Decatur, GA September 2024

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Be Bold.

When putting together September's  Style Issue, I wondered how it would take shape. To my surprise, effortlessly. Because not only is Decatur stylish, Decatur is BOLD . Our community has an overwhelming passion for finding artistic solutions to greater problems and meeting those problems head-on, without hesitation. Our town thrives on boldness and originality, and Decatur City Lifestyle is excited to share stories of Decaturites who challenge the norm and redefine what it means to be stylish.

So what’s in store for this issue? Sneakers fill gaps and raise awareness; Stunning, small spaces bring gathering spaces to life; Jewelry empowers women and inspires international collaboration; Antiques breathe life into the past, present, and future! And much more.

These stylish leaders and stories are taking up space not for the sake of doing, but for transforming. With a mission at the heart of their work, they fashion a brighter tomorrow. I hope this issue inspires you to take up space in your life. Style is not merely about appearances - it’s about soul. Embrace what makes you unique, and lean into the passions and people that light you up and illuminate your character. And remember that no matter how big or small, taking steps to build a better world never goes out of style.

As always, please keep supporting our community: shop, dine, donate, and live locally.

Stay Bold, Decatur.

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brandon Malcolm, Josh Cornwall, Jade Abdul-Malik, Ashley McClure

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matt Boggs, Angie Terrell, Jonathan Wade

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

Hendrick & Henry Law delivers results when you need them most by remaining compassionate to your needs while providing creative and aggressive representation.

We specialize in personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from: Auto Accidents | Slip & Fall | Negligent Security

hendrickhenrylaw.com

770.464.6275

215 N Mcdonough St, Decatur, Georgia 30030 B hendrickhenrylaw

Helping ALL Youth Thrive in Decatur

Founded in 2002 by a group of Decatur residents who wanted to address the unmet needs in our schools, Decatur Education Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that every student in Decatur has the opportunity to thrive.

What we do: We are dedicated to removing obstacles to learning, providing enriching opportunities for our students, supporting our educators, and ultimately strengthening our community.

Gretchen Hollingsworth’s

From

Kudzu

city scene

1: Catch The Georgian Goose Interiors at the Kirkwood Wine Stroll on Sept. 20th! 2: The Atlanta Roller Derby is taking Decatur by storm every month at Agnes Scott College. 3: Decatur-based MyPanda launches the Panda Powerhouse Program & recognizes Melissa Brodgon, CEO of FourthParty. 4: Come get your vegetables! And by vegetables, we mean BURGERS, the best in ATL. 5: Genes in East Lake opens in July with a bang! 6: Twain’s Brewpub hosts their first ever “Twisco!” Stay groovy, Decatur. 7: Trent and Titan the Tiger are all smiles at Talley Street’s Back-toSchool Popsicle Social!

business monthly

Rêve Orthodontics formerly Silver Smiles

Experience a transformation beyond your wildest dreams with our new name, Rêve Orthodontics, formerly Silver Smiles Orthodontics. We believe orthodontic care is more than just "silver braces"; it's about creating smiles that inspire. Rêve Orthodontics reflects our commitment to innovation and personalized care, ensuring every patient's journey is as unique as their dreams. Join us as we redefine orthodontics, making your dream smile a reality.

Pure Barre Decatur is Hiring Teachers

Are you looking for a FUN and fulfilling side-hustle? Are you looking for an awesome compensation package w/perks? Are you interested in developing skills that you can take anywhere? Pure Barre is the largest barre fitness concept, with over 700 studios in North America. We offer a total-body workout utilizing the ballet barre to perform isometric movements, which burn fat, sculpt muscles and create long, lean physiques. Send your resume and availability to decatur@purebarre.com

Parker's on Ponce VIP

Join Parker’s on Ponce’s Exclusive VIP List and be the first to know about Special Events, Exclusive Dining Deals, Daily Specials, New Menu Items, and complimentary Birthday and Anniversary desserts. Joining is easy! Scan the QR in our ad on the next page to sign up.

