Alumni-Owned Business Directory

Are you a UNC Asheville alum who owns a business? Do you want to support alumni-owned businesses?

This directory is another way the UNC Asheville Alumni Association connects our Bulldog family, supporting each other across the country and around the globe.

Business Name	Industry	Description	Website url	Date Added	Alumni Name	Grad Year	Offers Student Discount	Offers Alumni Discount	Offers Faculty/Staff Discount
Karen Keil Brown Painter Ethereal Landscapes	Painting	Painter in oil and acrylic, offers city, landscapes and commissions	https://karenkbrown.com/home.html	2023-03-12	Karen Keil Brown	1981	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cipriani & Werner, PC - Atlanta	Professional Services	Law Firm	https://www.c-wlaw.com	2023-04-13	Benjamin Leonard	1996
Kenya Edwards Group	Finance/Insurance/Real Estate	As a Real estate Broker, I am dedicated to providing excellent customer service. My philosophy is simple: clients come first. I pledge to be in constant communication with my clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. I also believe in keeping in contact with past clients and helping them understand the how changes in the market could impact their buying or selling decisions.	https://www.kenyaedwards.com	2023-05-17	Kenya Edwards	2000
Soul Geography Life Coaching	Mental Health Services	I am a certified life coach who supports anyone wanting to gain insight and clarity on life’s challenges or feelings of “stuckness” both personally and professionally. Coaching is an invaluable partnership which can help you navigate difficult situations and support you in developing meaningful dreams and goals based on your core values. My coaching focuses on helping clients connect to their inner guidance systems and identify emotions and triggers that might be getting in the way of how you want your life to be.	https://www.soul-geography.com	2023-05-18	Cindy Mitchell Appleby	1994
Manning Masonry, Inc.	Construction	Turnkey masonry contractor in NC, SC, and VA	https://www.manningmasonryinc.net	2023-05-23	Tim Manning	1997
Elizabeth Ruf Consulting, LLC	Consulting	Elizabeth Ruf Consulting focuses on three distinctive areas of marketing and nonprofit management, including: 1) social media strategy, 2) integrated & digital campaign strategy and execution, and 3) nonprofit training & development (retreats, strategic planning, board engagement, marketing).	https://elizabethruf.com	2023-05-23	Elizabeth Ruf	2012
Pittman & Steele, PLLC	Professional Services			2023-05-23	Charles Thomas Steele, Jr.	1984
East West Vintage Rentals & Venue	Event Services	We are an eclectic vintage warehouse located in West Asheville. Our event venue is available for intimate parties, rehearsal dinners or any small gathering of folks. The warehouse is also home to our vintage collection of furniture and accessories that are available for rent to enhance parties, weddings or photo shoots.	https://Eastwestvintagerentals.com	2023-05-23	Steve & Nikki Whited	2001/2002
Travel Cuba with Us	Recreational Activities	Cultural tours and yoga retreats in Cuba	https://www.cubayogaretreats.com	2023-05-23	Vanessa K Harper	1999
A Diverse Bloom	Non-Profit	Provides services for neurodiverse individuals to live life how they see fit		2023-05-23	Michelle Dubé	2016
Lanford Insurance and Financial Services	Health Services	We are an insurance agency specializing in Medicare and Major Medical insurance.	https://lanfordfinancial.com	2023-05-23	Frank J. Lanford, Jr	1973
Revel + Thrive Holistic Wellness	Health Services	I help people to finally uncover the root cause of gut issues so that they can ditch discomfort and digest optimally. Revel + Thrive offers nutrition coaching, gut microbiome testing, food sensitivity testing and bio-individual herbal protocols to get your gut in balance.	https://revelandthrive.com	2023-05-23	Corie McInnis	2013
Commercial Real Estate	Finance/Insurance/Real Estate	Commercial Real Estate Services. Investments, Sales, Tenant and Landlord Rep.	https://www.travisbryenton.com/	2023-05-23	Travis Bryenton	1999
Upstream Consulting	Consulting	Upstream Consulting provides comprehensive grant services that help health and social service nonprofits win more grants with less stress.	https://upstream.consulting	2023-05-23	Melissa Reams	2004
