EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
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LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
Andre Passos | The Grounds Guys 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com
COLLEGE CONSULTING & TUTORING SERVICES
Elaina Mercatoris | Principia Education 703-442-4700 | www.principiaeducation.com
PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS
Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodontics 703-790-1320 | www.islandchildrensdentistry.com
COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT
Emily Grubel | Great Falls Aesthetics (703) 495-3688 | greatfalls-aesthetics.com
BUSINESS BROKER
Erika Baez-Grimes | Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional - The BPH Group, LLC 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
LUXURY JEWELRY
Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Puneet Bhagi | Ikon Realty 703-658-3999 | www.ikonrealtydmv.com
LIGHT MANAGEMENT & HOME COMFORT EXPERTS
Tsykhnenko Viktoriia & Marina Leonova | New Blackout (571) 245 5744 | www.newblackout.com
BY ANDREA SIMON SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATOR
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PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Designer: Hannah Argall
Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
Contact: Gloria Bruni
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
Have
gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.
DEAR GREAT FALLS NEIGHBORS,
As the summer sun begins to soften and we ease into the final stretch of the season, our community continues to shine. From First Friday Art Walks to Open Studio Hours at The Artists’ Atelier, and the ever-vibrant Great Falls Farmers Market—there’s still plenty to enjoy, explore, and celebrate.
In this issue, I’m proud to introduce you to Aleena Dhar, cofounder of House of Alkara. Aleena brings a fresh, inspired perspective to the world of fashion and fine jewelry, transforming each design into a statement of identity and artistry. Her story is one of creativity, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit—just the kind of energy that makes our community so special.
Thank you for being part of the Great Falls Living family. We’re honored to continue sharing the stories of the people, places, and passions that make our town unlike any other.
Warmly,
THE ARTFUL WORLD OF ALEENA DHAR A Living Canvas
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY
There’s a quiet magic to Great Falls—winding trails that hum with nature, neighbors who greet each other with warmth, and a rhythm of life that feels both grounded and inspiring. For Aleena Dhar and her family, Great Falls has been more than a place to live; it’s been the sanctuary where dreams have grown roots and creativity has found its wings.
Aleena, her husband Jitendra (a ectionately known as Jimpy), and their son Rohaan moved to Great Falls in 2013. Over the years, they’ve come to cherish the community’s blend of natural beauty and heartfelt connection. “We’ve had the joy of watching our son grow up in this town, surrounded by supportive schools and a nurturing environment,” Aleena shares. “Whether it’s a community event or a quiet walk among the trees, this place has a way of bringing people together in the most e ortless and meaningful ways.”
Weekends in the Sindhwani-Dhar household reflect this harmony—a thoughtful balance of nature, connection, and creativity. You might find them walking the trails of Great Falls National Park with their beloved mini poodle, Pluto, or enjoying co ee catch-ups at Katie’s Co ee House. Poolside barbecues, movie nights, and quiet moments with friends are all part of the tapestry of their life here.
SOFIA ROMAN
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But beyond the idyllic family life lies a bold and luminous story of artistry and entrepreneurship. Aleena is the visionary behind House of Alkara, a luxury brand she cofounded in 2023 with her friend and business partner, Karishma. Blending the worlds of original art, fashion, and jewelry, House of Alkara is a celebration of heritage, expression, and soul.
Each creation—whether a hand-painted silk stole or a sculpted pendant—begins with Aleena’s own artwork. “Our collections start with stories,” she explains. “Sometimes a sketch from my travels, sometimes the colors of a memory. We bring these ideas to life from scratch, crafting our own fabrics, shaping silhouettes, and sculpting each piece with intention.” The result is a collection of wearable art that feels both timeless and daring.
Family is not only Aleena’s inspiration but also her foundation. Her son Rohaan, now a college student, has played a surprisingly active role in the brand’s creative evolution— o ering feedback, contributing design ideas, and infusing fresh perspective. Jimpy, her steadfast supporter, not only coined the name “Alkara”—a ”fusion of Aleena and Karishma—but is also a tireless helper behind the scenes at showcases and tradeshows. “Our dinner conversations often blur the lines between family and business,” Aleena laughs. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Balancing motherhood and running House of Alkara has been a journey of learning, adapting, and above all, being present. “It’s never been about having it all figured out—it’s about moving with the rhythm of life and honoring what matters most in each season,” Aleena reflects. “Now that our son is in college, the day-to-day looks a little di erent, but the heart of it remains the same—staying rooted in family, creativity, and purpose.”
