Thanks to the trust of our clients and community, Emerald Counseling Center is thriving and fully engaged in the work we love—helping people heal, grow, and reconnect.
We’re proud of the year behind us and excited for what’s ahead.
Thank you for being part of our journey—and for supporting local businesses that support mental health.
We’re still here if you need us, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Welcome to our February issue! This month, as love is in the air carrying that first faint hint of spring and our thoughts turn toward connection, we are celebrating a theme that is the very lifeblood of our community: Love Local.
In Chamblee, local isn't just a geographical label, it’s a commitment to the neighbors who build the shops, preserve our stories, and care for our families. When we choose to support the businesses in our own backyard, we aren’t just making a purchase—we are investing in the unique character that makes Chamblee feel like not just where we live, but like a true home.
In the spirit of the season, we are excited to introduce you to Toca Florals. More than just a flower shop, it is a place where artistry meets emotion. Whether you’re looking for a grand romantic gesture or a simple thinking of you bouquet, their stunning arrangements remind us that there is a special kind of magic in the curated, hand-delivered beauty you can only find at a local boutique.
We also take a moment to highlight the experts at Chamblee Orthodontics. There's a deep sense of trust involved in healthcare, and having world-class professionals in our neighborhood, allows for a level of personalized care that a corporate chain simply can't match. Their dedication to brightening the smiles of our youth and adults alike is a testament to the talent thriving within our city limits.
Finally, we look back to look forward with an update on the Chamblee History Project. Loving local means honoring the roots of where we live – and Chamblee has been around for nearly 120 years! By documenting the stories and landmarks that have shaped us and our community, this project ensures that as Chamblee continues to grow and evolve, we never lose sight of the heritage that brought us here.
We hope this issue inspires you to step out, explore a new corner of town, and fall in love with Chamblee all over again. Thanks again for allowing us into your homes and businesses!
KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER @CHAMBLEECITYLIFESTYLE
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Natalie Fox | nataliefoxcreative@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Alyssa Kreplin | alyssakreplin@kw.com
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Toca
Experience
The
Toca
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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The local fitness community is reaching new heights as CrossFit Chamblee officially opens at its new facility. The team has moved into a larger, state-of-the-art space designed to enhance their signature high-energy training experience. CrossFit Chamblee emphasizes that while the address has changed, the tight-knit, supportive atmosphere that defines CrossFit Chamblee remains the same. The move allows for an expanded class schedule and new programs to help residents meet their 2026 health goals.
Chamblee’s thriving culinary scene just got a little buzzier with the opening of Laylo Café - a specialty café where handcrafted coffee, housemade pastries, and a warm and calming atmosphere come together. The name “Laylo” reflects their core value: Taking life at a slower pace. They’re excited to welcome the Chamblee community to their thoughtfully designed space. Lay low. Stay grounded. At Laylo Café!
The local social scene got a major upgrade with the opening of Brews & Hops Taproom. This new self-pour destination is welcoming neighbors to experience a fresh way to enjoy craft beverages. Brews & Hops isn't your average bar. It offers a wall of rotating taps featuring Georgiamade craft beers, crisp ciders, and wines. Designed as a community hub, the taproom has a modern-industrial aesthetic with space for large groups, trivia nights, and weekend hangouts.
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
Love is at the center of Toca Florals, Chamblee’s newest flower shop, delivering elevated, structural designs for every occasion. Husband-wife duo Tiffany and Luis hail from their previous shop in Orange County, California. Luis, Toca Florals’s sole floral designer, has no formal training. His childhood in Mexico was surrounded by family-made bouquets and arrangements, setting the stage for his natural-born talent and love for the craft. In his twenties, he worked alongside top talent in downtown Los Angeles (the heart of the flower market), and his style reached exceptional heights. While developing a creation, Luis works lightning quick, almost as if in a trance-like flow state. He doesn’t plan; he just starts and doesn’t stop moving until it’s complete. The results are absolutely stunning. There’s a movement inherent in each arrangement, as deftly placed stems bundle and find angles that exude luxury.
