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M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5

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M AY/ J U N E 2 0 2 5

Taste

CONTENTS

IN VERITAS VERATINA Alicia Farrell is a former attorney who has changed gears and now owns Veratina restaurant, along with her husband, chef James Ciminillo. Written by Allison Arbuthnot Sanders Photos by Katherine Ives Photography

99 ON THE COVER From left: Maggie Lilly, Emmy Davidian, Michelle Peth, Asia Harold, and Lola DeWitt, photograped at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum. Photography by John Alexander

112

LEVELING UP These five trailblazing women represent many sectors, but share a passion for uplifting our Savannah community. Written by Kathryn Drury Wagner Photography by John Alexander

126

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADING LADIES These extraordinary young women are already making bold and inspiring moves within our community. Written by Kathryn Drury Wagner

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 5

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 18

Editor’s Letter

BUZZ 22 27 32 36 43 51

Milestones to Celebrate New in 912 May/June Calendar The Arts Flannery O’Connor at 100 Saved by the Belles

STYLE 59 62 64 74 77 82

Hats to Top Things Off New sunglasses for summer Planting Ideas The Vibe Tribe My Savannah: Mia Mance Room of Her Own: At Home with Tracey Tollison

TASTE 99

In Veratina Veritas

BE WELL 107

For Women, By Women

SEEN 215 218 219 220 221 222 223

Telfair Ball Mile Marker Party Supper at Sea Women Who Rule Everard Ladies Night St. Vincent’s Academy 180th Gala Parker College of Business Gala/ Urban Hope’s Chefs & Chocolates

THE AFTERWORD 224

Keeping Score

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

132 206

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

Women in Business Savannah Area REALTORS® Annual Awards

COME VISIT SAVANNAH’S BEST CANDY STORE

SAVANNAH’S ORIGINAL CANDY STORE CELEBRATES

NATIONAL PRALINES DAY ON JUNE 24TH! Giving back is a sweet way of life here at River Street Sweets®. One of the causes close to our hearts is the Kids Cafe® Program, an initiative by Feeding America, the largest nonprofit working to end hunger in the United States. Each June, we celebrate National Pralines Day by donating a portion of all Praline sales. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, both through online and in-store purchases, as well as cash donations, we were able to present a check to Kids Cafe® in 2024 that provided over 100,000 meals!

CHOCOLATES • FUDGE • HOMEMADE ICE CREAM • CARAMEL APPLES • WORLD FAMOUS PRALINES®

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Stephanie Wilson-Evans, Holley Powelll, Alana Dykes, Danyell Wright, Debbi Lloyd, Lucy Hill, Andrea Kennedy, Anna Young, Beverly Poindexter, Brandi Lane, Chantel Wade, Colleen Jackson Hanson, Corinne Cunningham Brown, Hannah Walker, Jennifer Crumpton, Julia Taylor, Karen Beasley, Lauree Morris, Melissa Hall Rowan, Pam Miller, Ridley Stallings, Shannee Theus, Shay Healy, Tif fany Burckhalter-Alewine

The Women of

AHR Chatham management

COMMERCIAL

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SIERRA ABBASI AND DR. KRISTIN PENEY REGION 8 STAR STUDENT AND TEACHER WINNER St. Andrew’s School is proud to announce that senior Sierra Abbasi and her STAR Teacher, Dr. Kristin Peney, have been named Region 8 winners in the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. Abbasi earned the highest SAT score in a single sitting among all public and private school students in Region 8, which includes Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Emanuel, Evans, Liberty, Long, Screven, Tattnall, and Treutlen counties. “Sierra is an outstanding representative for St. Andrew’s and the region,” said Head of School Dr. Kelley Waldron. “She sets the bar high for all young people, and we look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments. Her recognition of Dr. Peney is well-deserved. Dr. Peney is a dedicated, caring teacher who is committed to helping all of her students reach their fullest potential.”

See why St. Andrew’s was voted Savannah’s Best Pre-School Private School & Summer Camp REGISTER TODAY AT SASLIONS.COM/SUMMERCAMPS

St. Andrew’s is an International Baccalaureate World School T TSinspiring young people age 3 through grade 12 in Savannah, Georgia. For more information, visit saslions.com. 601 Penn Waller Road Savannah, GA 31410 | 912.897.4941

402 W Broughton Street tel. or text 912.790.9117 social @shopmidge Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm Sunday 12pm to 5pm

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Kathryn Drury Wagner Mary Cornetta D I G I TA L & D E S I G N D I R E C T O R Andrea Burg G U E S T C O P Y E D I T O R Zach Hayes C O N T R I B U T I N G D E S I G N E R Britt Scott EDITOR IN CHIEF

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

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Jane Townsend Jill Strauss A D V E R T I S I N G A C C O U N T M A N A G E R Lane Pelliccione DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

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Tina Battock Scott Ferguson D I R E C T O R O F M A N U FA C T U R I N G & P R O D U C T I O N Sherry Brown A C C O U N T I N G M A N A G E R Veronica Brooks C I R C U L AT I O N B U S I N E S S M A N A G E R Michelle Rowe PRESIDENT

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, F I N A N C E & O P E R AT I O N S

M O R R I S C O M M U N I CAT I O N S CHAIRMAN

William S. Morris III CEO

Craig S. Mitchell

Established May 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine. Subscribe: 800.453.1049 Address changes: savannahmag@emailcustomerservice.com Advertise: 912.652.0294

A publication of Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Savannah magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, GA 31405. Copyright 1990-2025 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June, October and December for $25.99 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, Georgia 31405. Periodical postage paid at Savannah, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah magazine, P.O. Box 37131, Boone, IA 50037-2131

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

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EDITOR’S LETTER

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce, and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine. KATHERIN E IVES PHOTOG RA PHY

WORKING ON OUR LEADING LADIES issue for May/June has been a delightful challenge. Because the dilemma lies not in finding women leaders in Savannah; it’s trying to fit as many of their stories as humanly possible into these pages. No matter what sector you look at — nonprofits, entrepreneurial businesses, large companies, civic organizations, arts groups, community advocates, health care, and more — you’ll find women who are setting the pace, innovating, and leading by example. We couldn’t get to everyone this issue, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t so many more amazing women out there from all walks of life. In our feature story, “Leveling Up,” on page 112, you’ll read about five women who embody groundbreaking, inspiring female leadership, and we caught them just as they are entering new phases of career excellence. We also invite you, on page 126, to meet the “Next Gen Leading Ladies” in our feature story on young women who are taking up the trailblazing baton. They are wise and kind and driven, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of Southern literature’s most notable figures, Savannah native Mary Flannery O’Connor. We were delighted to get the first look at some of her childhood items that have recently been given to the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum (page 43). We also learned about paintings of hers that have been unearthed in Milledgeville, where she lived as a teen and young adult, and share the behind-the-scenes on that. Keeping in the theme of leading Savannah women, freelance writer Jessica Lynn Curtis interviewed two of the descendants of the original seven founders of Historic Savannah Foundation. They have been working on a monument that will honor the group of women who essentially saved Savannah from the wrecking ball, starting with their rescue of the Davenport House in 1955. Read “Saved

by the Belles” on page 51. We would live in a very different city, had the HSF not been at work the past 70 years, preserving 420 historic structures — and counting. For Tracey Henry Tollison, building a legacy means literally building. As the sole female owner of a construction company in Savannah, she is a pioneer. Take a tour of her Isle of Hope home on page 82 and see how she renovated an early 1950s home to transform it for modern living. Lastly, in our Be Well section on page 107, we turn the spotlight on four female health practitioners and how they address the needs of their clients. On nearly every page of this issue, you’ll find outstanding women. It’s been an honor meeting so many of them, and we hope you feel the same.

Kathryn Drury Wagner Editor in Chief

To subscribe and save 80% off the newsstand price, go to savannahmagazine.com or call 800.453.1049. For address changes and other concerns, contact savannahmag @emailcustomerservice.com. Send pitches, ideas and feedback to editor@savannahmagazine. com. To advertise, download our media kit at savannahmagazine.com, email jane.townsend@savannah magazine.com, or call 912.652.0294. 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202 Savannah, Georgia 31405; savannahmagazine.com

CORRECTION In our March/April story “PUBlicity,” one of the names of the co-owners of Wexford-Savannah’s Irish Pub was left out of the first paragraph. The co-owners are brothersister duo Tim and Jennifer Strickland and their business partner, Chris Swanson.

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT DAYTONA BEACH ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO COMMUNITIES, LLC. FILE NO. CP17-0092. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL00169 (Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach), OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head) and OL001182 (Latitude Margaritaville Watersound). Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach, Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2025. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2025

Cause for Celebration It’s Savannah magazine’s 35th anniversary this year, but we aren’t going to hog all the attention. Here, we raise a glass to some other organizations in town who are also toasting to milestones. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

PH OT OS C OU R T ES Y S T. J OS E P H' S / CA N DLER

COU R TESY LEVY JEWELERS

125 YEARS Founded in 1900, Levy Jewelers is a fourth-generation, family-owned-andoperated business, with Lowell Kronowitz serving as president of the firm formed by his great-grandfather. While it was originally in the City Market area, Levy Jewelers has had a flagship location on Broughton Street since 1935 — and it was one of the first stores in Savannah to offer air conditioning.

150 YEARS In 1875, the Sisters of Mercy took over operations for the Forest City Marine Hospital, caring for sick seamen. They renamed it St. Joseph’s Inﬁrmary, and it became St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1901. In 1970, the hospital moved from downtown to the Southside, then, with a joint operating agreement with Candler Hospital, became St. Joseph’s/Candler in 1997.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

50 YEARS Operating the Savannah History Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, and Harper Fowlkes House, the Coastal Heritage Society celebrates culture and education. Its “CHS All In” initiative provides free museum admission for families receiving EBT/SNAP/ WIC beneﬁts and Live Oak Public Library cardholders, free ﬁeld trips for Title I schools, and free community outreach through the Mobile Museum.

70 YEARS On Oct. 21, 1955, Memorial Hospital of Chatham County opened as a 300-bed general hospital dedicated as a living memorial to the nation’s war dead. In 2018, Memorial Health joined HCA Healthcare, one of the nation's leading providers of health care services. COU R TE S Y M EM OR I A L H OS P I TAL OF C HAT HA M CO UN T Y

YEARS

C OU R T E SY C OA S TA L HE R I TA G E S OC I E T Y

BUZZ

20 YEARS Judge Realty founder and CEO Lori Judge has a long history of supporting the arts in Savannah. The female-owned commercial, residential, and property management ﬁrm celebrated its 20th anniversary by commissioning a nautical-inspired, multimedia public art installation handcrafted from salvaged ﬁshing rope by Savannah artist Katherine Sandoz.

CO U R T ESY A B SHIRE PR

CO UR TE S Y T UB BY ' S TAN K HOU SE THU N DERB OLT

On May 1, 1990, Savannah magazine’s inaugural issue hit newsstands. At the time of the magazine’s launch, it was a quarterly and edited by former newspaper editor Georgia R. Whitley. The magazine has since won 82 awards for innovation and excellence, and has grown to 11 issues a year under three titles, including Savannah magazine, Savannah HOMES, and Southern Coastal Weddings.

COU R TESY J U DG E RE A LTY

35 YEARS

30 YEARS Beloved by locals for its seafood, Southern dishes, and cocktails, Tubby’s Tank House Thunderbolt and owner Ansley Williams are raising a glass to 3-0. The deck of the restaurant is a great place to catch local musicians, too, so swing by to support some of the Savannah talents who perform there.

25 YEARS Founded in 2000 by Jennifer Abshire, Abshire PR is a female owned ﬁrm with an all-female team that has shaped Savannah’s public relations landscape, made an impact across the Southeast, and earned national recognition.

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 5

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

S A V A N N A H

F A C I A L

P L A S T I C

S U R G E R Y

REVOLUTIONIZING FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY IN SAVANNAH Dr. Timothy Minton opens a top facial plastic surgery center

WHEN DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON DR. TIMOTHY MINTON left New York in favor of Savannah’s beautiful historic landscape and opened his practice, he had a clear goal in mind. “I knew the area didn’t have a dedicated facial plastic surgeon, and what better place than this scenic, sunny city?” Dr. Minton was previously the Chair of Surgery and Director of Facial Aesthetic Surgery in a hospital system in upstate New York before he and his family made the thousand-mile trek south to forge his own practice, Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, in 2015. Now, 10 years later, his life’s dream and hard work have come to fruition. Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery’s brand new state-of-the-art medical institute and adjoining surgical center opened just before the end of 2024, with a grand opening celebration following in February that welcomed hundreds of patients. The facility, located on Waters Avenue in midtown, encompasses two pristine operating rooms, a revolutionary rapid recovery center, and a variety of advanced laser and radiofrequency devices in its medical spa. Dr. Minton is the only double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in the region and has become one of the top facial plastic surgeons in the Southeast, with patients flying in from all over the country for his specialty procedure, the extended deep-plane facelift. “It’s kind of a cool trend that patients can find you and look at your work, your before and afters, and get to know your personality on social media — and that we can then have them come to town and have a great experience,” Dr. Minton says. His goal with every type of procedure he performs: to bring natural results to patients in a painless, accelerated timeline. He believes a central pillar of facial plastic surgery is making advancements in healing and downtime. “People have been busy for a long time — they’re working. That sentiment has led to the advent of all of these nonsurgical treatments to try to mimic

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M ★ Special Advertising Section

Photography by KEITH MORGAN

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

S A V A N N A H

F A C I A L

P L A S T I C

S U R G E R Y

‘‘

Experience makes all the difference when it comes to surgery — not only my experience, but also the experience of the team. You can’t put a value on that.” – DR. TIMOTHY MINTON

surgery, which really have failed essentially. So, now people are coming back to surgery because they want results, but they also don’t want downtime. We do everything possible here to get them back to their work or social lives. That’s huge. Back in the old days, a facelift recovery could be six weeks to months. Now we can get it down to two weeks,” he says. Dr. Minton attributes a great deal of his success and many of his happy patients to his team, “a tight-knit group that has been handpicked for their expertise in facial plastic surgery,” he says. “Experience makes all the difference

when it comes to surgery — not only my experience, but also the experience of the team. You can’t put a value on that. Everybody’s training is designed for the specific surgeries that we do. In a hospital, you’re not going to get that. You might have an anesthesia provider who the last time they did a facelift was never,” Dr. Minton says. Dr. Minton is excited to continue giving his patients the same life-changing results in a new facility and grateful for the opportunity to bring more patients from across the nation to Savannah. “We did a patient from New York City,

and she said, ‘This is so much better than sitting in my tiny apartment in New York.’ Being down here in this environment can really boost your mood while you’re recovering. For some people who live in larger cities, the surgery center experience is a lot more private. It’s really the ideal place to get away and have a procedure.”

SAVANNAH FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY: 6602 WATERS AVE. BLDG B SAVANNAH, GA 31406 SAVANNAHFACIALPLASTICSURGERY.COM 912.680.3223

Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 2 5

WHERE THE ART OF LIVING WELL,

Comes Naturally.

At Palmetto Bluff, life begins with the land. Maritime forests rise tall with quiet strength while the Inland Waterway weaves a ﬂuid trail, connecting you to this extraordinary place. Share stories with neighbors on the green, ﬁnd inspiration in quiet moments of wellness, embrace creative exploration, or spend unhurried days exploring together—Palmetto Bluff offers an ownership experience rich with opportunities, bringing you closer to what matters most—today and for years to come.

palmettobluff.com/savannah | 843.612.6445 Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy where prohibited by law. The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from sponsor. File no. H-110005

S AVA N N A H

Taste

CO UR TE S Y T HE I N DI G O CO T TA G E

BUZZ

New in 912

Women-owned and family-run store The Indigo Cottage has opened at 148 Abercorn St. The cozy spot offers locally inspired apparel, home decor, accessories, and Salacia Salts bath and body products.

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 5

BUZZ

C OU R T E SY PAT C HE S C U ST OM E M BR OI DE RY WOR KS

Patches Custom Embroidery Works

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

CO U R T ES Y T HE A LI DA H OT EL

COU R TESY THE A LIDA HOTEL

The Alida Hotel’s brunch party, Spritz & Hits, is now taking place on Saturdays and Sundays at its rooftop eatery, The Lost Square. It features live DJ sets, craft spritz cocktails, and brunch items like Georgia Olive Oil Pancakes. … Bonjour! Pop in for a chocolate croissant or other fresh pastries and a cup of locally roasted coffee at the new satellite location of downtown bakery Le Café Gourmet. The new Top and bottom: Spritz & location is at 1701 E. Victory Drive, near Aldi. … Hits at The Lost Square Patches Custom Embroidery Works just had its grand opening in Oglethorpe Mall. It’s owned by Zelonia Williams and specializes in custommade patches for businesses as well as options for people who want to put a personal stamp on their style. ... Board-certified pediatrician and mom of three children Dr. Kelsey Alexander is the owner of Moon River Pediatrics. The practice has a new location at 7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive. ... Brittany Milward’s chunky, modern gemstone necklaces and cheeky embroidered goods have earned a loyal local following at area pop-ups. She has now opened her own brick-and-mortar store, Britt’s Funky Stitch (714 Mall Blvd., #2). … Hotly anticipated neighborhood bar and restaurant Rome’s (2310 Montgomery St.) has at last opened its doors to the thirsty. It’s owned by Jerome “Rome” Steele and Josh Sembrano and serves foods that will trigger nostalgia in folks from the Northeast, like meatball grinders, homemade pierogi, and stuffed clams. You can also enjoy brunch, cocktails, and craft beers. … The nonprofit Savannah Philharmonic has announced a three-year, $2 million major gift campaign in support of its newly formed Innovation Fund. The campaign focuses on building the SavPhil’s audience through expanded programming, education initiatives, and community partnerships. Executive director Amy Williams notes the SavPhil has had three years of sold-out concerts, increased enrollment in music education programs, and performances by world-class guest artists. … You may have already tucked into a white chocolate cheesecake or sipped a decadent dessert martini at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar on Whitemarsh Island (4700 U.S. Highway 80). It’s now offering a lunch menu, available 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., including beer and wine options. ... Duckpin bowling is having a moment. Broughton Street Bowl and Brew (129 E. Broughton St.) has duckpin bowling, live music, DJs, and specialty cocktails. The menu is equally entertaining, with nibbles like fried cheese curds and heartier items like a hot brown sandwich (turkey

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with peppered bacon and a Mornay sauce). … Meanwhile, on Wilmington Island, The Court is a new bar and grill that’s taken over the spot formerly held by Rio Bravo (444 Johnny Mercer Blvd.). In addition to duckpin bowling, it has a full menu with tasty offerings like Cincinnati chili dogs. ... Looking for a cute girl’s night out or party idea? The Morgan Rae Boutique Charm Bar blends fashion and DIY fun, offering customers the ability to create custom necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and brooches. Private parties (in store or off site) can also be booked online. … Dr. Adam Squicquero is the new owner of Marshpoint Dentistry, taking over from Dr. Natalie Wermuth. The location (107 Charlotte Road), phone number, and staff remain the same. Squicquero is an alumnus of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry. … Repeal 33 has a new Chef ’s Tasting Menu, consisting of six unique courses reflecting the best seasonal ingredients available. Guests can also take advantage of the optional wine pairings. Examples of past dishes include crispy Brussels sprouts with chili-lime sauce and pickled carrots, and chilled local shrimp served with a peach cocktail sauce. … Savannah native Cora Bragg Thompson, Ed.D, has published her first children’s book, “Cora and Angel’s Furr-tastic Friendship.” A longtime educator, Thompson is interim dean for the College of Education at Savannah State University. Her book was inspired by the special relationship she shared with her dog, Angel, her companion of eight years before Angel passed away. Her book invites young readers to explore the bond they may have with their own pets. The book’s illustrator, Kiera Cunningham, is a Savannah State grad now pursuing her master’s degree in fine arts at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. … Susan Speros, who founded her business technology services company, Speros, in 1984, is preparing for the opening of Speros’s new headquarters

Morgan Rae Boutique Charm Bar

located on Chatham Parkway. Designed by the renowned local architecture firm Felder & Associates, this state-of-the-art facility will feature sleek glass walls, contemporary wood accents, and cutting-edge technology. … The Davenport House Museum shares that it is planning three more Family Days, including a historic preservation event on Sunday, May 18, and themes that will be announced later in the year for family-friendly activities on July 27 and Sept. 19. Bonus: Admission to the museum is free on Family Days. … Originating in Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a meat stew seasoned with chili peppers and chili oil. It takes center stage at Birria Spot (501 Montgomery St.), a new Mexican and Asian fusion restaurant. Many of the menu items, though not all, feature beef birria, such as birria ramen and birria Mexican street corn. There’s even a birria grilled cheese. … Offering trendy, affordable looks, XI Clothing Store (3200 Skidaway Road, Unit A) just held a ribbon cutting. This locally owned boutique has ladies clothing and accessories, and inclusive sizing, with plus sizes ranging from 1X to 3X. … Hailing from Winter Park, Florida, the franchise Foxtail Coffee Co. has a new location in the Plant Riverside District (601 Indian St., Unit A). The company specializes in ethically sourced coffee beans, using fair and sustainable practices. ... The Sauce Italian Kitchen & Bar (100 Blue Moon Crossing, Suite 110) brings Italian cuisine to Pooler, tempting diners with antipasti, salads, pizzas, pastas, and a full-service bar offering wine and cocktails.

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MAY 3 Ready for the Highland Fling? The Savannah Scottish Games, held on the grounds of historic Bethesda Academy, feature dancing, Celtic music, pipe bands, sheep herding, food, Scottish clans, and athletes hurling heavy things. Kids’ activities, history demonstrations, and genealogy experiences are also on offer here at one of the largest Scottish games in the Southeast. Cheer on your favorite Thoroughbred for a good cause at Savannah’s Premier Derby Party, presented by The Olde Pink House and Park Place Outreach. The event supports programming for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth in the Savannah community,

MAY 16

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The 200 Club’s 2024 Savannah Mile

including emergency shelter, transitional living, crisis intervention, family preservation, and homelessness diversion services. Attendees can watch the 151st Kentucky Derby via livestream while enjoying unlimited Pink House cuisine and cocktails, including Woodford Reserve mint juleps and Casa Herradura margaritas. Prizes will be awarded for Best Hat/Fascinator, Best Bow Tie, and Overall Best Dressed. A silent auction will also be featured.

MAY 10 Whip up a cool gift for Mom at the Mother’s Day Scrub-Making Workshop with Salacia Salts at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy. Select from a variety of exfoliants and Southern botanicals to craft a custom scrub, creating a 7-ounce jar to take home. Or make Mom some pottery, at Clayer & Co. Pottery Studio in Thunderbolt. It hosts a monthly “Sit ’N’

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Spin” class, an introduction to using the pottery wheel. Located in Thunderbolt, Clayer & Co. regularly offers workshops, open studio time, kiln space, and classes, from beginner level to more advanced techniques such as face jugs and exploring alternative firing methods like traditional raku.

MAY 14 Hosted by Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Legacy of Leadership takes place at the Savannah Convention Center. Networking starts at 7:30 a.m. and the breakfast program at 8:30 a.m. Faye DiMassimo of the city of Savannah’s Planning and Economic Development team, will serve as the keynote speaker, an example of the present day leaders in Savannah. Sue Else is receiving the Legacy of Leadership Award, which honors a woman who reflects the values in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and who serves as an excellent role model for girls.

Glean insights and inspiration from the local presenters at TEDxSavannah 2025, taking place at the Fine Arts Auditorium on Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah. This year’s theme is “Curiosity Unleashed,” and the event will also include a speaker meet-and-greet.

MAY 17 The 200 Club returns to the Historic District for the 2025 Savannah Mile. The nonprofit provides financial assistance as well as a fully paid college education to the surviving spouse and children of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The race is scheduled for 8 a.m., with the course beginning at the south end of Forsyth Park, moving down Drayton Street, and finishing up on Broughton Street.

MAY 18 American Traditions Vocal Collection is having its inaugural Great Camp Meeting Spiritual Recital 3–4:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The event features Kisma Jordan, winner of the Robert Sims Concert Spiritual Award and the Great Camp Meeting Spiritual Recital Award. Known for her rich vocals and warm storytelling, Kisma will sing classics and new arrangements.

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JUNE 6, 13–15 Dog Days Fest is back for a third year, with more bands, more venues, and bigger headliners. The festival is a multi-stage “city

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JUNE 18 Celebrate Dad at Plant Riverside District’s Father’s Day Gospel Celebration at District Live. This highenergy event will feature inspiring live gospel music by top regional artists, including Gary Swindell Jr., Calvin J, and Antwan Smalls, as well as a lavish Southern-style buffet.

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style” fest with an array of rock, punk, country, jam, and soul acts. Performances this year will take place at Starland Yard, Lone Wolf Lounge, El-Rocko Lounge, Broughton Bowl and Brew, and Victory North, with bands including Geese, Angel Du$t, Lip Critic, Sick Thoughts, Telehealth, Basically Nancy, Pardoner, Tobacco City, and many more.

JUNE 14 Grab some bell-bottoms and groove to funky tunes at the Back To The ’70s:

Goodwill Inspired Fundraiser, held at J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill. Proceeds from this 18-and-older event will aid the American Legion Post 27’s nonprofit mission; the post is supporting Goodwill initiatives aimed at changing lives. Join in the friendly wardrobe competition and create a 1970s disco fever outfit at Goodwill. On arrival, proof of purchase with a Goodwill receipt will enter you into the competition. Rules are simple: no more than $30 spent on an outfit (includes the entire outfit minus shoes and jewelry/accessories).

MAY 1: Enjoy a night of sip-sational wines, fabulous shopping, culinary delights, and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra at the 11th Annual Ronald McDonald House Charities Wine, Women & Shoes. Held at Kehoe Iron Works, the event benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, a home away from home for families that have a critically ill or injured child being treated at our local children’s hospital or medical facility.

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JUNE 19 Honor Juneteenth and enjoy the fireworks at Grayson Stadium. The event, kicking off at 5 p.m. with fireworks at nightfall, is free and will also include cultural performances and food trucks. Celebrated for more than 150 years, Juneteenth is widely considered the longest running AfricanAmerican holiday. Beloved North Carolina band Southern Culture On The Skids bring their therapeutic powers of foot-stomping, butt-shaking rock and roll to Victory North. Doors open at 7 p.m.

MAY 8: Senior Citizens Inc. honors the 2025 recipients of the Legends, Leaders, and Life Well Lived Award at a luncheon held at the Palmetto Club at The Landings. The event recognizes people who have made a lasting impact in their community and this year is honoring Dr. Otis Johnson, Camille O’Neal, and John A. White Sr. For 65 years, Senior Citizens Inc. has been dedicated to helping older adults age successfully, providing essential nutrition, care, and lifelong learning opportunities.

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ART The American Arts and Crafts movement is well represented in the exhibition “The Moss Mystique: Southern Women and Newcomb Pottery,” on view May 30–Sept. 1 at the Jepson Center. Newcomb Pottery, also referred to as Newcomb College Pottery, was produced starting in 1895 and made until around 1940. Newcomb potters used clays sourced throughout the South and painted their pieces with Southern flora and fauna designs. In addition to the exhibition, in an adjacent gallery, contemporary interdisciplinary artist Raheleh Filsoofi will create an installation, using clay extracted from soil she collected in Savannah in April 2024, in response to the legacy of Newcomb Pottery. ARTS Southeast’s new Ossabaw Island Artist Residency will be a bi-yearly program that provides time and space for artists to create work while they are immersed in the island’s 26,000 acres of maritime forest, tidal wetlands, and pristine beaches. The new program expands upon others initiated in 1961 by former island co-owner and protector Eleanor Torrey West and her former husband, Clifford B. West, continuing their mission to keep the island wild and undeveloped for scientific, cultural, and

COU R TESY SAVA N N A H C OL L E G E OF A R T A N D DE SI G N

Keeping the pulse on our area’s creative community

TYPICALLY, PEOPLE ARE discouraged from touching artwork at museums. But New York-based artist Sarah Crowner invites viewers to trod upon her latest work. On view at the SCAD Museum of Art through June 9, Crowner’s massive new installation piece, “Platform as Platform,” is a site-specific work that spans nearly 230 feet. Known for her geometric abstractions, she created “Platform as Platform” with custom-made terracotta tiles, echoing the brick masonry of the SCAD Museum’s historic building. We asked her to discuss the work: Q: The SCAD Museum of Art is located inside an 1853 brick structure that was once a railroad. Can you describe the interplay you were exploring between the handmade tiles of your piece with the handmade brick of the building? A. The first thing that struck me when Daniel Palmer, chief curator at the SCAD Museum of Art, offered this space as an exhibition location was the patterning of the historic brickwork and the contemporary patterning in the windows and the blinds. At different times of the day, the light streams through the windows, casting shadows and light on the floor as well as the brick wall. This play between one pattern and another was what inspired me to want to work with tile, and to introduce color and an organic handmade element to the space. Q. This is your largest installation work to date. How does it compare with your previous artistic statements? A. Each time I make a tilework, the context

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is different, therefore the perimeters and shape of the platform’s geometry is different. This color, this green blue, is one I have played with and used before. But because the SCAD Museum of Art galleries are new to me, the piece will read as unique. It goes to show you that context is indeed everything. Q. This work also features stretched drop cloths sourced from the SCAD fibers department’s screen-printing lab, with years’ worth of drippings on them. How did that come about? A. I toured many areas and departments when I first visited SCAD. There were so many opportunities to collaborate with the students in one way or another. But in the end, when I saw the heavily used and patinated drop cloths, I realized there was already this readymade artwork right there. They looked so much like gestural expressive painting, and so I wanted to honor those students by turning their “accidents” into art.

