FINE FEATHERED FRIEND: SUSANNAH
At IFF, our mission is to showcase the movers, shakers and makers in health throughout Georgia. Our friend Susannah Maddux, founder of Goods Public Relations and an instructor at Hometown Yoga, is one of those said shakers. The thing we love most about Susannah is her authenticity -- from her work as Macon's biggest cheerleader to her passion for public health -- she is truly a bright light to everyone she encounters! Read below about her love for yoga, Macon (did we mention it's Cherry Blossom season) and soon-to-be motherhood.
Tell us your name: Susannah Maddux, Founder of Goods Public Relations + yoga instructor at Hometown Yoga.
Hometown + Current city: Monroe, NC / Macon, GA
Inspiration for managing your own biz? For myself: My first boss Allison Beale, my sister, and all the women in the world who wake up every day and change the world. For others: Be flexible and eager to learn from others; ask for help; collaborate often; find a mentor; create and know your team of support; learn from failure; reinvent when necessary; laugh at yourself; show gratitude to others; make time to let go and nourish your creativity; try things.
What is the goal of your company? Short: To get in on and share a good thing when I spot it. Long: To promote and tell the story of small business, brand, or cause via thoughtful, detail-oriented efforts.
What makes you tick: Serving others, collaboration to create good, diversity and inclusiveness, brilliant design, grand vision with obvious fruits, faith, yoga, thoughtful PR, beautiful music, preserving history, storytellers and their stories, artists and their art, selfless people, passionate people, the pursuit of a perfect playlist, NYC, travel, good coffee, shiny things.
Mantra: No day but today.
Best indulgence: Dark chocolate, red wine, a book + a bath… and the occasional new handbag or Alexis Bittar earring.
Health trend you are loving: The local + real food movement.
Describe yourself in one word: Lively!
Preferred pose: Currently: all hip openers. For life: Backbends and Savasana.
How has practicing yoga influenced you? I've been practicing for ten years. Yoga gives me better breath, more space, and releases worry. It makes me shake it out and feel less crazy. It is an absolute must.
What is your go-to source for pregnancy info? What to Expect When You’re Expecting and my mom + sister guidebook.
What moment are you most looking forward to as a mother? Giving more love.
LIFT. TONE. BURN.
Have you been to the barre lately? The past few years, the ballet body has made a resurgence and rightly so due to the rigorous but results-driven workout behind it. Pure Barre is a total body workout that utilizes the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements which proves to be one of the fastest, most effective ways to change your body. But beyond the trend, we wanted to learn more about all that PB can offer. Read below for the interview with our friend, Whitney Berry, owner at Pure Barre Macon.
Tell us your name:
Whitney Berry
Inspiration for starting your own biz?
My Dad is a small business owner and from an early age, it has always been my dream to own my own business. Having the opportunity to see him have a positive effect on the lives of others, both clients and employees, was something I always admired and wanted to bring to others one day.
What is the goal of the company?
My goal with Pure Barre Macon from the beginning has been to create a fitness center that was not just about the workout, but to create a sense of family where everyone could feel welcome and be challenged to reach personal goals for themselves while bringing a great sense of well-being.
Personal mantra:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty and find the best in others; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived-- this is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Pick a superfood:
Avocados!
Health trend you are loving:
Regular Massages
Favorite form of exercise:
Pure Barre is my absolute favorite form of exercise! I was born with a joint condition that has caused me to undergo two shoulder surgeries and limited my ability to do some workouts. When I found Pure Barre I was immediately in love, because it was the most challenging workout I had ever done. With only slight modifications I was able to complete the full workout. My love for Pure Barre began just over two years ago and I can honestly say I have never once been bored during a workout and they have not become any easier, if anything they become more challenging the longer I do them, because I have gained a better understanding of my own body and know how to push myself to achieve maximum results.
Preferred pose:
All thighs. I still find my shakes in every class!
Best piece of advice received during your pregnancy:
Stay active. It truly affects your physical and mental well-being during pregnancy. And fingers crossed will make delivery and recovery much easier as well!
