What makes Michael Brasunas with Awakening the Spirit Healing Arts and Bodywork Therapy a good neighbor?

What happens when physical touch becomes a gateway to deeper healing? Michael Brasunas, owner of Awakening the Spirit Healing Arts and Bodywork Therapy, reveals the extraordinary potential that lies within each of us during this enlightening conversation.

With over 20 years of experience as a massage therapist and bodywork specialist, Michael approaches healing through multiple dimensions—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. His journey began with an intensive six-month training in Hawaii that transformed his understanding of the human body and its capacity for renewal. "When someone comes to receive healing," Michael explains, "we approach the individual with respect to all those different layers of what's going on."

The conversation ventures into frequently misunderstood aspects of bodywork therapy. Michael challenges the notion that massage is merely an indulgence, highlighting how it serves as essential self-care for overall wellbeing. He shares the joy of witnessing first-time clients discover the transformative power of professional touch: "It's amazing to see the transformation from when they walk in and when they go out." Many leave wondering why they waited so long to experience these benefits.

Beyond his professional insights, Michael opens up about personal challenges that shaped his perspective. After becoming overly committed to an organization that drained his energy and time, he learned a powerful lesson about prioritizing family and meaningful work. "I was so fixated on being seen in a certain way... that I lost sight of what was most important," he reflects, a realization that now informs how he helps others find balance.

Michael's parting wisdom resonates beyond his practice: "We each have everything inside of ourselves to find peace and balance and harmony and love and creativity." It's this belief that guides his work—creating space for clients to reconnect with their innate capacity for healing.

Ready to discover your body's natural ability to heal and restore? Visit recoverthesoul.com to learn more about Michael's unique approach to bodywork therapy and schedule your transformative session.

To learn more about Awakening the Spirit Healing Arts and Bodywork Therapy go to:

https://www.recoverthesoul.com/

Awakening the Spirit Healing Arts and Bodywork Therapy

(828) 407-0125

What makes Hunter Kittrell with Hunter Kittrell Photography a good neighbor?

Ever wondered what it takes to capture love stories against the backdrop of misty mountain vistas? Meet Hunter Kittrell, adventure wedding photographer based in Johnson City, Tennessee, whose journey from missionary work in Haiti to photographing couples across the Appalachian Mountains reveals the powerful intersection of passion, purpose, and profession.

Hunter's unique niche serves free-spirited, adventurous couples who want to incorporate their love of the outdoors into their wedding day. From his strategic location in northeast Tennessee, he's perfectly positioned to photograph weddings across seven states in the southern Appalachian region. What many couples don't realize is that these breathtaking mountain backdrops don't require strenuous hiking – most of Hunter's shooting locations are easily accessible, allowing couples to wear their wedding attire without special accommodations.

The path to adventure wedding photography wasn't straightforward for Hunter. Seven years in Haiti as a missionary, where he adopted his two oldest children, planted the seeds for his photography career. What began as documenting the work of nonprofits evolved into tourism photography and eventually wedding work. Upon returning to his native East Tennessee in 2017, he naturally blended his newfound photography skills with his lifelong love for the mountains. Now, with over 300 photo shoots under his belt, Hunter provides a unique service to the 13 million annual visitors to the Smoky Mountain region, many of whom come seeking the perfect mountain setting for their wedding day.

What truly sets Hunter apart is his commitment to the entire journey. "I don't do mini sessions," he explains, preferring instead to build relationships with couples from engagement through their wedding day and beyond. For Hunter, photography isn't just about capturing a moment but being part of something bigger – a philosophy shaped by his experiences witnessing both hardship and community resilience in Haiti. Whether you're planning an intimate mountain elopement or a traditional venue wedding with all your friends and family, Hunter Kittrell Photography offers more than just stunning images – it offers a shared adventure. Discover more at hunterkittrell.com or follow his daily content on Instagram and Facebook.

To learn more about Hunter Kittrell Photography go to:

https://hunterkittrell.com/

Hunter Kittrell Photography

(423) 943-7658

What makes Banks Anderson with Banks Anderson Massage and Bodywork a good neighbor?

What happens when men are given permission to feel? Banks Anderson knows firsthand the transformative power of emotional vulnerability for men. After hitting rock bottom - quitting his job, moving from his home, and eventually landing in jail - Banks discovered that his greatest pain held the seeds of his purpose.

Today, Banks runs groups that create safe spaces for men to express difficult emotions and confront personal challenges. "Men are capable of so much, and that's why there's so much pressure put on them," Banks shares with host Skip Monty. His organization helps men break free from societal expectations that force them to suppress their feelings, often leading to destructive anger outbursts that damage relationships with partners, children, and colleagues.

