Canton, GA May 2024

RED BARN CONSTRUCTION

Meet the Women Behind the Work:

KRISTEN LUCUSMARTINEZ CUSTOM HOMES SALES SPECIALIST

Kristen is passionate about assisting homeowners in discovering the ideal floorplan and lot to construct their dream home!

CHANDLER IBSEN DESIGNER

Chandler loves collaborating with homeowners to turn their vision into reality, focusing on functional and thoughtful design from floorplans to finishes!

MADILYN

HANSEN SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING SPECIALIST

Madilyn enjoys using powerful social media strategies to keep you informed about our home projects! Follow along at @redbarnconstruction

The Audrey Hepburn of Confidence, Strength, & Beauty.

The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated.

- Eliza Dolittle.

As we welcome May's blossoming in Canton, this issue is dedicated to the incredible women who grace our lives and communities. In this Ladies' Issue, we honor women's strength, resilience, and power, weaving a narrative that celebrates their diverse achievements and contributions.

May not only heralds the onset of spring but also offers a poignant opportunity to celebrate Mother's Day—a time to express gratitude for the nurturing souls who have shaped us with their love and wisdom. From the tender embrace of mothers to the steadfast support of sisters, daughters, and friends, women play multifaceted roles that enrich our lives in countless ways.

Within these pages, you will find stories that pay homage to the remarkable women who impact our City and County. From trailblazing entrepreneurs who redefine success to advocates who champion causes close to their hearts, each feature serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of women in Canton and beyond.

As we honor the mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures, let us also recognize the broader significance of empowering women in our society. As a husband to a moon goddess and competent business partner, father of two strong, God honoring daughters, and brother to two entrepreneurial sisters, I know it is imperative to amplify women's voices and create opportunities where they can thrive, lead, and inspire. Happy Mother's Day Mom(s).

This May, (and you may well be making hats for the derby, Come on, Dover!) Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting the ladies in our communities. Let us celebrate their achievements, amplify their work, and celebrate them because they deserve it. Here is to the extraordinary women who grace our lives and the powerful legacy they continue to build.

CHICKA ELLOY, PUBLISHER

@CANTONCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Chicka Elloy | chicka.elloy@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Elloy | jennifer.elloy@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karen D. Wright | @wrighton418

Tamy Stronach | @Atreyumoon_child

Jennifer Elloy | @elloyjenny

Mark Essay | @teramarkessay

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaylene Ghorley Dabbs | @j_kay_dabbs

Kevin Jonas-Davis | @kdaviswhat

Christopher Fake | @pileofpixels

Gibbs Gardens | @gibbsgardens

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

1: Spring celebrations with local influencers 2: Ladies Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Bent Tree Lodge & Vineyard with the @WilsonCompanyStore 3: Artist Chase King was commissioned to paint Canton’s Theatre at a City Lifestyle event for @pops.canton

4: Jose Luna and the @califinotequila leadership team celebrate Crystal owner of @wickedwingsbridgemill winning her prize 5: Coach Jose from Big Woods Goods Archery awards Kelly her Lifestyle prize. 6: Lifestyle Publishers from Decatur, Gallatin, Chattanooga, and Mill Creek celebrate Canton’s Lifestyle event at Thrive Coworking. 7: 8 days after the tragic Cagles barn fire, new life on the farm.

business monthly

Sweety's Cafe at The Mill on Etowah

Sweety’s, a woman-owned and operated partnership within The Mill On Etowah, offers a delectable array of options. Indulge in signature chicken salads boasting six flavors, along with freshly made sandwiches, salads, and scrumptious homemade ice cream. Introducing a “Tea for Two” experience featuring an exquisite tea service complete with sandwiches, sides, and delightful desserts. Join Sweety’s for a memorable experience and leave with your hearts and bellies full! Sweetys.net

