“D.C. has a rich opportunity to create roller skating legacy,” Founder and Event Producer of GetYourSk8On Entertainment Saletta “Letta” Coleman states. “I’m on this mission to create access and preserve legacy for folks who enjoy one of the last great American pastimes.”
Read Our August // September 2022 Issue
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HUSTLE. August is a weird month — especially in D.C. There’s a stillness to our city, unlike its usual bustling nature. And yet, there’s still so much happening behind the scenes within our community. This month, we’re highlighting some of the ways our city embodies hustle year-round, whether through active life, entrepreneurship or creative pursuits. First and foremost, we are taking a deep dive into the culture of all things skate in the District: roller skating, roller derby, skateboarding and more. Cover subject Alex Appah, a huge advocate for D.C.’s roller skating community, spoke with Colleen Kennedy about why skating brings her so much joy. Abi Newhouse reached out to other skating communities, interviewing locals about how they found their respective sport, what makes it unique, and how folks can learn more and join. Aviva Bechky covered adaptive climbing in the DMV, including interviews with organizations featuring ample opportunities for locals with physical disabilities. They also rounded up an assortment of other D.C. area organizations and groups across everything from rowing to cycling with an adaptive focus. Our interest in unique forms of local active life continued with Andrew J. Williams III’s interview with Shaughn Cooper about martial arts and Chad Kinsman’s conversation with Jake Godin about long-distance motorcycling. But wait, there’s more.
Our very own Brandon Wetherbee rounded up 21 locals with innovative professional hustles. From prolific artist Holly Bass and 730DC publisher Hayden Higgins to composer Nikhil Rao and Mess Hall founder Al Goldberg, our picks run the gamut from artistic to entrepreneurial to altruistic — with many embodying all three. Assistant editor Nicole Schaller sat down with Service Bar’s beverage director, Christine Kim, to chat about her journey in the drink industry and how she’s helped put D.C.’s cocktail scene on the map. We also caught up with the team behind the brand-new Peruvian concept Causa/Bar Amazonia, chatted with the folks at DC Brau, listed some of our favorite wine bars, drooled over the latest flavors from Ice Cream Shoppe-Up, picked unorthodox spots to open your laptop and cowork, gave tips on beating the summer heat on your running routes, and much more. August marks the debut of a new column with local food and travel photographer Jennifer Chase, “Joie de Vivre,” where Chase will pick one aspect of health, wellness, beauty or other elements of self-care and explore it from behind the camera lens. For her first installment, she explored the world of Reiki with Dr. Darrien Jamar, both by having a session with them to experience Reiki first-hand and by picking their brain on the topic. She then shot her model using glow-in-the-dark body paint to illustrate the transfer of energy during reiki in a vibrant, colorful way. The result is, simply put, stunning. As we gear up for a fall full of very strong themes — performing arts, fashion and design, and local music among them — we hope you enjoy our hodgepodge issue that pulls together so many different parts of what makes D.C. tick, even during the dog days of summer.
Monica Alford
Editor-in-Chief
FEATURED
Rebels of Society: Skating in the DMV
D.C. groups within the skating community — roller skating, roller derby and skateboarding — prioritize coopetition over competition. We caught up with a few skating communities in the District to talk purpose, debunk misconceptions and discuss the need for pure fun.
16 Adaptive Sports to Follow in the DMV
Looking to get into an adaptive sport? We’ve assembled a list of opportunities in the area, and spoke with local athletes about their experiences.
EAT
Causa/Bar Amazonia Brings Flavors of Peru to D.C.
A culinary destination rooted in Peru’s proud gastronomic history and culture, serving up dishes rich in flavor, color, global influences and complexity, paired with top-notch mixology.
Rochelle Cooper Churns Sweet Bliss at Ice Cream Shoppe-Up
“I’m a Ben & Jerry’s girl,” Cooper says. “Give me all the junk food in one pint. I feel strongly there should be a lot of toppings in it. You shouldn’t have to dig for them; they’re everywhere.”
Al Goldberg of Mess Hall Talks Starting Food Businesses
Al Goldberg, who runs Mess Hall in Edgewood, talks starting food businesses in the District.
DRINK
Service Bar’s Christine Kim Puts D.C.’s Cocktail Scene on the Map
“I think people sleep on D.C. a lot, and there are so many good places here.”
From the Vine: 8 Must-Visit Wine Bars in D.C.
No matter how you enjoy your wine, there are a plenty of wine-focused venues in D.C. to meet your needs.
DC Brau Talks District Breweries
“There’s a great booming beer culture here.”
MUSIC
Nikhil Rao Talks Making Music in D.C.
Nikhil Rao, composer and sound designer at House of Joy; vocalist, guitarist and synthesist with Bottled Up; Lessons Manager at 7DrumCity, talks making music in the city.
LIFE
Satarra Leona Talks Age in Art
Leona, curator and owner of Arts in Color, talks opportunities for artists in the DMV.
