“I did not realize that we were so far ahead of everybody else in North Carolina,” said state Sen. Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe. “All of these other cities do a great job of marketing themselves, and they don’t spend as much money as we do.”
News Roundup: Asheville Humane Society launches new center to help families keep pets
The Asheville Humane Society, in partnership with Buncombe County Animal Shelter, is launching a Community Sheltering Center designed to reunite families with their lost pets and provide support for people who are considering surrendering their pet because of a lack of resources.
Tourism tax money buys massages, $250 shirts, dinners costing thousands
Explore Asheville spent more than $88,000 on a golf tournament in July, flying three stars from the MTV reality show “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” to Asheville and paying $3,591 for VIP transportation, $3,800 for personal bodyguards and amenities that included a $300 golf lesson at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
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 Jackson, owner and operator of Asheville Pro Lash and Salon.
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 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.
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 quality and mission of your work and validation will come.”
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 friends’ parents about their cars: ‘What kind of gas mileage are you getting? Do you have the four-cylinder or the six-cylinder?’ And they were happy […]
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 and presentation.”
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 take a look at the benefits of perils of making a living driving other people around.
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 goal setting are needed in starting and maintaining a small business.”
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 working while constantly improving,” says Salomé Loomis, director of Spanish Academy of Asheville.
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 inflict self-doubt,” says Emily Quinn, owner of rEvolve, a used clothing store in West Asheville.
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 of instruments will be produced by “trusted partners.”
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 Acupuncture & Wellness.” My advice? Dive deep into what you love about your business.”
Business, nonprofit roundup: Cherokee votes to approve recreational marijuana
The measure would make the Qualla Boundary, which is about 46 miles west of Asheville, the only place in North Carolina where marijuana can legally be purchased for recreational use.
Asheville’s mobile tours adapt to tourism trends
Representatives from LaZoom and Gray Line discuss their experiences with summer’s tourism decline.
Asheville businesses feel the pain of tourism decline
“Usually, it’s like someone flips a switch, and it’s game on,” said Will Gay, the owner of the Diamond Brand Outdoors shop on Biltmore Avenue, regarding the start of July, the second biggest month for tourism after October. “This year, it’s like someone forgot to flip the switch.”
Shortage trickles through peach economy
WNC farmers are left with bitter losses — 90 percent for peaches in Henderson County alone, amounting to $600,000 in lost revenue, says Terry Kelley, tree fruit expert and director of the Henderson County cooperative extension.
Working together: Shared values
Business ideals, such as fair wages, reduced production waste and appreciation for the craft, are part of what brought Sew Co. and East Fork Pottery together.
Local vinyl manufacturers discuss the industry’s growth and potential
For musicians and fans alike, Citizen Vinyl is one of two local options within the unique industry. Shortly after its launch, the company was joined by American Vinyl Co., located on the South Slope.