Issuu

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MAY 2019

WOMENâ€™S ISSUE

LOVE IT OR LIST IT

FIDELITY BANK PRESIDENT MARY WILLIS

JOJO AND GIGI

LOYD BUILDERS

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Loyd Builders, LLC has developed quite a reputation with our experienced staff from the design phase through the completion of each home. We take great pride in providing quality craftsmanship. When you choose Loyd Builders to construct your home, you become part of the Loyd Builders family. You will find our relationship with our homeowners to be second to none. Our complete staff from administrative to project manager is here to make the building process an enjoyable experience for our customers. Our homeowners will attest that our service continues long after the sale. From the design phase through completion, we pride ourselves in making the building process enjoyable for our customers. Whether you are

searching for understated elegance or sophisticated charm, a major remodel or an addition for a growing family, your home will be a unique reflection of your dreams. The homes we build are well designed living spaces with breathtaking interior trim work, exquisite custom cabinetry, advanced building products and cutting edge home automation built on our lot or yours. Our undeniable excellence in customer service and unmatched attention to detail ensure that your home building experience will be as enjoyable as it is rewarding.

Call 919.387.1455

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2501 Reliance Avenue Apex, North Carolina 27539 O: 919.387.1455 | F: 919.387.1457

Tina Caul is the founder of Caul Group Residential in Cary. While Tina’s team sells the entire Triangle, Tina lives, works, and plays in Cary! With over 17 years of experience selling homes, she brings a knowledge of the housing market that is unmatched. As the listing specialist, she applies aggressive marketing and sales skills to get your property “SOLD” for the highest price in the shortest period of time. Tina has consistently ranked as a top selling agent and team for both North and South Carolina regions and currently rank as the #1 Western Wake County Sales Team for Resale homes in 2015, 2016 & 2017! Tina’s team of buyer agents is second to none on market knowledge and experience. They will help you find your dream home at a great price, monitoring your investment!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2019 PUBLISHER

Alexandra Streight | alex.streight@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Molly Dansby | molly.dansby@lifestylepubs.com Catherine Nguyen | catherine.nguyen@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Women's Issue EVERY YEAR WHEN MAY MAKES ITS WELCOMED RETURN TO MY CALEN-

Molly Dansby CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Catherine Nguyen, Hans Rosemond, Danielle Smith

DAR, I CAN’T HELP BUT THINK OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES: “HERE’S TO STRONG WOMEN. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” This month brings with it an abundance of joy—bright blue skies and warmer weather, a rainbow of flowers and, of course, the celebration of mothers on May 12. In this issue, not only do we celebrate mothers but also we highlight all the wonderful women in our community—a president of a local bank, a jeweler, real estate agents, interior designers and authors, spa owners, financial planners and salon owners as well as networking moguls. The following pages are filled with stories to inspire us all—from Love It or List It's Hillary Farr's amazing renovation on local Triangle homes and Linda Boylan's gorgeous interior designs, to Cary Lifestyle's Influential Women of 2019 and a trailblazing partnership between two women that sparked the birth of the largest networking group.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Cary women are making a difference, and the Women’s issue serves to recognize the powerful role women have in our community and beyond. (And don’t worry, gentlemen; you’ll have your moment—stay tuned.) XOXO, Alex Streight Alex Streight, Publisher

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ON THE COVER From left to right: Jennie Kowaleski, Erica DeMercurio, Ashley Hendricks, Carnela Renee

Proverbs 3:5-6

Hill, Marilyn Slinkman, Colleen Blondell, Grenata

Cary Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the

Vessel, Tina Caul and Lauren Burns

advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANS ROSEMOND 6

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

LifestylePubs.com/Cary

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

US Postal Service to some of the Cary areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cary Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2019 FEATURES 18 Networking Women Jojo Cox and Gigi Stephenson Created a Networking Group that Has Grown to Include Tens of Thousands of Triangle Women

22 Women Blazing Trails in Cary Nine Unique Trailblazing Women Share Their Thoughts on Everything from What Excites Them to How They Define Success

