Consumer Culture

Picture yourself working 9-to-6 at a gig you can’t live without, while your sideline passion is all you ever dream about. Now imagine the alternate reality and consider the vision it would take to make that shift.

Without such risk takers, Atlanta’s consumer culture would be driven by the market interests of chain stores, franchises, and big-box retailers. So this year we celebrate the makers, those self-made entrepreneurs and sustainable small-business owners who’ve turned crafting hobbies into full-time hustles. Many work out of home studios, supplying product to local independently owned shops, and even shipping to stockists around the world.

Rachael Riedinger began leather making to fill a void. Through trial and error, she’s built Neva Opet into a recognized handbag and accessories brand. Sheree Swann started ReeFresh by Ree, her handcrafted line of tribal-print accessories, from scratch before making it her daily devotion just six months ago. Others, like Ateaelle urban merch brand owner Kirsten Daniel, have a vision for the city that fuels dialogue through design. We decided there are so many natural bath and beauty products made locally by the batch that they deserve their own category. Not to mention the holistic health practitioners, such as Crystal Jones and Leah Tioxon, who help us realign our third-eye vision.

Sometimes divining the future of a city obsessed with phoenix-like regeneration means looking to the past. It’s hard to overlook how century-old cultural staple Sweet Auburn Curb Market has provided the perfect blueprint for such upscale millennial rehabs as Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market. And no matter how sanitized this city gets, Little Five Points remains an eccentric shopping experience nearly 40 years strong. At least, that’s how we choose to see Atlanta in 2016.

— Rodney Carmichael

Best Accessories Shop BOA Award Winner

Year » 2016
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2016 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick

Fossil & Hide

Karen Horn Smith and Jenny Watts’ local accessories line FOSSIL & HIDE is designed for those who aren’t afraid to be asked, “Is that an animal skull hanging from your necklace?” because the answer is probably, “Yes.” Since spring 2012, the local duo has been churning out rock ’n’ roll-inspiredmore...

Karen Horn Smith and Jenny Watts’ local accessories line FOSSIL & HIDE is designed for those who aren’t afraid to be asked, “Is that an animal skull hanging from your necklace?” because the answer is probably, “Yes.” Since spring 2012, the local duo has been churning out rock ’n’ roll-inspired wares in a signature style that embraces chunky metals and large stones of turquoise and quartz that lend themselves to statement-making layering. Score a choker, bangle, necklace, ring or earring set of your own at pop-up shops at Argosy and Estoria, or from ATL stockists such as Live Free Tattoo, the Clothing Warehouse, Kudzu Antiques, Henry & June, and Citizen Supply. www.fossilandhide.com. less...

Best Gym BOA Award Winner

Year » 2016
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2016 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick

Dance 411 Studios

Our dreams of feeling like we’re in a Step Up movie come true at DANCE 411 STUDIOS. The Adult Hip-Hop class playlist will make even the shiest dancer start moving, especially when the first notes of Missy Elliot’s “Get Ur Freak On” start playing. The studio offers an alternative to your run-of-the-millmore...

Our dreams of feeling like we’re in a Step Up movie come true at DANCE 411 STUDIOS. The Adult Hip-Hop class playlist will make even the shiest dancer start moving, especially when the first notes of Missy Elliot’s “Get Ur Freak On” start playing. The studio offers an alternative to your run-of-the-mill gym workout with classes like pole dancing, twerking 101, interpretative hip-hop, ballet, and more — all with beginner level options for the easily intimidated. The hour-long classes are energetic, fun, and will have you sweating in no time. Cool down after class while catching a glimpse of real choreographers rehearsing their routines.  less...

Best Comic Book Store BOA Award Winner

Year » 2016
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2016 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick

My Parents’ Basement

You know the universe is looking out for us when there’s a spot in ATL that has both a great draft list and a great comic book collection. MY PARENTS’ BASEMENT, tucked away in Avondale Estates, is run by comic book vets qualified to steer you in the right direction, whether you’re looking for amore...

You know the universe is looking out for us when there’s a spot in ATL that has both a great draft list and a great comic book collection. MY PARENTS’ BASEMENT, tucked away in Avondale Estates, is run by comic book vets qualified to steer you in the right direction, whether you’re looking for a new series or in the market for a rare issue. Stay on top of their events as artist signings happen often, like one recently with Betty and Veronica writer and artist Adam Hughes. Peruse their collection of more than 1,000 comic books and stay for Nerd Trivia night on Tuesdays. Grab some grub — we’re partial to the shrimp taco plate and Wild Heaven brew. less...