AVL Biz Weekly — Feb 4-10 - What Do You Actually Do?

Welcome to AVL BIZ Weekly—your local cheat sheet for what’s happening in Asheville’s small business + creative scenes.

Each week: hand-picked events, marketing ideas that actually work, and a little local flavor to keep things fun.

My name's Jason and I'm writing this (connect with me here).

"So... what do you do?"

Cue the sweating. The rambling. Ers and ums. The desperate hope they’ll get an emergency call about their cat’s paw stuck under the door. Anything to change the subject!

This week's got the fix: a one-liner workshop that makes people lean in instead of tune out. Plus brand clarity sessions, structure-building for side hustlers, and proof that Asheville's got so much to offer than scrolling through Reels.

Let's go!

📋 On Deck

• Business Events: Smart strategies, marketing finesse, and hands-on workshops

• Marketing Quickies: Bite-sized tips to make your business shine

• Fun Stuff Around AVL: Comedy, craft, all-you-can-eat cereal and creative outings

• Bands & Shows: Local beats, big vibes, and a little music magic

🙋 Want your biz featured in front of a few really smart AVL business owners? Email me for details

🗓️ Business Events

• 🗓️ Feb. Smart Series: Know Your Customer – Wed, Feb 4 · 12:00–1:00 PM (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Boardroom, 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801)

  Get to know your audience before they know you. Tracy Eames, CEO of TEAMES and CO, leads this session on smarter customer discovery to fuel growth and sharpen your business strategy. An easy investment to understand the people who drive your business forward.

• 🗓️ Shut Up & Write!® – Hendersonville – Wed, Feb 4 · 6:00–8:00 PM (Ecusta Cafe, 877 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC)

  Need focused writing time without distractions? Bring your laptop, pen, or notebook to this welcoming, no-pressure session. Chat a bit, set your timer, and get to work while other writers do the same. No critiques, no readings. Just a safe, productive space to make progress on your projects and meet other local wordsmiths.

• 🗓️ Coffee & Connection: Podcasters, Speakers & Authors – Thu, Feb 5 · 9:00–10:30 AM (Panera Bread, 160 Coolridge St, Hendersonville, NC)

  No agenda, just coffee and connections. Mix with podcasters, speakers, and authors over caffeine, trade referrals, and swap ideas on promoting your content or business. Look for the laptop covered in podcast stickers and get ready to expand your network while keeping it casual.

• 🗓️ Black Business Alliance Learning Series: From Skill to Structure – Thu, Feb 5 · 5:00–7:00 PM (Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801)

  Got talent and ideas but need a roadmap to turn them into a sustainable business? This hands-on workshop helps founders and nonprofit leaders move from hustle to structure. Learn entity formation, governance, operations, and compliance—minus the jargon—while panelists like Marcus Kirkman, Keynon Lake, and Lucious Wilson guide you through clarity, confidence, and next steps.

• 🗓️ PROpel AVL Grow Series: Craft Your One-Liner – Tue, Feb 10 · 12:00–1:00 PM (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, 2nd Floor Boardroom, 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801)

  Stop fumbling when someone asks, “What do you do?” Learn how to create a one-liner that instantly sparks curiosity and makes people say, “Tell me more!” Marketing pro Holly Fisher walks you through the three components of a magnetic one-liner, then helps you workshop your own so you’re ready to shine at your next networking event. Sandwiches, salad, and chips are on Del Vecchios—because brilliant ideas need fuel.

Hosting something cool?

📬 Hit reply and tell me what you think. Or share an event!

💡 Marketing Quickies

1. Use One Image to Say It All

   A single, clear visual can replace a paragraph of copy.

   • Screenshot stats, sketch a process, or make a mini infographic.

   • People scroll fast—catch their eye before they scroll past.

2. Add a Human Touch to Automation

   Automated emails or messages don’t have to feel robotic.

   • Start with someone’s name + a short, playful line.

   • Even 3 words that feel human = higher engagement.

