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Backpacks, Paw Prints and Possibilities
It’s that time of year again: back-to-school season. As the first day draws near, I find myself reflecting on the educators who left a lasting mark on my childhood. My kindergarten teacher, Ms. Krueger, and I shared the special bond of both being born on leap day. I was a painfully shy little girl who often chose the comfort of sitting beside her during recess instead of joining the chaos of the playground. Her quiet, calming presence gave me the space and safety I needed to slowly come out of my shell in those early days of “big school.”
This year feels especially meaningful in our home, as my oldest daughter begins middle school. Like many parents, I find myself anticipating the changes, both big and small, that come with this new chapter. There’s excitement, of course, but also hope that she carries with her the values we’ve worked to instill along the way: curiosity, resilience, and above all, empathy.
In our August Kids and Pets issue, author Kari Kampakis shares heartfelt wisdom offering our readers five things to tell your children as they go back to school—a thoughtful guide for raising emotionally strong and self-aware kids in today’s world. In our cover feature, we spotlight the most stylish back-to-school looks for little trendsetters, curated by COCO LETO—the chic Myers Park boutique that’s redefining children’s fashion. This month we’re also honoring the beloved pets who enrich our families in countless ways. We’re proud to spotlight Project 2 Heal, a local organization expediting the training of therapy dogs for those who need them the most.
Also in this issue, dermatologist and Charlotte native Dr. Euphemia Mu breaks down the essentials every tween and teen should know for age-appropriate skincare. Finally, we showcase a dream-worthy, purposeful playroom designed by West Trade Interiors in collaboration with Wild Child that is every kid’s fantasy brought to life.
Our August issue is dedicated to the unique, creative children who bring energy, heart and imagination to the Queen City.
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Liz Brown | liz.brown@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Carroll Walton | carroll.walton@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jennifer Fenner | jennifer.fenner@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Seth Patrick
INTERN
Carolyn Payne
MARKET AREA ADMINISTRATOR
Summer Mendoza
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Gillian Horn
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Elliott Harrell, Catherine Ruth Kelly, Carroll Walton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amanda Anderson, Heather Ison, Carissa Rogers
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
LIZ BROWN, PUBLISHER @QUEENCITYMAG
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inside the issue
Playroom with a Purpose
Dermatologist
Whether reconfiguring existing spaces, adding new rooms, or changing floor plans, our design and build process elevates your remodeling experience while transforming your house into a place you lovingly call home.
Summer Treatment Specials at Skyview Dentistry
Invest in your smile this summer at Skyview Dentistry. Throughout August, receive $1,000 off Invisalign treatments, along with complimentary consultations for veneers and smile transformations. Request an appointment by visiting SkyviewDentistryCharlotte.com or call 704-632-7700.
Carolina Charm
On Oct. 23, Shep Rose and Austen Kroll from the Bravo reality series “Southern Charm” will host Carolina Charm, an evening supporting fertility preservation programs for children with rare cancers. Businesses are invited to join as partners or donate items for the auction, gaining visibility in two key Southeast markets while making a life-changing impact through the Isabella Santos Foundation. Learn more at Carolina-Charm.com.
Photography by Isabella Santos Foundation
Photography by Skyview Dentistry
Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte is committed to providing the highest quality dermatology care in the area.
Medical, surgical, cosmetic, and aesthetic dermatology services in a caring and professional environment.
Now offering Mohs surgery! Mohs surgery is the gold standard treatment for skin cancers in high risk or cosmetically sensitive locations.
We can meet all of your surgical needs in our state-of-the-art surgical facilities with our board-certified, fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon Dr. Mu, who has extensive training and experience in minimally-invasive, tissue-sparing surgical removal of skin cancers and facial reconstructions.
Schedule an appointment with us today to benefit from the proficiency and compassion that define our practice.
Your skin health is our priority, and we look forward to providing you with expert dermatologic care!
BBQ & Blue Jeans
BBQ & Blue Jeans is the signature annual fundraising event for Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. This year’s 21st anniversary of BBQ & Blue Jeans is at the home of Jennie and Don Johnson at 5309 Germaine Terrace in Charlotte on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. In true BBQ & Blue Jeans fashion, enjoy live music, cold drinks and a delicious BBQ dinner provided by Midwood Smokehouse. For more visit PatsPlaceCAC.org.
Around the Crown 10K presented by Truist
The Around the Crown 10K, which started in 2019, is back. Runners get to run the entirety of I-277, Charlotte’s three-mile inner beltway encircling Uptown. The race is Sunday, Aug. 31, starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Charlotte Knights’ Truist Field and winding through the streets of Uptown. After the finish festival, participants are invited to the official after party at NoDa Brewing for a taste of Jogger Lager. For more visit AroundtheCrown10K.com.
