What happens when a reluctant influencer discovers her true passion lies in helping others shine online? Savannah Garth, founder of Poppy Rose Marketing, joins us to share her journey from accidental social media personality to the driving force behind a "small but mighty" marketing agency with heart.

Savannah pulls back the curtain on the most persistent marketing myths holding small businesses back. Forget going viral or spreading yourself thin across every platform—she reveals why consistency and intention trump trendy tactics every time. With refreshing candor, she explains how her agency approaches digital marketing differently, focusing on authentic storytelling that builds genuine connections while delivering measurable results.

The name "Poppy Rose" isn't just catchy; it's deeply personal, derived from the birth flowers of Savannah's husband and son. This family-centered foundation shapes everything about her business philosophy, including her definition of success: "If a client outgrows our small business, I've done my job correctly." As a mother juggling entrepreneurship with raising two young children, Savannah shares the transformative lesson that "done is better than perfect"—a mantra that's helped her overcome perfectionism and embrace delegation.

For small business owners drowning in marketing overwhelm, Savannah's approach offers a lifeline. Her team handles everything from social media management to website design, SEO, and branding, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best. Connect with Poppy Rose Marketing through their website or social media, or schedule a free discovery call to learn how they can help your business establish an authentic online presence that truly resonates with your audience.

Savannah Garth

Poppy Rose Marketing

www.poppyrosemarketing.com

sales@poppyrosemarketing.com

@poppyrosemarketing

facebook.com/poppyrosemarketing

(512) 657-1207

Strength isn't just physical—it's a powerful connection between body, mind, and soul. Chelsea Cameron from Pure Barre Stafford joins the FXBG Neighbors Podcast to reveal how this unique fitness studio is transforming lives through accessible, full-body workouts.

Chelsea shares her personal journey of how fitness "saved her life" during a difficult period living overseas with her four young children. What began as tearful spin classes evolved into a passion for helping others discover their own strength. When she moved to the area during COVID, Chelsea found Pure Barre and quickly went from curious potential client to certified instructor in all four workout formats.

But what exactly is Pure Barre? Chelsea dispels common misconceptions (no, it's not ballet or dancing!) while explaining how the studio offers 50-minute full-body workouts using a ballet-style barre as just one of many tools. The magic lies in how each session is tailored to individual needs, making it accessible to everyone regardless of fitness level, limitations, or injuries. As Chelsea emphasizes, "You don't need to do anything or be anything other than exactly what you are and where you are right now."

What makes Pure Barre truly special is the expert instruction that feels like "personal training in a group fitness setting." The well-trained teachers are master multitaskers who create an environment where everyone can thrive while building a supportive community. Whether you're a fitness novice or experienced athlete, Pure Barre offers a "dialable" approach that meets you exactly where you are.

Ready to experience the magic yourself? Pure Barre Stafford offers a free 30-minute introductory class. Find them online, follow @purebarrestafford on social media, or call 540-699-0793 to begin your own transformation journey.

Chelsea Cameron

Pure Barre of Stafford

purebarre.com

stafford@purebarre.com

+1 540-699-0793

1630 Publix Way, Suite 120, Stafford, VA

Golf has a reputation for exclusivity, but Augustine Golf Club is flipping that script. Tucked away in Stafford County, this hidden gem has been welcoming the public for nearly three decades, though many locals still mistakenly believe it's private. As General Manager Ron Leporati explains, "We are 100% open to the public. Our restaurant's open to the public, the golf course is open to the public, we give lessons to the public."

What makes Augustine special isn't just its storied past—it opened in 1996 as one of the top five new public golf courses in the country—but its commitment to accessibility. The club operates on a yield management pricing model (book early, save more) that keeps golf affordable for everyone. And forget about stuffy atmospheres; the team at Augustine has cultivated a warm, welcoming environment where players of all skill levels feel at home.

Marketing Manager Dominique, herself a former collegiate golfer, has championed programs specifically for women—the fastest-growing demographic in golf. The club also runs robust junior programs throughout the year, investing in the next generation of golfers. Under Leporati 's leadership since 2023, membership has grown by 30%, course conditions have improved dramatically, and the club is steadily reclaiming its former glory.

Beyond exceptional golf, Augustine offers surprisingly upscale dining, event hosting for weddings and celebrations, and a genuine community feel. As Leporati summarizes their philosophy: "We're not in the golf business, we're in the people business." Whether you're a seasoned player or holding a club for the first time, Augustine Golf Club invites you to experience golf as it should be—accessible, enjoyable, and decidedly unstuffy. Visit www.golfaugustine.com or drive to 76 Monument Drive in Stafford to discover this local treasure for yourself.

