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Join us for a dynamic day of conversations with local leaders diving into key topics shaping Wake County’s future — including healthcare, commercial real estate, hospitality & tourism, and finance. Plus, a celebratory luncheon honoring Cary Magazine’s 2025 class of Movers & Shakers.
Autumn D. Osbourne
Kathleen Murphy
Sarah N. Gerow
“Autumn and her team made the process of my divorce very easy. They always had a plan A, B, and C! The communication was incredible, and they all truly cared about the outcome and me during the process. Very highly recommend this firm!”
“Kathleen was my advocate and my confidant during the process of my divorce. She stood up for me when I didn’t have the strength to do it myself. I am so grateful for her ability to be a true bulldog for me. She is worth every penny.”
Amanda C. Knight
A. Allister Cooper
“Sarah is incredibly kind, understanding, and truly listens. She’ll go above and beyond for you, and will always be my first call for family law!”
“Amanda Knight has been an incredible support during my divorce. She played a crucial role in resolving many challenging situations and setting realistic expectations. I am truly grateful for everything she has done for me and my children.”
“I had the pleasure to work with Allister Cooper. She was professional, supportive, and ex-tremely helpful. I highly recommend her and Ellis Family Law.”
“Eva Freeman is an awesome attorney. I recommend Eva to any prospective clients. She is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and has fought tirelessly for my case w a great outcome :)”
Eva Freeman
Siblings Theo, left, and Greyson Cutler play under clothing racks while mom shops at Littles of Cary. See story on page 68. Photo by Jonathan Fredin
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ON THE COVER:
CharleyMadelyn: A Fashion & Faith Boutique in downtown Apex is working hard and looking great while doing it to empower women. Read more on page 62.
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
September 2025 • Volume 22, Number 7
EXECUTIVE
Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher
Kris Schultz, Publisher
CREATIVE
Lauren Morris, Production Manager
EDITORIAL
Erin McKnight, Editor
Tara Shiver, Digital and Copy Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
L.A. Jackson
David McCreary
Teri Saylor
Emily Uhland
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer
PRODUCTION
Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer
Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer
Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer
Beth Harris, Graphic Designer
Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO
Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer
Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer
ADVERTISING
Cheryl Nelson, Senior Account Executive
Maureen Powell, Senior Account Executive
Aleida Montufar, Account Executive
SOCIAL MEDIA
Arlem Mora, Social Media Coordinator
Megan Waters, Social Media Intern
Macy Zadeits, Social Media Intern
PUBLIC RELATIONS
S&A Communications, Chuck Norman, APR
ADMINISTRATIVE
Kristin Black, Accounting
Lisa White, Senior Event Coordinator and Distribution Manager
by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.
Board
Now Accepting New Patients
Now Accepting New Patients
Now Accepting New Patients
In-Network
Early
Jean Guevarra
Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More
You Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More
found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
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“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
“...Dr.
“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
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-Brendan S.
-Ayub A.
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“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
-Ayub A.
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
-Brendan S.
-Erin D. Tel 919-303-2873 www.littletoothco.com info@littletoothco.com 504 W. Williams Street, Apex, NC 27502
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
-Erin D.
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
-Erin D.
-Ayub A.
-Erin D.
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
Host Melissa Wistehuff takes you beyond the pages of Aarti Sequeira: From CNN Producer to Food Network Stardom
Pickleball Pioneers: A Smash Hit in Wake
Exploring Gardening Tales & Tips with L.A. Jackson
22
EPISODE 18 EPISODE 21
9
Weathering the Storm with ABC11’s Big Weather: Don Schwenneker
The Buzz on Beekeeping with Buddha Bee Apiary
16
The Legacy of Angus Barn with Van Eure
See It. Treat It. Beat It.
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THINGS TO DO
1
Step right up! The Carolina Circus Festival returns to downtown Cary for the sixth time to promote the culture of circus and support mental health within the movement community. The nonprofit fest, sponsored by Cary Magazine, features diverse performances from ground acrobatics to aerial displays, fire, and LED shows, all reflecting a Magic and Mystery theme. Hands-on workshops give attendees a chance to pick up circusrelated skills. Saturday, September 13, 3:30–9:30 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. Free admission. carolinacircusfestival.com
2
Celebrate Italian culture, music, and heritage (and food!) at Festa Italiana! The annual event attracts 15,000 attendees with 60 vendors and food trucks, plus live music all day. The Zona Bambini (children’s zone) offers games, story times, crafts, face painting, and more, while the Galbani Culinary Stage showcases cooking demos packed with expert tips. Saturday, September 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hunter Street & Town Hall Campus, Apex. Free admission. festanc.org
3
One of the most diverse towns in North Carolina is right under your nose. The Morrisville International Festival celebrates that diversity through food, music, dance, art, and fun. Shop artisan vendors on International Alley, try foods from culinary traditions around the world, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances. Saturday, September 20, 4–7 p.m. Cedar Fork Community Center. Free admission.
4
Triangle Oktoberfest is the largest and most authentic German festival in North Carolina, showcasing traditional Bavarian food and more than 50 beers, plus live music by the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band. Enjoy wiener dog races, family fun of all kinds in the Kinder Platz zone, a stein hoisting competition, and more. Friday, October 3, 5–10 p.m., and Saturday, October 4, noon to 8 p.m. $20 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. triangleoktoberfest.org
5
Lovers Rosalind and Orlando are forced into exile and become entangled in a beguiling game of love, comedy, and mistaken identity in Shakespeare’s classic As You Like It. Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents an abridged 70-minute version that makes the perfect opportunity for a picnic. Sunday, October 5, 3 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. Free admission.
Morrisville International Festival
The Holly Springs Fire Department employs 84 firefighters, nine of whom are female. From left, Allison Krause, Joy Hernandez, Brittany Dolloff, Kendall Stinson, Olivia Kulinski, Kayelei Carter, and Madison Tart. Firefighters Brittany Cushine and Irina Jackson are not pictured. Five serve together on an all-female crew based at Fire Station 2 on Avent Ferry Road.
Blazing FORWARD
Holly Springs’ all-female fire crew
WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
In January the Holly Springs Fire Department became the first department in Wake County with an all-female crew. Lieutenant Kendall Stinson, engineer Kayelei Carter, and firefighters Joy Hernandez, Allison Krause, and Olivia Kulinski serve together on Holly Springs Engine 2.
“I don’t look at it like having an all-female crew,” says Fire Chief LeRoy Smith. “It’s a good crew. It just happens to be all female firefighters.”
“I want to say it’s new to us; it’s different than what we are used to, but it’s not at the same time,” says Kendall, a 10-year fire service veteran and mother of two. “We all know how to do our job. As long as we are doing the training and we are working together, I feel like we can do (this job) if not better, at least equal to any other truck.”
In addition to Kendall and her crew on Engine 2, four other female firefighters serve the Holly Springs Fire Department, spread throughout the other stations and shifts.
During her years as a firefighter, Kendall has seen access for women and minority groups increase, though she has never felt deterred as a woman in a male-dominated profession.
“Being a firefighter has become somewhat easier as far as access to class. Now they are offering (fire academy) in high school, so it’s open to a variety of people, including females. Before you had to know somebody, or it was your dad, or a family tradition growing up in volunteer service,” she says.
“When you think of a firefighter, you picture a 6-foot-5 big guy. There’s women, bigger guys, smaller guys — anyone can do the job; they just do the job differently,” says firefighter Allison Krause.
LeRoy says that the female firefighters can offer a different perspective than their male counterparts.
Lt. Kendall Stinson jumps into her bunker gear during an emergency call.
Lieutenant Kendall Stinson leads Holly Springs’ all-female fire crew.
Engineer Kayelei Carter
Firefighter Olivia Kulinski
WE ARE ALL FIREFIGHTERS.
We don’t have any one up or disadvantages because we are women. We are all here to do the same job, and we all have the same end goal.”
Madison
Tart
“Any type of diversity (helps us) see things through a different lens. I think they bring a different view of things, which makes us all better.”
“To us it’s just a job. We are still doing the same job every other firefighter is doing,” says Kendall.
A job that offers adrenaline, excitement, and physical challenges, as well as opportunities for compassion, caretaking, and serving the community.
“You see really tough moments, and you also see really nice moments,” says firefighter Brittany Dolloff. “Having that relationship (with the citizens of Holly Springs) and knowing you are there for them is very rewarding.”
“We’ve seen life leave the world, and we’ve seen life come into the world. It’s got some ugly moments, and it’s got some really beautiful moments, and we get to experience all of it,” says Kendall.
The fire department responds to a variety of calls — fires, of course, but also smoke alarms, falls, pet rescues, and medical situations.
“The fire truck can 9 out of 10 times show up before the ambulance, so we can provide some medical care prior to the ambulance getting there,” Kendall says. “Every firefighter maintains EMT-Basic certification. Wake County EMS is really busy, so I think it’s a big benefit to have the fire truck respond to certain calls.”
Firefighter Olivia Kulinski checks a residence following a report of a gas leak.
Firefighter Joy Hernandez describes a call that the Engine 2 crew recently responded to: “About a month ago, we had a cardiac arrest (call). We got a pulse back, and that was really rewarding. There were so many things happening at once, and it could have gone left or right, but we were able to be there for someone on their worst day.”
“Being an officer on a call like that and reflecting on how everybody operated is a proud moment,” says Kendall. “Being able to watch (the crew) work, and watch our training go into effect — it makes me pretty proud.”
On July 19, lightning struck a home in Holly Springs, sparking a large fire. Brittany Dolloff was one of the responders on that call.
“Afterwards I walked the home with the family, because they were grabbing a few things. One of the things I was most excited about was we actually contained the fire completely to the attic, so they were able to recover most of their clothes. Their complete living level was still intact. For as much flame as there was, the outcome seemed really positive,” says Brittany. “By us knowing what to do in the right moments and following our training, it was all instinct. We probably were able to save a lot of things that mean a lot to (the homeowners). So that felt really good.”
On Mother’s Day, the Holly Springs Fire Department shined a spotlight on its female members, including mom Kendall, with a Facebook post celebrating the allfemale crew. The post received hundreds of
comments, many containing messages of support — but not all.
“I learned a lot about social media when we did that post,” says LeRoy.
“There are men in the fire service that don’t agree with (the all-female crew). That’s just the way it is,” says Kendall, citing negative comments originating from outside of HSFD and even outside of the town of Holly Springs.
“All that matters is the Holly Springs Fire Department. We’re the ones that have to work with each other. … If everyone here is together on the same page, then that’s all that matters. It does take support from our people and our peers. Our chief — all our chiefs — they have our back.”
“There was resounding support for (the crew) throughout our department,” says LeRoy.
“WE’RE THE ONLY (ALL-FEMALE CREW) IN WAKE COUNTY.
It is unique — definitely something new to the fire service as a whole. The attention is a lot. I don’t think any of us are here to be in the spotlight.”
Lieutenant Kendall Stinson
The firefighters in Holly Springs — regardless of age and gender — take the same Candidate Physical Ability Test to get hired. The test includes elements like climbing stairs, dragging a hose, carrying equipment, searching confined areas, and breaching a locked door. Firefighters complete the test twice a year, ensuring they are fit and capable of performing the requirements of the job.
