WILMA September 2022

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2022SEPTEMBER WILMA WILMINGTON’S SUCCESSFUL WOMAN The Fine Print Lux layered looks Collab Roundup Pairing up on trends LainSnow Dives In Becca Ingle on starting in swimwear ISSUE STYLE THE

UNBEATABLE PRICES For 30 years, we’ve been totally committed to giving you the lowest prices on the brands you love. The best part is, it’s simple – we buy more, so you pay less. NEED A HAND? FRIENDLY EXPERTS AROUND EVERY CORNER Need to find that perfect gift? A “thank you” bottle? A red for this weekend’s BBQ that will knock your friends’ socks off? We’re happy to share our passion with you plus we’ve got good wine stories and facts you can share.

UNBELIEVABLE SELECTION

Our store carries over 8,000 unique wines – with up to a quarter of a million bottles on the shelves –and over 2,500 unique beers. NOW OPEN Wilmington 943 Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC 28405 Mon– Thurs: 10am – 9pm Fri-Sat: 9am – 10pm Sunday: 10am – 7pm (910)-239-3259 Now Open ! Renaissance Market 943 Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC 28405 Across the street from Mayfaire Town Center WILMINGTON Total Wine & More is not responsible for typographical or human error or supplier price increases. Prices may vary. Products while supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Loyalty points not redeemable on gift cards, classes, tastings, deposits, rentals and ice. Total Wine & More is a registered trademark of RSSI. © 2022 Retail Services & Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Please drink responsibly. Use a designated driver. VISIT TOTALWINE.COM FOR DELIVERY, IN-STORE AND CURBSIDE PICK-UP. 0919GO_WMT_FP_ID7628 DOWNLOAD AWARD-WINNINGOUR APP FREE DELIVERY ON NEXT-DAY ORDERS $3.99 for same-day orders thru 11/15/2022

T R U S T E D F O R 3 0 Y E A R S i s e x p a n d i n g w i t h b r a n d n e w d i n i n g v e n u e s a n d 4 4 V i l l a g e F l a t s ! O u r n e w d o g P a r k " C e n t r a l B a r k " w i l l w e l c o m e o u r r e s i d e n t s ' f o u r l e g g e d f r i e n d s . B U I L D I N G F O R 3 0 M O R E ! T H E S A G E W O O D 2 B e d r o o m 2 a n d 1 / 2 b a t h s a n d a " Y O U " R o o m 1 , 6 4 3 S Q . F T . W I L M I N G T O N ' S O R I G I N A L L I F E P L A N C O M M U N I T Y C A L L U S A T 1 8 6 6 8 2 5 3 8 0 6 T O L E A R N M O R E !

2 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022 Check out WILMA magazine here: /WILMAMAG september 2022 8 SPOTLIGHT 10 HEALTH: Ace in the hole 12 TASTE: Coastal cocktails 46 SCENE: All aboard 47 TAKE 5: Congregation outreach 48 MEN'S ROOM: Happy campers 24 28 35

SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 3WILMAMAg coM 14 ON REPEAT: Patterns in the mix 24 DEEP END: LainSnow's evolution 28 SHOE-IN: Fall's fancy footwork 32 TAG TEAMS: Collaborative style 35 TREASURE TROVE: Vintage meetups 38 ARTS ADVOCATE: Annette Freeman's vision for DREAMS Back-to-school time. If the thought of new pens and blank notebooks gives you a thrill, then consider this the month of learning new things no matter your age. Coinciding with WILMA’s annual Style Issue, there’s plenty of discover in our September issue. Take cues from Becca Ingle, who in 2021 launched her own swimwear line – LainSnow – after the pandemic caused her to rethink her plan of partnering up. Ingle shares those lessons and what she’s learning now in running her company on page 24.

And Annette Freeman schools us on the latest for DREAMS of Wilmington and where the arts education nonprofit is headed on page 39 So sharpen your pencils and get cracking. W 14

For inspiration on fall trends, check out this month’s style features and incorporate your own notes on pattern panache (page 14), footwear (page 28), and collab products (page 32).

The women behind the Curated on Castle market are bringing together vintage clothes, and other wares, to the neighborhood every month (page 35).

Senior Marketing Consultants

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Maggi mcoleman@wilmingtonbiz.commapel@wilmingtonbiz.comApelMatthewColemanCraigSnowcsnow@wilmingtonbiz.com

Contributing Photographers Logan Burke, Megan Deitz, Terah Hoobler, Kate Supa Founder Joy Allen Subscribe For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check or money order) to: WILMA, 219 Station Rd., Ste. 202, Wilmington, NC 28405, or call 343-8600 x201 www.WILMAmag.com

DREWE SMITH and KATE SUPA own a creative studio – Drewe and Kate Branding Co. –that helps companies elevate their brand and digital presence through photography, brand styling, logo design, and website creation. The creative team styled and photographed our cover as well as features for prints on page 14 and fall shoe trends on page 28 dreweandkate.com

Publisher Rob rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.comKaiser President Robert rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.comPreville Editor Vicky vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.comJanowski

Office & Audience Development Manager Sandy sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.comJohnson Events Director Elizabeth events@wilmingtonbiz.comStelzenmuller Events & Digital Coordinator Jamie jkleinman@wilmingtonbiz.comKleinman

MARK WEBER is an illustrator and fine artist who is based in Wilmington. His work has appeared in publications including WILMA, The New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, The Wall Street Journal, Greater Wilmington Business Journal, Rolling Stone, and Highlights for Children. He maintains a studio at ACME Art Studios located in the Brooklyn Arts District. Weber, who illustrates WILMA’s Men’s Room essay, also this month wrote about his recent cross-country road trip adventures on page 48 weberillustration.com markweberart.com

KATIE SCHMIDT is a Wilmington-based freelance writer who graduated from University of Central Florida with a degree in English literature and magazine journalism. At any given moment, her bag contains whatever book she’s reading, a deck of cards in case the opportunity arises, and the numerous hair-ties she keeps on-hand for all side-braid-related emergencies. Schmidt profiles local swimwear line owner Becca Ingle on page 24 katieschmidtwritesthings.com

Vice President of Sales Carolyn ccarver@wilmingtonbiz.comCarver

Marketing Consultants

NINA BAYS COURNOYER is creative director for the Los Angeles Business Journal and style intro writer for WILMA magazine. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she was previously co-editor/art director of WILMA and art director for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Bryan, and their two cats, Max and Bucky. For this year’s Style Issue, she tees up the spreads about updated prints (page 14), transitional season footwear (page 28), and this year’s collaboration lines (page 32).

