Aiken, SC May 2023

Cheers to Girl Power!

Moms have their own holiday this month, and we are here to celebrate them along with all women that inspire and encourage us.

We didn’t have to look far to find women in our community with stories worthy of being told. We started by talking to several Boss Ladies, women who are movers and shakers in and around Aiken.

Next, we explored the special camaraderie between several Aiken boutique owners who, against stereotype, cheer for each other’s success.

Terry Lee shares how she has found hope through her work with the Overflow Foundation after losing her son to suicide. The foundation provides mental health education, promotes mental health and suicide prevention and has been a lifeline to Terry as she walks with her grief.

We also got to know Aiken natives Taylor and Marty, the sisters, artists and entrepreneurs behind Urban Garden Prints.

As for me, I often joke that one of my guiding life principles is to avoid groups of women three or larger. It’s the drama. However, not long ago as I was enjoying the reception at my daughter’s wedding and making sure that I got pictures with all my gal pals, I was humbled by the amazing women that God has placed in my life over the years. On that night, many of them were under the same roof. I saw the thread of how they have walked alongside me during different seasons of life including child rearing and been a testament of what friendship and Godly women look like. So, if you ever hear me make that wisecrack, know it is with full understanding of how extremely blessed I am by the women in my life!

Don’t worry, men. Next month is all about you.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Rebecca Williams | rebecca.williams@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Elvis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan, Ashley Elvis

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan, Anna Sams

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLE

Summer enrichment camps begin June 12 through August 11th. Cost is $150 per week per child.

Time: 8am to 6pm. The cost includes a snack and any field trips during the week.

Sign up on our website: hillviewchurch.org/HCA

for more information or to schedule a tour visit our website: hillviewchurch.org/HCA

Our mission is to equip and teach our students to love God with all their hearts, soul, mind, and strength and to love others as themselves.

(Mark 12:30-31)

Our Purpose

Proclaim the Truth

Provide Christlike leadership

Pursue excellence in education

Promote a Biblical worldview

Partner with parents and families

Now hiring dynamic educators for 3K to 6th grade. Send resumes to:

amyeddwards@hillviewchristianacademy.org

803-392-7060

1960 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Graniteville, South Carolina 29829 B HillviewChristianAcademy

GRADES 3K TO 6TH GRADE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Wine and music by Aiken Civic Orchestra was the perfect combination at Sip into Spring. 2: The Sip into Spring Wine Tasting was a benefit for the Aiken Civic Orchestra. 3: James and Erin (Cork and Cap) hosting the Sip into Spring Wine Tasting. 4: The Color House at Cold Creek Nurseries is the perfect spot for a photo op. 5: There were a lot of laughs at Cold Creek Nurseries’ Spring Open House. 6: Joe and Jo in Cold Creek Nurseries’ new Color House. 7: Deuce Weinspach making sure everything is just right for Cold Creek Nurseries’ Spring Open House.

Photography by Gayle Bryan

8: Catherine Hersacher (Bespoke Fine Interiors) and kids enjoying Cold Creek Nurseries’ Spring Open House. 9: Ready to march in Joye in Aiken’s New Orleans-style Funeral Parade. 10: Joye in Aiken launched its 15th Annual Festival with a New Orleans-style Funeral Parade. 11: Celebrating the opening of the 15th Annual Joye in Aiken Festival. 12: Celebrating Mardi Gras twice at Joye in Aiken’s New Orleans-style Funeral Parade. 13: The New Orleans-style Funeral Parade was a blessed (and super fun) event. 14: Keeping the cadence for Joye in Aiken’s Funeral Parade. Photography by Gayle Bryan

15: All tuned up and ready to march! 16: Trumpeter Alphonso Horne and tambourine player Norman Edwards Jr. ready to lead the parade. 17: Reunited with old friends at Aiken Spring Steeplechase. 18: David Bryan and Sheri Osburn (Certapro Painters) enjoying a libation railside at Steeplechase. 19: Rebecca Williams and Gayle Bryan (Aiken City Lifestyle) with Kate VanCantfort (Southerlee Farms). 20: Spring Steeplechase is best enjoyed with family and friends! 21: Delany Tavenner and Samantha Parker looking fashionable at Spring Steeplechase.

