Today's Charlotte Woman March 2015

VOL 18 | NO 11 | COMPLIMENTARY | MARCH 2015

Women In The City STYLE Down To Business In The Queen City

Love Thy Sister Charlotte Socialites Ruby, Ellen & Ione Rucker Get Real On WEtv

Bothered by Crooked Teeth?

3 Ways to Get “Straight Teeth Fast”!

If you’ve been wanting a straight, beautiful smile, but you don’t want to spend 2 years in braces, Dr. Chris Bowman has 3 fast and easy solutions in mind for you!

Six Month Smiles™ uses clear braces and tooth-colored wires in a simplified system to straighten your smile in an average of just 6 months!

Invisalign™ uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth quickly and effectively. Aligners are comfortable and virtually undetectable!

Porcelain Veneers can transform crooked and misshaped teeth into a stunning smile. Results are virtually instant and look incredibly natural!

As seen on

Can you tell? Dr. Bowman’s patient Samantha is straightening her smile right now with Invisalign!

It’s now easier and more comfortable than ever to have the smile of your dreams.

Call Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte at 704-837-8261 today for a FREE Consultation to see if you’re a candidate for Dr. Bowman's smile solutions!

Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants Invisalign • Six Month Smiles Sleep Apnea Treatment Oral Sedation Dentistry Pinhole Gum Recession Treatment

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Dr. Bowman's patient Crystal Durham is thrilled with her cosmetic results!

Dr. Chris Bowman is a leading Charlotte cosmetic dentist, Six Month Smiles™ Clinical Instructor, and Invisalign™ Preferred Provider. He is among the first 16 general dentists in the world to provide the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedure.

Dr. Bowman is also a dental author and international speaker.

He has been featured locally on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.

Inside This Issue

30

8

6

16

Publisher’s Letter A Salute To Living Well

8

Girl Power Eat, Shop, Drink & Be Powerful

14 Queen’s List Goings On Around Town

16 A Royal Tour Charlotte Crown Guides’ Genie Hufham Welcomes Newcomers & Natives

20 Yard By Yard Kaye Cole Reveals Life As A Carolina Panthers Wife

20 26 Perfectly Candid, With Erica Bryant Ruby, Ellen & Ione Rucker Star In WEtv’s “Love Thy Sister” Reality Show

30 Style Back To Business Basics

34 Living Well: Dentistry Something To Smile About www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 4

44 Dwellings Five Tips For Fresh Home Décor

48 Seen In The City Out And About In Charlotte

OnTheCover

50 I Really Think Calling The Queen City Home

Love Thy Sister: Ruby, Ellen & Ione Rucker.

PHOTO BY GLENN ROBERSON.

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From The Publisher » By Sharon Simpson www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 6

Volume 18, Number 11 March 2015

A Salute To Living Well uring a recent staff meeting, I challenged our team to think of the one topic that is of interest to all women in Charlotte. It didn’t take long for us to agree that every woman’s ultimate goal is to live well; to enjoy a healthy lifestyle while looking and feeling her best at any age.

The realization prompted us to create a new feature inside Today’s Charlotte Woman called Living Well.

This special advertorial feature will allow specialists in various areas of the healthcare industry to share their expertise in new trends and procedures available to you, right here in the Charlotte Metro area.

Each issue, we will focus on a particular area of health and wellness that readers have expressed interest in.

Our first Living Well feature appears on page 36, and focuses on the dental industry. Who doesn’t want a dazzling smile and healthy gums and teeth? You’ll hear from specialists in the fields of cosmetic dentistry, periodontal care, maxillofacial surgery and general dentistry — all sharing their expertise on the latest techniques that enhance your dental health and give you the smile of your dreams.

Sharon Simpson Publisher sharon@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Karsen Price Editor Editor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Trisha Robinson Sales Executive Trisha@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Beth Packard Sales Executive Beth@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

Taylor Buckley Sales Executive Taylor@todayscharlottewomanmag.com

If you aren’t just a reader, but also specialize in any area of the healthcare industry, I encourage you to participate in this new advertorial feature. Our readers are savvy and sophisticated women, ages 30-65, who want to read about the newest procedures that enable them to get the most out of life. If this is your target audience, don’t pass up the opportunity to speak directly to these women! Contact your TCW sales associate to learn how you can share your expertise with our readers in an upcoming issue.

As we prepare to show more skin in the warm summer days ahead, our next Living Well focus will be on Skincare and ways we can keep our skin healthy and glowing while protecting it from the damaging effects of the sun. This special feature is slated for the May issue of Today's Charlotte Woman magazine.

Contact us today to reserve your place inside this issue. Our readers are waiting to hear from you.

Here’s to a year of Living Well!

Kerrie Boys Creative Director kerrieboys@gmail.com

Social Media Director Michele Chastain mac21268@yahoo.com Style Editor Stacee Michelle stacee.michelle@mail.com Contributing Writers Erica Bryant Dana Durham Jackie Fogartie Lauren Levine Logan Stewart Contributing Photographers Ken Noblezada Andrea Perullo de Ledesma Glenn Roberson Amy Ellis www.todayscharlottewomanmag.com www.facebook.com/TodaysCharlotteWoman Mission statement:Today’s Charlotte Woman celebrates the lives, loves and endeavors of the women of Charlotte. Our mission is to inspire and motivate our community through well-written editorial content, artful photography and elegant design. The magazine will enlighten, engage and entertain its readers, ever seeking to spotlight the unbreakable strength that is the heart of Today’s Charlotte woman.

P.O. Box 1676 • Cornelius, NC 28031 704.677.9159 Today’s Charlotte Woman is published by Venture Magazines LLC, and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout the greater Charlotte area.

Subscription rate is $20 per year for 12 issues.

Publication date for the May issue: May 1 Space reservation deadline: April 8

Copyright© 2015 Venture Magazines LLC All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.

Today’s Charlotte Woman and Venture Magazines LLC, do not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers.

Eat, Shop, Drink & Be Powerful

Ever

Best Road Trip Charleston, S.C.

PHOTO BY JAYLYN CURRENCE

Girl Power » Readers Respond » Compiled By Karsen Price

GirlPower here's no place like home, but when you need a road trip, Charlotte women were emphatic that Charleston — affectionately referred to as The Chuck and The Holy City — is the perfect place to be. From there, destinations were far-flung, and as unique as each person who contributed. Readers voted for the mountains, New Orleans, Disney World, the Florida Keys, Paris,Washington, D.C., Beaufort, S.C., and the Dominican Republic, among others.

Here’s the official percentage, from Facebook and email tallies:

34%

voted for Charleston

21% voted for the beach 10% voted for Asheville Close runners-up were Savannah and New York City

What you said …

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 8

Eileen Schlesier said, “My vote is for Charleston! Excellent food, rich history and spooky ghosts!”

Wanda Belk agreed. “Charleston, for sure! So relaxing and scenic.”

Rose Plesz said it best for beach lovers. “Anywhere with a beach … joy, tranquility, peace, creation.”

Kat Winters Caya noted, “Asheville is my favorite weekend getaway from Charlotte. The sheer beauty and restaurant scene are reason enough.”

Laura Knopp voted for the Big Apple. “Hard choice, but I’d have to say New York **insert Frank Sinatra song here**.”

Allison Wilhelm voted for Savannah. “Quirky and fun, just like me.”

Brianna Smith said her best

destination is home sweet home.

“Austin,Texas is an incredible place to have a breakfast taco, go canoeing on Christmas and play board games late at night at a coffee shop.”

