Spider-Owned Businesses

Art by Cheryl Shanahan | Cheryl Shanahan, W’89

Menopausal Gen-X Acrylic Painter. Landscapes, Animal Portraits, Botanicals, Architecture. Studios in Lakes Region, NH, and Richmond, VA.

Bop Bop Art | Annie Schonberger, ’15

Prints of your favorite NYC storefronts! Commission requests are welcomed.

Color Me Katharine | Katharine Malanoski, ’17

Art on commission! Stationery and personalized invitations are also available.

Gold Leaf Paper Co. | Grace Dawson, ’15

One-of-a-kind stationery sets made with 100% recycled paper. Each set is unique and made with care and attention to detail.

Dr. Lawrence R. Nightingale, Jr., ’95

An avid 3D printing enthusiast, printing 3D ornaments for the holidays. 

Marian’s Crochet | Marian Calabro, C’11

Marian makes handmade, custom-crocheted items, specializing in baby blankets and hats. Colors and patterns are up to the buyer!

Marinaro Gallery | Lauren Marinaro, ’04

Art gallery in New York, NY.

Mary Egan Designs | Mary Egan, ’16

Painter and lawyer Mary Egan’s Etsy shop features three UR prints, notecards, and more!

Moll’s Balls | Molly Manuse, GB’19

Moll’s Balls utilizes shatter-resistant ornament bulbs to create festive, whimsical, elegant holiday garlands. No two Moll’s Balls garlands are alike – each is handcrafted to your color, size, and lighting specifications.

Murph&Moose | Kristen Douthit, ’07

Murph&Moose specializes in stuffed animals made from children’s drawings and children’s products that meet every mother’s desires for durability and machine-washability.

Painting Katz & Dogs | Jamie Katz, ’19

One-of-a-kind custom pet portraits made with love.

Scratch Vintage | Kristin Lough, ’04

Hand-lettered signs, art, wood mosaics, and home decor. We reimagine reclaimed wood and love to work on custom pieces. Made from scratch near Richmond, VA.

SG Creative | Sophia Grillo, ’19

New York-based artist; hand-painted original artwork, photography, and graphic design. 

Space Cat Press | Mimi King, ’15

Richmond, VA-based Printmaker. Mimi prints and carves the things that bring her joy - her cats, bees, and various botanical forms.

Brand at Works | Karen Kadin Maxwell-Brown, ’99, Managing Partner

Karen Kadin Maxwell-Brown, ’99, is the Managing Partner for this boutique creative agency specializing in marketing and event communications in London, UK. 

En Dash Consulting | Steve Daniel, ’12

Bridging technology gaps to enhance and optimize workflow, communications, productivity, and efficiency for all types of businesses and nonprofits.

Kingdom Wealth, LLC | Markita Boney Brooks, ’98

We provide Bible-based business coaching, consulting, and wealth education in Richmond, VA, and beyond. We develop wealth mindsets and help entrepreneurs start and expand businesses and open income streams to transform communities.

LeanForward | Jim Palmer, B’89, and Chris DeLuca, R’89

LeanForward assists organizations in the development of custom training programs, enabling them to efficiently and effectively transfer critical knowledge to those who need it.

The Learning Loop | Allison Rodman, ’03

The Learning Loop provides professional learning design and facilitation services to districts, schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses internationally. This includes working with professionals to view learning as an ongoing experience (not an endpoint or one-time workshop), strengthen their capacity, and create deliberately developmental organizations.

Lythos Studios | Clay Hamner, R’83

Retail marketing, advertising, web development, branding, illustrations, and symmetry videos in Richmond, VA.

One Analytics | Lauren Onestak Lacy, ’18

One Analytics is a Richmond, VA-based data analytics consulting firm that helps businesses manage and leverage the data they collect.

Sweet Talk Strategy | Megan Wilson, ’09

Marketing made fun, honest, and strategic. Sweet Talk Strategy partners with growth-focused businesses, offering social media mastery, email marketing, brand messaging, PR amplification, inspiring content, and workflow optimization. 

Tamisha Williams Consulting | Tamisha Williams, ’06

Her consultancy is committed to championing equity, partnering with schools nationwide, and personalized coaching. With a range of resources, unlock your full potential. 

