What does it take to transform a dying mall into one of the most recognizable addresses in North Carolina?

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, we sit down with Mike Smith, CEO of Kane Realty, the company behind North Hills, Smoky Hollow, The Row at Dix Park, and the North Hills Innovation District. From trading a career in investment banking for the operator side of real estate to helping lead one of Raleigh's most influential development firms, Mike shares the real story behind the places shaping this city.

We dive into placemaking, leadership, company culture, and why Mike believes Raleigh's growth has not even started yet. He opens up about the Golden Rule as a business value, the gift of listening, and the 10 percent margin that makes room for great ideas.

Whether you live in Raleigh, work in Raleigh, or are thinking about moving here, this conversation will change how you see the city.

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What does it take to turn a one-chair salon into one of the most recognizable beauty brands in Raleigh, North Carolina?

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, we sit down with Christina Kirkey, founder of Pinup Studio, to talk about building a business rooted in confidence, community, and connection. From her early passion for beauty to navigating personal loss and growing a 16-chair salon with a thriving bridal division, Christina shares the real story behind her success.

We dive into branding, social media, team building, and why creating an experience matters just as much as the service itself. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a beauty lover, or new to the Triangle area, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Raleigh’s local business scene.

Raleigh is full of entrepreneurs who see opportunity where others see routine. Few embody that spirit quite like Brian Burnett, founder of Glenwood South Bespoke Tailors, a Raleigh-based tailoring house that has quietly become the go-to destination for men who want to elevate their wardrobe.

On this episode of the Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Brian to talk about everything from bespoke tailoring and menswear trends to the surprising power of a well-fitted suit. The conversation reveals something deeper than clothing, it is about confidence, craftsmanship, and the experience of being truly taken care of.

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Marci Bailey of Bailey’s Fine Jewelry for a powerful conversation about legacy, entrepreneurship, and the evolving diamond industry.

Marci shares the remarkable story behind Bailey’s, a family business founded in 1948 by her husband’s grandparents. After being widowed at 36 with two young children, Trey's grandmother became the first female business owner in Nash County and carried the business forward with grit and determination. Today, Bailey’s is a fourth-generation jewelry company serving families across North Carolina and beyond.

Marci also shares her own journey into the jewelry world, from a chance encounter with a jewelry designer on a subway at 17, to studying at GIA in California, to marrying into the Bailey family and helping expand the brand.

Interior design doesn’t have to be expensive, or intimidating. In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Donna Verdi & Julie Campbell (designers at Arhaus in Fenton) to break down what’s actually worth investing in, how to avoid costly furniture mistakes, and the home design trends making a major comeback.

You’ll hear practical tips like where to splurge (your “bones” pieces like a sofa or dining table), where to save, and how to start small, even with one chair.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Jill Donovan, founder of Donovan’s Dish, Jill’s Beach, and the stunning new wedding venue Donovan’s Manor in Fuquay Varina. Jill shares how she built a catering and meal delivery brand from the ground up, why branding and marketing mattered from day one, and how food became her love language for Raleigh families.

They dive into Jill’s journey through entrepreneurship, motherhood, and loss, plus what couples can expect when hosting a wedding at Donovan’s Manor: a luxury, full service hospitality experience designed with thoughtfulness in every detail, from driveway arrival to the final send off.

Jill also talks dish to door takeout markets, fan favorite meals, and her vision for expanding convenient, home cooked options across the Triangle.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Sam Siegel, founder of Empire Training Academy, to talk about fitness, mindset, and building real community through strength training.

Sam shares his journey from college athlete to fitness entrepreneur, why he left big box gyms to create something different, and how Empire blends safe barbell strength training with conditioning in a high energy group setting. They dive into why community matters just as much as results, how fitness can become a favorite hour of the day, and the powerful impact of knowing every member’s story.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley talks with Michael Kooiman, publisher of Home Design & Decor Magazine, and Vicki Serany of Southern Studio Interior Design about the design trends shaping Raleigh homes today.

From bold color and rich textures to blending antiques with modern fabrics, they explore how homeowners are moving away from cookie cutter spaces and back toward homes that feel personal, warm, and rooted in tradition. The conversation also highlights Raleigh’s evolving design scene, the growing role of interior designers, indoor outdoor living, and why designing for real life matters more than resale.

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, we dive into leadership, home renovations, and how to find the perfect neighborhood in Raleigh. Whether you’re looking to renovate your home, explore renovation loans, or find the right place to live in the Triangle, this conversation with Ken Combs from CQC Home is packed with insights and local expertise.

Buying your next home shouldn’t require perfect timing.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Michael Martin of Martin Mortgage Group at Fairway to break down a game-changing bridge loan that can help buyers purchase before selling, including a unique structure that can pay off the current mortgage and create up to 6 months with no bridge-loan payments.