Midlothian, VA May 2024

Photo by August de Richelieu on pexels.com

Welcome to May, Midlothian!

May is here! This month is sure to bring warmer weather while everything finally turns green, and we're at the homestretch before traditional schools are out for the summer! May is a month of new beginnings, college graduations, and Mother's Day, and we are here to celebrate all of it!

Some of my fondest memories from May include attending both of my graduation ceremonies. At NC State, we were fortunate enough to have Dr. Fred Rogers as our commencement speaker, an incredible experience that allowed us to celebrate and reminisce about our childhood and move forward into adulthood. We were filled with pride in the traditions and history of UNC-Chapel Hill during the graduate school celebrations, with prominent personalities surrounding us. Feeling like a part of something bigger than ourselves is an essential part of being fully alive!

Speaking of lifestyle, we have quite a lineup, from creative ways to gifting with flowers and pails to home decor and remodeling! We're so proud of our communities and stoked to support all the local businesses that make this spot on earth one of the best places to live, work, and grow!

Create these May memories in all you do, and seize every moment to savor the life you've worked so hard to build. We can't wait to hear your stories, so share them with us!

The best is yet to come!

AARON SWART, PUBLISHER

@MIDLOTHIANLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Joanna Tannenbaum

joanna.tannenbaum@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com

Ashley Sill | ashley.sill@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS

Naylor Taliaferro | lcrmediallc@gmail.com

Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amanda Rae Linas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Beloved Pet & Equine Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Award-Winning Dog Training in the Richmond Metro Area

I wish I could tell you how much I love you. I know I show you with little things I do, like snuggling up to you when you’re feeling sad, or acting crazy happy when you get home every day. I also wish I could thank you for having DTE show me how to be the best dog I can be. But maybe my good behavior is thanks enough. I sure hope so, because I know I want you to be my mom forever.

804-944-8500 | dogtrainingelite.com/richmond

PHOTO BY RICHARD BRUTYO

city scene

1: Breaux Vineyards at the Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala. 2: Zephaniah Farm Vineyard at the Governor’s Cup Gala. 3: Endhardt Vineyard at the Governor’s Cup Gala. 4: The awards ceremony at the Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala on March 7th at Main Street Station in Richmond.

5: October One Vineyard at the Governor’s Cup Gala. 6: The Governor’s Cup Gala offers one night to taste the finest Virginia wines.

7: Steven Casupanan and Alyse LaFollette sample Virginia’s finest wines at the Governor’s Cup Gala. Photography

by Steven Casupanan

heart is at the

of it all.

It’s another opening…Another Show!

Always the best art and performances in the richmond metro area

Fiddler on the roof

Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 1:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 5, 3:00 p.m.

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; and bookwriter, Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon. Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

thomas dale high school specialty center for the arts class of 2024

through may 24 in the baxter

& elaine perkinson, jr. art gallery

The Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts Senior Showcase is happy to be returning to The Perkinson Center this Spring of 2024! This is a very special gallery show for the graduating seniors of the Specialty Center Visual Arts program, and a culmination of their four years of study and artistic practice at Thomas Dale.

HHHunt Building Development Beside Westchester Commons

Construction has started on The Aire at Westchester, a mixed-use development that will include 2,200 residential units. Located west of the shopping center at Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike, the development is being spearheaded by HHHunt Communities, in partnership with GrayCo Properties. Complete site development for The Aire will take 12 to 18 months. hhhunthomes.com

construct a new dormitory on West Grace Street. The dormitory will be exclusively for undergraduate honor students and will feature a mix of apartment-style and semisuite beds. When completed, the dorm will provide accommodation for 1,000-1,250 students, making it one of the most significant housing developments on the VCU campus since the opening of the Gladding Residence Center. vcu.edu

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All About The Grapes Partners with the Spider Business Hub

All About The Grapes has recently partnered with the Spider Business Hub at the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond. By offering project-based instruction, All About The Grapes and other partners will help business students apply concepts learned in coursework to achieve real-world objectives and hone their client relationship skills. Students will gain valuable work experience in their field of study without committing to a long-term job or internship.  allaboutthegrapes.com and robins.richmond.edu

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Cosmetic Surgeon

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Richmond Surgical Arts, Inc. richmondsurgicalarts.com | 804.560.5260

