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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis | michelle.willis@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

A Summer of Vintage Style HEY Y’ALL! I was thumbing through my copy of Vogue (you know, research) and imagine my surprise when I came across JaBella Fleur. When I found out the fashion forward kids and their designing mom were based right here in South Fulton, I wanted to leap in the air! I hope you enjoy getting to know Alissa Bertrand and her daughters

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Justice Frederick, Kendra Pierson, Stevie Peterson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

RLA Photography, Alissa Bertrand

Jayla, Jada, and Ella as much as I did! This month is a celebration of summer! There’s so much good stuff. I really love the profiles on interesting people like Cindy Givens of Union City and the fun stuff to explore on staycation. Black Girl Magic Tours looks like so much fun! There’s a young lady that starred in the Genius- Aretha series whose acting star is shining brightly. Enjoy the sunshine, #SoFu!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

Erikka Mitchell, Editor EMitchell@LifestylePubs.com

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER #SoFu’s own @JabellaFleur goes back to school in style.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISSA BERTRAND AND COURTESY OF JABELLA FLEUR 4

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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 areas’ 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 accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 22 JaBellaFleur Back to School in Vintage Style

26 The LifeBet Brand Ashley Thompson Helps You Organize Your School Year with a New App

26 22

34 No Hair, Don’t Care! South Fulton Mom Pens Book to Help Kids Understand Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Artist’s Palette

Inspired By

22 Trend Setter 26 Locally Owned 28 Financial Buzz 32 Local Limelight 34 Page Turners

FAMILY FOOT CARE FOR ALL AGES • Ingrown Toe Nails

• Leg and Calf Pain

• Diabetic Foot Exams

• Toe Deformities

• Nail and Skin Conditions

• Bunion Pain

• Heel/ Foot Pain

• On-Site Digital X-rayss

• Ankle Sprains

TOBI F. TODD, D.P.M. Board Certified, Foot Surgery

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Saturday, November 13, 2021 Hilton Atlanta Airport 1032 Virginial AVE., Hapeville , GA 20254

8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Mayors VIP Reception 7:00 pm

Black Tie Optional Partial Proceeds Benefit

United Way of Greater Atlanta For Tickets Visit eventbrite.com and search for “SoFu Legends Ball”

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

GOOD TIMES

Fancy Nancy Turns 100! June 23, 2021 was an extraordinary day. Long time Atlanta resident Nancy Mae Green, affectionately known as “Fancy Nancy,” along with family and friends from across the country marked this incredible milestone in grand style with brunch at College Park’s The Breakfast Boys. She then enjoyed a lovely carriage ride through Atlanta with her 93-year-old sister Eva and some of her great-grandchildren. The Centennial Birthday Celebration continued over the weekend with a carnival style fish fry and cookout on Saturday and Sunday church service. Both were held at the church Mrs. Green co-founded with her husband, the late Rev. James L. Green, Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Southwest Atlanta. The Sunday service featured a host of proclamations and tributes from dignitaries such as city of South Fulton Mayor Bill Edwards, Senator Raphael Warnock, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Rep. Nikema Williams and Governor Brian Kemp. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PRECIOUS GREEN

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

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AROUND TOWN

THE ALMA G. DAVIS FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE DINNER WITH DIVAS

HORIZON THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS HOW I BECAME A PIRATE OUTSIDE!

