Local Services

Big Brothers Big Sisters

An investment of time and love for the kids Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by photos courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters Many investments are oriented to economic results, but Big Brothers Big Sisters in Albuquerque is all about preparing local youth for successful lives. The non-profit organization is funded by private donations and state and federal programs. Jessica Sosa, a native New Mexican, is the Advancement Manager for the group. Her job is recruitment and marketing in the...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Spaceport America

Investment for the future Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by photos courtesy of Virgin Galactic Scott McLaughlin is the executive director of Spaceport America, which is adjacent to the Army White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico. McLaughlin was born and raised in New Mexico. After graduating with an electrical engineering degree from New Mexico State University, he left New Mexico and started a radar design and manufacturing business in Colorado. After 25 years, he returned...

March 2024

Education

Acton Academy

Finding a calling Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Jonathan Woods Current news is full of stories of technology, and more specifically, AI changing the world. The pace of change in almost all areas of life has outstripped the pace of change in education. While many parents have questioned how best to address this or looked for innovative options, the pandemic was a catalyst and instrumental in the emergence of micro-schools and alternative learning environments.  Educating their...

March 2024

Professional Services

John Thomas Jewelers

A custom symbol of your love Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by courtesy of John Thomas Jewelers John Thomas Jewelers in Uptown Albuquerque has received many accolades for its custom-designed jewelry. Local consumers have voted them the best jewelry store in the city for three years. Instore Magazine , a trade publication of the American jewelry business, named them “one of the top ten coolest jewelry stores in the country.” Their exponential growth has more than doubled their floor...

March 2024

Life + Culture

The WHEELS Museum

An investment in New Mexico's history Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Denise Husted Leba Freed is the founder of the WHEELS Museum in Albuquerque. Her dream was to showcase how transportation has shaped our history. She hoped to collect enough items to honor the past and eventually fill a museum. While she worked toward that dream, the museum was housed in seven different locations as the non-profit organization developed exhibits and found more space to house them. In 2008, the...

March 2024

Home + Design

Jeebs and Zuzu

Energy efficient design and building Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Courtesy of Jeebs and Zuzu We asked J. Dave Hickman, owner of Jeebs and Zuzu, an Albuquerque architecture and construction firm, about the origin of his company name. He told us, "Jeebs and Zuzu are typical names of butlers and domestic servants in stories and films, and we endeavor to provide old-world, attentive service to our clients." Dave's slogan for the company, "Easy as pie…have the life you want," reflects...

February 2024

Entertainment

Jhett Black

“A Dark Canvas with a Splash of Light” Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Courtesy of Jhett Black For many years at the beginning of his career, Jhett Black traveled the road playing folk-rock music. While playing gigs for Gleewood and living out of his Honda, the musician taught himself to play slide guitar. As his lyrics express, “He was born down on the Pecos where the water meets the desert sand.” Originally from Ruidoso, he grew up listening to his sister’s punk rock albums. One...

February 2024

Home Services

Sandia Marble

25 years of New Mexico experience Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Courtesy of Sandia Marble Sandia Marble is notable for its dynamic approach to business. Since Valerie Maes and her husband Gilbert purchased Sandia Marble over 9 years ago, they have embraced change to bring an all-inclusive range of  products and services for new residential construction as well as  residential renovations to New Mexico.   As Valerie told us, "We're always learning. We're always growing. We're always...

February 2024

Travel

Discover a New World at The Inn of The Five Graces

A stylish sanctuary Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by courtesy The Inn of The Five Graces In the middle of Santa Fe lies a small, exquisite inn called the Inn of The Five Graces. Hand-carved wooden furniture, intricate patterned tilework, and bold tapestries create a sophisticated setting as guests reach the interior and prepare for their stay. Sales Manager Maria Perez De La Parra says, “It’s an oasis in the middle of town. You forget you are in Santa Fe.” The adobe inn has eclectic...

February 2024

Home + Design

Spatial Harmony Color Consulting and Design

Southwest style Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Richard Lakin Marisa Saavedra-Gutierrez, owner of Spatial Harmony Color Consulting and Design in Old Town Albuquerque, infuses a Southwest-inspired artistic style to residential and commercial design. A multi-generational native of New Mexico, she told us, “I take a lot of pride in our culture with my design. We get a lot of sunlight here. Our paint colors are going to be different than a coastal palette. You have to honor the desert...

February 2024