Commonwealth Facial Plastic Surgery matthewbridgesmd.com | 804.655.0400

Lewis Plastic Surgery lewisplasticsurgery.com | 804.267.6009

Richmond Plastic Surgeons richmondplasticsurgeons.com | 804.285.4115

Kitto Plastic Surgery kittoplasticsurgery.com | 804.294.1777

Women's Health Doctor

River City OB GYN rivercityobgyn.com | 804.362.0808

Women’s Health First womenshealthfirstonline.com | 804.744.1002

Virginia Physicians for Women vpfw.com | 804.897.2100

Virginia Women's Center virginiawomenscenter.com | 804.288.4084

Dominion Women’s Health dominionwomenshealth.com | 804.730.0078

Vogue FLOWERS

AN INTRODUCTION TO RICHMOND’S PREMIER FLORAL SHOPSERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA RAE LINAS

Steve Papoulakos

Steve Papoulakos always had a deep love for nature. Growing up on a farm in Greece, he developed a strong connection to the land and its natural beauty. Upon moving to the United States, he pursued his dream of obtaining an education and enrolled in CUNY as a pre-med student. Steve worked hard and eventually earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. However, he discovered a passion for floristry while working at his cousin’s florist shop during this time. This

newfound love led him to discontinue his studies and pursue floristry instead. Today, Steve is the proud owner of Vogue Flowers and president of Floramax, a wholesale floral supplier. His journey from a rural farm in Greece to establishing a thriving business in Richmond is truly remarkable and inspiring.

Despite his success, Steve remains grounded and authentic to his roots. Living on a farm in Ashland, where he grows his flowers organically, he recycles leftover stems and foliage to compost them instead of using fertilizers. The evolution of Steve

from a one-man shop to a conscientious expert in the floral industry has earned him the trust of his customers. With his vast knowledge, he guides them towards best business practices that ensure their success. However, Steve’s admiration for flowers and green plants goes beyond just earning money; he believes they positively impact people’s lives. “Flowers help us connect with nature, lift our mood, and improve mental health,” Steve says. “Expressing love, joy, and sympathy through the gift of flowers is something that we should all appreciate and cherish.”

During the late 1990s to early 2000s, Steve owned and operated nine flower shops in the Richmond Metro area, making Vogue Flowers one of the top 100 florists in the United States. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the Vogue shops were forced to close down. Presently, Steve operates two retail stores and one wholesale flower shop with a full-time staff of 45 employees, including Steve’s business partner Paul Christofakis, retail director of operations Archie Kellum, a design team consisting of Kelvin, Sonya, Evelyn, Charlie, Sarah,

Maria, Cheryn, and a tech team comprised of John, Chanda, and Kathleen.

Vogue and Floramax are not only dedicated to providing their customers with the freshest and highest quality flowers, but they also strive to have a positive influence on the environment and the community they serve. One of their main goals is to give back to the community by supporting various charitable efforts. Most recently, Vogue demonstrated its support for the Type 1 Diabetes Foundation’s gala fundraiser event, showcasing its commitment to

supporting important causes for the community. Even more, Steve is currently testing an electric vehicle and plans to convert their fleet of 15 delivery vans to electric in the near future. Vogue Flowers is setting the bar high by taking active steps towards sustainability and community development. Hopefully, more businesses will follow their lead.

Vogue Flowers is located at 1114 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond. To express your appreciation this Mother’s Day, visit vogueflowers.com and send beautiful flowers to your loved one.

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MAGOR

DESIGNING SPACES THAT INSPIRE

Richmond’s Virginia Design Group Elevates Your Space with Timeless Designs

Jennifer Duncan’s journey to becoming a successful interior renovation designer was not a straightforward one. Initially, she had dreams of studying political science and working in government. However, while working at a gift store with a design studio, she discovered her natural talent for colors and patterns. The designers in the studio recognized her expertise, and over time, Jennifer started spending more and more time in the design studio. Before she knew it, she had spent twelve years working in a field she had never imagined herself to be in.

Jennifer stumbled upon her passion for interior design “quite by accident,” she says, but has become highly successful since then. She holds a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) designation from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). In 2018, she started Virginia Design Group while still working for another company. Starting her own business was a challenging task, but Jennifer was determined to make it a success. Virginia Design Group’s ultimate goal is to exceed clients’ expectations by providing final projects that are above and beyond what they hoped for.