30 Love It or List It The Popular HGTV Show Helps a Triangle Family Transform Their Home into a More Beautiful, Livable Space

34 View from the Top Fidelity Bank President Mary Willis

22 18

Embodies the Community-Driven Bankâ€™s Legacy Philosophy

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Open House

Inspired By

30 Renovate & Refine 34 Locally Owned 36 Realty Report 38 Trend Setter

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Cary Lifestyle Launch Party Cary Lifestyle magazine held its launch party at the Matthew's House in downtown Cary March 5. The wonderful launch party sponsors included Fords Fluent N Food, Annelore's German Bakery, La Farm, CE Rental and Greenhouse Picker Sisters, Whole Foods Cary, One Hope Wine, Bustled Events, the Matthew’s House, Azura Skin Care, MGC Boutique, Filled & Flooded Handlettering, Amazing Balloons, Frankie Hagan with Island Sound & Video and Brides and Bouquets.

1. Interior Designer Linda Boylan and Editorial Coordinator Molly Dansby | 2. La Farm sponsored our event. | 3. Annalore’s Bakery owners Norbert and Annelore

Linda Trevor & Co. Host a Fun Open House Linda Trevor & Co. team hosted a fun open house this past month. They enjoyed drinks and socializing with clients. 10

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

AROUND TOWN WHITE HOUSE DECORATOR AWARD WINNING DESIGN FIRM VOTED RALEIGH TOP 20 BEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

THE HAIR SOCIETY SALON EXPANDS The Hair Society in Cary's Saltbox Village has expanded to a bigger space, and owner Erica DeMercurio could not be happier. The

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL • RENOVATIONS • STAGING

studio salon now houses two chairs and has a very spa-like feel to it. The salon also carries a brand new product line called IGK.

SPRING WINE WALK Enjoy

springtime

temperatures

Waverly Place during the final spring Wine Walk on Friday, May 31 from 5–8 p.m. With a $15 donation to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, visitors receive a sampling glass plus a Waverly Place Wine Walk Passport that allows access to the event. Visitors can shop, sip and stroll through participating shops and restaurants for wine samples and exclusive promotions. Guests must be over 21 years of age to sample wines. The series, presented by Johnson Subaru of Cary, returns for the fall on Aug. 30, Sept. 27 and Oct. 25.

MGC BOUTIQUE REBRANDS ITSELF AS VILLA 19 Inspired by the founder (Ashley’s) global travels, Villa 19 was created with the vision of bringing a modern and simplistic bou-

To request more information or schedule an appointment, email us at info@crhilldesigngroup.com or call us at (919) 212-3326. www.crhilldesigngroup.com

tique back home to North Carolina. While living in Dubai, she was surrounded by unique and diverse styles from all walks of life. Taking inspiration from this multi-cultural and fashion-forward city, along with travels through Europe, she wanted to create a boutique that would mimic this effortless-chic way of life while in a cozy and inspiring atmosphere—just like her home in Dubai, Villa 19.

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

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OPEN HOUSE ARTICLE MOLLY DANSBY | PHOTOGRAPHY CATHERINE NGUYEN

A NATURE-INSPIRED RENO

SMALL, ECO-CONSCIOUS DECISIONS ADD UP TO MAKE FOR THE PERFECT FAMILY HOME RENOVATION WHEN JEFF AND NICOLE JOHNSON FOUND THEIR HOME ON LATTIMORE DRIVE IN RALEIGH, THEY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE VIEWS OF THEIR BACKYARD

FROM

THE

HOME’S

LARGE DOWNSTAIRS. The kitchen and

“The natural light is so beautiful here,” Linda says. Linda, Jeff and Nicole worked together to create a nature-inspired, retreat-like living space. “It’s upscale, fresh and modern, but still warm,” Linda points out.

family room, however, left something to

In the kitchen, the trio worked together

be desired. Enter Linda Boylan, designer

to create a dramatic transformation while

and owner of Peri Nicole Interiors, and

making eco-friendly, budget-friendly and

a renovation that ended up being eco-

practical decisions along the way.

