The Scout Guide Richmond | Blog

Discover excellent artists, artisans, and independent businesses in The Scout Guide (TSG) Richmond, Virginia city guide. Follow TSG Richmond to get an insider’s view on where to go, what to do, and where to shop in Richmond.

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Wendell Powell Studio

Established in 1943, Wendell Powell Studio is a Richmond institution with an impeccable reputation that has carried on for 75 years. Owner and photographer Douglas Hinckley continues the tradition of excellence with customer service and mastery of his craft. He and wife, Jill,  are two of the nicest, most personable people and it shows through in their work. Working with them the past few years has been a joy and I have seen first hand how happy their clients are.  They can tackle the largest gala in town and photograph the sweetest portrait as well.  They provided me with the most wonderful pictures of my three children last year just playing and hanging out informally that I just cherish.  

Focused on you, Wendell Powell Studio strives to achieve heirloom quality photography that looks timeless and effortless. Doug’s gift for making all of his clients feel at ease no matter how big, small, or high energy the occasion is paramount in achieving the natural look his subjects and peers have come to regard. 

Doug has been honored by both his peers and the public by being voted Top Ten Photographer of the Year by Virginia Professional Photographers Association as well as voted #1 Best Photographer in Virginia Living Magazine last year. It’s important to mention the studio ranked among the top 3 in both the 2015 and 2016 ‘Best Of issues as well. 

Maintaining perfect harmony between a contemporary, leading edge artist’s eye and classic, traditional techniques the care and attention to detail meets the bride and grooms’ expectations every time. Consultations are personal and in-depth. Wendell Powell’s warm, intimate style is reflected in the photographs you and your family will cherish forever! 

Learn more about Wendell Powell here.

most of the copy by Caroline Hogue of Design by E

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CHAIRity

UFab Interiors is hosting a design reveal and live charity auction titled CHAIRity in celebration of their 10th anniversary. The event will be held on October 19th beginning at 6:30pm. Twelve influential artists and designers including  TSG Richmond participants, Susan Jamieson and Katie Ukrop ,will auction custom fabricated chairs during an evening of delicious hors d’oeuvres served from Saison, fine wine and craft beverages. Live music will be provided by Emme St. James and Her Jazz Gentlemen, a local jazz performer. This is a ticketed event and proceeds will benefit CARITAS, the largest homeless service provider in Central Virginia. Tickets are currently available through Eventbrite here!

The featured designers are dear clients and we look forward to this wonderful event.

Katie Ukrop, Quirk

Paul Trible, Ledbury

Bill Sorrell, Thibaut

Ed Trask, Artist

Karen Hardy, Accent Interiors

Kathy Corbet, Kathy Corbet Interiors

Kenneth Byrd, Kenneth Byrd Designs

Kim Childs, Kim Childs Design

Beth Scherr & Erika Vaden, Amebella Home

Kelly Brown, Kelly Brown Interiors

Stevie McFadden & Alicia Hogue Conrad, Flourish Spaces

Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

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Jack & Jewels, One Stop Shop

Jack & Jewels is a boutique bursting with color, fun, and cheeky accessories that will help you live your best life this vacation season! Whether you plan on making a splash by entertaining in your backyard or packing your bags for an adventure, Jack & Jewels has the perfect pieces to compliment your style. Look like a bronzed goddess straight out of Troy this summer in a pair of metallic sandals from Jack Rogers. 

Jet set to Tulum with multicolored market totes, insulated cooler bags, and handy travel pouches from Spartina 449. Decorated with summer themed mermaids, anchors, pineapples and flamingos these bags make perfect travel companions and great gifts. Easy and elegant Zenzii jewelry offers the perfect amount of bohemian chic that can be dressed up or down. No matter what your itinerary, don’t forget to grab a Southern Proper koozie!

