Women Who Mean Business Spring 2023

sponsors'

WHO MEAN BUSINESS WOMEN 79

women 21 industries

UNIQUE POWERFUL INSPIRING

Those are three adjectives that just begin to describe the women featured in the following pages. Each woman has a unique story about what brought her to this point in her career. Hard work, focus and perseverance allowed them to achieve their goals.

Put together by WILMA’s marketing team, Women Who Mean Business profiles professionals who are making a difference in the Wilmington region in their jobs as well as volunteer roles. These women understand the importance of giving back as mentors and role models in our community.

Enjoy getting to know these Women Who Mean Business and learn more by visiting their websites and reaching out to them.

Contributing Photographer: Mark Darrough

ERIN RUSSELL Russell Family Law & Litigation

Erin E. Russell, J.D. is the founder and lead attorney for Russell Family Law & Litigation, which helps clients navigate a variety of legal issues related to property division, divorce, alimony, child custody and child support. Originally from Michigan, Erin has excelled as a result of her constant focus on the priorities of her clients. Committed to building relationships based on trust and open, honest communications, Erin leverages modern methods and technology to exceed the expectations of her clients. Drawing from nearly a decade of experience, Erin successfully advocates for her clients, providing them with a critical support system.

Info@erinerussell.com

910-338-0799

ErinERussell.com

CONSTANCE FOREMEN, MD Beyond Clinic Walls Wellness

Recognizing that the goal of improving personal wellness and building healthy habits does not begin and end inside the walls of a clinic, Dr. Constance established Beyond Clinic Walls Wellness to provide health and wellness solutions for individuals in Wilmington and the surrounding areas. A board-certified Family Medicine physician and a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve, Dr. Constance believes it is essential for people to have more than just periodic exams with their physicians to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To bridge that gap, Dr. Constance offers community events, corporate workshops and seminars to encourage practical health techniques.

BeyondClinicWallsWellness.com

MORGAN MATTHEWS

Matthews Motors

morgan@matthewsmotors.com

910-335-4016

MatthewsMotorsWilmington.com

WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

As the marketing director for Matthews Motors, a family-owned independent car dealership, Morgan Matthews concentrates on providing every customer with a positive experience. A graduate of UNCW, where she earned a degree in Communication Studies, Morgan’s background includes working for the company’s sales team and service department. In her current role, Morgan is growing the company’s online presence and acting as spokesperson for radio/ TV ads. Along with her team, Morgan is working to enhance and strengthen the company’s already phenomenal brand reputation— one that has kept it in business for nearly three decades.

ZOË MATHEWS

Code Ninjas Wilmington

 910-899-3986

WilmingtonNC@codeninjas.com

CodeNinjas.com/nc-wilmington

As the owner of Code Ninjas Wilmington, a global franchise that teaches kids ages 6 to 14 to code by building video games, Zoë leverages 20+ years of experience in communications, film/TV production, marketing, and operations. Having also spent time as a summer camp director, counselor, and coach, Zoë is a caring and compassionate individual with a talent for helping others achieve their goals. Drawing from these experiences, she opened Code Ninjas Wilmington to help kids prepare for their digital future through fun and engaging programs and camps. Zoë and the Lumina Commons team enjoy empowering the innovators of tomorrow.

STEPHANIE BOLTON Patriot Roofing Company, LLC

Stephanie Bolton is a general contractor and owner of Patriot Roofing LLC, which provides residential/commercial roofing services, exterior repairs, siding, windows, doors, gutters and historic restorations. Stephanie credits the success she has achieved to her focus on exceeding the expectations of her clients. She is also the current President of the Historic Wilmington Foundation Board of Trustees. Along with her husband, Bill, Stephanie and the Patriot Roofing team have earned recognition from the Historic Wilmington Foundation and Legacy Architectural Salvage. An Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, Patriot Roofing is part of an exclusive network of skilled professionals that adhere to strict professionalism and reliability standards.

Info@patriotroofer.com

910-218-0600

PatriotRoofer.com

CASSANDRA BARBA Cape Fear Solar Systems

Cassandra is Director of Marketing and Communications for Cape Fear Solar, overseeing Marketing, HR, and IT. She’s a seasoned marketing executive who enjoys the fastpaced, ever-changing atmosphere of the advertising world and has led marketing efforts for many influential brands. She attended Southern Illinois University for graphic design and studied business and law at McHenry County College. Cassandra is an active member of CREW, WILMA Network, NAWIC, WHBA, and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. She is also Co-Owner of End Game Exterminators, President of her homeowner’s association, Co-Chair of the NC Azalea Festival Boxing Committee, and a registered USA Boxing Athlete.

