FXBG Neighbors Podcast

Artistic passion meets professional integrity in this fascinating conversation with Cat Johnson, owner of Dark Horse Tattoos in Fredericksburg. With over 20 years of experience tattooing and 17 years running her own studio, Cat takes us behind the scenes of an industry often shrouded in misconceptions. The journey begins with an unexpected spark of inspiration—an HBO movie watched by an 11-year-ol...

Tired of sifting through piles of unqualified resumes? Meet Kirstin Purcell, founder of Handshake in Heels, who's revolutionizing how businesses approach talent acquisition in Fredericksburg and beyond. Kirstin joins the Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast to shatter the biggest myth in recruiting: that posting a job online is enough to attract quality candidates. "The best candidates aren&...

Ever been handed a diet plan by your doctor with no real guidance on how to follow it? Chelsea John knew this frustrating gap all too well from her healthcare background, which is why she created Clean Eatz Fredericksburg.  Chelsea joins us to reveal how her thriving business serves as the crucial missing link between medical advice and practical implementation. Her passion for helping others achi...

Downsizing a lifetime of memories isn't just about moving furniture—it's an emotional journey filled with tough decisions. Alan Sack, owner of Caring Transitions of Fredericksburg, brings clarity and compassion to this process, sharing how his personal experience helping his distant parents downsize sparked his entrepreneurial journey. Alan pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest mi...

Ever wonder if there's an alternative to costly roof replacement? Nick Roberge of Roof Maxx reveals a game-changing approach that's saving homeowners thousands while extending roof life by 5+ years. Drawing from his 20-year background in Marine Corps aircraft maintenance, Nick explains how the same preventative maintenance principles apply to your home's most important protective ba...

What happens when personal crisis meets entrepreneurial spirit? For Sha’ahn Williams, the answer was Body Thief Body Sculpting – a haven for non-invasive transformation that's changing lives across Northern Virginia. Founded in a spare bedroom during the height of COVID while navigating an unexpected divorce, Body Thief emerged from Williams' recognition that marginalized communities – i...

Step into the warm, welcoming world of Hair Revival with founder Cassandra Matus, whose 24-year journey through the hair industry has culminated in a boutique salon experience that's changing how clients view professional stylists. Cassandra takes us behind the scenes of her four-chair studio, explaining why the intimate setting creates a calming environment where guests can truly relax. &quo...

What happens when a mother's attempt to stay connected with her child during travel transforms into a beloved children's book series? Meet Mora Soan, a local legend in the Fredericksburg area who turned a small traveling gnome into the star of captivating stories that teach children about kindness, respect, and courage. During our conversation, Mora reveals how a 2019 trip to Cambodia af...

Andrew Montgomery's journey into electrical work began with a newspaper classified ad in 2013. Though his first position was short-lived, it sparked a passion that would eventually lead him to establish Upstate Electric, a residential electrical contracting business serving the Fredericksburg area. "I'm very fortunate right now to be doing something that I'm so passionate about...

What happens when you decide to pursue your dream career at age 50? Amanda Blalock's compelling story proves that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Amanda shares her remarkable journey from dabbling in real estate-adjacent roles to becoming a successful realtor and property manager with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Fredericksburg. "I had always dabbled in working for b...

Ever wondered how personal challenges can transform into meaningful business ventures? Andie Ayers' journey from elementary school teacher to bookstore owner will inspire you to find purpose in your own struggles. Andie's story begins with founding the Fairy Godmother Project, supporting families of children with cancer. After stepping away as executive director, she faced her own breast...

Have you ever wondered about those elegant horse-drawn carriages that transport wedding parties and tourists through historic Fredericksburg? Christine Kovacs, owner of Olde Towne Carriages, pulls back the curtain on this charming yet demanding business in our latest episode. Christine reveals how her lifelong equestrian passion evolved into a unique carriage service that does far more than simple...