Owner Lizanne Jeveret, a veteran boutique owner with vision, has a hands-on approach when selecting beautiful items to have in store for her more than loyal followers. If a customer has something specific in mind, she has been known to order it for them directly. Also known for her unique, handmade porcupine jewelry, Lizanne provides her customers with exactly what they crave— affordable gift options and charming accessories for every occasion. Certainly a lifestyle brand, Jeveret’s Jack & Jewels is a standout leader of the pack especially in the handmade jewelry department.  She makes amazing jewelry in all styles and very affordable as well.  Stop by and Tell Her Scout Sent You! 

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Mark Your Calendars in May at Niche Fit Studio

Niche provides a unique workout experience. Their thoughtful approach to movement, in a light filled space gives you the opportunity to flourish. Their small class sizes ensure you are working out safely and with the best instruction possible.  There are group classes, private classes and semi privates. Jaclyn Forrester is the owner and a trainer at this beautiful, peaceful studio in the fan.  She brings and amazing approach to her business and clients are ensured of a good, safe workout.  Whether it is pilates, yoga or a group class like Niche’s circuit training there is something for everyone.  Niche also has amazing events and there are two in May that we want you to know about.  

Introduction to the Reformer Workshop for National Pilates Day 

The Reformer – even the name is intimidating! But, the last thing we want is intimidation or fear to keep a potential client from experiencing all the amazing benefits and fun of the reformer.

If you’ve been curious about it or just want to deepen your knowledge – join us on National Pilates Day for an Introduction to Reformer Workshop.

In this workshop we will learn about the parts and props of the machine (from springs to jump board) along with basic Pilates principles (like breathing and alignment), so that everyone can feel comfortable and leave with confidence to sign up for a beginner’s class or private session.

Participants will get to move and work throughout the afternoon as we breakdown basic exercises for a safe, functional and effective whole-body workout.

This workshop will be held May 5th 1- 3pm.

Cost: $25, monthly members receive 10% off 

Head to the Niche Fit Studio website to enter

photo: Juliet Bryant 

Create Your Custom Scent with Maven Made

In this workshop, Bethany, creator of skincare and wellness line Maven Made, will be providing information, tips and aromatic hands-on experience with herbal, fatty and essential oils. You'll have the chance to create your own custom roll-on blend using her collection of ethically-sourced and organic oils. Used correctly, botanical-based oils make wonderful allies for healing, balancing and nourishing. Your blend can be used to balance the mind, increase energy, aid menstrual cramps or ease hot flashes, promote better sleep, reduce stress or as an aromatic fragrance - the list is limitless.

Herbal infused champagne cocktails will be provided.

This workshop will be held May 4th 5:30- 7pm

Cost: $35, monthly members receive 10% off

Head to the Niche website to enter 

photo: Juliet Bryant 

Photo: Juliet Bryant 

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Get to Know Sarah Nicholas of Ladles and Linens

         Growing up in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, Sarah Nicholas’ memories are centered around cooking, entertaining, and family gatherings— much the staple of any southern home. It’s her belief that history and food are inextricably connected. After a major life decision to give up her career with the FBI in order follow her passion, she graduated from the lauded International Culinary Center (Formerly The French Culinary Institute) in New York City. Her career in food began with a cooking show on PBS, The Story of Cooking, and last year after three seasons and a fourth in the works, she made another major life decision. Having always wanted to move back to Virginia, taking over ownership of Ladles & Linens was a perfect way for Sarah to continue pursuing her passion for making food accessible to everyone and bringing her family closer to home. She carried the well-loved and long-standing brand through their 20th anniversary last year, as well as brought her sensibility to the store. With her beliefs in the value that food brings to family, she has a fresh take on what the kitchen retail store should represent.

The store carries more party, gift, and locally made essentials along with everything the gourmet home cook/mother/father/host/foodie may need. Hosting a series of cooking classes in-store with themes such as ‘No Cooking Cooking’ and ‘Summer Tapas’ she always wants her customers to leave with more knowledge than when they came in. “I want the store to be an ongoing cooking party and everyone is invited,” she told Richmond Magazine last year. She has turned the Richmond, Lexington, and Roanoke stores into community staples that get people excited about gathering in the kitchen! Pop by and see what it is all about!  

