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My Aunt Sue Gay Davis (my namesake) was the epitome of Southern style. She was a school superintendent in Roanoke, VA and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. She painstakingly researched our family genealogy, tracing 13 lines back to the day our foremothers touched down on American soil.
She wore pencil skirts with crisp shirts tucked in and belted. Sensible pumps gave way to high heels for wedding receptions and parties. As a hostess, she made her guests feel important and seen. When my brother came out in the eighties, she embraced him in every way, showing compassion while she pushed herself to understand his bohemian lifestyle.
On my wedding day in 1988, she efficiently flitted around, insisting that one of the groomsmen (obviously hungover from the rehearsal shenanigans) go buy white tapers for the alter and a new pair of khakis before the ceremony.
Her recipe box was stuffed with neatly typed index cards for things like Society Punch, Hummingbird Cake, Easy Chicken Croquettes and Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad.
The pillows on her light blue damask sofa were changed out with the seasons, perfectly plumped and dimpled in an inviting way.
She and my mother (the little sister she cared for when their mother died early on) were very close and shared a love for all things tidy and a good conversation.
That's what style means to me. A well-rounded respect for beautiful things with an aptitude for efficiency and generosity.
My sister (right) wore one of Aunt Sue's cocktail dresses to my daughter's wedding in April. Along with my bestie and college roommate Nancy (left), I was surrounded by women with high style, inside and out.
Enjoy this issue featuring people who make beautiful and functional design a priority.
Have a wonderful month.
All my best,
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Stacy Conde | stacy.conde@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cathy Jones, Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cindi Fortmann Photography (@cindifortmann), Mark Lindsay, Jen Style Photography (@jenstyle3)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLETurn back time at the
VIP Pricing
Live Demonstrations
Roaring Raffles with Exclusive Gifts
Meet & Greet with Dr. Graivier and Dr. Hill
Thursday, November 2, 2023
In person from 6 - 9 p.m.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @johnscreekcitylifestyle
River Trail Middle School’s Symphonic Band has been selected as a guest band for the 2023 UGA Middle School Band Festival. Seventh-grade science teacher, Alex Schoessler, received an Alpha Delta Kappa $500 scholarship to continue her education. Alpha Delta Kappa is a professional organization for women educators.
Celebrating 25 years, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance will commemorate Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with the “Teal Trot 5K” walk/ run on September 16 at Chastain Park. The annual event brings the community together to remember those we’ve lost, honor those who are fighting, and support the mission of ovarian cancer awareness and education. Strollers and pets on leash are welcome. Proceeds will support GOCA’s statewide education, awareness and patient outreach programs. TealTrot.com .
A River Trail Middle School seventh grade student took first place in the National Science Bee and won the National Biology Exam in the 2023 U.S. National Middle and Elementary School International Academic Competitions. The competition took place in Arlington, VA with over 1,800 students and 400 seventh grade participants.
After serving our community for nearly 15 years, Georgia Roof Advisors owners, Naomi and James, have decided to replace the roof of their own home. This symbolizes their commitment to providing exceptional roofing services. Every team member will be present on-site for this special occasion, engaging in training and creating valuable marketing content. This event also presents an opportunity for team bonding, fostering a unified and harmonious work environment.
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Bentley Atlanta is celebrating 20 years by serving valued customers, neighbors and the community with an array of special events. Join Bentley Atlanta team members for a day of service at North Fulton Community Charities and The Drake House on October 5. Bentley owners are invited to a golf outing and top clients will enjoy a garden party. A service clinic and shopping experience for women hosted by Neiman Marcus is set for October 7. BentleyAtlanta.com
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Joe Gransden launches his Jazz Milestones Series on Sunday, October 1st with a full 17-piece band, and arrangements highlighting the roots of jazz in America through to artists like Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. This event at The Roswell Cultural Arts Center is both a glorious celebration of jazz for the aficionado and the perfect primer for the beginner. Great subscription deals for the Jazz Milestones Series are available now at RoswellCAC.showare.com.
The 14th Annual Blue Ties Luncheon scheduled for Friday, September 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Flourish in Buckhead, features Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker as the keynote speaker. Blue Ties benefits ProstAware, a Georgia non-profit that generates awareness and education about the impact of prostate cancer and those at risk. Tickets to Blue Ties are $100 and must be purchased in advance. Go to ProstAware.org for information and to purchase tickets.
