Hickory Living August 2022 by Oasis Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary August 2022

On the Cover

page 10 2022

Best of The FOOTHILLS HickoryLIVING READER’S CHOICE AWARD

VOTING STARTS NOW!

Women

Celebrating

In Business pages 21–29

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contents

AUGUST 2022 FEATURES 10 • COVER STORY Settlemyre Nursery Still Growing Where It’s Planted 16 •

MacAdam Smith Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Two Is Better Than One Double The Fun Fashion Shopping At Aqua B Boutiques In Hickory

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 21 • Dr. Vickie Lovin 23 • RE/MAX Legendary 25 • Shaffney Beaver

Kathy Wheeler Design & Advertising Sales kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

27 • Grace McLauren, PA-C 28 • Killians Hardware 29 • A Woman’s View

IN THIS ISSUE 6 • Welcome To The August Issue 8 • August Events

30 Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

30 • What’s Cookin’ Boozy Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream 2022

Best of The

Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

VOTING STARTS NOW!

See our special advertising FOOTHILLS section starting on page 31. HickoryLIVING READER’S CHOICE AWARD

Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Peter Eisenhauer • Kathy Wheeler Kathy Dicken

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY by Shane Greene Photography

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Welcome to the

August Issue By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | baramee2554

hildren are headed back to school this month. August will be a busy time for everyone. Some will be sending their students off to college, while others are getting ready for another year close to home. Consider our local businesses for school supplies, apparel, and dorm accessories. There is still time left in the summer to catch an outdoor concert or festival. Check out page 10, and take advantage of the free events available to you and your family in our area.

female entrepreneurs in our area and have featured some of these successful women in this month’s magazine starting on page 21. We invite you to read about their businesses, their background, what motivates them, and how they got started. If you’ve been thinking about creating a business of your own, maybe you will find something in their stories that inspires you to take the leap!

The Hickory Community Theatre will open their new season starting August 26 with an award-winning musical called Memphis. Visit their website at www.hickorytheatre.org to purchase tickets, season passes, or make a donation to support our community theater.

Our August cover story features Settlemyre Nursery. Over the past few years, this family-owned business has expanded and opened their new retail store across from Settlemyre Nursery’s old location. Brandon Settlemyre and his team can help you with beautiful plants to dress up your curb appeal and a landscape plan for your home. Read their story on page 10, and give them a call for your outdoor makeover!

Our theme this month is Women in Business. We have a wealth of passionate,

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, Aqua B is our business spotlight

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

this month! With two locations in Hickory—one in Viewmont and the other on Union Square in downtown Hickory—it is convenient to shop the latest trends in fashion. You can read their article on page 16. Local businesses support our local economy, local needs, and many times, local charities. We want to recognize your favorites in our 2022 Best of The Foothills—Hickory Living’s Readers’ Choice Awards! Please visit us online at www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com or our Facebook page to find a link and vote for your favorite businesses! Show your support and pride in these local entrepreneurs! Thank you for reading the August issue of Hickory Living. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and wish all our students a successful and safe year!



HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

©iStockphoto.com | Onradio

AUGUST

Enjoy! HICKORY

MORGANTON

August 12, 26

August 28

Family Film Night Downtown Hickory under the Sails 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 8PM – 10PM. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Sunday Pops Courthouse Square Amphitheater in downtown Morganton from 3PM – 5 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic if you want and enjoy the music with...

For a full schedule visit: www.visitvaldese.com/events/

CLAREMONT August 12

August 28: The King Bees

Summer Concert Series 3288 East Main Street, Claremont Food vendors and Beer Garden available at 5:30PM. Band plays from 7PM – 9PM. Bring a lawn chair.

downtownhickory.com/calendar/

www.downtownmorganton.com/

August 12: Too Much Sylvia

August 20

VALDESE

www.cityofclaremont.org/

City Walk Summer Stroll Downtown Hickory from 4 – 8PM. Along the City Walk at anchor spots, you will find food trucks, buskers, and craft vendors. Bring some cash so you can tip the street musicians! Vendors will be set up at Allegra Print and Image, St. Andrews Lutheran Church, and Lowes Food city parking lot beside the children’s park.

