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Welcome to the K - Commerce Chronicle! This newsletter will be your go-to source for the latest updates and events in the Knightdale business community. Stay informed about upcoming town events, collaborations with local community partners, and inspiring success stories from fellow businesses. We also celebrate grand openings and milestones, ensuring you never miss a moment of Knightdale’s vibrant business scene. Join us in fostering a thriving local economy and stay connected with your business neighbors!
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Attention Local Businesses! Are you part of our community? Don’t miss the chance to be listed in the Knightdale Business Directory!
Why should you join? This is a great opportunity to boost your business presence, connect with local customers, and network with other community businesses in the Knightdale area.
Register your business today at KnightdaleBusinesses.com!
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Last month we celebrated the Launch Knightdale Cohort of 2026 on graduating from the program. This month we to highlight the winners of the pitch competition that was held during their graduation ceremony. A total of $3,000 dollars was given away to the winners who pitched their businesses to a panel of judges. The Town is proud to be able to support local entrepreneurs and give them a headstart as they launch their businesses in Knightdale.
 We asked each of the winners to answer three questions so that you can get to know them and their business. So, check out what they had to say to the following questions.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business. What inspired you to start it?
2. What advice would you give to other local entrepreneurs considering LaunchKnightdale or starting a business in Knighdale?
3. In one sentence, how would you describe the impact of LaunchKnightdale on your business?
The winner of this year's pitch competition was Keama Eason founder of Eason Family Independent Home, LLC.
Keama Eason, Founder of Eason Family Independent Home, LLC, and a Registered Nurse with extensive experience across hospital and long‑term care settings, as well as a strong background in team leadership and operational management. Through years of frontline and administrative work, Keama identified a critical gap in care for vulnerable adult males with behavioral health or functional limitations who often cycle between hospitals, institutions, or unstable housing due to limited access to affordable, community‑based residential options. This insight led her to establish Eason Family Independent Home, LLC, with a mission focused on providing stability, dignity, and supportive care within a community setting.
As a graduate of the LaunchKnightdale program, Keama encourages local entrepreneurs to fully engage by remaining coachable, open to feedback, and intentional about applying what they learn. She emphasized the importance of asking questions, building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, and being willing to share challenges, noting that these moments often lead to the most meaningful growth. Keama also highlighted the value of consistency and execution, stressing that sustainable business success is built through action rather than ideas alone.
Keama credits LaunchKnightdale with transforming her business by connecting her with mentors who helped refine her vision into a clear and executable model. Through the program, she gained stronger strategy, structure, and confidence in the long‑term sustainability of her business, reinforcing the impact of LaunchKnightdale in supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Knightdale’s growing business community.
 Next meet Belinda Brown Founder and Ceo of Expressions in Rythm Studio.
Belinda Brown, Founder and CEO of Expressions in Rhythm Studio, a performing arts studio dedicated to youth development through dance and music education. Belinda began dancing in 1978, started teaching in 1993, and opened Expressions in Rhythm Studio in 2014 with the goal of creating a space where children can grow in confidence, discipline, and creativity through the performing arts.
Since its founding, Expressions in Rhythm Studio has served thousands of students, offering programs for children ages 2 to 18 in a welcoming, community centered environment that emphasizes both artistic excellence and personal growth. Through performances, community engagement, and youth development initiatives, the studio works to strengthen the cultural fabric of the communities it serves while inspiring the next generation of young artists and leaders.
As a graduate of the LaunchKnightdale program, Belinda encourages entrepreneurs to take the leap, engage with the community early, and remain open to learning from the resources around them. She highlighted the value of mentorship, visibility, and meaningful connections provided through programs like LaunchKnightdale, noting that Knightdale’s intentional investment in small businesses and community centered development creates exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to make a lasting impact.
Belinda credits LaunchKnightdale with providing the visibility, support, and community connections that are helping position Expressions in Rhythm Studio to expand its impact and contribute to Knightdale’s growing cultural and business community.
 Next meet LeShana Moore founder of Moore Peace Counseling & Wellness PLLC.
The Town of Knightdale is pleased to highlight LeShana Moore, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Moore Peace Counseling & Wellness PLLC, a mental health private practice serving women across North Carolina. LeShana’s work focuses on supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum transitions, anxiety, depression, and major life changes, with an emphasis on compassionate, affirming care.
Inspired by both her professional training and lived experience as a woman and mother, LeShana founded Moore Peace Counseling & Wellness to create a safe and supportive space where women, particularly mothers, feel seen, understood, and empowered during some of life’s most vulnerable seasons. Her practice centers emotional wellness, works to reduce stigma around seeking mental health support, and meets clients where they are with thoughtful, individualized care.
As a graduate of the LaunchKnightdale program, LeShana encourages entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the resources, connections, and support systems available through the program. She emphasized the importance of engaging with the local entrepreneurial community, noting that building a business can feel overwhelming but becomes more manageable with encouragement, accountability, and shared learning. She also highlighted that clarity often comes through action and growth happens by staying open to learning along the way.
LeShana credits LaunchKnightdale with providing valuable education, increased visibility, and meaningful community connections, all of which helped strengthen the foundation and successful launch of her private practice. Her experience reflects the program’s role in supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering a connected, thriving business community in Knightdale.
 We also have Laurie Newman founder of EARTH & FERN®.
The Town of Knightdale is proud to spotlight Laurie Newman, founder of EARTH & FERN®, a wellness brand dedicated to helping people slow down and reconnect through intentionally curated self‑care rituals. EARTH & FERN® creates thoughtfully designed wellness boxes featuring high‑quality products sourced from independent makers, supporting small businesses while delivering a meaningful and elevated self‑care experience.
Laurie brings more than two decades of experience from the wellness spa industry, where she saw firsthand how difficult it can be for clients to maintain consistent self‑care outside of scheduled appointments. Throughout her career, she curated product offerings and designed unique treatment experiences, work that ultimately inspired the creation of EARTH & FERN®. Her business extends the spa experience beyond the treatment room, offering a holistic approach to well‑being that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. In addition to nationwide shipping, EARTH & FERN® participates in select wellness events and expos and offers a members‑only digital immersion experience to deepen each self‑care ritual.
As a graduate of the LaunchKnightdale program, Laurie encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to engage early, even if their business idea is still evolving. She noted that while her business had already soft‑launched prior to joining the program, having access to LaunchKnightdale’s resources earlier could have provided greater clarity during key decision‑making stages. She emphasized the value of being part of a cohort, citing the connections, feedback, and shared experiences as invaluable.
Laurie credits LaunchKnightdale with helping her cut through the noise and refine her growth strategy with clarity and focus, highlighting the program’s role in supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening Knightdale’s small business community.
Knightdale is planning for the future and we want your input!
The Town is planning a 32-acre future park site that will include a community center designed to serve everyone.
- Indoor athletics & gym programming
- Multi-purpose rooms & education programming
- Gathering spaces
- Even more outdoor recreation opportunities
Your feedback will help shape the park’s master plan and guide the next steps in design and construction.
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 Wake County Economic Development is inviting employers, business owners, site leads, and HR leaders to participate in the Regional Skills Survey. Your input is essential to ensuring that the Regional Skills Analysis reflects real-world needs in our community. By sharing your perspective, you help identify skills gaps, emerging workforce needs, and training priorities across our region.
The results will directly inform workforce strategies and policy decisions that support economic growth and career opportunities. As a thank you, participants will be entered into weekly drawings, with one grand prize of $1,000 to the Umstead Hotel & Spa awarded at the conclusion of the survey. Take less than 15 minutes to complete the survey and help shape the future of our regional workforce.
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 There is a lot happening in Knightdale and a ton of new businesses are popping up around town. Keep an eye out for all the exciting things coming and learn more about what's coming below.