“There is a place for everybody in the fire service,” says Kendall. “Dolloff is small enough that she can fit into a confined space, when some of our bigger boys are going to hold down a line and be the anchor for her to go down. There is a place for everybody. You don’t necessarily have to be huge and strong.”
“It’s like a sports team,” adds Brittany. “When you have a basketball team, you don’t
have five centers. You also have a couple of point guards and a shooting guard.”
Despite the naysayers lurking behind a computer keyboard, the firefighters in the HSFD feel excited by the challenges of the job and eager to encourage other girls and women to consider a career in fire service.
“Believe you can do it and do it. Don’t wait,” says firefighter Madison Tart. “There’s nothing worse than looking back and regretting not doing it.”
“At 18, I would not have thought I would be here. Now we all know that it’s possible, and we are setting examples for young girls around the world,” says Kendall.
“It’s not every day that you see an all-female crew. There’s not many in the nation at all; it’s something new. As a total in Holly Springs, we are all pretty proud to be here.” t
Trusting their training and relying on each other make all the firefighters in Holly Springs sucessful. “I don’t look at it like having an all-female crew. It’s a good crew,” says Fire Chief LeRoy Smith.
2025
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain
For this year’s honorees, that why is rooted in uplifting others. For some, that comes in the form of providing hygiene products or books to those who can’t afford them. For others, it’s taking care of the people and facilities that produce life-saving medicine, helping companies define themselves to prosper, or giving others a new outlook on life one crocheted animal at a time.
“There’s so much value in having an advocate and having someone that you can talk to, work through things, and see things from a different perspective. I wish I would have started those conversations with women earlier on. I think that’s where I get the most pride out of what I’ve done. Yes, there’s the day-to-day stuff, but it’s actually the people that I’ve been able to help with their career and seeing where they’re going.”
— Laurie Braxton
Laurie Braxton
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HEAD OF NORTH CAROLINA OPERATIONS, FUJIFILM BIOTECHNOLOGIES
WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Laurie Braxton cultivated a 20-year career with pharmaceutical giant GSK, serving in roles encompassing external supply, business development, supply chain integration, and site management. The catalyst?
A cool pair of pants.
“The recruiter was wearing leather pants, and I was like, “North Carolina … pharmaceuticals … It looks like they have a pretty cool team. Yeah, I’m in,” Laurie recalls.
At that time Laurie was a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in business.
“If I would have stayed in Ohio, I probably would have gone into automotive, but pharmaceutical was really interesting to me,” she says.
Laurie’s career took her to GSK facilities in RTP, Zebulon, Maryland, and the United Kingdom.
“I have been really fortunate in my career to have had so many different opportunities. I think one of the reasons that’s true is because I was always looking for where there’s opportunity in adversity,” she says
“At one point in my career I led external manufacturing, so I was the customer; I was the one that would go out and look at CDMOs to say: Who could we work with; who would be a good partner?
“That’s what I was doing when I lived in the UK. (GSK) had a global network. I had teams in 40 different countries. It was amazing.
“I never thought I would go work for a CDMO, but I really enjoyed my time managing that space and thinking about how (CDMOs) could be more strategic and an advantage for pharmaceutical companies,” she says.
Plot twist: Laurie does end up working for a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), but there’s one more step before we get there.
Laurie and her family moved back to North Carolina from the UK in early 2020 so she could assume the role of site head at GSK’s facility in Zebulon — a supplier of respiratory medicines, like those used to treat asthma.
“I was coming in at a time when people were terrified about leaving their houses. I was new to leading there, new to a lot of those people, but trying to convince them that I could keep them safe,” she says. “I learned so much about leadership and building relationships and trust, and that what comes before everything is people. That experience is what really defined and solidified my leadership style.”
Here comes the plot twist.
“I think it’s hard to separate the personal from Hummingbird. I think (people) would say I’m creative and innovative. … I really hope they say I’m creative and innovative because that’s what I’ve tried to build!”
— Wendy Coulter
Wendy Coulter
PRESIDENT & CEO, HUMMINGBIRD CREATIVE GROUP
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
In the grand tapestry of nature, few creatures embody the spirit of resilience and joy quite like the hummingbird. And when you meet Wendy Coulter, it makes immediate sense why the tiny iridescent bird has played such a significant role in her life.
Several years before she named her award-winning full-service branding firm after the creature, a high school friend referred to Wendy as a hummingbird because she “just kind of fluttered around and got along with all the different groups of people.”
A little over a year after she’d earned her degree in industrial design at NC State — and after a brief stint in marketing for a nonprofit during which time she was working in set design and interviewing for architecture and industrial design jobs, as well as freelancing under her own name — Wendy describes herself as being “part of the gig economy before there was a gig economy.”
Little did she know that a 1995 Cary Chamber of Commerce expo would be the very thing to help her career take flight.
After signing her first three clients — Mike Anderson of Advent Screenprinting, Ken Pasfield of Carolina Job Finder, and Michael Currin of Greenscape/Franklin Hill Farms — at the event, Wendy shut down the “craft-like booth” she’d been running with her mom. She did however keep the name they’d used, Hummingbird Designs, because, as she
explains, “the hummingbird is so close to my heart and the way I am.”
When it came to the agency she was about to start, “Just like the bird,” Wendy knew, “I wanted to help my clients navigate their branding in all directions — give them everything.” Thanks to the new clients that helped catapult the agency, and an inspired namesake, Hummingbird left the nest. In the 30 years that followed, it would spread its wings and ultimately soar as a powerful agency with a mission to empower clients through innovative branding strategies.
After all, the ability to fly forward, backward, upside down, and sideways — like a hummingbird — and mark territory is what branding does. Good branding transcends mere aesthetics and represents qualities that inspire and uplift. Branding isn’t just about logos or names: It’s about the customer’s experience and perception.
“Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room,” Wendy says, quoting Jeff Bezos and underscoring the importance of creating a strong, authentic brand identity that is consistent throughout the organization.
Branding is necessary for startups and particularly crucial during growth opportunities, when companies are introducing new products or services, or during significant transitions such as company mergers or acquisitions.
“Whether that’s volunteering at other organizations other than my own, visiting someone who is sick, or just doing a favor for a friend, I feel I am at my best when I am giving back.”
— Shirnetta Harrell
Shirnetta Harrell
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE NO WOMAN, NO GIRL INITIATIVE
WRITTEN BY TERI SAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Shirnetta Harrell was named for the two most important people in her life: her grandmother Shirley and her mother Bonnetta. Her name represents the legacy of a deep and abiding love. It’s a nod to her past and hope for her future.
“I was raised by a single mom, and I watched her struggle,” Shirnetta says. “She is a veteran who served in Desert Storm, and seeing how she has always kept going despite adversity has laid a strong foundation for me and has instilled in me the belief that anything is possible.”
Shirnetta spends every day living in that belief and pays it forward through The No Woman, No Girl Initiative, a Triangle nonprofit dedicated to providing essential personal care and hygiene products to women and girls in need. The organization has distributed thousands of hygiene kits since she launched it in 2021. She has gone on to inspire others to donate products, money, and time to the cause.
With a bachelor’s degree in social work from Shaw University and a master’s from Alabama A&M University, Shirnetta has already built an impressive résumé by just 33 years old.
Growing up in Nashville, North Carolina, Shirnetta says she was bullied as a child and faced challenges. Her mother is a breast cancer survivor and her grandmother died from the disease at the age of 50.
“Growing up in rural Eastern North Carolina, you either sink or swim,” she says. “I’ve always had a big personality, and in my
adolescent years, I struggled with my selfesteem, and that propelled me to choose social work as a career.”
Her first step into community service came in college after she was named Miss Shaw University. In that role, she served as an ambassador for the university, representing its values and performing community-based projects.
There she created and led a campuswide campaign to help students who were financially strapped and struggling.
“It really bothered me that so many students at Shaw University were experiencing homelessness,” she says.
Fostering a sense of community, Shirnetta led discussions with young women on topics like building confidence and managing money. She also led a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in memory of her grandmother and worked with the university to arrange shopping trips for students to buy groceries and other items to meet their basic needs.
It was an experience that changed her life.
“Being Miss Shaw University propelled me into community leadership, and it also prepared me for starting a nonprofit organization,” she says.
After earning her master’s degree, she took on various roles, including working as a school social worker and as a lead trainer for counseling services with Wake County Public Schools before taking the leap and starting The No Woman, No Girl Initiative.
“Picking up crochet reminded me of what it felt like to be capable of doing something new again. And learning amigurumi was a much more motivating project for me than making a blanket or a wearable.”
— Justine Tiu
Justine Tiu
CO-FOUNDER, THE WOOBLES
WRITTEN BY TERI SAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
When Justine Tiu and her husband, Adrian Zhang, launched The Woobles out of a basement five years ago, they had no way of knowing that the simple act of teaching beginning crafters how to crochet tiny animals would become a multimillion-dollar business almost overnight.
“Our Wooble kits help people achieve something they once thought was impossible, and that in turn makes people feel super excited, grateful, and accomplished,” Justine says.
In some cases, learning to crochet Woobles gives people a new lease on life.
Justine recalls a customer who was mentally and physically impaired following brain cancer surgery.
“She was so excited to receive her Wooble kit because it helped improve her hand-eye coordination, plus she got to practice her math skills with all the counting involved in crocheting. It was the best activity she’d found to aid in her recovery.”
Not all the customer reviews are that dramatic, Justine says, but many new crocheting fanatics claim The Woobles have changed their lives.
Through it all, no one’s life has changed more than Justine’s.
Around 2016, when she was still early in her career as a user experience designer at Google, she found herself navigating burn-
out after moving into a management role that didn’t align with her interests or strengths. She felt creatively stagnant and stuck in a career that no longer resonated with her.
Looking for rejuvenation and a boost of confidence, Justine immersed herself in the Japanese art of amigurumi — crafting small stuffed creatures out of yarn. It made learning a new skill feel like fun and reflected her love of cute things and small animals.
“Picking up crochet reminded me of what it felt like to be capable of doing something new again,” she says. “And learning amigurumi was a much more motivating project for me than making a blanket or a wearable.”
Today, her journey is a master class in the art of taking a soothing hobby to the next level and building a cultural phenomenon — one tiny handcrafted animal at a time.
Both Justine and Adrian are graduates of Duke University, where Justine majored in electrical engineering, visual arts, and German. Adrian studied biomedical engineering and economics. They started their careers in New York City and moved home to North Carolina in 2020. They have two young children.
The couple launched The Woobles out of Justine’s parents’ basement in 2020, investing $200 in materials. By 2023 they had expanded into a warehouse in Cary and had 20 employees.
“I firmly believe that the ability to read is a fundamental universal right, and so I’ve devoted my life to that in a lot of different ways. But it all comes down to getting a kid excited about reading and inspiring them to continue to read for pleasure and for lifelong learning.”
— Hiller A. Spires, Ph.D.
