BUSINESS PROFILES

Jeff Wenzel’s small business, Above Topsail, is a photography studio that specializes in Topsail landscape artwork printed on canvas.

Wenzel’s central mission for his business is to create wall art reminiscent of the fond memories made on Topsail Island. He likes to pair local landmarks such as bridges, piers, boats and Topsail’s iconic missile towers with the colors and clouds of beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

“Topsail is a special place to many people,” Wenzel says. “I strive to take photos that remind people of the irreplaceable memories they make. Many times I hear that my art was purchased because the sunset or a Topsail landmark reminds them of a specific memory they have that is tied to Topsail.”

The name Above Topsail stems from Wenzel’s start taking drone photos from high above Topsail Island. He began to learn the basics of photography about seven years ago. He taught himself through online videos (which he calls “YouTube University”) and gaining insight from other experienced photographers. Now he not only creates amazing art of his own, but also teaches other aspiring and professional photographers across North Carolina through classes and workshops.

Since its start seven years ago, Above Topsail has grown to a include a team of seven staff members. With a fun, relaxed and team-based culture, Wenzel says, “We are a veteran-owned small business employing seven of your neighbors.”

According to Wenzel, Above Topsail is set apart from its competitors because of its commitment to going the extra mile.

“No matter what brings you into our studio, we will go above and beyond to ensure that you feel at home and enjoy your products from start to finish,” he says.

Touting a love of Topsail through photography and artwork is easy when it's a place that is near and dear to you, as it is for Wenzel.

“I love working in this area because of the relaxed pace of being near the ocean and the ability to meet, get to know and serve the local community as well as those visiting on vacation,” he says.

The business recently launched a design service that allows them to use a cellphone picture of a customer’s wall to help them visualize digitally what a piece of artwork might look like in their home, taking away the stress of sizing choices for certain spaces in the home — talk about developing its business model! As Wenzel says, “We help make bare walls beautiful.”

Besides landscape artwork, Wenzel’s studio also does family and high school senior portraits, business headshots, canvas printing and custom picture framing. All of these divisions share the same mission – creating art to be hung on walls to be enjoyed daily.

“Most pictures live on the internet for a day or two,” Wenzel says. “The best pictures live on walls. We strive to take pictures that live on walls.”

Above Topsail’s studio is located just off Topsail Island in Holly Ridge. Wenzel’s artwork can be seen there and at many different galleries, coffee shops and restaurants around the area.

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK

When you stop in Jeff Wenzel's studio, you will be greeted by Tommy the shop cat, who is always ready to accept treats and be petted.

PHOTOS BY AMY CONRY DAVIS

Above Topsail

301 U.S. Highway 17 S., Holly Ridge (910) 803-1759 abovetopsail.com

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a chain with almost 1,200 locations around the country, but each location is run by someone with a heart for the local community and quality service. Brandon Korman is one of those people.

Moving to North Carolina from New York, Korman and his wife, Deena, began their franchise in Long Leaf Mall more than eight years ago. They also own Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Porters Neck and Leland. Korman says he loves living in coastal North Carolina because it’s a place where people care, work together and give back to the community.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is open all day and offers an array of healthy eats you can feel good about — think sandwiches, bowls, wraps, flats, quesadillas, grilled cheeses and, of course, smoothies. During the holiday season, be sure to snag the limited-edition gingerbread cookie smoothie.

When it comes to community involvement, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is involved in several organizations throughout the community, including No Kid Hungry, The American Heart Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Toys for Tots, Food Bank of Central NC, local schools and other clubs and organizations. In addition, all the Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations Korman owns helped health workers amid the pandemic by giving away more than 2,000 free smoothies.

“Our mission as a family business is to be part of this community, to make it more tropical and inspire happiness and health,” Korman says. “It’s a national brand with the spirit of family caring. We live here, we own our business here and it's our sense of togetherness in this community that sets us apart.”

With an online app, an impressive awards program and a presence on third-party platforms like Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash and Postmates, the cafe makes snagging a healthy meal simple. And if you’re looking for a caterer for an upcoming event, party or meeting, Tropical Smoothie Cafe can serve up enough smoothies and fare to satiate anywhere from 10 to 500+ people.

Looking ahead, Korman says more Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations are slated to open around the region in the next couple years, with a store opening in Shallotte as soon as March 2023. Stay tropical!

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

2804 College Rd Unit 108, Wilmington (910) 769-3939 130 Hays Lane, Unit 130, Wilmington (910) 821-8677 143 Poole Road, Unit B, Leland (910) 765-1144 Coming March 2023: 123 Smith Avenue, Unit 15, Shallotte tropicalsmoothiecafe.com