Ron Leporati and Dominique Batac

Augustine Golf Club

golfaugustine.com

+1 540-720-7374

proshop@golfaugustine.com

76 Monument Dr, Stafford, VA, United States, Virginia

When a barbershop manages to create an extraordinary experience that touches lives across the community, it deserves recognition. Meet Anna and Craig Houlette, the passionate couple behind 77 Barbershop in Stafford, Virginia – a business that challenges misconceptions about what a barbershop can be.

Their journey began with what might have been a devastating start – opening their doors the same week Virginia shut down all barbershops due to COVID-19 in March 2020. Instead of giving up, they regrouped, adapted, and emerged stronger with enhanced cleanliness protocols that customers still praise today.

What makes 77 Barbershop truly special goes beyond excellent haircuts and shaves. Anna brings 30 years of customer service experience while Craig contributes 30 years of military structure. Together with their children, they've created a family business that serves as a safe haven for everyone – including those often overlooked by traditional grooming establishments.

The shop specializes in accommodating clients with sensory sensitivities, including children with autism and veterans with PTSD. They've invested in comprehensive staff training and modified their equipment to create a quieter, more calming atmosphere at no additional cost. This thoughtful approach stems from Craig's military background and their deep understanding of the local community's needs.

Beyond haircuts, they offer private nail care and waxing services for men who might feel uncomfortable in traditional salons. Their two-floor setup includes a main barbershop area and a private "level up" space for more discreet services.

The Houlettes' commitment to giving back shines through their regular fundraising for veterans' charities and generous discounts for military personnel, veterans, their families, and first responders. This dedication hasn't gone unnoticed – they've been voted "Best Barbershop" and "Best Place for Kids' Haircuts" for five consecutive years.

Experience the 77 Barbershop difference at 1120 International Parkway, Suite 111, Fredericksburg, Virginia, or connect with them through their website staffordhaircut.com and social media @77barbershop. As Anna beautifully puts it: "Every haircut has to tell a story" – and their story is one of resilience, inclusion, and exceptional service.

Anna and Craig Houlette

77 Barbershop

staffordhaircut.com

77barberzone@gmail.com

+1 540-390-4163

1120 International Parkway Suite #111, Fredericksburg, VA, United States, Virginia

Ever walked into a gym and felt completely lost or intimidated? You're not alone. Meet Courtney Dorsey, owner of Premier Athletics in Stafford, Virginia, who's changing how people approach fitness by combining supportive community with personalized strength training.

As a lifelong athlete standing 5'11", Courtney grew up in the "smaller is better" mentality that dominates women's fitness. After having three children, she discovered weightlifting and had a revelation: "Muscle is beautiful. Being strong is beautiful." This transformative experience inspired her to create Premier Athletics, where members get the benefits of group workouts with individual attention from a certified personal trainer. "We're all in a group doing the same exercises, but everyone's going at their own pace, using different weights," Courtney explains.

What makes Premier Athletics special isn't just the physical training, but the educational approach. "I don't just tell my clients what to do, I teach them," emphasizes Courtney, who spends considerable time debunking fitness myths and dismantling diet culture. Her goal? Empowering clients to walk confidently into any gym or restaurant knowing exactly what supports their goals. This military spouse and mother of three has built more than a gym – she's created a community where people find friends, motivation, and a space that cares about them as individuals. As Courtney advises other entrepreneurs, "Take a chance on yourself. Do everything in your power to make it succeed, and you won't fail."

Ready to experience Premier Athletics for yourself? Your first class is completely free! Visit premierathleticsfitness.com or find them on Instagram @premierathleticsfitness to see what classes look like and become part of this empowering fitness community.

Courtney Dorsey

Premier Athletics

premierathleticsfitness.com

Courtney@premierathleticsfitness.com

+1 971-340-6583

2773 Richmond Highway Suite 105

Ever wondered how childhood observations shape our career paths? Michelle Fox, founder of The Bridge Studio, traces her entrepreneurial roots back to watching her parents transition from long DC commutes to running a home-based consultancy. That pivotal shift planted a seed: work could mean being present in your community while pursuing passion-driven projects.

