Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine March 2024

HAYMARKET/ GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE

It’s Read Across America Week!

They’ve Got Roots in Prince William County Spring into Fitness

More than Landscapers

Lakeside Tree and Landscape Loves this Community

Quality care means excellent care when you need it most.

When emergencies occur, every minute matters. We’re here to take great care of you when you need us. As an accredited Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center, we provide 24/7 emergency care close to home. Part of our commitment to you is to create a health system you can count on today and for generations to come.

To learn more, visit FauquierHealth.org

FROM THE EDITOR

Just this morning I was on the phone with Pam Kamphuis, editor of Warrenton Lifestyle, and she was asking me some questions about this month’s food feature, March, Leprechauns, and the Easter Bunny by Karla Seidita. Specifically, she wanted to know if I understood some of the directions for making the homemade filled Easter eggs. “Honestly,” I replied, “no. I almost never understand any recipe. I’m not even allowed in the kitchen.”

Karla is incredible, so I’m relatively certain the recipe is clear. I hope you enjoy making those eggs. I’ll be buying some at the supermarket, probably while picking up another plant I’ll kill. Clearly my domestic talents know no bounds.

In any case, Happy Spring and Happy Easter!

EDITOR

Susan McCorkindale

HAYMARKET / GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE

The Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 15,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Haymarket/ Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustration, or photograph is strictly forbidden. ©2024 Rappahannock Media LLC.

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Dunk Tank Challenge

Studio

$50 for 6 balls for a chance to dunk.

BY CARYLEE CARRINGTON

BY MICHELLE PAIS

BY GRACE SCHUMACHER

BY BETH LUNA

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA

BY JENNIFER WALDERA

GINA MICHAK

De-stress, dance, and more this month to do list

Monday’s are tough. Take the stress down a notch at CraftWorx Taproom in Gainesville when you catch JAZZWORX BIG BAND every Monday night from 7-9 p.m. Yep. You can start your week swingin’ every Monday night! 5615 Wellington Rd., Gainesville

Kick off St Patrick's Day weekend with yoga! Instructor Ginny Blair leads an all level FLOW YOGA class that ends with a green beer! Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Salamander Resort and Spa. 500 North Pendleton St., Middleburg. Tickets are $35. Purchase here: http://tinyurl.com/yek338zc

Friday, March 22, 6-8 p.m. hit the Winery at Bull Run for LINE DANCING LESSONS with Karen from Boom Fitness. Learn country, hip hop, and pop! Tickets, boots and experience not required. Come out for wine, cider, and boot scootin' fun! The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Hwy., Centreville.

If you’ve always wanted to do something significant for children with cancer, this is your chance to SHAVE THE DAY. Join the stylists of Studio B Salon and Beauty Bar at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run on Saturday, March 23, 1-6 p.m. There will be live music, brews, and the opportunity to be a hero for sick kids by having your head shaved. Prefer to show your support with a monetary donation? You can do that, too! Be there for the fun and all the feels. 16015 John Marshall Hwy.,Broad Run

Lose yourself in the self-portraits and colorful abstracts of 22 local artists at ME, MYSELF, AND I: ARTFUL INTERPRETATIONS, hosted through March 16 by Crossroads Arts Alliance at the Haymarket Museum. 15025 Washington Street, Haymarket. For hours, visit: crossroadsartsalliance.org/calendar-3/

The Virginia National Ballet presents an updated revival of “CINDERELLA” on March 16 at Capital One Hall in Tysons. Revel in the orchestral score by Sergei Prokoviev composed in 1944, and the new choreography by Rafik Hegab, the ballet’s artistic director. Sierra Stipetich dances the title role of Cinderella, and her Prince Charming is performed by Aaron Smyth, who won third place in “Australia’s Got Talent.” For tickets, visit virginianationalballet.org/events/

Get ready for a blast from the past! Come out for Trouvaille Brewing Company's MOVIE NIGHT featuring "Empire Records"! Wednesday, March 20, 7-9 p.m. Come out for a night of cinematic nostalgia, free movie theatre popcorn, craft beer, and delicious candy. “Empire Records” is a cult classic. Save the date and relive the fun with your friends! 14650 Washington St., Haymarket

Join FIT4MOM for a free INTRO TO BOOST HIIT WORKOUT! Enjoy a 60-minute intro HIIT workout for moms followed by great conversation and beautiful views from the Winery at La Grange. 4950 Antioch Rd., Haymarket. Please RSVP by enrolling in Pike13 here: tinyurl.com/2mhy9afh

BOOGIE

SAVOR

SWEAT

Purpose-Driven Travel

Expanding students’ access to the world

By Tutt Stapp-McKiernan

“The idea [is] not just traveling to be a tourist, but traveling to say What can we learn about this? and What can we learn about our world around us?”

— CASEY CARTER

According to Casey Carter, faculty member and international studies leader at Wakefield School in The Plains, one of the many changes to which schools have had to adjust in a post-COVID world is the drop in international students seeking to attend secondary school abroad. And that, he says, has an effect on students here: How to ensure that our students continue to “have the opportunity to interact with other cultures, other parts of the world, other perspectives?”

As is often the case, his search for solutions is yielding ideas for Wakefield that go well beyond the previous status quo.

Wakefield has a long tradition of providing opportunities for international travel over spring breaks. But when Mr. Carter assumed a leadership role with global education programs two years ago, he and Wakefield Head of School, Ashley Harper, agreed that “global education” could refer to “something else— something that is more than just a trip.”

With extensive prior experience in student international travel, Mr. Carter began where

good educators always begin: with listening to students, both Wakefield’s handful of international students and its local students itching to travel and learn. Through these discussions, he envisioned going beyond the parameters imposed by each year’s one-week spring break and offering students more opportunities—ones that included both longer stays, and access to more far-flung destinations.

He also envisioned travel that had more direct connection to students' academic pursuits, allowing travel and first-hand experience of the world to make classroom lessons come alive and awaken genuine curiosity.