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MEET || Branch Feagans, India Hicks Ambassador

On Friday night I watched a live feed of India Hicks presenting her new Spring line from a hotel in California with her ambassadors watching and laughing as India presented the new products, she’s pretty funny!   TSG Richmond participant and India Hicks Ambassador, Branch Feagans, was in the room learning about the new India Hicks items available for Spring .  India Hicks London-Harbour Island is a lifestyle brand of affordable luxury products.  Branch was introduced to the India Hicks brand in the Spring of 2017 by a dear friend and native of Richmond, Angier Johnston Miller and was very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of her products.  She was immediately hooked and signed up right away to be an Ambassador.  This past weekend at the India Hicks Leadership Retreat at the Four Seasons Westlake outside of L.A., Branch was recognized for her leadership earning her the title of Director!   AND, to top it all off Branch also earned a trip and will travel to London & Oxfordshire England in April. She will visit all of India’s favorite places, meet India’s brother, Ashley Hicks, and the highlight - have tea with India’s mother, Lady Pamela Mountbatten Hicks at her home.  SO envious!!  

Branch Feagans with India Hicks this past weekend in California! 

Dinner table set by India herself this past weekend

India Hicks Ambassadors at the Leadership Retreat 

Branch loves India’s handbags, accessories and beauty products and how affordable these quality products are.  She also loves that the company India has created offers women a chance to make money doing what they love dabbling in fashion, shopping and socializing. These India Hicks Ambassadors are smart savvy business women and some  have children to care for and want to work on their own time. This company empowers women and provides them with the tools necessary to build a successful business.  India Hicks also values giving back through the Get Together/Give Together Program as does Branch with her many charitable endeavors locally!  Take a look at some of the exciting new offerings for Spring! 

To experience the India Hicks Collection in person, please contact Branch at [email protected] or give her a call at 804.517.1697.  The Spring Collection is now live on her website!

Branch will be hosting a trunk show at her home on January 28th from 1-4 with a portion of proceeds benefiting VMFA’s Early Childhood Education Program. 

You can also find her at several Pop Ups this Spring around town:

    Friday, 2/2 from 11-3 at Monkees of Richmond benefitting VCU’s Massey Cancer Center

     Thursday, 3/1 from 3-7 at Nellie George benefitting the World Pediatric Project

    Friday, 4/20 from 10-4 and Saturday from 9-3 at the Village Green Fair, Collegiate School

Drop by, email or call Branch and tell her Scout sent you! ~Cheney

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Meet Local Artist Chris Shands

Bold colors, expressive texture, and captivating lines compose contemporary artist Chris Shands’ masterpieces. For over twenty years Shands has been creating beautiful things, starting her career as a textile artist and ceramicist before shifting towards painting as a profession—or rather, vocation.

 Shands, who derives her inspiration for her artwork from her extensive travels in the Far East during her childhood, applies her contemporary style to figurative pieces, both on canvas and paper. However, her work is primarily abstract, manifested on canvas or paper in a myriad of mediums and colors. From triptych-like panels to graceful portrait-oriented pieces, all of Shands’ paintings have delicate yet striking threads of gold leaf inlaid, contrasting with her bright and feminine palettes.

 Shands’ artistic process is editorial in nature, as she begins by painting layers of colors on her canvases with random strokes before removing certain layers using a variety of tools to revise the piece. Deliberately, Shands editing process reveals the final masterpiece—layers of history of paint, unearthed through thoughtful and creative revision.

Admirers of Shands’ distinctive but universal style can look forward to her upcoming show at Palette Paint and Home on Grove Avenue this October. It will feature Shands’ collection where her work will be available for perusal, approval, and purchase, including pieces from her mixed media Petit Bijoux series. We love the Petit Bijoux series!  

 Find more information about Shands’ work, view her online gallery, or see her contact information here. Learn more about Shands’ upcoming reception and installation at Palette Paint and Home here.

copy written by Anna Pollard 

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McVey Valentine Interior Design Takes On Mid Century Modern

For Nan McVey, beautiful design means spontaneity, cohesiveness, and comfort: a style she would sum up as eclectic. McVey, who has worked in design since 1985 and partners with Margaret Valentine for McVey Valentine Interior Design, says they love to give homes an original aesthetic, and do this by finding inspiration in the client, listening to their needs and considering their style.