Others opted for destinations off the beaten path. Lisa Viola said, “Even though I lived in Germany and saw a lot of Europe, which I loved, I love a trip through the Napa Valley, enjoying the scenic vineyards, the wineries/wine tasting, the food, and the shopping.”

Tonya Price noted that no matter the destination, she likes to explore. “When I go anywhere, especially if I’m by myself, I love to drive around! I keep my eyes peeled for antique stores, graffiti photo ops, dilapidated buildings and, of course, restaurants!”

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COURTESY OF MIKYOUNG KIM DESIGN

Girl Power » In The Moment » By Karsen Price

Lovely

Mikyoung Kim is an international landscape architect known for engaging the community through landscape art; this is Kim’s Farrar Pond Project, in Lincoln, Mass.

Landscape Renowned Architect Mikyoung Kim Brings Artistic Flair To CATS

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 10

hat does an internationally acclaimed Boston landscape architect/artist have in common with the Queen City?

Mikyoung Kim recently was selected by the Charlotte Area Transit System to design a work of art for the upcoming expansion of CATS’ Blue Line Extension at the UNC CharlotteMain Station. Kati Stegall, program administrator with CATS Art-inTransit, explains that Kim has designed a large sculptural seating element complete with custom

lighting for the station plaza, art glass windscreens, and column claddings.

Stegall says Kim was chosen for the project because of her talent for creating environments that embrace the public.

“With her background in landscape architecture, Mikyoung doesn’t just create single pieces of public art, but thinks on a variety of levels to create whole environments, including sculptural elements and plantings on the vertical planes and horizontal paving patterns and ground cover,” Stegall says. “This makes her perfect for situations where the public art defines the whole environment and creates an

experience for visitors of the space.”

Fabrication for the UNC CharlotteMain Station is scheduled to begin with the construction of the Blue Line Extension stations later this year.

The project will continue through summer 2017.

Kim, whose work focuses on merging sculptural vision with the urban landscape, has received awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Architects, and her work has been featured in Architectural Record and The New York Times.

Below, TCW caught up with the talented architect and artist.

COURTESY OF CATS COURTESY OF MIKYOUNG KIM DESIGN

Boston architect Mikyoung Kim has designed landscape art for the UNC Charlotte-Main Station that welcomes the public.

Q: When brainstorming this project, what was your goal?

A: I was interested in making a space that engages the student population by creating a piece that is interactive and engaging. The plaza has these sculptural benches that are integrated into a lighting scheme that casts shadows as pedestrians walk by. Lately, I have been really interested in healing gardens and the way in which the landscape can have a positive impact on reducing stress levels. I think the research we are doing focuses on bringing humanity to all of our everyday spaces.

Q: What do you feel art adds to every landscape?

A: The artful experience is such an important part of our everyday lives. I believe that artists bring a freshness to their point of view of the public realm and bring character and identity to the sense of place.

Q: What is your favorite material?

A: I really love all materials â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from steel to stone. I am very interested in the ways in which these materials can be carved, folded and formed to embrace the experience.

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Q: Where do you turn for your inspiration?

A: The community is our inspiration â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we like to understand and engage the community and we believe that the cultural impact that our work has on the community can help to shape the identity of their everyday experience. The natural world is also a huge inspiration for my work.

Watch Beautiful autiful f Happen! ppen!!

11

Girl Power » Shop Talk » By Jackie Fogartie » Photos By Amy Ellis

Paint The Town

Gorgeous www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 12

Canvas, A Boutique Offers Uptown Shoppers A Unique Retail Experience

estled inside bustling Latta Arcade in uptown Charlotte, Canvas, A Boutique, is brimming with antique displays showcasing handpicked women’s clothing and accessories. The store is visually styled with care by the two co-owners, who happen to be sisters.

Charlotte natives Julie Brewer and Jackie Sherard grew up in the world of retail — their parents owned a successful shop in Matthews for nearly 20 years. Their father, Jim Cockman, ran the family’s shop and was a respected business owner and salesman.

He used to tell Brewer on the way into work, “Remember, if you don’t sell, you don’t eat!”

Retail Footprint Brewer continued the retail tradition, working in the shop as a young girl and delving into a retail career, dabbling in fashion and visual design for various stores. Sherard took a different path,

“We all start as a blank canvas.

When you put on your makeup, clothing and accessories, that’s how you express who you are. Those little choices tell your story.”

— Julie Brewer

working as a paralegal, a flight attendant and in real estate.

“Working in my parent’s shop was always like Christmas morning, opening the packages and pulling out the new inventory!” Brewer says.

The sisters always knew they would follow in their parents’ retail footsteps.

After searching for a location and brainstorming about the store for five years, it’s only fitting that the Charlotte natives landed in Latta Arcade, a 100-yearold Queen City landmark with a rich history. As a 20-year-old paralegal, Sherard took Word processing classes in Latta Arcade and also frequented a tailor in the Arcade, who just so happened to occupy the very space their store resides in today.

While the historical building has charm and sentimental value, it provided challenges. The sisters had to up-fit the original electric work, repaint, and get approval to lease the space by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission.

Canvas opened in December 2014, and the sisters felt immediately

welcomed by their Latta Arcade neighbors.

“It’s really a community here, a little family,” Sherard says. “Everyone supports each other. When we first opened, the security guards were bringing people to our shop to let them know it was open!”

Brewer and Sherard are thrilled to bring more retail options to uptown.

Sherard says, “Our mother used to bring us to what was then called ‘downtown’ Charlotte to shop at Ivey’s [a Charlotte department store founded in 1900, and bought by Dillard’s]. We want to bring back that excitement of shopping uptown.”

At Canvas, the sisters don’t buy in bulk; instead, they are selective with purchases. They don’t carry a lot of inventory because they want to offer unique wares that you typically would not find at a mall. While clothing items run the gamut in style, they are all below the $200 price point. The store supports local artists from North Carolina and the Southeast, and plans to begin selling men’s accessories soon.

Items in the shop come in a variety of

sizes, from XS to 3X. “We want everyone to feel comfortable when they come in, and know that we can accommodate them regardless of size,” Sherard says.

Choosing a name was difficult until they settled on the name Canvas.

“We all start as a blank canvas,” Brewer explains. “When you put on your makeup, clothing and accessories, that’s how you express who you are. Those little choices tell your story. We love giving our customers confidence.”

Just like the store of their childhood, Canvas is a family affair. Brewer and Sherard travel on buying trips together and make important decisions together.

With Brewer’s retail experience and Sherard’s knowledge of real estate and business, the two make a great team. And the Canvas store “register” sits atop a glass showcase used in their parents’ store, offering a reminder of the family’s rich retail past.

ToLearnMore Canvas is located in Latta Arcade, 320 S.Tryon Street, Suite 114.

Find Canvas on Facebook.

Queen’s List

Queen’sList Goings On Around Our Town

Oh, Orchids

Sweet!

Devour Desserts & Daniel Stowe Botanical Help RAIN Garden Offers Art & Orchids hrough March 18, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is offering “Art & Orchids,” a unique exhibit that pairs stunning orchids with 24 artistic drawings by W. Gary Smith, the designer of the Lost Hollow garden.

The exhibit features the best of the garden’s collection of 5,000 orchids in the Orchid Conservatory plus the best of Smith’s imagination. Smith’s works of art draw inspiration from culture, imagination and childhood. In addition to designing Lost Hollow, Smith is credited with creative gardens around the country, including the new children’s garden at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Texas, and Enchanted Woods at Delaware’s Winterthur Garden.

he fourthannual Sweet Tooth Festival, Charlotte’s original dessert festival, is March 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Omni Charlotte Hotel.

