Travel

Taking On Tokyo

By Lashawnda Becoats   Destination: Tokyo, Japan    Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to visit Japan — land of the fictional characters Hello Kitty and the monster Godzilla. Back then, I knew very little about the culture, I just dreamed of going because it seemed like a cool place, so when my mother suggested we take a family vacation to Tokyo, I was very excited.…
Lifestyle

Crowning the Beauty Within

  By Angela Lindsay   In a social media climate that glorifies eyelash extensions, lace front wigs, claw-like artificial nails and butt implants, a local program is celebrating all-natural beauty and empowering young women to embrace their own. Founder Vernisha Crawford saw a need for such a program when she realized how much time and money she was spending on her external appearance.…
Lifestyle

Nico Amortegui Connects Through Art

By Hope Yancey Artist Nico Amortegui creates murals, other large-scale paintings and sculptures constructed of wood, cardboard and found objects. He has recently begun learning to make ceramics, such as dishes and African-inspired masks. He might produce 30 ceramic pieces in a week.…
Lifestyle

Catch A Ride with Charlotte’s Newest Transportation Concept

By Angela Lindsay If you’re ever in need of a quick trip around town, just wave down one of the multicolored vehicles that resemble a cross between a bubble-shaped electric car and a minivan. The company is called Jaunt—a local company providing locals with free short rides to area locales.…
Lifestyle

From Boxer to Businessman

By Phillip Brown Photos by Ryan Honeyman Boxing and business – dual passions that have fueled Calvin Brock’s life. The entrepreneurially-minded pugilist knew from an early age that one day, he would compete for a world’s championship, and he would come to appreciate the lessons learned along the way, especially from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business.…