Many people focus on stocks, real estate, or businesses when investing, but 32 year-veteran journalist, Atlanta News First anchor and plant lover Trayce Hutchins says some of her most meaningful investments include her home, her health, and her love of nature. All of these are connected with South Fulton and her approach to living intentionally.
Hutchins first lived in South Fulton years ago before her career and family took her to different cities, including a stint in San Diego. But South Fulton left an impression, of its sense of space, its slower pace, and its natural beauty.
“Living in South Fulton gives me an appreciation for nature and community,” Hutchins shares. “It’s a lot less congested than other parts of metro Atlanta, and that gave me a chance to truly enjoy my neighborhood, to look out and see woods instead of buildings, to feel a sense of calm just by being home.”
For Hutchins, investment in her home means creating a space that nurtures well-being. That includes curating her garden, both indoors and out, a passion passed down from her mother.
“I get immediate satisfaction from gardening,” she says. “There’s something about putting a bulb into the ground and seeing it sprout weeks later that gives me such joy. It’s a sense of accomplishment and a way to decompress after busy days.”
Her gardening advice for beginners is rooted in patience and curiosity.
“You don’t have to have a green thumb,” Hutchins insists. “It’s really about learning and understanding how much light, water, and care each plant needs. Sometimes, you’ll get it wrong, and that’s okay. Plants teach you to slow down and pay attention.”
Indoors, Hutchins treats her plants like family, talking to them, moving them around until they find the perfect spot, and even propagating baby plants to share with friends.
“They clean the air, but they also give life to a room,” she says. “It’s like having living art. Something so beautiful that also contributes to your health.”
Tracye’s favorite mantra relates to plants and life.“Grow where you are planted.” Something she heard more than 20 years ago, when she was going through a very difficult time in her life she tries to apply it to her career. “I may not be exactly where I want to be… but I have to learn how to embrace where I am, be the best I can be, and learn to thrive in it, until that situation changes.” She also applied that to her personal life. She didn’t like the cards that I felt life dealt me but she learned to make the most of it until things changed.
“In addition to having a strong faith in God and prayer,” Hutchins says, “Growing where I’ve been planted is the only way I’ve been able to survive the turmoil of life.”
In addition to nurturing her plants, Hutchins is eager to reconnect with South Fulton’s evolving community. She’s especially excited about the reopening of Welcome All Natatorium and hopes to cover its swim team for an upcoming Juneteenth feature. She also highlights SoFu's St. James Live as a must-visit venue for anyone exploring the area.
“It’s not exactly a hidden gem to locals, but it’s a gem,” she laughs. “The food, the service, and the live performances make it a staple.”
Hutchins’ story is a reminder that sometimes the most valuable investments are in the spaces we create, the hobbies we nurture, and the communities where we choose to stay connected. Whether through her journalism, her love of plants, or her appreciation for South Fulton, Hutchins shows that living well starts with investing in the things that truly bring you joy.