A salon can be more than a service—it can be a sanctuary. We sit with stylist and founder Erica Mynar to unpack how Girl Time, her one-on-one salon suite in Fredericksburg, delivers calm energy, honest guidance, and gorgeous blonding without the noise or rush of a crowded floor. From the first hello to the final style, Erica designs every moment to feel personal, present, and pressure-free, so clients leave with great hair and real confidence.

Erica traces her journey from Paul Mitchell to commission salons and finally to ownership, sharing the lessons she kept—and the habits she left behind. If you’ve ever wondered what makes blonding shine over time, she breaks down techniques like balayage, highlights, and ombre, along with the maintenance routines that protect tone and hair health. She also busts a stubborn myth: conditioning your roots is not the enemy. Treat the scalp like skin, allow a short adjustment period, and enjoy less dryness, better balance, and brighter color.

We also go deeper than hair. Erica lives with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and explains how hydration, movement, and pacing allow her to thrive without letting the condition define her. That resilience shows up in her business: no double-booking, no stylist disappearing act, just focused time that respects both the client and the craft. Fredericksburg provides the perfect backdrop—close to mountains, beach, and DC—while community roots grow through Instagram, Google, and word of mouth.

If you’re dreaming of starting your own business, Erica’s advice will ground you: believe fully, practice perseverance, and celebrate the small wins that stack into momentum. Press play to learn how a clear brand, a calm suite, and a craftsman’s mindset can turn a vision into a neighborhood staple. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors discover it.

Erica Mynar

Girl Time

girltimellc.glossgenius.com

1380 Carl D Silver Pkwy Suite 126, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

A quiet room can change how we connect. That’s the spark behind our conversation with Leanne, the voice and vision of Smoke and Mirrors Cigar Lounge in downtown Fredericksburg—a grownup space with soft lighting, light jazz, and a heated, covered patio that invites you to slow down. We talk about why an adults-only lounge matters in a city full of great spots, and how thoughtful design choices can make a place feel both elevated and welcoming at the same time.

Leanne shares the family journey from Seattle to Fredericksburg and the decision to build the room they wanted but couldn’t find: zones for conversation, nooks for reading or remote work, premium cigars without the pretense, and a culture that meets newcomers with patience and good guidance. We unpack the biggest myths about cigar lounges—intimidating, exclusive, “for men only”—and replace them with a picture of diverse regulars, curious first-timers, and staff who ask simple questions to match people with the right cigar for their moment. You’ll hear how details like music volume, seating layout, and airflow turn smoking into a social ritual rather than a noisy scene.

We also dig into Leanne’s approach to building a local brand: start before perfect, trust your vision, and let relationships carry more weight than marketing hype. That philosophy shows up in everything from curated pairings to respectful service and events that feel organic. And when she’s not at the lounge, Leanne explores Fredericksburg’s wineries, distilleries, and restaurants, bringing back ideas that make the space better for the next visit.

If you’re curious about inclusive cigar culture, community-centered hospitality, and how to design an environment where adults can breathe, this conversation will hit home. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves local gems, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors find the show.

Leanne Cola

Smoke and Mirrors Cigar Lounge

smcigarlounge.com

[email protected]

+1 540-818-2969

1411 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA, United States, Virginia

A 16-foot trailer, hand-built shelves, and the smell of custom candles set the stage for one of the most heartwarming business stories in Fredericksburg. We sit down with English teacher and founder Katie O’Mara, who turned a spark of inspiration and a meaningful family legacy into The Book Market FXBG—a mobile bookstore that proves curation, community, and local makers can outshine any algorithm.

Katie shares how a modest inheritance from her trailblazing grandmother pushed her to stop scrolling and start building. From buying an empty trailer in August to opening by March, she and her husband navigated the nuts and bolts of construction, inventory, and a pop-up strategy that brings readers directly to small businesses across town. You’ll hear how partnerships with Gunnar Ray Monograms, Fifth Sense Candle Company, and Bayside Clay create a bookish experience that feels tactile, rooted, and distinctly local.