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“Some days, I’m deep in design work or focused on growing the business digitally through new tools and AI. On others, I’m preparing for a fashion event or collaborating with our artisans. And then there are the quieter days—walking with our little poodle, Pluto, or catching up with friends over co ee.”
Inspiration, she says, often flows from these in-between spaces—from the people she meets to the stillness of an ordinary afternoon. “My son grew up alongside this dream, and even from afar, he continues to be part of its spirit.”
Aleena credits her support system—her husband, business partner, close friends, and team—for making the juggle possible. “My routines aren’t rigid, but I try to begin each day with intention and end it grounded, whether the hours in between are filled with family, design, or both. If there’s one lesson this path continues to teach me, it’s this: presence is the real balance—and everything else finds its place around that.”
That sense of grounded intention is what powers House of Alkara forward. Rooted in traditional techniques like acid painting or block printing or brocade weaving, but reimagined through a modern lens, each piece tells a story. “It’s not just about using traditional motifs,” Aleena says, “it’s about honoring the spirit behind them—and giving them new life.
She envisions House of Alkara not only as a fashion brand but also as a movement of creativity, authenticity, and global community. Her ideal client, the “Alkara woman,” is confident and intentional—someone who chooses artful pieces that reflect her spirit and spark conversation. “She doesn’t chase trends,” Aleena says. “She creates her own rhythm.”
That same rhythm has guided Aleena through every milestone—from her first sketches to New York Fashion Week just two years after founding
Alkara. And while runway shows and major collaborations have marked her growth, the most powerful moments remain deeply personal: when someone puts on a piece of her work and feels transformed. “That’s when I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
And so, Aleena Dhar’s story continues—one that is deeply personal, fiercely creative, and proudly anchored in Great Falls. Through House of Alkara, she invites the world to see art not as something confined to galleries, but as something to be worn, lived in, and cherished.
Because in the end, for Aleena, life itself is a living canvas—and every brushstroke, every thread, every shimmering stone, is part of a beautiful, evolving masterpiece.
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By ELAINA MERCATORIS - Founder Principia Education
With many top colleges—Harvard, Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, and others—bringing back SAT/ACT requirements, it's more important than ever to have a testing strategy. While the SAT and ACT are treated equally by admissions o ices, they’re not interchangeable for students. Choosing the right test and planning your o icial exams with intention can make a big di erence in your performance—and your peace of mind.
WHICH TEST IS THE BETTER FIT?
At Principia Education, we start every student with fulllength diagnostic tests for both the SAT and ACT. These mimic real test conditions, spotlight strengths and weaknesses, and help us determine which test best suits each student’s pace and problem-solving style. Here are some key di erences:
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Pacing and Format
The digital SAT runs 2 hours and 14 minutes with 98 questions across two sections: Reading & Writing (about 1 minute 11 seconds per question) and Math (about 1 minute 35 seconds per question). It’s adaptive, so your performance on the first module of each section determines the di iculty of the second.
The ACT lasts just over two hours (plus an optional 40-minute science section) with 121 questions. While the new enhanced ACT is more similar to the SAT than it was before, there are still clear di erences. For one, it’s not adaptive and includes separate English and Reading sections. The ACT also moves faster—just 42 seconds per question on the English section, for instance—and is available in both digital and paper formats, making it a good choice for students who prefer paper-based testing
Content and Style
The SAT emphasizes reasoning and abstract problemsolving, especially in algebra and reading comprehension. It’s a good fit for students who enjoy multi-step thinking and deeper analysis.
The ACT is more straightforward and covers a broader range of math topics (including trigonometry and matrices). It suits students who work quickly or are eligible for extended time accommodations.
WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE THE TEST?
Once we’ve identified the better test, prep begins. We personalize every session to the student’s needs, using online and paper-based materials to match the real testing experience.
While early prep is helpful—especially for PSAT and National Merit goals—it’s not always a good idea to take an o icial exam in 9th or 10th grade, with schools like Carnegie Mellon University explicitly stating that they recommend students submit their 11th or 12th-grade test scores only. For athletes, though, testing earlier may be necessary to share scores with college recruiters.
