EYE FOR DESIGN

from North Brunswick Magazine Summer 2022 Issue

by Carolina Marketing Company

SWEET JOY

EYE FOR D ES I G N

Lauren Wilbun creates one-of-a-kind experiences through her al fresco dining business, Collective Law.

BY EMORY RAKESHAW

fter Lauren Wilbun (aka Law) graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2015, she interned at Gigi’s Cupcakes. While she loved baking and pastries, the 2 am wake-up calls led to the realization that she was in the wrong field. Even after a total career change, ironically, these days her alarm is usually set for 2:30 am. “If I have a picnic session at 6 am, I need to leave the studio by 5 am, start prepping the charcuterie boards by 4 am, pack the items for the picnic by 3:30 am. So, 2:30 am is when my alarm goes off. It’s funny, though; sunrise picnics are for sure my favorite. I just love the mornings, it’s a fresh start.”

As the saying goes: Do what you love and you’ll never work

Aa day in your life. Perhaps for Wilbun, that’s how this 2:30 am wake-up call differs from the ones of the past. Wilbun did not go straight from pastry to picnics, it was a winding road that nods to her business’ namesake. In 2018 she graduated from UNC Wilmington with hopes of going into interior design. After working in the interior design field, she then became the wedding day-of planner and venue coordinator for The Barn at Rock Creek in Leland. Upon finally finding a career she genuinely loved, the universe (of course) had other plans. “During COVID, weddings came to a halt,” Wilbun says. “I sat still for about three months then birthed the idea of Collective Law, doing charcuterie boards and picnics. There’s

PHOTO BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

a ton of those businesses on the West Coast, but no one here was doing it. I put my own spin on it. I have a background in food, interior and events. I combined it all.”

With no manual for how to learn a picnic business, she just figured out things as she went along.

Today, Collective Law’s picnics come styled beachside. There are antique wicker tables and delicate linens in neutral patterns juxtaposed by colorful fresh flowers. Candles set the mood, and plush pillows serve as seats. The showstopper is the overflowing charcuterie board of cheese, fresh fruit and cured meats.

These aren’t your average picnics. They feel special, curated, well styled and, of course, Instagram-worthy. Wilbun’s eye for design has led to larger events for picnic-patronsturned-clients.

Picnic options include an hour-anda-half sunrise or sunset session. Each is decorated by Wilbun herself and comes equipped with everything one would need. To-go boards are also available for events and get-togethers.

“Collective Law was one of those businesses that did well during COVID,” Wilbun says. “It was private, it was new and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve always loved hosting and planning parties for friends and family. Coming from the wedding industry, I have such a history with vendors, photographers, florists and rental companies. They’ve encouraged me and helped me along the way. It’s been really great.”

In the beginning Wilbun was operating out of her home in Leland, then Mayfaire contacted her about renting a space. In July 2021 Collective Law moved into its own studio equipped with a full kitchen and appointment-only storefront.

Along the walls, there are dozens of pillows in subtle colors and patterns. An umbrella with orange and fringe accents is propped above a wooden picnic table built by her dad. Draped linens, unique candle holders and vases filled with pampas grass are stylishly displayed about.

“My inventory has absolutely grown, but 60 percent of the stuff I have now I already had,” Wilbun says. “Most are antiques or vintage.”

She purchases new decor from everyday retailers but notes that some items find her in the process. She points to two oversized throw pillows, “I saw these at T.J. Maxx and practically ran to check-out. I had to have them.”

Much the way Wilbun’s picnics are styled her unique taste, so are her charcuterie boards. She calls them “American style” due to the hearty portions and nontraditional provisions. Her favorites include black pepper

PHOTOS BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

Our family

OF PUBLICATIONS — ROOTED IN COASTAL

NORTH CAROLINA

Summer 2021

Topsail Magazine TopsailMag.com

+TRAILER BAR PRESERVING LIVING SHORELINES ONSLOW BAY BOATWORKS OCEAN CITY BEACHSummer 2021 Summer 2020 | SouthBrunswickMagazine.com

SMALL BUT MIGHTY DISCOVERED AT AGE 4, 11-YEAR-OLD ACTOR ELLE GRAHAM OF HAMPSTEAD HAS ALREADY STARRED IN SEVERAL TV SERIES AND FILMS.Volume 2, Issue 3 No place like home THE SIZZLE of SUMMER Skewers loaded with fresh shrimp and pineapple make for a tasty summer meal on the grill.

