Author Archives: Kristy Johnson

Michael Siewert – Signature Interiors & Gifts

Faces of Success

Award-winning interior designer Michael Siewert — aka Signature Mike — is nationally known for creating spaces and looks that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Since moving his business here from Washington, D.C., in 2005, he and his staff have helped hundreds of clients customize their homes and businesses throughout the country, from new construction to remodeling projects to redecorating existing spaces. And they love the results.

Shop His Local Stores on Fury’s Ferry Road in Martinez or He Will Come to You!

3505 Professional Circle
Augusta, GA 30907

(706) 447-1503

www.michaelsiewert.com

Best Interior Designer Augusta Michael Siewert

Dr. Shawn Brower – Westminster Schools of Augusta

Resource Guide

We are committed to glorifying God through education that equips students to lead exceptional lives for Jesus Christ. Our college preparatory program sets high academic standards that challenge students to excel. With a focus on integrating Christian principles into every aspect of learning, we nurture each student’s unique gifts in academics, arts, and athletics.

Shawn Brower: Head of School

3067 Wheeler Road | Augusta | GA, 30909
 
706.731.5260
 
Top Christian Schools Augusta Georgia

Anderson, Adkins & Company, CPA

Faces of Success

The mission of our accounting firm is to provide our clients with exceptional service while providing our staff with a challenging and rewarding work environment.

COMMITMENT
We are committed to your success. We have dedicated, responsible staff members that are ready to apply their knowledge and skills for you. It’s our business to know your business well enough so that together, we can achieve your goals. We look forward to partnering with you!

HISTORY
Anderson, Adkins & Company has served as a trusted adviser to our clients for more than 120 years of combined experience.

Over forty years ago, the founding partner, Mr. Mark Anderson, became a partner and had a staff of one. Over the last forty years, we have added two additional partners, Mr. Scott Adkins and Mr. Thomas “Ricky” Crawford, and have grown to a staff of twenty. We currently serve over 1500 clients in a variety of professions and capacities. We have the flexibility and ability to custom tailor our services to meet your financial needs and goals.

604 Ponder Pl Dr, Evans, GA 30809
(706) 288-2000

Visit us at www.augustacpas.com

CPA's Augusta Anderson< Adkins

Katie and Tyler Smith – Rick’s Paint & Body

Faces of Success

For Katie and Tyler Smith, owners of Rick’s Paint & Body, entrepreneurship is in their blood.

The couple originally started a landscaping company in 2003 just before they got married and grew the business from the two of them to 25 employees. They eventually sold it and moved back to the area to learn the auto repair business from Katie’s father, whom they bought out in 2019.

251 Bobby Jones Expressway
Martinez, Georgia

(706) 868-9904

rickspaintandbody.com

Best Paint and Body Augusta

Andy Higgins – Meybohm Realtor & Vice President

Faces of Success

Born and raised in Augusta, Andy comes from a family of real estate professionals. A Realtor since 2007, Andy has been a member of the Presidents Club for multiple consecutive years. He currently holds the title of Vice President and has received Meybohm’s award for Best of the Best since 2013. When not showing or listing homes, you can find him playing golf, on the water with his boys, or enjoying time with friends and family.

 

REALTOR® | Vice President
7025 Evans Town Center Blvd
Evans, GA 30809

Office: (706)863-8218
Cell: (706)829-3637

www.soldyouso.com

Top Realtor in Augusta Any Higgins

 

Pastor Marty Baker – Stevens Creek Church

Faces of Success

God wants to have a real, personal relationship with you.
Every Sunday, we gather to engage in inspiring worship and challenging teaching. It’s all designed to help you encounter God and discover a relationship with Him. Whether you’re brand new to faith or you’ve followed Christ for years, our Sunday services are a place for you.

God designed us to live in community.
Church is designed to put you into relationships with people who support you, care for you, and make you better. Small Groups are your avenue to start new friendships and grow in your faith. We offer small groups for every age group, from kids to grandparents.

Serving is the ultimate expression of our faith.
Our response to God’s love for us is to serve other people. We believe in serving within the church and outside our walls, can change our lives and the lives of those we serve.

