Cedar Creek Church
Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
We’re a gospel-centered church where people gather each week to worship, grow in faith, and learn to walk with Jesus in the everyday rhythms of life.
Whether you’re new to the area, searching for community, or ready to grow deeper in your faith — we’d love to walk with you.
Explore!
Few themes feel more natural to me than Explore. Whether I am wandering the sandy trails of Hitchcock Woods with my camera in hand, chasing wildlife sightings, discovering a hidden roadside destination or simply finding a quiet place to recharge outdoors, exploration has always been one of my favorite ways to experience life. In this issue, we celebrate the joy of curiosity, adventure and stepping away from the noise long enough to reconnect with nature, community and the moments that remind us to slow down and look a little closer.
For our July Explore issue, we invite you to slow down and reconnect with the natural beauty waiting close to home. Beneath the towering pines of Hitchcock Woods, along the sandy trails, through quiet wildlife encounters and the remarkable return of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, we are reminded that wild places still have the power to restore us.
We also venture to Callaway Resort & Gardens where birds of prey, dazzling butterflies, lakeside evenings and nostalgic family-centered charm create the kind of getaway that encourages us to unplug, breathe deeper and simply enjoy the moment.
Of course, every great summer adventure requires the right gear, especially here in the South where mosquitoes and no-see-ums can quickly cut exploration short. This month, we share the inspiring story behind Buzz Blocker Mosquito & No-See-Um Repellent, created by Diana Shea after a frightening reaction her daughter experienced from a mosquito bite sparked a mission to help families enjoy the outdoors more comfortably and confidently.
And because summer adventures also leave their mark on our homes, we spotlight the hardworking twin brothers behind Sunshine SoftWash & Windows, whose dedication to helping Aiken shine began when they stepped into business ownership at just 18 years old. From soft washing and sparkling windows to festive Christmas light displays that brighten the community each holiday season, Brent and Brad Chavis have built their business on old-fashioned customer service, integrity and pride in the place they call home. Their story is a reminder that exploration is not always about traveling far. Sometimes it is about investing in and caring for the community right outside your own front door.
I hope you enjoy exploring this issue! See you next month!
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Elvis
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gayle Bryan, Nikita Hanif
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gayle Bryan, Whitney Ray
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER
Braithwaite McMillian Grimes - Injury Attorneys and Counselors at Law, LLC serves the entire CSRA with more than 40 years of combined experience. Our attorneys are former prosecutors, public defenders, and insurance attorneys that use their experience to help clients find creative solutions to difficult problems and deliver results in Personal Injury, DUI, Criminal, Motor Vehicle Accident, Commercial Trucking, and Nursing Home Neglect or Negligence cases. Attorneys Licensed in SC and GA.
city scene
1: Bobby Ard volunteering with ADDA for Hops & Hogs. 2: Melody Nichols, Franny Weaver and Emily Mercer enjoyed a night downtown for Hops & Hogs. 3: These ladies were all smiles downtown! 4: Face painting always brings smiles to Newberry Street! 5: Bigg Putts brought some serious fun to Hops & Hogs. 6: Putt putt was fun for attendees of all ages during Hops & Hogs. 7: Candice White and Sophia Hand were enjoying the live music and great atmosphere downtown. Photography by Nikita Hanif
8: Dance parties were happening with the live music during Hops & Hogs. 9: Josh and Jennifer Maxwell enjoyed a night out on Newberry Street. 10: Chase and Julia Tucker enjoyed Hops & Hogs for a date night! 11: Teresa and John Boynton enjoyed supporting local businesses downtown. 12: Robbie Breland and the Woodchuckers crew brought all the fun to The Alley. 13: Tasha and Steve Davis headed to Hops & Hogs for an evening supporting downtown. 14: Shayne Tenace from Absoulute Audio was a stage sponsor for Hops & Hogs.
