Logsdon Commercial Group

Grand Opening: Mad Rose Tavern, Clarendon

2011-03-11T10:04:00.000-05:00

20 Irish whiskeys and 40 Scotches. Did that your attention? How about 100 wines and 20 beers on tap to start? Run, don't walk, to Mad Rose Tavern, a new addition to Clarendon Blvd's busy 3100 block, which opened last month. In addition to an undeniably well-stocked beverage selection, diners are already raving about the satisfying menu options consisting of "modern American," Irish, Italian, French and Asian influences - for reasonable prices. Did I mention the patio seating?

"I want to give you the best freaking product out there, within reason, for the same price everybody else is charging for crap," Mad Rose's dining room manager Scott Arnold told ARL Now. Examples of the above include New Zealand lollipop lamb chops, crab balls, a mild Italian pork sausage served with peppers in a red marinara sauce, and rice 'n beans bedding a blackened redfish.

Monday through Friday, 4pm-7pm, enjoy happy hour specials of $2 off all draft beers, $4 rail drinks, $4 glass of red & white wine. And, just in time for St. Patrick's Day, enjoy $6 Corned Beef Sliders, $6 Irish Stew, $5 Jameson, and $5 Guinness. What else do you need?

Join their Facebook page to hear about new beer and menu additions and to find out about events. And be sure to visit Mad Rose Tavern at 3100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA.

Now Open: Holistic Touch Center of Alexandria

2011-01-17T09:47:00.000-05:00

The Logsdon Commercial Group is please to announce the opening of our client, Holistic Touch Center at 309 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA.

If you're like us, you work hard, you network frequently, and you spend a good deal of time out and about (someone's got to visit all these new places after all). Which means you find yourself a bit stressed and in need of some TLC. . . or a therapeutic massage, or a stress-relieving acupuncture session. Maybe even a dash of yoga or a quick facial. Luckily for us (and for you if you live in the area), the newly opened Holistic Touch Center in Old Town hits the spot - or in our case, all of our sore ones.

Owner Linda Wentz, a Nationally Board Certified and Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, has helped patients with pain, stress, and relaxation for over 9 years. Her mission: "incorporate mind, body, and soul into a harmonious flow." In addition to welcoming busy Washingtonians into a zen-like retreat complete with a soothing wall fountain, Holistic Touch Center offers such unique treatments as Bach Flower Consultations, Tai Chi/Qi Gong Consultations, and Craniosacral Therapy, which, among other things, helps treat migraines and fibromyalgia.

Linda also provides customized services to help patients with fertility and pregnancy, her self-proclaimed passions. Looking to get pregnant or to alleviate the not-so-pleasant aspects of pregnancy? Acupuncture has been shown to help with both by improving hormonal fluctuations, easing pain, reducing morning sickness, and increasing energy. Know someone who's expecting? How about a gift of massage, acupuncture, meditation, or stress-relieving yoga for the mom-to-be? Hint: also a perfect gift for busy moms as Mother's Day is May 8.

Join their Facebook page to read useful health tips and check out their website for monthly specials, a complete list of services, and a schedule of Yoga classes.

Grand Opening: The Happy Woof

2010-10-18T00:35:00.001-04:00

The Logsdon Commercial Group is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our client, The Happy Woof. Long revered for their top-quality pet foods and products, this Fairfax-based business just opened their first B & M store at Courthouse Plaza. With their spacious and convenient corner spot in the heart of Fairfax City, they are now the ultimate destination for you and your pooch.

In addition to carrying such highly regarded brands as The Honest Kitchen, Great Life, Nutri Source, Primal, Sojo's, Stella and Chewy's, and Natural Pet Organics, The Happy Woof also features full-service grooming plus 3 self-serve dog wash stations. They also carry samples of most brands of food, so come in and get some to try. They even offer free local dog food delivery!

