AS MY CHILDREN WOULD SAY, “Imma be real with you;” this column has been one of the more difficult ones to write. After seven years steering Cary Magazine, this issue is my last as editor. Regular readers of this space know that 2021 was tumultuous for me, full of exhilarating triumphs and personal tragedy. I’ve celebrated my daughter’s college graduation, adapted to work away from my office and the Cary community, and mourned the loss of a beloved family member. So, it makes some sense that I close the year with one more upheaval. Like many in the wake of COVID, I spent countless hours last year weighing what was important and what was not; what brought me joy and what was tedious; what I wanted more of and what I needed less of. Lifting up small businesses and the people behind them – that’s important to me. Talking with people in the community, meeting the folks who are making our neck of the woods a better place to live – I want more of that. Those stories, your stories bring me untold joy. I’m also inspired by the courage of local entrepreneurs who have found fulfillment working for themselves. It hasn’t been easy for business owners like Cara Powell, owner of the Upchurch wedding venue in Apex; Brenna Doyle, founder of Six Foot Fit outdoor fitness classes; and Sal Dimino, owner of Dimino Pest Control. But after hearing their stories, entrepreneurship didn’t seem so scary to me. This month, I begin a new chapter as a freelance writer and editor. Hopefully this will give me more opportunities to write about the amazing people in this community. I hope to expand my reach, interviewing people throughout the Triangle and beyond. I also want to explore other types of writing, beyond the scope of a lifestyle publication. The magazine will be in good hands. Creative Director Lauren Earley will take over as Managing Editor, former contributing writer Dena Daw joins the team as a staff writer, and photographer Jonathan Fredin will continue making beautiful pictures. And you will see my byline every now and again, because I can’t bear to say goodbye. Thank you for reading,
Senior Editor
12
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
Jonathan Fredin
e d i t o r ’s l e t t e r