 For McVey and Valentine, working on a project becomes a trilateral team effort alongside the client, balancing functionality and style so the home is unified—but never predictable. McVey likes to use color as a thread, connecting elements of a space while incorporating unique visual interest and personal flair. 

 The latest project—or challenge—for McVey and Valentine has been the redesign of the McVey’s new home. McVey says the midcentury modern they moved into last September was a complete reversal for her family, and just as much of a challenge to decorate, since McVey’s traditional furniture easily complimented their old home, a Duncan Lee.

 Yet, McVey and Valentine were up for the challenge, applying the same consideration they have used for years for clients of all style and inclination. “At first I thought ‘Oh no, I could not possibly live in that house!’ Then, I started dreaming about what I could do with it as a challenge and make it a home,” McVey said.

 Although she and Valentine are continually amending the home here and there—and even beginning a project on Valentine’s mountain house—McVey said she loves the home for the challenge of the drastic change. “We practiced how to use what we had, because we had to, throwing in some twists that married our antiques and the midcentury modern,” McVey said. “It’s just growing outside of the comfortable box you were in and looking forward to change.”

 Now, thanks to the design duo, the home has been brought to life with masterful mingling of traditional and modern; it’s flooded with natural light and has a neutral, dignified ease to it that came with incorporating well-worn family heirlooms with the clean angular lines of the house. Family portraits and bright mirrors adorn the walls, exemplifying McVey and Valentine’s practice of integrating personal style while using a restrained ‘less is more’ method.

 McVey’s favorite room in the house? She loves the living room for its sereneness and peacefulness; it’s painted in a neutral misty gray titled “Cornforth White” by Farrow & Ball and accented with her mother’s antique side-tables, serving as a simple space, but also seamlessly unifying old and new.

 To learn more about McVey Valentine Interior Design’s projects and services, visit their homepage here, browse their Instagram here, or contact them here.

written by Anna Pollard

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Getting To Know Richmond Web Developer Taylor Pace

For 10 years, hundreds of companies have found website solutions in Taylor Pace Web Development.  In an era where an online and mobile presence is a must for any business, Taylor creates websites that are not only functional, but also beautiful and mobile-friendly for his clients, making them stand out among their competitors. 

Taylor couples a quality product with quality customer care as the heart of his business partnerships, and his success is a manifestation of this commitment. He markets himself on his rapid response time for clients, assuring, “You will always hear from me, and usually mind-blowingly fast. It's very important to me that you feel taken care of, educated on what you are getting and that you are my main focus.” For Taylor, the websites he makes are all about his clients, and the care they receive from him reflects this philosophy. 

Matching his quick response time, Taylor's clients are equally eager to praise his work and business approach.  One of Taylor's longest running clients is local clothing brand Collared Greens . Their president Mason Antrim says, “Taylor is fantastic to work with, he is knowledgeable and helpful for those who are not as web savvy as others. He is always around to help, and makes you feel confident that your website will function as desired.” Understanding his clients needs and vision is part of the job for Taylor, but it's also part of the fun too. From start-ups to nonprofits like the Virginia Capital Trail which just launched in August, Taylor's clientele varies widely, yet he finds a way to create beautiful and functional sites for each. Taylor’s clients span far and wide to include Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island, Georgia, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, California and even Australia but here is a sampling of some local RVA clients!

Startups Legacy Navigator Ruby Salts Oyster Co E-commerce Collared Greens JT Spencer CCH Collection Local Artists Art by Janie Pinney

Carson Price, Fine Art

Organizations and Non Profits Virginia Capital Trail Kanawha Recreation Association State Government Chris Peace Delegate Business Pohlig Packaging CT Purcell INC Jolly Consulting

Schools

Saint Stephens Preschool

Taylor says he’s always looking to grow his network, but relies on word-of-mouth referrals, and he does not advertise himself on his clients’ websites, which is another detail modeling his outstanding customer service. As Taylor himself puts it, "its your website, not mine!" Based here in Richmond, VA, Taylor is not hard to find (or hard to reach) and knows how to make your business stand out in the vast ocean of websites. For more information on Taylor Pace Web Development, visit Taylor Pace.

