Trailblazer SPOTLIGHT: Kaycee Mccoy
Profession: Entrepreneur
Years lived in Norfolk: 3 (but 16 in Hampton Roads total)
Three Words to Describe you: Enthusiastic, adventurous, and creative
Pronouns: she/her
Tell us about yourself.
I’m not a lifelong Norfolk local, but I’ve chosen to root deeply here. My husband, a now-retired 20-year U.S. Navy Veteran, received orders to Norfolk 16 years ago, which brought us from Florida to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and eventually into the heart of Norfolk. We settled in Norfolk a little over 3 years ago, but I’ve owned businesses in Norfolk since 2017, and that’s when I truly began to find my people here.
I’m the founder of Create/Captivate, a marketing consultancy, and the Co-Owner of Pawsnickety Pets, a holistic pet supply shop where I spend my days supporting fellow cat & dog lovers alike. I’m powered by a whole lot of caffeine and an unreasonable number of hobbies – motocross, golfing, polymer clay crafting, kayaking, trying every last new restaurant or brewery I can, and soaking up the beautiful green spaces in this area. I live for community – connecting people, places, and ideas. If you see someone striking up a conversation with a stranger on the ERT, it’s probably me.
How did you get connected to the ERT and the Foundation?
I first connected with the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation several years ago when my marketing company, Create/Captivate, submitted a bid to redesign the ERT website. Through that process, I got to know the amazing humans behind the scenes – Kindra, Morgan, and a few of their board members. We were absolutely ecstatic to win that bid and we’ve continued to work with the Foundation ever since as their website maintenance team, and I’ve stayed engaged because I believe so deeply in the mission of connecting the community through accessible, beautiful green space. My pet supply boutique is located just a quick little walk away from one of the ERT’s entry points, which has deepened my love for the trail on another level too. It’s become such a vibrant part of my world after seeing how many Pawsnickety customers love walking their dogs along the trail.
Tell us about your experience with the military community.
When my now-husband received last-minute orders to Norfolk, we had just three weeks to pack up our lives in Florida and move. I’d heard SO MUCH trash talk from other military service members and their spouses about this area – how the traffic was terrible, there was nothing fun to do, how rude the people are, and how expensive everything was. I rolled into town with that head trash swimming in my brain, convinced I would hate it here. But within a couple of short weeks of arriving, I realized how wrong all of those hot takes were. We lived near the VB Oceanfront at first and truly lived like tourists, going to every last boardwalk concert, riding our bikes along the bike path, and surfing nonstop. It didn’t take long to have the wild realization that people pay good money to vacation where we lived.
Fast forward a few years later when we got married, I became a volunteer with COMPASS Norfolk, part of Naval Services FamilyLine, where I taught the “Local Insights” portion of their monthly military spouse classes. This was my zone of genius – connecting people to the things, places, and experiences that could transform their time here. I was 1000% obsessed with showing newcomers just how fun this region is. I went to the VB Visitors Center, filled an entire reusable grocery bag with every single brochure and flyer they had, and would dump it dramatically on the table during my presentation. My mission? To help spouses ditch the negativity and fall in love with this area’s magic, just like I had a few years prior.
I created a local restaurant bucket list, hyped up all the unique neighborhoods, shouted about free events and cool local businesses, and reminded my friends that you get out of a place what you put into it. I love Hampton Roads in general, but Norfolk is FULL of personality and heart – and it has completely won me over. That role gave me immense purpose and I’ll always be proud of the impact it had on the military families who arrived here unsure but left my class excited to explore.
Given your background and connection to the military community, what benefits do you feel the trail has for Norfolk?
The ERT is one of those things I wish more people, especially newly arrived military families knew about right away. From a personal perspective, it’s been an incredible source of calm, connection, and joy. I love soaking up the sunshine, being surrounded by water and wildlife, and taking little mini-adventures without even having to leave the city. It makes Norfolk feel expansive and welcoming, like a place that wants you to explore.
For military families who might be navigating a new duty station, the ERT is a beautiful way to start feeling rooted. It’s free, accessible, and winds through so many distinct neighborhoods, which makes it a great introduction to the city. You can stumble upon a new small business, a new mural, a waterfront view you didn’t know existed… there’s always something unique and fun to discover.
Professionally, I’ve seen firsthand how the trail positively impacts our business community. As a business owner, I know how powerful foot traffic, visibility, and events can be, and the ERT offers all of that plus a built-in way to encourage wellness and sustainability. Trails like this don’t just improve the quality of life, they activate communities in every sense of the word.
What does being a part of the trail user community mean to you?
For me, being a part of the trail user community means being connected to nature, to my city, and the lovely people who live here. The ERT feels like a thread that ties so many corners of Norfolk together and using it makes me feel more grounded and engaged. It’s a space where families, cyclists, runners, artists, dog walkers, and adventure-seekers all coexist. It’s welcoming and inclusive and I love that there’s no “right” way to experience it.
For me, using the trail isn’t just about traveling from point A to point B. It’s more about enjoying your surroundings and feeling gratitude for where you are. Every time I’m on the ERT, I’m reminded that I’m lucky to live in a place that values green space, community, and creativity. It beautifully reflects the heart of Norfolk.
What is your favorite place on the trail?
That’s a tough question because I think my favorite stretch changes often like the seasons. I do love the section near Plum Point Park though. There’s something super serene and cinematic about that river view, especially during Golden Hour. I’m pretty sure the combination of the skyline, water, and occasional wildfowl sighting is the universe flexing just a little. It’s the perfect spot to just BE.
Favorite Trailgrazing spot? (i.e. best local food spot steps from the trail)
One of my favorite trailside spots is Afterglow Brewing. Not only do they craft some seriously fun and flavorful brews (10/10 recommend their Mother Fluffer Sour), but they’re also pros at building community through their constant rotation of creative events. They always have something fun and different going on. That said, there are so many cool little spots along the trail I’ve yet to check out and I actually keep a note in my phone with a running list of places to explore.
