Queen City, NC June 2025 by City Lifestyle

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Celebrating the Men We Love

Growing up, many of my fondest memories with my dad revolved around two things: cars and music. At age 5, on the way to kindergarten, I was riding shotgun in his red Ford pickup truck, crammed in between the stick shift and a boy who lived down the street. We weren’t exactly morning people, but that didn’t stop Dad from blasting the B-52s’ “Love Shack” with the windows rolled down, setting the tone for the day.

At 10, my dad took me to my first concert—Hootie & the Blowfish—and I still remember the thrill of being there with him. And then there was the unforgettable family trip to Europe, when Dad whipped out Usher’s brand-new Confessions CD as we cruised the hills of Germany. Dad made it our official Euro tour soundtrack.

His love for golf gave me a unique chance to learn how to drive. As a tween, I chauffeured him around the course in the cart, though I’ll never forget the afternoon I ran him straight into the bushes. The look of sheer terror on his face is still vivid in my memory.

Dad is the youngest of four boys from the rural South. I’m not sure that he knew exactly what to do with a little girl, but he always figured it out. He remains a steady, calming force in my life.

This month, I got the chance to “figure it out” for our Men’s Issue, curating a selection of stories to celebrate the men who shape our lives.

We are honored to share the incredible talent of photographer Streeter Lecka of Myers Park, who spent 20 years as one of the top sports photographers in the world. We also introduce you to the Carolina Watch Club for a glimpse at how watch lovers come together for community and connection. For car enthusiasts, we review the new Ten Tenths Motor Club, a luxury automotive destination across from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Also, clients of Taylor Richards & Conger menswear share their favorite brands and latest styles.

Creating this issue has been a true joy, and we hope it finds its way to the special men who mean the most to you.

June 2025

PUBLISHER

Liz Brown | liz.brown@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Carroll Walton | carroll.walton@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Gillian Horn

PHOTO EDITOR

Seth Patrick

INTERN

Carolyn Payne

MARKET AREA COORDINATOR

Summer Mendoza

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Krisha Chachra, Catherine Ruth Kelly, Carroll Walton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heather Ison, Streeter Lecka, Carissa Rogers, Olly Yung

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

Sara Yorke

Charlotte’s

Carolina

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.

city scene

AGUALLO STUDIOS

AGUALLO

AGUALLO STUDIOS MOVING

Photography by Christina Hussey

The Mint Museum Auxiliary’s 2025 Spring Symposium at Charlotte Country Club

8: Guest speakers Mary Celeste Beall of Blackberry Farm and Steele Marcoux, Editor-in-Chief of Veranda Magazine

Photography by Ghost Crab Production, LLC

At Primary Spine Institute, co-founder Dr Quentin Levet is widely regarded as a master in spinal health, respected not only for his precision and expertise, but for the depth of knowledge he brings to every case

Trained in both medical school and advanced chiropractic techniques, he offers a rare blend of clinical insight and biomechanical expertise that delivers results that last

Specializing in scoliosis and spinal remodeling for both kids and adults, Dr Levet’s European approach values simplicity, clarity, and proactive care, never one-size-fits-all

Whether you’re recovering from years of poor posture or navigating complex spinal issues, he provides a clear, honest, and personalized path forward

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LUXURY LANE

Charlotte Motor Speedway introduces high end driving experience with Ten Tenths Motor Club

ARTICLE BY KRISHA CHACHRA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA ROGERS

Charlotte Motor Speedway unveiled its new Ten Tenths Motor Club at the third annual Heritage Invitational collector car show earlier this spring.

Ten Tenths is a 100-acre complex operated by Speedway Motorsports. It features the Ten Tenths Circuit lighted road course for high-performance driving, a 20,000-square-foot special event facility, a members’ garage featuring climate-controlled storage, a cigar lounge, a bourbon bar and putting course, and expansive off-road driving trails.

This new, luxury automotive destination, built to attract car enthusiasts and manufacturers from around the world, is the brainchild of Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, and Rick Hendrick, NASCAR team owner of Hendrick Motorsports. Smith and Hendrick wanted to create a venue where community

CONTINUED >

Ten Tenths Motor Club

members could share their passion and knowledge, or “Live their lives to the fullest” as Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Senior VP of Communications Scott Cooper says.

