“You’ll just have to trust me,” I told my partner, Jason, as I finally made moves to fill the empty wall above the couch. Putting together a gallery wall has been on my to-do’s for years, but it’s an item relegated to the bottom of too many lists. Inspiration struck around the same time I spotted the two stunning examples in interior designer Renu Mathias’ home on page 116. I decided to surprise Jason by framing some meaningful items: a painting of our dog, Olive; a map of Scandinavia (our first overseas trip together); and photos of us at different MLB parks. I hope to have everything hung by the time this issue – our 18th home and garden edition – hits stands.
Speaking of things that deserve framing, the bright, bold paintings of artist Meghan Rosenthal struck me when I first saw them, and I knew her story of rediscovering a hobby during the pandemic would resonate. Learn more about Meghan and seven other entrepreneurs who put themselves out there every day beginning on page 68. Their hard work and dedication to their ventures reminds me so much of my own dad who, after 40 years of running the family business in Northern Virginia, retired in December. He led by example, teaching me how to juggle a million things while maintaining a sense of humor and making people feel appreciated. Like all entrepreneurs, he’s finding it quite hard to stay still (please, go take a vacation, Dad!), but he’s slowed down enough to join my mom at a Club Pilates class or two. But life is a journey, not a destination – I can’t wait to see where these like-minded individuals end up in five, 10 or even 40 years from now! – Jessica Stringer, editor
THE ENTREPRENEURS
68 Owners of local businesses – from a candle empire to a Franklin Street favorite “shack” – share lessons, plans for expansion and more
HOME & GARDEN
42 The Big Picture
Behind the scenes with The Goat Squad crew
46 Carolina on Our Mind
North Carolina Botanical Garden course teaches the holistic benefits of horticulture
116 A World Apart
Inspired by her travels, an interior designer makes her Chapel Hill house feel like home
130 A Gracious Plenty
Community and church gardens provide a bounty
136 Before & After
A thoughtful renovation revives a mid-century gem
146 Rooted in History
Two entrepreneurs share how they are creating a plant nursery with community at the center
151 Behind the Garden Gate
An early look at the Hillsborough Garden Club’s tour
154 By Design
Local pros from the home and garden industry weigh in on what’s new, what’s next and what’s timeless in home trends
FEATURES
36 Hit the Road
Start planning your North Carolina getaways with some help from our staff
62 Bon Appétit
Two young cooks whip up a batch of crêpes in time for North Carolina strawberry season
107 Italian Hospitality
2023 marks 40 years in business for VIETRI, the Italian ceramic dinnerware line
DEPARTMENTS
10 About Town
Events not to miss
26 Noted
What we’ve heard around our towns …
50 What We’re Eating
News from our restaurant community, plus a dish we love
WEDDINGS
164 Hobgood & Schaefer
165 Hunter & Meyer
166 Burnette & Skolsky
168 Barbera & Ricotta
PEOPLE & PLACES
16 Local Government & First Responder Appreciation
20 OCHAR Gala
22 Shake Shack Grand Opening