We also dig into the myths around big-box and online book buying. Katie explains why individualized recommendations, local author spotlights, and community events deliver more value than a lower price tag—and how Bookshop.org and Libro.fm let you buy online while still supporting indie stores. Her advice for would-be founders is refreshingly practical: skip the horror stories, call your SBDC, find a good insurance agent and accountant, and let your community help you win.

If you care about supporting local bookstores, discovering new authors, and keeping your dollars in the neighborhood, this conversation will give you a roadmap and a reason to change your next checkout. Follow The Book Market FXBG on Instagram and Facebook, track the trailer’s next stop, and share this episode with a friend who loves the smell of a new book. If you enjoyed the show, subscribe, leave a rating, and tell us which local business we should feature next.

Katie O'Mara

The Book Market FXBG

bookshop.org/shop/thebookmarketfxbg

[email protected]

Money should feel calm, not confusing. We sat down with family financial coach Juliana Alcantara of Financial Health Solutions to talk about practical ways parents, couples, and newlyweds can create a plan that fits real life—without giving up joy or relying on rigid rules. From her early days as a bank teller to years in public accounting, Juliana brings a grounded view of cash flow, debt, and the human habits that make or break a budget.

We unpack the two most common starting points she sees: households tackling heavy debt and households with little debt but no plan. Juliana walks through how to choose a debt payoff strategy you can actually keep, set guardrails to avoid new balances, and still make smart moves on taxes, insurance, and retirement. If you’ve ever been blindsided by birthdays, holidays, or quarterly renewals, you’ll learn how sinking funds and monthly planning stop those “surprise” expenses from wrecking your momentum.

What sets Juliana apart is her rejection of one-size-fits-all advice. Instead of strict mandates, she offers options and trade-offs so families can pick a sustainable path. We talk openly about common misconceptions—like needing to cut every comfort to get ahead—and why a budget that includes joy is easier to follow. She also shares candid advice for anyone eyeing a leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship: build community, find mentors, and borrow proven systems to move faster with less stress.

If you’re ready to replace money guilt with clarity and progress, this conversation will help you map a simple plan, automate the basics, and align spending with what matters most. Listen, take what fits, and start small today. If you found value, follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help more local families find money peace.

Juliana Alcantara

Financial Health Solutions

fhscoach.com

[email protected]

Loudoun County, VA · Fairfax County, VA · Washington D.C., DC · Winchester, VA · Frederick County, VA

Think orthodontics starts when the last baby tooth leaves? We dig into the earlier, smarter path with Dr. Mohammed Abdulateef of One Orthodontics, revealing how a simple age-seven check can prevent extractions, shorten treatment, and even reduce the chance of jaw surgery. This is a story of a first-day dental school friendship that became a Fredericksburg practice grounded in community, clarity, and care.

We walk through what a first visit really looks like: quick digital scans, a focused x-ray, and a thoughtful conversation that often ends with a yearly recall instead of treatment. When Phase I care makes sense, it is precise and practical—creating space for incoming teeth, guiding jaw growth, and setting up a healthier bite so teen braces or aligners are easier and faster. Dr. Mohammed explains how personalized plans for kids, teens, and adults—braces, Invisalign, retainers—keep comfort and outcomes front and center.

Beyond clinical steps, we talk about confidence. Patients who once hid their smile begin to enjoy photos, laugh with friends, and feel at ease. That transformation fuels the team’s mission and reflects the warmth of Fredericksburg’s small business community, which welcomed One Orthodontics from day one. Dr. Mohammed also shares grounded advice for new founders: be patient, move steadily, and celebrate small wins. If you’ve wondered when to schedule that first orthodontic visit—or whether aligners are right for you—this conversation offers clear guidance and local insight.

If you enjoy conversations that blend practical health tips with real community stories, follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more listeners find trusted local care and uplifting stories.

Dr. Mohammed Abdulateef

One Orthodontics

1-orthodontics.com

[email protected]

+1 826-204-2204

What if a neighborhood salon could change the way a city feels about itself? We sit down with master stylist and educator Ruby Brown from The Haven Salon and Beauty Bar to explore how craft, mentorship, and community care can live under one roof—and why that mix builds confidence that lasts longer than a haircut.