600 Stevens Creek Rd | Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 863-7002

Visit us stevenscreekchurch.com

Stevens Creek Church Augusta

 

 

D.J. Williams – DJ & Co. Salon, Spa & Gifts

Faces of Success

Upscale yet down to earth, a session in the salon chairs at D.J. & Co. Salon, Spa & Gifts is like a friendly, relaxing chat that just so happens to leave you perfectly colored, cut and styled.

For 30 years, the salon and spa has stood in a category all its own. Along with being voted Best Hair Salon for 10 years in a row, D.J. has earned his place in the top 1/10th of 1% of all hair stylists worldwide, maintaining the accomplishment for three decades — and counting.

Whether you’re coming in for hair, lashes, spray tans, face and body waxing, microdermabrasion, facials, massage or other pampering services, D.J.’s is a stress-free zone where everything always is all about you.

139 Davis Rd, Augusta, GA 30907

 
 

Amanda Bowling – Blush and Glow

Faces of Success

My mission was to bring a safe tanning option to the CSRA. We are the only sunless tanning studio in the area that specializes only in airbrush tanning and only offers spray tans. Our staff have all been professionally trained and certified. Our mission is to provide you with the safest tan possible. Our solutions are made with all-natural ingredients; water based, composed with the highest quality, premium grade DHA. Contains only FDA-approved ingredients, hypoallergenic, free of harsh dyes + chemicals. PETA approved, Dermatologist approved, cruelty-free, Nut-free, alcohol-free, Vegan, & Paraben-free.

Although we provide fake tans, we like to keep it real with you. Our social media is unfiltered and those are our real clients that we tan at Blush & Glow. We embrace all of your stretch marks and cellulite and we will provide you with a judgement-free zone. Our goal is to give you that immediate confidence booster that you deserve. We understand it’s scary and a little weird to get undressed in front of a complete stranger but we will do our best to make you feel as comfortable possible. EVERYONE is welcome at Blush & Glow!

341 Furys Ferry Rd #8 | Martinez, GA 30907
(706) 432-8794

www.theblushandglowstudio.com

Best Tanning in Augusta Blush and Glow

A&D Carpet and Hardwoods + A&D Properties

Faces of Success

Flooring, home décor, accent furniture — for more than 40 years, the community has trusted A&D Carpet and Hardwoods with their homes.

The award-winning family business was founded by Angela and David Key and includes daughters Becky Critell, operations manager, and Davina Key-Strickland, sales/marketing manager and decorator.

The family’s dedication to customer service is evident in everything they do. In addition to being named Best Flooring Company for 11 years, the company has been awarded a BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

320 South Belair Road • Martinez
(706) 863-8879

aanddcarpets.com

Best Flooring in Columbia County A&D

 

 

Greenbrier Veterinary Services

Resource Guide

Dr. Ashley Wheatley and her staff at Greenbrier Veterinary Services understand that fur babies are family. With a new, larger, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, they nurture the human-animal bond with comprehensive, compassionate, professional pet care. Services include:

• Separate dog and cat waiting areas
• Heated exam table in cat exam room
• Comprehensive exams and bloodwork
• On-site laboratory and pharmacy
• Pet dentistry services
• Laser therapy
• Digital diagnostic procedures
• Prescription and therapeutic diets
• Monthly disease and parasite prevention

1715 General Wood Parkway • Evans
GREENBRIERVETSERVICES.COM
(762) 233-2380

Verterinarian Columbia County Greenbrier Vet

Kelley Appliance Center

Faces of Success

For more than 60 years, local residents have known they can depend on Kelley Appliance to help them with all their appliance needs.

The business was founded in 1962 by George Kelley, who ran the store until his death in 2006. His son, Rusty, ran the store from 2006 until he passed away in 2015, and George’s grandchildren, Kelley and Zachary Zapata, now co-manage the third-generation, family-owned appliance center. In 2018, Kelley and Zachary opened a second location in Aiken to better serve customers in the CSRA.

