Life + Culture

Coming Full Circle

José Ayala Moves from Homelessness to Mentorship Through Mobile Hope Article by Christine Gacharná | Photography by Christine Gacharná, Allyson Ruscitella Six days a week, José Ayala stops for coffee on his way to work his two jobs. Sometimes, the 25-year-old splurges on a cookie. He arrives at the car wash where he’s paid to carry out the trash. It’s heavy, he explains, too heavy for the owners to lift. Cleaning the accessories and shoveling out dirt and mud from the concrete slab and drain...

May 2024

Food + Beverage

The Way to a Man's Heart

Caribbean Curry Chicken with Orange Jasmine Rice Article and Photography by Natalie Ramos I’ve always focused my energy into cooking fresh and healthy meals for my family, but some are real man pleasers. One of our family’s favorites is Caribbean Curry Chicken with Orange Jasmine Rice. It’s hearty and easy to prepare, using just one dish, but it also has a dash of the exotic. This meal will take you to the warmth of the Caribbean and fill your belly with smiles. Average price per...

May 2024

Life + Culture

The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera:

'Just a Street Preacher' Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, Melinda Gipson People sometimes describe The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera of Saint Gabriel's Episcopal Church ~ Iglesia San Gabriel, as a man without a church. To Father Daniel, “The church is not a building, but the people gathered in faith! In response to the question, ‘When will you build the church?’ we say, ‘We are building it each time we encounter people wherever we are.’” St. Gabriel’s...

May 2024

Arts + Culture

A Place for Men to Let Their Hair Down

Skillz Kutz Shines a Light on the Neighborhood Barbershop Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by Mary Lanaghan, MJL Studios The first time we met Kimberly Thomas and her husband Rio Rojas, it was a memorable encounter filled with laughter and memories. It was another one of those “divine encounters” we’ve experienced when delving into the stories of Loudoun’s “community first” businesses. But in the case of Skillz Kutz Barber Shop in Ashburn, the ambiance is undeniably unique. Kimberly's...

May 2024

Home + Design

Elevating Elegance:

The Rise of Bourbon Rooms in Modern Homes Article by Lisa Steelman, Belissima Design Group | Photography by Lisa Steelman Step into a realm where tradition meets luxury—imagine your living room transformed into a bourbon room; anchored with moody colors, rich leathers, oversized chairs, and details that exude sophistication and comfort. Embracing the bourbon room aesthetic is more than a home improvement; it's a commitment to a lifestyle of understated elegance.  Rich leather chairs and...

May 2024

Professional Services

Makan Shirafkan: In Pursuit of Justice

Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by Mary Lanaghan, Melinda Gipson “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 In Makan Shirafkan’s office, as in many lawyers’ offices, is a standing statue of Lady Justice. Somewhat unique to Makan’s own display is the replica of The Cyrus Cylinder that lies at her feet. Makan is a proud Persian, one of many in our region who were part...

May 2024

Arts + Culture

Back Stage With Juliana MacDowell

Article by By Michael Gauvreau | Photography by Michael Gauvreau, Ralph De Palma Photography, Melinda Gipson Loudoun County’s rich and active music scene continues to grow in volume. Over the last 10 years, the number of local venues has increased considerably, resulting in new stages for just about anyone who has a polished act ready to share. The unique camaraderie that exists between members of the area’s music community is welcoming, tangible and includes many seasoned players who have been...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

Women Can 'Do Better'

Dr. Kajal Roy Helps Women Get & Stay Healthy Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by Alimond Studio At Leesburg Lifestyle, I rarely break the “third wall” between writer and reader. But, for our women’s issue in particular, I must deviate from convention because I have to say thank you, Dr. Kajal Roy, for giving me my life back. It’s not uncommon for women to end up as their family caregivers. It’s furthermore no stretch to say that we who are thrust into that role for our loved ones...

April 2024

Education

Alya Salon & Spa Sees Hair, And Women, As Artworks

Which is What Makes This a 'Hidden Gem' Article by Melinda Gipson | Photography by Natalya Johnson, Melinda Gipson Natalya Anderson named her Salon Alya after a small star – a hidden gem – in the Theta constellation, which is associated with healing and restoration. That also describes Natalya’s aspirations when she came to the U.S. from Ukraine in 2001. The salon’s mission is to be true to clients, and kind to the environment. They work with advanced products...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Loudoun County First Responders Helps Heroes Heal

Article and Photography by Melinda Gipson When a Sterling home fire killed one Loudoun firefighter and sent three others to the hospital in February, Tina Johnson was among the first civilians to find out about it. In part, that's because she heads the Loudoun First Responders Foundation (LFRF), an all-volunteer organization that helps support first responders in need. The other reason she knew was because her own son Michael is a volunteer firefighter with the Sterling station that was on call...

April 2024