“Jennifer believes that educating her customers about fair pricing, the consequences of cutting corners, and the value of renovating with longlasting materials is important.”

As the founder of VDG, Jennifer excels at planning everything out and ensuring her design plan will work by getting the approval of her skilled team. But it is project coordinator Maria Herber who comes in and makes it all happen. Maria is responsible for ordering all the materials and scheduling everything so their team of licensed, skilled tradesmen can go in and do the rest. Jennifer strives to have all the selections finalized before projects go under contract so homeowners don’t have to worry about things like picking out light fixtures the day before they are installed. The more her team can plan in advance for the project, the smoother the installation process is for the client.

While VDG specializes in renovating kitchens and bathrooms, they also redesign functional spaces like closets, mudrooms, and home offices. They work closely with their clients to understand their unique needs and create usable spaces that adapt to their changing lifestyles. Jennifer believes that educating her customers about fair pricing, the consequences of cutting corners, and the value of renovating with long-lasting materials is important. By providing her expertise, Jennifer fills the gap where most renovation companies do not offer such services for outside contractors.

“I named [my company] Virginia Design Group because I intend to bring all different types of designers together. The longterm goal is to have a community of artists and design professionals who can cover the gamut of design services.”

- Jennifer Duncan

In addition to her valued clients, Jennifer is committed to supporting the design community. She has served as a Virginia State and National Board of Directors board member for NKBA. Most recently, she has served and continues to serve on the Central Virginia PRO (Professional Remodelers Organization) board and the Executive Leadership Board of PRO Inc. “I named [my company] Virginia Design Group because I intend to bring all different types of designers together,” Jennifer says. “The long-term goal is to have a community of artists and design professionals who can cover the gamut of design services.”

VDG has been the proud recipient of the Contractor of the Year award every year since 2014, except for 2020, when the pandemic posed significant challenges. Constantly looking for new and innovative ways to solve functional issues, VDG is a company you can trust to deliver exceptional results. Whether you need a small remodeling job or a large-scale renovation project, they have the experience and proficiency to get the job done right.

To learn more about Jennifer Duncan and Virginia Design Group, you can visit: vadesign.group

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA RAE LINAS

Hopes High

Hope Wallace was on a shopping spree in 2009 when she stumbled upon eye-catching pails in various colors. As she looked at the children’s items and toys displayed nearby, she felt her imagination run wild, and then suddenly, a brilliant idea came to her. Instead of sending typical gift baskets to friends and loved ones, why not personalized gift pails? Hope brainstormed and developed several gift ideas for children featuring various themes, from The Ninja Turtles to Tinker Bell. Her creative mind and innovative idea turned into a reality, and Hope Pails was born soon after!

More than just an average gift basket provider, Hope Pails is on a mission to create original and charming gifts that bring joy and happiness to its recipients. Hope offers a unique selection of pails that can be personalized with names and artwork for kids and adults. For any purpose, holiday, or celebratory occasion, Hope pours creativity, warmth, and thoughtfulness into each and every pail. In addition to Hope’s pail creations, she provides design and gift-wrapping services with delivery and shipping options, bringing exquisitely wrapped gifts to Richmond area residents.

Hope not only designs upscale and eloquent pails, but she also makes a positive impact on her community by supporting non-profit organizations, nursing homes, and small businesses. She donates a portion of her proceeds to various organizations that benefit those in need. Furthermore, Hope collaborates with small businesses to provide their products in gift pails while also creating and designing pails for them to sell. This helps small businesses reach a wider audience and grow their customer base.

When she is not fashioning gift pails, Hope is a registered nurse and a married, proud mother to three. Since she started Hope Pails when they were young, her children grew up learning the principles of business and entrepreneurship, which are reflected in their lives today. Patience, a graduate of Appomattox Regional Governor’s School of Arts, is pursuing a degree in creative writing with plans to establish a freelance business as a writer, editor, and tutor. Thailan, a Meadowbrook High School’s MADE program senior, aims to become an actor, model, and vending machine owner. And Kai, a sophomore at Lloyd C. Bird High School’s Governor’s Academy of Engineering, is interested in dropshipping.

