Wake Forest Downtown

05/22/2026

One day, I started working at the front desk of a spa and quickly fell in love with the industry. That experience pushed me to pursue massage therapy and later esthetics, and I have now been licensed for more than 10 years.

As I gained experience, I realized I loved not only working with clients but also learning the business side of things. My managers gave me responsibilities early on that helped build my confidence, and eventually I decided to open my own business. That is how Jubilation Spa was born. The name represents joy and flexibility, which felt exactly right for what I wanted to build.

The road here has not always been easy. After moving to the area in 2021, I opened my first space in Youngsville, but only six months later, the building collapsed while I was abroad. Suddenly, I had a full schedule of clients and nowhere to see them. Thankfully, I found a new home in downtown Wake Forest and was able to reopen quickly. I love it down here and moving downtown became one of the biggest turning points for my business.

What matters most to me now is creating a space where people feel cared for. At Jubilation Spa, we take time to truly know our clients and customize every experience. That sense of connection is also what inspired my involvement with Wake Forest Pride. When I first moved here, I was searching for community myself, and helping create those spaces for others has become incredibly meaningful.

Today, I am proud not only of how much Jubilation Spa has grown, but also of the relationships and community that have grown alongside it. Whether it is through wellness services, supporting other local businesses, or helping build inclusive spaces in Wake Forest, my goal has always stayed the same: to create something personal, welcoming, and full of joy.

- Sam Luce

05/21/2026

A huge thank you to the students from Franklin Academy Charter School for doing an incredible job on the newest wheel stop installation at the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging! Your hard work, professionalism, and attention to detail truly made a difference. 😊👏

05/18/2026

We’re going to miss Alphabet Soup Tutoring so much in downtown! Thank you for being such a special part of the community and for all the memories over the years. While we’re sad to see this chapter close, we’re incredibly excited for their amazing future endeavors. Best of luck on your next adventure!

We’re excited to share that Alphabet Soup Tutoring is moving to a new location! Get ready for an even better experience. We’ll be open and ready to welcome you there starting May 18th—and will continue serving you at our current location until then!

05/12/2026

Please join us in extending our heartfelt thanks to Liz Johnson for her incredible service and dedication to the Wake Forest Downtown Board of Directors.

Over the past three years, Liz has made a lasting impact through her work on the Design & Appearance Committee before stepping into the role of Chair of the Economic Vitality Committee.

Her leadership, passion, and commitment to strengthening downtown Wake Forest has helped shape a vibrant and thriving community.

Thank you, Liz, for your time, vision, and service!

05/07/2026

Small Business Week is the perfect reminder of what makes Downtown Wake Forest so special! 🤍

From locally owned restaurants serving unforgettable meals, to boutiques filled with unique finds, to live music, art, events, coffee shops, breweries, and family-friendly activities — there’s something here for everyone. Every purchase, visit, and shared experience helps support the small businesses that bring life, creativity, and community to Wake Forest.

Shop local. Eat local. Explore local. Support local. Thank you to the small businesses that make Downtown Wake Forest such a vibrant place to gather, connect, and create memories every day. ✨

05/04/2026

Happy Small Business Week!

Today we celebrate the entrepreneurs, makers, and innovators who bring life and character to our Main Street communities. Small businesses don’t just open their doors — they energize downtowns, preserve historic spaces, and help shape the places we love.

What small businesses will you support this week? Let us know in the comments!

05/04/2026

We moved to Wake Forest in 2011 after having a 5-year plan to leave New Jersey. My husband worked for a defense contractor and the military base he worked at was closing and we didn’t want to move to Aberdeen, Maryland, where operations were being relocated. We looked at many areas – Raleigh, Holly Springs, Charlotte, Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida. Each had their own pros and cons. We researched and toured and decided on Wake Forest. Our daughter was admitted to NC State at the same time and we were thrilled to be able to live in close proximity to her as she embarked on this new journey.

After a few months, I started to venture out and make friends beyond my own neighborhood and that meant continuing my community service and networking/promoting my business. I joined the local Chamber, and women business owners groups to become connected with other women business owners (not just for business but for friendships too).