On August 28, the foundation presents a vir-

Horizon Theatre Company is back live and out-

tual gala bringing together corporations, national

doors for families! Join us for the musical “How I

leaders, celebrities and individuals to empower

Became A Pirate” in Horizon’s backyard. Based on

domestic violence survivors and honors 150 brave

the hit children's book, this seafaring romp runs

women and girls (age 13+) who have survived the

for seven performances through Sunday, August

brutality of domestic abuse and currently reside

8. Bring your own chairs and blankets for seating in

in shelters. The honorees receive complimentary

our open-air space behind Horizon Theatre in Little

makeovers, including formal attire that they will

Five Points/Inman Park (1083 Austin Avenue NE,

wear to the red-carpet event and take home. Each

Atlanta, Georgia, 30307). Horizon is partnering with

survivor will participate in free self-defense classes

Destination Theatre to bring audiences this delight-

before the gala and sit down to dinner with celeb-

ful musical, performed by high-spirited young

rity guests and corporate friends. The honorees

professionals. Special weekday performances for

(or “Divas”) are celebrated for persevering through

camps and groups can be arranged. For informa-

their domestic abuse and are treated to a time of

tion and tickets, go to HorizonTheatre.com.

their lives! For tickets and more information, visit AlmaGDavisFoundation.com.

85TH ANNUAL ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL AUGUST 6-8 Just in time to have fun again, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back! This beloved outdoor event welcomes attendees for three days of fine art, live music and family fun. Usually held in the spring, the 85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival shakes things up and will take place this summer from August 6-8. Dogwood.org

TITLETOWN HIGH COMING TO NETFLIX ON AUGUST 27 In the football-crazy South Georgia city of Valdosta, also known as Title Town, winning is the only thing that matters, but The Wildcats, the

STUDENT CREATES LITTLE FREE LIBRARY

nation’s winningest high school football program on any level, is a long way from their championship

Christian Senior, rising 9th grade student, at

days. Titletown High follows the highs and lows of

Westlake Magnet High School is very in tune

a tumultuous season for the team, under the first

to the idea of equity and knows the importance

year of its infamous head coach Rush Propst. With

of being a strong reader. His mother, Latisha

unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, both on

Blackburn, is an educator in turnaround schools.

and off the field, the series chronicles not just wins

Blackburn explains how a fourth-grade project

and losses, but also the personal lives of the play-

from Christian’s teacher Ms. Curry sparked the

ers as they work toward the ultimate goal: A State

idea of donating a Little Free Library to his neigh-

Championship. Full of high stakes sports action and

borhood. “The project was entitled ‘The Activist

relatable teenage drama, with a blend of comedy

Project.’ Students were responsible for finding a

and tragedy, Titletown High delivers a complex por-

way that they could contribute to their commu-

trait of the most unique football culture in America.

nity for a greater good. It was a service learning

project for fourth graders! I found this to be

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

dynamic. Every child should know that they can

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

be change agents. This should be a habit.” Search

SoFu using the Get In Touch link and let us know

#TheFutureDependsOnUs for more info.

what you think.

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

ight N r mme u S

s ari in P

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

WHILE IT’S NOT OVER YET, SUMMER IS SOON COMING TO AN END AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO BID ADIEU THAN TO SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Embrace the end of the season by gathering for some indoor and outdoor recreation and exploration!

KIDS AT PLAY + SkyView Atlanta 168 Luckie Street Northwest Atlanta, GA + Centennial Park and Splash Pad 265 Park Avenue West Nw Atlanta, GA + Center for Civil and Human Rights 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30313 + World of Coke 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 + Georgia Aquarium- Check out the new Sharks! exhibit! 225 Baker St NW Atlanta, GA

ACVB Marketing | Melissa McAlpine

scan for more city-wide tips

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

It’s the small things that add more life! The City of South Fulton offers its residents something that we’re all learning, once again, to appreciate—quality of life. The big things—malls, franchises, big box chain stores—are not necessarily the things that make communities more livable. Little things often do that. With limitations on globetrotting, the essence of travel and experiencing new things is not only found in far off places. Exploring South Fulton and supporting local businesses can be fun and plays a key role in sustaining the community and showcasing it as a viable destination. Small business, local merchants, family-owned restaurants. Neighbors whose names you actually know. These things all help to make communities more livable.

