Porter & Prince

Growing up with three brothers, Debra Prince Slosman was not often able to indulge her feminine proclivities. For the last 15 years, her luxuriant Biltmore Village shop, Porter & Prince, has al- lowed her to make up for lost time. “I grew up in a home without a lot of frills,” she says.

Her shop is brimming with lovely bed and bath items—little indulgences such as beautiful linens, plush robes and sleepwear, exquisite fabrics, scented candles, lotions, and bath products. Debra has created vignettes where customers are encouraged to touch, smell, and experience a little pampering. “I want things that are lovely and simple yet have lasting value,” she says, “where customers can have small luxuries without the guilt.”

Being involved in the international furniture market since her teens and eventually running a $2.6 million dollar retail territory gave Debra a solid business foundation. She looks for items that have character and personality, such as the locally made Cupcake Bath Bombs and sleepwear from Brevard-based Cotn. Debra believes that gracious living can be affordable and pampering her customers is a rich reward. The store also offers design services, works with design professionals, and does custom orders.

Visit 6 Brook Street or online at porterandprince.com. The shop can be reached at 828.277.2337.
(In Photo: Debra Prince Slosman)

Vanuatu Kava Bar

Tucked in the Lexington Station building is a little Polynesian- themed spot where happiness is served up in coconut shells. Vanuatu Kava Bar, opened in June 2010 by Andrew Procyk and Keely Flow, offers a relaxing atmosphere, tasty island fare, and the cultural drink of Oceania—kava.

Kava refers to both the ancient plant and the drink derived from its roots. The libation numbs the tongue a bit and has an intoxicating effect, producing a relaxed and happy sensation. Andrew, a former adjunct professor of sociology, discovered the beverage while researching for a “drugs and society” class. “This is the first and only kava bar in North Carolina,” he says. “Keely’s family is from here and we felt Asheville was a perfect fit.”

The couple uses only pure, organic kava from fair trade sources in Vanuatu where kava is consumed in nakamals (places of peace) which serve as the village’s social hub. Vanuatu Kava Bar brings this concept to Asheville with bamboo (from a tobacco farm where the family once share-cropped), carved tikis, a thatched roof over the bar, and rustic tables created by Andrew. This happy place also has wi-fi, a large patio, lounge area, meditation room, and live music.

Visit 151 S. Lexington Avenue or online at facebook.com/kavabar. They can be reached at 828.505.8118.
(In Photo: Andrew Procyk and Keely Flow)

Excellence in Dentistry

Going to the dentist is probably not on anyone’s “bucket list,” but it’s one of life’s necessary tasks nonetheless. Having patients feel good about their dental visits is a top priority for Dr. K. Donald Jackson who, with the help of his wife Chris, runs Excellence in Dentistry on Hendersonville Road.

Dr. Jackson knew at a young age that he wanted to be a dentist and worked diligently to that end. His 25 years of experience, exacting standards, and love for his work create an environment where patients feel relaxed, comfortable, and confident in his care. “He loves helping others,” Chris says. “When you are doing some- thing that you love, it shows.”

He enjoys interacting with his patients and supporting the community. The firm offers a complete lineup of services including emergency care, general dentistry, braces (for adults and children), cos- metic work, oral implants, headache and TMJ (a condition affecting the jaw) treatment, and even treats sleep apnea and snoring.

The staff is held to the same high standards by which he works and a very positive attitude prevails. He approaches his work with an artistic bent and gives astute attention to each case. Excellent service and special financing make visits very affordable.

Excellence in Dentistry is located at 900 Hendersonville Road, Suite 107. Call them at 828.277.6800.
(In Photo: Chris and Dr. K. Donald Jackson)

Tops For Shoes

For 50 years, Tops for Shoes in downtown Asheville has been operating on the philosophy that if you take care of the customers, the rest will take care of itself. This Asheville icon initially started as The Bargain Center in the 1950s by Louis and Sylvia Resnikoff.

The shop is now run by Louis and Sylvia’s daughter Ellen, son- in-law Robert, and their grandson Alex. Originally located in the Downtown News & Books building, they moved the business in 1960 to its current—and much larger—location on North Lexington. The family credits their success to the store’s unrivaled selection in every style, fashion, size, and price point imaginable. Service is another aspect that keeps customers coming back.

“No two feet are alike and getting the right fit is important for comfort and health,” says Alex. The “sit and fit” policy, along with the staff’s extensive knowledge of the merchandise, is appreciated by customers. “We get thank you notes,” says Alex. “The fact that our buyers are on the floor interacting with the customers ensures we continue to provide what they want and need.”

Don’t miss their trunk shows featuring new seasonal offerings every weekend in October.

