Explore the strength and unity of Bryson City, North Carolina, as Erin Smith, owner of Humanité Boutique, shares her journey as a small business owner during challenging times. Learn how the community came together after Hurricane Helene, the lessons that shaped their recovery, and the impact of supporting one another. Erin’s story reveals the importance of connection, resilience, and creating a meaningful legacy, all set against the backdrop of Bryson City’s natural beauty and holiday charm.

In this episode, I sit down with a leader who helps shape the story of one of North Carolina’s most beloved mountain towns. Bryson City, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is known for its small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and holiday traditions—but recently the community faced an unexpected challenge when Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina. In our conversation, we talk about the spirit of Bryson City, the resilience of its people, and how a tight-knit community came together when it mattered most. 

You’ll hear from the Executive Director of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority about what it takes to promote a destination that so many people love, how tourism supports the local economy, and why visitors returning after a disaster can make a real difference. We also talk about Bryson City’s magical holiday traditions—from the Polar Express train ride to festive downtown lights—and why this mountain town continues to feel like stepping into a Hallmark movie during Christmas. 

Episode Highlights

[01:09] – My guest shares her role as Executive Director of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority and how tourism helps support Bryson City and the surrounding region.

[02:24] – A look back at how she first entered the tourism and hospitality industry after graduating college and discovering her passion for travel marketing.

[04:51] – What makes Bryson City special: the community’s strong roots, family heritage, and welcoming small-town spirit.

[07:08] – We discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina and how Bryson City experienced flooding while neighboring communities faced devastating damage.

[14:07] – A powerful story about local business owners standing together in floodwaters to protect their downtown businesses.

[18:40] – How Bryson City communicated with visitors and helped coordinate recovery efforts while supporting neighboring counties.

[25:19] – Why tourism matters now more than ever—and how responsible travel helps communities rebuild after natural disasters.

[29:55] – Holiday traditions in Bryson City, including the Polar Express train ride, festive downtown lights, and seasonal attractions.

Links and Resources

https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/

Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial

Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. It helps more listeners discover these stories—and helps communities like Bryson City continue sharing their spirit with the world.

In this episode, I speak with the Tourism and Marketing Director of Beech Mountain, North Carolina, about what the High Country has experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While some communities faced devastating losses, Beech Mountain and surrounding areas have been working tirelessly to recover, support neighbors, and prepare to welcome visitors back for winter season. We talk about the uncertainty during the first days after the storm, when roads were washed out, communication was down, and residents were temporarily isolated on the mountain. 

Despite those challenges, the resilience and generosity of people from across the country became a powerful reminder of how communities come together in difficult moments. In our conversation, we also discuss how visitors can responsibly support the High Country right now, what travelers can expect during winter on Beech Mountain, and why experiencing the natural beauty of the mountains can be such a powerful source of healing. 

Episode Highlights

[01:31] – My guest shares her role as Tourism and Marketing Director for Beech Mountain and what drew her to the mountain community after years in South Florida.

[02:55] – We talk about Hurricane Helene’s impact on the High Country and the early days when roads were washed out and communication was cut off.

[06:19] – Stories of generosity and volunteers arriving from across the country to bring supplies and support to mountain communities.

[09:13] – What visitors can expect when traveling to Beech Mountain this winter and how the community is preparing for ski season.

[11:24] – Popular winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and the town’s free sledding hill for kids.

[12:45] – Ways travelers can make a positive impact by supporting local businesses during their visit.

[15:29] – A moving story about a dispatcher who stayed at work helping others even after learning her own home had been destroyed.

[20:41] – Inspiring moments of first responders and local volunteers going above and beyond to care for residents during the storm.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the show and leaving a rating or review wherever you listen. Your support helps more people discover these stories—and helps communities like Beech Mountain continue sharing their spirit with the world.

In this episode, I visit 96 Pecan Company and sit down with owner John Murray, whose story blends farming, faith, football, and community. What started with the purchase of a historic southern property—complete with pecan trees planted in the late 1800s—turned into a full-time commitment to preserving tradition and sharing the experience of farm life with visitors. John shares how the orchard, the store, and the tasting experience were all built around one simple idea: when people walk through the doors, they should feel like they’re stepping back onto their family farm. 