Banks challenges common misconceptions about masculinity with refreshing clarity. "Men are human. They're not born to be bad or harmful," he explains, pushing back against narratives that paint all men as oppressors. His work reveals that when given the right environment, men naturally move away from isolation and passivity toward community and responsibility. This transformation isn't just theoretical - Banks witnessed it hundreds of times across his career working with men from all walks of life.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Banks shares his personal journey through addiction to healing. "Jail was actually a really positive experience for me," he admits, describing how confinement forced him to sit with feelings he'd been avoiding. "Welcoming people into the things I was scared to show... made a massive difference." For men seeking similar transformation, Banks offers regular monthly events, one-on-one coaching, and retreats, including an upcoming "Pilgrimage for Peace" in Costa Rica. Ready to discover what happens when you let go of who you think you should be and embrace who you truly are? This conversation is your first step.

To learn more about Banks Anderson Massage and Bodywork go to:

https://www.banks-anderson.com/

Banks Anderson Massage and Bodywork

(828) 334-2489

What makes Arash Bains with Arash Massage a good neighbor?

Massage therapy is often viewed as a luxury, something we indulge in on special occasions or when our muscles scream loudly enough. But what if regular bodywork could be transformative healthcare that addresses not just physical pain, but our chronically overstimulated nervous systems?

Meet Arash Bains, owner of Arash Massage in Asheville, North Carolina, who's redefining what massage therapy can be. With a background in economics and spa management, Arash observed the limitations of the "turn and burn" approach of traditional spas—where efficiency and profit margins often override therapeutic outcomes. This realization inspired him to create something different: a "luxury healing sanctuary" where everyone deserves to be treated like royalty.

What makes Arash Massage unique? It begins with a tea ceremony—a ritual creating space for genuine connection before any hands-on work. This thoughtful approach acknowledges the inherent vulnerability of bodywork and establishes trust. By understanding clients holistically—their stressors, emotional state, and support systems—Arash delivers more effective treatment targeting not just muscles but the nervous system itself. The results speak volumes, with clients often reporting they "haven't rested like that in years."

Even more remarkable is Arash's commitment to community service. When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina shortly after he launched his business, Arash provided free massages to exhausted emergency workers and discounted services to affected residents. This community focus continues today through his Community Care Project, making therapeutic massage accessible to those who need it most, regardless of economic circumstances. As Arash puts it, "If you can't pay and you need to pay zero dollars, that is perfectly fine, because you deserve quality access to quality care."

Ready to experience the difference between a massage and a healing sanctuary? Visit www.arashmassage.com or find @arashmassageasheville on Instagram to learn more and book your session.

To learn more about Arash Massage go to:

https://www.arashmassage.com/

Arash Massage

828-222-3731

What makes Diamond Adams with Skyline Creative a good neighbor?

Ever wonder why your marketing efforts aren't delivering results despite beautiful logos and consistent social media posts? Diamond Adams, founder of Skyline Creative, reveals the missing piece for small business success in this enlightening conversation.

As a fractional CMO firm owner, Diamond breaks down how small to mid-sized businesses can access high-level marketing strategy without the six-figure executive salary. She explains the critical difference between tactical marketing activities and comprehensive strategy that drives real business growth. Her journey from car sales to wealth management marketing to entrepreneurship provides a fascinating backdrop to her business philosophy.

What makes Diamond's story particularly compelling is her decision to launch Skyline Creative in 2019 with no safety net—just months before the pandemic upended everything. While homeschooling four children during lockdowns, she navigated the early challenges of entrepreneurship, including the temptation to take on misaligned clients just to stay afloat. Through this crucible, Diamond developed a purpose-driven approach that now allows her to partner deeply with clients who share her values.

The conversation explores common marketing myths that trap small businesses in expensive cycles of ineffective activity. Diamond emphasizes that marketing shouldn't feel overwhelming or purely transactional—instead, her firm becomes "an embedded part of your leadership team" that cares about clients' businesses as their own. This relationship-centered approach stands in stark contrast to the quick-fix mentality prevalent in the industry.

Ready to escape what Diamond calls the "marketing hamster wheel"? Connect through theskylinecreative.com or find Diamond on LinkedIn to discover how strategic marketing alignment might be the business growth catalyst you've been searching for.

To learn more about Skyline Creative go to:

https://theskylinecreative.com/

Skyline Creative

(828) 551-7509

What makes Mary Kelley with Fleetwood’s Rock and Roll Wedding Chapel a good neighbor?

Ever wondered what happens when wedding bells meet rock and roll? Mary Kelley, co-owner of Fleetwoods Rock and Roll Wedding Chapel, takes us behind the velvet curtains of Asheville's most unconventional venue where wedding dreams, vintage shopping, craft cocktails, and live music coexist in perfect harmony.

