In this episode, we interview Meherwan Irani, the CEO, Executive Chef, and Founder of the Chai Pani Restaurant Group. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Chai Pani is a context-based business model that focuses on why instead of the how Why it’s important to just let your team come up with better ideas Who Meherwan considers " carriers ," and why they are pivotal in allowing a business to grow and expand The origins of the name Chai Pani How and why the team at Chai Pani focuses ...
Apr 06, 2021•2 hr 37 min
For complete show notes, including some supplementary information from this episode visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/088 To see our upcoming social events and workshops, visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/events To recommend an interviewee, visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/podcast Shoutout to this season's sponsor: Range Urgent Care. The team at Range is offering a special promotion to Making It in Asheville Podcats listeners. To learn more, visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/range . Or use 'makingitinashev...
Mar 30, 2021•16 min
In this episode, we interview Coco Villa, an exceptional multidisciplinary artist residing in Asheville, NC. Coco is constantly creating and during our conversation we fondly termed her a " slash creator. " She is a clothing designer/self-portrait artist/filmmaker/dancer/model/creative director and the list doesn't stop there. She teaches us what it looks like to fluidly move (literally and mentally) through creative projects and how she is able to honor each step of the process. Here’...
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr 16 min
In this episode, we interview Eric Scheffer. With 21 years of hospitality experience including Asheville gems such as Vinnies and Jettie Rae's and the former Savoy , Scheffer explains how caring about your people is one of the most important strategies to success. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How the Senegalese term Teranga can make everyone a better person How employers can try to help with recovery and the pervasive link between Alcohol/Drug use and the restaurant industry Why val...
Mar 16, 2021
In this episode, we announce a webinar series. Our first program is in partnership with WareAVL's founder and owner, Gillie Roberts. Ware is a retail store in downtown Asheville that curates an incredible selection of beautiful and sustainable products. If you're an independent maker, please consider joining us for "Handmade for Retail." This program, developed by Gillie, will put you on the fast track toward becoming a preferred wholesale vendor for retailers. Visit: makingitinashevil...
Mar 09, 2021•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, we interview Josh Dorfman, CEO of Simbly. We also talk about his time as, in our words, a media mogul and the brain behind the brand "The Lazy Environmentalist". Here's what you'll learn in this episode: How Josh become the director of Venture Asheville, the Angel program, and The Collider How Asheville and this area are the furniture capital of the country and what that means for revitalizing around craftsmanship, and economic opportunity What it means for you to be i...
Mar 02, 2021•2 hr 55 min
In this episode, we interview 31 Suns owner, Emily Jeffords, and Chief Operating Officer, Kylie Agee. As you'll listen you'll see what had started as a bond over marching band stories developed into an empowering and productive partnership. This is a great episode to share with your bestie, we had all the friend-love good-vibes while chatting with the pair. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Why creating something you love makes marketing easier How authenticity and humanness shines in an...
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr 25 min
In this episode, we interview Jacob Ballard, owner of Nature Bound Co. and Asheville Print Shop. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How using your personal experiences (and interests) can lead to awesome business ideas How to distinguish between the different types of entrepreneurship Where the inspiration for the +900 designs of Nature Bound Co. came from Why time is the most important asset and the one thing you can't get more of Tips for focusing when you're wearing multiple hats in yo...
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 29 min
In this episode, we interview Jefferson Ellison, the Chief Creative of Jawbreaking. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What led to Jefferson’s decision to buy Jawbreaking in 2016 (and his creative way of making an offer) Jawbreaking leaning into the term from the 1960's “Youth Quake" What Jefferson’s identity means in a city full of White people What led Jefferson to create the “Don’t Ask Your Black Friend” Webinar (...we took this webinar and highly suggest it) How working to create...
Feb 09, 2021
In this episode, we interview Jael Rattigan, one of the founders of French Broad Chocolate, a staple in Asheville for over 10 years. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The difference between their two locations: the Lounge & the Factory The defining moment when Jael knew she wanted to make chocolate for the rest of her life That time when Jael & her former husband and current business partner renovated a van and drove from Minnesota to Costa Rica How chocolate is made How FBC is b...
