March 2022

River District Association is excited to begin announcing the projects of GET Boosted Grant Recipients!  GET Boosted is a River District Association program that was developed to provide established River District Businesses with planning guidance and financial support to develop projects, or purchase equipment to give their business a boost and allow them to expand in creative ways.  

Each business worked directly with River District Association and the Longwood Small Business Development Center to develop an idea and a plan, and were then invited to apply for grants up to $5,000 to put their plan into action.  

Photography by Lisa located at 442 Main Street used the GET Boosted funds to purchase examples of her Masterpiece Portrait Collection, so her clients can see the artistically painted and enhanced portraits available.  

Photography by Lisa, Inc.’s owner, Lisa Carter, has been a professional photographer in the region for over 30 years.  She has earned her Master’s of Photography Degree and Craftsman Degree and is a Certified Professional Photographer through Professional Photographers of America. She is a member and sits on the board of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association. 

Lisa began her photography career as a creative outlet while working in the textile industry in Danville.  Something she loved to do as an artist eventually turned into a means to gain a second income and her business grew quickly. She operated her business from a residential studio until she decided to move her business into a commercial space.  She has been in the River District for 7 years, and offers many different photography services and products. 

The Photography by Lisa studio is a full service portrait studio offering wall portraits, albums, and gift sized prints along with business headshots and personal branding sessions. She specializes in High School Senior Portraits, Bella Couture Sessions, Family Portraits, and more!

Photography by Lisa used GET Boosted funds to purchase displays of The Masterpiece Painted Portraits offered.  These beautiful portraits deserve to be displayed large showing the beauty of the subjects captured and artistically rendered.  Go by 442 Main Street to check them out!

To learn more about Photography by Lisa and all the services offered go to the studio’s website, Facebook page, or

River District Association is excited to begin announcing the projects of GET Boosted Grant Recipients!  GET Boosted is a River District Association program that was developed to provide established River District Businesses with planning guidance and financial support to develop projects, or purchase equipment to give their business a boost and allow them to expand in creative ways.  

Each business worked directly with River District Association and the Longwood Small Business Development Center to develop an idea and a plan, and were then invited to apply for grants up to $5,000 to put their plan into action.  

Urban Fitness, located at 525 Loyal Street used the GET Boosted funds to purchase 6 spin bikes.  

Owner Ken Jones has operated Urban Fitness in the River District for the past twelve years.  This hybrid gym offers memberships, and facilities for weight training, basketball, and general sports training.  They also offer personal training and fitness classes.  Ken Jone’s classifies his business as “an old school motivational gym.” 

With the addition of 11 (6 purchased with GET Boosted funds) spin bikes Urban Fitness is now able to offer spin classes four times a week.  The spin classes are open to anyone in the community, not just gym members.  Classes are now offered Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 am, and Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm.  Classes are $10. 

Ken Jones is excited to offer spin classes in the River District because it is excellent at increasing cardio health, and body sculpting.  Additionally, it is a great form of exercise that can be done with a group, while also following social distancing guidelines if needed. 

In addition to the four classes per week that are open to the public, Urban Fitness also offers private classes for family or corporate groups.  Owner Ken Jones is excited to offer this new service, help increase the community’s fitness options, and to be a part of the River District’s growth. 

To learn more about Urban Fitness, and to sign up for spin classes you can visit the gym’s Facebook Page, or sign up for a class online HERE.  

River District Association is excited to begin announcing the projects of GET Boosted Grant Recipients!  GET Boosted is a River District Association program that was developed to provide established River District Businesses with planning guidance and financial support to develop projects, or purchase equipment to give their business a boost and allow them to expand in creative ways.  

Each business worked directly with River District Association and the Longwood Small Business Development Center to develop an idea and a plan, and were then invited to apply for grants up to $5,000 to put their plan into action.  

Blush and Glow Spa, located at 530 Main Street, Suite 207 used the GET Boosted funds to create marketing materials and videos based on the businesses recent rebranding. 

Owner Lauren Parks opened Blush and Glow Spa (formerly Blush and Bashful Waxing Spa), on Lynn Street in 2018 offering waxing services.  In 2020 she participated in RDA’s Dream Launch Bootcamp and Pitch Competition and was awarded funds that allowed her make the jump from being a solo operator to adding employees, and funding the purchase of additional required equipment for the growth of the business.

Blush and Glow Spa expanded again in 2021.  The business moved to a larger space at 530 Main Street, Suite 207 and added several additional services in addition to waxing, including eyebrow shaping, facials, lash services, and airbrush tanning.  

In 2022, Blush and Glow Spa is expanding again into the first floor of their current building and adding a salt lounge and yoga studio!

The professional marketing videos Blush and Glow Spa is using GET Boosted funds to create will help the business spread the word about all the services offered.

To learn more about Blush and Glow Spa, and to schedule an appointment for services, you can check out their website, http://blushandglowspa.com, and their Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/BLUSHandGLOWspa

River District Association is excited to begin announcing the projects of GET Boosted Grant Recipients!  GET Boosted is a River District Association program that was developed to provide established River District Businesses with planning guidance and financial support to develop projects, or purchase equipment to give their business a boost and allow them to expand in creative ways.  

Each business worked directly with River District Association and the Longwood Small Business Development Center to develop an idea and a plan, and were then invited to apply for grants up to $5,000 to put their plan into action.  

River District Auto Spa located at 136 S. Ridge Street used GET Boosted funds to purchase a 54 Inch TruVIS Vg2-540 Roland decal and banner printer. 

River District Auto Spa owner Von Wellington began the auto detailing business in 2015. He works in film and photography in the region and wanted to get to know people, put faces to names, be a part of the community, and offer something needed.  

Originally, he started the River District Barbershop, and was then offered the use of the whole building.  In the back of the building is a garage space with a lift, and he decided to start an auto detailing business in addition to the barber shop.  

He went to Chicago to become certified by Dr. Beasley's in auto detailing at the International Detailing Association.  The training consists of 10 units and quizzes done online, and an in person demonstration of skills to the top detailing professionals in the country.  Once having a successful demonstration, Von Wellington was then certified to teach others in the industry.  He also added to his credentials by traveling to Atlanta to learn how to professionally tint windows, and apply wraps to autos.  He is also now certified to teach other professionals how to detail cars. 

With the addition of the 54 inch Roland decal and banner printer and also a laminator, River District Auto Spa is able to do custom wraps, decals, and even business banners. Detailing companies around the region are already contracting with River District Auto Spa to produce wraps and decals for them.  

When the Covid Pandemic started, the River District Barbershop had to close down, and the Auto Spa decided to repurpose the space into a clean, brightly lit room where the wraps, window tinting, and ceramic coatings they offer could be applied with clarity and precision.  It will also be a space for training and workshops for those interested in learning how to do the services offered at the River District Auto Spa.  

Von Wellington wants everyone to know that the River District Auto Spa offers impeccable extremely professional services at reasonable prices, and everyone is welcome.  They give the same level of care, service, and detail, to your car whether you have a 20 year old Ford Focus, an antique treasure, or a brand new Ferrari!  

River District Auto Spa offers the following services: 

• Washing
• Full detailing
• Tinted window installation
• Ceramic protective coatings
• Wrap and decal installation
• Workshops and trainings

The River District Autos Spa is open 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week.  You can call 434-728-3459 or book and pay for your service on the website:  https://www.riverdistrictautospa.com/

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