Greater Conversations

Michelle Russo made a bold business move during the pandemic — opening two franchises in two cities. She found her niche in the beauty industry, specifically in the lash extensions and brow services market. Michelle, who holds a master's degree in organizational management, joins us to discuss what makes her Deka Lash studios unique and the teams she has built at her Winston-Salem and High Point locations. "The staff is the heartbeat of the business — if they're not fabulous, we're not fabulous."

Natalie Sahloff views life through art. She grew up in a creative household with artistic parents, had a camera in her hand since she was 12, and had an entrepreneurial spirit at an even younger age. "Everything's creative. Even down to the way we communicate. The words we use, how we talk. It's all a picture." As the founder of Winston-Salem-based Sail Off Photography, Natalie is a published photographer utilizing the camera as her paintbrush to capture and create bold, vibrant, and timeless compositions.

Andrew Florence, Director of Experiential Learning, and Holly Kessler, Senior Director of Communications at Crossnore Communities for Children, join us to share the impact the organization has made in Winston-Salem and throughout North Carolina for more than 100 years. A recognized leader in helping children who have experienced abuse or other trauma, their holistic model of care allows them to care for and nurture each child's mind, body, and spirit and reclaim, rebuild, and reimagine the essential belief in a safe, dependable home. Miracle Heights Adventures, located on the Crossnore campus, engages groups in experiential learning activities that embody the spirit of adventure, build resilience, and empower collective success. The 33-element aerial adventure park includes a 600-foot zip line and a one-of-a-kind Aerial Teams Course.

NC Fusion is a nonprofit youth sports organization that runs several programs – from soccer and lacrosse to field hockey and football. Its mission is to create intentional experiences through sport that positively impact families for life. NC Fusion's CEO Scott Wollaston and Chief Experience Officer Sarah Bridges join us to share the club's core values and how, through their foundation, they provide access to communities that lack access to sport with organized groups or in their schools. They also share the economic impact NC Fusion has on the Forsyth and Guilford Counties, with two top-level facilities in the Southeast hosting tournaments and events nearly every weekend of the year – from Ultimate Frisbee and the Triad Cup to NCAA and ACC games.

Jamie Southern has always loved being surrounded by books. As Executive Director of Bookmarks, a literary arts nonprofit in Winston-Salem launched in 2004, she loves introducing people to new authors and new worlds. Bookmarks has become a community connector through its independent bookstore, year-round events, and outreach programs. This year Bookmarks will host its 17th Annual Festival of Books and Authors. The event will have exciting activities for kids and adults and bring incredible authors, songwriters, and Tony and Grammy award-winners to the community.

President of the Winston-Salem Dash Brian DeAngelis and the Dash's Marketing and Social Media Coordinator Amanda Weaver join us and share some surprising history about our hometown team, upcoming community-focused events like 336 Day, an exciting new partnership with Marvel, and sports careers beyond the baseball diamond.

After receiving degrees in both home furnishings marketing and interior design and traveling the world with renowned companies, including Natuzzi, Cassandra Brunson launched an immersive design experience that offers more than most studios. As President and Principal Designer of Design+ by CassandraMichelle, she makes dreams of safe, functional, and beautiful spaces a reality. Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem and a short drive from the furniture capital of the world, Design+ by CassandraMichelle offers a hi-tech digital studio for an HGTV experience featuring 3D renderings and animation. With access to hundreds of vendors, the design team works from start to finish on commercial and residential projects – from furnishings and interiors to architecture.

After years of dealing with plantar fascitis and expensive foam orthotics that just didn't work, Mike Schmid, founder and CEO of inStryde, had an idea. Leveraging his experience in aerospace engineering, AI, and advanced 3D printing, he created his first custom foot orthotic. Working together with aerospace engineers, podiatrists, software developers, and athletes, inStryde is "super powering human movement" by making medical-grade foot orthotics more affordable, accessible, and better fitting for everyone.

No junk, just juice. That's the guiding principle and motto of The Jugo Bar. William Fulton, the owner of the Winston-Salem-based company, spent years traveling the world – from Marrakesh, Casablanca, and along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the South of France and Italy. Those experiences intensified his interest in flavor profiles and using fruits and veggies without preservatives to create nutritious juice. Starting with one flavor when the company launched, The Jugo Bar currently offers 43 varieties in markets from Winston-Salem to Charlotte – including the menu of the luxurious Ballantyne Hotel.

