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Photography
FAYNC MAGAZINE
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Miles Founder + Editor In Chief
FAYNC Magazine
Zairis TéJion
There is something special about summer.
Maybe it’s the way the days stretch a little longer. Maybe it’s the warmth that invites us outside of our comfort zones. Or maybe it’s the reminder that growth often happens in plain sight.
For this issue, I found myself thinking about direction. Not success. Not achievement. Direction.
In a world constantly asking us to move faster, be louder, and do more, it can be easy to lose sight of what we’re actually moving toward. Yet the people featured throughout these pages reminded me of something simple: purpose has a way of pulling us forward.
Like the sun.
It doesn’t force.
It doesn’t chase. It simply shines, and everything willing to grow responds. FOLLOW THE SUN is an invitation to pay attention to what lights you up. To the ideas that won’t leave you alone. To the communities that pour into you. To the dreams that continue to call your name, even after setbacks, delays, and detours.
Within these pages you’ll meet artists, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and visionaries who are creating meaningful work not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. Their stories remind us that fulfillment isn’t found at the finish line. It’s discovered in the process of becoming.
This issue is a celebration of bright movement. Of choosing curiosity over fear. Of choosing possibility over limitation. Of choosing joy, even when the world gives you every reason not to.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, I hope you find something that inspires you to keep going. A story that feels familiar. A perspective that challenges you. A reminder that the light you’re searching for is already within reach. You just have to keep pushing, and keep going.
Welcome to the Summer 2026 Issue.
Zairis TeJion Miles founder + editor in chief faync magazine
FAYNC MAGAZINE IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
More than a magazine, FAYNC MAG is a revolutionary media platform that uplifts the community change-makers within Fayetteville NC and beyond through the publishing of immersive and empowering multi-modal content.
MISSION
To revolutionize traditional media platforms by providing a platform for the voices in our community that have yet to be heard. We strive to highlight positive, community-focused initiatives, organizations, businesses, and creatives in Fayetteville and North Carolina. We aim to create engaging and immersive content that integrates art, music, and culture to inform, educate, inspire, and empower our subscribers and followers to become community change-makers in Fayetteville, NC.
VISION
To lead the way in creating and sharing innovative, cuttingedge content that sheds light on the history and evolution of Fayetteville and North Carolina. We aim to capture and reveal authentic narratives from our community and become the unifying entity for community-driven content through skillful and accurate articles, social posts, and storytelling. We envision a future where Fayetteville is known regionally and nationally for its continuously growing and evolving community of change-makers, with our media platform serving as the hub for this positive movement.
HISTORY
FAYNC Magazine was founded September 9, 2020 by Zairis T. Miles.
CONTACT
FAYNC Magazine
fayncmag@gmail.com fayncmagazine.com 102 Person St. D Fayetteville, North Carolina
WHEN LIFE BLENDS WITH CREATIVITY WHEN LIFE BLENDS WITH CREATIVITY
Thomas 'Tommi' Ferguson
Artistry has always been a core part of Fayetteville’s culture. The city continues to inspire creatives from all backgrounds and fields, producing a richly diverse environment for people to indulge in. For a particular creative named Thomas “Tommi” Ferguson, this mindset continues to ring true.
Article by Bianca Santiago
Photography by @zairstejion, Zairis T. Miles
As a young individual with a brilliant mind, Tommi strives to pour his true self into whatever he makes and contributes to.
Speaking of contributions, Tommi gives back to the city in a variety of ways: from becoming the founder of Black Canvas to formerly teaching art at Ramsey Street High School, his outreach branches out in different forms.
“I’ve done a lot of things,” says Tommi with a laugh. He also fondly recalls being awarded in Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 list at just 28 years old in 2025.
When it comes down to it, though, Tommi prides himself on his desire to connect Fayetteville through his curated experiences.
“When I think about my events, I know that the first thing on my mind is community,” thomas ferguson
As intertwined as the city is, it’s only natural to want to contribute to it in a way that honors its connections while maintaining a strong identity, which is exactly what he does in his work.
Black Canvas, a creative event and curation company, is one of Tommi’s pride and joys. Through the organization, he has been able to arrange countless events in an effort to inspire and strengthen Fayetteville’s community. One of its recent projects includes a mural that debuted in February and was painted by seven artists in total, including Tommi. In 2026, the mural magnified the importance of “2-6” in the city as Cumberland County’s 26th district, presenting a story that tells the history of Fayetteville with just a glance. It also aimed to display the history of Fayetteville that people may overlook, and establishes how crucial it is for the residents and visitors to remember.
Additionally, during his time teaching, Tommi helped organized a holiday showcase event at Ramsey Street High School that displayed the students’ vibrant, brilliant creativity that people may not recognize. The event gathered students, family and friends and allowed them to showcase their passions in forms like poetry, painting, and rap. The event emphasized how important the school’s culture was for the students there, and that art can be found in any place people can create it.