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Marsh & McLennan Agency Protects Richmond Families

Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA), formerly Rutherfoord, has a long history of providing affluent individuals and families in Richmond with creative insurance and loss prevention solutions. Their history and experience means you have access to qualified private client professionals who will partner with you to develop tailor-made solutions.

With worldwide capabilities, resources, knowledgeable professionals, and a client-focused approach they ensure that you are protected. From multi-generational planning and comprehensive home and auto policies to the most exotic of coverages, MMA is your resource for all your personal insurance needs.

Marsh & McLennan offers more than just the right products and services.  They offer a client-focused approach that focuses on individualized attention delivering recommendations that work for you today and as your needs change and evolve.  It’s not just about insurance with Marsh & McLennan it’s also about a solid relationship with your trusted advisors to keep your assets protected. Call MMA for your insurance needs and tell them Scout Sent You! ~Cheney

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Carreras Jewelers has Captured Richmond’s Moments for 50 Years

Photo by Betty Clicker

After the death of her husband in 2006, Rejena Carreras decided to keep the show room sparkling. The pair had run the store together since 1970, so she made it her mission to keep the business that her husband had poured years of time and effort into thriving. Rejena believes having the right team in place and customer loyalty was key to the success of Carreras Jewelers during that time of transition and into the future. She soon felt that Bill’s dream and vision had become her own.  

As Carreras Jewelers celebrates its 50th anniversary, Rejena still comes into the office every day. She takes pride in having the most knowledgeable team in town with two Certified Gemologist Appraisers, a Registered Jeweler, and the rest of the staff working towards professional designations. Rejena has set Carreras Jewelers apart with their one of a kind estate jewelry hand selected by her Certified Jewelry Appraiser.  People travel from throughout the state to peruse the cases and see what has been added since their last visit.   She also works with her team to make sure they are capturing their clients’ moments: engagements, weddings, births, birthdays, anniversaries and many more.  “It is the connection with the customers that have kept us open for 50 years and will keep us open many more,” says Rejena.

They are looking forward to another 50 years, and even though Rejena admits she might not be here for the 100th anniversary she sees the future of Carreras to be one where “Carreras Jewelers is a household name and one where we will keep taking a role in the evolution of the jewelry industry.”

Carreras Jewelers will have special celebrations happening throughout the year to mark their golden anniversary.  Keep an eye out for them in Volume 6 of TSG Richmond due out in the Fall.  

Specializing in one of a kind Estate pieces, diamonds, fine gold, sterling silver, color gemstones, and pearls, Carreras always has the perfect gift to celebrate every life event and capture each moment.  Carreras also provides detailed appraisals for insurance purposes, jewelry redesign, repair services and jewelry buying.  For more information on Carreras Jewelers visit www.carrerasjewelers.com

Photo taken after the release of a recent The Richmond Times Dispatch Article on Rejena and Carreras

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Wendell Powell Studio Delivers The Best

Over the past couple of years I have had the extreme pleasure of getting to know Jill and Douglas Hinckley of Wendell Powell Studio.  I say extreme pleasure because they are two of the nicest, kindest, friendliest people in the business.  Wendell Powell Studio has been a mainstay in Richmond since 1940.  I have pictures in my family dating back to those early years and WPS did my bridal portrait, my wedding and my children’s portraits.  While they are perfect it was before Jill and Douglas’s ownership.  I wish I had known them then. 

What I see now with the many services they provide is absolute expertise, professionalism, sheer joy for their customer’s special moments in life and the ability to remain traditional yet infuse exciting new trends that the younger ages are looking for.  They can do it all and that is why they were voted Best Photography in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine this year!    Take a look at their portfolio of work and see for yourself. 

