You oughta know
Taylor Wanbaugh is the new assistant editor of Business North Carolina. She previously worked as a staff writer at the National Society of Professional Engineers in Alexandria, Va. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. While in school, Wanbaugh interned at a variety of publications including Raleigh’s News & Observer, Columbia Business Times and The Columbia Missourian.
What do you like best about your job?
I like doing something different every day. I might be in the office looking over a story for the magazine, or out somewhere chatting with someone interesting and learning something new.
What inspires you?
I know it’s cheesy, but my parents. They are both amazing people who have always encouraged me to do what I love, work hard always, and follow my dreams. They helped shape me into the person I am today, both personally and professionally. They also somehow managed to deal with me as an angsty teenager, which I give them major props for because I imagine I would have driven any stable human being nuts… Sorry, Mom and Dad.
Favorite N.C. vacation spot?
One of my favorite places to go has been a family pilgrimage for years: Banner Elk for the Woolly Worm Festival. If you’re not familiar, the Woolly Worm Festival takes place every fall. A bunch of people get together to race brown and black striped caterpillars up string. Yes, there is a cash prize involved. The winning worm’s number and color of stripes are actually used to predict the weather for the upcoming winter.
Favorite North Carolina restaurant?
It’s not the fanciest of eateries, but I do love me some good ol’ Cook Out. You can’t beat the price of the Cook Out tray or the deliciousness of the 40+ milkshake flavors.
What was your first job?
When I was in high school I worked at a place called The Painted Penguin. It’s basically one of those paint-your-own pottery type of places. Not only did I have to sport a beautiful bright purple polo that was three times too big and permanently covered in paint, but I also had the immense pleasure of being forced to dress up in a giant penguin costume for little kids’ birthday parties. Let’s just say I’m much happier at my current job.