RE/MAX Executive	Finance/Insurance/Real Estate	Residential Real Estate, Office Broker in Charge	https://bobgilkeson.remax.com	2023-05-23	Bob Gilkeson	1996
Axial Compliance Consulting	Consulting	Axial Compliance Consulting is a one-stop shop for all of your cannabis licensing needs. Our clients include law firms, accounting firms, and cannabis operators. Whether you're looking to apply for a new license, or manage an existing license, we can help!	https://www.axialcompliance.com	2023-05-23	Bethany Niebauer	2006
The Matt & Molly Team	Finance/Insurance/Real Estate	Combining professionalism and fun to create a uniquely satisfying real estate experience for all.	https://www.themattandmollyteam.com	2023-05-24	Molly de Mattos	2002
Workoutbuddi	Recreational Activities	Workoutbuddi is a social wellness company. We are developing a social connection app (launching 2024) that offers a gateway to your potential community, right where you are, by locating & connecting you to active individuals with common goals/interests in your hyperlocal environment, ex: a new work campus, a conference or event, a new city, your co-working space, even your own neighborhood or gym.	https://www.workoutbuddi.com	2023-05-24	Anna Young	2009
Rachel Strickland Creative LLC	Arts	Performance art and career mentorship to working artists	https://www.rachelstricklandcreative.com	2023-05-26	Rachel Strickland	2005
W BOND INTERNATIONAL Inc.	Consulting	Branding, public relations, advertising, sales promotion, crisis’ communication, editorial direction and writing	https://www.wbondinternational.com	2023-06-06	Kayo Sato	1994
Self Skin Studio	Services	Med Spa	https://www.selfskinstudio.com	2023-06-08	Oliver Holmes	2006
Lavender Home Services	Services	Lavender Home Services is a queer and trans-owned all-in-one cleaning, lawn care, and handyservices company that also creates jobs and training for LGBTQ+ people.	https://www.lavenderhomeservices.com/	2023-06-16	Alex Fisher	2010
Elements of Madness	Arts	Film review and recommendation website.	https://elementsofmadness.com/	2023-07-10	Douglas Davidson	2003
Carrie's Handmade Essentials	Retail Trade	Author and skincare maker	https://Www.skincarecookbook.com	2023-07-10	Carrie Scharf	2002
Parklife	Consulting	Marketing and Communications	https://www.parklifecomm.com	2023-07-13	Brian Castle	1998
Lightning Bolt Ink, LLC	Wholesale/Trade	Lightning Bolt Ink is a locally and queer owned, living wage certified print shop set in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Our team prides itself in providing clients with exceptional screen printing and embroidery services, while working in an environment of mutual respect, approachability, and openness. As part of our mission, we strive to extend social justice discounts to organizations and individuals that are focused on raising funds to support causes in our local community and beyond.	https://Lightningboltinkscreenprinting.com	2023-07-18	Hannah Hipp	2016
Silphium Design LLC	Design Services	Web Design, WCAG Accessibility, SEO, Blogging., eCommerce	https://silphiumdesign.com	2023-07-18	Robert Coxe	1992
Realtor RE/MAX Executive	Services	Using my talents to help others buy, sell, and invest in real estate.	https://ashevillerealproperty.com	2023-07-19	Alexandra Schrank	2012
Ava Bock Art	Arts	Ava Bock is a resin based visual artist that specializes in decorative, memorial and installation artworks.	https://avabock.art	2023-07-20	Ava Bock	2022
Different Wrld	Arts	Culture House and Creative Hub	https://differentwrld.com	2023-08-01	Roxanne Snider	2019
On Tour Candle Co.	Retail Trade	Music inspired soy candles and wax melts!	https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnTourCandleCo	2023-08-01	Sierra Emery (Richardson)	2017
Emily Powell Glass, LLC	Arts	Emily Powell Glass creates blown glass that celebrates the beauty of nature and invites you to appreciate the artistry of the handmade.	https://emilypowellglass.com	2023-08-13	Emily Powell	2016
Prudential Advisors	Finance/Insurance/Real Estate	Financial Planning	https://www.prudential.com/advisor/dino-dziergas	2023-08-17	Dino Dziergas	2020
