER Cue up the B-52s playlist.

Counter-clockwise from top: Dock & Bay quick-dry, striped towel from Brown Dog Market at Cohen’s Retreat; cinched one piece swimsuit from Muse Boutique at Perry Lane; STAUD beaded bag and bangle from Marmalade Fresh Clothing; sunglasses from Morgan Rae Boutique; silk velvet ikat slides from J. Paige

A decade after launching LAKE, co-founders and friends Anne Read Lattimore and Cassandra Cannon continue to find inspiration in their Savannah lifestyle

Written by MARGARET DANIEL

Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR ANNE READ LATTIMORE AND CASSANDRA CANNON, life’s major milestones can be marked by their addresses and big moves.

After meeting during their college years through their husbands, Lattimore and Cannon celebrated the beginning of their adult lives with moves to the Hostess City — Cannon and her husband returning to their native Savannah, and Lattimore, a Mississippian, following her husband to a charming Ardsley Park house in his hometown.

Here, the two women became closer friends, sharing aesthetic inspirations, motherhood firsts and potential business ideas. Lattimore was working in the pharmaceutical industry, and Cannon was preparing to begin medical school when they realized there were significant market gaps in women’s sleepwear, so they left their medical careers behind and founded LAKE in 2014. Today, the Savannah-based luxury apparel brand is known for its stylish Pima cotton sleepwear and beloved by women around the world — including megawatt celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Jenna Bush Hager.

Cannon and Lattimore stand in the entrance to LAKE’s Harris Street headquarters.

Schumacher’s Brighton Pavilion wallpaper in blue, designed by Miles Redd, nods to the company’s 2022 collaboration with the textile brand.

Lee Jofa’s iconic Althea chintz commands attention on a pair of side chairs in Lattimore’s living room against crisp, white walls.

THIS PAGE: In the entry to the Lattimore residence, a table skirted with Soane Britain’s Scrolling Fern Frond fabric in Indian Yellow offers a happy contrast to the dining room’s green scheme.

OPPOSITE: A classic brass chandelier anchors Lattimore’s grandmillennial dining room, with an antique dining table, wicker chairs and Brunschwig & Fils’ Bird and Thistle wallpaper with trim painted to match.

“One of our core values here at LAKE is family first. That’s how we personally go through life and what we want for all of our employees, too.”

— ANNE READ LATTIMORE, CEO OF LAKE

“We’ve dug into the data to learn the fabrics and silhouettes that resonate with customers,” says Cannon, who serves as the chief creative officer. “We’ve landed on what we see as the ideal sleep wardrobe, anchored in pajamas, with new, adjacent categories like loungewear and sweaters.”

The duo’s research has been rewarded with year-over-year revenue growth since the company’s 2014 founding — with yields jumping 50% and their customer base expanding by 185% in the last year alone — impressive figures that they say have allowed them to grow responsibly and self-fund the direct-to-consumer business without debt.

RIGHT: An antique sideboard laden with ginger jars provide the dining room with a perennially classic look.

Grasscloth wallcovering infuses Lattimore’s family room with warmth and texture.

SCOUT’S HONOR

Inspired by LAKE’s birthplace, Lattimore and Cannon are celebrating the company’s 10-year anniversary by giving back to the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. The Camp LAKE collaboration, launching in May, celebrates the history and adventurous spirit of the Girl Scouts with a fun, woodsy pattern printed on Peruvian Pima cotton and available in LAKE’s signature Kids Shorts Set and LongLong Sets. A portion of the pajama proceeds will fund renovation efforts at Girl Scout camps throughout the state of Georgia.

“We love supporting local organizations, and all that the [Girl Scouts] have done for young girls is so inspiring,” Cannon says. “We love the idea of being outdoors and inspiring young girls to be outside, too.”

“We are a business that is primarily of women — women-led, women-owned — so supporting girls will always feel right,” Lattimore adds.

LAKE’s rapid expansion necessitated the purchase of an impressive fulfillment center in Pooler, a beautifully appointed West Harris Street headquarters and a buzzy Broughton Street design studio for the creative team. Posh retail spaces in Charleston and Atlanta opened in 2018 and 2020, respectively, allowing some of their 144,000 Instagram followers and customers a chance to see the magic in person.

“We look at each other like, ‘How is this reality?’ We love what we are doing, and we love this journey, so every part of it has felt really special and significant in its own way,” says Lattimore, who serves as CEO.

For them, a key to success is encouraging coworkers — many of whom are also mothers — to leave work at the office. After all, the brand is rooted in the art of leisure and rest.

“One of our core values here at LAKE is family first. That’s how we

personally go through life and what we want for all of our employees, too,” Lattimore says. “At the end of the day, this is work, and we’re selling pajamas. The important thing is family.”

To capitalize on their work-life balance, both women traded their Midtown residences for island life, embarking on impressive home renovations: Lattimore tackling a 1988 house in The Landings and Cannon a 1970 home on Isle of Hope, creating casual, relaxing retreats for their families — without home offices.

“In the beginning, home was a little more mixed up with work because we were working at home with babies, but as we’ve grown, we have evolved and have our own office,” Cannon says. “Now, home is more rest and play time; not that I don’t ever work from home, but I like to separate those things as much as I can.”

Inside LAKE’s West Harris treet offi e COURTESY LAKE

“Now, home is more rest and play time; not that I don’t ever work from home, but I like to separate those things as much as I can.”

— CASSANDRA CANNON, CCO OF LAKE

For Cannon, English charm in the kitchen sets the tone for the house. She enlisted Gwyn Duggan Design and Robyn Roberts Design to bring the vision to life.

When it came to designing the interiors of their homes, it’s no surprise that two leaders of a formidable fashion brand would have strong opinions about what they wanted their homes to look like.

For her bathroom and kitchen renovations, Cannon enlisted local talent, including Gwyn Duggan of Gwyn Duggan Designs to create a Plain English Designinspired space complete with painted V-groove millwork. Robyn Roberts of Robyn Roberts Design guided the Cannons through their remaining millwork designs, finish selections and decorative detailing, ensuring Cannon’s beloved English flair was the through line.

Meanwhile, Lattimore entrusted her kitchen, plumbing alterations and lighting selections to Charlestonbased Torrance Mitchell Design, a historic preservation-focused interior firm founded by Olivia Brock. She also relied on her chic friend, Courtland Stevens of Courtland & Co., for help with fabrics and wallcoverings. Lattimore’s love of green is carefully woven throughout the home, popping up on walls, draperies, upholstery and in her art collection.

hanging out in the house,” Cannon notes.

“Relax Sets are what I put on when I get home and am like, ‘The day is over,’” Lattimore adds. “They’re piddle clothes.”

With their Relax Sets on and a cocktail (preferably a margarita) in hand, Cannon and Lattimore welcome the chance to piddle and mull about — rearranging furnishings and decorative objects in their living spaces, enjoying slow evening walks along the water, looking for design inspiration in each pattern and coastal landscape they encounter.

“Savannah is inherently tied to our brand,” Lattimore says. Indeed, some of the city’s most beautiful homes have served as photoshoot locations for their marketing campaigns. “There’s an ease and graciousness to this region that ties back to our product. It’s easy, comfortable, incredibly soft and yet still polished. The slower pace and sense of ease really shine through.”

“We are a business that is primarily of women — women-led, women-owned — so supporting girls will always feel right.”

— ANNE READ LATTIMORE

“We are comfortable taking our time, and this frustrates our husbands to no end,” Lattimore says. “They don’t understand why we can’t walk into one store and pick out all the furniture for the house.”

While the founders share similar aesthetic visions, their pajama storage and LAKE favorites are uniquely their own. Cannon dedicates a dresser drawer to her collection of Pima Weekend short sets, while Lattimore prefers to store her Pointelle Pants Bundles in a built-in cabinet tucked inside her walk-in closet.

“I also love our Relax Sets. I don’t sleep in those, but I switch into that when I am

Although coastal life may move at its own speed, the founders are wasting no time and are looking ahead to their next corporate milestones. As LAKE celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, they are launching a special collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia in May. Cannon and Lattimore are also being honored as Inc.’s 2024 Female Founders 250 — a starstudded list of the most dynamic, inspiring and trailblazing women founders who have had the biggest impact in the past year.

“It’s been so rewarding to build LAKE in Savannah,” Cannon says. “It’s not necessarily the first place you’d think of as being a major apparel hub, and yet there are so many strong female founders in the region. We’ve experienced a lot of brand recognition in the Southeast, but as our business has grown over the past decade, major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Dallas are also in our top markets. We love sharing a sense of Savannah with them.”

DETAILS

LATTIMORE RESIDENCE

Homeowners’ names: William and Anne Read Lattimore

Year built: 1988

Neighborhood: The Landings

Builder (2018 renovation): Basin Company

Builder (2021 renovation): Brooks Construction

Interior Designers: Olivia Brock; Courtland Stevens

Furniture/Accessories: Courtland & Co.; Tapley’s Mercantile & Antiques; Clutter

Furnishings & Interiors; Picker Joe’s

Antique Mall & Vintage Market

CANNON RESIDENCE

Homeowners: Pierce and Cassandra Cannon

Year built: 1969

Year renovated: 2021

Neighborhood: Isle of Hope

Interior Designer: Robyn Roberts Design

Builder: Barry Koncul

Kitchen Design: Gwyn Duggan Design; Robyn Roberts Design

Landscape: Victory Gardens

LAKE HEADQUARTERS

Year built: 1840

Neighborhood: Downtown

Builder (2021 renovation): Brooks Construction

Fabric & Wallpaper: Schumacher

Furniture: Lee Industries; Made Goods; Williams Sonoma

Flooring: Culver Rug Co.

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.

Art: Catherine Booker Jones

Paint: Benjamin Moore

TASTE

Coffee Klatch

The mother-daughter team behind the city’s oldest co ee shop reflects on 30-plus years as a staple for locals and stars alike

Written by JOSEPHINE JOHNSON // Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

WHETHER SOMEONE HAS BEEN in Savannah a lifetime or just a few days, chances are they know of Gallery Espresso and its reputation as one of the Historic District’s coziest coffee hot spots.

Not only has the art-filled cafe helped launch the careers of popular local artists while keeping Savannahians and visitors caffeinated for more than three decades, but the current location on Chippewa Square has also served as a staple for major Hollywood stars.

Lesser known, however, is the mother-daughter pair, Judy Davis and Jessica Barnhill, who are behind the cafe’s continued success.

Davis didn’t begin her career in food and beverage — far from it. Rather, she worked nearly four decades in Florida, breeding and training Thoroughbred racehorses, while Barnhill had a penchant for making art.

“Working with horses is hard on the body. It’s something you can only do for so long before aging out,” reflects Davis, who is

now an octogenarian. She pivoted to coffee shortly after Barnhill landed at Savannah College of Art and Design, and they saw ripe potential to open a coffee shop to serve students and neighbors in the Historic District. It was late 1993, and the women took a chance and opened the doors to their first location at 6 E. Liberty St. (now home to The Book Lady Bookstore). In 2001, they expanded with a secondary location in the Starland District before consolidating in their current location in 2003.

Today, the line to order often extends out the door at the corner of Bull and East Perry streets. The cafe stocks more than 100 varieties of teas and a rotating repertoire of coffee beans from around the world. The timeworn tables and armchairs fill up quickly, and baristas know regulars by name. But, in the beginning, Barnhill remembers struggling.

Back then, modern coffeehouse culture as we know it was just taking off in bigger cities, popularized by television shows like

Inside Gallery Espresso, the walls display rotating exhibitions of works by local artists.

“Friends” and “Frazier.” While it would be nearly seven years before corporate Starbucks arrived in Savannah, six other independent coffee shops debuted the same year as Gallery Espresso.

“We were always at the store, every day, to make sure it flowed as it should,” Barnhill recalls of the early days. But, she says their continued dedication made Gallery Espresso the destination it is today — an important meeting space for the community and a place where people can connect with each other.

Among those connections include some famous A-listers. Tom Hanks became a regular while filming “Forrest Gump,” and Dennis Quaid frequented during the production of “Something to Talk About.” Demi Moore and Melanie Griffith became fans after Gallery Espresso provided tea and coffee on the set of “Now and Then.” More recently, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have stopped in while visiting the Hostess City, and the cafe served as a filming location for Netflix’s “May December,” starring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman.

“Once I got a phone call at 10 p.m. from a barista saying ZZ Top was there and that I needed to get down to the shop ASAP,” beams Barnhill. At the time, the cafe stayed open until midnight, and that night, Barnhill was already asleep at home. “Billy Gibbons was one of the nicest, funniest people and definitely worth waking up for.”

The cafe also attracts local celebrities, particularly from the art scene. Established artists like Marcus Kenney, Adam Kuehl, Monica Cook and Juliana “Julu” Lupacchino — to name a few — had some of their first shows at Gallery Espresso.

Looking back, Davis and Barnhill say a key factor in the cafe’s longevity is how well the two work together. Barnhill works as the general manager as well as the art and special events curator, while Davis tackles the finances and paperwork. The separation of duties — along with the support of their staff — keeps them focused, yet collaborative, and always moving forward.

As the duo looks to the next decade or so, they contemplate rest and relaxation.

“Usually, our vacations are going to trade shows in Atlanta, Chicago or New York,” confesses Davis. After serving locals and visitors for 30 years, she says it would be nice to be a tourist somewhere for a while. But, she couldn’t stay away too long.

“We are one of the few iconic businesses surviving this long, with the likes of Crystal Beer Parlor and The Olde Pink House. Us being here every day, I think, is partly why Gallery Espresso is successful,” she says. “Our customers depend on us.”

“We are one of the few iconic businesses surviving this long, with the likes of Crystal Beer Parlor and The Olde Pink House. Us being here every day, I think, is partly why Gallery Espresso is successful. Our customers depend on us.”

— Judy Davis, co-owner, Gallery Espresso

A portrait of Jessica Barnhill by artist Sandra Dutton COURTESY

SANDRA DUTTON

Bon Appétit

ANNIE COLEMAN

Executive Chef, Flora and Fauna, FARM Hospitality Group

CHEF Q&A

Written by LIA PICARD // Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

Wildflower Cafe

ANNIE COLEMAN KNEW SHE’D RETURN to the Lowcountry one day. The Beaufort, South Carolina, native was living in Washington, D.C., when she and her husband realized that they wanted to plant roots farther south, and an opening with FARM Hospitality Group — helmed by chef Brandon Carter, who is also responsible for local favorites FARM, Common Thread and Strange Bird — was the ticket.

After serving as chef de cuisine for Wildflower Cafe inside the Jepson Center for the Arts, Coleman recently opened Flora and Fauna in the former Back in the Day Bakery location where she is now leading the French-inspired bakery and seasonally driven kitchen along with a team of female leaders, including chef de cuisine Tyler Kenny (formerly executive sous chef of Common Thread) and sous chef Shannah Price (formerly sous chef of FARM).

Here, Coleman talks about the new cafe, her time in Paris and life in Savannah.

ON FLORA AND FAUNA

It’s a bakery and an all-day place to eat. It’s an intimate space with about 40 seats, and we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekends. I come from a pastry background, and I’m very excited about the bakery portion. We have croissants and a large bread program, as well as breakfast pastries like danishes and mini pies. Of course, we’re going to honor [former owner of Back in the Day Bakery] Cheryl Day’s incredible biscuits here.

ON OPENING IN THE FORMER BACK IN THE DAY SPACE

It’s very intimidating; I’m not going to lie. I just have enormous respect for what Cheryl and [her husband] Griff have done. It’s not something I imagined happening! One day I came by to reintroduce myself to her, and she was like, “I know who you are. I’ve been talking to Brandon [Carter] about y’all coming in here.” So it’s just really big shoes to fill. But it feels good to know she has faith in us, and I know that she was really careful with who she chose to take over the space, so that’s a huge honor.

ON USING LOCALLY SOURCED GRAINS

I’ve been playing with what I call “Carolina multigrains.” I started with grains from Rollen’s Raw Grains in Hardeeville, South Carolina. I use Rollen Chalmers’ oats, rice and grits and make a multigrain out of them. I tend to use flours from Anson Mills, in Columbia, South Carolina, but we’ll be exploring other mills in the region as well.

ON MOVING BACK TO THE LOWCOUNTRY

I always planned on coming back, eventually. Growing

Madeleines

from chef Annie Coleman of Flora and Fauna YIELD: 20-30 MADELEINES (depending on pan size)

9 tablespoons butter

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cake flour or all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Melt butter and allow to cool to just above room temperature. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and set aside.

In a mixer with a whisk attachment, mix sugar, eggs and corn syrup. Once it’s airy and nearly white, drop the speed to low and slowly add in the flour mixture. When it’s barely mixed, stream in butter. Finish mixing by hand with a spatula. Allow batter to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

While the batter chills, butter and flour a madeleine baking pan and toss in the freezer for a quick chill.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spoon batter into chilled pan to fill the cavities halfway. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. Remove from the pan immediately after baking. Serve fresh from the oven.

up, I wasn’t a kid who thought I had to get out of my small town. I grew up appreciating the area that I was lucky enough to come up in. My family has been [on the Southeastern coast for] a long time, and my mom and grandmother really ingrained in me a love and appreciation for this area and everything it has to give.

ON STUDYING IN PARIS

I had wanted to go to culinary school in Paris since I was in high school. That was the only reason I took French. But once I got there, I was [still] amazed by how much I soaked in. I just loved the lifestyle and the tendency to just slow down to savor and enjoy things more. That’s also something that I see in Savannah. I feel like people here are able to slow down and appreciate what’s around them.

ON LIVING IN SAVANNAH

I love it. I thought about moving to Savannah so many times after college and after coming back from culinary school. But it was kind of a surprise to land here. We had talked about moving to Charleston for so long, but Savannah’s always been in the back of my mind, and it feels like there’s a little bit more space here. Savannah has these tight-knit communities, and that’s where I’ve always felt like I thrived, and those are the spaces that I’ve always enjoyed the most. I like to find a neighborhood and just ingrain myself as much as I can. Our neighborhood, Live Oak, [just south of downtown,] is incredible. Our neighbors are great, and we’ve very quickly found so many wonderful people and places to spend our time. I haven’t regretted it for a moment.

“I was so enthralled by crème brûlée growing up that my parents got me a kit complete with ramekins and a mini butane torch. It’s still one of my favorites and a go-to when I see it on a menu. Why not combine it with a springtime favorite?”

— Annie Coleman

Strawberry Shortcake Crème Brûlée from chef Annie Coleman of Flora and Fauna YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

2 cups diced or mashed strawberries

1/4 cup St-Germain elderflower liqueur

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1 pint heavy cream

1/3 cup whole milk

5 egg yolks

1 whole egg

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 vanilla bean

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In a saucepan, combine 5 tablespoons sugar, St-Germaine and strawberries. Cook over medium heat, making sure to stir occasionally so the fruit doesn’t scorch. Once the liquid is nearly cooked off, remove from heat and add the lemon juice. Disperse into six ramekins and put into the fridge to chill.

Combine the cream, milk and just a sprinkle from the 1⁄2 cup of sugar in a medium pot. Slice open the vanilla bean, use the dull side of the knife to scrape the seeds out and add seeds and pod to the cream mixture. Bring just up to a boil then remove from heat. Allow the vanilla bean to steep for 30 minutes, then remove the pod and squeeze all the liquid out into the cream mixture and return to a boil.

Once the cream is hot again, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, the remaining sugar and salt in a medium heat-proof bowl. Add the hot cream to the mixture one tablespoon at a time until the egg mixture is warm to the touch, then slowly stream in the rest while stirring.

Bring a quart of water up to a boil. Transfer batter into a pitcher. Place ramekins into a casserole dish. Hold a spoon upside down over the jam so the tip of the spoon is touching the side of the ramekin. Carefully pour the batter onto the back of the spoon. Fill each ramekin evenly with the batter.

Place the casserole dish into the oven and pour hot water into the casserole so it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30 minutes or until the custard jiggles uniformly and the center is not liquid. (If you have a probe thermometer, the interior temperature should be 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Remove from the oven and carefully move the custards onto a tray. Chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

To brûlée: Sprinkle a thin but even layer of sugar over the custard. Caramelize the sugar with either a kitchen torch or by placing it under a boiler until all the sugar is melted and begins to color.

family recipe for Fig Cake can be found in Donna Eichholz’s new cookbook.

Savoring Tradition

Donna Eichholz compiles her family’s memories and recipes from her mother, Judy Byck, in a heartfelt new cookbook

Written

COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

by

// Photography by CLAIRE BARRETT

Judy Byck

WHEN DONNA EICHHOLZ’S mother, Judy Byck, sold her townhouse on East Perry Street in the fall of 2022 and relocated to Jackson Woods, she brought along her collections — art, baubles, trinkets, treasures from travels — and comforts of home. Those also included her perhaps most prized possession: the trove of recipes that fueled holiday celebrations, special occasions and everyday life.

