well + wise

The artist inside

FINDING TIME AND SPACE FOR CREATIVITY CAN BENEFIT OUR MENTAL HEALTH.

by Juliet Lam Kuehnle

Do you think you’re creative? When I ask this, people tend to immediately think about their musical or artistic ability … or inability. Consider the idea that, regardless of how many piano lessons you had as a kid or if your still-life paintings look more like Pollock, all of us are creative — and we need to tap into that creativity! As we get older, many of us find less time and space for creativity. Maybe we think it’s a waste of time or only for those who are “really talented.”

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to maintain an artist once he grows up.” We can change how we define creativity, and by focusing less on the outcome we can begin to understand creativity as a process. The energy in the flow of creating is magic. This is where we reap the benefits for our mental health. Outside of art or music, creativity also exists in the ideas or possibilities that come to us in the context of relationships, business and fun. It can be asking questions, learning something new or simply allowing ourselves to play.

“Art-making is a personal journey in which you can connect to yourself and your body and find a way to release emotions and thoughts and make something out of them,” says Rebeca Carvajal, a registered art therapist in Charlotte. “The whole creative process is important because it can teach us to problem solve, understand our feelings, challenge unhelpful thoughts and share part of ourselves with someone else. Art expresses in ways that words can’t.”

An attitude of curiosity, open-mindedness and flexibility enhances mental health, individually and collectively. When you understand creativity in this way, you might realize that you have it all throughout your day. SP

Juliet Kuehnle is the owner and a therapist at Sun Counseling and Wellness. The full interview of Kuehnle’s “Who You Callin’ Crazy?!” interview featuring Matt Olin can be found on Instagram @yepigototherapy or wherever you stream podcasts. Juliet spoke with Matt Olin, co-founder of Charlotte Is Creative. Below are excerpts from their interview, lightly edited.

Tell us about your own journey with your mental health and therapy.

I’ve lived in a lot of different places. Throughout that time, I’ve had a lot of different counselors, therapists and coaches. My wife and I continue to do couples counseling. We love those sessions. It’s like getting a tune up, making sure the “check engine” light doesn't come on more than it needs to. We find ourselves connecting on deeper levels. I’m also in a men's group right now, and that is deep work between men that is super vulnerable and very fulfilling.

It is an investment in your wellness, your future and in your connection

with people. It’s the bravest thing we can do, and I am super curious about

how that shows up in a room full of men.

It’s beautiful. It definitely pulls the rug out from underneath this idea of what a “man” is and challenges toxic masculinity. When you go to that level and have those types of conversations and that support happening between men that are interested in evolving themselves and helping others evolve, you realize, “Oh, this is a real man.”

How does this inform your work?

I advocate for creatives to put their true selves out into the world, in their words or in their work, so I need to model that. I love to celebrate the creative spirit of Charlotte. The idea that Charlotte’s a creative place has never really been a part of the story. It’s that we're great at business, banking and raising families. But Charlotte is creative. We can stitch that into the narrative.

As we get older, creativity can get stifled out of us. And yet, from a mental health lens, creativity is so necessary.

Every person is creative. It’s just about how you define creativity. Not just painters, actors and musicians, but we can be creative in the way that we run our businesses or grow our families or serve our community. I just always want to encourage people to not think about creativity the way you probably were taught. Break it.

Garden party

SETTING THE STAGE FOR A STYLISH SPRING SOIREE

production and styling | Whitley Adkins

photography | Olly Yung

tabletop styling and flower arrangements | Brooke Werhane Maples

art direction | Maureen Stockton

hair and makeup | Jamie Svay

model | Carlee Huffman with Modelogic

Stepped vase, $18, House of Nomad. Blush coupe, 6 for $195; Marble grape cluster, $245; both Circa Interiors. R. Haviland & C. Parlon hand-painted Lexington presentation plate, $165; Philippe Deshoulieres Arcades green & gold dessert plate, $100; Le Jacquard Francais Venezia linen tablecloth in ash beige, $475; all Elizabeth Bruns. Italian rolled hem silk twill scarf, $250; Silvana silk cropped top in cerulean blue, $229; Chiquita silk pleated maxi skirt with pockets, $656; all Daniel Gonzalez Designs. Butrich Anaconda heel, $390; Talisman heel, $279; both Elston.

Pop chokers by Bea Bongiasca, $900 each; Sauer 18K Tiger’s eye citrine and diamond earrings, $10,080; Multi-stone ring by Carol Kauffman, $8,915; Retrouvai rings, $13,990 and $6,700; Ananya Chakra bracelets, prices vary; all Tiny Gods.

CLO Emotional Design Marina dress, $538, Bellezza Boutique. Jacque Marie Mage Roxy Sunglasses, $690, Sally’s Optical Secrets.

Green-dyed vintage bowl, $85; green + white dip-dyed vase, $275; stepped vase, $18; gray and natural striped Turkish towel, $32; all House of Nomad. Tall blown glass in celadon, $60; Tall blown glass in linden, $60; Vintage Vichy napkins in terracotta, set of 6, $125; all Circa Interiors. Kim Seybert Provence mint napkins, set of 4, $76; R. Haviland & C. Parlon hand-painted Lexington presentation plate, $165; Zafferano Bilia tumblers, $18 each; all Elizabeth Bruns. Green ceramic flower plate, $585, Abode. Fresh Squeezed Citrus purse, $65, The Pearl Pagoda. 18K gold bangle with moonstone, aqua and white sapphire, $6,800; 18K gold emerald star bangle, $8,600; both Surya and the Moon.

Posh Couture emerald cowl neck dress, $267, Bellezza Boutique. Silvia Furmanovich earrings, $6,380, Tiny Gods. Emerald and pearl Chouki bangle in 22K gold, $3,000; 18K gold emerald star bangle, $8,600; Emerald and pearl choker with white sapphires and 18K gold, $4,800; Uncut emerald bead necklace, $2,200; Multi tourmaline bangle in 14K gold, $7,000; Multi tourmaline teardrop necklaces, $3,900; Geometric tourmaline earrings in 18K gold, $2,500; Blue topaz gonda necklace, $2,200; Peridot gonda necklace, $2,900; Multi tourmaline beaded necklace, $950; Rubellite leaf earrings with emeralds in 18K gold, $2,650; all Surya and the Moon.

Blush coupe, 6 for $195, Circa Interiors. William Yeoward Crystal Amethyst comport, $110; William Yeoward Crystal Victoria comport, $195; L’Objet Haas Napoleon fish vessel, $4,000; all Elizabeth Bruns.

Blue Bayou two-piece set by Olivaceous, $85, The Pearl Pagoda. Rubellite leaf earring with emeralds in 18K gold, $2,650, Surya and the Moon. Diamond necklaces, Tiny Gods, price upon request.

Flower crown design by Brooke Werhane Maples.

CeliaB Acuarius dress, $337.50, The Pearl Pagoda. Turquoise flower earrings with 18K gold and white sapphires, $3,200, Surya and the Moon. 18K agate, diamond and turquoise ring by Silvia Furmanovich, $3,740, Tiny Gods. Blown glass pitcher, $265, Circa Interiors. Handmade lavender vase from Belgium, $284; vintage Picasso-inspired vase, $550; both Abode.

Flowers by Elizabeth House Flowers.

Green ceramic flower plate, $585, Abode. Blush coupe, 6 for $195; Marble grape cluster small, $245; both Circa Interiors. Kim Seybert Provence tablecloth in mint, $112; Kim Seybert Provence mint napkins, 4 for $76; Carlo Moretti Bora glass, $155; R. Haviland & C. Parlon hand-painted Lexington presentation plate, $165; Philippe Deshoulieres Arcades green & gold dinner plate, $105; Royal Limoges La Bocca green dessert plate, $100; Herend Market Garden bread and butter plate, $135; Royal Limoges Nymphea Paradis bleu dessert plate, $95; all Elizabeth Bruns.

Retrouvai rings, $6,700 and $13,990; Multi-stone ring by Carol Kauffmann, $8,915; all Tiny Gods.

Appetizer bites and charcuterie by Chef Tillie.

Trippy jacket, $539, and Trippy trouser, $379, by Adriana Iglesias, both Bellezza Boutique. Sauer jade, prasiolite and tourmaline earrings, $8,840, Tiny Gods.

FAMILY

STYLE A LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER HELPS A SOUTHPARK COUPLE BALANCE BEAUTY AND PRACTICALITY FOR THEIR MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLD. by Catherine Ruth Kelly photographs by Laura Sumrak

When Stephen Walker’s father expressed an interest in relocating to Charlotte from New Jersey to be closer to family, Walker and his wife, Anastaysia, embraced the idea and invited him to move in with them. The Walkers had been in their cozy Sedgefield home for only four years, but with two young daughters and Walker’s dad committed to the move, their quest for a larger house began.

“We were originally focused on turnkey options to avoid the stress of building,” Stephen says, “but Anastaysia and our Realtor found a lot in SouthPark that checked off too many boxes to ignore, so we decided go for it.”

The framing of the house had been completed when the Walkers approached Jess Ebert with Four Story Interiors to tackle the interior design.

“The house was truly a clean slate when they brought me on board,” Ebert shares. “We discussed how they wanted to live in the space and started working on vision boards, focusing on a fresh, modern vibe that’s beautiful yet livable for a family with young children.”

The central hub of the home is the family room, which shares an open floor plan with the dining room and kitchen. Creamy white walls offer a light, airy ambiance and provide

a neutral backdrop for the eclectic mix of art, furniture and accessories. Maintaining a serene color palette of cream, charcoal and chocolate, Ebert incorporated a variety of textures such as velvet, leather, wood and brass to add depth and style. Performance fabrics and functional pieces kept it family-friendly.

“The fluted design of the wooden console brings an architectural element to the space and also offers hidden storage for their girls’ toys and games,” Ebert says. “It’s a great piece because it combines beauty and functionality.”

The Walkers commissioned a painting by Raleigh artist Jen Matthews to hang above the family room console. The canvas infuses bold colors into the otherwise neutral family room, connecting it to the palette of the adjacent entry hall and foyer.

Vibrant teal walls in the front hall and abstract green-andwhite wallpaper in the foyer create a bright, jewel-toned entry to the Walkers’ home. A black-and-white painting by local artist Lauren Reddick welcomes guests, and a sleek leather bench by Regina Andrew offers a spot for dropping purses or jackets.

“That bench has turned out to be one of our favorites pieces,” Stephen says. “The kids like to color there, and it’s created an unexpected gathering space in the front hallway.”

Across from the bench, French doors mark the entrance to Stephen’s office, painted a dramatic, dark gray. Ebert worked with Stephen to create a warm, masculine space, a stark contrast to the lighter decor in the surrounding rooms. An atmospheric gray-and-white wallpaper covers the ceiling, and a hand-knotted wool rug featuring rich hues of terra cotta, green and black grounds the space.

“You have to determine who is going to be the star of the show and who is going to be the supporting player,” Ebert explains. “For this room, the wallpaper and rug are the stars, and we brought in other pieces to support.”

The Walker family fully enjoys their new home, which is now a chic, comfortable space for their multigenerational household.

“The process was a labor of love,” Stephen says, “but we are so happy being in a home that reflects our personal style without sacrificing the practicality required for a growing family.” SP

Teeing up the Presidents Cup QUAIL HOLLOW CLUB READIES FOR THE PERFECT MATCH.

by Michael J. Solender

When Arnold Palmer visited Quail Hollow Club for the last time in 2013, the legendary golfer had some words of wisdom for longtime club president Johnny Harris.

“He put his arm around me, and said, ‘Johnny, your mother and dad would be very pleased with everything that’s happened here, but just remember — greatness is a continuous process, and don’t ever stop trying to be great,’” recalls Harris, chairman and CEO of real-estate developer Lincoln Harris. “And I promise you, one of the things that we do here at Quail Hollow is try to be a place where greatness has a home.”

Palmer need not have worried. Harris and his team are making certain that “greatness” translates to outsized economic, cultural and philanthropic impact for the region.

Harris’ father, James J. Harris, helped found the south Charlotte course on family land in 1961 after encouragement from Palmer, who was then at the peak of his career. From 1969 to 1979, the club hosted the Kemper Open, a PGA Tour event. The PGA Championship, one of professional golf’s four major tournaments, was held here in 2017 (the event returns to Quail Hollow in 2025).

Typically in the spring, golf fans — along with throngs of casual spectators — descend on Quail Hollow for the Wells Fargo Championship, held annually since 2003. Instead, this spring the tournament will move temporarily to Maryland’s TPC Potomac as the club prepares for another stage.

September 20-25, Quail Hollow Club will host the PGA Tour’s Presidents Cup, a biennial global team competition pitting the top professional U.S. golfers against top golfers from the rest of the world excluding Europe.

