Premier General Contractors Since 1986
Beyond providing quality workmanship and comprehensive design/build services, we strive to build a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with each of our clients’ large and small. We accomplish this by putting your priorities first and conducting ourselves with integrity in every aspect of our business.
Letter from the Editor
May is a time of warmth, renewal, and appreciation for the women who make our world brighter. In this special issue, we’re celebrating women who lead with passion, strength, and care—whether through their businesses, their service to others, or the wellness they bring to our community.
We begin with a look at Paws in Paradise Luxury Resort & Spa and its exciting new Wellness Program, led by Crystal Lesley. With over 25 years of experience as a veterinary assistant, Crystal is bringing a fresh approach to pet wellness, ensuring our four-legged companions receive the best care possible.
We’re also highlighting Antoinette White, the powerhouse behind Home Clean Heroes of Augusta. Through her business, Antoinette isn’t just providing a service—she’s offering peace of mind and a helping hand, proving that a clean home can be a source of comfort and joy.
And finally, we turn to Luceat Vita Wellness, where cutting-edge wellness meets self-care. From cryostimulation and IV therapy to body contouring and whole-body wellness treatments, Luceat Vita is redefining the way we recharge, refresh, and feel our best.
As we celebrate the women featured in this issue, we also celebrate the women in our own lives—those who uplift, nurture, and inspire us every day. May this month be a reminder of the strength found in community, the beauty in wellness, and the power of women supporting women.
Here’s to the women who make the world brighter!
BAILEY HALL, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @CITYLIFESTYLEAUGUSTA
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bailey Hall, Mel Boban, Michelle Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Mad Marketing
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Chick-fil-A Augusta Exchange Has Moved!
Great news, Chick-fil-A fans! The Augusta Exchange location has officially moved to 267 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Pkwy (formerly O’Charley’s) and is now open! The new restaurant features an expanded dining room, a mobile-friendly drive-thru, and a playground for the kids. Stop by and check out the new space while enjoying your favorite Chick-fil-A meal. Operator Kenny Hanna and his team look forward to serving you!
24/7 Emergency Care Coming to Columbia County
Columbia County’s first freestanding emergency room, Doctors Hospital Evans Emergency, is under construction in Evans and set to open this fall. The 10,860-square-foot facility will provide 24/7 emergency care, advanced imaging, lab, and pharmacy services—offering the same level of care as a hospital ER. This $15 million project expands access to life-saving treatment for the community. For more information, visit sdclifton.com or follow Clifton Construction on Facebook.
Bird & Branch Furniture Expands with Boutique Clothing!
Bird & Branch Furniture just got even better! In addition to their beautifully curated furniture collection, they’ve added a boutique clothing section. With stylish new pieces arriving regularly, now is the perfect time to stop by and explore their latest additions. Visit Bird & Branch Furniture to find the perfect piece for your home—and maybe a new favorite outfit too!
AN EXTRA TOUCH OF COMFORT and Care
PAWS IN PARADISE LUXURY RESORT & SPA'S NEW WELLNESS PROGRAM
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL
As the CSRA’s premiere pet boarding, daycare, and grooming facility, Paws in Paradise Luxury Resort and Spa continually strives to provide the best care for pets. The facility just took that care to the next level by adding a new Wellness Program led by Crystal Lesley, a veterinary assistant with over twenty-five years of experience. This month, Crystal shares more about the exciting services offered through the Wellness Program.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR
BACKGROUND.
Animals have always been very important to me. When my kids were young, I was a stay-at-home mom, but in 1999, I started as a vet assistant and loved every aspect of veterinary medicine. Over the years, I was lead surgery technician and I’m certified in cardiac ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, and canine therapeutic laser. Recently, I was given the opportunity to come to Paws in Paradise to develop the new Wellness Program. Paws is already a wonderful facility and for me to be able to come here and do what I love to do is exciting.
WHAT SERVICES DOES THE WELLNESS PROGRAM OFFER?
