Four local small businesses have been selected from a pool of applicants for Wheeling Heritage’s next Show of Hands. Show of Hands, a community-supported, crowd-funding event, is set to take place September 28 at 6 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center.
At the event, owners of the following businesses will be making presentations:
Patricia Smith, Shea Rose Soapery
Patricia Smith, owner of Shea Rose Soapery, creates handcrafted bath and body products along with aromatherapy items for the home. By offering natural body care and home care products, Smith understands that people have sensitives and cannot use commercial products. In addition to creating her products, Smith also offers classes to teach the community to create products themselves. Smith hopes to win Show of Hands so that she can purchase a portable sink to enhance the experience of customers who visit her store. She also plans to purchase a new soap cutter, which would allow Smith to increase her production time.
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Carrie Dawson, Morning Light Studio
Morning Light Studio is a pottery studio that produces unique, one-of-a-kind functional art owned and operated by Carrie Dawson. Inspired by mother nature, Dawson hand carves each of her pieces while using colors and images that bring her a feeling of contentment and joy in hopes that the same feelings are felt when a piece is being used. With the money from Show of Hands, Dawson plans to purchase a larger electric kiln as the current kiln which would allow her to increase her production efficiency and output.
Brian Campbell, The Pine Room Podcast
What began as a few friends sitting around a firepit under two large pine trees has evolved into a top-tier entertainment venue right here in Wheeling. Brian Campbell and the team at The Pine Room Podcast currently host a live high school and regional sports show on local radio on Mondays along with releasing two different podcasts per week. Funding from Show of Hands would help the Pine Room Podcast purchase more production equipment to put on higher-quality live shows. By bringing more content, listeners, sponsors and followers, The Pine Room Podcast plans to give back to the community by offering internships and full-time opportunities for the surrounding high schools and universities.
Tara Kobasko, The Belgian Waffle Shop
Bringing classic, authentic, high-quality Belgian waffles to Wheeling is The Belgian Waffle Shop’s goal. Wanting to provide a fun and interactive food and beverage experience, The Belgian Waffle Shop is determined to create a space that is positive, comfortable, and energetic. By winning Show of Hands, Tara Kobasko and the team at The Belgian Waffle Shop plan to use the funding to purchase multiple pieces of equipment for their shop, including tables, chairs, cabinets and an underbar sink.
Show of Hands has awarded more than $98,000 to support small businesses and projects in Wheeling. In addition to program sponsors, Show of Hands is supported by the community. Attendees pay $5 to vote in person or $10 to vote live online for the project they feel is the most worthwhile. The winning presenter will leave with more than $4,000, including all of the funds raised at the door for his or her business expansion.
This program is generously funded by Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, and Friends of Show of Hands supporters. Orrick donates $1,000 to each Show of Hands event, while The Friends of Show of Hands contributes $250 to each event. Friends of Show of Hands include Dave and Beth Weaver of Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru, Dr. and Mrs. Dan Joseph of Joseph Orthodontics, Brian Joseph of Touchstone Research Laboratory, Fuzz and Barb LaRue, H Lawrence Jones, Ed.D., Kennen & Kennen Realtors, Warwood Armature, Rabbi Joshua Lief and Rebecca Lief, Sikora Montessori, Will and Tracey Turani, Sklavounakis Law Office, Bridgeway Capital, and anonymous community donors.
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.