#tsgnwarkansas

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

Up Close and Personal with Heidi Faires from The Apollo on Emma

We are loving the vintage vibes at downtown Springdale’s newest event and wedding venue, The Apollo on Emma. Located inside a gorgeously renovated and restored old movie theater, this space is picture-perfect and gets our wedding-planning imagination going wild! Heidi Faires, general manager of operations there, is the design mind behind the space, and whose love of beautiful things and fabulous parties is infectious! Here, Heidi tells us about the story behind the space, and shares her local Springdale loves!

Can you remember the very first time you realized your passion for creative design?

It may have been an age too young to remember! My mother has always had an eye for design and I got my creativity from her. I grew up watching her completely transform a room in the house, simply by moving things around. I also loved watching my mom put together beautiful parties for family and friends. When I had my own home, I started to put all I had taken in from watching my mom into practice.

Classic films play in a dimly lit ballroom during a wedding designed by Heidi at The Apollo on Emma. The overall effect is old-world glamour and elegance! Photo courtesy of Layers Photography.

How about your love for events?

I have always loved planning and executing a good event! The biggest one I have done thus far was our grand opening at The Apollo on Emma in August of 2017, with more than 600 guests in attendance. I loved being able to incorporate some of the favorite memories of the old movie theater into the event. For example, we knew that the concessions stand used to serve pickle juice over crushed ice. I took that favorite old remedy and created a signature cocktail for the grand opening, which consisted of cucumber flavored vodka, ginger beer and lemon with fresh slices of English cucumbers to garnish!

The Apollo’s namesake, an antique statue, still stands in the lobby at the venue to remind patrons of the venue’s rich local history.

Where did the name of your business come from?

When the original theater opened in 1948, the owner proposed a contest for naming the movie house. Accounts differ, but suggest that the winning name was thought up by both the theater manager Max Cox and a local antiques dealer whose collection included an impressive marble statue of the Greek god Apollo. When the theater owner, William Sonneman, first saw the statue he purchased it for the lobby of the theater. The best part of the story is that we still have that statue! When venue owners Lundstrum and Moore were renovating the building, they found the original statue and brought it back home. It now stands in the lobby of the wedding and event venue. They even kept the original sign from The Apollo Theater and renamed the new event venue The Apollo on Emma (which is the name of the street that the theater is located on in downtown Springdale).

What is your business's earliest success story?

We haven’t even had our doors open for two full years, yet we have already booked 226 events at The Apollo on Emma! I think that speaks volumes.

What is a little known fact about The Apollo on Emma?

Most people don’t realize how many guests we can accommodate. We have an indoor capacity of 664 and an outdoor covered patio capacity of 250.

Heidi Faires, general manager of operations at The Apollo on Emma is a perfect combination of event planner and space designer. She and her husband live in Springdale. Below she shares some of her fave and new locally owned Springdale businesses with us! 

As The Scout Guide, we want to hear your local loves. What are some of your favorite ways to Live. Love. Local. here in NWA? 

My husband and I live three blocks from downtown Springdale so we love all of the local shops. Mothership is a great place for lunch, The Odd Soul serves some great homemade stone-fired pizza and cocktails, Bike Rack Brewery and Black Apple Hard Cider have tasty crafts on draft, Trailside Coffee makes the best honey lavender breve (which I am obsessed with).

The Little Craft Show hosts an annual outdoor street show each year in downtown Springdale, which is home to many local artists. Sire has a great selection of boutique style women’s clothing. The Razorback Regional Greenway trail system runs right downtown and makes it convenient for us to take the dogs for walks or for long strolls. A brand new shop that recently opened, Lost and Found Decor, is one of my favorites. The owner has an array of lovely, homemade items, like soaps, candles and tea towels, and hand-painted furniture.

We just love the idea of a local wedding at this iconic Northwest Arkansas location any time of year, and those photos with the classic black-and-white movies playing are giving us major glamour bride vibes! Book your event with Heidi and The Apollo on Emma team, or reach out to plan a visit and learn more.

[tsglexingtonkentucky]

SCOUTED | Saturday guilty pleasure, browsing @thescoutguide city guides! Love this image from @tsgnwarkansas designed by @scribblesbysav 💗 DM us or visit the link in bio to browse - and order - any - or all - 60+ TSG cities. . . . #lexington #tsgnwarkansas #livelovelocal #tsglexington #scouted #artist #localartist #tsg #thescoutguide #thescoutedlife #supportlocal #kentucky #arkansas #cityguide #cityguides #localguide #photography #february2020 #february (at Lexington, Kentucky) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8BongVAkJI/?igshid=edbqw25zfukg

[thescoutguide]

Scouted from @tsgnwarkansas: a ladies' library made beautiful in blue lacquer by @caseysarkindesign.⁠ ⁠ Follow The Scout Guide Northwest Arkansas for more information, inspiration, and updates about local businesses in the area. #TheScoutGuide #TheScoutGuideNorthwestArkansas #library #blueroom⁠ 📸 @rettpeek

[whoawaitwalmart]

Feeling all sorts of grateful for the weekend we had at #megaphone19! We met new friends, hugged & laughed with so many of you, and cried without our waterproof mascara on (looking at you, @slaylikeamother.) Thank you, @soapboxinfluence & @megaphonecommunity for an amazing weekend of building our tribe and our toolbox at @megaphonesummit. Thank you to the amazing sponsors: @lala.foods @kleenex @huggies @walmart @tmnt @butterbeanscafe_official @american_heart @crystalbridgesmuseum @visitbentonville @21chotels @tsgnwarkansas @the.howse @promisedlanddairy #whoawaitwalmart #walmart (at Record) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1C4rAtHrrY/?igshid=1lbgtn73d3c9a

[tsgneworleanslouisiana]

Fly GLO to Arkansas: The Scouted Itinerary

GLO Airlines was started by a friend of mine, Trey Fayard, whose lifelong dream has been to connect regional destinations with direct flights, bringing businesses and tourists together quicker.