The move came on the heels of the pandemic, a period that further deepened Eichholz’s appreciation for family gatherings and inspired her to record the memories in a cookbook titled, “Together is the Best Place to Be: Recollections and Recipes Honoring Judy Byck.”

“During this time, many people longed to go on cruises — explore Alaska, Hawaii and many faraway tourist attractions,” Eichholz writes in the introduction.

“Gathering inside around the family table at Thanksgiving was where I wanted to be!”

Indeed, the first chapter of the nearly 300-page tome is all about Byck’s — or Mimi’s, as her family calls her — Thanksgiving lunch, from the turkey to the sides, like oyster dressing and sweet potato casserole with coconut and pineapple, to the pumpkin pie and lemon bisque. Subsequent chapters include contributions from other relatives, each highlighting their personalized takes on Southern staples like Byck’s son David’s authentic oyster roast and shrimp boil.

Eichholz also devotes several pages to reflecting on their shared heritage — a fascinating history that traces back several generations to Amelia and Joseph Rosenheim, who was honored as a President Emeritus of Congregation Mickve Israel, and Jennie and Lewis Kayton, who built and lived in the mansion that now houses Hotel Bardo.

Byck’s parents owned Town and Country women’s clothing store (now home to Gallery Espresso). Byck and her late husband Sylvan — a philanthropist and businessman who helped found the Savannah Waterfront Association, First Chatham Bank and the 200 Club — later moved next store on East Perry Street, where they entertained friends and family for decades.

Through pairing her family’s recipes with vintage images and stunning new stilllife photography by Claire Barrett, Eichholz hopes the book becomes a tangible treasure box. “It is my intention for this container to transport our family back to those simple, family moments where we can relive our memories of joy, love and nostalgia,” she writes. “A reader is able to get to know our matriarch, feel her depth of character and go along the journey of our family.”

Here, Eichholz shares a taste of just one of hundreds of recipes inside the book. For those who want the keepsake of the Savannah lore for themselves, copies are available for purchase at select local retailers, including Cents and Sensibility, Hannah E., Jones & Bull, Moss & Vine, Tapley’s Mercantile & Antiques and The Paris Market.

Mimi’s Sour Cream Pound Cake

“This dessert is my favorite. Our family has enjoyed it for years, and the photograph [at right] is also one of my favorites.” — Donna Eichholz

2 sticks butter

2 2/3 cups sugar

6 eggs

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

8 ounces sour cream

3 cups cake flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

Do not preheat the oven.*

Cream the butter and sugar well in a standing mixer with the paddle attachment.

Add 1 egg at a time, combining well before adding the next. In a bowl, stir the baking soda into the sour cream.

Beat the flour and sour cream mixture into the butter mixture, alternating until both have been incorporated.

Beat in the vanilla.

Pour the batter into greased mini loaf pans or baking pans of your choice.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour, and do not open the oven to check during that time.

Reduce the heat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for 25 minutes.

Let cool for 20 minutes in the pans before removing and plating.

*TIP: A pound cake is dense and heavy, and requires longer baking time. By not preheating the oven, the cake batter has more time to heat up gradually, resulting in a more evenly baked cake and a crisp crust.

ARTISTS MAKE PLAYGROUNDS POP

SCAD SERVE beautifies parks and playgrounds across Savannah

LARGE POPS OF COLORARE reinvigorating playgrounds all across the Savannah area. Each, a unique labor of love from SCAD to the community. These magnificent murals are part of the university’s SCAD SERVE initiative called Paint Our Parks, or “POP” for short.

“The places where we lounge, laugh and play. The spaces where we stroll, reflect and reinvigorate. Our parks are where we find our best selves — and SCAD SERVE’s Paint Our Parks public art initiative, invites our neighbors and friends to enjoy the work of accomplished SCAD artists,” said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace.

Since launching in 2021, POP has beautified and enlivened 16 basketball courts and play spaces at city parks, schools and community youth centers — with six located in the Savannah area. One of those is the recreation area at Coastal Middle School on Whitemarsh Island, which was a gray concrete space with large cracks in the basketball courts.

“SCAD has given our students and our community the most amazing gift — a gift that combines art, joy and play,” said Coastal Middle Principal Allison SchusterJones. “The SCAD POP team transformed what was an eyesore of an outdoor space into a work of art. Our Parent Teacher

Student Association has been working to beautify the space for years, but SCAD swept in and worked their magic as only they can. Our students, families and community will enjoy this amazing spot for years to come. Thank you, SCAD!”

SCAD alumnae Peach Tao (BFA, illustration and printmaking, 2010) along with the SCAD SERVE team dedicated 480 hours to this project — hiring a professional crew to resurface the courts then using more than 150 gallons of special acrylic paint to create the mural. The school colors of navy and yellow were part of the vibrant palette of colors used in the geometric design elements inspired

SCAD alumnus

Anthony “Mojo” Reed II at the playground mural he created for the W.W. Law Community Center on Bolton Street. The mural included a path for roller skating, an area to play foursquare and a giant chess board.

SCAD has given our students and our community the most amazing gift — a gift that combines art, joy and play.”

– ALLISON SCHUSTER-JONES, Coastal Middle Principal

by Native American tribes in Georgia, the Cherokee and Creek peoples.

“This was my opportunity to give back to the gorgeous second hometown I spent my formative years in. I’m humbled to share life lessons with fellow SCAD bees on a creative journey similar to mine when refining my visual voice and professional skills as a SCAD student,” Toa said.

The Brooklyn-based illustrator, muralist and printmaker’s impactful murals are also located in schools, hospitals, businesses and public spaces throughout New York City and her hometown in Beijing, China.

SCAD alumnus Anthony “Mojo” Reed II (BFA, sequential art, 2015) is a professional contemporary artist based in Miami, Florida. His past clients include Nike, Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote, Goldman Global Arts and NBC Universal. He lent his talents to the city for two weeks in October 2023 to create a mural for the W.W. Law Community Center on Bolton Street. The mural included a path for roller skating, an area to play foursquare and a giant chess board.

“This historic community center has long been a vital part of the community. It was important for me to paint a mural here because I grew up in a neighborhood just like this, and to bring color and life into a space that reminds me of my hometown and neighborhoods I grew up in,” Mojo said. “Many kids from the center have been watching me and talking to me over the past several days. I hope their takeaway is that someone who looks like them can do this, too. If they enjoy drawing or when they are bored and they want to color in their coloring books, they can do this, too. That’s how I started.”

SCAD’s playground murals can also be found in front of Sarah Mills Hodge Elementary School on Clinch Street and at Greenbriar Children’s Center, the Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance and Southwest Middle School.

To commemorate the POP initiative, the university has produced a short film showcasing all of the beautified parks in the Savannah and Atlanta areas, all of which will have a positive impact in their local communities for many years to come.

SCAD POP alumnae aritist Peach Tao at Coastal Middle School

SCAD POP transformed the recreation area at Coastal Middle School.

Sarah Mills Hodge Elementary School

Midnight’s CURTAIN CALL

Three decades after John Berendt’s book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” swept the nation, a team of world-class talent is nally reimagining the story as a musical with Broadway aspirations

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

WHEN THE CURTAIN comes up at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre on June 25, the world will get its first glimpse at the musical adaptation of “Midnight in the Garden and Good Evil.” The moment is decades in the making for producers and seasoned veterans of show business Craig Haffner, Sherry Wright, Hal Luftig and Kevin Connor, and 30 years since John Berendt’s nonfiction book sent shockwaves through Savannah.

Bringing the story of Jim Williams’ murder trials from the page to the stage has overcome a series of false starts, stops and a pandemic. This summer’s premiere wouldn’t be possible — or perhaps as powerful — without the exact team of creative talent that have come together now, including Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown.

Whenever Brown starts working on a new show, there are two questions weighing on his mind. “Who am I doing it with? It has to be people I enjoy and people whose work I enjoy,” he says. “And then, more importantly, on a musical level, can I hear it?”

The first time Brown was approached about a musical adaptation of “Midnight,” he passed. “When I looked through that version, I didn’t entirely understand how to make a musical about it. It didn’t seem right to me,” he recalls. “But I said, ‘If you ever come up with a different way of looking at the show, let me know.’”

The next time he got a call, years later, he met with his longtime friend and the musical’s director, Rob Ashford — a Tonyand Emmy-Award winner for choreography — and the inimitable playwright Taylor Mac. “Taylor is a tremendously exciting writer and someone who I wanted to meet,” Brown says of the MacArthur fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama. “Everything Taylor said sounded exciting and unexpected. It felt like taking the book and using it as a starting point for some really interesting ideas about Savannah’s place in the world.”

This time, Brown had a dream team — and he could hear the musical sing. “The nice thing about ‘Midnight’ is that it’s enormously musical in its texture,” he says. “The book itself has music baked into it.”

The Sounds of Savannah

“The Book” — as Savannahians call it — is loosely constructed around the murder trials of Jim Williams, an internationally known antiques dealer, historic preservationist and philanthropist who was convicted, then later acquitted, of the shooting death of his lover, Danny Hansford. Published in 1994, before the era of true crime podcasts and binge-worthy Netflix documentaries, the book spent a record-setting 216 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list and introduced many people around the world to Savannah.

Those who’ve read it, watched Clint Eastwood’s 1997 film adaption or toured the Mercer Williams House — the scene of the crime, where Williams lived and later died himself — may not immediately think of music when they recall the book’s series of events or its charmingly eccentric cast of characters. The music Brown refers to is more subtle and atmospheric.

“I know that sounds kind of mystical, but it’s not really,” he says. “It’s very technical. In a lot of ways, something about the milieu about any given story is going to suggest music to me.”

There are the crooner melodies and jazz tunes of celebrated songwriter Johnny Mercer, whose great-grandfather built the 1860s mansion Williams called home, and pianist Emma Kelly, known for her ability to play thousands of songs by memory. Then, there’s the disco sounds in the world of Lady Chablis, a transgender performer at Club One. There are Joe Odom and “Mandy Nichols” (a pseudonym), who performed music at their now-closed bar Sweet Georgia Brown’s in City Market. And, for those who listen

closer, there’s the sound of the breeze rustling through the foliage of Bonaventure Cemetery and the ambient noises of the city while sitting in one of the squares.

To hear the sounds of Savannah for themselves, the musical’s creative team hasn’t solely relied on reading Berendt’s book. Mac says he and Berendt met often for dinner, where they discussed some of the stories the author wasn’t able to include in the book and all that happened after the book was published.

While based in New York, the producers also brought the team to the Hostess City on dozens of immersion trips.

“My favorite thing to do is just hang out in the squares and people watch,” Mac says. “That’s basically my research — hanging out. Attending cocktail parties, going to restaurants and talking to locals — a little bit like Berendt did.”

ABOVE: Musical producer Hal Luftig, author John Berendt, producer Craig Haffner, producer Sherry Wright and book writer Taylor Mac celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PHOTOS BY BRUCE GLIKAS AT THE NEW 42ND STREET STUDIOS

(From left) producers Craig Haffner, Sherry Wright and Hal Luftig in John Berendt’s home in New York City.

COURTESY

“There is a quality in Savannah that celebrates the odd, celebrates the people that are a little bit different. That’s a good thing.”

— TAYLOR MAC, Book writer

Made for the Stage

In turn, the creative team even invited a few influential Savannahians, including the stylish philanthropist and business leader Ellen Bolch, Levy Jewelers owner Lowell Kronowitz, Visit Savannah President Joseph Marinelli and former American film producer Stratton Leopold of Leopoid’s Ice Cream, to join readings and workshops in New York.

“It’s our nature to invite people into the process,” Haffner says, adding the consultants pulled no punches — providing feedback to ensure the script reads authentically. Bolch was quick to correct, for example, that Unversity of Georgia fans cheer “Go Dawgs!” not “bulldogs.”

The company also consulted with Williams’ nieces, Amanda and Susan Kingery, who oversee their late uncle’s home as the Mercer Williams House Museum and the adjacent Carriage House Shop. They say they appreciate the producers’ dedication in trying to represent their “Uncle Jimmy” as they knew him — an accomplished man who was very smart, hardworking, handsome, charismatic and generous. (Editor’s note: At the time of print, the company announced Tom Hewitt will debut the role of Jim Williams for the stage.) While the Kingerys acknowledge that it’s a tall order to expect an actor’s depiction to convey him perfectly, they are hopeful that the production is in good hands. “I feel very secure that if there is a team who can do it, this is the team,” says Amanda. “They are very invested in the project and making sure we’re happy, when they didn’t have to include us at all.”

As for Kronowitz, he had an instant, positive reaction when he saw Chablis embodied by actor J. Harrison Ghee, who won a Tony Award in 2023 for their performance in “Some Like It Hot” — making history as one of the first openly nonbinary performers to win in a leading individual performance category.

The casting decision is a big deal, not only because Ghee is a spectacular performer, but because of the novelty of the role. (In the film, Chablis played herself.) “Not only is the Chablis character so important and relevant with telling this story, we also think that there is potential here to create something that is an imprint for Broadway history,” says Luftig.

He also points out that the story of “Midnight” deals with some “rough truths about the South and change” — which can take an emotional toll on the people performing the show every night. “Actors bring parts of themselves to the role, and the role becomes part of the actor,” he says. “You need a cast that can support the weight of that, and I know Ghee can.”

Behind the Curtain

Get a glimpse of the world-class talent helming the Goodman Theatre’s production of “Midnight”

ROB ASHFORD Director

Broadway-goers know Ashford’s work from favorites like “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Frozen,” “Shrek,” “The Wedding Singer” and more. His impressive career also spans to Hollywood, including choreography for Disney’s “Cinderella,” “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” “Ted 2,” “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile.” He has even choreographed and staged several Tony Awards and Academy Awards, winning an Emmy for his work on Baz Luhrmann’s 2009 production number featuring Hugh Jackman and Beyoncé.

TAYLOR MAC Book writer

Known for his wacky and wonderful maximalist performances like his “Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music” on HBO, Mac is an American actor, playwright, performance artist, director, producer and singersongwriter. In 2017, he received a “Genius Grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

Assembling the Ensemble

Among fans of “Midnight,” readers are often divided on who is their favorite character. For Mac, it has always been Chablis.

“I have such a fondness for the book because it came into my life at a pinnacle moment, right when I was leaving home. I was on my own for the first time,” Mac says. “It was the first book I felt was embraced by Americans where I could see that it had anything about queerness in it. It helped me to see that I didn’t have to have a career in basement bars. I could actually branch out because America is ready for the conversation and embrace of these eccentric people and queerness.”

So when audiences experience “Midnight” as a musical, they can expect to see Chablis front and center. To condense the story into a two-hour show and make it work for the stage, other characters may be modified with different names and hybrid personality traits to create new roles, like that of Emma Dawes, played by Sierra Boggess. And Berendt, who narrates the book and is portrayed by John Cusack in the film, won’t be embodied on the stage at all. Rather, the audience is cast in his role, with performers using direct address — breaking the fourth wall. “Instead of having a character that is coming to Savannah for the first time and learning about these people, all of the performers treat the audience as if they are writing a book about Savannah,” Mac says. “It’s a big competition to see who gets in the book.”

Mac also takes some artistic license when depicting the relationship between Jim Williams and Danny Hansford, drawing inspiration from letters the couple exchanged.

“I felt like what we don’t really get to see [in the book] is the intimacy and kind of love Jim and Danny had,” Mac says. “There are questions about the manipulation and the complications. But they did have an oddly intimate relationship in that Jim was certainly trying to improve Danny’s life.”

For the show’s choreographer, Tanya Birl, the entrypoint to the story was the character of Minerva, a mysterious Voodoo priestess based on real-life root doctor Victoria Boles.

“She was holding the spiritual energy of what Savannah is,” Birl says. When she visited Savannah, she was on a mission to explore the Gullah culture and the city’s spiritual side. She spent time at the Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center of Savannah, in cemeteries and tracing the path of slave ships — all of which informed her creative process.

“Everyone will have a favorite character. Who they like and who they don’t like, it isn’t obvious,” Birl says of the ensemble. “It’s not even good versus bad. That’s what I love about this — it blurs the line between good and evil. …We have all these characters who lie in different places on the spectrum of being human. It’s really brave to produce and create something that gives that much choice.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PHOTOS BY BRUCE

Rob Ashford and Taylor Mac

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

Tanya Birl and Rob Ashford with a replica of the famous Bird Girl statue

Setting the Scene

JASON ROBERT BROWN

Composer and lyricist

With an extensive résumé that includes roles as a conductor, arranger, orchestrator, director and performer, in addition to composer and lyricist, Brown is best known for his scores to renowned, modern musicals, including “The Last Five Years” and “Parade,” winner of the 1999 Tony Award for Best Score and the 2023 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. Brown also received a Tony for “The Bridges of Madison County” and nominations for several others.

There is one, clear main character, however: Savannah itself.

“There is a quality in Savannah that celebrates the odd, celebrates the people that are a little bit different. That’s a good thing,” Mac says.

Haffner fell under all of the city’s charms long before “Midnight” was published. “I knew Savannah because I’m a history geek,” he says. That, and because of his first job in Los Angeles, where he met Richard Noble Jones, a descendant of settlers who arrived with James Oglethorpe. “Jones told me, ‘I would be able to invite you for a drink at Wormsloe except that my family lost it during the Depression.’”

When the book came out in 1994, Haffner remembers finishing it within two days. He connected with Berendt, and together they worked on a documentary-style special called “Midnight in Savannah” that aired on A&E in the fall of 1997. “It was the biggest ratings that A&E ever had, and it cemented this long friendship with John,” says Haffner, who first raised the topic of a musical in 2009 after seeing the revival of “Ragtime” on Broadway.

Turns out, Berendt had kept the stage rights, although he had always thought of it as a play. “I told him, ‘It’s an opera,’” Haffner says.

TANYA BIRL Choreographer

A former Broadway performer, Birl expanded her career as a choreographer and movement director for productions such as “How I Learned What I Learned,” (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), “Twelfth Night” (The Public Theater), “The Red Letter Plays” (The Signature Theater), “Comedy of Errors” (Classic Stage company) and “As You Like It” (The Guthrie Theater), among others. She is a 2023-24 MAP Fund grantee, a 2022 NoMAA artist in residence and a High-Arts/Critical Breaks fellow in collaboration with Oregon Shakespeare Festival New Works.

“Come prepared for a party. No one puts on a party like Savannah.”

— TANYA BIRL, CHOREOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PHOTOS BY BRUCE GLIKAS AT THE NEW 42ND STREET STUDIOS

Composer and lyricist

Jason Robert Brown, director Rob Ashford and book writer Taylor Mac in a workshop at the New 42 Studios in New York

Leading the Cast

J. HARRISON GHEE

The Lady Chablis

After a breakout Broadway performance as Lola in “Kinky Boots,” Ghee originated the role of Jerry/Daphne in “Some Like It Hot,” a 2022 stage usical as d on th fil of the same name — earning the 2023 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical and the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

TOM HEWITT

Jim Williams

From Hades to Pontius Pilate, and Dracula to Captain Hook, Hewitt is well versed in playing Broadway’s bad guys. He’s also recieved Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his performance of Frank N Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

SIERRA BOGGESS

Emma Dawes

Broadway fans may know Boggess for re-inventing the coveted role of Christine Daae in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” or her Broadway debut as Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which received Drama Desk and Drama League nominations.

“I don’t feel like I am exaggerating when I say this is happening at the exact right time in history, and Broadway needs it... The theater community and the world at large are ready to consume a work like this.”

— TANYA BIRL, Choreographer

Show Time

While Brown may be first focused on the music and the team dynamics, there’s another critical question guiding the team’s decision to premiere “Midnight” this summer: Why now?

“We are trying to tell a story about where we are right now through the lens of Savannah in the late ’80s and early ’90s, because so much of the roots of what this country is going through, and what even the world is going through — those roots are there,” Brown says. “There were things that were already starting to poke through the ground at that time.”

“I don’t feel like I am exaggerating when I say this is happening at the exact right time in history, and Broadway needs it,” Birl adds. “The theater community and the world at large are ready to consume a work like this.”

The show is scheduled to run at The Goodman through Aug. 4, 2024. According to Luftig, who has produced dozens of premieres ranging from “David Byrne’s American Utopia” to “Kinky Boots” to “Legally Blonde,” The Goodman — and Chicago at large — are friendly and supportive, giving new shows a shot at fair reviews.

And while it’s too soon to say for sure where audiences might see “Midnight” on marquee lights next, the company has set its sights on Broadway.

“No one writes a big musical with the hope that it only plays in Chicago and then shuts down,” Brown says.

“We are running a marathon,” Haffner adds. The hope, he says, is for the show to run for years in various forms — first on Broadway, and then tour in cities around the country and around the world.

For those fortunate enough to see the debut, the company ensures audiences are in for a fun time. “Come prepared for a party,” Birl says. “No one puts on a party like Savannah.”

CURTAIN CALL

Off Book

Must-see stops for “Midnight” fans

BONAVENTURE CEMETERY

On a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, the historic cemetery dates ac to Maintain d the Bonaventure Historical Society, the grounds are open to the public at no cost For uid d tour ti s and more information, visit bonaventurehistorical.org.

