VIP Alexandria Magazine | May 2022 | Katya Ananieva Cover

MAY 2022

+ H C TE N O I T A V O N N I G TH

FEATURIN

2

S OF 202

OVATOR E VIP INN

THE TECH THAT SAVES LIVES WHAT MAKES SMART HOMES SMART BEST NEW RESTAURANTS IN NOVA WHY YOUR KIDS NEED S.T.E.A.M. THIS SUMMER FRESHEN UP AT THE FLEA MARKET LOCAL EVENTS + MUCH MORE!

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 1

YO U R A L E X A N D R I A R E A L E S TAT E E X P E R T Q1 IN REVIEW

$

%

16M 12 100

Volume Sold

Homes Sold

Average Sales Price to List Price

Kristen Jones Washingtonian's Best Real Estate Agent 2018-2021 Northern VA Magazine Best Real Estate Agent 2018-2021 DC Modern Luxury Real Estate Award 2020-2021 2021 RealTrends America's Best Real Estate Professionals Proud Sponsor of Old Town Boutique District 703.851.2556 | kristenjones.com | kristen@kristenjones.com | Licensed in VA 109 S. Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Equal Housing Opportunity

2 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

It’s More Than an ATM—It’s an ITM — Introducing USSFCU’s Interactive Teller Machine —

ITM

Experience in-branch transactions and service through enhanced convenience from a screen.

All the features of a regular ATM, plus more!

Cash & Check Deposits

Live Remote Teller Interaction

Bowman Branch Braddock Station STABILITY. SECURITY. SERVICE. since 1935

1310 Braddock Place | Alexandria, VA 22314 across from Braddock Metro • garage parking & validation available

Member Service Inquires

Payments to Loan Accounts

ussfcu.org/BowmanBranch

— STOP BY YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ATM! — Live Teller interaction only during business hours. Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA. MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 3

Additions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements Outdoor Living Spaces • New Homes 703.641.9800 | michael-nash.com 8630A Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22031 Serving Northern Virginia Only A Michael Nash Company 4 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 5

6 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 7

VO LU M E 4 • I S S U E 4

P U B L I S H E R / OW N E R K E L L I E G U N D E R M A N | @ BY _ K E L L I E M A N AG I N G E D I TO R C RYS TA L M O S S E R A N D E R S O N E D I TO R A N D R E W G AT E S AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E M A RT H A C A R U C C I S TA F F W R I T E R S WESLEY JEFFERIES L I E S E L S C H M I DT P H OTO G R A P H E R S JULIE CARRASCO JEFF HEENEY S A M M I D D L E TO N LU C I A S M I T H K E N N Y WA LT E R S J O S H WAT K I N S C OV E R P H OTO G R A P H E R J O N AT H A N T H O R P E | @ J T H O R P E P H OTO DISTRIBUTION TL DISTRIBUTION

W W W.V I PA L X M AG . C O M | @ V I PA L X M AG

888 ••• VIP ALEXANDRIAMAGAZINE MAGAZINE VIP VIP ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

JUST A THOUGHT...

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Look around and you’ll likely see the many ways that you are plugged in, from smart phones and watches, to tablets and doorbell cams. We’ve become a society dependent on tech, digitizing everything that used to require a human interface and a hard copy. Now we upload things to clouds that store information like some nebulous data bank in the ether.

We can’t survive when the internet goes down because life screeches to a halt, forcing us into a state of suspended animation as we wait for all our systems to reboot or go back online.

But with complications come innovations; the ways our lives are streamlined and simplified, the advantages we are given through knowledge at our fingertips and the benefits we gain from the absolute connectedness of the world. From banking to breast health, technology has its fingers in everything, and here in Alexandria, we have some tech titans and innovators walking in our midst. This issue is all about celebrating the ways that our community is tied into tech and exploring the innovations that our free thinkers have a hand in bringing to life.

Fortunately for us, innovation has also rebirthed the old-school, and print is seeing a resurgence in popularity. So hold this issue in your hands, turn the pages and feel the way it has some special quality that a screen can never capture. There’s an undeniable appeal to the tactile sensation of holding something physical, and we love the fact that readers like you are bringing print back into vogue. Read on and keep up the good work!

As we explore local innovations, join us in sampling the many new restaurants in the ALX area. For whatever you’re craving, there’s something sure to satisfy, and we’ve got your list for great hotspots to try.

As always, we here at the VIP Alexandria family thank you for your support in making us who we are. Thank you for your readership and the love that you’ve shown us since our very first issue. This magazine is the result of daring to dream, so we encourage you to do that as well. Think on, dream on… innovate. You are making the world a better place.

Love to you all!

O N T H E C OV E R S : ( TO P ) K AT YA A N A N I E VA , OW N E R O F S H E ' S U N I Q U E , CO-FOUNDER OF FOUR TWENTY T H R E E J E W E L RY + ( B OT TO M ) J O H N M C G OWA N , C E O O F H U B SY N C

KELLIE GUNDERMAN P U B L I S H E R , V I P A L E X A N D R I A M AG A Z I N E

COMING JUNE/JULY 2022

Wellness & Adventure Health & Beauty Profiles • Outdoor Recreation • Travel Outdoor Dining • Summer Fashion • Pups of Alexandria • MORE!

SALES@VIPALEXANDRIAMAG.COM MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 9

APR22 the tech + innovation issue 14

VIP HOME TOUR

18

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Herndon Backyard Escape May / June Calendar of Events

VIP FAMILY 2 0 • Why Your Kids Need S.T.E.A.M. This Summer 2 5 • Event: Rosie Riveters Celebration 2 6 • A New Way To Think About Dentistry?

2 8 • Event: Goat Cuddling + Apple Cider 3 0 • May SuperMom: Stephanie Parkes

34

SPRING2ACTION KICK-OFF

37

DINING REVIEWS

48

DEL RAY FARMER'S MARKET

34

Best New Restaurants of NOVA

VIP INNOVATORS OF 2022

48

5 2 • Erik Hansen, Mekanic 5 4 • Sean Griffin, Disaster Tech 5 6 • Sofiat Abdulrazaaq, Goodfynd 5 8 • Oliver James, Burke & Herbert Bank 6 0 • Katya Ananieva, She's Unique 6 2 • John McGowan, HubSync 6 4 • Page + Elizabeth Moon, Focus Data Solutions 6 6 • Elise Abdollahi, Salon deZEN 6 8 • Jim Warren, Power Enginuities 10 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

52

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 11

APR22 the tech + innovation issue 70

COFFEE & CONNECTIONS

72

VIP HOME

74

CHERRY BLOSSOM JUBILEE

77

TECH THAT SAVES LIVES

80

ALEXANDRIA WEDDING SHOWCASE

82

SIPPIN' PRETTY EVENT

84

VIP INFLUENCER

86

FINE ART + DESIGN FESTIVAL

88

VIP LIVING

90

VERSAILLES ART GALLERY EVENT

92

PNC PARKWAY CLASSIC

94

ROCKLANDS BBQ BLOCK PARTY

98

CHALKBOARD GRAND OPENING

12 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

What Makes A Smart Home Smart

The Emily Guskin Story

77

The Lisa Alcindor Story

Freshen Up At The Flea Market

84

92

@HazardHair

This issue is all about local “Tech Masterminds” and Salon deZEN has a “Tech”-nique that will pique your inner geek! For Spring and Summer, we are crushing on underlights. This technique is achieved by strategically adding splashes of color using freehand painting or foiling techniques. Underlights work best if you have minimal layering, but just enough to help the color peek out from underneath. Whether you want to complement your existing hair color or contrast it with a bold hue, underlights will feel like a significant change without major maintenance.

owner

118 N Fayette Street, Alexandria | www.salondezen.com | 703.549.1400 MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 13

14 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE 14 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

herndon B A C K YA R D E S C A P E

Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography Courtesy of Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

O

ne of the biggest trends in recent years has been in outdoor living and creating areas that accommodate everything from decks to full-on living spaces worthy of dinner party invites.

Naturally, those spaces are designed according to the actual living style of the homeowner, but with the range of outdoor products available, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

The trend of outdoor living spaces was already on the rise by the time COVID hit, which only further propelled this trend. “It was one of the only ways that people could get together with their friends and family,” says Sonny Nazemian, Master Designer of Kitchen/Bath at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes.

So what makes the ultimate outdoor living space?

Close your eyes and picture everything indoors that makes for the best entertaining: seating areas, a kitchen, a wet bar and a flat-screen TV. Chances are, anything you want outside can be outside. Gone are the days of outdoor areas limited to small decks or four-by-four concrete patios. Now, outdoor areas are the third most important renovations, according to Nazemian.

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 15 MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 15

Ever since COVID, every corner of the country is leaning more and more toward outdoor remodeling. People like to cook with nature, and they want to expand their spaces and take advantage of their scenic views. If you ask yourself, do you want to entertain indoors or outdoors, what would you prefer? Outdoors, right?

- sonny nazemian MASTER DESIGNER

“I've been doing this for Michael Nash for the past 36 years, and it used to be that an outdoor project was limited to decks, adding an outdoor grill area,” he goes on. “But outdoor living is no longer an add-on project—it’s become the project. They are now fully planned rooms with multiple spaces and multiple features; covered porches, covered kitchens, decks, fire pits, back patios, fireplaces and as much entertainment as possible. People want bars, fridges, beer kegs, TVs, full sound systems and everything else that makes indoor entertaining spaces. People also want to use their outdoor space for all four seasons, so fireplaces, firepits and other heat sources are all important additions when designing an outdoor space that can be utilized year-round.”

If you love to cook, consider an outdoor kitchen and kit it out with everything you need to make your chefy dreams come true.

Don’t settle for something so pedestrian as a camp grill—make all of that outdoor space work for you by installing appliances that suit your needs like a refrigerator and freezer, grill and range, sinks and even a pizza oven. The point is to keep everything you need at your fingertips so that your outdoor experience can actually stay outside. There are all kinds of options in appliances designed to stand up to al fresco life.

16 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

Of course, you’ll need the perfect backdrop for any outdoor living you do, so lay the groundwork by installing hardscaped areas like concrete patio areas or adding a more high-end designer look with outdoor pavers and a pergola for some shade. To keep things cool, install outdoor fans in the pergola and opt for misting systems to safely ward off the bugs and make your yard a pest-free paradise.

Naturally, you’ll need to consider how you want the space to function as well as the style of your home and the topography of the landscape as you formulate your design. “We sit down with the clients and interview them to determine their needs, as well as their vision for the space,” Nazemian explains.

“How many people will use the space? And how will they use it? Do they entertain? And what type of entertaining will they do? All of these are important details to know as we design the space.”

The size of the area you’re working with will also dictate the scope of your project, not to mention the type of materials you use. And if you’re considering anything like installing a patio area around a pool, it’ll be important to use materials that will hold up well to high traffic and moisture and have a surface that’s slip resistant.

