Girl Bosses of Bethesda!
Its amazing how you never know what path life is going to take you. I honestly never thought I would be a business owner & mom of 3. When I left California & came to DC 13 years ago I never thought I would stay. I was going to go back to school & get another job in Corporate America. But after hanging out with Andrea Paro & Fabiana Zelaya & seeing all that entrepreneurial life had to offer, GRE prep went out the window. Had I gone back to school I'd probably be A LOT richer & easing my way in the Range Rover crew. But I am loving this independent business owner space. It is a constant work in progress & I'm getting better everyday.
Bethesda Magazine: 50 stores we love 2009
Dre & Fab were just the 1st of many amazing women I've meet who have chosen to take this path. I am so grateful & inspired by all the kick-ass business women I get to call friends. Today I would like to introduce you to just a few of my girls here in Bethesda. Like me these women have been on their grind for as long as I have and wow look at their success. They are brilliant in the way they approach their businesses. They are passionate about what they do & striving to really service this community. Please patronize them & keep local business women growing.
So you think you want a gallery wall?
Meet Meredith Forte of Frame Avenue Designs
Meredith describes herself as a Picture Framer. Design Consultant. Artist. Creative. Photographer. Boss Lady. Rockstar Mom. MacGyver of anything crafty. She established Frame Avenue in 2001. Since then has been serving the metro dc area with top of the line picture framing services. Once located on Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, she will now come to you instead of you travelling to her. With a hammer & nail in hand you can schedule a day and time for her to come and assess your picture framing and design needs. She frames the artwork in her studio, and in two weeks, she'll deliver it to your home and even hang it for you! Check her out
So you think your kid can draw?
Meet Erin Johnson of Art Works
Artworks Fine Art Studio opened in September 2003. Erin Johnson, a Bethesda native, started the program when she realized there was a need for Art education in the Washington DC area. Artworks Fine Art Studio, located in McLean and Bethesda , is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of fine art. Their programs focus is on the fundamentals of drawing and painting. Classes take place in a highly creative, instructive environment.
At Artworks, they believe that everyone has the ability to learn to draw and paint. They use a unique step-by-step process which help children produce beautiful works of art, while at the same time, building self esteem. Students begin by learning basic drawing and pastel techniques, which builds a strong foundation for the student to learn the fundamentals of art. Check her out.
So you think your life is disorganized?
Meet Rachel Rosenthal of Rachel & Co
Rachel, a busy working mom, professional organizer, closet designer, and creator of organized in a box™. Born and raised in Bethesda, MD, She turned my passion for organization into a business I love. After deciding that being a lawyer was not for her. She wanted to use her talents to help people while doing something she truly enjoyed.
What makes her super qualified is she's type-A and truly loves to organize. Rachel strives and functions best in an organized space. She lives by a routine and loves it. But most of all, She understands where you’re coming from. She understands that we all have stuff — stuff that clutters our homes, our schedules, and our lives — and she is here to help you organize that stuff so that you can be more productive and focus your energy on what matters most in your life. Check her out
So you think you want to be a Mom Boss?
Meet Anjali Varma of Modern Mompreneur
Anjali Varma is the voice behind The Modern Mompreneur and the mom of 2 boys. She is also the owner of Kidville Bethesda, a children’s enrichment facility that offers classes for newborn – 6 years old, retail, haircuts, and birthday parties.
Like most modern moms, Anjali is continually trying to “stay on top of it all” while juggling multiple roles including mom, entrepreneur, boss, wife, and working parent. Her blog and You Tube Show “The Modern Mompreneur” features my tips as well as interviews with other mompreneurs and experts who share tips on topics related to lifestyle, parenting, and entrepreneurship. Her goal is to provide a resource for modern, time starved, involved parents and entrepreneurs who are trying to juggle it all. Check her out
So you think you want to buy a house?
Andrea Paro & Fabiana Zelaya are your girls
Fabiana has always had a passion for business. After owning three retail boutiques in Adams Morgan and Bethesda. She first realized she wanted to be a part of the real estate business after buying her first home. It was such and emotional experience for the entire family, she learned firsthand how important it is for agents to be fully committed to their clients.
As a mother to a child on the autism spectrum, she understands the significance of community support. In return, she donates a percentage of her commission to a charity of her clients’ choice. Check her out
Having owned her own business for over 14 years, Andrea truly understands exceptional customer service. Buying or selling a home is one of the largest decisions we ever have to make, and because of her extensive experience in sales, she can truly relate to how important it is that a client's needs be met. Andrea takes great pleasure in enthusiastically identifying and meeting those needs head on. Whether a client is searching for the right property or she is helping to prepare their home for sale, she will be a trusted adviser, an honest negotiator and truly in it with them all the way. Check her out