Photography by Matt Boggs

Everyone Deserves A Luxurious Space

SOLE PLAY: THE COMMUNITY IMPACT STORE

SHOES ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING.

BY JONATHAN WADE

It’s no surprise the Atlanta metro is a hub for sneaker culture. When it comes to sneaker shops worth seeking out around town, Sole Play in Downtown Decatur is among the elites. From their impressive selection of new shoe and clothing releases to their vault of rare and vintage Jordans and Nikes, there’s something to be found for every sneakerhead at Sole Play.

For co-owner Anthony “TJ” Bennett, the shoes are just the start. “I like to say we’re a community impact store,” says Bennett. “The shoes give us a built-in audience to do the most for the people we serve.”

Opening in 2022 after years of success at their first Lawrenceville location, Sole Play Decatur started with the goal of being a true destination for sneaker lovers inside the perimeter. It didn’t take long to reach that goal. Shortly after opening, lines stretched around the block for new releases and an organic community began to take shape around a shared love of sneakers and fashion. Bennett quickly saw the potential to be more than just a shoe store.

As a lifelong shoe fan and gamer, Bennett recognized an opportunity to bring two of his loves together under one roof by focusing on building a safe and welcoming space for gamers and sneakerheads alike, two communities with a significant overlap of fans. “Black Americans are some of the top consumers of the gaming industry, but only about 4% of industry jobs are held by Black people,” says Bennett.

Enter the “Play” half of Sole Play: a video game haven equipped with the latest consoles, 10 state-of-the-art gaming PCs, and streaming setups for live play; all just steps away from their impressive walls of sneakers.

“WHAT WE’RE DOING IS BIGGER THAN SHOES AND FASHION.”

“On the surface, it’s entertainment, but I don’t want this to be a solely transactional business. We want to create a dope experience around shoes and gaming where you can also learn a lot. We’re finding ways to hopefully fill that gap.”

For Sole Play, filling that gap starts with providing access and awareness. The shop offers plenty of opportunities to get in the door like weekly Super Smash Bros tournaments, in-store events for shoe and game releases, partnerships with Decatur High School’s esports teams, and laid-back sneaker meetups. They have created a comfortable environment that encourages hanging out, not just shopping, and

provides a relaxed space to engage with the community. They also get creative by weaving in awareness and engagement with the existing sneaker and gaming cultures.

“We would get people literally camping out in front of our shop a week before a shoe dropped,” Bennett explains. “We decided to offer access to new releases if you attended a mental health check-in with us. Most of the time, people just come for the shoes. But 90% of those people leave grateful for the discussion and didn’t know how much they needed it.”

As a natural extension of this community work, Sole Play established the Sole Circle Foundation, a non-profit with a

three-pronged mission that encourages mental health awareness, financial literacy, and STEM in gaming.

Plenty of businesses claim to put people first. Sole Play is truly making that claim a reality. Their addition to the Decatur community is a natural fit with the kindness and independent spirit of the city.

“The City of Decatur has welcomed us with open arms and provided the perfect place for us to pursue our mission,” Bennett concludes.

“What we’re doing is bigger than shoes and fashion. We’re taking the power we’ve been given and leveraging it to do the most for this community. We’re working to push the next generation forward.”

BUILDS

CORRECTS

ENHANCES

OPTIMIZES

Giving Back IN STYLE

GRETCHEN HOLLINGSWORTH’S MISSION TO EMPOWER WOMEN THROUGH JEWELRY.

The INK+ALLOY factory store is right off Ponce de Leon and brings its modern bohemian essence to Decatur. It's a women-founded accessory brand that focuses on what matters most to the founder: empowering women to express themselves with no inhibitions. While locations span New York City and Chicago, Decatur is home.

For Gretchen Hollingsworth, it all started with the casual flip of a magazine. She was 25 years old and had a career in environmental science she didn't love. "My parents owned their own business and had the entrepreneurial spirit, and I wanted to do something on my own," Hollingsworth said. She wasn’t sure of her next venture until she picked up a Martha Stewart magazine about candle making. "I started making candles, and that took off," she said. Hollingsworth's first go at getting her business idea off the ground was a stunning success. She sold curated fragrances to local businesses and ran a showroom in Atlanta.

