“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.
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.”
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
Cristina Hall Ackley, co-founder and president of local Ginger’s Revenge, says a common challenge that new businesses face is finding affordable benefits packages for their employees.
Local support and collaborations are often the lifeblood for new, small businesses. Such has been the case for local candle-making company Blaze On Creations, who has received donations and support from numerous other businesses in the area.
“Asheville is an amazing place for local independent businesses because we have a culture that supports it,” says Lucas. “We need to continue to support, nurture and protect it.”
Erik Fowler, who works as the head of education at White Labs, says that his company strives to go beyond being a traditional supplier by also providing technical advice and lending equipment.
Xpress worked with Asheville-based data journalist Elliot Patterson to explore homestay permit data. The resulting analysis gives insights into how the market has changed over time, where homestays are located and who’s operating them.
Last month, Rep. Chuck Edwards convened a nine-member agricultural advisory board to provide a variety of perspectives as he advocates for the region’s interests in the farm bill.
Lee joined BPR as interim news director in January after previously stints at Carolina Public Press and as a writer and education publication Edutopia.
When Phillip Cooper completed a prison sentence in 2010, he spent months applying for jobs that he was told would be available to those with a criminal record. But no one would give him a chance.
“Here’s the way I look at Asheville: Every 10 years they want to rebuild the wheel,” says downtown resident Kim MacQueen. “It’s a town that’s really comfortable with charrettes.”