Johns Creek, GA May 2026

Hello friends,

I have three pink flowered shoe boxes on the top shelf of my closet that I pull down every now and then when I need to feel grounded.

Inside are hand-written letters, sorted by decade, tied with neat grosgrain ribbon. Many are written on thin, light blue airmail paper that folds into its own envelope. Birthday cards, thank-you notes, postcards and cocktail napkins carry heartfelt messages and even confessions.

These are letters I wrote to my mom, from college through motherhood. She carefully used a letter opener (I can picture it, brass, with an engraved handle) so each envelope, return address and postmark remains intact. Stories about my early relationship with my husband (we celebrate 38 years this month!), tales from our travels around the world and snippets about my children's firsts are all in those flowered boxes. While we lost Mom 11 years ago, those letters that she held, and likely cherished, will forever remain an unbreakable connection. She would have been 100 this month.

Happy heavenly birthday, Emily.

This month, we celebrate the wonder of women.

Enjoy this issue and hug the women in your life who keep you buoyant!

All my best,

SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

Photo by Bob Mackey

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kali Kasorzyk, Sean O'Keefe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Laura McDonald

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Schools News

River Trail Middle School’s Math Team “MathCounts” earned third place at the state level with one student qualifying for Nationals. Northview High School earned the 2026 Advanced Placement Platinum Award, the only comprehensive public high school in Georgia to earn this distinction. All other schools were magnet, charter or private schools. Pictured are River Trail Middle School Math Team members.

Elegance with Purpose

The Fourth Annual Down & Derby returns in days, where elegance meets urgency. Behind the hats and celebration lies a mission that matters: supporting patient and family experiences at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Saturday, May 2, 5:30 pm to 10 pm at Crabapple Market Green, 12650 Crabapple Rd, Alpharetta. Can’t attend in person? You can still stand with the patients. Learn more at CHOA.org

Holistic Health Center Grows

Holistic Health Center welcomes Natalia Piedra as Junior Office Manager. "Natalia impressed us with her love for people, professionalism and desire for organization," says Dr. Michael Dellaria.  As the Junior Office Manager, she holds the Front Desk Patient Care Coordinator position, along with supporting Kimberly in managerial duties at the Front Desk. Welcome Natalia! HolisticHealthga.com

Fun With Friends

Park Place programs and activities are designed for Johns Creek residents aged 62 and older and are given first priority for all programs. If additional registration is needed to conduct a class/program or to achieve a more enriching experience for Johns Creek residents, registration may be opened to non-resident Park Place guests. 3125 Old Alabama Road, open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m.– noon. 678.512.3430

Want to be featured?

CRAFTED WITH

a Purpose

Thoughtful design meets luxury in beautifully crafted, high-quality closets.

With over 20 years of experience, Kari Sadeh and her team at Closets Design Studio are redefining the art of custom closets. “My design philosophy is centered on creating truly custom spaces that are built around how each client lives.” As a female-owned business, Closets Design Studio brings a unique perspective to every project, combining experience-driven design expertise with a deep understanding of how people live and use their spaces. Every closet begins without templates or standard sizing, starting instead with careful observation of routines, wardrobes and what is not working for them currently. Kari’s unique approach allows designs to evolve organically, maximizing every inch of space while ensuring layouts flow intuitively. Every shelf, drawer and storage solution is intentional; always balancing immediate functionality with long-term adaptability.

Balancing aesthetics and top-quality materials with real-world functionality starts with understanding how her clients, especially women and families, live busy, modern lives. Kari considers details such as which items are accessed most frequently, so the layout naturally supports daily routines. Thoughtfully designed drawers keep everyday items contained, maintaining a clean, refined look while helping manage daily chaos. Where appropriate, customized laundry solutions are incorporated so that everything has a place and nothing feels out of order. By designing and building fully custom closets with no standard sizing, the team can use every inch of available space, including utilizing the full height up to the ceiling, always maximizing both storage and functionality.

Material selection reflects Kari’s commitment to craft and quality. High-end U.S.-made finishes help to define and create spaces that feel tactile, layered and refined. Premium finishes such as rich woodgrains and oak, to more distinctive options like herringbone, leather, or linen, are all customizable options. “As a limited-time offering,” says Kari, “we are including upgraded finishes as part of the design process, allowing clients to fully personalize their space without being confined to standard options.”