Hollingsworth embraced the thrill of owning a business and took the lessons she learned in stride. Those lessons led her to a newer, more personal calling. "For the second go-round, [I] really wanted to make the business about a give-back," she said. Inspired by India's rich culture and art, Hollingsworth founded INK+ALLOY in 2016.

INK+ALLOY collaborates with Indian artisans to create bold designs and, through its Commit2Change partnership, gives back to India's vulnerable communities. A part of its profits funds the formal education of impoverished Indian girls. "This affords them to be able to do something with their life," Hollingsworth said. "It empowers them and gives them a chance." From what she's accomplished, Hollingsworth looks back on her pivot to working for herself and giving to those in need with pride.  "I remember to have fun and have perspective," she said. "I'm proud of that."

“I really wanted to make the business about a give-back.”
Gretchen Hollingsworth @inkalloy

Transformation Oakhurst Backyard

FROM UNDERUTILIZED SPACE TO A MODERN FAMILY OASIS: HOW A POOL AND ADU REINVIGORATED THIS BACKYARD IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE.

Fragrant flowers will eventually wrap the cedar pergola, thanks to newly planted vines on both sides.

Twelve years ago, when this property was purchased, the backyard was dominated by a crumbling concrete block building that had once housed a ceramics studio but had since deteriorated into a rarely used storage unit. The remaining yard boasted a trampoline, a playhouse, and a zip line—a veritable playground for younger children, but not much to hold the attention of older kids, much less their parents. That's where this transformation began: a bold redesign to turn an underutilized space into a versatile amenity for the entire family and their guests.

Inspiration for the new structure stemmed from the elemental shape of a garden shed, reimagined as a modern container emerging from a lush landscape. Dark metal cladding helps the building recess into view, and it will continue to merge with the site as the landscape grows. The natural patina of the cedar wood siding on either side reduces the appearance of width and highlights the simple form of the main structure.

The star attraction is a sleek pool situated at the forefront, unfolding from steel entry doors sheltered by a cedar pergola entwined with fragrant Star Jasmine and Lady Banks’ Rose—a perfect sun-dappled retreat.

The black exterior cladding wraps around an interior that surprises with its play of pattern, color, and light. Designed to feel expansive despite its compact size, the interior space is adaptable as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)—ideal as a pool house, in-law suite, or rental property, changing with the family's needs over time. Vaulted ceilings soar throughout the central structure, which includes a sleeping loft above the open kitchen.

Summer time calls for cannonballs… Swan-da approved.
The interior color scheme takes cues from richly patterned terrazzo counters.
Dappled sunlight moves through the yard, creating a serene retreat around the pool.

The interior palette draws from richly patterned Italian marble terrazzo, featuring jewel-toned greens and terracotta against a backdrop of creamy white. The kitchen serves as a visual anchor with its striking pattern and color scheme. Cleverly integrated storage solutions - like hidden drawers under stairs and low cabinets - tuck out of the way to maintain an airy atmosphere throughout. The bathroom, finished in hand-troweled micro-cement for a spa-like feel, serves as a waterproofed wet room, blending function with serene aesthetics. Ascending a compact flight of stairs to the sleeping loft, a green welded wire mesh enclosure supports pots of trailing pothos, creating a garden-inspired division from the living area below.

The ADU construction was meticulously considered with topnotch materials such as standing seam metal roofing and siding, ensuring a waterproof seal for the entire structure. Utilizing cedar siding in a rain-screen configuration not only promotes thorough drying of the wood post-rain but also bolsters the weather barrier with an extra air layer for added protection. With six-inch stud wall construction, the thermal insulation surpasses standard code requirements, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and comfort levels.

This redesign from Studio Wythe revitalizes the backyard while enriching family life with a space that harmonizes beauty, function, and adaptability.