Third-Generation, Family-Owned Appliance Store

191 Baston Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
 
(706) 863-7098

Evans Medical Group

Faces of Success

Whether you are in need of a checkup for a newborn, a school physical for a teenager, a flu shot for an adult or management of a chronic condition for a senior, Evans Medical Group is here for you.

The physicians and staff offer comprehensive primary care services for your whole family so you can all get the remarkable care you deserve when you need it most, and they provide it in a compassionate, Christian manner.

1205 Town Park Lane • Evans
(706) 868-3100
evansmedicalgroup.com

Columbia County Evans Medical Group

 

 

Fairs & Festivals

In The Home

LOCAL

October 11-20
Western Carolina State Fair
AikenAiken’s fair features two midways and more than 40 rides along with family shows, horticulture exhibits and arts and crafts. Entertainment includes Pretty Bird Paradise, K9s in Flight, demolition derby, magician and more. children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older to enter. There is a clear bag policy. Free parking. westerncarolinastatefair.com

October 12
Evans Beer Fest
The Plaza
Sample more than 150 beers from local, regional and national breweries, breweries. Event features food, a souvenir glass and live music by Ryan Trotti. 2-5 p.m. $35-$65. evansbeerfest.com

October 18-27
Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Downtown Augusta
Augusta Exchange Club’s fair on Hale Street includes midway rides, carnival shows, livestock, artisan exhibits and attractions from Strates Shows. Admission is $7-$10; unlimited rides $30. Ages 17 or under must be accompanied by an adult. georgiacarolinastatefair.com

October 19
Fall Fest & Flea Market
Barton Field
All-day festival features food, drinks, hay maze, pony rides, arts and crafts, Vendor Village, Jeep Meet, flea market, live bands, college football tent and more. Begins at 9 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. No pets, coolers or large bags. eisenhower.armymwr.com

October 26
Camellia City Festival
Downtown Thomson
Family friendly festival features more than 100 vendors. Includes food, live music, crafters,
artists, health and wellness services, jewelry, book signings and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Bring chairs or blankets. thomsonmcduffiechamber.com

October 31-November 10
Columbia County Fair
Columbia County Fairgrounds
The area’s favorite fair, founded and run by the Merchants Association of Columbia County, features midway rides and attractions from Drew Expositions, demolition derbies, Sea Lion Splash, Banana Derby, magician, petting zoo, master chainsaw artist, nightly concerts and more. $10 admission; ages 5 and under admitted free with an adult.. Unlimited rides $25-$30. After 7 p.m., ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent. No backpacks. Proper attire is required. Parking is free. columbiacountyfair.net

November 1-2
Columbia County Cultural Festival
Evans Towne Center Park
Inaugural festival will showcase a variety of cultures through food, performances, arts and crafts and more. 3-7 p.m. each day. Free admission. columbiacountyga.gov

Out-of-Town Festivals

September 14-November 3
Pumpkin Festival
Stone Mountain
Play by day, glow by night at this festival includes pumpkin patch, games, shows, dance party parade, trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, pie-eating contest, storybook characters, outdoor lights display, pumpkin laser show and after-dark parade. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., Sat. and Sun. Laser show begins 9:30 p.m. Sat. stonemountainpark.com

September 26-October 6
MOJA Arts Festival
Charleston
Celebration of African American and Caribbean arts includes classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B, storytelling, theater, visual arts and ethnic food. mojafestival.com

September 26-October 27
Oktoberfest in Alpine Helen
Helen
America’s longest-running Oktoberfest features German music, food, polka dancing, horse-drawn carriage rides, homemade fudge and more in a Bavarian-style village. German-style bands from around the world perform in the Helen Festhalle. Open seven days a week. helenga.org

September 27-October 6
Georgia State Fair
Atlanta
Fair includes midway rides, petting zoo, camel and pony rides, pig races and family activities. Admission $5-$10; children 4 and under free. Ride wristbands $20-$30. Atlanta Motor Speedway. georgiastatefair.org

October 1-20
Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival
Bluffton
Event features locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine and area art. Streetfest on Oct. 19 and 20 includes a juried fine art show featuring more than 100 artists from 10 different states, food from premier restaurants and caterers and live music and entertainment. blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

