Swing for Safety

Harvey & Driggs attorneys competing in the Hanover County Bar Association’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars and grab your clubs, because one of Hanover County's most beloved charitable traditions is back for its fifth year. The Hanover County Bar Association (HCBA) is proud to host its 5th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Hunting Hawk Golf Club in Ashland, Virginia, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Hanover Safe Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

This is more than a day on the links. It is a full community celebration that brings together neighbors, colleagues, and friends for a morning of friendly competition and an afternoon of gratitude. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:00 AM, followed by a 9:30 AM shotgun start in a four-person scramble format. The day wraps up at 2:30 PM with lunch, an awards ceremony, and a raffle — all in the spirit of giving back to people who need it most.

Members of the association last month to accept a check for over $10,000 in 2023 thanks to the Hanover County Bar Association and all the annual Golf Tournament sponsors.

For a $500 team registration fee, each four-person squad receives 18 holes with a cart, refreshments throughout the day, breakfast, lunch, a welcome bag full of goodies, and the chance to compete in special event holes including Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin contests. That is a full day of fun with every dollar going directly to a cause that changes — and in some cases saves — lives right here in Hanover County.

John Working of the Hanover County Bar Association explains why this event holds such a special place in the organization's heart. "The HBA recognizes that Hanover Safe Place is an important community partner which serves a vulnerable population during extremely difficult circumstances," he said. "This golf tournament promotes both of our core goals as an association — serving the community and fostering relationships among our members. We are committed to supporting those who give back to our community by serving others."

The impact of those dollars is not abstract. Stacie Francis, Director of Development and Communications at Hanover Safe Place, has watched those funds go to work in some of the most urgent, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful moments imaginable. "Over the last two years, we have had three victims needing emergency transportation out of the state for safety reasons," Francis shared. "While this is a very rare need, when it occurs, it is emergency and immediate. Funds from events like the HBA Golf Tournament allow us to aid those victims in purchasing tickets to safety, arrange transportation to and from bus stations or airports, and provide essentials for travel."

Those are not statistics. Those are real neighbors, real families, and real moments of escape made possible because the Hanover community showed up. "Funds from our community allow us to help victims in ways that are typically difficult and restricted by other funding sources," Francis added. "We are very grateful to the Hanover County Bar Association for their support of our work, and we are so looking forward to this year's event."

Attorneys Ryan E. Wind and Kevin T. Hadden at the Hanover Bar Association Golf Tournament

Not a golfer? No problem. There are plenty of ways to be part of this day. Individuals and businesses can donate raffle items — think gift certificates, unique experiences, travel, or personal services — that will be auctioned off at the closing ceremony, with every dollar raised going straight to Hanover Safe Place. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at multiple levels, starting at just $150 for a hole sponsorship with signage on a tee box, all the way up to a $2,500 Event Sponsorship that includes a team registration, hole signage, and prominent placement at registration and the reception. Food, beverage, cart, and scorecard sponsorships round out a menu of options that make it easy for any business or individual to find a meaningful way to contribute.

Hanover Safe Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 31-1415701), meaning sponsorships and donations may be tax-deductible. To register a team, secure a sponsorship, or ask any questions, interested participants can visit the registration link at https://tinyurl.com/HanGolf26, or send a check made out to Hanover Safe Place to: Hanover Safe Place – Golf Tournament, 629A North Washington Highway, Ashland, VA 23005. For sponsorship inquiries and logo submissions, reach out directly at HanoverCountyBar@gmail.com.

There is a saying that golf is a good walk spoiled — but on June 19th at Hunting Hawk, it just might be the best walk you take all year, knowing every step supports someone finding their way to safety.

Nominations Are Open. Your Neighbors Need Your Voice.

Young neighbors in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

If you've ever pushed open a door on England Street and felt like you were walking into a hug — you already know what this is about.

There's a particular kind of magic to Ashland, Virginia. It's not something you can package or pin down easily, but you feel it the moment you step off the train, catch the smell of something baking on Railroad Avenue, and hear someone call out a greeting from across the street like they've known you for years. That magic doesn't happen by accident. It's made — every single morning — by the people who open their doors, turn on their lights, and pour everything they have into this town.

This year, Hanover County is asking us to say so officially. The Heart of Hanover Business Awards are back for their second year, and nominations opened Monday, April 13th. The contest is 100% driven by the community — no committees, no judges, no insider selections. Just neighbors recognizing neighbors, one vote at a time. You can nominate once per category per day, right up until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 26th.

