Decatur, GA May 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TREE SERVICE.

Tree Care Tips

• Check for Hazardous Trees: Winter storms can bring down weak trees or limbs. Inspect for dead branches, leaning trunks, or decay. Call an arborist if unsure.

• Prune for Safety & Health: Late winter pruning strengthens trees and prevents disease. Remove weak or overgrown branches to promote healthy spring growth.

• Mulch & Protect Roots: Add mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to insulate roots, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion.

• Plan for Spring Planting: Now is the time to choose native trees and schedule early spring planting for the best start.

• Watch for Pests & Disease: Even in winter, pests and fungal infections can threaten trees. Look for holes, sap oozing, or discolored leaves. Early action can save a tree!

Rigorous curriculum created and designed by medical professionals that position kids for success after graduation.

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Practice in professional medical simulation labs. Learn f rom working heal thcare professionals.

Gain hands-on experience in Atlanta’s top medical facilities

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Paid internships and part-time positions available to students

Graduate with college credits and career certif ication.

Save thousands on college tuition

Enter the workforce earning $40,000+ immediately after graduation

Position yourself for career advancement

Celebrating Women

There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it's our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.

With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women—biological mothers and mother figures alike—who have made an unforgettable impact on us. It’s the teachers, the friends, the neighbors, and the family members who offer their love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.

This month, as we celebrate these remarkable women, I also want to encourage you to support local businesses owned by women in our community. One of my favorite parts of this job is connecting with and championing the incredible women here in Decatur and beyond. From movers and shakers to makers and builders, these women bring so much to the table, both seen and unseen. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, create beauty and impact that cannot be replicated. Read all the incredible stories of hope, inspiration, love and purpose driven passions this month.

Take a moment this month to recognize the women in your life. Send a text, make a phone call, or arrange a video call with the women who have made a difference for you. It’s a simple but powerful way to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they’re loved.

Here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day!

LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER @DECATURCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Lan Pham | lan.pham@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Mike Thomas | mike@mikethomasgroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caroline Ficken, Brennan Smith, Tran Bui Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Luis Contreras, Getty Images, Dominique Dawes

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

1: Takumi Cuisine hosts a live tuna cutting event! 2: Brick Store Pub cuts the ribbon on their newly brick-paved alleyway! 3: The Decatur Youth Council celebrates what makes Decatur special at Fair off the Square! 4: All smiles at the Tour deCatur 2026. 5: Tour deCatur 2026 benefiting the Decatur Education Foundation!

Atlanta's #1 Home For Non-Heated Mindful Movement

Sati Yoga & Wellness is Atlanta’s home for non-heated mindful movement. Located in the heart of Kirkwood, our mission is to provide deep, trauma-informed practices aimed to restore and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. With inclusive staff and a wide variety of rest and meditation practices, we are home for people that are interested in turning inward.

business monthly

Truckin' Tuesdays at Legacy Park

Nothing brings people together like street food. Bring your friends, family, blankets, chairs, and appetites to enjoy the area’s best food trucks every Tuesday evening in May at Legacy Park, Decatur’s largest green space. There’s plenty of room to relax, kids can run and play, and leashed pets are welcome. The event takes place on May 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 5–8 pm at 500 S. Columbia Dr.

Decatur FC is back for third season

Decatur FC is back for its third season! From record-breaking crowds to unforgettable nights at Decatur High, you helped create one of the most exciting atmospheres in the WPSL—not just in Georgia, but nationwide. And now Decatur FC is ready to do it again. Catch the action on May 22, May 30, June 6, June 23, and June 27. Season tickets include all home games.

MOTHER’S DAY in Decatur

Church Street Edition

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE FICKEN

Just off Church Street in Decatur, a cluster of thoughtfully run, women-owned businesses creates the perfect setting for a different kind of Mother’s Day, one that feels calm, restorative, and delicious. Each space reflects the care and vision of the women behind it, offering not just services or products, but an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

Here, the day moves at an easy pace, with just a light touch of planning since a few stops are best secured ahead of time. Beyond that, the experience unfolds naturally, moving from one stop to the next with time to pause, linger, and enjoy each moment without rushing. The result is a Mother’s Day, or even a full weekend outing, that feels less like a schedule and more like a gift.

