Tyler Nosek Broker-in-Charge
Cathy Nosek Founder/ Owner
Trusted by Owners:
Full-Service Management:
Welcome to Greensboro City Lifestyle!
It is with tremendous excitement, passion, hard work, and a heart bursting with gratitude that I welcome you to the pages of Greensboro City Lifestyle magazine.
Life gets busy, and my hope is that this magazine gives you a little breather—a chance to slow down, feel inspired, and stay connected to, or rediscover just how amazing our community truly is.
As you flip through these pages, you’ll be drawn into the incredible stories behind the people and places that make Greensboro feel like home. At the core of it all, that’s what this magazine is all about—celebrating the heart and soul of our city. The goal? You’ll feel inspired and connected to the people, the places, and the character of our city.
I hope this magazine encourages you to get out and really enjoy everything Greensboro has to offer—grab dinner at a local spot, check out a live event, explore our one-of-a-kind shops, and support the amazing businesses right here in the Triad. There’s so much to love about this community!
I'd like to extend a special thank you to the individuals and businesses who helped me build this magazine from the ground up, the ones who saw the vision for what this could be for Greensboro and helped make it a reality. You are community builders, visionaries, and leaders, and I will never forget your support.
In putting this magazine together, I've fallen deeper in love with Greensboro. I hope you do as well. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and allowing us to share your stories. We can’t wait to see you around!
CAITLIN BRAXTON, PUBLISHER @GREENSBOROCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Caitlin Braxton | caitlin.braxton@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kari Smith | kari.smith@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Autumn Hollifield
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank you to our Founding Partners
Caitlin Braxton GREENSBORO CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
Alpha Omega Financial, LLC ALPHAOMEGA-FINANCIAL.COM
Always Best Care Senior Services ABC-SENIORSERVICES.COM
Cara Amici Salon CARAAMICISALON.COM
Autumn Hollifield Creative IMAGESBYAUTUMN.COM
Superior Kitchen and Baths B SUPERIOR KITCHEN AND BATHS
Belvedere Properties BPRENTNC.COM
Frye Build + Design FRYEGSO.COM
Carolina Home Partners EMMASKELTONREALTOR.COM
Party Chick & Paper PARTYCHICKANDPAPER.COM
CSM Flooring CSMFLOORING.COM
New Day Organizing NDORGANIZING.COM
Good Health Greensboro: David Huff, DC GOODHEALTHGREENSBORO.COM
Piedmont Decks and Outdoor Living PIEDMONTDECKS.COM
Evan Essick Realty at NextHome Triad Realty THEESSICKREALTYTEAM.COM
ProCover Exteriors PROCOVEREXTERIORS.COM
Stay Forever Young Spa STAYFOREVERYOUNGSPA.COM
Guerreros Painting & Renovations B GUERREROS PAINTING & RENOVATIONS
Toland Interiors TOLANDINTERIORS.COM
Murphy’s Upholstery MURPHYSUPHOLSTERY.COM
Surface Specialists of the Triad SURFACESPECIALISTS.COM/GREENSBORO-NC
Sunspace of the Triad SUNSPACEOFTHETRIAD.COM
PROFESSIONAL BOLD CRAFTED
Hedshots that truly reflect who you are, capturing your personality and showcasing the best version of yourself. Event coverage, ribbon cuttings, galas and conferences.
Content and branding photography goes beyond just showcasing products or services; it's about telling a compelling story.Branding is an investment in your future . It’s how you stand out, connect with your ideal clients, and build trust from the first impression. Quality visuals speak volumes about your business, and when you invest in the right branding, you're investing in the growth and longevity of your brand.
I am a full service senior photographer, giving my clients an experience and art to last a lifetime. My Senior Influencer Team is the talk of the town! I offer both local and destination sessions.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Miss JuJu Pearl looks pretty in pink with Candace Herrero, owner of The Barkantile. 2: Team members from Piedmont Decks give back by walking dogs with the Forsyth Humane Society. 3: Kids and caregivers alike love the newly opened City in the House play cafe. 4: This crew had fun at the Greensboro Swarm NBA draft party at Steel Hands Brewing. 5: Scenes from Lisa Creech Bledsoe’s art opening at Murphy’s Upholstery. 6: Ashley Meredith Homes Team welcomed Frye Build + Design at an open house. 7: Undercurrent’s thoughtfully curated, ever-changing menu delights with inspired, mouthwatering selections.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
CANDACE HERRERO
FORSYTH HUMANE SOCIETY
ANNA PADILLA, FRYE BUILD + DESIGN
TONY DOLES, MURPHY’S UPHOLSTERY
ASHLEY HICKS RAPER
Roofing, Siding + Windows
Joyful Pediatrics is Greensboro’s first pediatric-only direct primary care (DPC) practice. With same- or nextday visits, direct access to your doctor, and a simple monthly fee, families enjoy more personalized, unrushed care. Founded by Dr. Jaclyn, a pediatrician, and Adam, an educator, Joyful Pediatrics goes beyond the exam room—offering medical care, mental health support, and educational consulting to care for the whole child. It’s a more connected, more joyful way to do pediatric care.