FEEL THE ENCHANTMENT OF THESE HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF ART

From 1895 through 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana, women graduates of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College’s art program took part in a commercial enterprise, painting pottery with images of flora and fauna. Tasked with representing the region through their work, Newcomb designers earned a reputation for turning to their local environment for inspiration. Newcomb Pottery received national praise for the quality of its designs and its representation of Southern regional identity.

l e a r n m o r e at t e l fa i r . o r g

Roberta Kennon (1877–1931), decorator, Joseph Meyer (1848–1931), potter; Tall vase with iris design, 1905; earthenware; Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane University

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COU R TESY A MICIMU SIC

A warm welcome to AmiciMusic and Classicopia, which recently expanded to Savannah. These organizations — both of which were founded by pianist and artistic director Daniel Weiser — strive to bring high-quality chamber music to intimate and non-traditional venues. Programs are informal, relaxed, thematic, and educational as Weiser breaks down the barriers between performers and audiences through informative talks before each piece is played. Both groups specialize in house concerts that include food and drinks in an intimate, salonlike setting, but they also perform public concerts in churches, synagogues, libraries, and even in non-traditional settings such as bars.

common and found objects, and has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

educational purposes. Meanwhile, ARTS Southeast has also partnered with The Do Good Fund to develop an exciting new exhibition. Based in Columbus, Georgia, The Do Good Fund is a public charity that focuses on building a museum-quality collection of photographs taken in the American South since World War II. The collection ranges from works by more than 20 Guggenheim Fellows to images by lesser-known and emerging photographers working in this region. “Selections from The Do Good Fund” will be on display May 2–June 14 at The Ellis Gallery at ARTS Southeast.

Known for its pottery classes, Knack Studio is now expanding into offering classes in stained-glass making, and has six stained-glass stations for students to use.

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CO UR TE S Y CL E O T HE P RO J EC T S PA CE

Unconventional methods of firing and painting ceramics are the focus of “Salt, Soda, Submerged,” a juried exhibition on display May 17–June 28 at Ology Gallery in Thunderbolt. The show also includes pieces by Henry Dean, who is known for “immersing” canvases in a variety of natural resources and then later excavating them.

Want to hold a class or workshop and need an event space? Starlandia Art Supply is accepting proposals for classes to be taught in its new flex space. If you would like to use the space to teach others your craft, fill out the form on their website.

Lamar Robillard’s “Church Over Spirit (God The Mother, God The Daughter, God The Holy Spirit)”

The work of New York-based artist Lamar Robillard is on display June 14–July 26 at Cleo the Project Space. Robillard is a conceptual artist working primarily with

Location Gallery at Austin Hill Realty presents “Moments of Normal,” opening May 16, and “Grumpy Old Men,” opening June 13. The first showcases work and an accompanying book by photographer Christine Hall, stemming from her personal documentation of her family, including her daughter with severe autism. Gallery profits from the show will be donated to Extra Special People of Savannah, an organization that offers support and experiences for people with disabilities and their families. Just in time for Father’s Day, “Grumpy Old Men” is a group show featuring male artists who highlight the best life lessons they learned from their fathers or father figures. Gallery profits from this show will be donated to the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club of Savannah.

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SCAD junior Sophia Denison talks about her eyewear design project with mentors from Marchon Eyewear Inc.

EYEWEAR SHINES ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE Sophia Denison makes history as the first American to claim the prestigious Sergio Cereda Award SOPHIA DENISON’S FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT, she is wearing shades of her own design. A junior from Chicago studying accessory design and industrial design at Savannah College of Art and Design, Denison is the first American to win the prestigious Sergio Cereda Award, an honor previously reserved exclusively for Italian eyewear designers and which includes a $10,000 prize. “This award inspires me to keep

exploring innovation in eyewear design, and will help support the completion of my senior year at SCAD,” Denison says. During the fall quarter of 2024, Denison took a new course in SCAD’s accessory design program, Eyewear Design, the first university-sponsored course of its kind. The course, taught by professor Mike Mack, is unique for its curriculum and for its industry partnership with Marchon Eyewear Inc., a leading international

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M ★ Special Advertising Section

manufacturer and distributor of quality eyewear and sunglasses. “By collaborating with SCAD, we are solidifying our commitment to educate and nurture the next generation of eyewear designers,” says Marchon President Thomas Burkhardt. Throughout the 10-week quarter, Denison and her fellow students engaged with Marchon’s design team for critiques and mentorship. They learned

Photography courtesy of SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

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I was inspired by the grace and strength of birds in flight. AVIAN empowers women by blending strength with grace. Flying has long symbolized limitless potential, and these frames embody that spirit.” – SOPHIA DENISON, SCAD junior and Sergio Cereda Award recipient

about eyewear design and the eyewear industry, from technical aspects of frame construction to concept development, tech integration and marketing. For Denison, the course was a chance to showcase her design talent while addressing a unique issue in the eyewear market. “Women’s sports eyewear often leans masculine or unisex, overlooking designs that truly reflect femininity and performance,” Denison says. Her collection, AVIAN, is a sportswear optical frame line that restructures fashion and performance specifically for women. “AVIAN challenges norms by merging function with fashion, because when women look good, we feel good, and we perform better.” The design inspiration for AVIAN is as unique as the collection itself. Denison drew inspiration from the elegance and freedom of agile birds, translating these characteristics into sleek, aerodynamic designs tailored for fashionable runners. “I was inspired by the grace and strength

of birds in flight,” she says. “AVIAN empowers women by blending strength with grace. Flying has long symbolized limitless potential, and these frames embody that spirit.” Denison’s spectacular attention to detail and innovative vision quickly set her collection apart, exceeding the expectations of her faculty and industry mentors, which opened the door to professional opportunities in eyewear design. This summer, she will take her talents to New York to work as a product design and development intern with Marchon. Her position will allow her to further develop her skills and gain design experience at the forefront of the industry. “I’m excited to explore new ways to blend function, fashion, and storytelling at Marchon,” she says. Having grown up in North Barrington, Illinois, Denison came to Savannah to study at SCAD and has fallen in love with the city and the Lowcountry lifestyle. “In my opinion, Savannah is the perfect

college town, and I am grateful I get to have four years to explore all it has to offer,” Denison says. Her groundbreaking work is just the beginning. The success of the Eyewear Design course has generated significant excitement and student interest, and the university looks to further expand offerings dedicated to eyewear in the coming academic year. As SCAD continues to lead the way in design innovation, Denison’s achievements stand as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering the next generation of creative leaders. “Sophia exemplifies that next generation, and her award-winning designs show the way,” says Professor Mack. The future is bright, and Denison’s got the shades. LEARN MORE AT: SCAD.EDU MARCHON.COM SOPHIADENISON.COM

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Flannery O'Conno Childhoo r d Home M useum

Newly acquired by the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home Museum, a baby quilt of Flannery's is seen in her bedroom. The museum is in the East Charlton Street rowhouse where the O'Connors lived from 1925 to 1938.

O L D S AVA N N A H

Her Story Continues Some of Flannery O’Connor’s cherished belongings have made their way home to Savannah. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER // Photography by JOHN ALEX ANDER

QUIRKY AND WHIP SMART, Mary Flannery O’Connor has been one of Savannah’s most endearing characters and one of the best-known figures in Southern literature. She was born 100 years ago, a milestone that is being celebrated throughout this year. In perfect timing for the centennial,

the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum has become the steward of some items, passed down through the author’s family and returned to Savannah since they are associated with Flannery’s youth. They are simple, intimate relics — baby blankets, a toy, and rosaries — and

for decades, they’d been stashed in an attic in Milledgeville, Georgia, in a home that had belonged to Flannery’s mother’s side of the family. The Cline family were prominent in Milledgeville, and there was no shortage of relatives around: Regina Cline, Flannery’s mother, was one of 16 children.

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Newly Discovered Family Items

Janie Bragg, the museum’s executive director, poses inside the bathroom. As a small child, Flannery loved to read inside the cast-iron tub, turning it into a library nook with pillows and books.

The family was deeply religious and attended mass daily at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, right across Lafayette Square from their home. The rosaries, which belonged to Flannery's mother, Regina, “are so personal,” says Bragg. “She was holding them in her hands — it was her connection to God. It’s very moving.” These are the only rosaries the birthplace museum has in its collection.

It is faded, but one can tell this baby blanket is pink and blue. Archival items like this might get a spot cleaning or a dusting, but no more. “Our job is to preserve it and extend its life, not to bring it back to its original condition,” explains Bragg. The blanket rests on the Kiddie-Koop, which can be seen by visitors in Flannery’s parents’ bedroom. A Kiddie-Koop was the 1920s version of the Pack ‘n Play, a wheeled, foldable crib/playpen combo that has a mesh screen to protect against mosquitoes.

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A three-year, $5 subscription to Child Life magazine earned Flannery a puppet theater, which came complete with a play, “Bertram and the Dancing Bear,” and three puppets. On the front of the theater, next to where it says “manager,” Flannery wrote her name in pencil. “She’d use her paper dolls to add more characters,” says Bragg. “I would imagine she gave performances all the time, maybe even to her pet chickens.”

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Held each March in conjunction with Savannah Local Author Day, Flannery O’Connor’s birthday celebration was expanded this year in honor of the centennial, with tours, social events, and live music.

Flannery's painting depicts one of the two larger barns on the Andalusia Farm property.

Continued from page 43

Flannery’s mother, Regina Cline O’Connor, had tiny hands, as evidenced by these beaded gloves, seen at the childhood home museum.

Flannery herself had lived in that Milledgeville home while attending high school and college, after the O’Connors moved away from Savannah. It had most recently been occupied by Flannery’s first cousin, Louise Florencourt, until her death at age 97 in 2023. Janie Bragg, director of the nonprofit Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home and Foundation, says she is honored and delighted to have some of Flannery’s childhood items come back to Savannah. Note: In consultation with archivists, Bragg allowed Savannah magazine to photograph the items in situ at the museum, but they will not be displayed this way for the general public; for example, the baby blanket will be in a display case.

G EO RG I A CO LL EG E & S TAT E UN I V E RS I TY

Meanwhile, in Milledgeville…

A closeup of Flannery O’Connor’s signature on one of her paintings she created as an adult, seen in Milledgeville.

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Many people have read Flannery O’Connor’s novels, short stories, and essays, but far fewer are familiar with her visual artwork. “That was actually her ambition, to be a cartoonist for The New Yorker,” says Amanda Respess, director of public affairs at Georgia College & State University. Flannery attended the Milledgeville school, then known as Georgia State College for Women, for undergraduate work and was an accomplished cartoonist. “She did linoleum-block-prints, where you create an image in the negative and then print it, which is fairly advanced artistically,” says Respess.

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Georgia College operates an interpretive center at Andalusia with exhibit space for the public as well as archival storage areas.

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In fact, it wasn’t until she was in graduate school at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop that Flannery committed to being a fiction writer. After being diagnosed with lupus in 1951, Flannery went to stay with her mother on Andalusia Farm in Milledgeville and lived there until her death at age 39 in 1964. A few of her paintings were known about, though rarely exhibited, but recently, a stash of oil paintings was discovered in a box in a family storage unit in Milledgeville, “literally behind a fast food restaurant,” says Respess. “There are 22 of them, many more than we thought.” And even more paintings were found in the house on Greene Street, which was bequeathed to Georgia College upon Florencourt’s death. “That box was filled with what artists call juvenalia, her teenage works, so we can now see Flannery’s earlier iterations, and have the whole continuum of her art through adulthood.” As part of the centennial celebration of Flannery’s life, some of the paintings will be on display at the interpretive center at Andalusia Farm through the end of 2025, and possibly into early 2026. Other institutes, such as art museums and universities, have expressed interest in having the exhibit travel, says Respess. “Scholars are just now getting to start studying this visual art in relation to her writing.”

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C OU R T E S Y G E OR G I A COL LE G E & S TAT E UN I V E RS I T Y

Andalusia Farm dates to 1814 and was originally a cotton plantation, then a dairy and beef farm once bought by the Cline family (Flannery’s mother’s side) in the 1930s. The site was gifted to her alma mater, Georgia College, in 2017.

Flannery painted her mother, Regina Cline O’Connor, ringing the dinner bell on the family farm. Her paintings can be likened to that of the Impressionists, who painted people and places they knew intimately.

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Watercolor by Catharine Varnadoe

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Saved by the Belles Seated, from left: Lucy Barrow McIntire, Elinor Adler Dillard, and Anna Colquitt Hunter. Standing, left to right: Nola McEvoy Roos, Jane Adair Wright, and Katherine Judkins Clark. Dorothy Ripley Roebling is not pictured.

Just in time for the organization’s 70th anniversary, a new monument honors the seven women who founded the Historic Savannah Foundation. Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

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FOR THOSE LIVING IN SAVANNAH today, it’s easy to take the city’s exquisite beauty, revered squares, and well-preserved charm for granted. But if not for seven determined women — Katharine Judkins Clark, Elinor Adler Dillard, Anna Colquitt Hunter, Lucy Barrow McIntire, Dorothy Ripley Roebling, Nola McEvoy Roos, and Jane Adair Wright — who saved much of Savannah from the wrecking ball in the 1950s and beyond, we would be living in a remarkably different city. Savannah went through an economic slump after World War II. Many of the city’s historic downtown homes had fallen into disrepair, and several had been razed. “Then in 1954, the old City Market was torn down,” says Catharine Varnedoe, granddaughter of Lucy Barrow McIntire. “I think that was the spark.” City Market, located on Ellis Square, had been Savannah’s first hub of commerce, shown on a map as early as 1757. Citizens had rallied to try to save this Savannah icon. “But they were too late,” adds Lucy Brannen, another granddaughter of Lucy McIntire. The market building was demolished, and a parking garage went up in its place. Anna Hunter, who was then a reporter for the Savannah Morning News, decided residents needed a plan in place before the next historic building was threatened. “So, she called together a group of seven like-minded women, including our grandmother,” says Brannen. Over a period of several months, they worked together, reaching out to influential community members, researching what had been done in other cities, recruiting local and national groups to back their efforts, and even drafting zoning measures and an in-depth survey of historic properties. “And in the midst of this,” continues Brannen, “came the bombshell.” “I happened to be at my grandmother’s house when Anna Hunter came to see her,” Varnedoe recalls. “And Anna said, ‘Lucy, they want to tear down the Davenport House.’” At the time, the 1820-built Davenport House served as a home to around 10 families. “There was laundry hanging from the light fixtures and up and down the beautiful banisters,” Brannen remembers. But the home was still a well-known treasure.

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Catharine Varnedoe, left, and Lucy Brannen

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ADLER MOVING ON Now celebrating its 70th year, Historic Savannah Foundation continues to thrive — and evolve. After six years at the helm, CEO and president Sue Adler will be stepping down in June. Adler will be joining the nonprofit Savannah Historic Initiatives as its executive director. HSF has announced it will conduct a nationwide search for a new CEO.

“At first, they were being called the hysterical society. Now, we have millions of tourists who come through here, and they’re the beneficiaries of the work of these seven ladies.” — Catharine Varnedoe

“It was a fine example of Federal architecture,” says Varnedoe. “And Isaiah Davenport was a master builder. That house was his masterpiece.” Lucy McIntire also had a personal reason for wanting to save this house: Isaiah and Sarah Davenport were her great-grandparents. The home was set to be demolished, and the land was slated to become the Goette Funeral Home’s parking lot. But the group of seven women raised $22,500 via donations and loans and, with the help of the community, convinced the owners of the Davenport House and the funeral home to let them buy the house — and the Historic Savannah Foundation was born. Seventy years later, the organization, which includes Brannen and Varnedoe in its membership, has saved 420 historic structures, including the Owens-Thomas House and the Mercer Williams House.

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IMA G ES COU R TESY HISTORIC SAVA N N A H FOU N DATION

The old City Market in the early 1900s. Bottom right: A cartoon depicting the group’s successful effort to save the Davenport House appeared in the Savannah Morning News.

When the City of Savannah went through the process of renaming Calhoun Square in 2022, those representing the seven ladies were invited to apply. The square was ultimately renamed for educator Susie King Taylor, but Brannen and Varnedoe realized during the process that people no longer knew the story of their grandmother and the other six women who saved the soul of Savannah. The City Council encouraged them to keep pursuing a memorial, and someone suggested the ladies should receive a monument. Brannen and Varnedoe began the necessary legwork: They met with the Savannah Park and Tree Department and the Metropolitan Planning Commission and ultimately received a unanimous “yes” vote from the City Council to create a monument. Brannen, Varnedoe (who is an artist), and other descendants of the seven original

preservationists have been working with the Savannah-based DePue Monument Co. to design the bronze and granite monument, which will be unveiled this fall. It will be a slant monument, between 4 to 5 feet tall, and curved at the top, with the seven ladies’ likenesses in bas-relief. The monument will be situated just north of the fountain in Columbia Square, with a view of the Davenport House just behind it. “What these ladies did is such an incredible gift and also a feat, because the leadership of Savannah was almost exclusively male at that time,” says Brannen. “At first, they were being called the hysterical society,” Varnedoe adds. “Now, we have millions of tourists who come through here, and they’re the beneficiaries of the work of these seven ladies.” Brannen adds, “We hope what they accomplished will be an inspiration for generations of young ladies to come.”

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Top Things Off Head-turning hats are perfect for functions like derby parties, weddings, and simply strutting around town. Written by K A’DIA DHATNUBIA

COUR TE SY SLICKLIDZ

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FEW ITEMS OF CLOTHING are as statement-making as a hat. These toppers can imbue the wearer with the timeless confidence of a fedora or the cheeky joy of a fascinator. And not that you need an excuse to wear a hat, but this season does offer an open invitation to try one, with events such as tea parties, Kentucky Derby viewings, weddings, black-tie fundraisers, al fresco brunches, and beach outings. Meet a few of the locals who have made it their mission to help their fellow Savannahians tip their hats and find that perfect accessory. 60

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Sheila Carmichael owns Gwen’s British Bonnets with her husband, Doug.

BRITISH BONNETS

Hailing from County Durham, England, Doug and Sheila Carmichael aim to introduce the British royal tradition of striking, unusual hats to America’s wedding scene — particularly for the mother of the bride. Their business, Gwen’s British Bonnets, is named after Doug’s mother. “She was a lovely, lovely lady who loved her hats,” he says. In Britain, every special occasion calls for a hat. For example, when Doug and Sheila were chosen to meet the Duchess of Gloucester during her processional visit to the charity they volunteer for, Cathedral Music Trust, in 2023, Sheila naturally needed a new hat. The invitation “was something really significant in our lives. It doesn’t happen very often,” says Doug. In Savannah, where the couple live half

of the year, Sheila would wear one of her hats when they attended church at St. John’s Cathedral and then when completing Sunday afternoon errands, garnering fascinated attention from passersby. However, when the Carmichaels researched where locals could acquire hats of their own, they came up empty. Local bridal boutiques, it turned out, send customers to Charleston for their fancy hat needs. The discovery was a turning point for the couple, who realized they could introduce elegant, standout British hats to Southern ladies. To bridge this gap, Doug and Sheila connected with a milliner in England, Ellie Lewis, who’s been constructing royalquality hats for more than 30 years. While Lewis’ hats are stocked in several English boutiques, the Carmichaels are her only U.S.-based stockists. After obtaining their first inventory in late 2024, they began testing the regional market at bridal shows and pop-up events. They also offer personalized, one-on-one consultations when they are in town (the couple still reside in England half of the year); make an appointment through the Gwen’s British Bonnets website, gwensbonnets.com.

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KEEP ON TRUCKING

Hatter Terry Newsome brings effortless cool with his fedoras. After purchasing his first fedora, Newsome noted that everywhere he went, he walked with pride. However, when he went to purchase another fedora, his wallet protested. His wife suggested he try making his own, so Newsome began researching. Initially, he made a couple of hats for himself. After receiving countless compliments and noticing similar styles were hard to find, Newsome established Slicklidz in 2022. His goal is to push against the casual tendencies of the modern era, not only as a stylistic choice but also as a sign of respect for ourselves and each other. Newsome notices men’s physicality shift when they try on his hats. “They look at themselves in the mirror, then they lick their lips, then they back up,” he explains, mimicking a laid back yet self-assured pose. “It’s really a good feeling to see them embrace a new version of themselves.” Newsome’s designs are chic and classic, yet unique. When he creates a hat, he shuffles a playlist and goes to work based on the energy of the music. “We have a tendency to overthink and rethink, when what we had in our hands was the best part of what we could ever be,” he says. Slicklidz can be found at pop-up events in Savannah, Jacksonville, and other cities in the Southeast, as well as on the company’s website, slicklidz.company.site.

COU R TESY SLICKLIDZ

SLEEK FEDORAS

C OU R T E SY M E SS HA L L

Emily Bargeron, owner of clothing label Mamie Ruth and vintage store East and Up, likes to spark her customers’ creativity at her newest venture, Mess Hall. She already had a hat bar at her flagship store, Mamie Ruth Design Studio, on Liberty Street, where customers can make their own chapeau using wide brim hats, trims, and ribbons. But in 2024, she opened Mess Hall, which she describes as a more “fast food” version of Mamie Ruth’s “fine dining experience.” Tucked into City Market, the bright, bold interior of the shop beckons with trucker hats, ball caps, and beanies, all begging to be decorated with the store’s wide array of ropes, patches, and pins. A lot of times, trucker hats can look massive on a woman’s head, notes Bargeron, so she worked with a hat manufacturer on an updated design, lowering the brim an inch and a half and the bill an inch. After choosing the hat base and setting it on a lunch tray, customers move through the “lunch line,” browsing what patches and pins catch their eyes to add to the hats. Then they take the hat to the counter to have the patches heat-pressed on. Their personalized creation is wrapped in a brown paper sandwich bag and sealed with a sweet note from “Mom.” Bargeron is proud to offer an alternative group activity for visitors and locals alike. “Being able to create something, and not be focused on alcohol or being at a bar, is really fun,” she says. She encourages folks to bring their hats back if they visit again to add more patches, describing it as a “wearable scrapbook.” Mess Hall has been so successful, there are two new locations planned, in Charleston, South Carolina, and Athens, Georgia. Learn more at messhalltruckshop.com.

Slicklidz owner and CEO Terry Newsome

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Hello, Sunshine

Grandmaster Eight by Dita

Up your summer style game with a new pair of sunglasses. ONE OF THE PERKS of living in the South? You don’t have to justify buying a new pair of sunglasses; Savannah’s subtropical climate delivers about 215 sunny days a year. And beyond style, there’s eye health to consider, too. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, along with a hat, may lessen the risk of developing eye issues such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of the eye. Sunglasses can also help slow the development of wrinkles around the eyes. So protect your peepers — and your style street cred — with a fresh pair of sunnies. Since it’s our Leading Ladies issue, we asked Dr. Erika Morrow, M.S., O.D., owner of ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear, for some recommendations of the latest styles for summer 2025. Here are some options she’s loving.

Margaret by Krewe

Adabrah by Dita

Mekler by Moscot

Harrison by Krewe

– KDW

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Planting Ideas Local design company Anne Pappas Interiors, a legendary French textile firm, and a Savannah College of Art and Design fashion student teamed up to create stunning, bespoke clothing concepts. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER Photography by MIKE SCHALK

GENER ALLY, THE FABRICS USED FOR INTERIOR DESIGN — think upholstery or drapes — live in one world, while the fabrics used for clothing exist in a separate realm. But this spring, a collaborative project called “In Bloom” pushed back against these boundaries. For the project, Anne Pappas Interiors worked with SCAD student designer Olivia Rushing to create a garment collection using high-end fabrics typically reserved for interiors. The fabric was sourced from Pierre Frey — a renowned French maker of luxury fabrics, wallpapers, rugs, and furniture. “This collection draws inspiration from the vibrant, fresh energy of a Parisian fabric line which translates well into the palette of the Lowcountry in the spring,” says Anne Pappas, owner and principal designer of Anne Pappas Interiors. “It’s a season known for its awakening colors, rich textures, and natural beauty. The garments Olivia designed and created feature fabrics typically used in the creation of high-end home interiors, reimagined in the form of fashion. These fabrics, designed for their tactile beauty and luxurious feel, came to life as wearable art.”

Hair and makeup by Amanda Harris/Mandaglo Hannah E. and her team provided hats, tops, and accessories. One Fish Two Fish and Visual Comfort provided accessories and lighting. The shoot also included a vintage Moroccan rug and vintage French settee upholstered in African fabric from Anne Pappas Interiors’ inventory. The 1980 Ford F150 belongs to Anne’s son, Christian.

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SCAD fashion student Olivia Rushing (left), designed several clothing styles, including an asymmetrical skirt, palazzo pants, and a two-piece skirt and top set. “This project was such a great learning opportunity for me,” says Rushing. “As a student I’ve gotten to hone my skills in designing and garment construction, but this project gave me a glimpse into the design commission and collaboration process with design meetings, fittings, and photoshoots.”

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Anne 68

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Since founding her eponymous firm in 2011, Pappas has worked with residential interiors as well as largescale commercial projects both domestically and internationally. Conversant in French, she frequently attends international markets. Pappas has a master’s degree in interior design from SCAD and worked for SCAD Design Group prior to starting her own business. She says, “As SCAD alumnae ourselves, we want to champion innovative talent and perspectives that challenge traditional design thinking.”

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y e l d Woo

The In Bloom clothing project demonstrates that design is an immersive experience, transcending rooms and extending into every element of our lives. The model here is Woodley Nelson, project manager for Anne Pappas Interiors.

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Annaliese

The model on this page is Annaliese Carter, a SCAD alumna and now a junior interior designer with Anne Pappas Interiors. The photoshoot was styled at SCAD’s Ronald C. Waranch Equestrian Center and showcases the garment collection with interior pieces that echo the same design principles.

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The Vibe Tribe A fitness and self-care routine helped Allison Falkenberry manage her busy corporate life in New York City, inspiring her to open Ōtium Studios in Savannah. Written by MARY CORNET TA

FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES, Allison Falkenberry lived in New York City, working as a crisis strategist in publishing. She enjoyed sampling the city’s constant stream of new fitness options, including taking classes in Tribeca taught by the legendary Tracy Anderson, trainer to buff, big-name celebrities. Falkenberry found that having a consistent wellness plan was a key to her success. “Crisis strategy is a tough job; it’s 24/7, and you’re expected to find solutions to every problem instantly. And that requires a certain balance of your system, sound judgment, and calmness,” she says. Falkenberry was living proof that having a fitness routine made other areas of life more manageable. When she moved to Savannah for her next life chapter in 2017, she decided to bring that philosophy with her and opened Ōtium Studio, her first yoga and Pilates studio. The original Ōtium Studio is situated on the ground level of Drayton Tower

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on East Liberty Street. In October 2023, Falkenberry opened her second location, on Passage Way in Eastern Wharf. At either studio, members can choose from a variety of “vibes” and classes, from restorative slow flow yoga to heated HIIT Pilates and everything in between, including sound baths. More recently, a Pilates Reformer studio was added at the Drayton site, separate from, but connected to, the main studio. Ōtium, a Latin-derived term that translates to a concept of taking time for oneself, emphasizes more than just physical strength and endurance. Falkenberry explains that the studios organically foster meaningful connections. For example, Falkenberry now oversees more than 20 instructors. “This group of teachers is probably the best possible,” she says, “They support one another and go to each other’s classes all the time.” For their part, members often feel comfortable sharing their current

challenges with each other or staff and receive support in various forms, including doctor, travel, or book recommendations. She points out that a copy of one particular book, “The Pivot Year,” (a popular book of daily meditations) has been circulating at the Eastern Wharf studio, living at the front desk between readers. “The tools and resources that everyone is passing around are almost as important as the classes,” she says. In addition to satisfying workouts and nurturing new relationships, Ōtium offers a retail area in both studios, with items like high-end and on-trend workout wear, weighted Bala bands, and bundles of palo santo, a wood traditionally used for spiritual cleansing, meditation, and relaxation. Falkenberry selects ecoconscious and socially responsible products for the Ō shops, including drinks such as matcha lattes and adaptogeninfused sparkling water.

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Allison Falkenberry

When she’s not splitting her time between the studios, Falkenberry enjoys getting out and meeting with the owners of other local businesses, like Java Burrito Co. or massage and wellness practice Peacefully Rooted, to organize collaborations. And although she attends classes, she acknowledges that she doesn’t do so daily. “I listen to my body, and I’m unapologetic about the amount of sleep I get,” she says. “My wind-down ritual is as exciting as anything else I do during the day.” Falkenberry believes in the power of consistency as much as she does self-care, and hopes that her studios make creating routines easier for members. As for what’s next for the Ōtium community, Falkenberry is setting her sights on a potential third location. With Drayton Tower in an electric area and her Eastern Wharf location in a peaceful zone, she wants to ensure the new studio is in an equally special spot. Wherever Falkenberry decides on for any future expansion, her goal is to continue making Ōtium feel like a sanctuary and a community, rather than a rigid approach to fitness. “Social wellness is becoming increasingly important,” she says, “so we want it to be the best possible experience for those who come to class.”

