FXBG Neighbors Podcast

Stepping into the world of wellness with authenticity and purpose, Jennifer Craig-Ford shares the compelling story behind Kül Contour Studio, a med spa nestled in the growing Spotsylvania Courthouse area. Her journey from California lawyer to Virginia wellness entrepreneur reveals how personal health challenges became the catalyst for a business focused on honest, supportive approaches to body contouring and self-care.

Jen...

Buying a home shouldn't feel like deciphering an ancient language, yet terms like "amortization," "debt-to-income ratio," and "loan-to-value" often leave potential buyers feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. That's exactly why Julie Birt from Mortgage Network Solutions is stepping in with a solution for the Fredericksburg community.

Julie joins us to announce her upcoming Mortgage ...

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't actively looking—th...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a brand that truly stands out? Marie Linne von Berg, owner of Stratifi Creative, pulls back the curtain on effective brand building and website development in this engaging conversation.

Marie shares her unexpected path to entrepreneurship after graduating from VCU with degrees in creative and strategic advertising. When faced with a job offer that would relegate her passion to a "...

Mark Perry never imagined his journey would lead from military aviation to craft beer innovation, yet his Red Dragon Brewery has become a cornerstone of Fredericksburg's evolving cultural landscape. When Virginia changed its brewing laws in the early 2010s, Perry saw an opportunity not just for business, but to give something back to his hometown. Alongside partners with deep local connections, he transformed a warehouse into ...

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-old Cat that featured a full...

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 achieve their health goals shi...

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 misconceptions families face...

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 barrier. The revolutionary p...

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 – including stay-at-home moth...

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. "It's very chill,&qu...

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 after 37 years away from her...

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," Andrew shares, reflecting o...

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 builders and things real es...

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 s...

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 anni...

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-...

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 energeti...

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 ultimat...