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

Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success with Ingrid Morales, the inspiring President and CEO of Marily Cleaning Service, as she shares her trailblazing story of transforming a local Virginia Beach cleaning business into a trusted name in the community. Ingrid's journey, filled with hurdles like launching a venture without prior experience, offers valuable lessons in resilience and innovation. Through her candid narrative, listeners gain insight into the critical elements of building trust with clients and the significance of having a reliable team. With almost a decade of experience by 2025, Ingrid emphasizes the invaluable role of advisors, the necessity of effective systems, and the strategies she's developed for fostering a dedicated workforce.

Prepare to have your cleaning service expectations redefined as we explore the client-centered approach that sets Marily Cleaning Service apart. Ingrid reveals how convenience and transparency are at the heart of her business model—offering same-day quotes and a streamlined booking process through www.marilyservices.com. Listeners will discover the meticulous attention to detail that ensures clients know exactly what to expect, thanks to personalized quotes and a comprehensive service checklist. Whether it's residential, Airbnb, or post-construction cleaning, Ingrid's commitment to service excellence and community trust shines through, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone seeking reliable, quality cleaning services.

Marily Cleaning Services

Ingrid Morales

Virginia Beach, VA

www.marilyservices.com

Marie Weaver, a passionate advocate for the Montessori method, takes us on a fascinating journey from her roots in the music industry to her pivotal role in Montessori education at Organic Beginnings. Marie’s transition from music to Montessori was driven by a desire to cultivate fair and peaceful learning environments, and her dedication shines through as she discusses the unique curriculum at her school in the vibrant Vibe District. This episode offers listeners a chance to learn about the transformative power of the Montessori approach for children aged 16 months to 12 years, emphasizing independence, leadership, and community in mixed-age classrooms.

We delve into the inspiring story of a modest beginning to a flourishing campus in Virginia Beach, a city known for its transient military community. Marie shares the challenges and rewards of building lasting educational relationships amidst constant change. She addresses misconceptions about the use of church spaces by Montessori schools and highlights the integral role of nature in their philosophy. For families seeking a nurturing environment, Marie’s insights offer clarity on how the Montessori method fosters holistic development and independence, even for neurodivergent children.

Finally, we explore the opportunities for community engagement through summer camps at Organic Beginnings, open to all children in the Hampton Roads area. These camps offer a glimpse into the Montessori way beyond the classroom, providing enriching experiences for young learners. Marie’s commitment to community and education is a testament to her dedication to nurturing future generations, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the profound impact of Montessori education.

Organic Beginnings Montessori School

Marie Weaver

1701 Baltic Avenue

Virginia Beach, VA

www.organicbeginningsvb.com

Join us on the Good Neighbor Podcast as we welcome the insightful Joslin Roberts from Wonderlux Travels by Nova Vacations. Ever wondered if a travel agent is worth the investment? Joslin uncovers the truth behind common misconceptions, revealing how the cost structure is often misunderstood and how specialized knowledge can transform ordinary trips into extraordinary experiences. After spending five vibrant years in Europe, Joslin has honed her expertise, particularly in European travel, though her skills extend to orchestrating family vacations, group tours, destination weddings, and corporate incentive trips. Her journey, inspired by a blend of international work experiences and her mother's influence in the hospitality industry, adds a rich, personal layer to her professional prowess.

During our conversation, Joslin shares the fascinating story of how she initially shunned the idea of using a travel advisor until the pandemic prompted her to reconsider. She now advocates for the unique value travel advisors bring, such as insider connections and seamless coordination, especially for complex events like destination weddings. Based in Virginia Beach but catering to clients worldwide, Joslin is a beacon of travel wisdom, passionate about making each trip as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Discover how her organizational skills and love for travel make her an indispensable ally for anyone planning their next adventure.

WanderLux Travels by Nova Vacations
Joslin Roberts
757-402-6715
www.novavacations.com/joslin

What happens when paths cross in the most unexpected of ways? Join us to uncover the magical journey of Tamika Allen and Jen Chavez from Sacred Vibes in Virginia Beach. Tamika, a gifted psychic medium, and Jen, a creator of essential oil blends, share the serendipitous encounters that led them to form a powerful partnership focused on holistic healing. Their unique gifts come together to offer a blend of spiritual insights and natural remedies that uplift the mind, body, and spirit. From ancestral messages to aromatic healing, their story is one of transformation and collaboration.

In another segment, meet Tamika, lovingly dubbed "the Earth Angel", whose belief in celestial guides fuels her mission to provide accessible healing solutions. Tamika's range of all-natural products, including turmeric face masks and oatmeal soaps, are designed to nurture both skin and spirit. Her commitment to affordability and intention in her work fosters a healing experience accessible to all. As we wrap up, Jen and Tamika express gratitude for the community support that fuels their endeavors and invite you to celebrate local businesses by nominating your favorites for future episodes. Tune in for an episode that promises inspiration and a sense of connection to the community around us.

Sacred Vibes
Virginia Beach
Jen Chavez and Tamika Allen
www.sacredvibes.us

Bree and Jim Mueller are revolutionizing men's health in Virginia Beach, and they're here to share their incredible journey. After Jim's retirement, they embarked on a mission to create a family business that gives back to the community, leading to the birth of Gameday Men's Health. Their clinics offer a sanctuary for men addressing often overlooked health issues such as testosterone replacement therapy and erectile dysfunction, with a focus on providing genuine solutions rather than just sales. With their first location at Hilltop thriving since August, and a new branch at Landstowne, Bree and Jim are excited about expanding their reach and impact.

Listeners will not only learn about the services they provide but also get a glimpse into what makes Gameday Men's Health a trusted name in the community. Their esteemed medical director, Dr. Lisa Barr, alongside an experienced team, ensures every client receives personalized care through complimentary consultations and testing. While primarily focusing on men's health, women are also welcomed for non-hormonal treatments. Bree and Jim's commitment to accessible, quality care speaks volumes, and this episode is a compelling look at how they're creating a supportive environment for health and wellness in Virginia Beach.

Gameday Men's Health
Bree and Jim Mueller

Hilltop / Great Neck
933 First Colonial Road Suite 101
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
(757) 505-0310

Landstown
1933 Landstown Centre Wy, STE #320,
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 505-0309

www.gamedaymenshealth.com