TERAH HOOBLER is a Wilmington-based freelance photojournalist with over sixteen years’ experience in photography and art. She is a mom of three, an artist, and an avid coffee drinker. Her passion is to capture everyday moments in a way that reveals the extravagance of life! Hoobler photographed The Golf Barn’s Carrie Ray Davis for this month’s Health feature (page 10), LainSnow founder Becca Ingle (page 24), and Mosaic New Faith Community’s lead pastor Kelley Finch (page 47). terahhoobler.com

Contributors Meghan Corbett, Nina Bays Cournoyer, Laura Moore, Katie Schmidt, Ben Steelman, Lynda Van Kuren, Mark Weber, Elizabeth White

Alexis aalphin@wilmingtonbiz.comAlphinRachelMilesrmiles@wilmingtonbiz.com

Contributing Designer Suzi art@wilmingtonbiz.comDrake Designer Tara tweymouth@wilmingtonbiz.comWeymouth Digital Editor Johanna jcano@wilmingtonbiz.comCano Media Coordinator Julia jjones@wilmingtonbiz.comJones Fashion Stylist Drewe Smith

SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 5WILMAMAg coM LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE WILMA’S FOUNDING SPONSORS SUPPORTER SPONSORS CORPORATE SPONSORS Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Cape Fear Solar Systems Cassidy Boone –Berkshire ElaineCavikCatapultHathawayInsuranceCodeNinjasCopiersPlusDrinxLeggett–CamicoElevateCoworkingEmbassySuitesHotel Excite Credit Union First National Bank Fleet Feet Sports Wilmington Greene HoneyHedrick,HealthcareResourcesLiaisonsGardner,Kincheloe&GarofaloLLPDoServiceofWilmingtonJudyBuddLIVCBDMatthewsMotors MegaCorp Logistics Michelle Price – Edward Jones Montani Consulting Murchison, Taylor & Gibson Nothing Bundt Cakes O'Brien Service, Co. Inc Patriot Roofing Company Relax! Massage Therapy Salt Air Heating & Cooling Sarah Hess Self-Help Credit Union Spun TeachingCompassHorse The Village at River Landing UNCW CIE Utility Management Vein Clinics of America Waylett Wealth Management Wells Fargo Bank White & Johnson Pediatric WilsonDentistryCenterat CFCC WNY People Development LLC

FUTURE LEADERS: Applications are now open for the inaugural WILMA’s Future Leaders class. Open to current 11th graders in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, the no-cost program will select twelve teens to be paired with mentors and attend our major Women to Watch Leadership Initiative events. The application deadline is September 16. For info, go to wilmamag.com/ applications-are-open-for-wilmas-future-leaders.WILMANETWORK:TheWILMANetwork,made up of women from the companies that support the Women to Watch initiative, serves as a resource for the women involved and represents a variety of area businesses, large and small. Members participate in monthly small-group networking events.

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: Members of the 2022 WILMA’s Leadership Institute met last month at UNCW’s Veterans Hall. They heard a presentation from Linda Thompson, chief diversity and equity officer for New Hanover County (above), about inclusion topics leaders can share with their organizations. While at UNCW, the university’s new chancellor Aswani Volety and College of Health and Human Services and WILMA Institute alum Justine Reel also met with the group. The Institute is made up of forty women who meet monthly for leadership skills training, interaction with area executives, and peer mentoring sessions. Applications for next year’s class open again in the fall.

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- Vicky Janowski and Maggi Apel, Co-directors of the Women to Watch Leadership W2W@WILMAmag.comInitiative

W2W UPDATES

WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative has updates to share as we continue to work on the effort’s core mission of helping develop more women leaders in our area. Here’s what we’ve been up to with various W2W Leadership Initiative programs and what’s coming up next:

IN THE LOOP: Keep up to date with these and other Leadership Initiative programs as well as application announcements by going to WILMAmag.com or signing up for the WILMA Leadership email at WILMAmag.com/email-newsletter.

GETTING SOCIAL: Check out the initiative’s social media pages, where you can find the latest info about leadership program announcements, applications, and updates on women who have been involved with W2W. Follow us at facebook.com/ WILMAsWomenToWatch and on Instagram @WILMAsWomentoWatch.

Description: “Our vision is to make the Cape Fear Region the No. 1 employer of women in technology careers per capita in the country. We do this by championing opportunities for women in technology, empowering women to strive for these competitive positions, and inspiring women to lead in those roles.”

The Junior League of Wilmington Year Founded: 1952

Cape Fear CREW Year Founded: 2010

Description: “Cape Fear CREW is the leading organization for commercial real estate in the Cape Fear region in North Carolina … Members represent every aspect of the commercial real estate industry, including, but not limited to, law, leasing, brokerage, property management, finance, acquisitions, and engineering.” Info: capefearcrew.org or info@capefearcrew.org

The Women to Watch logo: When you see this throughout WILMA’s pages, it means this is a woman on the rise to know, an experienced leader to learn from, or a local program worth checking out. W 24 SWIMWEAR STARTUP: LainSnow founder Becca Ingle builds up her line 35 EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN: A Castle Street monthly addition ups the vintage vibe 47 TAKE 5: Kelley Finch on growing a congregation

The Inspiration Lab Year Founded: 2015

Cape Fear Women in Tech Year Founded: 2014

Info: jlwnc.org or info@jlwnc.org

Founded: 1914

Description: “WIN is a collective philanthropy nonprofit that makes yearly grants to nonprofits within the county. The focus of these grants rotates annually among four areas: education, health and wellness, the environment, and arts and culture.”

Description: “The Inspiration Lab was built for working women passionate about personal and professional development. We offer teachings and tools to improve your skills, productivity, creativity, emotional intelligence, and well-being. We also provide opportunities for networking and connection. We represent a variety of backgrounds and careers, but we’re all like-minded in being serious about success, maintaining a manageable work-life balance, and supporting one another’s growth.”

Description: “The Junior League of Wilmington is a women’s organization designed to empower women and to improve the community through the leadership of women as trained volunteers.”

YWCA Lower Cape Fear

Info: ncawa.org/cwa or cwa@ncawa.org

DIRECTORY:

Besides WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, there are a number of local groups to help women grow professionally. Here is just a sampling of some of them.

Women’s Impact Network of New Hanover County Year Founded: 2011

Info: cfwit.com or capefearwomenintech@ gmail.com Coastal Women Attorneys (N.C. Association of Women Attorneys) Year Founded: 2013

Info: theinspirationlab.co

Info: winofnhc.org

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Description: “CWA was formed to serve women attorneys in Southeastern North Carolina in the Fourth, Fifth and 13th judicial districts, which includes New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, Duplin, Onslow, Sampson, and Jones counties. CWA is committed to increasing the participation of women attorneys in the legal profession, protecting the rights of women under the law and promoting, and improving the administration of justice.”

Description: “The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.” Economic advancement programs focus on educational assistance, job training, and short-term and long-term planning skills. Info: ywca-lowercapefear.org

women’s professional groups

The American Craft Walk comes back to downtown Wilmington on September 17. The sixth annual outdoor art show and sale brings together more than one hundred artists selling a variety of handcrafted pieces, ranging from ceramics to paintings to jewelry and more. Artists and artisans will be featured on Front Street between Orange and Grace streets, and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: americancraftwalk.com.

photo by Francesca Benedetto/courtesy of Cool Wilmington

CRAFT WALKRETURNSEVENT

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Email us: wilma@WILMAmag.com

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ant more WILMA?

“Donna’s vast experience and un derstanding of the Wilmington area is invaluable as we expand our services in the region,” CIL Capital CEO Michael Hockett says. Have a suggestion for a local woman or group to spotlight?

TUCKER GETS LEADERSHIPSPORTSNOD

The Wilmington Chamber of Com merce and StarNews released their 40 Under 40 Awards list. This year’s list, which celebrates young professionals in the region, KIMBERLYincludes:BAGEANT, CFO and owner at Coastline Therapy Group; EM ILY BARLAS, director of development at Cape Fear Psychological Services; VICTORIA BELLAMY, public relations manager for FOCUS Broadband; LAU RA BULLOCK, director of community engagement for Vigilant Hope; EMILY BYRUM, assistant capital defender; LAUREN DIAZ CLARK, care manage ment program director for Coastal Hori zons; ANYA DAVIS, literacy instructional coach at Trask Middle; LEAH DEMAS TERS, construction specialist for Live Oak Bank; CONSTANCE FOREMAN, Novant Health New Hanover Primary Care Wilmington physician; FRAN CHON FRANCEES (above), founder of Healing Your Almond; GINO GALUT ERA, UNCW associate vice chancellor for business services; ANGEL GARCIA, director of MI CASA Mentoring Pro gram; EMMY GIBSON, Healthy Op portunities Pilot Project manager with CIS of Cape Fear; BROOKE LAMBERT, director of UNCW’s Mohin-Scholz LGBTQIA Resource Center; CHRIS TINE LAMBERTON, museum director at Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens; VERONICA LETT-MCGEE, Brunswick Center at Leland director; and LOGAN THOMPSON, CFCC director of ad vancement.

