The Publisher’s Perspective; October 2024

photos by: Carrie Allen

I can’t believe it’s already been two years since I began this journey with LKN Magazine! We’re thrilled to be planning a special night to celebrate this milestone, and we’d love for you to join us at the Cain Center for the Arts on Tuesday, October 22nd for an unforgettable evening. We can’t wait to gather with friends, family, advertising partners, and readers to honor the incredible Lake Norman community. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter at lkn-magazine.com for more details on how to register!

Although LKN Magazine officially launched two years ago, its story started long before—in 2020—when I handed the reins of our family of magazines over to my daughter. The timing was perfect: she was 30, I was 60, and after 15 years of working together, she had more than earned her place as leader. Since then, she’s taken our publications to heights I never imagined. I couldn’t be prouder of her, especially for launching the Women’s Conference in 2021, which has blossomed into a major success. The fourth annual Women on the Move Conference will take place on March 20, 2025, at the beautiful Legacy Stables and Events. Be sure to follow @forsythmags on Instagram to stay in the loop!

In 2022, she added to her achievements by launching the Forsyth Magazines’ podcast, and once again, she blew me away! Ranking in the top 3% of podcasts worldwide, she’s an absolute natural behind the mic—captivating, insightful, and authentic, she has a way of drawing people in and making every conversation memorable.

As for me, it only took a few weeks after passing the torch to realize that publishing and connecting people is in my blood—I wasn’t quite ready to step away! With our home in Lake Norman, I wanted to make a meaningful impact in the community my husband and I have grown to love. Now, two years into LKN Magazine, I couldn’t be happier and am excited for what’s ahead. Meanwhile, my first “baby,” Forsyth Woman, will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, and I can’t wait to see how my daughter marks that milestone. It’s sure to be spectacular!

This issue is particularly special because of the couple featured on our cover. They’ve been advertising partners with Forsyth Woman for over 12 years, and our connection goes even further back—Cheri’s grandparents and my parents were best friends! Our families have grown up together, and I’m beyond thrilled to share their story. Don’t miss it on page 28!

We’re so grateful you’re here, reading a magazine that truly is a labor of love every single month. I feel incredibly blessed to do what I love every day.

Happy Fall, y’all! 🍂

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Keela Johnson

Hello! I’m Keela Johnson, the founder and publisher of Forsyth Magazines, a family of three publications that began in 2005 in Forsyth County, NC. After living in Clemmons for 30 years, I "retired" to Lake Norman and discovered a vibrant, active community filled with friendly people and new hobbies like paddle boarding, walking, and gardening. But with publishing in my blood, I quickly recognized an exciting opportunity to engage further with the wonderful Lake Norman community. Now, as the publisher of LKN Magazine, I’m thrilled to be part of a growing platform that celebrates the Lake Norman area. My daughter, Brooke Eagle, now co-owner and publisher, has been instrumental in helping take our family of magazines to new heights, and together, we’re continuing to share stories and promote local businesses in meaningful ways. At the heart of everything we do is the belief in the power of community. We’re passionate about creating a platform where local businesses can grow organically and meaningfully, and we’re excited to bring that same vision to the Lake Norman market. LKN Magazine proudly serves Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties, from Statesville to North Charlotte. In addition to print and online advertising, LKN Magazine offers a comprehensive range of services to help tell your story—including editorial features, social media promotion, and a monthly newsletter. You can subscribe to our newsletter at lkn-magazine.com to stay connected with all that’s happening around the Lake Norman community. We’re so grateful to be part of such dynamic communities in Forsyth and Lake Norman, and I’m honored to continue this journey with you. Let’s keep sharing stories, supporting local businesses, and building something meaningful together. Here’s to many more years of growth, connection, and celebration!

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