COMPLIMENTARY

Marine veteran and local photographer Jason Shanahan finds his way to a career and place he loves. EAGLES ISLAND | HONOR FLIGHTS FOR VETERANS | LELAND ULTRAMARATHONERS COMPLIMENTARY

CARS4THECOUNTY | SHEAD’S BRITISH COTTAGE GARDEN | MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

SUMMER 2021 | COMPLIMENTARY

ADVERTISE NOW!

Reach readers from Little River, SC to Sneads Ferry, NC and all the places in between. Toscano, merlot-infused cheese and Manchego. Pre-ordering from retailers keeps items continuously stocked, which is smart considering she’s averaging one picnic per weekday and three picnics a day on weekends.

“Thank goodness for culinary school,” Wilbun says. “It taught me how to be efficient, and I learned so much I use in my everyday life. My first lab at Johnson and Wales was on hot and cold desserts,” she says. “We wrote a paper on Muda (a Japanese term for futility); it entails taking the least steps as possible and creating the least amount of trash. I use that every day. If it’s not efficient and doesn’t work for my business, it’s cut.”

While Wilbun has practiced Muda in some areas, she’s expanded in others. A collaboration with Northwest Land and Cattle brings her picnics to the farm. A wooden table with two benches, provisions and plenty of decor sets the scene.

“It’s a totally different clientele than the beach clients,” Wilbun says. “These people want the wild and tall grass; they love it on the cornfield.”

Her clients’ events range from engagement sessions to a girlfriends’ picnic or anniversary date. Collective Law has also expanded into event styling, providing grazing boards and all the decor. Everything one sees behind the business is exclusively created by Wilbun, with the exception of part-time help for larger picnics.

“It’s been crazy to think about the clients I’ve worked for,” Wilbun says. “They’ll send me an address, and I don’t think about it that much, and I get there and it’s a beautiful home on the waterway. I can’t believe this is my client, it’s so surreal. I’m very humble, I take it for what it is. A lot of people don’t know who the face of Collective Law is and I like that. My product speaks for itself.”

Collective Law is growing by the day. Wilbun has tested the waters by hosting events in the storefront. An engagement client recently turned into a booking for a 100-person wedding in 2022. With her wheels turning, she sees the future as exciting and full of ideas.

Branded items could turn into a storefront, and she’s toyed with the thought of opening the studio for grab-and-go boards. With every item down to mini boards and to-go boxes customized, it’s an almost predetermined path. For now, Wilbun remains humble in the success of her business, even as similar ones pop up in the area.

“I started Collective Law in 2020, and now it’s full-blown,” she says. “It’s very exciting. I walk into my studio every day thinking, ‘Who gave me the keys to this place?’” 

at Aesthetic Dentistry

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

For Dr. Jon Ludwig, owner of Aesthetic Dentistry at Magnolia Village, dentistry has always been about building relationships with patients.

“Many people have fears and anxiety when they think about having a dental procedure done,” explains Dr. Ludwig. “That’s why the dental profession is as much about people as it about teeth.”

Having the right people in place to help alleviate patients’ concerns is a top priority for Dr. Ludwig. That’s why he recently made Dr. Melissa Owen a partner in his practice.

“Upon my initial introduction and interview with Dr. Owen, it was clear that she was completely personable and had the important attribute of being able to put patients at ease,” Dr. Ludwig says. “She excels as it. And she has proved this to be true during the 1.5 years that she spent with the practice prior to becoming a partner.”

You could say that dentistry is in Dr. Owen’s genes. Her dad was a dentist, and her mom managed his practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Additionally, her two siblings are both dentists.

On being made a partner at Aesthetic Dentistry at Magnolia Village, Dr. Owen is “excited and happy to be at a practice where I have a great relationship with Dr. Ludwig and a team that communicates and functions so well together,” she says. “It really is a great environment where people enjoy being at work.”

Dr. Owen received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University and then attended dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating from dental school in 2015, she completed her General Practice Residency in the Veterans Administration near Los Angeles, California.

As a partner, Dr. Owen will take on more management responsibilities but will continue doing what she loves the most: working with patients.

“I genuinely love working with people and getting to know them and learning about their children or grandchildren and their travels," explains Dr. Owen. “It’s not just about talking about teeth; it’s about establishing relationships.”

There are so many reasons people become dentists, like keeping patients healthy and pain-free. But for Dr. Owen, what she loves about being a dentist goes beyond the physical.

“I really love the creativity behind dentistry. Building and molding and creating new smiles,” she says. “Being able to take something and make it better — and make people feel better about themselves physically and emotionally. It can even be just one tooth, but that one tooth can make all the difference in someone’s smile.”