Photography by Nikita Hanif
city scene
15: The Snowdens are always the first to support small businesses downtown! 16: James and Jamie Williams, Bobby Ard and Madeline Walker enjoy their night! 17: This booth was stunning at the Aiken Garden Show. 18: Purebred Compost was at the Garden Show to educate everyone on their composting options. 19: Such a beautiful selection at the Garden Show. 20: A special author shared her books with Kaden and Kai. 21: Kayla Pawlowski and David Meunier at Polo for Pedro at La Bourgogne Club de Polo. Photography by Nikita Hanif
22: Nelson Tamargo, Leilani Pacheco, Nikita Hanif and Katie Roth at Polo for Pedro. 23: This young man was all smiles about a day of polo! 24: These ladies played quite an exhilarating match! 25: The winners of the women’s match! 26: David Meunier had a sweet family moment at the polo field. 27: These sweet girls enjoyed the sunshine and polo at La Bourgogne Club de Polo. 28: Grant Beebe and Nikita Hanif at Polo for Pedro.
Photography by Nikita Hanif
THE POWER OF A SKILLED LOCAL TEAM
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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY GAYLE BRYAN
A Walk in the Woods
EXPLORE THE WILD SIDE OF HITCHCOCK WOODS
Eastern Bluebird
“The Woods feel less like a park and more like a sanctuary, a natural oasis tucked directly into the heart of Aiken. ”
In a town known for horses, hospitality and Southern charm, Hitchcock Woods may be Aiken’s greatest treasure of all. More than 2,000 acres of towering longleaf pines and sandy trails create something increasingly rare in modern life: an authentic escape.
Step beneath the canopy and the pace changes almost instantly. Traffic noise fades. Cell phones become less interesting. Sunlight filters softly through the trees while sandy paths wind through ridges, ponds and quiet hollows. The Woods feel less like a park and more like a sanctuary, a natural oasis tucked directly into the heart of Aiken.
But beyond the stillness, Hitchcock Woods is also remarkably alive.
A walk beneath the pines often becomes an exercise in slowing down enough to notice. A flash of electric blue reveals an Eastern bluebird perched along the trail. The unmistakable hammering of a pileated woodpecker echoes through the forest like distant construction work. Fox squirrels, larger and far more dramatic than the gray squirrels found in most neighborhoods, bound across the sandy floor or spiral effortlessly up towering trunks, their silver-gray and black coats blending almost seamlessly into the bark.
Then there is one of the Woods’ most extraordinary residents: the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Unlike most woodpeckers, red-cockaded woodpeckers carve nesting cavities into living longleaf pine trees, a habitat that once covered much of the South but has largely disappeared over the
Pileated Woodpecker
Fox Squirrel
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
last century. By the late 1900s, the species had declined dramatically and was nearing extinction as old-growth longleaf forests vanished.
Because Hitchcock Woods preserves one of the region’s remaining longleaf pine ecosystems through careful stewardship and prescribed burns, conservationists saw an opportunity. In partnership with wildlife agencies, young red-cockaded woodpeckers were carefully relocated to the Woods to help reestablish a breeding population. Artificial nesting cavities were installed to encourage the birds to settle and thrive. Today their presence stands as both a conservation success story and a reminder of how important protected natural spaces truly are.
There is something fitting about that story here.
Hitchcock Woods has always been a refuge, not only for people seeking relief from the noise and pressure of everyday life but for wildlife
searching for disappearing habitat. In many ways, the Woods serve as a quiet reminder that preservation matters. Slowing down matters. Wild places still matter.
For generations, riders, runners, photographers and nature lovers have come here seeking peace, beauty and perspective. Some arrive for exercise. Others come to clear their minds. Many simply come to wander.
And perhaps that is the true magic of Hitchcock Woods. It does not ask for attention with grand entrances or dramatic overlooks. Its beauty unfolds quietly through filtered sunlight, birdsong, rustling pine needles and the unexpected thrill of spotting a rare woodpecker high above the trail.
In a world constantly urging us to move faster, Hitchcock Woods extends an invitation to do the opposite: breathe deeper, look closer and trade stress for stillness, if only for an hour.