Barnes & Noble Announcement
Knightdale continues to experience retail growth with the announcement of a new Barnes & Noble location. Barnes & Noble, the nation’s largest retail bookseller, is leasing space at 1012 Shoppes at Midway Drive in the Knightdale Marketplace, a retail center located near Interstate 540 and Knightdale Boulevard. The 19,843 square foot space was formerly occupied by OfficeMax. The buildout is valued at $505,885, according to building permits. The project reflects continued private investment in Knightdale’s retail corridor and supports demand for destination retail and community oriented commercial space.
Unhinged Coffee Opening
Unhinged Coffee, a locally owned business, has opened a new location on First Avenue in Knightdale. The opening contributes to the Town’s small business growth and downtown activity, supporting local entrepreneurship and increased foot traffic. The business adds to Knightdale’s expanding food and beverage offerings while providing a gathering space that supports community engagement and local economic activity.
Savers Retail Expansion
Savers Value Village Inc., headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, has announced plans to open a location at 7132 Knightdale Boulevard in the Knightdale Crossing Shopping Center, replacing the former Big Lots. The company plans to renovate the 48,791 square foot space with an estimated investment of $1.3 million, according to permits, and anticipates opening in early 2027. The project represents adaptive reuse of an existing retail building and supports continued occupancy along a key commercial corridor.
Cold Stone Creamery Coming to Knightdale
A new Cold Stone Creamery is planned for the Knightdale Marketplace shopping center, further expanding retail and dining options in the area. The addition supports continued investment in mixed use retail centers and provides an additional family oriented destination that contributes to local economic activity and quality of life amenities.
Siemens
Siemens is opening a new manufacturing facility in Knightdale as part of a $165 million investment in the Carolinas. The 140,000 square foot facility, located off U.S. 64 Business, is expected to bring 100 jobs to the community by the end of the year. The plant is scheduled to open in April, with operations ramping up throughout the year, and will focus on medium voltage switchgear and integration products. The company cited proximity to existing operations and a workforce training partnership with Wake Tech Community College as key factors in its site selection. The project strengthens Knightdale’s industrial base and supports regional workforce development efforts.
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Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Legal Lift, a free, day‑long event hosted by the City of Raleigh. This event is designed to support businesses navigating topics such as taxes, changing laws, insurance, and other essential legal and financial considerations.
Attendees will learn best practices for operating a small business and have the opportunity to connect one‑on‑one with professionals from law firms, banks, insurance providers, and entrepreneurial support organizations. Whether you are starting a business, growing an existing one, or considering relocating to the Raleigh area, Legal Lift offers valuable tools, resources, and expert guidance at no cost.
Gregg Gelb & Trinity Bursey invite you to the May 8th Premiere performance of Lamar the Super Guitar, a new children's book by Trinity Bursey featuring a new jazz score by Gregg Gelb performed live by the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra.
This project is supported by the 2025-26 South Arts Jazz Roads Creative Residency. As Trinity Bursey narrates her story, it comes to life through animated illustrations created by John Shull while Gregg Gelb’s original score is performed live by the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra. The show features interactive games and audience participation, inviting the audience to become part of the experience. Perfect for a family night out.
We look forward to seeing you at the show!
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The Knightdale Commerce Alliance is excited to invite local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and subject‑matter experts to partner with us in offering workshops for the Knightdale business community. Our goal is simple: to build a stronger, more connected local economy through collaboration, shared knowledge, and meaningful partnerships.
If you have expertise to share—whether in marketing, finance, leadership, customer service, operations, or any topic that could benefit fellow businesses—we’d love to work with you.
As part of this partnership, the Knightdale Commerce Alliance will provide:
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Meeting space for your workshop
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Light refreshments for attendees
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Marketing support to help promote your session to the local business community
All we ask is your passion, your knowledge, and your commitment to helping fellow business owners grow and succeed.
If you're interested in hosting a workshop or want to learn more about how to get involved, check out the link below.
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