“Ten Tenths is an industry term that refers to the absolute limit of a car’s performance and the driver’s ability to push to get there,” says Cooper. “The name is a nod to ‘going all out’ and building a place where drivers of all levels can push themselves to a greater degree.”

a short course and inner loop designed for optimal testing, drifting and driver training.

“The course is made to drive clockwise or counterclockwise and is lighted, which is rare, so it gives the opportunity to test the car’s ability at any time of the day,” explains Cooper. “In addition, we have a state-of-the-art camera system so you can check your performance and your times back at the clubhouse, where the rest of your team or your colleagues can watch and assess your driving in real time.”

Professional driving schools can lease the private clubhouse for special events or driver performance testing. The facility,

Private clubhouse

which has oversized windows that open to a view of the patio and track, features three large event spaces that can be utilized separately or together. Catering and conference rooms are available in-house for corporate events of any size.

“This whole circuit with both the track and clubhouse was purposely designed and built for higher-end sports cars and is a unique luxury,” says Cooper. “There isn’t another club like this in a major metropolitan area near two interstates, a major international airport, and close to a motor speedway with a helipad not to mention terrific weather like we have in Charlotte all year.”

In the future, Ten Tenths will also host a private club membership with custom garage villas for luxury car enthusiasts. Members can expect white-glove repair and maintenance services, and even bedrooms and offices in their specialty villas.

Cooper says the plan is to have select days when club members may enjoy the driving course and spend time together in a designated area. Interested car enthusiasts and collectors should fill out an inquiry at TenTenthsMotorClub.com

Woods during the final round of the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2010 in Augusta, Georgia.

CHARLOTTE’S STREETER LECKA DESCRIBES THE SKILLS AND INSIGHTS IT TAKES TO CAPTURE WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

The Man Behind the Camera

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STREETER

LECKA / GETTY IMAGES

Tiger

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for Golf Week.

Marin Cilic of Croatia reacts after defeating Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during their men’s singles quarterfinal match on Day Eleven of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Usain Bolt of Jamaica poses following an IAAF/LOC press conference on May 1, 2015 at the Atlantis Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for IAAF.

In an age when anyone with a smartphone is a photographer, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes photography art. But when you see an image by Charlotte’s own Streeter Lecka, you know.

His photographs are so vivid, they glisten. He can get a puzzle-worthy scene of a rustic old barn by shooting in what he calls Jesus light or “that perfect glowing light.” Lecka can turn one moment from a remote spot across the world—or through a hospital window—into an unforgettable story. Lecka calls them mega frames.

He spent the better part of 20 years capturing mega frames as a sports photographer for Getty Images, attending major events from Super Bowls to World Cups, golf majors to the Olympics. He wasn’t your run-of-the-mill sports photographer; he was one of the best in the world.

Lecka traveled to Asia, South America and Russia to get close to the action and the people who make it. He peered through countless lenses at Tiger Woods and got golf tips from Jim Furyk on a commercial shoot for 5-Hour Energy. He followed snowboarder Shaun White from one Winter Olympics to the next. He chatted up Kobe Bryant, setting up cameras before a shootaround. He once got mauled by a defender trying to break up Santonio Holmes’ game-winning touchdown catch for Pittsburgh in the 2008 Super Bowl. He’s been crunched by LSU’s 6-foot-9, 290-pound Glen “Big Baby” Davis at the NCAA Final Four.

“But I still got the picture,” Lecka says.

He became the subject of ESPN’s Super Bowl postgame coverage after capturing a reflection of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady holding his daughter in a

Matt Kenseth, driver of the #20 Dollar General Toyota, practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 10, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina

Duke’s Zion Williamson reacts after falling as his shoe breaks against North Carolina’s Luke Maye during a Feb. 20, 2019 game at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina

Victor Oehling Norberg of Sweden crashes to the snow followed by Egor Korotkov of Russia during the Freestyle Skiing Men’s Ski Cross Quarter Finals on day 13 of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park

Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, and his daughter Vivian Lake Brady celebrate with the Vince Lombardi trophy after New England’s 13-3 win over the L.A. Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta

Super Bowl trophy. He was one of just five photographers allowed inside an Olympic track to illustrate Usain Bolt crossing the finish line in a 100-meter final.