Hiller A. Spires, Ph.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PROFESSOR EMERITA, NC STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
FOUNDER, MARGIE’S BOOKS
WRITTEN BY TERI SAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
After graduating from college with her newly minted English degree, Hiller Spires couldn’t wait to tell her favorite high school teacher that she had chosen a teaching career too.
“I remember knocking on her door and telling her I was going to teach 12th grade English just like she taught me,” Hiller says. “It was around 1980, and she had retired by then, but she was thrilled.”
The teacher’s name was Laura Inabinet, and Hiller loved her for her strict demeanor and the high standards she set for her students at Hartsville High School in South Carolina.
“Not everybody liked her because she was so stern and didn’t suffer fools gladly, but I thought she was brilliant,” Hiller says. “The way she taught literature made me come alive, and I’m so glad I was able to tell her about how she influenced me and that she was the reason I became an English teacher.”
After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University, Hiller taught high school in Chattanooga for two years before taking her passion for education to new heights. She pursued an academic career at the University of South Carolina while earning her master’s and Ph.D. degrees
She joined the faculty in the College of Education at North Carolina State University in 1987 and embarked on a 35-year career there before retiring as a professor and associate dean
of the College of Education in 2022. She was also the founding director of the university’s William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. Today, she holds the title of executive director and professor emerita at NCSU.
Rather than resting on her laurels in retirement, Hiller immediately founded Margie’s Books, a donor advised fund in the Triangle Community Foundation that provides books for educators and children in under-resourced educational communities.
To say Hiller loves books is an understatement. They’ve always been an integral part of her life, and she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t surrounded by them.
“Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my mother, Margie Spires, taking me to the Hartsville library and helping me find books on topics I was interested in,” she says. “She always made books personal, and that memory has stuck in my head.”
Hiller calls her mother her biggest cheerleader.
“If I needed or wanted to do something, she would always figure out a way,” she says. “I appreciated that, and we were so close.”
Margie died in 2019, but she lives on through the organization Hiller named in her honor, and which strives to ensure kids have access to books the way she did for her daughter.
In 2021 FUJIFILM Biotechnologies announced a $2 billion investment in Holly Springs to build the company’s largest CDMO in North America.
“I had obviously seen (the announcement) in the newspapers, and it was this huge investment,” says Laurie. “But why would I leave GSK? I have a great career; I’ve been here forever.”
A Fujifilm recruiter — probably also in very cool pants — and company leadership approached Laurie with a value-centric proposition.
“(Fujifilm) leadership truly believes that if you put the right people in the right jobs, if you take care of them in the right way and you let them flourish, we’ll be unstoppable. ... We hire for not only experience and capability, but we hire for values and beliefs,” she says.
“This is through and through my beliefs and how I value people and leadership,” Laurie continues. “I joined a year ago, and I have never been happier in my entire career.”
“This is my home. I have two girls that watch me every single day. If I can have a lasting impact here on the community and be part of our future growth … why wouldn’t I do that?”
As FUJIFILM Biotechnologies head of North Carolina operations, Laurie oversees the company’s two Triangle-area facilities: an established 20-year product development site in RTP and a brand-new cell culture manufacturing site in Holly Springs. The first phase of the Holly Springs site will open later this year, with a second phase to follow in 2028.
“We’re making life-changing medicine. My job is to make sure that we’re doing it to the highest level of quality and standards, and that we’re doing it in the time frames we committed to doing it and delivering. … To do that, we’ve got to take care of the facility; we’ve got to take care of the people.”
Laurie likens her job to being mayor of a small community. She’s constantly interacting with team members and ensuring smooth operations throughout all areas of the organization, which employs more than a thousand people locally.
“The thing that is awesome about manufacturing is you have such a diverse number of backgrounds,” Laurie says, ticking off everything from warehouse and shipping management, to microbiologists, to engineers, to accounting and human resources.
Now under construction, the FUJIFILM Biotechnologies facility in Holly Springs is set to open this fall. BRAXTON, continued from page 32
“There are a crazy amount of talented people from all over who are so excited to be here,” she says.
“What I’m so impressed with about Laurie is you look at her calendar and she’s making time for people at all levels of the organization. She might have a 9 o’clock coffee chat with someone working on the shop floor, and by 9:30 she has an executive call with a client partner,” says Sarah Millsaps, a management consultant who works alongside Laurie to help implement her vision for Fujifilm Holly Springs.
“Laurie sets incredibly high standards for herself, for her people, but she matches that with just as much support.”
“People trust us to make sure that the products that they’re making are reliable and safe and do good. And so I’m spending a lot of time making sure that we have the right culture in place, we have the right protocols and the right oversight,” Laurie says.
“She’s very data driven, but also has a really strong instinct or gut. Laurie’s sense of people is rarely wrong,” says Sarah. “She figures out a way to be a strategic decision maker using both.”
Surrounding yourself with a supportive tribe is paramount, Laurie says, in the office and at home.
“I am so fortunate that I have a husband that has been in my corner from day one,” she says. “It allowed me to put my career ahead of his ... so I could go after everything I wanted to do.”
Outside of Fujifilm, you’ll find Laurie spending time with her family — husband John and daughters Sophia, 16, and Elin, 14 — at Lake Gaston, reading voraciously, or — like many parents of teenagers — driving her daughters and their friends around town.
“My favorite thing is being in the car with them, playing whatever music they want to listen to, but then just hearing the stories and conversation.”
“One of the things I really love about this job is that FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ growth in this area also allows me to be part of the ecosystem in Wake County.”
“I think about my own family and what I want for my girls. Gosh, I don’t want them to move away. I want them to want to be here, and I want them to be able to afford to be,” Laurie says.
“Across my two sites, we’re very active on things like infrastructure discussions. What’s it going to take to be able to make product — not just this year and next year, but 5 years, 10 years down the line? Where do we need to partner with the Town of Holly Springs?
“Holly Springs is now at four large pharma (companies) that have announced in this area. We have to not compete with each other for resources, but we have to think about how we create (infrastructure) together, because we’re all a pull on the town. That’s been fascinating and fun to get to be a part of.”
Participation in economic development discussions with Wake County and town officials has unlocked a new passion, Laurie says.
“Fujiflim gives me a really amazing platform to get to be part of — not just building
and running two of the facilities in our network, but being part of what FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ place is in North Carolina.”
Another passion: mentoring and advocating for other women in their careers.
“There’s so much value in having an advocate and having someone that you can talk to, work through things, and see things from a different perspective,” says Laurie. “I wish I would have started those conversations with women earlier on. I think that’s where I get the most pride out of what I’ve done. Yes, there’s the day-today stuff, but it’s actually the people that I’ve been able to help with their career and seeing where they’re going.”
The ability to embrace adversity and ask for help when needed has kept Laurie engaged and challenged her entire career.
“There’s always a little bit more I could do, or there’s something I could improve and do better next time,” she says.
Showing that vulnerability to her team makes Laurie an even more inspiring leader.
“I know that I probably am not adding as much value anymore the day that I don’t think I have to improve or to get better. I don’t know everything, and I’m not perfect. Nobody needs to be, and that’s okay.” t
Laurie and her husband, John
Daughters Elin and Sophia
COULTER, continued from page 34
“When businesses focus on differentiation,” Wendy explains, “they can significantly increase their market value.” This insight has made Hummingbird a go-to agency for companies looking to elevate their brand presence in the Triangle and beyond.
As Hummingbird has traveled greater distances and encountered more diverse environments, its client roster has likewise expanded. “Stockton Graham was pivotal for us,” Wendy says, citing early partnerships with brands like Stockton Graham & Company and BizCom Global that provided the agency with invaluable opportunities and experiences.
Another long-standing relationship is with Banks Law Firm, based in Durham, which has been a client for over 15 years. This commitment to building lasting partnerships is a testament to Hummingbird’s
tireless work to stay aloft, as hummingbirds are renowned for their remarkable ability to hover in midair. This feat requires both immense strength and agility, as the bird must constantly flap its wings just to maintain its position.
Hummingbirds are also resilient and adaptable. “Being in the Triangle region,” Wendy explains, “we tend to gravitate towards life science and healthcare … but we also have a lot of fun like when we get to do a brand launch in the community.”
And the agency’s role in the local ecosystem is prominent: one that comes in the form of a continued commitment to nonprofit organizations. Pro-bono and discounted work have always been important to Wendy, who shares: “I can’t imagine that we would have achieved what we’ve achieved without being an integrated part”
of the Cary, Triangle, and North Carolina communities. “Being part of the community is essential to who we are. ... We thrive on helping others succeed.”
What, then, is Wendy Coulter’s brand?
“I think it’s hard to separate the personal from Hummingbird,” she says about how others would describe her when she’s not in the room. “I think they would say I’m creative and innovative. … I really hope they say I’m creative and innovative because that’s what I’ve tried to build!”
An understanding of business and finance is deeply important to Wendy, as she believes that sometimes marketing leaders aren’t given enough credit in these areas. “I try to make sure when I’m in rooms that people know that I can hold a conversation about finance and business value and it’s not just about being creative,” she says.
This philosophy that skill sets or traits aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive extends to her mentorship of young women in business. “Women today are lifting each other up more than ever,” she notes, contrasting her own experience three decades ago when she was mentored “from a distance” and, though they advocated for her, largely by men.
Now, as founder of the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, established in 2018 to celebrate the legacy of the women who have built impactful businesses and added to the economic development of the state of North Carolina and preserve their legacies, it will come as little surprise that Wendy wants “to be a champion for women business owners and help them recognize their unique strengths.”
She cites the many programs available today for women — The Women’s Business Center of NC, the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the Women Business Owners Network here in Cary — that are reaching a lot more women who are coming into the business community and starting businesses and realizing that doing so can give them more freedom with their families and the ability to focus on that differently than they would with a 9-to-5 corporate job.
Back when Wendy was just 24 and Hummingbird was a mere hatchling, “a lot of women had to make themselves ‘hard’ in order to survive in a world that did have more men at the top,” she says, “and therefore they were hard towards other women.” When it comes to her 16-year-old daughter and what’s important to Wendy, it’s that young girls are “able to see that women can have their place in the business world and impact the economy.” And she doesn’t mean just as consumers — but as “leaders who can bring economic change to communities in a big way.”
As Wendy looks toward the horizon, there are plans for masterminds, authorship, and initiatives to educate other creatives about the financial aspects of marketing. “I want to empower other creative professionals to understand their worth and the impact they can make,” she asserts.
Despite celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Hummingbird continues to exhibit the spirit of innovation. “The key to longevity in business is adaptability,” she states.
By surrounding herself with a diverse team and embracing new technologies, Wendy ensures that her agency remains at the forefront of industry trends. “I love mentoring younger team members and learning from their fresh perspectives,” she shares. “It keeps me energized and inspired.”
Wendy is clearly a “glass half-full person,” so when she had to choose a personal word of the year in a workshop activity, “joy” may seem like an obvious pick. But at the time, she says she “didn’t really understand how big of a role joy played in my life.” As she started to embrace the word, though, she came to recognize that joy is related to the hummingbird.
Joy, she asserts, “is the word of my life.”
