WV Wonders: A Journey Through Morgantown with Biztec

Greetings, readers!

Corey Lambden

The past month has been an exciting journey for us as we ventured into the heart of Morgantown, West Virginia. Inspired by the spirit of WV Wonders, we set out to spotlight a handful of local businesses that make this community truly shine.

Throughout November, we had the privilege of sitting down with small business owners across the city. From cozy shops to driven startups, Morgantown’s business landscape is full of passion, grit, and creativity. Follow along as we share the stories behind some of the area's most inspiring local businesses – each one a testament to the strength of community and entrepreneurship.  

Mama K's Kitchen staff & Fusilli Vodka pasta.

Mama K’s Kitchen: Where Family and Flavor Meet

Mama K’s Kitchen, Star City Nutrition, Tonique’s Trilogy, and Hoot & Howl Artisan Shop shine as standout local gems. Mama K's, in particular, has been the talk of the town since the beginning of the year, with our friends buzzing about it non-stop. So, why not kick off our WV Wonders journey at the place everyone’s been raving about?

Led by the exceptional Kelsey Kirby, Mama K’s Kitchen embodies a profound love for our community. Raised in a close-knit Italian family with a deep passion for food, Kirby's journey began with a desire to share the joy of great food and communal dining.

"Growing up and realizing that this familial, communal experience is unique, I wanted to make that feeling less stressful and more exciting for others. Creating a space where people can enjoy delicious food and come together is what it's all about," explained Kirby.

The team at Mama K’s is dedicated to fostering a sense of community through stellar customer service and delectable cuisine. Whether you choose to dine in, take out, or host your own event, the Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Hoot & Howl Artisan Shop's Stephanie Swaim.

Hoot & Howl Artisan Shop: Celebrating Local Pride

At Hoot & Howl Artisan Shop, a strong sense of community pride resonates through every thoughtfully curated item. Since opening in 2018, the shop has stood as a true beacon of West Virginia pride.

Stephanie Swaim, the visionary behind this thriving establishment, shared her perspective on the vibrant community she has cultivated since opening her doors in Morgantown. "I believe we have an exceptional community down here. I've always strived to foster connections with local shops and small businesses to mutually support each other because I genuinely believe that when one person succeeds, everyone thrives." 

Swaim went on to tell me, "The most rewarding part about this has been the people... building those connections. I'll see someone who is pregnant, then they bring their kids in, and before you know it, it's been five years—I'm witnessing kids go to school, families growing, and college graduations. It's been a really cool experience."

Recently, Swaim and her team expanded their offerings by adding Euphorbia Plant Shop, which fits seamlessly into the already captivating artisan storefront.

Star City Nutrition's Kortni Henderson holding a Sunny D Tea and a tea flight.

Star City Nutrition: Fueling Health and Connection

After speaking about Swaim’s successful expansion and entrepreneurial endeavors, my attention turned to Star City Nutrition (SCN). Owned by Kortni Henderson – a recent WVU graduate who assumed ownership of SCN in October – the shop continues to build lasting relationships while making a meaningful impact in the community.

At SCN, they expertly curate meal plans and weight loss programs while packing your day with wholesome alternatives to traditional energy drinks. Here, you can discover a spectrum of health-conscious delights in the heart of Star City, from refreshing teas to energizing protein shakes.

When asked what advice she would give young entrepreneurs like herself, Henderson replied, “Don’t be afraid to take the plunge! It might feel like navigating a maze at first, but having a supportive crew is the secret sauce. That’s the magic of our Morgantown community: We’ve got each other’s backs!”

Tonique's Trilogy's Jessie McCauley giving a customer a Cooling Cyro Wand treatment.

Tonique’s Trilogy: Beauty with Heart

Contemplating the landscape of young entrepreneurs in our community, the question arose: "Who else’s inspiring story can I share?" And then, like a sudden revelation, it dawned on me – Jessie McCauley of Tonique’s Trilogy.

Beyond her incredible skillset, McCauley brings a dose of authenticity and warmth to everything she does. She’s not just an esthetician; she’s a beauty confidante. Her passion is unmistakable, and it shines through in every client interaction. What truly sets her apart? A commitment to all-organic, natural skincare products, giving clients real results without compromise.

“I want people to feel their best selves… The main goal is for them to leave the salon feeling happy and better about themselves,” said McCauley. “I want you to feel like we achieved something when you come here, that your goals were met.” 

Tonique’s Trilogy isn't just a salon/spa; it's a haven. When you step inside, you’re greeted by a comforting, tranquil atmosphere that guarantees you'll walk out feeling rejuvenated. Additionally, they consistently collaborate with fellow local enterprises while actively engaging in community initiatives.

A Community Rooted in Support

From Tonique’s Trilogy to Mama K’s and beyond, each of these small businesses seeks to provide their customers and community with a unique experience.

As we sit here and reflect on the incredible conversations we’ve had during this journey, we realize everyone in Morgantown exudes a genuine desire to see others thrive. The resounding theme we encountered in each interview was the powerful word 'Community’; it’s undeniably the cornerstone of this town.

These interviews have been a total game-changer, making us a card-carrying member of the "shop local, support local, and spread the good vibes" club. Trust us, attending local events and building those connections? It's that ‘secret sauce’ to success – professionally and personally!

This town is a tapestry woven with the warmth of true, kind-hearted West Virginians, and we are so proud to be part of it.

Powered by Passion – and Technology

At Biztec, we believe small businesses are the heartbeat of West Virginia. As a local managed IT service provider, we support growing organizations with reliable, scalable technology solutions, from managed and co-managed IT services to VoIP, physical security, custom projects, and more.

Whether you're building a business or growing a community, we're here to help you do it smarter and safer. Contact us today.warmth of true, kind-hearted West Virginians, and I am so proud to be part of it.