Alongside his passion for event curation is his love for creating, and from the beginning, creating had been a large part of who he was. From a young age, he had been exposed to music from his uncle who was a musician, causing him to later find an ear to that kind of art naturally. As he grew up, in an effort to carve his own path, Tommi stemmed out into casual DJing.
“When I was in college I called myself a DJ,” says Tommi, “but I wasn’t really on the boards. I would play really good songs and people would always call me DJ but I never thought I would be an actual DJ.”
As his passion grew for the craft, Tommi had the opportunity to learn under famed DJ Wolf from New York, an opportunity he couldn’t express his gratitude enough for. “He became my mentor, so DJ Wolf taught me a lot about the techniques that I needed for the board,” he says. “I practiced very intensely because DJ Wolf didn’t play, you know? I had to make sure everything was right, he really made sure that my skills were up to par before I went out and started doing gigs.”
From learning the basics to headlining at Festival Park, DJ Wolf guided him through the artistry that is DJing that still included Tommi’s own style. He was also able to blend his music with his experiences to create a sound that he was proud of.
With how tough life can be, people can find comfort in various outlets that help them navigate through those hard times, such as art. Although many may believe that “art” can only be reflected in professional canvases and sketches, Tommi, on the other hand, views it through a simpler, yet profound lens.
“[When] I think of art, I think of life, like creation, because that [art] is what it is,” he notes. “Things that are being created every day, or new ideas, and just life itself.”
Tommi’s outlook on artistry has impacted ow he creates in every sense of the word, as it allows himself to view any aspect of life as art and reflect that in his efforts. When life gives him lemons, he dilutes the tartness with musical and visual expression that makes for a refreshing lemonade.
For those trying to step into the artistic scene, he recognizes that it can seem daunting to enter at times.
“ For the people trying new things, I would say just go after it, you know what I mean?” He says. “Just to see what you can do… So I would say, you know, practice the craft and then just go for it!”
Tommi claims that some may believe he tried all kinds of things to see what would work for him, but his growth as a creative really came down to focused practice and to “do it scared.” He recalled that in the beginning of his DJ career, he was plagued by nerves that wouldn’t let him talk in front of a crowd – after tackling his anxiety, he feels far more comfortable to do so.
“When I became who I am now it was always in me, it’s just the fear that was holding me back to be who I am,”
he states. “That wouldn’t have come if I wouldn't have taken the risk and just got out there and did it – so you have to do it scared and just be who you're meant to be you know? Because that might serve a greater purpose for other people.”
As his journey continues, Tommi celebrates a new milestone, obtaining his Masters degree in Business.
With this new achievement, he plans to branch out into the business side of creation, helping others manifest their ideas and put them to paper, too.
“A lot of it’s going to have to do with the entertainment industry within North Carolina and management, so that’s something I want to focus on in the future coming up,” he says. "I started a consulting firm so that's how I'm going to use my masters in business, doing consulting for businesses and small businesses.”
Being that local businesses are largely the backbone of Fayetteville, Tommi hopes to provide a leverage point for those aiming to have their visions materialized in their truest form. His journey as a Fayetteville creative has continued to help provide a spotlight on the city’s artistic diversity, while also maintaining an identity that makes his work stand out and inspire others. Contact
Thomas Ferguson DJ | Real Estate Investor
Event Curator | Artist & Creative Director Talent Manager @tommi_lee
Black
Canvas @blackcanvas.nc Links
FRQNCY WITH MICHAEL DAUGHTRY
Video Interview & Live
Music Performance
Photography and Videography by @zairistejion,
Zairis T. Miles
"This song is called 'Starting Line'. The inspiration is honestly about people and loved ones who have passed on and the process that we all go through. Grieving–but at the same time to keep going in life, living your life and honoring the people that passed on by still going, and doing the things that they want you to do."
MICHAEL DAUGHTRY, Recording Artist. Singer/Songwriter. Music Coach
Photography
Photography by @saintshotti_ Brian Santiago
"Summer '26" by Brian Santiago
"Summer '26" by Brian Santiago
'26" by Brian Santiago
"Summer '26" by Brian Santiago
FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH
"We don't want people to not feel included in the conversations, so whether we set it up like a runway when you come, or we make a big circle and we all pow-wow together, we want everyone to feel like they are a part of the experience and not a wallflower. This is really the start of FWRD. it's our first year and we have things coming down the pipeline in the future."
AL BOWMAN & NEVEAH SHELL
AL BOWMAN CREATIVE + THREADS IN THE VILLE PRESENT FWRD.
Interview by Zairis T. Miles
BEYOND FASHION: MOVING THE CULTURE FWRD.