So, when it comes to Wendy’s journey with Hummingbird Creative Group — and the vibrant creature itself — and with the distance that still stretches ahead, she’ll carry with her the same lessons: We all have the power to uplift ourselves and others and the capacity to spread happiness and positivity. t
contributed photos
Wendy credits a supportive family for her success, including mother Betty, husband James, and daughter Callie.
The pandemic provided the spark that lit Shirnetta’s movement.
“I was already spending time in the community making sure students had the hygiene and self-care items they needed,” she says. “It was a persistent problem that exploded during covid, and that’s how No Woman, No Girl came to be.”
She credits her husband with naming the initiative.
“I was in my living room feeling frustrated and filing paperwork, and I told my husband that no woman and no girl should go without what they need every day,” she says. “And he looked at me and answered, ‘I think that’s the name of your organization.’”
Shirnetta admits she took an unusual approach to fundraising and community support. Instead of asking for money, she started by cold calling businesses, visiting churches, and knocking on the doors of bank executives and women-owned enterprises and asking them to host hygiene drives. She says her friends and family thought she was crazy for not fundraising out of the gate.
“And that was really how we began collecting inventory for our programs,” she says. “We were strategic, grassroots oriented, and much of our advertising was word of mouth.”
Since its launch, The No Woman, No Girl Initiative has served two natural
disasters in North Carolina: Hurricane Helene in 2024 and Tropical Storm Chantal last July. The events propelled the program to new heights, Shirnetta says.
“I will never forget turning on the TV and seeing the devastation of Hurricane Helene,” she recalls. “We launched a disaster relief and recovery project within 72 hours and called it Hope on the Ground.”
With worldwide support, within four weeks Shirnetta’s team had delivered 50,000 personal care items and hygiene products to women and children across six counties in Western North Carolina who lost everything.
Another hurricane season has rolled around, and Shirnetta is already at work with Hope on the Ground. She recently announced on social media that her team has delivered nearly 19,000 hygiene products to victims of Tropical Storm Chantal, which caused flooding in Orange and Durham Counties.
This summer, during a sweltering heat wave, Shirnetta conducted her second GIRLS Summer Institute, a three-day service initiative to introduce 10 high school students to community service via real-life experiences.
“The girls work at our distribution site, volunteer at a local food bank, and help other nonprofit organizations,” Shirnetta says. “It’s three days jam packed with leadership development and education.”
Today, The No Woman, No Girl Initiative is on a roll, receiving corporate
donations and sponsorships. Still, every dollar counts, Shirnetta says. The organization continues to rely on individual donations, no matter how small.
“We have been able to keep standing because we have individuals who skip a cup of coffee once a month to cover the cost of one hygiene kit, and we have others who give annually,” she says. “Individual donations are still our bread and butter.”
For her personally, fulfillment continues to spring from helping people.
“Whether that’s volunteering at other organizations other than my own, visiting someone who is sick, or just doing a favor for a friend,” she says, “I feel I am at my best when I am giving back.”
Shirnetta’s heart for helping others lies in her DNA, a gift from her grandmother.
She says she learned a valuable lesson about making a difference when she attended her grandmother’s funeral, which was packed to overflowing with not just family and friends, but community members whose lives she had touched — including the mailman, the cashier at a local grocery store, her pharmacist, the trash pick-up crew, and many others.
“My grandmother’s funeral was where I realized I wanted to serve people so that when I leave this world, I have made the type of impact that she left,” Shirnetta says.
And with her No Woman, No Girl Initiative, she’s off to a great start. t
Johnson Subaru of Cary ‘Share the Love’ Event
‘Hope On The Ground’ Awareness Day in Asheville HARRELL, continued from page 36
photos
Today, the $5 million business has 50 employees. The Wooble kits are crafted in China and shipped to customers around the world out of a warehouse in Durham. Justine reckons Woobles have taught over a million people how to crochet.
She reflects on the early days, when the work was all hands-on and she and Adrian wore all the hats. They created their own Shopify site, designed their own ads, personally answered every customer service email and phone call, and shipped every package by hand. It was a 24/7 job.
“We hand spun yarn around a felttipped pen to make the yarn balls that would go into the kits, and we hand stamped cloth bags to hold them,” she says.
“We did every scrappy thing we could to save money, learn what it takes to build a business, and scale up as fast as we could.”
A hallmark of The Woobles’ business model is its series of tutorial videos. Each design comes with a card bearing a code that unlocks the coordinating tutorial, giving crocheters a step-by-step guide to the process. Justine records the videos herself, and her audience loves them.
“I used to film the videos in my parents’ unfinished basement late at night to maximize
silence, but if someone flushed the toilet, the plumbing would come through loud and clear, so I’d text to let them know when they could take bathroom breaks,” she says. “I once got a message from someone telling me that my crochet teaching voice is so soothing that her hedgehogs wander out of their burrows every time they hear our videos playing.”
Justine credits her customer base with turning her business into a crowd-pleasing success and teaching her how to improve her practices and products.
“That’s how we unintentionally turned a hobby into a business,” she says. “Opportunities kept opening up new opportunities, and we felt the need to make the most of the traction we were seeing.”
In 2023, the business was boosted by a winning appearance on Shark Tank and
publishing Crochet Amigurumi , a book that ranks as Amazon’s top seller in the toy-making category.
To build their product line, Justine and Adrian began entering licensing partnerships with beloved companies and titles like Sanrio, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Minecraft.
“These are iconic brands with rich storytelling, strong visual identities, and multigenerational fan bases, making them perfect for transformation into accessible crochet projects,” Justine says.
There’s something to be said for letting products speak for themselves, especially when they are called Woobles.
“The original Woobles designs were two-legged animals with one continuous head, neck, and body, tubby bellies, and stumpy arms and legs,” Justine explains. “My sister looked at them and said they were ‘woobly,’ and the name stuck.”
While Justine could easily have designed the Wooble characters and sold them as fully formed toys, her joy comes in teaching others the craft. After all, creating an amazing user experience and building a sense of community have always been her super powers.
“We have a very active Facebook community of over 200,000 Wooblers who like to share all the Woobles they’ve made and their modifications to Woobles patterns,” she says. “And they enjoy looking to the community for advice and support when it comes to all things wooblin’. t
Justine Tiu and Adrian Zhang
“I firmly believe that the ability to read is a fundamental universal right, and so I’ve devoted my life to that in a lot of different ways,” she says. “But it all comes down to getting a kid excited about reading and inspiring them to continue to read for pleasure and for lifelong learning.”
Recognized as a prolific academic researcher, Hiller focuses on how teachers engage culturally and academically with diverse students. As the founding director of the New Literacies Collaborative at the Friday Institute, she has collaborated with diverse educators and students to develop new literacy innovations across North Carolina and around the world.
Looking back on earlier years, she recalls how innovation sat at the intersection of research and learning.
“We were constantly writing grants, innovating, and exploring technology and digital learning, especially in the early days when tech was just taking off,” Hiller says. She can still hear the voice of the late William C. Friday, who served for 30 years as president of the UNC System, when she recalls his advice: “Change is the only constant in life.”
As part of her international work, Hiller played an integral role in building the Suzhou North America High School, a state-of-the-art American curriculum school in Suzhou, China. She helped design the school, including developing a global
curriculum with emerging technologies and collaborative learning spaces.
She calls that opportunity “an educator’s lifelong dream.”
“I did a lot of research on international schools, and it was just so much fun,” Hiller says. “It started out as a high school, grades 9 through 12, and now it includes middle school.”
Today, she finds joy in new ways by providing educational services to communities nearby and around the world. She is president-elect of the North Carolina Reading Association and continues the mission of Margie’s Books.
“It often comes down to teachers who need certain books, but their library doesn’t have enough copies and the parents can’t afford to buy them,” she says. “So, Margie’s Books can step in and provide a grant to pay for them.”
She says she’d love to have Margie’s Books projects in every state in the United States and in every country around the world, and she’s off to a great start. She has provided books to schools in Africa and Türkiye, and she reckons she has distributed over 5,000 books in the three years since launching Margie’s Books.
An artist with a studio called the House of Hiller, she paints nonrepresentational works that depict lines, shapes, color, and rich textures.
She uses her past to chart her future and
doesn’t just dream of possibilities: She pursues them with passion and turns them into reality, preferring to take action rather than to stay safe and do what she knows.
“You can often see a pathway, but you have to get started and take the necessary steps to get something going,” she says. “I think that’s what has set me apart. You know NC State University’s motto is ‘Think and Do.’ I like to think, but doing something is just as important or even more important than thinking about it.”
With all her accomplishments, Hiller’s joy comes from engaging in projects larger than herself.
“I think I have always gotten an excitement and a motivation from stepping out and trying to do something when I know that it’s for the greater good,” she says. “That’s my guiding principle.”
And nothing gives her greater joy than running the organization that bears her mother’s name. It keeps her just a whisper away.
“What I love about Margie's Books is that I get to say my mother’s name several times a day,” Hiller says. “It is so cool to be able to do that.” t
SPIRES, continued from page 40
Hiller led NC State's Exploring Culture and Education in China study abroad course in 2019.
Hiller A. Spires and her mother, Margie
“I
Western WakeWisdom of
Year after year, the Women of Western Wake inspire us with their insights and accomplishments. As we look back on the first 20 years of remarkable honorees, their wise words still resonate today. May these thoughts on leadership, risk taking, self-confidence, and what really matters continue to inspire you.
like to challenge people. When the standard is high, you get better results. Doing what you have always done will get you what you have always gotten.”
Hilda
Pinnix-Ragland, 2005
“It’s important to intentionally include different people and to make every single human being that you come into contact with feel important, valued, and of worth.”
Tamani
“You have to not lose the focus of having fun. Laughing is medicine for the soul, and it’s not just a cliché; it really isn’t. When you’re happiest with helping others, it really does come back to you. It’s such a rewarding feeling you carry on.”
Veronica
Bent, 2021
Anderson Powell, 2023
“Balance is relative. I truly believe you can have it all, you just may not be able to have it all at the same time, and it may not look like what your neighbors have. But you’ve got to decide what’s truly important to you.”
— Cynthia Marshall, 2010
“I don’t want to miss a drop of the experience of being human, the gift it is to be alive on this planet. Show up for school, Earth school! You’ll find something juicy and wonderful in every day.”
— Darelyn “DJ” Mitsch, 2013 “We place limits on ourselves sometimes; we forget how capable we are. We all go through certain types of fears, and those fears sometimes hold us back. If we could get over those fears, we would realize we can do it.”
— Nur Onvural, 2016
“I think women in general start something and then they don’t want to disappoint others, so they don’t want to say no or they don’t want to change course. It’s really important to value yourself and know if it’s right for you or if there’s something else out there for you.”
— Debra Goldman,
2011
“We must shift and ensure we are not a society of entitlement. We will not prosper if we are. We need to make sure people realize the benefits of volunteering. Yes, we can’t save the world, but you can do your part, and everyone else can do their part.”
— Charmaine Riggins, 2022
“Finally, I am able to say that I belong in whatever and whichever the hell room I choose to be in.”
