About the Guest:

Brandon Bell is the entrepreneurial force behind Risin' Vibes Kitchen, a vibrant food truck and catering business. With roots in Miami and career stints spanning globally-renowned culinary locales like Atlanta, Texas, and Northern California, Brandon's culinary journey is enriched with diverse cultural tastes and experiences. Having built his career from dishwashing to general management in the restaurant industry, Brandon’s unique journey saw him transition from restaurant management into starting his own culinary venture, which prides itself on serving handmade, chef-prepared dishes infused with positive vibes.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the podcast, Colin Johnson sits down with Brandon Bell, founder of the Risin' Vibes Kitchen, to delve into his inspiring journey from a wide-eyed culinary enthusiast to a thriving entrepreneur. Brandon shares insights into how his experiences across various states, from Miami to California, shaped his culinary journey and led him to Johnston City, where he embraced the warm, supportive community. Tune in for an exploration of Brandon's passion for creating soul-food inspired meals and delivering them with love and rhythm, reflecting his deep ties to music and community.

Brandon Bell expresses his deep appreciation for the communal spirit of Johnson City and how it contrasts with his experiences in California. The conversation showcases Risin' Vibes Kitchen's mission — not only in serving high-quality, chef-made meals like their signature chicken and waffles with a unique arepa twist, but also in fostering positive energy and connections through food. Brandon elaborates on his business's vibrant festival presence and his and his team's commitment to nourishing people, whether they're at a music festival or in post-disaster response situations, emphasizing the powerful role of food in healing and community building.

Key Takeaways:

• Community and Connection: Brandon Bell credits the welcoming and supportive nature of Johnson City with inspiring him to open his business and feels passionately about using food as a conduit for connection.
• Risin' Vibes Kitchen: Known for their tropical-inspired soul food, Brandon’s food truck focuses on artisanal, chef-crafted meals using fresh ingredients to nourish both body and soul.
• Festival Culture Influence: Brandon's love for music festivals greatly influences his business model, bringing vibrant energy and good vibes to every event they partake in.
• Personal Growth & Mastery: Brandon discusses the importance of personal development and gratitude, which helped him overcome personal challenges and align with his life's purpose.
• Journey to Entrepreneurship: His unique journey from restaurant management to food truck ownership underscores the importance of following one's passion and taking calculated risks.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Food is a conduit; it's an opportunity to connect." — Brandon Bell
2. "We believe in rising tides raising all ships, and that what we put out comes back to us." — Brandon Bell
3. "At the very root of it, I'm grateful for this breath." — Brandon Bell
4. "Investing in myself through personal development helped me take the leap into entrepreneurship." — Brandon Bell
5. "People want to see their community win and will support those who are actively working towards their goals." — Brandon Bell

Resources:

• Connect with Brandon Bell on Facebook: Brandon Bell
• Risin' Vibes Kitchen on Facebook: Risin' Vibes Kitchen
• Learning Resource: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

For more captivating insights and behind-the-scenes stories about the culinary journey of Brandon Bell, tune into the full episode. Stay connected with us for inspiring conversations, and learn more about the thriving spirit of community and entrepreneurship.

About the Guests:

Eva and Cory Bachetti are the passionate founders of Spa of Eden, a holistic wellness center located in Johnson City. With a background in the beauty and wellness industry, Eva has been drawn to aesthetic practices since middle school, bringing extensive experience in wedding makeup and aesthetics. Cory, originally from Connecticut, shares a deep commitment to holistic health, reflected in his yoga training. Together, their goal is to create an inclusive and rejuvenating space focusing on natural beauty and wellness therapies.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson goes on-location to interview Eva and Cory Bachetti, the inspiring duo behind Spa of Eden. Situated in a beautifully renovated building, Spa of Eden offers a sanctuary focused on holistic health and wellness practices. Colin explores the couple's journey from concept to reality, discovering how they’ve transformed their dreams into a flourishing business providing alternative therapies and beauty treatments aimed at improving the overall well-being of their community.

Throughout the episode, listeners gain insights into the Bachettis' motivations for establishing Spa of Eden. Key themes include their commitment to offering holistic and natural remedies as alternatives to conventional treatments, and their desire to create a healing environment for their community. The episode dives into various amenities available at the spa, such as the salt room, infrared saunas, and the unique cryotherapy offerings and also highlights the significance of creating a restorative space for both individuals and families in the heart of Johnson City. As Cory mentions, “Everyone should build something once or twice. It teaches you a lot of patience.”