Info@capefearsolarsystems.com

910-409-5533

CapeFearSolarSystems.com

LYNNE JONES LJ Designs

Lynne, owner of LJ Design Studio, provides interior design and branding for businesses and individuals to tell their story through design and branding. Since beginning her career in design in 2011, Lynne has been threading details, fresh ideas, and custom design for commercial and residential interiors, weddings, and non-profit and large-scale events. With a background in managerial and administrative skills and, graduating from UNC Pembroke with a degree in Public & Non-Profit Administration, she became known for her ability to tell amazing stories through design.

910-541-4131 LJDesigns.co

HALEY MOON WALKER Alchemy Wellness Spa

Haley Moon Walker is a veteran entrepreneur who has been practicing massage for over 21 years. With meticulous attention to detail, she utilizes a variety of techniques that are tailored to the needs of the individual. Along with her team, Haley offers massage and bodywork therapies, skincare, and health/lifestyle coaching services. Leveraging years of experience, Haley and her team provide clients with a pathway to reach a serene and peaceful state, whether seeking to recover from an injury through rehabilitation services and active stretching, reducing the impacts of office work or just looking for some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

STEFANIE ADAMS WNY People Development

In her role as Chief Empowerment Officer for WNY People Development, Stefanie Adams provides customizable training/development options for leaders at all levels. Leveraging 20 years of experience in nonprofit, educational and corporate settings, Stefanie provides tools, strategies, and coaching to spark trust, confidence, and balance; she is the creator of CheerLEADERship, a leadership model that builds high impact teams, and positive workplace culture. A graduate of Eastern University, with a master’s degree in Multicultural Education, Stefanie guides leaders through the development process utilizing adult learning theory, research, practical application, reflection, honesty, gamification, and fun.

Info@wnypeopledevelopment.com

910-520-0090

WNYpeopledevelopment.com

AMY M. SULLIVAN Sullivan Business Consulting

As the founder of Sullivan Business Consulting, a Fractional COO and CFO service, Amy Sullivan partners with business clients to improve operations and fiscal performance in order to grow business, brand, and revenue. Previously Chief Operating Officer for a leading complex litigation firm, Amy leverages her expertise in operations analysis, cost reduction, revenue and profit growth, and talent development to help her clients thrive and succeed. Amy also has significant experience in the real estate industry, having served on the leadership team at Intracoastal Realty for almost a decade. A Wilmington-area native, Amy is excited to help local businesses succeed.

Amy@sullivanbusinessconsultingllc.com

910-520-6757

Sullivanbusinessconsultingllc.com

ANELIESE BARD ANDRADES Carolina Cleaning Services

Aneliese Bard Andrades is the founder and owner of Carolina Cleaning Services, which has been serving residential and commercial clients in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties since 1994. From humble roots—starting the business from the trunk of her car—Aneliese has grown the company to include a large team of professional technicians and a substantial client base. With hard work, resilience and consistency, Aneliese and her team at Carolina Cleaning Services have built an excellent reputation in Wilmington and the surrounding areas, garnering Best Cleaning Company honors from Wilmington Magazine in both 2021 and 2022. A member of the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, Aneliese and her team always has the most upto-date certifications. Over the past 28 years, Carolina Cleaning Services has grown to become a large and highly successful business with hundreds of customers and a dedicated team of employees, while continuing to be local and woman-owned. She credits a portion of the success the company has enjoyed to their focus on tailoring their services to the needs of the individual. Since 2017, Aneliese and her team enjoy giving back through their partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit that provides free house cleaning services to cancer patients.

ALEXANDRA LYSIK

Cavik Insurance



Alexandra@cavikinsurance.com

910-722-3225

CavikInsurance.com

Alexandra Lysik and her all-female team at Cavik Insurance specialize in helping individuals combine personal and business insurance under one agency. Licensed in multiple states, Alexandra provides her clients multiple carriers to make sure their insurance needs are met. A double graduate of UNCW, with a Bachelor’s degree and master’s in Public Administration, she was a finalist for the 2017 WILMA Women to Watch awards, and 2020 StarNews 40 Under 40 finalist. In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys supporting local nonprofits such as WARM NC and Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue.

WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

ANDREA TROCCIA Corning Credit Union

As Market Development Manager for North Carolina, Andrea leads with her heart. She has spent her career helping others grow and sees her current role as a steward of service. Andrea has built her network by establishing meaningful connections with community stakeholders, mostly through extensive volunteering and serving on local boards. Committed to maximize her impact, Andrea helps when she can and also leverages her relationships to connect others in the community so they can work in partnership toward common goals. To amplify her impact, Andrea organizes joint volunteer opportunities for CCU teammates with other area businesses.

Andrea.Troccia@corningfcu.org

800-677-8506 x5526

CorningCU.org

BARBIE DORSEY CertaPro Painters Wilmington

Barbie Dorsey is the owner of CertaPro Painters, which provides residential and commercial painting services in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Since beginning her career with CertaPro Painters of N. Raleigh in 2012 as a member of the residential/commercial team, Barbie consistently earned awards for her sales performance. She has a background that also includes running a successful interior design and consulting business after attending The Ohio State University. Barbie has a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and a superior reputation for her customer service in both residential and commercial sales and design.

MEGHAN MANISERO BRITTA LUNDGREN & TAYLOR BERTO CarolinasDentist, Porters Neck

Doctors Meghan Manisero, Britta Lundgren and Taylor Berto are united in their focus on providing quality, comprehensive dental care at CarolinasDentist Porters Neck. Dr. Manierso is a graduate of UNCW and the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where she completed a General Practice Residency at Upstate Medical Hospital. Dr. Lundgren, is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Taylor earned her doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh and believes highlevel dentistry can become an unconventional art form.

PortersNeck@carolinasdentist.com

910-319-1030

CarolinasDentist.com

SARAH KINSLEY & ERIKA ELLIOTT CarolinasDentist, Midtown

Based out of the Midtown Wilmington location of Carolinas Dentist, Sarah Kinsley and Erika Elliott have a common goal of providing patients with a positive, comfortable dental experience. Dr. Kinsley is a native of Greenville who graduated summa cum laude from East Carolina University with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Biology/ Hispanic Studies. She also earned her doctorate in Dental Medicine from East Carolina. Dr. Elliott is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where she earned a doctorate in Dental Surgery. She also completed an advanced General Dentistry residency at East Carolina.

Midtown@carolinasdentist.com

910-216-0210

CarolinasDentist.com

ELENA SEXTON

Platinum Dunes Maltese

PlatinumDunesMaltese@gmail.com

910-632-0301

NorthCarolinaMaltese.com

Elena Sexton is an ethical and responsible Maltese breeder, she overflows with passion when asked about her craft: “The Maltese is a royal and unique breed by its beauty and personality!” Elena is focused on breed preservation and improvements, carefully researching bloodlines and performing genetic testing on the dogs in her breeding program. The result? High-quality and - most importantly - healthy puppies. All of her dogs are successfully titled as Champions and Grand Champions of America, as a confirmation of her breeding in compliance with AKC standards.

WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS sponsors' content

Real Estate Transactions & Development Agribusiness

Faison@murchisontaylor.com

Real Estate Transactions & Development

Ftrask@murchisontaylor.com

Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Estate Administration Business Law

AMiars@murchisontaylor.com

Real Estate Transactions & Development Agribusiness Litigation

AVanTrigt@murchisontaylor.com

Trusts, Estate Planning & Estate Administration Business Law Labor & Employment Law

LWilliams@murchisontaylor.com

Founded in 1955, Murchison, Taylor & Gibson provides a variety of legal services, including business law, healthcare, agribusiness, mergers/acquisitions, employment, and real estate. Committed to provide highquality legal services in a prompt, efficient manner, the firm now includes 19 practicing attorneys. With an emphasis on maintaining a reasonable fee structure and strict ethical standards, Murchison, Taylor & Gibson has earned a variety of legal accolades.

murchisontaylor.com

DEB READ BioSymmetry

Deb Read is the co-owner of BioSymmetry Wilmington, which specializes in hormone replacement therapy and medical weight loss. A bioidentical hormone specialist, Deb has also worked as the office manager and lead nurse for the past eight years. She meets with each patient to determine their individual needs and draws the necessary labs prior to the patient's appointment with the physician. Deb is bilingual and spent the first 18 years of her life in South America. BioSymmetry

Wilmington is ready to optimize your health so that you can be the best version of yourself.

