Publisher’s Perspective; January 2026

photo by: JEJ PHOTOS

Happy New Year, friends!

As we turn the page on 2025, I can’t help but feel excited for everything 2026 is about to bring. One of the biggest things on our radar? Our 2026 Women on the Move Conference! Mark your calendars for March 19th at Legacy Stables & Events. We’ve got an incredible speaker lineup and all the details you’ll need (including a QR code to grab your ticket) on pages 14 and 16.

January also brings a big celebration: a huge happy birthday to my dad (aka Teej) who turns 70 on New Year’s Day! He has always been wonderfully nontraditional in the best ways. While other dads collected ties or golf gear, mine was always getting his hands dirty running a body shop and fixing cars, or riding dirt bikes. My mom and I regularly joke (and maybe envy a little!) that he is the most unbothered human—calm, steady, and always grounding us. We’re incredibly lucky to have him.

If January feels like it lasts 100 days to you too… you’re not alone. The cold, the early sunsets, and the quiet after the holiday rush can make the month feel slow…and if I’m honest, a little boring. Suzy’s article on page 24 has seven great ways to beat those post-holiday blues. I love every single one—especially staying active, getting social, and soaking in all the sunlight we can get.

And speaking of getting social, come join us for Girls’ Night Out! We’ll be at Little Richard’s (Stratford Road location) on Tuesday, January 13th. You can find more details on page 67, and if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter at forsythwoman.com so you never miss a GNO!

I’m also thrilled to introduce two new columns launching this year.
• Forsyth Firsts by Debbie Linville explores historic “firsts” in Forsyth County. She’s starting with the county’s first true gas station—and I bet you’ll recognize it! Check it out on page 28.
• The Journey by Joy Nelson Thomas will dive into themes that shape women’s personal and professional growth. Her first piece is on page 46.

And one more exciting announcement… Our March issue will feature a special wedding section! Many of you remember our wedding magazine, Forsyth Woman Engaged, which we published for nearly a decade. We’re bringing back the celebration of local love stories with a fresh twist. If you’re recently engaged or newly married, we’d love to feature a photo from your engagement or wedding. Send it my way at [email protected]. (P.S. Don’t miss the two gorgeous couples featured on page 78!)

Wishing you the very best start to 2026.

All my best,
Brooke

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Brooke Culler

Brooke Culler is the publisher of Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family Magazines and the voice behind the Forsyth Magazines Podcast. Born and raised in Clemmons, NC, she now calls Winston-Salem home. Though she earned a degree in Elementary Education from High Point University, Brooke followed her passion for storytelling and community connection by jumping straight into the world of publishing after college.

In addition to leading two of the Triad’s most-loved publications, Brooke is also the co-owner of Washington Park CrossFit—where she merges her love for fitness, leadership, and building strong (literally and figuratively) communities.

Outside of work, you'll find Brooke soaking up quality time with her husband, their two dogs (a Bernedoodle and a German Shepherd), and their crew of family and friends. She’s happiest on the water, wake surfing in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, and squeezing in CrossFit workouts all year round.

Brooke’s heart for local connection, positive impact, and high-energy hustle keeps her calendar full—but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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