PEACE, PROPERLY APPRECIATED

What many mothers truly want is not extravagance; it is quiet, rest, and a moment to breathe. A morning at The Intown Retreat offers exactly that.

Founded by Cate Powell, this tucked-away wellness studio is designed to help guests slow down the moment they arrive. Whether visiting alone or with family, the experience is flexible. Some may choose a gentle yoga or pilates class, while others may prefer a massage or time between the sauna and cold plunge.

There is no pressure to do everything. In fact, the appeal is in doing less.

Even the lounge reflects that philosophy. Guests are invited to settle in with tea, comfortable seating, and no urgency at all. It is a rare space where lingering is encouraged, and quiet becomes part of the experience.

For many mothers, that simple pause, without being needed or scheduled, becomes the most meaningful part of the day.

A PLACE TO LINGER

For lunch or an afternoon break, The Reading Room offers a warm place to settle in.

Founded by Kristin Radcliffe and Mary Tveit, the café and wine bar grew from neighborhood walks and shared conversations about food, community, and connection.

Inside, thoughtful design details like a signature book arch and soft lighting create a space that feels both elevated and relaxed. It invites you to stay longer than planned, whether you arrive for coffee, lunch, or a glass of wine.

The menu is flexible and easygoing. Guests might choose coffee and croissants, a light lunch, or wine and cocktails featuring women-owned producers.

Seasonal specials like a “Month of Matcha” and a margarita flight add something playful, while weekend brunch keeps things festive without losing the calm pace.

At its core, The Reading Room is about presence, conversation, and letting time stretch just a little.

THOUGHTFUL SELF-CARE

Just around the corner, Olive Branch Wellness Boutique offers a different kind of care.

Founded by Decatur entrepreneur Ty Jenkins, the boutique grew from her search for skincare made with clean, trustworthy ingredients. That journey led her from cosmetology training at Atlanta Technical College to creating her

own handmade soaps under her original brand, Oliveberry. What began as small-batch creations for family and friends has become a full wellness boutique rooted in vegan, organic, and natural beauty.

Today, Olive Branch Wellness Boutique is both a shop and an educational space that encourages customers to slow down, ask questions, and understand what they are putting on their bodies.

Inside, shelves are filled with soaps, candles, oils, and skincare made in small batches with a focus on transparency and intention. Instead of fast shopping, the experience invites exploration and discovery.

It is self-care, not as a trend, but as a practice.

A SWEET FINISH

No visit to Decatur is complete without something sweet, and Butter & Cream is the perfect ending.

Known for small-batch ice cream made with real cream and high-quality ingredients, the shop is loved for both classic flavors and rotating seasonal offerings. Many mix-ins, including cookies, brownies, toffee, and sauces, are made in-house.

Owned by Stacy Gunther, Butter & Cream blends nostalgia with a modern touch. Butter pecan and mint chocolate chip remain local favorites, while seasonal flavors keep things fresh.

A cone in hand, a walk through Decatur Square becomes a simple, satisfying close to the day.

CELEBRATING MOM

Celebrating Mom stretches beyond a single spring Sunday. It is about recognizing how much she gives all year long and creating moments where she can pause, be cared for, and feel appreciated. It is a reminder that she is seen and valued in small, steady ways long after May 10th ends.

In Decatur, that feeling is easy to find. The women-owned businesses here set a relaxed, intentional pace where everything feels designed to be enjoyed rather than rushed.

Whether Mom chooses to spend the day alone or with family, the experience becomes a reminder that care does not only belong to special occasions but can also live in everyday places.