CIL Capital is building and planning industrial space at the Wilmington International Airport Business Park. The company is planning to introduce more than 1 million square feet of cold storage space to service the pharma ceutical industry at the park.

DONNA GIRARDOT, former chair of the New Hanover County Airport Authority, has started as CIL Capital’s chief strategy officer. In July, Girardot finished her term on the airport authority, having been ap pointed to it in 2015 and elected chair in 2018 – becoming the first female chair for the authority.

HIGHLIGHTING40UNDER40

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The real estate investment company services the logistics sector.

TIFFANY TUCKER, deputy director of athletics/SWA for the University of North Carolina Wilmington, was named the Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year by Women Leaders in College Sports. Beginning her fifth year at UNCW, Tucker will be among the honorees recognized in early October. Women Leaders in College Sports will bestow the Nike Lifetime Achieve ment Awards, Nike Executives of the Year, Rising Executives Awards, and special recognition for a Title IX Legend at its national convention in Kansas City in October. Tucker will be among the honorees at the event. Tucker was nominated by her peers and selected by the Women Leaders Awards Committee for service during 2021-22.“Iam sincerely grateful to receive such an amazing honor,” Tucker says. “Nell Jackson was a true trailblazer and a champion for us all. I am deeply hum bled to know that my colleagues value my commitment to elevating our indus try to new heights, galvanizing leaders, and motivating others to do things they never thought were possible.”

Check out our daily emails, which include even more profiles and stories for Wilmington’s successful women. To sign up for the free emails, go to WILMAmag.com

GIRARDOT LANDS IN NEW ROLE

She also previously served as chair of the New Hanover County Planning Board, government affairs director for Cape Fear Realtors, and executive director of the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association. She was the founder and CEO of BASE.

The game of golf is certainly known for keeping its players on their toes. Phillips is ready to help take the frustra

A NEW GOLF SPOT

CARRIE RAY DAVIS (left), director of marketing, is tasked with making The Golf Barn a full-on experience for all. Whether someone wants to take a break from golf, or just be a spectator, no need to worry. Food trucks, ice cream, and beer on tap will offer a refreshing break. A Mimosa Club is in the works geared for women who want to learn the game in a relaxed setting along with meeting new people.

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“We will also have fun for the family like putt-putt challenges, live music on the weekends, and of course, holiday celebrations,” Davis says. Ed Burnett once had a corn maze and pumpkin patch on Highway 17 before they were destroyed by Hurricane Florence. What did remain was the big red barn, which became The Golf Barn’s symbol.After months of tackling government red tape, admittedly his least favorite part, Burnett and the red barn were given the green light to move forward.

“I had the property and knowledge, and once we could incorporate the idea, my family and some incredible talent – it was boom, voila!” Ed Burnett says. “The best part is always the embellishment of the idea and then using our collective abilities to see it come to fruition.”

RANGES FROM SERIOUS TO PLAYFUL t’s tee time. Beginner golfers, avid enthusiasts, or those looking for an active day out can immerse themselves in everything golf at the new Golf Barn opening this fall in Winnabow.

The 15-acre space is being built out of a passion for the game, a childhood friendship, and a big red barn. EDWIN BURNETT, a real estate broker, and BRAD PHILLIPS, a lifelong friend, were looking to take their love of the sport and turn it into a new adven ture. Only question was where? That is where Edwin’s father, ED, comes in. The senior Burnett, a “hobbyist farmer,” is known for adding “tradition and passion to everything he grows.” He may not play golf but is a big fan. Now, his latest project is helping raise a new generation of golf lovers with the help of his family.

The Golf Barn will offer all levels and types of golf for every age and will be more than just a driving range. Guests can take a swing at individual lessons, attend summer camps, and for the more competitive types, compete against family and friends in challenging mini-games.Technique, teaching, and training will all come down to Phillips, director of golf. Phillips earned his Class A PGA Professionals status and has worked at private clubs along the East Coast.

I

by ELIZABETH WHITE

photo by TERAH HOOBLER

FOREMOREFOR

Call or schedule online today!

Dr. Salling Dr. Jameson Dr. Tate tion out of a player’s game and aid in reaching those sought-after pars. “From a technical standpoint, I’ve been most successful in getting peo ple to hit a draw (or at least fix their slice),” he says. “I also like to teach people how to avoid the sand traps. And with my background in strength training, I really hope to enjoy helping people gain club head speed and hit the ball farther than they ever have before.”Much thought went into the planning of the property such as weather, technology, and making it a family-friendly spot. A Uneekor golf simulator will be available for those preferring air conditioning or if there are unexpected rain showers. And, of course, the latest golf tech will be at the forefront. Toptracer will give players real-time visual feedback and measure ball speed, launch angle, carry distance, and more. For those yearning for some old-school style golf, there will be an 18-hole miniature golf course, also perfect for young ones learning to hold a club for the first time. The Bur netts are not letting something such as the dark of night stop their fun. A nine-hole pitch-and-putt course is in the planning stages with light-up tee boxes, neon golf balls, and glow-inthe-dark sticks to light up playing time.And for participants ready to have their results raised to the next level, a digital billboard is planned for High way 17 highlighting the winners of “Closest to the Pin!” or “Long Drive” contests.Phillips will be in charge of the day-to-day practices and all golf-relat ed activities.“I’vebeen workshopping the idea of The Golf Barn for a few years,” he says. “I’m passionate about golf and growing the game, and that’s the driv ing philosophy behind the business.” W

A Family-Owned Practice for 35 Years. Now Welcoming New Patients.

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2002 Eastwood Road Suite #105 | Wilmington, NC 28403 910.256.9040 | www.SallingTate.com

COCKTAILS

ELEVATING THE DRINK MIX

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photo by MEGAN DEITZ BEACH

t takes a lot of courage to open a beach bar that deviates from the norm –one that serves snazzy craft cocktails in a setting that is classy rather than casual.

by LYNDA VAN KUREN

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Adkins put in a lot of hard work and lived through more than a few scary moments, but Shag-ri La is ev erything she hoped her bar would be. It’s a place where couples and friends leisurely sip on their drinks for an hour or two or three in a charming and inviting atmosphere. Though Shag-ri La serves tradi tional cocktails, hard liquors, and beers, it’s Adkins’ craft cocktails that make the bar stand out. Some of the cocktails, such as the Seedy Situation, a watermelon-based cocktail; Call Me Yellow Mellow, a light, citrusy drink based on gin and Liquore Strega (saffron amaro); and Shag Fashioned, an Old Fashioned dressed

NICOLE ADKINS had the moxie, and talent, to do just that and launched Shag-ri La in Carolina Beach this summer. The name is a nod to the Carolina shag dance root ed in the area’s beach music history. Adkins is no stranger to the business of bartending. She held the job in different spots throughout the country before landing a position at a hip bar in Asheville. There, she was introduced to craft cocktails. Then, Adkins became a master mixologist who created her own cocktails. However, that wasn’t enough for Adkins. She had decided early in her career that she wanted to own her own“Thebar.goal I had in the service in dustry was to own my own bar, to be my own boss, and express my vision for a bar,” Adkins says. A series of unexpected events put Adkins on the path to bar owner ship whether she was ready or not. Adkins moved to Carolina Beach in January 2020 and got a job at the Coast, the site where Shag-ri La is located now at 604 North Lake Park Boulevard. Then the pandemic hit, and the Coast closed its doors after Christmas.Whilemany would find the loss of employment nothing short of disas trous, Adkins saw opportunity. “I met with the previous owners and talked numbers,” Adkins says. “I did it blindly. I went in winging it. I found out how much it would cost and went from there and made it happen.”Making it happen meant that Adkins had to do a lot of the work herself.“Ididn’t have the money to hire a crew,” Adkins says. “My crew was myself, a friend, and a small, independent contractor. The three of us did all the labor in four months. We completely gutted the space and made it our own.”

