Carolina Spark Magazine Issue 10 | Summer & Fall 2024

INSPIRING, EMPOWERING, & CONNECTING THE WOMEN OF THE CAROLINAS

Classy + Confident

Melissa Ludtke Reclaims Her Story with “Locker Room Talk” | Interior Design Secrets for Busy Families

Tina FireWolf

French Crepes with Vanilla Cream Filling and

Fruit Topping

Vanilla Cream Filling:

1¼ heavy cream, room temperature

8 oz. block of cream cheese, room temperature

1 tbsp. sour cream, room temperature

3 tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Crepes:

1¾ cup all-purpose flour

3 eggs

¼ tsp. salt

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. sugar

2 cups milk

2¼ tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Toppings:

1 20 oz. can of cherry pie filling

1 6.5 oz. dairy whipped topping

1. Prepare the vanilla cream by mixing the heavy cream on high for 2 minutes. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla and beat for 2 more minutes. Put in refrigerator while you make the crepes.

2. Make the crepes with a mixer or in a blender. Add flour, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, melted butter to a bowl or blender. Gradually, add milk gradually and mix until smooth. Heat an 8” crepe pan on stove top at medium heat and lightly butter it. Pour a ¼ cup of batter into the crepe pan and rotate the pan to spread it evenly. Cook on the first side for 2 minutes and flip and cook on the other side for about 30 seconds. Stack on a plate with parchment paper between the slices and repeat. You should have 10-12 crepes. Spread each crepe with the vanilla cream filling evenly. Fold each crepe into quarters and top with the cherry pie filling and add the whipped topping to taste.

DEBORAH ADAMS French Food Made Easy Trained in France then Adapted for the Busy American Family

Embark on a Culinary Adventure at La Rumba Restaurant Latino!

Discover the vibrant heartbeat of Latin cuisine at La Rumba Restaurant Latino, nestled in the heart of East Asheville. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey rooted in the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, where every bite tells a tale of tradition and innovation.

LUNCH MENU: MON-FRI 11AM-2PM FULL MENU: ALL DAY, ALL WEEK

CONGRATS TO OUR MOTHER'S DAY CONTEST WINNERS:

Annette Melton, Mary Kay Johnson, & Lasonia Smith

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR GIFT SPONSORS:

Chimney Rock, ADORAtherapy, Alan’s Jewelry, Intentional Holistic Healing, Gudgers Flowers, Stargazers Designs, Blue Ridge Love Stories, Sling N Ink, JoJo On the Go Catering, Evoke Vitality, Affordable Bedding, & Birthstone Breastfeeding & Wellness Center LLC

WELCOME TO THE TEAM, MEGHAN WOODS!

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Imagine gracing the cover of our magazine and stepping into the spotlight with confidence and style. It’s not just about your face in front of our 50,000+ readers a year - it’s an investment in yourself and your brand.

Your feature goes beyond the cover, with a photoshoot, hair and makeup, full-page spread and a two-page article that shares your story. Plus, with several social media posts shouting you out and homepage exposure on the Carolina Spark website, you’ll connect with a vibrant community of women in all walks of life: readers who are eager to learn more about you.

It’s your opportunity to make a memorable impact and share your message with the women of the Carolinas in an Inspiring, Empowering, and Connecting way.

CONTACT US AT info@CrystalCMarketing.com or 828.803.4817 for information on putting your business in front of 50,000+ readers annually.

We're Looking for more stories to feature in our January 2025 issue! Contact us or visit CarolinaSparkMagazine.com/Get-Featured to enter.

Brooke Parker Photography | Fab Flawless Makeup Artistry | The Barn at Honeysuckle Hill

90 Brandy Lampke & Katie Smith | 92 Sienna Fitzpatrick

89 Crystal Pressley | 94 Tina FireWolf

For this, our 10th issue of Carolina Spark Magazine, I wanted to celebrate the unique way women are able to support one another through families, mentorships and friendships. So many women in this edition have remarked on how the relationships in their lives have helped to bring them where they are today. It made me want to remind everyone to be there for another, and of the strength we have when we stand together.

I read this article on Reese Witherspoon in People Magazine a few months ago, stating that all women over 40 know that you have to be constantly editing your friendships. “Everybody out there over 40 knows. If you aren’t adding to my life, get the heck outta my life,” the actress told an NBC news anchor at Hubspot’s annual INBOUND gathering. “My grandma used to say people are radiators or drains. Stick with radiators.”

It stuck in my head and made me wonder, ‘Am I a radiator?’ I worry that I’m often bogged down with work and parenting and don’t bring enough new, exciting opportunities to my friendships. Or am I being a drain when I go out with a girlfriend and unburden my soul, venting my frustrations regarding my day-to-day life?

Then, it occurred to me that, while I am pleased with the strong female roles Witherspoon is helping to bring to the screen through the works she produces, she’s not the Dalai Lama. While the Marie Kondo philosophy of ridding everything from your life that doesn’t “spark joy” has sold plenty of books, it is not a healthy way to deal with the relationships in one’s life.

Friends are supposed to have patience and understanding for one another. Sometimes people get busy and lose touch for a periodparticularly as we get older and take on so many responsibilities. We need to be mindful that everybody is leading their own complicated life, while also remembering to be thankful for our friends’ time and to never take those friendships for granted.

Personally, I think the strongest friendships are the ones where you can call someone and say, “Let’s just skip the gratuitous ‘I’m the worst friend in the world for not calling in so long,’ and get down to how you are doing.” I have found that, with friendships that have really stood the test of time, it’s easy to call up a friend and (even if years have passed) pick up right where we left off. That’s part of what makes a true friendship.

Instead of adopting a ‘What Have You Done for Me Lately’ attitude with your friends, I encourage you to appreciate the amazing women you have in your life, flaws and all. Check in with them today and tell them, as the Golden Girls theme song says, “Thank you for Being a Friend.”

Meg Hale Brunton Meg@CrystalCMarketing.com

Classy + Confident

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS:

BRANDY MILLS, BRITTANY BETTINI, ANNA TART, ANDY HALE, CAMREE MARVELS, JAIMIE HODGENS, CHRISTY CHAMBERS, DESIRAE MCGEE, TINA FIREWOLF, CHELSEA BOES, LISA NEVILLE, HANNAH FILOS, JILL ROSSI, KATRINA ADDISON

CAROLINA SPARK MAGAZINE IS A BIANNUAL PUBLICATION OF CRYSTAL CLEAR MARKETING, LLC, SWANNANOA, NC AND IS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT NORTH CAROLINA. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR PICK-UP LOCATIONS. © 2024 CAROLINA SPARK MAGAZINE

Crystal Pressley Publisher

Rebekah McCubbins Editor

Madi Balman Creative Director

Meg Hale Brunton Editor

Meghan Woods Account Manager

Katy Brock Digital Marketing

TABLE OF CONTENTS

67 Stop Biting Your Tongue

69 Coping with Loss

70 Q&A with Swim Instructor Shalene Hill

71 Navigating Transitioning Care for Aging Loved Ones

73 Military Families

74 Lutheran Services Carolinas Adds Foster Care COMMUNITY

76 Two Daughters Tell the Truth through Memoirs

78 Asheville P.E.O.

79 Pet Shelters & Rescues in NC and SC

80 How a Cat Brought a City Together ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

83 Singer/Songwriter Anna Grace Patterson

85 Artist M Rathsack

87 Woman-Made Products

89 Crystal Pressley

90 Brandy Lampke & Katie Smith

92 Sienna Fitzpatrick 94 Tina FireWolf

& Brunch

Marvelous Manicures & Pedicures

BY CAMREE MARVELS

Hello, my name is Camree. People know me as MarvelousNailz. I’m a licensed nail technician here in Asheville NC, and soon I’ll be in Spartanburg SC as well! I’ve been working in the nail industry for four years now, and the most common services that people love to get are manicures and pedicures. As an independent service provider, MarvelousNailz always wants to make sure that all clients have healthy nails, to keep their natural nails in good condition, and to help with their nail growth. That’s where a nail manicure comes in handy.

The process of getting a manicure step by step is: soak the client’s hands in warm water or do a dry manicure (depending on the service provider), push back the cuticle to help lift up the dead skin along with your cuticle bits, then file the natural nails or cut down your client’s nails if they would like you to. You want to, then, go in with a sanding band bit to remove all the oil that we naturally produce and a buffer. After that, you can proceed with a protein bond to help with getting the natural nails prepared for the gel polish. Before adding the gel color, you want to make sure you go in with a clear base coat. Once the polish is applied, then you go in with a relaxing hand massage.

Luxury pedicures are in high demand with it getting warmer outside! The pedicure process is basically the same as doing a manicure, but on your feet. With pedicures, people should know that if a client has a fungus, nail technicians shouldn’t service that client; they should seek medical attention such as going to see a podiatrist. It is very common that people get white gel polish/ frenchies on their toenails, which makes service providers have to keep stock of that color- LOL! Some people also like to get acrylic on their big toe, or on all ten toes, to get that perfect square shape that people see on social media. Yes, it’s cute. But I like to inform people that if you don’t wear open-toed shoes a lot, that big toenail is going to start to grow out. Eventually that can cause damage to your natural nail bed such as in-growns, which hurt a lot. People love foot maintenance! If you are a hard working woman/man, you want that chance to get off your feet and get them catered to.

To help with nail growth after getting a manicure/pedicure service, keep your cuticles moisturized. You can do this by using a good cuticle oil in the mornings and at nighttime, especially if you are washing your hands 24/7 at work. MarvelousNailz recommends cuticle oil to all her clients and even sells them at the salon, or ships them out to people. Taking care of your hands and feet is very beneficial for people because it ensures that your nails and feet are in good condition and that the skin is properly cared for. It is also very important that you rebook your appointments and keep up with the maintenance, which nail technicians recommend every two or three weeks. If you are on a budget, try your best to come at least every four weeks to ensure you are getting the proper care.

Camree Marvels works as a teacher’s assistant at a Montessori school, along with being a nail technician. In the free time she does have, she likes to dance, go to the movies and do a little shopping to treat herself. She loves candles and perfume. She also loves to eat and try out different restaurants. Eventually, she would love to travel somewhere because Fun Fact: she’s never been on a plane.

Marvelous Nailz is located on 3106 Sweeten Creek Rd., Unit F, Asheville, NC 28803. Book an appointment with Marvels online at: marvelousnailzllcscheduling.as.me/schedule.php

PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERTMANGUM

Hair Extensions Are a Labor of Love for Kelly Maxwell

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON | PHOTO CREDITS: DOMINIQUE PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY

Salon owner, stylist, and hair extension specialist Kelly Maxwell expresses her love for women by giving them back a full head of hair with her own line of quality hair extension products. A hair stylist for the past twenty years, Maxwell has focused her professional view on hair extensions exclusively about a decade ago. “I’ve always been a big believer in ‘niching down’ in an industry. You wouldn’t go to a general doctor for a heart issue; they’d send you to a specialist,” she explains, continuing that the hair industry should be no different, with each stylist specializing in a specific aspect they are passionate about. “I only want to do the things that set my soul on fire. My heart just fell in love with hair extensions.” Maxwell says that most of her clientele are women who suffer from hair loss due to conditions such as alopecia, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania.

In 2019, after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, Maxwell says that she became aware of the empowering effect that hair extensions can have on women’s lives. “It triggered something in me. It gave me a heart for extensions. I just found myself not wanting to do anything else.” she explains. “Watching the impact on women, letting them have their hair back when they’ve lost it- It is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced.”

Maxwell says that women may enter her salon, Kelly Maxwell Salon, like lambs, but after she installs their

extensions, they leave like lions. She goes on to say how incredible it is to be able to make such a change in a person in a single sitting. “Hair is really great because you’re able to do it in one day. Being able to awaken those beautiful emotions in a woman in one day is the best feeling ever. Sometimes I think it’s more magical for me than it is for them,” she says, adding that no matter how exhausted she feels after completing one of her treatments, she is always rejuvenated by the expressions on the faces of her clients. “That smile I get to see at the end, that’s what I do it for. When I see that smile, it’s like this immediate reaction that happens within my soul.”

Besides installing the extensions, Maxwell has also started an entire line of hair extension products, Kelly Maxwell Extensions. All her extensions are made of actual human hair that is 100% ethically sourced and imported from European women who are paid a living wage. She explains that it took her two years to create a line that benefitted both the stylist and the client, and met the top industry standards as well as her own. “It’s definitely been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done,” she says of her line. Her wefts are all 8 inches wide, rather than the standard 10-12 inches, to prevent wastage. They are also pre-rooted, which cuts down on coloring time. They are the only extensions Maxwell uses in her salon, and she also wholesales her products to other stylists. Maxwell designed her extensions in shades named with words of affirmation, such as ‘Strong’ and ‘Hope’, which she hopes will inspire women and their stylists to discuss their individual journeys. “I wanted [the names] to be something that inspired the stylists, but gave the client the opportunity to tell a story.”

Kelly Maxwell Salon officially opened this summer with a staff of seven stylists. A self-professed serial entrepreneur, Maxwell has been owning and operating her own salons since she was 23. “I’ve always been a very ambitious woman. I’ve always known that I’ll be able to do whatever I set my mind to,” she admits. Maxwell says that she usually works 6-7 days a week, with her average appointment lasting six hours. Since each row of hair extensions usually takes her 30-45 minutes to install, and most appointments also include coloring and blending, Maxwell will often only have one appointment per day. She admits that her longest appointments take sixteen

hours, so she tries to split them up between two days. “I work a lot. I never, ever turn people away.”

Maxwell says that she is always working to increase her skills, and adding to the services she offers. She recently completed multiple courses in Mesh Integration, and now offers that extension option in her salon, as well as Invisible Bead Extensions. One day, she hopes to have the time to begin her own educational program to teach styling, as well as hair replacement methods. “I’m trying to find ways to help women across the board, in all arenas and walks of hair loss,” Maxwell says. “I want to know everything there is to know so that I can help everybody.”

Attributing her drive and devotion to help humanity to her Christian faith, Maxwell says that her love for women is behind everything she does. “I love women. I admire them. I think they are the most beautiful creatures that have ever walked the face of this Earth,” she says. “Most of the time, women don’t know their value and their worth. So, it’s amazing that I get to be a small part, a little piece that gets to help women understand that about themselves.”

For more information on Kelly Maxwell, or to book your appointment today, visit her websites: www.KellyMaxwellHair.com, or www.kellymaxwellextensions.com

The Spark Spotlight

HIGHLIGHTING BRILLIANT WOMEN IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

SPARK SPOTLIGHT COMMUNITY LEADER

Aisha Adams

Aisha Adams is the founder of the consulting firm Equity Over Everything. Over the last few years, she has played a pivotal role in training equity advocates, fostering inclusivity, and cultivating policy, practice, and procedural changes. Aisha is widely recognized for her contributions in cultivating spaces of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as her impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In 2020, she received prestigious awards including The Tzedeck Impact Award, The Martin Luther King Award, WomanUP Women Entrepreneur Best in Business Award, and the Jane Renfroe Coach of the Year Award from Mountain Bizworks. Aisha's other ventures include hosting a daytimestyle talk show that addresses "hot button" issues in Asheville, and managing Nappy Thoughts, a personal blog followed by thousands on social media. She earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science degree in Adult Education. When she isn’t working, you can find her climbing the leaderboard on Peloton, watching true crime shows, and spending time with her family.

Please tell us a little bit about the work you do in the community, and how you came to take on those roles.

My name is Aisha Adams, and I am the founder of Equity Over Everything and Aisha Adams Media. In addition to these roles, I serve on the board of the YWCA, manage programs for Black Wall Street AVL, and executive

produce The Asheville View. Each role came about organically, driven by my passion for community service and connection.

What aspects of your personality have enabled you to be a leader?

I see myself as a facilitator of community-driven change, rather than a traditional leader. My ability to champion the ideas and initiatives of others, collaborate with my neighbors, and prioritize community needs has been crucial. Leadership, to me, is not about individual traits but more about being chosen by the community you are serving. For instance, my recent work with Black Wall Street AVL on GrindFest, a three-day event aimed at amplifying black-owned businesses, exemplifies my commitment to executing community-driven visions for positive change.

What challenges have you faced on the road to leadership?

Serving others presents numerous challenges, from navigating complex relationships to balancing personal well-being with community demands. By actively listening to community members, striving to understand their needs, and leveraging my skills effectively, I've learned to navigate these challenges and serve others more effectively over time.

What is the most rewarding aspect of the work you do?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is collaborating with my family. Working closely with my husband and witnessing my children - Doriyan and Lilly experience community engagement firsthand brings me immense joy. Seeing my family and community grow together, supporting one another, and creating positive change is truly fulfilling.

What other leaders have inspired you to shape the type of leader you want to be?

While I draw inspiration from many sources, it's the resilience and perseverance of elders that have laid the foundation for community activism. Additionally, working with organizations like GO Places, which empowers young adults, has been incredibly inspiring. Their innovative spirit and determination motivate me to continue serving and advocating for positive change.

"Leadership, to me, is not about individual traits but more about being chosen by the community you are serving."

What do you tell other women who aspire to leadership roles in their community?

My advice to aspiring leaders, especially women, is to prioritize service over leadership titles. Take the time to listen, learn, and understand the community's needs before assuming leadership roles. Building trust, fostering relationships, and collaborating with others are essential for making a meaningful impact. By focusing on serving others authentically, aspiring leaders can create lasting change and empower their communities to thrive.

SPARK SPOTLIGHT BLUE COLLAR WOMAN

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OWNER & CEO

McKenzie Dillingham

McKenzie Dillingham has spent almost 15 years in the luxury custom home industry in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. McKenzie is a native of Weaverville, NC and has a degree in Construction Management from Western Carolina University. After graduating college, she moved back to Asheville, beginning her career as a Project Manager for one of the area's best luxury home builders. Her time as a Project Manager helped to hone her eye for detail and grow her passion for the artistic process of residential construction. In 2020 she made the move to open M.G. Dillingham, LLC, a firm that specializes in luxury home renovations and commercial interior upfits. She currently is the Board Chair for Haywood Street Community Development, a nonprofit organization in Asheville that builds deeply affordable housing. She also sits on the Board of Advisors for the Kimmel School of Construction Management at Western Carolina, where she assists in a drive to recruit minorities into the program and offer a residential construction perspective.

When not at work, McKenzie spends her time at home in Weaverville with her wife (a veterinarian) and son, Rhodes. McKenzie built their home in 2014 and enjoys spending time on home projects and gardening. When warm weather permits, you will find McKenzie on the French Broad river in a kayak or trout fishing with her dad. As an Appalachian native, she loves all four seasons and spending time outdoors.

How did you get into construction?

As a teenager I was very passionate about art, thinking that I would attend college and receive an art degree of some type. However, after taking a drafting course in High School, I realized that residential architecture was most appealing

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHRINE BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHY

to me. After spending a few years exploring this path I realized I didn’t want to be behind a computer, since hand-drawn architectural designs were slowly fading out as technology progressed. Therefore, I looked into college programs that would mesh my creativity and love for the outdoors. I found Western Carolina University’s BS in Construction Management, nestled in the mountain valley of Cullowhee, NC. As my career began with a custom luxury home builder, I felt perfectly at home – I was able to find creativity in each client’s dreams, building a new home, in a new place each time. I was able to spend time outdoors, with hands-on management and working alongside the area’s best designers and architects.

What aspect of your job do you most enjoy?

The uniqueness of each project. As a residential builder, I implement the dreams of clients from all over the country. No two projects are the same and I am able to work alongside some of the most talented interior designers and architects in our area. Yet, as a local to Asheville, NC I also thoroughly enjoy creating relationships with vendors and tradespeople that keep our local economy afloat. The broad spectrum of creativity and connections that I make on each project is irreplaceable.

What type/style/design of construction do you specialize in?

My background is in luxury residential new construction, but as I have moved forward in my own firm, I now

primarily do luxury renovations and some commercial interior upfits.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

While I do love the relationships that I create and the finished product of each home – I am most proud of the non-profit work I do. My experience within the industry has afforded me opportunities to sit on boards that give back in amazing ways to our local community. Last year M.G. Dillingham opened a scholarship fund at our Alma Mater – Western Carolina University, giving one student per year a full tuition scholarship. Ongoing, I have been a volunteer, board member and most recently have Chaired the Board of Directors for Haywood Street Community Development. HSCD is providing deeply affordable housing in perpetuity for residents of Asheville, with a 45 unit housing community that will always keep 50% of the housing for voucher holders and the remaining units for residents making 80% AMI or less. This project gives back in a way that Asheville needs, supplying housing for those who continue to make our local economy successful, from dishwashers, to drywallers and even teachers.

What would be your advice to other women thinking of going into construction?

While it may be difficult to get started, it is worth the challenge. It is well known that women in this industry have a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and a passion for their work – it will pay off in the end to get involved in any aspect of the construction industry.

SPARK SPOTLIGHT WRITER

Auburn Lily

Auburn Lily found her home in Appalachia nearly fifteen years ago. A dormant mystic, the magic in the mountains awakened her from a spiritual slumber. Fueled by a curious mind and psychic bloodline, Auburn began her spiritual journey through the lens of mysticism and magic. Introverted by nature, for years she tended to her craft in the shadows. In late 2017, she found herself answering a new and exciting call to share her magic and, most importantly, inspire others to do the same. In 2023, her debut book Appalachian Witchcraft for Beginners was published, and she now works in the healing arts, offering 1:1 oracle and astrology readings, Reiki sessions, and online trainings; and cultivating a community to support others in their magical awakenings.

How did you become interested in writing?

I honestly don’t remember a time that I wasn’t interested in writing. Growing up, my parents read to me practically every day, and I was immediately enchanted by reading and writing. I fancied myself a famous poet. In fact,

my nana, Nancy Borjes, has the first poem I ever wrote framed in her house. I followed that sense of intrigue all throughout my education, and I wound up pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication. At this point in my life, I don’t see writing as something I’m interested in as much as I see it as something I must do.

What style of writing do you most enjoy?

I think I’d consider most of my writing to be prose poetry – while not a traditional poem with consistent line breaks, there may be rhyme scheme, heightened metaphor and vivid imagery. I tend to write uplifting pieces about the emotional and spiritual complexities of being alive at this time on earth, weaving in astrological or archetypal wisdom when it feels right.

Where do you find your inspiration as a writer? It may sound like an oversimplification, but my greatest inspiration for writing is existence itself. I simply cannot go on through life without writing about it. I also never grew out of reading. I tend to read at least 50 books a year these days, and I am forever inspired by my favorite fantasy authors V.E. Schwab, Sarah J. Maas, Adrienne Young, and so many more.

What is the most rewarding part of being a writer? If you would have asked me this question before my debut book was published, I would have said the most rewarding part about being a writer is beholding my work – my thoughts, my inspirations, my emotions – as a Real Thing,

SPARK SPOTLIGHT FIRST RESPONDER

Amanda Govern

rather than just a concept floating around in my psyche. Now that I have a book out in the world, it’s clear to me that there is nothing more rewarding than having another person truly resonate with the work that I pour my heart and soul into. I’ve had readers reach out to me and bring tears to my eyes with their sweet messages. It’s lifechanging to connect with people in this way.

What is most important to you in your writing?

