Wheeling Heritage Announces Next Show of Hands Finalists
WHEELING, W.Va. – April 22, 2026 –Wheeling Heritage has announced the four finalists who will take the stage at the next Show of Hands event on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street.
Show of Hands is a crowd-powered pitch competition where four local entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a live audience. Each attendee donates $5 at the door, which serves as a vote to help determine which finalist receives the top prize, averaging around $4,500, made possible through audience contributions and support from community sponsors.
During the event, each finalist will have four minutes to pitch their business, followed by a brief audience Q&A session. Community members may also share announcements for an additional $5 donation.
Meet the Finalists:
Faygo’s Street Corn and More (Kiana Mitchell)
A growing local food vendor offering Mexican street corn and hot dogs topped with Tito’s signature chili sauce, Faygo’s Street Corn and More has quickly become a familiar presence at community events. Funding would support the purchase of tents and upgraded cooking equipment to better serve larger crowds and improve efficiency.
Little Sprinkles Bakery (Abby Black)
Little Sprinkles Bakery is a home-based bakery specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes, and dessert displays for special occasions. Known for detailed designs and high-quality presentation, the business serves events ranging from birthdays to weddings. Funding would be used to invest in equipment and marketing to increase production capacity and expand its reach.
She Speaks Wellness Initiative (Dr. Ashley Martinez, Feminine and Flourishing LLC)
The She Speaks Wellness Initiative is an extension of Feminine and Flourishing LLC, a women’s health coaching practice focused on integrative wellness. The initiative aims to expand access to health education through a digital platform featuring a blog, podcast, and resources on topics such as hormones and gut health. Funding would support website development, podcast production, and content creation.
Wheeling Feeling Nutrition (Shawna Larese)
Wheeling Feeling Nutrition is a community-focused wellness shop offering energizing shakes and teas in a positive, welcoming environment. Funding would allow for equipment upgrades to improve efficiency, maintain quality, and support continued growth while enhancing the customer experience.
“Show of Hands is such a fun and tangible way to get involved, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the community come together to support local ideas. For just a few dollars, you get to be part of someone’s next big step, helping move their vision forward. It’s always inspiring, and honestly just really cool, to hear what people in Wheeling are building right now.” Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage
Wheeling Heritage extends its thanks to lead sponsor Orrick and the Friends of Show of Hands sponsors, including Dave & Beth Weaver of Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru; Dr. and Mrs. Dan Joseph of Joseph Orthodontics; Brian Joseph of Touchstone Research Laboratory; Fuzz & Barb LaRue; Rabbi Joshua Lief & Rebecca Lief; Will and Tracey Turani; FXB; Steve & Jackie Johnston; ThrIVe Wheeling & Play N Stay Pet Camp; Jake and Maria Blatt; Jeff and Ronna-Renee Jackson; EQT; Scaling Pyramids – Christopher and Denise Stitt; anonymous donors; and the many community members who make this program possible.
A special thanks to the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce for providing a complimentary membership to each Show of Hands presenter.
Community members are encouraged to attend, support local entrepreneurs, and cast their vote to help bring the next big idea to life.
For more information, visit wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands or contact Wheeling Heritage at (304) 232-3087 or info@wheelingheritage.org
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