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE FICKEN

CHIEF Toni WASHINGTON

Leading with Courage and Community

For Fire Chief Toni Washington, public service was a calling deeply rooted in family and purpose. Raised in a household dedicated to serving others, Washington grew up surrounded by law enforcement and public safety professionals. Her mother was a police officer, her bonus father worked in pardons and parole, and both dad and grandfather served as police officers. That legacy instilled in her an early understanding of the importance of protecting and serving a community.

Washington began her public safety career more than 34 years ago at the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office after earning her Bachelor of Business Administration from Savannah State University. A career in firefighting was not something she was pursuing, but Washington soon found herself entering the profession. While working at the Fire Marshal’s Office, she met several fire chiefs, including one who was actively recruiting women to join his department. When her position with the state ended, she accepted the challenge and joined the City of East Point Fire Department.

Washington was one of the first seven women hired as firefighters in East Point, entering a profession that was still overwhelmingly male. Finishing near the top of her recruit class, she also became the first woman ever assigned to the department’s tiller truck. Determined to grow and lead, she immersed herself in training, earned multiple certifications, and later completed a master’s degree in Managerial Leadership. From the start, she had a clear vision for her future.

“Riding on the back of an open cab fire engine was only a stepping stone,” Washington says. “My goal was to get to the top and get there as fast as I could.”

Her leadership journey continued as she rose through the ranks and eventually served six years as Deputy Fire Chief in East Point under Chief Rosemary Cloud, the first African American female fire chief in the United States. It was an experience that would soon shape the next phase of her career.

In 2009, Washington made history when she was appointed Fire Chief for the City of Decatur, becoming both the first woman and the first African American to lead the department. At the time, she was focused less on the historic milestone and more on the opportunity to serve.

“I was excited to create programs, save lives, mentor others, and protect property,” she says. “I simply wanted to be a public servant.” Only later did the significance of the moment fully sink in. Even today, relatively few women serve as fire chiefs across the United States, and even fewer African American women.

For Washington, representation matters. She hopes that when young girls see her in uniform, they recognize that their own ambitions are possible.

“One of my good friends always says, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’” she explains. “I want young girls to know they can become anything they choose.”

Now in her 17th year leading the Decatur Fire Rescue Department, Washington has focused much of her leadership on strengthening the department’s connection with the community. Under her guidance, Decatur has embraced proactive safety initiatives and community risk reduction programs that emphasize prevention and education.

Programs such as free smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installations, CPR and “Stop the Bleed” training, child seat safety installations, senior wellness checks during winter storms, and community home inspections are just a few of the ways the department works to keep residents safe before emergencies happen.

“We must focus on being proactive instead of reactive,” Washington says. “There’s no such thing as a good fire. Every fire means someone has lost something important.”

Equally important is the trust between the fire department and the community it serves. Washington believes that trust must be earned every day through transparency, accountability, and presence. Firefighters in Decatur sign a commitment to the department’s core values: compassion, honesty, teamwork, dedication, motivation, enthusiasm, and positive relationships, ensuring that the highest level of service is always delivered.

Washington remains focused on the future of the profession. Nationwide, women still represent only a small percentage of firefighters, and she believes departments must rethink traditional recruitment practices if they want to change that.

“If we truly want more women in the fire service, our actions must be louder than our words,” she says.

Her message to young women considering careers in public safety is simple but powerful: stay focused, work hard, and don’t let obstacles define your path.

“You can achieve anything,” Washington says. “While there are obstacles for women, there is also opportunity. You control your professional destiny by staying focused on your short and long-term goals, being dedicated, and being committed to the job.  Have a plan, work hard, and let’s shatter the glass ceiling.”

“One of my good friends always says, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’” she explains. “I want young girls to know they can become anything they choose.”

MORE THAN Gold

For many,  images of Dominique Dawes is forever tied to the Magnificent Seven, the first U.S. women’s gymnastics team to win Olympic gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics. A defining moment not just for the sport, but for a generation watching history unfold in Atlanta. She made history as the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic medal in artistic gymnastics, taking bronze on the floor exercise.