The most important facet of writing, for me, is heart. I cannot put my name to something that I wouldn’t say proudly, with my full chest. That’s why I pulled away from a career in journalism and instead turned my focus to more creative exploits; I found that I could not write if I didn’t truly believe in what I was writing.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working on inspired pieces for The Cosmic Quill (AuburnLily.com/the-cosmic-quill) – where I share celestial and intuitive insights that help you move in rhythm with the energy of the times. I’m also rather mesmerized by my work-in-progress, which is the first in a fantasy trilogy, but truth be told, I think I will publish another resource-style book, similar to my debut work Appalachian Witchcraft for Beginners, before anyone gets the chance to meet Alora Solaris in A Kingdom of Dream & Shadow

For more information about Auburn Lily, visit her website: auburnlily.com

Amanda Govern is a devoted Wife, Mom of 4, and a Paramedic with over 20 years of EMS experience. She has also taken in multiple children over the years through adoption and foster care programs, and continues to be an advocate for those children and others in need. Amanda currently holds the position of Director of Emergency Services for 1-800-BoardUp of Asheville where she serves most of WNC as a victim advocate and resource for those who suffer an emergency that may displace them from their home or business, and she continues to work as a Paramedic at Polk County EMS. She is a fire wife as her husband is a Battalion Chief at Glassy Mountain Fire Dept and also a Fire Mom with her oldest son now entering the Fire and EMS world as well. Amanda also serves on the Board of Directors for Only Hope WNC, a 501c(3) nonprofit that targets homeless and at-risk youth here in Western N.C. assisting with their needs. She also is an active member of the advisory board of Henderson County Heroes, another local nonprofit that helps serve our local first responders in their times of need. She enjoys her countless hours spent raising money and awareness for those organizations along with Firefighter Cancer Support Network, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, F.O.O.L.S., and the IAFC!

How long have you been in your position?

I started in Emergency Services in 2002 as an EMT, and quickly advanced to an EMT-I. I worked for a short period of time in Buncombe County where I was born and raised. I remained at that level for several years, working and volunteering and learning more about Emergency Services, in Henderson County while I obtained my Paramedic! I have worked in some capacity in Polk County since 2007 where I still work as a Paramedic part time. I even spent some time in the 911 Comm Center in Rutherford Co. where I was able to expand my knowledge and skills even more from a different angle of Emergency Services. I was blessed in early 2020 during the peak of the COVID pandemic to

take a position as The Director of Emergency Services for 1-800-Boardup of Asheville, where I now serve the first responders and victims facing tragic situations that displace them from their homes or businesses, such as structure fires, trees that fall on structures, vehicle impacts, biohazard clean up and more.

What initially caused you to become interested in pursuing a career in emergency services?

I originally started my career in EMS and emergency services just because I enjoyed the idea of the medical field, but wanted to be there in someone’s real time of need. Over time it has transitioned to not just helping others, but helping my own “family” the family of first responders who risk everything to help others!

What is important to you in your job?

Making an impact that can change a life. Sometimes it isn’t about what people think of when they see first responders as a “HERO” sometimes it is holding a hand during someone’s last moments of life, sometimes it’s a hug for a grieving family member, or giving a stuffed animal to a child who just lost everything they owned in a structure fire. It is just what we do as first responders!

What is your favorite thing about your job?

The best part of my job is seeing a patient I treated recovered from whatever medical emergency or trauma event they were facing at the time! Seeing them get one more day with their family! Now in my new roll with 1-800-Boardup of Asheville it is also seeing families back in their home after having to live somewhere else during the rebuilding process.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

It may sound crazy - but just getting a “Thank You” is what is most rewarding, and seeing someone you helped hit a huge life milestone that they may not have had the chance to hit without the services you provided!

What do you want Spark readers to know about you?

I am not just a first responder, yes I am a Paramedic, I am The Director of Emergency Services for 1-800-Boardup of Asheville! BUT I am also a born and raised Western North Carolinian, I am a daughter, a sister, a Fire wife and Fire

Mom, a busy Mom to 4 great kids who also stay active in their communities.

What do you recommend to other young women who would like to get into emergency services?

Use your resources, there are so many opportunities out there on ways to get started but building your “family” or “tribe” of not only strong women in emergency services but men too who are willing to teach you, encourage you and be your support system. Emergency Services regardless of if it is Fire / Law Enforcement / EMS / Rescue / Communications or any other avenue you may find is not easy and we face things most people can’t imagine. Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance/ help and encouragement along the way when you hit those hard times and challenges. It’s how you come out on the other side that matters and your “family” will support you in the hard times and celebrate in the victories!

"[My favorite part of my job is] making an impact that can change a life... sometimes it is holding a hand during someone’s last moments of life, sometimes it’s a hug for a grieving family member, or giving a stuffed animal to a child who just lost everything they owned in a structure fire."

SPARK SPOTLIGHT ARTIST

Andrea Leigh

Andrea Leigh holds a great appreciation for design and loves her work because she is blessed to be creative and earn a living in a constantly changing field. She also loves building relationships with her customers and seeing their dreams come to fruition. Andrea has over twenty years of cabinetry design and floor plan design in the Hendersonville area. She is a rare native and is grateful for her mountain roots.

Andrea also loves leaving a positive difference in the world with designs. This flows into her hobbies. She has been commissioned to paint murals across the South East, down to Florida. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons Brayden and Haygan, kayaking and traveling.

How did you become interested in art?

One night, I received a text from my friend, Marti, who told me that Marti’s father, a veteran, wanted a picture of Arlington Cemetery painted on the tailgate of his truck. Why ask me?, I wondered. My mother had been a painter, but I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since childhood. But my grandfather had been awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart after serving in Korea, and my father had taught me to view veterans as heroes who were to be honored and revered. Marti’s father, Charlie, was an intimidating, opinionated figure. If he thought I could do the painting, I wasn’t about to tell him no. After Charlie came by to drop off the tailgate, I prayed for God’s guidance and inspiration and began to paint. I have since painted over 25 murals across the southeast and many on tailgates.

What is your favorite part or the work you do?

I love making plain walls into something artful. I see so many brick or concrete walls and want to get my hands

on them to make them pretty. I paint large walls, my largest being the World of Clothing in Hendersonville. It is 500'x20'. I love painting 20' in the air on a lift and watching the sunset. It is a spiritual place for sure.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Veterans are my biggest inspiration. I want them to know I appreciate their service and I do not take it for granted. My favorite pieces to paint are those that honor veterans. My veterans mural in downtown Hendersonville won Most Striking mural in the Nation in 2016, and it told a story of local veterans. I hope they get the recognition they deserve from this award and the exposure.

What is most important to you in your art?

I want to tell a story. I am typically very detailed, so I want everyone to be happier after seeing my art.

What do you think makes you different from other artists?

I have no training and I don't paint anything small usually. 99 percent of my work is large scale murals. I have painted murals all over the South East from Florida to Charlotte. Most artists paint small scale on canvas, but I have never really done that.

What are some challenges you have faced in your work?

I had a lift break down a couple of weeks ago. I was trapped on one a few years back for a couple of hours. Painting wise, I am self taught so I would say teaching myself how to blend and what brushes to use was an adventure.

What are your goals for the future as an artist?

I would love to paint an American flag in every state on a mural. That is my goal.

"...they were always there to help [me] get pregnancy supplies, like prenatal vitamins, even on short notice. It didn’t feel clinical; it felt luxurious. It was a sweet, fun place to be.”

MOUNTAIN AREA PREGNANCY SERVICES BRINGS ACCEPTANCE AND LUXURY TO ITS CLIENTS

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Autumn (34) had taken a couple of at-home pregnancy tests that indicated she was, in fact, pregnant, but still wanted to confirm it with a medical professional. At the time, she had no insurance, nor did she have a regular doctor. Also, money was tight and Autumn wasn’t eager to pay for an expensive ultrasound. “Trying to find support early on in pregnancy (especially an unexpected pregnancy) can be intimidating,” she admits.

Autumn had heard of Mountain Area Pregnancy Services (MAPS), but was concerned that a Christ-centered outreach ministry would not be a good fit for her, since she was not religious. Happily, she was surprised to find that the staff at MAPS were friendly, non-judgemental, and fun to engage with. “They were just really happy, and I was happy too,” she explains, adding that the team was always positive, communicative, and helpful to her. Autumn made a special connection with one of the team members, the parenting coordinator Meribeth. At the time, Autumn was having conflicts with her baby’s father and Meribeth was always available to listen, and refrained from offering quick solutions to her problems. “She was just really easy to talk to about the whole thing.”

Meribeth and the rest of the staff at MAPS made Autumn feel comfortable and cared for throughout her pregnancy. “It was just so nice to have them for support and as a liaison as I explore what it takes to be a successful mom,” she says. She goes on to say that the training she got through MAPS’s online parenting videos gave her a good introduction to parenting, and provided an excellent baseline for what she could expect to need as a new mom. Autumn was even able to earn a pack n’ play and lots

of other parenting products through the MAPS point program. “I always felt like I was born to be a mom in some way or another, and have been preparing for that for a long time.”

In addition to always making her feel warm and safe, Autumn appreciated how convenient the MAPS facility was, and how they were always there to help her get pregnancy supplies, like prenatal vitamins, even on short notice. “It didn’t feel clinical; it felt luxurious. It was a sweet, fun place to be,” Autumn says of MAPS. Eventually, she went to a regular OB/Gyn facility and found it to be much less comfortable than MAPS’s office. “Working with MAPS was kind of fancy, and that was nice. [They have] quality care with a homey feeling without the expensive cost.”

Autumn was overjoyed to welcome her baby boy into the world late last March, an experience she found to be wonderful and wild at the same time. Even after giving birth, she continued to share her experience with MAPS with others, and recommended MAPS to other pregnant women she met. “You can’t go wrong with MAPS. I just feel like that is a resource for so many people,” Autumn says, continuing that it is always better for women to have too many options than not enough. “[MAPS is] a good place to start when you’re trying to figure out what you want in a medical provider.”

For more information about Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, visit their website: MTNPregnancy.com

Intimacy in our fast-paced world. How do we nurture it?

BY LISA NEVILLE, CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP AND INTIMACY COACH

Often, clients reach out to me because they no longer feel a “connection” with their partner. Usually, it is around their sex life. However, after our first couple of sessions, they quickly realize that the connection they had with their partner outside of the bedroom isn’t there either.

So, what is Intimacy if it is not just about sex? The definition of Intimacy is Familiarity. Some synonyms are Belonging, Closeness, Nearness. Now take a moment to think about how these words feel in your body. They feel great! Right?

The Antonym of Intimacy is Distance. How does this word feel in your body? Not so great. Right? Now take a moment to think about the word Intimacy and apply it to your relationship. How does it feel in your body? Does it feel good and make you happy? Or are you feeling empty and sad? I hope you feel good and happy! If not, maybe this will help!

When most people think about intimacy they think about physical intimacy. Did you know there are at least 4 different types of intimacy that do not include physical intimacy at all? So, what are they and how can you nurture them? Let’s talk about them!

Emotional Intimacy involves candid and authentic sharing of thoughts and feelings. How can you cultivate this in your relationship?

• Engage in deeper and more thoughtful conversations together, talking about emotions and experiences you don’t usually share with others.

• Ask your partner thoughtful questions and be curious about the way they think and feel.

• Listen to understand rather than waiting to respond.

• Avoid saying things like “Don’t feel that way” or “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Instead try saying, “I totally understand how you could feel that way” or “I would feel that way if it were me in that situation."

Create an environment that is conducive to an open and honest dialogue between the two of you.

Intellectual Intimacy is created when partners provide comfort with communicating beliefs and viewpoints. How can you cultivate this in your relationship?

• Engage in discussions where you and your partner have a different perspective. Make a conscious effort to really be open and listen.

• Have a conversation about ideas and abstract concepts like art, education, or social issues you are both passionate about.

• Read and discuss a book together. Share your takeaways from the book instead of telling each other what you thought the author meant.

This type of intimacy is about connecting through logic and philosophical conversations. Sharing your beautiful minds with one another.

Experiential Intimacy is shared experiences that can lead to inside jokes and private memories that deepen intimacy between you and your partner. Both of you moving toward a common goal while creating experiences together also establishes a feeling of closeness.

Our memories are closely linked to our senses. If the moment is pleasurable, it prompts the same energy we experienced at that time. How can you cultivate this in your relationship?

• Enjoy cooking a meal together.

• Schedule a weekly date night, take turns choosing the restaurant.

• Plan an activity you haven’t done together.

Each of you has your own separate experiences. You don’t have to collaborate on everything; however, you need to have shared experiences. With shared experiences, your intimacy is interwoven with memories and acquired knowledge for one another. It exists in multiple spaces.

Spiritual Intimacy isn’t necessarily about religion. This is more about a closeness that forms when you and your partner share passionate memories together. How can you cultivate this in your relationship?

• Watch a sunrise or a sunset together and marvel in the beauty.

• When walking together, hold hands, enjoy the beauty of the world around you and each other.

• Try discussing your ethics, sense of purpose and personal definition of spirituality. This deepens your understanding of each other.

• Read your favorite poem to each other at night before going to bed. This helps you to relax and feel mutually attuned to one another before going to sleep.

This type of intimacy allows for transcendent connection beyond logic and conscious thought. It helps to be intentional in this type of closeness. Although, sometimes, it can just happen in the moment. Try to find these moments. It could be as simple as looking at the moon with your arms around one another just enjoying the beauty of it all!

Healthy relationships involve relating on many different levels, not just physical. Nurturing intimacy in your relationship takes intentionality. Set aside the time and make your relationship a priority. Even if it is for 15 to 30 minutes after the kids go to bed.

Learning to engage in open, truthful communication, as well as working to understand your partner, helps create the exquisite feeling of closeness that strengthens your relationship. When you cultivate every aspect of intimacy into your relationship everything else seems to fall into place.

“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize that you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them, and their response is ‘you’re safe with me’- that’s intimacy.” ~Taylor

Jenkins Reid

Isn’t your relationship worth it? Mine certainly is. If you are struggling to find the intimacy in your relationship, reach out to me for a free consult. Let’s see how I can help. www.loveandintimacycoach.net

The Importance of Physical Therapy for Senior Citizens

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

“Your body is trying to talk to you,” Physical Therapy Practitioner Vanessa Risher explains to people who are beginning to experience chronic pain while doing everyday things. Risher finds that most people think they just have to live with pain, or worse that they should just take a pill to make it go away. She says the pain should not be tolerated, nor ignored, because it is our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong and needs to be corrected. “Our bodies are smart, and they're trying to tell us that something’s not right. Really, we do need to own our autonomy over our bodies so we can take control of our health. Sometimes pain needs to be managed with medication, however there are other options.”

Risher recently completed her first year of practice as a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in a retirement community in South Carolina. In that role, she has seen the unequaled effect that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can have on a person’s body as they get older, particularly a healthy physical regiment. “We only get one body. Move it every day,” she recommends. For instance, she says that many of her patients play golf, pickleball, or tennis. “Exercise doesn’t have to be this really hard thing. Whatever you like to do, whatever you can find that gets you moving, do it!”

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, Risher encourages her clients not to view pain on a scale of 1-10, but to focus on what life activities they are missing out on due to

their pain. “Everyone’s pain scale is different. Everybody is different in how they process those pain signals,” she finds. So, she asks her clients to consider if they are still able to take care of themselves, play sports, travel, and do activities with their grandchildren. “When they start losing functionality, they become motivated to get help.” She goes on to state that she has noticed a pattern of patients waiting too long to seek treatment for their pain, and that most doctors are quicker to prescribe medication than they are to refer their clients to a Doctor of Physical Therapy for an initial evaluation to assess their pain and functional deficits.

Balance and strength training is one of the key elements that Risher utilizes with her patients, focusing on strength-building in two of the three balance centers: the hips and ankle musculature. She has found that a fear of falling due to loss of balance, or weakness can make a person feel very unsafe and isolated. “Making sure people are strong and well-bodied is so important to reducing their fall risk,” she says. “If we can instill some sort of confidence in them, that’s a big win. Keeping the elderly strong, making them feel safe is a big win.” Falls are also detrimental to an elderly person’s health, and could result in hospitalization, or an injury that requires surgery. Risher says that surgery is extremely hard on a person’s body, and recommends physical therapy prior to surgery as well as after it. She goes on to say that, on average, it can take three days or more to recover from every single day a person spends in a hospital bed.

Risher also does lots of work helping clients to rebuild muscle that has been lost due to deconditioning and atrophy, as well as combating bone loss and weakness due to osteoporosis and arthritis. She cites that, around 25-30, muscle mass decreases approximately 3–8% per decade, and that the decline rate increases after age sixty. Risher says that exercising and strength-building is the key to preventing this decline. “Strengthening is so important to maintain that muscle mass that we have because inevitably, we’re gonna lose it. So, we might as well keep what we’ve got strong,” she says as we age. “Arthritis is inevitable, so keeping our muscles strong to have that shock-absorption to counteract the bone-onbone- that’s really gonna help out in the long run as well.”

In her resistance training, Risher regularly utilizes Wolff’s Law and evidence-based Physical Therapy Practice as a method of fighting bone density loss by strengthening the cortical layer of the bone and building muscle around it to reduce the risk of fractures.

“It’s really an empowering thing to see people take control of their own health, and realize that they have a really big factor in it,” Risher says, adding that there is an ebb

and flow to the healing process, so some days' workouts will feel more productive than others. She says she loves getting to work one-on-one with her clients. “You’re the one doing the work; I’m just guiding you through your personalized exercise program safely and ensuring you have proper form to avoid injury.” She also is conscious that physical therapy is not ‘one-size-fits-all’ and works with the clients (based on the Physical Therapist’s evaluation and care plan) to meet them where they are physically. Risher also encourages substantial rest breaks during her training, so that her clients are not painfully sore in the next few days after treatment.

Since Medicare and other insurances often only cover a limited amount of Physical Therapy sessions, Risher prioritizes education above all else in her sessions so that her patients can continue doing their exercises properly at home after they have been discharged from therapy due to positive results. Going by the American Heart Association Guidelines, Risher recommends 150 minutes-2.5 hours of medium-intensity exercise per week, including aerobic and isolated muscle-strengthening activities such as using weights, or resistance bands. Some of her go-to exercises for preventative care are: deep squats, rowing, walking, hip and glute strength training, and core building. Risher hopes people will have fun with their exercise regiment, rather than being afraid of it. “No matter what you have going on, there’s always a way to feel better about yourself,” she says. “Exercise is a great way to do that because you can make your own goals and feel better, stronger and more confident."

“Exercise doesn’t have to be this really hard thing. Whatever you like to do, whatever you can find that gets you moving, do it!”

The Power of Music in Education

WRITTEN AND PHOTOS BY JAIMIE HODGENS

I am an elementary Music teacher in my fourteenth year of teaching. I teach Pre-K through fifth grade students at Newington Elementary School in Summerville, South Carolina. I have a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Winthrop University and am certified through the American Orff-Schulwerk Association in Levels I and II. Just like most subject areas, Music has state and national standards that I adhere to when planning my lessons and units, but my main focus is exposure. I want to give my students every musical experience possible so that they can make informed decisions on what they like and don't like. I try to have students singing, moving, and playing instruments every time they visit my classroom. I make sure to vary my playlists to include music from every corner of the world and every type of artist.

from Northwestern University states, "Research shows that making music changes the brain and that these brain changes have tangible impacts on listening skills, learning and cognition. Individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers.”- Music, hearing, and education:, from the lab to the classroom; quoted in Northwestern University, September/October 2017.

My classroom is filled to the brim with instruments, thanks to district support and a ton of grant writing on my part. Ukuleles, guitars, handbells, xylophones, and a cool rudimentary brass instrument called PBuzz are just a few examples of the instruments that stock my classroom. We just finished a unit on kalimbas, which opened up conversations about the music of Zimbabwe! Ultimately, I am continuously on the hunt for varied and unique musical opportunities for my students. I feel that it's my responsibility to bring the world into my classroom for them.

Composers and educators Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman created the OrffSchulwerk method. It is meant to create musicianship through music, movement, speech, and drama. It is play-based and builds off the natural instincts of children; imitation, experimentation, and expression. Much of our music making uses percussion instruments like xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels, so that students not only hear their music, but they feel it too.

I have seen music change lives. Some of my students have gone on to pursue music in middle school, high school, college, and beyond. I have had many students audition and be accepted to our district's middle school of the arts, the SC Governor's School of the Arts, various theatre companies, and performing groups, etc. While this makes me incredibly proud, it isn't my hope for every student. My hope for my students is that they will discover their passion and find ways to be successful within that passion.

Music education has lifelong impacts. A study

Luca is a great example of this. I met Luca when he was in 4th grade. He had just moved to our school and was quiet and reserved. Luca joined NES Singers, our school chorus, where we discovered that he had a wonderful singing voice and lots of other musical skills. I poured into Luca, encouraging him to lead songs, sing solos, and try new instruments. He found a love for steel drums during his time with me and has been in steel bands through all of his middle and high school years. He found an abundance of confidence along the way, and has been brave in exploring his interests. Luca will graduate high school in a couple weeks, and has been accepted to Albright University to study fashion design. I don't know the first thing about fashion design, but I take a great deal of pride in Luca's success, because I know that his music education helped give him the skills he needed to chase his dreams.

College Dorm

Move-In Checklist:

☐ Bedding (Twin XL sheets, blanket, and pillows)

☐ Back Pillow with arms

☐ Extra Blanket to sit on

☐ Small Rug

☐ Desk Lamp

☐ String Lights

☐ Bedroom Trash Can

☐ Plastic Storage Drawers

☐ Command Strips and Command Hooks

☐ Minifridge & Microwave

(Tip: Talk to your roommate about splitting this cost.)

☐ Laundry Hamper & Basket

☐ Detergent Pods

☐ Disinfectant Wipes

☐ Small Broom or Vacuum (depending on dorm’s flooring)

☐ Extension Cords

☐ Towels

☐ Shower Curtain

☐ Bathroom rug

☐ Toilet Brush

☐ Bathroom Trash Can

☐ Bathroom Essentials: Shampoo, Bodywash, Hand Soap, etc.

☐ Clothes

( Tip: Bring what you need for August-November weather and swap out during the holiday break for January-April weather.)

☐ Disposable Plates/Bowls/Utensils

☐ Basic Condiments

☐ Reusable Water Bottle

☐ Tap Water Filter

☐ SNACKS

☐ Backpack

☐ Pencils and Pens

☐ Laptop

☐ Flash Drive

☐ Binder for loose papers

☐ Chargers

☐ Headphones

☐ Rain Jacket & Umbrella

☐ Clear Bag (for events w/clear bag policies)

Sheri Gaffney, is the passionate force behind Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry. Sheri is a licensed Esthetician and lead makeup artist with over a decade of expertise in the beauty industry. She has honed her craft to create stunning looks that celebrate individuality and enhance natural beauty. Her artistry extends beyond makeup brushes and hair tools; it’s about empowering her clients to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Sheri’s dedication to her craft and commitment to exceptional service make her a sought-after artist, leaving a trail of delighted clients who feel radiant inside and out.

Jessica Worley

Jessica is one of our very talented lead makeup artists! Her expertise in makeup, especially for weddings, paired with her attentive approach to understanding her clients’ desires, makes her a standout artist. Being newly married herself and hailing from the picturesque Haywood County in the WNC Mountains, she brings a personalized touch and a deep understanding of the importance of such special occasions.

Essie Yvonne

Kalla Hughley

Kalla Hughley is a native of Asheville NC. She has done bridal styling for over 6 years, and specializes in natural hair styling. She enjoys spending time with clients seeking beauty services, and helping make their beauty dreams come true. Kalla enjoys reading, music, and staying up to date with beauty trends.

Morgan Ferguson

She Is the lead hair stylist and a team member at Fab Flawless Hair and Makeup Artistry. Born and raised in Leicester, NC, Morgan is a licensed cosmetologist and owner of REDZ salon in Weaverville, NC.

“The joy it brings helping people feel beautiful on their special day or for any occasion makes my soul happy! I love what I do and, all the girls I work with, and meet so many wonderful people along the way. God continues to bless us and I can’t wait to see what else the future holds for us all.”

