Grow Waynesboro Award Recipients
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2023
Elizabeth Easter took home the $25,000 grand prize at the Grow Waynesboro Main + Wayne Pitch Night competition after completing six weeks of intensive business training. In the fall of that year, Elizabeth opened her dedicated gluten free bakery and bistro: Crack O’ Dawn.
What began as a bakery stand at local farmers markets is now a thriving business with two locations in the Shenandoah Valley and a loyal customer base.
2023
Katie Harris brought her vision for a more thoughtful kind of fashion to the Grow Waynesboro Main + Wayne Pitch Night, following six weeks of intensive business training. After winning $12,000 in grant funds, Katie opened Adorn.waynesboro , a downtown boutique offering women’s clothing and accessories from sustainable, ethical, and small-batch brands.
Adorn. is now a thriving retail shop with a loyal following and a clear mission: look good, feel good, do good.
2018
The Blue Ridge Children’s Museum received a $10,000 grant after participating in Grow Waynesboro’s business training program and pitch night. Founded by Karen Orlando, the museum began as a “museum without walls,” bringing hands-on learning to the community through pop-up programs and the creation of the Natural Playground.
Now, after years of inspiring curiosity and creativity outdoors, the Blue Ridge Children’s Museum has opened its much-anticipated physical location at 201 Short Street in Downtown Waynesboro. The Blue Ridge Children’s Museum gives families a permanent space to explore, imagine, and learn together.
2018
Pyramid: Appalachian Magick + Remedy earned a Grow Waynesboro grant after founder Anh Stanley pitched their vision for a boutique and wellness space in downtown Waynesboro. What started as a dream to bring holistic healing and magickal curiosity to Waynesboro quickly became a local institution.
Today, even under new ownership, Pyramid continues to thrive. Visitors come from all over for crystals, candles, tarot readings, and the welcoming energy that Anh first cultivated. The shop has built a devoted following and remains one of downtown Waynesboro’s most distinctive destinations.
2016
Make Waynesboro Clay Studio received a $6,000 grant through Grow Waynesboro. This award provided a boost as Jake Johnson and Katie Densberger opened their doors in the South River Mill complex, creating a community-centered ceramics studio that has been thriving ever since.
For nearly a decade, Make Waynesboro has provided opportunities for creativity and artist connection, offering classes for all skill levels, studio memberships for working artists, special workshops, and unique firing techniques like raku. Their studio has become a space where beginners and experienced potters can learn, shape, glaze, and fire their work while building community.
2016
Sara Beth Kite participated in the first Grow Waynesboro program and received grant money to open Faded Poppy, a floral and wedding planning business.
Fast forward to 2025 and Sara and her husband, Jason, have expanded their successful venture to include a new building in Rockfish Gateway and The Matriarchists , a welcoming space to enjoy mocktails and community. And there is still more to come!
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