Send us a text 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 ...
Jun 21, 2025•33 min
Send us a text 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 fut...
Jun 06, 2025•35 min
Send us a text 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 ...
May 23, 2025•32 min
Send us a text 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 ...
May 09, 2025•25 min
Send us a text 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 intrica...
Apr 18, 2025•32 min
Send us a text 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 profes...
Apr 04, 2025•31 min
Send us a text 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 relationship...
Mar 21, 2025•33 min
Send us a text 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....
Mar 07, 2025•33 min
Send us a text 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 ...
Feb 21, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Send us a text 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 change...
Feb 07, 2025•30 min
Send us a text 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 succes...
Jan 24, 2025•33 min
Send us a text 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 influen...
Jan 10, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Send us a text 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 he...
Dec 13, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Send us a text 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 stori...
Dec 07, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Send us a text 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. Kath...
Nov 19, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Send us a text 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 busin...
Nov 15, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Send us a text 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 im...
Oct 18, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Send us a text 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...
Oct 04, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Send us a text 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....
Sep 20, 2024•31 min
Send us a text 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 initiativ...
Sep 06, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Send us a text Join us on this inspiring episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon as we explore the life of Laura Bergmann, an exceptional athlete and the founder of Fascia Lines. Laura shares her compelling journey of overcoming significant health challenges through a holistic understanding of the body's interconnectedness. Her passion for helping others led her to start Fascia Lines, where she harnesses her deep knowledge to aid in her own recovery and ascend to becoming an award-winning athlete...
Aug 23, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Send us a text In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we sit down with Terin Fetty, the inspiring force behind Sky Climb Sensory Development Center. Terin recognized a critical need to support children facing various challenges and dedicated her career to uncovering their potential through occupational therapy. Taking a leap of faith, she opened her own business, specializing in a collaborative approach to therapy that blends innovative methods within a sensory-rich environment. Terin...
Aug 09, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Send us a text In this inspiring episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we sit down with Abby Rodriguez, Marketing Director at Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics and a spirited DJ, who shares her compelling journey through adversity. Abby opens up about how maintaining a positive attitude was pivotal in navigating the challenges of being a single mother and overcoming a personal tragedy. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of a smile and a positive outlook, which not only propell...
Jul 26, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Send us a text In this episode of "Keeping it Real with Sharon," we dive into the heartwarming world of aging actively and healthily with special guests Rachael Hite and Leila Orndorff. Both Rachael and Leila are dedicated to enhancing the lives of the elderly through innovative programs at Westminster Canterbury Shenandoah Valley. They share their experiences and the unique challenges they face in creating environments that not only support but also encourage an active lifestyle for their resid...
Jul 12, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Send us a text In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, we have the honor of interviewing Dr. Mercedes Abbet, the Executive Director of the Sinclair Health Clinic in Winchester, VA. Dr. Abbet's inspiring journey began in Argentina, where she embarked on her medical career. Seeking new opportunities and driven by a desire for change, she moved to the United States. Upon entering the U.S. medical field, Dr. Abbet identified a critical gap in the healthcare system: minorities often struggled...
Jun 07, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Send us a text Join us in this inspiring episode of our podcast as we sit down with Alex Vidal, President of ERA Real Estate, a leader in global real estate located in 30 countries with over 40,000 agents. With no college degree, Alex's extraordinary journey to the top is a testament to the power of setting goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and harboring a relentless passion for success. In our conversation, Alex shares the pivotal moments and key decisions that shaped his career and life. ...
May 24, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Send us a text In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Wendy Werner, the past executive director, and Courtney McCalley, the newly appointed executive director of Friday's Child Adoption Services. Together, they explore the multifaceted world of adoption, discussing various scenarios and educational approaches for children of all ages. Wendy and Courtney provide an insider’s view on the meticulous steps involved in placing a child with a waiting family, emphasizing the profound impact of ...
May 10, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Mandy VanFossen, the dynamic owner of East Coast Gymnastics and Cheer, whose vision and resilience have turned challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Just a month after moving her business into a larger facility, the unexpected hit of COVID-19 posed an unforeseen challenge, leaving Mandy without government assistance and the future of her business in uncertain waters. Despite these trials, her unwave...
Apr 26, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Send us a text In this heartwarming episode of our podcast, we sit down with Dorcas Sturgill and Bethany Searfoss, the inspirational founders of Gowns for His Glory, an organization that's making prom dreams come true for young ladies in our community. Discover how these two remarkable women, from vastly different backgrounds, joined forces to address the need for accessible prom attire. Bethany, who navigated a troubled childhood, turned her challenges into a catalyst for change, while Dorcas g...
Apr 12, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable business journey of Milissa Marshall, a tenacious woman entrepreneur who embarked on her venture into the fitness industry when she bought Dazzling Diva Fitness just before the unforeseen challenges of COVID-19 in 2019. Despite the tumultuous times, Milissa's fitness studio not only survived but thrived, thanks to the incredible support from her devoted community. We explore the essence of this extraordinary bond and how it p...
Mar 29, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 6