The ADU and associated main house renovation will be featured during the Atlanta Design Festival and will be open for tours on October 5th and 6th. Details at atlantadesigngfestival.net

The bathroom boasts a calming lightly textured micro-cement finish, with the vanity featuring the same terrazzo used in the kitchen.
A cascading waterfall anchors the pool’s west side.
"(Uhuru) Hanawi Lookout No. 2" by Katherine Sandoz from Spalding Nix Gallery anchors the living space.

A Transformed Smile

DR. MEAGAN STURM LOOKS TO CHANGE THE ORTHODONTIC EXPERIENCE UNDER NEW BRAND.

For many, the orthodontist's office might bring back some memories stuffed deep into the back of the brain: the wires, the rubber bands, and their constant presence during the awkwardness of the teenage years.

Dr. Meagan Sturm is trying to change that at her new-look practice on Clairmont. In 2023, Sturm took over the Silver Smiles practice from Dr. Arthur B. Silver, a recognizable figure in the metro area who treated tens of thousands of patients over a 50-year career in orthodontics.

Dr. Sturm joined the practice in 2016, bringing with her a passion for integrating advanced technology and enhancing the patient experience. "We focused on shorter treatment times, fewer office visits, and easy online scheduling," she recalls. "We brought in digital scanning, 3D imaging, and computer-aided treatment designs, all aimed at improving accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort."

Her team has also reimagined the space–which sits directly across the way from the popular Golden Drops Cafe–to be a "breath of fresh air" compared to the stereotypical stuffy environment of many dental and orthodontist offices.

The improvements to the physical environment led Sturm to the next stage of her plan: rebranding.

When Dr. Silver retired, Dr. Sturm saw an opportunity to expand accessibility and modernize the practice further. This included merging with Crews Orthodontics, a respected local practice run by Dr. Mary Lynn Crews, who also decided to close in 2023.

Dr. Sturm's decision to rebrand Silver Smiles began in early 2023. "The name no longer felt like it fit the identity of our practice," she explains. "Silver evokes the metal braces of our parents' generation. Orthodontics has evolved so much, and I wanted a name and branding that reflected these advancements and the changes within our practice."

The rebranding process was intricate and deeply personal for Sturm and her team. They sought a name that could evolve with the practice, and she found this in Rêve.  The name Rêve, which means "dream" in French, perfectly captures the essence of Dr. Sturm's vision: a place where dreams of beautiful, confident smiles come true.

Partnering with Cember Studio, an agency based in Birmingham, she embarked on a creative process. "We started with a vision questionnaire, which allowed me to articulate my vision. From there, the Cember team created a mood board and designed a suite of logos, colors, and sayings that perfectly reflected my vision for the practice."

The new brand identity features a series of dots, representing teeth in their various stages and the transformative journey of orthodontic treatment. A cloud motif evokes dreams, and butterflies symbolize the metamorphosis patients undergo. "I wanted our branding to embody femininity and inclusivity, reflecting our diverse patient population," Dr. Sturm says.

With the rebranding nearly complete, Dr. Sturm's goals for Rêve are clear. "My mission is to impact as many lives as possible, creating custom treatment plans that not only straighten teeth but also boost confidence and transform lives." She emphasizes that the new brand is catching up with the premier level of customer service and elite clinical care that patients have come to expect.

Rêve will continue to offer cutting-edge technologies and personalized treatment plans, ensuring that orthodontic care is comfortable and fits seamlessly into patients' lifestyles.

The practice will celebrate its refresh at their Decatur office later this fall.

"Rêve is quite literally my wildest dreams come true."

“I wanted our branding to embody femininity and inclusivity, reflecting our diverse patient population.”

REVIEWS MATTER.

Check

EVER-EVOLVING INTERIORS

Kudzu Antiques + Modern houses an eclectic mix of styles, encouraging exploration and intentional curation.

Our homes, like our lives, are meant to be ever-evolving. The people we meet and the places we experience leave an indelible mark on how we view the world. Creating a home space that mirrors the innermost parts of you, however unexpected, fosters an environment others will be drawn to; and more importantly, fosters an environment handpicked for your comfort and enjoyment.

