today's charlotte woman august 2012

AUGUST 2012VOL 16 | NO 4 | COMPLIMENTARY

2012-2013 Success Issue2012-2013 Success Issue2012-2013 Success Issue2012-2013 Success Issue2012-2013 Success Issue2012-2013 Success Issue

RobinEmmonsSowing Good

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Today’sCharlotte

Woman|August2012

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ere I am,staring down the pages ofyet anotherAugust issue of Today’sCharlotte Woman, trying to con-jure up an editor’s letter fitting forthe annual “Success Issue.”

Honestly, I’m having a hard time of it. Perhapsit’s the leftover dregs of that record 100-degree weekof weather we had not too long ago,leavingmy brainfried and my pores exhausted from the gulley-wash-er of perspiration.Perhaps it’s because, at 40 and 3/4, I feel that I

have so much left on my to-do list. Looking downthe barrel of 41 (my birthday is the second to thelast day of this month), I have to say that the ideaof me being successful completely depends on theeye of the beholder, the phase of the moon, andsometimes, the amount of wine in the glass!Is the glass half full? Or is it half empty? If it has

wine in it, do we really care?Maybe I’m not drowning in success.But I’m not

too shabby,either.I do have an amazing,headstrong,super-smart 9-year-old daughter who can make mebelly laugh with no effort on her part at all. I havemy health. I currently have a good roof over myhead,food in the pantry (hey,peanut butter is food),and clothes to wear,including one fabulous blue-jeanmini-skirt that never fails to make me feel like a mil-lion bucks. I am lucky enough to indulge in my loveof horses (even if the ongoing cost means I can nev-

er buy a new car again!). I have a finished novel thatonly needs one line-by-line revision and an amazinglygenerous publishing house. I have friends,especiallythe female sort,who love me and laugh at me andaccept all of my foibles. I am still an employee ofthis magazine,which honestly, I love. Most impor-tantly, I still have my family, including my two can-cer-surviving parents.Perhaps that’s about as much success as any nor-

mal human being can expect to enjoy!This month,TCW is full of successful Charlottean

women. Some have reached the pinnacles oftheir careers… others,like me,are still ticking thingsoff their to-do list and striving for more. Some arespecial women who have devoted their lives to de-veloping nonprofits that improve the lives of oth-ers; these amazing women measure their successby the good they do each day.Regardless,I’ve beenmulling over the idea of suc-

cess for weeks now,and I’ve come to the realizationthat success is a personal thing. And perhaps, anever-evolving process. A daily creation— somethingwe work at each and every day — until that timecomes when we can finally walk out in a summerrain shower and let the droplets run down our facesand wash away our pain and failings and disap-pointments, and know deep in our hearts thatwe have become the person we always hopedto be. [TCW]

Ah, Success …You Are SoSubjective

FromTheEditor

H

PHOTOBYMICHAELC.HERNANDEZ

What makes you

Smile by Dr. Ross NashOf the nearly 8000 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry members worldwide, there are only 45 who have achieved the exclusive level of Accredited Fellow. In all of North and South Carolina, only one dentist has earned this elite status by illustrating the required level of excellence in the area of cosmetic dentistry: Accredited Fellow Ross W. Nash, DDS.

"Dr. Nash had a vision for my teeththat simply revealedmy heart's desire.My smile is fuller, whiter and absolutely perfect.All I want to do nowis smile!"

Janie Shipley

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50 At HomeThe Home Office Goes Minimalistic

54 So SocialAroundTown, In Pictures

58 Contributors PageThe NamesAnd Faces BehindThe Photography

ContentsAugust 2012

44

50

46

DEPARTMENTS

4 Editor’s LetterSuccess …YouAre So Subjective

10 On The MoveCharlotteWomen Making Strides

44 Wine UpCelebrate SuccessWithA Bottle Of Bubbly

46 FashionOffice-WearWorthThe Investment

Today’sCharlotte

Woman|August2012

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Volume 16, Number 4August 2012

Contributing WritersTrevor BurtonMichaela L.DuckettDana DurhamJudy GentryMelinda JohnstonElizabeth LowellPat MacEnultyLee Rhodes

ContributingPhotographersMichael C.HernandezJoe MartinGlenn Roberson

P.O.Box 1676 | Cornelius,NC 28031704.677.9159

Today’s CharlotteWoman is published byVenture Magazines Inc., and is distributedon a complimentary basis throughout the

greater Charlotte area.

Subscription rate is $20 per year for 12 issues.

Copyright© 2012Venture Magazines Inc.All rights reserved.

Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole,is strictly prohibited.

Today’s CharlotteWoman andVenture MagazinesInc. do not necessarily endorse the views andperceptions of contributors or advertisers.

PublisherSharon Simpson

Associate PublisherFern Howerin

EditorKarsen Price

Sales ExecutiveTrisha Robinson

Sales ExecutiveCarole Lambert

Creative DirectorKerrie Boys, idesign2, inc

12 Sowing Much GoodRobin Emmons Provides Healthy FoodTo Underserved Populations

16 A Champion For ChildrenPat FarmerTransforms LivesWithTheAllegro Foundation

20 A Sweet CauseElise Redmond Honors FriendshipWith Cookies For A Cause

PROFILESSuccessfully Making A Difference

OnTheCover

Robin Emmons “sowsgood” in the Queen City.

Photo ByMichael C. Hernandez.

24

Today’sCharlotte

Woman|August2012

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FEATURES

24 Happiness Is …AwardWinners RevealThe 6Things

That MakeThem Smile

42 Do Good & Celebrate LifeA Charitable Calendar

58 Essay:Success Stopped ByThe Other Day

24

16

Special Advertising Section

30 Professional Profiles31 Rita Miles,Charlotte FashionWeek

32 Lynn Dreyer,Melissa’s Voice

33 ReneTimpone, Skincare &Antioxidants

34 Cynthia Morrison,The Hunstad-KortesisCenter For Cosmetic Surgery

35 Dr. Jodi Dodds, PresbyterianNeurology Center

37 Professional Spotlight38 Fabi Preslar, SPARK Publications

39 Suzy Johnson, EmployeeBenefit Advisors

40The Belva Wallace GreenageCancer Foundation

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O N T H E M O V E

W O M E N M A K I N G S T R I D E S • B U S I N E S S S U C C E S S S T O R I E S

Job Changes/Promotions

Alicia Howell wasnamed spa director atThe Spa at Ballantyne,atThe BallantyneHotel & Lodge.

Keli Fayard hasjoinedThe BallantyneHotel & Lodge asexecutive pastry chef.

Susanna Goldberg has joinedNorthwestern Mutual as a financialrepresentative.

YWCA CentralCarolinas has hiredTiera Parker asadministrative assistantfor transitional housing;she will be responsiblefor the orientation andcoordination of volunteers fortransitional housing as well as provideclerical and administrative support totheWomen inTransition and FamiliesTogether programs.

Ashley Packard was hired by MBAJArchitecture as marketingcoordinator.

Lori Vaccaro was named executivedirector of the Charlotte affiliate ofSusan G.Komen for the Cure.

Kim Bolt-Davidson was promotedto general sales manager of themagazine Charlotte ForRent.com.

Lisa Wilbanks has joined CrescentResources as project administrator.

The Harvey B.Gantt Center forAfrican-AmericanArts + Culture hasappointed Tiffany LegingtonGraham as director of advancement;she will provide strategic leadershipin the development of philanthropicrelationships throughout theSoutheast region, and be responsiblefor annual support from individuals,corporations, foundations, and specialevents and membership.

New Business/Changes

Kristina Sullivan has opened EyeCandy Boutique inTheVillage atSouthPark, located at 4310 SharonRoad.

Corrective Care Wellness, analternative healthcare service, hascreated a nonprofit organization tooffer free services to families withouthealth insurance. The organizationwas granted nonprofit status by theNorth Carolina Secretary of State in2011 and began servicing thecommunity in May 2012.

Lina V.Mistry,DDS,hasopened PinevilleDentistry at 10410Park Road, Suite 500.

Kara Deir andAndreaEdwards have openedOlive This! at the Shopsat Piper Glen, located at6414 Rea Road.

Awards & Installations

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Librarywas named a 2012 Top Innovatorby the Urban Libraries Council for itsstrategic approach to programming inresponse to the recommendations ofthe Future of the LibraryTask Force.

Dana Rader GolfSchool’s Dana Raderand Julie Cole haveonce again beennamed among GolfDigest Woman’sAmerica’s 50 BestWomen Teachers.

NatalieTindol,president ofTindolFord Subaru,wasnamed chairman ofthe North CarolinaAutomobile DealersAssociation.

On The MoveSend announcements about hirings,

promotions, honors, and new business

development — all specifically about/for

Charlotte-area women — along with

high-resolution images to

Editor Karsen Price at

[email protected].

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Today’sCharlotte

Woman|August2012

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{ SUCCESSFULLY MAKINGA DIFFERENCE }

SowingMuchGoodRobin Emmons Provides Sustenance

To Underserved Populations








To Underserved PopulationsBy Lee Rhodes | Photos By Michael C. Hernandez

R

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obin Emmons has a lot of experience sowing the seeds of success. In her for-mer life, she worked in corporate America, enjoying a distinguished career and allthe perks that went with it. Today, she’s sowing different kinds of seeds — seedsthat perhaps have more far-reaching and longer-lasting results. Emmons serves as executive director of Sow Much Good, the local nonprofit she

founded several years ago that provides local, organic food to low-income, under-served populations. She recounts the spark that ignited her passion to provide allpeople with equal access to nutritious food sources. “Back in 2008, I decided I couldn’t suppress my inner voice any longer,” she says.

