The Grotto

Anna Clay, owner of the Grotto here in Talent, began working in the restaurant industry during college to earn extra income. "Translation: beer money," Anna explained. "I discovered that the crazy, chaotic life actually suited me." She had no idea that years later it would end up being her career.
When she learned that Pioneer Pizza was up for sale, she jumped at the opportunity. "Thirteen years ago when the Grotto opened, there wasn't a whole lot going on in Talent," Anna said. "My friends and family thought I was nuts to open a restaurant here. But something about it really appealed to me, and still does.

Miles Automotive is Here to Stay

The road that lead Ryan and Jennifer Miles, owners of Miles Automotive, 690 S. Pacific Hwy. here in Talent, has been a long and adventurous one.

Both were born and raised in southern California, but they knew it was not the place they wanted to raise their children. So after their son was born they moved to Tennessee. "We had family there and thought 'why not,' it may be what we were looking for," Jennifer said. "Not at all!

No Wires Media: Your Local Internet, Phone and TV Connection

We've all been there: sitting on hold for over ten minutes only to be told we called the wrong department. After another ten minutes of automated directions we finally find out that in order to make the change we want, we'll have to sign another two-year contract. No Wires Media, located at 1560 Biddle Rd, just north of Marie Calender's in The Biddle Center, can help you avoid the headache of having to use far away call centers.

"What makes our store so unique is the variety of services we offer," owner Cheriesse Beck said. "We offer the largest selection of Internet and TV Providers, all in one location. We provide Dish Network, DirecTV, Charter, Century Link, Wild Blue, Hughes Net and a large selection of cell phone accessories.

Hair Designs by David Von Woods

Personality.

That's one trait a business owner must have, according to David Von Woods, who has recently opened his hair salon, Hair Designs by David Von Woods, in Talent.

And that's one trait obvious in Woods.

He's a self-proclaimed "live-wire," always moving, always personable, always talking, veering off topic for a few moments before coming back to train of thought.

The Oriental Tree House

When Angela Blackwell's two children went to college, it became clear to her that she would have to earn more money to keep up with the financial strain posed by the costs of higher education.

About that time, Blackwell's husband, Bruce, ran into John Hauschild, and the pair struck up a conversation. They knew each other from when Hauschild owned the Silk Road, a shop in Ashland that had specialized in Oriental carpets.