Mary reveals how she and her business partners transformed their combined passions for architectural salvage, vintage treasures, and music connections into a thriving business that has hosted nearly 400 weddings since opening in 2017. What makes this venue truly special isn't just the gold velvet curtains and disco ball that adorn the stage where couples exchange vows—it's the genuine community they've fostered. From bar patrons spontaneously serving as wedding witnesses during elopements to their whimsical "Married for the Weekend" package complete with "fake as hell" certificates, Fleetwoods creates experiences that defy convention.

The chapel's ability to outshine established venues like the Biltmore Estate (winning "Best Place to Get Married in Asheville" three consecutive years) speaks to how they've tapped into couples' desires for authentic, affordable celebrations. But weddings are just one aspect of this cultural hub. The venue hosts touring bands Thursday through Sunday across rock, punk, rockabilly, and metal genres—all with remarkably accessible ticket prices rarely exceeding $12. Their Sunday "Junk-O-Rama" vintage market transforms their parking lot into a treasure hunter's paradise, while their resilience following Asheville's devastating hurricane demonstrates their deep commitment to maintaining community morale even through hardship. Whether you're planning an unforgettable wedding, searching for your new favorite band, or simply wanting to experience what Mary calls "the coolest place in Asheville to have a drink and soak up some local culture," Fleetwood's offers a quintessentially Asheville experience unlike anything else. Check out their upcoming events and wedding information at FleetwoodsChapel.com and discover why this venue has become a cherished cornerstone of West Asheville's vibrant cultural landscape.

To learn more about Fleetwood’s Rock and Roll Wedding Chapel go to:

https://fleetwoodschapel.com/

Fleetwood’s Rock and Roll Wedding Chapel

(828) 505-5525

What makes Amanda Brown with Splendor Valley Events a good neighbor?

What happens when preserving family heritage becomes a thriving business? Amanda Brown never planned to own a wedding venue until her husband's family land needed protection. Now, five years later, Splendor Valley stands as one of Western North Carolina's most meaningful wedding destinations.

Amanda pulls back the curtain on wedding venue misconceptions, challenging the notion that ceremonies must follow rigid traditions. "A wedding is reflective of the couple," she explains, describing how today's celebrations increasingly showcase personality over convention. This refreshing perspective invites couples to reimagine their special day beyond the expected checklist of traditions.

The conversation takes a moving turn as Amanda reflects on resilience through adversity. Having purchased the property just before COVID devastated the wedding industry and recently weathered Hurricane Helene, her story resonates with anyone who's faced unexpected business challenges. "God spared our property," she shares gratefully, while expressing admiration for the community response throughout Western North Carolina—a powerful reminder of connection during difficult times.

What truly distinguishes Splendor Valley isn't just its picturesque setting but Amanda's philosophy toward weddings themselves. Rather than offering merely a beautiful backdrop, she creates an experience where families "disconnect, enjoy the day, enjoy the sanctity of the marriage." This vision transforms weddings from elaborate productions into sacred moments of authentic connection—something increasingly rare and precious in our distracted world.

Whether you're planning a wedding, running a small business, or simply appreciate stories of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, Amanda's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with Splendor Valley at splendorvalleyevents.com and experience the difference of working directly with an owner who brings heart to every aspect of her business.

To learn more about Splendor Valley Events go to:

https://splendorvalleyevents.com/

Splendor Valley Events

(828) 329-6920

What makes Daniel Gingras with Gingras Bodywork a good neighbor?

A single massage transformed Daniel Gingras's life, redirecting him from writing career to becoming a celebrated bodywork specialist. During our conversation, Daniel reveals how that pivotal experience communicated something profound without words—a feeling of being truly seen and appreciated that writing could never quite achieve.

Daniel challenges common misconceptions about massage therapy, emphasizing that it's far from a passive experience. "Massage isn't necessarily something where you're just laying on the table receiving," he explains. He offers practical insights for getting more from every session through active participation—guiding the therapist to problem areas, exploring movement during treatment, and breathing into sensations. His recommendation that clients prepare through activities promoting body awareness (like exercise or yoga) showcases his innovative approach to holistic healing.

What makes Daniel's journey especially compelling is how he built his practice in massage-saturated Asheville with nothing but "a backpack and ten thousand dollars in debt." Despite warnings about the competitive landscape, he held firm to a principle from his training: "When people are buying massage, they're not just getting a massage, they're getting you." This authentic approach has helped him create a thriving practice while weathering challenges like Hurricane Helene. Beyond massage, Daniel finds joy in creating infused oils from foraged plants, writing poetry, and playing bass—all reflections of his creative spirit and connection to healing arts.

Connect with Daniel on Instagram @DanSquishes or visit www.GingrasBodywork.com to experience his uniquely interactive approach to bodywork. If you're seeking more than just temporary relief but a true partner in your wellness journey, Daniel's philosophy that "there's so much inside that we can control" might be exactly what you need.

To learn more about Gingras Bodywork go to:

https://gingrasbodywork.square.site/

Gingras Bodywork

(860) 916-9259