Owner Hillary Hutcheon has 10 years of experience in the pet industry and has worked with top local vets. As a dog and cat owner herself, she is genuinely concerned about the health and welfare of your furry best friend. "The Happy Woof is dedicated to selling brands that are eco-friendly, made in the USA, and dedicated to the health and well being of pets," she says. "We specialize in raw food, in many aspects- dehydrated raw, frozen raw, and freeze dried raw. 0% of the food we carry is grain free. We also carry very high quality kibble and canned food."

Looking for some bonding opportunities with your pup, especially now that the temperature is dropping? Visit the "Woof Lounge" which includes HDTV, WiFi, Xbox, free coffee, and a doggy treadmill. Or, take home some unique toys to play with later.

Just in time for Halloween, come check out the many adorable costumes for your 4-legged kids. "Dress them up this year and see how many treats they get," she suggests. How about a a lobster, skunk, pig, prisoner, big spider, or dinosaur? Be sure to pick up a doggie goody bag, too.

And here’s a treat for you: sign up for their mailing list and look for specials, like 50% off half-off your first self-serve dog wash. Don’t forget to visit their Facebook page and blog for more news and to view some adoptable cats that need a good home.

Visit The Happy Woof at 10396 Willard Way ( Courthouse Plaza), Fairfax, VA 22030.

Happy 10th Anniversary to Alexandria's Hollin Hall Pastry Shop!

2010-08-11T17:19:00.001-04:00

The Logsdon Commercial Group is pleased to congratulate the Hollin Hall Pastry Shop on their 10th anniversary. This gem - tucked away on Fort Hunt Road off the scenic George Washington Parkway - has been serving up sweet delights since August 2000. But the story goes back long before then.

Self-taught pastry chef Mel Meadows, the brainchild behind this venture, actually began his career in 1981 at the prestigious Congressional Country Club. His talent in crafting European confections soon landed him at two of the region's top caterers, where he soon won over numerous dignitaries and heads of state with is innovative designs.

Feeling the pangs of entrepreneurship, Mel decided to open a pastry shop of his own in North Alexandria where he could showcase the range of his talents in such med ums as cakes, cream pastries, tarts, truffles, and other desserts. Then, seeing an underserved market in Alexandria's expanding Fort Hunt Road corridor - halfway between Old Town and Mount Vernon - he moved south and opened what is now the Hollin Hall Pastry Shop.

The neighbors couldn't be happier. Soon, not just local residents but fans from Old Town and beyond were descending on Hollin Hall Pastry Shop to sample the mousse pastries, Napoleons, tartlets, custom cakes, and hand-made chocolates. Using imported chocolate and organic fruit, Hollin Hall Pastry Shop also creates custom cakes for weddings and and special occasions.

Among our favorites? The Triple Chocolate Mousse and Tiramisu Mousse pastries, Lemon and Mango Mouse cakes, and the Passionfruit and Apricot Tart.

Honored with two distinct "Business of the Year" awards in 2004, Chef Meadows was also asked to produce a giant cake to celebrate the opening of the new Washington D.C. Convention Center in 2003. An inspiration to local entrepreneurs, Chef Meadows believes in serving more than cake – he gives back to the community with his time and money, sponsoring such events as the Carpenter's Shelter Cook-Off.

Check out their website for a list of desserts and be sure to stop by their elegant store at 7920 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, 22308.

Grand Opening: Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria and Friggitoria

2010-06-11T11:57:00.001-04:00

West Ballston is sizzling with the opening of Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria and Friggitoria - literally. Italian for "fry shop", the Naples-born concept of a friggitoria serves up such bad-but-so-good artery cloggers as deep fried risotto balls, calzones, and mini-doughnuts.

But the real piece de resistance at Pupatella is the authentic wood-burning oven, specially built in Naples and shipped over. This baby, fed by oak logs, cooks your pizza at 800-1000 degrees in a mere 1 minute and fits up to 5 pizzas at once.

Named after the owner and complete with an adorable pizza box that features the couple's son, this legendary pizza cart-turned-restaurant is an overnight sensation in their new permanent space, and for good reason. They use beautiful fresh ingredients such as buffalo mozzarella (also imported from Naples), basil, smoked salmon, goat cheese, prosciutto (hormone-free and grass-fed), roasted red peppers and arugula. They even grill their own sausage. You can also get spicy Spanish chorizo or Mortadella with pistachios, a surprisingly good pizza topping.

