Whether you’re looking to be creatively motivated, get a food recommendation, look at this season’s fashion, or simply see the Queen City through another lens, here are 15 Charlotte influencers who are inspiring us right now.
Justin Burke Samson, Foodie and Writer
Justin B. Samson is your local go-to if you love food: His feed is filled with some of the most delicious looking baked goods you’ve ever laid eyes on, two cute pups, and now an adorable new babe. Justin is not only a chef, but now adds writer, recipe developer, and entrepreneur to his title.
@justinbsamson
Slice of Jess, Foodie Instagram Blogger
Jess Bentley lives the life everyone wishes they could. When checking out her Instagram make sure you aren’t hungry or you’ll soon be craving… everything. By blogging daily about food and traveling, Jess shows off all types of food from all over Charlotte.
@sliceofjess
Chris Wilson, Train Elite
Chris Wilson, a local athelete, entrepreneur, fitness professional, and motivator, is the founder of Train Elite and The Leaders Brand. With Train Elite, he aims to help clients reach their fitness goals faster. Chris is a certified personal trainer and has worked with all athletes ranging from youth fitness and sports all the way to professional athletes. He also recently released a podcast, The Leaders Brand – give him a listen and get inspired today.
@chriswilsonelite
Jillian Frein, Like a Girl Fitness
At the age of 21, Jillian Frein started up her own instagram account to post fitness workouts for friends with no intention of going viral. Now at the age of 23, Jillian has over 202,000 followers providing workout challenges every month. She also shares recipes for eats and drinks to fuel your exercise. Jillian’s Instagram is an amazing way to find great workouts that are easily accessible from your phone.
@likeagirl_fitness
Laura Leigh
Laura Leigh, also known as Louella Reese, is a life and style blogger living everyone’s travel dreams. Laura shows tips and tricks on how to pack fitting in all travel essentials. Laura will give reviews on many different resorts and help her followers enjoy luxury vacations.
@louellareese
Julie Fagan of PBFingers
Julie, a bright, sunny resource for all things food, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle, is a full-time blogger (since the early days in 2009!), personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and freelance writer in Charlotte. She’s one of our favorite daily resources for life in the Queen City, and keeps us coming back with recipes, travels, workouts, and tips for everyday life.
pbfingers.com / @pbfingers
Laura Poole, Poole Shop
In her 20 years of being Charlotte’s greatest fashionista, Laura Poole has brought a lot to the table: Her high-end clothing boutique is located on the second floor of its sister store, Capitol, and with both Poole brings contemporary and emerging designers together for a high end, cutting edge shopping experience.
pooleshopcharlotte.com @lauravinroot
Whitley Adkins Hamlin, Queen City Style
Ready to style any wardrobe or overhaul your closet, stylist Whitley is also a contributing writer and personal shopper. Follow along for her signature southern style, and behind the scenes inspiration.
thequeencitystyle.com @thequeencitystyle
Vanessa Dyer
Vanessa is a native Charlotte blogger who curates fitness, travel, and fashion. She has made it her aim to eliminate negativity and build confidence by teaching her followers a healthy lifestyle way through fitness and self love.
@thecheekybeen
Katie Levans, Charlotte Agenda
Katie Levans, co-founder and creative director at Charlotte Agenda, is a local writer and creative who works to produce the best tips, tricks, and advice every Charlottean needs. From food to fashion to all kinds of cute pet pics, Katie’s own Instagram page has it all. She’s also an honest, open, and ever-evolving resource, making her a voice you’ll want to follow for a long time.
@katie_levans
Corri Smith, Black Wednesday
Corri Smith, author and owner of Black Wednesday, is a PR specialist and entrepreneur who gives her take on the latest news in social media. Corri Smith presents public relation trends and tips for community building for brands and keeps everyone up to date with her blogs every Wednesday.
@instagram.com/corriasmith / blackwednesday.co
Davita Galloway
Giving the talk that many fear to have, Davita is real, open, and pure with her readers. By discussing insecurities, holding others accountable, and remaining an advocate for many persistent issues, Davita Galloway is not holding back.
@thedavitagalloway / thedavitagalloway.com
Kristle Parchmann
Based out of Charlotte, this Texas native creates impeccable art. From child portraits to custom interior design paintings, Kristle can bring a new vibe to your whole household. She says her inspirations come directly from the summer filled with her childhood spent on lakes in Texas.
@kristlestudio
Amanda Moody
Much like cloud-watching or meditation, when it comes to Amanda Moody’s art, the observer’s eye sees different shapes and effects. Her work is inspiring, abstract, and only continuing to gain steadily in popularity not only in Charlotte, but nationwide. Follow along for behind the scenes, finished products, and custom jobs.
@bombshelves
