Monthly Archives: April 2025

Mane 18 Spa and Salon—Kessler Davis

Women In Business

For over 20 years, Kessler Owens Davis has dedicated her career to one mission: helping others look and feel their absolute best. From a young age she dreamed of creating a space where beauty and confidence go hand in hand—and today, that dream is a thriving reality.

Mane 18 Spa and Salon is more than just a place for expert hair care and beauty services—it’s a hub of empowerment, creativity, and community. Recently recognized as one of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons in the Nation, it’s clear that the passion and dedication behind the business do not go unnoticed.

629 Furys Ferry Road | Augusta • GA
706) 814-7280

manexviii.com | instagram: @manexviii

Mane 18 Spa and Salon is more than just a place for expert hair care and beauty services—it’s a hub of empowerment, creativity, and community. Recently recognized as one of Salon Today's Top 200 Salons in the Nation.

AUGUSTA DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETICS CENTER—Sarah Cely, MD

Women In Business

Dr. Sarah Cely is an award-winning, board-certified dermatologist who has practiced in the CSRA for almost 15 years. A native Augustan, she is excited to announce the opening of Augusta Dermatology and Aesthetics Center, a full-service dermatology and aesthetics center located on Augusta West Parkway.

706-250-7025
1224 Augusta West Parkway | Augusta, GA

Visit our website augderm.com

augderm.com

The Content Room—Amanda Bowling & Ashley Ford

Women In Business

Business entrepreneurs and lifelong friends Amanda Bowling and Ashley Ford are at it again.

Amanda, owner of The Blush and Glow Studio, and Ashley, owner of Southern Swag, are opening a new business called The Content Room.

The business concept, a first for this area, will give customers a space to do everything from creating social media content to holding photo sessions to hosting baby showers.

4400 River Watch Parkway | Suite 1 | Evans, GA
instagram: @thecontentroomevans

Amanda, owner of The Blush and Glow Studio, and Ashley, owner of Southern Swag, are opening a new business called The Content Room.

Casual Furniture of Augusta—Donna Gibbs

Women In Business

For 40 years, Donna Gibbs has been helping the way customers relax, rejuvenate and entertain. As owner of Casual Furniture of Augusta, she specializes in high-end patio furniture and accessories that can turn your outdoor space into a personal oasis.

“People want to be outdoors. Our focus is making sure those outdoor moments are enjoyed with furniture that is beautiful, comfortable and durable,” she says. “All of our lines – from sectionals, seating groups, poolside furniture, bistro sets, even umbrellas – are the highest quality, elegant and easy to clean.”

Brands Include: • Arrtifex • Casual Comfort USA • Classic Cushions • Ebel • Gensun • Hanamint
• Lloyd Flanders • Lane Venture • Patio Living Concepts • Phisco Outdoor • Pride Family Brands
• Ratana • South Sea • Sunbrella Fabrics • Three Birds Casual • Treasure Garden • Winston
• Woodard • Umbrellas • Accessories • Waterproof Wall Art

CasualFurnitureAugusta.com
3725 Washington Rd
Augusta, GA 30907
706-504-4547

Voted BEST Outdoor Furniture in Augusta

Universal Plumbing

Women In Business

Jasmine Jordan, Shalanda Morris, Claudia Jones, Akirah Hills, Soraya Morris and Stephanie Fox

Universal Plumbing is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, and throughout its four decades in business, the company has embraced hiring women in the male-dominated field. The six women on the 27-member team include Shalanda Morris, operations manager; Claudia Jones, vice president; Jasmine Jordan, who works in human resources; and Stephanie Fox, who works in customer service and dispatch.

2415 Milledgeville Rd, Augusta, GA 30904
 706-686-3092

universalplumbinginc.com

Universal Plumbing is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, and throughout its four decades in business, the company has embraced hiring women in the male-dominated field.

The Professionals at Jim Courson Realty—Pam Lightsey

Women In Business

Realtor Pam Lightsey began her business journey while she was in college, working at the Augusta College bookstore after leaving a family-run business. Starting as secretary and working her way up to interim director, she spent 16 years learning every position and managing a business with a multi-million dollar budget. With this experience, Pam was asked to start a new office on the campus that would manage IDs for faculty, staff, students and guests. She continued in this position until her retirement in 2019.

PAM LIGHTSEY | Licensed in GA and SC
4063 Columbia Road | Martinez, GA
C: (706) 840-2087 or O: (706) 860-3032
Email: pam@pamlightsey.com

Visit my website at www.PamLightsey.com

Jim Courson Professionals Realty Pam Lghtsey

Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning—Kristen Munn

Women In Business

Busby’s Heating & Air Conditioning proudly celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s legacy. In a momentous transition, Kristen Munn, daughter of Rick Busby, has been named the company’s new President. This marks the beginning of the third generation of leadership for the family-owned business.

Kristen’s journey with Busby’s began more than 15 years ago as a summer intern. After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Business Management degree from Georgia College & State University, she took on various roles within the company to advance its technology and operations.

