Barbara has been a leader all of her life. She is the daughter of an Alabama farmer who had a vision of what her life should be and she pursued it. Since arriving in Virginia Beach in 1956 with her late husband, Barbara has been a fixture on the city's social and business scene.

Along the way, she has helped thousands of young women and raised much needed money for worthy causes.

At 69 years old, Barbara admits most people her age are thinking about retirement. But that's not on her horizon right now.


A Leader in Action

Long before the women's movement caught fire, Barbara taught classes for 15 years at a college-level finishing school in the early 1960's, where she educated women on how to look their best and interview for jobs.

In 1976 she bought Charm Associates which became a Virginia Beach landmark, renowned for developing social skills, grace, and etiquette in young women.

Sensing the need for businesswomen role models, Barbara founded the Outstanding Professional Women's Awards in 1982 to create role models and motivation for women coming through the ranks, and to pay tribute to Hampton Road’s top businesswomen who embody leadership, integrity and outstanding achievement. This year will mark the events 25th year.

After 27 years of teaching thousands of young ladies to be polished and self confident, Barbara sold Charm Associates to pursue her Town Center City Club dream.

"A vibrant, trendsetting city like Virginia Beach needed its own private club, and that was my vision," says Barbara. Lewis' honesty and integrity helped raise the club's start-up money through membership fees. "People wrote checks before there was anything to see," she says.

The club reached its membership goals of 200 members by opening day in February 2004, and 300 members by September 2004. Its new goal is 500 members.

The club provides an exclusive private dining experience where members can socialize and conduct business meetings in a relaxed setting. In addition to its traditional main dining room, the club features a bar and two private dining rooms for meetings.

The club also hosts weddings, retirements, birthdays, anniversaries and special events. Some of the worthy causes Barbara has raised money for include the Lynnhaven River 2007 Project, Hope House, the Virginia Beach Performing Arts Center, and The United Way.