KNOW Asheville 2020

Women you must

and do business with

vol. 2

#knowasheville

2020 1

from the

FOUNDER & CEO Launched in 2017, The KNOW WomenTM began as a way to bring more attention to dynamic women doing remarkable things in the Phoenix metro. We knew there were an outstanding number of women impacting the community and making big strides in their industries. Our goal was to get those women out from behind their computer screens and into the public eye. Thus, we created the KNOW Book, a carefully curated publication that would feature vision-led women in a glamorous and authentic style.

As the momentum grew and we recognized the need for more, we launched our Collaborative around the women featured in our KNOW Book. Our mix & mingles soon ensued and we witnessed incredible things happening. We saw our women doing business with each other, creating friendships, supporting each other, collaborating on projects together, and so much more.

What started as a fun project to spotlight women, has turned into a full-blown movement.

The KNOW WomenTM has expanded beyond its birthplace of Phoenix, Arizona; its aim is to launch in every major city across the United States and Canada.

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Sarah Benken

FOUNDER & CEO

2020 3

STATISTICS ON WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES women employ more than

9 MILLION people

37%

1.6 trillion 0

10

20

30

OF WOMEN EARN MORE THAN THEIR HUSBANDS

40

50

60

70

80

WOMEN FIRMS GENERATE

IN SALES

more than

OF ALL BUSINESSES ARE OWNED AND OPERATED BY WOMEN

11.3 40% MILLION

SOURCE: AMEX OPEN / WOMENABLE 4 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

firms are owned by women

THEKNOWWOMEN.COM COLLECTION We are a collection of highly successful, authentically driven women.

COLLABORATION We collaborate to support one another & build clout that inspires & motivates the advancement for all women.

COMMUNITY We support our local & global communities by actively searching for ways to pay it forward.

MANTRA

Lift & Rise

Nominations for the 2021 KNOW Asheville open January 2021.

Follow KNOW Publications for the latest information.

theknowwomen.com @theknowwomen @theknowwomen hello@theknowwomen.com 2020 5

KNOW CARES IS MAKING A BIG IMPACT The KNOW WomenTM is excited to unveil its newest initiative called KNOW Cares, a non-profit focused on empowering, educating, and raising funds for women and youth worldwide. KNOW Cares provides emergency relief funds for businesswomen, leadership development, and mentorship opportunities as well as provide grants to aspiring

female entrepreneurs. KNOW Cares also aims to help women in 2nd and 3rd world countries better their lives by ensuring educational opportunities.

KNOW Cares will be an extension of The KNOW WomenTM which currently has more than 6,100 members across the globe.

KNOW CARES SUPPORTS We believe that all women and youth should have access and opportunity to engage in leadership development programs.

1

We create an educational experience for women and youth focusing on knowledge, problem-solving, leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, health, and well-being.

3

We support and educate women in business through our signature program.

We serve & provide financial assistance to local, national, and international communities.

2

4

KNOW Cares mission is to Empower, Educate and Engage women and youth globally through give-back initiatives related to LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, WOMEN IN BUSINESS, COMMUNITY IMPACT, and EDUCATION. To get involved:

hello@knowcares.com To donate:

www.knowcares.com 6 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

WHAT IF YOU COULD CONNECT WITH WOMEN ON A GLOBAL SCALE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU SUCCEED? We have been listening carefully to what you really want in a women’s collaborative. We’ve created the KNOW Women Global Membership with the features that are most important to you. You’ll unlock business development opportunities, publicity and marketing help, outreach opportunities, and the chance to continually connect and grow through collaboration and connection with your global sisterhood.

A MEMBERSHIP LIKE NO OTHER

Online Portal

Member Events

Promote

As soon as you join you’ll have access to The KNOW Women Global portal where you will find all of your members-only resources from CEO chats to connection calls. You’ll unlock business development opportunities, publicity, and marketing help, outreach opportunities, and the chance to continually connect and grow through collaboration and connection with your global sisterhood.

Register to attend a weekly ‘Let’s Have Coffee’ series, a bi-weekly masterclass, or a monthly CEO Chat to help build your business or grow your career. Join the new member meetup or virtual events to connect with female members all over the globe.

Get exclusive opportunities to promote your brand, speak at an event, host a master class, and sell your products through our KNOW Women marketplace.

A CLASS OF LIKE-MINDED BUSINESS WOMEN WHO ARE COMMITTED TO LEVELING UP The KNOW Women Global Membership is built around women who will help you achieve your goals. You’ll be seen and heard, acknowledged, and supported. You won’t ever have to question if you are in the right room or if you have a seat at the table. Our movement is built to help you rise through inclusivity, positivity, and collaboration.

we promise

1. To align you with motivated women from across the globe.

2. Provide access to female industry leaders who will educate and inspire.

3. An opportunity to promote and elevate your brand to a global audience.

KNOW Women Global Membership: KNOW this is where you belong.

www.theknowwomen.com/membership

2020 7

design & layout Myra H.Ray photography Studio 828 Photography event planning Shay Brown Events ambassador Stephanie Munn contributors Emily Shea Laura Webb Kaitey Hanlon Leslie Council Lake

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publisher Sarah Benken admin team Sara Mayer Ashley Scrivner Taylor Gladden

JeWana Grier-McEachin Asheville Buncombe Institute of Parity Achievement (ABIPA) Non 1

public relations Mack Media Relations connect @theknowwomen @theknowwomen subscribe: theknowwomen.com

CONTRIBUTORS Big thanks to our contributors for all their efforts and contributions to 2020 KNOW Asheville!