Aiken City Lifestyle Publisher Gayle Bryan provided the wildlife photography featured in “A Walk in the Woods”. An outdoor enthusiast and award-winning wildlife photographer, Bryan captured these images during her personal walks through Hitchcock Woods, documenting the remarkable birds and wildlife that make the beloved urban forest such a treasured local sanctuary. Red-headed
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY RAY
BROTHERS BEHIND SUNSHINE
Brad and Brent Chavis
THE CHAVIS BROTHERS CONTINUE BUILDING A FAMILY DRIVEN BUSINESS CENTERED ON SERVICE, SPOTLESS HOMES AND UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS
Twin brothers Brent and Brad Chavis have built Sunshine SoftWash & Windows into a trusted name across Aiken and the CSRA through hard work, dedication and a strong commitment to customer service. From soft washing homes and businesses to sparkling windows and exterior cleaning services, the brothers have become known not only for the quality of their work but for the relationships they build with customers along the way. Their passion for serving the community and treating every property with care has helped Sunshine SoftWash continue to grow year after year.
For the Chavis brothers, the business has always been about far more than pressure washing. It has been about people. As Aiken natives, they care deeply about the community they serve and take pride in treating every home and business with respect. Their company was built on integrity, honesty and the belief that a handshake and a promise still matter. Those values continue to shape every part of Sunshine SoftWash today.
Customers are quick to notice the customer service. The Chavis brothers have never focused on gimmicks or high-pressure
sales tactics. Instead, they believe in showing up when they say they will, communicating clearly and delivering results that exceed expectations. That dedication has helped Sunshine SoftWash grow into one of the area’s trusted names for residential and commercial exterior cleaning services.
Their services cover nearly every aspect of exterior property care. From soft washing homes and roofs to gutter cleaning, window cleaning, mildew removal, deck and fence restoration and even solar panel cleaning, the company helps homeowners protect and maintain some of their biggest investments. Soft washing has become especially popular because it safely removes dirt, algae and buildup without damaging surfaces, helping homes look refreshed while extending the life of exterior materials.
Last year, the brothers introduced a brand new service that added even more excitement to the business. Sunshine SoftWash began offering professional Christmas light installations for both residential and commercial properties throughout Aiken and the surrounding area. What started as a seasonal addition quickly became one of their most talked about services.
Brad, Heather and their daughters.
Brent and Veronica Chavis and their son.
Veronic and Brent Chavis
“OUR BUSINESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE FIRST,” SAID BRENT CHAVIS. “WE WANT EVERY CUSTOMER TO FEEL LIKE FAMILY WHEN THEY CALL US. WHETHER WE’RE CLEANING A ROOF, WASHING A DRIVEWAY OR HANGING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, WE TAKE A LOT OF PRIDE IN DOING THE JOB RIGHT AND MAKING SURE PEOPLE KNOW THEY CAN COUNT ON US.”
Families across Aiken loved driving around town and spotting the beautiful displays Sunshine created during the holiday season. From elegant rooftops glowing with warm white lights to colorful commercial displays that turned businesses into festive landmarks, the installations brought a sense of magic and celebration to the community.
The Christmas light side of the business also requires months of preparation. The Chavis brothers said scheduling for installations begins as early as September while crews begin hanging lights in October to ensure homes and businesses are ready well before the holiday rush. Their team handles everything from installation and maintenance to takedown after the season ends, allowing families to simply enjoy the experience without the stress.
Even as the company continues to grow, the mission remains the same as it was when two determined 18-year-old brothers first took over the business. Family, honesty and customer service remain at the center of everything they do. These brothers have proven that when hard work is combined with heart, a local business can do much more than clean homes. It can brighten an entire community.
They also understand that their success would not be possible without the support of their families, loyal customers and hardworking team members. That family-centered mindset is visible in the way they operate every day. Whether they are washing a longtime
Heather Chavis and her daughters
customer’s home, cleaning gutters before storm season or installing thousands of Christmas lights for a business, they approach each project with pride and gratitude. In a fast-paced world where customer service often feels forgotten, Sunshine SoftWash continues to stand out by treating people like neighbors instead of numbers. That commitment is why their business continues to shine across Aiken. You can contact Sunshine Softwash & Windows by dialing (803) 642-6341 or emailing contact@thesunshineboys.com.