Naomi Hopkins Photography comes to The Mill on Etowah

Are you ready for next-level photography? Naomi Hopkins has arrived at The Mill at Etowah at The Sonder Studio to provide high-quality photography with a flare for the artistic. Naomi's mission is to capture YOU by getting to know you and your beautiful family. Best said by the photographer herself, "Freezing those beautiful, fleeting moments that become your most cherished memories is what I live for." You can check out the memorizing gallery of photos and book a session today. NaomiHopkinsPhotography.com

Aylo Health Celebrates Women

In honor of Women’s Health Month this May, Aylo Health recognizes it’s significance and supports empowering women to prioritize their own healthcare journey. With a dedicated focus on women’s unique health needs, Aylo Health is dedicated to fostering a community where women thrive in wellness and vitality, so they can continue to do amazing things. Open on Sixes Road and soon in Ball Ground: AyloHealth.com

Photography by @sweetyscanton

Photography by @naomihopkinsphoto

Photography by @aylohealth

FREE RANGE TIME - TUESDAYS LADIES DAY

50% RANGE TIME - WEDNESDAYS HEROES DAY

Archery Summer Camps June 10-14th & June 17th-21st

myturningpoint.org

We turn NO ONE aw

2nd Annual Strength to Golf Fundraiser Eve

Support Breast Cancer Su Cherokee County

Sunday June 9, 2024, 9am

The Fairways of Canton

Entry Fee $100 includes contests on the course a

You don’t have to golf to c

For more information or to register: golfforgood givesmart com

BLOOM Full

ARTICLE BY KAREN D. WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIBBS GARDEN ARCHIVES

GIBBS GARDENS IN COLOR FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Who is Mother Nature? Is she the life-giving spirit of the Earth? The guardian and keeper of the landscape. Or maybe, in her personification, she is simply the gardener who tends to the land and nurtures all-natural creations.

The gardeners—you know who they are—the ones whose hands are caked with soil, whose knees are blackened by the labor of the day, and whose patience is steadfast and true. Jim Gibbs, the creator and designer of Gibbs Gardens, is one such gardener.

Gibbs Gardens, located in Ball Ground, GA, is the culmination of a life-long vision by a man whose world was connected to nature by a passion passed along by family. Jim Gibbs’ garden estate was a 30-year journey to provide a hidden gem of nature’s beauty in the rolling hills and valleys of North Georgia to anyone who wished to come.

Jim grew up with his hands in the dirt, exploring the art of gardening and landscaping from his mother, grandmothers, and many aunts. The deep-rooted values nurtured by the women in his life led him to a passion that would ignite his dream of creating a worldclass garden to share with the nearby community.

Arriving at the entrance to Gibbs Gardens, a 376acre estate, fills you with a sense of whimsical magic. As if something from a fairy tale, you immediately feel a sense of child-like wonder that gently draws you across the first bridge and cascading waterfall to the welcome center. As you wander the perfectly orchestrated path through the brilliantly colored tulip beds of “Le Jardin,” you immediately notice the joy the flowers bring to everyone as they select the perfect spot to capture the moment with family and friends.

“I built the garden for others, and I will keep doing it as long as I can.”

While you continue your stroll into the Grandchildren’s Sculpture Garden, you realize the extraordinary care, love, and thought that has been placed into each detail. The playful scenes grab the imagination of visiting

Japanese water garden with blooming Irises.

Carpet of tulips in full bloom

children while offering a visual invitation that lets parents know their children are welcome in the gardens. Jim and Sally Gibbs’ grandchildren grew up on the property, and the presence of their sculptures in the gardens is testimony to their love for family.

One of the most magnificent sights to be noticed is the Japanese Gardens. With a stunning balance of reflecting ponds, stone features, and the natural beauty of Japan’s most vibrant plants, it is easy to see why this peaceful place of respite would be Jim Gibb’s favorite garden on the property. One could easily spend an entire afternoon meditating or contemplating life’s purpose while taking solace in the sounds of nature.