LAURA WEBB EMILY SHEA

LESLIE COUNCIL LAKE KAITEY HANLON

2020 9

AMBASSADOR Asheville, our second volume of the KNOW Book has arrived!

When I started working on this volume of the Asheville KNOW Book in the beginning of 2020, I (like all of us) had no idea what this year would bring. This year has made me appreciate this community more than ever. I’ve been so lucky to have the support of our KNOW women throughout this time and it’s been an honor to get to know the women who are now joining this sisterhood.

I’ve been blown away by the perseverance that exists in the women that you will find throughout these pages. As you flip through, you’ll meet the most dynamic women in our community. They are super stars in their own right, but also believe that we are stronger together. For these ladies of the Land of Sky, nothing is out of reach.

Being a part of KNOW for the past few years, I’ve seen the amazing relationships and community this collective has helped foster. I encourage you all to continue to support and connect with each other, as it’s more important now than ever - and together we will LIFT + RISE. Asheville, when you open this book, I hope the women in here inspire you as much as they have inspired me.

Stephanie Munn PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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2020 11

13 BEAUTY

table of contents 12 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

15 BUSINESS 23 FASHION 25 FOOD & BEVERAGE 32 HEALTH & WELLNESS 35 HOME & LIFE 46

MEDIA

48

NON-PROFIT

BEAUTY

LEAH MILAN LEAH MILAN MAKEUP

Leah is a western North Carolina-based professional makeup artist whose distinguished style stays true to her love of natural glam.

Leah loves every single detail about your wedding, from the flowers to the dress to your whole love story. With almost 15 years of experience, Leah has helped countless brides get the best friend experience, as well as luxurious, long-wear makeup application to make them feel the most beautiful they ever have.

Leah’s perfectionist nature along with her proficiency with airbrush makeup that enhances the look in person and in photography plus her genuine love for her brides makes her stand out as one of the most sought after makeup artists in Western North Carolina. She has developed a passion to help women find their inner beauty through makeup, as the well as the knowledge and skill to bring out your best face.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

leahmilanmakeup.com

@leahmilanmakeup

leahmilanmakeup@gmail.com 2020 13

BEAUTY

LISA EDWARDS, PA-C, MPAS BELLE MIA LASER AND SKINCARE CENTER Lisa Edwards is the founder of Belle Mia Laser and Skincare Center. She is a skilled cosmetic injector and is well known for her transformative and natural results. Lisa began her career in nursing in 1996. With a desire to expand her knowledge, she pursued a masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She met her husband in Savannah, Georgia shortly after graduating. After the birth of their first child, she took on the full time role as mother. A few years later the call of medicine returned. Lisa always had a passion for aesthetics and decided to open her own medical spa under the medical supervision of her husband, Dr. Chis Edwards. It was not long before she realized not only did she have a gift of artistry in aesthetics but also the ability to see beauty others do not see.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

LISA EDWARDS, PA-C, MPAS Belle Mia Laser and Skincare Center BelleMia.net

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@BelleMiaAsheville

Info@BelleMia.net

BUSINESS

CORTINA JENELLE CALDWELL C. JENELLE CHANGE AGENCY | ARTISTS DESIGNING EVOLUTION (adé PROJECT) | MOUNTAIN BUSINESS EQUITY INITIATIVE

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell is a proud millennial, born and raised in Morganton, NC and descending from generations of Black Appalachian, West African & indigenous farmers, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs and creatives. Cortina is an entrepreneur that learned at her grandmother’s hands that serves the community and her mission often in roles as a creative facilitator, creative entrepreneur, community organizer, event + experience curator, educator, youth mentor, life coach, strategic planner, and coalition builder. Cortina is Founder & Creative Community Organizer of Artists Designing Evolution (adé PROJECT), a decolonization-focused learning organization seeking to create a world beyond oppression, and inequity by building capacity, opportunity + community around lives + needs of Black, indigenous, people of color (BiPOC) . Additionally, Cortina is Co-Founder of Mountain Business Equity Initiative (MBEI) which is championing disparity with the BiPOC community, and strives toward entrepreneurial equity through education, empowerment & economic mobility, and through Cortina Jenelle Change Agency offers change management, strategic consulting + equity-rooted facilitation. connect@cortinajenelle.com

create@theadeproject.org

info@mountainbizequity.com PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRPHY

ART INSTALLATION CREDIT: “HOPE SPRINGS FORTH BRIGHTLY”, CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICANS THROUGH PUBLIC ART (CAAPA) [THIS WORK IS AN adé PROJECT]

2020 15

BUSINESS

EMILY SHEA THE EM SHEA

Storyteller. Content specialist. Director of words.

Emily is a salutatorian graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, a magazine editor, a copywriter, a debate fiend, a social media connoisseur and an unapologetic truth seeker and teller.

She is also the founder and owner of The Em Shea, a copywriting and editing firm that grew out of her desire to help publications, business owners, companies and everything in between create authentic connections with their audience. Her one-of-a-kind approach to content creation and copy editing coupled with her passion for creating authentic, lasting relationships has provided her local and international clients alike with tracked and proven results. Her unparalleled zeal and tenacity for telling true stories are, no doubt, what drive her success.

So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s tell your story.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

TheEmShea.com 16 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

@TheEmShea

emily@theemshea.com

BUSINESS

JENNY FARES SOUND MIND CREATIVE

A creative force to be reckoned with, Jenny Fares has been an active player in Asheville’s artistic community for over 15 years. Jenny is a mover, shaker, and all around crowd rouser.