— Katie Gailes, 2024
“Unless you’re challenging yourself and doing something a little bit scary, you’re not growing. I would encourage people to do the scary thing that helps you discover your purpose, because it really makes all the difference in the world.”
Jackie Ferguson, 2022
“It’s easy to be the go-to person for everything, but that is not the definition of balance. Balance is not you handling everything.”
— Courtney Tellefsen, 2018
“I do one bit at a time and do my part. If everyone just did a little more, we could transform the world.”
— Rev. Dr. Rose Cornelious, 2020
“A leader is someone who has the vision of what can be, is willing to take bold action to get the job done, even if means incurring criticism, and is an ambassador for the people she represents.”
— Jennifer Robinson, 2014
“Try to leave people happier than when you find them.”
—
Juliann Zoetmulder, 2012
“If you don’t take risks, you’re not trying hard enough. Failure is part of moving forward. It is disappointing to fail, but it teaches teams it’s okay to try. Otherwise, where is the innovation? Own your failures, and find the pathway out.”
— Kim Kitchings, 2016
“People who think they can do it alone are often misguided.”
— Susan Braun, 2014
On running a small business: “ You’ve got to be really strong, really able to take on a lot of things at one time, and own everything you do — good or bad. The buck stops with you. There’s no turning behind you and letting somebody else catch you if you fall.”
— Christine Hilt, 2012
“My favorite saying is, ‘Leap, and the net shall appear.’ So, I put myself in situations where I don’t know anything and I’m like, ‘I’ll figure this out.’ For that reason, I’ve had a lot of experiences that have made me grow really quickly, have shaped me, and that’s a message I can give to others: ‘Yeah, it’s scary, but you know at the end you’re gonna be better for it.’”
— Ravila Gupta,
2019
A Dazzling Dream
“The sparkle in someone’s eyes when they wear something that makes them feel beautiful — that’s what inspired me,” says Anjali Tara about the handmade jewelry pieces she once crafted for friends and family.
In recent years, her designs have been showcased at New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks.
What hasn’t changed for Anjali, as a woman, a mother, a dreamer, and certainly as the CEO of Tara Gems Galore, is that she has poured her heart into every piece she’s designed. “What inspires me most,” she says, “is the idea that when a woman wears one of our pieces, she doesn’t just look beautiful — she feels powerful.”
When her jewelry design journey began,
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
however, Anjali was fragile. It was in 2020, after the loss of her mother, that she sought comfort and purpose in creating. Starting a business as a grieving mom with limited resources, no formal training, and in a highly competitive industry was overwhelming. Financial stress, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to fill multiple roles at once tested Anjali every step of the way.
And the steps were small: one order, one customer at a time. “But I kept going,” she says, choosing persistence over passion. “I worked late nights after the kids were asleep and showed up at vendor booths with a diaper bag in one hand and jewelry in the other.”
Slowly, her passion project grew into a brand built on love, resilience, and the
desire to uplift others. This vision has resonated deeply with customers — who could be 16 or 65 years old. “What matters is that whether she’s dressing up for a festival, a wedding, or simply to celebrate herself, she chooses jewelry not just to accessorize but to connect,” Anjali says. Some of Anjali’s most touching moments have come from brides choosing her pieces for their special day or young girls wearing chaniya choli sets for Garba dance.
Her work is a harmonious blend of heritage and heart. Designs often feature classic kundan work and sparkling moissanite stones — materials she says carry a sense of legacy yet feel fresh and elegant today. She especially loves playing with textures and layering old-world elements with new-age finesse. Every piece is crafted with the intention to celebrate India’s rich cultural history while appealing to today’s modern woman.
“I want our jewelry to be worn by women across cultures and continents,” Anjali says about the next steps for Tara Gems Galore. Upcoming shows at Los Angeles Fashion Week and a showcase in Dallas are just the beginning, as she dreams of expanding into luxury bridal collections and mentoring other aspiring female designers.
Anjali’s journey isn’t just about building a business — it’s about creating a legacy that honors her mother, uplifts women, and celebrates the beauty of life. To have gone from setting up her own booths with a baby in her arms to showcasing at New York and Paris Fashion Week is a poignant reminder that dreams born in the darkness shine brighter. t
taragemsgalorellc.com
Anjali Tara walks the runway at New York Fashion Week in February 2023.
CharleyMadelyn A Fashion & Faith Boutique
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
CharleyMadelyn, located in downtown Apex, is not just another boutique — it’s a sanctuary where faith meets fashion and where women can find empowerment and community. At the helm of this inspiring venture is busy mom, passionate entrepreneur, and devoted women’s advocate Chelsea Jennette. With a heart full of dreams and a spirit fueled by faith, Chelsea is redefining what it means to shop with purpose.
CharleyMadelyn offers a carefully curated selection of size-inclusive women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, and faith-based products such as devotional books, coffee mugs, journals, and apparel. Catering primarily to women aged 25 to 60 (though everyone is welcome), the boutique is about more than just clothing. According to Chelsea, it’s about empowerment. “It’s one of my greatest honors to serve as a vessel for God’s word and cheer on amazing women,” she says.
CharleyMadelyn was born in 2017 with a blog Chelsea called “A Fashionable Believer.” She recalls: “I wanted to create a space where I could share my love for faith and fashion.” The blog quickly matured into a community of like-minded women for whom Chelsea’s message of empowerment resonated.
In 2019, she experienced what she describes as a “God nudge” to take her vision further. “I knew I wanted to start a clothing boutique centered around faith and fashion,” she says. “During the hardest seasons of life, those two things were my anchors.”
Despite her initial doubts, Chelsea embraced the calling. “I didn’t think I had it in me,” she says, “but God did.”
With the launch of CharleyMadelyn in 2020, Chelsea found herself “equipped with everything I needed to steward this dream” and on a journey that would exceed her wildest expectations. “He has continued to
blow my mind with how CharleyMadelyn has grown,” she says.
About her mission to create a welcoming atmosphere where women feel uplifted, Chelsea explains: “When people walk into CharleyMadelyn, we want them to feel the hope and encouragement that this space was built on. No matter what they are facing, we hope they carry it a little lighter than when they walk in.”
And CharleyMadelyn’s unique blend of faith and fashion resonates deeply with customers. “We want to give you what empowers you the most, whether it’s a devotional book or a clothing piece,” Chelsea says, noting that customers often come in for an outfit but also leave with a faith-based item. Describing CharleyMadelyn as “a feeling,” Chelsea wants women to “feel the love, the hope, the encouragement, the faith — exactly what CharleyMadelyn was built from.”
The boutique's aesthetic is feminine and chic, featuring bright colors, bold patterns, and the latest
“IT’S ONE OF MY GREATEST HONORS TO SERVE AS A VESSEL FOR GOD’S WORD AND CHEER ON AMAZING WOMEN.”
CHELSEA JENNETTE
The boutique’s aesthetic is feminine and chic and features both statement pieces and everyday styles. Customers can expect prints, bold color stories, and flattering silhouettes. Typical prices range from $45 to $85, depending on the style; the focus is on clothing that offers quality and comfort and that’s also attainable for most budgets and allows customers to feel like the best version of themselves. Chelsea describes the perfect outfit as “one that makes you walk into a room with your head held high, knowing exactly who you are.”
Although she describes her own days as a “mix of chasing after my kids and encouraging women to live confidently through faith and fashion,” Chelsea knows who she is — and has both her passion and her priorities straight. In addition to being the mom of four little ones — Charley, Madelyn, Addison, and Henry — and wife to her high school sweetheart, Jason, she works full time in the pharmaceutical industry utilizing her law degree to negotiate clinical trial agreements.
When it comes to balancing the demands of motherhood, business ownership,
and faith, Chelsea approaches it all with humility and humor. “If I’m being completely honest, I’m still trying to figure that out!”
Her secret? “Jesus, coffee, and a strong support system.”
She cites her team — which includes a social media specialist, operations manager, and sales lead — as a critical part of that support. “In a retail world, where turnover is high, I cherish each member who decides to join this wild ride,” she says. “They allow me to pursue my dream while being present with my family.”
CharleyMadelyn employee Madison Waldschmidt considers a dress. Customers can expect a personal cheerleading team and complimentary mini styling sessions.
Whether customers are looking for the latest fashion or a faith-based item, they are sure to walk out of the downtown Apex boutique feeling empowered.
This support system also allows Chelsea to spend a few days a week at home, which is helpful when dealing with what she describes as “that pesky mom guilt.” Chelsea acknowledges that she never wants “to be known as the one that had her phone or mind somewhere else,” so she tries to remain present in the moment and work in blocks where her children are occupied or asleep. This means that she typically works in the early mornings and evenings, but “I love what I do, and it never feels like work for me.”
One of the highlights of Chelsea’s journey as a businesswoman is CharleyMadelyn’s commitment to community engagement. Each year, the boutique hosts fashion shows, with proceeds going to local nonprofits. This year, CharleyMadelyn will host its Fall Fashion Show on Thursday, September 18.
The boutique also partners with local organizations to uplift women and hosts infertility support meetings. “We want to create a space of encouragement and hope for those walking through difficult journeys,” Chelsea says. “We opened this space for
women to feel encouraged and empowered, but it’s usually the women who come in that encourage and empower us.”
That space is a perfect fit for Chelsea, who says, “When I first dreamed of this boutique, downtown Apex was on my list of dream locations. The community has been incredibly supportive, and it’s an honor to be part of Apex’s business landscape.”
As CharleyMadelyn continues to grow, Chelsea is excited about what lies ahead. “We
CharleyMadelyn carries items that customers can't stop thinking about: statement pieces, unique finds, and styles and accessories that make them feel like the best version of themselves.
are planning some really exciting things,” she says. “I always say you plan and God laughs, so I continue to listen and pray for guidance throughout this journey.”
With a faithful heart and a passion for fashion, Chelsea isn’t just running a boutique — she’s nurturing a community where women can thrive and reminding us that with the right support and a little divine guidance, anything is possible. t
charleymadelyn.com
ARE YOU ON TRACK FOR RETIREMENT? HERE’S WHAT TO DO NEXT
Saving for retirement can feel overwhelming, but clear financial goals can help you stay on track. Setting retirement savings benchmarks by age gives you a roadmap so that when the time comes, you will have enough money to enjoy financial freedom.1
In Your 20s: Get Started Early
Smart Strategies to Stay on Track
Set
Clear Retirement Goals
Define what retirement looks like for you. Will you downsize? Travel? Understanding your future lifestyle helps you set the right target.
Automate
Contributions
Set up automatic contributions to a 401(k), IRA, or high-yield savings account to keep savings consistent.
Boost
The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. By your late 20s, aim to have at least half to a full year’s salary saved.
Key Steps:
• Start investing now.
• Take advantage of employer-sponsored plans, like a 401(k), especially if there is a match.
• Consider opening an IRA (Traditional or Roth)
• Set up automatic contributions to make saving effortless.
In Your 30s: Build Momentum
By your mid-30s, aim to have at least your annual salary saved, and by 40, work toward having two to three times your yearly earnings.
Key Steps:
• Increase contributions as your salary grows.