Euphemia Mu, MD
Serena Weidner NP-C
Padma Chitnavis, MD
Heather Caley-Dyer Licensed Aesthetician
Jennifer Nguyen, MD
Laura Smith, PA
Photography courtesy of Pat’s Place
Photography
Formerly Anna Stallmann Communications
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Our award-winning team collaborates closely with impact-driven businesses to elevate their voice, sharpen their message, and deliver results that resonate.
REACH YOUR PEAK POTENTIAL
C O O L FOR SCHOOL
FIRST BELL LOOKS FROM COCO LETO FOR THE WELL-DRESSED KID
ARTICLE BY LIZ BROWN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA ROGERS
Opposite page (from left to right): Sloan is wearing a Mipounet Valentina Liberty skirt and Casilda Liberty blouse in pink. Vivian is dressed in a Caramel Cress T-shirt, Piccola Ludo pleated leather skirt in dark blue, and Scotch & Soda washed denim shirt with embroidery. Rose is wearing an Emile et Ida Cardigan Fleurs in lagoon and Mipounet Casilda Liberty pant in blue.
This page: Pictured with her dog Parker, Miller is wearing a Mipounet Malfalda Vichy blouse and skirt in mauve
On the left: Hayes sports Il Gufo pants with an elastic band in sand, Arsène et les Pipelettes Super Star T-shirt, and JNBY button-down shirt with Bunny appliqué.
On the right: William is wearing a Bonton long sleeve Organic cotton T-shirt in gris illusion, AO76 Donald pants in khaki green and Andy & Evan washed cord button down in brown.
ARTIST’S
Nora is wearing a Bebe Organic Isabella blouse and Emile et Ida corduroy skirt in pink
Second from right: Mac is wearing Emile et Ida polo and Morley trousers, to his left Rose is dressed in A Monday in Copenhagen Elin dress in estate blue check
Mural by artist Matt Willey is part of The Good of the Hive—a global project spanning five continents, united by one small but powerful symbol: the bee
COCO LETO, 2902B Selwyn Ave, 980.423.0128, CocoLeto.com
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No medications
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PLAYROOM
with a purpose
The Quisenberry children have multiple activity options in their revamped playroom. The modular sofa, sourced by Wild Child, is accented with pillows in a Schuyler Samperton floral fabric. Quisenberry topped the vintage coffee table base with a neutral vegan leather for durability.
CHARLOTTE DESIGNER PARTNERS WITH WILD CHILD TO CONVERT ORDINARY PLAYROOM INTO INTERACTIVE HANGOUT SPACE
ARTICLE BY CATHERINE RUTH KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER ISON
When designer Hadley Quisenberry teamed up with Ethic LLC to renovate her family’s new Eastover home two years ago, she decided to leave the playroom undecorated. She thought her children, then 9 and 12, would enjoy having free reign over the second-floor space.
But they never hung out in the room.
“We put all of their toys and games in there, but it just wasn’t enticing them to spend time in the room,” explains Quisenberry, owner and principal designer of West Trade Interiors. “So we decided to surprise them at Christmas with a revamped playroom.”
Quisenberry sealed off the door, telling her children they needed to do some repairs in the room, and began collaborating with her friends at the custom playroom design company Wild Child to design a more interactive space tailored to her children’s needs and interests.
Wild Child was founded by Cassie Albergotti and Susan McBarnet after McBarnet decided to install a climbing wall in her garage for her children during the pandemic.
“My children needed more outlets for physical activities, and we were so limited during the pandemic,” says McBarnet. “After I installed the climbing wall, we became the most popular house on the street.”
Albergotti and McBarnet, who met through their children, combined their skill sets of interior design and marketing as well as their shared interest in childhood development to launch Wild Child in Charlotte in 2021.
“We have talked with occupational therapists and teachers and researched specific products so we can create playrooms with a purpose,” says McBarnet. “A climbing wall isn’t just a climbing wall; it is improving kids’ grip strength, which helps with handwriting. Monkey bars help with core strength, so kids can sit up straighter in class and become more coordinated.”
Quisenberry oversaw the color scheme, selecting a Cowtan and Tout vinyl wallpaper with blues and earth tones that reminded her of their family vacations to Montana. Albergotti and McBarnet determined what furniture and equipment would work best in the room.
“We frequently partner with interior designers on our projects,” says Albergotti. “It’s like having your general practitioner and your specialist, and our expertise is kids’ spaces.”
