In the City of LYH, entrepreneurship often begins with an idea—but it grows through creativity, experimentation, and community connection.
For Amy, founder of Love + Umami, that journey blends science and flavor into something entirely unique.
Amy and her husband, Kevin, are building a pop-up food concept rooted in authentic Asian flavors and presented in a creative, approachable way. Their goal is to provide a globally inspired culinary experience that adds to Lynchburg’s growing food and visitor culture.
With a background in chemistry, Amy approaches cooking with a spirit of experimentation—combining tradition, technique, and innovation to create dishes that spark curiosity and connection.
“Connecting with other local business owners has been one of my favorite parts of this,” Amy shared. “It’s really important to me to support local and grow within the community.”
Currently, Love + Umami operates as a pop-up vendor at markets, breweries, and events throughout Lynchburg and the surrounding region.
Amy is also collaborating with another CO.STARTERS entrepreneur on a special menu item—highlighting the relationships and momentum being built through Lynchburg’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Programs like CO.STARTERS help entrepreneurs refine ideas, test concepts, and build sustainable businesses while strengthening Lynchburg’s small business community.
Concepts like Love + Umami also contribute to Lynchburg’s evolving visitor experience—creating opportunities for both residents and visitors to engage with local culture in new ways.
Because in Lynchburg, great ideas don’t just start here—they grow here.
