On this episode, Nicole talks to James Slowikowski, owner of Quick Drains about his plumbing business, how he left a nationally known company to start his own business and how it's thriving.  They also chat about plumbing maintenance for your biggest investment, how to avoid those pipes from bursting, and did you know plumbers do work with gas lines as well?!?  Hear how James didn't want to just be a taker and how his vision to be a giver has helped him give back to the community around him.  He truly is a light, not only to the plumbing industry, but to the world!

We have some big news here at East + Ivy!  On this episode, Nicole Canole, CEO announces our new partnership with PLACE to join the top 1% of agents and what it means for our clients and their experience with us.  Listen as she chats with our newest hire Cazual Neal, and Will Lawrence about our market, economy updates, assets and investments.  And we address the big burning question "Will the market crash?"  Hear their thoughts and predictions!

Meet Nathalie Omar.  The Owner of So Bohemian in Occoquan. Nathalie talks about how one night traffic diverted their plans to Georgetown and led her and her husband to dinner in Occoquan instead. After walking around the quaint town, her encounter with a friend presented the opportunity for a retail space to open her dream boutique.  She tells the story of how she moved here kicking and screaming from California and explains how God's grace and timing has been everything in her success.  Hear all about how she taught herself to make jewelry, run a business and all of her unique offerings from around the world that you can find at So Bohemian.

Meet Brent Parker.  The President of Freedom Boat Club Virginia. Brent talks about how having boating in his blood led him from eating breakfast, lunch and dinner as a CPA in a cubical in Texas, to starting a franchise boat club in Virginia.  He tells the story of how he sold his house, quit his job and moved across the country to follow his passion.  Hear the many benefits of being a club member, what makes Freedom different than other boat clubs and where the company plans to go in the future.

Meet Denise & David Ormsby.  They are the owners of The Spot on Mill Street in Occoquan. Denise and David tell the story of their first date and how they bonded over a 5 hour dinner date both discussing their dreams to one day open a neighborhood hang out spot.  Almost 10 years later their dream came true when they opened the Spot on Mill Street.  Hear how the couple had to shift their thinking during Covid, how they have become the #1 coffee shop in Northern Virginia and their plan to expand their business into Belmont Bay.

Meet Usa Leckenby.  Usa is the owner of Gift & Gather in Occoquan, VA and creator of the Pure Palette candle company.  She tells her story of how her candle company turned into a passion to help other local artisans and designers sell their products.  Hear all about how the support of the local community helped her stay in business through the challenges of Covid, how they adapted their business and advice to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur.

Meet Terry Quinn.  Terry is the owner of Quinn's Goldsmith in Woodbridge. Terry's love of the craft began when he was in 4th grade after he was befriended by a local goldsmith on his paper route.  His desire to learn and hone his craft continued and in 1989 he opened Quinn's Goldsmith in Occoquan.  The need to expand led them to their new location in Stonebridge in 2011. Hear all about Terry's journey, expansion, his award winning custom designed jewelry and what makes Quinn's Goldsmith stand out. 

Meet Kayla Garcia, former Miss West Virginia and owner of Kayla Garcia Photography.  Her journey with photography began in 2013 in Beaufort, SC.  She has since worked in Charleston, SC, San Diego, CA and is currently in the Northern Virginia area.  Learn about how she got started, her life as a mom and marine wife, her experiences as former Miss West Virginia and how she gives her clients that absolute best photography experience!

Meet Nelson Head, one of the founders of Dixie Bones.  The restaurant opened in Woodbridge, VA on January 2, 1996. They have been known for their traditional Southern barbecue, sides, desserts and brewed sweet iced tea ever since.  They offer dine-in, takeout & catering.  What makes Dixie Bones authentic is the people who cook their food, serve their guests, and keep the place clean. In this episode, hear from Nelson Head on how the restaurant got started and what keeps the founders still working together to serve delicious food to the community.

Meet Niki Vanech.  Niki is the owner of VanEch Studio in Occoquan.  Niki has been designing homes in the greater Washington area for over 27 years. Her designs are anchored in classical themes; at the same time they reveal the interests and personalities of her clients. This synthesis is made possible by her keen ability to listen and interpret.  Hear all about the interior design services she offers, why she decided to open a brick and mortar shop and how her journey led her to Occoquan, VA.