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Trailblazers are those who forge their own path, both figuratively through life and literally out on the trail.
They bring new visions to fruition, even when the “how” is unclear. As pioneers and innovators, they contribute to the world and their communities in creative ways. These are the folks that we celebrate in the Trailblazers series. Transylvania County is a unique place, and much of its vibrancy comes from the people who call this place home. Let us introduce you to these folks — the ones who pour their hearts into the Transylvania County community — the Trailblazers.
John Taylor
Owner of O.P. Taylor’s Toys
An entrepreneur and advocate for the Transylvania County community, John Taylor has been a businessman in Brevard for over 40 years. His most well-known venture – beloved toy store O. P. Taylor’s – has been a staple of Downtown Brevard for several decades. O.P. Taylor’s is known as “The Coolest Toy Store on the Planet” and was named as one of the Top 10 Toy Stores in the world by USA Today.
Billy Smith
Local Artist, Art Teacher & President of Transylvania Community Arts Council
From the time that he was a child, town of Pisgah Forest native Billy Smith has been captivated by the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. His art is inspired by stunning landscapes and people who shape the identity of Transylvania County. He contributes to the area’s thriving arts scene as a working artist, teacher, and president of Transylvania Community Arts Council.
Jeanne & Dana Hawkins
Owners of Pisgah Fish Camp
Siblings Jeanne and Dana Hawkins own and operate Pisgah Fish Camp, which was founded in 1968 and has been owned and operated by the Hawkins family since then. Pisgah Fish Camp has been a cornerstone eatery, serving up delicious seafood and southern staples in Brevard for over 50 years.
Kelly Holdbrooks
Executive Director of Southern Highlands Reserve
As the Executive Director of Southern Highlands Reserve, Kelly Holdbrooks funnels her experience and passion for the natural world toward sustaining the diverse ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the red spruce, a keystone species that is vital to the Transylvania County ecosystem. She loves playing in nature with her family and is glad to call these mountains home.
Woody Platt
Musician & Founding Member of Steep Canyon Rangers
Woody Platt is a guitarist, singer, Grammy Award-winning bluegrass artist, and founding member of the well-known Steep Canyon Rangers. A Brevard native, he’s also a passionate environmentalist and loves fly fishing on the French Broad River. Since touring, he’s dedicated much of his time to his community.
Catalina Noreña
Leader of Club De Exploradores
“Having access to nature is crucial to young children and young adults.” It’s this sentiment that led Cata Noreña to get involved in Club de Exploradores — a club for Hispanic students in Transylvania County that explores Pisgah National Forest as an educational program of FIND Outdoors. Originally from Colombia, Cata has found a sense of home in the lush mountains of Transylvania County.
Matthew Bushce
Cycling Coach & Former Professional Road Cyclist
Matthew Busche is a former professional road racing cyclist. He’s raced all over the world, has completed 3 grand tours, including the Tour de France, and is a two-time US National Road Race Champion. He currently coaches cyclists of all levels, leveraging what he learned during his time while racing. Busche says that Transylvania County has some of the best road cycling anywhere in the country.