Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 ### Business Presentation Featuring Yomna Sarhan of L-Lab **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our January 14th **1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Yomna Sarhan**, founder of **L-Lab**, an innovative after-school enrichment program designed to transform how children learn and grow beyond the classroom. ### About the Presenter Yomna Sarhan brings a diverse and impressive background to her entrepreneurial journey. She is a former **project manager overseeing $8M+ in government contracts**, has led **multidisciplinary teams of more than 20 employees**, and is a **multilingual consultant** who has worked in over **10 countries**. Yomna also founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the **Society of Egyptian American Professionals**, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education and community development. ### About the Business L-Lab was born out of a personal experience. When Yomna’s daughter was entering kindergarten, she discovered a lack of high-quality, enriching after-school programs in Loudoun County. Many existing programs focused solely on supervision rather than meaningful learning—despite children spending 10–15 hours per week and families investing significant resources in aftercare. L-Lab is changing that narrative. L-Lab is an **after-school language immersion enrichment program** for elementary-aged children, blending: * STEAM-based learning * Social-emotional development * Montessori-inspired approaches In addition to after-school programming, L-Lab offers **full-day camps** during school breaks, including winter, spring, and teacher workdays. ### Where Yomna Is Now L-Lab is currently in the **launch/startup phase**, with the full after-school program beginning in early January and a winter break program running at the end of December. Yomna is focused on enrollment, program validation, and building a strong foundation for growth. ### Feedback Yomna Is Seeking from the Community Yomna is coming to the 1 Million Cups stage looking for thoughtful feedback and insight on key challenges, including: * How to **shift the mindset around after-school programs** from “time-filling childcare” to meaningful enrichment * The most strategic way to **scale after a successful pilot** (January–June): * Expanding curriculum into schools * Focusing on one location first * How to **find and retain high-quality part-time staff** aligned with L-Lab’s mission and values ### Who Should Attend Yomna would especially love to have: * Entrepreneurs with experience **scaling service-based businesses** * Founders who have **modified or diversified offerings as they grew** * Parents and guardians interested in education, enrichment, and after-school programming ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Mindfulness Meditation group practice every Wednesday evening at Unity of Gaithersburg. Mindfulness practice is not about achieving some special state of mind; it is more about noticing the experience you are having without trying to change it. This interesting video suggests why you might sit and watch your mind wander off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmmBF8eTl18 This noticing tends to shift your nervous system from a 'fight-or-flight' state to a more relaxed and receptive state. In this receptive mental state, you begin to see your own experience differently and, over time, see other people and the world differently. Also, it is good for you: "the effect of regular meditation on the cortex was so profound that fifty-year-old meditators had a prefrontal cortex that looked like that of a twenty-five-year-old" [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLRZVTT](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLRZVTT) Here is an interesting and funny take on meditation by Ajahn Brahm: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR60RRmXeYs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR60RRmXeYs). If you arrive on time, there will be an introduction at the beginning, if you arrive late, find a chair and join us. There will be some discussion after. This is a free event, but contributions to the church's expenses are welcome. You can just show up this Wednesday or subsequent Wednesdays. More information at [https://www.unityofgaithersburg.org](https://www.unityofgaithersburg.org/)/

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Chess club is expanding to Patriot's Pub & Grill on Wednesdays! 6pm, per usual. We will have an entire backroom reserved that can seat around 30 people, with 4 TVs, our own audio system, and food and drinks you can order. Patriot's is located at: 10560 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030 See you soon!

Start at the old train depot. After the run, we'll meet at Mile 20 for a drink! Run starts at 6:45 pm we will head toward Sterling tonight. Run at your own pace out and back. 2 mile runners turn around at Crestview Drive. 3 mile runners turn around at Tamarack Court. 3.5 & 4 - No cross streets in this stretch. You're on your own. :-) 5 mile runners - turn around at Sterling Blvd.

Let's meet up and talk about places folks might want to go, or be interested in going, or have been, or know about, etc. We can talk about cool places we have been and might recommend. Some people may be experts on certain regions, or have been expats living in various countries, or seasoned world travelers. Other folks maybe have never left the US, but are thinking about it and interested to hear about some possible places they might try. I think folks interested in International Travel can be an interesting lot, and I have met some very fun and cool people at some of our past meetups. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of those folks again and also meeting some new possible friends as well. Tarbenders is a very cool, fairly new, restaurant/bar. It is built and decorated like an old fashioned cool, cozy hidden speakeasy, and is right in the heart of downtown Leesburg. You enter through a door for "Gogo's Italian Gelato" and then will head through the "secret" (not so secret) old fashioned telephone booth. There is usually a person there to knock on the Speakeasy Door for you, or I might be able to have it just stay open, but they usually have to knock on the brown canister in the upper right of the telephone booth to open the speakeasy door. It is really quite fun. We are not charging anything for the get together, but since we are using their space we should all try to buy at least a little something from them (a snack or beverage), or make a dinner of it if you like. [https://www.tarbenderslounge.com](https://www.tarbenderslounge.com) They have some yummy foods and a nice variety of drinks (full bar) both with alcohol and without. It is located very close to the downtown Leesburg Parking Garage and there may also be some possible street parking on the surrounding streets. The Parking Garage has free parking for the first two hours and is free after 7 pm anyway, so should be a free easy parking option I think. Feel free to bring a friend or two or three. Do please respond if you can on the Meetup to let us have a feel of how many to prepare for so we can let the owner know. There are a number of cool rooms in there, so depending on how many folks respond we might designate us to a certain room or to the whole place. This will be a fun and relaxed get together. Looking forward to seeing a number of you folks there. January is the perfect time to get out, so we don't get cabin fever eventually. We can meet some new folks and hear about fun places around the world. :) Tara and Ian