He was poised and ready with his wide-angle lens just 33 seconds into a Duke-North Carolina basketball game when Duke’s prized player Zion Williamson injured his knee as his Nike high top split apart. When Lecka flipped on CNBC the next day and saw a news story about Nike’s stock falling, his pictures from the night before flashed up on the screen.

Taking advantage of being in the right place at the right time is how Lecka got his start in photography in the first place.

He was a student at the University of North Carolina when a friend mentioned her older brother, a photographer, needed help shooting a UNC basketball game. For a chance to sit courtside and make $50, Lecka agreed to change out film, carry equipment, set up cameras and whatever else was needed. The brother was Getty photographer Craig Jones.

Lecka began shadowing Jones at other games too, and golf tournaments at Quail Hollow, Carolina Panthers games and more. Lecka fell hard for the craft. He was determined to follow in Jones’ footsteps to Getty, even after a UNC journalism professor explained that most photographers work their way through daily newspapers first. Lecka applied for an internship with Getty, was chosen out of 250 applicants and never looked back.

“I fell in love with how to take the pictures, finding angles, finding light, finding backgrounds where it made the pictures jump off the page,” Lecka says. “There was an art form to it. You had moments you needed, the coaches or the main players who did well. But then there’s also a

time when you can use everything as a canvas and make something truly incredible. People step back, go, ‘Whoa. I was at that same event, and I never saw that.’”

Lecka was at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, shooting a gold medal match between two Chinese table tennis players, when he decided to put a remote camera in the rafters to get an image from overhead. He climbed without harnesses or carabiners.

I FELL I N LOVE

TO TAKE THE PICTUR E S, FINDING ANGLES, FI NDING LIGHT, F I NDING BACKGROUNDS WHERE IT MADE T H E

PICTURESJUMP

OF F THE PAGE

Streeter Lecka

“Looking back, that was pretty dumb,” he says. “I would have fallen to my death about 120 feet down.”

Lecka pursued his career like he shot his subjects, with singular focus. He worked long days, including nights and weekends, and traveled for weeks at a time. Only after he broke his collarbone while shooting downhill skiing in Aspen did he slow down long enough to meet his wife, Kellie.

Lecka grew up in Banner Elk, N.C., and was a seasoned skier, which gave him rare access as a sports photographer at winter events. But with 100 pounds of camera equipment on his back and a whiteout to contend with, he hit a bump and crashed into a mogul. Lecka was home editing when he ventured out to Selwyn Pub.

The first time he saw Kellie, knowing the power of an image, he told a friend: “I’m going to marry that girl.”

They now have two children, Harris, 8, and Olivia, 4. He eventually resigned from Getty to focus on his family and opened his own studio. Taking portraits and shooting advertisements didn’t hold much allure after a while, so Lecka ventured into something new. He has joined forces with children’s author Steve Barrett to turn children’s books into an animated series called “The Adventures of Avery and Masa.” They are pitching it to streaming services.

In the meantime, Lecka has had to learn to leave family photo-taking to somebody else with a smartphone.

“Because of my OCD, perfectionist personality, I missed the moments with the kids,” he says. “I’ll have a great photo, but I was too busy, trying to get the background right, trying to get the lighting right, and ‘Oh, that looks really cool if I change the camera or shoot it with this lens.’”

Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan walk around on the 17th green during the Pro-am at the Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow Club on May 2, 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina

STREETER LECKA EXPLAINS THE WORK BEHIND SOME OF HIS FAVORITE IMAGES

ALASKAN BORE TIDE

Lecka pitched a project to shoot surfers at the Alaskan Bore Tide, which creates 10-foot waves when ocean tides meet a narrow inlet. It’s the only bore tide in North America and one of 60 worldwide. Lecka’s photographs were featured in The Atlantic Magazine.

