Focusing on the stylish people and places in our area LOCAL SERVICES LOCAL TALENT EMILY ANDERSON STYLE + BEAUTY HOME + DESIGN CULLMAN’SBOUTIQUESTRENDIEST CULLMAN FURNITURE MARKET— PROVIDING DESIGNER FURNITURE HEALTH + WELLNESS RELAX IN STYLE WITH TOTAL ON 1ST SEPTEMBER 2022
Dedicated to being "the obvious choice for guiding clients to joyfully steward their resources." Ranks Among Alabama's Top Leaders in Financial Planning Jeff Roberts Private Wealth Advisor | Founder and President MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC (205) 313 9150 * jeff.roberts@ampf.com * mavencrosswealth.com Barron's® Top 1,000 Advisors, 2009 2011 Barron's® Top 1,200 Advisors, 2014 2022 CA Insurance #0G34699 Barron's® generates its rankings from a formulaic analysis of surveys answered by candidates regarding assets, revenue, and quality of practice, including an advisor's regulatory and compliance record Barron's® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L P ; all rights reserved This award is not indicative of this advisor's future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron's in exchange for the ranking. The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Member FINRA and SIPC © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc All rights reserved ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA®, AEP® Financial Planning for 30 Years
Fall…Welcoming Our September issue’s theme is Style. Style doesn’t just mean the presenta tion of clothing or accessories. Having style means having a brand, some thing that makes you unique. It can represent so much, such as your goals and your achievements. Everything you are, and everything you want to be, are summed up by how you present yourself, both to your friends and family and to yourself. Styles influence and shape where we go, what we buy, and how we spend our time daily. In this issue, we want to highlight Cullman’s style— formed by the local businesses and personalities that reside here. We are, as always, excited for you to read this month’s edition of our love letter to Cullman and Smith Lake, and if there are any events, businesses, or people whose styles should be featured, don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can give them the recognition they deserve! - Love Local, Live Local, and Shop LocalThanks for reading and we hope to see you around town! MISSY GURLEY, @CULLMAN_CITYLIFESTYLE_PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR Melissa Curtis | melissa.curtis@citylifestyle.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Lauren Smith | lauren.smith@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Myers (Fox and Hound Photography) Jennifer Murphree (JenJen Photography) September 2022 Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CULLMAN | LIFESTYLE LETTER Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell LIFESTYLE LETTER Cullman City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cullman area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cullman City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. Proverbs 3:5-6 Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise 4
inside the issue The Style Issue SEPTEMBER 2022 ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 4 Lifestyle Letter 8 City Scene 14 Business Monthly 16 Local Limelight LOCAL SERVICES 20 Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY 26 Travel Journal HEALTH + WELLNESS 30 Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN 34 Events 20 16 26 30 FEATURED 16 ‘Unbridled’ Talent A chat with Emily Anderson, the creative mind behind Sullivan Creek Ranch 20 Keeping Fall Fashionable Transitioning from summer to fall clothing 26 Relaxing With Total On 1st Relaxing with Total on 1st Treat yourself to this spa’s many luxurious services 30 Styling Cullman’s Homes Cullman Furniture Market’s commitment to beautification Photography: Total on 1st Total on 1st hosted a lively open house event to celebrate its grand opening. Ashley Foster and Alejandra “Ale” Vecchini of BIG Communications were joined by Jennifer Cork, CEO of Total on 1st. 6
Budget Blinds Bugs Be CullmanGoneCosmetic & Family Dentistry Cullman Furniture Market Cullman Savings Bank Doug Doggett Jewelers Elements Health & Wellness Spa Fox and Hound Photography Free State Boat Docks, Inc. Granite South, Inc. Haynes Auto Detail HydroHoist of Alabama JenJen Photography Lake Home Realty: Justin Dyar Lake League Real Estate Local MavenCrossKravingWealth Advisors: Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Mavens & Makers One Source Heating, Cooling & Electrical Smith Lake Republic Total on TheTridentTraditions1stBankMarina:GrilleatTrident Marina White Willow Thank you to all of our Founding Partners. Missy Gurley & Melissa Curtis City Lifestyle Cullman, Publishers
1: The amazing food trucks at Cullman’s 2nd Fridays. 2: Everyone loves 2nd Fridays! 3: Cassie Haney, Michaela Self, Allie, Colton, and Charlee enjoying the festivities! 4: Courtney Bet Leigh, happy as a clam at 2nd Fridays! 5: The My Way Trucking crew had a fun setup with even more fun giveaways! 6: Melanie Roberts Hines with the Ballet Bus. 7: So much fun is to be had at Cullman’s 2nd Fridays! Photography by Melissa Curtis 1 3 67542 city scene SEPTEMBER 2022 CITY SCENE Where neighbors can see and be seen. 8
1: The Southern Accents team with Banditos, the incredibly talented band at SA’s Alley Party Revival. 2: Roy Drinkard, surrounded by the ladies at Southern Accents’ Alley Party. 3: The Southern Accents Architectural Antiques Annual Alley Party! 4: Clint Hollingsworth, Garlan Gudger Jr., Wesley Britt, and Scott Stadthagen at the party’s photo wall. 5: Garlan and Heather Gudger, owners of Southern Accents.
