Western North Carolina has always been known for its art and craft, but our region’s community of makers extends far beyond the art world. From artisanal food products to industrial fire gear, the region’s manufacturing and maker economy is deeply diverse, quietly resilient, and constantly evolving.

In this Made in WNC edition, we highlight companies that are driven by purpose, precision, and pride. In Fletcher, Cane Creek Cycling Components develops premium suspension products trusted around the world. In Old Fort, Fire-Dex brought meaningful jobs back to a legacy textile facility, where the company creates the life-saving gear worn by our nation’s firefighters.  

In Asheville, Anthony Hernandez builds each Marla Amp by hand—an art-meets-engineering pursuit born of passion, patience, and a deep understanding of what musicians need and want. And in Leicester, Steven Koellmer of Stringbean Bags is stitching together sustainability and style with handmade, one-of-a-kind handbags crafted from repurposed fabric.

Of course, this region’s rich agricultural and food landscape plays a key role in our maker economy, too. We look at the WNC Cheese Trail and profile two standout producers—Meadowsweet Creamery and French Broad Creamery—who are helping shape a vibrant local dairy scene. In Arden, The Stir is home to three women-owned food & beverage companies—Matcha Nude, Spice Witch, and Full Moon Tea Co.—that share more than just a retail space. They’re building collaborative momentum that helps all three of them grow.

These stories are just a sampling of the businesses that embody the Made in WNC spirit. They’re proof that what we build here—whether with wood, clay, fabric, metal, milk, or ideas—has lasting value. Thank you for reading and for supporting the people and products that make Western North Carolina such an exceptional place to live, work, and create.

—Emma Castleberry
Editor, WNC Business Magazine