Choose one of their intriguing combos like the Spicy Salami, Kalamata Olives, and Goat Cheese; the Grilled Eggplant, Fresh Tomatoes, and Gouda Cheese; or live luxe with the White Pizza with Roasted Porcini, Portobello, and Button Mushrooms, Garlic, Brie Cheese, and Truffle Oil. The secret to their sauce? San-Marzano tomatoes, an heirloom variety grown in the San-Marzano region near Mount Vesuvius. Considered the best for pizza sauce due to their intense sweetness and concentrated flavor, they are the only tomato allowed in Vera Pizza Napoletana (true Neapolitan pizza).

A dream for me and for others who like their crust thin and perfectly baked and their mozzarella fresh, this is an Arlington don't-miss. Dine in or call ahead for pick-up.

See more of their mouthwatering menu at www.pupatella.com and follow them on Twitter for each week's special.

Grand Opening: P. Brennan's Irish Pub & Restaurant

2010-05-20T18:57:00.001-04:00

The humble Columbia Pike corridor has scored another win against Goliaths Clarendon and Ballston, so let's celebrate with a frosty draft beer. Or how about 18 of them? That's how many beers are on tap at the recently opened P. Brennan's Irish Pub & Restaurant, South Arlington's newest hit. Good thing, because this long-awaited pub is already satisfying a thirsty crowd that lives near Arlington's exploding Columbia Pike corridor (as well as those who dread hunting for parking on Wilson/Clarendon Blvd… guilty!).

Strategically located across from the Cinema Drafthouse at 2910 Columbia Pike, P. Brennan's joins blockmates Lost Dog Cafe, Bangkok 54, and old-timer Matuba Japanese Restaurant.

Named after a close friend who passed away in August 2008, P. Brennan's "aims to instill some of his professionalism and fun loving personality into its atmosphere and philosophy," reflect Irish owners, Brian Dolphin and Greg Whelan, who also own Crystal City's McGinty’s Public House. They go on, "P. Brennan (Little Pat) was a big character and fun-loving bartender who was passionate about his trade. P. Brennan's is a fitting tribute to 'Little Pat'." Don't miss his portrait just inside the entrance.

The handsomely designed interior -- which features an "exhibition" of local artists on the first floor -- consists of 2 levels and is noticeably airy. Many of the striking wood finishes, including the 47-ft bar and stairs, were handcrafted by an Irish carpenter. Be a trend-setter and host your next event in the spacious upstairs room, which seats 80 of your closest friends. I'm already visualizing my birthday bash (which isn't for another 6 months, mind you, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead!).

Among its non-celebrity beers on tap -- with no disrespect to Guinness and Harp -- are a famous microbrew from NY called McSorley's Black Beer, Smithwick's Ale (okay, maybe it was just unknown to me), and Oregon's Widmer Brothers Drifter Pale Ale.

A well-stocked beer selection not enough to whet your appetite? How about an innovative menu from Executive Chef J. Trent Conry who hails from such crowd pleasers as Rustico and 701 Restaurant? The intriguing Charred Tomato and Guinness Stout Soup with parmesan croutons, followed by the Dr Pepper Braised Short Ribs on boniato purée & glazed root vegetable or the Herb Scented Organic Salmon with curried green apples, spiced chickpea purée & pea shoot salad should dispel your notions of Corned Beef & Cabbage representing the entirety of Irish Food. Not that they don't make a marvelous rendition of the latter, along with such pub faves as Shepherd's Pie, Sausage & Mash, and Wexford Lamb Stew.

Need more inducement? How about 5 dishes for 5 bucks 5 days a week between 4 and 7 PM? Now that's a happy hour made for small business budgets! Night owls too have a new neighborhood hangout with a late-nite menu served from 10:30-12:30. Or, come for a hearty Sunday Brunch. In fact, you can enjoy the Irish Breakfast with eggs, rasher, sausage, black & white pudding, beans, grilled tomato, potato cake almost anytime. Which I definitely recommend, because a breakfast like this may not leave you much room for any other meals!