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Downtown’s Advocate As head of the Savannah Downtown Business Association, Mia Mance helps weave together the businesses, organizations, and people that shape this vibrant community. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER Photography by K ATHERINE IVES PHOTOGRAPHY

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A LONGTIME MARKETING and media professional, Mia Mance recently stepped into a new role as executive director of the Savannah Downtown Business Association. According to Mance, this role felt like a natural next step in her Savannah journey: She’d spent much of her career working closely with businesses in City Market, Ellis Square, and the Waterfront, and has helped organize events with a who’s who of Savannah’s most notable organizations, from the City of Savannah to SCAD to Savannah Pride. Now, she is still telling the stories of the city while advocating for the success of its business community — fostering connections to funding sources, providing information on city licensing and inspections, and even preparing owners for the newest wave of technological advances. “We have to keep innovation at the forefront of all we do, with the world of AI,” she says, “making sure business owners can win in the technology and digital landscapes.” In her personal life, she is married to attorney Chadrick Mance, founder/owner of the Mance Law Firm, and the couple have two daughters, ages 2 and 3. For the past eight years, she and her family have lived in a friendly, diverse neighborhood tucked away off of Highway 204 — and they’re in no hurry to leave. To find the family home, “we looked at almost 100 places with our very patient realtor,” Mance says with a laugh. While juggling the needs of two small children and the growing downtown business scene keeps her on her toes, Mance is up for the challenge. A woman of strong faith, she says, “I really believe God calls us to serve our community, to show up for and to support others.” WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT DAY DOWNTOWN? I’d caffeinate at Savannah Coffee Roasters, then head to Java Burrito Co. for a meeting and breakfast burrito. I also love hosting meetings at The Y Bar. I eat lunch at Common on Broughton Street in the mezzanine while working or concurrently having meetings about local business needs. A visit to Spa Bleu to see

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Mia with her daughters, Gia, 3 years old and Genesis, almost 2.

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[co-owner] Lenon Whitney, and for all the pampering and good skin care; Capital Bee for the honey; and Charleston Shoe Co. and Globe Shoe Co. for shoe shopping. Ordinary Magic makes your soul feel better. I am an avid reader, so I’d visit E. Shaver Booksellers with a final stop at Mint to Be Mojito Bar and Bites for empanadas and a mojito to end the day. HOW ABOUT FOR A DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR HUSBAND? We love Alligator Soul, The Olde Pink House, Flock to the Wok, The Vault Kitchen and Market, Ukiyo, and Stone and Webster Chop House. We also love soaking up the art in City Market and grabbing slices of Vinnie Van GoGo’s pizza after downtown parades. We are fans and supporters of the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Club One is a go-to as well for amazing drag shows and supporting some of our favorite local performers.

Working on candle concepts at Sea Love’s candle bar and boutique

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP FOR CLOTHING? J. Parker Ltd. is a staple for our whole household; my husband knows everyone there by first name. Copper Penny can have you ready for both work or a night out on the town. And Morgan Rae and Satchel are stylish, chic, and also very community focused. FOR LUNCH WITH YOUR BESTIE, WHERE DO YOU GO AND WHAT DO YOU ORDER? The Olde Pink House, and … everything! The blue-crab beignets, the spring rolls, the pan-seared fish, the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and a couple of Pink Lady cocktails. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATIONS WITH YOUR CHILDREN? Forsyth Park for play dates. We love the Savannah Children’s Museum and all the amazing programming. The Funky Brunch Café for the pancake griddle fun. Also, we eat at all of the E-Tang restaurants; the Chinese food, dim sum,

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Checking out the local food scene at Savannah Taste Experience

ramen, hot pots … everything is so great and the girls love it. Add a stop at Bowls & Bubbles for bubble tea before shopping down Broughton Street and over to Broad Street to visit The Fancy Pheasant. WHEN VISITORS COME TO SAVANNAH, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SHOW OFF THE TOWN? Our town’s walking tours, such as Genteel & Bard Savannah History and Ghost Tours and Underground Tours of Savannah, are a must! Of course an Old Savannah Trolley ride, too.

AS A BUSY MOTHER, WIFE, AND BUSINESSPERSON, HOW DO YOU SNEAK IN SELF-CARE? I do not go anywhere without my nails and toes done, and I believe in excellent skin care, so I hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I also keep a standing therapy appointment at Más Paz Counseling. Therapy is a gift to myself — to do those self checkins, to slow down, to heal, and to be a version of myself I can be proud of. I am a hugger and a connector; this is how I find joy. I believe in really bringing love to others — that truly fills my cup.

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AT HOME

Room of Her Own As the only female sole owner of a construction company in Savannah, Tracey Henry Tollison renovated an Isle of Hope home both for her own family and as a model of what she can do for potential clients. Written by MARY CORNET TA Photography by K ATHRYN ANN WALLER Styling by JIM LYNCH

AS THE FOUNDER of Tollison & Co. Construction, Tracey Henry Tollison has dedicated herself to designing homes that align with her clients’ lifestyles and needs. In 2023, it was finally her turn to do the same for her own family. Tracey, her husband, Trip, and their two kids — son Hank and daughter Lula — have lived on Isle of Hope since 2004. She built their first home there when Hank was 1 and she was pregnant with Lula, then renovated it over time so it evolved with them. She came to understand the demands of a growing household through both her line of work and her lived experience. That first house on Isle of Hope had a rotten floor system, Tracey explained, “and we ended up tearing it down. I always said I would enjoy building that same house again — knowing what I know now. And thinking about not just current needs but the needs of when your family changes and as the kids grow up.” As their family matured, so, too, did their needs, but the Tollisons didn’t want to leave their beloved neighborhood. They patiently waited for the right property, and in October 2023, bought a 2,687-square-foot 1950s home around the corner that had been sitting vacant for three years. “This house always intrigued me,” says Tracey. “I wanted to find something with old bones and the right space but that needed a total overhaul,” she says.

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What had been the home’s original dining room off the kitchen is now an enviable space that serves as an enormous pantry, bar, and scullery. Daughter Lula, an avid baker, is often found here.

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With the help of her team and her artistic daughter, Tracey set out to create a space that would not only be comfortable for her family but could also serve as a showcase for future clients. After a major renovation, the home now boasts around 3,500 square feet, with the addition of a bedroom and bathroom area converted out of attic space. The home features elements that are signature Tollison & Co. Construction style, such as hidden doors, a tongue and groove ceiling, and exposed beams. Her vast knowledge of home building trends is evident in every curated detail, including the most sought-after countertop materials, cabinet styles, and paneling. Until now, she had helped clients make design decisions using inspiration boards and examples from her past projects. Allowing them to walk through her very own home adds a personal touch to the process, something that Tracey prides herself on. “Rather than just looking at what’s on paper,” she explains, “I want to think about how someone is going to use and live in a space.” She asks her clients questions uncommon of a builder, such as what brings them joy, how old their kids are, and how many pets they have. One of the most family-friendly re-envisioned spaces is a room off the kitchen. Previously, this area had been empty and underused, with only a utility sink, washer, and dryer. Tracey turned it into a combination mudroom, laundry room, storage room, and pet lounge, where the family’s two chocolate labs, Tuck and

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A formal living room originally faced the front of the house. Homeowner Tracey Tollison turned it into a dining room with a view.

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Bacon, and a tabby named Jack, can eat, sleep and relax. There’s an entrance to the garage, but it’s the door leading into it from the kitchen that Tracey loves most. “We had a true Dutch door in the other house and it would contain the dogs in the mudroom yet not close them in completely. This room needed to have a pocket door, so that posed a challenge,” she explains. At first, her project manager doubted her suggestion to design a Dutch pocket door but, in the end, they made it happen. Tracey jokes, “Boy, did I love proving him wrong, only because that never happens!” The entire Tollison family appreciates the outdoor screened porch, which is a new addition to the original home. Dual fans hang from its haint blue ceiling, while mounted heaters make the space comfortable year-round. With that additional outdoor living space, Tracey decided they could do without the formal living room that originally faced the front of the house. In an unconventional move, she turned it into a dining room with a view. Aside from extending the front porch and converting the windows into double mahogany doors, there was the dated, sunken-floor style of the room to contend with. In the end, she chose to elevate it by pouring four inches of concrete. “At first, we thought it kept a little of the quirkiness but ultimately decided that it was one, a hazard, and two, we could not add the doors on the front of the house unless we raised it,” Tracey explains. “We initially thought the existing fireplace would look squatty when we raised the floor, but by trimming it out with panels the way we did, no one would even know we changed it.” What had been the home’s original dining room off the kitchen is now an enviable space that serves as an enormous pantry, bar, and scullery, with an entrance from the kitchen as well as a hidden door built into the molding (one of three hidden doors in the home), granting access to the new dining area. Lula, an avid baker, spends the most time here. She stores her supplies in custom-built cabinets, a few of which include outlets for her multiple KitchenAid mixers and pull-out shelves that create extra counter space when needed.

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Daughter Lula’s colorful bedroom and lounge have plenty of space for her many interests, including playing the drums and sewing.

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In addition to baking, Lula, a student at Savannah Arts Academy, has diverse interests and hobbies, including painting, sewing, and playing the drums. Most of her art supplies are organized upstairs, in the dreamy, fit-for-a-teenager TV lounge off to the right at the top of the staircase. The area is one of the biggest attractions of the renovation. “There was a ton of attic space available to expand,” explains Tracey. “And we wanted to add another bedroom and bathroom to the house. The back-to-back masonry chimneys posed a design problem, as they sat right next to the living space. We ultimately used it to our advantage and made a vestibule to the bedroom and bathroom which allowed for additional closet and storage space. It is like a second master suite!” The rest of the upstairs consists of a second bathroom, a guest bedroom, and Hank’s room. For Hank, Tracey came up with a cavelike aesthetic that he can enjoy while on break from his classes at the University of Georgia. “I wanted to create a handsome, manly retreat,” she says. “Keeping the original paneling and using high-gloss Benjamin Moore Hale Navy on the walls, trim, and ceiling achieved everything I was hoping it would.” Hank and Lula had originally helped inspire Tracey to start her own business despite some of the challenges that can come with being a minority in the building industry. Prior to launching her own company, she worked as a project manager for a

“When I walk through a home, I always look at what is there, and then I squint and imagine what it could be. That’s my thing — and I love it.” — Tracey Tollison

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Tracey added a clever “secret” powder room underneath the stairs and was able to keep the original early 1950s staircase railing.

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The multipurpose room off the kitchen features SherwinWilliams Polaris Blue. Daughter Lula chose the tile, which was installed by Adams Tile, after Tracey picked out the blue washer and dryer.

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A C u r at e d C o l l e c t i o n o f M o d e r n , V i n ta g e a n d A n t i q u e H o m e D e c o r a n d F u r n i t u r e i n t h e H e a r t o f H i s t o r i c S a va n n a h 1 WEST JONES STREET | 912.228.8851 |

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DETAILS Homeowners: Tracey and Trip Tollison Neighborhood: Isle of Hope Year built: 1952 Year purchased: 2023 Timeline of renovation/ construction: 7 months Number of bedrooms: 4 Number of bathrooms: 3.5 Architect: Lynch Associates Architects Interior designer: Tracey Tollison Builder/contractor: Tollison & Co. Construction

commercial construction company that also did high-end home builds and renovations in Sea Island, which is when Tracey admits to catching the “residential bug.” That, coupled with the desire to have the flexibility of working for herself, was what drove her to found Tollison & Co. Construction. That flexibility became even more helpful once Trip took his current job; he’s president and CEO of Savannah Economic Development Authority and travels often. Tracey definitely took the lead on finding and rebuilding the family’s home. But Trip and the kids thoroughly enjoy their new space, and it’s given Tracey the opportunity to put herself in her clients’ shoes. “I treat clients’ money like it’s my money,” she says. “I won’t let them make bad financial decisions while they build or renovate their home.” But beyond budget, Tracey got to flex her skills in transformation. “When I walk through a home, I always look at what is there, and then I squint and imagine what it could be. That’s my thing — and I love it.”

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Landscape: Hester & Zipperer Kitchen design: Tracey Tollison Bathroom design: Tracey Tollison Paint: Knights Painting Tile/flooring: Garden State Tile and Adams Tile Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co. Windows/doors: Coastal Sash and Door Art: Bellamy Murphy (marsh painting in dining room), Catherine Lovett (pelican painting in dining room), Lula Tollison (butterfly painting in scullery)

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TA S T E

In Veratina Veritas With its fresh take on Italian, Veratina is a bright new addition to Savannah’s food scene.

S T E VE V IL N I T / S V I M A G ES

Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS

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S T EV E VI L N I T /S V I M A GE S

WHILE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC still casts a shadow on the restaurant industry, a few bright spots did emerge as a result of that darkness. One such bright spot is Veratina, a new Italian restaurant in Savannah’s South Historic District and the joint effort of wife-and-husband team Alicia Farrell and James Ciminillo. “During our entire relationship, we’d been like two ships passing in the night; he’s a chef and is in restaurants all the time, and I was an attorney and at the office all the time,” says Farrell. “Our story is now kind of a typical Covid story; during the pandemic we realized that we needed to make some life changes. We wanted to see each other!” After 15 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Farrell and Ciminillo set their eyes on the South. After exploring various cities, they decided on Savannah and opened Veratina in December 2024. “Veratina is our baby,” says Farrell, who has since stopped practicing law. “It’s been the two of us working on it together since day one, and it’s near and dear to our hearts. We knew we would be spending all of our time here so we wanted it to be a place that we would genuinely enjoy, and of course we want other people to love it as well.” Farrell and Ciminillo’s thoughtful renovations transformed a tight, dark space on Abercorn Street to one that is open and inviting — a bright spot in the

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mostly residential neighborhood. Warm-toned wooden floors and chairs complement the white marble tabletops and bar, while sage green trim against off-white walls adds a sense of nature. An open kitchen with a brick oven faces a bar stocked with Italian wines and spirits, along with a handful of local Georgia liquors. Off the bar, tucked safely away from street noise, a small, walled patio offers seating to those who prefer dining al fresco. Parties interested in private events can book the patio, the back bar, or even the whole restaurant. Ciminillo has worked in every type of cuisine, but his roots are in Italian comfort food; his parents opened their first pizza place in West Virginia when he was 8 years old. “Once we found this space

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and I saw the brick pizza oven,” he says, “It was an easy decision.” (The space previously housed a vegan restaurant, The Haunt, and before that, an Italian place, Leoci’s Trattoria.) Veratina is much more than a pizza place, though. The small lunch and dinner menus offer some Italian restaurant classics, like a chicken Parmesan sandwich, and potato agnolotti with mushrooms, rosemary, and porcini butter. But most of the Italian dishes boast a modern and/or regional flair. The focaccia is served with sweet potato butter, Calabrian pepper pimento cheese, and giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), for example, and the branzino is dressed non-traditionally in a pumpkin seed salsa verde. Quarterly seasonal menu changes keep the selections fresh.

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S T EV E VI L N I T /S V I M A GE S

Another easy decision was to cater to locals, which Ciminillo and Farrell have successfully done. (Tourists are, of course, welcome.) The Southern hospitality from local business owners has blown them away, they say. Ciminillo is also building relationships with vendors to bring local foods and products to the menu. The wine list, however, is all Italian. “We’re not going to have an extensive list like most Italian restaurants,” says Ciminillo. “We’re keeping the list short, with different varietals than you see in most places. For example, we don’t have a cabernet or a pinot noir on the list.” “We want it to be a unique wine experience,” adds Farrell. “We’re purposely picking wines that people have hopefully never seen or heard of. We have a really cool wine made from the Falanghina grape which, I have to admit, I didn’t know existed until we started doing this. So that’s what we tell all the alcohol reps: Bring us things that are only from Italy, and that people have never tried before.” For Farrell, the pivot from law to restaurant life was a big one. Beyond actually being able to see her husband every day, the most significant change of her new career is the simple joy she gets from interactions with Veratina diners. “I love the change,” says Farrell, her beaming smile matching the brightness of Veratina. “As much as I love my clients, it’s a very different type of interaction when you’re practicing law, typically very serious. Now I am out and about, I’m interacting with guests. It’s such a warm, personable experience. I really love it.”

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BE WELL

For Women, By Women Meet four female health practitioners who are addressing some of the many facets of women’s health. Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS

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BE WELL

Margaret Thatcher famously said, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” Fortunately, Savannah has a large and diverse collection of female health practitioners who can get the job done — including those who cater to (and relate to) the unique needs of women. Read on to learn about four of our area’s outstanding providers. Dr. Abby Abisogun, M.D.

Karen Bouchard, PA-C

Shoreline Endocrinology

Karen Bouchard, owner of the new Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics, may appear to be in the beauty business, but that would be an oversimplification. Really, she’s in the business of building confidence. “Beauty is very individual,” says Bouchard. “I love to help women look like the best version of themselves right here, right now, so that they have the confidence to go out there and do their best every day.” Bouchard brings nearly two decades worth of experience as a physician’s assistant to Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics, including eight years as an aesthetic PA at a plastic surgeon’s office. Behind this extensive technical and medical experience is a background in art and design, which influences her work and informs her creative, customized approach. Bouchard sees medical aesthetics as a form of self-care, and is quick to call out the societal double standard imposed on women. “Society puts a lot of pressure on women to be perfect, but yet women are often judged for doing anything cosmetic to help them look and feel their best,” she says. “You’re supposed to be born beautiful and stay that way and never change. It’s really frustrating. We need to stop criticizing women for

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Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics

doing the things that help them feel good about themselves.” Bouchard says that while neurotoxins like Botox still top the list of client requests, she is also seeing more inquiries about regenerative medicine, which uses your body’s own ability to make new collagen to improve your skin. “Women are also looking for a place that will take care of them on many levels. In the future, I’m hoping to offer wellness treatments like peptides, vitamin therapy, and hormone replacement therapy that help women look good, and also feel good from the inside out.”

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Dr. Abby Abisogun loves a good mystery. “Hormones are kind of elusive,” says Abisogun, explaining what drew her to the field of endocrinology. “They are chemical messengers in the body that do so much. Often we take them for granted, but when something goes awry, we realize their importance.” While Abisogun sees both male and female patients in her practice at Shoreline Endocrinology, there are a number of endocrine disorders that disproportionately affect women. In the U.S., 80% of those affected by thyroid disease are women. Abisogun frequently treats other women’s endocrine disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), osteoporosis, and obesity. “Obesity is a health issue that affects women directly,” says Abisogun. “As women go through different stages of life, especially perimenopause and menopause, weight can become a challenge. The metabolism changes, and we as women have unique pressures within our society to look a certain way.” Along with those unique pressures, Abisogun says that women often feel unheard in the

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American healthcare system. “When women notice changes in their mood, energy level, libido, or weight, sometimes it can be difficult to put a finger on exactly what’s going on,” says Abisogun. But she often hears from her female patients that their concerns were previously dismissed by male and female doctors alike. “They’re told they aren’t sleeping enough, or that they’re depressed. Then, it turns out it was a thyroid issue. Once that’s corrected, their mood instability is gone.” That’s why listening is a cornerstone of Abisogun’s medical practice, and her number one suggestion for what we as a society can do to take better care of womens’ health. “Sometimes there isn’t an obvious solution whatever the issue is. But just listening allows that individual to feel like their experience matters,” she says. “The word ‘crazy’ comes up a lot, when maybe their concern is one that many other women are dealing with. Just acknowledging that can give a person so much relief.” When it comes to keeping your endocrine system healthy, Abisogun emphasizes stress management, along with healthy lifestyle choices. “Women carry a lot. We are typically the nurturers in our homes, and we often put our own health and wellbeing on the back burner because we want to show up for everyone else in our lives. When people are starting to show signs of thyroid disease, for example, there’s potential to correct with just lifestyle changes. If a person can take some things off her plate, prioritize sleep, begin an exercise routine, avoid processed foods and dietary inflammation triggers, sometimes the body just heals itself.”

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Christina Harley

C OU R T E S Y C HR I S T I N A HA RLEY

As a young member of the Apostolic Faith Church, Christina Harley was told by a prophetic minister that her gift was in her hands. It was a prophecy now fulfilled with Christina’s Healing Hands, a medical massage and wellness center in Pooler. “I’ve always been a healer,” says Harley. “Massage therapy is my calling, not just a way to make a living.” Harley specializes in medical massage, also known as therapeutic massage, which goes beyond the goal of simply unwinding. “It’s different from a massage intended for relaxation,” she explains. “I’m asking questions, assessing the area, then using different techniques to help relieve tension and pain, and break up fascia and fibrotic tissue.” Most of the conditions Harley treats with medical massage relate to the shoulders, neck, and back. While she sees both men and women in her practice, sufferers of chronic shoulder pain such as frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, tend to be women. Harley also practices lymphatic massage and post-op lymphatic drainage. “I see a lot of cancer survivors suffering from lymphedema,” says Harley. This chronic condition causes swelling from accumulated fluids, such as in the arms or legs. “Some of them just want to be able to walk again. Lymphatic massage can give them an opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.” Helping people is a passion of Harley’s beyond bodywork. She is actively involved in a number of local charities, most recently competing in the local Dancing with the Savannah Stars event to benefit Brightside Child and Family Advocacy, an organization that works to prevent child abuse and support children and families in the foster care system.

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Christina’s Healing Hands

Bridget Cross, LCSW Founder of The Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health Bridget Cross is a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health therapist who started the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health in 2022. The fund provides free therapy to women in the perinatal period, which refers to the time beginning with a pregnancy until two years postpartum, including experiences of pregnancy or infant loss, termination, and infertility. Cross started the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health as a grassroots program. She says, “It was a response to how many calls colleagues and I were receiving from people who were struggling and either didn’t have insurance, or who were on Medicaid and couldn’t afford even super-reduced rates of therapy. Our state is hugely under-resourced in mental health. We had nowhere to send them.” In 2024, the fund became a program of the Georgia Chapter of Postpartum Support International. Since then, it has provided over 1,400 therapy sessions to people all over the state. “There is a great need, but also so much stigma around the need for maternal mental health support and just the idea that when you have a baby — including one that was really wanted — you might not feel good,” says Cross. “Some of the maternal mental health issues women face are taboo or politicized, like postpartum depression, miscarriage, and abortion. This makes it more difficult to seek out care, even if you have resources and access. I hope that by just learning about programs like this, it helps to reduce that stigma. There is so much shame in silencing.” Cross sees maternal mental and physical health as an issue with far-reaching implications for community health, especially in Georgia, which consistently ranks among the worst states in the country for maternal mortality rates. “There is a culture of self-sacrifice in mothering: Whatever the baby needs, you give, and it doesn’t matter how it affects you,” says Cross. “It should be the reverse. If mothers are well, children are well, families are well, and communities are well. It has a huge impact on economic health and more. Yes, we need to work on issues like paid leave and child care, but also, we just need to start asking moms how they are doing.”

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These five trailblazing women represent many sectors but share a passion for uplifting our Savannah community. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER Photography by JOHN ALEX ANDER

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“If we work alone in silos, we can’t make change.”

-Lola

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L O L A D EW I T T Executive Director, Live Oak Public Libraries THIS PAST ST. PATRICK’S DAY, Live Oak Public Libraries (LOPL) debuted some new reading mascots via its parade float. As the float cruised by, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic whoops and chants of “We love books!” “Having that kind of validation from the public really keeps us going,” says Executive Director Lola DeWitt. LOPL serves Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties with 16 library locations. DeWitt, who has been in her current role since 2022, has been leading LOPL’s reinvigoration. Last fall, LOPL presented a 2025-2030 Strategic Plan — its first strategic planning process in 16 years. She is also guiding efforts on early childhood language programs, ensuring kids are ready for kindergarten and literacy. And she’s introduced a core set of philosophies with her team, including consistency, exceeding best-in-industry standards, treating every role as a customer service position, and professional development. Born in New Jersey, DeWitt has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Eastern University. She’s worked in library systems in Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, and New Mexico, and now, at LOPL, she is overseeing a busy era. The Carnegie Library on Henry Street is undergoing a renovation, dovetailing with the library’s 110th anniversary in August. The historic library was originally funded by Carnegie Corp. of New York, one of only two Carnegie library projects for Black patrons in Georgia. Meanwhile, three library construction projects are in the works. The first is a reboot of the Oglethorpe Mall Library; they are now requesting proposals for a new build at the corner of Waters Avenue and Eisenhower Drive. That location, says DeWitt, is close enough to keep the same patrons, while creating opportunities to bring in new ones because it’s accessible, near a bus line and many social services. The Pooler Library has graduated to its design concept phase; The City of Pooler has land purchased for that and $5.5 million in SPLOST money earmarked for it. The Rincon Library, another new build, is in the beginning design phase. “Our belief is the library should be welcoming to everyone,” says DeWitt. Having climate control, nice bathrooms, ample space for study and meeting rooms, and access to the right technology all contribute to an inviting and empowering atmosphere. “Libraries have always been about information,” she says. “Originally that was book format, but libraries have adapted. We’ve become a civic hub and a safe place. And we embrace that.”

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MICHELLE PETH Founder/owner Beettan

“I knew I had something. I just didn’t know what I was doing. Until I did.”

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BEETTAN, A SUNLESS TANNING company that features naturally derived beet extract in its formulas, has been so successful, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking it’s a large national company or perhaps a franchise. “We get that all the time,” says founder Michelle Peth, who explains that Beettan is a small business based right here in Savannah. “We’re still working out of an office and a tiny warehouse. But I love that the brand is going in that direction.” Peth originally experimented with spray-tan methods to help her fair-skinned sister. Then in 2014, “I started being more intentional with the spray-tan ingredients and worked with a chemist on the formula.” She began a business, spraying customers using her own formula. Then, a client moved to Los Angeles and called to tell her she couldn’t find any tanning solution as good as Peth’s. “She wanted to buy some and I had to figure out bottling,” says Peth. “Next, she asked if I’d teach her so she could do spraytans in LA. Then a girl in Statesboro reached out, then one in North Carolina…” Today she has trained more than 500 women how to spray-tan using her products. She also sells her tanning products wholesale and direct to consumers. “I have stay-at-home moms doing spray-tans as a side hustle, and then I have women making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year doing spray-tans.” She offers spray-tan certification and business coaching, as well as a community of like-minded women. “What started as a passion for helping my sister ended up as a passion for finding something for women like me to be proud of.” Peth notes that she didn’t grow up in a family with a lot of financial resources. She worked as a bartender and had her son at age 18. “I lived in a shitty apartment on Congress Street.” But she was determined. When she couldn’t get a bank loan, she got her real estate license. “I dumped whatever I made into my spray-tan business because I believed in it so much.” These days, Peth takes the time to meet online with her sprayer-partners every week, offering guidance and companionship. “I take being considered a leader and mentoring very seriously.” In fact, she changed her business slogan to “Empowering Women One Tan at a Time.” Beettan, she says, “gave me a sense of pride and purpose; I would still be bartending if it wasn’t for it. I couldn’t find my place in this world for so long, and I just did the grind as a single mom. This business did so much for me, and I see it doing so much for others.”

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E M M Y DAV I D I A N Founder/designer, Tribe + Temple

YOU’VE PROBABLY SEEN Tribe + Temple earrings on the lobes of fashionable women about town. The designs — a blend of tropical punch and Art Deco glam — are made of laser-cut acrylic and are the work of Emmy Davidian, the founder of Tribe + Temple. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Davidian has always been fashionfocused and attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in downtown LA. After completing her associate degree, she enlisted in the Army in 2009. “I put art school on pause; I was always torn about joining the military or going to art school from a young age.” Given her background as a serious athlete — she played basketball for 15 years — boot camp was a breeze. She served for three years, stationed at Fort Stewart. After she was discharged, she finished her degree at FIDM before using the GI Bill to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design for her master’s degree in accessory design. “I don’t come from a wealthy family,” she says. “I’m self-made. And coming from the Army, I was very disciplined in grad school.” Her thesis was a collection of orthopedic footwear for female veterans, a project that led to her being named one of the top 50 emerging designers in the country by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and landed her a job designing with Vince Camuto and DSW. “My background is in footwear, so [with the jewelry], I worked my way up the body,” she laughs. After moving to Savannah, she launched Tribe + Temple. The brand name is a reference to her parents’ heritage and her relationship with them. Her mom is Mexican, a culture Davidian associates with lively gatherings, while her father is Iranian-Armenian, which she correlates with serenity. The brand name has evolved, meaning community and safe space in a broader sense, she says, and “I’m thankful the name has made sense every step of the way.” She gained a foothold locally with pop-ups, as well as a booth at the Plant Riverside District’s Savannah Christmas Market. “I’ve done it for three years, and, to be honest, that is what funded the expansion of my business.” Tribe + Temple now has a retail location in the Starland District, and the wholesale component of her business has grown from 20 stores to 110, including stockists in England, France, and New Zealand. “The store is for the people who know us and have been there since the beginning, but my goal has always been to be a worldwide brand,” she says. She has a staff of women, ranging from young college grads to women in their 50s. “I want to support women from all phases of life,” Davidian says. As her business has evolved, so, too, have her designs. Initially, she did very large jewelry — colorful, mirrored shrimp, for example — but with some customers requesting scaled-back styles, she’s expanded her offerings. “My clients tend to go to work and then to happy hour and want styles that will work for both.” Looking ahead, Davidian plans to expand Tribe + Temple into a travel and resort brand, with products such as luggage, phone pouches, and waterproof jackets. And soon, she’ll have a special new personal piece of jewelry, too, as she’s getting married June 5.