friendly and left Jeff and Nicole feeling happy and at home. “It made more sense to renovate than to do a new build,” Jeff says. The first things Linda noticed about the large downstairs space were the massive windows along the main wall. 14

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

Countertops

were

repurposed,

and

the kitchen’s original footprint was saved. High-end, energy-efficient appliances were brought in, and the original cabinets were refreshed instead of replaced. The textural feeling of the room began with the fireplace, and luscious fabrics were chosen

for the upholstered pieces. Many of them featured blue and sand tones inspired by nature. Jeff brought in lots of plants to warm and soften the space. A fresh coat of paint brightened the walls, and a built-in breakfast area made the space more functional and stylish. “It’s livable but gorgeous at the same time,” Linda says. “It feels more like home,” Jeff says. “We cook more. It’s made us want to entertain more.” Linda says the space now perfectly reflects the family that calls it home. “I always listen to my clients and make it about them and not me,” Linda says. Linda, Jeff and Nicole are all pleased with the space and how perfectly it suits the couple’s lifestyle. And they’re happy with the eco-conscious decisions they made throughout the renovation process. May 2019 | Cary Lifestyle

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INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE MOLLY DANSBY PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE SMITH

JUST THREE YEARS AGO WHEN JONITA “JOJO” COX WAS LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB IN THE TRIANGLE AND A WOMEN’S NETWORK TO SUPPORT HER SEARCH, SHE HAD NO IDEA THAT THE FACEBOOK GROUP SHE WAS ABOUT TO CREATE WOULD BALLOON TO INCLUDE MORE THAN 22,000 MEMBERS AND BE THE BEGINNING OF NETWORKING WOMEN OF THE TRIANGLE (NWOTT). Or that she would soon meet Angie "Gigi" Stephenson, who would become NWOTT’s cofounder. JoJo describes NWOTT as filling a hole in the Triangle’s networking community. When she couldn’t find one specifically geared toward women job seekers, JoJo began asking around to see if there was anything like it already happening in the Triangle. “Before starting my own group, I posted in a local mom group to see if any existed.” Gigi was the first to comment that she wasn’t aware of any and offered to help manage one if I decided to start one. And so it began,” JoJo says. Gigi, who describes herself as a natural networker, dove into work with JoJo on developing NWOTT. “I’m a problem-solver by nature. I’m laser focused on what I’m trying to achieve,” Gigi says. Together JoJo and Gigi have grown NWOTT to include not only the Facebook group, but a networking website, mentoring and career enrichment programs, and events. Both JoJo and Gigi say they were surprised by its rapid growth. JoJo points out that while the growth has been quick, it’s also

Networking Women JOJO COX AND GIGI STEPHENSON CREATED A NETWORKING GROUP THAT HAS GROWN TO INCLUDE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF TRIANGLE WOMEN

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

been organic. “We didn’t really have a strategic plan laid out or a focus on growth. We’ve just been ourselves, and do the best we can to help and support others,” JoJo says. Both women say they believe their own experiences as women in the workforce, and their willingness to connect with the community, have lead the the network’s success. “Gigi and I both put ourselves out there. We ask for help when we need it. The openness of the network is reflected in the leadership,” JoJo says. This willingness to be vulnerable is something JoJo and Gigi say they see all the time through NWOTT. Gigi says she’s inspired by women who post on the group asking for transportation (and receiving offers to help) to and from job interviews. Women have posted that they need shoes for their first day

“ E ve r y s i n g l e wo m a n I ’ ve come in contact with t h r o u g h N WO T T i n s p i r e s m e .”