The Downtown Ashland Association is proud to be a Pulse Sponsor of this year's contest — and we're here to make sure not a single deserving business gets left out. So let's take a walk through this town together, category by category, and talk about what we stand to celebrate.

🗳️ Nominations are open NOW — through Sunday, April 26 at 11:59 p.m.
📍 Nominate online: richmond.com/contests/heart-of-hanover
📋 Paper ballots: Town of Ashland front desk (121 Thompson St) or Hanover Economic Development (8200 Center Path Lane, Mechanicsville)
💡 You can nominate in each category once per day — come back daily and keep the love going!

Restaurant of the Year

Where Ashland Pulls Up a Chair

Neighbors dine in historic Downtown Ashland

Food is how this town shows love, and the proof is in the dining rooms, front porches, and lunch counters scattered across our five square miles. Andy's Restaurant & Lounge has been doing it since 1968 — the kind of place where the stool at the bar has probably held three generations of the same family. Iron Horse Restaurant turns a meal into an event, serving upscale Southern cuisine in a two-story landmark with live train views that tourists drive an hour to experience. Thompson Street Tavern has quietly become one of the most exciting new dining rooms in Central Virginia, blending seasonal ingredients with a modern take on Southern comfort that absolutely deserves a spotlight.

But the spectrum here is wonderfully wide. Ash & Olive is bringing stone-fired artisan pizza and craft cocktails to a family-friendly downtown setting. The Caboose Market & Cafe has made farm-to-table dining feel like second nature along the tracks. Jake's Place is smoking brisket and chicken on premises daily — the kind of barbecue you smell before you see. Cafe54 opens at 8 a.m. and handles breakfast like a mission. Casa Herradura's margaritas have a loyal following that borders on devotion. And Pepicellis? Laid-back, generous, and exactly the kind of neighborhood pizza spot every town deserves.

And then there’s Classic Coffee, Tea & Books — a place that feels like it was designed for lingering. With the simple promise that “classic coffee, tea, books, and their shots rock,” it delivers exactly that and more. Seasonal drinks rotate in with creativity and care, the seating invites you to stay awhile, and the shelves are lined with books you can truly get lost in. It’s equal parts café and quiet refuge — the kind of place where a quick stop turns into an afternoon before you even realize it.

We'd be remiss not to mention Bravo Bakeshop, bringing a European-style bakery café experience to Ashland — artisan pastries, handcrafted espresso, and the kind of savory bites that make a Tuesday feel like a treat. The Henry Clay Inn offers gracious dining in a Georgian-style setting that feels like a living piece of history. And Homemades by Suzanne has been feeding Ashland from scratch — breads, boxed lunches, catering, love — for years.

Huddle Up, IL Forno, Sports Page Bar & Grill, Los Regios Tienda Latina — if you've got a table at any of these, you've already got a reason to nominate. And Farmview Creamery — a farmer-owned mobile unit serving fresh, farm-made ice cream — because some meals are just dessert, and that's perfectly fine.
Nominate now →

Retail Business of the Year

The Shops That Make Ashland Worth Wandering

You can't scroll past Ashland's retail scene — you have to walk it. And when you do, you start to understand why people drive from Richmond and beyond just to spend an afternoon on these blocks.

Wagner Jewellers has British-trained goldsmiths crafting and redesigning heirloom pieces in full view of the showroom — it's a working studio as much as a shop, and there's nothing else quite like it in this region. Center of the Yarniverse has built a genuine creative community around fiber arts — classes, expert guidance, luxurious yarns — the kind of shop people join, not just visit.

Chirp VA is one of Ashland's newest and most beloved additions, carefully curating high-quality bird feed and supplies for both seasoned birding enthusiasts and those just starting to discover the joy of backyard wildlife. Their belief that connecting with nature begins right at home is woven into everything they carry. Over on England Street, Thrill of the Hunt is one of those stores you can't rush — vintage furniture, home décor, and the full Annie Sloan Chalk Paint line in a space that feels like someone's beautifully curated home. Hickory Creek Antiques gives you 40 vendors under one roof. Caravati's Architectural Salvage has been outfitting renovators and artists since 1939.

