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We are excited to present the April edition of our investment issue! We are thrilled to share with you the benefits of investing in our homes, yards, and families, which can yield greater returns than we expect. We have an exciting lineup of resources to inspire you to turn your investment dreams into reality. We believe supporting our local experts is an excellent way to promote personal growth and strengthen our community.
This month, take a look around your home, your place of business, and the world around you! There are so many people, relationships, and blessings for which to be grateful and resources that we have not even considered right in front of us. Let’s take full advantage of the life we’ve been given and explore how we can invest in others’ futures and success!
Carpe Diem!April 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 WRITERS
Amanda Rae Linas, Jodi Mills
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Beloved Pet & Equine Photography, Amanda Rae Linas
Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF
Perry
Robinson
Say goodbye to generic diets and stressful fitness plans!
The SLIM SHOT MD Semaglutide Weight Loss program is an essentially counseled program by a medical physician, NP, or PA that can be embraced totally from your home (once a week injections), with all meetings with your specialist scheduled virtually. Individuals have lost as much as 20 pounds in just 2 months and up to 50 pounds or more in 4 months in obese patients. This revolutionary weight loss program is serving as a powerful tool for physicians around the world.
Semaglutide injection has been approved for weight management by the FDA since June 2021.
Fogo de Chão, a chain of Brazilian steakhouses, has recently opened a new location at West Broad Village. The restaurant is known for offering delicious churrasco-style meats, along with a diverse range of steak, seafood, and vegetarian entrees. Fogo de Chão can seat up to 220 people indoors and also has a 25-seat outdoor area. This new location marks the third in Virginia and is part of the chain's global network of over 80 locations around the world. fogodechao.com
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille recently opened a new location in early February in a newly constructed building on the former Bar Louie restaurant site. Perry's has a seating capacity of up to 350 indoors and 45 outdoors, and it also boasts four private dining rooms. The menu offers a wide range of options, including steaks, seafood, and vegan dishes. The steakhouse features its own in-house bar brand, Bar 79, which is named after the year Perry's was established. perryssteakhouse.com
Rachel has a Bachelor's in Biology, a Bachelor’s in Nursing, and a Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s, all from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a Nurse Practitioner at VCU Health System as a Hospitalist, she explored her love for aesthetics. Rachel created Balance Wellness to help create individualized, comprehensive patient care plans that combine medical and aesthetic needs to allow each person to achieve their optimal balance and reach their full potential.
Miriam Airington-Fisher is an inspiration to her community. Just eight years ago, she started her own law firm while caring for her newborn baby. Even though she was presented with numerous challenges along the way, Miriam overcame them and achieved remarkable success. She has always understood the struggles of working parents, particularly mothers, and during the pandemic, she decided to help by writing a book entitled Mom's A Lawyer: How to Start a Firm and Take Control of Your Life. The book was a huge success and prompted Miriam to create an online course, Mom’s a Lawyer: The Course, for any lawyer interested in starting
their own family-friendly law practice. Her course is an excellent example of self-investment to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance, particularly for parents who often neglect their own needs.
Miriam's digital program is self-guided, self-paced, and structured around the DREAM acronym, which stands for demystify, reimagine, empower, align, and manifest. Each of the five modules includes a combination of video, audio, exercises, and templates. The course is designed to equip individuals with the necessary tools to start a law firm in just 90 days. The first module focuses on helping the user develop
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ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA MILEStheir vision for their law practice, while the remaining four modules provide practical steps for launching it. “This course is designed as a ‘what I wish I had when I started’ product,” explains Miriam. “I speak to so many women attorneys who feel stuck in a job, and they are intimidated by the prospect of starting a practice for themselves. There is this outsized perception of risk that, in my experience, isn’t reality; it is possible to launch a profitable, family-friendly law practice.”
Amidst the numerous resources available for lawyers, Mom’s A Lawyer caters specifically to parents who want to maintain profitability and accessibility while setting up their own law firm. “Parents, especially mothers, can’t work 24/7 and sleep at the office,” Miriam says. “Starting a firm is hard work, but with the right plan and resources, it can be done in a sustainable way.” In addition to her course, Miriam offers personalized services to lawyers
who are starting new law firms or seeking to make their existing firms more lucrative and family-friendly, a topic that has become increasingly important for keeping talented lawyers and support staff.
If you’re feeling burnt out from the traditional law firm environment and looking for a change, check out Mom's A Lawyer. Miriam's program is designed to give you the tools and confidence you need to start your own firm on your own terms. With her all-inclusive course, you can say goodbye to the corporate ladder and create a fulfilling legal career that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to your legal career. Take control of your future and invest in yourself with Mom's A Lawyer.
To receive special discounts and learn more about Miriam, her book, or her course, subscribe to her newsletter at momsalawyer.com. You can find Miriam on Instagram and TikTok @lawyerlikeamother.
Miriam structured her course around the DREAM framework, which covers the five essential categories one should consider when embarking on this journey.
Demystify
Dissolve the belief that having a fulfilling career and personal life is impossible.
