Issuu

S E P TE M B E R 2 02 1

The Fashion Issue C EL EB RI T Y HAI RS T Y L IS T RYAN N I C KU L AS

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Falling Into Fashion HAPPY SEPTEMBER, POTOMAC! As kids go back to school and the weather begins to change, this month is truly one of transition. To mark the momentous shifts, we, along with so many others in the editorial world, have crafted our own take on the famous fashion-forward "September Issue." Think of the ensuing pages as a sartorial respite

SEPTEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@Lifestylepubs.com COPY EDITOR

amidst all the significant changes happening around us.

Catherine Trifiletti | Catherine.Trifiletti@lifestylepubs.com

It begins with our cover feature, Ryan Nickulas, who, as a veteran hair stylist, knows

Jess Bousa | Jess@ordermychaos.com

the world of glam inside out. From New York to Bethesda, he dishes on his A-list clients and gives us insight into his secrets to success in the exclusive industry. True to form, Ryan brought together an all-star team to produce our unforgettable editorial spread featuring gorgeous pieces from Tom Ford, Rick Owens and others. Shoot stylists and creative direction by Chad Groom & Llewellyn of STYLEMONSTERS, brought his vision to life in an incredible way. A special thank you to Dupont Circle Hotel in DC for their hospitality, allowing us free reign over their stunning space as we snapped all of Ryan's best angles. On the topic of couture, we sat down with Ella Pritsker to hear about her climb to the top in the retail world, where she has recently launched a wildly-successful performance line that allows you to transition your outfit from day to night, seamlessly.

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS

Delaney Wiggins | Delaney.Expomedia@gmail.com Jessica Rice | Jessica@Ordermychaos.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauri Gross, Erica Moody, Marie Robey Wood CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tony Powell

The local designer also reflected on her amazing custom-atelier services, which have made many clients the happiest of shoppers. No one understands how much fashion informs confidence more than Christopher Schafer who works closely with male clients from his high-end custom menswear shop in Baltimore to ensure every detail of their custom suits suit them. He and his son have taken their caring and attention to new heights, offering free business attire to underserved men for job interviews. Outside of our amazing fashion content, you will find perfectly-timed back to school stories. The five founders of Avatar Learning Center share the success of their digital

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

programming, which they promise will turn your child into a math lover. As teachers

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

and parents themselves, they have figured out a way to meld their experience into

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

engaging curriculum for even the most math-stubborn kiddos out there. Ron and Carey

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Yaros of Yaros Communications have had similar impacts on the community with their

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

production of education projects for television and most recently, launch of interactive

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

apps for TV affiliates that want to coordinate newscasts with local classrooms. To quote the late fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham: "Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life." With summer behind us and the grind of daily life back in full swing, remember these words next time you are deciding whether or not to

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ON THE COVER Ryan Nickulas Suit & Turtleneck by Chuks Collins Coat by Andrew Nowell Shoes by Sergio Rossi

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY POWELL 4

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

KC Cole , Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Potomac Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Potomac areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Potomac Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2021

FEATURES 18 A Seamless Success Hairstylist and Educator Ryan Nickulas Enters a New Phase of Life with Grace and Gratitude

24 Ella Pritsker Couture Where Sartorial Magic Happens

32 Problem Solved Avatar Learning Center Students Thrive from Skilled Teachers Who Help Them Learn and Love Math

18 24

40 Weatherschool The Forecast Predicts Great Demand for Yaros Communications’ New Apps

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Tony Powell gets creative at an editorial cover shoot.

“TAKING INVENTORY OF MY LIFE DURING THOSE EARLY MONTHS OF COVID PROVED INVALUABLE.” 10

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

ARTICLE ERICA MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY TONY POWELL

Coming Back

STRONGER ARTIST TONY POWELL EMBRACES POSITIVE THINKING IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES.

IF THERE’S ANYONE WHO CAN FIND THE SILVER LINING IN

time to think,” Powell admits. When things slowed down, “I was really

A DIFFICULT SITUATION, IT’S TONY POWELL. The DMV-based

able to see how I was running around chasing my tail. I’m grateful

creative, known by many around town as a “Renaissance Man” of

that I don’t have to live that way now even though things are coming

the arts, approached the pandemic with the positive outlook he’s

back in a really beautiful way. I was able to see that I had time I could

embraced since overcoming alcoholism 12 years ago. It was another

re-manage and I stuck with that.”

challenge that provided an opportunity for growth.

Now, the strict vegan makes sure to carve out time for weekly

“I made the best of Covid,” Powell explained. “The silver lining

Russian sauna visits and gym time. He’s expanded his skills to

was the ability to reevaluate, to look back and see what was work-

include drone photography and a return to visual arts. The Juilliard

ing and what wasn’t, what could be reassessed and what was really

grad has created ballets for the Joffrey Ballet and premiered a fourth

beneficial. Taking inventory of my life during those early months of

symphony at the Kennedy Center.

Covid proved invaluable.”

