Elbow Grease: Local female entrepreneurs push back on gender roles
Volume
30
/ Issue 11
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Kate Kelleher
Data shows that women repre- sent only a fraction of the workforce in labor-intensive jobs such as auto and home repairs. But in Asheville, some local women are stepping up and thriving in these industries.
arts
Women in Business: Change is good
"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…Poet Tina Barr on the power of juxtapositions
"I love poetry that requires the engagement of the reader’s imagination," says poet Tina Barr. "I like opaque language, rather than transparent language."Asheville’s literary podcast scene blossoms
The creators/hosts of “Listen & Be Heard,” “PBL Pod” and “Rock Is Lit” discuss their shows.Renovated Phil Mechanic Studios primed for next chapter
Though it never officially closed during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the midst of renovations, the Phil will hold a symbolic grand reopening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 14, to reintroduce the…Female DJs find strength in numbers
DJ Molly Parti, DJ Lil Meow Meow and DJ Honey discuss finding success in a male-dominated industry.The Shallot (Like The Onion, but purple): ‘Hedgehogs in Business’ proposal creates in-office dispute
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,…Around town: The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival returns
The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival returns for a second year. Plus, former Kentucky poet laureate speaks at UNCA; a new book of poems from local author; and more.food
What’s new in food: WNC FoodWorks opens at WNC Farmers Market
WNC FoodWorks opens at the WNC Farmers Market. Plus, JAMBAR opens east coast hq in Asheville; a mobile nonalcoholic bar; and more.living
Asheville’s bra shops offer support for all occasions
The women who own boutiques selling undergarments in Asheville know the search for the right bra can be a fraught experience (as many who’ve experienced a meltdown in the dressing…news
Women in Business: It’s what happens behind the scenes that matters most
"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…Asheville Archives: Calls for a more informed and engaged citizenry, 1923
“Except as impelled by the rising temperature of a political campaign, how small is the minority that gives regular and serious study to the public business!” lamented The Asheville Citizen…Women in Business: Validation will come
"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…Women in Business: Live in the moment
"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.Local women make strides in male-dominated industries
You might think that Allison Walker’s love of cars was handed down from a family member or mentor. “I’ve always been a car fanatic,” remembers Walker. “I would ask my…Conservation groups say forest plan could be the last straw for four bat species
The Southern Environmental Law Center and five other conservation groups issued the USFS a notice of intent to sue in July on the grounds that it ignored its own scientific…Women in Business: A radically different approach
"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…Community build
More than 1,000 volunteers gathered Oct. 4-9 near Ira B. Jones Elementary School in North Asheville to rebuild a community park, organizers estimated. The site, formerly known as Jones Park,…WNC ride-share drivers discuss benefits, drawbacks of life on the road
WNC residents who work for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft say it's possible to make money in tourist-oriented Asheville, but it takes some time to learn the ropes. We…Women in Business: Seeing the bigger picture
"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…WTF: Bail bond intricacies explained
In March, the Asheville Police Department reported a nearly 20% increase in violent crime between 2021 and 2022. This, along with numerous instances of repeat offenders committing more crimes while…Women in outdoor recreation industry driven by passion, desire for change
Anna Levesque, Lindsey Barr and Ruby Compton are leaders in Western North Carolina's outdoor recreation industry. They want to make kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities more inclusive. Despite improvements…Women in Business: Challenge yourself
"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…Women in Business: Ignore the naysayers
"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…Business, nonprofit roundup: Moog lays off staff
According to a statement from the company, Moog plans to continue to be headquartered in Asheville, where it will continue to design, engineer, service and manufacture instruments, although a selection…Women in Business: Dive deep into what you love
"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…New report shows Buncombe schools outperformed state in most metrics last year
The report shows that Buncombe County Schools cohort graduation rate is nearly five points higher than the state average.Buncombe approves final settlement with former County Manager Wanda Greene
Wanda Greene, her son Michael Greene, who also worked for the county, and daughter-in-law, Celena Greene, have agreed to pay the county $502,500 by December 2025, said Philip Anderson, an…Former Asheville Water director: ‘Incontrovertible evidence’ that shuttered pump station was key to water outage
Mike Holcombe, water director from 1993-97, remains adamant that the city is downplaying what he says is the major cause — the decommissioned East Asheville Booster Pump Station.opinion
Letter: More on A-B Tech’s ‘The Rhapsodist’
"Not only students and faculty contribute to this unique publication, but campus staff as well."Letter: We can work together to help end human trafficking
"Trafficking exists not only in foreign countries but here in our own schools, workplaces and communities, where it often goes unnoticed."No admittance: A Jew in Asheville
"In addition to emotional pain and suffering, selective membership based on race, color or religion can result in egregious restraint of trade."Letter: Draw maps that give voters real choices
"I define fair maps as those that provide opportunities for all who wish to run for office a realistic chance for election and for voters to have real chances to…Letter: Everyone should get the health care they need
"It is time to give Americans — all Americans — the health care they need and deserve."Letter: Another rink for hockey players and other skaters?
"We love to see all the new skaters wheelin’ around, but please, Asheville Parks and Rec, help us find a way to keep all these groups rollin’ and help ensure…Make like a tree and leave
Letter: No child should call a county office home
"This is all happening while abortion, albeit with huge restrictions, is still legal. What will happen to the future children that women are forced to take to term?"Letter: What a tourism director’s salary tells us about priorities
"Now we understand that tourism is more important than education, jobs, roads, DEI, health care or absolutely anything else."Letter: When cars and bikes collide
"My dad used to say that whether a pitcher hits a rock or a rock hits the pitcher, it’s gonna be bad news for the pitcher. That’s the same with…Recreational money