Info@biosymmetrywilmington.com

910-399-6661

BiosymmetryWilmington.com

LAUREN E. WILLIAMS

FAISON G. SUTTON

FRANCES Y. TRASK (OF COUNSEL)

AMANDA K. MIARS

ANDREA "ANDI" M. VAN TRIGT

TRACI ESPINOSA, DMD

MICHELLE HOLMES, DDS

MELISSA PAPIO, DMD, MS

AMY LEWIS, DDS, MPH

Riccobene Associates

Family Dentistry

910-795-1287

Dr. Traci Espinosa focuses on comprehensive restorative dentistry. She believes dental health is about having a great smile, and that the mouth is the gateway to an individual’s overall health.

Dr. Michelle Holmes has a focus in cosmetic dentistry and sleep medicine. From children to adults, her passion is to encourage healthier breathing and to help patients change their lives one breath at a time.

Dr. Amy Lewis is a Board-Certified Pediatric dentist. Her positive and gentle approach allows her to comfortably treat children with simple to complex needs in a state-of-the-art facility.

Dr. Melissa Papio is the only Board-Certified female Orthodontist in Wilmington, NC. Her use of new technology and the art behind orthodontics helps her to transform her patients’ lives by improving their confidence and their smiles.

DR. KHALILAH OLOKUNOLA ReEngineering HR

As the founder of ReEngineering HR, Dr. Khalilah “KO” Olokunola uses Industrial/Organizational Psychology and HR Management processes to help businesses develop strategies, systems, solutions and training platforms that align with company goals and sustainable development. Formerly the Chief People Officer at Tru Colors, KO has been recognized as a Top 20 HR Innovator by AIHR, a Top 22 Conscious Business Leader by Conscious Company Magazine and a Top 30 Fearless Women Leading Sustainability/Regeneration by Sustainable Brands. Along with her team at ReEngineering HR, KO is focused on changing the modern workplace, one path and one person at a time.

Info@reengineeringhr.com

910-541-3622

ReEngineeringHr.com

JENNIFER KRANER RILEIGH WILKINS Big Sky Shop + Studio

At Big Sky Shop + Studio, Jennifer Kraner and Rileigh Wilkins work with a talented team of designers to translate the ideas/vision of their clients into unique, personalized interiors. As the president and principal interior designer, Jennifer Kraner focuses on creating an open and collaborative work environment. As creative director, Rileigh Wilkins develops inspiring vignettes for the showroom floor. Together, they push the boundaries of design and deliver unique experiences through event and design packages. Researching the latest trends, finding emerging artists and sourcing the newest gifts and accessories are a part of daily life for everyone at Big Sky.

910-793-3995

BigSkyShopOnline.com

JC RICHARDS + TEAM

20 Orange Spa

info@20orangespa.com

910-448-4332

20OrangeSpa.com

Whether looking for therapeutic relief or a day of indulgence, the talented team at 20 Orange Spa draws from their rich field of combined expertise to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience. Upon arrival, the team will craft the perfect combination of technique and approach to address needs, including treating underlying causes of pain, promoting natural healing, alleviating tension, or just well-deserved papering. Leave feeling balanced, rejuvenated and cherished. The tempting array of offerings includes therapeutic massage and body treatments, esthetic services, cold plunge, infrared sauna, Shirodhara and more all provided in a tranquil and modern hideaway in historic downtown Wilmington.

ELLEN KING

NerdsToGo

Ellen.King@nerdstogo.com

910-827-6167

Nerdstogo.com

As the owner of Nerds to Go, Ellen King and her team offer professional IT solutions for residential and commercial clients. Previously the executive director of special events for Syracuse University, Ellen has worked on events featuring former Vice President Joseph Biden, Oprah Winfrey and Trevor Noah. A veteran entrepreneur who ran a consulting business specializing in business plan writing, Ellen has also worked at various entertainment firms including Comedy Central, MP3.com, and Rollingstone.com. An advocate for women and girls who enjoys serving the community, Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College and an MBA from Syracuse University.

MAGGIE BLACKHAM Elevate Coworking

Maggie Blackham is a seasoned entrepreneur, co-owner of Cheeky Monkey Coffee Co and a recent graduate of WILMA's Leadership Institute Class of 2022. Her newest project is the opening of Elevate Coworking last year, a new coworking space exclusively for women. Offering coworking memberships, private and shared offices, along with a variety of monthly community workshops & social events. She looks forward to creating connections and a community for working women, especially moms here in Wilmington.

