Publisher Perspective; Hello, 2025!

We couldn’t be more excited to kick off a brand new year with our January issue, packed with inspiration, community highlights and stories we can’t wait for you to explore.

Our cover story features our friends at NeoGenetics in Cornelius – don’t miss their incredible journey and innovations. Also in this issue, you’ll find Joyful Journey: Supporting NC High Country Recovery While Enjoying Family Fun. This inspiring feature is a beautiful reminder that we can soak in the beauty of Western North Carolina while lending a helping hand to neighbors in need.

As we turn the page on 2024, we’re reminded of how challenges often lead to growth. Tough times aren’t the end of the story – they’re stepping stones to something better.

Back in 2005, when we launched Forsyth Woman (can you believe it’s been 20 years?!), the road wasn’t always smooth. But, with persistence, passion and a whole lot of heart, we navigated those waters and built something that makes us so proud. Two decades later, we’re celebrating growth, connection and an amazing community that inspires us every day.

Click here to watch a recent video sharing the origin story of Forsyth Mags – we’ve come a long way in 20 years! A huge shoutout to Spencer with Dark Waters Creative for bringing our vision to life and collaborating with us on this project. Check out more about Dark Waters Creative. Thank you, Spencer, for capturing this amazing memory!

Brooke – my daughter, business partner, editor, mastermind of the business side of things and my best friend – has been instrumental in making this journey so special. Together, we’re looking ahead to 2025 with excitement and optimism. It feels like a fresh start – a chance to rise, shine and reach new heights. We can’t wait to see what we can achieve together this year!

A huge “thank you” to our incredible advertising partners, ambassadors and readers – you’re the reason this journey is possible. Your support fuels everything we do, and we’re so grateful to have you by our side. Speaking of ambassadors, my #1 ambassador, my mom, turns 85 on January 7th. If you see her out and about, be sure to wish her a happy birthday! I am so blessed to have her (my other best friend) and my dad living so close to us.

And, we’d love to hear from you! If you have ideas or suggestions for the magazine, let us know. We’re always open to fresh inspiration and new ways to serve our community.

Here’s to an amazing year ahead. You’ve got this, and we’re cheering for you every step of the way!

With gratitude and excitement,

Keela & Brooke

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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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