Since its launched in 2015, I’ve been waiting to fly GLO. This April, I finally made the trip and selected Little Rock as my destination. Why Little Rock? Its one of the five destinations this regional airline travels, this city is a member of The Scout Guide network, and is close enough distance to the new Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, AR that I’ve heard so many people talk about. By the time I planned and executed the trip, The Scout Guide launched a Northwest Arkansas Guide, meaning more carefully selected boutiques, restaurants, hotels, and museums to enjoy! 

Early April, my mom, godmother and I set out to scout the best of local using The Scout Guide as our guide and GLO, a member of The Scout Guide New Orleans, as our mode of transportation. And I must admit, without GLO, Arkansas wouldn’t have been at the top of my getaway list. But, GLO makes it easy by cutting the nine-hour drive into a one-and-a-half-hour flight, making it an easy choice. 

Flying GLO felt like the perfect mix of commercial convenience without any of the aggravation or stress. Here’s what you can expect when you board a GLO Airlines flight:

This is a commercial airline, with a personal touch. That means you fly right out of Louis Armstrong, but you don’t have long, chaotic lines at your gate. Plus, most of the people flying and working on your plane call our region home so there’s a neighborly vibe.

There’s no middle seat, and tons of legroom in the back of the plane. When you’re booking your flights, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the middle. Look for seats toward the back where you’ll have a bit more room to spread out.

You get two free checked bags and two free carry-ons! This comes in very handy for those of us who enjoy shopping tours on our getaways. 

The commissary program supports small local and family owned businesses. Currently, passengers receive Louisiana-made Zapp’s potato chips, Hubb’s peanuts and PJ’s coffee for an in-flight snack, no matter how short the flight. 

The flight attendants wear uniforms that are locally designed and made by NOLA-based studio The Wild Life Reserve.

You get the best in-flight reading, of course! Passengers will find a copy of The Scout Guide in their seat pockets. All you need to scout your destination can be found in those pages.

What I love most about flying GLO is that it makes completely unique regions feel that much closer…making it all the more easier to scout the best of local!

City Guide to the Best of Local: Arkansas

Prior to launching The Scout Guide New Orleans, my hobby was scouting. I have always loved discovering new places and the hidden gems that make them unique. I would always reach out to a friend via phone or email for insider suggestions. When The Scout Guide was created, my life became a lot easier. The trusted recommendations of a local could be found in a beautiful city guide…and as the platform evolved, I found the real scoop online. 

Lucky for me, I now have a friend in over 60 cities. Anna Serpente, Editor of TSG Little Rock and Rebekah Lawrence, editor of TSG NW Arkansas are just two of them, so planning a trip to Arkansas was easy. You too can benefit from their inside scoop by following their local blogs and checking them out on Instagram (@tsglittlerock | @tsgnwarkansas). 

Where to Stay

To start, the two girls helped me secure hotel reservations at their Scout Guide preferred hotels: The Capital and 21c Museum Hotel respectively. 

THE CAPITAL IN LITTLE ROCK

While these hotels are completely different in style, what they share in common is the experience. The Capital has an old world style. It is called “The Front Porch of Arkansas” because it truly feels like you’re coming home to a dear friend’s house. In true Southern fashion, rooms are complete with amenities like sparkling water, toffee and spiced pecans. Anna tipped me off to the insider secret: “The Adult Turndown.” Order one before departing for dinner and when you return, you’ll find an Irish coffee and other surprises waiting for you. On my pillow was a typed note written personally to me. It was just one of the many letters I received during my short stay that really made me feel like a valued guest. 

21c MUSEUM HOTEL BENTONVILLE

We left the Capital and drove three hours west to the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, a modern day space filled with loads of contemporary art … and green penguins. Penguins are the signature mascot of 21c, and they’re also a form of interactive art. Life-sized green (plastic) penguins are always popping up where you least expect them. For me, it was the elevator when I was on my way to hotel restaurant The Hive. For my mom, it was on top of the toilet seat when we returned from dinner. Penguins don’t move themselves, guest do. It optimizes the fun!

Where to Eat and Shop

So now, where to eat and what to do! Its all right here in these two guides: The Scout Guide Little Rock and The Scout Guide Northwest Arkansas. 

LITTLE ROCK

In Little Rock, you’ll want to eat a meal at Samantha’s Tap Room. Order the Parmesan Salsa. It’s to die for. Tulips is full of absolutely adorable clothes, jewelry and amazing prices. Box Turtle is another great shop filled with two stories of gifts and clothes. And, what isn’t in The Scout Guide but should be: The Purse Museum and Fresh ID. We missed a ton so before your trip, be sure to order a copy of the Guide online!

