In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Sherri Durbin, founder of Consider It Done ASAP, one of the Triangle’s go-to concierge and home organizing services.
Together, they unpack what it really means to “outsource the overwhelm”, from closet overhauls and move-in unpacking to the everyday tasks that quietly steal your time, like returns, errands, meal prep, and contractor coordination.
Sherri shares how she launched her business in Southern California, why she brought it back to life in Raleigh, and what she has learned about the psychology of delegating, especially for women who feel pressure to do it all.
You’ll hear practical insight on preparing a home for sale, settling into a new space without the chaos, and why a clutter-free environment can change far more than just your home, it can change your mindset.
In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Joanna Knott, founder and owner of Monkee's of Raleigh, a beloved North Hills boutique known for its joyful style, thoughtful curation, and community driven approach to fashion.
Gretchen and Joanna explore the powerful connection between personal style and the spaces we live in, and how both can shape confidence, identity, and the way we show up in the world. Joanna shares her journey from a lifelong love of fashion inspired by her grandmother to building a women owned business that dresses Raleigh women for life’s biggest moments, from weddings and job interviews to everyday carpool runs.
In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host and real estate expert Gretchen Coley sits down with Kyle Tears, executive chef of Whiskey Kitchen, one of downtown Raleigh's most beloved dining destinations.
Gretchen and Kyle discuss what's made Whiskey Kitchen a local favorite for nearly a decade, from its massive thoughtfully curated whiskey selection down to a menu designed around Southern flavors, seasonal ingredients, and intentional pairings. Kyle also talks about his road to becoming a chef, his return to Whiskey Kitchen as executive chef, and his vision moving forward.
From leaning into local farmers and North Carolina seafood to refining the menu and creating memorable communal experiences, this conversation will set the tone for why Whiskey Kitchen is so much more than a restaurant: a place where Raleigh comes together in the name of great food, great drinks, and an atmosphere that feels at once welcoming, elevated, and unmistakably local.
In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Alex Iordanou, founder of Dwell Proper, a new luxury real estate staging company raising the bar on both vacant and occupied staging.
Gretchen and Alex talk about why staging matters, from the stat that staged homes keep buyers inside 45 minutes compared to six in a vacant space, to how color, texture, and scale can instantly transform a listing.
Alex also shares the inspiration behind launching her business while raising three young kids, the trends she is excited about, and why Raleigh is ready for a more luxurious approach to preparing homes for market.
In this episode of the Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Jay McCabe, Marketing Director for Focused Property Inspections. With a team that has spent nearly three decades uncovering what homes cannot say out loud, Jay brings a clear, practical, and buyer focused view of what makes a home truly sound.
From the company’s beginnings in Maine to its growth across the Triangle, Jay shares how his inspectors use tools like thermal imaging, HVAC diagnostics, and full system evaluations to reveal what is happening behind the walls and under the floors. He and Gretchen talk about the value of third party inspections on both new construction and resale homes, why proactive maintenance protects long term equity, and how one stop comprehensive inspections simplify the entire buying process.
If you are curious about what really happens during an inspection, want to protect your investment, or simply enjoy learning from Raleigh professionals who raise the standard in their industry, this episode is for you.
🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the number one Compass team in the Triangle.
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Custom homes. Creative vision. Raleigh roots.
In this episode of the Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Abbie Lee Roehm, founder of Paces and Roehm Architecture. With nearly two decades of experience that spans New York, Atlanta, and international landmark projects, Abbie Lee brings a rare blend of artistry and technical skill to every home she designs.
From her early days working on global projects to building her own firm in Raleigh, she shares how she listens closely to each client, studies the land, and brings lifestyle centered design to life. Gretchen and Abbie Lee talk about natural light, thoughtful floor plans, coastal builds, tear-downs across the Triangle, and the joy of creating homes families never want to leave.
If you love architecture, creativity, and stories about building a life and business in Raleigh, this episode is for you.
🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.
Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Authentic flavor. Heartfelt hospitality. Raleigh roots.
In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Ajit, founder of Jalwa Indian Bistro, one of North Raleigh’s most talked-about new restaurants near Northridge Country Club. After years in the banking world, Ajit followed his passion for food and people, bringing a world-class dining experience to the Triangle.
Born from a love of authentic Indian cuisine, Jalwa blends bold regional flavors with modern presentation, transforming how Raleigh experiences Indian food. From zero-waste cooking and handcrafted cocktails to a menu that balances spice, freshness, and creativity, every dish tells a story of heritage and heart.