Michelle's journey from art student to creative director unfolds organically across our conversation. What began with a college freelance gig evolved into a thriving consultancy approaching its tenth anniversary. The Bridge Studio specializes in assembling tailor-made teams delivering strategic communications and branding services specifically for purpose-driven organizations. Michelle challenges the notion that only products need strong brands, asserting that nonprofits, government agencies, and thought leaders equally benefit from powerful brand identities.

Despite her professional success, Michelle remains refreshingly down-to-earth, enthusiastically embracing Fredericksburg's vibrant community since moving here eighteen months ago. From ukulele lessons at Picker Supply to ceramics at Liberty Town and exploring local disc golf courses, she's fully immersed in the local scene. For budding entrepreneurs, Michelle offers golden advice: you're not alone. She encourages listeners to tap into valuable resources like local Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE mentorship programs—all designed to help small businesses thrive. Connect with Michelle at thebridgestudio.org or find her on LinkedIn if you're considering an independent consulting path or need strategic communications support for your purpose-driven organization.

Michelle Fox

The Bridge Studio

thebridgestudio.org/

Reading struggles in children often mask a surprisingly simple issue that goes undetected by standard eye exams. In this eye-opening conversation, Leah Stine of Vision Reading Academy shares the transformative approach that's helping children overcome reading difficulties by addressing eye muscle coordination problems rather than assuming learning disabilities.

Leah reveals how each eye contains seven muscles—meaning 14 total muscles must work in perfect harmony for smooth reading. When they don't, children experience tremendous difficulty that traditional interventions can't fix. "My son went from kindergarten reading level to sixth grade reading level in just five months," Leah explains, describing her own journey from desperate parent to academy coach after witnessing her son's remarkable transformation.

The signs of these vision-related reading challenges manifest in various ways: letter reversals, irregular writing, skipping lines, repeating passages without comprehension, or context-filling (making up content while reading). Most poignantly, Leah shares the emotional impact these difficulties have on children's self-esteem. "We get the broken kids," she notes, describing students who've been beaten down by years of unexplained struggle. The program's holistic approach incorporates specialized exercises, pressure points, and reading drills that permanently train the eyes to work properly together—no ongoing therapy required.

Parents who suspect their child might benefit can receive free assessments where they can literally see their child's eye coordination issues firsthand. While some medical professionals remain skeptical, the results speak for themselves—like the student who, after beginning to read independently, excitedly grabbed birthday cards announcing, "Let me read your card!" Ready to discover if vision could be the missing piece in your child's reading journey? Contact Coach Leah at coachleah@visionreadingacademy.com or visit visionreadingacademy.com to learn more.

Free Assessment:
https://oncehub.com/newassessmentcoachleah
http://www.visionreadingacademy.com
coachleah@visionreadingacademy.com

Leah Stine

Vision Reading Academy

visionreadingacademy.com

Info@visionreadingacademy.com

+1 801-589-1154

Ever wonder how a pandemic setback could transform into a delicious opportunity? Meet Jessica Wilkins, the force behind Biscuit Batch, who shares her fascinating journey from Navy gas turbine mechanic to comfort food entrepreneur on this episode of the Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast.

Jessica's story defies expectations at every turn. After serving four years in the Navy performing SWAT-like operations at sea, she discovered her passion for cooking during deployment. Though initially drawn to pastry work, she quickly realized her talents lay in savory culinary arts. When COVID-19 devastated her private chef business serving athletes and artists, Jessica pivoted brilliantly, resurrecting a biscuit recipe she'd spent three years perfecting earlier in her career.

With candid honesty, Jessica discusses the challenges of the culinary industry – from long hours to its historically male-dominated culture – while offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her refreshing take: "You don't need school to own your own business. You can teach yourself, and as long as you have the passion for it, you can definitely conquer." Behind Biscuit Batch's success is not just Jessica's culinary expertise but her role as a mother to three children, including her daughter who's already creating innovative biscuit flavors for the menu.

Ready to experience these celebrated biscuits yourself? Visit Biscuit Batch at 9112 Old Battlefield Boulevard near the Spotsylvania courthouse, or connect on Instagram @biscuitbatch_VA. Jessica's story reminds us that behind every small business is a person with dreams and determination – something worth supporting with every delicious bite.

Jessica Wilkins

Biscuit Batch

biscuitbatch.com

Biscuitbva@gmail.com

+1 540-507-8028

9112 Old Battlefield Blvd Unit 112, Spotsylvania, VA, United States, Virginia