Loudoun County Magazine

Elizabeth Mandros, owner of Mystique Jewelers in Alexandria and Middleburg is passionate about providing meaningful pieces of jewelry to her clients who are like family to her.  Her laid back approach and dazzling stores in Alexandria and Middleburg have brought her clients who have become friends over the last 29 years.  She's had the opportunity to design jewelry for Senator John Warner when he married Jeanne Vander Myde. Mandros is passionate to keep the romance and passion alive for her clients.

Tiffany Tapp, a graduate of Syracuse University, has a keen eye for detail, style and winning presentation.   She's also an up and coming real estate agent with Golston Real Estate in Loudoun County.  Tapp has years of experience finding homes.  She understands and appreciates a home hunter's desire for the best location and price and helps them turn houses into homes.  Tapp is also the wife of NFL football star Darryl Tapp and together the two oversee the Tapp Foundation which supports charities across the U.S.  

In this episode of Loudoun County Magazine’s Podcast, Jessica Monte sat down with Tanja Thompson, the Director of TEDx Catoctin Women, author of What to Expect When Your Weren't Expecting Breast Cancer, a TEDx Ashburn alum, and the founder of Breast Cancer Bugs Me. Thompson is dedicated to breast patient advocacy and draws on her experiences as a veteran and two time breast cancer survivor and parent advocate.   Thompson discusses the work of organizing a TEDx event as well as forming a non-profit to further take action on issues important to her.

In this episode of Loudoun County Magazine’s Podcast, Host Jessica Monte sat down with Alyssa Laeser, owner of Mobile Medical, a concierge medical service that helps patients save time and enhances the care that patients ultimately receive.  Laeser discusses her years of practice as a Physicians Assistant in hospitals across Northern Virginia and how current pressures on medical providers in traditional hospital and urgent care settings are affecting the medical professionals across the region.  Laeser’s solution, Mobile Medical, which she recently submitted to Shark Tank is one way that providers are taking back time with patients and reducing workplace stress as well. As a Loudoun resident, Laeser reflects on her happy upbringing in Reston which prompted her to move back to Northern Virginia after her residency.  She settled in Loudoun County to raise her family in a safe, community oriented region.  Between Mobile Medical and caring for her three boys, Laeser squeezes in time for herself with occasional outings at Loudoun’s gorgeous wineries and as well as making time to hit the gym.  A proponent of finding health solutions that are not medication centered, Laeser is optimistic and dedicated to creating a successful practice and healthy family here in Loudoun County.

In this episode of Loudoun County Magazine's Podcast, Host Jessica Monte interviews Walk 4 Mountains Founder Nicole Clark.  Walk 4 Mountains is hosting a 10-mile Breast Cancer Walk for Charity on October 12th.  For registration information, please visit https://www.walk4mountains.org/ Clark discusses how her own battle with breast cancer and participation in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk inspired her to create a charity walk in Loudoun County.  Clark discusses the hard facts about breast cancer; she herself was diagnosed at age 39 and endured treatment for over one year.  Clark is committed to Walk 4 Mountains because she wants to raise awareness about the prevalence of breast cancer as well as to raise money to support breast cancer charities in Loudoun County.

Loudoun County Magazine host Jessica Monte sat down with Holli Shan, a certified equine and canine massage therapist since 2006, and a professional animal communicator since 2009.  Her love of animals gives her the compassion to be an Animal Communicator and relay the needs of beloved pets to their owners. Shan who recently presented at TEDx Ashburn lives and operates her business, Compassionate Animal Communication, in Loudoun County,  Shan completed training as  an Animal Communicator with Janet Dobbs, as well as completed training in Interspecies Counselor, and Apprentice Animal Communication Instructor with Penelope Smith. 

