FXBG Neighbors Podcast

Want a clearer path from talent to opportunity in Fredericksburg? We sit down with Marcus Toler, the driving force behind Go Local FXBG, to unpack a simple but powerful blueprint: teach teens real skills, remove cost barriers for small businesses, and connect nonprofits with new audiences so local ideas can take root. Marcus brings lived experience—from hustling DJ to self-taught marketer—to show...

A single Black Friday camera and a lot of grit—Tyrone Brown’s path with Clean Images proves you don’t need the fanciest gear to build a real photography business. We invited Tyrone to share how a college side project turned into a trusted Fredericksburg brand, why he still centers photography over video, and what it takes to capture both intimate portraits and large community events with clarity a...

What if your workout didn’t require childcare, guilt, or unrealistic “bounce back” pressure? We sat down with Lyndsay Woods of SLAM Quantico—Sweat Like a Mother—to explore a fitness community built for moms, with kids welcome and strength training that respects every phase of pregnancy and postpartum. Lyndsay walks us through how SLAM runs classes outdoors by local playgrounds across Stafford, Fre...

Small business stories often sound glamorous from the outside, but the truth is built from grit, late nights, and a stubborn belief that service matters. We sit down with Jessica “Jessi” Ferguson of Less Messy with Jessi Detailing to explore how a woman-owned, family-run operation grew from one set of tools into a trusted mobile and garage-based service across Fredericksburg and surrounding counti...

What happens when a background investigator swaps case files for contour palettes and a rolling kit? We sit down with Jeet of Glam by Jeet to trace a bold career pivot that blends precision, creativity, and a deep love for people. From early days jumping into military ball season to shaping a mobile beauty brand across Fredericksburg, Stafford, Loudoun, and the greater DMV, Jeet opens up about bui...

Overwhelm has a way of hiding in plain sight—piled on the dining table, stacked by the stairs, tucked into closets we try not to open. Organizer and entrepreneur Aimey Giacinto joins us to share how Tidy Transformations helps families, teachers, and everyday neighbors turn the page on clutter and reclaim spaces that actually support their lives. Her story begins at a crossroads: a broken job promi...

A Marine’s grit meets science-backed wellness in a candid, practical conversation with Charlie Evans, founder of Faithfully Fit and Frugal. We dig into the moment she realized nine-mile runs and 100-calorie snacks weren’t a plan, just a fast track to burnout. That wake-up call led to strength training, smarter nutrition, and a mindset-first approach that now helps busy women over 40 feel strong, e...

What happens when a playwright hears “we only do revivals” one time too many? We sit down with Malanna Henderson, founder of Somewhere in Time Productions, to trace how a single no became a stage for yes—yes to original scripts, yes to local talent, and yes to stories that pull you in close. Malanna opens the door to The History Lesson, a gripping new play set in 1860s Richmond where a lawyer secr...

A tiny cricket with big feelings, a sleepless mouse with too much excitement, and a mission to bring books back into bustling homes—this conversation with children’s author Tammy Christian is a warm reminder that reading is one of the simplest ways to raise confident, curious kids. We dive into the heart of her stories, from Too Excited To Sleep to Eric The Colorful Cricket Starts Kindergarten, an...

A troll who loves snacks, a dragon with good intentions, and a city full of stories—this conversation lifts the curtain on how reading support can be both deeply personal and wildly fun. We welcome educator and author Jacquelene D'Amico, founder of Smart Cookies Education Services, to share how individualized tutoring turns reluctant readers into confident communicators and why local settings...

A quiet salon suite can change everything. We sat down with Kat Halstead of Kat’s Beauty Lounge to explore how a private, judgment-free space helps clients feel seen, stylists work with clarity, and the end result lasts longer than a single good-hair day. Kat’s journey—from a post-divorce restart to a purpose-led beauty studio—reveals why craft and calm belong together, and how a small room can ho...

Real stories land best when they’re anchored in service, and that’s exactly why this conversation with Antoinette Tyner stands out. A former early childhood educator and veteran, Antoinette brings a teacher’s patience and a strategist’s focus to real estate, leading the Elegance Home Team with a spirit of excellence that shows up in every call, showing, and signature. We dig into what buyers and s...

