Talk Local To Me

Rebecca Mason, founder of Mountain Laurel Learning, shares her journey from corporate food service and café operations to becoming a solopreneur. Today, she offers food safety certifications and leadership development for businesses. She discusses the challenges of switching industries, her passion for supporting local entrepreneurs, and why Central Virginia feels like home. Rebecca also shares a...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike discuss ways to support small businesses during the summer slowdown, offering practical tips like shopping locally, dining out, and buying gift cards. They also welcome guests Melissa and Benny from Shineforth, a local foster care organization, who share insights on fostering, debunk common misconceptions, and highlight the urgent need fo...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike highlight upcoming CVABC events, including a special Coffee Talk at Campbell County Rescue Squad, before welcoming two guests making a difference in Central Virginia. James from Gleaning For The World shares details about the nonprofit’s disaster relief efforts, the Teddy Bear Brigade, pet food assistance program, and the upcoming Duck Pl...

Courtney and Sarah from Love Heals, a nonprofit dedicated to freeing people from medical bondage, one concert at a time, share their story and mission. Courtney explains how the organization began in 2018 with a benefit concert for a friend battling breast cancer and has since grown into a movement focused on treating people as human beings, not causes. Sarah shares her journey from a volunteer to...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike celebrate National Small Business Week by encouraging year-round support for local businesses. They recap a successful putt-putt tournament and the new Altavista Town Market. Guests Courtney and Sarah from Love Heals, a nonprofit eliminating medical debt through community concerts and storytelling events, share their mission. They highlig...

Mike with Joe the Home Pro shares how building a home with his father at age 15 shaped his expertise in construction and home inspections. After being laid off in 2023, he launched his Lynchburg-based home inspection and repair business. He discusses the challenge of building awareness among realtors, his relationship-driven approach to marketing, and his commitment to educating homeowners. Mike a...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike celebrate Earth Day and Professional Assistants Day while highlighting upcoming CVABC events, including a Coffee Talk, the Women in Power conference, and a Putt Putt Tournament. Fashion stylist Sherrie introduces Cabi, a women's clothing brand offering personalized styling experiences. Jennifer from Hilton Hotels shares the brand's global...

Angela Joy and Mason Dudley share the founding story of the Blue Ridge Town & Country Real Estate Team, discussing their backgrounds, the challenges they’ve faced, and their passion for helping clients build wealth through real estate. Tony Goodman of Atlantic Union Bank provides insight into home financing options and available grants. The conversation highlights the supportive local business...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike recap their successful Home and Health Expo before welcoming two guests. Amanda from The Kidd Team explains how her agency helps Central Virginians navigate Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance, debunking common enrollment myths. Courtney and Sarah from Love Heals nonprofit discuss their mission of supporting people facing medical har...

Melody Divers of Chapel Creek Farms shares how she and her husband, Johnny, transitioned from teaching and landscaping to full-time farming across 2,000 acres in Bedford County. Named after their two sons, Chapel Creek Farms offers grass-fed beef shares, seasonal cider, and agritourism events. Melody discusses the challenges of learning business skills from scratch, the value of community support,...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto flies solo, covering upcoming local events including the Central Virginia Home and Garden Show, the Empower Women's Conference, and the CVABC Open putt-putt tournament. Guest Danielle introduces Hill City Picnics, her luxury picnic experience business in Lynchburg, offering curated setups for dates, proposals, and group events. Real estate age...

Sherrie McNamara, local owner of Cabi, shares her journey of joining the company during the pandemic and the challenges of building brand awareness without a traditional storefront. She discusses how Cabi empowers women through community-driven shopping experiences and personal connections. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, the unique value Cabi brings to C...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike welcome two local business owners. Rebecca Mason of Mountain Laurel Learning discusses her professional training services, including ServSafe food safety certification courses and an upcoming DISC personality assessment program designed to improve workplace communication. Cindy Burns introduces her rebranded business, Still Living, where...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike highlight a full lineup of upcoming Central Virginia business and community events, including the Lead On Summit, Coffee Talk at Chick-fil-A, the Home and Health Expo, the Empower Women’s event, and the ABC Open Putt Putt Tournament. They’re joined by Jeremiah from Shipley’s Donuts, who shares how his business stays actively involved in t...

Jennifer Sherwood, board member of the Puzzled Foundation, shares the nonprofit’s mission to support individuals with autism and other disabilities in Central Virginia. She discusses the foundation’s origins, its all-volunteer structure, and the challenges of raising awareness while working toward nonprofit status. The episode also highlights upcoming fundraisers, community outreach efforts, and t...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike welcome guests Ryan and Jennifer of R&R Pool Care. The show highlights upcoming community events, local business updates, and the importance of networking through the Central Virginia Business Coalition. The conversation also delves into mental health awareness, with personal stories about therapy, parenting challenges, and the value...

Talya Coleman of Coleman Custom Creations shares the journey of launching and growing her family-run renovation business in Lynchburg, Virginia. She discusses the challenges of working in the industry, the importance of community support, and balancing business with family life. Talya also dispels common myths about contractors and expresses gratitude for the local business networks that have supp...

Samantha Simmons, owner of S&S Services, shares how she turned a moment of necessity into the launch of her bookkeeping business. She opens up about the challenges that came with growth, the lessons she learned along the way, and the vital role the community has played in her success. Samantha also reflects on how the CVABC has played an important part in her journey, why backing local busines...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Heather and Mike highlight upcoming events in Central Virginia and speak with Charity Johnson of Craftsman Custom Homebuilders about the home-building process, transparent pricing, and customization options. They also welcome Angela from Blue Ridge Town and Country LLC, who shares insights on smart home buying, investment strategies, and available grants. The e...

Jesse Reynolds and Talya Coleman of The Eros Group share their entrepreneurial journey and the story behind their company’s name. They talk about their passion for creative problem-solving in marketing and branding, as well as the challenges they’ve navigated along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the power of teamwork, and their commitment to uplifting and...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Mike sits down with Linda from Bedford Ride, a nonprofit dedicated to providing non-emergency medical transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Bedford County. They discuss Bedford Ride’s 25th anniversary, upcoming community events, and the critical role volunteers play in keeping the organization moving. Linda shares inspiring storie...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto sits down with Melody Divers, co-owner of Chapel Creek Farms in Bedford County. Heather also provides updates on upcoming community events and business opportunities. Melody shares insights into the farm’s sustainable beef production, their customizable beef share program, and popular annual events like “Burgers and Bluegrass.” The conversatio...

Jay Brooks with Paul Davis Restoration of Lynchburg, Roanoke & Southside, VA, shares how the company was established locally, inspired by the owners’ strong family ties and commitment to community service. He discusses the challenges of standing out in a competitive market, how his military background shaped the company’s values, and the strategies they use to build trust through local engagem...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike chat with Patricia, Executive Director of Bright Hope 512, about her organization’s unique approach to children’s education and community development in Central Virginia. The show also features Jennifer from R Photography, who shares tips for successful family and event photography. The episode highlights upcoming local business events, t...

In this episode of "Talk Local to Me," hosts Heather and Mike discuss recent snowstorms, upcoming Central Virginia Business Coalition events, and the challenges of working from home. Guest Theresa, founder of Empower and Flourish, shares her journey from conventional to functional medicine after a personal health crisis. She explains her holistic approach, focusing on root causes and practical lif...