With more than 40,000 people expected to attend daily for the better part of a week, the 257-acre property will hold more people than the nearby cities of Statesville, Matthews, Indian Trail or Mooresville. Millions more in the U.S. and internationally will view the tournament live on television. Tour estimates project the tournament will generate a regional economic impact of more than $100 million.

The tournament was originally slated for 2021, but the pandemic forced the Tour to delay the event. The club is only the fifth U.S. golf course to host the prestigious team match-play competition, which alternates between venues in the U.S. and overseas.

Guests who regularly turn out for the Wells Fargo Championship will notice a few changes when attending the Presidents Cup. The course layout has been rerouted, with Quail Hollow’s famed “Green Mile” — usually holes 16, 17 and 18 — played as holes 13, 14 and 15. This makes the course better suited for the Presidents Cup’s match-play format, in which the outcome can often be decided earlier than the 18th hole. Each 12-person team will compete in a total of 30 matches.

The Cup offers four days of competition, a distinction from the three-day Ryder Cup, which pits top U.S. players against Europe’s elite. The tournament begins on Thursday, when a first-tee experience will create a “stadium-like atmosphere” for players and fans, according to event organizers. The competition continues Friday through Sunday.

The Presidents Cup is a unique golf event in that there is no purse, or prize money. (The Ryder Cup takes a similar approach in alternating years.) Players are not paid to participate, but each competitor allocates an equal portion of the funds raised to charities of his choice. Since its inception in 1994, more than $54.4 million has been raised for charity from event proceeds and other contributions.

“Immersing ourselves into the Charlotte community was one of the first priorities we laid out for the 2022 Presidents Cup,” says Executive Tournament Director Adam Sperling. “Part of what defines this city are the many nonprofit organizations giving back to the heart of this community, anchored by key leaders who have created stability and growth while establishing a pathway of success for future generations.”

Six nonprofit organizations in the Charlotte region will each receive contributions of more than $150,000 from this year’s Cup. These include the Charlotte chapter of The First Tee, Augustine Literacy Project-Charlotte, Charlotte Family Housing, NXT/CLT, Renaissance West Community Initiative and Lorien Academy of the Arts.

Johno Harris, president of Lincoln Harris and tournament chair, notes that community outreach goes well beyond financial contributions. “Wells Fargo, Quail Hollow Club and the PGA Tour founded the nonprofit Champions for Education program in 2002 to work directly with HBCUs, including Johnson C. Smith University,” Harris says. “The Presidents Cup is hosting golf outings at Quail Hollow Club pairing students and partner organizations in a casual setting to help make lasting community connections.”

On Aug. 29, the Presidents Cup will debut The Charlie Sifford Centennial Cup. The exhibition match will feature six of the top men’s golf programs at U.S. historically Black colleges and universities competing under Presidents Cup formatting at Quail Hollow Club. Johnson C. Smith is the event’s host school.

Sperling, who’s been working on the event since 2018, is in continuous motion, coordinating an army of local vendors, suppliers and municipal assistance in preparation for the event. Constructing a tournament village for the Presidents Cup requires a broad level of operational support, from transportation, security and hospitality, to construction, permitting and other infrastructure needs.

The numbers reveal the scale — the tournament will be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in Charlotte. More than 1,400 volunteers had signed up at press time. Upward of 400 media credentials are allocated for the event. The tournament will host more than 100 private hospitality units for groups of 12 to more than 100, Sperling says.

Last fall, Center City Partners introduced the Presidents Cup team captains, Charlotte native Davis Love III of the U.S. Team and Trevor Immelman of the International Team, at the unveiling of a special Presidents Cup mural in Uptown. “This event brings national and international media, and the opportunity to participate in storytelling about the vibrancy of our city as a growing, diverse, and inclusive business and hospitality hub,” says Michael J. Smith, CEO of CCP. “We look forward to additional fan activations in Uptown this fall.”

Quail Hollow is ready for the spotlight. Infrastructure spending on the club over the last 30 years exceeds $42 million, Harris says, with most of those funds coming directly from professional golf. Improvements include a paved road along the perimeter of the course, additional gated entrances, improved parking, course enhancements and expansion of the practice facilities.

“This club has evolved into a venue for major championship golf,” Love said at a Presidents Cup media event last fall. “It’s built for it.”

Regardless of which team takes home the Cup in September, the event is a win for Charlotte, according to Tom Murray, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “It’s an incredible win for the region to host the Presidents Cup and gain the benefit of the prestige and international exposure of an event of this caliber,” Murray says.

That’s a hole-in-one. SP

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

2022 PRESIDENTS CUP SEPTEMBER 20-25, QUAIL HOLLOW CLUB

Tuesday and Wednesday are noncompetition rounds; the Presidents Cup competition runs Thursday through Sunday. General admission tickets for spectators are priced dynamically but start at $40 for Tuesday, $60 for Wednesday and $100 for Thursday-Sunday. At press time, tickets for Friday and Saturday were nearly sold out.

All tickets provide access to several on-course public venues featuring fare from Charlotte-based restaurants and an opportunity to stand along the rope line to watch the players.

Captains’ Club ticket packages allow fans access to a hospitality space between holes 1 and 8 at Quail Hollow Club in a venue offering expansive views of the course. The space includes a large balcony, a sports-bar environment, and premium food and beverage options. Captains’ Club weekly tickets (Wednesday-Sunday) start at $750; daily tickets start at $175 for Wednesday and $250 for Thursday through Sunday. presidentscup.com

South African golfer Trevor Immelman, left, and Charlotte native Davis Love III, right, are the 2022 Presidents Cup team captains.

DAY OUT IN Davidson

A COLLEGE TOWN COMES OF AGE. | by Page Leggett | photographs by Justin Driscoll

Davidson, the town, is as easy to get to from Charlotte as Davidson, the elite liberal arts college is hard to get into. Just 25 minutes from uptown Charlotte, it’s a straight shot up Interstate 77 to Exit 30, notable for having views of Lake Norman on both sides.

The exit ramp to the town is unlike the ones leading to Cornelius, Huntersville and other lakeside towns in the area. There are no big-box stores or neon signs. Davidson has managed to maintain its picturesque appeal even as it’s grown to become a town of 15,106 residents (according to 2020 census data), up 38% from 10 years prior.