Photography by Gayle Bryan

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

22: The Aiken Transport team took a break to enjoy the races at our Steeplechase Tailgate. 23: Posing in front of the Aiken City Lifestyle photo wall at Aiken Spring Steeplechase. 24: Got the band from our Steeplechase shoot back together at our actual Steeplechase Tailgate Party. 25: Sheri Osburn (Certapro) enjoying her first Spring Steeplechase with four generations of family. 26: We made some new friends at our Steeplechase Tailgate Party. 27: Scott and Vikki (Aiken Homes Team) excited to sample the delicious Atomic City Smokers BBQ. 28: Observing the style and fashion are a big part of the fun at Spring Steeplechase. Photography by Gayle Bryan

Aiken Center for the Arts Receives Governor’s Award

Aiken Center for the Arts was recognized for outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina as a recipient of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts, the highest honor the state gives in the arts.

These awards honor South Carolina arts organizations, patrons, artists, members of the business community, and government entities who maximize their roles as innovators, supporters and advocates of the arts.

THE POWER

The spring is a new opportunity to turn your home from “so-so” to “whoa!” Whether your exterior or interior needs a refresh, we’re the Pros to help you do it right. Let CertaPro Painters® of the CSRA show you the power of transformation. Schedule your FREE on-site or remote estimate today.

Fall is a new opportunity to turn your home from “so-so” to “whoa!” Whether your exterior or interior needs a refresh, we’re the Pros to help you do it right. Let CertaPro Painters® of show you the power of transformation. Schedule your FREE on-site or remote estimate today. 803-295-5160

In 2004, Aiken Center for the Arts asked local artists to create 32 horses for a project entitled Horseplay. These horses were auctioned off and the money raised supported the completion of our second floor classrooms as well as 20 years of scholarships.

Join us as we continue to celebrate horseplay through the nine horses, created by local artists and situated in historic sites throughout downtown Aiken.

A Mother’s Love

LIFESTYLE OF HOPE

ARTICLE BY TERRY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA SAMS & PROVIDED

I have heard it stated that a person can live for up to three days without water, but living without hope is a whole different story. Phillip Lee Jr. had a magnetic personality and could make someone feel like they were the only person in a room full of people. He was sensitive and caring, often seeking out those who were hurting or alone. Phillip was gifted in academics, music, and athletics and was an influencer in all those arenas. When he took the field, everyone knew he was in the game. When he entered the room, everyone felt it. And when he stood on the stage, all lights and eyes were simply drawn to him. He was well acquainted with attention, and yet, seemed drawn to lonely corners when the lights went down.

His life was full of love and passion, but when mental illness and alcohol dependence became part of that life, hope became elusive. The darkness of depression enveloped him like a cold, damp fog. He was here one minute…and then, gone.

Our family and friends continue to this day, over four years after his death, to ask “why”… “how did we miss this…” “what could we…should we have done differently??” The answers to those questions are as elusive as hope was for Phillip Jr. on that September morning.

As painfully devastating as the loss of this son was, new determined purpose has been slowly birthed from the pain. As I began to move in my grief, from the bed to the chair, and then to the computer table in our home, I began to research all topics related to mental health. As a nurse with over thirty-five years of clinical experience, I was astounded by the statistics that I read. Was the statistic true??...that one in five, youth or adults, would have a diagnosable mental illness in ANY given year?? I looked back at the picture of my precious family hanging on the wall. Five precious children. And I knew that the statistic was accurate.

Carrying the same passion for life that my son did, Overflow Foundation, a 501(c)3 mental health education and advocacy organization, was started in memory of Phillip Jr. in 2019, only five months after his death.

The overall mission of the foundation is to #PHIL (Pour Hope Into Life) by promoting mental health and suicide prevention, as well as providing mental health education.

