We had the good fortune of connecting with Patti Krohngold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patti, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk-taking happens when you take that scary step into the unknown. Like you are climbing a long ladder, one rung at a time. I worked for an architectural firm in Atlanta for four years from 1980-1984. I fell in love with interior and graphic design there. I went on to SCAD which was a new art college in Savannah in 1984. I moved back to Atlanta after that and worked for an advertising agency. After years of working for other people and having a boss I wanted control of my own design and benefit financially by being the main recipient of the paycheck. To be honest I wanted to make more money. I met my husband/partner and opened many nightclubs, restaurants, and bars in Atlanta for 25 years. I named the businesses, created the visuals, logos, graphics, and interiors for these businesses. He did the business side of things with his partners. After many years of hard work I stepped apart from my husband and started my own design studio. My company has changed in size and location many times over the 20 years of operation. To finally answer your question about taking risks. You have one life, you may have only one chance sometimes to say yes, to think outside the box and do that different thing. JUMP, say yes. Take that risk!

What should our readers know about your business?
I named my company Art Mix. A mix of function, and art. I have always strived to create an interior that is the perfect fit for my client. I am an observant artist first a designer second. In my head, I can see the brand, the bits, and pieces of the new bar or restaurant. I know the materials to use and the way a nightclub works or how a restaurant needs to flow. I have years of experience. That is what sets me apart from other designers. I can handle the brainstorming, space planning, design, look of the menu , landscaping, every detail to create a brand for my client.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born in Atlanta so I know this town like the back of my hand! One of my favorite places is the Botanical garden. I would start there and maybe grab some lunch at the restaurant inside the garden. The high museum is always inspiring. There are so many excellent restaurants in Atlanta that I would take my friend. Bacchanalia, Rathbun’s, Sotto Sotto, Super Jenny’s, Mission and market, Kima, the food every night would be amazing. For dessert, I would have to stop by my favorite bakery,Henri’s, and clear out the pastry displays! The eclairs are fabulous! Little day trips to Newnan to grab lunch at the Redneck gourmet and do a little shopping at all the antique and consignment stores. There is a zip line in Whitesburg Georgia that is fantastic. But nothing beats packing a picnic, taking a kayak and paddling down the beautiful Chattahoochee River. Maybe a ride out to Pinewood studios to visit my latest project the Barleygarden to a beer tasting and lunch. I love a mix of adventure and great food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The very first person that saw the spark in me was my mother. She gave me finger paint and white freezer paper to paint on when I could barely walk. I inherited her creative genes. Second -My high school art teacher Ken Giles taught me to believe in myself and celebrate creativity. After years of wandering in and out of jobs, I finally found my happiness when I designed commercial spaces. I appreciate all the opportunities that Michael Krohngold, Louie Spetrini, Jim Sullivan, and Scott Strumlauf brought to me. I loved every job I did for those men. They trusted me to create the perfect environment for each of them time and time again.

Website: WWW.ARTMIXPRODUCTIONS.COM, WWW.BLACKINKLINGS.COM
Instagram: pattikrohngold
Facebook: Patti Krohngold

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