The college gave the town its name and identity. Davidson College was founded by the Presbyterian Church and opened its doors in 1837. The college and the town government were one and the same in the beginning. The town was even incorporated as Davidson College, North Carolina, in 1879. (It became just plain Davidson in 1891.)

Davidson has long been concerned about staying small and holding onto its character. In 1973, developers proposed a seemingly outlandish idea: bringing Marine World (the theme park now known as Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) to Davidson. Citizens protested, loudly. They wanted to preserve the Davidson they knew.

The town even has a vision statement, which makes it clear that Davidson intends to chart its own course, separate and distinct from Charlotte and other Mecklenburg towns surrounding the Queen City. It reads:

Davidson remains committed to controlling our own destiny as a distinct, sustainable and sovereign small town. Our sense of community is rooted in citizens who respect each other; in racial and socioeconomic diversity; and in pedestrian and bicycle orientation; all in the presence of a small liberal arts college. Our history and character guide our future.

Fried chicken sandwiches, doughnuts, bowls and salads are just a few items on the menu at milkbread, the new counterservice spot in Davidson from the team behind Kindred and Hello, Sailor.

It was Kindred, the Main Street mainstay, that first put Davidson on the culinary map. Katy and Joe Kindred’s mid-priced, farm-to fork dining establishment gave Charlotteans a delicious reason to make the trek up the interstate. Now the restaurant with a national reputation (Joe is a five-time semifinalist for the James Beard Awards’ Best Chef Southeast) has taken its beloved starter, milk bread, and spun it off into a bright and bustling, open-all-day casual dining spot.

You’ll find milkbread at one of the town’s signature roundabouts before you even reach Main Street. Don’t let the crowd — there may be one — dissuade you. Service at the counter-service restaurant moves swiftly.

It was a happy surprise to see a Kindred-style composed salad (the Green Goddess Cobb, with little gem lettuce, smoked ham, bacon, bleu cheese and egg) on the menu, though here it’s served in a sturdy paper bowl. You’ll get your own utensils and soda or water, and take a number. A server — they’re as friendly as they are at Kindred — will promptly drop off your order.

The menu is divided into toasts and biscuits (avocado, Nutella, roasted mushroom and more); bowls and salads; and crispy chicken (sandwiches and tenders). Sides include the grandfather’s pickles Kindred has become known for, citrusy coleslaw, fries, mac and cheese, and crispy cauliflower. Beverages range from homemade Meyer lemonade to espresso, coffee and tea to beer, cider and wine. Those in the know won’t pass up milkbread’s doughnuts: The cake-like delicacies are served in original glazed or milk chocolate-coated. Milkbread mini cinnies are sold by the half-dozen.

Signs of Charlotte-Davidson cross-pollination are everywhere. Sabor Latin Street Grill is in the same retail center as milkbread. Famous Toastery is on Main Street. Another milkbread will be coming to Charlotte, to 1431 Central Ave., later this year. milkbread, open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. makes the perfect start to a day in Davidson. But don’t stop here, even though breakfast or lunch at this light, airy spot fully satisfies. Keep heading down Jetton Road until you get to Davidson College’s campus and the most charming Main Street since Mayberry.

It’s gotten harder in recent years to find (always free) on-street parking on Main Street. But Davidson has a couple of public lots (also free) accessible from Main Street. Adding to the charm on one recent day were the sounds of church bells, the smell of fresh-cut grass on the college’s campus and the occasional car horn. Not to hurry someone along, mind you. It was a driver motioning for a pedestrian to go ahead and cross.

Davidson offers more noteworthy restaurants than you’ll have time to experience in just one visit. Take a coffee break at Summit Coffee. If you happen to be here in the evening, you might catch trivia night, open-

Summit Coffee

The pimento cheese BLT on cornbread at The Pickled Peach

“Common Ground” by North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty on view at Davidson College

mic night or a local performer. If it’s nice out, take your coffee to the lively back deck.

The rambling Pickled Peach offers seasonally driven, local and often organic sandwiches and salads, plus juices, tea, coffee, beer and wine and a market with artisan groceries and to-go meals. Davidson Ice House, open for lunch and dinner in a historic, red-brick space on Main Street is owned and run by chef/author Jen Brulé. Choose from chef-created bowls or build your own with a base, protein, four toppings, spread and a sauce or dressing. Brulé may look familiar: She was the on-air chef for WCNC, Charlotte’s NBC affiliate, and in 2019, she was one of just six chefs chosen from around the nation to compete on the Food Network’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge.

Flatiron Kitchen & Taphouse, in the distinctive Flatiron building, is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Dinner entrees range from a burger with cheddar and bacon jam to a grass-fed ribeye with coffee-sumac dry rub.

College-town commerce

A smattering of local retailers makes for an “unchained” shopping experience on Main Street.

Main Street Books, open for more than 30 years, makes a good starting point. Well-worn hardwood floors welcome you to the small, well-curated shop. Don’t let its size fool you: This little spot attracts nationally known authors, including David Sedaris. They also have a section spotlighting selections by local authors.

Moxie Mercantile and grow, a plant shop, are two Charlotte retailers with outposts in Davidson. Moxie carries handmade and vintage finds, and grow offers plants, cards, candles and gifts.

The women’s clothing/accessories boutique, MINE

by Sandy, offers two Davidson locations — an intimate space on Main Street and a larger shop across Jetton Street from milkbread. Owner Sandy Bowers carries brands such as Frank & Eileen, Sundry, White + Warren and Citizens of Humanity.

Shop for furniture, home accessories, kitchen items and gourmet foods and gifts at Honeysuckle Home. Janie and Scot Slusarick have operated their Davidson store since 2017. Their original location is in Elkin, an hour’s drive north up I-77.

A trip to Davidson should include a stroll around the college. The historic campus is on the other side of Main Street from the shops and restaurants. Look for the sculpture made of hardwood tree branches. “Common Ground” by North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty is rustic art you can walk in, around and through. Another notable work is Magdalena Abakanowicz’s “The Group of Ten,” a collection of 10 headless bronze “bodies” of varying heights acquired by the college in 2012.

Stick around for dinner, and enjoy al fresco dining at several Main Street spots. Make a full day and night of it, and check out what’s on at Davidson Community Players. Upcoming

grow, a plant shop

shows include Legally Blonde, Noises Off and Murder on the Orient Express.