Photo Courtesy of

There was also the fact that Shag-ri La would emphasize craft cocktails, which aren’t well-known in this area. Adkins needn’t have worried. Shag-ri La has already gained a following, and the locals often stop by to tell Adkins how happy they are that it is part of the community.Overall,the fear, the risk, and the hard work of owning her own bar have been more than worth it for Adkins.

“I feel incredibly proud, especially when I get feedback and people thank me or are excited about my cocktails,” Adkins says. “Creating the type of environment where the locals have a cozy place to hang out all year-round was my goal.” W

“I draw my inspiration from fruits that are in season and keep the drinks beachy and light,” Adkins says. “I use a lot of fresh juices and herbs. People joke that I make healthy cocktails.” Since there aren’t a lot of options for light fare on the island, Adkins added a limited menu to Shag-ri La’s offerings such as charcuterie boards, cheese plates, artichoke and spinach dip, and other light meals.She plans to expand the menu to include more substantial tapas dishes and Sunday brunches that feature bloody marys and multiple types of mimosas in the“Ifuture.serve the types of food that I like to eat,” Adkins says. “Smaller meals. People order a cheese plate and linger over it and have a good conversation for a couple of hours. It offers a more intimate experi ence for our customers.” Though Adkins jumped into busi ness ownership, she says doing so wasn’t without its challenges. In addition to budgetary concerns and supply chain dis ruptions, Adkins had other, less concrete factors to overcome. She was opening a fancy new bar in a small, well-established community, and she had to gain the re spect of the locals as a business owner.

SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 13WILMAmag com 5 8 1 5 O l e a n d e r D r i v e , S t e 1 4 0 | 9 1 0 7 9 3 3 9 9 5 | w w w b i g s k y s h o p o n l i n e c o m

Fourhands com " Nature Collection " W E L C O M I N G T H E

Visit our newly refreshed showroom to experience furniture, lighting, and decor inspired by nature's vast landscapes and beauty up with spices and cherry, are already customer favorites. As Adkins is constantly dreaming up more flavor combinations for cocktails that will delight and surprise, her custom ers can expect a new batch of cocktails to be on the menu soon.

14 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022 photos and styling by Drewe and Kate Branding Co. | intro by Nina Bays Cournoyer

What could possibly follow a summer bursting with bold trippy prints? The password is … tapestry. Autumn takes the psychedelic maximalism of last season and streamlines it into tighter, more ornate patterns with a touch more romance — and longer hemlines. Inspired by interior surfaces such as upholstery, rugs, and wallpaper, fall’s designs have an aristocratic and luxurious air. Look for damasks, botanicals, and kaleidoscopic motifs with a vintage-leaning palette.And while it may not be your go-to color, green is a key hue this season, be it shades of chartreuse, emerald, or Pantone’s fall fav, martini olive. That’s shaken, not stirred.

W for

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byTiMo cotton slub MINI DRESS in

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The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina at Wilmington is close to opening the nCino Hunger Solution Center at 1000 Greenfield Street. The new facility will provide the infrastructure and space to reach more of our neighbors facing food insecurity in the Cape Fear region and allow the Food Bank to operate additional programs to address hunger at its root causes. Along with the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, Sunrise Broadcasting, WECT, and WILMA Magazine, our goal is to raise an additional $100,000 with your support, so we can open our doors and feed more friends and neighbors. Visit foodbankcenc.org/opendoors to be a part of our journey.

Open Our Doors to Nourish More

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“She drew the first one, which is a mini-rash guard because she’s a long-sleeve girl,” Ingle says. “She gets cold all the time so, like me, she wanted a swimsuit that she would like.”

Swimwear

t’s such a universal feeling that it’s practically a cliche at this point: the dreaded bathing suit try-on, with its unflattering fits, downward spirals of insecurity, and the ever-lingering question of, why can’t someone get this right?

photo by Terah Hoobler

I

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“It’s just funny looking back what you get devastated about,” Ingle says. “I remember the exact spot I was and how crushed I felt. But then my husband said, ‘Why don’t you just do your own.’”Obviously, “just do your own” is much easier said than done when it comes to starting a small business and launching a new swim line. But Ingle got to work picking the brains of a few people in the industry and finding a manufacturer in California to send samples back and forth with. She successfully launched LainSnow in April of 2021.

by Katie Schmidt |

The LainSnow team recently traveled to

STARTUP

“We started with three shades of a signature, ribbed, one-piece suit with kids options to match,” Ingle says. “We sold out in the first 30 minutes. It’s crazy. I just designed a swimsuit that I liked!”Since then, Ingle and the team of LainSnow have introduced new colors, prints, bikinis, and even branching off into nonswimsuit items such as sweatshirts and jewelry. As for the children’s swimsuits, Ingle’s daughter Lainey (who is the namesake for LainSnow), definitely has a say.

BECCA INGLE, founder of the locally based swim line LainSnow, got it right. Ingle has been a travel blogger for the past six years, visiting faraway places with her family of four and posing for pictures to highlight destinations throughout the world. “I loved it, but I was wearing everyone else’s clothes and swimwear brands and photographing them on trips and linking to other people’s products,” IngleWhilesays.Ingle had plenty of swimsuits she loved (“I have always been bougie about swimwear,” she says), there was something specific that she wasn’t seeing on the market – a flattering mom fit that had a matching option for the kids. She started to reach out to a handful of contacts at swim lines to see if they could partner on a design. While she found some momentum, once COVID hit, all of the potential partners pulled out, but not without first mentioning that “Mommy and me doesn’t sell.”

Best Practices: 1. Branding is visible - ideally the entire wordmark of Spiffy and the Penguin 2. No water leakage around mats 3. Technician’s face is in photosmiling as appropriate 4. Technician is in full, clean uniform 5. Technician is utilizing full PPE: goggles and gloves 6. No reflections on cars 7. Do not show inside of van CHANGE & MORE!

of DIY washes. THEDOWNLOADAPP GetSpiffy.com (844) 438-7743 Practices consistency and honesty. Spiffy is green and washing. Our technicians are our hardest represent them proudly. There are many branches they are consistent and recognizable as the downloaded at getspiffy.com/media. let us know at marketing@getspiffy.com Download the app | GetSpiffy.com | (844) 438 - 7443

our

The stress and grief of this time ultimately contributed to Ingle developing severe stomach issues and eventually being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. While she’s on the up-and-up and says she’s at a turning point through therapy and yoga, she still holds tight to a new standard for the clothes she wears. “It needs to be super comfortable. If it’s hurting me, I’m not wearing it,” she says.

