Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, I sit down with Derek Vance, the creative mind behind The Vintage Vances and co-founder of Charleston Vintage Fest — one of West Virginia’s fastest-growing vintage markets.

Derek shares how his passion for thrifting (and a joke Instagram post) turned into a beloved community event that draws vendors and visitors from across the region. We chat about vintage fashion from the ’80s to Y2K, his deep love for Balzout tees, what it means to build inclusive spaces, and how a punk rock past fuels a vintage future.

Whether you’re a collector, a vendor, or just here for the vibes — this one’s for you.

🎙️ Charleston Vintage Fest returns July 26 at Beni Kedem in Charleston, WV.

The Vintage Vance's

https://www.facebook.com/thevintagevances/

Charleston Vintage Fest

https://www.facebook.com/events/beni-kedem-shriners/charleston-vintage-fest-summer-2025/681501621268363/

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan speaks with Nathan Barner, Education Coordinator at the West Virginia State Museum. They discuss the museum's significance, West Virginia's rich history, and the importance of community connections. Nathan shares his personal ties to the state and highlights the museum's role in educating visitors about West Virginia's diverse heritage. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued support for museums and the value of understanding local history.

WV State Museum

https://wvculture.org/explore/wv-state-museum/

Follow Our Lead

www.followourlead.dog

https://www.facebook.com/k9lead/

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, Dan talks with Justin Withrow, co-owner of Follow Our Lead, a dog training and grooming business based in Charleston, West Virginia. What began as a way to stay close to family turned into a mission to help dogs and their humans thrive. Justin shares the story of how he and his wife Cayla built their business, the importance of boundaries and routines for dogs, and how misunderstood behaviors like fence-charging often stem from fear not aggression. He also talks about Pups and Pros Collective, their new initiative supporting aspiring pet care entrepreneurs.

The Company

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thecompanywv/got-to-do

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan speaks with Tyler Carden, frontman of the band The Company, about their musical journey, the importance of community and music education, and their upcoming single 'Got To Do'. Tyler shares insights on the power of live music, the local music scene in West Virginia, and their efforts to support Liberty High School through fundraising. The conversation also touches on future plans for a festival called CoFest, aimed at supporting local art programs.

Where to Catch The Company

• Friday, June 14 – Performing at Color the River, set up along the Greenbrier River

• Thursday, June 20 – Headlining at Raleigh County Live 25 at Lake Stephens, WV

St. Albans Historical Society

https://www.stalbanshistory.com/

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Albans-Historical-Society-WV/100064751854315/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=DxwyYsBbIRvYDsB1&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BT2tfW6GB%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/st.albanshistoricalsocietywv/

This week on Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, we’re in Saint Albans, West Virginia, exploring the rich history and vibrant spirit of the town with Rachael and Jackson from the Saint Albans Historical Society. From ghost stories and historic homes to major events like Train Days and Yak Fest, this episode dives into how the past shapes the present. We talk about the town’s rise in the 1800s, its nickname as the “Town of Millionaires,” and how the Historical Society works to preserve its legacy.

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan engages with C.J. Mitchell, a talented musician from West Virginia, discussing his journey through music, identity, and personal growth. C.J. shares his experiences of moving from a small town to Pittsburgh, the impact of his upbringing on his music, and the significance of his songs, particularly 'Permission 2 Love' and 'To Be Yours.' The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, the importance of following one's dreams, and the power of music as a means of expression and connection.

C.J. Mitchell

https://linktr.ee/cjthesongwriter

Erika Kikola

https://www.tiktok.com/@whilefloriansleeps?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/erika.kikola/

Summary

In this episode, Erica Kikola shares her journey as a budding interior designer rooted in her Appalachian heritage. She discusses her move from West Virginia to Pennsylvania, the impact of the opioid epidemic on her life, and how she channels her creativity into her designs. Erica emphasizes the importance of embracing one's roots, the healing power of creativity, and the significance of creating a welcoming home environment for her family. She also explores the concepts of maximalism and sustainable living through thrifting and upcycling, while encouraging self-expression in her children.

Hippie's Daughter

https://thehippiesdaughter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hippies_daughter/

https://www.tiktok.com/@hippies_daughter?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, Dan speaks with Elizabeth Elswick, the creative mind behind Hippie's Daughter. They explore Elizabeth's artistic journey, her connection to Appalachian culture, and the challenges of running a creative business. Elizabeth shares her inspirations, the importance of family heritage, and her experiences with burnout. The conversation also touches on the emotional connections people have with her art and the future of her brand.

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan speaks with Jenna Reed Hill, an artist and educator from West Virginia. Jenna shares her journey of integrating local culture into her art, the impact of her work on the community, and her experiences as a small business owner. The conversation delves into the importance of creativity in education, tips for teachers on engaging students and the community, and how personal experiences, including grief, have shaped her artistic expression. Jenna emphasizes the significance of storytelling through art and the ways in which she honors her late mother through her creative endeavors.

Head to the Hills Studio

https://www.instagram.com/headtothehillsstudio/?igsh=cG9qODQycHExcHV5#

Illustrated by Jenna Reed Hill, written by Cheryl Ware

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_fkhrzxyDj/?igsh=MXZ6dWx2N2V3Y2d3YQ%3D%3D

Black Light Art Show

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C59o7x0M0nE/?igsh=YjJ3c2FkZzllbXA5

Host Notes

I ran into some tech issues however I did not want to leave the rapid fire questions out!

1. Where’s your favorite spot in West Virginia?

• PipestemState Park

2. What is one art tool or utensil that you couldn’t live without?

• Lino Cutter

3. When you’re needing a boost of creativity, what is your go-to song?

• Anything by Lana Del Rey

Helvetia Restoration and Development

https://www.facebook.com/HelvetiaRestoration/

Calendar of Events

https://www.helvetiawv.com/

Fasnacht 2025

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/fasnacht-2025

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, Dan and Clara Lehmann discuss the rich cultural heritage of Helvetia, West Virginia, focusing on the Fasnacht festival. Clara shares her experiences growing up in Helvetia and her role in the Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization, which aims to preserve the community's history and traditions. The conversation delves into the significance of Fasnacht, its history, and the importance of community involvement in cultural preservation. Clara also highlights the unique aspects of the festival, including the creation of masks and the communal spirit of the event.

Host Notes

- Caption typo in the intro for "masks"

- Caption typo "Lehmann"