She is a graphic designer, brand consultant and illustrator. Jenny started her career working for some of Atlanta’s top ad agencies, designing for Coca-Cola, M&M Mars, UPS and more.

She left the big city for the relaxed pace of Asheville in 2002, and opened Sound Mind Creative in 2004.

While building a national client base, Jenny works with many of Asheville’s most loved brands like the Go Local Card, Asheville On Bikes, Farm to Home Milk, PennyCup Coffee, UNCA, AB Tech, the City of Asheville and many more.

She was honored to be named Best of Graphic Design in WNC by Mountain Xpress readers in 2012 and 2013.

As a founder of Asheville Design Salon and AIGA Asheville, she made a valuable impact on the professional creative community. Her leadership is a catalyst for engagement, stimulation, and dialogue surrounding the emerging graphic design scene

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

soundmindcreative.com

@soundmindcreative

info@soundmindcreative.com 2020 17

BUSINESS

JULIE BALL SPARKLE HUSTLE GROW

Julie Ball is your Subscription Box Business Coach! She is the Founder and Chief Sparkler of Sparkle Hustle Grow, a multi-six figure subscription box and online community for female entrepreneurs. Julie leads thousands of women through personal development and business training in a way that’s fun and supportive. She is an author, speaker, community builder, and your business cheerleader, featured in Forbes, USA Today,

POPSUGAR and more. sparklehustlegrow.com

@sparklehustlegrow

@sparklehustlegrow PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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BUSINESS

KIMMY HUNTER WISHBONE TINY HOMES, LLC & START WITH ASSETS, LLC

Kimmy Hunter is an award-winning community leader, successful real estate broker, popular radio host, cooperative developer, confidant, and owner of Wishbone Tiny Homes. Kimmy is known to take on complex challenges with ease and clarity. She is most passionate about people, personhood, and the right to be honored As-Is. If you ask, she will tell you there is no greater love than honoring the smallest voices which start with the voices of her children. Contact Kimmy, it will change your life.

@wishbonetinyhomes @kimmyhunterrealestate @startwithassets

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

2020 19

BUSINESS

LAURA WEBB AND FAITH DOYLE HER TWO CENTS PODCAST™

Laura Webb, CFP®, CeFT® and Faith Doyle, MBA, CFP® are Co-Hosts and Co-Conspirators of the increasingly popular Her Two Cents Podcast™.

With their multigenerational approach to all things financial, their goal is to normalize the way women talk about and interact with their money.

During their day jobs as top-notch wealth management and investment consulting professionals, they see the positive and negative impacts money has on women’s lives every day. This inspired them to find a vehicle to help educate and motivate women to take control of their financial futures.

They know that empowered and knowledgeable women are better able to navigate all of life’s transitions.

Take a listen, subscribe, and share with your girlfriends. You can find HerTwoCents on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and Google podcast.

hertwocentspodcast.com @HerTwoCentsPodcast PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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@HerTwoCentsPodcast

BUSINESS

LIBBY KYLES CHANGING LENS CONSULTING

Libby Kyles is the founder of Changing LENS Consulting, which focuses on education and racial equity and personal coaching. A graduate of Western Carolina University, Kyles spent 20 years in North Carolina classrooms while also earning her National Board Certification and completing her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership While teaching, Libby co-founded Youth Transformed for Life in 2014 and served as the Executive Director until June of 2019. Under her leadership, YTL developed two summer programs, GRACE for Teens and ROSES and MOSS Summer Camp for elementary school students and an advocacy program to improve the communication between participants, teachers, and parents.

In 2019, Libby transitioned from the classroom to the board room, accepting the position of CEO of the YWCA of Asheville. As the first Black CEO of the organization in over 30 years, she worked to address equity issues previously identified within the organization. During her tenure, she led their response to the COVID 19 pandemic, ensuring that the YWCA transitioned services to support the community, staff, and participants safely. Libby’s season with the YWCA came to an end in September of 2020 and she is now focusing on consulting. changinglensconsulting.com @Changing-LENS-Consulting -102818611627815 libkyles@gmail.com 828.338.9992 PHOTO CREDIT: MADDIE KAY PHOTOGRAPHY

2020 21

BUSINESS

SHARON OXENDINE BOW AND ARROW CONSULTING

Sharon Oxendine is a proud First Nations woman from the Lumbee Tribe in NC with a strong background in diverse communities and strong relationships in the business community in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Sharon is a business development specialist with over eighteen years dedicated in the business development field and the CDFI industry and twenty-eight years of nonprofit experience. Sharon recently started her business Bow and Arrow Consulting.

Her business is focused on consulting with small businesses and nonprofits, creating platforms to elevate women and POC in small business development and facilitating programs that create business community. Sharon has lived in the WNC region for twenty-eight years and considers herself a Tribe Builder.

