“Mental health challenges impact all demographics and each of these has their own cultural way of addressing them,” says Robin C. Payne, executive director of NAMI Western Carolina. “As such, we are careful not to assume we know what is best for a community. Instead we try to create opportunities for open discussions and see how we can provide the resources that are needed.”
“We provide a service that brings mobile markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and whole grains directly to people’s homes,” says Sonya Jones, executive director of Caja Solidaria.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about human trafficking is that it doesn’t happen here. It absolutely does,” says Amanda Gopal, executive director of The Hundred Movement.
“Families can meet others and not feel so alone on their autism journey,” says Caroline Long Tindall, CEO of St. Gerard House. “Young adults are becoming part of their community and giving back — the community is getting to know how valuable individuals with autism are.”
“When I started this job, almost 20 years ago, very few people used the French Broad River for recreation, and therefore no one really cared when it was polluted,” says Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper with MountainTrue. “Now lots of people use the river everyday and there is a strong desire that we do better and protect the river,
“It’s thanks to the 600-plus volunteers at Brother Wolf that we’re able to forever change so many animals’ lives,” says Leah Craig Chumbley, executive director of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
“Both collaborations with the Vance Birthplace and the Mountain History and Culture Group have been the purest representations of the work we want to do, existing in the intersection of art and activism,” says Aaron Snook, co-founder and curator of America Myth Center
“Asheville Humane Society relies heavily on community support,” says Mabel Lujan, the organization’s communications manager. “From donations to fostering to suggesting us as a spot to grow your family, our caring community members provide the backbone to allow us to care for as many animals as we can.
“We definitely could use additional support from major donors, as well as institutional support from funders to ensure we are showing up in the ways our community needs,” says Amy Upham, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride.
“Gaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status has opened the market to new funding sources that we didn’t have access to before, while connecting us to the community in new ways,” says Lyric Antio, market director of the RAD Farmers Market
“The problem is we see the outcome of hard work but never the many hours and the amount of things that are tried to create a successful business,” says Trina Jackson, owner and operator of Asheville Pro Lash and Salon.
“Last year I moved out of my basement studio in my house into a studio in the River Arts District, a huge leap for me,” says artist Melissa Moss. “It was scary at first and I was out of my element, but now I love being a part of this artist community and interacting with customers.
“I work with toddlers, new parents and schools, so people are often too busy to shower you with compliments,” says Šara Stranovsky, director and owner of Bilingual Birdies Asheville. “Focus on the quality and mission of your work and validation will come.”
“The greatest lesson I’ve learned thus far is to reflect on my progress as I keep moving forward,” says Rachel Baran, owner and operate of Sun Dragon Flower Farm.
“My previous businesses were basically ‘cut and paste,'” says Lisa Genevieve Ziemer, owner of VaVaVooom. “This endeavor was radically different from the norm at the time, 2008, both in concept and presentation.”
“When faced with a hard decision try to gather as much information as possible,” says Nicole Laethem, president of TRS Junk Recyclers & The Regeneration Station. “Having a vision and goal setting are needed in starting and maintaining a small business.”
“I feel no matter what kind of person you are, the most important part is to have the desire to approach new opportunities in life and challenge yourself to keep working while constantly improving,” says Salomé Loomis, director of Spanish Academy of Asheville.
A rare in-office scuffle occurred as Xpress staff deadlines were looming this week. Apparently, the news team had misinterpreted an interoffice memo from the (moderately illiterate) sales team. In it, the sales reps proposed a new special issue theme for the Oct. 11 issue: “Hedgehogs in Business.” Somehow, Xpress reporters interpreted the pitch as a foregone […]
“It’s easy to get caught-up in the negatives — especially when you’re under so much pressure. My advice would be to follow your instincts and not to let the naysayers inflict self-doubt,” says Emily Quinn, owner of rEvolve, a used clothing store in West Asheville.
“Between caring for patients, handling marketing, managing a team, dealing with landlords and taking a moment for oneself, it’s a whirlwind,” says Autum Kirgan, owner and director of South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness.” My advice? Dive deep into what you love about your business.”
Read our new satirical feature about all things Asheville.
