Showcasing local talent is the goal of The Local Louisa, a new small business located at 100 Church Avenue adjacent to the Avenue ArtHouse and across from the train depot. They had their “soft launch” on May 2.

“We want to bring everyone in,” Joel Michael, the owner of The Local Louisa, said. “‘A rising tide lifts all ships.’ If we can help pick others up, it will transpire into other things. We want to rebuild Main Street and help the community build upon itself by supporting each other.”

Every vendor, from handmade goods to specialty gift items, is curated from Louisa. These include items from Bumpass Honey Works, Free Range Innovations, High Horse Farm, The Candy Farmer, The Rusty Lantern Candle Company, The Sterling Peacock, The Bumpas Tallow Company, among others and new vendors slated to join.

The soft launch of The Local Louisa coincided with the second annual Art on the Lawn event at The Avenue ArtHouse. Joel is the husband of Ashley Michael, the Mayor of the Town of Louisa as of November 2025, who helps make the space “pop” while Joel works on contracts and the business side of the operation.

“It was a very successful day,” Ashley said. “We had a lot of foot traffic and every vendor sold something.”

“We have a lot of great talent in the community that is hidden because you might only find them at a vendor fair,” Joel added. “We want to show everyone else what Louisa is.”

Both Ashely and Joel shared that they are being thoughtful about hours aligning with The Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) and the different excursions they are offering in 2026. Moving forward, The Local Louisa may sell food, as conversations are happening with a local deli about potential sandwich offerings.

Additionally, both cited the goal of being a community gathering space, potentially linking up with local spirit vendors to offer wine, cidery, and brewery tastings.

The Town of Louisa is preparing for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including a 16-minute firework show and a Fourth of July Parade. The Local Louisa is offering graphics that people can custom print on t-shirts, as well as cups, bottle openers, and coasters, that include the 250th celebration and The Local Louisa logo.

“We see things growing and there is a future plan. The Lord and our community will drive that,” Ashley said.