Four Business Stories In One Article. Say Hello To CityBox Diary. A Collection of Insightful Mini Interviews With Entrepreneurs & Business Professionals in Dallas & Atlanta
Interviewed By Maryan Aiken
THE CITYBOX DIARY
The CityBox Diary is collection of mini-interviews spotlighting entrepreneurs + business professionals to help inspire, inform, & connect. It’s a quick glimpse of brief business stories direct from business owners, corporate professionals, and entrepreneurs. It’s a place where they collectively share their business journey, exciting projects, collabs, & experiences that sometime brought hard lessons & setbacks but loaded with electrifying & exhilarating aha moments & of course, those memorable game changers that catapulted their stories to a whole new height of dizzying triumphs. Welcome to the CityBox Diary, a place where you can instantly & meaningfully connect to expand your network.
Maryan Aiken. Founder. CEO. Publisher. CityBox Media LLC
CONNECT. SUPPORT. EXPAND
Ken Higa
GeorgiaState University / Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
MBA/Bachelor of Architecture & Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences
Principal
The Beck Group
Company Established
1912
Number of Employees
81 in Atlanta; 800 Firmwide
3500 Lenox Road, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30326
404-949-2345
www.beckgroup.com
Social Media Handles
@TheBeckGroup
Charity Involvement
We embrace opportunities and seek out ways to enhance the local community and user experience. We strive to make an impact in the communities where we work by participating and engaging with local organizations. A local organization our team is heavily involved in is The Center for Children & Young Adults (CCYA). We also support our company’s charitable foundation called the Beck Foundation.
ADVERTISEMENT
DIOR
Sauvage is an act of creation inspired by wide-open spaces. A composition marked by a raw freshness, powerful and noble all at once.
CALL DIOR. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. PHIPPS PLAZA (404) 812-7287 TO HELP YOU SHOP WITH EASE OR CALL MACY’S LENOX SQUARE (404) 834 9817
ABOUT THE BECK GROUP
Founded in 1912, The Beck Group is a collaborative team of designers and builders, offering planning, architecture, interior design, construction, and sustainability consulting services. Beck is a family owned, privately-held and domestically-based firm operating out of ten regional offices across the U.S. and Mexico. We have worked in 42 states and nearly a dozen countries after 111 years in business. From the first meeting, you will notice Beck has a unique approach. We create teams across all departments and areas of expertise to work on a common goal – your project. We believe a better process and outcome result from working together. We focus on building long-term relationships with our clients and seek every opportunity to bring quality, value, and integrity to each project we touch.
Beck’s long history in Atlanta began in 1939, providing commercial construction services across all industry sectors. From office buildings to hotels to mixed-use retail developments, Beck helped to transform the city through high-profile projects like Underground Atlanta, One Atlantic Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building and the First National Bank Building. In 2003, Beck integrated architecture and interior design services and has continued to grow its portfolio of award-winning design work over the past two decades.
Today, Beck is the largest integrated design and construction firm in Atlanta and offers a uniquely holistic approach that provides clients with new perspectives on how to best maximize their investment in building projects. Our most recent integrated projects include the Phipps Plaza Transformation, Emory Nursing Learning Center, The Hub at Peachtree Center, and The Candler Hotel.
ABOUT KEN HIGA
Ken is a Principal with The Beck Group and leads the Higher Education Practice in the Atlanta office. His passion for higher education architecture is rooted in the belief that higher education has the power to transform the life of every student. Ken has a depth of planning, programming, and design expertise with a variety of institutional building types and is focused on guiding project teams to pursue design solutions that are positive, future-focused, and responsive to the unique culture and mission of each institution. He strives to create spaces that promote “learning everywhere” on campus while addressing the specific goals of each project.
Outside of the office, Ken volunteers his time and leadership with a variety of organizations that promote equity and inclusion in the architecture profession and supports next-generation industry leaders. He is currently involved with the Architects Foundation, NOMA Atlanta, Drew Charter School, the Georgia State University Panther Athletic Club, and the Society for College & University Planning.
advertisEMENT
The Beck Group
3500 Lenox Road, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30326
404-949-2345
www.beckgroup.com
Social Media Handles
@TheBeckGroup
Q: Hi Ken, what was your first job ever?
