The South is filled with so many incredible women who inspire their communities and beyond. We are honored to be able to feature them in each of our StyleBlueprint markets each week and help their stories reach even further. Today, we’re spotlighting these wonderful women, whose backgrounds run the gamut — from an incredibly strong mother to a children’s shop owner, university president, co-chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and more. Get to know these amazing Southern FACES!
Sylvia Crum of Revolutions Bicycle CoOp: FACE of Memphis
After a childhood as what she describes as a “clumsy rider,” Sylvia Crum got back in the bicycle saddle as an adult and new mother. She quickly discovered the pleasure and ease of using bikes for both solo and family transportation. In her role as Executive Director of Revolutions Bicycle CoOp, Sylvia spreads this awareness and enthusiasm in her recently adopted but much-beloved community in Memphis. The nonprofit organization sells refurbished bikes and memberships to its shared workshop to fund education and outreach programs for riders of all ages and skill levels, creating a cycle of exploration. Meet this week’s bike-friendly FACE of Memphis, Sylvia Crum! Click HERE to read the article by Memphis writer Andria K. Brown.
This Pastry Chef Serves Gold Medal-Worthy Sweets in Louisville: Meet Jaclyn Joseph
Jaclyn Joseph has had a passion for baking and creating beautiful, delicious desserts for as long as she can remember. Beginning with time spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, great-aunt and mother, Jaclyn learned the ropes at a young age. She has had the opportunity to work for a number of well-known Louisville establishments and even spent the winter of 2011 working as a pastry chef for the USA houses at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Today, Jaclyn serves as the Executive Pastry Chef at the Falls City Market in the new Omni Hotel in Louisville. She brings her culinary commitment and extensive background to one of the city’s newest, most exciting developments, and we’re thrilled to introduce her as today’s FACE of Louisville. Click HERE to read the article by Louisville writer Emily Gahafer.
Kimberly Stephens of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s: FACES of Birmingham
When Kimberly Stephens’ mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, Kimberly and her family were devastated. But they refused to be defeated. In 2015, she and her family organized the team Sitty’s Angels and participated in the Heart of Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s hosted in Birmingham by the Alzheimer’s Association. Two years later, Kimberly became co-chair of the event and is now also involved in Alzheimer’s advocacy, helping promote legislation that benefits Alzheimer’s patients and their families. We are honored to introduce today’s FACE of Birmingham, Kimberly Stephens. Click HERE to read the article by Birmingham writer Javacia Harris Bowser.
Arcade’s Genie Lockwood: FACES of Nashville
Arcade is a playground for finding fashions and gifts for our favorite little ones. Genie Lockwood is the brain behind this business, which showcases a wide array of unique children’s brands from across the globe — clothing, toys, accessories, books and home goods included. The store celebrates creativity and imagination and brings out the kid in everyone. Genie brings her own creativity and imagination to the space as well, along with her experiences in high-end fashion and furniture boutiques. A Nashville native, Genie returned home with her husband, Alex Lockwood, and two boys and set up shop in Hillsboro Village. Arcade is celebrating three years in business, and we are celebrating Genie Lockwood as today’s FACE of Nashville! Click HERE to read the article by Nashville’s lead writer Alex Hendrickson.
Lauren Collins: FACES of Atlanta
Lauren Collins has a life similar to most other 33-year-olds. She had her dream wedding, marrying her dream man; she owns a cute home on Atlanta’s Westside; she’s been a teacher for nearly 10 years; and she has an adorable Doodle, Franco. However, unlike most women in their early 30s, Lauren lost her infant son, Graham, to a genetic mitochondrial disorder, Alper’s Disease, in 2017. While seemingly uncommon, approximately 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 adults, teens and children are affected by mitochondrial disease, making it more common than childhood cancers. Always one to keep faith and hope alive, Lauren — now mom to her second little boy, Carter — channels her grief into educating others about Alper’s on her blog, advocating for genetic testing and organizing charitable events. In fact, on February 10, 2019, Lauren will host Brew & ‘Cue for Mito, a fundraiser in which the proceeds will benefit the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. While life after loss is most certainly a challenge, Lauren’s steadfast hope is an inspiration to us all. After all, as her blog’s tagline reads, “A disease may be rare, but hope should not be.” We’re speaking with Lauren today about her journey, where she finds strength and how her faith plays an integral role in healing. Meet Lauren Collins, today’s FACE of Atlanta. Click HERE to read the article by Atlanta writer Nicole Letts.
Pamela Davies: FACES of Charlotte
Pamela Davies has been at the helm of Queens University as president of the prominent school for 16 years, just recently announcing she’ll be stepping down at the end of the next school year. During her time at the top, the school doubled its enrollment and went from a small liberal arts school to being considered a full-on university. In addition to her work on campus, off campus Pamela has had a huge impact as well, serving on a number of local and national boards – starting at a very young age. She grew up near the University of Missouri where her uncle was a professor, ultimately influencing her career path. Pamela says women are making strides when it comes to leadership roles — and says we can all be leaders, just by being mentors and role models. We’re thrilled to spend some time with today’s FACE of Charlotte, Pamela Davies. Click HERE to read the article by Charlotte writer Michelle Boudin.
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