At SPIRE Architecture, our vision is a world where we can have a positive impact…helping to create your new Dwelling place or Business, to fit the changing needs of your lifestyle and your budget, and to pursue your vision.
We strive to collaborate with dedicated clients, professional builders, talented consultants, and budget mindfulness…to navigate the vision of a project, the design and documentation process, the completion of permitting, and the process of construction…to create a project that embodies that vision.
AUTHENTIC Living, through DESIGN
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View properties available in the area today. Start your search for your dream home or real estate property now. Or, use Find Your New Home form and we’ll conduct a personalized search for you.
Selling Your Home
Are you are interested in selling your home? Find out what your home is worth in today’s market. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with a free comparative market analysis with no obligations.
Increase Sales with Postcard Mailers!
Our Postcard Printing and Mailing Services include everything you need. We deliver in the entire United States!
Design • Printing • Mailing List • Addressing • Delivery to PO • Postage
With our mass mailing services you save up to 55% on postage!
Neighborhood Mailings | Targeted Demographic Mailings | New Mover Mailings
Smart Marketing Campaigns | Have Your Own Mailing List?
Bring in new customers by sending sending direct mail postcards to the neighborhoods around your business - similar to Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) but our program is more effective and costs less.
Who We Serve:
Below is a list of industries that we work with - don't see yours listed? Just ask - our direct mail campaigns will work for any industry that markets to consumers (B2C) or businesses (B2B).
Automotive Services
Repair Services
Auto Sales
Car Washes
Mobile Auto Services
Car Detailing
Tire Stores
Community Services
Apartments
Schools
HOA
Condo Associations
Churches
Municipalities
Dental
Cosmetic
Orthodontics
Pediatrics
General
Fitness and Recreation
Yoga
Martial Arts
Fitness Studios
Gym & Health Clubs
Sports Club
Stretching
Food and Beverage
Pizzerias
Fast Food Restaurants
Personal Chefs
Take-Out & Delivery
Catering
Meal Prep & Delivery
Bars & Clubs
Dine-In Restaurants
Culinary Schools
Health and Wellness
Med Spa
Veterinarians
Medical Practices
Hearing Aids
Pharmacy
Chiropractic
Physical Therapy
Weight Loss
Home Services
Electrical
Moving & Storage
HVAC
Remodeling
Landscape
Security Systems
Pool Services
Cleaning Services
Plumbing
Pavers & Paving
Pest Control
Painting
Personal Services
Dry Cleaning
Tanning Salons
Barber Shops
Nail Salons
Massage Therapy
Laundry
Salons & Spas
Pet Services
Pet Hospitals
Pet Supplies
Pet Trainers
Pet Resorts
Pet Grooming
Veterinarians
Professional Services
Real Estate
Financial Planning
Trade Shows
Auctions
Mortgages
Training Seminars
Tax Preparation
Accountants
Attorneys
Insurance
Retail Stores
Clothing & Shoes
Online Stores
Liquor
Brick & Mortar
All Retails
Furniture
Sporting Goods
Specialty
Sophia is a seasoned Broker/ Owner at Goodridge Real Estate, bringing over 23 years of experience to the thriving Prince George’s County, MD, along with many other neighboring counties & our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Known for her extensive knowledge of residential and commercial properties, Sophia excels at navigating clients through the complexities of buying and selling real estate, with over half a billion in sales.
Her client-first approach emphasizes clear communication and personalized service, ensuring that every transaction is seamless and tailored to meet individual needs. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sophia is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She actively participates in local church charities and events, fostering connections that strengthen her ties to the neighborhood.
An avid Worshiper of God, Sophia enjoys fellowship with other believers and spending quality time with her family. If you’re ready to embark on your real estate journey or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sophia at 301-633-3892 / Sophiagoodridge@gmail.com
GOODRIDGE REAL ESTATE
With over two and a half decades of experience in the real estate industry, Sophia Goodridge-Howard has built a reputation as one of the DMV’s top-producing agents, and now, as the founder and broker-owner of Goodridge Real Estate, she’s shaping a new legacy under her own name.
wide-ranging experience in both residential and commercial real estate.
Starting her own firm was a natural evolution. “I always had a passion to start my own brokerage,” Goodridge-Howard says. “I had a team at my prior brokerage, and I helped train a lot of agents who are now very successful. So I figured, why not start my own and be able to help and train other agents?”
At the heart of Goodridge Real Estate is a deep commitment to client satisfaction, especially when it comes to serving sellers, which is their specialty. “My niche is sellers,” she says. “I help market and sell a lot of properties, and I believe that I’m good at it - in pricing a home to sell, marketing, negotiating, and making sure that it sells fast and the client is satisfied .”
Officially launched in 2023, as a black owned business, a brokerage, and broker owner, Goodridge Real Estate is already gaining momentum, with over eight agents and a growing client base across Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Though the company is young, Goodridge-Howard’s career is anything but. “I’ve done at least half a billion in sales throughout my career,” she says, noting her
That attention to detail often translates into creative problem-solving. When navigating complicated situations, Goodridge Real Estate is known for finding strategic solutions. “I pay very close attention to what the client’s needs are, and try to make sure that all can be met in a happy medium,” she explains.
Article by Lauryn Forbes
Photos by Akua Tracey Marlene
Her advice to sellers in today’s market? “Price your home to sell,” she says. “You want as much activity as possible. If upgrades are needed to get the best price, go ahead and get those done. But if not, that’s fine too; we’ll still find the right strategy.”
Goodridge Real Estate’s slogan is “The Good Side of Real Estate.” As she puts it, “A lot of real estate deals aren’t always the best, but we strive to make every transaction a good outcome.”
Clients can expect a thorough, collaborative process. Whether meeting in person at the College Park office, over Zoom, or by phone, Goodridge Real Estate prioritizes seeing a seller’s home firsthand to offer thoughtful pricing guidance and honest advice.
And while Sophia herself is the owner of the company, she’s quick to credit her team. “My team is incredible,” she says. That includes Donnie Dukes, who works in the Baltimore area, Prince George’s County, and Sherrie Waul, who works with Donnie as a team and she focuses on Washington, D.C., and Charles County. “They work with a lot of first-time homebuyers, investors, and even have investments of their own. They’re a force to be reckoned with as well.” Other
active agents in her brokerage include Leslie Young, Farrah M. Jones, Sheila G. Bradley, Tiffany Slade, and Billie Jean. Her husband, Craig Howard, also plays a vital role in her brokerage, serving as her personal assistant and providing support in day-to-day operations.
A Bigger & Brighter Future for The Dessert Junkie
Alexis Streets continues to expand her dessert empire with new flavors, new services, and even greater hospitality.
Article By Alyson Turner
Photography By The Dessert Junkie
Dessert visionary Alexis Streets has been making incredible moves over the past few years with her widely beloved brand; The Dessert Junkie. With expansion on the horizon,exciting menu options, and captivating merchandise, fans of The Dessert Junkie have a lot to look forward to this year.
“I’m excited about expanding The Dessert Junkie kitchen into The Dessert Junkie hospitality. We will be bringing our items into high-end restaurants as well as casual dining. This expansion will ensure that we can meet the demand for our products,” Alexis says, “We are always introducing new menu items including our latest creation: mini gourmet chicken and waffles.”
On the ever-evolving menu, seasonal treats and new flavor combos keep customers coming back for more. “Funnel cakes are popular every year. The gourmet ice cream has a range of flavors from banana pudding to biscoff to creamsicle to strawberry cheesecake,” Alexis says, “Our mini chicken and waffles are a savory dessert with flavors available in red velvet, cookies and cream, or traditional vanilla. There is a powdered sugar topping and chicken bites on the waffles.” Another favorite dessert is the phenomenal, gourmet cinnamon rolls. The designs are gorgeous with the flavors in biscoff, red velvet, cookies and cream, and banana pudding. Coming soon their gourmet cookies will be ready to ship straight to your door.
The Dessert Junkie is also known for its exceptional catering for all types of events with 12 dessert bar options including the funnel cake bar, the donut and hot chocolate bar, the ice cream bar, the breakfast bar, the cheesecake bar, the infused dessert and cocktail bar, the gourmet popsicle bar, the chocolate covered strawberry bar, the milkshake bar, and more. They can elevate your events with The Dessert Junkie mobile truck which has been booked for weddings and many large events like Teacher Appreciation week.
For those looking for an array of food choices, Alexis and The Dessert Junkie offer The Bite Bar catering along with a mini mobile bar. She says, “The Bite Bar has become a go-to for events of all kinds. We have always done your traditional catering, but we are going into a season of people wanting smaller quantities with the highest quality products. It’s strategically plated and beautifully displayed. We work with items at room temperature, and we have ceramic sternos that match the table decor. We can create charcuterie boards, wedding cakes, birthday cakes, gourmet cookies, and have on-hand bartenders.”
When you are planning your next special event all premade menus and packages are listed online to take the stress out of decision making. For any dietary restrictions, The Dessert Junkie team can customize your menu items to meet your specific needs.