Being made a partner is just one of Dr. Owen’s professional and personal highs this year. In November, she and her husband, Conally, are expecting their second daughter, who will join her big sister, Harbor Grace.

Dr. Owen’s compassion for her patients and commitment to her profession are just what Dr. Ludwig was looking for.

“I've owned this practice for 15 years now and have had other associates,” Dr. Ludwig says. “It was definitely worth the wait to find someone of Dr. Owen's caliber, and we are thrilled to have her as a permanent fixture in the practice moving forward!”

Aesthetic Dentistry at Magnolia Village

1108 Eastowne Court, Leland (910) 371-5965 teethbythebeach.com

Baby Boomers Woodstock Revival at Compass Pointe

 More than a thousand Compass Pointe residents participated in the Baby Boomers Woodstock Revival on May 15. Hippie attire and attitude, tie-dyes and peace signs were found everywhere as Compass Pointe neighborhoods gathered to create their own hippie commune, relive their memories and dance to the tunes of the 1960s.

Milan Dedek and Daphne Cole kicked off the event with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the Harmony in Paradise Glee Club performed songs from the Woodstock era and the Ukrainian anthem. The biggest attraction was the musical talent within the Compass Pointe community. Eight bands composed of resident musicians played throughout the day including Analog Beach Gang, Riverside, Flashback, Winston Hammer Project, Jim Ferris, Banjo Steve & Downtown and JB & Milan Acoustic Duo. Rose Hill REsurrection Band closed the event with a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band.

Compass Pointe residents donated to several causes throughout the day. Harmony in Paradise raised more than $1,500 for Ukrainian efforts, Compass Pointe Survivors raised more than $1,400 for cancer causes, and the musicians raised $560 for the local food bank.

Belville Founders Day

 To celebrate 45 years since its incorporation, the Town of Belville hosted a Founders Day event on May 7. The event took place at Belville Riverwalk Park on 580 River Road, and there was fun for the entire family including live music, magic performances, giant slides, an obstacle course, a balloon creator, raffle items and various local vendors. Food and dessert trucks were also at the Riverwalk for participants and vendors to enjoy.

Leland’s Spring Art Market

 Held on May 7 in Founders Park, Leland’s Spring Art Market drew a great turnout of local residents and visitors. The juried market featured unique, handmade creations from local artisans and makers, and many people stopped by to shop among the pottery, home goods, fine art and more. Attendees also enjoyed Poor Piggy’s food truck, crafts, a community art project and live music.

British Motor Club of the Cape Fear Annual Car Show

 British Motor Club of the Cape Fear, a group dedicated to the preservation, appreciation and enjoyment of British cars and motorcycles, held its 22nd annual car show at the Villages at Brunswick Forest on May 7. With beautiful vehicles, live music, raffles, activities for kids and more, great fun was had by all. Look for the event again in the spring of 2023.

Spring Fling at Paws Place

On April 30, Spring Fling at Paws Place in Winnabow raised funds to care for rescued dogs.

Crystal Moore, Kathryn Scott, Brittany Burke Maya Depasquale, Alex Mitchell and Molly

Peggy Durso, Lisa Addertion, Jackie and Steve Matyasovski Nikki Ballard, Andrea Bigler, Chandler Sacik

Jackie and Joshua Gullett with sons Jayden, Quentin and Jaxon

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner

July 29 at Leland Cultural Arts Center

Margie Steve presented with a “Rising Star Youth Award” by Gerald Decker of Teen Scene, Inc. “Young Professional of the Year” winner Zach Drennan “Entrepreneur of the Year” winner Jeremy Gunn and sponsor Mark Ellenberg of State Farm Insurance

“Woman of the Year” award presented to Debra Pickett by Jeff Moss of College H.U.N.K.S.

Natalya Amos, “Rising Star Youth Award” winner presented by Katie Samsel “Entrepreneur of the Year” Jeremy Gunn

Emily Miller of Focus Broadband presents the ”New Chamber Member Business of the Year “ award to Brunswick Beer Xchange owners Monique Haslam and Shannon Mims

Dana Fisher Sam Puschaver Katie Samsel Natalya Amos

“Gimme Shelter” at The Barn at Rock Creek

A fundraiser for the Good Shepherd Center held March 25

Lauren and Nicholas Suggs Janet and Andrew Beal Katrina R. Knight Angela MacKinnon and Jim Conner

Nora and Alex Hargrove Tiffany Graham Doug and Mary Gregorio Rob and Christine Maiorini

Janerfer Oliver and Kathy Denlinger Tony and Donna Finkbeiner Janet Beal and Kathy Porter