Sharon currently works with the company tenBiz a woman owned business from Sylva providing business services across the state of NC.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

@Sharon Oxendine 22 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

Sharon.oxendine5@outlook.com

@sharon_oxendine

FASHION

CLAIRE WATSON NICOLE HAIRFIELD MOONLIGHT MAKERS

What started in two neighbor’s kitchens has now grown into a National Brand with six online stores, a retail store, a mobile store & stockists in every state. Moonlight Makers has been featured in Amazon Handmade and QuickBooks commercials, Buzzfeed articles, selected to design pins for congress and flown to NYC for Amazon Handmade’s first market. Nicole’s background in art and design combined with Claire’s background in sales and business enabled them to build a brand of whimsical shirts, totes, dish towels and merch. They spend their days chasing after their six kids and growing the business they love. moonlightmakers.com 43 Rankin Avernue @moonlightmakers

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

2020 23

FASHION

LAUREN MOODY FOX AND BEAUX BOUTIQUE

Fox & Beaux was created by renowned jewelry designer, Lauren Moody, in 2012 to bring you the most amazing, original, oneof-a-kind, fine-quality jewelry. We want to delight you with jewelry that you adore, and can’t find anywhere else. Completely unique, one-of-a-kind custom pieces are our niche, and for eight years we’ve been on a mission to improve and change the way you shop for jewelry. Shopping or designing your own jewelry in our Boutique & Design Studio is relaxing and enjoyable, like being at a friends house; not stuffy and uptight like other typical big box jewelry stores.

In our Boutique you will find Asheville’s best jewelry design studio and our amazing Jewelry Dream Team! You’ll enjoy shopping from our expertly curated selection of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry made and designed by Lauren and her team, as well as a variety of unique pieces from some of the country’s (and world’s) best handmade jewelers and crafters.

In 2020, Lauren was Voted Asheville’s Best Jewelry Designer, and Fox & Beaux Boutique was named 2nd Best Jewelry Store! (Mtn X ‘Best of WNC’ 2020). foxandbeaux.com @foxandbeaux 56 Haywood St. PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

BRANDY MILLS T.B.M SMALLCAKES CUPCAKERY & CREAMERY

Brandy Mills is President & Co-Owner of T.B.M Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery, a locally owned cupcake bakery, in her home town of Asheville, NC. Smallcakes specializes in fresh baked CUPCAKES and store-made ICE CREAM, and is known as one of the best cupcake bakeries in the area. They believe in their motto that “Maybe a CUPCAKE will help” enhance any occasion.

Brandy has such a hunger to equip, empower, & uplift women. She is the founder of Woman Strong. She has the vision of encouraging, transforming, and strengthening women’s perception of our self worth around who we are and what we can achieve, & connecting them to community networks and resources that assist with achieving personal goals.

Additionally, Brandy has been a Registered Nurse for over 19yrs and continues to work on the frontlines today.

Brandy continues to defy odds by setting new standards that mandate her to step up on a daily basis. Her accomplishments have inspired many into massive action. She is humbled to be such a catalyst in her community.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

tbmsmallcakesasheville.com

@tbmsmallcakes

tbmsmallcakes@gmail.com 2020 25

FOOD & BEVERAGE

CAROLINE DOCKERY MORSEL COOKIE COMPANY

Morsel Cookie Company emerged from owner and baker Caroline Dockery’s obsession to make the best (and thickest) cookies in the southeast. Through her junior year of college, she began recipe testing in her tiny studio apartment, stacking pans anywhere possible.

While pursuing a degree in art and working as a personal trainer, she was finalizing the golden recipe.

After creating a small cookie following at her university job, she knew she wanted to bake full time.

3 months after graduating, Morsel Cookie Company was founded. morselcookie.company @morsel_cookieco morselcookieco20@gmail.com

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

LEAH HOWARD CULTIVATED COCKTAILS

Being a native of Asheville NC, there’s something special about watching the city grow and thrive.

Leah is honored to be in the small business community and give back to the place that made her who she is today.

The Distillery business wasn’t in her plan, but sometimes things happen for just the right reasons. Leah’s husband, Taylor, had a desire to see a distillery here in beer City, and she fell in love with his plan.

Running the day to day, fighting for the distilling community to have more options and freedoms, seeing the enjoyment of people sipping their product, are just a few of the things that really make this a dream come true. They’re cultivating an experience for the craft drinker at Cultivated Cocktails, that takes you from raw ingredients to craft cocktail. A lifestyle, for those who enjoy sipping on something finer and carefully created.

Cultivated-cocktails.com Leah@hhdistillery.com 29 page Ave

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

2020 27

ON the RISE

... Women to Watch

HOPE APOLINAR

Apolinar Photography hopeapolinarphoto@gmail.com

STEPHANIE KLEIN, FNP-C

The Klein Creative - Healthcare Copywriter thekleincreative.com

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MADDIE KAY

Maddie Kay Photography maddiekayphotography.com

KATIE FIORE

JOANNA A SASSOS

Fioreously Delicious, Inc fioreouslydelicious.com

Savvy Marketing Solutions SavvyMarketingAvl.com

MICHELLE KUHNEN

Asheville Personal Training AshevillePersonalTraining.com

TAMARA BROOKE

Plush Home plush-home-asheville@myshopify.com

MELISSA KLEDIS Peridot Financial, Inc. peridotfinancialinc.com

2020 29

FOOD & BEVERAGE

PATRICIA WATERS CHILL CEREAL BAR & CAFÉ

Patricia waters are the co-founder of Chill Cereal Bar & Cafe. The business was created by her son Elijah Cox who is 13 years old. She decided to take his vision and turn it into reality. When experiencing the cereal bar, you will laugh, have fun and enjoy all varieties of cereal, milk, and toppings. The business is focused on bringing families and others together to spend quality time with each other while eating something everyone loves, cereal. In our current society, we are technology bound everyone is on their phones consistently. Individuals having to put their phones down and communicate with each other is very important in creating strong families and communities. She not only talks about the importance of community, but she also is actively involved in the community. She is volunteering with youth and just recently became peer support. She donates cereal randomly to the community and others in need areas.

