Green Goddesses: Business booms for blooms
- Volume 29
- / Issue 11
Cover Design Credit:
Scott Southwick
Cover Photography Credit:
Thomas Calder
Asheville is home to several plant shops known for their intimate size, attention to quality — and being run by women. Xpress spoke with several shop owners about how the pandemic houseplant boom impacted their businesses.
arts
Local authors discuss life on and off the page
Tessa Fontaine, Jessica Jacobs and Heather Newton discuss their multifaceted careers and how they sustain momentum.Art in the Heart imagines the future of Pack Square Plaza
City officials and selected artists discuss the initial stages of the public art project.Around Town: Cherokee author’s new collection explores interconnectedness
Veteran author MariJo Moore releases new collection of stories. Plus, LEAF returns with full-scale festival, concert raises awareness of suicide and the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands marks 75…
food
Balancing business and motherhood in WNC
The founders of three local beverage companies — Buchi, Shanti Elixirs and Sarilla — discuss the challenges and opportunities that women-led organizations face, as well as the insights parenting can…What’s new in food: Food Truck Boot Camp rolls into Cherokee
Food Truck Boot Camp aims to help chefs break into the culinary industry. Also: Mamacita's Street Food opens in the RAD; Oaxacarolina dinner takes place at Botanist & Barrel; and…
living
Entrepreneurs bring wellness opportunities to Asheville area
Asheville may never have won an official designation as “city where you’re most likely to encounter someone wearing hiking boots in a bar.” Residents and tourists alike, however, know that…Green in brief: Wildlands Network flags WNC roads for wildlife crossings
Of the 20 North Carolina sites in the new report, six are in Western North Carolina — including the nonprofit’s No. 1 site, Interstate 40’s path through the Pigeon River…
news
Asheville Archives: The literal and fictional death of a milliner, 1884
Despite her failing health, Cynthia Hill Wolfe owned and operated the Millinery and Notion Store during the final years of her life in Asheville. Though her death in 1884 did…Women in Business: It takes time
Kaye Bentley, founder and owner of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, reminds entrepreneurs that all businesses take time to generate revenue.Women in Business: Know your values
"There aren’t a ton of women who offer both photo and video services, but we refuse to let that lack of representation hold us back," says Eric McGrady, co-founder of…Female financial advisers make their mark
“In our society, money is a taboo topic, especially for women,” says Laura Webb of Asheville's Webb Investment Services. She and other local women are working to change that in…Women in business: Take risks
"It can be difficult to take risks and know when the risks are worth it, especially with money," says Laura Walton, owner of The Crunchy Baker. "For me in particular,…Women-owned plant shops are a growing industry in Asheville
Farmers and homesteaders can get their hands dirty all over Western North Carolina. For those with more modest ambitions, there are houseplants. Garden stores, chain stores and even pharmacies sell…Women in Business: Consistency and discipline
"It's so easy to give up when you're not getting the customers or clients that you want, or you're not seeing a return on your investment," says Tiarra Wilkie, owner…Women in Business: Give yourself time and space
"If someone were passionate about writing and wanted to complete a manuscript, I would encourage them to fight every day to keep that dream alive," says author Amber Nivens. "I…Women in Business: Prepare for growth
"You have to prepare for growth before it happens," says Melissa Blaha, owner of The Tax Raven. "It is hard to recruit, hire and train once you are buried under…Q&A: Robin Lake on her quest to uncover her late father’s military service records
Xpress sits down with Robin Lake to discuss her and her sister's journey to uncovering her father's military records and the subsequent honor their late father received.Black Wall Street AVL vies for national award to help women-owned businesses
When Nicole Lee moved to Asheville from Cincinnati two years ago with the idea of starting a consulting business for aspiring entrepreneurs, she reached out to Black Wall Street AVL…Women in Business: The importance of reputation
"Get passionate about your customer and learn how to serve them uniquely better than anyone else," says Aisha Adams, founder and owner of Aisha Adams Media.Women in Business: Never give up
"Surround yourself with other business owners and start-up types," says Safi Martin, COO of Hood Huggers International. "Being an entrepreneur means looking at the world through a different lens —…Women in Business: You can’t please everyone
"If you start worrying about pleasing every single person, you’ll be playing the lowest common denominator of music in no time," says Annelise Kopp (aka DJ Lil Meow Meow). "I…Women in Business: Build a support system
"Starting a business is both mentally and physically draining," says Marjory Rockwell. "You’ll need a solid group of people who will be there for you when obstacles come your way,…Local organizations update Buncombe on opioid response
According to figures shared with the county Board of Commissioners by Dr. Shuchin Shukla, a physician and opioid crisis educator with the Mountain Area Health Education Center, Buncombe’s rate of…
opinion
Letter: Edwards is committed to educators
"Having worked as a teacher in North Carolina since 1997, I can state without hesitation that we need county leaders who support us and recognize the challenges that we face."Letter: ‘Best Of’ should only be positive
"To have a negative 'Best Local Villain' category is in direct contrast to that greater, positive intention and leaves readers with no meaningful explanation and the 'winner' with no means…Handle with care
Letter: Vote for bonds to leave legacy of land
"For the equivalent expenditure of about $20 per family per year, we can leave a land legacy of which our children and grandchildren will be both thankful and proud."Letter: How it sounds behind the drum kit
"I point my speaker toward what used to be the Vance Monument. I find that I have to turn up the volume a bit just so that I can hear…Letter: What’s up with panhandlers at intersections?
"Can anyone explain why panhandlers at street intersections usually remain stationary even when the traffic light is red for cars headed in their direction?"Panhandlers
