South Fulton, GA September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

SASHA THE DIVA AND HER NEW #SOFU ESTATE

R E A L

E S TAT E

I N V E S T I N G

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis | michelle.willis@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Erikka Mitchell | emitchell@lifestylepubs.com

Go Michelle! It’s Your Birthday!

I GUESS I’M JOINING THE RANKS OF THOSE OF YOU WHO’VE HAD BIRTHDAYS THIS YEAR WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO CELEBRATE TRADITIONALLY. I just knew

by September things would have been different, and I’d be able to have a big blowout.

But alas, here we are. Still in a pandemic, lots of them as a matter of fact: Covid-19, race challenges, murder hornets! Yeah, I said it. Murder. Hornets. So the birthday party will in fact be a little different this year. I’m welcome. Lol (not)!

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Curtis Bunn, Dawn Thornton, Fancy Lewis, Edeszann Maxie, Jolene Butts Freeman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Trae Quaintance, Infinite Exposure, Jerome Howard, Drexina Nelson

Well, I can’t save you from the hornets, but I can help don you in cute masks, and give you a few fashion tips for personal and professional use. And, I can point you in the right direction to stay as safe as possible dealing with Covid-19. Let’s not forget, drumroll please... SoFu has a new neighbor!! Sasha the Diva is in the hood! We’re gonna learn all about her new show and her new home. Speaking of new, be sure to tune in to my new show, According to Michelle on the new AIB Network every Wednesday at 5pm.

Until then, be sure to follow @southfultonlifestyle on socials and @michelletaylorwillis for updates. Thanks as always for your support.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Talk soon!

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Michelle Taylor Willis, Publisher

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ON THE COVER Sasha the Diva reigns the radio waves!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DREXINA NELSON 4

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

Proverbs 3:5-6 South Fulton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton areas’ 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 South Fulton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Welcome Home, Sasha!

Sasha the Diva, Her New Show, and New #SoFu Estate

18 Dr. Victoria Seals, President of Atlanta Technical College Breaking the Chains in Trying Times

22 RocketSports-1 #SoFu Native Designs Fitness Wear

32 22

32 Click!

How to Take Amazing Photos with Your Phone

12

DEPARTMENTS

18

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Trend Setter

18

Giving Back

24 Local Limelight 26 Locally Owned 28 Hometown Hero 30 Artist’s Palette 32 DIY 34 Local’s Choice

FOREST LAWN

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Celebrating each life LIKE NO OTHER

THE FINAL ACT OF TRUE LOVE IS TO HONOR THOSE WE’VE LEFT BEHIND. Start planning your final arrangements now and save your loved ones from making critical decisions while grieving and paying future cost.

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on how your love today will impact your loved ones in the future.

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

Please contact us for monthly cost saving incentives.

FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME 5755 MALLORY ROAD COLLEGE PARK, GA 30349

TARA GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME 681 NORTH AVE. JONESBORO, GA 30236

SHERWOOD MEMORIAL PARK & MAUSOLEUM 6841 TARA BLVD JONESBORO, GA 30236

KENNEDY MEMORIAL GARDENS 2900 RIVER ROAD ELLENWOOD, GA. 30294

770-892-2808

770-478-5001

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GOOD TIMES

Korey Felder and oAK Atlanta Provide Free Testing for Nearly 200 Atlanta nightclub oAK partnered with HEALing Community Center and Anheuser-Busch to provide free COVID-19 testing. Korey Felder, Owner and Partner in the nightclub, curated the testing event with co-owner Lerrick McCorvey, HEALing Community Center Director Koutney Dubois, and Event-Chair Aaron Mattison.

For more information on oAK Atlanta and future oAK Cares testing events, follow Korey Felder on Instagram @koreywitak.

Open for Business: We are still here to serve our patients during this time.

FAMILY FOOT CARE FOR ALL AGES • Ingrown Toe Nails

• Diabetic Foot Exams • Nail and Skin Conditions • Heel/ Foot Pain • Ankle Sprains • Leg and Calf Pain • Toe Deformities • Bunion Pain • On-Site Digital X-rays

TOBI F. TODD, D.P.M. Board Certified, Foot Surgery

5835 Campbellton Rd. SW, Ste #201 Atlanta, GA 30331 (Located near the CVS on Camp Creek Pkwy)

404-334-0696 • Fax: 404-995-7720 www.famfootcare.com We accept most insurances and non-insured persons.