The Wild Child team installed a variety of products, including monkey bars, a trapeze bar and a basketball goal. They incorporated a Pac-Man machine and a punching bag that Quisenberry sourced herself. They created two desk areas for art or homework. Albergotti and McBarnet chose a multipurpose modular sofa that can be disassembled and used as a crash pad that can be folded out into a bed or built into a fort.
“We source pieces that balance durability with play value—they’re tough enough for daily use and irresistible to kids,” Albergotti says.
Quisenberry’s children were blown away when they opened the door to their new playroom on Christmas morning.
“My kids couldn’t believe it,” says Quisenberry. “They absolutely love the room and use it all the time. We are now the hub for hangouts, which was my goal.”
The Quisenberry’s son tries his luck on the Pac-Man video game, nestled in the corner of their playroom
Each child has a built-in desk for homework or arts and crafts. Muestra chair is by Four Hands.
The Quisenberry’s daughter climbs up the wall to take her turn on the monkey bars
SIMPLIFYING SKINCARE for teens and tweens
Dermatologist Dr. Euphemia Mu shares dos, don’ts and what teens should know
ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA ROGERS
Florals by The Rooted Nest
We’ve all heard the dangers of social media for our teens’ mental health, but what about for their skin? A new study from Northwestern Medicine found that skincare routines pushed by teen influencers on TikTok advocate for using too many products and some with ingredients that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Girls ages 7 to 18 in the so-called “Sephora generation” are posting videos using an average of six different products on their faces, researchers found, and often unknowingly applying the same irritating ingredients repeatedly, like citric acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid. In one video, a girl applies 10 products in six minutes, leading to a visible skin reaction.
Children using extensive skincare routines might seem far-fetched, but Dr. Euphemia Mu of Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte has seen it firsthand. She recalls a 12-year-old patient who had a cyst on her cheek removed, asking anxiously when she could get back to her skincare routine.
“It was startling to hear from such a young person,” Dr. Mu says.
At a recent discussion she had with local preteens and teenagers, most knew classmates who used extravagant products and routines.
“Perhaps it started with the Kardashians, but there are so many ways to get information now,” Dr. Mu says. “There is a big push towards appearing to have flawless skin, with an emphasis on ‘a glow up’ or ‘glassy or dewy skin.’ Some of these trends promote healthy habits, like emphasizing moisturizing. For younger patients, it’s important to focus on fundamentals appropriate for their age.”
For Dr. Mu, who was a valedictorian at Myers Park High School, graduated from Princeton, and attended Johns Hopkins Medical School, the best way teens and tweens can take care of their skin is by using a simple regimen, focusing on three areas: cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.
“This may not go viral on TikTok, but it’s tried and true,” Dr. Mu says. “It’s an oldie, but a goodie.”
3-STEP DAILY REGIMEN:
Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt, oil and makeup. In pre-teen and teenage years, if acne begins to surface, use a face wash with benzoyl peroxide.
Moisturize: Protect and hydrate skin with an oil-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer.
Recommended brands for cleansing and moisturizing: Neutrogena, CeraVe, Cetaphil and EltaMD
Dr. Euphemia Mu speaks with local group of teens and tweens
Sun protect: Use sunscreen with an SPF 35+ every morning. Choosing a moisturizer that includes sunscreen can simplify the morning routine. When the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., find shade, wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and tightly woven clothes and reapply sunscreen every two hours. Protecting skin during teenage years not only helps prevent sunburns and early wrinkles, texture changes, and sun spots, it also helps prevent skin cancer.
“Research is showing that one of the biggest risk factors is prolonged sun exposure we get as teenagers,” Dr. Mu says. “If that’s the case, the best thing kids can do is to learn how to protect themselves now. It’s hard to know when you’ll be out in the sun for a long period of time, but if you get into the routine of always having it on, you’re always protected.”
While there’s been plenty of controversy in the media over what kind of sunscreen is best—aerosol or cream, mineral or chemical—Dr. Mu simplifies that too. Avoiding aerosols is the safest bet to avoid possible contaminants, and creams allow for more even coverage. Using mineral sunscreen for extended outdoor, water and/or sports activities is recommended, though she understands the comfort and ease of using the chemical-based formulas.
Recommended brands for sunscreens: Top choices that are widely available and easy to apply are Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch and La Roche-Posay Antihelios Sunscreen. For a smoother gel formulation, consider Supergoop! Unseen (or a less expensive version: Trader Joe’s Daily facial sunscreen). Blue Lizard offers strong protection for water and extended outdoor activities but can leave a visible paste. EltaMD also makes high-quality daily moisturizers with sunscreens.