Take Away on Hanover Ave is the beating heart of thoughtful gifting — cards that actually say something, local finds, and the kind of shopping experience that restores your faith in small retail. Tiny Tim's Toys & Trains is pure joy in a storefront: a wonderland for children and collectors alike. Miss Timmies, Crimson & Clover, refunkit, Changing Reins — each one a discovery. Ashland Meat Company at Cross Brothers has quietly become one of the best specialty grocers in central Virginia. And Ashland Feed Store, serving this community since 1918, still brings baby chicks in spring and fresh-cut trees at Christmas. Some traditions earn their place.

Nominate now →

Service Business of the Year

The People Who Show Up When It Matters

Cara Mia Arts in historic downtown Ashland

Service businesses don't always get the fanfare — but they're the ones you remember when something goes right at exactly the moment it needed to. Ashland has an extraordinary number of them.

Cara Mia Arts started when Angelica began face painting at 13, fell in love with the way it made people smile, and never really stopped. Twenty-five years later, her daughter Alana reignited that spark, and together they built Cara Mia Arts — face and body painting that brings joy to every event it touches. Haven House Florals is already a nominated Best Florist of 2026, and if you've seen their arrangements, you understand why. Fresh flowers and boutique gifts sourced with a florist's eye and a neighbor's heart.

Foliage LLC approaches landscaping the way an artist approaches a canvas — with intention, creativity, and a genuine love for outdoor spaces. Smallwood Renovations builds decks, porches, and installs windows and siding with the kind of craftsmanship that makes a house feel more like a home.

On the legal side, Berdan Law is a boutique estate planning practice helping Central Virginia families protect what matters most through custom wills and trusts. Railside Law Group, right in the heart of Ashland, serves families navigating criminal defense, family law, and estate planning — an experienced team that doesn't shy away from going to trial when their clients need them to.

Nominate now →

Health & Wellness Business of the Year

The People Taking Care of Our People

Your Path Counseling Center in historic Downtown Ashland

Wellness means something different to everyone. For some, it's a quiet hour on a massage table. For others, it's finally making the call that takes courage to make. Ashland has people ready to meet you at both ends of that spectrum.

Your Path Counseling Center, our Gold Sponsor and a cornerstone of this community's mental health landscape, offers in-person services in Ashland and telehealth sessions across all of Virginia — meeting people exactly where they are. Miles Counseling is led by Jenna Miles, a Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC Supervisor with a deep specialty in maternal mental health and the transition to parenthood. Her counseling style is collaborative, authentic, direct, and deeply human. She describes herself as someone who feels honored to be invited into people's stories — and her clients clearly feel that.
Thai Nail Spa offers a genuinely restorative experience — Thai-inspired nail care, foot massages, and spa packages that are a cut above the ordinary.
Revival Spa is what happens when someone builds the spa they actually wish existed. Tucked in Ashland, Revival is a cozy, community-oriented wellness space offering massage, facials, body treatments, waxing, halotherapy salt cave sessions, infrared sauna, and red light therapy— all in an environment that swapped the sterile front desk for a comfy lounge stocked with coffee, tea, and snacks where you settle in until your provider comes to get you. They support local through their products and partners, and they've built a model that makes regular self-care genuinely accessible: an $85/month membership covers a one-hour massage or facial plus 45 minutes in the sauna or red light bed. Oh, and they're the 2025 winners of the Center Street Pitch Competition — proof that Ashland already voted once. Time to vote again. 💆

Nominate now →

Destination Business of the Year

Worth the Drive. Worth the Stay. Worth Coming Back For.

Origin Beer Lab’s Beer Garden in historic downtown Ashland , Virginia

Some businesses don't just serve the community — they become the reason people come to Ashland in the first place. They're the ones that make visitors slow down, look around, and think: I could spend a whole day here.

Origin Beer Lab, the sister operation of the beloved Center of the Universe Brewing Company, was built for research, development, and the teaching of all things beer. It's where the craft gets deeper and the curiosity never stops. Meadowgate Alpacas is tucked into 10 peaceful acres in nearby Beaverdam and offers a different kind of destination entirely. Surrounded by forest and the Newfound River, Stephen and Nicole Phillips have created a place where visitors can slow down, reconnect, and meet some of the most gentle, soulful animals you’ll ever encounter.