Light things up with outdoor lighting over gathering spaces and along walkways so that nightfall doesn’t bring things to an end. Ward off chilly weather with firepits, outdoor fireplaces or outdoor heaters.

Creating seating areas will add to the cozy factor and invite people to stay awhile, so plan places to sit and dine as well as comfortable lounge spaces with sofas and chairs that lend themselves to outdoor entertaining and enjoying the open air.

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 17

WHAT'S HAPPEN MAY / JUNE 2022 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY 10

STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT Lost Boy Cider, 6:30-8:30PM

MAY 14

PERFECTLY PAIRED CHOCOLATE & WINE TASTING Carlyle House (Magnolia Terrace), 6:30-9PM

Comedian Paris Sashay will headline at this event. Enjoy dinners and snacks from Pate Wagon and hard ciders by Lost Boy Cider throughout the show.

Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com

MAY 13-15

SPRING WINE FESTIVAL & SUNSET TOUR Mount Vernon, Various Times

Join Mount Vernon for the most popular event of the year.

Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia's finest wineries.

Tickets avilable at www.mountvernon.org.

18 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

What goes better with wine than chocolate? Join Potomac Chocolate on the Magnolia Terrace for an evening of locally made chocolates paired with delicious wines.

Tickets avilable at www.novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park

MAY 19

THE ROMANTICS IN THE SECRET GARDEN The Rectory on Princess Street, Various Times

Enjoy Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata, played by Vijay Venkatesh on piano, in this outdoor concert space.

Tickets avilable at www.classicalmovements.om

NING?

JUN 09

CREATING FLORAL DESIGNS Boxwood, 7-8:30PM

MAY 21

CANDLE BAR POPUP WALK-IN EVENT AR Workshop, 12-2PM

This is a walk-in event, no registration is required. During this event you will have the chance to pour your very own candle with the help of local candlemaker, Lainie of OhhSoyGoodness!

JUN 04

DRAG BRUNCH

A workshop for those looking to learn how easy it can be to make beautiful floral arrangements using everyday flowers found in your garden or at the grocery store.

Register at www.boxwoodoldtown.com

JUN 11

WELL RAY Mount Vernon Ave., Del Ray, 9-2PM

King & Rye, 11AM

Celebrate Pride Month with a lively southern brunch featuring DMV's best drag entertainment.

Make reservations at www.kingandrye.com/event/drag-brunch

Bring a water bottle, yoga mat and your work out shoes because at this festival there will be free outdoor classes for you to jump into. Sessions will include yoga, dance, pilates, cycling,CrossFit and more. There will even be classes for kids!

MAY 22, 2022

PRESENTED BY BURKE & HERBERT BANK

FESTIVALOFSPEEDSTYLEALEX.COM 19 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 19

FULL STEAM AHEAD!

WHY YOUR KIDS NEED S.T.E.A.M. THIS SUMMER Story by Liesel Schmidt As we approach summer, the question every parent faces more fully engaging and allowing the artistic nature in a child during this part of the year looms large: “What do I do with to be explored. my kid?”

So why all this alternative learning? As children get older, the If you’re like most parents, you want more for your offspring than concepts and skills learned through STEAM become invaluable, to watch them slink off toward their bedrooms every morning which is why schools have pushed them so hard in recent years. after breakfast to glue their faces to their devices. Sure, it’s an effective way to keep them occupied, but does it keep them At its core, STEAM education is about becoming a self-reliant, learning? Therein lies both the question and the answer to the independent thinker. Kids are allowed to think, assess and conundrum of what to do with your child this year when school conclude how to best achieve their goals and complete projects. lets out for the summer. You want them to have fun, but also Unlike the grading system of conventional education, it is the to learn something while they’re off singing “Kumbaya” and way of thinking that is the most important. In fact, the idea that roasting marshmallows—which is where educational summer making mistakes is sometimes a part of the process and that failure can be productive is both encouraged and reinforced camps like STEAM camps come into play. with kids. Learners go at their own pace and skill level, which Over the past decade, there has been growing attention to means they can immerse themselves in foundational concepts STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), as they begin or challenge themselves by working with more but those core tenets have been expanded to include art— complex concepts. Because there is a free-flowing exchange of naturally, reimagining the term to STEAM. All of the left-brain ideas unbound by intellectual constraints or fear of failure, there learning is complemented by the creativity of the right brain, is more freedom to learn and explore.

20 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

All of this makes STEAM camps a great way to encourage kids to learn. It’s more than just education for education’s sake.

It brings science, tech, engineering, art and math into the functional realm, connecting the various educational tenets to a more graspable concept than words on a page in a textbook or on a screen. There is also no pressure to get good grades.

It’s more about the journey than the specific destination, which allows kids to explore and be more creative.

Naturally, the camp environment provides something that is extremely beneficial to kids, especially in the era of social media and screen-driven interaction: face-to-face social contact with other kids and adults. STEAM camps are great for developing social skills, and they force camp-goers to navigate relationships with their fellow campers as well as their counselors—all of which translate into the real-world environment that they will face later on, whether in school or as they become adults.

From robotics and videogame creation, to oceanography and emergency medicine, children see the real-life impact of science. Many STEAM camps are taught by professionals in the industries of science or engineering. Appealing to kids who may be interested in things other than coding or robotics, STEAM camps often offer activities such as cooking, rafting and hiking to give students a peek at the way STEAM concepts apply to real-life concepts. At STEAM camps, kids also have the chance to emphasize the arts element by creating something and using their imaginations in problem-solving.

Fortunately, Alexandria has a number of STEAM and STEM camps for summer fun. For kids who want to learn tech skills like coding, Code Ninjas offers programs throughout the summer months including game coding, game design, movie making, coding cartoons, creating stop-motion animation, programming, developing a YouTube channel, web development and robotics.

STEAM camps also prevent the learning loss that so often comes from the doldrums of summer. The camps provide continued learning in a low-pressure environment that builds their skills in math, reading and science—which also helps with the upcoming school year. It’s a win-win for both you and your kid.

CODE NINJAS - ALEXANDRIA 4694 KING ST SUITE 15, ALEXANDRIA

Parents of girls will also see a boost of confidence in their kids, as the encouragement they are given in the judgement-free environment of STEAM camps and programs has been proven to build the self-confidence they need to pursue these fields later on. The different learning that is facilitated is one reason that STEAM is so beneficial to students of various ages and abilities.

Open since November 2019, Code Ninjas Alexandria offers week-long summer camps as well as day camps during the school year, in addition to STEM socials and Thursday night STEM clubs. “The STEM socials are kind of like a parents' night out,” says Code Ninja Director of Marketing/Events, Cassidy Olimpo. “Kids come to the center for STEM activities, pizza and a movie. Our weekly STEM clubs explore different STEM topics such as stop motion animation, robotics, coding and so much more.”

You can find Code Ninjas Alexandria's camps on their website at www.codeninjas.com/va-alexandria/camps. The website includes each camp description and easy sign-up. If there is no space in the desired camp, a waitlist is offered.

MAY2022 2022| |TECH TECH++INNOVATION INNOVATION • • 21 21 MAY

STEVE + KATE'S CAMP 2400 RUSSELL RD, ALEXANDRIA

Focusing more on the creativity side of STEAM, Steve and Kate’s Camp is filled with programs designed to teach kids independent thinking by putting them in charge of their own learning experience. Campers choose from a variety of activities and design their day at camp, which ultimately gives them the space to try, fail and learn on their own—and, in turn, teach them skills to be confident in themselves and their own skills.

Summer activities include game coding and media creation in the Media Lab, performing arts, sewing and embroidery, baking, crafts, sports and other fun ways to burn off some of that energy that kids always seem to have.

Created in 1989 in Mill Valley, California, Steve and Kate’s Camp has a story as unique as the camps themselves. “Once upon a time, two visionaries dared to ask ‘what if’ before completely reimagining what summer camp could be,” explains Sarah Hewitt, Senior Marketing Manager. “It was 1980.

Steve sported denim shorts as a religion and Kate rocked Reeboks to aerobics. Both had a passion for camp, but traditional camps had two crucial flaws: kids participated in activities based on age, not interests, and parents had to pay non-refundable fees. Camps weren’t 22 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

responsive to people’s actual needs. So, they built a camp where kids were in charge of their choices and parents could buy any number of day passes, attend camp any time and get automatic refunds for any unused passes. To this day, the company is still just as obsessed with addressing individual kids’ needs.”

Families can buy any number of camp days to use throughout summer–no advanced weekly reservations required. Summer passes covering the entire camp season are also available. All passes include lunch, snacks, activities and all hours (8am to 6pm), so there are no surprise fees later on. Families can learn more and register for camp at www.steveandkatescamp.com/alexandria/.

Alexandria S for ign u p a tod clas ay! s

Discover the power of family music-making.

Del Ray • Seminary Hill www.MusicTogetherAlexandria.com • (571) 494-1869

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 23

STOMACH

SLIMMING PACK

SHE’S UNIQUE • 205 KING ST. ALEXANDRIA VA 22314 SHESUNIQUEJEWELRY • SHOPSHESUNIQUE.COM

DMV BEAUTY CLINIC

24 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

201 N Fairfax St., Suite 21, Alexandria dmvbeautyclinic.com | @dmv_beauty_clinic

All Things Easter!

R O S I E R I V E T E R S C E L E B R AT I O N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J O S H WAT K I N S

The non-profit organization, Rosie Riveters, recently celebrated its expansion to Alexandria on the waterfront patio of ALX Community. The event was part of the Spring 2 Action initiative which is Alexandria's official day of giving, presented by ACT for Alexandria. This year, over 172 organizations participated and over $2.6M was raised. To learn more, please visit www.spring2action.org.

Bling2o Goggles now available!

1 2 2 A S . R O YA L S T. A L E X A N D R I A (703) 567-4518 SHOP529KIDSCONSIGN

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 25

26 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

Brought to you by Greater Washington Dentistry

Many of us have had negative experiences at the dentist office.

This could have been due to a variety of factors. The mouth is a very sensitive area. Keeping your mouth open for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. The needles for anesthesia are scary. The loud sound of the drill ringing between your ears can be unbearable. Not to mention the shower you, certainly, were not ready for with all that water spraying everywhere!

The laser works in a way which minimizes vibration leading to increased comfort during the procedure. This is especially important in our pediatric populations to reduce fear and anxiety. Certain lasers work with your teeth in a way that actually have a pain-relieving effect. This is very important because it can eliminate the need for the anesthesia. This is the portion of an appointment where the needle is used!

Did you know that there is an alternative to all of this?

Proper training and education are essential for the dentist.

Dr. Shohreh Sharif has taken years of extensive continuing education courses from all around the world in laser dentistry.