See more of their lip-smacking menu at http://www.pbrennans.com/ and be sure to join their Facebook page to for Irish Trivia, news, and upcoming musical performances!

Grand Opening: Reserved Barking Doggie Daycare and Grooming

2010-04-30T18:22:00.001-04:00

Calling all dog lovers: is your "best friend" not receiving enough attention? Would you like to play with them more but just don't have the time? Does their grooming ritual consist of a quick hose-down in the driveway and wiping their feet at the door? Are you feeling guilty that you're out and about while they're stuck at home with nobody to talk to? Do you worry when you need to take a trip that no one will take good care of your pooch?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then we've got the perfect solution for you. The Logsdon Commercial Group is pleased to announce the official grand opening of our client, Reserved Barking Doggie Daycare and Grooming in Alexandria. Conveniently located on Telegraph Road about 2 miles south of the beltway and close to Kingstowne, this canine haven offers the ultimate in fun, caring, and grooming for your four-legged family members.

The brainchild of owner Bilal Malik, a veteran dog breeder and expert on dog behavior (the next Cesar Milan, perhaps?), Reserved Barking provides "a facility where dog(s) can enjoy playing in a supervised and cageless environment while their owners are at work or other commitments forcing them to leave their loved one(s) alone." What does this mean for your furry friends? They can run happily around the facility making friends with other dogs without worrying about noise, staying off the furniture, upsetting the baby, or keeping you from getting things done.

Aside from making "play dates" and improving their social skills, there are benefits for owners, too (other than guilt-free consciences). Explains Malik, "We provide the pets in our care a fun-filled day of physical and mental stimulation, ensuring you take home a well-exercised dog, that won't demand play-time, but will join you when it's your time to relax and unwind."

In addition to "Playcare", Reserved Barking provides 24-7 Boarding, Grooming with Spa Services, and a Doggie Boutique. Pampering is done by pros who will wash, shampoo, dry, trim, de-mat, clip nails, and clean the ears. Other grooming services include Nail Filing, Teeth Cleaning, and Flea and Tick Treatments.

Concerned about leaving your baby with strangers? Each staff member is carefully screened and selected based on their experience in the pet care field. "We are dedicated to giving the pets in our care a fun-filled day of physical, emotional and mental stimulation, while providing the owners with the peace of mind that their pet is receiving the utmost in personal care and attention while participating in activities at our facility," assures the owner.

Got a pack full of pups? Bring them all! Each additional dog gets a 10% discount on all daycare services of equal or lesser value. Daycare options range from half-day care to monthly packages and everything in between. The more care you buy, the more you save. Plus, when you sign up for their newsletter and purchase a 5-day pass, you'll receive 2 FREE Daycare Days or 15% off any grooming service through May 10.

Visit Reserved Barking at 6404 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 or on their website, www.ReservedBarking.com. Don't forget to become a fan of their Facebook page!

Grand Opening: The Spice and Tea Exchange of Old Town

2010-04-10T19:39:00.003-04:00

The intoxicating aroma wafting down King Street isn't just flowers these days. The Logsdon Commercial Group is pleased to announce the official grand opening of our client, The Spice and Tea Exchange of Old Town! This unique addition to Gatsby's Arcade, which just opened at 320 King Street in Alexandria across from Market Square, is an amazing emporium of exotic gourmet spices, cooking herbs, 60+ hand-mixed signature blends, seasonings from around the globe, and a generous selection of loose teas. You'll be drawn in by the smells and atmosphere as soon as you open the door. Owners Joy Quinn and Taruna Reddy have created a foodie's paradise but with a trading post feel. Veteran chefs will feel at home as will novice cooks.

As the 13th location of the successful Spice and Tea Exchange franchise which originated in Florida, they're also first store to open in the D.C. area... but hopefully not the last (alas, if you live in Tysons or Bethesda, you'll have to take a short trip to scenic Old Town for now). Their slogan is "come in and smell the spices" and they want you to do that without abandon. Open up the hundreds of glass jars -- filled with such gems as Vietnamese cinnamon, freshly ground coriander, whole fenugreek, several kinds of paprika, saffron, Grains of Paradise (seeds from a ginger and cardamom-like plant), numerous curries, all sorts of dried and group peppers, dried shallots -- and just stick your nose in.

