Summary

In this engaging conversation, Dan speaks with Jordan and Steven from Botany Tropicals, a unique plant shop in Hinton, West Virginia. They share their journey of moving to West Virginia, their love for plants, and the challenges they faced in creating a safe space for the queer community. The discussion highlights their commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, hosting community events, and fostering collaboration among businesses. Jordan and Steven emphasize the importance of community engagement and the joy of creating a welcoming environment for all.

Botany Tropicals

https://www.facebook.com/Botanytropicals/

Music: Solo Acoustic 5

Musician: music by audionautix.com

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Summary

In this episode, we dive into the world of Artefaktual Comics with Gretch Corley, the self-proclaimed menace of Barbour County. Gretch shares her journey from jewelry making to running a comic shop in Philippi, discusses her passion for comics as a tool for literacy, and gives us a glimpse into her upcoming fantasy con event. We also explore the mysteries of the Philippi Mummies. Join us for a conversation full of quirky insights, community spirit, and a touch of the eerie!

Artefaktual Comics and Games

https://www.instagram.com/artefaktual/?hl=en

Siren Pottery

https://www.instagram.com/siren_pottery/?hl=en

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Kyrstin Riggs shares her journey as a potter and artist, discussing her roots in West Virginia, her passion for art festivals, and the importance of community in the Appalachian region. She reflects on her evolution as an artist, the significance of whimsy in her work, and the story behind her business, Siren Pottery. Kyrstin also explores the vibrant art scene in the Eastern Panhandle, emphasizing the resourcefulness and creativity of Appalachian artisans. Unfortunately, we ran into some technical difficulties during our recording and lost about 30 minutes of video and audio. But don’t worry! Kyrstin will be back for another episode, and we can’t wait to continue our conversation and dive deeper into her art and journey.

Music: Solo Acoustic 5

Musician: music by audionautix.com

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Snug Hollow

https://www.instagram.com/snughollowfarm.bnb/?igsh=anM2cjdpNDBrczZm

Hurricane Helene Relief (credit to native.yards)

https://tr.ee/QszQ7UasFf

Summary

Join Dan as he chats with Ryan Joseph Allen, the innkeeper of Snug Hollow Bed & Breakfast in Irvine, Kentucky. Hear Ryan’s inspiring journey, from navigating life’s challenges to creating a space for connection, nature, and community. Discover what makes this retreat a true Appalachian gem.

Music: Solo Acoustic 5

Musician: music by audionautix.com

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Connect with KD

https://www.instagram.com/campbellscreekmarketseries/

Summary

In this episode, Dan talks with KD Jones, a chef in Charleston, WV, and the driving force behind the Campbell’s Creek Farmers Market. KD shares his journey as a chef, the roots of the market, its impact on fostering community, and tips on creating local initiatives. The episode also highlights unique vendors, local partnerships, and the market’s future plans. Tune in to hear KD’s passion for food, community, and the Appalachian way of life.

Music: Solo Acoustic 5

Musician: music by audionautix.com

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of mental health, suicide, and PTSD

Armor Up WV

https://www.facebook.com/ARMORUP.WV/

Safe Call Now

https://www.safecallnowusa.org/

Responder Health

https://responderhealth.com/

Register For the Drive

https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Summary

In this episode, Dan speaks with Vanessa Stapleton Riley from Armor Up West Virginia about the critical support provided to first responders dealing with PTSD and mental health challenges. They discuss the establishment of the organization, the importance of mental health education, the role of crisis hotlines, and the various training programs available for families and first responders. Vanessa shares her personal experiences and the impact of community initiatives like the Lieutenant Aaron Acree Blood Drive, emphasizing the need for open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention within the first responder community.

Music: Solo Acoustic 5

Musician: music by audionautix.com

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Connect With Her

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3creekWalkers?mibextid=LQQJ4d&rdid=l4FboQvhbK7YHgSh&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FdPwUXomkvHStqQNe%2F%3Fmibextid%3DLQQJ4d

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heathercreekwalker?_t=8pxSzjwEVqw&_r=1

Summary

In this conversation, Heather Walker shares her journey of creek walking and glass crafting, discussing how she finds and repurposes glass into beautiful art pieces. She emphasizes the importance of glass recycling and community engagement, detailing her crafting process and the therapeutic nature of her hobby. Heather also talks about upcoming events, her love for West Virginia's natural beauty, and her aspirations for a community glass recycling program.

keywords

creek walking, glass recycling, crafting, upcycling, community engagement, glass art, environmental awareness, local events, West Virginia, handmade crafts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creek Walkers and Crafting with Glass

02:45 The Journey of Finding and Repurposing Glass

05:27 The Importance of Glass Recycling and Community Involvement

07:53 Crafting Process: From Glass to Jewelry

10:19 Building a Business Around Upcycled Glass

13:20 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

15:15 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

38:28 Engagement and Community Building

Until Next Time

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe to Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection for more inspiring conversations with local businesses across Appalachia. Be sure to check out Creek Walkers LLC and Heather's beautiful upcycled glass creations! You can find her at upcoming local arts and crafts fairs, or follow her on social media to stay updated on her latest pieces. Support local artists and add one of her unique jewelry or décor items to your collection! Swing by our Facebook page to join in on the conversation. Until next time, stay connected, explore, and don't be a stranger!

Connect With Her

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bashfulbeepress/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bashfulbeepress/

Website: https://www.bashfulbeepress.com/

Summary

Lindsay Emmite, the artist behind Bashful Bee Press, shares her story of starting her own business and participating in events and pop-ups. She discusses her inspiration, including her creative family and childhood experiences, and the importance of community and networking in the art world. Lindsay also mentions upcoming events and festivals where listeners can find her artwork. In the rapid-fire questions, Lindsay reveals her go-to karaoke song, her choice of fictional world to live in, and her favorite artists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Week Recap

02:09 Finding Home in West Virginia

05:00 Starting Bashful Bee Press

08:28 Drawing Inspiration from Family and Appalachia

10:47 Networking and Building a Community

14:28 Upcoming Events

17:15 Preparing for Art Events

20:26 Finding Inspiration

21:43 Favorite Festivals and Events

24:32 Where to Connect

25:29 Rapid Fire Questions

32:10 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

33:08 Ending

Keywords

Lindsay Emmite, Bashful Bee Press, art business, art markets, pop-ups, inspiration, 

community, networking, events, festivals

Until Next Time

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe to ‘Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection’ for more inspiring conversations with local businesses across Appalachia. Be sure to check out Lindsay’s incredible artwork with Bashful Bee Press! You can find her at upcoming local events and festivals, or follow her on social media to stay updated on her latest creations. Support local artists and grab one of her unique pieces to brighten up your space! Swing by our Facebook page to join in on the conversation. Until next time, stay connected, explore, and don’t be a stranger!

Join host Dan in the debut episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection as he shares the journey that led to the creation of this podcast. Dan reflects on his love for Appalachia, the inspiring local business owners he’s met, and how his vision of spotlighting these incredible people evolved into this show.