3. Highlight What People Miss

   Instead of pushing features, spotlight overlooked benefits:

   • “No need to edit your photos afterward” instead of “includes editing tool.”

   • Make the hidden obvious.

4. Turn Comments Into Collateral

   Your audience already generates content.

   • Screenshot their praise or questions.

   • Share it as a post, story, or tip—authentic and ready-made.

🎉 Fun Stuff Around AVL

• 🗓️ Powerful Voices Open Mic: Music, Comedy, Poetry & More – Thu, Feb 5 · 7:00–10:00 PM (Asheville, NC 28806)

  Step into a night of creativity and community! From music and comedy to poetry and performance art, Powerful Voices Open Mic spotlights talented artists from all over. Audience members get to vote for favorites, and performers have the chance to win $100 while sharing their art on social media. Bring friends, cheer on local talent, and soak in the unforgettable vibes.

• 🗓️ Victorian Puzzle Purse Valentine – Gather Craft Club @ Periscope – Fri, Feb 6 · 5:30–7:30 PM (Periscope Bar, 56 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801)

  Step into the romance of the Victorian era! Learn to fold a puzzle purse—a multi-stage letter revealing a heartfelt message—and embellish it with watercolor and mixed media. Perfect for a Valentine, Galentine, or just treating yourself. Materials included for $18. Sip, craft, and share a little love in a cozy, hands-on workshop.

• 🗓️ Saturday Morning Cartoon Party: All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Bar – Sat, Feb 7 · 1:00–3:00 PM (The Whale A Craft Beer Collective, 507 Haywood Rd #10, Asheville, NC 28806)

  PJs, sugary cereal, and cartoons—just like the good old days! Relive your childhood with an all-you-can-eat cereal bar, breakfast-themed beers, and beermosas at The Whale. Cartoons on the big screen, cozy vibes, and zero adult worries included. Bring slippers, robes, and a sense of nostalgia.

• 🗓️ Terrarium Building Workshop – Sat, Feb 7 · 3:00–5:00 PM (Fifth Season Gardening, 4 S Tunnel Rd #450, Asheville, NC 28805)

  Get your hands dirty in the coziest way possible! Learn how to build a self-sustaining terrarium with everything included—plants, soil, moss, and more. Leave with your own miniature green world and enjoy 15% off same-day terrarium supplies. Perfect for a creative afternoon or a unique gift.

• 🗓️ Eyes Up Here Comedy: Galentine’s Day Edition – Sat, Feb 7 · 7:00–9:00 PM (Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr #100, Asheville, NC)

  Laugh out loud with Asheville’s all-femme comedy lineup! Hosted by local favorite Erin Terry, this special Galentine’s edition brings the funniest comedians from the Southeast. Doors at 6:30 PM, tickets $18 GA / $23 premium table seating. Food trucks and casual eats available—bring friends, snacks, and your sense of humor.

• 🗓️ Chocolate Cake Contest – Friends of the Enka-Candler Library Fundraiser – Sun, Feb 8 · 2:00–5:00 PM (Griff’s Kitchen & Bar, 1390 Sand Hill Rd, Candler, NC 28715)

  Calling all chocoholics and bakers! Enter your chocolate cake for just $5 and compete for tastiest, prettiest, and most chocolatey creation. Public sampling starts at 4 PM ($10) and all proceeds support the Friends of the Enka-Candler Library. Bring your sweet tooth and join the fun—everyone leaves a winner in spirit (and maybe with a sugar rush).

• 🗓️ Jazz Monday @ Little Jumbo – Mon, Feb 9 · 7:00–9:00 PM (Little Jumbo, 241 Broadway St, Asheville, NC)

  Kick off your week with live jazz, small bites, and drinks at the intimate Little Jumbo. Limited spots make for a cozy vibe. It’s perfect for music lovers who like their Monday nights with a little extra swing.

• 🗓️ Valentine’s Mini Cookie Decorating – Tue, Feb 10 · 6:00–8:00 PM (Trailside Brewing Co, 873 Lenox Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28739)

  Sweeten your evening with hands-on cookie decorating! Learn to craft a half-dozen mini Valentine’s cookies and take them home in a cute gift box. Perfect for a fun date night, Galentine’s gathering, or solo treat—you’ll leave with sugar, smiles, and a little bit of frosting on your fingers.

🎧 Bands on the Horizon

• Beer & Lolling — Tue, Feb 4 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Rockabilly Roy & the Kopy Kats — Wed, Feb 5 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Chelveu's Bob Marley Birthday Celebration — Thu, Feb 6 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• An Evening with Vanessa Collier — Fri, Feb 6 · 8 PM @ The Grey Eagle Music Hall

• Magenta Sunshine’s CHNY Celebration — Fri, Feb 7 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Empire Strikes Brass: 10th Annual Mardi Gras Party — Sat, Feb 7 · 8 PM @ The Grey Eagle Music Hall

• Stout Hop Day 2025 — Sat, Feb 8 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Alma Russ Trio — Tue, Feb 11 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Larry Keel Experience — Wed, Feb 11 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Mike Rhodes Fellowship — Wed, Feb 12 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Red Clay Revival & Tamasi + Special Guest Isaac Madden — Thu, Feb 12 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Bide Fur — Thu, Feb 12 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Standup Comedy Public Show: Vinny Rivers — Wed, Feb 12 · 8 PM @ The Orange Peel

• Fuzzy Rainbows Fest 2: BMFS All Day Music, Art & Drinks Venue Hop — Fri, Feb 13 · All Day @ Asheville Music Hall

• BMFS Afters — Fri, Feb 13 · 8 PM @ Radish

• Hustle Souls w/ Special Guests — Fri, Feb 13 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Jerry’s Dead Valentine’s Day – A Billy Strings Pre-Party — Fri, Feb 14 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Mama Said String Band — Sat, Feb 14 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Letdown w/ Blame My Youth, Luchiano, Youthyear — Sat, Feb 14 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Coyote Rodeo — Sat, Feb 14 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Suns of Stars — Sat, Feb 14 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Sunday Jam – Spire & Friends — Sun, Feb 15 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Diggin Dirt w/ Radiograph Spaceship — Sun, Feb 15 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Shakedown Sunday’s — Sun, Feb 15 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Country Brunch w/ Monica Violette — Sun, Feb 16 · 11 AM @ The Grey Eagle Music Hall

• Super Bowl Watch Party — Sun, Feb 16 · 3:30 PM @ The Grey Eagle Music Hall

• 5 Steps: A Tribute to Jeff Austin – A Billy Strings Pre-Party — Mon, Feb 17 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Early Tuesday Jam — Tue, Feb 17 · 7–10 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Uncle Lenny’s Krazy Karaoke — Tue, Feb 17 · 9 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Heat in the Rival Pine — Mon, Feb 17 · 8 PM @ The Orange Peel

• The Everydays — Tue, Feb 18 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Joey Vandever & Staff — Tue, Feb 18 · 8 PM @ The Orange Peel

• HOTO — Wed, Feb 18 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• SJ Britton — Wed, Feb 19 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Strictly Liquid — Thu, Feb 19 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Poo + Harbor/DS Tour — Tue, Feb 19 · 8 PM @ The Orange Peel

• Swamptronic (2025 Reptiles on a Magazine Tour) — Thu, Feb 20 · All Day @ Pisgah Brewing Company

• Hunter Bullock — Fri, Feb 20 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• New Dawn Starkestra — Fri, Feb 20 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

• Hunter Bullock — Fri, Feb 20 · 8 PM @ The Orange Peel

• The Sivs — Fri, Feb 20 · 8 PM @ Asheville Music Hall

Want your biz in front of smart AVL owners & creators? Reply with what you’re up to and we’ll see if it’s a fit.

Until next week,

Jason De Los Santos
Pixelated Stories Digital Marketing
(828) 585-4293