With the assistance and support of Sequoyah Fund, business owners are helping to establish a more diverse economy in our area. New jobs are being created, business facades renovated, and new goods and services offered.

Here's a sampling of our many customer success stories. Why not give us a call and let's see how we can work together to grow your existing business or get your new business off the ground.
 

Drama Inn
The Drama Inn has been a focal point in Cherokee since the early 1960s. In 2006, owners Lambert Wilson and his sister Laverne Bennett decided to take advantage of the façade renovation loans available to Cherokee Central Business District owners and give a much-needed face-lift to the motel. They included unique Cherokee elements in their new look. The basket-weave design for the entrance and railings was inspired by colors in a Rowena Bradley antique basket. The handcrafted metalwork sign incorporates river cane and basket weave and “welcome” in Cherokee. Drama Inn is located on Tsali Blvd (US 441 N) near the Visitor’s Center. 828-497-3271. www.DramaInn.com

Fantasy Travel
William Maney bought Fantasy Travel in 2005. The company had been in business for 25-plus years and had a good reputation, but the facility needed upgrading. In addition to providing the loan for the renovation project, we also worked with William to develop a business plan and to get his TERO Certification (Tribal Employment Rights Office).
      Fantasy Travel is a full service travel agency for business or leisure travel, domestic or international, cruises, packages and tours, honeymoons, groups, hotels and more. It is located at 546 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779. 828-586-8479 / 800-537-5910.

Kid Zone
Hugh & Bobbi Lambert opened Kid Zone in 2001 to provide drop-in childcare by the hour to the Cherokee community. A business loan from The Sequoyah Fund helped them acquire the materials and equipment to provide supervised fun in a free-choice play environment. Kids from 3 to 13 enjoy everything from dress-up costumes, grocery store and playhouse to Playstation and XBOX games. Birthday party packages are available.
      The Kid Zone is located next to the Casino at 73 Paint Town Road, Cherokee, NC 28719. 828-497-6868. www.TheKidZone.biz

Tribal Grounds Coffee Culture
When Natalie Smith and Leon Grodski created a combination coffee house & community cultural center in 2004, they worked with Sequoyah Fund for initial financing. Now with some practical knowledge, they are revisiting their start-up experience and planning for the future with our consulting assistance.Tribal Grounds features sandwiches, baked goods, homemade soups, drinks and desserts. They have internet access – wireless and desktop. The coffees roasted in-house are organic and fair trade certified and grown by indigenous farmers from around the world. Their exhibition space features contemporary visual arts from the region and performances ranging from poetry to bluegrass.
      Tribal Grounds Coffee Culture is located at 516 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC 28719.  Open Monday - Saturday. 828-497-0707. www.TribalGroundsCoffeeCulture.com

Visage Salon
Julie Extine bought Visage Salon & Day Spa in 2006 utilizing a loan from The Sequoyah Fund. Aveda products are all natural, using plant-based ingredients and non-petroleum mineral ingredients. Julie’s clients enjoy cuts, color, sugaring, make-up application and paraffin hand treatments in a quiet and soothing environment.
      Visage Salon is located at 453 East Main St., Sylva, NC 28779. 828-631-8958. VisageSalon@verizon.net