6: Partygoers from Chattanooga—Southern Accents has amazing customers and friends! 7: Joy and Brady Barker. Photography by Tony Dong
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1: Hudson enjoys our local Guthrie’s Chicken! 2:Cullman Savings Bank presents sponsorship to the Good Samaritan Clinic’s Caring for Cullman concert. 3: Ty Gurley and Cooper Orton at Cullman’s Sportsman Lake. 4: Werner Trading Co.’s owner, Rob Werner, and his dog, Ola, loving Hammock Day! 5: Jeff and Sonya Hodge have the cutest captain: their pup Sammie! 6: Hadley Myers petting Lefty the horse at Sullivan Creek Ranch. 7: One of Cullman’s beautiful murals. Do you know where this one is located? 1 3 6754 2 CITY SCENE CONTINUED DONNA WEBB MISSY WERNER’SGURLEYTRADING CO. AMANDA MYERS (FOX AND HOUND PHOTOGRAPHY) SONYA HODGE MISSY GURLEY CITY CLARESCENEKENT10
7 1: The Botox Boutique, hosted by Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, was a success! 2: Traci Richey, excited about the Botox event! 3: Dr. Jonathan Echols giving Traci a treatment. 4: The Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team. 5: From left to right— Donna Benefield, Buffey Balducci, Leah Bishop, and Bonnie Isom. 6: Beth Jones, the Practice Manager, with Traci Richey. 7: Chat & Chew provided refreshments for the Cullman Cosmetic and Family Dentistry’s Botox Boutique. Photography by Melissa Curtis Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Cullman_Citylifestyle_ 1 3 6 452 11| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CULLMANSEPTEMBER 2022
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EXHALE Tranquility Spa & Therapeutic Massage
A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Erica Bates, at EXHALE Tranquility Spa, gets straight to the source of any health issue you may be strug gling with, using wonderful massage methods to target problem areas and then following through with a care plan to ensure optimal health. Book an appointment with her now! Crawfish Warehouse Boil & Bar
BUSINESS MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2022
Dave Dempsey wears many hats around Smith Lake. You may find him on the Popsicle Princess, a famous boat that everyone loves to see coming on a hot lake day, or you may recognize him as a part of the Alabama Statewide Charities. But Dave’s newest venture is the Crawfish Warehouse Boil & Bar, located in the Downtown Jasper Entertainment District. Dave and Debra Wise will be there, catering and serving up the best seafood in town! Want to be featured? Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Cullman Photography Window Pop LLC Photography Exhale Tranquility Spa Photography Melissa Curtis 14
Window Pop LLC
business monthly
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Greg and Emily Anderson. Emily can bring any idea of her’s to life! Emily’s current project— paint ing a lion for Wallace State Community College. LOCAL LIMELIGHT | LOCAL SERVICES16
‘Unbridled’ Talent
A chat with Emily Anderson, the creative mind behind Sullivan Creek Ranch
Emily has been a professional mural artist for over 25 years. “I wanted art to be more than a hobby, I wanted to make money. I noticed that the art that people liked was just something they identified with— everyday objects that they are drawn to and enjoy. I didn’t exactly know how to make a career out of it, so I spent a lot of time just researching in the library, and visiting nearby artists. I never said no, and never stopped asking questions. I went to decorative concrete school, and faux finish school and learned carpentry to incorporate interactive art into my projects. With the ranch, Greg and I are a good pair, because he brings in mainly male customers, while I bring in mainly female customers; it’s evolved into some thing really great. Greg is always complimentary and honest at the same time.”
and help out with the ranch when I need her, while I can’t just step into the studio to help her in return. She does a whole lot more than she would admit and handles it really well. I couldn’t do this without her.” Emily has illustrated several children's books for the National Garden Club in London, Kentucky. “When they reached out to me to illustrate the books, I was intimidated. People think that if you can draw, you can draw any thing. But I’m used to huge canvases and paint, and suddenly had to transfer to paper and markers. Paint is very forgiving— you can always paint over a spot if you mess up, and with these illustrations, I had to be careful. They ended up taking just as long as painting one of myOnemurals.”ofEmily’s current projects is painting one of the lion statues for Wallace State Community College. She’s planning on an agricultural theme to honor Alabama farm life. She also held an art night, where everyone visited the ranch and painted abstract horses. She hopes to host more art events in the future, such as “paint and sip” classes, or art galleries. “Great art is born from ideas. You can take a mediocre artist who has good concepts, and as soon as you teach them the tech niques to incorporate their ideas, they can make something really amazing.”
