I Am ILM

01/22/2018

“I have such gratitude for Wilmington and its people. I came here about five years ago hardly knowing a soul. Since then, I’ve found a stronger community than I’ve ever had before – particularly in the writing world – which has made the rather solitary profession of being a novelist so much more sustainable.

“In 2015, my father and I founded BikeBound, which has grown into the largest custom/retro motorcycle blog based in the United States. We just surpassed 300,000 Facebook fans at the end of 2017! Wilmington’s motorcycle community has been incredibly supportive, especially in the wake of my father’s tragic passing in a motorcycle accident last fall.

“I have big love for the people of Wilmington. Proud to call this place home.”

Taylor Brown’s (www.taylorbrownfiction.com) third novel, GODS OF HOWL MOUNTAIN, explores a world of folk healers, bootleggers, and dark family secrets in the high country of 1950s North Carolina. There will be a launch party at Bourgie Nights (127 Princess Street) on Tuesday, March 20, at 7pm.

01/09/2018

Meet Brian Williams, head chef at K-38 Baja Grill, Tower 7 & Cafe Del Mar as well as the other associated restaurants.

Williams has been in a kitchen since he was 14 years old. His mom told him if he wanted a car, he better get a job. This started it all. He moved to Wilmington in 1999 where he received a degree in Business Administration as well as Philosophy and Religion.

Since working for the Live.Eat.Surf team in 2005, he has been through over 6 different restaurant openings! 13 years of dedication to the brand is nothing to shake a stick at. Not to mention, he has probably made food for you before and you didn't even know it!

01/06/2018

"Wilmington has allowed me to turn my hobby and passion into a career I love. As the first calibrater/tuner at the first National Speed, I plan on growing with this company as we begin to open new locations in 2018."

-Vlad from National Speed

01/05/2018

I didn't have the chance to shoot a portrait today. Instead, I beat the sun up and have a full video to prove it.

Happy Snow Day Wilmington!

4 inches of snow calls for a full day off in Wilmington, NC! This is the first video on my new channel, starting from scratch. Checkout the gear I used to ma...

01/04/2018

"Wilmington has provided many opportunities, both career-based and personally. It led me to a career in the fire service at Wilmington Fire Department Station #1 and Kure Beach Fire Department. I wake up every day and get to work for this wonderful community. I truly feel humbled to be able to give back to the city that raised me. In 2018 I look forward to continuing to grow, continuing to learn from the best in the fire service, enjoying beach days and spending more quality time with my friends and family."

Laura Leigh - Firefighter for WFD & KBFD

01/03/2018

"In 2018, I'm looking forward to pushing myself through both personal & business struggles. If it isn’t hard then I’m not challenging myself enough. Through all of this I want more moments of happiness, but more importantly more moments of happiness for our clients."

Matt Skelly​ of Matt Skelly Training runs a gym in The Landfall Center. The core focus, personal training. Nobody works out unless there is a trainer by their side. This explains why the results produced at this gym are bar none.

01/02/2018

After 10 years of neighborhood gang violence between both Stephen M Barnett & Dune, these two have finally come together for the good. They aren’t the only individuals from rival gangs that are doing it either.

In fact, TRU Colors Brewing Company already employs over 30 active gang members creating positive influence in the community. With plans to hire another 50 in 2018, sights are set to completely eliminate gang violence in our community.

Check them out at www.trucolors.co

02/08/2017

"Wilmington has already lead me to meet so many talented people and make new connections on a daily basis, many of which have turned into life-long friendships. This city is filled with tons of new, up and coming small businesses and artists. It's a very inspirational town and I couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather live."

Justin Gutierrez - Graphic Designer and Bartender

02/08/2017

"I went to UNCW for Performance Theatre and Psychology. Throughout high school, I auditioned for every single show, but the drama teacher only cast me one time because one actor was sent to the hospital; so I had actually thought about giving up on acting entirely.

Yet, within the first three days of living in Wilmington, I had been cast by Ed Wagenseller for the main stage UNCW opening show, Sordid Lives. Since then, I've performed in eighteen theatrical productions and nine films within the past four years. My latest film 'Sideshow' just got accepted into a festival in Seattle, Washington while my next film 'Interitum' starts next week!

I guess I have Wilmington to thank for reminding me what I need to be happy." -Arianna Tysinger

02/07/2017

"Wilmington has allowed me to work in small companies that aren't focused on the dollar, but focused on the people. It's as simple as saying something like, 'Good Morning, Will, your coffee is ready.' Sometimes people just need someone to talk to.

Being a part of a small town business and engaging with the people is huge to me." -Kristin Meyer

02/05/2017

"I have a deeper appreciation for Wilmington than I did while growing up here in the 50's and 60's.

After graduating from the greatest high school under the sun, Williston Senior High, and returning just a few years ago to develop a project, I am overwhelmed by the business and cultural growth.

I would hope that everyone who lives and visits here learns Wilmington's history. It's educational and enriching." -Robert

02/04/2017

"This town has a lot to offer when it comes to helping out street musicians. We are out here almost everyday. Some people hate us, some people love us, but we do what we love and that's the end of that."

-Chris