Kingdom Wealth, LLC | Markita Boney Brooks, ’98

We provide Bible-based business coaching, consulting, and wealth education in Richmond, VA, and beyond. We develop wealth mindsets and help entrepreneurs start and expand businesses and open income streams to transform communities.

ORKA Finance, Inc. | Ted Fawcett, ’96

ORKA finances solar projects for businesses and non-profits across 40 states in the US. We’re a fintech platform that helps contractors and borrowers get approved quickly for a solar-specific loan.

Absurd Snacks | Eli Bank, ’22, and Grace Mittl, ’22

Absurd Snacks are made with simple and clean ingredients, pack a burst of flavor, and are completely free of the top nine allergens. They started as a class project at the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business.

Adjourn Teahouse | Latonia Cokely, ’06

Adjourn Teahouse is an artisanal loose-leaf tea company specializing in organic, handcrafted, full-leaf tea blends. 

All Thai’d Up | Kathy Aphaivongs, ’01

Authentic Thai street food restaurant and food truck in Louisville, KY.

Belle Isle Moonshine | Vince Riggi, ’07

Craft spirits distillery and tasting room in Richmond, VA. Nationwide shipping is available.

Blanchard’s Coffee | David Blanchard, ’02

Craft coffee roasting in Richmond, VA. Nationwide shipping is available.

Café Deux | Charlotte Denoyer, ’15

Restaurant, café, bar, and chocolaterie serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner in Harrison, NY. Women founded and owned.

Cellars 33 | Katie Fones, W’91

Handcrafted wines made in San Francisco, CA. 

Cupped Desserts | Charlotte Denoyer, ’15

Handmade small batch chocolates. Women founded and owned. 

FitBake | Sarah Kadison, ’15

Traditional-style baking mixes and frostings that are keto-friendly, all-natural, gluten-free, lower in calories, and higher in protein, yet still taste incredible. 

Foodie Path | Christina Chen, ‘21

An online community that allows people to sell and purchase home-cooked meals for pickup or share a meal locally in Richmond, VA.

The Fox & the Cake | Elena Beck, ’06

Bespoke wedding & celebration cakes in Birmingham, AL.

Golf Park Coffee Co. | Haylynn Gaunt Copper, C’23

A locally owned full-service coffee shop serving Blanchard’s Coffee in Lynchburg, VA.

The Granola Factory | Calvin Virgilio, ’10

A family-run business in Bethlehem, PA, specializing in artisanal granola, Shorties shortbread cookies, and the Bethlehem Bar!

Healthy Haven Vending Corp. | Jason DeHaven, ’00

Providing healthy vending machines and service to businesses, facilities, and schools in the Greater Richmond, VA, area.

Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe | Scott Garnett, R’90

Serving the heart of Richmond, VA’s Art District, offering locally roasted organic and fairly traded coffees, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and homemade cream cheeses, specialty sandwiches, and paninis. We also offer beer, mimosas, bloody marys, Irish coffee, and indoor and outdoor seating. Everything is fresh and made to order!

The Loft | Genevieve Okoro, ’15

An extraordinary, historic event venue situated in the vibrant art district of Jackson Ward of downtown Richmond, VA. Striking original windows, exposed brick, lofty ceilings, and modern amenities provide a captivating setting for your next special event.

Morrissey’s Catering | Michael Morrissey, C’01

The fresh, local, and family-owned business offers many menu options and customizes each order for your event. A taste of Philly brought to Richmond, VA! 

Mountain Dog Sauce Company | Eric Friedman, ’98

Small-batch hot sauce company obsessed with freshness and devoted to doing good things. 5% of all proceeds go to support the movement of nationwide No-Kill shelters. It is made with ❤️ in Lyons, CO.

Popstations Popcorn Company | Robin Garrison, B’90

Gourmet popcorn handcrafted in Baltimore, MD, in small batches with the finest ingredients.

Resolution Winery | Krystle Voss, C’13

A small batch winery and tasting room in historic Petersburg, VA.

River City Roll | Ben Eubanks, GB’13

Located in Richmond, VA, RCR offers boutique bowling, a seasonal menu from Chef Brad Slemaker, a hopping cocktail scene, a covered and heated dog-friendly patio, live music, and much more!