During our conversation, John reflects on lessons from his time playing college football, the values that shaped his approach to business, and why generosity has become the heart of everything he does—from giving out samples to taking time to listen to the stories people bring through the door. What I discovered while visiting is that this isn’t just a pecan store. It’s a place where conversations happen, burdens are shared, and strangers quickly feel like family. 

Episode Highlights

[01:10] – John shares how purchasing a historic property with pecan trees planted in the 1800s led him into pecan farming after retirement.

[02:14] – We talk about what makes the pecans at 96 Pecan Company unique, from the varieties grown to the importance of freshness.

[03:52] – John explains why he encourages every visitor to sample the products—and why hospitality is more important than sales.

[05:04] – His vision for the farm: creating a place where visitors feel like they’ve stepped back onto their grandparents’ farm.

[06:01] – A mentor’s advice leads him to expand into candy making, creating a more sustainable business alongside pecan farming.

[08:44] – John reflects on his time playing college football and the powerful life lessons he learned from legendary coaches.

[14:10] – Why the historic town of Ninety Six, South Carolina, holds such deep meaning for him and why he hopes to leave it better than he found it.

[15:53] – Emotional moments with visitors remind him why this place matters—many arrive carrying burdens and leave feeling a little lighter.

Links and Resources

 96 Pecan Company

Audio and Video: Melanie Lech Multimedia

Special Thanks to Old 96 District

Follow Amelia

Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial

Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. It helps more people discover these stories—and share in the moments of connection that make them so meaningful.

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Erica McCier at Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, South Carolina—a restaurant built from courage, creativity, and an incredible personal journey. Erica shares how her life changed after developing a serious kidney disease that left her hospitalized for months and forced her to rethink everything she thought her future would look like. What began as a hobby while sitting through dialysis treatments—watching cooking shows and enrolling in culinary classes—slowly turned into a new calling. 

Today, Erica is not only the chef and owner of Indigenous Underground, but also a 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, representing the state’s culinary culture across festivals and events. In our conversation, we talk about the challenges of starting a restaurant during the pandemic, the creative underground dining experiences that helped launch her business, and the powerful moments that remind her why food—and community—matter so much. 

Episode Highlights

[01:25] – Erica shares her journey from middle school art teacher to chef after a life-changing kidney disease diagnosis.

[04:14] – While undergoing dialysis treatments, she discovers a passion for cooking through Food Network and enrolls in culinary school.

[05:22] – What begins as cooking for family and friends quickly grows into a thriving catering and private chef business.

[08:09] – Erica takes a leap of faith and invests her last $1,000 to lease the building that would become Indigenous Underground.

[09:51] – When COVID halted restaurant construction, she launched a creative underground dining series to generate revenue and build momentum.

[14:35] – Erica reflects on becoming a South Carolina Chef Ambassador and representing the state’s culinary culture.

[20:33] – A powerful moment with a guest who had followed Erica’s health journey reminds her why her work matters.

[24:17] – Erica explains why Abbeville feels less like a town and more like family.

Links and Resources

Indigenous Underground: https://www.indigenousunderground.com/

Audio and Video: Melanie Lech Multimedia

Special Thanks to Old 96 District

Follow Amelia

Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial

Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a rating or review wherever you listen. It helps more people discover these stories—and helps voices like Erica’s continue to inspire others who may be facing their own turning point.

In this episode, I visit Sharon Manor in Abbeville, South Carolina, and sit down with owner Benita Chupp to learn the story behind this beautifully restored historic building. What was once a rural schoolhouse from the early 1920s has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast—but the path to creating it wasn’t something Benita and her family had planned. After discovering the building through an online auction, they took a leap of faith and stepped into a renovation project that would eventually become both their home and a place of hospitality for travelers and the community. 

During our conversation, Benita shares how faith, family, and a love of welcoming people into their home shaped the vision for Sharon Manor. We talk about the building’s fascinating history, the guests who return to stay in the same classrooms where they once attended school, and how the entire family plays a role in running the bed and breakfast. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with a door that unexpectedly opens. 