In the gymnastics world, she was known as  Awesome Dawesome,  a nickname that captured her power, precision, and presence on the floor. But for Dawes, success has never been about standing on the podium. “It’s always been about impact,” she shares. “ You want to do your best, but what was more fulfilling for me even as a child was the difference I could make in someone else’s life.”

At 11 years old, Dawes received her first piece of fan mail from a young gymnast who watched her win. The letter expressed admiration, but more importantly, aspiration and desire to dream bigger and work harder. “That really triggered something in me,” she says. “I realized the influence I could have.”

While the world saw medals and milestones, Dawes saw something deeper. By nature, she describes herself as private, introverted, never chasing applause. “Applause is fleeting,” you don’t have control over that, you do have control over the impact you make.”

That mindset carried her through an intense career in one of the most demanding sports in the world. The lessons learned in those early mornings and long training days shape her life today.

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUIS CONTRERAS, GETTY IMAGES, DOMINIQUE DAWES

When reflecting on her Olympic journey, Dawes points not to the gold medal, but to her resilience. Gymnastics tested her physically, mentally, and emotionally, with moments when walking away would have been easier.

“I’m most proud of never giving up,” she says. “I stayed true to my love for the sport, pursued my dreams, and focused on making a difference on those around me— even when times were tough, when I felt frustrated, or fatigued.” That strength was also built through setbacks, including an Olympic fall. “I thought I had let people down,” she admits. “But I grew from it. It made me stronger.”

Today, Dawes’ definition of success looks very different. As a young athlete, her days began before sunrise and ended late night, with school squeezed in between. “There was no balance,” she says. “I sacrificed alot.”

Now, as a mother of four, her priorities are clear. Faith comes first, followed by family, relationships, then professional pursuits. She describes life as a juggling act, one that requires intentional attention to what matters most. “If you start neglecting an area, you can lose that area,” she says. "I stay true to my priorities, even if it means sacrificing professionally.”

That clarity of purpose is what ultimately led to the creation of the Dominique Dawes Academy. After the 2016 Olympics, widespread conversations about athlete safety and culture within gymnastics prompted deep reflection. “My husband and I realized things could be done differently,” she says. “Our kids became our ‘why.’”

In July 2020, they opened their first academy location with a mission that extends far beyond sport. “It’s not just about developing athletes,” Dawes explains. “It’s about developing the whole child.”

From the moment a child walks through the doors, the focus is on building confidence, self-esteem, and character. Coaches are chosen not just for their technical ability, but for their ability to connect, encourage, and care. “It’s about the smile, the tone in your voice, giving a high five, showing that you care,” she says. “That’s where the real impact happens.” Unlike traditional gyms that emphasize competition above all else, Dawes’ approach prioritizes well-being. Winning is not defined by a score, but by growth—emotionally, physically, and socially.

“I wasn't taught the importance of friendships in gymnastics,” she reflects. “Everyone was seen as competition. At our academy, we want kids to build relationships, support each other, and feel connected.” That philosophy is central to the academy’s expansion, including its newest location in North Atlanta. For Dawes, connection to Atlanta is personal. “Atlanta has always felt like a second home,” she says. “Thirty years ago, I was here with my teammates, and the way this community embraced us, stayed with me.”

Returning to Atlanta to open an academy was a meaningful business decision. The same city where she made history is now where she hopes to help shape the future of the sport. “Being here brings back many memories,” she says. “And now to be able to pour back into this community, create something positive for families and kids here, just feels right.”  “I hope this becomes a place where kids feel loved, supported, and celebrated,” Dawes says. “Not judged, not compared, but encouraged to be their best.”

In the end, the legacy she is building has little to do with medals. Because for Dominique Dawes, success was never just about gold. It has always been about what comes after.

dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com

Today’s Rosie the Riveter

During World War II, Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of women stepping into industrial jobs to power America’s workforce during a moment of national need.

