Growing up helping with basic cooking tasks in her homeland, Cristina’s culinary spark truly ignited when, at 15 and newly arrived in America, she prepared a meal that brought pure joy to her mother’s face. Though cooking remained her passion, financial constraints led her down a 15-year path in banking before the pandemic created an unexpected opportunity. When a client sought someone to prepare meals in their home, Cristina discovered her perfect business model – providing highly personalized chef services on weekdays while creating stunning grazing tables for events on weekends.
In a recent conversation with behavior change coach Shelly Belk, we explored the fascinating world of habit formation, self-sabotage, and the journey toward authentic self-support. Shelly’s background as a master’s-educated behavior analyst working with children with autism provided her with unique insights into human behavior that she now applies to coaching entrepreneurs and high achievers who feel stuck despite knowing what they need to do.
Diane Wright, author and artist from Winchester, Virginia. Diane is the writer and illustrator of the children’s book “Avoid Angry Alligators” and “My Ride.” She is also an avid runner working toward her goal of completing a race in all 50 states. Known for her positivity, creativity, and passion for teaching kindness through rhyme and art, Diane continues to inspire children and adults alike with her books, artwork, and speaking engagements.

Meet Jennifer Seven—owner of 7Company Weight Loss & Wellness, holistic nutritionist, meditation teacher, certified sound healer, and coach to thousands of women over the past 20 years. In this blog feature, Jennifer shares how she’s changing the conversation around weight loss for women 40+, helping them build customized, compassionate strategies rooted in science, self-worth, and soul. From GLP-1 coaching to sound healing, learn how Jennifer empowers women to ditch shame and reclaim their bodies and lives.

Nominate your favorite business owners to be featured on
We are currently accepting nominations to be featured on our Alimond Show Podcast. It's a great way for your favorite business owners to be seen by Northern Virginia locals.
Explore a curated collection of exceptional entrepreneurial headshots and branding visuals
from the
One actionable tip every week to take you from struggling local service based business owner → online in demand business owner.
follow @alimondstudio
If you're into growing your community, building your personal brand + looking good while doing it all ... You've come to the right place.
Our clients are stunning →
Photography Tutorials →
Wait, are we besties? →