Augusta, GA September 2023

The Style Issue

Dear Reader,

I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Augusta to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Collin Beasley | collin.beasley@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Daniel Morris

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bailey Hall, Leann Parker, Michelle W. Parnell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kasey White, Foltz Fine Art Portraits

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @citylifestyleaugusta

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Calling All Golf Fanatics!

Wedges & Woods is now using a booking app called Your Golf Booking! This new service will allow customers to book bays at Wedges & Woods for their chosen time and date online. Wedges & Woods also revamped their Toptracer pricing to allow a cheaper option for single player and opt for the multiplayer option. Visit the app store to download Your Golf Booking now!

Ribbon Cutting at Taco Madre

Taco Madre recently held their ribbon cutting with the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce! Taco Madre is where Mexican Street Tacos meet Upscale Fusion Dining. It is located inside the Augusta Mall and their hours are Sunday - Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday - Saturday from 11am to 10pm.

PURSEnality Night with Safe Homes

PURSEnality Night with Comedian Tracy DeGraaf is a fundraiser benefitting Safe Homes of Augusta. It will be at the First Baptist Church in North Augusta on September 7th at 6pm. There will be coffee, cake, comedy, a designer handbag raffle, and shopping local vendors. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit safehomesdv.org .

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

Golden Goddess

Evamaria Foltz creates one-of-a-kind portraits that will be treasured forever

Evamaria Foltz of Foltz Fine Art Portraits has a creative mindset and captures unique portraits tailored specifically to you. Her inspiration starts with the individual person and she considers things like their skin tone, personal style, and other features and then adds specific elements to the portraits to complement those things. For this shoot, Evamaria chose a one-of-a-kind couture gown. “It’s obviously very bold and it was kind of like a glam bridal portrait,” says Evamaria. Baby’s Breath was used as an accessory along with gold and green jewelry. “I actually did research online about the meanings of different flowers and I chose baby’s breath because they are typically used for occasions like weddings. They’re delicate and dainty but even when they are dried out, they still look beautiful. It’s one of those flowers that stays in the same condition and is representative of new marriage, it changes but they stay the same and is still useful,” says Evamaria. The makeup is a natural glam and features pops of green to bring out the eyes and complement the emerald jewels.

Taking portraits with Evamaria is more of a storytelling experience than a photographic experience. “There are some things that you can only experience once in your life and this is supposed to be one of those moments where you come in and you’re investing in something that your grandchildren will be keeping in their house. This is heirloom quality,” says Evamaria. “I think sometimes digital photography loses its appreciation because you post it on Facebook and then you forget about it. You might share it in a Facebook memory a year from now or five years from now, but you’re not actually appreciating what you did every single day. Every time you walk by something that’s hung up in your house, you think, ‘Wow, that’s me and that’s beautiful’. It never loses its value like posting something online would,” says Evamaria.

After a discovery call, you have an in-person styling consultation where Evamaria presents a lookbook that incorporates your ideas and the input of other professionals such as an interior designer and hair and makeup artists.

“I go to their house and I get a feel for the aesthetic around their home so I can design their portraits, wall art, or albums to match their house. If you’re going to have something hanging on your wall, it needs to go with everything else as a part of your decoration,” says Evamaria.

Evamaria guides her clients through every step, incorporating her expertise and creating a collaborative vision. “If we’re not doing the couture gowns, I help them pick out their clothes so they don’t have to worry about that, or we can meet at the mall and go shopping together. During the portrait sessions, they get complimentary professional hair and makeup. I cater to whatever they need to feel comfortable. If they have children, my assistant is CPR certified and has experience in childcare. They are also welcome to bring a guest with them if they want to bring their mom or spouse. After the portraits, we will sit together and I’ll narrow it down to the top fifty portraits. Then they will hand pick their favorites and only purchase what they love and what makes sense for their taste and budget,” says Evamaria.

“I love what I do because I get to be extra with everything I do and work with people who may be a little extra themselves. I make things happen that people never thought could happen or could never imagine themselves in one of my portraits. When they see themselves and start crying or even when they post the digital version on Facebook, they’re so proud of themselves and I’m proud of them. I get really attached to people and I love learning about different kinds of people, different cultures, and just celebrating people. I get to do that for work and I think it’s a real privilege and real luxury that I have,” says Evamaria.