She had recently begun advocating for her older brother, who had been chronicallyhomeless and mentally ill for a decade. She was distressed to learn that local agen-cies were feeding him out of cans and packages, resulting in hypertension anddiabetes. A lifelong gardener, Emmons planted extra vegetables for her brother, andlater, for an extra 30 people, routinely dropping off eggplants and zucchini tolocal facilities. “A friend said to me, ‘Your brother suffers from mental illness, but you’re the one

driving around like a crazy woman with vegetables,’ ” she recalls. At that moment, Emmons knew she wanted to do something more structured

and more sustainable … something for the greater good. >

“The most rewarding part of this hasbeen the hope and the empowerment ofpeople that we serve who live in deserts.We talk about food deserts, but it really isa desert — whether it’s food, healthcareinstitutions, or education. There really aretwo Charlottes.” – Robin Emmons

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Food For ThoughtEmmons began looking at farming

movements and local foods, and quicklyrealized how often people such as herbrother miss out on those opportunities.In an effort to remedy this disparity, SowMuch Good engages in organic micro-farming, community partnerships, and di-rect education initiatives. She was able tolean on her corporate experience and net-work within the Charlotte community,gaining high-level support along the way.Sow Much Good also benefited from thefact that there wasn’t a group filling thisniche back in 2008. One of the constant challenges, though

also a blessing, is the early level of successenjoyed by Sow Much Good and the rapidrate at which it’s grown. The nonprofit is100-percent volunteer driven, and,Emmons says, “The need is great. So,working with limited resources in termsof monetary capital and human capital

has been the greatest challenge.”To contrast this challenge, Emmons

constantly reminds herself of the goodstuff. “The most rewarding part of this hasbeen the hope and the empowerment ofpeople that we serve who live in deserts,”she says. “We talk about food deserts, butit really is a desert — whether it’s food,healthcare institutions, or education.There really are two Charlottes.”

Sowing SuccessThose interested in helping merge the

city’s disparities into one whole, healthytownship — perhaps by starting a non-profit such as Emmons — would be wiseto listen to her advice. First, she recom-mends putting together a savvy businessplan from the get-go. “With a nonprofit,you can go out there and hope others areas passionate about your cause, but it setsyou up to have a hard road or possibly failunless you look at it from a business stand-

point, because it is a business,” she says.Additionally, she says, “Do your home-

work, by assessing the landscape to seewho’s out there doing something similar.There is sometimes a smaller pool ofmoney to do really important work.”Sow Much Good’s important work is

sure to continue well into the future, notonly in Charlotte but beyond. Recognizingthat the issue of inequities in our foodsystem is not just a Charlotte phenome-non, Emmons hopes Sow Much Good canlaunch a successful pilot in the QueenCity that can be modeled by othercommunities.“I want to implore people to continue

to lend their support, whether it’s spon-sorship money or by volunteering,” sheconcludes. “It’s everyone’s problem.”

ToLearnMoreVisit sowmuchgood.org. [TCW]


A Champion For ChildrenPat Farmer & Allegro Foundation

Transform Young LivesBy Karsen Price | Photos By Michael C. Hernandez









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Not many people enjoy the luxury of knowing what they want to do with theirlife at the ripe old age of 16. Pat Farmer, however, realized she wanted to make adifference in the lives of children with disabilities while still a senior at Myers ParkHigh School. “I was working on what is now known as a ‘senior exit project,’ ” Farmer explains.

“I chose to work in what was then called a mental institution.” While her mother waited in the car, Farmer went into the institution alone each

week, and — without any training — began teaching movement to children withdisabilities. “There was something in those children’s eyes that spoke to me,” she says.

Music, Movement & MiraclesFarmer founded Pacific Foundation — the forerunner of Allegro Foundation —

in Los Angeles in 1991. After the death of her husband, Farmer decided, with thehelp of the board of directors, to relocate the organization to her hometown ofCharlotte under the name Allegro Foundation … a Champion for Disabilities.Allegro has been operational in Charlotte for the past 12 years. >

“It’s about giving everything you haveto help others live a better life. I believeeveryone should follow their dreams,and mine is manifested in AllegroFoundation.” — Pat Farmer

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“I always knew the true reason I wasput here on this earth,” she says. “ To workwith children with disabilities.”At the time that Farmer was develop-

ing what would become a groundbreak-ing program, the general consensuswas that medication was the onlyoption when working with children withdisabilities.Farmer thought differently. She be-

gan crafting a curriculum that combinesmovement instruction with medical andeducational expertise. Allegro’s basic phi-losophy focuses on teaching those withdisabilities to learn in a new way, by cre-ating a connection between musclememory and cognitive memory. “The principle behind Allegro is what

makes the organization unique in theUnited States,” she says.Allegro serves 500 children a week in

Charlotte at class sites that are strategi-cally selected throughout the city, in-cluding in the public schools and com-munity outreach sites such as Carolinas

Medical Center. A typical class has 20 stu-dents, 20 volunteers, and an Allegro in-structor. Each child must have a medicalform filled out by a physician. The foundation implements a critical

assessment and evaluation process ofeach child twice a year. Although Farmernotes that not all techniques work forevery child, this practice provides Allegrowith proven statistics to show that thecurriculum changes lives. “This is whythe credibility is there,” she says.

The Desire To Do MoreFarmer is fulfilling her dream to help

children with disabilities, and is lookingforward to the day when Allegro canserve more of the 15,000 children whoare living with disabilities in Charlotte.Allegro could serve 1,200 children aweek if money wasn’t an issue. “We are not a United Way agency, or an

Arts & Science Council funded affiliate,and we receive no government funding,”Farmer says. “We are truly an independ-

ent charity that relies on both privateand corporate donations. Public aware-ness is crucial to Allegro’s future.”She adds, “As much as we help chil-

dren with disabilities, we need to helpmore! And the need is getting greaterevery day.”Farmer attests that her success at

creating Allegro is multifaceted. There’sher faith, which includes her deep-rootedbelief in giving back to the community.There’s also her incredible board ofdirectors, staff, and the foundation’sFriends of Allegro Guild. She notes thatAllegro could not survive without its col-lection of 700 dedicated volunteers. Most of all, she says it is the willing-

ness to sacrifice. “It’s about giving every-thing you have to help others live a bet-ter life,” she says. “I believe everyoneshould follow their dreams, and mine ismanifested in Allegro Foundation.”

ToLearnMoreVisit allegrofoundation.net. [TCW]

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A Sweet CauseElise Redmond Helps

Children, Honors Friendship









By Melinda Johnston | Photos By Glenn Roberson

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Cookies for a Cause puts a creative spin on the old-fashioned cookie exchange,raising money to promote the health, development, care, and well-being of childrenwho need support.How creative? As the nonprofit’s promotional literature states, “Cookies for a

Cause transforms the quaint, Southern tradition of the holiday cookie exchange intoan outrageous, diva-style, cookie bash rowdiness.”But the nonprofit didn’t start to fulfill a defined need. It began as a distraction

for two best friends, one of whom was dying.

Great MindsElise Redmond and Kristi Crates, best friends since elementary school, hatched

the idea of Cookies for a Cause in July 2007.“Kristi was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at age 20, and not given much

time to live. Because of her outrageous personality, she lasted for another 15 years,”Redmond says. “Toward the end, when we would get together for lunch, she would say, ‘Don’t

ask me how I’m doing. Let’s talk about something else.’ So we talked about thecookie exchange we did each December, and we decided to make it a way to helpkids,” she says. >

“I think our success comes from theuniqueness of our approach. Everythingabout Club Cookie is intended to be a‘weird wow,’ so it seems to get every-body talking and eager to participate inthe event — both in sponsorships and inparticipants!” — Elise Redmond

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Crates died in October 2007. InDecember, Redmond held the first Cook-ies for a Cause affair featuring a dinnerparty and memorial with some of Crates’closest friends. She kept the charity low-key at first, raising a little money hereand there, with no real defined purpose.“Kristi believed that everybody had

their own passion, and she didn’t want totell people where to give their money.But she loved kids, and wanted it to helpkids,” Redmond says.“For two years, we did a little bit of

everything. But I totally believe that Kristiwas probably pushing buttons up there inheaven, because one day I said to my hus-band, ‘What charity should we supportthis year?’ And out of the blue I saw thatthe Ronald McDonald House was open-ing up in Charlotte. I called them up, andtwo years later I am on the board, and amthe first female assistant vice president.”

Cookies For KidsIn 2009, Cookies for a Cause held the

first official cookie exchange with a solidfundraising plan in place. Forty ladiesraised $350 for the Ronald McDonaldHouse. Soon after, Redmond’s husbandDoug started Chips for a Cause, so thatmen could participate, as well.Since then, the nonprofit’s success has

been astounding. Last year, over 300 menand women raised $25,000 with theirClub Cookie night at the Peninsula Club.This year, they plan to top that by$10,000.“I think our success comes from the

uniqueness of our approach,” Redmondsays. “Everything about Club Cookie is in-tended to be a ‘weird wow,’ so it seems toget everybody talking and eager to par-ticipate in the event — both in sponsor-ships and in participants!”For instance, on Dec. 7, after the

women swap cookies and the men pokerchips, the group will come together forClub Cookie South Beach, where thePeninsula Club will be transformed into ascene right out of Miami — featuring art

deco décor, palm trees, and Old Havanapanache. As added excitement, a fewClub Cookie VIPs will enjoy dinner withJeff Gordon to raise money for the JeffGordon Children’s Foundation.Redmond says it’s a unique way to kick

off the holiday season, and it also helpsease the pain of the loss of her friend.“It’s different than any other charity

I’ve ever seen,” Redmond says. “Theyknow we want their money, but also, thatwe want them to have a great time. Andthe ‘weird wow’ makes things fun. Forinstance, this year we will have ladies inbikinis and fur coats reading magazines.”She adds, “It’s an outlet for me to be

creative, and as an attorney, I don’t alwaysget to do that. And it’s so much fun. If itweren’t fun, Kristi wouldn’t want us todo it. It helps take the grief away, andgives me something positive to do inher honor.”

