Woodstock, GA June 2026

Boys To Men

John Eldredge wrote that every man is on a journey, whether he knows it or not. From the wide-eyed boy daring himself to climb higher, to the cowboy testing his limits, to the warrior finding his cause, to the lover opening his heart, to the king stepping into his purpose, and finally to the sage pouring his wisdom into the men coming up behind him. The journey does not end. It deepens. And if you look closely at the men of Woodstock, you will see every single stage of that journey playing out in real time, right here in one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia.

This month, we are going beyond the surface. Beyond the handshake and the highlight reel. We are going beyond the barrel.

There is something that happens when a man slows down long enough to craft something with intention, whether that is a pour, a plan, a family, or a legacy. It requires patience. It requires heat, pressure, and time. The best things men build in this life work exactly the same way. In this issue, we pull back the curtain on what that actually looks like in Woodstock, through the stories of men who are not just showing up but showing out for this community in ways that deserve to be seen.

We are celebrating the man behind the moments. The one whose name you might not know yet, but whose fingerprints are on everything you love about this town. The coach. The craftsman. The father who shows up before anyone else arrives and stays after everyone else has gone home. The entrepreneur who bet on Downtown Woodstock before it was a sure thing. The mentor who remembers what it felt like to need someone in his corner, and made sure the next generation would not have to go looking.

These are the kings and sages of Cherokee County's most talked-about city. And they are leading with something that cannot be manufactured or marketed: determination, purpose, and heart. Woodstock has always been a town with a pulse, and boys become men when other men show them how to navigate that pulse.

To the men who make this place worth writing about, thank you. We see you. We honor you. And we are proud to call you neighbors.

This is Our City, This is Our Lifestyle.

LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER

CHICKA ELLOY, CO-PUBLISHER @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2026

PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Chicka Elloy | chicka.elloy@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tran Bui, Ana Maroski

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Albright Photography, Anna Rumiantseva

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn

inside the issue

scene

Turn hunger to hope with Serv internation 3: DILLicious Boards for the win

Your Health, Reimagined

Hormone & Peptide Therapy: Dr. Lori Martin's advanced testosterone and peptide protocols will help boost energy, improve recovery, and support metabolic health.

Chiropractic Excellence: Expert care led by Dr. Daniel Martin to address mobility, posture, and sports-related performance.

Regenerative Medicine: Heal injured and aging tissues with science-backed therapies focused on cellular health and long-term vitality.

Mention this ad when booking your hormone consultation this month and receive $50 off our comprehensive lab panel.

Dr. Michael Skardasis has earned a reputation in Woodstock as the doctor who takes his patients off medicine. An Emory-trained internist with deep North Georgia roots, Dr. Skardasis founded Optimal Performance Medicine in 2018 with a simple but powerful mission: create healthy people, not just treat sick ones. Through personalized, nutrition-forward primary care, he partners with patients to address the root causes of their health challenges. Visit OptimalPerformanceMedicine.com to learn more.

Protecting What You've Built

When Andrew Rozyskie founded Rozmith, he had a simple belief: Cybersecurity should be personal, not just a product. As Managing Director and CEO, Andrew leads a team out of Holly Springs delivering white-glove, high-touch protection for businesses in healthcare, finance, and government. From threat management to compliance, Rozmith stays ahead of risks so local business owners can focus on growth. Learn more at Rozmith.com.

Prestige Med Spa Celebrates its Woodstock grand opening

Dr. Anil Yadav along with Mayor and community leaders came together at the opening in Woodstock of Prestige Medical Spa and Center and their new building. Dr. Yadaz continues to expand the brand throughout the state of Georgia with purpose and intention to continue to serve more communities and regions with top level medical and aesthetic health care services.

The Man Behind the Moments

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken shares his journey, his curiosity, why he’s never stopped exploring

If you’ve ever watched morning television in Atlanta, chances are you’ve spent time with Paul Milliken. He’s the familiar face bringing energy, curiosity, and a sense of fun to Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta. Whether he’s out on location or stepping in to deliver the weather, he has a way of making viewers feel like they’re right there with him.

But his story starts long before the live shots and behind-the-scenes adventures.

“I majored in broadcast journalism in college at the University of Florida (yes...I'm a Gator!). My initial goal was to study print journalism, because writing is really my first love, but I'm a big ham, too, and couldn't resist the bright lights of the news studio!”

