South Fulton, GA July 2021

J U LY 2 02 1

Anna Roach AND HER VISION FOR #SOFU

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

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

Editor Erikka Searles Mitchell is pictured with her friends at Altipiano Vineyard & Winery in Escondido, California. The winery and vineyard are owned and run by an African American woman and her daughter.

Photo by Erika C. Stallworth.

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Exhale!

SOMETIMES SELF CARE IS AS SIMPLE AS A DEEP BREATH. And sometimes it takes a West Coast vacay with your best girlfriends to get you back on track. If you can’t

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristen Wright-Matthews CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erika C. Stallworth, Jack Manning, III

get all the way to California this summer, you can unwind at the new Wellness Spot in College Park! Both Wellness Spot owner and entrepreneur Valaurie Bridges Lee and our cover model Anna Roach balance being bosses at work with motherhood. When you read about the COO of South Fulton, you will be impressed with her work ethic and vision for #SoFu. But hopefully reading about her will encourage you to slip off your superhero cape and just find time to be with the ones you truly love.

It’s summer, #SoFu! Get out there before the summer passes you by!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

Erikka Mitchell, Editor EMitchell@LifestylePubs.com

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Anna Roach is a boss.

Meet the COO of Fulton County.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK MANNING, III 4

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

Proverbs 3:5-6 SoFu 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 SoFu Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 14 Introducing the Class of 2021 A Few of the Graduates of this Impressive Class

20 Meet Me at the Well The Wellness Spot is Historic College Park’s One-Stop Fitness Shop for Wellness, Wholeness & Happiness

24 The Amazing Anna Roach TCOO with a Revolutionary Vision for

24 20

#SoFu and Tips for Seeking Balance

34 One Pot Pasta Recipe

14

34 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Local Limelight

32 Travel Destination 34 Culinary Creations

ight N r mme u S

s ari in P

GOOD TIMES

Councilman Corey A. Reeves Presents Proclamation to Art in the Paint for New Courts Art in the Paint received a proclamation from Councilman Reeves for partnering with South Fulton to revitalize areas and bring quality arts and sports programming to the City. (R to L: District 5 Councilman Corey A. Reeves; A.R. Cooper, AITP Executive Director; Renee Montgomery, co-owner, Atlanta Dream; Mayor William "Bill" Edwards; and Dwight Tory, CEO, Sable Chase Homeowners Association, Inc.)

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SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

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AROUND TOWN there were prizes for each age division. A pair of running shoes (value up to $150) were awarded to the overall male and female winners, compliments of Dragonfly Running Company. All ages and abilities were welcome! You can make a donation at ChristianCity.org/RaceForSafePlace.

FULTON INDUSTRIAL BECOMES PART OF SOUTH FULTON The City of South Fulton is celebrating the annexation of a portion of Fulton Industrial Boulevard into the city limits.

On May 10, Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 445 into law making a section of the boulevard officially a part of South Fulton.

“This has been a long time coming,” Mayor

ROBERT ALLEN AND JAMES FAMILY APPEAR ON HOUSE HUNTERS

Bill Edwards said as he stood in the Fulton

On episode 10 of this season, SoFu’s own Robert

Industrial Boulevard median, brandishing a South

Allen of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and

Fulton City Limits sign. “Having Fulton Industrial

a family, Daryl and Domonique James and their

Boulevard in the city allows us to provide our col-

daughter Ava, appeared on the show. They were

lection of world-class services to residents and

touted as a young family that needed more space.

businesses in the area. It also provides the city

They purchased a home for $575,000 in Atlanta.

with a vibrant industrial corridor, which boosts our tax base and economic development resources.

Watch us grow."

RACE FOR SAFE PLACE BENEFITTED CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS AT CHRISTIAN CITY The Christian City Teen Board hosted the second annual Race for Safe Place on June 12, 2021. The 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk event took place on the beautiful 500-acre Christian City campus in South Fulton County. Proceeds benefitted Christian City Children & Family Programs, including the Safe Place Runaway & Homeless Youth Program, which provides trusted help and a place of safety for runaway and homeless youth who are on the streets and in danger of human trafficking.