Video Interview with Al Bowman & Neveah Shell
Photography and Videography by @zairistejion, Zairis T. Miles
WESTDALE VINTAGE: CURATING STORIES THROUGH STYLE
For Jamil and Michelle, Westdale Vintage didn’t begin as a polished business idea or a strategic plan mapped out on paper. It started in a much more organic place— rooted in curiosity, shared taste, and a growing appreciation for objects that carry history within them.
Interview with Jamil & Michelle, Owners of Westdale Vintage
Article and Photography by Zairis T. Miles @zairistejion, Zairis T. Miles
Before there was ever a storefront in Fayetteville’s Haymount district, there were trips. Long walks through unfamiliar cities. Hidden vintage shops discovered by chance. Hours spent combing through racks, running hands across worn fabrics, and pulling out pieces that felt like they held something more than style. Over time, those moments became routine—less about shopping and more about discovery.
What they didn’t realize then was that they were building the foundation for something larger than themselves.
Around that same period, something unexpected happened. While driving through Fayetteville, they passed an empty storefront in Haymount. It wasn’t flashy or extravagant. It was quiet, understated— but something about it lingered.
Months later, that moment turned into action. The lease was signed, and Westdale Vintage began to take shape. For Michelle, that decision was deeply connected to the influence of her father, who had always encouraged her to step into opportunities even when they felt uncertain.
“We weren’t thinking about opening a business, we just genuinely loved vintage.” jamil
That simplicity is what still anchors Westdale Vintage today. For Michelle, that appreciation for vintage carried an additional emotional weight. While the couple built their shared love for fashion and storytelling, life was also shifting in deeply personal ways. After the passing of her father, reflection became part of the process—how to honor legacy, how to move forward, and how to create something meaningful out of seasons of change.
“My dad always encouraged me to take chances. When this opportunity came along, it felt like the right time.” michelle
Returning to Fayetteville was never initially part of Michelle’s plan. Like many who leave their hometowns in search of growth, experience, or distance, she had built a life outside the city. But family has a way of realigning direction. Coming back home shifted her perspective—not just on where she was, but on what Fayetteville had become.
What she found upon returning wasn’t the version of the city often spoken about in passing. Instead, she saw a community that was actively evolving— creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, and everyday people investing in shaping something new.
“I’ve always felt Fayetteville gets an unfair reputation. There are so many incredible people here who genuinely care about this community.”
That belief became more than just a personal observation. It became a guiding principle for Westdale Vintage.
From the beginning, the shop was never intended to exist in isolation. It was designed to reflect its environment—to be part of Fayetteville’s creative ecosystem rather than separate from it. In many ways, Westdale Vintage became a mirror of the city itself: layered, evolving, and built on stories that are often overlooked but deeply meaningful.
At its core, Westdale Vintage is not simply about clothing. It is about preservation.
Each piece in the store carries a past life. Many are sourced through estate sales, private collections, and personal buying appointments. Some come from families letting go of long-held wardrobes. Others are discovered in quiet corners of forgotten storage spaces, waiting to be reintroduced into the world.
Every item holds a different origin story, and together they form something closer to an archive than a traditional retail collection.
“Every piece has a story,” Michelle said. “Vintage allows people to express themselves in a way that’s truly unique.”
That philosophy shapes everything about the space— from what is selected to how it is displayed. Nothing is accidental. Military jackets are placed alongside tailored garments not just for aesthetic contrast, but for narrative tension. Rare pieces are positioned in ways that invite curiosity, encouraging customers to slow down, look closer, and engage with what they’re seeing. Even the layout of the store reflects intention.
“Everything in here is intentional,” Jamil explained. “We’re telling stories through clothing, design, and presentation.”
That storytelling approach extends beyond the physical garments. It lives in the way the space feels when you walk inside. It’s in the conversations between strangers who find themselves bonding over a shared appreciation for a jacket from another decade. It’s in the way customers often begin by browsing but end up staying longer than expected, drawn into memory, nostalgia, or discovery.
Before Westdale Vintage opened its doors, that sense of connection was already forming in smaller ways. The couple introduced the concept through local pop-ups and community markets, bringing curated selections directly into Fayetteville’s creative spaces. Those early experiences weren’t just about selling clothing—they were about listening.
They learned what people responded to, what sparked conversation, and what resonated emotionally. More importantly, they saw firsthand that Fayetteville had a growing appetite for curated, intentional retail experiences.
Westdale Vintage: Curating Stories Through Style
“What we’ve learned is that Fayetteville is incredibly connected. People genuinely want to see each other win.”
That energy became part of the brand’s DNA.
Today, Westdale Vintage stands as both a storefront and a reflection of those early interactions. It is shaped as much by its founders as it is by the community that continues to support it. Every customer who walks through the door becomes part of that ongoing story—adding another layer of meaning to the space.
