Deals in Merrifield

Each of Merrifield Garden Center’s three locations overflows with thousands of plants throughout the year, encompassing such variety that a reporter for CNN’s Eatocracy claimed “I might as well endorse my paychecks straight to them…because I always want to grow what they've got.” Knowledgeable garden experts, 25 of whom have been with Merrifield for 25 years or more, guide customers through row upon row of flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants, or help them sort through an extensive selection of bulbs and seeds. Visitors may also bump into the founders themselves, or their children and other family members, 38 of whom still work at the thriving business that started 40 years ago. Merrifield doesn’t just proliferate plants, however; amenities such as cafes in Gainesville and Merrifield and a dog park in Gainesville make each garden center into a leisure destination as well. Three of its garden gurus run an hourlong TV show that's been going for more than two decades, and other staff publish gardening advice on the website and Facebook. The staff also work to protect the environment with a variety of eco-friendly initiatives. Besides stocking native plants and water-saving devices for their customers, they also compost more than 20,000 tons of soil and 25,000 cubic yards of brush left over from their comprehensive landscaping services every year. The Gainesville location also gathers old concrete, metal appliances, and rusted Optimus Primes for recycling free of charge.

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? Before beginning a session, I talk extensively with a client about their health issues and present a plan of treatment specific to their needs. As an experienced therapist, I have numerous techniques that can be combined to create a unique experience with each visit. What was the inspiration to start or run this business? I began my career in massage after finding alternative treatments so helpful to my child with a disability. Through the years, I have discovered so many wonderful benefits of therapeutic touch and have fallen in love with the study of the amazing human body. What do you love most about your job? The challenge of creating the most beneficial session possible. From listening to how pain presents in the client to searching the body for answers utilizing my knowledge of anatomy, every day presents an opportunity to learn something new . What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer? Each situation is unique but one person stands out in particular. Suffering from stress after the death of her spouse, a client found relief from chronic shoulder pain and was comforted by compassionate touch. She said "You've brought me back to life". Meant so much to be able to bring her relief.

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? I offer the makeup application experience to women who need that extra pick up. As women we sometimes lose ourselves in the chaos of the everyday world. I help you get YOU back. What was the inspiration to start or run this business? I was a MAC girl for 7 years and LOVED the company. However, I had my daughter and could no longer do the retail hours. Between working and putting her in daycare, I would have never spent time with her. So I decided to free lance. I now make my own hours & love the time I spend with my baby girl. What do you love most about your job? The most incredible experience in working with women is the conversation. I get to meet the most beautiful individuals from all walks of life. We laugh, we talk, we encourage. The conversation and meeting new people is the meat and potatoes. The makeup is just dessert. What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer? I will NEVER forget the time I had a customer who had just finished Chemotherapy. She came to the Mac counter and approached me and said "Make me feel beautiful again." It was the universe that aligned us. She cried after her makeover. She was beyond thrilled. It doesn't get any better than that.

Where's the best place to see art in the Mosaic District? Probably not where you think. Sure, District Avenue and its surrounding streets brim with small boutique shops and galleries, but don't overlook the unassuming brick exterior of Iron Chef House. Once past the patio and through the doors, your eyes immediately dart to a wall-length, abstract mural in the dining room. On the other side, chefs create their own works of art. Fog from dry ice cascades over tiered towers of sushi. Fresh flowers and twigs garnish bowls of thin-sliced sashimi. That's just the beginning of what Iron Chef House does with its Japanese cuisine. Read on to learn more: From the Sushi Bar Try the house love boat for two, which features 10 pieces of sashimi, 15 pieces of sushi, and 2 special rolls (think a spicy tuna roll or a Brooklyn roll with salmon, tuna, and mango). From the Hibachi Grill Chefs grill steak, shrimp, and chicken to order, then they serve these proteins up with rice and noodles. From the Bar Bartenders pour the perfect finishing touches, selecting from a selection of international wine and Japanese sake and beer.

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? Crown Dance Studio offers students flexibility in how they use their dance classes, affordability so that they may enjoy dancing within any budget, and the freedom to come and go as they please. What's one tip for first-time students that will make them feel like veterans? Our personable and dedicated instructors listen to your goals for your dancing and work as a team to help you achieve them. What was the inspiration to start or run this business? Our Owner (Abraham Sannoh) loves helping students develop their dancing skills and his warm and friendly personality make learning to dance fun, easy, and exciting. What do you love most about your job? Fun! Fun! Fun! Teaching people to not only dance but discover themselves is among our greatest joy of accomplishment at Crown Dance Studio.

At Village Yoga, Freddy Margolis has amassed an impressive team of experienced instructors, some of whom have impressive backgrounds in fields such as competitive dance and chinese medicine. These specialists aim to help students foster holistic wellness with a variety of yoga classes at both of their spacious studios. Their class styles range from flowing Vinyasa and gentle stretches to high-intensity Zumba and power yoga, and teacher training is also available. Clients can rent either studio to host yoga parties that celebrate birthdays, engagements, or successful human-Jenga games. An instructor will be on hand to guide partygoers through routines, and the space comes equipped with yoga mats, bolsters, and music.