Reimagine
Redefine the vision for your professional and personal lives.
Empower
Equip yourself with all the tools you need to start a law firm in 90 days or less.
Align
Create clear boundaries between personal and professional life for co-existence.
Manifest
Make it happen, and don’t look back.
This self-paced course includes video introductions by Miriam, audio content, and supporting documents and exercises. Moreover, Miriam has added touchpoints throughout the course for virtual check-ins, where participants can discuss any questions or challenges with her.
Pat Evans, owner of Pat’s World Staging & Re-Design, is a trailblazer in the industry. As an HSR-Certified professional home stager and re-designer, Pat’s attention to detail and design have earned her recognition in the book, Women Innovators: Leaders, Makers, and Givers Vol. 6. Her work in professional home staging can yield a significant return on investment for sellers, real estate agents, and homeowners. Enhancing a property’s visual appeal and marketability, makes it sell faster, reducing time spent on the market and minimizing holding costs. Pat offers cost-effective solutions, allowing sellers to create a fresh, updated look without breaking the bank.
804.937.7786
rvadesigngroup.com
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TRANSFORM YOUR PROPERTY INTO A BREATHTAKING OASIS WITH THE BEST LANDSCAPE AND HARDSCAPE FIRM IN RICHMOND – A. MACALMA SERVICES INC.
The A. Macalma Services Inc. origin story is a touching account of bravery and perseverance, telling the tale of a couple who leave everything behind in search of a brighter future for their
charm and wit to find work while taking night shifts to care for his sons.
JJ initially faced challenges finding work, but he remained committed to achieving success. Having experienced
“LANDSCAPING NOT ONLY ENHANCES THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR PROPERTY BUT ALSO PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN PROTECTING ITS OVERALL VALUE.” - AMANI MITCHELL
young family. In the late 1980s, Amante Macalma, a renowned K9 trainer and communications specialist, and Dr. Eleanor, an anesthesiologist, migrated from their home country of the Philippines to the United States with their three little boys. Despite facing numerous challenges, their unwavering faith and love uplifted their hopes of pursuing the American Dream.
As the couple embarked on a new journey in a foreign land, they knew they would face many challenges. Dr. Eleanor realized they needed a better arrangement to care for their children. She decided to work at night as a sleep lab technician at MCV instead of continuing her career as an anesthesiologist. This allowed her to spend time with her sons during the day while Amante looked for opportunities to earn a living for the family. Amante, also known as "JJ" for his good-humored and jovial personality, had to use his
a difficult childhood where he helped his parents care for his siblings, he learned the importance of hard work and played a significant role in supporting his family. He always remembered his humble beginnings, which motivated him to strive for a better future. JJ kept pushing through his search and started gaining some traction. Taking on a few personal clients, he offered dog training services to make ends meet. One client requested his help with yard work, and what started as a small job of mowing lawns, planting, and mulching eventually led to more significant opportunities.
JJ's exceptional landscaping designs have earned him a loyal customer base. He incorporates French aesthetics with clean lines and elegant curves. His company, A. Macalma Services Inc., is known for its reputation for quality and reliability. JJ and his team have designed luxurious outdoor hardscapes and
beautiful garden landscapes for high-profile clients, including celebrities, sports figures, and business executives throughout Central Virginia. They have completed commercial projects like an Olive Garden restaurant and designed the Chancery Annex Building for the Philippines Embassy in Washington, D.C. The firm’s work has been recognized by diplomats, government officials, and national and international artists.
A. Macalma Services is dedicated to delivering exceptional professional care and expertise in the landscape and hardscape industry. Inspired by JJ, the team combines classic refinement with contemporary flair while also emphasizing better business practices to enhance property aesthetics, long-term value, and potential return on investment.
Amani Mitchell, Business Development and Public Relations Director at the firm, shares that maintaining a good landscape is essential to increasing a property's value. "Landscaping not only enhances the appearance of your property but also plays a vital role in protecting its overall value," Amani says. ”Every aspect of landscaping, from effective ground management to drainage, irrigation, and arbor maintenance, is crucial.” A. Macalma offers services that promote healthy lifestyles, expand indoor and outdoor spaces, and connect families with natural living areas. They also specialize in virtual dog fences, custom pet turf, and privacy and security solutions.
A. Macalma is a family-owned business with extensive experience managing both small and large-scale projects while remaining centered on its family-oriented values. Ernie Barquillo, a member of the family who
“A. MACALMA IS A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE MANAGING BOTH SMALL AND LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS WHILE REMAINING CENTERED ON ITS FAMILY-ORIENTED VALUES.”
immigrated to the United States, now plays a significant role in the company as the operations manager and foreman. Along with prioritizing family, A. Macalma is also recognized for its quick communication, dependable quality, and personalized approach to satisfy each client's unique requirements.
Furthermore, JJ and his team are actively involved in supporting their community by offering free services such as grass-cutting and ground maintenance to local churches like Hope Church in the West End. In addition, they have taken part in various projects and activities aimed at helping the local Filipino community and the Filipino American Association of Central Virginia.