My first job ever was in high school working as a summer volunteer for a nursing home.
Q: What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned? Architecture is a ‘team sport’ – whether you are working on a small residential project or a larger commercial complex, you must be able to work with the owner, contractor, consultants, and your project team members to realize your vision and be successful in your career. Being a good team member and eventually learning to be a great team leader is critical.
Q: What motivates you? As a first-generation college graduate, I believe education can transform your life because I live it daily. Being able to design academic facilities that improve the student experience and help them to be more successful is what motivates me in my day job. Outside of work, I volunteer with organizations that support the next generation with their educational and professional journey and hope they will do the same for the following generation.
Q: Three things that we should absolutely know about you. I am a Japanese-American born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii; I am a first-generation college graduate; In addition to being an architect, I am a marketing professional and a fundraiser.
ADVERTISEMENT
JIMMY CHOO
Sophisticated. Confident. Modern. The first fragrance for men from Jimmy Choo. Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette is a powerful fresh and modern fougere, created for a confident and refined man with a rebellious spirit. The effervescent signature fragrance combines distinctive materials: seductive lavender and fresh honeydew melon blend with pink pepper and pineapple leaf, while an elegant trail of patchouli leaves a lasting imprint.
Nordstrom Perimeter Mall 4390 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 (770) 394-1141
Pamela Schiveree
BS degree from Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus in Elementary Education
Realtor
Atlanta Communities Realty
www.pshomessouthernrealtor.com
Southern Realtor
Charity Involvement
I will always support my favorite charity, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
ABOUT PAM SCHIVEREE
Representing Buyers and Sellers across Georgia and specializing in the northern Atlanta market, I am committed to listening to my client’s needs and utilizing my negotiating skills to ensure a successful transaction. As a Georgia native, (originally from Savannah) I attended Georgia Southern University Armstrong campus, and graduated with honors, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I taught for a few years and then moved into real estate for a while where I worked in one of Atlanta’s premier real estate firms in Alpharetta. Within a matter of months, I achieved the award of Top Salesperson of the month. Later, I went back into teaching for a few years while my youngest child was just starting school. Today, I am back into Real Estate full time and am focused 100% on my client’s in order to give them the best experience possible.
Q: Hi Pamela, where was your first job ever?
Rings & Things in the mall. Similar to Claire’s.
Q: What’s your company service/ product offerings?
My company service or product offering is that I help people buy and sell homes with a concentration on the North Atlanta Suburbs. I always put my client’s interests first and understand that communication is key in a real estate transaction. With, this being said, I am always available for my clients and go above and beyond the transaction. I am not emotionally tied to the home that they are selling or buying; therefore, I understand that this is not an event it's a process full of negotiations and I work hard to get them the best price possible. I am an energetic, enthusiastic agent and truly love what I do. Real estate is all about the relationships with my clients and other agents involved, to all be able to work together for a smooth transaction, and to meet our goals by getting to the closing table without a glitch.
Q: What is your typical day like?
My typical day in real estate always begins with gratitude. I am so thankful for another day, my health, and my family and friends. Time blocking is what really works for me. After my coffee, a little social media, and some exercise, then the work that I need to do is timed out in blocks of how long it should take me. I really begin my day at 8:00 answering emails, sending emails, texts, etc. At 9:00 I begin to touch base with people in my sphere and having conversations. I also keep in touch with past clients too! That is how a typical weekday morning looks for me. Every day is different and consists of prospecting, showing homes, listing homes, closings, etc. I try to get out in the community and attend networking events as much as possible. I set up lunches, coffee dates, and try to have as many meaningful conversations as I can to meet new people. This is important so they can get to know, like, and trust me to be their go to agent for real estate.