I eventually met Lisa Hayes, the Downtown Development Director at the time, through an invitation to serve on the Wake Forest Downtown Charity Car Show committee. A mutual friend on the committee said to me – “we could use some help with social media for the car show, could you help?” By the next year, I was the chairperson and also a board member for Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. I served two years as a board member as well as the events chair. I was then elected a chair, served two terms and then served as vice chair for my final term. I enjoyed working on the events hosted by WFD as well as the colleagues that became friends. I enjoyed promoting the Downtown area, attending the main street conferences and working with volunteers to ensure successful events.

Just about the time COVID hit us, my term with WFD was coming to an end and as per the bylaws, I wasn’t permitted to continue. During the lockdown, I thought about what I wanted to do next in serving my community. Some ideas came to fruition, some didn’t. What was born during that time was the car show, Kars for Kids, that I developed for the Wake Forest Optimist Club. It was the largest and most detail-oriented fundraising event that the Wake Forest Optimist Club ever considered. It was wildly successful and we continued that event for the next four years.

During these years, I also became the President of the Property Owners Association where my husband and I live (Silo Glen) and this is a position I have held for the past ten years. I’ve served on the Trustees for my church, Wake Forest United Methodist, Wake Forest Woman’s Club, two Optimist Clubs, among others. But something was still missing. I had always wanted to start my own non-profit but felt the application process was too daunting as well as filing for a 501c3 exemption. Well, in November 2024, I just put my fears aside and jumped in. The filings were smooth and we hit the ground running, forming Wake Forest Community Partners, a 501c3 charity organization. We hold just one fundraising event for the year, and those funds raised go back into the Wake Forest community. I never thought I’d love it as much as I do! Our small board is made up mostly our Wake Foresters, with each of them also serving the Wake Forest community. I have enjoyed forming closer relationships with board members as well as the sponsors that support us. It helps that we have one of the largest and most successful charity car shows in the area! Lastly, certainly not least, I manage the Town of Wake Forest July 4th Children’s Parade through Wake Forest Community Partners, another event that takes a lot of planning and one that I absolutely love.

- Dawn Nakash

05/02/2026

Come out and see us at Meet in the Street! We’re here until 4 PM 🤩🎉

05/01/2026

Check out our handy downtown parking map for all the fun events this Saturday!🚗

Between Meet in the Street hosted by the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, HerbFest and the Wake Forest Farmers Market – there is no shortage of happenings in Wake Forest Downtown this Saturday!

Check out this handy parking map to ensure you snag a spot in an appropriate location!🚗 Free parking is available along several side streets throughout downtown and lots on the campus of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Please Note: Some downtown parking lots may appear to be public, when in fact they are private, such as the Renaissance Plaza parking lot. Please be sure to read all signage in the parking lot to determine what type of lot you are using. Private lots are intended for business patrons only. Public lots that are open to event attendees are clearly marked.

04/29/2026

This month, we celebrate the volunteers who are the heart of our community and help Downtown thrive! Your dedication, generosity, and passion make Wake Forest stronger, more welcoming, and more vibrant for everyone.

A special thank you to the WFD Board for their leadership and commitment to our shared vision for Downtown. Through the Annual Plan of Work and the Main Street Four Point Approach of Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Vitality, you help guide progress, support local businesses, and create a Downtown we can all be proud of.

We are also grateful to the many other groups who have helped downtown thrive over the past year.

Thank you to the Wake Forest Police Department Junior Cadets for volunteering at Pictures with Santa and creating joyful memories for local families.

To the youth from Richland Creek Community Church, we appreciate you helping clean Downtown and keeping it beautiful.

Thank you to the Wake Forest Public Art Commission and art students from Wake College and Career Academy for all their hard work on the most recent installation of Wheel Stop Art at Wake Forest Town Hall.

We also appreciate the creative citizens, the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging, Wake Forest Woman's Club, and The Knotty Sheep, for helping Yarnsplore come to life.

Volunteering strengthens connections, builds pride, and creates positive change. Every helping hand makes a difference.

To all of our volunteers, thank you for your amazing efforts and commitment to making Downtown thrive. Our community is better because of you! 💙