Life + Culture

Elaine Espinola: On a Mission to Empower Women

The new full-time co-host of Good Day Washington shares her journey to realizing a dream. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Photos Courtesy of Elaine Espinola As Elaine Espinola stepped into a new role as co-host of Great Day Washington in March, she was fulfilling a dream she’d had for a decade. “I hope to bring great, inspiring stories to Great Day Washington,” she said. “I have a strong interest in highlighting women, diverse people, and anyone who’s doing something powerful for the...

Health + Wellness

Capital Caring's Compassion

This nonprofit provides solace, support, and innovative services to patients and their families. Article by Beth Rasin | Photography by Courtesy of Capital Caring A few years ago, a Capital Caring hospice patient nearing her final days wished to be with her collie. Unlike most hospice patients, she remained in a hospital, so her hospice nurse approached the hospital administration asking if that could be arranged. When the answer was no, the nurse convinced hospital staff to let her take the...

Beauty

Wellness Inside and Out

Sarah Safa and Monica Unni collaborate to help patients holistically Article by Glenye Oakford | Photography by Love & Sol Photography Looking for state-of-the-art treatments that can boost wellness, restore energy, and even raise your confidence? Downtown Leesburg’s Loop Wellness Clinic and Refined Aesthetics have a uniquely collaborative solution for that. Upstairs, Refined Aesthetics owner Sarah Safa, MS, PA-C, helps clients look their best through her medical aesthetics practice...

Life + Culture

Take a Bird-Friendly Coffee Break

Article by Glenye Oakford Each spring and fall, Northern Virginia welcomes the variety of migratory birds passing through our region. These avian migrants connect us to distant ecosystems thousands of miles away. But many of these beloved bird populations are disappearing at a dramatic rate. "Bird populations are in steep decline," explained Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s BJ Lecrone. "The bird population in the U.S. and Canada has declined by almost 30%—that’s about three billion birds since...

Finance + Legal Services

Staying the Course

Dramatic headlines shouldn't pull investment strategy off track, say Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Wealth Advisors. Article by Glenye Oakford The financial markets’ winds are always shifting. That can make investing feel more like a roller coaster than a reliable path to building wealth. So how should everyday investors navigate uncertain times? We asked Chartered Financial Analyst Jeff Gordon and Certified Financial Planner Darren Koch at Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Wealth Advisors in Leesburg...

Local Services

Invest in Your Land: 3 Smart Grooming Moves

Photography by Veterans Land Rescue Your property is more than just land—it’s an investment. Whether you want to boost value, increase functionality, or prepare for future projects, land grooming is a strategic way to maximize your return. Veterans Land Rescue coined the term "land grooming" to set a higher standard in property enhancement. As an upper-echelon choice, Veterans Land Rescue transforms neglected spaces into valuable assets. Here’s why investing in land grooming is one of the...

Professional Services

Invest In Your Career

Chris and Lauren Ricci of NVA Career Coaching offer advice for all stages of the career journey. Article and Photography by When investing money, most people have clear goals and strategies. But what about the career that generates those investment funds? Northern Virginia’s father-daughter career coaches, Chris Ricci and Lauren Ricci, emphasize the importance of investing in your “body of work,” a portfolio of skills and experiences that enhance your professional opportunities. “In terms...

Health + Wellness

Investing in Peace

Beth Gibney from An Anchored Life shares how to practice mindfulness, meditation, and yoga for overall wellbeing. Article and Photography by Beth Gibney first turned to yoga and meditation to help her slow down the pace of her life.  “The practices helped me to shift my attention inward, away from the busy distractions of life,” she said. “Gaining this skill of turning inward has helped me navigate all the challenges of my adult life.”  Some of those challenges have included chronic pain...

Home + Design

Interior Design Gets Personal

Carolyn McCarter of 27 South details a trend toward authenticity Article by Glenye Oakford If you’re tempted to go bold or more personalized with your living space, here’s some good news: The cool gray and white interiors that dominated the 2010s are giving way to a more personal and lived-in aesthetic in home design in the 2020s. This shift reflects a broader movement toward creating spaces that prioritize individual expression rather than following rigid design rules, for a result that feels...

Home + Design

Clutter to Calm

Jennifer Pontello, owner of The Pink Closet, believes organization is self-care. Article and Photography by When life took an unexpected turn at the onset of the pandemic, Jennifer Pontello found herself at a crossroads. After two decades in corporate HR and recruiting, a layoff forced her to reimagine her future. Rather than viewing it as a setback, she saw an opportunity to embrace a long-held passion: helping others transform their spaces—and their lives—through organization, unpacking...