Today, we face a different challenge and, once again, women are answering the call. The U.S. is confronting a critical shortage of skilled trades professionals in welding, HVAC, electrical work and other fields critical to our infrastructure. At the same time, rising student debt and uncertain job outcomes are forcing families to rethink the traditional four-year degree as the only viable path to economic security.

The typical federal student loan borrower now carries nearly $37,000 in debt, a burden that can affect major life decisions for decades like delaying home ownership, having a family or saving for retirement.

For many, debt load – in addition to lower employment opportunities in some college fields – has opened the door for many to explore alternative options. Skilled trades offer a compelling alternative including shorter training programs, lower education costs and faster entry into stable, well-paying jobs, or even the opportunity to start a business.

Training programs like those offered at Tulsa Welding Schools (Refrigeration School Inc.) typically cost a fraction of a four-year degree. Many trade school graduates finish with around $10,000 or less in student loans, significantly lower than the typical bachelor’s degree recipient.

Even better, students often begin earning while they train through apprenticeships or employment partnerships, and these opportunities allow them to enter the workforce many years sooner than their peers following traditional college pathways. An earlier start on a career path can result in increased lifetime earnings, particularly when combined with lower debt.

Skilled trade careers, from welding structural steel to servicing HVAC systems, are mostly AI-proof and can offer competitive wages that rival or exceed those of many college-educated professions. While earnings vary by market and experience, trades traditionally provide a strong starting salary and a clear trajectory for long-term income growth.

At the school level, we’re seeing more women pursue these pathways, not out of necessity, but opportunity. They include veterans transitioning to civilian life, single parents seeking economic mobility, and young adults opting for practical, hands-on careers with immediate benefits. Their stories are about investments in their families and their futures.

How Women Are Powering the Next Generation of Skilled Trades

Today’s women are entering the trades to build careers that provide financial independence without heavy debt that often comes with traditional college. While the trades have historically been male-dominated, the reality has evolved. Employers tell us that ideal job performance comes down to skill, safety, and reliability, which transcend gender. Women bring diverse perspectives and valuable aptitudes to job sites and shop floors, thus strengthening teams and enhancing outcomes.

Expanding access to the skilled trades is not about replacing one workforce with another. It is about widening the talent pipeline at a time of unprecedented demand. Women represent one of the largest untapped pools of talent in these industries and encouraging their work benefits businesses and communities in every sector.

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the “Rosies” who helped build America’s industrial force and highlight today’s Rosies who are helping power communities and strengthen the economy. Our modern Rosie may be welding structural steel for a

“During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the ‘Rosies’ who helped build America’s industrial force and highlight today’s Rosies who are helping power communities and strengthen the economy.”

spacecraft, installing heating and cooling systems on a college campus or troubleshooting electrical systems in a data center – not because they must, but because they can.

If we are serious about solving America’s skilled labor shortage and expanding economic mobility, we must challenge outdated assumptions about alternative career pathways – this means investing in career and technical education, strengthening employer-training, reskilling or upskilling partnerships, and ensuring young women see the trades as a rewarding and financially smart option.

Rosie showed us what was possible during a moment of national need. Today’s women in the skilled trades are proving that opportunity, not necessity, will define the next generation’s future.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

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

Decatur Parents, Professionals, and People on the Go! Our self-serve Dry Cleaning Kiosk in Downtown Decatur is open daily from 6:30am to 10:00pm, including holidays, so you can drop off or pick up on your time Need help? Our friendly attendant is available pm Monday through Friday and 1pm – 4pm on Saturdays Decatur City Lifestyle Magazine for 25% off your first order!

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Game. Set. Match

Colleen Craig: Turning vision, grit, and community purpose into launch of Atlanta Vibe, Major League Pro Women’s Volleyball

On January 24, 2024, inside a roaring Omaha arena, the Atlanta Vibe clinched a fiveset thriller in the firstever Major League Volleyball match. For Colleen Craig, standing amid the noise, tension, and celebration, the moment was more than a win it was the realization of a dream years in the making. “I don’t know if you can beat that… maybe the next big inflection point is when you see it at State Farm Arena.” Colleen says. That victory marked a powerful beginning for Georgia’s first professional women’s volleyball team and for the woman determined to build something meaningful for the city and community.

