@paulieboy_enterprises

Born and raised in New Orleans, and worked in fine dining kitchens for 20+ years. Paul is known for his passionate, yet rustic approach to Italian and Louisiana cuisines, but his specialty is "good food." He moved to Asheville in 2017 and was inspired by local chefs to open his own business. In 2020 he started Paulieboy Enterprises, catering private parties, Guest Chef Pop-Ups and participating in local culinary events. He loves to travel the world for inspiration, and keeps his menus globally influenced, but locally sourced. "Create it and Plate it."

@bargelloavl @sweettscooking

Chef Slade is the mastermind behind the creation and execution of both restaurant’s menus and seasonal offerings, utilizing Asheville’s abundance of fresh produce to craft delicious dishes that keep guests coming back time and time again. Previously, Chef Slade spent six years as Sous Chef at Posana in Asheville, preceded by his time in Beaufort, South Carolina, where he opened 3 Sisters Pizzeria and 10 Market, a chef’s kitchen which received local recognition including Best Overall Restaurant, Best Fine Dining, and Best Chef. 

@theindigoroad

A native Charlestonian, Mark Bolchoz, Jr. (he/him) grew up surrounded by the cuisine and culture of the Lowcountry. In 2020, Bolchoz’s love of rustic and rural Italian cuisine led him to join The Indigo Road Hospitality team as Executive Chef of Indaco. With a focus on sourcing ingredients from local and regional purveyors, Bolchoz relies on the seasons to drive menu offerings. He will be relocating to Asheville and leading the team at the forthcoming restaurant concept at The Flatiron Hotel.

@blueridgepride

Tina (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Pride Center and a co-host and writer for the Asheville View, an affiliate of Equity over Everything. She spent 35 years consulting to and working for global corporations specializing in large-scale business transformation. In 2013 she embarked on her most ambitious transformation project yet: herself. With the support of her wife, family, and colleagues, Tina finally acknowledged the gender identity she had spent fifty years trying to bury. Since 2015 Tina has shifted her focus to activism, writing, and

@stevepalmer12

Steve Palmer (he/him), a JBF Outstanding Restaurateur Award nominee and semifinalist, is the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of the hospitality and consulting company, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, with restaurants and hotels throughout the Southeast and beyond. Palmer is also Co-Founder of Ben’s Friends, an industry group offering community, hope and a path forward for those struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

@veteranshealingfarm

Yeck (he/him) is a former US Marine, Special Intelligence Communications as well as an Information Management Officer with the U.S. Department of State. He lived and worked in Africa, Europe, Central America, and the Middle East. He is the author of “2266” about the abandonment of American POW/MIAs during the Vietnam War. Veterans Healing Farm was born out of a sincere desire to create a place where veterans can plug into a new community, and discover a new "mission" outside of the military.

@makingwhole

Jeremy (he/him) got sober in 1995 and brings his experience of living sober and helping others to do the same. He is a maker. He's made lots of cool things--a sober life worth living, a marriage, some really great kids, time to spend outside, some good and some poor decisions on the soccer field, and some furniture. He is a pioneer in architectural concrete, and has traveled the world teaching makers in the craft. He is the director of Making Whole, an apprenticeship program for recovering drug addicts in Asheville NC, teaching men how to build fine furniture.

@fromtheashescac

Ashley (she/Her) has a  MA in Forensic Psychology and BS in Psychology, and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Clinical Supervisor Intern. I am part of the Black/female/LGBTQIA+ community and hope to offer my services to diverse groups struggling with substance use/addiction and mental health. Through healing and transformation my goal is to help you acknowledge, accept, and celebrate your differences.

@fromtheashescac

Heather (she/her) is a native of WNC. She is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Clinical Supervisor Intern, and has a BS in Psychology and an MS in Criminal Forensic Studies. She uses her gifts, talents, experiences, education, and her authentic self to help others feel empowered to live as their authentic selves. She wants to normalize seeking help and mental health struggles and addiction, and let people know that they are not alone.

@ashevilledragbrunch

Asheville Drag Brunch is the littlest big show in town - designed to showcase local and guest professional drag queens, promote local restaurant and bar businesses, and support local 501(c)3 organizations. Clap and cheer during the glitter-adorned affair while the queens dance and twirl around with spot-on lip-syncing in sky-high heels.

@shantielixirs

Working together, the Shanti Elixirs’ team is dedicated to spreading well-being, peace and good vibes through every sip of Jun – created and bottled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.

@savorshrub

Kat Savage (she/her) is a WNC native, passionate naturalist & foodie. SAVOR makes NA mixers in an homage to herbal & European traditions of bitters & shrubs. She has been involved in herbalism for 20 years & has her BS in Natural Health. Formerly co-owning & formulating for a respected herb school & tincture company, she has taught about health around the southeast. SAVOR’s mission is to encourage clients to drop in & savor life’s little moments with better bitters.

