Sylva’s homegrown talent
Nestled betwixt the Great Balsam and Plott Balsam ranges not far from Western Carolina University in Jackson County, the town…
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Edwards reflects on culture changes spanning 30 years in the workplace
In Western North Carolina’s travel and tourism community, it’s not too unusual to find women at the helm. But when…
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Passion for fashion
Sarah Miller has a glowing personality and limitless energy when it comes to pursuing her passion.
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Crossroads of art and community
It’s a constant flow. “All day people are coming in and out of the gallery, to wander the shop or…
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Designing your dreams
The “wow” effect. “When we reveal a project to a client and they have that ‘wow’ expression on their face…
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Rural animal care offers constant joy, constant challenge for vet clinic
It’s not unusual to hear a visiting veterinarian term Cherokee Animal Care Clinic an emergency day clinic, Dr. Robbie McLeod…
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Finding femininity in the family business
Amanda James Shaw never expected she’d be back in her hometown of Franklin running the family business, especially a power…
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Stepping out on faith at Sylva’s Sassy Frass
Originally from Jackson, Tennessee. Tammy Fuller moved to Sylva seven years ago. Four years after that she opened Sassy Frass…
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The disappearing glass ceiling: Women-run entities rise in importance, numbers
Lisa Leatherman wasn’t trying to prove a point when she joined Nantahala Power and Light in 1987, the company’s third-ever…
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Moonlit magic in Balsam
The first time Merrily Teasley saw the Balsam Mountain Inn was somewhat dreamlike. It was during a full moon hike…
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Tapping into the future: Nicole Dexter of Innovation Brewing
It’s nearing lunchtime in downtown Sylva. The noonday traffic passes by a small building that houses Innovation Brewing. Inside, Nicole…
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Choppy seas? Not a chance: It’s always smooth sailing for Nyda Bittmann-Neville
Nyda Bittmann-Neville is a powerhouse of business savvy. Grace and poise define her. Professional becomes her. Composed and collected —…
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Women in Business 2015
Women climbing the corporate ladder or owning their own businesses is nothing new, and in fact North Carolina is among…
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Connecting a community: Women of Waynesville make their mark
Turning onto North Hill Street in downtown Waynesville, you’re immediately greeted by overhanging maples sporting the latest in fall colors.…
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Self-made, self-reliant and self-driven: Michele Rogers turns whatever life deals her into a winning hand
Michele Rogers had no job, no college degree, no husband and no place of her own when she pulled up…
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A passion for paper: Slusser’s spent her career in a male-dominated industry
Most people don’t kick off their retirement by becoming president of a company, but Nicki Slusser is not most people.
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Building a legacy: Sheppard Insurance is a mother-daughter, all-woman affair
When Kathy Sheppard got her start in the insurance world 30 years ago, she was a pioneer in a male-dominated…
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Hanneke Ware: Making a home in the mountains
Back in 1990, Hanneke and George Ware’s odds for success were long. A pair of non-locals living in what was…
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Women weave talents into successful yarn store
Three women in Franklin have been able to weave their multiple talents together to run a successful downtown business.
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Lisa Potts: Every day is Christmas
For Lisa Potts, Christmas isn’t just a holiday — it’s a way of life. Potts owns Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop…
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Family pride and persistence: Macon Furniture Mart marches on
Like many women, Karen Buchanan Bacon loves to shop. She loves skimming through Pottery Barn and Southern Living magazines looking…
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Taking on the challenge: Bridges balances career and motherhood as casino executive
If you’d asked Leeann Bridges 20 years ago what her ideal career would look like, she probably wouldn’t have told…
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Serving up Southern cuisine and camaraderie
There was little fanfare in 2010 when Mary Earnest opened the Blue Rooster, a Southern diner in a strip mall…
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Diane Cutler, Bryson City Bicycles
Diane Cutler, Co-owner Bryson City Bicycles. Board Member – Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association. www.brysoncitybicycles.com.
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Monica Brown, Fryemont Inn
Monica Brown, Innkeeper — Fryemont Inn, Bryson City. Chairperson – Smoky Mountain Host. Board Member – Swain County Tourist Development Authority. www.fryemontinn.com
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Farmer’s daughter finds life purpose in family business
It may be mostly men tending to the crops these days at Darnell Farms, but it’s Afton Roberts who has…
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One house at a time: Bug lady keeps WNC homes pest-free
Before Karen Walston began running her first extermination route 16 years ago, she had no plans to become The Bug…
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Serio serious about self-defense
The story of every small business is different and unique, but some follow an economic development narrative being heard more…
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Creating a community at the Blue Moon Salon
When you’ve done something for as long as Mitzi Cope has, you tend to learn a thing or two —…
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Recipe for success: Mixing women and wine always a good idea
Heather and Robert Acton have it all figured out. Living on the outskirts of Swain County near the national park…
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In the book business: Books Unlimited owner shares love of reading
The book business is rebounding thanks to people like Suzanne Harouff who’ve never given up on it.
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Power of self-healing: Dr. Sparks takes long-range approach to personal health
Too often patients visit Dr. Linda Sparks as a last resort. Only after years of not being able to find…
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Building business in Haywood County
Its no surprise that The Smoky Mountain News’ annual Women in Business issue highlights women who are in business, but…
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The family that works together: Home cooking and community still draws crowds at Granny’s Kitchen
It’s 3 p.m. on a weekday, a time when any restaurant would be well within its rights to be all…
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