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March 2023 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

“Home Sweet Home” Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. Much like the quilt depicted on page 22, Birmingham Lifestyle aims to weave our community together with story: Connecting nonprofits with donors, businesses with customers, artists with patrons and neighbors with each other. We hope you enjoy this issue’s unique perspective on what it means to build a home in Birmingham. We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together. As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home. Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. Likewise, we love seeing our magazine at home inside the best coffee shops, retailers, hotels and offices around the metro area. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the high quality editorial you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home. Happy March!

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Denise K. James, Ashley Cirilli Farlow, Victoria Phillips, Kali McNutt CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Clay Morrison, Mary Fehr, Caleb Chancey

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles

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and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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MARCH toward your new HOME.

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MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Mountain Brook Modern

Lifestyle Letter

This refreshingly inspired home pays homage to the designs of

Business Monthly

Mountain Brook’s midcentury beginnings.

Open House HO ME + DES I GN

Giving Back EDU CAT I O N

Artist Palette A RTS + C U LT U R E

Locals Only LI FE + C U LT U R E

Home Update HO ME S ERV I C E S

Fashion Forward S HO PPI NG

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

22 Much More than it ‘Seams’

Bib & Tucker Sew-Op advocates for equality through quilt-making

26 At Home in Birmingham

Four residents share how they got here — and why they stayed

34 Inner Sanctuary

A custom closet can dress up your day

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Clay Morrison Elevated along one of the roads of Cherokee Bend in Mountain Brook is the Bell family’s home, which came to completion in 2021 after they partnered with Gary Justiss, architect.

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MARCH 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Skin Health Night At Restore Hyper Wellness Join Restore Hyper Wellness on March 22 for an evening filled with special deals, giveaways and more, all while educating you on how to reach your skincare goals. Let their experts be your guide to looking and feeling your healthiest this season through aesthetic and Hyper Wellness services. RSVP by March 15 at 205518-5777 while spots are available. Or visit 2800 Cahaba Village Place, Suite 210, Mountain Brook.

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Birmingham Museum of Art Appoints New Deputy Director The Birmingham Museum of Art appointed Chantal Drake as its James Milton and Sallie R. Johnson Deputy Director. A native of Huntsville, Drake has a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s in art history with a Museum Studies Certification from the University of Memphis. She completed the Getty Leadership Institute program in 2019. “My love of museums began at the Birmingham Museum of Art,” says Drake.

Atherholt Selected for Oil Painters of America 2023 Artist Blair Atherholt’s painting entitled “The Devil’s Cut” has been selected by a jury for the 2023 Oil Painters of America National Exhibit. Showing at the Reinart Fine Art Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, this annual exhibit will be displayed from March 31 until April 30. Atherholt is represented locally by Canary Gallery.

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Mount ain Brook Modern

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY CIRILLI FARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAY MORRISON

This refreshingly inspired home pays homage to the designs of Mountain Brook’s midcentury beginnings. 12

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

Elevated along one of the charming winding roads of Cherokee Bend in Mountain Brook, near the Mountain Brook Club golf course, is the Bell family’s home, which came to completion in 2021 after they partnered with Gary Justiss, architect, to bring their design dreams to an even sweeter reality. Scott Bell, CEO of High Level Marketing, had begun commuting to work in Birmingham from the family’s home in Montgomery

when he and wife Tiffany began considering where to land. “With Scott commuting and our twins approaching the start of kindergarten, we really started to think about where we needed to be,” says Tiffany. “Having family and an office in Birmingham definitely moved it to the top of the list.” While driving around Mountain Brook with open minds, a “For Sale by Owner” sign on a vacant lot widened their eyes.

After walking around the property and then shortly afterward contacting Gary to see if he might be up for the job, they looked at each other and said — let’s do it! The Bells had become enthusiasts of Gary’s work while living and working amongst it at Hampstead, the highly acclaimed new urbanism community where they lived in Montgomery and where Tiffany was Hampstead’s communications director, and while CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

