For the moments that become your life

A life well lived.
A moment
well kept.

Thoughtful guidance for where you’re going.
More room for what you’ll remember.

Start a conversation Discover how we can help
The people at the heart of it all
John C. Small Jr. and Veronica Kouassi Small, smiling together before a movie
John C. Small Jr. & Veronica Kouassi Small · A moment, together.
A note to self

Make time
for the life
you’re living.

One small memory at a time.
Connection. Joy. Intention.
Here for life’s next chapter.

Veterans & military Individuals & families Retirement & beyond

The heart of Making Small Memories

Life is made of moments.
Let’s make them matter.

A world where the small moments matter most—where connection, joy, and intentional experiences bring people closer together.

We help people turn everyday moments into meaningful memories. Through thoughtful experiences, personalized details, and heartfelt creativity, we create opportunities to slow down, connect, celebrate, and cherish the little moments that become the stories we remember most.

Making Small Memories brings together travel, life coaching, VA disability enhancement, retirement planning, and investment education. Our services are especially relevant to veterans, active-duty military, and people moving into civilian life or retirement.

Meet your next step with John
Thoughtful support, in five directions

Big changes.
Small, thoughtful steps.

Life rarely fits into one category. Find support for the part you’re navigating now.

01
Explore

Travel services

Make room for the experience. We help coordinate the details of your trip, so you can focus on making memories.

What we can explore
  • End-to-end travel advising and trip coordination
  • Tailored itineraries for retirement travel
  • International destination and relocation exploration
02
Grow

Life coaching

A change in direction can bring new questions. Explore personal goals, sustainable routines, and the transition from military to civilian life.

What we can explore
  • Military separation and transition support
  • Accountability and long-term goal setting
  • Daily routines and stress management through change
03
Navigate

VA disability enhancement

Guidance to help you understand benefit options and organize the information behind your claims roadmap.

Visit VA.org
What we can explore
  • Service-record and secondary-condition organization
  • Claims roadmap coaching
  • Guidance on HISA, dental enrollment, and CHAMPVA options
04
Reimagine

Retirement planning

Think beyond the last day of work. Explore purpose, community, and the practical decisions that shape life after a career.

What we can explore
  • Lifestyle, identity, and community planning
  • Social Security timing coordination with partners
  • Workplace contribution and health-coverage planning
05
Prepare

Investment options & strategies

Explore how different accounts and investment approaches fit together, with education around diversification and a stable financial foundation.

What we can explore
  • Brokerage and workplace account coordination
  • Education on self-directed IRAs and diversification
  • Cash reserves, low-risk bonds, and growth foundations
Our belief

“The little moments become
the stories we remember most.”

— From our mission
A place to begin

You don’t need all
the answers to start.

Bring your questions. Start a conversation about the life you want to make room for.

  1. 01

    Start with what matters.

    Tell John what is changing, what you are hoping for, and where you would welcome guidance.

  2. 02

    Explore your options.

    Ask about the services that fit your goals, the support involved, and the associated fees.

  3. 03

    Choose your next step.

    Discuss the scope and timing with John before deciding how you would like to move forward.

Small moments. Shared meaning.

Support what
matters.

Interested in supporting Making Small Memories?

Voluntary donations may be sent through the approved Cash App profile. Confirm the cashtag before sending.

Cash App donations

$MSMllcJCSVKS

Confirm this cashtag in Cash App before completing your donation.

Donate with Cash App

Donations are separate from service invoices and are not presented as tax-deductible.

A little clarity

Good questions.
A clear beginning.

Who is Making Small Memories for?

Our services support individuals and families, with particular attention to veterans, active-duty military, and people transitioning into civilian life or retirement.

Can I ask about more than one service?

Yes. Our approach brings travel, personal goals, benefits, retirement, and investment education into the same conversation. Tell John which areas you would like to explore.

What kind of travel can I discuss?

Trip coordination, retirement travel, international destinations, and travel to explore potential relocation are all part of our travel services.

What does VA disability enhancement support include?

Claims roadmap coaching, organizing service records and secondary conditions, and guidance on benefits such as HISA, dental enrollment, and CHAMPVA. Discuss your circumstances with John to understand the scope of support.

How do I pay for services?

Contact John to discuss the service, scope, and fees. Once the details are agreed, John will send you an invoice with the payment instructions.

How can I make a donation?

Use the Donations section to open the approved Cash App profile for $MSMllcJCSVKS. Confirm the cashtag before sending. Donations are separate from invoices for services.

How do I arrange a consultation?

Use the appointment section below, call 757-232-7664, or email johncurtis.small324@gmail.com to discuss a suitable time.

What should I share in my first message?

Your name, a way to reach you, and the service you are interested in are a good starting point. Please do not send medical records or other highly sensitive information through email or scheduling forms.

Your next small step

Let’s make room
for what matters.

Connect with John about travel, life’s transitions, and the possibilities ahead.

Your contact: John C. Small Jr.

A conversation with John

Choose a time to connect.

Open the calendar to see available appointments.

You can also open the calendar in a new tab or contact John directly.

Please leave medical records and sensitive personal details out of your message. Privacy policy

A conversation with John

Calendar not appearing? Open Cal.com in a new tab or call John.