Home + Design

Bringing Pantone's 2025 Color Home

Discover how to incorporate Pantone's Color of the Year into any space with simple ideas and bold transformations from local interior designer Laurie Mandichak. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by April Hoffman, Laurie Mandichak, Jon Meadows Laurie Mandichak has been designing spaces in Charlottesville since 2009, bringing her talent for blending styles and honoring history to every project. With experience ranging from design at Artful Lodger to freelance work, she’s passionate about...

Home + Design

Passion Meets Precision in Building

TJ Troup of Troup Custom Carpentry pairs passion and purpose with timeless design. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Ali Haney, Brand & Market What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and building things – model cars, playing with tools, and machines. I had dirt bikes and four-wheelers I would take apart and put back together. Some of my earliest memories were playing in my great-grandfather’s wood shop. As I got older, I...

Home + Design

Charlottesville Through Jamie Waller’s Real Estate Lens

Jamie Waller turns real estate dreams into reality in Central Virginia Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Twelve years ago, Jamie Waller and her husband arrived in Charlottesville with their newborn and toddler, ready for a new adventure. His job had brought them to this vibrant corner of Virginia, and it didn’t take long for Jamie to realize that Charlottesville was special. “Charlottesville is, without a doubt, the best place I’ve ever had the privilege...

Home + Design

Style Meets Technology at Home

Create sleek and stylish solutions for smart home living. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Lincoln Barbour, Alisa Foytik Interior designer Betsy Kraft has helped many local homeowners discover the sweet spot where technology and style meet. From hidden charging stations to artfully placed speakers, she's mastered the art of making modern conveniences feel right at home in both historic houses and contemporary properties. "Technology is inevitable," Kraft says, and she sees that as...

Life + Culture

Celebrate Spring with Style

Spring party tips from a seasoned entertaining expert. Article by Jennifer Waldera Maryury Padilla, founder of C-Ville Bites took the time to share with us some of her best tips for hosting a springtime dinner party. From food and drinks to music and lighting, Padilla has all of the recommendations for making your spring soiree a success.  What do you enjoy most about springtime entertaining? There is something so refreshing about springtime -- the warmer weather, spring flowers, and a...

Life + Culture

Celebrate in Style

Curated date night and Galentine's Day plans from local expert and founder of Blue Ridge Concierge, Katie McFarland. Article and Photography by Jennifer Waldera Whether you’re planning an intimate evening with someone special or a chic Galentine’s Day gathering with friends, Charlottesville offers an array of options. Katie McFarland, founder of Blue Ridge Concierge, shared her expert recommendations for creating the perfect night out (or in) designed with every kind of occasion in mind, any...

Life + Culture

Handcrafted with Love in Charlottesville

How Lee and Pam Marraccini built a life and business rooted in creativity and community in Charlottesville. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by P. Perugi Marraccini, Angelo Jewelry, James Lisowski For over 40 years, Lee and Pam Marraccini have called Charlottesville home, building both their lives and a jewelry business here. As the heart and soul behind Angelo Jewelry, their journey is all about creativity, passion, and forging meaningful connections within the community. Before...

Food + Beverage

Local Wines, Local Chocolates, Perfect Matches

Glass House Winery owner Jay Smith and Glass House Chocolatiers share tips on crafting impeccable wine and chocolate matches. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Matthew Hauck What inspired your winery to start making chocolates in addition to wine? When Glass House's original owners Jeff and Michelle decided to open Glass House they wanted to combine their love for wine and viticulture with Michelle’s personal passion for hand-made gourmet truffles and Jeff’s knowledge of tropical...

Style + Beauty

Love in Every Stitch: Meet Charlottesville's Sealed With a Kiss

Co-owner Natalia Dubina discusses what makes Sealed with a Kiss unique and why they love being in Charlottesville. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Ron Dressel Can you share a bit about the history of the store? The store in Charlottesville is more than 25 years old: Susan Sorbello, an English woman, was the owner and designer of the store, and later, we continued her beautiful work after she moved back to England. One of the owners, Natalia, is an artist, a specialist of...

Finance + Legal Services

Start the Year Financially Strong

Kickstart your financial wellness plan with tips from John Wells. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jen Fariello and Morris & Wells Wealth Management John Wells of Morris & Wells Wealth Management shared some tips with us on starting the year out right when it comes to financial health. What are some of the things you recommend people do to assess their financial health as they head into the New Year? Heading into the New Year everyone should assess their savings goals versus...