8

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

4201 Jonesboro Rd., Union City | (833) 444.6985 | INFINITIofSouthAtlanta.com

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Image for display purposes only. 0.0% APR financing for 72 months on new 2020 INFINITI models in retailer stock. Down payment may be required. Subject to INFINITI Financial Services credit approval. Not all buyers qualify. Retailer sets actual price. *Several models are available at this price. Based on VIN 3PCAJ5M10LF119402 with MSRP $41,509. 39-month lease, 10,000 miles per year. $0 due at signing, Plus tax, title & tag. Document fee included. No security deposit. Financing with approved credit through INFINITI Financial Services. Offers cannot be combined. Must take delivery from dealer stock.

Contact us at (833) 444.6985 for your South Fulton VIP Pricing today!

AROUND TOWN journey to Walt Disney World® for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families, is excited to announce they are now accepting applications. Families will receive a VIP experience, including airfare, hotel, souvenirs, private character visits and dining, all-access passes to Disney parks, dessert parties and more. To qualify, children must be 5-12, diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, and have never been to Walt Disney World®. The family must prove financial need and live in the radio listening area of “The Bert Show”, a nationally syndicated morning radio show based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bert’s Big Adventure has taken more than 230 children and their families on this trip of a lifetime.

THE TWENTY PEARLS FOUNDATION AWARDS $27,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. hosted

now available online for the 2021 trip*. All applications must be submitted by September 10, 2020.

Please

visit

https://bertsbigadventure.org/

its annual Pearls of Excellence Scholarship

nominate-a-child-or-apply/. *To ensure the

Recognition Program. The foundation awarded

safety of all families, the Bert's Big Adventure 2021

scholarships to students in East Point, College

Walt Disney World® trip may be postponed as a

Park, and South Fulton, virtually via Zoom.

result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rosalind Brewer, Chief Operating Officer of Starbucks, gave the keynote address. Destiny Elliott, Georgia State University Class of 2020 graduate and founder of the Destiny J. Elliott PR & Marketing Firm, LLC, delivered an inspiring

CHRISTIAN CITY NAMES INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS Marlond

Fyffe has

been

named

Interim

Executive Director of Christian City Children &

charge to the students.

Kenadi Goodwin, Jaylin Hudson, Dominique

Family Programs. Fyffe will provide strategic vision

Jones, Aleisha Sawyer, and Xavier Shankle were

and direction for the Children’s Village Residential

awarded

Award

Program, Crossroads Foster Care & Adoption

Scholarships, and six students were awarded the

Program, Safe Place Runaway & Homeless

Robbie Clark Achievement Award. Evelin Castro

Youth Program and Thrive Graduate Transition

Lozano was awarded the Pauline Wright Culinary

Program at Christian City.

Robbie

Clark

Academic

Arts/Hospitality Scholarship. Jasmine Cook and

Fyffe has served in various positions at Christian

Aria Shelton were awarded the foundation’s HBCU

City over the last 17 years, most recently as Quality

Scholarship. Christopher Sparks, KeAuri Perdue,

Assurance Specialist where he was responsible

Mariah Peeples, Nadiyah Swan, Tanisha Ward and

for developing, implementing and maintaining

Kemiya Copeland were awarded book awards to

the quality of services provided by Children &

commemorate their accomplishment.

Family Programs.

The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. was estab-

Fyffe’s transition to Interim Executive Director

lished in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) organization by the

comes at a critical time for the organization.

members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau

Christian City recently completed a strategic plan

Epsilon Omega Chapter, for fundraising, community

that will inform and guide the organization’s focus

involvement and scholastic achievement. For more

for the next three years. Fyffe is tasked with lead-

information, visit The20PearlsFoundation.org.

ing and implementing initiatives to enhance and

NOMINATE A CHILD FOR BERT'S BIG ADVENTURE Bert’s Big Adventure, a nonprofit organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day 10

The complete application and nomination forms are

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

expand Children & Family Programs.

Fyffe graduated from Point University with a bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Relations.

His wife is his best friend, and together they are parents of two children.

A smoke-free City of South Fulton will ensure smoke-free workplaces, because no one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck.

To learn more text COSF to 46839.

TREND SETTER

THE MOST RECENT CELEBRITY TO MOVE TO SOUTH FULTON MAKES HER LIVING INTERVIEWING OTHER CELEBRITIES. Radio personality Sasha The Diva, who arrived in metro Atlanta in 2002, has found her oasis—finally—after a rigorous and frustrating two-year search. While Sasha says she enjoyed her life in Henry County, she and her husband of 10 years, Kevin Harris, Sr., wanted a new home, but were reluctant to move far away from Sasha’s mother, who lived nearby.

Until one day when her mother told her, “You always do everything for everyone. Go find your house.”