CLUB ONE

Cabaret performances honor the legacy of The Lady Chablis at this downtown ni ht clu Purchase tickets at clubone-online.com.

MERCER WILLIAMS HOUSE MUSEUM

si n d ohn orris for n u h

Mercer, great-grandfather of celebrated songwriter Johnny Mercer, the circa-1860s house on Monterey Square is open daily for guided tours, which hi hli ht th ho s archit ctural si nificanc air d with illia s d si n row ss Find ti s and tic t information at mercerhouse.com.

CLARY’S CAFE

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE SHOP

Located in the carriage house directly behind the Mercer Williams House Museum, the shop offers new and vintage gifts, artwork, antiques and oo s o l arn a out illia s l ac of historic r s r ation in coastal or ia and outh arolina pick up a copy of “More Than Mercer House: Savannah’s Jim Williams & His Southern Houses,” writt n his lat sist r oroth illia s in r mercerhouse.com/shopping

The Abercorn Street breakfast and lunch staple looks n arl th sa as it did in lint astwood s fil h r are no reservations, and weekend mornings are busy, so prepare to wait outside with locals and fellow “Midnight” fans claryscafe.com

BIRD GIRL STATUE

Created by Sylvia Shaw Judson, the sculpture became famous after appearing on the cover of Midni ht in th ard n of ood and il in a photograph by Jack i h u to its incr as d popularity, the sculpture was relocated from Bonaventure Cemetery to Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center and remains one of the museum’s most visited wor s telfair.org

BE WELL

The GOOD, the BAD and the CLICKBAIT

Navigating skincare trends for people of all ages in the era of social media

Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS

THE QUEST FOR BEAUTIFUL , youthful-looking skin through skincare treatments is as old as Cleopatra. Yet, while she was known to bathe in sour milk to improve her skin, these days, serums come in a bottle — as readily available and alluring as candy.

According to Allied Market Research, the global skincare market was valued at $146.7 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $273.3 billion by 2031. And though skincare has been around forever, the incredible modern growth of this industry aligns with — you guessed it — the rise of social media. The surge began in 2019, according to Grand View Research, with the launch of Kylie Jenner’s bubblegum pink skincare line, Kylie Skin, which was the first in a wave of viral celebrity skincare brands from names like Rhianna and Jennifer Lopez.

“In this age, there’s so much more consumer knowledge and power, and that is 100% due to social media,” says Dominica Baird, the pioneering chair for the beauty and fragrance program within the DeSole School of Business Innovation at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Before joining SCAD this academic year, Baird worked at L’Oreal as head of trends and innovation for Maybelline Global Marketing. One of her responsibilities was forecasting beauty trends, a process in which Baird looked at macro events first, like global news, or other industries, like food and dining, to gain an insight into how consumers are feeling and, ultimately, what they may want to buy as a result.

“We are moving away from the organic foods movement of the pandemic and have started to go back to this idea of having fun with food, like these new sodas and snack foods that offer healthier, transparent ingredients but still taste good,” says Baird. For her, that was an indicator that consumers are wanting to seek pleasure. “I am seeing that search for joy — which is very much a post-pandemic feeling — progress from food into beauty. People are embracing fun again in their skin and makeup routine after a few years of a sort of austere, clinical routine.”

Kid in a Candy Store

Walk down one of the many skincare aisles in your local drugstore, and it’s easy to pick up on the “fun” that Baird is talking about. In fact, you might think you’ve wandered into the candy aisle. A rainbow of products in neon packaging line the shelves, each glossier than the last and called things like “bubble,” “slushie,” “jelly” and “whipped cream.” Multicolored, shiny, star-shaped pimple patches dominate an end display. Today’s trendy skincare is absolutely fun. It’s playful. It’s almost … childlike.

Indeed, the quest for youthful skin appears to be starting younger. Generation Alpha — those born between the early 2010s and 2024 — have been making headlines lately for their obsession with skincare, nicknamed “Sephora Kids” on TikTok. Meanwhile, according to a 2021 survey among U.S. shoppers by Statista, 41% of Gen Z shoppers (currently ages 12 to 27) said skincare is the product category

they spend the most money on.

“When I opened Glow in 2006, the only people getting injectables (such as neurotoxins, like Botox and fillers) were ages 50 and up,” says Courtney Victor, owner of Glow Med Spa. “Now the patient base is split into thirds: it’s a third Baby Boomers, and a third Gen X and older millennials in their late 30s and 40s starting to treat wrinkles and skin laxity issues. And then there’s a third group in their early 20s who are coming in for ‘glass skin,’” she says, referring to a Korean beauty trend that’s caught on in the U.S. in recent years. “It’s not about not having wrinkles because the wrinkles haven’t formed yet. It’s about having no movement to the skin,” says Victor. “It’s what all the younger clients are wanting.”

Victor sees these shifting demographics in her home as well as in her business. Even for someone who works in the industry, she says the experience of seeing her daughter

“As a mother, the standard of beauty that we are constantly exposed to and the information overload is concerning, especially when that standard of beauty is so regularly modified and not reflective of reality. Unfortunately, now there is this conception that we should be changing ourselves aesthetically, and it’s starting younger and younger.”

— Courtney Victor, owner of Glow Med Spa

Skincare Vocab Cheat Sheet

RETINOIDS, THE OLDIE BUT GOODIE: “Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, and they benefit acne, sun damaged skin and aging skin. Prescription retinoids stimulate collagen production, increase blood flow to the skin, and help prevent skin cancer. Retinol (available overthe-counter) works superficially and ‘changes the sheets’ on your mattress. But, prescription retinoids change your sheets, mattress pad and reach into the coils and fluff of your mattress to increase collagen and elastic tissue.” — Dr. Tonya McCullough of Chatham Dermatology

HYBRIDIZATION: “I see a continuation of hybridization — crossover between skincare and makeup — elevating and becoming stronger as a trend. For example, a tinted SPF, which is makeup that also serves a function.” — Dominica Baird, Chair of BEAU at SCAD

wanting to wear makeup and begin a skincare routine at age 9 was a “transcendental moment.”

“As a mother, the standard of beauty that we are constantly exposed to and the information overload is concerning, especially when that standard of beauty is so regularly modified and not reflective of reality,” she says. “Unfortunately, now there is this conception that we should be changing ourselves aesthetically, and it’s starting younger and younger.”

Natural Nightmare

Dr. Tonya McCullough of Chatham Dermatology says she sees how social media plays a role in exposure to information that can lead to more risk than reward.

“Most of the TikTok skincare trends are hype and are not beneficial,” says McCullough. “Some trends can be harmful, plugging pores and irritating and disrupting the skin barrier.”

The worst? Home pore-vacuuming and aggressive dermaplaning or microneedling, which could cause damage to blood vessels and scarring. On the upside, McCullough notes that pimple patches or acne spots are among one of the most beneficial skincare trends (colorful shapes optional), along with masks (especially those made from clay, mud and charcoal; but avoid oily or comedogenic masks) and self-tanners.

Still, the trend dermatologists are talking about most behind closed doors might not be what you’d expect.

“Dermatologists are concerned about the ‘all natural’ marketing hype making patients think that ‘all natural’ is safe,” says McCullough. “After all, poison ivy and arsenic are ‘all natural.’”

Victor and Baird both echo this concern.

“There is an idea that if you make it yourself from natural ingredients or things you have in your kitchen like honey, or lemon juice, or baking soda, that means it’s safe and you can put it on your face as a mask,” says Victor. “We’ve had patients come in with chemical burns from these things.”

“Content creators try to create fear around certain ingredients to generate traffic,” says Baird. “That can lead to people making their own ‘natural’ sunscreen, for example, which can be very dangerous.”

Sweating the Good Stu

There’s one “natural” skincare trend that’s been gaining popularity but won’t cause scarring: sweating from exposure to infrared heat via infrared saunas or infrared hot yoga.

“Infrared heat is special because it warms up the object and not the air,” says Kate Doran, owner of Savannah Power Yoga. “When you go into the studio, or an infrared sauna, the infrared waves are penetrating the cells of your body because of the wavelength.” She notes that generating heat from the inside out purifies the body in a way that is different from detoxification, a popular buzzword often associated with infrared heat and heavy sweating.

“Technically, sweating doesn’t detoxify us,” says Doran. “We have organs like our liver that are designed to remove toxins from the body. On a molecular level, infrared heat is exciting the cells, making them vibrate faster, reducing inflammation and moving energy.”

“In this age, there’s so much more consumer knowledge and power, and that is 100% due to social media.”

— Dominica Baird, chair of the business of beauty and fragrance program at SCAD

Recent studies have determined that wavelengths of infrared light such as those present in infrared saunas or an infraredheated yoga studio may have an anti-aging effect on the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production in dermal fibroblasts (the main cell type present in the skin’s connective tissue), according to the National Library of Medicine.

On the most basic level, sweating is a natural exfoliant, improves circulation and produces a naturally antimicrobial peptide called dermcidin, which helps to destroy harmful bacteria on the skin, minimizing the risk for infection, acne breakouts and flare-ups in chronic skin conditions.

“Infrared heat makes us sweat more,” says Doran, “which flushes the pores and moves impurities out of the body through the skin.” Her pro tip: Just make sure you wash off all that sweat with a cleanser when you’re done, which is possibly the most triedand-true skincare protocol.

Lessons for a Lifetime

“Young people, as well as older people, do not need complex regimens,” says McCullough in regards to multi-step skincare routines, especially those being embraced by Gen Alpha and frequently shared on social media. “A gentle cleanser and sun protection is all they need.”

Victor agrees and offers a few more tips for parents of young kids looking to explore skincare. She says the drugstore staple CeraVe is a fine cleanser for kids, and it won’t strip the skin’s barrier. Anything with the word “acid” in it is a no, and anything with a granular texture, like a scrub, should be avoided. “Teach them to never use the testers at the makeup counter, which can spread infection,” she adds. And, most important, for kids of all ages: “Number one, hands down, nothing looks better in your 40s and 50s than sunscreen applied in your teens, 20s and 30s.”

“Remember, beauty and skincare is not about anti-aging,” Victor says. “It’s about empowerment. Aging is a gift. The goal shouldn’t be to look younger; the goal should be to love the skin you’re in.”

DR . BOZENA KIERSKI SOJURNER MAYSRDH

Women Business in

Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty

OUR MISSION: To provide unmatched real estate service along the Lowcountry coast. In November 2021, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty merged with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty. Our shared commitment to high ethical and professional standards made the partnership an ideal fit. Now under the Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International

Realty name, our clients benefit from an expanded reach up the coastline to Charleston, South Carolina. We are proud to be a luxury brokerage firm, not only because we represent some of the finest homes in the area but also because we treat each listing with the same elevated care. After all, true luxury is a level of service, not a price point.

WHAT MAKES US PROUD: Our enduring pride stems from more than our affiliations with Savannah; it’s deeply rooted in our connection to the city. As ambassadors for this vibrant city, we take great pride in introducing newcomers to its enchanting allure and hospitable community. Savannah’s timeless charm and welcoming spirit are the cornerstones of our passion for real estate, driving us to showcase its beauty to the world with every transaction.

From left: Jean Stacy, Emily Trust, Rachel Umbreit, Annie Rockwell, Celia Dunn, Helen Johnson, Betsy Kingston Myers, Lavinia Strong, Terese McMillan, Susan Myers, Carolyn Ezelle and Julie Kehoe

SAVANNAH: 300 Bull St., Suite 101 | 912.234.3323

BLUFFTON: 49 Boundary St. | 843.836.3900 danielravenelsir.com

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN

SAVANNAH: In Savannah’s bustling real estate scene, success isn’t measured solely by transactions; the strength of the relationships forged also defines it. Upholding the Golden Rule isn’t just a philosophy — it’s the cornerstone of our business ethos. By treating clients, colleagues and partners with the same respect and integrity we desire for ourselves, we cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration that propels us toward mutual prosperity. We’re committed to fostering a community where empathy, honesty and goodwill pave the path to enduring success.

THE LOCAL WOMAN WE MOST ADMIRE:

While our admiration for Celia Dunn remains unwavering, we also find inspiration in the countless women who shape Savannah’s landscape with their resilience and vision. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and educators, these trailblazers embody the spirit of empowerment and innovation that defines our city. As we honor Celia’s legacy and continue her legacy of leadership, we celebrate her influence which continues to enrich our community and propel us toward a brighter future.

WE ARE EXCITED TO: Travel to the Sotheby’s International Realty Global Networking Event in September. This exclusive opportunity engages thousands of talented agents from around the globe in one location where strategic connections are forged that yield incredible results for the brand’s clientele. We cannot wait to represent Savannah while gaining insights and strategies from our industry’s thought leaders.

From left: Catherine Cooper, Kelli Weis, Monica McGoldrick, Laurie Ross, Lynn Bozeman, Missy Kolgaklis Taylor, Ruthie Lynah Whitlow and Jess Mikell

Realty One Group Inclusion

WE ARE: Not your average real estate brokerage. We are the UNBROKERAGE. We believe that you have ONE life to live, ONE chance to make it a meaningful ONE. We value coolture, connection, community and coaching. Together, we are building a team of world-class professionals who put our clients first as we paint the coast gold from the Lowcountry to the Golden Isles!

OUR VISION: Take risks, be bold, seize the day and respect others and the world around us. Everyone matters — everyone’s voice, everyone’s dreams — they all matter. We all have one life to live and one chance to make it mean something and to live with no regrets.

THE MEANING OF OUR NAME: Our brokerage Realty One Group INCLUSION values an inclusive environment for all of our agents and clients. Together, our office

currently stands around 140-plus agents across coastal Georgia from Brunswick to Savannah and into South Carolina.

OUR SECRET WEAPON: Our “coolture.” You read that right. We don’t just have culture, we have a coolture that is both supportive and diverse. Our agents are composed of professionals who work together to provide our clients with the best resources, industry knowledge and forward-thinking marketing to help

From left, sitting: Ashley Bushaw, Kelly Deal, Kathleen Linzey, Andrea Gines, Kristina Carulli and Janet Howard standing: Elizabeth Gantt, Susan Ross, Dawn Morgan, Maari Bennett, McKenzie Burnsed and Rebecca Wayman

SAVANNAH : 7025 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Unit A BRUNSWICK : 808 Gloucester St., Suite 114 searchhomesinsavannah.com

every client achieve their biggest goal, homeownership.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Our brokerage is comprised of agents who speak more than 10 languages, from Spanish to German, Polish, Ukrainian, Thai, French, Portuguese and more. We understand the value our agents bring by possessing different backgrounds in a way that creates a positive impact in all corners of our community.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Embrace entrepreneurship as the unstoppable leaders who we are. In coastal eorgia, we are redefining real estate, disrupting norms and driving innovation forward constantly with worldclass negotiating skills.

OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: A team of bold disruptors, fearless innovators and ambassadors to clients who aren’t afraid to break the mold. We’re rewriting

the rules of the game and paving the way for a new era of real estate excellence. Whether you’re scaling the heights of luxury penthouses or delving into the hidden gems of our landscape, we will stop at nothing to deliver results that defy expectations.

From left, sitting: Laurie Florance, Shandira Colebrooke, Nicolette Leasa, Chelsie Taroli, Anne Marie Neill and Cathy Cason standing: Quin Peterson, Jodi Clark, Janet Whelan, Susan Dailey, Heather Roper, Celi Tambon, Anne Gantt and Pamela Donlon

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia

OUR MISSION: To build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

OUR MOTTO: “Be prepared.” The 1947 “Girl Scout Handbook” explained the motto this way: “A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency.” The same holds true today.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Embody the values of leadership, resilience and compassion, women who are not afraid to challenge the status quo, lead with integrity

and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in their communities. Whether it’s breaking barriers in male dominated fields, advocating for social justice or nurturing the next generation of leaders, we admire women who inspire others through their actions and accomplishments.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: Empowerment, education and community engagement. We provide girls with the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive. We equip girls with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in various fields. And we create a network of support and mentorship to foster growth and collaboration.

OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: We are the nurturers of future leaders, the cultivators of confidence, and the champions of girl ambition. Our role is to provide girls with the skills and support they need to become successful, well-adjusted adults who contribute positively to society through our four pillars: STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoors and life skills.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity. By supporting and uplifting one another, businesses can thrive while also making a positive impact on the community.

Girl Scouts, from left, front: Daylin, Grace, Kor’Raina, Anastasia and Korisa; middle: Braiden, Nina, Aspen, Isabelle, Verity, Daniella and Sarah; back: Kali, Amelia, Trennon, Reagan, Madison and Malaysia.

Additionally, maintaining integrity, honesty and a commitment to social responsibility are essential ingredients for long-term success.

OUR LOCAL HEROINE: The girl who dares to dream, the one who challenges expectations and the one who leads with courage and compassion. She may not always be in the spotlight, but her impact reverberates through our community, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.

WE LEAD BY: Discovering, connecting and taking action. We help girls discover who they are, what they care about and how to best use their unique talents. We give them

opportunities to collaborate with others, both locally and globally, to learn, to expand their horizons and to take action to do what Girl Scouts always do — make the world a better place.

WE’RE PROUD OF: The countless girls who have thrived in our programs and emerged as successful leaders across different domains. Our iconic cookie program e emplifies this, standing as the largest girl-run business globally. By selling cookies, girls acquire skills that shape them into future CEOs, entrepreneurs, scientists and activists. The impact of our Girl Scouts is extensive, reaching far and wide. We take pride in

our role in nurturing their potential and empowering them to create meaningful change in the world.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Embrace their leadership potential and support the next generation of female leaders. By serving as mentors, advocates and role models, women can help create a more equitable and inclusive society where every girl can succeed. Our troop leaders do just that. They aren’t exclusively moms of daughters. Anyone with a passion for guiding and empowering young minds can step into this role. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and build a brighter future for all.

From left, front: Chelsea Simpson, Community Engagement Manager; Randi Brown, Executive Assistant to CEO; and Ebonie Smith, Youth Coordinator; i le Sue lse hief ecutive fficer erity aisy irl Scout igail Steve s rogra a ager e ifer

Tammy Williams, Regional Director of Membership and Volunteer Support; and Sally McCoy, Membership Support Manager; back: Nasheemah Kennedy, Shop Associate; Lorena Kirschner, Director of Program; Shatia Coats, Membership Recruitment Manager; and Dawn Cusack, Director of Retail Sales

Abby T. Abisogun, MD, ECNU

912.483.9313 | 7505 Waters Ave., Suite A9 drabbyendo.com

MY MISSION: To provide exceptional and personalized medical care for individuals struggling with hormone disorders in the greater Savannah area regardless of health insurance status. With Shoreline Endocrinology’s direct-pay practice model, I aim to remove some of the major barriers patients face in the conventional health care system, including long wait times, limited access and lack of continuity.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Mom of three beautiful girls. I wear many hats, but I consider being a mother the most important and rewarding job ever. My children are my world, and everything else I do must fit

around them and their needs. No ifs, ands or buts!

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Treat people well. Savannah is special because the people here value connection with each other. If you treat your patients well as a physician or you take good care of your customers as a business owner, the word will get around, and you will do very well.

I LEAD BY: Example. I believe in walking the walk if you’re going to talk the talk. I cannot expect for my staff to treat my patients well if I do not exemplify what it means to

treat patients well. Every patient deserves respect, individualized support and to be treated with dignity.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: My husband. He has challenged me to grow and be bigger than I ever thought I could be. He sees my potential and calls me out when I try to talk myself out of stepping fully into that potential. He is my best friend, business partner, coach and cheerleader all rolled up into one.

WHEN I AM NOT IN THE OFFICE: I like to read, cook, travel and enjoy time at the beach with my husband and beautiful daughters.

BankSouth

OUR MISSION: We believe we have a duty to our customers, our community and each other to deliver the best banking service possible. There are no silos, no corporate ladders — decisions are made here locally, and they are made to help you.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Relationships within the community, with clients and with each other. This has helped us develop our core values — be ready, be responsive, be respectful!

HOW WE HELP OTHERS: Our employees are your neighbors and your customers, living the same realities as you. We are

dedicated to doing things the right way to help you be successful. As banking continues to change, we offer you the digital features you expect with the personal attention when you need it.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: With a full range of services, our clients have a longterm partner in us. We are a community bank here to help our neighbors plan for their future. It’s your business, your family, your life, and we are here to help build what matters most to you.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Invest in our community by joining us in actively

supporting the many local businesses and nonprofits that are helping to make this place — a place we are so proud to call home — the very best it can be for everyone. It’s so important to support and advocate for opportunities that will enhance our community and promote the best environment for our families and businesses to thrive.

THE LATEST IN BANKING: We are continuously investing in digital technology and platforms that better enable us to redefine the banking e perience for our customers, bringing the bank to them wherever and whenever they need it.