August 5, 19, 26

CATAWBA

August 12: Space Jam August 26: Coco

downtownhickory.com/calendar/ Check out these websites to see Hickory and Catawba County libraries, and parks and recreation events: www.hickorync.gov/calendar/ events/ www.catawbacountync.gov/countyservices/library/ www.catawbacountync.gov/countyservices/parks/ 8

EVENTS

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Valdese Family Friday Night Concerts • Held at Temple Field behind The Old Rock School • Bring a lounge chair • Music starts at 7PM. August 5: Night Move Band August 19: Cassette Rewind August 26: SkateRink Jukebox September 2: The Tonez townofvaldese.com

August 12, 13, Waldensian Festival Main Street, Valdese Music, food trucks, Beer & Wine Garden, FREE Kidz Zone and more! Cruise-in on Friday, arts & craft vendors on Saturday. Friday 5:30PM–11PM Saturday 9AM–10PM Headlining bands start at 7PM August 12: Cat5 August 13: The Catalinas

August 13 Movies at Mulberry Creek Farms 4777 Old Catawba Road, Catawba Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The movie is free! Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Starts at 7PM August 13: Disney’s Jungle Book mulberrycreekfarmnc on Facebook

BLOWING ROCK August 5, 12, 19, 26 Music On The Lawn The Inn at Ragged Gardens 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock Bring a lawn chair, no coolers, no pets • 5:30PM–8:30PM August 5: Three Chord Scholars August 12: Harris Brothers August 19: Soul Benefactor August 26: Shelby Rae www.ragged-gardens.com

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

on the cover Still Growing Where It’s Planted

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

By Peter Eisenhauer | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

The last two years have seen a boom of interest in home improvement and gardening. With newly expanded facilities, Settlemyre Nursery is more than ready for the increased demand. New gardeners are joining the existing customers who have endorsed the nursery’s excellent reputation for almost 50 years.

traditional favorites, along with the native plants that are gaining in popularity, such as Aphrodite sweetshrub, autumn fern, butterfly bushes, oakleaf hydrangeas, and perennials like butterfly weed, coreopsis, and coneflowers. In addition, the nursery has expanded its product lines in soils, fertilizers, house plants, along with garden decor and pottery.

Brandon Settlemyre owns and operates the nursery with his wife, Michelle. He attributes their success to establishment experience, customer service, diversity of products, and staffing expertise. Now the largest ornamental nursery in western North Carolina, drawing customers from throughout the Catawba Valley, Settlemyre has everything in place to support well-practiced and novice gardeners. Brandon says statistics show there are about 18 million new gardeners in the country. And it doesn’t seem like a passing fad — indications are most of these converts are going to stick with it.

On the personal side, the Settlemyres recently welcomed a new son, joining his two older brothers as possibly the fourth generation of Settlemyres in the nursery business. The nursery was established in 1973 by Brandon’s grandfather, Loyd. At 58, Loyd might not have considered opening a new business but for the urging of his son, Robert.

“We’ll see how 2023 goes from a gardener’s viewpoint, especially now with inflation and the rising cost of food. You’re probably going to see more people lean toward growing their own edibles,” Brandon said. He keeps his ear to the ground to make sure the nursery is providing the services and products that tomorrow’s customers will want. With 12 acres of growing fields and 16,000 square feet of shaded growing and display area, Settlemyre is able to provide customers with the advantage of locally grown plants. That includes all the

“My father was the youngest out of seven, and he had the persuasion that they should take their land by the creek and try to start doing some hobby gardening, as well as plants and shrubs, and it all stemmed from there.” Having grown up

Photos:

On the cover and opposite page–Brandon and Michelle Settlemyre with sons, Schyler, Henry, and Charlie. The boys are learning how to take care of the family business! Above–Sales and production staff, along with the Settlemyre family. From left to right: Lauren, Chris, Beth, Brandon, and son Schyler, Michelle and sons Charlie and Henry, Donnie, Irma, Manuel, Juan, and Rojelio. HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

in rural North Carolina in the Depression era, Loyd was an adept and able part-time farmer all his life. But it was Robert who took horticulture classes and saw the potential for raising plants on a commercial basis. As for Brandon, “I’ve been around it ever since I could remember. I knew plant names by the time I was five or six years old and helped sell on Saturdays when I was seven and eight years old. So I basically had horticulture bred into me.” But he did take another career path at first. Brandon built a successful business in the high-performance automotive sector, which he did for over 13 years. When his father developed health problems and began to consider closing or selling the nursery, Brandon and Michelle had a difficult decision to make. “I knew there was a lot of potential,” Brandon said. But still, there were plenty of long nights debating the pros and cons before eventually selling their existing business and investing in the nursery eight years ago. They haven’t looked back since and have moved the business forward with the physical expansion, a strong online presence, and technology to enhance their landscape planning services. Customers have filled pages with their appreciations of the skill and care of Brandon, Michelle, and the staff at Settlemyre. One customer expressed heartfelt thanks to Michelle for nursing a treasured peace lily back to health after a cross-country move. Many appreciate the consultations and guidance about their ambitious landscaping plans and the way Settlemyre Nursery helped them get great results and do more than they thought possible.

Photos, Above, top to bottom:

• The production crew is in charge of planting, growing and maintaining all of the plants until they are ready to be sold. • The Sales team is always ready to help our customers with a smile and lots of information! • Our staff will help every step of the design and planting process, even down to loading plant material and soil in your vehicle. 12

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Customer service is paramount at Settlemyre. “How we work with customers is in large part helping build people’s confidence in themselves as gardeners. Sometimes I think people are timid or a little daunted trying to keep something alive, so we spend a lot of time making sure they feel capable. Our knowledge base here is important,“ said staff member Beth, who holds a master’s degree in Agriculture, “but it’s also our communication with customers and our availability for them. We want the plants to do well in the landscape, so we definitely spend time educating and helping people pick the right plant for the right spot. And when they get a good result, they remember us and come back.” Along with all of the personal, hard-won expertise and experience with plants, how to care for them, and knowing what conditions suit certain plants, Settlemyre has other tools to help customers design their outdoor space. One popular service is the Sketch and Go that allows customers to create a landscaping plan. They bring in photos, mea-

surements, and information such as sun exposure. Combining that information with the customer’s vision of what they want the area to look like, Settlemyre creates a guide and solid instructions on how to get there. “It allows you to leave with the right products, plants, soil, fertilizers, mulch, and whatever else you may need to make sure that you get a proper landscape,” Brandon said. It’s a great service for do-it-yourself people who are pro-active and willing to put in the work to plant, but just need some guidance to ensure they have a good plan for success. Sketch and Go is a free service. A more elaborate plan with digital renderings of how the landscape will look in future years is also available. “There are some folks who do want the digital rendering,” Brandon said. “They want to see what it will look like in three to five years.” With either the Sketch and Go service or the digital rendering, your landscape is guaranteed to be exactly what you envision! Settlemyre Nursery is bringing out a large selection of fall inventory over the next several months. So get those ornamental trees, flowering pansies, mums, violas, snapdragons, cabbages, and kales. There is plenty of additional decor, too, from pumpkins and gourds to cornstalks and straw bales. Whether you are just visiting to look, to purchase a few houseplants, or you want a full landscaping plan, Settlemyre Nursery is just down the road, a half-mile off I-40.

Settlemyre Nursery LLC 1387 Drexel Road • Valdese, NC 28690 Mon-Fri 8-5:30 • Sat 8-2 • Sun Closed 828-874-0679 Sales@settlemyrenursery.com

Photos, Above, clockwise:

• Brandon and staff take pride in ensuring customers are loaded up correctly so the plants don’t get damaged in transportation. • All plants are given the highest quality care to ensure you are getting the best products! • Michelle works on a landscape design. • House plants are a great, new addition to the Nursery! HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

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business spotlight

Photos:

Left–Viewmont, our newest location, is fully stocked with gorgeous styles to dress you for any occasion. Below–Sabrina, Aqua B’s Viewmont store manager. Opposite page–Aqua B’s Downtown Hickory location offers a wide variety of apparel and accessories to fit the whole family. • Manager Lauren shows some of the exclusive items offered at the boutique downtown.