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR Jane Birnbach Sarah Stoloff and Trey Bowen Sharon Dresbach, Karen Edwards, Terry Dresbach, Jerry Edwards

Advertiser Phone# Page# Advertiser Phone# Page#

3 Dimensional Fitness ......................................................910-769-3060 66 4ever24fit ...............................................................................910-399-4760 39 AA Self Storage .................................................................. 910-408-1600 49 Advanced Orthopedics..................................................... 910-641-8670 IBC Aesthetic Dentistry ............................................................. 910-371-5965 5, 79 Angie Wilkie – Keller Williams ........................................910-777-7945 63 FOCUS Broadband ..............................................................910-755-8202 14 Bianchi Brickyard Supply ................................................. 910-253-7663 17 Big Sky Interior Design ..................................................... 910-793-3992 66 BlueWave Dentistry ............................................................ 910-383-2615 24 & 25 Brunswick Community College .................................... 910-755-7300 80 Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation.........800-842-5871 4 Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital........................ 910-777-2107 90 Capeside Animal Hospital................................................ 910-383-2100 69 Cavik Insurance .................................................................... 910-722-3225 38 Cherubini Orthodontics......................................................910-371-2323 49 Coastal Insurance ................................................................ 910-754-4326 15 Coastal Integrative Health................................................910-408-1778 26 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage .......................... 910-371-1181 3 CommWell Health ............................................................... 877-935-5255 63 Computer Warriors............................................................. 910-216-9399 71 Custom Home Furniture Galleries...............................910-799-4010 19 Curley Implants & General Dentistry.......................... 910-463-2267 IFC Dimock, Weinberg & Cherry Coastal Carolina Pediatric Dentistry........................... 910-794-2266 75 Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group........................910-202-3638 83 EmergeOrtho......................................................................800-332-3800 7 Farm Bureau Insurance ........................................................ 910-371-2111 30 First Bank................................................................................ 910-383-3955 87 Floor Coverings International Shallotte..................... 910-575-5248 9 Four Seasons Dry Cleaners............................................. 910-859-8394 66 Franklin Rouse — State Farm Insurance..................... 910-371-5446 46 Go Store It .................................................................................910-371-2331 60 Heritage Fresh Market.......................................................910-253-1330 34 Hello Garage................................................................... 1-888-59-Garage 65 Home James Realty ........................................................... 910-524-2562 60 Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries ................................ 910-371-2707 56 IAC Kids .............................................................................................................. 80 Intracoastal Realty Corporation ................................... 910-201-2200 13 J & K Home Furnishings....................................................843-249-1882 20 & 21 Josh London – State Farm Insurance.......................... 910-383-1303 47 Katie’s Art & Frame .............................................................910-408-1757 80 Legacy Homes by Bill Clark...............................................910-550-1167 54 Leland Ace Hardware........................................................ 910-383-6688 54 Leland Veterinary Hospital ..............................................910-371-3440 53 Local’s Tavern........................................................................ 910-769-1289 60 Lockwood Folly Country Club ........................................910-842-5666 44 McPherson’s Acme General...........................................910-655-4006 65 Mulch & More........................................................................ 910-253-7663 9 New Hanover Regional Medical Center .................... 910-342-3400 BC Niche. Décor & Gifts .......................................................... 910-769-8839 19 North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce................910-383-0553 75, 86 North Brunswick Chiropractic ....................................... 910-371-1200 54 Novant Health ....................................................................... 910-754-5988 BC PC Solutions............................................................................ 910-371-5999 14 PODS.........................................................................................910-452-0322 38 P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille ........................................... 910-399-6808 84 Rhodes Law Offices, PLLC...............................................910-383-3610 84 Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry..................... 910-663-1223 11 Sandpiper Pediatrics ........................................................ 910-207-0777 44 Sean Skutnik, Coldwell Banker — Sea Coast Advantage...........................................................910-279-1016 12 Seidokan Karate....................................................................910-616-7470 84 Shallotte Electric Stores................................................. 910-754-6000 53 Signature Wealth Strategies...........................................910-371-0366 59 Splish Splash Dog Wash ................................................... 910-399-3426 78 Swell Home........................................................................... 910-769-4980 56 Swell Vision Center .............................................................. 910-408-1116 44 Thalian Association Community Theatre.................... 910-251-1788 75 The Bluffs ...............................................................................910-383-2820 6 Triad Power Wash LLC ..................................................... 910-599-7798 69 Troy Williamson — Cornerstone Home Lending .... 910-262-2613 49 Trusst Builder Group......................................................... 910-371-0304 88 Turf Medic............................................................................... 910-769-2818 65 UPS Store .................................................................................910-383-1401 12