She has state of the art equipment to ensure safety during the procedure and a successful outcome.

Laser dentistry is the answer you have been searching for.

Lasers have been used in medicine for roughly 40 years.

They are safe and becoming more widely used in the field of dentistry. In fact, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved laser dentistry for specific conditions. Lasers offer a more comfortable treatment option for a wide variety of treatments as opposed to conventional drills and other nonlaser tools. They can make dental treatments more effective and comfortable.

Explore your options and ask if laser dentistry is suitable for your next dental procedure. Laser dentistry has the chance to change the age-old negative conceptions and phobias that are associated with a trip to the dentist and the drill.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The instrument creates light energy that is highly focused into a narrow beam. This beam is then directed at the area of focus to obtain intended results. There are two primary functions of lasers in dentistry: hard and soft tissue. Hard tissue refers to the teeth and soft tissue, the gums.

Different wavelengths and strengths are used for different types of procedures. The light from the laser that shines on the area is extremely specific allowing for minimally invasive treatment to be performed. This interaction causes minimal side-effects such as pain and excessive heat to the surrounding area versus conventional methods. In fact, it can actually promote healing in the treated area. Whereas previous healing times would be longer with significant post-operative pain/sensitivity.

Dr. Shohreh Sharif

D.D.S., FAAPD, FICD Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Associate Professor, Howard University College of Dentistry Diplomate, American Orthodontic Society (703) 992-9222 | www.washingtondentist.com

Acknowledgements: Journal of the American Dental Association, 2020, Lasers in Dentistry, 2017, European Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, 2017

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 27

G OAT C U D D L I N G + A P P L E C I D E R P H OTO G R A P H Y BY S A M M I D D L E TO N

Walnut Creek Farm recently traveled to Lost Boy Cider for an hour-long goat cuddling and apple cider event, featuring their friendly herd. The farm's owner and veterinarian, Dr. Maureen Noftsinger, was on-hand to answer guests' goat-related questions. Tickets included on craft cider and unlimited goat snuggling.

28 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

YOUR HAIR EXTENSION SPECIALIST USING LUXURY BRAND BALLAMI TAPE-IN • I-TIP • K-TIP • HAND-TIED WEFT

101 S. St Asaph St. 571.312.5443 Mo-Sa 10-5 Su 12-5 FOLLOW US shopmintcollective

Submit your consultation form at cynthiasantanahair.com/forms cynthiasantanahair

LUXURY PERMANENT MAKEUP STUDIO

GET GOOD BROWS AT HOME WITH OUR BROW PRODUCT LINE. Our ultra-slim, retractable pencil creates precise hair-like strokes & blends color in for full fluffy brows. No sharpener required. Specially developed for hot and humid climates. Waterproof. Enjoy 10 hours of wear. Contains Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant & Vitamin E to against skin aging.

shop at goodbrowsdmv.com 421 S. Washington St Alexandria VA 22314 | 703-868-2183 |

goodbrowsdmv

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 29

30 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

MAY 2022 VIP SUPERMOM

Stephanie Parkes FEATURING SCULP'D PILATES + EMCULPT NEO / EMSELLA Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography by Kenny Walters

A part-time influencer and part-time pharmacist at Wegman’s Pharmacy, Stephanie Parkes is a full-time new mom to a nine-month-old baby boy named William. And while it may be a lot to juggle, Parkes sees the benefits of being a working mother. “I personally love working since it not only gets me out and using my brain, but I appreciate my time with William more,” Parkes says. “Obviously, being a working mom can have its challenges, but I have great help from family, friends and childcare as well as flexible coworkers to make it work.”

While William is too young to see the ways that working enriches his mother’s world, she definitely notices the ways it makes her a better mother. “I feel as though I don't take my time with William for granted, so he gets the best version of me. And also, sometimes working is actually less tiring than caring for a child,” 33-year-old Parkes says with a laugh.

On the flip side, motherhood has translated into her work life. “Becoming a mom has made me a little more compassionate and flexible,” Parkes notes. “Before, I used to be the manager of the pharmacy, and I was pretty strict.

I feel like I am more understanding and forgiving now, and that also applies outside of work.”

I chose to work with sculp'd because I've been a client with them for years, and their methods got me in the best shape of my life pre-pregnancy.STEPHANIE

Naturally, having a baby as young as William, Parkes works hard to get back to her pre-pregnancy self. She turned to MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 31

"I knew I could trust Betsy and team to help me on my journey.” sculp’d, whose specialty pelvic floor conditioning classes and technology help solve the issues she faces. “I chose to work with sculp'd because I've been a client with them for years, and their methods got me in the best shape of my life pre-pregnancy,” says Parkes. “When the usual workout and diet wasn't working for my postpartum body, I was curious about Emculpt Neo as well as Emsella to help my pelvic floor. I knew I could trust Betsy and team to help me on my journey.”

After a thorough consultation, Parkes and the team at sculp'd agreed that a series of Emsculpt Neo treatments on her core as well as six sessions on their Emsella machine and private one-on-one pelvic floor sessions were the best ways to jumpstart her progress. “The core encompasses your abdominal muscles, your pelvic floor and your glutes, so sculp'd is addressing the total issue that many women face after pregnancy and childbirth,” says owner Betsy Weissman, who opened sculp’d in 2019.

32 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

“I truly have learned what matters in life and where my priorities lie.

I want William to know he is unconditionally loved, and I want him to laugh and have fun when I’m around as I create memories with him."

“In a nutshell, these machines do the musclebuilding work for you,” Weissman explains.

“Emsculpt Neo provides 25,000 crunches per session, which strengthens the core and burns up to 30 percent of residual baby weight; and the Emsella is the equivalent to 11,400 Kegels in 30 minutes, which significantly strengthens the pelvic floor. These high-tech devices engage your muscles at their full capacity—something that simply cannot be achieved without the artificial intelligence and power of these machines.”

As she works to get her pre-baby body back into shape, Parkes is still rocking the glow of love that comes from being a mother. “Your life definitely changes, but in the best way,” she says. “I truly have learned what matters in life and where my priorities lie. I want William to know he is unconditionally loved, and I want him to laugh and have fun when I’m around as I create memories with him. I also try to be goofy with him so I can see his little smile and laugh.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 33

S P R I N G 2 AC T I O N K I C K- O F F PA RT Y P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J O S H WAT K I N S

The Patterson Group recently hosted the kick-off party for Spring2Action, Alexandria's day of giving. The event, which took place at The Garden Alexandria, provided guests with food, drinks, fun prizes and the opportunity to celebrate generosity with others. Spring2Action is presented by ACT for Alexandria. This year raised over $2.6M for 172 local organizations. To learn more, please visit www.spring2action.org.

34 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

Featured properties (from left to right): 2306 Valley Drive, 7869 Southdown Road, 306 Mansion Drive

The Patterson Group of

The Patterson Group is amongst the most experienced and trusted real estate teams in the area, serving the Alexandria community for more than 30 years, and proudly ranked as The #1 Small Real Estate Team in Virginia.

For those seeking unmatched local expertise, and service that’s as elevated as your standards, choose The Patterson Group.

T H E PAT T E R S O N G R O U P 70 3. 3 1 0.6 2 0 1 PAT T E R S O N R E A L E STAT E .C O M

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 35

Alexandria Brokerage 400 S Washington Streett, 703 310 6800, ©2022 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. SIR1

Creating Effective Communication Strategies for Your Business Member FINRA & SIPC

 Investment Management  Education Funding  Retirement Planning  Wealth Management

WE CAN HELP TELL YOUR STORY BY...

Leveraging existing tools and resources • Crafting new communications strategies and content • Communicating to target audiences • Creating and maximizing opportunities for media coverage • Planning attention grabbing events

McLaughlin Ryder Investments has built a solid reputation as a trustworthy, knowledgeable, full-service investment firm. Our focus is on providing investment advice with integrity and first-class personal service.

Shawn P. McLaughlin, AIF®, Founder, President & CEO Jacobson P. Truex, CFP®, Vice President/Financial Advisor 1421 Prince Street, Suite 200 Alexandria, Virginia 22314

www.mclaughlinryder.com

703-684-9222

Service.

Integrity.

Results.

Contact Aaron to set up your listing strategy session today!

Aaron Podolsky

202.271.3050 | podolskygroup.com aaron.podolsky@compass.com podolskygroup

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1004 King Street, 1st Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.229.8935

36 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

BY WESLEY JEFFERIES

TURKISH COFFEE LADY • MATT + TONY'S DONAHUE • THE BRASS RABBIT • INCA SOCIAL MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 37

Celebrate warmer weather and National Wine Day with our exclusive four-course Rosé Wine Dinner!

menu g in r p s w e N to items coming too! y Lena’s in Ma

Limited reservations available at lenaswoodfire.com or (703) 683-5330

great a s e k a M gift! y a D ’s Mother

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR

A Perfectly Packed Picinic

108 N Patrick St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Www.winegallery108.com

38 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

turkish coffee lady

Turkish Coffee Lady brings a centuries-old treasured ritual at the heart of Ottoman and Turkish culture to Old Town Alexandria. As the latest addition to the coffeehouse scene, Turkish Coffee Lady offers more than just a jolt of caffeine, but an entire experience representing a sophisticated coffee culture with deep ancient roots.

Its well-appointed and warmly welcoming sitting room with a collection of comfortable couches, cushions and cozy nooks - all in front of a brick fireplace - is the perfect setting to savor a naturally creamy and fragrant coffee in a porcelain demitasse cup served alongside a sampling of confectionary known as Turkish delight. After sipping the coffee, it is traditional to use the remaining grounds for a traditional Turkish fortune-telling ritual and readings can even be booked in advance at the coffeehouse.

Turkish Coffee Lady is a welcome arrival in a community like Old Town, which blends local roots with cosmopolitan flair.

1501 MT VERNON AVE, ALEXANDRIA • WWW.MATTANDTONYSVA.COM MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 39

A NEIGHBORHOOD TAVERN + BAR THE CUISINE AT KAIZEN IS A BLEND OF LATIN, ASIAN, AND AMERICAN COMFORT FOODS.

SCAN HERE

TO CHECK OUT OUR NEW MENU! LUNCH • BRUNCH • DINNER • SUSHI • GREAT COCKTAILS

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY • 3-5PM

1909 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria • www.Kaizen-Tavern.com 40 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

VIP WEDDING VENUE

matt + tony's

Matt and Tony’s is a modern upscale take on the all-American diner in the heart of Del Ray that is sure to become a neighborhood hit. Inspired by his late great-grandfather Anton, or “Tony,” who was a renowned Austrian pastry chef, owner Matt Sloan has created a unique gathering space designed to stimulate conversation and cultivate community for years to come. Upon entering, one immediately notices the visually arresting but elegant contrasts created by industrial brick walls, sleek wood floors and leafy decor in an open floor plan that announces a fresh and welcoming approach to a classic American institution. The menu includes all-day breakfast with creative takes on diner comfort food as well as eye-catching options for dinner. Be sure to try the biscuits and gravy dish with andouille sausage and a chicken chorizo gravy that weaves in a lively concerto of spicy and savory notes.