ARTICLE CURTIS BUNN PHOTOGRAPHY TRAE QUAINTANCE

Those words freed Sasha to expand her search. . . and they landed in South Fulton‘s Cascade Road/New Hope Road area.

“I love it here!” she said. “There is no drama. I like the peace and quiet. It’s almost like a resort. We have access to everything.

It’s pretty. It’s ideal.”

All of this matters because Sasha The Diva did not just show up in South Fulton or as a nationally syndicated radio personality of the “Rick and Sasha Show” by fate. She worked for it. In fact, hers is a story of the power of intention and effort.

CONTINUED >

WELCOME HOME, SASHA! SASHA THE DIVA, HER NEW SHOW, AND NEW #SOFU ESTATE

12

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

13

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

14

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

As a 4-year-old, Sasha said she would emulate famed TV

While in Delaware, Sasha The Diva was born. As she worked

news anchor Barbara Walters. She would grab utensils from the

on her craft, she created a spreadsheet that featured the contact

kitchen, take them to the bathroom and pull herself atop the toilet

information of program directors in larger markets. She consistently

so she could see herself in the mirror and repeat what she had

mailed packages of her work. One day, she received a call back for

heard on the radio or television.

a job in Baltimore. She had arrived. That job led to work in metro

“I was so young, but I was doing it,” she said. “And my father used to say, ‘Look at my little diva.’ That’s how I got my name.”

Washington, D.C., and finally to Atlanta in 2002.

She put in 10 years at KISS 104.1—with a break in between—in

The name established, Sasha embarked as she got older on an ardu-

various time slots and roles until 2018, when she was partnered

ous journey to become first an Atlanta radio star and now a national

with Rick Party, a hit deejay in Miami, to form the “Rick and Sasha

standout in her industry. In college, she worked at a radio station as an

Show” for Westwood One, the urban radio conglomerate, to replace

intern, fetching coffee when asked, showing up at remote events first

the uber-popular “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” They are in 25 cit-

and staying late—doing whatever it took to stand out and to learn.

ies, including Atlanta on 97.9, and recently landed in her hometown

A producer was impressed with her voice and set her for an air check in the studio. When she heard later that the programming director was equally enthralled, she approached him.

and the nation’s media capital, New York. They’ve added comedian George Willborn for humorous relief.

“Coming behind Tom Joyner and what he has done in the commu-

“He sat me down and told me, ‘Do you understand this is a radio

nity is a lot of pressure,” she said. “But we aren’t running away from

station? I can’t put an intern on the air. You have no experience.’ I

it. We want to do some of the things he did in the community,” Sasha

said, ‘But you said I sounded good.’ He said, ‘I didn’t say you should

said. “We want to inform about important news. But we know it’s a

be on the air. If you want a career in this business, you have to go

big switch and we’re going to get beat up by some. But we’re not

somewhere to a small market and get experience.’

going to let that stop us. We’re going to keep rolling.”

“I left there, went to the bus stop and then got on the back of the

Because of the coronavirus, Rick and Sasha have been work-

bus and cried. I thought my dream was over,” Sasha recalled. “But

ing remotely and unable to host events with fans, which has

then I found out what a ‘small market’ meant and got a job less than

been disappointing.

three months later in Milford, Delaware. I made $6 an hour working the overnight shift. I made the sacrifice.

“You have to sacrifice to get what you want. Some people want it now. Being on the radio is way more than you think it is.”

“It’s definitely different,” she said. “Rick and I can’t see each other.

There were lots of technical things to learn doing this from home. But we haven’t missed a beat. And I work in my jammies in my home in South Fulton that I love. So, it’s all good.”

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

15

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GIVING BACK

DR. VICTORIA SEALS, PRESIDENT OF ATLANTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE BREAKING THE CHAINS IN TRYING TIMES ARTICLE DAWN THORNTON

18

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and President Seals

DATING BACK TO CHILDHOOD IN NORWOOD, GEORGIA, DR. VICTORIA SEALS WAS A BASKETBALL PLAYER WHO LOVED TO LEARN. Her coach at Warren County High School, whom she adored, was also a math teacher. Their relationship and his style of teaching helped her fall in love with math and started her on the path to discovering what is now penned as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

Seals chose Spelman College to continue her studies, and years later earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership at University of Georgia.

Her interests, education, and guidance from her mother led her to teach at the collegiate level.

“At an early age I tutored my older cousins and friends in their math classes. When I got to the University of Georgia, I started tutoring for the Athletics Department and that brought it full circle,” says Seals, noting that a friend encouraged her to apply for a part-time position at Athens Technical College, which turned to full-time. Upon completion of her doctorate, she moved to Gwinnett Tech and then accepted the role as President of Atlanta Technical College in 2016.