DR. EUPHEMIA MU | @EMUDERMATOLOGY
When is it time to see a dermatologist? Skin cancer is rare in children, so Dr. Mu doesn’t recommend annual skin checks until adults reach their 40s and 50s. But for those with a family history of skin cancer and/or a child with a lot of moles, it’s not bad to get a baseline exam. As children enter puberty and over-the-counter remedies aren’t controlling acne, a dermatologist can prescribe more powerful treatments like oral antibiotics and Accutane.
WHAT TO AVOID:
“Some of these trends promote healthy habits, like emphasizing moisturizing. For younger patients, it’s important to focus on fundamentals appropriate for their age.”
Harsh scrubs, strong exfoliants and chemical peels: Using high concentrations of AHAs, like glycolic acid, or BHAs, like salicylic acid, can cause skin irritation when used too frequently.
Retinoids: Use only if recommended by a dermatologist. These are typically used for specific acne concerns or mature skin, under professional supervision.
Fragrances: Even pleasant-smelling products can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Tanning beds: Those UV rays can be as harmful as the sun. If looking for quick color, try a spray tan or overthe-counter sun cream.
Dr. Mu encourages patients to have fun exploring products.
“The only way to find products that work best for you is to sample different ones,” she says. “Have fun, educate yourself, know which quality, essential products to add to your routine. Department stores and Sephora are a great place to sample how different products look and feel.”
Most importantly?
“Love the skin you’re in,” Dr. Mu says. “Skin is our largest and most dynamic organ. Freckles, scars, moles and wrinkles are all part of what makes us unique and beautiful.”
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in Raleigh A Weekend
A VIBRANT FOOD AND ARTS SCENE MAKES THE CITY OF OAKS THE PERFECT ESCAPE
Heights House Hotel
Photo by Emily Bennett Creative
Unwind in a five-star hotel. Dine in James Beard Awardnominated restaurants. Explore antique shops. Wander through art exhibits. Shop local boutiques. A weekend in North Carolina’s capital city has something for everyone and then some. With its proximity to Charlotte, Raleigh is a picturesque weekend getaway for those looking for refined Southern hospitality at its finest.
STAY
THE UMSTEAD HOTEL & SPA
For those looking for pure luxury, look no further than The Umstead Hotel, located just outside Raleigh in Cary. The five-star resort is a conclave of serenity and features an expansive spa and pool area and a staff that leaves no detail undone. Check in and indulge in one of their signature massages before heading into Raleigh for drinks and dinner, or opt for the fivecourse tasting menu at Heron’s, an AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant on-site.
HEIGHTS HOUSE HOTEL
Located in the Boylan Heights neighborhood, this historic mansion-turned-boutique hotel delivers unparalleled charm and sophistication. Owners Sarah and Jeff Shepherd spent three years painstakingly renovating the nine-room property before opening in 2021, and shortly after Travel & Leisure named it one of the best new hotels in the world. Sip on a drink from the parlor bar on the porch in the evenings, or enjoy high tea on select afternoons.
THE LONGLEAF HOTEL
Originally a travel lodge in the 1960s, this centrally located Raleigh hotel has been revamped with modern, swanky, mid-century vibes. Longleaf is ideal for stretching a weekend getaway as long as possible, with its 3 p.m. check-in time and noon checkout. Its location makes it possible to walk to several bars, eateries and attractions downtown and in the Oakwood neighborhood.
Honeymoon Suite at Heights House Hotel
Photo by Caitlin Antje
The Umstead Hotel & Spa
Photo courtesy of The Umstead Hotel & Spa
Photo courtesy of The Umstead Hotel & Spa
“Originally a travel lodge in the 1960s, this centrally located Raleigh hotel has been revamped with modern, swanky, mid-century vibes.”
EAT
CRAWFORD & SON
Scott Crawford has five James Beard Award nominations. Crawford & Son is his longest-running restaurant in Raleigh, which has been described as both a casual and elegant neighborhood spot. Make reservations a couple of weeks prior to visiting, as the space is on the cozier side and walk-in spots are scarce during prime dining hours. The menu changes fairly often but always features a raw section with at least one crudo—always a must order, as are the manchego-herb biscuits—but anything that comes out of his kitchen is outstanding.
PEREGRINE
Peregrine is one of Raleigh’s hottest new restaurants and for good reason. The sleek architectural design is reminiscent of what you’re likely to find in New York City, not Raleigh. The Contemporary American cuisine draws influence from Chef Saif Rahman’s travels throughout the South to Bangladesh. Order the melt-in-your-mouth halibut for an entrée and leave room for the chocolate date fudge to finish off your meal.
ST. ROCH
Oysters are never a bad way to start the day, and at brunch, this New Orleansreminiscent restaurant in downtown Raleigh has several ways to enjoy them. Try the flame-roasted oysters with chili-garlic sauce to start before tucking into the fried oyster hotcake topped with sunny-side-up eggs. For non-oyster lovers, go for the BBQ shrimp and grits with local shrimp from the North Carolina coast. St. Roch is open for brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner every night starting at 5 p.m.
