Feeling 22: Celebrating 22 Years of Style, Community, and Confidence at The Hive

The lines below keep looping in my head as I sit down to write this:

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling twenty-two... 🎶

It’s hard to believe it’s been 22 years since I first opened the doors of The Shoe Hive. When I started, I had one dog (RIP Mosby) and no kids. Now I have two—one in college, one close behind—and two beloved pups, Bonnie and Clyde. Same great husband (can’t improve on perfection!) and, luckily, only one move since opening.

The stores, though? They’ve had quite the evolution. We began in 2003 at 115 Royal Street as just The Shoe Hive. In 2009, when my son was born, we moved to 127 South Fairfax, doubled in size, and gained air conditioning (a true luxury at the time!). I eventually bought the building, which turned out to be one of my best business decisions.

In 2016, fresh off the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, I decided to expand and open a clothing store at 301 Cameron Street. Five years later, and one pandemic survived, we grew again, moving into 315 Cameron Street, where we are today. That move brought some experiments: a men’s store, a short-lived outlet, and a few lessons learned. But every stumble led us to where we are now.

Last year, we combined clothing and shoes under one roof, creating a space that’s simpler, stronger, and exactly what our customers wanted: a one-stop shop for style. And truly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Our mission remains the same: to offer the best selection, the best service, and the most fun shopping experience in Alexandria. Because shopping should be fun! We love helping women feel confident, stylish, and celebrated.

Of course, we’re not perfect, but our community has supported us through every twist, turn, and growing pain, and that’s why we’re still here 22 years later.

To thank you, we’re celebrating with our 22nd Anniversary Sale, happening Thursday, October 30 through Sunday, November 2. Enjoy 22% off your entire purchase in-store or online (discount applied at checkout).

Plus, on Saturday, November 1, we’re thrilled to host local artist Julianne Woehrle, who will be hand-painting canvas shoppers with your initials from 12–4pm. No purchase necessary, just a heartfelt thank-you for being part of our story.

Here’s to 22 years of style, laughter, and community—and to many more to come! 🥂

SEE ALSO: Preppy Roots, Modern Style: My Fall Favorites from Ann Mashburn