SOFU, GA November 2023 by City Lifestyle

Thanks and Giving!

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November 2023 LIFESTYLE LETTER

It's the Season of Gratitude! In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us that have helped us along in our journey, can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be. Gratitude can save your life. Paying attention to all the little good things that are happening instead of focusing on the bad can lift your spirits and even change your mood completely. I really believe that being grateful and helping others can make life beautiful! I would be remiss if I didn’t list a few of my favorite charitable organizations. As a military widow, I am so grateful to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Believe with Me, Operation 300, TAPS (Tragedy Program for Survivors), Folded Flag Foundation and Folds of Honor. I love Camp Southern Ground and A Soldier’s Child. And the Fisher House Foundation made it possible for me to stay near my Marine when he was hospitalized at the VA. Each one of these orgs has been a ray of sunshine in my life and A.J.’s. Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings. Blessings to you and your family,

PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kelli Pittman | kelli@gagnantmedia.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Stevie Peterson, Shandra Hill Smith, Justice Fredericks CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Doug Smith, Janie Jones, Jean-François Savaria

Corporate Team 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 AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

ERIKK A SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @ S O U T H F U LT O N L I F E S T Y L E Pictured Above: Editor Erikka Searles Mitchell and A.J. with Tyler Wolff of the Atlanta United soccer team, courtesy of TAPS.

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Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 SOFU Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SOFU Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Road Trip LI FE + C U LT U R E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Hometown Hero PR O FES S I O NA L SE RV IC E S

Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Our Town A RTS + C U LT U R E

Seasonal Setups LI FE + C U LT U R E

Local Limelight LI FE + C U LT U R E

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

20 Give Thanks!

Some of Our Favorite Charitable Organizations

26 Southern Girl Pralines Pralines Made with Love by Keisha

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Janie Jones Tablescape: LeAnn Parker with @Silvertoothhome | Charcuterie Board: Sarah Juenemann with GrazingKC | Wine: Amigoni Urban Winery

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1-7: The Divine Nine 5K/9K Atlanta is a run/walk that brings together members, family and friends of the Divine Nine organizations. Photography by True Speed Photo

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @southfultonlifestyle

7 5

1-7: Pearls of Purpose Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Lambda Omega Chapter hosted its 34th Annual Pink Pearl Mother-Daughter Luncheon Photography by Darnell WIlliams- Malachi Studio

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FOREST LAWN

FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Make Life Easier Now FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Michelle Taylor Willis Hosts TEDx Talk at Morris Brown Atlanta master strategist and influencer Michelle Taylor Willis recently hosted a TEDx speaker series at Morris Brown College where she held an exclusive discussion with Atlanta rapper icon T.I. The TEDx included eight speakers who spoke on topics like resiliency and perseverance. Gerrell Farries

New Starbucks Opens in Union City on Highway 92 Great things are happening in Union City! Starbucks has officially opened its doors at 5355 CampbelltonFairburn Road and they celebrated this exciting milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Join Union City in celebrating this exciting addition as they continue to reclaim, renew, and reimagine our community one cup of coffee at a time.

Danielle Monique Hunter Remembered in the City of South Fulton Councilmember Carmaliths Gumbs presented a Proclamation Honoring the Life of Danielle Monique Hunter at the City of South Fulton city council meeting. Danielle Hunter was a friend of SoFu Lifestyle and a beacon of light in this community. She leaves her family including her husband Wardell and three sons to cherish her memory.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SOFU

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area. BECCA MCCOY

Being thankful for what we have, and giving back to those in need is important all-year round, and particularly during the holidays. We love our community and want to support our people and organizations in as many ways as we can, so join us in paying it forward with these local opportunities.

Our Picks to Pay it Forward FEEDING GA FAMILIES: With Thanksgiving Food Drive, Christmas Gift

Giveaway, and Wish List shopping, they give comfort to neighbors in need. 2514 W Point Ave , Atlanta, Georgia 30337 HOPE ATLANTA: HOPE Atlanta provides a lifeline for our neighbors facing or at-risk of homelessness, especially around the holidays. 458 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Building B, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 A M E R I C A N R E D C R O S S : Disaster relief needs continue. Support is a meaningful gift that can help our fellow Georgians. 1955 Monroe Dr. NE , Atlanta, Georgia 30324 ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK: One in 10 people in Metro Atlanta experience hunger. ACFB turns $1 into 4 meals. 3400 N Desert Dr., East Point, Georgia 30344 CHILDR ENS HEALTHCAR E ATLANTA: The 5th annual Season of Hope is on November 30th at Atlanta History Center, benefitting Marcus Autism Center. 1405 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, Georgia 30322

Scan for more photos and the full list. American Red Cross

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Becca McCoy, Creative Director SoFu Lifestyle Becca McCoy is the Creative Director at SoFu Lifestyle.