Follow the Foltz Fine Art Portraits page on Facebook and Instagram at @foltzfineartportraits to see more of Evamaria’s work. To schedule a discovery call, visit FoltzFineArtPortraits.com or call (706)2501223. Evamaria’s podcast, Clever Entrepreneurship, shares helpful information for aspiring business owners and is on every podcast platform for free. Evamaria is also a volunteer photographer with nonprofit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a free bereavement photography service. For more information, visit NowILayMeDownToSleep.org

Refreshing Your Ride

Alex Miranda - taking care of your vehicle’s dirty details and making them sparkle

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL

Alex Miranda comes from a family of entrepreneurs and a few years ago, with the encouragement of his family and friend Sue, he stepped away from the corporate world to open his own business and work on a daily basis with something he is passionate about... cars. “I’ve always been a car guy and gone to car shows,” shares Alex. “I love seeing cars look nice and clean. I was already making my own cars and my family’s cars look nice, so I thought why not make it a business.”

After securing his first few clients, Mobile Detailing by Alex quickly expanded based on those clients’ recommendations. “I’ve been fortunate that about 95% of my business comes from word of mouth. Frequently, the first thing people say in messages to me is that I come highly recommended. When I see that, it makes me so proud and happy knowing that my customers like what I’ve done,” says Alex. “Clients call me because they’re disappointed that their car looks the way it does. By the time I’m done with it, seeing their smile and satisfaction at the end of the day makes it worth doing what I do.”

As his business name implies, Alex specializes in the details - getting into every nook and cranny to take a messy, dirty vehicle and make it sparkle. For the outside of the vehicle, Alex provides wax and ceramic coating services, bug and tar removal, deep cleaning of wheel wells, and more. On the inside, he can handle pet hair removal, shampooing of the carpet and upholstery, and cleaning all the hard to get to areas. “I basically get into places you didn’t know exist and I’ll find what you lost last year,” adds Alex with a laugh.

Alex’s entire set-up is entirely mobile, which makes him very versatile. “My services are a great fit for busy parents or people who are always at the office or on the go. They have very limited time and would rather spend it with their family versus spending it in their vehicle cleaning it out,” explains Alex. “So, I come to them. Whether they are at work or with their family, all they have to do is just leave the car where it’s at and I’ll take care of the rest. I bring my own equipment, including my own water and electric source, in a trailer so I don’t have to bother the customer for those things.” He can usually get to a vehicle within a week of the service request. Vehicles take anywhere from two to six hours to complete, depending on the types of services needed.

Alex also makes sure to bring along special doggie treats for furry friends of the vehicle owners. “I deal with a lot of customers with dogs, and I want to not just thank them or just be there to clean the mess up, but I also want to show that I appreciate them,” says Alex.

For more information on booking an appointment, you can call or text Alex at 706-300-5256 or contact him by email at mobiledetailingbyalex@outlook.com. Also, follow Alex on Facebook @Mobile Detailing by Alex.

Salon at Surrey

HIGH QUALITY HAIR SERVICES BY

After retiring from teaching school, Karen Collins began looking for a new adventure. In 2018, she found that adventure and embarked on the exciting journey of owning and operating Salon at Surrey. “I am a salon owner who is not a stylist. Although there are people who question that, it really makes for a good balance,” shares Karen. “Hairstylists are very creative and artsy. However, I have a background in teaching math, so the business end works better for me. It allows the stylists to be creative and not worry about the business side of things. My responsibility is to make sure they have all the tools they need for their jobs because they’re the experts concerning hair.”

Stylists Amber Caldwell, Jenna Werner, and Sarah Payne bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the salon, with industry experience ranging from twelve to twenty-two years. “We have three fantastic stylists who are truly excellent in the field,” says Karen. “All three are masters at cutting and our other services, but our specialty is color and color correction. We do a lot of blondes, but

“Our stylists are very invested in making people happy. They want to give every client their very best and we want every client to feel like they have had a five-star, catered-to experience when they're with us.”

