Why Modernizing West Virginia's Businesses is My Mission
Published: July 25th, 2025
A Broader Perspective
Since graduating from George Washington high school in 2022, I have spent most of my time outside of West Virginia. I studied at Denison University in Ohio, where I'm finishing my bachelor's degree in communication. I spent a semester abroad in Berlin and lived in Washington, DC for the past three summers. In DC, I worked among professionals who I consider to be some of the best in the industry. These experiences gave me a broad view of how small businesses operate and succeed in different environments.
What I Noticed
What struck me most was how advanced many small businesses had become. Not just in the tools they used, but in how they engaged with customers, marketed themselves online, and streamlined their day-to-day operations. Coming back home, I realized something that stuck with me: West Virginia has the heart, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit but we’re often working with outdated systems.
That realization is one of the core reasons I started Charleston Growth Lab.
Seeing the Potential
There’s an incredible amount of potential in our state. I see it every time I meet a small business owner who’s passionate about what they do, whether they run a barbershop, a boutique, a home service company, or a nonprofit. What many of them are missing isn’t effort or talent, it’s access to modern tools and up-to-date websites that can help them grow and stay competitive.
Where I Can Help
In my time looking at local businesses online, I noticed that many websites across West Virginia are outdated visually, functionally, and in terms of how they communicate with customers. I don’t claim to have all the answers, and I’m still learning tools like SEO every day. But I know design, usability, and how to build clean, modern websites that make a difference.
My mission is simple: to help West Virginia businesses modernize and stand out.
Whether it’s through smarter web design, clearer messaging, or better use of digital tools, I believe we can close the gap. We can make sure a local business has a website that inspires trust, looks polished, and works well on every device. We can build digital spaces that match the care and quality these businesses deliver in person.
More Than Just Tech
This isn’t just about technology. It’s about equity. It’s about making sure West Virginia’s businesses aren’t left behind in a rapidly digitizing world. I want our state to be known not just for its natural beauty and strong communities, but also for its digital resilience for businesses that grow with confidence.
Let’s Build the Future
So if you’re a business owner in West Virginia and you’ve ever felt like your website doesn’t represent the quality of your work, I’d love to help.