Biz Heroes with JPH

(DATE1/4/2024; Fletcher, North Carolina): In response to the enthusiasm of more than 4,000 attendees of the 2023 Asheville Celtic Festival, the winter indoor/outdoor event is expanding to two days in February 2024. Held at the WNC Agriculture Center at 761 Boylston Highway, Fletcher, just outside of Asheville and adjacent to the Asheville Regional Airport, the fourth annual Asheville Celtic Festival will take place Saturday, February 17 through Sunday, February 18.

“Our goal when we developed the festival was to bring the Celtic spirit of the Seven Nations to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina while offering an indoor/outdoor event during the winter months,” said Mark Ferguson, co-founder. “The response has been phenomenal since the start, with attendance increasing every year. We’re thrilled to expand to two days in 2024, and tickets are already going fast.” 

Entertainment at the family-friendly event will include live Celtic music from bands like ALBANNACH from Glasgow Scotland, SYR from Columbia S.C.,  and Unspoken Tradition from Cherryville, N.C., and more! Other entertainment will include live full-armored sword fighting at the castle by The Warriors of Ash-sword school. The awakening sounds of the Grandfather Mountain Pipe and Drum Band, as well as the Knoxville Pipe and Drum Band will ceremoniously open the event at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

www.ashevillecelticfest.com

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Embark on a journey with me, JPH, as we delve into the heart and soul of small business innovation alongside Mike Arriola, SBA District Director for North Carolina. Discover how one man's switch from a banking career to a two-decade-long passion project with the SBA has been instrumental in fostering small businesses through indispensable loan, federal contracting, and counseling services. Our conversation is a testament to the tenacity and creativity needed to navigate the complex economic landscape of North Carolina; one that's as diverse as the entrepreneurs it houses. We shine a light on the SBA's dynamic approach to overcoming budgetary constraints and customizing support for the varied communities within the state, and Mike introduces the vital work of the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), a beacon for specialized business support.

Peek behind the curtain of government contracting and unearth the wealth of opportunities that await nimble small businesses willing to step into the federal arena. Mike and I dissect the strategic pathways for securing local city contracts, discuss the undeniable power of forging personal connections, and share insights into the art of strategic marketing essential to winning government projects. The episode isn't just a talk; it's a treasure trove for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, bolstered by powerful statistics from North Carolina businesses and a rising tide of new nationwide business applications. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a nascent entrepreneur, the guidance found within the SBTDC's resources can illuminate your path to success in the ever-expanding ecosystem of government procurement.

https://www.sba.gov/

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Step into the mesmerizing world of intuition with Shifra Nerenberg, the intuitive maestro behind Spiral Intuitive. From developing your intuitive prowess to exploring past lives through guided visualizations, this episode is a mysterious adventure into the unseen realms of our conscious existence. Shifra opens up about her fascinating work as an animal communicator, her unique approach to tarot and Oracle readings, and her passion for pairing felines with their human counterparts. Get ready to tear down the conditioned barriers around intuition and awaken to the wisdom inherent within your existence.

The second half of the episode takes a riveting twist as Shifra wields her tarot deck to perform a live reading, offering a dash of guidance and inspiration as we approach the festive season. The space is filled with profound insights, stimulating conversations, and a sense of connection to our shared human experience. As the holiday lights twinkle and the New Year beckons, we're reminded of our inherent humaneness, the power of our voices, and the beauty of intuitive living. Join Shifra and me, Joanna Patrice Haggerty, for an episode sure to leave you reflective, inspired, and in touch with your intuitive essence.

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Ready to uncover the secrets of building a successful business while maintaining work-life balance? Get comfy as we welcome Wendy Gritzmacher, the founder and travel advisor of Bliss Travel, who managed to do just that! Wendy candidly shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, revealing how she launched Bliss Travel as a means to balance her career with motherhood. She talks about the crucial role that local resources like the Western Women's Business Center played in her transition, offering a great example for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In the spirit of holiday season, Wendy also shares some smart travel hacks to help you navigate the challenges of holiday travel. From the importance of extra time at airports to the genius idea of dividing belongings between two suitcases when you are traveling with a partner, Wendy's tips are bound to make your travel more stress-free. As a seasoned travel industry professional, Wendy's experience of being on both sides of the ticket counter sure comes in handy. Uncover the secret of a peaceful holiday trip and gain insights into launching a successful business in this fascinating episode.

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Have you ever wondered how deeply personal tragedies can be transformed into powerful missions for change? Meet Sandra Grace, a woman who's turned her harrowing past into a relentless fight against child marriage and trafficking. As the founder and executive director of 'Who Gives this Child', Sandra uses her story not just as a testament to her resilience, but as a compelling call to arms. Sold into marriage at a tender age of 14 by her own mother, Sandra is now leading efforts to raise the marriageable age in North Carolina to 18, through legislative change.

In an insightful conversation with Joanna Patrice Hagarty, Sandra sheds light on the intimate tie between child marriage and human trafficking. Unravel the intricate strategy that 'Who Gives this Child' employs, using short documentaries to raise awareness and shape public opinion. Sandra also divulges her plans to release a book, which chronicles her own experiences, and gives us a glimpse of the collaborations that 'Who Gives this Child' has fostered with organizations like the Lantern Project and Unchained Child USA. This episode is a stirring reminder of the power each of us holds to spark change and protect the vulnerable. Tune in and join the fight against child exploitation.

