MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — The Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce presented its Fall 2025 StartUp MHC Awards on Tuesday at the New College Institute in Martinsville.

The program, supported in part by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, provides funding and resources to help new and growing businesses across Martinsville and Henry County.

The first recipient, Charlie Chan Candle Creations, a woman-owned business founded by Gwendolyn Sawyers, will offer handmade wax melts and whipped candles in the City of Martinsville.

The business received $1,300 to assist with equipment purchases.

Penny’s Lemon Lab, a kid-owned and mom-operated lemonade business founded by Diamond Miller and inspired by her young daughter, Dynver Penelope, was awarded $1,600 for equipment and a point-of-sale system.

The Henry County-based mobile business is known for its unique flavors and playful branding — “stirring up smiles, one lemonlaid at a time.”

A & J Logistics, LLC, located in Collinsville and owned by Jordan Scales, received $2,500 to expand his single-truck operation into a larger freight transportation service.

Heart of Elegance, LLC, founded by Nyree Koger, earned $2,500 to purchase a cargo trailer.

The Henry County business provides event planning and decorating services that aim to create “wow” moments for clients.

Roots & Rainbows Play Café, LLC, owned by Kayla Moon and located in Uptown Martinsville, was awarded $2,500 for equipment.

The faith-based play space and café offers imaginative play for children ages 0–6 in a safe, family-centered environment.

Socialize Me, LLC, founded by Crystal Hairston in Martinsville, received $3,000 for equipment.

The business offers social media management, content creation, and consulting services to local entrepreneurs.

Sugar Street Bakery and Coffee Shop, owned by Jennifer and Larry Jones in partnership with Carrie Wilson, was awarded $3,400 to purchase a display case and equipment.

The Collinsville bakery opened earlier this year and aims to bring the community together “one bite at a time.”

Complete Care and Wellness Clinic, founded by Dr. Edythe Boitnott, was awarded $3,500 to assist with technology and web design costs.

The new Martinsville clinic focuses on personalized health care, including weight loss, hormone therapy, and functional medicine.

Baking Memories Wright, a Bassett-based mobile bakery owned by Tammy Wright, received $4,000 for equipment and marketing support.

The bakery specializes in nostalgic desserts “just like Grandma used to make.”

Black Sheep Retro, owned by Jessica Cox and located on Virginia Avenue in Collinsville, earned $4,000 for equipment.

The boutique and bin store was born from a storage auction find and has grown into a thriving local business.

The Law Office of Robert S. Ward, based in Martinsville, was awarded $4,358.88 for technology and six months of in-kind rent at the West Piedmont Business Development Center.

ACE Chimney Sweep, LLC, founded by Mary Grace Braxton of Bassett, received $5,000 to purchase specialty equipment.

The business aims to help keep homes safe through professional chimney cleaning and maintenance.

Heart to Art Creative Corner, LLC, founded by Monica Rogers and Christina Tisdale, received $5,500 to purchase equipment.

The Martinsville art studio offers creative and educational workshops for all ages.

Fiery Creations Laser Engraving, LLC, owned by Catie Brannon, was awarded $6,100 to purchase equipment.

Operating out of her garage in Henry County, Brannon creates custom engraved items and branded products.

A.T. Williams Designs Company, LLC, located on Jones Street in Martinsville, received $9,578 to purchase equipment.

The business, owned by A.T. Williams, specializes in functional art and handcrafted furniture.

The final award of the day went to Factory Roast Coffee, founded by Chad and Melisa Janey of Bassett.

The husband-and-wife team received $10,000 toward new roasting equipment.

Their business began as a mobile coffee cart and recently opened its first brick-and-mortar café.

This year’s awards mark another milestone for the StartUp MHC initiative, which has now graduated 388 individuals from its training programs and awarded 135 businesses more than $850,000 in cash and in-kind support.

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