The Manor House, also known as Arbor Crest, is the personal residence of Jim and Sally Gibbs. The French-inspired home is located on the hillside, overlooking the gardens and offering a spectacular view of Mount Oglethorpe. The house was intentionally built as part of the public garden, allowing all its visitors to wander around the outside property of the home, sit by the family pool, and peek in the windows to try and catch a glimpse of Jim Gibbs himself. While many admit they would never allow that type of public access to their home, Jim thinks otherwise. “I built the gardens for others,” he humbly smiled, “I’m going to keep doing it.”

The grand finale to the spring walking tour at Gibbs Gardens is the daffodils.  This sprawling hillside garden cascades into the valley between the Manor House and the North Georgia Mountains. The sweeping meadows display 20 million swaying daffodils that seem to be waving to the more than 4,000 garden guests meandering through the natural walkways on any given Saturday. This 50-acre masterpiece is a tribute to Jim’s mother, whose deep devotion to nature inspired her son to create one of the most extensive public gardens in the United States.

As the spring colors burst onto the scene throughout the gardens, it is essential to note that Gibbs Gardens was developed as a four-season garden. This year-round experience promises to never disappoint visitors by producing a stunning array of seasonal colors, plants, and beauty. Once you have visited, you will want to return season after season to take in the transformation each change brings to the gardens.

Jim Gibbs’ garden estate was built to inspire others and be shared with anyone who desires a connection with nature. His hope and dream of bringing the incredible gardens of the world to Canton is nothing short of pure determination and God-given patience. While Jim would tell you that his gardens are a treasure built for the people, the true treasure may be in Jim Gibbs himself, a simple gardener who followed his heart led by the example of the women in his life. As a visionary in the field of landscape architecture, Jim Gibbs has created a natural wonder for many future generations.

“One could easily spend an entire afternoon meditating or contemplating life’s purpose while taking solace in the sounds of nature.”

BEST OFFICE VIEW

Reaching Dreams Amongst the Stars

ARTICLE BY MARK ESSAY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CL ASSOCIATES

Going to work every day can sometimes be challenging unless you are Christine Gaines, who has the best office view whenever she comes to work. As only 5% of the total piloting workforce is made of woman pilots, one determined resident of Cherokee County decided that she wanted to literally reach for the stars.

“Never wait for someone to give you something. Strive to be the best so you can fulfill your dreams.”

Christine Gaines knew from the time she was a young child that she desired to be a part of the world of flying the global skies. Meeting the pilots, sitting by the window, announcing when the flaps and gear came down, and receiving her plastic wings on her way off the jet bridge gave her the thrill of being in the air as often as her family could travel. Of course, Christine’s favorite movies had to be Top Gun and Space Camp. Fueling her desire to be closer to the beautiful parts of the upper atmosphere has motivated Christine to continue working towards her lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut.

In her early years, Christine attended both Aviation Challenge and Space Camp as a teenager in Huntsville, AL. While at Aviation Challenge, she received the “Right Stuff Award,” honoring the students with the “right stuff” to become the next pilot.

This rocketed her ambition as she began her college major in Aerospace Engineering, the most direct path to NASA. Consequently, after working in the wind tunnel with her professor for multiple semesters, Christine decided she would much rather fly airplanes than design wings. Ultimately, she received her bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration with a minor in Flight Operations and was on track to becoming an airline pilot.

While working on her private rating, Christine was in flight training when she experienced a frightening catastrophe. She was flying her first solo flights around the traffic pattern when an aircraft in front of her lost its engine, declared an emergency, and crashed in the trees short of the runway, killing both pilots. It was upsetting and concerning to watch fellow airmen lose their lives as she perfected her new piloting skills.

Flying is not for the faint of heart. When Christine first moved to Atlanta, immediately after graduating college, she accepted a job taking pictures of Atlanta traffic patterns while flying a Cessna 172. This job paid less than $15 an hour and started every morning before 5 am. Following that job, Christine accepted a position at Epps Aviation at Peachtree Dekalb Airport as a customer service representative because she couldn’t find a flying job. As a woman in a field dominated by men, Christine faced unique challenges. Sometimes, one must sacrifice moments of comfort to be in the right place at the right time to secure the right aviation opportunity. After six short months, Christine was hired as a first officer flying a Citation II jet. During her time in that role, Christine endured attacks on her performance despite her qualifications; she felt her credibility was undermined due to being a young, attractive woman in aviation.