Salsas Don Sebatian | America DeLoach, C’11, C’14

Salsa Don Sebastian is a Hispanic female-owned business in Richmond, VA that creates fresh, authentic Mexican salsas and dips.

See the Elephant Amaro | Kyle Harder, ’06

This rucola-style amaro from the Cilento Coast of Italy is made for the modern adventurer. Drink now and command a common joy!

Sugar Dreams Cookie Studio | Allison Kociurba, ’98

Custom decorated sugar cookies in Austin, TX. 

Sweet Wynns | Taryn Wynn, ’14

An ice cream-making workshop in Richmond, VA, focused on teaching customers how to create premium ice creams from scratch. 

Tipsy Scoop | Melissa Tavss, ’09

Liquor-infused ice cream inspired by classic and contemporary cocktails and made with local and seasonal ingredients in New York, NY. 

Zorch Pizza | Rob Zorch, ’07

A Carytown neighborhood NY-style pizza slice shop located in Richmond, VA.

Guarino Chiropractic | Dr. Mark Guarino, R’84

With 36 years of service, Dr. Guarino continues to improve people’s lives. Continue your better path to health!

Carter+Jane | Susan Kier, B’90

The Everything Oil is a revolutionary skincare product that replaces all other skincare products in your routine. It is made with natural, sustainable ingredients and is designed to make your skin glow.

Mindflow | Anthony Faraino, ’18

Mindflow is an organization that offers virtual mental health support services to collegiate student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and any other key personnel within athletic departments. By offering confidential and convenient access to professional care, Mindflow aims to help student-athletes on and off the field and destigmatize help-seeking along the way.

Pure Fitness RVA | Andreas Addison, GB’13

A strength and conditioning gym located in Scott’s Addition in Richmond, VA. The gym that fits your busy lifestyle.

Ho-Ho-Kus | Tom Nepola, R’77

We manufacture hardware for commercial and military platforms in air, land, space, and sea.  (Cockpits, Tires and Brakes, Cargo Systems, Landing Gear, Nacelles, Propulsion, Interiors, Structures.)

As Spiders Do Podcast | Maggie Johnson, ’18 

On this podcast, we’ll share stories about the amazing things that our Spider alumni do. You’ll hear directly from them about what drives them in their everyday lives and what it means to be a Richmond Spider.

Dave Burd, ’10 

Dave Burd, better known by his stage name Lil Dicky, is an American rapper, comedian, actor, and producer. Known for Dave (2020), The Lego Batman Movie (2017), and Lil Dicky: Earth (2019).

ChooseFI Podcast | Brad Barrett, ’01 

More than a podcast, ChooseFI is a #community on the path to #financialindependence.

Funke Novels: The Christmas Gift | Rebecca Funke, ’16

Rebecca’s debut novel, The Christmas Gift, explores how to extend the season’s magic to everything we do.

Hammy & Olivia | Chris Equale, ’10

Video content of a furry “talking” family and a "Barkcuterie" cookbook.

Joe Horowitz, ’01

Musician. 

Jamie McShane, R’88

Actor. Known for Wednesday, The Lincoln Lawyer, CSI: Vegas, SEAL Team, Thor, and Gone Girl.

Merry Good Enough (2023) | Caroline Keene, ’08

Merry Good Enough is an indie, dark(ish) comedy about a dysfunctional family whose mom disappears on Christmas Eve and the lengths one daughter must go to bring her family back together again. It was directed by Caroline Keene, ’08, and Dan Kennedy.

Personalized Professional Learning | Allison Rodman, ’03

Personalized Professional Learning: A Job-Embedded Pathway for Elevating Teacher Voice provides district and school administrators with a roadmap for transforming existing professional development programs into more effective and innovative learning experiences that elevate onsite expertise while still aligning with school and district priorities.

Marc Provissiero, R’89

Producer and Manager. Known for Nobody, PEN15, No Hard Feelings, and Lucky Hank.

September Morning (2017) | Ryan Frost, ’05

September Morning, written and directed by Ryan Frost, ’05, is a film that follows the journey of five college freshmen in the first dark hours of September 12, 2001. The classmates stay up all night in a dorm room, confronting the promises of youth that have been severed by national tragedy.