Thrivent	Finance/Insurance/Real Estate	Compass Wealth Advisors is a specialty group at Thrivent. We focus on providing transparent guidance to help clients establish a financial foundation of clarity, confidence and purpose. We are committed to helping you make financial choices in line with your goals and values—now and in the future.	https://connect.thrivent.com/compass-wealth-advisors/	2023-09-22	Michael Jay Raymond	2014
HYCH ("hitch") Heat You Can Handle	Retail Trade	HYCH crafts premium hot sauces with Heat You Can Handle. Our sauces deliver addictive international flavors with perfect heat to take you on an adventure with every pour. We believe life is meant for exploring, so we also offer culinary classes and retreats around the world that bring people together around food, the best way.	https://www.heatyoucanhandle.com	2023-10-17	Catharine Sutherland Kuerbis	1998
Bloom Counseling and Consulting	Mental Health Services	Mental health counseling for teens and young adults who are experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, medical trauma, and chronic illness.	https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lauren-m-woodard-asheville-nc/252901?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fus%2Faccount%2Fbilling&_ga=2.135570353.1644615410.1696906229-2097585857.1696778885&_gl=1%2aoi9nx%2a_ga%2aMjA5NzU4NTg1Ny4xNjk2Nzc4ODg1%2a_ga_5EMHF6S1M6%2aMTY5NjkwNjIyOC4yLjEuMTY5NjkwNzUzNy4xOC4wLjA.	2023-10-27	Lauren Woodard	2007
The Hop & Pop Bubble Tea	Food/Beverage Service	An Asian run authentic high-quality bubble tea shop less than 1 mile from campus.	https://popbubbleteanc.com	2023-12-01	Greg and Ashley Garrison	2005
StratGen	Consulting	StratGen is Management Consulting for Public Good. Sustainable Value Creation in a transforming world.	https://stratgen.org	2024-07-01	Grant	2004
Asheville Vintage Market	Retail Trade	Western North Carolina's largest vintage clothing market. Hosted in various venues in Asheville, North Carolina, drawing in thousands of shoppers every month.	https://www.instagram.com/ashevillevintagemarket/	2024-11-19	Dustin Wilkie	2014
Honey Creek Pottery	Arts	Functional Pottery for a Sustainable Home & Music Lovers	https://honeycreekpottery.weebly.com/	2024-12-05	Ashley Lieb	2015
Kadre Management	Consulting	Kadre Management is a non-profit association management firm. We provide full service, or partial service if that is all that is needed, organization management and meeting planning to non-profit associations that have no staff, or have small staff.	https://www.kadremgt.com	2024-12-19	Karla Jacobson Gay	1989
Skyland Cannabis Company	Retail Trade	Asheville's premier award winning cannabis boutique!	https://www.skylandcannabis.com	2025-01-14	Nicholas Strauss	2020
Bloom Counseling and Consulting	Mental Health Services	Mental Health Counseling	https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lauren-m-woodard-asheville-nc/252901	2025-05-04	Lauren Woodard	2007
SUP Asheville	Recreational Activities	Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Rentals & Retreats in Asheville and surrounding areas!	https://www.supasheville.com	2025-05-16	Jesse Goldman	2016
Serenity Scott inc.	Retail Trade	We are the independent Cosmetics and Skincare brand Serenity+Scott and the niche perfume brand PUNK&Dandy bottled by hand in Asheville, NC.	https://serenityandscott.com	2025-06-09	Serenity Eyre	2006
Lakeview Putt and Play	Recreational Activities	Family Entertainment Center-We offer mini golf, virtual reality, outdoor laser tag and Gellyball, as well as gem mining.	https://www.lakeviewputtandplay.com	2025-06-19	Leslie Blaylock	1992
Treehouse Creations	Manufacturing	Treehouse Creations is a NC-based family and women-owned custom apparel and accessories printing business. If you've ever said, "put that on a t-shirt," we can do that (and much more)! We work with our clients to craft their custom story with everything from the inception and design to the final product. As a digital direct-to-garment printer, we offer high quality printing, full-range of color and designs, no minimums, and one-on-one service. Treehouse Creations: Where Imagination Takes Root!	https://www.treehouse-creations.com	2025-08-06	Lea (Louise) Gilbert	2020
