The Johanna Patrice Hagarty Show: Recent Episodes
Johanna Patrice Hagarty
The Johanna Patrice Hagarty Show highlights the most impactful and innovative entrepreneurs, with connection to the greater Asheville community.
(DATE1/4/2024; Fletcher, North Carolina): In response to the enthusiasm of more than 4,000 attendees of the 2023 Asheville Celtic Festival, the winter indoor/outdoor event is expanding to two days in February 2024. Held at the WNC Agriculture Center at 761 Boylston Highway, Fletcher, just outside of Asheville and adjacent to the Asheville Regional Airport, the fourth annual Asheville Celtic Festival will take place Saturday, February 17 through Sunday, February 18.
“Our goal when we developed the festival was to bring the Celtic spirit of the Seven Nations to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina while offering an indoor/outdoor event during the winter months,” said Mark Ferguson, co-founder. “The response has been phenomenal since the start, with attendance increasing every year. We’re thrilled to expand to two days in 2024, and tickets are already going fast.”
Entertainment at the family-friendly event will include live Celtic music from bands like ALBANNACH from Glasgow Scotland, SYR from Columbia S.C., and Unspoken Tradition from Cherryville, N.C., and more! Other entertainment will include live full-armored sword fighting at the castle by The Warriors of Ash-sword school. The awakening sounds of the Grandfather Mountain Pipe and Drum Band, as well as the Knoxville Pipe and Drum Band will ceremoniously open the event at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
www.ashevillecelticfest.com
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Embark on a journey with me, JPH, as we delve into the heart and soul of small business innovation alongside Mike Arriola, SBA District Director for North Carolina. Discover how one man's switch from a banking career to a two-decade-long passion project with the SBA has been instrumental in fostering small businesses through indispensable loan, federal contracting, and counseling services. Our conversation is a testament to the tenacity and creativity needed to navigate the complex economic landscape of North Carolina; one that's as diverse as the entrepreneurs it houses. We shine a light on the SBA's dynamic approach to overcoming budgetary constraints and customizing support for the varied communities within the state, and Mike introduces the vital work of the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), a beacon for specialized business support.
Peek behind the curtain of government contracting and unearth the wealth of opportunities that await nimble small businesses willing to step into the federal arena. Mike and I dissect the strategic pathways for securing local city contracts, discuss the undeniable power of forging personal connections, and share insights into the art of strategic marketing essential to winning government projects. The episode isn't just a talk; it's a treasure trove for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, bolstered by powerful statistics from North Carolina businesses and a rising tide of new nationwide business applications. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a nascent entrepreneur, the guidance found within the SBTDC's resources can illuminate your path to success in the ever-expanding ecosystem of government procurement.
https://www.sba.gov/
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What if you could support local entrepreneurs while discovering unique holiday gifts and wellness products? We promise to take you on a fascinating journey with Rachel Horn, the creative genius behind Sandy Mush Smokin Co and Heart Found Botanicals in this episode. Join us at the vibrant Holiday Pop-Up Market in Asheville Mall where we share inspiring conversations with many of the fifty local women-owned businesses.
In the spotlight is Rachel, who reveals her blend of traditional mulling spices and innovative CBD products. Hear about her entrepreneurial journey alongside her husband, their shared passion for CBD wellness, and how their dream product became an unforgettable wedding gift. The healing power of their products, from chapsticks that banish cold sores to CBD sabs that aid pain-free living, is truly remarkable. Rachel also shares her ambitions to make her market presence more regular and expand her products into more stores. So tune in, and let Rachel's inspiring story and unique products captivate your imagination.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
Have you ever wondered how deeply personal tragedies can be transformed into powerful missions for change? Meet Sandra Grace, a woman who's turned her harrowing past into a relentless fight against child marriage and trafficking. As the founder and executive director of 'Who Gives this Child', Sandra uses her story not just as a testament to her resilience, but as a compelling call to arms. Sold into marriage at a tender age of 14 by her own mother, Sandra is now leading efforts to raise the marriageable age in North Carolina to 18, through legislative change.
In an insightful conversation with Joanna Patrice Hagarty, Sandra sheds light on the intimate tie between child marriage and human trafficking. Unravel the intricate strategy that 'Who Gives this Child' employs, using short documentaries to raise awareness and shape public opinion. Sandra also divulges her plans to release a book, which chronicles her own experiences, and gives us a glimpse of the collaborations that 'Who Gives this Child' has fostered with organizations like the Lantern Project and Unchained Child USA. This episode is a stirring reminder of the power each of us holds to spark change and protect the vulnerable. Tune in and join the fight against child exploitation.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
Ready to uncover the secrets of building a successful business while maintaining work-life balance? Get comfy as we welcome Wendy Gritzmacher, the founder and travel advisor of Bliss Travel, who managed to do just that! Wendy candidly shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, revealing how she launched Bliss Travel as a means to balance her career with motherhood. She talks about the crucial role that local resources like the Western Women's Business Center played in her transition, offering a great example for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In the spirit of holiday season, Wendy also shares some smart travel hacks to help you navigate the challenges of holiday travel. From the importance of extra time at airports to the genius idea of dividing belongings between two suitcases when you are traveling with a partner, Wendy's tips are bound to make your travel more stress-free. As a seasoned travel industry professional, Wendy's experience of being on both sides of the ticket counter sure comes in handy. Uncover the secret of a peaceful holiday trip and gain insights into launching a successful business in this fascinating episode.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
Ever wonder what exactly makes a toy sustainable or how it can enhance your child's cognitive development? We promise you a treasure of knowledge in our fascinating conversation with Lindsay Simpson, the founder of the Hendersonville Toy Company, who takes us on an enlightening journey into the world of sustainable and educational playthings. We are at the Holiday Pop-Up Market for 2023 at the Asheville Mall, among 50 local women-owned businesses, talking about toys that are more than just playthings.
Lindsay throws light on the key features of her unique toy business focusing on sustainably made toys, stem-related items, Montessori-based play, and items that inspire intergenerational play, a concept that has gained serious traction in this digital age. She explains how play is not just for kids, and how engaging in play can boost cognitive abilities, improve mental health, and foster bonds across generations. We delve into the materials and design of sustainable toys, understanding wooden toys, recycled plastic items, and toys made from bioplastics. Lindsay also expands on stem toys, which integrate science, technology, engineering, and math, helping kids to learn about sequencing, engineering, and more. Furthermore, we talk about the importance of introducing art into play, creating a more holistic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) approach. This conversation is a goldmine of information for parents, educators, and toy enthusiasts who seek to understand better, the value and impact of toys in our lives.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
Step into the mesmerizing world of intuition with Shifra Nerenberg, the intuitive maestro behind Spiral Intuitive. From developing your intuitive prowess to exploring past lives through guided visualizations, this episode is a mysterious adventure into the unseen realms of our conscious existence. Shifra opens up about her fascinating work as an animal communicator, her unique approach to tarot and Oracle readings, and her passion for pairing felines with their human counterparts. Get ready to tear down the conditioned barriers around intuition and awaken to the wisdom inherent within your existence.
The second half of the episode takes a riveting twist as Shifra wields her tarot deck to perform a live reading, offering a dash of guidance and inspiration as we approach the festive season. The space is filled with profound insights, stimulating conversations, and a sense of connection to our shared human experience. As the holiday lights twinkle and the New Year beckons, we're reminded of our inherent humaneness, the power of our voices, and the beauty of intuitive living. Join Shifra and me, Joanna Patrice Haggerty, for an episode sure to leave you reflective, inspired, and in touch with your intuitive essence.
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Ever wondered how resilience and creativity can pave the way for business success even in the face of a global crisis? Uncover the entrepreneurial journey of a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Latiisha, and Brittani Gash, who defied the odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming their passions into thriving local businesses - Candles by Tiara and Tiara's Cakes and Cupcakes.
Witness the magic that unfolds when family, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for comfort and indulgence blend. Hear Latiisha and Brittani share their inspiring journey of launching a candle and cake business amidst challenging times, and how they turned ordinary items into a source of relaxation and pleasure. Learn how Latiisha's focus on natural candle ingredients sparked a light during dark times, and how Brittani, after perfecting her brownie recipe, ventured into cake-making, satisfying the sweet cravings of many. Get a glimpse into their collaborative efforts and how their products beautifully complement each other on special occasions. This episode is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit of small business owners. Tune in and be inspired.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
Curious about the modern alchemy of essential oils and energy healing? Come on a journey with us as we sit down with Adora Winquist, founder of the Seoul Institute and High Vibe Aromatics, at Asheville Mall's 2023 Holiday Pop-Up Market. Adora unravels her story, from her healing journey in the mid-1990s to her contemporary mission of assisting 25 million people in finding, living, and flourishing in their soul purpose. Her vision is gargantuan, paralleled by her dedication to offering accessible, practical, and profound interventions that marry ancient alchemical wisdom with a contemporary twist.
Stay tuned as Adora opens up about her various entrepreneurial ventures, sharing her path of ceaseless creativity and innovation right from her first business in 1998 to her recent brand, High Vibe Aromatics. She also grants us an exclusive look at her forthcoming book, 'The Love Frequency, a Modern Alchemist's Guide to Thriving in Sacred Purpose.' Adora beautifully unifies the scientific and spiritual, using what she terms 'foundational alchemy' as the backbone of her practices. This episode is overflowing with enlightening insights about discovering your sacred intention and leading an abundant life. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that you won't want to miss!
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
Can a hobby turned into a business venture serve as a therapeutic escape? Join me, Joanna Patrice Haggerty, at the 2023 Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Asheville Mall as I engage with Phyllis Brooks, the creative genius behind Dreamations by Phyllis. This episode revolves around Phyllis's artistic journey from an idyllic hobby to a successful business venture, born out of her passion for painting picturesque landscapes. Inspired by the iconic Bob Ross, Phyllis takes us through the origin of her charming business name, 'Dreamations,' and how her art has become a much-needed stress reliever amidst her full-time job responsibilities.
As the conversation evolves, Phyllis reveals her future aspiration of opening a storefront to sell her art post-retirement while narrating her artistic process and her experiences of balancing her full-time job with her flourishing business. Be prepared to be awestruck as Phyllis describes how she has ingeniously transformed her stress-relieving hobby into a flourishing business and her plans future. You will also learn where to find her enchanting artwork online. So, tune in and immerse yourself in Phyllis's inspiring journey from painting landscapes to painting her entrepreneurial dreams.
Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.
When you think of the moon, what comes to mind? Perhaps its calming light, or the tides it influences. But have you ever considered how it could be playing a vital role not just in nature, but in our lives and the energy around us? Meet Kayla Spence, founder of 'Ruled by the Moon', a unique crystal-based business that embraces this philosophy. Tune in as she shares about her entrepreneurial journey, starting with simple crystal jewelry and evolving to incorporate candles, soaps, and various trinkets, each with a touch of crystal magic. Kayla's belief in the moon's power and the energy of crystals permeates her work, making her creations affordable, beautiful, and meaningful.