Initial steps towards these goals have included last year's trip with Wakefield Science Department Chair Dr. Vickie Miller to the Galapagos Islands, where students did hands-on turtle conservation work and supported local efforts to preserve and protect the Galapagos ecosystem. This spring, a whopping 32 students will be traveling to Greece over break, a trip structured to take full advantage of its dovetailing with Upper

School students’ study of World Civ, as well as Latin.

Looking forward, though, Mr. Carter has created a three-prong structure to complement spring break travels, to contain the broader and deeper opportunities and connections he heard students yearning for.

This past fall saw the fulfillment of a longplanned immersion program for students from Guatemala, facilitated through the Guatemala-based organization “Faces in Culture.” For seven weeks in October and November, three Guatemalan Upper School students stayed with Wakefield host families and were full-time Wakefield students. In addition to taking classes, they painted a mural for the school and visited with various Lower School Spanish classes. “These were great kids who fit in beautifully with our school culture,” Mr. Carter says. “We will be looking to repeat this program next year” and in the years after.

Wakefield will soon launch a second initiative called “The Summer Scholars Program,” consisting of two-week sojourns abroad that will include an educational component and which can be taken as a half-credit Social Studies course. The inaugural Summer Scholars excursion is planned for South Korea and Japan; future journeys are in planning for Bavaria, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Guatemala and Belize—thus providing an opportunity to reconnect with years’ worth of Guatemalan students who will have been hosted at Wakefield by then.

Finally, Wakefield continues to look for opportunities both to host students from different countries and, specifically, to develop exchange programs that provide our students with reciprocal experiences abroad.

As Mr. Carter observes, “We participate in Model UN, we will offer AP Human Geography next year, Dr. Ponozzo teaches dual enrollment International Relations—we have components here to learn about the world outside of the U.S. and our role within the global community.” Yet, he maintains, purpose-driven travel remains essential.

“If we’re not going to be able to have [international] students here with us as much as we once did,” he says, “then the idea [is] us going the other way, of being able to go see things and learn…To me, ‘global education’ as travel is [our ensuring that we] provide our students with as many opportunities as we can.”

Upper School students recently traveled to the Galapagos to engage in tortoise monitoring, giant African snail removal, and microplastics surveying.

wellread

Celebrate Read Across America Week:

Championing Diversity in Children's Literature

BY CARYLEE CARRINGTON

As March begins, the anticipation for Read Across America Week intensifies, culminating in the iconic Dr. Seuss's birthday, March 2nd. This annual event serves as a nationwide celebration of reading, encouraging children to explore the enchanting world of literature. However, this year, the focus extends beyond the joy of reading itself; it delves into the crucial realm of diversity in children's literature.

The significance of diversity in literature cannot be overstated. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, it is imperative that children are exposed to stories that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and backgrounds that make up our global society. This is not just about representation; it's about fostering empathy, under-

To aid parents in diversifying their children’s libraries, here are ten exemplary books that showcase the beauty of diversity:

Last Stop on Market Street

BY MATT DE LA PEÑA

This picture book explores the wonders of a diverse urban landscape, emphasizing the beauty found in everyday moments.

The Day You Begin

BY JACQUELINE WOODSON

Jacqueline Woodson beautifully captures the feeling of being an outsider and the power of embracing one's unique story.

Everyone, Just Like Me

BY CARYLEE CARRINGTON

A heartwarming children's book celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity by showcasing the unique qualities of various children and emphasizing the common thread of humanity that unites them all.

Islandborn

BY JUNOT DÍAZ

Junot Díaz introduces young readers to the magic of imagination and the importance of remembering one's cultural roots.

Hair Love

BY MATTHEW A. CHERRY

This charming book celebrates the bond between a father and daughter as they navigate the challenges of styling her natural hair.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

BY IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD

Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad shares a powerful story about identity, pride, and the significance of wearing a hijab.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Carylee Carrington is the founder of Read With Carylee, based in Prince William County. Instrumental in promoting diverse children’s books and advocating for the inclusion of stories that resonate with the varied identities of young readers, Read With Carylee has taken the lead in fostering a love of reading while

Dreamers

BY YUYI MORALES

Yuyi Morales recounts her immigration journey, capturing the universal themes of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of libraries.

Malala's Magic Pencil

BY MALALA YOUSAFZAI Malala Yousafzai

shares her inspiring story, emphasizing the belief in the power of education and the ability to change the world.

The Name Jar

BY YANGSOOK CHOI

This book explores themes of identity and acceptance as a young girl embraces her Korean name in a new and unfamiliar environment.

A Different Pond

BY BAO PHI

Through a poignant narrative, Bao Phi illustrates the immigrant experience and the father-son bond forged during early morning fishing trips.

let us not only revel in the joy of reading but also recognize the transformative potential of diverse children’s literature.

standing, and a sense of belonging from an early age.

Diverse children's literature offers numerous benefits. It not only broadens children's perspectives but also helps break down stereotypes and fosters a sense of inclusivity. When children encounter characters from different backgrounds, they learn to appreciate differences and similarities, nurturing a mindset of acceptance and open-mindedness.

In celebrating this year’s Read Across America Week and turning the spotlight on the need for diversity in children's literature, we are not only honoring the legacy of Dr. Seuss but also acknowledging the evolving landscape of children's books. It is a call to action for parents, educators, and communities to actively seek out and promote diverse stories that reflect the world in all its vibrant hues.

As we embark on Read Across America Week this year, let us not only revel in the joy of reading but also recognize the transformative potential of diverse children’s literature. It is through stories that we shape the future, instilling in young minds the values of compassion, inclusivity, and a deep appreciation for the beautiful mosaic of humanity. L

Dr. Julia Krulla | Dr. Elizabeth Bauer

Edward Michel

Brittani Vickers CPNP-PC

2024 Summer Camps

Give Your Student A Unique Summer Experience!

Themed Camps

Storybook Camp, June 24-28, 9am - noon. Ages 4 & 5

Princesses & Pirates, July 8-12 9am - noon. Ages 5 - 7

Heros & Villians, Aug 5 - 9, 9am - noon. Ages 4-6

Shrek Jr, Theatre Intensive

July 15 - 26, 9am - 4pm

This summer we will be returning to our roots with a Summer Theatre Intensive camp. Join us for Shrek Jr.

