CONSISTENT DILIGENCE
RESILIENCE COURAGE
WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS
WORDS TO LIVE BY
You don’t have to go it alone. These Women Who Mean Business are leading the way in their careers, teams, and lives and are here to share their vision for the year and their stories with you. Reach out to connect, check out their businesses, and help us continue to build a strong WILMA community!
Photography: Aris Harding
DR. EMILY POULOS Smile Straight Orthodontics
WORD OF THE YEAR? Self-Compassion
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? Running after my 4 kiddos (6, 4, and 3 year old twins).
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? We believe that everyone deserves to smile with confidence and that braces shouldn't be budget busting.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I get to watch a smile transform a person's self-esteem and grow success into other aspects of their life.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT?
Watching our staff grow over the last 2 years into an amazing team of talented and compassionate ladies.
SmileStraightWilmington.com 910-940-0259
@SmileStraightWilmington
ANNETTE FREEMAN Goddess Portal Coaching
WORD OF THE YEAR? Radiance
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? Producing documentaries. Teaching Zumba to seniors, Pole/ Feminine movement.
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
I'm only 1 of 50 certified School of Womanly Arts' Pleasure Coaches in the world.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Watching women bloom from feeling too old or too broken into confident, radiant Goddesses, as pleasure awakens their magnificence.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT?
Seeing the transformation of one of my international clients. She went from despair to becoming a vibrant, magnetic force.
Annette@GoddessPortalCoaching.com 910-742-0479
GoddessPortalCoaching.com
WORD OF THE YEAR? Legacy
WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR WOMEN?
Info@BCKlawfirm.com 910-763-2727
BCKlawfirm.com
BCKB&S has always fostered an environment where women feel valued, respected, and represented on all levels.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY'S GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Expanding from four attorneys in 1996 (one woman), to ten attorneys in 2025, four of whom are women.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS GROUP OF WOMEN?
Women in the law have unique abilities to nurture cases. Our women lawyers build client relationships with empathy and compassion.
From left to right: Jessie Boylan, Linda B. Sayed, Brittany C. Hall, Jacqueline M. Cajigal
SHEMEKA KEMP Target
WORD OF THE YEAR? Deliberate
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? Leading Carousel Center Board, working with Warming Shelter, Junior League, Alpha Psi Omega Chapter-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, AND daughter's swim meets!
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
Even though we are a Fortune 500 company, I am still empowered to share my beliefs and personal values.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Being able to mentor and promote talent from within, and serving the community I’m currently in.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT?
Being placed in a leadership position that had the ability to enhance other leader's livelihood.
Shemeka.Henderson@Target.com 910-395-5057 Target.com
MACKENZIE WETHERILL Arranging Sunlight
WORD OF THE YEAR? Potential
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? Outside in the garden planting, reading, and spending time with family.
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? Starting a business was never part of my plan. I signed up for a floral design class just for fun, but I instantly fell in love with it. I realized I had discovered the thing I was meant to do.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It’s incredibly fulfilling work and I really love it.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT? After attending a flower arranging workshop, I was amazed to see how it left the women feeling empowered and inspired to prioritize creativity in their lives.
ArrangingSunlight@gmail.com 910-795-2622
ArrangingSunlight.com
@ArrangingSunlight
TARA GILMORE
Awaken Your Essence
WORD OF THE YEAR? Steadfast
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Traveling around the world
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
We offer our services in Costa Rica!
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Holding space for others and witnessing their journeys of healing and growth
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT?
Integrating my passion of helping others in an energetically creative way.
AwakenWithTara@gmail.com
973-951-6588
AwakenYourEssence.net
@AwakenWithTara
ALENA DEGON Sinful Cupcakes
WORD OF THE YEAR? Synergy
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? Golfing and spending time with my husband.
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? We not only provide delicious cupcakes but we also create stunning displays to enhance any events.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It gives me the chance to utilize my skills in a way that's fulfilling.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT?