Episode Highlights

[01:08] – Benita shares how an online auction unexpectedly led her family to purchase the historic building that would become Sharon Manor.

[02:44] – The building’s past as a local schoolhouse from the early 1920s and how it evolved into a community gathering space.

[04:37] – How Benita discovered that hosting guests had quietly been a childhood dream all along.

[05:40] – The entire family gets involved—from decorating guest rooms to helping with cooking and outdoor projects.

[07:22] – Benita reflects on her favorite part of running the bed and breakfast: meeting guests and hearing their stories.

[09:12] – How Sharon Manor’s coffee offering connects to her husband’s small-batch coffee roasting business.

[10:23] – The impact Sharon Manor has had on the local community and preserving a historic building for future generations.

[15:14] – A touching moment when a former student returns to stay in the very classroom where she attended first grade decades earlier.

Links & Resources

Sharon Manor: https://sharonmanor.com/

Audio, Video, and BTS: Melanie Lech Multimedia

Special Thanks to: The Old 96 District 

Follow Amelia

Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial

Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating, and sharing Voices of Inspiration. Your support helps more people discover these stories and the communities that make them so special.

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Darren Smith, the chef and owner behind two successful restaurants, to talk about what it really takes to build a lasting career in the restaurant industry. Darren shares how his journey into cooking began unexpectedly while attending college to play soccer, and how the craft of cooking—along with the camaraderie and creativity of the kitchen—quickly became a lifelong passion. Over the years, that passion has grown into a career defined by mentorship, strong teams, and restaurants that have become staples in the Conway culinary scene. 

We also talk about the philosophy that guides Darren’s restaurants—from building loyal teams with employees who have stayed for decades, to creating menus that balance creativity with consistency. Along the way, Darren shares stories from his early days in professional kitchens, lessons he’s learned about running a restaurant, and a behind-the-scenes look at competing on the television show Chef Swap. It’s a conversation about hard work, mentorship, and why great food always begins with great people. 

Episode Highlights

[01:11] – Darren shares how long-term employees have helped shape the culture and success of his restaurants.

[04:01] – His path into the culinary world begins unexpectedly while attending college to play soccer.

[07:02] – Darren reflects on early kitchen experiences that shaped his approach to cooking and technique.

[10:37] – The core principles behind running a successful restaurant: great atmosphere, consistent food, and honest menus.

[18:51] – Why chefs get a “fresh start” every single day in the kitchen—and how that mindset shapes the work.

[25:58] – Advice for aspiring chefs on building a career, learning from mentors, and gaining real kitchen experience.

[34:02] – Darren reflects on how Conway and the surrounding community influenced his culinary style.

[43:59] – A behind-the-scenes story about competing on the television show Chef Swap.

Links & Resources

Rivertown Bistro
Bonfire- A Smokin' Taqueria

Special Thanks:
Visit Myrtle Beach

Follow Amelia

Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial

Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the show and leaving a rating or review wherever you listen. Your support helps more people discover these stories—and the inspiring people behind them.

In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, whose journey from criminal defense lawyer to chocolate maker is as powerful as it is unexpected. After nearly two decades of handling serious felony and murder cases, Shawn found himself at a crossroads when the emotional toll of the work began affecting his health and perspective on life. What followed wasn’t an overnight transformation but a slow search for purpose that eventually led him to the world of craft chocolate—and to building a company rooted in connection, transparency, and community. 

Our conversation goes far beyond chocolate. Shawn shares how traveling to the Amazon to meet cocoa farmers changed the way he saw the world, why his company practices profit sharing with the farmers who grow their beans, and how initiatives like Chocolate University are helping young people experience global connection and service. Along the way we talk about grief, purpose, human connection in an increasingly digital world, and the moments in life that remind us we’re exactly where we’re meant to be. 

Episode Highlights

[02:13] – Shawn reflects on his career as a criminal defense lawyer and the emotional turning point that led him to reconsider his path.

[04:56] – How a series of hobbies—including baking and making chocolate desserts—eventually led him toward chocolate making.