I spent no less than an hour milling around sticking my nose into every jar of spices, tea, herbs I'd never heard of, and salts I didn't know existed. Did you know that Hawaii sources red sea salt and Himalaya produces mineral salt? Also useful for the upcoming grilling season is powdered hickory and mesquite.

The staff is extremely helpful in suggesting which spice blends, peppers, sugars, spices, herbs, and assortment of salts can liven up various dishes. You can even watch them mixing custom blends on site. Some of the blends are really unique and can make whipping up a new family favorite a breeze. I picked up some Gumbo File (pronounced "fee-lay") powder, which consists of ground sassafras leaves mixed with a little ground thyme. They also offer several meat and seafood rubs, ethnic blends, an intriguing popcorn seasoning. For the truly lazy cooks (ahem, me), such go-to options as dried burgundy wine, dried beer, and a nice assortment of dried cheeses are a bonus.

Tea drinkers rejoice! There is an impressive selection of loose teas and tea blends including black tea blends, unique green teas like Kyoto rice tea, Peony white tea, red tea, and herbal varieties. Not usually one to give into fruity concoctions, the California Fields tea -- a delightful marriage of black and green tea blended with California sunflowers, rhubarb, and cactus flowers -- has quickly become my new morning addiction. Plus you can get unique accessories to brew tea and store your spices that are great for your home or idea for hard-to-buy giftees (i.e. everyone on my list). Also of interest are the dried flowers and berries, which are not only fun to experiment with but can also double as room sachets (the lavender is heavenly).

The Spice & Tea Exchange is one of the few retail stores in Old Town that's open until 9:00 PM Thursday through Saturday for after-dinner browsing. Read more about them on their website and be sure to join their Facebook page! Also, give them at 571-312-8505.

Featured Small Business: Terry Sullivan Interiors

2010-03-08T20:04:00.028-05:00

Ever wish your house looked like the pictures in the magazines? Rooms full of elegant furniture, masterfully decorated walls, and tasteful details throughout? Yeah, me too. For many of us (or maybe just for me), it's all I can do to sweep the floor, clean up after the family, and keep the clutter from overtaking several horizontal surfaces. Truth be told, the last time (and only time) we had a major gathering was for Christmas Eve dinner, and it was a strictly family affair - granted, there's a lot of family nearby. My point is, the reality of having a stunning house where I can proudly invite friends, entertain strangers, and retreat from life's chaos is a distant one these days.

Don't get me wrong - it's not that I don't wholeheartedly appreciate beautiful surroundings. It's just that, with lack of talent and an even bigger lack of time to cultivate it, the bare minimum in decor and functionality suffices. The result is wistfully turning through pages of magazines admiring other peoples' homes and wishing I could love in such a lovely abode.

But what if someone could come in and magically transform your tired, ho-hum, or mismatched collection of rooms into the home of your dreams? That person would definitely be the fairy godmother of homes. Fortunately, that person exists, and her name is Terry Sullivan.

Her company, Terry Sullivan Interiors, LLC, is listed as one of America's top designers by House Beautiful Magazine in 2000 and as one of America's top twenty Interior Designers by Elle Decor. Now, this 15-year design veteran has relocated from trend-setting New York City to Alexandria, where she hopes to whip Washingtonian's houses into style. She was recently featured in The Washington Post Home Section "House Calls" in the September and Thanksgiving issues.

Specializing in "timelss, classical American interiors", Terry uses little-known sources and a love of historic patterns to glorify the ordinary. Her mission is to enhance her clients' joy in their everyday surroundings.