Loudoun County Magazine host Jessica Monte sat down with Penny Hauffe, a world traveled and celebrated painter and sculptor living and working in Leesburg, Virginia, USA.  Hauffe has worked on beautifying many public art spaces around Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, including designs at the Goodstone Inn, St. Peter’s, Loudoun Country Day School and recently the Brambleton Town Center.  Hauffe completed the mural in just slightly over two weeks. ‘Brambleton in Color’ features an oversized butterfly and dragonfly and the “Brambleton Tree” with a swing hanging from one of its branches.  To see 'Brambleton in Color' visit Loudoun County Magazine online at http://www.loudouncountymagazine.com Hauffe's commissioned work has appeared nationally and as far away as Australia, South Africa and the UK. Inspired by bold colors, beautiful lighting, contrasting textures and the wonders of nature, she creates artwork for annual group art shows such as the Western Loudoun Studio Artist Tour, Millwood Art Show, Waterford, Piedmont and Oatland’s Four Seasons Show. To learn more about Hauffe, visit https://pennypaint.com/

In this episode, Loudoun County Magazine sat down with Stephanie Dove, the Coordinator of Marketing & Community Outreach  for Loudoun County Public Schools. Dove provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse to the thought and strategy that goes into providing healthy school lunches and student grown gardens within Loudoun's public school system.   Dove discusses the ongoing Summer Meals program that LCPS is offering the public this summer. Topics covered include working with children who have special dietary needs to ensuring that LCPS avoids including foods with food coloring in their menu. Much of the menu at Loudoun County Public Schools is locally sourced within a 75 mile radius of their Ashburn headquarters. Dove's philosophy is that school nutrition employees should feel proud to serve students a meal that they would otherwise serve to guests fat their homes. She also talks about potential future programs for School lunch such as the inclusion of a food truck option for middle school and high school students.

In Part 2 of Host Jessica Monte's interview with C. Nick Savage, the visionary, Director and Producer of TEDx Ashburn, Savage discusses his favorite parts about directing a project like TEDx.  Savage is also the founder of the non-profit The League of Extraordinary Athletes, Inc.  Throughout the episode, Savage discusses the process of bringing TEDx to Loudoun County and what the TED mission is for communities.  Savage personally values championing the underdogs and helping voices from all walks of life to be heard. In 2020, Savage and his team will be selecting speakers who cover the theme of “The Middle: Compromising Situations.”  To learn more about TEDxAshburn, visit http://tedxashburn.org/home

In this episode of Loudoun County Magazine's Podcast, Farmer and Bee Keeper Bill Bundy chats with local children about his experiences as a bee keeper.  The kids do not hold back with their questions; their curiosity and Farmer Bill's enthusiasm for bees will make you laugh and keep you curious throughout the conversation.  Enjoy!

In Part I of this episode,  Loudoun County Magazine's Podcast Host Jessica Monte interviews C. Nick Savage, the visionary, Director and Producer of TEDx Ashburn. Savage is also the founder of the non-profit The League of Extraordinary Athletes, Inc.  Throughout the episode, Savage discusses the process of bringing TEDx to Loudoun County and what the TED mission is for communities.  Savage personally values championing the underdogs and helping voices from all walks of life to be heard. In 2020, Savage and his team will be selecting speakers who cover the theme of "The Middle: Compromising Situations."  To learn more about TEDxAshburn, visit http://tedxashburn.org/home

  In this episode of Loudoun County Magazine's Podcast, Host Jessica Monte interviews Dolly Anderson and Dawn Williams, the  cofounders of the ARTisans of Loudoun.  Anderson and Williams connected over a mutual interest to create a markerplace for artisans across Loudoun County to share their work with visitors and residents in a welcoming atmosphere.  Previous events for the ARTisans of Loudoun marketplace includes Sip and Shops at Blend Coffee Bar in Ashburn, House 6 Brewing Outdoor Markets with Live Music, Pints for Paws at Vanish Brewery, as well as joining up with other artists like Rust & Refind in Aldie, VA.    Anderson and Williams reflect on how their outlooks on life have helped them navigate the ups and downs of starting a business however they are ultimately optimistic about their paths forward as business owners and as community builders for artists in Loudoun County.  They both moved to Loudoun County for its wonderful schools system and they both appreciate the beauty of the open spaces that all can enjoy in our region.     

