In this episode of South Cobb Live, host Elise White interviews Keisha Jacobs, the founder of Great Vibes Events, LLC, an event planning company based in Smyrna, Georgia. Keisha discusses her background as a teacher and her passion for creating unique, interactive experiences that bring people together. She highlights her focus on youth events, especially for middle and high school students, and her annual back-to-school event that encourages youth entrepreneurship. Keisha also shares her commitment to communication and personalization in her event planning services, using music as a key element to enhance the atmosphere. The episode concludes with a fun 'South Cobb Spotlight Sprint' where Keisha associates songs with different themes.

Meet Our Guest Keisha Jacobs - Event Planner & Teacher

• Owner of Great Vibes Events LLC
• Teacher by day, event planner by passion
• Specializes in 6th-12th grade youth events
• Tagline: "Come Vibe With Us"

Key Topics Discussed

• The Journey: From teacher to event planner
• Youth Focus: Creating events for middle and high school students
• Annual Back to School Event: Featuring youth entrepreneurs as vendors
• Kidpreneurs: Supporting young entrepreneurs and teaching business skills
• Communication Style: Believes in over-communication with clients
• Music & Vibes: Using music to elevate every event experience

Signature Services

• Youth-focused events (6th-12th grade)
• Wedding planning
• Brand launches
• Milestone celebrations
• Interactive experiences that bring people together

Fun Facts

• Setup Song: "The Sweetest Taboo" by Sade
• Music Philosophy: Always incorporates music to create the perfect vibe
• Atlanta Native: Loves So So Def, Kilo Kilo, and 90s/2000s R&B

Connect with Great Vibes Events

• Website: greatvibeseventsllc.com
• Instagram: @greatvibesevents22
• Facebook: Great Vibes Events LLC

About South Cobb LIVE! Brought to you in partnership with the Gary Hill Network in Smyrna, Georgia. Find us at:

• Website: www.southcobblive.com
• Social Media: All platforms
• YouTube: South Cobb LIVE! channel

Where community comes to life!

🎯 Episode Summary

Host Elise White welcomes Terry Graham, founder of Legacy Builders Wealth Management (South Cobb, GA), for an inspiring conversation about retirement planning and generational wealth.

🔥 Key Takeaways

💡 Start Early: "A common myth is that they can wait...oh, I'm too young to plan for retirement." - Terry Graham

💡 Financial Wellness: "Financial is a self-care. It is a form of wellness."

💡 Keep It Simple: Terry breaks down complex concepts into easy "Barney style" presentations.

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction 00:36 - Terry's mission with Legacy Builders 01:38 - Debunking retirement myths 03:27 - Personal stories shaping his career 05:52 - Financial planning as wellness 06:33 - Simplifying financial decisions 08:42 - Building Legacy Builders 10:41 - Financial education importance 13:56 - South Cobb Spotlight Sprint 15:40 - Contact info & events

📚 What You'll Learn

✅ Why waiting to plan retirement is a myth ✅ How to build generational wealth ✅ Simple retirement readiness questions ✅ Real client transformation stories ✅ Financial planning as self-care

🎓 Action Steps

1. Start retirement planning TODAY
2. Ask: "Do I have a pension?"
3. Think generationally
4. Attend educational webinars
5. Review plans regularly

📅 Events

Weekly Webinars:

• Wednesdays: Stock Market Alternatives
• 3rd Saturday: Retirement Planning & Annuities Search "Legacy Builders" on Eventbrite

🔗 Connect

Website: legacybuilders.us Social: LinkedIn & Facebook - Legacy Builders Wealth Management

💬 Join the Conversation

What's your biggest retirement planning question? Comment below!

Hashtags: #LegacyBuilders #SouthCobbLIVE #FinancialEmpowerment #RetirementPlanning #GenerationalWealth

South Cobb Live + Gary Hill Network

Download the Smyrna Guide: https://link.southcobbmedia.com/widget/form/r1AtN4fdWWv4vETVAxXa

Episode Overview

Host Elise White interviews Gary Hill, founder of the Gary Hill Network and owner of the Smyrna Guide. Discussion focuses on proactive sales approaches, community building, and forging authentic connections for local business success.

Guest Profile

Gary Hill has anchored Smyrna, Georgia's business community since 1982. Through the Gary Hill Network and Smyrna Guide, he's built extensive local business networks via print advertising and personal relationship building, emphasizing community engagement and mutual support.

Key Topics

Sales Initiation: Success requires proactive engagement rather than waiting for opportunities.

Print Advertising Value: Despite digital dominance, print materials, business cards, and tangible marketing remain essential for visibility and community presence.

Spiritual Foundation: Gary's spiritual experiences guide his business philosophy, viewing his work as a calling rather than just career.

Community-Centered Networking: Building genuine friendships within business networks, focusing on mutual support over self-interest.

Life Integration: Seamless integration of business and personal life, with networking central to identity and purpose.

Notable Quotes

"Sales is about initiation. It's not about sitting around waiting on something to happen."

"Networking is about promoting each other. It's about getting people focused on somebody besides themselves."

"My life is the Smyrna Guide one. They're all the same thing."

Actionable Takeaways

New Businesses: Start with door-to-door networking and one-to-one relationship building. Focus on initiating conversations rather than waiting.

Established Businesses: Maintain consistent visibility through print and personal presence. Actively promote network partners for reciprocal relationships.

Community Building: Create mutual support systems among local businesses. Use print advertising for lasting presence and show up consistently.

Key Insights

Gary's decades-long business relationships demonstrate networking's long-term value. Traditional methods like print advertising and face-to-face interactions remain effective in our digital age. Integrating spiritual principles into business practices can positively influence success, while supporting community members ultimately benefits everyone.

Episode Highlights

• Gary's origin story collecting business cards at Dunkin' Donuts
• Spiritual calling's role in business decisions
• Long-standing partnership examples
• Advice for establishing local presence
• Importance of community visibility

South Cobb Live features community-focused conversations with local leaders and entrepreneurs making neighborhood differences.

"Stop hiding from that IRS letter! As an Enrolled Agent who's saved clients THOUSANDS during audits, here's why ignoring it makes everything worse..."

Tarryn Sampson, owner of TS Tax and Accounting Services in Mapleton, Georgia, shares 29 years of tax expertise and reveals how her year-round approach saves South Cobb business owners thousands.

Guest Background

Tarryn Sampson - Owner & Founder, TS Tax and Accounting Services

• 29 years in tax preparation (since 1996)
• Enrolled Agent certified (2020) - can represent clients before the IRS
• Based in Mapleton, Georgia, serving South Cobb community

Key Discussion Points

The "Ostrich Problem" with IRS Letters

"I always use the analogy of the ostrich - clients get these IRS letters and they're putting their head in the sand. I'm like, they see you. You just need to go ahead and open it. You can't hide."

Why This Matters: Avoiding IRS letters only makes problems worse and more expensive.

Beyond "Plugging in Numbers"

Tarryn explains her comprehensive approach:

"I have a client now, he used to rent a location, now he has a house outside of his property... So now I'm like, okay, so we have depreciation that we can claim."

Key Insight: Understanding the complete financial situation enables strategic tax planning.

The Round Numbers Red Flag

"People always feel like I could give estimated numbers... A lot of round numbers. And I always tell my clients those are red flags. Not everything is in a round number."

Real-Time Documentation Strategy

"I don't need the details to prepare your return, but I tell my clients you need it in the event that you get audited because trying to recreate the stuff three and four years after the fact is crazy."

The Year-Round Advantage

Unlike seasonal preparers, Tarryn operates continuously, allowing her to:

• Stay current on tax law changes
• Provide ongoing client support
• Handle IRS correspondence promptly

Key Takeaways for Business Owners

1. Don't ignore IRS letters - Address immediately with professional help
2. Avoid round numbers in documentation - they trigger audit red flags
3. Maintain real-time records - Don't wait until tax season
4. Strategic planning beats basic compliance
5. Work with year-round professionals - Seasonal preparers miss opportunities

About TS Tax and Accounting Services

Located in Mapleton, Georgia, providing comprehensive tax preparation, IRS representation, and business consulting to South Cobb area businesses and individuals.

Featured on South Cobb Live - highlighting strategic tax planning and working with experienced, credentialed tax professionals.

Join host Elise White as she sits down with Chef T and his beautiful wife Mia, the powerhouse couple behind Phenomenal Seafood in Austell, Georgia. From their humble beginnings with a franchise to building their own phenomenal brand, this is a story of love, faith, and incredible food that brings the community together.

In this episode, discover how Chef T and Mia transformed their passion for seafood into a thriving restaurant that survived COVID-19 and is now looking toward franchising. Learn about their signature dishes named after family members, their secret ingredient (spoiler: it's love!), and why people drive from as far as Columbus, Georgia just to taste their food.

🍤 What You'll Learn:

• The evolution from Smacking Good to Mighty Good to Phenomenal Seafood
• How they created a dining experience that goes beyond just takeout
• The story behind their family-named menu items
• Their business philosophy and future franchising plans
• Why consistency and love are their secret ingredients

📍 Visit Phenomenal Seafood: Address: 2495 East West Connector, Austell, Georgia Website: phenomenalseafood.com Instagram: @phenomenalseafood

🎵 Weekly Events:

• Wednesday: $2 Oysters
• Thursday: Karaoke
• Friday: Live Music
• Saturday: DJ
• Sunday: Brunch

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell! 🔔

Find South Cobb Live on all platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | and more!

#PhenomenalSeafood #SouthCobbLive #AustellGA #SeafoodRestaurant #BlackBusiness #FamilyBusiness #SoulFood

Welcome to another episode of South Cobb LIVE!, where we spotlight the heart and hustle of local business owners building community through service, storytelling, and soul. In this episode, Elise White sits down with Nick Hanratty, the co-owner of Varner's Restaurant & Tavern in Smyrna, GA. What started as a post-Taco Mac venture is now a community staple serving wings, burgers, and family vibes for over 17 years. Nick shares his journey from part-time employee to co-owner, how Varner's became a second home for Eagles fans (Fly, Eagles, Fly!), and the powerful impact of building real relationships with guests and staff alike. You’ll hear how this beloved tavern survived the 2008 crash, created generational customer loyalty, and became a local legend—one lemon pepper wing at a time. 🍋🐔

⚠️ Stick around till the end to learn how YOU can unlock a 15% discount on your next dine-in visit just by dropping one word in the comments! 📌

SHOW NOTES: 00:00 – Intro to South Cobb LIVE & today’s guest

01:15 – The origin story of Varner Tavern

04:45 – Surviving the Great Recession & finding Smyrna at just the right time

07:30 – From employee to co-owner: Nick’s story of grit and growth

10:20 – Building a culture of excellence and real community

13:05 – Eagles fan club, karaoke nights, trivia, and kids eat free Fridays

16:40 – The secret sauce: customer relationships & service-driven leadership

20:55 – Giving back: school PTAs, Milford Youth, and using space for fundraisers

23:00 – Elise’s rapid-fire “South Cobb Spotlight Sprint”

24:15 – Special offer just for YOU — don’t miss it! 👀

📍 Connect with Varner Tavern

🌐 varnerstavern.com 📸 @varnerstavern (Facebook & Instagram)

🎧 Follow South Cobb LIVE!

📲 @SouthCobbLive | @SouthCobbMedia

📍 Bringing community stories to your feed and your heart.

In this inspiring episode of South Cobb LIVE!, host Elise White sits down with Sharmaine Thomas, the franchise owner of Project Lean Nation Cumberland. Discover how Sharmaine and her husband turned personal loss and a passion for health into a thriving business that delivers nutritious, delicious, and convenient meals right in the heart of South Cobb.

Tune in as Sharmaine shares:

- The heartfelt story behind launching Project Lean Nation Cumberland

- How their meals cater to busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and families

- Why this health-focused franchise is exactly what Cobb County needed

- Favorite meals like the Maple Bacon Burger and Italian Chicken

- Stories of transformation and community connection

- How YOU can get involved and jumpstart your wellness journey

Special Offer compliments of South Cobb LIVE!

Get a free protein shake and a complimentary consultation when you comment the word LEAN on our Instagram @ProjectLeanNation_Cumberland.

It's our way of saying thank you for being part of the wellness movement.

Connect with Us

Visit: Project Lean Nation Cumberland, 2980 Cobb Parkway, Suite 168

Instagram: @ProjectLeanNation_Cumberland

In this episode of South Cobb Live, host Elise White sits down with Stone Stafford, co-founder of Icon Studios ATL, to discuss the journey of building a creative hub for musicians and artists in Atlanta. Stone shares insights from his 30+ years in the music industry, his work with Sony Music Publishing, So So Def, and iconic artists like Usher, Gladys Knight, and Queen Latifah. He also dives into the business side of music, the importance of location and equity, and his future plans beyond Icon Studios.

🔹 How Icon Studios became a major creative space in Atlanta 🔹 The studio’s unique non-smoking policy (and why they turned away Snoop Dogg!) 🔹 Memorable moments with legendary artists 🔹 Why business knowledge is key in the music industry 🔹 Stone’s next moves: New ventures and giving back to the community

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

📌 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

📲 Follow us on Social Media: 🔹 Instagram: @SouthCobbLive 🔹 Facebook: South Cobb Live

👥 About Our Guest: Stone Stafford

🎵 Co-Founder of Icon Studios ATL – a 10,000 sq. ft. creative space for artists, podcasters, and content creators. 🎤 Former Exec at Sony Music Publishing & So So Def 📺 Worked with A-list artists & film projects 🎙️ Host of "Life on Podcast" (Listen, Laugh, and Learn!) 📍 Instagram: @iconstudiosatl 🌐 Website: StoneStafford.com

📌 Featured Topics & Timestamps:

[00:01] Welcome & Introduction [00:24] How Stone & his wife built Icon Studios [02:00] Why location (Smyrna & ATL) was key to success [03:29] Memorable moments: Gladys Knight & Queen Latifah [05:21] Icon Studios: Atlanta’s first non-smoking recording studio [06:15] Services at Icon Studios: Podcast studio, coaching, rehearsal spaces [07:30] Future plans: Selling the studio & launching new ventures [09:15] Giving back: Free music business seminars in Smyrna [10:43] Fun Word Association Game 🎉

📢 Call to Action:

✅ Subscribe to South Cobb Live on your favorite podcast platform! ✅ Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for updates on new episodes! ✅ Check out Icon Studios & Stone Stafford’s projects! ✅ Stay tuned for Stone’s FREE music business seminars in Smyrna!

👉 Loved this episode? Share it with your network! 🎶📲