Powell is proof that making time for self-care pays off. His work

Prior to Covid, Powell’s schedule would make your head spin. He

was recently featured in Vanity Fair and he’s enjoying his return to

was working two or three jobs a day as a photographer, zipping from

the society circuit. “People are very excited to get back out again,” he

Maryland to D.C. to Virginia and beyond with camera equipment in

said. “Events might be truncated to some degree but that could be

tow. A typical day might involve corporate portraits in the morning,

a good thing. Maybe we trim the fat off these things to make them

followed by a benefit luncheon in the afternoon, and then two or

more meaningful.”

three galas at night. He has photographed countless famous figures, including Madonna and The Pope Francis. “Before Covid, I had no

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CITY SCENE

With fun and colorful accessories (or a skateboard), a classic suit can give off a different vibe each time it’s worn.

Christopher predicts that post-Covid, men will be more adventurous with their suit choices.

Clothier Christopher Schafer also runs a non-profit outfitting underserved men with free measure-to-fit suits for job interviews. (Visit SharpDressedMan.org)

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS | PHOTOGRAPHY KAITLIN NEWMAN OF LAUNCH 2020

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CHRISTOPHER SCHAFER IS NOT A PSYCHOLOGIST

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BUT HE DOES TRY TO LEARN WHAT MAKES MEN

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TICK WHEN THEY ENTER HIS STORE. The president of

stitching, the buttons, the lining etc. Those add to personality of

Christopher Schafer Clothier, he calls it the psychology of

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You want to have staples and some fun stuff too.”

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In addition to suits, the store’s custom offerings include shirts, sport coats, pants, tuxedos, and ties. They also sell shoes, socks, and other accessories. The Baltimore store is 4,000 square feet divided into the clothing showroom and an event area with a stage and sound system. “Most people get the vibe when they walk in,” Christopher says as he points to the motorcycle and guitars on display. Christopher, who is also a drummer, hosts jam sessions and other events in the store’s stage area. On October 23, their 10-year anniversary party will feature live music, and the public is invited. Visit 1400 Aliceanna St. Baltimore, Md. CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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A Seamless

Success HAIRSTYLIST AND EDUCATOR RYAN NICKULAS ENTERS A NEW PHASE OF HIS LIFE WITH GRACE AND GRATITUDE. ARTICLE ERICA MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY TONY POWELL

ETHEL KENNEDY COULD HAVE HAD ANYONE DO HER HAIR,

and his own salon in the West Village. His

BUT SHE CHOSE CAPE COD NATIVE RYAN NICKULAS FOR

impressive work ethic (he had juggled hair

HER SUMMER BLOWOUTS. Nickulas, who now lives in Bethesda,

school and college simultaneously while

fondly recounts how Kennedy believed in him when he was experi-

paying for school with a bartending gig) was

encing early-career insecurities at the age of 24.

perfect for the city that never sleeps.

“She summoned me over at a local salon and said, ‘you can

“New York is a gold mine; if you can keep

really do hair.’ Would you mind coming to my house because I

your nose clean and show up on time, you

really don’t want to come to the salon? After I did her hair, she

will be a success,” Nickulas says. “The key to

insisted that her chef make me breakfast and I would sit at her

success in New York is you can’t say no, ever.

dining table eating eggs and bacon and orange juice, looking out

If you say no, the next person gets the shot.”

on the ocean at the Kennedy compound,” he recalls. “She liked

Being kind and resourceful doesn’t hurt

me because I was always punctual.”

either. Nickulas recalls spotting a girl crying

It was all uphill from there. Kennedy connected Nickulas to her

in CVS, with boxes of dye in her hands and

circle and he became “the it boy hairstylist of Cape Cod.” But the

colorful streaks in her hair. He offered to fix

Boston-trained stylist had a feeling that, as a young gay man, it

her hair at his apartment around the corner,

would be difficult to find his partner in a small beach town. Cape

gave her wine to calm her down, and in 45

Cod was home—it was where, as a child of 5 or 6, he reveled in

minutes her hair was back to normal. She

cleaning perm rods and answering phones at his grandmother’s

sent Nickulas ten of her friends, who then

salon—but New York was calling.

sent ten of their friends. A good deed for a

In the city, Nickulas’s career exploded, landing him a spot as a cast member on the hit LOGO TV reality show, “The A List: New York”

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

stranger was all that was needed to generate his clientele.

CONTINUED >

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STYLE & CREATIVE DIRECTION: Chad Groom & Llewellyn Jenkins for THE STYLEMONSTERS. (@thestylemonsters)

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A SEAMLESS SUCCESS (CONTINUED)

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Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

Another chance encounter in New York introduced

“We can’t control things like a pandemic or a part-

Nickulas to Platinum Seamless hair extensions, the line

ner but we can control our own attitude and mindset,”

he’s been working with for more than 15 years.

Nickulas said. “I knew that I would not be able to move

“I met a woman on an elevator in my building with a puggle and we got to chatting,” he recalls. “I mentioned I’m a stylist

forward without being kind to myself.” This was something he made a deliberate decision to work on.

and she said her mother owns a hair extension company.