I’m able to do vaccines, fecal testing, laser therapy on dogs for arthritis and joint pain, urinalysis, heartworm tests, ear checks…. things like that for animals that are boarding with us and animals that are not. I'm also certified in animal nutrition and therapeutic nutrition. There is a lot of dog food out there with a lot of information and it can be overwhelming, especially if your pets have allergies or if your dog is diabetic or in renal, liver, or heart failure. Nutrition plays a huge part in those situations, so anytime someone wants to come in, I can talk to them about the nutritional aspects of what their dog is going through.
WHAT ABOUT SITUATIONS WHEN A VETERINARIAN MAY BE NEEDED?
I’m not trying to take the place of their vet. I’m trying to help out in the interim while the pet is here with us. My background is vet med, so I’m very pro vet! If anything happens while these animals are here when their owners are away, I'm here to help them until their owners get back. If it's something I can treat, then I want to be able to do that. If it's something that they need to go straight to the vet, we have partnered with Care More Animal Hospital and Dr. Gross, who I’ve known and worked with for a very long time, so I'm able to run an animal straight to him and he is right there to help. And, if I have any questions, I've got Dr. Gross on speed dial.
WHAT ARE OTHER BENEFITS OF THE WELLNESS PROGRAM?
Dogs that have epilepsy or diabetes may have been turned away from boarding before because we didn’t have the ability to monitor those situations. We can now accept medical cases because I can check blood glucose levels for our diabetic pets and I am able to monitor and stop seizures should something like that occur during their stay. Additionally, if any animals come in that need fluids, for example in cases of renal failure and their vet has prescribed subcutaneous fluids, I can continue that while they are here.
If anything happens while these animals are here, I'm here to help them until their owners get back.
WHAT ELSE IS IMPORTANT FOR READERS TO KNOW?
Obviously, I'm not a vet, so I can't diagnose anything or prescribe medications, but I can do all the testing, if needed, and rule things out. I can also ensure everybody is free of parasites and things to make it safe here for all dogs. I'm using my experience to help and better their time here and hopefully, I'm providing a service that is beneficial to both the owner and the pet.
Paws in Paradise Luxury Resort & Spa is located at 4319 Evans to Locks Road. For more information or to book services for a pet, visit www.pawsinparadiseresort. com or call 706-750-9042.
FIGHTING GRIME, SUPPORTING HEROES
Home Clean Heroes
of Augusta
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
When it comes to keeping homes spotless, Home Clean Heroes of Augusta does more than just clean—they give back. “Home Clean Heroes is the only residential cleaning company that supports first responders with every home we clean,” says Antoinette White, Owner of Home Clean Heroes of Augusta. A portion of every cleaning fee goes to the Heroes First initiative, a partnership with the First Responders Children’s Foundation. These funds have provided scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year, bereavement support, and mental health programs for first responders and their families. They even hold an annual contest to send a first responder to New York City for front-row views of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Since launching in April 2021, owners Tony and Antoinette White have worked
tirelessly to grow their business. “When we first launched, I was cleaning alongside my team most days,” says Antoinette. Now, she manages three teams daily and is expanding services into Aiken.
One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing the impact their services have on customers. “Being able to save a stressed-out mom from one more thing on her to-do list, or helping someone who has been sick and unable to clean—it makes a difference,” Antoinette says. Home Clean Heroes also celebrates life’s milestones with their customers, whether it’s welcoming a new baby, sending a child off to college, or adopting a new pet. “Our mission is to defend our customers’ free time, so they can spend it on the things that matter most.”
Military veterans like Tony and Antoinette bring a strong sense of
leadership to franchise ownership. “Veterans are wired to follow systems and focus on accomplishing the mission,” Antoinette explains. “That’s crucial when leading a team.”
Home Clean Heroes takes extra care to ensure homes are cleaned thoroughly and safely. “We clean everything in the home, every time—not on a rotational basis,” says Antoinette. To prevent cross-contamination, cleaning cloths used in one home are never reused until laundered, and bathroom cloths never touch kitchen surfaces.
Before setting up recurring service, Antoinette personally meets with each customer to understand their needs. From there, the process is seamless, with text reminders and quality assurance checks ensuring top-tier service. Their “grime-fighters” undergo extensive training and background checks, ensuring homeowners receive trusted, high-quality cleaning every time.
