how it started
Hi, I’m Sophia Paul! I was born and raised in the beautiful town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A little over a year ago, I launched MyNCGuide on Instagram as a way to share my love for local businesses and the vibrant communities across North Carolina.
My passion for supporting local businesses started early—I remember writing detailed Google reviews for restaurants I visited, whether I loved them or saw areas for improvement. I believed every business had something special to offer. Over time, this passion grew into something more: finding creative ways to help businesses thrive by telling their stories and connecting them with their audience. MyNCGuide has become the platform where I bring that vision to life.
The JOURNEY so far
It’s hard to believe that MyNCGuide is just a year old! In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with 25 amazing businesses across the North Carolina Triangle, each one contributing to the vibrant local community we’re passionate about supporting.
Our social media presence has grown organically, with over 1,700 new followers in 2024 alone—a reflection of the real connections we’ve built and the value we bring to both businesses and consumers. But more than just numbers, this journey has been about telling meaningful stories, showcasing hidden gems, and helping local businesses thrive.
And this is just the beginning. The best is yet to come!
The Mission behind myncguide
At MyNCGuide, our mission is simple: to guide and empower. If you are a business owner, our goal is to provide the support and visibility you need to thrive. We help you showcase your unique offerings and connect with your ideal audience through creative, tailored strategies. Whether it’s social media management, content creation, or digital marketing, we’re here to ensure your business stands out and grows.
For consumers, our mission is equally clear: to guide you to the local businesses that we’re passionate about and believe in. From hidden gems to community favorites, we curate experiences and provide you with honest, engaging insights into the best spots North Carolina has to offer. Through MyNCGuide, we aim to foster stronger connections between consumers and businesses, building a thriving local economy one story at a time.
We are committed to supporting the businesses that make North Carolina unique, while giving consumers the tools to discover and engage with those businesses, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits everyone.
Looking ahead
In 2025, the goal is to expand not just the number of businesses we work with, but the diversity of industries we support. Whether you’re a restaurant, retail store, residential community, salon/spa, event venue, or anything in between, I’d love to hear from you!