To date, over 1500 individuals have been trained by the foundation in Mental Health First Aid, a one-day class that anyone can take to learn more about mental health and mental health challenges. This class teaches signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders, how to respond to someone in a non-crisis and crisis situation, and what mental health selfcare means for all of us.

Given the statistics and the overwhelming presence of continued stigma regarding mental health challenges, the work of the foundation sometimes seems like an uphill battle. Access to care, the costs associated with that care, and limited providers of mental health care are but a few of the challenges I face in leading individuals to resources, hope, recovery, and resilience.

There is also an overall knowledge deficit regarding mental health in general, a fact that resonated painfully loud in our home as we sought to care for, and seek care for Phillip Jr. We were very unsure of what to do and what resources were available, and during a time of crisis is the worst time to try to educate yourself. Privacy laws, while put in place to protect the patient, often do not allow for family members to advocate for their loved ones during a mental health crisis. Advocacy for other families and individuals who are struggling is now a pivotal part of the work of Overflow Foundation. Despite the challenges, I maintain a lifestyle of hope every day. The pain of my loss never goes away.

There has not been a day since this loss that I haven’t cried. But ultimately, I know that my greatest source of hope and comfort lies far beyond anything this world has to offer. As God comforts me, I in return can comfort others and lead them to that source, one step at a time, one day at a time.

There is a wealth of research being done now regarding suicide prevention. Maintaining healthy connections with people that love you and not isolating in your moments of pain is the greatest deterrent to suicide. It's okay to not be strong all the time. Just don’t isolate in your pain.

Phillip Jr. will live forever in the hearts of all who knew him. His picture hangs on the wall at Mellow Mushroom in downtown Aiken, only steps away from one of the many stages he performed on. And a Mural of Hope can now be seen in The Alley of downtown Aiken that points people to local, state, and national mental health resources. His music and voice will never be silent, as his CD, called Overflow, released in 2017, continues to play. God holds him now in heaven, while we hold him here in our hearts.

If you would like to donate towards the work of Overflow Foundation, you can do so by visiting our website: overflow.foundation.

If you are struggling, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255(TALK) or 988. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The overall mission of the foundation is to #PHIL (Pour Hope Into Life) by promoting mental health and suicide prevention, as well as providing mental health education. To date, over 1500 individuals have been trained by the foundation in Mental Health First Aid.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Urban Garden Prints

A LABOR OF SISTERLY LOVE

Those who have been fortunate enough to grow up spending time with grandparents know that the memories made from Sunday dinners, family traditions, and storytelling are held close to the heart and create a valued legacy. That holds true for sisters Taylor Moore and Marty Rickenbacker; the time spent with their grandparents, Ernie and Rubye Kirkendall, had a lasting impact on them from childhood but also spurred on an inspiration that would turn into an entrepreneurial career: Urban Garden Prints.

Taylor and Marty’s family has always had a close tie to nature. They recall stories of their grandparents surviving the depression and their grandfather working in the cotton fields. The sisters spent days out in the garden with their grandmother harvesting fresh vegetables and delicious figs, all of which made their way to the dinner table. Their grandparents had an entrepreneurial spirit and instilled in Taylor and Marty a strong work ethic.

“The sisters spent days out in the garden with their grandmother harvesting fresh vegetables and delicious figs, all of which made their way to the dinner table. Their grandparents had an entrepreneurial spirit and instilled in Taylor and Marty a strong work ethic.”

CONTINUED >

“Our hydrangeas are a personal favorite! We have several varieties in our collection, and we think their beauty brings a loveliness to any room. We also love the neutrality of the tobacco leaves, and its crisp look is truly a stunner! Recently, we have enjoyed supporting independent artists and adding their art to our line. Working with other creatives has been inspiring and fun!”

Their parents, Russell and Janice Johnson, also had a major impact on the sisters’ future career path. The Johnsons opened a furniture store in Aiken, and Taylor and Marty grew up around the business learning the ins and outs and also fully immersing themselves in the interior design aspect.

