Would you like to get to know the team at Cary Magazine a little better? Sure, you can head over to our “about” page and read our professional bios, but as a lifestyle magazine, we’d like to connect with our readers on a different level. Over the next few months we will be sharing some fun tidbits about our coworkers, starting with — you guessed it — the editor!
Introduce yourself!
Hello! I am Lauren Morris, and I am the managing editor and creative director for Cary Magazine. I was born and raised in a small eastern NC town, Ahoskie, where my family has an over 125-year-old farm.
Favorite issue?
That’s a hard one. Every issue has its charms, and the cover matters so much to me. It’s what draws our readers in. Honestly, I can say I am very proud of the most recent August edition. Dogs always make a cover fly off of the shelves (plus, there’s ice cream!)
Another favorite is the 2020 Maggy Award issue, featuring Dr. Brad “B.J.” Creehan and Dr. Heather Creehan as our cover stars. What a photo shoot this was to plan! Jonathan and I arrived at the State Fair at 6:30 in the morning. The sights were so surreal — stuffed animals covered and waiting to be won, workers preparing for the day. I learned that not only is every ride inspected each day, but every game as well. You have a chance to win them all, guys!
Favorite food?
I have to say Italian. Chicken Parm, piccata, or pizza — give me all of it, and an extra dose of Tums! Honorable mentions are oysters (in season only), fajitas, and burgers.
Favorite movie?
My all-time favorite movie is Top Gun. And not for the reasons you think! I am no bandwagon follower. My granddad was an Air Force pilot and introduced me and my four cousins to this movie at a very early age. We burned that recorded VCR tape up, and I still have it. As for the sequel, I loved Maverick!
Pet peeves?
How do I answer that without being in trouble? I’m mostly laid back, but it’s annoying when people chew with their mouths open!
The best part about work?
The PEOPLE! I wasn’t ever one for staying at home. I did, but I went back to the office as soon as I could. Seeing people and realizing what you are working for makes a huge difference. Two years later, we have acquired people who I consider to be lifelong friends, and I absolutely love working with them in the office or virtually.
What’s your definition of a great weekend?
My definition of a great weekend is any time I get to spend with my two nieces, Maddie and Ryleigh. It’s a joy to watch my brother be an amazing dad and my sister-in-love be a great mom. I am just so proud of my brother.
Best childhood memory?
I loved growing up on a farm and not being afraid of a field, pond or anything. But my favorite days are boating and days on the Chowan River, from being a kid and getting away with anything, to flotillas as an adult. I once got picked up in a sea plane right off of the river and went for a flight, Corona in hand! We landed right back on the river and I got back on the family boat.
What’s on your bucket list?
Right now the only thing I really want to do is see Nashville, TN. I love country music and the history — I need to experience that!