ARTIST’S PALETTE

B L AC K G I R L M AG I C TO U R S

BLACK GIRL MAGIC TOURS IS ATLANTA’S GUIDED, LUX-

art with a message. Today, her guided tour offers a glimpse

URY MURAL CRAWL FOR BROWN GIRLS. What began out of

into Atlanta’s rich art scene, highlighting murals that celebrate

founder Tarika Sullivan’s love for travel and mural art is now a

black women’s brilliance, beauty, and contributions to culture

burgeoning black-owned business honoring black women.

and the community. Black Girl Magic Tours’ curated list of

“Everything I’ve ever created has been for black women, from my

murals takes guests through Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods

award-winning blog dedicated to black women with natural hair, to

and includes a midtown stop at the most picturesque view of

my dissertation—a study that examined the experiences of black

the city’s skyline.

women teachers—to Black Girl Magic Tours, Atlanta’s first and only

Beyond murals, guests are transported in a Mercedes-Benz

mural crawl dedicated to black women. I live and love to honor

Sprinter where they engage in empowering conversations while

women of the black diaspora. It’s my passion,” Sullivan states.

toasting-it-up to all things Black Girl Magic.

In its infancy, this experience was conceptualized when Tarika began showing out-of-town friends her favorite wall

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

To learn more or to reserve tickets to the next tour, visit BlackGirlMagicTours.com. Private group tours are available.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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INSPIRED BY

On the set of “Genius- Aretha”

ARTICLE JUSTICE FREDERICK

Aubriana

DAV I S YOUNG ATLANTA ACTRESS SHINES IN "RAISING DION" AND "THE RESIDENT"

AUBRIANA DAVIS RECALLED THE WORLD AS BECOMING

“It’s really important to just have fun and to not be afraid to take

“VERY STAGNANT” WHEN THE PANDEMIC FIRST BEGAN,

a risk, like it might work or might not, but that’s okay,” she says. The

BUT IT DIDN’T DETER HER FOCUS IN THE ACTING WORLD OR

actress even highlighted her joy in working with Ja’Siah Young, who

HER EDUCATION AT SPELMAN COLLEGE. Come October, Davis

plays the titular role of Dion in the series.

began production for “Raising Dion,” Season 2 and thrived both on set and on campus.

“He’s very smart and you can tell… he enjoys doing it, which is amazing working with someone who enjoys their craft… and wants

“I started working in October and I’ve been working ever since… it

to try different things.” While some have mistaken Davis as being

was a little tough balancing virtual school with being on set, however

younger, her craft was never underestimated on production. She

it all worked out to where I could be on set and I didn’t miss class.”

mentioned how collaborative and creative her colleagues were in

Davis successfully fulfilled her acting role while maintaining her 4.0

their scenes together.

GPA in the fall semester. Since acting in her first film “Jason Banks” (2011) at just 11 years

“You learn different things. You learn trusting each other… trusting yourself and doing what feels right in the moment.”

old, Davis has continuously strived to perfect her craft. In terms of

Be on the lookout for Davis in the upcoming season of “Raising

her acting style, Davis speaks very highly about taking more risks in

Dion,” as well as her most recent role in an episode of the medical

her scenes and not being afraid to make mistakes.

drama “The Resident.”

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

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D. E. L. T. A. STEAM ACADEMY DELIBERATE EXCELLENCE

“I’M BRILLIANT! I’m seen! I’m loved! I am enough!” D.E.L.T.A. STEAM Academy Engineers “Deliberate Excellence Leads to Achievement” or D.E.L.T.A. STEAM Academy (DSA) takes their vision of producing the next generation of culturally conscious, critical and creative thinkers seriously from the first bell. DSA was founded by Principal Nikki Grier, a Biomedical Engineer who answered the call to teach in 2006 and has been eradicating educational inequities for children of color ever since. “DSA was born out of both vision and necessity to ensure that students who look like me have every opportunity to succeed. STEAM education opens doors that might otherwise be closed. My students are change agents that are essential to diversifying and enhancing these career fields,” said Principal Grier. DSA offers a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math curriculum that exceeds the Georgia Standards of Excellence in all areas. Each young engineer (as their students are known) is taught critical thinking skills with project-based learning through the engineering design process. A distinguishing factor is that DSA approaches social studies through an African American perspective for history and current events, providing a well-rounded view of American history for all children. As a new school, D.E.L.T.A. STEAM is very deliberate in how they approach their growth to ensure their achievement. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the school will accept students in grades K-4 with a fiveyear plan to grow to K-8. They are a tuition-free, public charter school serving students residing in South Fulton County (Westlake & Langston Hughes Clusters), Atlanta Public Schools (Douglass Cluster), South Cobb County (Pebblebrook, McEachern & South Cobb Clusters) and Douglas County Schools. To learn more about DSA, they can be reached at Delta SteamAcademy.org or info@deltasteamacademy.org.

