EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
© Best Version Media
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
COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT
Emily Grubel | Great Falls Aesthetics (703) 495-3688 | greatfalls-aesthetics.com
REAL ESTATE BROKER
Puneet Bhagi | Ikon Realty 703-346-2293 | www.ikonrealtydmv.com
LUXURY JEWELRY
Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com
PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS
Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodontics 703-790-1320 | www.islandchildrensdentistry.com
BUSINESS BROKER
Erika Baez-Grimes | Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional - The BPH Group, LLC 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
LIGHT MANAGEMENT & HOME COMFORT EXPERTS
Tsykhnenko Viktoriia & Marina Leonova | New Blackout (571) 245 5744 | www.newblackout.com
FASHION & STYLE
Aleena Dhar | House of Alkara info@houseofalkara.com | www.houseofalkara.com
PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST, LASH ARTIST
Jennifer N. Phung | Touch of Beauty Inc. (301) 346-3098 | MyTouchOfBeauty.com
© Best Version Media
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Designer: Hannah Argall
Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
ADVERTISING
Contact: Gloria Fonseca
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.
(5
As we welcome November, I find myself reflecting on all there is to be thankful for—our families, our neighbors, and the incredible sense of community that makes Great Falls such a special place to call home.
On this month’s cover, we’re proud to feature Puneet Bhagi, a true family man who embodies the spirit of Great Falls. His love for this community runs deep, and that same devotion shines through in his professional life.
As we embrace this season of gratitude, I also invite you to experience the Thomas Pandolfi Concert, supporting the mission projects of the Faith and Fellowship Women’s Circle, both here at home and abroad. The concert will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Great Falls United Methodist Church—a beautiful way to celebrate community, music, and giving back.
From my family to yours, I wish you a November filled with warmth, joy, and gratitude.
With appreciation,
BY ANDREA SIMON SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATOR
Meet Puneet Bhagi, Owner of Ikon Realty
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by TATIANA DOVE
What Really Matters
Like so many of our neighbors, the Bhagi family was drawn to Great Falls for its natural beauty, peaceful pace, and strong sense of community. The long walks through the trails, the appreciation for nature, and the values that bind this town together are what make Great Falls such a special place to call home.
For Puneet Bhagi, his wife Deepa Gill, and their children Ajeet (5) and Preet (18 months), life here has been everything they hoped for and more since settling in the community in 2019. They quickly embraced the quiet charm and neighborly warmth that make Great Falls feel like family.
The Bhagi family loves spending time outdoors, whether walking along the Potomac River, hiking at Great Falls Park, or joining friends for Concerts on the Green. “There’s something truly special about watching your children grow up surrounded by nature,” Puneet shares. “It feels like a peaceful retreat, yet we’re still just minutes from the energy of Washington, D.C.”
When they’re not exploring the area, the family enjoys playing golf and tennis, visiting local farms and markets, and hosting relaxed gatherings with friends and neighbors. For them, home is about connection, comfort, and simple moments spent together.
For Puneet, home is more than a place; it is a feeling built on family, connection, and purpose. “It’s a place where integrity, hard work, and respect still mean something,” he says. “Neighbors know each other, and people look out for one another. It’s a rare balance of tranquility and togetherness.”
To him, being part of the Great Falls community means belonging to something lasting. “It’s about more than just living here,” he explains. “It’s about contributing to a culture that values family, privacy, and stewardship.”
Ikon Realty: Personalized Service with Integrity
That same definition of home is carried into Puneet’s professional life. As a Broker and Owner/CEO of Ikon Realty, licensed in DC, MD, VA, WV, and NC, Puneet ventured to set up his boutique real estate firm with 135 top-tier realtors to help others build their own foundations of stability and legacy. Puneet views each transaction as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
“My father taught me that real estate isn’t just about selling homes,” he says. “It’s about helping families change their lives. Following in his footsteps has been incredibly meaningful.
In a competitive and fast-moving market, Puneet and his Realtors stand out as they take a personalized and data-informed approach. Puneet’s vision of Ikon Realty has always been to understand each client’s goals and lifestyle to ensure every decision aligns with their long-term vision. “It’s not about closing a deal,” he notes. “It’s about helping clients make informed, confident choices that add value to their lives.”