From left: Jasmine Robinson, Heather Peloquin, Connie George, Linda Rice, Laura Moore, Lisa Harrington, Kay Ford, Kelli Fant and Giovanna Patton

The Glow Medical Spa team, from left, front: Emma Sperry, Patient Care Coordinator; Shelby Healy, Spa Director; Courtney Victor, Founder; Elizabeth Hare, Aesthetician; and Gracyn Harvey, Patient Care Coordinator; back: Jackie Newman, Marketing Director; Vanessa Delisle, Aesthetic Nurse and Laser Technician; Megan Pendarvis, Registered Nurse; Joyce Chan, Master Nurse Injector; Catherine Kerley, Aesthetician; Skylar Winter, Aesthetician and Laser Technician; Mary Douglas Hallman, Head of Operations; Delaney Moran, Patient Care Coordinator; and Paolo Castro, Patient Experience Coordinator; not pictured: Lindsey Kuhns, Brand Manager; Sonia Shams, Marketing Manager; Reese Victor, Vibe Manager; and Morgan Stubbs, Social Media Assistant. Glow Medical Spa is proud to have been winner of Savannah magazine’s Best of Savannah for 16 years in a row.

WE ARE KNOWN FOR: Being an all-women team of the most experienced and trusted experts in medical aesthetics and all things beauty for almost 20 years. We love to empower and help others feel and look their best. We offer an enlightened approach to aesthetics by providing beautiful and natural results — elegant, exclusive, artistic and unforgettable. Our team provides the most exceptional patient experience and results in the Coastal Empire, which has led to us being voted the Best of Savannah for 16 years in a row!

THE SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS: Our patientfirst focus and obsessively high standard for

consistently achieving extraordinary results have been the guiding principles behind everything we do at Glow Medical Spa.

WHAT’S NEW: We are really excited about the Glow App and our membership programs, which allow us to reward our Glow fans for referring friends and get points each time they visit us. Due to the overwhelming response to the Glow and Go walk-in services we offer Monday through Saturday, we launched our newest concept, GlowBar, at Glow Midtown. Our newest location, GlowLaser, just opened right next door to Glow Midtown. Look out for more Glow locations and concepts coming in the future!

HOW WE GIVE BACK: We believe in inner beauty and in making the world a more beautiful place by spreading kindness and using our profits and platform to give back to those in need. Thanks to the Glow patrons who have supported our small business, we have donated over $500,000 and more than 2,000 facials to nonprofit auctions and fundraisers.

WE ARE SO PROUD THAT: We are womenowned and female-founded, and we serve as strong role models and examples to the younger generation. The most beautiful and important thing about Glow is that our team makes people feel confident, heard, seen, and taken care of.

The Landings Company

OUR MISSION: We strive to be the leading real estate company at The Landings and to always exceed our clients’ expectations.

WE BELIEVE: There’s nothing more exciting than meeting new people, hearing their stories and helping them find the perfect home.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: Being good neighbors creates good business. We know that relationships always come first, whether cultivating new business or taking care of long-time clients and friends. At The Landings Company, we strive to

show everyone how wonderful it is to have Savannah as The Landings “hometown.” We support and sponsor initiatives that help the Savannah community. The United Way of the Coastal Empire, The Landings Landlovers, The Club Car Championship, Savannah Challenger and Kiwanis Club of Skidaway are just a few.

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 most of us are fortunate that not only do we work here, but we also live here and play here, too.

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.

From left, front row: Skyler Frazier, Jill Brooks, Linda Novack, Gail Toler, Judy Green, Suzanne Andrews, Angela Sauers, Wendy Reed; back row: Eileen Galves, Pat Ewaldsen, Katie Hart, Ginna Carroll, Stephanie Giorgio, Mary Beth McInerney, Ashley Gold, Susan Connelly; not pictured: Christy Moore, Cathryn O’Neill, Candice Parsons, Peggy Utley

MY MOTTO: Be kind! Treat others as you want to be treated. In business and in life, we all need to love and feel important. Respecting our patients and understanding their needs and concerns are of the utmost importance to us. Everyone deserves great quality treatment that is rooted in respect and understanding.

OUR GOAL: To continue offering highquality services to our clients and expanding to fill the community’s needs all the while harmonizing the principles of science and aesthetics, wellness and beauty. There’s a lot on the horizon for us, and we are carrying some wonderful momentum forward into new

and ama ing things. Stay tuned, we’ve got exciting things coming!

WHY I LOVE DOING BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Because of all the amazing people who support us. Savannah is such a wonderful and unique community where you can see the impact of small businesses on individuals. It’s a symbiotic relationship that you can’t find anywhere else. We have been so fortunate to practice in this community for seven years, and we are excited for our coming growth.

IF I COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE: Find your lane, something that makes

you happy and fulfilled, and stick to it unapologetically. Those who stay rooted in compassion without getting too big for their britches go far.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Can stay true to who they are and not get lost in the growth and struggles of owning their own business.

THE THINGS I VALUE MOST: Good quality care and service, continued learning and growth in my work and life, and treating my patients and employees as people not lines on a budget. I definitely haven’t reinvented the wheel, but I have tried to simplify it.

Brenda Olguin

MY MISSION: To create lasting memories for our guests. In the more than 15 years I’ve been at Fun Zone, I’ve aimed to provide our customers with an enjoyable experience. I understand that families come to Fun Zone to have a good time and make memories with their loved ones. It’s important to me that my team and I help them accomplish that.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Mother and role model. When I became a mother at a young age, I was determined to show my son that working hard, being good at what you do and having discipline will take you a long way. As a mother, I want

my son to see that if I was able to be successful, he, too, is capable of doing anything that he wants in life if he has the passion for it.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Offer great hospitality. Make your customers feel welcome, and they will return. It’s also important to stay on top of trends in your industry. I’ve spent many years engaged with industry and jobspecific educational programs and training through the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. This has helped me manage our fast-paced, 50-plus member team.

I LEAD BY: Example and treating people with respect. For the past 15 years, I have had a great mentor, Andrew McCumber, the owner of Fun Zone. Thanks to him, I have learned these leadership qualities. I would never ask anyone on our team to do anything that I am not willing to do myself.

I AM PROUD OF: The woman I have become and my accomplishments, both personally and professionally. Whether big or small, I am proud of the obstacles I have overcome. I have proven to myself that with dedication, balance and determination, I can be successful in both my work and personal life.

Lesley Francis PR Inc.

PEOPLE DON’T ALWAYS REALIZE THAT: LFPR is a full-service marketing agency offering media relations, copywriting, strategic input, reputation management, issues and crisis management, digital design, graphic design, branding, event management and advertising as well as website development, online marketing and social media services.

I’VE DISCOVERED THAT: Every truly effective marketing program must be individually tailored to meet the specific needs 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.

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.

WE STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY: By donating 20% of our time and skills to nonprofit organi ations in the region. All of

our team members are big supporters of our community, and we love working with some of this region’s great charitable and cultural nonprofit organi ations. We are determined to “pay it forward,” one of my goals after selling my PR agency in London and moving to Savannah in 2009.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I spend quality downtime with Dexter, my cute little white West ighland Terrier; Coco, our cra y Labradoodle; and Su i, our high energy White English Cream Retriever. As author Paul Dunn said, “My goal in life is to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.”

—Answers provided by Lesley Francis, owner

From left: Allie Robinson, Account Director; Chloe Davis, Account Manager; Lesley Francis, Founder & CEO; Catherine Kilburg, Digital Media Coordinator; Kristyn Beasley, Vice President of Marketing

Hospice Savannah Inc.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Demonstrate resilience, competence and compassion while striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: Innovation, collaboration and empathy.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH IS: Listening, understanding and prioritizing needs effectively and timely to better identify solutions for all involved.

WE LEAD BY: Example and by demonstrating integrity, credibility and a commitment to excellence in all that we do each day.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE: The only nonprofit legacy hospice in this area. We have been serving our community for the last 45 years and celebrating life together.

OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE: Caregivers and advocates, not just for our own families, but for our community and the seriously ill patients whom we serve.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Founded by our community, we help people live.

CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE: We have a reputation for providing exceptional care to patients

and their families during their time of greatest need.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: More than 80% of the care we provide is in the comfort of the patient’s own home. Most people are also surprised when they learn that most if not all the cost of hospice is paid through their edicare benefit, edicaid, private insurance or through self-pay.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Embrace their unique strengths, pursue their passions fearlessly and empower each other to break barriers to create positive changes for their community.

From left: Deneice Knowles, RN, Vice President of Clinical Services; Dr. Hayda Perdue, Chief Medical Director for Hospice Savannah; Melissa Gaule, Director of Palliative Care and Provider Management; Cassandra Green, Senior Director of Patient & Family Services; Kathleen D. Benton, President/CEO; Ilyce Brinn, Vice President of Operations and Employee Development; Terri Collins, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy; Kate Doran, Director of Giving; and Mindy Yates, Director of Education; Not pictured: Betsy Kammerud, Director of Full Circle Grief and Loss Center; Julie R. McGowan, Director of Clinical Strategy and Compliance; and Dr. Eiko Watanabe, Palliative Care Medical Director

WHO WE ARE: Almost 18 years in business, Satchel. is a fusion of studio and retail shop where we craft beautiful custom handbags and leather goods. Our space is designed with an open floor plan that allows you to watch part of our production team at work while you shop for ready-made goods. And if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, our Satchelettes are always ready to help you create a custom bag. From choosing your leather to selecting your hardware and lining, we love working with you to bring your dream bag to life.Who knows, we might even name a new design after you!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: A good relationship with (and direct phone line to) your banker, insurance agent, accountant and attorney. Also, business peers and mentors with whom you can openly share your experiences and ask for advice are invaluable.

I’M PROUD OF: My entire team. This is a whole team effort. They are family and the ones who make the Satchel. world go ’round!

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: “Just because you can fit into it doesn’t mean it fits you. y mom told me this in high school in reference to clothes. But it applies to every area of

life, including social circles, living situations, careers and even spirituality.

I’VE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one has all the answers. If they say they do, they’re faking it. We are all learning — all of the time. Or at least we should be.

I LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT: Everything takes longer and costs more than you think. Nothing ever goes according to the plan, so accept that something unexpected will happen and give yourself a cushion if you can.

Elizabeth Seeger

Elizabeth Seeger, founder and owner of Satchel.

Dr. Susan Timna & Dr. Cori Palmer

WE ARE PROUD: To introduce Expert Hearing to the Savannah community! We are a hybrid hearing, female-owned health care company. Hybrid means that we are able to see you in our office or within your home.

OUR MISSION: To use our combined 50 years of experience to provide excellence in hearing and brain health care with state-of-the-art comprehensive hearing and brain health evaluations. These measure the soft sounds you hear as well as how you understand and process what you hear in noisy environments. The field of audiology is ever changing with studies showing the links between untreated hearing loss and earlier cognitive decline.

OUR GOAL: To help patients lead a longer and more productive hearing life. It’s not just about the ear anymore!

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE WE RECEIVED: People do business with people. It is important that each of our patients feel like they are our only patient. We want to spend time with them and build relationships that lead to hearing success. If you give people the best of yourself each day and provide excellent customer service, it’s a win-win for all.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR: Our wonderful and loyal patients who provide us the ability to help them navigate their hearing and brain

health journey and our families and friends who have supported us along the way.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Have the courage and tenacity to think outside the box and reach goals thought to be unattainable for the benefit of their community.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Dr. Palmer is a marathon runner and has completed three full marathons and more than 25 half marathons. Dr. Timna played the piano for the Miss University of Georgia Pageant and now watches her five grandchildren play on the piano given to her by their great-great-grandmother!

Budget Blinds of Savannah

OUR GOAL: To exceed expectations! We want to do more than just sell a product. We want to help our clients create the home they’ve always dreamed of. And we want our clients to be so excited with the results that they can’t wait to share their experiences they had with their friends and family.

WE SPECIALIZE IN: Blinds, shades, shutters and drapes. Budget Blinds brings the showroom to you. We expertly measure your space, install beautiful window treatments and back it up with the best warranty in the business.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Being true to your word,

standing behind your work and treating your clients how you expect to be treated.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: The team we have built, a team who works together and goes above and beyond what is required.

OUR CLIENTS LOVE: That they can count on us to guide them toward the best products for their particular needs. We have more than 12 years of experience in the industry and regularly participate in continuing education programs to stay current in our knowledge. We understand what will work in any given situation and what will not. We help clients make the best investment to protect and

decorate their more treasured asset.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I love spending time with my family or in my art studio. I love to be creative. It’s a great way to unwind, and it’s a great way to be expressive in a quiet way.

I LOVE WORKING IN SAVANNAH BECAUSE OF: The people. My family is from Savannah, so I have many wonderful connections in this town. More and more, our clients are coming from all over the U.S. It’s gratifying to meet new people, hear their stories and help them complete their homes in Savannah.

–Answers provided by Katherine Weeks

From left: Sharon Zellerer, Abby Belote, Katherine Weeks and Tina Tao

Chloe Binetti

WE ARE: A sustainable luxury resale store located in Savannah’s Downtown Design District. We offer preloved bags, shoes and clothes for a fraction of the price.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: Raising a sweet and silly son and opening my designer resale small business. Resale was just exploding at the time when I started 13 years ago. I quickly found success with it as a side gig, all the while keeping a demanding job in finance. When I uit my full time ob last year, I was reminded that I enjoyed reselling. Now, I have fully immersed myself in the resale world and absolutely love the sustainability aspect of it. It is an honor to help give a

fashionable piece a life beyond one occasion, one season and one closet. y store is filled with timeless pieces that will still be current and all the more treasured five, 10 or even 20 years from now.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED: Don’t be afraid to take up space. Allow yourself to be seen and heard, express your ideas and opinions with conviction and have the courage to occupy the space you rightfully deserve.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Take leadership positions, whether in a corporate environment or owning their own business.

We have a lot to bring to the table, and there is room for all of us at the top. Pursue your passion and dreams fearlessly.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Newly minted mompreneur, extrovert, a passionate reseller, a chronic multitasker, an eternal optimist and a lover of all things quality and beautiful.

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT SAVANNAH: Coming from New York City, it seems like a big change, but my husband, Michael, and I absolutely love it here. The charm and Southern hospitality initially drew us to the city, but we stayed for the strong sense of community. It feels like home now.

I AM PROUD OF: Flavors Food Tours, our award-winning culinary tour company featured in USA Today, CNN, Travel + Leisure, Forbes and Frommers . We serve visitors and locals alike to Savannah; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, authentic regional cuisine and cocktails while sharing the history and culture of those areas with guests.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: As a food tour company owner, it’s knowing great and varied places to break bread. Flavors Food Tours guests taste cuisine ranging from “must-visit” family-owned eateries to newer establishments that have carved a name out for themselves due to their quality.

I’VE

LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT:

As a food tour company, we have to start with great food first. It can be easy to want to cover all the amazing historical and architectural features of Savannah in our three-hour tours, but as a food tour, the cuisine takes center stage.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Taste buds and people skills. People book a food tour to eat great representations of the local food and to get a sense of the city. My job is to, through eating and drinking, know where to take people. I am also tasked with learning the history and architecture of a city and successfully communicating that to others.

I AM THANKFUL FOR: Each valuable team member and what they bring to the table — literally — as well as my family, who supports me in all my wild foodie aspirations.

OUR CLIENTS HAVE SAID:

“I’m a Savannah native and thought I knew most of the history and places to eat in Savannah. Our tour stopped at some cool places with awesome food and history. The guide was really entertaining, and the walk was just a long enough stroll through our amazing city. What a fun way to spend the afternoon!”

Leslie Padró Wiggins

Leslie Padró Wiggins, founder of Flavors Food Tours

Brooke Powell

MY CORE VALUES: Passion, integrity and loyalty to my clients.

MY CORE FOUNDATION: Developing strong relationships, both with clients and other cooperating brokers. Integrity, delivering consistent excellence and a collaborative/ communicative spirit are core values that have shaped my passion for the profession and has allowed my team to be a trusted and valuable asset in conducting business. This ensures that I deliver the absolute best to the loyal clients we serve again and again while also allowing us to formulate a respected, longstanding relationship with other brokers with whom we cooperate.

MY MOTIVATION TO BE A FEMALE LEADER IN BUSINESS: My mother owned her own business for more than 30 years and was my first e ample of a strong woman in business. As a mom to two little girls myself, I want to carry on that legacy and show them that they can achieve anything they want in this life through hard work and determination.

I ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE BY: Prioritizing ongoing learning and skill development, tracking local market trends, actively listening and striving for innovative solutions tailored to clients’ specific needs. I seek first to understand in all situations. Focusing on my client’s motivation for buying/selling helps

me to develop a strategy that is uniquely tailored to each client’s specific circumstance. I want to understand the “why?” so that I can serve each client effectively.

ME, IN FIVE WORDS:

C: Compassionate

A: Authentic

R: Resourceful

E: Enthusiastic

S: Savvy

MY PURPOSE: I am dedicated to eliminating real estate stress for my clients and driven to ensure they have an enjoyable and pleasant e perience from start to finish and beyond.

Coastal Heritage Society

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: Making connections and building trusted relationships. As a native Savannahian, I know those shared experiences can create bonds that connect businesses, and that is essential to interacting with our community.

MY MISSION: To provide educational experiences for the public through the preservation and presentation of the historic resources of coastal Georgia and adjacent regions.

I AM THANKFUL FOR: The opportunity to lead this organization and the opportunities for women today. Traditionally, museum

leadership has been held by men. Today, however, museums are prevalently led by women. It is really exciting to be working at this time in history.

I’M PROUD OF: The variety of museums managed by Coastal Heritage Society and the number of historic landmarks and artifacts we share with our guests. We have six historic museums including Savannah History Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum and Harper Fowlkes House. CHS has been a regional leader in historic preservation and community engagement for nearly 50 years.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: To be who you are and unapologetically yourself. Every female mentor and family member has reinforced the need to be authentic, and I follow this advice.

I LEAD BY: Being on the ground and being adaptive. When running six historic museums, each day is different. Whether I am signing business contracts, checking guests in at special events such as Savannah Santa Train or planning exhibits of Revolutionary War-era cannons, I truly believe in working side-byside with my staff and staying fle ible to meet whatever the day brings us with positivity. –Answers provided by Nora Fleming Lee

From left: Julia Keating, Elisabeth Chappell, Natalie Butler, Nora Fleming Lee, Betty Sayler-Youles, Emily Beck and Megan Alstad

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

BAY STREET REALTY GROUP 912.233.6000 f c s n avannah and da a s and aufort ard v r and ar or s ands oosa o nt and ata s and a tr t a t rou .com

WE ARE YOUR: Trusted advisors. We are here to help you through every stage of life. We build a relationship based on trust with our clients. We are your partner and forever agent through all walks of real estate. Whether it’s your first home, an investment property, a waterfront home, a historic home, a second home, a commercial property or anything in between, we will always be there for you.

OUR NETWORK: With 0,000 agents and more than 1, 00 offices worldwide in 1 different countries, we bring your home to the global stage. Whether you’re relocating near one of our si regional offices from

Beaufort to Savannah or journeying across the country or globe, we’ll link you with a reliable partner committed to serving your best interests.

WE CHOOSE TO WORK HERE BECAUSE: B S Bay Street Realty roup empowers us to deliver unparalleled service to our clients through a globally trusted brand, top tier marketing strategies, e ceptional support and a dedicated noncompeting broker committed to our best interests. With Berkshire athaway’s omeServices backing, we access exclusive tools and resources unmatched by any other, ensuring our clients receive incomparable benefits.

WE ARE PROUD OF: For the past three years being in the Elite Circle — the Top 50 Brokerages Worldwide for Berkshire athaway omeServices. In 202 , Bay Street Realty roup finished in the Top 0

WHEN OUR NAME GOES ON A SIGN: It’s a bold declaration of trust, integrity, stability, longevity and uncompromising excellence. We uphold this pledge with utmost seriousness. That’s why you’ll witness these principles embodied in every office, every agent and every single interaction.

Photographed at the Andrew Low House

Amy Pierce, RN & Dr. Pam Gaudry

OUR MISSION: To create a customer-servicedriven approach to great medical care with high energy and urgency. Coastal Care Partners and Dr. Pam Gaudry share the same vision for customer-focused health care, and this led to our incredible partnership.

OUR MOTTO: To delight our members with exceptional care and spectacular customer service.

WE ARE: A health care solutions company on a mission to re-create the health care experience — driven by high energy, exemplary service and innovative care

solutions. We were founded on the belief that we would all take better care of ourselves if we had easier access to better care. That’s why our expert and compassionate team of doctors, nurses and caregivers are redefining modern health care and providing a new level of convenience and confidence to all those we serve. We look forward to demonstrating just how good health care can be.

WE BELIEVE IN: Making “Yes” happen, always asking “How can we help?” and a relentless approach to delivering exceptional customer service.

