Street Style: Catherine Soltesz
If you haven’t already seen the unique and charming Lily’s Flower Truck on the streets of Old Town, in the plaza of CityCenterDC, or even in front of Boxwood, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Catherine Soltesz, the woman behind this amazing and thriving floral business.
I first met Catherine a couple of years ago when we were planning for the Alexandria Historic Garden Tour Week. A friend suggested I contact her about parking her truck in front of Boxwood. The moment I met her, I knew there was something special going on, not only with her business but with Catherine herself. Have you ever met someone who inspires you to be like her? Well, that's Catherine. Not only does her bright and cheery flower truck attract passers-by, but Catherine herself is a ray of sunshine that draws people towards her. I am truly impressed by her intelligence, positive attitude, kindness, and beauty, but above all, she has the biggest heart of any businesswoman I know. Another reason why I admire Catherine is that, like me and my shop dog Cody, she is also a lab lover. Her colorful flower truck is named after its mascot, Lily, Catherine's black Labrador retriever. As part of her business model, she supports local animal shelters by donating a portion of her bouquet sales.
When I say she parks her truck in front of the store, I'm not talking about just any old truck. Catherine's truck is her entire business—a floral shop on wheels! I love that Catherine's business is all about bringing beautiful colors and flowers to the community. She parks her blue and white checkered vintage-looking flower truck on the streets throughout Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, always filled with gorgeous, fresh blooms to create your very own custom bouquet right out of the back of the truck.
I knew she was the perfect candidate for Street Style because of her joyful personality and vibrant, colorful style. Even her truck exudes style with its bright blue checkered exterior, blue awning, lively music, and, of course, the stunning flowers bursting with color from the back.
Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood: Alexandria!
What is your hometown? Leesburg, Virginia
What would surprise people about you? I was so nervous before my first ever flower truck event that I threw up.
Favorite book or movie: Zero Dark Thirty
Guilty Pleasure: The Bachelor
Latest binge-watch: Bridgerton
Bucket list travel destination: The Tulip Festival in Amsterdam
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Chic, colorful, confident
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: My Pink Reef earrings! Adds a fun flair to every outfit.
Favorite trend: Headbands!
Beauty product you can’t live without: Bed Head After Party – my hair looks like I stuck my finger in an electrical outlet without it.
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Total sneaker gal! I’ve always owned a pair of pink high tops.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Needlepointing while having a solo Taylor Swift singalong.
Most fun way to stay active: Exploring Alexandria on walks with my dog Lily!
Wellness goal: I am currently training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro which is a huge goal given I just bought my first ever pair of hiking boots.
Want to try: Pickleball
Proudest wellness achievement: I met Sam from Umbrella Dry Drinks and she sparked my love for non-alcoholic drinks! They make me feel healthy, energized, and transformed my wellness routine! Cheers to that!
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My living room because of my little pod massage chair.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: Printed wallpaper! I love to add a bright, bold punch to any room.
Favorite way to entertain: I love a good dinner party so I can decorate my table with goodies from Boxwood in Old Town.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free
Next planned purchase: Another Cris Clapp Logan masterpiece! I have a stunning original — a lady strolling with hydrangea through Old Town's charming houses and am adding another to my collection pronto!
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Alexandria Stylebook is my ultimate source for all things cool and trendy! Instead of sifting through reviews or searching for specific businesses, I rely on them to discover the best of the best. They introduce me to incredible companies I never knew I needed in my life.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Weekends at The Pedestrian Plaza on King Street: lively, filled with people, and showcases amazing local small businesses!
Your go-to shop: Boxwood is my go-to for home décor and gifts for literally any occasion. They always have unique trendy items.
Best food spot: Hard Times
Favorite local organization: Lucky Dog Rescue
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Halloween! Both the doggie trick-or-treat and the children trick-or-treat are so sweet.
