Daiva Radaviciute was born in Lithuania. She moved to the United States in 2009 and settled in North Carolina. Daiva was involved in sports like swimming, track and volleyball since she was a kid. She learned about physical therapy in 8th grade and knew then that it was her path and mission. She graduated top of her class with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. Around the time Covid began, Daiva opened Utopia Fitness Center in Lewisville. Daiva loves to teach others the importance of living a balanced life, the significance of a movement, stress management and nutrition for optimal health preservation. Being compassionate and understanding other’s struggles, she is looking to grow a gym that will bring motivation, awareness and education to the community about the importance of being healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. In her spare time, Daiva enjoys reading, painting, anything active outdoors and loves spending time with her daughter.
Michaela Hurley is the owner of 3leafphotography. She has an associate’s degree and loves photography. Her hobbies are spending time outside with her family, especially at the lake. “I love camping and attending concerts,” she said. “When I’m not photographing, I’m at home with our three crazy kiddos.”
Whitney Taylor is the Principal Attorney of Taylor Legal Services and focuses her practice to solely issues affecting families transitioning through separation and divorce. With two convenient offices located in Winston-Salem and King, she provides counsel to people residing in Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes and Surry counties. She earned her JD from Charlotte School of Law. Whitney is a two-time recipient of the top 10 under 40 National Academy of Family Law Attorney’s; four consecutive years Thomas Reuters designated Rising Star in Family Law; three consecutive years North Carolina Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Society for her dedication to access to justice, and now takes a recent post with the inaugural North Carolina Chapter of Association of Family Conciliation Courts Board of Directors. Whitney was born and raised in Stokes County and was licensed to practice law in 2017. When she’s not in the courtroom, you’ll find her with her family, pier fishing with her husband or indulging in the latest culinary find with friends.
Courtney Wright is the owner of CW Photography. “I was born and raised in Mount Airy, known as good old Mayberry,” she said. “In 2016, at the age of 19, I surprisingly found the new role of becoming a mother which shortly led me to find my passion of photography. Jump almost six years later, and I am a full-time family and lifestyle photographer, but I do just a little of everything.” Courtney’s work has been published in Golden Exposure & Stellar Exposure Magazine. “I just love capturing memories and creating new relationships with my clients; they truly become like family, and I love them like my own,” she said. “In my spare time, I am always taking photos of my children (Jaxon, 5, Rex, 3, and Cooper, 1). I love reading, being outdoors and spending time with our family! When I started my business, I never thought I’d turn it into a full-time gig, but I am so thankful for the support I have from family, friends and my amazing clients.”
Karen Ruiz is the business manager of MO’ Empanadas. She has a degree in computer science, and worked in IT Engineering before decided to embark on a new business venture with her brother. “From IT Engineering to making Authentic Colombian Empanadas with my brother,” said Karen. “He started this business several months ago, and it has taken off so much that I am now part of it. We are here to share our cultural food for all to enjoy! We are children of immigrants and were born in New Jersey and moved to North Carolina 10 years ago. We are loving every moment of it!” In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with her eight-year-old and her amazing husband. She also enjoys being an herbalist, reading and taking care of 20 pets.
Nicci Staton and Debi Palmer are a mother-daughter duo who built a business out of the collapse of their storefront in 2021. The business is called The Blessed Mess. “We focus on providing and teaching you how to create a piece of home that fits every style,” said Nicci. “In our boutique, you will find more French country flair, but we love to teach you how to create pieces that fit every style whether that is modern, primitive or farmhouse. We provide art classes from furniture painting to old world pottery and everything in between.” Nicci has a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. At The Blessed Mess, Nicci and Debi offer retail, custom pieces and classes.