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“I’ve always been passionate about empowering women and being relevant to them.”

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“If someone is telling you, ‘This is really good,’ go on and take the leap. And use your community for advice, as there are people who have gone before you.”

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M AG G I E L I L LY CGO (Chief Granola Officer), Party of Hive Granola FEEDING A BUSY FAMILY IS NOT EASY, and doing so in a healthy manner is even more challenging. To keep her three children happily fed, Maggie Lilly came up with her own granola recipe — a tasty concoction with oats, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds, plus a touch of local Georgia honey. “I started selling it via porch pickup,” she says. “I would put it on my personal Facebook page that I had made a batch, and my friends would buy it all up.” She got a cottage foods license in 2020, allowing her to make granola at home and sell it to customers directly in the state of Georgia. By 2023, Party of Hive Granola was popular enough that she got a commercial permit and now works out of a local kitchen that rents space to food businesses. She’s making 150 pounds of granola a week. “I just go in and crank it out,” she says. Sometimes her husband pitches in, as does her mom, Amanda Cannon, who is no stranger to the mompreneur life as one of the original co-owners of Savannah’s own Two Smart Cookies. “She works for granola,” laughs Lilly. Her son, who is 18, and twin daughters, age 14, also help out with tasks like bagging the granola. Not that they have much choice, as the family home also serves as the business’ fulfillment center and an entire closet has been converted into granola storage. “I think the brand has succeeded because the granola is different. It tastes really good, and it’s not too sweet,” says Lilly. “And people know I am not going to add unnecessary sweeteners or fillers. I want it to leave people feeling really good.” Her line has grown to five flavors, such as cherry almond, with a sixth, banana walnut, set to debut this summer. A recent grant from Cecilia Russo Marketing has also boosted her business. In honor of her company’s 15th anniversary, Russo awarded three Georgia entrepreneurs with $5,000 grants each. According to Lilly, winning the grant has boosted her confidence and allowed her to reach more people through the new packaging and marketing work it has helped fund. Party of Hive is now carried in about 20 stores in Savannah, as well as with retailers in South Carolina and as far away as the Hive Beetique in Rochester, New York. SCAD carries the granola in the Hive dining hall, and it’s offered at several restaurants, including Erica Davis Lowcountry. Despite the occasional setbacks, like getting tennis elbow from mixing all that granola, Lilly plans to keep expanding. “That’s a wonderful thing about small businesses: Everybody knows how hard it can be, so why not support my neighbor, and my friend, and my friend’s friend, and we can all grow together?”

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A S I A H A RO L D Community Engagement Director, Forsyth Farmers’ Market

“Every time you walk into a space, every time you open your mouth to speak, every time you lean into a conversation and are actively listening to someone — you are holding influence. By that very concept, you are a leader.”

-Asia

ASIA HAROLD, A NATIVE OF MOUNT AIRY, North Carolina, comes from a farming family. They own an orchard that grows apples, peaches, pears, plums, and cherries, and today, Harold strives to provide access to that same kind of nutritious, fresh food to those in the Savannah community. After attending Salem College, a women’s college in North Carolina, she moved to Georgia in 2019 and worked in health care. But her degree in nonprofit management and passion for healthy food systems led her to join the Forsyth Farmers’ Market in 2022. Founded in 2009 by six women, the nonprofit Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM) “is so much more than a Saturday farmers’ market, and the market does not just sprout out of the ground and recede until the next weekend,” says Harold. “There are people working behind the scenes dedicated to the work of food access and equity.” Harold handles many of the moving pieces, including vendor relations with the market’s 70 vendors, all of whom must come from within a 200-mile radius to be considered local. For the vast majority of them, the Saturday market is their bread and butter. She also oversees the group’s produce prescription program, the 912 Food Farmacy, which partners with five local health care clinics. “Their patients, who are low wealth and living with diet-related, chronic health issues such as diabetes, receive prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables,” she says. They then get produce from the Farmers’ Market or from the Farm Truck 912 — FFM’s market on wheels. The program “removes so many barriers. We’re providing them with the funds to take back their health and also reduce the burden of costs associated with health care.” Many program participants have reported a marked improvement in their general health, and some have even been able to cut back on their medications as a result. The 912 Food Farmacy also conducts recipe demonstrations, providing ideas on how to use the produce clients are interested in. “We don’t provide curated bags or boxes,” says Harold, “because we want them to have an element of control over what they are choosing.” FFM has a new headquarters in a space at 6228 Waters Ave., which allows room for the staff, a private area for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enrollment (FFM is the largest SNAP redeemer in the state), walk-in coolers, a community garden, and the new Forsyth Farmers’ Market Corner Store. The corner store “was a natural evolution for us,” says Harold. Since its debut in November 2024, traffic to the store has grown steadily. It’s ideal for those who can’t make it to the Saturday market, or those who can but desire a mid-week veggie restock. “Food access will always be an issue in Savannah,” she says. “We still have communities living in food deserts. I want to work myself out of a job. I want everyone who wants access to fresh local fruits and vegetables to have the opportunity to do so.”

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A B O U T OU R

PHOTOGR APHED BY JOHN ALEX ANDER, our group portrait took place at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum. This National Historic Landmark honors the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, and as Low is an “OG” female leader, it was the perfect background. The museum itself is undergoing an evolution, aligning its storytelling more to the era that birthed the Girl Scouts. The historic home has been reinterpreted, with rooms designed to look as they did in 1912, instead of 1886, when then-26-year-old Juliette Gordon married. But “at the end of the day it wasn’t a great marriage. And it’s not the most important thing she ever did,” Shannon Browning-Mullis, museum executive director, explains. “In 1912, she founded a movement that changed the entire trajectory of American history and what was possible for women and girls. For me, it’s 51-year-old Juliette who changed the world [and] whose story I want to tell.” Low was famously stubborn and used accepted cultural norms, like fancy tea parties, to then break those same norms with activities for girls such as basketball and camping, that weren’t considered ladylike activities. “And I love that for her,” says Browning-Mullis. “I wouldn’t be in this house if she wasn’t willing to buck tradition. Today, girls join Girl Scouts to learn selfsufficiency, leadership, to get outdoors, and we all say, ‘Of course.’ But in 1912, wealthy Savannahians were like, ‘Why would we want our daughters to learn leadership and self-sufficiency? They’re going to be wives and mothers.’” In March 1912, Low started the first Girl Scout troop with 18 girls in Savannah. By 1920, there were 90,000 Girl Scouts, with troops in every state. “There was no internet, no social media. You couldn’t even make calls across the ocean yet,” marvels Browning-Mullis. “This was a group of women who banded together and formed a web of connections across the entire country.” That’s why the museum is expanding its storytelling to include more about the Progressive Era and women’s history in general. Says Browning-Mullis, “It was a time when women in the U.S. were starting to say, ‘We’re not happy with how this is going. We can’t vote. There are children working in factories with little regulation. There’s no food safety.’ They start forming organizations; they start picketing. They are going to make the change that they want to see. And Girl Scouts comes out of that atmosphere.” Along with the physical changes at the museum (many of which enhance experiences for people with disabilities and sensory processing disorders, such as elevator access and a quiet room), other programming such as lecture series have been and continue to be developed. A Savannah salon, a group that will focus on telling women’s history and addressing current community needs, also is in the works. “Women have always been making American history and changing the country in really important ways,” says Browning-Mullis. “And they’ve always done it with relationships and collaborations with each other. I’m really excited for us all, leading ladies and other ladies, to look around at our community and say, ‘What do we want for our kids? What do we want for our girls? How do we give them that?’”

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C OU R T E S Y JU L I ET T E G OR DON L OW BI R TH PL A CE M U S EU M

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Constance Zaller

Next Gen Leading Ladies

These extraordinary young women are already making bold and inspiring moves within our community. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

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SA LVA DOR A N DRA DE

A N DRE JOHN SON PHOTOG RA PHY

Kennedy Hunter

Margaret Brennan

CE C I LI A R US S O MA R KE T I N G

MARGARET BRENNAN, a 10th grader at Savannah Country Day School, is spearheading a comforting, intergenerational project: Care Wear for CURE, a partnership with CURE Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit that funds research and supports patients and their families. Margaret’s family has been involved with CURE, and her mom, Lizzie Brennan, suggested modifying clothing to make it easier to use for children undergoing cancer treatments. It was also the perfect excuse for Margaret’s grandmother, a seamstress, to teach her how to sew.

From left, Margaret Brennan, Olivia Aliotta, Tennyson Fitzgerald, Katherine Harlander, Saylor Goodwin, and Clara Garola.

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CECILIA RU SSO M A R KE T I N G

The girls visit young patient Harper to drop off her special outfit.

“I love seeing students in our community stepping up to support pediatric cancer patients.” Clara Garola

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Margaret gathered five of her longtime friends — Olivia Aliotta, Tennyson Fitzgerald, Clara Garola, Saylor Goodwin, and Katherine Harlander (all students at Savannah Country Day School) — to help create port-friendly, personalized dresses and shirts for the young cancer patients. The group worked on the project with Mandy Garola, vice president of the South Georgia chapter of CURE Childhood Cancer and Clara’s mother. The cause hits close to home for them; Clara’s older sister is a leukemia survivor. “When they approached me with the idea, I was thrilled,” says Garola. “I love seeing students in our community stepping up to support pediatric cancer patients. It means so much to the patients and their families when young people do something thoughtful and kind for them. The fact that this project involved a practical item that could make treatment just a little easier was a huge bonus.” So far, the girls have created 10 outfits, which feature pockets for small toys so that the children can keep a favorite item close to them. They package the clothes into goodie bags, along with toys and snacks. As the girls continue their work raising money for the project via bake sales and selling homemade jewelry, they are asking for donated items such as fabrics, snaps, and little items for the goodie bags. You can find the project on Instagram as @carewearforcure. They are also branching out into pajamas for the young patients, through a partnership with Savannah-based LAKE Pajamas.

Grace and Empowerment Sure, it features evening wear, talent, and interview segments, but make no mistake, the Miss Savannah Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant, held June 14, is about more than competition. Set against the backdrop of the Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival (June 14–21), the pageant is in its second year. It is “a journey of self-discovery, leadership, and cultural pride,” says Patricia Perry, the executive director and founder of Chosen For The Arts, the umbrella nonprofit organization that oversees both the festival and the pageant. Rooted in the legacy of Juneteenth — the holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the U.S. — “the pageant celebrates the achievements of African Americans while preparing young women to step into their power with confidence and grace,” says Perry. Over the course of eight weeks, contestants take part in site visits, leadership training, public speaking workshops, and a trip to Washington, D.C., where they explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In last year’s pageant, Kennedy Hunter claimed the coveted Miss Savannah Juneteenth title alongside Saiiya King, who won Miss Teen Savannah Juneteenth. “Wearing this crown has meant so much to me,” says Hunter. “It’s a symbol of the dedication and effort I’ve put in, but also of the impact I hope to make in my community. Beyond personal achievement, I see it as an opportunity to uplift and inspire others, showing that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible.” Hunter, a 2024 graduate of Savannah Arts Academy, is now attending Georgia Southern University, majoring in nursing. She received a $5,000 college scholarship as part of her award from the pageant. For 2025, the pageant has a theme of “Innovative Queens: A Journey in STEAM,” highlighting the importance of education and innovation. For the winning contestant, Gulfstream will be providing a STEAM scholarship. “This year’s pageant is something I’m really looking forward to,” says Hunter. “I’ll have a role in it, and I’m excited to be part of an event that celebrates confidence, hard work, and personal growth. It’s always inspiring to see everyone’s dedication and to be part of such an empowering experience.”

In the Spotlight For its first-ever Broadway Week, Savannah-based American Traditions Vocal Collection (ATC) brought serious singing talent to town. But for the week’s culmination, a two-hour show called “A Broadway Finale,” one singer made a beautiful impression alongside the professionals. She is 14-year-old Constance Zaller, who movingly performed “Far From The Home I Love” from “Fiddler on the Roof.” The talented Zaller, an eighth grader at Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts, placed second at the 2024 Junior ATC competition last fall, which was open to contestants aged 13 to 18 for the first time. (Previously, the junior competition had been open only to high school students.) “When I started the process, I researched everyone that had made it into the competition, and I was absolutely terrified,” Zaller recalls. “Who wouldn’t be? I was 13, and everyone else was at least three years older than me. But when I stepped onto the stage, I knew that I was doing the competition to improve and get the experience of doing something challenging.” Zaller has been singing since she was little. Her parents, Mike and Shannon Zaller, are part owners of the Savannah Theatre and professional singers, “so I have direct access to vocal coaches in my own home!” She has also studied with a local music educator, soprano Mandy Madson, and takes dance classes at The Studio Savannah. At the competition, “I genuinely didn’t think that I was going to place,” says Zaller, “but I was so excited when I got to stand on the stage with the people that I had met in the Junior ATC process and see how far I’ve come and see the people who have helped me along the way.” In the future, she hopes to attend the New York University Tisch School of the Arts and perform on Broadway. “But, if not, I want to be an esthetician and even possibly a dermatologist,” she says. But first, high school. Zaller has been accepted into Savannah Arts Academy for theater, where she is sure to be seen soaring on stage.

“Wearing this crown has meant so much to me. It’s a symbol of the dedication and effort I’ve put in, but also of the impact I hope to make in my community.” Kennedy Hunter

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Meet the Experts at

PARK

Aesthetics

You catch your reflection in the car window. For a moment, you pause and tilt your head. You feel strong. You feel like you’ve lived, loved, and learned. But the face looking back doesn’t quite match the energy buzzing beneath your skin. Where did she go? The girl who laughed too loud, ran toward what she wanted, and wore confidence like perfume? The truth is: she never left. She’s just been layered with time — and maybe a few worry lines. But she’s still in there, vibrant, resilient, and worthy of being noticed.

*Actual Park Patient

At Park Aesthetics, we believe aging doesn’t mean erasing. It means evolving. Our patients aren’t trying to look 20; they’re trying to look how they feel. And that feeling? It’s not insecurity. It’s strength. Resilience. Playfulness. Our job isn’t to overwrite that with filler, tox, and lasers. It’s to support it. Through thoughtful, naturallooking treatments like full-face balancing and rejuvenation, Sculptra, and skin-tightening modalities, we help restore the structural harmony and skin health that time tends to steal — without ever losing the unique essence that makes you you. Ginna, 51, a mom and career-oriented woman, came to us after a long stretch of putting herself last. “In my work, I lead creative teams and pitch bold ideas, but I started to feel like I looked tired,” she shared. “I wasn’t trying to chase my 20s. I just wanted to look like the woman I still felt like inside.” Her treatment

plan included filler and biostimulators to rebuild volume in the cheeks, temples, jawline, and mouth area and a touch of tox to soften fine lines. “What I loved was how personalized it was. The experts at Park didn’t try to ‘fix’ me — they ‘saw’ me. And the results? They were me — 15 to 20 years ago. I left feeling more grounded in myself, refreshed, more confident walking into a room. It wasn’t about vanity. It was about being seen.” Aging on your own terms isn’t about holding on to youth. It’s about holding on to yourself. Your expression. Your softness. Your spark. And when you choose to honor your face with expert, intentional care, you’re not giving in to pressure. You’re choosing presence. You’re choosing visibility. You’re choosing to show up for the next chapter with the same boldness you always had. Because aging doesn’t mean fading. It means stepping forward. And at Park, we’re here to help you do it beautifully without looking overdone.

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Convention Consultants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

The Collective Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Bloom Consulting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Crawford Norris Custom Cabinets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

The Book Lady Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137

Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty . . . . 134-135

Bride’s Side Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

East + Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Emily McCarthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

The Narra Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Engel & Völkers Savannah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

National Association of Women in Construction . . . . 171

Essential Me Aesthetics and Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Northpoint Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Everard Auctions & Appraisals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Expert Hearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 The Fancy Pheasant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Flavors Food Tours — Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Gastroenterology Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Glow Medical Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Great Oaks Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 The Horseshoe Crab & The Monogram Place . . . . . . . 173 Hospice Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 The Hub Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Inject Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Ivory & Beau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Park Aesthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Pima. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137 The Printed Peach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Provisions Wine & Groceries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137 Reno Architecture LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Ronald McDonald House Charities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Salacia Salts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Salon Studio FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Salt Marsh Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Sandfly Flower Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Savannah Blinds Shutters and Shades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Savannah Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

Java Burrito Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Savannah Endocrinology LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Jones & Bull for the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Savannah Family Eyecare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

JULU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Savannah Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Savannah Needlepoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Labels on Liberty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137 Ladies of Liberty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137 The Landings Company Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Le Macaron French Pastries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Lesley Francis PR Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Littles on Liberty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137 Lo Cost Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Luxury Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Madison & 5th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Madison & 5th Too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Mamie Ruth Design Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-137 Meyer + Sayers LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 The Mint Green Tag Sale Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Modern Muse Med Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Savannah Philharmonic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Savannah Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Savannah Wine Cellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Sea Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Sebrell Smith Designer Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Silk Route Restaurant and Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Sound View Wealth Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 South Esthetics Skincare & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Southern Benefits Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 State Farm Insurance — Erica Herndon Timmons. 201 Swanson Signature Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Moon River Pediatrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Symphona Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Morgan & Morgan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Tollison & Co. Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Morgan Rae Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

The Wright Group | Realty One Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

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Top, from left: Laurie Ross, Julie Kehoe, Kelli Weis, Catherine Cooper, and Betsy Kingston Myers Bottom: Rachel Umbreit, Evan Hanson, Missy Kolgaklis Taylor, Jean Stacy, Celia Dunn, and Jess Mikell

Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty WHAT MAKES US PROUD: Our pride extends beyond our deep roots in Savannah — it’s woven into the very fabric of this remarkable city. As stewards of its rich history and charm, we enjoy welcoming new residents and sharing the unparalleled beauty of Savannah’s landscapes, architecture, and community. The city’s timeless appeal and warm hospitality fuel our passion for real estate, inspiring us to connect people with homes that embody the essence of Lowcountry living.

OUR MISSION: To provide unmatched real estate service along the Lowcountry coast. Our clients benefit from our commitment to high ethical and professional standards. We are proud to be a lu ury brokerage firm, not only because we represent some of the finest homes in the area, but also because we treat each listing with the same elevated care. True luxury is a level of service, not a price point. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Success in Savannah’s

dynamic real estate market isn’t just

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about closing deals but building lasting relationships. Integrity, respect, and a commitment to the Golden Rule form the foundation of our business. By treating clients, colleagues, and partners with the same trust and sincerity that we ourselves value, we create a culture of collaboration that leads to shared success. In a city where connections matter, we are dedicated to fostering an environment of goodwill, ensuring that every interaction strengthens both our business and the community we serve.

Top: Helen Johnson, Carolyn Ezelle, Lavinia Strong, Annie Rockwell, and Sophia Nienke Bottom: Emily Trust, Lynne Bozeman, Ruthie Lynah Whitlow, Susan Myers, Emily Salzer, Lucy Hitch, and Monica McGoldrick

S AVA N N A H : 300 Bull St., Suite 101 | 912.234.3323 B L U F F T O N , S O U T H C A R O L I N A : 6 Promenade St., Unit 1001 | 843.836.3900 danielravenelsir.com

THE LOCAL WOMAN WE MOST ADMIRE: The incredible women of

Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, whose dedication extends beyond real estate to shaping and strengthening our community, continually inspire us. These driven professionals are not only committed to their clients but also to the betterment of Savannah — whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or industry leadership. Their passion and e pertise reﬂect the future of our brokerage and the enduring strength of women in business.

Beyond our team, we admire the many remarkable women who deﬁne Savannah’s character — entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and advocates who drive progress and innovation. Their contributions shape the city’s identity, making Savannah a dynamic place to live and work. WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO:

Bringing to market The Isling at Savannah Harbor, a premier new development that embodies the best of Savannah’s waterfront living. Nestled on Hutchinson Island,

this community is a testament to thoughtful design, modern luxury, and the timeless charm of the Lowcountry. As we introduce this exceptional project, we look forward to connecting with clients and industry leaders who share our passion for innovative real estate. With The Isling, we are not just selling homes, we are shaping the future of Savannah’s residential landscape, blending elegance, convenience, and the city’s rich heritage into one extraordinary destination.

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From left: Nikki Krecicki, Michelle Peth, Laura Rice, Emily Grainger, and Jennifer Paszamant

Ladies of Liberty

AVERIL & CO. HAIR 912.650.1577 | 102 E. Liberty St., Suite 102 | averilandcohair.com

OUR MISSION:

To empower women through sustainable lu ury, curating high end consignment fashion, and supporting women owned businesses. We pride ourselves in offering sought after designer brands at an affordable price, all in one location, bringing a selection to Savannah that can’t be found anywhere else. Lulu Ward and Georgia Keys, co-owners of Labels on Liberty

We want every woman who walks through our door to leave feeling like a million bucks without actually spending it. We’re here for the perfect

136

outﬁt, accessories, and conﬁdence boosts that only great fashion and maybe a dirty martini can provide. Jen Paszamant, Pima

WE OFFER:

retail source where you can gift items from our favorite artists and makers. These gift baskets and items are an e tension of the community we have cultivated and care so deeply about. ach item is chosen for uality ingredients, thoughtful practices, or made by hand by emerging artists and makers in the Lowcountry. We focus on organic and

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low intervention wines, both domestic and from across the globe, as well as emerging culinary brands and a handful of ﬁne art goods from SC graduates. Nikki Krecicki, Provisions MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE great team, a solid plan, and a pro ect management system that keeps everything moving forward. With the right people, clear direction, and seamless organization, any challenge becomes an opportunity. Emily Bargeron, Mamie Ruth Design Studio and East + Up

Emily Bargeron, Lulu Ward, Elizabeth Seeger, Gigi Keys, Joni Saxon-Giusti, and Averil Hull

MAMIE RUTH DESIGN STUDIO 912.289.7937 | 102 E. Liberty St. | mamieruth.com PIMA 912.335.7882 | 102 E. Liberty St. | pimaboutique.com

PROVISIONS WINE & GROCERIES 912.661.5203 | 101 W. Liberty St. | provisions-sav.com SATCHEL @satchelsavannah | 4 E. Liberty St. | shopsatchel.com

I LEAD BY:

Listening first, empowering others through education, and setting an e ample of integrity and grace under pressure. Averil Hull, Averil & Co. Hair earlessly giving shelf space to widely diverse voices in both fiction and nonfiction, by challenging readers to e pand their understanding of comple issues through books that illuminate and inspire, and by working with countless nonprofit organizations to advance our shared goals of sustaining our spectacular community. Joni Saxon-Giusti, The Book Lady Bookstore

I WISH MORE WOMEN WOULD:

See the bigger picture that standing together and setting aside personal differences is far more powerful than letting emotions or opinions get in the way. usiness is hard enough, and when we make it personal, we only make it harder. True success comes when we support each other as a whole, because when one of us wins, we all win. Michelle Peth, Beettan I’M GRATEFUL FOR: The entire team

who make Satchel happen. They are family. Loads of leather, industrial

sewing machines, true love of our craft, long to do lists in really fat, old fashioned notebooks, lots of shared te t threads, and the ability to always come together to wing it last minute these are the things that bind us and that make our bags your bags. Elizabeth Seeger, Satchel

MY MOTTO: ake sure you leave every place you visit brighter and happier than it was before you got there. ug, laugh, smile, and be grateful. Life is short Laura Rice, co-owner of Littles on Liberty wth daughter Emily Grainger

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From left: Jade Isler, Connie George, Kay Ford, Laura Moore, and Linda Rice

BankSouth 912.200.9420 | 18 West Bryan Street banksouth.com | Member FDIC

OUR MISSION: At BankSouth, we value the trust you place in us to safeguard your money and work every day to ensure you have easy and secure access whenever you need it. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR: Ten amazing years in the Savannah community. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years being a part of this community and helping with your banking needs. We are here for our customers, each other, and our community. WHAT DRIVES US: Helping our neighbors

build a stable ﬁnancial future. We are committed to providing the best bank 138

experience to our community. We are committed to making sure our customers e perience ﬁnancial convenience and peace of mind all in one trusted place. This commitment has helped us develop our core values to: Be ready, be responsive, and be respectful. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Having strong relationships with

our customers in a community we all share. o one understands your ﬁnancial needs like a local bank where decisions aren’t run up to the corporate ofﬁce. Our employees are your neighbors and customers, living the same realities as you.

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M ★ Special Advertising Section

THE LATEST IN BANKING: We are

continuously investing in digital technology and platforms that better enable us to redeﬁne the banking e perience for our customers.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Join us in giving back to our community to help it always be the very best place to call home. Investing in our community and actively supporting many local businesses and charities are personal and corporate priorities for us. We take great pride in supporting so many great nonproﬁts and community organizations that are making a huge difference in the lives of so many in our area every day.

Tammy Jo Long L U X U R Y L I V I N G S AVA N N A H 912.999.7200 luxurylivingsavannah.com

MY MISSION: To provide the best vacation rental experience for travelers visiting our great city and to provide a personal approach to property management for our owners while delivering stellar results. As the original luxury vacation rental management company in Savannah, we do not strive to be the biggest management company. Rather, for 23 years, we have strived to be the best management company for a select group of Savannah and Tybee Island’s luxury vacation rental properties and their owners. OUR STRENGTH: Micromanagement. We micromanage each property and quickly react to the constantly changing travel industry

trends. As a smaller luxury boutique vacation rental management company, we have the ability to enjoy a personal relationship with our owners and uniquely manage their properties. We understand the necessity of micromanaging not only the income of their property but also the care of their valuable asset. MY LOCAL HEROINE: All the Savannah self-made women whom I have the honor of calling my friends. These brilliant, successful women made it 100% on their own — no daddy, no husband. Just good ol’ American grit, tenacity, integrity, and the desire to be the best. They inspire me every day.

I LEAD BY: Giving freedom. If you want to have take-charge employees, you must let them take charge. Let them make mistakes and decisions without fear of repercussions. Give them the freedom to learn and grow into the strong businesswomen they can be. I’M THANKFUL FOR: The top-notch team of outstanding women who are the lifeblood and heartbeat of Luxury Living Savannah! We are 100% woman-owned-and-operated. I am sincerely grateful for the privilege of working with such hardworking, brilliant, and loyal women. We are blessed to have the ﬁrst employee who started with us 23 years ago a part of our team still. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 3 9

The Glow Medical Spa team, from left, front: Emma Sperry, Patient Care Coordinator; Shelby Healy, Spa Director; Courtney Victor, Founder; Elizabeth Hare, Aesthetician; and Gracyn Harvey, Patient Care Coordinator; back: Jackie Newman, Marketing Director; Vanessa Delisle, Aesthetic Nurse and Laser Technician; Jaxson Douglas, Patient Care Coordinator; Joyce Chan, Master Nurse Injector; Livi Canaday, Aesthetician; Skylar Winter, Aesthetician and Laser Technician; Mary Douglas Hallman, Head of Operations; Delaney Moran, Patient Care Coordinator; and Paolo Castro, Patient Experience Coordinator; not pictured: Lindsey Kuhns, Brand Manager; Sonia Shams, Marketing Manager; Reese Victor, Vibe Manager; and Morgan Stubbs, Social Media Assistant. Glow Medical Spa is proud to have been winner of Savannah magazine’s Best of Savannah for 17 years in a row.

Glow Medical Spa 912.303.9611 | 415 Eisenhower Drive glowsavannah.com

WE ARE PROUD OF: Being at the forefront of innovative medical aesthetic treatments for nearly 20 years. We bring to the Lowcountry transformative trends that reshape the landscape of aesthetic care and are designed to cater to a wide array of patient needs and preferences. Each of our guests has a tailored treatment plan. OUR MOST POPULAR SERVICE: The Glow Invisilift: A Non-Surgical Facelift. As our patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s seek to rejuvenate without surgery, our master injectors use advanced dermal ﬁllers to subtly contour and lift sagging areas, restoring youthful structure and 140

volume without invasive procedures or downtime. We aim to achieve natural beauty by enhancing existing features rather than altering them. dvanced ﬁllers like hyaluronic acid-based products mimic natural tissue and integrate seamlessly, ensuring undetectable yet undeniably transformative results. ermal ﬁllers replenish lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and temples while stimulating collagen production. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Injectable

moisturizers — hydration that lasts for months! Time-strapped individuals are revolutionizing their skincare routines

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with injectable moisturizers like Skinvive by Juvéderm. These treatments deliver hyaluronic acid directly into the dermis, bypassing the need for multi-step skincare routines. Unlike topical moisturizers, these injectables improve skin texture, elasticity, and radiance from within. This innovative trend is merging beauty and efﬁciency. HOW WE STAY THE BEST YEAR AFTER YEAR: Extensive training! Our master

injector, Joyce Chan, has more than 20 years of experience and travels all over the globe to learn the best techniques and new cutting-edge methods from the most genius trainers. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 4

Seated, from left: Suzanne Curry, Ashley Gold, Judy Green, Skyler Frazier, Suzanne Andrews, Katie Hart, Jill Brooks, and Gail Toler Standing: Susan Connelly, Mary Beth McInerney, Eileen Galves, Linda Novack, Stephanie Giorgio, Ginna Carroll, Cathryn O’Neill, Christie Moore, Wendy Reed, Pat Ewaldsen, and Angela Sauers

The Landings Company R E A L E S TAT E

912.598.0500 | 1 Landings Way N. thelandings.com

WE BELIEVE: Real estate is more than just transactions — it’s about connections. Few things are more rewarding than meeting new people, hearing their stories, and helping them ﬁnd the perfect home. ecause we live, work, and play in The Landings, we take pride in making meaningful connections, whether we’re introducing buyers to this exceptional area or helping sellers take their ne t step with conﬁdence. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: We

believe strong communities build strong businesses. That’s why relationships always come ﬁrst, whether we’re welcoming new residents, assisting long-time neighbors, or

supporting causes that enrich Savannah. We are committed to giving back by sponsoring and partnering with organizations like the nited Way of the Coastal mpire, nion Mission, The Landings Landlovers, the Kiwanis Club of Skidaway, and many more.

breathtaking natural beauty. Our passion and ﬁrsthand e perience make us uni uely ualiﬁed to guide buyers and sellers through one of life’s most important decisions.

