WELLNESS
LOCAL COLOR
LIFE + CULTURE CHEERS TO A CAUSE
FOOD + BEVERAGE DATE NIGHT DINING
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It’s Time to Love Local, Short Pump!
As we step into February, a month dedicated to love and connection, we invite you to join us in celebrating the vibrant spirit of our Short Pump community. This issue is all about “Love Local,” encouraging you to support the small businesses that enrich our lives and strengthen our community’s bonds!
As we know, Short Pump is home to a remarkable array of small businesses that offer unique products and personalized services. This Valentine’s season, think about treating yourself or your loved ones to something special from our local shops, restaurants, and services. Whether it’s a handcrafted gift from a local artisan, a delightful meal from a nearby eatery, or a cozy afternoon at your favorite coffee shop, every purchase you make supports the hardworking individuals who pour their hearts into their businesses!
Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to connect with those around you. Consider organizing a neighborhood gathering, attending a local event, or simply grabbing coffee with a neighbor. Building relationships not only enriches our lives but also strengthens the fabric of Short Pump. Let’s share our stories, celebrate our unique experiences, and create lasting memories together!
As we share the love this month, let’s also focus on giving back. There are countless ways to make a difference in Short Pump and RVA, whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a food bank, or supporting local charities. Your time and resources can have a profound impact on those in need. Consider organizing a community service day with friends or family—together, we can create a positive change and uplift those around us. We hope this Love Local issue inspires you to do those very things!
This February, let’s come together to keep celebrating the love we have for Short Pump. By supporting small businesses, fostering connections, and giving back, we can create a thriving environment that reflects our best.
Gratefully,
AARON SWART, PUBLISHER @SHORTPUMPCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Joanna Tannenbaum
joanna.tannenbaum@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS
Naylor Taliaferro | lcrmediallc@gmail.com
Steven Casupanan | steven.casupanan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Rae Linas, Joanna Tannenbaum, Lindsey Erin Haberman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amanda Rae Linas, Beloved Pet & Equine Photography, Melanie Cooper Studios
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Fun Little Luxuries That Spark Undeniable Confidence
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: The annual holiday celebration at Reveillon 2024 at Brenner’s Pass in Scott’s Addition features a luxurious five-course meal complemented by wine, bubbles, cocktails, and a dessert display filled with delicious treats and confections. Photography by Steven Casupanan
8-14: The Reveillon 2024 at Brenner’s Pass in Scott’s Addition showcases a stunning and lavish five-course meal. Photography by Steven Casupanan
15-21: The grand opening celebration of BrickFire RVA showcases their iconic wood-fired oven pizzas, classic and contemporary cocktails, and an incredible experience in downtown Richmond. Photography by Steven Casupanan
Love Your Best Friend.
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Our new facility offers clients a neutral environment for dog training, resulting in faster progress than traditional inhome training (clients should still work their pups everyday and attend group classes). It also provides a location for advanced training, such as PTSD/Psychiatric and Medical Alert service dogs, and allows for daily dog work and group classes. CONTACT US TODAY!
business monthly
New Partnership Enhances Horticulture Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has joined forces with J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to enhance local horticulture education at the college. Starting in 2025, Reynolds will move its horticulture program to the beautiful grounds of Lewis Ginter. As Virginia's sole institution offering such a program, Reynolds provides certificates and degrees covering areas including plant production, landscape design and management, and sustainable agriculture. lewisginter.org
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BrickFire RVA Opens Downtown
In December, BrickFire RVA celebrated its grand opening in downtown Richmond. Located in the historic Berry-Burk building, guests enjoyed delicious wood-fired oven pizzas, signature cocktails like the Smoke Show and Caprese Martini, and one of the best beef tartares in the area. BrickFire is situated at 525 East Grace Street in Richmond and is open from Monday to Saturday, 12 PM to 8 PM. brickfirerva.com
Photography by Steven Casupanan
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LOCAL Color
SUPPORTING SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESSES IN OUR COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY LINDSEY ERIN HABERMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY ERIN HABERMAN AND LAURA EASON
When you want to grab a coffee, book a massage, or buy something, where do you go? When you venture into your local community, what types of businesses do you want to see?
It is always tempting to skip your local coffee shop for a convenient drive-thru, eat at a lower-cost franchise, or buy something online. However, your spending decisions, no matter how large or small, impact the landscape of your local community. When you choose to support small local businesses, you are not only making a purchasing decision but also investing in preserving the diverse character of your locality.
“Local color,” a term traditionally used in literature, provides distinctive character to narratives through local dialects, customs, settings, and traditions. In the context of small businesses, local color functions similarly in distinguishing a community’s commercial environment.