ToLearnMoreVisit cookies4acause.com. [TCW]

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Happiness is...

HAward Winners RevealThe 6 Things That Make Them Smile

appiness, like success, can be a highly personal thing. Whatbrings one person joy may give another a migraine! That said, it'susually the little things that make life worthwhile ... from specialdestinations to a favorite article of clothing to family and friends.Here, five local award-winning women share the uniquely personalthings that make each day a little brighter for them. >

By Karsen Price

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Things That Make MeSmileWho: Dr. Paulette Bryant What: Lead Physician, Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology & Oncology ClinicAward: Girl Scouts’ Healthy Living Significant Achievement Award

6

Wii Fit game “Walk It Out”iPad apps: New York Times,Bible 36O, and Pinterest

Hemby Children’s Hospital andPresbyterian Blume PediatricHematology & Oncology Clinic“The kids, my colleagues, and staffkeep me smiling every day. I feel likeI am going to hang out with friendswhile stamping out disease.”

Breyers No Sugar Added chocolate ice cream

“So I can have two scoops … need I say more? Yum!”

My orange raincoat“When you look like an orange you reallycannot take yourself too seriously!”

My baby-blue Hyundai Santa Fe

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Things That Make MeSmileWho: Delaine MeadWhat: Owner/CEO Valuebiz, Business Furnishings & Relocation StrategiesAward: NAWBO 2012 Woman Business Owner Of The Year

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The beach, specifically Oak IslandReading“I average one book each night; mycurrent favorite book is ‘Dinner WithA Perfect Stranger.’ ”

Cooking

Technology

NASCAR“I love the sport, love the drivers’ ability to identifywith the average man or woman, and I share theircommitment to give back philanthropically … notbecause they need to, not because it makes good

business sense, but because it’s personal, itmatters, it’s the right thing to do.”

Music“I particularly lovecountry music, as it issoulful, heartfelt, realAmerican music.”

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Things That Make MeSmileWho: Karen BennettsWhat: Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Little Red BirdAward: NAWBO 2012 Rising Star

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Yoga

Reading mysteries or spy novels “I loved the flow of the story and

beautiful writing of Ann Patchett’s‘State of Wonder.’ ”

Bermuda or Paris — “Bermuda for thebeach, Paris for the art and the food!”

My daughters, Sam andMaddie, and myhusband, Alan

A glass of wine and a greatbook ... at the beach!

The new Bonnie Raitt CD“She’s the master! A little old, a littlenew, but all so nicely done.”

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Things That Make MeSmileWho: Katie Tyler What: CEO of Tyler 2 ConstructionAward: NAWBO 2012 Community Service Winner

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Puppies

Dancing

Riding my motorcycle

The mountains

Thunderstorms

Holding hands

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Things That Make MeSmileWho: Stephanie AnsaldoWhat: President & Founder, The Echo Foundation Award: Girls Scouts’ Community Building & Social Capital Award

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Paris

Chocolate

Snow “Lots of it!”

A good book

French cuisine

Paris

Classical music

Professional Profiles

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Whether reaching for the stars or leveling theplaying field for others, these Charlotte womenare redefining success.

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Charlotte Fashion Week, By Charlotte SeenRita Miles

Sept. 18-22, 2012

ReelWorks Studios at the NC Music Factory

817 Hamilton Street

charlottefashionweek.com

ita Miles is the epitome of a“woman in the know,” andher collection of connec-

tions is becoming extremely bene-ficial for Charlotte’s burgeoningfashion, creative, and innovativeindustry.A typical day for Miles includes

meetings with movers and shakersin all walks of life — from ownersof NASCAR teams to decision mak-ers at Savannah College of Art andDesign to clothing designers eager tobring their products to the public.In fact, with Miles’ three-fold ap-

proach to business — starting withher interior design firm Miles Inte-riors; moving on to the event-plan-ning company Charlotte Seen; andwrapping up with the largest NorthCarolina Fashion Shows, PassportFor Fashion and Charlotte FashionWeek — you might wonder whenMiles has time to sleep.“I’m a busy woman,” she laughs.Miles didn’t always wear so

many fashionable hats. As an inte-rior designer with an eye for time-less style, Miles was beginning tofeel the sting of the slowing econ-omy when she decided to start call-ing magazines, radio stations, andnewsletters, looking for ways todrive business up. She began at-tending charity events and galas,and soon found that she knew a lotof people in the Charlotte area.“I found that I was getting to

know a lot of people, quality peo-ple,” she explains. “Before long, I be-came a public relations firm withinmy own firm.”A savvy businesswoman, Miles

realized a niche market that she felt

certain she had the skills to fulfill:event planning. Thus, CharlotteSeen was born in 2010.Charlotte Seen strives to create

events, galas, charity events, andgrand openings that are unique,sophisticated, and above all, memo-rable. And Miles has been ex-tremely successful.A precursor to the first Charlotte

Fashion Week was “The Miles Of Im-pact Show,” in 2010. Miles expectedto have 300 attendees. An astonish-ing 900 people — including BruceWillis — attended the event, whichwas hosted by Nikko JapaneseRestaurant and Sushi Bar.In a matter of time, burgeoning

fashion designers were flocking toMiles, asking her to create an eventthat would bring their art to theawareness of the public. In thefall of 2011, she and her team cre-ated, planned, and successfullyhosted the first Charlotte FashionWeek, which featured over 6,000attendees.“Fashion shows are very much

like designing space,” Miles says,“and it keeps my creativity fresh.And the night of the event is suchan experience! It’s a huge jugglingact, but it all comes together andmelds into an amazing night.”Currently, Miles is elbow-deep in

plans for the second-annual Char-lotte Fashion Week, set for Sept. 18through 22, at ReelWorks Studios.This year, among her many plansfor the “posh” weeklong event is adecision to sell reserved seats. Visitwww.charlottefashionweek.com;the website is amazing and com-prehensive. [TCW]

Charlotte Fashion Week ScheduleWed., Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.Fashion For The Modern Male

Thu., Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.Bridal & Couture Evening

Fri., Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.Emerging & Fashion Designers

Sat., Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.Recyclable & Re-Model Talent

Fashioning A CareerRita Miles Helps Put Charlotte On The Style Map

By Karsen Price | Photo By Glenn Roberson

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Sip & Savour Gallery CrawlLynn Dreyer

The Sip & Savour 2012 Myers Park Gallery Crawl is

set for Sept. 22 and will include five galleries, food,

wine, silent art auction, and an after-party at FABO

featuring Simplified. Tickets are $25. For information,

visit sipandsavour.org. For information on Melissa’s

Voice Foundation, visit melissasvoice.org.

ast September’s inaugural Sip& Savour gallery crawl raisedover $9,000 for Melissa’s

Voice Foundation Inc., a nonprofitthat seeks to provide informationand resources for those affected byeating disorders. Melissa’s Voice was founded a

year ago by Lynn Dreyer, who losther sister, Melissa Rose Ritter, in2007.“Melissa was a beautiful and suc-

cessful woman. She had a 20-yearcareer in the professional businesssector and then owned a designdécor business. She was married andhad a very rich life,” Dreyer says.But she also battled an eating

disorder.“Melissa struggled with it all her

life, many times in silence. At 30, shecame forward, got proper treatmentand support, and was thriving. Butshe became ill again at age 46. Shehad been suffering in silence againfor over two years,” Dreyer says.Melissa took her own life on Oct.

31, 2007. Now, Dreyer is working tocreate something positive from thepain.“She died five years ago this com-

ing October, and there’s not a daythat goes by that I don’t miss her. ButI realize that my responsibility nowis to help promote eating disorderawareness,” she says.Last summer, Dreyer started

Melissa’s Voice and, along withCamine Pappas of NetworkingWomen and Wine, began planningSip & Savour. Starting the nonprofitwas easier than she first imagined.“I had the support of a lot of

amazing people because it seems

everyone — my banker, yoga in-structor, and more — knows some-one who is battling an eating disor-der,” she says.An estimated 10 million women

and 1 million men suffer from eatingdisorders in the U.S. The problemdoesn’t discriminate based on age,race, or socio-economic status. Eatingdisorders have the highest mortalityrate of any mental illness.“It’s very shameful to the person,

so it’s often hidden. It is one of themost difficult psychological issuesto treat. You can put down a ciga-rette or alcohol and sustain life eventhough the battle may be difficult.But you can’t put down food andsustain life,” explains Dreyer.Treatment is expensive, averaging

$500 to $2,000 a day, and many in-surance plans don’t provide cover-age. That’s why the scholarship por-tion of Melissa’s Voice Foundation isso important.“I started the HOPE Scholarship

after meeting Katie, a beautiful girlwith an eating disorder, who helpedme with the NEDA (National EatingDisorder Association) walk lastOctober,” Dreyer says.Katie was the first scholarship re-

cipient and Dreyer hopes that thisyear’s Sip & Savour will earn twice asmuch, so more HOPE Scholarshipscan be awarded. She also plans todirect a portion of the earnings tothe new Charlotte Chapter of the In-ternational Association of Eating Dis-order Professionals. Most importantly, she wants to

get the word out that there is hopeand help for those suffering with eat-ing disorders. [TCW]

“I want to take this unfortunate experience andturn it into strength for other people. I want themto know that there is help out there, and that theyare not alone.”— Lynn Dreyer