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

Beatrix Potter

Drawn to Nature THROUGH JAN 7

This playful, interactive exhibition invites visitors of all ages to rediscover one of the most renowned authors of children’s fiction in the twentieth century. Through more than one hundred twentyfive personal objects—the exhibition will also examine Potter’s life as a strong-minded, imaginative businesswoman, natural scientist, farmer, and conservationist, a legacy that extends to the present.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA • HIGH.ORG

Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSOR

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS ACT Foundation, Inc. William N. Banks, Jr. Cousins Foundation Burton M. Gold Sarah and Jim Kennedy

BENEFACTOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Robin and Hilton Howell

A V&A Exhibition–Touring the World Beatrix Potter (British, 1866–1943), Mrs. Rabbit pouring out the tea for Peter while her children look on, 1907, watercolor and ink over pencil on paper, Victoria and Albert Museum, Linder Bequest, BP.468. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London, courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

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Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

R OA D T R IP | L IFE + CU LTURE

A DIFFERENT KIND OF THANKSGIVING ARTICLE BY SHANDRA HILL SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUG SMITH Thanksgiving in Orlando, Florida? Why not — when you have offerings such as a boutique hotel like the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando to call home while away from home, and plenty of fun to take in around the city, including through visits to this central Florida city’s many theme parks. It all adds up to a different kind of Thanksgiving for visitors making a road trip or traveling by plane to this tourist attraction that boasts an “Unbelievably Real” tagline. With temperatures often still a little on the warmer side during daytime hours, guests visiting the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando can take in the city’s skyline from the rooftop lounge while winding down with others. Grand Bohemian’s Altira Rooftop Pool and Lounge, offering views of the city’s skyline, is one appeal to this boutique hotel in downtown Orlando. The property’s 246 renovated rooms and the addition of a presidential suite, as of late 2023, are others. The AAA Four Diamond property also has welcomed a Starbucks and includes both an on-site restaurant and spa, Poseidon Spa, and a renovated fitness center. Poseidon services include a detoxifying dry brush exfoliation that helps with improving circulation and stimulating the lymph system; and LED therapy treatment that offers infrared therapy to tighten and tone skin while targeting acne and inflammation, along with massages and waxing services and more.

At Grand Bohemian’s Bösendorfer Lounge, take in a live jazz experience, featuring musicians from Central Florida backed by sounds from the property’s grand Bösendorfer piano, during Sunday brunch. And when you’re ready for dinner, you don’t have to go any further than across from the lounge, to The Boheme restaurant. No working hard in the kitchen this holiday season if you are at the resort! Time for a bit more action? For many, a trip to Orlando isn’t complete without a visit to Walt Disney World. And for this writer and her family, this visit made for the first in roughly six years. Still, all these years later, one ride in particular, at Disney’s Magic Kingdom park, remains the favorite of my 15-year-old daughter, Braxton: the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you go for the Thanksgiving holiday, it will already be beginning to look a lot like Christmas! At SeaWorld in Orlando, you can not only ride on a few attractions but also experience some exciting animal performances. This includes seeing the attraction’s original performers, bottlenose dolphins, wowing audiences with their moves in and out of the water, and newer additions of otters and sea lions plus the killer whale orcas doing the same. For families looking for a grand getaway this fall, one thought not to sleep on can be found in a familiar line from the seven dwarfs’ “Heigh-Ho” tune: “It’s off to Orlando we go!” For more: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcoak-grandbohemian-hotel-orlando-autograph-collection/ overview.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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Give Thanks!

Kevin Giles

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CHARITABLE ORGS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP!

SoFu Lifestyle asked some of our advertisers and friends of the magazine about their favorite charitable organizations! Let us know your favorite #SoFu area charity or nonprofit organization!