To book a cleaning, call 706.400.6370 or visit HomeCleanHeroes.com/Augusta .
THE CHEF'S TABLE WITH BILL COXWELL
Homestyle macaroni & cheese, just like mom made
MOTHER’S MACARONI & CHEESE
Serves 8-10
Nothing says comfort like homemade macaroni and cheese.
Chef Bill Coxwell, Owner of Sweet Azalea Gourmet Shop & Catering, shares his mother’s classic recipe—a rich, creamy dish perfect for family gatherings and a timeless way to show love through food.
ingredients:
• 2 cups dry macaroni cooked in salted water
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ stick butter
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 eggs, beaten
• salt and black pepper to taste
directions:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
Step 2. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Step 3. Layer half of the cooked macaroni in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Step 4. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Step 5. Dot with pieces of butter.
Step 6. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over the macaroni layer.
Step 7. Repeat the layering process, except do not put on remaining cheese.
Step 8. Whisk together milk and eggs until fluffy.
Step 9. Pour over macaroni layers.
Step 10. Top with remaining cheese.
Step 11. Bake for about 45 minutes until edges begin to brown and center barely jiggles when shaken.
Step 12. Let rest at room temperature about 10 minutes before serving to help “set”.
DIY DAY
INSPIRATION FOR A MOTHER/ DAUGHTER DIY DAY
WITH MOM
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
An afternoon spent together is priceless with today’s busy schedules. Instead of going out, staying in can provide quaint, quiet one-on-one time for a mother and daughter (or multiple daughters). Finding time on calendars is the hard part, and filling that time is all fun from there. Here are a few favorite ideas for inspiration that may spark excitement for planning those special times together.
01 Charm Necklaces
Custom DIY charm necklaces and bracelets are trending. Gather a theme idea: birthstones, family initials, travels or even favorite hobbies, and procure charms from your local craft store or online shop. Selecting charms for each other also could be a fun way to bring delight to the crafting occasion. Necklaces and bracelets can be made for each other, or as future gifts for upcoming occasions such as a family wedding, a birthday milestone or an anniversary.
03 Meal Prep
Text conversations around kitchen tips or ingredient procurement seem endless. Spend some time together in the kitchen preparing favorite family recipes, sharing Mom’s best tips and tricks. Choosing freezer-friendly meals is a great way to walk away with meals for upcoming busy days. There’s nothing like Mom’s recipes!
Storytelling makes for the best memories. Structure memory recall by filming or journaling interview-style question-and-answer sessions, cataloging information for future generations. Videos and notes with detailed family adventures are priceless, and we all always wish we had more of them.
Journaling
Small
Grooming
Wellness
Dog
Luceat Vita Wellness
Life Shine
Luceat Vita Wellness is more than just a medical spa—it’s a sanctuary for holistic health and well-being. Founded by Melissa Reese and Danielle Huggins, the wellness center is rooted in their personal health journeys.
“Melissa and I were searching for options to help us live our best lives and truly feel well again,” says Danielle. “That’s what inspired us to create Luceat Vita, which means ‘Let Life Shine.’”
Luceat Vita offers cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments designed to enhance overall well-being, from aesthetic improvements to pain management and injury recovery. “Our treatments are for everyone—young, middle-aged, and elderly. Whether you’re looking for cosmetic enhancements, anti-aging solutions, or general wellness support, we help clients feel their best from the inside out,” says Danielle.
One of Luceat Vita’s standout treatments is cryostimulation, a localized therapy that uses liquid CO2 to vasoconstrict tissue, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
“Cryostimulation can help with pain relief, improved range of motion, fat cell elimination, and even skin concerns like fine lines, dark spots, scars, and wrinkles,” explains Danielle. Unlike nitrogen-based cryotherapy chambers, cryostimulation allows for targeted treatments.