Davidson has managed to hold onto what makes it special. It’s a small town that, despite its growth, still feels like a small town — albeit one with dining that’s worth the drive. SP

A SHORT DRIVE NORTH OF CHARLOTTE, WINSTON-SALEM IS RICH WITH HISTORY, ART AND AN EMERGING CULINARY SCENE.

by Cathy Martin

n a Saturday night at Bailey Power Plant in downtown Winston-Salem, wide-eyed children watch as pizza chefs at Cugino Forno toss dough high in the air before turning their attention to the spinning rainbow of Italian gelato in the rotating freezer by the register. The line to order stretches about 20-deep, with customers scanning the busy warehouse-like space for an open table.

Next door at Incendiary Brewing, started by two locals in 2018, the crowd sways and sings along with the band playing in the corner — it’s standing room only at the bar, where patrons line up to order porters, pilsners and American IPAs. A light rain is falling, but that doesn’t stop the crowd from the restaurant and the brewery from spilling out onto the patio outside. It’s dubbed the Coal Pit, a reference to the space’s former life as a coal-fired plant powering downtown factories.

For nearly a century, tobacco, textiles and banking were the lifeblood of Winston-Salem — which, it’s worth noting, is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Today, former downtown factories and warehouses have been transformed into offices, research labs, apartments, shops and restaurants. And the vibe is electric.

While tobacco is no longer the celebrated industry it was a century ago, the same families that benefited from it — the Reynolds, Grays and Hanes, to name a few — also invested deeply in their community, with a lasting impact. Home to a half-dozen colleges and universities, including Wake Forest University and UNC School of the Arts, there’s a real sense of place here. Whether strolling through Reynolda Gardens or sipping cocktails at The Katharine in the iconic R.J. Reynolds Building, there are reminders of the city’s illustrious history everywhere you turn.

Bailey Power Plant

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an affinity for this Triad city with a deep appreciation for the arts and historic preservation. On a recent weekend in the Twin City (Winston and Salem were, until 1913, two separate towns), I revisited a few old favorites and made some surprising new discoveries.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Whether you’re in town for the day — Winston-Salem is an easy 1.5-hour drive up Interstate 77 from Charlotte — or plan to make a weekend of it, here are a few ideas for your visit.

STAY

The Graylyn Estate

This country estate-turned-hotel offers an authentic WinstonSalem experience. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco executive Bowman Gray and his wife, Nathalie, built the Norman Revival property in the late 1920s, one of the last of the great American country homes. Now an 85-room hotel owned by Wake Forest University, Graylyn is filled with architectural elements inspired by the couple’s travels, from the carved stone doorway and antique mantel from France in the front hall to hand-painted, carved wood panels from Istanbul in the Persian card room. Outside, you’ll find plenty of locals and college students walking, jogging and cycling around

The Katharine at Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, left, Hotel Indigo, top right, and Graylyn Estate, bottom right the meticulously landscaped 54-acre property. The on-site butler staff is eager to share details about the home, from the origins of the handcrafted ironwork and hand-painted tiles throughout the property to fascinating facts about the Gray family history.

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

If the 22-story Art Deco-style downtown building — the tallest skyscraper in the South when it opened in 1929 — is reminiscent of New York’s iconic Empire State Building, it’s because the two structures were designed by the same architects. Even if you’re not staying overnight at the 174-room hotel, it’s worth a visit to the Cardinal’s lively cocktail bar and restaurant, The Katharine, named for the one of the city’s grande dames, tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds’ wife, Katharine Reynolds.

Hotel Indigo

The 75-room Hotel Indigo opened in 2019 in downtown’s historic Pepper Building. The six-story building, previously home to a department store, a furniture store and offices, combines Art Deco elements with midcentury design. Original pendant lights and wood floors were preserved in the renovation, and art from UNC School of the Arts and Sawtooth School for Visual Art are displayed throughout the property. In the lobby, the Sir Winston Wine Loft & Restaurant is an ideal spot for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail or bite to eat.

EXPLORE

Reynolda House, Gardens and Village

Across the street from Graylyn, Reynolda House is a country estate-turned museum where you can fill an entire afternoon. The house boasts an impressive collection of more than 200 works of American art — Georgia O’Keeffe, Thomas Cole, Mary Cassatt and Jasper Johns are all represented — along with rotating exhibitions. Katharine Reynolds envisioned a self-sufficient village to support the couple’s 34,000-squarefoot home, completed in 1917. Today, Reynolda Village, once home to a dairy barn, school, smokehouse and more, is a walkable collection of boutique shops and restaurants. Dough-Joe’s, opened in 2019 by two Wake Forest alumni, is a must-visit: Doughnuts in classic and a few unexpected flavors — the Earl Grey glaze was a pleasant surprise — are made-to-order and served warm. (If you like Duck Donuts, you’ll love Dough-Joe’s.) Pair with a lavender or caramel latte for a midday treat. If you’re hungry for something more substantial, other village picks include May Way Dumplings and Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop. The adjacent 134-acre garden makes for a peaceful detour — take a leisurely stroll through the formal gardens or stretch your legs on the 1.7-mile loop through a woodland forest and a large meadow filled with native grasses and wildflowers.

Bailey Power Plant

After a $40 million renovation, this former coal-fired power plant in downtown’s Innovation Quarter is now home to a growing number of offices, shops and restaurants. Start with beers at Incendiary Brewing, one of 10 craft breweries downtown, and nosh on Neapolitan-style

Reynolda Gardens, top left, Reynolda Village, bottom left, and ARTivity on the Green, right

pizza cooked in ovens imported from Naples at Cugino Forno, an offshoot of the original Greensboro spot that opened Revolution Mill in 2017. Expect a crowd on weekends, from groups of students to families and friends meeting up for a casual meal. Finish the evening with espresso martinis at Black Mountain Chocolate Bar. Wood-fired restaurant Six Hundred Degrees is the newest restaurant to open here, with small plates, shareables, steaks, seafood and more cooked over oak and hickory coals. Nearby, Krankie’s Coffee is a local favorite for breakfast and brunch.

Old Salem Museum & Gardens

Did you even go to Winston-Salem if you didn’t snap a photo at Old Salem’s covered pedestrian bridge or stop by the Winkler Bakery for homemade Moravian cookies or cake? The shop sells an array of fresh-baked goods — the spicy cheese stars are a delightful savory snack — along with assorted jams, honey and other items. Fuel up with coffee at the Muddy Creek Cafe and imagine life in the 1700s, when Moravians settled here, as you stroll through this living museum and historic neighborhood. Other stops worth checking out include the Miksch House — Salem’s first single-family home built in 1771 — and the potter’s studio, where craftsmen throw pots in the Moravian ceramics tradition. Salem Pathways is a new way to explore the district: Choose a fictional character based on real-life individuals who lived in or visited Salem, and with the help of your smartphone, tour the area through their eyes.

