Simply Buckhead

ARTS SUPPORTER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Globe-hopping cultural icon calls Dunwoody home!

Twenty years ago, Nigerian native Audu Maikori was an attorney in Lagos when he decided to take on the tall order of shaping African music by supporting and fostering young stars. He teamed with two partners and launched the Afrobeats label Chocolate City to attract and nurture young talent. Since its inception, the project has achieved a global reach and found a solid footing in the U.S. Maikori has also found a home here, settling in Dunwoody with his wife and 18-month-old daughter. He shares his journey below.

How did you come to live in Dunwoody?

I was born and raised in Nigeria, where for a long time there were a lot of issues around human rights abuses and ethno-religious crises. I didn’t feel safe anymore, and that’s what brought me to the States around 2016 to see a friend. I was in Buckhead for about a year before moving to New York, but when COVID came, that was not the place to be. Atlanta felt like home, so I took the leap and bought a place in Dunwoody in August 2020. I love that it’s so convenient to travel from here. And there’s a very diverse community as well...

Read more in the latest issue of out now!

📝H.M. Cauley

CHOCOLATE CITY
chocolatecitymusic.com

IT’S ELECTRIC

Trick out your small appliance collection with the latest and greatest kitchen gear.

These pint-sized gadgets pack a lot of power into their small frames, saving space and bringing you the best in cutting-edge tech and beautiful design.

Breville Barista Touch Impress ($1,500)

Upgrade your coffee experience with an automatic touch system from Breville. It seamlessly guides even the most inexperienced coffee maker through an intuitive touch screen with personalized settings to make up to eight beverages. A three-second heat-up time, one-touch tamping system and alternative milk settings make this the ultimate way to start your morning.

Crate & Barrel
crateandbarrel.com


Read more in the latest issue of out now!

📝 Lauren Finney Harden

LITTLE FOOT FORWARD

Local entrepreneur Anne Arwood launches kids’ shoes subscription service!

Kids outgrow their shoes in record fashion, leaving parents constantly shopping for new footwear. As a mother of two, Atlanta-based Anne Arwood experienced this problem firsthand and set out to create a solution.

“I was in business school at Emory and taking an entrepreneurship class. We had to come up with a problem we were trying to solve and a solution for it,” Arwood says. “At the time, my kids were at the age where they were outgrowing their shoes every three to six months, and I felt like I was always at the shoe store.”

After working with a startup accelerator at Emory and getting feedback from several parents, Arwood formulated the idea for Fitted Family, an e-commerce brand that creates seasonal subscription shoe boxes and ships them directly to the doorstep. Officially launched in June, Fitted Family is aimed at children from birth to age 7. The company creates three collections of shoes a year: the Sunny Days Box, delivering in March; the Back to School Box, delivering in July; and the Holidays Box, delivering in November. Each package contains three pairs of shoes, including one sneaker, and costs $175. Shoes are from children’s footwear brands such as Cienta, Hunter, BOGS and Footmates.

“These are brands I have tested on my kids as a mom and that my children grew up wearing,” Arwood says. “These are high quality, boutique brands that really last, and they’re also really fashionable, functional and cute...”

Read more in the latest issue of out now!

📝 Giannina Bedford

FITTED FAMILY
fittedfamily.com

CROWD-FREE CHARM

Camp Creek Inn on 30A is blissfully calm.

I’ve been keeping an eye on Camp Creek Inn for a few years. My family and I have vacationed along the beaches of 30A for almost two decades, and we take an extra bit of pride in being in the know ahead of the masses. I first noticed the construction on 30A across from Watersound Beach Club a few years ago.

We were headed to Charlie’s Donut truck in Alys Beach when we took a little detour to see what was to come. Fast forward to January 2024, and Camp Creek Inn opened. On its property are three pools (two with lazy rivers), a wellness center, pickleball and tennis courts, three restaurants and a 75-room boutique inn. An under-an-hour flight from Hartsfield-Jackson to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport got me to the hotel’s adults-only pool around four hours after walking out of my Buckhead front door. Besides location, this small inn on sprawling grounds has a lot to add to the appeal of 30A.

