Short Pump, VA May 2024

CHOSEN BY VIRGINIA LAWYERS WEEKLY AS HAVING ELEVATED AND SUPPORTED WOMEN ATTORNEYS IN VIRGINIA.

ADVANCING WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE.

FREE MONTHLY EVENT

LEGAL CONSULTATIONS

Thursday, May 9 & Thursday, June 13 9:00 A.M.—12:00 P.M.

Provided in English and Spanish

For appointments, call 804-646-0145

Espanol! IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION | CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Contact the lawyers at Airington Law today.

Welcome to May, Short Pump!

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 beautiful flowers to life-changing aesthetics and concierge dog grooming to the latest cupcake craze. 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!

AARON SWART, PUBLISHER

@SHORTPUMPCITYLIFESTYLE

The best is yet to come! CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SHORTPUMP

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 PHOTOGRAPHERS

Beloved Pet & Equine Photography, Amanda Rae Linas

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

Your Inner Harmony with Balance Wellness

1: The Governor’s Cup Gala offers one night to taste the finest Virginia wines. 2: Zephaniah Farm Vineyard at the Governor’s Cup Gala.

3: Steven Casupanan and Alyse LaFollette sample Virginia’s finest wines at the Governor’s Cup Gala on March 7th.

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.

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

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.

MAY 16 • 11-7PM

Zoomin Groomin

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZOOMIN GROOMIN

Meet Morgan - a true dog lover. She adores all kinds of animals, but her two pups, Diesel and Duke, hold a special place in her heart. To Morgan, dogs are more than just pets - they’re family. That’s why she’s passionate about providing top-notch pet care services through her mobile grooming business, Zoomin Groomin. “I love seeing the joy on our clients’ faces when they see their beloved fur babies after we’ve pampered them,” Morgan says. “Every dog is so unique and has their own personality. It’s amazing to experience all the different quirks and traits that make them who they are.” With Morgan and her expert team, customers can have peace of mind knowing that their beloved pets are receiving the utmost care and attention. Morgan treats every furry friend like her own, ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and happy throughout their stay.

SIT BACK AND RELAX WHILE MORGAN

PARKER BRINGS PET GROOMING SERVICES TO YOUR DOORSTEP

“I LOVE SEEING THE JOY ON OUR CLIENTS’ FACES WHEN THEY SEE THEIR BELOVED FUR BABIES AFTER WE’VE PAMPERED THEM.”

- MORGAN PARKER

Zoomin Groomin is a unique pet grooming service that operates entirely on wheels, meaning they come to your location. Morgan and her team understand that the grooming process can be stressful for pets and their owners, so they offer personalized services that create a more relaxed environment. Because they operate one-on-one, there is never a time when a pet is sitting in a cage for hours on end.

Zoomin Groomin strives to provide the best care to all their furry friends, being incredibly gentle to the elderly, anxious, or injured. Morgan believes that mobile grooming is crucial in today’s day and time. “We live in a world where we seek out convenience, and that is exactly what we are,” Morgan says. “People can get anything delivered to their house these days, so why not have your pet pampered in your own driveway?”

As a small business owner, Morgan knows the significance of actively engaging and participating in community events. She appreciates that local community members are the backbone of her business, and joining in on events is a great way to show her support for the community. While Morgan is still meeting new people and actively intermingling with the Henrico community, she plans on partaking in a couple of events soon. Morgan invites readers to stay updated with the Zoomin Groomin team by following them on Instagram @zooming roominhenrico and Facebook: Zoomin Groomin – Henrico, VA To schedule an appointment for your fur baby with Zoomin Groomin, visit zoomingroomin.com

Morgan Parker with her husband Dalton and son Baylor

Diesel and Duke

INSIGHTS FROM CHRISTINA MILLER ON CREATING AND RUNNING CAMEO CAKERY & CAFE

From Buttercream to Business

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA RAE LINAS

Christina Miller

“After I noticed how much people loved my product, I began to consider the possibility of starting a business someday. Nine years later, the stars aligned, and the opportunity presented itself, and I decided to take that leap of faith.”

Everyone knows Cameo Cakery & Café as the charming little eatery on Libbie Avenue and the perfect place to grab a decadent cupcake. But it’s so much more. From morning coffee and delicious lunches to handcrafted cocktails and dinner, Cameo Cakery & Café is three businesses spun into one: a cake shop, a coffee shop, and a restaurant and bar. What started as just a side gig for Christina Miller became an all-embracing business venture, and she opened Cameo in 2021. Christina spoke with Short Pump City Lifestyle about her journey from buttercream to business, and here’s what she had to say:

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BAKING?

It started as a desire to bake and decorate my children’s cakes for their birthdays because that’s what my mother always did for my sister and me growing up. It was a fond memory, so I wanted to share it with my children. Once I developed my secret buttercream recipe, it became a side business out of necessity. Everyone started asking me to make cakes and cupcakes for their events, and I couldn’t afford to keep giving them away for free, both in terms of time and money.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

After I noticed how much people loved my product, I began to consider the possibility of starting a business someday. Nine years later, the stars aligned, and the opportunity presented itself, and I decided to take that leap of faith.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT CAMEO?

I love working with my employees and customers. I enjoy fostering the growth of our employees and helping them discover the fulfillment and enjoyment our business can offer.

WHAT IS CAMEO’S MISSION?

Our mission is to provide high-quality food and beverage in an exclusive environment, creating an all-around unique and fulfilling experience that our customers cannot necessarily find anywhere else.

HOW DO YOU HOLD A MANAGEABLE WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

I have worked hard to establish a solid, consistent workforce based on a culture of teamwork and a family-like mentality. Having a dedicated, committed staff allows me to take time away that I may need daily, weekly, or monthly. I incorporate as many self-care and health-focused activities in my downtime as possible.

HOW IS CAMEO DIFFERENT THAN SIMILAR BUSINESSES?

We are three businesses in one: a cake shop, a fullfledged coffee shop, and a restaurant and bar.

WHERE DO YOU SEE CAMEO IN FIVE YEARS?

We hope to have a second location and maybe even more down the road.

HOW DOES CAMEO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

We make many charitable contributions to the community by donating baked goods and gift cards and partnering with local organizations to hold fundraisers.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST BAKING ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My greatest baking accomplishment is the creation of my savory cake recipe. This is an original recipe I perfected after numerous trials and errors. I almost gave up on this pursuit, but I’m glad I didn’t because now I have a completely unique product to offer.

Stop by Cameo Cakery & Café for coffee, cocktails, or delicious food on the patio at 306 Libbie Avenue in Richmond. cameocakery.com

My

Tiara Holloway, a computer networking and web design graduate from ITT Tech, started with a passion at the age of 14 not knowing it would turn into her successful business. She painted her parents’ bedroom green with a burgundy wallpaper border and hers fire red, which stayed up for about 15 years(!). This inspired her to start her own business, which she believes is her gift and purpose for others. She has become a therapist for clients, helping them clear their minds of crazy design thoughts to become better versions of themselves. Tiara’s passion for design has led her to become a successful entrepreneur in a competitive field.

GET TO KNOW SHORT PUMP CITY LIFESTYLE’S MAY PET OF THE MONTH

Spotlight

on Sheba

ARTICLE BY AMANDA RAE LINAS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELOVED PET & EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet our pet of the month, Sheba. She is a 6-year-old spunky Miniature Schnauzer mix. Sheba became her mom’s companion during the challenging times of COVID-19. A re-homed adoption from North Carolina, Sheba captured her mom’s heart instantly through an online photo. Since then, she’s happily settled into her home with all the spunk and charm.

Despite her small stature, Sheba boasts a big personality. She loves playtime and has an affinity for food. Sheba bounds through the grass and chases her throw toy with a look of pure joy on her face. Her personality and adorable, perky ears are sure to make you smile. She is definitely a special, petite little girl.

To submit your pet for a chance to be featured in Short Pump City Lifestyle, visit: belovedpetphoto.com/shortpump

and Sunday

Outdoor & indoor seating with great views Charcuterie, small plates, and pretzels!

Children and outside leashed pets welcome Adults only second story

FACIAL TREATMENTS

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!