Sullivan Creek Ranch is a sight to behold! The inside of the store is built to resemble an old western trading post, with faux wood finishes, beautiful leather decor, a bar section, and a studio for Emily Anderson’s art projects. Her husband, Greg Anderson, credits Emily with most of it. “Before I brought Emily onto the ranch, it was just me and three freezers full of meat; she made it what it is today.”
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ARTICLE BY LAUREN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOX AND HOUND PHOTOGRAPHY
“It puts me in an awkward position because I have to step into her world when she wants an honest critique,” Greg commented. “She’s incredible because she can step out of the studio
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FASHION FORWARD | STYLE + BEAUTY
Keeping FashionableFall
FALL
ARTICLE BY LAUREN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOX AND HOUND PHOTOGRAPHY RITA DEAN FROM TO CLOTHING
We hate to see summer go… but we love the arrival of fall even more! Finally ditching our summer wear and hopping into chic, new outfits to match the season is a necessity! Of course, Cullman has several different spots for finding the best fall and back-to-school clothing. Platform and Taylor + Co. are known for their stylish clothing and accessories. Beautiful dresses, fashionable shoes, and more can be found at either store. The owners— Rita Dean and her daughter Presley— enjoy staying on top of today’s trends. They have a great team of young ladies, sweet and helpful, at each shop. Three Pears, also in the heart of downtown Cullman, is the cutest boutique, inside and out. It sells the most sought-after brands, beautiful clothes, jewelry, candles, and more. Familyowned by Carrie Taylor, her sister Kim Ydel, and their mom, Joan Smith, these ladies and their team, made up of Susan Nesmith and Emily Graves, make shopping so much fun! Monograms Plus, located in the Warehouse District, has plenty of back-to-school needs, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and cute clothing.
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AbbyTaylorGurley-+Co. Emma Gurley- Taylor + Co. Gracie Barksdale- Plaform. Abby Gurley & Madison Thomas- Platform. We love these fall colors! Susan Nesmith in a gorgeous matching set- Three Pears. Ty Gurley & Fiona Smith in Monograms Plus wear. Carrie Taylor, owner of Three Pears. Maddie Baughn, pretty in pink - Platform. 21| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CULLMANSEPTEMBER 2022
FASHION FORWARD | STYLE + BEAUTY The beautiful ladies at Three Pears. 22
Abby Gurley & Maddie Baughn sporting floral- Taylor + Co. Ty Gurley & Fiona Smith- Monograms Plus. Abby Gurley in a stunning jumper- Platform. 23| CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CULLMANSEPTEMBER 2022
Keeping Bugs at Bay We’re so confident in our MistAway® Systems that we guarantee a 90% pest reduction rate on your property within three months. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, there’s no risk in trying the wonders of a MistAway® installation. Our technicians prioritize craftsmanship and quality, so you can be sure this installation won’t mar your landscaping or disrupt your outdoor space. Click or Call Today! 205.955.PEST | BugsBeGoneAL.com 4400 PINSON VALLEY PKWY. BIRMINGHAM, AL 35215 Financing Available! No more spiders on your boat dock! Enjoy your time on your deck without the bugs. 24
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TRAVEL JOURNAL | HEALTH + WELLNESS
Total on 1st, located only 40 minutes away in Birmingham, Alabama, is a first-class spa staffed with expert aestheticians, skincare specialists, and medical providers tasked with creating individual treatment plans tailored to your body’s specific needs. They offer a variety of advanced, non-invasive services, such as massage therapy, body contouring, chemical peels, cosmetic injectables, facials, waxing services, and much more! You can also book a cou ples’ retreat or even a private spa party— the perfect
Relaxing With Total on 1st
The Total On 1st crew. 26
ARTICLE BY LAUREN SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX KIKER Treat yourself to this spa’s many luxurious services
idea for a girls’ weekend of pampering. It is the perfect spot for an easy but luxurious getaway, with achiev able and efficient methods for complete satisfaction and relaxation. Its parent company, Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center—recently rebranded as Total Dermatology, P.C.— has been a major part of the Birmingham community, providing its services for more than 45 years. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself.
