The Face of the Sweet South - Savannah's Candy Kitchen

Meet the Stricklands. Savannah’s Candy Kitchen is the South’s Largest Candy Store. Located on Historic River Street and City Market in Savannah, GA, they have grown into other cities along the east coast such as Charleston, Nashville, National Harbor, and two locations in the Atlanta Airport. As they continue to grow they keep their tradition of welcoming everyone with a warm smile and fresh praline sample. Come in and experience their old-fashioned candy making traditions, like their taffy machine in action, making salt water taffy as it was made at the turn of the century (1914) and their master candy makers preparing turtles, caramel apples, and homemade ice cream and gelato. For franchise info: riverstreetcandyfranchise.com. savannahcandy.com / 1.800.443.7884

Face of Hair Styling - Shear Elegance

Meet Ashley Vick. She knew she was going to be a hairstylist. “I’ve done it since I was a little girl. I’ve always known I was going to do it,” she said. Vick went to beauty school in Savannah right after high school, then was classically trained at Vidal Sassoon in London. Not long after that, she opened her salon in Savannah. With more than a decade in the business, Shear Elegance has been employee-based versus a rental chair salon, meaning all the stylists at Shear Elegance are regular employees rather than contractors. The industry has trended more toward the gig economy in recent years, but Shear Elegance always has and always will be employee-based for one simple reason – consistency. “It helps with client retention, and we have zero turnover,” Vick explained. “All of the stylists that we’ve added over the years have stayed, and some of my clients have been with me for 18 years before I ever owned a salon.” shearelegancesandfly.com / 912.356.0033

The Faces of Plastic Surgery - Savannah Plastic Surgery

Savannah Plastic Surgery was the first plastic surgery group in Savannah, Georgia. Experience, decades of longevity and successful results are what set Savannah Plastic Surgery apart. The practice was built on a strong history of service to the Lowcountry. The surgeons continue to earn the respect of their peers and the confidence of their patients. Surgical excellence is reinforced by caring customer service. Their entire staff reaches out to their patients to meet their every need. savannahplasticsurgery.com / 912.351.5050

The Faces of Travel - Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

At its heart, travel is about a destination. It’s about setting your focus on a point on the horizon and moving forward. It’s the destination, but it’s also the journey along the way. Just by virtue of being the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire’s largest terminal, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport would be a natural fit for our face of travel. But when you look at travel as the pursuit of a destination, you gain a much clearer picture of why this Savannah institution is the ideal choice to hold that title. Appointed by the mayor and city council of Savannah, the Savannah Airport Commission has worked tirelessly to improve the airport since the commission’s inception in 1949. Under the oversight and direction of Executive Director Greg Kelly, they have ushered the airport into a new era, expanding on airlift to let Savannahians and their neighbors explore that horizon. And they’ve also brought the world to our doorstep. The airport helps power Savannah’s economy, bringing tourism here and taking Savannah business around the globe. “Savannah has so much recognition worldwide now,” said Shirley James, Airport Commission member. The journey along the way has been fulfilling, but it’s the destination that may prove the most exciting. Kelly and the commission have kept their eyes 50 years down the road, ensuring a lasting legacy of world-class air travel for the city of Savannah. Their destination is an intelligent expansion of the airport’s reach and its infrastructure, including multi-million-dollar interchange improvements and continuous modernization of the airport itself. It’s a destination worth pursuing, and a journey that has reaped rich benefits. “We’re a major economic engine for this region,” James said. “To be part of seeing that growth and development and the impact on the city is a privilege. I have the opportunity to work with a staff and our director who are dedicated to making sure our airport is one of the best in the nation and in the world.” The commission is responsible for setting the overall vision for the airport and ensuring the airport has the resources to meet public needs and federal regulations. James and fellow commission member Chairman Stephen Green discussed what serving on the Savannah Airport Commission means to them. “It’s an honor to work with committed and talented professionals. Our people make the difference,” Green said. “We call it the airport family.” FLYSAV.com

Face of Celebrations - Savannah Station

Meet Theresa Reed. Your event deserves that little something extra. Savannah Station is the unique venue you want for everything from weddings to business soirees. Long-time friendly face at Savannah Station, Theresa Reed has a long legacy of executing exquisite experiences at Savannah Station for over 21 years. Last year, Theresa took over ownership of the business and is looking forward to serving her clients and community for years to come. “Savannah Station was truly one of the first unique event spaces in Savannah,” says Theresa. “We’ve always delivered on our promise of personalized attention with each and every customer that walks through the doors. Excellent customer care ensures customers come back for all their special events, year after year.” That promise is deeply personal for Theresa and her staff, who handle every event with the utmost care. savannahstation.com / 912.233.5400

Face of Peace of Mind - Security Associates of Coastal Georgia

Meet Erica Lumpert. Security isn’t just a body at the door. It’s not just another set of eyes scanning the room. Not for CEO Erica Lumpert. For Security Associates of Coastal Georgia those are just the means to secure the ultimate goal: your peace of mind. They are just part of a comprehensive set of measures to ensure total client trust. “We always go the extra step,” says Lumpert. “We have a lot of different measures in place to ensure clients are getting exactly what they want. We don’t want them to worry about security. We want to worry about security.” SACG is an innovator in concierge security, developing modern solutions to old security problems. With its focus on logistics and personality, SACG protects you and yours like no other. securityacg.com / 912.631.4236

The Faces of Plastic Surgery - Savannah Plastic Surgery

Meet Dr. Carl Pearl. Dr. Pearl is the managing partner at Savannah Plastic Surgery. He specializes in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery of the breast, in addition to mommy makeovers. Dr. Pearl strives to create a patient experience where each individual feels relaxed, comfortable, and confident. With over 12 years of experience in Savannah, Dr. Pearl is an active member of the local community. He is an administrative board member at Wesley Monumental and supports the Savannah Children’s theater. savannahplasticsurgery.com

Face of Elegance - Ruth's Chris Savannah

Bay St. is the beating heart of Savannah, but only one spot is the literal and figurative center of it all: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. With its specialty steak cuts and a deep wine menu, the steakhouse has been the choice for discerning foodies with its signature 500-degree plates keeping mouth-watering cuts sizzling hot. The melt-in-your-mouth steaks have earned rave reviews, with standout stars like the 40-ounce Tomahawk cut elevating Savannah’s culinary scene. But what is steak without wine? The gorgeous glass-encased wine cellar at Ruth’s Chris has rightfully earned its Wine Spectator Best of Award, one of just two in the city. And it’s not just food and drink that make Ruth’s Chris a favorite, it’s people. The company’s long tradition of female ownership and hiring from within have created familiar faces like General Manager Rachel Mammina and Sales & Marketing Director Rita Strayer Johnson, both of whom started behind the bar and have pursued their passions as part of the Ruth’s Chris family. ruthschris.com / 912. 721.4800

Face of Dentistry - Smile Designs by Dr. Karen Cooper

Even before you step foot inside Smile Designs by Dr. Karen Cooper, you know you’re in for something… a little bit out of the ordinary. A little bit extra. One part dental office and one part spa, the vibe here is relaxed, welcoming and unrepentantly different. “It’s not your traditional office,” said Dr. Cooper. “But that’s just been me since the beginning.” Finding herself one of the few female dental students at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Cooper realized early on that she was going to take dentistry in a different direction which has proven to be advantageous for her patients. You’ll discover all the leading edge innovative treatments/equipments here - guided 3-D implant surgery, same day custom crowns, sleep apnea modalities and precision color blending techniques, but you’ll also find a sense of restful calm that actually makes a trip to the dentist - dare we say it - enjoyable. “My patients always express how much fun they have here,” said Dr. Cooper. “Let’s face it - no one’s skipping to the dental office, usually. But what I do here helps them to overcome any anxiety they may be experiencing.” That creative streak doesn’t just apply to the ambiance of the office. Dr. Cooper approaches each procedure with an artist’s eye, creating a beautiful smile that completes your whole look. “I’ll hand-paint a cosmetic crown to match the patient’s surrounding teeth. Your whole face - nose, mouth, eyes - has to have symmetry,” she said. “It’s part of a whole.” It’s an artistic approach that complements a practice dedicated to skillful dentistry that looks at the world a little differently. savannahsmiledesigns.com / 912.920.6202

Face of Coastal History - Ships of the Sea Museum

Lunchtime in Savannah traditionally takes place at one in the afternoon. To understand why, look to Savannah’s maritime history. One pm eastern standard time was when the London Cotton Exchange closed. There wasn’t a cotton merchant in Savannah who would leave his desk before then. “Maritime history is the history of Savannah,” Wendy Melton, Curator of Exhibits and Education, explains. It’s influence affects Savannah traditions that persist today, even when we eat lunch. The Ships of the Sea Museum preserves Savannah’s maritime history, acting as stewards of maritime traditions and their impact on Savannah’s culture. “We have something for everyone here,” Melton says. “Public art, history, gardens, concerts.” Through their programming and grounds, Ships of the Sea shows us that our maritime history influences not just the look and feel of the city, but the culture itself. According to Melton, “Savannah wouldn’t be Savannah without it.” shipsofthesea.org / 912.232.1511

Face of the Perfect Smile - Savannah Dental

The team at Savannah Dental realizes that there are an overwhelming amount of people that are fearful of the dentist, and have solved that problem. Everything in the office has been meticulously designed to help reduce stress: pillows, noise cancelling headphones, lavender warm towels, blankets, relaxing spa music and so much more. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Dickinson keep your comfort at the forefront of your visit. And the service is there to amaze you. Schedule your VIP dental experience today. savannahdental.com / 912.355.8821

The Faces of Plastic Surgery - Savannah Plastic Surgery

Meet Dr. Matthew D. McLeod, who completed fellowships in Aesthetic Surgery and Migraine Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and specializes in cutting edge surgical and non-surgical approaches to facial aesthetics, body sculpting, breast enhancement, and breast reconstruction. He has advanced training in laser and energy-based technology for non-surgical rejuvenation. He is the founder and Medical Director of the Migraine Surgery Center of Georgia, LLC offering minimally invasive techniques to decompress nerves in the face and neck that can trigger migraine attacks. He has a calm and focused approach that creates an individualized patient experience that moves beyond the ordinary. @matthewmcleodmd / savannahplasticsurgery.com

The Faces of Plastic Surgery - Savannah Plastic Surgery

Meet Dr. Luke Curtsinger. Having served the city of Savannah for more than 20 years, Luke J. Curtsinger, III, M.D. is both highly experienced and highly regarded as a surgeon. With areas of specialty including aesthetic surgery of the breasts, face and tummy as well as surgery after weight loss, Dr. Curtsinger has made “mommy makeovers” his signature. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he has served as the president of the Georgia Medical Society, chief of plastic surgery for Memorial Health, and has lectured extensively on health, longevity and the concept of “Blue Zones.” Named a top doctor by Castle Connolly and having achieved Verified Top Doctor status with RealSelf.com, Dr. Curtsinger has built his reputation on achieving happy patient outcomes by listening to patients and helping them achieve their goals. savannahplasticsurgery.com

Face of Ophthalmology for 20/20 Vision - Schulze Eye & Surgery Center

Meet Dr. Richard Schulze, Jr. There are few things more important than clear vision, and fewer still than entrusting your vision to the right professionals. And there are many reasons why Dr. Richard Schulze, Jr. of the Schulze Eye Center deserves every bit of that crucial trust. It’s more than just his years of education as an Oxford scholar and magna cum laude Princeton graduate. It’s more than the suite of high-tech solutions at his disposal. It’s in a passion, running generations deep, for medical care that puts equal emphasis on medicine and care. “I don’t treat eyes, I treat people,” he says. He credits his family, physicians going back four generations to the late nineteenth century, for instilling in him a dedication to true patient care in the tradition of servant leadership. “When patients come to our practice, we make an effort to get to know them, then help them achieve their goals in the simplest and most cost-effective way possible. It’s a little old school, but we put the needs of our patients first.” schulze-eye.com / 912.352.3120

Face of Service - Service Emperor

Proclaiming yourself the face of service is a bold claim, even for a company whose name implicitly says it rules over an entire empire of service. But with Service Emperor, the word service takes on many meanings. Let’s start with the obvious one, the service inherent in their name. As in, the many services they provide. The company recently rebranded from its previous name, Icebound, to reflect their wider focus beyond HVAC. They still provide the finest in heating and air, but that expertise is complemented by everything from commercial refrigeration to indoor air quality, duct cleaning, whole home generators and so much more. But service goes far beyond just what’s implied in the name. There’s service above self, a key part of the Air Force values that owners Julie and Tersh Bissett have centered their business around. These values have prompted them to give of their time and dedication to charities and community boards across Savannah, placing themselves at the Hostess City’s service. And, of course, there is their service in the Air Force, with Tersh retired and Julie still active. “We pride ourselves on our Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do,” says Julie. “Once those values are ingrained into you they reflect in every aspect of your personal and professional life.” Excellence in all the ways they serve is, in fact, right there in Julie’s job description as Service Emperor’s director of lasting impressions. “One of the things we try to always maintain is leaving a lasting impression, because our clients are our biggest cheerleaders,” she says. Complementing that is Tersh’s relentless energy and passion for his business, demonstrated not just in his popular Service Business Mastery podcast and his service as president of the Small Business Chamber of Savannah, but in every job he undertakes as founder of Service Emperor. For this power couple, it’s all just a matter of service – to customers, to our city and to our nation.

Face of Sliders - Sly's Sliders and Fries

The humble slider eliminates the paradox of choice for many an indecisive eater. Can’t decide between the classic Boardwalk burger slider, vegetarian Shroomwich slider or Perro Cubano slider dog? Order all three, they’re sliders. That’s the idea behind Sly’s Sliders and Fries. They’ve been stacking big flavors on small buns since 2014. Laura and Scott Wester purchased the eatery from Matt Baldwin and Dave Hamer. While Laura became an official Peach in 2012, Scott hails from a long line of Savannahians. When the Westers were looking to purchase Sly’s, Scott’s father thought the address sounded familiar. It turns out Scott’s great grandmother had worked in the location as the supervisor at the dry cleaning and alterations shop long before it became a slider shop. That history made the deal even sweeter (or savorier, if you will). The Westers are having fun, working hard, and plan to keep the essence of Sly’s intact. Laura Wester explained, “It’s always going to be about the simple idea of the slider. That’s what people love about it. It’s comfort food. Bring your kids and have a good time.” slysslidersandfries.com / 912.239.4219

Face of Windowscapes - Savannah Blinds Shutters and Shades

Your home décor is so much more than colors, textures and materials. It’s a statement; an open-air expression of your unique sensibilities and lifestyle. Shouldn’t your windows enjoy that same dedication to personalized style? Savannah Blinds Shutters and Shades thinks so, which is why they’ve dedicated their business to offering the utmost in style and variety when it comes to fabulous windowscapes. Inside, you’ll find blinds, plantation shutters, draperies and automated shades that dazzle and accent every inch of your interior décor while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays. Outside, you’ll find shutters, storm protection and awnings that add comfort, style and safety to your home’s exterior. It’s far more than just window dressing – it’s an extension of your personal style with brands like Hunter Douglas, Lutron, Norman and more on their astonishing displays in their Savannah showroom. savannahblinds.com / 912.224.0459

Face of Pops - Savannah Square Pops

After two decades of corporate life, Judd Wiggins and Mark Taylor were both ready for a new adventure. And just like that, an epiphany. “We were at a company barbecue, and for dessert, they served these locally-made gourmet pops. I was astounded at what could be done, at what Ice Pops had become,” Wiggins said. Not long thereafter, Judd and Mark relocated from Birmingham, Alabama, to coastal Georgia, where they established Savannah Square Pops. Their success has reached far beyond the city limits, earning praise from Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman, who selected Savannah Square Pops as one of his Top Ten Sweet Treats in the Country. Wiggins delighted in the recognition. “It’s been one of our biggest accolades,” he said. savannahsquarepops.com / 912.999.7078

Face of Business & Tourism - Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

For the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, helping Hostess City businesses thrive is its primary mission. Accomplishing that mission is a task they approach from two different but complementary angles. First, providing quality member services and programs that meet the needs of their nearly 2,200 member businesses through dozens of networking events and also creating a business-friendly working environment. And second by marketing the destination to prospective visitors, meetings, conventions and sports events from around the state, the country or internationally through its inspirational messaging and the imagery of Savannah’s beauty, via its largest business unit Visit Savannah. savannahchamber.com / 912.644-6400

Face of Live Entertainment - Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Saloon

Craig Cunningham and Marty Richardson built Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos in an empty warehouse with no heat, air conditioning, plumbing or electric. Twenty years later, they’re still there, serving up a rock ’n’ roll party every Wednesday through Saturday while hotels like The Alida and JW Marriott pop up around them. The whole area is just the place to be now. “We’re still here, doing what we do, making it a safe place to have fun and looking out for people,” Cunningham said. Despite its renowned reputation, they still get questions about the Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano experience. People wonder if they have live entertainment. The answer is a definitive, “Yes!” “Every night, it’s a six-hour show that doesn’t stop,” Cunningham explained. With two million smiles and counting, it’s a show that’s entertained people from around Savannah and around the world. facebook.com/SavannahSmilesDuelingPianos / 912.527.6453

Face of Family Law - The Schachter Law Firm, LLC

Meet David I. Schachter. As a long-time face of Family Law in Savannah, David Schachter proudly wears the badge: The Divorcing Parent’s Best Friend. “This is an area of law where people go away unhappy. It’s the legal equivalent of oncology,” says Schachter. “However, I do believe that there is such a thing as a good divorce. Oftentimes, a good divorce is better than a lousy marriage.” Schachter sees clients through this bitter period by utilizing his patented blend of patience, honesty and fearlessness when facing a courtroom. “Everyone thinks they are a divorce expert because they went through a divorce themselves or know someone else who did, but every case is unique. Choose a lawyer that you respect and follow his or her advice. You will need to depend on the lawyer’s advice and guidance with respect to the most important issues in your life.” divorcelawyersinsavannahga.com / 912.233.8883

Face of Restored Confidence - Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery & Minton MD Hair Restoration Center

Meet Dr. Timothy Minton - Dr. Timothy Minton is the region’s only fellowship trained, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “Facial plastic surgeons spend their entire training and career focusing on the intricate region of the head and neck and the complex plastic surgery procedures involved in the area,” Minton stated. Because the plastic surgery and aesthetic fields have grown exponentially, specializing allows us to focus our skills and stay up to date with the latest treatment options. Trailblazing in practice, the office also trail blazes in technology. “We like new tools and technology. The latest trend is how to get results with minimal downtime or without surgery.” Minton states. To meet that need they offer the full gamut of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation options such as injectables, laser and radiofrequency treatments and physician directed skin care. One cutting edge office treatment called Facetite can provide skin tightening and fat destruction that rivals a facelift without surgery or incisions. The hair restoration part of the practice is focused on achieving real results for men and women using the latest minimally invasive options such as PRP and Neograft non-incision hair transplantation. Though nonsurgical treatments are certainly trending, they also offer traditional surgeries. “As a plastic surgery practice, we also offer more complex surgeries so patients can have access to all the options as not all may be ideal candidates for nonsurgical treatments.” Minton said. “Our patients really appreciate having all the options and our honesty when presenting them on an individual level, ” Minton explained. “In both the reconstructive or cosmetic treatments and surgery we provide, our team’s goal is to help our patients bring back confidence in a professional, yet calming and laid-back setting.” That laser focus makes for picture perfect results. 912.644.0744 / savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

Face of Women's Health - OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah

Meet Dr. Carmela Pettigrew. Between the dual practices of Dr. Carmela Pettigrew, a vision of women’s health emerges that takes a much broader view of what women’s health can truly mean. At Dr. Pettigrew’s office, you’ll find her long established Obstetrics & Gynecology practice, characterized by personalized and compassionate care that crosses the spectrum of women’s medical needs, from pap smears to prenatal care with an all-female staff and a professional environment. You will also find her specialty practice: The Rejuvenation Clinic of Savannah, which was born from the many women requesting services beyond the common Gyn concerns. Here the full focus of her medical skill and technology is brought to bear in pursuit of improving Sexual Health, Hormonal Balancing/Optimization and Aesthetic Treatments. The clinic offers everything from Labiaplasty & Vaginal Rejuvenation, Laser Treatments, Botox and Hormonal Balancing, to enhance, beautify and improve the health that comes from looking and feeling one’s best. The clinic’s focus is to deliver the best results possible and all products and treatments are all personally chosen and tested by Dr. Pettigrew, who has a unique perspective shaped by her analytical skills formed by her previous engineering training. rejuvenationclinicmd.com / 912.355.7766

Face of Unsolved History - Sorrel-Weed House

Troubling suicides, tales of foul play and murky histories cast a palpable sense of the spirit world over the Sorrel-Weed House. “A lot of the history we have here is unsolved,” Calvin Parker, the Sorrel-Weed House manager, explained. Trained staff lead historic tours throughout the day and late-night, lock-in tours of the historic mansion. “But it’s not just a house with haunted history,” he said. “It’s a historic house museum that combines a lot of periods of Savannah history.” Calvin and other “keepers of the gate” are protectors of not only the house’s history, but it’s legacy as a cultural landmark in Savannah. Play historical detective on one of their tours or a late-night lock-in, if you dare. sorrelweedhouse.com / 912.257.2223

The Face of Luxury Real Estate - Seabolt Real Estate

Meet Elaine Seabolt. Since her days marketing and selling high-end real estate in Atlanta, Elaine Seabolt has been in the business of luxury real estate. And she’ll be the first to tell you that luxury is defined by the individual. In some cases, luxury means living among the grand properties that she has brokered throughout her career. Sometimes, luxury means having the resources to help out those in need, as was the case when she closed the highest-priced home in Atlanta and a forty-thousand dollars townhouse for a client with imperfect credit on the same day. “Needless to say, my earnings were far greater on the large sale,” says Seabolt. “But my sense of true accomplishment was helping someone find a home.” For Seabolt, the relationships are just as glamorous as the luxurious homes upon which she has built her career. “I have been fortunate to list and sell some of the most luxurious properties in Savannah, Sea Island and Richmond Hill. Most of all, I have met and become friends with some of the finest clients,” she says. And those treasured relationships are not just with her clients. “I have the pleasure of spending each day with familiar faces. My agents and staff are truly family and remain loyal to my vision. Most have been with me for many, many years. Without them, Seabolt would not exist.” Seabolt is proud to be among one of the finest luxury firms in the Southeast. Their exclusive affiliations including Christie’s International Real Estate, Luxuryrealestate.com, Luxury Portfolio and Harry Norman extend down the entire coast of Georgia.