vacationing for many years at the architecturally ethereal 30A community of Alys Beach. After graduating from Auburn’s architecture school and working for firms in Birmingham, Gary established his own one-man firm in 1993. He’s based in Chelsea, Alabama, where he and his wife, parents to three children, live on a sprawling piece of land with their dogs and dozens of chickens. Gary was part of the original architecture charrettes for both Hampstead and Alys Beach and has designs throughout both communities, as well as all over the world. It may be said neither destination would induce the awe-inspired, heart-eyed gasps they do without the contribution of Gary’s authentic artistry and ingenuity of whimsical details. He does this also as a connoisseur of intentional restraint, which results in spaces that give off high doses of calm — one of the main traits the Bells envisioned for their own home. With beach-town builds always keeping him busy, Gary embraced the opportunity to design a Mountain Brook dwelling. Much like along 30A, vacant lots are precious territory along the longstanding streets of Mountain Brook, and as with any home, Gary prioritized creating something that feels specific to the family. His craft is one of “client-oriented architecture,” and Scott and Tiffany brought him all their inspiration. “Our two favorite styles are that of Alys Beach, and we’ve also just been huge fans of and fascinated by any midcentury houses — if you think about bringing Alys and midcentury together, that’s where we were going,” says Scott. Gary is accustomed to, and proficient in, blending aesthetics. From the start at Alys, the idea was to create hybrids of the courtyard homes of Bermuda with Antiguan styles, and at Hampstead, developers and architects worked together to combine English influences with characteristics of historic parts of Montgomery. “It was interesting working within midcentury modern style,” Gary says. “I've grown to love it, and this was my first chance to work within that style.” With its marriage of muses, the home encompasses iconic midcentury ethos — sans pink tile or shag carpet — with clean lines, earthy elements, and minimalism of materials. With the incorporation of plants, sights and sounds of water, continuity between indoor and outdoor areas, whether the large sliding doors are open or closed, the open-air rooms fuse with the interiors — not only a pillar of midcentury style but also a key element at Alys. “My favorite feature has to be the courtyard pool,” Scott says. “It's not only a space where our family has a lot of fun yearround, but its design enhances the aesthetic of the property." The architecture spotlights laid-back living and exceptional design in equal measure. The look of the cedar paneling on the front exterior is carried throughout the home’s

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

“My favorite feature has to be the courtyard pool,” Scott says. “It’s not only a space where our family has a lot of fun year-round, but its design enhances the aesthetic of the property.” CONTINUED >

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

interior and exterior spaces from the kitchen to even the pantry and closets. Every detail relates to another, from the square-shaped recessed lighting, which recalls the home’s straight lines, to the inclusion of the captivating breeze blocks in the courtyard, which tie in the recyclable architectural-grade concrete of the Peacock Pavers. Black aluminum framed windows showcase peaceful views and saturate the home in natural light. “I wanted the materials to feel earthy and seamless between the indoors and outdoors,” Tiffany says. “When all the trees are full, it really can feel like we’re up in a treehouse, and I love that.” Whitewashed Birmingham-esque brick and bright white walls create a quiet backdrop for a bustling family life and busy schedules. “I have days I wake up and can’t believe an empty lot and a wild concept all came together and is ours to enjoy,” Tiffany says. In the kitchen, warmly stained white oak cabinets and matte black hardware keep things earthy and modern atop concrete-looking porcelain tiles on the main level, with heavier actual concrete flooring on the lower level. The 16-foot honed marble island has become

Grand Central for the family. “The kitchen is truly where we live,” says Tiffany. “Starting with breakfast before school, then homework after school — it's where we do crafts, projects, cooking, baking, and visit with friends. It all seems to just naturally and comfortably happen around the island.” At its completion, the house’s architecture is nearly identical to its very first sketch — all it needed was the four Bells who would morph that drawing from work of art to home.

Credits

Architect: Gary Justiss Builder: Hancock Construction Interior Design: Amanda Reynolds Kitchen Island: Alabama Stone Works Landscape Design: Millhouse Howell Pool: Cox Pools Greenery provided by Mark Thompson, SHOPPE. Artwork: Beverly Erdreich, Canary Gallery Breeze Blocks: Villa Lagoon Tile

MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALEB CHANCEY

Building Our Future How BuildUp students and donors envision a better Birmingham

G IV IN G BAC K | ED U CATION

Mark Martin, Founder

When Orooj and Hafiz Chandiwala were searching for their ideal home in Cahaba Heights — a neighborhood they’d lived in and wanted to remain part of – a little bit of creativity and luck paved the way. “We put notes in mailboxes of the homes we liked,” says Orooj. “Then, Vincent, who lived in one of them, called us back and said, ‘Are you phishing or serious?’ So we met with him.” The timing worked out, and the Chandiwalas were delighted to plan for what would become their dream home on the lot — but what about the current house, which Vincent and his family had loved for so long? That’s when the couple learned about Build Urban Prosperity, an organization that would relocate Vincent’s home and repurpose it for the good of the community. “Our neighbor, Russ Doyle, a local builder, told us about BuildUP, and, from an eco-friendly standpoint, I loved the idea,” Orooj recalls. “We decided to donate the home to BuildUP.” The couple describes the process as streamlined and easy, with a crew coming to disassemble the brick home into pieces for easy transport. Interestingly, the home would be moved to Ensley — a fitting journey, considering Vincent’s ItalianAmerican family lived in that very community during Vincent’s childhood and youth. Everyone agreed the home’s return to his family’s original neighborhood was meant to be, and the Chandiwalas were confident in their choice to move, rather than destroy the house. “Like most eco-friendly things, it was more expensive than just demolishing,” Orooj notes, “but we felt it was worth it.”

CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Today, Vincent’s former house has become a happy home for BuildUP student Rowlan Cummings and his family. Along with his mom, dad and two sisters, Rowlan feels fortunate not only to live in this spacious four-bedroom abode but to have an up-close perspective on the BuildUP process. In 2018, when BuildUP offered summer programs (not yet an accredited secondary education program) Rowlan and his cousin, William, spent the season learning much more than they expected, at the encouragement of Rowlan’s aunt. “The program was totally new to me — I never thought I’d do something like that,” Rowlan shares. “We were working on this house, and we were building sheds, doing demolitions, taking down walls, building decks — and at the end of the program, I was really proud of myself, like I accomplished something I thought I could never do.” Now 19 years old, a graduate of BuildUP’s accredited high school and working on his electrician certification, Rowlan is one of the two first student groups to complete BuildUP’s high school program and aim for the ultimate goal — a home and mortgage without interest. According to BuildUP founder Mark Martin, students are eligible for homes and mortgages when they have successfully completed the post-secondary education program and either secured a salaried job or started a viable business. “We work with the students and support them to get on their career paths — often in things like electrical, carpentry or other

trades, but they get exposure to other sides such as real estate, architecture and design as well — and they must complete the program to prepare themselves for the responsibility of owning a home,” Martin explains. “Since [BuildUP] is only five years old, no students have gotten that far yet, but we’ve had two graduating classes of high school students, so we have two groups who are in the midst of working through these steps.” Rowlan, for one, is hard at work. In addition to taking his electrician classes each Wednesday, he maintains a part-time position at Sam’s Club in Hoover as well as an electrical apprenticeship with Mr. Bruce, whom he met through BuildUP. “I’ll come in, build lights and install lighting,” he says. “Right now, I just want to focus on myself and elevate myself as much as I can.” Rowlan readily admits that BuildUP has changed his life for the better, not only on a professional level but on a personal one as well. A self-described timid youth who had trouble grasping his own potential, his experiences with BuildUP have bolstered his confidence and broadened his perspective of what is possible. “They opened my eyes and opened some doors that were closed,” Rowlan muses. “I was in the background — seen but not heard. They motivated me to be more open with others; they knew I could, and they encouraged me to express myself. They know I can be someone, and now I see that in myself.” Learn more about BuildUP's program at buildup.work.

Rowlan Cummings, BuildUp student

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One of the March Quilts, "Loving vs. Virginia," sewn together by Sew-Op members to depict a multi-racial heart for love.

Much More than it ‘Seams’ For the past decade, a community of sewists ranging from ages 5 to 89 meets to laugh, learn new sewing techniques, catch up and create quilts. Bib & Tucker Sew-Op, a community-based cooperative founded in Woodlawn, uses textile arts to empower, educate and spread the artistry of sewing. This year, through their Recycled Runway fashion show and the March Quilts exhibition, the Sew-Op is proving that learning to sew is much more than it seams. I had a chance to sit down with Sew-Op Programming Strategist Viola Ratcliffe to talk

about the Sew-Op, its role in activism and her tips for those interested in textile arts. WHAT DREW YOU TO BIB & TUCKER SEW-OP? I first learned about Bib & Tucker Sew-Op when my husband and I moved to Birmingham in 2016. I had just had my daughter, Amina, and was a stay-at-home mom. I was looking for an organization where I could volunteer and meet new people. In 2015, I earned my master’s degree in art history from Bowling Green State University, and I wrote my thesis on LaShawnda Crowe