“I was in such a negative space because I prided

I looked at her and said, ‘Thank goodness you don’t need

myself on being uber careful, wearing masks and

them.’ She said, ‘I’m wearing a full head!”

washing my hands that I felt a weird sense of guilt and

The two became fast friends and Nickulas was

shame when I caught Covid. I could have put my fam-

invited to join them to do extensions for Miss Teen

ily at risk, I thought. I could have died and would have

USA. He’s been part of the company ever since, apply-

never seen my children again.”

ing the tape-in extensions and educating stylists on the

On his 40th birthday, after quarantining for three

non-detectable, no damage, demi-permanent system,

weeks alone (the longest he’d ever been without see-

and training other stylists to do the same. He’s gener-

ing his children), Nickulas was able to see his seven-

ated more than $1 million in revenue from the product,

year-old twins again. This humbling experience made

and now focuses on license distribution and training

him see that “without my physical, mental and spiritual

an education team to ensure that everyone in D.C.,

health, I have nothing.”

Maryland and Virginia can achieve great hair.

Now, as Nickulas is settling into the co-parenting

Styling in Potomac is not very different from any-

groove and building up strength after Covid, he wants

where else, Nickulas insists. “People everywhere want

to give back. Much like Ethel Kennedy did for him,

to feel beautiful. We all want the hair that we’re not born

Nickulas is passionate about boosting the careers of

with or the hair we used to have.”

up-and-coming artists. “I can’t be a man of privilege

When Nickulas moved to Bethesda from New York in

without responsibility,” he said. Nickulas purposely

2018 with his husband and two children, he soon settled

sought out independent local designers from the

into an idyllic suburban life. But like many whose lives

communities he’s always championed, namely the

faced unprecedented changes in 2020, Nickulas saw

LGBT community and Black and Latino-owned busi-

himself facing his biggest challenges yet– a bad case of

nesses. “I’m finally in a position where I get to help

Covid at the same time he was going through a devas-

talented underdog stylists get their shine, and I’m so

tating divorce from his husband of 14 years.

grateful for that.”

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oviding new and existing patients the highest quality ofA Washingtonian A Washingtonian Top Dentist, TopADentist, Dr. Washingtonian Markogiannakis Dr. Markogiannakis Top Dentist, is providing is Dr.providing Markogiannakis new andnew existing andisexisting patients providing patients thenew highest and the existing highest quality of quality patientsofthe highest quality of t possible during these uncertain times. She is continuously comprehensive atcomprehensive dental care dental with comprehensive care thewith safest theenvironment safest dental environment care with possible thepossible safest duringenvironment these duringuncertain thesepossible uncertain times.during She times. isthese continuously Sheuncertain is continuously attimes.at She is continuously a he highest level of PPE, which includes: the forefront the forefront of infection of infection control the and forefront control hasand incorporated of infection has incorporated control the highest and thehas highest level incorporated of PPE, level which of PPE, theincludes: highest which includes: level of PPE, which includes: D R . D E S P I N A M . M A R KO G I A N N A K I S

osols

• Extra • Extra evacuation oral evacuation units in each units • treatment Extra in each oraltreatment room evacuation removing room unitsremoving aerosols in each treatment aerosols room aerosols • Thorough prescreening of each patient prior to and after entering ouroral office • Thorough • removing prescreening Thorough prescreening of each patient •of each Thorough prior patient to and prescreening prior aftertoentering and after of each our entering office patientour prior office to and after entering our to the 0.3 micron to the 0.3 micron to the 0.3 micron • Single use items and disposables for our patient (everything from • Single •useSingle itemsuse anditems disposables and disposables • Single for ouruse patient foritems our (everything patient and disposables (everything from for from our patient (everything fro eyewear to pens) eyewear to pens) eyewear to pens) the air • Surgical • clean Surgical air system: clean aircertified system: • tocertified Surgical filter over toclean 95% filterof air over all system: particles 95% ofcertified allinparticles the to airfilter in the over air95% oftoeyewear allpens) particles in the air • Continuous and thorough disinfection of ALL surfaces•in Certified the office • team Continuous • Continuous andat thorough and thorough disinfection • Continuous disinfection of ALL surfaces and of ALL thorough in surfaces thedisinfection office in the office of ALL surfaces in the of mes. • N95 Certified masks N95 will masks be worn will • by Certified beall worn team N95 bymembers allmasks team members will at all betimes. worn at all by times. all members all times. of Chase • Temperature checks of all patients (including staff) checked dailyareMasks • all Temperature • Temperature ofchecks all patients of • all Temperature (including patients (including staff) checks checked staff) of alldaily checked patients (including daily staff) checked da e Masks also required are also to required beChevy worn Masks toby be all worn are patients also by allrequired into patients the office tointo be the worn office by patients intochecks the office upon arrival upon arrival upon arrival upon arrival • Limited• number Limitedofnumber patientsofinpatients the • office Limited in the at number aoffice time atofa patients time in the office at a time

Smiles

Creating a Beautiful, Healthy Smile in the Safest Setting

ed that providing the highest quality of care in the safest As setting we begin As wethis begin newthis phase newin As phase patient we begin in care, patient thisrest new care, assured phase rest assured in that patient providing rest quality that providing of quality care in ofthe the care highest safest in thesetting quality safest setting of care in the safest setti SP Eproviding C I that A care, LIZ I the N Ghighest Iassured N the highest remainsremains our number our number one priority. remains one priority. ourImplants, number one priority. Crowns, Veneers, TMJ, Invisalign and Teeth Whitening

RD TO SEEING YOU SOON!