WE ARE EXPERTS IN: Urgent care, nurse-care management, in-home care, concierge adult primary care and concierge pediatrics.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Fostering relationships and collaborating with other business owners and our members.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: The Savannah community for embracing Coastal Care Partners from the beginning and allowing us to create more health care solutions. — Amy Pierce

ro left y ierce hief ecutive fficer a r. a au ry e ical irector at oastal are ri ary are

Engel & Völkers Savannah

OUR MISSION: “Selling Savannah to the world!” We are extraordinary, award-winning businesswomen who enjoy sharing our love of Savannah, our knowledge of the housing market and the investment opportunities our beautiful city offers.

OUR CORE VALUES: Competence, exclusivity and passion. There is a single vision shared by the professional women who represent Engel & Völkers — to link the aspirations of discerning individuals around the world, be it in a private or business context, with total passion.

OUR FLAGSHIP SERVICE: Specializing in

residential real estate brokerage, we take great pride in serving Savannah and its neighboring coastal areas. Partnering with Engel & Völkers, a renowned global real estate enterprise founded in Europe in 1977, boasting more than 1,000 branches across nations, amplifies our bouti ue firm’s reach to a prestigious international real estate clientele.

OUR DISTINCTIVE IDENTITY: Our sophisticated style, cutting-edge marketing collateral and cohesive network assets underscore our commitment to exceptional service and forward-looking business. Embracing a digital first strategy, our

polished branding sharpens our competitive edge in the luxury real estate arena.

OUR ENDURING PROMISE: “Opening the Door to the Coastal Empire for Over 50 ears. As trusted real estate advisors, we’ve been guiding clients through their Savannah and coastal community ventures for more than five decades. Our steadfast dedication to superior service, local acumen and global connectivity continues to distinguish us as we facilitate discovery of the housing treasures within the Coastal Empire. With our team’s growth to more than 0 real estate advisors, our allegiance to our community remains unwavering!

From left: Thabo Bailey Hall, Melody Rodriguez, Anna Grace Crawford, Lana Sanders, Julie Evans, Kimberly Ergul, Sarah Pounders, Monika Bryant, Jessica Kelly, Danni Evans-Powers, Farrell Click, Victoria Turner, Kimi Pelletier, Fran Belloir, Lauri Provenza, Nazira Waldo, Cortney Elwood and Esther Goossens

MY MISSION: To empower individuals to build self confidence by enhancing their well being and appearance. I promote a deeper understanding of the significance of self-care and preventative wellness and encourage people to engage in activities that bring them oy. I also raise awareness about the community services that are available to support individuals in improving their overall wellness.

MY MOTTO: Do what makes you happy; you are essential. If you feel good, you are essentially a better person all the way around.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: I am a wife to a small business owner and a mother of four. I have a passion for traveling and thrive on personal growth. I prioriti e e periences over material possessions. Although somewhat shy, I am actively involved in several organi ations and cherish my roles as a daughter and friend.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Always put od first, absolutely love what you do and network The key to success in business and building a strong community in Savannah lies in authenticity, honesty and loyalty. Be true

to yourself while maintaining integrity with your community, your clients and your team. ive your best effort at all times. In a service oriented industry, genuine passion and love for your work are vital.

I AM THANKFUL FOR: A supportive husband who understands my ambition and commitment to creating a lasting legacy for our children. I am also thankful for my dedicated team and the community that recogni es my vision and wholeheartedly supports my aspirations.

From left: Barbara Horsey, Elizabeth Children, Amari Samuel, Aldreka Campbell, Courtney King and Hannah Kroul Standing: Luis Polo

Juice Studios, a Hosts Global Member

WE ARE: An award-winning destination management company.

OUR MISSION: For 20 years, Juice Studios has been laser-focused on creating worldclass events for hundreds of clients. Each event is specifically curated based on the client’s dream — something our team thrives on! As we expand from being Atlantabased to now a talented team in Savannah and the coast, we are excited about new opportunities ahead.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Monday.com app on our cellphones (it holds every vendor, staff and important contact we will ever

need), Lululemon Crossbody (which can hold mounds of secret weapons needed while onsite at an event) and a Sharpie.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: “Surround yourself with a trusted and loyal team. It makes all the difference.” — Alison Pincus, co-founder of One Kings Lane, an American luxury home décor business.

COMPANIES LOVE: Events on our coast. Our Savannah team is winning over clients with creative event ideas centered around this region’s natural beauty, mixed with history, creative cuisine and dynamic architecture. Recently, we welcomed

more than 200 guests of a large insurance company to Savannah to share the city’s warm, authentic Southern hospitality.

WE ARE HONORED BY: The company we keep. We collaborate with numerous Fortune 500 companies, including TIAA, Mohawk, Signia by Hilton and Dr. Pepper, for highprofile events such as the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff to create customer-facing experiences. We recognize the privilege we’ve been afforded, as the loyalty of repeat business from our clients over the past 20 years serves as both validation and motivation — fueling our passion to keep doing what we love!

From left, front: Rachel Keyes and Kris Shea; middle: Sierra Cornog, Angie Winckler, Kris Hammett, Ellen Woodard Schlich and Leigh Chandler; and back: Megan Wood, Cori Bokath, Reilly Abshire and Carlie Greeley

MY MISSION: To let the world know that chronic illness is preventable and that there is a better way to approach health and wellness. Diseases like Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disease and many other chronic conditions can be reversed with proper lifestyle changes. Personalized medicine and functional medicine are the future of health care.

MY MOTTO: Today’s health is tomorrow’s wealth!

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE IS: Based on proactive and preventative care rather than reactive treatments. It encompasses wellness, so we look at everything.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Listening, observing and being present are my greatest tools as a doctor and diagnostician. I have learned to be a great listener. If you spend time listening to your patients, they will tell you what you need to know. I always include my patient as a part of my medical team.

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: You have to put the time and effort into something to achieve success.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: Always treat people the way you want to be treated, be honest and be authentic.

I LEAD BY: Example. I am not afraid to roll my sleeves up and work. No job is too menial for me to do. I worked in the emergency room for years, and I learned teamwork leads to success.

I’M PROUD OF: My groundbreaking work with Dr. Dale Bredesen as his founding Chief edical Officer of I Cognition and creating the Brain Health and Research Institute in collaboration with Dr. Leroy Hood. Both experiences were partnerships that led to a deeper understanding of the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and cutting-edge advancements in treatment.

WE ARE KNOWN FOR: Jeans and T-shirts — two closet staples that will become your new favorite denim brand and go-to tee. Our classic, timeless clothing and accessories can take you from elevated casual to “dolled-up” evening.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Coffee (you can always spot the ‘M’ cup on the counter), hand-written agendas and oldies music.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: Our customers who have become friends, my fellow shop owners who are like sisters, our incredible sales associates and my supportive family. I am so thankful for the ability to work in a creative

environment and help bring our own unique vibe to the Savannah community.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS: I am getting my private pilot’s license! I am excited to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and travel around the country like he did in his vintage Beechcraft Bonanza (shout-out to Whiskey Victor!).

WHY AMERICAN MADE: Midge exclusively sells merchandise made in the United States. We love supporting other small businesses that help our economy and create jobs that also meet important environmental and ethical labor standards. In doing so, we give

independent brands — alongside larger national manufacturers that deliver Americanmade quality — a platform and outlet.

IT ALL STARTED WITH: Barbies. Growing up, my sister and I loved our mother’s vintage Barbie dolls with their dedicated events outfits and uality fabrics. We were also blessed to be surrounded by an influential mi of strong and stylish Southern women — including Aunt Ruth with her cotillion gowns for dress-up and Aunt Shirley with her legendary chocolate cake — who taught us that we could be anything we wanted to be. I named the shop Midge, inspired by my roots and Barbie’s best friend from the 1960s.

Margaret Stanley

Savannah Magazine

912.652.0293 | 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202 | savannahmagazine.com Editorial: colleen.mcnally@savannahmagazine.com | Advertising: jane.townsend@savannahmagazine.com Marketing/Circulation: anita.hagin@savannahmagazine.com

OUR MISSION: To celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community.

OUR REAL JOBS: Curators of Savannah culture. Natives and newcomers on our team are all avid ambassadors of the unparalleled Savannah lifestyle. We’re also mothers, relationship builders, philanthropists, intellects, advocates, bibliophiles, epicures, outdoor enthusiasts, fitness fanatics, artists, fashionis tas, gardeners, collectors and explorers.

WE ARE PROUD OF: Being Savannah’s premier city magazine for nearly 35 years. Collectively, we have more than 187 years

of experience in publishing, writing, editing, design, ad sales and marketing. We publish six Savannah magazines, four HOMES issues, Southern Coastal Weddings and a variety of chamber publications annually.

OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS: When we hear from readers and partners who say someone pointed them out in a story or turned to them after seeing their ad. When an article is shared on social media. When someone new to town wants a recommendation for a restaurant, doctor or builder and requests a copy of our Best of Savannah results. Long before social media, Savannah magazine was and remains the original local influencer.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: We helped create the bestselling flavor of Leopold’s Ice Cream. In honor of our 25th anniversary, we teamed up with Leopold’s to create “Savannah Socialite.” Naming this concoction of decadent chocolate, bourbon-infused caramel and Southern pecans was as fun as the taste tests. We would love to team up with a local business to create something just as fun and unique for our 35th anniversary!

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Buy local. By supporting local shops, restaurants and business professionals and services, we are investing in on our community.

From left: Holly Todd, Corinne Karmiel, Kasey Huggins, Melanie Schmermund, Anita Hagin, Colleen Ann McNally, Jane Townsend, Jill Strauss, Lane Pelliccione and Andrea Burg

OUR MISSION: To create a culture of compassion for our patients and each other, driven by purpose, innovation and a desire for exceptional patient outcomes and experiences.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Realize nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief she has in herself.

– Barbara L. Davies, MD FACS

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.

– Karen Bouchard, PA-C, Aesthetic Physician Assistant

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

– Bouchard

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT: Life doesn’t get easier; you just get stronger.

– Davies

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT: The beautiful changes we have made recently and are planning to continue here at Savannah

Plastic Surgery. Last year we underwent a full transformation of the building exterior and lobby at our Savannah location. Our new space is modern, chic and inviting with private niches and an ultra-tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxing while you wait. We are very excited about the next phase of renovations. We also continue to grow, welcoming aesthetician and laser expert Rebekah Mullins L.E., with 26 years of experience within dermatology and plastic surgery practices in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Savannah. Rebekah serves our Savannah and Bluffton locations. Come, experience our services and see our changes.

From left: Karen Bouchard, PA-C, Aesthetic Physician Assistant, and Barbara L. Davies, MD FACS

Sound View Wealth Advisors

OUR MISSION: To help you navigate all aspects of your financial life. We are fiduciaries who are legally and ethically obligated to put our clients’ best interests ahead of our own. The sole focus of Sound iew Wealth Advisors is our clients’ financial well being. We help you identify blind spots, find peace of mind and live the life that you’ve worked so hard for.

OUR MOTTO: Always put the client first. We create a culture where we put people first, where we work hard and have fun.

YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS THAT: We are an adventurous and active crew. We spend our free time riding horses, making fresh sour dough, practicing yoga, participating in team s, coaching volleyball, attending charity events, listening to live music, focusing on photography, traveling and much more

THE MOST EMPOWERING PART OF OUR JOB: The ability to help build a foundation for a sound financial future for our clients. The multigenerational connections and ability to assist in tailored plans for families is one of the best parts of our ob. It is more than a ob. It is our ASSION

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Continue to oin the financial services industry. In a field that has predominantly been male dominated, we have been e cited to see more and more women entering the space each year. Our female ranks continue to grow, as we now have 11 ama ing women on our Sound iew team.

OUR PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH: orning yoga at Service Brewing Co., brunch at Collins uarter at orsyth, retail therapy at the local bouti ues downtown, then close out the day with a boat cruise to dinner at the Wyld Dock Bar.

From left, front: Danielle Sto Domingo, Melissa Bouchillon, Rebekah Hoffman and Noelle Gauthier Back: Molly Lanier, Nina-Kate Brackett, Leah Willey, Crystal Montoya, Jaime Kelly, Danika Weeden and Michelle Harley

Photo taken at Heart Horse Farms.

Kati Ann Wright

I AM: A Savannah Realtor with a knack for finding silver linings, homes for my clients that they didn’t know would be a perfect match and, more often than not, tiny Legos hidden by my year old son. We’ve been blessed by our clients to attain No. 1 Small Team with our company and No. 1 Lu ury Agent in sales volume for the past three years running.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Intentionality. This can come in many forms relationships, planning scheduling, balancing work and home life. When you prioriti e the values that are important to you, everything else seems to fall into place.

WHY REAL ESTATE: Whether locally or while helping clients find additional property needs outside of our city, I love that our business has made a ma or impact on everyday people’s lives in our community. rom the first time home buyer to seeing families gather around a table in a world that’s consumed by busy, I am reassured of all the good in the place we call home.

I LEAD BY: Respect and heart. Whoever said you can’t have a heart in business was not in real estate. Even during the heart of a nego tiation, you are putting your clients at the forefront. ou must understand your clients’ needs to provide them with the best service.

WHERE I SEE MYSELF IN FIVE YEARS: robably negotiating real estate deals on a ballfield or hockey rink I’m a boy mom.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Are confident in who they are. They are resilient. ost women are uggling family, kids, work, serving others, while also making sure their people are nurtured and taken care of. Those are my kind of women; they show up when it’s hard. I applaud these kind of women and will always champion beside them.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: ou’re thinking too small; think bigger

OUR MISSION: To deliver unparalleled service while ensuring you feel right at home with us. We strive to create an atmosphere where you’re not only a customer, but also a valued member of our extended salon family. We believe in the power of connection and strive to build meaningful relationships with each and every guest. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been with us for years, we want you to feel appreciated, understood and cared for every step of the way.

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT: Trying to do everything alone is unsustainable. Success often depends on our ability to lean on colleagues and draw support from those

around us for motivation and inspiration. Collaboration not only lightens our burdens but also contributes to collective success by tapping into diverse strengths and perspectives. Embracing this teamwork isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a recognition of our interdependence and a pathway to achieving our goals more effectively.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Networking! Cultivate a robust network of colleagues on whom you can rely for support, advice and inspiration. Savannah boasts numerous outstanding business owners who offer a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for navigating today’s market.

I’M PROUD OF: My leadership team. We’ve dedicated ourselves to building on each other’s strengths and discovering how to best support both our team and our clients. Their genuine care for nurturing our team and serving our clients is remarkable. Running these businesses truly takes a village, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have such amazing women in my village.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Stop being afraid to ask for help and support. Some of my biggest successes have come from embracing and leaning on my team. —Answers provided by Michelle Rouzer

From left: Kelley Davis, Salon Manager; Michelle Rouzer, Owner; Christina Jennings, Boutique Manager and Wedding Coordinator; Callie Oliver, Operations Director; and Kylie Neal, Social Media Management and Marketing

OUR MISSION: To provide an inviting and knowledgable shopping experience by offering a carefully curated selection of unique, high-quality garments with your own personal shopper at your fingertips. rom everyday wear to outfits for life’s special moments, Morgan Rae Boutique is ready to dress you!

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: ou can’t expect your friends and family to solely drive your business. Strangers often emerge and become une pected allies. In the realm of retail, these strangers morph into customers, breathing new life into the business with their patronage and loyalty.

I CHOOSE TO BE: Extremely involved and hands on with my business. I’ve worked very hard to be here. I pride myself on hand selecting every single piece of merchandise in my boutique along with styling customers daily, running our social media accounts, hosting biweekly live sales, participating in community events, merchandising the bouti ue, being a positive influence and role model to my dedicated team of employees and so much more. The list is never ending, but my work is overwhelmingly rewarding.

I WOULD RECOMMEND: Anyone who is contemplating opening a small business should take a chance on herself and just do it!

TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: You must be involved in the community, emphasize giving back as much as possible and provide the best experience and service for your customers. I choose to prioritize fundraising for local charities and supporting the goals of other women in business. The organ Rae team goes above and beyond for our customers, and we genuinely love making others feel important, confident and beautiful.

I HOPE OTHER WOMEN: Are inspired by the number of women-owned businesses in Savannah and feel encouraged to take risks, not give up and follow their dreams.

Morgan Bryant

Stephanie Joy Sweeney DMD

MY MISSION: To give people the confidence to smile and improve their overall health. Although I got into dentistry for the cosmetic aspect, what really energi es me now is discussing the link between breathing, airways and aw development. I hope to educate people that beautiful is healthy. Oftentimes an unaesthetic smile is actually a red flag for underlying dysfunction. orm follows function, so the lack of symmetry, crowding, gummy smiles and the like can actually be signs of a bigger issue such as sleep disorder breathing issues like snoring or even AD D. We can improve sleep uality and breathing and reduce risk of sleep apnea and the use of C A machines.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Technology, my team and continuing education courses. Technology like iTero Element intraoral scanners and cone beam computed tomography medical imaging make procedures like all on or all on or hybridge dental implants possible. This surgery creates a full mouth restoration for those patients who previously had no options beside dentures. Without our ama ing team, we wouldn’t be able to serve as many patients and provide such an ama ing level of customer service. Lastly, without continuing education we wouldn’t be able to provide so much more than repairing damaged and decayed teeth. We are in an ama ing era of

medicine functional medicine where we are preventing problems and addressing potential issues, which allows us to live a vastly improved uality of life.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I have a degree in psychology and am passionate about helping people find life work balance and fulfillment. any of my classmates who found huge career success were struggling to find happiness and avoid burnout. After helping a few friends get through this, I turned this into another business. I study flow and resiliency and use that information to help individuals push outside of their comfort ones. Learn more blueeyeedwatergirl.

The Eichholz Law Firm

OUR MISSION: We fight for victims of personal in ury, wrongful death and catastrophic accidents to get you the ustice you deserve.

WE’RE PROUD OF: Our firm’s teamwork and commitment to going above and beyond for our clients. Our clients come to us after some of the most difficult and traumatic e periences of their lives, and our team takes that trust and our duty to our clients e tremely seriously.

MY MOTTO: eel the fear and do it anyway.

– Zeidan

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: y spiritual foundation I would not be able to ground myself without im as my compass , the fun I have analy ing data which helps me see an overall picture of what’s successful and what’s not and the immense satisfaction I gain from helping others pursue their passions. – Scriven

I LEAD BY: Infusing empathy, compassion and connection into a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, understood and empowered to succeed. I operate under the leadership philosophy, Lead with the heart; connect with purpose. – Zeidan

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: Savannah’s business landscape is uni ue and rewards those who go beyond transactions to become true partners in addressing the community’s needs. – Scriven

From left: Erica Scriven, Alicia Quest, Nozipho Hubbard, Airika Dunn, Khadijah Smalls, Sharita Fulton, Rachel Cruikshank, Latosha Gordon, Erika Williams, Ashley Brown and Fatima Zeidan

MY MISSION: To serve God in all that I do, which in my business means serving our customers well and pouring into my team.

MY MOTTO: 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 customerservice oriented, and our staff is so friendly and helpful.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Mother — it’s always and forever my favorite job.

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Success only comes with hard work and commitment. It’s never as easy as it looks.

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.

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: Treating your staff and customers like family. I have been blessed with the best team and the most supportive husband.

I LEAD BY: Extending grace when it is most needed.

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: My family and faith in God.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: My three daughters who have grown up to be hard working, independent and kind-hearted women.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Believe in themselves and value what they have to offer the world.

MY PERFECT DAY: A morning power walk admiring the sunrise and nature, a long boat ride to The Wyld for lunch and movie night on the dock with festive cocktails! –Answers provided by Leanne Dodd, owner

From left: Alex Quattlebaum, Holley Gregory, April Lavender, Madison Rentz, Kelsie Sprague, May Andres, Maureen Bailey, Leanne Dodd, Ashley Groover, Maia Storm, Jessie Krebs, Lexa Flynn and Makenna Nichols

OUR MISSION: To provide a uniquely curated shopping experience that inspires our customers to visualize the creative possibilities of their own living and working spaces using fine art, ob ects and furniture.

I’M PROUD TO: Share the limelight of this issue with many talented and inspiring women, including my daughter, atie, and my sister, Terri, and those women along my our ney who taught me skills that I still use daily — my om, ean, and my younger sister, udy.

WHEN PEOPLE WALK INTO OUR HOME

DÉCOR SHOP: I want them to feel welcome. I hope our customers en oy our uni ue

selection of curated goods but en oy the per sonali ed e perience of their visit even more.

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE STORE: I’m usually working in our office, pulling more items from our storage or on a buying trip searching for the most unique furniture and home décor items I can find.

MY HEROINE: y daughter, atie, who has truly made ones Bull a family business. Despite her full time role as the art teacher at St. Andrew’s School through fourth grades , full time om of my two wonderful grandchildren, book illustrator, published artist and graphic designer, atie has found

time to create our unique suite of branded business materials and custom art for our store. rom the beautiful Savannah scenes greeting cards and custom artwork to the exclusive Savannah Toile tea towels and wallpaper gracing our walls, atie’s artistic talent is displayed throughout our shop and on our business cards and shopping bags.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: y ama ing husband, Andy, my life partner for the past years and business partner since 2022. e encouraged me to start my interior design business in 2007 and has been my greatest supporter as my dream of owning a home d cor shop took flight 10 years ago.

