My Savannah: Diana Morrison

MY SAVANNAH

Diana Morrison

The Ad Specialty founder and owner (and passionate foodie) shares a day in the life

6 a.m.: My alarm goes off , and my husband, Mike, and I are out of bed and getting our day started. I love to work out, and the Habersham YMCA is close by. Their new EGYM system keeps me updated in real time on my balance, strength and agility and helps me set new personal goals. The technology is amazing, but I also enjoy traditional classes like yoga.

9 a.m.: I’m at the offi ce fi rst thing to greet our employees and check in on their plans for the day. We cross-train our staff so that if one position is overwhelmed, others can pitch in so that all tasks are completed and our customers can have the ultimate experience. If I’m going to a client meeting, I’ll put together my presentations, product samples and anything else that I need. If it’s back in our showroom, we have samples, presentations and all of the pieces that our clients need to see to make good decisions on how to spend their marketing and branding funds for products like branded apparel, backpacks, tote bags, cups, hats, pens, cell phone cases and more. If it’s virtual, we also have an 84-inch television in our conference room — everyone can see!

1 p.m.: I typically eat at work, but it’s a true lunch break. My team and I shut off our phones, and everyone sits together to talk life (not business!) and enjoy each other over lunch. When everyone has a break at the same time, it feels like it’s a real pause in the day. That’s not to say we don’t go out for lunch here and there. Sweet Potatoes Kitchen is one of my favorites, and I also love Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen.

5 p.m.: I’m a big proponent of work-life balance, so after lunch I’m asking employees where they are in the day, if anyone needs help and how we can walk out the door at 5:30 so everyone can enjoy their family. I start telling people to get out about 20 minutes after 5!

7 p.m.: I hate throwing a meal together, but I love to cook. The preparation, the time and the love that goes into it are all part of my cooking. I probably whip up more extensive weeknight meals at night than most, but it’s my time, and I enjoy it. Occasionally my daughter and grandson will stick their head in the door, especially on taco or spaghetti night. If it’s the weekend and my husband and I would rather go out, we live on Oglethorpe Street, so we can throw a rock and hit more places than I could ever visit. There are so many amazing options — The Public Kitchen & Bar, Local 11ten, The Vault Kitchen & Market. We love The Collins Quarter, 17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant, The Olde Pink House and Bull Street Taco for something more casual. I’ve tried to replicate their fi sh tacos, but I haven’t quite gotten there yet. Can you tell we just love to eat?

10 p.m.: At the end of the night, we try to detox from digital devices and enjoy each other’s company and good conversation instead: “Here’s what my day was like, and here’s what I’m hoping to do tomorrow to make my day better, or to play off today’s great day and make another memorable one.” We aren’t avid TV watchers, but we could get hooked on a Netfl ix original!