By 2012, when Marty was in college and Taylor was practicing law, the two had an idea that perfectly combined their experience from gardening with their knowledge of running a business and their passion for creativity and design. They began pressing plants, right here in Aiken. The collection began with harvests from several local South Carolina farms and used a process very similar to how most children dry flowers, between the pages of a book. Taylor and Marty use two boards to dry out the botanicals.

After having children and several years of pressing flowers and plants as a side gig, Taylor and Marty turned their love for botanicals and their creative minds into a full-blown career. Urban Garden Prints began in 2018 blossoming simple, neutral pressed botanicals to an expansive collection including vibrant colors as well as birds and other coastal art. Taylor and Marty have a strong business sense about them, but it’s their design knowledge and focus on aesthetics that really sets their pieces apart. Bringing vintage pieces back to life with color and collaborating with many different artists has been another avenue in their successful business. Today, Urban Garden Prints has grown from selling locally in South Carolina to serving 49 of the 50 states and even customers overseas.

When asked about their favorites, two are in the running. “The hydrangeas are for sure! We have several varieties in our collection that will bring a loveliness to any room. A close second is the tobacco. The neutrality of the leaves and its crisp look is truly a stunner!”

Marty and Taylor, through Urban Garden Prints, have curated beautiful, timeless, and classic pieces for any home.

Thanks to Cold Creek Nurseries for the use of their beautiful location.

Floral Styling accents provided by Kate Van Cantfort (Southerlee Farms).

A huge shoutout to Brittainy and Bryan Neice for the use of their beautiful home.

April 8th

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June 3rd

Saturday pro-am polo matches are open to the public every Saturday at 2 pm, from early April to the first weekend of June. Gates open at 12 pm. Join hundreds of fans each week for exciting polo action featuring some of Aiken’s best pros and sponsors, live national anthem, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and traditional divot-stomping.

To purchase pavilion tickets for Saturday Polo, or for more information on sponsorship and reserved pavilion boxes please contact club manager Liv Berube directly at (803) 989-9753 labourgognepoloclub@gmail.com | V @labourgogneclubdepolo | B La Bourgogne Club de Polo LLC |

1165 Coleman Bridge Rd, Wagener, SC

Boss Ladies

GET TO KNOW SIX LOCAL LEADERS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

My very first job was as a waitress in a nice little restaurant at the Marina on Raystown Lake in central Pennsylvania. It was hard work but fun, too.  I worked there each summer through high school. Because of that experience, I have a great deal of appreciation for those in the food service industry.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN ASPIRING TO LEADERSHIP ROLES?

My advice is to jump in, ask for the position, and sit at table.  Rarely are you invited into leadership opportunities. Go after what you want. If you approach life and your career with a teamwork attitude, you will eventually find yourself leading others formally or informally. One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn was to focus on progress over perfection. Progress is essential; however, perfection isn’t realistic.

Alicia Kough Financial Advisor Edward Jones

WHAT BRINGS ME JOY IN MY CURRENT POSITION?

I love being able to carry on the family legacy with GLWD. This year will be our 57th year in business. I am thankful for the many people and businesses that I have met and worked with along the way. Seeing local construction and road projects completed and knowing that we had a part in making those happen never gets old. I also enjoy being able to give back and make a difference in our community by sponsoring local ball teams, church projects, and equestrian non-profits and providing an annual scholarship at Aiken Technical College.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY MENTORS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

Certainly, my mother and father were great mentors who have taught me a hands-on approach and provided guidance along the way. My husband, Len, is a huge support and sounding board for me. I also met Kirk McGowan through the Aiken Chamber’s SCORE program, and he has been instrumental in guiding me with the rebranding of GLWD and starting a new company, Purebred Compost.

President

&

“I am thankful for the many people and businesses that I have met and worked with along the way. Seeing local construction and road projects completed and knowing that we had a part in making those happen, never gets old.”