“It was 10 days in Alaska in the middle of July. There was a super full moon, so the bore tide was going to be stronger than normal. I would go out every morning and night when the tide came in for nine days straight. Some surfers didn’t like it because they didn’t want people to know about it and steal their waves. I made friends with one, and he let me put a camera on his board. When I wasn’t shooting during the middle of the day, I would drive along (the inlet) which is miles long, and look for spots to shoot. Every day, when I was done, I’d go through what worked, what didn’t, where the light was at this time of day. After a week, I put together a pretty incredible story. It’s surfing in Alaska, which nobody would ever think of. It was a spiritual moment.”

UPTOWN CHARLOTTE

Awaiting the birth of his daughter Olivia at Novant Hospital, Lecka noticed the incredible view of Uptown from his window. He had his camera equipment with him to take pictures of his newborn daughter. Using his iPad to create a reflection, he captured a one-of-a-kind cityscape.

“Each night, I was like, ‘Man, what an incredible view of the city.’ I started shooting it, and then I remember thinking, ‘What can make this better?’ That was always my thing. How can I make it really jump and stand out? After that first night, I said, ‘I need a better sunset. If I get a good sunset, then what else can I do?’ I had an iPad, and if you don’t turn the iPad on, it’s black and it’s got a great reflection. I cleaned off the iPad so it was a perfect reflection and tilted it down. I held the camera in my right hand and the iPad in my left hand, and I kept tilting it and shooting it to where I could make it to get that reflection. There is no pond. There is no lake. There is no puddle. That is how I did that.”

MORMON ROW IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

Lecka’s wife, Kellie, loves Jackson Hole and asked him to shoot a picture of an iconic local scene of one of the barns along Mormon Row, a historic site where Mormons first settled in the late 1800s.

“I told her, ‘You know I’m extremely particular about my pictures, and I’m not going to hang it up unless it’s something that I love. She said, ‘Fair enough.’ So we went out super early one morning. We had a break in the light for maybe five minutes, where the morning light hit the barn perfectly, and the Tetons were beautiful in the background. I really like that one. But you can look online at the National Geographic guys and see they will go to that spot and shoot it for weeks or a month, the same way I did in Alaska, every morning, every night, and in the beautiful what we call the ‘Jesus light,’ that just perfect glowing light. It’s hard for me to see those. I’m thinking, ‘Man, I’d love to do that.’ But we had a perfect morning. So I still love it because she loves it so much. It means a lot to us personally.”

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MERRIMINT

The Mint Museum Auxiliary hosts an annual cocktail party to celebrate its fundraising season

ARTICLE BY CATHERINE RUTH KELLY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA

As the sun began to set on a cool April evening, colorfully chic guests gathered at a private residence in the heart of Eastover for MerriMINT, the grand finale to the Mint Museum Auxiliary’s annual Room to Bloom series of fundraising events.

Nearly 180 attendees flocked to the festive cocktail party, where they nibbled on culinary treats by Something Classic and mingled through the beautifully appointed Colonial Revival house and poolside garden. City Stems provided flower arrangements in spring hues to complement the soft color palette of the home’s interiors, designed by Sarah Fisher. The homeowners were delighted to host an event to support the Mint, as they have been loyal patrons of the art museum for many years.

“We are avid supporters of the Charlotte arts community and appreciate the work the Mint Museum Auxiliary does,” says the homeowner. “The women within that organization care so deeply about making Charlotte a vibrant place to live.”

Since 1956, the Auxiliary has supported the Mint Museum by raising money for community education programs and acquisitions for its permanent art collection. Room to Bloom runs from November through April, culminating with the much-anticipated Spring Symposium, a perennially sold-out event. The Spring Symposium, which features nationally renowned speakers and a seated luncheon, is the Auxiliary’s largest fundraiser. MerriMINT, which is offered exclusively to patrons, benefactors and sponsors of the Mint Museum Auxiliary, is its convivial conclusion.

The women of the Mint Museum Auxiliary work tirelessly to plan the Room to Bloom event each year, and they were grateful to everyone who supported their efforts.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people gathered in such a beautiful venue to celebrate the Mint, and it’s a testament to the Auxiliary’s hard work,” says Ashley Sigmon, who co-chaired MerriMINT with Lucy Doswell. “We will continue to pay it forward by supporting our beloved art museum.”

