The neighborhoods in and around Chevy Chase are filled with interesting and educated people, big and small businesses, proximity to culture, parks and entertainment. There are neighborhoods like Chevy Chase, DC, right near the circle, that still have a small town feel with locally owned shops, focused on the neighborhoods that support them. Join us for a community spotlight with Ferrall Dietrich as we discuss what goes into creating a small business. We will learn about her background, what inspired her to open a shop, the start-up process, capitalization issues, day-to-day management, surviving through the pandemic and the secrets for success. Learning about Ferrall’s journey could be interesting if you have ever thought of starting a business or wondered about the ins and outs of being a business owner in today’s economy.

A native Washingtonian and the daughter of a U.S. Naval Officer, Ferrall moved often with her family, living off and on in Italy for many years. However, D.C. was always home and they returned frequently after stints abroad. Ferrall found herself back in the area after college, pursuing national security/international relations work on Capitol Hill, at the Japanese Embassy, and finally within a boutique global trade company. Her work with this local firm was her first exposure to life as an entrepreneur and small business owner, and she was inspired to return to school and obtain an MBA. Upon graduation, a few years in both the consulting and nonprofit world sealed the deal and she began to lay the groundwork for leaving the ‘corporate’ life behind to start and run her own business. In 2011, she opened Core72 in Chevy Chase D.C., a small retail shop selling active and lifestyle apparel for men and women – and she’s never looked back.
Outside of work, Ferrall, her husband Mike, and their two sons have traveled extensively, love to hike and camp and seek outdoor adventure wherever possible. Ferrall and her family reside in Chevy Chase, MD.