From left: shop dog Murphy, Owner Robin Napoli and artist Katie Napoli Freeman

Georgia Eye Institute

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

MY MOTTO: Work for it more than you hope for it. — Bromley

Better vision for a better life. – Piros

I AM MOST THANKFUL FOR:

The strength my parents instilled in me to persevere. — Piros

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Age with oy and confidence. – Piros Realize that they have the power to change their own lives. – Bromley

PATIENTS CHOOSE ME BECAUSE: I am efficient, caring and honest. — Bromley

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Was from my Dad, who said to develop a strong business relationship early on with a great banker. — Piros

MY PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH: Taking my dog to the Forsyth Farmers’ Market and then spending the afternoon crabbing in our wonderful creeks. — Piros

MY LOCAL HEROINE: My sister — she opened her own business, on Trapp

Animal Lodge. Watching her manage her business while balancing motherhood is inspirational. — Bromley

THE BEST CONNECTION I EVER MADE: Coming to work at Georgia Eye Institute with my mother, Dr. Eli abeth iller retired . — Bromley

WHEN I AM NOT IN THE OFFICE: I love to fish and go to dog shows to show my dog. — Piros

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. — Bromley

From left: Judith Piros, MD, and Jennifer Bromley, MD

OUR THRILLING NEWS: Sebrell Smith Events is evolving into Sandfly lower Shop We’re not only providing the same incredible services you know and love, but we’re also introducing a whole new world of e citement.

STEP INTO: Our charming cottage, right off the four way stop in downtown Sandfly. As a woman owned, full service flower shop, we’re bringing a fresh, innovative twist to the traditional flower shop e perience.

DOING MORE: After two decades of planning and designing ama ing events, my love for creating stunning floral arrangements has only grown stronger. Opening Sandfly

lower Shop is the perfect way to share my passion with more people. I’m thrilled to continue working with brides, planning events and collaborating with other planners to bring visions to life in a whole new way.

THERE’S MORE: We’ve curated an incredible selection of hostess gifts, home d cor, fashion accessories and entertaining essentials that reflect my personal style. Consider us your ultimate destination for all your gift giving and decorating needs.

WE’RE ALL ABOUT: Celebrating life’s moments with beauty and style. Our personali ed floral designs are ideal for any

occasion, and our commitment to e ceptional customer service remains unwavering.

WHAT’S NEXT: Subscription services. Tell us what occasions you need to celebrate, and we’ll have florals and gifts delivered. We can also customi e packages for businesses.

I’M THRILLED TO: Continue working with brides and collaborating with planners to bring visions to life in a whole new way. Through Sandfly lower Shop, we’ll create even more unforgettable moments together. We can’t wait to welcome you and share our passion for flowers, gifts and life’s special moments with you

Re ne Med Aesthetics

WHAT WE’VE REALIZED: As women, it’s natural to have to be a jack-of-all-trades or a multitasker, and we’ve been that in our business. However, what has helped us grow and be so successful is to identify our individual strengths and harness those to contribute in ways that create a bigger impact. We have carried our yin and yang dynamic through the growth of our business, knowing each of our team members’ strengths help to create balance and success.

ONE OF THE CHALLENGES WE FACE: Being high-achieving women in a world that makes it hard for women to do it all. Women are often left feeling that they have to choose

between a successful career and prioritizing a family. Part of our mission is to create opportunities for successful, professional women who don’t want to choose between that and being a mother. We have had five babies born in just one of our locations in the last year — all the while, those employees and their patients continue to thrive.

OUR MAIN GOAL: To help women reach their full potential. One of our core missions through our growth and expansion has been creating a place where women can work and feel empowered, fulfilled and accomplished, while maintaining a work-life balance so they can have a family. We hope our

patients feel the same empowering culture as many of them are busy moms, smart working women and individuals who want to feel like their best selves with quality and efficient aesthetic services.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Embrace doing the things that make them feel like their best selves. The stigma of cosmetic treatment is fading. We have seen what can happen when women gain that confidence it has a ripple effect that impacts every ounce of their life in a positive way.

WE’RE THANKFUL FOR:

who have supported our mission from day one.

From left: co-owners Martina Kolovich, MSN, AGNP and Janie Futch, BSN, RN

IVORY & BEAU

912.200.4794 | 1010 E. Victory Drive, Unit D ivoryandbeau.com | @ivoryandbeau

WE ARE: Savannah’s only wedding shop that specializes in not just gorgeous wedding dresses, but also has a team of wedding planning e perts and floral designers. We love all things weddings and are here to help brides every step of the way from falling in love with the dress to planning every last detail of their weddings. We truly are a one stop shop for weddings.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT: Our new location at the northwest corner of Victory Drive and Waters Avenue and our upcoming grand opening. ollow us ivoryandbeau for details.

MY MOTTO: “How hard is this really gonna

be?” During the complete renovations of our new space, I think I asked this at least once per day. When there is a vision and a will there is always a way. It’s ust a matter of figuring out how hard or how much it will be.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: Being a mom. On the hardest days, when I feel so overwhelmed by all the demands of running a business and a renovation, I always find so much oy in my year old son, Dash, and my 1 year old daughter, Tommie.

I’M PROUD OF MY: Team! I have been so blessed to find such incredible, hard working, talented and self motivated individuals who

work to keep the business going while I have been side tracked focusing on the renovation of our new space.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Are moms and work full time. I have fascination and appreciation of the superpower of moms.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Was from my Dad eep 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.

Nicole Mason

Abby L. Dew, DDS

DENTAL HARBOR BY ABBY DEW, DDS 912.480.0804 | 50 Meeting St., Suite B, Skidaway Island dentalharbor.com

MY MISSION: To lead a confident, passionate and highly skilled team who gives back to our coastal community and delivers care that achieves and maintains healthy smiles in a calm and inviting environment.

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: y family, my clients and my Dental arbor team.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Completing my Digital Smile Design astership in Seville, Spain, in arch. This groundbreaking program integrates state of the art D technology, including our advanced scanners and cone beam rays, with artistry and precision to revitali e and enhance our clients’

smiles and facial features. Implementing Digital Smile Design is another step in fulfilling Dental arbor’s commitment to bringing world class dentistry to Savannah.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: orge their own paths, choosing oy over certainty.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE: Success is not the key to happiness. appiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweit er. assion and purpose have motivated me throughout my career, especially when we opened Dental arbor. By prioriti ing oy and fulfillment in our work, we not only achieve

professional e cellence but also cultivate a positive and enriching e perience for our clients and team.

I LEAD BY: Striving to be a servant leader for my team. We set high standards and hold each team member accountable with empathy.

MY PERFECT DAY IN SAVANNAH: Shopping at Emily cCarthy, Copper enny and annah E., savoring a dark chocolate peanut butter cup from Chocolat by Adam Turoni, en oying a rela ing dinner at Local 11 Ten, going on a sunset golf cart ride on Skidaway Island, then watching my ichigan State Spartans play football or basketball.

Cara Marshall

MY MISSION: To invite visitors of Savannah into our rich history and to educate the public about responsible equine partnerships.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Show up in all facets of their lives. Women who are driven in their careers but find time for their children, partners and themselves.

ESTABLISHED IN 1977: Carriage Tours of Savannah is one of the first tour companies of any kind in Savannah.

I’M SELDOM: In my office. I am fortunate to work outside with my horses and our guests.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I come from an enormous family with amazing female role models. My mother was a private airplane pilot and started her own small business when I was a child. My grandmother ran for Maryland State Senate in 1978. Her campaign slogan was A woman’s place is in the ouse, and in the Senate.” She had 15 of her own children, ran a summer camp, took in foster kids and owned and operated one of Washington, D.C.’s, largest and best known anti ues dealerships on a 1 acre farm. They are the women who instilled the drive I have now, and they are one of the coolest aspects of my story.

MY LOCAL HEROINE: Alida Harper Fowlkes. Wow, this lady was ahead of her time She was an entrepreneur, visionary and dedicated to her family. oogle her

I’M MOST PROUD OF: The level of care and dedication we give to our horses.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Trust their instincts.

MY PERFECT DAY: I still love a carriage ride in Savannah in Spring, lunch or dinner at the bar at Vic’s on the River and a walk through the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.

MY MISSION: To inspire others to be healthy and active. Howe2Run provides tools, resources, education and support to all who wish to join us in becoming active for a lifetime. My latest personal achievement, which I hope inspires others, was running 60 miles on my 60th birthday as a breast cancer fundraiser.

MY MOTTO: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” This quote by mind-body trainer Fred DeVito applies to business, group and individual training and most especially to relationships. Overcoming every challenge has been

the driving force behind our success both personally and professionally.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: My running shoes, my sport watch and my run community. This business is built on community. It is the local runners and walkers who give us the ability and desire to succeed. Only with their support has our store been named among the best running stores in the nation for three years in a row.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Love what you do. The love of running and of the local run community

are the reasons why Howe2Run was established. We were built on passion. We continue to grow by helping others meet their personal fitness goals and by sharing in their successes.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I started my running journey at age 50! I ran my first and then my first marathon later that same year. I loved the process and trained hard to qualify for the Boston, New York City and Chicago marathons, running them for multiple years. Each year continues to bring new races, adventures and personal challenges.

Pamela Howe

AHAS Doctors of Audiology

OUR MISSION: To help our patients build and maintain communication with their loved ones. Hearing loss can be isolating for the person experiencing the loss and can cause the patient to withdraw from social situations due to the fear of answering a question incorrectly or having to ask for repetition. We strive to give all our patients the best hearing health care so that they may communicate confidently in the world around them.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS

IN SAVANNAH: Great teamwork and communication. Our practice is made up of driven and passionate women, eager to help our patients daily. Our practice has

undergone many changes within the last year, and we wouldn’t have survived without the amazing perseverance of our employees. Without their dedication and support, we would not be able to provide the best hearing health care in Savannah.

WE OFFER: Services and treatment plans tailored to meet your unique hearing needs, including comprehensive evaluations and custom hearing aid fittings.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Most of our job is centered around patient counseling, but we can also act as a listening ear for patients who need to talk. As much as our job is

helping patients obtain their best ability to hear and to effectively communicate, we must also be able to listen to our patients so that we can achieve that. We joke that some days it seems like we are marriage counselors just as much as we are audiologists.

WE’RE THANKFUL FOR: Our patients! We enjoy the time that we get to spend with each of them. Treating hearing loss is a lifelong process that requires multiple visits to the audiologist a year to maintain the best hearing health care. We look forward to each patient’s visit and celebrating all the big and little moments that life has to offer together.

From left: Lucy Bradshaw, Audiology Resident; Casey Allen, AuD., CCC-A; Katy Laws, AuD., CCC-A; Sara King, AuD., CCC-A; and Sieon Kim, AuD., CCC-A

NAWIC

OUR MISSION: To support women in the construction industry through professional development, business opportunities, community outreach and mentoring programs.

OUR THEME THIS YEAR: EmpowHer

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Forge their own way and bring others along with them.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Our local chapter is one of 115 chapters across the United States. We are the face and the voice of women in construction. The National

Association of Women in Construction is an international nonprofit organi ation of more than 7,000 women in hundreds of chapters worldwide providing education, networking, legislative awareness, industry collaboration, community involvement, business and personal development and lifelong friendships.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Join us! All women working in construction are eligible for membership, including women builders in the trades, project management, marketing, administration and executive leadership. Women in related industries who

work in construction-related businesses, such as finance, legal and other complementary industries, are also welcome. Whether you want to embark on a new career, establish a networking base, make a difference in your community, continue your education or invest in great friendships, NAWIC offers a variety of opportunities.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: According to our NAWIC pledge, the agility of our hands, the ability of our mind and the integrity of our hearts.

Front, from left: Ruth Hutson, Sesco Lighting; Jordan Hardy, H&E Equipment; Robin Grenchik, Custom Cabinets by Williamson Millworks; Heather Radkte, Speros; Jenna Barzaga, Parker Scott; and Ashley Field, Alair Homes; Back: Kelly Gubenko, Omega Construction; Christy Ellis, Sandpiper Supply; essica e fiel lair o es o ya ee e ry lu i g essica eavitt uattara lair o es a y ay lair o es

Michelle M. Peth

MY MISSION: To empower women — one tan at a time!

MY MOTTO: Persist relentlessly, regardless of the challenges. Stay focused on your vision and dreams, treating others with kindness and fairness. Trust that everything will unfold as it should.

I DEEPLY RESPECT WOMEN WHO: Uplift and support one another without resorting to tearing down or gossiping. In a world where social media often portrays perfection, I admire those who are confident enough to embrace their own vulnerabilities without projecting them onto others. If we all could be

more open and honest about our insecurities, we could build a stronger female community and genuinely help each other grow.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Do not follow where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.

I’M PROUD OF MY: Persistence and resilience. Despite the challenges of becoming a mother as a teenager, growing up without a father and having a mother who worked multiple jobs, I transformed from a rebellious teen to a CEO of a company in Savannah. My journey inspires me to create

opportunities for other women to break free from their circumstances, start businesses, thrive and feel empowered. Converting what seemed impossible into a reality fills me with pride, and I am grateful for the chance to help others achieve the same.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Discover their inner strength and recognize their worthiness to achieve their true desires, whatever those may be.

THE SECRET TO GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: Stay involved with the community and be aware of what is going on so you can evolve and meet local demands.

Katie Alba & Jamie Wallace

OUR MISSION: To help businesses create innovative employee benefits solutions to reach their financial goals through a consultative approach. Although we always seek to help our clients prosper their business, provide security to their employees and give hope and a future to both the business and their community, at the end of the day, our mission is about as straightforward as they come To help as many people as much as possible for as long as possible.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Aren’t afraid to dance to the beat of their own drum and are

willing to bla e a trail especially in a male dominated industry to see their dreams reali ed. Above all, though, I admire women who delight in others’ success and seek to uplift those around them. — Jamie Wallace

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Stop being scared to be themselves and stop worrying about what everyone else thinks of them ust like when they were in high school . It doesn’t matter! — Katie Alba

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Any task you can pay someone to do 0 as effective as you needs to be delegated

so you can spend your time doing the things that only you can for your business.

Candace ackson — Jamie Wallace Bottle that stuff up, sis, we got kids to raise, money to make and people to aggravate.

TikTok 202 — Katie Alba

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH IS: Grace. Your reputation matters. Do your best to do right by others, client or not, and when you can, demonstrate the gift of grace. We never know the challenges others face. ive lots of it. ou won’t regret it. ou may ust find you need a little grace one day, too. — Jamie Wallace

Brittany Miller & Kelsey Hunyadi

HOTWORX SANDFLY 912.800.5125 | 7360 Skidaway Road, Suite J3 hot or .n t stud o sandfl

MY MOTTO: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 – Miller

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Are bold and ambitious with grace and humility. We must keep the qualities of a lady alive, even in business. – Miller

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Time is powerful. Cliché, yes, but anything worthwhile takes time. Real change takes time. That’s one of the most important things to remember when embarking on a fitness

journey. There are so many ups and downs. Sometimes, the moments you want to quit outweigh the moments you feel good. Give yourself grace, be patient and trust that in time it will pay off. – Hunyadi I am not in control. Strive to do the best that you can each day. Forward movement is progress! – Miller

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Take risk. Go after opportunities that they’re younger self would love to do. There’s so much that women sacrifice throughout their lives, so I hope that each one of us can remember our why. Why we chased the dreams we’re living

or not living. Why we choose the path we’re on, but also why we can change it. We have a remarkable power to persevere, to survive, to recreate but also to sacrifice, so taking a moment and remembering our why is so important and empowering. – Hunyadi

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

Caregiver, whether it is to my husband, my four children, my grandson, family members, patients, coworkers or members. I want to make sure everyone is taken care of and is ok — mentally, physically and spiritually! That’s how I fill my cup up. – Miller

Clothing from Gigis’ Bluffton and hair by Brittany Mcnamera at Salt & Mane

Amanda Willis

RIVER DAISY OF SAVANNAH 970.389.0634 riverdaisyofsavannah.com

MY MISSION: To spread love and beauty. I want to bring a smile to everyone’s face. A simple flower or an arm full always brings a smile to my clients’ faces. I love to create beautiful spaces and memorable events.

MY MOTTO: Love all. Serve all.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Stand up for what they believe in.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: Great scissors, satin ribbon and flower food.

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Never

underestimate how many flowers you will truly need.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Get involved with the community.

I LEAD BY: Making beautiful arrangements with the most beautiful hand picked flowers.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: If you think it’s okay, tear it apart and make it fabulous.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Being a creative muse to myself and others around me.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I ran a bed-and-breakfast in Alaska.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: My amazing husband.

I’M PROUD OF MY: Accomplishments and personal growth.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Feel comfortable just as they are.

HOW I FOUND MY FLOWER TRUCK: It was sitting in the back of a storage facility on River Street. Every time I walked by, I wanted to bring the truck back to life and share its classic beauty with Savannah.

Abby Wolfe Goodwin

MY MISSION: To make people’s dreams come true! As a commercial lender, I get to work alongside my clients to start the business they always dreamed of, purchase that perfect property to expand into and provide support when things don’t go as planned. I got into commercial lending because I’m passionate about supporting my clients in their unique ideas — from dump trucks to dive bars!

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT: It’s okay to say “no.” Sometimes what a client wants isn’t what they really need. If the answer is not a “yes,” maybe it’s a “not right now,” so we start working together

to make changes to get them ready to achieve their goals.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: “Be yourself — in every situation.” — My husband

MY SECRET SKILL: Listening and learning. I don’t follow a template when it comes to funding my client’s needs. Every situation is totally unique. By truly listening to their needs, goals and concerns, I am better equipped to provide a tailored solution that addresses their specific needs. In our everyday hustle, I think sometimes people forget to stop, listen and really think

about what people are saying — that’s where the good stuff is.

MY UNIQUE STYLE: I don’t consider myself a “traditional” banker. You won’t find me in some penthouse office making distant decisions that affect my clients. I am their partner. I’ll be in the trenches, working by their side to figure out e actly what they need and how we can make it happen. I may have on tennis shoes with a suit, but I am determined to help their business succeed.

Convention Consultants

912.234.4088 | 117 W. Perry St. savtours.com

OUR MISSION: Convention Consultants offers comprehensive destination management services catering to groups, conventions or individual travelers. Our expertise spans all group sizes, ensuring a tailored experience for each traveler. Whether it’s crafting a distinctive travel experience or managing special events, fundraisers or conferences, our services encompass preplanning, setup, execution and post-event management with precision and care.

OUR MOTTO: You haven’t seen Savannah until you’ve seen it through our eyes.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: The places and stories we share hold special meaning and memories to our lives, bringing depth into Savannah’s history, enriching the experiences of our visitors.

OUR GOAL: To ensure each guest encounters an unparalleled experience so they will want to return to Savannah time and again.

O

cial Guides of Savannah

912.238.5565 | 2219 Rowland Ave. savguides.com

OUR MISSION: To deliver and maintain current marketing materials on behalf of our tourism partners. We ensure that visitors to Savannah receive quality information on attractions, restaurants and activities while they are here. This allows our customers to benefit from their current business as well as the potential for repeat business.

OUR SERVICES: Have evolved from 100% paper-focused to providing multilayer marketing for our clients. These services include brochure distribution and display, online listings via InfoTo-Go, inclusion in The Lobby List (savguides.com/lobbylist) and Official uides of Savannah’s social media. We help our clients target the visitor market by presenting their brochures, guides or maps in our 150+ brochure displays in the greater Savannah area, Richmond Hill and Hinesville, Hardeeville and Bluffton, S.C.

BROCHURE MARKETING: Brochures, maps and visitor guides are the number one influencer of visitors during their trips.

From left: Ena Shelley, Mary Clark Rechtiene, Becky Orsi, DeAnne Mitchell, Caroline Speegle, Lori Bailey, Suzanne Pruitt, Laura Simpson and Christy Cook

From left: Laura Simpson, Jennifer Grafton, Caroline Speegle, DeAnne Mitchell and Christy Cook

Stephanie Ebers

LE MACARON FRENCH PASTRIES

912.712.5094 | 204 W. Broughton St. lemacaron-us.com/savannah | @lemacaronsavannah

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: My life partner, Reggie. We have been together for more than two decades. Both entrepreneurs individually, it wasn’t until later in our relationship that we went into business together. We created R&S Great Adventures LLC — and what an adventure it has been! We spent several years looking for the perfect project that complemented both of our strong suits. When we visited Le Macaron French Pastries in Winter Park, Florida, we fell in love with the brand. We now have four locations — three in Florida and one here in historic Savannah. We are proud to say we were the first American owners ever awarded the Le Macaron franchise. I could never have taken that leap of faith with the franchise without Reggie by my side.

MY SUPERPOWER: Knowing how to make other people feel special. From planning elaborate get-togethers or pulling off small surprises for family, a friend or a staff member, it truly makes me happy making those around me happy. I love getting to know what makes people tick, then trying to find the most uni ue gift to make them know how loved and appreciated they are.

Frederika Feketé

JAVA BURRITO COMPANY

420 E. Broughton St. | 912.298.5282 javaburrito.com

OUR MISSION: To provide a clean-food approach to a fast-casual experience. I am so proud that our concept can satisfy dietary requirements for everyone and be a community meeting place with a menu that truly offers something for everyone.

WE OFFER : A burrito bar, breakfast bar and coffee drinks. Our fresh food eatery sources both organic and local food when in season, and our coffee bar sources locally roasted and organic beans, local milk and organic cane sugar syrups.

WE BELIEVE IN: Keeping our farmers close.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Black iced coffee, avocado toast and a big hug from my husband and daughter.

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Nothing worth having comes easy. You have to truly want it. Whatever that “it” is, goals take dedication, desire and a little bit of luck to accomplish.

Kristi HofstadterDuke, PhD

SAVANNAH BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS LLC

912.436.6789 | 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com

MY MISSION: To partner with Lowcountry families in order to provide unparalleled psychological testing and therapy so that children and adolescents can boldly and skillfully build a life of meaning, intention and competence.

I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW: Psychological assessment and therapy are not designed to simply identify and treat disorders. These are the tools of understanding human behavior and building a worthwhile and fulfilling life. The challenges of life as a human being are universal, and every child, adolescent and family could benefit from greater understanding and direction.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: My amazing team of psychologists and therapists. y practice is filled with a truly remarkable and talented group of women who are passionate about helping children and families.

TOLLISON & COMPANY CONSTRUCTION O: 912.777.7394 | C: 912.856.6222 5728 Skidaway Road | tollisonandcompany.com

MY MISSION: To create an environment for our clients where building and renovating is fun! At Tollison & Company, we like to walk side by side with our clients through each step of the process so that it is enjoyable and not overwhelming.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Relationships and humility. Getting to know clients, communicating clearly about expectations and continuing to learn and grow as a professional create a ripple effect for the business to grow. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool.

I HAVE DISCOVERED: Every day is a learning experience, and each project is unique and exciting. There are always new products, new ideas and more creative ways to achieve our goals. Construction is never boring.

WE STRIVE TO: Be transparent about all costs, working to stay within budget and complete projects on time. We select amazing subcontractors and vendors who help us make your vision a reality.

Tracey Tollison

Jennifer Cole

J. PAIGE

BOUTIQUE

912.897.1525 | 107-C Charlotte Road shopjpaige.com

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Stay home with their children. They are the unspoken household heroes. I had the privilege of being a stayat home mom. It is the hardest yet most rewarding ob. When I first bought Expectations, I brought my four children to work with me. I wouldn’t trade that time with my kids for anything in the world.

MY LOCAL HEROINES: My mom and Heather Burge. My mother has always given her job 150%, all while still putting her family first. She is an inspiration. eather taught me everything I know about this industry. She hired me when I was a new, young mom — even letting me bring Miller to work. I was able to watch Heather grow BleuBelle Boutique and learn that being a small business owner is not always glorious. It’s often gut-wrenching. Heather handled the good, the bad and the ugly with such grace. She is a true role model of hard work and putting your faith first.

I AM THANKFUL FOR: All of my customers who have supported me on this ourney, first at E pectations, then opening . aige and then through the rough pandemic. I will forever be grateful.

Gennie G. Long

MEYER & SAYERS LLP

912.598.5151 | 500 Stephenson Ave. meyersayers.com

I’VE DISCOVERED THAT ESTATE PLANNING IS: Frequently a women’s issue. Women often outlive their significant others or become a caregiver for their aging family members. In both scenarios, the management and transfer of a family’s wealth is in the hands of a woman. y role as an estate planning attorney is to help our clients understand how wealth is transferred and prepare legal documents such as wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney and health care directives to make the process smoother.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: y husband and my three young children who love and support me as a lawyer and a mom.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Create their own definition of success and achieve it

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Continue the spirit of generosity that is so evident around Savannah. It never ceases to ama e me how many women give their time, talents and treasure to better our community.

Beth Fleming, MS, CCC-SLP, Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

CHATTERBOX PEDIATRIC THERAPY

Pooler: 110 Pipemakers Circle, Suite 115 | 912.988.1526 Richmond Hill: 2453 G US 17 | 912.445.5612 chatterboxpeds.com

WORDS I LIVE BY: “We can do hard things” and “Know better, do better.”

A FEMALE LEADER I LOOK UP TO: Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who didn't speak until nearly age 4, has achieved remarkable feats. Her numerous books, TED Talk and frequent speaking engagements offer valuable insights into neurodiversity. Her work has enriched understanding and support for autistic individuals, proving that disabilities need not limit one's potential.

ONE THING I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Businesses naturally change and go through different phases over time. The longer you are in business, the more of these changes you will experience. Even though facing these challenges can be tough at the time, it often leads to good things in the end.

I’M GRATEFUL FOR: My team members, who really care about the business and are proud of its success as if it’s their own. Also, for my husband, who believes in me even when I doubt myself.

Savannah 4505 Habersham St. | 912.356.8280 thehubsavannah.com

OUR MISSION: To help our clients build core strength, fle ibility, balance and mental focus so they can get the most out of life

WE OFFER: ariety. We know our bodies crave different things. So whether you are looking for a slow, deep yoga practice or a fast paced, sweaty workout, we have a complete body positive solution for reaching your fitness goals.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Are confident, uplifting and supportive of other women.

THE SECRET TO A GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: onesty and respect for others.

WE LEAD BY: Being kind and compassionate and umping in to do whatever it takes.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: Talk to people who have done whatever you are looking to do and learn your competition.

Standing, from left: Kristianne Epperson, Isasora Hefner, Melanie Bruno and Megan Feasel Sitting: Bonnie Wallace and Tara Bresnick

Bridget P. Michalski

SAVANNAH WINE CELLAR

912.355.9463 | 5500 Abercorn St. savannahwinecellar.com

MY MOTTO: Proper prior planning prevents poor performance — but always have a backup plan.

I LEAD BY: Example. There is not one thing that I ask my team to do that I have not or would not do. I use “We” instead of “I,” and I always take responsibility for mistakes or service issues.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Don’t try to be everything to everyone (otherwise, no one will know who you are) and don’t be afraid to say no if it’s not right for you, your business or your team.

WOMEN IN MY INDUSTRY: Ten years ago, there were very few women in leadership positions in the wine industry in Savannah. It’s absolutely amazing how many women are currently business owners, general managers, running wine programs, buyers, sales representatives and managers in the business.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Corkscrew, tasting notebooks and Excel.

Honor & Grace

912.201.3730

7506 White Bluff Road honorandgracetattoo.com

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Continue to support other women in business and work together to create a community where other women feel confident to do the same. I think it’s important to see each other as allies instead of competition especially in male-dominated environments like the tattoo industry. — Kerrianne Cortez Capps

I’M THANKFUL FOR: Our amazing community, for the support and trust with their ideas that we’re honored to bring to life. I’m also thankful for the most supportive team of women who encourage and challenge each other to grow and chase their dreams. — Val Cabanilla Vigil

THE FUTURE OF HONOR & GRACE: Are these women beside me When I started, it was ust me. our challenging years later, I’m honored to share everything with them. I hope they continue to encourage other women to do what they think cannot be done and to do it with grace. — Kelly Borders

From left: Kerrianne Cortez Capps, Val Cabanilla Vigil and Kelly Borders

Morgan York Smith

THE BROW BAR SAVANNAH

912.312.0829 | 2424 Drayton St., Suite A thebrowbarsavannah.com

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: Helping PACK (People of Action Caring for Kids) Savannah, which helps meet the basic needs of children in our community. On Thursdays I help them pack bags of food so children will have food for the weekends.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I traveled to Yellowstone and RVed for a week with my husband and our 3 year old when I was 31 weeks pregnant. Although we had no RV experience, we had the best time once we got the hang of it.

MY MAIN GOAL IN LIFE: To be the best version of myself! I want to be the best mother, wife, daughter, sibling and friend. I hope I’m a better version today than I was yesterday.

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION: We love putting on “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and decorating our Christmas tree as a family. Every year we buy the kids an ornament of something that was special or that they loved that year to hang on the tree.

Stephanie Kisgen & Mackenzie Scharf

COASTAL STAGING & DESIGN CO.

912.856.6423 | coastalstagingco.com

OUR MISSION: Love “home” as much as we do.

OUR MOTTO: Your home, our canvas — making your property stand out!

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Some form of a tape measure (we carry one wherever we go), our purses, our cars, our staging kit and the staging app on our cell phones.

THE TRUTH ABOUT OPERATING A BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: There are most often fewer than six degrees of separation between everyone you do business with.

WE APPROACH HOME STAGING BY: Creating the best first impression your home has to offer. We transform boxes in to warm, inviting living spaces.

OUR CLIENTS HAVE SAID: “Coastal Staging & Design calms sellers’ fears about getting their home ready for market."

Dr. Caroline Freeman & Glynda Anderson

SAVANNAH FAMILY EYE CARE

912.235.2798 | 513 E. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite F savannahfamilyeyecare.com

OUR MISSION: To bring personalized eye care to patients of every age. Our practice is a one-stop shop for every member of the family. We perform eye exams and offer glasses to patients from infants on up.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Hospitality. We live in the Hostess City, and we take that to heart when we interact with our patients. Not only do we take great care of your eyes and your vision, but we also want you to feel cared for as a person. We space out our appointments so that every patient will leave feeling heard and having had all their visual needs addressed. We will not rush you, but we also value your time. We are committed to keeping unnecessary paperwork and wait times to zero.

WE’RE PROUD OF: Being voted Best Optometrist in Savannah last year after having been in business for just one year. We are thrilled that our family-focused approach to eye care has been so well received!

Nikki Petitt

SAVANNAH BLINDS SHUTTERS AND SHADES

912.224.0459 | 5500 White Bluff Road savannahblinds.com

MY MISSION: To offer the best window-covering experience to our clientele. We believe purchasing your window treatments should be a full package inside and out, and the service should only elevate the luxury products you are purchasing for your home.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: The support of my family and friends as I work every day to reach my goals and make the sacrifices to be there.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Being engaged in the community. We are at community events as much as possible. We believe you get back from the community what you put in, and we want to support them as much as they support our small businesses.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Thanks to our great window treatment dealers, I had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam and learn about the history of window treatments. It was a special trip with great training to bring knowledge and the latest trends to my customers.

Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners

912.356.5001 | 329 Commercial Drive, Suite 100 Savannah, Georgia 31406

OUR MISSION: To offer superior service in a constantly changing environment and marketplace. Real estate’s ever-changing landscape requires “heels on the ground,” ongoing education and the ability to help our clients react quickly.

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON: Our relationships with our clients and with all people we encounter in our industry. We are problem solvers with a strong work ethic who are trustworthy, honest and who bring oy and confidence to our transactions.

WHAT STIRS OUR SOUL: The daily challenge of helping our clients — buyers and sellers — get from start to “Sold” as quickly, efficiently and intelligently as possible. This comes from a wealth of knowledge with regard to everything from marketing and staging to negotiating.

SOME PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: We are part of a global network of top listing and selling agents. We can handle your real estate needs worldwide through our strong affiliates.

Stephanie Hoey

STEPHANIE HOEY INTERIORS

478.455.3018 | stephaniehoeyinteriors.com

MY MISSION: To create a space that you love and want to show off. You should be excited when a guest asks to use your powder room or when you have an out-of-town guest staying with you. Your home should represent your personal style and who you are.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Mom, wife, home renovator, interior designer and noncertified psychologist. y family recently bought our own fi er upper, and we’re doing a full renovation little by little. One might think I’m cra y to take this on while doing pro ects for several clients. I’ve learned so much going through this process personally that I feel like it has made me better at my job and better understand the emotional toll it can take on a family.

MY BIGGEST TIP FOR CLIENTS: Have some fun! Rooms that are bland and safe can still be pretty. But why not throw in some fun wallpaper and bold statement lighting ou’ll never be mad that you went for it. ou’ll be more upset if you didn’t.

From left: Linda King (912.596.3907), Sharon Darley (912.308.3707), Jane Beare (912.507.5797), Joan Johnson (404.424.2142) and Aurelia Moss (912.661.2069)

Caitlin Brackney

EMBODY DANCE AND FITNESS

912.308.4569 | m od danc and tn ss@ ma .com m od danc and tn ss. oo s .com

MY MISSION: To provide a safe, creative space for clients to embody the best versions of themselves through personal training, pole fitness and pole dance classes.

WHAT SETS US APART: Embody technique uses choreographed dance and fitness skills to meet health and e ercise goals while promoting body positivity. I want my clients to feel confident in carrying their own uni ue and beautiful energy into the world.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: elp other women and who have the courage to be their authentic selves unapologetically.

I AM THANKFUL FOR: The many opportunities I have been granted and the obstacles I have overcome to grow and become the woman I am today.

Amanda Everard

EVERARD AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS

912.231.1376 | 2436 Waters Ave. | everard.com

MY MISSION: 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: 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.

Jocelyn Hall

ANEW MEDICAL SPA

912.376.9496 | 785 King George Blvd., Suite H anewbeautyclinic.com

MY MISSION: To educate all ethnicities about the wonderful benefits that aesthetic medicine has to offer.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I love to fish and want to become an e pert on shore fisherman.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: A facial anatomy chart keeps me safe as an in ector , my assistant keeps me sane and my calendar

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: With success comes lots of failures. Things aren’t as easy as people lead you to believe.

I LEAD BY: E ample. Doing is a whole lot easier than directing.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE: or me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The ourney doesn’t end. — Michelle Obama

Stephanie Maupin

HOLLYOAKS ON THE MARSH

912.667.1189 | 2086 Grove Point Road hollyoaksotm.com

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: Bringing people together with elevated experiences that exude joyfulness. HollyOaks, a private estate venue hosting luxury events, is the realization of a long-held dream for me. My timeless goal is to tell your story together. I believe that every element of your celebration should be special, starting with the venue.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Our children were homeschooled from elementary through high school, and we traveled to 19 countries with the intention of visiting the places they were studying. This inspired a love of learning that carries on to this day — in all of us. Those mother-child relationships are transforming into mother-adult friendships, and life is sweet in the journey.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Realize it is never too late to live your dream. I embarked on this new career at age 50, and it has been wildly successful. I would encourage women to really dig deep and explore their dreams, then work daily to make them happen.

Ti any Smith

SOUTH ESTHETICS

912.504.0452 | 5859 Abercorn Extension, Suite 8 (Upstairs) southesthetics.com

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: Transforming skin health and enhancing natural beauty. With a foundation rooted in whole health and the belief that internal well being reflects on the outside, our mission is to heal skin from within and empower our clients to radiate vitality and confidence. Utili ing a fusion of low-toxicity skincare and high-performance science-backed lines, we create transformative and preventive solutions tailored to your skin’s specific needs. Whether you’re seeking to address aging concerns, combat acne, tackle pigmentation issues or simply maintain a luminous complexion, I am here to support your skin health journey.

I BELIEVE IN: The importance of kindness, and I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me every day.

I FIND JOY IN: Exploring the world through travel, baking skinnourishing treats and cherishing moments with my family and much adored Chiweenie, Belle.

Lisa Hall

VINTAGE BARBERS 912

912.777.2052 | 4511 Habersham St., Suite 301 vintagebarbers912.com

OUR MISSION: We are rooted in the love of the past, present and future of barbering. Vintage Barbers 912 combines music, sports, cars, military — whether today or 50 years ago. When you visit us, you will see some unique conversation starters. We cater to everyone, and everyone is family when you walk in our doors.

MY MOST IMPORTANT ROLE: A loving mother to four amazing children — two boys and two girls. I have also cherished the title of “Gigi” and am blessed with nine grandchildren.

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Break barriers, shatter stereotypes and inspire future generations through their leadership and achievements.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I am a cat lover and have a soft spot for feline friends. I have a lot of compassion for and am dedicated to caring for not only my own three cats but also a feral colony that I feed daily.

Kristen Harkleroad

THE FANCY PHEASANT

912.675.5803 | 2 East Broad St. fancypheasantsav.com

MY MISSION: To offer my clients a fun and thoughtfully curated shopping experience that caters to all of their gifting needs. I love our local community, and I want to support it as much as possible. The Fancy Pheasant carries more than 45 local companies, and I’m very proud of that.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Support other women. I’ve been blessed to have so many cheerleaders in my corner to lift me up and believe in me. I admire women who have your back and go out of the way to let you know they’ve got you. Thank you to all of the amazing women who have supported me and The Fancy Pheasant’s journey over the past year.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: My Docket gold legal pads (I can’t live without my to-do lists), my Pilot G2 07 pens (they are the best) and my gold leopard wine glass (it accompanies me everywhere).

Katie Balthrop,

MSSM, CSCS, USAW-1, GHSA Coach

SAVANNAH SPORT & WELLNESS

912.656.0736 | 7360 Skidaway Road, Unit I savannahsportandwellness.com

MY MISSION: To design and deliver customized, science-based, personal training and sports performance solutions for clients and athletes to reach their fitness and sports potential. In addition to personal training, my specialties are strength and conditioning for athletes, injury prevention, recovery and adaptation, chronic conditions and post physical therapy return to sport. I also coach track and field at Savannah Arts Academy.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Genuine relationships and keeping my clients’ confidence. When people know that I’m invested in them and care about their complete wellbeing, they are more willing to trust me with sensitive information and put themselves in a position to be personally and physically challenged.

A RECENT CHANGE IN MY BUSINESS: I closed my original studio space on ictory Drive and relocated to it Sandfly in the Sandfly Shopping Center. The facility is second to none, and I’m e cited to oin the robust fitness community and team of trainers there.

Kara Ford

OAK 36 BAR + KITCHEN

912.999.8112 | 5500 Abercorn St., Suite 36 oakthirtysix.com

WHY I LOVE WHAT I DO: Running a business is an incredibly rewarding experience. I love the creativity and freedom that comes with building a brand and the sense of accomplishment and pride in watching your ideas blossom into something from the ground up. All of us at OAK 36 absolutely love having the opportunity to make a positive impact on our customers and the Savannah community. It’s so incredibly fulfilling and motivating.

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Lead with class, work harder than their peers, push past their fears, reinvent themselves and help other women who want an opportunity to earn their place at the table.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Managing both professional responsibilities and a family is an absolute dream. It takes fortitude to juggle career demands and raising children. I was lucky to have some amazing business women- and mothermentors who showed me how the balance comes together. So whenever I see a young working mother, I make a point to tell her she can do it. It is worth every single second of crazy.

Dr. Erika Morrow MS, OD

FORSIGHT UNIQUE EYE CARE & EYE WEAR

912.483.6600 | 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. forsighteye.net

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

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: 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. Eyeglasses are my jewelry. I could not provide the best eye care without seeing and looking my best. Lastly, a clean and organized office is essential to my mental wellbeing.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Be genuine. My team and I 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.

Dawn Kutchey & Kristen Patterson

THE MINT GREEN TAG SALE COMPANY

912.232.1039 | 3025 Bull St., Ste. 220 themintgreentagsalecompany.com

OUR MISSION: To treat all our clients and their homes with care, dignity and respect. We go the extra mile, whether that means cleaning items we’ve pulled from attics or cabinets, disposing of things in a respectful manner or safely storing personal belongings accidentally left behind. We work as long as necessary to get the job done to the standards your estate deserves.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Love what they do and do it well. The estate sale business is hard work — lifting, loading, clearing, cleaning — but we love it, and that makes it fun. We enjoy the creativity of working in a different location with different things each week. We love arranging normal, everyday items into attractive vignettes to help them find new homes.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: Don’t lose sight of your old customers as you work to gain new ones. We work just as hard to keep our loyal shoppers happy and maintain good relationships with past clients as we do to attract new clients and shoppers.

Texas Cates & Nancy Adair

MAYCREST HARDWARE

912.354.2045 | 1609 E. Montgomery Cross Road maycresthardware.com

CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE OF: Our customer service and small-business roots. We are Savannah’s oldest family-owned hardware store, with more than 60 years of service to our local community. Our customers appreciate and have come to expect our prompt welcomes, attentiveness and eager nature to help with any need or project, big or small.

WE HOPE PEOPLE REALIZE: We are much more than a hardware store and offer services and products beyond nuts and bolts. We have paint mixing and matching, high-end grills, outdoor décor and furniture, a vacuum center, rental center and a repair shop.

OUR MISSION: We are a service center that sells hardware. We oyfully help our customers find e actly what they are looking for and carry it to their car if needed — all with a smile!

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR: Being able to work together as mother and daughter, alongside our husbands, to serve our customers and community.

From left: Dawn Kutchey, Ella and Kristen Patterson

Angela Hopper-Lee

ANGELA HOPPER PHOTOGRAPHY

912.898.7878

angelahopperphotography.com | bullstreetlightroom.com

MY MISSION: To guide you through the full service portrait experience and to create heirloom quality wall art and albums of your loved ones.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Wife and mother of an amazing 13-year-old, nature lover and singer.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: Get out in the community by fundraising for causes you are passionate about and network, partner with and support other local like-minded businesses.

