Since our launch in June 2016, we’ve covered a wide range of topics in the pages of 17th South— businesses, community leaders, style, food, drink, travel and entertainment, to name a few.

Without a doubt, our Trendsetters & Tastemakers issue, which has become a regular on our editorial calendar, has also become my favorite issue of the year. As I’ve previously said here in this same space, the number of deeply creative and thoughtful people who call Atlanta home never ceases to amaze me, and it’s a thrill to introduce them to you each summer and to give you a glimpse behind the scenes at their offices, studios and more unconventional work places.

This year’s cover story is no exception. To create it, five writers pulled back the curtains and took a look into the lives of six such individuals (seven, actually, as the creative force behind Brutal Studio is a duo) to find out what motivates them, what inspires them and what about their work they find most fulfilling. From producing glitzy, A-list events to making documentaries about human rights issues, this year’s trendsetters and tastemakers are an especially inspiring group.

As much as I personally enjoy producing this feature each year, in reality, every issue of 17th South is a tribute to the smart, innovative and forward-thinking folks who make this city so special. People like Shakeera Springs, who gave up the corporate grind to launch her own passion project, an all-natural skin care line (page 15). And Mark Edge, a Midtown jeweler whose medium of choice is recycled materials (page 24). And Rebeca Robles, who’s on a mission to make sure women’s talents are showcased in the world of theater (page 26).

I hope you’re as inspired by them all as I have been. Enjoy!

Lindsay Lambert Day
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF