UVA Alumni Thrive in Charlottesville with Local Business Ventures

At the heart of Charlottesville, a wave of entrepreneurial spirit thrives, driven by University of Virginia graduates who choose to remain in the city long after finishing their studies. These alumni are not just leaving their mark academically but are also shaping the local economy by launching diverse ventures.

Sydney Batson, who initially aspired to be a doctor, discovered her true calling while attending the University of Virginia. By the time she graduated in 2013 with a degree in religious studies, her path had shifted. “After working a really bizarre office job, I started shadowing different healthcare practitioners to see what I might want to do, and a friend suggested I check out this herb school in town,” she explained. This exploration led her to an herbal apothecary in Charlottesville, where she eventually became a co-owner of The Elderberry.

Charlottesville is home to many businesses founded by UVA alumni. Joe Peacock, who once doubted the value of higher education, found his niche after attending UVA. Upon graduating, he ventured into auto repair, this time as an entrepreneur. Encouraged by his wife Mandy, Peacock opened Peacock Auto Service, a business they have been running for 17 years.

Lauren Santana, another alumna, offers assistance to those moving to or from the university through her Curated Campus, a concierge service. It caters to UVA parents and students, managing moves, storage, and more.

Popular local coffee spots like Grit Coffee and Shenandoah Joe are also run by UVA graduates. Grit Coffee is part of Bread & Table, a brand that operates multiple Charlottesville businesses, including Selvedge Brewing, The Wool Factory, and Broadcloth. Founders Brad Uhl, Brandon Wooten, and Dan Fitzhenry all hail from UVA.

Matt and Kristina Loftus developed their activewear brand, Rhoback, as a project during their MBA studies at the Darden School. What began as an online retailer has now expanded to include a physical store in the area. Meanwhile, Peyton Jenkins runs Alton Lane, a men’s clothing store on the Downtown Mall.

The entrepreneurial trend continues with Corner Juice, run by UVA graduates Julie Nolet and Joseph Linzon, offering a range of healthy menu options. Meanwhile, Jordan Brunk, another alumnus, took over Crozet Pizza in 2017 and also manages Dürty Nelly’s Pub, a venue for music lovers.

For Batson, the charm of Charlottesville remains irresistible. “In terms of what kept me in town, I would say, I just like it here, more so with every year that it passes,” she shared. Today, she dedicates her time to The Elderberry, engaging with the community through health consultations and herbalism classes.