From military service to fitness leadership, Christina Hudson's journey embodies discipline, community, and transformation. As owner of F45 Training Stafford, this 23-year Marine Corps veteran brings a revolutionary approach to fitness that extends far beyond physical results. The F45 difference lies in its 45-minute team-based sessions combining functional movements, circuit training, and in...

Natural hair gets the spotlight in this illuminating conversation with Marie Williams, founder of Insure Beauty salon in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marie shares her journey from a biracial child experimenting with hair techniques on dolls to a successful entrepreneur creating a sanctuary for chemical-free hair care. Her story resonates with authenticity as she describes feeling voiceless in the bea...

What happens when childcare ends at age 12? For most families, it creates a critical supervision gap during the most challenging years of adolescence. Meet Arline Gause, the visionary behind GAD Youth Center, who's tackling this problem head-on in Spotsylvania County. After 22 years as a military spouse with 13 relocations, Arline witnessed firsthand how difficult transitions impact young peo...

From scratch-made bagels to a secret speakeasy with family roots dating back to Prohibition, Galvin's Delicatessen and Rivers End Speakeasy represent a culinary adventure unlike anything else in Fredericksburg. Meet Emma and Paul Stoddard, whose passion for authentic, handcrafted food led them to open this dual-concept establishment at 216 William Street. After nearly 18 years in the restaura...

What happens when a finance and economics graduate navigates the rocky job market of 2009-2010? For Brian Beck, it became the unexpected gateway into the world of construction that would eventually lead to founding FXBG Construction, a premier residential contractor in Fredericksburg. Brian's journey unfolds as a masterclass in building a business with integrity. From his early days working f...

Ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in real estate beyond the glossy exterior? Kevin McGrath of Coldwell Banker Elite shatters the common misconception that realtors simply "buy sports cars at every closing" by revealing the 24/7 commitment behind the potential rewards. Having transitioned from the building supply industry at age 40, Kevin's journey proves it's never...

Attorney Bennie Wall cuts through legal complexity to make estate planning accessible and understandable for everyone. Drawing from his unique journey as the first in his family to attend college, Bennie shares how his small-town roots shaped his approach to law—prioritizing clear communication over complicated legal jargon.  A common misconception Bennie encounters is that estate planning must be...

Craftsmanship meets community in this enlightening conversation with Steve Buchanan, co-founder and director of B&G Construction, one of Northern Virginia's premier remodeling companies. Steve's journey from sweeping construction site floors to managing complex residential and commercial projects reveals the authentic path of a passionate builder who combined forces with his business...

Ever wonder what drives someone to become a dentist? For Dr. Andrew of Embrey Mill Dental Care, it started with a childhood fear of dental visits that evolved into a genuine passion for improving people's health and confidence through exceptional oral care. Dr. Andrew takes us behind the scenes of his thriving Stafford practice, where accessibility is a cornerstone of their philosophy. Accept...

The wellness journey can be challenging, especially when quality services require a long commute. Brian Lam, owner of Collage Spa, recognized this gap in Fredericksburg and created something extraordinary - a sanctuary where premium spa experiences typically found in major cities became accessible locally. When Brian moved from New York in 2010, he brought with him not just expertise in massage an...

From a hammer at age twelve to owning a thriving renovation business, Chris Romero's journey exemplifies what happens when passion meets craftsmanship. As owner of Kitchens For You, Chris brings decades of hands-on experience to every kitchen and bathroom renovation in Stafford and surrounding areas. Growing up in small-town Ohio, Chris discovered his calling early when his father, a Whirlpoo...

Julie Birt isn't just another mortgage officer—she's on a mission to transform how homebuyers experience the mortgage process in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania. After 30+ years as a federal employee, Julie brings her lifelong passion for housing and construction to help locals navigate what's likely the biggest financial decision they'll ever make. "When you bu...

Step into the vibrant world of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine as we sit down with Will and Maria Negron, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Hit the Spot Kitchen in Fredericksburg. Their story goes far beyond typical restaurant ownership—they're self-proclaimed "food alchemists" transforming everyday ingredients into memorable culinary experiences through their takeout kitchen,...