“Ihavespentthemajorityofmyadultcareerservingpatientsinamedical capacity.Inowunderstandthegreatabilityofthebodytoovercomemany healthchallengeswhengiventherighttoolstoheal.Ifyouarereadytogetoff thesymptomaticrollercoasterandnotonlylookgood,butfeelgoodandthrive, thenputyourphoneuptotheyellowQRcodeandscheduleanappointment withmetoday!Seeyousoon!” -Kennedy
I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our sisters, mothers and friends are some of the most influential women in our lives.
And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.
Every woman who has come into my life - long or short term - has left a memory. I learn from the women I surround myself with, whether it's someone I meet for the first time or someone I've known for 20 years.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Woodstock's women.
They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.
SARA HAGEN, EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
Dianne Kaseta | dianne.kaseta@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Olivia Newell | olivia.newell@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mallory Gaskin, Amanda Hall
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sara Hagen, Madeline Bea, Angie + Co.
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Did
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
@WOODSTOCKPARKSREC
1: School Break Fun Day at Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater 2: Chattahoochee Tech is launching its Airframe and Powerplant program after receiving the prestigious Air Agency Certificate from the FAA. 3: Live music downtown from @asheigh_and_ollie_music 4: March Sip + Shop 5: Live music downtown from @asheigh_and_ollie_music 6: Shamrock Pub Crawl 7: 23 student-made films were screened at Woodstock Arts during the Cherokee Student Film Festival @SARAHAGENPHOTOGRAPHY
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Centrally located in Adair Park in Downtown Woodstock, 4Ever Young officially celebrated their grand opening with a party and ribbon cutting on March 27.
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with
Sierra Westrick of The One Purpose Group was awarded the Excalibur Award from Cobb Realtors.
KSU's Women's Tennis team participated in an Epilepsy Awareness Match in March.
Now featuring locally grown blooms from 5 local flower farms! We are booking wedding florals for 2025 and 2026 and also are excited to offer floral design for prom, grad parties, deliveries, and upcoming holidays!
8582 Main St. Woodstock, GA | 678-403-2577 www.gatherandbloomboutique.com | @bloomingwithlauren Scan our QR code to order flowers, book a floral consult, and/or see our schedule of upcoming classes and workshops! Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you? Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
You may have seen Lauren’s bright blue floral shop, Gather & Bloom, while exploring downtown Woodstock. From the Bloom Bar, where customers pick their own bouquets, to crafting oneof-a-kind arrangements for weddings, prom, and other events, Gather & Bloom is a flourishing local business.
Run by Lauren and her team, the shop is home to 18 women-owned local businesses including goods such as tea, candles, art, stationery, and other self care items. “We try to source flowers locally as much as possible, and it's just forming a really cool community of women and empowering women in our store,” said Lauren. Gather & Bloom isn’t just a shop, it’s a space for fellowship and community for everyone, but especially women.
“Many of our products are geared towards women and even just self-care or things that make you feel good; uplifting things like spiritual books and journals and self-care items like soaps and bath bombs. I think it's just so easy to come in here and feel like you can take care of yourself,” said Lauren.
Gather & Bloom often hosts workshops where attendees learn a new skill while making new friends. The Spring Floral Workshop was no exception. Each participant brought their eagerness and shared their personal stories, anxieties, and everything in between.
Everyone wore their hearts on their sleeves. We learned how to arrange a gorgeous Spring arrangement, identify flowers and maintain a bouquet’s longevity, and walked away with a vase of flowers arranged uniquely, reflecting each person’s creativity.
More than that, we made memories. The kind that can only be made when women come together in fellowship. Something magical happens when women, strangers to each other, gather in community. It’s simultaneously tender and empowering; two words that only begin to encompass the complexity we all know as women.
Gather & Bloom is open from 10 AM - 6PM, Monday-Saturday and 1 PM to 6 PM on Sunday. Visit gatherandbloomboutique.com for more info or to register for a workshop.
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE BY MALLORY GASKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE BEA AND ANGIE + CO.
Whether you're a working mom balancing your passion as a stylist or esthetician at Jéa Salon and Spa or a client indulging in a Balance Head Spa for some well-deserved "me" time, we've created a space where every mom feels valued.
