Best Day Wilmington: Sheree Darien

What’s a woman to do with a day free of obligations, budget, or calories? That’s what we asked SHEREE DARIEN for July’s installment of Best Day Wilmington, and she’s prepared to pack her ideal day in the Port City with nonstop fun. 

Up until three years ago, Darien had spent her entire life in the small town of Ridgeland, South Carolina, north of Hilton Head. She built a career in banking and also led a venture to help minority women-owned businesses. Darien hosted a local radio and television program, later a podcast, called “Courageous Conversations with Sheree,” and she wrote her own memoir, Testimony, A Second Chance: Making the Next Time the Best Time. 

But she suddenly felt that she was being called to pick up and move elsewhere. 

She remembers telling a friend, “I’m a faith girl. I feel like God is calling me to move, to relocate.” Shortly afterward, Darien didn’t hesitate when she was offered the opportunity to manage her own branch of REV Federal Credit Union in Wilmington. Under her leadership, the Wilmington office was named branch of the year for 2025. 

“We’re a very small team, but I love them,” Darien says. “It’s three women kicking butt and taking names.”  

Since moving to Wilmington, Darien has immersed herself civically. She chairs the city of Wilmington Loan Review Committee, is president of the Coastal Carolina Visionaries BNI chapter, co-chairs the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce African American Business Council, and she is a member of the boards for the CFCC Foundation and Smart Start of New Hanover. 

“I was so accustomed to serving in my small town,” she says. “I instantly wanted to get plugged into the community.” 

Despite the increase in traffic congestion, Darien says Wilmington reminds her of her hometown, especially with the friendships and community she’s established. 

“I feel like I’ve built a whole new family here,” Darien says. “It’s phenomenal.” 

Here’s Darien’s own phenomenal day in Wilmington to match: 

How are you starting your day?  

“No calories right?! Breakfast at First Watch in Mayfaire for an order of Million Dollar Bacon, lemon ricotta pancakes, coffee, and a delicious glass of Watermelon Wake-Up (watermelon, pineapple, lime, and mint). Can be spiked!” 

Where would you go next? 

“Bestie mani/pedis and Swedish massages with hot stones at Head to Toe Day Spa on Oleander Drive.” 

Who’s the bestie you’re bringing with you?  

“My bestie PATRICIA LOMAX, senior vice president and managing director at Visual Connections of course – she’s another dynamic business professional who is crushing the government contracting space at lightning speed.” 

What’s for lunch?  

“Brunches. We’d share an order of Bangin’ Shrimp Tacos (two flour tortillas loaded with crispy fried shrimp, creamy chipotle sauce, cabbage, and pico de gallo. Chips and salsa on the side.), along with some strawberry and pineapple mimosas.” 

How would you spend the afternoon? 

“Pat and I would wear our best outfits inspired by my favorite stylist, J. BOLIN, and we’d stop for fun accessories at TAMMY KESTING HOUGHTON’s downtown boutique, Purse-a-nality. But the face beat would be done by none other than my daughter SHANICE DARIEN WATSON, an incredible makeup artist who owns N’Hanced Beauty by Shanice. She’d be with us to make sure we’re properly glammed up. Then off to Wrightsville Beach to catch a few rays of sunshine, fresh air and sounds of the ocean during our bestie photo shoot with local photographer MADELINE GRAY!” 

Where are you stopping for a snack?  

“To cool off, we’d head to Playa Bowls for two acai bowls – this time I am not sharing … too good – Pura Vida Playa Acai topped with blueberry flax granola, strawberry, blueberry, honey and Nutella – yum!”   

How about dinner?  

“This is a difficult one – definitely Ruth’s Chris Steak House where I’d order lamb chops with Brussels sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes, and Pat likes steak and a lettuce wedge – a steakhouse classic featuring a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with crispy applewood-smoked bacon, grape tomatoes, and bleu cheese crumbles, all drizzled with a creamy dressing and balsamic glaze. We’d finish dinner with their yummy Bananas Foster! High-five to the general manager KYLE FALABELLA. 

My second choice is just across the street inside the Hotel Ballast at Sugo Italian Steakhouse! This one is on my wish list, but I haven’t experienced it yet.” 

How are you spending the evening out?  

“After dinner we would enjoy a show, symphony or concert at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, the Wilson Center, or Thalian Hall. I love jazz! A sax and serenade would be unforgettable.  

We’d finish the evening along the Riverwalk to watch a drone show near the Battleship or spectacular fireworks display over the Cape Fear River.” 

Editor’s note: Responses were edited for clarity. 

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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