• Avoid cashing out retirement accounts when changing jobs.
• Diversify investments to balance risk and growth.
• Reduce high-interest debt to free up money for savings.
In Your 40s: Focus on Growth
By your mid-40s, aim for at least three to four times your salary saved, reaching four to five times by age 50. Consider working with a financial advisor for a personalized strategy.
Your Savings Rate Over Time
Increase contributions as income grows. A good goal is to save 15% of your salary for retirement.
Final Thoughts: Boost Your Retirement
Savings with Coastal IRAs
No matter where you are in your retirement journey, consistent saving and smart investing can help you reach your goals. One of the best ways to build retirement savings is by using an IRA
(Individual Retirement Account).2
At Coastal Credit Union, we offer Traditional and Roth IRAs to help you grow your money for the future:
• A Traditional IRA lets you defer taxes now and pay them in retirement.
• A Roth IRA allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement, providing flexibility and tax advantages later.
Key Steps:
• Max out retirement accounts (401(k), IRAs) when possible.
• Take advantage of catch-up contributions once you hit 50.
• Adjust your investment strategy to align with your timeline.
• Plan for major expenses without sacrificing retirement savings.
In Your 50s and Beyond: Maximize Savings
With retirement on the horizon, now is the time to strengthen your savings and fine-tune your financial strategy. By 55, aim for six times your salary saved, eight to nine times by 60, and 10 times by retirement.
Key Steps:
• Max out IRA and 401(k) contributions while earning peak income.
• Consider delaying Social Security to increase monthly benefits.
• Assess healthcare and long-term care needs.
• Adjust investment risk levels to protect your savings while allowing for some growth.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Coastal Credit Union today at (800) 868-4262, or visit COASTAL24.com to explore your IRA options and get expert guidance. Your future self will thank you.
1. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any decisions related to IRAs or retirement planning.
2. Please consult a tax advisor for contribution eligibility. Federally Insured by NCUA.
small business spotlight
Littles of Cary
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
In downtown Cary, one quaint house manages to stand out among the others on charming Chatham Street. Radiating warmth and upscale comfort, Littles of Cary is the realization of a lifelong dream — and the starting point for new ones. “We love helping families put together outfits for special occasions,” says Christine Lucas about her boutique.
Her journey to opening Littles of Cary began long ago and is rooted in her childhood
dream of someday owning her own children’s store by the sea. “Littles by the Sea has a nice ring to it,” Christine says with a laugh, but “this little blue house on Chatham Street fit the bill for what I was looking for.” Though her vision for the store has evolved, the essence remains the same.
A mother of four, Christine’s passion for dressing her children shines through every corner of her impeccably appointed
boutique. With an 11-year-old daughter, a 10-year-old son, and a boy-girl set of 3-yearold twins, Christine finds joy in curating stylish outfits for her little ones — even for the most mundane moments at home.
This is because, in Christine’s eyes, every day is an occasion to dress to impress. Yet, although her girlhood dream is now a reality in the form of Littles of Cary, Christine knows that “You can only dress them for so long until
they start having opinions. My oldest are to that point and it’s so sad!”
At the heart of Littles of Cary is the family bond that’s woven into its (fine-quality) fabric. “My mom passed away almost 20 years ago,” Christine explains, “and she and I used to dream of having a store together.” Thanks to the woman she describes as her “sidekick” and her other-half business partner — her aunt, Holly — Christine has been able to achieve her dream with the mother figure in her life for many years. Known to Littles of Cary customers as “Aunt Holly,” Christine’s right-hand woman embodies the welcoming spirit that Christine wants everyone to feel when they walk through the door.
The boutique has quickly become a beloved fixture in the community, attracting customers who value quality over fast fashion. “Our average shopper prefers investing in wellmade, long-lasting pieces rather than disposable items,” Christine explains. She takes a thoughtful approach to fashion and curates a selection of upscale baby and children’s clothing and shoes; wooden toys, which Christine especially loves and which any parent will come to appreciate; and unique gifts for baby showers, birthday parties, and no occasion whatsoever.
With a price point between $30 and $100, and with some of her dear friends working in the boutique, which ensures that the experience is genuine and offers exceptional customer service — after all, Littles of Cary is in a cute little “home” — Christine does all the ordering of the clothes, handpicking a selection of brands that cater to ages newborn through size 8–10. Each piece is handpicked from approximately 15 (and growing) brands that she has loved for years, and she describes herself as being “really into the European brands right now.”
The boutique’s overall aesthetic is a blend of Southern charm and timeless elegance, with a priority on long-lasting pieces rather than fast fashion. Most of Christine’s brands are purposely selected to offer slow fashion that can grow with the child, as the sizes are often accommodating for years and not just a few months. In addition, considerable time and
The items sold in the boutique all reflect a commitment to slow fashion and are well made and long lasting.
Christine Lucas, right, and her aunt, Holly, have made Christine’s childhood dream of owning a children’s clothing store a reality in the form of Littles of Cary.
Siblings Aubrey, 11, and Cameron Lucas, 10, model some of the fashionable clothing available for older children.
effort has been put into making sure that the brands carried will hold up well through the messes of babies and toddlers. Most of the items in the store can be passed down to siblings or even resold consignment thanks to their quality.
Enhancing the shopping experience are personal shopping services and baby registries. While online shopping is available, Christine emphasizes the joy of in-person visits: “We love meeting your babies and letting them play with the toys while you shop.”
Ultimately, Littles of Cary isn’t just a boutique — it’s a community hub. The boutique’s recent half-birthday celebration, LOCHELLA, was a resounding success, and there are more events planned. “Wait ’til you see what we do for our one-year party,” Christine says.
As Littles of Cary continues to thrive, Christine’s aspirations are boundless. Looking to the future, she says, “My goal is to duplicate this success,” hinting at plans for a new location. But until then, feedback from the
community has affirmed that Littles of Cary was a long-overdue addition to the town.
With her passion, dedication, and supportive family and community by her side, Christine is not just building a business — she’s creating a legacy that honors her dream and helps families make their own. Littles of Cary is more than a store; it’s a celebration of childhood, family, and the joy of dressing little ones for all of life’s beautiful moments.t littlesofcarync.com
Allison Cutler and year-old son Max shop the boutique, which currently carries approximately 15 brands of clothing that perform well against the messes of childhood.
Greyson and Theo Cutler check out the children’s reading section.
Wall Street bankers know stocks... but what about neighborhoods in Cary?
WE KNOW WESTERN WAKE
Just like Cary Magazine knows Western Wake County, these individuals and companies are experts in their fields. Whether you’re looking for a veterinarian, a real estate agent, or a place to pick up dinner, these local businesses can provide the top-notch services you need. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BOND BROTHERS BEER CO.
WE KNOW MUSIC.
Bond Brothers Eastside, the second location for Bond Brothers Beer Co., serves tasty beverages from the brewery’s award-winning lineup and showcases the brothers’ passion for music. The space hosts music five nights a week and has become a hub for both local and national talent.
The venue is home to a popular Wednesday Open
Mic, hosted by Garland Mason, and is open to any and all performers, from singer-songwriters to full bands. Thursday Jazz Jam brings jazz musicians from all over the Triangle, hosted by Thrio. Ticketed events on Friday and Saturday include both local and national acts. Bluegrass Open Jam, hosted by The Eastside Ramblers, takes place every Sunday afternoon.
202 E. Cedar Street, Cary 602 E. Chatham Street, Cary Full calendar of events can be found at bondbrothersbeer.com
At CARE Plastic Surgery, we’re redefining the standard for exquisite, natural results. Since 2008, we’ve perfected the art of delivering natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s unique beauty.
Led by Dr. Brian Coan, a nationally recognized, award-winning, double-board certified plastic surgeon, the CARE team blends exceptional skills with an artist’s eye for detail. Our patients expect
the very best and we make sure they receive it. From your first consultation to your final appointment, every detail is designed around your safety, comfort, and beauty goals. Experience the expertise, artistry, and care that make us the Triangle’s most trusted destination for aesthetic transformations. For the most beautiful results, CARE is the natural choice. Schedule your consultation today. WE
DUCK DONUTS
WE KNOW SMALL BITES.
At Duck Donuts, we know small bites. That’s why we’ve honed the art of mini donuts and donut holes to delicious results. Sink your teeth into classic cinnamon sugar, revel in vanilla glazed and Oreo sweetness, and indulge in fan favorite maple with chopped bacon. Mix and match until you find your perfect bite.
These handcrafted, pint-sized delights brighten morning coffee rituals, steal the spotlight at brunch spreads, and satisfy late-night cravings — all without taking up much space.
Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, these tiny treats deliver big joy on any occasion. Freshly made daily and irresistibly charming, they’re ready to elevate your small moments into celebrated memories. Because when it comes to small bites, we’re passionate about the tiny pleasures. Ready to order? Visit our website or contact us today to explore all our mini donut and donut hole options!
WE KNOW EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.
Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty has lived and loved this community since 1968. We pair deep local knowledge with Sotheby’s International Realty’s global reach to find homes that fit how you really live.
From Craftsman bungalows to historic estates, our agents curate exceptional listings, deftly handle negotiations, and see to every detail with refined, white-glove service.
We value trust, authenticity, and exceptional results — helping buyers feel confident and sellers feel secure. Whether you’re just starting your real estate journey or transitioning to your next property, we’re here to listen, advise, and deliver. Connect with our neighborhood experts and discover why local relationships make all the difference.
KNOW WESTERN WAKE
WE KNOW THE
At Little Tooth Co, we cultivate children who are motivated to maintain healthy smiles. We provide exceptional care at every visit by catering to each developmental stage, and building a dynamic bond with children and their families. We listen to families’ concerns and place value on patience, prevention and education. We understand that every child has a different comfort level in the dental setting and will adapt with knowledge, creativity, positivity and resourcefulness.
Dr. Jean You is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist who specializes in the growing smile. In her expertise, she also focuses on behavioral dentistry and working with children who have medical and special needs. She provides a comprehensive and nurturing dental home including infant lip and tongue ties, sleep dentistry and minimally invasive dentistry. Her goal is to broaden the early dental experience in every way from the infant’s first exam to the young adult’s transition.
At Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry, we know more than just teeth — we know kids. Whether they’re silly, shy, wiggly, or wild, we love them all.
We understand parents, too — you’re balancing a million things, and we’re here to help. From making dental visits fun to meeting each child with patience and kindness, we specialize in creating a positive experience. We’re experienced in caring for kids with special medical or behavioral needs and always speak “parent” with clarity, honesty, and respect.
Life gets busy, so we keep visits smooth and stress-free. As Cary locals, we know this community and value the trust we build with every high-five. At Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry, we love what we do — and new patients are always welcome! WE
The secret to Rescued WOOD Rehab: “It’s More thanWOOD;It’sanExperience!”
Owner Marty Woodward, Amber the Shop Dog, and Master Craftsman Keith Veronesi headline an amazing team ready to create your custom woodworking projects.
We can custom build anything with WOOD, from your new table, bar, fireplace mantel, or even a simple shelf. We won’t just show what we have, we will create what you want!