Strategically placed lighting enhances usability while maintaining warmth, making closets both functional and inviting. The impact is tangible: clients report calmer, more organized mornings, reduced stress and increased confidence, simply because everything has its place.

closetsdesignstudio.com

An intentionally designed closet has a profound effect on how people start and move through the day. When every item has a designated place and is easy to access, it naturally fosters a sense of calm and control. Kari has seen this firsthand. Recently, a client shared that after her custom closet was installed, her mornings felt completely transformed. She no longer had to dig through piles or second-guess outfit choices; everything was visible, organized and within reach. She felt more put together and confident simply because her space was finally working for her instead of against her. “That shift is exactly what I aim to create with every design,” says Kari.

From the first consultation through final installation, Closets Design Studio offers a seamless, concierge-level experience where clients feel fully supported and understood. Kari takes the time upfront to listen deeply, ensuring the design reflects each client’s unique needs and vision. She remains closely involved throughout the entire process so that nothing is lost along the way. Because all work, from the precision cutting to fabrication, is done in-house, the process runs smoothly without reliance on pre-made systems or outside suppliers. This approach allows Kari and her team to maintain a higher level of quality, consistency and customization while delivering a more efficient and elevated experience from start to finish.

What truly sets this female-owned closet design firm apart is how each closet is choreographed to support daily life. Functionality, beauty and order coexist seamlessly, creating spaces that reduce stress, streamline routines and enhance confidence. Every design choice, from layout and material to storage systems and lighting, is intentional, ensuring clients enjoy a space that is not only elegant but genuinely transformative. With Kari and her team, every closet is more than storage; it’s a thoughtfully designed extension of home and lifestyle, tailored for living fully, efficiently and beautifully.

PERFECT MOTHER'S DAY (OR ANY DAY) FLOWERS FROM BLOSSOM & VINE

BRIGHT AND BOLD

WHISPERING PETALS

Description:  A lush, garden-style arrangement featuring soft pinks, cheerful yellows and airy blue accents. Designed to feel fresh, natural and full of life, just like Mom. $95

SPRING MEADOW

Description:  A vibrant, lush arrangement with rich pinks, warm golden tones and soft ivory blooms, designed to feel fresh, lively and perfect for celebrating Mom. $125

ENGLISH COUNTRY BOUQUET

Description:  A soft, naturally styled arrangement featuring blush pink roses, creamy whites and fresh green textures, designed to feel classic, balanced and beautifully suited for Mom. $190

GRAND GARDEN

Description:  A grand, statement arrangement overflowing with coral, peach and soft pink blooms layered with fresh greenery, designed to feel  beautifully  abundant and truly unforgettable for Mom. $220

BlossomAndVine.com

5950 State Bridge Rd, Ste 100

Inspiring IVY, FABULOUS Flowers

Secret Gardens of the Johns Creek Community Tour

ARTICLE BY LYNN PENNINGTON

Step into a beautiful garden and your senses instantly come alive. The colors of blooming flowers, the textures of plants and trees and the thoughtfully designed landscapes create an experience that is both energizing and peaceful. It’s no surprise that so many people enjoy visiting gardens and immersing themselves in nature. Our community will have that opportunity on Saturday, May 9, when Johns Creek Beautification’s Secret Gardens of the Johns Creek Community tour returns.

This year marks the fifth “drive-yourself” tour featuring six private gardens in the Johns Creek community. The tour is called “secret” because the locations of the homes are not revealed until shortly before the event. Each garden offers its own personality and design—from a hillside retreat with a waterfall and pond, to a quiet woodland sanctuary, to a garden designed for entertaining. No two gardens are alike, and each showcases its own palette of color, texture and dimension. Many include unusual plants, trees and shrubs, and several are recognized as Certified National Wildlife Gardens . For visitors interested in learning more about plants, knowledgeable docents will be available to help identify species and answer questions.

One of the distinctive features of JCB’s garden tour is the presence of musicians and artists within the gardens. Along with volunteers who help visitors identify plants and guide them through the spaces, guests can enjoy the sounds of solo musicians and small ensembles while observing visual artists at work. The combination of art, music and nature creates a unique and memorable atmosphere.