Since her inception, she has dedicated herself to changing the lives of her students and their families.

“We’ve been able to quickly move a family out of poverty and into livable wages,” she shares. “Having that immediate impact has been my priority as part of my strategic plan.”

Her goal is to break the chains in the black community in terms of the students who were born into poverty. Historically, these students have less than a 4% chance of elevating their economic status throughout their entire lifetime.

“The zip code you’re born in should not be the determining factor of your entire future,” says Seals.

She touts her greatest achievement as the partnerships with the city of Atlanta and the Atlanta Committee for Progress organization. She’s fostered relationships with local corporations to show them that Atlanta Tech students can be their workforce solution as they look to stay in the city after completion. One of her next ideas is to cultivate the Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain programs.

“This industry sector has gone under the radar, but there are opportunities for students to connect with a high-paying career. It’s more than just being a truck driver or warehouse worker,” she says.

Seals has made great strides at Atlanta Tech and plans to continue to move the school forward.

She wants all to know that it’s not just a second option, it’s a viable first option to guide individuals to well-paying careers.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

19

Money coming back again!

It’s been a tough year. But GreyStone Power is working with members to make life better.

The cooperative has issued more than $11 million in Wallet Watch Credits and suspended disconnections for months.

GreyStone is returning $8 million in capital credits on top of the $15 million returned earlier this year. That’s a total of $23 million!

capital c

redits o

f

$ 8 MIL LIO + $ 15 MILL N ION = $23 M ILLION

GreyStone has donated more than $100,000 to area food banks, helped recruit new businesses and is working to complete a new substation for the most reliable power possible.

Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Cooperatives

Making Life Better

For J.D. Power 2019 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

GreyStone Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Not available in the EU. 20

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

greystonepower.com

Jon Dabney Photo by Infinite Exposure Photography

22

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

ROCKET SPORTS- 1 WE ARE LIVING IN TURBULENT AND UNCERTAIN

Dabney grew up in Atlanta and always knew he

TIMES. We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic

wanted to be an entrepreneur. He wasn’t sure what

and people across the globe are taking to the streets

product or service he would provide, but he knew it

to protest systemic racism and inequities within the

would require him to have super selling skills to be suc-

African American community.

cessful. Dabney’s friends have given him many nick-

While our world is social distancing, working from home and fighting for change, people are taking advan-

names throughout his life, because he’s always known how to close a deal and negotiate a win-win situation.

tage of extra free time and realizing they must improve

“Getting a good education and professional experi-

their health. Many are doing this by working out or

ence were crucial to me succeeding in my business and

playing their favorite sports. No matter their exercise

my passion for sports, fitness and fashion,” Dabney said.

of choice—whether it’s aerobics in the gym, running,

“I’ve seen myself purchase tons of apparel for my kids as

bicycling, or even yoga—folks are making time to move,

they participated in sports and for myself as a weekend

and ROCKETSPORTS-1 wants to help.

athlete. I knew after thousands of dollars in purchases

ROCKETSPORTS-1 is a new sports apparel line that

it was time for me to create a company of my own that

allows the consumer to feel confident and comfortable

would grow organically and become a household name.”

while exercising and provides a unique look while doing

ROCKETSPORTS-1, unlike other sports apparel

it. What’s different about this brand? Founder and

companies, aims to support its community as well

Chief Executive Officer Jon Dabney is a native of South

as encourage African Americans to support black-

Fulton and is an African American man who gives back

owned businesses.

to his community through his apparel company.

“Over the last four years we have increased our

“I have purchased my sports apparel from the big

healthier lifestyles message through our clothing

three companies most of my young adult life and I’ve

brand throughout South Fulton and the City of

never seen much of the profit given to support the

Atlanta. While increasing awareness, we are giving

African American community. This was my motivation

back to the community by helping youth exercise

and it is needed today more then ever,” Dabney said.

more and explore different sporting activities avail-

Since its start, the ROCKETSPORTS-1 team has

able throughout the city,” said Dabney.

worked hard to ensure its consumers look great

Dabney is a graduate of Benjamin E. Mays High

while promoting healthier lifestyles. The first full line

School, Morehouse College (BA Marketing) and the

black-owned sports apparel company in Atlanta and

University of Georgia (MBA).