at a new job, she says, and through the network, they’ve gotten help from other women. "There are over 22,000 women in the group but the most active members are still able to build genuine and close connections without feeling overwhelmed by the size,”JoJo says. “Every single woman I’ve come in contact with through NWOTT inspires me,” Gigi says. In addition to the networking group, site, programs and events, JoJo and Gigi are expanding NWOTT to meet the evolving needs of its members. NWOTT recently began hosting career fairs, for example, and has expanded to Charlotte and the Triad. But NWOTT remains rooted in the Triangle. Gigi describes the Triangle as a great place for networking because there’s a real sense of community and diversity here, she says, and people in the Triangle truly get networking. “Networking is like a second language here,” Gigi says. Gigi says she loves Cary, in particular. It’s where she moved when she first came to the Triangle years ago, and where she began to put down roots in the area. “The entrepreneurial spirit is here,” JoJo says of what makes the Triangle special. Both JoJo and and Gigi say they look forward to what the future holds for NWOTT. “We can accomplish amazing things and prove that time after time,” JoJo says of women banding together. On being a successful and influential woman, Gigi says it’s about trusting yourself enough to take worthwhile risks. “Just jump,” she says, “See what happens when you believe in something.” Being an influential and successful woman JoJo, says, is “Someone who makes a difference in the world and supports and uplifts others along the way.”

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NINE UNIQUE TRAILBLAZING WOMEN SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON EVERYTHING FROM WHAT EXCITES THEM TO HOW THEY DEFINE SUCCESS

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

ARTICLE MOLLY DANSBY | PHOTOGRAPHY HANS ROSEMOND

Photo Stylish: Bich-Nguyet Nguyen Photo Studio: The Veritas Studio Hair: Erica DeMercurio Makeup: Jessica Vargas Hairmua Wardrobe: Kannon’s Clothing and Saks Fifth Avenue Selected Jewelry: Kannon’s Clothing and Carolina Pearl Catering: Jersey Mike’s and Nothing Bundt Cakes

Carnela Renee Hill CEO and Principal Designer, CR Hill Design Group, LLC

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? A woman willing to fix another woman’s crown so they both can be successful and taking a back seat if necessary because she knows it is best to push the other person. WHAT WOMAN/WOMEN INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AND HOW? My mother, Dian, and grandmother, Mattie (BigMa), influenced my life. My mom is my biggest cheerleader and supporter. BigMa instilled values in me for how a lady carries herself, cooks and takes care of her household and family. I learned how to be a strong woman from my mom and BigMa. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE? The direction my design firm is going, my future book releases and speaking engagements around the country, my community work and completing divinity school.

Ashley Hendricks OWNER, Villa 19 Boutique

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? I believe that being a successful and trailblazing woman means paving your own path and viewing obstacles as opportunities. WHAT WOMAN/WOMEN INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AND HOW? My mom took the path of entrepreneurship when I was younger and set such a beautiful example of how to find your purpose and passion in life and to use it. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? Self-confidence is a big part of what leads to success, and seeing women find a new sense of confidence through their wardrobe is incredibly inspiring.

CONTINUED >

May 2019 | Cary Lifestyle

WOMEN BLAZING TRAILS IN CARY

(CON TI N UED)

Colleen Blondell President/Broker, Blondell Properties

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? Trailblazing to me means sharing your talents with others to help them grow and giving back as much as possible. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? I love to serve, and making a difference for a client truly drives me. Utilizing my natural gifts, along with my knowledge, experience and contacts, I become very solution-oriented for my clients and for all parties involved in a transaction. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE? As a realtor, we have an opportunity to really impact people’s lives. People move here and trust us to guide them with one of their biggest purchases. I look forward to continuing to serve my clients, bringing more folks to Cary and guiding them on how they can help make our community great.

Erica DeMercurio Owner, The Hair Society

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? Being confident, having tenacity and drive so you can be successful and stay humble. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? Seeing joy in people’s eyes or a shift in confidence simply because they had there hair done. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE? I recently expanded my salon and am working on expanding my team along with offering additional services.

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

Grenata Larkin Vessel CEO/Founder, Virtuous Financial Group, LLC

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? Being a successful and trailblazing woman means being willing to take risks and not being afraid of failure. WHAT WOMAN/WOMEN INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AND HOW? My mom has influenced me the most because she is one of my closest friends and she is not afraid to let me know if I am heading in the wrong direction. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? I love working with people and helping them to improve their net worth especially because I know finances are a sensitive topic and can generally cause stress. I want to create a stress-free environment to make you feel at home and want to talk and share your good and bad money experiences.

