It appeared to be a typical pitch event: name tags, drinks and appetizers. But as I moved closer to the main room where the Blue Ridge Labs @ Robin Hood fellowship showcase was to be held, the vibe suddenly changed.

There was a familiar voice singing jazz standards — not the typical background music for industry mixers. Then, once I walked in, I spotted a familiar face, a lady I knew from church, Connie Stewart. She asked me if I was enjoying the slice of hot chocolate cherry supreme cake I had on my plate. As it turned it, she ran a cake business, and she’d supplied the evening’s desserts. And the jazz singer? Another churchgoer, Naomi Johnson.

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