10

JONES

AND LOMAX RECEIVE AWARDS

“We designed a fun, flat, 5K PR course through the

City of South Fulton Councilwoman Naeema

Christian City campus along with a 1-mile run/walk

Gilyard presented an award of appreciation to

course,” said Teen Board President, Mary Elizabeth

Alonia Jones, former SFL Publisher for her lead-

Kirkpatrick. Every runner received a cool t-shirt and

ership and dedication to quality education for

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

Arlington Christian School. Jones serves as the schools director of communications and campus minister. Also awarded was South Fulton resident, Mary Lomax, Arlington’s 5th grade teacher and Beta Club advisor. Lomax was also Arlington’s Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020, and her leadership was instrumental in Arlington’s Beta Clubs achieving nation recognition.

MAYOR INGRAHAM LAUNCHES THIRD YEAR OF HEALTHY POINT: 90-DAY HEALTH INITIATIVE The City of East Point continues to promote an active and healthy lifestyle in its third year of the 90-day health initiative known as “The Healthy Point.” This initiative, championed by Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, aims to increase healthy lifestyle choices of East Point residents and create a more active and connected community.

During this 90-day health initiative, which runs from June 18, 2021 to September 18, 2021, participants will have the opportunity to workout with Mayor/Council up to three times a week, attend healthy movie nights, enjoy cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, attend free aerobics, total body workout and yoga, while being encouraged to support the East Point Farmers Market and participate in several run/walks throughout the City. To showcase our health movement, participants can upload pictures of themselves at health events in the City on social media using hashtag #TheHealthyPoint2021.

Registered participants will be given “The Healthy Point” Passport to track their health goals and participation in “The Healthy Point” activities to earn various incentives. To complete the free online registration for this exciting initiative, visit http://bit.ly/HealthyPoint2021.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART COMMISIONS NEW ACCESSIBLE PIAZZA INSTALLATION This summer, the High Museum of Art will present an immersive maze of accessible, sensory environments by award-winning design and research practice Bryony Roberts Studio as its seventh site-specific installation on The Woodruff Arts Center’s Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza. Titled “Outside the

Lines,” the

installation continues

the

High’s multiyear series of inclusive and inviting commissions to activate the Museum’s outdoor CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

11

AROUND TOWN space and encourage community engagement. On view July 10 through Nov. 28, 2021, “Outside the

Additional show options that can be added to a season subscription include:

Lines” emerged from conversations between

“Hamilton”

Bryony Roberts Studio and self-advocates with

August 24 – Sept 26, 2021

disabilities and their allies throughout Atlanta, with

“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Musical”

the goal of creating a space that is engaging for all.

December 7 – 12, 2021

The gently curving steel structure of “Outside the

Lines” supports

thousands

of hanging

“Beautiful- The Carole King Musical” May 20 – 22, 2022

strands that will form both small enclosures for

Blue Man Group

quiet relaxation and open environments for social

July 8 – 10, 2022

interaction. The variety and height of the materials

All current subscribers have been contacted

provide a spectrum of exploration within reach of

directly about their subscriptions to the Fifth Third

all people, including those who use wheelchairs

Bank Broadway in Atlanta Season. New subscrip-

and mobility devices, and produce a range of inten-

tions are currently on sale. For more information

sity and stimulation, offering choice for people with

please visit atlanta.broadway.com/subscriptions.

sensory sensitivities.

BROADWAY TO RETURN TO ATLANTA IN 2021 “Hamilton” is to return as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 40th Anniversary Season at the Fox Theatre!

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta has announced that Broadway performances are scheduled to recommence at the Fox Theatre in August 2021, featuring the anticipated return of “Hamilton.”

Broadway in Atlanta is actively working alongside our colleagues at the Fox Theatre, and in collaboration with state and local government officials, to re-open following local, state and federal health guidelines. Additional information about the venue’s enhanced health and safety measures can be found on the Fox Theatre website. https:// www.foxtheatre.org/events/covid-19-updates The revised Fifth Third Bank 2021-2022 Broadway in Atlanta season subscription package includes: “Fiddler on the Roof” November 9 – 14, 2021 “Tootsie” January 25 – 30, 2022 “Ain’t Too Proud- The Life and Times of the Temptations“ March 8 – 13, 2022 “Jesus Christ Superstar” April 19 – 24, 2022

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“Disney’s Frozen”

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

June 2 – 12, 2022

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

“Mean Girls”

SoFu using the Get In Touch link and let us know

July 19 – 24, 2022

what you think.

