Health + Wellness

Self-care and transformation

Give your body the attention it deserves Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Kayla Turner, Kayla T Photography Local duo Rebekah Taylor and Kelsey Clark, both certified family nurse practitioners and paramedical tattoo artists, own inkMED Skin Studio in Cullman. They opened their business in December 2023. “Our business offers medical tattoo techniques that can camouflage skin irregularities, scars – whether surgical, self-harm or accidental – as well as skin conditions such as birthmarks...

April 2024

Professional Services

Insuring your future

'I get to really help people' Article by Wendy Sack Local insurance agent Kathy Sims has been serving clients with Alfa Insurance for a decade. I asked her if her office being run by a woman makes it special. “I feel as a woman that I do go the extra mile for clients, as well as have empathy for clients – I’m not looking at what I will earn, but more of how I can actually help someone,” she said. “I grew up in a small hometown business environment and know the importance of customer...

April 2024

Local Services

Building strong communities

Get to know United Way of Cullman County Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Visual Anthony Q&A with United Way of Cullman County 1. What are your titles and responsibilities?   Our staff at UWCC is phenomenal. Our executive director is Stephanie Childers; she leads the charge on all activities, from campaigning, events, helping partner agencies, you name it. Resource development and outreach is led by Taylor Johnson; she is our media, outreach and fundraising extraordinaire. Trudy...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Spotlight: Meet Jacy Hawkins

The impact of family Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Lisa Jones and Joelle Brooks Jacy Hawkins is a registered nurse and with her husband, Dr. Jeremy Hawkins, owns Hawkins Medical & Wellness in Cullman. “Our practice specializes in direct primary care and concierge medicine, granting members 24/7 access to personalized health care. With a focus on quality over quantity, we provide dedicated attention to each patient,” she said. Being a family-owned practice is special, said Hawkins...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Power of a woman

The importance of finding your tribe Article and Photography by Dr. Rebekah Lloyd Years ago, I found myself in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, which, at the time, was the largest city in the world – a far cry from Bremen, Alabama, a small town in Cullman County without even a single stoplight, where I was raised. Scarier than that, though, was that I was the only woman at my worksite. In the early 2000s, women comprised less than 15% of the United States Army. As the over-achiever I am, I...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Mother's Day musings

Sharing Mother's Day memories Article and Photography by Various "My fondest memories of Mother’s Days are centered around 'Decorations' and our 'Green Family Gathering.'  For decades, we have celebrated Mother’s Day with a trip to the Center Hill Cemetery, as well as a trip to the Mountain Grove Cemetery and finally to my Granny Green’s for an amazing covered dish lunch with all of my maternal aunts, uncles and cousins. As a child, I never truly appreciated this tradition; however, as an...

April 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Time: A key element of investing

'When you invest, one of your biggest considerations is time' Article by Katie Brown, Edward Jones | Photography by Lisa Jones - Lisa Jones Photography Who knows where the time goes? It's appropriate to reflect on the nature of time and how it affects us. And time certainly is a key element in the pursuit of your financial goals. As an investor, time can be your greatest ally. If you hold some investments for the long term, you could achieve an impressive cumulative growth in value...

March 2024

Real Estate

Investing in land

The value of Cullman County and Smith Lake Article by Melissa Curtis & Thomas Joiner | Photography by Various Nestled in the heart of Alabama, Cullman and the serene expanse of Smith Lake beckon with an invitation to invest in more than just land – to invest in a lifestyle. As small-town charm meets the tranquil beauty of the lake, the allure of these areas for real estate investment becomes undeniable. Cullman has all that welcoming small-town charm! You can enjoy the simplicity of life with...

March 2024

Wellness

Investing in yourself, Southern style

A self-care journey in Alabama Article and Photography by Cullman City Lifestyle In the heart of the South, where the hospitality flows as sweet as the tea, there's a timeless truth – investing in yourself is the key to a fulfilling life. Let's explore how to embrace self-care, self-help and self-love, ensuring a feel-good journey that's distinctly Southern. Southern charm, skin-deep    Invest in quality makeup and skincare that accentuates your natural beauty.    Don't forget the...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

'Banker's Lunch Cocktail”

Perfect for the 'power lunch' Article and Photography by Cullman City Lifestyle Here is a cocktail you can "take to the bank." This is a delicious drink for a power lunch or afternoon meeting. Enjoy!  (Adapted from a recipe by Eric Alperin at The Varnish) Ingredients : 1 1/2 oz. vodka 1/2 oz. dry vermouth 1/2 oz. orange liqueur 1/2 oz. orange juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 oz. grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed Garnish- grapefruit or orange twist Directions Add all the...

March 2024