A nurse for 27 years, Karen Williams says, “I always knew this was what I wanted to do.”
In April 2023, Williams launched Rejuvenate Med Spa in Swansboro because she really wanted to help people feel better.
Williams has spent her career doing just that, helping others as a nurse in women’s health and in a pain clinic. When she started her nurse practitioner program, she says, her goal was to open her med spa so she could help men and women be healthier and feel better about themselves.
Rejuvenate Med Spa has already outgrown two spaces. They opened in a small space and quickly outgrew it, both in terms of services available and clients coming in the door. In May 2024, they moved to their current space on Sabiston Drive in Swansboro. Now, Williams says, they may soon look to expand that space to be able to offer additional services to their growing client base.
Some of those services are provided by Teresa Myers, who joined the med spa team in August 2024. An esthetician, Myers had previously worked as a medical assistant. She decided to pursue a career in skin care from her own experience in “going down a rabbit hole” looking for a skin care solution. Myers says, “sometimes people are more about taking your money than
really guiding you and helping you figure out what you need to do.”
Karen’s husband, Mike, is also part of the Rejuvenate Med Spa team. Retired from the Navy, Mike is Karen’ s “biggest supporter.” He says that he does “whatever I can do to help, a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff.” Mike adds that he promotes her “every chance I can. ”
Mike explains that he met Karen toward the end of his Navy career. He says, “I saw what she did as a nurse and just fell in love with it. So I retired from the Navy, went to nursing school and followed her into that career.”
Spa partners also include Crystal Coast Brows and Wildflower Massage. The collaboration between the businesses works well for the providers and the customers. Myers adds, “ we ’re passionate about what we do.” She adds that they want everyone who comes to them to be comfortable and to have access to their affordable services.
The spa team says they have recently seen a huge uptick in customers since participating in the Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce’ s business expo. Williams is looking forward to expanding, with a goal of being a “ one-stop shop” for women and men to be able to feel better about themselves.
Rejuvenate Med Spa services include laser hair removal, microneedling, bio-equivalent hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, vaginal rejuvenation, hair restoration, facials, dermaplane, and other laser and aesthetic services.
https://rejuvenatebykaren.com/ 910-467-3253
620 E Sabiston Dr, Swansboro
Open 12:30-5:30, M-F, with other hours by appointment
Teresa Myers, Karen Williams, and Mike Williams
Chamber Corner
By Diana King Barnes Executive Director Richlands Chamber of Commerce
The Richlands Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to witness the incredible growth and progress unfolding right here in our beloved town.
We are proud to announce the upcoming addition of a Cook Out Restaurant and a new hotel, both of which mark significant milestones in our town’s economic development. These new establishments not only promise to create jobs but also enhance the quality of life and hospitality experience for residents and visitors alike.
Grow, Richlands, Grow! Our community came together in unity and reflection for the National Day of Prayer, held on May 1, 2025, at 8:45 AM at the Richlands Town Hall in
Richlands, NC. This special occasion was an opportunity for citizens of all faiths to join in prayer for our leaders, our community, and our nation.
Looking ahead, the Richlands Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our 2nd Annual Freedom Festival, scheduled for June 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The event will take place at Heritage Elementary School, conveniently located across the street from McDonald’s in Richlands.
This exciting community celebration will feature food, entertainment, and activities for all ages, as we honor our nation's freedom and the unity of our town.
Richlands is on the move, and the Chamber is dedicated to supporting this positive momentum.
We are excited about what’ s ahead and look forward to continuing to grow together as a vibrant and connected community.
Richlands Chamber of Commerce www.richlandschamberofcommerce.com/ 910-601-5266 or 910-389-6220 richlandsncchamber@gmail.com
Unique New Business Honors Downtown History
Almost 125 years after RP Hinton constructed the brick building in downtown Jacksonville, a new cocktail and dessert bar will honor his name in the space he built. The Ransom Room, with a planned opening in the summer of 2025, is named after Ransom P. Hinton, who served as mayor of Jacksonville and operated his own business, the Hinton & Koonce Mercantile Store, in the early 1900s.
The structure at 622 Court Street, now known as Biagio’ s, was the first brick building in the area, built five years before the courthouse for which the street is now named.
Ransom Room is the brainchild of Martin and Lori Aragona, partnering with Sean and Gena Sands, to launch a unique cocktail bar that will also feature flatbreads and desserts.