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

GRADUATES 2021 It is our pleasure to present just a few

BE

S

S

O

EST OF + B +

O

BE

T

members of the dynamic class of 2021!

T

F

F

EST OF + B +

EST OF + B +

F

S

T

O

BE

T

O

F

EST OF + B +

BE

S

INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2021 14

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

W E S T L A K E H I G H S C H O O L

SYDNEY CYMONE BELLAMY Parents: Barry Bellamy & Seressa Allen Throughout her high school career, Sydney has continued to lead, serve and write. She was able to LEAD as President of Future Leaders of Westlake (F.L.O.W.). She SERVED while participating in United Sound, an organization where the students provide special needs students the experience to play a string instrument.

Sydney has played the violin for 10 years. She was able to WRITE while joining the Journalism class, penning many articles including a tribute to their beloved Principal Robinson. These are all published in the 2021 Yearbook, Glitch. She will be majoring in Journalism in the fall at Florida A&M University.

L ANGSTON HUGHES HIGH SCHOOL

MADISON WEBB Parent: Cathy Webb

CREEKSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Madison has the distinction of being the first Black female to win Harvard’s summer Public

DOREEN IGIEOBO

Forum Debate competition in July 2020, getting her accepted to Harvard under the Early Action Program on a full ride scholarship, along with other universities, including Vanderbilt, Duke, and University of Georgia. She served as Varsity Debate Captain for her high school’s debate team and won the Atlanta Urban Debate League State Championship on the Varsity level in March 2021. Madison’s school leadership roles included serving as Executive Student Body President of the School Government Association, serving on the Fulton County School Governance Council and Superintendent Advisory Council, and founding a school club for students with special needs to promote interaction and inclusion during the pandemic/online learning, and being named a Ron Brown Scholar.

Parents: John and Jennifer Igieobo Doreen served as Junior and Senior Class President and Miss Creekside High School. She was awarded the Principal’s Cup Award for Servant Leadership.

She was Beta Club President and graduated in the top 5% of her class. Doreen was an Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment Student. She participated in Debate, SGA, AVID, FBLA, National Honor Society, and Next Generation Women. Doreen will be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering.

CONTINUED >

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

CHARLES R. DREW CHARTER SCHOOL

GAVIN KELLEY Parents: Stephen and Aimedra Kelley Gavin graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He published a book at age 15 titled, What Did I Do? which is available for purchase on Amazon. Gavin will be attending Howard University in the fall, majoring in Computer Information Systems.

ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

CHRISTIAN WIGGINS TRI-CITIES HIGH SCHOOL

TYRELL SMITH

Parent: Tara Wiggins Christian is the Class Valedictorian and has received $415,900 in scholarship offers. Christian participated in various activities across the Arlington campus,

Parents: Tamika Cummings and Sean Smith

from being an intricate component to making Chapel a reality each Monday

Tyrell is an early graduate of Tri-Cities. He is

to serving as Vice-President of the Beta Club. Additionally, Christian was the

off to Pace University in the fall to study Mass

summer intern with the City of Union City, where he was named Honorary

Communications. Tyrell is the composer of the

Mayor of Union City. He was also this year’s Homecoming King. Christian will

Class of 2021 Class Song, “We Made It” (with

attend Kennesaw State University, where he has been accepted into the Honors

lyrics remixed with Teyana Taylor’s song, “Made

Program and will enter as a sophomore because of his participation in the Dual

It”). He was a member of the Tri-M Music

Enrollment program at Georgia Military College. He is a Zell Miller Scholar and

Society and National Honor Society President.

a HOPE Scholarship recipient. He plans to pursue a career as an IT executive.

16

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

CHRISTINA WALLER

KENNEDY BLAKE

Parents: Carolyn and Christopher Waller

Parent: Jami Northern

Christina is the Class Salutatorian and has logged over 500 hours of

Kennedy completed her graduation requirements in December

community service. She has received $259,734 in scholarship offers

2000. She currently attends Georgia State University and will trans-

and has earned enough Dual Enrollment credits at Georgia Military

fer to Georgia Tech as a HOPE Scholar to study Forensic Science.

College to gain entrance into college in the fall as a sophomore.

Kennedy received $91,000 in scholarship offers.

Christina has chosen Augusta University as her new academic home where she will study biology and pre-medicine in preparation to become a psychiatrist.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

HAPEVILLE CHARTER

HENOK ALEMU Parents: Kassahun Mulu Alemu and Addis Abraham Tsega Henok is the class Salutatorian with a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of SGA and National Beta Club. He will be attending Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall as a Computer Science major. Henok plans to create a marketing agency.

HAPEVILLE CHARTER

TATIANA MOORE ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

KETURAH VICTORIA MBA Parents: Dr. Victrena Washington and Dr. Chukuedozie Mba Keturah is a standout scholar athlete, excelling in basketball and volleyball. This year Keturah served as captain of the volleyball team and led the Varsity Basketball Team to a championship game. Keturah is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

Parents: Timothy and Jamie Moore Tatiana

graduated

at

the

top

of

her

class. She will attend Howard University in the fall and study Criminology. She aspires to be a successful lawyer and help families such as Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and those names we don’t know to call.

She was president of the Beta Club and a member of the National Youth Leadership Forum of Advanced Medicine and Health Care and the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. She received $139,637 in scholarship offers. Keturah has chosen Oglethorpe University, where she will study to become a neurosurgeon as a HOPE Scholar.

Thanks to April Rogerson, Yolanda Hollins-Magee, Alonia Jones, and Aranya Knox for their assistance in compiling this group of outstanding scholars.

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SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

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THE WELLNESS SPOT IS HISTORIC COLLEGE PARK’S ONE-STOP FITNESS SHOP FOR WELLNESS, WHOLENESS & HAPPINESS

MEET M E AT

THE WELL

VALAURIE BRIDGES LEE HAD A VISION. She’s from College Park, lived on Walker Street, and attended Stonewall Tell and Woodward Academy. She’s active in the Woodward Alumni Association and her kids attend Woodward. Valaurie never dreamed that one day she’d own a few businesses right there on Main Street. She has lived other places: L.A., Raleigh, and Peachtree City, but College Park feels like home. There is a burgeoning community of small business owners that she was destined to join.

When she returned to the Atlanta area to support her mom at a difficult time, Valaurie knew she

would open a business in the area, but God’s vision for her was greater than what she imagined. She started with one space and expanded from just office space to the Popshopolis, a vendor space and gallery that offers local fashion and art, and the so-called hidden gem right on Main, the Wellness Spot. It’s more than just an event space. It’s all things wellness under one roof. Valaurie had been certified to teach Zumba for 15 years and she wasn’t doing anything with it. This was about to change. She brought her fitness instructor with her, and they offer yoga, salsa, barre, Pilates and line dancing in the studio space.

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SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

ARTICLE ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL

Right downstairs, the space transforms into a rustic oasis that houses the spa. You can get a massage, a manicure and pedicure, a facial, and waxing all in the downstairs area. They also feature local artisans’ products, from lotions to candles. The business is Christcentered and closed on Sundays, and the event space and conference room can be rented for private events, from baby or bridal showers to meetings or book clubs or even small wedding receptions. There’s even a space where patrons can record a podcast.

Valaurie has realized her dream, even in the midst of a pandemic. The Wellness Spot is a place where you can stay all day, travelling from station to station soaking up a little bit of bliss in the middle of College Park.

“When I come to the Wellness Spot, my attitude is completely different. I am well,” Valaurie says. It is her wish that you will come be made well, too.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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TH E A M A ZI N G AN N A R OAC H

COO WITH A REVOLUTIONARY VISION FOR #SOFU AND TIPS FOR SEEKING BALANCE ARTICLE KRISTEN WRIGHT-MATTHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY JACK MANNING, III AND PROVIDED

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SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

H

ER CHILDREN CALL HER MOM, BUT THIS INFLUENTIAL

FULTON COUNTY EXECUTIVE HAS RECENTLY EARNED A NEW TITLE, ESPECIALLY IN SOUTHWEST ATLANTA—HOMETOWN HERO. Anna Roach accepted the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2018 after serving five years as the County’s Chief Strategy Officer.