ROGERS

Left: Scenic mural wallpaper by Iksel for Schumacher wraps the walls of the entry hall, where a vintage velvet settee sits beneath a Teresa Mattos portrait of the homeowners’ daughter Center: A colorful floral arrangement by City Stems complements the pastel tones of the living room

Right: The dining room walls are swathed in Soane Dianthus Chintz wallpaper, illuminated by a Visual Comfort crystal chandelier

Coaching Confidence + Leadership to Girls

•

Making Time for Connection

Carolina Watch Club members share a passion for timepieces

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLLY

YUNG

Some men play golf. Some women play mahjong. But did you know there’s a group in town who gathers to tinker with watches?

The Carolina Watch Club has nearly 150 members in and around Charlotte, mostly men, who gather once a month to show and tell stories about their watches. They’ve met over beers and for dinner. They’ve floated

Pictured left to right: Chris Dickson, Noah Williams, Ben Simon and Nate Cho are some of the most active members of the Carolina Watch Club

on Lake Norman on a double-decker yacht, and “barrel picked” personalized bottles of whiskey at Great Wagon Road Distilling.

They’ve taken groups to watch conventions in New York City and brought members of the New York Horological Society here to demonstrate watchmaking mechanics.

The club, founded in 2017 by local collector Chris Dickson and Ben Simon, Vice President of Windsor Jewelers, draws about 50 to 75 members to each monthly event. Some bring in just the watch on their wrist, some bring in 20 or 30 in a case.

The common theme? Their passion.

“I think in today’s world watches are so special to people because we’re so digital and overwhelmed with all this constant connection,” Simon says. “Watches are a tie to an old world feel, something still very analog that is craft. I think a lot of people are missing that in today’s world. They love getting together and playing

with something that’s like a mechanical piece of art. Guys geek out over it.”

From Seiko and Casio to Rolex and Patek Philippe, whether watches are sporty or for dressy occasions, the fascination comes with where they came from, how they work, and what they mean.

“Even the slowest watch has to click at 18,000 beats per hour,” says member Nate Cho, a software engineer for machine manufacturer DMG MORI. “Then it does it 24 hours a day. The only other thing I can think of that has to beat so much is a heart rate.”

The group is made up of professionals, doctors, lawyers, both retired and active military members, accountants, engineers and more.

“It’s not just a bunch of finance guys playing with watches,” Simon says. “It’s a pretty diverse group.”

He says members, who are referred by other members, include a lot of 20-something Gen Zers, women and spouses too.

“You would think in the world of the Apple Watch that analog mechanical watches have gone by the wayside, but they’ve been more popular than ever,” Simon says. “They are not just a useful tool for time keeping anymore, but they’re really an expression of lifestyle and culture.”

Members have shared pocket watches belonging to grandfathers and great-grandfathers, some dating back as far as the 1800s. They’ve shared military watches that have been through multiple wars. They’ve brought watches that were retirement gifts after distinguished careers with a corporation. They’ve brought watches that commemorate births or graduations. Other watches, Simon says, have even been used for engagements.

“They love getting together and playing with something that’s like a mechanical piece of art. Guys geek out over it.”

Every watch has a story.

Cho has a coworker who moved from Denmark. To commemorate becoming a U.S. citizen, he bought a Rolex GMT Pepsi, nicknamed for the red and blue bezel, or outer ring, that keeps 24 hours of international time (12 hours in blue, 12 hours in red). He had the back of the watch face engraved with the Statue of Liberty. Cho says he wouldn’t take delivery of it until he had completed every step for citizenship.

Cho says one club member bought multiple watches of the same model in different colors for his son, son-in-law and himself, to honor their family connection.

Sharing stories like these has given CWC members a unique connection of their own.

“As much as it is the Carolina Watch Club, the watches are secondary to the camaraderie in the

group,” Simon says. “There are different people from all walks of life in the group, and they’re collecting different things. Some people are collecting Casio or Seiko watches at the entry price point, and some people are collecting the most expensive watches out there. But they’re all getting along and having fun. They’re mostly there for making friends.”

Members have helped design a watch made by Tudor with Carolina Watch Club inscribed on the dial. Cho said he’s even been approached by watch collectors in other cities who have recognized the CWC Tudor watch.

“It’s nice to have a watch that looks like something that could be mainstream but has those subtle little touches,” Cho said. “It is something that bonds the group together even more.”

