Arts + Culture

The Power of Public Art

'The Tree of Kovel' encapsulates strength and honor in the face of war Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Janet Howard Katie Vigilante discovered the concept for her Chamblee City Hall sculptural tree in a synchronic fashion. Commissioned by the Balance Design Team, she invited her son’s girlfriend on a whim to a meeting, when a casual conversation led to the piece’s entire mission. Previously a political scientist, Katie was excited to hear that Chamblee took part in the International...

Food + Beverage

Chamblee’s Sweetest Treat

Pam Kachmar of The Frosty Caboose shares the story of Chamblee’s most beloved treats Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Janet Howard A bright red caboose sits at the center of Chamblee’s downtown, serving a rotating selection of delicious ice cream. Pam Kachmar left 20-years in human resources and sales to open and run this Chamblee landmark. The resulting ice cream shop, The Frosty Caboose, has been a mainstay since its opening in 2009. Over the past 17 years, Pam and her family have...

Local Services

Meet Kristen Gorham

Chamblee City Manager builds a strong sense of place in Chamblee Article by Tana Poncsak | Photography by Provided by City of Chamblee Chamblee City Manager Kristen Gorham is helping to build a strong sense of place and a sense of identity through the day-to-day operations for the city of Chamblee. After Kristen received her master’s in public administration at the University of Georgia, she says left Georgia for a couple of years and was looking to move back to the metro Atlanta area...

Arts + Culture

Sip Artistic Spirits

The Distillery of Modern Art platforms local artists and entrepreneurs, all while crafting award-winning spirits grown and produced in Georgia. Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Janet Howard Craft cocktails, local art, and budding community all intersects at the Distillery of Modern Art (DOMA). A fully functioning whiskey distillery, Founder Seth Watson created this concept as a means to marry his dual passions for hospitality and spirits. It's an incubator in more ways than one; from...

Home + Design

Homeownership

See your house as more than a home Article by Robert Platt/Aaron Michelle Baker | Photography by Janet Howard So, Punxsutawney Phil popped his head out and said six more weeks of winter. Considering he’s only right 35% of the time, and Atlanta weather changes hourly, maybe it’s a good time to quit trusting a rodent for weather advice. It seems we’re often looking for an authority we can trust to guide us through virtually everything. This holds especially true regarding protecting our...

Food + Beverage

Brewing Up Community

Brendan Smith fosters communal camaraderie over cups of excellent coffee through Back Porch Coffee events Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Janet Howard Connecting over a cup of coffee is a universal human experience. It’s a go-to for first dates, casual business meetings, and old friends catching up after years spent apart. All over the world, coffee is a daily ritual, and it's even more enjoyable when treated as a true craft. There’s a science to brewing an epic cup of coffee or...

Home + Design

Kitchens by Habitations

Habitations LLC designs with your family’s lifestyle in mind Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Janet Howard It’s one of life’s peculiarities that anytime an event is hosted, no matter how beautifully appointed the rest of the house, all guests end up in the kitchen. More than the heart of the home, kitchens have become the hub of socialization, which shows up in the world of home design. In addition to their full spectrum home renovations, Habitations LLC now offers boutique design...

Home + Design

A Place for Peace

Susie Mae Design crafts homes with character Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Janet Howard Our homes serve as a refuge from the ravages of the outer world. Stepping through the front door, we need to feel a sense of calm and coziness to unwind. "The way our homes look and function has a true impact on how we feel,” says Susie Prince, founder of Susie Mae Design. Susie first recalls falling in love with an interior space while watching 1994’s adaptation of Little Women . Growing up in a...

Home Services

Cabinetry a Family Affair

No detail too small – No vision too large Article by Tana Poncsak | Photography by Janet Howard Dalia Alvarez Perez grew up with two sisters and a younger brother. Dalia and her siblings were raised by a single mother, who instilled the value of resiliency in them, and that helped each of them move forward and shape different visions and careers. Now Dalia and her sisters, Patricia and Maria, have come together and opened Artistry Design Studio located in the Golden Plaza at 3302 Laventure...

Local Services

Where Love Blooms

Toca Florals is the culmination of a love story, offering arrangements with West Coast artistry Article by Natalie Fox | Photography by Janet Howard Love is at the center of Toca Florals, Chamblee’s newest flower shop, delivering elevated, structural designs for every occasion. Husband-wife duo Tiffany and Luis hail from their previous shop in Orange County, California. Luis, Toca Florals’s sole floral designer, has no formal training. His childhood in Mexico was surrounded by family-made...