Jéa Salon + Spa is a luxury, female-owned Salon and Spa nestled in the heart of the booming, tight-knit city of Woodstock, Georgia. From the moment you step in, warm smiles, stylish décor, the thrum of dryers, and friendly chatter welcome you. Our staff of highly trained stylists and Estheticians are prepared to help our clients escape from the stresses of everyday life through the transformative power of indulgence.
Our range of revitalizing services are designed to lavish you from head to toe, leaving you feeling pampered, refreshed, and utterly rejuvenated. Leave those stresses at the door! We offer Invisible Bead Extensions® (IBE®), the most requested hair extension method. A handful of our other services include designer color, precision cuts, brazilian blowouts, men's barber services, bridal and event hair/makeup, facials, Japanese Head Spas, non-invasive body contouring, waxing, and inkless scar and stretch mark repair with Inkless Beauty.
We are a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs. No more bouncing around and experiencing the stress of visiting multiple locations to get your pampering services done. Come to Jéa and relax.
Founded in 2020 by our Owner, Jennifer Haymes (Master Stylist, IBE® Elite Artist, mother of two), Jéa has always been a place for working moms to balance their career and personal lives. Jennifer embodied this at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – which is why she created Jéa. She said, "I needed a way to provide for my family while also still being there in person for my family as much as possible. On the other hand, I also wanted to do something I loved."
"That is why I received my IBE® certification and opened Jéa. I could set my hours, bring my kids in if needed, and be there for all of their life events. I was surrounded by a great community of family, friends, and the IBE® cohort that helped me get to where I am today."
Jenn successfully grew Jéa from two employees in a 100 sq ft. salon suite to opening her own 2,400 sq ft. location 5 years later. Now, she is opening a 2nd Woodstock location in the latter half of 2025. She stuck to her principles of allowing working moms to thrive at Jéa while being a mom and business owner.
Jéa has grown to over 20 dedicated and talented employees, from stylists to estheticians, front desk staff, and salon assistants, who can meet their career goals and balance motherhood and their personal lives.
"Owning my own business behind the chair means I can shape my work around my life, rather than the other way around. Whether it's being there for school events, family dinners, or quality time with my loved ones, I don't have to choose between my career and my family – I get to have both," said Emily Anderson (Jéa Master and IBE® Certified Stylist, mother of two.)
We don't stop at support and flexibility; at Jéa, we believe in providing the tools and resources for our employees to continue
to foster their skills by providing education, team building, and the tools and technology to allow our staff members to get to the top of their game. We're a salon that believes everyone can succeed in this industry. We also work together to support each other in every way possible. "The supportive environment allows me to balance my passion for helping clients feel confident with being present for my family, making it possible to thrive in both roles," states Emily Martz (Inkless Beauty, member of Jéa Salon and Spa, and mother of two.)
While we are balancing our personal and work lives, we know our clients are balancing theirs too. From working at home with kids as a stay-at-home mom to meeting deadlines and impossible physical and mental demands from the workplace, being a mom is the most challenging job on the planet. We get it. Mom or not, all of our clients receive best-in-class services from an "in your backyard" suburbia escape that provides a remarkable experience from start to finish.
Imagine an hour of pure bliss with our Japanese Head Spa—your scalp deeply cleansed and detoxified as the soothing trickle of our Halo Water Therapy surrounds you. Or picture the confidence of two new rows of hand-tied IBE® extensions, instantly adding length and volume, as you sip your favorite drink and enjoy a hand massage during your shampoo.
Fill your motherhood cup after a day with us. We pour into you so you can continue pouring into yourself and your loved ones.
Stuck on what to get your mom this Mother's Day? She really would love to get pampered. Jéa has all the services she needs to have the ultimate, relaxing day.
From our selection of 8 customized facials to our first-in-Woodstock Japanese Head Spas to our blowout services and our fully stocked line of Davines Hair Products, we have something for everyone. If she loves skincare and relaxation, the Rejuvenation Facial is perfect, offering a customized treatment with deep pore cleansing, exfoliation, and a soothing neck, shoulder, and arm massage. If she could use some external pampering, a blowout and style from one of our expert stylists will leave her feeling refreshed. For the ultimate indulgence, the Hydration Head Spa combines an intense scalp scrub, deep conditioning, and Halo Water Therapy, followed by an oxygen facial, neck and shoulder massage, jelly face mask, and light therapy.
