Keeping It Real with Sharon

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Bill and Amanda Whitson, the passionate duo behind the beloved Billy Sous Food Truck. What started as a leap of faith in the wake of COVID has grown into a local favorite;  serving up comfort food with a side of heart. Bill left his full-time IT job to pursue a dream, and Amanda has been by his side every step of the way, lending her creativity, calm, and support.

In this episode, wee talk about the challenges of launching a food truck, the long hours and hard work that go into making it thrive, and the deep joy that comes from doing something meaningful not just for their family, but for their community. From donating leftover food to those in need, to catering events and serving up dishes locals can’t stop raving about, Billy Sous is more than just a truck, it’s a story of grit, love, and giving back.

Tune in and get inspired by their journey, their flavors, and their unwavering dedication to making every bite matter.

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Ashley Piper, the creative force behind Southern and Grace Photography. Ashley shares her bold journey from earning a science degree to discovering that her true passion lies behind the camera. Rather than following a conventional career path, Ashley chose to dream big and take a leap of faith—turning her love for photography into a thriving business.

We talk about how Ashley combines her artistic eye with entrepreneurial spirit, serving clients from weddings to medical professionals, and capturing everything from heartfelt moments to powerful headshots. She opens up about the joy she finds in collaboration, mentoring fellow photographers, and building a supportive creative community. And now, with her husband by her side as part of the business, it’s truly a family affair!

Tune in to hear how Ashley is chasing her ultimate dream: telling meaningful stories through her lens while traveling the world. This episode is full of heart, vision, and the kind of encouragement that makes you want to chase your own dream—wherever it may lead.

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In this episode, I sit down with Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, to talk about how the Chamber has become a driving force for both the business community and the community as a whole. Cynthia shares how her vision — along with the passion and dedication of her entire team — has come to life, creating programs, partnerships, and opportunities that continue to strengthen and grow our region. We also look ahead to what’s on the horizon, and why the future is looking so bright for businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents alike. It’s a powerful conversation about leadership, collaboration, and building a thriving community together. 

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Taylor Gouterman, the creative force behind TJG Media, LLC. Taylor is a videographer, podcast producer, and entrepreneur with a passion for telling meaningful stories. From businesses and nonprofits to trade organizations and individuals, Taylor believes that everyone has something beautiful to share—and he’s made it his mission to bring those stories to life.

We talk about how Taylor gives a voice to the voiceless through powerful visual and audio storytelling. He shares how he weaves narrative into every frame and clip, creating content that not only informs, but inspires. You'll hear how his work builds connection, strengthens communities, and helps others feel seen and heard.

Join us for a conversation about purpose-driven creativity, the magic of storytelling, and why every story—no matter how big or small—deserves to be told.

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Rachel Adams, co-owner of Amazing Flame Gas Fireplace Service. Rachel shares the remarkable journey she and her husband, Nick, took from working within the company to owning it outright.

Nick made the bold decision to leave a stable career in the medical field, taking a leap of faith for the opportunity to work at Amazing Flame—with the potential to purchase it. Together, they navigated the complexities of buying a turnkey business and have since grown it with heart, vision, and a strong sense of purpose.

Rachel opens up about the challenges of business ownership, from managing operations to leading a team—while also balancing life as parents to a young child. She emphasizes the deep value they place on building strong relationships both within the community and with their clients. For Rachel and Nick, customer care isn’t just good business—it’s personal. Their commitment to putting clients first is what fuels the warmth behind Amazing Flame.

Tune in for a candid conversation about taking risks, growing a business, and staying grounded in family and community.

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Join us for a lively and enlightening episode of "Budget Bites: Tasty Tidbits from the Mayor and Councilman," where we dive into the nitty-gritty of our city's finances with Mayor Les Veach and Councilman John Fox. This episode, number two in our four-part series, unpacks the complex dance of balancing quality services and fair pricing for our community.

Mayor Veach and Councilman Fox take us through the ins and outs of the city of Winchester tax rates, the necessities and intricacies of funding for essential fire equipment, and the ongoing challenges posed by rising costs. They bring clarity to how every tax dollar is stretched to ensure Winchester not only functions but thrives.

Whether you're curious about where your tax money goes, concerned about Winchester city expenses, or just looking for a deeper understanding of local governance, this episode has something for everyone. Expect a mix of hard facts, expert insights, and a touch of humor as we break down just how our city manages to keep the wheels turning in these challenging times.

Tune in to get a fresh perspective on how our leaders navigate the financial hurdles of running a city and ensure that every dollar spent is a step toward a better, well-equipped community. Don't miss this engaging discussion.

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 In this enlightening episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Laurel Sharpe, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from a conventional 9-5 job to founding her own thriving business. Married to a professional baseball player, Laurel recognized a unique market need—transporting vehicles for athletes who move frequently across the country. Taking a bold leap of faith, she launched a specialized service that not only caters to professional baseball players but has also expanded to transport other types of vehicles. This expansion has broadened her market reach while still maintaining a focus on the unique needs of athletes. Her business empowers women, with a full staff of female employees who help drive the company forward. Tune in to hear how Laurel's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking have fueled her business's growth and how she balances the demanding roles of business owner and mother. 

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Kristy Powers, a dynamic force in our community who, despite only living here for five years, has made an incredible impact. Kristy’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, when you pour into a community, it pours right back into you.

From the moment she arrived in Winchester, Kristy committed herself wholeheartedly to becoming an active and engaged member of our community. She shares how building relationships and contributing to local initiatives not only strengthened the community but also enriched her own life in unexpected ways.

One of Kristy’s unique traditions is choosing a guiding word each year—something that motivates and inspires her to live a more intentional life. In our conversation, she reveals how this practice has helped shape her personal and community goals and how it can inspire us all to approach each year with purpose.

Join us for an uplifting and insightful conversation about the power of showing up, giving back, and finding fulfillment through community connections.

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Brady Cloven, the Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, who has truly become the ultimate cheerleader for our historic downtown Winchester area. Since stepping into his role, Brady has not only expanded the organization’s volunteer base but has also infused new energy and vision into the community.

Brady shares his passion for building experiences that draw families downtown and support for our local businesses. From bustling events to thoughtful initiatives, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring vibrancy and connection to the heart of Winchester.

Tune in to learn how Brady’s enthusiasm and leadership are making a lasting impact, transforming our downtown into a thriving hub of culture, commerce, and community.

If you love Winchester or want to be inspired by grassroots efforts to uplift a community, this episode is for you!

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In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we sit down with Winchester's newly sworn-in Mayor Les Veach and new City Councilor John Fox. Mayor Veach and Councilor Fox share their motivations for seeking office and their commitment to being champions for the citizens of our community. They discuss their visions for Winchester, detailing how their goals align with the aspirations of its people. Tune in to hear how our new leaders plan to foster growth and make positive changes in our community, ensuring it thrives for years to come.