Publisher’s Perspective; October 2025

Happy October! As I sit down to write this, I’m still overflowing with gratitude after all the celebrating we did in September. We just marked 20 years of Forsyth Woman Magazine—the publication we launched back in 2005, and the very first in what has since grown into our family of magazines. Two decades later, I still pinch myself. What began as a leap of faith has turned into 20 years of stories told, friendships formed, partnerships built, and countless memories made. None of it would have been possible without our advertisers, team members, and loyal readers who have walked alongside us every step of the way.

In 2020, my daughter Brooke stepped into the leadership role for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family in Winston-Salem, carrying forward the vision while bringing her own fresh energy and passion. Together, we’ve also been able to expand our family of publications with LKN Magazine, which just celebrated its third anniversary this September (quite the happy coincidence that it shares a birthday month with Forsyth Woman!). Watching Brooke thrive in this role has been one of my greatest joys as both a publisher and a mom.

This month’s photo captures a little piece of that joy—Brooke, myself, and a few dear friends enjoying time at Dynamis Estate Wines, one of our advertising partners with a presence in both Forsyth Woman and LKN Magazine. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s truly a must. Nestled away from the noise of everyday life, it feels like a retreat hundreds of miles away, yet it’s just a short drive. It’s one of those places that instantly brings peace and perspective.

I’m also thrilled about this month’s cover feature, which spotlights Zen Psychiatric. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of working with many healthcare professionals, but Zen stands out for the compassion, hope, and genuine dedication they bring to mental health—a topic I believe is more important than ever. Meeting their team reminded me once again that when people love what they do, the impact is far-reaching and deeply felt.

Of course, October also brings fun traditions and community gatherings! On page 41, you’ll find details about the Holiday Sip & Shop, hosted by Bliss by the Lake, Give Back Boutique, and Hilton Garden Inn. This annual fashion show has become one of our favorite events of the season, and it never fails to get me into the holiday spirit a little early.

And then, before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here! For my family, the Christian Mission Turkey Trot is a tradition we treasure. Starting the day with exercise, laughter, and community gives so much meaning to the holiday, and I encourage you to join us this year (read more about Christian Mission on page 56).

Finally, from my heart to yours—thank you. Your encouragement, support, and loyalty make this journey possible. Each issue we publish is truly a love letter to the communities we serve, and we are honored to be part of your lives.

With love and gratitude,

Keela

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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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