A Look Back

Wilma's 10th Anniversary

 

In its first ten years, hundreds of notable woman have graced the pages of WILMA magazine. From community leaders to creative artists, Wilmington women shared their stories with the rest of the city. Along the way, WILMA constantly looked for ways to improve its content and appearance, staying fresh for readers.

Here are some snapshots from the first decade.

2003 | FEBRUARY

WILMA debuts! “It’s our hope the premier issue of Wilmington’s first magazine for women exceeds the expectations of all who’ve eagerly awaited its publication,” publisher Joy Allen writes in the issue.

2003 | APRIL

WILMA interviews the women who make the North Carolina Azalea Festival run each year.

2003 | AUGUST

Rosemary DePaolo talks about becoming the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s the first female chancellor.

2004 | MAY

Rhonda Bellamy (now executive director of the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County) discusses her radio career. At the time, she was radio news director, anchor, and talk show host for Cumulus Broadcasting.

2004 | OCTOBER

UNCW’s Crew Club member Jessica Claflin helps launch the inaugural Head of the Cape Fear Regatta along the downtown riverfront. More than 75 teams competed in the rowing competition.

2005 | JULY

Tattoo artist Sarah Peacock talks about her work. Find her again in this month’s issue (page 31) on working with breast cancer survivors.

2005 | AUGUST

WILMA initially featured local artists’ pieces on its front covers, such as this one by Acme Art Studios co-founder Pamela Toll.

2005 | SEPTEMBER

Early WILMAs also included a “Retrospective” feature about Wilmington’s history and the women who played prominent roles. Shown here is educator and reformer Amy Morris Bradley.

2005 | NOVEMBER

In its first redesign, WILMA evolves to a glossy magazine format with color pages, showcasing new features and more photographs.

2006 | JANUARY

Empowering younger readers also has been a regular theme for WILMA, including this feature story focusing on Wilmington groups with programs for girls.

2006 | FEBRUARY

The Costin house was one of many featured in WILMA’s “Gracious Home” feature.

2006 | JULY

Another regular feature was “Portrait of an Artist,” highlighting local artists’ inspiration and work. Here Anne Brennan (then curator for the Cameron Art Museum, now the museum’s executive director) shows off a piece by Allen D. “Big Al” Carter while talking about her own return to painting.

2007 | NOVEMBER

Erica Dunton’s feature film RedMeansGo takes place in Wilmington and is shown at the Cucalorus Film Festival. Later, in 2011, Dunton won Best of NEXT: Audience Award at Sundance for To.get.her (see Spotlight, page 7).

2008 | FEBRUARY

WILMA turns five as founder Joy Allen sells the magazine to current publisher Rob Kaiser.

2008 | MARCH

The organic food trend runs strong in Wilmington, and WILMA details the local options for readers.

2008 | SEPTEMBER

After surveying readers, WILMA undergoes another major redesign, adding new sections for stories about health, style, eco-friendly living, work issues, and female newsmakers. The issue also debuts the “Checking Out” feature, WILMA’s nod to interesting and profile-worthy men in the area.

2009 | FEBRUARY

Local designer Amanda deLeon shares her clothing pieces with WILMA. She’s now in New Orleans with her own line.

2009 | JUNE

WILMA launches the annual Wilma Dash, Wilmington first all-female 5K. Other events started for readers include WILMA Nights.

2010 | MARCH

Cover model Gov. Beverly Perdue, North Carolina’s first female governor, is one of several women profiled for blazing trails in government, including former city councilwoman Lethia Hankins and former city manager Mary Gornto.

2010 | JUNE

Weddings take a new spin with a feature about second-time brides, such as Gloria Fortune who got married on the Battleship North Carolina.

2010 | DECEMBER

Wilmington’s first lady Renee Saffo, wife of Wilmington mayor Bill Saffo, gives festive holiday tips.

2011 | SEPTEMBER

For the annual Dwellings issue, WILMA peeks inside a downtown Wilmington loft formerly owned by actor Dennis Hopper and renovated by Donald Lashley and his wife, Kara.

2011 | AUGUST

Former New Hanover County school board member Elizabeth Redenbaugh talks about receiving a 2011 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and the controversy over neighborhood schools.

2011 | DECEMBER

With the television show One Tree Hill wrapping up nine seasons of shooting in Wilmington, actress Sophia Bush reflects on her time living and filming in Wilmywood.

2012 | FEBRUARY

Local designers boldly show off their designs at a Fort Fisher shoot. Three beautiful red-haired models wore warm shades of red, garnet, and purple.

2012 | MARCH

Fran Scarlett, director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center at UNCW, gives financial advice and negotiation tips for women.

2012 | OCTOBER

WILMA launches its Women to Watch awards, showcasing rising leaders in areas such as local business, arts, and education. The magazine received nominations from the community and honored award recipients at an event and on the cover.