Finding Nemo, Theatre Intensive with Fauquier High School

June 17 - 27 (M-TH)

This summer Allegro is excited to partner with Fauquier High School to present a Summer Intensive Camp. Join us for Finding Nemo.

MAD Skills Theatre

July 8 - 12, 1-4pm

This fast paced afternoon camp focuses on the 3 aspects of Musical Theatre - Music, Acting, Dancing. Each day students will explore a different show, giving them a wide range of styles.

Private Lessons

June 3 - Aug 2 Both in person and virtual lessons are available.

Spring into Fitness and Fun at Local Parks

FEATURE AND PHOTOS

BY MICHELLE PAIS

This special part of Virginia we get to call home is known and loved for several things, not the least of which is the beautiful change of seasons, picturesque scenery, rolling hills, rural farmland and open spaces.

Even with a mild winter, assuming we are not speaking too soon, the past two years there is still something spectacularly breathtaking about those first few weeks of spring. Warmer weather, more daylight, blooming flowers and emerging wildlife all combine and come together like a pastel paint brush to illuminate the whole world around us.

Spring in Virginia is a symphony of senses

to behold and the beauty and growth organically lends itself to renewed and reinvigorated sense of mind and body. Almost like some of the animals themselves, this change of seasons subtly coaxes us out of our own hibernation-like state with a warm and inviting welcome to get outside and seek adventure and activity.

Fortunately for us, an abundance of opportunity abounds right here in and around our community, including but not limited to hiking, cycling, running, walking, sports and recreation. Thanks to the neighboring settings in parallel to a landscape of local supporting businesses, endless possibilities exist when you endeavor to explore.

Among many options, our robust and ever-expanding park system speaks volumes to the increasing interest of a growing number of people who want to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.

On any given day year-round, springtime specifically, venture out to visit our parks and a picture perfect display befitting a postcard, puzzle or painting awaits. Dotting the countryside you will see families on bike rides, dogs enjoying walks, blankets outstretched along the sidelines of soccer games, walkers and runners off in the distance. Cheers and

laughter fill the air mingling with the sounds of birds chirping as the breeze gently rustles new leaves on bordering trees and puffy clouds dot the bright blue sky.

James S. Long Regional Park

Operated by Prince William County’s Parks & Recreation, James S. Long Regional Park directly off Route 15 in Haymarket hosts a medley of sports, teams and events including soccer, baseball, basketball and tennis. Boasting 230 acres, the park strikes the perfect balance between convenience in a centralized location alongside serenity of setting. With many characteristics worth celebrating, the nature of the park, quite literally, possibly tops the list complete with peaceful wooded trails, native plant habitats and adjacent creeks echoing nearby.

"James Long has seven soccer fields; four diamond fields with manual batting cages for training and warm up; two basketball courts; two tennis courts and a large, covered playground," said Lani Poblete, Public Relations Manager for Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation. "There are also four miles of wooded, natural surface trails through the park."

Silver Lake Regional Park

Also in Haymarket, the similarly sized not far away Silver Lake Regional Park just off Antioch Road offers rolling meadows, pine forests, miles of trails and, as the name suggests, a 23-acre lake. All of these things come together to offer an assortment of multi-purpose pas-

Silver Lake Regional Park

James S. Long Regional Park

sive recreation daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

"Silver Lake has a 23-acre lake fed by Little Bull Run Stream; a canoe and kayak launch (strictly for non-motorized boats); bank, pier and boat fishing (fishing licenses required); and four miles of multipurpose trails shared by equestrians and hikers," Poblete said.

Rollins Ford Park

Nearer to Gainesville, in Nokesville, the new Rollins Ford Park located off Vint Hill Road is nestled on 69 acres surrounded by both commercial development and residential communities that include nostalgic farmhouses and newer neighborhoods. With paved pathways, gentle rolling hills, numerous sports fields, basketball courts, multiple dog parks and pavilions it is perhaps the custom playground at this long-awaited park that most uniquely sets it apart. Bold and eye-catching structures as pretty as they are practical all share a common theme in celebrating local farming and agriculture along with the state as a whole, including a red cardinal.

"Rollins Ford Park is a place that offers something for everyone (the whole family/all ages)," Poblete said. "With its walking trail, custom playground, and three bay dog park for different sized dogs just to name a few of the features."

A playground as the focal point of a park is fitting when we pause to really reflect on what it means to get outside. When we think of enjoying the fresh air, taking in the sights and sounds and living a fit, healthy, active lifestyle it is worthwhile to look back and remember a time when perhaps this came as naturally to us as the great outdoors themselves. In our youth, it is possible we seamlessly gravitate to running and playing while enjoying time outside. Our parks possess this amazing ability to inspire nostalgia and childlike curiosity if we choose to embrace it. As such, it seems only natural that this new park pays homage not only to the rich pastoral history of the land but also to the fun and whimsy of what getting outside and having fun is really all about. Enjoy! L

Putting Down Roots

East Coast Collective Commits to Wellness in Prince William County

BY BETH LUNA

If you grow it, (and teach them), they will come… Manassas-based cannabis company and hemp dispensary East Coast Collective is on a mission.

“We are a seed to sale operation, meaning we grow, extract, and sell cannabis products,” said Jae Kwon, who handles marketing and outreach. “One of the best parts is seeing the relief in our customers eyes, and that drives us.” Their mission – "Elevating your wellness, through our industry leading standards and integrity embodied in our practices," comes to life with their focus on community, including organic farming and state-of-the-art processing using recycled CO2.

Founded in 2021 by friends Eric Spanbauer and Brett Gathier, alongside partners Tony Johnson, Coe DeBus, and Kwon, East Coast Collective is CBD focused, sourcing organic hemp extracts from their farms in Nokesville and testing with third-party labs to ensure premium CBD flower and high-quality edibles like CBD gummies for sleep, CBD skin and body salves for pain, and CBD oils made with organic hemp extracts, with a new chocolate bar product line added in February. Their retail space in Manassas features products on display at the register, and the online store ships to all 50 states.