BENTONVILLE

In Bentonville, we dined at The Hive, a James Beard nominated restaurant. Rebekah introduced us to the keeper of the town: Debbie Matteri and the owner of In Season, a darling boutique across the street from the hotel. We walked less than a block to the adorable town square and visited the original Sam Walton Five and Dime store and the Wal-Mart Museum. Afterwards we enjoyed a homemade sparking soda at the soda fountain! We turned the corner and hit a few more local boutiques that were soon to make their debut in TSG Northwest Arkansas. I will tell you, even me, a devoted supporter of local businesses, now has a new appreciation for big box after hearing Sam Walton’s story. 

What to See

I originally learned of Crystal Bridges through the New Orleans Museum of Art Contemporary Curator, Katie Pfhol. At a NOMA Young Fellows Cocktail Party, I asked her to tell me her favorite Museum in the country (other than NOMA, of course!). Expecting her to say something like the Art Institute in Chicago and the Getty in LA, I was taken aback when the first one she named was in Arkansas. What could be the attraction? Well, naturally I set out to figure it out and boy was I blown away.

No doubt the best part about the visit was the visit to Crystal Bridges! When I learned that you could bike ride from 21c to the Museum, I knew it was going to be a hit. We rode our bikes right from our hotel through a trail system to the museum’s grounds. Crystal Bridges is situated on more than a hundred acres of lush Ozark forest and offers miles of nature trails, dotted with unique sculpture gardens. As you explore the grounds you become fully aware of the museum’s aim: to tie nature, art and architecture together. Once you see the museum itself, the architecture part clicks. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, it looks just like it’s floating on water.

Diane Carroll, the Director of Communications, invited Rebekah and me for lunch in the Museum Café, and she gave us a brief overview of the Museum, and made sure we knew about the upcoming Chihuly exhibit this June. Next we visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman -Wilson House on the museum grounds. The space’s symmetry and alignment really made an impression on me. And the home was meticulously maintained—even the sofa is pristine!

We meandered through the galleries spotting a few favorite pieces like: Rosie the Riveter (Norman Rockwell) and Dolly Parton (Andy Warhol), two of the most iconic pieces of modern American art in the collection. We also saw George Washington’s portrait, painted by Gilbert Stuart.

Just to visit Crystal Bridges and to experience the museum’s architecture in the middle of Arkansas’ natural bounty is a magical experience, and that’s not even counting the exhibits themselves. Now is the perfect time to book your tickets to Arkansas on GLO Airlines to visit this true Mecca. Starting on June 3 the museum will be the first ever to present Chihuly: In the Gallery and In the Forest, with indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Tickets are on sale now! 

Between June 3rd – August 14th, 21c Bentonville will be offering a special hotel package for guests wanting to experience the Chihuly exhibition at Crystal Bridges while staying with 21c. The package will include 2 tickets to Chihuly: In the Gallery and In the Forest, $50 towards The Hive and $30 towards the 21c Museum Shop. Book your trip by clicking this link or calling the hotel and asking for the Chihuly package. 

Return Trip The Brightest Way to Fly

Arkansas, when you are ready to fly South to New Orleans on GLO, I’ll be waiting for you. Reserve a room at The Terrell House Bed & Breakfast or the majestic Windsor Court, which is offering a special rate for those who mention The Scout Guide. If you’ve visited New Orleans a thousand times, plan to scout Louisiana’s Northshore, an hour from the city center, and overnight at the charming Southern Hotel in Downtown Covington. 

Find everything you need to know for an insider’s trip to New Orleans in The Scout Guide New Orleans. Order your copy of this curated city guide or peruse it online. Follow me on Instagram, read my local blog and learn more about how to scout NOLA in TSG style.

TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU!

—TAYLOR

P.S. You can fly GLO to Memphis too and use The Scout Guide Memphis and Editor Muffy Turley as your Guide! 

Photos of Taylor Morgan and Rebekah Lawrence by Meredith Mashburn

[theseefamily]

Awesome Early bday gift! Succulent class @shopgardenliving in Fayetteville. They are in the new @tsgnwarkansas Scout Guide. #shoplocal #awesomeconcreteplanter Thx Mom&Mack! http://ift.tt/2qvKDVp

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

Engagement Season Advice from NWA’s Wedding Expert Amanda Reed

Photo credit: Max Grubb for Miles Witt Boyer Photographic Collective

‘Tis the season—engagement season, that is. For those in the wedding industry, the officially unofficial season when a large percentage of couples become engaged begins on Thanksgiving, lasts through the holidays and ends with a bang on Valentine’s Day. And the calls start once couples realize they don’t want to do this alone (or have the time to tackle it on their own). . .

“Between Christmas Eve and mid-February, I will get several inquiries per day and sometimes I’m seeing dozens of proposals a day on my social media feeds,” says wedding planner Amanda Reed, of  Amanda Reed Weddings.

To help all the lovebirds out there feeling overwhelmed by the task of setting a date and planning a wedding, Amanda shares her engagement season advice with us, below.

Photo credit: Max Grubb for Miles Witt Boyer Photography Collective

Yes, take your time celebrating and enjoying your engagement, but before long the questions will start to roll in. . .What are your colors? Have you picked a date? Is your third cousin twice removed in your house party? How many carats is that ring (yes, they will SO ask that)?!? Here’s how to get started on the zillion decisions you have to make while wedding planning.

Set a budget. At least a starter budget. Having a clear idea of the amount of money you want to spend on your wedding will be important from the jump. The number of guests you can truly afford hinges on this number. Caterers charge per person, after all — and chairs, tablecloths, flowers — all those things have exponential costs. We preach daily to clients that the single easiest way to save money is to cut that guest list! Know how much you can spend, and then work backwards.