Ajit shares his journey from corporate life to culinary entrepreneurship, his mission to elevate Indian dining beyond the expected curry and naan, and how Jalwa became a place where community and culture meet around the table.
If you love great food, local stories, and conversations that celebrate Raleigh’s global flavor, this episode is for you.
🎧 Best of Raleigh — curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.
Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Girls’ Night In. Southern charm. Raleigh connection.
In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Vicki Serrani, founder of Home for Entertaining in downtown Cary. After decades designing stunning homes through her firm, Southern Studio, Vicki saw a need to bring true hospitality back, so she created a space where gatherings are simple, stylish, and full of joy.
Part event space, part boutique, part teaching kitchen, Home for Entertaining is redefining how the Triangle comes together. Vicki shares how her family business began, the inspiration behind her Girls’ Nights, and why authentic connection matters more than picture-perfect hosting.
If you love community, creativity, and stories that celebrate Southern hospitality, this episode is for you.
🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.
Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Luxury meets craftsmanship. Vision meets style.
In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Wick Morgan, the creative force and founder behind The Spectacle, Raleigh’s premier destination for luxury eyewear in North Hills. With over 30 years in global fashion and optical design, Wick isn’t just selling glasses—he’s curating personal style, one frame at a time.
From his early days selling sunglasses in ski resorts to managing elite brands in New York and California, Wick’s journey has been anything but ordinary. His passion for artistry, precision, and genuine connection shines through in every frame and every client experience.
Discover how The Spectacle became a North Hills icon, why Wick believes eyewear should fit your lifestyle (not the other way around), and how a father-son partnership is shaping the future of this family-run business.
If you love stories of craftsmanship, design, and the people defining Raleigh’s style scene, this episode is for you.
🎧 Best of Raleigh — curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.
Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Good food. Great people. Raleigh charm.
In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Haley Borden, the visionary founder of Good Graces, a new gathering spot in North Hills.
Part market, part bar, part eatery, Good Graces is redefining what it means to eat, drink, and connect in Raleigh. Haley shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind her Southern-inspired menu, and what it’s like to build a business while raising a young family.
If you love local stories, community, and the people shaping Raleigh’s future, this episode is for you.
🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.
Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Insurance may not be flashy, but in today’s episode of Best of Raleigh, we make it real, personal, and even... fun?
Join host Gretchen Coley as she sits down with Nick Nance, a Raleigh native and former general contractor turned trusted insurance advisor with NC Farm Bureau. Nick shares how his background in construction and disaster restoration gave him a hands-on perspective that now helps families build bulletproof insurance coverage—from home and auto to life and liability.
You’ll learn:
This episode is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and a whole lot of heart—because Nick isn’t just about policies. He’s about people.
Don’t leave your peace of mind to chance. Hit play and hear how to protect what matters most—Raleigh style.
Dream Homes, Local Roots: Inside Exeter Building Company with Stephen Dunn
In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Stephen Dunn, President of Exeter Building Company, one of Raleigh’s premier luxury home builders. Discover how Exeter blends timeless design, craftsmanship, and client-first service to redefine modern living in the Triangle.
Stephen shares his journey from CPA to homebuilding leader, what drives Exeter’s philosophy of “building homes we’d want to live in,” and how their team culture and commitment to client care are shaping Raleigh’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
If you love stunning homes, inspired leadership, and stories that celebrate the vibrant heart of Raleigh, this episode is a must-listen.
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In this inspiring special edition of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Jaylen Snipes, a real estate advisor at The Coley Group and an endurance athlete on a mission to give back to North Carolina’s everyday heroes.
Jaylen isn’t just running for fitness — he’s running 150 miles from Raleigh to Charlotte to raise awareness and funds for the North Carolina Firefighter Fund, an organization that supports firefighters and their families when they need it most. His story began years ago when lightning struck his childhood home, and firefighters risked their lives to save his family. Now, he’s channeling that gratitude into an extraordinary act of endurance, resilience, and heart.
In this conversation, Gretchen and Jaylen dive deep into:
If you’ve ever needed motivation to push past limits, find your “why,” or simply believe in the power of community — this episode will move you.
Donate to support Jaylen’s run: Visit his JustGiving page via @jalensnipes
A Michelin-trained chef. A James Beard nomination. A mission to redefine Indian cuisine in the South.
In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Chef Bhavin Chhatwani, the culinary visionary behind Tamasha Modern Indian in North Hills. From palaces in India to Michelin-starred kitchens in San Francisco, Bhavin’s journey is as flavorful as the dishes he creates.