“We reached out to hemp company Pure Shenandoah, and they helped us get the farm and retail started, and with the legal stuff,” Jae said. “The process to establish took one and a half years.” Additionally, the company sells in the grocery/wellness markets, spas, gyms, and smoke shops, with some of their larger clients including Massanutten Spas and Resorts and Friendly City Food Co-op. “We also like to work with small shops and enjoy giving back to the community,” he said. “We sell at markets and local events and have giveaways - we see an emerging market in Virginia, and we want to get people in the door, talk to them, and show them how these products provide relief on different levels.”

Born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in Fairfax County, Jae graduated from Lake Braddock High School with

The Montross CBD Hemp Biomass Grow Crew.

Courtesy photo

an ambition to help his community. He met fellow partner Coe in high school where they studied biology and health sciences, connecting again at NOVA as a business IT student and helping Coe, Eric, and Brett after their first harvest with marketing and outreach.

“Marijuana’s backlash is going away as we see more people being introduced to the world of potential benefits,” Jae said. “In Virginia, you are not yet allowed to grow or sell marijuana unless you are a medical dispensary,” he continued. “Cannabis is one of the most regulated industries; in the last three years there have been 3-4 law changes.” Jae comments that the medical companies lobby to regulate and protect their own profits. “Delta 8 THC was banned, mainly because manufacturers were using too much in products,” he said. “Last year, you could sell THC edibles, and now Virginia mandates that you put CBD in your edibles. The most difficult part of this business is the changing laws, and then our plans shifting and changing in reaction to those new laws. Other than that, all has been pretty smooth, and it’s really nice to be part of a community.”

East Coast Collective’s Gummies are a THC/CBD mixture; Virginia law allows gummies to be infused with THC as of July 1, 2023. “People are sometimes uneasy with the THC concentration,” Jai said. “CBD helps counteract anxiety with mood and stress relief, which helps customers and patients. THC creates more of a high, and the active component of the CDB is opposite - better mood, calm, relaxed.”

Partner and Occoquan resident Eric Spanbauer fell in love with growing plants while in high school, nurturing a garden of tomatoes and peppers and practicing various growing techniques. Eric studied horticulture technology at Northern Virginia Community College in Loudoun County, where he was president of the Horticulture Club. When hemp became legal in Virginia, he worked on a two-acre farm where he grew and managed a commercial CBD hemp flower operation, and there he met Brett Gathier. The two decided to lease their first farm together in Montross soon after.

Eric’s personal journey during a gap year helped him understand the benefits of cannabis and how it relates to mental health and stress, and he wanted to bring the same sense of relief to others.

“Cannabis is more than just a plant, it’s a catalyst for positive change,” Eric said. “It has the power to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and communities if we embrace its healing power. We can break down stereo -

Eric Spanbauer (left) and Brett Gauthier (right) at the farm in Montross. Photo by Chris Robins

A selection of East Coast Collective’s wellness products

East Coast Collective's Organic CBD Tincture Oil With Limonene

Each drop from this 30ml bottle of CBD Oil goodness is a step towards a more restful night with Limonene in your CBD. Whether you're winding down after a long day or seeking relief from discomfort, this Limonene CBD Oil is your ticket to

Orange Cream White Chocolate

A refreshing, dreamy, creamy orange flavor that melts in your mouth. Our beloved white chocolate bar line has expanded to include a classic orange cream flavor. Ten convenient 10mg THC break-apart pieces make up a delicious 100mg bar.

Organic CBD Salve

Perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone in need of muscle recovery, this Hemp Pain Salve is designed to be a part of your daily wellness routine. Not only does it aid in muscle recovery, but it also serves

East Coast Collective Organic CBD Lotion

East Coast Collective's Organic CBD Lotion is made with the highest quality ingredients, locally sourced Hemp and is specially formulated to provide targeted relief to your skin. With 8000mg of premium CBD, this powerful lotion can help to soothe and hydrate your skin while supporting your overall wellness.

types, promote wellness, and build a community that embraces the benefits of this remarkable plant.”

Brett, from Bristow, attended Patriot High School and earned his Business Management degree from Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas, where he also played on the club hockey team. He worked at Merrifield Garden Center and gained some management experience in the restaurant industry before meeting Eric on the farm. He also traveled through Europe while on a gap semester, and his first experience with Cannabis taught him that it can help with mood regulation and overall mental health.

“Cannabis means community,” Brett said. “It brings people from diverse backgrounds together, so they don’t need to speak the same language - it’s truly remarkable.” Brett serves as chief agricultural officer, handling more than 5000 plants covering over five acres.

Fredericksburg resident, Marine Corp veteran, and former Loudon County sheriff’s deputy Anthony (Tony) Johnson is an avid investor who works as a general manager in the car industry. A colleague introduced the idea of cannabis investments, and while personally never indulging in cannabis, Tony is a history buff and began studying the history of hemp in China. He looked for emerging cannabis companies in the region as CBD and hemp became federally legal, and ultimately went into business with East Coast Collective.

“As cannabis becomes normalized, this allows individuals to try CBD and THC without damaging their reputations,” Tony said. “Making it legal brings everyone the freedom to explore alternative and cheaper medicines that work.”

Fairfax County resident Coe DeBus attended Lake Braddock High and Northern Virginia Community College with a major in Horticulture Technologies. He met Eric in a NOVA class and joined East Coast Collective in their first commercial CBD hemp biomass operation in Montross. Initially studying biology to further his knowledge in health exercise sciences, he pivoted when hemp became federally legal, exploring the cause and effects of CBD on muscle and joint pain. His background in anatomy and physiology, paired with his passion for growing and nurturing plants from his work in landscaping created a natural fit in the CBD hemp space.

Additionally, during his time as a serious soccer player he suffered an ankle break that had him leaning on CBD balms that helped the pain like nothing else, and it occurred to him that this could be the solution to getting athletes back in action faster.

“We should look at Cannabis as an alternative. It offers a natural approach to health and wellness,” Coe said. “There is too much evidence on the benefits of CBD in healing muscle pain for us to not talk about it.”

The thread for the partners working in this business is wellness – they, through personal growth, have discovered the benefits of the products, and they have committed to sharing that knowledge. What comes next?

“We are applying for an adult use market, which is similar to recreational, but stores can open and sell the products,” shared Jai. “Virginia would have to legalize the sale of marijuana, but that should be coming.” L

To purchase or learn more, visit eastcoastcollective.com

Exceptional Service And a Commitment to Community Set LAKESIDE TREE AND LANDSCAPE Apart

ABY JENNIFER WALDERA

PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

fter years of doing tree work in Virginia, Joey Joyce founded Lakeside Tree and Landscape in Manassas in March of 2022. The following year, Joyce’s company won regional “Best Of” awards from both Inside NoVA and Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle for its outstanding work on anything from tree service and no-impact removal to stump grinding, landscaping, bush removal, power-washing, and fence or patio installation.

“Anything outside - if you can think of it, we do it,” said Joyce, who also repairs docks, floating docks, and boathouses

Based in Lake Jackson, Lakeside Tree

How good is Lakeside Tree and Landscape?

The reviews speak for themselves.

Joey and his team are the best and hardest working in the business. My husband and I hired them to take care of our commercial property in the Town of Haymarket. It needed a good cleanup and some trees removed. They did an outstanding job.”

ANDREA PAYNE, HAYMARKET

and Landscape serves the Northern Virginia area but has also completed work outside of the Commonwealth, in the Carolinas, Florida, and elsewhere. Joyce employs anywhere between five to 30 or more people on any given day, depending on the size of the project. But Joyce has a few who are the core of the team that ensure the business runs smoothly.

“Albert Miller is one of my supervisors -- he always shows up, he’s always on time, and he gives his all in everything he does. I can always count on him, he works his butt off, and he’s smart. [And] Billy Wiseman -- he’s a marketing genius. He has ideas that I can’t think of because he was a bar owner and bar manager, and he gives me ideas about how to give back to the community,” Joyce said.

Joyce also points to Andrew Kohne of Manassas as being an indispensable member of the Lakeside team, eager to take initiative, work hard, and build his skills.

“I couldn’t be here without them. Or without the support of Old Town - we wouldn’t be here without that.”

Joyce is eager to give back to the community that he credits for his success. He has helped to coordinate charitable giving to Boxes of Basics as part of a team that packed and donated 49 boxes to the organization. Said Sarah Tyndall, executive director of the nonprofit, “"Community support is paramount to Boxes of Basics' success. We are grateful for the support of Joey Joyce at Lakeside Tree and Landscape for championing our cause in fighting clothing insecurity.

Joey and Lakeside Tree and Landscape did a phenomenal job cutting down several trees for us. Reasonable prices and exceptional service! We are completely satisfied and will use them for all our lawn and landscaping needs.”

DEBORAH TRNKA, MARSHALL

Joey is one of the most precise, considerate, meticulous, forward-thinking, quick, and efficient professionals I’ve ever met. He goes above and beyond to execute your needs, with caution and safety at the forefront of his practice.”

TIFFANIE AUTUMNMARIE FORD, LAKE JACKSON

We couldn’t be happier with the professionalism, quality of work, fair pricing and timeliness of Joey and the team at Lakeside Tree and Landscape. A 5 star-rating was definitely earned and we will hire them again for our next landscaping project.”

KAREN WILLIAMS, MANASSAS

Standing by the lake for which Lakeside was named: Dwight Sills, Hadley Blue, Joey Joyce, Andrew Kohne, and Billy Wiseman. Photo by Luke Christopher

Dangling from the tree: Joey Joyce.

From left to right: Billy Wiseman, holding the company mascot, Dwight Sills, Hadley Blue and Andrew Kohne.

Photo by Luke Christoper

Thanks to this support, we have been able to provide clothing to more local children each year."

Joyce also helps to sponsor a monthly event at Old Towne Man Cave that provides breakfast and haircuts for those in need. He’s also working to develop a scholarship fund for Manassas Park High School.

“Our community is so close-knit, it’s amazing. And it makes me so happy that everybody takes so much pride in their community that they’re willing to give back. We do a lot - -we try to do a lot.”

Richard Sean Ryals of Manassas, with whom Joyce worked prior to starting his business, says that Joyce cares deeply about the community.

“He cares a lot about others. He does a lot of charity and he likes to help people -- always. He’s [also] really good at talking to people -- he’s outgoing and has that energy that he puts into the job and people are really excited to work with him because of that energy.”

Blane Perry, owner of Sinistral Brewing Company in Manassas, echoed Ryals’ sentiments about Joyce’s vibrant spirit.

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“I love Joey -- he’s full of energy and hustle. He’s one of those people you look at and just admire for [handling the] adversity he’s dealt with and getting to where he is now,” said Perry.

Joyce says in the future he’s looking to collaborate with family up and down the East Coast to provide emergency services like fixing power lines and emergency tree removal. He also intends to invest in snow plows as well.

But while Joyce is enthusiastic about growing his company, he’s also incredibly appreciative of the community where he lives and works, noting that he was purposeful about locating Lakeside Tree and Landscape on Lake Jackson. Not only did he grow up fishing at the bottom of the dam, he now lives at the top of it. Plus, the majority of his first customers were from Lake Jackson.

“It’s my favorite place in the world -- all my favorite people live on the lake. They’re so solid, such good people -they mean so much to me. That's why I started my company [there]. That’s who made my company -- my people and my neighborhood.” L

Opposite page: Joey Joyce, Brea Stokes, and Billy Wiseman at the Old Towne Man Cave in Manassas where Lakeside Tree and Landscape provides breakfast for the homeless on the first Monday of the month and the barbers offer free haircuts. Courtesy photo. Below: A lovely, two level

local business

A Breath of Fresh Air

Restaurateur Shawn Malone opens a new chapter with Bistro @ The Porch in The Plains

BY GRACE SCHUMACHER

PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

Shawn Malone, a Fauquier County newcomer now living in Marshall, is preparing to breathe new life into the restaurant building at the corner of Main Street and Fauquier Avenue in The Plains, formerly the Front Porch Restaurant. While a relatively new face in the Marshall community, Malone is a seasoned restaurant veteran with over 45 years of experience in the industry.

Meet Shawn Malone

Born and bred in the vibrant culinary landscape of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Malone's journey into the world of gastronomy was sparked by a childhood encounter with fine dining at age 12.

“At a French restaurant in Washington D.C., Chez Francois,” Malone reminisced, "I had filet mignon with béarnaise sauce, and I remember thinking, 'This is magical. What in the world am I eating? This is unbelievable.’ And it didn't really strike me at the time, but I just started cooking and loved it. Looking back, I really have had this lifetime love affair with food."

Malone's trajectory in the restaurant industry began washing dishes at a Fairfax restaurant, a job 16-year old Malone landed through his older brother, Kevin. He went on to hone his cooking skills in a variety of kitchens, learning most about the craft when he landed a job at the Washington Democratic Club in Washington, D.C.

Malone cooked professionally in restaurants across Annandale, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Washington D.C.

for 20 years before partnering up with brother Kevin.

“In 1985 my brother opened a restaurant in Leesburg called Tuscarora Mill. Back then, we used to joke that I just wasn't cooking at that level,” Malone recalled. “But he hired me to come out and run the kitchen and I loved it. I started there in ‘93 and I ran the kitchen at Tuskies until about 2000.”

Kevin, six and a half years older, thrived standing at the helm while Shawn took charge in his element, the back of the house. There was never a dull moment, Malone said. “Kevin would come to the back on a Saturday night and say ‘We're gonna be really busy tonight, I'm gonna bury you guys,’ and I would respond with ‘If you can seat ‘em, I can feed ‘em.’”

Healthy rivalry bloomed into a working relationship, the brothers partnering to open Magnolias at the Mill together in 2004 and Fire Works Pizza two years later. Kevin passed away in July 2023 after four decades in the industry, leaving his mark on Northern Virginia's dining scene.

“He was my hero,” Malone said. “Recently I was speaking at his celebration of life and I said ‘The proudest

Shawn Malone and Ginger Green each have decades of restaurant and hospitality experience.

moment of my life was getting to be partners with my brother.’ There were no winners and losers, there was only winning together.”

Malone's journey has been marked by more than just culinary accolades. Following the sale of his interests in Magnolias and Fire Works Pizza in 2021, Malone used the isolation of the pandemic to branch out and embark on a period of introspection.

Earning his John Maxwell leadership certification, Malone opened Good News Hospitality Consulting with the intention of supporting and educating young individuals in the restaurant business. He explained, “They are tremendously underserved. They don't get education in leadership or management and so that was what I really wanted to do.”

However, the onset of the pandemic significantly impacted the industry, causing uncertainty and a shift in priorities for many businesses. Malone changed gears and developed a new focus on providing practical solutions for restaurants struggling to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“I started doing menus for different restaurants and I'd go back in the kitchen and take something that they're buying and I'd recreate it for them and say ‘Look, this is how you can make this in house,’” he said. “I made some great relationships that I still have with some of the local restaurants, and I'm very grateful to them too, because they gave me an opportunity when it just wasn't right yet for me to get back into the business.”

With a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, Malone was eager to dive back into the restaurant industry, feeling invigorated and ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

“When I get up in the morning, I got a pep in my step because I'm thrilled to be back in this business,” he said.

Bistro @ The Porch

The first thing anyone should know about Malone is that he doesn’t believe in coincidences. So when he stumbled upon the 100-year-old railroad house turned restaurant in the heart of Marshall, a place he said brims with charm and culinary potential, he knew it was where he was meant to be.

“I like to say that I've been migrating West at a mile

per year,” Malone joked. "After meeting with the previous owners a couple times, I decided that this place is really just perfect. I mean, it's a cornerstone in the community and it's such a great town. Everything started lining up. It really feels like playing slots, seeing the little Lucky Seven pop up one by one by one. Ding, ding, ding.”

Guided by his vision of creating a Virginia wine coun try bistro, Malone seized the opportunity to breathe new life into the eatery, renamed Bistro @ The Porch.

“We talked to Ed Kellams, the chef from the Front Porch who will stay on to lead the kitchen, about finding a balance between preservation and originality. If some thing's not popular, our patrons don't like it, we're gonna change it,” he asserted. “These are some very important people we are talking about here. You already have their loyalty, so it's not to be taken lightly at all.”

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Keeping an ear to the ground, Malone anticipates executing quarterly, seasonal menu rotations to reflect in-season products and patron cravings.

“I'm still kind of pinching myself because we didn't really start the conversation in earnest with the previous owners until early December,” said Malone. “It all happened very, very quickly.”

Ginger Green, a professional with 28 years of hospitality experience and Malone’s girlfriend, said, “Before our plans for the restaurant went public, we kind of made a pact that we were going to do what we do best, which is love people.”

With Bistro @ The Porch, Malone envisions a place where patrons can savor delicious food and make memories. "I want to get to know the people in the town and find out what the town is all about, and just be part of it," he explains.

Central to Malone's vision is the concept of the restaurant as a gathering place—a place where community and culinary craftsmanship converge.

"I think of restaurants as places where people come together, where we break bread,” he said. “Everybody's gonna be welcome here. We think this can be a place where an okay day can turn into a great day.” L

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March, Leprechauns and the Easter Bunny

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA, HOME ECONOMIST

It’s a well-known fact that Leprechauns have a sweet tooth. To satisfy their sugary cravings, you’ll find them deep in the forest baking a never ending cascade of cookies from their tiny kitchen tucked inside a hollow tree.

They also have a passion for beloved Guinness so it should come as no surprise that their sweet tooth satisfying specialty for St. Patrick’s Day would be a Guinness spiked chocolate cake piled high with Irish Mist frosting. Be still my colleen heart.

A close confidant of the Leprechauns is the Easter Bunny who sneaks gorgeous chocolates, marshmallow chicks and jelly beans into Easter baskets.

March this year is their yummy collaboration. Let’s get into the kitchen.

Irish Mist Frosting

Think there’s too much liquid? Don’t worry. It all comes together in the end and fluffs like whipped cream.

Fills and frosts one (double layer) 8 inch cake

Guinness Chocolate Cake

It’s not every day I eat a whole cake but a fork full every time I pass the fridge adds up. I am smitten. This is the most delicious cake I’ve ever eaten!

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

It’s hard to imagine a beer flavored chocolate cake but this is not just any beer. This is Guinness after all. Guinness adds unbelievable depth to the chocolate while coaxing the Irish Mist liqueur to tickle the frosting. Great the day it’s made. Better the next. And, it’s the easiest cake you will ever make!

Makes 1 (8 inch - 2 layer) cake

Serves 10 to 12

Uses 2 (8 inch) cake pans plus baking parchment

Store iced cake in the fridge bringing it to room temp for serving

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ sticks butter (softened)

4 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar (measure then sift)

¾ teaspoon salt

9 Tablespoons Irish Mist Honey Liqueur (Yes, 9)

Garnish – 1 to 2 teaspoons cocoa

1 1/3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

¼ cup cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 (11.2 oz. or 12 oz.)

bottle room temperature

Guinness

Stout

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut 2 circles of baking parchment to fit the pan bottoms. Grease the pans or coat with baking spray. Place 1 parchment circle into each greased pan pressing to stick then lightly grease the parchment or mist with baking spray. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Mix to blend. Whisk in oil, vanilla and Guinness. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven till a toothpick comes out clean – about 35 minutes for 12 oz. Guinness. (About 30 minutes for 11.2 oz. Guinness.) Remove from oven. Cool 15 minutes. Invert. Remove parchment and discard. Invert again to cool, top side up.

1. Using a heavy duty mixer, cream butter, sifted powdered sugar and salt. Stir in liquor. Gradually increase speed then beat on high for 3 minutes. Set your timer. Don’t guess.

2. To frost cake place 1 layer on serving dish - top side up. Spread generously with frosting. Add second layer – top side up. Ice cake with remaining frosting. Sift a little cocoa here and there over the top to garnish.

Homemade Filled Easter Eggs

Hopping ahead to Easter…

I had a delicious dream the other night in which the Easter Bunny filled my basket with the most scrumptious, homemade, chocolate eggs. Luscious homemade chocolate eggs – some filled with chewy coconut and others filled with creamy, dreamy peanut butter.

Think making homemade Easter candy is too much trouble? This little recipe will change your mind forever.

Easy. Yummy. Impressive. A fun project to do with the kiddies or grands.

In less time than you think, you can whip up gorgeous, homemade, filled Easter eggs that are better tasting, fresher and cost a lot less than any you can buy. Better be quick like a bunny and hop to it!

Each recipe fills one large egg mold (5 1/2 X 3 3/4 inches) or multiple smaller ones depending on size. Available on Amazon or specialty baking sections of craft stores.

Store finished eggs in the fridge in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. (They’ll dry out rather than spoil.) Freeze for longer storage.

CHEWY COCONUT FILLING

If you love Mounds or Almond Joy, you’re gonna LUV this!!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups flaked, sweetened coconut (the regular packaged kind - lightly packed)

1/2 cup light corn syrup

DIRECTIONS

Stir well. Cover. Let sit at room temperature for 3 hours (or refrigerate overnight) before using so the coconut can soak up the corn syrup.

FILLING THE SHELLS

CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER FILLING

Peanut butter cup fan? This one’s for you!!

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. powdered sugar (sifted)

2 sticks butter (softened)

1/3 cup plus 1 Tablespoon white vegetable shortening (think Crisco)

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup plus 1 Tablespoon smooth peanut butter (regular commercial type - not fresh ground, natural or the kind you have to stir.)

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a heavy duty mixer, combine all ingredients on low then increase speed to high and beat 4 minutes. Set a timer. It's longer than you think. Don’t under beat.

2. Cover (so it doesn't dry out) and set aside while making the chocolate shell.

THE CHOCOLATE SHELL

Makes 1 egg shaped shell

(5 1/2 X 3 3/4 inches with a volume of 1 1/4 cups)

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups confectioners coating discs (also called candy melts - any flavor or color)

Chocolate chips used for cookies are not recommended

DIRECTIONS

1. Microwave 3/4 of the chocolate till almost meltedabout one minute. Chocolate may not look melted but will be soft. Do not overheat. Stir till smooth.

2. Immediately pour chocolate all at once into the (ungreased) mold. Using the back of a coffee spoon, spread the chocolate evenly to coat the entire mold.

3. Refrigerate 5 minutes then freeze till firm - about 5 minutes more.

1. When chocolate is firm, spoon in the filling. Leave a bit of head space to accommodate additional chocolate to seal the bottom of the egg.

2. Melt remaining chocolate as before. Pour all at once onto filling. Spread quickly to cover filling, making sure the chocolate seals the edges. Return to freezer till very cold – about 20 minutes. Invert onto a flat surface and pop out of mold.

3. If the egg doesn’t come out easily, it’s not cold enough. Return to freezer then try again. L

I thought making chocolate candy was difficult because it required tempering. Why is your recipe so easy?

Confectionery coating! Think of it as chocolate without the cocoa butter. Chocolate with cocoa butter requires tempering (heating and cooling) to stabilize it. Since confectionery coatings have little or no cocoa butter, they’re melt and go!

“Everyone has a story to tell, a lesson to teach, and wisdom to share.”

MELANIE KOULOURIS

editor@whglifestyle.com

kids inthe kitchen

Cupcakes & Brownies, the Best! Pot ‘O Gold Cupcakes

Leprechauns love these. You will, too!

CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS

CUPCAKE

INSTRUCTIONS

BY GINA MICHAK

It’s time to have some fun together in the kitchen! I’ve come up with two treats that will tickle your tastebuds and make you feel like the luckiest person in town!

INSTRUCTIONS

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup dutch processed cocoa

4 eggs

2 tsp. Vanilla extract

2 tsp. Baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 1/4 cups water

Individual Microwave Mug Brownie

Perfect for an afternoon snack, homework time, or any time!

INGREDIENTS

1/4 C all purpose flour

1/4 C brown sugar

1/4 C cocoa powder

1/8 tsp salt

1 egg yolk

1/4 C water

1/4 C vegetable oil

Powdered sugar or whipped cream to top it off with.

1. Generously spray your microwave safe mug with cooking spray.

2. You can add the ingredients directly into the mug and mix them in there (if your mug is wide enough ) OR mix all ingredients in a standard mixing bowl until combined, then pour into your greased mug.

3. Microwave mug for 1 minute and 30 seconds, test with toothpick until it comes out clean. Allow to cool, top with whipped cream or your favorite toppings for a decadent dessert or afternoon treat!

1. Preheat oven to 350, place your baking cups in the muffin pan.

2. In mixing bowl combine dry ingredients, set aside.

3. In separate bowl or standing mixer, combine the eggs, oil, and vanilla, add coffee slowly. Combine.

4. Add wet ingredients to the dry, mixing slowly to combine .

5. Fill cupcake liners half full.

6. Bake until golden brown, 22-24 minutes. Cool for 15 mins on cooling racks.

VANILLA BUTTERCREAM INGREDIENTS

1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened

4-5 cups of powdered sugar

3-4 tablespoons milk

2-3 tsp. Vanilla extract

Green food coloring

Rainbow fruit roll ups/fruit leather

Unwrapped Rolo candies

VANILLA BUTTERCREAM INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine butter, half of the powdered sugar, milk and extract. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Color the desired shade of green using the food coloring.

2. Use a piping bag fitted with 2D decorating tip, swirl frosting on tops of cooled cupcakes. To make the rainbow, cut pieces of rainbow fruit roll ups / fruit leather, and place in arch form on cupcake. Place a wrapped Rolo candy next to your rainbow for the “Pot O gold!”

BY LIZ MARIE PORTRAITS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gina Michak is a custom baker and owner of “From Gina’s Kitchen,” as well as the kids culinary instructor at the Manassas Park Community Center. When she’s not baking, she’s whipping up travel itineraries as a Disney Travel Specialist. Connect with her @fromginaskitchen and @almosttheretravelbygina.

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Springtime Spirits

BY DANIEL DUCA

The month of March means spring is coming. An awakening is at hand, a slow, curious awakening filled with mystery and wonder. Even though it may still be chilly, early grasses and flowers will start to peek above ground.

For the birth of this spring, I invite you to try an original creation that I believe encapsulates the feelings, flavors, and smells that surround us at this time while using two ingredients from our neighbors in Loudoun at Mt. Defiance Distillery. With each sip, you will encounter a mix of fresh and magical notes that, I truly hope, take you on a whimsical journey. Cheers.

Blueberry Lemon MartiniDrop

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. Grey Goose Vodka

1 oz. Blueberry Syrup

.75 oz Lemon Juice

DIRECTIONS

Rim the martini glass with sugar, then add all of the ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice, shake, fine strain into the sugar rimmed glass, and garnish with three speared blueberries.

Into the Mystic

INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz. Mt. Defiance Gin Nouveau

.75 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

.5 oz Simple Syrup

.25 oz Mt. Defiance Absinthe Superieure

DIRECTIONS

Add all of the ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice, shake, fine strain into a chilled coupe glass, give a lemon expression and then discard the twist, and garnish with a fennel sprig.

Afood, and craft brews? You bet.

n entertainment complex that brings puzzle and video game-like challenges to life is taking over the former Old Navy at Tysons Corner Center. Next year, Level99 will open a 40,000-square-foot playground and restaurant on the mall’s second floor adjacent to Barnes & Noble. Visitors can work together to complete various physical and mental games in “challenge rooms,” or they can compete in duels. The Tysons location will have 40 rooms that can collectively accommodate up to 600 players, along with a 300-seat taproom and scratch kitchen. The challenges vary from room to room, from obstacle courses to a life-sized version of “Rock Band” and “ninja training” for a battle against a samurai, according to Level99.

“Level99 offers mental, physical, communication and skill challenges in an open-world format for guests to discover and explore,” said Level99 CEO Matt DuPlessie, a former Disney engineer and owner of the production company, Box Fort, that designed Level99. “…We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors from the D.C. area to discover all that Level99 has to offer.”

More machinesgamingblooming at The Rose?

ODid somebody say “New diner?”

Family-owned Bob & Edith’s Diner opened its seventh D.C.-area location in Manassas last month. Located at 9221 Sudley Road, the new diner is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but plans to expand to 24/7 service soon. Bob & Edith’s traces its Virginia roots back to 1969, and is known for its fresh-baked pies, hand-spun milkshakes, all-day breakfast, bottomless coffee and its large menu.

wners of The Rose gaming resort in Dumfries are seeking approval to install more gaming machines in the first phase of the project. If given the ok, phase one would include up to 1,650 gaming positions in the facility, up from 1,150 initially. The change moves the bulk of the gaming positions into the first phase of the project, with a maximum of 150 additional gaming positions constructed in phase two. Additionally, if the amendments are approved, the majority of the hotel rooms will be constructed in phase two, with only 102 rooms set to be constructed in the first phase. The nearly $400 million project is projected eventually to include a hotel with up to 305 rooms, a gaming facility containing up to 175,000 square feet and fast-casual and other dining establishments up to 13,715 square feet. The facility will also have a cultural arts and entertainment center containing up to 40,000 square feet. The Rose is expected to generate an estimated $35.5 million in annual tax revenue and employ more than 500 people, according to the gaming resort’s website.

A rendering of The Rose, a proposed gaming resort in Dumfries, shows the hotel and gaming center alongside Interstate 95.

Did you miss this?

A Little Rebellion is Good for the Soul

After leaving her full-time corporate job in 2018, Stacy Flax volunteered, engaged in hobbies, and admittedly watched a whole lot of Netflix while looking for her next path. By 2022, she’d harnessed her creativity, talent, and business acumen and built a brand that landed her newly-created and innovative apparel from her brand Bored Rebel in 2023’s Academy Awards swag bags.

Published in the June 2023 issue of Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle read here