Please welcome Bill Hallman to the Blueprint-Project! Born in Vietnam, Hallman always knew that he was destined for a career in the fashion world. In 1989, when he graduated with a degree in fashion design, he chose to stay in Atlanta and build his vision. Hallman launched his first men’s collection with tremendous success. He immediately expanded to include a women’s collection with the same distinctive style and soon after the Bill Hallman label was sought after by Barney’s of New York, Nordstrom and many hip boutiques throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia

Bill launched his first boutique in 1990 in the Virginia Highlands – Atlanta and now has stores near Lenox Mall and Lil Five Points as well as a huge online store. Bill Hallman boutiques have been attracting stars such as Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Outkast, TLC, Erykah Badu, Usher, Train and Sheryl Crowe. Always adopting the “change is good” attitude, Hallman has evolved the stores over the years to include new branding, locations and concepts. Bill Hallman is a fashionable destination, a place where creativity is always alive and individuality encouraged. How cool is that? We are thrilled to have him aboard.

Susan Muscari Komoto was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised on St. Simons Island off of the coast of Georgia. Growing up on St. Simons Island offered many unique experiences, and her family always made sure community involvement was included in those experiences. Additionally, her late step-father, an OB/GYN, instilled a strong desire to help women and children in need. Through his work, Susan was exposed to the trauma sexually assaulted women go through.  This left an impression on Susan that would later serve as her motivation to help victims of sexual exploitation.

As she made her way from St. Simons Island back to the city of Atlanta, she noticed the issue of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) plaguing her own backyard further ignited her interest in preventing sexual exploitation as she unfortunately witnessed it first hand on set. Eventually, Susan’s infectious passion to help victims of CSEC inspired the formation of Drop Dead Gorgeous (DDG), and volunteer-run nonprofit organization which to serves to raise funds and awareness for the issue of CSEC. As a result of DDG’s efforts thousands of lives have been touched on this issue from the restorative process all the way through the legislative process, and over 1.5 million people have been made aware of the issue through the media efforts of their PR Firm of Record, Effective Media Group. For more information on the organization, please visit www.ddgcharity.org.

Susan currently resides outside of Atlanta with her husband and her daughter. Susan continues to freelance as a makeup artist, as well as work as a clinical skincare consultant for Rodan + Fields Dermatologists, and work as a Esthetician for Luxe Lashes focusing on semi-permanent mink and faux mink eyelash extensions.  For more information on her businesses, please visit www.susankomoto.com.

Bronni Karatassos was born and raised in South Africa during the apartheid regime. While living there, she witnessed many social injustices based on the issue of race. When moving to Atlanta in 1992, Bronni imagined she would be leaving most of these injustices behind. When she heard about the sexual exploitation of children happening in our city of Atlanta, she was appalled which moved her to become involved. Bronni has earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgia State University. Bronni always had a passion for educating children and chose the avenue of teaching health & physical education to elementary school children.

Bronni is now committed to doing her part to end this atrocity and protect our children from this heinous crime and has a goal to make Atlanta a safer community for our children can grow and learn. She is dedicated to help in the rescue of those who have already been sold into this modern day slavery. Bronni became a full-time mother after the birth of her two sons. Bronni currently resides in Atlanta with her husband, and her two sons. She serves as Board of Directors for Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Four friends discouraged with the opportunities in the American job market left home to explore foreign styles and cultures. Living abroad, they came together in the summer of 2011, and began to formulate their plan to influence the American market back home. With a combined five years’ experience in China; three college business degrees; one college engineering degree; fluent Chinese language ability; unanimous love of simple yet quality designed products; and ambition to make a difference, the group was ready to develop a solution to anything that came in their way.
The Product 
Created from an innovative new eco-friendly material, TPE Plastic, they worked to design a custom version ideal for daily use, strong enough to last, comfortable enough for any activity, and simple enough in design for anyone to wear.

A C4 Belt is:
A belt with buckles that are easily interchangeable, to create any color combination.
A belt that can be cut to fit any waist size, even as you lose weight.
A belt that doesn’t fray or wear over time or get ruined by moisture.
A belt that is easy to clean and fully recyclable.

Welcome to the Future of Belts.

Well welcome to the new way of networking fellas…welcome to the Blueprint!

Please welcome the Tough Mudder himself Doug Grady to The Blueprint-Project: Atlanta. Doug Grady has been studying and teaching the pathways to personal potential for over 20 years. Exciting, entertaining and enlightening are words invariably used to describe his unique seminars and workshops.

Doug is an entrepreneur, musician, and author of The Ripple Effect.He is President of High Achievers, and is owner or co-owner of three additional companies. His companies, writings, trainings, and music are designed with one purpose: to help people reach their God-given potential. Doug gives a significant portion of his time and money to local and global causes. He is a table leader at Peachtree Ironmen, dedicated to encouraging and equipping men to become a positive impact for Jesus at home, at work, and in the community. His second mission trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador will be in June of 2012, where he will be part of a twelve man team building homes for the poorest of the poor. Doug is an active member of Peachtree Presbyterian church in Atlanta, GA. Glad to have you on board my friend!