His work spans the entire DMV and West Virginia region, from the historic charm of Georgetown to the sweeping estates of Loudoun County. “Each area has its own rhythm,” Puneet explains. “Helping clients navigate those nuances keeps me connected and inspired.”
What distinguishes Puneet and his firm is a combination of local expertise, discretion, and exceptional client service. “We o er luxury service without the excess,” he says. “Clients receive the same, if not better, level of care and marketing exposure as with larger brokerages, but with the flexibility, transparency, and trust of a boutique firm.”
© Best Version Media
A Client Who Inspired a Legacy
One of Puneet’s most memorable experiences involved helping a young couple expecting their first child make a life-changing move. The couple had been in the market for nearly 18 months with another realtor, searching for the perfect place to settle down. When they connected with Puneet, he knew he could make a di erence.
Leveraging his o -market connections and deep roots in the community, Puneet identified an ideal home in Great Falls closer to the couple’s parents’ house. He worked e ciently to close in less than 60 days, just before the arrival of their baby. This move allowed the new parents to benefit from their grandparents’ support during one of life’s most precious times, all while being near the home she grew up in.
Helping this couple find their perfect home—closer to family and ready to begin their new chapter—was truly fulfilling for Puneet.
Experiences like that remind me why I do this work. Real estate is about helping people achieve dreams and create lasting impact.”
We would like to thank Nadia Khan Estates for bringing you this month’s cover story.
With a proven track record of over $100 million in career sales volume, I am your trusted advisor in the world of luxury real estate. Recognized by distinguished publications like Arlington Magazine, I combine local expertise with global reach through a network of 90,000 agents in 24 international markets, ensuring your property receives unparalleled exposure.
Your home will be featured on over 80 premier platforms, including Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and Luxury Estate, while my cutting-edge marketing—complete with professional HDR photography, cinematic videography, and targeted online advertising ensures your home is seen by thousands of qualified buyers across digital and social platforms.
For those seeking their next home or investment, I specialize in sourcing off-market properties and negotiating with precision.
Achieve your goals with confidence and ease— curated by Nadia Khan.
© Best Version Media
Looking Ahead
As the real estate market continues to evolve, Puneet remains focused on the trends shaping the region—from the growing demand for homes with more land and flexible layouts to an increasing interest in sustainable and energy-e cient living. His advice for today’s buyers and investors is simple: “Know your ‘why’ before your ‘where.’ Let your goals guide your choices, not the market noise.”
Puneet’s professional vision is deeply rooted in Great Falls. He aims to continue serving as a trusted advisor in one of the area’s most sought-after markets while collaborating with local builders and architects to create unique opportunities for his clients.
Beyond real estate, he is passionate about giving back to the community that means so much to his family. He supports local schools, equestrian programs, and conservation e orts that preserve the beauty and character of Great Falls.
“My wife and kids are my biggest motivation,” he shares. “They remind me every day why it’s so important to work hard, stay grounded, and lead with integrity. Great Falls isn’t just where we live; it’s where we’re building our
For Puneet Bhagi, success is not measured by numbers, but by the relationships he builds and the
© Best Version Media
“Over the years, we’ve realized that tutoring, test prep, and college consulting are all interconnected,” say co-owners Oliver and Elaina. “Families want one trusted place to guide their students from start to finish, and that’s exactly what we’ve built.”
A BALANCED PARTNERSHIP IN LEADERSHIP
Oliver and Elaina bring complementary strengths to the table: he’s the big-picture strategist leading the college consulting division, while she ensures that daily operations run seamlessly. Oliver’s experience at Princeton and in private school environments gives him insight into what top-tier institutions look for, while Elaina’s journalism background instilled in her the art of collaboration and clear communication. Together, they’ve cultivated a company that blends strategy with empathy, one that helps families feel supported every step of the way.
Principia Education
Guiding Students Toward Authentic Success
By CASEY WHITMORE | Photos by MYRTLE ROY
GUIDING STUDENTS TOWARD AUTHENTIC SUCCESS
Inside Principia Education’s McLean headquarters, there’s a sense of calm focus, the kind that comes from knowing you’re in capable hands. Founded on the belief that every student’s path is unique, Principia Education provides families with personalized, comprehensive guidance that extends from elementary school through the college application process. Whether it’s mastering a challenging subject, building an authentic résumé, or writing a college essay that reflects genuine character, Principia is redefining what it means to educate with purpose.