BIB & TUCKER SEW-OP ADVOCATES FOR EQUALITY THROUGH QUILT-MAKING

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA PHILLIPS

A RT IST PA LE T T E | A RTS + CULTURE

Storm’s “The Lynch Quilts Project.” I was interested in exploring how quilting is used to advocate for social justice causes. I found Bib & Tucker by reading an article online about the March Quilts project. I immediately saw parallels between that project and my thesis. I reached out to the Sew-Op, and the rest was history! I immediately loved Bib & Tucker because it was so diverse and so welcoming. COULD YOU SPEAK ON QUILT-MAKING AS A FORM OF ACTIVISM? Quilt-making has long been a form of activism, particularly in the United States. Quilts have been a way for women, especially marginalized women and women of color, to express their feelings and ideas while also advocating for themselves and their communities. Quilters were at the heart of the abolitionist movement, the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Rights Movement. The Freedom Quilting Bee, the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, The Lynch Quilts Project and the Social Justice Sewing Academy are all ways quilters and sewists have used this art form to raise awareness and mobilize around critically important social issues. For example, the Freedom Quilting Bee was a coalition of African American quilters in Selma, Alabama who sold quilts to raise money for the civil rights movement in the ‘60s. Meanwhile, the Names Project AIDS Memorial quilt included 1920 names of individuals lost to AIDS and was displayed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The total quilt was larger than a football field!

Magic City Fashion Week to present “Recycled Runway: On the Mend,” an upcycled fashion and design program for middle and high school students. Students took part in a series of workshops and then debuted their upcycled designs during a runway show at the Birmingham Museum of Art. It was amazing to see these young people rock their looks on the runway in front of nearly 2,000 people. We are doing Recycled Runway again this year, and the theme is HOMEGROWN. Students from across Birmingham will take part in eight weeks of sewing and design workshops, and they will debut their looks at the Birmingham Museum of Art on April 14. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN QUILT-MAKING OR BEGINNING A JOURNEY IN TEXTILE ARTS? I would absolutely say that they should pursue those interests! I recommend seeking out other quilting organizations or sewing groups and connecting with them. There are several in Birmingham in addition to Bib & Tucker, including the Riley Center Quilters, the Birmingham Quilters Guild and the Evening Star Quilt Guild. There are also some wonderful quilters and textile artists on social media, and often you can find cool ideas for projects and patterns there. If you can take a sewing workshop, do it! Workshops are a great way to learn new skills and meet other sewists and sewing enthusiasts. Also, keep an eye out for quilt shows and exhibits. The beautiful thing about quilts is that they are loved and appreciated by those of all ages. They are a part of who we are as Americans and especially as Alabamians. It’s important that this art form continues to be passed down and taught to future generations.

“Quilters were at the

heart of the abolitionist movement, the Civil

Rights Movement and the Women’s Rights

Movement.” - Ratcliffe

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT OR EVENT THAT THE SEW-OP HAS DONE? I think my favorite Bib & Tucker project has been Recycled Runway because it is such a wonderful event for the community. In 2022, we partnered with

CONTINUED >

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One of the March Quilts, "Environmental Justice," with blocks sewn together by Sew-Op members to depict a tree in a healthy environment.

THE MARCH QUILTS: STITCHING COMMUNITY The March Quilts is a project created by the Sew-Op that started in March 2014. Members of the community work alongside members of the Sew-Op to learn the fundamentals of sewing and create quilt blocks expressing their ideas on various topics related to social justice and human rights. The Sew-Op hosts various open sewing sessions at community centers, schools, libraries and places of worship throughout the state to create the quilt blocks. Then, these blocks are stitched together to make one large quilt or multiple quilts.

A RT IST PA LE T T E | A RTS + CULTURE

In 2022, the Sew-Op celebrated eight years of The March Quilts with the theme A(MEND). This theme encouraged participants to create quilt blocks on any community justice issue they were passionate about. A total of 179 blocks were sewn by community members from across the state, ranging from Montgomery to Pickensville. On April 29, the quilts from A(MEND) will be unveiled during an exhibition of The March Quilts collection at the Birmingham Public Library Central Branch. The show is called, "The March Quilts: A Celebration of Art and Activism," and it will run through June 29.

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MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

At Home in

BIRMINGHAM Many people move to Birmingham not knowing what to expect, only to fall in love with the Magic City’s energy and sense of community. Creatives, entrepreneurs, medical professionals and dreamers of all sorts have found their home in the ‘Ham, and we are all happy they did. Meet five transplants who now consider Birmingham home — though they have differing stories of how they got here, they all agree it’s the right place. Congratulations to Ryan and Helene Westover on Pizza Grace's nomination in the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards, announced just as this magazine went to press.

