• Expert-care available 7 days a week, including after
• Same-day appointments and walk-ins welcome; in-person and virtual visits available
• Easily check wait times online before you visit
• Most major insurance accepted plus affordable self-pay options
Brookhaven’s modern neighborhood steakhouse just got a new upstairs obsession. Upstairs Bites is our upstairs-only menu of bold, shareable plates and signature favorites — from the Arnette’s Wagyu Burger to the Astrea Caviar Doughnut, Pork Belly Bao Buns, King Salmon Avocado Roll, Spicy Bluefin Tuna Maki Roll, and a towering raw seafood selection. Available only in the upstairs bar at Arnette’s.
Refined ingredients. Rebellious spirit. Remarkably welcoming vibe.
I have three pink flowered shoe boxes on the top shelf of my closet that I pull down every now and then when I need to feel grounded.
Inside are hand-written letters, sorted by decade, tied with neat grosgrain ribbon. Many are written on thin, light blue airmail paper that folds into its own envelope. Birthday cards, thank-you notes, postcards, and cocktail napkins carry heartfelt messages and even confessions.
These are letters I wrote to my mom, from college through motherhood. She carefully used a letter opener (I can picture it, brass, with an engraved handle) so each envelope, return address and postmark stays intact. Stories about my early relationship with my husband (we celebrate 38 years this month!), tales from our travels around the world and snippets about my children's firsts are all in those flowered boxes. While we lost Mom 11 years ago, those letters that she held, and likely cherished, will forever remain an unbreakable connection. She would have been 100 this month.
Happy heavenly birthday, Emily.
This month, we celebrate the wonder of women.
Enjoy this issue and hug the women in your life who keep you buoyant!
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @BUCKHAVENCITYLIFESTYLE
Photo by Bob Mackey
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Bob Mackey
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Your home deserves window treatments as unique as your style. Our expert design consultants offer personalized guidance to craft solutions that complement your vision. Schedule your consultation today and discover the art of luxurious living.
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Fifth Group’s events division, Bold Catering & Design, proudly announces the launch of Bold Flowers, a premier floral atelier specializing in refined weekly, seasonal and bespoke floral design and installation. The Bold Flowers atelier is located inside Bold’s 45,000SF warehouse. For more information and updates on Bold Flowers, please visit Bold-events.com or follow @boldflowersatl.
by A. Thomas
The Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM) announced it will open Georgia’s first healthcare-focused, public charter middle and high school this summer at Uptown Atlanta in south Buckhead. In collaboration with Grady Health System and RedefinED Atlanta, AIM will offer STEMM coursework, dual enrollment and hands-on healthcare training, enabling students to earn an associate degree and industry-valued career credentials while earning a high school diploma. Visit AIMGeorgia.org to learn more or apply for enrollment.
Join the 16th Annual Seeds of Change Society for its inaugural Mahjong Social on June 11 in Buckhead. This fun, tile-based game gathers friends to connect and raise awareness, benefiting BCM Georgia. Perfect for friends, moms, mothers and daughters, or anyone looking for a fun outing together! Since 1987, BCM has been serving low-income working families. Your presence supports stable homes, thriving families and stronger communities. All playing levels welcome!
BCMGeorgia.org/get-involved
Families, friends and neighbors gathered together outdoors in March with one shared goal: to Sweep the Hooch! Chattahoochee Riverkeepers was proud to host this watershed-wide day of service for the 16th year at parks, creeks and river access points throughout the Chattahoochee River basin. The sun was shining and conversations were flowing as we walked, waded and paddled our way towards a Trash-Free Chattahoochee. More than 32 tons of trash were removed! Chattahoochee.org
From concept to completion, we’re your full-service partner for transforming your space. Whether you’re dreaming of a stunning kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, or fully custom closets, we’ve got you covered. With 13 cabinet lines, 25+ custom closet colors, and an extensive selection of countertops, tile, and flooring, we offer options to suit every budget and every style. Let us help bring your vision to life - and turn your house into your dream home.
The Designery Atlanta 404.999.4585 | TheDesignery.com 6080 Sandy Springs Circle NE | Atlanta, GA 30328
Congratulations to the executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel, Axel Torres, for earning the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation from the American Culinary Federation, the largest professional chef organization in the country. Many chefs study months or years to earn this credential. Torres is responsible for the culinary program at Brasserie Margot and Bar Margot.