FROM COFFEE SHOPS TO A COMMUNITY INSTITUTION
What began as a small tutoring e ort, meeting students at co ee shops and kitchen tables throughout the DMV, has grown into one of Northern Virginia’s most respected education consultancies. Since opening its McLean location in 2017, Principia Education has expanded primarily through word-of-mouth, a testament to the relationships it’s built with families. Today, their team of over 40 instructors supports students across all K–12 subjects and beyond, helping them thrive academically and personally.
VALUES THAT SHAPE EVERY INTERACTION
At Principia, three guiding values influence every decision:
• Client Delight – Families are at the heart of everything they do. From quick communication to celebrating milestones, Principia goes the extra mile to make families feel heard and cared for.
• Growth Mindset – Education is constantly evolving, and the team embraces that change with curiosity and innovation.
• Self & Situational Awareness – Principia meets students and families where they are, tailoring support to each unique personality and goal.
These values ensure that every partnership, whether short-term tutoring or multi-year college consulting, feels personal and purposeful.
PROGRAMS THAT EMPOWER
Principia Education o ers a full spectrum of services, including:
• Academic tutoring across all major K–12 subjects
• Test preparation for the SAT, ACT, TJHSST, SSAT, and HSPT
• College consulting and multi-year concierge packages covering everything from course selection and summer programs to essay development and interview preparation
Their individualized approach means no two journeys are the same. One standout example is Ayla, a Madeira School student whose passion for sustainability evolved into a nonprofit upcycling discarded bread into dog treats. Under Principia’s mentorship, she combined leadership with research opportunities at George Mason University and the USDA, ultimately earning admission to her dream school, Cornell University.
Stories like Ayla’s exemplify Principia’s philosophy: helping students discover their “why” and empowering them to pursue it authentically.
© Best Version Media
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Principia’s commitment extends beyond academics. Three times a year, the entire sta dedicates a day to volunteering with local organizations such as Lands and Waters, Food for Others, and FACETS, giving back to the Fairfax County community that has supported them for years. “We love seeing our students grow, but we also love seeing our community thrive,” says Elaina.
A PLACE FAMILIES CAN TRUST
As education rapidly evolves, whether through digital SAT changes, new AP courses, or the influence of AI, Principia remains focused on what endures: the human connection between mentor and student. The company recently published its first SAT textbook, with an advanced version and an ACT edition on the horizon. Each new initiative reinforces their mission to make quality education more accessible and impactful.
For Oliver and Elaina, success isn’t just measured by test scores or acceptance letters. It’s about confidence, curiosity, and longterm relationships, values that extend to their sta as well. Principia o ers benefits like parental leave and fosters a culture of consistency and care. “We make the same long-term investment in our instructors that we do in our students,” Elaina says.
Above all, the pair hopes that when families walk through Principia’s doors, they immediately feel a sense of relief and trust. “We want them to know we’ve got this,” Oliver adds. “That they’re not alone, and that together, we’ll help their student find their path.”
© Best Version Media
Golden Hearts in Great Falls
By ELLE PARKER
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from wagging tails and golden fur—and for over 40 years, Sandy Selander has been sharing that joy with families across the region. Right here in Great Falls, Sandy is the devoted breeder behind Online Goldens, where champion Golden Retrievers are raised with love, care, and an unwavering commitment to the breed’s gentle spirit.
Founded in 1980, Online Goldens is more than a kennel—it’s a haven. Nestled on five acres of lush Great Falls land, the dogs enjoy indoor and outdoor runs, enclosed grass play areas, and even their very own swimming pool for exercise and fun. Each Golden is treated like family and bred in accordance with the American Kennel Club’s standards for health, temperament, and beauty.
Over the years, Sandy’s Goldens have earned obedience and performance titles, in addition to American, Canadian, and Australian championships. Yet their greatest reward lies in their temperament—the loyal, loving nature that makes Golden Retrievers such cherished companions. With a new litter on the way (Candy’s X-ray is scheduled for November 6), excitement is in the air. In fact, most puppies are typically spoken for within just two weeks!
and
If you’ve ever dreamed of welcoming a Golden into your life, now may be the perfect time to connect with this longtime Great Falls breeder who has turned a lifelong passion into a legacy of love.