WE ARE: team of accomplished, experienced Realtors, each with a deep knowledge of The Landings and Savannah’s luxury market. We don’t just list and sell homes here we are part of this vibrant community. As trusted experts, we understand what makes The Landings and Savannah truly special — the welcoming atmosphere, world-class amenities, and

we showcase a one of a kind coastal lifestyle. s part of a lu ury bouti ue ﬁrm, we leverage cutting-edge strategies, invest heavily in attracting buyers, and remain committed to supporting sellers. The Landings and Savannah offer an unmatched blend of lu ury, nature, and small-town charm in a stunning coastal setting. We bring expertise, passion, and dedication to every client we serve.

WE CHOOSE THE LANDINGS COMPANY BECAUSE: We market more than just homes;

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Katherine Weeks B U D G E T B L I N D S O F S AVA N N A H 912.344.4200 | 3013 E. Victory Drive budgetblinds.com/savannah

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: The key to our 13 (and

counting) years of success has been to treat each client like family. We listen to what our clients are trying to achieve and use our experience and product knowledge to help them meet those goals. We often go back and work with clients multiple times as they move through life’s phases, whether it’s upgrading their homes or downsizing. We’ve helped people get ready for new babies and wedding celebrations. We’ve helped create home ofﬁces, and we’ve updated for empty nesters. We get to know clients’ styles and preferences. It’s great to be a small part of their journeys. 142

OUR CLIENTS LOVE: That they can count on us to guide them toward the best products. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:

My mom was my greatest role model in life and in business. She was well respected throughout her career because she led by example and never asked anyone to do anything she wasn’t willing to do right beside them. She taught me to treat everyone with respect and to know the value of every member on your team. Even though she was the boss, she was never afraid to admit what she didn’t know and to learn from those around her. I hope that I can always emulate those traits as I continue on in business.

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I’M PROUD OF: The team we have built over the years. I’m lucky enough to work with people who take their jobs seriously and always go above and beyond to do their best. They value our clients and work hard to make sure we’re serving them well. People regularly comment on the positive vibe they sense when they walk in our doors. It makes coming to work a real pleasure. WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I love spending time with my family or in my art studio. I love to be creative. It’s a great way to unwind, and it’s a great way to be expressive in a quiet way.

Park Aesthetics 912.376.0761 | 130 Tibet Ave. Suite 105 theparkaesthetics.com

OUR MISSION: We curate conﬁdence. Our goal is to help every client feel like the best version of themselves. t Park esthetics, we specialize in full face re uvenation, tailoring every treatment to enhance your natural beauty, not change it. Think refreshed, lifted, and effortlessly radiant. WHAT WE OFFER: We don’t ust do

in ections. We restore balance, contour, and harmony to the face with precision and care. We reverse what time and gravity may have taken, reestablishing youthful proportions without ever crossing into overdone territory. Our results are often compared to surgery minus the downtime and always custom to

you. We see the whole face, not ust features. WE’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Trusting

the wrong in ector is like trusting a bad e . It’ll take time, effort, and the right hands ahem, Park to undo the damage. o your research. Choose someone whose work reﬂects the outcome you actually want, not ust someone with an open time slot.

OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS: We’re part artists, part hype women, part therapists, and, let’s be honest, your aesthetic fairy godmothers. We use our e pertise to help you feel conﬁdent in your own skin, one thoughtful treatment at a time.

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS IN SAVANNAH:

uthenticity and honesty. Savannah is a beautifully connected town where trust is earned. We’ve built our business on personal relationships, integrity, real results, and a reputation you can’t fake. WE’RE PROUD OF: Our reputation

not ust for natural looking results, but for honesty, ethics, and patient care. We’re known for saying no when it’s the right thing to do, and our clients respect us for it. WE WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW: That

looking done is optional, not inevitable. We believe the best work goes unnoticed. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 4 3

Frederika Feketé J AVA B U R R I T O C O M P A N Y

912.298.5282 | 420 E. Broughton St. javaburrito.com

OUR MISSION: To provide a clean-food approach to a fast-casual experience. I am so proud that our concept can satisfy dietary requirements for everyone and be a community meeting place with a menu that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you are seed-oil-free, paleo, vegan, or just like knowing what is in your food, we love being the place that makes you feel good because of what you’re eating. WE OFFER: A burrito bar, breakfast bar,

and coffee drinks. Our fresh food eatery sources both organic and local food when in season, and our coffee bar sources locally roasted beans, local milk, and 144

organic cane-sugar syrups. OUR PHILOSOPHY: To promote positive change within the sustainable farming initiatives, supporting farms and individuals with like standards. We believe in keeping our farmers close. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Black cold

brew, egg tacos, and a big hug from my kids and husband. MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Mother to two beautiful children, tennis enthusiast, scratch golfer, and wife to my amazing business partner, Michael.

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THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Savannah has so many

incredible women-owned businesses. I was so impressed that around every corner was a woman behind a great concept. Go out and meet these women! FAVORITE QUOTE: “Pressure is a privilege.”

– Billie Jean King

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Nothing worth having comes easy. You have to truly want it. Whatever that “it” is, goals take dedication, desire, and a little bit of luck to accomplish.

Seated, from left: Deneice Knowles, Terri Collins, Kathleen Benton, and Dr. Hayda Perdue; and standing: Kate Doran, Julie McGowan, Caroline Lewis, Tami Clark, Denisa Wilson, Melissa Gaule, Betsy Kammerud, Haley O’Reilly, Cassandra Green, Ciara Knowles, Madeline Foran, Ericca Webb, Mandie Huggins, and not pictured: Ilyce Brinn

Hospice Savannah Inc. 912.355.2289 | 1352 Eisenhower Drive hospicesavannah.org

OUR MISSION: To provide the right care in the right place at the right time for anyone in our area who needs help. MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: More than 80% of the care we

provide is in the comfort of the patient’s own home. Most people are also surprised when they learn that most, if not all, of the cost of hospice is paid through their Medicare beneﬁt, edicaid, private insurance, or through self-pay.

WE LEAD BY: Example and by demonstrating integrity, credibility, and a commitment to excellence in all that we do each day.

ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH US:

Taking care of the terminally ill is an art form. Each patient is unique, and each patient has a different story. WE ARE PROUD TO BE: The only nonproﬁt

legacy hospice in this area. We have been serving our community for more than 45 years and celebrating life together.

OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS: Caregivers and advocates, not just for our own families, but for our community and the seriously ill patients whom we serve.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Demonstrate resilience, competence and compassion while striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others. OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE:

Innovation, collaboration and empathy. CLIENTS CHOOSE US BECAUSE: We have a reputation for providing exceptional care to patients and their families during their time of greatest need.

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Chloe Binetti MADISON & 5TH | MADISON & 5TH TOO 917.680.5964 | 412 Whitaker St., Suites A & C shopmadisonand5th.com

WE ARE: A sustainable luxury resale store

located in Savannah’s Downtown Design District. We offer preloved bags, shoes and clothes for a fraction of the price. I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: If you don’t have a solid understanding of yourself and your business, somebody else will deﬁne it for you and come up with their own interpretation of what you do. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:

Focus on solving problems, not just selling products. This approach encourages entrepreneurs to understand their customers’ needs and challenges deeply, leading to 146

more meaningful products and services. By prioritizing problem-solving, businesses can build stronger relationships with their customers, foster loyalty, and create sustainable success. Additionally, this mindset can inspire innovation and adaptability, essential traits in a constantly changing market. I’M THANKFUL FOR: The community of female entrepreneurs in Savannah. Not only did their support make me feel like I’m not alone in my quest, but it also inspired me to bring something good to the community without sacriﬁcing motherhood and my time spent with my family. As I’m heading into my second year in business and witnessing my

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store have healthy growth month after month, my heart is ﬁlled with gratitude for this community. I am grateful to all of my amazing customers for their support. I’M EXCITED ABOUT: Opening a new store, Madison & 5th Too, a buy, sell, trade that compliments my luxury resale concept. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Aim for a balance of tourists

and local clientele. The locals will sustain you in the less touristy months and build a community behind your business. When locals see you involved in the community, they are more inclined to support you.

Cate Browne NORTHPOINT DE VELOPMENT 912.695.3161 | 718 Montgomery St. northpointdev.com

MY MOTTO: “Yes, I can do that!” Whether it’s juggling multiple complex tasks, stepping out of my comfort zone, or taking on new challenges, I believe in embracing opportunities with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude. When you say yes with conﬁdence, you open doors to growth, learning, and making things happen. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Lift other women

up. There’s something incredibly powerful about the bond between women who support and empower one another, especially in a world where we’re often expected to compete. When women help other women, they create a space of solidarity where

everyone can thrive, celebrate each other’s victories, and offer a hand during challenges. MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Mother to three incredible children. It is the most important role I have, and it’s one full of love, chaos, laughter, and challenges. I hope that my success in business, navigating complex land deals and real estate transactions and forging partnerships across industrial, political and capital markets, sets an example for my kids — one of hard work, integrity, discipline, and leading with kindness. I LEAD WITH: Diplomacy, personal connections, and kindness. Diplomacy allows

me to navigate tough situations with grace, personal connections keep things genuine, and kindness ensures that everyone feels supported and uplifted along the way. That’s the best way to foster collaboration, create a positive environment, and work together toward shared goals. I’M PROUD OF: My two daughters, whose strength and resilience inspire me every day. Watching them navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination ﬁlls my heart with pride. Their ability to stay grounded, true to themselves, and pushing forward remind me that strength is not just about overcoming the big hurdles, it’s about quiet perseverance. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 4 7

Owner Michelle Rouzer, center, and from left, Abrianna Pistole, salon coordinator; Kelley Davis, general manager; Callie Oliver, director of operations; and Christina Jennings, boutique manager and wedding coordinator

OUR MISSION: To deliver unparalleled service while ensuring you feel right at home with us. We strive to create an atmosphere where you’re not only a customer, but also a valued member of our extended salon family. We believe in the power of connection and strive to build meaningful relationships with each and every guest. Whether it’s your ﬁrst visit or you’ve been with us for years, we want you to feel appreciated, understood and cared for every step of the way. I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT: Trying

to do everything alone is unsustainable. Success often depends on our ability to lean on colleagues and draw support from those 148

around us for motivation and inspiration. Collaboration not only lightens our burdens but also contributes to collective success by tapping into diverse strengths and perspectives. Embracing this teamwork isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a recognition of our interdependence and a pathway to achieving our goals more effectively. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Networking! Cultivate a robust

network of colleagues on whom you can rely for support, advice, and inspiration. Savannah boasts numerous outstanding business owners who offer a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for navigating today’s market.

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I’M PROUD OF: My leadership team. We’ve dedicated ourselves to building on each other’s strengths and discovering how to best support both our team and our clients. Their genuine care for nurturing our team and serving our clients is remarkable. Running these businesses truly takes a village, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have such amazing women in my village. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Stop being afraid to ask for help and support. Some of my biggest successes have come from embracing and leaning on my team. —Answers provided by Michelle Rouzer

Morgan Bryant MORGAN RAE BOUTIQUE

912.658.4259 | 301B W. Broughton St. (Upstairs) morganraeboutique.com

BEING A WOMAN IN BUSINESS HAS TAUGHT ME: To be resilient and adaptable.

It’s important to me that my boutique not only represents my vision but also supports other women in the community. By lifting each other up, we all succeed. In Savannah, I’ve found a strong sense of sisterhood among local business owners, and we celebrate each other’s wins. There’s a genuine sense of community and shared success here. THE ROLE COMMUNITY PLAYS IN MY BUSINESS: Savannah is everything to my

boutique. The heartbeat of this city is its people, and our local customers are the reason we’ve thrived. From curating special

events to providing a personalized shopping experience, we aim to make each customer feel like family. Supporting local businesses like ours takes effort from the entire community, and we couldn’t do it without their loyalty. MY ADVICE TO ASPIRING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS: Starting your own

business is no easy feat. Stay true to yourself and your dreams. As a woman, I’ve learned that it’s important to ask for help, whether it’s from your community or your team. It takes effort to make a local business successful, but when you’ve got passion, perseverance, and the support of a town like Savannah, anything

is possible. Stay dedicated, and trust that your hard work will pay off. I WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD:

Running a small business in a city like Savannah takes a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. It’s more than just opening the doors every day. It’s about managing inventory, handling marketing, supporting your team, and always looking for ways to improve. Small businesses are the backbone of any community, and they rely heavily on the support of their local customers. When people shop locally, they’re not just buying a product, they’re investing in the community’s growth. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 4 9

From left: Emily Doherty, Santana Browne, Debra Olbrysh (NMLSR #1182989), Mackenzy Lively, Tiffany Jackson (NMLSR #1305335), Melissa Rozier (NMLSR #1224430), Brandie Menees (NMLSR #2462237), and Kimberly Boyce (NMLSR #412917)

Great Oaks Bank Pooler: 2100 Pooler Parkway | 912.450.6257 Richmond Hill: 42 Town Centre Drive | 912.445.6868 Savannah: 7426 Hodgson Memorial Drive | 912.298.6240 greatoaks.bank

OUR MISSION: To be the preferred partner in helping families, businesses, and our communities achieve ﬁnancial success. WHAT SETS US APART: Our passion for community banking, assisting our customers, and supporting our communities. Your banker is whom you see in the ofﬁce, whom you talk to on the phone, and who is out supporting the greater Savannah community. There are no 800 numbers at Great Oaks Bank, just real people assisting our customers with their personal and business banking needs. 150

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Bringing authentic community banking to the coastal region. We are redeﬁning what exceptional banking services are for our customers and our community. It is exciting to be a part of a company that genuinely values our customers, our team members, and the communities we serve. OUR CLIENTS CHOOSE US BECAUSE:

We provide warm, friendly, responsive customer service, banking products designed to meet the needs of small businesses and families, and true relationship banking.

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WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Encourage and mentor each other personally and professionally. Balancing family, community, church, and business is a struggle all women face. Supporting each other inside and outside of the ofﬁce is the key to all of our success. WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Think

about a career in banking.

Dr. Susan Timna & Dr. Cori Palmer EXPERT HEARING

The Village at Skidaway Island: 15 Lake St., Suite 160 | Waters Medical Center: 6602 Waters Ave., Building B, Suite 102 912.777.8580 | experthearingsavannah.com

WE ARE EXCITED THAT: As the only womenowned-and-operated hearing clinic in the area, we can bring hearing and brain health testing and remediation to the Savannah region. The links between untreated hearing loss and earlier dementia can’t be denied and are documented by many prestigious health institutions like Johns Hopkins. Living a longer life is what we all want, but we want that life to be one that is as active and engaged as possible.

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Take the risk

to introduce ideas and innovations to our community, even when those ideas may not be common practice. New approaches to any area of business can enhance our communities.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Supporting other local

OUR APPROACH: In-person, attentive, personalized, and affordable hearing health care. We know that our combined 50-plus years of training and practice have given

OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS: Co-worker, mentor, mom, wife, grandmother, sister, IT technician, handywoman, cleaning service, therapist, marketer, accountant, athlete,

OUR SUCCESS IS BECAUSE: We provide over-the-top patient care and customer service to our patients. We are able to be reached seven days a week to support our patients in their hearing health care journey. We want each of our patients to feel as if they are our only patient and give them the time they deserve to understand their issues.

us the tools to help each patient lead their best lives. We strive for excellence and offer customized hearing solutions at price points to ﬁt every budget.

professional, philanthropist, and so much more. Women can multitask and put more than 24 hours of work into one day!

businesses.

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Emily Joy McCarthy E M I LY M C C A R T H Y

912.495.5386 | 2237 E. Victory Drive | emilymccarthy.com

OUR MISSION: We believe in empowering

women of all generations to radiate conﬁdence through vibrant colors and prints. Our designs are fashioned to invite oy, inspire creativity, and foster a community where everyone feels empowered to e press their signature style. OUR MOTTO: Live oyfully. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Take the chance

to design a life they love. I LEAD BY:

ample, ﬁnding the graceful balance between chasing dreams and chasing babies. 152

I’M PROUD OF OUR: ew head uarters and community hub for our team and customers. I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: ou have to

take risks in order to grow. Sometimes, those risks don’t always turn out the way you had planned, but it’s what you learn from taking them that makes it worthwhile.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: usiness owner

and designer by day mother and wife always.

MY LOCAL HEROINE It’s hard to pick ust one, as I have many from business mentors and creative inﬂuences to fellow mothers trying to raise children in today’s society. y

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mother deﬁnitely ranks at the top of the list THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Immerse yourself in the

community they are your customers, conﬁdants, friends, employees, and biggest supporters. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:

What’s for you won’t pass you by. My grandmother Lillian Breed

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT:

y creative focus until my senior year of high school was music. I was classically trained in piano and ﬂute.

Nikki Petitt S AVA N N A H B L I N D S S H U T T E R S A N D S H A D E S 912.224.0459 | 5500 White Bluff Road savannahblinds.com

MY MISSION: To offer the best windowcovering experience to our clientele. We believe purchasing window treatments should be a full package inside and out, and the service should only elevate the luxury products you are purchasing for your home. WE SPECIALIZE IN: Custom interior window

treatments, awnings and storm protection. We advise, measure and install your projects. WHAT KEEPS ME GOING: Positive feedback from the community. The momentum we’ve witnessed since the pandemic has been a whirlwind. I’m super excited and grateful to be selected as Best Blinds and Shutter

Company and Best Window Treatment Company in the 2025 Best of Savannah HOMES reader survey. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Being engaged in the

community. We are at community events as much as possible. We believe you get back from the community what you put in, and we want to support them as much as they support our small business.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN: I dabble in golﬁng and ﬁshing.

You can catch me practicing for upcoming tournaments in both.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Thanks to our

great window treatment dealers, I had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam and learn about the history of window treatments. It was a special trip with great training to bring knowledge and the latest trends to my customers. WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING:

”Savannah Blinds installed shutters in all windows of our newly constructed home. They are absolutely beautiful! The process was seamless and easy, from the day we ﬁrst visited their showroom through installation. We were kept advised of the progress the entire way.” – Linda, recent client Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 5 3

Maebelle (Belle) Alolong T H E N A R R A T R E E & S I L K R O U T E R E S TA U R A N T A N D L O U N G E 912 662 8188 | 7054 Hodgson Memorial Drive | narratreesav.com 912 349 3326 | 401 Mall Blvd. 102C | silkroutesav.com

OUR MISSION: To bring cultures and communities together through food, heritage, and shared experiences. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Dare to carve their own path, who embrace both strength and vulnerability, and who don’t wait for permission to pursue their dreams. As a business owner, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about skill — it’s about grit, adaptability, and the willingness to take risks. I’VE DISCOVERED: You can’t do everything alone, and not every opportunity or person is meant to stay with you long-term. In business and in life, people will tell you who they 154

are, but it’s their actions that truly show it. A mentor once told me, “As early as you can, you have to know which people bear fruit,” and that lesson has stayed with me. Not everyone is meant to go where you’re going. Additionally, saying “no” is just as powerful as saying “yes.” Not every deal, partnership, or idea aligns with your path, and learning to choose wisely is essential. Protecting your time and energy isn’t just about avoiding burnout or heartbreak — it’s about creating the space to grow, lead, and build something meaningful with the right people. MY LOCAL HEROINE: Ele Tran of Rhino Hospitality. Her journey from Saigon to

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Savannah, from a refugee camp to building a hospitality empire, is nothing short of inspiring. She’s not just a successful entrepreneur, she’s a visionary who has reshaped Savannah’s dining scene. THE SECRET TO RUNNING A RESTAURANT:

Good food and good people. Savannah may be a small city, but it has a vibrant dining scene and a community that truly supports local businesses. The people of Savannah appreciate authenticity, hard work, and a genuine passion for what you do. That’s why I strive to create not only great food, but also memorable experiences that bring people together.

Sebrell Smith

S A N D F LY F L O W E R S H O P & S E B R E L L S M I T H D E S I G N E R E V E N T S an

912.604.6852 | 8419 Ferguson Ave. o e o co | @ an o e o | eb ell

WE ARE: full service flower shop and floral design studio combined with a charming gift bouti ue, nestled in a historic craftsman cottage in Sandfly. We’re bringing a fresh, innovative twist to the traditional flower shop e perience.

of erguson and Skidaway roads in Sandﬂy. We’ve curated an incredible selection of hostess gifts, home decor, fashion accessories, and entertaining essentials. Consider us your ultimate destination for all of your gift giving and decorating needs.

OUR MISSION: To create e uisite floral designs that enhance your special moments, celebrations, and milestones. We offer flowers for special occasions, birthday deliveries, office parties, sympathy arrangements, and grand galas.

DOING MORE: We are all about celebrating life’s moments with beauty and style. fter two decades of planning and designing amazing events, my love for creating stunning ﬂoral arrangements has only grown stronger. I’m thrilled to continue working with brides and collaborating with other planners to bring their visions to life in a whole new way.

STEP INTO: Our charming cottage, conveniently located ust off the intersection

it co

WHAT’S NEXT: We’re e cited to announce a new selection of interactive workshops, including flower arranging sessions, painting classes, and craft parties for kids. Our aim is to provide fun and creative e periences for everyone, regardless of age. or the latest updates on our e panding offerings, follow us sandflyflowershop. I’M THANKFUL FOR: y supportive team. I’m a lucky girl to have found such an awe inspiring group of women to work with. Serina riggers manages our floral workroom, and ichelle reene runs all things gift related. These women are so talented, and I am so fortunate they are in my life. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 5 5

From left: Standing: Jenna Bruker, Courtney Antwine, Melissa Watts, Barbara Horsey Sitting: Jasmine Jones, Aldreka Campbell, Amari Samuel, Sahid Gonzalez

Aldreka Campbell, RN, BSN ESSENTIAL ME AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS

912.921.9562 | 5102 Paulsen St., Building 8A | essentialmespa.com

OUR MISSION: To empower women to feel and look their absolute best through our comprehensive range of services. I’ve created a sanctuary where women can unwind, rejuvenate, and take a moment for themselves amidst their busy lives. It’s about more than beauty it’s about self care, conﬁdence, and fostering a community where women can support one another on their journeys. MY MOTTO: “Do what makes you happy. You are essential.” Happiness and selffulﬁllment are vital for every woman. In a world that often prioritizes the needs of others, I encourage women to invest in themselves. It’s a reminder that self-care 156

is not selﬁsh but essential. When women prioritize their happiness, they radiate conﬁdence and positivity, thereby enriching their relationships and communities. MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Wife, small business owner, mother, practitioner student, and advocate for wellness. As a wife, I experience the importance of partnership and support. As a mother, I learn about patience and unconditional love. As a business owner, I create a welcoming environment for my clients. As a nurse practitioner student, I am forever expanding my knowledge to better serve those who entrust me with their care.

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I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Pursue their dreams despite the demanding roles they juggle as mothers, spouses, and caretakers. These women embody resilience, strength, and determination. They inspire me with their ability to balance their personal aspirations with their responsibilities, often leading by example and showing that it’s possible to chase your dreams while nurturing and supporting those you love. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS: Putting

od ﬁrst, treating people with kindness and respect, honesty, and integrity. Networking is also essential – building relationships fosters loyalty and creates a supportive environment.

Tracey Tollison T O L L I S O N & C O M PA N Y C O N S T R U C T I O N O: 912.777.7394 | C: 912.856.6222 5728 Skidaway Road | tollisonandcompany.com

MY MISSION: To make building and renovating fun! Most people are overwhelmed at the thought of these types of projects, but that is where we can step in and take the stress away. MY MOTTO: It’s all in the details! I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Break the mold. I love being a woman in construction. MY CLIENTS DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I put myself in their shoes and try

to think about how they feel.

I STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY:

Volunteering with activities that involve my kids, Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and Bethesda. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: My notebook (I still like to write it all down), my tape measure (don’t steal my Fat Max), and my phone (can’t live without it). ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH ME: You

learn something new every day, if you aren’t learning that is a problem, and you can’t know everything!

THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Relationships.

Connecting with people and growing your network make the world go round. I love when clients become friends.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE: A good friend once told me: “I wake up every day unemployed and have to ﬁnd a new boss. That’s what motivates me every day! I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: My family and their support in chasing this dream.

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From left: Leah Willey, Amelia Reinertsen, Chelsea Landreau, Jaime Kelly, Danika Weeden, Melissa Bouchillon, Noelle Gauthier, Rebekah Hoffman, Crystal Montoya, Nina-Kate Brackett

Sound View Wealth Advisors Savannah: 1 Skidaway Village Walk, Suite 201 | Statesboro: 335 South Walnut St. | Bluffton, South Carolina: 5 Marianna Way, Building 5, Unit 101 912.239.4630 | svadvice.com

OUR MISSION: To guide you through every aspect of your financial life with clarity and confidence. s fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically committed to prioritizing our clients’ best interests above all else. Our sole focus is your financial well being. We help you uncover blind spots, achieve peace of mind, and live the life you’ve worked hard to build. IT’S A PRIVILEGE TO: ive back. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support so many amazing organizations. In ust the first three months of this year, we have proudly contributed to onald c onald ouse Charities, ed Shoe Society, Together for a Cure, and nion ission ust 158

to name a few. who we are.

iving back is at the core of

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: uilding strong, lasting

relationships and navigating the true needs of our clients. We believe in trust, transparency, and a commitment to service that e ceeds e pectations.

WE LEAD BY: ample, inspiring others through our actions, integrity, and dedication. Leadership is about fostering a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and support, ensuring that both our clients and team members thrive.

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WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: eel empowered to pursue their passions, break barriers, and realize their dreams. We are thrilled to witness the growing presence of women in the financial services industry, a field that historically has been male dominated. It’s an e citing time for change, and we’re incredibly proud to have remarkable women on our team, contributing to this positive shift. We look forward to seeing even more women oin the industry. WE ARE DEDICATED TO: aking a difference not ust in the financial lives of our clients, but in the community and the industry as a whole.

Brooke Powell ASHLEY BROOKE PROPERTIES

912.272.7575 | 329 Commercial Drive, Suite 100 ashleybrookeproperties.com

I’M SO PROUD OF: Being voted runner-up for “Best Realtor” in Savannah magazine’s Best of Savannah HOMES reader survey for two years in a row. What an honor! This recognition is a reﬂection of the trust my clients place in me and the passion I bring to every home search and sale. Real estate is more than just transactions; it’s about building relationships, understanding people’s dreams, and making Savannah feel like home for each client. This recognition motivates me to keep delivering top-notch service, sharing my love for this city, and helping others experience the Southern lifestyle I cherish so much. Maybe next year, I’ll take the top spot!

BEING “THE SOUTHERN LIFESTYLE REALTOR” MEANS: More than just buying

and selling homes. I am helping my clients ﬁnd a place that truly ﬁts the charm, warmth, and hospitality of the South. Savannah is rich in history, culture, and features a slower, more intentional way of living. Whether it’s a historic home dripping with Spanish moss, a waterfront retreat perfect for sipping sweet tea at sunset, or a charming bungalow in a walkable neighborhood, I specialize in matching people with not only a home, but also a lifestyle. My goal is to ensure my clients experience the very best of Southern living, tailored to their dreams and needs.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: First and foremost, my incredible team. My executive assistant and buyer’s agent are truly the backbone of my business, helping me provide toptier service to my clients while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. I’m also grateful for my amazing clients, who trust me with such an important part of their lives, the beauty and charm of Savannah, which make every day feel special, and the opportunity to do what I love helping people ﬁnd their perfect place in this incredible city.

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From left: Annette Bryant, Nancy Thornock, Maria Galente, Karen Schroder, Ann Marie O’Rourke, Meg Wynne, Mary Christy MacDonald, Kristy Valdez, Heather Booth, Jasmine Patel, Elizabeth Chao, Danielle Drake, Lara Byrnside, Shelley Smith, Carie Kuhn, Brandyn Reagan, Chrissie Burris, Kimberly Miltiades, Glenda Ganem, Ann Nash, Denise Horry, Shanda Madrid, Lori Davies

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices B AY S T R E E T R E A LT Y G R O U P ffice in

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here to help you through every stage of life. We build a relationship based on trust with our clients. We are your partner and forever agent through all walks of real estate, residential or commercial. We will always be there for you! WE ARE PROUD OF: Being in the Elite Circle – the Top 50 Brokerages Worldwide for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – for the past four years. OUR NETWORK: With 50,000 agents and

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PHOTOGRAPHY // KAYLA JOHNSON

Amy Pierce, RN, CMC C O A S TA L C A R E P A R T N E R S | A G I N G C A R E S O L U T I O N S 912.598.6312 | 4 Skidaway Village Walk, Suite B coastalcarepartners.com | @nurseamypierce

MY MISSION: To empower families to navigate aging with conﬁdence and compassion. Through Coastal Care Partners, we provide e pert aging care solutions, ensuring older adults receive the highest uality care while families have peace of mind.