Approved photos can be downloaded at getspiffy.com/media.

conveys the

Digitally

Florida for Miami Swim Week, with kids walking the runway sporting LainSnow alongside their adult counterparts. Ingle describes the experience as a “pinch-me moment,” especially as her line sparked a unique enthusiasm and energy in the crowd. Being invited to attend the event in general was a win for the LainSnow crew, as just breaking into the industry was a challenge.

“Becca wants to help people,” Netz says. “She’s very collaborative and has partnered with a bunch of different brands. She wants other people’s businesses to succeed just as much as hers has, and I think that’s a big, rareWhilething.”the success of the business has certainly been worth celebrating, for Ingle it comes with a pang of sadness as her mother passed away suddenly only two weeks before the launch.

Spiffy attitude our the marketing we put out in the world. We follow a set of best practices that allow Spiffy’s image to stay consistent. Approved photos can be downloaded at getspiffy.com/media. If you can’t find an image you are looking for, let us know at marketing@getspiffy.com

NIKKI NETZ, who works at LainSnow, mentions that Ingle has made strides in ensuring that as far as her company is concerned, there is no gatekeeping.

Digitally track, rate, and pay for each service

If you can’t find an image you are looking for, let us know at marketing@getspiffy.com

a

STEP #1 Schedule your Spiffy using the website, phone, or our iPhone/ Android app STEP #2 We come to you with power and water & all we need is your keys

This stance runs throughout all LainSnow products, even those in the future. With “Snow” in the name, it’s safe to bet that Ingle is dreaming up thermals and ski suits that prioritize that LainSnow essence of comfort and style.

Spiffy Green - conserving half the water of a traditional car wash and 90% of DIY washes.

THEDOWNLOADAPP GetSpiffy.com (844) 438-7743 Practices about consistency and honesty. Spiffy is green and mat while washing. Our technicians are our hardest represent them proudly. There are many branches board they are consistent and recognizable as the downloaded at getspiffy.com/media. looking for, let us know at marketing@getspiffy.com

rate, and pay for each service used when presenting Spiffy to audiences conference attendees and cold sales prospects. 2 3 Spiffy Extended Logo Guidelines 1. There should be no TM inside or outside circle. 2. There should only be a ® after the word Spiffy 3. It should not say Mobile Car Wash & *.JPEG,*.AI,RecommendedDetailingformats:*.PDF,*.EPS,*.PNG Spiffy Blue PMS R-19,287,G-66, B-112 HEX #134270 One-Color Reverse logo

power

“This all started because I wanted a swimsuit that was sexy, held you in, and that I didn’t have to worry about,” Ingle says. “But it’s been so incredible seeing everything take off so fast. I’m trying to just enjoy the moment rather than always being like, ‘Oh what’s next?’ I just want to sit and enjoy the good things because I really do have a lot of them.” W

STEP #3

STEP #1 Schedule your Spiffy using website, phone, or STEP #2 come to you with and need #3 track, rate, and Spiffy Green - conserving half the water of a traditional car wash and 90% of DIY washes. GetSpiffy.com (844) 438-7743

is your keys STEP

4 Reverse Logo One-Color Reverse logo

water & all we

We

pay for each service 4 Full-Color Reverse Logo One-Color Reverse logo

of

“I felt so much support during that time,” Ingle says. “Everyone in my life just wrapped their arms around me. I sort of zeroed in on the swim line because it, my friends, and my family were my sanctuary during that pain.”

THEDOWNLOADAPP

STEP #2 to you with water & all we your keys STEP #3 Digitally track, of traditional 90%

the

Spiffy conveys the attitude of our brand through our photography and the marketing we put out in the world. We follow a set of best practices that allow Spiffy’s image to stay consistent.

26 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022 elevatecoworking . info to learn more + book a tour ! B ook a tour on our w e bsite tod ay ! supporting local female entrepreneurs with the empowering resources to elevate their business and themselves. productive workspace, community events, photo studio & childcare onsite! elevatecoworkingilm @ gmail com 2512 independenceblvdsuite 100 waterwashof67%CONSERVINGofthewateratraditionalcarand90%oftheforDIYwashes WASH, DETAIL, OIL CHANGE & MORE!

Practices about consistency and honesty. Spiffy is green and mat while washing. Our technicians are our hardest represent them proudly. There are many branches board they are consistent and recognizable as the downloaded at getspiffy.com/media. looking for, let us know at marketing@getspiffy.com

brand through our photography and

Best Practices: 1. Branding is visible - ideally the entire wordmark of Spiffy and the Penguin 2. No water leakage around mats 3. Technician’s face is in photosmiling as appropriate 4. Technician is in full, clean uniform 5. Technician is utilizing full PPE: goggles and gloves 6. No reflections on cars 7. Do not show inside of van WASH, DETAIL, OIL CHANGE & MORE!

Full-Color

car wash and

Fun + Interactive workshops including STEM activities, inspiration stations with music, dance, art and more. Connect with local female leaders to learn, grow and be mentored!

INSPIRECELEBRATEEDUCATE

Registration for Future Leaders Fest participants will open in October.

WILMAmag com SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 27 FEST

DECEMBER 3RD AT THE WILMA SHOW

WILMA’s Future Leaders is a part of our Women to Watch Leadership Initiative. To learn how to support and be involved in this program, contact us at marketing@wilmingtonbiz.com.

ONYOURFEET

28 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022

photos and styling by Drewe and Kate Branding Co. | by Nina Bays Cournoyer | shop: Soul Shoetique

intro

eptember weather in Wilmington is hard to define – one day you’re cooling off with a refreshing lemonade, and the next you’re ordering something pumpkin-spice flavored. So, what’s a wardrobe to do? The best plan is to prepare for it all, giving you the ultimate fashion flexibility, especially with your footwear. If the sun is streaming through your window, and a beach day is calling, keep those flat sandals handy. Or better yet, take advantage of late-season sales and scoop up some essentials. Espadrilles are a mainstay style for any summer, and you can’t go wrong with a goodneutral.S

Athena SLIDE in navy (clockwise, from top), High Tide SANDAL in tan, Pebble slide SANDAL in white, Cabana slide SANDAL in silver, Athena SLIDE in leopard print, High Tide SANDAL in ivory, and Leila SLIED sandal in nude; Dori straw gambler HAT, all available at Soul Shoetique

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30 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022

Frisa platform SANDAL in natural and black, available at Soul Shoetique

When the temps start to fall, heels will rise. Still too warm for closed toes, sandals with a chunky heel – think wedge or platform – will be your best friends for cooler days. They’ll also keep your look balanced as fabrics get heavier.

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Late September will have you saying au revoir to toes and bonjour to boots . And boy will you have options. Crocs fans and outdoorsy types alike will appreciate the fall’s designer take on wellies and hiking boots. For a harder edge, try a moto or biker boot with a plethora of buckles and straps. Or if you’re loving the high life, continue summer’s platform sandal trend with a platform boot.W Irby BOOT in beige and black and Katy BOOT in beige snake, both available at Soul Shoetique

x H&M (Currently sold out) B y N i N a B ays C our N oyer

You can’t talk fashion without mentioning Iris Apfel. The 101-year-old style icon is still as fierce as ever, as proven in her collab with fast-fashion brand H&M. This collection basks in its over-the-topness with vivid colors, clashing prints, and glamorous accents. It is a truly dynamic collection that is bound to put the wearer square in the spotlight. And hey, if you’re daring enough to be embroidered, jacquarded, feathered, and bedazzled all in one outfit, that’s exactly where you should be!

