Many of you have been asking how you can best support me and my beloved Asheville which was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Some people lost their entire homes, businesses or their income. Others, like me, were impacted on a lesser scale but still suffered losses.
We still don’t have potable water in the city (but we can at least flush toilets finally – yay!), many of us were without power and internet for weeks and lots of us are digging out from tree damage (you can hear chainsaw everywhere – still!) or water damage.
When the city turned the water back on, I had a major leak in my primary bathroom requiring a major renovation project that will take months to fix. I had to cancel my women’s retreat scheduled for October (but hope to reschedule it for spring 2025 – stay tuned).
Everyone you talk to here has a story of loss and survival.
We are holding the grief and the gratitude as best we can.
But we sure need *your* light pouring into our region.
The best way you can help?
Please spend your money here!
Help our economy to rebuild.
It’s going to take a long time until things are “normal” again.
We’re talking maybe as long as a decade.
So, as you start to think ahead to your holiday gatherings with family and friends and know that you’ll need hostess gifts, stocking stuffers and presents for your loved ones, consider shopping from businesses that are owned and operated from the Asheville area.
1. Buy Gifts from Sacred Celebrations! As you know, in addition to serving you as a coach, I love to be your “go-to gal” for meaningful and intentional gifts. This year, it will be especially meaningful to send care packages handmade with love from Asheville around the country! 20% of all product sales between now and Christmas will be donated to relief efforts! Here are some ideas for you…
- Choose a Rose Quartz dragonfly bracelet (for self-love + resilience) + book for a friend navigating a divorce.
- Select the Self-care Ritual kit + amethyst bracelet (for healing + support) + book for a loved one navigating a health challenge
- The House Blessing Ritual Kit + Howlite bracelet (for calm + ease) + book will be a great gift for someone who’s just moved into a new home
- Our onyx bracelets (for grief + grounding) are great for anyone navigating grief or needing to feel more grounded. (We have 4 styles—choose from nautilus, dragonfly, flower, or flower of life.)
2. Find Other Cool & Unique Gifts – Check out Love Asheville From Afar, an online marketplace organized by the Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses. You can find a wide variety of gifts like pottery, herbal soaps, home décor, candles, pet-themed gifts, outdoor gifts and jewelry. You can also buy gift certificates to restaurants and hotels for a future stay for you or a loved one.
3. Make a donation in honor of someone – Two homegrown organizations that have been steadfast during recovery efforts are Beloved Asheville and Manna Foodbank.
Manna FoodBank in Asheville
BeLoved Asheville
I hope you find the perfect gifts and thank you for supporting our beloved Asheville community!