South Fulton is in motion and got its start with strong

According to Dabney, don’t be surprised if in late Fall

support from family, friends and the community. The

2020 you see Rocketsports-1 women’s activewear in

ROCKETSPORTS-1 brand attracts progressive con-

some of your favorite retail stores! Until then, you can

sumers who are open to wearing something other

purchase your ROCKETSPORTS-1 men’s and women’s

than the most popular name brands and who demand

apparel at ROCKETSPORTS-1.COM.

Dri-Fit performance activewear that allows people to express themselves through vivid colors.

For wholesale sales, email info@rocketsports-1.com.

ARTICLE JOLENE BUTTS FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY JEROME HOWARD AND INFINITE EXPOSURE

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

23

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

A Conversation w ith Dr. Lane Rolling ON COVID-19 AND OUR NEW NORMAL

SO HERE’S THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE

He would recommend using a microseptic sanitizer like ProGuardeum, a green

COVID-19 VIRUS: IT’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

product that is stronger than chlorine. All the other products were tested against

According to Dr. Lane Rolling, we will be dealing with

Coronaviruses like the common cold, not the new COVID-19 virus.

this for the foreseeable future, at least four years. He expects the second wave to arrive in the fall and that

GET YOUR BUILDING TESTED

the virus along with the flu will be a deadly combina-

Dr. Rolling stresses that this is our new reality. “Get used to it,” he says. He

tion. The virus is one of the most difficult to control.

recommends using services like those offered by SRS, Inc., where he serves as the

According to Dr. Rolling, it’s stronger than ebola, the

Chief Medical & Science Officer, to ensure that your place of business or school is

flu and HIV. It has the ability to mutate as quickly as a

free of the COVID-19 virus by testing the surfaces where the virus can linger and

few weeks. These things make a vaccine in the future

using a special mat that can clean the shoes. Since the virus can be airborne, Dr.

hard to produce and we have to factor in time for a

Rolling suggests that special care is taken in bathrooms to disinfect any areas that

few rounds of trials.

may have been exposed to the virus.

WASH YOUR HANDS, WEAR YOUR MASK, BUT IT

Dr. Lane Rolling, MD, is the Director of Clinical Education and Research at the Trop-

MAY NOT BE ENOUGH

ical Pathology and Infectious Disease Association. He is one of the leading Black

Following the recommendations and protocols

biological warfare experts and experts on COVID-19.

issued by the CDC are imperative. Dr. Rolling recommends washing hands with soap and water but

For more information, please visit SRSincorp.com or the Tropical Pathology and

that might not be enough to kill microorganisms.

Infectious Disease Association at TPIDA.org.

24

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

IT’S TIME FOR A

New Smile Braces and Invisalign FOR ALL AGES

WE ARE OPEN AND EAGER TO SERVE YOU!

New patients, present this ad for $75 off your initial fee

770-892-3833

AtlantaSmileStudio.com 5390 Campbellton Fairburn Road Fairburn, Georgia 30213 ORTHODONTICS

On-line consultations accessed through our website.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

25

LOCALLY OWNED ARTICLE FANCY LEWIS

S E E Y O U AT THE TOP! PUTTING YOUR BEST FASHION FORWARD ON VIDEO CALLS

“LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES; YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GONNA GET.” This time around, we got a pandemic! Here are a couple of fun great ideas to enjoy handling business from home on Zoom calls.

Since people are only seeing the top of you for the most part,

Simple things like blush and earrings or just lashes and gloss without makeup make a huge difference!

For the men! Simple: Polo style shirts look so good on camera; get them in every color. A tie or suspenders and a nice watch are great accessories.

it’s a great idea to play with color, volume, and texture in your tops.

Do not neglect your background. Find the best place possible

Since you only have to worry about one piece of clothing, let’s make

to compliment what you are wearing. Try not to use a background

it simple, well, simply dramatic I should say. If you use volume and

that’s too busy—you should always be the main focus.

texture in your top, go softer and sleeker on the hair and vice versa.

For branding purposes, get creative and place things in your

If your background has a lot of neutral colors, make sure you are the

background that people may notice and ask you about later.

“pop” of color, however, your background should never outdo you.

Keep in mind if you have multiple businesses, your background

If you are a black lover, then please give us a subtle show by adding accessories; don’t be afraid or too lazy to add some sea-

can be used to subtly advertise or market your other businesses while on a Zoom call with one business!

soning. Especially for those trying to look like a meal on your

Bring a little bit of your personality into your background using

Zoom call! Seriously though, some jewelry, a scarf, or broach can

visible quotes or photos; most people usually try to hide things, but

make a world of a difference.

it’s good for people to get to see a bit more of who you are since

To simplify the process, dresses are a quick way to go! You can go commando or even braless for some, depending on the dress style, and just add a belt. Two pieces and a sloppy up-do with blush and some earrings make you look like Sleeping Beauty made an effort.

