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 Goss, 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 people. Watching her children struggle with new schools, curriculum differences, and social challenges taught her the importance of creating a supportive community. "It was the village we created and surrounded them with that helped them become who and what they are today," Arline explains. This experience birthed GAD's mission: rebuilding and redefining the village needed to raise the next generation.

GAD Youth Center serves adolescents aged 12-16 through six innovative programs: academic support, college prep, career assessment, culinary skills, life training, and health/wellness. Unlike typical recreational centers, GAD helps youth develop individualized plans for their futures, connecting them with job shadowing opportunities and teaching essential life skills. While searching for a permanent location, GAD has partnered with Hope Presbyterian Church to launch summer workshops running Wednesdays from June 11th through July 23rd. These pilot programs will feature inspiring speakers, meals, and transportation assistance.

For parents concerned about cost, structure, or logistics, GAD has thoughtfully addressed these challenges. The center plans to become an official school bus stop once permanently established, solving transportation worries for working parents. Ready to support this vital community resource? Visit www.gad-youth.com to learn more, register for summer programs, or volunteer your time and talents to help build the village our youth desperately need.

Arline Gause

GAD Youth Center

540-223-4040

agause@gad-youth.com

gad-youth.com

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 beauty world growing up, which ultimately fueled her passion for creating inclusive spaces.

What makes Insure Beauty stand out is its holistic approach to beauty. Marie eloquently explains how the pandemic revealed a deeper truth about hair care – it's not just about appearance but fundamentally connects to self-perception, confidence, and how we engage with others. This realization drives her business philosophy, emphasizing natural beauty through protective styling like braids, crochets, and twists while completely avoiding chemical treatments.

The conversation takes an innovative turn when Marie reveals her partnership with Rebundle, offering vegan-friendly hair extensions made from repurposed banana stems. This sustainable alternative eliminates the itching and sensitivity many clients experience with traditional extensions – just one example of how Marie stays true to her mission despite the challenges of starting a business in a new area. For entrepreneurs, her advice is refreshingly practical: don't get caught up in social media metrics; instead, stay consistent and true to your purpose. Whether you're interested in natural hair care, entrepreneurship, or sustainable beauty alternatives, Marie's wisdom offers valuable insights that extend far beyond styling techniques. Connect with Insure Beauty at www.insured-beauty.com to experience their transformative approach to natural beauty.

Marie Williams

Insure Beauty

insure-beauty.com

571-491-7188

hello@insure-beauty.com

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 interval work in an energetic, supportive environment. Christina dismantles the common misconception that you need to "get fit first" before joining, emphasizing how every workout is scalable for both beginners and experienced athletes. "You show up and we do the rest," she explains, highlighting the studio's commitment to meeting members exactly where they are.

What truly sets F45 Stafford apart is the community Christina has cultivated. Unlike impersonal big-box gyms, this studio knows every member by name, fostering connections that transcend typical fitness experiences. Members frequently arrive hesitant but leave empowered, discovering strength they didn't know they possessed. "It's not about the perfect body or beach body," Christina shares, "it's about confidence, strength, connection, and showing up for yourself."

Christina's own entrepreneurial journey reflects the transformational power she sees in her members. Opening during challenging times taught her to trust the process, lean on her team, and stay anchored in her purpose. These lessons now fuel her mission to create a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and stronger with each visit.

Ready to experience the F45 difference? Visit the studio at 35 Walpole Street in Stafford, connect on Instagram @F45_training_staffordva, or email staffordva@f45training.com to try their two-week VIP trial. Your transformation journey awaits!

Christina Hudson

F45 Training of Stafford

540.202.2544

f45training.com/studio/staffordva

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 for someone flipping houses to establishing his own construction company with his wife as partner, Brian shares how values shape business decisions. "I'd rather spend more money to have it done right the first time," he explains, revealing how past disagreements about quality standards ultimately pushed him to forge his own path. This commitment to excellence has allowed him to maintain relationships with the same crews for nearly a decade—a remarkable achievement in an industry known for high turnover.

What truly sets FXBG Construction apart is their thorough pre-construction process. While many contractors rush to start projects, Brian's team invests significant time upfront selecting everything from shower fixtures to cabinet knobs before breaking ground. "We are very big on the front end, slow to start," he notes, "but that way, once the construction process goes, it just rolls through." This methodical approach eliminates surprises and change orders that often plague renovation projects. Perhaps most telling is Brian's practice of testing new tradespeople on his own home first—ensuring only proven professionals work on client projects.

Whether you're planning a high-end bathroom remodel, kitchen renovation, basement finishing, or a custom deck with exotic hardwoods, Brian's insights offer valuable guidance on choosing the right contractor. Follow FXBG Construction on social media or visit their website to learn more about their customer-focused approach to transforming homes throughout the Fredericksburg area.

Brian Beck

FXBG Construction

fxbg-construction.com

703-609-7825

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 Whirlpool retiree who took on weekend construction jobs, put tools in his hands. This early exposure blossomed through trade school, where he split his days between classrooms and building houses. His path took a unique turn when he joined the military while maintaining his construction focus as a 51 Bravo specialist in carpentry and masonry.