After two years of enduring those challenges, at 26 years old, Christine accepted a position with a regional airline company and became an ASA pilot, flying for Delta Connection. In her first year at the company, Christine made a whopping $19k a year and was on a 4 am short call reserve.  After eight years of flying for ASA, she pivoted and accepted a position as an instructor pilot on the CRJ for Flight Safety International. She was the lead Airline Transport Pilot program instructor, teaching ground school and the full motion simulator. Christine is the Captain of a LearJet for Davis Development in her current position. Each opportunity has Christine striving to push herself out of her comfort zone.

Bottom: Sharing her passion of flying with those she loves.

“Push yourself to be more than average. Your capacity to achieve is only limited by your belief in yourself to do the impossible!”

Always aspiring to bring health and balance to everything she does.

Christine’s strive towards excellence does not stop at piloting. Her intense spirit transfers over to her passion as a fitness instructor. After years of dedication to aviation, Christine decided to explore another passion-fitness. She became a fitness instructor, using her platform to motivate others to prioritize health in their lives. She practices what she preaches! Following daily routines of meditation, exercising, and spending time in nature, Christine firmly believes as a professional pilot, one must have good health

to perform at one's very best.  God made our bodies perfect, but it is up to us to take good care of them.

Christine Gaines is a true inspiration to others. Her energy and love of life are contagious. The only boundaries each of us has are those we set for ourselves. Know that each setback serves a purpose: to shape you to become the best version of yourself. Without the hardships, the goals achieved would not feel as sweet. Embrace the burn—for that is where you grow. It is about the journey, not the destination.

ABRAHAM ZACHARIAH

Greg Costello Owner

DEFYING THEODDS

ACCESS TO REHABILITATION THAT ENRICHES LIVES

ARTICLE BY TAMI STRONACH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN JONAS-DAVIS

“The survivorship journey is often a marathon, not a sprint.”

Carrie Kozel's journey with TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences and those of her loved ones. Her work as a physical therapist has allowed her to witness firsthand the transformative impact that breast cancer rehab therapy can have on survivors' lives. However, it was only when her mother became a recipient of these life-changing efforts that Carrie fully realized the significance of her work. As a 30-year veteran teacher in Cherokee County, Lynda Frederickson is an unstoppable force. Restoring her life to its fullest was a desire for her family and the reason TurningPoint Rehabilitation is so important.

With more than a 50% chance that Carrie will have to personally battle this horrible disease, one would think that she is motivated enough to advocate for the best care for every patient. Carrie recalls that her preparation for joining such a wonderful team at TurningPoint started

in her clinical rounds during physical therapy. She had been assigned to join a doctor performing life-changing rehabilitation for cancer patients, and Carrie was immediately drawn to this type of purpose-driven work.

Joining TurningPoint in 2009, Carrie initially worked with patients in a clinic setting, unaware of the profound impact that transitioning to online services would have. Yet, this shift opened doors to reach countless more patients recovering from breast cancer. Through this transition, Carrie and her team at TurningPoint have been able to extend their mission of providing access to techniques and therapies that not only help individuals survive but thrive in the face of breast cancer.

Through Carrie's unwavering commitment and the mission of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, countless survivors have been empowered to endure and flourish in their lives post-diagnosis.

Opposite: One hopes that each door leads to healing and restored health.

Carrie and her mother Lynda savor every moment to soak in life's joys.

“Advocating for our patients to live their best lives after a diagnosis is a must.”

Carrie and Mallory's adaptation to using technology to provide remote physical therapy services during the pandemic of 2020 has had a profound impact on their patients, particularly working moms and chronically ill individuals. Despite the challenges presented by the inability to conduct in-person treatments, Carrie and Mallory seized the opportunity to innovate and create new protocols and strategies for delivering care remotely.