To Kayla, a crystal isn't just a piece of jewelry; it is the star of the show. Her minimalist approach to design emphasizes the crystal more than the wire, making her pieces stand out. But the allure does not stop at aesthetics; Kayla believes in educating her customers about the energy and meaning behind each crystal. So, whether you're seeking healing, curiosity has piqued your interest, or you're just in search of a unique piece of jewelry, don't miss this episode. Join us and explore the fascinating world of crystals and how they can influence your life. Remember, as Kayla says, "The crystal you need will pick you!
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Sheelah has been working in the arts sales sector for over 15 years, 10 of which she ran a successful art gallery working with both established and up and coming artists. Through this work she came to realise that there was a lack of resources for artists to learn about the industry, like the ins and outs of exhibiting your work. This gap created a lot of frustration and disappointment for lots of very talented artists. So, in 2019 Sheelah closed the gallery to focus all her time and efforts on helping artists to create thriving and sustainable business from their art practices by sharing her experience and expertise.
Sheelah is an Art Historian (BAhons) and a snap happy photographer. She gets almost as much of a thrill from a perfectly captured moment in time in a photo as she does from falling in love with an artwork. She has fallen, hard, many times and she never tires of it.
Sheelah has a strong passion and belief in the importance of art and visual communications for the betterment and development of communities. This is the foundation of everything she does at 2020 Curates.
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Kentrice Schexnayder is a multifaceted New Orleans artist/muralist. From timeless fine arts pieces sold nationwide to one of the largest historical murals in New Orleans history - Schexnayder is most known for captivating life like portraits and history in her Art/Murals.
Schexnayder is on her way to becoming a nationally renown artist.
Inspired to be an artist from the ripe age of 6, Schexnayder graduated in 2010 from the University of New Orleans with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a minor in business.
https://www.ken6studio.com/
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Laura is the host of The Mosaic Life with Laura W. on BizRadio.US
Winner of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s WomanUp 2022 Best in Business award, Laura Wagenknecht, Founder and CEO of Mosaic Business Consulting, is an experienced consultant, executive coach, and strategist. With more than 30 years of professional experience and 20+ years of executive experience, she can draw on her background to help others. Her background and expertise make her the ideal fit for working women and minority business owners, coaches, consultants, therapists, healthcare providers, and other service providers.
She believes our diverse businesses provide a critical and beautiful contribution to the business community – and the world needs more women and minority business owners to succeed!
https://www.mosaicbusinessconsulting.com/https://bizradio.us/
Melissa McKinney is a singer/songwriter and musician living in Asheville, NC. Before moving here from WV, she spent 15 years as the owner of Stages Music School and The founder/director of The One Voice Project, an artist development program that offers young musicians the opportunity to travel with an empowerment and mental health awareness concert tour.
She is the lead singer of Mama & The Ruckus who recently won the honor of competing in the International Blues Competition in Memphis. She is a resident artist with LEAF Global Arts and has a passion for giving young people the opportunity to use their voices to make a positive difference in their community and the world. She is the co-founder of the WTF Music Festival coming back for its 2nd year in June of 2023. Melissa enjoys organizing events, especially ones that benefit people or causes that she is passionate about. Most recently she helped organize the No Simple Disruption/Medeski & Friends event at Salvage Station.
She is the mother of K. McKinney, a local bass player/singer who she performs often, as well as two Great Pyrenees named Dorian and Lydian, a doodly dog named Aeolian, and a cat named Locrian.
https://www.melissamckinneymusic.com
Photo by Jessica Montanez
Tom Boots is an organizational development consultant and executive coach. He brings more than 25 years of experience working with small and large businesses, nonprofits, and the Federal Government. He earned an MA degree in Human Development from the University of Kansas with an emphasis in organizational behavior management. He also spends time creating music, painting, and exploring the outdoors.
WEBSITE LINKS / CTA:tom@tombootsconsulting.comwww.tombootsconsulting.com
Welcome to Art Hero’s with JPH, where we believe art can heal, connect and galvanize.
This is our second episode of our NEW monthly mini- training series with myself, Johanna Patrice Hagarty.
Each episode will correspond with our Art Hero Group Coaching Program and will serve 3 purposes:
- 1st It will serve as additional education for my current students since you can’t teach everything there is to know about a topic in 1hr
- 2nd: It will serve as a free resource for anyone looking to learn about a specific business foundations topic- because while we all gotta eat- I believe sharing business knowledge with those who need it for free is of value
- 3rd: It will give everyone a taste for me, and my coaching style for anyone who may be curious about joining our coaching program or taking a course from me.
Our 1hr group coaching live training takes place the second Wednesday of every month at 11am EST. Members get all replays and a direct line to business experts that can answer your unique business questions in a timely fashion. Vist: www.ArtHero.Biz/Current-Programs to learn more about any of our programs and services. BUT for now, let’s dive in!
Last month we discussed 3 Tips for getting into the right executive mindset for business (regardless of where you are!)
This month the topic is all about goals and project management.
Now at the beginning of the year, we are always bombarded with goals and this internal anxiety monster can easily come out (at least in me) feeling like I’ve got to start the year off perfectly right. Well for anyone who knows me and my coaching style, you know that I believe in small changes, aka microshifts- so that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Why those are important, and how to manage those.
We’re going:
- To cover 4 tips to making a good goal
- Have an honest conversation about goals and anti-goal setting
- 3 Reasons Project Management is important to your business and goals
- Review Art Hero’s 4 STAR Components of Project Management
If Pablo Picasso said, “our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” then I think we can at least entertain the idea of goal setting.
So grab a piece of paper to take notes, and tune in while we break it all down for you!
Courtney Naquin is a climate and environmental justice communications professional based in New Orleans. Courtney was born and raised in a petrochemical and fossil fuel “sacrifice zone” of Southeast Texas, and has deep family roots in endangered bayou communities of Southern Louisiana. They’ve seen first hand the devastation and displacement of multiple major climate and environmental disasters, from Hurricane Katrina to the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to the more recent Hurricane Ida.
Their upbringing inspired them to make environmental advocacy and climate communications their career. They are currently the Gulf Coast Deputy Press Secretary for Sierra Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign, working closely with grassroots organizations and frontline leaders to elevate the Gulf South resistance to extractive and polluting industry. They are a firm believer in “bottom up” messaging and community-led storytelling that centers the experiences and needs of those most impacted by industry activity and climate change. Courtney is dedicated to helping stop the fracked gas “LNG” buildout that is threatening the Gulf Coast, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, Southeast Texas, and Southwest Louisiana. They work with communities and groups along the “fracking cycle,” referring to the extraction of fossil fuels from the Permian Basin to transport and export along the TX/LA Gulf Coast.
Courtney also works as the education coordinator for the Houma Language Project, a new cultural restoration initiative with United Houma Nation, one of Southern Louisiana’s Indigenous Tribes. The Houma Language Project aims to revitalize Uma, the Tribe’s original language, and to engage Houma youth to help keep Houma French alive in a time where climate change poses an active existential threat to the Indigenous peoples of Southern Louisiana
Salon.com wrote: “By trade, Dayna Reggero is an environmentalist. Her work ranges from filmmaking to beginning her career as a spokesperson. However, her most skilled workers might come in the form of organizing conversations, or simply starting them.” In a print feature, Woman’s Day Magazine showcased Dayna as an “Earth Mother: an Artist Activist who isn’t just fighting for cleaner air and water, but protecting a community’s most precious resources – its people.” Dayna was honored in 2022 as the winner of the Maya Deren Short Film Innovation Prize for her insightful, essential documentaries but also her human spirit to make the world more aware of itself through her various projects.”
https://gulfcoastmurals.com/
Assuming we take the term “grown up” loosely, Simon Pellett grew up in the south of England, spent his teenage years engrossed in art and music and learning to play the guitar. At 20 he met a girl and left the UK, moving north of Boston in the US.and over the years contributed to several different musical projects, while working on his career as a graphic artist.
From his early teens, he suffered from anxiety and depression, which caused crippling self-doubt, virtually halting any confidence to join bands or play in public for fear of ridicule and not being good enough. It wasn’t until a childhood friend turned him on to motivational and leadership authors and speakers such as Tony Robbins, that he began to work on overcoming his fears and seeking to improve himself in all aspects of life.
After working with various musicians in New England, Simon joined a band that opened for national touring acts, won a battle of the bands, and was interviewed on the radio. The band ran its course, but the relationships in the scene and the experiences were invaluable. With the entrepreneurial and mindset knowledge gained from constantly seeking new books and podcasts, coupled with seeing firsthand the stumbling blocks that bands run into when trying to build a career in music, he launched a podcast called Music On Your Own Terms. This podcast aims to help musicians develop an entrepreneurial mindset, overcome the same self-doubt, anxiety, and depression, and build a community of musicians that work together to improve the scene with the mantra “A rising tide lifts all ships”.
Simon is currently based in Texas and along with the podcast he works professionally as a graphic artist for a screen printing company, producing merch for various bands. During his spare time, he writes his own music, works with other musicians recording guitar and bass, helps promote his friends’ bands, and teaches guitar and bass.
Johanna Patrice Hagarty (or JPH) has personally founded two 6-figure companies and has helped bring in over 10 million dollars for nonprofits and small businesses. She also consults on marketing and development with dozens of small businesses and has worked with the Small Business Administration and several of the largest entrepreneurial institutions across North Carolina.
Her business Art Hero, LLC turned 1 on January 18th, 2023, and was founded on the idea that art can heal, connect, and galvanize. Currently offering an online foundational business course, group coaching, and consulting- Art Hero is always looking for ways to expand their programs and services to help the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and historically underrepresented communities.
In today's monthly mini-training, JPH is going to discuss 3 tips for maintaining a winning mindset in business.
Learn more at:www.ArtHero.Biz/Current-ProgramsJoin the conversation on Instagram: @artherobiz
Tricia Tripp is the lead singer/band leader of Hearts Gone South and the owner of Winter Magnolia Designs, a local design business specializing in murals, custom artwork, and prints. She has lived in Asheville for over 18 years and travels around the region playing music and painting murals.
Winter Magnolia DesignsIG: @wintermagnoliadesignsWeb:https://www.wintermagnoliadesigns.com/
Hearts Gone SouthIG: @heartsgonesouthBandcamp:https://heartsgonesouth.bandcamp.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRz2qliIYBs0Q6igl-POUAFB: https://www.facebook.com/heartsgonesouth
Emcee/Lyricist - NYC to Asheville
Contact/Booking:peter.the.poet.us@gmail.com
Lyrically potent, exceptionally dynamic, fresh, and forthright - P.T.P aka Peter the Poet is a New York City-raised, Asheville-based emcee on the rise.
Known for his intensely crafted flows, emphatic vocal performance, and intrepid stage presence - P.T.P blazes his own trail amongst his peers. Championing lyricism, vulnerability, and jagged attitude in Hip-Hop - P.T.P's music orbits a precisely woven core of self-celebration, aggro rebellion, relational reflections, and existential woe. His distinct sonic stylings bridge the gap between poets, songwriters, Trap enthusiasts, and Hip-Hop purists - earning him comparisons to acts such as Aesop Rock, Earl Sweatshirt, Homeboy Sandman, Mac Miller, Slug, and more.
