Dakota Elizabeth Goss is the owner of Dakota Goss Photography. “I have always had a passion for photography, but I started getting serious about starting a business after my son, Emmitt, passed away in 2019,” said Dakota. “I wanted to help others have photos that would last them past a lifetime. My son’s death was very unexpected, and it changed my whole outlook on life. It made me cherish what memories I did have even more. I wanted to do that for other people, too. Alongside being a photographer, I am a mom first and foremost and love my kids more than life itself. I also take time to spread light about child loss and the importance of taking care of your mental health.”
Kara Blue is a commercial real estate developer with GEMCAP Development, based in downtown Winston-Salem. A Winston native, she relocated back to the Triad after eight years in Charlotte and now calls High Point home. Kara earned a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in real estate development from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Since moving back, she has jumped into several community and industry roles. Most notably, Kara and her friend, Sarah King, created an art festival in downtown High Point. With the support of the city, Visit High Point and the other key art organizations, “Main in Color” will debut as High Point’s first art festival on Saturday, July 15th. In addition to Main in Color, Kara is part of the Leadership Council through Trellis Supportive Care, Board Member with High Point Young Professionals, Alumni Board Member at UNCC, Board Member with NAIOP Triad (National Association of Office and Industrial Parks) and active member of other organizations. In her spare time, Kara enjoys reading, attending concerts with her husband and hanging with her dogs Piper and Gumbo. Main in Color is now accepting artist applications. If you are interested in showing/selling your art at the event, please visit mainincolor.com. Main in Color can also be found on Instagram @mainincolor.
Maria Katsoudas is a senior interior designer and new partner at Workplace Architecture + Design. She has a degree from Salem College in interior design. She is a Winston-Salem native who attended RJ Reynolds High School before receiving her degree from Salem College. She is a commercial interior designer, is NCIDQ certified and has lead projects ranging from Corporate, Non-Profit, Senior Living, Innovation Center sectors and more. She has been with Workplace Architecture + Design for 14 years. She is also a proud first generation Greek-American planning to tie the knot with a big church wedding in Greece this summer.
Sheridan Hicks is a massage therapist and the owner of Bodywork by Sheridan. She graduated from Kneaded Energy School of Massage in 2015 and has been licensed since early 2016. “I just hit seven years of being licensed at the beginning of the year, and July 1st will mark three years of owning my own practice,” said Sheridan. “I specialize in prenatal massage and cupping therapy. I love helping people whether it’s helping to relieve pain or just relax.” In her spare time, Sheridan enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her husband, Josh, and son, Hudson.
ALICE SMITH Alice Smith is a Registered Dietitian and the founder of Alice Approved. She is committed to helping women lose weight, lower inflammation, and reduce risk of disease while gaining lifelong healthy habits! She works with clients 1:1 and in group settings. Her signature program, Eat Clean for 15, will transform your health in 15 days!
Alice was a recipient of the 2022 Winston-Salem Under 40 Leadership Award and is the Vice President of the Triad Women’s Club. She is most comfortable speaking on stages and live TV appearances. Alice is the go-to nutrition expert for television stations throughout North Carolina and Virginia. She provides nutrition tips on her semimonthly “Wellness Wednesday” segment on WXII’s The Local Vibe. Her enthusiasm for healthy eating is infectious and contagious!
When not posting healthy tips to her Alice Approved social media channels, you can find her soaking up the sunshine on a walk or hike. She enjoys practicing yoga and has a goal to address Christmas cards in calligraphy this year!
Mary Beth Ivester is a real estate agent, top producer for Q1 for 2023 at JPAR Legacy Group, a nominee for Real Estate Agent in Reader Choice for the Winston-Salem Journal as well as a WOM conference speaker! Born and raised in Winston Salem, Mary Beth has found a great love and interest for her community and helping it grow. She has a true passion for helping families find and build their roots, by guiding her clients in the process of buying or selling real estate. Her strong work ethic, positive attitude and enthusiasm for supporting others is what she takes pride in the most. In her spare time, you can find Mary Beth teaching fitness classes at the YMCA, spending time with her husband and three dachshunds, reading and trying out new recipes. She also recently started a book club to connect with others who share her joy of reading.