You always want to look like you at least made an effort. No one

they don’t get this opportunity when in an office building.

Make the very best of your situation and don’t stress out. It’s not the end of the world!

Remember, true style comes from within, but people can’t see that on Zoom!

has to know if you’ve got the pandemic lazy bug or not. Look like you’ve got it together!

26

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

Fancy Lewis is a Freelance Fashion Designer at Strictly Editorial.

PUT YO U R CIT Y O N O U R MAP. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Picture the Dream celebrates the story of the civil rights movement, told through the art of children’s picture books. The first exhibition of its kind, this show will take viewers by the hand to walk them through the power and relevance of an era that shaped American history and continues to reverberate today.

ON VIEW THROUGH NOVEMBER 8 | HIGH.ORG This exhibition is co-organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts. Major funding for this exhibition is provided by the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation and the Rich Foundation, Inc. PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSOR

Life is short. Love what you do.

LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSORS

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS The Antinori Foundation Sarah and Jim Kennedy Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot

BENEFACTOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTER Anne Cox Chambers Foundation AMBASSADOR EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Tom and Susan Wardell Rod and Kelly Westmoreland

CONTRIBUTING EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Lucinda W. Bunnen, Marcia and John Donnell, W. Daniel Ebersole and Sarah Eby-Ebersole, Peggy Foreman, Robin and Hilton Howell, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter Jones, Joel Knox and Joan Marmo, Margot and Danny McCaul, and The Ron and Lisa Brill Family Charitable Trust 2020 GRANDPARENTS CIRCLE OF SUPPORT Spring and Tom Asher, Anne Cox Chambers, Ann and Tom Cousins, Sandra and John Glover, Shearon and Taylor Glover, Sarah and Jim Kennedy, and Jane and Hicks Lanier GENEROUS SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY Alfred and Adele Davis Exhibition Endowment Fund, Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Fund, Barbara Stewart Exhibition Fund, Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment Fund, Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Fay and Barrett Howell Exhibition Fund, Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, Helen S. Lanier Endowment Fund, Isobel Anne Fraser–Nancy Fraser Parker Exhibition Endowment Fund, John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Exhibition Endowment Fund, Katherine Murphy Riley Special Exhibition Endowment Fund, Margaretta Taylor Exhibition Fund, and RJR Nabisco Exhibition Endowment Fund Raúl Colón (American, born 1952), illustration for Child of the Civil Rights Movement (detail) by Paula Young Shelton, 2010, R. Michelson Galleries, Northampton, Massachusetts. © 2010 Raúl Colón. Used by permission of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.

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HOMETOWN HERO

D evelopi n g 21st Century Civic Leaders with Excellence

LEADERSHIP SOUTH FULTON

The 2019-2020 Leadership South Fulton graduates hailed from multiple industries, including airport operations, city, and county government, education, entrepreneurs, health care, hospitality, nonprofit, and utility. This year’s LSF Program kicked off at the world’s largest one-day simulcast leadership conference hosted

by Leadercast South Fulton. The conference included world-renowned leaders Gayle King, Andy Stanley, and Dr. Caroline Leaf, to name a few. The South Fulton Leadercast sponsors were the Development Authority of Fulton County, Georgia Power, and the ATL Design Group.

Corporate, city, and business leaders came together to grow, develop, empower, inspire, and connect.

LSF participants’ learning experiences comprised presentations, interactive sessions, role plays, panel discussions, and hands-on activities presented by local, regional, and state leaders. Session topics ranged from diversity and inclusion, race relations, team-building, economic development, and servant leadership, with opportunities to explore behind-the-scenes tours of the education system, state government, and local government and public safety divisions.

The LSF Program culminated with a capstone class project that correlated with session themes. Participants had an opportunity to turn concepts into workable projects and problem-solve by working in small teams to accomplish a broader mission, exploring the civic health of South Fulton County, and developing realistic solutions to increase impact and build a better community. The Leadership South Fulton Program experience inspires and encourages leaders to grow and blossom.

Congratulations to the 2019-2020 LSF Graduates: Adreene Allen, Rhonda Appleby, Eric Bell, Travis Bell, Stacy Blakley, Kimberly Dove, Cindy Givens, Genevieve Jones, Merlin Knight, Rashan Noble, Karen Phillips, Shayla Reed, Dr. Lisa Richardson, Dr. Catherine Rowell, and Dr. Gymiah Whitaker.