The Longleaf Hotel
Photo by Tyler Northup
FIGULINA
Sunday brunch at Figulina, a 2025 James Beard Award-nominee for Best New Restaurant, is a must-do for food lovers. Chef David Ellis showcases his British origins with his own take on dishes like bubble & squeak, a fried potato cake topped with a runny egg and black pepper maple bacon. The restaurant is known for its homemade pastas, and Mafaldine Carbonara with guanciale and pecorino romano for brunch doesn’t disappoint.
BRODETTO
Brodetto specializes in Adriatic Cuisine, influenced by dishes from Croatia and Southern Italy. Expect to find seafood-centric dishes on the menu, along with an emphasis on wood-fired cooking. The whole roasted branzino is a delicious work of art, as is the linguine with sea urchin butter. The bar program at Brodetto is phenomenal, too. Seasonal cocktails like the Euro Step feature fresh ingredients like grilled strawberries.
DRINK
SOUS TERRE
Sous Terre is a speakeasy-esque cocktail lounge. Locals can pay a nominal fee for a key to access the bar as they please, but non-members have to gain access through one of the restaurants above. Choose one of the more creative cocktails, like the “Tom Yum Sour,” a refreshing and playful riff on the soup with whiskey, coconut, and Thai chiles, or ask the bartenders to design something tailored to your specific tastes.
STANDARD BEER + FOOD
On a hot afternoon, nothing is better than the frozen cocktails at the Standard. Grab a picnic table outside and use a QR code to order a frozen margarita or a gin and tonic. If you’re feeling peckish, the Standard also serves excellent bar bites. Expertly fried tater tots, spicy tuna tartare and the smash burger are all great options. The Standard is a popular watering hole among families as kids can run around the adjacent Raleigh City Farm.
Brunch at St. Roch
Photo by Anna Barzin
Crawford & Son
Photo by Jessica Crawford
Brunch at Figulina
Photo by Jeff Bramwell
ST. PIERRE WINE BAR
The newly opened St. Pierre Wine Bar in Raleigh’s Iron Works development is part wine shop and part wine bar. Owners Anthony and Brett Guerra put a particular emphasis on sourcing great wines and champagnes from family-run producers, and take great care to help guests find a wine they’ll love to drink. Drop in for a glass or two of wine before or after having dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
DO
ANTIQUE SHOPPING
Spend an afternoon browsing Raleigh’s antique and vintage stores to find a unique souvenir at spots like Union Camp Collective, Hunt & Gather and Trunk Show. You’ll find art, furniture, clothing and plenty of coffee table tchotchkes to take home to remember your weekend.
ART MUSEUMS
Check out the contemporary art at the CAM museum and gallery in Raleigh’s warehouse district or make a visit to the North
Carolina Museum of Art. Expect to spend a few hours wandering the exhibits at NCMA and meandering the 164-acre museum park on-site. NCMA also has a café open for lunch and brunch on Wednesday through Sunday.
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING IN NORTH HILLS
The open-air shopping area in the North Hills neighborhood offers a mix of local upscale boutiques, high-end national brands and dining experiences. Pop into Vermillion or Uniquities for luxury designer clothing and Quintessentials for home goods. For a mid-shopping break, head to RH’s outdoor terrace for a cold glass of champagne.
HIKING IN UMSTEAD STATE PARK
Venture 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh and you’ll find a peaceful oasis of more than 5,000 acres at Umstead State Park. Many of the hiking trails are shaded, and there are more than 13 miles of trails for horseback riding, too. Rent a canoe from the boathouse to explore the “Big Lake” or grab sandwiches from Union Special for a picnic.
Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of Art
Looking at El Anatsui
Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of Art
Vermillion
Photo courtesy of Visit North Hills
Encouraging Empathy
5 Things to Tell Your Children As They Go Back to School
ARTICLE BY KARI KAMPAKIS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KARI KAMPAKIS
Author Kari Kampakis
The beauty of a new school year is how it presents a clean slate. It lets us learn from the past and do better moving forward. Help your children see the opportunity to positively impact their classmates’ lives. At every age, children can be a voice and force for good, bringing light and hope into a classroom at a time when their classmates may need it the most.
As adults, we largely get to choose our environments. We can spend our time with people we like, people who help us thrive. Our children, on the other hand, don’t have that luxury. They’ve got to go to school, where they are locked into closeness with a wide range of personalities. Very few of us finish our school years without some painful experiences and scars.