“Put your love and life into your home.”

Most people’s interiors reflect a variety of styles. From vintage hand-me-downs to ultra-modern fixtures, the layers of furnishings cultivate dynamism and ultimately, a collection of things you simply love. That is what Kudzu Antiques + Modern seeks to inspire: exploration from the inside out of pieces that speak to your soul.

Ornate is an understatement when describing their massive selection. Walking through row after row and booth after booth is akin to traversing a series of museum exhibits. The visual splendor evokes strong reactions - you’re guaranteed to find something you’re obsessed with. Their European travels consistently result in an average of four hundred items from all over. Vintage items are restored and refurbished while leaving each piece historically intact. You might discover earthen-ware cake molds from the 1800s or an English oak chest over 300 years old.

Kate and George Lawes call Kudzu a three-in-one stop: antique mall, furniture store, and gift shop all rolled into one. Now a third-generation family business, with the addition of their daughter Emily last August, constant evolution is the main thread. When Kate and George decided to take over the business after the passing of Kate’s mother, they added in the modern element, mixing new with vintage. Their booths act as apertures into each artisan's creative mind. The thematic specificity and maximalism represented are pure eye candy. It would be easy to spend hours taking in a single display. They are continually repurposing areas to carve out space for their infinitely expanding collection: the front porch was recently closed in and their highest-selling “Mod” section was previously an attached shed.

There are wholly unique pieces always coming in and out, chosen to catch the eyes and excite the senses. Pointing to a polka-dotted sectional, Kate mentions that George doesn’t love it, but she adores “showing people how to do what they might be afraid of.” The merchandising is a team collaboration, and the wide range of ages employed here lends itself to well-rounded and thoughtful displays.

When asked for advice they would each give a person unsure of how to choose furnishings for their home, they both hone in on the importance of individual tastes and preferences. By filling your home with things you like, your collection will naturally work together and build upon itself. Before you know it, you will have a harmonious space that meshes well. And never be afraid to change it! Resist stasis and allow things to come and go, reflecting your personal growth and change.

Kate and George’s home is a microcosm of the store. Lighting is critical, providing highlights while creating an atmosphere of serene warmth. They describe objects as living entities that pull your focus, seemingly looking back at you. By opening oneself up to pure captivation, home design becomes a delightful adventure; and as their front desk sign reads, “It doesn’t have to match the couch.”

THE SOLARIUM’S STUNNING EVENTS ARE CURATED TO GIVE BACK.

Commune in a Sun-Filled Space

ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE FICKEN
“Decatur is growing and evolving, and we want to be right there with it.”

Welcome to Oakhurst’s neighborhood gem. Owned and maintained by The Community Center of South Decatur, The Solarium serves the community through accessible amenities and voluntary passion. Their board consists of multi-talented neighbors dedicated to honoring this piece of Oakhurst history while serving the community they love. As new families move in and generations continue to grow, preserving historic spaces like this is vital for the depth, charm, and services they offer the area.

The sun-filled space, once the Historic Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, was saved from demolition by a generous grant and loan. Advocacy for this land and the idea of turning the center into a hub for events led to its renovation and ultimate rebirth in 2003. Now, the board doles out grants to Decaturbased nonprofits as a full-circle tradition of compassionate care - and this year’s grant application is now open. The criteria are listed on their website and applications are open to all nonprofits that serve the Decatur community.

Hosting an event at The Solarium or Elizabeth Wilson Community House directly supports the charitable aims of Decatur’s nonprofit community, which contributes immeasurable value and heart-centered services. This space strives to be the great equalizer. It hosts community events like Girl Scouts and Chess Clubs while also serving as a local favorite for milestone celebrations. The venue is discounted for Decatur residents and nonprofit organizations, providing a stunning space at an affordable price, with the freedom to customize your events to foster authentic expression.