That mix of storytelling and personality clearly paid off. “I've been the feature reporter in Atlanta since 2012, which means I get to spotlight the people, places, and events that make North Georgia so amazing. It's the absolute best. I get to explore the state and bring our viewers right along with me.”

What viewers may not realize is just how varied his career has been.

“I started in a small town and worked my way up, doing just about every job in television news that exists. I've edited newscasts, I've rolled teleprompters—you name it. Every job has been a valuable experience and has led me to where I am today.”

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI

That hands-on journey shows up in the kinds of stories he’s drawn to most. “I’m a fan of ‘behind the scenes’ kinds of things. I’m a curious guy, so any time I get to explore places that the public doesn’t typically get to see, I’m excited. And I love adventure—from riding roller coasters to climbing mountains and crawling through caves. People seem to like to see me get down and dirty on live TV!”

Off camera, his world is just as full. “A perfect day off involves travel. My husband Steven and I spent time in Thailand late last year and it was wonderful.” When he’s not traveling, he stays busy. “So many hobbies! I'm always writing something—fiction and non-fiction. I'm a huge fan of horror movies, especially from the 1970s or 1980s. I also have some strange collections, including dozens of different editions of the board game Clue!”

Locally, he has his go-to spots. “I love the Roswell Riverwalk for a great morning of exercise. The Roswell Public Library has a great ‘Friends of…’ bookstore inside, and I pop in often to check out the selection. If I’m in Marietta, I have to stop by Marietta Diner!”

Grounded by family, he shares, “My parents are definitely the biggest influence on the man I am today. Both devoted their lives and careers to helping others. They are the most accepting and loving people you'll ever meet, and they both have a passion for learning that really rubbed off on me.”

And for anyone still figuring things out, his advice is refreshingly simple: “You've got time. So much of my life has been spent hurrying to get somewhere, trying to reach the next step in my career and accomplish the next big goal. Honestly, if I could go back, I wouldn't rush so much. I'd try to enjoy the moment more and trust that things will happen when they're supposed to.”

Next up? Author. “I'm really excited that my first book is being published at the end of this year,” he shares, co-writing the memoir of Ms. Louvain Demps, a Motown-era singer whose story he can’t wait to share.

“I am so lucky to get to connect with people through my job. Seriously, so lucky.”

have the most vibrant and gorgeous locally grown blooms all Summer as well as gifts for all occasions highlighting locally crafted items! Whether you are getting

hosting a birthday or a Summer get together let us help bring beauty and intention to your gathering through florals and gifts!

Let’s

BEYOND THE BARREL

How World Whiskey Society Is Redefining the Art of Whiskey

ARTICLE BY ANA MAROKSI

In today’s crowded whiskey landscape, where new labels seem to appear almost daily, Aiko Importers’ World Whiskey Society has taken a more deliberate path. Rather than chasing volume, the brand has focused on something far more enduring: meaning. At the center of that vision is managing partner Alex Kogan, who has helped shape the company into a storyteller as much as a spirits creator.

“World Whiskey Society was born from a desire to move beyond distribution and into true creation,” Kogan explains. “We wanted a platform

Alex Kogan says.

“Every bottle should feel intentional and worth discovering.”

where ideas could take shape without constraint and where each release speaks to the discerning consumer and seasoned connoisseur alike.”

That idea of “true creation” is what separates the brand from many of its competitors. While others emphasize sourcing or scaling, the World Whiskey Society builds each release from the ground up, starting not just with the liquid, but with a narrative. For Kogan, the story is the foundation.

“We begin with a story that resonates with a refined audience that values depth and intention,” he says. “From there, we build every detail around it.”

That philosophy is evident across the Society’s portfolio. The Family Series leans into heritage and emotion, with each bottle acting as a tribute to legacy and shared history. In contrast, the Doc Holliday line embraces bold Americana themes, appealing to a wider audience while maintaining the brand’s sense of purpose.

“Different expressions, but the same philosophy,” Kogan says. “Every bottle should feel intentional and worth discovering.”

This emphasis on intention carries over into the brand’s focus on rarity and craftsmanship, two concepts often overused in the spirits world yet deeply embedded in the Society’s identity.

“Our audience of connoisseurs and whiskey advocates values distinction,” Kogan explains. “Rarity ensures exclusivity, while craftsmanship ensures credibility.”

The result is a portfolio that balances accessibility and prestige. The rapid ascent of Doc Holliday bourbon has introduced the brand to a broader market, while ultra-rare releases within the Family Series maintain a sense of exclusivity that appeals to collectors.