To Colleen, life’s north star comes down to a guiding principle: “How can I utilize my God-given talents to do the greatest good?” “How can I give back?” These principles have defined her path from Cornell, where she walked on as a two-spot athlete in track and volleyball, to earning her MBA at Harvard, to a successful career in finance and entrepreneurship.

Each chapter prepared her for this one leading the professional women’s volleyball team in Georgia and participating on the Volleyball Board of Governors. Finding home in Atlanta, Colleen, who is the first female owner in Major League Volleyball, wasn’t sure she would stay for more than a few years. Colleen was born in Buffalo, NY and first moved south after receiving her MBA in 1996. She returned in 2013 after years in the NYC financial services

ARTICLE BY BRENNAN SMITH

industry to raise her three sons near family. It didn’t take long for Atlanta to win her over. “You get down here and immediately realize Atlanta is special… Many people are transplants…folks are so nice…there are Fortune 100, Fortune 500 companies... not to mention great weather. I fell in love with it.” she says. Her growing love for Atlanta, combined with a desire for meaningful impact, pushed her to search for new opportunities especially through sport.

Stepping away from her hedge fund career in NY, Colleen reflected on what helped her succeed in the business arena. A common denominator was her sports experience. She dug deep into the process conducting her own primary research, immersing herself in the industry and meeting with stakeholders across the country. She saw quickly where she could help. She noticed a fragmented volleyball ecosystem coupled with massive participation and significant upside potential. “They need to apply some basic business principles… I can help with that.” Her early foothold came

at LakePoint Sports in Cartersville, which inspired an even larger vision. In 2014, she launched Rally Volleyball a platform supporting youth, collegiate and adult participation through leagues, tournaments and volleyball programming.

By 2022, she was searching for the “top of the pyramid” a way to elevate the sport at its highest level. That moment arrived at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention, where she learned about Major League Volleyball’s initial franchises. Within weeks, she knew Atlanta should have one too. By February 2023, Colleen signed to launch the Atlanta Vibe, with a debut season scheduled for 2024. “This is a traditional pro sport… You own a franchise.. You operate in your city. This is a no brainer.”

Now in their third season, the Vibe compete in a deep and talented Major League Volleyball landscape while forging a presence in three distinct arenas: the consciousness of sports fans in Georgia, on the floor against their opponents and in an impactful way in Atlanta communities. The 2026 Vibe schedule included 12 home matches at Gas South Arena in Duluth and two in downtown Atlanta at the Georgia State Convocation Center, a deliberate choice to reach diverse communities. “We represent a wide swath of the city.” Colleen sees this opportunity as building a community asset, not a private venture. She brings a startup mindset to build smart, strong, and with purpose.

For Colleen, the Omaha win remains a cherished memory, but it’s only the beginning. She imagines bigger arenas, broader reach, stronger pathways for women athletes, and a sustainable future for professional volleyball in the U.S. Atlanta Vibe isn’t just a team it’s a movement, a mission, and a statement about what’s possible when passion, purpose and community come together.

atlantavibe.com

She Designs with Purpose

FROM LIFE-CHANGING MOMENTS TO SMITHSONIAN COLLECTIONS, BRENDA SMITH CREATES JEWELRY THAT REFLECTS BEAUTY, MEANING, AND LEGACY

ARTICLE BY DECATUR CITY LIFESTYLE

There is a distinct power in women who create with purpose. Exclusive jewelry designer Brenda Smith embodies that spirit in every piece she creates. Each design reflects strength, personal history, individuality and are crafted to mirror not just style, but identity and lived experience.