815

WE LO WO E KL O FOR KWA F ORW RD WA E TLO RODO S ET KEOIFNO SG EREWA YI N OG U R DY SO TO U NS !O E EOI N G ! YOU SOON!

A Washingtonian Top Dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis is providing new and existing patients the highest quality of comprehensive dental care with the safest environment possible during these uncertain times. She is continuously at the forefront of infection control and has incorporated the highest level of PPE, which includes: • Extra oral evacuation units in each treatment room removing aerosols to the 0.3 micron • Surgical clean air system: certified to filter over 95% of all particles in the air • Certified N95 masks will be worn by all team members at all times. Masks are also required to be worn by all patients into the office • Limited number of patients in the office at a time

• Thorough prescreening of each patient prior to and after entering our office • Single use items and disposables for our patient (everything from eyewear to pens) • Continuous and thorough disinfection of ALL surfaces in the office • Temperature checks of all patients (including staff) checked daily upon arrival

As we begin this new phase in patient care, rest assured that providing the highest quality of care in the safest setting remains our number one priority.

W E L O O K F O R WA R D T O S E E I N G Y O U S O O N !

301.652.0656 301.652.0656 301.652.0656 | 5454 |Wisconsin 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite Ave, | 5454 835, Suite Wisconsin Chevy 835, Chase, Chevy Ave,Chase, MD Suite 20815 835, MD 20815 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 FACES

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CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

TREND SETTER

Ella Pritsker Couture WHERE SARTORIAL MAGIC HAPPENS

Photograph by Steve Barber 24

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

ARTICLE MARIE ROBEY WOOD

"Sh e makes t h e magi c h appen"

- DOROTHY LIERMAN

ELLA PRITSKER IS A WELL-KNOWN

Congressional Country Club this September,

FASHION DESIGNER OF ELEGANT AND

Cindy had a design in mind and an accompa-

TIMELESS CUSTOM COUTURE WHOSE

nying photo showcasing her inspiration. “Ella

CLIENTELE RESIDE NOT ONLY IN THE

selected the lace and other materials for the

MID-ATLANTIC REGION, BUT ALL OVER

dress. The quality of her work is magnificent,

THE GLOBE. She partners with women

and she went above and beyond in designing

seeking everything from executive couture

my gown with such attention to detail.” She is

to wedding gowns and special occasion

currently designing Cindy’s rehearsal dinner

dresses to everyday fashion and haute cou-

dress and her “going away” outfit that she will

ture as found in her latest signature perfor-

wear at the end of the evening.

mance line. Her philosophy: “We want our

Ella and her team strive for perfection

clients to shine, look beautiful, and feel con-

while exceeding the expectations of their

fident in how they look.” She adds, “If we can

clients. It’s no surprise that Ella’s reputation

achieve those goals, for just one moment,

continues to soar as an award-winning cus-

that is our true joy.”

tom couture designer.

HAPPY CLIENTS, HAPPY TEAM

ELLA’S HISTORY – HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Karen Hornig is a loyal client who

Pritsker has an inspiring journey com-

expressed that exact sentiment. Karen had

ing to the United States from Russia more

been looking for a mother-of-the-groom

than 30 years ago with little money and

dress with little luck. When she heard about

belongings to her name. It is her irreplace-

Ella’s talents, she scheduled a meeting, and

able background experiences, however, that

shared a picture of a couture dress she hoped

influence her designs. While waiting to come

that Ella could replicate with some additional

to the United States, she was in Austria

custom elements. Ella worked closely with

and Italy where she met three “Old World”

Karen making suggestions regarding fabric,

European dressmakers who introduced her

embroidery, accessories on the shoulder,

to the world of high fashion. Each taught her

and other subtle touches. Karen ecstatically

a piece about the fine art of hand-stitched

reported results: “The dress was a smash!

custom couture. She took those practices,

I felt like a million dollars. Everyone compli-

mastered them, and opened her own shop

mented me on it – it was perfect!”

in 1997. Since then, she has risen to another

Another enthusiastic client, Cindy Howton,

level as a noted couture designer who has

consulted Ella to design her wedding gown.

dressed powerful women including well-

With a wedding scheduled to take place at

known political figures.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

ELLA’S NEW ADVENTURE During the height of the pandemic, Ella, like so many couture designers, had to pivot from her usual designs. After months of working 18 to 20 hours a day making masks for hospital workers, she realized that the golf clothing she normally wore was extremely uncomfortable when she was working. She revisited an idea that had been percolating for many years in her mind – designing her own performance line. The idea for her new line had a twist: She decided to design performance attire that women could wear throughout the day and, except for a quick change of shoes and accessories, wear on the golf course or tennis court into the afternoon for client meetings and into the evening for cocktails, fine dining, or other special events. As everyday fashion, the material for the line needed to be sustainable, recycled, and a high-quality performance fiber. Ella found the perfect material, even during the height of the pandemic’s supply shortage, and began production in her Timonium, Md. office.

