We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Bell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

My 2025 resolution happens to be “balance”—finding it in work, finance, health, and mental well-being. As a small business owner, balance is tough. There’s no 9-to-5 or typical schedule for us; it’s what I call a flex day or flex lifestyle. As owners, chefs, and innkeepers we’re constantly juggling tasks. When we first opened, it was chaotic—long hours, no days off, and no balance. It was just about getting things done—finding suppliers, aligning with our mission for fresh, local, sustainable food, and creating adventurous retreats. Over time, we found our groove…..Entrepreneurs have to, or they’ll burn out. That’s when we shifted our approach and embraced a flexible schedule—morning and evening work with downtime in between. This gave us time to recharge and enjoy our coastal lifestyle. We also learned to push hard during busy seasons and take it easier during slower ones.

It’s still a struggle. We’re always aiming to improve, but without balance, the grind takes over. One of our key business philosophies is promoting work-life structure, and we’re working on living that, too. It’s definitely about setting priorities, managing time, and choosing oh so wisely.

What should our readers know about your business?

The business began when Jon and I shifted careers from working in all areas of hospitality. We combined our passions into a place we named Inn On Turner.

Our focus is on three touchpoints: cuisine, comfort, and care, all rooted in fresh, local, and sustainable practices. We created a boutique inn for guests seeking wellness-focused travel with eco-friendly amenities, local cuisine, and personalized service. It wasn’t always easy—while passion makes it exciting, problem-solving and implementation can be tough. But overcoming challenges is part of the entrepreneurial journey.

The key takeaway: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Maintaining perspective and balance is essential for a healthy business, mind and body. Inn On Turner offers a unique, holistic experience on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, nourishing mind, body, and spirit with integrity, kindness, and transparency—your go-to retreat.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

This is my arena! The Crystal Coast is a land of seaside, and Inn On Turner is the perfect base to explore, located in the heart of the downtown historic waterfront district. We always ensure guests have a personalized itinerary that includes our favorite eateries, breweries and sites for days of adventuring!

Day 1. Cape Lookout National Seashore: Immerse yourself in nature at Cape Lookout, where you can enjoy miles of untouched beaches, explore scenic trails, and spot wild ponies roaming free. It’s a true natural retreat, offering a peaceful escape from the everyday.

Day 2. Kayaking with Beaufort Paddle: Start your day with a delicious farm-to-table breakfast, then set out for a kayaking adventure with Beaufort Paddle. Glide through the calm waters and explore the local wildlife, with expert guides ensuring an unforgettable experience. www.beaufortpaddle.com

Day 3. Exploring Beaufort’s Historic Sites: Spend a day soaking in the rich history of Beaufort + culture by visiting the grounds and the Mattie King Art Gallery , be sure to include the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Discovering the area’s heritage and maritime history will root you while enjoying the charm of this coastal town

Day 4. Fort Macon State Park: Step back in time at Fort Macon State Park, a Civil War-era fort with stunning views and historical reenactments. You can explore the fort’s well-preserved structures, learn about its strategic importance, and enjoy the surrounding beaches and nature trails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Yay for shout outs as It truly takes a village, especially for a small business owner. From day one, we’ve prioritized fresh, local, and sustainable products. Our family farm partners in Carteret County and across North Carolina have been incredible, working with us on small deliveries and allowing us to visit their farms. It’s inspiring to share their stories with our guests—every morning at the breakfast table, we proudly say, “We know where your food comes from!” Big thanks to our farmers and VisitNCFarms for connecting us to the greater farming community. Our farm families nominated us for the GottaBeNC app, where you can find us and other farm-supporting businesses. Check out VisitNCFarms at visitncfarms.com.

A huge shoutout to Alexia, the boss babe behind Sea Oats Candle Co. in Beaufort, NC. I first met her at the Beaufort Farmers Market, where she made candles using the purest of soy wax and organic essential oils. Alexia worked with me to create an exclusive fragrance for our soaps, lotions, and candles, and she’s been my go-to for all-natural, micro-batch toiletries ever since. She even refills our glass containers, keeping them out of landfills, no single use or plastics at Inn on Turner. Alexia as single mom & entrepreneur juggles it all with laughter and grace—she’s truly an inspiration. You can find her at seaoatscandleco.com.

Last but definitely not least, a huge shoutout to Donna Babington of Ann Street Inn. Some might call her a competitor, but I see her as a collaborator. I don’t view other lodging businesses as competition—how you label others matters. If you’re competing instead of collaborating, you’re not differentiating your brand. By working together, we complement each other and expand what we offer to visitors. There’s enough business for all, and businesses need to a well defined demographic for success. I have found collaboration done with integrity is not only helpful but rewarding. No one understands the highs and lows of your business like another business owner. Donna’s transparency and openness have been invaluable, helping me take a leap of faith 10 years ago when I purchased our inn. We still bounce ideas off each other and share what’s working—and what’s not. Having someone you can confide in without fear of competition or imitation truly helps maintain balance.

Website: https://www.innonturner.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innonturner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innonturner/

Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g48947-d80377-Reviews-Inn_On_Turner-Beaufort_North_Carolina.html

Tripadvisor – Inn on Turner. *traveller ranked #1 Beaufort #1 Coastal NC. bouncing between #1 & #2 North Carolina & #11 last check for the USA. **only lodging awarded “Best of the Best” aka top 1% of businesses on the travel platform 4 years running

Southern Living Best of the South – top recommendation as to where to stay in B-town.

Highest Green Travel Certification from NCGreenTravel an extension of the NC Dept of Energy
Only regional lodging verified by VisitNCFarms an app highlight farm support an extension of the NC Dept of Agriculture

We are very proud and honored to have these rankings and awards and we thank our guests who take the time and go to the trouble to write these incredible shout out reviews!!

Image Credits
all clear 🙂

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.