For our next “Local Maker Spotlight” we would like to introduce you to…

Cathey Chet of Muddy Llama Pottery

• How long have you lived in WNC?

My family and I moved here from California nearly 20 years ago. We loved California, but wanted to be closer to our families in the east. We had always heard about Asheville being the “Berkeley in the East” and quickly fell in love with it and the surrounding WNC area, deciding to make this our permanent home.

• What made you start your business?

I’ve been an Elementary School teacher most of my life, but always needed a creative outlet. Over the years I have taken evening classes in pottery and sculpture when time would allow me while raising my kids. As my kids got older and more independent, I began to take it a little more seriously and bought a wheel and kiln of my own. It wasn’t long before my three children approached college age, and I found myself looking for ways to bring in extra income to cover costs. Pottery seemed to be the logical choice, as has proven to be a good decision!

Since then my husband, Randy, has also started to get involved. He tests and mixes the glazes and does more of the creative hand built pieces, including the ” Tree of Life” designs and the Salamander and Frog mugs that we offer.

• What is something about your business that most people don’t know?

The most common questions I get about my business is about the ​name, “Muddy Llama”, and about my llamas themselves. ​

We have two llamas, Eclipse and Moonshadow. As a kid, I always wanted to live on a farm, but as an adult realized how much work a real farm is. I decided to make it simple, get creatures that were somehow different, and very easy to care for. Llamas were my answer. They really don’t serve any purpose other than fertilizing my garden and making me smile when they come running up to me when I go out to see them. Occasional walks off the property are also fun. Yes, they do spit, but only at each other, never at me, thankfully.

• When you are not working, what are your favorite things to do in WNC?

Other than being in my studio, I love to be outdoors. I try to run or hike everyday, usually with my dog, Sonoma. When the kids are home we try to find new trails to explore in WNC.  Spending time with family and friends, music festivals and camping are some of my other favorite ways to relax and take a break. Thankfully WNC has much to offer in these areas!

Come on down to the shop to see all of Cathey’s pieces! We have a variety of her glaze colors and offer some unique bakeware, mugs, and more. All of Cathey’s pottery can go in the dishwasher and microwave, making it easier on you to use and enjoy her work.

For our second “Local Maker Spotlight” we would like to introduce you to… Franco Donohue of Firewalker Hot Sauce

Franco has been living in Western North Carolina for 11 years now. His adventure into hot sauce making began in his apartment kitchen. For 6 years, he would make a few bottles at a time, giving them to friends and family to try while also getting great feedback. Over the years he has experimented with various flavor combinations, some good and some not so good. Franco says once he perfected the recipes, his taste-testers tried to pay him for the sauce which encouraged him to take it to market. After a few years of this, he decided to take the plunge and officially started FIREWALKER Hot Sauce Company as a business to be produced commercially.

 But why start a business in WNC?

Not only were his friends and family ready to pay him for his hot sauce, but Franco also felt encouraged by the community support given to local vendors and producers. He is very proud of this culture which makes Asheville known on the national food scene and why not be part of it? This area boasts fresh, unique flavors and consciously sourced ingredients that provide key elements to Firewalker’s small batch, hand-crafted hot sauce. Franco also realized the impact he could make in WNC restaurants and stores who would rather source from local entrepreneurs versus big box, hot sauce companies.

 Did you know?

Fun fact about Firewalker Hot Sauce: Franco’s company grows almost all of its own peppers among its 3 family farms (Asheville, NC, Greensboro, NC and Blacksburg, VA). The company also sources many of its ingredients from the local farmer’s market.

Living in WNC

When Franco isn’t chopping up fresh peppers for his sauces, you can find him hiking and camping with his wife, 18-month old son, and 2 dogs. He also enjoys snowboarding, playing disc golf, and going to the climbing gym as much as possible. But most importantly, he and his family love to eat! They are always trying new restaurants and of course sampling the craft brews from all across WNC.

Get your own bottle!

If you’ve been searching for that amazingly flavored, locally made hot sauce that was likely provided to you at a WNC restaurant, come on down to the shop to get your own bottle! We carry the original Firewalker Hot Sauce and the Running with the Reaper Xtra Hot Sauce.

Where to stay in Asheville with your dog…

Have no fear if you don’t want to leave your dog at home while you travel to Asheville. The majority of Asheville hotels, inns, and B&Bs have stepped up their game to serve both humans and their furry counterparts. Our recommendations within Biltmore Village are the Cedar Crest Inn and the Double Tree by Hilton. Click here for Trip Advisor’s top rated accommodations for a pet friendly stay. Asheville also offers a dozen or so boarding services and day care facilities for those that need in-town care.

Drinking & Eating…

Asheville has no shortage of breweries, which are some of the most accommodating businesses when it comes to dogs. Inside, outside… they don’t care, as long as you’re enjoying yourself, your beer, and your dog is nice. One exception to this rule is for the few breweries that have restaurants in them, such as Sierra Nevada. However, they do have dog-friendly outdoor area similar to the plethora of Asheville restaurants with patios where you can also enjoy a nice meal with your pooch. So, rule of thumb, if an Asheville business has an outdoor seating area, there’s a 99% chance you can bring your dog. YAY! Our recommended brewery in the Village for you and your dog is High Wire’s Big Top Brewery. For a casual patio setting with excellent baked goods and coffee, we recommend Well-Bred Bakery where they offer homemade dog biscuits. If you are needing something more substantial, take your pup over to one of our favorite casual dining patios at the Village Wayside.

Outdoor Playtime & Sight-Seeing…

The Asheville area boasts seven off-leash dog parks such as French Broad River Dog Park, Azalea Dog Park, and Mills River Dog Park. After all that play time, your dog may need a bath! The River Arts District has a DIY dog wash where you pay based on the size of your dog. Your fee at the Soapy Dog includes all the supplies you need with no appointment necessary. But let’s face it, not everyone is thrilled at having to bathe their dog, there is a plentitude of grooming services in town.

If you and Fido are wanting to see the sights, Gray Line offers a historic trolley tour where you and your dog can hop-on and hop-off at various stops around the city. If sitting on a tour bus isn’t your thing, Downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village are great areas to walk with your dog and see the sights on your own. Maybe a hike in the wilderness is more your style. Dogs are always welcome on the trails in our parks, they just ask that you keep your pet on a leash or controlled at your side. Our favorite for the whole family is the DuPont State Forest. Although a bit Southwest of Asheville, this state park is full of trails and waterfalls for any fitness level.

Shopping…

How can we talk about a dog’s life in Asheville if we don’t mention TOYS and TREATS! Our top spots in town to take your pet shopping are the Patton Avenue Pet Company, and Three Dog Bakery where you’ll find baked treats, unique toys, and clothing. But don’t forget, when you visit us a MTN Merch to ask about our handmade leather leashes and collars. We also carry a convenient, foldable water bowl!

Needless to say, dogs have a pretty good life here in Asheville.