Meet the Pitch Contestants Making Waves

Entrepreneurs, prepare to enter the tank! The Center Street Pitch Competition on April 10 at the Ashland Theatre is making a splash with a lineup of fearless business owners ready to dive headfirst into the world of opportunity. These innovators, spread across three categories, are sharpening their pitches and hoping to hook the judges with their brilliant ideas. Let’s meet the contestants who are swimming upstream to claim victory and $35K in cash and prizes!

📍 Center of the Universe Finalists

Ash & Olive is where quality meets community. Located in historic downtown Ashland, their flame-to-table artisanal dishes, curated wine and cocktail program, and welcoming space make locals and visitors feel at home in the Center of the Universe. Ash & Olive is hoping to reel in the judges with a pitch that’s as smooth as their gelato.

Free Jambalaya Studios is mixing art and technology to create an immersive entertainment experience that’s as flavorful as its namesake dish. Their innovative approach to recording music, podcasts, and even theatrical productions turn heads, and their team is banking on their unique blend of culture and creativity to net them the win.

Monique’s Crepes is flipping expectations on what it means to serve authentic, mouthwatering crepes. “My perseverance and dedication to my craft is leading me to my 13 year anniversary of Monique's Crepes in June,” said owner Monique Sage Pecora. “In order to survive as a small business owner, I have had to make many choices with regard to prioritizing business needs. Sometimes I've needed to put some repairs or improvements off for longer than I would've liked in order to keep rolling so to speak!” With a passion for crafting sweet and savory delights, Monique’s Crepes is looking to expand its operations and prove that there’s always room for more deliciousness in the market. Will the judges bite?

🦈 Hanover and Beyond Finalists

Revival Spa is bringing relaxation and rejuvenation to the forefront with its holistic approach to wellness. From therapeutic massages to revitalizing facials, this business is dedicated to helping clients feel their best. “I started six months ago with minimal funding, and without much up-front capital, it's a slow moving, patience-testing process of reinvesting and slowly building,” said owner Lindsey Haberman. “Over time, I am thoroughly committed to developing a unique wellness space for the area. Here's a big thank you to all of the clients making this possible!” With a well-crafted business model and an eye for expansion, Revival Spa is ready to turn the competition into its personal oasis.

Haven House Florals is blossoming into a powerhouse in the floral industry, crafting stunning arrangements that capture the beauty of nature. “I hope to achieve the ability to take our shop on the road and spread kindness, which is our motto at Haven House,” explained owner Dana Kelly. “Our pitch is based on our goal to outfit a truck and trailer to become our mobile flower and plant shop. That would give us the ability to meet and interact with more people in the community and bring our beautiful blooms and plants to them!” With an emphasis on locally sourced flowers and artistic design, this business is hoping its pitch will be as vibrant and memorable as its bouquets.

T.Lo Noticias e Informacion is dedicated to keeping the community informed with timely and accurate news. This Spanish-language media outlet is filling an essential gap in the market, ensuring that important stories reach the right audience. With a strong mission and a growing audience, they’re looking to make headlines in this competition.

🌱 Agriculture & Forestry Finalists

Davis Natives is rooted in the mission of preserving and cultivating native plants. Their work supports biodiversity and sustainability, making them a key player in environmental conservation. “We intend to inspire our neighbors to understand the importance of planting native species and see themselves as ecological changemakers,” said owners Lauren and Brad Davis. “We would like for people to walk away knowing that Davis Natives is their trusted partner in making the shift to native plantings.” With a strong foundation and a growing demand for their offerings, they’re ready to branch out into new opportunities.

Breemar Flower Farm is growing something truly special, bringing fresh-cut flowers to market with a passion for sustainable farming. “I believe in the power of local businesses to bring beauty, sustainability, and connection into our community,” said owner Nicole Dillon. “As a flower farmer and founder of Breemar Flower Farm, I see first-hand how flowers can brighten people’s lives—not just as a luxury, but as a meaningful part of how we mark life’s moments. Flowers are a part of life's biggest moments and it is such an honor to be a part of creating lasting memories in our community.” They’re hoping their pitch will be as bright and bountiful as their blooms.

Rhythm Ranch Homestead is harmonizing agriculture with sustainability, creating a farm that blends tradition with innovation. Their commitment to ethical farming and community engagement sets them apart, and they’re hoping to hit the right note with the judges.

POWER UP Productions is planting seeds of success in story-driven video content that connects audiences to culture, community, and causes. “We applied to the Center Street Pitch Competition because it aligns perfectly with our mission for ‘Field and Fork: Farmer’s Market Journeys,’” said POWER UP Production’s Amy Garelick. “We’re celebrating and elevating the rich agricultural traditions and local food systems of Virginia. We saw this as an opportunity to bring our vision to a larger audience and connect with others who believe in the power of storytelling, sustainability, and community-rooted food experiences.” With a strong vision for the future, they’re determined to turn their pitch into a towering success.

These contestants are ready to put their best fin forward and make a splash in the Center Street Pitch Competition. With their eyes on the prize and their pitches finely tuned, who will swim to the top and secure the investment of a lifetime? Swim over to the Ashland Theatre on April 10 at 6 PM to catch the Center Street Pitch Competition - it’s about to get JAWS-dropping!