Two is Better Than One Double the Fun Fashion Shopping at Aqua B Boutiques in Hickory By Peter Eisenhauer | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

People say opportunity never knocks twice at your door. They never say how often it might knock down your ceiling. But once was enough for Aqua B Boutique. When the Aqua B Boutique location downtown had to be closed due to a collapsed ceiling, it eventually became an opportunity to double the fashion retailer’s presence in Hickory, and offer more to their customers. Lauren Curtis, manager of Aqua B Boutique downtown, was there in February of last year when she began to hear odd noises above her head. “I thought, oh my gosh, we’ve got a raccoon running around up there.” She quickly realized the sound was actually something worse and evacuated the store. As it turned out, the old handmade nails securing the original tin ceiling tiles were giving way, one by one to the weight of the layers mounted underneath. Store fixtures were flattened and destroyed. News of the devastation brought offers of help. The very next day, a property owner in Viewmont called to offer space for 16

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

the store to operate until repairs could be made. “She said she felt so bad that our store had been destroyed,” Lauren said. “And literally, we started moving the next day.” The new location was a hit. “Our customers just loved this location so much,” said Sabrina Gans, manager of the Viewmont store. “We got so much support from all of our customers and so many new customers that hadn’t even shopped with us when we were downtown.” By the time the store downtown was able to reopen, it was clear that Hickory would support both stores. They offer different shopping experiences: the larger downtown store with its white walls and wood floors, is more chic, while Viewmont highlights its industrial feel. Many of the items offered are different, too, and Sabrina says many of her customers visit both stores every time they are out shopping The stores keep their inventory fresh, with the Aqua B van shuttling between their warehouse and five locations. And they carry fashions for all ages and sizes from XS to 3XL.

shop with us to leave with the best shopping experience possible and to feel ten times better than when they came in.”

Lauren is excited about new additions to the surf brands Aqua B carries, such as Billabong and O’Neill, along with their newest brand, Rip Curl. “Customers are excited for the opportunity to shop these classic, well-loved brands in our stores,” Lauren said. “We’ve got

everything. You could be going to a country concert, or you could be going to the beach, or going to church. We’ve got something for every occasion.” Summing up, Sabrina said, “We just want every customer who comes to

DOWNTOWN LOCATION 262 Union Square • Hickory (828) 323-7200 Mon-Sat 10AM–7PM • Sun 1-6PM VIEWMONT LOCATION 2120 N Center Street • Hickory HWY 127, beside Fresh Market Produce and across the street from Wood Restaurant) (828) 322-7201 Mon–Sat 10AM–7PM • Sun 1-6PM

HickoryLIVING

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

successful powerful passionate

Celebrating Women In Business © iStockphoto.com | MangoStar_Studio

Hickory Living is proud to celebrate women in business this month. On the following pages, you will meet successful women in our area who are following their passion. They possess an entrepreneurial spirit and the ambition and positive outlook that it takes to grow their businesses. We appreciate all that they contribute to our local economy, and we celebrate their success!

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Women in Business

Dr. Vickie Lovin is a board-certified OB/GYN physician. She graduated cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and attended Wake Forest (formerly Bowman Gray) School of Medicine. After completing her residency, Dr. Lovin joined Graystone Women’s Care where she practiced OB/GYN until 1996. She started her own practice, A Woman’s View, later that year. Dr. Lovin has always believed that although beauty is more than skin deep, the way a woman feels about her looks affects every area of her life. Pure Reflection Spa was opened in 1998 and was the perfect complement to her medical practice in helping to treat the whole woman. As one of the first medical spas in our area, Dr. Lovin has brought new, non-surgical treatments to address women’s medical and cosmetic issues for over 24 years. In 2020, Dr. Lovin retired from her OB/GYN practice and now focuses her knowledge and talents on Pure Reflection MedSpa as owner and medical director. It’s exciting to see the new treatments she is offering! In addition to massage and facials, what are some of the services and treatments Pure Reflection offers? “We offer HydraFacials, microneedling, chemical peels, laser skin treatments and hair removal, waxing, lash lifts, dermal fillers, and Botox,” said Dr. Lovin. “We’ve been treating vaginal dryness and painful intercourse due to menopause with MonaLisa Touch for several years now with good results.”