This magazine is how Caitlin redefined success.
This is more than a role; it’s a platform for purpose. City Lifestyle publishers step into something bigger: the freedom to lead, the fulfillment of impact, and the pride of building something that matters. The opportunity to lead with meaning is calling. Could your next chapter begin here?
Greensboro City Lifestyle
Your story is waiting.
Explore open markets nationwide.
Published by Caitlin
Loved by Greensboro
Toland Interiors Welcomes New Designer
Toland Interiors, the independent studio based in Greensboro, is pleased to welcome Madison McKay as a new designer. Madison joins the team with a year and a half of residential design experience and a lot of talent. Owner Cierra Toland is excited and has great expectations for new, larger projects and aspirations to grow as a local company alongside our community.
Celebrating Artist Lisa Creech Bledsoe's Newest Collection
Lisa Creech Bledsoe is a Southern Appalachian artist whose original watercolor, oil, and mixed media paintings capture the light, texture, and quiet magic of rural life. Her work—evocative, lyrical, and rooted in the land—will be on view this summer at the Murphy's Upholstery showroom at 120 South Walnut Circle, Greensboro. Explore the full collection or learn more at www.lisacreechbledsoe.com
Photography by Lisa Creech Bledsoe
Meet Our Publisher, Caitlin Braxton
Wife:
I met Michael shortly after moving to Greensboro in 2009, and we’ve called it home since. He’s truly my biggest cheerleader, best friend, and the greatest partner I could ask for.
Proud coach’s wife:
My husband, Michael, coaches middle school lacrosse at St. Pius X School. Coaching since 2013, he’s found a true passion for introducing younger students to the game and sharing his love for lacrosse.
Non-profit supporter:
My grandmothers instilled in me a passion for nonprofit work. I’ve been active in the Junior League of Greensboro since 2019 and support St. Pius X Church and School’s community efforts throughout the year.
Sports mom:
My weekends are spent cheering on my kids—Kinley plays soccer and travel lacrosse and Tucker keeps us busy with year-round golf through U.S. Kids Golf and PGA Jr. League. We love it!
Greensboro enthusiast:
My favorite thing is being outdoors with Michael and the kids—and Greensboro makes it easy! From golf courses and trails to patios, playgrounds, and festivals, there’s always something fun to explore together as a family.
ENJOYING SUMMER
In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
Beach Ball Garland
Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed? It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!
Materials
• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)
• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)
• Thin rope or twine
• Air pump
Instructions
1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!
2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.
3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.
4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.
Watermelon Cake
A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!
Ingredients
• 2 large watermelons
• Assortment of berries and fruit
• 4 wooden skewers
• Toothpicks
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.
2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.
3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.
4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”
Prioritizing Relationships Over Transactions
How One Local Realtor Keeps Community at the Heart of Real Estate
In an industry often driven by numbers and transactions, Evan Essick of the Essick Realty Team, a division of NextHome Triad Realty, has reimagined the role of a realtor as something more community-minded. Beyond showing listings and closing deals, Evan is focused on weaving newcomers into the fabric of the Triad, transforming what can feel like an isolating process into a shared, welcoming experience.
Her journey began at age 23, when she bought her first townhouse through a down-payment assistance program. “I always said that if I got this townhouse, I wanted to use it for the Lord and let Him fill these rooms,” she says. “And He did.” Over five years, Evan offered her spare bedrooms as safe, affordable spaces to women navigating various life transitions—from divorces and engagements to job changes and internships. Evan saw her home not just as shelter, but as a resource to support others.
