Each year I compile a list of some of my favorite local artists, makers, and small business to promote during the holiday season. This year, however, I am doing things a bit differently. While I still FULLY encourage you to shop with small businesses in the greater Wilmington area, this year I am focusing on the small businesses and makers of my former home, Western North Carolina.

If you aren’t familiar with Western North Carolina (WNC), it is an area whose economy is largely based on tourism and the arts. Due to the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, many families and small businesses have found themselves under great financial strain. Now, without a steady stream of tourists and with so many buildings ruined or demolished, these small businesses need our help more than ever!

Some of these artists and makers are personal friends of mine. Some of them I have never met. However I am sure all of these talented people would be grateful for your support during this time.

Feeling lucky? Go to our Instagram page to find out how you can enter to win some goodies from some of these businesses!

FIREWALKER HOT SAUCE

I love spicy food but if you can give me spice AND flavor, you have my heart forever. Franco Donahue, the creator of Firewalker Hot Sauce, has achieved just that. With a magical combination of heat and flavor which compliments and enhances your meal, Firewalker has been a staple in my kitchen for over a decade. The original flavor is delicious and a great overall hot sauce. Mango is another favorite of mine, adding that fruity zing without losing the kick. Can’t decide which flavor you want? Buy a multipack and try them all!

DANNA RAY

Danna Ray is a Yancey County, NC artist who paints snippets of the beautiful WNC landscape. And because her website puts it better than I ever could, “Danna creates landscapes using gestural marks to convey a sense of immediacy and connection with her surroundings. Surfaces are repeatedly built up and scraped away to animate elemental forms in ever-changing environments. By focusing on the natural world in a state of flux, she searches for a sense of presence, a response, a feeling of equilibrium in a world that is continually shifting.” One of my favorite spots on the internet, her Instagram often shows how her paintings seamlessly blend in to the actual scene, blowing me away every time. For over 2 decades she has had shows around the country and her works can currently be found in Momentum Gallery in Asheville.

Not only is she an incredible artist but she is also an incredible human. In the days following the flooding, she and her wife, a nurse, raised money and purchased supplies that they then hiked up to some of the most remote residents of Yancey Co. to ensure they had the supplies and healthcare they needed. If that’s not the kind of person who deserves your support (and admiration), I don’t know what is!

NC GLASS CENTER

The more I learn about glass blowing and the individuality of each piece, the more I am in awe of this art form. The NC Glass Center has been a staple in the Asheville arts community for years, a non-profit that not only sells beautiful glass art but teaches classes and allows guests to witness the magic firsthand. Their location is in the River Arts District which saw some of the greatest destruction occurred. While their location is currently closed, their online store is still open and they are taking donations in hopes of inspiring future glassblowers to learn the art form and to keep the magic alive.

LIZ WIESEL

One thing I always encourage my clients to have in their homes is a little whimsy. It doesn’t have to be overt and in your face but shouldn’t we all have fun and laugh on a daily basis? I recently discovered Liz Wiesel’s art and it is the perfect injection of whimsy that every home needs. Each painting has a passage that gives insight into the character(s)’s life and personality, adding even more interest, if that is even possible. You can find Liz’s paintings at the Woolworth Walk on Haywood St. in downtown Asheville (an Asheville staple if you are looking for local art) and she has prints available online in her Etsy Store.

In addition to being an incredible artist, Liz and her family are also highly involved in the FernLeaf Charter School in Asheville as prior and current teachers and students. If you are unfamiliar with FernLeaf, it is a school whose campus was destroyed by Hurricane Helene and is raising money to rebuild in order to continue serving area children.

ASHLEY HEATH

Americana singer/songwriter Ashley Heath is WNC born and bred. Originally from Marshall, one of the many small towns that suffered massive devastation from Hurricane Helene, she attended college at Appalachian State and now calls Black Mountain home. And while Ashley can be found playing venues in the greater Asheville area, she has toured the US and Europe, including sets at Bonnaroo, MerleFest, and opening for Pat Benatar. While this kind of talent and experience could make an artist self-absorbed and pompous, Ashley is one of the friendliest, most down-to-earth, and loving people you could ever possibly meet. Her albums make great gifts for the music lover on your list but if you really want a treat, make sure to see her live!