Along with a stunning revamped website to match The Dessert Junkie’s colorful aesthetic, a newsletter subscription will be available for what’s coming up including brand new merchandise. “It is all so much fun. There is active wear, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, and mugs. I am truly excited and can’t wait to introduce all of the new merch we have planned.”
Pouring Love Into Every Bite
As co-owner and operations lead, Alexis’ husband, Theodore Streets, keeps The Dessert Junkie running smoothly in the bakery and on the road. From working to launch the mobile dessert truck
in 2017 to overseeing HR, inventory, and compliance, his leadership ensures every part of the business is handled with care and professionalism. With a background in technical operations and a passion for quality, Theodore’s steady presence and proactive approach make him key in the bakery’s continued success.
Alexis’ Chief Compliance Officer and Food Scientist, Christi Dorsey, ensures every product meets the highest standards of quality and safety. From managing nutrition labels to overseeing ingredient sourcing and product information, she plays a critical role in keeping the bakery’s sweet creations both delicious and compliant. Christi’s precision complements the bakery’s creative flair. Her work empowers the team to innovate confidently while staying true to customer trust and industry standards.
Nakea Cloud, cake stylist and manager at The Dessert Junkie, is the creative force behind many of the bakery’s stunning dessert designs. Known for her high standards and trend-setting cake styling, she has helped elevate the bakery’s reputation across Bowie and beyond. Nakea’s leadership goes beyond the kitchen; she’s a master of unforgettable customer moments, often surprising guests with her signature dance moves. Her attention to detail makes her an irreplaceable part of The Dessert Junkie experience. Azaria Brown, Alexis’ daughter, who is affectionately known as Zari, brings vibrant energy and a love for cupcakes to her role as Pastry Coordinator. As the owner of Primo’s Choice Barkery, she’s turned her passion for baking and animals into a thriving side venture, serving up treats for both people and pets. Zari constantly experiments with new flavors and techniques, growing her skills while inspiring others. This powerhouse team brings passion, precision, and personality into everything that they do.
Giving back to the community continues to keep Alexis energized. Through her own charitable work with the Cupcake Foundation and work with a local nonprofit, she helps create joyful celebrations for children in the hospital who might not otherwise have a chance to be celebrated. From crafting unforgettable sweets to giving back in meaningful ways, The Dessert Junkie truly does it all with fresh menu creations and exciting events always on the horizon.
THE Dessert Junkie
15480 Annapolis Road, Ste 204, Bowie, MD
Visit the Dessert Junkie Bakery to discover an array of other specialty items:
Freshly baked cinnamon rolls
Sensational cupcakes
Handcrafted ice cream
Made to order donuts
Basket Treats
Dessert Catering
Mobile Bar
Bite Bar Catering
Let's Get Junked!
We get it—life’s too short not to enjoy a little sweetness. But we also believe your indulgences should be worth it! That’s why our philosophy is simple: when you treat yourself, make it count. We're here as the ultimate ally for your sweet tooth, bringing you only the finest, most delicious desserts.
Mid Atlantic Realty
Founded in 2008, Mid-Atlantic Realty has established itself as a trusted full-service real estate firm, serving Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With a team of 15 agents covering the Mid-Atlantic region led by founder Bernard Mizelle, the firm handles residential, commercial, industrial, and investment properties, while maintaining a strong focus on residential buyers and sellers.
The company’s origins trace back to its Mizelle’s decision to step away from corporate America after 17 years. “I had gotten bored with my life, and I wanted something that was a little bit more entrepreneurial,” he says. His
background as a business banker at Wells Fargo and Citibank provided him with valuable insight into entrepreneurship, ultimately leading him to real estate. After cutting his teeth at Long and Foster for four years, he branched out on his own and launched MidAtlantic Realty.
Mid-Atlantic’s consumer base primarily includes first-time buyers and repeat customers, as well as those upgrading from condos to townhouses or moving into singlefamily homes. With this in mind, the firm provides guidance that goes beyond the initial purchase. “Real estate is all about location,”
Bernard advises. “Find out where you really want to live and kind of view your home as: where do I see myself 10–15 years down the road?”
He explains that many people assume they’ll stay in a home for only a few years, but “a few years turns into a decade or two.” For firsttime buyers, he suggests what he calls the “stair step approach”: starting small, building equity, selling, and then leveraging that equity to purchase something larger.
What sets Mid-Atlantic Realty apart is its emphasis on customer service. The firm often helps clients prepare their homes before listing, connecting them with contractors for updates and renovations. “Prior to putting it on the market, we will help them come up with the plan and provide contractors that can do the updating and renovation of their property. And when we do that, we usually get them about 20 to 25% more in future equity and sales price,” Bernard explains. With a network of electricians, plumbers, roofers, and general contractors, the firm ensures clients see added value before selling.