Still Learning | Allison Rodman, ’03

Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational Capacity is a thoughtful guide that offers a framework for creating and sustaining learning organizations where both students and educators can truly thrive.

TattMe Mobile App | Mylon Blueford, ’15, and Terrence Fullum, ’15

TattMe’s mission is to celebrate and promote the rich and diverse artistry of Black and minority tattoo culture. Through its booking app, TattMe strives to create a platform that empowers Black and minority tattoo artists and amplifies their voices and creative expressions. 

Nedra Marie Taylor, ’02

Actress, Director, and Writer. Known for Invasion, Orange is the New Black, Jessica Jones, and Bull.

Threading the Needle | Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe, ’13

Threading the Needle: A Fashion Designer’s Guide to Successfully Launching Your First Collection is the new go-to back-pocket resource for aspiring designers, with everything you need to know before launching your first collection and building a successful clothing company. 

The Underdog’s Guide to Scholarships | Abi Olvera, ’12

The Underdog’s Guide to Scholarships: Get Big Money for Your Dream College is an empowering guide, offering a step-by-step system for aspiring college students to secure substantial scholarships, discover supportive colleges, and excel academically, proving that the dream of college is within reach for every student, regardless of financial constraints.

Well-Rounded Wealth Podcast | Beth Lamb Berger, W’86

Join the journey of reflection and discovery to obtain a life that balances physical health, mental stability, and emotional well-being.

Sam Widdoes, ’08

Producer known for As We Speak (2024), Blackballed (2020), and The Last Repair Shop (2023).

RVA Environmental Film Festival | Tamara Smith, GB’92

Our annual film showcase raises awareness of environmental issues relevant to the Richmond, VA, region, our nation, and our planet.

ShareBaby | Kristin Kushlan Finkelstein, 07, and Maya Jordan Ammons, ’06

ShareBaby seeks to address the unmet basic needs of Baltimore’s most vulnerable young children through the distribution of diapers and other essential items.

Use Your Difference Media | Lauren Zelek, ’13

UYD Management is a management consulting firm that helps corporations improve their bottom line by incorporating diversity and inclusion strategies.

Cocoa Pariis | Koshie France, ’09

A lifestyle brand that elevates the experience of self-care and overall well-being through social experiences.

TattMe | Mylon Blueford, ’15, and Terrence Fullum, ’15

TattMe’s mission is to celebrate and promote the rich and diverse artistry of Black & Minority tattoo culture. Through their booking app, they strive to create a platform that empowers Black & Minority tattoo artists and amplifies their voices and creative expressions. 

Trap Recruiter, LLC | Keirsten Greggs, ’98

TRAP Recruiter, LLC is a Black Woman-Owned Small Business committed to bridging the gap between the job seeker and organizations committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining diverse talent and building inclusive cultures.

Willy’s Wash & Wax | Will Michalopoulos, R’85, P’18

Personalized auto detailing performed by Will. Proudly serving Great Neck, Nassau County, and Western Suffolk County, NY.

Hammy & Olivia | Chris Equale, ’10

Video content of a furry “talking” family and a "Barkcuterie" cookbook.

Head Tilting Treats | Allie Rose, ’23

Customizable dog treats with several flavors, shapes, and quantity combinations. 

small BIG Dog | Adrian Archie, ’03, Claude Diggs, ’03, and Jermaine Slade, ’03

A natural pet supplies company based on expressing love to pet family members through quality natural products that will keep them healthy, whole, and happy.

Bold Joyful Organizing | Christine Greiner Hofler, W’87

Certified in Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method®, Christine is a decluttering and organizing expert. BOLD Joyful Organizing has Twin Cities, Colorado Springs, and Pittsburgh locations and will travel throughout the U.S. to help Spiders anywhere.

Cabell Childress Group | Cabell Childress, ’98

Real estate agency with extensive expertise in buying and selling in the greater Richmond, VA area. 

Housemade by Hilary | Hilary Recht Martin, ’84

One-of-a-kind home goods from forgotten pieces of Americana. We search basements, attics, and in-between for elements to reclaim, and we transform them one at a time by hand.