RYAN AND HELENE WESTOVER Owners, Pizza Grace Prior to his move to the Magic City, Ryan Westover claimed two different places as home: north Georgia and Washington, D.C. The owner of Pizza Grace on Morris Avenue spent his formative years down South after being born in the D.C. suburbs — then, as an adult, he returned to D.C. for 12 years to fine-tune his career. When the time came to pitch his dream pizzeria, Westover discovered larger cities weren’t quite as receptive as he’d hoped. “I was pitching to anyone who’d listen to me,” he remembers. CONTINUED >

Four residents share how they got here — and why they stayed 26

LOCA LS ON LY | L IFE + CULTURE

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Ryan and Helene Westover

D E PA RT LOCA LS M ON E NLY T | LCATEG IFE + CULTURE ORY

That’s when his uncle suggested Huntsville, where he and his wife had recently retired, prompting Westover to explore the idea. Ultimately, he chose Birmingham over Huntsville, charmed by the artistic vibes as well as the food scene. “I checked out restaurants — went to Big Spoon for ice cream, Bottega for cake, the Essential, which was fabulous, among other places — and saw the passionate people here, perfect as the foundation for my pizzeria,” he says. Westover and his wife, Helene, sold their D.C. residence and moved to Birmingham after a long weekend. The couple now appreciates biking to their restaurant from their Avondale home (after being in the car for hours each day in our nation’s busy capital), the dogfriendly nature of the ‘Ham and the overall quality of life. Westover says he was also attracted to the “quality and character” of available business space — Pizza Grace is located on Morris Avenue in a converted multi-use warehouse — as well as the number of interested potential business partners. “The business community showed up quickly,” he notes. “People here go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome.”

DR. VIRAL JAIN Assistant Professor, Division of Neonatology at UAB Medicine Originally from Mumbai, India, Dr. Viral Jain relocated to the United States to study medicine. He spent nine years training in the three major cities of Ohio, then, after one of his research mentors departed the Buckeye state for Birmingham, he convinced Dr. Jain to move as well, and the Division of Neonatology at UAB has benefitted since. “The first time I ever visited Birmingham was when I came for the interview,” he shares. Fast-forward to today, and Dr. Jain has been swayed by the Magic City’s charm like the rest of us. The majority of his time at UAB is spent researching, though he spends some time doing clinical work in the neonatal unit. His main goal is to figure out why babies are born prematurely — and to encourage proper development post-birth. During the pandemic, he wrote a book for families in the neonatal unit called Baby Bookworm, about giving infants a solid start. He’s also written a song called “Sweet Little Baby,” which he calls “a NICU lullaby," along with the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band. The song focuses on the importance of parent-infant bonding. Dr. Jain loves living downtown in the Pizitz building and keeping his finger on Birmingham’s pulse. “I like walking around the city,” he declares. “I’m a foodie, and great restaurants are within walking distance. There are a lot of new shops and foot traffic on the weekends, plus great bars like House of Found Objects, Queen’s Park, and Pilcrow.” CONTINUED >

Dr. Viral Jain

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In the last two years he’s been a local, Dr. Jain has involved himself with organizations such as the Rotaract Club and the Young Professionals of Birmingham and has met welcoming community members who help him feel at home. An avid blues musician, he loves to catch live music anywhere he can and has goals to get on stage again in the future. “I used to perform in Ohio, but so far here I have not — I haven’t found a band here,” he says. “So, I hope to find a band and perform soon. Work keeps me busy! But I still want to.”

MAGGIE BELSHÉ Chief Customer Officer, ResBiotic Maggie Belshé grew up in San Francisco, then attended Barnard College at Columbia University in New York City. She found herself with a growing interest in entrepreneurship and decided upon graduation to apply for the Venture For America program. In 2015, this program brought Belshé to Birmingham, a place she knew almost nothing about “except what was in American history textbooks,” she admits. For almost five years, Belshé worked in marketing for Pack Health, eventually elevating her role to marketing and communications director. She then spent nearly two years establishing Birmingham operations for the global entrepreneurship nonprofit Endeavor before joining ResBiotic, a physician-founded respiratory wellness startup, where she combines her passions for holistic health, science and storytelling. Though Belshé admits she “didn’t plan to stay this long,” Birmingham’s robust opportunities encouraged her – and her then-boyfriend and now-husband – to make the Magic City home. In the beginning, she was happy to be “in a different city, barely on [her] map,” and now, she has joined the scores of people she met along the way who appreciate the ‘Ham for its underrated yet intriguing status. “I remember the day I interviewed at Pack Health, meeting other transplants and boomerangs who shared excitement for what they described as Birmingham's renaissance,” she says. “They took me to cool neighborhoods and restaurants; they took me downtown and to Avondale and Railroad Park – it was easy to imagine a life here.” Today, Belshé and her husband are thriving with a strong social network and community involvement, in addition to their careers. Belshé appreciates the food scene like most of us, as well as nonprofits like Jones Valley Teaching Farm and creative institutions like Sidewalk Cinema and the Birmingham Museum of Art. “I love the BMA; it has a great collection for a city of our size — and I’ve heard speakers there where

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I thought, ‘Wow, this artist came to Birmingham?’ For example, Manjari Sharma [creator of the exhibit Expanding Darshan] – hearing her speak was amazing.” “People are investing in this community,” she adds, pointing to Rotary Trail and City Walk as examples of successful developments during her time here. “I think there’s a lot of creativity in Birmingham, and hopefully we’ll continue to see the city grow and thrive.”

JESSICA MAJNO Founder, Idyllo.com Jessica Majno grew up in Boston, then spent time overseas before moving to Washington D.C. While there, she worked both domestically and internationally as a strategy consultant. “I built a career and my first company around new market development and innovation, working with some incredible companies and governments all over the world,” she says. Majno’s first interaction with Birmingham was as a mentor to the city’s Techstars program after meeting Managing Director Nate Schmidt. “Nate and I first connected as people working to cultivate innovation ecosystems outside traditional hubs like Silicon Valley. It was quickly clear that he and his partner Brooke [Gillis] were building something special in Birmingham.” Majno already had wheels turning in her mind for a new marketplace company focused on home improvement. “One of the things I stumbled into as a homeowner is that all the marketplaces out there — like Angi or Thumbtack — make money on ads, and, as a result, the best professionals often aren’t on them" she says. "Idyllo is built to solve this problem. We get to know the best local businesses in a city, make referrals based on your home and goals and take care of booking the first step. We take a small curation fee, like Airbnb or Uber, only when work gets done.” As it turns out, the Magic City is the ideal spot to launch the first iteration of Idyllo, thanks to a diverse real estate market and an expanding startup ecosystem. Majno came to Birmingham to participate in Techstars and decided to build Idyllo locally. “The momentum in Birmingham is palpable. We’re taking a swing at a huge market opportunity, and we see the core inputs we need to be successful right here.” She’s also savoring the beautiful outdoors, the culinary scene and arts and culture offerings. Majno and her husband, also an entrepreneur, live downtown and love being in the heart of everything along with their bird dog, Callie. “The mix of quality and creativity we’ve found here is inspiring, and we’re really thrilled to get the chance to be part of it,” she shares.

Maggie Belshé

A life well lived should continue at home

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INNER SA NC T UA RY A custom closet can dress up your day

We spoke to Kelley Lyle, a Birminghambased designer for California Closets, plus Brittany Sena, a thrilled custom closet owner, about the process for building your own dream closet.

BASIC PROCESS Lyle: The process for a custom closet starts with a complimentary in-home consultation. I will come out and measure your space and we will talk through your specific needs – what’s working, what’s not working and how you envision the space. While measuring, I’ll take an inventory of what is in the space – it’s a custom closet! So, this is our chance to make sure we are allocating the appropriate space to shoes, long hang, drawers, et cetera. Next, we will take a look at all the finish options. I’m a traveling showroom, so I bring tons of samples with me and it is always fun to go through and create a palette with my clients. Finally, it’s time to design. Our amazing software allows me to design right there in your home. ClosetCAD offers

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the opportunity to see your new space in 3D in the finishes you selected. This process is meant to be collaborative, so I ask for your feedback, and we talk through all the options together. I can make adjustments in real-time and you can see how the changes affect pricing. Don’t forget to add all the fun accessories like a jewelry drawer and belt rack. Once we come up with the perfect plan for your new custom closet, then it’s off to manufacturing.

