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Age: 38

Profession/business: Founder and president of FreyerMartin of Gaithersburg, a personal and household bill-paying service for executives, individuals, "professional athletes and entertainers." Also, president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Greater D.C. Chapter, and member of the board of directors of the American Association of Daily Money Managers.

Residence: Darnestown.

Family: Married, with a toddler.

Hobby: Music.

Last book read: "Leading from the Front: No Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women," by Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch.

Last movie seen: "Sweeney Todd."

Next vacation spot: Italy

Latest accomplishment: "Met one of my favorite musical artists in person."

How she keeps fresh ideas coming: "I challenge myself to look at things from a different perspective than I naturally would. I learned that in my first job working for a photographer — looking at things from unusual angles can yield some amazing photographs."

How she keeps employees happy: "Constantly tell them how great they are; quickly tell them when they aren't. They'll always know where they stand, which leaves plenty of emotional space to focus on doing good work. I also don't ask them to do anything I wouldn't be willing to do myself."

Quote: "If you have a stomach of steel and eat nails for breakfast, you might just make it as an entrepreneur."