Photo taken by Kim Hawthorn of www.photosunscripted.com
Who are you? I’m an Ashburn, VA resident with an opinion on everything from child rearing to local politics… actually- there’s not a huge difference in those two subjects…hmmm. I’m a wife, a mother, & a dog owner. I’m a U.S. Navy veteran, I’m a certified fitness instructor and I’ve done many jobs from dee-jaying in clubs to luxury travel coordination. I intend to live happily in Ashburn until my kid graduates from high school (5 years, 5 months and 6 days, but who’s counting?)
Why the pen name? While I continuously grow this site, I don’t want businesses to treat me differently when I use their services, because they know I might review it here if it Passes with Flying Colors. I would prefer that business owners interested in a Flying Colors Review email me at flyingcolors@aphioni.com so I can respond accordingly. I want to anonymously check out local services, and only award a Flying Colors Review to those who have earned it.
What qualifies you to review businesses? I have the same qualifications as any of you- I’m a consumer who expects the best from every business I deal with. But- I’ve had the Legendary Ritz- Carlton Leadership Training, which taught me the flagship standards of superior customer service. If a business can impress me, I’m comfortable recommending it to others. Independent businesses Ashburn, Leesburg, other towns in and near Loudoun County often offer the best service, and I love to spread the word about them.
How do you judge the businesses? I realize that any business can have a really great day, or a really bad day, so before I review a business, I pay it at least 2 visits. In the case of businesses that don’t have quick return biz but rather, rely on referrals (like fence builders, contractors, etc.) I get references from others in addition to my own experience with them.
Why does what you have to say matter? It doesn’t- it’s what YOU have to say that matters! But we have to start somewhere, so if enough of you share your opinions on www.aphioni.com, and enough business owners understand what they have to do to keep our patronage, we’ll force the local business practices to reach & remain at a higher level. This site is a conversation about the Ashburn. Leesburg, and Sterling (and surrounding area) companies that have impressed the community- not an advertisement for them.
What makes your site different? Most sites review only restaurants- I want to give independent and locally owned businesses of all types more exposure. I also assist business owners in communicating with their past or potential customers. Also- the fact that I am not paid by businesses to give them a Flying Colors Review means I can give a truly honest review- or- NO review at all, if the business isn’t deserving of one…
Anything else you want me to know about Aphioni? Sure! While Flying Colors Reviews encourages referrals for all types of businesses, my passion is food; not just the actual meal, but everything surrounding it: ambiance, service, presentation, and of course- flavor. Washington D.C. is well represented by Zagat’s and other sites that review every street corner hot dog vendor to the latest trendy hot spot, but Ashburn and nearby… not so much. I hope to hear from many of you- good, bad and ugly- about any and every service that you like and dislike in Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg and beyond. By the way- the “good, bad and ugly” refers to your experience with the business, not the author of the comment!
Got questions? Post them here or email me at flyingcolors@aphioni.com
Just wondering if you would consider – maybe adding local play-groups or mommy and me events. As you know I am a new mom and I am looking for these types of resources – especially on your site.
wonderful idea- absolutely. i will work with some established local resources to ensute you can get this information here. thanks!
Aphioni