Written by Joy Payne, Senior Content Coordinator at Aeroflow Health.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many communities in Western North Carolina faced significant challenges. Recognizing the vital role that women-owned businesses play in the local economy, Ginger Frank of Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn, Allison Blake & Elisa Van Arnam of SoulKu, and Meg Ragland of Plum Print jumped to action to strategize a game plan to provide financial support to the countless businesses impacted by the storm.
Together, they formed WE ARE—The Women Entrepreneurs Asheville Recovery Endeavor. Partnering with Asheville-based HATCH Innovation Hub, they are able to offer tax-deductible corporate sponsorships and donations. Through these contributions and a raffle of remarkable Asheville-made products, experiences, and stays, multiple grants and mentorship opportunities have emerged to support women whose dreams of business ownership have been disrupted by this tragedy.
Aeroflow Answers The Call
When Aeroflow’s leadership team heard of this incredible initiative, they jumped to action to help provide funds to this effort. As Casey Hite, CEO at Aeroflow Health often says, “We believe in supporting the communities where we live and work.”
“Aeroflow came at the most beautiful time. There was an individual that was willing to donate $25K if we could secure a match. Aeroflow’s donation allowed us to raise $75,000,” says Allison Blake, CEO and Co-founder of Soulku. “Their commitment to rebuilding and supporting our community, specifically women owned businesses that historically receive less funding, will have a lasting impact for decades to come. They were a beacon of light in a very challenging time and will continue to shine as they watch these women come back stronger than ever.“
Supporting Local Businesses: Making a Difference
The funds provided by Aeroflow Health have already made a significant impact on several local businesses, including:
- Smiling Hara Tempeh: This local Appalachia producer of organic tempeh faced significant challenges due to the storm, impacting their production and distribution. With the support of the grant, Smiling Hara Tempeh was able to pay rent and wages for their facility and employees and will help ensure future community access to their delicious and nutritious products.
- Montgomery Sky Farms: This family-owned farm suffered significant damage to their crops and infrastructure. The grant provided crucial support for the farm’s recovery, allowing them to continue providing fresh, locally grown produce to the community.
“This grant is not just financial assistance; it is a testament to our resilience and dedication to sustainable agriculture in WNC. With this funding, we are committed to restoring our farm and continuing to serve our community with the quality and passion that defines Montgomery Sky Farm. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our farm operations and the local community. Thank you, WE ARE, for believing in us.” – Fran Montgomery Owner & CEO
- Deer Valley Athletic Club: This fitness center in Boone, NC sustained significant damage to its facilities, impacting its ability to serve its members. The grant enabled the club to make necessary repairs, ensuring continued access to health and wellness resources for the community.
“I am absolutely blown over by the generosity of WE ARE and those who have contributed to the $50,000 grant I received. I have spent the past four years, updating the aesthetics, replacing most of the key infrastructure components and most importantly, revitalized the essence of what Deer Valley is supposed to be for our members and guests. We had just completed the last of the major updates when the disaster hit. Our outdoor areas were devastated. This grant is allowing us to revitalize our outdoor courts, sheds and pools. I cannot thank you enough!” – Halle Pilkington, Owner of Deer Valley Athletic Club
- Asheville Print Studio + Gallery: This local printing company housed in the heart of the River Arts District faced significant disruptions to its operations due to the storm. The grant is helping them get back on their feet and hopefully soon reopen to the public.
“The We ARE check means the world to us! The [money] from your organization will enable us (my studio & business partner Anna Bryant) to start a proper screen printing set up in our new studio. -something that was cobbled together prior to the storm which includes a wash out booth, UV box, inks, squeegees and screens so we may offer classes to the community as well as engage in advertising both locally, nationally and internationally. In addition, we will use the grant for tech support to upgrade our website and rebrand the business. We are so excited to get our sleeves rolled up and get started!” – Denise Markbreit, Founder of Asheville Print Studios
How You Can Help
To continue this vital work, WE ARE must raise $50,000 by the end of March. Every donation—big or small—will be matched, effectively doubling the support available for women-owned businesses that are still recovering
To learn more about how you can make an impact and give back to women-owned businesses impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene, check out the link below:
Written by Joy Payne
Joy is the Senior Content Coordinator at Aeroflow Health. With over a decade of experience in bringing brand stories to life, Joy has a profound appreciation for the power of storytelling.
As a graduate of Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in English: Professional Writing, Joy has actively contributed to various publications, including Grit & Virtue, AdventHealth’s Experience Magazine, and Thryve Mag. Through her work, she has demonstrated a keen eye for expressing unique perspectives that resonate with audiences and elevate brand voices.
In her free time, Joy enjoys driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, writing songs, and discovering the best coffee spots in town. Her diverse experiences and commitment to shining a light on meaningful stories underscore her expertise in the field.