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

ROBERT COLLINS OF COLLINS INVESTMENT GROUP Among Barron’s and Forbes top ranked financial advisors in the country.

Currently Ranked by Forbes #4 in Maryland

Ella contacted Dorothy Lierman, the Director of Retail at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, who shared sound advice with her about selling a highend line of luxe, comfortable attire in her shop. Ella was inspired by a painting hung at Nemacolin. She took no shortcuts. She contacted the artist, Claire Hardy, and collaborated on a design with her for the new line. She utilized the color palettes in the painting, consisting of gray, black, white, and pink in a custom-printed fabric, along

Give us a call or visit us

with basic solids for the first collection.

on the web at

In June, Ella held debuted her new line EPC Style by Ella Pritsker with

collinsinvestmentgroup.com

a trunkshow at Nemacolin. The resort

to learn how we can work with

began selling her performance line

you to help you start achieving

in their Laurel Lane boutique and their Mystic Golf Shop. EPC Style has been so well received that Ella has had to replenish orders three times. Dorothy notes that Ella is known for her quick turnaround on orders, filling them almost as fast as she gets them. That means long days for Ella and her team – thankfully, they have EPC Style to keep them comfortable and stylish while hand producing their inventory! EPC Style was born to empower the women who wear it, and designed to ignite the passions of those who craft it. It’s style to reimagine the way we all

your financial goals. 6901 Rockledge Drive | Suite 730 | Bethesda | MD | 20817 301.915.9630 | collinsinvestmentgroup.com Robert Collins is Managing Director and CEO of Collins Investment Group. Forbes - Ranking algorithm based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. Barron’s - The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of advisors. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record and client retention. Investment products and services offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Collins Investment Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

live, work, and play. CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

OPEN HOUSE

H O M E

S M A L L S PA C E , H U G E I M PA C T YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN WHEN NEIGHBORS WALK THEIR DOGS TOGETHER. In the case of Jennie Rosenberg and Bruce Lerman, frequent neighborhood strolls with their canine companions during Covid led to the launch of a new company. “Bruce was in the home-renovation and home-flipping business and I worked for the Olympics,” Jennie says. “When the Olympics were postponed, I found myself out of a job with time on my hands. Bruce knew how to build and I knew marketing and communications and how to make creative spaces and we came up with an idea of what everyone needed now. Everyone struggled with how to make life work and how to maintain order and calm and stay productive. We thought if we could create small relaxing spaces, what would that look like?” They created Outer Space, a company that delivers privacy, productivity and well-being in 120-200 square feet. These free-standing units are located on a homeowner’s property, steps from their home. Clients use them as offices, yoga studios, gyms, movie rooms, teen lounges and more.

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

OUTER SPACE BUILDS LUXURY, COMPACT FREE-STANDING UNITS SO HOMEOWNERS CAN GET THEIR LIFE BACK

Outer Space builds units that fit beautifully in each client’s yard, with options for landscaping, decking and more.

Units built by Outer Space are perfect for home gyms, and are more cost-effective than building an addition.

Outer Space delivers a completely turnkey product with no mess or disruption to a client's home.

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS

The units built by Outer Space include heating, air conditioning, Wifi, lighting, vaulted ceilings, baseboard and window trim, custom color palettes and more.

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LOCALLY OWNED

PROBL E M S OLV E D

AVATAR LEARNING CENTER STUDENTS THRIVE FROM SKILLED TEACHERS WHO HELP THEM LEARN AND LOVE MATH

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

IF YOU GUESSED THAT A PLACE CALLED AVATAR

friend, they can use it for its full potential. And that is

LEARNING CENTER IS WHERE YOU GO TO BECOME

what they are teaching the students.

A BETTER GAMER YOU MIGHT NOT BE QUITE RIGHT.

Through the years, the five Avatar founders often dis-

Though an avatar is usually thought of as a digital repre-

cussed the discontent with the quality of math instruction

sentation of yourself, the Avatar Learning Center is where

their own children were receiving. They observed that the

you go to become an overall better version of yourself. You

math programs and assignments were quite simplistic

do this by learning not what to think, but how to think,

and not encouraging the children to think. They felt that

which makes you better prepared for real life, and ready

was the reason that children were losing interest in math.

to face tomorrow’s challenges. Or, as one of the Avatar

While teaching mathematics to their own children, they col-

Learning Center co-founders said: “Sometimes people

lectively accumulated vast resources and ideas, and had

associate avatars with super-powers and a new face. At

developed that into a method to teach math– a method

the Avatar Learning Center, math becomes your super-

that would instill a spark in children and plant a lifelong

power and students become their own avatars.”

penchant for math. As the school math instruction during

In fact, Avatar Learning Center takes the notion of “I don’t

Covid became worse, they decided to open the school.