Total on 1st is ready to accommodate your needs. Selfcare isn’t selfish.
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ARTICLE BY LAUREN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISA THOMPSON CULLMAN FURNITURE MARKET’S COMMITMENT TO BEAUTIFICATION
Cullman Furniture Market, a staple in Cullman, provides high-qual ity and stylish furniture to any homeowner, and goes the extra mile to make their customers content. They carry any and all decor needs: living room furniture, bed room furniture, consoles, sofas, loveseats, sectionals, wall and table decor, lamps, and any other accessories! They offer deliv eries and full in-home setups, including moving old furniture to make way for incoming pieces.
DECOR TRENDS | HOME + DESIGN
Need to decorate a den? They have you covered. They provide designer furniture for any decor need! Perfectly blending comfort with style.
“We genuinely want to give our customers complete satisfac tion and form long-term relationships with them in the process. We’re all about relationships, whether it’s through referrals, through the church, or any other facet of the community. When a customer walks in, we make it an immediate priority to know what their preferences and goals are. Some people just want to pick out a perfect piece to add to their home, and others need complete, start-to-finish decorating services. We can even start our process on our website. Just by sending room dimensions
CULLMAN’S HOMES
STYLING
Find any piece you’d want in the store.
Dining rooms, livingrooms, bedrooms, they do it all!
At Cullman Furniture Market, you can find an abun dance of designer furniture, essential pieces, beautiful art, and more! Trust the team to help you create your dream space!
This adorable puppy loves the new furniture!
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Cullman Furniture Market specializes in cultivating longterm relationships with clients, and ensuring utter satisfac tion with whatever service they provide! and pictures of the space, we can design the room,” said Store Manager Alisa Thompson. “We’re definitely a work family. We all get there early in the morning to read a daily scripture and then pray together. Only after that do we move on to business for the day. We also have our own little Christmas parties and get-togethers, and it really helps us bond as a team.”
Cullman Furniture Market holds discount events for all customers, such as their Black Friday sale, an anni versary sale, and their December event the “12 Days of Christmas,” where they hold a giveaway, increasing in size or amount each following day. They strive to give back to the community in any way that they can. This past year, after winning a window decorating contest for Christmas, they matched the prize amount and sent it to the Kentucky Relief fund. They also donate various pieces of furniture for different charities and events and provide a La-Z-Boy for the Cullman Rodeo’s recliner giveaway.
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The 26th annual Sweet Tater Festival returns to Smith Lake Park on Sunday, September 4th, from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Monday, September 5th, from 9 AM to 4 PM. There you’ll have live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, a Labor Day car show, and plenty of sweet taters! Admission is $5 per person.
ALL STEAK RESTAURANT | 11:30 AM RSVP by emailing RSVP@cullmanchamber.org to join the Chamber of Commerce for a great luncheon with wonderful members of the community at All Steak! C.A.S.T. For Kids
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FESTHALLE MARKET PLATZ
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. Sweet Tater Festival
Want to be Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Cullman
DEPOT PARK | 5:00 PM
Cullman Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
SMITH LAKE PARK | 9:00 AM
4:00 PM Held in the Church’s Family Life Center from 4-7 PM, this annual dinner is sponsored by the women’s Altar Society. It will be drive-through only. Enjoy bratwurst and German-style kraut, German potato salad, green beans, applesauce, bread, and dessert for $15. There are no children’s meals this year. All proceeds go toward the Altar Society’s church upkeep projects.
events
Cullman Downtown Merchants Association Bluegrass Festival
SEPTEMBER 4TH SEPTEMBER 9TH SEPTEMBER 9TH SEPTEMBER 16TH SEPTEMBER 28TH SEPTEMBER 29TH EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2022
Oktoberfest
SMITH LAKE STATE PARK | 8:00 AM Join us on Smith Lake for C.A.S.T. For Kids on Saturday, September 17th, from 8 AM to 1 PM. This is one of our favorite events on Smith Lake! C.A.S.T. For Kids is an event dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs, supporting their families, and strengthening communities through the sport of fishing. Oktoberfest German Dinner
SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH |
The Cullman Downtown Merchants Association Bluegrass Festival will take place Friday, September 9th from 5-10 PM at Depot Park. There will be music by The Cotton Pickin’ Kids, Barefood Nellie, and Cotton mouth Creek.
Come to the Festhalle on the 29th for the first night of the 41st annual Oktoberfest! The festival is a celebration of Cullman’s German heritage. It is a three-day event with traditional German food, dancing and more, including the tapping of the keg, the Ms. Oktoberfest pageant, games, and even wiener dog races. You don’t want to miss it!
featured?