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: No one prepares you for how hard it is to care for aging parents. Families often wait until a crisis happens to seek help. Proactive planning is the key to making aging a smoother, more digniﬁed ourney.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Treating people like family.

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Empathy (every family’s situation is uni ue, and listening is my greatest tool), my network (the right resources and team can change everything in health care , and a notebook and good coffee because the best care plans start with handwritten notes and a strong start to the day .

Savannah is a relationship driven city, and trust is everything. That’s why at Coastal Care Partners we operate on a “How can we help mindset and go above and beyond to make “yes” happen for the families we serve.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: The families who trust us to be part of their aging ourney. very day, I have the privilege of helping older adults age with dignity and giving families the peace of mind they deserve. I’m also deeply grateful for my incredible team, whose dedication and compassion make our mission possible, and for my family, whose unwavering support and belief in this work inspire me. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Step into

leadership roles in health care, caregiving, and entrepreneurship. Women already do the lion’s share of caregiving — it’s time to shape the industry that supports it.

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Nora Fleming Lee, CEO C O A S TA L H E R I TA G E S O C I E T Y: S AVA N N A H H I S T O R Y M U S E U M | S AVA N N A H C H I L D R E N ’ S M U S E U M G E O R G I A S TAT E R A I L R O A D M U S E U M | O L D F O R T J A C K S O N | P I N P O I N T H E R I TA G E M U S E U M HARPER FOWLKES HOUSE 912.651.6840 | 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | chsgeorgia.org

OUR MISSION: To provide educational experiences for the public through the preservation and presentation of the historic resources of coastal Georgia and adjacent regions. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Trailblaze. Every day we share the stories of women who paved the way for others, like Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA; Alida Harper Fowlkes, an early Savannah preservationist and entrepreneur; and Mary Musgrove, a key interpreter between the Creek Indians and English colonists. These fearless women took risks and were true pioneers of their time. 162

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: A wife to my husband, Brian, and mother of our two beautiful children, Brandon, 7, and Celia, 6. Family is everything to me, and I’m so grateful to lead an organization that gives families endless opportunities to make lasting memories together.

WE’RE EXCITED THAT: Coastal Heritage Society is celebrating 50 years of preserving history, fostering education, and creating lasting memories for visitors from around the globe. I’m grateful to my predecessors, Scott Smith and Sandra Baxter, and my teammates who have helped drive our mission forward.

WE’RE THANKFUL FOR: Our community.

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Teamwork, passion, and trust. Our mission-driven work thrives when we collaborate!

s a nonproﬁt, we rely on the generosity of others to continue our mission. It’s the families who come to our events, the schools that take ﬁeld trips to our museums, and the individuals who contribute to our annual fund who make all the difference.

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Founder and CEO Lesley Francis, front, and from left, Kristyn Beasley, vice president; Katelynn Santiago, graphic designer; Allie Robinson, account director; Catherine Kilburg, digital media manager; and Kelsey Hines and Brittany Lynch, marketing assistants

Lesley Francis PR Inc. W: 912.417.LFPR | C: 912.429.3950 11258 Ford Ave., Suite #2, Richmond Hill | lesleyfrancispr.com

WHAT WE DO: LFPR is a full-service marketing agency offering media relations, copywriting, strategic input, reputation management, issues and crisis management, digital design, graphic design, branding, event management, and advertising. We also offer website development, online marketing, and social media services. OUR MISSION: To become an extension of our clients’ organizations, learn about what they want to achieve, and then design and execute marketing and outreach programs to get it done. Our approach is to get print,

broadcast, digital, in-person events, and social media all working together to make a positive and lasting impact on target audiences. I AM MOST PROUD OF: My team of

dedicated, hard-working professionals who work with me every day and have shown exceptional commitment to both LFPR and our clients. WE STAY INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY: Donating 20% of our time and skills

community, so we love working with some of this region’s great charitable and cultural nonproﬁt organizations. WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I can be found spending quality downtime with Max, my cute little white Coton de Tulear puppy; Coco, our crazy Labradoodle; and Suzi, our high-energy English Cream Retriever. I try to live by author C J Frick’s advice: “Be the person your dog thinks you are!” —Answers provided by Lesley Francis, owner

to nonproﬁt organizations in the region. My whole team are big supporters of our

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Melanie Bruno T H E H U B S AVA N N A H

912.356.8280 | 4505 Habersham St. thehubsavannah.squarespace.com

MY VISION: Since taking ownership in January, I’ve been deeply grateful for the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives. The Hub is a place where individuals can grow in body, mind and spirit. Our classes are designed to challenge, strengthen and calm you, leaving you feeling like your best self.

of experience. Whether you’re in child’s pose or working towards a headstand, our classes are designed to help you ﬁnd your personal edge while feeling empowered, balanced and supported by a community. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel a sense of community and connection, both to themselves and others.

I BELIEVE: Physical strength leads to mental strength, which positively inﬂuences all aspects of life.

OUR PROGRAMS: We offer a variety of classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Barre, and Spin, that are thoughtfully designed to accommodate all ﬁtness levels. Our instructors are dedicated to continuous growth and expanding their knowledge to become the best in their ﬁelds, so we’re able

OUR MISSION: To create a welcoming space

where everyone can grow. We focus on providing guidance that’s tailored to all levels 164

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to provide a fun, challenging, and inclusive environment. Our goal is to help you grow stronger, both physically and mentally, in a space where you can truly thrive. MY BACKGROUND: I’ve been teaching ﬁtness for more than years. orn and raised in Savannah, I started my career here and then had the privilege of working across the Southeast, including in Atlanta, Tampa, Knoxville, and Austin. I returned home to bring my passion for ﬁtness back to this wonderful community. With the support of my husband, Craig, and our four children, I’m excited to help people grow and glow in their health journeys here at The Hub.

From left: Sharon Barker, Beverly Carson, and Sherri Trinh

Morgan & Morgan 912.443.1000 | 200 Stephenson Ave., Suite 200 forthepeople.com

WE ARE: The attorneys who specialize in Workers’ Compensation in the Savannah ofﬁce for organ organ, merica’s largest in ury ﬁrm. OUR MISSION: To help in ured workers

secure beneﬁts and overcome delays and denials by insurance companies. MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: That Workers’ Compensation laws are always changing and evolving. We work hard to ensure that the laws are enforced in a way that effectuates the humanitarian purpose behind the Workers’ Compensation ct.

MY MOTTO: People ﬁrst, always.

Sharon Barker

I LEAD BY: Setting an e ample of effective

and efﬁcient methods to help clients. Sherri Trinh

MY CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH ME BECAUSE: I am a passionate

and e perienced advocate for the rights of eorgia workers. lthough I see many of the same problems every day, this is the ﬁrst time my clients are facing these challenges. I want to ensure that they understand what is happening so that we can make informed decisions about their case. Beverly Carson

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Living in the same community

as your clients. Their struggles are your struggles, and their successes are your successes. Sharon Barker

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Believe that they can have a successful career and a family. Sharon, Sherri and I all have children and love that organ organ gives us the ﬂe ibility and support to work hard on our own schedules and to be there for the important moments in our families’ lives. – Beverly Carson I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Work for the good of the community. – Sherri Trinh Special Advertising Section ★★ M AMYA/ JY U Special Advertising Section / JNUEN 2E 0 22 05 2 51 6 51

Tiffany Smith, owner and licensed esthetician, and Haley Donaldson, licensed esthetician

Tiffany Smith & Haley Donaldson SOUTH ESTHETICS SKINCARE & WELLNESS 912.504.0455 | 5859 Abercorn St., Suite 8 southesthetics.com

OUR MISSION: To provide luxurious, resultsdriven skincare in a space where clients feel valued, empowered, and radiant in their own skin. We are dedicated to holistic, highquality treatments that enhance well-being from the inside out. OUR MOTTO: True beauty starts from within. WE BELIEVE: ealthy skin is a reﬂection of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. We believe skincare is more than just a routine, it’s a form of self-love, healing, and transformation. Our space is designed to be a sanctuary where clients can relax, recharge, and embrace their natural beauty. 166

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT: Transforming skin health and enhancing natural beauty. With a foundation rooted in whole health and the belief that internal well being reflects on the outside, our mission is to heal skin from within and empower our clients to radiate vitality and confidence. tilizing a fusion of low-toxicity skincare and highperformance science-backed lines, we create transformative and preventive solutions tailored to your skin’s specific needs. Whether you’re seeking to address aging concerns, combat acne, tackle pigmentation issues, or simply maintain a luminous complexion, we are here to support your skin health journey.

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WHY WE LOVE WHAT WE DO: Helping others feel conﬁdent in their skin is at the heart of South Esthetics. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the conﬁdence that comes from glowing, healthy skin. Every treatment we provide is backed by expertise, care, and a deep commitment to our clients’ well-being. WE ARE PROUD TO: Be a part of South Esthetics, where luxury meets results, and every client is treated with the care they deserve. We take pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment where self-care is more than a service — it’s a lifestyle.

Thabo Bailey Hall, Nazira Waldo, Amber Nicole Parker, Ann Boese, Kimberly Pelletier, Natalie Schroder, Farrell Click, Julie Evans, Anna Grace Crawford, Victoria Turner, Jessica Kelly, Sarah Pounders, Kimberly Ergul, Ashley Behlke, Lana Sanders, Savannah Rubio, Fran Belloir, Melody Rodriguez, Caitlin Carter, Lauri Provenza, Monika Bryant.

Engel & Völkers Savannah 912.238.0874 1650 E. Victory Drive Savannah.EVRealEstate.com

OUR MISSION: Selling Savannah to the

world. As award-winning businesswomen, we are passionate about showcasing Savannah’s charm, dynamic housing market, and the incredible investment opportunities this city offers. OUR CORE VALUES: Competence, exclusivity, and passion. At Engel & Völkers, we are united by a single vision — to connect people with exceptional properties, whether for personal or business endeavors, with unwavering passion and expertise. OUR FLAGSHIP SERVICE: Specializing in residential real estate brokerage, we take

immense pride in serving Savannah and its surrounding coastal communities. As part of Engel & Völkers — an esteemed global real estate brand established in 1977 with more than 1,000 shops in over 33 countries — our bouti ue ﬁrm en oys unparalleled access to an international network of prestigious clientele. OUR DISTINCTIVE IDENTITY: Our sophisticated style, cutting-edge marketing, and expansive network set us apart in the lu ury real estate market. With a digital ﬁrst approach and impeccably curated branding, we maintain a competitive edge while delivering an exceptional client experience.

OUR ENDURING PROMISE: We’ve been opening the door to the Coastal Empire for over years. or more than ﬁve decades, we’ve been trusted advisors, guiding clients through their Savannah and coastal real estate ourneys. Our deep local e pertise, commitment to superior service, and global connections continue to deﬁne us. As our team of more than 40 real estate professionals grows, so does our dedication to the community we proudly serve.

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Swanson Signature Events 478.960.8641 | 108 Covered Bridge Blvd., Guyton swansonsignatureevents.com | @swansonsignatureevents

MY MISSION: To serve every client well, to make the planning process as stress-free as possible, and to bring their wedding and event visions to life, creating a day that will be remembered for the rest of their lives. WE’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT:

Every event comes with challenges or unforeseen circumstances. The key is working with professionals who know how to work through those challenges. We learn something new with every event! OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS: Jennifer Mullis, owner; Miranda Meadows, senior lead planner; Brittany O’Neil, lead planner; Crystal 168

Twibell, event consultant; Emmalie Zak, event coordinator; and Jessica Farrell, associate coordinator, are wives (from 34 years to a newlywed), mothers, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother who are passionate planners and detail precisionists. They are also caretakers, animal lovers, book and television enthusiasts and even a teacher and masters student. WE LEAD BY: Being decisive, assertive (when

needed), and empathetic. We work hard to see a situation from all angles in order to make the best decisions for our clients and the vendors. We want everyone we are leading, guiding, or working alongside in the planning process to feel valued and supported.

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OUR LOCAL HEROINES: Anna Swanson, founder of Swanson Signature Events, and Renee Peterson. Together, they built the company’s reputation as a planning business and mentored Jennifer before she bought the company in 2024. WE’RE PROUD OF: Our ability to grow and be ﬂe ible. We are growing as a team and the types of events we can plan. WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Pursue their dreams. So many women don’t because of fear of failure. It makes me think of an Erin Hanson poem that reads: “You ask, ‘What if I fall ’ Oh but my darling, what if you ﬂy

TORI BRONSTON // BRONSTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Owner Jennifer Mullis, left, Brittany O’Neil, Jessica Farrell, Miranda Meadows, and Crystal Twibell; not pictured: Emmalie Zak

Ansley S. Tharpe, MD G A S T R O E N T E R O L O G Y C O N S U LTA N T S O F S AVA N N A H , P. C . 912.354.9447 | 519 Stephenson Ave. gastrosav.com

MY MISSION: To serve my patients by preventing disease when possible and treating gastrointestinal disorders, to take the best possible care of my patients, and to advocate for them and protect them. MY MOTTO: Do what makes you happy and always do your best. Love yourself and learn how to forgive yourself. I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY TO: Manage your own expectations. Sometimes, people are going to disappoint you, hurt you, or things aren’t going to work out the way you wanted. You have to work through it and

learn from it. I have become stronger and wiser from every challenge in my life. MY LOCAL HEROINE: My mother. She is a Georgia native, and she did it all! She raised a family and then went to medical school at the age of 40. She has been a wonderful role model for me. She inspired me to become a doctor, and her practice philosophies have inﬂuenced my own. I LEAD BY: uiet conﬁdence, humility, and respect. I am blessed and grateful to be able to do this. I am humbled by the fact that patients entrust me with their care. I also

strive to treat all staff with whom I work with the utmost respect, as I would not be able to do my job without them. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:

My father, a wonderful businessman and entrepreneur, said to make every effort to associate yourself with good, honest people with good character. It is also important to have good professional, ﬁnancial and legal resources.

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Nicole Mason IVO RY & B E AU

912.200.4794 | 1010 E. Victory Drive, Unit D ivoryandbeau.com | @ivoryandbeau

MY MISSION: To create a unique environment for brides to shop for their wedding dress in our new space that evokes excitement, energy, fun and happiness.

love all things weddings and are here to help brides every step of the way from falling in love with the dress to planning every last detail of their weddings. We truly are a one stop shop for weddings.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Visionary! Although I no longer work as much “in” the business as I once did now that I am a single mom, my focus is more on the big vision for Ivory & Beau and making decisions that are all about long-term success for the company.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: My incredible team of employees. I am blessed to have found such a hardworking, dedicated and wonderful team that enables me to be a stay-at-home mom 50% of the time.

WE ARE: Savannah’s only wedding shop that specializes in not just gorgeous wedding dresses, but also has a team of wedding planning e perts and ﬂoral designers. We

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Are moms and work full-time. I am fascinated with and have a deep appreciation of the superpower of moms.

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I ALWAYS FIND JOY IN: My 4-year-old son, Dash, and my 2-year-old daughter, Tommie. On the hardest days, when I feel so overwhelmed by all the demands of running a business, they remind me of what matters most. THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Was from my dad Keep your

knees bent over the moguls.” Don’t let your head get too big when doing good, and don’t let yourself get too down when things are going poorly. There will be ups and downs, and it’s important to stay steady through whatever life brings.

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Front, from left: Heather Radtke, Speros; Rebecca Fenwick, Ethos Preservation; Ashleigh Womack, Stage Front; and Sherry Reed-Schaff, Comfort Systems USA Southeast; middle: Brandi Humeniuk, NOCO Contracting; Laura Lee Bocade, Corporate Environments; and Denille Biddy, Rushton, LLC; and back : Jenna Barzaga, Parker-Scott Properties; Jessica Leavitt Ouattara, Alair Homes; and Christy Ellis, Sandpiper Supply

NAWIC N AT I O N A L A S S O C I AT I O N O F W O M E N I N C O N S T R U C T I O N C O A S TA L G E O R G I A C H A P T E R # 3 8 0 nawiccoastalga.org

OUR MISSION: To support women in the construction industry through professional development, business opportunities, community outreach and mentoring programs. OUR THEME THIS YEAR: InspiHer WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Forge their own way and bring others along with them. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: Our local

chapter is one of 115 chapters across the United States. We are the face and the voice of women in construction. The National

Association of Women in Construction is an international nonproﬁt organization of more than 7,000 women in hundreds of chapters worldwide providing education, networking, legislative awareness, industry collaboration, community involvement, business and personal development and lifelong friendships.

work in construction-related businesses, such as ﬁnance, legal and other complementary industries, are also welcome. Whether you want to embark on a new career, establish a networking base, make a difference in your community, continue your education or invest in great friendships, NAWIC offers a variety of opportunities.

WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Join us! All women working in construction are eligible for membership, including women builders in the trades, project management, marketing, administration and executive leadership. Women in related industries who

OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: According to our NAWIC pledge, the agility of our hands, the ability of our mind and the integrity of our hearts.

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From left: Corrine, Paige, Ashley, Billie, Toni, Jenna, LaSonja, Liz, Laureen, Maria, Donna (BOD), Carlene, and Alyssamarie

Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union Savannah: Main Branch, 1085 W. Lathrop Ave. | 200 Stephenson Ave., Suite 100 Rincon: 5745 Ga. 21 | Pooler: 102 Park Ave. 912.236.4400 | gaheritagefcu.org

OUR VISION: To be recognized as the premier local ﬁnancial institution providing innovative ﬁnancial products and services, e ceptional member service, and community involvement. WE OFFER: inancial products and services

including checking and savings accounts, youth accounts, share certiﬁcates, money market, I s and an array of loan products tailored for the needs of our members. We provide the convenience of a large bank with the personalized touch of a small community bank. nyone who lives, works, or worships in Chatham, fﬁngham, and ryan counties is eligible to become a member owner. 172

THE BEST BUSINESS I’VE EVER RECEIVED:

on’t shy away from asserting your e pertise. Owning your worth and skills is key to building credibility. Jenna,

Vice President of Administration

e organized, never stop learning and growing, and prioritize work life balance to create a foundation for success. Carlene, Member Service Representative

CLIENTS CHOOSE US BECAUSE: We are member focused. We care about what is happening in our members’ lives and are committed to their well being and the nurturing of those relationships. – Corrine, Lathrop Avenue Branch Manager

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I’M PROUD OF: y career accomplishments, which serve as my everyday reminder of how far women have come in the business world. – Ashley, Controller MY ADVICE TO OTHER WOMEN:

ollow your passions and do what you truly en oy, even if your interests evolve. It’s completely normal to change course. – Liz, Compliance Manager Push your limits. on’t put out your own ﬂame before it has time to burn. – Alyssamarie, Marketing Specialist

Seated: Martha Ann Clark, Makenna Nichols, Leanne Dodd, Jessie Krebs, Ashley Groover, May Andres, and April Lavender; standing: Madison Rentz, Holley Gregory, Maureen Bailey, Maia Storm and Lexa Flynn

The Horseshoe Crab & The Monogram Place 912.920.2404 | 704 Mall Blvd. thehorseshoecrab.com.com

OUR MISSION: To work together as a team, create a positive work environment and have a “can do” mindset. We strive to make every customer feel welcomed and valued, offering service with respect and excellence. OUR SPECIALTIES: Curating a large variety of

high-quality products, custom and corporate embroidery, children’s clothing and shoes, women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories, tabletop and home decor, and gifts for all ages. We also offer personalized paper products for weddings and other special occasions. We take great pride in assisting brides and expectant mothers in creating their perfect registries.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN:

They come in the shop for the ﬁrst time. They are amazed at the wide variety of products and brands we stock. Customers love the extent of customization we offer – from wedding monograms to corporate logos. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON: Our ability to

meet any need with creativity and precision. Our clients span across the country, including wedding planners, interior designers, businesses, and discerning gift givers. OUR CUSTOMERS LOVE: Our exceptional customer service and quick turnaround time for embroidery. Other favorites include

our complimentary giftwrapping, in-house shipping services, and inﬂu of new arrivals. Customers love peeking through the window of our production room to see our seven embroidery machines working their magic. OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS: We cherish the opportunity to help our customers celebrate life’s special milestones. Whether it’s for a gender reveal, newborn pictures, baptisms, ﬁrst day of school, birthdays, holiday tablescapes, or wedding keepsakes, we love making special moments memorable. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR: Our customers! They’re not just clients – they are family. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 7 3

From left: Amy Brooks, Maddie Phillips, Sharleen Ryan, Christie Bergen, Maggie Love, Juliet Burrows, Ana Delgadillo, and Ryann Keller

Salt Marsh Realty 912.298.0776 | 10 W. State St. saltmarshsavannah.com

OUR MISSION: To help our clients with their real estate needs by being honest, creative and diligent. We’ve created a love it or list it service that is the ﬁrst of its kind in our market to help our clients in a new way. WE ARE PROUD TO BE: One of the few

locally owned real estate ﬁrms in the area. We focus not only on selling real estate but also on the people and businesses that make Savannah so unique.

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OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: In our cars we collectively have toilet paper, screwdrivers, hammers, measuring tapes, a level, sink stopper, a lock picking kit, air freshener, muck boots, mailbo number stickers, wasp spray, duct tape, and snacks. OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS: A therapist, decorator, cleaner, landscaper, occasional handywoman, unk remover, social media manager, paper pusher, negotiator, marriage counselor, babysitter, and dog walker. ll of these jobs can be just one transaction.

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THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: o right by your clients. Word

of mouth and reputation go a long way in this town. lso, be helpful to the best of your ability. The little things you do to help your clients make a big difference in setting you apart from your competition. Our agents go the e tra mile to make the real estate process easier for our clients. WE HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Support each other. We are all doing the best we can and have so much on our plates. A little kindness and grace go so far.

Lauren Klein CLOSET & CABINET EXPERTS

912.691.2626 | 7601 Waters Ave., Suite I closetspecialist.com

MY MISSION: To help individuals and families have a functional, organized space at a budget-friendly cost. I love meeting new people and providing them with a solution and a long-lasting product that we proudly stand behind. I strive to make each customer feel like family. We are a third-generation company that has been in business for more than 40 years, so family is very important. ONE OF OUR FAVORITE MOTTOS: “You may have jeans in your closet, but we have closets in our genes.” MY LOCAL HEROINE: My mother. She has the kindest, most loving and giving heart.

She is beautiful inside and out. She is my best friend and the person I can talk to about anything. She’s always had my back and has been my biggest supporter. I LEAD BY: Positivity and personal ownership. Mistakes and failures are a guarantee in life and business. I try to face everything head on with a positive attitude and a smile. It’s important to own up to your mistakes without getting down on yourself. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I was an

X-ray tech for eight years before I joined the family business. I graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University (now

Georgia Southern University) in 2005 with my Bachelor’s of Science in Radiologic Sciences. I’M PROUD OF: My family. My husband, Josh, runs the business with compassion and knowledge, and I’ve learned so much working with him. I’m also extremely proud of him as a husband and a father. Our children, Chip, 14, and John, 11, are our world, and we are so blessed that God chose us as their parents. WHY CHOOSE US: Our family-owned

business was built on a simple approach: listen to our clients’ needs and wants and then create custom storage solutions that exceed expectations. Every time. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 7 5

Owner Karen Bouchard, PA-C, in white; from left: Laura Gruber, patient coordinator; Megan Jones, patient coordinator /LE; Cybill Besse, medical assistant; Savannah Walker, medical assistant; and Mackenzy Tomlin, LE, LACLP

Karen Bouchard, PA-C S AV V Y S K I N M E D I C A L A E S T H E T I C S

912.351.9229 | 912.856.2824 | 322 Stephenson Ave # B savvyskinmedspa.com

MY MISSION: Provide restorative, natural, balanced aesthetic results while building selflove and conﬁdence. When you feel good, everyone around you feels it I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Lead with authenticity, purpose, heart and mind. These are the mentors, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers who demonstrate that success is not only about personal achievement, but also about helping others and building community along the way. I admire the resilience, adaptability and vision of the many women in business who balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, while persevering with grit and determination. 176

MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: y faith, my artistic eye and my thirst for knowledge and growth. irst, I know that I’m never alone od is always with me. Second, my artistic eye gives me the ability to appreciate the beauty in every face with its own uni ue shape and features. I look at the asymmetries not always a bad thing , muscle movements, e pressions, and overall balance, allowing me to approach each patient with a customized plan that is designed uni uely for them. inally, I am always researching, training, and learning from the best in the ﬁelds of aesthetics and wellness, bringing new treatments and regenerative care to our community.

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BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:

Just do the ne t right thing. rom taking care of patients to running a business, if you choose to do the ne t right thing, you’re on the right path. lso, lead with both mind and heart. True leadership isn’t ust about making calculated decisions, nor is it solely about emotional connection. It’s about balancing when to be empathetic and when to rely on logic, when to listen deeply and when to be decisive.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: The outpouring of love and support from my patients, my family and my work family as I embarked on the ourney of opening Savvy Skin edical esthetics.

From left: Patrice Williams, patient coordinator/administrative assistant; Jo Beasley, patient coordinator; Chelsea McKoy, registered medical assistant; Barbara L. Davies, MD, FACS; Summer Norton, medical assistant; and Ashley Sather, CST

Barbara L. Davies, MD, FACS S AVA N N A H P L A S T I C S U R G E R Y

912.572.8664 | 322 Stephenson Ave., Suite B savannahplasticsurgery.com

MY MISSION: To help you rediscover the self-esteem that you lost along the way. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Excel with style. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Coffee, cute

readers, and clogs (I can’t go into surgery without them). MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Empathetic artist/mechanic with a love for gardening.

MY LOCAL HEROINE: Cora Bett Thomas — she has not only survived but ﬂourished through the ups and downs of the real estate market. She’s a true survivor and role model! THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Over-the-top graciousness.

(As a Yankee, I’m still working on this.)

I LEAD BY: Staying calm – dealing with facts, not emotions and ﬁ ing the problem, not ﬁnding blame.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:

Don’t be afraid to ask for more.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I’ve worked on

a dude ranch.

I’M THANKFUL FOR: My incredibly talented, loyal, and dedicated staff. I could not do what I do without them. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Believe in themselves and follow their dreams.

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Amelia Holohan, left, and Eloise Clark and Brynn Howard Clark

Brynn Howard Clark THE PR INTED PE ACH

912.233.6375 | 417 Whitaker St. theprintedpeachsavannah.com

WE ARE: A women-owned-and-operated Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store located in the heart of the Downtown Design District. We offer a full assortment of the best and brightest Lilly Pulitzer collections, as well as brands that share a similar story of female entrepreneurship like Queen of Sparkles, Stoney Clover Lane, Kenzie Collective, Lele Sadoughi, and Teleties, as well as boutique jewelry, and much more! We are also a colorful community where locals as well as visitors to the ostess City come to ﬁnd the perfect outﬁt and feel their best. We prioritize customer service and beautiful fashions that help our customers achieve their perfect look for every occasion. 178

OUR MOTTO: Add sunshine to every day. We are so proud to offer a range of styles and brands that make each day a bit sunnier. Every person who walks through our pink doors is greeted with the same sense of warmth and hospitality that the Lilly Pulitzer brand embodies. I’M PROUD OF: As the daughter of small business owners and multigeneration entrepreneurs, I’m so proud to continue the tradition of instilling the value of hard work in my daughter, Eloise, who loves to spend her days helping her mom at the brightest store in Savannah. I am also proud to own and manage a small business alongside

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my sister, Amelia, in a city that prides itself on entrepreneurial spirit and innovative economic development centered around locally owned companies. BY SHOPPING SMALL: Our customers are investing in a company that started with a little girl who loved wearing pink clothes and had a dream to have her very own clothing store. Shopping small at businesses in the beautiful Downtown Design District helps Savannah shine and thrive, and we are thrilled to join ranks with amazing women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in so many industries.