“Our salon is for anybody who is looking for high-quality hair services but down to earth people.”

we also do a lot of vivid fashion colors – purples, blues, pinks, bright reds.”

The salon uses the Keratin Complex color line and smoothing treatments. With a national educator for Keratin Complex on staff, everyone keeps up to date with information and training. “We continually avail ourselves to training opportunities,” adds Karen. “We are always keeping up with the latest trends and the latest best practices in the hair industry.” In addition to color treatments, salon services include bridal/special occasion styling, waxing, perms, various types of hair extensions, and more.

“Our salon is for anybody who is looking for high-quality hair services but down to earth people,” says Karen. “Our goal is to give clients the hair that they dream of while maintaining the integrity of the hair. We will tell you if we can’t do something or if it’s not safe to do something.”

The ladies at Salon at Surrey intentionally create a welcoming and safe environment for all their clients. “Our stylists are very invested in making people happy,” shares Karen. “They want to give every client their very best and we want every client to feel like they have had a five-star, catered-to experience when they’re with us.”

Salon at Surrey is located in Surrey Center at 351 Highland Avenue in Augusta. For more information, visit salonatsurrey.com or call 706-364-1969. You can follow the salon on Facebook and Instagram @salonatsurrey. To schedule your next visit, book online or download the Salon at Surrey app from your favorite app store. Appointments are available during normal salon hours and arrangements can be made for special occasion appointments at other times. Discounts are available for referrals and families of active/retired military service members.

We have two convenient office locations: Augusta: 3640 Wheeler Rd, Augusta, GA 30909 762-222-8010

Hephzibah: 2550 HWY 88 Hephzibah, GA 30815 706-592-6442

Peristeam Hydrotherapy ◆ Herbal Foot Soaks Herbal Foot Sauna ◆ Detox Services Yoga ◆ Reiki ◆ Manicures ◆ Pedicures

Mention this Ad and receive 30% off of services totaling $50 or more

(706) 305-4888 ◆ www.vagaro.com/sagehausstudios 4210 Columbia Rd, Bldg 11, Ste 11C, 30907

WE PROVIDE TRADITIONAL AND DECORATIVE CONCRETE SERVICES

driveways | patios | walkways | pool decks | slabs | and more

706.814.2076

INTERIOR STYLING

Have you ever pieced together an outfit for a special event or placed a collection of items on a shelf and then stood back and found that the pieces you pulled together totally worked or completely did not work? I used to think that I either needed a whole lot of talent or a bit of luck when it came to styling something beautifully. Turns out, there is no talent or luck about it at all. It all starts with a math formula. This formula is known as The Golden Ratio of 1.618. Discovered in the ancient world by mathematicians, this pattern can be found all over in the world of nature. This ratio creates patterns that can be found on the spines of a pinecone, seeds on a sunflower head, spirals on seashells, even the human form, to name only a few. And our eyes love to see it. Why our eyes like this particular pattern may remain a mystery but how to achieve it is no mystery at all. Fashion designers, interior designers, architects, photographers and artists have all been using this formula for centuries in order to achieve visually appealing compositions. And so can you!

LET’S MAKE A VIGNETTE!

In interior styling, a vignette is a small, curated collection of objects grouped together to create a smaller picture within a larger space in a room. Chances are, at some point you’ve put together a vignette without knowing it was one. What makes the difference between a purposefully styled vignette and a cluttered collection is all in the composition. The composition is most appealing when this amazing Golden Ratio is applied.

To get started on styling a vignette, first decide on the space you’ll place it. It could be an empty shelf, bedside table, or coffee table. Next, collect a few of your very favorite things that could be styled there. These objects could be a few books, a vase with flowers, a candle, a small clock, a plant, a few apples, the list is endless. Now that you have your space and objects to style, it’s time to assemble your vignette.

GET IN LINE! Where To Place Objects

In grid form, the Golden Ratio shows designers exactly where to place the most important objects in the composition for the greatest visual appeal. Known as Phi, this grid splits the space that you’re working with into thirds vertically and horizontally. To apply to your vignette, place the most important objects on the correlation grid lines. Even better, place on the points where the lines intersect. This will be more appealing to the eye than if the important objects are in the center of the frame or far to the sides.

