East Cobb, GA May 2026

Living with Intention. Purpose-Driven Leaders.

There’s something both humbling and deeply meaningful about writing my first Women’s Issue letter as Publisher.

I come to this page with a different lens than many who have written it before me. I’m not a woman - I’m a husband and father to two incredible daughters. And it’s through them - my wife, a driven professional and my girls, who have already shown a glimpses of the women they’ll become - that I’ve gained a profound appreciation for the strength, complexity, and impact of women in our communities.

They are, quite simply, astonishing and this issue is a reflection of that truth.

Within these pages, you’ll meet women who are not only building businesses, but building purpose. Women who are creating space - for healing, for expression, for connection, and for others to be fully seen.

You’ll read about Stacy Carter a visionary behind a wellness retreat designed to serve those facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis - an effort rooted in empathy, courage, and lived experience. You will meet Dr. Melissa Wikoff redefining hearing care, serving everyone from critically acclaimed musicians to everyday individuals seeking to reconnect with the world around them. There’s a founder who transformed influence into a thriving lifestyle brand, and Ashley Hugghins who is creating powerful, honest spaces for young women to tell their stories and be acknowledged without filter or expectation.

You’ll also find creativity and craftsmanship - from interior design to thoughtfully curated goods brought to life by Ryan Williams who sees beauty not just in aesthetics, but in experience.

What stands out most to me is not just what these women have built, but why they’ve built it. There is a common thread of community in lifting others and creating something that matters beyond the bottom line.

As a father, that’s the kind of world I hope my daughters grow into. As a husband, it’s the kind of partnership I strive to support. And as Publisher, it’s the kind of story I’m honored to help tell.

This issue is not just about celebrating women, it’s about recognizing their influence in shaping stronger, more connected communities for all of us.

And if there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that when women lead with purpose, we are all better for it.

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Kevin Kaseta | kevin.kaseta@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Rei Kaiser

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emily Ann Jackson ejw.eastcobbcitylifestyle@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tran Bui, Brennan Smith, Constance Vedro, Wendy Edwards

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Vinson, Anna Marie Meer, Rosanna Penaflorida, Devon McKenna, Andy Feliu

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

inside the issue

Blending

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.

1: Chattahoochee Plantation Women's Club hosts-La Dolce Vita in support of Sunshine on a Ranney Day 2: Brand Specialty Group and East Cobb City Lifestyle Owner/Publisher with A Wild Chef Alejandro Valdivia 3: Jewelry Artisans' Jamie Kresl celebrates winner of diamond necklace Dennis Zweig with Circle4Children's Polly Hogue 4: Circle for Children's Lighting the Way Gala was a night full of celebration and friendship Circle for Children's Sharon Chestnut, Faz Monfared, Brigitte Corneille, Shirley Jones, and Chris Crawford

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Elevating Every Space Through Color and Care

CELEBRATE THE EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE

Discover timeless designs. Explore our curated collection to find a gift as remarkable as she is.

CUSTOM DESIGN | BRIDAL + DIAMONDS | COUTURE + FASHION | REPAIR + RESTORATION

Established in 1973, our family-owned and operated jewelry business has earned the reputation as one of the Atlanta’s most distinguished custom jewelers. Reflecting on the rich tapestry of the last five decades, we are honored to be the personal jeweler of hundreds of families. Our hearts are filled with deep appreciation for the enduring relationships we’ve cultivated, the trust bestowed upon us across generations, and the cherished opportunity to be part of your most treasured moments.

Brock Built Homes Announces Partnership With Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta is partnering with Brock Built Homes to create a mixed-income community in Cobb County addressing the need for attainable housing for essential workers. Cobb leaders have embraced the model, with the Board of Commissioners approving rezoning of the 11-acre Powder Springs site. Development is expected to take approximately 18 months, with first homes anticipated to begin construction in 2027, creating a thoughtfully designed, inclusive neighborhood.

East Cobb's Dodgen Middle School

Celebrates 50 Years!

Dodgen Middle School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a “Through the Decades” STEM Night, welcoming more than 500 guests for an evening of innovation and community pride. Families, alumni, educators, administrators, and former associates explored decade-themed exhibits and hands-on activities highlighting the school’s evolution. Former principals also joined current leaders to honor Dodgen’s legacy, as the event showcased a long-standing commitment to innovation, connection, and excellence that continues to shape its future.