The organization behind the tour is Johns Creek Beautification (JCB), a 100% volunteer nonprofit founded in 2007 shortly after Johns Creek became a city. The garden tours began in 2018 and are offered biannually. JCB’s mission is to enhance the well-being and natural beauty of the community by bringing people together through landscaping and public works of art.

Today, JCB leads several community initiatives. Daffodils4Hope has coordinated the planting of more than 72,500 bulbs throughout

the city with the help of volunteers and sponsors. ArtSpot focuses on placing meaningful public art in shared spaces. Its next major project is the commissioning of a monumental sculpture honoring the 14,000-year legacy and culture of the Indigenous peoples who first called this area home. Proceeds from the garden tour will support this future landmark.

The event is made possible through the dedication of volunteers, homeowners and generous sponsors. The next tour will not take place until 2028, so don’t miss this chance to explore remarkable gardens at your own pace. Previous tours have sold out, so purchasing tickets in advance of May 9 is strongly recommended.

Saturday, May 9th,  10 AM – 4 PM Rain or Shine JohnsCreekBeautification.org

SQUEEZING IN Summer

ARTICLE BY JILL OSMERG

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR FINDS A REFRESH IN TRAVEL

When students and teachers head off for summer break, many wonder what a principal does during those quieter months. While much of my summer is spent preparing for the new school year, I also make time for one of my greatest joys—travel. Since 2021, my family has been exploring national parks together. So far we have visited these National Parks: Shenandoah, Badlands, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Canyonlands, Arches and Capitol Reef. My boys love collecting park stamps and earning Junior Ranger badges as we hike, learn and discover incredible wildlife. We’ve even tried new adventures like rafting, rappelling and traveling by camper van. This summer, we’re excited to soak in the beauty of Jasper, Banff and Glacier National Parks in Canada and Montana.

Osmerg is Principal at Abbotts Hill Elementary

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

The New Educator

Dr. Kristy Beam Is Reimagining What Opportunity Looks Like for Atlanta Students

ARTICLE BY TIFFANY DILLIARDT MCLEAN

Dr. Kristy Beam has spent her entire career doing the thing most people only talk about: Closing gaps, opening doors and building systems that actually work for students who have been overlooked, underestimated and underserved. Now, with the Academy for Innovation in Medicine, she is changing what is possible for an entire generation of young people who deserve to see their future clearly before they are ever asked to choose it.

AIM is a tuition-free public charter school where students begin exploring healthcare careers as early as 6th grade. It is built on a belief Dr. Beam has carried throughout every chapter of her career: Talent is universal, but opportunity and access are not.

In the following conversation, Dr. Beam explains AIM’s mission and how it transforms opportunities for Atlanta students.

FOR READERS WHO MAY NOT YET BE FAMILIAR WITH AIM, CAN YOU DESCRIBE IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS?

AIM is a tuition-free public charter school where students begin exploring healthcare careers as early as 6th grade, fostering early interest and skills.

AIM IS PARTNERING WITH GRADY HEALTH SYSTEM. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOUR STUDENTS?

It means our students are not just learning about healthcare; they are actively participating in it. For example, a 6th grader can sit with a Grady health leader and start a mentorship that grows each year. By 9th grade, students shadow professionals on clinical floors, and by 11th grade, they work alongside those same mentors, gaining realworld experience and building confidence in healthcare careers.

WHAT DO YOU WANT STUDENTS TO FEEL AND KNOW ABOUT THEMSELVES BY THE TIME THEY GRADUATE?

By the time our students graduate, I want them to feel unstoppable. Not because someone told them they could do it, but because they have already done it. They have walked hospital floors, built relationships with healthcare professionals and developed real skills in real environments. They are not leaving us hoping for a future in healthcare. They are leaving us already inside of it.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE YOU WOULD OFFER YOUNG WOMEN WHO ASPIRE TO LEAD?

Find the women who will tell you the truth, push you further than you think you can go and pour into you without hesitation. Those relationships will shape you in ways no title or credential ever could. Furthermore, do not wait for permission to lead. Start where you are. Leadership is not about what is on your business card. It is about what you create for the people around you, and that work is always worth doing, even when it feels uncertain.

AIM is currently enrolling 6th and 9th grade students for the fall.