Visit CarolinaWatchClub.com.

TAI L O R ED ELEGANCE

TAYLOR RICHARDS & CONGER CLIENTS SHARE PERSONAL STYLE AND FAVORITE BRANDS AT OROSOKO SOUND BAR

ARTICLE BY QUEEN CITY STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLLY YUNG

Stuart Grant, retired CFO in the biopharma industry (Opposite page)

I’ve been shopping with TRC for about 15 years because of the brands they carry and the outstanding service they provide. My favorite pieces are Kiton jackets, Brunello Cucinelli pants and Zegna T-shirts. I’d describe my style as simple, bright and casually elegant.

Billy White, commercial real estate owner (This page)

It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been shopping at TRC for 17 years now! It has always been such a welcoming, well-curated fashion destination. Brunello Cucinelli is my favorite brand, but I fill in with Fedeli knits, Barmas pants and casual outdoor wear from Relwen. A favorite piece of mine is a reversible cashmere car coat from Cucinelli. I consider it one of my “forever” pieces, most of which came from TRC. If I had to describe my style, it would be understated, casual luxury.

Opposite: Stuart is wearing a Kiton sport coat, pants, and sneakers with a Zegna T-shirt, and a Gran Sasso sweater

Above:

Billy sports all Brunello Cucinelli

Taylor Richards & Conger long-term clients enjoy the Shiki Booth, a private members-only space at Orosoko

Taylor Richards & Conger (TRC) was established as the premier destination for men’s luxury fashion in Charlotte. The store offers bespoke made-tomeasure tailoring, ready-to-wear and personalized customer service, focusing on quality and craftsmanship. Taylor Richards & Conger caters to a vast array of clientele with their curated selection of suits, shirts and accessories.

Nathan Bond, Quantitative Data

Strategist at Corporate Investment Bank of Wells Fargo

I’ve been shopping at TRC for eight years. My favorite brands are Isaia for suits, jackets and outerwear; Fedeli for jackets and polos; and Brunello Cucinelli for footwear. I wear my Cucinelli hiking boots all fall and winter. I enjoy shopping at TRC because their staff makes the experience easy and seamless. They are experts on fit and what looks good together. I also appreciate the convenience of an in-house tailor and getting everything from suits to belts and shoes in one trip. My work style is classic, and my off-duty style is comfortable luxury.

Nathan is dressed with an Isaia sport coat and sport shirt, Barmas pants, and Officine Creative loafers

Doug is wearing a Brunello Cucinelli sport coat, jeans and shoes, a Fedeli ribbed polo, and Pacific Silk bandana

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THE CHANGEBAKER FILM

COLOMBIAN IMMIGRANT AND HUMANITARIAN MANOLO BETANCUR FEATURED IN DOCUMENTARY

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON

The profile of Manolo Betancur—like the bread he bakes—is rising. The Colombian native behind Manolo’s Bakery has a reputation for speaking his mind about issues facing Charlotte’s immigrant community and backing it up with charitable work.

In Charlotte, he has delivered bread to migrant workers, donated blankets to the homeless, birthday cakes to children and prepared meals for thousands during the pandemic. He’s traveled to Ukraine to bring aid to widows and orphans there.

All the while, he’s grown his network of small businesses, most recently opening Higher Grounds coffee shop at Myers Park United Methodist, with which he served during Covid. A portion of proceeds are distributed through grants locally and globally.

Now Manolo is the subject of a short film called The Changebaker, set to premiere at the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colo.

Atlanta-based documentary filmmaker Courtney Dixon came across Manolo’s name after taking up bread baking during the pandemic. She saw an article about the 2021 World Bread Hero Award, recognizing Betancur for contributions to his community.

She was moved by his story of arriving in the U.S. in 2000 with $900, three pairs of pants, three shirts, and shoes, without knowing English. He worked gardening and warehouse jobs in Miami, biking from place to place. He got a student visa and a scholarship to King University in Tennessee, where he worked as a dishwasher and learned English. He came to Charlotte in 2005 and was hired in the East Charlotte bakery, which he bought six years later.

“I loved his immigration story,” Dixon says. “I think it’s important to show what the American Dream looks like for everybody in America.”

