6 minute read
Business Briefs • Sarah Payne
Business Briefs
by Sarah Payne
Turn to District Pilates for Inclusive Fitness
Whether you’re a pilates guru or are in the market for a new workout routine, look no further than District Pilates (1302 Ninth St. NW) in Shaw. Owner Bailey Rizer has been a DC resident for over 12 years and started in the fitness industry as a manager and instructor at VITA.
Rizer then worked as an instructor at a local pilates studio before opening District Pilates in 2015, winning First Runner Up honors in the annual Best New Shaw Business competition. District Pilates won the Best Pilates Studio award from the Washington City Paper in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
With a second Reformer studio in Petworth (4011 Georgia Ave. NW) and a separate Chair studio above the Reformer space in Shaw, District Pilates offers a variety of classes for beginners and advanced students, truly something for everyone. Rizer said she has many regulars and even individuals who have been taking classes with her for over 11 years.
Rizer is proud that her studios provide a welcoming, inclusive community. “Our studio is super inclusive, we have all types of instructors in terms of background, body type and athletic ability,” Rizer noted. “We’re all students, we’re all kind of like a family.” The studio documents injuries and can help adapt workouts to fit the needs and goals of clients, regardless of their ability level or familiarity with pilates. “Working out, especially in DC, can be intimidating,” Rizer observed. “We really pride ourselves on that nojudgment type of deal, and pilates in general really is for everybody.” Rizer hopes to open studios on Capitol Hill, H Street and Northeast DC. She enjoys managing the studios, as well as teaching students each week. The studios offer a variety of classes throughout the day at different levels. Students can view the class schedule and pricing and learn more about pilates on the website, www.districtpilatesdc.com.
Lee’s Features
Unique Flowers and Gifts
Fine flowers, gift baskets and unique greeting cards await you in the heart of Shaw at Lee’s Flower and Card Shop (1026 U St. NW). Owner Christie Lee Jones has been working in the family business since she was 12 years old. She took a corporate job but returned to the business started by her paternal grandparents in 1945 and now manages the shop with co-owner
and sister Stacie Lee Banks. The premium quality of their flowers and other products, Jones said, sets Lee’s apart and is significantly better than the offerings at a grocery or convenience store. “We’re known for quality products, and we curate a lot of products that are unique and different,” Jones proudly stated. The third-generation florist said while there are many floral shops in the District, Lee’s relationship with the community is special. “We’ve been here for 77 years, serving the community, and we’re all about community service,” Jones noted. “We’re proud to be a part of the Shaw community.” Jones is a member of the board of directors of Shaw Main Streets. In addition to flowers, the shop offers an array of gift items including houseplants, home decor, pottery, candles, body-care products, balloons, cards and chocolate. There are also decorative gift boxes for a variety of occasions. District Pilates owner Bailey Rizer. Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets Lee’s is open Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The shop accepts orders online, over the phone and in store. You can learn more about offerings and place online orders on the website, www.leesflowerandcard.com. Lee’s Flower and Card Shop co-owners and sisters Stacie Lee Banks and Kristie Lee Jones. Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
Cheryl Lofton & Associates owner Cheryl Lofton. Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets
Trust Cheryl Lofton & Associates for Your Tailoring Needs
From bridal ttings to button mending, Cheryl Lofton & Associates (719 T St. NW) has a team of exceptional tailors for all needs. Owner Cheryl Lofton is a lifelong Washingtonian who has worked in her family’s tailoring business since she was a teenager.
Lofton’s grandfather opened the rst African American tailor shop in the District in 1939, and the business has been in the family since. She learned tailoring skills from her grandfather, who also owned a tailoring school in the District.
Following graduation from Howard University, Lofton took over the business in 1981. Originally, the shop catered to men’s tailoring but has expanded o erings to include women’s alterations and tailoring.
Lofton said the wide range of services provided and the relationship with the community make Lofton’s unique. “We’re a fullservice tailor business and we’re like a family here in DC,” Lofton explained. “We treat all our customers like they are family members. I think that’s what brings so much business to our door.” Lofton’s Shaw location won the award for Best New Shaw Business in 2006 from Shaw Main Streets.
Lofton believes that the diversity of her employees helps make her business unique. She has tailors from Lebanon, Korea, Pakistan, Guatemala, Senegal and the United States who provide a variety of services in tailoring and alteration.
While most of the customers live within walking distance of the store, Lofton also has customers from across state lines. Additionally, the shop o ers home visits throughout the District, Maryland and Virginia for individuals who are handicapped or do not have time to come to the shop.
Lofton, a Shaw Main Streets board member, is convinced that community is at the forefront of everything that her business does. “We want the community to know that we’re here for them for all their needs,” Lofton stated. “We even have emergency services available. If someone needs a quick hem, we can turn it around for them in one day.”
For more information about services and to schedule a tting appointment visit www. cheryllofton.com. Cheryl Lofton & Associates is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆
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