Manufacturer of the Year

Made by Hand, Made in Hanover

At the heart of C'vrd-N-Dust Woodworking is a Gaelic phrase: Chun gra' adhmaid. For the love of the wood. Owner and retired veteran has built a practice around seeing the life in a piece of lumber before the first cut is ever made — conceiving each piece whole, then bringing it out. The furniture and craftsmanship that come out of this shop carry that intention into every home they enter. If you know a manufacturer, a maker, or a producer doing extraordinary work in Hanover County, this category is their moment — and C'vrd-N-Dust is a more-than-worthy place to start.

Nominate now →

Nonprofit Organization of the Year

The Organizations Holding This Community Together

Historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

If restaurants are the soul of Ashland and retailers are its personality, the nonprofits are its backbone — the organizations doing the quiet, essential, often undersung work of making sure no one gets left behind.

ACES — Ashland Christian Emergency Services is an all-volunteer operation supported entirely by churches, civic groups, schools, and community members across central Hanover County. They provide food, clothing, household essentials, and limited financial support to neighbors in need. No salary line. No overhead bloat. Just volunteers showing up because someone has to.

Hanover Safe Place works to prevent sexual and domestic violence, provides direct services to those affected, and builds community awareness around support and resources. This is the work that doesn't make for easy conversation — and that's exactly why it matters so much to say it plainly: they deserve recognition.

The Arc of Hanover is the leading advocacy, service, and awareness organization for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hanover County. For decades, they have fought to ensure that every person in this community has access to the resources, dignity, and support they deserve.

Divine Assist is guided by faith and community, empowering youth to overcome challenges and embrace their God-given potential. In a world that often forgets about young people until they're in crisis, Divine Assist is showing up early, showing up consistently, and showing up with love.

Hanover Arts and Activities Center has spent more than 50 years living up to its self-described mission of being the "Center" of the Center of the Universe — located right on the railroad tracks, dedicated to enriching this community through cultural, educational, and civic programming. If you've brought your child to a performance here, taken a class, or attended an exhibit, you know what this place means.

And finally — a small admission of bias — the Downtown Ashland Association is on this list too. We are organizers, fundraisers, and small-town cheerleaders. We are artists and farmers, government leaders and business owners, parents and grandparents. We harness the power of this community to build a stronger future for everyone in it. We think that's worth nominating — but more importantly, we think every organization on this list is.

Nominate now →

Nominations close April 26 at 11:59 p.m. 🗳️

Every nomination is a vote of confidence. Every day you come back and nominate again is a signal that this town pays attention to the people who serve it. You can nominate once per category per day — so don't wait, and don't do it just once.

Nominate now →

Questions? Contact Ann Glave, Existing Business and Project Manager, Hanover County Economic Development — agglave@hanovervirginia.com or (804) 365-6459.

Proudly brought to you by the Downtown Ashland Association, Pulse Sponsor of the 2026 Heart of Hanover Business Awards Contest. Special thanks to our sponsors: Your Path Counseling Center (Gold) · Cara Mia Arts, Haven House Florals, Berdan Law, Farmview Creamery, Miles Counseling, Smallwood Renovations, Pepicellis, Oaks Church, Railside Law (Silver) · Foliage LLC, Chirp VA, Bravo Bakeshop (Bronze)

Center Street Pitch Competition Extends Deadline

The Center Street Pitch Competition in the historic Ashland Theatre

If you’ve been carrying a business idea in your back pocket, waiting for the right moment to step forward, this is your invitation from a town that truly wants to see you win.

The Center Street Pitch Competition, now in its 12th year, has extended its application deadline to April 12, 2026, giving entrepreneurs across Ashland, Hanover County, and the greater Richmond region a little more time — and a lot more encouragement — to take that next step. Hosted by the Dominion Energy Innovation Center in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association, this isn’t just a competition. It’s a community-backed launchpad, built on the belief that good ideas deserve a real shot.

And this year, that support starts even earlier.

Bravo Bakeshop at Center Street Pitch Competition

In a move that feels right at home in a place known for looking out for its own, applicants will now have access to a free pitch preparation workshop led by Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching and Consulting. His work has helped entrepreneurs find their footing and their voice, and his perspective comes from watching that transformation happen in real time. Reflecting on past participants, Cunion shared, “Watching participants like Karie from Shaken Not Spurred and Liz from Bravo Bakeshop move from idea to fully formed business has been incredibly rewarding. Quarterly updates show how they continue to refine their business models and seize new opportunities.” He adds, “With the right tools and guidance, small business owners can take confident, actionable steps toward success.”