ADVERTISEMENT
Get your skin gorgeous ready! Sisley-Paris is a French luxury brand that creates, produces and distributes high-performance, plant-based skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products exclusively for men and women!
Call Esin at Nordstrom Perimeter for your Sisley Paris curated service
Nordstrom Perimeter Mall 4390 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 (770) 394-1141
ADVERTISING
Sauvage is an act of creation inspired by wide-open spaces. A composition marked by a raw freshness, powerful and noble all at once.
Elena Barajas
Wade College
Bachelors in Fashion Design and Product Development
International Fashion Designer
EBadore
Company Established: 2020
Number of Employees 5
682-429-5213
Instagram ebadore_tx
Charity Involvement
DIFFA in Dallas and different others in Mexico
ABOUT EBADORE
EBadore is a fashion company, creating custom garments for all sizes, established in 2020. EBadore has been in the fashion industry for 3 years now. They proudly design and produce their products in Mexico and Texas. Because of their expertise in manufacturing, EBadore produce garments for various influencers, artist and brands as well as unique pieces for unique clients.
ABOUT ELENA BARAJAS
A talented International Fashion Designer with an eye for commercial fashion and detail in product styling. Twelve+ years of experience in a custom garment for different types of clients. Elena is passionate about creating custom garments for her client because it gives her the opportunity to make them feel powerful, beautiful and unique.
Q: Hi Elena, what was your first job ever?
I worked as a Paralegal at a Law Office.
Q: Who are your ideal clients?
My ideal client is the one that wants to show their uniqueness.
Q: What’s been the most memorable client that your company has served/partnered/collaborated with?
I have 2 clients: Dance like Adrea (Influencer with 6.7 million followers in Tik Tok) and Santa Fe Klan (Mexican Singer), because both clients are such humble artists and I been able to create especial designs that have allow me to show case my talent.
Q: What exciting projects are you working on?
I am currently working in a collection that will be showcase in 3 different locations (Guanajuato City, Queretaro and Dallas Texas). I am also working on a unique design for Dance Like Andrea for her debut at Coachella in California as well as donating a Jacket for DIFFA in Dallas.
ADVERTISEMENT
MERCEDES BENZ EXPERIENCE CENTER BY RBM OF ALPHARETTA LOCATED AT HALCYON FORSYTH
This experience center is the first of its kind in the U.S. It will echo the layout of successful Mercedes-Benz pop-up stores like the one that debuted in Atlanta in 2017, and will allow customers to interact with Mercedes-Benz technology and vehicle features for the ultimate user experience. What to look forward to at the RBM Mercedes-Benz HALCYON store.
ADVERTISEMENT
A place to celebrate, to unwind, to step away from the noise of life. An unexpected escape from the routine. Lush florals and innovative cocktails filled with whimsies warmly welcome you, while the sense of community and euphoria captivate one’s sense of belongingness. Welcome to The Garden Room.
88 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Located at Buckhead Plaza (404)600-6471
gardenroom@thegardenroomatlanta.com
ADVERTISEMENT
EWP PHOTOGRAPHY
EWP Photography offers high-end photography specializing in editorial glam and creative imagery. I create images for models, celebrities, brands, print media, entrepreneurs, and high-profile individuals. We also offer monthly retainer programs for businesses.
Instagram @ewp.photos
advertisement
PALM 78
Palm 78 is an elegant, sophisticated, and more refined restaurant for lovers of Tropical- infused cuisine. Diners in the affluent Alpharetta community seeking a fine dining experience that incorporates deliciously prepared steak and seafood entrees infused with the taste of the tropics, can now find it at Palm 78 Restaurant. Palm 78 is a family-friendly, fine dining restaurant, which caters to all customers looking to enjoy a delicious steak and seafood dining experience at lunch, brunch or dinner.
5325 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Photo Credits: Kong Studios
Silvia “Punkin” Mathis
Roosevelt University and Nyack College
Roosevelt (Double Major Music/Theater), Nyack (Vocal Performance)
Producer, Director, Writer, Actress, and CEO of Punkin Studios
Punkin Studios
5004 Staples Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72940
214-718-3459
www.punkinstudios.com
Instagram @punkinstudiosllc
Instagram @silviamathisofficial
Charity Involvement
American Heart Association, Stand Up2 Cancer, Make A Difference Day
ABOUT PUNKIN STUDIOS
Punkin Studios was established in 2020, but it is the latest and final iteration of the previous production company SILCO Productions, which produced the Sitcom Pilot City Girls with Jeff Coleman of MGM for UPN. The decision to officially launch in 2020 was simply a timing decision with multiple projects at Hallmark, The Wolper Org at Warner Brothers Discovery, and others in development as an independent producer.
ABOUT SILVIA “PUNKIN” MATHIS
Silvia launched Punkin Studios to share her work and work that she believed in with everyone, everywhere! Punkin Pictures exists to create inspiring and thought-provoking multi-media content to sprinkle seeds of Silvia's Just Cause around the world. Punkin Studios is the Imagination Station!
Q: Hi Silvia, what was your first job ever?
I started my first business at age six: Punkin’s Lemonade Stand. At age 12, I starred in an adaptation of the Latin Operetta Noye’s Fludde written by Benjamin Briton.
Q: How many employees do you have?
Me – Well, I am the person they call Boss Lady – LOL! I am Punkin after all. But I specifically kept Punkin Studios tight. I don’t have employees, but I have multiple team members I contract for specific projects, including Grammy Winning Writer Producer Carvin Haggins. Mitch Manning is my go-to facilitator. Gwendolyn Jackson, CEO of LMG, handles Marketing and PR. Chad Shockley, Co-Founder of Creative Filter and Reveal XR, for effects, animation, etc., and Kevin Nicklaus, development and producing partner on several projects. I have an extensive network of writers, actors, directors, producers, visual and graphic artists, musicians, and others I partner with for specific projects. I prefer it this way. It allows me to be me.
ADVERTISEENT
PUNKIN STUDIOS
Punkin Pictures exists to create inspiring and thought-provoking multi-media content to sprinkle seeds of my Just Cause around the world. Punkin Studios is the Imagination Station!
5004 Staples Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72940
214-718-3459
www.punkinstudios.com
Instagram @punkinstudiosllc
Instagram @silviamathisofficial
Q: What is your ultimate vision for your company?
To understand my vision, you must first understand my Why, my Just Cause, which is my ‘vision,’ and What and How I do what I do. My “Why” = I live to inspire, encourage, educate, and empower people through the ethos of kindness. My “Just Cause” = I envision a world where the power of kindness is evident in everyday life, and intentional kindness is the norm. What & How I Do What I Do = I launched Punkin Studios to produce and share work I believe in with everyone, everywhere! Punkin Pictures exists to create and curate inspiring and thought-provoking content that sprinkles seeds of my Just Cause around the world. I just wrapped my second feature film for Hallmark Mahogany. My first Mahogany project, A Nashville Legacy, was released on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries and Hulu at the end of Feb. These projects deeply align with the heart of who Punkin is and the vision I have for Punkin Studios.
Q: Three things that we should absolutely know about you?
Kindness is who I am. My spiritual life is the air I breathe. I read over one hundred books a year. BONUS: I am a mom of two Neurodivergent/Special needs young adult children.
Q: What do you eat for breakfast to start your day?
Well, I am Vegan. It has been my way of eating for over twenty years. I begin my day with a Matcha Tea Latte before meditation. I don’t always eat breakfast. I usually don’t eat before ten in the morning. Sometimes I wait until noon. I generally practice an intermittent fasting life. I LOVE brunch, so my first meal is often a vegan breakfast sandwich and some “brunchy” situation. LOL!
Q: What time do you get up, and what’s the first thing you do?
I usually wake around 5:30 am, but I LOVE to sleep. Sleep is more important than eating to me. Sleep is where my body regenerates, and cell renewal and spiritual renewal occur. The first thing I do before my feet touch the floor is say, “Thank you, Father. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Once out of bed and a trip to the loo (LOL), I drink water, prepare a Matcha Tea Latte and meditate. Before phone, email, and as much as possible BEFORE communication with anyone.
ADVERTISEMENT
Upscale, light-filled cafe & white-tablecloth restaurant featuring traditional French cuisine.
3027 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 869-9944
ADVERTISEMENT
PRINTSBURY
One-stop printing solutions company located in Dallas, TX, ships to your door, worldwide. We specialize in working with businesses and professionals. We keep the process simple and strive to have your product to you “by yesterday.”
8751 Collin McKinney Pkwy Ste 1102 #1103 McKinney, TX 75070
(214) 466-2982 (800) 697-7082
www.printsbury.com
Instagram: @printsbury Facebook @printsbury
advertisement
LADIES TURN
A world class professional Social Networking platform that is open to women seeking new methods for prosperity though innovation, leadership and digital transformation.
1-866-530-5858
Social Media Handles @ladiesturnglobal
advertisement
CITYBOX MEDIA
Luxury Power Branding & Advertising for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, & Corporate Professionals. We are passionate about connecting businesses locally, nationally and globally. Be our next business feature on CityBox!
ATLANTA. AUSTIN.CHICAGO. DALLAS. DENVER. HOUSTON. LOS ANGELES. MIAMI. NASHVILLE. ORLANDO. RALEIGH. SALT LAKE CITY. SAN FRANCISCO. SEATTLE
ADVERTISING
MOBU ENTERPRISES
We provide residential and commercial structures out of shipping containers in “real” life and “virtually.”
1700 Northside Drive Northwest, A7 #1118, Atlanta, Georgia [30318]
Company Phone Number: 888-412-8362 x 3
www.shippingliving.com www.shippingliving.net
ADVERTISEMENT
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SOURCE AND INSTALLATION OF ATLANTA’S FINEST FLOORS. HARDWOOD. LUXURY VINYL PLANK. CARPET. TILE
4365 Lynwood Ct, Douglasville, GA 30134
(678) 973-1572
ADVERTISEMENT
GRAHAM ESTATE PLANNING
PLAN FOR TOMORROW, PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE, PROTECT YOUR LEGACY. ATTORNEY STEPHANIE GRAHAM IS HELPING WOMEN & FAMILIES AVOID PROBATE. REACH OUT TO HER TODAY TO SEE HOW SHE CAN HELP YOU.
(888) 41WILLS Or (888) 419-4557
CityBox diary is a shared article feature. it’s a Quick Glimpse of Mini Business Stories Of Corporate Professionals, Business Owners, and Entrepreneurs
ABOUT CITYBOX DIARY
The CityBox Diary is collection of mini-interviews spotlighting entrepreneurs + business professionals to help inspire, inform, & connect. It’s a quick glimpse of brief business stories direct from business owners, corporate professionals, and entrepreneurs. It’s a place where they collectively share their business journey, exciting projects, collabs, & experiences that sometime brought hard lessons & setbacks but loaded with electrifying & exhilarating aha moments & of course, those memorable game changers that catapulted their stories to a whole new height of dizzying triumphs. Welcome to the CityBox Diary, a place where you can instantly & meaningfully connect to expand your network.
Maryan Aiken. Founder. CEO. Publisher. CityBox Media LLC
CONNECT. SUPPORT. EXPAND
Elevate + Amplify Your Brand. Be the NEXT Interview on CityBox
For details email cityboxdaily@gmail.com
Listening to Spotify Hip Hop Mash Up
Executed on a grand scale the likes that Atlanta has never seen, Little Alley Steak Buckhead welcomes you to 9000-square-feet of understated, intimate opulence, boasting a seductive lounge and bar with over 400 bottles of the finest bourbon, whiskey and Scotch, multiple dining rooms, an outdoor climate-controlled bar and sprawling terrace as well as a secluded private dining room. Menu highlights include a wide variety of wet-aged, dry-aged and USDA prime steaks as well as the freshest hot and cold seafood in the southeast.