ElevateCoworkingILM@gmail.com

910-900-5453

Elevatecoworking.info

ADRIENNE MOORE

James E. Moore Insurance

Adrienne Moore is a thirdgeneration owner and CEO of James Moore Insurance, which connects customers to an array of personal, commercial, specialty, and life insurance products. After working for United Healthcare as a marketing representative, Adrienne joined the agency in 2009. Working as a personal lines underwriter for Kemper was also a critical experience for Adrienne, who was born in Wilmington and serves the community in a variety of capacities. Adrienne is a graduate of the Cameron School of Business at UNC Wilmington, where she co-captained the women’s volleyball team

AMoore@JamesEMoore.com

910-256-5333

JamesEMoore.com

THERESA L. BASSETT The Diamond Group

Theresa Bassett is the CEO of a locally-based national digital marketing and sales enablement agency called The Diamond Group. Her experience stems from a decade of sales and marketing training for Fortune 500 companies. She transferred her passion for professional and personal development into entrepreneurship, launching her own coaching agency. As an executive leader, speaker, and entrepreneur Theresa has personally produced over $360 million in sales. Theresa enjoys helping companies amplify their unique brands, using their proven process called Momentum. At the core of her mission she believes that every day is a gift, an opportunity, an awesome privilege and responsibility.

Info@diamond-group.co 910-672-6000

SHANNON CHIARELLO

Edward Jones

As an Edward Jones financial advisor, I help individuals and business owners transform financial goals into reality. A veteran who served my country as a nuclear mechanic in the Navy, I was encouraged to start investing by a friend in 2005. The experience led me to earn a master’s degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and a CPA license. My focus is to educate and advise my clients on their most significant decisions. Along with my seasoned Branch Office Administrator, I enjoy providing others with the knowledge and tools they need to work toward financial success.

shannon.chiarello@edwardjones.com

910-452-6432

EdwardJones.com

WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Michelle Clark-Bradley and her top producing team of brokers at Intracoastal Realty have a proven record of successfully guiding their clients through this highly competitive real estate market. They are focused on advising buyers, sellers, and investors in all price points throughout Landfall, Wrightsville Beach and the greater Wilmington area. With more than a half billion in SOLD real estate and more than 190 years of combined business experience, the Michelle Clark Team is a name you can lean on. Michelle and her team are also passionate about this community and actively serve on boards and volunteer with numerous local organizations. Contact them today to start creating your new memories.

MClark@IntracoastalRealty.com

910-367-9767

MichelleClarkTeam.com

MICHELLE CLARK

The Michelle Clark Team

RACHEL MARYYANEK Movement Financial Group, LLC

We have far more ideas than time to pursue them all. As the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Movement Financial Group, Rachel helps people increase their profitability and quality of life through a number of solutions. Typically, she works with business owners, a few corporate executives, and growing families by helping them identify and move toward their greatest financial opportunities in a judgment free space. Rachel helps her clients to become financially empowered and has a commitment to understand the needs and goals of each person she meets with. Learn more about Rachel and her experience by visiting the website below.

Rachel@movementfg.com

910-398-8464

MovementFg.com

TYLAR BRANNON Optimal Bio

As the CEO of Optimal Bio, Tylar Brannon, Esq. and her team use all-natural hormones to alleviate medical issues, like fatigue, brain fog and ease the degenerative side effects of aging for patients in North Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, and Charlottesville, Virginia. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Tylar earned her JD and MBA from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Having focused on making life easier for the staff, vendors, and, most importantly, the patients, she rose to the position of CEO in 2018. Since then, Optimal Bio has expanded across the Southeast to help patients achieve healthier, more balanced lives.

Wilmington@optimalbio.com

910-769-7031

OptimalBio.com

910-799-2611

wcfhba.com

PWB’s mission is to empower women to reach their highest potential in the building industry by providing networking and educational opportunities, raising legislative awareness, and encouraging professional and personal development. They believe that with the right tools, women can make a meaningful contribution to the industry. They invite you to join the largest PWB in the state that's building a better future for Women in Construction.

The Cape Fear Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council is the voice for women in the building industry and is an affiliated council of the National Association of Home Builders and the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association.