Maritza Martinez

My name is Maritza Martinez, I’m a passionate makeup artist with a love for enhancing natural beauty and creating confidence-boosting looks. Whether it’s for a special occasion, photoshoot, or everyday glam, I collaborate with my clients to achieve their desired look. Lo Fullenwider

Essie is a professional makeup artist based in Upstate SC. Her formal training for hair and makeup comes from MR Beauty Academy in Greenville. She has gotten many accolades in her career, being published in magazines, and winning awards for her work in the community. She’s passionate about helping women look and feel beautiful. Essie specializes in Natural Beauty for women of all skin tones and ages.

McKenna Ellenburg

She is a hair and makeup artist with Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry! “I am also a hair stylist located in Asheville. Born and raised local. I specialize in bridal hair, blondes, and hair color. My passion is connecting with people and making them feel like their best self. When I’m not in the salon or running to a wedding venue, I’m with my husband and son. We love the outdoors, antiquing, and traveling.”

Lauren Jones

A Licensed Esthetician with Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry! Lauren was born and raised in NC. “Beauty has always been a huge part of my life. As a young girl watching my grandma do her makeup every day, I aspired to one day have my own makeup. I enjoy working as a makeup artist as well as an anti-aging and acne skincare specialist. I am currently certified in Dermaplane Pro and PCA Skin Care Pro. I am always perfecting my craft with additional education classes. Balancing the roles of Makeup Artist as well as Esthetician, I am also a dedicated mother of 3. I understand the need for simple skincare. Your skincare goals and beauty goals are my number one concern.”

Lexi McElrath

Hair and makeup artist with Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry.

Lexi is a young and innovative stylist based out of Asheville, NC.

Lexi has always had a passion for making people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Since completing school and becoming a licensed Cosmetologist, you will find Lexi in a private salon outside of downtown Asheville and with Fab Flawless Hair and Makeup Artistry. Though she specializes in blondes, lived-in colors, and extensions, Lexi works with all hair types and is always expanding her specialties. With a lot of creative energy, working with Fab Flawless Hair and Makeup Artistry makes for the perfect outlet for all of her creativity.

“Hearing what a client wants, being able to bring it to life, and seeing the excitement and joy on their face, makes every client worth it.”

Sarah Swangim

Introducing Sarah “Sally” Swangim, she’s a hair and makeup artist with Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry since 2022! She’s also the talented owner of Services by Sarah, catering to custom color and extensions. With expertise in hair and makeup, she also serves as a valued artist at Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry since 2022. Sarah’s passion for the beauty industry began during her time at TC Roberson, where she graduated in 2022. Building on her foundation, she pursued her studies at AB Tech Cosmetology school, where she recently graduated this December (2023). With this comprehensive education, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her clients. Sarah’s dedication to her craft ensures that each client feels and looks their best!

Lo Fullenwider

Lo is a seasoned professional in the beauty industry with nearly 6 years of experience. As a licensed esthetician and professional certified makeup artist from the prestigious Gwyniss Mosby Makeup Artist Academy, she has honed her skills in various sectors, including film, television, editorial, bridal, special effects, and mortuary cosmetics. Beyond her expertise in makeup artistry, Lo is passionate about empowering and encouraging others to embrace their inner glow and enhance their daily lives. In her spare time, Lo enjoys traveling internationally, exploring new hobbies, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Her diverse experiences and dedication to her craft have solidified her reputation as a talented and compassionate professional in the beauty industry.

Alyssa Brewer

Our esteemed lead makeup artist at Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry. Alyssa, hails from the beautiful town of Black Mountain, NC. Born and raised in this scenic area, Alyssa developed a deep love for the arts from an early age. This passion ultimately led her to the world of makeup, where she found her true calling. Drawing inspiration from her artistic roots, Alyssa brings a unique and creative touch to her makeup artistry. She is known for her ability to transform faces into living works of art, enhancing natural beauty and creating a flawless finish!

Kileigh Carambot

Kileigh Carambot is a dedicated assistant at Fab Flawless, I am committed to providing exceptional support to our team and clients. With a strong background in organization and communication, I ensure that daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. My role involves managing schedules, contracts, as well as communication with clients, and assisting with various administrative tasks to help our team achieve its goals. I take pride in my ability to anticipate needs and offer proactive solutions, making sure that everyone has what they need to succeed. At Fab Flawless, I strive to contribute to a positive and productive work environment where excellence is the standard.

Elizabeth Hensley

Hi I’m Elizabeth Hensley, a hair stylist with Fab Flawless Hair & Makeup Artistry, with 2 years of experience in the beauty industry. I specialize in Wedding Hair & Event Makeup services. I also specialize in Vivid Coloring, Color, Highlighting, Texturizing/Cutting. I’m passionate about helping my clients look and feel their best. Whether you’re looking for a fresh new and expressive look or just a trim, I’m here to learn and grow to make your hair dreams come true! I am so excited to be part of the team and starting this journey!!

Future Counselor Jadyn

Erickson Shares Her College Journey

BY REBEKAH MCCUBBINS

Jadyn Erickson is proof that ambition and a strong support system pay off.

Erickson is a first-generation college student who just graduated from Mars Hill University in North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Growing up, she watched both of her parents work hard in their entrepreneurial endeavors–her mother sells jewelry and accessories, and her father provides handyman services throughout their community. Erickson says that while her parents did not pursue higher education for themselves, “they’ve always supported me.”

When Erickson first enrolled at Mars Hill, she didn’t intend to major in Psychology. “I started out my whole life wanting to do elementary education,” she shares. “And then I [started] college and took Intro to Psychology, and just fell in love with it.” Erickson says that this first Psychology course prompted her to change her major. “I fell in love with the idea of helping people with their mental disorders.”

Now that she has completed her bachelor’s degree, Erickson says that she plans to pursue a master’s in Clinical Counseling, then possibly work toward a doctorate. She plans to use her education to offer counseling services, specifically focusing on teens and the mental health issues that they face, including “anxiety, depression, and PTSD.” She says that she has developed a passion for teens because “they think if they show they have a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, they’ll get made fun of in school. I want to be that counselor that shows it’s okay to speak up about it and not be embarrassed about it,” she says. She hopes to help break the stigmas surrounding mental health in teens. Her interest in working with teens is also informed by her own experiences. “I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life, and it definitely affected my teenage years, so I want to help other teenagers with that.”

Erickson shares that she has found many people intimidated by the idea of studying Psychology–but she has found it to be deeply rewarding. “Not many people really want to do Psychology, because they think it’s hard to get the degree. It’s not easy, I will say that. But it is very rewarding being able to help people. And

Along with her Psychology major, Erickson received two minor degrees, in Community Nonprofit Leadership and Business Administration. While working toward her Community Nonprofit Leadership minor, she completed a year-long internship through the North Carolina Guardian Ad Litem program, which entailed “advocating for neglected and abused children in the courtroom.”

In addition to the work she has done in the community, Erickson has also been active in extracurricular activities at Mars Hill. She served as a Lion Leader on campus, “welcoming the incoming students and showing them around the campus,” she shares. “It was a lot of fun getting to know the incoming students.” She also pursued her passion for cheerleading while attending Mars Hill. “I’ve cheered my whole life,” she says, “so that’s pretty much been my hobby in my free time, because it takes up a lot of time.”

As she plans for the next chapter of her journey, Erickson is excited for the future. She plans to use her cheerleading skills and experience as a source of income while she continues her studies: “I’m going to be coaching a local high school JV cheer team,” she shares. In both her personal and professional life, Erickson will continue to succeed through her dedication to all she does and the support of her family.

mental health is a bigger issue than people actually think it is.”

ALL PHOTO CREDITS: JADYN ERICKSON

How Professional Cleaning Services Can Help You Connect with Your Family

BY ICLUB-PRODUCTIONS

"I want to thank the iClub Production for moving me in just short notice!!

Very nice and very fast! Amazing people! Thank y'all so so much!

- STEPHANIE S.

Have you ever felt like the busyness of life was keeping you from connecting with your family? Do you worry that you’ll never have time to enjoy this phase of your family’s lives? Does it feel like there is always one more chore that needs to be done around the house?

You’re not alone.

As professional cleaners, we hear this from our customers all the time. There’s simply not enough time in the day to do it all and still connect with your kids, or your spouse. This is why we do what we do. We believe that high-quality professional cleaning services can improve your family’s life in a meaningful way.

Here are a few of the services that our professional cleaning business, iClub-Productions, offers and how those services can empower you and improve your family life.

Cleaning

A professional cleaner has years of experience cleaning homes. We know how to clean quickly and efficiently, and have the tools and skills to do it right. This saves you time and energy that you can use to spend time with your family. It also takes the mental load off of you, so you can be fully present while connecting with your loved ones.

Moving

Moving is already a frustrating and time-consuming process. When you try to do too much of it on your own, it will only cause stress and exhaustion for the whole family. Professional help will allow you to hand off some of the tedious tasks, like cleaning out your home or moving furniture and boxes, so that you can focus on your family and the exciting new chapter ahead.

Junk Removal

When your home, garage, or yard is cluttered with junk, it can feel like an unbearable task to tackle. So you put it off, and it becomes an even bigger task. Suddenly, it seems impossible, and you’re even more stressed than before. By hiring a professional, you can take back your life and use your precious time to connect with your family–all while the stress is carried away with the clutter!

These are just a few of the ways that iClub-Productions supports families, making their lives easier and stress-free.

How Do You Choose the Right Professional Cleaning Service?

If you are seeking a professional, you should always ensure that they have the right certifications and insurance for the services they are offering. For us, that means that we are bonded and insured. You should also check the business’ reviews and ratings. iClub-Productions is proud to have many 5-star ratings from our customers. Our teams are known in their communities for their integrity and the exceptional level of service they provide. If you ask around about us, you’re sure to hear glowing reviews from our clientele. Taking the time to choose the right professional will ensure that you can relax, knowing that your cleaning, moving, or junk removal needs are in good hands, while you spend time with your family.

You can contact iClub-Productions at iclub-productions.com or by calling 828-676-7010.

Home Grown Joy

For many families, hobbies, sports, chores, and school are readily built into their lifestyle. Perhaps dad has been a golfer for years, or mom has always been an avid member of a club or dance studio. For others, there is no intentional use of spare time. Some may have fallen away from old interests, or maybe family time and other interests just don’t align. When this is the case, parents or partners often feel disconnected, wishing for a way to bond with their children, spouse, or housemate. There are countless ways to reconnect and rediscover fun in your home. The one that I have found most enticing to my family is growing and studying plants.

Throughout the past 6 years of motherhood, nothing has brought more peace and joy to me than being in nature. Whether that meant going to parks, playing in our backyard, or working on a garden together, any time spent admiring plants became special to us.

Of course, when kids are young, it can feel almost pointless to try something like growing flowers or vegetables with them. Babies love to pull out potted houseplants, rip up tomato plants, and dig up your newly sown seeds. Over time, though, I've found ways to make this feel less like a failure, and more like a victory.

One of my favorite family activities is to give my kids a $1 pack of seeds and let them do anything they want with it. I’ll remind them that seeds need soil, water, and sun to grow, and then send them out with some sunflower or watermelon seeds and see what they do. Usually the seeds won’t grow–after all, kids aren’t great at following instructions. But when they do (with no help from mom) my kids feel like magicians. Even when they were barely walking and talking, I’d give them a patch of dirt to play in, some dandelions to tear up, a pile of leaves to roll around in. Within that natural space, the magic just happens. A garden, or the classic backyard, can be more

than just a useful plot. It can become worlds more than the unused space that it has become for so many families. When we let go of the idea of the perfect yard or garden, our families can thrive in the natural state of things. Unraked leaves become the source of childlike fun; muddy puddles become a child's best friend; the prickly berry vines on the edge of the woods become their favorite memory.

Creating a life full of hobbies inside or outside the home can be incredibly fulfilling. Children who play sports learn teamwork. Children who game learn problem-solving skills. Teens who spend time in the gym are preparing their bodies for their future selves to use in work and life. Whatever brings the most joy to your family should be made important, and never pushed to the back burner. For my family, and I hope for some of yours, one of those great joys is growing things together. We love to see the new roots on a hydrangea cutting, the new flowers on a pumpkin plant in the yard, and the new rye grass growing in the pasture for our animals. We love to decorate our home with cacti and ferns and cut wildflowers we find in the ditches near our home. Spending time foraging blackberries and bay leaves together provides a sense of connection–to each other, and to the place we live.

Being a family that loves to garden doesn’t have to mean you spend hours each weekend tilling, planting, and sweating away in the sun. For me, it means spending time sitting with the natural landscape and finding value in that. It means letting my children do their own propagations even when their method is wrong, and allowing myself not to stress about whether or not the garden was weeded or the lawn mowed. The magic, for us, is in the art of imperfection. And imperfection in nature and gardening is where you really learn to appreciate how perfect our world is.

WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY HANNAH FILOS

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Founder of Pre-Op Solutions Katie Reph

Shines a Light on Pre-Op Care

At the intersection of entrepreneurship and healthcare, where ambition meets action, one name shines bright: Katie Reph. A dynamic force in the local healthcare industry, Reph embodies tenacity and innovation. That’s because she has big aspirations for transforming pre-surgery care and aging in place in Western North Carolina.

Hailing from Pennsylvania, Reph has spent the last decade in the South, between Savannah, Georgia, and Asheville, North Carolina. She comes from a family of women before her who worked as healthcare workers, caregivers, and healers, so she believes, “this is just what I was meant to do, find ways to help heal others.” After graduating from South University of Savannah as a L-PTA, Reph began her career in skilled rehab and home health physical therapy. It was years of caring for patients post-surgery, and witnessing their pain and home challenges, that sparked an idea that would transform surgical recovery in Western North Carolina.

Reph founded Pre-Op Solutions, which works to improve the pre-operative experience by providing home safety evaluations and assisting in the preparation process ahead of a major surgery. “Improving post-operative outcomes truly starts with Pre-Op Solutions,” says Reph.

In North Carolina, 32% of residents say they have fair or no understanding of the procedure and subsequent rehabilitation process before their surgery, and 95% of respondents reported feelings of anxiety, worry, fear, or,

in some cases, depression, according to a recent study, The State of Surgical Care: Patient Experiences Pre- and Postoperation in North Carolina, 2024. This study captured data about the experiences of North Carolina residents who underwent surgery within the past five years. Only a fraction of those who were surveyed had access to services of, or like, Pre-Op Solutions. However, 96% of respondents reported the in-home pre- op visit helped them feel more prepared for their surgery and recovery. Perhaps most notably, 70% surveyed reported an in-home pre-op visit reduced their recovery time. “The data shows how truly impactful pre-operative care can be in getting people back to their lives and the things they love quicker and with increased ease and comfort,” says Reph.

In 2024, Reph also became CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) certified, giving her even further knowledge into the complexities of home safety and aging in place, and more experience in strategies for home modifications. “I look at Pre-Op Solutions as an incredibly impactful service for surgical care, and I am also very well versed in the impacts of health related changes and aging in place for older adults,” she explains. “My experience also allows me to be helpful for these members of my community, and helps to make aging in place more accessible for more people.” Outside of her business, Reph is also very active in the Western North Carolina community. She is on the Board of Directors for Aging Projects Inc., an advisor for Buncombe County of the WNC Falls Coalition, and a member of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

But what she’s really getting known for in the healthcare community is making connections. Reph founded and leads a local Healthcare & Wellness Workers networking group that meets monthly and features speakers from the area. “I believe that we can truly better connect our healthcare community by improving the relationships outside of our own settings,” Reph says. “I have treated many patients who have asked me to help them find someone for acupuncture, or recommend a specialist, or

a therapist, and previously, their guess would have been as good as mine. Now we are developing an entire network of referral sources. And we get to learn about how other people use their skills and talents to heal people. I believe this is giving all of us in the Western North Carolina healthcare community an opportunity to be able to help the whole person, not just one part of them.”

Pre-Op Solutions is Reph’s first entrepreneurial venture, and she’s thriving as a founder. “It has been such an amazing experience. I have learned so much about business, and honestly myself, in this process,” Reph explains. “Sure, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about marketing, branding, bookkeeping, and so much more, but arguably the most important thing I have learned is how important my time is. I always ask, ‘Is this getting me closer to my ultimate goal?’ It has been a helpful way for me to decide what is the best use of my time, and what is not. It has given me more power in my ability to say ‘no.’”

Reph is even busy outside of work. A marathoner, you’ll find Reph running the trails down by the river, hiking or out in nature with her dogs, traveling, volunteering, spending time with loved ones, or filling her life and calendar with time with close friends. “I show up, every day, as myself,” she says. “And at the root of all of my efforts is a desire to leave this world in a better place than I found it, whether that be through the work I do or the people I meet along the way.”

For more information on Pre-Op Solutions, visit their website: https://pre-opsolutions.com

To contact Reph directly, email or call her at her email: kaitlin.reph@pre-opsolutions.com or office phone: 828-398-8680

Interior Design Secrets for Busy Families: Making Your Home a Haven Amidst the Hustle

BY JILL ROSSI, CO-OWNER OF DOLCE DESIGN CO.

Amidst the whirlwind of managing schedules and navigating the complexities of daily family life, we all have a desire for at least a semblance of refinement and order in our homes, no matter how busy. Picture this: a haven where every corner whispers comfort and charm and also pulls its weight in the functionality department. Here are my top interior design tips tailored especially for you, dear busy families:

Embrace the Power of Multipurpose Furniture: Maximize space without sacrificing style by opting for pieces that serve dual purposes. Pick an ottoman or side table that doubles as storage, or a sofa bed for unexpected guests. Dining tables with self-storing leaves make sure you are ready for holiday dinners without having to sacrifice space the rest of the year. Solutions like these make it easy to have necessities close by, but quietly concealed until needed.

Declutter with Finesse: We all have things we need on-hand, but don’t enjoy looking at. Hide them with style! Find attractive baskets or bins in which to store loose clutter like toys and shoes. Utilize decorative boxes to hide away small things, like remotes and batteries. Create a tucked-away “drop zone” with dedicated space for everyday items like bags, keys, and leashes. Bonus points if you can do this inside a cabinet or spare closet so you can shut the door on the visual noise. Go through your home and eliminate duplicate items. Sticking to the essentials will save you space and be less to keep up with. Remember, less clutter means more space to breathe and thrive.

Pick fabrics and surface coverings that work as hard as you do: With little ones and furry friends scampering about, durability is key. Opt for fabrics that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life, like performance fabrics or leather upholstery. Some performance fabrics, like Revolution can even be bleached! Patterns and textures do a great job of camouflaging stains as well. If you don’t already have a stain-resistant finish on your existing upholstery, adding fabric protection can make a big difference in the longevity of your soft seating. And don’t forget to vacuum your upholstery on a regular basis.

This keeps the everyday dirt and debris from working its way into the fabric, where it is harder to remove. On the floor, consider using well cushioned low pile rugs for easy cleaning, or vinyl floorcloths in spaces where messes are inevitable.

Add soul to your home with art and accessories: Choose art and accessories that are meaningful to you. Create a changeable art board to display your kids’ latest masterpieces. There are also frames that will display and store multiple pieces of art inside. This will keep your kiddo’s creations in sight but also give you a way to keep them organized. Try creating mini vignettes with cherished keepsakes throughout your home. You can also arrange items together on a tray. These methods will consolidate the items visually so you perceive one group rather than lots of individual objects. And, make sure to clear some horizontal space in each room for your eyes to rest. In a world full of stuff, nothing feels as luxurious as nothing.

Lighting matters: Set the right mood with a variety of lighting options. Bright, direct lights are needed for homework and cooking. Warm, diffused lights create a cozy ambiance for bedtime, signaling to your kids’ brains that it’s time to settle down. It is best to have several table and floor lamps in a room to give you the flexibility you want for any situation. Invest in lamps with dimmers to tailor the atmosphere to your needs. Pay attention to the color temperature of the light as well. Bright “daylight” bulbs will give you a cooler look that signals your brain to be at attention. Warm white or incandescent lights feel more cozy and relaxing.

Childproof with Style: Safety first, but style can be a close second! Consider those little noggins when it’s time to look for new furniture. Stay away from glass and sharp edges. Go for softer, rounded corners to protect those heads (and your shins,) from bumps. A cocktail ottoman in place of a coffee table is a great option to consider for this. When shopping for baby gates, check out wooden options instead of the industrial-looking plastic kind. Opt for interior-mounted safety latches on cabinets rather

than the ones that mount on the cabinet door face. Get non-slip rug pads or carpet tape for high-traffic areas. This will keep your carpets in place and your kids on solid ground.

Invest in Quality Essentials: For your workhorse pieces like your sofa, or dining table, buy good quality furniture that can take a little bit of a beating. If you purchase well-made upholstered furniture, you won’t have to hold your breath every time Junior decides to use the sofa as a trampoline. And, if you purchase a solid wood dining table, even if the kids decide to use it as a drum set when you’re not looking, it can be sanded down and refinished to look as good as new. With inexpensive, lower quality furniture, it’s one and done. Any harsh treatment means you’ll be looking to purchase a new one in no time. You’ll be better off investing a little more up front so you can expect years of service from your furnishings.

By implementing these friendly tips, you can create a home that's not only functional but also a joy to live in—a true reflection of your family's unique style and personality. So here's to turning your busy household into a stylish and harmonious sanctuary!

PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING BY MEGAN BALES

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for extended vacations can be a challenge. Microadventures—short, local excursions that provide a refreshing break from routine—have emerged as an ideal solution. They offer a quick and fulfilling escape that fits into busy lives, providing mental health benefits and memorable experiences without the need for extensive planning or travel. With their main campus nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest and outposts across the Southeast, the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) offers the perfect destination for such microadventures.

The Rise of Microadventures:

Quick Escapes for Busy Lives

Microadventures have become increasingly popular for several reasons. Busy lifestyles and budget constraints often make it difficult to plan extended vacations, while the desire for novel experiences drives people to seek out shorter, yet thrilling escapes. These mini-adventures allow individuals to disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with nature, which has been shown to improve mental well-being. The rise of social media and online resources has also made discovering and planning microadventures easier than ever, contributing to their growing appeal.

A Thrilling

Escape Close to Home

Conveniently located within driving distance from major cities in the Southeast, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Knoxville, NOC provides an accessible and exciting escape. Here, a variety of outdoor activities await, offering something for everyone, from families to adrenaline junkies.

Effortless Escapes: Weekend Microadventures at Nantahala Outdoor Center

Whitewater Rafting for All Skill Levels

NOC’s renowned whitewater rafting experiences cater to various interests and skill levels. The Nantahala River, with its mix of calm waters and Class II-III rapids, is perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters. Navigated by experienced guides, you’ll paddle the river’s twists and turns, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Nantahala Gorge. For those seeking more challenging rapids, NOC also offers trips on other rivers like the Chattooga and Ocoee.

Ziplining

Adventures

If flying is more your speed, NOC’s Mountaintop ZipLine is an exhilarating choice. Soar over 350 feet above the Nantahala River, surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For even more thrills, try the Moonlight Zipline- the same course under the stars. If you prefer a less intense thrill, the Zip Line Adventure Park (ZLAP) features 16 aerial adventure elements, including a 600-foot dual zip line, providing fun closer to the ground. ZLAP is also ideal for custom groups and team-building activities.

Kayaking and Canoeing

NOC’s nearly 50 years of experience in kayak and canoe instruction make it a premier destination for paddling enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to try a new sport solo, with family, or enhance your current skills, NOC's courses start on the lake and progress to area rivers, with itineraries tailored to your paddling level. For those looking to take on their own rapids, NOC offers duckie (inflatable kayak) rentals and raft rentals to navigate your own adventure. The main campus on the Nantahala River is one of the nation’s most active paddle sports venues,

hosting races and events and serving as a popular practice spot for paddlers, including professional athletes.

