Publisher’s Perspective; January 2026

Happy New Year!

They say the older you get, the faster time flies—and I believe it more with each passing year. I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that my number-one guy turns 70 on January 1st! With so many January birthdays in our family, we’ll be celebrating all month long, and it feels like the perfect way to welcome a brand-new year.

As the saying goes, it takes a village—and that couldn’t be more true for this magazine. I’m incredibly grateful for the constant support and encouragement behind the scenes, especially from my husband, who is always there cheering me on. From long drives around the lake delivering magazines and visiting clients to countless trips back to Winston-Salem, we’ve learned to make the most of the time together—and we truly make a great team.

This January issue is especially exciting for LKN Magazine as we proudly introduce the Best of the Lake Awards in partnership with the Lake Norman Home Builders Association. We are honored to help spotlight the outstanding builders, designers, and industry professionals who play such an important role in shaping the homes—and lifestyles—of our Lake Norman community. A heartfelt thank-you to Sandra Piazza and Jessica Richmond for guiding me through my very first Best of the Lake Awards—I truly couldn’t have done it without you. And of course, to my business partner and baby girl, Brooke, whose constant support means more to me than words can say.

Whether you’re planning to build, dreaming up a renovation, or simply gathering inspiration for a future kitchen or bath refresh, this section offers a wonderful look at the talent, creativity, and craftsmanship available right here in our backyard.

A new year always brings fresh ideas, new goals, and a renewed appreciation for home—where we gather, celebrate milestones, and make memories with the people we love most. It’s a privilege to share stories that reflect those moments and the community that makes Lake Norman such a special place to live.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes each month. Here’s to a joyful January, meaningful connections, and an exciting year ahead.

With so much 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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