His music has been featured internationally on both American and European Hip-Hop blogs - most notably on Upcoming Hip-Hop, OK-Tho, WeLoveThat, & GRNDGD - as well as spotlighted by local/regional outlets AVL Today, Asheville Grit, Mountain Xpress, DOPECAUSEWESAID, 98.1 The River [WNC], WKNC 88.1 FM Raleigh, and 103.3 Asheville FM.
Always striving to be better, and better know himself - P.T.P creates Art-Rap and Alternative Hip-Hop that encourages a pensive mind, a passionate heart, a fine lyrical comb, and an indomitable spirit.
Style & Background: Music & Social Links:InstagramTwitterFacebookSpotifyApple MusicSoundCloud
Ashley Lieb, the owner of Honey Creek Pottery, finds her truth, spirit, and therapy within the use and formation of clay. Working with clay, children, and adults alike to share the therapeutic and creative benefits of clay, is a life calling of Ashley's. She has been professionally working with clay for the last 8 years in Asheville. She is on the board of the West Asheville Tailgate Market and also puts on various Craft Events throughout Asheville- the most long-standing event being the Asheville Music Hall/One Stop Holiday Craft Bazaar going into its 6th year this holiday season (be on the lookout).
Ashley holds a BA in Art and double minors in Health and Wellness and Psychology from the University of North Carolina- Asheville. She focused on therapeutic art in all areas. She has been teaching pottery for the last 10 years in the Western North Carolina area. After helping start and grow the Vance Elementary After School Enrichment program, she also taught pottery courses in the program. For four years Ashley was the Pottery Coordinator at Green River Preserve, Western North Carolina's #1 Overnight Nature Camp voted by Mountain Xpress. Ashley now focuses on wholesale production work, custom work, and teaching private classes out of her studio.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/honeycreekpottery Facebook: www.facebook.com/honeycreekceramics Website: www.honeycreekpottery.weebly.com Email: honeycreekpottery@gmail.com
Johanna Patrice Hagarty (or JPH) has personally founded two 6-figure companies and has helped bring in over 10 million dollars for nonprofits and small businesses. She also consults on marketing and development with dozens of small businesses and has worked with the Small Business Administration and several of the largest entrepreneurial institutions in the Western North Carolina region.
With a background in Human Services and over a decade of experience as an Arts and Economic Development Specialist, Marketing Consultant, and Creative Business Coach, Johanna focuses primarily on uplifting under-resourced communities including artists, black and brown individuals, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Throughout her work with thousands of individual entrepreneurs, she has distilled a simple business planning model that allows accessibility and support for new and growing entrepreneurs.
Johanna’s aim is to activate creative people so that they can use the power of the arts to heal, connect, thrive, and galvanize. Johanna believes that the solutions to many of the world’s problems will come from artists and other creative thinkers. She believes it is past time to give them the tools they need to create an impact; these people are the Art Heroes.
Whether Johanna is educating visual artists or those engaged in the more innovative arts of entrepreneurship (innovators, app developers, producers), she intends to continue building a platform and encouraging the mindset for sustained Art Hero success.
Dr. McCauley graduated in 1992 from Colorado State School of Veterinary Medicine. After six years in general practice, she became a pioneer in the field of Veterinary Rehabilitation, designing the first underwater treadmill for dogs. Dr. McCauley started the first Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinic in 1998, TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation, and was on faculty at Canine Rehabilitation Institute for 14 years. She is certified in Acupuncture and Chiropractic therapy and in 2014 became Board Certified in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. McCauley is an international lecturer and contributing author in many textbooks and journals. She was awarded the 2011 Iams AARV Award of Excellence in the Field of Rehabilitation and the 2015 AHVMA Holistic Practitioner of the Year Award. In 2017 Dr. McCauley opened Red Tail Rehab mobile practice in North Carolina and in 2020 created Optimum Pet Vitality, an online learning platform. Her first two courses include Optimum Laser Therapy, a 20 hr. RACE approved course to teach professionals to use any laser to its optimal potential, and Optimum Geriatric Exercise, a 15 hr. RACE approved course for professionals to teach everything they need to know to prescribe, perform, teach, and progress 24 exercises for geriatric and other patients, from puppy to athlete.
Get a copy of The Top 5 Exercises for Geriatric Dogs by texting ebook to 1+866-949-0068 or visit https://optimum-pet-vitality.mykajabi.com/exercise-ebook
https://www.optimumpetvitality.com/
Eliza is a self-taught drummer who began playing drums at 9 years old on a drum set she made herself, and the rest is history. Eliza has been playing in bands since she was 11, and started playing shows and touring out of town at the age of 15.
Some of her current projects include Istari, a psych Metal/ rock and roll group, The Smoky Mountains sirens (rock and roll), and Tight. Tight is based out of the Greenville, SC area and brings notes of glam rock, garage, and punk.
Constantly growing and evolving, there are many other projects and cool stuff going on for Eliza.
Instagram: @lizadrummer
@thesmokymountainsirens
@istari_the_band
RAISED IN RALEIGH, NC - HE NOW LIVES IN HARLEM, NYC.
PHOTOGRAPHER FOR OVER 17 YEARS, SPECIALIZING IN THEATRE PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY, HEADSHOTS, AND CONCEPT PROMOTIONAL WORK. WORKING CLOSELY WITH BROADWAY AND OPERA, STRIVING TO BRING A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF WHAT IS BEING PERFORMED ON STAGE. RECENTLY WORKING WITH THE METROPOLITAN OPERA, AND SESAME STREET IT'S ALWAYS BEEN AN ENTERTAINING DAY WORKING CLOSELY WITH SUCH A RANGE OF CLIENTELE. HE LIKES GUMMY BEARS AND WARM HUGS!
Website:https://www.curtisbrownphotography.com/
IG: @ curtisbrownphotography
Who was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. A graduate of Full Sail University receiving his Master's in media design is always looking for ways to challenge his creativity and knowledge. He has a passion for the ARTS and believes his purpose is to empower others to always believe in themselves despite the adversity they may face in life. He understands the importance of representation and strives to be an authentic, positive example he wishes he had growing up for others.
Being such a beacon of light, his story and talent have opened doors he would not have imagined. ARTavius was diagnosed with kidney disease at three years old. Now, he's 17 years post kidney transplant and a bestselling author of his debut memoir, Becoming a living testimony: How Kidney disease BLESSED my life. He's also a gold-medalist athlete, podcast host, multiple award-winning graphic designer, and actor.
In 2014 while an undergrad at Memphis College of ART, he embarked on a new path of entrepreneurship and was the founder of the I AM ART Campaign, a student campaign geared to combat bullying against art students and empower them to believe in themselves and their craft. In 2020 during the pandemic, he launched his passion project ARTist Feature Magazine, a quarterly ARTS magazine that aims to discovering the ARTists behind the work, giving them a platform that allows their voices and perspectives to be heard and ultimately committed to championing and celebrating ARTists of the Next Generation.
Website:https://qrco.de/bcm1TL
Asheville Boss Babes is a special edition radio show with co-hosts CPA, Veronica Edwards and Economic Development Specialist, Johanna Patrice Hagarty. Each episode airs on Biz Radio US’s shows, The Veronica Edwards ShowandArt Heroes w/ JPHrespectively.
Asheville Boss Babes puts an emphasis on women making a difference in their field of expertise and in their community. We want to provide inspiration, support and acknowledge the amazing things women are doing in Western North Carolina and all over the world!
About your host: Veronica Edwards
Veronica has over 17 years of experience in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Veronica is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant and QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. A graduate of University of North Carolina Charlotte earning a Bachelors of Science in Accounting as well as earning a Masters of Accounting from Georgia Southern University. Prior to opening Balanced Virtually Veronica was employed with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Newell Rubbermaid, and Milwaukee Electric Tool in various roles that provided experience in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, auditing, SOX (Sarbanes Oxley Act) compliance, and month end close. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. In her spare time, Veronica enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her family, and event planning.
About your host: Johanna Patrice Hagarty
Johanna has launched two six-figure companies, helped raise millions of dollars, and has brought hundreds of thousands of people together in efforts to support artists and community development. Her most recent endeavor, Art Hero, LLC focuses on business education, coaching, and consulting services. With a background in Human Services and over 15 years of experience as an Arts and Economic Development Specialist, Marketing Consultant, and Creative Business Coach, Johanna focuses primarily on uplifting under-resourced communities including artists, black and brown individuals, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Johanna’s aim is to activate creative people so that they can use the power of the arts to heal, connect, thrive, and galvanize. Johanna believes that the solutions to many of the world’s problems will come from artists and other creative thinkers. She believes it is past time to give them the tools they need to create impact; these people are the Art Heroes.
Kelly Sheehan is the Senior Director of Energy Campaigns for the Sierra Club, where she leads a national effort to advance climate justice and a transition off of fossil fuels. Kelly joined the Sierra Club in 2012. She has been an environmental activist by passion and by trade for the past twenty years, directing campaigns to protect the environment, training and engaging people to participate in our democracy, and building a movement for social change. Kelly lives in Asheville, NC with her children. She was honored as Best Environmentalist by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine and you can often find her exploring trails and rivers in the Appalachian Mountains. Connect with Kelly @EcoKelly on Instagram.
The climate listening project is listening to artists and activists working together in the gulf coast. Now there are 20+ LNG export terminals proposed along the Gulf Coast. These are huge liquid natural gas export facilities where all the pipelines bring the gas to the coast to ship it overseas with fossil fuel companies profiting billions. It’s dangerous. Connect viaGulfCoastMurals.com.
Karli Stephenson joined the City of Asheville as an Urban Designer and Public Art Coordinator in January of 2022. She works on a variety of urban design projects that support and enhance Asheville’s public realm. She manages the Art in the Heart Program, part of the engagement effort for the Pack Square Plaza Visioning and Improvements project. Prior to joining the City of Asheville, she worked for several years with the City of Raleigh's Urban Design Center. She has a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University.
Kendra Penland is a very proud mother of two sons, a musician, small business owner and consultant, and a committed social justice advocate.
She attended UNC-Chapel Hill & WCU, resulting in a bachelors and masters degree.
Kendra has a strong commercial & business development track record, and has either directed, fundraised, consulted, or served on over 17 local, regional, state-wide, and national non-profit boards, and 7 local, state and federal political campaigns.
Jen Aly is a dedicated money and business coach who supports creative and holistic entrepreneurs to create thriving businesses. She teaches prosperity mindset, marketing, sales, and financial tools in ways that are soul-aligned, practical, intuitive, and fun.
Her TEDx talk, "Harness Creativity as your Greatest Business Asset" was among the 10% of TEDx talks chosen for TED.com. She geeks out on art, wellness, business, and house plants.
Alyssa Phillips is the owner of Amp’d Designs, helping passionate businesses stand out through branding, web design, and graphic design. Alyssa found her path to design through music, and her love for branding while studying at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where she received a BFA in Communications Design. She held several positions at design studios in NYC, including roles at Atlantic Records and as an Art Director at a print company, before moving to the mountains. Since launching Amp'd Designs, Alyssa's favorite part of running a business is building relationships with clients, collaborators, and community members. Alyssa is the founding Vice President of AIGA Asheville, a chapter of a national organization that advocates for the value of creative services. She also provides educational tips and resources for designers to help build sustainable and fulfilling design businesses.