Lifetime Green Coatings offers an ecofriendly alternative to epoxy for your garage floor. Their all-natural material will have your garage looking amazing and provides a healthy non-toxic home for you and your loved ones. LGC’s proprietary coating is highly durable, long-lasting, attractive and affordable. Call today for a quote 770.526.1890 LifetimeGreenCoatings.com
There have been many notable names in men’s fashion over the years. Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, and Georgio Armani are but a few of the industry leaders. All are recognizable brands no matter where you are in the world. Breaking into this very elite group of designers is not an easy task. It takes years of hard work and dedication. It takes a visionary’s mind to chart the course for global success. It takes an entrepreneur and industry disrupter to break the cycle and re-envision men’s fashion. It takes the incredible team behind Sebastian Cruz Couture, one of the fastest-growing e-commerce, direct-to-consumer fashion houses to revolutionize how we, as men, dress today. Please meet Cesar and Natayla Cruz, the visionary husband and wife duo behind Sebastian Cruz Couture based in the Roswell area.
It was in 2013 when the power couple first noticed that a lot of people were trying to wear pocket squares a certain way. “All the pocket squares were made of flimsy fabric that would not hold the design or style,” says Cesar. “Once we discovered the functionality of the pocket square, I immediately knew that we had something very special.” The pocket square is an easy accessory to add to a suit and it can change the look of what you are wearing pretty quickly. It filled a gap in the men’s fashion market and was easily achievable. With clever designs and bespoke crochet stitching
around the border, the seven original linen pocket squares were an instant hit. “It is very easy to have multiple pocket squares for one jacket, it is very difficult to have multiple jackets,” says Cesar.
Riding on the success of a now globally relevant and quickly growing pocket square company, it was easy to expand their empire. Next up: bespoke dinner jackets designed with beautiful fabrics made in the finest fashion factories in Europe, quickly followed by suits, trousers, vests, ties, bow ties, belts, and shoes. The
Sebastian Cruz empire was well on its way. Each boldly designed garment and accessory is visually stunning and perfectly tailored. At Sebastian Cruz, you can shop for the item or, thanks to Cesar’s innovative approach to internet marketing, the entire look.
Natayla Cruz, Cesar’s charming wife, is also the designer and stylist. Her clever eye for fashion and the advances of style has kept Sebastian Cruz on the cutting edge of what’s to come. Just like a shirt and tie, vision and visionary, theirs is a match made in heaven.
IMAGE AND ACCESSORIES ARE EVERYTHING.
WHEN PEOPLE SEE YOU THEY SEE YOUR ACCESSORY AND THEY IMMEDIATELY THINK
THAT YOU ARE A DETAIL-ORIENTED PERSON.The Conservative Follow, The Bold Lead.
Bold colors, deeply textured patterns, exquisite fabric, attention to detail, and the advance of men’s fashion are the hallmarks of Sebastian Cruz Couture. Cleverly patterned tweeds and houndstooth fabrics with bright dimensional patterns were a comfortable stretch for Sebastian Cruz’s loyal customers. With models replaced by actual customers in photos posted to social media, it’s easy to see yourself in designer clothes. Customer engagement was pivotal and over time gave a powerful voice to the emerging digital fashion empire. “We wanted to create the fashion and then allow our customers to experience the style in an easy environment where they would always look good in our clothes,” says Cesar.
Perhaps it is the Sebastian Cruz logo that best tells the complete story of the company. “It’s a reminder for me,” says Cesar, “of where we came from, who we are, and our core values.” From their most humble beginning and threading the eye of the needle, a reference to their faith, as well as the infinity symbol, each element of the logo seeks to represent the dynamic duo and their limitless creativity.
What’s next for this growing fashion empire? Look for more fashion fusion as Sebastian Cruz Couture continues to blend international style with the classic male silhouette and craft signature looks that any man can wear for any occasion.
For more information or to order a new suit please visit SebastianCruzCouture.com
CESAR’S MESSAGE TO FUTURE DESIGNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS, “DON’T LOOK AT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING, THE MOMENT THAT YOU START LOOKING AT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING THAT IS WHEN YOUR MIND WILL START PLAYING TRICKS ON YOU.”
Yanni McLean has mastered the art of subtle glam. As a part of her mission to instill confidence in fellow women, she opened The Real Look. The beauty studio aims to use cosmetology to enhance the natural beauty we exude instead of covering it up. Her talents and tools have only advanced since her first brick-and-mortar location grew roots in Alpharetta in 2022.