The Community Center of South Decatur encourages, supports, and promotes diversity. They are the host location for MLK weekend in partnership with the MLK

Opposite: front row left to right: Leah Manley (President), Irene Foran, Amy Wilson, Jenn Wood, Cynthia Varkey back row left to right: Mark Sanders (Treasurer), Carrie Eingurt (Executive Director), Elizabeth Daly (Secretary), Derek Boudreau not pictured: Scot Hollonbeck and Leslie Patterson

Service Project. It’s a powerful collaboration honing in on their mission to be community-focused and minded. Everyone is welcome, invited, and celebrated.

Find a sense of belonging at their Jazz Nights, presented alongside the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association and Anne Clarke, every Thursday in September and April. It's a great way to commune with the delightful families that make up our city. You can also directly support the center by attending their BBQ & Bands Festival Fundraiser on October 26th!

Sitting down with three key members of The Community Center of South Decatur, Leah Manley, Amy Wilson, and Carrie Eingurt, I am astonished by the depth of their dedication and commitment to this space and neighborhood. Are you looking to get involved and make a positive impact on Oakhurst? Consider becoming a board member, where heartfelt neighbors with varying perspectives and areas of expertise join together to actively advocate for and engage the community. There are monthly board meetings where everyone has an opportunity to give based on their talents and interests. They are on a mission to nurture the space’s sustainability and integrity while documenting a guidebook for generations to come.

In the words of Board President Leah Manley, “We want folks who are going to ask questions or look through a different lens. Failure to do things differently and evolve is where you meet your demise and do not have a successful future…We’ve [made] so much change over the years for the betterment of the space and the board, and we want to continue that. We don’t want to be insular...Decatur is growing and evolving, and we want to be right there with it.”

Apply for a grant here:  communitycenterofsouthdecatur. org/grant-application-form/

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

TUESDAYS

Truckin' Tuesdays

Legacy Park | 5:00 PM

Gather your friends, family, blankets, chairs, and most importantly, appetites! The area’s best food trucks will offer up delicious fare every Tuesday evening in September at Decatur’s biggest green space, Legacy Park. Legacy Park has plenty of space to spread out with and relax while you enjoy a tasty bite. Pets are welcome and must be leashed. Weather permitting.

THURSDAYS

Oakhurst Jazz Nights

The Solarium | 7:00 PM

Jazz lovers, head to Oakhurst on Thursday evenings in September! Picnic at sunset outside the Solarium, and enjoy a free outdoor concert on the lawn from 7-9 pm. Concerts are free and open to the public. Remember to bring a blanket and no high-back chairs.

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Decatur Education Foundation's Battle of the Bands

Legacy Park | 5:00 PM

Get ready to rock the night away at the Decatur Education Foundation's highly anticipated Battle of the Bands! Join us for an electrifying evening filled with incredible music, community spirit, and friendly competition. Student bands will take the stage, showcasing their talent and vying for the top spot in this epic musical showdown. Rock on, Decatur!

SEPTEMBER 12TH

Georgia Local Grown Dinner

Parker's on Ponce | 7:00 PM

Parker's On Ponce is cooking up a late summer dinner in September with a Georgia Local Grown theme. The spread will feature local farms, breweries, distilleries, and purveyors. Join our VIP club at parkersonponce.com to reserve your spot and be the first to see the menu!

SEPTEMBER 20TH

The Kirkwood Wine Stroll

Downtown Kirkwood | 7:00 PM

Kirkwood Business Owners’ Association produces this event to connect with neighbors, raise funds for the organization’s operating fund, beautify & market the Kirkwood Business Districts, & benefit local nonprofits. More than 50 stations pour a sample of red, white, rose, & sparkling wine. Small plates are available for purchase & full menus at Kirkwood restaurants. Guests enjoy live music by amazing local bands performing on three stages.

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Squash Blossom's Fall Fashion Show

Downtown Decatur Square | 5:30 PM

Styled by Squash Blossom's team members, up close and in action, real Squash Blossom customers will be strutting down the runway! The magic unfolds outdoors on the Decatur Square. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in unique looks of their own. After the show, mix, mingle, sip, and shop. The boutique will be open until 9pm this night only! Purchase your $25 ticket through our website.

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Decatur, GA September 2024 by City Lifestyle - Issuu