Visit them at 27 North Lexington or online at topsforshoes.com. The store can be reached at 828.254.6721.
(In Photo: Robert and Alex Carr)

Keystone Kitchen & Bath

Alove of design and a strong work ethic are what drive the owners of Keystone Kitchen & Bath on Hendersonville Road. The husband-and-wife team of Christy and Paul Bradham opened the first store in Cashiers in 2003. The success of that business and a growing clientele in this area made expanding a logical step.

“We saw a need in this market for a quality, full-service cabinetry company,” says Christy. The company offers free consultation and design services, a rare commodity in this business, she adds. While Paul takes care of things in Cashiers, Christy and partner David Gardner oversee the Asheville-based store. Both she and David graduated from Western Carolina University, earning degrees in interior design and business management respectively. The company can do all types of jobs including new construction, full-service remodels, home offices, media centers, and built-ins.

All work is done in-house which allows Keystone to ensure the quality and timeliness of its work. “We do what we say we are going to do,” David says. Also important is offering clients only American-made products, many from multigenerational cabinet makers. Visit the showroom for visual inspiration and ideas for your next project.

Visit 479 Henderson Road or online at keystonekb.com. The store can be reached at 828.274.6711
(In Photo: Christy Bradham)

Fox Country Store

Blending past traditions with future trends is what Fox Country Store in Burnsville is all about. This 33-year-old family business was built on a foundation of providing quality goods, integrity in business relations, and a belief that family matters.

The original farm goods store, purchased in 1977 by brothers Max and Ben Fox, has moved into the future with new merchandise and a redesigned interior. Customers can expect the same great service from the next generation: Max Fox II and his wife Crystal and Amy Fox Johnson and her husband Shane. Family members Raymond “Chicken Man” Fox and Brandon McKinney help manage the shop.

Amy and Amelia Hoilman (Shane’s aunt) did a remarkable job remerchandising and organizing the store, adding custom signage and storage bins. The “man” side of the store carries feed, seed, bulk deer corn, farm gates, hardware, work boots, and clothes. The main building features decorative items for the home and gar- den, gifts, Carhartt for women and children, and a unique selection of bath and body products. Women can shop for whimsical garden art, ingenious kitchen items, humorous cards, and beautiful pottery. Amy looks for unusual items that aren’t carried locally to keep things fresh.

Visit the store at 680 West Main Street, Burnsville or call 828.682.2320.
(In Photo: Amy Johnson & Max Fox II, Jeanette & Max L. Fox)

Music Makes It Happen

Aman of many talents, John Speier, owner of Music Makes It Happen, brings his encyclopedic knowledge of pop, rock, and country music to Western North Carolina. His 20-year career as a radio disc jockey which he started when just a teenager in Wyoming, includes stints in Nashville, Tennessee, and Florida. John has al- ways enjoyed entertaining a crowd and is a master at “reading” the audience, keeping things lively and interesting. His musical repertoire includes tunes for all ages and occasions including karaoke favorites.

Specializing in weddings, John meets with the couple to deter- mine the appropriate music for the ceremony and the reception. He meticulously prepares, understanding the importance of the occasion. His “radio voice” makes him a spectacular master of ceremonies for any occasion. Using state-of-the-art equipment, he can enliven all sorts of gatherings, including family reunions, birthday parties, bat and bar mitzvahs, corporate dinner parties, pool parties, and country club events. Music Makes It Happen provides video and MC services for all types of events, including fund-raisers.

John’s creativity is not limited to his musical abilities. He is a talented graphic artist and designs entire “suites” of business literature, logos, and advertisements as well as websites.

Visit online at musicmakesithappen.org or call 828.367.1305 for information on graphic design or DJ services.
(In Photo: John Speier)

Yarn Paradise

Knitting and crocheting are no longer pastimes reserved for retirement. Today’s fresh and modern patterns and creations are attracting a diverse following and infusing the art with new enthusiasm. Renee Augins, owner of Yarn Paradise in Biltmore Village, has witnessed this growth through the years.

“We have a great cross section of customers,” she says. “It’s nice to see that a lot of young people have taken up knitting.” Her shop offers endless color, texture, and ideas. With thousands of skeins of yarn, an extensive book selection, designer patterns, classes, and supplies, Yarn Paradise has everything for the experienced knitter as well as the beginner. There are luxurious selections of camel, silk, wool, and all natural fibers along with thoughtful gift items. The shop offers elegant samples to inspire including children’s items, hats, sweaters, shawls, and creative décor for the home.

A round table on one side of the shop hosts classes and impromptu knitting circles. The staff is very knowledgeable and eager to assist customers with projects and ideas. Renee also brings in the latest design samples and kits from top knitters including Great Adirondack and Hanne Falkenburg.

Visit 6 All Souls Crescent in the Biltmore Village or online at yarnparadise.com. The shop can be reached at 828.274.4213.
(In Photo: Renee Augins)