Business
Young Wins Barber Championship π
To say Anthony “A.Ray” Young is a “cut above the rest,” would be a somewhat clever quip π, but it would also be an understatement.
At the 2021 North Carolina Barber & Beauty Tradeshow in Raleigh on September 12th, Young, through “shear” talent, came out victorious and was crowned the new Wild Style Design Champion.
Peep his winning design at the end.
Anthony “A.Ray” Young with his championship title // His Instagram page
Known in personal and professional circles as “A.Ray,” the Warren County native graduated from WCHS in 2001 and later pursued the stylish trade at Geter Barber School in Henderson, NC.
When asked what he loved most about barbering, Young stated, “I love being able to be myself & connect with my clients in every aspect of their lives! We’re like family!”
Young doesn’t view haircuts as solely such, but refer to them as a “heightened level of self expression.” He went on to say that “with purpose and follow-through, my goal is to gain new and repeat patrons by providing high quality services, protecting patrons through product knowledge & thorough sanitation procedures, all while executing superior customer service!”
Young expends his expertise and gifted hands between two locations: Eastside Barbershop in Henderson and The Bar Ber Shop in Wake Forest, NC.
And on a more personal note, Anthony recently celebrated his 3rd anniversary with wife, Courtney, whom he affectionately referred to as his “reason.” π
Anthony with his wife of three years, Courtney Young (Source: Facebook)
“I love being able to be myself & connect with my clients in every aspect of their lives! We’re like family!” – Anthony “A.Ray” Young
His work speaks for itself and with 14 years in the industry, he has no plans to “fade” away anytime soon.
Winning Design:
Be sure to check out his portfolio by following Anthony on Instagram or his website.
Business
VGCC SBC Honors Warren County Small Businesses
The ceremony honored 13 Warren County entrepreneurs and community leaders on Feb. 27.
The Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center hosted its third annual Small Business Awards Ceremony at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard in Norlina, where they celebrated 13 Warren County-based businesses and community leaders, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. The ceremony, which was held on February 27, was in partnership with The Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) of Vance County and sponsored by NC IDEA.
The VGCC Small Business Center, led by Director Carolyn Perry, has been instrumental in supporting local entrepreneurs through resources, training, and mentorship. The annual awards ceremony highlights the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment to community development.
The honorees were in three categories according to the length they have been in business: Startups (3-5 years), Established (5-10 years); and Legacy (10+).
HONOREES:
STARTUPS
Peanut & Zelbβs Produce Market, 137 Hyco Street, Norlina
Warren Animal Feed, 102 College Street, Warrenton
Sisterly Dreams
Presenter: Kyle Burwell, Dean, Business and Industry Solutions, VGCC
ESTABLISHED
Oliver Family Farm
Crews Balloons, https://www.crewsballoons.com
Lake Gaston Coffee, 104 Wellington Way, Littleton
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard, 332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina
Sweet Delights Cookies and Things
Presenter: Megan Williams, Economic Development Specialist, Warren County Community and Economic Development
LEGACY
Just Flowers, 138 S Main Street, Warrenton
Kim’s Vineyard and Winery, 408 Largo Road, Norlina
WARR 1520 AM, 824 US Hwy 158 Bus. W, Warrenton
Awesome God Christian Bookstore, 130 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Dr. Jerry Edmonds, Vice President of Workforce & Community Engagement, VGCC
Community and Economic Development Award:
Jametrice Alston Jones, owner of @4 Girls and a Comb and Rock & Fortress Production Company, 144 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Crystal Myrick, Warrenist
The event was catered by local Warren County food truck, Kings Smoke-N-Soul.
Business
PHOTOS: Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast (February 2025)
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Hosted by the Warren County Community and Economic Development team, the event was held in the Warren County Armory Civic Center and provided a unique opportunity for fellow business leaders, educators, and key stakeholders to connect and discuss shaping the future of workforce readiness in Warren County.
Special guest speaker, Brett Brenton of MyFutureNC presented key information about Warren County to further guide attendees in how they can bridge the gap between industry needs and educational opportunities.
Minds were opened, business cards were exchanged, and potential collaborations were born.
We look forward to seeing how these new and renewed connections will flourish in our community, specifically for the betterment of our next generation.
Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick / Warrenist
Business
VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released a video today highlighting several businesses in the area.
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up,” a video highlighting our diverse businesses and organizations in the area.
Warren County’s passion and commitment to building and thriving locally are the driving force behind our community’s success and culture. Itβs that dedication and commitment to community that has been the backbone of our county for years. Hear from some of our small businesses about our community’s values that are the foundation for success.
Small businesses featured (in order of appearance):
AF Wake (https://afwake.com);
Working Landscapes and ByWay Foods (https://bywayfoods.com/);
Brown Family Farms (https://brownfamilyfarmscsa.com);
Kings Fitness (https://www.kingsfitnessnc.com/);
Lake Gaston Outfitters (https://www.lakegastonoutfitters.com/)
Rockin’ E Ranch (facebook.com/rockin.e.ranch)
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Hugh
March 28, 2022 at 8:05 pm
Congrats!
Brad
April 12, 2022 at 11:29 am
Congrats!
DJ
April 12, 2022 at 8:37 pm
Right on my man!
Jan
May 17, 2022 at 9:12 pm
Congrats!