Here are 5 things to tell your child to foster more warmth and connection this school year.
1. You never know what your classmates are facing. Many have problems you’d never guess.
Some students are facing adult-sized heartaches. They might not have strong support systems in place or be in environments where people are dismissive or rude.
Over the summer, someone in your class might have lost a parent, a sibling, or a grandparent. Someone might have learned that his or her parents are getting divorced. Someone might have been hurt by a best friend or left out of a friend group. Someone may have an injury that puts them out of their favorite sport. Someone might be depressed and wrestling with dark thoughts or anxiety. Someone might have gotten a scary diagnosis and is unsure what it means.
You never know what your classmates are facing, and it shouldn’t take knowing their problems to be an uplifting influence in their lives. Assume upfront that everyone has struggles, and if you knew their full story, you’d have a heart for those struggles.
2. One bad decision can change everything.
It’s tempting to judge a classmate who made a bad choice or got caught in a mistake, but the truth is, that could be you. We all stumble. Remembering this keeps
you humble. It creates an environment of compassion, friendship, and restoration.
3. Some people start rumors. Some people lie. Some people mix up their facts, tell half-truths, or label others. Think for yourself, and don’t believe everything you hear.
Not all rumors are true. Experience has taught me to consider the source (are they trustworthy or prone to gossip? Do they have an agenda or hidden motives?) and look for evidence before assuming the worst. Rather than join every bandwagon, be willing to stand or act alone for what you know is right.
4. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but you can–and should–be kind.
Nobody clicks with every person they meet, and that is OK. That is life. But you can be kind to those classmates who aren’t your best friends now. People change, mature, and grow up, and some people who you barely know now may later become good friends. People have a way of coming back into your life, so keep a friendly rapport when possible and don’t burn bridges.
5. Twenty years from now, your classmates will remember you with either a smile on their face or a pit in their stomach.
They’ll share stories with their children and grandchildren about the peers who shaped their formative years. Your classmates will never forget how you treat them, so stay mindful of your words and actions. Know that you have the power, every day, to help or to hurt them, to notice them or ignore them, to love them as they are or to make them feel bad. Many kids grow up and regret being mean, but you’ll never regret being kind.
Kari Kampakis is a bestselling author, national speaker, and podcaster from Birmingham, Alabama. Kari will be speaking in Charlotte on Oct. 28 at a mother-daughter event at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1. Learn more by visiting KariKampakis.com or finding Kari on Instagram , Facebook , and the Girl Mom Podcast
6842 Carnegie Blvd., Ste. 200 Charlotte, NC 28211
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As a local, female, and board-certified endodontist, Dr. Kickertz provides more than just treatment; she offers empathy and expertise. Whether you’re a patient in need or a doctor seeking a reliable referral, Premier Endodontics is your go-to source for dental pain and root canal emergencies.
PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Local nonprofit helping people get service dogs faster
ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PROJECT 2 HEAL
Only one in 100 people who need service dogs are able to get them, says Marci Turso, director of operations for the Charlotte area nonprofit Project 2 Heal.
The organization breeds, raises and donates Labrador retrievers to help solve that problem. So far, it has donated
Magic
“The idea is to reduce the time people need to wait for a service dog.”
366 puppies to be service dogs for veterans, children with special needs and people with disabilities.
“The goal is to get quality, healthy, genetically sound, well-socialized puppies into the world so they can succeed [as service dogs],” explains Turso. “The idea is to reduce the time people need to wait for a dog.”
Co-founders Charlie and Sandy Petrizzo started breeding Labrador retrievers for service work in 2004 in Waxhaw. For seven years, they self-funded their work before creating Project 2 Heal in 2011.
One of the problems, the Petrizzos realized, was that many service dog training organizations don’t have breeding programs. They often have to rely on training dogs from shelters, but on average, only one in 12 of these dogs can be successfully trained as service dogs.
Turso says it costs $25,000 to $40,000 to train service dogs, so breeding and donating dogs is
much more efficient and gets the dogs into the hands of people who need them the most faster. Most puppies get sent to the partner organizations at about eight weeks old.
Last year, Project 2 Heal donated 31 puppies to different organizations in and around Charlotte.
“We spend a lot of time raising them properly, socializing them, exposing them to a lot of stressors, and building their neurological systems or nervous systems so that when they go off to organizations, they’ve already got a good foundation to hopefully move on with their training,” says Turso.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit started a campaign specifically to give a service dog to a 5-yearold girl from Charlotte named Joy Piscitelli, who has a rare neurological disorder. The Charlotte community raised the $30,000 to train a dog for Piscitelli in just 72 hours.
Joy Piscitelli and Chance
“It’s our first child campaign we’ve ever run,” Turso says. “I get a little emotional when I think about it.”