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From left: Reilly Decker, Kati Salmon, Julia Bencivenga, Frances Nazario, Liz Ball, Jordan Sheets

Frances Nazario SALON STUDIO FM

912.201.1076 | 5521 Abercorn St., Suite 300 studiofm.glossgenius.com

MY MISSION: To create a salon with a warm and inviting environment where clients have a genuine connection with their stylist. Our stylists take their time to understand a clients’ hair needs and lifestyle through an extensive consultation and still incorporate their artistry to create a fabulous look. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Are able to thrive in any life scenario and still are able to achieve their goals, whatever they may be, through strong will and determination. I LEAD BY: Example. I set the expectation by always showing professionalism and consistency in my work. I want my team to

know they can come and talk to me about anything, free of judgment. I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: We never have all of the answers in life, and that’s okay, because we are always learning and evolving. Never get too set in your ways, especially in this industry. New trends are always going in and out. We have to embrace change and have fun with it. I’M THANKFUL FOR: All of the opportunities that God has given me. I’m blessed to have a salon team who love to work together as a whole and are always willing to help each other out. I’m also thankful for our loyal

clients who have supported and cheered us on as we have continued to grow in this industry. WHAT CLIENTS HAVE BEEN SAYING: “I

have been going to Frances for years. She is an excellent stylist and knows exactly what style/color/cut is best for her clients. I trust her 100% with her decisions and always tell her to do whatever she thinks needs to be done. Her expertise is one I have never seen, and I always leave the salon feeling like a brand new woman and hair rocking.” Latanya Daisy, client

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Shannon Perry Taylor SP TB R ANDS | BARREL & BOARD DESIGN AND BARREL & BOARD 678.997.0777 sptbrands.com | barrelandboard.com

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO: Designing and remodeling homes in the Savannah historic area as well as The Landings. I absolutely love bringing these older homes to new life and helping them function their best. WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT: Launching our

new online Barrel & Board store. It includes a number of products that I created, including candles, laundry detergent, cleaning sprays, and body scrubs. Our products feature simple, wholesome ingredients combined with essential oils to make them smell amazing. FINDING ”ME” TIME: Running two busy

businesses takes a lot. Thankfully, I love what

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I do, and creating is fun for me. Solving a design issue or creating a new concoction often ﬂows into my free time. I love to travel, so my husband and I try to take at least one big trip each year. Last year, we went on a restorative journey to Scotland. I haven’t ﬁgured out where we are headed ne t. THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED: Answer your phone! It’s short and

sweet and still accurate today.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN SAVANNAH: Savannah is the most beautiful

and walkable place we’ve ever lived. The combination of these two qualities along with

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the gorgeous architecture that spans such a vast time period drew me in from my ﬁrst visit more than 20 years ago. I am beyond thrilled that we ﬁnally got to move here. We love it WHY CHOOSE US: Every candle in our collection is more than just a fragrance — it’s an e perience. We take a holistic approach to candle-making, ensuring that our products are safe for your home, clean the air, and offer a sense of well-being through the use of essential oils. Our dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly packaging means you can en oy lu ury without compromising your values.

From left: Amy Howerton, Lizzy Ross, Janet Kolbush, Lisa Markle, Mindy Nash, and Willow

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire 912.350.7641 | 4710 Waters Ave. rmhccoastalempire.org

OUR MISSION: To create, ﬁnd, and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children and their families. o family should have to deal with their child’s medical crisis alone. When families are together, they cope better. or hospitalized children and their families, this will be the most important house they will ever visit. WE BELIEVE: That a sick child is a sick family, and that when families come together, they ﬁnd strength. This remarkable house is not ust a structure, it embodies hope and healing for families facing some of life’s toughest tests. Within our warm and inviting walls, families unite and grow stronger together.

WE CHOOSE TO WORK HERE BECAUSE:

focus on what truly matters. We are honored to play a role in making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

We believe in supporting critically ill children during difﬁcult times. This organization provides a comforting environment for families, allowing them to stay close while their loved ones receive care. eing part of a team that creates a sense of home in such challenging circumstances is incredibly fulﬁlling. We want to positively impact their lives, offering shelter, compassion, and support when they need it most.

walking distance of the waine Cynthia Willett Children’s ospital. We serve emorial ealth as well as the St. Joseph’s Candler ospital system and any medical facility that serves the Coastal mpire and cares for critically ill or in ured children.

WE ARE PROUD TO: epresent hope and support for kids, and have been doing so since . eing involved in this community allows us to help families stay together and

MEET WILLOW: Known for her calm disposition and oyful personality, this ustralian Labradoodle spends her days bringing comfort, love, and fun to families.

WHO WE SERVE: We are located within

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Kelly Rogers, FNP-C I N J E C T S AVA N N A H

912.328.1075 | 3127 Bull St. injectsavannah.com

OUR MISSION: To empower individuals

by enhancing their natural beauty through innovative, personalized aesthetic treatments delivered with expert care and a commitment to conﬁdence and well being. OUR MOTTO: Where beauty meets e pertise. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Uplift others, stay true to themselves, and pursue their goals. WE’RE PROUD OF: Our

est of eorgia egional ward. It’s a reﬂection of our clients’ trust and our team’s dedication.

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OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: Precision, purpose, and a whole lot of passion. WE’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Success isn’t ust about skill. It’s about building trust, showing up consistently, and never losing sight of your why. OUR SERVICES: We are renowned for our

oto and filler treatments, which are e pertly administered to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a youthful and natural look. Our laser procedures for skin re uvenation employ the latest technology to address specific skin concerns like pigmentation and scarring. nother

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highlight is microneedling, known for its effectiveness in stimulating collagen production, improving skin te ture and firmness. WHAT SETS US APART: Our personalized approach to creating treatment plans. ecognizing that everyone’s skin and aesthetic goals vary, we tailor our services to meet specific needs, ensuring that each client will receive the most beneficial and effective treatments. WHAT MAKES OUR WORK MEANINGFUL:

Watching someone walk out the door standing ust a little taller.

Seated, from left: Aya Maeda, Shelby Hague-Moore, Brittany Chivington, and Kristine Pendilla; top: Catherine Petrino, Susan Clifford, Carolyn McIntosh, Kate Haslam, and Michelle Lewis

Baker Tilly + Hancock Askew & Co. LLP 912.234.8243 | 100 Riverview Drive hancockaskew.com

WE OFFER: Trusted accounting, audit, tax, and advisory services to a wide variety of clients, including emerging to large companies in a variety of industries, nonproﬁt organizations, and individuals in Savannah and throughout the Southeast. Now, after joining Baker Tilly this year, we are proud to extend our reach across the nation.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Joining Baker Tilly! We are ready to share new opportunities with our clients through Baker Tilly’s expanded capabilities. While we are sad to retire the Hancock Askew name, we are preserving our commitment to personalized services forged from our deep Savannah roots.

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Offer innovative solutions with

for us, as we introduce our new name, Baker Tilly, and expand our team and services. What will not change is our core values and our commitment to serving the Savannah community with the highest quality and most trusted accounting and advisory services.

integrity. We help our clients reach their true growth potential with our commitment to quality services and genuine respect for collaboration.

WHAT’S NEXT: This year is a milestone year

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR: Our supportive families and friends, our hard-working and fun co workers, and this terriﬁc, caring Savannah community. CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE: We earn their trust by being

passionately engaged in doing what’s best for our clients. We are dedicated to serving our clients, our employees, and this community by following our ﬁrm fundamentals, such as act with integrity, bring value, and be proactive.

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PHOTOGRAPHY // KEITH MORGAN

From left: Jill Strauss, Kasey Huggins, Kelly Thompson, Corinne Karmiel, Anita Hagin, Kathryn Drury Wagner, Jane Townsend, Mary Cornetta, Lane Pelliccione, Andrea Burg, and Holly Todd (on location in Fleeting at Thompson Savannah)

Savannah Magazine 912.652.0293 | 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202 | savannahmagazine.com Editorial: kathryn.wagner@savannahmagazine.com | Advertising: jane.townsend@savannahmagazine.com Publisher/Marketing/Circulation: anita.hagin@savannahmagazine.com

OUR MISSION: To celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce, and creative community. OUR REAL JOBS: Curators of Savannah culture. Natives and newcomers on our team are all avid ambassadors of the unparalleled Savannah lifestyle. We’re also parents, relationship builders, philanthropists, intellects, advocates, bibliophiles, epicures, outdoor enthusiasts, ﬁtness fanatics, artists, fashionis tas, gardeners, collectors, and explorers. WE ARE PROUD OF: Being Savannah’s premier city magazine for 35 years. Collectively, we have more than 200 years 184

of experience in publishing, writing, editing, design, advertising, sales, and marketing. We publish six Savannah magazines, four HOMES issues, Southern Coastal Weddings and a variety of chamber publications annually. OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS: When we hear from readers and partners who say someone pointed them out in a story or went to them after seeing their ad. When an article is shared on social media. When someone new to town wants a recommendation for a restaurant, doctor, or builder and requests our Best of Savannah lists. Long before social media, Savannah magazine was (and remains) the original local inﬂuencer.

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WE LOVE TO: Collaborate with other

local businesses. We had the privilege of teaming up with Leopold’s Ice Cream to create the best selling ﬂavor Savannah Socialite (a chocolate, pecan and bourboninfused caramel concoction) in honor of our 25th anniversary. We’ve also worked with Savannah artists Bellamy Murphy and Juliana Lupacchino to bring their beautiful artwork to branded items like totes and beach towels. We would love to team up with a local business to create something just as fun and unique for our 35th anniversary. WE BELIEVE IN: Buying local. Supporting area

businesses is an investment in our community.

Altera Aesthetix Savannah: 11550 Abercorn St. Richmond Hill: 11258 Ford Ave., Suite 9 Statesboro: 1088 Bermuda Run Road, Unit A 912.710.0274 | www.alteraaesthetix.com

OUR MISSION: It’s ever evolving. ore than ﬁve years ago, our initial focus was on each patient who sat in our chair and how we could impact their lives. Then it grew with each location added. ost often our focus is pouring into our providers because their impact is greater than ours alone. ow we’ll empower more providers, entrepreneurs, and patients with the positive change that can happen in their life. OUR GOALS: mbodying the type of person we are attempting to serve meeting the need of what we wish e isted and creating a space for aesthetics and optimal wellness services that allow each individual to thrive as who they were meant to be.

Martina Kolovich, MSN, AGNP, and Janie Futch, BSN, RN

WE’RE PROUD OF: ow far we’ve come. s business owners, it’s important to take notice of the big and small wins along the way. Seeing our mission spread further locally and nationally gives us so much hope for the future of aesthetics and e citement for all of the providers who will make this their career.

Martina Kolovich, MSN, AGNP & Janie Futch, BSN, RN

A LT E R A A E S T H E T I X Savannah: 11550 Abercorn St. | Richmond Hill: 11258 Ford Ave., Suite 9 Statesboro: 1088 Bermuda Run Road, Unit A 912.710.0274 | www.alteraaesthetix.com OUR REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: C Os chief everything officers . As women who have decided to become wives and mothers, there really is no other option than to be and do everything. Even when you try to focus on being the breadwinner, a working spouse, or even ust a financial contributor, it doesn’t free you from the mounting responsibilities as a woman (and wives and mothers who decided to make a career for herself. WE WISH MORE WOMEN: Would not be afraid to start over, start from scratch, be original, and really just bring to the world what it’s missing them WE’RE THANKFUL FOR: Our village: our staff, who stand out and carry our mission; our spouses, who share our goals and help us figure it all out and our family and friends, who support us as customers, who help shuffle kids to practice, and who create a safe space for us to ust be in all our chaotic glory.

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Kati Ann Wright T H E W R I G H T G R O U P | R E A LT Y O N E G R O U P 912.547.2021 | katiannwright.com

THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Intentionality. This can come in many forms: relationships, planning/ scheduling, balancing work and home life. When you prioritize the values that are important to you, everything else seems to fall into place. I LEAD BY: Respect and heart. Whoever said you can’t have a heart in business was not in real estate. Even during the heart of a negotiation, you are putting your clients at the forefront. You must understand your clients’ needs to provide them with the best service. WHY REAL ESTATE: Whether searching locally or helping clients ﬁnd additional property needs outside of our city, I love that the real estate business has made a major impact on everyday peoples’ lives. rom ﬁrst time home buyers to seeing families gather around a table in a world that’s consumed by “busy,” I am reassured of all the good in the place we call home.

Amy Green SYMPHONA TECHNOLOGY

912.438.6262 | 118 Park of Commerce Drive symphona.us/technology

OUR MISSION: To be the leading professional services ﬁrm

by creating value in each relationship. As a Managed Service Provider, we achieve this by delivering innovative, secure, and efﬁcient IT solutions tailored to the uni ue needs of our clients. Through proactive support, strategic technology consulting, and a commitment to operational e cellence, we empower businesses to focus on growth while we handle their IT challenges. Our client ﬁrst approach ensures that every partnership drives productivity, security, and long term success. MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: mother to three amazing children. I am proud to work for a company that prioritizes a work life balance and provides the tools to cultivate business and community relationships through involvement with many organizations while still being actively involved in my children’s many activities. THE SECRET TO DOING BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Being

rooted in the local community and building relationships.

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Cher Norris A M E R I C A N C R A F T S M A N R E N O VAT I O N S

C R AW FO R D N O R R I S CU S T O M C A B I N E T S 912.481.8353 | 102 Hopecrest Ave. americancraftsmanrenovations.com crawfordnorriscustomcabinets.com

I LOVE WORKING IN SAVANNAH BECAUSE: It’s my home. There will never be a shortage of older homes and structures to work on. We get to be detectives, historians and craftsmen every day. MY PHILOSOPHY: The most important thing we build is lifelong relationships with our clients. It begins with our respect for our client’s families, homes, and the investment that they have chosen to make their homes a functional work of art. I’M EXCITED ABOUT: Our newest business, Crawford Norris Custom Cabinets. With meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship, we create custom cabinets that are tailored to uni ue re uirements and that are a true reﬂection of our clients’ personal style. WHEN I’M NOT WORKING: I am spending time with family and friends. I love showing my daughter what makes Savannah so special and creating new memories with her.

Southern Benefits Consulting 912.372.3634 | 401 Mall Blvd., Suite 101B southernbenefitsconsulting.com

OUR MISSION: We partner with businesses to develop cuttingedge employee benefits solutions that align with their financial objectives through a consultative process. Our goal is to foster their growth, ensure employee security, and inspire hope and a sustainable future for both the organization and its community. We assist as many individuals as we can, for as long as we can. CLIENTS CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US BECAUSE: We prioritize their unique needs, provide tailored solutions, and foster genuine relationships built on trust and transparency. They appreciate our commitment to delivering exceptional service, our proactive approach to problem-solving, and our dedication to their success. In a world of options, we strive to be the partner they can rely on for consistent support and valuable insights. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR: The incredible relationships we’ve

Katheryn Alba, Jamie Wallace, Candace Jackson

built along the way — clients who trust us, colleagues who inspire us, and mentors who guide us — as well as the amazing women in our lives who make us strive to be better every day. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 8 7

Bridget P. Michalski S AVA N N A H W I N E C E L L A R 912.355.9463 | 5500 Abercorn St. savannahwinecellar.com

MY JOURNEY IS: A long story of taking chances and opportunities when I found them. Growing up, my family wasn’t a wine family. I fell in love with wine and food while working in restaurants when I was in school. I learned everything I could and took any opportunity to work and study. Then all the dominos fell into place. ONE LESSON I HOPE TO PASS ON: When you have a goal, keep moving forward. There will always be challenges and obstacles, but learning how to plan, anticipate, and react to them is priceless. I LEAD BY: Example. There is not one thing I ask my team to do that I have not or would not do. I use the word “we” instead of “I” and always take responsibility for mistakes or service issues. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: Don’t try to be everything to everyone (otherwise, no one will know who you are) and don’t be afraid to say “no” if something isn’t right for you, your business, or your team.

Katy Thomas Young B L O O M C O N S U LT I N G F I R M

704.703.2709 | bloo con

e ltin fi

t ffice co

OUR MOTTO: “Push beyond the obvious.” We care too much to settle for surface-level. Every brand we work with deserves to be seen, heard, and known, so we dig deeper, challenge each other, and uncover bold ideas that actually move the needle. Breakthroughs happen when passion meets strategy — that’s where we live. OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Bloom Connect, our all-in-one sales and marketing CRM built to fuel growth; ClickUp, our project hub that keeps clients in the loop at every step; and an unapologetically curious team that’s never done learning, testing, or pushing boundaries to ﬁnd what really works. WE’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT: Doing it all yourself isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a fast track to burnout. Real growth happens when you let go, trust the right partners, and lead from your zone of genius. We’ve lived it, and now we help our clients scale by doing the same.

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Robin Napoli JONES & BULL FOR THE HOME

912.228.8851 | 1 W. Jones St. (Entrance on Bull Street) @jonesandbull

MY GOAL: When people walk into Jones & Bull, I want them to have a unique shopping experience that helps them reimagine their living spaces using a combination of antique, vintage, and modern pieces from multiple design eras and genres of style. MY STORY: Twenty years ago in Ohio, I started my ﬁrst business using sewing skills my mom taught me to craft custom draperies. The name of my business then, Beyond the Square Designs, represented my journey from sewing square panels of fabric to home staging and styling. It also honored my love for Savannah, where my dad was stationed in the 1970s, where I met my husband, Andy, and where our daughter, Katie, was born. Fast forward 50 years and 25 moves (thanks to Andy’s military and corporate careers since I ﬁrst lived in the Savannah area. ndy and I have come full circle, along with Katie and her family, and once again call this beautiful city of historic squares home full time. Opening my home d cor shop three years ago at the corner of two of Savannah’s loveliest streets, Jones and Bull, is a dream come true.

Lindsey Rusek B R I DE’S SI DE B E AUT Y

724.882.7369 | 484 Browns Cove Road, Ridgeland, S.C. bridessidebeauty.com

OUR MISSION: To deliver exquisite, long-lasting bridal hair and makeup services tailored to each bride’s unique vision. Serving Savannah, Coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry, our team of more than 15 artists provides luxurious, stress-free beauty experiences for the bride and her party, ensuring they feel confident, radiant, and picture perfect on their special day. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Embrace their individuality, uplift others, and radiate confidence in their own uni ue way. I admire women who lead with kindness, grace, and an unwavering passion for what they love values that my team and I embody in every service we provide. I LEAD WITH: Grace, compassion, and expertise, cultivating a supportive and inspiring environment where creativity, respect, and e cellence flourish. y leadership is rooted in a feminine approach that values connection, passion for our industry, and attention to detail. Our team leads with kindness, professionalism, and a deep commitment to uplifting our brides and one another. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 8 9

Joye Reno, AIA, NCARB RENO ARCHITECTURE LLC

912.713.4041 | 11 Breckenridge Lane renoarchitecture.net

MY PROCESS: I have a hands-on approach with my residential designs and enjoy collaborating with clients to incorporate their lifestyle, ideas, and personality into each design. My projects are hand-drawn, one-of-a-kind, and thoughtfully detailed both inside and out. I create beautiful interior spaces with attention to views, lighting natural and ﬁ tures and customized elements. I LOVE: Working with clients to achieve their dreams, whether that’s envisioning a custom home, renovation, addition, or selecting interior details like paint colors, lighting, and materials. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Sharpie markers for quick sketches, my sketchbook, a laser tape measure, and black Hunter boots. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I spent a year in Italy studying

ancient and modern architecture. I traveled throughout Europe sketching, painting, and touring the literal foundations of architecture and detailing, all of which I use in my work today.

Liz Dunn C H E F S P A C E S AVA N N A H

liz@chefspacesavannah.com | 811 E. 66th St. chefspacesavannah.com

MY MISSION: To help and inspire food entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. After years of witnessing people struggle to ﬁnd a place to do their food thing, I wanted to create a solution ChefSpace Savannah. MY MOTTO: veryone you meet has something to teach you listen and admit what you don’t know. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Listen to the

music, ignore the background noise, and keep moving forward.

THE BEST PART OF WHAT I DO: Talking with people who are

passionate about what they’re working on. There is little better and more inspiring than seeing someone light up when they’re telling you about their business and their avenue for making their life more secure and meaningful. eing able to help them with the hard work to grow their business is truly rewarding.

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Dr. Caroline Freeman S AVA N N A H F A M I LY E Y E C A R E

912.235.2798 | 513 E. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite F savannahfamilyeyecare.com

OUR MISSION: To bring personalized eye care to patients of every age. Our practice is a one-stop shop for every member of the family. We perform eye exams and offer glasses to patients from infants on up. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Hospitality.

We live in the Hostess City, and we take that to heart when we interact with our patients. Not only do we take great care of your eyes and your vision, but we also want you to feel cared for as a person. We space out our appointments so that every patient will leave feeling heard and having had all their visual needs addressed. We will not rush you, but we also value your time. We are committed to keeping unnecessary paperwork and wait times to zero. WE’RE PROUD OF: Being voted Best Optometrist in Savannah for the ﬁrst two years we have been in business. We are thrilled that our family-focused approach to eye care has been so well received!

Leslie Wiggins F L AV O R S F O O D T O U R S — S AVA N N A H 7 8 7. 9 6 4 . 2 4 4 7 savannahfoodtours.com

OUR MISSION: For our guests to eat, drink and explore all the

best, most authentic Southern ﬂavors of Savannah with our fun, experienced guides. OUR MOTTO: at well be inspired. WE LEAD BY: ocusing on uality and craftsmanship. We take pride in connecting locals and visitors alike to some of the best regional cuisine crafted by Savannah’s creative, hard working food and beverage entrepreneurs. WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR: Our guests, restaurant partners and

hard working guides in the field as well as our finance and operations teams behind the scenes who work together to create an incredible e perience each and every tour. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: Start with the best and never sacrifice

your standards.

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Convention Consultants 912.234.4088 | 117 W. Perry St. savtours.com

OUR MISSION: To provide comprehensive meeting planning services and conference management for corporate groups in Savannah.

DeAnne Mitchell, left, Caroline Speegle, and Laura Simpson

OUR FAVORITE BUSINESS REVIEW: “DeAnne and her team e celled at each event on which we worked together. s a ﬁrm believer that success lies in the details, I am exacting and even demanding in terms of expectations, and DeAnne always delivers without fail. Her time management skills are amazing, as is her ability to assess the requirements to bring about desired outcomes. Pre-planning, setup, execution, and post-event management are all done with ﬂuidity. e nne learned the operation of a high-end, boutique-style operation from her equally talented mother, Mary Ann Smith, and has built on the success of their business for decades. Given their breadth of knowledge as native Savannahians there simply isn’t another company in Savannah on par with Convention Consultants.” – Johnathon Barrett, Director of Development, State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Kristen Harkleroad T H E FA N C Y P H E A SA N T

912-675-5803 | 2 East Broad St. fancypheasantsav.com

MY MISSION: To create an exceptional and welcoming experience. I focus on curating unique products, ensuring outstanding customer service, and fostering a space where every customer feels like family. We go above and beyond to make each visit memorable. THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED: The late, great Johnny Baker once told me, “Kristen, no one gives a damn about your ﬂoors. It was a reminder to stop being so hard on myself and not to focus on the little imperfections. What truly matters is how we make our customers feel. I’M THANKFUL FOR: My precious daughter, Ava; my supportive husband, Danny, and family; and my talented and hardworking store manager, Kelly Hamilton. I’m also incredibly grateful for our loyal customers who have supported us ﬁercely and for the Savannah business community, which embodies collaboration and encouragement and who have helped us grow and thrive.

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Moon River Pediatrics 912.513.5787 | 7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 1 moonriverpediatrics.com

OUR MISSION: To provide an alternative approach to pediatric care that prioritizes the patient, offers modern conveniences, and just makes sense. Patients can call or text us directly, send pictures or videos with medical questions, talk to us after hours and on weekends, schedule unrushed visits online, and bring their children to a comfortable ofﬁce that feels like home. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: To set boundaries. For years I worked with an amazing counselor who coaches young professionals. Learning to set boundaries has become the most important tool to allow me to focus on my top priorities and to respect myself enough to protect those priorities at the risk of disappointing others.

From left: Kelsey Alexander, MD, Shelley Fields, Ally Balzano, and Sam Bossak, FNP-C

I AM THANKFUL FOR: My husband, Thomas. Our lives are chaotic with demanding professions and three young children, but because we both work incredibly hard as a team, we have the time and space to support one another in our professional goals. – Answers provided by Kelsey Alexander, MD, owner

Stephanie Kisgen C O A S TA L S TA G I N G & D E S I G N C O . 912.856.6423 coastalstagingco.com

OUR MISSION: We want you to love your home as much as we do. OUR MOTTO: Your home, our canvas — making your property

stand out!

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO:

ive in rather than test the waters ﬁrst.

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Wife to my high school sweetheart and mother of three boys. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Work

alongside your competition not against them. It’s a small city with plenty of work to go around, and we all approach it differently. It may even lead to an amazing collaboration. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.” — Vera Wang

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Amanda Everard EVE R A R D AUC TI O NS & A PPR A I SAL S 912.231.1376 | 2436 Waters Ave. | everard.com

MY MISSION: To help people handle the sale of their ﬁne art and antiques in a professional manner. Whether you are the executor of a large estate or are downsizing, I try to make the process as simple as possible and achieve the highest value for you through our online auction house with global reach. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Do a great job for people, because word of mouth goes a long way. Most of our business comes through client referrals. I’M PROUD OF: My involvement with “Antiques Roadshow.” It is a great experience traveling to different cities throughout the country and appraising interesting objects. It also gives me access to a distinguished network of appraisers who are helpful throughout the year in my business.

Kristi HofstadterDuke, PhD S AVA N N A H B E H AV I O R A L P E D I AT R I C S L L C 912.436.6789 | 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com MY MISSION: To collaborate with Lowcountry families in delivering exceptional psychological testing and therapy, empowering children and adolescents to confidently and skillfully create a life filled with meaning, purpose, and competence. WHAT I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW: Psychological assessment and therapy are not ust about diagnosing and treating disorders. They are essential tools for understanding human behavior and fostering a fulfilling, worthwhile life. The challenges of being human are universal, and every child, adolescent, and family can benefit from deeper understanding and guidance. I’M GRATEFUL FOR: My incredible team of psychologists and therapists. y practice is home to a group of truly e ceptional and talented women, all of whom are deeply passionate about supporting children and families in their journey toward well being.

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Stephanie Ebers L E M AC A R O N F R E N C H PA S T R I E S

912.712.5094 | 204 W. Broughton St. lemacaron-us.com/savannah | @lemacaronsavannah

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: My life partner, Reggie. We have been together for more than two decades. Both entrepreneurs individually, it wasn’t until later in our relationship that we went into business together. We created R&S Great Adventures LLC — and what an adventure it has been! We spent several years looking for the perfect project that complemented both of our strong suits. When we visited Le Macaron French Pastries in Winter Park, Florida, we fell in love with the brand. We now have four locations — three in Florida and one here in historic Savannah. We are proud to say we were the ﬁrst merican owners ever awarded the Le Macaron franchise. I could never have taken that leap of faith with the franchise without Reggie by my side. MY SUPERPOWER: Knowing how to make other people feel special. From planning elaborate get-togethers or pulling off small surprises for family, a friend or a staff member, it truly makes me happy making those around me happy. I love getting to know what makes people tick, then trying to ﬁnd the most uni ue gift to make them know how loved and appreciated they are.

Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners 912.356.5001 | 329 Commercial Drive, Suite 100 Savannah, Georgia 31406

OUR MISSION: To offer superior service in a constantly changing environment and marketplace. Real estate’s ever-changing landscape requires “heels on the ground,” ongoing education and the ability to help our clients react quickly. WHAT STIRS OUR SOUL: The daily challenge of helping our clients — buyers and sellers — get from start to “Sold” as quickly, efﬁciently and intelligently as possible. This comes from a wealth of knowledge with regard to everything from marketing and staging to negotiating. SOME PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: We are part of a global network of top listing and selling agents. We can handle your real estate needs worldwide through our strong afﬁliates.

From left: Linda King (912.596.3907), Sharon Darley (912.308.3707), Jane Beare (912.507.5797), Joan Johnson (404.424.2142) and Aurelia Moss (912.661.2069)

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON: Our relationships with our clients and with all people we encounter in our industry. We are problem solvers with a strong work ethic who are trustworthy, honest and who bring oy and conﬁdence to our transactions. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 9 5

Jordan Walker & Peyton Vaughn M O D E R N M U S E M E D S PA 3840 Waters Ave. modernmusemedspa.com

WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Lift others up, challenge norms, and create spaces for themselves and others to thrive. It’s inspiring to us to see women who not only dream, but also take action to bring those dreams to life and empower other women along the way. This is how Modern Muse came about. WE’RE THANKFUL FOR: The trust our clients place in us to enhance their conﬁdence and well being. The support from our community has been tremendous. We’re grateful for the opportunity to do what we love every day. OUR MOTTO: “Be your own muse.” This philosophy encourages us to ﬁnd inspiration within ourselves. mbracing this mindset highlights the importance of self care and nurturing our own well being. Taking time for self care empowers you to be the best version of yourself.

Sonika Patel, PharmD LO COS T PHARMAC Y

912.352.0375 | 612 E. 69th St. locostpharmacy.com

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Beyond pharmacy owner, I’m a mother nurturing my family with the same care I provide patients, a wife balancing partnership at home and work, and a travel enthusiast bringing global perspectives to our local business. At Lo Cost Pharmacy, I’ve embraced these interconnected roles to better serve our community. I LEAD BY: Combining compassion with expertise. My feminine leadership style emphasizes listening before prescribing and building relationships beyond transactions. My goal is for my empathetic leadership to create lasting community impact through collaboration and a celebration of diverse strengths. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Recognize their unique strengths as business leaders and health care providers. The pharmacy profession beneﬁts tremendously from women’s perspectives. I hope more women will claim their place in business ownership, bringing their authentic selves to transform health care.

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Beth Fleming, MS, CCC-SLP, Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist C H AT T E R B O X P E D I AT R I C T H E R A P Y

Pooler: 110 Pipemakers Circle, Suite 115 | 912.988.1526 chatterboxpeds.com

MY MISSION: To empower children and their families by providing accessible, effective, and compassionate therapy services that help each child reach their unique potential. My goal is to create a positive, supportive environment that builds conﬁdence and skills for a lifetime. MY MOTTO: Small steps lead to big progress. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Building

real relationships, showing up for the community, and genuinely caring about the people you serve.

