Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1527947
October/November 2024 | maconmagazine.com 89 NewTown Macon is an independent nonprofit, making Downtown Macon safe, beautiful, fun, affordable, and locally led. Their comprehensive approach to downtown development has resulted in 83% storefront occupancy, 89% loft occupancy, and 1M+ annual event attendance. interactions, I start with a quiet moment to myself, savoring a cup of jasmine tea at Sweet Eleanor's. It's a cozy spot that feels like a warm hug, perfect for contemplative mornings and clearing your email inbox. OR – If I'm in a bit more of a hurry but still need that caffeine kick, you'll find me at ZBeans on Cotton Avenue picking up a peppermint mocha. 11 a.m.: Lunchtime is self-date time. Occasionally I head over to Oliver's where their salmon is simply the best – cooked to perfection every time. It's my go-to for a fulfilling meal that feels like a treat. OR – 2 p.m.: I love having taste of home, I make my way to 3rd and Cherry. Their Bannan Peze (tostones) and pork belly dish remind me so much of Haitian cuisine; it's comfort food that connects me to my roots. 5 p.m.: As the day winds down, I enjoy a dirty martini at Dovetail or Longleaf Distillery. I prefer visiting when it's quieter, the early evening before the dinner rush begins. It's the perfect setting for a reflective extroverted end to my day. OR – For a good "We Outside" mood with my friends, I'll grab a drink at Churchhill's on Cherry with my friends. Pro Tip: As an introvert, timing is everything. Visiting these spots during their less busy hours lets me enjoy the ambiance and my own company. WHAT HAVE YOU HAD TO LEARN ABOUT MACON THAT YOU WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU? Macon, like many cities, has its unique historical contexts and socioeconomic layers that influence everything from business to social interactions. Understanding the historical impacts on the present-day community, recognizing the ongoing efforts for growth and reconciliation, and identifying areas where more attention is needed is a necessary conversation. It's these layers that make Macon fascinating and its potential boundless. But I would love to give some of the coolest people I know a shout out – Newton Collier, Vinson Muhammad, Tonja Khabir, and Dr. Thomas Duval – for always educating me on important history. HOW HAS OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU? Engaging in profound conversations with peers about addressing and unraveling the complex issues affecting our community not only strengthens our connections but also fills me with hope. It's this collaborative spirit and shared commitment to facing tough challenges that underscore how supportive Macon has been. IF SOMEONE WANTED TO FEEL DEEPLY TIED TO THE COMMUNITY IN MACON, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM TO SEEK OUT? If someone wanted to feel deeply tied to the community in Macon, I would encourage them to 'seek out their own magic.' Each of us carries unique gifts and perspectives ingrained in our DNA, and Macon thrives when we contribute our individual magic to the collective. I firmly believe that diversity in initiatives and ideas strengthens our community – just as a variety of breads enriches the choices at a store. If you see something similar to your idea already happening, don't be deterred. Instead, see it as a confirmation that you're on the right path and an opportunity to bring your unique twist. WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? My greatest achievement has been committing to therapy. As a survivor of many challenges, resilience is woven into my very DNA – yet survival was never the aspiration my ancestors held for me. Working in the social impact sector, it's critical for me to 'put on my oxygen mask first,' so to speak, to ensure I do not perpetuate the trauma that preceded me. Embracing therapy has allowed me to not only navigate my own complexities but also to serve our community more effectively and empathetically. WHAT KEEPS YOU IN DOWNTOWN MACON? It's the energy of the place that captivates me – the walkability, the blend of work and life, the spontaneous connections with community and friends. Learn more about memberships and amenities at cratex.co/membership. Photo by Jae and Ted Madison, Exodus Photography.