The festival features a sampling of the city’s best purveyors of cupcakes, candies, cookies and all manners of sweets, including Food Network-winner Cupcrazed, Charlotte Pie Authority, SugarPop’s and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

All proceeds support the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network and its services for HIV+ youth, adults and seniors in the Charlotte community.

WantToGo? WantToGo? The exhibit is free with garden admission. Visit DSBG.org.

To The Max www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 14

The Omni Charlotte Hotel is located at 132 E.Trade St. For information on RAIN, visit Carolinarain.org.

Charlotte Fine Art Offers Vibrant Exhibit

his month, experience a neverbefore-seen collection of vibrant works by pop culture icon Peter Max at Charlotte Fine Art. Max has painted for five U.S. presidents, and his art is on display in museums, presidential libraries and in U.S. embassies around the world. He served as the official artist of the Grammy’s, the 2006 Olympics, five NFL Super Bowls, the World Cup USA, The World Series and the Kentucky

Derby, among others.

The artist will make two complimentary appearances at Charlotte Fine Art: on March 21, from 6 to 9 p.m.; and March 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. All appearances are complimentary and open to the public; RSVP’s are required to attend.

WantToGo? Charlotte Fine Art is located at 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road. RSVP by calling 704/541-0741, or email info@charlottefineart.com.

Hopefully 12th Annual Celebration Of Hope Gala

WantToGo? Tickets are $250 and can be purchased at MarchForthWithHope.com or by calling 704/844-9994.

[TCW]

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

on’t miss the 12th annual Celebration of Hope Gala, the premier fundraiser for the March Forth with Hope Foundation, a nonprofit raising money for families battling cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

Presented by Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte, this year’s 007 James Bond-themed event will take place March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. Guests will enjoy “Shaken, Not Stirred” martinis, a cocktail reception, dinner, silent auction and dancing. Playing the leading James Bond role for this 007-themed event is Kevin Donnalley, chair of the Celebration of Hope Gala and a former Carolina Panther. Donnalley formed a special bond with the late Hope Stout while she was battling cancer.

Stuart and Shelby Stout established the March Forth with Hope Foundation in memory of Hope, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 12. When given the opportunity to have a wish fulfilled by Make-A-Wish®, Hope’s wish was that the other 155 Wish kids in Charlotte would be granted their wishes. Her courageous battle with cancer and the compassion she showed others sparked an outpouring of support from the Charlotte community. The story of Hope’s life and the legacy of her wish continue on today.

15

Royal

Mover & Shaker » By Lauren Levine » Photos By Ken Noblezada

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

16

A

Tour

Genie Hufham Introduces Newcomers & Natives To The Queen City works, Hufham is doing what she does best: sharing her genuine enthusiasm for all that Charlotte has to offer.

Queen Of The City Hufham’s clientele runs the gamut, from busloads of tourists to spouses of business professionals who are looking for an entertaining way to spend an afternoon while their better halves are occupied. But no matter whom she’s greeting that day, Hufham focuses her attention carefully to ensure that her group leaves with a positive, lasting impression of Charlotte.

Though Hufham has been providing her guide services for several years professionally, she’s been an unofficial ambassador for the city for much longer. She began volunteering at the city’s Visitor Info Center in the late 1990s.

Hufham reflects on the beginnings of her career.

“People would ask if there was a city tour,” she says. “I’d say, ‘No,’ and hang my head, embarrassed. I continued volunteering and learning more about the city. I would drive around, because with everything changing, there were

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

or those who have just arrived in Charlotte — whether for a weekend tour or a longer stay — Queen City native Genie Hufham is an important presence.

Her smiling face is often one of the first they encounter when they get to town.

Since 2009, Hufham has owned Charlotte Crown Guides, where she provides step-on bus and walking tours of the city, as well as training for hotel personnel on how to help guests maximize their time in town. As she

17

Mover & Shaker » By Lauren Levine » Photos By Ken Noblezada

“Charlotte is that ‘New South’ city. People say two things: ‘It’s so clean here, and the people are so friendly.’ That’s what I want to perpetuate.”

— Genie Hufham

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 18

new roads being put in and new buildings popping up. We soon became the hot spot to come move to. In 1999, I was approached by a woman to do some tours, and I said, ‘Oh! How perfect!’ ” In 2009, Hufham and her thenbusiness partner Mary Schultz decided to create Charlotte Crown Guides. Though Schultz has since stepped away from the business, the two are still close and the company continues to flourish.

Hufham suggests visitors to Charlotte looking for an overall feel for the Queen City should take a tour … and quite possibly, not hers!

“The first thing I would say is take

a city tour, and it’s actually not going to be mine,” Hufham says. “I don’t drive and talk. I know better. There are companies that do that, though.

Then, if you’d like to spend a day in uptown, use the self-guided walking tour that is online on the Charlotte’s Got a Lot website.”

Hufham has plenty of suggestions for those who want to explore the city alone, without a professional guide.

“Go into Fourth Ward and go into some of the big buildings,” she suggests. “Look at the art inside. If you’re interested in history, go to the Levine Museum of the New South.

You’ve got to see all the public art

here, too. The Arts and Science Council has a wonderful public art walking brochure, and it’s even a podcast! Then you have the Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, the Mint Museum, and the Bechtler Museum.”

The uptown sightseeing doesn’t end there. Hufham encourages visitors to take a peek at beautiful Romare Bearden Park during the day, and at night, take in a show at the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Knight Theater, or the Actor’s Theatre. And don’t forget the fabulous restaurants!

On the other hand, if you have lived in Charlotte for many years,

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Originally from Syracuse, Lauren Levine was shocked to learn that some places don't have snow nearly year-round, and she won't be leaving Charlotte any time soon.

Connect with

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

Hufham takes a second to consider the Queen Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next five to 10 years of expected growth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we change our complexion tremendously, there are going to be many more opportunities for people to get out of their shell,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re attracting many more businesses.

Charlotte is that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;New Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; city.

People say two things: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so clean here, and the people are so friendly.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I want to perpetuate.â&#x20AC;?

Most importantly, Hufham says you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a native of Charlotte to be considered a Charlottean. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are many people who move here because their jobs got relocated, but now theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here and they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to live anywhere else. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a phrase that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard people say that goes, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I may not be a Charlotte native, but I got here as soon as I could.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;?

[

Hufham has a prescription to cure Queen City boredom. She suggests getting outside and exploring the outskirts of the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go find Reedy Creek Park,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go find one of the 37 miles of greenways that we have throughout the city. Go experience a different section of town that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never visited. Be a tourist in your own town.â&#x20AC;?

Hufham says that all transplants to Charlotte need to do one thing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whether they like it or not. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get lost,â&#x20AC;? she says, with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better if you get lost with a new neighbor behind the wheel so you can look out and figure out where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going!â&#x20AC;?

She suggests getting involved with some of Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabulous programs, such as the Levine Museum for the New Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;New South for the New Southerner.â&#x20AC;? She also suggests that newcomers should consider volunteering. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go online and search for volunteer opportunities,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you volunteer, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out of your comfort zone, and you have an opportunity to meet new people.â&#x20AC;?