October 2-5
Albino Skunk Music Festival
Greer
Bluegrass, Americana, folk, roots and rock music festival in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains features more than 25 bands, food vendors, craft beers, handmade crafts, farmers market, Kiddieland and DeTour de Skunk charity bicycle ride. Bring chairs and coolers. Tent and RV camping available. The Skunk Farm. albinoskunk.com

October 3-5
Moonshiners Reunion & Mountain Music Festival
Campobello
Authentic Appalachian folk festival in South Carolina includes live bands, arts and crafts, camping and all-night picking sessions. Bring lawn seating, tents, RVs and musical instruments. No pets or glass containers. Plum Hollow Farm. moonshiners.com.

October 3-13
Georgia National Fair
Perry
The largest fair in the Southeast is designated a Top 50 Fair in North America by Amusement Business magazine and one of the Best 202 Things About the South by Southern Living. Includes midway rides, live entertainment and nightly fireworks. Concerts include the Bellamy Brothers, Josh Turner, Ginuwine and more. Admission is $10-$15; ages 10 and under are free. Georgia National Fairgrounds. georgianationalfair.com

October 4-5
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
Beaufort
Festival features shrimp dishes from local and regional restaurants, food and beverage vendors, contests, live music, Run Forrest Run 5K Run/Walk, arts and crafts market and children’s area. Fri. 5-10 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. beaufortshrimpfestival.com

October 5
EGGtoberfest
Lawrenceville
Annual cookout features a baseball stadium filled with 450 cooks and more than 250 EGGs cranking out food. Includes food sampling, cooking demos, live music, kid zone, craft beer tastings, marching band and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $75; children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets required. Coolray Field. biggreenegg.com

October 5-6
Fall Cotton Fair
Gay, Georgia
Designated a Top 20 Event from Southeast Tourism Society, this craft fair features works from more than 350 artists, live music and entertainment, homemade Southern food and wares, antiques, magic theater, children’s activities and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-$15; children 10 and under are free. thecottonfair.com

October 6
Latin American Festival
Charleston
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the Latin and Caribbean cultures through merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic Latin American and Caribbean foods. Noon-5 p.m. North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. $25 per vehicle (up to 15 people per vehicle). No coolers or pets. ccprc.com

October 9-20
South Carolina State Fair
Columbia
Entertainment includes midway games, nearly 70 fair rides, stage shows, flower shows, equine show, petting zoo, concerts and more. Admission $5-$20; ages 5 and under are free. $10 parking (credit card only). Stroller, wagon, wheelchair and scooter rentals available at the South Gate. scstatefair.org

October 10-12
Savannah Greek Festival
Savannah
Three-day celebration of Greek food, music and heritage features homemade Greek foods and desserts, Greek dancing and music, church tours, marketplace and more. St. Paul’s Hellenic Center. Admission is $5 after 4 p.m.; military and children under 12 are free. savannahgreekfest.com

October 10-13
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
Tybee Island
Tybee transforms into a lively pirate village, celebrating the colorful seafaring history of the Georgia coast. Festival kicks off Thurs. with the Buccaneer Ball featuring grub, grog, pirates, wenches, music and dancing. Entertainment Fri. and Sat. includes live music, petting zoo, kids’ zone, carnival, parade, fireworks, market and costume contests. tybeepiratefest.com

October 11-13
Fall for Greenville
Greenville
Three-day food-tasting event spread over 8 blocks in downtown Greenville includes cuisine from more than 50 restaurants, more than 80 entertainers on eight stages, contests, challenges and kids’ area. Free admission; tasting tickets available. fallforgreenville.net

October 11-19
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Hiawassee
Two weekends of arts and crafts, country music, gospel music, mountain arts demonstrations, Pioneer Village, midway rides and more. Concert lineup includes Three Dog Night, Tracy Lawrence, The Malpass Brothers, Joe Nichols, Dylan Scott and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking is free. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

