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FROM THE EDITOR

y fellow Gen-Xers and I are having a “smart” watches? (Maybe that’s just me? If this nostalgia moment. Last month, in our paragraph sounds relatable — please know Fall Arts Preview, contributor Page Leggett that I see you.) noted the summer’s throwback concert season, Technology keeps us connected in ways from Indigo Girls to Blues Traveler. But the we previously never thought possible. But feeling extends beyond music. socializing (in real life) beats scrolling, any day. Photos on film, Esprit sweatshirts and And detaching from the digital world, even slouchy denim were everywhere this summer. for brief intervals, is often the creative and Even “Little House on the Prairie” got a reboot, restorative reset we all crave and need. via Netflix. Then there’s Swatch, another What’s more nostalgic than putting away ’80s brand that’s been mounting a comeback your phone and flipping through the pages of in recent years. This a gorgeous, glossy spring, customers magazine? And do lined up outside we have a fun one stores — including at this month. In this SouthPark Mall — for issue, we celebrate a a Swatch collab with milestone — The IT luxury watchmaker List turns 10! This Audemars Piguet. annual roundup of Vintage Swatches Charlotteans with are all the rage on stellar personal style resale sites, according is the brainchild to Paris fashion of SouthPark Style mag L’Officiel, along Editor Whitley with classic labels Adkins. For nine Richard Israel, Bradley Rhyne and Whitley Adkins including Missoni, of those 10 years, Betsey Johnson, even Anne Klein. Whitley has teamed with photographer This got me thinking: Are we so fatigued Richard Israel to capture stunning portraits of from digital overload (and life in general) our city’s most stylish denizens. For this special that we’re pining for simpler times? Has the issue, Whitley decided to bring back a few constant connectivity of daily life gotten to be of Charlotte’s most iconic style setters, along too much? Are we so burned out caring for our with some fresh faces. See who made the list aging parents — often while simultaneously on page 84 — and stay tuned for our podcast, helping our teen or young-adult kids find their “SouthPark Says” with Krisha Chachra, for a way in the world — that we’re eager to escape behind-the-scenes scoop on The IT List, out the constant tether of screens, cellphones and later this month. SP 6 | SOUTHPARK

4 IN THIS ISSUE: 1–Designer Laura Archibald honors a historic home (page 114) 2–Weekend away: The Saluda Inn (page 40) 3–In the studio with Charlotte artist Stephen Warwick (page 28) 4–Ramona Holloway’s second act (page 110)

CATHY MARTIN EDITOR

editor@southparkmagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DUSTIN PECK, KEVIN SPARGO COURTESY THE SALUDA INN, RICHARD ISRAEL (2), AND OLLY YUNG

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©2026 Corcoran HM Properties. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran HM Properties fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

September BLVD. 24 | style Margaret Athanas creates jewelry with a story from recycled gold, gemstones and cherished family pieces.

28 | arts Sounding off: Get to know multi-hyphenate Charlotte artist Stephen Warwick.

34 | music Youth Orchestras of Charlotte prepares young musicians for the stage — and beyond.

40 | explore History, hospitality and healing at The Saluda Inn

48 | around town

50 | happenings September calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS 57 | givers How Crittenton creates a safe space for women and children

63 | bookshelf September’s new releases

65 | reading roundup New and noteworthy books from Queen City authors

67 | state of mind The greening of home

73 | simple life Sweet September lessons

77 | well + wise Grieving the unreceived conversation

124 | swirl Parties, fundraisers and events around Charlotte

128 | crowning moments A Charlottean’s improbable run for interim mayor became a master class in taking a chance on yourself.

ABOUT THE COVER: The 2026 IT List, produced by Whitley Adkins and photographed by Richard Israel, on location at Freedom Park.

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40 57

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RICHARD ISRAEL, KEVIN SPARGO COURTESY THE SALUDA INN, COURTESY CRITTENTON

What’s new and coming soon in the Queen City

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120

FEATURES 84 | The IT List produced by Whitley Adkins | photographs by Richard Israel Celebrating a decade of showstopping style in Charlotte.

110 | Mint to be by Page Leggett | photographs by Richard Israel Ramona Holloway’s second act is proof: It’s never too late to start over.

114 | Myers Park makeover by Andrea Caughey | photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck A century-old home gets a modern, family-friendly glow-up while keeping historic character intact.

TRAVEL 120 | Foothills magic

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY KESWICK HALL

by Cathy Martin At Keswick Hall, classic meets contemporary with a rustic-chic spa and a first-class farm-to-table restaurant.

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CHARLES HARBISON september 6, 2026 - january 31, 2027 Additional Artists & Exhibitions:

PREVIEW PARTY with Charles Harbison Saturday, September 5 7 PM | Drendel Auditorium

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Tickets at HickoryArt.org or call 828.327.8576 top left: Anya Fisher [1905-1992], “Female,” gouache on paper, HMA Collection, From the Collection of Barry and Allen Huffman, Gift, 2015.23 right: Courtesy of Harbison Studio

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WHAT’S NOW

Celebrating our 40th year

1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208 704-523-6987 southparkmagazine.com _______________ Ben Kinney Publisher publisher@southparkmagazine.com Cathy Martin Editor cathy@southparkmagazine.com Sharon Smith Assistant Editor sharon@southparkmagazine.com Andie Rose Creative Director Alyssa Kennedy Art Director alyssamagazines@gmail.com Whitley Adkins Style Editor Sarah Fligel Proofreader Contributing Editors David Mildenberg, Michael J. Solender Contributing Writers Nan Bauroth, Taylor Bowler, Andrea Nordstrom Caughey, Jim Dodson, J.J. Holshouser, Juliet Lam Kuehnle, Amanda Lea, Page Leggett, Tommy Tomlinson Contributing Photographers Daniel Coston, Richard Israel, Dustin and Susie Peck, Olly Yung Contributing Illustrators Gerry O’Neill, Gary Palmer _______________ ADVERTISING Anne Brundage Sales Manager anne@southparkmagazine.com Lynda D. Kuehni Account Executive lynda@southparkmagazine.com Mercy Clark Marketing Manager mercy@southparkmagazine.com Brad Beard Graphic Designer _______________ Letters to the editorial staff: editor@southparkmagazine.com Instagram: southparkmagazine Facebook: southparkmagazine LinkedIn: SouthPark Magazine

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Owners Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels III, David Woronoff in memoriam Frank Daniels Jr. David Woronoff President david@thepilot.com Published by Old North State Magazines LLC. ©Copyright 2026. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Volume 30, Issue 9

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Sarah Salton Broker | Realtor ® 704.315.9515 sarah@hmproperties.com hmproperties.com ©2026 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC and fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

After a career in marketing on Wall Street, Nan Bauroth returned to her roots as a journalist and since then has been published in over 40 magazines and ghostwritten several business books. A California native, she indulges her passion for seasonal gardening in Charlotte, as well as a lifelong love of classical music inherited from her mother.

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blvd. PHOTOGRAPH BY CURTIS GROLL, COURTESY MAMAN

people, places, things

MAD ABOUT MAMAN

Soho-born French bakery and café Maman’s Charlotte takeover continued with the opening of its third location in as many months. The Eastover Maman, at 523 Fenton Place, is housed in a 1920s brick building. Like other locations, the café has a French-country aesthetic, with locally sourced antiques, a custom logo mural by artist Amber Thompson and floral installations featuring magnolia and jasmine. Maman Eastover seats 54 inside, plus another 52 on the outside patio. The café is open daily until 6 p.m. SP

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blvd. | style

MODERN HEIRLOOMS Margaret Athanas creates jewelry with a story from recycled gold, gemstones and cherished family pieces. by Taylor Bowler

lot of my designs start out with me falling in love with a stone,” says Margaret Athanas, founder of In the Light of Day Jewelry. “My design aesthetic is blending something funkier with something more classic. It might have a braided detail, or a play on a classic rope design. It immediately makes it more quirky and fun.” That balance between timeless and unexpected has become the hallmark of In the Light of Day. Since founding the brand in 2022, Athanas has focused on creating heirloom-quality pieces with carefully sourced gemstones, recycled gold and an emphasis on quality over volume. In an era dominated by fast fashion and fleeting trends, she’s found a growing audience for something more meaningful. “Fine jewelry is the antithesis of that,” Athanas says. “Clients might say, ‘This piece was my mother’s. It’s not really my taste, but it’s mine now.’ So we’re taking quality materials and

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PHOTOGRAPH BY RICHARD ISRAEL

“A

blvd. | style “It was a way to get experience with types of metals I didn’t use when I was in school,” she says. By January 2022, she was ready for a new venture. She and her sister dissolved their longtime business and pursued separate paths. “I was tired of going to markets, not making enough sales and having a tough time with margins,” she says. “I wanted to focus on fine jewelry.” That September, In the Light of Day Jewelry was born. Today, Athanas works from a home studio, typically balancing four to eight projects at a time. She puts out two seasonal collections each year, which are sold on her website and at The Golden Carrot in SouthPark. But most of her business centers on custom commissions, which begin with a conversation over coffee and often evolve into a personal collaboration. A recent project involved a client who had inherited engagement rings from her mother, her grandmother and her partner’s grandmother. For years, she wasn’t sure what to do with them. Together, they incorporated the original

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY MARGARET ATHANAS, BY RICHARD ISRAEL

repurposing them into something they enjoy, but it still holds the memory of the person who passed it down to them.” Despite growing up in a creative family — her older sister is a graphic designer who developed In the Light of Day’s branding and website — Athanas wasn’t always intent on being a jewelry designer. She originally enrolled at East Carolina University to study painting, but that changed after she took a few introductory metals classes. One professor offered a piece of advice that stuck: “If you can make it in paper, you can make it in metal.” Athanas immersed herself in learning new techniques and materials while selling her work at guild sales, holiday markets and pop-up events organized through ECU’s metals program. While still in college, she and her twin sister launched an Etsy shop that evolved into a business they ran for a decade, creating brass and sterling-silver fashion jewelry. After graduation, Athanas worked for a large jewelry retailer in Concord and honed her skills as a bench jeweler.

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diamonds and selected vivid emeralds to create a single piece that honored multiple generations. “It was such a fun and special process,” Athanas says. “A lot of trust was involved.” She finds inspiration in her own family history as well. Ask about her favorite piece of jewelry, and the answer comes quickly. “Any and every hoop is what you’ll find me in,” she says. “My mom always had a great jewelry collection and loved a yellow-gold hoop. My sisters and I always had fun raiding her jewelry box. Every time I wear a pair of hoops, I feel connected to my family. A few of my designs are inspired by my mom.” No matter who it’s for, Athanas’ jewelry always carries a story. Her goal is simply to help it shine. SP

Mozart’s Requiem A 9/11 MEMORIAL CONCERT Friday, September 11 KNIGHT THEATER Stefano Vignati, conductor Yunah Lee, soprano · Lisa Chavez, mezzo-soprano Arthur Espiritu, tenor · Justin Hopkins, bass-baritone Charlotte Master Chorale On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Charlotte Symphony, Opera Carolina, and Charlotte Master Chorale come together for a shared program of remembrance, offering space for reflection, unity, and healing through music of profound beauty and transcendence. Presented in partnership with Opera Carolina and the Charlotte Master Chorale

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY MARGARET ATHANAS, BY RICHARD ISRAEL

blvd. | style

blvd. | arts

SOUNDING OFF He sings and strums guitars, composes and collages. Get to know multi-hyphenate Charlotte artist Stephen Warwick. by Whitley Adkins photographs by Richard Israel

rtist and Charlotte native Stephen Warwick strums a 65 Fender Mustang in the garage-turned-recording studio at his Lansdowne home. To his left is his Digital Audio Workstation — today’s version of a modern home studio — along with his collection of guitars, his drum kit and a piano. It’s where he composes music for TV, film and commercials. As the strumming ensues, Stephen redirects our auditory senses to a composition he is currently working on, while rattling off a roster of commercial clients including Dove Body Wash, Free Country Apparel, Chromebook and Tropicana. His film and TV credits include Wicked Blood, “Shameless,” “Monarch,” “Imaginary Mary” and “Cougar Town,” to name a few. In 2024, he wrote a song called “Fallen Stars” for the action thriller Red Right Hand, starring Orlando Bloom and featuring Andie MacDowell. He’s currently working on music for possible placement in video games. On the cusp of his 48th birthday in June, Stephen welcomed us into his studio to discuss dream projects, style in the Queen City and the mantra that guides him through it all. Comments have been edited for length and clarity.

Who is Stephen Warwick? I’m a musician, composer, collage artist and a DJ. I was born at Presbyterian Hospital here in Charlotte. I have been writing music and taking guitar lessons since 28 | SOUTHPARK

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blvd. | arts

the age of 12, and I started DJing in 1996. I briefly tried to dabble in UX (User Experience) design. I also work two days a week at Plaza Midwood fashion retailer Boris & Natasha. How do you like living in Charlotte in 2026? It’s a good home base. I wish there was a bigger art and music scene, like there is in Nashville. What are some bright spots in the city? Stylus Lounge inside Soul Gastrolounge. It’s a listening room and bar with different DJs Wednesday through Saturday. I play there, and have enjoyed going there and listening to music. I play old-school records and 45s. I don’t go out a lot. I’m kind of a homebody and spend most of my time working on my projects and my art. What are your thoughts on Charlotte’s fashion and style scene? I think Charlotte has its little pockets of fashion, and

it is easier to stand out because it is a smaller city than say New York or LA. The places I hang out are fashionable, like Soul. I think that if there were more of an arts scene in Charlotte, fashion would follow suit. How would you describe your personal style? I would say late ’60s, early ’70s with a modern twist. Is there anyone who’s style you admire in Charlotte?

