SUPPORT
Support for Entrepreneurs
The spirit of entrepreneurism is ingrained throughout the OBBC culture. We want to foster that spirit through our support of those who wish to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. OBBC would support organizations who encourage individuals who portray that same desire to make their own path with dedication, hard work and a desire to be different.
Outer Banks Boil Company Founder, Matt Khouri was a senior at UNCW studying Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurism, when he wrote the business plan for OBBC.
Although Matt only earned a “C” for his efforts, his entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. Today the company boasts eight locations and has been featured in many national publications including Entrepreneur and Forbes Magazines, and even made an appearance on National TV showcasing their famed Signature Seafood Boils.
.png)
Holden McOwen
Holden McOwen is a true Outer Banks local. Born in Manteo in the room he grew up in, he spent his youth running around town (usually barefoot) with a bevy of friends. He played football from a young age and went to Jacksonville University on a football scholarship. He also competed in Olympic Weighlifting and placed nationally in the top three in his age group.
After a year at JU, Holden transferred to Appalachian State University with a preferred walk-on offer for football there. But fate intervened and his path diverged. Sports had always been a passion, but he also started feeling a call to music while in high school. And now, with more time on his hands, he had to pursue it. This passion bloomed into a decade of writing songs and performing live at venues throughout the South and eventually with a Reggaton record label, Sebi Music. During this time he also created Kiiind Collectives to bring together music and art and to spread kindness throughout the community.
Holden is known for loving a good time with good friends, so, it was a natural progression that he came up with a business plan to combine those two things into a new venture: Kiiind Cocktails. With this business, he offers classes on creating elevated cocktails and also is hired to provide elevated mixology services for parties, weddings and other events. He has a great time teaching small groups of people at an intimate house party as well as directing the cocktail experience at big events.
MORE ABOUT KIIIND COCKTAILS
Sandbar Solutions
If you've been around Corolla, you've probably run into one of these hard working young ladies! Samantha Lyon and Sydney Pitvorec have been working the Corolla scene for years. From the bakery to the boil company, and a dozen places inbetween, these two know how busy the season is for small business owners.
​
Today's need for competitive social media and marketing strategies can be a struggle for many small businesses in seasonal beach communities. The summer hustle leaves very little time to implement and even less energy to do so.
Combine that with a limited selection of available talented folks to help and you'll know just why we loved the concept of Sandbar Solutions and what it could offer our local business community. A small business that was looking to help other small businesses...that's an EPIC win!
​
"EPIC has been extremely helpful to us in the formation of our business. They equipped us with the tools, resources, and support needed to get our business off the ground, connected us with the right people, and helped turn our vision into something tangible. Beyond practical support, EPIC helped us foster relationships and opportunities that allowed Sandbar to build credibility, expand its network, and grow with purpose. Their belief in our ideas and willingness to invest in our development helped transform an initial concept into what Sandbar is today."-Samanatha Lyon- Sandbar Solutions
​
Today Sandbar Solutions is a sought after service here in Corolla and beyond. The team is creative, dedicated and so much fun to work with. If you have a small business and need help on the marketing side of things, give Sammy or Sydney a call!
​
GET IN TOUCH WITH Sandbar Solutions
Website: SandbarCorolla.com
Ellie Gardill
Ellie had always said, “Maybe one day I’ll open up a studio of my own.”
Then, in the summer of 2024, a beautiful space in Duck, North Carolina became available. As she considered the opportunity, her parents looked at her and said, “The world is your oyster - buy the bikes and open a fitness studio.”
Ellie was more prepared than she realized. She had studied Health Fitness at East Carolina University, where she became a certified group fitness instructor, a personal trainer, and gained experience in fitness management. Teaching numerous classes a day and building community? That was the easy part.
“Starting a business, finances? That felt overwhelming.”
That’s where Our EPIC Project stepped in.
We were able to connect Ellie with a trusted business accountant who helped guide her through the financial side of entrepreneurship. From understanding budgeting, expenses, payroll, and tax planning, Ellie gained resources and needed guidance.
Today, Sound Side Studio is a strong (figuratively and literally) fitness community in Duck, offering a variety of classes and personal training. It’s a welcoming space that reflects Ellie’s passion for health and fitness with a beautiful view of the Currituck Sound. What once felt like a dream is now a reality.
Check out Sound Side Studio!!