About the Guests:

Eva and Cory Bachetti are the passionate founders of Spa of Eden, a holistic wellness center located in Johnson City. With a background in the beauty and wellness industry, Eva has been drawn to aesthetic practices since middle school, bringing extensive experience in wedding makeup and aesthetics. Cory, originally from Connecticut, shares a deep commitment to holistic health, reflected in his yoga training. Together, their goal is to create an inclusive and rejuvenating space focusing on natural beauty and wellness therapies.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson goes on-location to interview Eva and Cory Bachetti, the inspiring duo behind Spa of Eden. Situated in a beautifully renovated building, Spa of Eden offers a sanctuary focused on holistic health and wellness practices. Colin explores the couple's journey from concept to reality, discovering how they’ve transformed their dreams into a flourishing business providing alternative therapies and beauty treatments aimed at improving the overall well-being of their community.

Throughout the episode, listeners gain insights into the Bachettis' motivations for establishing Spa of Eden. Key themes include their commitment to offering holistic and natural remedies as alternatives to conventional treatments, and their desire to create a healing environment for their community. The episode dives into various amenities available at the spa, such as the salt room, infrared saunas, and the unique cryotherapy offerings and also highlights the significance of creating a restorative space for both individuals and families in the heart of Johnson City. As Cory mentions, “Everyone should build something once or twice. It teaches you a lot of patience.”

Key Takeaways:

• Transformation of Vision to Reality: Eva and Cory transitioned their passion for holistic health into a successful spa business.
• Focus on Holistic Healing: Spa of Eden emphasizes natural and non-invasive treatments, including salt rooms and cryotherapy.
• Inclusive Wellness for All: The spa is designed to welcome individuals and families, emphasizing overall health and happiness.
• Unique Offerings in the Region: As the first in the area to offer certain services, Spa of Eden caters to a growing demand for alternative health solutions.
• Commitment to Growth and Excellence: Both Eva’s high standards and Cory’s dedication to a holistic lifestyle steer the continuous evolution of the spa.

Notable Quotes:

• "I want to have the purest skincare, a space where our community can heal on a real level." — Eva Bachetti
• "We believed in being able to do things holistically… there's stuff that you can do naturally that really works." — Cory Bachetti
• "When you hit that midday slump, it makes a big difference… it really wakes you up." — Eva Bachetti
• "It's for the whole family… if your family is healthy and feeling good, you're going to be happy together." — Eva Bachetti
• "Look no further… why don't drive 15-20 minutes to come from Kingsport, Johnson City. Yeah, we're right here." — Cory Bachetti

Resources:

• Spa of Eden Website: spaofedenco.co
• Spa of Eden Instagram: @spaofeden

For those intrigued by holistic and luxurious wellness treatments, this episode provides an enlightening view into the amenities and spirit of Spa of Eden. Tune in to the full episode to experience more uplifting conversations and stay updated for future episodes exploring the charm of Johnson City and its inspiring residents.

About the Guest:

Meisha Turner is an established entrepreneur based in Erwin, Tennessee. She owns the Magnolia Room, a charming event venue offering a unique space for gatherings and family events. Meisha is also deeply involved in community initiatives, notably as a leading figure in Rise Erwin, a local organization fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses. Having grown up in Bristol, Tennessee and spending time in Chattanooga, Meisha has found her passion in nurturing the vibrant community spirit of both Erwin and Unicoi County. Known for her dedication and enthusiasm, she is set to take the role of the president of Rise Erwin next year.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Meisha Turner to discuss the captivating charms and resilient community spirit of Erwin and Unicoi County. As the season’s vibrant colors start to paint the landscape, Meisha shares her unique insights into the small-town allure of Erwin, where she has both built her life and made significant impacts in community development. Amidst the backdrop of recent challenges faced by the town, Meisha highlights the strength and unity demonstrated by local residents and businesses in recovery efforts.

This episode dives deep into the integral role of Rise Erwin, a group that Meisha is heavily involved with. Originally formed to support community activities and economic development, Rise Erwin has become a hub of creativity and collaboration. Meisha outlines the organization’s transition from promoting fun and engagement to orchestrating recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the recent storm damage. This discussion also shines a light on local businesses, the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, and the town’s enduring charm and resilience. Listeners are treated to Meisha’s perspective on what makes Erwin an inviting destination and the exciting activities planned to bring even more life and enthusiasm to the community.