The interaction is a dynamic, mutual exchange: individual spending patterns influence the survival and evolution of local businesses, while businesses react to these decisions and contribute to the community’s cultural and economic identity. When local color is valued in a community’s economy, it can stimulate a cycle of reinvestment and create an interdependent network of local businesses and consumers that reflects the area’s character and values. An independent spa sells locally made soaps; a neighborhood bakery buys apples from a nearby farm; and a bookstore has a shelf showcasing area authors, all adding layers to the community’s local color.
Your spending habits act as cultural indicators, and when rooted in local pride, they can influence businesses to better represent the shared identity and values of a community. For example, local businesses may resonate with a town populated by eco-conscious consumers by offering more green products. A city full of foodies may help establish its locality as a destination for amazing cuisine, pulling revenue into its economy from the greater region.
Your dollars shape the commercial culture of your community. Do you want your purchase to contribute to the preservation of local character, or do you want to contribute to the sprawl of nationally recognizable franchises that could be in Anytown, USA?
In having the opportunity to write a piece for Short Pump City Lifestyle ’s February “Love Local” edition, I want to lead with this call to action. Every dollar you spend makes a difference.
My name is Lindsey Erin Haberman. I am a dual licensed massage therapist, esthetician, and owner of Revival Spa, a boutique wellness spa in Ashland, VA.
In designing my spa, I focused on providing a comfortable environment with excellent products and services while reducing the steep overhead common in luxury spas that leads to inaccessible pricing for many. I plan to lessen the impression of massage therapy and other spa services as occasional luxuries and amplify the value of working them into regular self-care routines.
While I greatly appreciate expensive, high-end spas and their ability to deliver luxurious experiences, I wanted to avoid entering that market. Although incredibly pampering, they also have the potential to make specific demographics feel alienated. Cavernous ceilings and sleek, million-dollar modernist buildouts hosting an airbrushed assembly of perfectly manicured staff can sometimes be daunting. It can ensure that folks feel like a spa day is a once or twice-in-a-lifetime experience.
Revival Spa is a relaxed, cozy, community-oriented space offering fully customized therapeutic massages, Rolfing, facials, hypoallergenic waxing, organic body scrubs, body masks with
thermal wraps, a private infrared sauna, and full body red light therapy. As a licensed massage therapist and esthetician, I offer one-of-a-kind services, such as combined massage facials starting at 90 minutes and Buccal facials that feature intraoral massage to sculpt the face and drastically reduce tension.
We are growing in phases and have received an amazing response from the community so far. We have a membership that includes a one-hour massage or facial and a 45-minute private infrared sauna or full body red light therapy session for $85 a month, with all additional services at member pricing and credits that roll over if you get too busy for your spa day.
Experience effortless online booking and purchase gift cards at revivalspas.com! Treat yourself or surprise a loved one with a delightful experience this Valentine’s Day.
Support local small businesses and make a cherished memory today. See you soon!
Revival Spa 10384 Dow Gil Rd, Suite B Ashland, VA, 23005 revivalspas.com admin@revivalspas.com (804) 677-9702
Cheers to a Cause
A NIGHT OF SUPPORT FOR THE COLORADO FUND FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY AT THREE CROSSES DISTILLING
ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE COOPER STUDIOS
Stephanie Colorado, Steven Casupanan, Joanna Tannenbaum, Aaron Swart, and Michelle Davenport
To commemorate its 10th anniversary last November, the Colorado Fund for Muscular Dystrophy (CFMD) hosted an event in collaboration with Three Crosses Distilling in Powhatan, celebrating its achievements over the past decade. Cheers to a Cause was an enjoyable evening for everyone involved, featuring a delicious selection of seasonal cocktails, tastings, and appetizers. A portion of the proceeds supported CFMD, making the evening not only fun but deeply meaningful.
The CFMD is a local non-profit that raises funds to support programs and events enhancing the lives of those with muscular dystrophy and related disorders. Founded in memory of Aileen DeCastro Colorado, a Richmond native who passed away in 2011, Aileen inspired those around her, never allowing her disability to hinder her goals. She will always be remembered as a bright light
who touched the lives of everyone she met. In honor of her memory, her friends and family, including her sister Stephanie, who also has muscular dystrophy, united to create an organization dedicated to her legacy.
When it came time to organize Cheers to a Cause, CFMD Vice President Steven Casupanan had one place in mind: Three Crosses Distilling. “From start to finish, it was an amazing experience,” Stevens says. “Michelle [Davenport] was awesome to work with in planning and preparation, and the genuine local support for our cause was well received. The drinks, food, and atmosphere made for a perfect fundraising event to celebrate our 10-year anniversary!” Adding a heartfelt element to the celebration, Steven shares that Cheers to a Cause was also held on what would have been Aileen’s 50th birthday, November 7th.
