Support Alumni Owned Businesses Post-Helene!
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of UNC Asheville alumni. This gift guide features unique products and services from fellow Bulldogs who have turned their passions into thriving businesses. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or a little something special for yourself, these alumni-owned businesses have you covered with thoughtful and memorable gifts.
Plus, this guide isn’t just about shopping—it’s a chance to support alumni and celebrate the innovative and talented community of UNC Asheville graduates. Happy holidays, Bulldogs! 🎁
The Hop Ice Cream and Bubble Tea
Greg & Ashley Garrison ’05
Celebrate the holidays with The Hop’s famous Yule Logs—perfect for holiday gatherings or as a gift. This season, support their Community Scoops initiative, a pay-it-forward program offering ice cream to members of the WNC community impacted by Hurricane Helene.
📍 Asheville and Black Mountain
📸 @hopicecreamnc | @popbubbleteanc
Hudgins Design: Hand Stamped Jewelry and Art
Angel Hudgins ’95
Surprise your loved ones with unique, hand-stamped jewelry, ornaments, and pet tags created by alumna Angel Hudgins. Each piece is inspired by nature and handcrafted in Candler, NC.
📍 Candler, NC
📸 @hudginsdesign1 | Shop Online
On Tour Candle Company
Sierra Richardson Emery ‘17
Fill your home with warmth and nostalgia this holiday season with On Tour Candle Company. Their hand-poured soy wax candles, crafted in Asheville, are inspired by Sierra’s love of classic rock. These candles make an ideal gift for music lovers or anyone who appreciates unique, quality scents.
📍 Asheville
📸 @ontourcandlecompany
Ava Bock Art
Ava Bock ‘23
Support alumna Ava Bock as she rebuilds her art business after Hurricane Helene. Her handmade candle holders and other creations make heartfelt and meaningful gifts!
📍 Asheville and Oregon
📸 @AvaBockArt
Well Played Board Game Café
Kevan Frazier ’92 & Steve Green ’01
Plan a game night at Asheville’s favorite board game café! Explore their library of games, enjoy tasty snacks, and take part in festive holiday events. Gift cards are available for the game enthusiasts on your list.
📍 Downtown Asheville
📸 @wellplayedasheville
French Broad Adventures
Mitch Hampton ’01
Give the gift of adventure! From zip-lining to whitewater rafting, French Broad Adventures offers thrilling experiences for the outdoor lover in your life. Our region has been through the unthinkable, but FBA’s commitment to WNC is stronger than ever. They are now offering gift cards for next season on their website.
📍 Asheville
📸 @frenchbroadadventures
Devil’s Foot Beverage Company
Jacob Baumann ‘08
Surprise your friends and family with Devil’s Foot craft sodas. Made with all-natural ingredients, these drinks are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing gift.
📍 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville
📸 @devilsfootbrew
Grind AVL
J Hackett ’02
Located in Asheville’s River Arts District, Grind AVL is a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or pick up a gift card for the coffee aficionado in your life. At the coffee shop, they also sell a variety of gifts including phone cases, beard care products, trinkets and more!
📍 RAD, Asheville
📸 @grind.avl
Rite Rite
Essy Hatchett ’14
Treat your favorite coffee enthusiast to Rite Rite’s house-made syrups, cozy seasonal drinks, or a gift card. Stop by their café or shop online for gifts that make mornings magical.
📍 Wall Street, Asheville
📸 @riteritenc
HYCH (Heat You Can Handle) Hot Sauce
Catharine Kuerbis ’98
Add some spice to your holiday meals with HYCH Hot Sauce! With a variety of bold flavors, it’s a perfect stocking stuffer for food lovers or a zesty addition to your festive feasts.
📸 @hychhotsauce
Cuba Yoga Retreats
Vanessa Harper ’00
Give the gift of relaxation and exploration with a Cuba Yoga Retreat! Reconnect with mind and body while exploring the vibrant culture of Cuba.
📍 Based in Havana, Cuba & Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
📸 @cubayogaretreats
Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Heather Gallagher ’02
Give the gift of the performing arts this holiday season. And now you can gift it to a friend, loved one, or student who needs the support in the aftermath of Helene. Camps are available for rising 1st- 12th grade aspiring actors and if you purchase a gift certificate, you will have first choice of the week and show titles. Come be a part of the magic, and put on a show in a week, and perform for an audience at the end of day, Friday.
Skincare Cookbook
Carrie Scharf ’02
Give the gift of DIY all-natural skincare this season with a Skin Care Cookbook! Carrie writes blogs about self care and sells lovely cookbooks that would make a great addition to anyone’s library.
Click here to search our full Alumni-Owned Business Directory