The Chavis families
Brent and his son
The Wait AN ADVENTURE WORTH
After Decades on the Bucket List, Callaway Gardens Delivered Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters, Natural Beauty and Nostalgic Charm
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN
Daniel Huertas, Executive Chef
A sea of Snap Dragons
A visit to Callaway Resort & Gardens had been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. In other words, a very long time ago. A friend from church visited every year with her family, and the way she described it made the place feel almost mythical — a sprawling Southern retreat where nature, family and tradition all came together. It took me 45 years to finally make the trip, so when the invitation came to spend a few days experiencing Callaway for myself, I didn’t hesitate.
My three-and-a-half-hour drive from Aiken stretched into four-and-a-half hours thanks to torrential rainstorms rolling across Georgia. Unfortunately, the weather also sidelined one thing I had been especially looking forward to: exploring Callaway’s more than 10 miles of paved biking and walking trails. Our host wisely suggested skipping the bridges while they were slick from the rain, and after spotting a mother tending to her son following a nasty wipeout, we were grateful for the advice.
Even before I fully unpacked, the resort immediately gave me a “Dirty Dancing” vibe — and I mean that in the best possible way. There is a nostalgic charm to the place that feels increasingly rare these days. Families gathered outdoors instead of staring at phones. Kids played. Grandparents relaxed in rocking chairs while parents explored with little ones in tow. Set across more than 2,500 acres in the Georgia countryside, Callaway somehow manages to feel both expansive and intimate at the same time.
What struck me most was how intentionally family-focused the experience feels. Many resorts divide activities by age so strictly that families spend most of the trip apart. At Callaway, there are countless opportunities to experience things together. Whether it’s strolling through the gardens, paddling on the lakes, attending outdoor programs, or simply sitting around a firepit in the evening, the property encourages connection.
Unsurprisingly, I was immediately drawn toward the wildlife experiences. I have visited wildlife attractions before and occasionally walked away underwhelmed and feeling sad for the animals. That was absolutely not the case with Callaway’s Birds of Prey program. Meagan DuVall, the program manager, delivered one of the most engaging wildlife presentations I have attended anywhere. Alongside Cedar the Great Horned Owl, Rohmann the Harris’s Hawk and Autumn the Red-shouldered Hawk, she created an experience that was equal parts educational and awe-inspiring.
The birds flew freely through the outdoor arena, soaring just overhead while children gasped, and I scrambled to capture the action.
Tiger Longwing Butterfly
Pink Jeeps escorted us around the property in style!
Owls have always fascinated me. I hear them often near my home, but actually seeing one up close is a rarity. Spending time just a few feet from Cedar was easily one of the highlights of my trip, and I suspect I will be telling stories about that encounter for years.
I honestly thought the Birds of Prey experience would be impossible to top, but the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center gave it a serious run for its money. One of the largest tropical butterfly conservatories in North America, the center is home to more than 1,000 butterflies representing dozens of species from around the world. Walking inside feels like stepping into another ecosystem entirely.
Tiger Longwings, Large Tree Nymphs and dazzling Blue Morphos flitted through the lush tropical environment around us. The Blue Morphos especially captured my attention. Their brilliant electric-blue wings flash through the conservatory like living streaks of light, making them both breathtaking and maddeningly difficult to photograph. Thankfully, I enjoy a challenge. In September and October, Callaway hosts an even larger migration of Blue Morphos, and after this visit, I already have plans penciled onto my calendar to return.
Of course, Callaway’s famous gardens remain at the heart of the property. We arrived just after peak azalea season, but the grounds were still stunning. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of the Callaway family’s vision and long-standing commitment to conservation, horticulture and environmental stewardship. Towering trees, winding paths, lakeside views and
GARDENS MAIN ENTRANCE
17617 US-27
Pine Mountain, GA 31822 (800) 225-5292 www.callawaygardens.com
Blue Morpho Butterfly
Cheers to a curated dinner on the lawn.
Meagan DuVall and Rohmann (Harris’s Hawk)
“It offers families a chance to unplug, reconnect and immerse themselves in experences that actually feel meaningful.”
In a world that moves increasingly fast, that may be Callaway’s greatest luxury of all.
carefully curated blooms create a setting that feels both polished and wonderfully natural.
