Businesses, events celebrating Black culture and food in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — In this Week’s WNC Food Scene, we are taking a closer look at Black-owned businesses in Asheville and events celebrating Black history and culture. AVL Cake Lady “Making life sweeter, one event at a time,” that’s Shana McDowell’s tagline for her business – AVL Cake Lady. It started as a hobby and officially opened in March of 2019. AVL Cake Lady thrived through the pandemic, and the business is about as strong as its owner. “Little girls that look like me, little brown girls can come in and see me behind the counter. And I don’t work here, it’s mine,” McDowell said. HERITAGE TRAIL BRINGS YEAR-ROUND CELEBRATION OF ASHEVILLE’S BLACK HISTORY TO LIFE She said her real passion isn’t baking but decorating and seeing the smile on her customers’ faces. “We take the ideas of our customers and we create them in sugar. So, if you bring me an idea, you bring me an image, we will make it, and it’s edible,” she said. She offers dietary restriction options like dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan treats. AVL Cake Lady specializes in birthdays, business catering, and special events. For more information visit her website. Grind AVL Grind AVL...