{"id":233549,"date":"2026-08-25T12:11:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/?p=233549"},"modified":"2026-08-25T12:11:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:11:06","slug":"august-locals-to-watch-northern-virginia-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/august-locals-to-watch-northern-virginia-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern Virginia Locals to Watch for August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"custom_featured_image\" style=\"display:none;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-800x533.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"august 2026 locals to watch\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-263x175.png 263w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><div id=\"custom_category\" style=\"display:none;\">neighbor news <\/div><p>People commonly say that their neighbors are one of the best parts of living in Northern Virginia. We would agree, which is why we&#8217;re so excited to share this month&#8217;s Locals to Watch. Our August locals represent all <a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/new-businesses-northern-virginia-summer-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kinds of businesses<\/a> in Northern Virginia, from physical fitness to high-end pet treats to handcrafted jewelry. What they all have in common is a desire to use their skills to help their neighbors, whether it be through solving a legal problem or increasing daily wellness. <strong>Read on for more about our August Locals to Watch in Northern Virginia. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-233559\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch.png\" alt=\"august 2026 locals to watch\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/august-2026-locals-to-watch-263x175.png 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Sarah Crissup, <a href=\"https:\/\/fitbodybootcamp.com\/locations\/fairfax-va\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FitBody Boot Camp, Fairfax<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>After more than a decade in corporate B2B technology marketing, Sarah Crissup made a pivot into health and wellness. Now she is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Fit Body Forever-certified coach at Fairfax Fit Body Boot Camp. Sarah works with adults of all ages to build strength, confidence, and healthier habits.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-233554\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/sarah-crissup.png\" alt=\"sarah crissup - fit body fairfax\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/sarah-crissup.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/sarah-crissup-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/sarah-crissup-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/sarah-crissup-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/sarah-crissup-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/sarah-crissup-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Her own experience as a Fit Body Boot Camp member inspired the transition. After seeing firsthand how structured workouts and a supportive community could make a difference, Sarah became a coach and found a new way to use the communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills she developed throughout her corporate career.<\/p>\n<p>Sarah\u2019s goal is to create a safe, welcoming community centered around fitness and nutrition education, with a focus on helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She especially loves the diversity of Northern Virginia and the different perspectives her clients bring to the gym.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Charry Lee, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.senseplaystudio.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sense Play Studio<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Charry Lee, founder of SensePlay Studio in Fairfax, created the studio around a simple idea: young children learn best when they\u2019re given the space to explore, experiment, and play at their own pace. Inspired by the little moments when a child discovers a new texture, solves a problem, or gains confidence, Charry hopes SensePlay gives families a calm, welcoming place to slow down and enjoy those milestones.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-233553\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/charry-lee.png\" alt=\"charry lee - sense play studio\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/charry-lee.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/charry-lee-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/charry-lee-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/charry-lee-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/charry-lee-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/charry-lee-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Her vision goes beyond creating a children\u2019s play space. Charry wants SensePlay to become a true community for local families, with opportunities for parents to connect while children enjoy meaningful, sensory-rich experiences in a low-stimulation environment. As an Asian and women-owned business, SensePlay reflects many of the things Charry loves most about Northern Virginia, including its diversity, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/arielle-shoshanna-mosaic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">This Alexandria Boutique is a Destination for Perfume Lovers Nationwide<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Jamie Park-Jung, <a href=\"https:\/\/shopgempark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gem Park Jewelry<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Jamie Park-Jung is a jewelry designer and metalsmith who opened Gem Park Jewelry in spring 2026 on Maple Avenue in Vienna. Jamie was trained at the Rhode Island School of Design and has over a decade of experience working with jewelry.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-233552\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/jamie-park.png\" alt=\"jamie park - gem park \" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/jamie-park.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/jamie-park-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/jamie-park-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/jamie-park-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/jamie-park-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/jamie-park-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The shop is stocked with Jamie\u2019s creations, plus items from other local designers and makers. A core rule for the inventory is that each piece must involve a maker directly in the creation process, avoiding mass-produced items. This commitment is exemplified by unique offerings like bags created by a DC-based designer using ancient techniques and recycled materials, reflecting the store&#8217;s dedication to supporting artistic collaboration. Jamie said she loves working with clients on custom pieces and is excited to help Vienna residents celebrate milestones and make memories with special pieces.<\/p>\n<h3>Alison Ranney, <a href=\"https:\/\/omwithaliyoga.