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!
Brooke Culler is the publisher of Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family Magazines and the host of the Forsyth Magazines Podcast. She was born and raised in Clemmons, NC and currently resides in Winston-Salem, NC. Though Brooke graduated from High Point University with a degree in Elementary Education, she chose to join the magazines full time immediately after college.
Her strong work ethic, love for community and leadership skills have been recognized by others as well! Brooke is the Immediate Past President of the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Professional Women of Winston-Salem (now Triad Women’s Club) and served on the Trellis Support Leadership Council (previously Hospice of Winston-Salem). In addition to her role with the magazines, Brooke is the co-owner of Washington Park CrossFit. Her role with the magazines and the gym aligns perfectly with her personal mission of having a positive impact on the growth and development of her local community.
In her spare time, Brooke loves spending time with her family and friends, especially when that time is spent on the water! She loves wake surfing, snowboarding, CrossFit, and being a dog mom to her Bernedoodle and German Shepherd.
Lead Account Executive | Specializing in Bi-Annual Wedding Issues & Local Business Storytelling
A native of North Carolina’s Piedmont, Jennie Hess is no stranger to building connections and creating meaningful experiences. After spending the early part of her career in advertising sales—including serving as Forsyth Woman’s lead account executive for Forsyth Woman Engaged from 2009 to 2014—Jennie took her love of people, service, and storytelling into the world of hospitality and events.
Over the next decade, she played key roles in shaping some of North Carolina’s most beloved venues and brands, including co-owning Perfect Pair Events and helping launch both Foothills Brewing’s Footnote event space and Dynamis Estate Wines. Most recently, she led hospitality efforts at Shelton Vineyards, where she perfected the art of making every guest feel at home.
Now, Jennie is thrilled to return to her publishing roots as the newest Account Executive with Forsyth Magazines. Known for her warmth, creativity, and deep understanding of what connects communities, Jennie is excited to help local businesses share their stories in fresh and meaningful ways.
When she’s not meeting with clients or brainstorming ideas, Jennie and her husband, Terry, enjoy a little extra flexibility in their schedule these days—often sneaking away for some well-earned downtime at the beach.
Ambassador | Community Storyteller
A Winston-Salem native, Barbara Minor recently moved back to North Carolina after 30 years in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout her childhood, Barbara spent a lot of time at the lake, as her father and his family were from Mooresville, Newton and the surrounding lake area. It was her dream to return to the lake one day and she is very happy to now call the Westport/Denver area of Lake Norman home.
Most of Barbara’s professional career was in administration and marketing, and she was a long time Marketing Coordinator and Executive Assistant for a global commercial construction company and engineering firm. Some form of sales has always been a part of Barbara’s career and she loves sharing what she is passionate about. She is delighted to join the LKN Magazine team so she can continue sharing what the local people and businesses of Lake Norman are all about and have to offer.
Barbara has two grown step-sons in Atlanta, GA, and Melbourne, FL, and they are both excited about visiting and learning the lake area. Barbara enjoys tennis, pickleball, reading, cooking, paddle boarding, and boating. As the Lake Norman area continues to grow, she thinks LKN Magazine is a great avenue to spread the word about how great life on the lake is, and the benefits to both the locals and the local organizations alike.
Lake Norman Ambassadors | Sharing LKN Magazine and building connections throughout the Lake Norman community
Charlie is an Air Force Veteran who joined the Bell System telecommunications company after his honorable discharge. He was an installer/repairman, engineer, technical writer, and a manager. He had 33 years’ service with New York Telephone, Western Electric, AT&T General Departments and Lucent Technologies.
He and his wife, Marianne, retired before they were 55 so that they could pursue their dream of sailing. They have sailed over 20,000 miles and at one time lived on a 42’ sailboat for four years.
Some of Charlie’s other accomplishments include being a leader and teacher in the United States Power Squadron, aka, America’s Boating Club for over 30 years; starting a new squadron in 2000, which is still in full operation; being a leader and teacher in the church for 30 plus years; and a leader and teacher in the “Walk to Emmaus” for over twenty five years.
They moved to the Lake Norman area from Little River, SC after living there for 30 years. They are adventurers and love sharing their stories. You can find his articles in LKN Magazine under ‘One Man’s Perspective’.
Events Manager & Executive Assistant | Creating Community Connections Across Forsyth County & Greater Lake Norman
Shonda joined the Forsyth Mags family in 2018 after a move from Minnesota introduced her to the magazines as a great resource to get settled into her new community. “I started reading Forsyth Woman at my daughter’s swim lessons,” Shonda said. “It had everything I needed being new to the area – fabulous restaurants, unique stores, and things to do. I got a job working for Busy as a Bee Concierge, because I saw an ad in the magazine.”
After a chance meeting with Brooke and Keela, Shonda began assisting with the magazine’s monthly Girls’ Night Out events, and the rest is history! “It has been the biggest blessing for me,” she said. “I love being a part of this amazing team!”
In her spare time, Shonda enjoys helping rescue puppies, paddle boarding, cooking, woodworking, being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two kids, Zach and Courtney.
Senior Writer | Community Storyteller
A long-time member of the Forsyth Magazines writing team, Martie is originally from High Point, and has a degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She’s a Carolina girl in every sense of the word – she loves Carolina basketball!
Martie has two grown sons, Beau and Matthew, who are the light of her life, and an adorable terrier mix named Murray joined their family last year as well!
Martie enjoys traveling and listening to music. She loves the camaraderie of the women involved with the magazines, and the chance to spotlight and support small businesses.
Senior Writer | Community Storyteller
Social Media Manager
Creative Director
Currently residing in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and two rescue dogs, Kate is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design and a fan of clean, impactful design, big ideas, high heels, and taking the road less traveled.
Ever since Kate was little, she dreamed of being a professional ballerina. After turning that dream into a reality and dancing professionally throughout the country, Kate took her artistic passion down a different path, beginning her career at an advertising agency as an Art Director and working her way up to Associate Creative Director.
Now, as a freelance Graphic Designer and Art Director, she enjoys working with local clients and bringing their dreams into reality—like LKN Magazine!
LKN Magazine is a free monthly publication serving the greater Lake Norman area, created to highlight the people, businesses, and stories that make this community unique. Each issue connects business, lifestyle, and local culture through storytelling, from small businesses and entrepreneurs to events and everyday moments.
Family-owned and locally operated, LKN Magazine provides a trusted platform for residents, newcomers, and visitors alike, with thousands of copies distributed across the Lake Norman region. More than advertising, the magazine offers connection, visibility, and long-term community impact.
Stay up to date with our events and get exclusive article content right to your inbox!
