Friends and neighbors of Windward,

Last fall, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life. I chose to join The N2 Company, start Stroll Windward, and take a leap of faith in a brand new direction, with no certainty of how it would unfold, only a deep conviction that it felt right.

There was no plan B. This was it.

So I started making phone calls and knocking on doors. Meeting business owners one after the other. Connecting with neighbors. Learning, listening, growing, failing and overcoming one conversation at a time.

To every business owner who has taken the time to meet with me, whether we worked together or not, thank you. It has meant a lot to learn about your businesses, hear your stories, and get a glimpse into what you’ve built... it's been inspiring.

And to you, the residents, those who have welcomed me into your homes, shared your lives, sent messages, grabbed a cup of coffee, or simply look forward to each issue, you are the reason this magazine exists. You are the heartbeat behind every page.

Windward is filled with remarkable people, each with their own story to tell. It’s a privilege to share even a small glimpse of those stories within these pages.

Our cover feature, Sophia Yuan, captures this beautifully. Through her story and dedication to ballet, she reminds us that true artistry is not just about performance, but about growth, resilience, and the quiet pursuit of something greater. What makes Sophia’s story especially powerful is her honesty. She shares that at times, her training became so focused on technical perfection that she began to lose sight of the meaning behind the art itself. As she explains, “Technical refinement is important, but when it is driven by fear of failure it becomes limiting instead of productive.” That level of candor makes her journey not only inspiring, but deeply relatable. We are grateful for her willingness to share her experience so openly.

Inside these pages, you’ll also meet Kallyn Black, currently ranked as the #1 female golfer in the state of Georgia, whose drive and work ethic have earned her a full scholarship to Auburn University. Kallyn’s story is a powerful example of what happens when talent meets relentless effort, and her commitment to both her team and her personal growth is inspiring.

While their paths may look different, one in the arts and one in athletics, both young women share a common drive to keep improving and push themselves to be better.

At Stroll Windward, we are proud to tell these stories. 

As always, thank you for being part of it. See you around the neighborhood.

Warmly,
Lisa Konz