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and the aromatherapy of essential oils. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! Class is 75 minutes. The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Dear all, This meditation session is for folks that have already attended the beginner and intermediate levels. Please confirm with your instructor before joining this session. We are having this mediation from 9-10am. Looking forward to meeting you in person and online https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7551126133?pwd=TmJVc3VnQlUvVU9qUzBPdU1SaWRqUT09 Directions : From Stoneridge on Rt 50 come past Rt 28, turn right on Sullyfield, it is on left past Westmorefield Dr. From Fair Oaks, take left on Sullyfield after crossing Walney and it is on Left after crossing Westmorefield

**NEW ADDITIONAL LOCATION – Join us in Virginia for the Arts of Life: A meditative, creative journey with local artist Nancy Burbridge.** **You're Invited to 'Arts of Life' -** A meditative journey through art with local artist Nancy Burbridge. Join us every third Friday of the month in Virginia from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM for an afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and self-discovery. In this interactive session, you will learn how to draw, paint, and explore the beauty within, cultivating the best version of yourself in a serene and supportive environment. Come experience the magic of art and meditation as tools for self-expression and inner growth. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! We can't wait to see you there! Fri., Jan. 16th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/JNzf4](https://shorturl.at/JNzf4)

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.

Join us ***in person* at the Brahma Kumaris Virginia Center** as we come together as a community to participate in a live Zoom class with BK Shila Sanghani. This shared experience offers a nurturing space to gently reconnect with yourself and realign your inner world. Our breath is one of the most profound tools for self-regulation, peace, and inner harmony. Through conscious breathing, we open the body’s meridians and energy pathways, activating the natural life force that supports healing on every level. From this heightened state of awareness, the mind becomes clearer, the body more relaxed, and the spirit more expansive. In this **weekly session**, you’ll be guided through simple yogic breathing practices and light stretching exercises that refresh the body, calm the mind, and uplift the heart. These techniques are accessible for all levels and offer a beautiful way to reset and recharge. BK Shila Sanghani, a certified yoga instructor based in the Chicago metro area, brings years of experience facilitating workshops, national retreats, and collaborative programs with medical professionals. Her compassionate approach has supported individuals navigating various health conditions, making her sessions both therapeutic and deeply restorative. Come nourish your well-being from the inside out - one breath at a time. Free Event - Donations Appreciated.

**🌞 CORE Yoga – Activate Your Powerhouse!** 📍 *Mind Body Paloma Studio – Oakton, VA (near Vale Rd)* 📩 Exact address shared upon RSVP Join us **every Tuesday evening** for a dynamic fusion of **yoga and Pilates-inspired movement** designed to fire up your core and awaken your **solar plexus chakra**. This class blends mindful breath with functional movement to build strength, improve mobility, and help you reconnect with your inner power. 🧘‍♀️ **What to Expect:** – Core-focused yoga asanas – Pilates-inspired strengthening exercises – Hip mobility and full-body stretches – Intimate small-group setting (Max 10 people) ✨ **What to Bring:** A yoga mat and positive vibes 🎟️ **Your first class is FREE!** Visit: [www.mindbodypaloma.com/services](https://www.mindbodypaloma.com/services) for class passes and pricing. 💻 *Can't make it in person? Join us online!* 🔗 **RSVP to secure your spot** and receive the exact studio address: https://events.humanitix.com/core-yoga-tuesdays-7pm-d3np535b Let's strengthen from the inside out—see you on the mat! 💛🌿

Fellow Reiki Practitioners are welcome as we practice self-care and channel healing energy by participating in an afternoon Reiki Share and guided meditation! Tables and sheets provided. Essential oils also available for added aromatherapy if desired. Reiki and complimentary modalities welcome. ***Love donations are always gratefully accepted.*** **Paypal.me/mediumcelestewoods** **Venmo to @celeste-woods-2**