That insight shaped Evan’s next big decision: Leaving a corporate marketing career to pursue real estate. “I had really good people around me that pushed me,” she recalls. Her
ARTICLE BY KARI SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN HOLLIFIELD
father had long predicted she’d be an entrepreneur, and in 2021, she earned her license and went full time shortly thereafter. Evan’s early clients were friends and family, but word spread quickly and she soon saw a considerable number of clients relocating to the Triad. “I started to realize that when you relocate to a different neighborhood or city, you’re kind of starting all over,” she says. She noticed the same question kept surfacing: Where can I find friends?
Evan didn’t just answer the question; she built a solution. She launched a social group called Friends Making Friends, organizing casual gatherings for clients and newcomers to connect and break bread together each month. Attendees bond over shared experiences, offer recommendations (everything from the best dance studio for your kids to the most reliable plumber), and build lasting friendships. What began as a small, close-knit brunch has blossomed into a diverse and family friendly activity. “At first we tried out different
Evan puts thought and care into personalizing her client gifts.
restaurants,” Evan says, “but it’s gotten to the point where we need to meet at a park—we’ve gotten too big!”
In December 2024, Evan welcomed a daughter, Simmons, deepening her belief in the power of community. “Just like it takes a village to move, it takes a village to raise a kid,” she says. These days, she leans on her own support system—and Simmons sometimes tags along on showings.
Evan continues to bring the same creativity and care to her real estate business. When she saw clients struggling to figure out where they might settle in the Triad, she created a Buzzfeed-style quiz using real property photos to help match newcomers
to neighborhoods and home styles. “It took me four hours to make,” she admits, “but now newcomers can discover their ideal neighborhood in five minutes.”
Noticing a gap in exceptional customer service within real estate, Evan set out to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end support, demonstrating that the realtor-client relationship doesn’t have to end at closing. Her goal is to create spaces—online and in person—where strangers become neighbors. The end result is that she’s built a thriving business by prioritizing relationships over transactions, and she shows no signs of slowing down.
Simmons, Evan's daughter and unofficial assistant, occasionally tags along to showings.
DOG gone GOOD
Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
CONTINUED >
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Steps:
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
THE HOUSE THAT INTEGRITY BUILT
KEVIN KREBS BRINGS FAMILYFIRST VALUES TO EVERY SHINGLE, SPONSORSHIP, AND SERVICE CALL
A roof is one of the most essential parts of a home: It offers safety, protection, and comfort. It also ensures structural integrity, and integrity is something Kevin Krebs knows well. As a business owner with decades of professional experience, Kevin has earned himself a trusted place in both his industry and his community.
ARTICLE BY KARI SMITH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN HOLLIFIELD
This story begins a few years ago, when a friend encouraged Kevin to explore the roofing trade. At the time, he had spent 20 years running his own painting business, earning a reputation for reliability and professionalism. The new challenge was too appealing to ignore. Roofing offered a fresh sense of purpose. And from that inspiration, ProCover Exteriors was born. Today, the company provides roofing, siding, gutters, and window replacements to customers within a 100-mile radius of Greensboro. With a growing team of around 10 employees, including sales reps and support staff, they aspire to open an office in Raleigh and Charlotte.
Kevin understands that replacing a roof or updating siding is a major decision—one that can often be fraught with confusion or anxiety. His goal? To make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. “We bring a certain amount of comfort to the customer,” he says. “Especially when insurance is involved, it can be overwhelming. We make sure [customers] understand every step and feel good about the outcome.” For Kevin, it’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about doing it with integrity and care. That thoughtful, considerate nature is what sets Kevin and ProCover Exteriors apart.
“YOU CAN’T GIVE YOUR BEST TO YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT REFLECTION AND BALANCE.”
Kevin’s connection to the community doesn’t stop at home repairs. Through a partnership with GAF, a major shingle manufacturer, his team recently donated labor and materials to families in need of roof replacements. “It’s like a roofing version of Habitat for Humanity,” Kevin explains. It started with just one project, but it’s a cause Kevin cares about and hopes to support again whenever he can.
Locally, ProCover also supports community spirit through sponsorships with the Thunderbirds hockey team in WinstonSalem and the Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball team. Whether it's putting up signs at the ballpark or showing up to cheer
on local teams, Kevin sees these gestures as part of investing in the place he calls home. Meanwhile, at his own home, Kevin and his wife Myra are raising their sons Carson and Kayden with a family-first mindset. They enjoy spending time together with movies, game nights, and exploring new places. When the boys are not attending their local Christian school, they’re busy with a full schedule of sports—everything from basketball and golf to travel soccer with Carolina Core. Between managing the business and chauffeuring his sons to practices and games, Kevin likes to find time to recharge with a round of golf at Sedgefield Country Club.