MELINDA SELF

I consider myself extremely lucky to know some incredibly talented artists. Melinda Self is one of those artists. Her colorful art is whimsical and moving, inspiring yet not at all pretentious. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Helene, Melinda and her family lost their home, their cars, and much of her inventory of incredible art. While her studio in the River Arts District was miraculously spared from complete devastation due to its location on the second floor, many of her works were on display and for sale in various other galleries and stores that were washed away. The link above is to her Etsy store and as you will see, she has MANY happy customers who would highly recommend her as an artist worth your support, especially at this time.

This painting, a work in progress, was on her easel when the flood hit. Somehow it feels even more symbolic now.

C&CO.

C&Co. is an all-natural skincare company founded in Asheville in 2012. Owner Christi Apodaca wanted to provide skincare products that were good for both humans and the planet. Knowing Christi personally, I know the amount of effort she goes through to ensure that every aspect of her company holds true to these tenets. From painstakingly choosing ingredients and packaging to authentic and inclusive brand ambassadors, Christi is one of those people that you know you can trust and C&Co. is no different. Not only are these products good for you but they are INCREDIBLE! If you know me well, you have probably received one of her products as a gift. While my daughter is almost 8, C&Co.’s Coconut and Lavender Baby Moisturizer is still my go-to lotion for both my daughter and myself. Her Arnica Salve has helped me through a broken rib and hand surgery and was my grandmother’s favorite pain relieving remedy. I could honestly go on and on about every product of hers that I have tried but instead I encourage you to buy some for yourself or for someone on your list and let them do the bragging.

WOOD THRUSH STUDIO

Nichole Cecile of Wood Thrush Studio in Burnsville, NC hand makes beautiful clothing out of sustainable European linen and wool. Her clothes are perfect for the NC heat and humidity while offering classic styling and comfort. While Burnsville suffered a great deal of devastation, Nichole’s studio was luckily saved and she has been able to continue to create and fulfill orders, bringing her colorful, comfortable clothing to buyers nationwide.

BOTANICAL BONES

Botanical Bones is a pandemic-born, family-owned dog treat company out of Asheville. Featuring organic ingredients and made in small batches, Botanical Bones dog treats are a nutritious and delicious (so my dog tells me) option for the pup on your list. Botanical Bones also donates to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue which lost its facility and all physical assets during the flood (luckily all animals were safely placed in foster homes prior to the flood) so your purchase serves double duty, assisting a local business and a local non-profit!

MOONLIGHT MAKERS

If your algorithm is anything like mine, you have probably heard of Moonlight Makers by now. However, they are not just another company promising to donate a small portion of their proceeds to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This company was born in Asheville and is dedicated to the community. I remember shopping their pop-ups in their early days and loving their fun shirts at festivals in the area. Now they are in over 2000 stores nationwide and have the power to truly make an impact on WNC. If you have an Asheville/mountain lover on your list, 100% of the profits of all purchases from their Asheville collection goes to the incredible nonprofit BeLoved Asheville to help the area rebuild!

POPPY HAND-CRAFTED POPCORN

Poppy is a woman-owned popcorn brand out of Asheville, NC that specializes in using real ingredients. With a variety of flavors to choose from, including seasonal flavors, Poppy is a DELICIOUS option for the foodie on your list! If you purchase a bag of their Asheville Mix, a combination of white cheddar and salted caramel with the bag featuring local art, $2 from every bag goes to helping Asheville entrepreneurs stay afloat through Optimist Ventures (click on the Poppy link to watch a video giving more information).

There you have it! A small portion of my favorite WNC makers, artists, and non-profits from my former home. If you are looking for additional businesses or non-profits, check out the links below for even more options.

Love Asheville From Afar

Flood Back Art

AVL Today

Do you have a favorite WNC small business or non-profit we missed? Add them in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our Instagram post to find out how you can enter to win goodies from some of these makers just in time for the holidays!

Thanks for reading and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!