October 12-13, 19-20
Georgia Apple Festival
Ellijay Fairgrounds
Festival features more than 300 arts vendors, craft demonstrations, classic auto show, 5K road race and parade. No pets. $10 adults; children 12 and under free. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. georgiaapplefestival.org

October 18-20
South Carolina Jazz Festival
Cheraw
The hometown of jazz king Dizzy Gillespie celebrates his 107th birthday with dozens of diverse jazz performances. Multiple venues. scjazzfestival.com

Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Stone Mountain
Scottish heritage festival includes traditional highland games, Scottish music and dancing, sheepdog and falconry shows, Tartan museum and more at Stone Mountain Park. stonemountainpark.com

October 19
Italian Heritage Festival
Hilton Head
Festival includes Italian food and wine, cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, pizza-eating contest, games, live entertainment and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring lawn chairs. No pets. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. iachh.org

October 19-20
Gold Rush Days Festival
Dahlonega
Festival in the town square includes kid activities, fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, wrist wrestling, King and Queen coronation, live music, parade and more than 300 exhibitors and food vendors. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission. goldrushdaysfestival.com

Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
Beaufort
Visitors can explore a selection of private homes, gardens and plantations normally not open to the public. Sat. tour features homes on the Point and in historic downtown Beaufort. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $65-$75. Sun. tour and Southern brunch at Tombee. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $200-$225. historicbeaufort.org

October 25-26
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
Jekyll Island
Festival features samples of shrimp and grits, shrimp boat tours, live entertainment, cook-off, craft brew tasting, cooking demonstrations, book signings, artist market and kids’ zone. Historic District. jekyllisland.com

Great Ogeechee Music & Seafood Festival
Richmond Hill
One of the largest seafood festivals in the Southeast includes seafood, arts and crafts, amusement rides, fireworks and live music from Clint Black, Sara Evans, The Marshall Tucker Band and more. Admission $15-$50; children 8 and under free. J.F. Gregory Park Pavilion. goseafoodfestival.com.

October 26-November 2
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
Savannah
Savannah College of Art and Design showcases cinematic excellence through competition film screenings, gala premieres, receptions, special screenings, workshops and more with lauded industry guests, award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. Various venues and prices. filmfest.scad.edu

October 31-November 3
Hilton Head Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance
Hilton Head and Savannah
Automotive and motorsports festival features vintage cars and racecars and major international names in automotive collecting and racing. Port Royal Golf Club. hhiconcours.com

November 1-2
Pat Conroy Literary Festival
Beaufort
Festival features a series of free and ticketed events including author discussions, writer workshops, acclaimed presenters and more. patconroyliteraryfestival.org

November 3
South Carolina Oyster Festival
Columbia
South Carolina’s largest outdoor oyster roast features steamed oysters, food vendors, beer and wine gardens, arts and craft vendors and live music. Bring chairs, blankets and oyster knives and gloves. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $10. Cost excludes oysters, food and beverages. Hampton-Preston Mansion. scoysterfest.com

Easy Company by Futurebirds

Listen To This

There’s something mystical in the air. Maybe it’s the ghostly remnants of summer nights long past, or perhaps it’s the waft of a cinnamon broom or echoes of a lost radio frequency carrying the soul of a forgotten tune.

Whatever it is, Futurebirds has captured lightening in a bottle and unleashed it with its fifth and latest studio album, Easy Company.

From note one, Easy Company doesn’t just play — it conjures. It’s as if the band has tapped into a secret stash of sound, where the past and future collide with a wingspan of Southern rock, cosmic country and secret sauce.

The opener, “Movin’ On,” is a sticky-stomp journey about leaving things behind with the knowledge that they’ll always be a part of you. In a nod to Waynesboro, Georgia’s iconic landmark, this song hits close to home — “There is a huntin’ dawg painted up high on the water tower, and he’s pointin’ somewhere — and I’m gonna find out.”

The rest of Easy Company stitches together a beautiful tapestry of songwriting through the chemistry of the Bird’s lead members with songs like “Solitaires,” “Colorados” and the title track, “Easy Company.”

This isn’t just an album — it’s a journey, and the trip is worth taking, again and again.

– Chris Rucker