What truly distinguishes Kitchens For You is their approach to renovation as a premium service experience. Chris likens it to a resort vacation, where clients are treated like "movie stars" throughout the process. From Sheila handling scheduling and billing to Lori guiding clients through overwhelming selection decisions, and project managers maintaining daily communication, every step is designed to make potentially disruptive renovations as comfortable as possible.

Chris addresses common misconceptions about construction workers with pride, emphasizing that true professionals choose this work out of passion rather than necessity. His philosophy on mistakes reveals his wisdom – he views them not as failures but as knowledge gained when properly corrected, building expertise that serves future clients.

When not transforming homes, Chris treasures time with family, continuing traditions like annual Virginia Beach trips now shared with grandchildren, and indulging his Dallas Cowboys fandom with yearly game pilgrimages. Check out their stunning before-and-after transformations at kitchensforyou.com and discover why local homeowners trust Chris and his team of licensed professionals to bring their renovation visions to life.

Chris Romero

Kitchens For You, Inc.

kitchensforyou.com

310 Garrisonville Road Stafford, VA, 22554

(540) 657-3398

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 and skincare, but a vision for what self-care should feel like. "There were things I enjoyed that were further away, and I felt like I could bring that here," he shares. Today, Collage Spa operates three thriving locations across Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and Spotsylvania, offering a comprehensive range of services from massages and skincare to nails, acupuncture, waxing, and hydrafacials.

What makes Collage truly special goes beyond its services. As a former therapist himself, Brian created a business that occupies the sweet spot between franchise operations and individual practitioners. "I know what it's like to be in the room," he explains, which has shaped his approach to supporting staff while maintaining the highest standards for clients. This philosophy has paid dividends - after 15 years in business, Collage boasts impressive staff retention rates and a loyal customer base.

The name "Collage" perfectly captures Brian's vision - just as an art collage combines different elements to create something beautiful, guests can mix and match services to craft their perfect self-care day. Whether you're seeking a quick escape from parenting responsibilities, a bonding experience with your child through parent-child nail services, or a social outing with friends before dinner downtown, Collage provides the setting for meaningful connections.

As Brian aptly puts it, Collage is "the spa where everyone knows your name" - a testament to the community they've built. His heartfelt message resonates beyond business: "Self-care has real value in your life... I want to empower people to do it." Experience the difference for yourself by visiting www.collagespa.com or calling to customize your perfect spa day.

Brian Lam

Collage Spa

collagespa.com

(540) 479-6470

info@collagespa.com

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. Accepting most insurance plans and offering a comprehensive range of services under one roof—from routine cleanings to advanced Invisalign treatments—Embrey Mill Dental Care has positioned itself as a true one-stop solution for families throughout the area.

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as Dr. Andrew shares how becoming a father to a four-month-old daughter has transformed both his personal and professional outlook. His stories about gardening with his infant, pointing out flowers she's too young to understand but will hopefully absorb, reveal the gentle, patient approach he likely brings to anxious patients. This new chapter has taught him valuable lessons about presence, efficiency, and letting go of perfectionism—skills that enhance his practice management as well.

Dr. Andrew dispels common dental misconceptions that prevent people from receiving proper care, emphasizing that pain-free teeth don't necessarily mean problem-free teeth, and that modern dentistry has evolved far beyond the uncomfortable experiences many fear. His genuine appreciation for his team shines through, attributing much of Embry Mill's success to the dedicated professionals who create a welcoming environment for every patient.

Ready to experience dentistry with a difference? Visit embry-mill.com to learn more about their services or follow their surprisingly popular TikTok account, where one recent post has already garnered over 700,000 views. Your smile deserves the care and expertise that Dr. Andrew and his team provide.

Embrey Mill Dental Care

Dr. Andrew Abdelsayed

(540) 779-0395

1610 Publix Way Ste 120 Stafford, VA, 22554

embreymilldentalcare.com

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 partner to create something extraordinary in the Fredericksburg area.

What sets true professionals apart in the construction industry? Steve candidly addresses the misconceptions many homeowners have about general contractors. He explains how proper planning—often unseen but crucial—creates the foundation for successful renovations and new builds. With refreshing honesty, he discusses how the low barrier to entry in construction can lead to varying quality levels among contractors, while emphasizing that one negative experience shouldn't define an entire industry.

Beyond the blueprint and hammer, we discover the person behind the projects. As a father of three young children including twins, Steve balances the demands of entrepreneurship with family life and outdoor pursuits like golf and fishing. His approach to business challenges reveals a systematic methodology for improvement—analyzing setbacks and implementing systems to prevent recurrence. Most compelling is his commitment to remain personally involved in projects despite company growth, positioning B&G Construction not just as service providers but as community resources for anyone with construction questions or career interests. Connect with Steve and his team through their website or by calling their office to experience the difference that expertise, planning, and genuine care can make in your next remodeling project.

Steve Buchanan

B&G Construction LLC

www.bgconstructionllc.com

(571) 292-1800