When Barbara Sharp was seventeen, she and a high school friend packed their bicycles, flew to Luxemburg and rode over European hills and dales for months before they flew back from Luxemburg in time for graduation. Were they prepared? You bet!

They had worked several jobs to save enough money for the trip. They each had completed more than enough academic credits to graduate. And, as Barbara's mother said, "You've more than earned it. Be careful, have fun and don't be late!"

Being prepared is one of the hallmarks of Barbara's life. Although there have been moments when, as she says sadly, "…there is no preparation in the universe."

A fine artist with an MBA in finance, Barbara brings a sublime sense of commitment and stewardship to the Piedmont region that she now calls home. She is passionately devoted to her son, John, who recently moved from Park City, Utah to Middleburg, and passionately dedicated to the women she helps with financial planning.

Her beautiful Unison home is filled with art. Many of the impressionistic canvases of Hunt Country landscapes and beautiful bouquets are from her studio. And a visitor could be excused for confusing her emotive pen and ink drawings with an early Renoir.

Clearly, this lovely, energetic woman could relax and make a reputation and a living for herself in the arts. But relaxation and Barbara Sharp may not be an entirely comfortable mix. As with all professional women in finance, she understands the difference between power and influence, and she is determined to earn enough of both to be of real service to the female clients who count on her and the organizations she serves.

Many women smile knowingly when a professional woman talks about attaining the 'work/life balance.' That's because, as Sallie Krawcheck, former CEO of Citigroup's Global Wealth Management Division, says, "…they're lying." But, by leaving the Merrill Lynch/Morgan Stanley rat race and moving to Hunt Country, Barbara may have that balance in very close range.

Her position at Bluemont Capital is demanding, but, "I'm now part of a truly brilliant team," she emphasizes. "We all bring complimentary expertise to the partnership, and the combination of talent and experience we offer is unrivaled."

"If your financial advisor offers you brilliance, excellent returns and an understanding relationship you can truly trust, you're going to do exceptionally well. That's what we offer our clients, and that's why I love working with this team."

Does she work all the time, yes. But some of that work is in her studio. Does she have time for lunch with friends, a morning canter on her handsome horse, Moose, or to give painting lessons to underprivileged high school students? Yes, yes, and yes. Enthusiastically and energetically, yes!

"Women are so smart," she says, slowly stirring a cup of coffee in her spacious, sunlit kitchen. "Finance combines perfectly with culture and history to make a truly wonderful life. Women always knew that. They just forgot to teach their daughters."

"When my clients understand what's possible, they are excited and motivated to achieve their goal. Goals they previously believed were completely out of reach."

Turbulent economic times have only made a trusted financial advisor more valuable.

"I love the stock market, and I've done well in it, but my passion is to teach women how they can do as well as I," Barbara underscores. "I work hard, its true. But I also lecture a lot and teach workshops. I taught at Anne Arundel College and I mentor many young people. I absolutely believe that, once one understands how to make money, everything, well, almost everything, is possible."

If there is a lingering shadow in Barbara's life, it is the sudden death of her son, Broderick.

"He died of an enlarged heart. It was totally unexpected and totally devastating."

When her other son, John said he thought it was time to leave the Subaru Freestyle Ski Team and head back East to college, Barbara was thrilled.

"I'm so enjoying his company. He was top dog in Park City, and I know it's tough for him to re-establish his life here, but I'm so happy he chose to do so."

Does Barbara Sharp see her life as a success?

"It's just my life," she says smiling. "I found Middleburg in 2003, purchased my home in 2004 and it was ready for me to move in 2005. I absolutely love it here. I was born in Pittsburg, one of five children to a fabulous homemaker mother and a father who was in the hardware business.

"Everyone always said I was a 'rare' combination of art and business and I suppose that has proved to be correct. Although neither of my marriages was successful, I raised both my sons, and they are both wonderful. I've participated fully in life, and I've always tried to make a difference. I am not an observer, I participate fully in life. Does that guarantee happiness? I'm living proof that it does not. But I know how fortunate I am, and I have been tremendously happy since I moved to the Middleburg area.

"I'm helping to build a business that truly helps people and I intend to give as much of myself to this area as I possibly can.

"If that's not success, I don't know what is."