Gillie • Ware:

"I graduated from App State with a Bachelors of Science degree in Sustainable Development. My goal was to pursue opportunities to make a sustainable lifestyle accessible and attractive to those with the most to leverage, while benefitting those with the least. That was the inspiration of my opening Ware- a bulk refill station, Ware is a bulk refill station, zero-waste store, and all-around sustainable lifestyle resources in Downtown AVL. We carry intentional, ethical, low-waste products for humans and homes, with an emphasis on package-free, reusable, and refillable products.

I would have told 10-year-old Gillie that kindness does as much good for her as it does for the people in her life."
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Miranda • Namaste in Nature:

"I was burned out from a successful yet stressful corporate career, ended a toxic long-term relationship and was struggling with an autoimmune disease when I quit my job in 2015.  That same year, I lived out of a backpack while completing my yoga teacher training in India, meditating with Buddhist monks in Thailand/Myanmar and  hiking through the Himalayas, Alps and Andes mountains. After that, I felt drawn to Asheville, NC, which is about an hour from where I grew up. Because I personally experienced so much health, healing and happiness through yoga, meditation and nature, I decided to create a similar experience for others to enjoy. In 2017, I started experimenting by myself with one trail and a handful of adventurous guests. I am so grateful that we have grown to become a team of incredible local yoga teachers that guide hundreds of guests each year to connect with their bodies, minds and with these ancient Appalachian mountains. In fact, Namaste in Nature was named Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month for March 2021. 

My 10 year old self wanted to go live in Africa and protect lions, leopards and cheetahs from poachers, lol. I would tell her to keep following her curiosity, stay creative and keep learning... But not  just in the academic sense. I don't really have regrets but I would have been a lot more entrepreneurial a lot sooner had I not tried to fit into that traditional path/definition of success: "Get good grades, go to college, get a good job"

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Leah • Highland Brewery: 

"My father and his crew of brewers in the basement of Barley’s back in 1994 are the spark that ignited the craft beer scene in Asheville making Highland the pioneer in craft beer here. Now in our second generation of family ownership, we are known for the quality of our ever-evolving brews, our deep ties to Asheville and the Southeast, as well as our community focus. Our East Asheville brewery has long been a local destination and we have continued to develop it over the last year with new volleyball courts, unique event spaces, walking trails, and a disc golf course that will be ready this spring.   We are also excited to be returning to where our story started downtown as part of the S&W Market. That Art Deco gem has been lovingly restored and will feature our beer alongside some stellar restaurants that were also born in Asheville.

Keep playing with friends. You're really good at it now, at 10 years old, but you’ll tend to forget when adult life gets really full."

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Cassie • AVL Box:

"I launched The AVL Box in late 2020 with the passion and intention of bringing consumers even closer to the products they use and consume daily and the hands that grow or make them. The AVL Box is a hyper-local, über-fresh online delivery platform that focuses solely on products grown, made and produced in WNC. (Imagine all your favorite farmers markets in one place WITH local beer and wine!) In addition to a wide delivery radius, they also have free Pickup Locations in Asheville and surrounding areas, from Black Mountain to Waynesville and growing!

To her 10-year old self, she would say, ‘It may not always look like it, but you’re always on the right path... And Brussels sprouts are delicious!’"

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Jamie • Sand Hill Kitchen:

"Sand Hill Kitchen is known for our breakfasts and lunches. We serve the Candler community killer Fried Chicken, huge Reubens (some say the best in town!) and beautiful Bowls of Goodness (with fried grits and homemade sausage) just to name a few things. We are proud to be in our fourth year of business inside the BP gas station on Sand Hill and Sardis Roads. 

If I had something to say to my 10 year old self it would be to remember to be courageous and follow your instincts.  The happiest times in life come when you are willing to take chances and go with the flow."
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Loretta - Loretta's Cafe
Loretta’s is known for their  house made soups, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, local craft beer, and freshly baked sweet treats. Literally what Loretta would tell her 10 year old self:  Nothing--because 10 year olds never listen to adults anyway. :)
Learn More about Loretta's Cafe