**🪷 Cost:** There is no fee for this event. Donations of skin, hair, and dental care products are encouraged. RSVP to [LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org](mailto:LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org) ❄️**Description:** As winter settles in, the quiet of the natural world reminds us to pause, restore, and reconnect. We invite you to join Imagine Well Being at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in this spirit of reflection and care. We’ll begin indoors by assembling care kits for women in crisis, adding ribbon and a nature-inspired note of encouragement. Then we’ll gather around the fire to slow down and reconnect- sharing time in nature, listening inward, and building community. **👋🏼 Meeting Point:** Meet at the education building at 11:30. **🚙 Parking:** Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. 21085 The Woods Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175 Google Map link: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/rrSuedfGCxco6zz67](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rrSuedfGCxco6zz67) **🪷 Cost:** There is no fee for this event. Donations of skin, hair, and dental care products are encouraged. RSVP to [LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org](mailto:LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org) **🎒Preparation:** Bring a favorite skin care, hair care, or dental care item-something meaningful to you, chosen for a woman in crisis. Items should be new and unopened, and will be distributed through the local nonprofit Women Giving Back. If you cannot attend, but would like to donate, email Lauren at LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org. **🌐 Newsletter:** [Sign up Today for Imagine Well Being's latest news, upcoming events, and retreats!](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/newsletter-form/sign-up-for-the-imagine-well-being-newsletter) **⭐️ Liability Release:** With my RSVP, I hereby confirm that I am physically able to participate in this event. I understand and agree that all classes, gatherings, and workshops are undertaken at my sole risk and that Imagine Well Being guides and instructors shall not be liable for injuries or damages to my person or property arising out of or connected to any of these activities. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and instructors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care, and I assume responsibility for all associated costs. I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and instructors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care, and I assume responsibility for all associated costs. **I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops.**

In this workshop you will be exploring popular divination tools such as Card Readings, Crystals, Tarot, Crystals, Numerology, Essential Oils, and Pendulums, in addition to a variety of psychic development exercises to help develop your natural abilities, through practices such as meditation. Each session you will learn something different . You will gain amazing experiences and tools to learn how to trust your intuition. $25/ 90 min class (may go as long as 2 hours) Make payments with Cash/in person, Venmo or PayPal @LeighAnn-Sutton (Venmo) or PayPal.Me/Suttonla319 (PayPal) Check out my website https://www.exceptionalmindsopenhearts.com for additional offerings and payment options

🌞 **Sculpt & Yoga – Strong Body, Calm Mind** 📍@ Mind Body Paloma – Oakton, VA (cul-de-sac near Vale Rd) 📩 Exact location shared upon RSVP Join us **every Saturday at 10:30 AM** for a refreshing session that combines full-body sculpting with gentle yoga to stretch and restore. Breathe in the fresh air, move with intention, and leave feeling strong, balanced, and renewed. 🧘‍♀️ **What to Expect:** – Energizing full-body workout to tone and sculpt – Gentle yoga movements to stretch all major muscles – Fresh air + uplifting community vibes ✨ **What to Bring:** Yoga mat + blanket or towel (to protect your mat) + water bottle 🎟️ **First time is** **FREE!** Registration required: 👉 [https://events.humanitix.com/sculpt-and-yoga-saturdays-10-30am](https://events.humanitix.com/sculpt-and-yoga-saturdays-10-30am) Let’s move, breathe, and enjoy the outdoors together! 🌿💪💛 Price after 1st time: Buy 5 class passes for $125 or 10 class passes for $230

**⚡ Laugh a little. Meet new people. Leave feeling lighter.** Join us for a relaxed, small-group afternoon designed to break the winter slump and help you meet a great crowd — without awkwardness, heaviness, and something that just feels fun! 🔁 You’ll move through short, easy rounds of fun conversation games that make it simple to talk, connect, and find people you naturally click with. \*\*\* 📍 **Location:** Rented facility in Ashburn (zip 20147). Exact address shared after RSVP. 💵 **Fee:** $12 per person 🕒 **Time:** 2:00–4:00 PM ☕ **Coffee + light snacks on me.** \*\*\* **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • Quick, low-pressure rounds • Light games that get people talking (and **laughing**) • A mix of new faces in every rotation • A warm, friendly space — not surface-level, not heavy \*\*\* **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals starting fresh • Entrepreneurs, builders, and people who value meaningful conversation • Men + women who want a fun, relaxed way to meet others in the same chapter of life \*\*\* 📊 Most attendees are in their 30s–40s–50s — grounded, growth-minded, and ready for something different. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co/)

This is an ongoing class. **FREE during the month of January!!** 🌙 **Slow Flow Yoga & Sound Bath \| Thursdays 7–8 PM** 📍 *Mind Body Paloma’s Studio – Oakton, VA (near Vale)* *Exact address shared after registration* Join us every Thursday evening for a **nourishing hour of gentle movement, mindful breathing, and soothing sound**. This class is designed to support **deep relaxation and inner calm** while gently stretching and opening the body. 💫 **Perfect for beginners** or anyone seeking a slower-paced, grounding experience at the end of the day. 🧘‍♀️ **What to Expect**: – Slow flow yoga for all levels – Deep stretching and conscious breathing – A calming **sound bath during final relaxation (savasana)** – Intimate small-group setting (Max 10 people) ✨ **What to Bring**: Just your yoga mat and an open heart. 🎟️ **First class is FREE!** For class passes and pricing, visit: [www.mindbodypaloma.com/services](https://www.mindbodypaloma.com/services) Reserve your spot here: [https://events.humanitix.com/slow-flow-yoga-thursdays-7pm](https://events.humanitix.com/slow-flow-yoga-thursdays-7pm) In person spots are limited—RSVP to receive the exact address and secure your place. Option to join ONLINE available!