Ruby shares her path from earning a license right out of high school to becoming an educator and collective leader at Haven Prestige Suites. We talk about the training that shaped her—Wella color mastery, Vidal Sassoon technique—and how deep education translates into healthier hair, stronger careers, and clients who feel seen. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to open a salon, Ruby gets specific about passion, purpose, business acumen, and the unglamorous consistency that carries you through slow weeks and tough calls.

We also take on the biggest myth in beauty: DIY fixes can replace professional care. Ruby explains why “restoring the value of hair care in a world of DIY” matters for your color, texture, and long-term hair health. Beyond the chair, she lets us into the practices that refill her tank—solo travel, food adventures, and time with her four kids—and how that balance fuels a customer experience built on warmth, education, and trust. You’ll leave with practical advice for aspiring salon owners, a fresh view of client service, and a reminder that hair is a crown worth protecting.

If this conversation resonates, follow the journey and help others find it. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves great hair and good community, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway so we can keep spotlighting local stories that make a difference.

Ruby Brown

The Haven Salon and Beauty Bar

Thehavenbeauty.com

[email protected]

+1 540-993-1111

305 Hanson Avenue, Suite 170, Fredericksburg, VA, United States, Virginia

What if your workout didn’t require childcare, guilt, or unrealistic “bounce back” pressure? We sat down with Lyndsay Woods of SLAM Quantico—Sweat Like a Mother—to explore a fitness community built for moms, with kids welcome and strength training that respects every phase of pregnancy and postpartum.

Lyndsay walks us through how SLAM runs classes outdoors by local playgrounds across Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Dale City, plus a 6 a.m. virtual option for early risers. She explains what to expect at your first free trial: a warmup, scalable strength circuits, intervals like EMOMs, and flexible setups for strollers, wagons, or pop-up kid stations. With certified pregnancy and postpartum athleticism coaches, SLAM prioritizes core and pelvic floor integrity, gradual progression, and safe, effective workouts that support long-term health rather than quick fixes. During winter, classes move indoors to Champions Sportsplex near the Stafford Airport, keeping routines steady when the temperature drops.

The conversation goes deeper than sets and reps. Lyndsay shares how she arrived in Stafford during a tough season—two young kids, a pandemic, and a transient community—and found a lifeline in SLAM’s village. From mom’s nights out and book clubs to kid-friendly field trips led by a team of local leaders, SLAM cultivates connections that last beyond the park. Kids see their moms model self-care and strength, and moms gain a network that understands short sleep, shifting schedules, and the power of showing up.

If you’ve wondered whether a meaningful workout is possible with little ones in tow, this story offers a clear, hopeful yes. Get details on locations, the indoor winter schedule, gear to bring, and how to connect on Facebook and Instagram. Listen and share with a mom who needs a welcoming place to move and belong—and if you loved the conversation, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what support you’re looking for next.

Lyndsay Woods

S.L.A.M. Sweat Like a Mother Quantico

slamquantico.mailchimpsites.com

[email protected]

A single Black Friday camera and a lot of grit—Tyrone Brown’s path with Clean Images proves you don’t need the fanciest gear to build a real photography business. We invited Tyrone to share how a college side project turned into a trusted Fredericksburg brand, why he still centers photography over video, and what it takes to capture both intimate portraits and large community events with clarity and heart.

We dig into the practical stuff aspiring photographers ask about: how to start with limited equipment, the myth of “must-have” gear, and the systems that make a small operation feel professional. Tyrone walks through his workflow from inquiry to delivery, explains why consistent communication beats flashy tech, and breaks down how he covered events like Treats on the Street and Art Attack for the Fredericksburg Visitor Center. Along the way, he offers a candid look at social media—how perfectionism can stall momentum, and how sharing visible growth builds trust with clients and fans.

