Creativity as community, therapy, and livelihood form the heart of our conversation with Heather Donis, founder of Heather Donis Designs. Heather guides us through her artistic entrepreneurial journey that began in 2010 when she left corporate life to stay home with her young son. What started as freelance graphic design evolved into mobile paint parties by 2012, creating unique spaces where participants could "try on being an artist for a couple of hours."

With warmth and candor, Heather reveals the multifaceted nature of her business—from guiding paint parties at corporate events and private homes to creating her own vibrant, symbol-rich original artwork. She's developed creative workarounds for accessibility, transforming her designs into products like bags and pillows so "everybody can have a little piece" regardless of budget. The joy she witnesses when someone connects with her work provides profound fulfillment and drives her creative purpose.

Our conversation takes a poignant turn as Heather shares how she navigated the devastation of COVID-19 on her community-centered business while simultaneously losing her stepmother to cancer and her father—"my biggest cheerleader"—to Alzheimer's and dementia. Through these hardships, art became her voice and healing mechanism. "Art has always been a way to express my emotions," she reflects, demonstrating how creativity serves as both livelihood and therapy. For aspiring creative entrepreneurs, Heather offers this gentle reality check: "It is a hustle," recommending solid business foundations from the start. Follow Heather's colorful journey on social media @HeatherDonisDesigns or visit her work at the Painted Tree in Hilltop, Virginia Beach.

Heather Donis Designs

Heather Donis

Virginia Beach, VA

www.heatherdonisdesigns.com

When mobility becomes a barrier to healthcare, special events, or even attending a loved one's funeral, the consequences extend far beyond mere inconvenience. Johnnie Reed recognized this critical gap in services and founded Grace Transportation ten years ago, creating a lifeline for those navigating the healthcare system and life's important moments in Hampton Roads.

The transportation service began with a focused mission on non-emergency medical appointments but quickly expanded to meet broader community needs. Today, Grace Transportation doesn't just shuttle patients to dialysis treatments and doctor visits—they enable wheelchair users to attend proms, help families get to church services, and provide dignified transportation for funeral attendance. This evolution reflects Johnny's deep understanding that transportation isn't merely a logistical matter but a profound human need.

What sets Grace Transportation apart is their unwavering commitment to treating passengers with dignity and respect. As Johnnie poignantly shares, this philosophy stems from personal experience when her mother needed cancer treatment transportation. "A lot of people just look at it as transportation. I want them to feel comfortable and relaxed with us," she explains. This golden rule approach—training drivers to treat each passenger as they would their own family member—creates an atmosphere of care that transcends typical transportation services. Now, as Johnny prepares for retirement at 71, she's thoughtfully transitioning the business to her granddaughter, ensuring that Grace Transportation's compassionate approach continues serving the Virginia Beach community for years to come.

Need transportation in Hampton Roads that treats you like family? Contact Grace Transportation today and experience the difference that dignity-centered service makes for medical appointments and special occasions alike.

Grace Transportation Service

Johnnie Reid

Virginia Beach, VA

757-362-1188

www.gracetransportationservice.com

Meet Skye Lewis, the passionate owner behind Heirloom Salon who transformed her business from a one-woman show into a thriving community of eight skilled professionals. After seven years at the helm, Skye shares candid insights into her journey from salon receptionist at age 17 to successful entrepreneur.

What started as a desire to maintain client relationships has evolved into a nurturing environment where stylists grow through well-structured apprenticeships and assistant positions. Skye's approach emphasizes the value of confidence, patience, and mastering fundamentals before tackling more complex techniques. "Start from the bottom," she advises newcomers, highlighting how essential those building blocks are for long-term success in the hair industry.

Beyond business wisdom, Skye reveals exciting hair trends breaking away from the "white blonde" standard toward more natural, flattering options like buttery and bronde tones that complement individual skin tones. She dispels common misconceptions about service timeframes, explaining that today's sought-after looks often require 3-5 hours to achieve properly while maintaining hair health. Located near Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Heirloom Salon offers a comprehensive range of services including specialized curly hair treatments, extensions, bridal styling, and makeup applications. When she's not transforming clients, Skye balances entrepreneurship with motherhood, spending quality time with her one-year-old and five-year-old children through camping trips and adventures at local parks.

Ready to experience the personalized service and expertise that's built Heirloom Salon's stellar reputation? Follow their work on Instagram @heirloomsalonvb or book your appointment anytime through their online booking system.

Heirloom Salon

Skye Lewis

2728 N Mall Dr #105

Virginia Beach, VA

757-515-5867

IG: HeirloomSalonVB