Mountain Biking

Explore the trails of the Nantahala National Forest with a mountain biking adventure. NOC’s Bryson City campus provides access to guided mountain biking trips along Flint Ridge or Tsali’s extensive trail system, known for its scenic mountain and Lake Fontana views. Whether you opt for a guided ride or rent a bike to explore on your own, these trails offer an invigorating way to experience the forest.

All-In-One Adventure

A weekend at NOC is more than just an escape; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of outdoor activities, from whitewater rafting and ziplining to kayaking and mountain biking. The center’s convenient location and diverse offerings make it easy to tailor your adventure to fit your interests and schedule. Plus, with on-campus dining options like River’s End Restaurant and Big Wesser Riverside Pub, and a range of lodging choices from cozy cabins to budget-friendly bunkhouses, you won’t need to leave the campus all weekend. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or an adrenaline-pumping experience, NOC provides the perfect setting for your microadventure.

Water Safety and Sun Protection

Safety is a top priority at NOC. The center offers comprehensive water safety training through its Swiftwater Rescue Courses, ideal for paddlers, first responders, and river guides. These courses cover advanced rescue techniques and prepare participants for realistic river rescue scenarios with minimal equipment.

NOC also emphasizes sun protection through its partnership with Blue Lizard® Australian Sunscreen. Guests can find Blue Lizard products at all NOC retail locations, and sun care tips are posted throughout the campus to ensure everyone stays protected while enjoying the outdoors.

Plan Your Microadventure

Nantahala Outdoor Center embodies the essence of microadventures—short, accessible, and packed with excitement. By offering activities that cater to various skill levels and interests, NOC allows you to escape the routine and immerse yourself in nature. Additionally, with the opening of The Hemlocks, a new high-end bungalow-style accommodation, NOC enhances the guest experience with luxurious lodging options. The Hemlocks are now taking reservations for summer 2024. To make your adventure even more appealing, NOC is introducing “Sunday Funday” with lower pricing on Sundays all summer long. For more information and to plan your weekend getaway, visit NOC’s website: https://noc.com/

Embrace the trend of microadventures and discover the rejuvenating power of a weekend at Nantahala Outdoor Center.

For 125 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been committed to building a stronger community. Our initiatives and projects have stimulated economic development and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses.

Today, we are the local champion for a balanced, thriving economy and connect businesses, large and small, to the resources they need to be successful.

We believe that together, we are more.

Discover all the ways the Asheville Chamber can grow your business and community.

MORE inspiration:

Join WomanUP, our program for women in business, for inspirational programs with a workshop Aug. 1st and celebration Nov. 5th. Nominate yourself or someone you know for our outstanding women in business awards. Nominations due Aug. 10th

MORE opportunity:

Great companies start with great people. Join us for monthly business education plus professional development and connections for young professionals through PROpel AVL.

MORE connections:

Check our calendar for upcoming networking events, including monthly events and the biannual Mega Networking on Oct. 10th

MORE visibility:

Membership gives you more benefits to take your business to the next level with visibility and savings.

Find all of this and more on our website:

www.ashevillechamber.org

EXPERIENCE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES WITH THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD

Experience the Great Smoky Mountains like never before with the family-friendly adventures offered by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Smoky Mountains, our historic railroad promises an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, relaxation, and cherished memories for all ages.

Nantahala Gorge & Tuckasegee River Excursion

Embark on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, where you and your loved ones will be treated to breathtaking views of the Nantahala Gorge. Travel across the historic Fontana Trestle, offering panoramic vistas of Fontana Lake and the surrounding wilderness. Enjoy a variety of onboard dining options, from First Class seating with a gourmet menu to pre-purchased box lunches for a unique dining experience. Passengers can also take advantage of a one-hour layover in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge to relax by the river or explore the area, creating lasting memories with your family.

Alternatively, explore the historic town of Dillsboro during the Tuckasegee River Excursion. This train ride features a one-hour and twenty-minute layover, perfect for shopping, snacking, and exploring. Discover over fifty shops, restaurants, and country inns in the quaint town of Dillsboro before returning to Bryson City.

Thrilling Adventures: Raft & Rail and Tarzan Train

For thrill-seekers, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has just the experiences for you! The Raft & Rail ride is a full-day guided adventure that includes a scenic train trip, a deli lunch, and a whitewater trip down the Nantahala River. Alternatively, the Tarzan Train combines train travel with exhilarating zip line adventures. Ride through the Smoky Mountains and along Fontana Lake before disembarking for a thrilling zip line experience with Wildwater's Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours. Zip through multiple ecosystems and enjoy stunning views of Clingman's Dome and Fontana Lake, all under the guidance of trained Rangers to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for the whole family. Transportation to and from the Bryson City Train Depot is included.

Festive Fun: Bunny Hopper Express

Join the festive fun aboard the Bunny Hopper Express, where passengers will delight in Easter-themed activities and surprises. Keep an eye out for train-hopping bunnies and

participate in an Easter egg hunt with prizes. Enjoy a giveaway bag filled with activities and a delicious Easter treat for junior railroaders. Capture memories with plenty of photo opportunities with our bunny hoppers, making it a magical experience for the whole family.

Holiday Magic: The Polar Express Train Ride

Experience the magic of the holiday season with The Polar Express Train Ride, a magical re-creation of the classic holiday story. Climb aboard our historic train cars as they depart from Bryson City Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. Indulge in hot chocolate and sweet treats while singing and dancing on the journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa Claus on the return trip as he hands out the first gift of Christmas to each child, creating cherished memories for the entire family.

From scenic excursions to holiday-themed adventures, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers an array of familyoriented experiences to suit every taste and preference. So, gather your loved ones and embark on a journey of discovery and delight amidst the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Adventure awaits aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad—where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: Achieving the State of Equilibrium as We Juggle it All

BY BRANDY MILLS

Let’s face it, each day more and more women are embarking upon the entrepreneurship journey. And why wouldn’t we be? Women have been running businesses without the perks that come with it since the inception of family. Housekeeper, meal planner, personal chef, chauffeur, event planner, personal assistant, homeschool teacher… you name it! No wonder women are flourishing in the business industry today. Our DNA is wired for entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, because of the many responsibilities that women carry out daily, making the decision to begin the journey into entrepreneurship can be challenging. We do not often have the luxury of being able to stop everything to place all our energies on the business. Nope, it just does not happen that way.

“How do you do it?” This is the most common question that I am asked when people find out that I became an entrepreneur and founded a women’s empowerment movement while working full-time for another employer and managing the complexity of family responsibilities. Truthfully, I am never sure how to go about answering the question. I’d like to say that I am able to do it because I am super-efficient, organized, disciplined, strategic, or some other word that makes it seem that I always have my stuff together. The truth is that I don’t know exactly how I do it, I just do. Now, don’t label that last statement as arrogance. What I am saying is that I do not frequently think about that question. The juggling act of entrepreneurship is not easy. If I place deep thought into “how” what I am doing gets done, there is a high probability that I would become too overwhelmed to “do” anything at all. So, I just go with the flow, using the “why” for what I am working to accomplish, build, or maintain to guide me into the state of equilibrium that I need to keep pressing forward. But do not let my inability to answer the “How do you do it?” question stop or discourage you from becoming or growing as an entrepreneur. Being a woman in business, no matter the obstacles or how many roles you are juggling simultaneously, can be both fulfilling and rewarding. The key is to define what helps you reach a state of equilibrium that works best for you, when carrying a heavy load. Here are a few tactics that work for me:

Know Your Why

I know that this sounds cliché, but it is true. Knowing your why is your compass in the times that you feel lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain. It provides motivation and purpose. It aligns you with your vision, gives clarity,

refocuses you, and helps to guide in decision-making. Revisiting my “why” regularly, centers me and helps to determine if I am working towards my goals, have taken a detour, or have veered completely off track.

Know Yourself

Truly knowing yourself is about self-awareness. It aids in identifying what drives, motivates, and inspires you. Knowing yourself empowers you to connect your interests to your passions, birthing a business model made just for you. It means that you are in tune with your areas of strength and opportunity for growth. This enables you to set realistic goals and make strategic plans of execution. Simply put, knowing yourself leads you towards an authentic mission and vision for your venture, increasing your chances of success, fulfillment, and operating with purpose.

Trust Yourself

Trusting yourself in anything that you do, but especially in business or entrepreneurship, is about having surety in what you are seeking to accomplish. It is that inner confidence that assists you to stay true and committed to your plans and not be easily swayed by compounding demands, self-doubt, or the opinions of others. Trusting yourself requires you to rely on your instincts when developing strategy, making critical decisions, and navigating setbacks and unpredictability that comes with the world of entrepreneurship. This self-trust is essential because it keeps you focused and steadfast, even when facing criticism or challenges.

Now that you’ve learned my strategy, I am calling all aspiring women entrepreneurs to pursue your business dreams and goals despite the complexities of daily life or competing priorities. It’s time for you to determine how to create your own state of equilibrium on this entrepreneurial journey. The essence of this achievement lies in knowing your “why”, having a high level of selfawareness, and unwavering self-trust. Doing so allows you to show up on this entrepreneurial journey with confidence and surety no matter what. Don’t forget to maintain genuine authenticity in everything you do and define success on your own terms.

Asheville native, proud wife, mother, and grandmother, Brandy Mills, is an award-winning advocate of Women,

Founder of Woman Strong, a women’s empowerment movement, Entrepreneur, Nursing Professional, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Executive Coach of Brandy Mills Consulting, where through coaching and consulting, she is dedicated to helping individuals, teams, organizations, and companies get to the Business of Leading themselves through their next level of Growth. Her aim is to partner with these entities to reach their highest potential in Business, Leadership, & Personal and Professional Growth. With 15 years of clinical leadership and organizational operations experience in a healthcare setting combined with nearly a decade of personal business leadership operation experience. She’s certainly acquired a keen understanding of the highs and lows that come with it all.

To work with or learn more about Brandy or purchase her journal, visit her website at www.brandymillsconsulting.com. Become part of the Woman Strong Movement by following it on Instagram: www.instagram.com/bm.womanstrong

PHOTO CREDIT: TIA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

FIVE WAYSto Level Up Your Biz This Week

Want to have a great week in your business? Here are 5 ways that you can level up this week!

1: Spend 30 minutes brainstorming. Write down every idea that comes to mind. Get it all out on the table.

2: Clean out your inboxes. If there are messages you’ve been avoiding, now is the time to answer them! Delete anything you don’t need anymore, and declutter by moving emails into organized folders.

3: Repurpose 1 piece of content. It doesn’t matter if it’s a blog, a social media post, or a photo you’ve already used. Just find a new way to use a piece of content in your biz!

4: Schedule 1 coffee chat. Is there someone in your network you haven’t talked with recently? It’s time to get them on your schedule! Find out how you can help each other grow your businesses.

5: Share a recent WIN with your audience/network. Talking about yourself can be uncomfortable. But your wins are important, and show you are an expert in your industry! People are drawn to success. Show them why they should want to work with you.

You and Your Credit Report

BY BRITTANY BETTINI

Hey, ladies! It’s your financial BFF, Brittany Bettini. I’m ready to spill the tea on something that we all need to pay attention to, but often put on a back burner because we think it’s “too late for us” or feel extremely self-conscious asking for help.

CREDIT REPORTS!

Yep, I know. Snooze-fest. But let me tell you, understanding your credit report isn’t just about numbers. It’s about taking control of your life. These days, everything requires a quick soft pull of our credit scores and reports. So while it may be a boring subject for most, it’s a MUST HAVE conversation.

What Is a Credit Report?

First and foremost, what the heck is a credit report, anyway? Think of it as your financial report card. It shows your borrowing history, how much debt you have, and whether you pay your bills on time. Like you’re either a financial superstar or you’ve had a few slip-ups.

So, you decide to finally take a peek at your report, and you expect a glowing review. ‘Oh no, what’s this? I never bought that. I don’t own a house in Wisconsin. That isn’t my name!’ Breathe. It’s okay. It happens more often than you’d think. There are so many ways to get your account accidentally tangled with someone else’s, or simply mixed up. Or, there is a late payment charge–’But I swear, I made that bill on time! That’s not even my account!’ That’s where the adventure truly begins.

You Found an Error. Now What?

You’ve spotted an error. Now what? Time to put your detective hat on and dispute that sucker! Fortunately, you have the Fair Credit Reporting Act on your side! This law states, “credit reporting agencies must investigate disputed items within 30 days of receiving your dispute.”

But, my friend, hold your horses. Don’t expect instant results. This process can be like waiting for water to boil. It takes time, work, and a lot of follow-up. But don’t be afraid; after all, every step you take is one step closer to financial freedom!

Remember: it’s not a walk down memory lane. Certain aspects of mitigating errors flow faster than others. Sometimes, attempting to remit errors can feel like navigating a maze.

Frankly, it’s a lot of research, a lot of writing, and a lot of procedure. Disputing mistakes may also be a costly process. You may have to send a lot of letters, make many phone conversations, and provide a range of documents.

Disputing errors takes time and, sadly, may be a financial investment. Have you considered what it costs to hire a credit fix company? But don’t think about it; regard the hard work as an investment in yourself. With this little sacrifice now, you’ll have good finances in the future. The same home or car could cost 65% more for a boss babe with bad credit, due to the interest paid over time. This is financial planning, and investment returns you won’t want to miss!

Discipline Is Key

Sister, remember – discipline is key. Choose to make good decisions every day, like cooking instead of ordering delivery, or anything but spending a whole paycheck on that designer purse. I promise you, your bank account will thank you later.

If you don’t have the self-discipline to control your utilization, you might ruin a good credit score in a matter of months. I would advise you to keep your balances low. The generic rule of thumb is to stay below 30% utilization. How much below 30% varies based on your personal situation. I recommend that you not spend more than what you can completely pay off within 2 statement cycles–anything above that is just looking for trouble.

As you battle the twists and turns of credit repair, I want you always to maintain sight of the prize: total financial freedom. Imagine the life you will have with a clean credit report, unlocking doors to low-interest rates, better loan terms, and maybe even your fairytale home or automobile.

Even better, darling, you will emerge from this war more robust, knowledgeable, and empowered than ever. Every financial challenge that the world will throw at you, you will be able to tackle professionally. Don’t resist the urge to peek behind the curtain on your credit report. It might be a wild and bumpy ride, but you will have the delightful sight of the mountaintop. Trust me, the view is worth it! When you get there, clink your glass and raise a toast to owning your financial destiny, one dispute at a time.

To Sum Up: bad times always happen, but they should not shape us. With time and a sprinkle of discipline and determination, no financial hardship will be too much for you to overcome. Your financial future is waiting for you!

Melissa Ludtke Brings Her Book, ‘Locker Room Talk,’ to NC

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

In the mid-1970’s when very few women were sportswriters, Melissa Ludtke was a Major League Baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated, the most widelyread sports magazine. As a trailblazing woman journalist, her 1978 federal court legal battle against Major League Baseball, Ludtke v. Kuhn, advanced gender equality in sports media and opened doors that generations of women sportswriters, broadcasters, photographers and producers walked through.

In her new book, Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside, she reclaims her story after male journalists shaped its telling in the 1970s. She recounts events that led to her taking Major League Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn to court to gain equal access to interview ballplayers like her male counterparts did. Ludtke won in court, though she’s well aware that she lost in the court of public opinion. She was mocked on TV, derided on radio talk shows, and male writers and cartoonists opined that she took legal action so she could look at naked athletes in locker rooms. “With few women writing sports then, the men had the megaphones to tell my story,” Ludtke observes. “The men feared that if they let one woman in, then many more would follow, and they would lose their boys’ club. It was like being in their treehouse when they were young and pulling the ladder up to prevent girls from climbing up.”

Ludtke set out to write this book four decades after Judge Constance Baker Motley ordered Major League Baseball to give her equal access. At that time, her daughter, Maya, was a teenager, and Ludtke hoped that telling her story would give Maya’s generation an opportunity to learn how women secured equal rights, especially since some rights fought for in the 1970s must be fought for again. “I always thought about writing this book for Maya,” she

says. “I feel it’s important for them to know what brought about these changes and learn about women who played a part in this struggle that has made a huge difference in their lives.”

Despite the recent surge in interest in women’s sports and women’s expanding presence in sports media, Ludtke is disheartened by the gender disparities she sees still in play today. “Men continue to dominate sports. It’s not right that women athletes and women who cover sports still contend with sexual and verbal harassment and abuse,” she says. Ludtke is frustrated, as well, by female athletes’ very low salaries and lack of visibility compared with the men. “Such gender inequity exists beyond sports, of course, but sports is a gathering place for Americans to see it. I want people to understand what’s happening with women in sports in its broader societal context.”

Growing up in Amherst, Massachusetts, Ludtke loved to play sports and competed on all of the teams she could. Her dad taught her football by taking her to university games and her mom, who’d been her own father’s seatmate at Fenway Park, passed her love of baseball on to her eldest daughter. Soon after graduating from college, Ludtke was seated with ABC Sports broadcaster Frank Gifford at a dinner party. After they talked sports through dinner, he complimented her sports knowledge and said that he’d introduce her to people at ABC Sports if she came to New York. Ludtke decided to take Gifford up on his offer. Then, after spending a few days in New York City with people who worked in TV sports, she returned home with “a vision that this is what I want to do with my life.”

A few months later, she moved to New York where she freelanced in TV sports media before being hired at

Sports Illustrated. There, women held most of the entry level researcher-reporter jobs, while the vast majority of writers and editors were men. Her primary responsibility was fact-checking stories written mostly by men. Since she hadn’t worked at her college newspaper or attended journalism school, Ludtke learned journalism doing this job she loved. “I was in heaven; this was what I was meant to do!” she recalls. “I was going to games every night. I thought it was the best job you could have!”

After a few years, she became Sports Illustrated’s baseball researcher-reporter. Baseball was a prized assignment at newspapers, so the writers at the ballparks were men. Occasionally, a woman showed up at a game to write a story, but rarely did she stay around. “I didn’t go away,” Ludtke says of her three seasons of baseball reporting. “It wasn’t easy but I liked taking on this next challenge. It took me a long time to feel comfortable around baseball’s men, most of whom didn’t want me to be there, but I’d been given this opportunity, so I ran with it!” Not long after winning her court case, Ludtke was hired at Time magazine, and a few years later was assigned to cover the 1984 Summer Olympics as a correspondent. After that, she moved away from sports to focus on issues affecting families, women and children.

This October, Ludtke’s national book tour for Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside is bringing her to four cities in North Carolina, a state where she has many close friends (several of whom will serve as moderators at her book talks). On her North Carolina ‘friends tour,’ as she calls it, Ludtke will do book talks in Asheville, Charlotte, Chapel Hill, and Greensboro. She hopes the legal and social topics she raises in her book will spark discussions. “I hope my book inspires people to talk about the struggles that remain for women to participate fully in the lives that we strive to have,” she says.

For more information on Melissa Ludtke, visit her website: https://www.melissaludtke.com

LUDTKE'S BOOK TOUR

Here is a schedule of the book tour for Locker Room Talk:

Monday, Sept. 30 at 6:00 pm at Malaprops Book in Asheville, NC, moderated by Elizabeth Leland

Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 at Park Road Books in Charlotte, NC, moderated by Mary C. Curtis

Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 (sign books), 6:00-7:00 at Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC, moderated by Professor William A. Darity

Friday, Oct. 4 at 6:00 at Scuppernong Books, Greensboro, NC, moderated by Lindsay Gibbs

RENEE COOPER TURNS PAIN INTO PURPOSE

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Community Health Worker (CHW) and person in recovery, Renee Cooper has used her own experiences through trauma, addiction and incarceration to help others find hope and recovery. “Because I’ve been there and done that, I am able to use my lived experiences to help lead someone out of darkness,” she says. Cooper also advocates for redemptive opportunities (jobs, housing, government support) for felons who have served their time through a statewide alliance called the NC Second Chance Alliance.

As a child, Cooper always aspired to become a nurse. While her recollections of her childhood in Pennsylvania were happy, she remembers witnessing her father’s struggle with alcoholism and the dysfunctional relationship it created between him and Cooper's mother. When Cooper was eleven, after a particularly ugly fight between her parents, her mother moved her and her brother to North Carolina. Though she was angry at her father for years, Cooper says she now understands what he was going through. “Now I know why. They’re trying to fill a hole that can’t be filled,” she says of addicts. “I had to go through it firsthand to have compassion.”

Cooper got her first nursing assistant certification while she was still in high school. By 19, she had also earned her second CNA and her phlebotomy licensure. After marrying her high school boyfriend, Cooper they started to party every weekend. “We were not equally yoked and partied a lot,” she says of her first husband, saying that

she started drinking when she was with him. The couple eventually divorced, but the bad habits she had learned remained. Cooper then moved to Hickory.

An introvert, Cooper found drinking alcohol helped bring her out of her shell. Soon she was drinking every night. “I was really lost,” she remembers. In addition to working at the local hospital, she worked at bars where she drank on the job. Eventually, Cooper lost her CNA job. Then, she started experimenting with drugs. Cooper ended up being arrested and was sent to jail for eight months. Following that, she went through several years of active addiction and risky behavior, before returning to prison for five months while she was four months pregnant. “I just prayed, ‘Please let me get out of here and have somewhere for me and my baby to go.’”

Luckily, the baby girl, Julionna, was born nine days past her due date, after Cooper was out of prison and staying at a treatment house called Mary Benson House. “I had everything I could need. They had a crib, diapers, and clothes!” she says of the facility, where she stayed for fourteen months. The staff at Mary Benson House helped her find an apartment, a job, a church, and helped her to join Celebrate Recovery, a support group for people in recovery.

In 2016, after her mentor Pam Coppedge recommended her for the job, Cooper was made medical records coordinator for the Neil Dobbins Center. “I was so down

on myself because of what happened,” Cooper says, stating that returning to the healthcare industry helped to restore her self esteem. She also met her husband Philip, the love of her life, who used to work at the center and was also in recovery. The couple has been married six years, have a baby girl together, and recently welcomed a new grandbaby. “We have a blessed and blended family. I gained three bonus daughters. They’re just the best kids and they have all blessed my heart so much.”

In 2018, Cooper took a job as support supervisor with the Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center. From there, she became a CHW with UNETE. In 2022, Cooper was delighted to get to work directly with patients again when she joined the team at Hopscotch Primary Care. “They gave me a second chance,” she says of the facility. As team lead, she also does all the training and hiring of the CHWs at Hopscotch, as well as caring for her patients. “This is my passion! What I love to do is help people.”

Cooper feels blessed to have a husband who is just as committed to giving back to the community as she is. “He has a heart for helping people and I do too!” she says of Philip. He operates his own non-profit, Operation Gateway, to help system-impacted people re-enter society and prevent them from returning to prison. Cooper has been a peer support for six years and a CHW for over two

years. She also recently applied for her advanced level CHW certification. They both volunteer with the Asheville Dream Center, and have recently started a Celebrate Recovery group at their church, Revol. “Anything that we can do to help. We’re all about social justice and Jesus.”

Last April, the couple made the trip to Raleigh to lobby on behalf of the Second Chances Alliance. Cooper, herself, even got to address the NC lawmakers in favor of adopting a forgiveness policy, or a certificate of relief for felons. “It just flowed. It wasn’t jumbled up, or stuttery. I spoke truth to power,” she recalls of overcoming her introversion to make her speech. In it, she recounted how hard it was trying to restart her life as a felon with a new baby. “No one will rent to me because of my background. As a single mom, I couldn’t get food stamps because of my felonies.”

Now, proud to be ten years clean and sober, Cooper hopes that her work will help remove some of the stigma surrounding addiction. “It just takes somebody breaking the silence,” she says. “I’ve got a lot of obstacles and barriers that I had to overcome and it is possible. So, I want to make sure that you can get through it too. I feel like the Lord knew I was gonna help others turn their pain into purpose. I give Him the glory!”