1501 MT VERNON AVE, ALEXANDRIA • WWW.MATTANDTONYSVA.COM MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 41

donahue

We ventured slightly out of Northern Virginia for this astonishing addition to the Georgetown neighborhood. Founded and operated by Italianborn restauranteur Luca Giovannini, Donahue’s is a chic and elegant cocktail lounge providing a refreshing and sophisticated alternative to the noisy student-frequented bars and the staid restaurants of Georgetown. Amid soothing colors and stylish decor, Donahue’s serves a creative selection of cocktails for discriminating and demanding palates perfectly paired with a seafood-focused menu of hors d’oeuvres and entrees boasting a cornucopia of subtle and complex flavors that will leave one’s taste buds both satisfied and stupefied.

Highly recommended is their stunning botanical gin and tonic infused with citrus and rosemary. Pair this with their show-stopping sea bass ceviche served with aji spice and leche de tigre.

1338 WISCONSIN AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC • WWW.DONAHUEDC.COM 42 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

Best Brunch in Old Town!

Join us for Mother's Day, Easter & Spring Sunday Brunch!

­ MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 43

the brass rabbit pub

The Brass Rabbit Pub brings a hip and healthy flair to pub fare catering to the young and upwardly mobile crowd of Arlington’s trendy Clarendon neighborhood. An extensive renovation by the owner has transformed what used to be a rowdy sports bar into a plush and vibrant space where cocktail mixers are made on site and the menu is consciously geared towards a healthier lifestyle.

Unique and surprising items include the fried lobster sliders topped with substantial helpings of coleslaw, the lamb burger on a brioche bun with feta cheese and tzatziki sauce and their lettuce wraps featuring tuna, lobster, shrimp or chicken. For a quick nosh, try the fluffy carrot fries baked in garlic herb or the supple tuna poke marinated in sesame and soy vinaigrette.

1210 N GARFIELD ST, ARLINGTON • WWW.BRASSRABBITPUB.COM 44 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

r e t en win to kyard c a b a BQ

B

1

0 -15 for 1 ple peo lue!)

Photo by: I'm Mary Katherine

Celebrate Your Special Day

250 (A $

Va

ift 5+ g a $2 30 e s ha 6/ Purc een 5/ 1 betw

2

Sca

re t n he

o en

card

ter!

*

at

Four private event spaces Casual to elegant, intimate to grand Inspired, chef-created menus & unmatched service Contact Our Events Specialist & Book Today Events@unionstreetpublichouse.com

121 S. Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314 | (703) 548-1785

*GLORY DAYS GRILL® BACKYARD BBQ SWEEPSTAKES. No Purchase Necessary. Open to MD, NC, VA, & WV residents 21+. Sweepstakes begins on 5/1/22 and ends on 6/30/22. Prizes can be redeemed between 7/1/22 and 9/15/22. See Official Rules at GDGBackyardBBQSweeps.com for free entry, prize, and details.

Message & data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. ©2022 Glory Days, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GLORYDAYSGRILL.COM

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 45

inca social

Inca Social brings a blast of culture and color to Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood with a concept built around showcasing Peru’s vibrantly diverse culture and cuisine.

Amid a hypnotic kaleidoscope of bright festive colors complemented by clever design features inspired by Peru’s lush natural geography and rich cultural legacy, the dishes present a fascinating lesson in the history and culture of Peru. Ask to begin with causa, a traditional indigenous hors d’oeuvre consisting of small pillars of lime-infused mashed potato and maize topped off with elegantly presented samplings such as octopus, shrimp or ceviche. For the main course, order their steak saltado, a delicious South American interpretation of Chinese stir fry with explosively delicious flavors. Finish with their picarones, a doughnut-like pastry inherited from the Spanish, made with sweet potato and topped off with a Peruvian version of molasses known as chancaca.

1776 WILSON BLVD UNIT #1, ARLINGTON • WWW.INCASOCIAL.COM 46 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

O L D TOW N C H I L I C O O K- O F F P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J O S H WAT K I N S

The Old Town Alexandria Charity Chili Cook-Off returned to Augie's Mussel House & Beer Garden as six local chefs competed to raise money for Feed It Forward. Attendees enjoyed cold libations, pretzels & beer cheese, classic mussels & wings, and of course, chili!

Feed It Forward's mission is to promote social responsibility within the DC community, focusing mainly on the youth and homeless populations. To learn more, please visit feeditforwarddc.org.

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 47

D E L R AY FA R M E R S ' M A R K E T P H OTO G R A P H Y BY LU C I A S M I T H

Veggies and flowers and pastries... oh, my! The year-round Del Ray Farmers' Market is closing in on its peak season and VIP Alexandria Magazine recently stopped by to capture these amazing moments! In addition to the 20 farmers and vendors who offer an array of produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods, the nonprofit RadKids was on hand to talk about personal safety empowerment education for kids. Be sure to stop by every Saturday from 8am-12pm. Learn more at www.delrayfarmersmarket.com.

48 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

your local your local geico geico agent agent makes makes bundling bundling simple. simple.

Home+Auto=easy Home + Auto = easy Bundling your Bundling your home home and and car car insurance insurance is is super easy easy with with GEICO. GEICO. Not Not only only could could you you super save money money with with a special special discount, discount, but but save you’ll you’ll also also save save time time by by having having all all your your coverages in in the the same same place. place. coverages

LOCAL OFFICE

Matthew McCarthy 703-236-1366 ¡Hablamos Español!

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 49

FEATURING FOCUS DATA SOLUTIONS, GOODFYND, SYSTEM ENGINUITIES, HUBSYNC, SHE'S UNIQUE, BURKE & HERBERT BANK, MEKANIC + SALON DEZEN STORIES BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN THORPE

50 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

MAY MAY 2022 2022 | | TECH TECH ++ INNOVATION INNOVATION •• 51 51

ERIK N E S N HA FE

DER, CHIE

CO-FOUN

52 52 •• VIP VIP ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

ANIC

R OF MEK

OFFICE XECUTIVE

"PEOPLE NEED TO NOT FOCUS ON WHAT THEY ARE CREATING, BUT WHY THEY ARE CREATING IT."

E

rik Hansen was drawn to design at an early age.

Today, he is at the fore of emerging technology and transforms the ways organizations reach the audiences they serve. A visionary and born entrepreneur, Hansen's innovative spirit led him to an early career in graphic design in the mid ’90s, bringing him back to the DC area to finish college at the Corcoran School of Art & Design and launch his first agency in 2003. In 2004, Hansen also co-founded a foundation that focused on bringing new art to new audiences, which helped shape his continuing passion for working with nonprofit and impact organizations.

Over the next few years, Hansen went through some major changes, both personally and professionally. He also met his wife, Katie Hansen, with whom he later co-founded Mekanic, an awardwinning branding agency in Alexandria that prides itself on its innovative use of all platforms, touchpoints and technologies to boost its clients' visibility and success.

"At Mekanic, our team executes in nearly every medium; on paper and in pixels, still and in motion, interactive and in-person," says Hansen. "We use beautiful, unexpected ways of sparking connections with people and business through expertly-crafted creative solutions. The end product is nothing short of awesome." Hansen and his team at Mekanic take a human-centered design methodology and believe it is incredibly important to be aware and present in your surroundings. He says that innovation comes from identifying the gaps in our daily lives that need to be bridged with something new or better. "I really don't see myself as an innovator and never have," Hansen admits. "I see myself as a design thinker and someone in pursuit of delivering work that has meaning. The output of that is sometimes very innovative solutions

and sometimes it is simply building 'better' products, services, businesses, organizations, experiences and, ultimately, brands. We help our clients take measured risks and try new things, so I think of myself as a change-maker and a Designer with a capital D, not an innovator." At Mekanic, the team holds firmly to the tenets of seven behaviors: "Experiment with intention.

Move on swiftly. Invest in yourself. Build relationships.

Pass on positivity. Think systemically. Tell great stories.

These behaviors can help anyone in their journey to innovate." Hansen continues, "I believe [these behaviors] help in creating positive outcomes that can change the trajectory of a brand and/or people."

The work, driven by those behaviors, is what creates moments of surprise and delight for the businesses, organizations and institutions they serve.

From logos to virtual reality experiences, new companies to organizations solving climate change, Mekanic's work is purposeful and impactful. "There are these moments almost every day where someone reacts in awe, amazement, curiosity and imagination. That is why we show up every day," says Hansen. In addition to his role as CEO and co-founder at Mekanic, Hansen sits on the Board of Directors for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and is also currently at work on a new venture, the Wonderment Project. Over the years, Hansen found that most great hospitality experiences aren't accessible, whether economically, geographically or culturally. His hope for the future is to affect change in this deficit. "I have been working with some really exciting people to design a new vision of hospitality that will create a place where progress takes on wicked problems," he explains. "I want to create a place for exceptional experiences with profound outcomes for everyone."

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 53

SEAN IN F F I R G ECH ISASTER T

CEO OF D

54 54 •• VIP VIP ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

MY“ AP SSION STEMS FROM SERVING IN GOVERNMENT AND HELPING AGENCIES RESPOND TO CRISES. WE SERVE THOSE WHO SERVE.”

D

isasters happen; fires, hurricanes, floods and now... pandemics. We prepare as much as we can, but sometimes it’s just not enough. This is why tech companies like Disaster Tech forecast these events to help mitigate fallout. As CEO of Disaster Tech, Sean Griffin uses his background as a Navy veteran and former director of the National Security Council to lead a company whose mission is to save lives through the use of purpose-built technologies, innovating the field of risk management and response through these technologies. “What makes me innovative are the people around me,” he says. “It's the collective action taken by communities, centered on solving difficult problems faced by humanity.

That is what fuels innovation and human progress. At Disaster Tech, we have core design principles, and the first is co-designing with the communities that we serve.

People-centered design is essential to understanding the needs of the community and what is required to solve their problem, where technology can assist in helping to save a life, in a fire, a flood, a collapsed building from an earthquake or in the aftermath of a hurricane. And as important as the life-saving activities in response to a disaster are, the real innovation will be where communities can take collective action to reduce risk and ‘future proof’ their city, town, region or neighborhood against future disasters. This requires people with high levels of risk literacy. They must understand how to identify, interpret and interrogate risks in their own backyard and generate the political

will to demand that institutions like government agencies align the resources for planning for and mitigating future risks to storms, sea-level rise and the many perils of climate change.” Griffin's greatest purpose, along with that of Disaster Tech, is saving lives and building technology to aid in this mission. “Our technology is being used by government agencies and energy companies to prepare for future disasters,” he notes. “That is how we save lives.” Clearly, Griffin is passionate about his work—especially when it comes to his local community. “There is a saying that there are no natural disasters and that disasters are a result of bad decisions made by humans that amplify the risk and exposure to hazards like floods,” he posits. “Alexandria is an example where one hurricane moving from east to west along the Potomac could have devastating storm surge and flooding, pushing a massive wall of water onto the land and destroying homes and businesses.