Project 2 Heal has also started a “Giving Tuesday” campaign where it selects a local veteran to receive a service dog. A dog named Prince will be a lifeline to Marine Corps and National Guard veteran Peter Chryst, who struggles with Parkinson’s disease and depression.
There are multiple ways to get involved with Project 2 Heal. Turso says they always need volunteers to take care of the puppies’ litter space. While there is a lot of cleanup involved, there’s also plenty of time for puppy snuggles.
They also invite kids to come and play with the puppies on weekends as part of their socialization program to expose the dogs to children’s demeanors.
Another Project 2 Heal program is called “Stress Down Days.” Companies pay to bring puppies to their offices for a couple of hours. It gives employees a morale boost and helps socialize the puppies.
The nonprofit aims to grow these programs and more over the next five to 10 years.
“Everyone [here] has a really big heart for what we do,” Turso says.
Project2Heal.org
Bridger
Billy the black lab with Henry
Coaching Confidence + Leadership to Girls
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BRING THE WHOLE CREW TO THESE FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS
ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL
forks, fun and family
Patio at The Jimmy
Photo courtesy of The Plaid Penguin
THE JIMMY
This eatery offers a mix of Italian and French flavors, from fresh pasta and pizza to wood-fired meats and seafood. The Selwyn Avenue location is walkable from the Myers Park neighborhood, and strollers often dot the patio. Crayons accompany the kids’ menus, and each month, one young artist can enter to win a pizza party by coloring the menu.
SUPERICA
Superica has two locations in Charlotte, both of which are great for families. The menu features classic Tex-Mex cuisine with street-style tacos, fajitas and enchiladas. A giant screen inside often plays movies or rock concerts to keep kids and parents entertained, but the outdoor patio gives kids a bit more space to wiggle. Kids also get a free popsicle after each meal.
EDDIE’S PLACE
For nearly 30 years, Eddie’s Place has been a staple in family-friendly dining in Cotswold. Owners David Allen and Doug Bell have created an environment known for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Classic breakfast options are served all day, including chocolate chip pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse. The rest of the menu features Cajun-inspired American fare like she-crab soup and a muffaletta sandwich.
Photo courtesy of The Plaid Penguin
Photo by Johnny Autry
Photo courtesy of Eddie’s Place
PHO GOOD TIME
Located in the Dilworth neighborhood, Pho Good Time is great for sharing plates in a communal dining experience. The Asian-Fusion restaurant specializes in classic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. Kids will enjoy the fun and fruity slushy drinks as well as peeking through a giant window to watch all the different dumplings being made.
KID CASHEW
Kid Cashew is a Mediterranean-focused restaurant in the heart of Dilworth that can accommodate both vegan and non-vegan diners. A vast patio space is welcoming for families. The kids’ menu features classic choices like burgers and chicken tenders that will satisfy smaller guests, while adults indulge with a variety of dips and small plates.
HAWTHORNE’S PIZZA
At the Elizabeth Street location of this popular pizza chain, kids can play with balls of dough and watch the pizza being made while they wait for their food. The menu caters to both adults and kids with a wide range of pizzas, pastas and salads. On Tuesdays, kids eat free at Hawthorne’s too.
Photo courtesy of Hawthorne’s Pizza
Photo by Rico Marcelo Photography
Photo courtesy of Kid Cashew
ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BABY BUNDLES
Bundling Joy
CHARLOTTE NONPROFIT
OUTFITS NEWBORNS TO HONOR CHILDREN’S LEGACY
When Emily Harry, Cat Long and Heather Leavitt created the nonprofit Baby Bundles, they wanted to give new mothers “a baby shower in a bag.” Their aim was to donate more than just a container of newborn clothes, toys and supplies to moms in need but an experience that others might take for granted.
“Anyone who has gone to a baby shower, it’s like the favorite thing you’ve ever done,” Emily says. “It’s so stinking cute. When you give to Baby Bundles, you’re helping give someone a baby shower.”
Missing out on your own baby shower is a feeling these three women understand better than it might appear. They are mothers of seven children between them. But Harry, Long and Leavitt all suffered the loss of pregnancies and built bonds of friendship through grief and eventually mission.
“Heather and Cat were this incredible beam of hope no one else could provide,” Emily says. “If you haven’t walked that journey, you don’t know how tragically sad it is.”
“When you give to Baby Bundles, you’re helping give someone a baby shower.”
Cat Long, Heather Leavitt and Emily Harry
When they first started meeting at Panera Bread, it was for moral support. By 2010, their get-togethers became more of a call to action. They decided to expand on an idea from a friend in Nashville who was delivering baskets of children’s goodies to a hospital.