Ready to trade comfort for purpose—without leaping blind? We sit down with Layonna Collado, the founder of Bliss Beauty Bar Aesthetics in Fredericksburg, to unpack how she left a steady 9–5 and built a two-time award-winning, all-inclusive spa during the most uncertain time in recent memory. From the earliest YouTube tutorials to opening her doors post-quarantine, Layonna shows how a clear plan, r...

When hospitals wouldn't release her father without in-home care during COVID, Beata Alghabra discovered a critical gap in elder care services that would ultimately change her professional path forever. After watching her father's health decline during an extended hospital stay simply because they couldn't arrange home care, Beata found her calling. Today, as founder of SYNERGY HomeC...

Beauty, confidence, and entrepreneurship converge in our conversation with Aida Morales, founder of Aida's Lash Studio. What began as a humble service from her living room on a military base has blossomed into multiple thriving locations in Stafford and Spotsylvania. Aida takes us through her remarkable journey, revealing how she transformed her passion for lash extensions into the area'...

Demystifying business finances is a mission Katelyn Duron takes seriously. As co-founder of DuroSec LLC, she created a unique niche in the accounting world—bringing high-level financial analysis and guidance to small businesses that traditionally couldn't afford such services. Katelyn's journey from 18-year-old bank teller to financial consultant reveals her deep understanding of small b...

A new house with bare walls and a long to-do list doesn’t just test your patience—it can spark a business that serves a whole neighborhood. That’s how Lawrence Adams turned a personal need for TV mounting, blinds, and furniture assembly into Lyndale's Honey Do List, a trusted local service built on speed, care, and integrity. We walk through his path from helping friends in Embrey Mill to cre...

A great paint job should look effortless—and feel effortless to the homeowner. We sat down with Oscar Espinoza of Alpha Painting to explore how craftsmanship, clear communication, and old-school reliability can turn a stressful home project into a confident, even joyful, experience. From his start in 2005 with a foreman’s quick assignment—“Tomorrow you paint”—to launching Alpha Painting in 2019 wi...

A local venue with a global truth: when a space is built with purpose, people feel it. We sit down with Megan Stewart of REIGN The Venue to uncover how a daughter’s caregiving mission became a gathering place that’s transparent, flexible, and relentlessly welcoming. From weddings and quinceañeras to baby showers and community events, REIGN streamlines the hard parts—pricing, planning, and logistic...

Ever feel like you're sacrificing your personal joy on the altar of professional success? Shelita Duke of SheWin Unlimited challenges this damaging mindset as she shares her journey from government professional to fractional COO and personal success strategist. Drawing from her 30+ years of experience in policy, operations, and compliance, Shelita now specializes in people-centered operationa...

Dreams have a way of revealing our deepest insights, but few people turn those nocturnal visions into transformative business ventures. For Shaunee Lynch, a series of vivid dreams in 2016 planted the seed for what would become Vitae Visual—a groundbreaking video resume platform that's challenging the fundamental limitations of traditional hiring processes. After 20 years in human resources an...

From a trailer loaded with workout equipment to a thriving fitness community, Honor Bound Fit has transformed the Fredericksburg fitness landscape with purpose and passion. Founded by former Marines Keith Linde and Rich, this isn't just a place to build muscle—it's where veterans reconnect with purpose, where strength training meets character development, and where faith boldly intertwin...

Step into the world of medical aesthetics with Maggie McIntyre, founder of Rejuvalase Medspa, as she celebrates an impressive 18-year journey as one of the pioneering medical spas in the Stafford-Fredericksburg area. With a unique background blending education and nursing, Maggie has created not just a thriving medical spa but also a comprehensive training center that educates the next generation...

What happens when passion for music meets entrepreneurial spirit? Marcus Toler's journey from bar DJ to wedding specialist reveals how following your heart can lead to unexpected business success. Marcus founded Big Day Productions with a simple goal – making every event truly unforgettable. On this episode, he shares how a love for "throwing parties" in 2005 evolved into a comprehe...

Ever wondered what it takes to make your business shine online? Claudia Stockli, founder of Golden Hour Media, has the answers you're looking for. As your "social media's ride or die" and "internet's bestie," Claudia brings a refreshing perspective to digital marketing that transforms how small businesses connect with their communities. Growing up in New York Cit...