15 Minutes With

JESS WARDELL STORY: Amy Meadows

Jess Wardell is a former teacher. Her husband, Corey, is an accounting professional. They never expected to work together in any capacity. But in mid-2019, serendipity intervened. Corey and a group of colleagues were working on a project that focused on children and families, and they wanted Jess’ professional insights, which she had honed by receiving a master’s degree in elementary education and spending more than seven years at the head of a second grade classroom. Soon, she was immersed in the project. And now the mother of three is thrilled to be the director of kid experience for Kefi, a modern-day family club that opened in 2019 and serves as a gathering spot for kids and parents. A new concept for the Atlanta area, the 30,000-square-foot Buckhead facility is getting rave reviews from the community, thanks in large part to the notable play strategy developed and implemented by Wardell and the team at this center.

How does Kefi work? This is not a run-of-themill play place. Those are great, and I’ve been to them, but this is more than an attraction. Our goal is to make life easier for parents and more fun for kids. It’s not just a place for kids to play; it really is a place for families to come in and balance “me time” and “we time.” Kids enjoy a one hour and 45 minute block during which they can play in a meaningful and intentional way, and their parents can visit two parent-only spaces where they can work, read a book or drink a hot cup of coffee at their leisure.

How have you approached the development of Kefi’s play programming? I wear the hat of former teacher and mom, and I was able to speak to some of the logistics about the ways kids play. My niche is understanding how kids interact with each other as they grow and develop. Every space we’ve designed and every game we create is done with intention and focuses on how we can help foster child development.

What has been the most rewarding part of your job? For me, it has been so eye opening to see how kids’ needs are continuously evolving and changing. Little ones have even more developmental needs [than I realized]. Watching our families in real time experiencing Kefi and what it has to offer, and being a member myself with my kids, I have learned so much about the importance of meaningful feedback. Our Playsmiths are trained to provide authentic feedback about the kids to their parents, to explain what they notice about each child and how they play. And nothing is more rewarding than the chance to help families. That’s my personal goal—to serve and love others to the best of my ability and make their day better.

Why is this the right time for a concept like Kefi? This pause in our lives has been intense. Kids have dealt with a lack of social interaction, and parents need a chance to take a moment for themselves. The world has been in a period of transition for half the time we’ve been open, and we restructured our business to meet the needs of the people we serve. We keep our rooms at capacity of up to 10 children, kids are required to wear masks, and when a play block ends, everyone leaves at the same time so we can deep clean. We try to be proactive so we can support our families and give them the experiences they need right now. n

KEFI

3637 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite D Atlanta 30319 404.937.3352 playkefi.com

Outdoor Research Essential Face Mask Kit ($20)

This is like the Sporty Spice version of a face mask, perfect for your outdoor adventures. Originally created for essential workers, this water- and stain-resistant mask is now available to the general public. The roomy design lets you breathe as if you’re not wearing a face covering at all, and the nose wire adjusts to create a custom fit that prevents REI glasses from fogging. A small 1165 Perimeter zippered plastic bag comes with Center West three optional filters that can be Atlanta 30338 inserted into the mask. 770.901.9200 rei.com

Burberry Vintage Check Cotton Face Mask ($120)

If luxury face masks with a traditional look are what you desire, British fashion brand Burberry has a chic face mask crafted in the company’s signature vintage plaid pattern and tucked into a matching travel pouch. The fabric is enhanced with an antimicrobial substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria, mold and mildew. Burberry donates 20% of the sales to COVID-19 funds.

Burberry 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.231.5550 burberry.com

Face Forward

No longer just an everyday safety tool, masks have become a fixture in our wardrobes. Why not make a fashion statement instead of donning the same-old covering? Each of these stylish versions melds form and function to make your spring mask selfies extra likeable.

STORY: Jessica Dauler

Tory Burch Printed Face Mask, Set of 3 ($35)

This set of three lovely floral, Oprah-approved masks was created by iconic lifestyle designer Tory Burch. Smart features on the spring-forward set include a moisture-wicking fabric, contoured nose wires, an interior pocket to hold a filter and ear straps that can be adjusted to create a custom fit. One hundred percent of all sales of these masks are donated to organizations to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Golden Goose Logo Star Camouflage Face Mask ($65)

The brand that introduced one of the most popular sneakers of the decade adds this camouflage mask to its line of statement pieces. Branded with the signature star logo, the mask’s knitted soft stretch fabric adjusts to the contours of your face and remains sleek without added bulk. Over-the-ear straps are comfortable and barely noticeable.

Intermix 3031 Bolling Way N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.816.8190 intermixonline.com Tory Burch 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.816.3261 toryburch.com

Johnny Was Reusable Silk Charmeuse Mask Face Covering Set ($40)

If you love vibrant floral designs and fine silk, then these bohemian-styled masks are a must. Traditionally, silk fabric face masks are gentler on your skin and more breathable than multi-layer cotton, not to mention more sophisticated and a cool contrast to your leather jacket. Each set has five masks featuring a pleated silhouette and an interior pocket to place an additional filter. Plus, for every Neiman Marcus pack sold, the company 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. donates a pack to Atlanta 30326 essential workers. 404.266.8200 neimanmarcus.com