Allen Shumaker, was as a contractor in Columbia, S.C. for over 20 years. He moved to Asheville to attend acupuncture school. He received his Masters of Chinese Medicine in 2006 from Atlantic Unviversity of Chinese Medicine.
Allen bought The Pines in 2002 and has been the sole proprietor and “Jack-of all-Trades” until his partner, Tara Mele, joined him in running the business in the fall of 2010.
Tara is currently finishing up her MBA but is also an amateur gardner, painter, and herbalist. At one time she owned a small herbal tea company called Blessed Botanicals until she sold it in 2007.
Together, Allen and Tara have 4 kids, they each brought 2 to their blended family. They are 13, 12, 10 and 9 years old. 3 boys and 1 girl. Their oldest is off to highschool next year.