Still, growth is not the end goal. Legacy is.

“We want to be known for elevating whiskey into something more meaningful,” Kogan says. “Our goal is to create a portfolio that resonates across different audiences, while maintaining a consistent commitment to quality, storytelling, and authenticity.”

That commitment is deeply personal. As a family-led business, the company approaches whiskey as an extension of heritage.

“Family shapes everything we do,” Kogan explains. “It keeps us focused on building something enduring.”

Nowhere is that philosophy more tangible than in the brand’s Select Barrel Bottling Program, an initiative that transforms customers from observers into collaborators.

“The Select Barrel Program is designed for true whiskey advocates who want to move beyond collecting into ownership,” Kogan says. “Clients select and own a full barrel, creating something that reflects their personal taste.”

The journey is intentionally immersive. It begins with an exploration of the client’s palate, preferences, and goals, then moves into curated tastings of available barrels.

“It starts with understanding the client’s palate and preferences,” Kogan says. “From there, we guide them through curated tastings of select barrels.”

Once a barrel is selected, the process becomes increasingly hands-on. Clients are invited to shape key elements of the final product, from proofing to labeling and presentation. While the Society’s experts provide guidance, the experience remains collaborative.

“Clients have meaningful influence, particularly in the selection and final direction,” Kogan explains. “Our role is to guide and ensure their preferences translate into a balanced, high-quality expression.”

“It starts with understanding the client’s palate and preferences.”

Even the logistics reflect the program’s thoughtful design. A single barrel typically yields between 150 and 200 bottles, and the process from selection to delivery takes a few months. The company manages bottling and customization, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

For clients looking to extend the life of their private selection, the Society also offers support with allocation, gifting, or limited distribution, ensuring the story behind each barrel continues beyond the bottling stage.

The Select Barrel Bottling Program encapsulates everything the World Whiskey Society stands for: craftsmanship, storytelling, and a deeply personal approach to whiskey. It is not just about owning a barrel, but about participating in the process and becoming part of a larger narrative.

As Kogan puts it, “Legacy is about consistency and trust. It’s ensuring that whether someone experiences a bold, accessible expression or a rare release, they recognize the same level of care and craftsmanship.”

In an industry often driven by speed and scale, that kind of consistency may be the rarest offering of all.

aikoimporters.com

HAPPY SUMMER from Cherokee Smiles Dental

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Dr. Kendra Ousley Your trusted dentist in Woodstock! All ages WELCOME at Cherokee Smiles!

www.cherokeesmiles.com

Hwy 92 St 102

THE CAR THAT CAME HOME

A LOCALS’ FAVORITE’S UNFORGETTABLE QUEST TO FIND HIS DREAM CAR.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JOE GRANSEN

If you have been lucky enough to catch Canton's Christmas tree lighting celebration in recent years, chances are you heard his voice before you ever saw his face. Joe Gransden, Atlanta's own jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and Big Band leader, has a genuine gift for making any crowd feel like family. He has performed coast to coast, shared stages with Kenny G, and even played live at the White House. But the story that has lately captured hearts far beyond the Atlanta music scene has absolutely nothing to do with the stage.

It started in Buffalo, New York, in 1988. Joe was seventeen and completely taken with a 1979 black Trans Am Y84 Special Edition, the same sleek machine made famous by Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit. He worked two summers to save the money. When he finally got behind the wheel, the car became his identity. He raced it, showed it at local shows, drove it to gigs, and spent long evenings cruising with his dad. In 1993, with college costs mounting, Joe made the hardest call of his life. He sold the car for tuition and bought a practical Toyota Corolla. "I missed it all the time, constantly," he would later recall. He tried filling the void with other Pontiacs over the years. None came close.

Then, in 2005, something far more serious occurred. Joe was diagnosed with cancer and spent eight months fighting through two surgeries and eleven rounds of chemotherapy. During these trials, he made himself a promise: if he survived, he would treat himself to two things. The trumpet of his dreams: a handmade 24-karat gold Monette Prana Bb horn. And his childhood Trans Am. He got the horn. The car would take much longer. With no VIN and no paperwork, the search felt nearly impossible. Joe reached out to Rick Deiters of Trans Am Specialties of Florida, who posted photos of the car online. Within a few months, the man who had originally bought the car from Joe saw the post and reached out. He had kept the VIN. That number

traced the car to Alabama, where the registration had gone dark in 2002.