Or
ART THAT SPEAKS TO YOU AND FOR YOU
Whether looking for something colorful and eye-catching or a piece that merges seamlessly into your surroundings, we offer a wide range of options on our site.
• Beautifully blended color palette prints
• Monochromatic patterns and designs.
• Available on various media, including metal and acrylic canvas, 8" x 8" to 48" x 48"
• O rder prints on yoga mats, shower curtains, fleece blankets, mugs, throw pillows, and so much more.
F ind a great gift for someone special or show yourself some love
Discover mountain modern living in this 4-bedroom, 4-bath retreat with year-round, long-range views. An open-concept design with walls of windows fills the home with natural light, while the main-level primary suite offers a spa-like bath and stunning mountain vistas.
Enjoy outdoor living on the expansive porch with a wood-burning fireplace or unwind on the terrace level featuring a game room, guest suites, and a hot tub. Ideally located between Blue Ridge and Blairsville, this home blends luxury, comfort, and serene mountain living.
Thoughtful design meets luxury in beautifully crafted, high-quality closets.
With over 20 years of experience, Kari Sadeh and her team at Closets Design Studio are redefining the art of custom closets. “My design philosophy is centered on creating truly custom spaces that are built around how each client lives.” As a female-owned business, Closets Design Studio brings a unique perspective to every project, combining experience-driven design expertise with a deep understanding of how people live and use their spaces. Every closet begins without templates or standard sizing, starting instead with careful observation of routines, wardrobes and what is not working for them currently. Kari’s unique approach allows designs to evolve organically, maximizing every inch of space while ensuring layouts flow intuitively. Every shelf, drawer and storage solution is intentional; always balancing immediate functionality with long-term adaptability.
Balancing aesthetics and top-quality materials with real-world functionality starts with understanding how her clients, especially women and families, live busy, modern lives. Kari considers details such as which items are accessed most frequently, so the layout naturally supports daily routines. Thoughtfully designed drawers keep everyday items contained, maintaining a clean, refined look while helping manage daily chaos. Where appropriate, customized laundry solutions are incorporated so that everything has a place and nothing feels out of order. By designing and building fully custom closets with no standard sizing, the team can use every inch of available space, including utilizing the full height up to the ceiling, always maximizing both storage and functionality.
Material selection reflects Kari’s commitment to craft and quality. High-end U.S.-made finishes help to define and create spaces that feel tactile, layered and refined. Premium finishes such as rich woodgrains and oak, to more distinctive options like herringbone, leather, or linen, are all customizable options. “As a limited-time offering,” says Kari, “we are including upgraded finishes as part of the design process, allowing clients to fully personalize their space without being confined to standard options.”
Strategically placed lighting enhances usability while maintaining warmth, making closets both functional and inviting. The impact is tangible: clients report calmer, more organized mornings, reduced stress and increased confidence, simply because everything has its place.
An intentionally designed closet has a profound effect on how people start and move through the day. When every item has a designated place and is easy to access, it naturally fosters a sense of calm and control. Kari has seen this firsthand. Recently, a client shared that after her custom closet was installed, her mornings felt completely transformed. She no longer had to dig through piles or second-guess outfit choices; everything was visible, organized and within reach. She felt more put together and confident simply because her space was finally working for her instead of against her. “That shift is exactly what I aim to create with every design,” says Kari.
From the first consultation through final installation, Closets Design Studio offers a seamless, concierge-level experience where clients feel fully supported and understood. Kari takes the time upfront to listen deeply, ensuring the design reflects each client’s unique needs and vision. She remains closely involved throughout the entire process so that nothing is lost along the way. Because all work, from the precision cutting to fabrication, is done in-house, the process runs smoothly without reliance on pre-made systems or outside suppliers. This approach allows Kari and her team to maintain a higher level of quality, consistency and customization while delivering a more efficient and elevated experience from start to finish.
What truly sets this female-owned closet design firm apart is how each closet is choreographed to support daily life. Functionality, beauty and order coexist seamlessly, creating spaces that reduce stress, streamline routines and enhance confidence. Every design choice, from layout and material to storage systems and lighting, is intentional, ensuring clients enjoy a space that is not only elegant but genuinely transformative. With Kari and her team, every closet is more than storage; it’s a thoughtfully designed extension of home and lifestyle, tailored for living fully, efficiently and beautifully.
closetsdesignstudio.com
When you step into your kitchen, what do you aspire to do? Master a new cooking technique? Serve food even your pickiest family member will eat with enthusiasm?