CHALLENGES Lyle: Brittany is a dream client — she has a beautiful home and a beautiful wardrobe. The biggest challenge was really maximizing the space – she has tons of clothes, shoes and hats. We had to do a really good job of inventorying her wardrobe and then getting creative to get everything back in the space in a way that is beautiful and functional. Sena: Organizing so much "stuff" can be daunting and overwhelming. Whether it is clothes, shoes, jewelry, scarves OR food and kitchenware,

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without the expertise and resources of a company like California Closets, you may not know where to start. Kelley was such a pro at calming my mind and making the process very methodical. Picking the finishes and finalizing the details was probably the most difficult but fun part of the process. The possibilities here are endless. From leather benches to glass or mirrored doors, mirror backing, different wood finishes and combinations . . . Did I mention the pull-out shelves and drawers? Or the jewelry and accessory organizers? And, of course, the lighting! The possibilities are endless.

IMPROVEMENTS TO QUALITY OF LIFE Lyle: You start your day and end your day in your closet – so why have it working against you? There is a huge trend getting away from dressers in the bedroom, so we have seen lots of clients wanting drawers in their closets. By adding drawers, you can fully get dressed in the closet. Everything has a spot – voila, your morning just got a bit easier.

ADVICE ABOUT CUSTOM CLOSETS Lyle: Be careful! Custom closets tend to become an addiction, and you won’t be able to stop with just one. Many clients end up coming back for a custom pantry, garage, coat closet or kids’ closet! Sena: Create vision boards on Pinterest and Instagram. Clean out items first, so you know how much stuff you need to fit into the space. You may need to prioritize. Know your goals and what is most important to you. Also, the finishes matter if you are going for a highend look. If you want something that is lower budget but very functional, basic white is still an amazing option. But if you are looking for a wow factor, the finishes and backing combinations are endless, and they really elevate a space. Visit californiaclosets.com.

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Kelley Lyle

Brittany Sena's custom closet

Another local closet designed by Lyle MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Sleek, timeless style to complement your home. With Pella® Impervia®, you don’t have to sacrifice style for performance. Choose from five interior and exterior color options to achieve your unique design style, including Black and dualcolor frames. With contrasting and complementary hardware finishes, you can add design interest and make a statement. These enduring, long-lasting fiberglass windows and patio doors will look beautiful for years to come.

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Welcome to the #MAGENTAVERSE Locally sourced ways to inject Viva Magenta into your world

2. They (Pantone) say the Color of The Year, Viva Magenta 18-750, signifies strength, joy, exuberance and fearlessness. Additional superlatives for this vivacious “carmine” red include engaging, brave, optimistic, assertive and audacious. Inject this energy into your life with our curated selection of locally sourced goods.

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5. Estelle colored wine stemware in Viva Magenta, a’mano, amanogifts.com 6. Custom rug in Viva Magenta colorway, English Village Lane, englishvillagelane.com 7. Garnet sunburst earrings in 18KT rose gold, Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, avanirupa.com

8. Marla Aaron Peony Ombre 14K Rose Gold Enamel Chubby Babylock, Etc..., shopetcjewelry.com

Fun fact: Did you know that the color inspiration for Viva Magenta is the cochineal beetle? This parasitic insect produces the highly sought-after carmine dye used in makeup, food coloring and textiles. Harvested on prickly pears, mostly in South America, scientists are currently attempting to genetically engineer the dye—linking the organic to our tech future, much as Pantone claimed of last year’s Color of The Year, Very Peri.

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Early Spring Sipper MARCH’S WINE OF THE MONTH

March can be a mixed bag for Southerners, warming up toward springtime some days and still quite wintry on others. So what better time to try a vino fit for in between the seasons? This beautiful Parajes del Valle Monastrell is made from — and named for — a delicate red-skinned grape known as the Monastrell, also called mourvèdre in the fruit's native land of Jumilla, Spain. The winemaker, 28-yearold Maria Jover, has created elegantly drinkable wines crafted from 40-year-old organic grape vines. According to Classic Wine Company owner Josh Terrell, Parajes del Valle Monastrell is aged to perfection inside neutral oak and concrete barrels to ensure it arrives bright on the palate with hints of mineral. He suggests chilling this red lightly in the fridge and sipping it leisurely on a late winter or early spring day; it is ideal for pairing with firm cheeses and charcuterie for a happy hour or hearty appetizers for a casual dinner party. Despite its exceptional heritage, Parajes del Valle Monastrell is priced at just $18 per bottle and is available at Classic Wine Company.

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