“I share this information about my children to encourage parents to be business-minded or teach their kids about business, opening businesses, and being their own bosses,” Hope explains. “Small businesses are a huge part of our economy, and we must demonstrate support for them.”

Hope is full of ambition and has exciting ideas for the future. She plans to hit the road by offering a mobile shopping experience, traveling to various Richmond locations, and providing a vehicle where customers can enter and shop. This will give her customers the convenience of shopping on the go while also allowing Hope to take her business to new heights.

Hope loves connecting with her customers to discover their preferences for a gift basket. To get in touch with her, call 804-6519499 or visit hopepails.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with the username @hopepails.

GET TO KNOW MIDLOTHIAN LIFESTYLE’S MAY PET OF THE MONTH

Boden the Beloved

ARTICLE BY AMANDA RAE LINAS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELOVED PET & EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet Boden, the delightful Shitzu-Yorkie mix, who’s almost 16 years young. Boden has been part of his family’s story from the very beginning. With a noticeably sweet temperament, Boden embodies the essence of a loyal best friend. He is always eager to join his family in their day-to-day adventures.

Despite his age, Boden’s patience shows, especially when it comes to the little ones at his mom’s in-home daycare. He’s a natural with the kids, with his gentle demeanor and unwavering affection. Though he’s long outgrown his puppy toys, there’s one thing that still gets Boden’s ears perked – bacon! Yes, this sophisticated senior has a soft spot in his heart (and stomach) for bacon. With his endearing personality and unwavering love, Boden is a special little guy to his family and all who know him. To know Boden is to love him.

To submit your pet for a chance to be featured in Midlothian Lifestyle, visit: belovedpetphoto.com/midlothian

@melaniecooperstudios

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 12TH

Mother's Day Celebration

Altria Theater | 4:00 PM

Experience the highly anticipated Mother's Day Celebration that is currently being talked about all over the country. This event features unforgettable music from today's most prominent gospel artists. Be inspired by music that uplifts and heals and celebrates the enduring impact of our mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and all the matriarchs in our lives. Ticket prices start at $62.50 and can be purchased online at altriatheater.com.

MAY 17TH-19TH

Lebanese Food Festival

St. Anthony Maronite Church | 11:00 AM

Tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in Lebanese culture at the 39th annual Lebanese Food Festival! This event promises to be the highlight of the season, where you can indulge in a mouth-watering array of Lebanese delicacies and take part in exciting cultural activities. May 17th to 19th, with 11 am-10 pm hours on Friday and Saturday and 10 am-8 pm hours on Sunday. lebanesefoodfestival.com

MAY 21ST

Midlothian Game Night

Triple Crossing - Midlothian | 6:00 PM

Triple Crossing and Unplugged Game Cafe are joining forces to host a monthly game night at Triple Crossing’s Midlothian location. Unplugged will provide games from its mobile game library suitable for all ages. Until 9 pm. triplecrossing.com

melaniecooperstudios.com

Few cars have the rich tradition and enduring timelessness of the E-Class Sedan. Featuring advancements in connectivity, intelligence, and user-friendly technology, this new model represents an E-Class tailored for both the present and future. From the spacious and serene cabin, the driver can enjoy agile handling, turbocharged torque, and all-season all-wheel drive.

Available now at Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian.

SERENA LOO

BETH DALTON LAUREN RENSCHLER AMY PRYOR

ASHLEY BICKFORD AMI WILLIAMS

MARGARET NUCKOLS

THERESA RAYBURN TAMMI TAYLOR DEBI GALLOWAY CAITLIN GILBRIDE VISHA WALLACE

DEB EWING

BECCA BUTLER

KATELYNN HUDSON CAITLIN MCCREADIE

LIZ ALLEN

LAURA STAYIN

ASHLEY HARRIS

TATIANA BALANDIN HAILEY NIELSEN RACHEL ALLEGRA

EMILY STILL EMINA HASIC

NICOLE TAYLOR

ASHLEY IRBY

JESSICA COLVIN ISABEL LEVENGOOD

RENE COLE LYDIA FISHER

LESIE FISHER

TARA CORNETT

ALANNA DAMODAR LAUREN WALKER

MARIA CORDREY ANNA DAUGHERTY

KRISTIN HARDT GRACE SCHAPPACHER