“I think it’s important to show what the American Dream looks like for everybody.”

She opens the film with a poignant passage of Manolo describing what made him want to flee his post as captain of 33 Colombian special forces, fighting in a civil war.

“It was too much for me,” he says, with tears in his eyes. “It was too much for my heart.”

Three months later, he arrived in Florida.

Manolo has been a U.S. citizen for 20 years but never lost touch with what it feels like to start from scratch.

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RURAL RENOVATION

NASCAR XFinity driver and wife shed 80s aesthetic for transitional warmth

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER ISON

STYLING BY KENDRA SURFACE

NASCAR Xfinity driver Brandon Jones gets enough traffic in his day job. So, when he and his wife Ashley were looking for a new home in the Charlotte area, he wanted to escape the hustle of Lake Norman’s suburban lifestyle.

They found the perfect 30-acre property near Monroe, but its 80s-style house needed an update from the stomp textured ceilings and dentil crown molding. They turned to Sara Scott of Tailored Designs, who had been recommended by builder Alair Homes Charlotte.

Scott led a complete remodel of the 4,100 square foot four-bedroom home, starting with the kitchen, primary bath, laundry room and powder room and continuing with the living room, office and two upstairs bathrooms. A common thread throughout was a natural aesthetic.

“We wanted warm tones,” she says. “I think people are over the gray.”

The Joneses gave Scott the freedom to design in a style that’s “transitional with warm accents,” with some elements that are traditional and some contemporary.

“It’s a timeless design with cleaner lines,” Scott says.

In a light, bright kitchen, a mitered edge quartz countertop gives a more contemporary look, while the farmhouse sink and brass fixtures read traditional. Brandon wanted a built-in coffee maker, which was installed in the cabinetry along with a beverage cooler and a paneled Miele refrigerator.

The centerpiece of the kitchen is the Fittings metal stove hood with brass strapping. Scott found it at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).

“I posted it on my Instagram story and Ashley said, ‘We have to do that hood,’” Scott says.

Scott’s greatest design challenge in the project was in the living room, where the fireplace was off-center on the main wall.

“We weren’t going to move the fireplace, so we just wanted to give that room as much balance as we could,” Scott says.

They extended the stone tile to the left and reeded cabinetry to the right and updated the fireplace.

“I’ll admit I was nervous,” Ashley says. “It felt like a bold commitment, but the warmth and texture it brings to the space is incredible.”

Opposite Top: The focal point of the kitchen is the Modern Range Hood from Fittings Metal Collection

Opposite Left Bottom: Green stained cabinets are complemented by Jekyl Green Triangles wallpaper from Brewster in laundry room

Opposite Right Bottom: The backsplash is 2x6 tile in Zellige Dust from Surface Studio. Pendant lighting from Visual Comfort.

Above: V Parallels Budi Creme Honed tile from Island Stone helped balance the off-center fireplace in the Jones family living room

HELPED US SHAPE A HOME THAT REFLECTS US IN

“THEY

CORNER—MODERN, WARM AND FULL OF LIGHT.”

EVERY

The Melange Grande Floating Disc light fixture by Visual Comfort brings a simple and modern accent. The built-ins were restyled with more elegant pieces. Jones’ NASCAR trophies and plaques were re-homed to the barn out back, where the couple lived during the remodel.

Perhaps as payback, Brandon got to make a focal point in his office of the most masculine item in the house: his gun safe.

“They were going to put it in the corner of the room, and I said ‘Let’s work it

into the cabinetry,’” Scott says. “‘It’s so pretty. Let’s make it a statement piece for this room.’”

She added other masculine touches with a wood veneer York wallpaper on the ceiling, wire mesh on the cabinet fronts and an iron-framed chandelier by Arteriors.

“Ashley was jealous by the end,” Scott says. “She said, ‘I want this for my office.’”

The ‘80s architecture of the house was nowhere more evident than in the primary suite, where a seven-foot opening limited privacy between the bedroom and the bathroom. Scott was able to narrow the opening and redesign the bathroom with a double vanity and a spacious two-person shower with a floating bench.

She continued the warm tones of the rest of the house in a natural stone

mosaic tile on the floor, a burnished brass and natural abaca light fixture by Visual Comfort, as well as a textured window treatment.