Contact Info: AIMGeorgia.org

IG: Aim_Georgia

LinkedIn: Academy For Innovation in Medicine

FB: AIM Georgia

Creating Personal & Memorable Spaces in

Adventuring with Nieces

Off the Grid at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

When my teen nieces and I checked into Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge in White Salmon, Washington, we lingered in the lobby, a sprawling low-slung living room with modern furniture, cozy conversation corners, sleek shelves stocked with games and books and wide windows looking out onto the rolling meadow and mountainous skyline in the distance.

The campus is dotted with 55 tidy tents, custom-designed by Under Canvas for their 14 outposts across the country.

These glamping resorts are miles above your childhood scouting experience. Each tent has an en suite bathroom, reading lamps, a wood stove for heat (and fire fun), cool, contemporary furniture and soft, high-thread-count bedding. The teens immediately sprawled out on the sofa bed (“whoa, this is so comfy”) and pulled out their devices. Guess what? No wifi! While I’d mentioned this in describing our two-day trip, the lack of bars seemed to pull the rug out from under them.

I suggested a walk to explore. They decided to read. An hour later, we gathered on the porch (Under Canvas platform tents have elevated porches outfitted with rustic chairs and a table) and looked out over the valley toward the xx mountains. Situated between Oregon and Washington, the

Columbia River Gorge is attracting wine enthusiasts, hikers, paddlers, stargazers and explorers. The Under Canvas property is a half hour north of the river, under an unforgettable night sky and close to waterfalls and roaring rivers for white water rafting excursions. Families, honeymooners and retirees come to stay to relive fond camping memories and build new ones. There’s a dining room that serves hearty and heartfelt dishes, with coffee, tea, water and healthy snacks available throughout the day. Food in the tents is discouraged since wildlife abounds, and each is outfitted with a Yeti cooler to keep snacks and drinks safe from bugs and paws (we saw none).

Dinner is a social affair (or find your own corner) with gas bonfires, s’mores, card games and conversations across the outdoor patio. The nieces played an epic game of cornhole with a view at sunset. They had fun poking around the board game table and competing for the most picture-perfect s’more.

Large telescopes sit on the edge of the patio, pointed towards tiny moving shapes on the mountain sides. Goats? Hikers?

LARGE

TELESCOPES SIT

ON THE EDGE OF THE PATIO, POINTED TOWARDS TINY MOVING SHAPES ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDES. GOATS? HIKERS?

Later, we get an eyeful of stars, a galaxy inviting admiration. We were glad to comply.

Walking back to the tent on the barely-lit trail, we took our time. We reminisced about the rafting trip earlier in the day. Veronica was the daring one, remaining in the boat for the last big waterfall drop and jumping off a cliff into the icy river with the guide and a few other intrepid paddlers in our group. Dana practiced her flute in the tent, the notes floating across the meadow. Before bed, I sat on the porch one last time. Without the blue glare of televisions and screens, I could see more clearly. Feel more clearly. Love more clearly.

After lights out, I listened to my nieces sigh, slowly sinking into slumber. I felt grounded and so very fortunate to be under canvas with the girls I adore.

UnderCanvas.com

At Dentistry at Ivy Falls, Dr. Joshua Kim and Dr. Gene Chung believe that every smile tells a story—and they’re here to help yours shine. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience dental care that’s personal, comfortable, and genuinely caring.

Whether you’re here for a routine visit or exploring a full smile transformation, you’ll always be treated like family—with the time, attention, and expertise you deserve.

Real care. Real connection. Real results. Because your smile deserves more than just routine.

Dr. Josh Kim & Dr. Gene Chung Mon,

MAY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND

International Festival

Atlanta Athletic Club fields 1930 Bobby Jones Drive  | 12:00 PM

The 2026 Johns Creek International Festival is a celebration of the best traditional food, music and art from our own backyard. Everyone is invited to come dance, eat, drink and play on the field located across from the Atlanta Athletic Club

MAY 4TH

Tea Time Tuesdays

Fort Yargo State Park - 210 South Broad Street, Winder | 12:00 PM

Come meet naturalists and share a beverage overlooking the lake and the Old Fort from the cafe tables at the Visitor Center.

MAY 16TH

Touch-A-Truck

City Hall, 11360 Lakefield Drive | 10:00 AM

Climb aboard excavators, backhoes and other big machines at the City’s annual Touch-A-Truck event featuring construction equipment, public safety vehicles and fun activities for the whole family.

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