Start pinning. Everybody’s had a dream-wedding Pinterest board for as long as they can remember. Curate what you’ve already pinned and create a board you can bring to meetings with your vendors. We love to see our brides’ boards before we get started with the planning. Now’s the time to get it right. Delete those fairy dresses you pinned when you were 16, and if you’re not feeling the beach vibe, it’s okay to delete the seashell place card photos too. Focus on what you want now, and happy pinning! 

Get that bling insured. Your fiancé just spent a big chunk of change on that gorgeous ring, so let’s make sure you take good care of it. Your insurance agent will have all the details for adding the ring to your policy, so give them a call. And while we’re talking about rings, we always send couples to Blakeman’s for their bands. Their selection of men’s bands is classic (We’re a little partial to the David Yurman choices, personally!).

Your bridesmaids will be there for you through one of the most exciting and important times of your life. Amanda is seeing more and more brides take the time to really make bridal party requests extra special. It makes the day that much more memorable! Photo credit: Meredith Benton Photography.

Propose to your wedding party. Maybe he got to have all the fun planning his proposal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the chance to get down on one knee, too! So many brides and grooms are posting the most picture-perfect wedding party proposals all over Instagram these days. We love simple proposals where the bride gifts her friends with a nicely packaged box full of adorable gifts like a pretty lipstick and nail polish, a little bottle of champagne and a handwritten note. Locally, Shindig Paperie has beautiful boxes and stationery for this. (While you’re there, you’ll want some extra stationery for all the thank you cards you’ll be writing this year!)  Riffraff also has a killer selection of bridesmaids gifts and tees!

Bella Figura letterpress invitation with custom calligraphy from Janna Wilson. Photo credit: The Montoya Collective

Set a realistic timeline. You may have to swap a season to get the right timeline, or swap a venue to get the right season. Your first choice photographer may not be available on the same date as your first choice band. Some venues book a year to 18 months out. Think about what’s most important to you and where you are willing to compromise before you start to meet with vendors. You can always consider alternate days of the week. Fridays are popular and we love an old-fashioned Sunday brunch wedding. 

Start shopping for that dress.  Wedding gowns can take a lot longer to get in than you may think, so it’s never too early to try them on! Plus, right now is a great time for sample sales. A lot of boutiques will have holiday sales, too. We have wonderful wedding gown shops locally like Tesori and Joon Bridal. For the guys, we’re seeing custom suiting more than tuxedos, which is fantastic because the groom can keep wearing it after the big day — often, it’s his first legit suit. Walker Brothers is a fantastic local place to shop for custom suiting.

Just look at this gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress waiting for its big day. Amanda recommends ordering your wedding dress early in the planning process to ensure there is time to get the fit just perfect. Photo credit: The Montoya Collective

Make a fitness plan. You want to look good in that dress? We have many brides who start with Pure Barre Fayetteville (and also the newly opened studio at Pinnacle Hills!) the moment they get a ring so that they can really focus on toning and shaping up for their big day. We also love the facial packages at Premier Dermatology to get that blushing bridal glow. 

Plan for the marriage. Where else to begin than with the honeymoon, naturally? Global luxury travel advisor Michele MacDonald of The Core Traveler can really help with all the details if you want to do something exquisite. She has planned some out-of-this-world honeymoons for our clients, and will even go above and beyond to include mementos from wedding days, gifts from parents and friends and other really romantic and special details into the perfect honeymoon for just the two of you.

Look before you leap! We’ve seen so many couples get so excited after getting engaged that they immediately start signing contracts, writing checks and running cards just because they think they have to...and then experience the worst buyer’s remorse! Take a breath, find your focus, and then you can start making choices.

How perfect is this elaborate engagement scene? We love it! Photo credit:  Lauren Blair Photography

Finding an expert with years of experience and connections within the wedding realm can really help you sort through your options, and find the best fit within each wedding vendor category. Follow Amanda’s expert advice and get glimpses of weddings she’s planned here and book a consultation to get her personalized insight. . .you’ll head into wedding season with your best bridal foot forward!

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

It’s Time for George Dombek Studio & Gallery Fall Open Studio Weekends

It’s that glorious time of year again; the time of year when locals can enjoy Fall Open Weekends at George Dombek Studio & Gallery. Beginning September 28-29 and running five weekends through October 26-27, the gorgeous grounds, studio and gallery of our very own Fayetteville painter will be open and free for the public. This is only one of two times a year that the public is able to come to the grounds and explore the beautiful 40 acres, landscaping and outdoor sculpture gardens, meet the artist and view Dombek’s recent works inside the studio and gallery.

Visitors will have access to the Dombek Studio & Gallery to tour the gallery and explore the grounds on the next three weekends (October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Dombek Studio & Gallery in Fayetteville is a serenely stunning setting inside and out. A cardinal perches on Dombek’s bronze “bike in a tree” sculpture (below), titled Tour de Apple Tree, one of the many outdoor sculpture gardens on the 40+ acres at George Dombek Studio & Gallery, which will be open to the public for the next three fall weekends.

George Dombek’s work is included in more than 600 collections and has been in over 100 exhibitions throughout the world and he has won more than 80 awards for his work. He is the only living artist with paintings and sculpture in Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas and the most pieces of any living artist (7.)