like math,” or “I’m not good at math,” or “math is not for

Avatar Learning Center was founded in July 2020

girls” and proves the opposite can be true. The school’s five

and serves students in grades K through 12. While

female founders earned their PhDs from top U.S. universi-

there is no physical building for the school, there is

ties and built prominent careers in STEM fields (science,

so much energy in the virtual classrooms – studying

technology, engineering, math), after first becoming friends

online at Avatar is as engaging as traditional educa-

as classmates in the engineering program at the American

tion. Being virtual gives the school an opportunity to

University of Armenia. In addition to having professional

attract the best teachers and for students to participate

careers in engineering and industrial engineering, data

from anywhere. An added bonus is that parents do not

science, business, and operations research, they serve as

need to drive students back and forth and spend hours

math instructors at the Avatar Learning Center.

waiting for class to be over. The convenience of online

As the school approaches its first anniversary of

learning can not be underestimated, and during its first

establishment, the founders are confident that any

year the school has proved to be successful in teaching

student who enrolls will benefit. They know they can

online. One important practice is a correct placement.

help every single child and want to embrace as many

The students need to be academically aligned in terms

students as possible. If students think of math as their

of not only their knowledge, but also their style and

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

speed of learning. The founders are confident, if stu-

These are taught by teachers who also hold PhDs

dents are placed well and the class is well aligned with

and teach at college levels. The school uses tech-

their needs, online teaching can be amazing. The cor-

nology and online simulations to facilitate science

rect placement allows the school to be highly success-

experiments. For instance, an online instructor

ful by creating a friendly, yet competitive environment

might ask, “What will happen if the mass increases

that facilitates and enhances the teaching process.

or gravity decreases?” Then, students can assign

A correct placement is achieved with an assessment,

these parameters in an online environment and see

which has become another key success for Avatar Math.

a cartoon depiction of what happens. The simulation

Each student is assessed before he or she is placed in

has proved to be fun as the students have expressed

a classroom. The assessment requirement allows the

enthusiasm towards it. Avatar Learning Center also

instructors to learn about the students. Sometimes

provides students with science kits for building real

the instructors solve problems with the students thus,

models, such as solar energy operated models. The

creating a personal connection with the students even

students can use those kits and run experiments

before they enter Avatar. Oftentimes parents observe

either as homework or during class.

assessments, making it especially helpful for younger

The Avatar curriculum is aligned with Common Core

students. After the assessment with the students, the

and follows the curriculum of local Potomac schools, as

parents are able to continue conversations with Avatar

one of the founders is based in Potomac. The found-

instructors. This helps the instructors learn more about

ers take the core proficiencies that students need,

each student’s standing and goals and make better

and build upon those. They ensure that each student

recommendations for placement. Assessment can be

is completely comfortable with their grade-level profi-

scheduled at: https://avatarlc.com/assessment/

ciencies. They incorporate brainteasers, problems and

Another key to success is the unique and engaging

more to help build on the proficiencies and go much

Avatar math methodology, which instills curiosity and

further. Students are welcome to bring questions from

allows students to develop deductive reasoning. Kids

their schools and take advantage of complimentary

learn how to tackle mathematical problems without fear

office hours for reviewing schoolwork.

– they not only learn the concepts and core proficiencies

Typically, students seek help from Avatar Learning

but develop a deep understanding of why and how these

Center to either catch up or get ahead. Some students

concepts work and how they are connected. Children

are advanced and bored at school and need some-

become confident by applying the math techniques to

thing interesting to keep their minds busy. Parents

their everyday lives by drawing parallels between the

of these children tell the Avatar Learning Center that

math problems and their lived experiences.

they need more mental stimulation. The second group

The average class size at Avatar Learning Center is

of children have gaps at school and need help with

another key to success. The founders keep the roster

proficiency. Avatar has place for these children as well!

to an average of six students per class to make sure

Parents of Avatar students report that their children

every student receives appropriate attention and several

are genuinely happy, the children are having fun, their

opportunities to speak up. Small sized classrooms at

grades and test scores are improving, and they know

Avatar Learning Center ensure no student is overlooked.

their stuff when they head back to their regular schools.

Avatar Learning Center offers several programs. For

The biggest success of Avatar Learning Center is

instruction, two hours per week. There is also a math sum-

that the founders and instructors teach as if they are

mer school, math crash courses to help master targeted

teaching their own children! And in fact they are – ten

math concepts, a science program for students in grades

of Avatar Learning Center’s students are children of the

5-8, and classes for students competing in Math Olympiads.

school’s instructors.

Computer coding classes will be offered in September. The science classes are hands-on and include virtual experiments in chemistry, physics, and biology.

Nearly 100% of Avatar students re-enroll.

core math programs, the school offers academic year-long

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

A deeper dive into alternate meanings of the word “avatar” reveals that an avatar can also be a divine teacher. Indeed.

