This week on the LKN with Tay Pod, I’m joined by Melissa Clinton, owner and lead photographer behind Melissa Clinton Photography.

We talk all about building a photography business in the Lake Norman area, showing up online through TikTok + social media, and how consistency and visibility can completely shape a brand.

Melissa shares how social media is changing the way clients connect with photographers, how content can turn into real connection and business growth, what inspired her to start photography, her favorite LKN spot, and the biggest lesson she’s learned along the way.

Originally from upstate New York and now calling the Lake Norman area home, Melissa is known for her true-to-color photography style and capturing authentic moments that feel timeless, elevated, and real.

Such a good conversation on creativity, entrepreneurship, social media, and building a business rooted in connection. 

 This week on the LKN with Tay Pod, I’m joined by Emily Cowan, founder of The Blossomist.
We talk all about her journey into starting The Blossomist, how she’s creating connection through floral workshops + pop-up flower bars, and why experience-based businesses are becoming such a special part of the Lake Norman community.

Emily shares what inspired her to start, the biggest lesson she’s learned along the way, her favorite LKN spot, and how she creates events that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and grounded.

Emily is also the founder of Rooted Social Media, a social media management and content creation agency helping Lake Norman + Charlotte businesses grow through intentional strategy and authentic content.

Such a fun conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building meaningful experiences for people.

This week on LKN w/ Tay, I’m sitting down with Jeannie + Rachel from Health Hax! 

We talked about what it really looks like to take the leap into business, building confidence through fear, and creating experiences that keep people coming back. Plus, they answered my 3 favorite questions: why they started, their favorite LKN spot, and the biggest lesson they’ve learned along the way.

From wellness + recovery to community + connection, this episode is full of honest conversation and inspiration. 

This week, Taylor sat down with Cory Rindskopf and the conversation was one you’re going to want to lean into. From navigating boundaries and burnout to building something meaningful through the messy middle, Cory shares what it really looks like behind the scenes of entrepreneurship.
As the founder of Bells Box Collective, Cory turned a simple but powerful belief into a thriving candle workshop experience and lifestyle brand rooted right here in Lake Norman. What started in 2017 has grown into something so much bigger, including her nontoxic home and laundry line, Pretty + Clean Home, created for women who care about what they’re bringing into their space.

And yes… there’s something big happening. The Pink Studio is getting an upgrade. Think bigger space, same heart, and even more room for connection and creativity as they move to their new location on June 1.

This episode is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to keep moving forward. If you’ve been feeling stretched, stuck, or just need a little spark, this one is for you.

This week on LKN w/ Tay, I sat down with Annie, the owner of Mind Block Media, and her perspective on social media and marketing is one every small business owner needs to hear.

After 10 years in corporate marketing, Annie took everything she learned and brought those same high-level strategies to small businesses, helping them show up with intention, clarity, and results.

From social media management to full campaigns, her approach is thoughtful, strategic, and built to actually move the needle. And she shared something new on this episode first, the Deep Dive Data Club, which is going to be such a game changer.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by social media or unsure what’s actually working, this conversation is for you.

Tune in to hear her story, her approach, and what’s coming next, you’re going to take so much away from this one.

This week on LKN w/ Tay, I sat down with Elizabeth, the heart behind Nina’s Boutique and her story is just as beautiful as the space she’s created.

What started as inspiration from her father’s haberdashery has turned into something so special right here in Lake Norman… a place where style meets connection, confidence, and community.

From thoughtfully curated pieces (XS–3X) to a space that truly feels like home, Nina’s is so much more than a boutique, it’s an experience. And hearing how deeply Elizabeth pours into this community makes you love it even more.

If you’ve ever stepped into Nina’s, you know… and if you haven’t yet, this is your sign.

Tune in to hear her story, what inspired it all, and the impact she’s making locally, you’re going to love this one.

In this episode of LKNwithTay, we’re kicking off our Community Builder Spotlight series with a true Lake Norman native — Cayce Blackley of @livinginlakenorman.

Born and raised right here in LKN and now a Mooresville resident, Cayce has built a trusted local platform sharing daily events, business features, and all the hidden gems around the lake. Whether she’s sipping a seasonal latte at a local coffee shop, enjoying a glass of cab at a wine bar, or checking out the latest hot spot restaurant (especially if there’s an event involved), Cayce is always in the know.

Beyond Instagram, she’s a full-time higher education professional who loves spending time with her husband and rescue dog, working out, gardening, and tending to her pet chickens.

We’re talking about building community, supporting local, balancing a full-time career with a passion project, and what it really means to be “Lake Norman grown.”

Be sure to follow @livinginlakenorman to stay up to date on daily happenings around LKN.

Welcome to LKNwithTay — your insider guide to all things Lake Norman.
Hosted by Taylor Capen, this podcast highlights the people, businesses, and stories that make our community so special. From local entrepreneurs and creative visionaries to wellness experts, small business owners, and community leaders, each episode is designed to connect, inspire, and spotlight what’s happening around the lake.
If you love supporting local, meaningful conversations, and discovering your next favorite spot — you’re in the right place.