Mountain Magic Gift Guide: Supporting Asheville Founders
|
|
Time to read 3 min
Shop our favorite local brands that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene this holiday season...
If you landed here, you probably know me, Rachel Meyer, and my brand, Botanical Bones. If not, read our story to learn all about my small business and how we started. Our brand has deep roots in Asheville, NC, where we live. Just a few weeks ago, Hurricane Helene hit our town and had a devastating impact on our community. In the wake of this tragedy, we've witnessed both heartbreak and hope.
Many small businesses in WNC, run by friends & neighbors, have suffered significant losses. Yet, in true Asheville spirit, they are getting back on their feet and finding ways to go above & beyond for our community while creating the products that are infused with local love.
As we ease into the holiday season, I wanted to share some incredible local woman-owned businesses and encourage you to support them in any way you can. All of the founders on this gift guide are personal friends and I can't recommend their products enough. There is seriously something for everyone on your gift list!
Botanical Bones
Superfood dog treats by me! We're giving back to our friends at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue for every order this holiday season.
C&Co.® Handcrafted Skincare
plant-based products that are pH balanced, effective and good for everybody™ founded by Christi Apodaca
Dare Vegan Cheese
Handcrafted Vegan Cheese. Upholding tradition. Defying expectations by Gwendolyn Dare Hageman
Everyday Oil
Certified Organic and Microbiome Friendly All-Purpose Skin Care for Everyone 〰️ By Emma Allen.
Moonlight Makers
Handmade gifts. Sharing shirts & giggles since 2015 by Claire Watson & Nicole Hairfield. 100% of the profits from the sale of all Asheville Designs will go to BeLoved Asheville.
Pirani
Sustainable drinkware for every adventure by Danielle Del Sordo and Brandegee Pierce. Every Pirani purchase translates to a direct contribution to the environment.
Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn
Pure. Simple. Popcorn Happiness. All-natural flavors made with real ingredients by Ginger Frank.
Soulku
Handmade Gemstone Jewelry. Meaningful touchstones to celebrate & support by Allison Blake & Elisa Van Arnam. Soulku is giving back to BeLoved Asheville for every purchase of their Asheville Strong Necklace.
The hardest part about creating this roundup was narrowing it down. I could have listen at least a dozen more, but these are female founded businesses are a group that I meet with regularly. The founders represent the heart and soul of Asheville's entrepreneurial spirit. They are mentors & friends that have guided me through my own small business journey. We've weathered storms before, both literal and figurative, and with our support, our community will overcome this challenge too.
How You Can Help
- Make a Purchase : If you're able, consider buying products from these businesses. Many are working hard to get their online stores back up and running.
- Share Their Stories : Use your social media platforms to spread the word about these businesses. A simple share can go a long way in driving support.
- Be Patient : As these businesses work to recover, they may experience delays or limited stock. Your understanding and patience mean the world to them.
- Offer Direct Support : Reach out to see if they need volunteers for cleanup or other assistance. Sometimes, a helping hand is the most valuable gift.
- Gift Cards : Purchasing gift cards now provides immediate financial support and gives you something to look forward to when they're fully operational again.
Our community's strength lies in our unity. Just as we've seen neighbors helping neighbors in the immediate aftermath of Helene, let's extend that same spirit to supporting our local business community.
Remember, every purchase, every share, and every kind word matters. Together, we can help our beloved Asheville not just recover, but thrive once again.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Your compassion and support continue to inspire us every day.
With gratitude and hope for brighter days ahead,