The Blueprint-Project welcomes Atlanta Entrepreneur Michael J. Pate Co-Founder and serving President of DealsForSchools.com. Michael is originally from Birmingham, Alabama where he graduated from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. After college, Michael spent several years in California with some of the top restaurant groups in the country. After a chance conversation with Jimmy Buffett while sitting on a surfboard of the beach of San Onofre, Michael decided to move “back South” and has spent the last nine years waking up to the beautiful Atlanta skyline.

While running LRN Educational Publishing they learned first-hand from school principals and PTA/PTO parents about the quandary they faced and the need to raise as much money as to fill in the budget gaps. However, they realized how much time and attention the fundraisers took away from the classroom. Therefore the added financial burden was simply too much for many parents and supporters in these tough economic times. Responding to this need, Michael and Ben created DealsForSchools.com. Now schools could raise these much needed funds in a “hassle-free” manner without adding an extra financial burden to parents and supporters. The parents (and now supporters of any non-profit group) could support their school every time they shopped online, booked travel and saved 50-90% on their favorite local daily deals! This is an awesome program! Let’s help him Atlanta help our children and our schools.

Philip has a natural talent for capturing unique landscapes and architectural scenes. His training in illumination engineering allows him to focus on both the process and the product, both equally important to Philip. His extensive research and preparation to determine appropriate lighting perspectives – be it natural or manmade, depending on the purpose of the photograph – yield photographs that seem organic and effortless.

Great to have Atlanta’s Wonder Woman back to co-host The Blueprint! Renee Knorr is the Fashion director for THE 19TH HOLE MAGAZINE an award winning golf, fashion and luxury lifestyle publication – about savvy people, places and things on and off the course.

THE 19TH HOLE MAGAZINE is the first publication in the USA dedicated to showcasing golf’s profound influence on fashion, women and global pop culture. Each issue provides inspiration and information about the latest trends, fashion, travel and overall culture of the game. Our philosophy is “when you feel good, play better, looking good makes you feel good.” IT’S A WHOLE NEW GAME. Renee is a brilliant woman that truly cares about her city and the philanthropies that surround it. She is in constant motion to do her best for herself and the people around her. She is indeed a Muse. Welcome back Renee Knorr.

Welcome Hair Stylist extraordinaire Richie Arpino to The Blueprint-Project: Atlanta. As the jewel of the prestigious crown that is Paces Ferry Place, Richie Arpino Salon is also where native Atlantans meet Hollywood fame. Personalities such as Julia Roberts, Darryl Hannah, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Tilly, Melissa Ethridge, Carol Alt, Lesley Ann Warren, Queen Noor of Jordan, Nikki Taylor, Andie McDowell, Helena Bonham Carter, Kevin Costner, and the rock group Collective Soul have all entrusted their individual “looks” into the capable hands of Richie and his salon.

For over 32 years, this creative setting has allowed professionals who are committed to their craft to thrive. Hairstylists, color experts, makeup artists, aestheticians, manicurists, and massage therapists come together as a complete Design Team. For over 32 years, this creative setting has allowed professionals who are committed to their craft to thrive. Hairstylists, color experts, makeup artists, aestheticians, manicurists, and massage therapists come together as a complete Design Team.

Welcome to the Blueprint-Project artist Mike Jensen of Atlanta Concrete Artist L.L.C. Mike is a true artist at his craft. His amazing artistry with concrete is truly remarkable. Mike’s company is a decorative concrete company that specializes in creating unique concrete finishes. Using concrete as a canvas, Mike transforms plain gray floors into works of art. Mike’s offers “garage theme” servicesto car enthusiasts, athletes, celebrities or anyone else that has the desire to showcase their cars.

The overwhelming response from his custom garage floor designs has prompted the creation of GARAGEMOGUL.COM. With collaborations with artist and designers including Amy Rader Designs, Michael Habachy Designs, and Art-Tech Designs & Finishes Mike brings new levels of creativity to the industry. From Concrete acid staining to decorative floor logos Atlanta Concrete Artist brings professionalism into each project. With extensive experience and knowledge of concrete staining, you can rest easy knowing your project will be completed with a professional finish. We are pumped about having him at the Blueprint.

Welcome Lentheus Chaney of Urban Lux Magazine to The Blueprint. Lentheus has 19 years of experience holding various positions within the communications industry and is recognized as a driven individual with a passion to identify research, create and implement. As the founder and principal of Urban Lux Holdings, Lentheus has launched several luxury products that have led to the creation of the print and digital lifestyle publication Urban Lux Magazine where he serves as Publisher and Editor-In-Chief. Published five times a year, Urban Lux Magazine is distributed throughout the world digitally via UrbanLuxMagazine.com and in print at special/charity events including the ULM quarterly issue release event.
 

He leads with the confidence and believes that “all things are possible.” He has the talent of taking ideas from paper and turning them into tangible marketable products. He has an entrepreneurial philosophy that he is accountable for his own accomplishments and that belief has proved to be the catalyst to help him form successful business relationships. Lentheus continues to build his business through that belief. We are honored to have him on board for our showcase spotlight.
 