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A Story of Elephants and Hope

WRITTEN BY CHRISTY CHAMBERS

My story is a story of elephants, and of hope. Elephants display complex social and emotional behavior and are said to value their families more than most animals. Their families are ruled by the females. Elephants develop very strong intimate bonds between friends and family members. They naturally adopt non-relatives who act like family (20% of wild herds include nonrelatives). Elephants form lifelong friendships and even mourn the death of their loved ones. They are a great deal like us. I have an amazing family of origin. But I want to share what I have learned about the families we choose, or who choose us.

In 1990, I moved from Minnesota to attend UNCCharlotte. I had never been to North Carolina and knew no one here. I found my home away from home in the theatre department. Spending many all nighters in costume morgues and scene shops, I couldn’t help but develop strong bonds with fellow students and faculty members. We were united by our passion for art and thus my first nonrelative family was born! I met my future husband in the theatre department. And when we finally married in 2002, our wedding party consisted of my nieces and members of my theater family from college and professional companies we had worked for throughout the years.

As the years passed we were adopted into other herds: work families, hobby families, etc. And with the birth of our son in 2010, we created our own family. Then in May of 2022, our bubble burst. I had thought that I was going through menopause and made an appointment with my gynecologist as I was overdue for my exam. Although he wouldn’t say so I could tell by my doctor’s face that there was something wrong. I had cervical cancer.

I was referred to an oncologist, given a diagnosis of stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma, and a treatment plan that consisted of low dose chemo, external, and internal radiation. Although shocking, it all sounded simple enough and the margins for eradication and recovery were good. But then I was faced with how to tell my family and close friends. I knew my immediate family would expect a phone call or at least a text. But how would I keep everyone else updated?

In this day and age, a Facebook page seemed the way

to go, so my private page, “What A Beautiful Mess,” was born. On my public page I mentioned that I was beginning a cancer journey and that if you were interested in updates you could join the private page. What started as something informative became not only therapeutic for me, but was also the beginning of an amazing online community. It was a place where I could openly discuss my treatment, my fears, my questions and work through them. These people, mostly women, were so supportive. They laughed and cried with me, and offered positive thoughts, rides and even meals. And I was very much in need of all those things when in June 2022, I found out through a scan the cancer had metastasized to my lymph nodes and I was re-staged to Stage 4b. There is a BIG difference between stage 1 and stage 4.

At this point in my journey I had still not met anyone with cervical cancer, and I had lots of questions! So I turned to the internet and googled ‘cervical cancer support’ and found Cervivor. Cervivor is a global community of patient advocates who inspire and empower those affected by cervical cancer by educating and motivating them to use their voices for creating awareness and ending cervical cancer. Right away I was welcomed into this circle via Facebook pages, Zoom calls and newsletters. It was both comforting and overwhelming to be in a space with other Cervivors, who instantly knew what I was going through.

But I still craved in person support. And so I began an outreach program of my own. I began to leave bracelets at my treatment centers. Each attached to a card containing

contact info and a note stating I was a cancer warrior who wanted to remind other warriors that ‘no one fights alone’. Many of these recipients have joined my Facebook group, or Cervivor, or I’ve met in person.

As my treatment continued, my involvement in Cervivor continued to grow and in January 2023, I held my first fundraiser for cervical cancer. ‘Circle-Up with Christy’ was born, thanks to the generosity of Jennifer Hill and the Silver Lining Boutique in Monroe, NC. That same month I attended the Cervical Cancer Summit virtually and realized I wanted to be an advocate and that I was waging my own war against cancer. I could support and fight for everyone else while fighting for myself.

I won’t bog you down with all the details of my treatment: surgeries, visits to the ER, various side effects including double vision from October 2022 to December 2023. But I am happy to report that in May 2023 I received my N.E.D.no evidence of disease! There was much celebrating in all my circles: my family, my online community, my Cervivor sisters, my bracelet family, etc.

In September 2023 I attended Cervivor School in Seattle. There I was trained in impactful storytelling so I could share my journey with confidence and enact change in my community. Once home I immediately submitted proclamations to my county government and the state to proclaim January 2024 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. On December 18, 2023, I stood before the Union County Board of Commissioners to accept the approved proclamation in person. My request to the state was also granted and I received a digital copy in January 2024.

Survivors and thrivers jokingly say, “Cancer, the gift that keeps on giving.” But in truth cancer has given me an amazing community of women. Sure, we are members of a club no one wants to be a part of, but what a gift to be able to call these warriors ‘sisters’ and ‘family’? When I advocate, when I am welcomed into other circles, when I create my own communities, I offer others hope and joy, and they return it to me threefold by embracing me, accepting me, and helping me to grow on my journey.

My personal logo that I use for my advocacy work is an elephant with a cervical cancer ribbon. This quote from Allison Aars is why: “In the wild female elephants are known as fierce protectors. And when one of their sisters is suffering they circle up around her. They close in tight, watch guard, and even kick dust around her to mask her vulnerable scent from predators. And yet we are the same. This is who we are and who we are meant to be for each other. Sometimes we're the ones in the middle, sometimes we're the ones kicking up dust with fierce, fierce love. But the circle remains.”

There is always room in my family for more elephants.

Rising From the Ashes: Mother and Daughter Revitalize Family Farmland Through Flower Farming

BY REBEKAH MCCUBBINS

PHOTO CREDITS: PATTI & CHELSEA BEST

Mother-daughter duo Patti and Chelsea Best are bringing new life to their family farmland through their new business venture: cut-flower farming. They’ve named the farm, located in Haywood County, NC, Phoenix Acres Farm. While they are passionate about their work, flower farming hasn’t always been their career plan.

Chelsea Best spent eleven years working as a paramedic, and began working as a sleep technologist a year and a half ago. Simultaneously, Chelsea was focused on her education. She recently graduated from Western Carolina University with a BSBA in Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, and is continuing her education in grad school. Chelsea says that the busy schedule of working both a full-time and part-time job while going to school was one of the catalysts for the change in her career plans. “Too many inside hours for her,” Patti jokes.

For Patti Best, the pivot was an extension of the years their family spent farming. “We’ve farmed forever–just gardens and whatnot. But I’ve been interested in the flower farming aspect for about seven years,” she shares. Patti says that over the years, she studied the methods of Lisa Mason Ziegler, a prominent voice in the world of flower farming.

In 2016, Patti lost her youngest son, Jared, to suicide after his return from military service with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. “When he passed, my husband and I wanted to finish up some of the things he was doing, in his memory,” Patti shares. “He was following Joel Salatin’s ideas [about] sustainable farming. We were still living in Canton at the time, and we moved back home. This is my husband’s home; it’s been in his family for a couple hundred years.” After moving back to the farm, Patti says she and her husband attended the Mother Earth News conference in Asheville. “It’s something that Jared had planned on doing that year. We were following his trajectory. While we were there, on a lark, I went to Lisa Mason Ziegler’s flower farming classes. They came back next year and I went again, and I started [buying] every book that she had.”

In 2023, Patti finally took one of Ziegler’s online classes. “It was just kind of a pipe dream,” she says. “We had so many things happen to prevent me from moving forward on my own.” She shares that her husband had a stroke, followed by several family tragedies that kept her from pursuing the venture. “I knew that the business end of it would overwhelm me,” She shares. “So I told [Chelsea], ‘well, if you want to join me, we can make a go of this.” Thus the farm was born, and named Phoenix Acres, a nod to their rise from the ashes of family tragedy.

The farm is still in its beginning stages, and the Bests are focused on manageable growth. “We are growing, right now, about a half acre of cut flowers,” Patti shares. “Everything from zinnias and sunflowers to gomphrena and cosmos. We have about ten thousand plants in the ground right now, and another three thousand that will be going out next week.” Patti and Chelsea use a succession planting method, replacing and refreshing plants to ensure a constant supply of new flowers.

The pair are currently focused on selling pre-cut flowers. “We’ll put together wrapped bouquets [for] three market locations. And then we’re also doing three events each week called ‘Flowers with Friends’,” Patti says. Flowers with Friends, she explains, is a hands-on experience. They provide buckets of pre-cut flowers, separated by type. “We’re just inviting people to come and build their own bouquets. They can have a full bouquet of zinnias or sunflowers, or however many or few [varieties] they want,” Chelsea explains.

The venture is truly a joint effort, and the mother and daughter use their strengths to their advantage. “Mom has the knowledge,” Chelsea says. “She knows what all the plants are, when they go in, when to harvest, how to harvest. She’s spent years researching this. I do the business end of it, because she hates that. I actually really like writing business plans.” Patti laughs with her daughter, adding, “I’m an artist. Numbers are not my thing.”

Over time, Phoenix Acres Farm will grow and offer a wider variety of services. “Chelsea spent weeks developing a ten-year plan for us. So if we can stay on track with it, we should be multi-millionaires within the next ten years,” Patti jokes. Chelsea explains that eventually, the pair hopes to build short-term rentals and remodel their century-old barn into an event center, as well as expanding their flower selection to include more uncommon varieties.

In addition to their farming pursuits, both Patti and Chelsea are artistically inclined, which informs their business. Chelsea plays piano and loves music, sharing, “I never do anything without music.” Patti paints, and plans to open a personal art gallery on the farm this year. Her work can be seen on Facebook at Mountain Brushworks by P.H. Best.

Everything Patti and Chelsea do is centered on family. Chelsea shares that her goal is for the farm to be able to support her family, ensuring medical expenses are covered and her parents never have to live in an extended living facility. The mother-daughter duo hopes their farm will grow into a welcoming space for North Carolinians of all walks of life. They plan to create a program to work with local florists, and offer photo shoots in the flower fields. Chelsea says that her goal is to turn Phoenix Acres into a “gathering place,” hosting weddings, live music, barbecues, and more. She says that she and her family want the farm to be “a safe place for people to come where they feel welcome, appreciated, and they don’t have to worry about being judged or looked down upon.”

You can find Phoenix Acres Farm on Facebook to stay in the loop about everything happening on the farm.

Life Coach Missy Frisch Connects

Asheville Business Women through Flourish

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Brought up on eleven acres in central New York, Missy Frisch grew up riding and training horses. Though she wanted to continue working with horses professionally, her mother convinced her to go to college, where she got her degree in political science and psychology. After a few years with the horses, she got a job as a paralegal with one of her horseback riding students.

When Frisch and her husband moved to Asheville in 2017, she got a job with the Federal Court and eventually became Supervisor for the Clerk’s Office. Still, she felt something was missing. “I knew I wanted more,” Frisch confesses. “I often feel a sense of powerlessness, watching people go through the system. I just knew I wanted to do something that was more empowering.” A friend recommended that she look into becoming a life coach. At the time, Frisch admits she didn’t even know what the job was.

“It’s exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for, which is a way to help women take more control of their own life - to start living the life they are dreaming of right now,” Frisch says of life coaching. She began taking courses with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), where she worked with a mentor, trained extensively, and earned multiple certifications. In 2022, she started Missy Frisch Coaching, a one-on-one coaching program exclusively geared towards women.

She refers to her coaching as a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ clientcentered approach. She helps her clients review all the areas of their life to see what is already working that they want to amplify and which areas they’d like to change. “You are the one that knows your life and yourself best. I am there to help you get clear on what you want and who you want to be. I help you see your blind spots so it’s easier to move forward through life in a way you enjoy,” she explains. “I think we often get stuck in our routines and stay on autopilot even when it’s not working. It’s natural for us to stay in our comfort zone. As a coach, I help women get unstuck.”

“The point of coaching, from my perspective, is to empower each woman to use her own brain and her own resources, to craft a life she truly enjoys living. To help her find more ease in her days now as she goes after bigger goals,” Frisch explains, adding that she helps her customers remove the fears and preconceived notions that are holding them back from living their best lives. “It is the most incredible process to be a part of. Helping a woman realize that a negative opinion she’s had of herself for so long is not only complete bs, but it’s optional! Once they loosen their grip on that story - the ‘I'm not good enough, I’m not smart enough, or I should just be grateful’ type of story that they’ve been telling themself for yearsthey can do anything!”

Frisch says that it’s a misconception that people who hire a life coach must be a mess. “My clients are generally successful women with full and happy lives. There’s often a couple little pieces of their life that they’re unsatisfied with,” says Frisch. She says that, women in particular, seem to have a tendency to be playing a needed role in their world and forget that they still have a say in their life.“It’s super fun to sit down with them and help them forget about what

everyone else in their world needs for a bit. To truly start dreaming about their own life and allowing themselves to admit that they want more. And then we make a plan to go after it.” Depending on the needs and goals of her customers, Frisch’s coaching packages usually last four months of weekly meetings, but can extend as far as a year.

Since she meets her clients almost exclusively through word of mouth, Frisch attended networking groups to meet other local professionals. She says she was let down by the experience. “I was tired of walking into rooms, feeling uncomfortable and leaving with a stack of business cards. It just didn’t feel useful,” she says. In 2023, Frisch attended a women’s networking meeting in Greenville, South Carolina called Flourish. “It was completely different. The women were interested in each other’s businesses. It wasn’t about selling; it was about networking, connecting and growing together.” She thought that Asheville would benefit greatly from having their own chapter of Flourish.

In late 2023, Frisch started the Asheville chapter of Flourish. Only one representative from each business type is present at each meeting. She finds that the Flourish style allows people to be more authentic, rather than just pitching to each other. “The networking experience is completely different when you don’t have direct competitors in the room and you’re there to connect rather than walk away with an immediate sale,” she says. “It’s less aggressive and less intimidating than a lot of networking groups. The structure leads to a relaxing and fun experience for all the ladies in the room.”

With a full-time career, a healthy client-list and a women’s group to lead, Frisch must carefully structure her weeks to maintain quality time with her husband and take in the occasional horseback ride. Helpfully, Frisch says that her coaching work has taught her to be calmer, more productive, and more positive. “I’ve learned to slow my thoughtprocess down. I naturally have a busy brain, but when it starts going in a negative direction, I’ve learned how to reign it back in,” she says. “Through coaching I’ve also learned to be more brave. It’s amazing how much more willing we are to put ourselves out in the world and go after what we want when we know we’ll have our own back no matter what happens.”

Tumblers, Drinkware & Glassware T-Shirt Printing Journals

https://missyfrischcoaching.com/ www.southernlaurelnc.com 828-747-9399

Local&FamilyOwned

PHOTO CREDIT: DIANA DEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Full Moon Tea Company- Brewing a Unique Tea for a Unique Town

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

“I’ve always been a tea nerd,” says the owner/operator of Full Moon Tea Company Katie-Lynn McDonald. She recalls attending her first high tea when she was 21 at The Crooked Tea House of Windsor, the oldest tea house in England. Living paycheck to paycheck most of her adult life, McDonald unabashedly says she intends to make Full Moon Tea Company a million dollar company and a national brand. “I believe that I have what it takes to be very successful. I’ve always believed that if you take a leap, believe in yourself and follow your heart, it’s gonna work out.”

“I’ve always been very colorful; maybe a little bit eccentric,” says McDonald. Growing up in Greenville, South Carolina, McDonald says she was always the ‘rainbow sheep’ of her conservative family. Because of this eccentricity, she says she felt at home in Asheville, NC. “This is where I feel I’m setting down roots as I get older.” One quality that made McDonald unique was that she made a plan to become an entrepreneur at just sixteen. After moving to Asheville in 2010, she enrolled in culinary school at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College where she fell in love with pastrymaking.

After graduating in 2014, she landed a job as a pastry cook at The Grove Park Inn, followed by one at Old Europe. Both jobs taught her a lot about business management, as well as cooking for people on a large scale. In 2019, she became manager of the bake shop at

Warren Wilson College until the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in her being temporarily laid off. McDonald used the time to return to AB-Tech to learn graphic design and web development. A school friend had contacts at a local spice company that offered McDonald an administration job at their farm. She quickly became the business’s General Manager. “I learned the absolute good and the absolute bad of running your own business, and that’s what I needed,” McDonald explains. She oversaw all the business’s events, marketing, social media, and sales. McDonald thought that she would eventually be offered a partnership in the business, but realized that it would never happen. “At the end of the day, I was putting 110% into everything I did to sell somebody else’s legacy, to sell somebody else’s dream. I started to feel like my potential wasn’t really being fulfilled.” Then, fate stepped in to help McDonald reach her full potential.

The Restoration Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel out of Charleston, SC was preparing to open a new location in Asheville and wanted to partner with local female-owned small businesses. They reached out to Anna Beth Eason at High Noon Roasters to provide the coffee for the hotel coffee shop, restaurant, and the rooms. They asked Eason if she knew any local tea-makers. Knowing McDonald’s background in business management and food preparation, Eason called her and suggested she start her own business. “I consider myself the luckiest person in the world. I was able to start a tea company with a big wholesale contract right off the bat. I was able to do this

before the company even had a name,” McDonald says of the fortuitousness. “To have the opportunity to start your own business with that foundation is absolutely phenomenal.”

McDonald quickly went to work learning everything she could about making tea. With a background in herbalism, she researched the Camellia Sinesis plant and visited tea plantations to learn how the tea plants grow. She studied cupping and held regular tea tastings with friends, neighbors, and the hotel staff to perfect her flavors. McDonald feels that her years of working with farmers through the spice company, combined with her pastry chef taste buds, have made her uniquely qualified to create teas with the ideal taste. She also grew up around herbs and berries, having a father who was a permaculturist. “It’s an evolution. The world of tea is infinite. I’m still learning,” she says. Eventually, she created her five base tea blends: Strawberry Honeysuckle White Tea, Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai, Appalachian Lady Grey, Evening Peach Orchard herbal tea, and Hibiscus Berry Yerba Mate. All of her blends are made from 100% whole botanical ingredients, sustainably sourced, with no additives, fillers, or sweeteners.

The Restoration opened in April 2023. By December of that year, McDonald had launched a full retail line for her business Full Moon Tea Company. Doing all of her teamaking out of a shared kitchen space in Black Mountain, McDonald got to work building up her customer-base. Within two months, she had nineteen wholesale accounts in five states across the country. Recently, Full Moon’s teas also became available for purchase at The Biltmore Estate. “I’m very politely aggressive. I think the most important thing is I’m not afraid to ask for what I want,” she says. “I have a very clear vision for what I want my business to be. I 100% believe in my brand.”

McDonald takes pride in the fact that she has a 100% return rate from the tea samples she gives to potential clients. “Once they try it, they want it. The tea really does sell itself. The tea is delicious. It’s beautiful, it’s high-quality, it’s fun and exciting,” she says. Now 42, McDonald looks back on 2023 as a wonderfully life-changing year for her. Not only did she start her business, but she also met the love of her life and became ‘bonus mom’ to three kids. Feeling that all the pieces of her life have come together at exactly the right moment, she is eager to see what the future will bring. “I’ve realized that everything that I have been through in my life has created a unique perspective, that I can have something that’s unique and that’s mine, that’s my legacy and my voice. That’s where Full Moon Tea Company came from. Now having that and actually seeing that is the most phenomenal part.”

For more information on Full Moon Tea Company, visit their website: https://fullmoonteacompany.com

Collette Coggins is the proud owner and operator of Native American Brewing and Native Brews Tap & Grill, but most people simply call her ‘Ma’ or ‘Mama,’ and that’s just fine with her. Growing up on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina, Coggins left home at sixteen to pursue her dreams. After graduating high school, she moved to Asheville and earned a business degree from UNC-Asheville. She then started her career as a sales associate for a Hallmark store called Cards Etc. Impressed by her talent, the management sent her to Hallmark’s school in Kansas City, where she mastered everything from setting up displays to creating marketing campaigns.

After having her first child, Coggins and her husband Barry decided to return to Cherokee in 2004. In 2009, Coggins was appointed as a commissioner of the original alcohol commission board for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She later became the Chairman of the commission, serving for seven years. Her lobbying efforts helped make it possible for alcohol to be sold in Cherokee casinos. Seeing the potential in the brewing industry, Coggins went on to open the first Cherokee womanowned brewery on the Qualla Boundary and in North Carolina, which was also the second in the entire United States. It was a 100% woman-owned Native American brewing company.

In 2009, Coggins and her husband started a construction company, Cherokee Nation Construction (CNC INC). With her business management experience, she opened Native American Brewing Company in 2018, which changed her life. “It has exceeded all expectations,” she says. Opening the restaurant Native Brews Tap & Grill in 2020 became the main focus of her schedule. “It’s my new baby. It’s the hardest work I’ve ever done, but it’s the most satisfying.”

Collette Coggins Creates Native Brews in WNC

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Coggins works wherever she is needed at the restaurant, whether it’s doing accounting or washing dishes. Initially, she felt she had to be on the premises all day, but now she has confidence in her staff and even takes occasional days off. “It brightens my day to see my staff. We’re a familyoriented business, and we like it that way,” Coggins says. “We all work together, and no job is more important than the next. We make group decisions and are very close, discussing all situations because they affect everyone.” She adds that they like to get to know their customers and turn them into lifelong friends, which is reflected in the restaurant’s consistent 5-star reviews.

Some of Coggins’ favorite dishes at the restaurant include blackened catfish, filet of sole, and Executive Chef Kevin Conrad’s award-winning peanut-encrusted trout. “And I don’t even like fish!” she laughs. She also expresses gratitude for Assistant Manager and Assistant Executive Chef Reuben Sharpless, who oversees the quality of the plates and staff and creates many weekly specials. Native American Brewing’s top-selling beers include Sunrise Hard Vanilla Spiced Ale, Native Girl Pale Ale, Warrior Blonde Ale, and Shapeshifter IPA. They also make Hard Lemonade and Hard Root Beer. Coggins says the secret to their beer’s flavor lies in the water they use: some varieties use water from WNC, while others use water from their brew partner in California. This partnership allows Native American Brewing’s beers to be available on the West Coast. Their beer is also great for flavoring food at the restaurant, especially their phenomenal beer cheese.

Coggins says she has the best partner in the world in her husband Barry. She designed the logo around his hand in red with a swirl across the palm, representing long life and prosperity among the Cherokee people. Their

shared entrepreneurial spirit is convenient for their relationship.

“My husband and I do not relax very well,” she admits. Always moving forward, Native Brews will open a second location in Bryson City near the railroad station this October and hopes to open a third location in either Franklin or Waynesville soon. They are also in the process of building their own brewhouse, though progress is slow due to their many ongoing projects.

Recognized as the Cherokee Nation’s National Woman of the Year in 2019, Coggins is proud of her accomplishments but remains grounded. “What I try to keep in mind daily is remembering being that little ‘rez kid’ running around. It’s not about the money; it’s about the relationships you build and being good to people. I try my best to treat others how I want to be treated,” she says. While she is proud of all her businesses, Coggins acknowledges that the family restaurant is her heart. She invites everyone who wants a hot, hearty meal to “Come in, meet our crew, and eat our food. You truly cannot express the experience that you get when you come here.”

Collette Coggins is not just a business owner; she is a trailblazer. As a Native American woman entrepreneur, she has paved the way for others in her community and beyond. Her journey from the Qualla Boundary to becoming a successful businesswoman is a testament to her determination, vision, and unwavering commitment to her roots.

For more information on Native American Brewing, check out their website: native-brews.com

TAKE US TO LUNCH

Your card. Your freedom.

2024 Asheville Quilt Show

Thursday, September 26 9-5 | Friday, September 27 9-5 | Saturday, September 28 9-4

*Over 300 quilts on display

*$12,000 in prize money

*More than 25 Vendors

*Gift Shop

*Silent Auction

*Quilts for Sale

*2024 Opportunity Quilt Raffle

*Demonstrations by Expert Quilters

*Special Exhibits

*Sewing Station for Kids

BEYOND RED AND WHITE: THE ALLURE OF ORANGE WINE

BY ANDY HALE, CSW

If you’ve dined at an Asheville restaurant or wine bar recently, chances are a very hip server has suggested a glass of something called ‘orange wine.’ Or maybe you’ve seen bottles of murky, cloudy, amber-colored liquid in your local wine store and wondered, "What in the world is that?" Orange wine has exploded onto the scene lately, but what is it exactly? Is it safe to drink? How and when should you serve it? Is it really made from oranges? Don’t fret, Dear Reader—I’m here to guide you through the most misunderstood new category in the wine world.