The LoCo Urban Health & Wellness Expo is a day filled with wellness. Learn about local health, wellness services and businesses, fitness and other service providers. Attendees participated in demo classes from studios and trainers across the area. Sweet and nutritious treats, deals and all to support a worthy cause with our Silent Auction to benefit Veterans Yoga Project.  For more details, check out https://locowellnessexpo.com/

The school year is coming to a close and warm summer days are on the horizon. Summer camps will be on the agenda for most kids who live in the wealthiest county in the nation.  For many Loudoun families, spending money on summer camp isn't given a second thought. For families who have the funds available to support summer activities, there are no barriers to enrollment.  But for needy children at a local emergency shelter, school is often the most stable place. They won’t have the means to attend summer camp while their parents work.  However, one organization is making sure that disadvantaged youth in Loudoun County have access to summer programming.  Paxton Trust, a non-profit organization that serves disadvantaged children in Loudoun County, will host its second annual ‘Taste of the Town’ June 2nd from 2-5pm.  Attendees will get 10 tastings to include a combination of food and drinks from participating restaurants within the Village at Leesburg. Proceeds will help send these kids to the YMCA Loudoun day camp for the entire summer.  The cost of the event is $50. Attendees will receive a t-shirt and a route map for the cuisine crawl. You can purchase your event ticket on eventbrite or by visiting Paxton Trust.  Only 200 tickets will be sold, so act fast so you can support young people in Loudoun County and enjoy a a Taste of the Town. Be sure to listen to this podcast episode to learn more about Paxton Trust and its mission. 

In this episode, Loudoun County Magazine Podcast Host Jessica Monte interviews local artist Megan O’Hanlon, of Megan O'Hanlon Designs! O'Hanlon began her painting and illustration career as a food and recipe illustrator. Her work focuses on preserving family memories, family homes, historic homes and heirlooms.  Currently, O'Hanlon is expanding her art to include lifestyle subjects such as golf and the equine world here in Loudoun County.  O'Hanlon recounts how the beauty of the world, especially her home here in Loudoun County,  inspires her work as an artist.  Additionally, she reflects on how artists' works surround us at every turn in life.  

In this episode, NVSL Magazine host Lia Hobel speaks with two Loudoun County moms, Julie Powers and Brooke King, who recently launched Mom Things, a monthly subscription box of wonderful products for moms. The navy blue box with rose gold font typically has five to seven surprises inside ranging in beauty, kitchen, home décor, seasonal items and more. The cofounders have tested all the products and share only those that they love.  The subscription boxes have been sent to moms all over the country – and new interest continues to build as word spreads. Listen to the conversation and learn how these two entrepreneurial spirits from Ashburn found their calling. 

Lindsey Evans of Lindsey Evans Studio sits down with NVSL Magazine host Jessica Monte to discuss Evans' career in Hollywood as a fashion stylist as well as her current work styling public figures and residents in Loudoun County and the greater Washington, D.C. area.    Evans reflects on her personal style philosophy and shares stories from what she calls "wild" video shoots with Katy Perry and Kanye West as well as going on tour with Taylor Swift.  Evans also provides tips for how Loudoun residents can make stylish choices in an understated way way.    

In this episode, Loudoun County Magazine host Jessica Monte speaks with Ashley Campolattaro, the Executive Director of the Step Sisters, an organization whose mission is to fight breast cancer by assisting patients and their families throughout treatment.  Campolattaro also discusses her business Families in Training which grew out of her work as a race director with the Step Sisters.  Campolattaro reflects on why volunteerism and community involvement matter to her as well as why she is dedicated to the Step Sisters mission.  Additionally, as a Loudoun County resident who lives in Brambleton, she also discusses the special community she lives within and supports.    

  Part II: Award-winning documentarian, Andrea Palombella, investigates the obscure ingredients found in many of our cosmetic products—and her findings, featured in the film, Pretty Ugly, are nothing short of astounding. From crushed beetle shells to formaldehyde, learn what is lurking inside your tube of lipstick (and mascara, blush, perfume, eye shadow, concealer, et cetera).  NVSL Magazine proudly brings you the first of our two-part series. And trust us: you do not want to miss this jaw-dropping interview. Editor’s note: A reference to EWG’s Director of Research should be the Director of Healthy Living Science.