Masako Moishita Talks Career Journeys
Masako Morishita, executive chef at Maxwell Park, talks career journeys in the food scene of D.C.
Dr. Serina Floyd of Planned Parenthood Talks Activism
Dr. Floyd, vice president of medical affairs and medical director for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., talks activism in the District.
MORE LIFE
Holly Bass on Art + Marathon Performances
One of the most prolific artists in D.C., Holly Bass has been practicing her craft for over 20 years.
Takina Wilson Talks Protesting for Reproductive Rights
Takina Wilson, chief operations officer at Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., talks protesting for our reproductive rights.
Robin Bell on How Art and Film Help D.C.
Robin Bell, artist and filmmaker, talks how art and film help residents in D.C.
MORE LIFE
Pia Carusone Talks Challenging Convention
Pia Carusone, co-founder and CEO of Republic Restoratives Distillery and managing director of SKDK, talks challenging convention.
Gerard “Coach G” Burley Talks Health and Confidence
Gerard “Coach G” Burley, owner of Coach G Fitness and Sweat DC, talks health and wellness in the District.
730DC Editor Hayden Higgins Talks Staying Informed and Active
Hayden Higgins, Communications manager of Finance Center, World Resources Institute and publisher of 730DC, talks staying informed and active in D.C.
MORE LIFE
Justin Drummond Talks Escaping Victimhood
Justin Drummond, CEO of Spark C Innovation, talks improving quality of life, employment opportunities, and escaping the victim mentality.
Jessica Lewis on the Benefits of Play
Jessica Lewis, early childhood educator, kindergarten teacher and founder of Play Play talks the importance of play for adults in D.C.
Chloe Louvouezo On Storytelling and Community
Chloe Louvouezo, author, creative producer, storyteller and co-founder of Open Door Concept, talks self-examination and connection.
MORE LIFE
Jasmine Smith Talks Open Doors for Black Entrepreneurs
Jasmine Smith, marketing executive + co-founder of Open Door Concept, talks opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in D.C.
Anna + Justin Marino Help People Help the Planet
“No judgment on where you are on your sustainable journey. We’re just here to help.”
Haywood Turnipseed Jr. Uses His Voice for Good
Haywood Turnipseed Jr., lead telecommunications specialist at the National Gallery of Art, stand-up comedian and voiceover artist talks using his voice for good.
MORE LIFE
Nichole Verdejo of Sole Wash Ignited a Culture
Nichole Verdejo, owner and operator of Sole Wash “sneaker laundry” ignited a new culture of preserving the shoes we already have.
Making Your Voice Heard: Planned Parenthood CEO Dr. Laura Meyers on Activism
Like many pro-choice advocates, Meyers’ fight to retain access to abortion services across the country is personal.
A League of Their Own: The Midnight Gardeners
“Our work doesn’t have to be perfect because we give ourselves permission to create what we want.”
MORE LIFE
Working from Home…with a Twist: 11 Unique Coworking Spots in the DMV
Check out this list for 11 unique coworking spots in the DMV.
Glow up: A Glimpse Inside the World of Reiki
I wrote the whole thing off until years later when at a dinner party, a friend told me she routinely has orgasms during her Reiki sessions.
PLAY
Simon Landau Talks Soccer Opportunities for Underserved Youth
We talk with Simon Landau, COO of Open Goal Project which creates opportunities for young soccer players from low-income families and underserved communities to access high-level soccer.
Stephanie Murdock Talks Opportunities in Skateboarding
Stephanie Murdock, Legislative liaison for the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development and founder + president of the Skatepark of Baltimore, talks skating in the area.
Reaching New Heights: Adaptive Climbing in the DMV
An international competitor in top rope climbing and a Virginia native, Hannah Zook regularly trains in local DMV gyms. When she’s practicing, however, it’s not always among other adaptive climbers.
MORE PLAY
Taming Fists + Fury: Boxing Three Rounds with Shaughn Cooper
“When I don’t practice martial arts and community building as much, there’s a buildup of really bad emotions that come over me.”
How One Runner Deals With Hot, Humid D.C. Summers
It’s summertime in the capital of humidity, and it feels like fighting through a wet wool blanket. If that means I need to shorten a 5-mile trail run to three because of the heat, though, fine. If I need to trade an outdoor trek for an indoor strength-training sesh, I can deal. Flexibility is the name of the game this summer. (Plus, that bug repellent.)
Jake Godin Takes Long + Winding Roads
Long-distance motorcycling is a family affair for the Godins.
MORE PLAY
Hustle Crossword
How fast can you hustle to the finish?
Crossword Answer Key: August 2022
Don’t peek unless you gave it your all.
August Photo Hunt
Find all the differences, and you might be ready to head to the roller rink.
MORE PLAY
August Photo Hunt Answer Key
Here are the answers to this month’s photo hunt.