Sean Sands describes Ransom Room as a “high end cocktail bar,” that will focus on “fresh everything.” They plan to use their own mixers, made from fresh fruits and herbs, for their craft cocktails. Gena adds that they will feature pinsa flatbreads from Italy. A variety of desserts will be sourced locally.
The ideas for the Ransom Room involved “ a lot of evolution.” Sean says that Martin and Lori approached him and Gena with an idea earlier this year, for a cocktail and dessert space in their building. He says, “ so it started
and then it grew and then it changed and evolved, and it just has developed into what it is now.”
Sean and Gena both have had restaurant experience. In fact, they say they are now returning to their roots in a sense. Martin explains that “Sean grew up in Key West and had restaurant experience there. And Gena is a Jacksonville High School graduate and had restaurant and bar experience here in Jacksonville.”
Sean adds that he started working as a bus boy at age 14 He went on to work in multiple restaurants and then joined the Marine Corps at age 23. He ended his military career after almost 11 years with a duty station in Jacksonville.
Gena also worked in restaurants extensively, including stints as a floor manager and a bar manager, then decided to attend beauty school. She and Sean now run a hair salon and barber shop in a building also owned by the Aragonas, Five16 Salon & Barber Co. Both say they are excited to get back into the restaurant business, with the opening of the Ransom Room.
Gena says it is also exciting that their offerings will go “hand in hand” with others in the Biagio building, including Clove Hitch Beer Company and the Overruled Smash Kitchen, which will open soon as well. A piazza in the center of all the restaurants offers customers a
place to gather and enjoy food and drink from each establishment, in a familyoriented building.
Martin says that the Ransom Room concept “fulfills our vision.” Lori adds that “ we always knew we wanted that unit to be a cocktail bar.” She says that Sean thought of the idea of also offering flatbreads and researched and found the pinsa variety.
All agree that the Ransom Room will be a “fun social kind of elevated experience, different than anywhere else around here.” Leaning toward the upscale with a selection of high end liquors, Ransom Room will also offer a relaxed vibe in an intimate environment.
Ransom Room will open this summer at 622 Court Street in Jacksonville. Their hours will be 4-10 Tues-Thurs and 4-11 Fri & Sat.
Sean Sands, Gena Sands, Lori Aragona, and Martin Aragona
Incorporating Sensory-Friendly Practices into Your Business
In today's diverse world, making your business sensoryfriendly is more than just a trendy idea it's becoming essential. With growing awareness of sensory sensitivities, especially for individuals with autism and other developmental challenges, many businesses are looking for ways to be more accommodating. In this article, we’ll share simple strategies to help you create a sensory-friendly environment, featuring helpful tips from our team of speech and occupational therapists.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivities
Before diving into sensoryfriendly practices, it’s important to know what sensory sensitivities are all about. Different people react to things like noise, bright lights, or crowded places in unique ways. For some, too much sensory input can cause anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or wanting to retreat. By keeping these needs in mind, businesses can create a welcoming space for everyone!
Key Strategies for Incorporating SensoryFriendly Practices
1. Create a Calm Environment
- Lighting: Use soft, adjustable lighting instead of harsh fluorescent bulbs. Consider the use of natural
light where possible. Dimmer switches can help in creating a comfortable ambiance.
- Noise Reduction: Incorporate sound-absorbing materials such as carpets, curtains, or acoustic panels. Offering quiet areas or soundproofing spaces can help minimize overwhelming auditory stimuli. There are several really modern options now that are not only functional but beautiful to match any design.
2. Sensory Zones
- Create designated areas in your business that cater to different sensory needs. For example, consider setting up a cozy sensory corner filled with calming visuals and comfortable seating. This little oasis allows individuals to take a break from the hustle and bustle when things get overwhelming. Not only does it help those who might need a moment to recharge, but it also shows that your business values everyone’s comfort. Plus, having these spaces can make your environment feel more welcoming for all!
3. Visual Aids and Signage
- Use easy-to-read signs with helpful visuals to guide customers through your space. This can really help reduce anxiety and give everyone a clear sense of structure, especially for people with
developmental challenges. It’s all about creating a more comfortable experience for everyone!
4. Texture and Tactile Experiences
- Incorporate a variety of tactile experiences in your business. This could include textured walls, interactive displays, or sensory bins filled with various materials. Keep in mind that these elements should be easily accessible, safe for all customers as well as able to be cleaned.