Lisa Wilson

G.L. Williams

Daughter Trucking

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

I ran the batting cages during high school at the Baseball and Softball Warehouse in my hometown of Powdersville, South Carolina.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

After graduating from medical school at MUSC Charleston, I completed a Dermatology residency at the University of Florida. I then completed a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery at the University of Vermont. I really enjoyed exploring other parts of the country but was excited to move back home to South Carolina! I wanted to work at an academic institution with medical students and residents, so AU was a great fit. While transitioning to AU, they started the satellite dermatology clinic in Aiken, and I have been serving there as the medical director for the past three years.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE WORK/ LIFE BALANCE?

It takes a village! My mom helps with childcare, which allows me to really focus on work while I am at work. While at home, I put my phone away to focus on family until it’s bedtime.

“It takes a village! My mom helps with childcare, which allows me to really focus on work while I am at work. While at home, I put my phone away to focus on family until it’s bedtime.”

Dr. Kathryn Potter

AU Dermatologist, Aiken Satellite Office

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

My first job was working in an animal hospital when I was 14.

What brings you joy in your current position?

Watching young race horses go from timid, insecure babies to confident and competitive racehorses brings me joy.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN ASPIRING TO LEADERSHIP ROLES?

Nothing comes easy. Failures happen. I’ve had to tweak my direction a couple of times in my business. Horses are like most things in life, nothing is finite.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO DE-STRESS AFTER A LONG WEEK?

I’m happiest sitting with my dogs and a good book. My life has a lot of stress in it, and that’s how I decompress.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN ASPIRING TO LEADERSHIP ROLES?

I think the world loves a confident but humble soul. I would say to be the servant leader wherever you are, in whatever you are doing, no matter how small the moment. All of the small moments add up to a habit of looking out for the wellbeing of others. Being aware andconscious about your impact on others is a very intentional way to live out our values. My networking group says, “Givers Gain,” and I truly believe in this motto.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY MENTORS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

Mentors have been immensely important to me over the years. As a young woman in a business office, my beloved manager, Marlene Harn, was my confidant and cheerleader.  She unequivocally boosted my exposure to the boardroom and bolstered my confidence to ask for whatever I needed for my department or for my own professional development.  As a young mother, she again helped me balance my obligations without apology but always with the best foot forward for my career.

Sheri Osburn Owner, CertaPro Painters of the CSRA

Cary Frommer Horse Trainer, Cary Frommer LLC

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

My first job after finishing graduate school was working as a professional dancer with International Ballet Rotaru.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

I began working at Aiken Center for the Arts in 2015 as the finance director and was asked to step into my current role in 2019.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY MENTORS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

Susan Anderson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in Dance and the founding director of the USC Dance program and Company, was my teacher all four years at USC in Columbia. My undergraduate work was in accounting and finance, but I enjoyed taking dance classes and performing with the University dance company throughout my time at USC. When I graduated, Susan encouraged me to apply to graduate school in dance at her alma mater UCI Irvine. Susan has encouraged and supported me throughout my adult life as I moved through performing, teaching, and now administrative work in the arts. Even though we don’t have frequent contact, she has always been the voice that said, “you can do this.” We all need that!

WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

Having the privilege to walk alongside and learn from the incredible people creating, teaching, and sharing themselves through their art with our community brings me joy. Whether it’s watching a friendship grow in our Art and Music programming for people living with cognitive and/or physical disabilities, listening to our beginning students learning to play the violin, witnessing the moment when a school student receives a compliment on their artwork displayed in public for the first time, collaborating with an artist to create an exhibition, or brainstorming with staff and board members to continue to grow arts access in our community; I consider it an honor to be in the position to support a space where people can gather in the spirit of community, enjoy one another, and celebrate art as a shared experience.

“Having the privilege to walk alongside and learn from the incredible people creating, teaching, and sharing themselves through their art with our community brings me joy. ”

Caroline Gwinn Executive Director Aiken Center for the Arts

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Boutique BOSSES

Aiken is fortunate to host many women-owned businesses, especially in an industry that is thriving-women’s fashion. There is no shortage of Aiken boutiques, and while they all strive to be successful, their owners have also managed to maintain a camaraderie that is inspiring.

