Dahlonega has always been home, and I’m proud to be called a Nugget. I graduated from Lumpkin County High School in 2002, and graduated from the University of North Georgia with a degree in English Literature. In 2007, I founded HWG Photography, and In 2018, I published my first photography book titled, “2018 Annual Rainbow Gathering: A Photo-Documentary by HWG Photography.” While growing my business, I developed a love for marketing, which led me to be the Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Montaluce Winery & Restaurant/Trattoria di Montaluce. I’m also a mother of two amazing little girls, Emma and Claire Gilreath.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My daughters, Emma and Claire, both attend Lumpkin County Schools, and my family are Lumpkin County natives.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do (or did if retired)?
I started my photography business, HWG Photography, in 2007. I’ve also worked as a journalist in Lumpkin County, which allowed me to meet many wonderful role models whom I’ve learned so much from. I accepted the position as Marketing Director at Montaluce in 2019, and I cannot be happier in my career!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community and your favorite dishes there?
My favorite restaurant is Shenanigan’s on the square, and my favorite dishes are the Crack Dip and Shepherd’s Pie
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? And if you moved here, where were you from originally?
I’m born and raised in Dahlonega
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community and why?
Deb Rowe, because her story of success and how she continues to raise money for various charities inspires me so much.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland. I’m Irish, and I would love to see where my ancestors were from.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite TV show is ‘Golden Girls,’ because my grandmother loved that show, and I watched it with her daily during summer break as a child.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Nothing happens to you, it happens for you, so stay positive and keep moving forward.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to take my daughters to Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, to show them the ‘official’ hometown of Santa Claus. We also want to stay in a glass igloo at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, to see the Northern Lights.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Pearl Jam
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Fudge Factory
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tom Hardy. No explanation needed.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our small town is our spirit of community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Successfully marketing our rapidly growing business and expanding Montaluce’s marketing department
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m the most introverted extrovert you’ll ever meet.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Yorkshire, England
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October-my favorite holiday is Halloween
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dinner at Montaluce
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Rose
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, E*Claire, Dahlonega