19

Mover & Shaker » By Logan Stewart » Photos By Andrea Perullo de Ledesma

Makeup By Ali Mace, Ghostmace Art Hair By Styles By TNicole, Royalty Beauty Bar On Location At Bank Of America Stadium

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 20

Yard By Yard Kaye Cole Reveals Life As A Carolina Panthers Wife

er husband Colin is a defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, but the story of how Kaye Williams Cole ended up in Charlotte doesn’t read like that of many NFL wives.

Kaye first met Colin in 2002 at the University of Iowa during his senior year, where she was a doctoral student and he played for the school’s football team alongside her brother. They seemed to cross paths serendipitously on campus, and as fate would have it, a date to hear former President Bill Clinton speak proved to be one of their most strategic plays. The two have been inseparable from that day forward.

A Test Of Teamwork The Coles’ game plan has always been to follow Colin’s football career, but that’s not an easy feat. Colin played for the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks before landing with the Carolina Panthers. Throughout his career, the Coles focused on their mutual love for the sport to help ease the chaos that comes with life in professional football.

PHOTO BY WAYNE BERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

Mover & Shaker » By Logan Stewart » Photos By Andrea Perullo de Ledesma “We decided to just pick a place on a map. Charlotte’s environment, city life, growth potential and schools called to us, and so Charlotte became that new home.”

— Kaye Cole

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 22

But in October 2010, a serious ankle injury sidelined Colin for two years, an injury that was marked by four surgeries and a staph infection. As Colin lived through interminable months of rehabilitation and physical training, the Coles began to question their next step.

“One of our lows was during Colin’s injury in Seattle,” Kaye says. “He wasn’t ready for his career to be over, and it was difficult to make the decision about what came next. To be brutally honest, I had to work hard to maintain a normal family life, keep a marriage intact, and make sure my husband had what he needed to make himself better.”

Being the wife of a professional athlete often comes at a high cost. The scrutiny of the public eye can magnify rifts between teammates or with management, and the Internet often amplifies online commentary. Kaye doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of NFL life.

“If you don’t find a way to manage

marital issues and focus on keeping a solid relationship, you’re in trouble,” she says. “I’ve seen people sweep their personal issues under the rug to fix later during the offseason. It becomes a vicious cycle.”

After the Seahawks released Colin, the Coles decided a new home and fresh start would be good for their young family.

“Colin grew up in Florida, and loves sunshine and blue skies,” Kaye says. “We decided to just pick a place on a map.

Charlotte’s environment, city life, growth potential and schools called to us, and so Charlotte became that new home.”

As a free agent, Colin decided he was not finished with football, and he called the Carolina Panthers. In 2013, he made the team.

In a twist of irony this January, just after being crowned the NFC South Champions for the second year in a row, the Panthers lost in the playoffs to the reigning Super Bowl Champions and Colin’s former team, the Seattle Seahawks.

Home Sweet Home Like many families, life in the Cole household is often controlled chaos.

When Colin is traveling with the team or has early meetings, Kaye gets their three children ready for school and spends her days managing the household and Colin’s schedule and appearances. The Coles set aside time to work with the Girl Scouts, Hornet’s Nest Council and Second Harvest Food Bank. As a family, they are still exploring their new city, but cultural favorites include Discovery Place KIDS, Charlotte Ballet and Sports Connection.

Underneath Kaye’s bubbly demeanor is a serious, academic side.

Before children, she received her doctorate from the University of Iowa in counselor education and supervision, with an emphasis on K-12 school counseling, and she taught students who were earning their master’s and Ph.D. degrees.

While still in school, she and Colin founded The Cole Group, a consulting business that offers services to help

high school, college and pro athletes, and parents, teachers and counselors better navigate the NCAA process. The business is run from home, and the number of clients they take on at any given time depends on football season.

“The Cole Group’s mission spawned from my research as a Ph.D. student, because I was able to identify an area that was underserved,” she says. “The NCAA process can be tricky.

For student athletes, some of that guidance means learning self-help skills that enable them to better balance academic, athletic and life demands.”

To unwind, Kaye has her own respites. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and loves the camaraderie found while volunteering in the community with her sorority sisters. Fellowship with other Panthers players offers a social outlet, as well.

She and Colin both de-stress by taking classes at Flywheel Charlotte, which offers indoor cycling and barre classes.

“I stay sane by going to workout, and I have a great group in terms of a network and support buddies at Flywheel,” she says. “And I have to

admit when it comes to winding down, a glass of wine doesn’t hurt!”

Kaye is extremely straightforward about life as a football wife. She wants to squash the stereotype of the glamorous NFL life of wives, noting that in addition to carpool, scheduling and cleaning duties, she always has a residual worry about Colin’s job down the road.

With 10 National Football League seasons, the birth of three children and five NFL teams behind them, only time will tell if Charlotte is the Coles’ final stop. Regardless, Kaye feels at home in the Queen City.

“Just like any family, we have our ups and downs, but it’s nothing a little love and dose of Charlotte sunshine can’t fix,” she says.

ToLearnMore Visit Thecolegrp.com. [TCW] Logan Stewart cycles with Kaye Cole at Flywheel, but always hides her final mileage and “TorqBoard” score because it never comes close to beating Cole’s.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 23

Advertising feature that keeps the women of Charlotte in-the-know about what the Queen City has to offer

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 25

Perfectly Candid » By Erica Bryant » Photos By Glenn Roberson

Reality Perfectly

Candid

WITH ERICA BRYANT Erica Bryant is an Emmy Awardwinning journalist, and coanchor of WSOC-TV’s Channel 9 Eyewitness News. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a passionate volunteer, she lives in Charlotte with her husband and two children.

They Said It:

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 26

“We wanted to show African-American women on television as part of a loving family that loves the Lord, their community, and most importantly themselves. We love hard and fight hard, but in the end, we always come back to center.”

— Ruby Rucker

Check Charlotte Socialites Ruby, Ellen & Ione Rucker Star In WEtv’s ‘Love Thy Sister’ child who swears? A boyfriend who cheats? A single mom of three who isn’t shy about her sexuality?

Charlotte socialites Ruby, Ellen and Ione Rucker have quite the plot twists on their new reality show on WEtv. “Love Thy Sister” features the three stunning Southern siblings giving viewers an intimate look into their personal lives, with no filter. The backdrop for it all is the charming Queen City.

While tidbits of sensational details fit for Kardashian-like headlines might make some people tune in, the sisters say their core beliefs and strengths will keep people watching.

The Ties That Bind The Rucker sisters come from a prominent family in the Carolinas made up of educators and entrepreneurs. The siblings say they are comfortable exposing their personal lives for the world to see.

“We agreed to do a show together as sisters because we feel we are unique, however totally relatable, and have a positive story to tell,” says Ione. “We are

extremely close, and all three of us are going through major transitions in our lives.”

Ione and Ellen are both divorcees. Ione has three children with former husband and NBA athlete Antawn Jamison. Ellen has a daughter with former husband and NBA athlete Vince Carter.

Ellen has a steady boyfriend now, but the relationship is strained, and she struggles with trust issues. Meanwhile, in one scene, cameras catch Ione in the shower during a very private moment.

Ruby has three children with husband Dr. Ford Cooper, an orthodontist. After one episode revealed that Ruby allows her daughter to use profanity, she experienced backlash.

In fact, one viewer took to Twitter to call for a boycott of the show because of the foul language — directly tweeting Charlotte

Makeup By Seneca Williams Hair By Shassity Stevenson, Atelier Salon Clothes Courtesy Of The Cheeky Bean

The Rucker Sisters are starring in Bunim/Murray’s latest reality show on WEtv; (from left) Ione, Ruby and Ellen Rucker.