“We spent nearly two years working closely with (Tailored Designs) and it wasn’t just a renovation—it was a journey,” Ashley says. “What stood out from the beginning was how heard we felt. Even though we didn’t come to the table with a strong vision, they never made us feel lost. They helped us shape a home that reflects us in every corner—modern, warm and full of light. It feels like we’re in a brand new house but better because it’s ours.”

Getting settled seems to suit the Joneses. In April, Brandon won his first Xfinity race in three years, beating out Chase Elliott in Darlington, S.C. to break a streak of 98 races without a checkered flag. He collected more hardware for the barn.

“Since we practically live at the racetrack, it was important to have a separate space where we could unplug and truly feel at home,” says Ashley.

Opposite: The Uttermost Thales MidCentury Modern chandelier complements flat black Emtek hardware

Above: Homeowner Ashley Jones says the Modern Wood Wallpaper from York is “one of the most complimented spots in the house. I still smile every time I walk by it! The Antigua Medium Sconces are from Visual Comfort.”

Right Bottom: Ashley Jones says the office ceiling wallpaper Hexagram Wood Veneer from York is a show-stopper: “Everyone assumes it’s tile at first glance.”

Left Bottom: The Antigua Small Drum Chandelier from Visual Comfort provides natural texture in primary bath

Euphemia Mu, MD

Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon

Dr. Euphemia W. Mu is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery.

High School | Myers Park College | Princeton

Med School | John Hopkins Residency | New York University Fellowship | Mount Sinai

NOW – AUGUST 31ST

Annie Leibovitz / Work

Mint Museum Uptown

The landmark exhibition ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK celebrates the illustrious career of an iconic photographer. On display through August 31 at Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, the exhibition presents a compelling mix of new and rarely seen photographs alongside some of the most recognizable portraits in American culture. More info at MintMuseum.org.

JUNE 3RD – 8TH & 17TH – 22ND

Charlotte Knights

324 S. Mint Street

The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A minor league team for the Chicago White Sox, is in town for two six-game homestands in June (June 3-8 and June 17-22). Promotions include fireworks on June 6, 20 and 21; bark-in-the-park on June 4 and 18; $2 hotdogs on June 5 and 19; and Homer the Dragon bobblehead giveaway on June 20. More info at MiLB.com/Charlotte-Knights.

JUNE 6TH – 8TH

Taste of Charlotte Festival

Tryon Street, Uptown

Enjoy this three-day food festival that features samples from area restaurants and various performances and activities for people of all ages. Admission is free. Purchase festival coins to taste restaurant food, beverages and kids’ activities on site or with the Taste of Charlotte App. Check out three stages of entertainment, performances and interactive tours. More info at TasteOfCharlotte.com.

JUNE 6TH – 7TH

Savannah Bananas

Bank of America Stadium

Banana Ball is coming to Charlotte on its first stadium tour this summer. It’s like modern-day globetrotters for baseball, with teams wearing bright yellow and pink uniforms and zany players who dance, lip sync, and can even backflip as they catch fly balls. Tickets are difficult to come by if not already signed up, but a waitlist is available.

JUNE 6TH – 7TH

CSO: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert

Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high definition, on a giant screen, while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment. More info at BlumenthalArts.org.

JUNE 21ST

KIDZ BOP LIVE Certified BOP Tour

PNC Music Pavilion | 6:00 PM

Sing and dance along to today’s biggest KIDZ BOP hits, including “Espresso,” “HOT TO GO” and “Dance Monkey” at the ultimate pop concert experience for kids (and their grown-ups). The show features eye-popping new stage design and interactive elements kids will love, as well as the return of the popular (and hilarious) Daddy Dance Off. More info at KidzBop.com.

All Purpose Grilling Rub

ARTICLE BY MATT BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE

Pitmaster Matt Barry from Midwood Smokehouse provides rub for your favorite BBQ dish

The beauty of this rub is its versatility. Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for more heat. Add extra sugar to make it sweeter. Pro tip: I love doing this on beer can chicken in the summer—put some rub in the beer can with onions and garlic for a super flavor kick. No matter how you use it, I hope you and your family enjoy it!