Here’s the deal-io: We small businesses of Western North Carolina are scrappy, resilient, and ready to forge our way forward following Hurricane Helene. And we need your support.

Hurricane Helene dumped the equivalent of 5 months worth of rain into North Carolina’s rivers and streams, causing severe flooding and astronomical damage to multiple western counties.

This has created countless hardships for small business owners: Some lost workspaces, others temporarily closed their doors (and laid off staff), and many are still facing water and power outages.

Businesses that rely on tourism are also struggling as travel here has come to a standstill while we rehabilitate and rebuild.

Regardless of the circumstances, these businesses–and Western North Carolina collectively-deserve extra love this season.

Even if you’re not local to the area, several of the businesses on this list ship products or offer their services virtually.

This guide focuses on 20+ local, small businesses led by kick-ass women who are forging their own path forward following Hurricane Helene.  

These businesses are the ones that help make Western NC so charming: the brick and mortar gift shops, jewelry studios, and calming wellness spaces.

They’re also the ones that keep us creative and cared for: photographers, massage therapists, and coaches. 

Together they make up a mosaic of kind-hearted and talented people who are creating and rebuilding in a place that faced so much devastation following the hurricane.

Let’s dive into this business showcase like we’re two friends chatting over a cup of joe about all the people we love and want to support.

First up… the incredible photographers of Western NC.

Photography

Elopements by Erin

Erin is an elopement photographer who plans incredible experiences for couples who want a small wedding in Western North Carolina, The Smokeys, or Upstate South Carolina.

Her true-to-life, observational photography style is perfect for you if you’re looking for romantic imagery that depicts your day naturally and honestly.

Erin took several of the brand photos you’ll see on the Trio Writing Studios website, so I can personally attest to how delightful and talented she is. And although she advertises her elopement work most heavily, it’s definitely worth noting that her portrait & brand photography work are also exceptional.

You can learn more about Erin and her photography services through her website. I also highly recommend following her on IG: @elopementsbyerin

Nicole McConville Photography

Great visuals for your business are non-negotiable. People buy from emotion and are highly visual creatures, which is why the smart phone photos you’re currently using are probably not going to cut it.

But don’t fret, because Nicole McConville is here to fix that.

Nicole serves creative entrepreneurs and business owners with artful, strategic visuals that elevate and sell. She helps business owners create high-impact photo libraries you can use everywhere– your website, social media channels, you name it.

Her imagery will help any business owner elevate their marketing tenfold. Just check out her insta to see what I mean: @nicolemcconville. 

Nicole photographs local businesses in Western NC and also offers remote product photography for any business who wants to ship products to her studio. Her “If you can ship it, I can shoot it” motto makes her the perfect product photographer regardless of your location.

You can see more of Nicole’s incredible work and book her by visiting her website. 

Lose the Trail Photography

Jason & Molly are landscape photographers based in Asheville, North Carolina. Their work is mesmerizing and truly transports you to the great outdoors. If you want to bring nature inside your home, or gift a piece of mother earth to a friend for a birthday or holiday, check out their online print shop.

Lose the Trail Photography also sells prints at one of the local galleries here: The Kress Emporium. 

The Kress Emporium is home to over 100 local and regional artists. It has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the city. It’s the perfect place to go if you need to buy any sort of gift, or if you need to treat yourself and want to support a local maker while you’re at it.

So many of the artists and makers who sell their goods at The Kress Emporium were negatively impacted by the hurricane–several of them losing their studios and homes. 

The gallery has started a GoFundMe to support its vendors. Click here to learn more about Kress Emporium and make a donation.

V.Boudoir

Sarah, the creative mastermind behind Virago Boudoir, is not only an incredible artist, she’s also a self-confidence boosting badass who makes each of her clients feel beautiful. 

Her sessions are designed to highlight your personality and natural essence– because you’re already perfect. 

Her body-positive, come as you are mentality, makes her the perfect photographer for you whether this is your first time trying boudoir or you’re a seasoned pro.