We gathered some Aiken boutique owners for a “Boss Lady” photo shoot, and who better to have front and center than Bobby Ard, otherwise known as #bossbobby! Bobby, a former nurse, is the owner of Beyond Bijoux on Laurens Street. Her passion for fashion started as a child. She wanted to be a costume designer since she was a little girl, and nine years ago in collaboration with her sister who owns Beyond Bijoux in New Jersey, Bobby opened Beyond Bijoux Aiken. Bobby noted, “I fell so much in love with helping ladies dress and accessorize their outfits and making them feel confident and beautiful! We started with around 800 square feet in 2014, and because of all the fantastic support from Aiken, we have grown to a whopping 5,300 square feet. It’s been an amazing ride thus far, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the great people of Aiken!”

Aiken’s Boutique Owners Are Taking Care of Business!

Jessica Preissler

Bobby Ard

Right across the street from Boss Bobby is the Queen Bee, Brooke Thomas. Brooke started her fashion journey during her freshman year at the University of South Carolina Aiken by making homemade jewelry and selling it at local markets. She saved her profits and in her senior year, secured a location on Laurens Street. She signed her lease on March 1, 2020, and then COVID hit. She finished school online and worked to renovate the shop during the pandemic. Ginger Bee opened its doors on July 18, 2020. “We are going on year three, and I still love owning a women’s clothing store! There is nothing more rewarding than helping women feel their best!” Brooke said.

Just a street over, Jessica Gaskins and Kelsey Cook share a space on Pendleton Street. Jessica owns Maddie P Boutique, a bright, trendy shop for girls where all are sure to find something they’ll love.  Kels+Faith is owned by Kelsey. She serves young women who are looking for something comfy to wear at home or work.

Apricot Lane Boutique, located on Whiskey Road, is owned by Lyndsey Mari. Her special mission is to spread community and make everyone feel welcome in her shop, including fellow shop owners. Lyndsey wants women of all walks of life to know that regardless of their background, they can do what they want, and she encourages women to work together as sisters instead of breaking each other down.

Holding down the south side of town with two locations is Vikki Woody, owner of Vikki’s… A Unique Boutique. Vikki’s favorite saying is “Shop Aiken, shop local, shop Vikki’s!” Vikki opened her Whiskey Road location in 2017. Last year she added a new shop on Pine Log Road which specializes in resort and vacation wear as well as inclusive sizing.

Aiken is fortunate to have such an impressive collection of boutiques with owners that stick together and provide a great example to our girls of how women-owned businesses can be successful and supportive.

OUR FEATURED BOUTIQUE BOSSES

Apricot Lane - Lyndsey Mari (Represented by Taylor Hanna, assistant manager)

Beyond Bijoux- Bobby Ard

Ginger Bee - Brooke Thomas

Kels+Faith- Kelsey Cook

Maddie P. Boutique- Jessica Preissler

Vikki's…A Unique Boutique- Vikki Woody

A special thanks to Jan Friday and Aiken Transport for the use of one of their beautiful rides!

Brooke Thomas

Vikki Woody

Taylor Hanna

A FRESH NEW LOOK

Aiken Medical Aesthetics Adds Home & Gift Space to Location!

A favorite of Aiken for skincare and injections, Aiken Medical Aesthetics now houses Mélange Home & Gift making it a collective space, spearheaded by respected designer Liz Roy.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

“Liz’s design skills are enjoyed and admired every day at our beautiful spa. We are thrilled to now have her skills realized in a fun new way! I am excited for the future and look forward to continuing to provide impeccable facial aesthetic services to our beautiful community. I definitely appreciate and value all the love and support we have received as we both realize our dreams.” -Kristin

Cadavos

“Just like in life, design is balanced when different elements work together. Introducing touches of old, new, modern and traditional, achieves timeless designs unique to every project. I love creating beautiful spaces for clients with this philosophy. It’s a dream come true to have a footprint in Aiken as a designer opening a home and gift shop suitable to all walks of life. I can’t wait to show you the Mélange.” -Liz

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Aiken Master Gardener Lunch Box Series

223 S. AIKEN BLVD, AIKEN, SC | 12:00 PM

Ryan Williams of Grass Roots Yard Supply in Graniteville presents "Plants! Bringing Life Indoors" at Millbrook Baptist Church, 12pm-1pm. Feel free to bring snacks, lunch not provided.

National Day of Prayer

SRP FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HAYNE AND LAUREN'S LOCATION | 12:00 PM

Come pray for our nation with others at the SRP downtown. All are welcome! Evening prayer will be at Lessie B. Price Aiken Youth and Senior Center and will include a small service from 6:45pm-8:15pm. Sponsored by the Aiken National Day of Prayer Committee.

Very Vera Cook Book Signing

3 MONKEYS | 1:00 PM

Meet Vera and have your cook book signed! Aiken is happy to welcome this local author as she introduces her newly released second book Occasions. 1pm-3pm

"BLUEGRASS AND RAGTIME" presented by Aiken Choral Society

AIKEN'S FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 120 CHESTERFIELD STREET NORTH AIKEN, SC | 4:00 PM

A performance of American composers who represent America's contribution to the world of music. Enjoy the unique sounds of bluegrass and ragtime in pieces by Carol Barnett, William Billings, Moses Hogan, Scott Joplin, and Aaron Copland under the direction of Dr. Maureen Simpson and accompanied by David Brown at the piano. Free event but donations welcome!

SPCA Saddle Up for Adoption Day at Aiken Saddlery

1090 E PINE LOG RD, AIKEN, SC | 12:00 PM

Aiken Saddlery to host a monthly adoption event for sweet, sheltered animals. Two or three dogs will be onsite that are available for the community to scout for adoption, 12pm-3pm. Enjoy 25% off dog apparel, 10% off dog food, and you get a surprise if you adopt a pet while there. Come and check it out!

MAY 19TH-21ST & 25TH-27TH

Monty Python's Spamalot

AECOM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 126 NEWBERRY ST. SW AIKEN, SC | 7:30 PM

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony® Awards including Best Musical and was followed by two successful West End runs. Show time 7:30pm, excluding May 21st, which starts at 2pm.

Want to be featured?

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

How can faith help us have better mental wellness?

Cedar Creek Church leads the way in connecting mental wellness and spirituality.

Equipping our community to find meaning, purpose, connectedness, peace, hope, and overall well-being.

Weekly

• Cedar Creek Church podcasts with national and local mental health experts, including Jay Earles, Larry Glover, Leslie Addison, Bianca Otterbein, Dallas Bennett, Sarah J. Robinson and Terry Lee.

• Mental Health Community of Hope - free monthly gathering open to anyone who wants to learn more about mental health.

• NAMI Family to Family group at the West Campus / YMCA - a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions.

• Keeping Hope in Mind, A Four-Week Sunday Message Series, exploring how faith can partner with other tools to help us have better mental health and equip us to care for individuals and their families who are struggling with mental health challenges.

• Celebrate Recovery Program

• Grief Share

• Divorce Care

Ongoing

• Appointment availability with Licensed Professional Counselors in the Care & Counseling Department.

• Partnership with Overflow Foundation, which provides mental health education and promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

• Mental Health Coaching Certification Program

Annually

• Mental Health & The Modern Church Conference to equip the community to provide effective and compassionate care to individuals struggling with their mental health.

Upcoming Special Event

Sunday, May 7th | Cedar Creek Church - Banks Mill Campus

• An in-person Q&A session featuring Sarah J. Robinson, the Author of I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die - Finding Hope in the Darkness of Depression, and mental health counselor, Leslie Addison, LPC. Open to parents, teens, and older elementary students in our community.

www.cedarcreekchurch.net

803.649.3096