Joe hired a private investigator. After months of searching, they found her under a tree in the Alabama hills, untouched for nearly two decades. Joe knew her immediately by a buff mark on the right front fender that he had put there in 1988. He stood there in tears.

After months of negotiation with the family of the car's late owner, Joe bought her back in April 2019. Trans Am Specialties of Florida handled the full restoration, with pandemic delays and a shop fire stretching the timeline by a few years. She arrived at his Atlanta home in the summer of 2024, and when his son Joey watched her pull into the driveway, there were tears of joy all around.

She lives in Joe's garage now, carefully protected and ready to pass to the next generation. And when Joe takes the stage in Marietta Square this August. You will hear a little of that love story in every note he plays.

Men leading with determination, purpose and heart

We caught up with some Woodstock men and inquired about a few thoughts.

What inspired your commitment to leadership, and how has that purpose evolved as you’ve grown personally and professionally?

With refined strength and unwavering vision, these men lead with purpose, inspiring growth, cultivating connection, and leaving a lasting, meaningful impact.

ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE

In a community like Woodstock, what drives your passion to show up, give back, and make a lasting impact beyond your day-to-day work? When you reflect on your work and leadership, what legacy or influence do you hope to leave behind to the community you serve? What advice would you give to the next generation of young men who want to lead with purpose and impact?

ANDREW PORRECA

CO-OWNER DEEP ROOTS WOODSTOCK

Originally I was inspired by watching my dad run and grow his own law firm as I grew up. He really showed me what it meant to be a leader and how to treat your employees the right way so that they wanted to come to work each day. Deep Roots is my first foray in to a real position of leadership where I have this many people counting on me to provide that place that they can enjoy coming to work. I want to be seen as a friend and a leader, not someone that people feel like they have to tiptoe around because they’re afraid of saying or doing something wrong. Candidly, since Woodstock does have that small town feel to it, I’m driven by the desire to be known in the community.

I want Deep Roots to be a place where people genuinely feel excited to come to because they enjoy the people, atmosphere, and of course the wine. I hope that I can show my children what it means to be a hard worker and teach them what it means to be a leader in the community

The biggest piece of advice I have is to believe in yourself. There’s a famous quote by Henry Ford that comes to mind, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” That is something that I have always been a firm believer in and I think that really helped me have the confidence and self-determination to be able to take this leap of faith in to business ownership.

JOHN FLINT

While I was in school, I taught adults how to swim and learned that what held most of them back wasn’t ability, but fear and lack of confidence. Helping them overcome that showed me how powerful confidence can be. In my professional life, I’ve seen the same pattern with finances—many people are capable, but uncertainty keeps them stuck. I’m driven by helping people gain the confidence they need to move forward and live their best lives.

Woodstock is more than where I work—it’s a community I truly believe in. Its broad appeal, from families and entrepreneurs to artists and long-time residents, creates a place that feels vibrant and grounded. I admire how Woodstock supports small businesses and the arts. I’m driven by helping people build confidence— especially around their finances. Giving back here is my way of investing in the strength of the community itself.

When I reflect on my work and leadership, I hope the influence I leave behind is one of confidence and freedom. To me, success isn’t just financial security—it’s having the clarity and peace of mind to enjoy time with family, pursue meaningful experiences, and make decisions without constant worry. When my work helps people engage more fully in the lives they’ve worked so hard to build, I’m accomplishing my goal.

I’d encourage the next generation to lead with care and curiosity. Care deeply about the people and communities you’re part of, and stay curious enough to keep listening and learning. You don’t need all the answers—lasting impact comes from asking thoughtful questions, acting with integrity, and genuinely wanting to help others live better lives.

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ john-flint

DR. DANIEL MARTIN

CO-OWNER LONGEVITY WELLNESS AND SPA

Early in my career, my inspiration for leadership was rooted in the clinical results I saw—helping patients regain mobility and quality of life. I realized quickly that to truly help people, I couldn’t just provide a service; I had to lead them toward a different way of thinking about their health. Over the last 30 years, that purpose has evolved from ‘fixing’ problems to ‘empowering’ longevity. Today, leadership for me means fostering a collaborative environment where we combine chiropractic care with the latest in regenerative medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptom.