Dr. Vickie Lovin Owner and Medical Director of

915 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 17 Hickory, North Carolina 28602 Phone: 828-345-1290 www.purereflectionmedspa.com Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thurs: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

What are your newest treatments? “We are very excited about BLT Emsella,” Dr. Lovin continued. “This is a breakthrough treatment for incontinence using High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) Technology to stimulate deep pelvic floor muscles and retore neuromuscular control. EmSculpt NEO is another new treatment. It also uses HIFEM but targets skeletal muscles like the abdominals, thighs, buttocks, calves, and upper arms to build and strengthen those muscles. The EmSculpt NEO also uses radiofrequency to help burn fat while building muscle. We are actually having an event on August 11th where you can try EmSculpt NEO for free! There will be limited space, so call the office to reserve your free demo.” All the professionals at Pure Reflection are certified and licensed to give you the safest, most relaxing, and medically appropriate treatments available. From the time you walk in, you can relax knowing you are going to be pampered and in good hands.

Join Us August 11th 12 – 4 PM for

The Ensculpt NEO Bus Tour

You can try this innovative body shaping treatment at this one-day event for FREE!

Call to reserve your free demo. HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Women in Business

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

RE/MAX LEGENDARY Realtor/Brokers, pictured from left to right, are:

Sandi Dingler Judy Stansfield Ashley Carmichael Sarah Stansfield Turner Michelle Galloway Amanda Stokes Danielle Stone Kamie Pitts Libby Lail Karen Abernathy © Shane Greene Photography

Amanda Stokes, owner of RE/MAX Legendary, along with these outstanding Realtors, take their real estate name “Legendary” seriously by making every relationship a lasting one. This firm does everything possible to ensure that their clients walk away from the closing table feeling totally satisfied. “We want your real estate experience to be a RE/ MAX Legendary experience,” said Amanda. How did you decide on this career track? Most of our Legendary women started in some kind of service-oriented field where they helped people prior to making a career move to real estate. Helping people find a place to call home or a space for a business venture is such a rewarding experience for our team. Our Legendary women have a service-oriented mind set and life experience, which are such important characteristics of a successful Realtor in our ever-changing market. It’s easy to go to work every day when you do something you love! No transaction is the same and we work tirelessly to

ensure that our clients’ expectations are not only met but exceeded. Tell us about the growth of your company: We’re already heading into our 4th year as a firm! With hard work and extraordinary brokers on board, our growth has been impressive. Currently, we have 18 brokers, of which 13 are women! Through repeat, satisfied clients, positive reviews, word-of-mouth referrals, and RE/MAX Nationwide marketing, our reputation for getting it right continues to grow. We want people in this area to know that we are local real estate experts, and we are here to help our clients get the most out of their real estate experience. What is today’s real estate market like? There is constant movement and change in today’s real estate market. It is advantageous for anyone looking to buy or sell real estate to partner with an experienced Realtor who can guide you throughout the process. You could unknowingly leave thousands of dollars on the table by trying to price and/

(Not Pictured: Wendy Flynn, Claudia Vargas, Kristen Knox)

or negotiate a property on your own. We keep up with local sold comps and active inventory. We are also the first to know when a new property hits the market or a property previously under-contract comes back on the market. We can help you implement a strategy to get your offer accepted in multiple offer situations and coach you as to which offer makes the most sense for you to accept on the other end. There are numerous factors to consider when it comes to an offer to purchase and contract, not just price. The highest offer isn’t necessarily the best offer! Our agents stay up to speed on the continuously changing real estate laws to ensure that our clients are protected and understand the process, as well as their rights. We also place a huge emphasis on training, continuing education, and implementing the newest technology available for our industry at RE/MAX Legendary. Our team members bring years of firsthand experience and knowledge to each transaction, which leads to our firm’s success. Call RE/ MAX Legendary if you are looking for a legendary real estate experience.

