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 tours. From romantic anniversary rides through Fredericksburg's most beautiful streets to elaborate South Asian Baraat wedding processions - where grooms arrive on white horses amid drums and celebration - her business preserves traditions while creating magical moments. What started as a potential career backup for her son transformed into Christine's own venture, one she remarkably launched while battling breast cancer.

"I am the most persistent and determined person in the whole world," Christine shares, explaining how overcoming cancer shaped her fearless approach to business and life. With refreshing candor, she dispels common misconceptions about carriage horses, explaining that what might look like fatigue to passersby is actually a relaxed, content animal. Her intimate knowledge of equine behavior and welfare shines through as she advocates for the mental stimulation working horses receive compared to their pasture-bound counterparts.

The conversation offers unexpected insights into this specialized industry - from the logistics of transporting horses downtown to the therapeutic qualities of a gentle carriage ride. Christine's story beautifully demonstrates how personal passion can become professional purpose, even through life's toughest challenges. Whether you're planning a special occasion or simply curious about this historic form of transportation, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes. Listen now and discover the surprising story behind those clip-clopping hooves on Fredericksburg's cobblestone streets.

Christine Kovacs

Olde Towne Carriages

infooldetowne@gmail.com

540-371-0094

oldetownecarriages.com

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 cancer diagnosis, which shifted her perspective on how people connect during difficult times. This experience sparked the creation of Novel, a bookstore that goes beyond selling books to build genuine community connections.

Novel isn't just a place to buy books—it's a hub for meaningful interactions. Andie has crafted a welcoming space where people connect through literature regardless of background or beliefs. With remarkable insights like "everyone is struggling with something" and "books are a great way to raise empathy," she demonstrates how literature can bridge divides and foster understanding. This philosophy extends to her business practices, even when it means losing sales to better serve customers' needs.

Though only six weeks old, Novel already hosts about twelve monthly book clubs including the innovative Cause Club, which donates proceeds to local nonprofits. Andie collaborates with local authors for signings and plans creative events like Book and Bar Crawls that promote both literature and local businesses. By sharing space with another business, she maintains work-life balance—a lesson from previous experiences.

Ready to experience this unique approach to bookselling? Visit Novel's website or Instagram to discover upcoming events and join a community where stories connect people. Your next favorite book—and meaningful connection—awaits!

Andie Ayers

Novel

novel-gifts.com

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 restaurant business, including co-ownership of the beloved Sunken Well Tavern, Paul brings seasoned expertise to their new venture. Emma's design sensibilities transform the historic space into something both nostalgic and fresh.

What makes Galvin's truly special? Everything – and we mean everything – is made from scratch. Their New York-style deli serves house-cured corned beef and pastrami, fresh roasted turkey, and bagels baked daily on the premises (they're actually the only establishment in Fredericksburg making fresh bagels in-house). Meanwhile, the upstairs Rivers End Speakeasy pays homage to Emma's great-grandfather who ran a speakeasy during Prohibition in Jersey City. This atmospheric cocktail bar features craft drinks with house-made syrups and thoughtfully prepared entrees in a jazzy, sophisticated setting.

The couple shares candidly about entrepreneurial challenges, the importance of adaptability, and finding balance between business demands and family life. They're expanding beyond their counter service and dining room to offer catering, delivery services for business lunches, and special events including private parties and upcoming ticketed experiences like wine dinners and history nights. Whether you're seeking the perfect pastrami sandwich or an unforgettable evening of cocktails and conversation, discover why locals are raving about Fredericksburg's newest culinary treasure.

Emma and Paul Stoddard

Galvin's Delicatessen and River's End Speakeasy

Galvinsdeli@gmail.com

540-940-6565

galvinsdeli.com

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