This is a column written and sponsored by Arlington Arts / Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
It’s hard enough to be an entrepreneur, starting your own business. It’s even harder when you come from a family of entrepreneurs who ran many businesses and have lots of advice on what to do and not do. When a father tells his son not to be an entrepreneur, get a steady job with reliable income, it’s easy to let family ties replace passion. For a while.
Meet Stas Casa. He is a Moldovan-born entrepreneur and founder of Can You Solve Me, LLC, a puzzle company with a new twist on a classic idea. His passion for puzzles and brainteasers started when he first attempted to solve the Rubik’s Cube in the middle of dinner. Casa had a successful 7-year career in finance at Bloomberg LP in New York where he had advanced from data analytics to hedge fund management with a great salary.
So what did he do? He phoned a friend and asked him if quitting his job to make puzzles is a crazy idea. Naturally, the good friend friend tells him ‘if you try hard enough, you can do it.’ Goodbye, New York! Hello, startup world.
Enter Arlington’s former TechShop in Crystal City. The member based maker space (now in transition to new ownership) provided access to 3D laser printers where Stas took his puzzle ideas and fabrication to a new level. Adding to his online retail, the Made in Arlington program helped broaden the exposure and support to the startup with visibility opportunities like pop-up shops. Next up was introducing the puzzle maker to other small business growth programs through BizLaunch and being featured at Arlington Premier.
Well on his way, what keeps Stas going? “The challenge of it and then the overwhelming feeling of joy when solved is what I work every day to replicate with the Can You Solve Me? Puzzles.” He never has to find batteries, and he doesn’t think about going back to finance.
Find Can You Solve Me puzzles at Arlington’s Plaza Branch Library shop which is located in the first floor lobby of 2100 Clarendon Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22201. Check here for hours.
Recent Stories
Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier today…
All lanes of northbound I-395 were blocked at Glebe Road due to a fatal motorcycle crash.
Federal authorities will investigate a near collision on the ground at Reagan National Airport, ARLnow has learned. The incident happened around 7:40 a.m. today (Thursday). “An air traffic controller instructed…
Inmates at the Arlington County Detention Facility picked up their paddles once again to compete in a pickleball tournament this week — and this time they had some additional friends….
Unlike our competitors, Well-Paid Maids doesn’t clean your home with harsh chemicals. Instead, we handpick cleaning products rated “safest” by the Environmental Working Group, the leading rating organization regarding product safety.
The reason is threefold.
First, using safe cleaning products ensures toxic chemicals won’t leak into waterways or harm wildlife if disposed of improperly.
Second, it’s better for you and your family. Fragrant chemicals in surface cleaners can expose you to a similar amount of pollutant particles as a busy city road, New Scientist reported.
Northern Virginia Family Practice (NVFP), known for its comprehensive concierge healthcare, is thrilled to introduce Mark Sullivan, MD as the newest member of its family medicine team.
Dr. Sullivan brings a wealth of experience in family medicine, underpinned by a passion for delivering personalized, patient-centered care. He has a distinguished background in managing various medical conditions, emphasizing preventive care, health education and chronic disease management. Dr. Sullivan is adept at employing the latest medical research and technologies to enhance patient outcomes.
Beyond his medical expertise, Dr. Sullivan is committed to the well-being of his community, demonstrating this through his active engagement in local health initiatives and educational programs. His approach to medicine is holistic, focusing on integrating physical, mental and emotional health and patient education to achieve optimal patient wellness.
Dr. Sullivan is now accepting new patients at their newly established Arlington office at 2445 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA, 22206. The office, known for its patient-friendly amenities and state-of-the-art medical facilities, continues to provide the exceptional, personalized care NVFP is known for in its newly upgraded Arlington location.
Sweeney Todd
A victim of a gross injustice that robbed him of his wife and child, Sweeney Todd sets about exacting a terrible revenge on society.
Fascination
Goth-Dark Wave Dance Party with Belly Dancing and Drag King Show.
Part of OurAlternative Thursdays for Alternave People with Alternative Lifestyles
Performances By
Belladonna and the Nightshades
Ya Meena
Drag King - Ken Vegas
DJ Michelle Guided