Savoring LifeLynn Dreyer Builds Awareness Of Eating Disorders

By Melinda Johnston | Photo By Michael C. Hernandez

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Rene Timpone

704/502-6445

[email protected]

spacarolina.nsedreams.com

ixty-year-old Rene Timpone saysher youthful appearance andgood health aren’t just a productof good genes, but rather the

result of an extraordinary skincare line,anti-aging supplements, and antioxi-dants she takes on a regular basis. These products have made her look

and feel “Better Than Before” … andothers can benefit, as well.She proudly calls herself a “breast

cancer thriver,” and as such, Timpone isparticularly conscious about whatgoes in, and on, her body.“I always ate well and took care of

myself. No one was more surprisedthan me to be diagnosed with breastcancer in 2004,” Timpone says.“I couldn’t believe it. I had been so

careful about what I ate, took vitamins,and I got cancer,” Timpone says.She went through surgery and

treatment … and decided to begin aquest to find out what her bodyneeded to reach optimum health. Tim-pone soon discovered the importanceof finding balance in her demandingprofessional and volunteer life. Sheowned a successful hair salon in Mill-burn, N.J., was publisher/editor–in-chief of New Jersey Goodlife Maga-zine, and was a founding boardmember of Carolina Breast Friends. “I learned that creating balance in

your life with the use of a healthyamount of exercise, eating well, andlearning to like yourself is so impor-tant. As women, we tend to take careof everyone else before ourselves,”Timpone says.Her research showed that the best

intentions sometimes aren’t effective— particularly when it comes to

antioxidants and supplements, be-cause labels and ingredients can bemisleading.The products she uses and sells

are listed in the Physician’s DeskReference, so the ingredients areguaranteed. Absorption levels of the antioxi-

dants and supplements are also key. Totest those levels, she uses a biopho-tonic scanner, featured last year onDr. Oz, which can test the amount ofantioxidants you absorb by using apainless ray of light called RamonSpectroscopy.Timpone can bring the biopho-

tonic scanner to your home or officeand scan your hand to see if your sup-plements protect you from free radi-cals. If deficiencies are found, she canrecommend the proper supplements,then re-scan you at a later date. Scanscores are guaranteed to be higher, oryou get your money back.Timpone loves to share her ex-

pertise with other professionals.“I help doctors, dentists, and other

health-care professionals develop apreventative health-care practice,” shesays. “They teach their patients how toget healthier with measurable results,and increase their bottom line. It is awin-win for all.”Her products can also improve out-

ward appearance.Timpone’s products are available

to the public as a consumer, or you canbecome an independent businessowner. Regardless, combine her cut-ting-edge technology with thepatented anti-aging products, and youwill look — and feel — Better ThanBefore. [TCW]

“While I help you improve your health and teachyou about anti-aging on the inside, I can helpyou look years younger by using our hand-heldgalvanic face and bodyspas.” — Rene Timpone

Better Than BeforeRene Timpone Offers Extraordinary Skincare And

Anti-Aging Supplements

By Elizabeth Lowell

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The Hunstad-Kortesis Center For Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Cynthia Morrison, patient

11208 Statesville Road • Suite 300

Huntersville, NC 28078

704/659-9000

hunstadkortesiscenter.com

hen Cynthia Morrisonstepped through thedoors of the Hunstad-Kortesis Center for Cos-

metic Surgery & Medspa last year,she was in search of much morethan a cosmetic procedure. She wasat an emotional low point in herlife, looking for the self-confidencethat all humans deserve.Morrison had a son and gained a

lot of weight during the pregnancy.After birth, she continued gainingweight as her self-esteem plum-meted. When she ended her10-year marriage in 2008, she tip-ped the scales at 304 pounds.That’s when something just clicked,Morrison says.“I felt like it was time for me to

feel good about myself,” she says.“One morning, I woke up and de-cided in order to be a good motherand role model, and not feelashamed, I had to do somethingabout my weight.”Morrison began gradually mak-

ing adjustments to her lifestyle.Over the course of four years, shelost 140 pounds through diet andexercise. It was an astonishing ac-complishment, yet it didn’t feel likeenough. Despite the changes, Mor-rison still did not like what she sawin the mirror. The drastic weightloss left her with excess skin.“It was absolutely ugly,” she re-

calls. “I had to look at it every daywhen I was getting dressed. It wassomething you had to kind of push

and tuck down in your pants. Itwas just an inconvenience.”At the recommendation of a

friend, Morrison researched theHunstad-Kortesis Center online. ForMorrison, it was important to find adoctor who was not just a generalplastic surgeon, but also board cer-tified and specialized in meeting herneeds. Confident that Dr. Bill G.Kortesis fit the bill, she made an ap-pointment, and after one meeting,she felt better.“He showed how much he cared

about his patients,” she says. “Hewanted to know my story. He satme down and listened. My self-es-teem went up so much just by find-ing a doctor who really cared.”Dr. Kortesis says the desire to

help others is the sole reason hebecame a doctor. “I think there is no better feeling

in the world than to walk into aroom and have a patient smile andbe completely happy with whereshe is,” he says. “You see a personwho is unhappy or doesn’t likesomething about themselves, andthen afterward they have no reser-vations about that particular area.That smile is priceless.”Last December, Dr. Kortesis be-

gan helping Morrison fix her prob-lem areas. She had a tummy tuckand liposuction to remove excessskin and fat on her abdomen, hips,and thighs. Now, Morrison says sheis no longer ashamed and feels goodabout herself. [TCW]

“As women, we often take care of our children,our families, and our jobs. It’s important to makesure that we take care ourselves. I have more en-ergy. I can hold my head high. I know that withhard work and determination, I can do anything.”— Cynthia Morrison

Confidence RestoredThe Hunstad-Kortesis Center For Cosmetic Surgery

Helps Rebuild Self-Love

By Michaela L. Duckett | Photo By Glenn Roberson

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Presbyterian Neurology CenterDr. Jodi Dodds

1918 Randolph Road • Suite 400

Charlotte, NC 28207

704/384-9437

presbyterian.org

r. Jodi Dodds, medical direc-tor of the NeuroscienceInstitute at Presbyterian

Hospital, knew at an early age thatshe wanted to practice medicine.But a life-altering encounter with apatient during medical school madeit clear to the Chapin, S.C., nativethat she wanted to specialize in thetreatment and prevention of strokes.Dr. Dodds always enjoyed the sci-

ences and had a passion for fitnessand health. She attended medicalschool at the Medical University ofSouth Carolina in Charleston, and be-came a vascular neurologist; mean-ing, she treats diseases that affectblood flow to the brain. She alsoprovides care for people withseizures, migraines, multiple sclero-sis, and diseases of nerves.A patient encounter during her

medical residency at the Universityof Washington enabled Dr. Dodds todetermine her specialty.The patient had just been admit-

ted into the emergency room, andDr. Dodds was told he was in a coma.She examined him and found thatthis was not the case. The patientwas completely cognizant. He couldanswer yes and no questions withhis eyes. Yet, he could not move hisbody or talk.“I thought, ‘This is so scary! There

is a man in here, and he is locked inhis own body, and if we don’t dosomething, then he’s probably goingto die,’ ” she recalls.The patient was having a stroke.

A large blood clot was blocking

blood from flowing to his brainstem;once the clot was removed, hewas able to move again. Dr. Doddswas astonished.“To see him six hours later, sit-

ting up, talking, and moving his legsbecause of that intervention, was justextraordinary,” she says. “I thought, ‘Ijust have to care for stroke patients.’”It was this passion for treating

stroke patients that drove her topack up her family — including twoyoung children — and move acrossthe country to Charlotte after com-pleting her stroke fellowship in2010.Many aren’t aware of it, but the

Carolinas are at the heart of whatis known as the nation’s “strokebelt.” The area has the highest inci-dence rates of stroke, obesity, andheart disease. While working with Presbyterian

Hospital, Dr. Dodds has seen a num-ber of patients in their 20s, 30s, and40s who, because of their ages, hadno idea they were at risk for a strokeuntil it occurred.“It’s been a very gratifying expe-

rience getting to help prevent peo-ple from becoming very disabled ordying as the result of a stroke, bycatching it early and intervening,”she says.Dr. Dodds attributes her success

in her field to having passion forwhat she does. She possesses arelentless determination to achieveher goals, and does not measuresuccess by accolades, degrees, ormoney. [TCW]

“Success is feeling like you made the world andthe environment around you a better place. You’vemade people’s lives better than they were beforethey met you. You can go home each day knowingthat you’ve done your best, and that people havebenefited from that.”— Dr. Jodi Dodds

Thriving On Helping Others

Dr. Jodi Dodds Provides Stellar Care For Stroke Patients

By Michaela L. Duckett | Photo By Michael C. Hernandez

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Haas Wellness CenterDr. Kenneth N. Haas, D.C.Debbie Giblin, patient

3315 Springbank Lane • Suite 102

Charlotte, NC 28226

704/ 837-2420 • (888) 602-5883

haaswellnesscenters.com

even years ago, Debbie Giblinwas a physical and emotionalmess. Her body always ached and

was covered in bruises. She sufferedheadaches that would last for days,sometimes weeks. She had severe in-somnia, and was always exhausted.Life became so unbearable thatGiblin no longer wanted to leave thehouse.“I didn’t want to do anything,” she

says. “Just going out to lunch withfriends became too stressful for me.”Giblin, who as a teen watched

her grandmother succumb toAlzheimer’s disease, says she becameeven more concerned when shestarted forgetting things. She recallsteaching Sunday school and havingtrouble completing sentences.“My mind would just go blank,”

she says. “I would be standing therelooking at everybody. I was soembarrassed. My way of hidingwhat was going on was to quiteverything.”For Giblin, a woman who took

pride in planning elaborate events,being active in church and alwaysliving on the go, life came to ascreeching halt — and stood still forabout six years. In short, she losther passion for living. Finally, Giblin turned to her Tues-

day-night Bible study group for help,asking them to pray that she wouldfind a doctor. A week later, a friendtold her about Dr. Kenneth Haas, D.C. Dr. Haas is a chiropractic physi-

cian and founder of Haas WellnessCenter in Charlotte. By focusing onwellness care, Dr. Haas has dedicatedhis entire professional life to holistichealth.“Traditional medicine treats

symptoms or a specific health con-cern,” Dr. Haas explains. “Holisticcare, on the other hand, embodies anentire lifestyle.”In his 26 years of practice, Dr.

