Category: In Our Community

Oh Momma Monday: Tori Fox, Barre3

Tracy LathanBlog, In Our Community, Oh Momma Monday, Owning a Business, , ,

We are fortunate to live in a community with so many inspiring female business owners, entrepreneurs, bloggers and professionals. What I find truly amazing is that many of these women are also running households and raising young children. I, for one, am always looking for tips on how working moms are able to juggle everything. So during the next few months, Oh Momma Monday will be sharing a view into the lives of some of these busy women. Hopefully, something you read here inspires you!

Tori Fox wears many hats – entrepreneur, business owner, wife, mother of two young girls, motivator. In the spring of 2014, Tori opened Barre3 Raleigh-Five Points and since day one has been changing the lives, bodies and minds of women across the Triangle. Her positive energy is infectious – I was hooked after the first class! We were able to catch up with Tori to find out what inspired her to start her business and how she manages to maintain a healthy balance.

What is your occupation/business?

Owner, Barre3 Raleigh – Five Points

What inspired you to start your own business?

I knew what I wanted didn’t exist in Raleigh. So it was up to me to get it here. In a word – passion.

How has your career/professional life changed since becoming a mom?

It’s a lot more challenging to have a career once children enter the picture. I stayed at home until my youngest daughter was two and my oldest was five. If I’m perfectly honest, I have a lot of guilt when I’m working because I’m not with my kids and guilt when I’m with my kids that I have so much work to do. However, I wouldn’t trade either for the world. It just requires a lot of juggling.

Any tips for juggling work and motherhood?

I’m really working on being more present…present when I’m at work and present when I’m with my kids. It helps with the aforementioned guilt. Additionally, we live by the calendar.

Most important thing motherhood has taught you…

To appreciate the little things. My girls notice everything and often we must stop whatever we are doing (whether we are late or not) to admire things. Sometimes you just have to stop, take a breath and look at the beautiful things around you.

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Describe your personal style.

Ah, I love jeans, comfy flats and soft t-shirts, but you usually find me in work-out clothes.

What is your philosophy regarding healthy eating/lifestyle?

Moderation! I do not deprive myself of my favorite comfort foods, but I don’t over indulge. We eat organic fruits, vegetables and meats whenever possible. We stay away from dairy (except my husband) unless it’s too good to pass up.

Obviously, I love exercise. In addition to teaching Barre3, I take it. Nothing feels as great as a sore tush. I love a great run, and I’m also exploring yoga these days.

What is a favorite place you have visited or trip you have taken?

Positano, Italy. The culture is so easy going, the scenery is breath-taking and the food is fresh, local and delicious.

What do you enjoy doing when you have down time? (Does that ever really happen?)

Sleep! Ha. Seriously, my favorite thing is travel.

What are your favorite Raleigh hotspots? 

My husband and I really enjoyed Death and Taxes. You’ll find me at b.good Raleigh 3-5 times a week grabbing lunch. I love Glenwood Grill bar for dinner with my good friend. The bartender, Chad, is the best. Umstead Spa. Acupuncture at Bloom Integrative Health. Dr. Dishman is fabulous!

What are three of your “faves” right now? 

Harvest Kale Salad at b.good Raleigh-add chicken and avocado, Rag n Bone Boyfriend Jeans (thank you, Style Hawk) and playing “Spot it” with my kids before bed. Gracie is finally old enough to participate.

For an inside look at other inspirational moms, check out these previous Oh Momma Monday posts.

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Video of the Week: Principal Nae Naes

Cherith AndesBlog, Clairemont Client News, In Our Community, , , , , , 3 Comments on Video of the Week: Principal Nae Naes

Stacey Alston may be the new principal in town, but he’s committed to building strong school spirit at East Wake High School this year. Watch what Stacey does at his first fall homecoming pep rally to engage with his students and show school support!

Clairemont had the pleasure of meeting Principal Alston through our clients at Wendell Falls who are joining forces with East Wake High School to continue to improve public education in our community. Hats off to East Wake High School and Wendell Falls for their dedication to local students!

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What Does Your Neighborhood Say About You?

Tracy LathanBlog, In Our Community, Real Estate PR, , , , ,

One of the many benefits of living in the Triangle is the multitude of options when it comes to neighborhoods and places to live. Whether you are seeking the right community for your growing family, single and looking for your first place or find yourself with an empty nest looking to downsize, there is a place for everyone. We also know there are a lot of factors that come into play when making a home-buying decision, including location, price, amenities, etc. But how important is the “personality” of the neighborhood and the type of buyer it attracts?

A recent article in the Triangle Business Journal called my attention to a blog post on Movoto titled Where to Live in Raleigh For Every Personality Type. After first reading this, I agreed it could be considered stereotypical, but I believe that there are some important takeaways.

As a long-time Five Points resident, I agree that my beloved neighborhood definitely has a “people-person personality.” Although you get much less house for your money than you would farther out, the eclectic feel, urban convenience and sense of community have kept me here for nearly 15 years.

The article also references the “trendy souls” and the “party animals” that are looking for options in downtown Raleigh. There is no doubt downtown Raleigh residential real estate is booming. One of our clients, The Lincoln Apartments, is preparing for its grand opening in just a few short weeks and, not surprisingly, the target demographic is hip, young professionals in their 20s and 30s who want to be able to walk to work, shops and restaurants.

It makes sense that people want to live in a community with others who are at a similar place in life and who share like interests. They want to be able to connect with and relate to their neighbors. And while we certainly don’t want to stereotype these communities, it can be helpful for those who are new to the area as they figure out the best fit.

Check out the Movoto article referenced above. Do you agree with these descriptions? Did they get the neighborhood’s personality type right?

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The Evolution of Food Delivery Service

Sarah HattmanBlog, In Our Community, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR, , , , , , , , ,

With the rise of services such as UberEssentials, Google Express, local produce delivery companies such as Papa Spud’s (former Clairemont client and still loved by our team!) and monthly snack subscription boxes, you can plan to have groceries and orders of most food items delivered to your door. But what about when you want just a little something, and you want it now?

“I want something sweet.” It’s a common phrase heard at the Clairemont House – especially in the afternoon hours after lunch.

One of the perks of working in Downtown Raleigh is all the great dining options. From Oakwood Cafe to Centro – and every food genre in between the two – chances are you can find it in Downtown Raleigh. What makes it even better is that more and more restaurants are offering delivery service. But even if your favorite lunch spot doesn’t deliver, chances are you can get a third party food marketplace, like Order Up, to bring it to you.

But if you’re like me, after you finish your lunch you tend to get a craving for something sweet. Enter Insomnia Cookies and it’s menu fit for a sweet-tooth of any size! Cookies, deluxe cookies, brownies and ice cream can be delivered until 3 a.m. Advertised to be delivered “fresh baked & delicious,” you can order your cookies with a pint of cold milk.

Clairemont’er Dana Hughens recently decided to give Insomnia Cookies a try to surprise her son, famous Lego reviewer and recent teen correspondent to Mix 101.5‘s Gene and Julie Show, while he was conducting a late night livestream with fellow Lego reviewers. We think Dana loved the cookie tracker and the delivery status functionality of the website just as much as her son liked the cookies.

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Are you using delivery services for items you once purchased in a store? What are your favorite ones, and what cool apps or web features have you noticed to go along with them?

Like this topic? Checkout one of our previous posts called Trends Tuesday: Doorstep Delivery.

 

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