DAVID BULITT

Attorney at Law & Author

Married for 34 years to a family therapist and a father of four daughters, David Bulitt brings unique perspective to every client’s case. A skilled mediator and litigator, he maintains the highest rankings on national, regional and local top divorce lawyer lists. Much of his work involves direct discussions and negotiations with opposing counsel, both with regard to children and finances. “People should take the opportunity to make their own decisions — before leaving their family’s future up to a judge,” he says. Blending their professional practices with personal experiences, David and Julie’s book, “The 5 Core Conversations for Couples,” is available at all retailers and online in paperback, ebook and audiobook. “What the two of us have learned about saving a marriage could fill a book — and it did,” says David. (240) 399-7888 | dbulitt@jgllaw.com | www.davidbulitt.com 111 R O C K V I L L E P I K E | R O C K V I L L E , M A RY L A N D 20850

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CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

PAGE TURNERS

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS

e e l Go h W od A Time

Wingate Hughes Architects designed Bruce Pascal’s home office which includes this original Paco Lane neon pop-art wall mural.

BRUCE PASCAL’S MASSIVE HOT WHEELS COLLECTION CELEBRATES THE BRAND'S GLORY DAYS BRUCE PASCAL, A COMMERCIAL REAL-ESTATE AGENT, WHO ALSO HAPPENS TO BE A RENOWNED COLLECTOR OF VINTAGE HOT WHEELS, HAS AT LEAST TWO SECRETS. Lurking upstairs in his Potomac home is Bruce’s first secret: his office. The space is lavishly decorated and adorned with artwork, memorabilia, display cases, and more that capture the exuberance and vibe of the toy cars. “It’s the only place in the house you’ll know I’m a Hot Wheels collector,” he says, clearly treasuring his hidden lair.

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

Bruce’s second secret is camouflaged behind the ho-hum façade of a Gaithersburg warehouse. What’s really inside is 4,000 square feet of pure ‘Wow!’ And it’s where Bruce keeps the majority of his collection of 3,500 Hot Wheels, plus everything else imaginable relating to the brand’s history. “I call it my unofficial East Coast Hot Wheels Museum,” he beams. Though he keeps it secret, Bruce also loves sharing it. When people find out about the “museum,” he is happy to show it off by appointment. Sometimes the space plays host to birthday parties, or groups of kids and parents he lets in to play on the tracks. Bruce also shows it off to fellow collectors. “I enjoy sharing the hobby and Bruce Pascal’s unofficial East Coast Hot Wheels Museum includes three art galleries like this one. He’s been a collector for more than 20 years.

if I can make kids happy and share the passion, it gets my name out and that’s how I grow my collection.” CONTINUED >

Featured on many major national TV shows, Bruce’s collection includes this valuable and rare Pink Beach Bomb.

Bruce displays his Hot Wheels collection with the eye of a fomer art-gallery owner, which he is. CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

PAGE TURNERS (CONTINUED)

This custom Camaro is one of

one thing, more than 3,500 Hot Wheels in g is bu n Bruce’s collection i t t c e a e m s l o w ll ith t c ol the tha it f f “C m u other fun ak st .” es ife l g for a thrillin

It’s rumored that Bruce paid $72,000 for an item in his collection that he says is the rarest Hot Wheels in the world, called the Pink Rear-Loading Beach Bomb. “When they made this VW bus, they put the surf boards hanging out the rear window. When they tested it, it kept falling down,” he explains. “They redesigned it so the one they sold to the public had the surf boards in side pockets. Only about 50 of these (rear-loaders) are known.” Bruce, who has purchased more than 400 Hot Wheels collections says of his Beach Bomb, “Mine is in amazing condition and known worldwide.” He added, “Collecting is one thing, but all the other fun stuff that comes with it makes for a thrilling life.”

Bruce Pascal loves learning about Hot Wheels history. His collection includes prototypes, blueprints, display cases, boxed play sets like these, and more.

Every space in the unofficial East Coast Hot Wheels Museum is a joy to behold, with colorful and fun surprises for visitors young and old. Bruce’s passion for collecting Hot Wheel began with a passion for real cars, several of which are included in his unofficial East Coast Hot Wheels Museum.

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

THE FORECAST PREDICTS A GREAT DEMAND FOR YAROS COMMUNICATIONS’ NEW APPS

ARTICLE MARIE ROBEY WOOD

ACCORDING TO CAREY YAROS, “RON AND MY CORE VALUES, OUR MISSION IN LIFE, ARE EDUCATION AND CHILDREN. We believe we have to invest in our society.” Together the Yaros husband and wife team have built a successful business, Yaros Communications, Inc., that fully supports their values. The concept of their company has an interesting beginning. Ron worked 15 years as a science reporter and broadcast meteorologist in Madison, Wisconsin and St. Louis, Missouri. Always interested in education as well as community outreach, Ron would visit schools on a regular basis – nearly 250 in his eight years in Madison and then St. Louis – and discovered first-hand the need for additional science courses. “Most of the schools didn’t have large budgets and lacked teaching tools that were interactive and exciting for the kids,” Carey reflects. Ron also realized that local TV news can support classroom education.

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

W E AT H E R S C H O O L

PHOTOGRAPHY KIRK WEEMS

The Yaros also love to spend time at home baking and pizza making!