What is it?

No, it’s not made from oranges. It’s still made from grapes. When we talk about orange wine, we’re talking about skin contact with the juice. Fortunately, we’re not talking about human skin here—the winemaker isn’t skinny-dipping in the fermentation vats or anything. We’re talking about grape skins. If you’ve ever squished a grape between your fingers, you know that most grape juice is clear, even the red ones. The red tint in red wine actually comes from soaking the grape skins in the juice. This process leaches out the red color, tannins (that astringent sensation you get from a strong red wine), and complex flavors. It’s like making a cup of tea: the longer the tea bag stays in the water, the darker and more tannic the resulting tea. Grape juice with grape skins works the same way. Leave the red skins in the juice for a short time, and the juice turns pink instead of red—voilà, rosé.

Orange wine results from leaving white grape skins in contact with the juice for an extended period. There isn’t as much pigment in white grape skins, so the juice takes on an orangish color, ranging from golden to amber, depending on the time on the skins and the type of grape. This also extracts some tannins and other flavor compounds. Just like reds and whites, orange wines can vary a lot. Some can be tannic and astringent, like a cup of over-brewed herbal tea; some can be fruity and cheerful; and some can be tremendously funky, oxidized, and very unusual.

Is it new?

Although orange wine is the latest craze, it’s anything but new. In fact, it’s ancient. Humans have been making orange wine for about eight thousand years in the Caucasus region of Europe, mostly around modern-day Georgia—the former Soviet Republic, not the U.S. state with the peaches. There

are also ancient traditions of making orange wine in northeastern Italy and Slovenia. These wines were popular until the mid-20th century, when winemakers switched to more modern methods, emulating the popular wines being made in France.

Orange wine didn’t really make a comeback until the late 20th century, when a few pioneering winemakers in Georgia, Italy, and Slovenia began to market orange wines to consumers looking for a unique experience. The natural wine movement played a big role in the resurgence of orange wine as well.

How and when should I drink them?

Serve your orange wine chilled, but not as cold as you’d typically serve a white wine. Getting it too cold can intensify the tannins and make it taste more bitter and astringent.

As for when, orange wines are extremely food-friendly! In fact, they want some food to accompany them—they generally aren’t as well received on their own. These aren’t really porch sipping wines. When pairing these with food, they are extremely versatile! Think salmon, roasted chicken, pizza, pasta, and even some red meat dishes that you might normally serve with a red.

Should I try an Orange Wine?

It depends. Orange wines taste very different from most other wines. Kind of like a sour beer or kombucha, your first orange wine experience is more about adjustment than immediate appreciation. It’s something you have to get used to. If you consider yourself someone who likes trying new things and is open to a different flavor experience, or if you’re bored with the same old wines you have been drinking and need something new to shake up your taste buds, then orange wine might be a good fit for you.

This is a great time to get some advice from your favorite wine dork on which one to try, since some of them can be extremely weird. Getting a recommendation can help you find a more approachable orange wine to break your taste buds in gently. You can always step up to a more unusual one next time, if you are feeling adventurous. Cheers to exploring the vibrant and exotic world of orange wine!

Andy Hale is a Certified Specialist of Wine and was a professional Sommelier in Charleston, SC until he moved to Asheville, NC. He is now the Wine Buyer and Education Director at Metro Wines.

Mama’s Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese

RECIPE BY MELISSA BROCK - SUBMITTED BY KATY BROCK

Out of all the dishes I make for parties or other events, this is the recipe I get asked for the most. It feeds a group and it’s a classic that goes well with everything. Yum!

1 Box of Elbow Macaroni

1 Stick of Butter, Melted

1 Can of Cheese Soup

1 Can of Evaporated Milk (16 oz)

1 lb of Shredded Cheese (Triple Cheddar)

1 Egg

1/2 Cup of Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 tsp Dry Mustard Salt and Pepper to Taste

Cook your Macaroni according to the box. Spray your Crockpot with cooking spray and add your cooked Macaroni. Mix together your other ingredients (except for your cheese) then add to your Crockpot. Mix in your cheese and stir well. Cook on low for 11/2 to 2 hours while stirring occasionally.

FOOD & BEVERAGE: RECIPE

“We’re just being really true to growing everything here and keeping it on the property. It’s something we’re committed to seeing through - having this production facility here and claiming our estate-grown status ... We want our wine to be enjoyed and celebrated with friends and family over food. That’s the culture that we want to cultivate.”

Stone Ashe Vineyard Celebrates North Carolina through Wine

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

The name Stone Ashe Vineyard comes from the ashe soil series that encompasses the land that the vineyard is built on. Co-owner Tina Little clarifies that the soil is a ‘sandy loam with subsurface rock.’ She and her husband Craig found the property in 2013, cleared it, and planted their grape vines in 2016. In July 2020, they opened the tasting room and began sharing their wines with the world. “This is an entirely North Carolina product,” she says of their wines. “We want to showcase a beautiful North Carolina wine made from a site that we care about and respect, so that we get the best and most balanced fruit each year.”

The Littles come from a background in the dental industry, but both have always loved wine and food pairings. In fact, it was a shared love of wine with friends that encouraged them to pursue this next step after dentistry. Wanting to advance an initial hobby of wine and its many regions, Craig enrolled in enology and viticulture classes at UC-Davis and Washington State University. Once he completed his certifications, the couple got to work building their business.

Stone Ashe offers a wide variety of styles of wine, including: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Petit Verdot, and Little’s personal favorite, the Sauvignon Blanc. All the grapes for Stone Ashe’s Bordeaux-style wines are grown, harvested, and processed on the property, a feat that Little says was achieved through unwavering perseverance. “We’re just being really true to growing everything here and keeping it on the property. It’s something we’re committed to seeing through - having this production facility here and claiming our estate-grown status,” she says. Little explains that the dramatically-sloping terrain of the vineyard property is key to growing a well-balanced and flavorful grape. She says the drainage caused by the slope prevents the vines from becoming too vigorous and overgrown due to excess water and moisture. “Grape vines like to struggle. We want to keep water away from the root zone, so that all the energy goes into the grape rather than into the leaves.”

According to Little, the team also challenges themselves to tailor their winemaking techniques to make the besttasting wine based on the unpredictable WNC weather.

“As far as the fruit goes, every year is going to have its own personality and it’s going to present just a little different,” she explains. “Our vintage variation each year is a good thing. That’s something that we really enjoy and are proud of - that we use our fruit to make the best wine each year. It can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.”

Another aspect of the winemaking process that Little takes pride in is their pledge to keep viticulture practices hands-on and mechanized. “We prune, shoot-thin, leafremove, shoot-tuck, and harvest all by hand. We farm by biodynamic principles,” she says, stating that they use no additives within the vineyard. “You can harvest the fruits any time that you want. We let the fruit stay on the vine as long as we can (checking the acids and the sugar that are occurring naturally in the grapes), so that we’re able to take advantage of that and use that for our winemaking process.”

Stone Ashe also boasts a wine club, in which members not only get access to special events, such as dinners and educational classes, but also get to sample smallbatch wines made especially for them. Little says she takes particular delight in the paired dinners. “As we’ve started this venture, we really enjoy pairing wines with food. That was our goal, to foster that. It’s amazing what wines can do for food, and vice versa,” she finds, adding that she hopes to put together a collection of recipes to go with their wines. “We’re not looking to create a bar atmosphere. We want our wine to be enjoyed and celebrated with friends and family over food. That’s the culture that we want to cultivate.” Stone Ashe even has a partnership with Molly Cook at Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates, who creates truffles to go perfectly with their wine flavors. In addition to paired dinners and wine courses, the 21+ vineyard hosts regular music events, and is available for small group gatherings and elopements.

As co-owner, Little says she serves all roles from supervisor to janitor and bottle washer. Though undaunted by a little hard work, Little says that being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 made her reprioritize. “It’s kind of amazing, the way your mindset changes when that happens and you have to go through

treatment. Life is just a little more chill. Life is good and everything’s gonna be okay. There’s a plan. That’s kind of how I came into it,” Little says of her outlook on the business, adding that she was relieved when her doctor said she could still drink three glasses of wine per week. Little continues that she hopes to start taking on more of a hostess-role in the near future. “I want to be the owner that comes in on the weekend and dotes on everybody.”

“It’s all about family,” Little says of the vineyard. She loves getting to work side-by-side with her family, and likes the idea that she and her husband are building a business that can be passed down to their children. As a Hendersonville native, Little also takes special pride in the fact that she and her husband have created something truly authentic to the area. Even their logo, a merlot leaf, is designed with different shades of green to represent all the colors of the native plants growing on the mountain range, visible from the farm. The leaf is streaked with veins that symbolize the natural springs that run along the Hendersonville property.

The Littles were also excited to have been selected as #1 Best New Winery by USA Today Readers Choice for Top 10 Best New Wineries in the Country. “Each day is a new set of challenges. We constantly have to pivot,” Little acknowledges. “We are working towards making a product each year that can shine a spotlight on NC as a flourishing grape-growing region, and that is something we take tremendous pride in.”

For more information on Stone Ashe Vineyard, visit their website: https://www.stoneashevineyards.com

Arabella Breakfast & Brunch

WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY DESIRAE MCGEE, DAREWOOD REALTY

Feeling hungry for breakfast, brunch or lunch? Then, check out one of my favorite family friendly spots, Arabella. Arabella Breakfast and Brunch is right on Main Street in Hendersonville. It has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, thanks to their welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu offerings. The restaurant provides an inviting environment that is perfect for families, friends, and solo diners. The staff at Arabella’s are knowledgeable and always ready to assist, ensuring that every guest has a pleasant dining experience. Their commitment to quality service and food makes it a standout choice for breakfast and brunch in the area.

One of the highlights of Arabella’s menu is their blueberry pancakes. These pancakes are a favorite among patrons for their fluffy texture and the burst of fresh blueberries in every bite. For those looking for something a bit different, the bacon pancakes are a must-try. These have become a staple for my daughter, who always looks forward to the combination of sweet and savory flavors. Each pancake dish is cooked to perfection, making it clear why Arabella’s is known for their exceptional breakfast options.

My personal favorite at Arabella’s is their home fries. These are fresh, crispy, and seasoned just right, providing a perfect complement to any main dish. The home fries are consistently well-prepared, making them a reliable choice for anyone who loves a good, hearty side. I always order two portions because they’re that good!

Additionally, the chicken salad sandwich (on gluten free bread for me) is a lunchtime favorite of mine. It's flavorful and generously portioned, ideal for a satisfying lunch or light brunch. The care and attention that go into these dishes are evident, showcasing the culinary skill of the kitchen staff.

My daughters love a parfait full of fruit and yogurt. Arabella’s fruit and yogurt parfait bowl did not disappoint. This bowl was full of fresh blueberries and a generous portion of yogurt and granola. It was enough for a full meal.

Another standout feature at Arabella’s is their impressive selection of coffee and lattes. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic coffee or something more adventurous, their menu has something to suit every taste. The variety of options ensures that there’s always something new to try, making each visit exciting. The Cinn Bun latte I had recently was so yummy. Combined with the excellent food and friendly service, Arabella Breakfast and Brunch offers an all-around fantastic dining experience that keeps us coming back time and time again.

Tell them Desirae sent ya.

Arabella Breakfast & Brunch is located at 536 N Main Street Hendersonville, NC 28792.

VITO'S EGGPLANT PARMESAN

RECIPE BY MILDRED MCKENNEY - SUBMITTED BY HOLLY ELLEGE

PREPARATION

Peel Eggplant and cut into slices long-ways

Soak overnight in Saltwater (or at least 4 to 5 hours)

Put on paper towel to drain

BATTER THE EGGPLANT

Make Batter with 3 eggs and ¾ Cups Buttermilk

Coat in Flour and Fry on Low Setting on Stove

Keep on paper towel until ready to Bake

BAKE TO PERFECTION

Line Baking Dish with Eggplant, then add Ricotta, Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese

Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees

I was thinking about our desire as humans to connect when this tiny heart shaped piece of pancake fell out of my mouth. I am not kidding. My life is kinda magic like that. I took it as an invitation for contemplation. Was love leading me when I spoke?

When I was teaching middle school science, I was faced with far too many situations that caused me to need a higher level of emotional intelligence than I was capable of exhibiting. It took me a lot of self-study and a while to catch on, but I needed to learn to pause before speaking. I needed to consider myself first — this way anger and resentment wouldn’t build up inside.

One day when my Vice Principal came, yet again, to ask me to cover a class during my lab prep period my throat constricted and I paused… Lucky for me I was anticipating his annual morning visit and had looked at the schedule to see what other teachers shared the same prep period. This time I was prepared with a constructive solution so I could say — NO.

I took the deepest, most unnoticeable breath I could manage and said, “No, but I would be happy to split the duty with Ms. Buttercup so that I can get my lab set up. Can that work?” (yes, that name is made up to protect the guilty). There began my journey in speaking with compassionate strength. “No!” he said, stepping back a bit out of the doorway, smiling at me as if to say, “Way to go kid, you figured it out!” and he said, “Ah, sure I will go ask her.” From that moment on I was no longer the new teacher doormat as word spread fast that I was going to speak my truth.

Most of us go to work biting our tongues. It isn’t working very well, is it? The whole world seems irritable, like they’ve had something to say for eons and just noticed! We must each learn to watch what comes out of our mouths — but that doesn’t mean biting our tongues! It means learning to speak with compassionate strength.

Stop Biting Your Tongue

WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY TINA FIREWOLF

PHRASES I KEEP IN MIND FOR A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS:

SITUATION PHRASE

A person (Sarah) calls you or walks up to you and starts to unload on you...

A friend asks you out, but you are not into going out...

A person shares some strong opinion you don't totally agree with...

A guy (Mike) asks you out, but he smokes and that is your number one deal breaker...

"Sarah, it is clear you are upset and need to speak to me - I want to be able to give you my full attention - can we pause this conversation until 1pm today?"

"I love that you invited me out, yet I am feeling like I need some alone time tonight. Can I have a rain check?"

"Thank you for your opinion and I hadn't thought about it that way - I can see why you feel this way..."

"It is kind of you to ask me out; however, I know our lifestyles aren't compatible so I will have to pass..."

While situations and your comfort with each of these phrases above may vary you can get an idea of where to begin. These phrases helped me do just that, and I hope they help you too!

My Dad asked me one day what Enlightenment was, and I said, “I think it is when we can respond to life rather than reacting to it — it is that pause…” He smiled at me. I told him I was working on lengthening that pause.

FAMILY

The next time someone is upset with you for not answering their text with immediacy you can say, “Thank you for understanding when I am at home, I don’t check my phone regularly…”

The way I remember compassionate strength is that I acknowledge the other person first — then I share my thoughts… It takes practice! It was like a total rewiring for me. And yes, you will catch a lot of people off guard because we are taught to be passive aggressive not compassionately strong! Be ready for that too. Hold steady and smile as they soften into the moment with you - it’s new for many of us to watch what is coming out of our mouths.

Tina FireWolf is a Master of Voice as Medicine. A former TEDx presenter, Science Educator and Author who accidentally turned into an otherworldly intuitive vocalist. After years of hiding out in waterfalls to drown out her own voice she now combines her vocalizations, energetics and compassion key processes to support highly driven professionals in speaking and living with ease so they can become the person they crave. Her contemplative photography book Beneath the Chatter – the wise self awaits and her CD Medicine Within – vocalizations to free your soul can be experienced at tinafirewolfinc.com.

She is available for Keynotes, Interactive Presentations, Events, Private Sessions and Transformational Nature Immersions.

Coping with Loss: How Women Navigate Grief

BY KATRINA ADDISON | PHOTO CREDIT: ADDISON SKYE PHOTOGRAPHY

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Losing a parent is a profound and life-altering experience that leaves a void in the heart and soul. The pain of such a loss can be overwhelming, but amidst the darkness, there is often a glimmer of light—a memory, a lesson, a symbol that offers solace and healing. As a photographer who recently lost her father, I wanted to honor his memory by doing a photoshoot that represented how my dad would comfort me during times of loss.

‘The Girl with the Yellow Umbrella’ is a representation that reflects his wisdom passed onto me. The symbolism behind the story is simple: I was bullied in school and on many occasions my dad would take my hand and we would take a walk in the woods. On rainy days I would have my yellow umbrella in hand, and we would play in the rain, look for rainbows in the sky and amongst my loss of self-worth my father's words would bring healing and validation.

In the landscape of current society women around the globe continue to face various forms of loss, whether it be the loss of loved ones, career opportunities, health battles, or societal inequalities. Despite the challenges, women are resilient, resourceful, and capable of navigating through these turbulent waters with grace and strength. Society often expects them to be caregivers, nurturers, and the emotional pillars of their families and communities. As a result, they feel the need to suppress their own grief to support others, making their healing process more intricate.

One of the most profound losses women may encounter is the loss of a loved one. Whether through death, separation, or estrangement, the absence of those we hold dear can leave a void that seems insurmountable. Yet, they like me find solace among our memories while drawing support from a variety of support systems. Through shared stories, tears, and laughter, they find the courage to heal and carry on, honoring the memories of those they have lost.

Through the act of playing in the rain with my yellow umbrella, I learned the art of letting go—the art of releasing pain and sorrow- of embracing myself. Each raindrop in the shoot represented a tear shed and a memory cherished. The rainbow of umbrellas on the forest floor represented a journey to hope and the letter placed in the yellow umbrella represented my love letter to my dad and included words from the heart of gratitude and love. I love this quote by Dolly Parton: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

In the vast world of loss, challenges and inequalities, women are no longer being silent bystanders but they are catalysts for change. They are taking their losses, dreams deferred, and other setbacks and confronting their challenges head-on, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and self discovery carving out new paths and passions. The umbrella dress, created by Sybil Todd, represents wearing new paths and passions.

In essence, the losses that women face are varied and complex, yet they are met with unwavering resilience, strength, and solidarity. Through adversity, women forge bonds, amplify voices, and inspire change. They are not defined by their losses, but by their resilience in the face of them. As they navigate through the storms of life, they continue to embody the essence of courage, compassion, and unwavering strength.

Q&A with Swim inStructor ShAlene hill

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Shalene Hill has been a swim instructor in Asheville, North Carolina since the Summer of 2012. She started her swim teaching career as WNC’s first Certified Infant Swimming Resource Instructor. Since that time, she has taught in various pools in and around Asheville and has developed a swim lesson structure and curriculum that involves storytelling and song to help address fears and anxieties associated with learning swim skills. She created this program by combining her love of singing, her studies in Waldorf Education, and her coursework in Music Therapy at Appalachian State University, with her training as an instructor for preschool gymnastics, Crossfit Kids, and Infant Swimming Resource. Hill teaches out of Shalene’s Swim School through the Asheville Racquet Club. Though her availability is limited (particularly in the Spring and Summer), she offers yearround private and group classes to club members and nonmembers. She has also recently begun training instructors for her process. Her book, Safety, Smiles, then Skills is expected to come out in late 2024.

What is the ideal age to learn to swim?

There is this amazing training called ISR (Infant Swimming Resource). I was trained to be able to teach self-rescue swim skills to children, starting at the age of six months to six years. Once infants are six months old, they can learn how to float on their backs. Personally, I like to start private instruction at age four.

Are there any swim training methods you disapprove of?

Puddle-jumpers/swim-vests/floaties. They create a false sense of security and actually teach bad habits because the posture that’s being reinforced (hips down, head up) is a drowning-position. Floaties also keep children from fully engaging in their environment: the water. Lastly, they create a disconnect in connection because [parents] don’t have to focus on their child. The way I’m teaching means you are engaged with your child. We don’t just go to the pool so we can put our kids in puddle jumpers and sit on the deck and chat. They have to develop a healthy respect for the water and understand, if you step off the side, you’re going to go under. The water isn’t going to spit

you back up like Moana. The best for them to understand that is by experiencing it. The water is the primary teacher!

Why is swim training so important for small children?

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children, ages 1-4. I’m educating parents that when their children are in the water, they have to be right there. The structure of group sessions for swim lessons should involve the parents being close by, or preferably in the water participating.

What should a person look for in a swim instructor?

Not all swim lessons are created equal, for sure. Find out certifications and how long they’ve been teaching. Visit the lesson, don’t just sign your kids up. Know what you’re wanting and expecting from your swim lessons. Know that in order for your children to attain swim skills, it is going to take consistency. A series of once a week lessons

PHOTO CREDIT: SHEILA MRAZ PHOTOGRAPHY

will not do you much good unless you are getting in the water together outside of lesson to practice and explore. If you are going to sign up for swim lessons, be prepared to also get a membership to a pool so that you can go regularly.

What is your teaching process like?

I developed my own method of teaching swim instruction, which is story and song-based. My focus is Safety, Smiles, and then Skills. My goal is to create safe environments for independent exploration in the water. There are basic things that are going to help your child feel safe, and when you set up this environment properly, children will learn from their environment. Every swim lesson is exactly the same: a choreographed story, a song, three tries, and then we play.

What else are you working on besides teaching?

I’m writing a book: Safety, Smiles, then Skills: A Guide for Families and Swim Instructors to More Safe, Enjoyable and Effective Swim Instruction. The purpose of the book is to inspire families to start the process together, to

Navigating Transitioning Care for Aging Loved Ones

BY ARDENWOODS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Navigating the Transition

As the golden years approach, many families face the delicate task of transitioning their elderly loved ones to retirement communities or care facilities. This transition is often marked by a multitude of logistical challenges, emotional complexities, and significant lifestyle adjustments. In the picturesque landscapes of Western North Carolina, where natural beauty meets a thriving retirement community scene, this transition takes on a unique set of considerations—from downsizing and selling the family home to the emotional journey of settling into a new chapter of life.

Streamlining for a New Chapter

Moving to a retirement community often begins with the task of downsizing. For seniors who have spent decades accumulating memories, possessions, and treasures within their family homes, parting with belongings can feel daunting and emotionally taxing. However, downsizing is not merely about minimizing physical belongings — it's about streamlining one’s life for greater ease and comfort in a new environment. Families can support their loved ones through the downsizing process by approaching it with sensitivity and empathy.

trust themselves, to trust the process, and to realize the benefits of being in the water with their children. There’s so many benefits to it: the connection of families, the enjoyment of the water, the learning together are the primary focus for me in the water. The acquisition of skills is a by-product.

What is different about your teaching method? The magic of storytelling and song is what sets me apart from any other swim program out there. I’m seeking to change the culture of families being in the water together. A lot of my mission is creating bonds of trust and communication in families. What I do in the water with children is help them uncover their own swim capabilities that are already in there. I want families to discover their own abilities to teach their children. You take the pressure off that by realizing that the water is the teacher. You don’t have to do a lot of coaching and cajoling, but you do need to be in the water, connected with your child.

Encouraging loved ones to reminisce about memories associated with their possessions can help ease the emotional burden of letting go of cherished belongings. Additionally, involving family members in the decisionmaking process regarding what to keep, donate, or pass on to family members can empower them and provide a sense of control amidst change.

Selling the Family Home

For many seniors, their family home holds a lifetime of memories and sentimental value. Selling this home can evoke feelings of loss, nostalgia, and uncertainty about the future. However, it's often a necessary step in financing the transition to a retirement community or care facility.

In Western North Carolina's real estate market, families may encounter both opportunities and challenges when selling their loved one's home. With its desirable location, scenic beauty, and thriving retirement community scene, properties in this region can attract lots of interest from potential buyers. However, navigating the selling process while simultaneously managing the emotional impact on aging family members can require patience, empathy, and clear communication.

Families can enlist the support of real estate professionals who specialize in working with seniors and their families. These experts understand the unique needs and considerations involved in selling a home during the transition to a retirement community. By providing

guidance, reassurance, and personalized support, they can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty associated with this significant life change.

Emotional Complexities

Beyond the practical aspects of downsizing and selling the family home lies the emotional journey of transitioning to a retirement community. For seniors, this transition represents a profound shift in lifestyle, independence, and social connections. Feelings of apprehension, anxiety, and grief may arise as they navigate unfamiliar territory and adjust to a new way of life.

It's essential for families to acknowledge and validate these emotions, recognizing that the transition process unfolds at its own pace for each individual. Encouraging open communication, active listening, and empathy can foster a sense of connection and support during this transitional period. Additionally, staying engaged in the decision-making process and involving loved ones in activities and social opportunities within a senior’s new community can help ease feelings of isolation and loneliness.

These days, retirement communities and care facilities offer a vibrant array of amenities, activities, and supportive services tailored to the needs and interests of aging residents. From scenic walking trails and cultural events to wellness programs and lifelong learning opportunities, these communities provide a rich array of experiences for seniors to enjoy and explore.

Continuing Care

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer comprehensive solutions for seniors and their families by providing care services tailored to evolving needs.

Continuing care facilities offer a continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living and even skilled nursing care, ensuring that residents can transition seamlessly as their health requirements change. These communities provide amenities such as fitness centers, dining options, and cultural activities to encourage active lifestyles and promote a sense of well-being. Overall, CCRCs not only provide essential care services but also cultivate a supportive and enriching environment for seniors to thrive in their golden years, easing the burden on families and enhancing quality of life.

A New Chapter

As seniors settle into their new surroundings, they may discover unexpected joys, new friendships, and opportunities for personal growth. Engaging in meaningful activities, pursuing hobbies, and forming connections with fellow residents help cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment in this next chapter of life. For families, witnessing their loved ones thrive in a retirement community or continuing care facility can bring a sense of reassurance and peace of mind — knowing that their aging relatives are supported, engaged, and surrounded by a caring community allows families to feel comfortable knowing their loved one will receive the care they need.

Ardenwoods is a resort-style, independent senior living community offering continuing care facilities. Located only minutes from Asheville and Hendersonville, Ardenwoods is situated on 48-acres where residents enjoy stunning mountain views, chef-prepared meals, miles of walking trails, an indoor pool, spa, and more. More at ardenwoodsretire.com or (828) 684-0041.

PHOTO

Water Can Be As Thick as Blood

WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY MADI BALMAN, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF CAROLINA SPARK MAGAZINE

Moving away from my hometown was one of the most bittersweet moments of my life. Leaving your hometown is always hard, but when you grow up in a place like Charleston, South Carolina, leaving comes with even more complicated feelings. Still, moving away taught me so many things, including how important family is–and that family isn’t just about blood.

I met my husband, August, in 2020. Dating apps were perfect for a newly-single person in the pandemic, so I thought, why not? When I came across his profile (that made me laugh hysterically), I immediately knew I wanted him in my life. After the hardships and tribulations that came with that very obnoxiously long year, we made it through, moved in together, and got married. August is in the Navy. For most of my life, that would have been a dealbreaker. But we were in a pandemic–everything was changing. Despite my original intentions of never dating, let alone marrying, someone in the military, it became obvious I was meant to be his partner from the beginning. Marriage requires sacrifices, and I needed to sacrifice my so-thought direction of my life to choose him. And in the end, I did.

Fast forward to January of 2022. It was finally time to say goodbye to our first apartment and move to Groton, Connecticut. August would be stationed on a submarine that was still being built. I have moved away from cities that I’ve known before, as my dad moved us around for his job, too, but I lived in Charleston for all of middle school, high school, and college. It was simply all I knew. I was terrified to start a life in a new city, meet new people, and try to “start over” in almost every aspect of my life.

We moved in the middle of a blizzard (and if you know how Southern folk do snow… you can imagine how I felt), and got settled easily. Let me just say, they’re not kidding when they say that home is a person (or people in my case), not a location.

One by one, I began to meet our new circle of friends, being introduced to people from all over the States. The difference between this tribe and the one back home, though, is that the people here get it. They understand how hard being in the military is. They get how lonely it feels to not be around everything you know. They get how necessary it is to grow close and hold onto fleeting moments, because we’re probably going to be moving away from each other at some point. We created close connections quickly, because we had military life in common.

We’ve been here in Connecticut for over two years now, and those friendships have blossomed into something more. We’ve created our own little family within our circle of friends. They are a part of our lives in every way that “blood family” would be. In our free time, we play board games, go to the gym together, play beach volleyball, and garden together. One thing has been determined: water can absolutely be thicker than blood. My chosen family here in New England are a godsend.

Nowadays, our tribe here loves us like their ownincluding my new little baby we welcomed into the world late last year. They’re my son’s uncles and aunties, and love us more than we ever thought possible. I didn’t think I would be happy being in a military family, but it’s truly the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

LUTHERAN SERVICES CAROLINAS ADDS FOSTER CARE TO THEIR REPERTOIRE

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) is known throughout WNC for the devoted services it provides for senior citizens. Recently, they received a grant that enabled them to expand their services to include transitional foster care for children, ages 0-21, as they transition into early adulthood. In addition to finding homes for children, the program helps foster kids with life challenges such as continued education, insurance, job hunts, and unemployment. “There is such a need. There’s tons of kids, but not enough homes,” Regional Manager Jennifer Armellini says of Buncombe County in particular, citing that there are twice as many kids in the county foster system than there are beds for them. “It just takes someone opening their heart, and realizing, ‘I can truly make a difference in this child’s life.’”

Though LSC’s main North Carolina office is in Salisbury, they have locations throughout the state, with Armellini being located in Buncombe County. Armellini took on the role of regional manager in April 2023, after the new transitional foster care department was formed at LSC earlier that year. Having worked within the foster care system, or with victims of domestic abuse since she was eighteen years old, Armellini was eager to join the LSC team. “I want to feel that I really have my hands on something- to make something that matters,” she says of her work. “I always preferred working with a private agency because of that special care. Really, it’s

communication, the response time, really providing that individual attention- that’s what I like to provide my potential foster parents.”

Though she says it is gaining momentum, the LSC transitional foster care department is only in its infancy and Armellini says that her role must be part manager and part case worker for her clients. “I’m the one they’re going to be reaching out to. If they need something after their licensure, I’m the one they’re gonna call. If they’re having issues and don’t know what to do, I’m gonna really provide that support,” she explains, specifying that she is always at the other end of the line to help her foster parents. She is also quick to dispute the horror story myths of foster parenting- that a foster child will ruin the foster parents’ lives and there will be no one to return their calls for help. “At LSC that customer service piece is there. It’s really that extra layer that we provide to families, that personal piece that I think is extremely important. We care and we have these wraparound services to support you. You’re not on your own.”

Thus far, the staff of the foster care team for Buncombe County is made up of Armellini and Regional Family Recruiter Whitney Burton. Armellini feels that she and Burton make a terrific team, with a common goal of finding good potential foster families and getting them the training they need to be successful with their foster child. Whether they parent a foster child for three days,

or three years, Armellini and Burton want to equip their foster parents with the tools they need through their educational program curriculum, Collaborative Problem Solving. This pre-service course, coupled with Armellini’s full-time support, helps those foster parents feel confident in their parenting skills. “It really trains parents at the therapeutic level, that really makes them more equipped to parent these kids,” she says of the program. “I let them know how important this is and really how they are gonna impact the child’s life, because that’s the truth.”

While eager to find new foster parents, Armellini says she never fails to give them a clear picture of what they’re in for. “I believe in being extremely transparent; I ask the same of my foster families,” she says. “We don’t want people signing up for a program and being misinformed. I try to answer questions as well as I possibly can.” She goes on to say that, for her, a person’s reason for becoming a foster parent tells her a lot about the sort of parent they will be. Many times, she finds that adults who grew up in the foster care system will become foster parents themselves, since they know how crucial a good foster parent can be in a child’s development.

LSC is looking for quality foster parents of all backgrounds, denominations, and marital statuses. “A lot of these kids, they don’t have permanency; they don’t have a place to call home,” she says. “If you’re gonna provide a safe home for this child, that goes beyond

measure.” The department is hoping to grow to a point where they have foster families in all towns in the area. Armellini says that, as destabilizing as it is for a child to be taken away from a parent, it can be even more traumatizing for the child to have to change schools, and to move away from friends and extended family members. In the long-run, they are hoping their services will give these children a sense of security and prevent them from becoming homeless, or incarcerated.

While she acknowledges that no child in the foster system is without a history of trauma, Armellini takes comfort in the knowledge that children have the capacity to pull through it if they have help. “Children are very resilient. They can bounce back if they have what they need. If we [could] tap into them and show them their self-worth, we wouldn’t have the problems we have today. Our kids would be happy- I would be very happy,” she says, adding how rewarding it is to get to be part of the process of helping children heal. “I like to see the light versus the darkness, and I see that in our kiddos. You gotta see that hope.”

Armellini and Burton invite anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent to reach out to them directly. If you’re interested in having a conversation about what it means to become a foster parent, contact them at jarmellini@lscarolinas.net, or (352)270-1530, or wburton@lscarolinas.net, or (828)283-0126.

Two Daughters Tell the Truth

WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY CHELSEA BOES

In a carpeted room of the West Asheville library, two memoirists sit behind a table. They’re about to tell the truth about AIDS, family secrets, and the power of narrative nonfiction.

The front parking lot is full, but the chairs are still filling. The first memoirist, Melanie Brooks, softly asks library branch manager Sherry Roane to “Give it five minutes.”

This proves to be a good idea: Among others, a woman with long brown hair streams in, holding up a copy of Brooks’s book, A Hard Silence. “See where I am?” she asks Brooks, showing a bookmark in the middle.

Soon Brooks stands, sandy hair falling past her lapel, to give the backstory behind the chapter she’ll read from her book: Her father, Dr. Orville Messenger, needed quadruple bypass surgery when Brooks was 13. During the surgery, he was given blood tainted with the HIV virus. Expecting his death within six months and aware of the stigma his diagnosis would carry, his family kept his condition a secret. Instead, he lived for 10 more years, the entirety of Melanie’s adolescence—marking it forever with a heavy burden of secrecy.

Brooks carries an important part of her father with her: his name. Messenger is one of her middle names—and also what she grew up to be. “It’s the story of what happened to me when HIV happened to him,” Brooks says, then sets off reading. Though she’s publicly read this particular chapter, The Ryan White Story, and Mine, around 15 times, she still sounds curious about the words.

In the chapter, 15-year-old Brooks comes across The Ryan White Story on TV while babysitting. The movie, released on ABC in 1989, tells the true story of Ryan White, a teenager with hemophilia who contracted AIDS through contaminated blood products.

Teenaged Brooks wants to disconnect from the movie. But she’s glued. The movie ends with the credits rolling and “I’m Still Standing” playing.

Brooks, the grownup one, is still standing too. But she’s also confessing to us that though she knew the movie was over, the story wasn’t. Ryan would die. Her dad would die. In the next scene in the chapter, she’s demanding of her mom in

the school drop off line, “Is Dad going to die? Tell me.” The chapter ends with her mother waving goodbye with tears tracking down her face.

The audience, who during the reading held hands over their mouths or leaned in to listen with deep frowns, now applauds.

The second memoirist, Laura Carney, lost her dad to a distracted driver. Her new book, My Father’s List, details her journey through her late father’s bucket list. Carney checked off one of the items (“swim the width of a river”) in Asheville’s French Broad. Her book also reveals a family secret: Her father cross-dressed. Later she told me that telling the secret “took away the secret’s power” over her. The two have visited dozens of cities to tell their stories. But tonight is Brooks’s night. Carney is here to interview her and watch her shine. “Melanie is my hero as a writer,” she says. When Carney was writing her book, she Googled “How to write about family secrets.” Brooks’s earlier book, Writing Hard Stories, came up in the search. Carney rewarded herself for each chapter she wrote by reading a chapter of Brooks’s guide.

“Grief sticks with you if you don’t pay attention to it,” Brooks says. She wrote the earlier book because she wanted to know how memoirists “get to the point where

they have” holding up her book — “this.”

Before closing, Brooks clarifies that she doesn’t refer to her dad as “an innocent victim.” She says there are no ‘guilty victims’ of AIDS. “A disease does not have the power to discriminate. People discriminate.”

Malaprop’s Bookstore sells copies of the two books from a table in the back, donating 10 percent of sales to the Western North Carolina AIDS Project, which serves thousands of people across 18 counties.

Chelsea Boes is editor of WORLDkids Magazine, a book and movie reviewer at WORLD Magazine, and a columnist for the Asheville Citizen Times. She lives in Old Fort, NC.

Asheville P.E.O. Chapter M Forges ‘A Woman’s Road to Success’

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Chapter M of P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization, in their ongoing efforts to help women of all ages and backgrounds gain access to the education opportunities they desire, has announced its club scholarships awardees for the year. Chapter M is one of six chapters of P.E.O. in the Asheville area.

One of the P.E.O.’s six core projects, the Scholars award program for continuing education has awarded its grant of $3,000 to Marguerite Whitcraft. She is an Asheville resident and mother of a five year-old little girl. Whitcraft holds an undergraduate degree in education, but says she is eager to get her master’s degree in family counseling, so she can help people grow and heal. “When my daughter started school and I recognized she would always be a latchkey kid, I decided I wanted to change my career and find something that would give me the flexibility to pick her up from school and go on field trips with her,” Whitcraft explains. “The ladies at P.E.O. made the process easy and attainable. It was a delight getting to know these remarkable women who care about the lives of other women. This was not just a transaction to receive a scholarship. It was and is a relational community that I would one day want to join.”

Zola Ferraby is the recipient of the Asheville P.E.O. club chapter’s own scholarship program: A Woman’s Road to Success. For this scholarship, she has been awarded $2,500. Ferraby is completing this year of college at UNC-Greensboro and transferring to Appalachian State University for the coming year. Also an Asheville native,

Ferraby is majoring in Sustainable Development, a passion which she says was fueled through growing up surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. “I've always wanted to make a difference in people's lives and to protect our natural world, which is why I wanted to get a degree in Sustainability- an education that balances people and the planet. In order to get a quality education in Sustainability, I would need to go to a college with a good program but wasn't entirely sure about the financial aspects of a four-year college,” explains Ferraby. Ferraby’s grandmother, a second-generation P.E.O. member, encouraged her to apply for a scholarship through the P.E.O. and supported her throughout the process. “The ladies of Chapter M awarded me [the] scholarship, A Woman's Road to Success, that has enabled me to complete my first year of college. Their actions allowed me to access many opportunities and I am incredibly thankful for them. They have been very supportive and welcoming throughout my first year. I'm very grateful for their actions, encouragement, and the opportunities I've had because of them.”

The STAR Scholarship, a program of P.E.O. International for young women who are graduating from high school, has been awarded to UNC-Chapel Hill Freshman Zoe Schruckmayr this year. The selective nationwide scholarship of $1000 is awarded to incoming freshmen, and each P.E.O. chapter selects a high school senior girl to nominate for the it. Asheville native and Peace, War, and Defense major, Schruckmayr is planning to pursue a career with the State Department after she graduates. “I love all things music, tennis, and foreign policy!” Shruckmayr exclaims. “I was super excited to have the opportunity to be chosen and apply for the scholarship through Chapter M because I quickly realized college is not the most affordable thing on earth! I also love P.E.O.’s mission of empowering women to receive an education so this scholarship greatly aligns with my values. I was overjoyed when I found out I received the Star Scholarship as the money helped to relieve some financial stress as I started my freshman year at UNC. I also found it very empowering to know that I am perceived as a woman making a good change in the world.”

The P.E.O. is an international nonprofit organization of around 230,000 women, all working toward the common goal of broadening womens’ horizons, and opening doors to education for any and all women who seek it. To date, the organization has provided over $398 million in education assistance and helped over 119,000 women reach their educational goals.

For further information on the P.E.O., visit their website: https://www.peointernational.org/

ShelterS & reScueS in the cArolinAS

Considering bringing home a furever friend? Adopt from a local shelter or rescue!

Here are just a few of the wonderful organizations here in the Carolinas:

North Carolina

The Human Society of Charlotte Charlotte, NC

Wake County Animal Center Raleigh, NC

Saving Grace NC Wake Forest, NC

Guilford County Animal Shelter Greensboro, NC

Foothills Humane Society Columbus, NC

Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption Sanford, NC

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville, NC

Asheville Humane Society Asheville, NC

South Carolina

Charleston Animal Society North Charleston, SC

Dorchester Paws

Summerville, SC

Colleton County Animal Shelter

Walterboro, SC

Berkeley Animal Center Moncks Corner, SC

Pet Helpers

Charleston, SC

Aiken County Animal Shelter Aiken, SC PAWS Anderson, SC

Helping Paws: How a Cat Rescue Brought a City Together

BY ANNA TART

Six years ago, it was not uncommon to see stray and abandoned cats in almost every alleyway of downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. Dianne Carillo, the owner of a bail bondsman office in the downtown area, noticed the issue's severity when she found herself taking care of a cat colony living in the alley behind her office. “Just in the back, there were 27 cats living out there who were all starving, and it was just sad to see,” she recalls.

In 2017, caring for the neglected felines pushed Carrillo to transform her bail bondsman office into a non-profit cat rescue, Bails for Tails. The unique rescue is attached to a thrift store, filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind items donated by the community with all profits going directly to the rescue.

Since opening, Carrillo has tackled many obstacles including medical care, fostering and emergency rescues; however, neutering the countless colonies of feral cats in Fayetteville proved to be the biggest challenge of all. Carrillo says there are multiple colonies throughout the city, and without being spayed or neutered, the number of cats in each colony would grow exponentially. “Female cats can get pregnant at just five months old, and when they’re having four or five kittens at a time, it can get out of hand really quick,” Carrillo says.

One of Carrillo’s biggest endeavors took place in her first year of opening when a local man called and claimed he was no longer able to care for the stray cats living around his home due to health problems. “He told me that he started feeding a few cats in his neighborhood the year

before, but when he called, he said he had like 75 cats coming to his house,” Carrillo says. “It took an entire year to trap, neuter and find a place for those cats to go.”

Carrillo continued curbing the overpopulation of cats throughout Fayetteville for years before hiring Christine Vance as general manager of Bails for Tails in the summer of 2022. Vance says she inquired about volunteering while adopting two cats from Bails for Tails. “When I asked to volunteer, Dianne said, ‘How would you like to work here?’ and I just instantly felt like part of the family,” Vance recalls.

The team has dedicated countless hours to rescuing cats from stray, abandoned and hoarding situations. With such a high volume of cats in the area, it does not take long to fill the limited kennels in the shop, and at some points, the team has helped adopt over 50 cats in just three months.

Of course, running the rescue can be overwhelming at times for Carrillo and Vance. With calls for rescues all over the county, a thrift store to manage, over $600 a month on supplies, a lack of fosters and surprise medical bills, the two have overcome several obstacles since working together. For instance, Pandora, a well-known community cat, was attacked last year by a feral cat who was dumped downtown. The Bails for Tails team naturally swooped in to help a beloved feline. Pandora is an older cat with a history of neglect and ended up losing an eye after his fight.

During Pandora’s recovery, Vance stepped in and fostered him for four months. For Vance, it was difficult at the time, but she feels reassured knowing that he is ‘living the high life’ at the Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary in St. Paul's. Fostering is one of the toughest parts of working at the rescue for Vance. While she loves being able to care for cats when they need it most, she said with Pandora, the goodbye was hard and warranted a few tears.

Despite facing hardships, Vance and Carrillo still put immense amounts of effort into the rescue by planning events and having volunteer opportunities to build a supportive community for the cats. Bails for Tails is hands on with downtown Fayetteville and has hosted several themed events to engage with the community and help the rescue.

Other downtown businesses in Fayetteville contribute to the efforts at Bails for Tails such as Back Around Records, a second hand record store just upstairs from the rescue. Shawn Adkins, the owner of Back Around Records, said he helps the rescue not because their businesses share a building, but because everyone there is like family to him. Adkins helps the rescue by selling shirts- “Noser” t-shirts which he created after his dog passed away. “I raise these donations and want to give it to them because they’ve helped me before,” he says. “I think everything helps.”

Several members of the community also lend a hand to Bails for Tails by volunteering. Lorie, who started volunteering last September, adopted a brown tabby cat, Angelo, from the rescue in 2022. Lorie said Angelo was thrown from a moving vehicle at just a few weeks of age, leaving him with a broken leg and needing medical attention. Now, in his forever home and feistier than ever, Lorie says Angelo is one of the best cats she has had.

At the end of the day, Vance and Carrillo believe that if they give something good to the community, it will come back to them. Being able to provide support to the cats is their overall goal, which is why bringing the community together is the biggest component of Bails for Tail’s work. “It really does take an entire community to raise these cats,” Vance says. Though this is a small rescue, Carrillo says they will continue their work in the city of Fayetteville, both in caring for the community cats and creating a close-knit community.

Anna Tart is a sophomore communication major at East Carolina University. She has enjoyed every bit of her studies and enjoys writing feature stories on people she comes across in my community. When she graduates next spring, Anna hopes to pursue a career as a magazine writer to continue uplifting the voices of amazing people.

PHOTO CREDIT: BAILS FOR TAILS

PHOTO CREDIT: ANNA TART

PHOTO CREDIT: BAILS FOR TAILS

Singer/Songwriter Anna Grace Patterson Finds Love in ‘Mountains’

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Ballerina turned singer/songwriter Anna Grace Patterson has accomplished a lot considering she is only 25 years old. After nearly fifteen years as a professional ballet dancer, she managed a professional pivot by turning her attention to music when dancing roles became scarce due to the pandemic. “I’m an arts girl,” the multitalented Indie folk singer professes. Last year, she released her debut single, ‘Mountains.’

Born and raised in Cherryville, North Carolina, Patterson started training as a dancer at a very young age, and was accepted during her junior year to train under famed ballerina Gelsey Kirkland at the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York City. “My dream all of high school/middle school was to move to New York to become a professional ballet dancer,” Patterson recalls. After graduating, she got her first professional contract with a dance company out of Wilmington, NC, where she progressed from trainee to quarter ballet roles. From there, she landed a contract with the Columbia Classical Ballet in South Carolina, doing demi-soloist and lead corps roles. Patterson says she was happy that both companies were located fairly close to home, so she could keep in touch with her tight-knit family.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and all the theaters and dance studios shut down, things were hard for a lot of performers. When dancing opportunities dried up for Patterson, she returned home and moved into the room above her parents’ garage. Though she admits that ballet was her first love, after being a dancer for fourteen years, Patterson was eager to try her hand at something different. “I think I accomplished the things I wanted to as a dancer, and I can put it away and chase after something new,” she says. In mid-2020, Patteron began learning to play the guitar. She also started training with a vocal coach to build up her confidence as a singer, as well as honing her songwriting skills. “This has been a long time coming. I always loved writing songs throughout my whole life, but I never really took it seriously. It was just something I did as an outlet.”

In 2021, Patterson moved to Charlotte, NC where she got a job teaching dance, but still worked to make progress as a musician. One night while attending a songwriters’ round in Gastonia, she met local songwriter and Grammy-nominated producer Nathan Dowdy. The two quickly became friends and even songwriting partners.

Before long, the two started dating. During that time, Patterson showed him a song she had been working on called, ‘Mountains.’ She had written the song after hiking in Linville Gorge with her father. “In ballet, you’re dancing 8-10 hours in a closed space, and the studio I was dancing in had no windows. So, it was very nice to be able to feel the wide open spaces,” she says. “I just remember thinking, ‘There needs to be a song about how freeing this feels.’” After Dowdy heard Patterson sing ‘Mountains,’ he encouraged her to record it.

Patterson says she owes Dowdy a great deal of credit for the success of ‘Mountains.’ Not only did he produce it, but also played the guitar, banjo, harmonica, and sang backup harmonies for the track. “He made it into what it is. I’m very thankful for him,” she says. After releasing the song in late 2023, ‘Mountains’ garnered a spot on Spotify’s independent playlist, Indie Folk Central, and generated a substantial following for Patterson herself. This year, she plans to release a few more songs, including: ‘Through the Valley,’ ‘Chasing Windmills,’ and ‘The Best.’ She has also collaborated with Dowdy to form the Folk/Americana band The Riverkeepers, which will be releasing new songs of their own this year.

PHOTOCREDIT:NATHANDOWDY

Patterson says that for her, songwriting is like journaling. “Dancing has always been a physical way to get out emotion. Writing is almost a clearer way. I can say exactly what I feel, then I can always edit it later, whereas dancing is more up to the viewer to interpret,” she explains. Patterson does admit that switching from dancing to singing was not quite as easy as she had anticipated. She was surprised to find that she was nervous about singing in front of people, after years of dancing before a live audience. “I think in a lot of ways singing is more vulnerable. It’s a completely different world. I’m having to relearn how to perform for people, which has been good because I do like a challenge. If things are too easy, why do them?”

Undeterred by a little stagefright, Patterson is excited to further her artistic process, scheduling multiple live performances throughout the year. “It has definitely captured my heart,” she says of music, adding that she plans to remain in the music industry for many years to come. “I want my music to connect with people. I’ve been to concerts before where music has brought people together and made them feel so much joy. I think if I could give that to people, that would be ‘success.’”

To learn more about Anna Grace Patterson, hear her music, and find out her performance schedule, visit her website: https://www.annagracepatterson.com

“Dancing has always been a physical way to get out emotion. Writing is almost a clearer way. I can say exactly what I feel, then I can always edit it later, whereas dancing is more up to the viewer to interpret.”

PHOTO CREDIT: NATHAN DOWDY

ARTIST M RATHSACK MAKES ART FOR HER OWN SOUL

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY M RATHSACK

After making a name for herself in Western North Carolina as a favorite artist and teacher, M Rathsack is finally getting to do exactly what she wants to do, creatively. She is expressing herself through a variety of forms of art, teaching her own art classes, and even starting her own business to create immersive artistic events. In short, M is a modern Renaissance artist.

Originally from Colorado, M earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Ceramics from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO. After graduating, she spent ten months working with Americorps, then got a job teaching science with the Barrier Island Environmental Education Program in South Carolina. “I love being outside, but I was not much of a beach girl,” she confesses of spending her days in the sun and sand. “It brought me around to teaching, and I was meant to teach.”

In 2000, M transferred to a sister program with the Mountain Trail Outdoor School at the Kanuga Conference Center in North Carolina. She loved the work she was doing, but found it tricky to balance her time between the seasonal job at the school and a variety of day jobs. She eventually took a position teaching at a paint-on-pottery studio in Hendersonville. After introducing her own clay class at the shop, M started to develop a following from the clientele. People requested that M teach classes on other art techniques, but the studio management did not want to expand their repertoire.

In 2006, M decided to strike out on her own, rented a small space on Main Street and began teaching art classes. M’s School of Art offered primarily painting, drawing and fiber art classes for school children, as well as camps, and adult classes. “I tried to make a whole experience for the kids there,” M says. As its popularity increased, M took on additional adjacent rooms on the floor to accommodate clay-working classes and a gallery. Finding herself at the helm of a thriving business, M moved her art school to a small cottage in South Hendersonville where she remained for almost nine years.

After losing that location, and after the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to group gatherings like art classes, M had to put a lot of her art supplies in a storage unit and found herself needing a source of income. Since time to herself was in abundance, she began creating her own art. “My studio was here and it was full of clay and supplies. I sat down and made work that I wanted to make without caring what anyone thought,” she recalls. “I want to make the weird art that comes out of my brain and hangs on the wall. It was so refreshing!” While M made some functional art that was easier to sell, she says she was pleasantly surprised to find that people liked and bought her ‘weird’ art as well. Through her art business, Dancing Potter, M marketed her pieces online as well as out of her booth at local art fairs and markets.

One of M’s current favorite artistic styles is Raku, a Japanese-inspired type of pottery that she refers to as a ‘clay painting.’ For Raku, one creates a work in clay and fires it, but removes it from the kiln while it is still 1800 degrees, then puts it in a bin of combustible materials, such as pine needles, then smothers it. “All kinds of really cool things happen to the glazes while you’re removing the oxygen from it,” M explains, describing how the unglazed parts of the clay turn black, parts with a lot of copper makes the glaze flash, crackle glazes cracks, and oxidation turns things blue. “You can manipulate things to get the results you want, but you just never quite know and I love that part!” M adds that she is delighted to have returned to her clay roots, and that she has put off doing ceramics for fun for too long.

M has also maintained her classes, though now that she is teaching intimate 4-5 person classes out of her smaller location in Mills River. “I have students that really want to learn,” she says of her classes. M also does workshops

and contract work, teaching art across WNC at places like the Henderson County libraries and the Asheville Art Museum. For most of her art classes, she is able to make her services compact and completely mobile. “I’ll take my supplies and do art with people anywhere. It is wherever I am, basically.”

In addition to teaching and creating art, M is currently working to bring interactive artistic experiences to the people of WNC with her new business, Whimzy & Wonderment. The idea for the Whimzy & Wonderment came to her after a Theatre Bizarre event she attended in Detroit. She thought of all the enjoyment that the people of Asheville and the surrounding area would get out of an experience like she had. Her first event was a masquerade ball entitled Carnevale in Venice at the Masonic Temple in Asheville, where guests got to take a gondola ride through cardboard canals, ask their burning questions to the Mouth of Truth, see aerialists and belly-dancers perform, and various other attractions. “I recognize one of the main things I am supposed to do is bring people joy,” she says of her events. “It’s just art that I want to create for people, but not a gallery, and not like an amusement park. It’s always gonna grow and expand into whatever weird thing is in my brain.”

Nothing if not multitalented, M admits she gets bored if she focuses on a single type of artistic expression for too long, but feels this quality has fostered her in creating the art she was truly meant to. “I’m finally making the stuff I want to make; I did finally get to make art for my soul,” she says. “Because I have so many facets of what I do, there’s no time to waste. If you want to do something, do it. If you’ve got an idea, explore the options to make it happen.”

For more information on M Rathsack, or to view her art, visit her website: www.instagram.com/dancing_potter

To learn more about M’s School of Art, go to: http://www.msartschool.com

Meet our Classy + Confident

CAROLINA SPARK MAGAZINE COVER WOMEN

PUBLISHER CRYSTAL PRESSLEY CELEBRATES

10TH EDITION OF CAROLINA SPARK

As the tenth edition of Carolina Spark Magazine hits the shelves, Publisher Crystal Pressley admits she sometimes doubted the magazine would get to this point. “We’ve made it happen, our team. It’s not just me, we all fight to get it done,” she says of herself and the dedicated people she works with. “Hopefully, there will be ten more after this!” She attributes the success of the magazine, as well as her own personal success, to her determination to prove everyone wrong who ever doubted her.

“I had my children early,” Pressley says, explaining how she dropped out of high school and started working two jobs after having her first child at eighteen. She enjoyed helping people in customer service roles at Kmart and Southeastern Freight Lines, before landing a sales position at IWANNA, a classified ad newspaper in WNC. “You really don’t know you’re a salesperson until you start.”

Pressley found that it was energizing, having to prove herself as a salesperson over and over in the role. “I’m one of those people that, if you doubt me, I’m gonna show you. Stuff like that pushes me to want to show that I can do it,” she says. She goes on that she even encountered adversity in getting the job. “It was a battle being a single parent and trying to get that job, but I kept telling them, ‘That’s what forces me to want to work- my kids. Just give me a chance.’” She was hired as a floater at IWANNA, filling in for salespeople that were off, as well as building up her own regular clientele.

Despite the doubts she was greeted with (both as a single mom and a woman) when she started the job as sales rep., Pressley says that she was treated with nothing but respect by her advertisers and made lots of lifelong friends. Those relationships, coupled with Pressley’s drive, helped her to not only meet her sales goals, but to exceed them. She learned a lot from the other IWANNA salespeople, and quickly became one of the top earners.

When IWANNA started the women’s magazine, Sophie, Pressley understood the need for a publication that spoke solely to women. “I saw what the potential was,” she says of Sophie, and other similar magazines. From there, she worked at both The Laurel of Asheville and WNC Woman, where she learned a lot but felt frustrated that she didn’t have more of a role in the business decisions. So, she

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

took a break from ad sales and went to work for Candler Budget Bridal. “I had the insight in the print world, and had the insight of working with brides.”

Seeing the need for both a bridal magazine and a women’s magazine in the area, Pressley took the $1000 she had in savings and put it toward starting her own publishing company, Crystal Clear Marketing. Through this, she started North Carolina Bridal Magazine in 2019, followed by Carolina Spark Magazine in 2021. She attributes a lot of her confidence in starting the publications to the security of having regular advertisers who were committed to running with her, like Melissa Leavell at Ingles Markets. “Melissa at Ingles has always been my #1 supporter,” Pressley says. “She told me I could do whatever I wanted to do and she would support me, and she has. I think just having that support system helped me more than anything.”

In addition to the support of her advertisers, Pressley says she wouldn’t have accomplished anything without the support of her husband Joey. “Joey supports everything that I’ve done; he’s been behind me 100%,” she says. The couple met in August 2009 and married that

December. They have been together for fifteen years and share four sons and seven grandchildren.

Though she says the magazines are her babies, Pressley is also President of Xtreme Drywall Systems. She inherited the business with her younger brother Austin, after their father passed away in 2022. “We both decided to continue his legacy,” she says, adding that her dad started the business over twenty years ago. Even though it makes for a pretty cramped schedule, Pressley says she enjoys getting to put on a hard hat and get her boots dirty at job sites. “It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t change it.”

With all that Pressley has accomplished professionally and the insecurities she’s had to overcome, she hopes that Carolina Spark will serve as a source of inspiration for other women to overcome their own insecurities, and embrace their true selves. “A lot of us, we look ahead and think, ‘Oh we can’t do that. That’s never going to happen for us.’ Then, somebody reads somebody’s story and it inspires them. We have so many inspiring women’s stories, and battles that [they] have fought. We struggle, but seeing other people’s battles- I feel nothing compared to them,” she says. “That’s one thing that I want to make sure that we’re doing consistently is telling these women’s stories who feel that they don’t have a story.”

BRANDY LAMPKE & KATIE SMITH BRING COASTAL WELLNESS NC TO THE MOUNTAINS OF WNC

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

“We are not just infusions, we make a plan for health,” says co-owner of Coastal Wellness NC Brandy Lampke, RN, BSN. She explains that they provide mobile IV therapy and wellness services to people in need of hydration and vitamin supplements, as well as making individualized long-term plans to improve their clients’ overall health, beauty, athletic abilities, immunity, and mental prowess. They also offer specialized treatments to promote weight loss, and combat the effects of migraines, arthritis, PMS, inflammation, and cancer treatments. "We are a mobile service so we are able to bring everything to the client whether it be at home, hotel or business."

A lifelong resident of Henderson County, Lampke worked as a registered nurse in Western North Carolina prior to

opening the business. During her time as a CNA, she saw firsthand the revolutionary effect that IV fluids had on her patients. “You can have someone that feels absolutely horrible - give them fluids, and it’s like they are a new person. You see that instant difference,” she says. Lampke loved getting to connect one-on-one with her patients, but noticed the quality of care deteriorating as medical centers got more overburdened and hectic. Her longtime friend and nurse practitioner Dr. Katie Smith agreed that, for the sake of patient care, a healthy change was in order.

Lampke was aware of the Coastal Wellness medical spa in Myrtle Beach and knew that the people of WNC would benefit greatly from a local franchise. She partnered with Smith to open Coastal Wellness NC in February 2023.

“Part of the reason that Brandy and I started this [was] to bring bedside nursing back out into the community,” Smith says, adding that being a busy mom gives her a unique insight into the importance of at-home care. “We want people to realize that you can still get self-care no matter what your circumstances are. Making self-care convenient within the chaos of daily life is probably my main focus.”

“I brought this here mainly for elderly people, people that have had bariatric surgeries, and people that don’t want to have to go to the ER just to get fluids and wait for hours at a time,” Lampke says, adding that doctors often recommend these treatments so that their patients can avoid a trip to the hospital where they could be exposed to other contagious illnesses. “Now they have the opportunity to call our company and we send a medical professional to their home.” Lampke states that Coastal Wellness NC is fully licensed through the NC Board of Nursing, and supervised by an MD.

“It really is wellness at your convenience,” Smith says of Coastal Wellness NC’s services. “We are able to help people in their comfort zone.” Smith explains that many of their clients don’t have insurance that covers their weight management programs. Since compounds (such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) are not treated by the FDA in the same way as medications, Coastal Wellness NC is able to help their clients access the compounds affordably. She goes on to say that she vets all the compounding pharmacies they work with very strictly to make sure they are both FDA-regulated and 503-A/B compliant.

Now a doctor and board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Smith tackles the administration side of Coastal Wellness NC, supervising nurses, maintaining patients’ charts and weight management programs, doing health assessments, and ordering supplements and medications. “Over the years, I’ve worked in several different acute care specialties, but I’ve always fallen back into psychiatry, wellness and treating each person as a whole being, not just the physical needs,” she says.

Coastal Wellness NC’s team of nurses, paramedics, and a nutrition coach offer a variety of infusion services and packages, including their bestselling Wolfpack Infusion and Revitalize Infusion. These infusions feature a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, targeting everything from seasonal allergies to stomach bugs. “What we’ve found is that, if you take vitamins by mouth, you’re getting 50% or less of the actual vitamin,” Lampke says, explaining that a person’s GI tract absorbs the remaining half of the vitamin. “If you’re getting it through the vein, it’s usually 90% or above. So, you’re getting more of the vitamin for the buck.”

Smith feels that WNC is ripe for mobile IV hydration because it is such an active wellness area for activities like hiking, biking, and swimming, particularly in the summer. “A lot of times you don’t even necessarily realize you’re dehydrated, until you are at a point where you’re just feeling so poorly. Even a 2% loss in the body’s water can make you feel less mentally-focused and foggy, and put you off your game. Sometimes drinking a lot of water is not enough to cut it,” she explains. While Smith acknowledges that there is a market for IV hydration as hangover-relief, she has been working tirelessly to emphasize wellness as Coastal Wellness NC’s primary focus: educating clients and their families about their bodies, their body’s response, and why hydration is so important. “Being able to provide that one-on-one care, and having these clients trust us and then call us againwe know we’ve helped someone when we’re hearing from them multiple times. That positive word of mouth makes it feel so worth it, and it drives us to keep building and want to do more.”

In addition to mobile services, Coastal Wellness NC has opened a storefront in Arden, as well as a wellness shop accessible through their website. Smith and Lampke take great pride in all they have accomplished together with their strong team and their clear mission. “We’re two women that started from the ground up,” Smith says of Coastal Wellness NC. I’m really proud of this vision that we had and were able to build on, not losing sight of why we started.”

For more information about Coastal Wellness NC, visit their website: https://coastalwellnessasheville.com

EVENT COORDINATING MAKES SIENNA FITZPATRICK’S DREAMS COME TRUE

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, Ingles Markets Event Coordinator Sienna Fitzpatrick has always been a lover of concerts. Throughout high school and college, she interned at The Orange Peel and Rabbit Rabbit event centers. She worked her way through college waiting tables, and earned her degree in Music Business at Montreat College in Black Mountain. After one of her professors led the class on a field trip to Nashville, Tennessee, Fitzpatrick made a plan to move there once she graduated to become a band manager and audio engineer. As was true for many people, the COVID-19 pandemic put her plans on hold indefinitely.

In December 2022, Fitzpatrick landed a job as an event setup person for iHeart Media. In that role, she began learning the ins and outs of coordinating musical events, working with media partners, and developing ongoing marketing relationships. While she enjoyed the job, she

couldn’t pass up the opportunity to apply for an Ingles Markets event coordinator position she saw. When she got the job, she felt reluctant to leave the people she had worked with and come to feel a deep connection with. After starting, Fitzpatrick was delighted to find that they would still be present in her professional life. “I’m so happy to still be working with them because it was so hard to leave that job,” she says of the iHeart Media team. “But now I get to work with them in a different way, which is even cooler.”

Since starting at Ingles in July 2023, Fitzpatrick has been working with Ruby Downes, another event coordinator, whom she says is the perfect mentor for her. “She has been my saving grace. She is able to nurture and cater to all of the connections that we have to make,” Fitzpatrick says of Downes. “Anything can go awry at any second, and it’s been really great to see how she handles that, and it’s been really valuable for me to take that into my professional life, but also my personal life.”

Together, Fitzpatrick and Downes work closely with the advertising department at Ingles, meet with customers, monitor the budget, and plan the multitude of events that Ingles sponsors. These events cover everything from the Cherry Blossom Festival in Conyers, Georgia to the NCAA Southern Conference. “We are one of the biggest sponsors in this area. I didn’t really stop to think about how invested in the community Ingles was until I started working for Ingles. Now, it blows my mind,” says Fitzpatrick, adding that her department is also responsible for putting together Ingles’ cooking programs, their quarterly food magazine, and coordinating the chefs and photographers who put together their Ingles’ weekly ad. In addition to building up her work ethic, Fitzpatrick also credits the job and the staff with giving her the confidence to be successful. “This job has definitely made me grow up in ways that I needed to, which I realize as well. Everyone works so well as a team. It’s nice to have that kind of support system at all times.”

Other than the fantastic relationships she has formed with the Ingles employees and partners, Fitzpatrick says that the best aspect of her job is the stories she hears from Ingles’ customers. “The most rewarding part of my job is hearing how we have helped people in the community with what we do,” she says. Fitzpatrick goes on to celebrate how amazing it is that Ingles donate over 3,000 meals per day to the public through charities, like Manna Food Bank and Eblen Charities. “Overall, I just love interacting and talking with people.”

For all other young women who are beginning their careers, Fitzpatrick is a big advocate of drive and selfconfidence. “Follow what you want to do. Go after what you want. Really listen to yourself and believe in yourself,

TINA FIREWOLF HELPS PEOPLE SPEAK AND LIVE WITH EASE

BY MEG HALE BRUNTON

“People are far more powerful than they may realize,” says Tina FireWolf, Master of Voice as Medicine. Through her unique transformational immersions, FireWolf helps people reconnect with nature, and learn to be still and quiet so that they can hear their wisdom. “It honors me to take people out into nature and help them awaken to their senses.”

As a kid in Pennsylvania, FireWolf refers to her childhood as largely feral, exploring the 100 acres of property that surrounded her family’s farm. “I spent all my time outside in complete silence, sleeping in hayfields, spending the night in the barn, wandering in the woods,” she recalls. “I became a Naturalist as a kid, growing up knowing all the

because if I hadn’t believed in myself I would have never applied for this job and I wouldn’t know what I could do,” she advises. Fitzpatrick professes to occasionally feel intimidated about her future, since she is still very young and has come so far professionally- but she knows she can handle it. “It’s crazy to think that this is just the start for me. I’m very, very blessed to have had this opportunity and I definitely want to cradle it and take care of it.”

While not the career she originally saw herself getting into, Fitzpatrick loves her role at Ingles. She adores the people she works with, and that her job keeps her connected to the music scene. For instance, this summer, Ingles is sponsoring a concert series in Atlanta that will feature two of Fitzpatrick’s favorite artists: Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan. She is also a diehard football fan and takes delight in getting to maintain Ingles’ partnerships with the football seasons at Appalachian State University, Western University, and Clemson University. Though an unexpected blessing, Ingles has made Fitzpatrick’s professional dreams a reality. “I never thought I would end up with a grocery store, just because I never knew that background of what Ingles was involved in,” Fitzpatrick admits. “Really anything I wanted to do, Ingles was a part of. It is everything I could have wanted.”

Visit www.ingles-markets.com for more information.

weeds, and identifying birds by sound.” While FireWolf admits that her acquired skill sets did not readily lend themselves to her education, she got her degree in Marine Science and Biology from Millersville University.

From there, FireWolf embarked on a variety of daring adventures, scuba diving with sharks, climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp, and doing research and aquaculture at zoos and aquariums. “I have a very strong outdoor adventure background,” she says, after which she took a job teaching middle school science in California. FireWolf loved working with the students, especially taking them on field trips to the beach to see the ocean, and the mountains to see the snow - for the first time. Her students loved her because she was so different from their other teachers. “I am definitely my own person. I’m at peace with who I am.” Her students also encouraged FireWolf to write a book, which she did years later in 2015 when she published a collection of her contemplative photography, entitled Beneath the Chatter: The Wise Self Awaits, which then led her to give a TEDX talk on this process. Her TEDX talk is entitled Communicating from Chaos to Love.

One day in 2001, FireWolf was driving home from work and says she accidentally became an otherworldly intuitive vocalist. “Sounds just started pouring out of me. It was so loud and strong,” she recalls. “I pulled over and sobbed, and I knew that I could sing myself whole. The voice is the medicine.” From that experience, she says, her process of profoundly shifting people into peace through transformational work was born, though it took her another ten years to learn to stop being afraid of her own powerful voice.

FireWolf began taking courses in Leadership, Spiritual Direction, Compassion Key, Public Speaking, and Energy Medicine to qualify herself as Master of Voice is Medicine. In 2011, she created Tina FireWolf Inc. She combined her vocalizations and various skills to create her revolutionary six-week program, Pent Up to Powerful and her Transformational Nature Immersions- two of the most influential healing components in her own life.

FireWolf uniquely-tailors her process to each client she works with. “It is the foundation of your life, it has to be built by you. Otherwise, it’s not yours,” she explains, adding that she works at everyone’s unique pace and to accommodate their individual goals. “It’s a magical journey for every person and it’s tailored to the person’s physical needs and what their vision is for themselves. My clients are the guru; I am the guide,” she says of her work. “A lot of what I do is help people get reconnected to their own wise voice. They tap into their own wisdom to provide the next steps. You create a map but it comes from inside the person. I just say, let’s bring you home

to yourself and teach you to build a path within yourself. Then, you get to walk the path in any way you want.”

FireWolf’s program begins with helping her clients find the profound silence within themselves. Then, she uses her vocalizations to calm their mind so they are peacefully productive and not driven by fear, striving, or need. Once there, they are able to embrace their true selves and generate self-directed compassion. From that place of safety, they can learn to navigate their inner world, embrace their emotions, excavate their pain, and use their voice to find clarity and forward movement. Through this, they can create their own rhythm of discipline and consistency, ending the cycle of seeking outside themselves for strength. “I help them excavate the pain of the past and turn it into power and perseverance,” FireWolf says. “I turn pain into power and teach people to bring their voice out into the world. You’re just driven by peace and a desire to express the love that you are.”

“This master was once a disaster. I do this work on myself every week; it’s like dusting. I have plenty to walk through, I just know how to walk through it,” FireWolf says, admitting her own imperfection and acknowledging that she has had to work her own program on a daily basis in order to live her fullest expression and sustain forward movement. She says that a great deal of her clients have pain and trauma from their past that they don’t know how to move through with ease. One of FireWolf’s greatest joys comes from helping them discover what they truly ache to be, learn how to achieve it, and let go of the frustration that they have felt for years of not being true to themselves. “It’s just a moment where I know I’m doing exactly as I’m meant to be doing. There is just no better feeling, not even cheesecake.”

For more information on Tina FireWolf, visit her website: https://tinafirewolfinc.com

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828.702.6236

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340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801

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