We complete all head spa appointments with a salon blowout and style. Still not sure? We have Jéa Salon and Spa gift cards for her to pick what she really wants without guessing! Also, While we may focus on moms for May, Jéa values diversity. It’s a place for everyone regardless of hair type, skin color,
Fill your motherhood cup after a day with us. We pour into you so you can continue pouring into yourself and your loved ones.
gender, age, or sexuality. Everyone is welcome. We have trained Master Stylists who can manage any hair type and a facial for any skin type. We have IBE® Toppers for alopecia clients and clients with thinning hair, and we have an in-house Barber to take care of men's cuts and beard trims.
NUE strand is our latest service, provided through Emily with Inkless Beauty. NUE strand is a breakthrough in hair restoration. This powerful serum is changing the game for hair thinning and loss. It is designed to revitalize the scalp and awaken hair follicles.
Ready to experience luxury at its finest at Jéa Salon + Spa? Check out our Mother's Day and Month of May Spa Specials. Book an appointment through our website at jeasalonandspa.com. Call or text us today at 470.561.5661. We can't wait to see you!
• Mother’s Day Out: full day of pampering | Hydration Head Spa | Blow-out and Style | Red Light Therapy Experience, Includes Gift at checkout | $175
• Double the Relaxation: mom + me experience | Balance Head Spa for Two| Blow-outs and Style | Includes Gift at checkout | $175
• Moments of Bliss: an express spa retreat | 30-minute Balance Head Spa| Blow out and Style | Includes Gift at checkout | $70
Jéa Salon and Spa
10971 Highway 92, Suite D, Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: 470.461.5661
Instagram: @jea.salon.spa
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA HAGEN AND AMANDA HALL INJURY LAW
HOW HAS FASHION SHAPED YOUR OUTLOOK AS A WOMAN?
Amanda (Managing Partner): "It is a lot of WORK being a woman! I look at my fiancé, and he's dressed and ready in 10 minutes with a golf shirt and a pair of shorts or pants. For me, it's the dress, the belt, the shoes, the jewelry, the right bag. I love every bit of it, though. Getting my hair and nails done regularly makes me feel good; throwing some makeup on and picking out the perfect outfit makes me feel good. It just makes me feel better. The right outfit can change my mood in a matter of minutes."
Katie (Paralegal): "Clothing and personal style never mattered to me growing up. Now that I am older and work in a professional setting, I can see why they should matter. I know that getting dressed, putting on makeup, and styling my hair helps me feel better, which improves my work and lifestyle. I am not the same person when I roll out of bed and put a pair of jeans and a t-shirt on versus when I get up, take my time to select an outfit, and do a (mostly small) makeup routine. How we feel on the inside and outside can project onto other things, so why not make yourself look and feel good? Others will notice and latch on to the confidence we radiate." CONTINUED >
Amanda: "I started practicing law at a big firm 20 years ago. Back then, there were many neutrals and skirt suits. I still like to dress up for the office even if I'm not meeting clients or in a deposition, but I like that women now have so many more options. My day-to-day is usually a colorful dress with a cardigan or a casual blazer. I love high heels and wedges. The higher, the better. I'm short, so this is a no-brainer, but I also like the femininity it projects."
Tessa (Attorney): "Being a lawyer is a high-pressure job. You feel the pressure from all angles: your clients, opposing counsel, the court, etc. For most lawyers, that pressure is motivating, even
exhilarating. It keeps me focused, alert, and competitive. When I get dressed, it's important that my style reflects the competitive and powerful energy I feel for this job. My style tends towards choosing a pop of bright colors over one-color-toned outfits, like a hot pink blazer paired with a black suit or bright yellow or red pumps with a black dress. Style is so much more to me than just clothes. The outfit I choose tells a story to those around me. I am a strong and competitive female lawyer, and I gravitate towards pops of color because they highlight the part of myself that makes me good at what I do and what makes me the best advocate for my clients."
Chloe (Paralegal): "Clothing and personal aesthetic have a significant impact not just on my daily life, but also on my profession.
“I am a strong and competitive female lawyer, and I gravitate towards pops of color because they highlight the part of myself that makes me good at what I do and what makes me the best advocate for my clients.”
While my attire may not directly make me more efficient or more empathetic towards clients, it plays a crucial role in shaping how others perceive me. The right outfit can influence how clients, attorneys, judges, and others trust and rely on me. It can grant me more agency in my work and foster an environment where people believe in me. A thoughtful outfit that feels relatable and confident becomes a powerful tool that often leaves a positive and lingering impression."
