Crafting Careers & Creating Community: The Lewis Family Blueprint
Photo by Karen Presecan
In a world where career success often comes at the expense of genuine community connection, Theodore "Geno" Lewis and Sokry Lewis have found a way to do both. For the past decade, this dynamic couple has been weaving themselves into the fabric of Stafford County, building not just successful careers in the skilled trades but also creating opportunities for others while raising four sons who embody their values of hard work, adaptability, and service.
Their love story began in the summer of 2002 at P.J. Skidoos, a local restaurant and dance bar, during Sokry's cousin's birthday party. What happened next has become a family legend.
"My husband noticed me as soon as I walked into the entrance door. He will tell you that I had gold dust floating around me, but in all honesty, it was just Victoria's Secret glitter spray," Sokry recalls with a laugh. The magic moment came when they found themselves "swaying in slow motion to a nostalgic hip hop hit 'Get Low' by Lil Jon." As Sokry remembers it, "The world around us was moving fast while we were caught in slow motion. It was an unforgettable night, and the rest was history."
Today, Theodore serves as an Electrician General Foreman with IBEW Local 26, where he has devoted 24 years of his career. Sokry is a licensed Cosmetologist with 20 years of experience who has transformed her passion into a thriving business empire. In August 2015, she opened her licensed home salon, and six years later, she achieved a remarkable milestone: opening the first privately owned D.P.O.R. approved Cosmetology School in Stafford, known as Destiny Academy. The success of Destiny Academy speaks volumes about Sokry's commitment to excellence and community development.
"We have had three consecutive years of students successfully completing our program since 2023," she proudly shares. This achievement represents more than business success; it's about creating pathways for others in their community to build meaningful careers.
The Lewis family chose to build a life together in the Colonial Forge subdivision, seeking "a slower pace of life and a safer place to raise our children." What they found exceeded their expectations.
"We totally got lucky with awesome neighbors and now friends. They are the warmest and most sincere people you'll ever meet," Sokry reflects. "When I opened my home-based salon, they all supported my business, and we have built a close relationship since then. Their support and friendship have meant everything to me."
Their four sons reflect the family's values and diverse talents as well. Benjamin, 24, graduated from Colonial Forge High School, served in the Air Force, and now works as a computer tech for a science and technology company. T.J., 23, has moved to Florida, where he owns a landscape company. Still at home are Shawn, 17, an engineering and design enthusiast who "has a natural gift for making friends" and can "make someone feel comfortable and welcome effortlessly." The youngest, Desmond "Dez," 12, is described by his mother as "going on 40" and "the most mature son." Like his father, Dez "has a special talent in winning debates," and the family believes he will "go into law."
Theodore's community involvement extends beyond his professional life. He has volunteered as an assistant coach at Colonial Forge High School for the Freshman and Junior Varsity basketball teams and committed 10 years of volunteer work with the Stafford Recreational Basketball league. This summer, he's passing on his trade knowledge to his younger sons, training them as apprentice electricians, teaching them "something they can utilize for a lifetime."
Sokry's philosophy of purposeful living guides both her personal and professional choices. "I think time moves swiftly. I believe we have to choose it purposefully," she explains. This mindset influences everything from her daily yoga and meditation practice to her business decisions. She has volunteered at public cosmetology schools, sharing her expertise with students, and Destiny Academy has partnered with Stafford County public schools for career fairs.
The family's connection to their community goes beyond business and volunteerism. As water and nature lovers, they frequent local spots like Aquia Landing for sunbathing and fishing, City Dock Boat Ramp for paddleboarding, and Westmoreland Beach for searching for shark teeth. Their dining preferences reflect Sokry's Cambodian heritage, with Pho 72 in Garrisonville and Nara Thai being family favorites.
What makes the Lewis family particularly special is their perspective on Stafford County. "Stafford truly feels like a special place—a vibrant melting pot filled with incredible people from all walks of life," Sokry observes. "We've met military personnel and government officials with impressive careers, alongside locals whose rich family traditions inspire admiration."
The family's ability to adapt has served them well as Stafford has grown and changed. "We never thought construction in our area would grow into what it is now. Although the changes came rapidly and suddenly, they did not bother us. We like the convenience. We are a family who can adapt to our environment," Sokry notes.
Perhaps most inspiring is how the Lewis family has turned personal dreams into community assets. Sokry's journey from someone whose family "couldn't afford big vacations or trips abroad" to a successful business owner who has finally achieved her dream Caribbean vacation, demonstrates that "dreams don't expire. Sometimes, they're even sweeter when you've waited for them."
Through Destiny Academy, Theodore's mentorship in athletics and trades, and their sons' emerging contributions to the local community, the Lewis family exemplifies how individual success can fuel collective prosperity. They've created a legacy that extends far beyond their own achievements, building pathways for others while strengthening the bonds that make Stafford County not just a place to live, but a community to call home.