That kind of guidance can make all the difference between a good idea staying on paper and a great one stepping into the spotlight.

That spotlight will shine bright on May 7, 2026, inside The Ashland Theatre, where finalists will take the stage in front of a panel of experienced judges and a room full of neighbors who understand exactly what it takes to build something from the ground up. It’s an evening that feels equal parts high-stakes and hometown, where the energy in the room leans less toward pressure and more toward possibility.

Dominion Energy Innovation Center with the timer counting down at the Center Street Pitch Competition

At stake is $15,000 in total prize funding, along with ongoing support through membership at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center — resources that continue long after the applause fades. But ask anyone who’s been part of Center Street before, and they’ll tell you the real value is in what happens along the way: the clarity, the confidence, and opportunities that come from finally saying your idea out loud and letting it be heard.

Entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries and stages are encouraged to apply, whether they’re rooted in Ashland, building something new in Hanover County, or contributing to the agricultural and forestry backbone of the region with support from Colonial Farm Credit. What matters most isn’t perfection. It’s vision, commitment, and a willingness to take that first visible step.

Applications are open now through April 12, and the process is designed to be approachable — a chance to share who you are, what you’re building, and how a little extra support could help you grow. Finalists will be announced later in April, with time built in to refine and prepare before stepping onto the stage in May.

Around here, we like to say Ashland is the Center of the Universe. For one night, it’s also the center of possibility.

If you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you your idea is worth it, consider this that moment.

Learn more and apply at AshlandVirginia.com/Pitch or reach out with questions at centerstreet@dominnovation.com.

Business Bootcamps Help Entrepreneurs Grow, Learn, and Succeed

Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching and Consulting

Local business owners looking to sharpen their marketing skills and grow their revenue are invited to attend the Downtown Ashland Association’s Business Bootcamps, held on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005. Registration and more information are available here.

This March and April, the bootcamps are especially designed to help business owners gain clarity, confidence, and actionable tools to accelerate growth. These sessions feature Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching and Consulting bringing expertise, guidance, and an interactive approach to each workshop. We are proud to be co-promoting this workshop with the Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce (CVAACC),

In March, participants will dive into the art of validating their customers and understanding their market. Attendees will explore practical ways to identify their ideal customer, uncover insights about their target market, and leverage free and low-cost resources—ranging from library collections and government tools to emerging AI platforms. Through interactive exercises with fellow business owners, participants will learn how to implement a “test-and-learn” process, gain confidence in their marketing decisions, and leave with clear steps to grow their business.

Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce’s April’s Business After Hours event at Annie Ruth’s Wine Bar and Bistro in Midlothian, VA, with guest speaker Dr. Dwayne Whitehead

April’s session focuses on building a marketing strategy that works. Attendees will explore a variety of ways to market their business and will walk away with a 90-day plan designed to turn strategy into action. The workshop emphasizes execution and reflection, helping entrepreneurs evaluate results, refine approaches, and invest their time and money more efficiently to generate revenue.

“March and April are critical months for business growth,” says Dorian Cunion. “Many small businesses face slow revenue in January and February, and this year, challenges like snow and school closings have added extra hurdles. These workshops give entrepreneurs a chance to pause, reflect, and put a concrete plan in place to make up lost ground and accelerate revenue growth.”

Cunion hopes participants walk away with three key insights: that growth doesn’t have to be expensive, that free resources like the Ashland Branch Library are a powerful tool for learning and skill development, and that a focus on the fundamentals of marketing can dramatically improve time and money investment in growing revenue.

The impact of these workshops is already clear. “I first partnered with the Downtown Ashland Association on the Entrepreneur Bootcamp two years ago,” says Cunion. “Watching participants like Karie from Shaken Not Spurred and Liz from Bravo Bakeshop move from idea to fully formed business has been incredibly rewarding. Quarterly updates show how they continue to refine their business models and seize new opportunities.”

Business Bootcamps in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

For CVAACC, the results are equally inspiring. During a Fall workshop for their Business Accelerator Program, participant Devine Crenshaw of Crenshaw Janitorial shared that the frameworks provided gave him clarity and direction for strategic planning. “With the right tools and guidance, small business owners can take confident, actionable steps toward success,” says Cunion.