828.855.1055 • 3244 Springs Rd NE, Hickory • www.remaxlegendary.com HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Women in Business

Shaffney Beaver is the clinical director for Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness. She is nationally certified in nutrition and wellness and has been with the company for 11 years. How did you decide on this career track? “I wanted a career change,” said Shaffney. “I had always been interested in the healthcare industry and had a desire to help others. I stumbled across a part-time position with Physician’s Plan, and within my first week, I knew this was the place for me. I loved the company and their philosophy – Patients First and Help Transform Lives through Health + Wellness! This encouraged me to become certified in nutrition and wellness in 2015. I continue to attend workshops or webinars and stay up to date on nutritional products, services, and even the latest trends for skincare and spa services. When invited, I take the opportunity to speak with local business organizations to promote wellness for their employees.” What services does your company offer? “We offer a variety of services that can be customized for everyone: Weight loss packages, nutritional products, cosmetic injectables, med spa treatments, and medical-grade skin care products. I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t benefit from something we have to offer!”

Shaffney Beaver Clinical Director of

1706 US Hwy 70 SE Hickory, North Carolina 28602 Phone: 828-485-2833 www.physiciansplan.com Center Hours: Mon, Tues: 9AM – 5PM • Wed: 9AM – 4PM Thurs: 10AM – 7PM • Fri: 9AM – 3PM Sat: By Appointment Only Clinic Hour: Tue: 9AM – 4PM • Thurs: 10AM – 7PM Fri: 9AM – 1PM

Tell us about your growth. “Our patient roster has more than tripled over the past five years! We started primarily with weight loss services but with the everevolving aesthetic world, we were willing to accommodate our patients by bringing on talented, knowledgeable cosmetic injectors and medical estheticians,” said Shaffney. “Due to the growth and added services, we doubled our office space over the last year. We hired a second esthetician, added additional provider and staff members, and broadened our menu of med spa treatments. Not only am I pleased with the growth, but my staff and each provider have grown individually and handled our expansion like rock stars.” What awards or industry recognition has Physician’s Plan received? “For the past several years we have been voted ‘Best Place to Lose Weight’ and ‘Best Day Spa’ in Catawba Valley. We are recognized as a Diamond Member with Allergan and an Obagi Premier Partner,” continued Shaffney. “Also, our medical director, Dr. Chris DiOrio, DO, is a recognized national speaker and faculty member for Empire Medical Training, a member of the American Academy of Esthetic Medicine, and Luminary speaker for Galderma.” What do you believe sets you apart from others in your field? “Our team! Every one of us takes pride in getting to know each patient on a personal level and seeing them through their individual journey. We don’t judge, we encourage – progress not perfection. We strive to care for our patients as if they were family!” HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Women in Business

Grace McLaurin is a physician assistant, owner, and partner in Vitality Anti-Aging Center, Vitality Surgical Center, V-Infusion Hydration Center, and owner of Aesthetic Consulting & Training (ACT) in Hickory. The group offers integrative health and nonsurgical aesthetics, such as Botox, Dysport, Dermal Fillers, Coolsculpting, Cooltone, Laser Services, QWO, PRP, plastic surgery, as well as weight management, nutrition, skincare, and more. How did you decide on this career track? “I’ve wanted to be in medicine since I was a young child. I pursued a different path earlier in life, getting married and having my children. When I moved to Hickory, I realized I was close enough to Wake Forest to go after my dream, and the PA profession seemed to be the perfect fit,” said Grace. “We started in the spring of 2006 with five people, and we’ve seen growth every year since opening. With an amazing staff who always put patient care, safety, and results as number one, we were blessed seven years ago to have the opportunity to move into Moretz Mills and have continued to grow.” What achievements have you enjoyed? “Over the past year or so, Vitality has added and updated some amazing new treatments such as SaltFacial, Diamond Glow, and we have expanded our weight loss and body treatment services with the addition of the newest Coolsculpting Elite and Cooltone for body contouring,” continued Grace.