After dropping my bags in my king room, I beelined to the adult pool, tucked behind the wellness center and adjacent to Bark ‘N Brine, a poolside barbecue restaurant. Live music kicks off at 4:30 p.m., making an idyllic soundtrack for my happy hour margarita. The space came with ample umbrellas and chairs and plenty of natural shade, too.

I opted for 1936, one of the onsite restaurants, for a casual first night dinner. It was a Monday, and the bar was as lively as it might be on a weekend. Whipped feta and hummus with cucumber, baby carrots and grilled pita were a fresh precursor to the steak frites with garlic-herb compound butter. Save room for the Bushwacker tiramisu, a coastal twist on the Italian dessert made with rum, amaretto and mascarpone...

Read more in the latest issue of out now!

CAMP CREEK INN
850.231.7600
campcreekinn.cominn

📝 Nicole Letts

Glam squad was on point for the Believe Ball for this past weekend! It takes a village and I am always grateful to have a stellar team. Much-needed funds were raised towards the mission of curing children’s cancer, and a great time was had by all 💛

Dress: Vintage Scaasi styled by (you rock Laura Nay!)
Hair/Makeup: the always amazing
Bracelet:

PARTNERS IN DESIGN

Maison Venu Joins Forces with Design Social Studio.

Textile company Maison Venu recently partnered with Design Social Studio, a boutique textile, wallpaper and leather showroom on the Westside founded by Brooks Morrison in 2020. This is the first partnership of its kind for Maison Venu as the brand looks to expand its to-the trade representation after debuting its first Fabric by the Yard collection in May.

“Brooks is a force. I am inspired by the wonderful communities she’s built for the trade and textile designers through Design Social Studio and its sister brand, Design Social Pop Up,” says Maison Venu Founder and Creative Director Olivia Massie. “I’m honored to be a part of the 18 brands Design Social Studio represents and for Southeastern designers to have consistent access to Maison Venu through this partnership.”

maisonvenu.com
thedesignsocialstudio.com

📝 Giannina Bedford

BRITTNI DONALDSON

Atlanta Hawks’ first female assistant coach has embraced the twists and turns of her career!

Playing basketball at the University of Northern Iowa was a difficult experience. I had four knee surgeries during my collegiate career, and I spent so much time in and out of the lineup, battling back from injury. Fortunately, I was able to finish out my college basketball career on a high, even after doctors told me there was very little chance of me playing again. I played minutes on the court in a game during my senior night and it felt like I was able to reclaim my story, which dated back to my having a basketball in my hands by the time I could walk.

My dad, Jeff, played basketball in college and coached me throughout my youth, including into my high school years in Northern Iowa. Basketball really connected us, and we shared a love and understanding of the sport. It really bonded us. I played volleyball and golf, and I ran track, but I gravitated towards basketball; it’s a non-stop team sport, and you have to have a cohesion and connection with your teammates to go out there and solve problems every two seconds when you’re on the court. It’s so much fun. And while I had hoped to play professionally, I knew that was not in the cards for me physically.

From there, my story is full of detours and pivots. In fact, coaching wasn’t even on my radar. After I graduated college in 2015, where I studied statistics and actuarial sciences, I went to work as a business analyst in a call center, crunching numbers and data. I realized the job was not for me, and I tried to figure out how to get back into basketball or a team sport environment...

Read more in the latest issue of Simply Buckhead, out now!



📝Amy Meadows

TRAVELERS’ ESSENTIALS

It’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” and with all the excitement comes opportunities to travel.

Although it’s exciting to look forward to the destination, the preparation for a trip can be stressful. To reduce travel anxiety and keep you and your family in the holiday spirit, invest in these travelers’ essentials.

Eagle Creek PACK-IT Starter Set Travel Bags ($55)

If you’re an over-packer, then it’s time to try packing cubes. The Pack-It Starter Set from Eagle Creek has three washable and water resistant bags, including one large folder to keep clothes crisp, one medium cube for items like shirts and pants and one small cube for items like underwear or socks. The result is an organized suitcase with all your favorite clothing staples.

DICK’s Sporting Goods
dickssportinggoods.com


Read more in the November issue of out now!

📝 Katie Hughes

EMPOWERING CANCER WARRIORS AND CAREGIVERS

Restoring smiles.

