We’re bold. We’re beautiful and we’re a bunch of gurls. Brainy gurls….plus one really great guy in a pink tie.

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Cheryl Pigott
Founder and CEO
Cheryl’s background in Marketing and Advertising unfolded after graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Professional Writing from Old Dominion University. She grew up in eastern North Carolina, the daughter of a teacher and a preacher. Her first employment opportunities during and after college were in the Public Relations and Marketing field for a Fortune 500 Company and a nationally known non-profit, both in Virginia.
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As the mother of four kids, Cheryl quickly realized that she wanted a more flexible career to allow her to see them grow. She entered into the sales force as a consultant for a nationwide retailer allowing her more flexibility for her family. She fell in love with sales, customer service and team building. On the national level, she trained other sales consultants and spoke before groups of over 300 women on the behalf of the corporation. When her family relocated back to eastern North Carolina, Cheryl recognized the need for a local advertising agency and publishing company that assisted businesses in niche marketing. With her background in writing, marketing and sales, she was able to start Crystal Coast Parent magazine and soon thereafter, Eastern Carolina Parent magazine. Cheryl also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Seafood Festival, combining her passion for marketing and her desire to help our community. Her guilty pleasure is Facebook. While some people find their passions in exercise and art, Cheryl loves work and finding creative avenues to help small businesses meet their marketing goals.

Cressa Megown
Co-founder and CFO
Cressa uses her business management background to guide Bellagurl through sound financial waters. Born in eastern North Carolina to a loving Marine family, she returned to Jacksonville to graduate from White Oak High school and then attend Catawba College. Cressa graduated summa cum laude and was awarded an International Rotary Scholarship to attend the University of Southampton in southern England. While studying a graduate course in business management, she tested her management skills on an obstacle course designed to encourage teamwork. This course was on an abandoned Army base, with a complete town, including sewer systems. Cressa “graduated” by helping her teammate navigate the sewer system, collecting markers and finishing the course before the other teams.
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With newfound confidence and grace, Cressa returned to our area to marry a marine, Charles Megown, and raise her three children and two horses. Cressa contributed her vast knowledge of accounting and business management to help start Bellagurl. She has lived in North Carolina and Virginia for the past 12 years, never too far from a Marine Base, and enjoys reading great literature as a way to escape the daily stresses of life.

Susan Yates
Art Director
Susan Yates unites her creative vision with strong client service skills and noted reliability on every project, whether large or small. Susan serves as the art director and designer for the agency. She also designs advertising and marketing collaterals for Bellagurl and its clients, including the North Carolina Seafood Festival, Outer Banks Wedding Association, Carteret Vision Center, and Mac Daddys, among others. Susan is also an accomplished photographer and assists our clients from time to time with professional photography for their advertising needs.

Susan brings to Bellagurl over ten years of experience in the printing and publishing industry. Prior to joining Bellagurl, Susan worked for seven years as a graphic designer for a large Eastern North Carolina publishing company, designing magazines, advertising and marketing collaterals for clients whose businesses ranged from retail to real estate. Susan is the proud mom of a handsome three-year-old and soon to be baby girl and enjoys the beach, decorating, sewing and scrapbooking.

Robert Russell
Account Executive

Robert is responsible for developing new business as well as continuing Bellagurl’s relationship with the media. He has extensive experience building lasting client relationships with an understanding of their changing needs. Robert has over 20 years experience in sales and marketing through television, radio, outdoor, and print venues. He has worked closely with business owners to find their niche and market it effectively to the masses. Robert’s largest accomplishment to date is being dad to a sweet little girl, Lilli, who fuels his passion to achieve. He is frequently seen running through town after his work day has ended dreaming up his next big ad campaign. Give him a call so he can run for your business too.