Education

The influence of a teacher

Tribute to Mrs. Ethalene Harbison Article and Photography by Dr. Rebekah Lloyd Teachers shape lives in ways they may never fully realize. They plant seeds of curiosity, confidence and resilience that grow long after their students leave the classroom. Some seeds take root unexpectedly, sprouting into dreams, careers and lifelong callings. For me, that guiding force was my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Ethalene Harbison. Even at a young age, I realized she saw something in me. She encouraged me...

Home + Design

‘Love what you do!’

Q&A with Granite South’s Becky Sherer Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Granite South Granite South in Jasper is well known for its beautiful selection of sleek, modern natural stone countertops. The locally owned business specializes in unique, sustainable products that help home- and business owners create or transform their spaces with materials that stand the test of time. At the helm of Granite South is Owner Becky Sherer, whose keen eye for style helps drive the company’s success...

Shopping

'We built the business together'

'We’re doing what we love, and we’re doing it together' Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Caroline Sexton - Photography by Caroline Sexton Sisters Carrie Taylor and Kim Ydel, and their mother Joan Smith opened Three Pears Boutique in 2005, their debut in the fashion retail business. Two decades later, while the trio doesn’t overtly market the shop this way, they certainly lean into being a woman-owned store as a unique identity. “We built the business together,” smiled Taylor. “Our story...

Health + Wellness

Realizing your dream

Dr. Morgan Martin on reaching your potential Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Contributed by Dr. Morgan Martin Dr. Morgan Martin of Seidel + Martin Plastic Surgery & MedSpa in Cullman is a double board-certified plastic surgeon. She said she always knew she wanted to be a surgeon. “My mother was a recovery room nurse and this gave me exposure to the medical field and to operating. As early as middle school, I knew I was going to be a doctor and never even considered anything other than...

Health + Wellness

Pursuing your passion

A career path to happiness Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Revive Massage Therapy, LLC Your career can take you places you never imagined. Just ask Tami Rawls, Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Revive Massage Therapy, LLC, in Cullman. “I have a background in health care, including an associate degree and 21 years’ experience in occupational therapy (licensed and certified more than 25 years), and five years as a caregiver and Certified Nursing Assistant,” she shared. “I was given...

Life + Culture

What’s your proudest moment as a business owner?

Talking to local businesswomen Article by Cullman City Lifestyle | Photography by Various photographers In honor of our May Women’s issue, we’re celebrating the women who keep Cullman thriving — from boutique owners to business leaders, creatives to CEOs. We sat down with local women in business to ask one simple but powerful question: What’s your proudest moment as a business owner? Their answers reflect courage, faith, resilience and the deep-rooted pride that comes from building something...

Finance + Legal Services

Retirement considerations

Are you (and your finances) ready? Article by Corbin Ellard, Merrill Lynch | Photography by Corbin Ellard Corbin Ellard ChFC®, CPFA® and CRPC™ is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Birmingham. He is a partner of THE HARTY CARPENTER GROUP. Ellard is regarded as a Retirement Benefits Consultant.   CCL: How much should a retiree spend per year? CE: Before deciding how much to spend each year, retirees should consider variables such as the age at which you retire, how your...

Home Services

Invest in your property

Value of landscaping Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by White Pine Designscapes Investing is something on most everyone’s minds when they think about the future. But it’s not just about financial accounts. A big investment you can make is in your property, whether a home or business. And part of that property investment is thoughtful landscaping, which can boost property value. We spoke to Taylor Oslin of White Pine Designscapes LLC to learn a bit more about the Guntersville company and...

Finance + Legal Services

'Estate planning is crucial for everyone'

Insight from local attorney Tonya Palmer Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Lisa Jones Photography, Adobe Stock Estate planning is one of the most vital, yet overlooked, aspects of personal finance, says local attorney Tonya Palmer. “Most people consider estate planning to be only for large estates or elderly individuals, but nothing could be farther from reality. It’s crucial for everyone. Estate planning isn’t just about wills and inheritance – it’s about ensuring your wishes are...

Food + Beverage

Time to celebrate!

Re-opened Pasquale's marks first birthday Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Pasquale's After all this financial planning, a celebratory drink is in order! Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta in Cullman is celebrating as well, marking its first year after re-opening under new ownership. The local staple has in fact been around since 1968, but was closed for a short time while new owners Steve and Mike Morgan made renovations. Pasquale's Birthday Cake Martini Ingredients 1.5 oz. Absolut...