Beyond the craft, we talk community and sustainability. Tyrone’s YouTube interviews spotlight local artists and creatives, creating a network where collaboration drives discovery. He also shares how moving to Fredericksburg, exploring downtown spots, and prioritizing self-care help him stay present behind the lens. If you’re launching a photography business or refining your brand, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights on storytelling, client experience, and building a reputation that lasts.

Subscribe for more local creator stories, share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to start, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Tyrone Brown

Clean Images

Youtube: @TyRango 

Instagram: clean.images

Want a clearer path from talent to opportunity in Fredericksburg? We sit down with Marcus Toler, the driving force behind Go Local FXBG, to unpack a simple but powerful blueprint: teach teens real skills, remove cost barriers for small businesses, and connect nonprofits with new audiences so local ideas can take root. Marcus brings lived experience—from hustling DJ to self-taught marketer—to show how practical training and funded support can flip the script for underserved neighbors and first-time founders.

We dig into the upcoming youth internship and career pathways program launching with local high schools, where students build portfolios in digital marketing, media, and entrepreneurship. Instead of abstract lessons, they’ll ship real projects, learn SEO and content strategy, and walk away with tangible proof of work. Marcus also shares how a nonprofit-backed business accelerator will give early-stage founders the marketing muscle they can’t afford, helping them test offers, sharpen brand stories, and reach customers without burning scarce capital. It’s a model built to keep wins local and create a stronger, more resilient small-business ecosystem.

Beyond training and funding, we explore the community entrepreneurship track and a creative “for cause” event series—like weekly trivia at Brock’s—that elevates partner nonprofits in front of fresh audiences. Marcus’s advice for aspiring nonprofit leaders is refreshingly candid: the forms are easy, the real job is building the team, learning the grant landscape, and staying focused on measurable outcomes. If you care about youth mentorship, inclusive entrepreneurship, and smarter ways to grow local business, this conversation lays out a playbook you can put to work today.

If this resonates, subscribe, share with a neighbor who should hear it, and leave a review so more locals can plug into the movement. Then tell us: what skill could you mentor to help the next founder thrive?

Marcus Toler

Go Local FXBG

golocalfxbg.org

[email protected]

Falmouth, VA · King George, VA · Spotsylvania, VA · Fredericksburg, VA · Stafford, VA · Downtown Fredericksburg, VA

What happens when a background investigator swaps case files for contour palettes and a rolling kit? We sit down with Jeet of Glam by Jeet to trace a bold career pivot that blends precision, creativity, and a deep love for people. From early days jumping into military ball season to shaping a mobile beauty brand across Fredericksburg, Stafford, Loudoun, and the greater DMV, Jeet opens up about building trust, celebrating natural features, and crafting looks that feel like you.

We walk through her full client journey—how discovery calls uncover style goals and pain points, why Pinterest boards are a goldmine for finding what truly resonates, and how she balances comfort with transformation. Jeet explains her signature “shop and learn” service: heading to the store to custom-match skin prep and complexion products, then teaching technique at home with a hands-on, half-face lesson that empowers clients to recreate the look. Along the way, she shares how to keep freckles visible by request, match undertones across the palest to the deepest complexions, and stock a kit that handles everything from soft lashes to stage-ready drama.

The conversation also explores the heart behind the work. Jeet talks about moving during the pandemic, returning to the region, and expanding into permanent makeup for brows. She reflects on losing her sister in 2021 and how that loss led to more openness, more courage, and a carpe diem approach that clients can feel. Whether you’re a bride, a professional stepping into a client-facing role, or someone who just wants a routine that doesn’t feel like a mask, you’ll find practical advice and genuine encouragement.

If you want inclusive, confidence-building beauty that lasts through real life, this is your roadmap. Follow Glam by Jeet on Instagram and Facebook at @glambyjeet, explore brows by Jeet for permanent makeup, and browse the portfolio at glambyjeet.com. Like what you heard? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more neighbors can discover local stories that matter.

Jeet Bahra

Glam by Jeet

glambyjeet.com

[email protected]

+1 301-518-8082

4405 East West Highway Suite 509, Bethesda, MD, United States, Maryland