32 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022

X

HipDot x Girl Scouts HipDot.com or ulta.com Apfel

HipDot is a vegan clean beauty brand known for its unique collaborations with chart-topping musicians, box office hits, and even snack foods (we’re looking at you, Nissin Cup Noodles). In May, HipDot teamed up with Girl Scouts of the USA to create a limited line of Girl Scout cookies-inspired products including two eye shadow palettes, a set of makeup brushes, and a tasty lipstick trio named Thin Mints, Coconut Caramel, and Lemon. But don’t worry, this isn’t a sugary drug-store balm. The shades are neutral and are made with coconut oil, argon oil, and vitamin E to keep your lips soft and hydrated.

oyer partnership.

Iris

2022 has been the year for collaboration. Artists, musicians, influencers, even brand x brand – you name it, there’s been a partnership. Below is a roundup of some of our fav, and sometimes unexpected, collabs so far. W

WILMAmag com SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 33 Model and LGBTQIA+ activist Cara Delevingne has teamed up with Puma since 2020 to create an annual Pride collection. This year, she collaborated with artist Carra Sykes to design a capsule collection called “Together Forever.” With sporty, team-inspired graphics, the pieces invoke the power of a group united. Puma pledged to donate 20% of the collection’s proceeds to benefit the nonprofit GLAAD, whose aim is to share stories from the LGBTQ community that accelerate acceptance. Now that’s a cheer-worthy goal.

Lizzo x Fabletics yitty.fabletics.com Subscription box giant Fabletics tapped musician Lizzo to create the new size-inclusive brand of shapewear YITTY. Designed to fit sizes XS to 6X and made with recycled materials, YITTY has a selection of bra tops, bodysuits, leggings, and more, meant to celebrate every body. Unlike many brands that simply scale up or down using a formula, YITTY boasts being fit on multiple body types for more accurate sizing. These body-loving garments are loud and proud, so whether you wear them under your outfit or as your outfit is up to you.

Puma x Cara Delevingne x Carra Sykes

puma.com

Manolo Blahnik x Birkenstock (currently sold out)

factor

Hard to picture this one, but it’s for real. In fact, the famed shoe designer even claims to be a longtime fan of the lo-fi, hi-comfort sandal brand. This limited-edition collection takes two of Birkenstock’s most popular styles and puts them through the glam machine, trading neutral suedes and jute for jewel-toned velvets, leather, and those dazzling signature square buckles.

Wilmington Convention Center Food | Drinks | Dancing Live Music by Lunar Tide $50 per ticket / $500 table of 10 Join WILMA in honoring the 2022 Women to Watch

he adage, “nothing is made like it used to be” seems to ring truer with each year that passes.

So much so that HUNTER WYATT (Gathered by Hunter) and AMANDA VINOPAL (Sun & Shine Vintage) started Curated on Castle Vintage Market, a monthly, outdoor market on Castle Street where vendors specialize in vintage finds.

by MEGHAN CORBETT

photos by LOGAN BURKE

t Everything OLD is NEW again A Castle Street monthly addition ups the vintage vibe

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“We wanted to create a place where both established business owners and newer businesses like ours could come together and share our love of vintage with local collectors and each other; our core value from the start has been ‘com munity over competition,’” Wyatt says. “It’s not uncommon for some of the first purchases of the day to come from other vendors!”Curated on Castle Vintage Market is open one day per month from March through November. Each month, the pop-up has between fifteen and twenty unique vendors, selling clothing, vinyl records, home décor, fur niture, and more. “The best part of the market is truly the variety from one tent to the next. There’s truly something for everyone,” Wyatt says. “I love to see bits of nostalgia from my childhood come through, which I think rings true for a lot of people. My favorite thing to hear from a shopper is ‘Oh, we/my mom/my grandma had one of those!’”“Ouremphasis is that ‘Vintage is for everyone,’” Vinopal says. “Our market is awesome because you can literally go to each and every vendor and see something different and unique. We had a few meetings about creating a community-type environment to pro mote the vintage vendors and brick and mortar alike. In doing so, our market emphasized the whole of Castle Street. All of the shops and vendors promote each other and support one another. That was very important to all of us.” Most of the vintage pieces are goods from the 1920s through the 1990s, but there are occasionally some upcycled pieces as well. There is also a sister market taking place at the same location on the fourth Saturday of every month that showcas es local art and new items called Castle

36 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022

“Amanda and I met at the Brooklyn Arts Center Holiday Flea event in 2020 where we were both vendors,” Wyatt says. “In the following months, we attended a lot of the same pop-up markets and got to talking about how we didn’t feel like we were reaching our target audience at some of the craft-focused events.” She says they had a shared goal of cre ating an exclusively vintage market. With the help of brick-and-mortar establish ments in the Castle Street Arts & Antique District, Curated On Castle was born.

Sign up for free, daily emails at WilmaMag.com/email-newsletter Donate Volunteer Street Maker’s Market. While the vintage market is rain or shine, Wyatt and Vinopal hope that, one day, inclement weather will no longer be an issue to worry about. “We would love to eventually have a brick-and-mortar version of our vintage community one day,” Vinopal says. But, for now, Curated on Castle Vintage Market takes place every second Saturday of the month (now until November) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the corner of 6th and Castle streets, across from Michael Moore An tiques and next to Luna Caffè. Free street parking is available all day. Remaining 2022 dates for the vintage market are September 10, October 8, and November 12. W For more info, go to curatedoncastle.com.

WILMAmag com SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 37 WILMAOFDOSEDAILYYOURGET

Shop

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SupportingArtCenteran

Annette Freeman on DREAMSleading

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by LYNDA VAN KUREN |

Now, Freeman is bringing her focus and energy to DREAMS, where she hopes to build upon the organization’s foundation. One of her goals is to create a more campus-like environment for the organization. That means increasing the number and variety of DREAMS courses and hiring more teachers, all of whom are professionals in their fields. “DREAMS is not an after-school arts-and-crafts program,” Freeman says. “We are crafting the next generation of Southern artists. DREAM’s students will go to institutions like the University of South Carolina School of Visual Art and Design, University of North Caro lina School of the Arts, or the military. They will have the ability to be creative in whatever environment they are in.”

The DREAMS facility needs work, too, according to Freeman. Damage caused by Hurricane Florence is still awaiting repair, and DREAMS needs more space for classes. To turn these goals into a reality, Freeman is making fundraising a pri ority. In addition to applying for grants and working with donors, she plans to ensure the community aware of the organization and its successes.

DREAMS is a special place where dreams truly come alive, and Freeman is determined to ensure as many chil dren as possible experience that.

“People love it here,” Freeman says. “You can’t come into the building and not feel something. The energy here is unlike any place else in Wilmington.” W This story recently appeared in a weekly WILMA Leadership email. DREAMS is not an afterschool arts-and-crafts program. We are crafting the next generation of Southern artists. DREAM’s students will go to institutions like the University of South Carolina School of Visual Art and Design, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, or the military. They will have the ability to be creative in whatever environment they are in. – ANNETTE FREEMAN “ “

Freeman also wants to attract more students, especially youths in high school to DREAMS. The program has a proven record of success.