Haas says he has helped thousandsof patients like Giblin. Since no twopeople are alike, he believes eachperson’s treatment must be uniqueto their individual needs. For Giblin, Dr. Haas developed a

12-week treatment plan that in-cluded chiropractic therapy, naturalsupplements, healthy nutrition, ex-ercise, and body detoxification.About halfway through her treat-ment, Giblin began to wonder if shewould ever get better. One day, she woke up feeling

radically different.“I turned to my husband and said,

‘I feel really good today for thefirst time in years.’ From that pointon, every single day, I got better,”she says.For Giblin, getting better included

a 40-pound weight loss!Now that her energy is restored,

Giblin is back to living her life, andthat includes working. Last August,she began working for Dr. Haas. “Hegave me my life back,” she says.“Now I get to see him do the samefor patient after patient.” [TCW]

“Seeing Dr. Haas transform the lives of patients isincredible. They come in so dejected and hurting.Within weeks, they are bouncing in the door happyand excited. It is amazing.”— Debbie Giblin

A New Lease On LifeHaas Wellness Center Restores Debbie Giblin To Health

By Michaela L. Duckett | Photo By Joe Martin

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Professional Spotlight

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Success often needs nurturing. Thesewomen provide that nourishment in verydifferent ways — through experience,guidance, and sheer heroic effort.

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Blakeney Shopping Center | 9844-B Rea Road | Charlotte | NC 28277704.542.5558 | www.lecookeryusa.com

Turn water into soda in seconds!


SPARK PublicationsFabi Preslar

700 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. • Suite B

Matthews, NC 28105

704/844-6080

SPARKpublications.com

ccording to Fabi Preslar, there is nosecret formula, no special ingredient,for the astonishing success of SPARK

Publications over the last 15 years. “Great serv-ice, technical talent, and creativity — that’s theonly thing close to a secret,” she says.SPARK Publications is known for creating

beautiful, effective custom books, magazines,catalogs, and promotional materials. Thecreative publishing firm specializes in collabo-rating with clients to create publications andpromotional needs based on each client’sunique vision. Preslar, the president and founder of SPARK

Publications, enjoys pushing others to theirpersonal best. “I enjoy the honor of being theone to look them in the eye, challenge theirboundaries, and help them discover an evendeeper level of success,” she says. Those successes have come in the national

arena. Several of the company’s custom book

clients have been invited to be speakers at na-tional conferences, and one client recently wona national Independent Publisher Book Award.Another received one of the 100 nationalGrand APEX Awards for Publishing Excellence,out of an astonishing 3,800 entrants. An expert in her field, Preslar explains that

a great publication is clear in its mission and au-dience, and beautifully provides that audiencewith the needed content in a practical, easy-to-understand, and entertaining format.Preslar attributes the success of her driven

team — known affectionately as “theSPARKlers” — to her constant expectation tostrive for bigger and better things. “As clients,vendors, and staff enter into my network, I tendto push folks to a different level,” she says.“It makes some run far away. But to watchothers flourish and break boundaries and ignitetheir own creative spark is simply a personalthrill.” [TCW]

The Sparkling EffectFabi Preslar Garners National Attention For Clients

By Karsen Price | Photo By Michael C. Hernandez

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General Dentistry Serving Your Entire Family

Cotswold Plaza135 S. Sharon Amity Rd.

Suite 204Charlotte, NC 28211

704-365-2765New Patients Welcome

WE CARE ABOUTTHE PERSON BEHINDTHE SMILE

www.peleauxbaileydds.com

D R S . P E L E A U X & B A I L E Y

Caring Dentistry...With a Gentle Touch!

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Employee Benefit Advisors Suzy Johnson, CEBS, RHU, CLTC

704/442-4400

[email protected]

eb-advisor.com

oes your small or mid-size businessstruggle with employee benefits?Suzy Johnson and her dedicatedteam can help. Her company,

Employee Benefit Advisors, can assist you inproviding your employees with greater bene-fits — group health and life insurance, dentaland vision insurance, long-term care, short andlong-term disability insurance, and more — atlower prices than you ever thought possible.“We’ve got clients who do amazing things

with benefits, sometimes with only 10 em-ployees. It can be done — you just needsomeone to lead the way,” Johnson says. Johnson has been a partner in the com-

pany for 22 years, and became the sole ownerin May 2012, even as the federal healthcare leg-islation is roiling the industry.“Some people thought I was crazy for

investing in a company that handles health in-surance, but I am so sure of the value that we

offer, I’m confident it’s a wise decision,”she says.With Employee Benefit Advisors (formerly

known as Strategic Employee Benefit Serv-ices), your company can benefit from similarresources, price advantages, and proprietarysolutions that large companies have access to,while working one-on-one with a Benefit Ad-visor who will customize a plan for your busi-ness. With access to more than 50 insurancecompanies, as well as a wide array of exclusive,proprietary products, Employee Benefit Advi-sors will help you select the best options foryour employees.Johnson says, “It would have been easy to

retire, but I chose to buy the company instead.I thrive on helping small and mid-sizebusinesses solve their problems and thefrustrations surrounding employee benefits,to help them attract and retain the very besttalent.” [TCW]

Leading The WayEmployee Benefit Advisors Helps Businesses Offer Affordable Benefits

By Melinda Johnston | Photo By Michael C. Hernandez

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Purchase your ticket beforeSept. 1st and receive $10 offthe regular price of $40

www.dressforsuccess.org/charlotte


The Belva Wallace Greenage Cancer Foundation

704/442-9914

belvascancerfoundation.org

elva Wallace Greenage knows a great dealabout success, and even more about givingback. In 2010, while in the midst of her jour-ney with a second round of cancer,

Greenage created The Belva Wallace GreenageCancer Foundation to help others receive thehealing properties of holistic therapies. “I found in my own experiences with cancer

that holistic treatments such as acupuncture andmassage improved my physical and emotional re-actions to cancer treatments,” she says. “Since fewif any of these therapies are covered by medical in-surance, I was driven to provide the funding soothers might benefit as well.” The Belva Wallace Greenage Cancer Founda-

tion funds acupuncture, exercise, massage, andyoga therapies for qualified patients, and assists pa-tients in identifying holistic options that comple-ment their existing cancer treatment plan. It is theonly foundation in North Carolina that funds thesetypes of therapies for cancer patients.Greenage enjoyed a prosperous 22-year career

with Bank of America and was the 2011 NAWBOCharlotte Community Service award winner. Theformer publisher of Today’s Charlotte Woman,she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004and again in 2008. She can attest that the journeywith cancer can be a strenuous one; however, inlieu of “survival,” she focuses on “thriving.”Each year, Greenage empowers others through

an event of her creation, Coffee & Conversation,which helps kick off the Southern Women’s Showeach fall. The event focuses on “a rich dialogue be-yond surviving on to thriving, and really living.”Held on Fri., Sept. 21, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at

The Park Expo & Conference Center, the fourth-annual Coffee & Conversation will include pan-elists Belva Greenage; Paula Guilfoyle, president ofClaim Your Best Life; Ramona Holloway, co-host ofthe Matt & Ramona Show; and Dr. RezaNazemzadeh, of the Levine Cancer Institute. Tick-ets are available at belvascancerfoundation.org.All proceeds benefit the Belva Wallace GreenageCancer Foundation. [TCW]

Empowering OthersBelva Wallace Greenage Encourages Others To Thrive

By Karsen Price | Photo By Augusto Photography

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the choice is simple.

423C South Sharon Amity RoadCharlotte, NC 28211

www.carolinahealthspan.com

consideringbio-identical

hormonetherapy?

Ronald L. Brown, MDOver 5,000 patients trust the knowledge and experience of Charlotte’s leading BHRT specialist.

author of The Youth Effect: A hormone therapy revolution

Patients have received:• Relief from hot flashes• Reduced risk of osteoporosis• Enhanced libido• Increased energy and vitality• Cognitive clarity

For an appointment, call704-333-4817

AskTheExpert

The Truth About No-Prep Porcelain Veneers

403 Gilead Road, Suite E • Huntersville704/895-7660

CosmeticDentistryofthe Carolinas.com

Ten thin porcelain veneers tobe bonded to her natural teeth

Dr. Ross W. Nash, DDSDr. Ross W. Nash, DDS, is one of only 46 Accredited Fellows in the Amer-ican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, meaning he has acquired ex-traordinary skills in the area of esthetic and cosmetic dentistry. Founderof the Nash Institute for Dental Learning, Dr. Nash is the epitome of “ex-pert.” Here, he answers questions about no-preparation veneers.

Q: Do I have to get my teeth drilled downto get porcelain veneers?A: There are some situations that require no removal of natural toothstructure to apply porcelain veneers. The dentist simply makes a moldof the existing teeth and new porcelain surfaces are fabricated to givethe teeth new surfaces.

Q: Who is a candidate for this non-invasivetechnique?A: People who have teeth that are fairly well-aligned with good dentalhealth who want a change in the color or contour of the tooth surfacesare candidates for this treatment.

Q: Is there a need for shots with thisprocedure?A:There is often no need for anesthetic injections or temporary restora-tions with this process.