To see more of her work and to book your session, check out the Virago Boudoir website and follow Sarah on instagram: @viragoboudoir

Weddings & Beyond

Next up, the businesses that make weddings and events 10x more special.

Brushes & Braids

Brushes and Braids is a collective of 13 insanely talented hair and makeup artists based in Western North Carolina.

Their team is incredible at creating custom looks that enhance your natural beauty.

…And their bridal services are just the beginning.

They also offer makeup and hair services for styled shoots, music festivals, and anything else you can dream up. 

Need a fresh updo or a romantic look for your wedding or special event? You’ve found the ones to make it happen. Explore their services and book the beauty squad at the Brushes & Braids website.

Golden Preserved

If you’ve ever thought to yourself what a shame it is that expensive flowers only last the day of your wedding or event, you need to check out Golden Preserved.

Tia Lorraine, the owner and artist, will take your special blooms and turn them into gorgeous custom artwork using floral preservation techniques.

She creates resin pieces as well floating floral shadow boxes that keep the memory of your event alive, and make sure your gorgeous blooms don’t go to waste.

At Golden Preserved, the bloom is only the beginning.

To learn more about Tia and the custom artwork she creates using your flowers, head to the Golden Preserved website. She also has an awesome Instagram, @goldenpreserved, where she posts reels of her process and the finished pieces (I may or may not binge watch weekly.)

Health & Wellness

Now for the biggest category on the list: the amazing wellness providers who keep WNC active, strong, and resilient.

Vitality Massage

If you need to relieve aches, pains, and stress– Allexis of Vitality Massage is your person. She has an incredibly centered approach– focusing on inclusivity and bodywork for people of all ages, body types, races, and gender identities. 

Allexis’ resilience and adaptability will inspire you. She lost her studio space at Asheville Healing Space due to extreme water damage and has since pivoted her business to offer mobile massage anywhere within 40 minutes of Asheville. 

If you’re looking for a trauma-informed therapist who creates safe spaces wherever she goes, Allexis is your person.

You can learn more about her massage expertise on Instagram @vitality.massage.avl. She accepts bookings through her DMs and by phone at 828-280-0343. 

Longevity Physical Therapy

Longevity PT is a female-owned physical therapy practice located inside Underground Fitness in Asheville, NC. They specialize in orthopedic injury, injury prevention, and personalized programming for those who want to increase resilience.

Longevity PT is the perfect space for those seeking healing, health, and strength through movement that builds resilient bodies.

To explore all their services, which include soft tissue massage, dry needling and cupping, book via Longevitypt.org.

Jewels Sports Massage & Bodywork

Athletes who are looking to relieve stress and tension and perform better will feel like they hit the jackpot with Jewels Sports Massage & Bodywork. 

Jules offers a variety of soft tissue therapy services including sport style massage and bodywork, deep relaxation massage, corrective exercise, instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM), and cupping. 

She’s excellent at educating clients and customizing a health and recovery plan that is tailored to your personal and athletic goals.

To learn about how Jules might be the missing piece in your athletic journey, head over to her website: jewelsbodywork.com. 

EMPOWER Mind, Body, and Soul

This online fitness and somatic self-care studio is accessible regardless of your location– WIN!

The somatic workouts, meditations, and self-care classes are designed to help you release stress, trauma, and chronic pain and step into your greatest era of self-love, emotional resilience, and strength.

Lizzy, the owner and lead coach, will help you get strong, feel safe, and radiate joy.

All it takes is the willingness to try one of her amazing classes.

You in? To learn about the online fitness studio and to try a class for yourself head over to empowermindbodysoul.com.

Mending Roots Healing Center

This collective of licensed mental health practitioners offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy for people looking to break out of the trauma cycle and live their most vibrant lives.

If you’ve always wanted to try therapy but feel daunted about starting, Mending Roots is the welcoming, nourishing place for you.

Their team helps people of all ages, races, and gender identities find healing within themselves and their relationships.

To begin your healing journey with their lovely team head to mendingrootshealingcenter.com. 