ARTICLE KENDRA PIERSON 20

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

TREND SETTER BACK TO SCHOOL IN VINTAGE STYLE

ARTICLE STEVIE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY ALISSA BERTRAND

JaBella Fleur WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A MOTHER WITH AN EYE FOR FASHION, A PASSION FOR NOSTALGIA, AND AN ABILITY TO DESIGN UNIQUE CREATIVE VINTAGE CHIC PIECES FOR YOUNG GIRLS DECIDES TO CHANGE THE FASHION GAME? JaBella Fleur! JaBella Fleur is owned by Black fashion designer and #SoFu resident Alissa Bertrand. In a few weeks some students will begin in-person learning, a slight adjustment from the normal back to school of yesteryear. Although there may be fewer students in classrooms, for Bertand’s lucky daughters there will be no shortage of fashion. Bertrand’s beautiful girls are the brand representatives of her fashion creations. JaBella Fleur pairs florals and stripes, plaids and polka dots, 70s and 80s, 60s and 2000s in ways that will have you asking, “Where can I buy that?” or “How quickly can I have it shipped?” SFL had the pleasure of speaking to designer Bertrand during a break between creations: YOUR DESIGNS ARE SO UNIQUE. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? My girls are my inspiration—one does not want dresses and sometimes I am drawn to a specific pattern that may remind me of another daughter’s personality. THE PATTERNS AND PRINTS ARE SO INTERESTING. Yes. I believe you should use what you have—sheets, women’s skirts and shirts, and even curtains. Sometimes I can see material and imagine what I want it to become.

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

HAVE YOU ALWAYS DESIGNED CLOTHING FOR YOUR CHILDREN? I have always enjoyed thrifting and after a change in my employment I wanted to save money, plus I didn’t like what I was seeing in the store for children, especially my girls. CAN YOU ELABORATE ON WHAT YOU WANTED TO SEE FOR YOUR DAUGHTERS? Young girls should dress like stylish young girls. I want a return to the well-dressed child. I want to change the narrative of what is considered fashionable for young children, one design at a time. YOU ARE DEFINITELY GETTING NOTICED. YOUR INSTAGRAM @JABELLAFLEUR HAS A FOLLOWING OF 46K! ANY PLANS TO CREATE A CLOTHING LINE? Yes, I would love to do fashion editorials, and I am working on a clothing line. Once the clothing line is done, I’ll expand to women’s clothing, then men and boys, and I’d really like to create a home décor design collection. My social media following validates that I am on the right path. I love getting feedback from viewers on my page. SFL: I am so excited for you and I look forward to seeing your new designs. I can’t wait to have my own pieces of JaBella Fleur by Alissa B!

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

S E R A P H I M W E A LT H F A M I LY O F F I C E , I N C .

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solutions to address all of the perceived needs but we can provide needed capital to support others who have plans and designs they are ready to execute. As an Investment Fund we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives. We will then carefully underwrite their planned activities and seek to align our capital while mitigating project risk. Ultimately we seek to achieve the desired returns sought by our investing community. If you have a great business idea that is supported by good documentation and you’re in need of capital – give us a call. We will be more than happy to work with you. Our current sweet spot is projects in need of three million to twenty million although our solutions can accommodate projects needing significantly larger sums of capital as well. Give us a call and lets sit and have a chat today!