Key Takeaways:

• Transformation of Vision to Reality: Eva and Cory transitioned their passion for holistic health into a successful spa business.
• Focus on Holistic Healing: Spa of Eden emphasizes natural and non-invasive treatments, including salt rooms and cryotherapy.
• Inclusive Wellness for All: The spa is designed to welcome individuals and families, emphasizing overall health and happiness.
• Unique Offerings in the Region: As the first in the area to offer certain services, Spa of Eden caters to a growing demand for alternative health solutions.
• Commitment to Growth and Excellence: Both Eva’s high standards and Cory’s dedication to a holistic lifestyle steer the continuous evolution of the spa.

Notable Quotes:

• "I want to have the purest skincare, a space where our community can heal on a real level." — Eva Bachetti
• "We believed in being able to do things holistically… there's stuff that you can do naturally that really works." — Cory Bachetti
• "When you hit that midday slump, it makes a big difference… it really wakes you up." — Eva Bachetti
• "It's for the whole family… if your family is healthy and feeling good, you're going to be happy together." — Eva Bachetti
• "Look no further… why don't drive 15-20 minutes to come from Kingsport, Johnson City. Yeah, we're right here." — Cory Bachetti

Resources:

• Spa of Eden Website: spaofedenco.co
• Spa of Eden Instagram: @spaofeden

For those intrigued by holistic and luxurious wellness treatments, this episode provides an enlightening view into the amenities and spirit of Spa of Eden. Tune in to the full episode to experience more uplifting conversations and stay updated for future episodes exploring the charm of Johnson City and its inspiring residents.

About the Guest:

Meisha Turner is an established entrepreneur based in Erwin, Tennessee. She owns the Magnolia Room, a charming event venue offering a unique space for gatherings and family events. Meisha is also deeply involved in community initiatives, notably as a leading figure in Rise Erwin, a local organization fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses. Having grown up in Bristol, Tennessee and spending time in Chattanooga, Meisha has found her passion in nurturing the vibrant community spirit of both Erwin and Unicoi County. Known for her dedication and enthusiasm, she is set to take the role of the president of Rise Erwin next year.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Meisha Turner to discuss the captivating charms and resilient community spirit of Erwin and Unicoi County. As the season’s vibrant colors start to paint the landscape, Meisha shares her unique insights into the small-town allure of Erwin, where she has both built her life and made significant impacts in community development. Amidst the backdrop of recent challenges faced by the town, Meisha highlights the strength and unity demonstrated by local residents and businesses in recovery efforts.

This episode dives deep into the integral role of Rise Erwin, a group that Meisha is heavily involved with. Originally formed to support community activities and economic development, Rise Erwin has become a hub of creativity and collaboration. Meisha outlines the organization’s transition from promoting fun and engagement to orchestrating recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the recent storm damage. This discussion also shines a light on local businesses, the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, and the town’s enduring charm and resilience. Listeners are treated to Meisha’s perspective on what makes Erwin an inviting destination and the exciting activities planned to bring even more life and enthusiasm to the community.

Key Takeaways:

• Erwin, Tennessee, boasts a unique blend of small-town charm and stunning natural beauty, offering a perfect mix for residents and visitors.
• Rise Erwin plays a crucial role in community recovery and development, focusing on creative solutions and volunteer coordination.
• The local businesses of Erwin have shown remarkable resilience and community support in response to recent natural disasters.
• Meisha Turner emphasizes the power of collective community efforts and is optimistic about the town’s ability to rebuild stronger.
• The episode highlights plans for upcoming community events, including a large Halloween celebration, fostering unity and joy among residents.

Notable Quotes:

1. "There's something about coming back here. It doesn't matter what season it is. You're going to find some amazing display of color and wildflowers." - Meisha Turner
2. "We're all about just connecting the community in different ways to come up with new adventures." - Meisha Turner
3. "It's literally unbelievable. It is that jaw-dropping kind of thing to look at the before pictures and the after and you can't identify the landscape because it's changed so much." - Meisha Turner
4. "We started putting the word out and got traction with it and we've raised over $250,000 for the community now." - Meisha Turner
5. "I never saw myself living in Erwin…but I've pretty much found all of them again in Erwin, so I'm definitely happy there." - Meisha Turner

Resources:

• Rise Erwin Website
• Social Media: Follow Rise Erwin on Facebook and Instagram for updates and community initiatives.

Dive into this episode to explore how a strong sense of community and collaboration can uplift a town through the power of resilience and creativity. Stay tuned for more inspiring content in future episodes of Johnson City Living.