Toca Florals’ name derives from “Toca,” the Spanish word meaning “touch.” It highlights the artistic touch brought to every arrangement, big and small, in a vase or expertly wrapped. Structurally complex and completely creative, no two pieces are ever the same, as Luis crafts each almost as if channeling.
Toca Florals opened this past autumn on the border of Chamblee and Brookhaven, and they are thrilled with the community they’ve discovered. In truth, they stumbled upon their location. They love their complex, their neighbors, and the family-friendly atmosphere. Their two-year-old daughter is a beloved fixture at Toca Florals, and it is important to them to cultivate a “cozy flower shopping environment.”
The couple met in a story that echoes romantic comedies galore. Luis designed all the arrangements for funerals at a shop in Orange County shortly after leaving Los Angeles, and Tiffany was a new employee at the affiliated funeral home. He would deliver spectacular, larger-than-life masterpieces, and she had no idea he was the designer; she assumed he was the delivery man! Eventually, she learned that he was the artist behind the creations that took her breath away—his courting of her involved weekly deliveries of massive floral arrangements to her office. This went on for so long that she eventually agreed to a coffee date. As they spent more time together, the magnetism between the two of them heightened, bringing them closer. Eventually, “we couldn’t stay away from each other,” Tiffany laughed. For her birthday that first year, he expertly wrapped 75 bouquets of multicolored roses and placed them all across the top of her car. In short, Luis understands the power of romantic gesture.
Their courtship demonstrates the deeply felt impact of thoughtfully crafted and delivered flowers. Toca Florals brings West Coast elevation to the industry, which you can experience through its artistry. A trend in Orange County that they’ve brought to Chamblee is the art of bouquet wrapping. They only use handcrafted tissue paper from California, and each sheet of material is chosen carefully to accent the arrangement it’s intended for. Even the paper is given distinctive shapes: lines, curves, and angles bring stunning sculptural intensity to the bouquet wrapping. Gorgeous bows are added and meticulously shaped, resulting in an eye-catching display. These types of details and signs of extra effort make all the difference.
Toca Florals is a two-person operation. Luis, the designer, creates every single arrangement. Tiffany manages the website, taxes, and other logistical business matters. “But I do love flowers myself,” she clarifies. “I did fall in love with them.” Her admiration for her husband’s talent is palpable. His almost otherworldly ability to put together these stunning pieces in such short periods of time, demonstrating a high level of grace and ease, still impresses her. Tiffany gushes, “Everything you see is made by him.” The act of gifting flowers is in itself a thoughtful act of luxury; they soften hearts for every occasion and life transition.
At Toca Florals, you can request your favorite flowers, show inspiration photos, or let Luis fly. The work is always outstanding and is deftly created with the confident hands of one who knows their own innate talent. It truly is an art form. Their offerings continually evolve, adding more options based on customer requests and preferences. Dried arrangements are their newest addition; people love their long-lasting impact and rustic chic look. Five months into Toca Florals’ arrival in Chamblee, they’ve set themselves apart with their West Coast stylistic elevation and wide range of available styles. Truly, the sky is the limit here, and this family-run business has its eyes set on ever-evolving expansion through the power of artistic passion.
Experience warm and welcoming expert care with the latest dental technologies at Chamblee Orthodontics
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
Caroline Ceneviz DMD, MS, MS, grew up loving going to the dentist. A somewhat rare phenomenon for a child, she felt right at home in the clean, sleek office and decided at the age of 13 that she would pursue a career in dentistry. Dr. Ceneviz speaks with genuine passion about the joy she finds within her practice, Chamblee Orthodontics, as well as her love of being a fellow resident. She runs into her patients and their families all over town, cultivating doctor-patient relationships based on trust and gratitude. Our smiles significantly impact the confidence we feel inward and project outward. “Just the other night,” she says giddily, “a patient texted me a photo of themselves at dinner with the caption ‘Smiles by Dr. C!’” There’s a real emotional impact when one is newly in love with their teeth. “A lot of them will say, ‘I had a special event in my life. I took a picture. Look at this smile! This was something that was created in your office.’” Weddings, graduations, and team photos are all shared with pure excitement with Dr. Ceneviz; adults and kids alike experience an absolute thrill looking at their brand-new smiles. Dr. Ceneviz has always been drawn to the power of transformation, which makes sense in light of her attraction to orthodontics and the Chamblee business community seven years ago (in the midst of the business boom). Coming from a corporate set-up affected her own practice’s philosophy. A self-described “boutique practice,” their team consists of five to six people, all with a passion for serving others, fostering authentic connections, and making the patients feel at home in what can be a vulnerable situation.