Online Goldens – Great Falls, Virginia onlinegoldens@cox.net ☎ (703) 450-1897 onlinegoldens.com
1. This is the mommy: CH Sunbolyn’s Trick or Treat CD JH WC (Candy)
2. This is the daddy: Am Can Grand Champion Australian Supreme Champion Nautilus Great Barrier Reef at Online CD JH WC CGCU (Barry)
Premium Motorized Shades, Blinds & Drapery Modern, sleek and made-to-measure for your space.
Discover the perfect balance of style & functionality.
and Commercial
Lash & Permanent Makeup Studio
Jennifer Phung is a talented Lash Artist and Permanent Makeup Artist with extensive certifications in cosmetics and beauty applications. She graduated from the Effortless Beauty School of Permanent Cosmetics and Tattooing, and holds advanced training from Xtreme Lashes and MyBrows Academy.
Voted Best Eyelash Extensions Provider (2017) and Best Eyebrow Services (2019) by Northern Virginia Magazine, Jennifer is known for her detailed artistry, excellent customer care, and her ability to listen closely to clients.
mytouchofbeauty.com
10130 Colvin Run Rd, Suite C Great Falls, VA 22066
301-346-3098
jennifer@mytouchofbeauty.com
Langley High School Seniors Shine at Homecoming
By DANI BANEGAS | Photos by MAURICIO CORDEIRO
It truly takes a village, and Great Falls showed up in style! A group of 46 Langley High School seniors gathered for a beautiful pre-Homecoming dinner hosted by the Garrison family at their Great Falls residence. Parents came together to create a magical evening complete with twinkling fairy lights, elegant florals, and joyful laughter that filled the air.
From the stunning décor to the sense of camaraderie, every detail reflected the spirit of friendship, teamwork, and celebration that defines this close-knit community. It was a night to remember for students and parents alike, proof that when Great Falls comes together, every moment shines a little brighter.
© Best Version Media
A Celebration of Strength and Elegance
The Golden Lattice and Fearless Rose Dresse
ALEENA DHAR, Style Advisor and Founder of House of Alkara
celebrates the modern woman—elegant, strong, and unapologetically herself—through two signature designs: the Golden Lattice Dress with Bolero and the Fearless Rose Organza Dress.
THE FEARLESS ROSE
Designed in pure black organza silk, this dress features a hand-painted rose— symbolic of courage and beauty. Light sequins, pu ed sleeves, and a defined V-neckline create strength in silhouette and softness in movement. Like the rose itself, the Alkara woman is delicate in charm yet powerful in spirit.
A marriage of precision and femininity, this white and gold ensemble features French-inspired Richelieu cutwork and hand-embroidered sequins. Paired with a tailored bolero jacket, it blends French refinement, Spanish flair, and Indian craftsmanship—reflecting women who gracefully carry heritage into the
Together, these pieces express Alkara’s vision: fashion as wearable art—rooted in heritage, refined by hand, and inspired by women who lead with grace and strength.
Elevate Your Everyday
Crafted by Artisans, Inspired by You! Crafted by Artisans, You! Timeless Jewelry for the Modern Muse Timeless the Modern Muse
© Best Version Media
WHERE PRECISION MEETS LUXURY
Step into a sanctuary where dentistry transcends expectations
Aurelia Dental Boutique, a leading destination for oral and dental care in Northern Virginia helmed by Dr. Shervin Tabeshfar, a highly esteemed prosthodontist recognized nationally and internationally. With advanced training spanning from simple fillings to complex full-mouth reconstructions and transformative smile makeovers and dental implants, the fantastic duo of Dr. T and his wife and hygienist extraordinaire Marieh help ensure exceptional careandthemarriageofform,function,beautyandwellness.
Aurelia o ers individually curated treatments, dental prophylaxis and preventive care, Al-assisted diagnostics
& digital scans, 3D printed appliances and prosthetics, digitally planned and guided implant dentistry, sedation dentistry, painless injections and laser dentistry. Our elite team delivers artistry and mastery in every procedure paired with plush luxurious and opulent surroundings, curated refreshments, and a tranquil experience. This is not your typical dental o ce; it’s a destination, retreat, and revolution in oral care.
Opening November 2025 in beautiful Lansdowne, Virginia, be amongst the first to experience dentistry and luxury combined and reimagined.
