Meet Member: Cyn Macgregor
Can you give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business?
My name is Cyn Macgregor and I live in North Raleigh with my husband and my mother. He and I have four children together. We have three girls: one in San Francisco, one in Brooklyn, and one in Knoxville. And one son also in Knoxville. I have been a business owner for the majority of my work life. My business Brand & Book is focused on helping business owners build their brand and publish a book and Cyn Macgregor Art creates original, often abstract artwork that elevates your spirit, enhances your living spaces and inspires you, at work or at home.
Why did you join BPW and what positions have you held during your tenure with BPW?
Because my mother told me to! It’s true. When my mom, Irma, moved to the area 10 years ago she searched for a networking group to help her business. She went searching around town and after visiting this group she found BPW to be very warm and welcoming. And then she said, “You should join too!” And so I did. I’ve been in this group for about 10 years, I guess. I have held positions in marketing, programs, and I was President for the 2014-2015 year.
What hobbies/interests do you have outside of work?
I live in a community that has a community garden. I love it. It used to be a tennis court and was converted to a garden. I like to “try” to grow vegetables in my little five-by-five raised bed. It’s a nice comforting spot to be. I also like to make Kombucha. It’s a kind of brewed fermented tea is supposedly good for your gut. It’s healthy but it’s kind of an icky looking bacteria. And it’s delicious! I also write and produce movies with my filmmaker/actor husband. Our recent award-winning movie “Katie’s Dog” premiered at Peak City International Film Festival and will screen November 21, 2018 at Carborro Film Festival.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Caitriona Balfe. You might know her as Claire Fraser, ya know married to Jamie Fraser in Outlander. I really love her spirit and determination and I love how she is living in the past and present at the same time. Although she knows the future, she cannot change it. It must be frustrating. Plus we’re both Scots. She’s my kin somewhere. I think she could probably play a better me!
What did you want to be when growing up?
I have a little story about this. They say you can know your true self by looking at the 10 year old version of yourself. For me, that was travel, painting, making friends, and being in awe of the Universe. That was my 10 year old self. And that year, the first man set foot on the moon. My family took a long road trip to California. That was also the year that my mother said, “No, it is not appropriate for the boys to climb inside your bedroom window.” And also I did my first abstract painting. When I was a little older, I dreamed of being either a photographer for National Geographic or creative director for a fancy NYC magazine.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I like to explore. Walkabouts. Visit new places. Play with my Nikon camera. Contribute to the creative community. Change the world.
Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
Maldives. It’s located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. I love the idea of being in a luxe hut on top of crystal blue water, with air conditioning and a wet bar of course!
How do you define success?
The ability to work on projects that make your heart sing, without worry of money or time, with some of recognition. I want to share, also, my sweet husband is one of those guys who leaves little notes and cards every now and then. And today was one of those days. Inside the card, part of what he wrote was appropriate so I thought I’d share: “Success is not about what's in bank accounts but about what's in a person’s soul.” I thought it was really sweet. So I’m going with both of those things.
What is your favorite food?
Toast.
What can BPW do to support you in your career?
Oh, BPW has already given me so much support. Like I said, it’s been 10 years so I have met some amazing women. I have found great friends and business associates. If you find you need something, you have a group that is ready to help you if they can. The ladies in this group support me by asking how they can help and by being open to helping me when I ask. As a solopreneur, finding new clients is an ongoing process. Currently, I am looking for contacts in two areas: (1) business people who are subject matter experts and wish to publish a book as part of their marketing strategy and (2) interior designers who are looking to build relationships with artists who provide artwork and decor. Email Cyn.
Top photo by: Rhesa Versola | rhesa.versola@gmail.com
Bottom photo by: Larry E. Evans