"Most designers and their clients are unaware that [William Morris's] patterns are still available for printing" she says. "Arthur Sanderson & Sons Ltd, founded in 1865 in London, acquired Morris & Co. in 1923, complete with the original woodblock inventory. A few machine produced Morris designs are available, but I rarely use them. I custom-order from Sanderson's New York showroom." To make the wallpaper patterns look new and fresh, she has them re-colored, using colors from Benjamin Moore paints.

Working with prestigious architects, contractors, artisans and antiquarians, with vendors and suppliers of upholstery, wallpaper, fabrics, carpets and other furnishings, the firm combines these elements with a fine attention to detail, a trained eye and experience.

"Sometimes, as I design," she reflects, "I reach even farther back into history - to the Renaissance. I love browsing Old Master drawing sales at New York auction galleries."

Whether you live in Old Town, Georgetown, or not a particularly historic town, Terry Sullivan Interiors can create an ambience from a time long gone - but hopefully not forgotten. A time when your home was a serene refuge, fresh flowers adorned tables, and each room had a unique character. Want to bring some of that back into your house? Contact Terry at Terry@TerrySullivanInteriors.com. Also, be sure to visit the photo gallery on her website, http://www.terrysullivaninteriors.com/.

Featured Small Business: BizConnect, the "e-Harmony of the Business World"

2010-02-16T12:20:00.008-05:00

Valentine's Day may be over, but that doesn't mean the end of romance. Why not give your business a little romance, and maybe even have a fling (or two)? No, we're not talking about inter-office dating; we're talking about meeting and building relationships with other businesses based on common interests. Kind of like dating, but less messy. And you can meet as many businesses as you want -- at the same time!

Washington, D.C. based BizConnect, the "e-Harmony of the business world," is looking to do just that for you. As the region's only B2B matchmaking service, their mission is to bring businesses together based on common interests, strategic partnerships, and business needs.

Here's how it works. Once you subscribe, you'll receive automated emails every time a match is made. You'll also have access to the subscriber database 24/7 to identify qualified leads.

Need to meet more buyers/sellers, find subcontractors, or recruit for your company? Problem solved. BizConnect will help you "increase your sales by providing qualified introductions, expand your resources, introduce you to potential venture partners, and promote new business relations."

But what's a romance without some dates? BizConnect can help with those too by hosting business development events throughout the year, bringing hundreds of subscribers and prospective subscribers together. You can even receive attendee rosters in advance so you know who's coming and target prospective clients or strategic partners prior to the event. It kind of takes the "blind" out of the "date," doesn't it?

For more information, contact Rick Weedon, VP, Business Development at rick@bizconnectonline.com or call 202-785-8005.

Couldn't make it to Mardi Gras this year? Be sure to attent BizConnect's Post Mardi Gras Make a BizConnection Event this Thursday, February 18, 5:30-8:30 PM at Washington's Hamilton Hotel. Get ready to "Network Your Networks!"

Featured Small Business: Alexandria Cupcake

2010-02-04T20:16:00.012-05:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I have some sweet news to share: Alexandria Cupcake opened its doors in Old Town last month, adding a 3rd cupcake bakery to the scene. They are located on King Street between Patrick and Henry Streets, just a few doors down from Hank's Oyster Bar.

This boutique bakery uses premium ingredients (Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, European sweet cream butter, Vahlrona & E. Guittard chocolate, organic eggs, fresh fruit) and bakes fresh from scratch every day.

Naturally, being the cupcake hound that I am, I had to test them out. My issue? Where to find sweets that don't focus on chocolate. Crazy as this sounds, I'm not a huge chocolate fiend. I prefer such flavors as coffee, berry, and especially peanut butter. Lucky for me, Old Town Cupcake offers a respectable collection of non-chocolate cupcakes, including Strawberry (strawberry cake with strawberry buttercream frosting), Raspberry Vanilla (vanilla cake infused with raspberry and topped with raspberry frosting), PB&J (vanilla cake layered in the middle with grape jelly and topped with peanut butter frosting), and -- their signature cupcake -- the intriguing Rosewater (rosewater cake with a rosewater glaze topped with a fresh raspberry).