Rachel Ingram, FNP-C, Owner

Rachel has a Bachelor's in Biology, a Bachelor’s in Nursing, and a Family NP 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.

804-313-9109 | contact@balancew.com

ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA RAE LINAS

with Balance Wellness Find Your Inner Harmony

WITH

NATIVE RACHEL INGRAM

Rachel Ingram, Nurse Practitioner and Owner of Balance Wellness

Inspired by her mother, who worked as a pharmacist, Rachel Ingram had always dreamed of pursuing a career in the healthcare industry. Starting her journey as a nurse, she worked for four years in a security care unit before moving to an emergency department for two years. While working, she attended classes at Virginia Commonwealth University to become a family nurse practitioner, successfully completing the program in 2017. After working as a hospitalist at VCU Health System for five years, Rachel developed a keen interest in aesthetics. Combining her medical expertise with an artistic eye, Rachel moved forward and is now the owner of Balance Wellness, where she helps her clients feel comfortable and confident in their own skin by focusing on aesthetics.

Rachel is a driven business owner who was motivated to start her own company after seeing her colleague effectively balance a career and motherhood. She founded Balance Wellness, which allows her to pursue her passion for aesthetics while still being there for her three-year-old son. The best part of work for Rachel is interacting with her clients. She genuinely cares about her patients and takes pride in meeting and engaging with them. “I love performing all the treatments and seeing my clients evolve and gain confidence,” says Rachel. “It feels like a privilege to do my job and help people I care about every single day.”

CONTINUED >

Balance Wellness clients have the opportunity to benefit from a variety of injectable treatments, such as Botox, fillers, and Sculptra, and a range of skincare services, including chemical peels to improve skin clarity, tone, and texture. Additionally, microneedling is available to stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Most recently, Rachel has incorporated a highly effective weight loss program at Balance Wellness, which has a 100% success rate. This program is designed to cater to each client’s specific needs and includes a medication regimen, nutrition recommendations, and guidance to help achieve their desired results. Balance Wellness also empowers clients to explore natural alternative treatments.

Rachel goes above and beyond to guarantee that her clients achieve their physical and mental health goals. Not only does she provide top-notch services, but she also recommends other local businesses with complementary treatments to help her clients discover complete wellness. She is also actively involved with other local injectors to promote the best outcomes for all clients, not just her own. With big plans for Balance Wellness, Rachel would love to see it grow into a bigger space and work with other healthcare professionals to offer even more services. “What won’t change over the years is my commitment to my clients,” Rachel says. “I want to be a clinician in the trenches providing holistic care.” Her dedication and compassion have significantly impacted and earned her a well-deserved reputation as a trusted healthcare professional. With Rachel leading the way, Balance Wellness will continue to thrive and provide unparalleled services to its clients.

To schedule a consultation with Balance Wellness and experience the transformative power of their comprehensive services, visit: balancew.com

Nurse Practitioners Rachel Ingram and Keely Bennett

A mother’s love

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 11TH-12TH

Mother's Day Weekend

James River Cellars | 11:00 AM

Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with live music, food trucks, and refreshing drinks at James River Cellars. Come and relax on the patio or sprawling lawns and enjoy the festivities. On Saturday, enjoy live music from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a variety of food trucks. Open until 7:00 p.m. Make this Mother's Day weekend unforgettable by spending it at James River Cellars! jamesrivercellars.com

MAY 19TH

Clash of the Comics

Funny Bone | 7:00 PM

Check out the Funny Bone for a two-part comedy show that is sure to entertain. The first half features aspiring comedians competing for laughs to win the title of the next "big thing." In the second part, renowned comedians showcase their talents to impress the general manager. Get ready for an evening of laughter! Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased online at richmond.funnybone.com

MAY 28TH

AR WorkshopHat Decorating or Hat Burning Workshop

Hardywood West Creek | 6:00 PM

Looking to decorate or personalize a hat? AR Workshop offers two handson experiences to help you achieve your style goals. The Hat Decorating Workshop includes expert guidance and allows for additional upgrades. Alternatively, the Hat Burning Workshop uses a unique technique to personalize a stylish hat. This DIY experience starts at $79, with additional add-ons available in the workshop. Limited seating is available. Register online at arworkshop.com.

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