Sally Brower Syrquin, W’80, Associate Broker with SRMF Real Estate

Offering buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the greater metro Richmond 21 years of experience negotiating and marketing real estate for superior results.

The Scott Team, Long & Foster | Alice Scott, GB’09

The Scott Team is passionate about helping Richmonders achieve their goals during life changes that involve real estate, such as first-time home-buying, upsizing, downsizing, relocation, divorce, or estates, and hopefully removing as much of the stress from the situation as possible.

Annie Mae & Wes | Brady Zizzo, ’05

From its small workshop off Patterson Avenue in western Henrico, VA, Annie Mae & Wes makes and sells bows – specifically hair bows for cheerleaders.

Brocade Bridal | Bryce Carson, ’13

Richmond, VA’s newest inclusive bridal salon and boutique wedding gown experience. They offer a variety of gowns, from classic silhouettes to trendsetting designs that will work with any bride’s style.

Carden Avenue Jewelry | Carolyn Timmins Greenfield, W’88

Carden Avenue is a woman-owned business located in Nashville, Tennessee that strives to create jewelry that reflects the style of the person wearing it. We use high-quality materials and provide affordable prices.

Carter+Jane | Susan Kier, B’90

The Everything Oil is a revolutionary skincare product that replaces all other skincare products in your routine. It is made with natural, sustainable ingredients and is designed to make your skin glow.

Cary Road Collectibles | Elizabeth Chenery, C’03, C’05

Etsy collectibles shop.

Chlorine Deckwear | Ben Minister, ’00, and Katie Mooney Minister, ’01

Chlorine Deckwear is apparel and accessories for aquatic athletes and people who love the pool. And custom print-on-demand team spirit wear, or deckwear - as they call it - for the pool deck and beyond.

Q’s Custom Sneakers  | Quentin Southall, ’24

One-of-a-kind custom sneakers! They’re made on an array of sneaker models displaying intricate designs, including portrayals of movie characters, musicians, abstract concepts, and more. 

Satin Project | Whitney Phelps Hill, ’13

Creator of the original Sleadrest (Satin-lined headrest) for infants.

Sugar Magnolia | Tom Raub, R’88

Your one-stop shop in Blacksburg and Roanoke, VA, for gifts, treats, and hospitality.

Susan Tulu Bounds | Susan Uygur Bounds, ’14

Bringing you chic jewelry designs from Susan’s hands to yours. 

Swig Life | Tracee Martin Mathes, ’96

Swig Life designs and sells stainless steel water bottles, tumblers, insulated mugs, and much more. Proud to be women-owned and mostly operated, Swig Life is all about fashion and function.

ThreeAquaWishes | Jean Rotondi Feely, ‘94

ThreeAquaWishes is an Etsy shop selling beautiful shell decor for any room or occasion.

Beehive Sports & Social Club | Dave Marquardt, ’08

Adult sports in Salt Lake City, UT: Kickball, soccer, dodgeball, volleyball, flag football, softball, basketball, cornhole & more! Beehive Sports started with one 60-person kickball league and now has more than 10,000 players each year across 85 different leagues. 

River City Roll | Ben Eubanks, GB’13

Located in Richmond, VA, RCR has boutique bowling, a seasonal menu from Chef Brad Slemaker, a hopping cocktail scene, a dog-friendly patio that is covered and heated, live music, and much more!

Rita Lynn Gilman, Inc. | Rita Gilman, W’92

Elevate your game at our softball pitching academy. 36 years of expertise, two National Players of the Year, and six Division 1 All-Americans. Personalized lessons and pro tools.

Cherie Wyatt Travel Consultant | Cherie Wyatt, C’10

Independent travel consultant.

Ginger & Carrie Travel | Carrie Hogue, GB’09

A mother/daughter full-service travel agency committed to offering the highest quality service.

River City Roll | Ben Eubanks, GB’13

Located in Richmond, VA, RCR has boutique bowling, a seasonal menu from Chef Brad Slemaker, a hopping cocktail scene, a dog-friendly patio that is covered and heated, live music, and much more!

Tram Tracks | Domenico Scola, ’99

An unforgettable night tour on an old tram in the heart of Rome, Italy: vintage atmosphere, live music, and fine wines.