(DATE1/4/2024; Fletcher, North Carolina): In response to the enthusiasm of more than 4,000 attendees of the 2023 Asheville Celtic Festival, the winter indoor/outdoor event is expanding to two days in February 2024. Held at the WNC Agriculture Center at 761 Boylston Highway, Fletcher, just outside of Asheville and adjacent to the Asheville Regional Airport, the fourth annual Asheville Celtic Festival will take place Saturday, February 17 through Sunday, February 18.“Our goal when we developed the festival was to bring the Celtic spirit of the Seven Nations to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina while offering an indoor/outdoor event during the winter months,” said Mark Ferguson, co-founder. “The response has been phenomenal since the start, with attendance increasing every year. We’re thrilled to expand to two days in 2024, and tickets are already going fast.” Entertainment at the family-friendly event will include live Celtic music from bands like ALBANNACH from Glasgow Scotland, SYR from Columbia S.C.,  and Unspoken Tradition from Cherryville, N.C., and more! Other entertainment will include live full-armored sword fighting at the castle by The Warriors of Ash-sword school. The awakening sounds of the Grandfather Mountain Pipe and Drum Band, as well as the Knoxville Pipe and Drum Band will ceremoniously open the event at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. www.ashevillecelticfest.comBe sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Embark on a journey with me, JPH, as we delve into the heart and soul of small business innovation alongside Mike Arriola, SBA District Director for North Carolina. Discover how one man's switch from a banking career to a two-decade-long passion project with the SBA has been instrumental in fostering small businesses through indispensable loan, federal contracting, and counseling services. Our conversation is a testament to the tenacity and creativity needed to navigate the complex economic landscape of North Carolina; one that's as diverse as the entrepreneurs it houses. We shine a light on the SBA's dynamic approach to overcoming budgetary constraints and customizing support for the varied communities within the state, and Mike introduces the vital work of the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), a beacon for specialized business support.Peek behind the curtain of government contracting and unearth the wealth of opportunities that await nimble small businesses willing to step into the federal arena. Mike and I dissect the strategic pathways for securing local city contracts, discuss the undeniable power of forging personal connections, and share insights into the art of strategic marketing essential to winning government projects. The episode isn't just a talk; it's a treasure trove for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, bolstered by powerful statistics from North Carolina businesses and a rising tide of new nationwide business applications. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a nascent entrepreneur, the guidance found within the SBTDC's resources can illuminate your path to success in the ever-expanding ecosystem of government procurement.https://www.sba.gov/Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Step into the mesmerizing world of intuition with Shifra Nerenberg, the intuitive maestro behind Spiral Intuitive. From developing your intuitive prowess to exploring past lives through guided visualizations, this episode is a mysterious adventure into the unseen realms of our conscious existence. Shifra opens up about her fascinating work as an animal communicator, her unique approach to tarot and Oracle readings, and her passion for pairing felines with their human counterparts. Get ready to tear down the conditioned barriers around intuition and awaken to the wisdom inherent within your existence.The second half of the episode takes a riveting twist as Shifra wields her tarot deck to perform a live reading, offering a dash of guidance and inspiration as we approach the festive season. The space is filled with profound insights, stimulating conversations, and a sense of connection to our shared human experience. As the holiday lights twinkle and the New Year beckons, we're reminded of our inherent humaneness, the power of our voices, and the beauty of intuitive living. Join Shifra and me, Joanna Patrice Haggerty, for an episode sure to leave you reflective, inspired, and in touch with your intuitive essence.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Ready to uncover the secrets of building a successful business while maintaining work-life balance? Get comfy as we welcome Wendy Gritzmacher, the founder and travel advisor of Bliss Travel, who managed to do just that! Wendy candidly shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, revealing how she launched Bliss Travel as a means to balance her career with motherhood. She talks about the crucial role that local resources like the Western Women's Business Center played in her transition, offering a great example for aspiring entrepreneurs.In the spirit of holiday season, Wendy also shares some smart travel hacks to help you navigate the challenges of holiday travel. From the importance of extra time at airports to the genius idea of dividing belongings between two suitcases when you are traveling with a partner, Wendy's tips are bound to make your travel more stress-free. As a seasoned travel industry professional, Wendy's experience of being on both sides of the ticket counter sure comes in handy. Uncover the secret of a peaceful holiday trip and gain insights into launching a successful business in this fascinating episode.