Beyond services, the company is committed to treating clients like family. “We really try to make each and every customer like they’re
a family member, and we want to take care of them, because we know that this is - for 99% of the population - the biggest purchase that they’re ever going to do.” This approach extends to helping buyers think long-term about where they want to live and how their purchase fits into their future.
Mid-Atlantic Realty also stands out as a multilingual firm, with agents fluent in Spanish, Korean, and Chinese, which is a true asset for serving the region’s diverse communities.
Originally from Indiana, Shana has called Maryland home since 2009 and has been an active member of her community for over 13 years. She is a retired veteran who proudly served her country for more than 20 years! With the creative skills and abilities honed through her military career, Shana epitomizes integrity and carries the values of hard work, dedication, and outstanding service with her in everything she does. With a passion for service, she is ready to help you with your home buying and selling goals. She promises to consult with you, negotiate for you, and ensure every detail of the real estate process is covered.
When she isn’t making homeownership dreams come true for her clients, she enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities, reading, and watching HGTV. Shana lives in Bowie, MD with her husband and three children.
if you’re thinking about selling, buying or leasing, move with Shana!
A&K TRANSPORTATION
In 2007, what began as a home-based family daycare founded by Kimberlyn Waterman, or Miss Kim, and her mother Alma Marshall has blossomed into one of Prince George’s County’s most dynamic, community-rooted operations.
“A&K Family Learning Place is a family-owned business,” Miss Kim said. “It started with my mom and myself.” What followed has been nearly two decades of growth and adaptation, driven by love for children, a keen business sense, and a deep commitment to community.
The business, which started in her home while raising four kids with her husband Tony, quickly gained momentum. As demand grew, so did the scale. By 2010, A&K was operating out of a church in Bowie, offering preschool, daycare, and soon after, a licensed before-and-after care program bolstered by state-endorsed transportation services.
That transportation arm became an unexpected engine of growth. “Charter schools were up and coming,” Miss Kim recalled. “One school said, would you be interested in transporting our students... and the rest is history.” What started with two vehicles is now a fleet of 13 buses. She predicted early on that transportation was going to be big, and she was right. Today, A&K is one of the state-approved vendors serving both charter and public schools across Maryland.
Like many small businesses, A&K faced a major setback when COVID-19 hit. The church was sold, the pastor resigned, and Miss Kim was left without a physical location. “I call it my eviction letter,” she said of the notice that ended their lease. Still, with her faith, she persisted. She called the Bowie Town Center leasing office, which led to a pivotal conversation with a leasing agent and a vision for transforming an old retail space into a childcare center. “She said, ‘We’ve never seen it done, but if you think you can handle that task, go for it,’” she recalled.
The result? The first-ever childcare center at Bowie Town Center. “My use and occupancy permit shows that. So it will be there forever; whether A&K is there or my legacy is passed down to my children... it will always be a childcare center.”
Today, A&K provides licensed before and aftercare and summer camps for children in pre-K through eighth grade. “You have to have a love for children, that’s what makes us different,” Miss Kim said. “The parents know, I’m a mom of four kids, and all those kids are also my kids.”
In addition to student transportation, A&K has expanded into serving seniors. Through partnerships and grants, the company now offers
weekly bowling outings and meals for senior citizens from the community. “They look forward to the camaraderie, and we’ve been doing that for about 10 months,” she said. “That gives them an opportunity to continue to thrive.”
With a full team, including two admins and multiple bus drivers, Miss Kim still sees A&K as more than a business. For families seeking child care or transportation, she offers a simple message: “Consider A&K as an option, because we’re here to serve.” Alma Marshall also sees A&K as one of the premier before and aftercare programs in the Prince George’s County area where their A&K staff has a love for the children by providing a safe, caring, and enriching environment all year round.
A & K Family Learning Place, Inc. in Bowie, Maryland, is a family owner transportation company, offering a variety of transportation options throughout the state of Maryland. The owners, Alma Marshal and Kimberlyn Waterman make up the A&K. The company has been in business for over 10 years.
Location
Bowie Town Center
15440 Emerald Way
Bowie, MD 20716
Contact Us
Website: Akfamilylearningplace.org
Email: Info@akafamilylearningplace.org
240-508-6561
Services
• A & K Family Learning Place
• Shuttle Service
• After School Programs
• Summer Enrichment Program
• Summer Camp
PAIR INSTAGRAM-WORTHY VIEWS WITH A COOL DRINK AND DELICIOUS BITES AT THE BEST Washington, DC rooftop bars and restaurants.
It’s always the right time to head out on the town, find the nearest rooftop bar and order up your favorite cocktail or draft beer. During happy hour or any hour, feel the breeze and ease back at these District locales that have set up shop up top for your warm-weather pleasure.
01/SMOKE & MIRRORS
Nestled atop the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard, Smoke & Mirrors overlooks the U.S. Capitol Building and provides a stylish, sleek and comfortable escape in DC’s most powerful neighborhood. Expect an extensive list of ingenious craft cocktails and shareable dishes like mumbo wings, pork belly deviled eggs, crab artichoke dip and lamb skewers.
02/12 STORIES
@12storiesdc
So you already know that The Wharf is the District’s warm-weather place to be, right? Well, be sure to stop by the InterContinental Washington, DC - The Wharf rooftop as your next must-visit drinks spot. 12 Stories is the first DC venture from the minds behind New York City mainstay Mr. Purple, complete with a sleek, modern design and panoramas of the Washington Channel and beyond. Head there for creative cocktails like the ‘Aren’t You a Fineapple’ (hennessy, grand marnier, pineapple and lemon), tasty bites (think grilled shrimp and a pesto flatbread) and, of course, the #views.
03/CIEL SOCIAL CLUB
With a name derived from the French word for “the heavens”, Ciel Social Club is a luxurious penthouse lounge and restaurant at the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Centerfeatures opulent decor and celestial, nearly 360-degree views of the Capitol, the Washington Monument and DC. VERSUS beverage director Hank Bowers has dreamed up an innovative cocktail menu, featuring seasonal flavors that pair well with rotating menus.
04/LA VIE
DC’s rivers do their best French Riviera impression at La Vie, a stunning and sleek restaurant at The Wharf featuring views of the Washington Channel from its rooftop terrace. Sophisticated Mediterranean vibes abound as you choose from a cocktail list divided into “Dip Your Toes,” “Dive” or “Off the Deep” options and take in the waterfront
05/WHISKEY CHARLIE
Nautical vibes and top-notch cocktails are the name of the game at Whiskey Charlie, the rooftop bar perched atop the Canopy by Hilton hotel at The Wharf. Catch the perfectly Instagrammable sunset while enjoying a range of delightful drinks –we’re big fans of the ‘To The Nines’ (coconut vodka, Kahlua coffee liquor, orgeat & chilled espresso) and ‘The Siren’ (Altos blanco tequila, Chacho jalapeno aguardiente, lime & hibiscus).
06/EL TECHO
@theterencechau
Billed as an “adult treehouse,” the turf-adorned El Techo brings the heat in Shaw with spicy margaritas and the creative Mexican street food you’ve come to expect from the downstairs Rito Loco shop. El Techo also offers Spanish-inspired tapas and a number of cervezas for the perfect warm-weather happy hour.
07/SLY ROOFTOP AT THE MORROW
Upstairs at The Morrow
Sly Rooftop at The Morrow, another Nicholas Stefanelli venture, is – you guessed it – the rooftop lounge of The Morrow Hotel in the heart of NoMa. The chic, indoor-outdoor space features firepits, a wrap-around bar, French-inspired fare and playful cocktails (espresso martinis on tap) and shooters.
Dazzling disco balls, premium sushi and views of the U.S. Capitol … do we need to go on? Sushi by Bou has it all – offering a 12 or 17-course omakase experience, imported Sake selections and creative cocktails. The DC location, its 20th, can be found atop the citizenM Capitol hotel, decked out in vibrant and funky decor.
An adventure in Adams Morgan without a visit to Perry’s, a neighborhood staple that opened its doors more than 30 years ago.
Chef Masako Morishita was awarded the 2024 James Beard Award for Emerging Chef and the DC-area restaurant association’s honor of Rising Culinary Star of the Year, so you’re in for exciting and experimental Japanese fare. Plus, there’s an extensive beverage list that includes wine, Japanese whiskey and sake, best enjoyed at the gorgeous bar or on the seasonal rooftop terrace.
10/TREEHOUSE ROOFTOP
Escape to the urban oasis atop tropical vibes, international flavors and bold cocktails. The Tulum-inspired Treehouse Rooftop also features DJ sets every Friday and Saturday, happy hour Monday through Friday and monthly wellness Wednesday events.
11/TOP OF THE GATE AT THE WATERGATE HOTEL
Top of the Gate
The luxurious Watergate Hotel is a centerpiece of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Head to the sophisticated Top of the Gate and take in 360-degree rooftop views of the nation’s capital while sipping specialty cocktails and noshing on upscale bites.