ONE OF TODAY’S TOP LEADERSHIP EXPERTS JOHN MAXWELL SAID

The mission of the South Fulton Chamber of

THAT THE CHALLENGE OF LEADERSHIP IS TO CREATE CHANGE

Commerce is to create synergy for business devel-

AND FACILITATE GROWTH. Over the past nine months, Y. Dyan

opment and expansion by attracting, retaining, and

Matthews, President of the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and

advancing the business interests of South Fulton.

her team led the effort to transform and expand the knowledge base of a robust pipeline of diverse civic leaders to serve South Fulton County

For further information about Leadership South Ful-

and its eight cities in SFCC’s re-inaugural Leadership South Fulton

ton or questions about the South Fulton Chamber of

Program. The foundation of the Leadership South Fulton Program is to

Commerce, please contact Y. Dyan Matthews at dyan.

offer leaders the opportunity to cultivate and enhance leadership skills,

matthews@southfultonchamber.com or 770.964.1984.

increase community awareness, network and build relationships with

Visit SouthFultonChamber.com to learn how your

other leaders in the county, and assess and resolve civic issues.

business can bloom in South Fulton!

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South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

29

ARTIST’S PALETTE

Brenda Nicole Moorer GOES DEEP WITH NEW ALBUM “MARROW”

MUSIC IS IN BRENDA NICOLE MOORER’S GENES. Decades ago, her grandfather and his siblings started a group called The Esquires based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her father was an avid piano player and vocalist, and when Brenda was a preteen, Moorer’s mother bought a cassette player from an estate sale that came with classic cassette tapes of Sara Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday already inside, which further fueled her love of the craft.

Moorer started her career at 15 years old in a group founded

by R&B performer Dave Hollister. Now, almost 20 years later, she has three albums under her belt and a collaborative jazz album, “Marrow”, released on Aug. 8 on Ropeadope Records.

Several Atlanta-based millennials who offer different talents and styles have lent their diverse skills to the project. The contributors launched a fundraiser campaign in February 2019 and were able to raise the funds to complete the album last year.

All 10 tracks (seven full songs, three interludes) were co-written by Moorer, Kenny Banks, Jr., and Trevor Wolford, with Brenda singing lead vocals. London-based Troy Miller has produced the album that references bone marrow, the core of where cells are made in the body.

“I simply reached out to Troy because I liked the artists he had already produced, such as Gregory Porter, the London Symphony Orchestra, and other prominent jazz artists,” she says.

The mother of two says the style of jazz she’s presenting and the album title are both attributed to self-exploration and self-discovery. She wanted to push the envelope and then encourage her listeners to know they have light and purpose inside of them.

The songbird also has a role in the upcoming Aretha Franklin movie, “RESPECT”, alongside Jennifer Hudson, where Moorer is cast as Franklin’s cousin and background singer Brenda Franklin.

“The experience was incredible! A dream come true. Now I’m ready to do more acting,” she laughs.

Since the wrap of the movie production in February, Moorer has been spending some much-needed time with her children and partner, who is also a vocalist. Navigating motherhood and her career has been a balancing act, but she has made it work for everyone involved. Now she’s patiently awaiting the release of her album and looking forward to experiencing all the joys this album of self-discovery will bring.

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South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

ARTICLE DAWN THORNTON

It’s time to think Inspired by Community

locally

ADVERTISE WITH US to deliver your message to the most affluent families in our community.

lifestylepubs.com/advertise CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton

31

Click!

DIY

ARTICLE EDESZANN MAXIE

Tiffany Powell Photography

HOW CAN YOU RISE ABOVE ALL THE OTHER INSTAGRAMMERS TO GET NOTICED? Can it really be as simple as the quality of uploaded photos? While managing multiple social media accounts, I notice a lot of Instagram accounts “gone wrong” out there, and usually one of the reasons is bad photos.

Let’s elaborate—you do not need to have only high resolution pictures on your social media accounts to have a successful account, but you do need to understand the importance of higher quality and visually stimulating content to get the best results from your efforts.

Before the days of smartphones—if you can remember such a time—taking a great photo was a labor-intensive process.

You’d have to buy a fancy camera and editing software and invest some serious time and energy into learning how to use them. Today, thanks to our mobile devices and the editing apps that come with them, those days are far gone. We can now take high-quality photos and edit them on the same device.

Break out your smartphone and use these three tips to take professional-looking photos with every tap of the screen.

1. AVOID ZOOMING IN.

When taking a photo from a distance, it’s tempting to zoom in

on something specific you’re trying to capture. But it’s actually better not to zoom in, as doing so can make the photo appear grainy, blurry, or pixelated.

