Step into the world of bespoke Italian luxury with Dominique of D. Lacquaniti, the creative force behind some of Raleigh’s most exquisite footwear. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Dominique to uncover how his heritage, artistry, and dedication to comfort have led to a shoe collection like no other. From sourcing vintage leathers in Italy’s Marche region to redefining retail exclusivity through local trunk shows, Dominique shares his journey, passion, and the craftsmanship behind every pair. If you love fashion, comfort, and a dose of quiet luxury, you don’t want to miss this one.

Thinking about building a custom home in Raleigh? In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Tim Thompson, founder of Raleigh Custom Homes, a builder known for pushing the limits of ultra-luxury living. With over 30 years of experience, Tim shares how he’s elevating Raleigh’s luxury home scene—from trendsetting Parade of Homes entries to his company’s bold strategy of building high-end inventory homes with fully integrated pools, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability in mind.

Tim also opens up about his unique approach to design, why Raleigh continues to attract high-net-worth buyers, and how luxury leasing is creating new options in this fast-moving market. Whether you're looking to move to Raleigh or just love stunning home design, this episode is full of inspiration and insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in to learn how Raleigh Custom Homes is shaping the future of luxury real estate in the Triangle.

Healthcare is evolving—and Vega Vitality is leading the charge in Cary’s Fenton. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Dr. Andrew Donohoe, Medical Director of Vega Vitality, to talk about what it really means to help people look and feel their best. With a background in internal medicine and over a decade of experience in hospitals, Dr. Donohoe shares how his personal journey inspired a shift from treating illness to optimizing well-being—inside and out. From science-backed weight loss coaching and wellness consults to collagen-stimulating Sculptra and cutting-edge treatments like NeoGen, Vega offers a full spectrum of care in one inviting, elevated space. Whether you’re curious about nutrition support, advanced skincare, or just want to feel more energized day to day, this conversation is packed with insights on the future of feeling good. ✨

Raleigh’s green spaces are more than just places to play—they’re a cornerstone of the city’s identity. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Stephen Bentley, Director of Raleigh Parks, to explore how the city’s parks, greenways, and community centers go from concept to reality. From leading multi-million dollar bond referendums to overseeing 200+ parks and 120 miles of greenway, Stephen shares what it takes to design a park system that supports wellness, equity, and vibrant community life for every Raleigh resident. Stephen opens up about his 20-year journey in public service, the vision behind Dorothea Dix Park’s transformation, and how Raleigh is becoming a “park with a city in it.” Whether you’re raising a family, planning a move, or just love spending time outside, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for the role parks play in shaping Raleigh’s future.

When it comes to protecting your lifestyle, legacy, and everything you’ve worked hard to build, insurance matters more than most people realize. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Katie McLean, Private Client Advisor at McGriff (now part of Marsh McLennan Agency), to talk about how she’s redefining the insurance experience for high-net-worth individuals. From multi-property coverage to exotic vehicles and personal collections, Katie takes a big-picture, relationship-first approach that’s all about protecting what matters most—without the pressure or jargon. Katie shares why annual reviews are essential, how flood and umbrella policies really work, and how she brings unmatched value to clients with assets across multiple states. More than an insurance expert, she’s a trusted advisor who leads with empathy, strategy, and straight talk—exactly the kind of person you want in your corner when life happens. Tune in to hear how Katie’s work is helping Raleigh families feel confident, covered, and cared for. 

Moving to Raleigh just got a whole lot smarter. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Taylor Casey, the creator of Kahmino, a game-changing neighborhood match survey built exclusively for Coley Group clients. Designed to help buyers match their lifestyle with the perfect neighborhood, Kahmino uses a quick, five-minute quiz to deliver personalized results that go far beyond price points and square footage. Whether it’s walkability, local coffee shops, or that Saturday morning vibe, Kahmino helps you find where you truly belong. Taylor shares the inspiration behind Kahmino, how it’s already transforming the way people buy homes in Raleigh, and what’s next as this Raleigh-born startup expands into new markets. If you’re moving across the country or just across town, tune in on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts and discover how this innovative tool is changing the way we search for home—starting right here in the Triangle. 

Wine lovers, this one’s for you! 🍷 In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Jenny Farmer and Paula Kornell—two women who have turned their love for wine into something unforgettable. Jenny, a Raleigh local, and her husband Mike launched ZFG Wines, a bold but approachable Napa Valley Cabernet brand that blends passion with polish. Meanwhile, Paula, a fourth-generation winemaker, brings decades of expertise and sparkle through her celebrated Paula Kornell Bubbles label. From sharing their first sips in Napa, to building brands that now pour into Raleigh’s top restaurants and wine shops, Jenny and Paula open up about the behind-the-scenes reality of the wine business—licensing, logistics, and the joy of creating something that brings people together. You’ll also learn how their wines are supporting local causes like the Triangle Wine & Food Experience and Frankie Lemmon School, showing that doing good can taste amazing, too. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just love a good glass of bubbles with popcorn (yes, really!), this episode is packed with personality, inspiration, and a little rosé-fueled girl power. Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—and discover how two fearless women are bottling the best of Napa and sharing it with Raleigh.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, we’re talking fashion, entrepreneurship, and Raleigh’s retail renaissance with Kayla Brewer, founder of Voda Boutique — the go-to destination where timeless meets trendy in North Hills. Kayla shares how she turned a childhood love for fashion into a thriving brand rooted in style, service, and local flair. From her days at NC State’s College of Textiles to launching Voda in a tiny downtown shop (and leveling up to North Hills), Kayla opens up about the real journey behind building a boutique that empowers women of all ages to feel confident and comfortable. We dive into her lessons in entrepreneurship, her vision for the future, and how Voda is redefining what it means to look good, feel good in Raleigh. Plus — her take on the power of live selling, styling for all generations, and advice for young women dreaming of starting their own business. If you love local business stories, empowering women in fashion, and discovering Raleigh’s hidden gems — this one’s for you.

Feeling confident in your own skin just got a whole lot easier! In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Maegan Griffin, founder and CEO of Skin Pharm, the modern beauty brand redefining the med-spa experience with natural results, thoughtfully designed clinics, and highly effective skincare products. Maegan shares her inspiring journey from nurse practitioner to powerhouse entrepreneur, the intentional philosophy behind Skin Pharm’s curated treatments, and how her team is helping clients embrace aging with confidence and glow from the inside out. With the opening of their stunning new Raleigh location at The Exchange, Skin Pharm brings its signature warmth, holistic care, and science-backed results to the Triangle. Whether you're new to skincare treatments or looking for a luxury experience that feels approachable and empowering, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—and discover how Skin Pharm is helping Raleigh feel beautiful, inside and out! ✨🌿

Navigating Wake County schools can feel like a full-time job—between understanding capped schools, calendar choices, and sorting through public, magnet, charter, or private options, it’s no wonder parents feel overwhelmed. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Libby Taylor, former educator and founder of SchoolUp Wake, to break down the complexities of the Wake County school system and help families make confident, informed decisions. Whether you're a local parent or relocating from out of state, Libby shares how her team helps families uncover the best fit based on their goals, values, and kids’ learning styles.

From insider insights on how capped schools really work, to tips for navigating transfer windows, magnet programs, and the differences between year-round and traditional calendars, this episode is packed with clarity and guidance. If you're moving to Raleigh, Cary, Apex, or anywhere in the Triangle, this is your go-to resource for making school choices stress-free. Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—because SchoolUp is the easy button for Wake County schools!