“Entrepreneurship, especially for a small farm business at its start, is a major balancing act between the manual labor involved and the hustle of developing social media content and promotional materials and all the daily logistics of running a business,” says Salley Williamson, owner of Piney Mountain Farm.
New Stories
Creating space for women business owners
With her most recent venture, Mad Genius Studios, Shawndra Russell is committed to creating community and improving access to resources for WNC women in business.
Takeaways from WNC’s 2024 general election
What role did fundraising play in this year’s local elections? How did incumbency factor into the final results? What impact did Helene have on races? These questions and more are explored in Xpress’ recap of the 2024 local races.
Aftermath of Helene making Western NC survivors sick
All Western North Carolina residents will have to look out for additional public health issues as the region continues to recover from Helene.
Flooded before opening day, much-anticipated RAD restaurants seek high ground
Gourmand, Black Cat Sandwich Co. and ButterPunk were poised to open in the RAD when floodwaters set them adrift.
Women in Business: Community and mutual support
“For new business owners, it’s crucial to understand that while it may not take long to master the craft of what you’re selling, if you intend to have employees, serving them well as a boss will be an ongoing commitment,” says Jen Lauzon, co-owner of LaZoom Tours
West Asheville’s Double Crown raises the bar for disaster relief
Bartenders and other employees from the Double Crown turned the bar into a mutual aid hub in the days following Tropical Storm Helene.
Women in Business: Magic in the making
“It is incredible the amount of diversity Magic players have from bartenders, lawyers, teachers, baristas, kids — really it is a game that spans not just age but professions,” says Charla Schlueter, owner of Gamers’ Haunt
Ashleigh Shanti’s debut cookbook explores the South that shaped her
From Southern Appalachia to the Lowcountry, the celebrated Asheville chef’s first cookbook traces her life’s journey and the roots of her identity through food.
Smart Bets: Vessels of Merriment
The exhibit features handmade drinking and serving vessels from 17 U.S. ceramics artisans.
Fresh Dish: Camille Cogswell on baking stardom, legacy ovens and pie crust
The Asheville native talks about her James Beard Award, the events that brought her to Madison County, how to heat up a wood-fire brick oven and the secret to perfect pie dough.
Women in Business: ‘Education is freedom’
“The bottom line is that education influences everyone and everything,” says Brianne Hudak, founder and head of school at Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented.
WNC 2024 general election live coverage
This post will be updated regularly throughout the evening as election results come in.
Smart Bets: Knuckle Deep BBQ Fest
With its usual location destroyed by flooding, this year’s event moves to The Mule on Sweeten Creek Road.
Health professionals help residents unpack feelings of dread and uncertainty post-Helene
Local mental health therapists, healers offer solace as residents enter next phase of storm’s lingering aftermath.
Smart Bets: Pawpaw ice cream release
The Hop partners with Milkwood Meadows Farm and Asheville GreenWorks to highlight the underappreciated fruit.