Six Hundred Degrees

GETTING AROUND

Triad Eco Adventures offers guided Segway tours of downtown, Old Salem and Salem Creek Greenway to the Quarry at Grant Park, a unique public green space where you can take in skyline views of the city. If you’re a first-timer, not to worry — TEA’s guides will get you oriented to your Segway before heading out on the town. Trolley and e-bike tours and rentals are also available.

EAT+DRINK

Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro is a cozy corner spot near downtown serving lunch, brunch and dinner. Here you’ll find fresh salads and sandwiches along with gourmet takes on Southern classics like tomato pie, fried chicken, and shrimp and grits.

At Spring House Restaurant Kitchen & Bar, come for dinner or cocktails in the library bar, a lively gathering spot that’s a nod to the 100-year-old building’s history as offices for the local public library. The former family home was restored and converted to a restaurant in 2012. Blow your diet and start with the bread service — choose from sundried tomato tapenade, whipped goat cheese, honey bacon jam or pimento cheese (or all four) served alongside assorted fresh-baked breads from Camino Bakery (another local spot worth a visit, with several locations around town). The menu is updated seasonally, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. No dainty portions here — expect a hearty meal. The fried cauliflower with kimchi mayo is a must-order.

Young Cardinal Café & Co. is a busy downtown spot for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch, with Benedicts, sandwiches, pancakes and waffles and a stellar huevos rancheros. Other local hot spots include Sweet Potatoes, which serves Southern-inspired dishes in downtown’s eclectic Arts District. Chef Stephanie Tyson was a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast, as was Peyton Smith, founder of Mission Pizza Napoletana. Downtown, ROAR is a new four-story dining and entertainment venue with a rooftop bar, bowling, golf simulators, live music and more. SP

dynamic women O F C H A R L O T T E

SouthPark introduces you to a group of energetic, innovative women, all making a mark on our community in significant ways. Discover the driving force behind their businesses, the talents they possess and the inspiration that pushes them to be their best.

Judy Miller, JK Miller Designs Jenny Crane McHugh, Campbell + Charlotte Alyssa Wilen, Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen Heather Mackey, Mackey Realty Nilou Henderson, Henderson Ventures I Ziba Luxury Salon & Spa I Stage of Designs Jackie Paynter, Drybar Michelle Renée, Bellezza Boutique Chris Black, Cottingham Chalk Maria Siragusa, Chez Marie Vicky Mitchener, Dickens Mitchener

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JUDY MILLER

JK MILLER DESIGNS

Judy Miller views interior design much like solving a puzzle, pulling pieces together that are cohesive and inviting, yet sophisticated and beautiful. However, for her, interior design is about something more, it’s about community.

It’s the relationships she cultivates with clients, sharing her skills and passion to refresh and elevate their spaces in ways that uplift them. And it’s in the collective, detailed efforts of those in the industry that she relies on – from manufacturers to seamstresses – who help bring designs to fruition in countless, unsung ways.

“We are building a community, and it can be built in different ways,” Miller says. “For me, design is a way I can use my talents to give back. I believe everyone – no matter the budget – deserves to live in a beautiful space.”

Miller’s ability to see beyond the walls and create spaces that work for people in today’s times is the foundation of her design process. She focuses on a client-centered experience, relying on her thoughtful, creative and collaborative approach with clients. With a commitment to beauty and integrity, she is mindful of clients’ budgets and goals. Building on what a client already owns, she often repurposes or rearranges pieces, or adds elements that bring new life to a space.

Miller recognizes the design process can be overwhelming, especially with the multitude of online options and the pandemic’s push for people to create balance and harmony in their homes. She strives for clients to enjoy the process, not simply the end result. Empowering them with sensible choices, she is committed to making a home functional and stylish, as well as a reflection of the person who lives in it. “My job never feels like work,” Miller says. “Each home is as unique and special as the people who reside there.” Her goal is to continue building community one home at a time.

JK Miller Designs 704.576.3092 jkmillerdesigns.com judy@jkmillerdesigns.com @jkmillerdesigns

PHOTO: GINA KANG

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JENNY CRANE McHUGH

CAMPBELL + CHARLOTTE

Life isn’t always rainbows and stars. But when Jenny Crane McHugh dreamt of her Juju collection, that’s where she started.

“The jewelry is literally childhood doodles translated into pieces we want to wear today,” she says. “It’s remembering the things that made us happy.” Linking happiness and fine jewelry is essential to McHugh, who launched Campbell + Charlotte three years ago. She designs the jewelry, with each piece handmade in New York City.

“Jewelry is serious because it’s an investment, but it should also make you giddy every time you put it on,” McHugh says. After pursuing a promising corporate career, the birth of her daughter pointed McHugh in a new direction. Feeling unfulfilled, she left her job, determined to prove success can come from pursuing your dreams. Campbell + Charlotte is a nod to daughter Campbell and her love for the city McHugh has grown to call home.

She describes her newest collection, The Edge, as an exploration into resiliency and empathy. The whimsical, imaginative pieces – all created during the pandemic – offer an escape from a stressful time. Each of McHugh’s lines showcase her love of color and gemstones.

She also designs custom jewelry, ranging from new pieces and engagement/wedding bands to heirloom pieces reimagined. “I call it treasure hunting in your jewelry box,” she says. “Being able to play a role in those special occasions or bringing a piece back to life brings me so much joy.”

McHugh’s jewelry reflects her experiences and emotions as a mother and her hope to inspire Campbell. She translates those into design elements she can build upon. “I always lead with that,” she adds. “I hope over the years Campbell can see what I built and is proud of me.”

PHOTOS: AMANDA ANDERSON

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ALYSSA WILEN

CHEF ALYSSA’S KITCHEN

For Alyssa Wilen, or “Chef Alyssa,” cooking is all about connections. Connecting with people as she teaches cooking skills through her ever-popular weekly classes. Connecting with local farmers as she plans menus for her to-go lunches and family table meals. And connecting with staff as she brainstorms ideas for seasonal recipes, kids’ culinary camps and expansion of her virtual classes – named one of the best by Food & Wine Magazine.

“I love when people tell me that something I taught changed how they think about food or how a class gave them more confidence in the kitchen,” Wilen says.