After a full day outdoors, the spa provided the perfect reset. A relaxing massage followed by time in one of the Himalayan Salt Therapy rooms was exactly what I needed. It added another layer to the experience, making Callaway appealing not only to adventure seekers but also to those simply wanting to slow down and recharge.
The dining experiences were equally memorable. Executive Chef
Daniel Huertas curated a private lakeside dinner for our group beside one of the resort’s many lakes. Great food always tastes better outdoors, and between the setting, conversation and beautifully prepared meal, it became one of those evenings you wish could linger a little longer.
We also attended the final spring food-and-wine event of the season, where live music, wine pairings and eclectic tasting stations created a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly matched the spirit of the resort. It felt less like a formal event and more like a gathering of friends enjoying a Southern evening together.
In three days, I barely scratched the surface of everything Callaway Gardens has to offer. There are championship golf courses, fishing and canoeing lakes, the TreeTop Adventure and zip lines, seasonal events, biking trails and extensive nature programming throughout the year. It is easy to see why so many families return generation after generation.
And maybe that brings me back to why the “Dirty Dancing” comparison kept lingering in my mind throughout the trip. Callaway Gardens feels like a throwback to a simpler kind of vacation — one centered around time together instead of constant distraction. It offers families a chance to unplug, reconnect and immerse themselves in experiences that actually feel meaningful. In a world that moves increasingly fast, that may be Callaway’s greatest luxury of all.
Dauset, the Broad-Winged Hawk entertained during cocktail hour.
Rewiring Wellness with EXOMIND
At Integrative Flow Psychiatry, Dr. Rupal Patel, PMHNP-BC, is introducing a cutting-edge treatment designed for individuals looking to sharpen focus, improve mental clarity and restore emotional balance in today’s demanding world. Known as EXOMIND, this advanced, non-invasive therapy is gaining attention among athletes, executives, entrepreneurs and high-performing professionals searching for ways to combat burnout, brain fog and mental fatigue without medication or invasive procedures.
In a community like Aiken, where competitive golfers, polo players, equestrians, business owners and professionals constantly balance demanding schedules and high expectations, mental wellness and focus have become just as important as physical performance. EXOMIND is designed to
strengthen the brain much like exercise strengthens the body. Using patented ExoTMS technology, the treatment stimulates key areas of the brain connected to cognitive performance, emotional regulation, focus, motivation and self control.
Each session lasts under thirty minutes which allows patients to walk in, receive treatment and immediately return to work, practice, meetings or daily responsibilities with no downtime. By stimulating neural pathways within the brain, EXOMIND supports neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to adapt, heal and form healthier connections. The result is improved mental resilience, sharper focus, reduced stress and greater emotional clarity.
Around the country, similar therapies have become increasingly popular among professional athletes and executives seeking a competitive edge through optimized mental performance. Several well-known sports figures have openly embraced EXOMIND as part of their wellness and performance routines. Serena Williams, the twenty-three time Grand Slam tennis champion, utilizes EXOMIND to exercise her brain, promote neuroplasticity and stay mentally sharp both on and off the court. Kevin Love, NBA Champion and mental health advocate, incorporates EXOMIND into his routine to help stay balanced, grounded and fully present while managing the pressures that come with elite level performance.
Patient results have been encouraging. Many individuals report feeling calmer, more focused and less mentally exhausted following treatments. Ninety-one percent of patients diagnosed with depression reported feeling less depressed and calmer at their one-month follow-up, while ninety percent described treatments as comfortable.
As conversations around mental wellness continue to evolve, EXOMIND offers a modern approach for individuals who want to perform at their highest level mentally and emotionally while prioritizing long-term brain health, focus and overall well-being in both their personal and professional lives every single day. Call their office at (803) 716-8002 to set up an appointment or visit their website integrativeflowpsychiatry.com.
Innovative Therapy at Integrative Flow Psychiatry Helps Professionals Strengthen Mental Wellness without Medication
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF
M A K E T H I S S U N D A Y
T H E B E S T O N E Y E T
There’s no better way to start the week than with friends. NewSpring Church is a multi-generational church that gathers every Sunday in Aiken and online.