The 1343 Sparks Hope and Community Renewal

The City of Refuge celebrated a ribbon cutting of “The 1343,” a 37,000-squarefoot Transformation Center advancing the revitalization of the 30314 community. This three-story space will expand access to affordable housing and feature a fresh market, mental health care, community bank, and entrepreneurship/business incubation hub.  Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens joined hundreds of business leaders, donors and volunteers to celebrate this milestone reflecting what’s possible when a community comes together to create lasting opportunity and transformation.

Inaugural Golden Hour Gala Helps Kids Fight Cancer

The Golden Hour Gala marked a powerful milestone for the Mighty Millie Foundation, transforming passion into life-changing impact. What began as a heartfelt mission has grown into a force for good with over $250,000 raised funding support and research for children battling cancer. This night honored not just generosity, but the relentless commitment behind every effort, every dollar, and every story of hope - proving that special moments can shine with extraordinary purpose. mightymillie.org

Celebrating the Very Best of Georgia's Food + Wine!

The 5th Annual Georgia Food + Wine Festival was a show-stopper, drawing thousands to celebrate the very best of Georgia - from nationally renowned culinary talent to locally grown products. Sights and sounds captured the spirit of a truly extraordinary community. Guests enjoyed an exclusive Chef’s Table Experience before a sold-out guest list hosted by award-winning chefs all the while raising funds for SafePath, a charitable organization dedicated to the well-being of children. georgiafoodandwinefestival.com

ARTICLE BY REI KAISER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEVON MCKENNA - PHITOSYNTHESIS STUDIO

DESIGNING LIFE BEAUTIFULLY

BLENDING CREATIVITY AND FUNCTION, THIS AWARD-WINNING, FULL-SERVICE DESIGN STUDIO GUIDES CLIENTS THROUGH EVERY STEP TO CREATE PERSONALIZED SPACES THAT REFLECT THEIR LIVES AND STYLE.

Ryan Williams has been designing professionally for more than 20 years, but the seeds were planted long before that. “Growing up, I was immersed in the world of home design. My dad was a custom home builder and my mom handled the design selections for his projects,” she shared. “Many weekends were spent visiting tile showrooms or touring homes under construction.” That early exposure, along with her degrees in Furnishings & Interiors and Music Performance from the University of Georgia, led to a career she truly loves.

Today, Ryan owns Artisan Design Studio in Roswell, offering full-service interior design from new builds to final styling touches. “We guide every step of the design process,” she explained. “Our team is equipped to source, curate, and procure everything needed to bring a space to life, both inside and out.”

Ryan brings an approachable, down-to-earth style to every project. “Our clients are real people with busy lives, and we’re here to help them navigate the challenges of creating a home that is both beautiful and functional,” she explained. “What truly distinguishes us is our ability to work across an array of styles, ensuring that every design reflects the client’s unique personality.”

Clients often find that the experience of working with Ryan becomes just as meaningful as the finished space itself. When projects are complete, there’s a shared sense of excitement in seeing how seamlessly every detail comes together—colors, furnishings, and personal touches all reflecting their lifestyle in a way that feels both elevated and effortless. Many describe a renewed connection to their homes, where comfort and beauty coexist in a way they hadn’t quite imagined before. The transformation goes beyond aesthetics, creating spaces that feel deeply personal, inviting, and truly lived in.

As a woman entrepreneur, Ryan has built her brand with intention, leading with qualities she believes are often underestimated in business. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace compassion and empathy,” she shared. “Leaning into those strengths has allowed me to connect more deeply with both clients and my team. Women have a natural ability not just to listen, but to truly hear what someone is trying to express—even when they can’t quite articulate it. That, paired with strong attention to detail, allows us to create thoughtful, polished results that make a real difference.”

“OUR CLIENTS ARE REAL PEOPLE WITH BUSY LIVES, AND WE’RE HERE TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE CHALLENGES OF CREATING A HOME THAT IS BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL.”

This summer she expanded the studio with a storefront that blends design services, retail, and events. “I’ve also always loved a unique home store, and wanted to bring a diverse retail option to Roswell,” she said. The new space is eclectic and intentional—timeless with a twist. From design-forward furniture and faux florals to lighting workshops and mahjong nights, Ryan loves to connect. “We plan to host a new event each month, alternating between purely fun gatherings and educational workshops,” she shared.

That same spirit of connection and growth carries into her advice for other women. “Trust your instincts, take calculated risks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “We can’t be great at everything—and that’s okay. Focus on your strengths and bring in support where you need it. Surround yourself with people who understand your vision and bring perspective that helps you grow.”

Reflecting on her journey, Ryan is most proud of what she’s built both professionally and personally. “I’ve created a business that reflects what matters most to me,” she said. “It’s allowed me to be both a mom and a business owner—equal parts exhausting and incredibly rewarding. It’s given me the flexibility to be present at home and in my community, while also working alongside amazing women, many of whom have become lifelong friends.”

“Living in a peaceful, well-designed space is one of the most meaningful forms of self-care. And hiring a designer doesn’t complicate the process—it simplifies it. We’re here to make life easier and your home feel like you.”

426 S. Atlanta Street, Suite 120 https://www.artisan-studio.com @artisan.design.studio Facebook: Artisan Design Studio

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ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENA ROSE STUDIOS

HEARING with HEART

Restoring joy, connection, and clarity through the power of sound.

They say sound is the first sense we experience when we enter the world and remains a powerful part of how we experience life. It shapes how we connect, communicate, and make sense of our surroundings. From congenital conditions to environmental exposure to the natural process of aging, hearing is fragile and can be affected in countless ways. Few understand that journey more deeply than Dr. Melissa Wikoff, founder of Peachtree Hearing in Marietta. Since 2016, she and her team have been helping patients reconnect with the world of sound, restoring moments of clarity and connection often taken for granted.

Dr. Wikoff will never forget the sadness she felt realizing that her World War II veteran grandfathers were struggling to hear her. They missed the jokes, the laughter, and the connection that sound brings. It was then she knew she had to help others facing the same challenges. “I remember sitting on my Grandpa’s lap and whispering to him a secret when I was eight years old. He couldn’t hear me, so I tried repeating myself, but again he missed it. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to not let families miss another beat of those special, fleeting moments together.”

In 2010, Melissa Wikoff earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine’s Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences. However, she was never one to settle. She spent years honing her craft, developing expertise in advanced audiology techniques, and studying to specialize in tinnitus treatment. Guided by her entrepreneurial spirit, she opened Peachtree Hearing in 2016, blending innovation, compassion, and patient-centered care.

Peachtree Hearing is far from a typical doctor’s office. Every corner reflects Dr. Wikoff’s personality and dedication. From the welcoming reception area with soothing sage walls and music memorabilia, to the “Listen to Your Heart” marquee perfect for a celebratory selfie, with music filling the air, it’s clear the space was designed to make patients feel seen, comfortable, and celebrated. “Our patients often become dear friends. We’ll never turn down an opportunity to cheer on the artists we treat from the audience,” says Dr. Wikoff.

Here, Dr. Wikoff and her team don’t just treat hearing, they share in their patients’ triumphs. Through this personalized approach, she has earned lifelong patients who see her not only as a doctor but as family. The culture at Peachtree Hearing is one of warmth, understanding, and genuine celebration of each patient’s journey toward better hearing.

Addressing hearing loss is a core focus at Peachtree Hearing. As an independent audiology practice, patients can select technology from any manufacturer, allowing Dr. Wikoff to craft highly personalized plans for optimal hearing outcomes.

Tinnitus and the persistent ringing that comes with it can be isolating, and many providers say it’s untreatable. Dr. Wikoff and her team who are recognized pioneers in tinnitus have studied treatments worldwide and offer personalized care based on their knowledge. Sound therapy and amplification help tinnitus linked to hearing loss, while the Lenire device, a non-invasive bimodal neuromodulation treatment, brings relief for other cases.

“The opportunity to make a real difference in our community is a gift.”

Peachtree Hearing has also made specialized services for musicians, athletes, and audiophiles a key focus. Musicians can protect their hearing with custom noise plugs or optimize their sound with stateof-the-art in-ear monitors, fine-tuned in the practice’s soundproof musician’s room. Athletes can have personalized earplugs designed for their specific sport, while audiophiles enjoy custom-made earphones and earbuds without discomfort. You might spot in-ear monitors customized by Peachtree Hearing on stage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show or at a concert by your favorite musical artist. Dr. Wikoff is frequently sought after by touring musicians who request Peachtree Hearing to visit backstage at venues like State Farm Arena or Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.

The team is deeply committed to giving back, and their philanthropy speaks volumes. Dr. Wikoff serves on the board of directors nationally at the American Tinnitus Association and locally at City Springs Theatre Company. In 2017, Dr. Wikoff partnered with Jewish Family and Career Services of Atlanta’s Holocaust

Survivor Program to provide lifelong hearing care for survivors. Since then, she has helped countless individuals reconnect with the world of sound. Herschel Greenblatt, a Holocaust survivor and educational speaker, shares: “It’s a wonderful thing they are doing. You don’t realize how much you are missing when you can’t hear. Now, I can hear students more clearly when they ask questions about my experience.”

As Peachtree Hearing celebrates its tenth anniversary, Dr. Wikoff and her team have been recognized by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top Small Businesses of the Year for three years running. Dr. Wikoff reflects, “We have grown so much over the last decade. Founding a small business is not for the faint of heart, but it has been a beautiful ride. The opportunity to make a real difference in our community is a gift. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Peachtree Hearing.”

Peachtree Hearing continues to redefine what an audiology practice can be. It is a space where science meets heart, innovation meets empathy, and where patients are empowered to hear, connect, and fully experience the world around them.

https://www.peachtreehearing.com | @peachtreehearing 4985 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta  470-485-4327

I AM More THAN:

An Exhibit That Gives Teen Girls Their Voice

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY URBAN TREND STUDIOS, CLAIRE ABEL

At a time when comparison is constant and self-worth is often measured through screens, photographer and creative Ashley Hugghins of Urban Trend Studios is creating space for teen girls to be seen fully and honestly. Her portrait and storytelling exhibit, I Am More Than , centers on one simple but powerful prompt:  I am more than…

The project features twelve teen girls from communities across metro Atlanta, including Roswell, East Cobb, Brookhaven, Milton, and Gainesville. Each girl was photographed and invited to complete the sentence in her own words. The responses were deeply personal, touching on others’ expectations, fears, ambition, insecurities, and what someone thinks of them—revealing how much young girls carry. The project premiered with an in-person exhibit and celebration and can now be seen on her website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

For Hugghins, the inspiration behind the project is deeply personal. “I am doing this to help boost self-esteem and bring awareness that they are more than enough. As someone who has struggled with confidence and low self image my whole life, I feel a push to prevent girls from going through the same, especially when they are exposed to feelings of inadequacy through social media.”

Rather than focusing on achievements or labels,  I Am More Than asks girls to reflect inward. “I want to show them that they don’t need to compare themselves to anyone and that their worth is not determined by any outside factors,” Hugghins says.

The project also highlights how early self-belief can shape the future. “The younger they are when they learn to love themselves the better they are able to trust themselves and go after goals they might otherwise shy away from believing they aren't enough.”

She also sees the exhibit as a bridge between families and teen girls. “I would also love for parents to see their daughter in a new way, outside of their abilities and achievements, and strengthen their bond by really hearing what they may not have known about their child and how they feel.”

At its core,  I Am More Than reminds girls they get to define themselves.

www.urbantrendstudios.com

WHERE HOPE Finds a Home

STAGE 4 HOPE CREATING A HAVEN FOR HEALING

ARTICLE BY CONSTANCE VERDE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOCH & KEY PRODUCTIONS, STAGE 4 HOPE

For many living with advanced cancer, the journey extends far beyond treatment plans and doctor visits. It’s a deeply personal experience - one that calls for emotional support, meaningful connection, and moments of peace that feel increasingly rare. That understanding is at the heart of Stage4Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a sanctuary where individuals and families navigating stage 4 cancer can find restoration, dignity, and community.

Founded by Stacy Carter, Stage4Hope was born from both personal experience and a desire to meet a need that often goes unaddressed. While medical care focuses on extending life, Carter recognized that quality of life - how people feel, connect, and heal emotionally - deserves equal attention. Her vision is now taking shape through an ambitious and deeply meaningful initiative, the development of a retreat center designed specifically for those living with advanced cancer.

Set on serene, thoughtfully selected land, the future retreat will offer more than just a place to stay, it will be a place to exhale. Plans for the space include peaceful accommodations, gathering areas for shared experiences, and natural surroundings that encourage reflection and calm. Every element is being designed with intention, ensuring guests feel supported, understood, and cared for in ways that extend beyond traditional healthcare settings.

This year, something especially meaningful is unfolding at the intersection of community and purpose. The ever-popular Bear Shadow Music Festival has found a new home at Ferngove, the 85-acre property just seven minutes from downtown Highlands that belongs to Stacy Carter and will serve as the backdrop for the Stage4Hope Retreat and Wellness Center. As part of this longterm collaboration, Bear Shadow has added a second stage Friday evening to raise money for Stage 4 Hope supporting patient travel featuring the GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana quintet The Infamous Stringdusters. Ferngrove will not only host the festival for years to come, but ultimately become a place of lasting restoration—where the energy of community gatherings today helps fuel a mission of healing for tomorrow.

The goal is simple yet profound, creating an environment where individuals can step away from the clinical and into the restorative. Whether it’s through quiet moments in nature, meaningful conversations with others on similar journeys, or simply the chance to rest without the weight of daily stress, the retreat will offer a sense of normalcy and comfort that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Led by a volunteer board of directors, Stage4Hope is also rooted in the belief that no one should walk this path alone. The organization emphasizes connection - not just between patients, but also among caregivers, families, and a broader support network. By fostering community, it helps ease the isolation that often accompanies a stage 4 diagnosis.

“This retreat is about giving people a place where they can truly breathe again,” says Carter. “When you’re living with stage 4 cancer, so much of your life revolves around appointments, treatments, and uncertainty. We want to create a space where, even for a short time, that weight is lifted—and replaced with peace, connection, and hope.”

That sense of hope is woven into every aspect of the project. It’s reflected in the intentional design, the mission-driven leadership, and the growing community rallying behind it. It’s also evident in the stories of those who have already connected with Stage4Hope—individuals who understand firsthand how meaningful even a brief escape can be.

As momentum builds for the retreat center, fundraising efforts are playing a critical role in bringing the vision to life. Supporters have the opportunity to contribute to something tangible and lasting—a place that will serve countless individuals and families for years to come. From the land and architectural planning to future programming, each step forward represents a collective investment in compassion and care. Roads, entrances, utilities and the administration building are under construction.  Even while the retreat center is still in development, its impact is already being felt. Monies raised to date currently support accelerated access to the top cancer treatment facilities like Memorial Sloan Kettering, City of Hope, patient travel and virtual and in-person retreats led by internationally recognized therapist and author Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT.

With each contribution and shared story, Stage4Hope moves closer to opening its doors and fulfilling its mission.  In a world where so much focus is placed on fighting disease, Stage4Hope offers something equally powerful: a place to simply be. And in that space, hope takes on a new and lasting meaning.

https://stage4hope.org | 833-402-8391 | info@stage4hope.org

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

Game, Set, Growth!

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

On the Court Where a Dream Took Shape

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.

A Mission Grounded in Purpose

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 Major League 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 in Atlanta 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 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.

ARTICLE BY BRENNAN SMITH

Building the Base: LakePoint and Rally Volleyball

Stepping away from her hedge fund career in New York City, 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.

A Defining Moment at the AVCA Convention

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.”

CONTINUED >

Launching the Vibe: A Team Rooted in Community Now in their third season, the Vibe competes 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 includes 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.

“How can I utilize my God-given talents to do the greatest good?”

“How can I give back?”

A

Vision

That Extends Far Beyond the Court

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

Voted Cobb County’s Best Retirement & Assisted Living Communities 7 Years in a Row!

“We’re honored that Sterling Estates of East Cobb was Voted Best Assisted Living Community in My East Cobb and that Sterling Estates Communities have been recognized “Best of Cobb” for Retirement, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. We’ve been serving Seniors in greater Atlanta for over 25+ years now... We invite you to come and experience what sets us apart.” Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities

“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization... but they don’t have the wellness center, green space, programming and staffing that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents period. My parents are thriving at Sterling Estates... bet yours will too.” ~ Susan S.

With Home Prices so High - Never Been a Better Time to Sell & Move into One of Our Sought After Rental Cottages

At Peachtree Hearing, care is rooted in warmth, understanding, and a genuine commitment to each patient’s journey. The practice is nationally recognized for its expertise in diagnostic hearing testing, precise hearing aid fitting, and tinnitus care, providing patients with advanced, evidence-based treatment options. Our innovative tinnitus therapies include the FDA approved Lenire by Neuromod, an innovative bimodal neuromodulation therapy designed to help reduce the burden of tinnitus and improve quality of life. Peachtree Hearing is a leading choice for patients seeking to improve their hearing health.

We invite you to reconnect to what matters most. Schedule your visit today.