Hope Nicholls. I love her style. Any favorite local music talent? It’s Snakes — that’s Hope’s current band. I recorded their new album in this studio. There’s a band called True Optimist. My friend Evan Plante is the songwriter and front man for it. I play drums and sing backup. How about local visual artists? Nico Amortegui, Arthur Brouthers, Kelly Keith and Chris Holston. Tell me about your collage art. I started doing that in 2012

when I had a band called Ancient Cities. I bought a stack of [vintage] Look magazines. I wanted to make an album cover, so that is when I started collage art. For the past two years I’ve been doing the artwork for a record label out of New York City called Vibromonk. Where do you find inspiration? For my own artwork, in old

magazines. Looking at old photos and news articles. Other artists and musicians constantly inspire me to be the best I can be. Art is not a

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blvd. | arts

competition, but when I see art that is really good, it lights a fire and inspires me to be the best I can be. Nature — every day, I set out on a hiking trail with my dog, so I can clear the space for new ideas to come. What are you working on currently? A second EP for my project called Teleportation, which is a collection of five or six songs that I am composing with my friend A.J. Haynes. She is a Grammy Award winner based out of New Orleans. I have a new song called “Win or Lose.” It is available to stream on all platforms. Dream project? I would love to score a feature film or compose the theme song and soundtrack for a feature film. Favorite composer? Classical, Mozart. Modern, Philip Glass. Favorite band? Led Zeppelin, which stems from listening to my father’s record collection as a kid. Also, Black Sabbath. Life mantra or philosophy? Everyone comes from the same source of energy, so you have to love everyone. Even if you don’t like them. Love everyone, because we’re all in it together. SP

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blvd. | music

MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Youth Orchestras of Charlotte prepares young musicians for the stage — and beyond. by Nan Bauroth

ienna’s stately Gothic Minoritenkirche, built in the 13th and 14th centuries, might seem an unlikely place to hear Mark O’Connor’s “Appalachian Waltz” or John Williams’ “Across the Stars (Love Theme)” from Star Wars: Episode II. But in late June, dozens of Charlotte students traveled to Austria to perform these and other works by American composers, thanks to an opportunity provided through Youth Orchestras of Charlotte. Founded in 2018 by a group of dedicated parents, Youth Orchestras of Charlotte (YOC) provides instruction and performance experiences in symphonic orchestra and chamber-music ensemble settings for 200 students. The musicians range from elementary through high school and live in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. In contrast to the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras organization backed by the CSO, the YOC is almost entirely supported and run by parents of the students involved. “This gives us a great deal of flexibility because parents make up the committees and serve on the YOC Board that makes key decisions,” explains YOC President Christina Beekman-Chin, who was a member of a youth orchestra when she was 12 and whose children now belong to YOC. Through YOC’s Ambassador Program, small groups of student musicians perform at private parties, charity benefits or other types of social gatherings in exchange for a contribution. “Parents do a lot of volunteering to drive students to these events, so they all get to know each other,” says Beekman-Chin. “It’s one big community.” Parents also spearheaded the Europe trip, part of the American Celebration of Music in Austria, and the fundraising to support it. The nonprofit is led by Ernest Pereira, a violinist for

34 | SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS OF CHARLOTTE

Students from Youth Orchestras of Charlotte perform at the Minoritenkirche in Vienna.

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ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶƚ sŝĐĞ WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ • ^ĞŶŝŽƌ &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ĚǀŝƐŽƌ

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blvd. | music YOC members perform at Kollegienkirche of Salzburg.

Tessa Jackson

36 | SOUTHPARK

Each YOC group holds 22 rehearsals and three concerts a year. In addition to 12 community performances at the Dale Halton Theater at Central Piedmont Community College, YOC gives a free concert at Festival in the Park and another in collaboration with the Mint Museum tied to a selected exhibit. Students audition for one of four musical-education groups at YOC, and financial aid is available. Sinfonia Strings offers orchestral training for elementary-school students who may not have access to orchestra programs at their school. Preparatory Orchestra is a full symphonic experience for students in grades five to nine, which is especially valuable since most schools in this area do not combine Although many YOC students do not major band and orchestra. The Youth Orchestra in music at college, of Charlotte is a full symphonic orchestra of some pursue a career high-school students performing masterpieces as a professional in a professional symphony setting. Flute musician, including Tessa Jackson, who Choir provides a unique chamber-music now attends Julliard ensemble opportunity for middle- and highSchool of Music in school musicians. New York. “We have To join YOC, a student must audition, former youth orchestra players in the New and Pereira recommends lessons for at least York Philharmonic and two years before applying. Charlotte Symphony, “The earlier you start the better,” he says, among others, and a noting that many YOC students begin Suzuki former cellist now with the Poesis Quartet,” lessons at age 2 or 3. “Most schools here have Pereira says. “Most shifted learning a musical instrument to YOC members keep middle school, but even fourth grade can be a up their instrument little late to start.” Another way to encourage over time, however, and playing becomes children in the appreciation of classical music? a lifelong activity.” Attend a YOC concert. “When they see other kids their age on stage, they think it’s cool and want to do the same.” SP

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS OF CHARLOTTE

38 years with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and former conductor of the CSO’s youth orchestras. Pereira strongly believes in the long-term benefits of learning to play music at a young age. “Studying a musical instrument is ultimately a discipline because it takes a lot of focus to go into the practice room every day and put in the required amount of time,” he says. That discipline provides a foundation for whatever students choose to do later in life, he adds.

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HISTORY, HOSPITALITY AND HEALING

The stately home of Saluda’s first doctor, reimagined as The Saluda Inn, is a tonic for anything that ails you.

or nearly 150 years, the residence at 229 Greenville St. in Saluda has been associated with healing. The town’s first doctor and pharmacist, Dr. Edward Buncombe Goelet, built the elegant Queen Anne‑style home in the 1880s as his private residence. Over time, the house passed through families who cared for it, neglected it, expanded it or took from it. Its fortunes rose and fell with Saluda itself. When rail travel arrived in 1878, Saluda, 95 miles west of Charlotte, became a summer refuge for wealthy travelers escaping the heat and seeking the mountain town’s reputed therapeutic benefits. At the height of Saluda’s heyday, visitors could choose from more than 40 inns and boarding houses.

40 | SOUTHPARK

But as automobiles replaced trains, tourism waned and the refined residence on Greenville Street slipped into disrepair. It needed healing itself. First aid arrived in 2020, when Joel Kirby and Jay Burriss — transplants from Greenville, South Carolina, ready for a new challenge — purchased the property. Burriss had worked in real estate and is an accomplished artist on the side. Kirby is both a landscape architect and a sought-after event planner. It’s hard to imagine better caretakers of this beloved landmark, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Doing much of the work themselves, Burriss and Kirby restored the structure, refreshed the interiors, reimagined the grounds and reopened the

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEVEN SPARGO COURTESY THE SALUDA INN

by Page Leggett

Winnie Simmons REALTOR®/BROKER

704.576.9225 wsimmons@dickensmitchener.com

A Z A L E A

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In the lobby, circular openings on the foursided fireplace were designed to resemble skeleton keyholes, a common design element in Victorian, Gothic and Queen Annestyle architecture.

property as The Saluda Inn, combining some of the original 18 guest rooms into spacious suites and bringing the old place, now with 12 guest rooms, back to life.

A STORIED ADDRESS

From its earliest days, the home has been considered one of Saluda’s most enviable addresses. Perched high on a wooded hill just a quarter mile from Main Street (which is also on the Register as a historic district), it feels both connected and secluded — like a secret you want to share but also want to keep to yourself. Its history is well-documented. When Louisa Leland purchased the home in 1914, she enlarged and remodeled it, converting it into an inn she named The Charlton Leland, after her husband. Today, the exterior is painted a sophisticated gray, but the silhouette remains largely unchanged from what Louisa created. Inside, however, the inn has been transformed.

MODERN LUXURY, HISTORIC SOUL

Kirby and Burriss share a passion for historic preservation, beautiful interiors, gardening and Southern hospitality. Their second act as innkeepers allows each to play to his strengths. For Kirby, that means design — both interior and landscape. “Design is my happy place,” he says. “Guests are always asking about our paint colors and where our light fixtures and furniture came from, and I love to share my sources.” Burriss meticulously maintains the landscaping (“Yeah, I’m the weed guy,” he jokes), but the vision is Kirby’s. The grounds have matured into a lush, curated botanical garden of plants that thrive 42 | SOUTHPARK

in the region. The inn also serves as a gallery for Burriss’ art. It was Kirby’s suggestion to hang Burriss’ abstract landscapes throughout the inn, and guests responded enthusiastically. The art is rotated regularly, and that’s out of necessity. When one painting sells, Burriss replaces it with a new one. His work is now also available on the inn’s website, thesaludainn.com. Burriss’ love of art inspired the annual “Art Behind the Wall” show, held each May. The event actually started in 2015 in Greenville, but the couple kept it going after moving to Saluda. Sculptors, potters and painters exhibit their work, and the inn offers food and drink specials throughout the day.

PLAYING FAVORITES

Guests often ask whether the owners have a favorite room. They’re reluctant to choose, but Kirby admits Room 205 holds a certain magic. “It’s a suite, so you’ve got two rooms,” he says. “And I love the double windows looking out the back of the inn. You get that incredible view of Judd’s Peak, a public park. If you go up there and look back, you see the inn and the Grand Lawn — it’s gorgeous.” The pair will divulge their favorite architectural features. Kirby’s is one guests notice immediately: the four‑sided fireplace in the lobby. Original to the house, it has been modernized with circular openings designed to resemble skeleton keyholes — a nod to Victorian and Queen Anne architecture. “We wanted something with an edge to it,” he says, “but that was still respectful of the inn’s history.” Burriss’ favorite spot is the sunroom just down the central hall from the lobby. With oversized chairs, a plush sofa and a wall of windows overlooking the Grand Lawn, it’s a natural gathering place.

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“Whenever I give a tour, I start in the lobby,” he says. “But the sunlight pouring in from that room always pulls you back there. I love a morning in the sunroom, and it’s so nice to look out and see people enjoying the Grand Lawn. It just warms my soul.”

EVENTS WITH PERSONALITY

The innkeepers have a knack for creating experiences that feel both thoughtful and fun. This summer, for the second year, they brought back Adult Summer Camp, a three‑night stay paired with dining credits at local restaurants, retail discounts and a choice of local adventures, from spa treatments to ziplining to kayaking. On the third Sunday of each month, the inn opens its wine cellar for Sippin’ Sunday, a relaxed afternoon of wine and live music. In August, they tapped into mahjong mania and hosted a weekend retreat complete with beginner lessons. But their hospitality extends beyond events. In a year when prices have seemingly risen everywhere, Kirby and Burriss did something unexpected: They lowered theirs. As of June, weekend rates for a standard room dropped from $350 to $295. “People need an escape from reality,” Kirby says. “We’re happy to offer a place to turn off the news, turn off your iPad and be one with nature.”

A FRIDAY NIGHT HOT SPOT

The owners created the wine cellar out of a previously unused basement and, in the process, gave

44 | SOUTHPARK

Saluda an elegant and lively gathering place that has become a favorite local hangout. Open to the public on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. (when the inn isn’t booked for a wedding or other private event), it serves light bites, seasonal flatbread pizzas (the summer pizza with bacon and local peaches was especially memorable) and indoor s’mores. The atmosphere is lively and social, as locals mingle with visitors. Even guests staying at other hotels stop by because they’ve “heard there’s such a cool vibe,” Kirby says. Pro tip: Arrive close to 5 p.m. if you want to snag a table.

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blvd. | explore MORE TO LOVE

A big reason for The Saluda Inn’s success is its amiable owners. When the wine cellar is open, they’re on hand, making their way from one table to the next, getting to know their guests. Another reason is the talented staff Burriss and Kirby have assembled. Among the newest team members is events manager Traci Boggs, a Charlotte native. “Guests are always telling us our staff is amazing,” Kirby says. “We’re proud to have built a place where people want to work. They’ve become a family for us.” Breakfast, included with every stay, has earned its own reputation. “Everybody says it’s the nicest continental breakfast they’ve ever had,” Burriss says. Fresh fruit, mini-quiches, bacon or sausage, and bagels, muffins and pastries are a lovely way to begin each day and a nice send-off before guests head home. Refreshing mountain air has always been a tonic. At The Saluda Inn, it still is. It’s fitting that a historic home built for a doctor and druggist has become a luxurious retreat that’s meant to be restorative. For anyone seeking a respite from real life, The Saluda Inn just may be the cure. SP

Heal yourself. Learn more at thesaludainn.com. Keep up with inn happenings via Instagram @thesaludainnnc. The wine cellar

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Cristina Wilson and Lizzy Sirkin Hill

Sweet July Cafe opened at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte in uptown. The all-day café from cookbook author (and Steph’s wife) Ayesha Curry is inspired by Curry’s Jamaican roots and emphasizes local ingredients. Expect grab-and-go breakfast items from muesli to strawberry shortcake croissants, and at lunch, pita sandwiches, grass-fed smash burgers and salads. Beverages and sweets include citrus-forward sundaes, coffee, matcha and smoothies. Sweet July is open daily until 8 p.m.

wellness Massage studio Mood House plans to expand to Lake Norman and south Charlotte over the next 18 months. “After that, we hope to aggressively expand our footprint, focusing on the Southeast,” says new Mood House partner and CEO Lizzy Sirkin Hill. Mood House was started in 2021 by Cristina Wilson and has locations in Dilworth and Oakhurst. Atlanta’s Faced, The Facial Studio is slated to open later this year at Specialty Shops SouthPark. Faced specializes in customized facials, dermaplaning, LED therapy and targeted skin treatments.

shop Coastal-inspired furniture and home-decor brand Serena & Lily is opening a 7,387-square-foot store next to Ann and Sid Mashburn at Specialty Shops SouthPark in 2027.

food + drink Dear Charlotte, a garden-themed rooftop cocktail bar, restaurant and event space, will open atop the new Hilton Garden Inn in Steele Creek. The restaurant will operate as an independent concept featuring botanical cocktails, artisan pizza and shareable plates. Dear Charlotte will also accommodate events for groups up to 250. San Diego native David Buckley was named executive chef at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel — including Angeline’s and Merchant & Trade — in uptown.  Raices, a new restaurant from husband-and-wife restaurateurs Alfonso Bravo and Amalia Macias, opened at the RailYard South End. The menu is inspired by the Mexican regions of Jalisco and Oaxaca. The couple own five restaurants in Columbia and Camden, South Carolina. SP 48 | SOUTHPARK

Raices

RENDERINGS COURTESY BLACK DOVE INTERIORS, NICEDAY

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY SWEET JULY CAFE, MOOD HOUSE

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Compass Carolinas, LLC” in South Carolina and under the name “Compass” in North Carolina and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

| calendar

September HAPPENINGS Potters Market at the Mint

Sept. 26 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This one-day tent sale features works by North Carolina ceramic artists at Mint Museum Randolph. While the pottery is the main attraction, there will also be live demonstrations, raffles, a beer garden and the Mint’s galleries to enjoy. General admission is $20. Friday night preview party tickets are $200 and include dinner, beverages, live bluegrass music and the first opportunity to purchase works by participating artists. Sunday concludes with a keynote from renowned North Carolina potter and author Mark Hewitt, followed by a reception.