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances are meticulously crafted to achieve a higher standard of performance, dependability, and style—so you can raise the bar on every meal you make.
Your future kitchen starts with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, featured at
Spring has long been associated with renewal; a season of resetting priorities, refreshing routines and, increasingly, rethinking how we invest. While traditional portfolios often center on stocks and real estate, a growing number of investors are turning to something more tangible: jewelry. Equal parts personal adornment and financial asset, fine jewelry offers a unique intersection of beauty and long-term value.
Few understand this balance better than Amy Barbree, owner of Barbree & Co., a fine jewelry buyer based in Chamblee. With over
three decades of experience, Barbree has built a reputation rooted in trust, expertise and relationship-driven service. But her journey into the industry began long before her company’s founding.
“I was introduced to the retail and jewelry world through my family. My father owned gift stores in the early 1990s. After he suffered a stroke, I stepped in to help support our family, which led me to take a very hands-on approach to building my career,” she shares. “I began traveling across the country selling Native American jewelry… wherever I could connect with customers. That experience taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of building trust with every interaction.”
Today, that foundation informs how Barbree navigates an evolving market—one currently shaped by inflation, shifting consumer preferences and recordhigh precious metal prices.
“In today’s market, precious metals, particularly gold and silver, continue to be among the most reliable physical assets for preserving value,” Barbree explains. “They have historically served as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, while also offering diversification within a broader investment portfolio.”
This stability is driving a noticeable uptick in selling activity. As gold and silver prices climb, many individuals are choosing to liquidate assets they’ve held for years. “Many clients are taking advantage of these strong market conditions to convert unused or inherited jewelry… into cash,” Barbree notes.
Yet the value of jewelry isn’t always obvious. Pieces that feel outdated, or even broken, can still carry significant worth. “Many people have valuable items tucked away… without fully realizing their worth,” she says, emphasizing the importance of professional evaluations to uncover hidden value.
For those looking to invest, Barbree advises patience over quick returns. “Precious metals and physical assets tend to perform best over time… rather
than as a short-term investment,” she explains. “Patience and consistency are key.”
Still, not every piece should be reduced to its market value. When it comes to family heirlooms, Barbree encourages thoughtful consideration. “If there is any hesitation, it’s often best to hold onto the piece… For many, the decision ultimately comes down to personal significance versus practicality.”
As the investment landscape continues to shift, one thing remains clear: the most meaningful investments are often the ones you can hold in your hands.
3666 North Peachtree Road Suite #400, Chamblee BarbreeAndCo.com
Are you looking to truly connect with your community? Atlanta History Center has a variety of areas for volunteers to work with the public or behind-the-scenes, from special events to maintaining beautiful gardens and helping lead tours through the historic houses and exhibitions. We asked a few volunteers to share their experiences.
“When I moved to Atlanta in 1996, one of the first things I did was visit Atlanta History Center. I thought it was important to get to know the community I was living in, and every time someone visited from out of town, I made sure to take them there. I started volunteering last year, and since then, I’ve taken every opportunity that comes along; I’ve clocked in 190 volunteer hours! My favorite event was helping check in during the Veteran’s Day program – it was a great opportunity to be part of a wonderful community event that honored veterans and their contributions.”
Debbie Sunday
“Museums, community gardens, arts initiatives — these spaces survive because people care enough to show up. Volunteering feels like a responsibility to my community and to those who will come after me. Every institution that shaped us began when someone stepped up and forged a path, connecting us to what matters most. I joined the volunteer team to work in the garden. The grounds here are a true oasis in the heart of Atlanta — their expansiveness and variety are quietly extraordinary. Members and non-members alike find something meaningful within them.
I am proud to be a part of that. As volunteers — whether we are greeting guests or tending the landscape — we are quiet guardians of our collective future.”
Alison Bearese
AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/support/volunteer
nathaniel.carney;Atlanta;R.S. Andrews Services;B37890;7.083”x4.75”-4C (26Sp)
Offer expires June 12, 2026.