Before that, she spent 14 years as a criminal defense attorney, served as an administrative law judge in New York City, and headed the

“To know that I will have direct responsibility for changing the fabric and trajectory of that regional corridor is quite a feeling of personal satisfaction.”

Legal and Policy Unit in the Washington, D.C., Mayor’s Office of General Counsel. Roach’s background speaks for itself, but it’s her consistent leadership and acumen in Fulton County that make her a standout power player here in Georgia.

Roach’s list of accolades spreads long and wide, but her most recent undertaking, which involves responsibility for a $165M redevelopment of Fulton Industrial Boulevard, hit home for this South Fulton resident.

“Equally significant to the scale of the project is the fact that this redevelopment is in South Fulton County where I live,” exclaimed Roach.

“I have many occasions to drive down Fulton Industrial Boulevard as a part of my commute, and to know that I will have direct responsibility for changing the fabric and trajectory of that regional corridor is quite a feeling of personal satisfaction.”

Boasting more than 1,000 businesses, 28,000 employees, and about 500 residents, the nearly 8-square-mile stretch will bring millions in tax revenue to Fulton County and the school district. By now, we have all had a chance to celebrate the annexation of a portion of the District into the City of South Fulton, so this thriving South Fulton City will also have an opportunity to grow its revenue with improvements to the district as well.

As the County’s Chief Operating Officer, Roach has responsibility for this unique development project that encompasses projects that will benefit many of the county departments that report to her, including the airport, Police Department, the Emergency Management Department, and the Animal Control Division.

Four key projects anchor this redevelopment initiative: a $32M, state-of-the-art animal control facility, a regional public safety CONTINUED >

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25

THE AMAZING ANNA ROACH (CONTINUED)

training center, $90M in airport improvement projects at the Fulton County Executive Airport, and an Emergency Operations Center co-located with the Aviation Center.

These improvements are on the near-term horizon. South Fulton residents can look forward to 2021 groundbreaking ceremonies for many of these projects, complemented by millions in investments for blight removal with key areas prepped to attract developers.

“This project is probably the single most transformational

development

that

will

come to South Fulton,” said Roach. “South Fulton is a canvas for development for a host of reasons, not the least of which is its proximity to the airport. The distinction of this development is the transformation it will bring to an area that has had a depressed reputation for the community.”

This acquisition will tip the scales in the right direction as it brings great pride to the City as it continues to rise above the stigma with the help of dedicated stakeholders like Roach.

Speaking of scales and balance, one in Roach’s position might struggle to find work-life balance, which is ideal for any working parent. Figuring out how to finagle your career, kids’ schedules, family time, leisure, etc. can be a challenge, and having a demanding job such as Roach’s is no exception. But this wife and mother of four, including three teenagers and a 6-year-old, manages to find harmony between her professional and personal life by being intentional. She tells us that she has learned to identify when she needs to take a step back and does things that fulfill her personally, like gardening, which is her personal favorite, and an occasional trip to the beach with her family.

26

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

“Successful management is nothing more

for my girls. They understand very much

around equity in service delivery, and new

than a consistent series of good choices,”

mommy’s job and the scale of my responsi-

energy and recognition that South Fulton

Roach explains. “Leading an organization (or

bilities. I also know there are women in the

is the future north star of development and

a household) becomes less overwhelming

workforce who now know that it is not beyond

redevelopment county.

with measured, thoughtful deliberation, and

their reach. I’m not sure there’s any magic to

that’s one solid way to ensure a consistent

me necessarily. I am highly educated and

IS THERE A PARTICULAR QUOTE OR

series of good choices.”

capable, and there’s no shortage of highly

MANTRA BY WHICH YOU LIVE?

Roach is an impetus of inspiration and

educated and qualified Black women in this

“Don’t let anybody steal your joy,” words

empowerment for girls and women aspiring

world. We need courageous allies to provide

my mom used to leave my sister and me

to her level of success and happiness. We

the opportunity for them to shine.

with at the close of conversations. Some say “Goodbye” or “See you soon” or “I love you.”

wanted to pick her brain a bit to understand her feelings about the status she holds.