A welcoming and family-friendly place often called a modern-day Cheers, Three Crosses is the perfect spot to celebrate any occasion with its cozy vibe and specialty-crafted small-batch spirits. When approached to host one of their “Fundraiser Thursday” events for the CFMD, Three Crosses owner Michelle Davenport signed on immediately without knowing many details. “I assumed it had something to do with the state of Colorado,” Michelle says. “I was so surprised and happy when it turned out to be an organization created for Aileen Colorado, a friend and classmate with whom I went to high school and graduated. I’m so pleased that we were able to honor her memory.”
The collaboration between CFMD and Three Crosses was a remarkable success, helping CFMD to reach its $10,000 goal for this year. This type of teamwork illustrates the strength of community efforts and is a touching reminder of the positive impact we can achieve when we all come together for a shared purpose. To learn more about how you can support the Colorado Fund for Muscular Dystrophy, visit coloradofmd.org. To plan your visit to Three Crosses Distilling, visit threecrossesdistilling.com.
Aileen DeCastro Colorado
Aileen DeCastro Colorado led a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by muscular dystrophy. While pursuing her communications degree, she actively fundraised for children’s causes and participated in various diversity workshops. After graduating, Aileen continued her commitment to helping others by volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and working as a public relations specialist for the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Her advocacy efforts earned her multiple awards, and she is fondly remembered as a kind and optimistic person. In recognition of her impact, DARS established the Aileen Colorado Champion Award in her honor following her passing in 2011.
Kisha Damali’s journey into stationery design began in 2008 when she had the opportunity to create her sister’s “Winter Wonderland” themed wedding stationery. Despite having minimal experience at the time, her curiosity and passion for the stationery design world blossomed and the rest is HERstory. Kisha spent the next few years designing stationery for weddings and special events, and has since been published in national wedding publications and TV networks; including VH1 and Bravo.
Fast forward to today…Kisha is deeply immersed in the world of Surface Pattern Design which led her down the path of launching her very own line of wallpaper and fabric. Kisha plans to extend her collection to wall art which will debut in January 2025.
Date Night Dining
ARTICLE BY JOANNA TANNENBAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN PARKER
Top Local Spots for an Evening Out
There’s nothing more special than a little one-on-one time with your other half, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than over delicious food and drinks. Short Pump City Lifestyle partner Morgan Parker recommends her favorite local spots for a night out with her husband. Check out her list below!
1. Little Angela’s Cross Ridge Shopping Center 10246 Staples Mill Road Glen Allen, VA 23060 (804) 728-1342 angelasrva.com
2. Laura Lee’s 3410 Semmes Avenue Richmond, VA 23225 (804) 233-9672 lauraleesrva.com
3. Union Market 2306 Jefferson Ave Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 716-7233 unionmarketrva.com
4. The Roosevelt 623 North 25th Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 658-1935 rooseveltrva.com
5. Tazza Kitchen Short Pump 3332 Pump Road Henrico, VA 23233 (804) 716-6448 tazzakitchen.com
When not spending time with her husband, Morgan owns and operates a mobile dog grooming service, Zoomin Groomin. To learn more about how she can help beautify your furry loved one, visit: zoomingroomin.com/location/ pet-groomer-henrico-va/
Morgan Parker and her husband Dalton
CELEBRATING Bageera
This month, we are celebrating Bageera, a black-and-white Labradoodle whose playful spirit and curiosity make him a true star. With his panda-bear-like appearance and warm, welcoming nature, Bageera charms everyone he meets—whether they’re on two legs or four.
Bageera is as wise as his Jungle Book namesake, always ready for a new adventure. Whether he’s chasing squirrels, playing catch, or exploring the great outdoors, his enthusiasm is contagious. He’s also incredibly smart, understanding words in two languages.
Despite his playful nature, Bageera is quite a calm dog. He knows how to slow down and lend an ear. He’s a devoted companion who listens intently to his family’s stories, offering hugs and kindness. He is the best friend his family could ask for. His favorite things? Car rides, hugs, and the occasional scoop of ice cream.
Bageera reminds us that life is better with a little adventure— and a lot of love.