To receive a free consultation and exclusive discounts, please get in touch with them at admin@amacalmaservices. com or (804) 204-6824 and mention that you learned about them from Short Pump City Lifestyle
Spring is here. And suddenly, Susie is seeing ghosts, hearing voices, and who knows what else. You turn your head for one second, and she’s off and running to join her pack once again, your shoulder wrenched out of its socket because you were holding on so tight to the leash. Instead of you fighting her animal instinct, we can teach her to control it so that your next foray to the dog park doesn’t turn into Feral Bueller’s Day Off
804-944-8500 | dogtrainingelite.com/richmond
At the end of last year, Southwest Mountains Vineyards debuted their new Tasting Room and Winery, less than one hour from Short Pump in Keswick, Virginia. The space, a refurbished 1906 Pole Barn, features two floors with upper-level glass windows showcasing the vineyards and
“Every glass of their award-winning wines tells a story, every meal is an event, and both are perfectly prepared.”
mountains, making it one of the most bucolic spaces to enjoy Virginia’s honored wines. Every glass of their award-winning wines tells a story, every meal is an event, and both are perfectly prepared. They believe that wine growing in Virginia is deeply rooted in tradition.
Known for its idyllic scenery and pastoral framework, Keswick is a beautiful and integral part of Virginia’s Monticello AVA, which has recently been recognized by Wine Enthusiast magazine as the 2023 Wine Region of the Year. At SMV, they craft wines that honor the unique geographic location and pay tribute to farming, agriculture, and the distinct grape varieties. They believe in exceeding expectations by elevating the quality of Virginia wine and feel every bottle deserves a place on the table.
Making wines since 2017, SMV embodies a mission that pays homage to the remarkable terroir of the Southwest Mountains. Their new highly acclaimed South African winemaker, Boela Gerber, was selected to unlock the potential of their beautiful vineyards. Gerber was head winemaker of Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa, for nearly 23 years. Under his leadership, the estate won numerous international accolades, including Best Chardonnay in the World at Chardonnay du Monde and Best Sauvignon Blanc at the International Wine Challenge in London.
Southwest Mountain Vineyards, located at 2300 Whipper In Lane, is open Thursday through Monday. To make reservations, visit smvwines.com or call (434) 212-3244.
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Meet Flynn, the spirited 1-year-old mini golden retriever. With a heart full of curiosity, Flynn embraces every adventure. He is always up for something new and doesn’t back down from anything. When Flynn isn’t exploring, he loves playing with balls, toys, and especially frisbee in his backyard. His fearless spirit is evident, and he showcases a natural talent for agility. Not only is he athletic, but he is also a very inviting and friendly boy with a happy demeanor. He has a super cute kangaroo hop and is definitely living his best life!
To submit your pet for a chance to be featured in Short Pump City Lifestyle, visit: belovedpetphoto.com/shortpump
Live music every Saturday and Sunday Outdoor & indoor seating with great views Charcuterie, small plates, and pretzels!
Children and outside leashed pets welcome Adults only second story
Friday: 3-8 PM
Saturday: 12-8 PM
Sunday: 12-7 PM
CLOSED: Mon-Thurs (804) 356-0059
A family-owned, boutique winery and brewery company with selections produced onsite by an award-winning cider maker!
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Zoomin Groomin are professional groomers on the move, all working one-on-one with no cages. We make your furbabies look and feel their best!
SECURING YOUR CHILDREN’S FINANCIAL FUTURE WITH THE DALLY GROUP
““Establish uncapped taxfree wealth for your children with premium flexibility and access to funds along the way. There’s no better place to start than our SmartStart program.”
- Jonathan Dally
As a parent, you may face some unique challenges, but it's also one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. It's important to prepare your children for the future and make them aware of the responsibilities that come with adulthood. That's where The Dally Group in Richmond comes in! Their SmartStart program provides you with the essential tools and resources to secure successful futures for your children. Whether you're saving for college, helping them buy their first home, or establishing generational wealth, The Dally Group has got you (and your kids) covered!
The Dally Group’s SmartStart plan is an excellent option to save money for your children’s futures while guaranteeing their insurability. It includes insurance coverage and a cash value savings component, making it a
Jonathan Dally of The Dally Group firmly believes that a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for everyone’s financial situation. Instead, he takes the time to understand your current financial position, future goals, and budget before providing you with a tailored insurance policy that meets your needs and those of your family. If you want to begin your financial planning, you can contact Jonathan by calling (804) 840-7333 or emailing jonathan@thedallygroup.com
jonathan@thedallygroup.com
(804) 840-7333
wise choice to secure their future. Funds can be used for college expenses or any other purpose, such as a down payment on their first home. Additionally, if the policy is still active when it's time for them to retire, they can create a retirement income stream from their SmartStart policy.
If you are looking for the best time to enroll in the SmartStart program, do so now! The cost of the insurance component increases as your children grow older, so starting early can save you money and give you more time for the policy's cash value component to accumulate. To learn more about The Dally Group’s SmartStart plan, text: “SmartStart" to (804) 840-7333