GREYSTONE POWER AND OPERATION ROUND UP® The GreyStone Power Foundation, Inc. Scholarship, which is funded by members who donate to Operation Round Up®, was awarded recently to five students in the cooperative’s service area. Winners of the $3,000 scholarships included students Edwin Balderas, Madison Brooks, Julia Cagasan, Ty Merritt and Anthony Tucker. The scholarships are given based on academic performance as well as school and community activities and are made possible by GreyStone members who agree to round up their electric bills to the next dollar. The cost per month to assist worthy students like these, as well as charitable organizations throughout the service area, is no more than 99 cents per month for participating members. Anthony Tucker graduated from Westlake High School and will attend Howard University to study computer science and engineering. Edwin Balderas graduated from Douglas County High School and will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering, chemistry, or materials science. Madison Brooks graduated from Paulding County High School and will attend the University of West Georgia to study speech-language pathology. Julia Cagasan currently attends Liberty University and studies aviation maintenance. Ty Merritt graduated from Hearts Academy/Trinity Center and will attend Kennesaw State University to study nursing. “We are so grateful to our 28,000 members who contribute to Operation Round Up®, the Foundation’s fundraising program so that we can recognize worthy students such as these, as well as help those who need help in our community,” said Marcus Carter, chairman of the foundation board. The GreyStone Power Foundation, Inc. is built upon the strength of GreyStone’s members volunteering to

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

round up their electric bills to the next dollar to provide monetary assistance for nonprofit organizations. It makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those who need help in our community. You can participate in Operation Round Up®, the Foundation’s fundraising arm, by simply checking the “Yes” box on your GreyStone Power bill statement. GreyStone is especially proud to support Operation Round Up® on Giving Tuesday and in November and throughout the year. Participating members volunteer to round up their power bill to the nearest dollar. The funds go to assist local nonprofit organizations and fund scholarships to local students. You can find out more here: greystonepower.com/oru.

WALTER T. KING SCHOLARSHIP Dr. Erin King-Mullins practices at Colorectal Wellness Center in Fayetteville. The surgery center is dedicated to offering cutting-edge treatments and innovative solutions to address a wide range of colorectal issues. A cause that is dear to Dr. King-Mullins heart is a scholarship fund at Florida State University that is dedicated to the memory of her father. Walter T. King worked at Red Lobster/Darden restaurants for over 35 years and the “Walt’s Favorite Shrimp” dish on the menu is named in his honor. The Walter T. King Scholarship was established to provide support for first generation college students enrolled in the M.D. Degree Program. The Walter T. King Scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to Dr. King-Mullins’ father for his love, support and dedication to opening doors for his daughter to be a physician.

GreyStone Walt King with family

“With my father, there was never a question as to what was to come after high school. It was always college. Our family is proud to be able to honor his legacy by easing others in their journey to higher education.” Donate to the scholarship at this link: http://give.fsu.edu/walterking Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Colorectal Wellness Center ColoWellness.com

KEVIN GILES OF 1865 CIGARS Kevin Giles is an accomplished and award-winning founder, corporate sales executive, consultant, and philanthropist. He is currently the Sales Director of the Immix Group, where he oversees and leads a team of forty-five employees, responsible for the growth of the $2B division. In 2019, Kevin co-founded 1865 Ventures, a black-owned cigar company in partnership with

Rocky Patel. He acts as brand ambassador and oversees marketing and branding. Although the company was soft launched, 1865 Ventures will be formally launched in Fall 2023. A portion of the sales of 1865 Project Cigars goes to scholarships for HBCU students. Kevin has founded multiple successful technology and consulting firms. He enjoys bringing new products and services to emerging markets and also serves as a thought leader and strategist in the media and entertainment space. Kevin is currently an advisor to Gagnant Media. Kevin recently co-founded the Complete Circle Foundation, a scholarship fund that assists HBCU students with college expenses. Kevin has been recognized as a leader in the fundraiser world, raising millions of dollars for non-profit organizations that focus primarily on children and the homeless. One of his favorite charities to support is Thrive DC, a nonprofit that strives to help end hunger and homelessness. To help support their efforts and donate, please visit ThriveDC.org.