For more arts events, view our Fall Arts Preview online at southparkmagazine.com.

and more. Admission is $5; free for kids under 12.

Matthews Alive Labor Day Festival Sept. 4-7 This downtown tradition for 50+ years includes three stages, a parade, local vendors, food and plenty of fun for the kids with inflatables and games. Free to attend, but games and rides require tickets.

ArtPop Upcycled Fashion Show Sept. 12 | 6 – 9 p.m. At Blume Studios, jaw-dropping fashion converges with sustainability as designers turn ArtPop’s retired billboards into wearable vinyl creations. Proceeds further the nonprofit’s mission of supporting local art and artists. VIP tickets sold out early; fashion-show tickets are $150.

Around the Crown 10K Sept. 6 An updated course is new in 2026. Take in the skyline views as you start uptown and cross I-277 into South End. This race is like no other in Charlotte and supports several nonprofits. Registration fees vary. Yiasou Greek Festival Sept. 11-13 Charlotte’s annual Greek festival returns to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral with plenty of Hellenic culture, Greek cuisine, live entertainment, wine tastings, art, shopping

50 | SOUTHPARK

Second Saturdays Market in SouthPark Sept. 12 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shop Local QC returns to the green beside Legion Brewing with 30+ vendors selling baked goods, jewelry, candles and more. Duke’s Mayo Classic: WVU vs. UVA Sept. 19 I 7:30 p.m. The Mountaineers and the Cavaliers take over the Queen City as they meet at Bank of America Stadium.

MUSIC CITY A LOOK AT UPCOMING CONCERTS THIS MONTH:

BRANDI CARLILE, Sept. 1, Spectrum Center; BILLY CURRINGTON & KIP MOORE, Sept. 11, Skyla Amphitheatre; JAMES TAYLOR, Sept. 13, Truliant Amphitheater; THE STROKES, Sept. 17, Truliant Amphitheater; WU-TANG CLAN, Sept. 18, Truliant Amphitheater; TLC, SALT-NPEPA & EN VOGUE, Sept. 20, Truliant Amphitheater; LUCINDA WILLIAMS, Sept. 26, Carolina Theatre

Festival of India Sept. 19-20 This annual celebration of Indian culture and heritage showcases food, dance, music and art at Belk Theater and Tryon Street. There’s a Bollywood-inspired performance on Sunday night with the Charlotte Symphony. Buy tickets online at blumenthalarts.org. Charlotte Film Festival Sept. 22-27 See films from established and emerging indie filmmakers, locally and from around the globe, at Independent Picture House. Festival in the Park Sept. 25-27 The 62nd annual festival returns to Freedom Park with an art walk, performances, food vendors and more. Admission is free. SP

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to stay updated on events at southparkmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY VIRGIL ORTIZ

Internationally acclaimed Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz will present a free lecture at the 2026 Potters Market at the Mint.

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| calendar

GLAMOUR FOR GOOD

MY BREAST FRIEND’S WEDDING SHOWERS SURVIVORS, THRIVERS AND FIGHTERS IN A NIGHT OF LOVE AND SUPPORT.

Hanaa Chrestia’s connection to My Breast Friend’s Wedding has come full circle. Two years ago, she attended as a sponsor with a team from her office. Last year, at 31, she attended as a cancer patient and grantee. “In my heart, I wanted to show up how people saw me before. I wanted people to see that nothing was wrong,” Chrestia says. “But I didn’t feel like myself.” Something shifted that night. Somewhere between donning a gown, ditching her wig and cutting the cake, Chrestia says, the joy of the evening took hold. “Everything went away … it was an emotional thing.” It’s a gift for everyone in the room. Survivors (those who finished treatments), thrivers (those living with metastatic breast cancer) and fighters (those in treatment) feel uplifted and seen. The wedding-inspired celebration came about four years ago as a signature fundraiser for Go Jen Go, a nonprofit which supports local breast-cancer patients through programs and grants. Executive Director Susan Evren and board chair Shawna Dye Culik work like a dream team to meet patients’ needs, from helping with unpaid bills to showing up for an infusion. When Chrestia cut her hair before chemotherapy made it fall out, Evren was there. It’s what they do. “They’re always there,” says thriver Cathy Sealy, an artist whose

breast cancer returned two-and-a-half years ago. “They’re not just raising money, they’re answering women to make them feel alive.” She’s felt it. “It was one of the best times I’ve had in a while,” Sealy says of last year’s event. “You’re missing half your hair, you’re swollen from medication, and then you walk into glamour. Absolute glamour!” she says laughing at the irony. It’s an absolute godsend, too. Last year, Go Jen Go served more than 400 families, and My Breast Friend’s Wedding is a highlight of the year for many. “Difficult times are easier to navigate when you find moments of joy and are surrounded by women who … give you the space to feel exactly what you need to feel,” Evren says. “The best compliment we receive about the event is that it feels like no one leaves a stranger, and that the love, support and community we build in is carried forward through the night and out into the world,” says Dye Culik. Chrestia still carries that night with her. She returns this year as a survivor — cancer-free — and forever blessed by the community that Go Jen Go has built. — Sharon Smith Want to go? My Breast Friend’s Wedding takes place Oct. 22, at Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark. This year’s theme is an Enchanted Garden Fete, and tickets include Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, a DJ and wedding cake. mybreastfriendswedding.com.

SouthPark Magazine is a media sponsor of My Breast Friend’s Wedding 52 | SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY MY BREAST FRIEND’S WEDDING

Above: Hanaa Chrestia (left) and friends. Below: Cathy Sealy

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|givers

SAFE SPACE How a local organization’s support has changed the trajectory of families for more than a century. by Amanda Lea

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY CRITTENTON OF NORTH CAROLINA

hen Nicole Campbell talks about Crittenton of North Carolina, she doesn’t just speak as a board member. She speaks as someone whose family’s connection to the organization began before she was born. In 1975, Campbell’s mother was a 17-year-old in New Jersey expecting her first child. At the time, teenage pregnancy carried a substantial stigma, and many young women found themselves isolated from their families and communities. Seeking support, Campbell’s mother turned to a local Crittenton program in New Jersey. The experience gave her something she needed most: room to breathe. “She had people pouring into her and helping her prepare,” Campbell says. “She was able to step away from the stress and think about what her future could look like.” The support was practical, from preparing for motherhood to learning everyday life skills. Just as importantly, it reminded her she wasn’t alone.

A DIFFERENT PATH Campbell grew up seeing the lasting impact Crittenton had on her mother. “My mom wanted to make sure her path wasn’t my experience,” Campbell says. “She took advantage of every resource she had, and she made sure I was connected to people and opportunities that could help me build a different future.” Her mother’s determination shaped Campbell’s life. She became

a lifelong Girl Scout, earned scholarships and a doctorate in educational leadership, and pursued a career dedicated to supporting children and families. Today she serves as chief impact officer at Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, an organization that works to improve early childhood health and development. When Campbell moved to Charlotte in 2020 and discovered Crittenton of North Carolina, she felt an immediate connection. “I’ve lived this and walked this,” she says. “I know firsthand how important it is for every woman experiencing this to know there is love and support here. I wanted to be part of the work that shows women they are not alone.”

A LEGACY OF SUPPORT Crittenton’s history stretches back to the late 19th century, when Florence Crittenton Homes were founded to support young women facing difficult circumstances. The Charlotte location opened in 1903 and has continued to evolve with the community. In 2003, local philanthropist Sarah Belk Gambrell helped strengthen that legacy through her support of Sarah’s House, the residential program for young mothers in foster care. Today, Crittenton of North Carolina provides residential and community programs, including maternity services, housing and support for young mothers in foster care, resources for teens preparing to age out of foster care, and aftercare that helps women transition to independent living. “Five decades ago, Crittenton was a safe space away from your family,” Campbell says. “Now it’s strategic, connected and full of southparkmagazine.com | 57

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Exclusively represented by Gina Lorenzo, Deb White, & Denise Gordon Your Property People is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker under the name “Compass Carolinas, LLC" in South Carolina and under the name “Compass” in North Carolina and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

resources. It helps you navigate, not just having a baby, but building a life.” Jada Charley, Crittenton’s CEO, says the organization’s approach recognizes that stability isn’t built through housing or healthcare alone. “In order to have a healthy community, we have to make sure it works in all dimensions,” Charley says. “People often have assumptions about who needs Crittenton. But the truth is, these needs exist across our community.”

|givers Nicole Campbell, center

A SENSE OF SAFETY Sometimes, the impact shows up in the smallest moments. Campbell recalls meeting with one young mother who shared that she loved singing and wondered whether her baby could hear her. It was a simple question, but it represented something bigger: the need for a trusted person to turn to during a life‑changing season. “Those are conversations you would have with your mom or someone close to you,” Campbell says. “When someone feels like they’ve been abandoned, having that village behind you is powerful.” The women Crittenton serves are often navigating challenges that extend well beyond pregnancy. When Tamara Joshua arrived at Crittenton at 16, she was facing homelessness and an unexpected pregnancy. The organization provided a place where she could prepare for motherhood and independence. Years later, one of her most vivid memories was also one of the simplest: the feeling of being able to sleep safely through the night. Today, Joshua is a mother and grandmother, and her oldest daughter is a college graduate working in education.

Jada Charley, CEO of Crittenton of North Carolina

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY CRITTENTON OF NORTH CAROLINA

A BROADER CONVERSATION Stories like Joshua’s are one reason Crittenton is launching Crittenton Conversations, a discussion focused on mental wellness and the experiences that shape families in the community. On Sept. 29 at The Ruth by Beau Monde, the event will feature Charlotte-based therapist and New York Times-bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab alongside Charley and executive coach and former therapist Craig Young. Charley believes the conversation reflects a broader shift in how communities understand mental health. “If you’re struggling with housing, work or providing for your family, it will affect your mental and physical health,” she says. “It’s all connected.” Campbell hopes the conversation helps people recognize that mental health is not an issue belonging to one group of people. “Mental health doesn’t just apply to the girls at Crittenton or for people experiencing poverty,” she says. “It applies to all of us.” It’s a lesson Campbell has witnessed across generations. “My mother needed a place where she could breathe, think and plan for her future,” Campbell says. “That opportunity changed the trajectory of our family. When I look at the women Crittenton serves today, I see that same possibility.” SP

On Sept. 29, Charlotte-based therapist and New York Times-bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab will take part in Crittenton Conversations, a discussion around mental health.

Crittenton Conversations will be held Sept. 29 from 5-7 p.m. at The Ruth by Beau Monde. Tickets are $75-125. More information is available at crittentonofnc.org/crittenton-conversations. southparkmagazine.com | 59

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|bookshelf

SEPTEMBER BOOKS Notable new releases

compiled by Sally Brewster

The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon Grace O’Malley was born to be a sea captain. But despite her natural skill on the water, Grace learns early that her dreams of life at the helm are not compatible with the expectations of her noble family. As the only daughter of a powerful chieftain, her role is to secure a strong alliance and bear children. But when she’s sent to foster with a nearby clan, Grace falls for a clever and open-minded second son — a man she cannot have. Married off against her will to a brutal warrior, Grace performs her duty while gathering loyal followers and consolidating her husband’s power — only to be ousted from his lands. But this betrayal offers Grace the opportunity to return to sea, finally leading clan O’Malley’s mighty fleet. Just as she finds true independence, Queen Elizabeth’s incursions into Ireland grow bolder, and Grace must fight to defend her land, her ships and the people she loves most against the cruel and power-hungry English deputies, who will stop at nothing to check her influence. Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel Los Angeles, 2031: The first spring after the collapse of the United States, peacekeeping troops withdraw from the city, the Jacaranda trees blossom and the curfew is finally lifted. Ari Waker and her roommate pass the gauntlet of bomb-sniffing dogs, the shanty towns and the Red Cross tents as they walk across Silverlake to a party. The mood is ecstatic inside the apartment — people drink and dance, and a woman wears a silver dress, pleated like tinfoil. And then: A shift. A bewildered twin, an uncanny doppelganger stumbles through the crowd and out into the night, and Kareem, the party’s host, vanishes into thin air. As Ari unravels the mystery of this inexplicable night, Emily St. John Mandel unfurls a story that takes us from a future America splintered by civil war to the seaside cliffs of Greece, where weapons dealers hide in an elegant resort, and from the domed city of Paris to a colony on the moon.

Hollywood, Ending by John Green For rising talents Kai Laramie and Juniper Castillo, being cast in the buzzy biopic Andy Warhol Never Gets Old is the opportunity they’ve both been waiting for. They’re on the verge of breaking out, and maybe even falling in love. Soon, the movie is blowing up, and so are their lives — in exciting, but also terrifying, ways. John Green artfully blends a behind-the-scenes Hollywood love story with an unflinching examination of the insatiable attention economy. Told through dual points of view, the novel brilliantly juxtaposes the on-screen study of Warhol’s life at the dawn of celebrity culture with the intimate struggles of two young people figuring out who they are, both together and alone. The Three Graces of Pearl Street by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins In this wise and warm debut novel, an Italian American grandmother, daughter and granddaughter all named after the Roman myth of the Three Graces find their lives — and their secrets — colliding when, after years apart, they come to live under the same roof. Graziella, a 96-year-old former nun, spends her days running the parish’s kitchen, convinced it is her responsibility to keep everyone fed in their working-class New York neighborhood. Her daughter, Grace, a respected psychology professor, appears accomplished and composed, yet finds herself unmoored as her personal life falters. Ella — Graziella’s granddaughter and Grace’s daughter — is weary of defending her vegan diet and anti-capitalistic lifestyle; blind to her own brilliance, she longs, above all, for a place to belong. Living together again, the three Graces reckon with the distances that have shaped them, and with what it means, at last, to be fully known. SP Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, parkroadbooks.com. southparkmagazine.com | 63

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KEEPSAKE

MEMOIR

by J.J. Holshouser

Darlene Lekowski has written a memoir, Shattering Silence, about the abuse she suffered as a child, the courtroom battle it led to decades later, and the peace she found in letting go and moving forward. When Lekowski was just 7 years old, her two older brothers began sexually abusing her, threatening her if she told anyone. When she tried to confront the secret some 50 years later, one of her brothers sued in an effort to silence her. She fought back, countersued and won both cases by a unanimous jury. Lekowski wrote the book to offer hope to fellow survivors and to show the transformative power of speaking one’s truth.