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while managing Miles’ busy schedule, and she was

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SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

Visit TheLifeBetBrand.com for additional information. Participate in the Back to School campaign and order the LifeBet Brand Deck to jump start your fifth through eighth grader for the upcoming school year.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

FINANCIAL BUZZ ARTICLE ALEX MING OF SERAPHIM

Federal Tax Liens WITH ANY TAX DEBT COMES AN ASSOCIATED

LIEN SUBORDINATION

federal tax lien. The lien exists as a matter of law. For

Another possible tactic is to keep the IRS tax lien

many people, it has no impact on their lives. But for

in place, but subordinate the lien to some other lien.

others it can be disastrous.

What this means is that we get the IRS to place them-

Usually, there’s no public record of a tax lien. Unfortunately, if you owe more than $10,000, the

selves in second priority position, underneath somebody else like a bank that you can borrow from.

IRS may file a written notice with the county clerk

Most banks won’t lend money if they’re not in the

about the tax lien, putting it on public record for

first lien position. Thus, subordinating the tax lien

everyone to see.

keeps the bank happy.

A tax is basically a claim against your property. It takes priority over other kinds of liens but not all. A

LIEN DISCHARGE

federal tax lien will not jump in front of a mortgage or a

It’s not uncommon for somebody to have an asset

local property tax lien. When a federal tax lien exists, it

that can be sold to bring in money that helps pay

covers ALL of your property—everything (house,

down the tax debt.

car, tools, collections, clothes, money, retirement

“Let’s say you own a 1965 Ford Mustang that’s

accounts, paycheck, etc.). Where the mortgage on

worth $60,000, and you owe $30,000 on it, and you’re

your house is only secured by the house itself, tax lien

making $500 in monthly payments. You don’t want to

is “secured” by everything you own.

sell this car, but it would make life easier if you did,

Yep, that’s correct, a federal tax lien gives the government a claim over your paycheck. That doesn’t

since you owe the IRS $100,000 and they are threatening to garnish your paycheck.

mean they will take it, it just means they can. In addi-

So, you decide to sell the Mustang. The problem

tion, depending on your profession, it can also make it

is that the IRS lien prevents you from selling it. So,

difficult to obtain employment or renew professional

you need to remove the IRS lien to sell the car. The

licenses. It can also impact your ability to buy or sell a

process of doing so from this one piece of property is

home or a car or use credit.

called a lien discharge, and you obtain a Certificate

When a tax lien creates a bad situation there are things we can do to help put you in a better position.

of Discharge which releases the car only from the lien. With the Certificate of Discharge, you can sell the car, pay off the car loan, and then have $30,000 to pay down

LIEN WITHDRAWAL

your IRS debt. Plus, $500 per month is freed up to pay

In some circumstances, it’s possible to obtain

toward the remaining IRS debt monthly. This is better

the removal of the public notice. To achieve this, we

than the IRS seizing most of your paycheck every month.

must demonstrate: 1. The lien is creating a financial hardship for you. 2. Removing the lien will help the IRS get paid.

CONCLUSION It’s the things that come months after an IRS lien

Basically, we aim to prove that the existence of that

filing that really cause trouble. However, there are

public notice could cause an income loss or finan-

options available to address every tax lien. If you’re

cial issue for you. For a business, a lien may interrupt

ready to put your tax debt behind you, let’s talk.

a factoring agreement or a line of credit, which is

We’re in your corner...

required for the business to operate. For a person,

the existence of a lien might mean the loss of access

Warmly,

to borrowing or the loss of a job.

Alexander Ming JP, BFC, CPA

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

LOCAL LIMELIGHT CINDY GIVENS

THE

CO O R D I N ATO R 32

departments follow OSHA compliance guidelines which minimizes workers’ compensation claims. Givens brings a wealth of experience and process improvement experience to Union City, and for the past five years has worked closely with Mayor Vince Williams. SINCE 1920 ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC.