He shares how Tamasha became his personal “love letter to India,” blending modern presentation with regional spices and Southern inspiration. With crowd favorites like Oyster 65, Betki Chili Shrimp, and the nostalgic Keema Kaleji, Tamasha is changing the way Raleigh experiences Indian cuisine—one bold, beautifully plated dish at a time.
Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at Tamasha’s craft cocktail program, Bhavin’s food dreams, and what’s coming next for this rising culinary star.
If you love fine dining, global flavors, and stories rooted in passion and purpose—this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Best of Raleigh Podcast, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Amity Rosa, CEO & Founder of Rosa Bella Artistry. An internationally published makeup artist and creative director, Amity has worked with top fashion brands, celebrities, and loyal clients who trust her to bring out their most confident selves.
From her early beginnings in the beauty industry to building Rosa Bella Artistry into a brand that empowers and inspires, Amity shares how she turns artistry into confidence and self-expression. She opens up about her creative process, why beauty should always be personal, and how she helps clients feel radiant inside and out.
🎧 Tune in to hear Amity’s journey and discover how Rosa Bella Artistry is elevating Raleigh’s beauty scene.
In this episode of The Best of Raleigh Podcast, Gretchen Coley talks with Julia Davis and Marina Kaydanova, the dynamic duo behind BK Pilates Raleigh. From New York beginnings to Raleigh’s Rockway district, Julia and Marina share their journey of friendship, entrepreneurship, and bringing true reformer Pilates to the Triangle.
Discover how BK Pilates is more than a workout—it’s a community built on the philosophy of Be Kind. With small class sizes, intentional movement, and an inclusive approach, Julia and Marina are redefining wellness in Raleigh.
Whether you’re a Pilates pro or simply looking for balance in your fitness routine, this conversation is full of inspiration, insight, and practical takeaways for anyone on a self-care journey.
🎧 Tune in to hear how BK Pilates is shaping Raleigh’s wellness scene, one reformer class at a time.
What does it take to build one of the most trusted names in aesthetics? For Greta Nance, it’s 22 years of radical transparency, patient education, and fearless leadership.
In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Greta, Director of Brand Strategy at Amelia Aesthetics, to explore her journey from front desk to executive leader—and how her personal story has helped shape a practice known for empowering women through honesty and innovation.
Greta opens up about the stigma around plastic surgery, the growth of Amelia’s all-female team, and why education has always been at the heart of their mission. From launching Bustmob, a 100,000+ strong online community for women, to preparing for the fall launch of Amelia Health, Greta continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in self-care.
If you’ve ever considered aesthetics, felt unsure about where to start, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at one of Raleigh’s most impactful women in business—this one’s for you.
Tune in now and get inspired by a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and radiant energy.
Get ready to rethink skincare. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Liz Smith, co-founder and CEO of ILŪMRA Skin, Raleigh’s newest medspa redefining self-care through a holistic, inside-out approach. With over 50 years of combined experience across the aesthetics and medical industries, Liz and her co-founders are introducing a new standard for regenerative beauty—where clinical expertise meets warmth, community, and elevated design.
From personalized facials and injectable treatments to cutting-edge regenerative aesthetics, ILŪMRA’s focus is helping clients feel confident in their skin at every age. Liz shares how the business was born, what makes their approach different, and why Raleigh is the perfect place to plant roots and grow.
If you’re passionate about skin health, functional beauty, or discovering the Triangle’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Step into the world of bespoke Italian luxury with Dominique of D. Lacquaniti, the creative force behind some of Raleigh’s most exquisite footwear. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Dominique to uncover how his heritage, artistry, and dedication to comfort have led to a shoe collection like no other. From sourcing vintage leathers in Italy’s Marche region to redefining retail exclusivity through local trunk shows, Dominique shares his journey, passion, and the craftsmanship behind every pair. If you love fashion, comfort, and a dose of quiet luxury, you don’t want to miss this one.
Thinking about building a custom home in Raleigh? In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Tim Thompson, founder of Raleigh Custom Homes, a builder known for pushing the limits of ultra-luxury living. With over 30 years of experience, Tim shares how he’s elevating Raleigh’s luxury home scene—from trendsetting Parade of Homes entries to his company’s bold strategy of building high-end inventory homes with fully integrated pools, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability in mind.
Tim also opens up about his unique approach to design, why Raleigh continues to attract high-net-worth buyers, and how luxury leasing is creating new options in this fast-moving market. Whether you're looking to move to Raleigh or just love stunning home design, this episode is full of inspiration and insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in to learn how Raleigh Custom Homes is shaping the future of luxury real estate in the Triangle.