Grace McLaurin, PA-C Owner and partner in:

What awards or industry recognition has Vitality received? “We have been listed as RealSelf’s Love My Injector as one of the top 100 injectors in the country. We are nationally recognized as a top 500 account with Allergan, expanded our own very popular skin care line, and have spent many hours educating and training others. In addition, in the past year I fulfilled a longtime goal of mine by receiving my Doctor of Medical Science degree.” What are the latest trends in your field? “Body contouring is very popular right now. Vitality offers nonsurgical options that can help people achieve the body they have always dreamed of. Vitamin infusion and preventative health are certainly of special interest. In the aesthetics realm, lips are always popular, and a natural, healthy, refreshed look are huge for both men and women which we can achieve with threads, Sculptra and lasers.”

Where Health and Beauty Meet®

What do you believe sets you apart from others in your field? “Our goals are simple––to provide superior service to patients and clients to help you achieve your personal goals for health and appearance. To provide a comfortable, clean, safe, and relaxing atmosphere for all. To educate patients and the community about methods to take control of your health and appearance. Lastly to set a standard for wellness in our community,” explained Grace. HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Women in Business

Susan Killian Kirby, Sharon Killian Radke, and Jennifer Gott Susan and Sharon are owners of

Killians

3790 Springs Road, Hickory, NC 28601 828.256.2147 www.killiansinc.com

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

What are the latest trends in lawn equipment? “Battery powered products have become very popular among homeSharon Killian Radke and Susan owners with smaller yards,” Jennifer conKillian Kirby grew up in the family tinued. “They’re a great value, easy to use, business—they’re third generation and and don’t require maintenance or service. Sharon’s daughter, Jennifer, is fourth It’s important to buy equipment from a generation. The Killian ladies condealer who teaches you how to operate tinue doing business holding dear the and maintain it properly.” traditions and values of their father and grandfather while implementHave you received any industry recing new innovations to serve future ognition? “The Toro Company awarded customers. Killians is truly a Hickory us the Master Service Dealer Award, institution. and we’re a Toro President’s Elite Club member. Killians is also a Stihl Gold SerWhat is today’s Killians like? vice Dealer and an Echo Signature Elite “We sell outdoor power equipment and Dealer,” said Susan. parts from all major manufacturers and engine brands, and, of course, we also What are your goals for the future? service them,” said Jennifer. “We offer “Killians will always provide the best fully stocked hardware, plumbing, and products and service at competitive electrical departments, and our growth prices. We’re committed to helping a and success in every area has always new generation of first-time customers been customer service. We know our understand that buying outdoor power people and community on a personal equipment is a long-term investment— level. Our knowledgeable staff helps we’re here to help educate and support you find exactly what you need.” them,” said Sharon.

Women in Business

GYNECOLOGY Laura Faruque, M.D. Alicia Walsh, M.D. Teri Herman, W.H.N.P. Kim Rector, F.N.P. Anita Montes, M.D.

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Claire Harraghy, M.D. Jennifer Conway, M.D. Jessica Gibney, M.D. Lauren Hill, M.D. Dara Curtis, C.N.M. Alejandra Toro, M.D.

A Woman’s View is an OB/GYN practice that cares for women through every stage of their life. From a young woman just learning about her body and through her child-bearing years, to balancing careers and children or grandchildren, and gracefully aging into maturity, you will find a trusted provider at A Woman’s View. The providers are all women who have experienced much of what their patients are going through and know how to help both as a woman and a medical professional. Dr. Vickie Lovin established the gynecological practice in 1996. In 2005 primary care was added, and obstetrics was offered in 2008. Following Dr. Lovin’s retirement in 2020, primary care was discontinued the following May to focus solely on obstetrics and gynecology. “Obstetrics is a big part of our practice,” said Dr. Claire Harraghy. “We love helping women through every stage of their pregnancy, and our reward is delivering precious, healthy children to their parents. It’s a very magical experience.” Patients are seen for so much more than annual gynecological physicals. Birth control, PMS, infertility treatments, breast health, HRT and menopause management, STDs, gynecologic and bladder surgery are all part of the medical treatment you can receive at A Woman’s View.