We come from all over and have something for everyone. No matter where you settle in South Carolina, you'll find a friend or neighbor at one of our 13 campus locations.
Find out more about our beliefs and see the exciting things available for children, teens, and adults at www.NewSpring.cc.
NewSpring Church Aiken Campus www NewSpring cc Sundays at 9:15am & 11:15am
@newspringchurch /NewSpring
DRIVEN BY Service AND Southern HOSPITALITY
Aiken Transport Express Continues Growing through Personalized Care, Dependable Transportation and Exceptional Customer Service
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY RAY
Spending time with Jan Friday, owner of Aiken Transport Express, quickly makes one thing clear. His business is about far more than simply getting passengers from one destination to another. It is about creating an experience centered around reliability, comfort, professionalism and genuine care for every person who steps into one of his vehicles. Friday is also especially excited about the future of the family business as his son, Jackson Friday, recently joined the company as office administrator after graduating from Piedmont Technical College with an associate degree in business.
Over the years, Aiken Transport Express has continued to grow throughout the community, and Friday says much of that success comes from treating customers like family. Whether he is helping visitors arriving for a world class golf experience, coordinating airport transportation or assisting local families traveling to special celebrations, Friday and his team understand how important dependable transportation can be.
One of the things Friday enjoys most about the business is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. On any given day, the company may be transporting guests flying into the area for a golf trip, helping a family get to a beautiful wedding at The Willcox or taking a local couple downtown for an anniversary dinner without the stress of driving or parking. Every ride brings a new story and a new connection.
Friday explained that personalized service and attention to detail remain at the center of everything they do. Their drivers focus on making passengers feel comfortable, welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive. That level of service matters whether they are pulling directly onto the runway to assist guests from a private plane into the backseat of a luxury vehicle or helping residents enjoy a safe evening around downtown Aiken.
The Aiken Transport Team
For many customers, the service provides valuable peace of mind. Friday shared that many local residents no longer want the stress of driving after dark or making an exhausting four a.m. journey to the airport. Instead, they are choosing the convenience and comfort of having a professional driver handle the transportation while they relax and enjoy the ride. CONTINUED >
Owner Jan Friday
Buster Randall, Driver
Sandra Yochum, Human Resources and Driver
As demand for transportation services continues to increase throughout the area, Aiken Transport Express has expanded its fleet to meet those needs. Friday said the company now operates seven vehicles and currently handles around 200 trips each month. Despite that impressive growth, he remains committed to ensuring every customer continues to receive the same personalized attention the company was built upon.
That commitment to consistency is what continues to set Aiken Transport Express apart. In a fast-paced world where customer service often feels rushed or impersonal, Friday and his team continue to focus on hospitality, professionalism and creating meaningful experiences for every passenger. Their growth reflects not only the increasing demand for reliable transportation in Aiken but also the trust they have built within the community through hard work, dedication and exceptional service.
Friday smiled while talking about how rewarding it has been to watch the company evolve from a small local transportation service into a trusted name throughout the region. He credits much of that growth to repeat customers, word-of-mouth recommendations and a team of drivers who genuinely care about providing a positive experience. He explained that transportation is often connected to important moments in people’s lives, so his team works hard to make every ride smooth and memorable.
Friday said many clients become repeat customers because they know exactly what to expect every time they book a ride. Clean vehicles, professional drivers and communication help remove uncertainty from travel plans. He believes consistency matters as much as luxury because customers want to feel safe and appreciated throughout each mile.
Even as the company continues expanding, Friday said they never want customers to feel like just another reservation on a schedule. Instead, every passenger is treated with the same level of care, respect and attention they would offer members of their own family. From early morning airport runs to elegant evenings downtown, Aiken Transport Express continues helping residents and visitors travel comfortably, safely and stress-free while experiencing the best of true Southern hospitality.
Jeff Rienzo, CFO & Driver
EXPLORE MORE.
ARTICLE BY DIANA SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
WHAT BEGAN AS A MOTHER’S KITCHEN
EXPERIMENT BECAME A TRUSTED SOLUTION FOR OUTDOOR-LOVING FAMILIES.
