Mompreneurs

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation** **Featuring Aida Davalos, Founder of Argon Accounting** **Wednesday\, May 13 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us as we welcome **Aida Davalos**, founder of **Argon Accounting**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage for a thoughtful conversation around financial clarity, intentional growth, and building a relationship-driven business. *** ## **About the Presenter** Aida is a **first-generation college graduate with a master’s degree** and an entrepreneur at heart, inspired by her family’s business roots in Ecuador. With a strong background in **corporate accounting, financial operations, tax strategy, and advisory**, her career has been focused on helping businesses make smarter financial decisions and build sustainable foundations for growth. Over the past seven years, Aida has been growing her own **boutique accounting and tax practice organically**, built on trust, relationships, and practical, real-world financial guidance. She is also actively involved with **George Mason University**, mentoring students and supporting the next generation of professionals. *** ## **About the Business** Argon Accounting provides **accounting, bookkeeping, financial advisory, and tax services** designed to help small business owners and individuals feel confident and informed about their finances. Aida’s approach focuses on making financial information **clear, approachable, and actionable**, so clients can understand what their numbers are telling them — and use that insight to make better decisions for long-term growth. *** ## **Who Aida Is Looking to Hear From** Aida would especially value feedback from: * Small business owners and founders * Service-based business operators * Marketing and brand strategy professionals * Entrepreneurs who have grown beyond referral-based business * Individuals passionate about supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs and professionals *** ## **Current Business Focus & Challenge** Aida is in the **early stages of intentional growth**, focused on building a sustainable and well-positioned business. Her biggest challenge is **gaining visibility and attracting a consistent client base**, and she is seeking feedback around: * Clearly communicating her value to small business owners * Marketing her services effectively without relying on paid advertising * Building trust and credibility as a growing business * Expanding beyond word-of-mouth while maintaining strong relationships *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain insight into building a service-based business with intention * Provide valuable feedback on marketing, positioning, and growth strategy * Connect with entrepreneurs focused on sustainable, relationship-driven growth * Be part of a meaningful, solutions-focused conversation *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 13** for coffee, connection, and a conversation about building financial clarity and growing a business with purpose. We look forward to seeing you there.

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. Sunday classes are usually in room 174 and Wednesday classes are usually in room 147, but you can check the class list by the concierge desk to be certain. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation** **Featuring James Norris, Founder of Squeegee Samurai** **Wednesday\, May 13 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us as we welcome **James Norris**, founder of **Squeegee Samurai**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage for a conversation on building a service-based business from the ground up. *** ## **About the Presenter** James Norris transitioned from a career in **cybersecurity compliance** into entrepreneurship, taking a hands-on approach to building a business from scratch. Initially exploring the acquisition of an existing company, he ultimately chose to **build his own window cleaning business** after recognizing the simplicity, consistency, and opportunity within the industry. His journey reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs moving from corporate roles into tangible, service-based businesses with clear demand and scalable potential. *** ## **About the Business** Squeegee Samurai provides **professional window cleaning services for residential and commercial clients**, delivering immediate, visible results — what James calls *“clarity through pane.”* In an industry where the fundamentals haven’t changed, Squeegee Samurai focuses on **high-quality, traditional techniques** paired with strong customer experience and operational discipline. As a solo operator, James currently manages every aspect of the business — from marketing and pricing to service delivery, quality control, and operations — while laying the groundwork for future growth. *** ## **Who James Is Looking to Hear From** James would especially value feedback from: * Business owners who have scaled service-based businesses * Operators of route-based or recurring revenue businesses * Entrepreneurs who have transitioned from corporate roles to hands-on work * Founders who have built teams from a solo operation * Anyone with experience in pricing, local marketing, or service scaling *** ## **Current Business Focus & Challenge** James is in the **early growth stage**, focused on building a foundation for scale through recurring storefront contracts and refining his pricing model. He is seeking feedback on: * Pricing strategy in a competitive, price-sensitive market * Whether to display pricing publicly or use promotional strategies * When and how to invest in advertising (where, how much, and when) * Timing and approach to hiring and team building * Balancing market penetration with long-term profitability This is a critical stage where the right decisions can significantly impact long-term growth and scalability. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain insight into building a service business from the ground up * Provide feedback on pricing, marketing, and scaling strategy * Connect with entrepreneurs navigating similar growth stages * Be part of a practical, real-world business conversation *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 13** for coffee, connection, and a conversation around building, pricing, and scaling a service-based business. We look forward to seeing you there.

Unwind and get creative at a cozy **Knitting Group** at Fairfax Coffee! Bring your current project or start something new while enjoying a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Connect with fellow knitters, share tips and ideas, and enjoy some quality time stitching and chatting. As a bonus, attendees receive **10% off** their purchase! Grab your needles, settle in, and stitch the day away. We’d love to have you join us

