Kathy Socha was a humble and talented artist and designer, who had a way of making those around her feel good.
“This woman was something else,” said Andi Kulp, Socha’s business partner for more than 35 years.
She was the CEO, president and award-winning creative director of Phase One Design Service, Inc. Her clients included Chase Bank, Lowes, Coca-Cola, Chick-Fil-A and NAPA.
“She started the company with $600 and grew it to $14 million,” said Kulp.
Socha also did design work for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and The World Cup.
“She loved what she did,” said Kulp.
A graduate of the University of Florida, she was a sought-after speaker for retail design, advertising and graphic design, speaking at trade shows and events.
In 1988 Socha traveled to China to lecture seven universities in design, graphics and marketing.
“All of us took brochures to lecture with; not Kathy, she took comic strips,” said Kulp. “They learned more in 15 minutes with Kathy Socha than in the 30-minute lectures we were giving.”
The language barrier during Socha’s international lectures did not hinder her at all. She believed design spoke for itself and you didn’t need to speak the language, the design spoke it for you, Kulp said. “That proved it; and she loved it.”
Kathleen Fitzsimmons Socha, of Griffin died Thursday of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was 65. A memorial service was held Sunday at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 132 North 10th St., Griffin. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Socha took over a gallery in the Indian Springs community of Flovilla, Ga., to give back to the community. There she taught three children’s art classes on Saturdays.
“A number of (the children) are now in schools, one went to Full Sail (University) and another works as an illustrator for a magazine,” said Kulp.
“She didn’t believe in telling the child they couldn’t do something; she was a listening instructor.”
Socha was also a creative mind behind the restoration of The Village at Indian Springs, a project that included restoring the town’s shops, historic buildings, galleries, campsites and luxury rental cottages. Frankie Willis oversaw the restoration and remembers Socha as “a quiet inspiration, consistent with a calming intelligence.”
“She would draw a design, put it down in front of me and it was exactly what I was thinking,” Willis said.
Her passion for helping others was both personal and professional. Socha would often take on clients who were in trouble.
“She would not give up; she wanted someone that needed her, and she believed in herself and people.” said Kulp.
Socha is survived by a brother, Joseph Fitzsimmons of Dayton, Tenn.; and sister, Barbara Fitzsimmons of Gainesville, Fla.
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