*Rebate requires purchase of qualifying items between March 9, 2026 and June 12, 2026 from a participating Lennox® dealer. Contact your local participating Lennox® dealer for promotion details. Qualifying items must be installed by June 19, 2026. This offer applies to residential installations only. Rebate claims must be submitted (with the Dealer’s invoice to the homeowner listing all models and serial numbers) to www.lennoxconsumerrebates.com no later than July 19, 2026 11:59:59 p.m. ET.
Rebate is paid in the form of a Lennox Prepaid Mastercard®. Use your card anywhere Mastercard is accepted. This card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. The Bancorp Bank, N.A.; Member FDIC. This is not a gift card. This card is issued for loyalty, award or promotional purposes. Please note that prepaid cards are subject to expiration, so pay close attention to the expiration date of the card. Conditions apply. See www.lennox.com/termsand-conditions for complete terms and conditions. **Offer available between March 9, 2026 and June 12, 2026. All applications are subject to credit review and approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Requires purchase of qualifying Lennox® system. No down payment required. If you qualify for this promotion (“Promotion”)and elect to participate, Finance Charges (interest) will not accrue for the first twelve months (Promotional Period), and you will not be required to make payments during the Promotional Period. If you
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
Every couple has their own wedding-planning dynamic. For myself, a self-described control enthusiast, the process feels like managing a high-stakes project. For Marty, eternally calm with a sharp eye for style, it’s an excuse to dream up a joyful, expressive celebration. A month before our big day, firmly settled into their roles of “perfectionist” and “perpetual calmer-downer,” we slipped away to the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead for an Earlymoon—a pre-wedding pampering session designed to reset our spirits.
From the moment we arrived, the Waldorf’s hospitality wrapped around us like a warm hug. Every staff member offered heartfelt congratulations, making us feel celebrated at every turn. After battling rush-hour traffic, we stepped into our junior suite and felt the day’s tension evaporate. Plush robes, a curated cheese board and chilled non-alcoholic rosé set the tone for a night of pure indulgence.
We curled up, snacked and watched Nancy Meyers films until sleep won out.
Morning brought breakfast at Brasserie, the hotel’s signature restaurant—shrimp and grits for Marty, a bright fruit bowl for me—before the highlight of the stay: a couples massage in the serene Waldorf Spa. After soaking in the hot tubs and sipping tea on the terrace, we were guided into a tranquil room where therapists focused on our shoulders and necks since that’s where pre-wedding stress was holing up.
Ninety minutes later, we emerged truly renewed. What had been months of mounting anxiety softened into genuine excitement. The Earlymoon didn’t just pamper us; it reminded me why I can’t wait to marry my best friend.
The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead Hilton.com 3376 Peachtree Rd NE
Meet Harriet Adams
ARTICLE BY BUCKHAVEN CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
Harriet Adams is the founder of Integrated Therapy, LLC, a pioneering aquatic physical therapy practice dedicated to helping patients regain strength, mobility and confidence through innovative rehabilitation. Over the past three decades, she has built one of the most respected aquatic therapy practices in the Southeast, blending clinical excellence with a deeply personal commitment to healing.
Beyond her work in healthcare, Adams is a mother, mentor and entrepreneur who believes that the most meaningful success lies not only in what we build professionally, but in the lives we strengthen along the way. Guided by faith, resilience and a deep appreciation for community, she continues to lead with the belief that true legacy is measured by the people and possibilities we leave better than we found them. We caught up with Harriet in Buckhead to talk about legacy, luxury and friendships.
LUXURY IS OFTEN DEFINED BY WHAT LASTS. BEYOND FINANCIAL INHERITANCE, WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC "EMOTIONAL HEIRLOOM" OR VALUE SYSTEM YOU ARE MOST INTENTIONAL ABOUT PASSING DOWN TO THE NEXT GENERATION?
Luxury, to me, has never been about what you possess; it’s about what you hold in your heart and share with others.
I come from a long line of small-town attorneys, ministers, teachers, farmers and entrepreneurs. What they gave me wasn’t material; it was something much more enduring: a belief in faith, hard work, resilience and showing up for others when it matters most.
One day, I asked my father what he thought the purpose of life was. He didn’t hesitate. He said, “You get up every morning and use your gifts to help someone.” It was simple, but it stuck with me, and over time, it became how I try to live my life.
I built my aquatic physical therapy practice on those core principles, creating a business dedicated to helping people heal and regain their strength. There’s something truly meaningful about supporting someone as they move forward, often after life has knocked them down. Moments like that keep you honest. It reminds me that success isn’t just about what you build, it’s about how many people you lift up along the way.