Running a business while raising a family isn’t without its challenges, but Kevin believes the two roles complement each other. “When I approach a home, especially one with a family, I think differently,” he says. “I want to make sure the job is done right, so they have peace of mind—their roof won’t leak, their windows will keep the house energy-efficient. That matters to me.”
His advice to other business owners juggling similar demands? “Take time for yourself and your family. You can’t give your best to your business without reflection and balance.”
It’s this mix of professionalism, humility, and heartfelt intention that defines Kevin and ProCover Exteriors. Whether it’s helping a neighbor through an insurance claim or coaching his sons from the sidelines, he’s showing that community connection starts at home and builds from there.
realty report
W A T C H THEM GROW
The days are long, but the years go fast. So they say with raising children. I have to agree with that sentiment. Each year as summer ends I find myself looking at my kids and reminding myself to “Watch them grow!” Both as a reminder to not miss the growth (with all the distractions and responsibilities that adult life brings) but also as reflection on how far they’ve come since the last time we turned the calendar page to August. Whether there are children in your life or not, I’m sure we can all agree that childhood is fleeting. Instead of stopping to smell the roses, I need to remind myself to “stop and watch them grow”—you can’t see it if you stare, but you’ll surely miss it if you blink! It helps me to set aside intentional time to be present with these fast little growers.
For us that looks like setting a special table to spend time sharing (or drawing) how we’ve seen them grow over the summer before jumping back into school routines. Making DIY game boards together and then having a family game night. Making snow cones for an after-dinner treat or, for a bigger wow factor, for breakfast! They will never forget that one, I promise. (Psst! my snow cones are made with fruit juice so it’s Mommy approved too!)
As August rolls in and the calendar tells us that it’s time for back-to-school shopping, the weather does not usually agree that the times are changing. I find that it’s such
a weird dance between what looks like the change of seasons when I open my calendar but not when I walk out my back door (heat wave!). On one hand, we’re still in full throttle of blazing temperatures in the Midwest and with no end in sight. At the same time, being thrown into back-to-school shopping, Meet-the-Teacher nights, resuming the regiment of packing school lunches, and if you’re a homeschool parent, all the to-do lists and lesson plans in order to launch into another school year. As we find ourselves
with one foot in summer and the other in a classroom, how do we embrace and (dare I say) celebrate this month? Instead of feeling ungrounded in the juxtaposition of August, I am inviting myself, and anyone who would join me, to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the in-between seasons that this month brings. My hope is that these ideas help spark your imagination on how to keep you cool in the heat, launch your kiddos into a new school year, and to set aside time to watch them grow.
DIY GAME BOARDS
Welcome more play into your life with this little DIY project. At our house we like to keep outdoor game boards around for short moments together as well as full blown game nights. These game boards are meant to be kept outside but could also be brought indoors as well.
Materials
• Pebbles for Checkers, 24 similar sized
• Small stones for Tic-Tac-Toe, 8 similar sized
• Acrylic paints (black, red, yellow and white)
• Paint brush
• Raw wooden boards + black paint marker
• Reclaimed wood + black acrylic paint
• Polycrylic spray
Instructions
1. Game Pieces: Paint your rocks with acrylic paint. For Tic-TacToe you’ll need a total of 8 rocks, 4 of each type (here I’ve painted 4 lady bugs and 4 bumble bees). For Checkers you’ll need a total of 24 rocks, 12 of each color (here I’ve used black stones, painting half of them red).
2. Game Board: For raw wood (such as our Tic-Tac-Toe board), use a ruler and black paint marker to create board lines. For reclaimed or treated wood, use paint. Let game pieces and game boards fully dry. Seal with a polycrylic spray for protection from heat and moisture.
SNOW CONES
We adore snow cones at our house! If you’ve been to our house then we’ve probably served them to you. A shaved ice machine makes it oh-so-easy! You can purchase premade snow cone syrup flavors or make your own healthier version by using fruit juice concentrates. Simply thaw the frozen fruit juice concentrate and put the liquid into squeezy bottles for an easy way to pour over shaved ice.
Assemble
• Ice, lots of ice!
• Snow Cone Machine
• Snow Cone Cups
• Snow Cone Straws
• Snow Cone Syrups (or frozen juice concentrates, thawed)
Use a snow cone machine to shave ice into snow cone cups. Top with your favorite flavor—either store bought snow cone syrups, homemade syrups, or our favorite—fruit concentrates. Stay cool and celebrate the last days of summer heat!
