Though Black Wall Street AVL got its start amid the COVID-19 pandemic, founder J Hackett says the organization continues to grow thanks to support from the community as well as the organization’s dedicated group of volunteers.
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Though Black Wall Street AVL got its start amid the COVID-19 pandemic, founder J Hackett says the organization continues to grow thanks to support from the community as well as the organization’s dedicated group of volunteers.
In 2020, the Organic Growers School transitioned to a lateral executive team. The move, says Cameron Farlow, the nonprofit’s executive director, has led to a more dynamic approach to leadership.
The nationwide shortage of direct support professionals has created many challenges for Open Hears Art Center, says Debbie Harris, the organization’s co-executive.
Rising costs and red tape led to many delays for Asheville Music School this year. But its executive director, Ryan Reardon, says there’s plenty to remain hopeful for come 2023.
Despite the many challenges True Ridge has faced over the last 2 ½ years, its founder Lori Garcia-McCammon says the organization remains strong and determined to carry out its work.
Asheville Tool Library saw plenty of change in 2022, including a new location, says board member Stephanie Kane.
Stigma remains the biggest challenge for the work Amy Upham and her dedicated staff perform at Eleanor Health Foundation.
Though recent years have been challenging, Sam Ruark says Green Built Alliance has persevered and continues to find new ways to support its missions.
Xpress speaks with local poet Lee Stockdale about his past trauma, his early exposure to poetry and his passion for introducing others to the form. Along with the conversation is his poem, “Are You Jackie Kennedy?”
In the spirit of All Hallows Eve, Xpress reached out to local authors, memoirists and booksellers to offer their recommendations for seasonally appropriate, scary reads set in the South. Bonus points were offered to those whose selection featured a local author.
Despite her failing health, Cynthia Hill Wolfe owned and operated the Millinery and Notion Store during the final years of her life in Asheville. Though her death in 1884 did not inspire an outpouring of grief by members of her community, aspects of her life and personality were revived by Thomas Wolfe in his 1929 novel, Look Homeward, Angel.
Kaye Bentley, founder and owner of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, reminds entrepreneurs that all businesses take time to generate revenue.
“There aren’t a ton of women who offer both photo and video services, but we refuse to let that lack of representation hold us back,” says Eric McGrady, co-founder of Authentic Asheville.
“It can be difficult to take risks and know when the risks are worth it, especially with money,” says Laura Walton, owner of The Crunchy Baker. “For me in particular, I have a hard time seeing money as something to invest, rather than something to let it sit in a savings account ‘just in case.'”
“It’s so easy to give up when you’re not getting the customers or clients that you want, or you’re not seeing a return on your investment,” says Tiarra Wilkie, owner of Groundbreaking Financial. “Staying consistent, disciplined and driven will play an integral role in your businesses success.”
“If someone were passionate about writing and wanted to complete a manuscript, I would encourage them to fight every day to keep that dream alive,” says author Amber Nivens. “I would tell them to touch their project daily, even if it meant writing one badly formed sentence.”
“You have to prepare for growth before it happens,” says Melissa Blaha, owner of The Tax Raven. “It is hard to recruit, hire and train once you are buried under a mound of work.”
“Get passionate about your customer and learn how to serve them uniquely better than anyone else,” says Aisha Adams, founder and owner of Aisha Adams Media.
“Surround yourself with other business owners and start-up types,” says Safi Martin, COO of Hood Huggers International. “Being an entrepreneur means looking at the world through a different lens — you need other people who see through that same lens cheering you on.”
“If you start worrying about pleasing every single person, you’ll be playing the lowest common denominator of music in no time,” says Annelise Kopp (aka DJ Lil Meow Meow). “I like to focus on just a few people and move from there.”
“Starting a business is both mentally and physically draining,” says Marjory Rockwell. “You’ll need a solid group of people who will be there for you when obstacles come your way, and when everything seems impossible and you want to quit.”