Not to worry, chocoholics, they also offer plenty of chocolate options. In fact, the Mint Chocolate (chocolate cake with mint frosting) sounds like a fresh alternative to Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Andes Candies, which may tempt even me to try it. They even make a Vegan Chocolate and a Gluten-Free Chocolate version.

Should Georgetown Cupcake be worried? You decide. Visit Alexandria Cupcake at 1022 King Street any day except Monday (they're closed) and try them out. And check out their website, http://www.alexandriacupcake.com/.

Here's a treat for our readers: Mention Anne Logsdon's newsletter (or blog) and get a 4 pack of cupcakes for the price of 3! Use Valentine's Day as an excuse to bring home a box, or, just go to quell your own sweet tooth.

Enjoy!

Contest: Share Your Career Change and Win Marketing+PR for Your Business!

2010-01-12T16:36:00.007-05:00

Hopefully you've been inspired by some of our stories so far of small business owners who took the plunge and changed careers. Stories about attorneys who quit well-paying positions at big law firms to start businesses like clothing boutiques, cupcake shops, gift wrapping services, and flower arranging. Stories like MBAs who left top management posts to sell gourmet foods, and accountants who started dog-walking businesses. There's even an OB-GYN who's striking it big baking desserts for Whole Foods.

Do you have an interesting story you'd like to share about you or someone you know who made a noteworthy jump from ho-hum day job to dream job? Tell us about it! You never know whom you'll inspire to follow their dream.

And, the winner will receive a FREE marketing analysis from Intuitive Fare Branding and Marketing, plus a media pitch which could lead to press for your business! We'll also

Email us your story and be featured on our blog plus in theh February edition of "Anne's Beat." We look forward to hearing your inspiring tales!

Featured Small Business: The Eco Luxe Life

2010-01-07T12:25:00.010-05:00

Speaking of making big career changes, what do you get when you mix a former attorney, electrical engineer, and commercial real estate financier? How about "greener" pastures? Arlington-based The Eco Luxe Life is a recently launched small business dedicated to tackling the huge plethora of all things "Eco." I know what you're thinking... it's not easy being green. At least not cheaply, glamorously, or with predictable outcomes (how well does that organic deodorant or floor cleaner work?).

But now, turning over a new leaf for you, your home, your workplace, and your pets just got a whole lot easier. The Eco Luxe Life (T.E.L.L. for short) will help you navigate the green marketplace without having to decipher labels, spend oodles or cash, or amass a copious collection of unwanted bottles in your cabinets. They have made it their mission to test, review, and recommend everything from organic lipstick that lasts, shaving cream with less chemicals, baby and pet-safe products that actually work, and environmentally-friendly housewares that are also wallet-friendly. They also offer product videos, discussions, and even samples.

You don't have to wonder anymore which products are effective, which are chock full of bad stuff, and which are a worthwhile buy. And yes, is it possible to dress and accessorize more greenly without resorting to Woodstock-inspired garb (unless you dig that look). T.E.L.L. will even help you sort out those eco-friendly pens, ink cartridges, and light bulbs for your office. So before you buy, check out TheEcoLuxeLife.com. And, visit their Facebook page for breaking news, coupons, and freebies.

Featured Small Business: Becky Boyd, Career and Life Coach

2010-01-01T12:40:00.011-05:00

Happy new year! As you resolve to make big (or small) changes in your life, why not resolve to do what you love? I mean for a living. Do you ever wonder what life would be like if you had your dream job? Maybe you already have a side business that you do after hours or on weekends, whenever you find free time. But what if you could do what you love all the time? Or, what if you've summoned the courage to make the leap from day job to dream job but need more direction or help making big decisions?

Enter Becky Boyd, Life and Career Coach, conveniently located right here in Arlington. Becky's mission? To inspire people to make conscious choices in their personal and professional lives.

"Life coaching is a creative process that allows people to get in touch with their authentic selves and live their best lives," she tells us. Here's how it works. She meets with my clients typically 3 times per month via phone for 45 minute sessions to discuss the issues the client wants to focus on. Using the co-active coaching framework as well as guided visualizations and other tools, she helps clients clear and set the path to reach their goals. Not only that, but she holds them accountable to those goals. Because what good are goals if you don't set a path to attain them?

