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Oct 9, 2026

Locally sourced, family-owned: No-BS Meats celebrates the opening of its new storefront in downtown Fayetteville

Nikole (pictured) and Lakota Shawn began selling their meat at farmers markets and in an online store in 2024. Now, they’ve opened their first brick-and-mortar location. Photo by GFBJ.The Shawn family believes in quality, locally sourced food, and th ...

Sep 28, 2026

See the brilliance: Dunn artist creates and sells glass artwork that shines brightly

Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken ...

Sep 27, 2026

Art that serves others: How a Harnett County muralist is making a lasting mark in her community

Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her ar ...

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SPONSORS' CONTENT
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Cory Worrell
Cape Fear Eye Associates

Cape Fear Eye Associates: Setting a Higher Standard in Vision Care

Posted Aug 2, 2026
For decades, Cape Fear Eye Associates has been a trusted leader in comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, combining board-certified expertise, advanced technology, and patient-centered care. The practice provides a full spectrum of services, fr
  ...read entire article
Sep 2, 2026

Fort Bragg Veteran celebrates expansion of high-end experiential entertainment brand

Photo provided by EscapologyAfter 15 years as an Army officer at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville resident Dan Cooke transitioned to business ownership to bring high-end experiential entertainment to North Carolina, applying strict military operational syste ...

Aug 27, 2026

Fulfilling community needs: Fayetteville dynamic duo built three businesses on a passion for food and community

After workshopping the idea for a new restaurant concept with a few regular customers, Brian and Staci decided to take a chance on Napkins, their first business and Brian’s first experience owning a restaurant. ...

Aug 27, 2026

Catering from the heart: Family-owned Two Brothers Catering keeps community hearts and stomachs full

Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo ...

Jul 31, 2026

Bearded soldier to brand manager: Chad Kraken's journey to building his business empire

The KRAKEN-SKULLS brand includes a barbershop, a tattoo shop, a T-shirt company, an embroidery company, a website design company, a media marketing and graphic design company and an auto shop. Photos by GFBJ.When Chad Kraken retired from the military ...

Jul 31, 2026

From agritourism to event spaces: How Fred and Anita Surgeon prioritize people in business

Fred Surgeon, with the support of his wife Anita, owns and operates Surgeon &Associates, Inc, a family of businesses with everything from agritourism, pestcontrol, cleaning services and behavioral health services. Photos provided by Fred Surgeon. ...

Jul 30, 2026

From vision to action: Fayetteville entrepreneur builds portfolio of businesses centered on community and connection

: Sisters With A Purpose Foundation focuses on empowering women, youth and families through mentorship, educational workshops and community outreach. Photos provided by Santina Thomas.When Santina Thomas saw a need in the market, she didn’t wait for ...


Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
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Cape Fear Eye Associates: Setting a Higher Standard in Vision Care

Cory Worrell - Director of Marketing, Cape Fear Eye Associates
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Bringing Color Back into Her Life After Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Michael Sundborg, M.D. - Gynecologic Oncologist, FirstHealth of the Carolinas
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Putting mental health first: Inside Cape Fear Valley Health’s behavioral health system

John Bigger - Corporate Director of Behavioral Health, Sleep Medicine and Clinical Research, Cape Fear Valley Health

In The Current Issue

Locally sourced, family-owned: No-BS Meats celebrates the opening of its new storefront in downtown Fayetteville

Nikole (pictured) and Lakota Shawn began selling their meat at farmers markets and in an online store in 2024. Now, they’ve opened their first brick-and-mortar location. Photo by GFBJ.The Shawn family believes in quality, locally sourced food, and th


Building TJB Realty: Tracey Jones-Brooks brings a people-first approach to real estate

Tracey Jones-Brooks REALTOR®, ABR®, is eager to continue growing her business in Fayetteville, and a new office space is going to help make that dream a reality.


Best at 910 Future Fest: First-ever 910 Future Fest Pitch Competition provides a spotlight for local budding businesses

Winners of the inaugural pitch competition were Omega Air, Rebirth-Heart and Mind PLLC, Sprinkle Me Pink, LLC and Fedora Elite Mobile Cigar Experience. Following an event-packed weekend, four Fayetteville-based entrepreneurs were given a leg up