Is the American Dream dead or alive? In honor of Small Business Saturday, we sat down with the owners of Alvin Dennis and Appalachian Sage to discuss how the American Dream is more alive than ever before in Lexington.

Small Business Saturday is a marketing initiative created by the American Express credit card brand to encourage consumers to shop locally for the holidays. In recognition of this, we are highlighting a long-established Lexington business and a brand-new business in support of our initiative this cycle, Mock Con Meets Main Street. We are dedicated to utilizing Lexington small businesses in all our operations, connecting students to these businesses, and encouraging entrepreneurship among the student-body.

Alvin Dennis is a staple retail store in Lexington, where the business has been established for almost 60 years. The store is a chief provider in the community, selling clothing to individuals ranging from students to Lexington residents. Additionally, Sarah at Appalachian Sage, a wellness-based restaurant, discussed what it’s like opening a new business in today’s climate. Both of these businesses show how Lexington is a shining example of the power small businesses hold.

First, Ginny told us that her father, Alvin, opened the shop with the mission to provide men’s clothes to the community. Since then, Alvin Dennis has expanded to providing women’s clothing as well as special items for the W&L and VMI communities. Alvin established a reputation for quality service built on meaningful relationships that remains to this day. Ginny said that her father always looked forward to the big weekends on campus like Parents’ Weekend and Alumni Weekend at W&L and VMI, as he’d get to see old friends and employees. Alvin Dennis has remained so successful in Lexington because of these personal connections–when you walk in the door, you know it will be the same family-owned business. Alvin was at the shop constantly, and now, his daughter Ginny has taken over. She explained that having the same people working at the shop year after year has been his biggest success, and the friendships and connections made will remain for years to come.

Ginny also gave some advice to future entrepreneurs. She discussed the fact that starting your own business is not an easy undertaking. It requires reliance and grit to run a business. She explained that the owner must stay at the forefront of the store, and with quality products and service, business owners can thrive in the Lexington community.

Sarah at Appalachian Sage shared the same sentiment as Ginny; she explained that Lexington is unique in its magical downtown filled with students, residents, and tourists bustling through the streets. Sarah has been a business owner for many years now, most notably in Alaska, where she has self-started various businesses. However, she saw a lack of a wellness-based store in Lexington after she moved here with her husband. This need prompted her to open Appalachian Sage, a store that provides juices, smoothies, and bowls to Downtown Lexington. Sarah expressed her happiness that the community welcomed her business with open arms. After a month in business, Sarah hopes to sustain her success by encouraging students, alumni, faculty, and residents to stop by at 9 E Washington St.

Sarah advises aspiring entrepreneurs to trust the process. She says it is important for students to do their homework so they know what product a community needs and how it can best be sold. In addition to finding a need, one has to be passionate about his or her product and bring it to people. Sarah says the best way to do this is by partnering with the local community. Personally, Sarah hopes to expand her partnerships with local farmers in Lexington to provide the best quality ingredients. It’s safe to say Appalachian Sage is bringing a fresh voice to Lexington, and we are excited to watch the success unfold!

 At Mock Con, we understand that small businesses are vital to our communities. That’s why we are excited to launch our initiative, Mock Con Meets Main Street, and continue our mission throughout the duration of the cycle and beyond. We have an appreciation for the resilience, vision, and hard work that goes into being a business owner and are grateful for new and old businesses in the community. The American Dream is alive and well in Lexington, and we hope entrepreneurs like Ginny and Sarah continue to take advantage of it.

-       Martha Ernest, Director of Community Outreach