2. USE NATURAL LIGHT.

Take advantage of the sources of natural light you can find, even

after dark. This gives you a chance to play with shadows or create a silhouette with other ambient sources of light, like traffic and surrounding buildings.

Once you’ve taken the photo, play with the “exposure” tool in your favorite photo editing app to see if you can make the image slightly brighter, without making it too grainy.

3. TRY CAMERA APPS FOR MORE CONTROL.

Rather than snapping photos straight from your camera, try sev-

HOW TO TAKE AMAZING PHOTOS WITH YOUR PHONE

eral apps that give you more control. Camera+ is a popular option for iPhone users. DSLR Camera Pro is a hot choice for Android users. As the photographer, you have more options to take creative shots with these apps. Each one costs $3 or less.

For more information, visit WMCreativeMarketing.com or call Edeszann Maxie, CEO, WM Creative Group at 770.231.0203.

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South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

Please Join Us

for virtual webinars and lunch and learns!

Call 770.964.1984

or visit SouthFultonChamber.com

The Atlanta Black Chambers is a non-profit organization consisting of individuals engaging in Business, Community and Government activities.

Memberships start at only $29 per month

Start growing opportunities with your business today!

877-964-6222 atlantablackchambers.org CityLifestyle.com/SouthFulton 33

LOCAL’S CHOICE

M A S K FA S H IO N KEEPING IT CUTE IN BOOMER NATURALS ARTICLE ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL WHAT STYLE-THEMED ISSUE IN 2020 IS COMPLETE WITH-

secured on his face. He loves the small black one, but he also likes the

OUT A MASK REVIEW? Your mask might be the most important

brightly colored patterns and this is no small feat! The mask is the most

accessory right now. It’s great when your mask is lightweight but

comfortable one in his collection and he says it’s not hard to breathe in

sturdy and matches your outfit!

the mask. This is really important to help keep my son and my family safe.

My go-to mask is by Boomer Naturals, and even my son loves his

He has to be able to wear it without a problem for a few hours at a time.

child-sized version! Pro tip: Open the package and let the mask air out a

I love my florals and prints and the price. At $10 or less for the adult

bit before the first use. My son is a proud member of the First Tee of Metro

and children’s sizes, I can keep my son in enough masks to make it

Atlanta, and when he practices his swing, he manages to keep his mask

through the week. --ESM

EFFECTIVENESS IS ESSENTIAL

Lives are at stake, so it’s important that we wear the most effective face covers. Many “homemade” masks or bandanas have thinly woven fabric that fail to provide proper filtration or offer enough coverage on the face. Paper masks are made to be worn only once, making them an expensive and ineffective choice if worn repeatedly.

Boomer Naturals offers a higher quality face cover that is ultra-soft; the 65% cotton/35% polyester blend is comfortable and easy to wear. The covers are made from three layers of tightly woven fabric that is enhanced with nano-silver technology to fight bacteria and provide the ultimate in protection.

FIT IS FREEDOM

The Fit of the mask is key. Ideally, the mask should cover the nose and mouth with no gaps at the sides where particles can enter.

For superior fit, Boomer Naturals Face Covers are available in a range of sizes, including kids, adult, and extra-large for those with wider faces or bigger bone structure.

The extra-large size also offers additional room for beards, fully covering the face and facial hair.

To optimize both fit and comfort, Boomer Naturals Ear Savers relieve the pressure of tight-fitting elastic bands on ears. A series of hooks catch the coverings’ elastic loops, moving tension to the band, while ensuring secure attachment.

To order visit BoomerNaturals.com.

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South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2020

Dentistry & Orthodontics for all stages of

Life

Adult Dentistry Children's Dentistry Sedation Dentistry Dr. Kimberly E. Beal Orthodontist

Dr. Kaneta R. Lott Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

30 YEARS CARING FOR SOUTHWEST ATLANTA

2440 Fairburn Road SW, Suite 301, Atlanta

FamilyandChildrensDentistry.com

404.349.7777

Perfectly positioned between two airports

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport & Fulton County - Charlie Brown Airport

South Fulton Development Authority • Transportation with easy access to I-20, I-75, I-85 & I-285 • Access to CSX Intermodal Terminal • 100% Freeport Tax Exemption on all four inventory classes • Streamlined One-Stop Permitting & Licensing Process • Georgia Job Tax Credit Program • Less Developed Census Tract Incentives • Small Business Resource Center • Small Business Sustainability Grants • Workforce Development Collaborations The City of South Fulton 470-809-7211 | DSF@CityofSouthFultonga.gov 5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd, SW | Atlanta, GA 30336 CityofSouthFultonGa.gov