In this special episode, I sit down with Martha Honeycutt, she is the Mentors for Mom Program Director at the ANSWER Scholarship nonprofit organization based in Charlotte. ANSWER Scholarship’s mission: To mentor and prepare mothers of school-age children to achieve a college education and inspire them to be role models of academic, personal, and professional success for their children.

ANSWER Scholarship has a deadline approaching for new applicants, and so we wanted to get this episode published as soon as possible to help spread the word. In addition to sharing the ANSWER Scholarship story, Martha shares some important upcoming dates for new applicants, as well as ways our listeners can lend some support to this wonderful nonprofit.

As always my friends, thanks so much for joining us. Enjoy getting to know Martha Honeycutt and ANSWER Scholarship.

ANSWER Scholarship
6420 Rea Road
Suite 112
Charlotte, NC 28277

Local organizations mentioned in this episode:

Davidson Learning Center | Davidson, NC
Ada Jenkins Center | Davidson, NC
North Meck Woman’s Club | Huntersville, NC

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Special thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten Florist
Clean Eatz Cafes - Lake Norman
Juelerye Fine Gifts & Art

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In this episode, I sit down with the owner of Bluebird Bridal in Huntersville, Erin Connair.

Erin shares with me the inspiration behind her bridal shop, which she opened back in 2016, and how she was able to bring her love for fashion and the wedding industry together to create a beautiful local brand. We talk a bit about the challenges of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she and her team rebounded in 2021 ad now in 2022. Speaking of her team - Erin shares the love she has for her team at Bluebird Bridal and talks about how important it is to have a talented team of employees that you can rely on in order to be successful as a small business. At the end of our conversation, Erin shares some valuable advice for future brides when it comes to selecting a wedding dress.

It’s valentines week and love is in the air here at The Best of LKN. Enjoy getting to know Erin Connair, owner of Bluebird Bridal in Huntersville.

Bluebird Bridal
16610 Old Statesville Road
Suite B
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 491-2197

Shoutouts:

The Hope House Foundation | Huntersville, NC
From This Day Forward Florist | Mooresville, NC
Dulce Alterations | Gastonia, NC
Ivy Robinson Events | Charlotte, NC

Advertise with The Best of LKN!

Special thanks to our sponsors:
Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten Florist
Clean Eatz Cafes - Lake Norman
Juelerye Fine Gifts & Art

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In this episode, I sit down with the owner of The Bungalow Market in Cornelius. Owner Greta McCoy shares the story of her small business journey, and how she was inspired to bring a boutique home furnishings and furniture shopping experience to the Lake Norman area.

It’s a finely furnished episode 93 of The Best of LKN podcast. Enjoy getting to know Greta McCoy, owner of The Bungalow Market.

The Bungalow Market
19725 Oak Street, Unit 10
Cornelius, North Carolina 28031
(980) 231-1275

Local businesses recognized in this episode:

Barrel & Fork | Cornelius, NC
Cain Center for the Arts | Cornelius, NC
Huck Cycles | Cornelius, NC
Beck on Broad | Mooresville, NC
Cool Fish | Cornelius, NC

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten Florist
Clean Eatz Cafes - Lake Norman
Juelerye Fine Gifts & Art

Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with the founder and principal at Laurel Belle Photography and Brand Design, Laura Tompkins. Laura shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey, as well as some great insights into the value of high-quality brand imagery and content curation. Laura has worked with several local Lake Norman businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been featured here on the podcast. So, it’s great to finally connect with her and have this opportunity to feature her business on the podcast.

It’s a brand-boosting episode 92 of Lake Norman’s #1 small business podcast… enjoy getting to know the founder of Laurel Belle Photography and Branding, Laura Tomkins.

Laurel Belle Photography + Branding

Lake Norman businesses recognized in this episode:

Launch LKN
Jenny Melrose
A Well Dressed Life - Jaime Spencer
Brenna Morgan Interiors
Rhana Kurdi

Other resources:

Amy Porterfield - Online Marketing Expert
Jasmine Star - Branding Strategist

Thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten Florist
Clean Eatz Cafes - Lake Norman
Juelerye Fine Gifts & Art

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In this episode, we’re featuring Launch LKN. This is an organization that I’ve been really hoping to feature on the podcast for a long time. I think the best way to describe Launch LKN is to simply quote the copy on their website. Here’s what I found on the launchlkn.com “our story” page:

Launch LKN is a collaborative community of entrepreneurs, educators, mentors, and community leaders dedicated to sharing knowledge and motivating the growth of the technology startup scene in the Lake Norman area.

Lake Norman’s rapidly growing communities are ripe with talent, expertise, academic excellence, and innovative minds. Launch LKN connects these pieces to advance entrepreneurial success and impact our changing economic landscape.