Rucker sisters saw every episode before it aired, and Ellen says if they were totally uncomfortable with the content, they had a voice in the editing.

The show debuted Jan. 8, and the pilot consisted of six episodes. The women agreed that premiere night was “surreal,” as the Ruckers joined hundreds of others at a watch party at SportsOne Bar & Lounge, an uptown Charlotte nightspot.

The sisters watch and interact with their fans online at home during the show, and are hoping to gain more viewers.

In the show’s pilot, people get a glimpse of what the Ruckers call a “slice” of their lives — but the sisters are hopeful for a second season, where viewers can learn more about their family’s legacy. They have five other siblings.

"Most of us have post-secondary

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

Mayor Dan Clodfelter to ask, “Is this how kids are raised in NC?” Mayor Clodfelter responded that he was “unfamiliar with the show.”

“We can’t control the actions of the cast,” he added. “Charlotte is a great city and TV doesn’t define us.”

The show is everything you might expect from reality TV — controversial and polarizing. Charlotteans report either loving it, or hating it. Ruby says people who are reacting negatively probably did not view the episode in its entirety.

“People who don’t know me are saying that I am a horrible mother. But those who do know me know this is far from the truth,” Ruby says. “The show does not promote children using profanity, and in that episode you see that my family does not agree with me allowing my daughter to use profanity in any situation.”

The show is produced by Bunim/Murray, the same company behind “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” and “Project Runway.” The

27

Perfectly Candid » By Erica Bryant » Photos Courtesy Of The Ruckers

Get Real With The Ruckers Ruby Rucker Cooper Partner in the law firm Nesmith & Rucker LLP Married to Dr. Ford Cooper Three children On advice from another reality star: “Peter, from ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ is a friend, and he told me and my husband to stay strong partners throughout this journey, to make sure we stay on the same page, and protect our marriage.”

Ellen Rucker Carter Chiropractor Divorced from NBA athlete Vince Carter One daughter On the show’s feedback: “Interestingly, I did not realize that my accent is so Southern. So, when watching, you learn that when people tell you that you are so Southern, they really are telling the truth!”

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 28

Ione Rucker Jamison The Rucker Education Scholarship Fund Divorced from NBA athlete Antawn Jamison Three children On negative feelings during filming: “When filming 12-hour days, you get extremely vulnerable and all of your emotions get on level 10. So that can cause you to act out and fuss at each other — but we do that with or without the cameras! We always end up making up and moving on.”

degrees, and a lot of us went on to professional schools,” Ellen says. “Our parents have been so stable and such a great example of how to parent.”

The Ruckers have no regrets about this journey, and say that feedback so far has been 90 percent positive. In the school of life, they feel they are passing with a “high B or low A.” “The best thing to come out of this adventure so far is a platform to promote our businesses — Nesmith & Rucker LLP, OrthoCare Orthodontics and the Rucker Roots hair-care line — and our charity, Rucker Education Scholarship Fund,” Ruby says.

She adds, “We wanted to show AfricanAmerican women on television as part of a loving family that loves the Lord, their community, and most importantly themselves. We love hard and fight hard, but in the end, we always come back to center.”

ToLearnMore Visit Theruckersisters.com, find the Love Thy Sister page on Facebook, and follow the show on Twitter @TheRuckersWETV. [TCW]

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Featuring Handmade: On the Inside Asheville, NC (lingerie) Helen Marie designs Florence, SC (Gold jewelry below) Blossom & Gage Greenville, NC (Aluminum jewelry below)

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29

Style » Styled By Stacee Michelle » Photos By Glenn Roberson

Work

It

he definition of the working woman’s wardrobe has changed.

No longer is a power suit the goto look for every career. As new horizons evolve for women, so do the clothes. Work attire has moved into a new era of blending dressy pieces with casual items, and the order of the day is to pull together an ensemble that fits you and your job path best.

Whether you choose to wear sneakers or stilettos, embrace your choices with a wardrobe of chic, comfortable and statement-making styles.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 30

Photos By Glenn Roberson Styled & Directed By Stacee Michelle Hair By Sparkles Hill Makeup By Beauty By Nou Model: Julianna

This page: Printed dress, $68, Canvas, A Boutique. Necklace, $75, Neiman Marcus SouthPark. Fedora, $36, Nordstrom. Boots and ring, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own. Soft blue princess coat, $459, GraceNPeaceInc.com.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

Left: Navy bag, $87, Canvas, A Boutique. Halogen gray suit jacket, $148; Halogen gray pants, $88; Eileen Fisher blouse, $278; all at Nordstrom.

Sunglasses and shoes, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

31

Style » Styled By Stacee Michelle » Photos By Glenn Roberson www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 32

Rebecca Taylor embellished white button-up, $275; Rag & Bone destructed denim, $295; YSL royal blue bag, $2,490; all at Neiman Marcus SouthPark. Square bracelet, $45, Chezelle. Heels, $79.90, Zara.

[TCW]

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, $398, Nordstrom.

Tassel necklace, $24.99, Cato.

Boots, $198, Vince Camuto.

33

Living Well » Advertorial » By Dana Durham

Find Your Beautiful

Smile

The Latest In Dental Techniques From Charlotte Specialists www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 34

very woman’s goal is to live well … to enjoy a healthy lifestyle while looking and feeling her best, regardless of age. If she accomplishes that feat, the first thing you will notice is the glorious smile on her face.

Seriously, who doesn’t want a dazzling smile and healthy gums and teeth?

Luckily, healthy gums and teeth are easier to obtain than ever. Technological advances in the field of dentistry are at an alltime high, and Charlotte is host to a healthy supply of talented dentists. If you are a woman living in the Queen City looking for something to smile about, have no fear, dental specialists are here.

Whether looking for specialized treatment or a friendly cleaning, read on to get the latest tips from Charlotte-area dental specialists.

“Each member of my team takes a personal interest in our patients’ health and overall well-being,” he says. “By listening to each patient, we’re able to uncover what’s really important to them. Only then can we deliver the individualized care they want and need.”

Advanced Dentistry Of Charlotte Dr. Chris Bowman, of Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte, is passionate about dentistry. He says the field has evolved so rapidly in the last 20 years that he can’t highlight just one “must-have” dental treatment.

“It’s easier and more comfortable than ever to achieve total health and have a brilliant, stunning smile that truly mimics nature,” Dr. Bowman says. “We can replace missing teeth with dental implants, correct gum recession with the new pinhole gum rejuvenation technique, and even treat obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliances designed to aid breathing while sleeping.”

Cosmetic Dentistry Of The Carolinas Dr. Ross Nash, of Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas, is a local legend when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Known for combining precision science with artistic passion, Dr. Nash is one of fewer than 60 Accredited Fellows worldwide honored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the only

“It’s easier and more comfortable than ever to achieve total health and have a brilliant, stunning smile that truly mimics nature.”

– Dr. Chris Bowman, Advanced Dentistry Of Charlotte dentist in the Carolinas to achieve this elite status.

During his career, he’s taught and mentored thousands of dentists in the technical skills of cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, and is often the dentist of choice for his peers. He is happy to report that dentistry today can be metal free.

“There are materials for use in restorative and elective procedures that look like natural teeth and have high strength for excellent function and longevity,” he says.

Thin porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of smiles quickly, and one-appointment direct veneers offer

Dr. Bowman notes that oral health has a tremendous impact on your overall health.