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?
Chloe: "In my role, I work a lot with the clients who are still treating; they are often navigating the difficult process of being in pain,
needing their car fixed, finding the right doctors, dealing with insurance adjusters, etc. I think the colors I choose create an atmosphere of warmth, positivity, and reassurance. Soft pinks and blues, in particular, enhance these feelings, creating a sense of brightness and peace that makes others feel that everything will be okay."
Katie: "I am a sucker for neutrals; they go with everything. Adding a blazer, fun accessories (while being professional) and a good pair of shoes is enough to make me feel strong and capable."
Amanda: "Katie wore amazing turquoise earrings the other day. I think she got them at Fashion 10. Love that store. It's conveniently within walking distance of our office."
Amanda: "I love the Jackie and Chloe dresses from Tuckernuck – they fit well and are so flattering! For Summer, I switch into a baby blue Chloe dress. I also have one that is a bright yellow, almost the color of a canary. My Jackie dress is light pink, sherbet green, and light blue and white striped. I'm also a huge fan of the J.Crew Resume dress. I have it in navy and black/ grey for court and the winter months, as well as a white linen version and a pretty periwinkle linen version I found last year. J.Crew is easy; you can find great options at the outlet. I'm a sucker for Saint Laurent clutches for evening events – which I have a lot of because of my role, from holiday parties to charity events. For Summer, I have a bright pink one. It adds a little bit of sparkle in something small."
Tessa: "Amanda had a dress on at the office the other day, and I found a lookalike on Amazon. The website/app Like to Know It is great for finding affordable similar pieces."
Amanda: "I'm not sure I should be the one giving anybody shopping tips, since my fiancé openly says he holds my hand in stores not because it's romantic, but because it's economical! The good news is that I work quite a bit, so I don't often have the time to shop in person. For online shopping, Gilt. com is my shopping indulgence. It's so great – pieces from all sorts of different brands at cheaper prices, with easy returns.
ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE
Bizarre Coffee is a funky and creative coffee shop located in Downtown Woodstock. Check out their popular menu items including cafe lattes, cold brew, bagels, sandwiches, and more.
Since 2011, mother-daughter duo Amanda and Donna have owned and run Fashion Cupcake, a clothing store focused on providing a high-end shopping experience at an affordable price.
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts is the perfect choice for beautiful flowers and gifts for any occasion. They offer fresh flowers, green & blooming plants, gourmet baskets, chocolates, and balloon bouquets.
Deep Roots Wine Market offers a unique wine tasting experience with wines from all over the US, and visitors can also enjoy small plates from the kitchen.
Located in Adair Park, this nail salon is bringing a serene and lavish self-care experience to Downtown Woodstock.
This data is a sampling of sold properties
“Marco Rossi exemplifies true professionalism and attention to detail. Every step of the way he gave it 110% and made us feel at ease. He took the stress out of a usually stressful situation of getting your home ready to sell and have multiple showings per day. He was able to get our house multiple offers within the first week of it being listed for sale! He knew we were under a time crunch and followed accordingly. Listen to what he says in order to get your house show ready! We trust him with everything! We will definitely use him again if needed. We highly refer Marco to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.”
- Rocio B.
MAY 2ND-18TH
Once On This Island
Woodstock Arts Theater
Do you love to see classic fables come to life on stage? Do you enjoy music and choreography inspired by the deep history and culture of the Caribbean? You know that you love vibrant music, colorful costumes, and a rich story that is humming with life! All these and more are reasons to come and see this show.
MAY 10TH
Northside Hospital - Cherokee Amphitheater | 7:30 PM
One of the largest and most celebrated Taylor Swift tribute acts in the nation: Let’s Sing Taylor. If you think you’ve seen what it looks like to compete for chair space in that amphitheater before… Get ready for May and a City full of Swifties.
MAY 20TH
Pickens Public Library | 10:00 AM
From trash to treasure, learn how to turn your plastic grocery bags into yarn! As well as a variety of projects you can use the yarn for, including coasters, place mats, and more.
A Fun Spirit To Spoil Mom With This Mother’s Day
Whether Mom prefers to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, she’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make her brunch menu extra special. So while she’s indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped creamtopped pancakes, impress her with this morning-friendly mix.
A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam
• Spoonful of jam for garnish
1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.
2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.
3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.
4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.