Q: Are “no-preparation veneers” morecostly than regular veneers?A: No Prep Veneers can often be placed at a lower cost due to less ofthe dentist’s time being needed for preparation or temporaries.

Danyele’s smile before treatment

Danyele’s new smile

Portrait with Danyele’s new smile

The patient for this case is Danyele Gardner, Mrs. South Carolina America2012. She will be competing in the Mrs. America Pageant in August andwished to enhance her smile to make it fuller and whiter. Danyele is a den-tal hygienist with excellent dental health and tooth alignment and did notwant any tooth drilling. The thin veneers were made to go over her 10 upperteeth and they were bonded to place with no anesthesia.

&Celebrate lifedo good

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The 24th Annual Great Gatsby GalaDate: Aug. 4, 2012Location: The Atrium at TwoWells Fargo Center, 301 N. Tryon St.Time: 8 p.m. to midnightContact:[email protected], or704/774-5307Website: gatsbygala.orgBenefits: The National MultipleSclerosis Society, Mid-AtlanticChapter

What It’s All About: Dress upin 1920s garb or semi-formal at-tire and enjoy a night of dancing,dining, spirits, live jazz music,and a silent auction.

NC Music Factory 5K Rock N’ RunDate: Aug. 11, 2012Location: NC Music Factory,1000 Seaboard St.Time: 8 a.m.Contact: [email protected], or 704/358-0717, ext. 204

Website: ncrockandrun.comBenefits: Second Harvest FoodBank of MetrolinaWhat It’s All About: The 5KRock N’ Run includes breakfaston race morning at The Saloon,plus live music during and afterthe race.

2012 Trail Run Challenge @ USNWCDate: Aug. 18, 2012Location: U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center ParkwayTime: 8:30 a.m.Contact: [email protected], or WhitewaterCenter at 704/391-3900Website: trailrunchallenge.com/Benefits: The Leukemia & Lym-phoma SocietyWhat It’s All About: Throughboth 5K and 10K courses, theTrail Run Challenge offers run-ners one of the most unique out-door environments.

Operation Homefront Of NC’s Freedom 5K Date: Aug. 25, 2012Location: Freedom Park, 1900East Blvd.Time: 7:30 a.m.Contact:[email protected], or call704/527-3063

Website: freedom5knc.orgBenefits: North Carolina mili-tary children, especially thoseenduring the hardships and challenges of a parent’s deployment and injuries.What It’s All About: The third-annual Operation HomefrontFreedom 5K offers participants achance to renew their commit-ment to freedom and show sup-port for military families aroundthe state.

Dress For Success: Look At Her PowerDate: Sept. 20, 2012Location: The Park Expo, 2500 E. Independence Blvd.Time: 6 to 9 p.m.Contact: [email protected]: dressforsuccess.orgBenefits: Dress for SuccessCharlotteWhat It’s All About: Look AtHer Power is Dress for SuccessCharlotte’s annual signaturefundraising event; 100 percentof the evening’s proceeds support the organization’s workforce preparedness, and career retention and advance-ment programs.

Coffee & ConversationDate: Sept. 21, 2012

Location: The Park Expo, 2500 E. Independence Blvd.Time: 7:30 to 10 a.m.

Website: belvascancerfounda-tion.orgBenefits: The Belva WallaceGreenage Cancer FoundationWhat It’s All About: Thefourth-annual event featurespanelists Belva WallaceGreenage; Paula Guilfoyle,president of Claim Your Best Life;Ramona Holloway, co-host of theMatt & Ramona Show; and Dr.Reza Nazemzadeh, of theLevine Cancer Institute.

American Heart Association’sCharlotte Heart WalkDate: Sept. 22, 2012Location: Uptown Charlotte(intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets)Time: 9 a.m.Contact: 704/208-5586Website: charlotteheartwalk.org

Celebrate life

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Benefits: American Heart Association

What It’s All About: The HeartWalk raises funds and awarenessfor cardiovascular diseases andstroke.

The 27th Anniversary Bike MS: Breakaway To The Beach RideDate: Sept. 22-23, 2012Location: Departure from Char-lotte, N.C., or Columbia, S.C., see website for detailsTime: VariesContact: [email protected]: nationalmssociety.org/chapters/nct/fundraising-events/bike-ms-breakaway-to-the-beach/index.aspxBenefits: The National MultipleSclerosis Society, Mid-AtlanticChapterWhat It’s All About: Bike MS:Breakaway to the Beach is a two-day bike ride to Sunset Beach,N.C. Enjoy catered meals, livemusic, and an epic finish.

Ramblin’ Rose Charlotte TriathlonDate: Sept. 23, 2012Location: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoeff DriveTime: 8 a.m.Contact: [email protected]:endurancemag.com/index.php/charlotte-homeBenefits: Girls on the Run andTri It For LifeWhat It’s All About: Celebratethe empowerment of women bytackling this 250-yard swim, 9-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run.

10th Annual Charlotte RotaryScholarship Golf ClassicDate: Sept. 11, 2012

Location: The Golf Club at Ballantyne, 10000 BallantyneCommons ParkwayTime: Registration begins at10:30 a.m.; shotgun start at noonContact: [email protected],or call 704/375-6816Website: charlotterotary.orgBenefits: The Rotary Club ofCharlotte’s Scholarship FundWhat It’s All About: The golf classic provides collegescholarships for children ofCharlotte-Mecklenburg publicsafety employees.

16th Annual Susan G. KomenCharlotte Race For The CureDate: Oct. 6, 2012Location: Uptown CharlotteTime: Festivities begin at 6 a.m.Contact: [email protected], or 704/347-8181,Website: komencharlotte.orgBenefits: Susan G. Komen ForThe CureWhat It’s All About: The 5Kwalk/run funds and awarenessfor the fight against breast cancer and celebrates survivorship.

Avon 2-Day Walk For Breast CancerDate: Oct. 27-28, 2012Location: Frazier Park, 1201 W. Fourth St.Time: 6:30 a.m.Contact: 1-888-540-WALKWebsite: avonwalk.orgBenefits: Avon Walk For Breast Cancer

What It’s All About: Walk upto 26.2 miles on Saturday and13.1 miles on Sunday to helppeople receive breast cancercare and fund leading researchteams in the search for a cure.Eighty percent of the fundsraised stays in the Charlottearea.

Lung Strong ’12 Date: Oct. 13, 2012Location: Jetton Village, 19818Northcove Road, CorneliusTime: 7:45 a.m. 15K start; 7:50a.m. 5K startContact: [email protected],or 704/650-4070Website: lungstrong.comBenefits: LUNGevity Foundation, a pioneer in lung cancer researchWhat It’s All About: This 15K/5K helps kick off national Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Hopebuilders 5KDate: Oct. 20, 2012Location: Parking is available inthe Morehead Medical Plazaparking deck (adjacent to More-head Medical Plaza at 1025Morehead Medical Drive)Time: 8 a.m.Contact: [email protected]: http://events.caroli-nashealthcarefoundation.orgBenefits: Levine Children’s HospitalWhat It’s All About: Hope-builders 5K welcomes people of all ages and skill levels to participate. Many participantsare walking in honor/memory of special children in their lives.

First Annual Red Tie GalaDate: Oct. 5, 2012Location: Levine Museum of the New South, uptown CharlotteTime: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.Contact: 704/335-1191, [email protected]: rmhofcharlotte.orgBenefits: Ronald McDonaldHouse of CharlotteWhat It’s All About: Hosted by the Young Professionals Society of the Ronald McDonaldHouse of Charlotte, the Red Tie Gala offers guests a chanceto make their debut on the red carpet, and includes heavy hors d’oeurves with anopen bar (followed by a cashbar), music, dancing, and accessto the many exhibits throughoutthe museum.

Charlotte NEDA WalkDate: Sept. 15, 2012Location: Latta Park, 601 E. Park Ave.Time: 9 a.m.Contact: Christy Holson,[email protected]: nationaleating-disorders.org/site/TR?fr_id=1930&pg=entryBenefits: The National EatingDisorders AssociationWhat It’s All About: NEDA iscommitted to the fight againsteating disorders.

Jingle Bell BashDate: Dec. 1, 2012Location: Wells Fargo Atrium,301 S. Tryon St.Time: 7:30 to 11 p.m.Contact: Carol Roth, UnitedFamily Services, 704/367-2799,[email protected]: unitedfamilyservices.orgBenefits: United Family Services and its Victim Serviceprograms, including The Shelterfor Battered WomenWhat It’s All About: The 18th annual Jingle Bell Bash includes an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Tickets are available in September 2012.

Speed For Children In Need 5KDate: Dec. 8, 2012Location: Charlotte MotorSpeedway, 5555 Concord Park-way South, ConcordTime: 3 p.m.Contact: 704/455-4426, [email protected]: charlotte.speedwaycharities.org/events/speed_for_children_in_need/Benefits: Speedway Children’sCharities and Hendrick MarrowProgramWhat It’s All About: The 5K route runs through thezMAX Dragway, past the dirttrack, over the pedestrian bridge, through the under-ground tunnel, and out ontoCharlotte Motor Speedway.[TCW]

ince day one, sparkling wine has played a starringrole in celebrating achievements and milestones.

Success and sparkling wine have gone hand-in-hand ever since bubbles first found their way into abottle of wine. In fact, what do you imagine the re-puted “inventor” of bubbly, Dom Perignon, didwhen he opened that first bottle? He hoisted aglass of Champagne, of course. Since then, bubblieshave been used for celebrating achievement, royalweddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, inti-mate moments, and multitudes of special occasions.

Perhaps the best example of sparkling wine’srole is the time-honored tradition of toasting theculmination of a huge undertaking by smashing a bot-tle of Champagne against the hull of a newly launchedship. Although that’s always seemed odd to me. Whynot smash a bottle of club soda against the ship and keepthe Champagne for sipping on?