“It’s impossible to have a healthy body without having a healthy mouth,” he says. “Everything we do — from periodontal treatment to restorative dentistry and porcelain veneers — is designed to enhance oral-systemic health as well as appearance and aesthetics.”

Dr. Bowman is proud of his dental team, and says they are a key reason Charlotteans enjoy building a relationship with Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte.

Caring Dentistry... With a Gentle Touch!

“It was a lucky day for my family and me when I found this group of dental care professionals. I look forward to my appointments--unlike years past when I dreaded checkups. Dr. Bailey, Becky and the entire staff are the BEST!” ~ Sally S.

Cotswold Family Dentistry COSMETIC, RESTORATIVE & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

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www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

Photo by Brian Osbourne with The Professional Photography Group

Delivering the Highest Standards of Dental Care

35

Living Well » Advertorial » By Dana Durham

technology. His partner, Dr. Patrick Coleman, is one of the most highly qualified dental implant surgeons in the Lake Norman region, with extensive training in surgical techniques and principles, placement of dental implants, bone and soft tissue grafting procedures, and formal anesthesia training.

“We utilize 3D planning technology that, when combined with our training and experience, provides exceptional

immediate smile enhancement at a cost that is affordable for most.

He adds, “The dreaded ‘black line’ around porcelain crowns is eliminated by using metal-free alternatives. Nearly all dental procedures today can be comfortably performed with aesthetic materials.”

Dr. Nash is known for his sensitive chair-side manner. He listens to the expectations of clients, and strives to be

“What modern dentistry can do for a person’s dental health and appearance is extraordinary. I can see the difference it makes, not only in my patients’ smiles but in their eyes.”

— Dr. Ross Nash results,” says Dr. Michael Coleman. “If you have a missing tooth, we are able to ‘virtually place the implant’ in your 3D scan image, generate a guide for the surgical placement, and precisely place the implant with the highest degree of accuracy. We are also able to provide an immediate provisional crown the same day as the implant placement — so you walk out of our office with a tooth in the space where you didn’t have a tooth previously!”

Both doctors say that patient happiness is the ultimate proof they are doing a good job.

“Simply put, our patients tell us we are awesome and

conservative, while providing patients with optimal dental health and appearance.

“What modern dentistry can do for a person’s dental health and appearance is extraordinary,” Dr. Nash says. “I can see the difference it makes, not only in my patients’ smiles but in their eyes.”

Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery Dr. Michael Coleman, of Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery, is a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained in the latest in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as dental implant

428 North Trade Street, Suite 103 Matthews, NC 28105

704.847.5657 www.matthewsperio.com

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 36

Getting to the Root of the Matter Pinhole Surgical Technique Treat gum recession with this minimally invasive treatment.

LANAP® Laser Treatment Achieve optimum periodontal health with LANAP®

Gummy Smile Treatment

Recontouring the gums creates a more natural looking smile.

Dental Implants

Replace missing teeth and restore your smile.

Dr. Ross W. Nash

Ask The Expert

Thin Porcelain Laminate Veneers For Smile Enhancement

elain e before porc Laura’s smilate veneers lamin

Ross W. Nash, DDS, is one of only 46 Accredited Fellows in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, meaning he has acquired extraordinary skills in the area of esthetic and cosmetic dentistry.

S

ometimes, all that is needed to revitalize a smile are thin porcelain laminate veneers. With minimum removal of natural tooth structure,these high strength and esthetic laminates can be used to resurface teeth for the purpose of improving a person’s appearance. In this illustration, Laura’s smile was enhanced by replacing her previous direct composite bonding on her four front teeth with thin porcelain laminate veneers and adding eight additional veneers to fill out the corners of her smile zone.

Laura’s porc elain laminat e veneers on a mirror surface

Q: How much tooth structure has to be removed to place porcelain veneers?

A: Sometimes, no tooth removal at all is needed. When preparation is necessary, only minimal tooth re-contouring is required.

Q: How do the porcelain veneers stay on the teeth?

A:The veneers are bonded to the natural tooth with strong bonding agents. This lamination process can actually result in strengthening of the tooth and the veneer itself.

after Laura’s fuller, brighter smile ers vene ain cel por application of

Q: How long can porcelain veneers be expected to last?

A: With proper care and regular maintenance, these restorations can be expected to last for many years.

Q: How long does it take to have porcelain veneers placed?

A: These strong and esthetic restorations can be placed in two appointments only a few weeks apart. www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

403 Gilead Road, Suite E • Huntersville 704/895-7660 CosmeticDentistryoftheCarolinas.com

Laura’s b e enhanced autiful smile with por celain laminate veneers

37

Living Well » Advertorial » By Dana Durham

recommend us to their friends and family,” says Dr. Michael Coleman.

“That is the best compliment we could ever receive — our patients’ trust and confidence.”

Palmieri Dentistry Palmieri Dentistry is a state-of-theart dental office in Mooresville that offers spa-like amenities, and many of the latest advances in dental technology, including digital 3D X-ray technology, mercury-free restorations, same day crowns, and implants to replace missing teeth.

Each year, Dr. Roberto Palmieri attends extensive post-doctoral studies with the nation’s foremost clinicians. Best of all, Dr. Palmieri combines this “big city” clinical dentistry with “small town” care and communication crafted to make patients feel right at home.

“You won't get any lectures here, just clear explanations and the latest in advanced dentistry,” Dr. Palmieri says. “It’s the best of both worlds, and it really is something to smile about!”

Palmieri Dentistry happily offers digital smile design to patients, which

gives them a visual journey of their ideal smile, from beginning to end.

Digital smile design is a comprehensive imaging and modeling protocol that improves dentist and patient communication in developing the treatment plan for a cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Dr. Palmieri notes that patients who are unhappy with their smile don’t want to invest in treatment only to find that the procedure doesn’t result in the changes they expected.

“Your feedback and aesthetic goals are important to us, and digital smile design makes it possible for both elements to be an integral part of your treatment,” Dr. Palmieri says.

Cotswold Family Dentistry At Cotswold Family Dentistry, Dr. Colleen Peleaux, Dr. Darragh Bailey and Dr. Jessica Patel are well aware that building relationships with clients is of the utmost importance.

“We know that looking for and finding a dental home to treat you as well as your family is an important decision,” says Dr. Peleaux. “We love building relationships with our

patients and consider them family.”

Cotswold Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing the highest standards of dental care in a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment.

Dr. Patel says, “We strive for excellence in all that we do, and we treat each and every patient as we ourselves would want to be treated.

Your oral health is our chief concern.”

Cotswold Family Dentistry is excited to offer an anesthetic delivery system when patients need dental procedures to maintain optimal dental health.

“Clinical studies have shown that this delivery system eliminates the sting caused by the acidity in previous anesthetics,” Dr. Bailey says. “It starts working within two minutes, which is much faster than ever before. It also helps patients that present with infection get profoundly numb.”

Matthews Periodontics Dr. Kiya Green, with Matthews Periodontics, specializes in gum therapy, and she can help any patient who is concerned with her smile due

Where a Healthy Body and a Healthy Mouth Connect, a Beautiful Smile is Created.

Comprehensive dental care dedicated to your health. www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 38

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Dr. Kimberly Anderson

Dr. Tiky Swain

Dr. Quiana Reid

8420 University Executive Park | Suite 805

www.daslingdentistry.com

704-594-9250

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Living Well » Advertorial » By Dana Durham

to receding gums, gummy smiles, or unhealthy gums.