The business she runs is unique and is trying to bring the community back one cereal bowl at a time!

Patriciawaters06@gmail.com chillcerealbar.com @Chillceralbar&cafe

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PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

FOOD & BEVERAGE

TORI CARRASCO CARRASCO CATERING

Originally from Greenville, SC, Tori Carrasco graduated from Furman University with a degree in Asian Studies. It has always been her desire to connect people from all over the world and help them understand each other’s perspectives. After living in Japan and Slovenia, she returned to the Carolinas to work for Land Rover, managing events and enhancing brand strategies for over 15 years. During this time, she volunteered with InterNations by organizing events that facilitated connections for internationals. In 2017, she and her Chef husband moved to Asheville and partnered in creating Carrasco Catering. With her planning skills and his cooking skills, they create amazing events for corporate parties, weddings, or any excuse to celebrate. carrascocatering.com @carrascocatering info@carrascocatering.com

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

2020 31

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DR. DIXIE BROWN LOTUS HEALING

Dr. Dixie Brown is an Integrative Medicine Practitioner and the owner of Lotus Healing, a health and wellness coaching practice.

Passionate about helping individuals around the world who seek optimal health and wellness through the use of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Dixie helps her clients feel their best- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her greatest joy is seeing her clients fall in love with themselves in ways they never imagined possible. Dixie is also the Founder of Willow Place, a substance use and mental health treatment program for women, and Board President of The Seraph Fund, a non-profit organization that helps provide resources for those seeking recovery. Additionally, Dixie is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Group Fitness Instructor. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and two kitties, hiking, being outdoors, traveling, and taking photos for her travel photography business, Wanderlust Photography. lotushealingforyou.net lotushealingforyou@gmail.com @lotushealingforyou 32 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SAMANTHA NIVENS SAMANTHA NIVENS COACHING

Samantha is REDEFINING weight loss.

Her unparalleled method of coaching focuses on each clients’ unique mental, physical and environmental factors, fostering results they have not been able to achieve on their own. What’s truly exceptional is that Samantha’s coaching is more than what to eat and how to work out, it is empowerment. It is the mindset shifts needed to truly take on the changes for life.

Samantha’s unique experiences in life, including being an ultra marathon runner, being a mother to her 4 and 2-yearold boys, as well as her professional background has allowed her to find the magical formula to living a healthy lifestyle while enjoying all of life, never feeling deprived – enjoying wine, pizza and going out!

She has over 10 years experience in the health industry, from personal training, group fitness, health coaching at Noom and a MS in Health Promotion & Exercise Physiology. Her positive energy is the icing on the proverbial cake. Book a call today to learn more! samanthanivens.com @samanthanivenscoaching 954.801.0797 PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

2020 33

HEALTH & WELLNESS

TEAH BENKOCZY & KYLIE HODGES SÅŒR STUDIOS

The women behind SOR Studios are fueled by the idea that fitness is a core practice of self care and an integral part of well being. They believe in empowering others through movement and meaningful connections.

Every class is filled with positive energy, challenge and joy. Whether you RIDE or MOVE they make it their mission to make your day!

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

sorstudiosavl.com 34 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

@sorstudiosavl

hello@sorstudiosavl.com

HOME & LIFE

EMILY DRESBACK DEWEY PROPERTY ADVISORS

Want an easy conversation starter with Emily? Here are some suggested topics: dogs, shoes, travel, dark beer, John Denver, chocolate‌and commercial real estate.

Emily Dresback is a Commercial Broker with Dewey Property Advisors, a local boutique commercial real estate company that provides vertically integrated real estate services to and for the community.

Emily began her career in commercial real estate to help companies make smarter real estate decisions with a steadfast dedication to representing tenants, buyers, sellers and landlords.

She accomplishes this by leveraging market knowledge, industry relationships, and integration of services to provide comprehensive real estate solutions for her clients – this includes helping them evaluate a property from many different perspectives such as environmental to cash flow.

Emily has been active in all facets of the commercial real estate industry and has represented numerous local, regional and national companies in various property types including office buildings, retail buildings, shopping centers, and industrial warehouses.

828.548.0090

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

Grove Arcade, 1 Page Avenue, Suite 240 deweypa.com 2020 35

HOME & LIFE

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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CAT FORD-COATES STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

Cat Ford-Coates is an Accredited Fellow Master Photographer, a title held by only five Portrait Photographers worldwide. She specializes in boutique branding campaign development (worldwide), and portraiture as an art form for clients worldwide. She has photographed clients in her studio in Asheville as well as: Bali, Mexico, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Munich, Costa Rica, and London. “My greatest accomplishment has always been mirroring the innate strength and grace of the subject back to them with portraits they can cherish for a lifetime; in their personal lives and in their businesses. Our legacies are everywhere we impact the world and that deserves to be documented and honored so that we may all be Unforgettable.�

Cat also has a destination brand for her fine art work known as Portrait Unforgettable opening locations in NYC & Sarasota, Florida in 2021. studio-828.com

portraitunforgettable.com

thestudiotakeover.com

2020 37

HOME & LIFE

KAITEY LEE HANLON HAVENLEE HOME + PETSITTING

Kaitey is the owner of Havenlee Home and Petsitting. Havenlee provides peace of mind to home and pet owners in the Asheville area; knowing their home is well taken care of and pets remain comfortable in their haven.