By Trevor Burton

CelebrateYour SuccessCelebrateYour SuccessCelebrateYour SuccessCelebrateYour Success

Pop Open A Sparkling Bottle Of Bubbly

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Ebullient EffervescenceSo, what makes up the heart of a good

bubbly strategy? Champagne, of course. The first thing to know is that only

those sparkling wines made in the Cham-pagne region of France are entitled to becalled “Champagne,” although there’s a lit-tle dispensation for a few wines made inCalifornia. How does Champagne get its sparkle?

The bubbles — and a lot of the flavors —in Champagne are the result of a secondfermentation that takes place after thewine has been bottled. The fermentationproduces carbon dioxide that gets ab-sorbed into the wine. And so we havebubbles. Fermentation also leaves behind spent

(i.e., dead) yeast, which remains in thebottle as the Champagne ages. Sure, deadyeast sounds pretty unattractive, but whatit does is impart some delicious flavorsinto the wine. In a glass of good Cham-pagne, you get warm flavors of toast andbiscuits. Very nice.There are three types of grape that go

into Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,and Pinot Meunier. Chardonnay is a whitegrape; the two types of Pinot are both redgrapes. Red grapes to make white wine,you ask? After crushing the Pinots, the re-sulting juice is siphoned off from the skins,thereby never picking up any of the redhue.On some bottles of

Champagne you’ll see thedesignation “Blanc deBlancs,” which literallymeans “white from whites.”What that means is, thewine has been made fromonly Chardonnay grapes. Onthe flip side, you’ll also runacross “Blanc de Noirs,”which is a wine made fromonly red grapes. Is one style of Champagne

better than another? That, myfriend, is a bit of an open ques-tion. Some winemakers thinkthat Blanc de Blancs is whereyou can discover the eleganceand true beauty of Chardon-nay. On the other hand, thereare winemakers who think itis the combination ofgrape varieties that givesChampagne its unique-

ness. One thing is certain: Blanc de Blancsgenerally carry a higher price tag. So, it’s apersonal choice. For me, I’d stay with amiddle-of-the-road wine.

Budget BubbliesChampagne — at least good Cham-

pagne — can be expensive. But there areseveral other options when you are look-ing to do a little celebrating. Frenchsparkling wines are made in exactly thesame way as Champagne but are madeoutside of that region. They can’t callthemselves Champagne, but that doesn’tmake them any less delicious. These winesgo by the name Crémant. A bottle of Cré-mant looks just like a bottle of Cham-pagne, so it’s easy to pick one out. Checkon the label and you’ll see the words“méthode traditionnelle.” In days gone by,the labeling was allowed to read “méthodechampenoise,” but the winemakers inChampagne put a stop to that.There are seven regions of France that

produce Crémant. The ones you’re mostlikely to come across on this side of the At-lantic are: Crémant d’Alsace, Crémant deBourgogne, or Crémant de Loire. All Cré-mants are very much on par with theirmore elegant cousins. They have differentflavor profiles due to the different grapesused to make them, but they are equallyfun to sip on. Best of all, they carry asmaller price than Champagne. Voilá! Cel-

ebration and joy, on abudget.

Staying within theméthode champenoisefamily and crossing thePyrenees into Spain, yourun into a wine calledCava. Cava used to be awine positioned as a reallycheap alternative to Cham-pagne; you can get a bottleof Cava for under $10. But,that’s changing a little. Cava isbecoming more than just un-pretentious fun. There aresome world-class wines madeunder the official Cava desig-nation. Some wineries produceonly Gran Reserva bottles,which means they keep their

wines in contact with thelees (spent yeast) for atleast 30 months, and insome instances for five to

eight years. These are wines with depthand character, and they’re available in the$20-$30 range.

California’s CropThere’s no shortage of bubbly made on

this side of the Atlantic, with most of ithailing from California. Some wines carrythe description “California Champagne”on their labels. This goes back to the Pro-hibition era, when countries signed an in-ternational agreement regarding wine ori-gin names. Given that the United Stateswas in Prohibition, there was no reason tosign the agreement. Some California wine-makers had been calling their winesChampagne before Prohibition, and whenthat law was lifted they were grandfa-thered in, and allowed to keep the name.Today, as a result of international tradingagreements, they placate the French by us-ing the term California Champagne.The fact that California Champagne is

on a label is no guarantee that the wine in-side the bottle will be of Champagne stan-dard. In fact, quite the opposite. Generally,it’s only the low-end sparkling wines thatmisuse the Champagne name, with Korbelbeing a significant exception. Probably your best bet for finding a

good California sparkling wine is to seekout the wines made by Champagnehouses that have set up shop in the state.Names like Domaine Chandon, Schrams-berg, Mumm-Cuvée, and Roederer.Regardless of whether they are French,

Spanish, or Californian versions, thesewines are great on their own. But you canadd to the fun. Pour a little Crème dePêche or Crème de Cassis in the glass be-fore you pour in the wine, and it addseven another dimension to the wines — agreat idea for an aperitif. So, go for the gusto when it comes to

celebrating your successes, no matter howsmall. Success doesn’t just happen. It hasto be wrestled to the ground. It’s based ona recipe of smarts, with a good helping ofblood, sweat, and tears. When success fi-nally happens, break out the bubbly andcelebrate. [TCW]

Wine expert Trevor Burton wouldlike to lift a figurative glass of bubblyto the accomplishments of womenin this issue.

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Work It, Woman

Black twill coat, $825; olive-green Tropical wooljacket, $450; olive-green Tropical wool skirt, $240;Italian-leather handbag, $450.Doncaster • Doncastercharlotte.com

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e’ve all been guilty of it at some time inour career … pulling from the same

mediocre handful of office-wear pieces —mixing and matching the same old pants and

tired blouses and pock-mocked heels to create an officewardrobe that is more like habit than high authority.

In school, we learned you are what you eat. But intoday’s dog-eat-dog working climate, you are in somesmall part what you wear! Fact No. 1: First impressionsare priceless. Fact No. 2: Image is at least half the battle.And while a great work wardrobe can be expensiveto be sure, a successful career is worth the return ininvestment.

Here, we offer some inspiration for sprucing up thatrat-a-tat-tat collection of clothing in your closet. Go on,get out there and get successful! >

Take Your Wardrobe From Ho-Hum To High Power

By Dana Durham

Black leather jacket, $330; gray stonehedge silkblouse, $105; purple rosea slim woven pants, $100.Classiques Entier • Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com

Misty rose silk blouse, $250;violet multi tweed skirt, $250.

Doncaster •Doncastercharlotte.com

join us on ... September 21

Friday, September 21, 2012 • 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.The Park Expo & Conference Center,2500 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205- - - - - - - -A rich dialogue about beyond surviving, on to thriving and really living.Panelists include . . .Paula Guilfoyle - President, Claim Your Best LifeRamona Holloway - Co Host, The Matt and Ramona ShowReza Nazemzadeh, MD - The Levine Cancer Institute- - - - - - - -Tickets available at www.belvascancerfoundation.orgAll proceeds benefit the Belva Wallace Greenage Cancer Foundation.sponsored by:

A Breakfast with

4th Annual

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Asymmetrical leather jacket, $530; cap-sleevesilk tee, $166; stretch wool pants, $166.

LaFayette • Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com

From left, violet melange Tropical wooljacket, $425; violet melange Tropical woolskirt, $240; black cotton/wool coat, $525;violet melange wool pant, $370; blackItalian handbag, $395.Doncaster • Doncastercharlotte.com

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5146 Parkway Plaza Blvd. • Charlotte, NC 28217704.365.5490 • DoreAcademy.org

Dore Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, religion, creed, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions, financial aid policies or employment practices.

OUR OPEN HOUSE WILL OPEN MORE THAN DOORS FOR YOUR CHILD.

It will open a world of opportunities beyond their imagination. Our focus on students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder means your child receives an education that helps close the gap and provides a path to educational success.Visit us in September in our beautiful new building to see the difference Dore Academy can make in your child's life.

Open House Mini Tours

8:15-9:00amSeptember 6, 13, 20, 27Tour begins promptly at 8:15 amRSVP 704-365-5490 [email protected]

Neck-tie print dress with gold-tone buttons. $495.

Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com[TCW]

AtHome

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office

Rogers Writing Desk; Kelly Bookcases,prices unavailable. Mirage • Lexington Home Brands

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merican homes have undergone radical change inthe age of the Internet. Domestic environmentsare acknowledging technological change, and areflection of this is evident in the fact that mosthomes now include a home office. >

The Home Office Meets Wireless Technology

By Judy Gentry

officespace

A

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Today, the trend is to fuse togetherthis new technology with our home of-fice design concepts. As more peoplereplace their desktop computers withlaptops and iPads, the large desk and ar-moires that used to house componentsare being replaced. With today’s tech-nology, the majority of important in-formation is stored in your laptop, andso the need for additional storage indesk drawers has been eliminated.Smaller, sleeker desks with little storagespace are now being chosen over thelarge desks of the past. Storage space in the home office is

still important, and organization is a

must. Consider space needed for aprinter, drawers to accommodate yourrecords and files, and shelves to storeyour office supplies. Define how muchstorage space you need to meet yourrequirements. There are many new, in-novative cabinets and bookcases avail-able that will compliment your smaller,sleeker desk. When furnishing that home office,

take time to consider how your fur-nishings will accommodate your tech-nology needs in advance, before mak-ing any new purchases. Remember tofind a way to discreetly hide all cords,even if you have to call in a profes-

sional to help with design elements.Space littered with cords can make abeautiful piece of furniture appear un-attractive and cluttered.It’s also important to factor in who

will use your home office, and theamount of time that will be spent inthe room. Determining whether it’s aone-person office or an office used bythe entire family will help you decidethe amount of desk and storage spacerequired, as well as the kind of organi-zational tools that are needed. Try toanticipate any changes that your familymay encounter over the next severalyears, so the space meets not only your

AtHomePoets Crossing Writing Desk,

price unavailable. Royal Kahala • Lexington Home Brands

Wyatt weathered wood table desk; JohnsonBookcases (two shown), prices unavailable.Barton Creek By Sligh• Lexington Home Brands

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YOUR FACE IS THE FIRST THING PEOPLE SEE.ENTRUST IT TO EXPERT HANDS.