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Have you ever wondered how deeply personal tragedies can be transformed into powerful missions for change? Meet Sandra Grace, a woman who's turned her harrowing past into a relentless fight against child marriage and trafficking. As the founder and executive director of 'Who Gives this Child', Sandra uses her story not just as a testament to her resilience, but as a compelling call to arms. Sold into marriage at a tender age of 14 by her own mother, Sandra is now leading efforts to raise the marriageable age in North Carolina to 18, through legislative change.In an insightful conversation with Joanna Patrice Hagarty, Sandra sheds light on the intimate tie between child marriage and human trafficking. Unravel the intricate strategy that 'Who Gives this Child' employs, using short documentaries to raise awareness and shape public opinion. Sandra also divulges her plans to release a book, which chronicles her own experiences, and gives us a glimpse of the collaborations that 'Who Gives this Child' has fostered with organizations like the Lantern Project and Unchained Child USA. This episode is a stirring reminder of the power each of us holds to spark change and protect the vulnerable. Tune in and join the fight against child exploitation.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

What if you could support local entrepreneurs while discovering unique holiday gifts and wellness products? We promise to take you on a fascinating journey with Rachel Horn, the creative genius behind Sandy Mush Smokin Co and Heart Found Botanicals in this episode. Join us at the vibrant Holiday Pop-Up Market in Asheville Mall where we share inspiring conversations with many of the fifty local women-owned businesses. In the spotlight is Rachel, who reveals her blend of traditional mulling spices and innovative CBD products. Hear about her entrepreneurial journey alongside her husband, their shared passion for CBD wellness, and how their dream product became an unforgettable wedding gift. The healing power of their products, from chapsticks that banish cold sores to CBD sabs that aid pain-free living, is truly remarkable. Rachel also shares her ambitions to make her market presence more regular and expand her products into more stores. So tune in, and let Rachel's inspiring story and unique products captivate your imagination.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Can a hobby turned into a business venture serve as a therapeutic escape? Join me, Joanna Patrice Haggerty, at the 2023 Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Asheville Mall as I engage with Phyllis Brooks, the creative genius behind Dreamations by Phyllis. This episode revolves around Phyllis's artistic journey from an idyllic hobby to a successful business venture, born out of her passion for painting picturesque landscapes. Inspired by the iconic Bob Ross, Phyllis takes us through the origin of her charming business name, 'Dreamations,' and how her art has become a much-needed stress reliever amidst her full-time job responsibilities.As the conversation evolves, Phyllis reveals her future aspiration of opening a storefront to sell her art post-retirement while narrating her artistic process and her experiences of balancing her full-time job with her flourishing business. Be prepared to be awestruck as Phyllis describes how she has ingeniously transformed her stress-relieving hobby into a flourishing business and her plans future. You will also learn where to find her enchanting artwork online. So, tune in and immerse yourself in Phyllis's inspiring journey from painting landscapes to painting her entrepreneurial dreams.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Ever wonder what exactly makes a toy sustainable or how it can enhance your child's cognitive development? We promise you a treasure of knowledge in our fascinating conversation with Lindsay Simpson, the founder of the Hendersonville Toy Company, who takes us on an enlightening journey into the world of sustainable and educational playthings. We are at the Holiday Pop-Up Market for 2023 at the Asheville Mall, among 50 local women-owned businesses, talking about toys that are more than just playthings.Lindsay throws light on the key features of her unique toy business focusing on sustainably made toys, stem-related items, Montessori-based play, and items that inspire intergenerational play, a concept that has gained serious traction in this digital age. She explains how play is not just for kids, and how engaging in play can boost cognitive abilities, improve mental health, and foster bonds across generations. We delve into the materials and design of sustainable toys, understanding wooden toys, recycled plastic items, and toys made from bioplastics. Lindsay also expands on stem toys, which integrate science, technology, engineering, and math, helping kids to learn about sequencing, engineering, and more. Furthermore, we talk about the importance of introducing art into play, creating a more holistic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) approach. This conversation is a goldmine of information for parents, educators, and toy enthusiasts who seek to understand better, the value and impact of toys in our lives.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