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What if you could support local entrepreneurs while discovering unique holiday gifts and wellness products? We promise to take you on a fascinating journey with Rachel Horn, the creative genius behind Sandy Mush Smokin Co and Heart Found Botanicals in this episode. Join us at the vibrant Holiday Pop-Up Market in Asheville Mall where we share inspiring conversations with many of the fifty local women-owned businesses. 

In the spotlight is Rachel, who reveals her blend of traditional mulling spices and innovative CBD products. Hear about her entrepreneurial journey alongside her husband, their shared passion for CBD wellness, and how their dream product became an unforgettable wedding gift. The healing power of their products, from chapsticks that banish cold sores to CBD sabs that aid pain-free living, is truly remarkable. Rachel also shares her ambitions to make her market presence more regular and expand her products into more stores. So tune in, and let Rachel's inspiring story and unique products captivate your imagination.

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Can a hobby turned into a business venture serve as a therapeutic escape? Join me, Joanna Patrice Haggerty, at the 2023 Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Asheville Mall as I engage with Phyllis Brooks, the creative genius behind Dreamations by Phyllis. This episode revolves around Phyllis's artistic journey from an idyllic hobby to a successful business venture, born out of her passion for painting picturesque landscapes. Inspired by the iconic Bob Ross, Phyllis takes us through the origin of her charming business name, 'Dreamations,' and how her art has become a much-needed stress reliever amidst her full-time job responsibilities.

As the conversation evolves, Phyllis reveals her future aspiration of opening a storefront to sell her art post-retirement while narrating her artistic process and her experiences of balancing her full-time job with her flourishing business. Be prepared to be awestruck as Phyllis describes how she has ingeniously transformed her stress-relieving hobby into a flourishing business and her plans future. You will also learn where to find her enchanting artwork online. So, tune in and immerse yourself in Phyllis's inspiring journey from painting landscapes to painting her entrepreneurial dreams.

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Ever wonder what exactly makes a toy sustainable or how it can enhance your child's cognitive development? We promise you a treasure of knowledge in our fascinating conversation with Lindsay Simpson, the founder of the Hendersonville Toy Company, who takes us on an enlightening journey into the world of sustainable and educational playthings. We are at the Holiday Pop-Up Market for 2023 at the Asheville Mall, among 50 local women-owned businesses, talking about toys that are more than just playthings.

Lindsay throws light on the key features of her unique toy business focusing on sustainably made toys, stem-related items, Montessori-based play, and items that inspire intergenerational play, a concept that has gained serious traction in this digital age. She explains how play is not just for kids, and how engaging in play can boost cognitive abilities, improve mental health, and foster bonds across generations. We delve into the materials and design of sustainable toys, understanding wooden toys, recycled plastic items, and toys made from bioplastics. Lindsay also expands on stem toys, which integrate science, technology, engineering, and math, helping kids to learn about sequencing, engineering, and more. Furthermore, we talk about the importance of introducing art into play, creating a more holistic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) approach. This conversation is a goldmine of information for parents, educators, and toy enthusiasts who seek to understand better, the value and impact of toys in our lives.

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When you think of the moon, what comes to mind? Perhaps its calming light, or the tides it influences. But have you ever considered how it could be playing a vital role not just in nature, but in our lives and the energy around us? Meet Kayla Spence, founder of 'Ruled by the Moon', a unique crystal-based business that embraces this philosophy. Tune in as she shares about her entrepreneurial journey, starting with simple crystal jewelry and evolving to incorporate candles, soaps, and various trinkets, each with a touch of crystal magic. Kayla's belief in the moon's power and the energy of crystals permeates her work, making her creations affordable, beautiful, and meaningful.

To Kayla, a crystal isn't just a piece of jewelry; it is the star of the show. Her minimalist approach to design emphasizes the crystal more than the wire, making her pieces stand out. But the allure does not stop at aesthetics; Kayla believes in educating her customers about the energy and meaning behind each crystal. So, whether you're seeking healing, curiosity has piqued your interest, or you're just in search of a unique piece of jewelry, don't miss this episode. Join us and explore the fascinating world of crystals and how they can influence your life. Remember, as Kayla says, "The crystal you need will pick you!

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Ever wondered how resilience and creativity can pave the way for business success even in the face of a global crisis? Uncover the entrepreneurial journey of a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Latiisha, and Brittani Gash, who defied the odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming their passions into thriving local businesses - Candles by Tiara and Tiara's Cakes and Cupcakes.

Witness the magic that unfolds when family, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for comfort and indulgence blend. Hear Latiisha and Brittani share their inspiring journey of launching a candle and cake business amidst challenging times, and how they turned ordinary items into a source of relaxation and pleasure. Learn how Latiisha's focus on natural candle ingredients sparked a light during dark times, and how Brittani, after perfecting her brownie recipe, ventured into cake-making, satisfying the sweet cravings of many. Get a glimpse into their collaborative efforts and how their products beautifully complement each other on special occasions. This episode is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit of small business owners. Tune in and be inspired.

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