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Michel “Marty” Turpeau Partnering for Progress, Powering Development ARTICLE BY STEVIE PETERSON

ARE THERE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS WILLING TO MAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, PAVING THE SIDEWALKS, SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, LIGHTING, ETC., THAT RESULT IN A DIRECT BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY THE BUSINESS IS MOVING INTO, THUS BECOMING AN IDEAL CORPORATE NEIGHBOR? • The DAFC tax incentives offered to the corporation if selected are as follows: • 10- and 15-year programs in the form of decreasing property tax reductions based on greatly increased property valuation that is a result of the incentive being granted to facilitate the new development: Michel “Marty” Turpeau was destined to make an impact—he was born to lead. His father, Aaron Turpeau, was good friends with baseball legend Hank Aaron and he partnered with him to create The Aaron Group, the company he now owns and operates. Marty’s dad was also in the city of Atlanta’s mayoral cabinets of both Maynard Jackson and Andrew Young. Turpeau really had no choice but to seek ways he could also make an impact on the city of Atlanta as well as the county’s other 14 cities. Turpeau serves as Chairman of the Board for the Development Authority of Fulton County. Throughout our conversation, he referenced the mission statement: To stimulate quality economic development, expand and diversify the tax base, provide quality jobs, retain existing businesses, and sustain quality of life for residents throughout Fulton County. Have you ever wondered what attracts companies to locate offices in Fulton County? The answer is Turpeau—well, actually, the answer is the Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC), but Turpeau’s involvement and leadership is critical to ensuring the corporation is the right fit for the community.

HOW DOES IT WORK? • A corporation considers relocating to Georgia • The organization reaches out to the DAFC; in many cases, the state uses Fulton County’s profile to attract businesses and refers them to the DAFC

WHY FULTON COUNTY? • Great location (home of Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport, proximity to all interstates) • Diverse workforce • The DAFC board reviews the request

DOES THE ZONING MATCH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY’S GUIDELINES AS COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, OR INDUSTRIAL? • Will the relocation of the organization in the county result in job opportunities for residents?

H OM E TOWN H E R O | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

• The 10-year program focuses on commercial development The 15-year program focuses on affordable workforce housing • Typical benefits to the community • Increase the speed at which community improvements are made, such as infrastructure, community clean up from illegal dumping, etc.

In the years between 2018 and 2022, notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19, DAFC supported approximately $7.2 billion in new capital investments throughout Fulton County, supporting the creation of more than 75,000 permanent new and retained jobs, and more than 33,000 temporary construction jobs. Turpeau also shared examples of corporations that have relocated to Fulton County. Shannon Mall redevelopment project was AMS Holdings/Rooker Film Studio (now known as Atlanta Metro Studios). The redevelopment of the site into new movie studios was particularly transformative as it helped further Georgia’s role as a leader in the production of feature films and television. It helped prove that Atlanta was indeed the “Hollywood of the South.” Other projects/business attractions that DAFC is proud of are the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters, Alcon, Avalon, Comcast, Global Payments, Equifax, Miller Zell, The Coca-Cola Company, Grow America NOW (NOW Account), Atlantic Yards/Microsoft, PVH, ASOS, Pandora, and Honeywell. As DAFC celebrates 50 years of cultivating community and corporate partnerships, the board just approved rebranding. The DAFC will now go by Develop Fulton: Partnering for Progress, Powering Development. Learn more at Development Authority of Fulton County GA Home (developfultoncounty.com). *Note: In addition to tax incentive projects, DAFC has been instrumental in facilitating federally taxable/tax-exempt transactions for the benefit of groups like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Spelman College, Shepherd Center, Advance Education, Georgia Tech, Piedmont Healthcare, Robert Woodruff Arts Center.

