Sixth and Steel

Katharine Harris, Owner & Designer

For interior designer Katharine Harris, your home should reflect who you are. It should be personal, authentic and comfortable. “It should be the story you want to tell,” she says.

A walk-through of Harris’ home tells you she likes color and lots of it — from sunny yellow bath tiles to green kitchen cabinets to light chartreuse trim. “It is eclectic with a little vintage mixed in,” she says. “And it is just fun.”

Harris grew up in Louisburg, N.C., in a house built by her dad and grandfather. Her parents still live there today.

A graduate of East Carolina University’s interior design program, Harris launched design firm Sixth and Steel in 2022, after working with a designer and custom homebuilder in Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island. And while her home base is Wilmington, she works with residential and commercial clients throughout North Carolina and the United States.

Her services range from full-service to by-room design to hourly consultations, both in-person or virtual. An initial complimentary session allows her to understand a client’s vision and build a design package that makes sense.

Whether you want a vibe that is casual and calm, diverse and collected, or minimal and relaxed, Harris strives to empower clients to choose pieces, materials and fabrics that excite them and to add details that showcase their personality and style. “If you love it, it’ll work,” she says. “That’s what makes a house a home in my opinion.”

Understanding her clients and the way they live guides Harris in each design. So do her years of construction knowledge. “A lot of people assume that designers are decorators only,” Harris says. “While it’s fun to pick out the rugs, fabrics and all the details, design is so much more than that.”

Pleasing her clients fuels Harris’ passion, and every design is meaningful. “It always makes me proud when I can complete a project for someone that looks nothing like any other past client,” she adds. “Every space is truly a reflection of each individual.”

Aubrey & Brandon Grier

Dickens Mitchener

For Aubrey and Brandon Grier, “selling” real estate isn’t what they do. Instead, they view their roles as more advisor and educator — whether it’s for a client buying or selling a home or someone wanting to learn more about the industry.

“We’re not here to convince someone to do something,” Aubrey says. “We’re here to arm them with knowledge, insight and connections so they can be confident they’re making the best decision possible.”

As native Charlotteans — with eight family generations coming before them — the Griers provide an unmatched, comprehensive perspective of the city’s neighborhoods and growth as well as an extensive network of contacts and resources.

Recognized as a top producer every year since starting in 2001, Aubrey has spent her entire career at Dickens Mitchener. Brandon joined in 2021, bringing more than 20 years experience as a leading producer for some of the largest global asset managers. Working together allows the Griers to combine their strengths and expertise for the benefit of their clients.

Married for 21 years and parents to a high school daughter and college-bound son, the couple has renovated four homes and built one, giving them firsthand experience on how best to plan and execute a home’s design.

Clients praise their strong negotiation skills, proven results and willingness to go the extra mile. “Aubrey and Brandon are in the top 1% of professionals I have worked with in any field or industry,” says homeowner Jeff Klein. “Their contacts and connections within the city of Charlotte and surrounding area are exceptional and separate them from peers in the industry.”

The couple serves on numerous community boards, always giving back to their hometown. “Charlotte has really grown from what it used to be, yet it has maintained its beauty and remained grounded,” Aubrey says. Adds Brandon, “We love Charlotte, and we live Charlotte.”

Aubrey & Brandon Grier

704.502.4612 (Aubrey)

704.953.9178 (Brandon) aubreygrier.dickensmitchener.com brandongrier.dickensmitchener.com

@agrier1

Queen City Audio Video & Appliances

Roddey Player, President & CEO

Frances Player, Accounts Receivables

Kate Player, Controller

Roddey Player Jr., Warehouse Operations

For Queen City Audio Video & Appliances, 2023 can be summed up so far in one word: growth.

The family-owned, 71-year-old company recently expanded its Charlotte roots to the Triad, opening stores in Winston-Salem and Greensboro. It’s also added employees throughout its 10 stores, revamped its training and launched a comprehensive leadership development program.

Along the way, it’s received accolades like Top Workplace and Best Appliance Store and introduced new customers every day to its array of quality brands.

“The company has decided we are not participating in a recession,” Director of Marketing Victoria Alicea says with a laugh. Instead, Queen City’s focus is forward, working with vendor partners to ensure it offers innovative tools and the latest products that enhance everyday living.

Having a team that knows the ins and outs of those products is also key. To do that, Queen City provides continuing education for its sales force, making them certified experts for top-rated brands, like Monogram and Café. “That’s what sets us apart from a big-box store,” Alicea adds. “Everyone that works here is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed on everything we offer.”

Queen City’s commitment to its customers goes well beyond its stores. Since its inception, the company has worked with countless charities to support schools, children and those in need. Its most recent project: partnering with the Humane Societies in Charlotte and Winston-Salem.

Its passion for serving the community comes back to the company’s core value: “to set the standard for serving our family and yours.”

After all, family is the foundation of the Queen City brand. Woody Player started the company in 1952, and three generations of the Player family work there today. So do many longtime employees, whose own families have grown alongside the company too.

Providing opportunities for them, as well as their children, is important to the Player family. “We have outstanding people in place to help us continue to grow and be the best in class in everything we do,” says Roddey Player Jr., who often brings 19-month-old daughter Hollis to the store. “We start training them early!”

704.391.6000 queencityonline.com

@queencityappliance