Arlington Economic Development

Small Business Focus: The Wandering Shelf

Published September 2, 2026 at 12:45PM

For Tessa Cannon, books are more than stories. They’re a way to build community.

As the owner of The Wandering Shelf, an independent mobile bookstore that launched in Arlington in May 2025, Cannon brings books directly to readers across the community. Operating out of a bookstore van, she sells new and used books for all ages, along with book-themed merchandise, at events and locations throughout Arlington.

The idea grew from both her love of Arlington and her desire to expand access to independent bookstores.

“There are two main reasons I chose Arlington,” Cannon said. “First, I love Arlington and am one of its biggest fans. Second, Arlington is near communities with an incredible array of independent bookstores, yet at the time Arlington had only one bookstore selling new books. I wanted to grow our independent bookstore network and bring books to more Arlingtonians.”

As she prepared to launch the business, Cannon worked with Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch program, which connected her with a SCORE mentor and provided guidance through the startup process.

“BizLaunch was helpful in many ways,” she said. “They connected me with a mentor from SCORE, provided guidance on county-specific licenses and shared a fantastic Small Business Checklist. The BizLaunch website is filled with helpful resources.”

One customer interaction stands out as Cannon’s favorite business memory. A customer purchased a copy of I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman and returned a few weeks later to share how much she enjoyed it. Weeks after that, she came back with friends and the same copy of the book, now covered with notes and annotations from everyone who had borrowed and discussed it.

“It was a wonderful reminder of the gift that comes with sharing books with your community and how we are each impacted differently through the stories we read,” Cannon said.

Community remains at the heart of The Wandering Shelf’s mission. Cannon describes the business as “hyperlocal,” with charitable giving and community engagement focused on supporting Arlington residents.

Looking ahead, she hopes to grow the business into a small brick-and-mortar bookstore while keeping the mobile operation on the road.

“We dream of having a third space where people can rest, learn and connect with others,” Cannon said. “We plan to always keep the van running so we can continue meeting people in all the different pockets of Arlington.”

For now, The Wandering Shelf continues bringing books directly to Arlington readers, one stop at a time. For more information about The Wandering Shelf visit www.wanderingshelf.com or their Instagram @thewanderingshelf.va.

BizLaunch Update: Applications Open for the Arlington Growth Accelerator

Ready to take your business to the next level? The Arlington Growth Accelerator is designed for established small businesses looking to scale, strengthen operations and accelerate growth.

This hands-on program connects business owners with expert guidance, practical tools and a network of peers navigating similar growth challenges. Participants will gain insights on strategic planning, financial management, marketing, leadership and long-term business sustainability.

Whether you’re looking to expand your customer base, hire employees or position your business for its next phase of growth, the Arlington Growth Accelerator can help you build a roadmap for success.

Applications are now open. Learn more and apply at www.bizlaunch.org.

#Arlington Economic Development

Free Movie Nights at the 2700 Art Space

By Sponsor

Published August 26, 2026 at 12:45PM

This fall, Arlington Arts is turning 2700 Art Space into an outdoor movie destination with a free film series celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Free Movie Nights at 2700 Art Space will bring together film, music, food and community on select Friday evenings from September 18 through October 16. The series features community-curated films highlighting Latin music and its powerful role in storytelling, culture and identity.

What makes the series especially Arlington is the community behind the selections. Each evening features a film chosen in collaboration with a local community curator, bringing different perspectives and connections to the monthlong celebration.

The series kicks off September 18 with We Like It Like That, curated by Leon City Sounds, exploring the history and enduring influence of Latin boogaloo.

On September 25, Arlington Food Assistance Center curates a screening of In the Heights, the vibrant film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical celebrating family, neighborhood, dreams and the Washington Heights community.

The series continues October 9 with Mambo Legends: The Music Never Ends, curated by Jim Byers of WPFW’s “Latin Flavor Classic Edition,” bringing the sounds and history of mambo to the big screen. Director Mari Keiko Gonzalez will introduce the film.

The final evening, October 16, features Disney and Pixar’s Coco, curated by Encore Stage & Studio. The family-friendly film explores music, memory and the connections between generations.

But these evenings are about more than watching a movie. Guests are encouraged to arrive at 6 p.m. to enjoy food, music and time together before each screening begins at sunset, around 7 p.m. Bring a chair or picnic blanket, find a spot and settle in for an evening under the stars.

The series also offers another opportunity to experience 2700 Art Space, Arlington Arts’ creative space at 2700 S. Nelson Street, as a place for gathering, cultural exchange and shared experiences.

Fridays, September 18–October 16 | 6–9 p.m.
2700 S. Nelson Street, Arlington, VA

September 18: We Like It Like That — Community Curator: Leon City Sounds
September 25: In the Heights — Community Curator: Arlington Food Assistance Center
October 9: Mambo Legends: The Music Never Ends — Community Curator: Jim Byers, WPFW’s “Latin Flavor Classic Edition”
October 16: Coco — Community Curator: Encore Stage & Studio

Learn more at ArlingtonArts.org.

