This place is a community of makers. I've learned a lot so far, from woodworking to metalworking…read more Sewing, embroidery, Cnc milling, laser engrave and cutting, blacksmithing, there is so much to do and meetups with experts in the community. I joined about 2 years ago after Techshop shutdown, and I needed another place to continue my making needs. The hours is a little confusing at first, and they just recently revamped the website. So usually the makerspace is opened in the weekdays after 7pm and closes around 11pm-ish. Weekend I think is officially after 1pm til nighttime. On Friday nights there is alternating crafting and board game nights. And a tip for people who want to check it out, you don't have to wait for an open house specifically. To start, everyone has to take their "green go" class to learn the rules and structure of the place. (Keyword: community, it's all volunteer run). Then take the initial safety class per equipment and afterword you can either enter the lab by day passes, or pay $50/month to use the tools. There's another tier called key members that are community members that has contributed and volunteered, and are trusted with the keys to the place so you can go use the lab whenever. Definitely a really cool place!

This review is for the Operations only (I've watched YouTubes and have attended events in the past…read morethat were super cool, and I'm a fan of the maker community). Jennyfer was very rude, condescending, and unwelcoming to me. I have never felt so uncomfortable with anyone on the phone before. I emailed with an inquiry on availability for rental space and provided some ideas for volunteering that I could provide to the community. Not only did she imply that I had written "a lot of info to share via email," but then proceeded to ask me to what I wanted on the phone as if I was in an interrogation. She said, "Oh, I am sorry, I don't think you know who I am. Let me introduce myself....I manage Nova Labs and the Innovation Center... " This is unwarranted display of power and "gatekeeping" for a non-profit community organization. I had only visited the space several years ago when my friend had his office there. I am not aware of the politics or structure that she was implying about whether or not I was approvable in her eyes in becoming a member and volunteer with Nova Labs as well as whether I am qualified to rent an office space that should only be for"people who make things" not those who work at a desk. I make things using my computer and with my hands. Really disappointed and sad that this all just happened.

I went to the class, 5/5 Thank you. I would 100% recommend…read morethis place. I just took my arrest authority class and it was worth it.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards at Aspis. Unfortunately, there will always be those who…read morehave something negative to say when they fail. We appreciate all the positive comments and support. We will continue to hold the highest standards in the industry and do our part in elevating our profession.

The website and people are a lie stating refunds case by case i immediately tried cancel and John…read moreChapman says oh well no deposit refund of thousand. Emailed to no replies now.

It was a fun experience…read more I always thought I could just get started by watching videos online on how to tile or do other things, but it's very hard to start. I thought this would be a much better way to start learning. Being able to be up close and have someone watch for common mistakes is really much better in getting started. You learn about a lot of different materials. You learn about common pitfalls that happens in the real world. You get to feel the consistency of the thunder, grout, and techniques for laying. You get to use a tile cutter (score and snap and power grinding). It was a unique experience for me. But also an eye opening experience. I was afraid to get started and now I am excited to take more classes until I feel comfortable tackling a project myself. I will be back for the flooring and waterproofing classes.

I just finished my second class here (Subway Tile Backsplash Tiling) and I've already signed up for…read morea third. That should say it all. While YouTube and online tutorials are helpful, nothing compares to real hands on experience. In the backsplash course, you actually get to prime drywall, cut tile, and install it on a real wall, not just watch someone else do it. It's practical, immersive, and incredibly empowering. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable. You can tell they've been in the trade for many years. They take the time to clearly demonstrate each step, explain the "why" behind what you're doing, and guide you along the way. They're supportive and always ready to help, but they make sure you're the one doing the work, which builds real confidence. My only regret is not finding this place sooner. I definitely could have avoided some costly mistakes and extra work on previous DIY projects if I had taken these classes first. I highly recommend this shop to anyone tackling a home project or just wanting to learn a new skill. The space is super clean, well organized, and fully stocked with all the tools you need. They even provide beverages and snacks, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. Fantastic experience all around.

I had the honor of training with Mr. Syed Iftikhar (Mr. Safe) at CDL Safe Driving Academy, and I…read morecan confidently say he is the best CDL instructor out there. His teaching style is clear, patient, and practical--he focuses on real-world driving techniques that prepare you not only to pass the CDL exam but also to drive safely and professionally afterward. Mr. Safe is extremely accessible and easy-going, always making time for his students. He works tirelessly every day until 7pm to ensure no one is left behind. Beyond being a skilled instructor, he is a kindhearted, genuine gentleman who truly cares about the success of his students. His professionalism, encouragement, and deep knowledge of CDL requirements made the entire process smooth and stress-free. A special mention also goes to his assistant Jimmy, who is a great man as well--always supportive, respectful, and ready to help students succeed. Together, they create a very welcoming and motivating environment. Because of their guidance, I passed the Virginia CDL exam and now hold my CDL license. I highly recommend CDL Safe Driving Academy to anyone serious about getting their CDL. If you want instructors who are patient, dedicated, and sincerely invested in your success, Mr. Safe and his team are the best!

Safe driving academy is one of the best in the DMV area. Not only did they teach me how to drive…read morewhen I was a teenager but they also keep me a safe driver by all the courses they offer to only improve my driving skills. They have all your bases covered as far as driving goes, highly recommend to everyone and anyone!

Great help for your technical and printing needs. Check with them before you pay for posters or…read morebig signs! They also loan out public portable speakers/microphones for big events.

Found this place through Groupon's $35 Corrective Facial deal. Their regular price is $45 and they…read morehave a stamp card where after 5 facials you get one free (which they didn't give me the first time I went, mind you). Price wise, it's unbeatable in this area. As far as what the price gets you...well a student edition that's slower and therefore abridged. There's a lot they simply don't have time for as the student tries to rush through everything in about 45minutes. The first time takes longer as there's a review of your intake forms, and a discussion on what products to use during this facial. After cleansing, an instructor comes in to check your skin and advise the student on what to do and what products to use. I found this process useful for determining what products I should and should not use. I came back and scheduled with the same student just to get an idea of how much my skin might've improved after following the instructors advice. Very useful. They student double cleanses while streaming your skin. There's always makeup removal even though I've tried telling them I have permanent makeup and no additional makeup on. I really wished they would add this to their chart so we can just skip all this "makeup removal" when no makeup is worn. Anyway, after double cleansing there's an inspection, in my case exfoliation, a mask, and then some treatment as necessary. I assume not everyone has the same treatment as we have different issues to address. Overall the rooms and tables are comfortable. They play pleasant music. It's meant to be a relaxing spa experience. However, as they don't have any lymphatic massage included, or bring any of the facial down to your neck/chest, it really feels a little j complete. There's also not been any extraction even though estheticians usually would extract.

I'm so happy I discovered esthetic Institute through groupon. Now I've been here over 8 times and…read moreI've been working with one particular student for a few months now. Her level of knowledge with problem/acne skin has impressed me. As someone who has tried almost everything in the industry and visited countless dermatologists for years to treat my face, I've never been treated with such great attention to my skin and such a personalized action plan. She has been working to lighten my hyperpigmentation and I already see great improvement. I've done regular facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Now that my hyperpigmentation has been improving, I hopped over to their location next door (the Esthetic Laser Clinic, not to be confused with Esthetic Institute-where the students are) and got microneedling (Skinpen) done. I am excited to see the results. The Esthetic Laser clinic is the real deal and it is not done by students. Pricing for the Esthetic Institute is wonderful, especially for this area where everything seems to be on the higher end. I'm sad to be moving from the area soon but I know that anytime I'm back in town, a trip to the esthetic Institute will be on my list!