Botanist & Barrel	Food/Beverage Service	Welcome to Botanist & Barrel Asheville, your neighborhood spot for natural cider, wild wine, and good vibes seven days a week. Think flights of small batch cider and pét nat wine, local cheese and charcuterie boards, and the South’s best selection of tinned fish all in one cozy, unpretentious space that feels like a friend’s living room if your friend happened to have a killer bottle shop. We pour more than 400 natural ciders, wines, and beers, plus playful cider cocktails you will not find anywhere else. Everything we make is raw, wild, and unfiltered, made with spontaneous fermentation and sustainably grown Southern fruit, including from our own estate orchard. Gluten free? Vegan? You are covered. Want to take something home? Our retail shelves are stacked with local favorites, hard to find bottles, and tinned seafood for your next snack board or late night kitchen experiment. We are a family owned, community driven business that believes in real hospitality, honest ingredients, and celebrating the farmers who make it all possible. There is always something new to taste, something funky to learn, and someone friendly to pour your next glass. Come hang, sip, snack, and stay a while. Local fruit. Wild ferment. Real Southern flavor.	https://www.botanistandbarrelasheville.com	2025-10-28	Lyndon Smith	2003
Annies Woodturning LLC	Arts	I am a woodturner and create one of a kind turned wooden objects. I specialize in miniature decorative arts in 1:12 scale. I also make holiday ornaments and functional items like bowls, rolling pins, and other kitchen items, many from local wood.	https://annieswoodturning.com/	2025-11-05	Anne Ogg	BA 1993 and MLA 1997
Resilient Hope Solutions, LLC	Consulting	Consulting Service for Non-Profits, Human Resources, and Churches	https://www.resilienthopesolutions.com	2025-11-18	The Rev. Dr. Ken Saunders	2003
Max Cooper Photography	Arts	Photography of all kinds! Weddings, portraits, commercial, editorial!!	https://maxcooperphoto.com	2025-12-01	Max Cooper (name on degree is Clarence Cooper)	2006
Saman Farrukh	Consulting	Seventure Flow was established with one clear purpose: to help healthcare facilities across the United States optimize their financial workflows and achieve consistent, sustainable revenue growth. Our founder, Saman Farrukh, brings more than a decade of hands-on experience working alongside administrators, providers, and billing teams across the country.	https://www.seventureflow.com/	2025-12-15	Psychology Major	2013
Willbloom Books	Retail Trade	Willbloom Books - a bookshop that roams, stories that stay. A mobile bookshop in the heart of Weaverville, North Carolina. . Guided by the belief that every town deserves a bookshop where the community can gather and share their passion over the written word, we will partner with local cafés, breweries, and creative spaces to offer thoughtfully curated books, literary gifts, and a moment of quiet magic.	https://willbloombooks.com	2026-02-20	Lindsay Johnson	2023
KC Fitness Therapy	Health Services	In-Home Personal Training, Health Coaching, & Workout Programming	https://Www.kcfitnesstherapy.com	2026-04-06	Kathleen Cleary	2015
Woodfin Coffee Department	Food/Beverage Service	Neighborhood bistro open daily and nightly.	https://www.woodfin-coffee.com/	2026-06-05	Lucy Crown	1988
Crown Electric Services	Services	Crown Electric Services helps homeowners and businesses across Asheville get safe, dependable electrical work without stress, surprises, or inflated pricing.	https://share.google/CztjXJDJQzbR6k00C	2026-06-05	Lucy Noth Crown	1988
Lakeview Putt and Play	Recreational Activities	Family-friendly attraction that includes mini golf, Virtual Reality, gem mining, outdoor laser tag and Gellyball, with a snack bar featuring The Hop ice cream.	https://www.lakeviewputtandplay.com	2026-06-25	Leslie Blaylock	1992
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard	Agriculture	Stepps Hillcrest Orchard is a family owned farm offering pick your own apples, grapes, pumpkins and flowers. We also offer fun farm activities, a retail store and bakery.	https://www.steppapples.com	2026-06-26	Rita Long Stepp and Danielle Stepp McCall	1971 and 1996