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Souther n Gi rl P ra l i nes Pralines made with love by Keisha

SWEET DREAMS OF A SOUTHERN GIRL

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

smooth, never gritty, and not unbearingly sweet. Her pralines are exceptional. Even the packaging is done with love, her husband serves as the “praline package inspector”, he is essential in ensuring customers don’t have broken pieces in their orders. People and companies are also noticing the Southern Girl difference. All it takes is a taste of her product and you understand why her business is booming. The folks at Everything Nola Cafe on Sylvan Road have been clients for the past two years. In fact, Just Loafin’ New Orleans Po Boys restaurant agreed to sell the goods at locations in the city. Not surprisingly, more orders are starting to pour in from return customers and new customers who want to try the candies themselves. Johnson pauses then admits she dreams of the day her company rivals MARS, the parent company of popular candies like M&Ms and Snickers. “I want to be global; I want my candies to fly off the shelves.” Then Johnson lets out an audible sigh, “I just wonder how I can effectively mass produce ...” She is keenly aware that scaling her business could mean her personal attention to detail would change. It’s time for the community of SoFu to fall in love with Southern Girl, fall in love with pralines, fall in love with opportunities to help a dream come to fruition. Do you own a coffee shop, a New Orlean’s themed restaurant, have clientele that you would like to gift something different, maybe you have the gift of marketing, or you are a social media influencer- this is the time community comes together to promote our own. Fall in love with a Southern Girl IG: southern_girl_pralines url: southerngirlpralines.com

ARTICLE BY STEVIE PETERSON

Pralines (Pray-leens, or Prah-leens): A pecan candy. Keisha Johnson is exactly what you imagine someone that makes a sweet treat to be like, she is humble, caring, and amazingly positive. Keisha Johnson is Southern Girl Pralines. Johnson sat in her car in her driveway during our interview, a perfect place for her to pause before preparing another order of sweets for a new customer. These days, Johnson fondly reflects on how far she has come and how much her business has grown. Though she grew up having pralines in Donaldsville, Louisana it was her spin on her mother-in-law’s praline recipe that launched a business. When one door closes, another opens; at least that is what we have heard. Recently, the company Johnson worked as Associate Director of Student Services, made the difficult decision to downsize, unfortunately she was impacted. However, the door to hone in on her innate gift of creating delicious treats swung wide open. The phone rang with a new request for an order of Southern Girl Pralines thus solidifying for her this is what she was meant to do. Staying the course. Interestingly, Johnson shares that to make pralines correctly, the pot cannot be left unmanned. “You have to stir it constantly.” It is how she handles her business- she is constantly working on it. “I wanted to have something different, so I offered different flavors. We have pound cake and pumpkin spice; you won’t find those anywhere else.” The flavors and customized designs set her apart from the rest. Each flavor of praline is created in a different pot, each stirred constantly to ensure the candies are

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Antino Pansa Flies High with Cirque de Soleil: Echo ARTICLE BY JUSTICE FREDERICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN-FRANÇOIS SAVARIA

Hailing from French Guiana, Antino Pansa is very proud and passionate about being one of the first Slackwire artists to come from his hometown. “It’s not a lot of circus artists from that country,” he said. “I feel like I have to go further to show the people behind me… how to get there, and to work hard also.” When he first began his training at 14 with his father, he was instantly enamored with the new abilities he’d gained. While perfecting his craft in trampolining and floor acrobatics, it was Slackwire that he loved the most. By 2018, following his audition in Paris, Pansa was accepted to the National Circus School of Montreal. “You have to wait at least three months to get accepted… it’s a stressful moment,” he remarked. After three years of dance lessons, workout sessions, and Slackwire training, Pansa was ready to take on every opportunity that came his way.

Pansa also shows a great deal of perseverance. He recounted an injury he had following a split on the wire during a warm-up, in which his Achilles’ heel had developed an irritation. However, he didn’t let this deter him from his path. He got right back onto the ropes just two months later, better than ever. Pansa also shares his acrobatic abilities with his brother, Stephane. “I showed him how to do Slackwire when I was back home…we trained a lot together, and we’ve only performed one time for our family in French Guiana… but we haven’t performed together for a big audience yet.” Pansa was very excited about the prospect of performing with his brother again in the future. Pansa is currently touring with Cirque de Soleil: Echo, which will be in Atlanta from November 5 to January 21.

L E A R N M O R E : Antino Pansa began circus at the age of 14, and this passion - passed on by his father, who also practiced slack wire - was soon to take center stage in his life. He is a graduate of the National Circus School of Montreal. Antino specializes in slack wire, but is also a talented trampoline and floor acrobat, as well as a hand-to-hand carrier and Korean plank acrobat. He loves group work and is passionate about dance, movement and acting. He is currently a slackwire artist in Cirque’s newest creation, ECHO.

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Set t ing th e Fa l l Ta bl e ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

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