The editor of O. Henry Magazine shares her unexpected path to the editor’s chair, the stories behind the magazine, and why Revolution Mill feels like the perfect home for the art and soul of Greensboro. What makes a local story worth telling, and why does a beautifully told story still matter in an increasingly digital world? In today's episode of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Cassie Bustamante, editor of O. Henry Magazine, whose offices are located right here at Revolution Mill. Cassie’s path to the editor’s chair was anything but conventional. A Wake Forest University graduate who studied communication and English, Cassie spent years exploring her creativity through furniture refinishing, blogging, retail, social media, and brand storytelling before moving with her family to Greensboro in 2019. Then came an unexpected encounter. During the pandemic, founding O. Henry editor Jim Dodson happened to notice chalk drawings created by Cassie’s daughter. A conversation during an early-morning dog walk eventually led him to Cassie’s blog and writing. Not long afterward, a driveway meeting during COVID opened the door for Cassie to begin writing the O.Hey Greensboro newsletter. That opportunity ultimately became part of the journey that led her to the editor’s role at O. Henry. Cassie takes listeners behind the scenes of the magazine, from editorial meetings and story pitches to photography that sometimes happens a full year before an issue reaches readers. She also discusses O. Henry’s namesake, Greensboro-born writer William Sydney Porter, and how his distinctive storytelling and famous twist endings continue to influence the magazine’s personality. The conversation also explores why local storytelling matters. For Cassie, O. Henry should feel less like simply reading a publication and more like sitting down with a friend who knows Greensboro and has a great story to tell. In this episode: Cassie’s journey from New England to Wake Forest and eventually GreensboroHow furniture flipping led to blogging, marketing, and storytellingWhy Cassie eventually wanted to trade a digital audience for a local communityThe chance encounter with Jim Dodson that changed her careerHow she began writing the O.Hey Greensboro newsletterThe history and personality of O. Henry MagazineHow William Sydney Porter continues to influence the magazineHow stories are discovered, pitched, assigned, photographed, and publishedWhy some O. Henry stories begin production a year before publicationThe story about a Buddhist monk and his rescue dog that inspired Cassie’s family to adopt another dogWhy O. Henry moved its offices to Revolution MillCassie’s remarkable connection to Revolution Mill before she ever knew she would work hereWhy print still matters in a digital worldHow readers can pitch stories to O. HenryWhat Cassie hopes readers feel when they pick up the magazineA preview of what’s ahead as O. Henry celebrates its 15th anniversaryOne of the most remarkable moments in Cassie’s story happened before O. Henry ever moved to Revolution Mill. During a visualization exercise, Cassie imagined herself doing creative work that connected her to Greensboro, inside an office at Revolution Mill. She never shared that vision with the people responsible for choosing the magazine’s future office. Later, she was asked to evaluate a potential new space for O. Henry at Revolution Mill. For a magazine that calls itself “the art and soul of Greensboro,” Cassie believes there is something especially fitting about creating it inside a place that holds so much of Greensboro’s history. About Cassie Bustamante Cassie Bustamante is the editor of O. Henry Magazine. A graduate of Wake Forest University, she has a background in writing, blogging, retail, social media, brand storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship. After moving to Greensboro with her family in 2019, an unexpected connection with O. Henry founding editor Jim Dodson eventually led her into local publishing. Today, she helps guide a magazine dedicated to capturing the people, places, history, creativity, and unexpected stories that make Greensboro unique. About O. Henry Magazine Launched in 2011, O. Henry Magazine celebrates the art and soul of Greensboro through local writing, photography, art, history, culture, food, homes, personalities, and stories. Named for Greensboro-born writer William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry, the magazine continues a distinctly local storytelling tradition while evolving alongside the city it covers. About Mill Talk Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro’s most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, neighbors, and dreamers helping bring Revolution Mill to life. Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe, helping individuals, families, and retirees navigate health insurance with clarity and peace of mind.