How aware are the people of Alexandria of these risks? Our hope is that, through the use of our technologies, citizens are aware of the risk, they prepare and when the storm comes, lives are saved in the process—in Alexandria or in any community across America. If I could design one thing, it would be technology that assists the most vulnerable, since they are at the greatest risk of loss in future disasters.” As fast as technology changes, Griffin knows the importance of staying up-to-date. “I read a lot,” he says of how he keeps abreast of the latest innovations. “Also, I’ve learned to associate with people who seek a better world through innovation and human progress.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 55

T A I F SO Q A A Z A R L U ABD CEO

YND

F GOODF

NDER O & CO-FOU

56 56 •• VIP VIP ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

“UNDERSTANDING WHAT I CAN DO TO MAKE AN AIMP CT IS WHAT INSPIRES ME AND DRIVES ME TO BUILD WHAT’S NEEDED.”

O

ver the past decade, mobile businesses such as pop-up boutiques and food trucks have been taking commerce and industry and turning them on their heads, eliminating some of the hassles and costs of permanent brick-and-mortar locations.

But with mobility comes an even greater need for visibility and marketing—which is where forward thinkers and innovators like Sofiat Abdulrazaaq come into the equation. Abdulrazaaq uses her understanding of the tech, marketing and business worlds to help these mobile businesses get— and stay—on people’s radar. In these days of constant communication and technologically driven everything, this can mean the world to a small business. I have over 10 years of experience in product leadership and management in addition to privacy and data security law,” says Abdulrazaaq, who created her technology company, Goodfynd, with the specific focus of working with mobile businesses and giving them a digital platform to boost their operations. “I am userfocused and user-centric.

I really care about solving complex problems in the simplest way and ensuring I am positively impacting the lives of the people who utilize the technology and innovation I help to create.” That innovation is, indeed, simple: an app that both finds local food trucks and allows users to order from the trucks. “I’m passionate about the people that I serve,” Abdulrazaaq notes. “I am helping to serve the most diverse population in the restaurant industry, a majority of whom are immigrants

and people of color. They look like me and my cofounders. It is the single most important thing that wakes me up, and it is what I love to do. The people make it worth it.” For Abdulrazaaq, technology is the cornerstone of her work, the very thing that drives it.

“My company builds technology from the ground up and technology is at the core of everything that we do.

We take a user-first approach to build the innovation and we stay on top of the latest innovations by building them ourselves. I am very tapped into technology, both emerging and existing technologies.

Staying informed through public and private forums, the internet, podcasts, white papers—whatever it takes.

I am always educating myself on the latest and greatest, constantly thinking about how I can implement new things for my users.” In creating Goodfynd, Abdulrazaaq hopes to affect change in the mobile business world, using technology to innovate the way mobile businesses operate and, consequently, give them a greater chance at success.

“Creating Goodfynd with my two business partners has been the single most impactful experience I could ever hope to develop,” she says. “I have always wanted to not simply hope to innovate, but to actually innovate and bring ideas to fruition. There are no words to fully describe passion and innovation. Innovation is something that's happening because you are solving a problem that is worth solving. You don't exist to be innovative; innovation is about seeing a need. The passion is in the purpose. And if you're not purposeful, there's really no need for you to be, or do anything.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 57

R E V I L O S E M A J

CIAL COMMER ON F O R O T C GT IRE GIONAL D , GREATER WASHIN E R , T N E ID ERT BANK ICE PRES SENIOR V OR BURKE & HERB COUNTY. N F BANKING ION AND LOUDOU G E R METRO

58 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

I’M“ AP SSIONATE ABOUT CREATING PROGRESSIVE, LEADING EDGE SOLUTIONS, INDUSTRY LEADING SYSTEMS AND SERVICES AND MAINTAINIG A COMPETITIVE EDGE DESPITE EVER-EO V LVING TECHNOLOGY.”

W

hile banking may not be the industry that first springs to mind when one thinks of innovation, banks must make massive shifts in their practices to accommodate ever-advancing technology. Online banking, mobile deposits and video tellers are only a few of the innovative ways that banking has joined the technology age, and people like Oliver James have been at the forefront of many of these changes, ushering banks into tomorrow.

Since joining Burke & Herbert Bank (B&HB) as Senior Vice President, Regional Director of Commercial Banking for the Greater Washington Metro Region and Loudoun County, James has been responsible for leading the bank’s growing team of commercial relationship managers in developing a stronger presence in the region— especially with regards to g o v e r n m e n t contracting.

Technology is also a large part of James’s charges.

“Part of my joining B&HB is to help the bank become more progressive and on-track to meet the market expectations for tech innovation,” he explains, “including the ease of moving money around electronically. The landscape is changing rapidly with fintechs often touting themselves as alternatives to traditional banks.” With more than 20 years of financial industry experience at firms including Wachovia, BB&T and Eagle Bank, James’s last position saw him as Director of Commercial Lending at FVC

Bank in Reston, Virginia, where he managed a team of lenders and portfolio managers. As much as has changed in those two decades, James sees the need to keep innovating and using technology to better the banking experience. “Digital banking is the next frontier, and we’re currently working on our platform to offer that next generation virtual banking experience,” he says. “Our customers are looking for real-time payments and the ability to accept and transmit payments instantly. We stay on top of the trends and customer demands through market intel shared internally as well as with our vendors and partners. That is what will keep banks like ours relevant and lasting institutions, even in the age of fintechs that threaten to outmode us.” Based in Alexandria, B&HB is indeed an institution, serving Virginia as the oldest continuously operating bank in the Washington, DC area. The bank’s 20-plus branches offer a full range of business and personal banking products and services designed to meet all of their customers’ needs in banking, borrowing and investing. In his work at B&HB, James works with a wide variety of clients in a broad range of industries, building relationships that will last. “I especially enjoy working with customers in the government contracting arena,” he says. “The client relationships I’ve built and continue to develop are something about which I am very passionate. I love providing customized solutions for our clients and meeting their financial needs.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 59

A Y T A K A V E I N ANA UE + HE'S UNIQ TWENTY THREE S F O R E OWN OUR DER OF F CO-FOUN

60 •• VIP VIP ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 60

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I LOVE TO EXPLORE NEW COUNTRIES, SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND A F MILY AND FIND WAYS TO GROW, LEARN AND IMPROVE!”

L

ike the beautiful jewelry featured on her websites, Katya Ananieva has layers that are surprising, unique and unexpected. Boasting a background in government consulting, she worked on Air Force strategic planning and workforce development projects, satisfying her more creative side as a style blogger from 2009 to 2015. In 2012, she left the Air Force and bought an Old Town jewelry boutique called She’s Unique with her mother, Sabila Ananieva, bringing innovation to the company that would make it a larger presence in the style world and more accessible to buyers across the globe. We have a constant drive to evolve and use technology to further expand our presence in the local and e-commerce community,” says Ananieva, who also co-founded a new 14K gold jewelry company, Four Twenty Three, with her business partner, Ann Franken.

“When I bought the shop in 2012, I had to start from scratch. At that time, there wasn’t a functioning point of sale (POS), inventory management or any type of tech component.

We introduced the best POS system I could find that year. Since then, we have upgraded to Shopify, built a beautiful e-commerce site and added our presence on all social channels. 10 years ago, Instagram was not used the way it is today, but we were on it as a business and used it as a free marketing tool to share content, jewelry styles, ways to layer and other fun and engaging content. It was a great way to showcase the internal design progress we were making in the physical space and simultaneously connect with our audience online. I began leveraging my contacts in the fashion blogging world to connect with videographers, photographers and other style bloggers. We also began making video and photo content, creating lookbook

shoots and sharing everything on social media to grow our audience. At that time, almost nobody else was doing what we were doing.” While She’s Unique is obviously not a tech company, technology is crucial to its success, and Ananieva has parlayed her understanding of social media marketing and branding as well as her tech-savvy to make its presence even greater. “We use technology in all aspects of our business,” she explains. “Nowadays, it takes a lot of back-end work to bring shoppers into physical and e-commerce shops. What we do in the background is almost as important, if not more important, than what we do in the store. For example, we produce a high-quality email that goes out to our 6K mailing list every week.

We leverage email segments to target certain fragments of our customer base like our top VIP shoppers, locals and new customers for more effective email marketing. We place a lot of emphasis on understanding the data and consumer behavior. Additionally, we constantly upgrade our e-commerce site with add-ons such as a pre-order feature and our latest online chatbot that helps answer shoppers' questions in real-time. I don’t think a lot of people online realize we’re a small shop, and [that] one of us—mostly me—is the person behind the chat answering their questions.” With nearly 10,000 followers, Instagram has been pivotal for She’s Unique. “Most of the engagement happens on IG stories and reels,” says Ananieva. “It’s important for small businesses with e-commerce platforms to leverage social media and keep on top of the latest trends. Right now, reels and TikTok are the most engaging and it’s where we’re refocusing our energy. Video content will only continue to grow— especially with Gen Z—so we have to keep on top of the trends and produce weekly video content.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 61

JOHN N A W O G C M UBSYNC

CEO OF H

62 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

" DUCTIVTY IS MY AP SSION. IF I CAN PRO AUTOMATE A TASK AND MAKE MY LIFE OR THE DAILY LIVES OF MY CLIENTS EASIER, THEN I WILL FIND A WAY TO DO IT."

B

enjamin Franklin is famously quoted saying, “… in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” And with that certainty, there is an indisputable need for accountants—though, as old as the accounting industry is, it hasn’t quite kept up with the ever-changing face of technology to streamline processes that once required a great deal of manual work. For HubSync, giving CPA firms cloud-based technology to do their work is their raison d’etre, allowing firms better client communication and creating a superior experience. Founded just over three years ago by long-term Alexandrian John McGowan, HubSync was created with the purpose of automating the entire end-toend process for CPA firms and providing a modern, digital experience for clients.

“My goal is that you might actually like filing your taxes after using HubSync,” says HubSync CEO McGowan.