“A natural, effortless look has always been my style. I wanted my services to reflect that. I love helping my clients feel confident and beautiful,” says Yanni.
That sentiment was portrayed during my own experience at The Real Look. I dropped by Yanni’s studio at 6:00 p.m. (an hour after closing, but Yanni graciously accommodated my busy schedule) for a brow lift and lash extensions. I opted for “The Falsie Effect” lashes for a more natural look.
When I arrived, Yanni greeted me downstairs and led me to the salon, a small, peaceful space. The adjustable salon chair is the focal point of the room, with plenty of ways to situate yourself before Yanni gets to work—and trust me, comfort is a huge factor at play here since, depending on the service(s) you receive, you can spend upwards of two hours in the chair.
While holding still for so long seemed daunting, the time I spent in the chair was extremely relaxing. Plus, free snacks and drinks and the chair’s heat and massage features help make every visit one of rejuvenation. Yanni’s zen music choice even lulled me to sleep a few times as she glued my lashes on. Before I knew it, I opened my eyes and peeked at the new me in a handheld mirror.
The entire process was quick, painless and produced jaw-dropping results. My eyebrows, which have always been thin and somewhat lifeless, were thick, fluffy and even held a perfect shape on their own—no brow liner necessary! Meanwhile, my lashes looked natural, yet noticeably longer and fuller. For weeks I got compliments on both features, yet I still felt completely like myself the entire time.
For me, the best part of the experience was the ease it brought to my morning routine. Yanni’s method truly accentuated the natural beauty I’d had all along. Not only could I skip out on mascara and brow liner for a few weeks, but I found myself going makeup-free to places I wouldn’t have dared to in the past.
The Real Look offers a more extensive list of services beyond the two I got, including brow henna (Yanni’s brow service of choice), natural makeup looks and lash lifts (similar to the brow lift, but for your lashes). Do note that all of these services require some upkeep, with touch-ups every two weeks to two months, depending on the service. Luckily, most touchups are significantly shorter than the initial service and can be a great way to invest in yourself and enjoy some uninterrupted me-time during a hectic week.
“Our highly personalized services, relaxing environment and thoroughly researched products make The Real Look the luxury beauty studio that it is,” explains Yanni.
1655 Mansell Road
TheRealLook.com
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDI FORTMANN PHOTOGRAPHY AND JEN STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Mary Lynn Evans was in her element when an Alpharetta family asked her to help with their interior design. It was all about the blue! The owner of MLM Design Inc, Mary Lynn often finds herself drawn to hues that complement the outdoors, so to choose elements around the client’s love of all things blue and green was easy breezy.
“This particular client wanted a traditional design that was infused with color,” says Mary Lynn who lives in Johns Creek. “This house gets great natural light, so we used soft colors on the furnishings and added color in accents. Also, her husband and sons are all at least 6’4” so she needed furniture that would fit them comfortably.”
They chose the extra-deep Jacob sofa from the Ellenburg Chair Company, based in Buckhead. “They can lie down and watch TV without having to bend their legs!”
We asked Mary Lynn about her favorite elements of this and recent projects around Johns Creek.
Wallpaper adds wonderful texture and pattern to the walls, while also protecting them from fingerprints and other wear and tear, because it’s wipeable. We used wallpaper in the back of these built-in bookcases to add some pattern to the room that felt a little cold due to the white walls.
Fabric is often the inspiration for the design concept, and can be the central design element of the room as well as adding the necessary softness each room requires to convey comfort and coziness. There are so many great choices now with performance fabrics, that you can find all sorts of fabrics that suit your needs for both upholstery and drapery.
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Proportions are key. Proper proportions in the furniture as well as the design of the house create a comfortable living environment. Careful consideration of space planning can eliminate oversized furniture and allow for appropriate conversation areas.
Millwork is a detail that is often overlooked. It’s definitely a luxury as far as budget, but carefully selected cabinetry, ceiling treatments, built-ins, and wall boards can define a room while simultaneously adding interest. The paint treatment on these elements can make them shine even more.
Rugs can infuse spaces with warmth and energy. Dining rooms and hallways, typically pretty boring, can be brought to life with beautiful rugs! Turkish rugs are my personal favorite for their aged look and warmth.
Mary Lynn believes a home is an expression of the family who lives there. “It’s all about curating, curating, curating! Our design team pulls together furniture, fabrics, accents, and wallpapers (among others) from multiple sources to create a one-of-a-kind look for each client. We love to blend color and pattern with both traditional and modern pieces, and we love art and antiques.”
Instagram @mlmdesigninc MLMDesign.net
With nearly 40 golf courses within a 15-mile radius, including the host courses for the 2024 U.S. Open and 2022 U.S. Women’s Open Championships, it’s no surprise that the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area is known as the Home of American Golf®. Come for golf, and stay for a charming small-town holiday. The Village of Pinehurst offers a historic walking tour around this National Historic Landmark. Admire the original cottages built in the late 1800s, then settle into the Spa at Pinehurst for some pampering. Bring your racquet for a lesson or clinic at Legacy Lake Tennis & Fitness Club. Enjoy!
STAY:
Duncraig Manor and Gardens
Built in 1928 for the family of the Chairman of the Quaker Oats Company. At over 12,000 square feet, this English Country Tudorstyle home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hosts are charming, providing a happy hour and scintillating conversation for guests. Stroll around the grounds and charming nearby neighborhoods. DuncraigManorAndGardens.com
NOSH:
Elliott’s on Linden
Fine dining. Chef and owner Mark Elliott creates imaginative and winning dishes. Long wine and cocktail list. Rave reviews. 905 Linden Rd, Pinehurst ElliottsOnLinden.com
The Sly Fox
Pub life! Lunch, dinner and drinks include British, Indian, Pakistani, Irish and vegetarian fare. Shady patio. 795 SW Broad St., Southern Pines SlyFoxPub.com
News, events and loads of information at HomeOfGolf.com
Six years ago, when Janet Ward was shopping for dress shoes for her then 8-year-old daughter Brooke to wear to her school’s Daddy Daughter Dance, she encountered an unexpected problem. While she knew Brooke already wore a women’s size 7 shoe, she did not expect the extremely limited selection in the women’s shoe department that were both appropriate and appealing to Brooke. From there, the idea for QUADSis® was born – a shoe brand specifically for tween girls who wear women’s shoe sizes. Fast forward to 2020, long-time close friend Stephanie Guido was moving back to the Atlanta area with two young girls of her own and together they began the journey to bring this idea to life.
Having worked together right out of college, done many of life’s major milestones together (including each other’s weddings and having children), and having been friends for nearly 20 years, Janet and Stephanie knew they would work well together. Janet brings the operational expertise while Stephanie brings an eye for design – complementary skillsets that are much needed in this venture.
QUADSis® strives for young girls entering their tween and early teen years to find confidence and strength in themselves regardless of their shoe size, which may be bigger than their peers, and to proudly be exactly who they were made to be. Via proprietary design and development, they have custom-designed shoes with a wider base that is perfect to accommodate and provide stability to growing feet. The 1.5” height and 1” pitch of the signature QUADSis® wedge outsole delivers the perfect height balance between heel and toe so these pre-teen/early teens get comfortable shoes with a bit of height, without adding undue pressure to the forefoot which can cause discomfort and future foot problems.
Behind the name: The quadricep muscles are some of the largest and most powerful muscles in the human body, nicknamed “Quads.” QUADSis® is also deeply embedded in the number 4 - which is associated with strength, self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-fulfillment. Also, founders Janet and
Stephanie each have two girls (totaling 4) and are often mistaken for sisters - which leads to QUADSis® (“QUAD SIS”).
Both Janet and Stephanie live in Johns Creek in The Country Club of the South neighborhood – right down the street from one another. Their daughters attend Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, and the school and neighborhood communities play a vital role in their family life - one they could not be more grateful for and do not take for granted. They love the Johns Creek/Alpharetta area and all it has to offer. Some favorite restaurants in the area are Stones Cuisine & Cocktails, Citizen Soul, Cantina 141, and Maverick’s. They also love to take their girls to downtown Alpharetta to shop and eat when they have the chance.
Connect with QUADSis: ShopQuads.com
@ShopQuadSis Facebook
DENTAL APPOINTMENTS SHOULD BE INFORMATIVE AND ENJOYABLE!
YOU CAN TRUST THAT EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE OUR OFFICE, YOU’LL FEEL BETTER FOR HAVING STOPPED BY!
OUR GOALS AT NORTH ATLANTA FAMILY DENTISTRY
It’s pretty simple: We want to help our patients and our community get and keep a beautiful, healthy smile! Our skilled and experienced team of dentists, assistants, hygienists, and office staff work together to achieve this goal, giving our patients the time and individualized care they need to achieve healthy teeth and gums. 5805
208
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Yellow Daisy Festival STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
Voted one of the top arts & crafts shows and winner of multiple awards. Visit 380 artists and crafters, with 100 new artists this year, as they display their works for guests’ appreciation and purchase. Fabulous festival food and crafter demonstrations are the highlights of this special event. All vendors will be back in the loops this year!
SEPTEMBER 8TH
14th Annual Blue Ties Luncheon
FLOURISH IN BUCKHEAD | 11:30 AM
The 14th Annual Blue Ties Luncheon features Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker as the keynote speaker. Blue Ties benefits ProstAware, a Georgia non-profit that generates awareness and education about the impact of prostate cancer and those at risk. Tickets to Blue Ties are $100 and must be purchased in advance. Go to ProstAware.org for information and to purchase tickets.
678.474.4917
SMILEGEORGIA.COM
SCAN TO CHECK OUT OUR NON-PROFIT TOGETHER WE SMILE
WHETHER YOU’VE BEEN A PATIENT FOR YEARS OR YOU’RE NEW TO NAFD, WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT!
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Summer Concert Series: Who’s Bad MARK BURKHALTER
AMPHITHEATER AT NEWTOWN PARK | 6:00 PM
Food trucks will be on-site. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m. to allow for the public to set up chairs/blankets. The music begins at 7p. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Concerts are rain or shine!
SEPTEMBER 16TH
NEWTOWN PARK | 1:00 PM
Live music, an animal balloon twister, a pup mascot, pet-related vendors, and more. There are contests for Best Dressed Dog and Best Dog Trick. For people, food will be for sale from food trucks, while pets splurge on doggie treats. Pet care vendors will be on hand to demonstrate new products and educate dog owners about pet care.
SEPTEMBER 30TH
Summer Concert Series: Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra
MARK BURKHALTER
AMPHITHEATER AT NEWTOWN PARK | 6:00 PM
Food trucks will be on-site. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m. to allow for the public to set up chairs/blankets. The music begins at 7p. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Concerts are rain or shine!
OCTOBER 19TH-22ND
Destin Wine Festival
Luxury wine and spirit producers and award-winning chefs from across the southeast will join a roster of iconic Gulf Coast restaurants to provide world-class cuisine for the 7thAnnual Harvest Wine & Food Festival. Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) welcomes residents and guests October 19-22. DCWAF.org
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/JohnsCreek
Marking the largest fundraiser on Rainbow Village’s calendar each year, the 2023 “We Are Family” gala is just around the corner on Saturday, October 7. The metro Atlanta nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness – one family at a time – will play host to a black-tie optional affair that includes a champagne reception, seated dinner with complimentary wine, silent and live auctions, its famed wine wall, and a raffle. Held in the ballroom at Atlanta Athletic Club beginning at 6 p.m., guests will also have an opportunity to hear an emotional account from a Rainbow Village graduate, detailing the impact the organization had on her life and the lives of her children.
Every day, there are families with children who find themselves in unsafe environments with no place to turn, no one to turn to, and no place to call home. Through the provision of transitional housing and transformational programming, Rainbow Village is endeavoring to change that. The nonprofit utilizes a model that takes different goals and starting points into consideration. This allows residents to see their progress and build confidence in their individual journey toward economic self-sufficiency.
“Our gala is a night filled with great food, lots of laughter, and the occasional tear as we are reminded of the ‘why’ that has brought us all together,” says Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “With housing prices at historically high levels, affordable housing is harder than ever to come by. Homelessness is at crisis levels in many communities, including our own. By arming families with the tools they need to not only survive but also to thrive beyond our village, our organization, along with the individuals and partners that support us, is paving the way for them to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency.”
With Northside Hospital leading the charge as presenting sponsor, both ticketed and non-ticketed sponsorships for the event are now open.
Facebook @RainbowVillageInc Instagram @rainbowvillageinc Twitter @rainbowvillage1 LinkedIn @rainbow-village-inc.
Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. The model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village.
RAINBOWVILLAGE.ORG
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Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.
We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.