Woodstock has a unique energy; it’s a place where people genuinely look out for one another. My passion comes from seeing our patients at the grocery store or a local event and knowing we’ve played a part in keeping them active and engaged. Giving back isn’t just about business—it’s about stewardship. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives or simply being a reliable resource for health education, I’m driven by the desire to see our neighbors thrive in every decade of their lives.

I hope my legacy is one of transformation—shifting the conversation from ‘aging’ to ‘thriving.’ I want to be remembered as someone who brought integrity and innovation to the local healthcare landscape. More importantly, I hope to leave behind a practice that continues to treat people with the same level of care and personalized attention that we’ve prioritized from day one. I want the influence of our work to be seen in the vibrant, healthy lives of the people who call Woodstock home.

First, focus on mastery before management. Become an expert in your craft, because true leadership is built on a foundation of competence and trust. Second, play the long game. Impact isn’t made overnight; it’s the result of showing up consistently for decades. Finally, lead with empathy. Whether you are leading a team or a family, your ability to listen and understand the needs of others will always be your greatest asset. Purpose is found where your unique skills meet the needs of your community.

JOSH BAGBY

AGENCY PRINCIPAL, PROVIDENCE INSURANCE

&

FOUNDER OF CHEROKEE CONNECT

Growing up here, I watched nonprofits, church families, local businesses, and complete strangers step in to help one another for the common good or to take care of someone in need. When I started thinking through Cherokee Connect in the early days, I knew how special this place was. One of the goals was to bring that spirit together at scale. Our community is full of people who genuinely want to help, but many times they just don’t know when, where, or how to plug in. Cherokee Connect created a place where people could see needs, meet needs, and support their neighbors.

Cherokee County has been pouring into me for over 30 years. Nothing my family or our team at Providence has built would be possible without decades of people showing up for us as kids and continuing to invest in us as adults. I’m a big “leave the dugout better than you found it” guy. This community has always been special. We’re just trying to do our part to make it even better for the next generation that gets the opportunity to build on what was handed to us. Gratitude. I’m indebted to this community.

One of our core values at Providence is simple: always do what’s right for our clients, our community, and one another. That value was modeled for my wife, Katie, and me early by our parents and grandparents, one we’re trying to pass down to our own kids, but ultimately it’s rooted in our faith. Staying close to the Lord helps you hear that still, small voice that guides your decisions and keeps your priorities in order. Doing what’s right isn’t always easy, and I think most people know that firsthand. But our communities need people who are willing to stand for what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient. I’m still striving every day to be one of those people.

Sports were a huge part of shaping me because they taught me so much about life: how to lead, how to follow, how to handle pressure and adversity, how to work in a team, and how to compete the right way. I was blessed with incredible coaches growing up, and one of the most impactful was Mark Richt, with whom I played for as a walk-on at the University of Georgia. He was operating at the highest level of college football in the SEC under immense pressure, yet he consistently led with integrity in a cutthroat business. Watching that showed me it could be done anywhere. I haven’t always gotten it right, but when you’re wrong, own it, correct it, and let the Lord guide you forward. Doing what you know is right rarely leads you wrong.

JOHN AND ZACH BLEND

Growing up, in the summertime, I worked on a dairy farm in upstate New York, where I learned that growth takes patience and nothing thrives without care. Then came a summer trip to Mexico City, where I visited an orphanage and met children born without arms who crafted jewelry with their toes. They laughed and worked and lived with dignity in circumstances most would call unbearable. That moment pierced my soul. I left Mexico with a conviction that my life had to be about creating safe places for children who had none. God planted a burden in me that I could never shake. — Zach

When Connie and I purchased farmland in Cherokee County, we saw more than a home. We saw a sanctuary. Neighbors became allies, churches rallied, and leaders across the community shared the mission from day one. I would describe it as providential. — John

After college, I was charting a different path in consulting when a mission trip to Nicaragua changed everything. Surrounded by children who longed for security, I discovered that service was not just an obligation. It was a calling. My father’s words redirected my life: stop feeling sorry for yourself and find someone to serve. This community shows up in a way that still amazes me. — Zach

Since 1999, over 1,500 children and families have been impacted. We launched Goshen New Beginnings for young adults aging out of foster care and Goshen Homes to keep siblings from being torn apart. Our Family Resource Center now works with families before crises escalate, because prevention matters as much as intervention. Partnerships here are never transactional. They are transformational. When people serve, their hearts change alongside the children’s lives. The roles between my father and me are reversing, but the relationship is the same. I get to give back to the man who gave everything for me. — Zach