1236 Gordon Park Road | Augusta, GA
(706) 993-2945
See us at www.busbys.com

Best Heating and Air Conditioning inAugusta

 

Sanderlin Veterinary Hospital—Lauren Sanderlin

Women In Business

Putting pet parents and their fur babies at ease comes naturally to Lauren Sanderlin, who has been a veterinarian for 13 years. When she opened Sanderlin Veterinary Hospital in 2020, she expanded her opportunities to provide excellent care. “It has always been a lifelong dream to have my own practice and devote  myself to caring for people’s pets,” she says. Services include spaying, neutering, surgery, blood testing, x-rays, dental care, nutritional care and microchipping. 

6482 Stanford Rd., Harlem, GA
Email: sanderlinveterinaryhospital@gmail.com

(762) 675-6003

Visit our website: sanderlinveterinaryhospital.com

Lauren Sanderlin, who has been a veterinarian for 13 years

Paws in Paradise Luxury Resort & Spa

Women In Business

  Everyone loves to shower their pets with love and attention, especially the staff of 60-plus people at Paws In Paradise Luxury Resort & Spa. Led by owner Anne Dysinger and four female managers, they rain so much TLC on their clients’ animals that it’s like, well, raining cats and dogs.

The dedicated managers include Marlana Blevins, who oversees facilities operations; Crystal Lesley, who manages the wellness program; Jen McCarthy, who heads grooming; and Kayla Tabor, who runs boarding and daycare.

4319 Evans to Locks Road • Evans, GA 30809
706-750-9042

www.pawsinparadiseresort.com

Magnolia Lane Events & Productions—Kelly Hilley

Women In Business

With years of experience in the food and beverage and event industries, Kelly Hilley, event management director/designer for Magnolia Lane Events & Productions, started her career by serving VIP and celebrity-based clients in Atlanta and Miami.

From weddings and private parties to corporate and special events to festivals and fundraisers, she creates memorable moments for her clients and brings their visions to life. With her willingness to take on any task, she leads her team by example. The business also is the only full-service event management company in the area. 

4058 Gracewood Dr. | Augusta, GA
(706) 513-0925
Email: k.hilley@magnolialaneevents.com

Visit me at our website magnolialaneevents.com

From weddings and private parties to corporate and special events to festivals and fundraisers - Kelly Hilley at Magnolia Lane

Maven Tile & Stone—Audra Tiller

Women In Business

With more than 15 years of experience in the tile industry, Audra Tiller has created a business for every customer, installer, designer, architect and builder. “Tile has been rewarding because every day you can create something different,” she says. “I love helping people bring their ideas to life. I also like the technical aspects of tile. You have to know so many intricate details to be successful.” Audra also focuses on supporting and training installers and end-users. “From first-time homeowners to custom homes with designers, we have something for everyone,” she says. “If clients can show us a picture of what they want, we can help recreate it.”

(706) 364-1400 | Monday–Friday 7am–5pm
1259 Augusta West Pkwy | Augusta, GA
www.maventile.com

Audra Tiller of Maven Tile and Stone

Merry Maids—Kim Brown

Women In Business

Longtime businesswoman Kim Brown, owner of the local Merry Maids franchise, knows the importance of trust. And nothing is more important than having trust in the people who come into your home.

The company offers a wide variety of cleaning services, and Kim says every day is different. She mentors and coaches her team so that every client has an excellent cleaning experience. 

Georgia
(706) 650-2409
merrymaids.com/augusta

South Carolina
(803) 593-0077
merrymaids.com/augusta

Merry Maids Augusta and South Carolina Kim Brown

Aesthetic Essentials of Augusta—Amy Faircloth, RN, BSN

Women In Business

Amy Faircloth, RN, BSN, always had a dream of making others feel their best. A graduate of Medical College of Georgia’s School of Nursing, she has more than 25 years of experience in med-surg, ENT, plastic surgery and operative services. As an Augusta native and the founder of Aesthetic Essentials of Augusta, Amy is proud to put her city on the map of aesthetics. She also has a second location in Atlanta. In 10-plus years in aesthetics, Amy has received many awards including Top 100 Injector in the U.S., Top 12 National Juvederm Lip expert and Real Self’s Most Loved Injector. Aesthetic Essentials of Augusta was recently named “Best Place for Botox/Anti-Aging Services” by the readers of Columbia County Magazine for 100 Best in the CSRA for 2023 and 2024.

Augusta: 1220 George C Wilson Dr. Suite C Augusta, GA • 706-434-8304

Atlanta: 104 Sycamore Place Suite A Decatur, GA • (706) 833-4256

AEAugusta.com

named “Best Place for Botox/Anti-Aging Services” by the readers of Columbia County Magazine for 100 Best in the CSRA for 2023 and 2024

Paradise Kennels—Ashton Thompson

Women In Business

Paradise Kennels, owned by Ashton Thompson, is not just female owned but also primarily run by women. Of the four management positions, two are held by women. Grooming Manager Kelcie Carter, and General Manager Jennifer Caulkins make up the female dream team that keeps Ashton’s vision moving forward. And the female fun doesn’t stop there. We currently have 37 employees and 34 of them are women. From old to young, they are passing down their passion for animals, and their drive for success is showing young female staff that no obstacle is too high and no dream too big.

• Prearranged Pickup Shuttle available for grooming services
• Dog & Cat Hair Color Services Available
• Full Service Grooming for Dogs & Cats
• Add-On treat packages
• Private Cremation & Pet Cemetery

3996 Belair Road | Augusta, Ga
(706) 860-1977

paradisekennelsga.com

Best Dog Groomer Augusta