For more information, visit chamblee-orthodontics.com
Chamblee Orthodontics utilizes the most cutting-edge technologies for its patients and is a modern, clean, fully digital office. 3D x-rays and 3D scans are implemented. Dr. Ceneviz attends multiple conferences each year and serves on the Women's Orthodontic Association of Georgia’s Executive Board, so she’s continually learning the latest research and developments. For example, her practice offers 3D-printed braces from LightForce, which are custom-made to each tooth, ensuring the braces are tailor-made
to each patient’s exact specifications. “Nobody else can wear them but you,” Dr. Ceneviz explains. This razor-sharp precision quickens the treatment period and decreases physical agitation.
Dr. Ceneviz found her niche with orthodontics when she became enamored with the chance to perform a “full mouth rehab” through the specialty. “I fell in love with orthodontics because you're getting to really transform the smile as a whole, and that's very, very unique." She’s also dual-certified in Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and Oral-Facial Pain, which addresses jaw pain and headaches. Transforming her patients' everyday experiences drives her and helps sustain her clear passion for the work. Dr. Ceneviz’s focus on building trusting doctor-patient relationships opens the door for mutual respect and energetic exchange. “I feel like I get so much back from my patients,” she says, sharing that every single step of the journey is exciting. With every appointment, they track each tooth’s path of progress, analyzing where it started, where it is currently, and where it’s meant to end up. This incremental treatment approach heightens the patient’s physical comfort.
It’s inspiring to hear the sustained joy that’s been cultivated at Chamblee Orthodontics over the last seven years. Dr. Ceneviz is equally as passionate about Chamblee as she is about orthodontics. She moved here seven years ago from Buckhead after witnessing the city’s transformation in motion. Now, Dr. Ceneviz and her family live only eight minutes from her office. She loves running into her patients all around the city (most often at the supermarket!) Community engagement is an essential element in her work. She loves to “shine for Chamblee” while promoting this diverse and welcoming community. She’s extremely involved with the city of Chamblee, and she says, “They've been so welcoming, and they've really taken me in. I absolutely love Chamblee. I'd stay here for another hundred years if I could."
Dr. Ceneviz is originally from Brazil and speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so Chamblee Orthodontics is a trilingual office. “Don’t worry if you can’t say a word of English,” she assures potential patients. “We coach you through it all.” This aspect is vital to Dr. Ceneviz, highlighting their exceptional customer service and accessibility. Team members strive to provide a calming and welcoming environment. They work as a collaborative unit, cross-trained across the board, with an “all hands on deck” approach that exudes support. Along with topnotch efficiency, the latest technologies, and a genuine joy found in the power of transformation, Chamblee Orthodontics is one of a kind, ideal for treating your wholly unique smile.
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The Chamblee Bulldog Dash is planned for an 8 a.m. start on March 7
According to the website, the race is a joint fundraising event of the Chamblee High School Blue and Gold Foundation and the Chamblee Middle School Education Foundation.
Ben Bryant, race director, parent, and Blue & Gold Foundation board member, who is also an avid runner, says the proceeds from the race are split between the two foundations. “Fundraising is a big part of it. But for me, I love the community aspect and the camaraderie of building that spirit among the schools,” Ben says.
The race is an official AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifying event and open to all ages. For more information and to register, visit bulldogdash5K.com
“I love the community aspect and the camaraderie of building that spirit among the schools.”
—Ben Bryant, race director
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THE CHAMBLEE HISTORY PROJECT ON A MISSION TO UNCOVER CHAMBLEE’S PAST WHILE PLANNING THE FUTURE
Matt Sitter admits he never cared much for history as a kid, but he says he’s a big fan of railroads, the military and Chamblee. So it’s no surprise the Chamblee resident and Vice Chair of Chamblee’s Downtown Development Authority has taken on the Chamblee History Project. And with so much new development happening in Chamblee, Matt says the time is now.