Nitika Wallace's flare for fashion began at an early age. From creating looks for her dolls and watching fashion shows on television to being mesmerized by her aunts, grandmothers, and church members in their flamboyant hats and how they carried themselves. She later gained experience in the fashion industry in New York City by styling for many designers, actors, and celebrities. After returning to Winston-Salem, Nikita created Winston-Salem Fashion Week in 2015 to allow aspiring local artists to share their creativity, expand their brands, and live their dreams without leaving the city.

Moving to a new city is always an adventure. Navigating all of the go-to places makes the journey even better. When Christy Bellis and her husband moved to Winston-Salem, she knew little about the city and began exploring – sharing her discoveries on social media. From the best places to eat and things to do for kids and families to wedding venues and where to get the best margarita, Christy fell in love with the area. Two years and tens of thousands of loyal followers later, The Go-To Winston Salem is a popular resource for locals, newcomers, and visitors.

Dr. Anna Nichols had a dream job working in her chosen field at a large hospital. After 10 years, she decided to continue doing what she loves by opening a private practice. Within 30 days of making that decision, she made it official and opened Nichols Hearing & Audiology in Winston-Salem. "Hear well, live well" is the guiding principle of the practice. Their approach is to offer personalized care to those having trouble communicating and to help keep them independent using the latest technology and advances in audiology.

When Victoria Manginas took a semester off from law school, traveling from Canada to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to help with the family business, she soon realized that being a restauranteur was in her blood. After her father passed away in 2018, Victoria traded in law school for 15- to 20-hour days at Zito! Pizzeria & Grill in Winston-Salem. At the time, this 20-year-old continued her father's legacy by taking the reins of the business and reimagining what it could be. Sourcing organic flour and ingredients for its dough and recipes, the restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu and traditional Greek cuisine.

"All the stars aligned" for BEAM Dynamics Co-Founder and CEO David Kaszycki when deciding to bring the startup to Winston-Salem during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The award-winning company has received numerous accolades, including the PILOT Innovation Award from the National Association of Broadcasters and funding from NC Idea and the WSPR Fund. BEAM helps film and broadcast productions manage, maintain, and grow their technology infrastructure with access to a rich set of critical data to keep projects on air, on time, and on budget.

At the age of 16, with 8-track tapes of James Brown, BB King, and Aretha Franklin in hand, Bill McClain fell in love with the idea of becoming a deejay. Spinning tracks on the ones and twos at events throughout high school and college, his passion for the industry grew. Fast forward, Mr. Bill's Productions has been in business in Winston-Salem for over 30 years, providing entertainment for events from small backyard BBQs and family reunions to weddings, corporate events, and stadium concerts.

After handing over the day-to-day operations of a thriving business to take a much-needed break, Shanna Howard discovered that balance, for herself and others, would be the next step of her entrepreneurial journey. In the heart of Buena Vista in Winston-Salem, Shanna launched The Boho Depot – a Bohemian-lifestyle and home goods store that provides curated items for an inspired and adventure-filled life and home.

Sparked by a need for her kids to have summer activities to keep them happy and healthy, Crazy Running founder Robyn McElwee drew from her creativity and track and field background to design games for all kids to have fun. From there the first official program was run at Hanes Park in Winston-Salem during the summer of 2009.

Since 2005, president and co-owner Jamie Bartholomaus and the team at Foothills Brewing have made and sold craft beer to Winston-Salem residents and visitors, and around the southeast. Today, in addition to two breweries, they also roast their own coffee – responsibly sourcing the world's top beans from three continents to provide our customers with the finest tasting coffee produced in the Carolinas.

A Pitch Over Pizza event at the Center for Entrepreneurship at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem propelled Leah Wyrick, founder and CEO of Three Strands Recovery Wear, on her entrepreneurial journey. She launched the company in 2018 after seeing first-hand the complications her mother endured after a mastectomy. Leah became inspired to help others that may have a similar experience due to the lack of advancements in today's surgical bras.