SOFU, GA May 2024

Dear Younger Me and Learning to Love Your Sandwich!

Hey y’all!

I’ve been thinking about sandwiches. Coming to terms with “middle age," I’ve found myself quite literally in the middle, simultaneously my mother’s daughter and a mom to my young son. Many of us are kind of squeezed in the middle, caregiving for our parents while parenting our littles and not-so-littles. It's not always easy but it's worth it. My son has relationships with his Grandma and his Big Mama (my late husband's mom) that are just wonderful!

I’ve also been thinking about whether I have any advice for little Erikka. I’d tell her not to be so hard on herself, that done is better than perfect, and that the anticipation is almost always worse than the actual thing. We asked some of our SoFu Lifestyle co-workers, readers, and advertisers the same question for this Ladies-themed issue:

Dear Younger Self, Love yourself just as you are. You are masterfully made by God. You will face obstacles and people will not always understand your brilliance, but it’s okay. Not everyone will be worthy of the treasure that you are. Also, life happens along with failure. Think of it as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Enjoy the journey. Thanks,

Regan Toomer, Communications and Content Specialist, Gagnant Media

Dear Young Jana, You are enough, just the way you are. You should know that you are made in the image of God, despite the teasing that you receive for your skinny body, thin hair, and complexion. Stand tall on those pale, skinny legs and walk proud! You are beautiful.

Jana Johnson-Davis, SoFu Lifestyle Reader

I would tell my younger self to live in the moment and savor all that life has to offer. Life moves ever so quickly and each moment is precious. Keep dreaming.

Sonia Butler, Owner and Creative Director, Sonia Butler Events

In our pages this month, you will find inspiring stories about dynamic women in and from this community from the new City Manager of the City of South Fulton to the Mayor of Palmetto. There’s a Mother’s Day gift guide from our amazing publisher Michelle Taylor Willis. And there are some tips on raising southern kids from a local author that hails from up North.

From our hearts to yours, I hope you enjoy the good news in this issue! May flowers to each of you!

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Antwan Lang | antwan.lang@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gabrielle Latimore, Saleemah Jackson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Gibbons, Becca McCoy

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

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

city scene

1-10: Gagnant Media and SOFU Lifestyle magazine present Cigars and Conversation at Stanley's Cigar Lounge on Butner Road., an exclusive reception and networking event for our advertisers.

JOIN

EVENT STARTS AT 6:30PM

Discover Union City, GeorgiaWhere Business Meets Ambiance

Designated as the fastest-growing City in Georgia, Union City combines the charm of an intimate community with the cultural, residential, and economic prowess of a large metropolis.

Nestled just minutes from the world's busiest airport, Union City stands proud as a renowned residence of influential brands like Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, ASOS, Amazon, Mercedes-Benz, Walmart E-Commerce, Atlanta Metro Studios, and many others. Experience the fusion of business and lifestyle - Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine your future in Union City.

Fox Theatre Deepens Commitment to Community With “Fox Gives"

The Fox Theatre proudly introduces its expanded community partnerships program, Fox Gives. As the philanthropic arm dedicated to strengthening communities through theatre, the program furthers the iconic institution’s preservation efforts and support for theaters throughout the Southeast and highlights the same power of community support that once saved the Fox Theatre. Fox Gives aims to restore historic theatres and offer vocational opportunities for young people passionate about the arts. For more info, visit foxtheatre.org/foxgives.

Preacher's Wife Starts May 11 Starring Loretta Devine at Alliance

Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce the cast and creative team of its world premiere musical,  “The Preacher’s Wife,” inspired by the beloved film by the same name. Featuring an original score by award nominated actor, musician, and writer Tituss Burgess, “The Preacher’s Wife” will run on The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre from May 11 to June 16, 2024.

Cultivating Creativity, Community, and Sustainable Farming at CHACE Farms

CHACE (Chattahoochee Hills Art Culture & Entrepreneurship) FARMS, a new innovative Black-owned farming initiative located in the serene landscape of Chattahoochee Hills. Tyree Smith and Chace Farms’ mission is bold and clear: to build a prosperous and sustainable Black-owned farm that will supply fresh vegetables and more to South Atlanta and beyond. For those interested in supporting CHACE FARMS, or to learn more about the project, please visit  chacefarms.art .

Photography by Becca McCoy

EMPOWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

When you live in GreyStone Power’s service area, you’ll catch the cooperative making life better for the community.

Its employees are the kind of neighbors you value. They volunteer to help others in a variety of ways.