With a variety of services, Kaitey and her team are dedicated to making clients’ time away stress free. Whether it be for a weekend or for a whole season, Havenlee will handle all details with care Originally from Indiana, Kaitey moved to Asheville in 2013 and immediately fell in love with the mountains and downtown atmosphere. She is a founding member of KNOW Asheville and in her free time she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, exploring local shops & restaurants, and is passionate about supporting other small businesses.

Kaitey@havenleepetsitting.com Havenleepetsitting.com @the_asheville_pet_sitter

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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HOME & LIFE

KERRY MAYER MORE TIME LESS STUFF PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING

Kerry is the founder of More Time Less Stuff, a full service professional organizing company. Life can be a hectic, full time juggling act - work, kids, activities, home responsibilities - finding balance is difficult. Living life at a fast pace comes with an accumulation of stuff that often ends up getting in our way, and keeps us from focusing our time on what matters most.

Kerry designs and organizes spaces to be more efficient, allowing clients to focus time and energy on life moments that create joy. Well organized and streamlined spaces create opportunities for maximizing life’s potential. More Time Less Stuff elevates everyday spaces through thoughtful design and function.

Kerry coaches clients and transforms lives through beautifully organized spaces.

Kerry loves living in Asheville, and is married with three energetic children.

They spend most of their time outdoors, and enjoy everything that makes Asheville such a unique place to live. moretimelessstuff.com @moretimelessstuff @More Time Less Stuff

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

2020 39

HOME & LIFE

LAUREN TAMAYO LMT HOMES

Coming from a background as a professional athlete in the sport of cycling, Lauren made the transition into building and designing houses in 2016. With the help of her husband they launched LMT Homes. Lauren knows well the dedication that is needed to run her own business and work with clients. It is the same dedication that saw her win a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. It’s all about the 1%. LMT Homes is quickly becoming a mainstay in the Asheville residential building community with their focus being modern, open concept designs. Lauren is proud to stand behind every house that comes out of the ground and prides herself knowing that she is creating a space for her customers to call home.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

lmthomes.com 40 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

@lmthomes

info@lmthomes.com

HOME & LIFE

LAUREN YOUNIS A QUARTZY LIFE

Finding beauty and sharing inspiration has always been second nature to Lauren Younis, the artist behind A Quartzy Life: the stationary and art brand that’s bringing joy and encouragement to homes and shops around Asheville.

A Chicago native who’s lived and traveled throughout the US, Lauren’s free spirit and knack for self-expression landed her in Asheville in 2017, where her greeting cards, stickers, and inspirational art prints have found a place in the community she so loves. Lauren has lent her creative hand to various local mural projects and non-profit causes, and her personal work continues to bring light and positivity to a world that needs it.

“I’ve always known that people need beauty in their lives,” she says. “Our souls need it, especially now. I just want to bring that to people – and inspire them to cultivate it in themselves.”

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

aquartzylife.etsy.com

@aquartzylife

laurenyounis@gmail.com 2020 41

HOME & LIFE

MEGAN LEIGH JOHNSON-BARNES CAROLINA MUSIC PLANNER

For Founder/Cellist of Carolina Music Planner Megan Leigh Johnson-Barnes, performing and supporting the local music scene has always been an integral part of her life. In 2017, she took her part-time business to the next level becoming a fulltime self-employed musician, contractor, and wedding entertainment planner. With a team of near 100 musicians (from NC, SC, FL, TN, GA, + more), she coordinates music for events across the southeast.

Megan has been honored to share the stage with Yo-Yo Ma, Andres Cardenes, Bela Fleck, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and other world-renowned musicians.

She will be sure that your special event music is performed at the highest level of professionalism, only hiring the most talented musicians in the region.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, Tate.

Hiking, gardening, collecting calendars & colored pens, travel, wine, weight training, rowing, & networking are a few of her favorite activities.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

carolinamusicplanner.com 42 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

@carolinamusicplanner

megan@carolinamusicplanner.com

HOME & LIFE

SHAY BROWN SHAY BROWN EVENTS

For 20 Years, Shay has found her passion in Event Planning here in Asheville NC and throughout the entire Southeast When Shay designs something, it becomes intensely personal to her. She pours every bit of her love, talent, and commitment into it and the result shows in the finished product. Great design is two-fold. You must be able to see the grand vision of empty space, while simultaneously zooming way in, to the tiniest detail, this is what sets Shay Brown Events apart from others, the attention to detail.

SBE Management, the sister company currently manages 11 amazing venues in the Asheville area.

Shay has just joined and is very excited to lend her passion and talent as Festival Director for Chow Chow; An Asheville’s Culinary Event here in Asheville, where she is working alongside some of the areas most talented Chefs, Farmers and Makers in the area.

Who is Shay when she’s not designing and planning events? You can often find her spending time with her furbabies; her niece Beatrice, nephew Oscar and her family, they are the most important part of her life.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

shay@shaybrownevents.com

shaybrownevents.com

80 Broadway Street 2020 43

HOME & LIFE

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PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

TAYLOR GREGG CHESTNUT RIDGE

At the null of Chestnut Mountain, sits a small piece of heaven surrounded by a 150 acre farm. As the Founder of Chestnut Ridge, Taylor is humbled that she is able to run her dream business from her home base and thankful that she can share this blessing of home with all of her couples, their families and guests. With a background in both finance and wedding planning, she has curated Western North Carolina’s most desired timeless style venue — Chestnut Ridge. She built and designed the Venue with her husband who’s family still actively works the historic farm, and she continues to style and design parties & weddings. Loving every minute of the chaos, Taylor is by day a total boss babe to a mega successful business where she’s a total girl’s girl and by night she is a full-time mommy to a wild crew of boys who keep her nothing but busy. chestnutridge.events

info@chestnutridge.events

@chestnutridgeevents

2020 45

MEDIA

AISHA ADAMS AISHA ADAMS MEDIA

Aisha Adams is an influencer with a heart for community economic development who champions social change advocates, thought leaders, and courageous disruptors. She is founder and CEO of the Aisha Adams Media Group and partner organization Equity Over Everything, which advances equity by closing gaps in entrepreneurship and homeownership in low-resource communities. Aisha’s other ventures include the Asheville View, a daytime-style talk show that addresses “hot button” issues in Asheville, Nappy Thoughts, a personal blog followed by thousands of people on social media, and the Entrepreneurial Accelerator, a business bootcamp that ties fledgling businesses to community resources.

She is also the program developer for the Lenoir-Rhyne Equity & Diversity Institute (LREDI). Aisha earned her bachelor’s degree in English from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her Master of Science degree in Adult Education from Capella University AishaAdamsMedia.com PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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LR.EDU/LREDI TheAshevilleView.com

MEDIA

ADRIANA CHAVELA HOLA CAROLINA

Adriana Chavela is founder and Executive Director of Hola Carolina. Her mission is to help our community understand the presence, contributions and challenges of Latino families in the Carolinas.

For more than a decade, Adriana Chavela has served as diversity consultant to business leaders. Her consulting assignments focus on entrepreneurship, Latinos in America, career advancement, and marketing diversity management. holacarolina.org info@holacarolina.org 828.989.2745 PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

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NON-PROFIT

JEWANA GRIER-MCEACHIN ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE INSTITUTE OF PARITY ACHIEVEMENT (ABIPA)

JéWana Grier-McEachin, Executive Director of the Asheville Buncombe Institute of Parity Achievement (ABIPA), has been with the organization since 2008.

ABIPA holistically focuses on physical, mental, social, and economic health to successfully establish parity Realizing the importance of using her voice, she hosts the Body & Soul Radio Show and is a monthly content contributor to the Urban News. JéWana is a visionary, a servant leader and an inspirational speaker and champion of people using their powers for good. She enjoys seeing her team and community grow and thrive transforming dreams into reality.

Under her leadership, ABIPA works to proactively shape formal and informal policies to eliminate disparities and create an equitable economic, educational, and enriching ecosystem intentionally promoting a culture of health. ABIPA’s successfully serves over 6500 community members annually by collaborating and going to people with passion and commitment.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

828.251.8364 48 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

abipa.org

jewana@abipa.org

NON-PROFIT

LEVETTE A. CAMPBELL LC: LOVE-LOYALTYAUTHENTICITY-RESPECT

LeVette Campbell leads with a servant heart. As a Qualified Mental Health Professional and Certified Professional Life Coach, LeVette serves as the Social Worker for Asheville High School and The School of Inquiry and Life Sciences.

She provides direct services to students, families, and community partners to promote and support students’ academic and social success. As a crisis responder, she focuses on solutions and social emotional support, while remaining person centered. LeVette is passionate about building connections and has done so by being a mentor for youth for over 20 years. When she is not serving students, you may find her volunteering for organizations such as; My Sistah Taught Me That, Serve to Lead, and Open Doors. LeVette is a loving, caring, energetic, resourceful, and positive leader. Her spirituality and family are of utmost importance to her and over the last 14 years she has continued to grow her family as a therapeutic foster parent. Levette’s passion for youth goes beyond the workplace, she is truly of service to our community and love is her leading motivation.

Lacampbell06@gmail.com @Vetteskee PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

@LeVette Campbell 2020 49

NON-PROFIT

LESLIE COUNCIL LAKE MY SISTAH TAUGHT ME THAT

Asheville, NC native, Leslie Council Lake, has worked in healthcare administration for over 17 years. Within this role, she has furthered her education in health equity and become a consultant that is committed to dismantling racism in healthcare. Her expertise in event planning and marketing skills have afforded her opportunities to work with nationally recognized providers across the country.

She is the Marketing and Sales Manager for the Department of Continuing Professional Development at Mountain Area Health Education Center. She is a current board member of the Western Carolina Medical Society, and serves on the Steering Committee of the Medical Minority Mentoring Program.

Her passion is dedicated to a local nonprofit she owns and operates called My Sistah Taught Me That, an organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting young girls growing up in single parent homes.

Leslie is a public speaker, blogger, Certified Professional Life Coach, and Equity Consultant.

PHOTO CREDIT: STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY

mysistahtaughtmethat.org 50 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