I love seeing Douglas and Wendell Powell at most of the happenings around town.  This Friday, Douglas will shoot the 61st annual Bal du Bois at the The Country Club of Virginia and then a beautiful wedding at the same location on Saturday night.  Choosing the right team for life’s special and most important milestones is a big decision.  WPS is professional, friendly, and captures those candid moments that are cherished for a lifetime.  WPS is the best in town, offering wedding photography, portraits, oil portraits, children and family photographs, restoration and framing. Stay tuned for gala pictures from the Bal this weekend and call Wendell Powell Studio for your photography needs!  ~Cheney

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Summer Essentials from 1z2z3z

Memorial Day is nearing, and summer is finally on the horizon! We got together with Lief Stiles owner of 1z2z3z Baby & Toddler Boutique and put together a list of summer essentials that are absolute must haves. We can’t resist the cuteness!

1. Vespa Romper Straight from the Riviera, this romper will take her places. Sizes 3-18 months, $46

2. Floaters Mom won't be crabby with these fun arm floaters, now 50% off ($6!!), and the matching smocked crab bathing suit in blue gingham is so precious. Sizes 12 month -4T, $39.95 

3. Sailor Romper Ahoy there cuteness! Terry striped sailor romper: 0-9 months, $38

4. Flamingo Swimsuit   Flipping for flamingoes, especially on this smocked swimsuit with ruffle skirt! 6 months -3T, $48, Hand Crochet Rattle, $2.50

5. Striped Bodysuit This striped sunny bodysuit will brighten her day. 0-24 months, $39.95

6. Seashell Top & Shorts She sells seashells...........and cute swing tops with shorts! Loving these colors- beach, here we come! $59.95 sizes 3-4T

Get your little one ready for summer with one stop shopping at 1z2z3z and Tell Them Scout Sent You! ~Cheney

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Virginia Eye Institute: Giving Patients A Chance To See

We’ve featured some incredible award winning businesses on the blog, and we just have to add this one to our list (and for good reason).

The Virginia Eye Institute  just introduced a new, life altering procedure to their already impressive list of services. This new procedure is called Crosslinking, and is FDA approved for patients with Keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that eventually takes the sight of the patient. Crosslinking can prevent progression of the disease, helping patients avoid the need for a corneal transplant. 

Dr. Christopher Estopinal, new to VEI from Michigan,  recently began performing this new procedure at the Short Pump location. The procedure was a huge success. 

Although Estopinal is new to VEI, he is not new to ophthalmology. After receiving his doctorate of medicine from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, he completed his residency at Vanderbilt, serving as Chief Resident. This was followed by a fellowship in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery at the University of Michigan's W.K. Kellogg Eye Center. Estopinal is thrilled to be back in Virginia, home to his alma mater, University of Virginia. He is a wonderful addition to the team of skilled physicians at VEI, and it is his goal to provide compassionate, high-quality, advanced care for surgical and medical diseases of the anterior segment. Dr. Donna D. Brown is also performing this procedure as well. 

Estopinal and Brown are not the only doctors from the Virginia Eye Institute that needs to be recognized for their excellence and expertise. Several doctors from the VEI swept Richmond Magazine’s April Issue of Top Docs. Drs. Brown, Bullock, and Bundy took the entire Opthalmologist category, and Dr. Amanda Kelly won in the Optometrist category.

Having good eye sight doesn’t have to be a luxury anymore. At the Virginia Eye Institute, it can be a reality for even the toughest of cases.

VEi also offers the best in Oculofacial Surgery as well.  Dr. William Bearden offers state of the art cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and face. 

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Courtney Ludeman’s Park Avenue Project

I just loved the first time I sat down with Courtney Ludeman of Courtney Ludeman Interiors.  She had such a calm peaceful way about her and she put me right at ease.  I know she does this for her clients as well when creating beautiful interiors.  As one of the only interior designers in Richmond who is also a Class A Contractor, Courtney brings her clients a seamless experience by managing all aspects of a project. Courtney has the ability to handle everything a job throws at her, from budgets  to time management to the actual technical aspects of the job. Courtney can do it all.  Her experience has created long lasting relationships with the most trusted craftsmen in the area so that she can assemble the best team possible to complete each aspect of her design. 

Take for example her latest Park Avenue project in the Fan district.  This beautiful house was in need of a new kitchen and breakfast nook but needed to maintain the character of the old home.  

 Drab, dark and dreary, the original kitchen had black trim with orange walls and the cabinetry lay out was not efficient for cooking, entertainment or storage. they redesigned the new soft gray custom cabinetry to maximize the space so that cooking and entertaining would be easier and more fun. Additionally, a much needed lighting design included recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting and two new chandeliers. The new panelled appliances, quartizite countertops, soft gray walls,  with white dove trim and brushed gold hardware created an enchanting kitchen that is not only a lovely addition to this historic home, but will be a delight for this couple to enjoy for many years.

Courtney Ludeman Interiors sees a project from start to finish including working directly with the architect.  Courtney can tackle any project and does is expertly!  

~Cheney

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One Stop Shopping at Carreras Jewelers

Oh how we love May!  This beautiful spring month is filled with graduations, Mother’s Day, weddings and engagements. Carreras Jewelers is your one stop shop for every event you have this month. They are celebrating 50 years in the business this year so they are the absolute experts when it comes to giving jewelry.  Carreras Jewelers has it all!

1. Birthstone Bands Birthstone jewelry is a classic gift option for a birthday or Mother’s Day. You can’t go wrong with any of these. We love them stacked like this.  

2. Mastoloni Earrings 14kt yellow gold, these beauties would look perfect on graduation day or as a gift to the mother of the bride or groom.

3. St. Christopher Medal  St. Christopher, the patron of safe travels,  makes the perfect gift for the graduate heading off to college or into the real world. 

4. Diamond Band The perfect wedding band to grace your loved one’s hand on the big day

5. Belle Etoile Pashmina White Bangle This bohemian bracelet is great winner for Mother’s Day. 

6. Peter Storm Engagement Ring Choosing an engagement ring is difficult. But this ring is timeless and a total stunner, making it the perfect symbol of commitment. 

Pop by the shop and Tell Them Scout Sent You! ~Cheney

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The Face Behind Annalise Bridal

Meet Lindsey Livesay, owner of the award winning bridal shop Annalise Bridal Boutique.

After leaving her job as a Financial Analyst for National Geographic and moving to Richmond with her husband, she decided she needed a change of pace. “Ultimately, my own post wedding blues, discontent with a desk job, and my desire to own a meaningful business led me to create Annalise Bridal Boutique,” Livesay recounts, “I have always wanted to own a meaningful business and helping brides look and feel beautiful on their big day is just as good as it gets”.

It is easy to see why this stunning boutique has been recognized by popular bridal publications like The Knot and Richmond Weddings, and it is all thanks to Livesay’s vision and passion for her business.

Livesay’s heart for her clients is evident in the service she provides, but there are a few things they may not know about this bubbly entrepreneur.

“I am a chocolate ice cream addict. I ate a bowl for breakfast everyday from Kindergarten to Senior year,” Livesay says. “Darn the college dorm room tiny refrigerators that forced me to break my routine!”

Another fun fact about Livesay? She once helped break a world record of the “Most Jumping Jacks Done at One Time” with Michelle Obama…on the White House Lawn. We’re just a little bit impressed by that one!

She also says that if she could have any super power it would be to fly, and that she has loved turtles since she was little. In fact, she adores them so much that her family and friends bring her turtle nicnacs from all over the world.

We loved  finding out these fun facts about Livesay, but even more so, we loved her advice to brides. “I could give a lot of advice for the wedding day, but one piece that I feel is so important is to remember to spend as much of the day together as possible. I know it sounds crazy since it’s your wedding day, but so many couples spend much of the day apart from each and miss out on enjoying it together,” she says.

If you are newly engaged and looking for your dream dress, schedule an appointment with Livesay at the beautiful downtown Richmond Annalise Bridal Boutique. You won’t regret it. And Tell Her Scout Sent You! ~Cheney