FOLLOW THE FLOWERS How many objects to use

In number form, the Golden Ratio helps us to know how many items to use when styling a vignette. This form is known as the Fibonacci Sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc.). The sequence grows as it adds together the prior two numbers to get a new number (for example, 3+5=8 and 5+8=13, etc) and repeats. Amazingly, all the numbers that you achieve by doing this are the exact same numbers of petals that are found on flowers. How amazing is that! To apply to styling a vignette, choose a number in the Fibonacci Sequence for the number of items you will use to style. Typically 3 or 5 objects work great for small vignettes.

STEP DOWN OR TRIANGLE What shape to create

The eye loves to see odd numbers. Odd numbers stop our brain from categorizing items into pairs which are less visually interesting. When styling a vignette, build a triangle shape of 3 points with the objects you are styling. To achieve this, vary the heights of objects to make a stepping down effect. If your items are of similar height then use books or a small object to lift one higher so that it appears taller than the others. To start, place the tallest piece in the back, medium piece in front and slightly to the side of the tall piece, then the smallest piece in front to create a stepping down effect. The Golden Triangle has angles of 72 and 36 degrees but any triangle here will do!

LAYERS UPON LAYERS How

to place objects

Avoid straight lines when styling a vignette. Three objects placed side by side is far less interesting than if they are slightly overlapped (literally or visually). Layer objects in order to give them a sense of belonging together, as random of a collection as they may be. Layering can also be achieved by mixing textures (woven basket, shiny glass and organic leaf).

TO MIX OR TO MATCH How to choose objects

Decide ahead of time if your vignette will be a mixture of items or a single themed collection. If you’re mixing (such as using a vase, a plant, and a candle) then make sure your objects all have a commonality either of color, texture or form. If you’re going with matched items (such as all white candles) then take extra care to use odd numbers and varying heights for visual interest.

I hope you have fun creating your vignette and share them with me over on IG @SilvertoothHome . You can also visit me at my website SilvertoothHome.com I’m excited for you to check it out and learn more with me there!

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AUGUSTA CITY LIFESTYLE

SCAN TO CONNECT

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Wacky Wednesday Storytime

BARNES & NOBLE

Kids of all ages are invited to attend "Wacky" storytime at Barnes & Noble on September 6th at 10am.

SEPTEMBER 15TH-17TH

Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival

THE AUGUSTA COMMON

The Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival will be held on September 15th through the 17th in the heart of downtown Augusta, Georgia. There will be over 100 juried Arts in the Heart Artists, five stages of non-stop entertainment including cultural music, dance, popular music, jazz, poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, soul, spoken word, and more.

SEPTEMBER 23RD

Oktoberfest at Savannah River Brewing Co.

SAVANNAH RIVER BREWING CO.

Join Savannah River Brewing Co. and indulge in special small-batch releases with flavors that embrace the essence of fall. Fuel up with mouthwatering food from Villa Wagen, plus there will be games, entertainment, and more.

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HOME OF THE 1 DAY GARAGE FLOORS

SEPTEMBER 23RD

First Day of Fall!

September the 23rd is the first day of fall! We hope you had a wonderful summer!

SEPTEMBER 24TH

Hello Beautiful Bridal Expo

COLUMBIA COUNTY

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Hello Beautiful Bridal Expo showcases some of the best vendors in the wedding industry! Enjoy food and beverages while you indulge in an afternoon of bridal eye candy including gorgeous gowns, live entertainment, delicious cakes, and some of the CSRA's most elite wedding vendors. Doors open at 1pm and admission is $7.

SEPTEMBER 28TH

CSRA Business Networking

ELKS LODGE

Business owners are invited to the CSRA Business Networking Event at the Elks Lodge on September 28th at 5:30pm. There will be food, a cash bar, and lots of local business owners to mingle with. Don't forget to bring lots of business cards!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

First impressions are everything when looking for your perfect home.

When listing a home, I make your staging a top priority by partnering with Professional Interior Designer/Stager Ginger Mahoney to give your home the best possible first impression.

I am delighted to bring you the latest market update, ensuring that you remain well-informed about the dynamic West Augusta real estate market.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.