“I love solving business problems with technology. I started building technology solutions early in my career in the Big 4, and it is what drove me to start this company and bring our software platform to the industry. The tax process is fundamentally broken and remains largely paper-based.” This is where HubSync comes in. “We are building an amazing platform that is revolutionizing our industry with a great group of people,” McGowan notes. “I love waking up every day and working with our team and our clients. We built more functionality in 2021 than many companies have built in years, with more to come. The great thing about technology is that the journey never ends.” For McGowan, that journey began nearly 30 years ago,

when he started in the tax and accounting industry at KPMG and then later Deloitte. Now, his day-to-day as CEO requires him to wear a number of hats—a role in which he seems to thrive. “I do a little bit of everything,” he says. “I run our software engineering team, focus on business development and growth and—most importantly—work closely with our clients on digitizing their accounting firms. We are up to 60 people now, all working virtually from different geographical regions across the globe, so we are also focused on building an amazing work culture in the new norm of a distributed workforce.”

Naturally, it is crucial that HubSync maintain an edge, keeping up with the latest innovations in tech.

“I spend time every day reading up on the latest and greatest technology,” McGown admits. “I have a reputation for sending my development teams new ideas all the time so that we can experiment with the latest innovations.

I love pushing the envelope and innovating with new technology. It’s also my job to advise our clients on the adoption of these new ideas, so it is important to stay ahead of the eightball and in front of any incoming tech wave.” More than just part of his work, technology is a passion for McGowan—which may be one of the reasons for his success. “Accounting is notoriously lagging behind the rest of the business landscape. There is so much opportunity for automation in our industry, using technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotic process automation,” he notes. “When I see inefficiencies in any process, I always want to solve them. It is really fulfilling when our clients tell us how much easier we’ve made their work lives.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 63

+ N N O O O O M M PAGE ETH CHISMAN ELIZAB NS

SOLUTIO CUS DATA O F F O S R E

D

CO-FOUN

64 64 •• VIP VIP ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

S

ince launching Focus Data Solutions in 2001, Page Moon and Elizabeth Chisman Moon have revolutionized the concept of IT, later restructuring to offer managed services that streamline the supervision and maintenance of computer networks to achieve costeffective and faster solutions. “Focus Data Solutions was one of the first small business managed services providers,” says Page, who wears the title of co-founder and CIO. “Back when we started, managed services were a new concept. Most small IT firms of the time waited for a call, went on-site, and attempted to fix issues without knowing anything about the computer or the network. We realized how inefficient and time-consuming this was and how management of the computer would revolutionize service delivery.

With managed services, we could ensure that each of our managed c o m p u t e r s would have the right systems in place (patching, antivirus and m a l w a r e protections, security solutions, etc.), and that allowed us to better target the issue. Since this point, I have leveraged my background in IT to continually refine our service offerings with a concentration on security systems. I take the best tools, systems and products, combine them with our exemplary staff and deliver quality service to our clients. Our clients’ success and security are our innovation.” Adds CEO Elizabeth, “Page’s decision to launch managed services back in 2006 was a huge leap of faith. Our approach is still very customized to the client. It’s simple to roll out managed services to a large list of clients. It’s much more difficult to tailor the experience. That’s really our strong suit and our innovation. During COVID, we created multiple service systems to meet the needs of very different clients in very different situations.”

A computer geek since his high school days, Page boasts more than 30 years of IT experience in network engineering, cybersecurity and software development.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he helped start the first shipboard computer repair facility in the Atlantic Fleet and repaired secure voice cryptographic equipment.

Over the course of his career, he also designed entire data centers and developed international IT networks for private enterprise as well as government contractors and educational institutions. “Technology was new in the ’80s and, like so many others, what started as an escape and entertainment through computer games became a passion for me,” says Page. “I needed to know how computers worked. I still have that passion today. I am at my happiest when I am faced with a computer or network problem that must be fixed. In 2022, technology changes every day, and I am always tackling a new business situation involving technology. Whether it’s securing a remote workforce during COVID, working with insurance companies on compliance issues or designing security a w a r e n e s s training for our clients’ teams, there is always something new.

Our clients’ success drives my passion.

There is nothing more satisfying to me than to solve a problem with one of our client’s systems and deliver on our promise to them that their computers, their network and their computer security are in place to keep them productive.” The perfect partner to run the business side of the company, Elizabeth holds more than 20 years of management experience in for-profit as well as non-profit organizations, with experience in strategic planning, communications, client services and organizational development. “I share Page’s passion for our clients’ success,” she says. “I’m also very passionate about running a business where people want to work. I want Focus Data Solutions to be a place where people feel good about their work and are always learning.

We encourage our team to bring new ideas and new solutions to our clients. People are at their best when they are free to be creative and solve problems.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 65

E S I L E I H A L L O D B A ER HAIR T + MAST IS L Y T S D, HAIR HAIR NER OF SALON DEZEN T IS SPECIAL

66 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE 66 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

NS

EXTENSIO

I“ HAVE A STRONG AP SSION AND THIRST FOR RADICAL INOA V TION IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTR.Y ”

T

he self-proclaimed “Hair Nerd” at Salon deZen, Elise Abdollahi is more than a stylist—she’s a passionate pursuer of the latest innovations in the beauty industry, ever in search of the next best trends and ways to perfect them. Insatiable in her desire to offer the best, Abdollahi constantly educates herself to further her business, especially in the realm of hair extensions. A master hair extensions specialist, Abdollahi keeps her finger on the pulse of the constantly changing salon industry, which, in turn, keeps Salon deZen on the cutting edge. “If I see something new, I immediately go to a class to master it,” Abdollahi notes.

“My goal is to always be on top of all the latest techniques and technology in hair and beauty so I can be as efficient and knowledgeable as possible. I have done hair extensions for over 10 years now and the evolution of the technology is astonishing. What once started as two different techniques is now exploding into new technologies that incorporate machines and tools to achieve better productivity.

Originally taking more than three hours, this luxury service can now be done in an hour with newer, radically innovative equipment. ”The new technologies and techniques to which she refers include the use of lasers. “The Hairdreams Laserbeamer Nano applies hair extensions in a quick, efficient way so that our guests do not have to be

at the salon for a long appointment,” Abdollahi explains. “I jumped at the opportunity to become certified in this new hair extension technology because this process is quick and gives gorgeous results in 90 minutes or less. This is a game-changer because it provides beautiful, instant results without the investment of so much time. The instant gratification is amazing.” What drives her is, of course, her clients and the difference she can see in them after their appointment. “The look of pure joy and excitement on my guests’ faces after I am finished with their service gives me passion for my work,” Abdollahi says.

“Because of COVID and quarantining as well as other factors going on in the world, many people don’t feel like themselves. Helping everyone achieve their hair dreams is huge for me. When you look beautiful, you feel beautiful. I love to make people feel beautiful and [feel] like they are the best version of themselves.”

With all that she has learned over the course of her career, Abdollahi has a vision for what she would like her future to bring. “I would love to design my own hair extensions line,” she admits. “I would want it to be fast and efficient, no matter the type. I also would want the highest quality hair with the greatest longevity. I feel I could bring that innovation to extensions. It would put all of my education and skill to use and provide people with a product that would give them greater confidence.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 67

JIM N E R R WA ARY + D SECRET R A O B , R MS DE CO-FOUN ITY POWER SYSTE U IN G N E OF

68 •• VIP VIP ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 68

SIGN

VP OF DE

“I KNOW IT SOUNDS SORT OF TRITE THESE DAYS, BUT I REALLY WANT TO DO WELL IN TECH BY MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR PEOPLE.”

T

echnology has advanced in many fields and applications since the industrial age, and as time has passed, creating innovations that are ecofriendly has been an even greater focus. Through his work at Enginuity Power Systems, Jim Warren is part of that innovative advancement, sitting at the helm of a company focused on pioneering the production of patented ultrahigh-efficiency engines. The world's first production-ready four-stroke inwardly opposed piston engine is ideal for both manufacturers and consumers across an almost endless range of applications. “I innovate because it’s a kind of compulsion,” says Warren, who is one of the founders of Enginuity Power Systems and holds the titles of Board Secretary and VP of Design.

“I can’t look at something without seeing how it could be better. When I look at power generation systems, I don’t see them as they are, I see them as they could be, and I want to make them better. I need to make them better. That’s what led to Enginuity’s new private generation appliance. I was looking for a way to showcase my new power production module, and one of my board members, Greg Powell, suggested a home appliance that replaces your water heater, furnace, backup generator and air-conditioner, which seemed like a cool way to do it. I mean, imagine not ever having an electric bill again, not having to buy a backup generator, or worrying about the power going out. Our new private generation system does all that while cutting your home’s carbon footprint by 50 percent the day you install it.” For Warren, the ability to innovate and create comes as naturally as breathing.

“People always want to know how someone ends up as

an inventor, like maybe there are some classes you can take, or if I went to MIT or something,” he says. “In actuality, being an inventor is kind of like being an opera singer— you are either born with the ability to create new things or you aren’t. My business partners know I have this one particular ability in that I am very creative, but they also know I can’t balance the company books. It’s a tradeoff, I guess.” As cutting-edge as their technology is, Warren and the team at Enginuity did not anticipate the profound effect their work would have. “We didn’t realize that we were going to completely restructure energy distribution when we built our first system,” Warren notes. “Private generation as a home appliance just seemed like it made sense to us as a showcase for our technology. It was only after people at the utilities and Department of Energy got wind of the system and started to approach us that we realized the scope of what the program could be.” At the heart of Warren’s work is a driving passion that is simply based in the desire to impact the world around him. “I want to make people’s lives better, you know, doing well by doing good,” he says.

“Unlike most people, however, I am fortunate enough to have the technology and the backing to actually do it.

Imagine being able to put a big dent in carbon outputs, and being able to do it on a global scale. That’s where we are right now as a company. We have an appliance that is saving people money and improving their energy security while helping the environment. That’s a rare combination.

Everyone’s always saying that people must reduce their standard of living to help the planet, but we just have to rethink how we do things. That’s where innovation comes in.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 69

COFFEE + CONNECTIONS P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J E F F H E E N E Y

The Chamber ALX was thrilled to return to an in-person iteration of Coffee & Connections. Guests gathered at Old Town's beloved Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar for a fun morning of networking and inspiration. This quarter, Daniel O'Connell's Company President Niamh O'Donovan shared her story and, as always, attendees had the opportunity to answer the chamber's famous ice breaker question.

To learn more about joining The Chamber ALX or see a calendar of upcoming events like this one, please visit thechamberalx.com.

70 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

LOCATED IN THE PLAZA AT LANDMARK

(703) 570-1036 6244 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 71

SMART LIVING WHAT MAKES A SMART HOME SMART? STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TRANQUILITY SMART HOMES

F

or all of us who remember the days of car phones whose portability was limited to the actual car and computer systems so clunky that they could not be moved without the help of three men with good muscles, the concept of smart homes is pretty farfetched. Today, you can control your temp, your sound system and your laundry all with an app. In fact, it all seems downright Jetsons-esque. And yet, it’s happened. But what actually makes a smart home “smart?"

“The term ‘smart home’ can be a very open and loosely interpreted concept,” says CEO of Tranquility Smart Homes & Security, Nick Grillo. “We consider a residence to be a smart home when we see three or more permanent style devices installed in a home or business. However, this can be a wide range of things, such as security systems, lights or even thermostats.”

Really, the whole point of a smart home is to add whole-home convenience to your life at the touch of a screen. Need to adjust the thermostat? There’s an app for that. Forget to close the garage door or lock the back door? There’s an app for that.

There are apps for everything from turning on locks, to setting the pre-heat function on your oven and even turning on the washing machine. Doorbell cams can be monitored. Systems can be programmed. If you think it, chances are, it has been reconceptualized with smart home technology. It’s the epitome of modern living.

“Smart homes provide incredible flexibility and convenience,” Grillo notes. “Each item we install allows our clients accessibility 72 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

to their home from anywhere. That can be something as simple as customized automated lighting all the way to being able to check your security cameras and alarm from anywhere in the world. These items can greatly set your home apart not only from an aesthetics feel but also in terms of increasing your home’s resale value.”

With all the pros to having a fully integrated home, surely there must be some cons? “Technology can be pricey, but

the return on investment vastly outweighs the cost,” Grillo contends. Keeping your systems secure from hacks may also be a concern weighing on the mind of anyone considering a smart home system, but such issues can be subverted and prevented through proper security and the use of password protection.

SMART HOMES PROVIDE INCREDIBLE FLEXIBILITY + CONVENIENCE - NICK GRILLO For those of us who consider ourselves technophobes, Luddites or just inept, smart home systems can be surprisingly user-friendly—especially when you have an expert on hand to walk you through them. “We set our clients' minds at ease by explaining every step of the process to them,” Grillo says. “Due to the fact that a smart home is very subjective in and of itself, we really look to tailor our services to our clients’ needs. We provide a post-installation tutorial where we not only automate the system but also show the client how to make adjustments as they see necessary, to increase or reduce certain parts that may not be needed.”

In getting the most bang for your buck, Grillo has some recommendations. “Some of the best bang for your buck items we recommend are smart internal alarm systems such as the Ring alarm, mesh internet systems such as Amazon Eero, smart thermostats such as Nest or Ecobee or smart undercabinet and outdoor lighting. These are items that we have found draw the most ‘wow’ factor while keeping the out-ofpocket expense to a minimum.”

In terms of creating a system that is serviceable for homeowners who don’t need absolutely everything to be integrated into their smart home, Grillo and his team at Tranquility have solutions.

That customization, essentially, is the beauty of a smart home and the technology it utilizes. “We build everyone's home or business by design,” he says. “This starts with a free in-person consultation where we discuss what it is the client is looking for and what products we can use to deliver that end result, whether large or small. This allows us to get the full scope of the project and then come back to the drawing board to plan it out in its entirety. While a lot of our solutions are considered a ‘want,’ our primary intent is to discover what that client actually needs to make their life more convenient.”

All the bells and whistles aside, there are a number of ways to integrate a house, apartment or entire property into a smart ecosystem. When done correctly, a smart home should not create more work. The experience of living “smart” should be dependable and actually feel truly smart.

IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION! Focus Data Solutions makes it simple to evaluate your IT security and support. Our complimentary system assessment gives you a quick, painless review of your

Accelerate Time to Decision

Save lives, protect the environment, and build resilient communities with purpose-built, decision-support technologies for practitioners and researchers in disaster risk management.

disastertech.com | @disastertechinc

existing IT and its vulnerabilities.

REQUEST YOUR COMPANY’S ASSESSMENT NOW Visit focusdatasolutions.com/systems-assessment or call our office at 703-836-0080.

1020 Princess Street / Alexandria, VA 22314 /

focusdatasolutions.com

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 73

C H E R RY B LO S S O M J U B I L E E P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J U L I E C A R R AS C O

Guests of the Torpedo Factory recently had the opportunity to celebrate the cherry blossoms during the height of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Following the official National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in D.C., the Torpedo Factory hosted cherry blossomthemed activities and other events. The celebration began with a live performance by taiko drum group Nen Daiko followed by music and live art demonstrations.

74 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

love

We are now hiring account executives + photographers

work@vipalexandriamag.com

A CIRCUIT BOARD TO HOLD YOUR MEMORIES! This creative photo frame and trinket box are crafted from repurposed, pre-consumer computer parts. Made by artisans of Village Crafts, a group based in Sarai Tarin, India. Village Crafts trains artisans to make items of horn, bone, resin and wood.

#LIVELIFEFAIR

915 King St., Alexandria • 703.684.1435 • TenThousandVillages.com/Alexandria MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 75

Paulo Piccolo, MD, Mark Venturi, MD, FACS, Alex Mesbahi, MD, FACS, Maurice Nahabedian, M.D., FACS

LEADING BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS Sought after by patients nationwide, the team of distinguished surgeons at the National Center for Plastic Surgery are well known for their state-of-the-art cosmetic and reconstructive solutions in the Washington DC and Northern Virginia area.

Breast & Body Contouring • Breast Reconstructive Surgery Facial Rejuvenation • Injectables • Laser Treatments PRP Hair Loss Therapy • PRP Skin Rejuvenation • Rhinoplasty

7601 Lewinsville Rd. Suite 400, Mclean, VA

Schedule Your Consultation: 703.287.8277 www.nationalcenterforplasticsurgery.com 76 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

The Tech That Saves Lives THE EMILY GUSKIN STORY

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENNY WALTERS

Breast cancer. It’s an insidious disease that touches each of us at some point, whether directly or on the fringes of our lives. And while the thought of a breast cancer diagnosis alone is scary enough, hearing those words spoken to you can be earth-shattering. Fortunately, with the many advances in research and new treatments available, it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Women all over the world are fighting the good fight, winning their battles and standing tall as survivors. In fact, technology and genetic testing make it possible to take preemptive measures that increase the odds in your favor and prevent ever having to face a diagnosis.

Like many other women over the course of the last decade, genetic testing was a saving grace for Emily Guskin, whose heritage as an Ashkenazi Jew, coupled with a family history of breast cancer, greatly increased the likelihood that she carried the BRCA mutation. And while her mother tested negative for the BRCA gene, her father tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation—a gene that was likely passed on by his mother who died of breast cancer at age 36. Her father’s positive results led Guskin to the decision to get tested herself, and so she sought out genetic testing in 2012 through a clinic in Bethesda, Maryland.

“First, we went through our family history with cancer and then I had blood drawn and sent to Myriad Genetics,” Guskin explains of the process.

Myriad Genetics is dedicated to providing answers that empower patients and physicians to guide treatment and preventive decisions. They believe that patient care begins with knowledge, and every patient deserves to know the most about their cancer and their risk.

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 77

“I got the results back through the genetic counselor, who sat me down to go over what they meant and the associated risks being a BRCA1 carrier. My mom subsequently had a full recovery from breast cancer, but as anyone who has a family member or loved one who had cancer knows, the effects of cancer treatment can affect an individual for the rest of her life, so as a carrier of the mutation, I wanted to prevent it.”

Being aware of my family history before even having knowledge of a mutation meant I knew I had to be hypervigilant of my breast health, - EMILY GUSKIN Those results, however alarming, were also a tool for Guskin. “Being aware of my family history before even having knowledge of a mutation meant I knew I had to be hypervigilant of my breast health,” she says. “My paternal grandmother and great aunt both died young of breast cancer.

Learning of my genetic mutation gave me a recommended surveillance plan and meant health insurance would cover MRIs and mammograms every other six months and later 78 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

covered preventative surgeries. It was also empowering to do something and not just sit by and accept the potential fate of my genetics. I did surveillance for about six years with rotating MRIs and mammograms for breast monitoring along with CA125 tests and ultrasounds to monitor for ovarian cancer.”

As a BRCA1 carrier who had not had cancer, Guskin’s plan for the future was all preventative care rather than treatment. As a result, she was able to do a "direct to implant" procedure, which meant that implants were put in during the same surgery as her mastectomy. With time to make the right choice for her needs and research the best doctors, Guskin visited the National Center for Plastic Surgery in June of 2018. “I spoke with a nurse there named Gretchen, who is a runner like me, and assured me that I would be able to comfortably run again after surgery, which had been a huge concern of mine,” says Guskin. “I always come to doctor's appointments with a litany of questions, and all the healthcare providers in the office that day—and on future visits—answered my myriad questions and treated me with respect.”

It was through the recommendation of her plastic surgeon, Dr. Venturi, that Guskin met Dr. Weintritt at the National Breast Center, the doctor who would perform the surgery to remove her breasts. The two made a team that she had full confidence in, and in 2019, Guskin had a preventative mastectomy with reconstruction.

Dr. Weintritt has spent many years advocating for genetic testing, which allows patients to seek out preventative care.

He explains, "All of the efforts we have made towards early

diagnosis and developing new treatments for breast cancer have been very impactful, but none are as successful as being able to prevent breast cancer in the appropriate patients with genetic predisposition and extremely high cancer risk. BRCA gene mutations were discovered over 25 years ago yet we still have patients with personal and family history of breast cancer who have not been informed of or provided access to the testing. We have worked very hard for the past decade to develop and refine surgical techniques to provide patients having preventative mastectomies an excellent outcome. We

need to work just as hard to find those at risk for these gene mutations and offer them timely genetic counseling and testing before a diagnosis occurs that we could have prevented."

Three years later, she underwent the removal of her fallopian tubes as part of a trial study called SOROCk that researches whether fallopian tube removal alone can reduce risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA1 carriers. She continues with CA-125 and ultrasounds to monitor for ovarian cancer. “Knowing my genetic mutation status in 2012 gave me the luxury of time to pick the right doctors for my surgeries in 2019 and 2022 and to preserve my fertility before I underwent any gynecological surgeries. Although it is still possible to undergo IVF without fallopian tubes, I froze eggs in 2016 and 2017 in advance of any preventative surgeries. This gave me the flexibility to choose which gynecological prevention surgery I would start with. It is still recommended that I have my ovaries removed, but I have not done that yet. More recently, I did a full genetic makeup through Dr. Weintritt's office, which tested for more genetic mutations than I was able to test for in 2012.

Happily, I am only a BRCA mutant and don't have other mutations.”

Naturally, this has been a journey that has changed Guskin—as it has also changed her future.

“Just one generation removed from my grandmother, who died of breast cancer at 36, I was able to take control of my health and lower my breast cancer risks dramatically,” she says.

“The evolution of breast cancer treatment and prevention in this country is remarkable, and I am grateful to have access to quality health care.”

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 79

A L E X A N D R I A W E D D I N G S H OWC AS E P H OTO G R A P H Y BY LU C I A S M I T H

Guests of the Alexandria Wedding Showcase had the opportunity to meet with local professionals, win wedding-related prizes and even meet 'Say Yes to the Dress star,' Monte Durham, who also owns local hair salon, Salon Monte. The Alexandria Wedding Showcase is presented by Alexandria Living Magazine and The Alexandrian. To learn more, visit www.alexandriaweddingshowcase.com.

80 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

Get your fit. Save your time.

Custom Clothing for Men & Women.

Book your consultation with Sarah Slaper today!

440.346.0314

suitedbyslaper

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 81

S I P P I N ' P R E T T Y C O C K TA I L PA RT Y P H OTO G R A P H Y BY S A M M I D D L E TO N

King & Rye's Cocktail Garden was recently reopened and guests arrived to find a redesigned space featuring lounge areas, intimate dining spaces, fire pits, a special menu of stellar seasonal cocktails to enjoy and the announcement of a summer music series. This exclusive early access event allowed guests to preview the seasonal menu with passed hours d'oeuvres and a complimentary drink token and enjoy live music by DJ Stoundyn. Schedule your reservation at www.kingandrye.com.

82 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

BOOK ONLINE AT HOLISTICHAIRSTUDIO.COM We invite men & women to the Organic Way of hair care. Haircuts, full coverage colors, balayage or highlights are done with organic, fair trade, vegan, and cruelty free products in an Eco-friendly sustainable certified Green Circle Salon. Online booking available.

1433 POWHATAN ST., ALEXANDRIA | 703-473-6864

A versatile and experienced DJ, Lanie B elevates your event! dj l a nieb . com

L A NIE B

b oo k in g s @ d j l a n ie b. com MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 83

84 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

T E C H W I Z A RD • D I G I TA L D ISR UPTO R • AS P IRIN G ASTRON AU T Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography by Barry Daly

F

or Lisa “the Landstronaut” Alcindor, exploring new frontiers is a way of life—both professionally and personally. As a tech wizard, her career has been fraught with pushing boundaries and innovating— first, as a civilian working with the Air Force as a program manager on a $3.5 billion satellite program, then during a stint at the Pentagon facilitating budgets for the Air Force Headquarters. “I’m known as the ‘Digital Disruptor’ in this space,” notes Alcindor, who is also an aircraft pilot-in-training as well as a founder of Classic Meteeor LLC, a company that facilitates the digital transformation of businesses to Web3, including cryptocurrency infrastructures.

gone to space—a journey that she’s sharing on her Instagram account, @LisaTheLandstronaut. And she’s been known to bust out a rhyme or two to post to her IG story. “My presence on social media is critical to what we’re doing. I feel that it is important for us to come together in the futurism and the evolution of humanity,” says Alcindor, who also works with the nonprofit, Space for Humanity. “Going to space is important to me because it affords me the opportunity to bring people together for a greater purpose.”

In addition to her work in the digital realm, Alcindor is an aspiring astronaut—though her dreams of exploring space came later in the game. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be a police officer.

Then, I wanted to be in the music industry. Then, I wanted to be an actress. Then, I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” she laughs.

“I became interested in becoming an astronaut after watching the movie, Hidden Figures. I was actually working for NASA at the time.”

Going to space is important to me because it affords me the opportunity to bring people together for a greater purpose.

With her background in tech, it tracks that Alcindor would utilize social media to become an influencer—and she’s definitely influencing. As a Black woman, she hopes to orbit Earth and become one of the few Black women who have

- Lisa

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 85

F I N E A RT + D E S I G N F E S T I VA L P H OTO G R A P H Y BY LU C I A S M I T H

John Carlyle Square in Old Town Alexandria recently hosted over 100 artisans, crafters, independent consultants, and other small businesses for the Old Town Alexandria Fine Art & Design Festival. From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods to body and hair care, vendors were available to assist in finding the most unique, handmade items just in time for Mother's Day!

86 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 87

VINTAGE BARWARE My personal fav! Juice glasses, highball sets, martini glasses or tea pitchers always bring so much character and can inspire unique cocktails and dry drinks with creative garnishes.

Freshen Up at the Flea Market

ORGANIZERS Antique tins come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

They make great desk or kitchen crocks.

STORY BY AMY SILLS EGGERS

More than 20 years ago, I didn’t want “other peoples’ stuff,” but now I’m the Co-Founder and Director of the Del Ray Vintage and Flea Market. We begin our fourth season this Spring!

I have found the key to collecting - and displaying - is organization.

Have you ever been to a place with lots of great stuff, but it looked like a junkyard? Conversely, a few lovely finds displayed cleanly and thoughtfully suddenly become a unique collection and conversation starter.

Here are my top five things to scout for at the next Del Ray Vintage and Flea Market, which occurs on the second Saturday of every month. And remember - two is a pair, but three is the start of a collection!

88 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

RUGS Runners, foyer or area rugs. Rugs define conversation areas or become large art pieces that consume negative wall space. If you choose to hang them, make sure to hang them in studs since most are not exactly lightweights.

Live a happier, more fulfilling life rooted in self awareness and aligned with your true, authentic self!

RECORDS Vinyl LPs are hands-down the hottest item at the flea market. Pick your favorites, frame and hang the jackets together or in theme-appropriate rooms.

Jessica Kirschner • Mindful Modern Living www.mindfulmodernliving.com mindfulmodernliving In-person and virtual sessions

What Treasures Will You Find?

MILK GLASS This mostly opaque, milk white or colored glass first appeared in Venice during the 16th century. While you won’t find any that old, colors from the past 60 years also include blue, pink, yellow and black.

Second Saturday of Each Month 9am to 2pm Corner of Mt. Vernon & E. Bellefonte Next Flea: May 14th delrayvintageflea.com | @delrayvintageflea Adverrsement Sponsored by Amy Eggers

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 89

Live a aligned learn h journey

V E R SA I L L E S A RT G A L L E RY E V E N T P H OTO G R A P H Y BY LU C I A S M I T H

Versailles Art & Rugs, a new art gallery in Old Town, recently hosted an intimate and relaxing evening of wine, cheese and, of course, art! The Turkish Coffee Lady was also there, serving her specialty coffees. The theme of the event was 'Spring Colors' and featured photography by world legend David Burnett, art and calligraphy by Ali Bozorgmehr and Zohrah Khalegi and portraits and panoramic photography by Versailles owner, Abbas Shirmohammadi. To learn more, visit www.versaillesartgallery.com.

90 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

Susan Gray & Alexandra Attiliis are a dynamic mother-daughter duo, 3rd & 4th generation Alexandria natives serving the Northern Virginia community for 30 years.

Offering concierge service to clients in all price ranges. Ranked Top 7% of Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide.

Coldwell Banker Realty 310 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 203-9900 • susan.gray@cbmove.com

GrayAttiliisHomes.com Equal Housing Opportunity

2022 May VIP Ad.indd 1

4/11/22 2:48 PM MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 91

P N C PA R K WAY C L AS S I C P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J U L I E C A R R AS C O

The PNC Parkway Classic drew thousands of runners and spectators to participate in a destination-centric race along the historic George Washington Memorial Parkway. The race featured two distance options (10 miles or 5K) as well as a Kids Dash that featured pre-race familyfriendly activities. The 10-mile course began and ended at the Mount Vernon Estate, leading runners down the tree-lined George Washington Memorial Parkway and through historic Old Town, Alexandria. To learn more, please visit www.parkwayclassic.com.

92 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

AWARD-WINNING

QUALITY & SERVICE YATES

and

TROPHY SPONSORS OF

PROUDLY SERVING ALL MAKES & MODELS, FOREIGN & DOMESTIC FOR NEARLY 60 YEARS! YATESAUTOMOTIVE.COM YATESCOLLISION.COM

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 93

R O C K L A N D S B B Q B LO C K PA RT Y P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J O S H WAT K I N S

Rocklands BBQ recently hosted a Meat & Greet Block Party in an effort to raise money for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Guests enjoyed samplings of Rockland's BBQ, No. 1 Sons' fermented foods, Scoops 2 U ice cream, Logan's Sausage, Port City beer, face painting and live music by School of Rock. To visit Rockland's BBQ online, please visit www.rocklands.com

94 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

DominionLux

THE ULTIMAGE GARAGE CONDOMINIUM AT DOMINION RACEWAY

have some real fun with your sports car on the 2-mile long, 12-turn dominion raceway road course!

YOUR STARTING LINE FOR FUN store, socialize, drive

LOCATED JUST SOUTH OF FREDERICKSBURG

Direct access to 2-mile road course & NASCAR Oval & safe, secure, climate-controlled, fully sprinklered storage.

DOMINIONLUX.COM • 703.623.8440

MAY 22, 2022 MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 95

Because everyone should be back outside.

Helping drive vaccine and therapy development with advanced purification technologies. Developing an adjuvant that helps boost vaccine effectiveness.

Every day, 3M research scientists are focused on delivering new healthcare solutions to help us today and prepare us to better tackle what’s next.

Learn how at 3M.com/Together.

3M and “3M Science. Applied to Life.” are trademarks of 3M

96 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

EATING GOOD

RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!

Benefits to Home Cooking: • Less calorie intake • Choose your ingredients • Saves money • Socializing with loved ones • And so much more!

Let’s Get Grilling!

• Four stainless steel main burners with 48,000 BTUper-hour input allow you to grill up to 28 burgers • 12,000 BTU-per-hour input side burner • Tuck-away™ warming rack • Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates • The Infinity ignition is guaranteed to ignite

$

1,64900

TIMBERLINE 850 Pellet Smoker

• 3 Tiers of Stainless-Steel Grates • Fully insulated construction • Bamboo cutting board & Stainless-Steel Front Shelf • WiFIRE Technology • D2 Grill Controller • Pellet Sensor $ 99 • Traeger Downdraft

7934 FORT HUNT ROAD ALEXANDRIA, VA (703) 765-1555

2,099

GRILL PIT

THE

Genesis II E-435 Black 4-Burner Gas Grill

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 97

C H A L K B OA R D G R A N D O P E N I N G P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K E L L I E G U N D E R M A N

CJ Cross, one of VIP Alexandria's Most Interesting Men of 2021 and co-founder of Del Ray's beloved watering hole Hops N Shine, recently opened a brand new concept in Alexandria along Route 1. Chalkboard Wings & BBQ specializes in wings, burgers, BBQ, craft beer, cocktails, live sports and events! To learn more or order online, visit www.chalkboardwings.com.

98 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

EVs for EVerything.

Powered by the game-changing Ultium Platform, General Motors is driving the all-electric future with EVs for every person and every purpose.

everybody in. gm.com ©2022 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

MAY 2022 | TECH + INNOVATION • 99

115 King Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • 703.836.8404 • www.landinibrothers.com 100 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE