Two sisters on a journey to support local businesses in Morganton and Burke

Growing up, Makenzie McGinnis and Madelyn Hogston shared everything, from the same room to the same class schedules. Sometimes it became annoying always being known as “the twins,” but now, having grown into their own individual personalities, they embrace the title and have found another thing in common: supporting businesses in the Morganton area.

Makenzie and Madelyn, now married with different last names, are still known as the Hamrick twins by those who have known them for a long time, but they’re both fairly new to Morganton. Makenzie works as the Main Street Manager for the City of Morganton’s Main Street Office. Madelyn works as the Communications and Marketing Specialist for the Burke Chamber of Commerce.

Growing up, they were known as sweet and sassy, with Makenzie being more laid back and Madelyn being more on the fiery side. They grew up in Cherryville and attended Crest High School in Cleveland County. Oftentimes, people mistake Makenzie as being the older twin, but it’s Madelyn. They also have a sister, who is a few years older.

“I think it was really cool to always have somebody to walk into the first day of school with, or dance with, just all those things that are kind of scary to do,” Makenzie said, but added that both of them craved independence.

When it came time to go to college, they both decided independently to attend Appalachian State University, but intentionally chose not to room together. Different college friend groups, joining two different sororities, both were able to delve more into their personalities and find themselves in a way separate from being known as a twin. Makenzie describes Madelyn as more quiet, but kind, and very athletic.

“She’s a really hard worker, and I admire her for the way she can lift somebody up,” Makenzie said.

Madelyn describes Makenzie as having a great sense of humor. “Everyone kind of loves her. If you’re around her, you’re always laughing,” Madelyn said. “Very sweet, she has this way about just making you feel more comfortable.”

College gave them space to grow as individuals, and afterward, they each set out on their own professional journeys. “If we didn’t do that, I think that I would be a different person today,” Madelyn said.

Both found leadership roles through their sororities, Makenzie becoming the president of App State’s Delta Zeta chapter, and Madelyn becoming vice president of marketing for her Alpha Delta Pi chapter. Both of those roles, they said, helped them become leaders and have aided them in their professions today.

Prior to accepting her role as Main Street Manager for the City of Morganton, Makenzie worked in Winston-Salem as a field sales and marketing representative for Techtronic Industries. Madelyn previously worked as an admissions counselor for Gardner-Webb University and as a client coordinator for Frye Regional Medical Center.

“I was always looking for something that would fulfill me the same way being the sorority president did, and this is like that on a much larger scale,” Makenzie said. She drove from Cherryville for a few months and then she and her husband moved into an apartment before buying a house in Drexel.

“On a daily basis, I’m talking to business owners, people interested in coming to downtown, planning events within the office,” Makenzie said, adding that she plans downtown events like the Morganton Festival and more.

“Day to day, just trying to work on plans and execute plans for developing downtown Morganton economically and making it a place that people like to call home,” Makenzie said. “That’s cheesy, but I mean, truly, that’s what I do.”

Madelyn and her husband moved to downtown Morganton just three months ago, she said, adding that she’s within walking distance to work. Her job at the chamber, she said, is her “dream job,” because she gets to connect with the community.

Madelyn’s role is developing, as she just started her position a month ago. She helps the chamber get the word out on social media and online about new businesses opening in Burke County. The chamber also recently hosted its Showcasing Burke event for sports in the county at the R.O. Huffman Center in Drexel. So far, she has primarily been helping with those events.

Working just a few blocks away from each other, they’re able to pop in and check on each other, drop off coffee to each other, and plan shopping trips after work.

“I think I do see lunch dates in the future,” Makenzie said.