When Charessa Sawyers’ mother, Barbara Nobles, was diagnosed with breast cancer, it took a toll on both the patient and her family. “It was the first time I had ever seen her as vulnerable,” says Sawyer. “With no income and three daughters still in school, the bills piled up, and she lost her smile.”

Following successful treatment and a respite in Florida with a cousin, Nobles returned charged up, ready to restart her life. It was so transformative for the family that Sawyer, a licensed mental health therapist, created the Charge Up Campaign in 2013 to provide supportive mental health services to other cancer warriors and their caregivers regardless of their ability to pay.

The organization also offers supplementary services ranging from medical supplies for survivors and school bags for their kids to Thanksgiving dinners. Grants and donations support its work that is now offered in five Southern states.

Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and many, such as Sandy Springs residents volunteer coordinator Adria Sanders and chaplain April Kelley, have been involved long term. Kelley provides outreach and spiritual services to patients and has led prayer calls.

CHARGE UP CAMPAIGN
chargeupcampaign.org


📝Mickey Goodman

WELCOME TO BUCKHEAD VILLAGE

THREE NEW-TO-MARKET SHOPS!

Buckhead Village has seen a slew of openings over the past several months. The most recent arrivals are Vuori, Brochu Walker and Todd Snyder.

The additions bring the total retail offerings to 40 stores. The openings are new to the market, says Sandi Parker, vice president of mixed use and development projects at Jamestown that owns Buckhead Village. “We’ve curated a mix of more elevated, contemporary and one-of-a-kind brands that you won’t find elsewhere in Atlanta.”

California-based women’s luxury lifestyle brand Brochu Walker offers ready-to-wear pieces, including dresses, tops, bottoms, loungewear, shoes, handbags and accessories. The Atlanta store, opened in August, has 1,832 square feet of retail space and is housed in the former Sarah Flint storefront.

Todd Snyder is a New York-based menswear brand focused on modern American style. The 2,560-squarefoot location is situated between the soon-to-open Rails and Warby Parker at 272 Buckhead Ave. Vuori, a California-based performance apparel brand, is located at the corner of Peachtree and Buckhead Avenue. It spans 3,315 square feet and opened in July. For all three, these are their first locations in the state...

Read more in the November issue of out now!

📝 Nicole Letts

BUCKHEAD VILLAGE
buckheadvillagedistrict.com

A BEAUTIFUL FINISH

Summer Loftin brings dramatic flair to her interior and antiques businesses.

Mississippi native Summer Loftin fell in love with the classic styles and historic architecture of Atlanta more than 20 years ago. She started her design work at an art and antique gallery on Miami Circle that imported from Europe after attending Ole Miss, where she focused on period styles, furniture and decorative arts. She also studied antique appraising at the University of Georgia.

That varied experience has served her well as the principal of Summer Loftin Antiques & Design, a two-pronged business that encompasses her interior design work and her eye for antiques. She founded it more than 15 years ago after gallery clients kept asking for her expertise and advice.

Loftin designs for clients across the country, many of them owners of historic homes. She pulls in antiques where appropriate from that side of the business, which is set up at Interiors Market and is available online at 1stDibs, Chairish and Instagram. Here, she explains her zest for design and how the two businesses work in tandem...

How would you describe your design process and style?

I went to Ole Miss for art history, and now I primarily work on historic homes. I’ve designed interiors for two Neel Reid homes and a Philip Trammel Schutze home...

Read more in the latest issue of , on stands now!

📝 Lauren Finney Harden

SUMMER LOFTIN ANTIQUES & DESIGN
404.314.9548
summerloftin.com

BUZZ

CHASTAIN PARK ARTS FESTIVAL
NOV. 2-3

Get your holiday shopping done early with the Fall Arts Festival at Chastain Park.

The two-day event showcases visual arts for sale created by more than 175 artists and artisans. The event is free and open to the public.

chastainparkartsfestival.com

Has a healthcare hero made a difference in your life or a loved one's?

Whether it's a compassionate nurse who provided round-the-clock care or a skilled surgeon who gave you a second chance, you can honor their dedication through CURE's Healthcare Hero Fund.

Learn more and show your gratitude: curechldhoodcancer.org/healthcarehero

SEASONAL SPIRIT

The versatility of tequila!