WE KNOW WESTERN WAKE CARY MAGAZINE
If you have a project in mind, we would love to create a plan with you!
Just looking? That’s OK! Watch us work, get inspired, have some fun, and maybe spend some time with our Shop Dog, Amber!
We always strive for our customers to have an outstanding experience and be part of the creative process. Whatever your needs, Rescued WOOD Rehab is a destination experience.
The Templeton of Cary is a luxury rental Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living with memory support and resident-exclusive* skilled nursing and rehab. The Templeton of Cary and the onsite Swift Creek Health Center are a part of the Liberty Senior Living family of communities, which have redefined senior living for over 30 years. The open-concept floor plans offer a bright and airy interior with high-end finishes, and it doesn’t
stop there! Enjoy luxury amenities such as a fitness center, saltwater pool, salon and spa, restaurants, art studio, library, and so much more. The Templeton of Cary promotes whole-person wellness and an active lifestyle, and also provides peace of mind with continuing care options available onsite, should the need arise. Whether you are looking for options for yourself or a loved one, call to schedule a visit and discover all that our community has to offer.
WE KNOW THEY’RE FAMILY.
Town and Country Veterinary Hospital has been serving the Cary/Apex/Holly Springs community since 1995, providing high-quality, affordable veterinary care. For over 30 years, we’ve been proud to remain privately owned and operated.
Our hospital is conveniently connected to Town and Country Animal Care Center, which offers boarding, grooming, and doggy daycare — making it easy for pet owners to find all their pet care needs in one place.
Owners Dr. Nick Ashford and Dr. Amanda Groulx, together with their dedicated team, are committed to delivering excellent veterinary care in a warm, familylike environment. Our comprehensive services include preventative care, internal medicine, radiology, dentistry, and surgery.
At Town and Country Veterinary Hospital, our mission is simple: to strengthen the human–animal bond through skilled, compassionate, and personalized care for every pet we see.
TRIANGLE AREA TRADING CARDS
WE KNOW TRADING CARDS.
Triangle Area Trading Cards was established to fill a unique niche in the market — a place where collectors and players can fully immerse themselves in their passion. Our mission is centered around providing a customer-focused experience in a transparent, fair, and welcoming environment. We believe that by adhering to these principles, we can foster a thriving community centered around the hobby you love.
As the premier destination in Raleigh for sports cards and TCG, we stand out as the only local shop that regularly buys, sells, and trades. We offer a large selection of sports cards, supplies, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Star Wars: Unlimited, Lorcana, One Piece, and more. Bring your friends and family, and experience a shopping environment that enhances both the hobby and the sense of community.
Twisted Scizzors Salon knows The Art of Hair. Not only are we dedicated to making you feel and look your very best, but our stylists are true artists. Whether you’re looking for a complete new you or a quick trim, our stylists have a passion for hair artistry. They are highly trained and educated on the most up-to-date style trends. This passion extends outside of the salon and into the community. Being a committed and strong community member is important to us. Partnering with local nonprofits such as Bob’s Buddies and Smiling While Sending Hope throughout the years fuels our drive to be and do better. Let us help you find your very best. Make an appointment with Twisted Scizzors and let us show you The Art of Hair. WE KNOW THE ART OF HAIR.
WARD FAMILY LAW GROUP
WE KNOW DIVORCE IS DIFFICULT.
Ward Family Law Group has helped families in Western Wake navigate the difficult issues of separation and divorce since 2000. We limit our practice exclusively to family law matters. At our law firm, you will find board-certified family law specialists, a family financial mediator and a parenting coordinator ready to assist you. Whether it’s a high-conflict child custody dispute, a complex equitable distribution case, or a serious domestic violence situation, our lawyers are equipped to help clients find timely, cost-effective, creative solutions. No matter the size of your estate, your income or your circumstances, we are here to help.
790 SE Cary Parkway, Suite 203, Cary 1776 Heritage Center Drive, Suite 204F, Wake Forest (919) 655-1990 wardfamilylawgroup.com
restaurant spotlight
CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD CO.
WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
A new restaurant has opened in Cary that definitively fills a void, and people are quickly finding safe harbor there.
Cape Fear Seafood Company, which originated in Wilmington back in 2008, is actively angling for diners in the Triangle. The growing full-service concept now has multiple locations in Wake County, with two in Raleigh, one in Wake Forest, and now the latest at MacGregor Square on Lake Pine Drive, which opened in May.
“Cary has been on our map for several years, but the right timing didn’t happen until recently,” says franchisee Eddie Elliott, who worked with business partner Matt Wivell to reel in an ideal outpost just off Highway 64 near Costco.
While Cape Fear is an award-winning franchise eatery, the new spot is locally owned and operated.
“I started at the original location in Wilmington in 2011 as a part-time bartender,” Eddie recalls, adding that visionary founder Evans Trawick gave him an opportunity to help fulfill the company’s mission to transport guests on a coastal culinary journey.
Upon entering the Cary space, patrons find themselves
immersed in a buoyant blue-green oasis that conjures a relaxed beach vibe. Walls are adorned with a mix of Wilmington photographer Ned Leary’s serene nautical shots and one-of-a-kind copper sculptures — a sea turtle, an octopus, and a “lucky grouper” — handcrafted by Western NC–based artist R. Hanes Hoffman Jr.
When it comes to what emerges from the kitchen, the menu casts a wide net that yields Calabash-style seafood platters, grilled shrimp, beer-battered fish-and-chips, broiled scallops, snow crab legs, and much more. Landlubbers will appreciate choices like a 12-ounce ribeye steak, seared chicken breast, and an Angus beef cheeseburger.
“There’s something for everyone here,” says General Manager Jay Niemeyer, a Durham native and seasoned restaurant operations specialist. “We also have the best Calabash seafood you’ll find anywhere outside the beach.”
Eddie adds that Cape Fear is unique not just for the extensive bill of fare but additionally for its consumer-friendly prices. To that point, lunch specials are available daily until 4 p.m.
The warm and inviting dining room channels a relaxed coastal motif. Ned Leary’s stunning photography provides touches of tranquility throughout the restaurant.
Whether you choose an appetizer like the seared ahi tuna or an entree such as the grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa, your taste buds will not be disappointed.
“We consciously keep in mind the person who wants to come in and get the shrimp basket or the Cedric fried fish sandwich, which are both under $14,” he says. “One guy thinks Cape Fear is where he goes for his wedding anniversary, while another person comes in and dines with us three times a week.”
Whenever you visit, start your meal with a first-rate appetizer such as seared ahi tuna served alongside Asian sesame coleslaw; mini lump crab cakes with an emulsified lemon beurre blanc; and Thai chili-tinged sweet and spicy jumbo shrimp.
Want some soup? A thyme- and garlic-infused creamy chowder involves clams, bacon, potatoes, and Seafood
The restaurant is easily accessible just off Highway 64 in newly renovated MacGregor Square.
Culinary sensei Matt Wivell pushes out some tasty provisions.
You can’t go wrong with the fresh catch, which is served grilled, blackened, or pan-seared and paired with risotto and asparagus.
Magic seasoning; while guest-favorite roasted red pepper and crab bisque comes brimming with backfin lump crab. Both are obtainable by the cup or bowl.
Among the standout entrees, don’t ignore the sumptuous shrimp and grits with bacon, mushrooms, and tomato immersed in a Low Country cream sauce and served atop perfectly thick cheese grits. The dish was named one of five “Must-Try Shrimp and Grits in NC” in a 2013 edition of Our State magazine.
Also consider diving into the popular saltimbocca (a term that means “jumps in the mouth”) featuring chef’s choice white fish enveloped in thinly sliced prosciutto and perched on a bed of spinach with mushrooms, tomatoes, goat cheese, and parmesan.
The bountiful Whole Boat combo platter overflows with lightly battered fried shrimp, flounder, oysters, clams, and scallops served with hushpuppies, french fries, and coleslaw.
Can’t-go-wrong desserts range from classic crème brûlée and an espresso brownie sundae to a legit key lime pie and blueberry cobbler served à la mode, which pays homage to an Evans family recipe.
Customers seem grateful for the new Cape Fear and its proximity to Apex, Holly Springs, and the surrounding area.
Cary resident Alan Lawton and his wife, Donna, came in for dinner recently and ordered crab legs and grilled shrimp, respectively.
“We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals,” Alan says. “Both portions were generous, and the seasoning and cooking were done to perfection.”
A stellar Sunday brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekly, churning out offerings like biscuits and gravy with lump crabmeat; a Low Country breakfast bowl with blackened jumbo shrimp, sunny-side-up eggs, andouille sausage, and fingerling potatoes; and the goat cheese frittata — a fusion of goat cheese, eggs, spinach, mushroom, onions, roasted tomatoes, asparagus, and red peppers served in a cast-iron skillet. (Editorial plea to the powers that be: Please add a Saturday brunch option soon.)
Walls are adorned with striking copper sculptures and other sea creatures.
Desserts like blueberry cobbler are a great way to finish off your meal.
TOP: You'll find bursts of
in every
BOTTOM: Even the light fixtures are inspired by elements from the
flavor
bite at Cape Fear, known for the quality, variety, and value of its cuisine.
sea.
As for drinks, the wine list showcases whites and reds from Argentina, California, France, Italy, and New Zealand available by the glass or bottle. You’ll find half a dozen beers on draft, most originating in North Carolina.
“Sunday through Thursday we offer drink specials,” Eddie says. “We also have an accessible full-service bar with quality craft cocktails.”
Service at Cape Fear is noticeably warm and welcoming. What’s more, it feels authentic.
“Southern hospitality is a core value for us,” Jay says. “We hire genuinely friendly team members who enjoy working together and treat our guests well.”
One other meaningful factor makes the restaurant stand apart: a heartwarming charitable component.
In 2014, Cape Fear founders Evans and Nikki Trawick’s daughter, Ande, was born with a severe congenital heart defect. After enduring three open-heart surgeries and spending extensive time in the hospital, Ande ultimately recovered and today lives a vibrant, healthy life.
Four years after Ande’s birth, her parents partnered with Duke Children’s Hospital in Durham and established The Trawick Pediatric Cardiology Research Fund to advance cardiac treatment for children like their daughter.
Nowadays $1 from each sale of Cape Fear’s Surf and Turf Chimichurri appetizer — Ande’s favorite — goes toward the research fund. Since 2018, more than $246,000 has been raised for this worthy cause.
Cape Fear Seafood Company is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner (including the aforementioned Sunday brunch). Reservations are recommended. t capefearseafoodcompany.com
The sweet & spicy shrimp tossed in a Thai chili sauce is a must-try starter.
Craft cocktails like this Burnt Orange Old Fashioned pair nicely with the cuisine.
Cary | 1388 Kildaire Farm Rd.
Raleigh | 4516 Falls of Neuse Rd.
* Coming soon!
Chapel Hill | 4416 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd.
Cary | 2025 Renaissance Park Place
Raleigh | Transfer Co. Food Hall
500 E. Davie St., Suite 108
Engineer Kayelei Carter
The Old Man & The Mystic Sea
FROM TRIANGLE WINE COMPANY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Born and raised in Miami, mixologist Matt Kniseley considers himself a huge Hemingway fan. He created this North Carolina twist on the Hemingway daiquiri in his honor.