My faith has carried me through the hardest seasons, and it continues to influence how I live, lead and love my family and friends. I believe we all are called to do something with what we’ve been given, and to do it with integrity, compassion and gratitude.
If I could pass down anything to the next generation, it would be this: A good life is built on faith, steady effort and caring for others—and that the true measure of success is the difference you make in someone else’s life.
HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD REDEFINED YOUR DEFINITION OF 'SUCCESS' IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE, AND CONVERSELY, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS LESSON YOU’VE BROUGHT HOME TO THE DINNER TABLE?
Motherhood transformed my idea of success. I used to judge it by milestones and victories. Now, I focus on building a lasting legacy. What matters most to me now isn’t just what I achieve, but also who I’m raising along the way. If my children grow up to be kind, resilient and grounded, that will always be my greatest accomplishment.
The lessons I bring home from my business life are the same ones we live by as a family. Perseverance, above all, because anything worthwhile takes patience, discipline and the willingness to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. And just as importantly: work hard, stay curious and treat people with integrity. Those values carry just as much weight around the dinner table as they do in any boardroom.
BEHIND EVERY INFLUENTIAL WOMAN IS A COMMUNITY THAT SUSTAINS HER. WHO ARE THE WOMEN IN YOUR CIRCLE—MENTORS, FRIENDS, OR FAMILY—WHO HELPED YOU 'MOTHER' YOUR BIGGEST IDEAS OR BUSINESSES INTO REALITY?
No meaningful work is ever accomplished alone; it is nurtured by the strength of the women who stand beside you. I’ve been blessed with a circle of extraordinary women—my mother and many dear friends—who have carried me through every season. They’ve been my sounding boards, my steady voices and, when necessary, the gentle push I needed to take the next step.
My mother has always been my quiet and steady foundation. Recently, I watched her battle a rare autoimmune disease and recover from a successful cervical fusion—doing so with grace, faith and an incredible kind of resilience.
My close friends have been that rare kind of gift—women who celebrate you honestly, steady you in the hard moments and remind you who you are when you forget.
The ideas might have been mine, but the courage to follow them was molded by their faith in me—often well before I fully believed in myself.
Having these people in my life reminds me of something simple and true—strong women are not trying to outdo one another. They lift. They steady. They sustain. And in the end, success is always sweeter when it’s shared with the women who helped you build it.
Atlanta wedding and event planner puts the people first.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
When I first met Jazmine Mcfarlane, it was all business. Her extensive education and multiple degrees, along with her professional demeanor and obvious preparation, were comforting and a little intimidating as we sat down to plan my daughter’s wedding. Months later, after many joyful meetings and productive emails, it’s nothing but love and appreciation for Jazzy and her team.
Jazzy Lady Events is a full-service event planning firm that specializes in creating unforgettable experiences for a variety of events. While weddings are their sweet spot, they also expertly plan and execute conferences, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, and corporate events. Jazmine Mcfarlane founded the agency eight years ago and has quickly built a stellar reputation with high-profile clients and choosy brides. We caught up with Jazzy over coffee to find out how she makes the magic happen.
WORKING WITH BRIDES AND MOTHERS-OF-THE-BRIDE (AND GROOM), THE UTMOST PATIENCE AND DISCERNMENT ARE REQUIRED, I’M SURE! YOUR SUCCESS AND TRACK RECORD SPEAKS VOLUMES FOR YOUR ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE, WITH PATIENCE AND ACUMEN. I always tell my brides, “I’ve got you! I’m here to shoulder the details so you can focus on the marriage.” To stay successful in this crazy industry, I lean on these four things:
• Service: We are here to serve your vision so you can enjoy and celebrate with your guests. And go to great lengths to curate and experience that no one will forget while making our guests of honor feel like stars.
• Discernment: I can usually feel the vibe of a room before anyone says a word. It helps me see obstacles coming before
they even happen so we can be proactive with solutions so my clients never have to stress.
• A Joyful Heart: I truly love what I do! If I’m smiling and keeping things light, it helps everyone else relax and remember that this is supposed to be a celebration.
• Focus on the Experience: I focus on details. I make sure every fork is in place and every balloon is perfect so the couple can just focus on each other and enjoy their big day.
YOU TAKE PRIDE IN SEEING CLIENTS THRIVE, AND FEEL IT IS AN HONOR TO BE A PART OF THEIR JOURNEY. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW? It is such an honor when my couples come back to me for their baby showers and anniversaries. I really want to be their “Your Planner for ALL Events.” Right now, my heart is so full because I’m working on:
• The Covenant Workbook & Quiz: This is my latest project! I created these to help engaged and married couples really sit down and talk. It’s full of questions to ponder and discuss to help them build a strong foundation and keep their marriage growing. It’s not just about the wedding day; it’s about the “forever.”
• Corporate launches and celebrations. Metro CIDs 10th anniversary at Shadowbox Studios, Capstone Solutions Women’s Forum, various events with Wellstar Healthcare. JEDunn, UBC, INVESCO, ground breaking for SR400 with our Governor and other officials and corporations. Just to name a few.
• Volunteer Service- I was honored to grow my wings while serving in my church Jubilee Christian Church of Atlanta, and I maintain my service there. Every event, conference, women’s meetings (RadiantGals) to regular Sundays.
YOU’VE BEEN IN BUSINESS SINCE 2018 AND HAVE GROWN YOUR FOOTPRINT BEYOND WEDDINGS. WHAT ARE YOUR BUSINESS GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
In the next few years, I’m dreaming big:
• Traveling More: I want to take the “Jazzy” experience to more destination weddings. Who doesn’t want to say “I do” on a beach?
• Marriage Focused Weddings: We launched this platform in 2025 as a resource to couples at every stage. With engaged couples and newlyweds in mind yet still applicable in any phase of marriage.
• Full Production & Event Design: As a pet project, we started with balloon decor in 2020 and that has grown and caused us to spread our wings to draping and statement setups.
• Bigger Partnerships: I’m looking to work with brands that love family and marriage as much as I do. As well as maximize the FIFA World Cup opportunities coming to Atlanta.
ARTICLE BY TIFFANY DILLIARDT MCLEAN
Dr. Kristy Beam has spent her entire career doing the thing most people only talk about: Closing gaps, opening doors and building systems that actually work for students who have been overlooked, underestimated and underserved. Now, with the Academy for Innovation in Medicine, she is changing what is possible for an entire generation of young people who deserve to see their future clearly before they are ever asked to choose it.
AIM is a tuition-free public charter school where students begin exploring healthcare careers as early as 6th grade. It is built on a belief Dr. Beam has carried throughout every chapter of her career: Talent is universal, but opportunity and access are not.
In the following conversation, Dr. Beam explains AIM’s mission and how it transforms opportunities for Atlanta students.
FOR READERS WHO MAY NOT YET BE FAMILIAR WITH AIM, CAN YOU DESCRIBE IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
AIM is a tuition-free public charter school where students begin exploring healthcare careers as early as 6th grade, fostering early interest and skills.
AIM IS PARTNERING WITH GRADY HEALTH SYSTEM. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOUR STUDENTS?
It means our students are not just learning about healthcare; they are actively participating in it. For example, a 6th grader can sit with a Grady health leader and start a mentorship that grows each year. By 9th grade, students shadow professionals on clinical floors, and by 11th grade, they work alongside those same mentors, gaining realworld experience and building confidence in healthcare careers.
WHAT DO YOU WANT STUDENTS TO FEEL AND KNOW ABOUT THEMSELVES BY THE TIME THEY GRADUATE?
By the time our students graduate, I want them to feel unstoppable. Not because someone told them they could do it, but because they have already done it. They have walked hospital floors, built relationships with healthcare professionals and developed real skills in real environments. They are not leaving us hoping for a future in healthcare. They are leaving us already inside of it.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE YOU WOULD OFFER YOUNG WOMEN WHO ASPIRE TO LEAD?
Find the women who will tell you the truth, push you further than you think you can go and pour into you without hesitation. Those relationships will shape you in ways no title or credential ever could. Furthermore, do not wait for permission to lead. Start where you are. Leadership is not about what is on your business card. It is about what you create for the people around you, and that work is always worth doing, even when it feels uncertain.
AIM is currently enrolling 6th and 9th grade students for the fall.
Contact Info: aimgeorgia.org
IG: Aim_Georgia
LinkedIn: Academy For Innovation in Medicine
FB: AIM Georgia