DO YOU FEEL AS IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY BEING THE

WHAT ARE YOUR ULTIMATE GOALS AS

My mom took those moments to remind us

YOU CONTINUE TO MAKE AN IMPACT

that joy is something that we create within

IN THE COUNTY?

ourselves and we lose our power if we ever

My goal is to make an unforgettable mark

allow anyone to interrupt that.

FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN COO OF

on the community by adding value. I want to

Roach leaves us with the words, “Stay

FULTON COUNTY?

leave a legacy of the work I accomplished

tuned, Georgia!” We are so excited to see

It feels like a responsibility beyond the

while I served. I already see evidence of that

what’s next for this amazing lady and what

boundaries of the role itself. The most critical

in the performance-oriented culture shift

is to come for our great State, specifically

piece of that for me is that I am a role model

in the organization, the change in dialogue

in South Fulton.

Which costs more?

A fast food meal or a day’s worth of electricity from GreyStone Power?

The average home served by GreyStone Power uses $4.05 a day* worth of electricity.

Compare that to your next fast food purchase.

The not-for-profit electric cooperative offers rates 11% lower** than Georgia Power.

Now, that’s value! * Based on the average electricity used by GreyStone Power residential members in 2020. ** According to 2021 rate survey by the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours monthly residential use.

Making Life Better greystonepower.com GreyStone Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Not available in the EU.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

27

BANKING BUILT FOR SOUTH FULTON. First Boulevard is a Black-owned digital bank focused on building generational wealth for Black America. » Get Paid up to 2-Days Early¹ » No Overdraft Fees » No Minimum Balance » No Hidden Fees² » Earn Cash Back when you Buy Black³

We’ve officially launched!

Visit bankblvd.com for more details

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The First Boulevard Contactless Visa® Debit card is issued by Central Bank of Kansas City (Member FDIC) pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. ¹Access to early direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. ²Out-of-Network cash withdrawal fees apply. Third-party and cash deposit fees may apply. ³Cash back offers only available at select Black-owned businesses. The full list of businesses will be available within the First Boulevard mobile application upon launch.

28

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

THINK YOU’RE TOO OLD FOR BRACES?

Think NOT.

You’re never too old to get the smile you want and deserve! Check out our new invisible aligners that will have you smiling in no time!

Present this ad for $200 off your initial fee for aligners!

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On-line consultations accessed through our website.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES

Seraphim Wealth Advisors Inc. (“SWAI”) is a registered fiduciary investment advisory firm in the State of Georgia. SWAI combines financial education, advice, and financial management to ensure the most sophisticated investor or average person is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed for successful decision-making.

Please call us on 404-381-2275 or email us at info@seraphimwealth.com for additional information.

You can also view our website at: www.seraphimwealth.com CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

29

ARTICLE ALEXANDER MING, JP, BFC, CPA

TA X P L A N N I N G TAX PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL TO MAXIMIZE TAX SAVINGS. With what *might* be coming down from Congress, wisdom says it’s time to plan for what lies ahead. If you’re ready, call the experts at Alexander Fitzgerald & Associates, LLC, at 470-231-1342 for a chat!

A NEW LOOK FOR YOUR BUSINESS THIS SUMMER “If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito.”

—Betty Reese

IDENTIFY AND PUSH YOUR BEST PRODUCT/SERVICE. Focus on what works. If your hot product is coffee cups, look

Entrepreneurs know that hard work and a great

for ways to highlight and expand that niche instead of veering into

idea do not guarantee success. Fortunately, most

new territory. How about different colors and holders for those

of them also know that failure is not final—almost

cups? The same would hold true for your best-selling service.

every successful business owner client of mine has crashed and burned at least once in their career.

MAKE YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS MORE MEMORABLE.

One of the best ways to pick yourself back up is to

Emphasize the benefits, SPECIFICALLY how features of your

take a fresh look at things you “thought” were set in

product or service will improve business or the quality of life

stone. Here are some things to consider this summer:

for your customer. And scrutinize your advertising. Using big media is not always the answer. Don’t overlook narrowly targeted

RE-TARGET YOUR MARKET. In the heat of start-up passion, entrepreneurs frequently try to attract too broad a market: “Everyone will want to buy this!” The result: getting lost in the crowd. The more closely you define your market, the more success you’ll experience.