The Downtown Ashland Association and CVAACC are dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs thrive. CVAACC’s mission is to support business growth, especially within the African American community, by connecting entrepreneurs to resources, education, and opportunities that strengthen and advance their businesses (www.cvaacc.org).

Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your marketing strategy, these bootcamps offer practical skills, networking, and expert guidance that can transform your business. For Ashland entrepreneurs ready to take their growth to the next level, attending the Business Bootcamps is more than an opportunity—it’s a smart business decision.

Date & Time: First Wednesday of every month, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
Registration & More Info: https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/bootcamp

Funding Meets Fashion at Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch in Ashland

Dr. Karen Totten White speaking at Women Building Bridges to Business

Funding meets fashion at Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch, an empowering, thoughtfully curated experience designed to support women entrepreneurs in building confident, sustainable businesses—inside and out. Hosted in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association, the brunch brings together financial strategy, personal branding, and community connection during Black History Month.

Buffet by Around the Table inside the Gathering Place

Taking place Saturday, February 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place (155 Junction Drive, Ashland), Style Cents will feature holistic presentations from Dr. Karen Totten White of Emerge New Unlimited and award-winning wardrobe stylist and image consultant Anetra Byrd. Guests will enjoy a buffet brunch by Ashland’s soul food favorites, Around the Table, while engaging in meaningful dialogue, learning, and relationship-building.

“At every stage of entrepreneurship, women are balancing visibility, credibility, and financial responsibility,” said Dr. Karen Totten White, Financial Strategist and Business Growth Consultant. “Downtown Ashland Association understands how important it is to create spaces where women can grow confidently and strategically. This collaboration was inspired by a shared commitment to equipping women with real-world tools, financial clarity, and a professional presence that directly impacts business growth, leadership, and long-term success.”

Dr. Karen Totten White speaking at Women Building Bridges to Business

Dr. White’s session will focus on aligning financial decisions with business goals while strengthening confidence and leadership presence. “I want our guests to leave feeling confident, commanding, and committed,” she shared. “They’ll gain practical financial insights, mindset shifts, and style awareness that support stronger decision-making, increased income potential, and a more intentional personal brand.”

Central to the brunch is the powerful connection between money and image. “For entrepreneurs, our brand is our first impression,” Dr. White explained. “Financial literacy gives us the power to invest wisely in ourselves and our business, while fashion supports confidence, authority, and credibility. When we understand how to manage our money and present ourselves intentionally, we position ourselves for greater opportunities and sustained career growth.”

Anetra Byrd, Wardrobe Stylist, Image Consultant, and Lifestyle Architect

Joining Dr. White is Anetra Byrd, Wardrobe Stylist, Image Consultant, and Lifestyle Architect, whose work centers on authenticity, alignment, and intentional presence. “This partnership is a natural alignment of values,” Byrd said. “Ashland is a town built on authenticity, community, and intentional presence—the very principles at the core of my work.”

Byrd emphasized the importance of image in a close-knit community. “In a town like Ashland, your image is an extension of your credibility,” she said. “Whether you’re a shop owner, a professional, or a community leader, how you present yourself impacts how you’re perceived—and ultimately, how effectively you can serve and grow.”

Her presentation will guide attendees through a personalized framework for building a wardrobe that supports both professional goals and personal identity. “This isn’t just about what to wear,” Byrd explained. “It’s about creating harmony between your inner identity and your outer expression. My goal is to replace wardrobe stress with lasting clarity, so women can move through their day with confidence—whether they’re meeting clients, collaborating locally, or stepping into leadership roles.”

Both speakers highlighted the significance of hosting Style Cents during Black History Month. “Black History Month is a reminder that progress is built through knowledge, resilience, and strategic action,” said Dr. White. “The skills shared in this session—financial literacy, intentional planning, and self-presentation—help women define their futures on their own terms and build legacies for tomorrow.”

Byrd echoed that sentiment, noting the role of style in self-definition and legacy. “Style has long been a medium for claiming identity and space,” she said. “The skills we’ll cover are about curating a personal narrative with intention. In Ashland, where visibility and connection matter, how you present yourself shapes how you’re remembered and the opportunities you attract.”

Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch invites women entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders to invest in themselves, connect with like-minded peers, and leave with actionable tools to support long-term success.

Event Details
Saturday, February 28
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
The Gathering Place, 155 Junction Drive, Ashland, VA
  Free registration: https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/stylecents