Keeping It Real with Sharon

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On this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with top-producing Realtor Sarah Abderrazzaq to talk about what it really takes to start over and build success again and again.

Throughout her career, Sarah has reinvented herself and rebuilt her business in multiple cities across the country due to major life moves. From creating new relationships to establishing herself in unfamiliar communities, she shares how resilience, consistency, and genuine connection helped her grow into a top producer each time.

We also talk about Sarah’s upcoming mo...

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Patricia Young, Executive Director of the HIVE, located in the beautifully restored  Armory Building and part of Shenandoah University.

Patricia shares the incredible story behind this historic building—once an old Armory, now thoughtfully renovated into a one-of-a-kind space for learning, innovation, and connection. Today, the HIVE serves as a hub for innovators, veterans, and entrepreneurs, bringing new energy and opportunity to our community.

We also talk about how this space is already making an impact. In fact, TED...

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Today, I’m sitting down with Tammy LaCroix and Mike Turpin, the visionaries behind Winchester’s new PklPlex. What started as a simple recognition, our community needed an indoor place to play pickleball, turned into something much bigger.

Tammy and Mike didn’t just talk about the idea… they took action. From building a business plan to searching tirelessly for the right space, they stayed committed every step of the way. As business partners, they faced challenges, made tough decisions, and refused to give up until they found the perfect fit.

In...

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There’s something powerful about saying “yes” to something that feels big… and a little scary.

In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Julia Healey as she shares her journey to delivering her very first TEDx talk, Called to Act: One Small Thing. Julia is the CEO of United Charitable and a passionate leader in the nonprofit space, but her path didn’t start there.

With a background in finance and a heart for making a difference, Julia made a bold shift into mission-dr...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Steven Shafran, a man with a big heart and a powerful vision for serving others in our community.

Steven is bringing a brand-new event to our area called Cast for Kids, an inspiring day designed to connect special needs adults and Veterans with people who simply love to fish. Each participant will be paired with a fishing buddy for a memorable experience on the water and every guest will receive a brand-new fishing pole and tackle...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sarah Fishel, the new Executive Director of the Youth Development Center, for an inspiring conversation about vision, leadership, and investing in the next generation.

Sarah shares why the move to a new building in the heart of the City of Winchester wasn’t just about location, it was about purpose. By creating a space that is more accessible and welcoming, the Youth Development Center is redefining its mission to better serve the youth of our community.

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What if your pharmacy felt more like family than a number in line?

In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Corey Boxwell, founder of Boxwell Pharmacy, to talk about his bold decision to open a locally owned pharmacy built on relationships, not transactions.

Corey shares why he believes medicine should be personal, why knowing patients by name matters, and how he’s building a culture where every person who walks through the door feels seen and valued. His vision goes beyond prescriptions — he’s crea...

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What if healthcare felt more personal, more supportive, and truly centered on relationships?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brianna Berry, who recently opened a Direct Primary Care medical practice, The Village Family Medicine,  which offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional, transactional healthcare system.

Dr. Berry shares why she’s so passionate about relationship-based primary care for individuals and families, and how her model allows her to truly know her patients, spend meaningful time with them, and focus on whole-person care. We talk about her specialized foc...

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What does it really take to build a TEDx event and why does it matter?

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, I’m joined by my co-license holder Suzette Neff as we pull back the curtain on TEDxHandleyBlvd Women and look ahead to our upcoming 2026 event.

We share what we learned while attending the TED Next Conference in Atlanta, including powerful insights about storytelling, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with holding a TEDx license. We talk honestly about growth, challenges, and the intentional ch...

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In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Andy Gail, CEO of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, for an inspiring conversation about the power of collaboration and community care.

Andy shares the heart behind the United Way’s mission, walking us through the many programs they support and the grants they offer to help strengthen our region. We talk about how local nonprofits don’t work in silos, but instead come together through the United Way to create real, lasting impact for...

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In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I’m joined by two amazing women—Sarah Abderrazzaq and Stephanie Ryall—for a fun, heart-filling conversation all about family holiday traditions.

Listen as we stroll down memory lane and share the traditions we grew up with, the ones that shaped our childhoods, and the little moments that still make our hearts glow today. From cherished rituals passed down through generations to the new customs we’ve blended into our own families, this episode is all about ho...

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Welcome to a heartwarming episode where we dive deep into the enchanting world of Christmas and the holidays with the insightful guidance of Father Bjorn Lundberg, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Join us as we unwrap the cherished memories of our childhood, exploring the timeless traditions that have shaped our festive seasons.

In this soul-stirring conversation, Father Lundberg reflects on the profound significance behind our holiday customs, unraveling the stories and meanings that often get lost in the hustle and bustle. Together, we embark on a journey through...

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Join us on this special episode of 'Keeping it Real with Sharon' as I sit down with TEDx co-license holder Suzette Neff to discuss the much-anticipated TEDxHandleyBlvd Women event. Set for March 2025 in the Winchester area, this all-women's event promises to be a groundbreaking occasion. We'll explore the event's vision and how you can get involved. Whether you want to nominate a visionary woman or apply to share your own ideas, we'll discuss how you can do this as well as how to apply to be a volunteer. Tune in to understand how...

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with the incredibly talented Anne Flosnik, an award-winning audiobook narrator whose voice has brought hundreds of stories to life. Born and raised in England, Anne took a leap of faith when she moved to America to pursue new opportunities and what she found was the true meaning of the American dream.

Anne shares how she faced her fears and self-doubt head-on, stepping far outside her comfort zone to turn her distinctive British accent into her greatest...

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In this heartwarming episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sherrie Bloomfield, one of six siblings who are keeping their parents’ legacy alive through the Ken and Nancy Foundation.

After the passing of their beloved parents, Ken and Nancy, Sherrie and her five brothers wanted to find a way to honor their memory and continue their lifelong mission of giving back. What began as a family tribute has grown into a community movement of raising funds through fun, joy-filled events that support local or...

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Ben Weber, Vice President, Business Development of Blue Ridge Care (formerly Blue Ridge Hospice), to explore the powerful evolution of this essential community organization.

Ben shares how the organization has expanded its mission beyond hospice to serve a broader population with aging-related care and support for those navigating serious illness. With a heart for service and a vision rooted in dignity, Blue Ridge Care is building an integrated system of extraordinary care for...

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Dive into a heartwarming and forward-looking conversation with Shelly Lee, the 2024 Woman of the Year recognized by the Winchester Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) for her extraordinary community contributions. Shelly’s dedication to our community shines through her advocacy, her passion for swimming, and her transformational work with the 2 for 2 Foundation.

In this inspiring episode, you'll hear how Shelly has devoted over four decades to nurturing our next generation by bringing swim lessons, mentorship, and other programs to children and families across Winchester.  We exp...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with the fabulous Michelle Myers, founder and owner of Michelle’s Main Event, a thriving wedding and event planning business that began with just one determined woman and a big dream.

Michelle shares the courageous story of how she left her secure career as a Vice Principal in the school system, despite hesitation and concerns from loved ones, to pursue what had been her passion since childhood. From coordinating Barbie and Ken’s wedding as a little girl...

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In this energizing episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Morgan Todd and Tyler McDonald, the dynamic duo behind the One More Rep small group training class at Valley Health Wellness Center. As both trainers and motivators, Morgan and Tyler break down the unique benefits of small group personal training where you get the individual attention of a personal trainer plus the camaraderie and encouragement of a group.

We dive into why staying strong and mobile matters, especially as we age, and how movement is essential for...

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 In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Joel Woerl of Alpha Pools USA to talk about his and business partner Billy Whirley’s bold leap from the corporate world into entrepreneurship. With no prior experience in the pool industry, they dove headfirst into business ownership—and faced a steep learning curve. Joel shares the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and how, in just four years, Alpha Pools USA has grown and thrived. Beyond building beautiful pools, Joel and Billy are dedicated to their community, finding joy in helpi...

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Stephanie Feltner, co-owner of Realty ONE Group Old Towne, to talk about her incredible journey from real estate salesperson to successful brokerage owner. Alongside her business partner, Kira Grubb, Stephanie opened the doors to Realty ONE Group Old Towne just three years ago—and what a ride it’s been!

Stephanie shares how her passion for mentoring and teaching others in the real estate world sparked the bold move to open her own franchise. She dives into what...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Bill and Amanda Whitson, the passionate duo behind the beloved Billy Sous Food Truck. What started as a leap of faith in the wake of COVID has grown into a local favorite;  serving up comfort food with a side of heart. Bill left his full-time IT job to pursue a dream, and Amanda has been by his side every step of the way, lending her creativity, calm, and support.

In this episode, wee talk about the c...

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Ashley Piper, the creative force behind Southern and Grace Photography. Ashley shares her bold journey from earning a science degree to discovering that her true passion lies behind the camera. Rather than following a conventional career path, Ashley chose to dream big and take a leap of faith—turning her love for photography into a thriving business.

We talk about how Ashley combines her artistic eye with entrepreneurial spirit, serving clients from weddings to medical professionals, and ca...

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In this episode, I sit down with Cynthia Schneider, CEO of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, to talk about how the Chamber has become a driving force for both the business community and the community as a whole. Cynthia shares how her vision — along with the passion and dedication of her entire team — has come to life, creating programs, partnerships, and opportunities that continue to strengthen and grow our region. We also look ahead to what’s on the horizon, and why the future is looking so bright for businesses, entrepreneurs, and reside...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Taylor Gouterman, the creative force behind TJG Media, LLC. Taylor is a videographer, podcast producer, and entrepreneur with a passion for telling meaningful stories. From businesses and nonprofits to trade organizations and individuals, Taylor believes that everyone has something beautiful to share—and he’s made it his mission to bring those stories to life.

We talk about how Taylor gives a voice to the voiceless through powerful visual and audio storytelling. He shares how he weaves narrative into...

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In this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Rachel Adams, co-owner of Amazing Flame Gas Fireplace Service. Rachel shares the remarkable journey she and her husband, Nick, took from working within the company to owning it outright.

Nick made the bold decision to leave a stable career in the medical field, taking a leap of faith for the opportunity to work at Amazing Flame—with the potential to purchase it. Together, they navigated the complexities of buying a turnkey business and have since grown it wi...

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Join us for a lively and enlightening episode of "Budget Bites: Tasty Tidbits from the Mayor and Councilman," where we dive into the nitty-gritty of our city's finances with Mayor Les Veach and Councilman John Fox. This episode, number two in our four-part series, unpacks the complex dance of balancing quality services and fair pricing for our community.

Mayor Veach and Councilman Fox take us through the ins and outs of the city of Winchester tax rates, the necessities and intricacies of funding for essential fire equipment, and the ongoing challenges...

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 In this enlightening episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Laurel Sharpe, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from a conventional 9-5 job to founding her own thriving business. Married to a professional baseball player, Laurel recognized a unique market need—transporting vehicles for athletes who move frequently across the country. Taking a bold leap of faith, she launched a specialized service that not only caters to professional baseball players but has also expanded to transport other types of vehicles. This expansion has broadened her...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Kristy Powers, a dynamic force in our community who, despite only living here for five years, has made an incredible impact. Kristy’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, when you pour into a community, it pours right back into you.

From the moment she arrived in Winchester, Kristy committed herself wholeheartedly to becoming an active and engaged member of our community. She shares how building relationships and contributing to local initiatives not only strengthened the community bu...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Brady Cloven, the Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, who has truly become the ultimate cheerleader for our historic downtown Winchester area. Since stepping into his role, Brady has not only expanded the organization’s volunteer base but has also infused new energy and vision into the community.

Brady shares his passion for building experiences that draw families downtown and support for our local businesses. From bustling events to thoughtful initiatives, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at...

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In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we sit down with Winchester's newly sworn-in Mayor Les Veach and new City Councilor John Fox. Mayor Veach and Councilor Fox share their motivations for seeking office and their commitment to being champions for the citizens of our community. They discuss their visions for Winchester, detailing how their goals align with the aspirations of its people. Tune in to hear how our new leaders plan to foster growth and make positive changes in our community, ensuring it thrives for years to come. 