GreyStone empowers the next generation through the Washington Youth Tour, as well as scholarships for local students.

School presentations and events emphasize electrical safety.

Power. Empowering your community.

N TANU I T EDWAYOF GREATERATLA

“I happened to be riding on a train and seeing a sign for 2-1-1.

‘Need help, resources? Call 2-1-1.’”

United Way of Greater Atlanta understands that a mother’s health is integral to the health of her children. Health, in this case, includes financial stability, mental and emotional health, food security, and other factors that encompass well-being.

Created in 1997, United Way’s 2-1-1 Contact Center has become a one-stop resource for many single mothers.

United Way’s 2-1-1 offers a variety of services, from rent and utility assistance to aiding with finding clothing and food. With their extensive list of partner agencies, 2-1-1 operators serve as a liaison between those in need and those who can help.

Over 17 years ago, Stayce Michelle, Delta Air Lines employee and active member of United Way, was once a single mother in need. After leaving an abusive relationship, she and her young son, Marcus, had reached a point of financial desperation.

She recounts the moment her life changed on MARTA one day.

“I happened to be riding on a train and seeing a sign for 2-1-1. ‘Need help, resources? Call 2-1-1.’”

She called, and the rest is history. Now an advocate for 2-1-1 and United Way, Michelle received life-changing financial assistance that allowed her and her son to thrive. She’s one of many who found help at the other end of the line.

As evidenced by the latest 2-1-1 data, the need for assistance seems to be growing each year. From July 2022 to June 2023, 2-1-1 received over 100,000 requests from individuals and families looking for assistance, with the highest volume of requests coming from South Fulton. Sixty-eight percent of those requests were from single women, over half of whom had children. An overwhelming percentage of single mothers contact 2-1-1 for housing-related issues, like inability to pay rent or a security deposit. For these moms, 2-1-1 isn’t a service — it’s a lifeline.

2-1-1 is proud to serve the resilient women of Greater Atlanta. This Mother’s Day, United Way honors all mothers who have persevered in the face of extreme adversity to improve the lives of their children.

ARTICLE BY ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL

Teresa Thomas-Smith Mayor

LEADING WITH LOVE

Palmetto’s Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith is a native Atlantan and a graduate of Benjamin E. Mays High School. She had been living in Palmetto with her husband and raising her kids for 20 years when she decided to start attending City Council meetings. She had questions and she was going to speak up and ask them. It wasn’t long after that she made the decision to run for a City Council seat. She wasn’t a fan of politics as usual, and it was clear that she would disrupt the status quo.

“Something had to be done, and I was going to be the one to do it!” she said, adding that that’s when she decided to run for City Council.

Thomas-Smith has a strong sense of spirituality and everything she does is spirit-led. There is a Knowing that gives her a sense of calm.

Her time on the City Council gave her the opportunity to use her union background. She was literally going from door-to-door campaigning to get votes, which is unusual in a town where everyone knows each other and almost everyone is related.

“I worked for the AFL-CIO Unions for years and they taught me how to campaign. They knew the tide was turning,” she shared.

Mayor Thomas-Smith was different, and she was very comfortable in her difference. Some who were uncomfortable with change were fearful of that.

“I show up by divine appointment everywhere I go. Sometimes I come to shift things around. Change can be scary,” she noted, adding that it was important to her to make her own way, with her own merit. “But I knew intuitively what I was supposed to be doing.”

Thomas-Smith reflected that everything that has happened provided on-the-job training for her current experience.

“I got comfortable saying I plan on running for mayor,” she said, noting that she trusted the spirit when it said it was time. She doesn’t write speeches,

she said, but instead, she has to feel the vibe and then just talk. “Stepping out to do this thing was expanding me in a way that I didn’t know I was capable of. It was a stretching.”

Thomas-Smith believes in transparency. She says she wants people to see her coming and to bring their A game. In campaigning, she utilized every angle to make sure everyone in Palmetto had a chance to get to know her.

“I was the first-ever woman to put my name on the ballot in Palmetto,” she said, noting that they turned out to vote in a way that Palmetto had never seen before.

Throughout the pandemic, people would see Thomas-Smith in the community feeding people for months, so they were familiar with her work. She explained that she goes into businesses to teach leadership skills to female business leaders.

“The human in me is going to connect with the human in you,” said Thomas-Smith. “We made a life for ourselves here in the city. I lead with a compassionate, loving heart. My door is always open.”