They packed 25 bundles of baby clothing and items in Cat’s living room. It took a week. They distributed 25 bundles each quarter, 100 in all that first year. The first one went to Presbyterian Hospital, now Novant. Emily had spent seven weeks there bedridden, before delivering twin daughters a year to the day after her first son was due.
Now, they partner with 18 local agencies, and donate 4,000 bundles a year to women across Charlotte. September marks 15 years since they decided to turn sad memories into a lasting legacy. Each bundle comes with a tag bearing the names of their five lost children: Low, Catherine, Joseph, Sarah and Mary.
“Emily, Heather and I wanted to do something that was more positive,” Cat says. “We wanted to honor our children’s lives in a happy way.”
The bundles, worth $350 apiece, include blankets, bibs, toys, books and clothes for children from birth, now up to age 2. When they started in 2010, 95 percent of the items were gently used. Now, nearly 100 percent are brand new.
They welcome 3,000 volunteers each year to help pack bundles in a warehouse, including school, church and corporate
groups, Girl Scout troops, Mahjong mom groups and more. They’ve stayed true to their goals of giving mothers what they want most while avoiding the logistical pitfalls of car seats, cribs, diapers and formula.
Emily said their goal is to keep growing. They fell 2,000 bundles short of what Charlotte moms needed this year. Ultimately, they would love to partner with a children’s clothing line like Carter’s or Gerber.
On Sept. 26, they’ll host their 15th annual fundraiser, Beans & Bundles, at 9:30 a.m. at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. They raised $14,000 at the first event in a board member’s living room. Last year, they raised $207,000.
Overall, they’ve delivered 20,000 bundles to expectant and new moms in town.
“We couldn’t prevent what happened to us,” Emily says. “But we could help moms who needed a hand in their life together with their new baby. The thought of clothing a baby for the first year of its life, and taking that stress off of a new fragile mom and making them feel like they have hope, that their community is behind them, is what we thought was the perfect legacy for the five children that we lost.”
Charlotte’s go-to shopping destination for stylish and whimsy clothing, accessories and gifts for babies and kids. A curated collection of “conversational” styles from small brands across the globe, where thoughtful production and responsible materials are top of mind, but comfort and playful design are never compromised.
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Residents of e Village on Morehead
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COCO CAPSULE | BABY REGISTRY | PATCH BAR | LOCAL DELIVERY
WISHLISTS
Meet Anna Stallmann
Communications executive focuses on family, flexibility
Anna Stallmann started her own communications business when she was looking for something more manageable and meaningful as a mother of two young girls. She built the fourth fastest-growing company in town last year, according to the Charlotte Business Journal, because she wasn’t alone.
Stallmann found a burgeoning network of women—experienced, successful communications experts—also hungry to thrive on their own terms. The result is 10 full-time and four part-time employees from Boston to Bluffton, S.C., who make up Anna Stallmann Communications.
After five years as the headliner, she recently rebranded to Ascent Strategic Communications. If Stallmann has learned anything, it’s not to be threatened by evolving.
Stallmann, who is from Chicago and worked in Washington, D.C., rose the ranks of political communications supporting leaders from the Department of Defense, the Senate, CIA and eventually the White House. When she moved to Charlotte, though, and started a family, she was ready to dictate her own direction. She started her business in 2020, during the pandemic, with a five-month-old baby and a toddler.
She persevered through the fog of early motherhood by working during naptime and hiring an in-home nanny, who could take the baby between feedings. As her daughters reached elementary school age, she learned to delegate physical tasks and hold on to the most meaningful moments. She chose 45 minutes of mother-daughter bonding in music class, for instance, over drop-offs for dance classes, where parents weren’t allowed in any way.
Now that Savannah and Madeleine are 5 and 6, respectively, Stallmann’s guiding principles have crystallized. She uses them to help employees and friends in the midst of motherhood prioritize.
“Every family’s needs are different, but I think recognizing ‘What can only you do’ is the most important thing to focus on,” Stallmann says.
“Motherhood shifted everything. It gave me a new lens. My time and energy had to matter more. I wanted my career to deliver not just professional results but personal fulfillment too.”
From a recent personal essay by Anna Stallmann
Creating a family email address that my husband and I both share and access to use only for activities, school and medical. It’s the best way to ensure we don’t miss important emails and both get the same information.
ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
AMANDA ANDERSON
FAVORITE MOM HACK
Trust
• Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery is a collaborative partnership between Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz. At Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery, we apply a team-oriented, two-surgeon approach to all aspects of your care—at the time of consultation, during surgical planning, and in the operating room.
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Phillips Place, Charlotte Stratford Road, Winston-Salem