Elizabethton Small Businesses Rise Above Hurricane Helene’s Challenges with Community Support

Elizabethton Small Businesses Find Hope After Hurricane Helene

In the beautiful city of Elizabethton, Tennessee, the heart of the small business community has been beating steadily, even after facing the challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene. The storm caused damage to many local vendors, but a bright spot emerged when Mountain Made A Maker’s Collective opened a pop-up space right in downtown. Launched on October 1, just days after the hurricane’s impact, this initiative is all about helping those who suffered losses.

A Helping Hand for Local Entrepreneurs

Abigail Francis, the owner of Mountain Made, shared her thoughts about opening the shop during such a challenging time. “I realized that many of the makers in this space were supposed to be part of several local festivals like the National Storytelling Festival, the Apple Festival, and the Woolly Worm Festival—events that ended up being canceled due to the storm,” she explained. “Some even lost inventory and property to the flooding.”

One poignant story came from Callista Flower Company, located in Roan Mountain. Their flower studio fell victim to nearly four feet of water from the flooding. Owner Marley Turbyfill recounted the emotional experience of losing their newly customized workspace. “It was heartbreaking to watch as we tore out and discarded almost all of our inventory and fixtures,” she said. “But we are so thankful that our family and friends are safe.” Despite the setbacks, Turbyfill found solace in having her dried floral creations, under the name “Gander Goods,” featured at Mountain Made. The sales from these items help pay her dog’s monthly vet bill for his ongoing illness.

Rebuilding and Looking Forward

Meanwhile, Tina Gregg, who runs a cut flower farm called Alethia Fields in Bluff City, also faced adversity as her growing season was cut short due to the storm. “I’ve only got a few things left after markets, and my bulk orders for weddings are simply not possible right now,” she mentioned. To cope, she’s expanding her offerings to online sales and exploring other markets. “Every little bit helps!” she added, noting the importance of diversifying her product line to include dried flower candles and herbal teas during the fall and winter months.

Heather Applegate, who owns Nomadic Graphics, feels the pinch as well. The holiday season typically accounts for about 75% of her profits. “When shows are canceled, that hits hard since I attend events nearly every weekend from September to December,” she shared. Along with selling products in local shops, Heather is also working on wholesale projects to mitigate her losses.

The Power of Local Support

The sentiment echoed by these local entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: shopping small is vital. “When you buy local, you’re really supporting your neighbors and their families,” Gregg emphasized. Francis chimed in, excited to offer a venue for local vendors to showcase their work. “These makers need a spot where they can connect with new customers, especially after the storm,” she said, proud of the community spirit at Mountain Made.

As the days grow colder and the holiday spirit approaches, the last day for the Mountain Made pop-up will be on December 24. Abigail encourages everyone to stop by before the holidays kick off. “We have a bunch of special shopping events planned, and it’s all about reconnecting our vendors with the community!”

Conclusion: Stand Together in Adversity

This collective effort in Elizabethton represents hope and resilience amid challenges. These local businesses are not just surviving—they’re finding new ways to thrive. With community support, they look ahead, ready to rebuild, innovate, and continue bringing joy to their customers through their crafts. So, this holiday season, make it a point to support small businesses and help your local community bounce back stronger than ever!