We’re kicking off the holiday season with giveaways featuring eight UVA alumni-owned businesses. To get in on the fun, make sure you’re following the Alumni Association on social media. Looking for ways to support UVA alumni this holiday season? Shop with our giveaway partners!
Allens Scottish Shortbread
Started as a dream on the Lawn while Laura was a student at UVA, Allens Scottish Shortbread is now sold at stores globally—including a special collaboration with Harney & Sons tea. Using a family recipe passed down over generations and hand-crafted in Charlottesville, VA, Allens Scottish Shortbread has a story woven into every box.
Grit Coffee
Grit Coffee began its journey in 2008 near UVA, and has since grown into the largest independent coffee shop operator in Virginia. Each batch is crafted in Grit’s Charlottesville-based roastery, including its signature UVA-themed blends: 1819 and Cavalier Coffee.
Brad Uhl (Col ’07)
Dan FitzHenry (Darden ’18)
Courant
Eric and Josh met on their first day at UVA when they were randomly paired together as roommates. After rooming together all four years at UVA, this dynamic duo went on to launch their own business and are now the cofounders of the Very Great family of brands. Courant, a line of beautiful tech accessories designed for effortless charging, is their latest venture.
Josh Williams (Col ’08)
Play Henry
Ellie and Grace met on their first day of business school at the University of Virginia in 2022. They quickly discovered a shared love for pickleball and set out to make high-performance, visually appealing paddles. After a year spent consulting with professional players, enthusiasts, and members of the UVA Pickleball Club, Ellie and Grace perfected their design of the Hank, which launched in September 2023.
Grace Collins (Darden ’24)
W&P Porter
The inspiration for W&P began during Josh and Eric’s catering days in Charlottesville, where the Mason Shaker—a cocktail shaker designed to hold up to four drinks at once—was born. W&P launched once the two moved to New York, with a goal of replacing toxic, single-use kitchen disposables with cleaner alternatives that are better for you and the planet.
Josh Williams (Col ’08)
Ola Bola
A practical response to the bulky beach chair, Ola Bola bean bags are lightweight, water-resistant, and stylish. Just sling it over your shoulder and head out to the beach, a music festival, a picnic or wherever!
Lucy Clare Spooner
Lucy “Clare” Spooner is a visual artist, living and working in New York City who creates custom and original works though primarily oil and watercolor. In 2018 after her signature abstract painting of the Rotunda went viral, Clare was able to go full time with her art. She has studied art at the Marchutz School of Fine Arts (Aix-en-Provence, France), the New York Studio School, and the Art Students League of New York.
Wild One
Wild One is a line of pet essentials created to make travel, play and life with your dog look as good as it feels. From stylish walk kits to beautiful food bowls, and everything in between, Wild One’s products are designed match your dog’s personality so that pet parenting is always fun and never boring. Wild One also works to raise awareness for animal rescues to help every dog find their forever home.
Josh Williams (Col ’08)
Interested in partnering with the Alumni Association on social media giveaways? Reach out to alumni-social@virginia.edu.
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