[06:15] – Shawn’s first trip to the Amazon to meet cocoa farmers and what it felt like stepping into a rainforest for the first time.

[09:50] – The early challenges of building a bean-to-bar chocolate company and educating people about craft chocolate.

[13:15] – The philosophy behind Askinosie Chocolate: “It’s not about the chocolate… it’s about the chocolate.”

[17:06] – Shawn shares a powerful moment when he realized he was on the right path.

[24:39] – How profit sharing with cocoa farmers helps support families and communities around the world.

[30:54] – The mission behind Chocolate University and how travel experiences are shaping young people’s perspectives.

[43:26] – A deeply moving story from Tanzania about hospitality, connection, and the power of human relationships.

Links & Resources

Askinosie Chocolate

Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial

Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If this episode resonated with you, please consider following, rating, and reviewing Voices of Inspiration wherever you listen. Your support helps these stories reach more people—and reminds us all how powerful our shared stories can be.

History isn’t just something you read about—it’s something you can step into and experience for yourself. I had the chance to sit down with Rachel Knight, Tourism Director of Berkeley County, South Carolina, and uncover the powerful stories woven into this region—from Revolutionary War legends to the cultural roots that continue to shape the community today.

We explore how Berkeley County became a key player in the American Revolutionary War, the incredible historic sites you can still visit, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and share these stories. Along the way, we also touch on exciting archaeological discoveries, local events, and how history continues to inspire both visitors and locals alike. 

Episode Highlights
[00:39] - I welcome Rachel Knight and introduce her role as Berkeley County’s Tourism Director
[01:07] - The story of Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox,” and Berkeley County’s Revolutionary War significance
[02:02] - Key historical sites you can still visit today, including Fort Fairlawn and Biggins Church
[03:28] - How local historians and partnerships are preserving Berkeley County’s rich past
[04:24] - A sneak peek into ongoing archaeological efforts like the Colleton Castle exploration
[05:17] - Why archaeological digs and historical research are gaining momentum in the county
[06:17] - The broader historical impact: Native American, African American, and agricultural roots
[08:40] - Upcoming battlefield tours and events leading up to the 250th anniversary celebrations
[10:12] - Where to find tours, events, and resources online
[10:47] - Rachel shares a powerful Maya Angelou quote about kindness and connection

Links & Resources

🔗 Explore Berkeley County: exploreberkeleycounty.com
Special Thanks to Visit Santee Cooper https://www.santeecoopercountry.org

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who loves history or exploring new places. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a review and let me know what stories you want to hear next!

Some places feel like a hidden escape—and Swan Lake Iris Gardens is exactly that. I had the chance to walk through this beautiful spot in Sumter, South Carolina, with Chrissy Milan and Colette Daniels, learning how a simple fishing retreat turned into one of the most unique gardens in the country.

We talk about the unexpected story behind the famous Japanese irises, what makes this park so special—from all eight swan species to its peaceful, storybook feel—and how the community has come together to shape and protect it over the years. It’s a conversation about nature, history, and finding moments of calm in the middle of everyday life. 

Episode Highlights
[00:38] - I arrive at Swan Lake Iris Gardens and meet Chrissy and Colette
[01:15] - The origin story of Swan Lake and how the irises unexpectedly thrived
[02:25] - How the gardens evolved from a private retreat into a public park
[03:33] - What makes Swan Lake unique, including all eight swan species
[04:14] - Reflecting on the 2015 flood and the community’s resilience
[05:41] - How the gardens create a peaceful escape and shape Sumter’s identity
[07:10] - The natural beauty and outdoor experiences that draw visitors in
[08:13] - Personal moments that make working at Swan Lake so special
[11:28] - A look ahead at the Iris Festival and upcoming events
[15:16] - Where to plan your visit and explore more

Links & Resources

• Love Sumter: https://lovesumter.com
• Iris Festival: https://irisfestival.org

Follow Amelia
Instagram: @AmeliaOldOfficial
Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

If this inspired you to explore somewhere new—or even rediscover what’s in your own backyard—be sure to follow, rate, share, and leave a review.