915 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 170 Hickory, North Carolina 28602 Phone: 828-345-0800 Fax: 828-345-0350 Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM www.awomansview.com

Besides Gynecology and Obstetrics, what services do you offer? “Many women who are in need of tests appreciate that we offer 3-D mammography, ultrasounds, lab services, and weight management inhouse,” said Dr. Laura Faruque. “Our patients are comfortable here, so getting a test done isn’t as stressful when they trust their provider. Also, every stage of our lives comes with its own unique challenges. Some we breeze through, while others require a little help. We have counselors that we refer patients to who can help them navigate these challenges.” For more than 26 years, A Woman’s View has been an active member of our community offering excellent medical care to women and supporting non-profits that help women. To receive OB/GYN healthcare designed for women and administered by women, call today to make an appointment! HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

What’s Cooking?

However, given that sweetened condensed milk is crazy sweet, I found that by limiting the condensed milk to 1 cup (instead of the whole can), and adding whole milk and salted caramel, you eliminate the overly-sweet notes of some nochurn ice creams. TIPS FOR NO CHURN ICE CREAM • Be sure you blend your heavy cream until stiff peaks are forming, but don’t go beyond that stage. This takes about 3-4 minutes. • It’s best to freeze in a metal or aluminum loaf pan, as this will help it freeze faster. • Freeze no less than 24 hours! This recipe makes a soft-serve ice cream. Give it time to firm up. •When adding booze to your ice cream, be aware that alcohol has a lower freezing point which translates to a softer, scoop-able ice cream. Just be careful not to add too much. I added 3 tablespoons of bourbon––same as a mini bottle. It pairs nicely with fruit cobblers. CHEERS!

Boozy Bourbon Caramel No-Churn Ice Cream Servings: 8 • Prep time: 15 minutes • Freeze time: 24 hours

INGREDIENTS 2 cups heavy cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup sweetened condensed milk ¼ cup salted caramel plus ½ cup, divided 3 tablespoons bourbon ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk (or half & half) Optional: Coarse flaked sea salt, for garnish

Boozy Bourbon Caramel Ice Cream

Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits. 30

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

Nothing says summer like boozy ice cream! This recipe combines two of my favorite guilty pleasures––bourbon and ice cream! If you love an Old Fashioned cocktail, you will love this recipe! The best part? It’s NO CHURN. Meaning you don’t have to own a an ice cream maker that you only pull out once a year. All you need is a hand mixer and a loaf pan! By using sweetened condensed milk, a precooked blend of milk and sugar, you eliminate the usual cooking step of dissolving the sugar when making ice cream.

DIRECTIONS Chill a loaf pan in the freezer while making the ice cream base. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to process the heavy cream, vanilla, sugar, and salt until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl and blend for an additional 10 to 20 more seconds to fully combine. Add in 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, ¼ cup caramel, bourbon and milk, and blend until smooth, about 20 seconds. Transfer to the chilled loaf pan, and swirl in the remaining ½ cup of caramel using a fork or toothpick. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid, about 24 hours. Garnish with a sprinkling of coarse flaked sea salt, if desired.

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You have a CHOICE for Rehab Ask for Conover Nursing & Rehab! Our goal is to get you back to those you love and the life you love living. You are in good hands at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. After an illness, surgery or injury, our team is dedicated to your recovery and safe transition back home!

• Rehab Wing with Central Gym and Indoor Track • Results Oriented Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapists In-House • Family Owned & Operated

Conover Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 828.695.8282

www.ConoverNursingandRehab.com

920 4th Street SW • Conover, NC 28613

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2022

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