A Charlotte native, Wilen’s career combines her love of creative arts and fine food. After working for 12 years in the restaurant industry and being named an executive chef at 26, she opened Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen in 2013 with husband Andrew. The goal: to create a comfortable social environment where guests learn to cook and eat well.

In 2018, they moved to a larger, custom-designed space in lower South End. Classes are offered at five ability levels and range from basic meals bootcamps to Mediterranean street food. Virtual classes can be purchased online and viewed anytime.

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen also offers an assortment of boxed and bulk lunch options, made fresh daily for pickup or delivery, as well as family dinners and seasonal holiday meals to go, crafted with care and local ingredients. “We’re putting wonderful food in a togo form and sending you food we love,” Wilen says.

As the business has continued to grow, so have Wilen’s awards. But while the recognition is nice, the mom of two just wants people to experience wholesome food. “It’s easy to get great food on the table,” she says. “And I love teaching people how to do that.”

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen 4001-C Yancey Road, #100, Charlotte, NC 28217 chefalyssaskitchen.com info@chefalyssaskitchen.com @chefalyssaclt

PHOTO: CHEF ALYSSA’S KITCHEN

PHOTO: JUSTIN DRISCOLL

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HEATHER MACKEY

MACKEY REALTY

The first thing Heather Mackey wants someone to know about her boutique real estate firm is not about herself. It’s about her agents. “I work for my agents, who are incredible people,” she says. “We all take personal approaches to selling real estate, but everyone is part of a team, supporting and learning from each other.”

They also do a lot of listening, with the goal of understanding how best to help clients with their real estate needs. They call it the “Mackey Method,” ensuring attentive, hands-on collaboration with every buyer and seller each step of the way.

After 14 years in the real estate business, Mackey opened her own company a year and a half ago. Mackey Realty serves North and South Carolina with a client driven-foundation and a personable, forward-focused approach. A mom of three girls, Mackey has been in Charlotte for over 20 years and loves harnessing the knowledge of her network for the benefit of her clients. From neighborhood details like traffic to schools, she enjoys sharing everything they need to know for that most important decision of buying a home.

“We believe clients are like family,” Mackey says. “I love meeting different types of people and learning more about their lives and goals. And I love to tell the story of Charlotte. It has something for everyone.”

Mackey agents are dedicated, resourceful and responsive. In today’s chaotic, tight real estate market, they strive to make the process fun and rewarding for clients, while offering strategic expertise and continuous communication throughout. “The industry is different from anything any of us have ever seen,” she says. “You have to embrace and appreciate it.”

Mackey Realty LLC 708 East Boulevard, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28203 704.919.0073 mackeyrealty.com @mackeyrealtyclt

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NILOU HENDERSON

HENDERSON VENTURES ZIBA LUXURY SALON & SPA STAGE OF DESIGNS

Nilou Henderson is a busy woman. Along with her two daughters, she juggles running three businesses: Henderson Ventures, Ziba Luxury Salon & Spa and Stage of Designs.

Stage of Designs is a full-service design firm, focusing on new construction, renovations, interior design and home staging. It’s a perfect complement to Henderson Ventures, an exclusive real estate brokerage firm she owns and operates with her husband, former NBA player Gerald Henderson. “We started Stage of Designs with the goal to be a one-stop shop for our clients,” Nilou says. “We want to deliver a white-glove service to everyone we work with.” Having moved around with Gerald’s NBA career, the Hendersons understand the importance of confidentiality when it comes to selling or buying a home and provide a seamless, rewarding client experience.

Right next door at Ziba – a full-service luxury Aveda salon and spa in Piedmont Town Center – customers can enjoy a cocktail or espresso while they relax and get pampered. The salon name means beauty, reflecting Nilou’s Persian roots. Raised to work hard and stay humble, she came to the United States as a young girl from Iran, where women have fewer rights.

“Leadership and empowering others are things I feel I have been called to do,” Nilou says. “I enjoy creating opportunities and successfully executing the goals and vision that I have manifested.”

Having a strong team and learning to delegate and trust allows Nilou to balance her roles as wife, mom and business owner. No matter how hectic life gets, she appreciates the freedom and opportunity to live out her dreams. “I want my girls to know they can do anything,” she says.

Henderson Ventures Ziba Luxury Salon & Spa Stage of Designs 4620 Piedmont Row Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 hendersonventuresinc.com zibaluxury.com stageofdesigns.com

PHOTO: TYLER REHBOCK/TEN THIRTEEN VISUALS LLC

PHOTO: WESLIE WOODLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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JACKIE PAYNTER

DRYBAR

“I bleed yellow,” laughs Drybar owner Jackie Paynter, referring to the signature colors of the blowout salon’s logo and the dedication required in running your own business. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s also the most rewarding.”

As a native Charlottean, opening a Drybar franchise in Paynter’s hometown seemed like a natural fit. After 20 years in the beauty industry, she combined her passions – a love for people and a love for beauty – into a new career. Drybar’s promise to focus on one thing – deliver beautiful blowouts – and to do it well, spoke to her.

With two locations in SouthPark and South End, Drybar pushed through the pandemic thanks to talented stylists and loyal clients. Weekend appointments can now be hard to come by, as more people venture out and enjoy special events again. It’s the outward glow and inner confidence clients get from a Drybar service that keeps them coming back.

Creating long-lasting client relationships as well as a company culture where employees want to work are top priorities for Paynter. She continually evaluates opportunities for future growth, as she meets new customers every day at Drybar. She’s encouraged by the ever-present demand, and she’s inspired by her two young daughters to build a business that reflects her values.

“I’ve given my heart and soul to the business,” Paynter says. “As a business owner, you succeed at times, and you fail at others. But solving problems, putting in the work and doing things the right way are lifelong lessons I strive to show them.”

Drybar Specialty Shops at SouthPark 6401 Carnegie Boulevard, Suite 9A, Charlotte, NC 28211 704.749.2159 Atherton Mill 2120 South Boulevard, Suite 4, Charlotte, NC 28203 704.665.1903 drybarshops.com @drybarshops_charlotte & @jackiepaynter

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MICHELLE RENÉE

BELLEZZA BOUTIQUE

Music has always been Michelle Renée’s first love. An international recording artist, she has traveled the world performing and continues to do so now, regionally and locally. Step into Bellezza, her high fashion boutique at Phillips Place, and you’ll see those worldwide influences reflected in her merchandise.