A reflection of Dombek’s experiences can be seen in his self-described style of abstract realism. Subject matters include barns, bicycles, trees, birds, rocks, flowers, grasses, and rusted dented metal objects that come to life in his Ozark Portrait series. A portion of the recent work on display during the Fall Open Weekends will include selections from Dombek’s Ozark Portrait series. These unique paintings of objects Dombek has collected including parts of old farm equipment, cans, and other found objects that take on a life of their own as portraits representing people and families. These portraits have become so popular that George is now taking commissions.

Selections from George Dombek’s Ozark Portrait series pictured here include Top: Proud Parents, 2016, Watercolor, 30" x 30"; Bottom: Sisters, 2019, Watercolor, 14" x 14". Photos: George Dombek

“What’s different about these portraits, besides the obvious, is that I’m now painting for somebody else. Instead of painting what I want to paint, I am painting portraits of, and often times, for families. I get to know people and work with them. It’s a satisfying process.” – George Dombek

Interested in commissioning your own Ozark Portrait or visiting the gallery by appointment? Call (479.442.8976) or email the studio (dombek@george.dombek.com) to set up a meeting to schedule a consultation or gallery experience.

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

Up Close and Personal with International Design Superstar  Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group

A native Arkansan and University of Arkansas graduate, Chris Goddard, principal designer and owner of Goddard Design Group, is one of Northwest Arkansas’s truly homegrown success stories. This is Chris’s thirtieth year as an interior designer to clients across the globe. Chris got his start by doing windows for a clothing store on the Downtown Fayetteville Square when he was still in college. A woman walking by, admired his work, stopped in and asked for his name. What started as a gig redoing her bookshelves took off into a multi-decade career full of national press, prestigious awards and projects as far away and extravagant as a family compound on the Baja Peninsula and luxury commercial buildings in Shanghai.

Today Chris Goddard runs his design firm, Goddard Design Group, from Fayetteville with a team of six. He splits his projects with about 30 percent here in Arkansas and 70 percent across the country and the globe. All the while, he has stayed true to his one defining philosophy: Storytelling through design. More on that in our interview with Chris, detailed below…

Stay awhile in this custom wine cellar with Turkish daybed illuminated by antique pierced lanterns designed by Goddard Design Group. (photo: Mark Jackson/Chroma)

Your iconic designs really draw us in. Can you tell us about what you mean when you talk about allowing space to tell a story?

Whenever I begin a project, we will come up with a key idea or inspiration to build the space around. Whether it’s a specific color or a family heirloom the client is really drawn to, we begin there. Then we build the entire design around it. I do the same in residential or commercial spaces. So, for example, say you have a fabulous pillow from Morocco that you just fell in love with on a family trip one year. We will pull from that pillow in a livable way and create a room that emphasizes it using color, texture and collections. We want every room to tell a story. People love to speak about their lives and where they’ve been. Rooms designed like this provide the opportunity to spark conversations and talk about all the special items in the space.

So even now with your level of clientele, you encourage them to participate in the process?

Yes! We never do the same thing twice. We never repeat fabrics or color combinations. We don’t have a formula; our formula really is the client. I always tend to suggest things to my clients, rather than tell them what to do. I encourage them to go out and find things on their own. I will leave a big, open space in a room and ask my clients to find something specific that they love, and we’ll use it to fill the space. That gives them a guide and freedom to find what they love. The greatest compliment I will ever receive for my work is if somebody walks into a client’s home and says, “This room is so you” (meaning my client).

Is there a higher purpose you serve through your passion and business?

I have always believed that the more beautiful your environment, the more beautiful your life is. If you surround yourself with beauty, you feel more elevated. This can be in your home, the space where your family grows together, or in your commercial space where you shop and work. Our environments affect our mood, and I like to believe I’m in the business of elevating moods and bringing more beauty into people’s lives.

The signature Morris Sofa from the Goddard Design Group custom furniture line. Design pieces and curated artwork are available at Hubbard Clothing Company in Rogers and Hubbard Denim in Fayetteville. All furniture can be customized. (photo: Mark Jackson/Chroma)

Since we have your attention, we have to ask: Do you have any design tips for our readers?

I’m a firm believer that every room needs to have an antique or something sentimental in it to give it history. I can’t stand a room that doesn’t have a soul. No matter what style your space is in, even if it’s ultra modern, I will always incorporate something old with history, like an old floor or a door. That’s where the story begins.

What is your business's earliest success story?

I remember when I was featured in Architectural Digest. I was really young, about 23. I had just started designing three years before. When I saw that they decided to feature my work, I thought that this was something I could be successful in doing. I ended up getting a lot of national press at a young age. I was on the cover of Traditional Home and Southern Accents, and those features really did a lot to not only boost my name recognition but also to help me believe in my work. What was so fascinating about the process is that it was before computers and digital cameras. We would take photos of our work, then turn them into slides and send them out to different magazines. We would wait by the phone, and the editor would give us a call to interview us, coming back to look at the project in person, and taking more photos. It was a six to eight month process.

That was a totally different time. How did you do your work differently back in the pre-digital days?

Doing my job back then was a little more difficult! I actually had to go to places, visit with artisans. I would travel all over the world looking for the best weavers, best furniture makers, or the best tile. I spent a lot of time talking to other designers in person to ask them which artisans were the best at what. They would tell me who they used for different types of work, and then I’d find that person and go visit with them. It was a different type of research. But it was really important for me to do all that work because back then, Northwest Arkansas was very different too. This was back before I-49. We just had a whole lot of two lane roads, and the economy here hadn’t yet taken off. I would have to bring artisans in from out of state to do tile, granite, and almost every aspect of the job.

Can you share a little known fact about your business with us?