Feb 02, 2021•1 hr 23 min
In this episode, we interview Nick Moen, the founder of The Bright Angle, a technology-driven porcelain design studio. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Why being relentless in outreach efforts is so important The Bright Angle’s exciting new partnership with YLighting How in the 1700s Porcelain was such a hot commodity that Europe sent ships to China full of gold in exchange How hosting local events with chefs and musicians helped Nick’s visibility in the restaurant scene The challenges ...
Jan 26, 2021•1 hr 22 min
In this episode, we interview Tim Gormley, one of the founders of Burial Beer, Forestry Camp, and their newest business, Visuals. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Tim talks about the steps he and his team took to open up Burial brewery in Asheville and how they've grown and expanded in recent years (including the recently established Forestry Camp and Visuals) Tim shares how the name was inspired and what it symbolizes for them Tim shares some ways Burial has collaborated with other bus...
Jan 19, 2021
In this episode, we interview Jason Contreras. He's one part of the husband and wife duo behind the homesteading project and popular YouTube Channel, Sow the Land . Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Why Jason and his family relocated from California to Asheville How Lorraine and Jason fell in love with growing their own food How Jason went from recording videos for their family in California to 116,000+ YouTube subscribers How Jason was the making the original IG story style video What t...
Jan 12, 2021•2 hr 34 min
In this episode, review one of our most commented-on episodes from 2019.. our episode on yearly goal-setting. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How to set meaningful goals The difference between outcomes and inputs — with respect to goalsetting The mnemonic M.A.T.A (matter), what each letter means, and why each is essential to your success For complete show notes, including some supplementary information from this episode visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/076 To see our upcoming social even...
Jan 05, 2021•31 min
For complete show notes, including some supplementary information from this episode visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/075 To see our upcoming social events and workshops, visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/events To recommend an interviewee, visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/podcast Curious to learn more about what we do? Making It Creative is a boutique marketing agency in Asheville. We are dedicated to working with small business owners that are deeply passionate about what they do by helping them build...
Dec 15, 2020•54 min
In this episode, we interview Emily Copus of Carolina Flowers, Zadie's Market, and a yet-to-be opened bed and breakfast in Marshall. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How journalism shaped her thinking for business and economics The defining moment Emily decided to go into the flower business Elemental questions to ask yourself before going into a career Why Emily believes it's non-negotiable to defend your personal dreams Why Emily thinks it’s important to not replicate other business m...
Dec 01, 2020•2 hr 30 min
In this episode, we interview Carlos Palma and Liz Goyer, the two customer service experts and the team running Textura Rugs. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: What makes Textura rugs different Why you should choose the rug first when decorating a home or room Steps they took to open the business How to distinguish certain rugs from others How Carlos and Liz manage different roles in the business Martial arts influence on their life now For complete show notes, including some supplementa...
Nov 24, 2020•1 hr 27 min
In this episode, we interview John Hornsby. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How John developed his (is ever-evolving) style The importance of finding art through community How the practice of “going down the rabbit hole” and diving into research helps John's curiosity Why value is not tied to productivity Understanding the difference between reactivity and proactivity Why John started building something he calls “Connection Kits” during COVID-19 Enjoy this episode with John! For comple...
Nov 17, 2020
In this episode, we interview Justin & Amanda James, the modern shoemakers & married business duo of Opie Way in Asheville, NC. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Where the name Opie Way came from How they got into the sneaker shoe business How Justin made his first sneaker Marketing tactics plus what their initial sales process was like Coronavirus impact on their business What things to look for when buying sneakers Working together as a couple and how they divvy up their respon...
Nov 10, 2020•2 hr 32 min
In this episode, we interview Jared Kay, the founder of Amplified Media. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How Jared got his start in video production Key defining moment(s) on when he decided to get an office and hire employees How he and his team weigh big decisions, like bringing on a new client What a “matterport” video is Where Jared finds inspiration for his video production For complete show notes, including some supplementary information from this episode visit: MakingItInAshevil...