For Jamil, Westdale Vintage represents the convergence of multiple creative paths. His background in retail, music, art, and design all find a place within the shop’s identity. It is less a single expression and more a collection of influences coming together under one roof.
For Michelle, the space carries something more intimate. It is a way to preserve history while also honoring the memory and influence of her father. It is a place where risk, intuition, and legacy intersect— where personal meaning is embedded in everyday work.
Together, they’ve created something that extends beyond commerce.
Westdale Vintage is not simply a place to purchase clothing. It is a space to slow down. To consider where things come from. To engage with fashion not as trend, but as timeline. To recognize that style, at its best, is deeply connected to identity and memory.
And perhaps most importantly, it is a space rooted in intention.
“I hope people remember that we created something genuine,” Jamil said. “A place where people could find beautiful things, learn the stories behind them, and feel connected to something bigger than a transaction.”
For Michelle, the sentiment is simpler, but just as powerful: Contact
Westdale Vintage @westdalevintage
1225 Fort Bragg Rd Fayetteville, NC (910) 849-1064
westdalevintage@gmail.com
BREATHE. FLIP. REPEAT.
ARTIST PROFILE:
ISAIAH JONES
Artist Profile: Isaiah Jones Treesintheville
Interview with Isaiah Jones, Photographer, Graphic Designer, Writer, Ceramicist, Featured FAYNC Magazine
Summer
2026 Bandana Designer
Article by Christina Miles Photography by @zairistejion, Zairis T Miles
Fayetteville has its own rhythm, its own story—how does the city show up in your work, and in what ways has it shaped you as an artist?
I'm inspired everyday by the Ville, from the people to the streets. Everything around here has a story to tell and I love communicating those stories through different creative mediums.
I've seen so many things change and grow over the years of me being a part of the city. The experiences and opportunities I've had with all the artists here, whom I'm proud to call my friends, continue to shape my work and inspire me to keep creating things related to Fayetteville for people to experience.
"When
I first started with photography and really being outside, we didn't have too many people that cared to keep up with all of the different mediums and artistic aspects of the city.
So it's always refreshing to know that something like FAYNC MAG exists in a city that deserves to be heard and seen on the biggest scale."
isaiah jones treesintheville
How would you define your artistic voice, and what do you want people to feel the moment they experience your art?
I would describe my artistic voice as colorful, loud, and tangible. Ultimately I just want people to say "I feel that," whether it's something tangible I make that people can physically take with them, or an internal feeling that lasts long after viewing the work. My biggest fear is that one day we won't be able to touch things and each other like we're used to, so the closer I can keep us to the physical, the better.
This Summer 2026 collaboration with FAYNC Magazine is a major moment—what drew you to this partnership, and how does this design reflect both your artistry and the culture we’re celebrating?
This moment is huge and I'm extremely honored to be a part of it. I've loved and shouted from the rooftops about how dope and important FAYNC Magazine is as a platform and hub in our city. Being able to finally do a collab when the timing was right feels like a mission accomplished...and I hope we have more to come.
What’s next for you? Give us a glimpse into the upcoming projects or ventures you’re stepping into and how you’re pushing your creativity even further.
I just left my previous design job at a local print shop to pursue any and all creative endeavors, mainly to have more time with photoshoots and design projects. I do have some visual and music projects, which are super centered around the city, that I would love to get a grant for to really help expand on them. I've been plotting on those for a while, so it would be beautiful to see them through. I also just want to collab with new creatives and rekindle things with some previous muses to make some of my best work yet. Don't hesitate to reach out if you see anything I could be a part of.
CREDITS +THANKS
THANK YOU
To Our FAYNC Family,
Every issue we release starts with a vision, but it only becomes meaningful because of you. Thank you for reading, sharing, supporting, and believing in what we’re building through FAYNC Magazine. What began as an idea has grown into a platform that celebrates the people, stories, culture, and creativity that make our community special.
Special thanks to our features and partners: Velmatic Productions, Thomas Ferguson, Michael Daughtry, Brian Santiago, Al Bowman, Neveah Shell, Isaiah Jones, Westdale Vintage, Haymount Truckstop, CROO Studios, and Bianca Santiago.
As we release our Summer 2026 Issue, we’re reminded that none of this happens alone. This magazine exists because of the artists, entrepreneurs, dreamers, change-makers, and supporters who continue to show up and pour into our city.
Thank you for growing with us. Thank you for trusting us to tell these stories. Thank you for choosing community.
The best is still ahead. With gratitude and love,
Zairis TéJion Miles + Christina Miles FAYNC Magazine
Zairis
TéJion Miles
Founder + Editor In Chief
Photography
Videography
Creative Direction
FAYNC Magazine
Christina Miles
Art Director + Admin Lead
Graphic Design
Writing
Creative Direction
FAYNC Magazine
Editorial Intern
FAYNC Magazine
Bianca Santiago
