Letter From the Editor: August 2020

WHOLE LOTTA HUSTLE. Staying sane in 2020 takes many forms, but one thing remains universal in the District and beyond – our collective need to burn off steam and create outlets to support our mental and physical health. As we inch toward month six of navigating the impacts of the pandemic, the general restlessness of our city seems to be shifting. Locals are finding new avenues to stay active and connected, entrepreneurs are exploring new business models, and we all have the ability to get outside and stretch our legs while maintaining an appropriate social distance. The District’s drive remains intact, and this month, we decided to highlight fit and fierce Washingtonians and business owners with game-changing hustles.

Our cover subjects, ballet dancer Audrey Malek, fitness instructor Sunny Miller and yoga teacher Alix Montes, spoke with us about staying fit during Covid-19, diversity in their respective fields and what athleticism means to them. We also picked 10 entrepreneurs in the District whose unique ventures and resilience over the past few months set them apart. Our list of talented locals runs the gamut, from flower farmer and permaculture designer Bahiyyah Parks of EcoBlossoms Farm to Noobtsaa Vang, the mastermind behind online and retail restaurant Foodhini serving multicultural meals prepared by immigrant and refugee chefs.

Other notable interviews with inspiring District denizens in this month’s issue include stylist Joy Kingsley-Ibeh’s story of struggle and survival, muralist Chris Pyrate’s commitment to painting for progress, and soccer powerhouse Ali Krieger’s passion for fighting for racial justice and equal pay for female athletes. We also interviewed local chefs about running a kitchen during the pandemic, bookstore owners about relevant reads in today’s climate, musicians about exhibiting strength and creativity in turbulent times, the creative team behind event company Pakke Social about their virtual variety show, and craft brewers about supporting their community.

Plus, read about our day tripping recommendations, a beginner’s guide to backpacking, a local Prohibition-era cider collaboration, how to support housing justice in the city, and what to do for fun while staying safe and healthy.

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