Obviously, the work that the team at Launch LKN is doing in the Lake Norman area makes them a perfect fit for this podcast. Joining me for this conversation is the co-founder of Launch LKN, Mark McDowell, and the chairman of the board at Launch LKN, Bob Guth.

Launch LKN

Local Lake Norman businesses and organizations mentioned in this episode:

The Jay Hurt Hub @ Davidson College
Laurel Belle Photography & Branding
Bloom Strategic Communications

Companies mentioned that were mentored by Launch LKN:

Lucid Drone Technologies
StoryNow
Portfolio Kings

Local Lake Norman craft breweries and taprooms mentioned:

Cornelius Drafthouse | Cornelius, NC
D9 Brewing | Cornelius, NC
Ass Clown Brewing | Cornelius, NC
Eleven Lakes Brewing Company | Cornelius, NC
Old Town Public House | Cornelius, NC
Lost Worlds Brewing | Cornelius, NC
Royal Bliss Brewing Company | Denver, NC 

Books recommended:

Team of Rivals
by Doris Kearns Goodwin

The Everything Store
by Brad Stone

The Bezos Letters
by Steve Anderson

The Storyteller
by Dave Grohl

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten
Clean Eatz Lake Norman
Juelerye

Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Charlie Curtis, the Lake Norman Metro President for United Community Bank. Charlie shares of few of the details behind UCB’s recent acquisition of Aquesta Bank. We discuss the vision for United Community Bank’s expansion into the Lake Norman market, and what it means for local small businesses and former Aquesta clients.

Aquesta Bank has been recognized by several of our guests here on the podcast in past episodes for their personalized service and excellence in helping their small business clients navigate the PPP loan process during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I know that I, along with many other local Lake Norman small business owners, have enjoyed banking with Aquesta over the years, and we may have wondered at times how the acquisition by United Community Bank would affect our banking experience going forward.

I don’t want to give too much away ahead of rolling my conversation with Charlie, but let me just say that I think that United Community Bank’s acquisition of Aquesta is good news for the Lake Norman region. I’ll let Charlie share the rest of the details.

I’m very proud to welcome United Community Bank and Charlie Curtis to the podcast. Listeners, thanks for joining us. Enjoy this special episode.

United Community Bank

Local branches:

United Community Bank - Cornelius
19510 Jetton Road
Cornelius, NC 28031

United Community Bank - Davidson
568 Jetton Street
Davidson, NC 28036

United Community Bank - Huntersville
9906 Knockando Lane
Huntersville, NC 28078

United Community Bank - Mooresville
837 Williamson Road
Mooresville, NC 28117

United Community Bank - Mooresville
1078 Brawley School Road
Mooresville, NC 28117

Thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law North
Blumengarten
Clean Eatz Lake Norman & Mooresville
Juelerye

Support the show

Joining me are the founders of Fifty Fifty Marketing & Creative - a brand development and marketing agency based right here in the Lake Norman area. Laura McGuire and Jason Clewell founded the agency after many years working at a large advertising agency, and after forming their own successful e-commerce business: HipStik Legwear.

I do love talking about creative marketing strategies and concepts with industry experts, and Laura and Jason are very generous with their insights and advice in this conversation.

Ok, team, pen and paper at the ready if you’re a small business owner. Nailing your brand identity and marketing strategy could mean the difference between success and failure for your small business. Laura and Jason with Fifty Fifty Consulting are here to help, so let’s get stuck right in.

Fifty Fifty Marketing & Creative

HipStik Legwear

Local Lake Norman businesses recognized in this episode:

The Jay Hurt Hub - 210 Delburg Street, Davidson, NC 28036
Defined Coffee - 8519 Gilead Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
Darla Redmond CPA - Cornelius, NC

Resources:

Rework 
book by Jason Fried

Tools of Titans 
book by Tim Ferris

Neil Patel - Online Marketing
Tim Ferriss & Seth Godin - This Is Marketing
Simon Sinek - TED Talk

Thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law
Blumengarten
Clean Eatz Lake Norman & Mooresville

Support the show

Joining me for this episode is the reigning Mrs. North Carolina America, Tara Allmendinger. If you’ve been following the podcast for a while, you may remember last year we featured a conversation with the 2020 Queen, Ashley George of Davidson. Tara is also a Lake Norman area resident, and so we reached out to her and invited her to join the podcast for a conversation about her journey as Mrs. North Carolina 2021. 

Tara graciously accepted our invitation, and we met at our studio in Davidson for an in-person recording. It’s always nice when we can record these conversations in person - the audio quality is better, and there always seems to be more energy during the interview.