John’s courage to follow a whisper from God laid the foundation. Every decision about Goshen was a response to something I felt God was asking of me. That mixture of conviction and humility has to define your leadership long before there is land, buildings, or a title. — John

Broken beginnings do not define the future. We have watched children rise into leaders, volunteers become advocates, and families be made whole. Cherokee County continues to shape Goshen Valley, and Goshen Valley continues to shape Cherokee County. Find someone to serve. Pour into them. That is where your legacy begins. — Zach

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ARTICLE BY RENEE RYALS

DOWN: 21

Breaking records and defying expectations, Caden Cox became the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a collegiate football game. His story is now being brought to the big screen, starring Ashley Judd, Nia Vardalos, Dashiell Meier, and Richard T. Jones. We got a behind-the-scenes look at 21 Down and met Caden himself.

On set in Covington, Georgia, Caden’s story came alive as the production recreated his Midwest football journey. Producer Melissa Bickerton said filming in Georgia made

sense: the state offered a great tax credit, and the location could convincingly stand in for the Midwest, warm enough to represent both autumn and spring. And California just wasn’t a fit.

Caden stayed tuned into filming—watching cameras, listening to playback, and meeting cast, crew, and extras. When asked how it felt to have a movie made about him, he said, “It’s part of my life and it’s awesome.” Bickerton described the moment Caden met the actor portraying him, Dashiell Meier,  as “very emotional… It just made it very real for Caden and broke my heart open.”

The Cox family was present for two weeks of filming. Mari Cox reflected on her son’s journey: “It is a story about Caden’s life, which has been a journey for us ever since the doctor gave us the diagnosis that he would be born without his corpus callosum and septum as well as Down syndrome. He always wanted to do everything his brother did. He wanted to do all the things people told him he couldn’t do—and he proved them wrong.” Ashley Judd plays Caden’s mother and is a producer in the movie.

The family’s commitment to inclusion came with challenges. “There were times the football team would all say, ‘Hey, that’s our friend,’ but they’d never invite him to the parties… it wasn’t all glory. We had our challenges,” Mari says.

Caden’s brother, Zane Cox, says the film reflects years of perseverance. Football became a defining part of Caden’s life and still is, with his current role working with the Ohio State Buckeyes football program.  About his skills on the field, Caden said, “It’s really part of my life to kick.”

The film is supported by Best Buddies International, which creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendship, employment, and leadership programs.

As Bickerton explains, “they came on board as investors, partners and endorsed our movie, and we are thrilled to have them.”

21 Down is more than a movie—it’s a story of resilience, determination, and family. Between takes, Caden had a simple request: “Please watch this movie.” His brother Zane adds, “Today’s society, it’s all about me — a me, me, me thing — but there’s a Buddhist term called mudita, and it’s vicarious joy through other success, and that’s what I want people to see. Start looking at other people’s success and letting that fuel you and push you in your life, too.” Watch for 21 Down in theatres late 2026.

Woodstock City Lifestyle Celebrates May issue Cover Reveal

An event not to miss: Sponosored gathering at Deep Roots to network and share

ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE

Celebration, Connection, Calloboration were on display as some of Roswell and Woodstock business owners and community leaders gathered at Deep Roots Woodstock location for bites, sips and a May Women's issue cover reveal event. Local

jewelry designer, Brenda Smith was recognized for her acievements as the Cover story.

Over 80 attendees filled the space with cheer, meaningful conversations, and the kind of energy that reminds us why the Woodtsock business environment continues

to thrive. Guests mixed, mingled, and made new connections while enjoying incredible food and drinks.  A great time was had by all.

https://citylifestyle.com/woodstock/ issues/2026-05

AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short

Creative Director: Jen Birn

Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

THE QUIET STANDARD:

MIKE JOHNSON

“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

REICH DENTAL CENTER NOW OPEN IN WOODSTOCK!

At Reich Dental Center, we’re all about making every smile feel confident, healthy, and cared for! Your comfort comes first — always. With personalized care, cutting-edge technology, and a team that feels more like family, we’re here to make your dental visits something to smile about! All in a space that’s modern, welcoming, and designed with you in mind.

Providing same day crown services!

Go home with your permanent tooth that dayNo waiting with a temporary tooth!

Make an appointment today by calling or scanning the QR code below.

reichdentalcenter.com 770.901.2221 | 7670 Main St Woodstock, GA 30188