When you think of the moon, what comes to mind? Perhaps its calming light, or the tides it influences. But have you ever considered how it could be playing a vital role not just in nature, but in our lives and the energy around us? Meet Kayla Spence, founder of 'Ruled by the Moon', a unique crystal-based business that embraces this philosophy. Tune in as she shares about her entrepreneurial journey, starting with simple crystal jewelry and evolving to incorporate candles, soaps, and various trinkets, each with a touch of crystal magic. Kayla's belief in the moon's power and the energy of crystals permeates her work, making her creations affordable, beautiful, and meaningful.To Kayla, a crystal isn't just a piece of jewelry; it is the star of the show. Her minimalist approach to design emphasizes the crystal more than the wire, making her pieces stand out. But the allure does not stop at aesthetics; Kayla believes in educating her customers about the energy and meaning behind each crystal. So, whether you're seeking healing, curiosity has piqued your interest, or you're just in search of a unique piece of jewelry, don't miss this episode. Join us and explore the fascinating world of crystals and how they can influence your life. Remember, as Kayla says, "The crystal you need will pick you!Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Ever wondered how resilience and creativity can pave the way for business success even in the face of a global crisis? Uncover the entrepreneurial journey of a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Latiisha, and Brittani Gash, who defied the odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming their passions into thriving local businesses - Candles by Tiara and Tiara's Cakes and Cupcakes.Witness the magic that unfolds when family, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for comfort and indulgence blend. Hear Latiisha and Brittani share their inspiring journey of launching a candle and cake business amidst challenging times, and how they turned ordinary items into a source of relaxation and pleasure. Learn how Latiisha's focus on natural candle ingredients sparked a light during dark times, and how Brittani, after perfecting her brownie recipe, ventured into cake-making, satisfying the sweet cravings of many. Get a glimpse into their collaborative efforts and how their products beautifully complement each other on special occasions. This episode is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit of small business owners. Tune in and be inspired.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Curious about the modern alchemy of essential oils and energy healing? Come on a journey with us as we sit down with Adora Winquist, founder of the Seoul Institute and High Vibe Aromatics, at Asheville Mall's 2023 Holiday Pop-Up Market. Adora unravels her story, from her healing journey in the mid-1990s to her contemporary mission of assisting 25 million people in finding, living, and flourishing in their soul purpose. Her vision is gargantuan, paralleled by her dedication to offering accessible, practical, and profound interventions that marry ancient alchemical wisdom with a contemporary twist.Stay tuned as Adora opens up about her various entrepreneurial ventures, sharing her path of ceaseless creativity and innovation right from her first business in 1998 to her recent brand, High Vibe Aromatics. She also grants us an exclusive look at her forthcoming book, 'The Love Frequency, a Modern Alchemist's Guide to Thriving in Sacred Purpose.' Adora beautifully unifies the scientific and spiritual, using what she terms 'foundational alchemy' as the backbone of her practices. This episode is overflowing with enlightening insights about discovering your sacred intention and leading an abundant life. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that you won't want to miss!Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Sheelah has been working in the arts sales sector for over 15 years, 10 of which she ran a successful art gallery working with both established and up and coming artists. Through this work she came to realise that there was a lack of resources for artists to learn about the industry, like the ins and outs of exhibiting your work. This gap created a lot of frustration and disappointment for lots of very talented artists. So, in 2019 Sheelah closed the gallery to focus all her time and efforts on helping artists to create thriving and sustainable business from their art practices by sharing her  experience and expertise.Sheelah is an Art Historian (BAhons) and a snap happy photographer. She gets almost as much of a thrill from a perfectly captured moment in time in a photo as she does from falling in love with an artwork. She has fallen, hard, many times and she never tires of it.Sheelah has a strong passion and belief in the importance of art and visual communications for the betterment and development of communities. This is the foundation of everything she does at 2020 Curates.