@matchanude

Matcha Nude exists because finding organic, pure matcha that tastes good, is affordable + good for the planet is actually pretty hard to come by. We offer affordable premium grade organic, non-gmo matcha that is ethically sourced from Japan + is packaging in 100% compostable packaging. Our matcha is naturally soft and sweet in flavor and doesn't need additional sweeteners. We are on a mission to show the world the power of this incredible tea + the lifestyle that comes with it.

@cultivatedcocktailsdistillery

Since 2015, our family distillery has been crafting award-winning spirits and taking them one step further. Cultivated Cocktails blends legacy with innovation, art with science. We age our spirits with care, choice oaks and unique flavors. 

@pisgahroasters

Global Coffee. Local Flavor. Craft Coffee Roaster & Café, located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

@seedlipdrinks

Seedlip is on a mission to change the way the world drinks with the highest quality non-alcoholic options.

@drinkbuchi

Buchi’s mission is to use our company, our kombucha, as a conduit for social change. We are a dynamic tribe of change-makers who believe that healthy guts, happy hearts, and open minds are directly linked. If you want to understand who we are and why we pour our hearts and souls into this adventure, take a moment to journey with us.

@devilsfootbrew

Farm-To-Can Craft Soda. We pride ourselves on working with Organic Roots & Fruits to create a healthier, more flavorful non-alcoholic experience for everyone in our communities.

@nataliesoj

We handpick the best ingredients to bring forth the highest-quality juices, authentically. We call it The Natalie’s Way. Women-owned & family-driven.

the_mertails

Handcrafted in Asheville, NC. Zero proof cocktail concentrates. Simply add water & ice!  Spirits optional.

@mountainvalleywater

@drinksarilla

When you choose Sarilla, you are also making positive change in the world! A fun, healthy and nonalcoholic beverage that is naturally energizing with a base of camellia sinensis tea leaves. We use a whole leaf brewing technology so not only are you getting a great-tasting beverage, but you are also benefiting from the antioxidants, amino acids, omegas and slow-release polyphenol naturally occurring in tea. 

@loomimports

LOOM Imports partners with talented Artisans across the globe to create authentic, handmade, one of a kind goods. Each product is made using traditional techniques and natural materials. LOOM operates under the principals of fair trade, and values collaborative, community driven ethical partnerships. 

@provisionsmercantile

Established in 2019 by Asheville natives Heather and Matt Wright, Provisions Mercantile was inspired by Heather’s grandmother, Claudene Mchone, who created a small general store in the basement of her West Asheville home in the 1960s. The general mercantile served as an anchor in the community, a place where neighbors congregated and socialized. In honor of these classic community hubs, we offer a broad selection of unique goods, eclectic gifts, and nostalgic heirloom-worthy supplies for all ages and stripes. We are proudly locally owned and our exclusive offerings and

@organicgrowersschool

Organic Growers School is the premier provider of practical and affordable organic education in the Southern Appalachians, building a vibrant food & farming community by boosting the success of organic home growers and farmers in our region. Our hands-on training, workshops, conferences, and partnerships inspire, educate, and support people to farm, garden, and live organically.

@godess.ghee

We are a mama owned & women run small business in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains near Asheville who believe in the wisdom of food as medicine & honor the ancient Ayurvedic ritual of crafting grass-fed ghee. We are founded on the ethos of making the highest quality commercially available ghee made from the cream of cows living on green pastures + paying our team living wage + running a business as local and sustainable as possible. Our vision is to craft a nourishing

@redfiddlevittles

Red Fiddle Vittles creates fine food inspired by Appalachian ingredients, farms, and traditions. Created in 2018 as a catering and private chef company, Red Fiddle Vittles recently expanded to include a South Asheville retail storefront featuring house-made provisions, heat-and-eat weekly dinners, and specialty groceries from local producers. Combining more than 30 years of event and kitchen experience, Erica Beneke (she/her) and Matt Farr (he/him) are the mom-and-pop chefs and owners of Red Fiddle Vittles.

@embrewtea

You've barely got five minutes until your next video call, but desperately need a cup of tea to get you through it. Skip the messy infuser and grab an Embrew tea bag full of high-end tea and a touch of natural sweetener. Now, turn on your kettle and get to that meeting. 

@botanicalbonesco

We believe that all living creatures are at their best when consuming foods that nourish the mind, body and soul. Our dog treats are made in small batches with nutrient-dense clean ingredients that dogs love + superfoods and adaptogens to promote wellness.