Brenda’s journey began at a pivotal moment when creativity became both refuge and direction. What started as a personal outlet evolved into a celebrated career, with her work including 2 pieces in the Smithsonian’s permanent collection. In her studio, she works with intention selecting stones for a client's story, shaping metal into forms that feel unexpected. She creates pieces that become part of a woman’s legacy, ART.

One standout piece, the “Southern Charm Earrings,” draws inspiration from Charleston wrought iron and natural Tennessee River pearls, reflecting both craftsmanship and story. For the women who wear her designs, it’s not just about what they put on—it’s about how they show up. And through her Jewelry as Art, Brenda empowers women to show up with confidence, beauty, and purpose.

Your journey into jewelry design is personal—what moment changed everything for you?

I knew I enjoyed working with my hands and creating beautiful forms from metals and gemstones. What began as a hobby grew into something more—before long, all of my friends and family received jewelry gifts from me, so I started selling pieces to support my jewelry-making habit. The moment I realized I had what it took to pursue jewelry as a profession came after my coursework at Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. Alan Revere assured me that I had potential, and through those classes, I recognized that my design training would successfully translate into jewelry design.

How would you describe the philosophy behind your designs and what makes a piece distinctly “Brenda Smith”?

The philosophy begins with concept—something that was ingrained in me during college as a design major. My pieces aren’t simply pleasing shapes or gemstones surrounded by other gemstones; they are rooted in meaning and inspiration. What makes a piece distinctly “Brenda Smith” is the balance of concept, form, and function. My work is dimensional and often incorporates movement. Each piece is a miniature sculpture, waiting for a home where wearable art is appreciated.

Many of your pieces feel like wearable art—what inspires your creativity when starting a new design?

My inspiration comes from many sources. Sometimes it begins with an experience—like watching fireworks on July 4th. With my head tilted back and eyes skyward, I turned to my husband and said, “I see earrings.” He looked at me and replied, “Really?” That moment became the beginning

of my Celebration Collection. The original earrings were created in pearls for bridal wear and designed to capture the burst of fireworks in motion. At other times, inspiration comes from a theme or commission, such as when the National League of American Pen Women asked me to design an award commemorating one of its founders, Vinny Ream, a sculptor from the 1800s. I created a contemporary cameo carved with Vinny’s likeness, inspired by the cameo she wore daily—a gift from a cardinal in Rome. Sometimes the gemstone itself tells the story. One example is my objective art piece Light My Fire, inspired by Oregon sunstone, whose colors graduate from clear to orange, yellow, red, gold, brown, and green. I carved a flame from the stone and set it into a fire pot nestled in petrified wood, underlit with a flickering light.

Sometimes inspiration comes from a challenge—working within parameters set by a patron who wants to symbolize something meaningful to them. In those cases, I’m given guideline, such as designing a pearl necklace that must be exactly eighteen inches long. Those creative constraints often lead to some of my most rewarding work.

Your work has been worn on red carpets and collected by the Smithsonian—how has that recognition shaped your perspective as an artist?

I’m drawn to working with people who appreciate fine jewelry that goes beyond beauty and carries meaning. Creating pieces for clients who value that depth is incredibly rewarding. Their appreciation and validation are affirming, which fuels my passion and keeps me moving forward as an artist.

You specialize in one-of-a-kind and custom pieces—what do you love most about creating these for a client?

An easy question, because purchasing or commissioning jewelry is inherently an emotional experience. People want to celebrate milestones, commemorate meaningful moments, or mark one of the most important days of their lives. Knowing my work becomes part of those deeply personal stories is incredibly humbling. I feel privileged to play a role in those celebrations, whatever form they may take.

For women investing in fine jewelry, what should they look for beyond just beauty?

Essential for women, much like the little black dress— jewelry forms the foundation of a well-rounded collection. Including pearl earrings and necklace, diamond earrings, gold, and perhaps a simple pendant for everyday wear. Beyond those classics, women who are drawn to one-of-a-kind pieces use jewelry as a form of self-expression. Not just something beautiful; they’re building a personal legacy creating meaningful objects that can be cherished and handed down to future generations.

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