Grass Guitars and Moore Love Open in Hiawassee

(Photo by City of Hiawassee)

Community leaders, partners, and loved ones gather at the Paris Business Center to celebrate owners Ben and Shawna Collins of Grass Guitars and Brianna Moore of Moore Love at their joint ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Lily Pontiz

Guest Writer

Hiawassee, GA – The Paris Business Center (PBC) proudly celebrated a major milestone on Friday, Aug. 28 with a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony for its business incubators, Grass Guitars and Moore Love. The event marks a successful first chapter for the center in launching these local entrepreneurs into brick-and-mortar storefronts.

The ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd of 40 attendees to support the two new business owners as they officially begin their retail journeys. The turnout included representatives from Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce, Hiawassee City Council, City of Hiawassee staff, PBC and Hiawassee DDA board members, as well as volunteers, clients, and supporters of the center. Leaders and students from Young Harris College also attended, alongside advisors from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), and the owners' friends and families.

"We are excited to see these two concepts come to life," said Lily Ponitz, PBC Director and Hiawassee Economic Development Director. “Seeing Grass Guitars and Moore Love open their doors proves that our incubator system provides the tools, mentorship, and community backing needed to turn dreams into reality."

Both stores are now open for business, adding unique retail experiences to the vibrant Hiawassee downtown.