In our conversation, Tara shares her background and how she landed here in the Lake Norman area all the way from Omaha, Nebraska. We talk about the process of preparing for the Mrs. North Carolina pageant, the many behind-the-scenes moments that competitors often find rewarding, and Tara’s work with several environmental and health initiatives. 

Tara also shares her passion for clean, healthy eating and physical fitness. She gives shoutouts to several local small businesses - a couple of which we’ve actually featured here at The Best of LKN.

I think you’ll find this conversation with Tara to be very motivating, and you’re going to notice that there’s a lot more to Tara Allmendinger than meets the eye!

Friends, we’re glad you’re joining us for this very empowering episode 88 of The Best of LKN podcast. Enjoy getting to know Mrs. North Carolina America 2021, Tara Allmendinger.

“The best is yet to come!” ~Tara Allmendinger

Tara Allmendinger

IG: @mrs.allmendinger @mrs.northcarolina 

Mr. Tickles the Cat on Instagram: @mr.tickles_thecat 

Support the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

Local Lake Norman businesses recognized in this episode:

BoatYard Lake Norman - 18418 Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC
On The Nines Bistro - 205 Golf Course Dr, Mooresville, NC
Finishing Touch Bridal Boutique - 3140 NC-16 Business Suite 102, Denver, NC
Classic Bride & Formals - 20910 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC
Iron Physique & Fitness Center - 4060 NC-16, Denver, NC
McCalls American Karate - 4060B NC-16 Business Hwy, Denver, N

Special Thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten

Support the show

Cornelius residents Laura and Aaron Aguilar join me to share the story of their entrepreneurial journeys and the formation of their own business partnership: Aguilar Design Studio.

Laura shares her background in interior design, and how merging these talents with Aaron’s work as a general contractor has enabled them to bring their own full-service design-build concept to the Lake Norman area.

We talk about the value of a business coach for new and seasoned entrepreneurs, the use of some really cool 3D rendering technology that helps guide their clients through a comprehensive design process, and of course, I have to ask the question: what’s it like to partner with your spouse in a small business?

It’s a visionary episode 87 of Lake Norman’s #1 small business podcast. Enjoy getting to know Laura and Aaron Aguilar, founders of Aguilar Design Studio.

Aguilar Design Studio
16930 W. Catawba Ave.
Suite 203
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 689-2332

Laura Aguilar Interiors

Local businesses mentioned in this episode:

Tiffany Ringwald Photography
Bloom and Johnson Custom Wood Milling
The Bungalow Market - Cornelius
Heather Ison Photography
Potter & Company CPAs
Prosciutto’s Pizza - Cornelius
Barrel & Fork
Kindred Restaurant - Davidson

Books recommended:

Rich Dad Poor Dad 
by Robert Kiyosaki

Profit First 
by Mike Michalowicz

The E-Myth 
by Michael E. Gerber

Podcasts:

A Well-Designed Business Podcast
AFT Construction Podcast

Thanks to our sponsors:

Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten

Support the show

Welcome back to the podcast. I really do feel lucky to have had so many really great guests on the podcast over the past year and a half, all of our guests are special. Now, having said that, let me just say that I have a real treat for you in this episode. Our guest first joined us back in the Fall of 2020 for The Best of Charlotte podcast - our sister production featuring conversations with founders, CEO’s, influencers, and nonprofits based in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

I recently invited her to join us here on The Best of LKN because, well, as you’ll soon learn, she has worked with some of the most recognizable and influential names in the Lake Norman area. She is a wonderful guest, so much fun, supremely talented, and we are so lucky to feature her here on the podcast.

Now, who’s our guest in this episode? Well, her name is Ivy Robinson, and she is Charlotte’s superstar wedding planner! Talented, dynamic, energetic - Ivy is an event planning genius that has been commissioned by some of the most discerning Charlotte and Lake Norman area couples, families, and companies to bring their most important events to life. 

During our conversation, Ivy shares how she landed in the event planning industry accidentally while pursuing a career in broadcast communications. We talk a bit about the challenges of planning events during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how 2021 has become a fast and furious year for the industry.

Ivy gives a few local small business shoutouts, and of course, I inquire about some of those big local Lake Norman names for whom she’s planned weddings. You’re going to recognize those names, along with one really beautiful nonprofit charity event held in an airplane hangar in Statesville. 

Welcome to episode 86. Enjoy getting to know Charlotte and Lake Norman’s superstar wedding planner, Ivy Robinson!

Ivy Robinson Events
Charlotte and Lake Norman Wedding Planner

Have a listen to Ivy's 2020 interview over at The Best of Charlotte podcast!

Local small businesses and organizations mentioned in this episode:

Sherry Pollex
Martin Truex, Jr.
Birkdale Village
Idolize Spa Huntersville
Jami Svay

Thanks to our sponsors:
Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten

Support the show