Due to renovations at City Hall, Mayor Thomas-Smith’s office is right in the front. She’s basically the first person you see at City Hall, so she gets to greet the constituents, take pictures, and literally kiss babies.

“I won’t lose sight of who I am or let politics change me,” she declared.

SOFU Lifestyle asked Mayor Thomas-Smith about creating balance, as many of our readers are mothers, wives, and caregivers in addition to their career demands.

“Regardless of the roles we find ourselves in, give yourself the grace to pivot,” she advised. “Figure it out organically. Find out who you are and what you really love and that will lead to the balance that you need.

“I lead by example. I truly love this gig,” she said. “It is truly what I was born and ordained to do. I’m grateful for all the people that showed up and allowed me to show up. It’s an amazing journey!”

Providing on-call and after-hours support to

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VAGINAL REJUVENATION

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MEDICAL WEIGHT

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BRIDAL

HOSTINGS

SHARON Subadan

City Manager Sharon Subadan is committed to South Fulton, bringing her undeniable passion and servant leadership. With a unique career path spanning over 34 years, Sharon’s journey began when she and her husband of 40 years migrated from Jamaica to Miami in pursuit of the American Dream.

Sharon embraced the “broken road” by taking on more operational roles including bus maintenance and fleet management at the beginning of her career while working for Miami Dade County,  eventually becoming the City Manager of Albany, Georgia. Last year, Sharon was asked to make the transition to interim City Manager of South Fulton, which offered a fresh canvas and a chance to build a legacy. With the official appointment as City Manager, Sharon declares unwavering hope for the future of South Fulton.

With a $40 million new initiatives budget, Sharon is excited to work on projects, including an electrification initiative. Public safety is also a top priority for Sharon with plans to equip police and fire departments with cutting-edge technology. However, Sharon’s aspirations as the new City Manager extend beyond these big initiatives—she wants to be remembered as a leader who gets things done and truly invests in her community.

When Sharon is not working on big budgets and planning initiatives for South Fulton, she loves to travel with her family, check out a great musical, or cheer on the Atlanta United soccer team with her sons. As Sharon steers South Fulton towards an exciting future, here’s what we know for certain: the city has found a capable leader whose vision and passion will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on residents for years to come.

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE LATIMORE South Fulton Creating Legacy With New City Manager

RAISING SOUTHERN KIDS

ARTICLE BY SALEEMAH JACKSON

Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am a MRS K—a Mom Raising Southern Kids. Born and raised in the New England area, I’ve lived in the South for almost 2 decades. My husband and I love it here. It’s where we’ve decided to raise our children, and Georgia, you’re our home.  Here’s what I’ve learned:

Tips From a Mom Raising Southern Kids

“Whatever we’re trying to get to will be there when we get there so slow down! Relax.”

1. TIME IS RELATIVE!

As the saying goes, “New Yorkers are in a rush to go nowhere.” The exact opposite is true living in the South. Life is slower paced in the South and that’s okay. As a college freshman, I remember rushing to my first class and a friend from South Carolina stopped me to ask why I was rushing. I answered that I had to get to class. He said, “Whatever we’re trying to get to will be there when we get there so slow down! Relax.” The new patience I developed with this mindset helps to this day.

2. MOOOOOVE! GET OUT THE WAY!

With that in mind, you cannot drive the way you do at home living in the South. The tailgating, horn honking, zooming through traffic is not only

inconsiderate but at times dangerous. Because people are not in a rush when they drive, no amount of beeping, tailgating, or yelling will make a person in front of you go faster. It is better to plan as much as you can for the unpredictability of commuter traffic. Or call ahead to apologize for being late. You may even get a “Bless your heart, drive safe,” as you do exactly that.

3.  CHEESESTEAKS, CHEESEBURGERS, CHEESE CURDS, CHEESE PIZZA

With the steady stream of people moving to the South in the past few decades, don’t worry, you will find the food that reminds you of home. Restaurants, most times owned by other transplants, feature certain foods when you want a taste of home. From Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

to Fellini’s Pizza where you can get a New York slice, and Midwest chain Freddy’s, you can find reminders of home, when you need to reminisce. If you want to give your southern-born kids a taste of the cuisine you remember from your childhood, it can be done.

4. RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY! HAIL THE SUNSHINE!

The weather takes some adjusting to, if you did not grow up with tornado sirens, melting concrete and stag beetles. Despite living here for almost 20 years, it seems I learn something new every season, like how to keep cool in the sweltering, summer heat. I’ve learned where the greatest splash pads are and how to spend time counting between peals of thunder. This may seem commonplace to those who are born here, like my children, who laughed out loud at the fact that I did not know what a tornado position is, nor had tornado drills in elementary school.

5. FRIENDS ARE FAMILY

Not being from here does not mean you are without a “framily”—friends who are like family. Casual friendliness is ubiquitous to southern culture. It becomes comforting not to have people rudely walk by and make an effort to avoid eye contact. Being from a different state and meeting other transplants too, my husband and I know the importance of framily.

Mrs. Saleemah Jackson is the author of How Far Is The Nearest Subway?, a novel chronicling five friends’ lives as they navigate being mothers in Atlanta. Loosely based on the author’s life, this fish-out-of-water story explores living in a new city while encountering life’s joys and pains. How Far Is The Nearest Subway? is available on Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com

Zeta Phi Beta, Inc.-

KAPPA IOTA ZETA CHAPTER CELEBRATES TEA WITH Z

On March 17, 2024, Zeta

Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated—Kappa

Iota Zeta Chapter celebrated its 29th annual Tea with Z, showcasing elegance and a profound sense of community. The event at the sophisticated Whitehall Ballroom in downtown Atlanta attracted more than 300 guests, uniting them to celebrate their educational legacy and empowerment. The scholarship tea serves as a powerful tribute to the legacy of literary scholar and Zeta member Zora Neale Hurston.

The venue itself was a sight to behold, with a glam lounge and curated vendors that added a layer of sophistication to

the traditional high tea experience. This setting created an air of refinement and camaraderie among the guests. They enjoyed the soothing sounds of live music, including a melodic flutist, a lively jazz band, and later, a DJ. The music made for a vibrant and inclusive ambiance.

HATTITUDE

A highlight of the event was the Hattitude competition, a playful yet stylish tradition where attendees showcased their creativity through their hats. This lively event added a unique twist to the evening and exemplified the joy and unity that community gatherings can bring. This blend of fun and formality underscores the importance of maintaining

traditions that strengthen the bonds within the community.

The event also had a greater purpose. While honoring scholarship recipients and celebrating the organization's dedication to empowering youth through scholarship, mentorship, and leadership, the event also paid tribute to the Spirit of Zora Honorees, individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and embody the values of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. The honorees were Marvin S. Arrington, Junior Commissioner of Fulton County; Diana Holliday Ingram, the 34th Mayor of East Point, Georgia; and Elizabeth Omalami, CEO of Hosea Helps and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

From our associates to our customers to our community, Carolina Handling puts people first. Make a career with one of the Southeast’s leading material handling integrators and a company where service and caring are core values.

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Fulton Schools College & CareerAcademyTour 2023

The Mighty Thyroid Gland

ARTICLE BY DR. CHANTAYE EVANS-CARHEE THE MASTER REGULATOR

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck. Beyond its size, this gland wields significant powers in regulating metabolism, energy levels, temperatures and even mood.

As the helm of the endocrine system and metabolic regulator, the thyroid gland “blends” a symphony of hormones, particularly Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones influence the heart rate, digestion, and body temperature. Thus, an imbalance in the thyroid gland can cause symptoms such as:

• Constant fatigue

• Weight gain/loss

• Mental fogginess, decrease in mental clarity

• Hands and feet always cold

• Hair loss

• Always sleepy, tired

• Slight eye bulging

The most prevalent thyroid disorder most are diagnosed with are (1) Hypothyroidism and (2) Hyperthyroidism. The hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient T3 hormone production, manifests symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and cold intolerance. However, hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormones and causes symptoms of rapid heartbeat, weight loss and heat intolerance.

The thyroid gland is very dependent upon nutrients to function optimally. Nutrients such as Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D and B12 stands as pillars of the thyroid support. Therefore, try to consume foods in your diet like seafood, seaweed (sea kelp), Brazil nuts, seeds and leafy greens.

Another part of keeping this “master regulator” in harmony is stress management. The intricate dance between stress and thyroid function unveils an overlooked aspect to thyroid health. Chronic stress, whether physical, emotional or environmental, can disrupt thyroid balance, exacerbating thyroid disorders. So, I encourage stress reduction activities such as meditation, yoga, exercise and lifestyle modification that are conducive to thyroid harmony.

