Celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of UNC Asheville alumni. This guide features unique products and services provided by alumni who have turned their passions into thriving businesses.
Sierra Richardson Emery ‘17 | Asheville, NC
Fill your home with warmth and nostalgia this holiday season with On Tour Candle Company. Hand-poured in Asheville, these soy candles are inspired by Sierra’s love of classic rock. Be sure to grab one of this year’s special UNC Asheville “Campus Stroll” candles, which captures the scent of springtime pollinators on the Quad.
@ontourcandlecompany | Shop Online
María Andrade ‘01
Originally from Quito, Equator, María creates wheel-thrown stoneware pieces that blend artistry and everyday life. From botanical designs to custom pets portrait potter, her work brings color and joy to daily rituals.
@maria.andradepottery | Shop Online
Spenser Hallmark ‘14
Give the gift of leather this holiday season! Alum Spenser Hallmark makes hand-made leather goods—anything from bags and satchels to furniture. Check out the instagram account linked below to see his catalogue.
@s.hallmarkleather
Margot Sutton ‘12
Drawing inspiration from her glamorous mother and bold energy of NYC, alumna Margo Sutton crafts contemporary jewelry that features bold, distressed designs with pops of color.
Shop Online
Angel Hudgins ’95 | Candler, NC
Surprise your loved ones with unique, hand-stamped jewelry, ornaments, and pet tags created by alumna Angel Hudgins. Each piece is inspired by nature and handcrafted in Candler, NC.
@hudginsdesign1 | Shop Online
Ava Bock ‘23 | Asheville, NC and Eugene, OR
Support alumna Ava Bock as she rebuilds her art business after Hurricane Helene. Her sculptural resin works, jewelry, and fine art prints reflect time, memory, and human experience meaningful pieces that celebrate resilience and connection.
@AvaBockArt | Shop Online
Lea Gilbert ‘20 | North Carolina
This holiday season, celebrate your loved ones with custom apparel and accessories. Whether an inside joke or commemorating a family get together, we transform your ideas into personalized sweatshirts, t-shirts, totes, hats, and more, creating a special way to tell your custom story.
@treehousecreationsinc | Shop Online
Carrie Scharf ’02
Give the gift of Herbal-infused skincare and soulful self-care for the people in your life who want to feel radiant, nourished and at peace! Carrie not only offers skincare, but also Zines, self care books, and merch.
Jana Eshaghian ‘83 | Asheville, NC
An Asheville artist, Jana creates hand-painted cards, glassware, and small painting that celebrate color, texture, and everyday beauty. Perfect for all occasions.
@jana_taylor_eshaghian_art l Shop Online
Lyndon Smith ‘03 | Asheville, NC
For the cider-lovers in your life, consider gifting alumni-made, natural cider or wine from Botanist and Barrel right here in Asheville, NC! You can join their “Pommelier’s Picks,” order online, or swing by the bottle shop to grab individual bottles or a gift card.
@botanistandbarrel | Shop Online
Greg & Ashley Garrison ’05 | Asheville and Black Mountain, NC
The Hop’s legendary Ice Cream Yule Logs return this holiday season, plus a brand new Best Sellers Box joins the lineup! Pre-orders open November 17th.
@hopicecreamnc | @popbubbleteanc | Shop Online
Jacob Baumann ‘08 | Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
Surprise your friends and family with Devil’s Foot craft sodas. Made with all-natural ingredients, these drinks are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing gift.
@devilsfootbrew | Shop Online
Devin and Arielle Walsh ‘07 | 381 Old Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC
Treat your favorite coffee enthusiast to Daymoon’s scratch-made baked goods, smoothies and tea in Fairview! In addition to gift cards, they also have travel and diner mugs, pint, glasses and t shirts available in store.
@daymooncoffeebar I Shop Online
Catharine Kuerbis ’98 | Oregon
Add some spice to your holiday meals with HYCH Hot Sauce! With a variety of bold flavors, it’s a perfect stocking stuffer for food lovers or a zesty addition to your festive feasts.
@hychhotsauce | Shop Online
Kevan Frazier ’92 & Steve Green ’01 | Downtown Asheville, NC
Plan a game night at Asheville’s favorite board game café! Explore their library of games, enjoy tasty snacks, and take part in festive holiday events. Gift cards are available for the game enthusiasts on your list.
@wellplayedasheville
Vanessa Harper ’00 | Havana, Cuba and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Give the gift of exploration! Exceptional experiences across Cuba that open your mind, revitalize the spirit and directly support the Cuban people. This includes yoga retreats, an oral history tour coming up in January as well as a photography tour with a National Geographic photographer in March 2026.
@cubayogaretreats l Shop Online
Mitch Hampton ’01 | Asheville, NC
Give the gift of adventure! From zip-lining to whitewater rafting, French Broad Adventures offers thrilling experiences for the outdoor lover in your life.
@frenchbroadadventures l Shop Online
© 2026 UNC Asheville
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)