Grow Waynesboro Grant Recipient Opens Portrait Studio
WAYNESBORO, VA– Hot on the heels of BlueOregano’s June 6th ribbon cutting, another 2017 Grow Waynesboro winner is opening her doors for business. Memories by Valerie Woolford will offer portraits and other photography at a new studio in Willow Oak Plaza. The ribbon cutting will take place Friday, June 16th from 3:00-4:00 pm. The public is invited to come and celebrate the event.
Memories by Valerie Woolford was awarded $8,000 at this year’s start-up competition, Grow Waynesboro’s The Search, Downtown. The award was given in April at a live pitch night held at Basic City Beer Company, following a three-month application process and an eight-week business planning class.
For Woolford, the win was a dream come true. She had been a portrait photographer for 10 years, seven of which were spent working at Olan Mills. She says her aim in opening her own studio is to offer professional portraits at an affordable price.
Courtney Cranor, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism, marvels at the speed that this year’s winners are establishing their businesses. “The winners this year are really moving along quickly. Memories by Valerie Woolford has shown dedication and determination, fulling engaging in the process throughout the business planning phase. After all of their hard work, we are excited to have this full-service portrait studio as a member of the Grow Waynesboro community.”
“Small business is the heartbeat of any community” says Annette Medlin, President and CEO of Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is so excited to be a part of celebrating these great, new small businesses springing up in Waynesboro.”
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