5. Staff Training
- Equip your staff with the knowledge and skills to support individuals with sensory sensitivities. Training sessions led by speech and occupational therapists can provide valuable insights into effective communication strategies and ways to assist customers in a sensoryfriendly manner. (Our team at Tidal would be happy to come out and provide that for any business)
6. Feedback Mechanisms
- Create opportunities for feedback from your customers regarding their sensory experiences in your business. Surveys or suggestion boxes can help you understand what works and what may require adjustments in the future.
Implementing Changes Gradually
You don't have to make all your sensory-friendly changes at once! Start with a few small adjustments and see how they work. It’s also a great idea to team up with professionals like speech and occupational therapists they can offer personalized advice that fits your unique business and customers. Take your time, and you’ll create a welcoming space for everyone!
Incorporating sensory-friendly practices into your business is a proactive step toward inclusivity and customer satisfaction. By understanding sensory sensitivities and implementing targeted changes, you can create a welcoming space for individuals of all abilities. Through education and collaboration with speech and occupational therapists, your business can thrive as a model of accessibility and understanding in an increasingly diverse world.
Tidal Therapy Solutions www.tidaltherapync.com/
Human Touch Still Crucial in AI-Driven Hiring, Survey Finds
By Cowanda Bazile Owner Express Employment Professionals Jacksonville
A recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveals that 62% of U.S. job seekers would reconsider applying to companies that overly rely on generative AI during recruitment, reinforcing the irreplaceable value of human interaction.
Job Seekers Want More Human Involvement
While many job seekers see AI as helpful for drafting resumes (78%) and creating mock interview questions (78%), concerns remain high about overuse. Notably:
• 87% say meeting a human interviewer is critical for assessing soft skills as AI cannot effectively vet candidates for cultural fit and attitude.
• 84% prefer a human to conduct the initial interview, and review resumes.
• 73% believe the risks of AI outweigh its benefits in hiring.
The survey also highlights gender differences, with female job seekers less likely than males to view AI-generated assistance as appropriate for resumes, outreach responses, and assessments. Over 40% of women have never used AI
tools in their job search, compared to 27% of men.
AI’s Growing Role in Business Operations
Beyond hiring, 66% of hiring managers report their companies use AI, citing benefits like:
• Enhancing customer service (64%)
• Improving process efficiency (62%)
• Closing the skills gap (60%)
• Freeing up employee time (58%)
Nearly half of companies (48%) use AI and automation to fill open roles, and 54% plan to aggressively expand AI use if hiring challenges persist. Alarmingly, 43% of employers expect to replace a significant portion of their workforce with automation or AI within five years.
Balancing Efficiency and Empathy
While 83% of hiring managers see clear benefits to AI, 68% caution that it carries risks without maintaining human involvement. An overwhelming 89% stress the need for human judgment in evaluating soft skills.
"AI is undeniably a powerful tool, but its role should be to complement human judgment, not replace it," said the late Bill Stoller, and visionary leader and former CEO of Express Employment International. "In the evolving landscape of AI, transparent communication with job seekers about AI’ s use and benefits is crucial. Striking the right balance between AI efficiency and human empathy will enhance recruitment processes and maintain the trust and confidence of potential employees."
Cowanda Bazile, owner of Express Employment Professionals in Jacksonville, NC, adds, "In staffing and hiring, people trust people. Technology should enhance the experience, not replace the relationship. A handshake, a conversation, and a human connection still make all the difference."
Express Employment Professionals www.expresspros.com/ jacksonvillenc/ 461 Western Blvd. Suite 118 Jacksonville
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure Launches Food Drive
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure is partnering with The Salvation Army on a food drive. As an added incentive, those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a 65" TV. The initiative runs through May 25.
Ana Scott, Growth & Success Director and Broker, says, “At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure, we believe success is more than
sales it’s about showing up for our community. This food drive is just one way we’ re trying to be a blessing, not just a business.”
While all donations are welcome, Treasure has discussed the need with the Salvation Army and there are certain items that are needed more than others. They request six specific items to pack in their Sunny Day Snack Boxes:
Can of ravioli Ramen noodles pack Peanut butter Box of cereal Jelly Box of Pop-Tarts
Participants can enter to win a 65" TV as well as smaller prizes while donating food. To qualify for the drawing:
1. Drop off at least three approved food items at the Treasure office during the designated timeframe.
2. Take a photo in front of the 65” TV they are raffling and any other foods donated.
3. Share the photo on Facebook, tagging Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure and “checking in” at their office.
Food donations should be dropped off at 3815 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville. Hours are: 9 am-5 pm Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 9 am-3 pm.
For more information, go to https://treasurerealty.com/Food-Drive.