Urban Lux Magazine believes in, practices, and promotes consciousness. Their mission is to celebrate socially aware individuals, organizations and businesses while highlighting their individual careers, successes, challenges and contributions to our society. Community, City Living, Lifestyle, Culture, Fashion and Entertainment are also significant additions to Urban Lux Magazine’s purpose.

D. Flores / deelite photography

D. Flores has been in the visual arts field since the early 90′s after attending the Art Institute of Atlanta. He has worked in various companies as a graphic designer and marketing consultant .As a freelance photographer, D. Flores has taken his hobby of photography to a professional level. Producing powerful images that have quickly become the favorite of many nationally and internationally. Published in multiple magazines and later hired by companies to get the right image for them. His commitment to amazing visuals has kept him in the forefront of fashion photography as well as photography for musicians, personalities and product photography.

Published work (either directly or by way of ads or profile photos) 944 Magazine (Atlanta), Grip Magazine (National), Jezebel Magazine (Atlanta), City Beat Magazine

(California), IOU Magazine (Atlanta), Pacific Beach Magazine (California), Six Degrees Magazine (Atlanta), Our Town Magazine (Atlanta)

Clients

SONY/BMG, 944 Magazine, Mauldin Brand Agency, Maulding Apparel, Artistic Control Group, SoSoDef Records, Interscope Records, Bob Ellis Shoes, Jeffrey Fashion Cares, JEDAL Italian Fashion, Simmons * Lathan Media Group, Codewear Clothing, Our Town Magazine, Lexi Jane Boutique, Peters Path Boutique, NYC House of Style

Education

Art Institute of Atlanta 1992

Skills

Photography strengths include executives, professionals and musicians. Highly experienced in working with fashion professionals and fashion accessory products. Exceptional people skills, and in creative photography, lighting and post production. Customers frequently comment on exceptional customer service received not only during photography session, but in post production as well.

After earning his degree in Biomedical Science at the University of South Alabama, he went on to attend dental school at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Dr. Scott’s heart belongs to helping people and he spent significant time doing mission work in Belize while still in dental school. After graduating he moved here and practiced dentistry for five years before deciding to make the city of Atlanta, Georgia his home.

Dr. Scott enjoys traveling, language, learning, working out and playing the drums

In her former life as a securities operations manager at J.P. Morgan, Brooke excelled at recognizing the diverse personalities and fulfilling the unique needs of her team. As a result she was able to make the most of every assignment, and her career advanced rapidly; the only problem being that securities operations was a very poor outlet for her incredible creativity and immense sense of style. At the encouragement of her supporters, Brooke pursued an internship position with a local Atlanta interior designer, where she discovered her personal and professional mission: to create a sanctuary and retreat for every client to retire after a hard days’ work.

Brooke’s combined personal and creative skills have served to establish Brooke Merrill Home as a recognized name and valued member of the Atlanta design community. From the many beautiful homes of her ecstatic clients to her selection as the Design Chair for the 2010 Atlanta Symphony Associate’s Decorators’ Show House and Gardens, Brooke is leaving her mark throughout Atlanta and beyond.

Tara’s interiors reflect an imaginative blend of classic and modern pieces with a fresh, vibrant flair. Incorporating clean lines, comfortable furnishings, and a thoughtful mix of color and texture, her work brings out the best in her clients individual style, while discovering a balance between casual elegance, sophistication, beauty and function. Her passion for design and commitment to a shared vision with her clients has raised the bar in design for every stage of a residential or commercial space.

A rural upbringing, along with experience living in urban settings including New York City and Chicago have helped shape a wonderfully eclectic flair for combining rustic, natural elements with the glamorous and exquisite. Whether you’re working with existing furnishings or starting from scratch, Tara McKenna Designs will help you create a space that will reflect your expression and surpass your expectations.

Melanie Mueller is Founder and Designer of MEL BOTERI, a company specializing in custom accessories for both men and women. Driven by a lifelong desire to start her own fashion brand, Melanie followed a non-traditional path to enter the highly competitive world of style and design. Recognizing the advantage of having a strong business background in the fashion industry, Melanie graduated with a BBA from The University of Georgia and a MBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School at Emory University.

As a graduate student, Melanie had the opportunity to work as a Marketing and Business Development intern for Zac Posen, a world renowned designer in New York City. The experience not only confirmed to Melanie that she was passionate about fashion, but her time in New York also reinforced her thoughts of a demand for custom accessories, particularly in women’s handbags and shoes. As the designer states, “MEL BOTERI is really a product of years of shopping frustration in a marketplace oversaturated with ‘one size fits all’ merchandise. As I personally struggled to find exclusive, yet sophisticated pieces which would meet my individual needs, I found that I was not alone in my efforts.” MEL BOTERI was officially launched in the Fall of 2009 with a small collection of women’s custom design handbags, on the premise to provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. With its first showroom opening in Atlanta, Georgia, MEL BOTERI plans to bring a full line of custom products to markets both in the U.S. and internationally.