Another signature offering is the O2 Body Contour Suit, which maps the lymphatic
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAD MARKETING
system into 12 zones while delivering oxygen therapy. This innovative treatment promotes digestion, reduces fat cells, smooths cellulite, and enhances tissue repair. “It’s a fantastic option for pain management, post-workout recovery, weight loss, and even post-operative healing,” says Danielle.
For those looking for a comprehensive wellness experience, the Whole Body Wellness Pod combines five powerful therapies in a single 30-minute session: red light therapy, hyperthermic dry heat sauna, lymphatic vibration massage, oxygen therapy, and salt therapy. “This treatment can help with injury recovery, weight management, and even insomnia by regulating circadian rhythms,” says Danielle. “Clients can burn 400-500 calories per session, making it a game-changer for overall health.”
Luceat Vita also offers IV therapy and wellness injections to support cellular regeneration and overall vitality. One of the most sought-after treatments is NAD+ therapy, known as the “youth
Let
serum” for its ability to slow aging at the cellular level. “By the age of 30, our natural NAD+ levels decline significantly, but this therapy helps restore youthful cell function,” Danielle explains.
Other popular injections include B12 for energy and cell health and glutathione for cellular repair and anti-aging. “Glutathione helps reverse stress-related aging by repairing damaged cells, so you truly glow from the inside out,” says Danielle.
Luceat Vita is committed to personalized care, beginning with an in-depth consultation to understand each client’s physical, mental, and aesthetic goals. “Our highly accredited medical team, including an orthopedic surgeon, nurse practitioner, and four nurses, evaluates
every client individually,” says Danielle. “We want each person to feel in control of their well-being.”
The spa’s calming atmosphere is carefully curated to support relaxation and healing, incorporating blue light therapy, aromatherapy, and meditative music. “We integrate all the senses to create a truly soothing experience,” Danielle adds.
“We’ve been there—battling with medications, weight gain, insomnia, and the endless cycle of traditional healthcare,” Danielle shares. “Creating Luceat Vita allowed us to take back control of our health, and now we get to help others do the same.” The results speak for themselves. Clients who once felt uncomfortable in their own skin are now confidently wearing shorts and swimsuits. Others have avoided invasive surgeries, regained mobility, or finally found relief from chronic pain. “Seeing our clients reclaim their lives is why we do this,” says Danielle. “Everyone deserves to live longer and live better—to let life shine.”
Luceat Vita Wellness is located at 3578 River Watch Parkway .To learn more, book an appointment, or explore their memberships, visit LuceatVitaWellness.com or call 706.842.8572.
MAY 2ND-4TH
The Big Bounce America
Hephzibah Agricultural Center
Experience the world's largest touring inflatable event at the Hephzibah Agricultural Center from May 2-4. Enjoy the 24,000 sq. ft. bounce house, a 900+ ft. obstacle course, and more! Visit TheBigBounceAmerica.com for more information.
MAY 3RD
Touch-A-Truck 2025
TrueNorth Church
Bring the family to the 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck on May 3 from 9am-1pm at TrueNorth Church in North Augusta! Explore fire trucks, police cars, construction vehicles, and more. A sensory-sensitive hour will be held from 9-10am. This free event is perfect for all ages.
MAY 3RD, 19TH, 24TH
The Story of Noah and the Ark
Flowing Wells Theatre
This live performance of The Story of NOAH follows the lives and trials of Noah and his family on the Ark. Watch as they struggle to trust God while dealing with lots of water, lots of animals and a lot of family-time! For information and tickets, visit www.FlowingWellsTheatre.com or call 706-771-7777.
MAY 6TH
Nature Game Night
Reed Creek Nature Park
Enjoy Nature Game Night on the first Tuesday of every month starting at 4pm inside the Wetland Interpretive Center for nature themed games from Cardboard Castle Games! This event is free to attend and no registration is required.
MAY 11TH
Mother’s Day
We would like to wish all the amazing mothers in our community a Happy Mother’s Day!
MAY 18TH
Movies at the Miller: Steel Magnolias
Miller Theater
Bring your family for a free showing of Steel Magnolias at the Miller Theater! Admission is free but you will need a ticket to enter. Tickets are available at the Miller Theater box office. The movie starts at 2pm.