“Owning a boutique has been so fulfilling in that I’m able to bring beautiful, international apparel to the Queen City,” Renée says. “My goal is for all women to feel amazing and look beautiful when they leave Bellezza.”

Renée hand selects the wide variety of accessories and women’s clothing, designed to embrace the beauty of every woman’s body type and style. Private appointments and fittings are also available.

Bellezza opened during the pandemic, a challenging time for small business owners and retail. But thanks to her team of talented stylists and their enthusiasm for helping clients look and feel their best, the store continues to thrive. In recent months as things have continued to open up, Renée has seen a shift in what her clients want, opting for more lovely, stylish pieces rather than leggings and loungewear.

“The ladies of this lovely city have supported me all along,” Renée says. “I remained true to my vision, and it’s been gratifying to bring new and unique pieces to Charlotte.”

In addition to performing and traveling internationally, Renée is a passionate animal advocate, serving on the board of Operation CARE, an animal welfare and rescue organization, and fostering dogs on a regular basis. She also owns East Coast Match, an elite matchmaking firm.

While extremely busy, Renée enjoys being involved in so many different things. “Bellezza is my happy place,” she says. “And I’m thrilled to share it.”

Bellezza 6822-F Phillips Place Court, Charlotte, NC 28210 980.819.6100 bellezza-boutique.com @bellezzacharlotte

PHOTO: JUSTIN DRISCOLL

PHOTO: STEPHEN DEY

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CHRIS BLACK

COTTINGHAM CHALK

Chris Black’s clients have plenty of wonderful words to describe her qualities as a Realtor. From responsive and receptive to knowledgeable and experienced, all agree her personalized, clients-first approach delivers impressive results. But it’s her skill as an expert negotiator, along with her courteous demeanor, that comes up most often.

“An iron fist in a velvet glove,” one client remarked. Buying and selling a home in Charlotte’s tight real estate market has never been more stressful, with multiple offers for sellers and little to choose from for buyers. But Black never wavers from how she does business. “You can work through hard situations and be kind, yet still get so much done,” she says. “I am a strong negotiator.” Black has modeled her career after her father’s, a man of faith who had great success as a large business owner. She credits her clients – many of whom have become longtime friends – as the reason her business has continued to grow and thrive throughout the years. Customers she once helped find the perfect home for with the right schools and neighborhoods are now the ones she’s helping to downsize.

Black also has extensive experience as a corporate relocation specialist. One of Cottingham Chalk’s top producers in 2021, she was honored by the National Association of Realtors with the status of Realtor Emeritus for valuable and lasting contributions to the real estate profession.

Her hobbies – triathlons, half-marathons and water sports – reflect her competitive, determined spirit. She holds two medals for 5-mile swims across Lake Waccamaw, her favorite place to be.

Licensed in North and South Carolina, Black continues to find great joy in assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs. “This is my story,” she says. “I’ve made great friends, and I love selling Charlotte and its beautiful surrounding communities.”

Chris Black 6846 Carnegie Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28211 704.578.7818 cblack@cottinghamchalk.com @chris.black.realtor

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MARIA SIRAGUSA

CHEZ MARIE

For Maria Siragusa, her life experiences prepared the perfect path to open her own café and patisserie, Chez Marie. Growing up in Ukraine, she learned to cook from her mom. Her design studies took her to Milan, and then on to Ukraine, Switzerland and Miami for jobs in interior and graphic design. She and husband Daniel landed in Charlotte seven years ago, opening Pizzeria Omaggio.

Her passion for baking followed her daughter’s first birthday, when Siragusa experimented with homemade desserts with less sugar. That led to dessert and pastry classes in the United States and Europe, some online training and an online dessert business.

“I love hands-on work, whether it’s piping an éclair or stretching and folding a piece of bread,” Siragusa says. “It’s like modeling in design. I can’t wait to see where it ends up. There is a sense of perfection that distinguishes our desserts.”

Siragusa and her staff make everything from scratch at Chez Marie, offering exquisite desserts (eclairs, profiteroles, tarts and madeleines), breads with an assortment of flavored butters, and puff-pastry specialties like croissants. Guests can also order from a small menu of salads, sandwiches and crepes, along with espresso, tea, wine and champagne. The café has a catering menu for weddings and events, with plans to sell seasonal desserts and gift baskets.

The beautiful, wood-paneled interior, along with cozy outdoor seating, provides the perfect backdrop for international ambiance. “People relate a place and experience to taste,” Siragusa says. “We hope our desserts inspire people to come back often and discover new things.”

Chez Marie 4732 Sharon Road, Suite M, Charlotte, NC 28210 704.910.3013 chezmarieclt.com @chezmarieclt

PHOTO: CHEZ MARIE

PHOTO: THE SCOUT GUIDE CHARLOTTE

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VICKY MITCHENER

DICKENS MITCHENER

Vicky Mitchener has a lot to celebrate. Her residential real estate firm Dickens Mitchener recently marked 30 years in business, hitting record sales of more than $1 billion in 2021. It’s a remarkable achievement any year, but especially notable amid the pandemic and historic low inventory. She credits the company’s success to its 110 agents and a supportive, collaborative environment.

“Our philosophy is we don’t necessarily want to be big; we want to be at the top in our field,” Mitchener says. Placing a premium on training, Dickens Mitchener offers mentoring programs for new agents and ongoing opportunities for those who are established. She also requires agents to be full time.

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments in someone’s lifetime,” Mitchener says. “A real estate agent’s fiduciary responsibility is tremendous. I don’t believe it should be something you do casually or part time.”

Doing what’s right and best for clients in the long term, as well as responsive, personal communication, are guiding principles at Dickens Mitchener. While technology is helpful and saves time, listening to clients is essential. “Every home and every client are special and unique,” Mitchener says. “A computer can’t tell you that.”

Mitchener and husband Bill are the proud parents of three daughters. A native North Carolinian, avid snow skier and enthusiastic community volunteer, she launched the Homeowners Impact Fund in 2020, a nonprofit that has raised more than $200,000 so far to combat homelessness in Charlotte. The goal: Every real estate firm at every closing asks those involved – from buyers and sellers to attorneys to agents – to donate a minimum of $10. “It’s a way to harness the power of collective giving,” Mitchener says. “Closing on a home is full of hope and promise. It’s those same emotions we hope to bring to those struggling with homelessness.” Vicky Mitchener 2330 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 704.517.0177 vickymitchener.dickensmitchener.com @vcmliving