“Safe Waters”
Starr Nolan fell in love with fishing at a young age. Later in life, she was able to combine her passion with her professional life as a trauma therapist, which she has been for over 30 years.
Many people with cancer get diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the trauma involved. Nolan noticed that groups of women with cancer would sit around and discuss the trauma, making it worse. She saw the need for a new kind of therapy. Utilizing the knowledge from her years of trauma therapy work and her expertise in fly-fishing, she worked to create Casting Carolinas.
Casting Carolinas started in 2015 as a way to help women living with cancer build community and provide comprehensive support. Combining fly-fishing instruction with mindfulness education allows women living with all types of cancer to change their daily mental outlook.
I had the wonderful opportunity to make this video as apart of the Carolina Photojournalism Workshop. At CPJW, students travel to local communities in North Carolina for a week to produce a documentary website with the guidance of professional coaches. These stories provide an ongoing cultural record of North Carolina.
“Always Check the Pockets”
Larisa Harrison, a vintage store owner based in Durham, North Carolina, has built more than just a business—she has created a community. Her store is a space where people can connect through a shared love of vintage fashion, fostering a sense of belonging and nostalgia. Through her passion for timeless clothing, Larisa brings people together, proving that fashion is more than just style—it’s a story.
“What is Braless”
Braless is a student band based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Through the band, the importance of community, friendship and the magic of live music is shown.
“Pals”
Jacob Heivly, a skateshop owner in Chapel Hill/Carrboro NC, discusses how skateboarding impacts his local community.