40 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022 hroughout her career, ANNETTE FREEMAN has been committed to helping others succeed. Now as the executive director of Wilmington’s DREAMS Center for Arts Education, she is helping put local youth on a path to success through the arts. “There are too many kids that need self-expression,” Freeman says. “The ability to self-express will focus your energies into something that is power ful, and that is important.” DREAMS has provided art instruc tion to Wilmington’s children since 1997. There, students ages eight to seventeen, many from underserved communities, receive instruction in a variety of art forms such as music, dance, videography, visual arts, digital arts, theater and storytelling, sculpting, and pottery – all at no cost to their parents.Freeman’s background has well-pre pared her to lead DREAMS. She is an Emmy award-winning producer, journalist, communications, and arts professional who has produced doc umentaries for major media outlets such as NBC, MSNBC, A&E, Discov ery Channel, PBS, and MTV World. Freeman also served as a professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and New York Film Acad emy’s Digital Journalism Program. When Freeman moved to Wilming ton in 2018, she quickly became a part of the city’s arts community. Through her work, Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center was awarded the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant as well as grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Freeman also helped expand the center’s outreach program so the elderly and disabled, as well as students, can be eligible for free tickets to Broadway touring shows through Wilson Center’s Broadway for a Better World program.

T

A majority of the students who stayed with DREAMS through high school went on to higher education, a trade school, or the armed forces, Freeman says. She hopes more children will have the opportunity to use the program as a springboard for their future goals.

42 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022 42 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022 SPONSORS’ CONTENT keep it local SPONSORS’ CONTENT WILMA’ S

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We have a new product in our store geared to help you relax and unwind. SunScents roll-on fragrance bottles contain 10ml of a custom blended fragrance oil mix, with the base being fractionated coconut oil, and cold pressed golden jojoba oil. Some of the proprietary scents include ingredients like Plumeria, Gardenia, Wild Fern and sometimes even Lime. We have testers available for you to find your favorite Roll-On. livcbdnc.com

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Staging Your Home In a red-hot market “staging your home” is rarely necessary. However, as we return to a “normal market,” staging your home may be very beneficial. Your listing agent should do a thorough cost benefit analysis of the cost of staging versus the expected increase in sale price to see if the investment is justified. Please don’t take it as a criticism if your agent suggests staging your house!

A video house tour is a fairly standard marketing tool today – especially for upscale homes. However, your video needs to be more than a tour through the rooms. Marketing videos are most effective when they have a “theme.” Every house has a “best use” based on its layout and location. Is the house “perfect for entertaining,” a “quiet place to enjoy nature”, or is it the “perfect vacation beach house” that your buyer has been dreaming about? The buyers who will pay top dollar for your home will be the ones whose vision for their homes matches your house’s best use. One of the many, many things I learned in my past life as a marketing specialist is that a highly targeted marketing campaign focused on the optimal audience delivers the best results. In this environment you need to bring your “A-Game”. For additional tips to make your home stand out and sell for top dollar, Ask Cassidy. Email me at BrokerCassidycassidy@bscluxury.com.Boone,/REALTOR®

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Cassidy is your tenacious, operasinging, beach-loving real estate agent with a proven track record in luxury marketing who will help you seize those keys and begin your dream Coastal Carolina lifestyle. Cassidy is renowned for providing each of her clients with Five Star, concierge-level service. Serving the Brunswick County Islands, St. James, and Southport.

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While the market in Coastal Carolina remains strong, the days of getting 10 competing offers on the first day are largely over – at least temporarily. The combination of inflation and higher interest rates have begun to shift our local real estate market to a more “normal” level. In this new environment, sellers need to bring their “A-Game” in marketing their homes if they are going to maximize their sale price.Toachieve every seller’s goal of receiving top dollar for your home, here are a few key strategies that are guaranteed to help you secure a profitable outcome in today’s everchanging real estate market.

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The Story Video

I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve heard “I came down for a vacation and decided to stay.” You never know where your buyer will come from so make sure your agent is willing to invest the time, effort, and resources to host multiple open houses.

The conventional wisdom is that open houses only provide an opportunity for your neighbors and “lookie-loos” to tour your house. While that may be true in some markets, it’s not true in coastal North Carolina. Many of your neighbors have friends and family that are planning to relocate here and have asked your neighbors to keep an eye out for an attractive house near them. Additionally, many tourists fall in love with our pristine beaches, extensive boating, multitude of golf courses, low taxes, and safe neighborhoods.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES

It’s not a commentary on your taste. Good listing agents know that buyers must be able to visualize themselves living in a house if they are going to buy it - and that means it can’t look like “your house.” Family pictures, unique and/ or dramatic art works, or your wall of collectibles and trophies will only distract buyers from visualizing themselves living in your house and reduce the value you ultimately receive.

44 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022 SCAN FOR OPPORTUNITIESSPONSORSHIP+EXHIBITOR SCAN FOR OPPORTUNITIESVENDORMARKET MORE INFO @ WILMASHOW.COM GET INVOLVED! Learn how your business can participate in THE WILMA SHOW on December 3rd Early Bird Pricing Ends Sept. 9th

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Lasers offer a noninvasive way to take years off of your appearance with little downtime and life-changing results. Nicknamed the "laser queen" by other local injectors in Wilmington, Aleta uses her ground-breaking lasers to treat almost all antiaging concerns. First, her Motus AY gets rid of unwanted hair on the body with absolutely no pain. Her award-winning Nordlys IPL and Frax laser for resurfacing and rejuvenating skin, softening fine lines, deep wrinkles, solar damage, acne scars, and poor skin texture. Morpheus8 is a radiofrequency device that tightens loose jowls and sagging skin on the neck. Her most powerful laser, the Tetra CO2, is a game changer for taking years off your skin. Aleta is the only medical professional in Wilmington performing deep CO2 treatments. Please visit her Instagram to see up-todate before & afters of her outstanding results. Including the above arsenal of antiaging procedures, Aleta offers the only FDA-approved vitamin line, vitamin injections for weight loss, energy, and skin rejuvenation.CallUnited Medical and Aesthetics for a free consultation, and let us help you finally get your desired results.

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WILMAmag com SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 45 Skincare is as important as brushing your teeth. If you don't invest in a simple yet proven regimen, you won't have an excellent six-month check-up.

Aleta Sloan, Founder, Owner, and Chief Practitioner for United Medical and Aesthetics. Aleta attended PA school in Balti more, Maryland, after obtaining her Bachelor of Science at McDaniel College, formerly known as Western Maryland College, in 1989. She graduated from one of the country's original PA programs and, at 23, became the first PA in Eastern NC. She has maintained her privileges at Carolina East Medical Center for 30 years and has been committed to serving her community in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Aesthetic medicine.

How do you know which products are best for you? The same plan should apply to skincare. At United Medical and Aesthetics, Aleta Sloan PA-C consults and personalizes a skincare plan for every patient. Her slogan "Where Medicine Meets Beauty" stems from Aleta's unique approach of combining 30 years of medical experience with her extensive aesthetic training for her patients, combining the best of both worlds. Aleta educates each patient on what products genuinely work, what supplements benefit the skin, and what laser or injectable treatments are best for the patient's concerns. Medical skin care lines offered only by providers and at UM&A included Skin Ceuticals, Elta MD, Obagi, Revision, and even some magical compounding creams of Aleta's used for pretreating before any lasers. At UM&A, we offer FDAapproved neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and lasers. The most commonly used are neurotoxins and soft tissue fillers. Neurotoxins, widely recognized as "Botox," are associated with banishing unwanted lines across the face, such as forehead lines. Derma fillers restore or add volume to soften underlying hallows, lift cheekbones, and enhance the skin's jawlines, lips, chins, and even earlobes. Well-known derma fillers include Radiesse, Restylane, Versa, Juvederm, and Sculptra. We partner with each company and offer exclusive reward programs for all fillers and toxin patients. Fat dissolvers are the least commonly used injectable, wellknown as Kybella, a deoxycholic acid that dissolves small areas of fat under the chin. Fat dissolvers can also be in other sites on the body, such as bra fat, back fat, abdomen, buttocks, and arms. These injectables are typically minimally painful with short to no recovery time. Utilizing lasers to rejuvenate the skin has become the most sought-after treatment to combat all the signs of aging.

