From art-filled events to eco-conscious merchandise, Lovely Asheville Enterprises is creating a movement that blends preservation, creativity, and celebration. Founded by Asheville native Ray Mapp, the company is quickly gaining recognition for initiatives like the Lovely Asheville Fall Festival and a growing line of locally inspired apparel and souvenirs. With deep roots in community and a strong commitment to responsible tourism, Lovely Asheville invites residents and visitors alike to “experience the glamour of nature” in a whole new way.
Check out our Q&A with Ray below…
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
Lovely Asheville Enterprises, LLC (LAE) is a for-profit business that celebrates the natural beauty of Asheville, North Carolina. We produce engaging events, like our annual Lovely Asheville Fall Festival, and create high-quality, locally inspired souvenirs and apparel, including our popular Lovely Asheville Gear (LA Gear) line.
Our goal is to become a brand synonymous with Asheville’s allure. We’re committed to giving back to the community by donating a portion of our proceeds to local preservation programs and by actively promoting responsible tourism.
Based out of 42 Water Street in Asheville, we reach our customers through a variety of channels, including:
The theme “Experience the glamour of nature in Lovely Asheville” is at the heart of everything we do, creating a cohesive and attractive brand identity that connects both residents and tourists to the magic of the region.
Tell us about your company culture.
Our goal is to become a brand synonymous with the natural allure of Lovely Asheville. We’re committed to giving back to the community by donating a portion of our proceeds to local art and natural preservation programs while actively promoting responsible tourism.
The theme “Experience the glamour of nature in Lovely Asheville” is at the heart of everything we do, creating a cohesive and attractive brand identity that connects both residents and tourists to the magic of the region.
What is your company’s relationship with the community?
Lovely Asheville Enterprises, LLC, offers the community opportunities to develop and publish/perform both visual and performing arts through events like our annual fall festival, as well as our seasonal Jam Series concerts, to benefit local artists recovering from Hurricane Helene.
What does “hospitality” mean to you?
Hospitality means keeping guests (both locals and tourists) safe by providing them with the proper education on how to preserve our local environment and its wildlife.
What experiences do you strive to create for your customers?
Lovely Asheville Enterprises, LLC creates opportunities for customers to join a group of people who appreciate the beauty of Asheville so much that they want to join us in celebration and preservation efforts.
Which person or establishment inspires you the most?
My mother, Portia Leverette, inspires me the most. She was also my art teacher in Asheville City Schools and owner of many business ideas connected to the arts. Mom has inspired me to stick with my dreams and cherish my talents as supernatural gifts to share with the world.
What’s been your company’s most innovative idea?
Our most innovative idea was having the first official fall festival with “Asheville” in its name at the peak of tourist season in October.
What do you enjoy most about working in your industry?
Taking care of nature, art, and music through the events we organize.
What is your company vision? How do you reflect it in daily work?
Our vision is to create ways to celebrate and encourage the preservation of the natural beauty in and around Asheville.
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Learn more about Lovely Asheville by visiting their website at www.lovelyasheville.com. To stay connected with them, follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/lovely.asheville.