CarolAnn ( she/ her) is the creator and owner of Dry Apron which makes the amazing No Sweat Undies; the first underwear that prevents infections for plus sized women.
CarolAnn has been been a sewer for 55 years and a fabric engineer for 50 years. She sewed because there were such limited offerings of clothing in her size when she was young. Then
she started sewing garments that had no patterns, using her skills in more creative ways.
7 years ago, at 63, CarolAnn found a need and engineered a solution. She tapped into Asheville’s extensive startup resources and has built a business that has grown in scope and size. No Sweat undies is now in 4 countries as well as the US. It survived Covid and continues to thrive. She has won numerous awards and been the subject of more than a few articles.
**Andrew Thelston is a high energy rock n roll artist from Asheville NC. One could describe his sound as guitar-heavy rock combined with funky grooves and soaring vocals. Drawing on influences such as Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin and Queen, Andrew Thelston creates futuristic rock n roll which echoes the past. Not only does he showcase his virtuosity as a guitarist and vocalist, he uniquely displays his evolving talent as a songwriter and producer on his albums, EP’s and latest single “Time”.
Over the past 5 years, the Andrew Thelston Band has been captivating audiences across the south-east with their high energy funky rock n roll. Bassist Roddy Wilder and drummer Jeff Lott create a rock solid rhythm for Andrew to lay vocals and guitar upon. In 2019, Thelston had his original music featured on the hit Netflix show Lucifer.**
“Guitar-heavy rock that takes in late 1960s psychedelia, blues influenced solos, and occasional nods to acoustic folk, all tied together by Thelston's earnest, emotional vocals"-Greenville Journal
“I can’t wait to hear more from such a talented artist. The future of Andrew Thelston is looking bright”-LOCAL LIVE Magazine
“Andrew Thelston is one of the hardest working, talented and intelligent artists in the Asheville area”-LSTNIN
Video links:
https://youtu.be/3GUIdDyRTm8
https://youtu.be/r_TH4vr5LUU
https://youtu.be/E1mcA_q3GKQ
https://youtu.be/qHOunqoB5pU
https://youtu.be/Csb7DPEeZkM
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vtPf2yq1G137w3GjTL6lh?nd=1
Web links:
https://m.facebook.com/andrewthelstonmusic/
https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdkqaBVW/
https://www.instagram.com/andrew_thelston_band/
https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewThelston
http://www.andrewthelston.com/
Matthew Bacoate is the founder of Asheville Community Enterprises, which launched in 2017. After Matthew’s first-hand and longstanding experiences in the professional substance use and mental health fields, he realized the staff members serving our most vulnerable populations were often overworked, and under-supported with resources. In realizing that not only the staff, but the organizations themselves needed support in managing their vitally important community services, the Safe Plus More digital application was visioned. Safe Plus More has supported hundreds of staff and community members including staff from the City of Asheville Fire Department and Responder Support Services. The app helps in executing their programs and is currently expanding to support staff, clients, and community members across the Southeast.
https://www.safeplusmore.com/
Jazmin Whitmore is the owner of More To Love plus size consignment, Asheville's only plus size inclusive consignment shop. She is a woman who is passionate about supporting body positivity by providing affordable fashionable clothes, a comfortable shopping experience and putting money back in her shoppers pockets.
https://www.mtlavl.com/
Yvette Jives is an Asheville native, a wife of 40yrs, parent to 4 and 8 year ovarian cancer survivor. She is also the author of, “Windowed Revelations of Ovarian Cancer”, cofounder of CoThinkk & founder of HERS, LLC- a healthcare navigation consulting agency aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for ovarian cancer patients and symptom-driven diseases.
Yvette is actively involved in presenting and being a change agent locally and within worldwide organizations with an emphasis on Gynecological Cancers and symptom-driven diseases in women and people of color. Yvette serves on the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board, The Advisory Board with Haywood Street Respite and The Patient Advisory Committee with Mission Hospital. She is also a founding participant of the Health Equity Task Force (HETF) focused on identifying and putting action plans in-place to address healthcare disparities with women of color and is also the only women of color presenter within WNC for Survivors Teaching Students (STS). Both HETF and STS are programs in partnership with The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA).
Yvette is committed to being an advocate supporting equal access for equal outcomes!
Noreen Sullivan is the owner of Super Fantastic Terrific and Awesome, a content marketing company that takes a sociological approach to storytelling. In her heart of hearts she is creative and aspires to share that creative spark with everyone she meets. She worked for over 20 years in Silicon Valley supporting and consulting with startups starting at the dawn of social media. She moved to Asheville to spend more time being creative rather than managing creatives. She is a painter, a fashion up-cycler, and a writer. During Covid she created the Genius Breakthrough creativity system which she will be launching soon. Understanding business systems, technology, people and the potential of convergence allow her to create launch strategies for explosive growth.
Noreen Sullivan’s companies Genius Breakthrough, & SFTA Creative (Super, Fantastic, Terrific, Awesome) have merged with Johanna Hagarty’s company Art Hero LLC. Noreen is excited because the merger allows the company to meet people where they are in the business process. Soon to be launched Genius Breakthrough has a focus on creative problem solving, ideation and leadership. ART Hero’s ABC’s Of Business Course now also offered as BIZ HERO for entrepreneurs gives a foundation for new businesses. SFTA Creative and JPH Creative will be providing strategic consulting and execution with a focus on economic development and growth.
This year commemorates the 95 th Anniversary of the 1927 Bristol
Sessions and the Birthplace of Country Music is celebrating with a
big party in Historic Downtown Bristol on the beautiful stateline of
Tennessee and Virginia – the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
music festival.
They have an amazing line-up this year, including Rosanne Cash, Tanya
Tucker, JJ Grey & Mofro, Del McCoury Band, The Wood Brothers,
Jerry Douglas Band, Fantastic Negrito, among many more great
artists - including several from the Asheville area.
During Bristol Rhythm & Roots weekend visitors will also have the
opportunity to explore the special exhibit “1968: A Folsom
Redemption”at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. It is a
collection of photographs and memories of two journalists lucky
enough to be among the eye-witnesses to the historic Johnny Cash
concerts at Folsom Prison.
More than 120 artists on 17 stages for three days, Sept. 9, 10, 11,
2022. To learn more about the Bristol Sessions and BCM’s mission of
music, visit BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.
Today the tables are turned on the person who has spent most of the past 27 years interviewing others across the greater Asheville community. Matt Mittan, Owner of Biz Radio Asheville and other local community-focused businesses, is my guest. In this episode, we delve deep into the "why's" of being in business and talk about "legacy", among other things. Enjoy.
Visit https://mattmittan.godaddysites.com/ to connect with all that Matt has going on.
**Cortina is a proud millennial, born and raised in Western NC and descending from generations of Black Appalachian, Afrakan & indigenous farmers, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs and creatives. Since the age of 12, Cortina has been an entrepreneur that learned at her grandmother’s hands and continues a legacy of entrepreneurship, creativity and community building as Founder & Brand Strategist for Cortina Jenelle Branding Agency; Founder & Creatrix for House of SOLEIL , a service-rooted business that supports spiritual + creative entrepreneurs become self-actualized business owners; and Founder & Creative Community Organizer for Afraka Designing Emergence (adé PROJECT), a liberatory, cooperative organization focused on change management, creative healing and wealth-building. Additionally, Cortina has served as Co-Founder of Mountain Business Equity Initiative (MBEI), Program Director for WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition; Community Relations Director & Communications Director for LEAF Community Arts as well as various other management roles, Board of Director appointments and leadership positions.
At just 35 years old, it is self-evident that Cortina works tirelessly and intentionally to positively contribute to upleveling the consciousness of humanity. Ultimately, Cortina’s work is fueled by her personal mission – to help entrepreneurs, freelancers, nonprofits and others scale their brands through the support of award-winning talent and skills while providing clients the maximum return on investment as well as supporting purpose-driven brands with tools, strategies + services.**
Cortina has received recognition as aCoThinkk Community Leader Award Nominee (2021); Tzedek Impact Award Winner (2020-2019); KNOW Global Women of the Year (2020); WNC Women Leadership Award in Art + Culture(2019); Leadership Asheville nominee (2014); 40 Under Forty: Asheville (2013); and WNC Minority Enterprise Development’s Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year (2012). In addition to holding a Masters in Management & Leadership, Cortina is a certified Kemetic Yoga Instructor, certified Creative Facilitator, licensed Insurance Producer & Financial Professional and rigorously trained in diversity, equity, inclusion.
Book Orders - https://houseofsoleil.org/product/how-to-heal-the-planet-book
Book a Discovery Call - https://houseofsoleil.org/contact
Melissa Hyman is a musician, songwriter and educator, born to a musical family and raised in the NYC area. She's been living in Asheville since 2007, and began working full-time as a touring musician in 2009. Her primary instruments are cello and voice.
Melissa's longtime musical projects include The Moon and You, an expandable-collapsable band with herself and husband Ryan Furstenberg at its core; Cowboy Judy, a country/Motown supergroup with Dulci Ellenberger, Amanda Anne Platt and Amber Sankaran; and The Heartbeat Sessions, a collaboration between local arts-in-healthcare nonprofit Arts For Life and Echo Mountain Recording Studios.
Melissa recently joined one of her all-time favorite bands, Tina and Her Pony, on electric bass. She has been teaching music and art lessons to pediatric patients and their families at Mission Hospital for Arts For Life since 2011, and began teaching rock band at French Broad River Academy in late 2020. She has been the Children's Program Coordinator at Warren Wilson College's Swannanoa Gathering since 2012, directing a 3-week day camp for children aged 5 to 18. Melissa also teaches private lessons on ukulele, guitar, cello, songwriting and music theory basics. She lives in West Asheville with her husband and two dogs.
Lisa Linder is a mindset and transformational coach who helps people ready to make changes in their lives. She is a Law of Attraction Expert, Online Educator, and channels Divine energy to give appropriate guidance and direction. Lisa teaches universal laws along with practical tools and techniques looking at all aspects of mind, body, and spirit, to help her clients become empowered so they can live their best lives.
She has a kind, gentle and loving approach, holding energy and creating safe space, allowing for growth so transformation may occur on all levels. She’s able to help by interpreting current vibrations and shift to a more desired vibration so you can connect with your own inner wisdom to allow the magic to happen.
Lisa has created online, self guided programs that can help you transform your life through a holistic process to help you create balance, love, harmony, and inner peace, more joy and more purpose. This transformation is a conscious and intentional journey which will empower you to live your best life to the fullest expression.
Her training in various energy work modalities includes: Hypnotherapy Certification, Reiki-Master Level, Sound Healing, Space Clearing, Chakra Clearing, Color Healing, Crystal and Essential Oil Therapies.
Alli Marshall is a poet, performer, writer, editor, filmmaker, and creative community builder. She’s interested in moving writing beyond the page, seeking the golden in the mundane, finding the
The intersection of art and social justice, and reconnecting with mythology — both ancient and modern.
alli-marshall.com
Kristen Marie Greene is an internationally-published photographer, stylist, model, and creative project manager. Inspired by evolving worldwide trends in fashion, art, and popular culture, KMG combines her media techniques with passionate vision. Her enthusiasm is only equaled by her uncompromising attention to detail and genuine desire to produce a remarkable finished product. Currently, she resides in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and works with some of the most unique clients in the area.
Matt Williams is a lifelong musician, singer, and producer who exemplifies musical versatility. He is a genre-bending singer and multi-instrumentalist, primarily known for his abilities on various stringed instruments including violin, viola, guitar, bass and mandolin. Matt's adaptive virtuosity keeps him working in a state of constant collaboration both on stage and in the studio.
He owns and operates The Eagle Room Recording Studio where he produces music and has earned three Grammy certificates for his highly coveted work in the recording arts as a featured artist, arranger, and audio engineer.
Currently, Matt regularly performs with a wide variety of talented artists or as a soloist using live loop sampling, and is a founding member with one of East Coast Entertainment's most exclusive party bands, Royal Suits. His latest original music project, called Soul Poet, combines modern hip-hop lyricism and mainstream pop music production with his creative style of songwriting and unique instrumental skillset.
A proud graduate of Appalachian State University, Kaye Bentley worked as a rural letter carrier for the US Postal Service for 38 years before founding Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours in 2018. She was inspired by the captivating views of Asheville from rooftops across the city. Those views, combined with a love of Asheville’s art deco architecture, lead her to craft a tour that combines stunning birds-eye-views of Asheville along with the history of the city, while enjoying food and drinks, all from Asheville’s highly acclaimed rooftop bars.
In 2020, the Carolina Small Business Development Fund recognized Kaye as the Entrepreneur of the Year for her work with Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours. Kaye also earned the 2019 Creativity in Business Award presented by the Western Women's Business Center. KNOW Asheville also named Kaye on their list "On the Rise…Women to Watch.” Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours has been named a top nationwide attraction by Trip Advisor for two consecutive years.
Angelica Driver works as the Business Inclusion Manager for the City of Asheville. As Business Inclusion Manager, she works to increase the number of businesses owned by women and people of color in City purchases and contracts through ensuring compliance, issuing certifications, and engaging in capacity building with these businesses. She has worked in the City’s Community & Economic Development Department since early 2018. During that time, she specialized in relationship building with local organizations, community engagement, public communication, and serving BIPOC and women owned businesses. She deeply values equity, inclusion, community, and ensuring she always keeps the “service” in “public service”.
In her free time, Angelica enjoys reading historical fiction and fantasy novels, classic literature, and longform investigative journalism; hiking; plant identification; brunches with dear friends; taking random classes on various interesting topics; and hanging out with her miniature poodle, Sunny.
Cristina brings her passion for team building, growth strategy, and brand development to her role as President and Co-Founder of Ginger’s Revenge, the first and only brewery in Asheville specializing in the production of alcoholic ginger beer. Prior to founding Ginger’s Revenge, Cristina spent over 13 years in the food and beverage industry and a decade in fundraising and communications for non-profit organizations. Ginger’s Revenge has grown over the last five years to now be distributed in over 550 locations throughout North Carolina. In 2019, Cristina was named WomanUP’s Rising Star. She currently serves on the Board of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.
Kristen is a passionate marketing and communications professional. Specializing in social media, content creation, and strategic development. She enjoys helping people tell their stories and show the best version of themselves to the world, authentically and creatively. In the past, she has worked collaboratively with several start-ups and non-profits to craft the perfect designs that attract new attention and build the audience. When she’s not weaving words and strategies together you can catch her exploring everything the mountains have to offer with her pup, Lucy
Noreen Sullivan is the owner of Super Fantastic Terrific and Awesome, a content marketing company that takes a sociological approach to storytelling. In her heart of hearts she is creative and aspires to share that creative spark with everyone she meets. She worked for over 20 years in Silicon Valley supporting and consulting with startups starting at the dawn of social media. She moved to Asheville to spend more time being creative rather than managing creatives. She is a painter, a fashion up-cycler, and a writer. During Covid she created the Genius Breakthrough creativity system which she will be launching soon. Understanding business systems, technology, people and the potential of convergence allow her to create launch strategies for explosive growth.
Noreen Sullivan’s companies Genius Breakthrough, & SFTA Creative (Super, Fantastic, Terrific, Awesome) have merged with Johanna Hagarty’s company Art Hero LLC. Noreen is excited because the merger allows the company to meet people where they are in the business process. Soon to be launched Genius Breakthrough has a focus on creative problem solving, ideation and leadership. ART Hero’s ABC’s Of Business Course now also offered as BIZ HERO for entrepreneurs gives a foundation for new businesses. SFTA Creative and JPH Creative will be providing strategic consulting and execution with a focus on economic development and growth.
My Mama, Leslie Hagarty, didn’t always have it the easiest, but she's always made sure I had enough. And most importantly, she made sure I knew what unconditional love was, and for that- I celebrate her today and every day.
Charles Humphrey III is the bass player for Songs From The Road Band. Songs From The Road Band is an Asheville, North Carolina-based bluegrass supergroup featuring Mark Schimick (mandolin), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo). The band takes flight with virtuosic picking, singing, and Grammy award-winning songwriting. Their live show has been compared to watching a NASCAR race. It’s exciting and unpredictable, but you’re always wondering if there’s gonna be the thrill of a crash. Their most recent single “Amarillo Blue” went to number one on the Bluegrass Today Grassicana chart. They have 6 studio albums available at all musical outlets.
https://www.songsfromtheroadband.com/
Since she was a young girl, ShaunaJane has always been fascinated with making people smile. In 2006, she got her first part-time job as a bartender at Sisters' Catering in Raleigh, NC, and after that, her career in the wedding and corporate event industry began.
Over the years she moved from bartending to serving and then management. Going from event manager to general manager to day-of-coordinator which all led her to where she is today. Now, self-employed as a day-of-coordinator, she has reached her goal of entrepreneurship. She relocated in January 2020 to Asheville NC to open SJ Coordination and is now managing and day-of-coordinating for weddings and corporate events.
At SJ Coordination believe in creating a stress-free day for the couple or host so they can enjoy the unique moments that leave a lasting impression. What differentiates our company from our competitors is that we really listen to our clients and help them navigate their own planning to save on costs, ensuring the day or weekend is executed perfectly. Get in touch to learn how we can make your dream event a reality.
Ashley Lieb, the owner of HoneyCreek Pottery, finds her truth, spirit, and therapy within the use and formation of clay. Working with clay, children, and adults alike to share the therapeutic and creative benefits of clay, is a life calling of Ashley's. She has been professionally working with clay for the last 6 years in Asheville. She is on the board of the West Asheville Tailgate Market and also puts on various Craft Events throughout Asheville- the most long standing event being the Asheville Music Hall/One Stop Holiday Craft Bazaar going into its 6th year this holiday season (be on the lookout) ;)
Ashley holds a BA in Art and double minors in Health and Wellness and Psychology from the University of North Carolina- Asheville. She focused on therapeutic art in all areas. She has been teaching pottery for the last 10 years in the Western North Carolina area. After helping start and grow the Vance Elementary After School Enrichment program, she also taught pottery courses in the program. For four years Ashley was the Pottery Coordinator at Green River Preserve, Western North Carolina's #1 Overnight Nature Camp voted by Mountain Xpress. Ashley now focuses on wholesale production work, custom work, and teaching private classes out of her studio.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/honeycreekpottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/honeycreekceramics
Website: www.honeycreekpottery.weebly.com
Email: honeycreekpottery@gmail.com
Lisa Linder is a Transformational Coach who helps people who are ready to make a change in their lives. She is an intuitive empath, a law of attraction expert and channels divine energy to give appropriate guidance and direction. Lisa teaches practical tools and techniques of universal laws to help clients manifest what they want so they can live their best lives.
She has a kind, gentle and loving approach, holding energy and creating safe space, allowing for growth so transformation may occur on all levels. She’s able to help by interpreting current vibrations and shift to a more desired vibration so you can connect with yourself to allow the magic to happen.
Her training in various energy work modalities includes: Hypnotherapy Certification, Reiki-Master Level, Sound Healing, Space Clearing, Chakra Clearing, Color Healing, Crystal and Essential Oil Therapies.
Lisa is a mixed media artist, lover of nature, all things organic, believes that we are all connected and is passionate about living her best life.
Rob Hlavaty is the creator and host of the Breathing Room podcast, which focuses on the intersection between mental health and creativity. Rob is an advocate for mental health, recovery from substance abuse, and suicide awareness and prevention. As a creative himself, Rob believes that creative expression is often the missing link in helping individuals to optimize their overall mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Website: www.breathingroomshow.com
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2iQyGPj2RJDdurMWhpqHEm?si=aGHjSrRqTIGeL7QbQACthA
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breathing-room/id1491797387
A discussion about the unique challenges and opportunities in obtaining mortgage financing when you are a creative artist or solo entrepreneur.
Tor White is an entrepreneur and trained mental health first aid trainer who has found immense strength and conviction in working towards solutions due to her own mental health challenges faced at a young age. Using her own experiences, Tor has been able to identify gaps in services available, lack of information, and stigmas associated with mental health. Tor has decided to use her lived experiences and professional training to generate equitable and intentional spaces that will create change, and eradicate mental health stigmas for communities of color.
Www.TorWhite.com
Upbeat and enthusiastic, Sarah is a total people person. In her career, Sarah loves finding solutions to struggles that individual mission-driven businesses and organizations experience. Any day when she can support leaders with their digital marketing challenges is a good day. Moving to the crafty city of Asheville 17 years ago also reignited her love for sewing, specifically for creating costumes. She was the first Asheville Mardi Gras Queen. A mover and shaker, Sarah is passionate about all forms of art especially live music. She goes to concerts regularly and you can find her dancing upfront. She loves being out in nature and spending time with her hubby and four-year-old daughter.
Josh Blake is a Grammy nominated musician, producer, and engineer with over 30 years of experience. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Josh now calls Asheville, North Carolina his home since setting roots there in 1997. As a musician and producer, Josh uses whatever toys are available, but on stage a guitar is his instrument of choice. He has recorded with and performed in a wide variety of bands over the past 25 years, whose styles include hip-hop, funk, reggae, bluegrass, acoustic and rock. In late 90’s and early aughts Josh toured the country from coast coast playing 100+ shows a year with live hip-hop collective GFE. As a guitarist he has become a hired gun, playing with numerous projects both on the stage and in the studio when not playing with his passion project JBOT. Josh is also the guitar player in the house band for Asheville’s most notable and longest running weekly, The Tuesday Night Funk Jam. Having earned the respect of the city of Asheville for his musical efforts, He was selected by the city’s Downtown Association to organize and orchestrate an “Asheville All Stars” band for it’s annual summer concert series Downtown After Five. As a performer, Josh has has played clubs, theaters and festivals coast to coast, sharing the stage and playing with artists such as George Clinton and The P-Funk All Stars, Warren Haynes, STS9, Kevin Kinney, Marcus King, Lettuce, and Mike Gordon to name a few. His discography includes contributions from many notable musicians, such as Sharon Jones, Marcus King, Eric Krasno, Billy Cardine, and Grammy winner Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to name a few.
WILLIAM HENRY PRICE is an artist, writer and teacher living in Asheville, NC.
William spent his childhood exploring the creeks and fields around Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he began painting at an early age.
He received a BFA in painting from Boston University and an MFA from Rutgers. He also studied independently with artists and visionaries both here and abroad.
William has been a teacher of both art and music all his life. For many years he taught painting and design at Seton Hall University, and later taught Contemporary Art History at Western Carolina University.
Before moving to Asheville 25 years ago, he had a studio in Hoboken, NJ, and during these New York years, he became co-director of the Cross-Cultural Studies Program, a non-profit working with elders and medicine people from many cultures, especially Native Americans and Tibetans.
He’s had many gallery shows from Boston and New York to the Carolinas, and he is represented by Momentum Gallery in Asheville. His studio is at Riverview Station in Asheville’s River District.
www.williamhenryprice.com
Instagram - wprice36
From Valeria Watson:
I am Valeria Watson an average person with a beyond average life. As first I gained consciousness i sought a way to get back to where we came from. Somehow i had a gnawing thought form of a way out of our shared pain. A sweet gossamer and gimlee memory beating like the very heart inside of us. A person of some achievements of which we are proud. You know, bla, bla, bla, ha, ha, ha. Oh so human with flaws galore. Recently dropped glamour in favor of inner beauty and more. Artist at heart and Soulful Angelic aspirations of Conscious Ascension now O. Transformer of inner space with humble reference to my tutor El Anatsui. I thank those who helped shape my artistic visions: Zandra Rhodes, Charlotte 'Joko' Beck, Patton Campbell, Columbia University Costume Dept., Osun Osogbo O. My parents Helen and Vernell Watson and all my Ancestors. My egun my egbe, my oluwo and ojubona. Gratitude for the Overcoming Victory I see and give testament. Love is the answer. Ha ha ha, we be free.
Franklin Keel (BM - Eastman School of Music) is the Associate Principal Cello with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, founding cellist of the Opal String Quartet, and cellist/singer/songwriter with Sirius.B, Upland Drive, and Samson and Delilah. He has appeared as a featured soloist with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, the Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Blue Ridge Orchestra; and he has shared the concert stage with Emmanuel Ax, Warren Haynes, Bright Eyes, Ben Sollee, Free Planet Radio, Stephanie's Id, the Jon Stickley Trio, Jane Kramer, Ben Phan and the Soul Symphony, and the Get Right Band. A passionate educator, Mr. Keel has taught orchestra for Henderson County Public Schools. He currently teaches string orchestra at Asheville Middle and High Schools, and he has taught clinics and classes for string students across Western North Carolina.
Alex Krug Combo:
Life is at its very core about exploring.
We can remain stagnant and rooted in place, or take a page out the Alex Krug Combo’s playbook and dive headfirst. The thrill of adventure looms ahead of this heart-driven blues-rock band, and with their brand new single, My Best launching September 9, 2021, the Asheville-based players strike a stunningly evocative chord about life, being an outsider and the kind of heartache that transforms your soul.
In their burgeoning career, the Americana six-piece already boasts quite a list of accomplishments. To date, they’ve shared stages alongside such movers and shakers as Horse Feathers, The Hip Abduction, Erin McKeown, and Donna the Buffalo, among countless others, and stormed such gigs as LEAF Festivals, All-Go-West Festival, Grey Eagle, Orange Peel, and Pisgah Brewery.
Additionally, their 2015 EP, Gentle Spotted Giants, features production work from the prolific Michael Selverne (Motley Crew, Steep Canyon Rangers, India.Arie), as well as contributions from Bill Berg (Bob Dylan), Lyndsay Pruett (Jon Stickley Trio).
It’s been seven years since that very first project, one that is as bold as it is raw. Lead singer, songwriter, and musician Alex Krug is a colossal force of power, strength, and charm, and her voice emerges as a diamond in the rough. Having grown up in rural Maryland, Krug didn’t have many friends, but she did have a record player in her room. Left to her own devices, she would jam out to many classic ‘60s records spanning every genre you could think of. “I’d get lost in the sounds,” she says. Krug also made frequent visits to her grandmother and would tinker around on an old piano to pass the time.
Krug’s parents later purchased her a Yamaha keyboard, and she soon began writing her own songs and playing music. Free from inhibitions, she followed her muse wherever it so happened to lead. In 2007, she moved to Asheville, North Carolina, and initially, she abandoned music altogether. Her work took her to Wilderness Therapy, an organization to help troubled teens with behavioral and emotional problems find a new lease on life.
Two years later, though, music beckoned her back in, and she formed the Alex Krug Trio, a collaboration which included her now-ex-girlfriend. “It ended in a heartbreaking way,” she remembers. The Combo iteration as she now knows it kick-started around the time. She met Bill Berg in preparation for recording their first studio EP as Alex Krug Combo, and they rehearsed together. “Drums changed things a lot in a great way,” she says.
Gentle Spotted Giants took shape, and her artistry reached soaring new heights. “That album was really huge for me. I got to meet Bill, and it brought us all together. He has an insane sense of groove, and he’s one of the best drummers in the country,” says Krug, whose vocal inflections are tightened with production that’s earthy, yet slick. “He slays all the way.”
Berg’s pedigree not only includes a brainstorming studio session with the one and only Prince, but he once worked as a senior animator for Disney. His credits include work on The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty & the Beast. You could say Berg’s vast style and sense of color and ambiance spilled between media in a way that revitalized what Krug could do on her recordings.
“That album also overwhelmed me. I got to work in an awesome studio, so it took me a year or two to lean into having a drummer and learn how to play with a really good drummer,” she says. “I was letting go and trusting the music and them. Once that started happening, it was really freeing. We like to set each other free, and it’s like a machine now.”
Sleeping on the Woodlands is four tracks of rollicking, organically produced Americana. Recorded at Echo Mountain Recording and mixed at Welcome to MA
Asheville, NC vocalist Jesse Barry, known for her soulful pipes and contagious enthusiasm on and off the stage, began her music career at the tender age of eight years old. Inspired by the sounds of Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, and a wide variety of music from both her mother and her grandmother’s generations, Jesse channels emotion from many of the pioneers of blues, funk, soul, and popular music, and pays homage through her interpretation of their songs. Jesse is often described as an “old soul,” and audiences are stunned by the huge voice that comes out of her small frame. Popularly known as “Skinny Legs” from Skinny Legs and All, a band she created when she was a teenager, Jesse had the opportunity to perform at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee and was the opening act for the Springing The Blues Festival in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jesse competed on “American Idol” in Season 9 and has made a lasting impact on her hometown, Asheville, NC. Still residing in the beautiful mountains of WNC, Jesse sings with her blues, funk, and soul group Jesse Barry and The Jam, and collaborates with many of Asheville’s finest musicians on stage and in the studio. When not making music, she has her hands on a variety of projects and is currently working on a new business venture. She enjoys hiking, traveling, dancing, making music with her talented fiancé Jonathan Lloyd and living life together with their two kitties.
https://www.facebook.com/JesseBarryAndTheJam
Tiffany is a North Carolinian by birth and a Western North Carolinian of 15 years. She studied Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. Through the years, she has worked with small businesses to help craft their stories and capture community in action as the Social Media Director at JB Media Group, the Content Manager at United Way of Asheville, and as a freelance writer and poet in her own right. Her passion is capturing people, processes, moments, and movements in words, uplifting the vision and values of an artist’s craft or organization’s mission through meaningful, honest, community-centered storytelling.
At her core, Tiffany is a writer who believes in both communication and the written word as valuable tools we can wield to help release that which binds, integrate the spirit with the physical, the logical with the dreaming, the individual in community. She writes what she calls Poetic Narrative, allowing the everyday flow of life to fuse with symbology, ritual, folklore, and spiritual reverence. The dreamlike prose that emerges holds yearnings of the spirit, reflections on nature’s teachings, and prayers that capture the delicate details of living, interweaving them into self and our collective journey.
tiffanynarron.com
Derrick Johnson is a trombonist, composer, producer, and visual artist from Asheville, NC. He has been a nationally touring musician since 2005 with Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band.
Derrick’s musical journey began when he was 4yrs old singing in the church choir at a small Southern Baptist Church in Dothan, AL. By the age of 11, he picked up the trombone and began finding his true passion for music. In addition to trombone, he also started playing guitar at age thirteen.
After high school, Derrick decided to continue his music education by attending Mars Hill College to pursue a degree in Trombone performance and music education. While at Mars Hill, he met Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band and began his tour career.
Over the past 16yrs Derrick has performed with artists such as George Clinton, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Galactic, and George Porter Jr. He also had the privilege of winning a Grammy with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo for Best Children's Album in 2016. Earlier this year he had four songs placed on Oprah’s documentary “The Legacy of Black Wallstreet.”
**Kent has been a drummer and percussionist for over 24 years. He began playing professional gigs with a Jazz quartet in the Greensboro area by the age of 16. He studied under Hank Dempsy who was a former touring drummer for Dizzy Gillespie. He then studied percussion at Appalachian State University. After graduation, Kent found himself in Asheville NC, which became his home for the next 12 years, other than one year exploring Nashville TN.
In that time Kent toured and recorded all over the east coast with various bands, most notably playing with Reese Wynans (Organ for Stevie Ray Vaughn) Joey Williams (guitarist for Blind Boys of Alabama, 5 times Grammy winner), and Wendell Mobley (songwriter for Rascal Flats). He has also been a notable teacher in the area, having a position at the iconic Musician’s Workshop in Asheville for over 6 years.**
Currently, Kent has been on an extended sabbatical in the piedmont of NC since the pandemic began and he is preparing for the time soon when it will be safe for the entertainment industry to return in full force.
https://www.drummingwithkent.com/
Noreen Sullivan is the owner of "Super Fantastic Terrific and Awesome", a content marketing company that takes a sociological approach to storytelling. In her heart of hearts she is creative and aspires to share that creative spark with everyone she meets. She worked for over 20 years in Silicon Valley supporting and consulting with startups starting at the dawn of social media. She moved to Asheville to spend more time being creative rather than managing creatives. She is a painter, a fashion up-cycler, and a writer. During Covid she created the Genius Breakthrough creativity system which she will be launching soon. Understanding business systems, technology, people and the potential of convergence allow her to create launch strategies for explosive growth.
Adam Knapp has been leading people towards success in their lives for over two decades. As a leader, educator, mentor, coach, father, and journeyer himself, Adam has discovered how to assist others in finding themselves successful at what they are aiming towards.
I lead clients through the unknowns using tools and success points easily identifiable by the client. Follow through and commitment often are best maintained with help from a committed ally.
Using mindfulness tools, business tools, organization tools, and many other tools, a client discovers what to do next for their success. Most journeys begin with so many unknowns and head towards new discoveries and new knowns. The problems arise whenever we get in our own way.
http://knappcreative.org
@knappcreative
adam@knappcreative.org
828 318 4018
Kim Forman is a multi-passionate artist with a deep love of brand photography. There is very little that excites her more than helping business owners connect with their audience in a meaningful way, and create lasting relationships, founded in trust.
When she's not nerding out on branding, you will probably find her knee-deep in some other creative project - sewing, jewelry making, painting, writing...you name it.
Her love of photography was kick-started when she was 9 years old and innocently wandered straight up to a bull elk for a photo with her little 110 camera. She still occasionally takes risks for a great shot, but none quite that questionable.
You can find her at kimfluence.com
And on Facebook and Instagram @thekimfluence
**Celia has been hanging around Asheville long enough that she can justifiably say, “remember when…?” Having moved from Washington DC in 1994, she’s watched Asheville grow organically, from the efforts of artists, activists, farmers, philanthropists, and small entrepreneurs into a town with a local culture we can all be proud of.
As a graphic designer and previous Art Director for the children’s division of Lark Books, which was eventually bought out by Barns and Noble in the early 2000s; she was inspired into entrepreneurialism out of the desire to stay in Western North Carolina. Celia has seen these beautiful mountains act as a siren call to passionate, committed folks of all kinds, shielding itself (and her) from undue corporate influences. It’s a special place.
And as November 2021 brings the 10 year anniversary of her business, Asheville Goods, which was created in the spirit of Asheville- she continues to live a personal and professional life committed to the arts, culture, and natural beauty of this area.**
For more information, visit: https://ashevillegoods.com/
Yvette Freeman is an award-winning portrait photographer who owns Red Angle Photography in Hendersonville, NC. She is also publisher of The ENVOY, a print and digital magazine that features local and national minority- and women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, community members, and artists; and provides expert advice to help them startup and grow their businesses. For information about Red Angle Photography, visit www.RedAnglePhotography.com. To advertise, subscribe, or get featured in The ENVOY, visit www.TheENVOYguide.com.
Kevin Evans is a poet, writer, and performer whose family's American roots are mostly derived from Mississippi. Kevin was born in Maricopa County Arizona in 1982 into an Air Force family and incidentally relocated to Las Vegas, NV the same week of his birth. He began writing creatively in the third grade, mostly detective and horror stories for fun on the weekends. He began writing lyrics and poetry in his early to mid-teens and first performed as a teenager under the tutelage of the poet Glennis Redmond. His first performances were at the Diana Wortham Theatre. He has locally been a member of Asheville Slam as well as a collective called Poetry Cabaret which combines music, poetry, dance, etc.
Besides being the founder of Biz Radio Asheville and the owner of a chain of radio stations in WNC, and other business ventures, Matt Mittan considers himself first and foremost a community activist. For him that means broadcasting, writing and supporting entrepreneurial efforts of all shapes and sizes. We talk about all of it and what lessons he has learned along the way.
For more information about Matt's efforts visit https://mattmittan.com/
Ashley Lieb, the owner of HoneyCreekPottery, finds her truth, spirit, and therapy within the use and formation of clay. Working with clay, children, and adults alike to share the therapeutic and creative benefits of clay, is a life calling of Ashley's. She has been professionally working with clay for the last 6 years in Asheville. She is on the board of the West Asheville Tailgate Market and also puts on various Craft Events throughout Asheville- the most long standing event being the Asheville Music Hall/One Stop Holiday Craft Bazaar going into its 6th year this holiday season (be on the lookout) ;)
Ashley holds a BA in Art and double minors in Health and Wellness and Psychology from the University of North Carolina- Asheville. She focused on therapeutic art in all areas. She has been teaching pottery for the last 10 years in the Western North Carolina area. After helping start and grow the Vance Elementary After School Enrichment program, she also taught pottery courses in the program. For four years Ashley was the Pottery Coordinator at Green River Preserve, Western North Carolina's #1 Overnight Nature Camp voted by Mountain Xpress. Ashley now focuses on wholesale production work, custom work, and teaching private classes out of her studio.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/honeycreekpottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/honeycreekceramics
Website: www.honeycreekpottery.weebly.com
Email: honeycreekpottery@gmail.com
Ryan "RnB" Barber is a proud staple of Asheville NC's legendary music scene, at the forefront of its funk and R&B community. Drawing from a lifetime of singing, rapping, producing and touring across the nation, Ryan has released 6 full length studio albums. He has also been featured on many high profile projects, including producing on two of R&B stalwart W. Ellington Felton's recent albums, and also singing and rapping on the 2017 GRAMMY winning album "Infinity Plus One" by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, just one of the groups he actively tours with.
Born to a musical family and steeped in gospel and R&B from his first heartbeat, Ryan started his musical education in the church choir at the age of nine, and continued adding to a deepening knowledge of rhythm and percussion by joining the school marching band at sixteen. But it was love for hip hop, funk, new jack swing and especially R&B that beat in his chest, so he quickly began applying all he'd learned to producing his own tracks, inspired by J Dilla, A Tribe Called Quest, Gerald Levert, DJ Quik and Teddy Riley. Mixing a classic beat production feel with soulful Southern singing and a fearless falsetto, Ryan solidified his musical identity as a recording artist as well as a highly sought after performer and collaborator. In addition to the GRAMMY, he has also won two Music Video Asheville awards, and landed 2nd place twice in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC awards. Despite all the hard work as an artist & performer, Ryan has also found the time to add Radio Show host and funky DJ to his resume.
Already known throughout the SouthEast as a standout voice, charismatic bandleader, and musical workhorse, Ryan "RnB" Barber has begun spreading his soaring funkiness across the nation, recently rocking sets at Chicago's Lollapalooza Festival and performing live on SiriusXM in Washington, DC, delivering uplifting messages with a timeless soul that sounds like both yesterday and tomorrow.
Official Website
Facebook Page
Ryan's Bandcamp Page
Dr. Amy Climer works with teams and organizations who want to be more creative. She works with forward-thinking organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, Stanford University, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Amy is the host of The Deliberate Creative Podcast where she shares practical advice and strategies to help leaders build innovative teams. She designed Climer Cards, a creative tool used by thousands of facilitators in 42 countries. Amy has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change and is a Certified Speaking Professional. You can learn more about Amy at her website climerconsulting.com.
Alyssa Phillips is the owner of Amp’d Designs, focusing on branding, web design, and graphic design for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Alyssa received a BFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. She held several positions at design studios in NYC, including rolls at Atlantic Records and as an Art Director at a print agency, before moving to the mountains to start her own business. She now collaborates with passionate business owners to create value-based design solutions that help them amplify their brands. Alyssa is also the founding Vice President of the Asheville chapter of AIGA, a national professional design organization.
Visit https://www.ampddesigns.com/ for more information!
From Julieta:
My name is Julieta Fumberg from Julieta Fumberg Creative - Branding Agency. As a photographer and graphic designer, I develop websites to my client’s specifications using my 20 years of experience of adding creative and innovative ideas each and every day. Through a comprehensive process of extracting the desires and needs of my client’s I present a perfect translation of their business’ mission. My finished worked demonstrates innovative artwork and one of a kind design that allows my client’s website to stand out from their competition.
I am a creative. I was born in and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A magical city full of culture and art. I moved to the states , I lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL and then moved to Beaufort, SC in June of 2014. Resided in Beaufort for a few years, and decided to keep on moving. I found a delightful city in the mountains, Asheville, where I decided to make my home. I do everything creative. I believe that being creative is a way of life. I am lucky enough to do what I love every day of life.
To connect with Julieta visit https://www.julietafumberg.com/
Founder of Intentional Holistic Healing, Stephanie Minnick, is an Emotional Wellness & Embodiment coach, and Licensed Massage Therapist. She teaches about the body, mind, and spirit connection and how it can help women heal grief related to childhood wounds, sexual trauma, and spiritual loss.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/IntentionalHolisticHealing
Facebook: https://intentionalholistichealing.com/
Website: Intentional Holistic Healing
Stephanie@intentionalholistichealing.com
Marilyn Ball is the founder of 12Twelve Collaborative Solutions with 25+ years of marketing and communication experience in the tourism, economic development, hospitality and micro-enterprise industries. She is the host of the iHeart Radio show and podcast, Speaking of Travel, and author of “The Rise of Asheville: An Exceptional History of Community Building.”
Connect with Marilyn at mb@speakingoftravel.net
Visit speakingoftravel.net
Jonathan Bidwell works as a multidisciplinary painter creating distinct series of work that explore various mediums, techniques, and subject matter. Each series of work allows for refinement as well as exploration within a set of distinct parameters. By continuing to explore new styles, as well as refining established ones, the artist strives for balance and growth within the work.
Learn more by visiting his website at https://www.jonathanbidwell.com/
The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are steeped in old-world mystics, ancient medicines and a potent connection to nature. On the surface this might not seem synonymous with hip-hop but the roots of music run deep. This is the community that Asheville’s Free Radio has risen from.
Formed in 2012 by forever friends Austn Haynes and Johnny Reynolds, they released their debut album, “The Powers That Be” (produced by Haynes), that same year. Fueled by Austn’s beats that dig into everything from classic soul to classic rock and modern pop to space- age lounge, both Austn and Johnny are accomplished emcees, and around western North Carolina, Johnny’s syrupy flow has become a thing of legend.
Over the past decade Free Radio has taken different forms, won multiple awards for “best hip-hop group” by local newspapers and shared the stage with heavyweights like Wu-Tang Clan, Ice Cube, Slick Rick, Nappy Roots, Digable Planets and Warren Haynes, and the band even swapped coasts for a few years when Johnny and Austn moved to San Francisco. But today, back home in Asheville, Free Radio has found its most powerful configuration with the addition of Grammy Award winning singer Debrissa McKinney and Datrian Johnson, whose deep, soulful vocals (think a modern day Barry White or Isaac Hayes) have enough power and authenticity to become the voice of a generation.
The addition of Debrissa and Datrian can not be overstated, “I feel like the universe put us together” says Johnny. “We all came from different walks of life and found ourselves in this time and space.” It’s the old adage where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. “When Datrian and Debrissa come together it’s just magical” continues Austn. “One thing Johnny and I are not as skilled at is being vulnerable, and to have them bring that balance and soulfulness, to bring it back to a heartfelt level, I’ve been manifesting that for years.”
Guest: Tricia Tripp of "Hearts Gone South" and "Winter Magnolia Designs"
Connect at https://www.wintermagnoliadesigns.com/
or https://www.facebook.com/heartsgonesouth/
Hailing from the desert southwest, Juan Holladay's singer-songwriter resume is varied as his vocal range. To date, Juan's work is featured on Emerica's 'This Is Skateboarding', Disney+'s 'Encore!', Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's Grammy award-winning children's album 'Infinity Plus One', as well as a Chinese National Television ad promoting cultural exchange with the American public. In 2006, he relocated from Tucson to Asheville and formed a psychedelic Soul/R&B band called the Secret B-Sides. Since then, he has come into his own with the release of new solo material and video content. Building toward the May 15th release of his EP entitled 'Beauty Sleep', Juan's art is candid and personal, reflecting heavy collaboration with Asheville's creative community.
What I Really Want (featuring Sebastian Campaign & Lady Laine) by Juan Holladay: https://youtu.be/weE72-7Ql5I
Alli Marshall is a poet, performer, writer, editor, filmmaker, and creative community builder. She’s interested in moving writing beyond the page, seeking the golden in the mundane, finding the
The intersection of art and social justice, and reconnecting with mythology — both ancient and modern.
alli-marshall.com
Mike is a founding member of Natural Born Leaders an Asheville, NC-based quintet always on the move. With a sound that floats seamlessly between rock, reggae, jazz, hip-hop [and] funk", Natural Born Leaders aim to bring a fresh groove to America's soundscape. The Asheville, NC-based quintet is always on the move, try to catch em.
Mike’s first solo EP is now on all streaming platforms as of today Friday, March 5th. Mike has been talking about this project for so long it seemed to disappear in to the abyss of a so called “busy” life.
A departure from the previous two eps with the band..... Mike poured his heart into “Anti-Virus” when he recorded it with Patrick Doyle who lead production almost 2 years ago.
Mike says, “In a way I feel like this marks a new beginning in Music for me. This EP is the first I’ve ever released with just myself. Where all of the instruments were played by me. A lot of times using just my voice to create the backing soundscapes that let my lyrics pop through.
Website: https://madmikelives.bandcamp.com/album/anti-virus?fbclid=IwAR2KK46_6X3CtfWDeQ6eP9SGMJ3jaFjbX8zM_SkUB4iUK96vrWr508AfJvI
Marisa Blake is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Actor and Voice Actor. Although she worked behind the mic and on camera as a child, she has been working in the field as an adult for the past 8 years. She has narrated dozen of audiobooks and received multiple awards for her work in Audiobook narration including, The Parent Choice Foundation Gold Award for Sofia Valdez Future Prez by Andrea Beaty and Audiofile Magazine Best Audiobooks of 2020 for We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torrez Sanchez.
Her greatest accomplishment in the field is that her voice is currently in her favorite hometown museum, The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in an exhibit about human evolution. You can also catch her briefly in the DC Comic series Swamp Thing alongside Will Patton. She has worked on camera for companies such as Sam Adams, John Deere, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and many more. Marisa is also the mother of three awesome dudes and enjoys playing music in town and in the comforts of her home with her husband.
https://marisablake.com/
Jazmin Whitmore is the founder and manager of two successful black woman-owned businesses in Asheville, including More to Love, the only plus-size consignment shop in Asheville (and the region)!
I brought Jazmin here today to talk about her experience of becoming an entrepreneur and what it means to work with a team of people to become successful.
https://more-to-love-plus-size-consignment.myshopify.com/
Gianna Rackham is a relationship coach who for over 6 years has been helping her clients overcome codependency, cultivate self love, and attract healthy and fulfilling relationships with a spiritual approach.
For more information visit https://giannalightworker.com/
Justin Blackburn is a poet, comedian, author, and Life Coach. His intention for all of his work is to inspire people to remember the limitless divinity that lives within them and create their lives from there!
His last novel The Bisexual Christian Suburban Failure Enlightening Bipolar Blues is about healing trauma.
Olivia is a self-proclaimed Joy Spiller, Ridiculous Dancer, Exuberant Off-Key Singer, Maker of Awkward Moments, Incessant Hugger, and Self Proclaimed Queen of Awesomeness.
She grew up in the Midwest, and after receiving a B.A. in Psychology from Northern Illinois University, she spent the next 15 years married to her first husband who was in the Air Force, during which time they lived in many different locations (from Florida to Alaska and many places in between) and had many adventures. Olivia is the proud mother of two spunky spirited children; Laina and Landon. In 2018; looking for a place to put down roots, she relocated to North Carolina with her husband Chris and children. She helps people as an insurance agent and is also the owner of a natural skincare company: Batholution. Batholution is what happens when natural skincare and women’s empowerment get passionate and have a baby. Olivia’s hope is that you come for affordable natural skincare products and find yourself feeling amazing not only outside, but inside too. She loves to cook, embarrass her children and hike to waterfalls. Olivia is an unabashed reader in the “self-help” genre and lover of people. She became involved with Homes for Youth out of a passion for children who are in need of stability, love and support and hopes to make a difference in the lives she touches there.
Lisa Linder is a transformational coach who helps people ready to make a change in their lives. She is an intuitive empath, a law of attraction expert, and channels divine energy to give appropriate guidance and direction. Lisa teaches the tools and techniques of universal laws to help clients manifest what they want so they can live their best lives.
https://www.lisalindertransformations.com/
Nicole is a loving mother of 3. She is also a self-published author with advanced knowledge of universal law coupled with business success strategies, personal growth and spiritual tools to enhance one’s life. She is the owner of Counsel to the Entrepreneur, LLC- Where she is a holistic sounding board for entrepreneurs in the ideation stage. She is also the founder of Warrior Moms- A 501-C3 social enterprise, where the mission is, to enable the single mother with the ability to eradicate emotional paralysis that comes from living in poverty.
Website: www.NicoleLee.me
Cortina is a proud millennial, born and raised in Morganton, NC, and descending from generations of Black Appalachian, West African & indigenous farmers, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs and creatives. Cortina is an entrepreneur that learned at her grandmother’s hands that serves the community and her mission often in roles as a creative facilitator, creative entrepreneur, community organizer, event + experience curator, educator, youth mentor, life coach, strategic planner, and coalition builder. Cortina is Founder & Creative Community Organizer of Artists Designing Evolution (adé PROJECT), a decolonization-focused learning organization seeking to create a world beyond oppression, and inequity by building capacity, opportunity + community around lives + needs of Black, indigenous, people of color (BiPOC) . Additionally, Cortina is Co-Founder of Mountain Business Equity Initiative (MBEI) which is championing disparity with the BiPOC community, and strives toward entrepreneurial equity through education, empowerment & economic mobility, and through Cortina Jenelle Change Agency offers creative coaching, strategic consulting + equity-rooted facilitation.
https://www.cortinajenelle.com/
https://www.theadeproject.org/
https://www.mountainbizequity.com/
Meg was born in Asheville NC and raised in Burnsville on her Proffitt family farmland.
She is a Human Undercurrent Researcher (learning what makes people do what they do), Animal Lover, Adventure Seeker, Entrepreneur, Poet, Musician, and a Free Motha effin’ Spirit.
She is a retired Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Biotechnologist who found out at the age of 30 that even though it appeared on the outside that she had a pretty nice life, she knew deep down that she had to completely start over in order to find out who she really was and to heal. This was one of the most difficult decisions that she (at that time) had been faced with in her adult life.
This is where she was accredited as a bonafide Gut Follower because it meant leaving behind 10 plus years of investment of time, energy, focus, dedication, and money. Now that she’s been on that journey for the last 8 years, she knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was the right move and as it turned out a life-saving decision.
She knows that living life in Creation is the only way forward for her. Now she spends her time creating music(writing, collaborating, and recording), transitioning her farmland and the house she grew up in into what will be Bear Moon Sanctuary and retreat center, spending time with a very small select group of individuals who are taking the pandemic very seriously including her sweet husband Paul, riding the intense emotional waves of 2020, moving forward as much as she can in current restraints and loving her new rescue pitbull Ham.
To find out more visit: emmasloungemusic.com
Jen Gordon is a mixed media artist and sculptor, art administrator, public art facilitator, and writer based in Western North Carolina. Jen received her B.A. in 2006 from Humboldt State University (HSU) in Arcata, CA. where she double majored in Art History and Studio Art with a minor in German and a certificate in museum and gallery practices.
Over the last 17 years, she has worked in arts administration, public art advocacy, non-profit management, & cultural event coordination in California, Florida, and Asheville. She moved to Asheville in 2008 and immediately became engaged in the local art community (particularly public art) developing a culture of defining art as an economic driver and community builder. She has worked with numerous local art organizations like Arts2People, Asheville Area Arts Council, Arts Council of Henderson County, Upstairs Artspace, and consulted with the City of Tampa Art Department, Asheville Downtown Association and the South Slope Neighborhood Association on several public art projects. She has served on the Public Art & Cultural Commission (PACC) for the City of Asheville and held seats on the Urban Trail subcommittee, the Acquisitions subcommittee, and the Downtown Master Plan Arts and Culture Committee.
Currently, she is a 1st Year MFA student at Western Carolina University. She works in mixed media, fiber, sculpture and installation combining all aspects of papermaking, printmaking and alternative process photography. Sculptural work materials include the use of natural, found and reclaimed objects, plastics, metals, wax, paper, acrylic paint and various textiles to create multiple layers and depth.
“The core of my work is about exploring what it means to be human in this moment. It is about deconstructing notions of identity based on societal constraints. It is an exploration of self, an analysis of intimate relationships, and a way to navigate a landscape that we inhabit together.”
To find more information or to purchase her work, please visit: www.jengordonart.com
Nina Hart is a writer, performer, and Kaizen-Muse creativity coach. She is also a certified Gateless Method writing teacher – “a method of teaching the art and craft of writing using creative brain science, ancient non-dual teachings, and highly-effective craft tools…allowing writers to access the creative genius inside.” Her first collection of short fictions called “Somewhere in a Town You Never Knew Existed Somewhere” was selected as a Short Stories finalist in Foreword Reviews’ IndieFab Book of the Year Awards. She is the founder of a unique method of teaching writing called Writing from the Top of Your Head, which helps "heartbroken writers" work through obstacles and become highly resilient writers. She offers online workshops, retreats, and 1:1 coaching on book projects. Lastly, Nina was an original member of the experimental dance troupe Contraband, in San Francisco and, playing a purple electric bass, has recorded and performed with numerous bands. Currently, she is in love with doing standup comedy and storytelling on the stage.
Sign up for a FREE 30min creativity chat here: http://bit.ly/30creativitychat
www.writingfromthetopofyourhead.com
For over a decade, Tara Jeanne Brown has worked through nonprofits and government to build opportunities for people left behind economically. Tara lives in Asheville, NC where she serves as Interim Director of the Western Women’s Business Center. Throughout her career, Tara had designed and implemented successful programs to support entrepreneurs, immigrants, job seekers, public housing residents, and many others with a focus on understanding and meeting community needs.
Tara Jeanne Brown
Interim Director of the Western Women’s Business Center
wwbcnc.org
Spice Digital Solutions is a marketing agency, based out of Asheville, NC, that specializes in helping agritourism businesses reach their full potential online. They strategize and implement digital marketing strategies including digital advertising, content marketing, email marketing, web design, and business consulting. With 10 years of experience selling tickets in the live music industry, Mikey "Spice" Evans, founder of SDS, has utilized this knowledge of selling tickets to partner with agritourism businesses around the country, getting them more reach, more visibility, and more ticket sales for their live events. "As more and more farmers start to look to agritourism for a fresh stream of revenue, it's crucial for them to have the resources they need to have a successful event. Spice Digital Solutions acts as a marketing partner for these farmers, helping them to reach new target audiences and helping to create incredible experiences for their customers.
spicedigitalsolutions.com
Stephanie Kissel is the co-founder and COO of Supportedly: An online business portal that exists to help the Everyday Entrepreneur start and grow their business with confidence by providing how-to training, answers, and advice on-demand, quality support, and local connections. In addition to content created in-house by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, Supportedly also works closely with community colleges and small business centers across North Carolina to empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses by connecting them with support providers, essential business training, and one another. Their most recent success, Startup Cleveland — which is tied to Cleveland Community College’s Small Business Center — launched earlier this week and is one of 10 similar initiatives launching throughout Western North Carolina.