Key Takeaways:

• Erwin, Tennessee, boasts a unique blend of small-town charm and stunning natural beauty, offering a perfect mix for residents and visitors.
• Rise Erwin plays a crucial role in community recovery and development, focusing on creative solutions and volunteer coordination.
• The local businesses of Erwin have shown remarkable resilience and community support in response to recent natural disasters.
• Meisha Turner emphasizes the power of collective community efforts and is optimistic about the town’s ability to rebuild stronger.
• The episode highlights plans for upcoming community events, including a large Halloween celebration, fostering unity and joy among residents.

Notable Quotes:

1. "There's something about coming back here. It doesn't matter what season it is. You're going to find some amazing display of color and wildflowers." - Meisha Turner
2. "We're all about just connecting the community in different ways to come up with new adventures." - Meisha Turner
3. "It's literally unbelievable. It is that jaw-dropping kind of thing to look at the before pictures and the after and you can't identify the landscape because it's changed so much." - Meisha Turner
4. "We started putting the word out and got traction with it and we've raised over $250,000 for the community now." - Meisha Turner
5. "I never saw myself living in Erwin…but I've pretty much found all of them again in Erwin, so I'm definitely happy there." - Meisha Turner

Resources:

• Rise Erwin Website
• Social Media: Follow Rise Erwin on Facebook and Instagram for updates and community initiatives.

Dive into this episode to explore how a strong sense of community and collaboration can uplift a town through the power of resilience and creativity. Stay tuned for more inspiring content in future episodes of Johnson City Living.

About the Guests:

Dr. Fred Alsop: An esteemed figure in ornithology and biology, Dr. Fred Alsop has dedicated decades to academia at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). After 48 years of full-time teaching, he remains active by directing the Johnson City Railroad Experience, a passion project combining his love for trains and education. His extensive background includes chairing ETSU's Department of Biology and authoring 18 books on birds.

Carson Sailor: With a background in museum management and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University, Carson Sailor transitioned from North Florida and Boone, North Carolina, to Johnson City, Tennessee. He is instrumental in building the Johnson City Railroad Experience into a dynamic hub for education and community engagement, leveraging his experience and passion for museums.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Colin Johnson's podcast, guests Dr. Fred Alsop and Carson Sailor discuss the vibrant development of the Johnson City Railroad Experience. Dr. Alsop, with his extensive background in biology and passion for trains, along with Carson, a seasoned museum manager, are dedicated to transforming this hub into a central pillar of both community and education in Johnson City, TN. This project aims to invigorate interest in railroads while also preserving and elaborating on the local history tied to these once vital lines of transport.

Delving into the intricacies of the Johnson City Railroad Experience, the guests reveal the meticulous thought behind its development, logos of an engaging community, and the potential promise Amtrak's advancements hold for cities like theirs. The conversation highlights key aspects of the experience, such as interactive exhibits, educational outreach efforts, and community events like "Track or Treat". Through their conversation, Alsop and Sailor illustrate the ways in which the railroad positively impacted Johnson City and continue to be an influential factor in its community growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Johnson City Railroad Experience offers an engaging exploration into the history and ongoing influence of railroads on local communities, enriched with interactive and educational exhibits.
• The railroad museum supports a deeper understanding of Johnson City's origins, showcasing its historical significance through the lens of railroad development.
• Key events such as "Track or Treat" and substantial museum displays like the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina railroad model bring the community together while educating visitors.
• Educational programs align with state standards and provide hands-on learning opportunities, emphasizing STEAM and humanities curriculum for field trips and school partnerships.
• The emerging support for Amtrak's expansion projects represents a significant shift in public transportation development with potential implications for Johnson City.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We wanted people to have a unique experience, so everything has been designed around the guest experience." - Carson Sailor
2. "We've literally filled up the space we have, which was about 5,000 square feet, and we are open to the public for five hours on Saturdays." - Dr. Fred Alsop
3. "The Johnson City Railroad Experience aims to tell the story of Johnson City through the lens of railroads." - Carson Sailor
4. "As an ornithologist, I haven't written any books on trains, but I have written 18 books on birds." - Dr. Fred Alsop
5. "This is a place where you can come and contribute and be a part of a really beautiful, involved community." - Carson Sailor

Resources:

• Johnson City Railroad Experience

Embark on an exploration of Johnson City’s past and emerging future through the dynamic contributions of the railroad with Dr. Alsop and Carson Sailor. Tune in for more enticing, history-driven conversations in future episodes of this podcast series.