Exploration requires the right tools, and especially in the South, that means an effective insect repellent! A decade ago on a warm evening, what should have been a carefree summer memory became the beginning of an unexpected journey for Diana Shea. While swimming at dusk in their wooded backyard, her daughter Katie was bitten by a mosquito and developed a severe skin reaction within minutes. It was not life-threatening, but it was painful, frightening and enough to make outdoor play suddenly feel unsafe. In that moment, Shea realized that for families like hers, “mostly effective” mosquito protection simply was not enough.
Like many parents hoping to avoid harsh chemical repellents, Shea first turned to natural alternatives. She purchased sprays, bracelets, stickers and yard treatments — anything that promised relief. Unfortunately, none delivered the protection her family needed. The cycle of
hope followed by disappointment became exhausting, but it also motivated her to search for a better solution.
Years earlier, Shea had already spent time creating natural remedies to help soothe her son’s eczema, so she returned to what she knew best: experimenting in her own kitchen. She was not a chemist, but a former real estate broker turned stay-at-home mom who simply wanted her children to enjoy the outdoors comfortably again. To her surprise, the very first formula she created worked remarkably well. Katie could finally play outside without worrying about painful skin flare-ups, and the difference was immediate.
What began as a personal solution quickly grew through word of mouth. Friends and family started requesting bottles for summer camps, vacations and backyard gatherings. Their encouragement eventually inspired Shea to launch what is now known as Buzz Blocker Mosquito & No-See-Um Repellent under the company name Katie’s Clean Creations — a name proudly chosen by Katie herself, the inspiration behind it all.
During the quiet months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business officially took shape. Today, Buzz Blocker has earned loyal customers nationwide, especially in the South and coastal areas, where relentless no-see-ums challenge even conventional repellents. The formula remains true to its roots: certified organic ingredients, no harsh chemicals and dependable effectiveness. Many customers also report success against horseflies, ticks and even fire ants.
Buzz Blocker is currently available as a 4 oz spray, a tallow-based formula and a convenient 3 oz roll-on. Customers can shop online through Katie’s Clean Creations or visit select retailers, including Aiken Saddlery. The company also welcomes inquiries from retailers interested in carrying the product.
Sometimes the most meaningful innovations do not come from laboratories or large corporations. They come from ordinary families, a little determination and the simple belief that children should be able to enjoy the outdoors comfortably and confidently.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
JULY 3RD
Red, White & Pickleball
Virginia Acres Park | 7:00 PM
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Serve up fun at Southern Pickleball Academy’s annual Red, White & Pickleball event at Virginia Acres’ outdoor pickleball courts. Open to all skill levels, this community gathering combines friendly competition with support for Golden Harvest Food Bank through canned good donations and raffle prizes.
JULY 4TH
July 4th at The Barn
Gaston Livery Stable | 10:00 AM
Gather at The Barn for a patriotic celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. Families can enjoy vintage games, interactive activities and festive entertainment during this community-focused Independence Day event.
JULY 8TH
Flights & Bites
Whiskey Alley
Gather at Whiskey Alley for Flights & Bites, an intimate dining experience featuring expertly paired spirits and a chef-crafted, multi-course menu. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, handcrafted cocktails and an evening focused on flavor, storytelling and elevated hospitality.
JULY 11TH
Aiken Music Fest
Highfields Event Center | 7:00 PM
Experience an unforgettable night of live music at Aiken Music Fest as The Soulfeathers take the stage at Highfields Event Center. This outdoor summer concert offers a lively atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends, enjoying local vendors and soaking in an evening of entertainment.
JULY 23RD
Amp The Alley
The Alley | 6:30 PM
Downtown Aiken comes alive during Amp the Alley, a free concert series featuring live music, local art and a vibrant nightlife throughout the season. Guests can stroll The Alley, visit nearby restaurants, and enjoy an energetic Thursday-evening atmosphere with friends and family.
JULY 31ST
Drive in Movie at The Big Mo
The Big MO | 6:30 PM
Catch a movie under the stars at The Big Mo, a classic drive-in theater offering three double features each weekend from spring through fall. Guests can enjoy a nostalgic movie-going experience complete with concessions, in-car audio and family-friendly entertainment.
JULY 2026 Want