Through their efforts, they have ensured that patients continue to receive quality care and expanded access to their services. By leveraging the internet, they have enabled patients to access therapy programs from the comfort of their homes. This newfound accessibility has relieved many patients, allowing them to focus on their recovery without the added stress of traveling to appointments.

The success of TurningPoint in serving more patients than ever demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of healthcare professionals in the face of adversity. While the pandemic presented numerous challenges, it spurred innovation and creativity in delivering healthcare services. By embracing technology, Carrie and Mallory have transformed how physical therapy is delivered, ultimately improving the lives of their patients and empowering them to lead successful recoveries.

Carrie shared that as one reflects on the experience of breast cancer survivors, there's often this pervasive sense of gratitude for simply being alive post-treatment.

There's a prevailing attitude of comparison, where survivors may feel that their struggles pale in comparison to others, leading to a reluctance to voice their functional challenges. For instance, the inability to engage in activities like tennis, lifting a toddler, or even performing simple tasks like reaching for a pan in a high cabinet can become everyday hurdles. Despite these obstacles, the overarching sentiment remains one of gratitude for survival. However, it's crucial to recognize that with advancements in breast cancer treatment, survival rates have significantly improved. Consequently, survivors are living longer lives, which necessitates addressing and discussing these functional limitations that accompany survivorship.

Mallory Mark, Clinical Director and physical therapist at TurningPoint works with Carrie and echoes that patients don’t have to suffer in silence. She states, “The survivorship journey is often a marathon, not a sprint, and having a rehabilitation professional on your cancer care team can help ensure that a patient returns to doing what brings them joy.”

Using the most advanced physical therapy techniques and an online platform to assess and teach recovery allows more women access to excellent services. TurningPoint has staff that are invested beyond a patient’s medical diagnosis. Partnering with each survivor is an honor TurningPoint takes seriously in order to advocate for all women who deserve to be whole again.

PRIVATE PRACTICE OPEN IN CANTON

MEET DR. ANDY KRAGOR

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER ELLOY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLENE GHORLEY DABBS

in Every Way Practically Perfect

BECOMING YOUR BEST SELF: FINDING TECHNIQUES THAT ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY

Brittany, Lisa and Brooke together in life and business. Serious girl power.

ARTIST’S PALETTE | BEAUTY

In 2009, amidst the aftermath of the housing market crash, Lisa Furilla embarked on a journey to ignite her childhood dream. Whether it was her fond memories of playing salon studio with dolls and friends or her observation of others similarly inclined, her dream was steeped in the allure of skincare and beauty. Leaving behind the confines of her former husband's construction business, Lisa pursued certification as an aesthetician, defying local and societal expectations of a regular career path with unwavering determination.

Fortune smiled upon Lisa when her decision to enroll in school to become an aesthetician coincided with her final car payment, providing the financial impetus she needed to begin her training and experience. Guided by intuition and grit and buoyed by her close-knit circle, Lisa's path was uncertain until a former manager of Gold's Gym in Canton offered her space rent-free. This gesture symbolizes our community's spirit of helping others with the belief that when one succeeds, we all succeed.

With her first beauty sanctuary established, Lisa wasted no time etching her mark in Canton's business landscape. Recognizing an opportunity to broaden her horizons amidst the absence of spas, she seized the opportunity to acquire the establishment, thereby keeping its staff employed and ensuring the continuity of client services. Reflecting on her journey, Lisa describes her success as an 'organic accidental growth,' marked by a steady increase in services offered. Through her unwavering dedication and willingness to take calculated risks, Lisa transformed her childhood dream into a thriving reality, inspiring her staff and clients to never give up on pursuits that make them radiate from within.

Shaped by her upbringing in a bustling household with six siblings, family is central in how she builds her business. Deeprooted bonds are reflected as you watch the staff interact with each other. Care and playfulness extend beyond her blood relatives to encompass every client and staff member she encounters, treating them with the same warmth and affection as if they were part of her extended family. Lisa's ascent wasn't solitary; she embraced each client and staff member as they were, for who they were.