I’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY: Progress isn't always linear, but every step, big or small, matters. Patience and persistence are essential in making meaningful, lasting change. MY LOCAL HEROINE: ny mother who ﬁghts for her child s needs, advocating ﬁercely and celebrating every victory along the way.

Juliana Lupacchino JULU

In Dreamhouse Studios | 17 W. 41st St. julupacchino@gmail.com | julujulu.com | @ju._lu

I AM: ﬁne artist, and color is my medium. urals and paintings are the primary vehicles to e plore these themes. I LOVE: The way colors communicate with each other and how they affect us a celebration of beauty, color, movement, and human emotion. I PARTNER WITH: Individuals and businesses who value art and design, have a clear and cohesive brand presentation, and have the passion to transform their space. YOU’VE SEEN MY WORK:

ll over throughout the Starland istrict and Savannah, including The Coffee o , oki oki Ice Creamery, otel ardo, and even in private homes in the ictorian istrict and beyond. I’ve done murals in cities like Los ngeles ew ork Lacoste, rance Copenhagen, enmark and have partnered with brands like eclaim Creative, owler ro., Slowtide, Savannah agazine and even local organizations like Savannah usic estival. Special Advertising Section ★ M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 1 9 7

Amy Williams S AVA N N A H P H I L H A R M O N I C

912.232.6002, Ext. 1 | 1515 Abercorn St. savannahphilharmonic.org

MY MISSION: To bring communities together through music, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds discover the amazing sound of an orchestra. MY FAVORITE QUOTE: “If you want something you have never had, then you must do something you have never done.” This statement is written on a Post-it note on both my ofﬁce and home ofﬁce desks as a reminder that, in leading an arts organization, one sometimes needs to set aside tradition to make a change that is for the betterment of not only the business, but also the community. I LEAD BY: Listening to board members, the community, and colleagues to not only hear diverse opinions, but also to try and understand the why. Although this process can take a little longer, knowing the why leads to more authentic relationships and partnerships in which people feel as though they are heard and at the table for meaningful conversations.

Dawn Kutchey & Kristen Patterson T H E M I N T G R E E N TA G S A L E C O M P A N Y 912.232.1039 | 3025 Bull St., Ste. 220 themintgreentagsalecompany.com

WE BELIEVE: That every family and their belongings should

be treated with care, compassion, and respect. That taking the time to clean, organize and stage the items into shoppable, interesting, attractive displays can signiﬁcantly increase the number of items sold out of each estate. That our client’s privacy and dignity should always be protected. That honesty, transparency, and open communication are important with both the clients who allow us to work in their homes, and the shoppers who trust us to provide an enjoyable, fairly priced shopping experience. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Balance their personal and professional life seamlessly! This is something we strive to do and are always working to improve. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Good word

of mouth and a strong work ethic. From left: Dawn Kutchey, Kristen and Ella Patterson 198

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Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD S AVA N N A H D E N TA L

912.355.8821 | 815 E. 68th St. savannah.dental.com MY MISSION: To provide wellness-focused dental care in a serene, modern space designed with every detail in mind to ensure your comfort and support your long-term health. While we certainly address common dental concerns such as cavities and gum infections, my true passion goes beyond simply treating diseases. I am dedicated to creating and maintaining optimal health for each patient, focusing on preventive care and functional medicine that promotes overall well-being. I believe in empowering my patients with the knowledge and care they need to take control of their dental health, and lead healthier, happier lives. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Our 3D digital scanners, which feature near-infrared imaging to detect early-stage cavities using light (no X-rays needed); our CBCT, which offers more precise diagnostics, enhanced treatment planning, and signiﬁcantly lower radiation exposure than traditional CT scans; and our incredible team. We have the most dedicated and passionate dental team, and our practice would not be the same without them.

Morgan York Smith T H E B R O W B A R S AVA N N A H

912.312.0829 | 2424 Drayton St., Suite A thebrowbarsavannah.com

MY MISSION: To help women feel beautiful and conﬁdent. s a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to save time. Permanent makeup has taken my minute makeup routine down to minutes. o more penciling in my brows. It s been life changing WHEN I’M NOT AT WORK: I’m running around with my three

kids. With everything from soccer to piano and a newborn, life is pretty busy right now. ut I’m en oying this season of life. y favorite title is mom, and I hope that I can spend as much time as possible raising kind kids. MY TRUTH: If it’s not on my calendar, it’s not happening. MY LOCAL HEROINE:

alena Stone, the founder of P CK People of ction Caring for Kids . alena and her husband, udley, created this local nonproﬁt in their kitchen with their boys. P CK currently provides more than , weekend meals a month to children suffering from food scarcity.

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Ismary De Castro, MD, FACE

S AVA N N A H E N D O C R I N O L O G Y L L C 912.232.5900 | 107 Southern Blvd., Ste. 103 savannahendocrinology.com

MY MISSION: To expand access of endocrinology health care services throughout the Lowcountry, to improve health and well-being in our community, and to care for patients with long-term health conditions. Hormones play a critical role in deﬁning our biology and affect our health throughout our life. My goal is to provide chronic disease management, slow down the progression of diseases, and help patients ﬁnd ways to control their symptoms, allowing them to enjoy their lives. We empower our patients through education and demonstrating the importance of knowledge, nutrition, and exercise. I LEAD BY: Vision and direction. My extensive knowledge in chemistry, medicine, research, and training in hormone interpretation allows me to distinguish human variation from disease. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Exercise, a balanced diet, and living with purpose and determination.

Cari Clark Phelps S A L A C I A S A LT S

478.561.0181 | 916 Montgomery St. salaciasalts.com

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: A clean beauty skincare formulator. I source packaging, develop natural skincare products, lead DIY skincare workshops, and dream up eco-friendly innovations. nofﬁcially I’m a globe trotting idea collector, always on the hunt for inspiration for my next big business move — because sustainability and creativity should never sit still. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Knowing that everyone will know your business That’s why transparency, fairness, kindness, and thoughtfulness are non-negotiable. Reputation travels fast around here. Make sure yours is worth talking about. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Take a serious look at their family's consumption habits, especially when it comes to over-packaged beauty products. The U.S. produces 8 billion units of rigid plastic annually in the beauty industry (truth!), and a shocking 95% of it never gets recycled We can change that with reﬁllable options, 100% recycled plastic, glass, aluminum, and switching from liquids to solids for makeup, soap, and skincare. Small swaps, big impact! 200

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Kim Watson T H E C O L L E C T I V E S AVA N N A H 912.414.1859 | 903 E. 70th St. thecollectivesavannah.com

MY MISSION: To provide superior customer service, top-tier classes that keep everyone safe, and make them sore, smile, and sweat — my mandatory four “Ss.” I try to be a little different, 100% authentic, transparent, and real. MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Mom! First and foremost, my son, Liam, is my purpose. My team will agree that I am the studio mom. Taking care of people is in my soul and makes me happy. Our instructors and members know that family comes ﬁrst for us all. I AM PROUD OF: My team and members. This team trusted me a little more than a year ago to start our own studio. They show up every day, giving their all for the members and each other. The members show up, sometimes multiple times a day, giving their all, cultivating friendships, and leaving plenty of sweat for us to mop up. Lastly, my family — my parents, Chris, Liam and Cranford — have supported this mission and have helped make it all happen.

Erica Herndon Timmons S TAT E F A R M A G E N C Y

912.354.6464 | 3228 Skidaway Road | ericaSF.com

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN THAT:

State Farm agents are small business owners, and each location is independently owned. We are backed with a national brand and ﬁnancial strength, but, when it comes to our team, we are local and give back to the local community. TYPICAL DAYS IN THE OFFICE: Don’t exist. No two are the

same. I enjoy meeting with my customers to make sure that they are ﬁnancially protected in the event of a claim. ou may think that’s my job, but most consumers do not know what their coverage limits are on their policies. We offer a wide variety of products and services to meet consumer’s needs auto, ﬁre, life, health and bank.

I AM THANKFUL FOR: Our customers and my team who allow me to do what I love every day. Helping people is my passion, and this profession allows me to do that.

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Gennie G. Long, JD M E Y E R & S AY E R S L L P

912.598.5151 | 500 Stephenson Ave. meyersayers.com

MY MISSION: To help my clients preserve, protect, and transfer their legacy. Whether it is a young couple starting a family, an individual recently divorced, or a couple enjoying retirement, I help create an estate plan for each client that meets their personal needs. I use wills, trusts, and other legal documents to empower my clients to put their intent into action. I believe I have truly done my job when I am able to help my clients accomplish their goals through options they did not know were available to them. MY MOTTO: To keep things simple. I believe that any estate plan and tax strategy must be understood by the client. Therefore, it is critical to keep things simple and to work diligently at educating my clients along the way. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Create their own deﬁnition of

success — and achieve it!

I’M THANKFUL FOR: My husband and my three young children who love and support me as a lawyer and a mom.

Brittany Milward BRITT’S FUNK Y STITCH

brittsfunkystitch@gmail.com | 714 Mall Blvd., Suite 2 brittsfunkystitch.com | @brittsfunkystitch

MY MISSION: To create wearable expressions of my clients’ personalities, interests, and lives. Between gemstone necklaces, charms, and hand embroidery, there is something for everyone to connect with. The handmade nature of my designs ensures a custom style. MY MOTTO: Let’s get funky! MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Wife and mother of four. I was enormously blessed to stay home with my children for more than nine years. If you visit the studio in the afternoon, you’ll likely see them doing homework or building a fort in the ﬁtting room. I’M THANKFUL FOR: My family for supporting me and my customers for helping this small business grow beyond my dreams! It’s been a wild ride from a hobby Instagram account with 100 followers to a thriving LLC run through DMs to e-commerce to a new storefront and studio.

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Suzanne Smallwood S AVA N N A H N E E D L E P O I N T

912.663.3888 | 8413 Ferguson Ave., Suite C savannahneedlepoint.com | @savannahneedlepoint

MY MISSION: To build a needlepoint community in Savannah. Needlepoint is for all ages and can be entertaining and therapeutic. I want people to come into the store, stitch, and build skills and friendships. MY MOTTO: “Do it scared.” I had been thinking about opening a needlepoint store for several years. One day while listening to a podcast, the host said to “do it scared.” That really hit home for me. Fear of the unknown can paralyze us and keep us from living our best lives. I am truly happy with the outcome thus far. Although the fear never really goes away, the happiness and success of the store far outweighs the fear. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and who encourage others to do the same. I have learned that most store owners are friendly and willing to offer guidance and advice. Women helping women is empowering.

Dr. Erika Morrow MS, OD FORSIGHT UNIQUE EYE CARE & EYE WEAR 912.483.6600 | 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. forsighteye.net

I’M PROUD TO: Offer the highest quality products and elite customer service. Your eyes deserve the best. Seeing well is essential for all aspects of life, and I believe that starts with a thorough eye exam and eye wear that provides the best vision and comfort. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE: An exceptional team and unique eye wear. ForSight features a collection of eye wear that has grown over time, and each pair of specs can complement an outﬁt. Eyeglasses are my jewelry. I could not provide the best eye care without seeing and looking my best. Lastly, a clean and organized ofﬁce is essential to my mental wellbeing. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: Be genuine.

My team and I would never grow our business if we looked at others as just an opportunity. We see everyone as a potential relationship a relationship that is beneﬁcial to both parties, whether that’s mentally, physically or monetarily.

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Sea Love Candle Bar and Boutique 912.461.3823 | 310 W. Broughton St. sealove.com/savannah

WE ARE: A scent-blending candle bar and coastal-inspired boutique. OUR MISSION: To evoke memories and emotions with fragrance. To provide superior quality goods that inspire through connection. To create a compelling shopping experience. To choose and craft products with little environmental impact. To support U.S. makers and craftspeople. WE LOVE: The beach, family, and creating interactive experiences. Melissa discovered the joy of candle-making on a trip to New England. We wanted to bring this idea to Hilton Head Island and Savannah and create a space where people could gather, craft unique scents, and make lasting memories.

From left: Co-owner Melissa Monge, manager Lori Fountain, and co-owner Sarah Brown

WE FEATURE: More than 100 fragrances that you can use to develop your own signature scent. You can pour candles in a variety of vessels, create a reed diffuser, and shop our curated collection of coastal-inspired home and personal care products. Our bar sits up to 20 people, and we cater to all ages.

Marvee McKenzie

Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric, manager/designer

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION: Certiﬁed multitasker.

y most rewarding ob is being a mother to two sweet and spunky girls and a wife to a great man. y roles include designing inviting spaces with beautiful fabrics alongside my mother at Sherry s oney Pot abric, event planning with some amazing and generous Savannah natives, and cheering my girls on, as they work hard both on the cheerleading mat and volleyball court.

Sherry Saferight

Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric, owner • 912.777.4532

MY MOTTO: I think I can. I think I can. – The Little Engine That Could I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Support each other and their businesses

while building their families. y girls have each created their own businesses Shazi and arvee here in Savannah and Chelsea Sadie James at Co. in Savannah and ranklin, Tennessee. Their incredible work ethic and devotion to family are some of the many reasons why I’m so very proud of them

Shazi Edmonds

All-star Cheer Coach, Choreographer and Cheer Professional; FIT Gym Savannah and Train Me 24/7, co-owner; DanceCheerMove, owner/choreographer

MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

From left: Marvee McKenzie, Sherry Saferight and Shazi Edmonds 204

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om to one of the coolest, sweetest, crazy talented year olds I know. er ad and I love watching her grow. I’m also a wife to a wonderful husband and father. s a coach and gym owner with my husband, rew, I take on a motherly role to more than athletes as well. eing a mother is the best ob I’ve ever had, and I take pride in that daily

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OTSPOT VE N Hhow to participate in next year’s N E W ITA L IA V IB E T R IB E e th ith w T U O G Business special advertising section, ORKINin Women W

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Savannah Area REALTORS®

A N N UA L AWA RD S DISTINGUISHED SALES SOCIETY AWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHOT BY SOMI STUDIOS

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S , F I R S T- Y E A R R E C I P I E N T S !

COURTNEY BARNICOAT

JASON BRAGG

LISA C AMPBELL

HEATHER COLLIER

BRANDON FARGO

KELLIE GREEN

GARY GRIMM

ZACKER HANNON

FAITH HOLCOMBE

PARKER JENNINGS

KYNDAL MIXON

JULIE MICHELLE OLSON

WHITNEY PRESTON

MELODY RODRIGUEZ

LINDA ROJAS

P R E S E N T E D B Y S AVA N N A H A R E A R E A LT O R S ®

In March, members of the Savannah Area REALTORS® gathered to celebrate the Distinguished Sales Society, REALTORS® who had $1 million or more in sales, a minimum of eight transactions and participated in at least two community service efforts. What followed was a star-studded affair.

YEARS

JESSIC A ARLEDGE

SHARON BLACK

YEARS

JILL W. BROOKS

YEARS

QUINTIN L . COWART

YEARS

SUSAN DAILEY

VIRGINIA “GINNA” C ARROLL

YEARS

KATHRIN EGNER

KATHY FAIRCHILD

TYLER GRANT

YEARS

AMY GUT TING

YEARS

CINDY L . PRESNELL

YEARS

LANA SANDERS

TREY SWAIN

JARLENE JOHNSON

YEARS

C ARMEN WASHINGTON

YEARS

JESSIC A KELLY

YEARS

ALICIA D. NOVAK

YEARS

RODNEY RAWLS

P R E S E N T E D B Y S AVA N N A H A R E A R E A LT O R S ®

SABRIYA SCOT T

S P E C I A L AWA R D S REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

PHILIP M. HEIDT AWARD TARA ROBINSON

MONIC A CERRONE & MAT THEW BUCK

Kim Iler-Morgan, Rodney Rawls & Sharon Miller

Tara Robinson & Sharon Miller

Monica Cerrone, Judy McDougal & Matthew Buck

CHARLES F. FULTON AWARD

AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR

LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Karen Hewitt, center, with family & Linda Hawk, right

Dana Lee & Sharon Miller

Jennifer Crumpton & Jeanie Williams

RODNEY RAWLS

KONTER HALL OF FAME

DON GOLDEN

KAREN HEWIT T

DANA LEE

JENNIFER CRUMPTON

SAVANNAH MULTI-LIST CORPORATION

SAVANNAH AREA REALTORS® PRESIDENT’S AWARD TOMMY DANOS AND STEVEN FISCHER

Tommy Danos, Sharon Miller & Steven Fischer

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

C ARMEN CRIBBS AND DEE MONCRIEF

Carmen Cribbs & Sonny Wright

P R E S E N T E D B Y S AVA N N A H A R E A R E A LT O R S ®

Dee Moncrief

YEARS

2024

CONTINUING MEMBERS 18 YEARS

Kimberly Bousquet

George Cohen

Chris Moncrief

Michael Steven Fischer

37 YEARS

Betty Brooks

Helen A. Miltiades

Wendy R. Reed

Anny Montenegro

Sharon Brookshire

Aurelia Moss

Billi Jo R. Cape

Brandy O’Neill

34 YEARS Robin Lance

49 YEARS

29 YEARS

Tommy Danos

Cheryl G. Klein

28 YEARS

Michele Gutting Judith McDougal

27 YEARS Lyn McCuen

26 YEARS

Sharon D. Miller

25 YEARS

James R. Presnell Jennifer Scroggs

23 YEARS Jane Beare

GLENDA GANEM

Carmen Cribbs Sheila Doney Steffany Farmer

44 YEARS

Anastasia Mamais Phillips

22 YEARS

Christine Q. Durrence Keith L. Gay

21 YEARS Karen Hewitt

Ruthie Seese

19 YEARS Jenny Hearn

Melanie Kramer Beth Cribbs Larson Cindy Meyer Heather Murphy Mary Ann Sinclair Mary H. Smith RICHARD G. MOPPER

REALTORS® who had $1 million or more in sales, a minimum of eight transactions and participated in at least two community service efforts.

Traci Wells Amber Williams

17 YEARS Sue Anderson Monica J. Cerrone Teresa Cowart Darla Davis Patricia Ewaldsen Lee Ann Marsh Vicki C. Mitchell Melissa Stanford 16 YEARS Cindy Knight Johnny Odom Becki Patterson Annie Rockwell 15 YEARS Beth Forkner Kelly B. Johnson Tara Robinson 14 YEARS

Helen Williams Johnson Mark D. Jones Lisa V. Ortiz Scott Shippy

13 YEARS Toni Hardigree Brandy Jenkins Linda Novack Beth Quigley Dena C. Rodewolt 12 YEARS Kristin Brown Joseph Iannacone Cynthia C. Sinclair Debra Smoak 11 YEARS Jenn Rabon 2-9 YEARS Cassandra Andrews Daphne Baron Mary Schaffer Beckmann

P R E S E N T E D B Y S AVA N N A H A R E A R E A LT O R S ®

Laura Celaya

Cathryn O’Neill

Kappy Chisholm

Boomer Lee Palmer

Nicole Lorraine Christie

Becky Partin

Farrell Click

Milap Patel

Molly Cohen

Shannon Patrick

Renee Cramer Jennifer Lee Crumpton Suzanne Curry Butch Durrence Lindsae Echols Michelle Edwards Richard Eilerman Steve Ellis Christine Estridge Monica A. Farnsworth Amy Feith Heather Hammond Filgate Connie V. Gallo Susan Tran Garrison Kelsie Glasco Brooke B. Graham Jimmy Grayson Amy Greene Julie Hales Tasha Hall Stephanie L. Hamilton Lisa A. Harris Katie Hart Kaitlyn Hartsock Carol Anne Hazelman Julie Heyel Shannon Hornick Tari Hornick Tamika Y. Houston Stephanie Kirchner Melissa Kobi Carie Kuhn Nicolette Leasa Rebecca Loehr A. Joseph Marshall Mary Beth McInerney John McPeters Lynette Messer Karen Miller

Sarah Pounders Ashley Brooke Powell Penny Rafferty Jeffrey Rayno Laura Rayno Brandyn Reagan Nautica Roberson Suzanne Roberts Jake Rowland Jill Sapp Angela Sauers Bonnie Scurry John Sheahan Leslie Clifton Shinn Anna Sizemore Lisa Snipes Paul Stanford Scott Starling Misty Stenmark Michael J. Stubbs Chelsie Taroli Kaitlynn Thayer LaTashia Stroman Thomas Marti LeMaire Tomlin Tracie S. Tomlinson Laurie H. Tyran Beth Lynah Vickers Priscilla Waldburg Brittany Hazzard Walker Kelli Weis Marge Wester Ruthie Lynah Whitlow Tiffany Wolfe Gena Wright

CONTINUING COMMERCIAL

Michael Steven Fischer

T H A N K YO U, S P O N S O R S PLATINUM

SILVER

BRONZE

FRIENDS

P R E S E N T E D B Y S AVA N N A H A R E A R E A LT O R S ®

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S AVA N N A H

SEEN

45th Annual Telfair Ball Photography by KELLI BOYD // Courtesy TELFAIR MUSEUMS

Telfair Museums held its annual gala Feb. 22 at the Park at Eastern Wharf. The event is Telfair Museums’ most significant fundraiser of the year, supporting its mission to bring art, history, and architecture to all. Planned by Tara Skinner Events, this year’s soiree, “Le Printemps en Provence,” was a captivating evening inspired by the idyllic aromas, flavors, and landscapes of southern France. Floral installations by August Design and decor by Amazing Event Rentals created an atmosphere of pure enchantment and joie de vivre.

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45th Annual Telfair Ball

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Photography by KELLI BOYD Courtesy TELFAIR MUSEUMS

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O N E H U NDR E D M I L E S

Mile Marker Party Coastal nonprofit One Hundred Miles held its inaugural Mile Marker Party on March 27 at the Bethesda Pavilion on the marsh at Bethesda Academy. It was an unforgettable evening under the oaks along the Moon River, with guests enjoying delicious food, drinks, local music, a raffle, and an auction full of coastal treasures. The event supports the work and mission of One Hundred Miles, which works to protect Georgia’s coast via advocacy, community engagement, and education. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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SH I PS O F THE SEA M A R I TI M E MUSEUM

Supper at Sea Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum hosted a benefit dinner and silent auction March 14 under a full moon in the museum’s Trident Maple Grove. Curated by local artist Katherine Sandoz, “Supper at Sea” brought together Savannah’s rich art and culinary culture, with its extensive maritime heritage. The original artwork created for the event honored artisanal skills practiced by seafarers, including basketry, knot-tying, net and sail making, pottery, carving, whittling, and illustration. Guests savored a novel dinner inspired by maritime culinary traditions and prepared by Chef “Chino” Hathcock and Chef Sam Herndon, both known for their innovative, coastal-inspired dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. All proceeds from this special evening will support education programs at the museum. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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UN IT ED WAY O F T H E CO A S TA L E M P I R E

Women Who Rule Luncheon Hundreds of women (and a few good men) gathered March 4 at the Savannah Convention Center for the nonprofit’s annual Women Who Rule Campaign Luncheon. While guests enjoyed lunch and refreshments, they heard stories of hope and triumph from a panel of incredible women leaders: Ivory Brown, 2024-25 Effingham County Teacher of the Year; Molly Lieberman, founder and executive director of Loop It Up Savannah; and Dr. Denise Watts, superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. The local United Way also announced the 2025 Woman of the Year: Stacey Jennings of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Proceeds from the event are dedicated to Women United’s mission to improve lives by providing access to reliable transportation. Photography by SHOT BY SOMI STUDIOS Courtesy UNITED WAY OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE

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E VE R A R D AUCTION S & A PPRAISALS

Wine & Culture Ladies Night The auction gallery hosted a Wine & Culture Ladies Night on Feb. 19. Guests sipped wine, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, and had an opportunity to preview items in Everard’s Jewelry and Culture Auction, including property from the estate of beloved Savannahian Ann Lytle, and a captivating GIA-certified, 18K gold Bulgari yellow diamond cocktail ring estimated between $90,000 and $120,000. Photography by CHANCELLOR HUDSON

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S T. V IN C EN T ’S A CA DE M Y

180th Gala St. Vincent’s Academy marked its 180th year with a fundraising gala Feb. 8 at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Ballroom. The semi-formal evening event included a cocktail hour, seated dinner, music, and dancing, as well as silent and live auctions. Photography by PAUL CAMP PHOTOGRAPHY

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GE O R GI A SO U TH E R N U NI VE R SI TY

Parker College of Business Gala GSU’s Parker College of Business held its annual gala March 1 at The DeSoto Savannah. The event brings together leaders from Georgia’s business community and the business college’s alumni, faculty, and students to celebrate the impact of the Parker College of Business throughout the state and region. Proceeds from the event, which included a cocktail reception, dinner, and awards program, support the Parker Business Scholarship Fund. Featured speakers included GSU president Dr. Kyle Marrero, Parker College of Business dean Allen Amason and Parker’s Kitchen founder and CEO Greg Parker. Georgia State Senator Billy Hickman was presented with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award, and Nichols Cauley was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Corporate Partner Award. Photography by BUNNY WARE and K AITLIN SELLS

U R BA N H OPE

Chefs & Chocolates Urban Hope held its 15th annual Chefs & Chocolates event at Kehoe Iron Works on Feb. 7. The evening of delicious food, great music, and auctions is a fundraiser and celebration for the local nonprofit, which offers free after-school programs and summer camps for children from under-resourced parts of Savannah. Attendees enjoyed live music by VooDoo Soup. Appetizers were crafted by chefs from Common Thread, Flora and Fauna, Bandana Burger, Zunzi’s, Emporium, and Sobremesa. Desserts were provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes, Savannah Square Pops, and River Street Sweets. Photography by MIKE CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHY

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the A FT ERW O RD

Keeping Score Written by ANDREA GOTO

TITLE IX, THE LEGISLATION that allowed girls to compete in high school sports — among other things — was signed into law 53 years ago in June 1972. My grandmothers didn’t participate in sports. Neither did my mother, as evidenced by her habit of tripping over flat ground and her inability to hit a target other than the one on Victory Drive. Like most kids in the early ’80s, my older sister and I played outdoors. We rode bikes and ran around the neighborhood until the streetlights came on. We played, but what I really wanted to do was compete. And more than that, I wanted to win. “I’ll beat you to the stop sign!” (I did.) “Who can jump the farthest off the swing?” (Me.) “Who has the biggest hands?” (A genetic win.) I was faster, stronger, and more coordinated than my sister. Beating my sister gave my still-forming prefrontal cortex a bittersweet hit of dopamine. It felt good, but it would’ve felt even better if she’d cared. I’d do a dance that looked more seizure than celebration, and she’d just shrug and retreat to her room to read a book. (Admittedly, she did beat me in a summer reading contest, but who’s really winning there?) I needed stronger competition. Thankfully, physical education classes at the time were still antiquated, meaning that there were clear winners and losers and it was OK to label children as such. Boys and girls climbed ropes, raced, and violently hurled balls at each other’s bodies. We picked teammates entirely based on physical prowess, which also established one’s place in the social hierarchy — and whether you’d spend your post-middleschool years reliving your glory days or in talk therapy. I was sitting pretty comfortably at the top during those early years; I got excellent grades, had a large group of friends, and my dopamine levels were high enough to warrant an intervention. I signed up to play volleyball my first year of high school, and I immediately sensed that I was better than the other freshman (recognizing this came easily to me). This was confirmed when I was the only one who made the junior varsity team. And therein ended my winning streak.

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Not only did I start losing, but I was losing a lot and in an embarrassing variety of ways. I was benched while other more experienced players competed. My older teammates were encouraging, but fiercely protective of their positions, and in scrimmages they were unrelenting, always aiming for the “freshman,” which also became my official name. Playing up, as it turns out, is a bit of a downer. Rather than seeing it as, “I’m the youngest on the team and everyone on the teams below wants to be here,” I saw it as, “I am the worst player on the team and no one wants me.” We had a losing season. I didn’t like that uncomfortable, loser-ly feeling, but it was inconceivable to me that it would last (a clear benefit of a healthy ego). This paid off — sort of — because the next year, I played up again, but this time on the varsity team. Another year on the bench and another losing season. The losing streak would mostly continue throughout high school, but here’s the thing: I actually started playing. I still wanted to win, but winning wasn’t the only point. A win wasn’t guaranteed, but moving my body, building skills, and pushing myself to my limits was. I loved the challenge. I loved the game. It’s unfortunate that so many women who came before me didn’t get a chance to compete in sports. Certainly, there are other experiences that build character and skill, but few where failure is guaranteed to happen again and again. It’s a part of the game. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve been knocked down in life (or just tripped), but I’ve gotten back up just as many times (sometimes assisted by a medical professional). And since high school girls’ participation in sports has increased over 840% since Title IX, I’m guessing I’m not alone. But who’s really keeping score? (Me!)

Illustration by RAY GOTO

Expanding our presence in southeast Georgia.

The Medical College of Georgia has expanded its statewide impact, welcoming 41 new students to their four-year training experience in Savannah. This builds on our partnership with St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System in Savannah where MCG students have been completing their last two years of training since 2007 and complements our partnership with Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick where our students have trained since 2010. Today, nearly 700 MCG alumni call the Savannah area home. We are proud to be in Savannah and look forward to continuing to grow a healthier community together.

I R I S L AW PHOTOGRAPHED IN NEW YORK CITY

SCULPTED CABLE COLLECTION

May/June 2025