“Our goal is to try to preserve as much of the stuff that’s worth preserving now, because once it’s gone, that’s it.” —Matt Sitter
As the city of Chamblee looks to develop the seven acres across the street from Chamblee City Hall, Matt says it’s a huge project that’s going to be around for a long time. “I also look at it as an opportunity to incorporate some of the Chamblee history,” Matt says. “Because there’s no place in town to find out about our history, we need to work on this now while we’re in the design phase.” Matt adds that when you’re walking down the street in downtown Chamblee, those buildings used to be
something else. “And wouldn’t it be cool to know what they were?”
He points out that Southbound used to be the old post office, and the Norfolk Southern Station was first called Roswell Junction, and where about 46,000 troops came in and walked down to Camp Gordon, which we now know as Peachtree DeKalb Airport. And President Teddy Roosevelt once made a stop in downtown Chamblee, but there seems to be no images of the visit. Even with all we do know, there’s so
much that we don’t know, and currently, there’s not much information in the way of history when it comes to Chamblee.
The Chamblee History Project wants to change this. “She doesn’t have a whole lot in the way of classic architecture, because its main claim to fame is industrial,” Matt says, talking about Chamblee. “But what we do have we are going to preserve it.”
The Chamblee History Project begins its grassroots initiative with a solid core group of six people who are committed
“You have a lot of different cultures. It’s a melting pot of people and cultures. That’s what defines us today.” —Matt Sitter
to keeping the history of Chamblee alive. The plan is to start with archiving a number of boxes of images and documents. Eventually they plan to have public meetings and guest speakers. Matt says they also plan to have what he calls an artifact harvesting – a call for anything anyone may have of a historical nature from a bygone era that relates to Chamblee’s history. This would include anything that’s hidden in a closet, attic or basement of historical significance that mentions Irvindale Dairy, Sinclair gas station, and the like. “We would love that stuff,” Matt says. “Our goal is to try to preserve as much of the stuff that’s worth preserving now, because once it’s gone, that’s it.”
Education outreach is another area of interest for the group, possibly partnering with area schools. And ultimately, Matt says they want to add a Chamblee Museum alongside a possible Visitor’s Center. They plan to open the organization up to Chamblee residents for memberships and other opportunities of historical interest. But first things first, the group is working through the necessary
paperwork to establish the group as a nonprofit organization.
Matt talks of the evolution that has made Chamblee the vibrant, growing community that it is today. “The railroad came in and that changed everything,” he says. “It’s like getting the automobile or the internet. It was a paradigm that made a huge change in how the city existed and how life existed in the city. We had a sleepy little town with 46,000 troops and then the post WWII Era. Then we get into the Industrial Era...We’re in a development phase right now,” Matt says. “And we want to make sure that we have a balance between creating good development but also respecting the past.”
Today Matt describes Chamblee as in a time of urban renewal. “One of the great things about Chamblee is that it’s very integrated,” he says. “You have a lot of different cultures. It’s a melting pot of people and cultures. That’s what defines us today.”
To learn more about the Chamblee History Project, visit chambleehistoryproject.org
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FEBRUARY 7TH
Atlanta Brick Con
Gas South Convention Center in Duluth | 10:00 AM
A LEGO® Fan Event - If you're crazy for LEGOS, you won't want to miss Atlanta Brick Con scheduled for Feb 7 and 8 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. See large LEGO® displays, use your imagination in the Build Zones, meet some of your favorite characters and more. For tickets and info, visit atlantabrickcon.com
FEBRUARY 9TH
Preschool Storytime
Chambee Library, DeKalb County Public Library | 10:30 AM
The DeKalb County Public Library will hold a Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 years at the Chamblee Library at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 9. For more details, visit https://events.dekalblibrary.org/event/15109132.
FEBRUARY 12TH
Chocolate and Wine Pairing with Ricardo Trillos
Chamblee and Vine | 6:30 PM
A sweet treat just in time for Valentine's Day - Chamblee and Vine will hold a Chocolate and Wine Pairing with Ricardo Trillos from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. For tickets and information, visit chambleewineandvine.com.
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