@mysistahtaughtmethat

@mysistahtaughtmethat

JAN YOUNG

Already Trained Australian Labradoodles Vol 1 Page 48-49

CARLEY LEE

Long Live Simple Vol 1 Page 21

GEORGIA WALKER

GWALKER PERFORMANCE Vol 1 Page 37

ALUMNAE

KNOW ASHEVILLE BOOK ALUMNAE

KRISTI MAYRAND Stargazers Design Vol 1 Page 60

MARIE FOX

Movement Mortgage Vol 1 Page 59

APRIL GAHAGAN- FORE Furniture Specialties, Inc. Vol 1 Page 51

2020 51

index Leah Milan..................................... LEAH MILAN MAKEUP..................................................................... Beauty.................................................. 13 Lisa Edwards................................. BELLE MIA ASHEVILLE..................................................................... Beauty.................................................. 14 Cortina Jenelle............................... CORTINA JENELLE CHANGE AGENCY, ARTISTS DESIGNING EVOLUTION (ADÉ PROJECT) . ........................................................& MOUNTAIN BUSINESS EQUITY INITIATIVE................................... Business............................................... 15 Emily Shea..................................... THE EM SHEA.................................................................................. Business............................................... 16 Jenny Greer Fares.......................... SOUND MIND CREATIVE.................................................................. Business............................................... 17 Julie Ball........................................ SPARKLE HUSTLE GROW................................................................. Business............................................... 18 Kimmy Hunter................................ WISHBONE TINY HOMES, LLC & START WITH ASSETS, LLC.......... Business............................................... 19 Laura Webb & Faith Doyle............. HER TWO CENTS............................................................................. Business............................................... 20 Libby Kyles.................................... CHANGING LENS CONSULTING....................................................... Business............................................... 21 Sharon Oxendine............................ BOW & ARROW CONSULTING......................................................... Business............................................... 22 Claire Watson/Nicole Hairfield........ MOONLIGHT MAKERS..................................................................... Fashion................................................. 23 Lauren Moody................................ FOX & BEAUX BOUTIQUE................................................................ Fashion................................................. 24 Brandy Mills.................................. T.B.M SMALLCAKES CUPCAKERY & CREAMERY............................ Food & Bev........................................... 25 Caroline Dockery........................... MORSEL COOKIE CO........................................................................ Food & Bev........................................... 36 Leah Howard................................. CULTIVATED COCKTAILS................................................................ Food & Bev........................................... 27 Patricia Waters.............................. CHILL CEREAL BAR.......................................................................... Food & Bev........................................... 30 Tori Carrasco................................. CARRASCO CATERING.................................................................... Food & Bev........................................... 31 52 THEKNOWWOMEN.COM

Dixie Brown................................... WILLOW PLACE FOR WOMEN.......................................................... Health & Wellness................................. 32 Samantha Nivens........................... SAMANTHA NIVENS COACHING...................................................... Health & Wellness................................. 33 Teah Benkoczy and Kylie Hodges... SOR STUDIOS.................................................................................. Health & Wellness................................. 34 Emily Dresback.............................. DEWEY PROPERTY ADVISORS......................................................... Home & Life.......................................... 35 Cat Ford-Coates............................. STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY........................................................... Home & Life..................................... 36-37 Kaitey Hanlon................................ HAVENLEE PETSITTING................................................................... Home & Life.......................................... 38 Kerry Mayer.................................. MORE TIME LESS STUFF................................................................. Home & Life.......................................... 39 Lauren Tamayo.............................. LMT HOMES.................................................................................... Home & Life.......................................... 40 Lauren Younis................................ A QUARTZY LIFE.............................................................................. Home & Life.......................................... 41 Megan Leigh Johnson.................... CAROLINA MUSIC PLANNER........................................................... Home & Life.......................................... 42 Shay Brown................................... SHAY BROWN EVENT MANAGEMENT............................................. Home & Life.......................................... 43 Taylor Gregg.................................. CHESNUT RIDGE.............................................................................. Home & Life..................................... 44-45 Aisha Adams.................................. AISHA ADAMS MEDIA..................................................................... Media.................................................... 46 Adriana Chavela............................. HOLA CAROLINA.............................................................................. Media.................................................... 47 JeWana Grier-McEachin................. ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE INSTITUTE OF PARITY ACHIEVEMENT (ABIPA).. Non-Profit............................................. 48 LeVette Campbell........................... ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS.............................................................. Non-Profit............................................. 49 Leslie Council Lake......................... MY SISTAH TAUGHT ME THAT....................................................... Non-Profit............................................. 50

2020 53

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2020 55

BRING

TO YOUR CITY FEATURING WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW AND DO BUSINESS WITH

The KNOW Women Book + Collaborative We are searching for influencers, tastemakers, and fellow dynamic women who are well-connected, savvy, in tune with community, and believe in our mission to lift & rise women. If this is you, become a KNOW Ambassador! Connect with us at KNOW Publications to find out how to bring how to bring the KNOW Women to your city!

For more information: hello@theknowwomen.com

2020 KNOW ASHEVILLE BOOK Community Partners STUDIO 828 PHOTOGRAPHY SHAY BROWN EVENTS SPARKLE HUSTLE GROW

KNOW Asheville is an annual publication that features dynamic women in virtually every industry. Every woman featured in KNOW Asheville has been vetted through peer-review. Because our mission is to showcase the best and brightest, the only way one can claim their slot is through nomination. The women featured are a compilation of proven leaders, high producers, and rising stars. Those published in KNOW Asheville are also considered trendsetters, influencers, and women to watch.

KNOW Asheville is published annually and distributed to affluent decision makers through social and networking events and partnering businesses. While deemed the new who’s who, KNOW Asheville also delivers readers a vetted list of local female-run businesses. Simply open the KNOW Book and find the next local woman-led business you can support with goods and services you need now!

KNOW Asheville is produced by The KNOW Women TM. The women featured in this volume have been vetted by their peers and are known leaders in their industry. For consideration in an upcoming volume of KNOW, go to theknowwomen.com and complete a submission.

BEAUTY | BUSINESS | FASHION | FOOD & BEVERAGE | HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & LIFE | MEDIA | ENTERTAINMENT | NON-PROFIT | NOTABLE Bring the KNOW Book to your city! Š2020 The Know Tribe, LLC., all rights reserved.

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