FIRST STEP: Complete this Application Link: [https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/form.php?orgcode=CVAC&fid=4888901](https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/form.php?orgcode=CVAC&fid=4888901) Who Is The Program Designed For? Businesses that: -Hold a business license from a city or county located in the Richmond Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) -Been in business at least 2 years -Desire to increase the number of employees -Has a vision to grow the business The Black Business Accelerator Program’s goal is to help propel African American businesses to a level in which they can compete and perform equally with majority businesses that have stronger roots and relationships. We support this goal with a 3 month course that covers 6 sessions with industry leaders in the areas of accessing capital, organizational development, human resources, branding, and growing digitally. The Black Business Accelerator Program receives sponsorship from Henrico Economic Development, Chesterfield Economic Development, and the Virginia State University Center for Entrepreneurship, enabling us to offer a low tuition fee of $300 for the full course. Participants in the program have the choice to pay the tuition in full or opt for a two-payment plan, with the full payment due before the course's first day. The program offers both virtual and in-person options. In-person classes are conducted at 6802 Paragon Place, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Richmond, VA. Virtual students will receive information during the course to join. The course consists of six sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on the following dates. Applicants should ensure their availability for these dates before applying: **SUMMER 2026 DATES** * May 13 * May 27 * June 10 * June 24 * July 8 * July 22

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

Join StepMoms of the DMV for an in-person coffee meetup! This casual and supportive gathering is a space for stepmoms to share experiences, offer advice, and connect with others navigating similar challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned stepmom or just beginning your step-parenting journey, this event is open to all. Grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and let’s chat about the unique dynamics of blended families and how to thrive as a step-parent. Let’s celebrate StepMother’s Day together with people who truly get it — building community, encouragement, and connection along the way!

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

**Saturday • May 16 • 2–5 PM • Ashburn, VA** Many people say they want to write a book someday — **this session helps you start.** Your life experiences already contain stories, lessons, and insights that could become books. The real challenge is **how to organize those experiences and actually turn them into writing.** In this interactive session, I’ll share the approach I’m using to build a **multi-book journey based on lived experience.** So far I have: 📚 **3 books published on Amazon** 📖 **1 more books releasing this year** (end of the year) 📝 **16 additional books planned** — and likely many more. This session is not about writing **just one book**. We’ll explore how your experiences can evolve into **multiple books over time**, and how to **use AI the right way to speed up your writing while keeping your voice authentic.** *** ### What We’ll Explore • Turning life experience into book ideas • How one journey can become multiple books • Simple ways to structure stories and lessons • Using **AI to organize ideas and speed up writing** • Practical strategies to actually finish a book **Everyone will leave with the outline of their first book idea.** **You don’t need writing experience — just curiosity about how your life experiences might turn into ideas worth sharing.** *** ### Event Details 💵 **$25 RSVP — includes coffee + snacks** 📍 **Ashburn, VA** (exact address shared after RSVP) 🕑 **2:00 PM – 5:00 PM** 👥 **Max 10 people** for a small, interactive conversation. Most attendees are professionals, entrepreneurs, and people navigating reinvention or new chapters in life. *** # Background — Writing & Reinvention Journey Writing has been one of the most powerful tools in my own reinvention journey. What began as reflections during a difficult life transition gradually evolved into published books and a growing body of work focused on reinvention, personal growth, and life transitions. My goal is not just to write books — but to help others realize that their experiences may also hold stories worth sharing. *** # 🔗 Midlife Reinvention Ecosystem 🌐 Website [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co) ▶ YouTube (400K+ views) [https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness](https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness) 💼 LinkedIn (4K+ followers) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/) 🤝 Meetup Community (300+ Members) [https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/) 📚 Amazon Author Page [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ](https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ)

Hey everyone! We had some requests from a few people to try an online event for busy schedules. It's a great way to meet EVERYONE in the group rather than trying to coordinate schedules in smaller groups. Invite your friends, even if they're not in the area. Bring your wonderful faces, and let's have some laughs! Zoom meeting link: [https://zoom.us/j/96954872184?pwd=AbEhH2enGOGQIRanJXzHTuN6LPWnbl.1&from=addon](https://zoom.us/j/96954872184?pwd=AbEhH2enGOGQIRanJXzHTuN6LPWnbl.1&from=addon)

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **What You Really Need to Know from an HR Professional** **Presented by Donna Giarratana** **Wednesday\, May 27 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a practical and insightful resource presentation designed to help small business owners navigate one of the most critical — and often overlooked — areas of growth: **Human Resources**. *** ## **About the Session** As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing people, processes, and compliance. Many entrepreneurs wait too long to think about HR — and by the time they do, they’re already reacting instead of planning. In this session, **Donna Giarratana** will break down what small business owners *really* need to know about HR — in a way that is clear, actionable, and relevant to your stage of growth. This conversation is designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence when it comes to building and managing your team. *** ## **What You’ll Learn** * When it’s the right time to hire * How to set your business up for success before bringing on employees * Why HR matters — even for small businesses * Common pitfalls and how to avoid them * The foundational HR knowledge every business owner should have *** ## **Who Should Attend** * Entrepreneurs preparing to hire their first employee * Small business owners currently managing a team * Founders looking to strengthen operations and compliance * Anyone who wants to build a business with a strong, scalable foundation *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain clarity on one of the most important aspects of business growth * Learn how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen * Ask questions and get real-world insight from an HR professional * Walk away with practical knowledge you can apply immediately *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 27** for coffee, connection, and a conversation that will help you build your business the right way from the inside out. We look forward to seeing you there.

Join Nova Subto Meetup Up for an exclusive Business Strategy Roundtable where entrepreneurs and business professionals can network and discuss strategies for mastering entrepreneurship. This event will provide a platform for small business owners to connect, share insights, and learn from each other's experiences. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this meetup is designed to foster growth and development in the business community. Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. ***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR DEAL PLEASE FILL OUT THIS*** [https://surl.li/vtgoma](https://surl.li/vtgoma)