The over twenty thousand residents that make Union

HAS WELCOMED WOMEN WHO ARE STRONG,

City home can be assured that calls to city departments

COMMITTED TO SERVICE, AND DEDICATED TO

are reviewed and that necessary changes will be imple-

IMPROVING THEIR COMMUNITIES; CINDY GIVENS

mented. For example, she is responsible for ensuring all

IS A TRUE REPRESENTATION. She is an active mem-

processes are documented to ensure the team has the

ber of Kappa Iota Zeta chapter located in East Point.

information they need to do their job efficiently.

Givens also proudly represents Union City as its

Events in the city like COVID vaccinations, hydrant

Operations Coordinator. She wants the residents of

inspections, water repairs, parades, ribbon-cutting

Union City to know the city is truly theirs, which is

ceremonies, and more are managed by Givens. It’s

evident because she was awarded Employee of the

her attention to detail, her passion for the residents of

Month shortly after joining the city’s workforce, as well

Union City, and her desire for residents to love where

as Employee of the Year.

they live that keep her focused on events that impact

Givens brings over 24 years of experience in health

residents and visitors to the city. Although COVID-19

care and is passionate about the health of Union

slowed her down a little, she used the opportunity to

City employees and ensures their safety. Her expe-

do some self-reflection, reset her priorities, and re-

rience and dedication in maintaining a safe work

energize. As things begin to reopen and residents and

environment is why Givens also serves as the Safety

visitors start to venture outside, rest assured that with

Coordinator. In this role she seeks to make sure

Givens at the helm, Union City is in great hands.

ARTICLE STEVIE PETERSON

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

JOIN US Join Us For our next Film and Entertainment Committee Panel of Industry Expert:

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE MOVIE STUDIOS August 5, 2021 - 11:30 am- 1pm Listen to Experts Tell How They Were Able to Get in With the Studios

We’ll Have rRepresentatives From: Styling (Makeup, Hair and Wardrobe) Production (Videography, Grips, Photography) Content Creation (Writers, concept developers) Craft Services (Catering, Snacks) Post - Production (Editing, CGI/Graphics)

Call 770.964.1984

or visit SouthFultonChamber.com

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

PAGE TURNERS PHOTOGRAPHY RLA PHOTOGRAPHY

SOUTH FULTON MOM PENS BOOK TO HELP KIDS UNDERSTAND HER BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS

NO HAIR, DON’T CARE! NO HAIR, DON’T CARE IS THE STORY OF HOW A MOTHER, SHAQUITA, AND HER DAUGHTER, LEXIE, LEARNED TO COPE WITH THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND HAIR LOSS IN PARTICULAR. During their journey, they relied on prayer, love, determination, and a positive attitude to help them overcome their fears. Lexie and her mom realized that love was all they needed to keep their family together during such a critical time. On September 12, 2018, the Estes family received devastating news—Shaquita was diagnosed with Triple Negative Stage 2, Infiltrating Ductile Carcinoma breast cancer. Her life was turned upside down and would never be the same. As Shaquita and her husband prepared to share her diagnosis with their children, a lot of things ran through their minds: Would the children understand? How would they internalize this news? Would they wonder if their mother was dying, or would they unite as one and tackle it together? After pondering for a month, they were led to have an open and honest conversation with their children because they knew Shaquita would begin to show outward changes— mainly hair loss—due to chemotherapy. As the changes began to occur, Shaquita realized that her daughter was experiencing various emotions. One day after school, Lexie and her mom had a conversation about their quest and that’s when Shaquita realized that as she was remembering critical parts of the journey, so was Lexie. In that moment, they decided to write a children’s book to share their story with other families like theirs. So instead of looking at this quest as a traumatic event, they decided to turn it into a triumphant one. Shaquita and Lexie hope to inspire other families to stay steadfast on their journey through breast cancer.

SoFu Lifestyle | August 2021

SUMMERTIME IS THE BEST TIME FOR

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