Elizabeth Brinkama of Tabletop exemplifies what being a progressive business person is all about. Elizabeth carefully curates Tabletop's modern vibe to reflect the diversity, artistry, and activism that defines Takoma Park with offerings of whimsical gnome tea towels, handcrafted cutting boards, Marimekko-inspired backpacks, RBG vote mugs, and you name it. She is more than a maven with a discerning eye, however. At every opportunity she opens up Tabletop to host clothing drives, toy drives, and drives for school supplies throughout the year, reminding us that the strength of a community is measured by its compassion.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unlikely time to quit your job to pursue a dream, but that is when David Creekmore took a leap of faith and left his CFO position at a nonprofit to open a financial planning firm, Lifetime Financial, that caters to families in Takoma Park. David also volunteers his time to help lower-income households who are desperate for advice and are often turned away by mainstream planners. Over the last few years, he has helped dozens of families get out of financial peril while giving them the emotional support and assurance that they will be okay. A Takoma Park resident for more than 20 years, David has made a long-term commitment to provide other residents with the advice they need so they can plan for the lives they want.

Depeswar Doley, owner of RS Automotive, has set a remarkable example of modernization, sustainability, and community partnership. In 2019, RS Automotive became the first gas station in the U.S. to eliminate gas pumps and transition to 100% Electric Vehicle charging. In addition to a dedicated rapid EV charging station, RS Automotive services all hybrid and electric vehicles. These have been groundbreaking moves. RS Automotive has also shown an unwavering dedication to public service. In 2021, they partnered with the Police Department to launch the Etch and Catch catalytic converter anti-theft program, providing a crucial service to the community. Mr. Doley continues to offer this program free of charge.

Cyndy Dumay, a proud Blair High alum, opened her first salon—Dynamic Choice—two years ago on Flower Avenue, transforming a neglected storefront into a vibrant, welcoming space and adding to the revitalization of a key corner of Takoma Park. Cyndy poured her heart and artistic flair into the salon, creating a modern atmosphere. At her grand opening, it was clear she’s not only a gifted stylist but also is widely loved. Since then she’s embraced the tradition of salons as community hubs. She offers her salon for meetings and gatherings, more than 20 so far, which gives Flower Avenue residents a sense of neighborhood. At Cyndy’s salon people feel seen, heard, and connected, where the good gossip flows and the sense of belonging is real.

Jesse Kirsch is the creative force behind No Plan design and art studio in Takoma Park, where he has significantly influenced the local commercial district. He designed logos for a number of businesses, including People's Book, Muoi Tieu, and Motorkat, and contributed graphics for community events like the Street Festival. His deep affection for Takoma Park drives his research into our history, which inspired the neon signs he reintroduced to the area, including those at Motorkat and WOWD. Jesse also generously donated his skills to create shirts for the Flower Ave Theater and the Independence Day celebration while supporting small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his work, he has transformed Takoma Park with vibrant design and light.

Carolina McCandless and David Perez have transformed Takoma Park into a dining hotspot with their restaurants Cielo Rojo and San Pancho. Since opening Cielo Rojo in 2019, Chef David has delighted diners with his California-inspired traditional Mexican cuisine, while Carolina enhances the experience with her design and customer service expertise. After outgrowing their original location, they invested in the community by converting a former auto parts store into a beautiful new home for Cielo Rojo. They also launched San Pancho, introducing California-style burritos to the area. Committed to giving back, Carolina and David regularly host fundraising events to support local non-profits, making a lasting impact on the community.

There’s a years-long waitlist to get into the Marlene Apartments in the Long Branch area, and it's easy to see why. The people who live there describe it as a place with “good vibes” and with a landlord, Shail Singh, who is “like a son” to senior tenants. As the building owner for more than 30 years Shail stands out for his responsiveness to maintenance issues and commitment to everyone’s well-being. He knows every tenant by name and shares his personal cell phone. His approach is simple: "If there's a problem—fix it." He has charged only one late fee (ever) and he regularly helps tenants with navigating paperwork and other concerns. Shail takes the same care with the building, recently replacing stoves, windows, bathtubs and cabinets and installing security cameras, adding to his tenants’s peace of mind and pride.

What’s a good practice to increase the longevity of your trees? The person to ask is Meg Smolinski, owner of Leaf & Petal Takoma Park, who provides independent tree consultations and garden advice to help homeowners learn how to maximize the health of whatever is growing in their yards – or what should not be growing. Many clients don't realize which plants are invasive and need to be removed. Meg recommends native plants and ways to increase garden space to support pollinators as well as how to grow vegetables for the dinner table. Most of all, she focuses on practices to preserve our tree canopy. Go ahead and ask.