“Our office has been treating recession without taking tissue from the palate for years,” she says. “In fact, it is one of our favorite procedures, mostly because our patients leave happy — without the ‘pizza burn’ pain.”

In addition to using donor tissue to cover the root, Matthews Periodontics has incorporated the pinhole surgical technique to repair gum issues. The technique does not require cutting or sutures.

Dr. Green says, “No matter what your gum issue is, Matthews Periodontics is here to help you look good, feel beautiful and be healthy!”

Dasling Dentistry

Don’t hide your

Smile

Dasling Dentistry’s Dr. Kim Anderson McDonald and Dr. Tiky Swain are known for offering complete health dentistry in a caring, comfortable environment.

Dr. McDonald says, “Readers should choose our office because we are going to take the very best care of them and their dental needs. They will be made to feel comfortable while they improve their health.”

At Dasling Dentistry, the focus is on technologically advanced techniques to deliver dental treatment that patients can trust.

“We are really enjoying the improvement in our technology to deliver dental treatment that is predictable and successful,” Dr. McDonald says. “Cosmetic materials and procedures continue to improve and clear orthodontic therapy changes our patients’ lives daily.”

SouthEnd Dentistry

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 40

SouthEnd Dentistry is perhaps the only office in Charlotte that doubles as an art gallery! Dr. Bradford Picot notes that the Queen City is home to many talented local artists, and he’s found that making the office artfully beautiful helps patients feel more comfortable.

“It makes the office more beautiful and many people enjoy art,” Dr. Picot says. “Charlotte is home to a great deal of local artistic talent; the dental office provides a great place to showcase it.”

In addition to beautiful art, Dr. Picot enjoys beautiful smiles. He works to offer a comprehensive philosophy that incorporates all facets of dentistry. “While we do work with a phenomenal team of dental specialists, the majority of procedures are able to be accomplished in office,” says Dr. Picot.“This is achieved through hundreds of hours of continuing education every year.”

That said, he is passionate about smile makeovers. The practice has become renowned for excelling in cosmetic dentistry, with clients traveling nationally to enjoy Dr. Picot’s expertise in smile design. SouthEnd Dentistry offers several options to customize treatments to each person’s individual needs, including the use of veneers, orthodontics with clear braces and aligners, in-office whitening and tooth-colored restorations, among others.

“It is truly amazing how transforming a smile makeover can be for people — not only in appearance but also emotionally,” Dr. Picot says. “After all, you wear your smile every day, and feeling more confident about it can be lifechanging.” [TCW]

“Your Smile” Q&A with Dr. Chris Bowman Dr. Chris Bowman is a leading Charlotte cosmetic dentist, Six Month Smiles™ Clinical Instructor, and Invisalign™ Preferred Provider. He is among the first 16 dentists in the world to provide the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedure.

Dr. Bowman is also a dental author and international speaker, He has been featured locally on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.

Six Month Smiles Case Study: Mia

elcome to the inaugural column of “Your Smile Q&A”! I’ve designed this column as an interactive resource to help answer any questions you may have about the amazing differences today’s dentistry can make in your life.

Whether you’re seeking cosmetic solutions for your smile, wondering how to correct certain dental problems, or simply looking for a new dentist, you can ask about it here! I will choose from among the best and most often asked questions each month, and post my answers here for you to see.

Got a question for me? Great! Please send all questions to DrChris@SmileSatisfaction.com, and include your first name and city/town where you live.

Either I or one of my professional dental team members will answer every question we receive within 1-2 business days. We look forward to helping you!

Today’s topic: Six Month Smiles™ Adult Cosmetic Braces

Before Six Month Smiles

Q: How is Six Month Smiles different than traditional braces?

A: Six Month Smiles is a simplified orthodontic system for adults who don’t want to spend up to 2 years in conventional metal braces. Using light forces and low-friction tooth movements, we can move teeth quickly, focusing mainly on the teeth that show when you smile. While most cases take 3-9 months, we can achieve gorgeous results for our patients in an average of about 6 months.

Q: Is Six Month Smiles™ similar to Invisalign™?

A: It’s actually quite different...we offer both in my practice. While Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth, Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets with tooth colored wires. Each system has it's own advantages,and both are cosmetically appealing during treatment. We help each patient make the best treatment decision for her/him, based on their individual cosmetic goals and the clinical conditions we’re addressing.

During Six Month Smiles

If you have any further questions about Six Month Smiles™, or anything else “dental”, simply contact us by calling Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte at 704-837-8261. Free "Smile Consultations" are available for serious inquiries.

Mia,After Six Month Smiles Treatment time: 5 1/2 months!

Would you like to have your question featured in a future “Your Smile” Q&A column? If so, just send an email with any questions you have to DrChris@SmileSatisfaction.com. Be sure to include your first name and city/town where you live, with “Your Smile Q&A” in the Subject line.

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

Q: How do I know if I’m a candidate for Six Month Smiles™?

A: The only way to know for sure is through a simple but thorough consultation and smile evaluation. Most people with crooked or spaced teeth are candidates for Six Month Smiles™. It’s very rewarding to help our patients achieve the smile they want during the average time span between two typical dental cleanings!

41

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Dwellings » By Dana Durham

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015

44

That Sings Celebrate Spring With Décor

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COURTESY LAUREN CONRAD

Top Five Tips For A Fresh Home h, springtime. Maybe it’s the budding trees, the additional minutes of daylight, or the hint of warmer temps to come, but the spring season ushers in a desire to start fresh — and your home is no exception. Why not make this the year you get on trend with the latest in home décor? www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 45

COURTESY AMISH OAK AND CHERRY

Dwellings » By Dana Durham

#1 • Details, Details, Details

www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 46

Starr Miller, of Starr Miller Interior Design, says the hottest trends of 2015 are all in the details.

“Nail heads, wide tape trims, piping, eclectic mixes of patterns, brass accessories and bold rugs are all great elements to focus on for 2015,” she says. “Paint is an easy update, and a new rug can change things from old and boring to wildly exciting quickly.”

Miller suggests home owners punch up their decorating efforts with a fresh coat of paint, and accessories that make a statement.

Oversized wallpaper patterns are all the rage, and for the brave at heart, wallpapered ceilings are in.

What’s out? “The garden tub!” she says. “Gorgeous, large, no curb showers are on trend.”

pizzazz to their home this spring by mixing metals such as gold and silver. Driftwood colors and the gray-washed look are out.

Consumers also are clamoring for items that are authentically reclaimed.

“This is not a fabricated reclaimed style, but items that are made out of wood that actually comes from old barns or warehouses,” Mcrary says.

#2 • Quality, Not Quantity Nikol Mcrary, with Amish Oak and Cherry, says that quality products are the rage this season. In fact, she notes that quality never goes out of style.

“Buying real, solid wood products that are American made, instead of woods mixed with veneers or laminates, will remain timeless,” Mcrary says.

She suggests homeowners add

#3 • Color Me Beautiful Jane Parks, of J. Parks Interior Design, says new paint is the perfect way to breathe new life into your home or workplace. This year, hot colors belong to the cool palette, including grays and rich blues, which promote tranquility. Pastels — as in pale pink — are making a comeback, and olive green makes a striking

statement on cabinetry.

Parks offers a tried-and-true trick for revitalizing your décor.

“My favorite remedy involves updating accessories or using them in a different way, just as you would with a favorite outfit,” she says. “New lampshades add instant sparkle to a room. Rearranging the knick-knacks on your bookshelves provides a totally different perspective.