Business continues to grow under the watchful eye of Bridget, Nicole, Tori and Victoria, the operational leaders, whose contributions elevate the salon's stature and business acumen. Brittany and Brooke, Lisa's daughters, have mastered their craft, earned their credibility, and are in a position to carry the torch forward. Their energy and creative flair carry a similar zeal and innovative spirit that Lisa had in building the enterprise. Lisa's joy knows no bounds as she reflects on her daughter's decision to follow in her footsteps—a testament to the enduring legacy of passion and commitment. For Lisa, Practically Perfect isn't merely an enterprise; it's a sanctuary where family, friendship, and community converge.

Here, clients return not just for services but for an experience infused with warmth, care, and a sense of belonging—a testament to the timeless allure of her woman-owned establishment that started with trusting herself, and it was just like Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way.

ARTIST’S PALETTE | BEAUTY

Lisa Furilla believes each woman has beauty that deserves attention and nurturing.

Family is everything in the Practically Perfect culture

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN CANTON, GA

A sampling of data from the top sales across Canton in April 2024.

MAY 3RD

First Friday in Downtown Canton

130 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114 | 6:00 PM

Great music, food, and family fun take center stage at First Friday in Downtown Canton. Enjoy late-night shopping, world-class restaurants, a Kids Zone, food and beverage vendors along Main Street, and a CRUISE IN! Rupert’s Orchestra performs everything from current Top 40 to Motown, R&B, Classic Rock, and Big Band Swing. Don't forget your chair and dancing shoes! CantonGa.gov/First-Fridays

MAY 4TH

Derby Day

The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114 | 4:30 PM

History Cherokee is excited to share that our 21st Annual Kentucky Derby Day Fundraiser will take at the Mill on Etowah in Canton on Saturday, May 4! For the past 20 years, Kentucky Derby Day has served as History Cherokee's largest annual fundraising event.  From Bourbon tasting, Best Hat Contest, and Gourmet Food & Specialty Cocktails. HistoryCherokee.org/derby-day

MAY 4TH

Boys in the Band: Alabama Tribute Band

Falany Performing Arts Center Parking Lot, 7300 Reinhardt Cir, Waleska, GA, 30183 | 7:00 PM

Boys in the Band also hail from Fort Payne, Alabama, to introduce the younger generations to the magic of Alabama's timeless music. The Alabama Tribute Show is a high-energy show with note-for-note renditions of Alabama's live performances over their fifty-year reign as the greatest country music group of all time. BoxOffice@reinhardt.edu

MAY 6TH

Salsa Dancing at La Catrina, Canton every Monday in May

2247 Cumming Hwy Suite 100, Canton, GA 30115 | 6:00 PM

Move your feet to the sounds of Salsa every Monday in May at La Catrina in Canton, GA. Classes are free, and a fun-energetic instructor will help you master your hips and feet to dance the night away. Join us from 6-8 pm to learn new moves and enjoy a margarita and taco! LaCatrinaTacos.com

MAY 9TH

Taste of Canton at The Mill on Etowah

225 Reformation Parkway, Canton, Ga 30114 | 4:30 PM

This is a free admission event. Food tickets are available for purchase on-site for $1.00 per each. You can sample delicious appetizers, entrees, coffees, and desserts from Canton’s extraordinary chefs and restaurateurs. Enjoy live music, cash bar cocktails, wine, and beer on-site. Rain or shine, the delicious cuisines will be ready to devour. CantonGa.gov/TasteofCanton

MAY 11TH

33rd Annual Cherokee County Indian Festival & Mother’s Day Powwow

Boling Park, 1200 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA | 10:00 AM

Saturday, 5/11, and Sunday, 5/12, in North Georgia tradition features many favorite activities, including a Native American dance exhibition, hoop dancer, Aztec dancers, tipis, Northern Plains encampment, primitive skills, wildlife displays, and Native American artisans. Food will be served throughout the day, including Native American cuisine such as buffalo burgers, Indian frybread, and Indian tacos. RThunder.com

Mon-Thurs 8am

Friday 8am

Sat 9am

Sun 12pm