Back to Basics Networking in the Northern Neck &
surrounding areas through monthly meetups
About the Founders of NNN
This networking group was created by two women who have businesses in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Deborah Newman, Owner of Petite Taway and Janice Jones, Owner of The Arts Center of Montross and J. Jones Art Consultant met at an exhibition at the The Artists' Alliance of Colonial Beach. Deborah was hired to redesign the Alliance website and Janice had an idea to open up an arts center in Montross, and a partnership began.
They have been working on various projects in the area and both realized they wanted to meet more businesses and really have a group that focused on networking and self promotion. If small businesses supported small businesses what a powerhouse they would be. This website portal and the monthly meetups will hopefully grow and we look forward to meeting all of you! We hold our meetups in these Virginia Counties: Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmorland and King George.
Meet Deborah
Deborah Newman is the founder and creative director of Petite Taway Inc., a Virginia-based web design and digital marketing agency that helps small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs build bold, beautiful, successful online presences. Through custom Wix websites, SEO strategy, e-commerce platforms, social media consulting, and design training, she empowers clients across the U.S. and internationally—with a special focus on purpose-driven brands and community-centered organizations.
Before entering the tech world, Deborah built a 25-year career in the restaurant and hospitality industry in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area, gaining invaluable experience in customer service, operations, and entrepreneurship. Her hands-on leadership style and deep understanding of business laid the groundwork for her future success in web design and marketing.
Deborah holds a BA in the Study of the Americas from George Mason University, where she developed a passion for art, culture, and advocacy. She originally envisioned working in indigenous art communities, but life led her to co-found Maine Bytes, a computer repair and web design business she ran with her late husband in Maine. After his unexpected passing in 2012, Deborah relocated to Virginia in 2013 and launched Petite Taway Inc., named in honor of her mother and symbolic of her personal resilience and professional rebirth.
In addition to her professional work, she is a dedicated community leader, Rotarian, and passionate connector. Deborah is a proud member of the North Stafford Rotary Club and the founder of three dynamic networking communities:
• Networking with Tisha and Deb
• The Northern Neck Networking Group
• The OC Network
She also serves in multiple civic and cultural leadership roles, including:
• Vice President of the Colonial Beach Historical Society and Museum
• Board Member of the Westmoreland County Museum & Library
• Board Member of JART Inc. (supporting performing arts in rural Virginia)
• Board Member of RappArts (Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community)
• Board Member of the Fred-Este Association (Fredericksburg–Estes, France sister city cultural group)
Deborah is also the Director of Community Engagement & Marketing for the nonprofit FailSafe-ERA, where she facilitates entrepreneurship and digital literacy training for women and returning citizens through the Failsafe Entrepreneur Bootcamp, in partnership with Germanna Community College.
With over 15 years as a business owner and community advocate, Deborah is known for her passion, persistence, and people-first approach. Whether she’s mentoring a startup, designing a nonprofit’s website, or hosting a local networking event, she leads with heart, authenticity, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Contact Info
Deborah Newman, Petite Taway Inc.
Phone: 207-991-1451
On the Web: https://www.petitetaway.com
On Social @petitetaway
🕉️#bebraveinbiz, #femaleninjaentrepreneur #petitetaway #dowhatyoulove
From Janice
"When The Arts Center was just an idea and I was talking with the Town officials, I realized that I did not know many of the business owners. The Center has been open for a little more than a year, I am working toward meeting others but have many yet to meet. I am certain that many of them like me, I know are interested in promoting their business and networking to gain promotional strength in numbers. Having had other brick and mortar businesses I understand the importance and the value of working with others.
It is our goal to first have a few meet and greets so we can get to know each other. Then we can work toward determining how we can work together and to grow our vision throughout the Northern Neck. I am very happy that Deb Newman and I are partnering as I feel that between the two of us, we bring a wide range of experiences which we can share with others and help grow this group into becoming a voice for businesses in our area."