Updating decorative pillows magically brightens the spaces in which you live and work.”

#4 • Get Comfy Rachel Garvey, of Dutchmans Casual Living Stores, says home owners are yearning for an easy, livable style.

“We’re seeing a very lived-in, comfortable look trending with our customers,” she says. “They want to enjoy their furniture and the rooms they are in.”

This spring, expect gray hues to be popular, along with blues and floral patterns. Garvey suggests selecting a versatile, neutral upholstery base, then adding impact with pillows and throw blankets.

“For a splashy style, switch out an outdated chandelier for a new one, and it will change the entire look of your room,” she says. “P.S., don’t ever buy your rug first!”

#5 • Natural Is In Lauren Clement, of Lauren Nicole Designs, says it’s all about keeping it fresh this year.

“Infuse nature into your home,” she says. “Whether it is real or faux greenery, a little accent of green goes a long way.”

Clement suggests starting with a neutral palette, then adding textures derived from nature — such as sisal, cotton and raw wood — to give life and dimension to the room. She loves to decorate with greens, blues, yellows and ivory, which add vibrancy.

“Your home is a reflection of you, and is meant to be your sanctuary,” she says. “To feel fresh and alive in your home is a wonderful quality that will carry over into a positive mindset in life.” [TCW]

Karla Roberts founded CLT Residential in 2010 after 20 years in the Charlotte real estate market as a Realtor, Broker-In-Charge and real estate trainer at some of Charlotte’s top firms. Joined in business by longtime friend and business associate Sara White, this duo of entrepreneurs has taken customer service to the next level. “Our firm is set up as a partnership, where our agents profit in our success,” says Roberts. “We have many talents: relocation, first time buyers, unique marketing styles for our sellers... but we have one focus: making sure our clients are completely satisfied!”

Why hire one realtor when you can have a TEAM at your service: Karla Roberts, Sara White, Jecolia White, Amy Cartner, Keith Scroggins & Sally Lucas.

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What is your lifestyle?

Are you drawn to the horse farms of Union County? Do you like quaint college town of Davidson or do you prefer the vibrant social life of uptown?

We will find your home, we are CLT Residential.

Kathy Kreshon Carver, of RE/MAX Metro Realty, has over 24 years of experience in the business. Her specialties include development land, farm and land, luxury homes, foreclosure properties and relocation, among others. Over the years, Carver has found that marketing is very important, and she has developed a team of experts to help her with staging, photography, and marketing.

“With a team of experts to help me, we can get the job done in the least amount of time and for the most profit to the seller!” she says.

47

Seen In The City » Photos By Divine Images By Lana

SeenInTheCity Out & About In Charlotte

he 2015 Wish Ball, hosted by Make-A-Wish®, was Jan. 30 at The Westin Charlotte. The elegant evening of charitable giving included a cocktail hour, dinner, music and dancing, as well as live and silent auctions.The night was marked by plenty of smiles and tears, especially when Wish Kid Cainan “Wished It Forward” to Wish Kid Austin, who found out his wish to attend the Super Bowl had come true.

Hila and Thomas Johnson.

Reid and Leigha Smith.

Make-A-Wish president and CEO Amy Brindley poses Ben and Trish Canon. with Wish Kids (from left): Cainan Yaskewicz, Abigail Hoyle, Eli Shenise, Arriana Tan, O'Niyah Griffin and Drew Van Dyke.

Sara and Jameel Barkat. www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 48

Silent auction items abound.

2014 W.I.S.H. Society Junior Honoree AnneLeigh Twer with her father, Michael.

Wish Kid Cainan “Wishing It Forward” to Wish Kid Austin, who just found out he was going to the Super Bowl in Phoenix the next day.

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There’s No Place Like Home.

That’s the focus of our April issue. New home design and decorating trends, the latest in home accessories, appliances, gadgets and more.

Plus a look at the real estate market in Charlotte and how it’s finally making a comeback!

Contact your TCW sales associate and reserve your ad space today.

We’ll make you feel right at home.

Sharon@TodaysCharlotteWomanmag.com or call 704-677-9159

Advertising deadline: March 10 Publication date: April 1 49

I Really Think » By Lauren Levine » Photo By Ken Noblezada www.TodaysCharlotteWomanMag.com | March 2015 50

Calling The Queen City

Home was unpacking boxes in my new apartment after driving 12 hours down to Charlotte from my hometown of Syracuse, N.Y., when suddenly the biggest insect I’d ever seen came shooting out from under the fridge.

Panic-stricken, I begged my Florida-born roommate to save me from the monstrosity (which I would later learn was a Palmetto bug). I then called my mom, demanding that she get me on the first plane back to New York, where the ground is cold and dead for nine months of the year, and insects the size of cats can’t thrive.

I’d been considering leaving Syracuse for a while before I actually moved to Charlotte in September 2013. I came to the Queen City initially for a job, but ended up pursuing my dream of being a full-time freelance writer. But still, the change felt drastic, especially in moments like this one. Yet the culture shock was worth it when compared to the

possibility of dealing with another relentless Northeast winter.

After my roommate used half a can of Raid to protect our homestead and I got situated in my new city, it didn’t take me long to realize why people come to Charlotte and never want to leave. There’s a sense of excitement, and plenty to do like in New York or Chicago, yet the city also feels shockingly clean and manageable.

Before my move, the only experience I had in making friends in a new place was during freshman year of college. Since I didn’t have a dorm to rely on for social interaction this time around, I knew I’d have to get creative. I’d heard about a site called Meetup.com, and decided to give it a shot. Meetup lets you find social groups based on shared interests. I started a group called “Charlotte Newbies” which has since grown to more than 700 members.

Building friendships post-college takes more effort than I’d anticipated.

There’s follow-up required and you have to schedule “friend dates” much like you would a romantic date. In

fact, building a social life in a new city is like a part-time job! But after about six months of consistent effort, I realized I had more friends here than I did back in Syracuse. If I got the flu or wanted someone to wander around Target with, I had people to call. That felt like a significant victory.

A year and a half after stuffing my Toyota to the gills and hoping for the best, it’s hard to believe that there was a time when life in Charlotte felt foreign. It’s funny to remember that I struggled to find my way home from Rite-Aid, or that I’d never experienced 60-degree days in February. It’s almost unfathomable that I used to live in a city without a Nordstrom. And though there are still moments when I feel like an amateur (like when I’m navigating the intersection between Providence and Queens) when I refer to going “home,” I know I’m talking about Charlotte. [TCW] Freelance writer Lauren Levine moved to Charlotte from Syracuse, N.Y., in September 2013.

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SAVE THE DATE: May 5, 2015 The 2015 Business Women of the Year Awards Gala recognizes significant accomplishments of professionals and women business owners. This event applauds the success of honorees, provides visibility and recognition of their leadership and innovation, and recognizes the best practices in business. Please join us!

Awards to be given: Rising Star Award: Given to a woman business owner who has been in business less than five years.

Date: May 5, 2015 Place: Charlotte City Club Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Celebrate: Tickets include the awards gala dinner and cocktail reception drink tickets.

NAWBO Member Pricing: Early-bird, by April 22: $90 Final registration, by April 29: $95 Non-member Pricing: Non-member early-bird, by April 22: $100 Non-member final registration, by April 29: $110 Table Pricing: $950 (seats 10)

Business Owner: Given to a woman business owner who has been in business more than five years.

Community Leadership Awards: Given to members of the community who have made achievements in business and public policy, supporting women in business.

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