It all began with this photo: my grandmother, Kathlee—known to us as Cookie—standing proudly on stage at the Miss Greenville Pageant aressed in a striking green evening gown.

I uploaded the photo into Photoshop, intending only to make a few touch-ups. But inspiration struck, and I designed the first draft of the magazine’s cover—unaware that this small creative moment would lead to a year-long journey to craft a nearly 50-page tribute to my grandmother, Kathlee.

Known for her gift of storytelling, she inspired me to capture her life through recorded memories, family interviews, and countless photos and recipes tucked away in her closet. This magazine became a labor of love, blending her stories and cherished moments into a keepsake that celebrates her extraordinary life.