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Om with Ali Yoga<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Alison Ranney, the Vienna-based founder of Om With Ali Yoga, has turned her personal journey with yoga into a community-focused practice. Ali is a lifelong fitness enthusiast who shifted her focus to yoga after experiencing injuries, eventually earning certifications in 2016 and 2020. Her training, specifically in the Lyt Yoga Method under physical therapist Lara Heimann, emphasizes postural alignment and neuromuscular activation, focusing on stability, mobility, and functional movement rather than just mastering poses.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-233556\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/ali-ranney.png\" alt=\"ali ranney yoga\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/ali-ranney.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/ali-ranney-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/ali-ranney-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/ali-ranney-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/ali-ranney-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/ali-ranney-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Alison\u2019s teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to achieve freedom in their bodies so they can enjoy daily life activities, like hiking, gardening, or sleeping better, without pain. She avoids forcing flexibility, instead encouraging students to trust their bodies and recognize their own capabilities. Her classes are designed to build energy, support injury prevention, and provide a necessary break from the repetitive physical patterns of modern life, helping students feel that their bodies are working with them rather than against them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Valeriia and Weber Wang, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pawsandjoypetbakery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paws + Joy Pet Bakery<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>This Arlington-based boutique pet treat business specializes in creating high-quality, celebration-themed treats that use human-grade ingredients such as organic beef and goat cheese. Valeriia and Weber were inspired to start the business after wanting to find more options for healthy but elevated treats for pets.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-233557\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/WV-Wang.png\" alt=\"W+V Wang - Paws + Joy Pet Bakery\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/WV-Wang.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/WV-Wang-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/WV-Wang-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/WV-Wang-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/WV-Wang-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/WV-Wang-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Valeriia + Weber prioritize a premium customer experience by incorporating personalized unboxing touches, such as hand-drawn cards from Ukrainian artists. Beyond their commercial success, the business maintains a strong philanthropic commitment, regularly donating treats to local animal welfare organizations to help shelter animals celebrate holidays. Looking ahead, the business aims to expand its reach and community involvement. They are actively engaging with the local pet community through events and are exploring strategic partnerships and media collaborations, including potential features in local media series, to further build their brand presence and connect with more pet owners.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>See more:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/cellar-seneca-great-falls-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Great Falls Locals Transform BRX American Bistro Into The Cellar on Seneca<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Roya Vasseghi, <a href=\"https:\/\/vasseghilaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vasseghi Law Group<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Roya Vasseghi is an attorney and founder of Vasseghi Law Group, located in Fairfax, where she helps businesses, executives, professional practices, and individuals across Virginia, D.C., and Maryland navigate workplace disputes, legal issues, and compliance matters. With years of courtroom experience, Roya understands what can happen when a dispute goes all the way to trial, which helps her guide clients toward practical decisions early on. She also conducts independent workplace investigations and has particular experience working with healthcare practices and physicians on employment and regulatory issues.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-233558\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/roya-vasseghi.png\" alt=\"roya vasseghi - vasseghi law group\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/roya-vasseghi.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/roya-vasseghi-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/roya-vasseghi-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/roya-vasseghi-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/roya-vasseghi-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/08\/roya-vasseghi-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For Roya, the most rewarding part of the job is helping people feel less overwhelmed by the legal process. She enjoys explaining complicated situations clearly and helping clients feel in control. She also enjoys mentoring college students, law students, and junior attorneys. She hopes to work with more Northern Virginia business owners who may not realize how valuable proactive legal guidance can be. Roya wants local entrepreneurs to see attorneys not just as people to call when something goes wrong, but as trusted advisers who can help prevent bigger problems down the road.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Follow @thefairfaxgirl on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thefairfaxgirl\/\"><span class=\"s2\">Instagram <\/span><\/a>+&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thefairfaxgirl\"><span class=\"s2\">TikTok<\/span><\/a> for the latest Northern Virginia updates, and check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/events\/\"><span class=\"s2\">events calendar<\/span><\/a>, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse. Sign up for our newsletter <a href=\"https:\/\/thefairfaxgirl.myflodesk.com\/launch2025\"><span class=\"s3\">here<\/span><\/a><\/span><span class=\"s4\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"categories\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/thefairfaxgirl.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stories<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>neighbor news People commonly say that their neighbors are one of the best parts of living in Northern Virginia. We would agree,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":424,"featured_media":233559,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[9354,9852,9775,8833,9709,7997,7998,9593,9728,9294],"tags":[9794,9763,9744,9743,9748,9845,9731,9735],"class_list":["post-233549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aapi-owned","category-arlington","category-community","category-culture","category-fairfax-county","category-lifestyle","category-people","category-local-girl-rss-feed","category-virginia","category-women-owned","tag-alexandria","tag-arlington","tag-fairfax-county","tag-northern-virginia","tag-small-business","tag-tlg","tag-virginia","tag-women-owned"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - 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