In celebration of International Women’s Day, women-owned businesses all across Western North Carolina are partnering up to offer 10% OFF! This initiative not only encourages shoppers to support women-owned businesses but also raises awareness about the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. Use code AVL10 to enjoy this special discount at twenty Asheville favorites!
SHOP AND SUPPORT:
The strong entrepreneurial community in Asheville has only grown stronger since the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September of 2024. As well as teaming up to offer loyal customers 10% off, the women-owned businesses in Western North Carolina, are using International Women’s Day as a final push to support WE ARE: Women Entrepreneur Asheville Recovery Endeavor.
WE ARE acted quickly and nimbly after the hurricane, to raise funds and get much needed cash into the hands of eight struggling women-owned businesses fast! The entrepreneurs of Asheville are issuing one new challenge: Help us save at least two more companies here in Western North Carolina: We are currently looking to raise another $50,000, and your generosity will be doubled by an anonymous donor who has pledged to match every dollar given. $100,000 just like that! If interested in learning more contact WE ARE! Please give at weareasheville.org/donate by March 15, 2025.
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This matching opportunity comes at a time when women entrepreneurs across Western North Carolina continue to rebuild their businesses and their lives after the losses from Hurricane Helene. Since its founding, WE ARE has awarded over a quarter of a million in grants to resilient, hardworking women whose businesses form the heart of our region. “We are humbled by the outpouring of support from this community and beyond,” said Allison Blake, one of the founders of WE ARE. “Every contribution makes a difference—not only to the businesses we serve but to the long-term vitality of our region. Together, WE ARE fostering hope, resilience, and recovery.”
The Power of Giving:
Transforming Lives and Businesses
Since the hurricane swept through in late September 2024, WE ARE has awarded grants to eight outstanding women-owned businesses, including:
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Jessie Dean, Asheville Tea Company (Asheville, NC): Crafting farm-to-teacup blends with the vibrant flavors of Western North Carolina, Asheville Tea’s entire building was picked up and washed down the Swannanoa River, as Jessie watched from a hill above.
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Diane Rosado of Children’s Castle Childcare (Newland, NC): The only 5-star accredited daycare in Avery County. Diane used the grant funds to replace her van that floated away, which picks up the young children she cares for daily, so their families can work and thrive.
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Sarah Yancey, Smiling Hara Tempeh (Asheville, NC): A beloved producer of fresh, organic tempeh. “This grant was received with big emotions,” Yancey shares. “What a relief to have this support and be able to pay rent and our extremely dedicated staff. Bless you all!”
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Frances Montgomery, Montgomery Sky Farm (Leicester, NC): A 50-acre sustainable farm dedicated to agritourism, animal rescue, and preservation breeding. “After losing our entire fall harvest, this winter has been incredibly difficult,” says Montgomery. “This grant allows us to sleep a little more peacefully at night—we sure did last night! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
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Denise Markbreit, Asheville Print Studio (Asheville, NC): An artist-run printmaking space committed to eco-friendly production and creative collaboration. “The wooden flat file you see here was moved 40 feet from the other end of the space and housed my life’s work, as well as that of my father and grandfather, both artists.”
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Georgette Shelton & Susan Rector of Penland & Sons Department Store (Marshall, NC): A 100-year-old, family-owned business, now run by two sisters, is a cornerstone of this small community.
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Halle Pilkington, Deer Valley Athletic Club (Boone, NC): A family-friendly fitness center that has been a community staple for over 45 years. “We had just completed major updates when disaster struck,” says Pilkington, “and this support has given us the chance to recover. I cannot thank you enough.”
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Dr. Teresa Campanile of Dr. T MD (Pisgah Forrest, NC): A double board-certified internal medicine and integrative medicine physician specializing in intensive natural treatment plans. “This is a new and overwhelming experience of love for me–to find out that you cared about me, my business, and my patients–without even knowing us.”
About WE ARE
Founded by local entrepreneurs Allison Blake and Elisa Van Arnam of SoulKu, Ginger Frank of Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn, and Meg Ragland of Plum Print, WE ARE was created to ensure that women-owned businesses affected by Hurricane Helene have the resources, mentorship, and financial backing needed to thrive.
Pictured L to R: Margit Ragland, Ginger Frank, Allison Blake, Elisa Van Arnam
*Please Note: Participation may vary and restrictions may apply.