Most people ask me why I chose the bumblebee as my logo. They often assume it’s something pretentious, and ask if it’s a Gucci or a Napoleonic bee! But I chose the bee because it represents perseverance to me. If you look at a bee, it really shouldn’t be able to fly. Its body is so big and its wings are tiny. Nevertheless, the bee flies. For me, the image of the bee is a story about being able to succeed if you try hard enough. It’s about believing in yourself. It’s been my logo for 30 years because of that.

Goddard Design Group’s mid-century modern inspired lounge area served as a focal point and chill space during the 2017 "Stuart Davis: In Full Swing" exhibition at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

We love to know how our local legends “live local”. Can you share some of your favorite places to spend your free time in NWA?

I’ve been in Fayetteville for 30 years, since I came here for college. I’m a local guy. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: I love to change other people’s lives but I don’t like to change mine. I like to go where i know everyone and feel comfortable. My favorite places to hang out are Herman’s Ribhouse, Bordino’s and Hugo’s. If I’m out, you can find me at one of those places.

Can you tell us a little bit about your home in Springdale and how you have designed it?

I love everything and my home reflects that! My big motto is if you love it, it goes together. My home is a collection of what I love. I let very few people into my home because it’s a little like falling down the rabbit hole. I believe a designer should keep his or her home a little bit of a secret, so they don’t get locked into one specific look.

The cover of Andrew Martin Interior Design Review Volume 21 from 2017. Goddard Design Group will be featured again in Volume 23 which will be released later this year. Books can be purchased through Amazon or Goddard Design Group.

To say Chris is an international design super star may just be an understatement. Just this year alone, he has been named one of the Top 100 Designers in the World by Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, plus he is the Interior Design Society Designer of the Year. 

Luckily, there are soon going to be even more ways to access Chris’s legendary aesthetic. He has two coffee table books coming out, a line of furniture and his own line of fabrics. We are huge fans of Goddard Design Group’s Instagram, which features snapshots into his glamorous travel and some glimpses into his finished projects. 

How lucky we are to have Chris and his design firm right here in NWA. Reach out to Goddard Design Group (3945 North Vantage Drive, Suite 2, Fayetteville, Arkansas) to create your own design story, whether that’s through a space renovation, a custom design/build for a new home or a commercial project.

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ON OUR RADAR | 06.15.19

LIVE. LOVE. LOCAL. Must-see + Must-do Moments in Northwest Arkansas

TRY: Dining in the Dark with Chef Justus Moll at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville. Mount Sequoyah is up to some really cool things these days. One of them is the upcoming culinary event series led by Executive Chef Justus Moll where you will enhance the senses of taste, touch, and smell as you eat a meal with no sight. You better believe we’ll save the date and be there on Saturday, September 7, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm completely blindfolded for Dining in the Dark (above: TSG Northwest Arkansas editor, Rebekah Lawrence, and husband Nick at Chef Justus Moll’s signature Dining in the Dark.) You can reserve tickets to Dining in the Dark here.

SIP + STROLL: Spend an evening at the NOMA Art + Cocktails Stroll on Friday, June 21st from 5pm-8pm. Stroll, sip & shop at the locally-owned businesses (between North and Maple Street) all conveniently located along College Avenue in Fayetteville. Each of the following NOMA businesses will be hosting a pop-up artist/artisan and offering a complimentary libation at each of their locations: 59th and 9th, Freckled Hen Farmhouse, Greydog Vintage Boutique, Maude, Skye on the Town, Lacuna Modern, Wit & Whimsy, and Dead Swanky (all shops are walkable, offer free parking and are pet-friendly (be sure to stop by the Maude Color Wall to get a Pup Portrait made by The Scout Guide Northwest Arkansas photographer Meredith Mashburn/Mashburn Photography (your pup will look PAWsitively adorable wearing a floral collar from ZuZu’s Petals & Gifts!). 

LEARN: We’ve always wanted to try our hands at pottery and The Fenix Fayetteville is providing that opportunity through Adult Clay Club (July 24th to August 14th, 2019). Experience the entire process of creating your own unique pieces of pottery through hand building, wheel throwing, and glazing. The 1st (July 24th) and 4th classes (August 14th) in the club series will be held at The Fenix Gallery and the 2nd (July 31st) and 3rd classes (August 7th) at Art Experience. All sessions are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm.

SHOP: Be sure to shop local at Hillfolk Textile Studio + Shop at 8th S. Market in Bentonville. Never ever can we walk out of Hillfolk empty handed. Sounds dangerous to the bank account, right? But here’s the thing, their shop is full of so many interesting and carefully curated things that we find ourselves picking up gifts for upcoming birthdays, shower gifts or just-because-it made-me-think-of-you gifts.  And, full transparency, we usually leave with a little treat for ourselves. Like our fave Maison Louis Marie No. 4 candle.  

EXPERIENCE: Pure Barre Fayetteville is our new jam (don’t worry, tennis, you’re still my first love. xoxo -Jenn). We have to admit that the first class that TSG Northwest Arkansas associate editor, Jenn Esty, took was tough. But she FELT stronger after and decided this is a challenge she’s up for. They’ll even tell you, your muscles will shake, but it gets easier and easier every time. It’s also a great compliment for other activities (see, tennis) and, oh, my goodness, does it work! Meet us at the barre and be sure to tell them Scout sent you!!