I LEAD WITH: Courage, humility and an open heart and mind. I help others see their strengths, build confidence and achieve their goals.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: “Failure to plan is planning to fail." — Sarah Petty

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I had the opportunity to speak at a national photography conference about my photography business.

Dayna Lee

SAVANNAH WINE INSTITUTE

912.662.5199 | 602 E. Henry St. savannahwineinstitute.com

MY MISSION: To foster a supportive and inclusive community, encouraging guests to explore new wines, expand their palates and deepen their appreciation for the flavors, cultures and stories woven into each glass.

WE OFFER: Engaging events and classes designed to cater to all levels of enthusiasts; private (and customizable) classes at our location or in your home, vacation rental, open house or office; wine certification courses and professional development workshops; plus a boutique that features curated wine accessories.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Developing strong community ties and delivering quality service synonymous with Southern hospitality. These cornerstones of good business ensure success with the local community and visitors alike.

I LEAD BY: Prioritizing relationships with team members, communicating with purpose and creating a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

Liz Palles

CENTS AND SENSIBILITY

912.897.4961 | 7360 Skidaway Road, Suite F centssensibility.com

WE SPECIALIIZE IN: ine furniture, fine art, anti ues, linens and gifts.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Sterling silver, kindness and dancing.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Wife, mother, grandmother and sister. amily is very important to me.

MY LOCAL HEROINES: Sally Lufburrow, Nancy Sutton and eg eap, Es .

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: nowing your customers by name and e pressing your gratitude for them patroni ing your business.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Be honest, truthful and remember who you answer to. —Corrin F. Bowers, my father

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: y favorite pastime was shrimping with my Daddy and anti uing with my ama.

OUR MISSION: We want to inspire other women in maledominated industries like finance to pursue different paths and leadership opportunities. Our partnership was the first of its kind at Northwestern utual, and it is very rare for women to lead entire agencies. We want to be transparent about our ourney and the obstacles we faced to forge an easier path for the women pursuing these opportunities in the future.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Speak up and raise their hand about what they want and deserve.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE WE EVER RECEIVED: A business coach once asked us, Would you rather live with the pain of discipline or the pain of regret This uestion constantly inspires us to tackle the hard things head on and stick to the daily habits that propel our business.

From left: Meghan Newell, Growth & Development Director, and Caroline Dove, Managing Director

Ismary De Castro, MD

SAVANNAH ENDOCRINOLOGY LLC

912.232.5900 | 107 Southern Blvd., Ste. 103 savannahendocrinology.com

MY MISSION: To expand access of endocrinology health care services in the Lowcountry area, improve health and well-being in our community and care for patients with long-term health conditions. ormones play a critical role in defining our biology and affect our health throughout our life. My goal is to provide chronic disease management, slow down the progression of diseases and help patients find ways to control their symptoms, allowing them to enjoy their lives. We empower our patients through education and demonstrating the importance of knowledge, nutrition and exercise.

I LEAD BY: Vision and direction. My extensive knowledge in chemistry, medicine, research and training in hormone interpretation allows me to distinguish human variation from disease.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Daily exercise, a balanced diet and a good night’s sleep. And I try to live life with determination and purpose.

Dr. Amy Williams

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC

912.232.6002 Ext. 1 | 1515 Abercorn St. savannahphilharmonic.org

MY MISSION: To bring communities together through music and help individuals from all backgrounds discover the amazing and inspiring sound of an orchestra.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE: “If you want something you have never had, then you must do something you have never done.” This statement is written on ost it notes on both my office and home office desks and serves as a reminder that in leading an arts organization it is sometimes necessary to let go of a traditional path in order to make a positive change — not only for the betterment of the business, but for the entire community.

I LEAD BY: Listening to my community and colleagues. Not only do I welcome diverse opinions, but I also seek to understand the driver of those opinions. While this process can often take a little longer, it leads to more authentic relationships and partnerships through which people feel as though they are at the table for a meaningful conversation and are truly heard.

Dr. Amy Williams, Executive Director

Erica Herndon Timmons

| 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. Helping people is my passion, and this profession allows me to do that.

D

ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: I just admire women. Unconditionally.

OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE: We really do care about the customer experience and making sure everything is right.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: The reinforcement. With a growing business (and family), we have a lot going on and so many issues that pop up day to day. With any goal, need or concern, I’m basically the troubleshooter who tries to find a resolution or create a plan. I love a good plan.

I’M MOST PROUD OF MY: Family. I’m really in awe of all of them. From appreciating what my husband and I have overcome and accomplished through the years to witnessing our daughters grow into such cool people. When my husband, Kyle, and I decided to start this business we were told the first couple years would be tough. We had no idea how true that statement would be. –Answers provided by Kelley

Hagemes

From left: Owner Kelley Hagemes, Betsy Portune and Crystal Gary

Dogtopia of Thunderbolt

912.217.4229 | 2391 Downing Ave. dogtopia.com/savannah-thunderbolt

MY CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I am trustworthy. We have camera access, and pet parents can see 100% of their pup’s day with us.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: Working with the dog rescues. Two of my own dogs came from Coastal Pet Rescue.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I do most of my own maintenance. On weekends and after hours, I’m often refinishing floors, painting, and cleaning fur out of dryer vents.

I KNEW I WANTED TO OPEN MY OWN DOGTOPIA WHEN: y dog, Daisy, attended the Dogtopia of Chesterfield, irginia, for five years. They were my support system after my divorce and made it possible for me to own a dog and balance my life.

I LEAD BY: Motherhood common sense. Running a business is like organizing a large family — it never stops. —Answers provided by Kelly Diamond Wolfsheimer, owner

Suzette Lowery

PARTY BLING

912.963.7251 | 5975 Ogeechee Road, Suite 300 partyblingrentals.com

MY MISSION: To help people and businesses celebrate their milestone moments by providing the venue, furniture and decor for a stress-free, one-stop shop event. We can host any event — weddings, birthday parties, family reunions, pop-up shops, live shows or even church, charity and corporate events.

I HAVE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT: Failure and struggle can teach you more than success and comfort can.

THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: “When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.” — Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar, American author, salesman and motivational speaker

I AM THANKFUL FOR: My clients, because without them I would not have a business, and to God, for sustaining me in every season.

Standing, from left: Jenny Hill, Sydney Culver, Rita Ingram, Kelly Diamond Wolfsheimer and Allison Sims; Kneeling: Brooke Commentz, Kim O'Clair, Heba Lara and Sydnie Dougherty

Savannah Area REALTORS® ANNUAL AWARDS ‘23

DISTINGUISHED SALES SOCIETY AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS, FIRST YEAR RECIPIENTS!

In March, members of the Savannah Area REALTORS ® gathered to celebrate the Distinguished Sales Society, REALTORS ® who had $1 million or more in sales, a minimum of eight transactions and participated in at least two community service efforts. What followed was a pinkalicious party!

MEGHAN LITTLEFIELD

KAREN KRUPP

BRIANA HOLLOWAY

FRANCISCO MEJIA

AURELIA E. MOSS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHOT BY SOMI STUDIOS

MARIANNE MICKLER HARVEY JULIE HEYEL

BETTY BROOKS BILLI JO R. CAPE

AMY GREENE

MARK DAVIS

BERNARD COLE

10 YEARS

10 YEARS

20 YEARS

20 YEARS

20 YEARS

KATIE SANTANGELO

SHARLEEN SANCHEZ

TIM SHEAHAN

CHELSIE TAROLI

LISA SNIPES

BRITTANY HAZZARD WALKER

CHRISTINA WEBSTER

ANNA SIZEMORE

KAITLYNN THAYER

LAURA M. RAYNO NAUTICA ROBERSON JAKE ROWLAND

MARCIA “GINA” PATTERSON

SHANNON M. PATRICK

CATHRYN BUDD O’NEILL

REBECCA M. HADWIN

KAREN HEWITT

RUTHIE SEESE

JOYCE JARRELL

JENN RABON

SPECIAL AWARDS

REALTOR ® OF THE YEAR KIMBERLY ILER-MORGAN

CHARLES F. FULTON AWARD

LINDA HAWK

PHILIP M. HEIDT AWARD IN MEMORY OF BILL MILTIADES

KONTER HALL OF FAME

JUDY MCDOUGAL

AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR

RENASANT MORTGAGE LENDING

SAVANNAH MULTI-LIST CORPORATION PRESIDENT’S AWARD

PAULA NASH

Tommy Danos and Judy McDougal

Paula Nash and Clayton Gagne-Thomas

Sharon Miller and Kim Iler-Morgan

Linda Hawk and Monica Cerrone

Tracey Burdette

Joyce Jarrell and Penny Rafferty

Penny Rafferty and Chrissy Campbell

CHRISSY CAMPBELL

Jeanie Williams

Jody Harstine, Michelle Edwards and Alan Roberd

Marta Miltiades, Sabriya Scott and Kimberly Miltiades

REALTORS® who had $1 million or more in sales, a minimum of eight transactions and participated in at least two community service efforts.

CONTINUING MEMBERS 2023

36 YEARS

Helen A. Miltiades

35 YEARS

Michael Steven Fischer

33 YEARS

Robin Lance

28 YEARS

Tommy Danos

Cheryl Klein

27 YEARS

Michele Gutting

Judith F. McDougal

26 YEARS

Janice Hoffman

Lyn McCuen

25 YEARS

Sharon D. Miller

24 YEARS

James R. Presnell

Jennifer Scroggs

22 YEARS

Jane Beare

Carmen Cribbs

16 YEARS

Sue Anderson

Monica J. Cerrone

Teresa Cowart

Darla Davis

Patricia Ewaldsen

Carolyn Ezelle

Lee Ann Marsh

Michael O’Connor

Melissa Stanford

15 YEARS

Johnny Odom

Becki Patterson

Annie Rockwell

Lavinia Strong

14 YEARS

Beth Forkner

Kelly B. Johnson

Cynthia H. Parker

Tara Robinson

13 YEARS

Helen Williams Johnson

Lisa Ortiz

Scott Shippy

Nancy Stanley

Patrick Taylor Strickland

Farrell J. Click

Molly Cohen

Kenisha Coleman

Quintin Cowart

Jennifer Lee Crumpton

Susan Dailey

Trudi Dockstader

John McPeters

Tomeca McPherson

Lynette Messer

Karen Miller

Kimberly Miltiades

Chris Moncrief

Anny Montenegro

Butch Durrence

Lindsae Echols

Michelle Edwards

Kathrin Egner

Ricky Eilerman

Steve Ellis

Christine Estridge

Kathy Fairchild

Monica A. Farnsworth

Amy Feith

Sheila Doney

Steffany Farmer

Anastasia Mamais

Phillips

Leighel Savanna Snyder

21 YEARS

Christine Q. Durrence

Keith L. Gay

19 YEARS

Jessica Kelly

Alicia D. Novak

Rodney Rawls

Sabriya Scott

18 YEARS

Jeannette “Jenny” Hearn

Melanie Kramer

Beth Cribbs Larson

Cindy Meyer

Heather Murphy

Heather Hammond Filgate

Michael Steven Fischer*

Laurie Florance

Sam V. Florance, Jr.

Connie VanHook Gallo

Eileen Galves

Anne Gantt

Susan Tran Garrison

Kelsie Glasco

Brooke Graham

12 YEARS

Matthew L. Buck

Toni Hardigree

Brandy Jenkins

Mary Mosher

Linda Novack

Dena C. Rodewolt

11 YEARS

Kristin Brown

Joseph Iannacone

Craig A. Simpson

Cynthia C. Sinclair

Debra Smoak

Sonny Wright

2-9 YEARS

Donna K. Abbott

Angela Anderson

Cassandra Andrews

Daphne Baron

Monica Beadleston

Andresa Mueller

Brandy O’Neill

Tom Oxnard

Milap Patel

Kimi Pelletier

Rachel Peterson

Jill Poole

Sarah Joy Pounders

Ashley Brooke Powell

Cindy L. Presnell

Linda Proctor

Penny Rafferty

Jeffrey D. Rayno

Kristen Redding

Lisa Richards-Reed

Suzanne Roberts

Cathy Rodgers

Sami Rogers

Lana Halta Sanders

Jill Sapp

Ivan Shalavuta

Mary Ann Sinclair

Mary H. Smith

Traci Wells

Amber Williams

17 YEARS

George Cohen

Christina L. McIntosh

Ronald C. Melander

Wendy R. Reed

Alyson Beasley

Sharon Black

Lachandra Bodison

Ann Boese

Jill W. Brooks

Anna Marie Bunton

Virginia “Ginna” Carroll

Laura Celaya

Jodi Clark

Jimmy Grayson

Alma Greene

Amy Gutting

Julie Hales

Tasha Hall

Stephanie L. Hamilton

Lisa A. Harris

Kaitlyn Hartsock

Brooklyn Hauge

Carol Anne Hazelman

Tari Hornick

Tamika Houston

Hannah Howell

Shannon Hunt

Cherokista Jackson

Jennifer M. Johnson

Nicki Johnson

Carl Knudsen

Melissa Kobi

Carie Kuhn

Nicolette Leasa

Boomer Lee

Rebecca Loehr

Brock Love

Mertha Maddox

A. Joseph Marshall

Monica Martinez

Marilyn McDonald

Mary Beth

McInerney Joyce

John Sheahan

Joe Shields

Leslie Shinn

Paul Stanford

Scottie Starling

Michael J. Stubbs

Trey Swain

Celi Tambon

LaTashia Stroman Thomas

Marti LeMaire Tomlin

Tracie S. Tomlinson

Laurie H. Tyran

Kristy Valdez

Beth Lynah Vickers

Priscilla Waldburg

Eddie Warren

Matthew L. Waters

Rebecca Wayman

Kelli Weis

Marge Wester

Akia Stone White

Ruth Lynah Whitlow

Kelly Lauren Wilkerson

Jeanie L. Williams

Monica M. Williams

Tiffany Wolfe

R. Cline Wooten

Gena Wright

*Second-year commercial

GLENDA GANEM

RICHARD G. MOPPER

CATHY BUTLER GREGORY

THANK YOU, SPONSORS

WE ARE TICKLED PINK BY OUR AFFILIATES AND SUPPORTERS!

DIAMOND PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

FRIENDS

50 Shades OF

PINK

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THANK YOU, SPONSORS

We appreciate these excellent community partners for sponsoring the 2024 YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest, an annual event supporting the youth- and family-centered programming at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. Proceeds from the Tybee Run Fest provide scholarships for swimming lessons, youth sports leagues, child care and summer day camps, ensuring that all Coastal Georgia families regardless of income or background have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

LEARN MORE

Scan to request more info about how you can promote your business or organization to the YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest’s 1,000+ participants.

2024 YMCA CRITZ TYBEE RUN FEST SPONSORS

TYBEE PIER

Amazing Event Rentals, Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United, Sunbelt Rentals, St. Joseph’s/Candler

LITTLE TYBEE

Hotel Tybee, Savannah Distributing, Thomas & Hutton, Keystone Association Managers, Tybee Vacation Rentals

SEA TURTLE

City of Tybee Island, Fleet Feet

Savannah/Pooler, Optim Orthopedics, Security Associates of Coastal Georgia, Indoor Climate Experts

SANDPIPER

Curbie Sanitation, Hoppin with Harkleroad

Inflatables, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, River’s End Campground, Savannah Sports Council, Stretch Zone Savannah, Tybee Golf Carts, Korbel Champagne, Desoto Beach Vacation Properties, Donato’s Pizza

SAND DOLLAR

Young Physical Therapy and Wellness, Chicken Salad Chick Savannah, Tybee Market IGA, Surfing Goat Coffee

MARCH 16

Locals and visitors donned their best green attire and celebrated Savannah’s 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The family-friendly parade is one of the biggest in the nation, drawing an estimated 300,000 spectators each year to the Hostess City’s Historic District streets to enjoy marching bands, dance troupes, elaborate floats, bagpipers, the Budweiser Clydesdales and everything Irish.

Photography

ALLISON SMITH

Photography by ALLISON SMITH

FLANNERY O’CONNOR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Annual Local Author Day

MARCH 24

Savannahians enjoyed an afternoon among the azaleas in Lafayette Square with artsy activities, games, a Flannery look-alike contest, a Panhandle Slim exhibition and silent auction, live music, a parade and birthday cake, of course. It was all in celebration of the late writer’s 99th birthday and Local Author Day. Local and regional authors were on hand thanks to The Book Lady Bookstore, as well as lots of Flannery swag courtesy of The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home.

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Women Who Rule Luncheon

MARCH

5

Women leaders and local changemakers from all backgrounds gathered at the Savannah Convention Center for this inspiring event to celebrate each other’s achievements and raise money for the Women United Transportation Fund, which increases access to reliable transportation for women.

Photography by BUNNY WARE // Courtesy UNITED WAY

CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER

Catie’s Gathering

FEB. 23

Catie’s Gathering set a local event record this year, raising $318,321 for Catie’s Fund of CURE Childhood Cancer. Held at Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees’ Garden, the special dinner featured themed table decorations, silent and live auctions and a moving program. Money raised goes to CURE’s research initiatives and local children and their families who are fighting childhood cancer.

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Parker College of Business Gala

MARCH 2

Parker College of Business students, alumni and faculty, along with many of Savannah’s business leaders, gathered at The DeSoto Savannah for a cocktail reception, dinner and awards program. All proceeds from the gala fund student scholarships at Georgia Southern University.

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

TELFAIR MUSEUMS

Telfair Ball

FEB. 24

The Riverfront at Eastern Wharf was transformed into an opulent tropical forest for attendees of the 44th annual Telfair Ball, the most significant fundraiser for Telfair Museums. The “Under the Canopy” theme was achieved through lush greenery, papiermâché snakes and a jungle path leading to the event space. Proceeds directly fund the institution’s educational outreach, exhibitions and related activities.

Photography by ADAM KUEHL & MONICA REDMAN Courtesy TELFAIR MUSEUMS

Allen and Phyllis Amason, Greg Parker, Lori Judge and Jane and Kyle Marrero

Matt and Courtney West

Jeff and Lea Anne Wallace, Leda Chong and Kevin Dewalt

Josh and Kelley Keller

Whatever Floats Your Boat

Written by ANDREA GOTO

ANYONE WHO HAS ever enjoyed a Savannah summer knows there is no such thing as antiperspirant. Not one that works, anyway. Here, the sweat doesn’t just come from our underarms. It pours from our knees, our scalp, our eyeballs (and apparently no one recommends putting antiperspirant on your scalp or eyeballs — in fact, they advise against it). You only have two options: accept that you will spend four months in a pool of your own sweat, or you get an actual pool.

We bought our current home in large part because it came with a pool. My husband vowed to swim in it nearly every day (which he does), we envisioned our daughter frolicking with her friends at pool parties (she does), and I … I would be floating on the surface, gliding

gently along like a gas-station hot dog, cooking and sweating.

I just didn’t realize my preference to float in peace on inflated plastic would cause such a problem among my people.

“Why don’t you get in the pool?” my husband would complain.

“I am in the pool,” I’d reply, half asleep in an oversized inflatable chair using a glitter-filled, hot-pink ring float as a foot rest.

“You’re no fuuuuuuunnnn,” our daughter would whine.

They’d take turns dragging me along the surface, spinning me, splashing me, then eventually giving up.

As a pool owner, I quickly learned that there are two kinds of people in the world: swimmers and floaters. Each has their own set of values that the other struggles to understand. Swimmers seem to think a pool is for physical activity. They value overpriced swim accessories, like goggles and flippers, and a vast variety of Frisbees, balls and dive sticks to throw (often, at me).

I, however, prefer a carefully curated collection of pool floaties — everything from the classic rectangular lounger to the luxurious gigantic gold dragon with wings. The more variety, the better. Pizza slices, giraffes, rainbows, water hammocks — heck, even a pool noodle will work in a pinch.

My husband hates them.

“They look ridiculous,” he attempts to say through a snorkel, his facemask so tight that his eyes appear disturbingly close to his ears. He complains that they blow around the backyard, that they set off the motion-detecting lights at night, that they’re a waste of money.

Every summer, I vow that I will clean and store them for the winter. And every fall, I fail. The white swan has turned mossy-green, the palm tree has become a target for our dog’s relief, and the dragon’s deflated wings leave no hope for flight. My husband eventually gets irritated and unceremoniously stabs each one with a pair of kitchen scissors, reducing them to little more than dirty, deflated balloons — a mere semblance of their former greatness.

“Can we please stop buying these?” he asks, dragging each lifeless body to the garbage can, covering himself with the scummy water and whatnot that has collected on them over the months.

“Okaaaaay.”

It’s a little game we play. Because when May hits, a fresh batch of inflatables miraculously and magically fly South and descend upon our pool. My husband will begrudgingly swim around them, and I will float. And together, we’ll survive another sweltering Savannah summer.

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