Moving & Breathing

Beth is the best kind of fitness coach–she’ll help you redefine your relationship with exercise and will teach you how to implement practical, daily movement and strength training into your at-home routine.

Her realistic, down-to-earth approach will help you fit exercise into your life in a way that feels realistic, sustainable, and ENJOYABLE.

To learn about easy ways to incorporate movement into your day–and to score a free, 30 minute virtual training session–go to Beth’s website.

Beth has started a GoFundMe to support local makers, service providers, and artisans who lost inventory, shops, equipment or are temporarily out of work due to Hurricane Helene.

To support her incredibly generous GoFundMe and the small businesses of Asheville, click here.

Faith Laux – Sex, Love, & Relationship Coach

Faith Laux is a certified sex, love, and relationship coach who will help you get clear on your desires, break through shame, and find what feels good.

Faith creates a safe, judgment-free space for clients to fully express themselves while they navigate the complexities (and joys) of intimacy. 

With a focus on communication, consent, and empowerment, Faith is a compassionate, open-minded coach who will help you create a more meaningful relationship with yourself.

To virtually meet Faith and learn more about her coaching services, check out her website. 

Unstoppable: Strength, Endurance, and Adventure Coaching

Tera, the coach behind Unstoppable, encourages women to lift heavy sh*t, run for fun, and actively seek out adventures that feed their soul. 

Her fuel-your-fire mentality will get anyone ready to take their wild idea off the back-burner and finally pursue it. 

Whether you want to take up trail running, finally go on the backpacking adventure you’ve always wanted to, or gear up to climb the mountain you’ve been eyeing– you’ll want Tera in your corner cheering you on and helping you execute. 

To learn about her personal training, run coaching, and other services, check out her website. 

Jewelry & Gifts

A group of creatives near and dear to my heart (because let’s be honest… I’m always on the search for a new trinket or little treat.)

New Moon Magic

This statement jewelry and upcycled apparel pop-up is the perfect place to pick up a gift for a witchy friend or grab something sparkly for yourself.

Everything here feels enchanted and one-of-a-kind, so it’s definitely worth following along with the shop on Instagram to see their art market schedule.

New Moon Magic also has an online shop, so you don’t have to be local to get your own piece of their jewelry.

I have two pairs of earrings made by Damini, the artist and owner, and I get soo many compliments on them.

Everything is small batch so make sure you run to the online shop to go pick up something magical for yourself or a friend.

Beads of Change

Alli, the artist and owner of Beads of Change, creates breathtaking beaded earrings that look more like a painting than a typical piece of jewelry. Her eye for color and keen attention to detail make her pieces like nothing you’ve ever seen. 

The mountain scapes, flowers, trees, and butterflies you’ll find on her creations make them perfect for the nature-lover on your list.

To learn more about where you can find Alli’s jewelry, follow her on Instagram: @beadsofchangeasheville. She often accepts custom orders.

Wilderness Muse

Wilderness Muse is the most charming art space & shop featuring over 40 hyper-local artisans and makers. The shop is a converted car wash that brings all the charm and serves as the perfect place to shop for gifts, plants, and art.

Wilderness Muse is perfectly-curated by its wonderful owner Leigh, and is a shopping haven for those who like to support local businesses.

Leigh has done so much to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts, and is currently seeking donations to purchase storage for all the goods she’s collected. To help purchase storage so relief efforts can continue, please click here.

Hospitality

Next up, the businesses that will make your visit to Western NC way more enjoyable.

Resto Getaways

Resto Getaways is a vacation rental management company hosting incredible properties in Western North Carolina including Maggie Valley, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Asheville, Sylva– and more. For your next stay in the mountains, skip Airbnb and book your stay right through the Resto Getaways website. 

Their comfortable, family-friendly rentals are the perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or exploring downtown.

Because let’s be honest–where you stay can make or break your vacation. 

So make sure you book a stay that’s just as comforting as being in your own home.

Head on over to RestoGetaways.com to book your next stay.