NEED: Be a vintage vixen in the luxe Camilla High Waisted Trouser with Godet from Lola in Fayetteville. Crafted from sumptuous silk in a floaty wide-leg silhouette and featuring a fringed waist tie, contrast chiffon panels and crystal-studded embellishments for a touch of luminous shine. Add a simple black bodysuit — to die for!

TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU!

— Rebekah & Jenn

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Lifestyle blogger Collins Tuohy Smith’s namesake — The Collins Crossbody — is a fan favorite from her recent collaboration with Gigi New York creating a Game Day Collection of stadium-approved clear handbags and on-trend tassel charms in team colors. Photo courtesy of Collins Tuohy Smith.

Get Ready for Game Day!

The 2018 Arkansas Razorbacks football season officially kicks off in less than eight weeks and we are already getting giddy about what we will wear for that first game day (Save the Date: 09.01.18 at 3pm CST). In keeping with this epic countdown, Monica Terminella, owner/founder of the women’s fashion boutique By Request in Fayetteville, has hatched a game day plan to host a two-day trunk show event featuring a new handbag line collaboration by Collins Tuohy Smith, Memphis entrepreneur, author of the lifestyle blog Collins Closets and subject in one of our all-time favorite movies The Blindside. 

Collins’ street style and sporting events inspired creative vision to curate a Game Day Collection with handbag and accessories maker GiGi New York has resulted in the design of a special Game Day Clear Bag Collection that meets NFL/NCAA stadium handbag regulations. The handbag designs are a chic solution to what could have been a total “fashion fail” in the world of college sporting event’s “outfit of the day.” 

“I was going to my brother’s NFL games that year, and suddenly they announced every stadium would be going to a ‘clear bag policy.’ This put a major cramp in my game day style.” —Collins Tuohy Smith

Collins sports her game day style wearing the classic-shaped Collins Crossbody. Photo courtesy of Collins Touhy Smith.

The Game Day Collection line features three different classic handbags with the body made of clear durable PVC plastic accented with Vachetta leather trim (colors: black or natural tan) that can also be accessorized with a leather tassel charm available in your favorite “team colors” (14 different color combos in which to choose). The Game Day Collection consists of three distinct styles: one inspired by Collins herself (The Collins Crossbody — our fav and a best seller show above) and the other two styles’ are named after Collins’ mother (The Leigh Anne Crossbody — shown below) and grandmother (The Virginia Hobo).

The Leigh Anne Crossbody features a detachable gold chain/Vachetta leather detail (available in black or natural tan). Photos courtesy of GiGi New York.

With great excitement for representing the entire Game Day line of handbags at By Request, Monica explains, “My personal affinity for this special collection comes from simply living in a college town where Razorback pride is powerfully expressed in everyday fashion. GiGi New York is a proven brand that we’ve carried for years. We are directly meeting a need in a way that provides style as well as personalization.”

Ready to call the Hogs with the Game Day Collection clear Collins Crossbody and must-have essentials Diego Dalla Palma clear lip gloss, Maui Jim aviators and an Arkansas Razorback red/white tassel charm — all from By Request.

By Request (24 East Meadow Street, Fayetteville, AR) invites you to shop the entire Game Day Collection of handbags and tassel charms this Friday, July 20th from 3pm-5pm and Saturday, July 21st from 10am-5pm (plus, remember that you can personalize your favorite bag with your initials too!). P.S. We’ve already pre-ordered our Collins Crossbody with a red/white Arkansas tassel charm — and, of course, personalized with our team spirit initials WPS! Totally game day ready to call those Hogs!!

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#scouted | @collierandassociates upcoming open house for this secluded property is located on two of the most beautiful properties in the exclusive, gated Ridgewood neighborhood in northwest Fayetteville | read more about this fabulous property in our link in profile and join realtor @richgathright of @collierandassociates on March 15 at at 4108 Buttonwood Lane at a Realtors Open House #realestate #property #fayettevillear #collierandassociates #livelovelocal #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide #dreamhouse #wewanttolivehere

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#sunday | H A P P Y E A S T E R | may your day be filled with love, laughter and lots of colorful Easter eggs! #happyeaster #livelovelocal #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide #nwarkansas #easter #love #eastereggs

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Ready to plan your next vacation getaway? Meet Michele MacDonald, our local global go-to luxury travel planner. Read more about Michele’s top picks for favorite Summer travel destinations and plan your next getaway in the link in profile #livelovelocal #travel #travelplanner #vacation #summer #destination #getaway #thecoretraveler #rogersar #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide #nwarkansas

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Fitness One: Creating a Safe and Well-Rounded Fitness Experience

Fitness One, with locations in Fayetteville and Lowell, is raising the bar and setting the expectation for gyms and group fitness. It’s like having a luxury membership without the luxury price tag.

But let’s be honest, just like the hospitality industry, gyms and fitness centers were hit hard by Covid and had to close their doors for a while. Re-opening meant following governor mandated guidelines in addition to requirements put in place by fitness owners and instructors.

We talked to Joy Black, PR Director at Fitness One, about what they’ve done in addition to what’s required to make sure their members and staff feel as safe as possible while maintaining a healthy fitness routine, including their latest offering – antibody testing.

TSG: What are some of the new standards we can now find at your Fitness One locations?

Joy Black: We’ve been strictly adhering to the governors safety mandates as well as our own self-imposed precautions. We are striving to be the safest place to work out during these times. Masks, temperature screening, health questionnaire, and 12 feet of social distancing while exercising. We are also offering outdoor classes, and continuing to live stream classes on Facebook.  