Nov 03, 2020•2 hr 33 min
Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How they came up with the idea for Chill Cereal Bar The one marketing tool that Patricia has relied on to help grow their business How Elijah designed their first logo Patricia shares some insight into why she’s constantly learning and taking courses The importance of always trying to reach new communities and groups Their favorite cereal....dun dun dun...the suspense! We hope you enjoy this interview with Elijah and Patrica! For complete show notes, inc...
Oct 27, 2020•1 hr 6 min
Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Anneliese shares her story of heartbreak and how that uprooted her and led to her path of woodworking Why Anneliesse would tell people that she was a “woodworker” before she felt like she really was one Learning to say “no" The first channels that Anneliesse used for selling her work and why she loves Shopify Lessons on being okay with failure How Anneliesse learned woodworking and where gets her inspiration from Why she says it’s important to not only s...
Oct 20, 2020•1 hr 19 min
Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The story of how Cristina and David got the idea for starting a ginger beer company How David developed his first recipes for ginger beer Naming/branding strategy Major milestones in growing and developing their business How they set year goals What it's like working together as a husband and wife team How they're pivoting their business strategy and goals during COVID-19 We hope you enjoy this episode with Cristina and David! For complete show notes, in...
Oct 13, 2020•1 hr 21 min
Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The defining moment when Brian knew he had to go into urban ministry How Brian learned public speaking as an introvert Council for de-escalating a situation and for opening up dialogue to strangers on the street Why (and how) Brian prioritizes self-care above all else for his team and himself The unique way Brian hiked the Appalachian trail We hope you enjoy this episode with Brian! For complete show notes, including some supplementary information from t...
Oct 06, 2020•1 hr 27 min
Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How Lisa fell in love with dancing, and specifically belly dancing The process Lisa took to open her own dance studio in downtown Asheville Important questions to ask when looking for a life or business coach Sales + pricing strategy tips Lisa's process for setting goals and checking in with herself (she does different things on a daily, weekly, quarterly, and yearly basis) We hope you enjoy this episode with Lisa! For complete show notes, including some...
Sep 29, 2020•2 hr 34 min
Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The story of how John went from studying Theology and Philosophy to working in a kitchen How a study abroad experience in Italy shaped John's view on food John's career path, from working as the private chef for Mary Tyler Moore to establishing a unique cuisine at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee What it was like to open a restaurant in downtown Asheville Why John chose to expand, going on to open The Rhu and Benne on Eagle A few of John's favorite things We...
Sep 22, 2020•2 hr 45 min
it's a short episode but here's what we talk about: Where we've been for the last 10 weeks (?!?) What's new at Making It In Asheville How to share your story with the MIIA community Where to go if you want to support the Podcast and community For complete show notes from past episodes : MakingItInAsheville.com To recommend an interviewee, visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/podcast Shoutout to this season's sponsor: Range Urgent Care. The team at Range is offering a special promotion to Making It in ...
Sep 15, 2020•7 min
In this episode, we recap the 12 episodes of season 4. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The highlights and most notable parts of each episode (according to us) Who everyone we interviewed is and what their business/work looks like in Asheville What big announcement we have about season 5 We hope you enjoy this recap episode! For complete show notes, including some supplementary information from this episode visit: MakingItInAsheville.com/062 To see our upcoming social events and worksho...
Jun 30, 2020•39 min
In this episode, we interview Keynon Lake, the founder of a youth mentorship program called My Daddy Taught Me That. Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The story of how Keynon started My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT) The work of MDTMT, as it tries to solve a human problem What it was like for Keynon to grow up in Asheville, NC How Keynon has seen Asheville change over the years How Keynon has grown and expanded the program and what plans he has for the future We hope you enjoy this episode...
Jun 23, 2020•2 hr 35 min
In this episode, we interview Aisha Adams, a coach, business developer, and social media influencer. She is the founder of Aisha Adams Media Group and NappyThoughts.com . Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The story of how Aisha started Aisha Adams Media Group and Equity Over Everything How and why Aisha started the blog NappyThoughts.com and how it grew to become a popular resource on social injustice Aisha’s dream for building a work-play community that values equity first The partnersh...
Jun 16, 2020•2 hr 30 min