To submit your pet for a chance to be featured in Short Pump City Lifestyle, visit: belovedpetphoto.com/shortpump
Short Pump City Lifestyle’s
Local Pet of the Month
ARTICLE BY AMANDA RAE LINAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BELOVED PET & EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY
JANUARY 30TH
RVA Home Refresh
The Floor Store - 8711 W. Broad St 5:30 PM
RVA Home Refresh is hosting its second annual free event to connect the community with local home improvement vendors. The event will showcase businesses specializing in home décor, landscaping, and renovation, allowing attendees to meet experts and discover exclusive promotions for homeowners. Residents are encouraged to bring friends and family. For more information and to RSVP, please call Melissa Oefelein, Realtor, at (540) 761-8432
FEBRUARY 2ND
Galentine’s Flower Bar with Freckled Flower
James River Cellars Winery
Join James River Cellars for a Valentine’s Flower Bar! Enjoy beautiful blooms, a glass of wine, and a relaxing atmosphere. Each ticket includes wine and everything you need to create a stunning flower arrangement with guidance from Freckled Flower. This hands-on class is perfect for celebrating love and creativity. Until 4:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at jamesrivercellars.com
FEBRUARY 6TH
Charcuterie Tray Workshop
James River Cellar Winery | 5:00 PM
Join AR Workshop for a specialty workshop at James River Cellars Winery! Learn the art of creating a DIY charcuterie tray using special tools and techniques, along with an in-house collection of paints and non-toxic stains, all while being guided by instructors. No prior skills are required—just come ready to learn! The workshop runs until 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at jamesrivercellars.com
FEBRUARY 8TH
How to Grow and Prune Roses
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | 10:00 AM
Join Lewis Ginter for a rose care and pruning course at the Cochrane Rose Garden, led by Peggy Singlemann. You'll learn hands-on pruning techniques and month-to-month care tips for roses, along with insights on different rose classifications to choose the right type for your garden. The course draws on Peggy’s extensive experience managing a renowned rose garden in Richmond. $50 for Members, $60 for Non-Members. lewisginter.org
FEBRUARY 18TH
Seasonal Garden Tour
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Enhance your appreciation of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden by joining a specialized tour that highlights the seasonal features of their collection. Please dress appropriately for the weather as you explore the garden. Free for Members, $60 for Non-Members. lewisginter.org
FEBRUARY 19TH
Succulent Container Garden Workshop
Maymont | 6:00 PM
Join the Maymont staff for a makeand-take workshop where you can create a beautiful container garden. Learn how to customize and care for your garden. Please remember to bring your own gloves; all other materials will be provided. This workshop is for participants aged 21 and older, so be sure to bring a photo ID for alcohol verification. Until 8:00 PM. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at maymont.org.
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THE LURE OF SCOTTSDALE
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
FROM RELAXATION TO SHOPPING TO GOLF TO SIGHTSEEING, THIS DESTINATION HAS IT ALL
The endless skies of blue are interrupted only by cacti rising majestically from the ground, arms reaching skyward, and palm trees, which are often adorned by lights that twinkle when the sun sets. There are vistas of open desert, rising mountains, and even the lush green of the locale’s many golf courses. And, of course, there are the vibrant shopping, dining, art, and event scenes, too.
Scottsdale is a city located in Metro Phoenix in Arizona, which as a whole is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun” for its more than 330 days of sun each year—one of the reasons the area is a draw for visitors. With few rainy days, it’s easy to plan your daily activities without worry. Yes, though, the summer gets hot. But the rest of the year? Perfection.
Scottsdale is a mix of a resort destination, city, and suburbs, with more open desert the further north you venture. To the south is Downtown Scottsdale —also known as Old Town Scottsdale—which is a mix of old Southwestern charm (including the legendary cowboy saloon, Rusty Spur Saloon); modern eateries from famed chefs; lots of shopping at small boutiques and specialty shops; the Arts District , which is filled with art galleries; and even tasting rooms from Arizona wineries located along the famed Scottsdale Wine Trail
Nearby is Scottsdale Fashion Square , one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations. While you’ll find many usual retailers there, there are also more than 40 luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton.
Heading north are open-air shopping destinations Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons , which sit across the street from each other. Take the afternoon or evening to stroll through, exploring the shops, restaurants, and activity destinations such as the indoor mini-golf destination Puttshack
What else is there to see and do? Plenty.
CULTURE
The beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert led famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), to build Taliesin West , his winter home and desert laboratory, in a mountainside in East Scottsdale. Today, there are daily tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and events are offered often.
However, Wright’s architecture isn’t the only art in the area. Beyond the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, there is public art all around the city, from sculptures to murals, so definitely keep your eyes open!
There are also museums such as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West , a Smithsonian Affiliate, which showcases items from the Greater Western region, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , affectionately known as SMoCA.
On Thursday evenings, there’s a free public ArtWalk in the Arts District, where galleries stay open later. Wander the streets and galleries, often against a backdrop of live music and even artist appearances.
NEARBY
While there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Scottsdale proper, there’s also much to see nearby. Make sure to experience the Musical Instrument Museum (affectionately known as the MIM), which is the world’s only global instrument museum. Desert Botanical Garden features an array of desert plants, and Phoenix Art Museum has an impressive collection of art. And, of course, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place for both kids and adults alike.