RE-EXAMINE YOUR PRICE. Price is obviously supremely important. See how you can lower your overhead or cut production costs. Perhaps there’s a new way to package your products or services to increase your average transaction value?

30

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

marketing efforts or joint promotions. Sofu Lifestyle offers a target audience, so if you have not considered advertising in local publications, maybe you should!

These are just a few ideas to get you started. There may be longer conversations to be had, and that’s what I’m here for.

To getting things done!

“We specialize in worrying about tax exposure and ensuring our clients are positioned to reduce their exposure, so you don’t have to. We need YOU to keep your head on the bigger picture!”

Alexander Fitzgerald & Associates, LLC, enjoys shared ownership with Seraphim Wealth Advisors Inc. Atlanta-taxhelp.com

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

31

TRAVEL DESTINATION

Explore National Parks Across the U.S. 3 TOP NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT NOW

THE

UNITED

STATES’

NATIONAL

PARKS,

WHICH

ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR NATURAL WONDERS AND UNMATCHED

BEAUTY,

ENCOMPASS

LANDS

THAT

HELPED SHAPE THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY AND HOLD CULTURAL VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE. The national parks invite us to stretch our imaginations—and our legs—and explore the great outdoors. This list of national parks just scratches the surface of the natural wonders to wonderlands to discover, but it includes three of the most stunning national parks in the United States.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

1.

Rocky Mountain National Park includes majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, incredible hiking trails and so much more. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, riding horses and bikes and enjoying the spectacular views.

Wintertime

brings

cross-country

skiing,

snowshoeing and sledding.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains,

2.

Yosemite National Park boasts giant sequoia trees, breathtaking waterfalls, vast meadows and more.

The park is home to unique rock formations like El Capitan, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Gaze in awe at Yosemite’s thousands of waterfalls.

3.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres include colorful hot springs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, fascinating mudpots, explosive geysers, diverse wildlife and more. It is home to more hot springs and geysers than anywhere else on Earth. The oldest and largest herd of bison in the country lives here.

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to start planning your next adventure.

Whether the mountains are calling, your inner daredevil needs to be satiated or a scenic road trip is in order, America’s national parks are begging to be explored!

32

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

JOIN US Join Us For our next Film and Entertainment Committee Panel of Industry Expert:

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE MOVIE STUDIOS August 5, 2021 - 11:30 am- 1pm Listen to Experts Tell How They Were Able to Get in With the Studios

We’ll Have rRepresentatives From: Styling (Makeup, Hair and Wardrobe) Production (Videography, Grips, Photography) Content Creation (Writers, concept developers) Craft Services (Catering, Snacks) Post - Production (Editing, CGI/Graphics)

Call 770.964.1984

or visit SouthFultonChamber.com

EDUCATION SHOULD HAVE NO BARRIERS. WGU’s Equitable Access Initiative was created to remove barriers to a college education because we believe in a world where your history doesn’t define your future.

Learn more

wgu.edu/access CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

33

CULINARY CREATIONS

ARTICLE CHEF DESI

ONE POT PA S TA R E C I P E

1. Turn heat to medium-high and drizzle one tablespoon olive oil.

2. Place peppers, onions, and garlic in the oil. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir. Add one can fire-roasted tomatoes. Don't drain the juice.

3. Stir all the ingredients and add seasoning. Add three to five cups of broth.

G rocer y

+ Angel hair pasta + Fire-roasted tomatoes + Spinach or kale + Peppers and onions + Garlic + Vegetable broth + Olive oil + Feta cheese + Pantry + Garlic and herb

Lis t 34

4. Cover for 5 minutes and then add pasta. Stir.

5. Let pasta cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

6. Check pasta. Stir. Add spinach or kale. Toss.

7. Sprinkle feta cheese and serve.

Recipe brought to you by Desireé Boyd of Desi Date Nights.

Email desidatenights@gmail.com for more information.

+ Old Bay Seasoning + Salt + Large pot with lid

SoFu Lifestyle | July 2021

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