Lastly, the key to supporting your thyroid gland is knowing the hormone levels. The lab markers needed to make sure the thyroid

gland is normal are (1) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), (2) T4, (3) T3, (4) Reverse T3, (5) TPO Antibodies, (6) Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGB), (7) Free T4, (8) Free T3, and (9) T3 Uptake.

Often the only lab marker on the lab test is TSH. The TSH marker should not be the primary indicator of thyroid dysfunction. The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is produced in the Anterior Pituitary, not the thyroid! Therefore, the TSH level can be normal yet there are still symptoms (symptomatic). If the TSH level is out of range then the Hypothalamus Pituitary Axis (HPAxis) needs to be supported.

In conclusion, the thyroid gland regulates and influences so many functions for well-being. It’s important that this “regulator gland” is in balance by embracing personalized care, rooted in nutrition, stress management and normal lab ranges.

As a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Functional Wellness (Medicine) Practitioner, make sure the thyroid gland is functioning at its peak to give you radiant vitality. If you have extreme fatigue, are always cold/hot, tired, sleepy (even after a good night’s rest), and having problems losing weight, it may be time to check the Thyroid Gland, properly.

Chantaye Evans-Carhee, D.C., ACN, CFMP

Pain 2 Wellness Center 3919 Cascade Road Atlanta, GA 30331 770.406.9355 or 404.699.0966

ARTICLE BY COMPILED BY MICHELLE TAYLOR WILLIS AND ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL

Michelle's Mother's Day Picks

PAMPER YOUR MOM OR YOURSELF THIS MOTHER’S DAY!

Are you looking to find a special treat for the moms in your life or looking for a Mother’s Day treat just for you? Look no further than the cities of #SoFu for your Mother’s Day gifts and gift cards!

MichelleTaylor Willis, Publisher ofSoFuLifestyle

Kupcakerie Beaded by Torre

Kupcakerie- East Point 2781 Main Street East Point, GA 30344 and Kupcakerie Grant Park, 717 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Kupcakerie is the premier place to get cupcakes for any occasion. Make weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and other events special with their moist and delicious treats. Send cupcakes to your favorite people and watch their eyes light up with glee. They’re way tastier than flowers. You can even send some cupcakes to yourself! Whatever you can think up, they can deliver!

Michelle says “Kupcakerie is my go-to spot for cupcakes in #SoFu.   I remember when this husband and wife team started their business.  In fact, I did one of the first renditions of ‘According to Michelle’ here!”

ESM Bonus: Beaded by Torre in Fairburn

Beaded by Torre is a custom handmade jewelry business. They specialize in beaded bracelets but offer anklets, waistbeads, lanyards, apple watches, and necklaces. Their motto is bring your style to your wrist. They even do Memorial Bracelets with a photo charm!

“I think wearing something with someone you miss or hold dearly brings some kind of comfort. I can say when I wear my bracelet with my children’s picture on it, it makes me smile,” Torre says. “I love to bring a customer’s idea to fruition.”

Prices start at $25 and vary based on customization and charms.

IG: BeadedByTorre

MRAA Caviar

MRAA Caviar – Want a special treat for mom to make her feel appreciated and luxurious? MRAA Caviar is Black woman-owned and high quality. Keshaundra Malone is dedicated to bringing the best caviar to her customers.

Michelle points out, “ Luxury and caviar are literally synonymous.  You’ve got to try MRAA Caviar; it will change the way you think about caviar!”

Harlem Zen

Harlem Zen – 3220 Butner Rd. South Fulton, GA

This spa and wellness center offers skin treatments including facials, microdermabrasion and laser hair removal along with foot detox baths. Michelle raves, “You want great glowing skin?  Then you want Harlem Zen SoFu!”

Holistic Occupational and Physical Therapy

Holistic Occupational and Physical Therapy clinic- 2881 Main Street in East Point, GA, Suite 400

Proud to service Atlanta since 2016 with a unique integrated approach to provide patients with superior care in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Aquatic Therapy services. Unlike many physical and occupational therapists, they deliver quality care for their patients, studying all symptoms  holistically to ensure every possible diagnosis and treatment is discovered. The goal is to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free!

According to Michelle, “ Water therapy is one of the best therapies after an injury. The ONLY place to get water physical therapy in #SoFu is Holistic Occupational and Physical Therapy!”

OLD NATIONAL

GROWS FARMERS MARKET

2024 DETAILS

Old National Marketplace

6385 Old National Hwy.

South Fulton, GA 30349

May - October 2024

1st & 3rd Saturdays

11:00 am - 4:00 pm