We typically recommend:
• First o icial test: August or September of junior year
• Retakes (if needed): October-December, while the material is still fresh, or March SAT / February ACT for deeper review
Most students should take the test no more than three times. While most schools focus only on your highest score, others like Georgetown still ask for all scores. Eventually, there are also diminishing returns, and students could better use that time spent studying on other aspects to boost their college application. For college admissions planning, students can’t really confirm a college list or ED strategy until they know their standardized testing scores either, so it’s better to get it out of the way earlier rather than later.
Still unsure? Book a free consultation and take our diagnostic tests to find out which exam is right for you. Visit www.principiaeducation.com to get started.
© Best Version Media
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How the SBA Can Fuel Your Success
By ANDREW KUBE
Did you know the federal government has $5 million set aside for your business? That’s right– the Small Business Administration, or SBA, has money allocated for every small business and entrepreneur to help them start, grow, or franchise their business. Here is your how-to guide on fueling the success of your business through the SBA:
There are multiple programs available to you. Here are the two most popular:
The 7(a) Loan Program is the SBA’s primary business loan program, with a maximum of $5 million per loan. In order to be eligible for a 7(a) loan, you must have an operating business in the U.S., show a profit, not be a type of ineligible business (see guidelines), and have good credit. With your 7(a) loan, you can acquire, refinance, or improve real estate for your business, have access to short and long-term working capital, refinance current debt that your business has, purchase and install any machinery or equipment needed for your business, and more!
The 504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation. The maximum loan amount for a 504 loan is $5.5 million, with options for multiple loans. A 504 loan di ers from a 7(a) loan as it cannot be used for working capital or inventory, debt consolidation or refinancing, or rental investment. However, it can be used for the purchase or construction of existing buildings or land, new facilities, long-term machinery and equipment, as well as the improvement or modernization of land, streets, utilities, parking lots and landscaping, and other existing
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facilities. To be eligible, you must operate as a for-profit company in the U.S., and have an average net income of less than $6.5 million after federal income taxes for the two years preceding your application, along with the other standards of having qualified management expertise, a feasible business plan, good character and the ability to repay the loan.
Finding the right lender can be stressful, especially when there are so many to choose from. U.S. Commercial & Business can help you take the stress out of this process and work to find you the best loan. Let us find you the best interest rate, lowest down payment, cheapest cost, and best terms! Visit www.uscbcapital.com or call Andrew at (727) 296-8650 today for more information about the SBA and how we can help you make your American Dream a reality!
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Preparing for Life After the Exit
The Emotional and Financial Considerations Owners Forget to Plan For
By ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES Business Coach Certi昀椀ed Mergers & Acquisitions Professional
For many business owners, selling their company represents decades of hard work, sacrifice, sweat, tears and perseverance. While much of the focus in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) tends to center on maximizing valuation, negotiating deal terms, and ensuring a smooth transition, one of the most overlooked, yet critical aspects is what comes after the sale.
The reality is that life after selling your company can feel both exhilarating and disorienting. Owners often find themselves facing not just financial adjustments, but deep emotional challenges as well. Preparing for this new chapter requires just as much thoughtful planning as the sale itself
THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF EXITING
To its owner, a business is rarely “just a business”. It often embodies personal identity, purpose, and community connections. When that is suddenly gone, owners can experience a surprising sense of loss or even grief. Common emotional hurdles include:
• Loss of identity: For years, you may have introduced yourself as “the owner of ABC Company.” Once you no longer hold that title, the question “What do you do?” can become unexpectedly di icult to answer.
• Disrupted routine: Entrepreneurs are used to highenergy, fast-paced days. The sudden free time can lead to feelings of emptiness or restlessness. THE SLOW DOWN CAN BE EMOTIONALLY PAINFUL
• Separation anxiety: Many owners feel deeply tied to their employees, clients, and community. Letting go can feel like leaving a family behind, this takes mental preparation especially for owners who have no remaining ties to their companies.
Addressing these feelings in advance — through coaching, talking with other exited entrepreneurs, or working with advisors — can help prepare you for the transition.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: BEYOND THE DEAL PRICE
While a liquidity event is financially transformative, it also requires careful planning to ensure long-term security and fulfillment. Key financial considerations include:
• Creating a post-exit financial plan: Work with a wealth advisor to build a strategy for investing proceeds, creating an income stream, and mitigating taxes. This is essential to preserving wealth and supporting your next life goals.
• Tax e iciency: Taxes can dramatically reduce your net proceeds if not carefully planned for ahead of the sale. Strategies such as charitable trusts, qualified small
business stock (QSBS) exemptions, or installment sales can help optimize your outcome (wealth managers are a great resource to discuss these strategies with)
• Philanthropy and legacy planning: Many former owners feel called to give back after an exit. Structuring charitable giving or establishing a family foundation can be both meaningful and financially e icient.
PLANNING FOR PURPOSE
There is no question that selling your business provides an opportunity to redefine what success and fulfillment look like. Some former owners choose to:
• Start a new venture or become an investor
• Mentor
• Focus on family and personal passions
• Engage more deeply in community or charitable work
• Pursue hobbies and travel
No matter what you envision, It’s critical to start considering these possibilities before the sale. Without a sense of purpose, the post-exit freedom that seemed so appealing can quickly feel like a void.
START EARLY
A successful exit is not just a transaction — it’s a life transition. If you’re considering selling your business in the next few years, start building your post-exit plan today. Your future self will thank you.
For more information, visit www.NovaBusinessInquiry. com or contact Erika Baez-Grimes,Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional at Erika@ ErikatheBroker.Com or 804.750.3008.
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A Powerful Message of Self-Acceptance BEYOND POP CULTURE:
By VAISHNAVI KULKARNI
courtesy of MARI ROBINSON
Movies have long held the power to entertain while also delivering timely reality checks. They reflect our hopes, fears, and identities— often revealing truths about ourselves we’ve yet to confront.
Filmmaker Mari Robinson understands this power well and wields it with care in her latest project, Ultimate Bias: Jpop vs Kpop, a film that explores identity, belonging, and self-acceptance.
“Film is a way for me to say something,” Mari explains. “To ask, ‘Have you felt rejected by your own people? Have you felt alone?’”
These personal and universal questions drive her storytelling.
Mari’s identity is shaped by her bicultural upbringing—her mother a Japanese singer and her father a U.S. GI. “There are parts of me that are very Japanese… and another half that’s very American,” she shares. That cultural complexity led her to roles at companies like Sony and Nintendo, where she often bridged cultural gaps. Now, she uses film to do the same.
With Ultimate Bias, Mari targets young audiences, particularly teens navigating identity conflicts. “Many children have a hard time feeling accepted,” she says. “The film doesn’t o er all the answers, but it does o er connection and starts a conversation.”
Set in a fictional Japanese immersion school in McLean, Virginia, the story follows four ethnically diverse teens who unite through a Jpop dance team. Each character wrestles with unique cultural challenges:
• Misa, the perfect Japanese “it” girl, feels su ocated by expectations.
• Crash, a rebellious Japanese-American, suspects a rival Kpop team spy.
• Sooyun, a Korean girl raised in Japan, is criticized for embracing Japanese culture.
• Jin, a Black student born and raised in Japan, longs for acceptance. Their journey toward a dance competition becomes a deeper exploration of bias, identity, and the power of community. Inspired by real interviews with “Third Culture Kids,” the film explores cultural tension—particularly between Japanese and Korean identities—while promoting empathy and understanding. Mari was committed to casting actors who could authentically represent their roles. “Every actor in the school is Japanese,” she notes, emphasizing ethical accuracy.
For instance, Sanika, who plays Jin, brought her own experience of not being accepted in Japan to her role. Similarly, Goshi, of Japanese-Korean heritage, o ered depth to his character, Tok, further enriching the film’s cultural commentary.
Despite budget limitations, Ultimate Bias was a true community project. Mari assembled a dedicated team who believed in the film’s message. “Every single actor had a personal experience of not feeling seen or accepted,” she says. That shared vulnerability created a familial atmosphere on set, where actors supported each other—washing costumes, teaching Japanese customs, and building bonds that lasted beyond the shoot.
Mari also had to navigate cultural hesitancy. “Fear was the shocker,” she recalls, describing how fear of the unfamiliar sometimes slowed support. Yet through transparency and mutual respect, the cast and crew embraced the project’s mission wholeheartedly.
The film’s title is a clever play on words. “‘Bias’ refers both to the prejudices characters confront and the K-pop term for a favorite artist,” Mari explains. It’s a reflection of how Ultimate Bias blends pop culture with meaningful social insight.
Ultimately, the film encourages viewers—especially teens—to build community around acceptance rather than conformity. “I want young people to feel they have a say, no matter where they live,” Mari says. While her stories often feature Japanese culture, her goal is universal: to give voice to those who feel unseen.
With Ultimate Bias, Mari Robinson has created more than a film— she’s sparked a conversation, o ered solidarity, and opened the door for deeper understanding.
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