Poolside Margaritas are iconically quaffable, but tequila needn’t be put away with summer clothes. It is so much more than a sultry weather spirit. Tequila has a range of flavor profiles, lending opportunities to incorporate the spirit of Mexico in classic cocktails, too.

The distilled spirit is made from blue agave (tequilana Weber), a large succulent that grows in Mexico. New tequila brands and innovations continually hit the market. Imaginative barrel aging in former sherry, Bordeaux and cognac casks expand the boundaries of tequila’s identity. Some rival the quality of single malt scotch whiskies and Armagnacs. The more times tequila is distilled, it produces an increasingly smoother spirit.

You might not think of tequila or its earthier cousin Mezcal as a go-to for crafting an Old Fashioned, but it works so well. Stick to a barrel-aged reposado or añejo tequila and construct in the same method as the original.

Casi Cielo has a menu of dozens of tequila expressions listed by types and a long list of mezcals from which to choose. The standard Old Fashioned here has the addition of Agave de Cortes Mezcal to stirred bourbon, simple syrup and bitters, with an orange peel and Bing cherry garnish. It’s called the Smoky Old Fashioned for the softly smoky mezcal and the presentation under a smoked dome. Switching to a tequila and mezcal version lends the drink to a balance of smokiness and sweetness with herbaceous notes and earthy undertones...

Read more in the latest issue of out now!

📝 Angela Hansberger

CASI CIELO
casicieloatl.com

Parisian Escape in Buckhead this Week? Oui Oui!

Feeling like a little Parisian adventure? Look no further than Le Bilboquet Atlanta! This charming bistro oozes French vibes, from the blue velvet banquettes to the delectable bistro fare.

Imagine indulging in their classic cajun chicken and frites, a decadent cheese board, or a fresh salmon dish paired with a perfectly chilled rosé. Sounds dreamy, right?

Le Bilboquet is the perfect spot for a romantic date night, a lively night out with friends, or even a solo escape with a good book and a glass of wine.

So ditch the ordinary this week and transport yourself to Paris at Le Bilboquet!

ADAM DORFMAN

Chastain resident turned his passion for bourbon into a “full proof” business!

There is always a bottle of Shortbarrel Bourbon’s Rye 101 on my bar at home. It’s incredibly versatile. It’s great served neat or over a big rock; it’s great in a cocktail. It’s even great in bourbon slushies. It’s my baby—my favorite product that we produce at Shortbarrel.

I never expected to turn a hobby —my passion for bourbon—into a business. It started in 2015 when I was introduced to someone who owns a local liquor store. We became fast friends over our love of spirits, and he suggested we get some people together to go to Kentucky to pick single barrels of bourbon for his shop.

In 2016, we made our trip, and we discovered that, as a group, we were good at picking single barrels. Over the next four years, our barrel picking group, which included Clinton Dugan and Patrick Lemmond whom I met on the internet in Facebook bourbon groups, expanded into rye, tequila, rum, Cognac and more.

We picked 350 barrels of spirits from a variety of distilleries. We even started an Instagram page to share our picks, calling it Shortbarrel. Our budding reputation in the bourbon world helped our selections fly off the shelves of our friend’s store, with them selling out in hours or days once we announced the new barrels we had chosen...

Read more in the latest issue of out now!

SHORTBARREL BOURBON
shortbarrelbourbon.com


OLD FOURTH DISTILLERY
o4d.com


📝 Amy Meadows
📸 Erik Meadows

Pizza Night Perfected! 🍕🍺

Indulge in the irresistible allure of Vero Pizzeria tonight. A perfect blend of crispy crust, savory toppings, and your favorite beer or wine.

Family fun on a Tuesday night? Yes, please!

In his debut solo exhibition, Imane Ayissi amplifies the culturally rich textile and sartorial heritage of Africa to reexamine and challenge the Western-oriented world of haute couture.

Showcasing traditional elements spanning the continent, From Africa to the World prominently features raffia, Obom bark cloth, Faso Dan Fani stripes, and Kente cloth.

A journey through more than 40 signature looks, the expansive show embodies the designer’s singular energy, contextualizing his role within Africa’s larger contributions to fashion while expanding understandings of global luxury.

Now through February 23, 2025.