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Kentrice Schexnayder is a multifaceted New Orleans artist/muralist. From timeless fine arts pieces sold nationwide to one of the largest historical murals in New Orleans history - Schexnayder is most known for captivating life like portraits and history in her Art/Murals.Schexnayder is on her way to becoming a nationally renown artist.  Inspired to be an artist from the ripe age of 6, Schexnayder graduated in 2010 from the University of New Orleans with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a minor in business. https://www.ken6studio.com/Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Laura is the host of The Mosaic Life with Laura W. on BizRadio.USWinner of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s WomanUp 2022 Best in Business award, Laura Wagenknecht, Founder and CEO of Mosaic Business Consulting, is an experienced consultant, executive coach, and strategist. With more than 30 years of professional experience and 20+ years of executive experience, she can draw on her background to help others. Her background and expertise make her the ideal fit for working women and minority business owners, coaches, consultants, therapists, healthcare providers, and other service providers. She believes our diverse businesses provide a critical and beautiful contribution to the business community – and the world needs more women and minority business owners to succeed!https://www.mosaicbusinessconsulting.com/https://bizradio.us/Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Melissa McKinney is a singer/songwriter and musician living in Asheville, NC. Before moving here from WV, she spent 15 years as the owner of Stages Music School and The founder/director of The One Voice Project, an artist development program that offers young musicians the opportunity to travel with an empowerment and mental health awareness concert tour.She is the lead singer of Mama & The Ruckus who recently won the honor of competing in the International Blues Competition in Memphis. She is a resident artist with LEAF Global Arts and has a passion for giving young people the opportunity to use their voices to make a positive difference in their community and the world. She is the co-founder of the WTF Music Festival coming back for its 2nd year in June of 2023. Melissa enjoys organizing events, especially ones that benefit people or causes that she is passionate about. Most recently she helped organize the No Simple Disruption/Medeski & Friends event at Salvage Station. She is the mother of K. McKinney, a local bass player/singer who she performs often, as well as two Great Pyrenees named Dorian and Lydian, a doodly dog named Aeolian, and a cat named Locrian.https://www.melissamckinneymusic.comPhoto by Jessica Montanez Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Tom Boots is an organizational development consultant and executive coach.  He brings more than 25 years of experience working with small and large businesses, nonprofits, and the Federal Government. He earned an MA degree in Human Development from the University of Kansas with an emphasis in organizational behavior management. He also spends time creating music, painting, and exploring the outdoors.WEBSITE LINKS / CTA:tom@tombootsconsulting.comwww.tombootsconsulting.comBe sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Welcome to Art Hero’s with JPH, where we believe art can heal, connect and galvanize.This is our second episode of our NEW monthly mini- training series with myself, Johanna Patrice Hagarty. Each episode will correspond with our Art Hero Group Coaching Program and will serve 3 purposes: 1st It will serve as additional education for my current students since you can’t teach everything there is to know about a topic in 1hr2nd: It will serve as a free resource for anyone looking to learn about a specific business foundations topic- because while we all gotta eat- I believe sharing business knowledge with those who need it for free is of value 3rd: It will give everyone a taste for me, and my coaching style for anyone who may be curious about joining our coaching program or taking a course from me.Our 1hr group coaching live training takes place the second Wednesday of every month at 11am EST. Members get all replays and a direct line to business experts that can answer your unique business questions in a timely fashion. Vist: www.ArtHero.Biz/Current-Programs to learn more about any of our programs and services. BUT for now, let’s dive in! Last month we discussed 3 Tips for getting into the right executive mindset for business (regardless of where you are!)This month the topic is all about goals and project management. Now at the beginning of the year, we are always bombarded with goals and this internal anxiety monster can easily come out (at least in me) feeling like I’ve got to start the year off perfectly right. Well for anyone who knows me and my coaching style, you know that I believe in small changes, aka microshifts- so that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Why those are important, and how to manage those. We’re going: To cover 4 tips to making a good goalHave an honest conversation about goals and anti-goal setting3 Reasons Project Management is important to your business and goalsReview Art Hero’s 4 STAR Components of Project Management If Pablo Picasso said, “our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” then I think we can at least entertain the idea of goal setting. So grab a piece of paper to take notes, and tune in while we break it all down for you! Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Courtney Naquin is a climate and environmental justice communications professional based in New Orleans. Courtney was born and raised in a petrochemical and fossil fuel “sacrifice zone” of Southeast Texas, and has deep family roots in endangered bayou communities of Southern Louisiana. They’ve seen first hand the devastation and displacement of multiple major climate and environmental disasters, from Hurricane Katrina to the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to the more recent Hurricane Ida.Their upbringing inspired them to make environmental advocacy and climate communications their career. They are currently the Gulf Coast Deputy Press Secretary for Sierra Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign, working closely with grassroots organizations and frontline leaders to elevate the Gulf South resistance to extractive and polluting industry. They are a firm believer in “bottom up” messaging and community-led storytelling that centers the experiences and needs of those most impacted by industry activity and climate change. Courtney is dedicated to helping stop the fracked gas “LNG” buildout that is threatening the Gulf Coast, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, Southeast Texas, and Southwest Louisiana. They work with communities and groups along the “fracking cycle,” referring to the extraction of fossil fuels from the Permian Basin to transport and export along the TX/LA Gulf Coast.Courtney also works as the education coordinator for the Houma Language Project, a new cultural restoration initiative with United Houma Nation, one of Southern Louisiana’s Indigenous Tribes. The Houma Language Project aims to revitalize Uma, the Tribe’s original language, and to engage Houma youth to help keep Houma French alive in a time where climate change poses an active existential threat to the Indigenous peoples of Southern LouisianaBe sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Salon.com wrote: “By trade, Dayna Reggero is an environmentalist. Her work ranges from filmmaking to beginning her career as a spokesperson. However, her most skilled workers might come in the form of organizing conversations, or simply starting them.” In a print feature, Woman’s Day Magazine showcased Dayna as an “Earth Mother: an Artist Activist who isn’t just fighting for cleaner air and water, but protecting a community’s most precious resources – its people.” Dayna was honored in 2022 as the winner of the Maya Deren Short Film Innovation Prize for her insightful, essential documentaries but also her human spirit to make the world more aware of itself through her various projects.”https://gulfcoastmurals.com/Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.

Assuming we take the term “grown up” loosely, Simon Pellett grew up in the south of England, spent his teenage years engrossed in art and music and learning to play the guitar. At 20 he met a girl and left the UK, moving north of Boston in the US.and over the years contributed to several different musical projects, while working on his career as a graphic artist.From his early teens, he suffered from anxiety and depression, which caused crippling self-doubt, virtually halting any confidence to join bands or play in public for fear of ridicule and not being good enough. It wasn’t until a childhood friend turned him on to motivational and leadership authors and speakers such as Tony Robbins, that he began to work on overcoming his fears and seeking to improve himself in all aspects of life.After working with various musicians in New England, Simon joined a band that opened for national touring acts, won a battle of the bands, and was interviewed on the radio. The band ran its course, but the relationships in the scene and the experiences were invaluable. With the entrepreneurial and mindset knowledge gained from constantly seeking new books and podcasts, coupled with seeing firsthand the stumbling blocks that bands run into when trying to build a career in music, he launched a podcast called Music On Your Own Terms. This podcast aims to help musicians develop an entrepreneurial mindset, overcome the same self-doubt, anxiety, and depression, and build a community of musicians that work together to improve the scene with the mantra “A rising tide lifts all ships”.Simon is currently based in Texas and along with the podcast he works professionally as a graphic artist for a screen printing company, producing merch for various bands. During his spare time, he writes his own music, works with other musicians recording guitar and bass, helps promote his friends’ bands, and teaches guitar and bass.Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, local events and more.