Most Read Stories

For almost twenty years now, WILMA magazine has been sharing the stories of women in the region, from those in business to health to mentors to artists and more. As the year comes to an end, we’d like to look back at some stories that readers enjoyed in 2022.

We’ve gathered a list of the most-read stories on our website this year. Some profile women and their ventures or projects, and others are style features that showcase local stylists, boutiques, models, and locations.

Cool Ranch
Intro by NINA BAYS COURNOYER, styled and photographed by DREWE AND KATE

WILMA’s style shoot in October focused on drawing inspiration from the ranch, taking equestrian clothing, and translating them to a more wearable, everyday wardrobe.

Writer Nina Bays Cournoyer had this advice for those trying to achieve the equestrian aesthetic: “Keep the lines clean, the accessories to a minimum and the palette to warm hues of blue, caramel, and charcoal.”

Model SARAH HOFFER wore clothing from S. Worsley Boutique in Wilmington and had hair and makeup by CLARE SVENSSON of Delphine & James. The photoshoot took place at Old Homestead Farm in Rocky Point.

Switching Paths
Written by LYNDA VAN KUREN, photography BY ARIS HARDING

This March issue story looked at the journey KATELYN MAGINNES went through in discovering her love for yoga and her decision to open Port City Power Yoga.

With a background in dancing, Maginnes began a career in textile design but missed the body movement and connection that she experienced while dancing. She found this joy again in yoga, prompting her to become a yoga teacher after moving to Wilmington in 2020 and eventually opening Port City Power Yoga in November 2021.

“I love teaching yoga,” she says in the story. “I enjoy seeing the transformation in people, seeing their journey and the pride they have in the work they’ve done. I love when people come back to the studio because I know I’ve made a difference in their lives.”

Chemo Comforters
Written by SHERRI CRAWFORD, photography BY ARIS HARDING

WILMA started out the year with this story on finding a solution to a problem. The January issue told the story of registered nurse COURTNEY WILSON who founded ComfyChemo after working at a chemotherapy infusion room and noticing a need for clothing that makes cancer treatment sessions more comfortable.

This includes zippered shirts that help make it easier to acccess a patient’s port for the patient and the nurse. The company launched in 2010, initially being made by hand. Now, the clothing is mass-produced with plans on adding more options for patients with ports in their arms.

“Day by day and patient by patient,” Wilson reflects in the story, “we will always strive to provide a little extra comfort and sunshine on treatment days and continue towards our long-term goal of ‘making each treatment day Brighter’ for every patient bravely taking on whatever battle they are facing.”

Swimwear Startup
Written by KATIE SCHMIDT, photography BY TERAH HOOBLER

BECCA INGLE’S design for swimsuits solved pain points many women experienced with swimwear: uncomfortable and not flattering. Plus, she sought to appeal to mothers who wanted matching kids’ swimwear.

After not being able to find partners that saw her vision, she found a manufacturer in California to work with on samples and launched LainSnow in April 2021, selling out within 30 minutes.

Swimsuits include a signature ribbed, one-piece suit with kids’ options as well as bikinis and the introduction of new colors and patterns.

“This all started because I wanted a swimsuit that was sexy, held you in, and that I didn’t have to worry about,” Ingle says in the September WILMA story. “But it’s been so incredible seeing everything take off so fast. I’m trying to just enjoy the moment.”

Programming the Future
Written by MICHELLE SAXTON, photography BY TERAH HOOBLER

Wilmington’s bourgeoning tech scene, largely influenced by fintech startups, has prompted businesses and local educators to collaborate to launch a new job training program to grow local tech talent. Behind this program is ROSEMARY GUENDNER, workforce training coordinator at Cape Fear Community College.

In the January WILMA digital story we highlighted her efforts in helping the college and several local tech companies design a software development foundations program that offers specific training employers need today. Writer MICHELLE SAXTON also talked to local tech entrepreneurs about what they are looking for in employees.

The program includes the launch of a first-level course, Software Development I, and is part of the college’s economic and workforce development division, which provides short-term job training to help people get good-paying jobs.

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