The result? "Coaching helps my clients to take immediate action towards their goals, have a greater sense of peace and purpose, and ultimately live more fulfilling lives," she says. "My purpose is to help people move out of the mundane and create the extraordinary lives they were meant to live."

Becky should know. Before she was a coach, her career took many paths that didn't always help her fulfill her purpose. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and an MBA in Marketing, both from the University at Albany in Albany, NY, she worked in various corporate environments and small businesses doing marketing and consulting work. She even sold residential real estate in the Washington area for several years.

"My journey into life coaching evolved out of an intense interest in personal development and my yearning to find and follow my own passion," she reflects. "Prior to coaching, my career has been largely based in business, but I have always found that the most important part of any job I have had is the connection to the people I am working for, with, and around." After deciding to become a life coach, Becky trained with the prestigious Coaches Training Institute, the industry leader in training and certifying professional life coaches.

So as you look forward to the promises of a new year, check out Becky's post, What would make 2010 as good as it could get for you? And resolve to make this the year to fulfill your dream! Need extra motivation? Becky is also offering a FREE half-hour sample session by phone plus - for our readers only - 15% off of a coaching package with at least a one-month commitment.

What about other changes like marriage, parenthood, or illness? Becky can help with those too - whether you're looking for more time, more joy, or just more balance. Visit her blog, AHiddenPearl.com, to find out more and to read some of her inspiring stories.

Featured Small Business: Cathy Phillips, Fashion Consultant and Personal Shopper

2009-12-22T17:44:00.009-05:00

Ever wonder what it would be like to actually shop all the time and dress others? To be sure, it's one of those dream careers the many aspire to but either don't have the courage to try or don't know how. For one, it requires a really good eye -- not just discriminating taste in apparel, but the ability to understand peoples' shapes and what flatters them. Then there's the issue of learning from a pro, someone who styles the who's whos (or at least the who's interested). It's not like you can just march into someone's closet, start trashing their clothes, and rebuild their wardrobe from scratch. Unless your name is Stacy London or Clinton Kelly and you come bearing very nice gifts (to the tune of a $5,000 Bank of America Visa).

The trouble with following your dream job is that, well, you've got to start somewhere -- but where? No customers will pay for your lack of experience, and it's not easy to find an experienced stylist who has a waiting list of clients to take you on as their apprentice. But without experience, how can you learn? It's the old catch 22.

Fortunately, there is one among us who overcame that obstacle and went on to lauch a successful fashion consulting and personal shopping business. She now helps women (and men) look their best by providing wardrobe consultation, closet analysis, personal shopping, outfit coordinating, and even gift wrapping during the holidays.

Her name? Cathy Phillips. Her story? Read on.

She grew up in Austin, Texas and attended Trinity University in San Antonio for undergrad where she earned her Bachelors in Business Finance. While attending Trinity, she lived and studied in London for several months and during this time, she could not get enough of European style and returned to Texas infatuated with the world of fashion. After being exposed to the styles of London, Paris and Madrid, she fell in love with the art of clothing and quickly became the go-to-gal for friends and family on fashion advice.

After graduating from Trinity, Cathy moved to Washington, DC to attend American University where she received her Masters in Psychology. As the years went by, Cathy became increasingly passionate about clothes and style and, after exploring different careers and interests, she was sucked into the fashion industry. Cathy spent several years working for a fashion forward retailer and improving the city one fabulously dressed woman at a time before setting out on her own to help you with all your fashion, wardrobe and shopping needs.

Cathy is inspired by old trends, new trends, art, movies, music and everyday individual women each with their own unique style. She will help you experiment and find the style that makes you feel fabulous. She is known for her unexpected combination of styles and trends and appreciates fashion as a personal mode of expression unique to each individual.

Check out Cathy's website and blog. And don't be afraid to follow your small business dream!

Welcome!

2009-12-22T15:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Logsdon Commercial Group Blog!
We are excited to share with you interesting news, local goings on, and inspiring stories from some of the business owners we meet.

We look forward to your readership!