TSG: What do you do about cleaning the equipment and facility?

JB: We are continuously sanitizing our facility and high touch points with hospital-grade disinfectant. We also regularly disinfect our club with Surfco electrostatic foggers, which is also a hospital-grade disinfectant.

TSG: Tell us about the antibody testing you are offering.

JB: The antibody testing is really exciting. We were looking for a way to do our small part to help bring an end to coronavirus. By testing positive for the antibody you can find peace of mind that you are likely immune and you have the ability to donate blood or plasma to help currently infected people in ICUs. We have partnered with Namida Lab in Fayetteville and they are testing at both clubs every Monday during July. The testing is open to members and nonmembers and costs $99. You can get all the details on their website or contact the club!

TSG: What else are you currently offering at the clubs?

JB: We are offering free initiation (normally $99) for new members! We also have very enticing specials on our personal training. There has never been a more affordable time to work one on one with a nationally certified personal trainer. There’s also still time to get in on our giveaway on Instagram!

Check out Fitness One online, on Instagram, or Facebook! And be sure to tell them The Scout Guide sent you!

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Lake House Lovely à la Laura Ozturk Interiors

If all this pandemic-related housebound time has you dreaming of redecorating or compulsively house hunting like us, then you will just love our recent interview with Fayetteville-based designer Laura Bullock-Ozturk of Laura Ozturk Interiors. She just finished the most out-of-this-world lake house retreat that is inspired by all things peace and water. We asked Laura to take us on a little tour of this project and give us some insight into what it’s like to live locally these days. Enjoy the view!

The Scout Guide: Tell us about this lake house!

Laura Ozturk: Having recently completed my dream project at a friend’s stunning lake house in Hot Springs, I am beyond grateful to the clients in trusting me to guide them through the design process. Transforming ideas to fruition while witnessing the joy of my clients with the outcome is always exciting, but what I really loved about this particular project was the client indulging me with carte blanche to implement custom-built features throughout their home. Although no attention to detail was spared, the space is sophisticated yet calm because of the subtle mix of neutral color palettes and patterns with the focus of course gravitating towards the water.

This Gabriel Scott lighting fixture was featured on the cover of a recent issue of Architectural Digest, and it takes center stage in the kitchen of the lake house designed by Laura Ozturk.

TSG: Where did you begin this project?

LO: Like most designers, I share my inspiration pieces on social media, and upon posting a photo of this gorgeous Gabriel Scott light fixture, the client immediately reached out to me and said, “I have to have this.” Once we discussed implementing this jewel-like statement piece into their kitchen, the design process continued from there. Because the clients have such an appreciation for timeless design blended with intricate details, collaborating with them in achieving their ultimate vision was exhilarating from beginning to end.

Ceiling detail in the house’s entryway is designed to evoke the feeling of waves in the ocean. 

TSG: Besides that light, what are some of your other favorite features?

LO: Inspired by the family’s love for the ocean, the entire house was designed to have a Malibu feel to it which was achieved by adding finishing touches such as the undulating ceiling detail in the entryway that mimics the waves of the ocean. Each space has a subtle nod to the ocean rolling throughout the house with this particular entryway showcasing yet another exceptional ceiling detail.

TSG: What is your favorite room in the house?

LO: The dark and moody ambience of the primary bedroom is my favorite because everything in it was custom made from the incredible ceiling detail that closely mirrors the geometric shapes of the statement lighting in the kitchen to the Venetian plaster walls and gorgeous floor to ceiling drapery. The room is immersed in serene colors and layered textures that remain harmonious to the ocean-inspired vision for the house.

(Above) The sitting room that leads onto the master bedroom at the Laura Ozturk-designed Hot Springs lake house. (Below) Another room evokes the peacefulness of the lake with neutral tones, statement light fixtures and the layering of textures. 

TSG: How does this house reflect your style as a designer?

LO: A neutral palette is my signature style because I prefer the textures and accessories to provide the special finishing touches while allowing color to be present in small doses and with pieces that are easily replaceable. My style philosophy is to layer materials and textures rather than filling the room with accessories because I find that the furniture, the cabinetry and the unique one of a kind details in the room are what make a modern, yet livable space with a wow factor that isn’t overwhelming to the eye. I love that you can really see this throughout the lake house in the photos I shared here.

TSG: What’s your business up to right now?

LO: Currently, I am working on a beautiful new construction home in the Blessings, a country club community in the heart of Fayetteville. We are creating moody, elevated spaces for a fun young couple with a keen eye for details. One of which is a 16-foot arched entry door with an incredible barrel ceiling detail created by a Manhattan Steel Door Co., also local to NWA.

TSG: What’s your biggest challenge personally and/or professionally?

LO: My greatest challenge during this time has been navigating around delays for materials, product and furnishing. With many of our factories shutting down due to Covid-19, this has by far been the most challenging to manage the scheduling of our projects. Luckily, our clients have been understanding as we are all traversing through this new territory together.

TSG: What’s bringing you joy right now?

LO: In lieu of the what is happening in the world, I am beyond grateful that our projects are thriving. With people spending time at home now more than ever, the influx of business has been wonderful. Clients are excited to improve their spaces and embrace our new normal. We have expanded into new regions and heading to the West Coast for our next adventure!

Laura can be reached by phone at 479.387.1800 or by email at laura@lauraozturk.com. Contact her to schedule a consultation to talk about those remodel dreams you’ve been having, or the dream lake house she just inspired you to build!

Photos: Laura Ozturk Interiors