A customer told me that when he bit into my Lemon Cupcake it brought him back in his Grandma's kitchen, so rewarding.
SinfulCupcakes03@gmail.com 603-520-3894
Sinful-Cupcakes.com Sinful_Cupcakes03
JOAN LOCH Resource Business Brokerage
WORD OF THE YEAR? Diligence
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Boating, shopping, and enjoying dinners out with my husband
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
I founded RBB in January 2024, and we successfully achieved our firstyear objectives. This marks my fourth business venture.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I've been fortunate to grow RBB while collaborating with exceptional business professionals, educating on the complexities of buying and selling.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT?
Completing our first year profitably is a great achievement along with starting RBB at this point in my career.
JoanLoch@RBBNC.com
732-691-7834
RBBNC.com
@ResourceBusinessBrokerage
MINDY CARLSON
Evoke Mind And Body, PLLC
WORD OF THE YEAR? Consistent
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? Love being home, in the woods, or with my people.
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? I did not intend to start a group practice when I did, but God had different plans!
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
No two days are alike, so I always get to learn and grow from the people around me.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT?
I have so many! I really am proud of this team every day. Hitting the two year mark was pretty amazing and emotional. I also loved getting to show the office expansion to the team for the first time.
Info@EvokeMindandBody.com EvokeMindandBody.com @Evoke.Therapy & @Evoke.Yoga
ASHLEY CROCKETT, MBA, MHA
JILL MADDOX, DNP, APRN, DCNP, FNP-BC
Waccamaw Dermatology
Acrockett@WaccamawDermatology.com 910-909-4242
WaccamawDermatology.com
WORD OF THE YEAR? Flourish
WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR WOMEN? Women proudly hold key leadership roles at Waccamaw Dermatology, fostering a fun workplace committed to positivity, inspiration, and personal growth for all.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY'S GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? After 40 years in South Carolina, we’re thrilled to expand our company into Wilmington—our greatest milestone yet—and serve this wonderful community!
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS GROUP OF WOMEN? Our team has such an incredible blend of talent, resilience, and support for one another. We love working together!
ANGELA MEEKER Menopause Redefined
WORD OF THE YEAR? Courage
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? Yoga studio, gym, or spending quality time with family.
WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? I’m building my company organically, shaping it around the evolving needs and feedback of the women I support.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Helping women overcome brain fog, menopause weight gain, and not feeling like themselves—so they regain energy, confidence, and control over their bodies.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT? Helping women finally understand their menopause symptoms and transform their health—watching them thrive instead of survive.
AngelaMeekerCoach@gmail.com 910-297-5131
MenopauseRedefined.org
@Menopause_Redefined
AMY CAVASOS Edward Teach Brewery
WORD OF THE YEAR? Resilience
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK? The ice rink, cheering on my husband and two sons. WHAT IS SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? The 1907 historic fire station has a ship-shaped bar—some don’t notice at first, but are wowed when they do!
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people—our team, customers, and creating memorable experiences while combining creativity, community, and the art of brewing.
PROUDEST WORK MOMENT? Donating $10k to Nourish NC from sales of a special beer brewed to honor frontline heroes and support children.
Amy@EdwardTeachBrewery.com 910-523-5401
EdwardTeachBrewery.com
@EdwardTeachBrewing
BROOKE SKIPPER & HEATHER EVANS Salt Air Heating, Cooling, & Electrical
WORD OF THE YEAR? Clarity
WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR WOMEN?
We are committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive work environment where women have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY'S GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Brooke, the Vice President of Salt Air, won the 2024 WILMA Women to Watch Award; Salt Air earned 2023 Small Business Award for BCO.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS GROUP OF WOMEN?
This group of women excels in customer service, leveraging diverse industry backgrounds to deliver exceptional quality and thoughtful solutions.
Hevans@SaltAirInc.com
910-777-3539
SaltAirInc.com @SaltAirInc