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with entrepreneur Teresa Calvert, a powerhouse of inspiration and community spirit. Teresa shares her journey of building successful businesses in Romney, West Virginia, including her newest venture, 1762 Wine & Brew, alongside her other thriving enterprises: The White House on Main, a charming boutique, and The Country Store on Main, a haven for unique gifts.

Teresa opens up about the key ingredients to her success: the importance of consistency, fostering a team that values excellent...

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Dr. Shyama Rosenfeld to explore how small, intentional changes to our lifestyle can create a significant impact on our physical and mental health. As we step into 2025, Dr. Rosenfeld shares her expert insights on the transformative power of eating natural, unprocessed foods and eliminating processed options from our diets.

She delves into the importance of mindful nutrition and how what we put into our bodies influences our energy, mood, and overall well-being. Dr. Rosenfeld also opens up about...

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In this captivating episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we sit down with Bill Heavner, a seasoned actor and director at The Winchester Little Theater. Bill shares his deep-rooted passion for the performing arts and takes us on a journey through the storied history of the theater, which began enchanting audiences back in 1929. As a staple of the community, the theater has continued to evolve and inspire, bridging generations of theater enthusiasts.

Bill also dives into the heartwarming revival of the beloved holiday show, "I Remember Christmas." This special performance...

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In this heartfelt episode of 'Keeping it Real with Sharon,' we sit down with Kathy Nerangis, a pillar of the Winchester community and a visionary business leader. Kathy opens up about the early days with her husband Nick, when they took a daring leap of faith to open Winchester’s very first McDonald’s franchise. Facing numerous challenges, their persistence and unwavering dedication not only overcame these hurdles but also paved the way for expansion into multiple franchises. Kathy shares the story of how their family business grew, their ongoing commitment to comm...

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In this enlightening episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," I sit down with Carrie Luebcke, the visionary founder and owner of Scarpa Alta. Carrie shares her inspiring journey from dreaming of owning her own boutique as a young adult to making that dream a vivid reality before starting her family. Over the years, Scarpa Alta has flourished, becoming a beloved staple in our community for both clothing and gifts. Carrie opens up about the dual challenges of navigating small business ownership and motherhood, especially as her family grew alongside her business. She...

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In this episode, my guest is Tyler Emerick, the passionate founder of The Dripbar in Winchester, VA. Tyler took a bold leap of faith, while still working at a steady job to pursue his dream of enhancing community health. His new business proudly offers a range of IV therapies and aesthetic treatments designed to optimize health in ways that traditional supplements cannot. By delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, The Dripbar bypasses the digestive system, providing immediate and potent health benefits. Guests at this modern IV spa can experience a variety of improvements...

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Join us on 'Keeping it Real with Sharon' as we sit down with Lauri Bridgeforth, a talented photographer and dedicated community activist from our own backyard. Lauri has not only captured the essence of our community through her lens but also transformed her lifelong passion into a flourishing business. In this episode, we delve into Lauri's journey from a local enthusiast to a professional photographer, exploring how her roots and entrepreneurial spirit have shaped her career and contributions to the community. 

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sarah Gallahan, a talented muralist whose artwork is transforming communities, one building at a time. Over the past 7 years, Sarah’s business has flourished as she continues to paint vibrant, large-scale murals on the sides of buildings, both locally and in surrounding areas. We’ll explore her journey from a passionate artist to a thriving business owner, and how she turned her love for art into a career she adores. Sarah paints every mural freehand, bringing a personal and creative touc...

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 In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," I sit down with Vicki Harris-Williams, the visionary behind A Safe Haven for Seniors, an invaluable resource providing expert guidance to families of elderly members at no cost. Vicki dives into the crucial role her business plays in filling the existing gaps within the senior care industry. She sheds light on how many families struggle to navigate the complex landscape of available resources for aging parents and how her initiative helps ease this burden. By offering personalized advice and support, Vicki and her team e...