The face is the most visible area of the body and contains many intricate parts. So when choosing a cosmetic surgeon, shouldn’t you choose someone who knows the face in and out? At Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A., our award-winning group of physicians are fellowship trained in cosmetic surgery of the face and eyes. From BOTOX® to �llers such as Juvederm® to complex cosmetic surgical procedures, our doctors will work with you to get the results you want and deserve in the safest and most e�ective way possible.

Put your best face forward. Choose CEENTA.

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current needs but your future needs,as well.Of course, the focus of your home

office should be productivity and work.However, the space should also reflectthe people who live there. Surroundyourself with things that inspire you!Infuse your personal style into the areaand create a sense of comfort thatpleases your senses and makes yousmile.

Source: Judy Gentry is director of The Designers Guild Program for Stickley Audi & Company Furniture. [TCW]

Wyatt weathered wood table desk; JohnsonBookcases (two shown), prices unavailable.Barton Creek By Sligh• Lexington Home Brands

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SoSocialO U T A N D A B O U T I N T H E Q U E E N C I T Y

Vintage Charlotte's Amy Herman with Erin Keaton, and Jena Hannon. Stephanie Godbold and daughter Reid.

Brooke Sloan Gibbons

Morineki Brooks From left, Charlotte Style contributor Ariene Bethea poses with Wells Fargo’s Carolyn Cobb.

Vintage Charlotte hosted its Summer Market on June 23 at The Annex, located at 3128 The Plaza. The event drew a whopping 800 customers. Vintage Charlotte, created by Amy Herman, specializes in “pop-up vintage shops and flea markets.”

Michael C. HernandezHappy-Go-Lucky, Photographer

704.737.1737 | capturehappy.com

EDITORIAL | MARKET ING | BRANDING | COMMERCIAL

TANGIBLE

PHOTOGRAPHY

Capture Happy Full Page.indd 2 7/24/12 4:18 PM

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contributors

Glenn Roberson“Gorgeous. Not me, no. But, rather, what I do. I do gorgeous. Weddings. Fashion. Portraiture. Dance. Youcan call it photojournalism, with a fashion feel. Serving theworld from my Lake Norman studio. And that’s Glenn withtwo ‘n’s and Roberson with no ‘t.’ ”

Glenn Roberson Photographyglennroberson.com | [email protected] | 704/307-9543

Michael C. Hernandez“When I was a little boy, my parents subscribed to National Geographic, Time, andNewsweek. These three magazines became my reading homework and, eventually, myticket into the world. Every night I would read aloud to my parents and flip throughthe pages. But what captured my imagination were the photographs … the photographsof people and the stories imprinted on their faces. It changed everything. Bottom line,I love to make people happy through pictures. Much like cooking a meal for some-one, you can’t wait to hear that they love it.”

Capture Happy Photography capturehappy.com | [email protected] | 704/737-1737

Breast Cancer AwarenessWomen who are leading the charge!

Fall Fashion ExtravaganzaWe invite local boutiques to be a part of the story!

For advertising information call 704-612-4109 ext [email protected]

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If you are a business orprofessional wanting to targetnew households, contact The

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Breast Cancer AwarenessWomen who are leading the charge!

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uccess stopped by the other day. She was in theneighborhood and, having nothing better to do, shepulled up to my house in an old Thunderbird. I wassitting on my front porch and saw her get out of the

car. She slammed the passenger door and walked across thegrass, not bothering with the walkway. Her driver looked a lotlike Don Knotts.For some people, Success is a tall, svelte creature with cas-

cading blonde or auburn locks … but when she comes to visitme, she’s a bit plump, about 5’5” tall, with curly brown hair,brown eyes, and a somewhat ruddy complexion. She hoistedherself up the porch steps and practically fell into the rockingchair next to mine.“Good Lord,” she exclaimed. (Yes, she did exclaim, just like

someone in an elementary school textbook.) “The heat!”“It’s something, isn’t it?” I responded.She pulled one of those tiny, battery-operated fans out of the

pocket of her dress and attempted to cool herself off. I didn’t know what to say to Success. She doesn’t visit me

all that often. The thing is, she’s got so much self-confidenceshe’s a little intimidating.“How about your friend, Cheryl?” Success said. “Isn’t she

amazing? Best-selling author. Oprah loves her. Reese Wither-spoon wants to turn her book into a movie!”It was all true. And well-deserved. I was reading Cheryl’s new

book “Wild” myself and had to admit, she was definitely all that. “Yep,” I said. “Thanks for giving her the life I was supposed

to have.”Success just laughed with her trademark carefree abandon.“Oh, don’t you start complaining,” she said and reached

down to pet my blind cat. Then she said, “You know what?

I like you, Pat.”“Why is that?” I wondered.“You never make me work too hard. Remember the other

day when that pretty server at Zada Jane’s asked you if you were‘the author’ after you handed her your credit card? Why, you gotup and hugged her!” “Well, it was the first time that had ever happened to me,”

I said. “You’re easily pleased, Pat,” Success said. “Isn’t that nice? You

don’t demand too much of me. Unlike your other friend, Patti.She’s got to have her books in all the airports and on the fronttables in the bookstores. That was awful nice of you, by the way,to help with her spelling. You, on the other hand, just about wetyourself when someone sends you a letter or an email tellingyou they liked your book. You’re like my Uncle Bob’s cockerspaniel, just wagging your whole rear-end if someone pats youon the head.”I wasn’t sure I liked being compared to a dog, much less a

cocker spaniel. But she did have a point. Success put away her fan, placed her hands on her knees and

pushed herself up to standing.“Well, nice chatting with you, Pat. I’ll be seeing you.”“Really?” I asked. “Soon?”She just smiled enigmatically and walked back to the

Thunderbird without another word.

Success By Pat MacEnulty

Pat MacEnulty is the author of six books, including “Wait Until Tomorrow: A Daughter’sMemoir.” When she isn’t waiting for Successto visit, she is busy teaching and writing.

T H E F I N A L W O R D

T H O U G H T S & M U S I N G S B Y C H A R L O T T E W O M E N

Stopped By The Other Day

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Today’s Charlotte

Woman | A

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Success “Dr. Kortesis did not only raise my selfesteem, but he has changed my life in somany ways,” says Megan F. The 29-year-oldrecently underwent 7 hours of surgery withthe award-winning plastic surgeon. She hadher breasts surgically lifted, her abdomenand hips contoured with liposuction, herabdominal muscles tightened internally,and excess skin excised.

“I couldn't have asked for a better sur-geon, and I don't know if I will be able toever thank him enough. From the very

first consultation to my recent followup appointment, Dr. Kortesis and hisnurses, med spa, and office man-agement have been out of thisworld. They provide the bestcare, bedside manner, and are al-ways willing to answer ques-tions,” she says.

Her experience mirrorsthat of his other patients.Rhonda D. simply stated, “I can-not express my confidenceenough except to say I am highlysatisfied with the results I haveobtained thanks to Dr. Kortesis.My experiences have been of the

utmost care and professionalism.”His bedside manner and excep-

tional surgical techniquehave earned him both the Pa-tients’ Choice Award andCompassionate Doctor Recog-nition for the last 2 years run-ning.

Dr. Kortesis reports his phi-losophy is simple. “I am froma large family, and I treat myfamily with respect. My com-mitment to my patients is todo exactly the same. Everyoneis different, every patient willneed something different, butevery single one deserves my

best,” he says. “I treat my patients just howI would treat someone in my family.”

The Hunstad-Kortesis Center inHuntersville, where Dr. Kortesis is a part-ner, shares the same pledge for superiorservice. “Anyone considering plastic surgeryneeds to make sure his or her surgeon iscertified by the American Board of PlasticSurgery,” says Dr. Kortesis. “Another im-portant consideration is board certificationof anesthesia personnel. Our surgery cen-ter is fully accredited, AAAA-certified andwe only use board-certified MD anesthesi-ologists. We hold ourselves to a very highstandard, and our patients should expectnothing less.”

Dr. Kortesis reports that beyond excel-lent patient service, his focus is on offeringthe latest procedures and technology to pa-tients. “We are constantly evaluating thenewest techniques and equipment out thereto make sure our patients have every op-tion available to them. It may be injectionsfor one patient, laser for another, a surgicalprocedure for another or a combination ofall three. The point is we have everythingavailable. We really are full service and Itake pride in that,” he says.

The public is certainly taking notice ofhis success. Word-of mouth from satisfied

patients has been spreadingthroughout Charlotte andabroad. “The care providedhas been nothing short of ex-cellent,” reports Shaun S., arecent patient. “I have maderecommendations to severalfriends and will gladly con-tinue to do so.” Interestedpersons are encouraged tocontact the Hunstad-KortesisCenter for Cosmetic PlasticSurgery & MedSpa at(704) 659-9000 or visit onlineat hunstadkortesiscenter.com.

11208 Statesville Road • Suite 300 • Huntersville, NC 28078 | 704.659.9000 | www.hunstadkortesiscenter.com

A Woman’s Best Curve is Her SMILE!

Bill G. Kortesis, MD

Photo by Glenn Roberson

today's charlotte woman august 2012

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