Jennie Kowaleski Ower, Azura Skin Care Center

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? To me, trailblazing is about pushing boundaries and asking others to step out of their comfort zone. Being successful with this comes with the understanding that the change you are making will set a standard for those who come after you. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? When a woman tells me she can leave the house without makeup and she feels completely confident, I know we have done our job well. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE? I am most excited about continuing to create a culture for my work family where they can excel in their position and continue to grow as individuals and within our Azura team. CONTINUED >

May 2019 | Cary Lifestyle

WOMEN BLAZING TRAILS IN CARY

(CON TI N UED)

Lauren Burns Owner, Lauren Burns Interiors

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? You can reinvent yourself and begin again. If you have the passion, desire, work ethic and practice mindfulness, you are capable of anything you want to do. WHAT WOMAN/WOMEN INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AND HOW? My mother is the most influential woman in my life. She managed to get a college degree after divorce, and she did what she needed to do to make sure she was present for my brothers and me. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE? I am most excited for the potential of the future of my business. I have several projects in the works in addition to my residential and commercial interior design business.

Marilyn Slinkman Owner, Carolina Pearl, LLC

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? Being a trailblazing woman means ongoing growth and exploration of my creativity. It’s a constant state of mind. It also means having the willingness and ability to reinvent yourself and to be accountable. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? In my line of work, creative possibilities and passion are endless and always evolving. It is very exciting when I actually feel a piece coming together—from sketch (in my mind or on paper) to planning, producing and finishing. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE? The endless possibilities of expanding my designs to appeal to women of every age, shape, size and color. Jewelry is as individual as the woman who wears it. 26

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

Tina Caul Owner/Team Lead, Caul Group

WHAT DOES BEING A SUCCESSFUL, TRAILBLAZING WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? Success ... is never allowing myself to become complacent. To be the best person I can be in life, I constantly have to keep progressing as a human. WHAT WOMAN/WOMEN INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AND HOW? My mother did not have the easiest life, yet she always found a way to be happy. She showed me what hard work looked and felt like and to never settle for mediocrity. My paternal Greek grandmother was my everything. She showed me what it feels like to be kind and loving to all. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE? I’m now able to grow my company not only in the Triangle area but across the United States. My husband and I have a goal to have 1,000 real estate agents on our team by 2021.

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RENOVATE & REFINE

Love It or List It THE POPULAR HGTV SHOW HELPS A TRIANGLE FAMILY TRANSFORM THEIR HOME INTO A MORE BEAUTIFUL, LIVABLE SPACE

AFTER THE BIRTH OF THEIR SECOND DAUGHTER, TRIANGLE COUPLE ANGELICA AND JON CUMMINGS SPENT A SLEEPLESS NIGHT UP WITH THEIR NEWBORN BABY WATCHING A LOVE IT OR LIST IT MARATHON ON HGTV. It was then that Jon got the idea to contact the show about renovating their home, but it took a few weeks to convince Angelica it was a good idea. Once the couple was both on board, the process began, the show and crew came, and what’s left is a home they both adore that works great for their family of four. Angelica

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Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

ARTICLE MOLLY DANSBY PHOTOGRAPHY CATHERINE NGUYEN

found a home in the Triangle in 2015 that

“After the renovation, my favorite part quickly became the kitchen, without a doubt. It’s become the center of our home.”

suited both their tastes and needs, but it needed a lot of work. “We moved in our home with every intention of doing a slow transformation ... while my wife and I worked full-time jobs and raising a toddler,” Jon says. But the process was slow and was eventually moved to the back burner once the couple’s second daughter arrived. The Cummings updated the bedrooms in the years following their purchase of the home, but the main living areas were still outdated. The kitchen, dining room, living room, family room and bathrooms were all in need of a makeover. And that’s just what happened when the HGTV crew arrived to start work in November 2017. The couple lived with Angelica’s parents for 83 days while the designers and crew renovated their home. At the beginning of the process, Angelica and Jon were asked to create an inspiration board for the renovation, but still, much of the process and the finished product was a surprise to the couple. And while leaving the renovation in the hands of a television show was a bit of a leap of faith, Angelica says their arrival was a relief. “I can’t say that I actually had a favorite part of our house before the renovation,” Angelica says. “All I could see were the projects that needed to be fixed.” That all changed, Angelica says, once the makeover was revealed. “After the renovation, my favorite part quickly became the kitchen, without a doubt. It’s become the center of our home.” Jon says he loves that they have a new space to host family and friends and make new memories.

CONTINUED >

May 2019 | Cary Lifestyle

RENOVATE & REFINE

(CON TI N U ED)

The couple says they especially love the huge island in the kitchen and the quartz backsplash. They also enjoy the subtle use of color through the home, especially the different green tones. And while the kitchen is impressive in its design, other practical changes have made the home more family-friendly. When asked about the smartest design change made to space, Jon doesn’t hesitate when answering. “Hands down, it was the relocation of the washer and dryer to our new mudroom where the downstairs guest bathroom once lived,” he says. The couple says they also love that there are designated spaces for their children’s belongings. Jon says having special spaces for their things emphasizes their importance and teaches kids to take care of what they have. “I grew up with the idea of caring for the things you love and the things you value. If you don’t, then you don’t need them. We work to teach our kids that same concept with their toys, clothes and general stuff,” he says. Angelica says she also loves that the renovation has created space to host family-friendly activities with her girls like the ice cream social they hosted over the summer. Angelica and Jon both gush when they talk about HGTV, hosts David Visentin and Hilary Farr, the design process, the crew and the makeover. “The entire process was amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone,” Angelica says. Jon says he agrees and credits show host/ designer Hilary with bringing their vision to life. “The only advice I can give would be to trust in the vision of the designer and to fully vocalize what your problem areas are,” Jon says.

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

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3PillarsChecklist.com May 2019 | Cary Lifestyle

LOCALLY OWNED

ARTICLE MOLLY DANSBY | PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE SMITH

Mary Willis, President of Fidelity Bank VIEW FROM THE TOP MARY WILLIS BEGAN HER CAREER AT FIDELITY BANK AS A TELLER AT AGE 17. She is now serving her 12th year as the bank’s president. Whether working while in school or helming the 110-yearold bank’s Fuquay-Varina headquarters, Mary’s career has always been focused on people and community. “I love people,” Mary says. “I love our customers.” Mary grew up in banking. Her father was also a Fidelity Bank president. “His whole life was Fidelity Bank,” Mary says. Once she started working at the bank as a teen, Mary worked in different areas and departments. The experience gave her a keen sense of Fidelity Bank’s mission. The bank is privately owned and was the first bank in Cary. It opened its first branch there in the 1950s. Mary says she’s especially proud of Fidelity Bank’s commitment to community and its focus on the long-term growth and success. Shareholders encourage and support community involvement, Mary says, because they recognize how community connectedness creates lasting bonds and facilitates success. “When we’re growing, our communities are growing,” Mary points out. This penchant for building relationships that last and bonds that promote growth is evident in some of Fidelity Bank's stats that Mary says she takes pride in.

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

While the average life of a checking account in the industry is just 12 months, the average life of a Fidelity Bank checking account is 12 years. Mary also says the biggest source of referrals to Fidelity Bank are current customers. Associates at Fidelity, Mary says, pound the pavement in their communities to meet and connect with potential new customers. “We want our associates to live the communities they serve,” Mary says, “and every community is unique.” Community has always been a cornerstone of Fidelity Bank, and the bank is known for giving back. Mary’s father, in fact, was instrumental starting the North Carolina Community Foundation, a 30-year-old foundation known for supporting communities large and small. While her father’s career was an obvious influence on her own, Mary’s mother was one of the most influential and admired people in her life. “She was the backbone of my family,” Mary says. Her mother taught her to value independence and encouraged her, Mary says. Her mother also emphasized the importance of humility and helping others. Mary says she appreciates working with other strong women. The women she works with are often great at multitasking and have unique points of view, she says. In her spare time, Mary likes to be with family, especially her children. “If I’m not at the bank, I’m on a soccer field,” Mary says. Mary says she has enjoyed watching the Triangle grow. “The growth means so much opportunity for everyone,” Mary says. This growth is something Fidelity Bank takes seriously. And it’s something that keeps Mary excited about her job. She especially loves being a part of so many milestone moments for individuals and families, from first home purchases and small business startups to retirement planning. “Having a part in someone’s success is inspiring,” Mary says. Watching ideas and small businesses take root then

Cary’s

LEADING REALTeam ESTATE

KAREN DUPREE , C OLLEEN L AWRENCE , LINDA TRE VOR , MAYA G ALLE T TA

grow, sometimes even to Fortune 500 companies, doesn’t get old, Mary says. This long-term, legacy-type relationship with customers and communities is mirrored in both Mary’s career as she worked her way through the ranks and in Fidelity’s penchant for longevity. At the end of the day, though, Mary

TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL, T O P T E N T E A M S (BOOK OF LISTS 2018) CIRCLE OF LEGENDS, RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL 2018

says everything revolves around the customer for her. “‘How does it affect the customer?’” is the question we live by,” Mary says. Mary says her focus is for Fidelity Bank to be thriving 100 years from now. And the communities it's connected to, as well.

51 Kilmayne Drive, Cary

919.469.6543

/ LINDATRE VOR .C OM May 2019 | Cary Lifestyle

REALTY REPORT

CARY

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Tryon Villas

$625,000

$600,000

96%

165

Cary Park

$620,000

$615,000

99%

4.5

Bailey Court

$612,000

$620,000

101%

Cary Park

$660,000

100%

MacGregor West

$675,000

$669,000

99%

4.5

MacGregor Downs

$675,000

$688,888

102%

Weycroft

$749,000

$730,000

97%

MacGregor Downs

$797,500

$737,575

92%

Olde Carpenter

$788,000

$775,000

98%

4.5

Sedgefield

$800,000

$791,500

99%

4.5

MacGregor West

$825,000

$800,000

97%

3.5

$1,050,000

$1,030,000

98%

4.5

Lochmere

*March 1 - March 21, 2019. Cary resale home sales $600k-$2M . Source IRES MLS System.

Experience

Proven Results

Visit our website to get a FREE home valuation at

C AU L G R O U P. c o m / home_value 36

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

Megan’s Cleaning Service in Raleigh Commercial, Residential, Airbnb’s, & Vrbo’s

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May 2019 | Cary Lifestyle

TREND SETTER

GET THE LOOK: 1

timeless beauty

WITH JUST A FEW PRODUCTS AND A FEW MINUTES, THIS QUICK MAKEUP ROUTINE ADDS A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO SPARE

5 -minute basics

+ Step 1: A tinted moisturizer or BB cream is great for quick, sheer coverage that evens out your skintone. If you need a little more coverage, use a foundation stick for spot coverage. + Step 2: Add a little color by pressing cream blush on the apples of your cheeks. We love Glossier’s Cloud Paint, which is seamless, sheer and beautiful, giving you a healthy, flushed glow. + Step 3: Lightly apply a powder highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones, and directly above and below the arch of your eyebrows for

1. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, $46, Nordstrom.com

an instant lift.

2. Glossier Cloud Paint, $18, Glossier.com

+ Step 4: Finish it off by defining your lashes with 1-2 coats of mascara.

3. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, $38, BeccaCosmetics.com

+ Bonus: Once you’ve gotten it down with time to spare, apply a

4. Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $9.99, LorealParisUSA.com

shimmer cream shadow to the inner corners of your eyes and add a lightly tinted lip oil for a high shine.

Cary Lifestyle | May 2019

Recreation Soccer

Our Recreation program encourages developmental growth but focuses on the love of the game in a positive and fun environment. • Ages 3-19

• All skill levels welcome

• Practice & play home games in Cary

N C FCYO U T H . C O M