Lumen Concierge

Lumen Concierge helps tourists and locals alike ditch time-sucking errands so they can focus on soaking up the mountain air– and living the charming lifestyle Western NC has to offer.

Whether planning and providing provisions (aka epic fridge restocks) for your vacation, or helping you care for a pet so your day can run more smoothly, Lumen Concierge’s organization, efficiency, and in-depth Asheville knowledge makes them the perfect team to call on to help you get tasks done. 

I know Lauren, the owner, personally and to say she’s a gem is a massive understatement. She’s truly the perfect person to help make your vacation (or day-to-day life) all that more relaxing and seamless.

Head on over to Lumen Concierge’s website for more info.

NOTE: Please call 1-800-VISITNC for travel updates and information before planning your trip.

More 5-star service-based business

And last but definitely not least, the service providers and communities in Asheville that you absolutely have to check out.

The Good Hairstylist

Amy Rose, aka the badass with the shears behind The Good Hairstylist, is here to help make good hair days the norm for you. 

Not only has she won best of Asheville FIVE years in a row, she jumped in immediately to offer free cuts and stockpile supplies for relief efforts.

She is currently accepting $50 donations for those who want to “pay it forward” and buy a haircut for a first responder or someone in need. 

To get involved with the goodness, follow Amy @thegoodhairstylist on insta and check out her website.

Amp’d Design

Alyssa of Amp’d Design is a brand and web designer who creates unforgettable visuals for businesses who want to scale with strategy and style.

She has designed for so many of the brands locals know and love in Western NC.

And not only is she a creative genius, she also has a heart of gold. She’s currently offering pro bono design services for Western North Carolina businesses impacted by Helene. 

To see examples of her work and to learn more about her studio’s offerings, go to the Amp’d Designs website.

Embodied Leadership by Design

Meghan and Laura, the owners of Embodied Leadership by Design, help purpose driven-entrepreneurs (who they lovingly refer to as unicorns) heal from burnout, overwhelm, and stuck-ness so they can cultivate a life of well-being, success, and impact.

They blend human design, somatics, and applied neuroscience to create customized coaching plans for entrepreneurs who want thriving, aligned businesses they actually want to show up for. 

If you’re ready to finally step into your greatness and start impacting lives in the way only you can, these two are the leaders you absolutely need in your circle.

Learn more about Meghan and Lauren’s speaking, facilitation, and coaching offers at their website.

Meghan O’Malley Coaching

Meghan’s highly personalized coaching is designed to support magical humans in aligning with their unique path by blending both practical and intuitive tools. Meghan’s balanced–energetic when you need it, and grounding when you don’t–guidance focuses on helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom to navigate challenges, sticky points, and burnout. She’ll help you create a nourishing, fulfilling life that makes you think “OMG, this gets to be mine?”

If Meghan’s coaching sounds like the missing piece you need to create a balanced, intuitive plan for your goals, go to her website and experience her magic for yourself: meghanomalleymagic.com. I promise you won’t regret it.

The Hive

Perhaps in a category (and league) of its own, The Hive is a community for entrepreneurial women who want to ditch traditional networking and focus on connection first. The group hosts both in-person meetups throughout Western North Carolina and online trainings. 

The Hive, led by leadership expert Ashley Sterken, is the reason I’ve met so many of the business owners on this list. Not only was this the first business group I joined in WNC, it’s also my absolute favorite. 

The events are laid-back and welcoming and are hosted at the least stuffy places imaginable– like breweries, cutesy coffee shops, and parks. I’ve met a lot of amazing humans spearheading incredible businesses through The Hive and would recommend that any women who wants to feel more connected to the area joins.

The group also has a book club that I look forward to every month. The titles rotate between fiction and nonfiction business books–so everyone gets to read something they’re excited about. 

To learn more about joining The Hive and to get your first month free, buzz on over to hiveambition.com.

Hi there, I’m Alli!

I’m the copy & content writer here at Trio Writing Studios. I help entrepreneurs get their offer selling with compelling website copy, engaging blogs, and click-worthy emails.