#Arlington Economic Development

BizTalk: How an Arlington startup is rethinking parental leave

By AED Business Investment Group

Published August 19, 2026 at 10:45AM

Image from BizTalk: How an Arlington startup is rethinking parental leave

For many employers, parental leave begins and ends with a policy. But while a policy may outline how much time an employee can take away from work, it often does not address the operational and human challenges that surround leave itself.

That gap is what Arlington-based startup Resilient Returns was created to solve.

Founded by Licensed Professional Counselor and working parent MJ Yost, Resilient Returns helps employers manage the full parental leave lifecycle, from planning and communication before leave to employee support and reintegration after return. The company’s leave-management platform combines structured processes for employers with resources designed to help employees navigate one of life’s most significant transitions.

Yost’s perspective comes from both her professional and personal experience. As a therapist, she spent years supporting individuals through family building, pregnancy, postpartum, loss and the transition back to work. As a working parent herself, she also understood the practical challenges of balancing a growing family with a career. Those experiences helped her identify a gap in how employers prepare for the realities of parental leave.

“We often hear from organizations that they have a great parental leave policy on paper and a plan for the baby shower, but no real system for transitioning an employee’s work before leave or supporting their return afterward,” says Yost.

The challenge is increasingly relevant for employers of all sizes. While organizations invest significant time and resources in recruiting and developing talent, many lack consistent processes for helping employees navigate major life events while remaining engaged and connected to their careers.

For small and midsize businesses in particular, getting parental leave wrong can be costly. Losing an experienced employee can create recruiting and training expenses, disrupt team operations and result in the loss of valuable institutional knowledge. For high-growth companies, the challenge can be even greater. Rapidly expanding organizations often rely on specialized talent, move quickly to meet customer demands and operate with limited redundancy. When a key employee takes leave without a structured transition plan, the effects can ripple across projects, client relationships and team performance.

Resilient Returns approaches parental leave as a business process rather than simply an HR policy. Employers can use the platform to create pre-leave coverage and communication plans, prepare managers for an employee’s transition, conduct guided return-to-work check-ins and track key milestones throughout the leave journey.

At the same time, employees receive resources designed to help them navigate the personal and professional transition into leave and back to work. That dual focus, supporting both the employer and the employee, is central to the company’s approach.

The need for that support can become especially apparent when circumstances do not go according to plan. While many employers have established processes for a typical parental leave, fewer have a clear approach for navigating unexpected challenges or complications. The way an organization responds during those moments can have a lasting impact on employee trust, engagement and retention.

For Yost, building those processes is about more than managing a period of time away from work. It is about helping employers navigate the operational realities of leave while giving employees a clearer path through the transition and back to work.

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#Arlington Economic Development

Sun & Honey Grazing brings people together through food in Arlington

Published August 12, 2026 at 12:45PM

When Maripili O’Connell launched Sun & Honey Grazing in spring 2026, she set out to do more than create beautiful charcuterie boards. Her goal was to make it easier for people to gather, celebrate and connect.

Based in Arlington, Sun & Honey Grazing creates custom charcuterie boards and grazing tables for events ranging from intimate family gatherings to corporate celebrations. Using fresh, thoughtfully selected ingredients, O’Connell handles the shopping, preparation and presentation, allowing hosts to focus on spending time with their guests.

“I really just want to help people gather more often by taking one more thing off their plate,” O’Connell said.

Although she officially launched the business this year, O’Connell began testing the concept during the 2025 holiday season. After spending her career in the corporate world, she turned to Arlington Economic Development’s BizLaunch program for guidance on navigating entrepreneurship.

“From the first day I walked into BizLaunch with just an idea, they supported me every step of the way,” she said.

Through BizLaunch, O’Connell connected with mentors, educational programs and organizations including the Latino Economic Development Center and SCORE. The experience helped her understand everything from licensing and business planning to marketing and networking.

One lesson, shared by a mentor through LEDC, continues to guide her approach today: Don’t wait for perfection.

“You can’t sell a product you haven’t tested,” she recalled. That advice encouraged her to launch, gather feedback and refine her offerings based on what customers wanted.

For O’Connell, the most memorable moments often have little to do with food itself. One customer in Colombia contacted her to send a sympathy board to a cousin in Maryland after the loss of a loved one. When the recipient shared how much comfort the gesture provided, O’Connell was reminded of the deeper purpose behind her work.

“Sometimes a charcuterie board becomes a way to say, ‘I’m thinking of you,’ ‘I love you,’ or ‘I’m here for you,” she said.

As an Arlington resident, O’Connell says the community was the natural place to build her business. Her neighbors became some of her first customers, helping spread the word and providing encouragement along the way.

Looking ahead, she hopes Sun & Honey Grazing becomes a trusted part of life’s milestones, from baby showers and quinceañeras to milestone birthdays and company celebrations. She is also expanding beyond catering through community-focused events, including a Paint, Sip & Graze experience this fall and upcoming charcuterie workshops.

“Creating beautiful boards is something I enjoy,” O’Connell said. “But what excites me most is creating opportunities for people to gather.”

For more information about Sun & Honey Grazing visit: www.sunandhoneygrazing.com or their Instagram page at @sunandhoneygrazing. For more information about BizLaunch visit www.bizlaunch.org and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on small business resources in Arlington.

#Arlington Economic Development