2 ounces Mystic Tiki Aged Rum
¾ ounce fresh grapefruit juice
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce simple syrup
2 teaspoons Luxardo cherry juice (or cherry of choice)
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Pillage People from Norse Brewing Company
You can find Danish pilsners on grocery store shelves, but “they do not taste the same,” says Norse Brewing Company coowner Chris Jorgensen, who was born and raised in Denmark. When he tasted brewer Brad Wynn’s recipe for the first time, his reaction says it all: “Oh my God, this is like sitting in the courtyard of my dad’s farm having a beer with him.”
About Norse Brewing Company
Viking culture centers around “family, gatherings, and taking care of your people,” Chris says — values that are literally set in stone outside the Wake Forest brewpub.
Whether you stop in to play board games or a round of trivia, grab a Viking burger, or just relax with a few pints: “When you step into our building, you’re part of the Norse family.” norsebrewingco.com
Dining Guide
A SELECTION OF RESTAURANTS, BAKERIES, BISTROS, AND CAF É S IN CARY, APEX, MORRISVILLE, AND RALEIGH
CARY
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill
Great food. Outstanding live music. 1195 W Chatham St. (919) 481-4434 abbeyroadnc.com
Academy Street Bistro
New American cuisine with a French flair. 200 S Academy St. (919) 377-0509 academystreetbistro.com
Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream
Premium quality ice cream and sorbet. 10120 Green Level Church Road #208 (919) 901-8560 1008 Ryan Road (919) 234-0037 andiasicecream.com
Annelore’s German Bakery
Authentic German pastries, breads, and pretzels.
308 W Chatham St. (919) 267-6846 anneloresbakery.com
Handcrafted daily with only the freshest ingredients. 4248 NW Cary Parkway | (919) 657-0657 220 W Chatham St. | (919) 650-3117 5055 Arco St. (in Whole Foods) | (984) 228-0300 lafarmbakery.com
La Grassa Pastificio
Hand-crafted Italian cuisine. 908 NE Maynard Road (984) 465-0594 lagrassaitaliano.com
La Victoria Mexican Food
Celebrating Mexican heritage. 2025 Renaissance Park Place (919) 234-1276 lavictoriamex.com
Taste Vietnamese Cuisine Authentic noodles and more. 152 Morrisville Square Way (919) 234-6385 tastevietnamesetogo.com
Village Deli & Grill Hearty homemade foods. 909 Aviation Parkway, #100 (919) 462-6191 villagedeli.net
Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill Award-winning food in a nonconformist atmosphere. 3107 Grace Park Drive (919) 650-3177 woodysportstavern.com
RALEIGH
Angus Barn Steakhouse with world-renowned service. 9401 Glenwood Ave. (919) 781-2444 angusbarn.com
Bida Manda Laotian fare and exotic cocktails. 222 S Blount St. (919) 829-9999 bidamanda.com
Mamacita Modern Mexican and cocktails. 1540 Dunn Road, Suite 150 (919) 977-0096 mamacitanc.com
Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar Pastas made in-house daily. 309 N Dawson St #1313 (919) 838-8595 mulinoraleigh.com
Rey’s
Fine dining with a French Quarter flair. 1130 Buck Jones Road (919) 380-0122 reysrestaurant.com
So Hot
All-you-can-eat hot pot cooked at your table. 4509 Creedmoor Road, Suite 102 (919) 307-3817 sohotcary.com
Vinnie’s Steak House & Tavern Premier fine dining since 1987. 7440 Six Forks Road (919) 847-7319 vinniessteakhouse.com
The sashimi flight at Zest Sushi & Small Plates provides abundant fresh, raw options for diners to enjoy.
Now is the moment we’ve been waiting for. With new treatments emerging in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, now is the time for hope. But not the time to stop.
Help us keep the momentum going in your community at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.
garden adventurer
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON
Dividing Irises
In the spring, bearded irises (Iris germanica) can be real showstoppers with their masses of gorgeous blossoms. However, after a few years of dependable displays, established bearded iris beds often fizzle in the flower power department.
What’s wrong? Too little fertilizer? Too dry? Too wet?
Try too mature. As with all plants, happy, healthy bearded irises will grow and expand their root bases. This is desirable, of course, but it can lead to overcrowding, which will definitely hinder bloom production.
The easiest solution is to simply divide your sputtering beauties. Usually done about every five years or so, it gives you a chance to not only revive your irises, but also share some with gardening friends. And guess what? This month is a good time to do the deed, so roll up those sleeves and get to work!
Using a shovel — or, even better, a spading pitchfork — dig up the bed by carefully raising iris rhizomes from their underworld lair, which is usually just below the soil’s surface. Then, wash them and gently pull, or, if necessary, cut apart, being careful not to wreck too many roots.
Now, hold out your ring finger and compare it to each rhizome, looking for ones that are about as wide with leaf blades and roots still attached. These have the most potential for strong flower production in the future. Slightly larger rhizomes will also work, but big ol’ chubby ones are usually spent when it comes to delivering maximum flower displays. Rhizomes that are discolored, full of holes, or squishy should be discarded.
Before replanting, snip the leaves back to about 6 inches long, and also cut away any lingering flower stalks. Then run off to find a sunny garden spot that has well-draining, heavily amended soil.
‘Golden Panther’ bearded iris playing nice visually with a Japanese maple
To Do in the GARDEN
September
• After you finish dividing your irises, take a good look at the herb garden to see if it is getting crowded by such perennials as thyme, oregano, lemon balm, parsley, mint, or chives. If so, these plants can also be divided now for more elbow room. And if you would like fresh, homegrown herbs during the winter, pot up a few of these divisions and set them in sunny windowsills indoors.
• Now is a good time to fill up the veggie patch with such cool-season favorites as carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, collards, kale, lettuce, onions, mustard greens, parsnips, spinach, radishes, and turnips.
• Migrating garden-friendly flyers will appreciate it this fall if you keep the bird feeder well stocked and the bird bath regularly filled with fresh water.
TIMELY TIP
If you had a ton of fun expanding your garden this year, you probably also had a great big ol’ pile of leftover plastic pots from all the newbie plantings. As a responsible gardener, sending them to the landfill is not an option. As a practical — or, in my case, cheap — gardener, saving them for planting projects next year is the way to go. Just soak them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for an hour, wash with a brush or sponge, and then wipe dry. Going these extra steps to clean used containers will help assure they will be free of overwintering fungi, diseases, or bad bug eggs that could spoil your potting garden party next spring!
Rhizomes should be planted about a foot apart horizontal to the soil’s surface, and slightly below ground — going deep can ding future flower production. Set the ’zomes on small mounds of prepared dirt and spread their roots downward into the surrounding soil.
Since transplanted bearded irises will be working to become established this fall, help them along by watering during any extended dry stretches. Next year will be a transition period, so their bloom show probably won’t be up to typical grand standards, but be patient and you will be rewarded with reinvigorated flower displays in the years to come! t
L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine Want to ask L.A. a question about your garden? Contact him by email at lajackson1@gmail.com.
Save leftover pots for planting projects next year.
Gipson Play Plaza happenings
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Relief from the summer heat is just a walk in the park at Raleigh’s new Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park. The 18.5-acre adventure playground features a watermill mountain play area, a sand bowl, an interactive waterfall wall and splash pad, as well as slides, sand, rope bridges, porches, and shaded picnic areas.
happenings
The CARY FIRE DEPARTMENT placed the first electric fire truck on the East Coast into service in June. The cutting-edge $1.8 million Pierce Volterra electric pumper reflects the Town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and operational resiliency.
“As part of our long-term planning for apparatus replacement, we saw an opportunity to advance our sustainability and resiliency goals in a way that also strengthens operations,” says Fire Chief Mike Cooper. “The Volterra allows us to go even further in reducing emissions and meeting the expectations of an environmentally conscious community.”
For its first major call, the engine responded to a residential structure fire with 87% battery. After pumping multiple lines for more than three hours, it left the scene with 42% battery. By the time firefighters finished decontamination at the station, the engine had recharged to 90%. carync.gov/Volterra
Waltonwood Cary
Parkway hosted a pet supply drive benefiting Second Chance Pet Adoptions in honor of National Clear the Shelter Day. Waltonwood collected donations of more than 135 pounds of pet food and other supplies, which residents delivered to Second Chance in mid-August.
Another successful S’MORRISVILLE event is in the books. Community members gathered at Morrisville Community Park on August 9 for an afternoon of fun, including regular and vegan s’mores, food trucks, games, inflatables, and meet-and-greets with the Town departments. Attendees were invited to place a pin on a world map indicating where they are from.
The Morrisville Senior Center will host a Resources Fair on September 18 from 2-5 p.m. to support health, wellness, and an active lifestyle among adults 55 and older. Healthcare providers, wellness specialists, and active living experts will be on hand.
The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce hosted a FIRST RESPONDERS
THANK YOU LUNCHEON on July 31 honoring all the emergency personnel who work to keep the town safe. Tim Ryan was named the Morrisville Fire/Rescue
Department Firefighter of the Year, Lt. Joshua Almond was named the Morrisville Police
Department Police Officer of the Year, and Joe Dolinger was named the Public Works Person of the Year.
In July, Coriolis Pharma announced plans to establish a $10 million state-ofthe-art research center that will create 50 jobs in Morrisville. Founded in Martinsried, Germany, Coriolis Pharma is a leading provider of formulation research and development services for biologics.
“The investment in a new lab in Morrisville is a significant milestone for Coriolis. With our future presence in North Carolina, we will be able to serve our North American clients even better, offering our core services quickly and efficiently on site,” says Silvia Steyrer-Gruber, chief executive officer of Coriolis Pharma. “The decisive factor in our choice of location was the strong scientific fit with the North Carolina ecosystem, a global biotechnology center of excellence. The innovative environment, proximity to numerous life science companies, and excellent infrastructure around Morrisville reinforced our decision.” coriolis-pharma.com
Blush Cowork has rebranded to THE COVEN CARY, becoming the eighth location of the franchise-based network of coworking spaces and the first outside the Midwest.
The membership-based coworking space offers support for entrepreneurs and professionals to gather and collaborate. Features include a Montessori-inspired onsite playcare program designed for children ages 6 months to 6 years, a community space, conference rooms, private offices and phone rooms, a parent and prayer room, printing and office supplies, kitchen space, free parking, coffee, and snacks. Members will also have access to The Coven Digital Community.
“When I was creating Blush, I looked at The Coven as an example of the spirit and space I wanted to bring to Cary, and I’m so excited for this space to be a part of the brand,” says Alison Rogers, community owner of The Coven Cary.
The Coven Cary will host a Grand Opening event on October 30. thecoven.com
BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Colors of summer
Eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies flutter about tasting the nectar of swamp milkweed at Durant
Nature Park in Raleigh. Known for its striking yellow and black striped wings, like a tiger’s stripes, North Carolina’s state butterfly is one of the most often seen butterflies in the state.