The company began after Ron earned a Masters in Education,

Their product was increasingly successful

specializing in curriculum design, and Carey, who had previously

because it filled a gap: since 1988 YCI has dis-

earned her degree in education, combined their knowledge and

tributed free lessons and interactive software to

working experiences to design science and later health curricula.

approximately two million classrooms in grades

Ron’s experience as the producer of a series on the EPA’s first report

K-8th, supported by reports from 140 licensed com-

outlining the danger of global warming was the impetus for the com-

mercial TV stations, from Chicago to Atlanta and

pany’s first trademarked product in 1988: Weatherschool, followed by

Washington, DC to Boston! Through the years they

StudentBody. Twenty years after Ron’s TV series on the first global

found that stations gravitated to Weatherschool

climate predictions, he viewed the premiere of former Vice President

because they were getting micro, local information

Al Gore’s movie “An Inconvenient Truth” at the Sundance Film Festival

and students liked it because they were interacting

in Park City, Utah. “I knew then,” Ron says, “That the predictions made

with other students as well as an expert. According

years before would finally be getting national attention.”

to teachers, the program motivates students to

Carey worked in marketing and sales while Ron produced lessons for

become better learners.

classrooms and broadcasters with help from teachers, meteorologists

The couple moved to Potomac in 2008 and

and a small business grant from the National Science Foundation. The

Ron joined the faculty of the University of

company’s sales continued to grow when they moved from St. Louis to

Maryland. As a tenured professor his accom-

Madison while Ron completed a Ph.D. in digital communication. Their

plishments there are breathtaking: he is the

plan was to license only one television station per market with either

Merrill College of Journalism’s Director of

their customized science or health education products that coordinate

Ph.D. Studies, an Affiliate Associate Professor

classroom lessons with the local TV health or weather reporter.

in UMD’s College of Information Studies, a CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

Tow-Knight Disruptive Educator for Journalism

potential to reach many more people, including any

Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and an Apple

news viewer, homeschools, boy and girl scouts, etc.

Distinguished Professor. He has published three

This new product came about in part because,

book chapters and more than 50 research articles

with COVID-19 surging across the country, kids

and conference presentations.

were still not interacting socially and in the class-

At the University of Maryland, Ron Yaros led a

room. As Carey reflected, “COVID has been hard on

team to create the ScienceBEAT project designed to

everybody but there have been some good things

help teach climate change to students at three high

coming out of it.” The app, which is free for teachers,

schools in Prince George’s County. The team was

parents and students, includes lesson plans, videos,

composed of six UMD professors from the education,

quizzes and worksheets that teach kids the differ-

public health and atmospheric science departments.

ences between today’s real-time weather and long-

The project guided the students not only with gather-

term climate change. Carey and Ron look at the app

ing critical information about climate change, but also

as an additional way of educating the next gener-

how to create content for general digital audiences

ation, which will face additional effects of global

that may not have experience with – or education in –

warming. They are optimistic, saying “Our new app

science. According to a UMD press release, the proj-

will connect hundreds of news stations with their

ect, which was funded by a two-year, $105,000 seed

communities, one city at a time,” Carey explains.

grant from the Maryland Council on the Environment,

In his spare time, Ron combines his long-time hobby

aimed to help students discover there are new ways

as a drummer with his expertise in media and technol-

to produce digital content that can simultaneously

ogy. He has designed and installed more than six high-

reach different types of digital users.To pursue these

end home theaters, including one featured in USA Today

goals, high school students in earth science class-

for winning second place in a national competition.

rooms used interactive modules to explore data,

Carey herself has numerous interests. While

predictions, and effects of climate change. At the

serving as President of YCI she was an animal res-

same time, junior “reporters” in English and journal-

cue volunteer and has trained therapy dogs then

ism classes interviewed their peers in the science

accompanied them to hospitals such as Walter Reed

class then produced text and multimedia “reports” to

to bring joy to patients. A history buff, she has been

explain facts about climate change. Students in the

active in the Daughters of the American Revolution

science classes learned the skills of explaining sci-

and can trace her ancestors back to pre-revolution-

ence and kids in the journalism classes learned how

ary times in Deer Creek, Maryland. The couple now

to interview others and report complex information.

reside in Potomac’s “Merry-Go-Round” equestrian

Ron’s research and teaching of mobile journalism

community. It’s a perfect environment for Carey, who

and digital audience engagement contributed to

decided to train for a dressage competition and pur-

YCI’s development of a new learning tool that took

chased a pony two weeks before the pandemic hit.

on renewed relevance during the pandemic: an inter-

Her beloved horse, a Norwegian Fjord, already won

active mobile app. As an official Apple and Android

first place in its first year of competition.

app developer, YCI customizes its apps for every TV

Ron and Carey are very proud of the two chil-

affiliate wanting to coordinate their newscasts with

dren they have raised: daughter Caroline, who is

local classrooms. The app has been test-marketed

now working on the “front lines” of a hospital in

and YCI is now licensing the app to their previous

Annapolis, and son Nicholas, who is studying for a

affiliates as well as new stations. The apps have the

degree in law enforcement.

Potomac Lifestyle | September 2021

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