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46 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022

As guests enter YachtVenture, they will be welcomed to the sound of steel drums and greeted with a “welcoming cocktail” by End of Days Distillery. According to Erkes, “(Guests) can continue to be wel comed all night long” by craft cocktails at the open bar, or they can enjoy a bourbon tasting in the auction tent. Once inside, guests are invited to enjoy dinner, or they can tour eleven yachts in the Bradley Creek Marina. Each of the captains will be on deck, so guests can learn the story of the boat and the seas it hasThesailed.lineup of eleven yachts includes watercraft that range in size from 31 feet to 62 feet. “It is just amazing to see what is down below on these boats. It is magnificent really,” Erkes said.

Raffles are available for the chance to win a $3,000 gift certificate to the Old Edwards Inn & Spa in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and live auction items include a sunset cruise on a yacht, a closet or garage makeover from Strickland’s, or a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.

T SETTING

The event sets sail on October 22 between 5:30 and 9 p.m. at the Bradley Creek Yacht Club.

“It all goes right back to the children in the greater Wilmington community,” Erkes said. “It is a terrific evening where you get dressed up and spend the night by the water to raise money for the children.”

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM FUNDRAISER RETURNS by LAURA MOORE

photo c/o The Children’s Museum of Wilmington

“The Children’s Museum has won derful educational daily programming as well as outreach programming. We offer a variety of engaging, weekly programs including art, literacy/reading, and STEM topics. We deliver outreach programs for the underserved children in pre-K to fifth grade,” Erkes said.

The dress code is “Dress to impress: semi-formal or cocktail attire.” Guests must be twenty-one years old or older. All proceeds go to The Children’s Museum of Wilmington’s educational initiatives and new exhibits as well as upkeep of the historic building on Orange Street in downtown Wilmington. In addi tion, the museum works “hand in hand” with the Brigade Boys & Girls Club and the MLK Community Center on their outreach programs.

“It is a terrific evening of touring yachts, eating great food, an open bar, live music, a silent auction, and a small live auction. There’s so much excitement,” said PATTI ERKES, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington’ event coordinator.

The money raised from YachtVenture helps provide programming both in and outside the museum. This includes summer camps that are both “educational and entertaining,” according to Erkes. The museum also offers field trips to schools and other groups that support their curriculum, and each month, it hosts family-friendly events.

Erkes promised a few “surprises” throughout the event.

“When you’ve done something for twelve years, you need to keep it fresh,” she says. “We have a few tricks up our sleeve, and we’re going to keep them there until the event.” W Info: YachtVenture.org SAIL

A silent auction will offer a variety of items for bidding, as well. Participants must register to view items and bid in the silentTicketsauction.are available for $150 a person and include dinner, an open bar, and live music from The Schoolboys band. Tables are available for $1,500 for a reserved table of eight guests.

he Children’s Museum of Wilmington will host its signature fundraising event, YachtVenture, a night in which both landlubbers and water lovers will enjoy the festivities.

“It all began in the summer of 2021. We’re basically what is known as a ‘pioneer plant.’ Right now, we’re meeting twice a month at Hope Recovery church (the former Devon Park United Methodist Church at 3404 Winston Boulevard). About 5,000 people join in by social media, and maybe thirty-five people show up in person. We had a hundred families come to our Pride Picnic in July. We’re calling our process ‘Mary’s Path.’ It took Mary nine months to have Jesus, and we think it will take us nine months to get launched. Right now, our plans call for regular worship services to begin in January.”

HOW DO YOU REACH OUT TO PEOPLE? “I just go into restaurants or Folks Cafe or places like that, and people come up to me. I think I’m known as ‘the Bible Lady.’ Particularly if I’m wearing my collar, they’ll ask me questions about what the Bible really says or about faith or morals. People are seeking; we need to reach to them.”W KELLEY FINCH’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

TAKE5

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR WAY INTO THE MINISTRY? “I’ve always been interested in religion, and even when I was very young, I think I saw myself in a pulpit someday. My dad was a Baptist minister who founded his own church, so I was always involved in the church with him. In college, I was really interested in world religions. I traveled around, and I saw that people around the world worshiped God in their own way, and it was OK. I took three years off, following the Grateful Dead in a van, but then I had a moment of conscience. I started in the Baptist Church because my family were Baptists, but then the men in my congregation decided that women shouldn’t speak up in church, so I migrated over to the Methodists.”

KELLEY FINCH is the lead pastor at Mosaic New Faith Community, a group working to build an “affirming and inclusive” church in Wilmington. Formed under the auspices of the United Methodist Church, the congregation-to-be seeks to reach out to groups other churches don’t reach, including racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ community, and the physically and mentally disabled. A native of Emerald Isle, Finch was ordained last year and is the former director of family ministries at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington. She studied at the University of Barcelona in Spain and was an exchange student in Morocco.

SEPTEMBER 2022 WILMA 47WILMAmag com

HOW DID MOSAIC GET STARTED?

“We’re partnering with community groups on the Northside. Our commitment is to social justice, so our plans call for a building that we can use on Sunday and which can be used as a multipurpose community center the rest of the week. We’d like to include a community laundry since that’s been identified as a need. Right now, we’re scouting possible locations.”

HOW DO YOU MAKE AN INCLUSIVE CHURCH?

“We have a motto: Nothing for us, without us. Instead of going in and telling people what we’re going to do for them, we try to ask what people want or need, and then help them reach their goals. We have three keywords: Sanctuary, Community, and Empowerment. We aim to provide a safe place where people can discover God, where they can reach out to others and grow into what they can become. Right now, we’re looking into things like a housing ministry and a prison ministry. We have a really good volunteer, a professional who’s just moved to Wilmington, who’s taking charge of our youth program. That’s already meeting twice a month, and we’ve already reached out to B’nai Israel synagogue and the Temple of Israel.”

by BEN STEELMAN photo by TERAH HOOBLER

WHERE WILL THE CHURCH BE?

A year ago, my wife and I purchased a truck camper. A truck camper sits in the bed of your pickup truck and is lowered and heightened by use of hydraulic stands, which is done by a battery-powered remote or by using a crank or hand drill with a bit. Easy peasy stuff.Iam not fond of long-distance drives, but my wife, I believe, was a long-haul truck driver in her previous life. She thinks nothing of making a two-tothree-hour drive twice a day to return a desk or a pair of shoes. So, soon after purchasing our truck camper, which we named “Wanda,” she jumped on the planning of a cross-country trip. We left Wilmington on June 8 this summer and stayed on the road for nearly a month. Our final destination was Puget Sound’s Whidbey Island, Washington – the great Pacific Northwest! I could bore you with tales of being bit by a dog two days into the trip or driving through a blinding dust storm in the Nevada desert or receiving bad GPS directions and coming close to tumbling down a mountainside, but I hey, I’m an illustrator, not a writer, so I’ll just draw some of our adventures.

TRAVEL JOURNAL

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48 WILMA SEPTEMBER 2022

Mark Weber is a Wilmington-based artist and illustrates WILMA’s monthly Men’s Room essay. weberillustration.com Story & Illustrations by MARK WEBER

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