Debbie Violette has released Abundant Blessings: To Mom, with Love as a tribute

to mothers everywhere. The book features watercolor illustrations of memories from Violette’s life with her mother as well as places where readers can jot down reflections and messages to their own mother. The book is a companion to Violette’s first book, Abundant Blessings: To Dad, with Love.

POETRY

New and noteworthy books from Queen City authors

Rising, Beyond the Clouds by writer and

therapist Esther Mfonyam is a collection of poems, reflections and blessings for anyone navigating grief, change, longing or healing. The collection — structured around themes such as belonging, trusting and forgiving — invites readers to reconnect with their inner lives and to remind them that hope exists even in life’s heaviest seasons. No Packing Necessary: Poems for the Solo Journey is Patricia Ann

Joslin’s second volume of poetry. In this collection, Joslin writes about the shared experience of grief and the journey of moving forward alone after losing someone dear. Themes include navigating loss, widowhood, aging and the magic of life that can be found in later years.

FOR CHILDREN

READING ROUNDUP

|local authors

In Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles, seventhgrader Calla finds out that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate conduct at his previous school. Calla doesn’t know what really happened, and as she tries to discover the truth, she learns important lessons about speaking up, listening to others and learning to listen to herself. For ages 10 and up.

Do You See Me? by LaRonda Gardner Middlemiss with illustrations by Reggie Brown follows a young girl and her mother on an afternoon adventure as they discover the power of community and the wonders of self-reflection. The book invites readers to dream boldly, live proudly and embrace their superpower: seeing themselves as they truly are. For ages 6-8. southparkmagazine.com | 65

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|state of mind

OUR UNIQUE BEAUTY The greening of home

ILLUSTRATION BY GARY PALMER

by Tommy Tomlinson

his year my wife and I drove to Michigan for summer vacation. (July is way cooler up there than down here.) One day we were cruising on a highway somewhere south of Mackinaw City, headed for the Upper Peninsula. We rolled through mile after mile of farmland and trees. There was no way to count every shade of green. In some ways it felt familiar. I’ve been down similar roads all over North Carolina. But it wasn’t … quite … right, like a picture that had been run through the copier one too many times. The shades of green up there weren’t the shades of green back home. My GPS — not the one on the screen, the one in my gut — told me I was somewhere else. I would’ve known that even if I had just awakened from a Rip Van Winkle nap. It got me to thinking: What makes a landscape distinctive? And in particular, what makes North Carolina’s landscape distinctive? What are the clues that tell us where we are? I’m not really thinking about pride of place, although maybe that’s part of it. I grew up in Georgia, down on the coast. When we go back to visit, and we cross the Savannah River coming down from South Carolina, I look over at Alix and say: Ahhhh. We’re in God’s country. (Sometimes I say it if I’m the only one in the car.)

But the North Carolina marsh is different than the Georgia marsh — and the South Carolina marsh, for that matter. North Carolina marshes, to me, feel smaller and more scattered. They play peek-a-boo with you as you drive down toward the coast. They even smell different. Every marsh has a salty funk — it comes from dead plants and animals decaying in the mud and washed by the tides. North Carolina’s marshes smell a little cleaner somehow. Maybe it just feels that way to me because I grew up near pulp mills in Georgia. Millworkers like to say it’s the smell of money. I guess that’s possible, if money smelled like rotten eggs. North Carolina beach sand is its own thing, too. The sand on the Outer Banks is what I think of as sandbox sand — tan and clean. Georgia sand is grayer and a little muddier. Florida Gulf Coast sand, down around Panama City, is sugar-white and crunches under your feet. I would not bet money on this, but part of me thinks that if you put me on one of those beaches blindfolded, my toes would be able to figure out where I was. (FYI, the Michigan beaches were nicer than I expected … they reminded me of North Carolina’s. Lots of rocks in the water, though.) Coming off the coast, the natural feature I think about most in North Carolina is the longleaf pine forest. The strands we have in southparkmagazine.com | 67

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|state of mind the Sandhills and down toward Wilmington are the northern edge of the longleaf habitat (it stretches south and west in scattered spots all the way to Texas). Most of the woods we see from the highway are dark and thick. A longleaf pine forest feels like a planned community. The trees are spaced wide, giving one another room to grow. The wiregrass underneath is a tasteful carpet. That orderly design depends on fire to come through every so often — a spring cleaning of sorts. When the natural cycles line up, what’s left is astonishing. Years ago, a guide walked me a mile or so into a longleaf pine forest down in the southeast corner of the state. We were looking for Venus flytraps. You might know that a little circle down there — maybe a 75-mile radius from Wilmington — is the only place on Earth where Venus flytraps grow naturally in the wild. We got to a tiny pond — no more than a big puddle, really — where clumps of flytraps grew a few yards off the bank. Not too dry, not too wet. If all you know of flytraps is Little Shop of Horrors, you might walk right past one without ever seeing it. They’re small and close to the ground. In the wild, most of the traps are no bigger than dimes. You might also know that the tiny pond I described was probably a Carolina bay — one of thousands of shallow depressions

strung along the East Coast all the way up to Delaware and New Jersey. Most of them are ovals aligned northwest to southeast. There are many scientific theories about how they came to be; the most intriguing theory is that they’re the result of a long-ago meteorite shower. Of course, those are the scientific theories. But when you’re standing next to one, surrounded by Venus flytraps, inside a longleaf pine forest that looks like it was designed by an interior decorator … your mind does start to wonder if North Carolina is some sort of Del Webb development for future retiring aliens. I realize, at this point, that we have wandered far afield. This started out being about what makes North Carolina’s natural splendor distinctive, and ended up being about what might make us the next Area 51. Let’s just leave it here for now: Our beauty is unique. If you’ve lived in North Carolina long, you can smell it and feel it and taste it. It doesn’t mean we’re better than everybody else — although if you want to claim that, go ahead. It just means that there are some things our bodies just know. And when we’re in North Carolina, we’re someplace special. I hope the human race is not the only one to have figured this out. SP

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|simple life

SWEET SEPTEMBER LESSONS From freshman tomfoolery by Jim Dodson

town invited me for coffee. His grandson was headed off to college. With a smile, he reminded me of my chaotic start as a freshman at East Carolina University in 1971. It briefly became something of a freshman dorm legend. My folks dropped me off at my College Hill dorm with a window fan, my bicycle and 50 bucks for the student dining program. The first thing I did was hop on my bike and follow a winding country road to New Bern, mesmerized by the flat green landscape of eastern North Carolina. I had no idea that it was a 40-mile trip each way, however, and it wore me out like an old shoe. As a result, I slept through the first day of mandatory freshman orientation. A few days later, I foolishly allowed new friends in the dorm to convince me to try out for the school’s club football team. There was a rumor that incoming football coach Sonny Randle was looking to find a handful of walk-ons to use as practice squad dummies. In a galaxy long ago and far away (junior-high days), I’d been the starting cornerback on a city-league championship team. Foolish sports dreams die hard. Not 10 minutes into tryouts, I stepped on a rubber kicking tee and tore the cartilage in my right knee. One of Randle’s highly regarded recruits named Danny Kepley helped me hobble to the fieldhouse. We chatted a bit, and he wished me well. I returned to school on crutches after Labor Day, just in time to commit my third stupid act that faraway September. A pair of friends from back home and I met a trio of cute girls at Greenville’s (in)famous Elbow Room on a Friday night, and they invited us to a party down the road in Little Washington. Freshmen couldn’t have cars at school in those days, but these girls were sophomores and they had a new VW Beetle.

ILLUSTRATION BY GERRY O’NEILL

uring the years we lived on the coast of Maine, I was always amused by the visible relief and joy locals expressed over the arrival of September. Every year like clockwork, it marks the departure of summer tourists, when tens of thousands of vacationers pack up and head home to the lower 48, leaving the pockets of local merchants brimming with cash. With Labor Day weekend done and dusted, the annual sight of the Maine Turnpike backed up for 25 miles — folks “from away” creeping through the southbound tolls in vehicles loaded with suitcases, bicycles and kayaks — is a sign of liberation to many Mainers. Within days of the annual exodus, the price of the average shore dinner drops by at least 30%, traffic returns to its sleepy pace, and locals begin to venture out from their hiding places to shop and greet neighbors and friends they haven’t seen since Memorial Day. Up on our forested hill west of town, I had my own way of welcoming September. Afternoons were shorter and the abundant wildlife around us — like their counterparts in town — became much more visible and active. A herd of white-tailed deer and a porcupine that terrified our dogs never failed to waddle into my garden, finishing off my daylilies, hosta plants and ostrich ferns. And almost every time I walked down our long, gravel lane to pick up the mail, a gorgeous ring-necked pheasant or a congregation of wild turkeys would cross my path, unconcerned by my presence in our peaceable September kingdom. Down here in North Carolina, the autumnal equinox that arrives around Sept. 22 is a far more subtle affair. Swimming pools close for the year, and the young ones — to mom’s delight — go back to school while older kids trek off to college. Last September, a former university suitemate passing through

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Corey Pemberton Living Well

September 19, 2026 – January 31, 2027 Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts

Corey Pemberton: Living Well is generously presented by PNC with additional support from the Ford Foundation and Windgate Foundation. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Marty and Weston Andress, and Lauren Harkey. The Mint Museum is sponsored, in part, by the City of Charlotte and North Carolina Arts Council. ABOVE: Corey Pemberton (American, 1990–). It’s warmer at home (detail), 2018, mixed media on canvas. Collection of Joan Zimmerman. L2026.4.1 Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts | 500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC | 704.337.2000 | mintmuseum.org | @themintmuseum

|simple life On the way to Little Washington, our “dates” demanded beer. So, we purchased a couple of six-packs and wound up at a gorgeous house overlooking the Pamlico River. My date’s name was Trisha. Suspiciously, her parents, who owned the home, were away. As my buddies and their dates wandered off to other parts of the house, Trisha and I settled on the couch, my sore leg propped up, to watch the Miss America Pageant. Suddenly, Trisha’s annoying little brother appeared, announcing, “Trisha, Jerry is outside. And he’s really mad!” Jerry turned out to be Trisha’s boyfriend. She hadn’t lied. She was indeed a sophomore — in high school. Jerry had brought along half a dozen beer-buzzed pals to defend his girlfriend’s blemished honor. Having realized our horrible mistake, I hobbled out on crutches, hoping to smooth things over. The negotiations did not go well and took a worrying turn when Jerry snapped the antenna of Trisha’s VW Bug and waved it at me. At that point, my college buddies appeared and Trisha burst into tears, wailing that her daddy was going to murder her when he got home. Mercifully, a police car rolled up. When the officer learned that we were just a trio of stupid college freshmen, he ordered us into his car, probably saving us from getting murdered. He drove us to the edge of town and put us out. It was a nice September night and only 23 miles back to campus. We walked for several hours until sunrise, when a drunk in a weaving Cadillac picked us up and dropped us at the bottom of College Hill. I got back to my dorm as my new

roommate was heading out for breakfast. He wondered where I’d been all night. “Learning I’m not a good party guy,” I said. A few days later, I swore off beer, joined the school newspaper and soon became The Fountainhead’s columnist and features editor. Forty years later, on another memorable September Southern evening, I was about to give a fundraising speech at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, when my host said, “There’s a guy who wants to say hello to you.” It was Danny Kepley. During his time at ECU, Danny became an All-American linebacker known for crushing tackles, earning the nickname “Captain Crunch.” Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Danny chose to join the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League and went on to lead them to six Grey Bowl championships as MVP of the league. I asked him if he remembered helping a foolish fellow freshman off the practice field way back when. “I think so,” he replied, pointing out that his memory was a bit foggy from a career of issuing crushing hits. “What I remember most is your stories in the school paper. I liked them. And now, you are a famous sportswriter about golf.” And then Captain Crunch added with a smile, “So, we both did kinda OK, I guess.” “Yes, we did,” I agreed. SP

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|well + wise

AMBIGUOUS LOSS Grief of the unreceived conversation by Juliet Lam Kuehnle

PHOTOGRAPH BY CORRIE HUGGINS

here’s a specific kind of grief that comes from saying something clearly, saying it kindly, saying it more than once, and still not being received — meaning the conversation you needed never actually happened. Maybe you’ve finally worked up the nerve to name a need, a boundary or a hurt. You do it assertively, and the other person still doesn’t get it — or doesn’t want to. It can leave you feeling like you have failed; desperate to find the “right” words so that maybe this time it will land; or just incredibly angry or hurt. Sometimes it’s not about finding better words. Instead, it’s about accepting that some people aren’t available for the conversation you’re trying to have. Psychologist Pauline Boss coined the term ambiguous loss to describe grief that has no clear resolution. This feeling of grief can be disorienting. Usually we think of this type of grief in terms of a missing person, or a loved one with dementia who’s physically present but psychologically gone. But this same framework applies to relationships where the person is still there, however the connection you’re reaching for simply isn’t available. This kind of loss can sometimes feel hard to grieve because there’s no funeral for the version of the relationship where you get to be understood. You keep trying, because your brain wants an ending that makes sense, and this one doesn’t offer one. So then, why do we sometimes go back for another round of trying to get our point across? This is because of cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort we feel when two things we believe don’t match up. For example: “I know, deep down, this person can’t meet me here” versus “I want to believe they will if I just say it right.” Your brain hates holding both of those at once, so it keeps sending you back into the conversation, hoping to resolve the tension by finally getting through. It’s exhausting to have your nervous system trying to make an unresolved situation feel resolved. To get honest about when it might be time to stop, ask yourself if you’ve already said your message clearly and more than once, if you’re rehearsing new ways to say the same thing because you’re hoping for a different reaction, and if the person is choosing not to respond versus genuinely not having the capacity to understand. Remember that you can’t “logic” someone into being willing. It helps to understand what “not getting it” means on their end.