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard	Agriculture	Stepps Hillcrest Orchard is a family owned farm offering pick your own apples, grapes, pumpkins and flowers. We also offer fun farm activities, a retail store and bakery.	https://www.steppapples.com	2026-06-26	Rita Long Stepp and Danielle Stepp McCall	1971 and 1996
A Meier Tours	Recreational Activities	Small group walking tours and gastronomic experiences in iconic Paris neighborhoods.	https://sites.google.com/view/ameiertours/group-tours	2026-08-09	Adrien Meierovitch	2024
Well Played Board Game Cafe	Recreational Activities		https://wellplayedasheville.com/		Kevan Frazier	1992
Dobra Tea	Food/Beverage Service		https://www.dobrateanc.com/		Kevan Frazier	1992
Asheville by Foot Tours	Recreational Activities		https://ashevillebyfoottours.com/		Kevan Frazier	1992
Hudgins Design: Hand Stamped Jewelry and Art	Retail Trade		https://www.etsy.com/shop/hudginsdesign/?etsrc=sdt		Angel Hudgins	1995
French Broad Adventures	Recreational Activities		https://www.frenchbroadrafting.com/		Mitch Hampton	2001
Devil's Foot Beverage Company	Food/Beverage Service		https://devilsfootbrew.com/		Jacob Baumann	2008
Grind AVL	Food/Beverage Service		https://grindavl.club/		J Hackett	2002
Asheville Performing Arts Academy	Recreational Activities		https://theapaa.com/		Heather Gallagher	2002
Convenient Woodworking	Retail Trade	Custom woodworking projects: furniture, restoration, refinishing, wood art, built-ins, shelving and more.	https://www.convenientwoodworking.com/		Nick Matney	2012
Big Sea (formerly JB Media Group)	Marketing	Digital marketing agency that helps mission-driven businesses and nonprofits grow through services like content strategy, social media, digital advertising, and Google Ad Grant management.	https://bigsea.co/		Justin Belleme	2005
FernLeaf Interactive	Consulting	Designs software for analyzing and visualizing environmental data and how climate affects assets and physical properties.	https://fernleaf.us		Jeff Hicks	2008
PRC Applications	Web Development	Web and mobile development firm that helps mission-driven organizations and eCommerce businesses build high-quality online experiences using platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and native iOS apps.	https://www.prcapps.com/about-us/		Patrick Conant	2011
Alonso Appeals	Legal Services	Florida-based appellate law firm specializing in state and federal court appeals.	https://www.alonsoappeals.com		Cristy Alonso	1997
Root Down Food Truck	Food and Beverage	The business specializes in Creole, Southern, and soul-influenced comfort food.	https://www.rootdownfoodtruck.com		Dano Holcomb	1998
Asheville Vehicle Outfitters	Services	Outfits 4x4 and overland vehicles for off-road adventures, providing products like slide-in campers, rooftop tents, and suspension systems, along with expert installation and community events for enthusiasts.	https://ashevillevehicleoutfitters.com		Eric Valdes	2010
Mariaca Wealth Management, LLC	Finance	Offers comprehensive, fee-only fiduciary financial planning services, specializing in retirement planning, investment management, tax strategies, and wealth transfer.	https://www.mariacawealth.com		Sergio Mariaca	1997
Barnwell Photography	Services	Offers a wide range of services, including portraits, editorial, architectural, and product photography, as well as photo restoration, promotional materials, and photography workshops.	https://www.barnwellphoto.com/photography-services		Timothy Barnwell	1977
Daymoon Coffee & Books	Food and Beverage	Daymoon is coffee, scratch-made baked goods, smoothies and tea.	https://www.facebook.com/mojofairview/		Devin Walsh	2007

This Alumni Business Directory is for informational purposes only. The information contained in this directory was provided to the UNC Asheville Alumni Association by alumni business owners. The association is not providing financial support or services to any of these businesses and assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any transaction or interaction between you and any business listed. The association reserves the right to refuse to include a business or to remove a business without notice if it does not align with the mission and values of UNC Asheville.