Sometimes it’s defensiveness, because taking in what you’re saying would require them to see themselves in a way that feels threatening. Sometimes it’s a lack of insight, meaning they don’t have the self-awareness yet to recognize their part. Sometimes they’re dysregulated too, and a nervous system in fight, flight or freeze can’t absorb new information no matter how clearly it’s delivered. And sometimes, there’s no incentive for them to change because the current dynamic still works fine for them, even if it’s costing you. None of this is about you saying it wrong. It’s about the difference between someone being unable to receive you and someone being unwilling to. Here are some tips to deal with ambiguous loss: 1. Name the grief: “I’m grieving the conversation I wanted to have with this person.” or “I’m grieving that this person who is important to me isn’t able to really hear what I’m saying.” Naming and validating it is the first step toward moving through it. 2. Separate your clarity from their capacity. You can be an excellent communicator and still not be received. Two different people can hear the same sentence and do completely different things with it. 3. Notice the loop. A loop is any pattern where you keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. If you’ve had this exact conversation, or a version of it, more than a couple times with no shift, you’re absolutely in a loop. 4. Decide how long you’re willing to stay. You get to decide how much of yourself you’ll keep offering to a conversation that isn’t going anywhere. And know that this isn’t a one-time decision. Grief and boundaries aren’t linear, so you might find yourself pulled back into the loop again. 5. Let yourself grieve the relationship you wanted, not just the one you have. You’re allowed to love someone and grieve the version of connection with them that isn’t possible right now, or maybe ever. This isn’t about giving up on people. Think of it more as redirecting your energy away from convincing and toward accepting reality. That shift frees you up to either meet the relationship where it realistically can go, or to protect your peace by stepping back. Recognizing that some people simply aren’t available for the conversation you deserve is discernment, and one of the most selfrespecting moves you can make. SP southparkmagazine.com | 77

made in CHARLOTTE

The things we love most about Charlotte are made right here. Sometimes it’s a family recipe that’s become a local favorite. Sometimes it’s a craftsman building instruments by hand or a neighborhood market where everyone seems to know your order. In this year’s Made in Charlotte, we’re celebrating the people and companies whose creativity, craftsmanship and commitment have helped define what it means to come from the Queen City.

Dee Dee’s Gourmet Cheese Straws | NC Guitar Works | Rhino Market & Deli

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN GESSNER

N C G U I TA R W O R K S

The NC Guitar Works team (l to r) Stacey Leazer, owner Nick Plesz, Austin Hughes.

For many musicians, a guitar is more than an instrument. At NC Guitar Works, every repair, restoration and customization is approached with the understanding that the instrument is an extension of the owner. Established in 2012 by master craftsman Nick Plesz, NC Guitar Works has earned a reputation throughout the Southeast for its meticulous work on fretted instruments. After spending years honing his craft under respected luthier Craig Landau, Plesz combined decades of woodworking experience, an unwavering attention to detail and a lifelong passion for music to create a shop dedicated to helping every instrument perform at its best. Because every member of the team is a musician, every project begins with a conversation. Whether a client plays bluegrass, jazz, classical or rock, the craftsmen take time to understand each player's style, goals and the

unique character of the instrument itself. From precision setups, proprietary fretwork and custom modifications to historically sensitive vintage restorations, every decision is made to enhance playability while respecting the instrument's integrity and, when applicable, its value. That same philosophy extends to the customer experience. Entrusting a beloved or inherited guitar to someone else requires confidence, and the team treats every instrument as if it were their own. Few moments are more rewarding than watching a musician pick up an instrument that feels, sounds and plays better than they ever imagined. Rooted in Charlotte's thriving music community, NC Guitar Works is also a trusted resource for those looking to buy, sell or consign quality instruments and collections, helping exceptional guitars find their next chapter while preserving the craftsmanship behind them.

NC Guitar Works | 1941 Bancroft Street, Suite D | 704.969.0070 | ncguitarworks.com SOUTHPARK PARTNER

RHINO MARKET & DELI Rhino Market & Deli isn’t just a place to grab a sandwich, it’s part of daily life in Charlotte. Familyowned and operated, the local favorite now has six locations, each offering a laid-back place to gather, work or unwind. With more than 40 menu items, including hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and vegetarian and vegan options, there’s something for every kind of craving. Add a rotating selection of grab-and-go favorites, beer and wine, and a loyal community of regulars, and it’s easy to see why Rhino has become a Charlotte staple!

Rhino Market & Deli | SouthPark, CLT Airport, South End, NoDa, Uptown & Westside | 704.919.0583 | rhinomarket.com SOUTHPARK PARTNER

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A storied season begins CLASSICAL SERIES OPENER

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade October 9 & 10 BELK THEATER Kwamé Ryan, conductor Orion Weiss, piano Levi TAYLOR One Foot After The Other Samuel BARBER Piano Concerto Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade Orion Weiss lends power and sensitivity to Barber’s cinematic Piano Concerto, followed by the lush orchestral storytelling and vivid musical imagery of Scheherazade.

GREAT SEATS AWAIT: charlottesymphony.org

southparkmagazine.com/newsletters

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TAKE TEN Celebrating a decade of showstopping style in Charlotte.

created and produced by Whitley Adkins photographs by Richard Israel on-site hair and makeup touch-ups by Josiah Reed profiles edited by Cathy Martin and Sharon Smith set assistants: Paula Azuaje, Mercy Clark, Sydney Gallagher, Rachel Roe on location at Freedom Park

or 10 years, The IT List has brought Charlotteans from different neighborhoods, backgrounds and generations together in a single photo shoot — a means for highlighting diverse individuals across our community through the common denominator of killer personal style. The IT List showcases the notion that personal style can be an unspoken language across our burgeoning city; a place where a full spectrum of occupations, generations and personalities might otherwise never intersect. This year marks the end of an era. There is a certain weight to bringing something to an end that carries 10 years of stories, faces and friendships made along the way. For 10 years, The IT List has been a small reflection of the remarkable people who make this community what it is. While bringing it to a close feels bittersweet, we celebrate this finale with anticipation for what comes next. For this final chapter, we chose Freedom Park as the location. If there is one place in any neighborhood, city, state or country that brings diverse groups of people together, it is a public park. The intimacy and unscripted quality of one of our city’s most vibrant green spaces allowed photog84 | SOUTHPARK

The IT List rapher Richard Israel to capture this final chapter of The IT List in a way that feels almost like a portrait of Charlotte itself. I would have never guessed a vision inspired from a vocation, grown out of a passion, would come to fruition and be so fulfilling. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed following this feature a fraction as much as I have gained from meeting and working with so many inspiring people across our vibrant city. My advice for every single artist with a small idea: DREAM BIG!! With utmost gratitude, Whitley Comments have been edited for length and clarity. southparkmagazine.com | 85

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Pam Stowe

Kimberly Nixon

Her style: Classic but very colorful — and I love to throw in an unexpected twist. When she began to develop a personal style: Since childhood. My grandmother and mother loved to

Her style: Eclectic, creative, fun and, of course, comfortable. When she began to develop a personal style: At a very young age, when my mom made some

shop, were stylish and encouraged me to experiment with interesting shapes and colors, even when it was not the norm. I’ve always loved fashion! Most-worn item: My friend Paula brought me a beautiful, colorful, long casual dress from Paris years ago. I don’t go a week without wearing it. Where she shops: I’m trying to not shop much these days — I have too many clothes! When I have shopped, it’s Capitol, Marshalls, Edit Sale, thrift shops, Dovecote near Chapel Hill and Vermillion in Raleigh. Never goes out of style: Well-fitting pants and a sharp blazer. (Not what I usually wear, but I recognize the sensibility.) Fashion icon: Lisa Dargan, forever. Charlotte style crush: Whitley Adkins — she has helped me spread my wings, fashion-wise.

of my clothes because I was tall and I could pick out my own fabric. Most-worn item: My green Vince buttondown sweater bought over 20 years ago that I can’t let go. It’s been repaired with patches, and it fits and feels the best ever. Where she shops: Any boutique I can find in Charlotte or when I am traveling. Never goes out of style: My beaded bracelets — I wear them all the time with everything. Fashion icon: Pharrell Williams. Charlotte style crush: Designer Will White. I told him I wanted him to one day make me a beautiful piece of clothing. He’s fun, unique and detailed with his style.

71, community leader

pediatric dentist and arts advocate

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Davita Galloway

Bob Tapp, aka Bobbie Beautiful

Her style: My closet is, literally, filled with various decades and sizes —

His style: Surprising and pleasing. When he began to develop a personal style: In junior high, I started mixing

46, CEO of DUPP&SWAT and executive director of CrownKeepers depending on how I want the item to fit — and a mix of high and low finds. When she began to develop a personal style: From a very young age, I was a colorful, print-wearing and pattern-mixing presence. But at 16, I leaned into my self-proclaimed “weird and quirky.” Most-worn item: One of many beloved muumuus. They are easy, breezy, filled with personality and allow me to move around the way I need to. Where she shops: Literally everywhere. You can definitely find me in a thrift-store aisle or a super cutesy, local boutique. At this very moment, I have carts demanding my attention on a few shopping apps, as well. Never goes out of style: Anything pink. Fashion icons: Rihanna, Pharrell, Miranda Priestly, Tyler the Creator, Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor. Charlotte style crushes: Lionhair, Kimberly Powell, Cedric Matthews.

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71, community volunteer, multi-hyphenate design consultant

prints, stripes and plaids. My mom was a clotheshorse, and she encouraged me. Most-worn item: My father’s bathrobe printed with a classic Japanese boat scene, pagodas and windswept pines. He acquired it in Japan in the ’60s. Where he shops: Pike Nurseries, because my hobby is gardening. Never goes out of style: Lapel pins, show tunes and kindness. Fashion icons: Queen Elizabeth, Anna Wintour and Sherlock Holmes, because he knows how to combine plaids, checks and tweeds. Charlotte style crush: Charlton Alicea Tapp, because he looks radiant in everything.

Elizabeth Anne Russell

Berhan Nebioglu

Her style: Timeless, classic, elegant. Most-worn item: My

Her style: My biggest influence was the styles of the

baroque pearl necklace. It pairs with everything and feels like a nod to the pearls my mom always wore. Where she shops: My own closet, full of once-loved pieces from my mother that I reach for again and again. When I do buy something new, I invest in a few classic pieces rather than chase trends. I adore local designer Daniel Gonzalez for his beautiful, feminine, timeless clothing. Never goes out of style: A classic white button-down. Fashion icons: Mellody Hobson, Audrey Hepburn, Kate Middleton. Charlotte style crushes: Ann Tarwater, the most chic lady in Charlotte. Felipe Fisher, for his classic, polished masculine style. Lynn Pitts, for her timeless elegance and gift for gracious living. Krissy Ortale, for her effortless, cool-girl ease. And Whitley Adkins, whose bold, editorial eye brings so much life to the city’s fashion scene.

1950s and ’60s with their simplicity, elegance, sophistication and femininity. When she began to develop a personal style: As a child, I found it magical as I watched my mom transform herself as she prepared to go out for the evening. The next day, I would try on her outfits in front of the mirror. I realized I had my own way of using outfits to reflect what I wished myself to be. Most-worn item: A summer dress I bought in Hawaii over 30 years ago. Where she shops: Dillard’s, boutiques, and vintage and antiques stores across the U.S. Fashion icons: Lana Turner, Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn. Charlotte style crushes: Suellen Crosby Skach, Maureen Royal Hodge, Wesley Mancini and Michael Gallis.

40, founder of Mannerly, etiquette educator, speaker and author

79, producer of charity fashion shows

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Charlton Alicea Tapp

Rooney Robison

His style: Bold, fearless and unapologetically authentic. When he began to develop a personal style: As early as high

Her style: Traditional infused with vibrant colors, whimsy and joy. When she began to develop a personal style: When I was 3, I stole my mother’s lipstick off her dressing table. It started then. Most-worn items: Costume jewelry, scarves and other happy touches. I delight in getting dressed every day. Where she shops: Tally Ho, Sherrard Style, SouthPark, small boutiques — honestly anywhere! I can find gems in all sorts of shops. Never goes out of style: Nice manners and outfits that match the occasion. Fashion icon: My mother — she made all my clothes, from suits to wear to football games and elegant dresses for dances and parties. She also made incredible costumes. Charlotte style crushes: Sherrard Georgius and so many of my friends and contemporaries.

50, beauty guru, arts advocate, TV lifestyle contributor and professional ballroom dancer

school, I stopped dressing to fit in and started dressing to express who I truly am. Confidence became my best accessory. Most-worn item: A Roberto Cavalli shirt I bought in 2001 when I moved back to Charlotte — it’s a reminder of coming home. Where he shops: Everywhere! I love mixing luxury with vintage, online and local boutiques. You’ll find pieces in my closet from Nordstrom, ORTTU and Paul Simon, alongside one-of-a-kind treasures and custom designs. Never goes out of style: Diamonds, confidence and impeccable tailoring. Fashion icons: Billy Porter, Iris Apfel and RuPaul. Charlotte style crush: My husband, Bobbie Beautiful — he’s an artist with fashion.

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93 (and a half), founder of Rooney Robison Antiques, deacon, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother

Berhan Nebioglu, Elizabeth Anne Russell, Bob Tapp, Davita Galloway

About the venue:

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation manages more than 24,000 acres of parkland, including nature preserves, greenways, parks and athletic fields. The department also offers thousands of programs for all ages throughout the year. To find a park or program near you, visit parkandrec.mecknc.gov.

Meredith Beregovski, Linda M. Martinez, Hannah Ozborn, Will Jones

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Fin Wilson

Claire Talley

Her style: Cool, chic and comfortable. When she began to develop a personal style: I can’t take full credit for

Her style: I appreciate many styles, from a fabulous pair

35, vintage clothing reseller and sustainable stylist

my style — my parents both have great style. I’ve always been different and worn the things that I liked. Most-worn item: A pair of 1960s German army cargo pants. They are perfectly faded and mended in spots. I style them with everything from vintage tees to silk ruffle blouses. Where she shops: I support my vintage reseller friends, thrift stores, resell apps and, if I’m lucky, a good estate sale. Never goes out of style: Vintage Levi’s, specifically a 501 made in the USA or Colombia (chef’s kiss). Fashion icons: Diane Keaton, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelis, and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Charlotte style crush: My good friend and vintage reseller pal, Sabrina Heise of @shopinherited.

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80, retired interior designer, co-creator of Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte of great-fitting jeans to an exquisitely designed evening dress. I like to wear impeccably tailored clothing that fits cleanly and flatters without being flashy. Most-worn item: A pair of black slacks, because I can throw on any style top and head out the door. Where she shops: J.Crew Factory Outlet, Alice + Olivia, J.McLaughlin, Veronica Beard. When in New York, I head to Bergdorf Goodman. Never goes out of style: An outfit designed for me by Daniel Gonzalez. Fashion icon: Michelle Obama.

Mary Margaret Beaver 47, founder of Tiny Gods

Her style: Classic with a European sensibility, always with a bit of edge. When she began to develop a personal style: My early 20s, after moving to New York City. I was inspired by the city’s diversity and the individuality of the people I met. It gave me the confidence to experiment and develop a style that felt uniquely my own. Most-worn item: Right now, my Levi’s wide-leg jeans. Where she shops: Capitol, Shop 515, Moda Operandi and Mytheresa; I love to shop for vintage treasures when I travel. Never goes out of style: A crisp white button-down. It’s timeless, effortless and the perfect canvas for great jewelry. Charvet in Paris makes my favorite. Fashion icons: Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Poppy Delevingne. Charlotte style crush: Stephen Wilson is always best-dressed!

Tom Fisher

36, broker/Realtor at Corcoran HM Properties, co-producer of Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte His style: Karl Lagerfeld once said, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky.” When I heard that, I thought, “Yes! That’s how I feel!” I enjoy being creative with fashion, but the classics have staying power for a reason. Most-worn item: In summer, my off-white Kiton jeans. In general, I’m a big fan of Sunspel T-shirts and collared shirts. Where he shops: Tabor and Taylor Richards & Conger. I also shop when I travel so I can find things no one else has. A piece with a cool story is always a winner. Never goes out of style: Proper fit. Fashion icons: Ralph Lauren, James Dean, Paul Newman, JFK, Austin Butler, Jonathan Bailey, Bradley Cooper. Charlotte style crushes: Can I say Christian McCaffrey even though he doesn’t live here anymore? Scott Morgan at TRC and my husband, Felipe.

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Charlton Alicea Tapp, Pam Stowe, Kimberly Nixon Below: Bradley Rhyne, Amy Hines, Krissy Ortale, Davis Ligon

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Michael Gallis

83, real-estate and art consultant His style: I grew up in San Francisco, where I was fitted for my first suit when I was 6. In those days, we clearly distinguished between formal, business, informal, casual and work clothes … All of that has evolved into a very different sense of style today, but the basic principles remain: how to match clothes and accoutrements to look properly dressed. When he began to develop a personal style: By the time I had reached high school, I had developed my own sense of what looked good on me. Most-worn item: A pair of black, cotton slacks. Where he shops: Taylor, Richards & Conger, boutiques for casual clothes, department stores, and occasionally places like resale and antique shops. Never goes out of style: Classic design. Fashion icons: Not sure I have icons, but well-dressed in Charlotte are George Hodge and Wesley Mancini. Charlotte style crush: Berhan Nebioglu.

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Regine Bechtler

Hannah Ozborn

Her style: I always loved color, individuality and pieces with

Her style: Casual and colorful. When she began to develop a personal style: I grew up going to the

50+, ceramic sculptress

character. I mix vintage finds, handmade treasures, designer pieces and Zara, creating outfits that are comfortable and uniquely mine. When she began to develop a personal style: I was 7 when I bought with my own money a white raincoat printed with tons of colorful flowers. I loved the coat, but I hated the attention I got. The next buy was a bright yellow fur cap in a world of white caps. So at 7, I realized — and the rest of the world did, too — that I was a bit strange. Most-worn items: A peace jacket, some cool pants and Jen Stark sneakers. Where she shops: Around the world! The last cool piece I got in Cairo. Never goes out of style: Cowboy boots and sneakers. Fashion icons: Madonna, Cher, Charlize Theron, Norma Kamali, Iris Apfel, Grace Kelly. Charlotte style crush: Whitley Adkins.

40, owner of Hannah Ozburn Interiors

Bill Blass showroom with my grandmother and loved watching her try on clothes. Most-worn item: Right now, probably jean shorts. Even in high school, I had a jean skirt that was always in my rotation. Where she shops: Capitol, Five One Five, Moda Operandi, Shopbop, Zara, J.Crew. Never goes out of style: When I go to NYC, I wear more black or monochromatic colors and never feel out of style or place. Fashion icon: Lauren Santo Domingo. Charlotte style crushes: I love following Krissy Ortale, Stephanie Fountaine and Mary Claire Anderson.

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Hade E. Robinson Jr.

59, director of retail stores at Charlotte Douglas International Airport with SB&J Enterprises, wardrobe stylist for Fox Sports Television His style: Classic with a twist. When he began to develop a personal style: Once I hit the “50” milestone. You realize you don’t give a damn, and life is truly all yours! Most-worn item: Black turtleneck. Where he shops: Nordstrom, always. Never goes out of style: Anything black. Fashion icons: My parents, Genevieve Miller Robinson and my late father, Hade E. Robinson Sr. They taught me how to present myself by dressing well and also looking your best. Charlotte style crush: I love me — all day, every day!

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Krissy Ortale 37, personal stylist

Her style: Thoughtfully curated and collected. Rooted in timeless classics, brought to life through vintage-inspired pieces, playful layering, rich textures and unexpected details. When she began to develop a personal style: Probably by the time I was 3! Much to my mom’s dismay, I was an incredibly stubborn dresser. I always wanted to create my own style and insisted on wearing only what I picked out — which, at the time, meant black biker shorts, a white T-shirt and cowboy boots. Every. Single. Day. Most-worn item: My mom’s 1970s Levi’s dark denim jacket. Never goes out of style: A great pair of classic, solid-wash denim and a quality white crew tee. Fashion icons: Ali MacGraw, Jane Birkin, Lee Radziwill, Kate Hudson, Sienna Miller, Daisy Edgar-Jones. Charlotte style crushes: Whitley Adkins, Grace Patrick, Whitney Whitlock, Carrie Torn and vintage influencer Fin.

Meredith Beregovski

Hope Nicholls

Her style: A laidback approach to high fashion — I

Her style: As if Peter Pan was in drag: tomboy chic for the advanced stylish woman who ignores the rules. When she began to develop a personal style: I used to

41, owner of Georgia Street Design like to bring the “cool, calm and collected” to designer brands and special, one-of-a-kind pieces. Naturally, as a designer, I am drawn to beautiful fabrics — both on my sofa and in my closet! Most-worn items: I have taken several trips to India. I collect a Yaser Shaw shawl from each trip. Where she shops: Capitol, Tiny Gods, The Edit Sale. The best shoes are in Paris — but for everything else, I try to shop locally. Never goes out of style: Self-confidence. Style icon: Mark Sikes. Charlotte style crush: Mary Margaret Beaver, the owner of Tiny Gods. She pushes the limits with her clothing and jewelry, but she does it tastefully and she’s never trying too hard. She’s the real “jewel” of the store.

66 and a half, owner and curator of Boris + Natasha

struggle to get dressed in my 20s, but once I accepted that not everything I Iove is meant for me to wear, it got way easier. I enjoy helping other people see past stuff in their head, to get to what they feel authentic in and makes them happy. Most-worn item: A tank top, mostly black or grey. Where she shops: Thrift shops like Goodwill, vintage shops like East 8th Vintage and Nouveau Chapeau, and Boris + Natasha. Never goes out of style: Welldesigned, well-made jewelry. Fashion icons: ’70s Bowie, Jagger, Robert Plant, Vivienne Westwood and Rick Owens.

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Tom Fisher, Claire Talley, Regine Bechtler

Taylor Kwasniewski, Hope Nicholls, Leonard Gresham, Liz Hilliard

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Amy Hines

Linda M. Martinez

Her style: Comfortable, neutral and effortless. When she began to develop a personal style: Ever evolv-

Her style: Classic with an eclectic bohemian flair, drenched in jewelry. When she began to develop a personal style:

ing, but beginning in high school with Docksiders, Limited V-neck sweaters backwards, Le Sportsac with Mia flats and Girbauds. Most-worn items:: Jean jacket, tank top and loafers. Where she shops: Everywhere — online, traveling and locally. Pinterest! Never goes out of style: Slip dresses. Fashion icons: Victoria Beckham, Zendaya, Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury). Charlotte style crushes: The girls (and guys) at our local shops and fitness studios — they’re always put together when you walk in, they bring joy and emanate positivity. It’s a vibe.

According to my mom, at the age of 6 when I refused to wear what she pulled and started dressing myself. Most-worn item: My chocolate-brown cotton slip dress from 9seed in California. It literally can be worn with anything: as a maxi slip dress, with a blazer, moto jacket, oversized sweater, long-sleeve shirt tied at the waist, over a bathing suit … you name it. Where she shops: Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Sloan, Zara, Wendy Foster, Clic Montecito, Wright’s Boutique, Primm’s, Rebecca & Co. and a bunch more. Never goes out of style: Black cashmere crewneck sweater. Fashion icons: So, so many from the 1960s to present, but a very consistent one this decade: Zendaya.

50s-ish, arts advocate and community leader

59, founder of Styled NOW! and Styled NOW! Interiors

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Leonard Gresham

Anna Miller Tartak

His style: East Coast establishment, slick sophisticate. When he began to develop a personal style: At 10 years

Her style: Fun! But also interesting, authentic, approachable and appropriate. When she began to develop a personal style: In my 20s, once I was making my own money. I

59+, owner of Styles by Privilege wardrobe consultants

old, my mother dressed me in double-breasted sport coats, dickies, stovepipe pants, cardigan sweaters and suede chukka boots. I dressed in trends in my teens and suits in my 20s. In my 30s until now, bow ties and braces with classic clothing. Most-worn item: Velvet slippers. Where he shops: Ralph Lauren, Belk SouthPark & Jilson’s Men’s Consignment. Never goes out of style: Double-breasted navy blazers; ascots, neckerchiefs and scarves; brown suede shoes; pocket squares. Fashion icons: Dr. Andre Churchwell, Alan Flusser, Ralph Lauren, George Hamilton and Duke Ellington. Charlotte style crushes: Tamara McGill McFarland, Betty Williams Craig and Whitley Adkins.

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46, entrepreneur and founder of Ashland Advertising

remember buying my first pair of designer shoes and driving home with them on my dashboard because I was so excited. I started discovering my style then, and I feel like I really own it now. Where she shops: Wherever I’m traveling. In Charlotte, Sloan and The Rat’s Nest for vintage. Never goes out of style: Stripes. A crisp button-down. A great blazer. Belts. Anything that has a story or meaning to it — I love having pieces in my closet that have my grandmother’s initials or my mom’s favorite cocktail dress. Fashion icons: Supermodels of the ’80s/’90s: Elle Macpherson, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington. Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. Ralph Lauren. My older sisters and my parents.

Taylor Kwasniewski 34, commercial real estate

Her style: I like to play with proportions and textures, blending modern and edgy elements with a classic base. When she began to develop a personal style: It is ever-changing. I’ve always been interested in fashion and design as a form of self-expression, but how that manifests in my personal style evolves every day. Most-worn item: Comfortable jeans. I can dress them up or down and always feel confident. Where she shops: Everywhere. My style is a mix of high and low, new and vintage, so anywhere from designer online retailers to second-hand thrift stores. Never goes out of style: Healthy skin! Fashion icons: I don’t even know where to begin. I am always discovering new style icons that I pull inspiration from. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has always been a favorite of mine, though.

Filipe Ho

43, co-founder of OMJ Clothing and global strategic partnerships lead at Google His style: Timeless, comfortable and grounded in a neutral, organic palette. When he began to develop a personal style: Probably back in high school. That was the first time I realized that getting dressed could be a form of self-expression rather than just a daily chore. It’s when I started experimenting and figuring out the silhouettes and textures that actually felt like me. Most-worn item: A perfectly broken-in, mid-weight cashmere crewneck. Where he shops: OMJ, naturally — we build the pieces I want to wear every day. Beyond that, I gravitate toward brands that master American heritage and effortless menswear like Billy Reid, Todd Snyder and Buck Mason. Never goes out of style: A sharply tailored navy or dark gray suit. Fashion icons: John F. Kennedy Jr. for his effortless, East Coast casual polish — he could make a simple T-shirt and blazer look iconic. And Jonathan Bailey, who brings a modern, sharp tailoring game with a great sense of texture and risk-taking while keeping things inherently classic. southparkmagazine.com | 101

Davis Ligon

Liz Hilliard

His style: I don’t overthink it. I don’t pay attention to trends much, and I hate flashy labels. Most-worn item: Raleigh Denim

Her style: I dress for clean lines and lasting quality: tailored,

jeans. I can throw them on with an old tee or a blazer if the situation calls for it, and they work equally well. Where he shops: In town, Tabor is hands-down my favorite. Billy Reid whenever I’m in Charleston or NYC. Locally owned or vintage stores whenever I’m traveling. Never goes out of style: A Ralph Lauren polo shirt, a well-tailored suit and a pair of broken-in Ropers. Fashion icons: I’ve always admired JFK Jr.’s effortless style. In general, European men — especially Italians — just seem to know how to pull off the sharpest, most understated looks. Charlotte style crushes: All the guys at OMJ, David Watkins at Abbeydale and James Yoder of Not Just Coffee.

When she began to develop a personal style: My style

53, owner of Family Dentistry at Wells Fargo CIC and community philanthropist

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72, owner/creator of Hilliard Studio Method, author and podcaster structured, polished. I don’t chase trends; I chase what lasts. has felt intrinsic since childhood and throughout every decade. It’s a lack of fussiness and restriction — I’d say it’s a real sense of no-nonsense. Most-worn item: Hilliard Studio Method apparel, because fitness is my job. I like to make it fashion with great leggings, cool jackets and shoes. Where she shops: Recently, I’ve found some amazing local stores while traveling in Spain. Locally, boutiques including Sloan and Capitol. The lines and length of the garments at Alice + Olivia and Veronica Beard always work for me. Never goes out of style: Long, flowy pants; fitted tanks; and unique, stylish jackets. Fashion icons: Charlize Theron is currently unstoppable.

Kristin Heinrich, Mary Margaret Beaver, Fin Wilson, Michael Gallis

Scott Weaver, Lindsay Schall, Mignonne Gavigan, Felipe Ho

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Anna Miller Tartak, Hade E. Robinson Jr., Rooney Robison

Scott Weaver, Linda M. Martinez, Lindsay Schall, Mignonne Gavigan

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Lindsay Schall

42, attorney at Duke Energy, founder of Maison Jardin Design and creator of the Maison Jardin Topiary Atelier Her style: Collected, elegant, romantic and a little whimsical. When she began to develop a personal style: I’ve loved fashion for as long as I can remember — I was the kid trying to create “designer” outfits from whatever my mom bought me at Kids “R” Us, Gap or Limited Too. Later, while studying abroad in Italy and living in Hong Kong, travel shaped my perspective. Most-worn item: Navy J.Crew crepe pants with an elastic waist that I bought years ago when I was pregnant! They’re nothing flashy, but they still fit perfectly (thank you, elastic), travel well and always look polished. Where she shops: Thirty-One Jane, The Pearl Pagoda and Poole Shop. Moda Operandi, Net-a-Porter or vintage shops when I travel. Fashion icons: Katharine Hepburn, Olivia Palermo and Sienna Miller. Charlotte style crushes: Jody Candrian, Whitley Adkins, Blair Scheurer, Jess Sidhom, Charlotte Lucas and Caroline Mitchell.

Scott Weaver

56, interior designer, talent booker for Stylus Soundlounge His style: Eclectic, layered and sustainable. When he began to develop a personal style: As far back as I can remember. Even as a child, I had very strong ideas about what I liked to wear. Most-worn item: A vintage Lip Service denim trucker jacket because it’s perfectly worn-in and works with everything. Where he shops: Boris + Natasha, Stash Pad Vintage and any thrift store I stumble upon. Never goes out of style: Nothing is in or out of style if it works for you and you feel good wearing it. Fashion icons: I appreciate anyone who likes to experiment, have fun and express their individuality without being hung up on labels. Personal style over trends, always.

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Kristin Heinrich

Bradley Rhyne

Her style: Classic and pretty casual. I’d take cool jeans and

His style: Timeless style that blends earth tones and subtle patterns. When he began to develop a personal style: Post-college, when I started working in my first corporate role in finance at Bank of America. Everyone was wearing the same thing, and I hated that, but I also didn’t want to immediately stand out and attract the wrong attention. I started wearing things with subtle details and that also had a story behind it. Most-worn item: Navy blue hopsack blazer. It is simple, it goes with everything and it will last forever. Where he shops: OMJ, of course. I am famously a one-shop person. If we don’t have it and I need it, I will make it. Never goes out of style: A great overcoat. Fashion icon: James Bond.

wardrobe stylist

a great blouse or a midi skirt and blazer over a gown at a gala anyday. When she began to develop a personal style: In my 20s and 30s, I was more trendy and experimental. After having kids and getting a little older, I know exactly what works for me and I’m more comfortable in my selections than ever before. Most-worn items: Jeans and blazers. Where she shops: Everywhere. As a personal shopper, I’m always exploring new stores and brands. Never goes out of style: Fine jewelry. It’s an investment, but it elevates every outfit, from athleisure to cashmere to a gown. The Jen Collection is my go-to. Fashion icon: Olivia Palermo — always polished with a mix of high and low, preppy and chic.

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41, CEO and co-founder, OMJ Clothing

Will Jones

Mignonne Gavigan

His style: Heavily predicated on the principles of British and

Her style: Rooted in timeless silhouettes and tonal dressing. When she began to develop a personal style: Growing up with three

41, commercial real-estate investor and developer, stylist and podcast contributor at OMJ Clothing Italian tailoring. The Golden Age of Hollywood also pervades my sartorial leanings … The more timeless, the better! When he began to develop a personal style: For as long as I can remember, it’s always been there. My mom was an interior designer, and the most chic woman I had ever seen — there was much to glean from her ability to mix and match colors and varying textures. Most-worn item: Belgian loafers. Where he shops: OMJ Clothing in South End. Never goes out of style: An unstructured sport coat, perhaps in navy. Its chameleon-like nature and utility make it the perfect complement to any ensemble. Fashion icons: Ralph Lauren, Cary Grant and Gianni Agnelli. Charlotte style crush: My wife, Jamie Jones. There’s an effortlessness to her day-to-day aesthetic that is truly unparalleled.

45, founder and designer of Mignonne Gavigan

brothers, I was a complete tomboy until I discovered the creativity and joy of clothing. I’ve always loved reimagining pieces — cutting up my dad’s old Levi’s to make them my own or wearing dresses backwards in college simply because I preferred the neckline. Most-worn item: A denim jacket that one of my first interns personalized for me while she was studying at Parsons in New York. It’s more than just a jacket — it’s a reminder of the early days of building my brand and the incredible people who have been part of the journey. Never goes out of style: A classic button-down, a beautifully tailored trouser, a well-loved pair of jeans and a vintage band T-shirt. Fashion icons: Blanca Miró, Olympia Gayot and Cate Blanchett. Charlotte style crushes: My mom, Alice Gavigan, and friends like Annie Totten, Sybil Wornall, Rebekah Alpert, Daniel Gonzalez and Pam Stowe.

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THE GREEN SCENE Most IT Listers cited the location of our photo shoot, Freedom Park, as Charlotte’s top park. But there were plenty of other favorites, as well. “The small parks tucked into Charlotte’s charming historic neighborhoods — like Edgehill Park and Latta Park, to name a couple — tend to be my favorites,” says Tom Fisher. Another favorite is Romare Bearden Park in uptown. “As an artist, I love that there’s a park that pays homage to a true legend in the field,” says Davita Galloway. For OMJ Clothing co-founder Bradley Rhyne, it’s more personal. “Romare Bearden is right outside of the front door of our first retail store. The nostalgia of walking through that park every day and the possibilities of what could come still take me back to this day!” Eastover Park and the connected greenway at Mint Museum Randolph became a sanctuary for Mary Margaret Beaver’s family during Covid and was a top pick for several IT Listers. “I’ve spent countless hours there playing fetch with my two dogs, Teddy and June,” says Davis Ligon.

“Since leaving the corporate world, I have been able to fully embrace what feels lovely to me: more color, more dresses. Always tailored, never distracting.” — Elizabeth Anne Russell

OTHER FAVORITE GREEN SPACES:

“Every outfit tells a story, and if it makes someone smile or sparks a conversation, I’ve done my job.” — Charlton

Elizabeth Anne Russell: Little Sugar Creek Greenway. “Some of our best memories are there, walking or riding bikes and scooters as a family of five.” Will Jones: McAlpine Creek Park, the site of numerous cross-country meets I participated in during high school. Nostalgia overload! Scott Weaver: Evergreen Nature Preserve, because it offers a real escape from the urban landscape. Pam Stowe: Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont Charlton Alicea Tapp: Maplewalk Garden in Kingswood. This hidden gem was lovingly created by Tom Nunnenkamp and Lib Jones as a beautiful oasis for the community. I love taking my two little shih tzus, Elliott and Jackie O, for daily walks there. It’s peaceful, inspiring and one of Charlotte’s bestkept secrets. Regine Bechtler: James Boyce Park Bob Tapp: Park Road Park, because of a county recycling center there and my aspiration to live like Jane Goodall. Kimberly Nixon: Frazier Park — it’s the most peaceful park with lots of space, trails, playgrounds and open fields. SP

The making of the 2026 IT List, photographed on location at Freedom Park. Photographs by Olly Yung. 108 | SOUTHPARK

Alicea Tapp

“My longheld belief is that style isn’t a mere commodity, but rather a currency for living well.” — Will Jones

“I believe the most interesting wardrobes evolve over time through experiences, travel and discovery — not by following trends. To me, style is the expression of your personality through garments and accessories. It’s how you tell your story before saying a word.” — Mignonne Gavigan

“As I get older, the fun of dressing becomes greater as I discover the rich potential of fashion and design, no longer bound by the need to being ‘in fashion.’” — Berhan Nebioglu

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Ramona Holloway’s second act is proof: It’s never too late to start over. by Page Leggett | photographs by Richard Israel

ou wouldn’t know it from her upbeat radio persona, but life isn’t always sunny for Ramona Holloway. Amid budget cuts, the longtime co-host of WLNK-FM’s “Matt & Ramona Show” was laid off from her job as community affairs manager at Radio One Charlotte in July 2024. Radio One previously owned WLNK and several other area stations. Holloway, admired by Charlotte listeners for her exuberance, wondered if she could do anything else. “My first full-time job, back in 1989, was in radio,” she says. “It’s all I’ve ever done.” At 58, she worried she was professionally past her prime. She needn’t have. Those decades of experience weren’t a hindrance; they helped Holloway land what she calls her dream job. She was hired in April 2025 as the Mint Museum’s community relations and civic engagement director. Perhaps she manifested the job herself. When a friend encouraged her to think about what she wanted out of her next phase, the first idea that came to her, she says, was this: “I wanted to be able to dress like an art teacher.”

SILENCING NEGATIVE SELF-TALK Our culture, in general, celebrates youth. And broadcasting, in particular, places outsized emphasis on a younger market. When Holloway was in her mid-50s, an executive worried aloud

that she may no longer be relatable to 25- to 54-year-old women, the most desirable demographic and one that embraced the “The Matt and Ramona Show,” which debuted in Charlotte in 2001. After giving herself time to grieve the job loss, Holloway came to a realization: “I was putting those weights on myself.” She began to see her age not as a handicap, but as a benefit to a future employer. “My years of experience meant I’d learned and done some things that might be valuable to someone,” she says.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME Just as Holloway was pondering her future, the Mint Museum’s director of community engagement, Rubie Britt-Height, announced she was leaving to take a similar post at WFAE. Britt-Height had been in that role for nearly two decades, so her departure left a gaping hole for Cynthia Moreno, the Mint’s senior director of learning and engagement, to fill. “Rubie set the standard for community engagement in Charlotte,” Moreno says. Replacing her was a tall order. She sought the advice of Patrick Diamond, a prominent arts patron, collector and, “a true Renaissance man,” according to Moreno. He told her there was no need for a national search. He thought the ideal candidate was right here in the community: “Somebody accomplished, experienced and self-confident, somebody with local roots and relationships who’s passionate about southparkmagazine.com | 111

Ramona Holloway engages with neighbors at the closing ceremony for the Grier Heights Community Youth Arts Program on June 3. As the Mint Museum’s director of community engagement, Holloway oversees the program, which the museum has run for over two decades.

the arts and the community,” Moreno recalls. “He was right.” Several of Holloway’s friends pointed out something she’d been unable to see: The woman who’d “always been an art lover” would be great at the job.

‘A PERFECT FIT’ Holloway still wasn’t convinced. She continued to focus more on what she didn’t know than everything she did. “During each interview at the Mint, people talked about ellenie,” she recalls. “I kept trying to figure out what that meant. Finally, in the third interview, I asked Cynthia, ‘Could you explain the purpose of the ellenie’? And she said, ‘That’s L and E. Learning and Engagement is our department name.’” “I thought: Well, I won’t be getting this job,” Holloway says. “It was like, nice to meet you, ma’am. You work in a beautiful place. I’ll see myself out.” Clearly, when Holloway lost her job, she didn’t lose her sense of humor. But she couldn’t shake the self-doubt. She worried about not being a tech whiz. Moreno assured her she’d have plenty of support and training for anything she needed to learn. She already had an abundance of skills the job required that would’ve been difficult or impossible to teach. According to Moreno, Holloway was “a gifted storyteller, fundraiser, ‘friend-raiser,’ enthusiastic volunteer for several causes, honest and forthright, curious, a professional communicator and, already, a big supporter of the Mint … she was a perfect fit.” Moreno says she and other Mint leaders admire Holloway’s 112 | SOUTHPARK

comfort in front of a crowd. If she’s needed for a last-minute introduction at the mic, she’ll do it with ease. Someone else might be backstage studying their lines and trying to calm their nerves. What’s more, she’s inventive, Moreno says. “Ramona has pioneered making Instagram, TikTok and Facebook videos — something we’d always wanted to do but couldn’t find time for.”

PLAYING TO HER STRENGTHS As overseer of the Mint’s community-engagement programs, Holloway is, to many, the face of the museum. Among the programs she supports are the Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night, complete with a DJ and dance lessons led by the Rumbao Latin Dance Company, and community days that celebrate African Americans, Asians, Native Americans or other ethnic groups. She also advises staff on community issues and helps curators develop content for programs. She’s responsible for the Grier Heights Community Youth Arts Program for kids and teens in the historically Black neighborhood across the street from the museum’s Randolph Road location. Ostensibly, the program teaches students about art and their African-American heritage. It also helps them build self-esteem, learn healthy life skills, strive for excellence in and outside school, and see the value in community service. The program involves field trips to both Mint locations and to see theatrical productions, plus hands-on activities like painting, writing poetry, making African-inspired jewelry and fiber art, and

Cynthia Moreno, senior director of learning and engagement; Ramona Holloway, director of community relations and civic engagement; Kevin “Surf” Mitchell, Grier Heights program coordinator; Kurma Murrain, community programs coordinator

participating in cultural sessions that include drumming, dancing and spoken word. Holloway, an off-the-charts extrovert, was embraced immediately by the Grier Heights community and everyone else she engages with, says Moreno, including Mint donors and supporters. In addition to the Mint, Holloway has long been a vocal and visible supporter of a number of area nonprofits. Far from begrudging Holloway’s involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association, Holy Angels, RAIN and others, Moreno encourages it, saying, “We love the kaleidoscope of causes Ramona’s engaged in.”

NOT A CURSE, BUT A BLESSING In 2021, after 20 years as an afternoon program, “The Matt and Ramona Show” moved to the coveted morning slot. That promotion came with a big downside. “That change in schedule was brutal,” Holloway recalls. “I was never lying in bed at 3:30 a.m. thinking, I wish I could be where Sheri Lynch is right now,” she says of the co-host of the popular, syndicated “Bob & Sheri” morning-radio show. “In hindsight, I realized it was a blessing. I was caring for my mom who had dementia, and my schedule (after 10 a.m.) was suddenly my own.” Holloway’s mom, Louise “Wheezy” Glover, died later that year. While Holloway no longer needed her days free to be a caregiver, she continued to struggle with the drastic change. “I was still imprisoned by this schedule that didn’t allow me to connect with people the way I wanted to. I was always tired. Always.”

Not having to report to work at 5 a.m. isn’t the only perk of her Mint job. “I get to bring my whole self to work now,” she says. “In radio, you essentially play a caricature of yourself.” And that dream she had of dressing like an art teacher? She’s living it. But dressing the part isn’t just for fun; there’s a purpose behind it. “Everything I’ve been wearing to my appearances lately has been inspired by the continent of Africa,” Holloway says. “If someone says, ‘I love your skirt,’ it gives me the opportunity to say, ‘I’m wearing it because of our current show, Designing Dynamism: Kuba Textiles from the DR Congo.’ It gives me a means of connection.” While that exhibition concluded in August, she’s already preparing for the Mint’s upcoming Judith Leiber handbag exhibition, opening in October, by hunting at thrift stores for interesting purses. *** Holloway doesn’t sound like someone who ever doubted her professional usefulness. She’s living her very best life. And she’s making a difference. “My personal brand is about inclusivity,” she says. “I want to do everything I can to ensure no one is left out and that I reinforce our [mission]: Art is for everyone.” She no longer thinks about the demise of her radio career or how scared she felt during that uncertain period. Holloway is too focused on the blessings that have come her way. “I’m not a God pusher,” she says, “but this job combines everything I’ve ever done and everything I love. I’m constantly telling people: God over-delivered.” SP southparkmagazine.com | 113

Myers Park makeover A century-old home gets a modern, family-friendly glow-up while keeping historic character intact. by Andrea Nordstrom Caughey photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck

istoric homes in Charlotte’s iconic Myers Park are cherished commodities. That’s why team players chosen to renovate a 1922 gem for the Stubbs family included history-buff interior designer Laura Archibald, detail-minded Bourgeois McGinn Builders and Kent Lineberger Architecture, which brought expertise in renovating older homes. While the family’s love of place drove the careful restoration, they also needed more space for a household that had grown from four to six. “Their solution: buy an old, established home and adapt it,” explains the designer, who launched Laura Archibald Interior Design in 2005. “We wanted to modernize bathrooms and living spaces while retaining the 100-year-old style of the house,” adds homeowner Erin Stubbs. “We kept all of the original millwork, windows, stair railing, built-in cabinets and doors that showed its age and character.” While the existing kitchen had been renovated by the previous owner, more living space was a must, along with the family’s quest for a covered porch with a fireplace. Key to the remodel was the expansion and reinvention of a rarely used sunroom, which lacked air-conditioning, into a second family room.

The dining-room ceiling is wallpapered in a botanical design by Osborne & Little. Charles Stewart chairs upholstered in pink velvet by Pindler complement French chairs covered in a floral fabric. The sisal rug is from Stark; the chandelier is Visual Comfort. 114 | SOUTHPARK

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In the foyer: an elegant curved staircase and an antique rug from Darnell & Company.

A sectional sofa and ottoman by Charles Stewart anchor the den, with Chaddock swivel chairs covered in cut velvet. Walls are swathed in grass cloth by Cowtan & Tout; the collage artwork is by Selena Beaudry from Hidell Brooks Gallery.

“It’s so much more useful as the new hangout spot for the kids, while we gravitate to the coziness of the keeping room off of the kitchen,” says Stubbs. Above this, the team also added an office/sitting room adjacent to the primary bedroom. “Color inspiration in the family room was sparked by a painting,” Archibald says. “The taupe/gray sofa, dark blue cut-velvet swivel chairs and orange animal-print accent chair repeats its palette while also standing up to a home full of kids. Likewise, the navy-and-white polypropylene rug from Stark is stain-resistant, hiding everything.” For the other main living areas, the Stubbs were drawn to soft muted colors — seafoam green, shades of blue and pink. Warm neutrals such as tan, cream and brown, give the rooms a timeless feel. “They already had beautiful dining chairs, so we used fabrics to coordinate these tones through the foyer, living room, dining room and original den,” Archibald says. southparkmagazine.com | 117

Bold colors in the family room were inspired by one of the homeowners’ paintings. Interior designer Laura Archibald chose a stain-resistant Stark rug for the high-traffic area. The sofa and swivel chairs are by Hickory Chair; the orange animal-print chair by Lee adds a pop of color. The antique chest is from Hamilton-Stuart; the coffee table is Bernhardt, and side tables are by Tritter Feefer.

Often, Archibald’s design ideas do double duty — not only as motifs, but ways to meet the demands of a busy household. “Because they are out of reach, lighting and art are great ways to create impact while remaining damage-free from the crush of family. If you color everything below 36 inches in height in a darker neutral, you’re golden in a house with four kids and a dog. Performance fabrics and rugs help, too, along with patterns that help disguise stains.” Essentially, the family wanted the house to feel comfortable and lived-in, according to Stubbs. “We are not a ‘shoes-off’ family, so we picked 118 | SOUTHPARK

Soft neutrals prevail in the living room, with Charles Stewart club chairs upholstered in a Kravet fabric and a sofa by Hickory Chair.

fabrics and rugs that would hide the wear and tear of daily life,” she says. “Many people plan to redo their homes when their kids are grown because they fear the kids will ruin things,” Archibald adds. “I think you can achieve a well-designed home you’ll love for years even with young kids, if you plan appropriately. Why wait 20 years to have beautiful things? Life’s too short!” SP southparkmagazine.com | 119

travel |

Foothills magic At Keswick Hall, classic meets contemporary with a rustic-chic spa and a first-class farm-to-table restaurant. by Cathy Martin

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travel |

for impressive new amenities and additional guest rooms. While golf has been central to the 1912 property’s identity since the mid-1900s, today the 80-room resort also boasts a shimmering infinity pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a serene spa, and a true farm-to-table restaurant, Marigold by Jean-Georges, that’s a destination itself.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRANDON BARRÉ COURTESY KESWICK HALL

eswick Hall impresses before you set foot inside the century-year-old Italianate-style manor, nestled in the Virginia foothills a few miles from Charlottesville. The impeccable landscaping, refreshed branding and polished exterior are the result of a four-year, top-to-bottom renovation that also made way

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travel | A SEAMLESS DESIGN

The Spa at Keswick Hall

DELIGHTFUL DINING After settling into my room, I ventured over to Crawford’s, a cocktail bar named after the home’s original owner. A happy-hour crowd had gathered at the curved marble bar, so I settled into a comfortable leather barrel chair and ordered a Manila Margarita — a riff on a spicy marg made with yuzu, ponzu and spicy sambal oelek for a little heat — and a light dinner: a Virginia cheese board with honey and spiced pecans and an Oakdale Farm salad. The 200-acre farm, which is owned by Keswick Hall and located just five minutes away, also boasts an apiary (the source of the honey) and grass-fed beef that’s served at the resort’s restaurant, Marigold. Dinner at Marigold is a delight, whether you sit inside the warm, lively dining room, in the quieter courtyard under string lights, or on the terrace overlooking the golf course and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY KESWICK HALL

Crawford’s

Originally built as a family home, Keswick Hall operated as a country club from the 1940s until the 1980s, when Sir Bernard Ashley (the widower of designer Laura Ashley) bought it and turned it into a posh resort. Current owner Molly Hardie acquired Keswick Hall in 2017 and helped guide it through the most recent renovation. The hotel reopened in October 2021. The design is airy and bright with crisp blues and whites, a modern interpretation of a traditional hotel. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegantly styled with hardwood floors, decorative moldings and classic furnishings. There are luxe touches like plush Duxiana mattresses and Frette linens, intuitive smart lighting (read: not a zillion buttons) and Red Flower botanical-infused soaps and lotions. The botanical theme continues across the resort with fresh-cut flowers and artwork with butterfly and bird motifs. The works complement striking abstract paintings by local artists including Kiki Slaughter, Cate West Zahl and Isabelle Abbot, along with photographs by Andrew Shurtleff. All around the property, landscaping designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz is simply stunning, from stately magnolias to a manicured rosebush hedge bursting with pink blossoms to flowerbeds layered with delicate bluebonnets, chamomile, peonies and more. Aside from the resort’s cohesive design, what’s noticeable after a short time there is its compact nature. While Keswick Hall sits on 600 acres, most amenities are an easy walk from the main building. There’s a shiny new fleet of loaner BMWs and bicycles, but you won’t need them unless you want to explore the surrounding areas or head into Charlottesville for dinner, shopping or nightlife.

restaurant from globally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has a rustic-modern feel, unpretentious but still nice enough for a special celebration. Marigold fully embraces the farm-to-table concept with a menu that’s updated seasonally. There are woodfired pizzas and pastas for a casual meal, along with protein-centric plates like roasted black sea bass, seared Faroe Island salmon and a bone-in ribeye for two. Some popular dishes have become mainstays, with ingredients subtly tweaked according to the season, including a potsticker appetizer, the crispy sushi (a Vongerichten signature) and the warm shrimp salad. Vacations are about indulging, so don’t skip the house-made sundried-tomato focaccia (olive in the winter months), flawless desserts from executive pastry chef Vanessa Wade, or the complimentary madeleines to cap your meal.

ALL IN ONE PLACE

Marigold by Jean-Georges

While the Pete Dye-designed Full Cry 18-hole golf course remains a big draw, Keswick Hall guests will find plenty of diversions beyond the greens. At the spa, the modern barn-like structure is centered around a dreamy relaxation room with soaring ceilings overlooking a woodland forest. Here, you can enjoy homemade snacks and fruit-infused water before your treatment and, afterward, a soothing cup of chamomile tea with more local honey. Feel stress melt away with a Lavender Lullaby massage, Shenandoah Sculpt facial or Honey Harvest body treatment — a sugar exfoliation followed by a “farm-toskin” honey hydration and an almond-infused cleanse. The spa at Keswick Hall also incorporates luxury products from Swiss anti-aging skincare brand Valmont. Beyond the spa, there’s a fitness center overlooking the golf course, a spacious family pool ringed by lush landscaping, and the adults-only Horizon infinity pool with golf-course and mountain views. For off-site excursions, Keswick Hall sits in the heart of Virginia wine country, and Monticello — Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home — is minutes away. Downtown Charlottesville is also nearby — relive college glory days perusing quirky bookstores and vintage shops or pulling up to the counter at an old-school soda shop. The town nicknamed C-ville also boasts plenty of scratch bakeries and a diverse range of bars and restaurants that are the hallmark of a great college town. Back at the hotel, grab a latte at The Counter, the resort’s quick-service market, relax in the Garden Room and pause by the trickling fountain as butterflies flutter to and fro. If you let it sink in, a few days at Keswick Hall awakens the senses and soothes the soul. SP GETTING THERE: Keswick Hall is a 4-hour drive from

Charlotte. Learn more at keswick.com. southparkmagazine.com | 123

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

24 Hours of Booty

benefiting 24 Foundation “Bootyville” in Myers Park July 24-25

Thousands of cyclists and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during the 25th edition of this Myers Park tradition aimed at fighting cancer and supporting patients. photographs by Daniel Coston

Lucy Dwindt-Bustos and Sonia Beatriz

Carter family

Raquel Cedeno and Brett Menz

Spencer Lueders and friends

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Knox and Marc Gustafson

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Brewers Ball

benefiting Supportive Housing Communities The Union at Station West June 11 This laid-back fundraiser brought together local breweries and food trucks for an evening supporting chronically homeless people in our area. photographs by Daniel Coston Scott Buckstad and Nicole Colmenares

Amber Chilton and Cam Fenton

Haley Lundeby and John Minton

Ana Cristina Lozano and Edwin Cruz

James Kish and Lauren Spegal

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swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

The Cookout, Platinum Edition benefiting NGAAP Bank of America Stadium June 27

To mark 20 years of generosity and service, the New Generation of African-American Philanthropists celebrated with an evening of fellowship centered around a fresh take on cookout classics from Black chefs.

Manoj Kesevan and Boris “Bluz” Rogers

photographs by Daniel Coston Angie and Robert Bush

Valaida and Diatra Fullwood

Men Tchaas Ari and Harry Mack

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Eric Watson, Nick and Regina Wharton

Christian Brown and Nicole Ingram

T.J. Breeden and Madeline Martínez

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

2026 CLT Tennis Memorial Event benefiting Ace The Stigma June 19-20

This year’s event spanned two days, a tennis competition at Olde Providence Racquet Club and a dinner at Carmel Country Club, all to help raise money and awareness around mental health.

Megan Reiney, Joe Reiney, Mike Reiney, Rachel Reiney Kenyon

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photographs by Daniel Coston Sejal and Devang Desai

Tim Kullick, Diego Goya, Jon Goldberg

Kate and Matt Ficca

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| crowning moments

‘WHAT’S THE BEST THAT COULD HAPPEN?’

One Charlotte resident’s improbable run for interim mayor became a master class in taking a chance on yourself.

hen news broke in June that Mayor Vi Lyles was stepping down, I paid about as much attention as I typically do to city-council proceedings — which is to say, not much. Then one night, as the evening news played in the background, someone managed to break through the procedural noise and made me look up from whatever I was doing. He stood behind the podium in a green “Carpet City” suit and explained that he’d recently been laid off and was running for interim mayor because, “according to LinkedIn, it is the only available job in the city.” He joked that his outfit resembled “the Riddler if he was into urban planning” and proposed turning I-277 into a lazy river and building a train to Jon G’s Barbecue. He got more laughs in two minutes than most city-council meetings generate in two hours. His name is Zach Claywell. I promptly followed him on Instagram (@zach4clt), where I discovered his campaign, “Why Not Zach?” His videos and jokes were easy to dismiss as an attention grab, but beneath the irreverence was a candidate who was serious about the issues he was talking about. “It started as a joke,” he tells me in late June. “I do stand-up comedy as a hobby, so that’s part of what prompted this. But then I stopped to think, Why is that so funny? It’s 2026. Maybe I am qualified to be mayor.” The more city-council meetings he attended, the more intrigued he became. When he looked up the qualifications for interim mayor, he was surprised by how straightforward they were: be at least 21, live within Charlotte city limits and be a registered Democrat. “I thought, That’s it?” he says. “I could do that.” So the 38-year-old opened his laptop at Smelly Cat Coffeehouse and filled out the application. He enlisted his best friend, Andrew 128 | SOUTHPARK

Hall, to be his videographer and campaign manager. (“He added jet fuel to the campaign,” Zach says.) In his first Instagram video, Zach wore a loud patterned shirt, and half the comments fixated on his outfit. “I realized I needed a silly suit,” he says. “What if I used my silliness and pointed it toward something I thought was a good idea?” His interest in urban planning and Zach Claywell public transit had grown into something more than a hobby; he genuinely wanted to help shape the city’s future. “Nobody likes 277. Everybody likes parks,” he says. “This is crazy on its face — making 277 a river — but it’s based on real urban-renewal ideas that are floating out there by smarter people than me.” At the June 15 city-council meeting, Zach’s delivery was satirical, but he was careful not to direct anger at the mayor or sitting council members. He wasn’t interested in assigning blame — only in getting people to pay attention. “I think that was the special sauce,” he says. “I was presenting a positive, utopian, silly version of what the city should be. I was distinctly trying not to insult anyone.” Most of us spend our lives calculating what could go wrong. Zach built an entire campaign around wondering what could go right. He wasn’t elected interim mayor, but he managed to cut through the noise with humor, authenticity and a willingness to risk looking ridiculous. The question that guided him through it all was deceptively simple: What’s the best that could happen? Even without the title, Zach has won plenty of fans. In his mostviewed campaign video, he promised to grab a beer with all 964,000 Charlotteans. To his credit — and his surprise — people are still taking him up on it. SP

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ZACH CLAYWELL

by Taylor Bowler