In 2017, I had just celebrated my 20-year wedding anniversary and returned from our anniversary trip to Italy. In the 17 years I had owned Bellacara at the time, my husband and I had never taken a two-week vacation anywhere. I planned the trip and was all set to go when my store manager gave her notice. In a panic, I scrambled to find help. Some amazing former staff members stepped in to help where they could, but I had to hire some people quickly. In the end, those hires didn’t work out long term, though I will forever be grateful to them for working for me those two weeks.

When I returned, I realized that I had to make some decisions about staffing at Bellacara. I came to the realization that I needed seasoned makeup artists to work at the store. I needed to up my game, so to speak. I hired a fabulous artist to help out on a freelance basis, and she asked if I needed any additional artists. I said I did, and that’s when she introduced me to Celthia.

I was immediately drawn to Celthia. She always had a smile on her face, always looked forward to working in the store, and always did an amazing job. In sum, she was a pleasure to work with and be around.

Fast forward to March 2020. Bellacara had just celebrated its 20-year anniversary, and the next week we were essentially shut down due to COVID. Shortly thereafter, we were all told to shelter in place. As a result, I had to lay off my staff. I resorted to running orders to people’s homes. I even enlisted my kids and my husband to help. It was difficult. But one of the hardest parts was not being able to employ and pay my loyal employees.

At about this time, I realized that my kids were leaving for college soon. Maybe that, coupled with exhaustion from trying to make things work during COVID, made me realize it was time to pass Bellacara on. But to whom? I always wanted to pass it on to someone who would love it as much as I did, but how would I find that person? I also wanted it to be someone who knew the business. Maybe a former employee? But how could I know that it was a labor of love for them? I decided to reach out to a few people and ask them to come back as soon as we reopened. The caveat? I could only pay them half their original salary. I told them we were still struggling and we needed to weather the storm. Mind you, it was better not to be working at this time than to be working due to unemployment benefits… who would come back and come back at half salary? Celthia raised her hand.

Don’t get me wrong. She did tell me she could only give me a couple of days a week. She had bills to pay. But she loved Bellacara and wanted to help out. So, she showed up. That’s when I knew. I quickly told her I could pay her her normal wage. I have to admit… that was a test. I wanted to find someone who loved the store. That’s when I asked, “How would you like to own Bellacara?” To my delight, she responded, “It would be a dream,” and here we are.

I could not have asked for a smarter, friendlier, happier, more genuinely lovely person to take over than Celthia. I am so pleased to leave Bellacara in her very capable hands.

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Kingstowne

How long have you lived in Alexandria: 27 years

What is your hometown? My family moved around a lot when growing up since my father was a career Diplomat. I consider Alexandria my hometown where I've resided the longest.

What brought you to Alexandria? The beauty and charm of Old Town and the proximity to Washington, D.C.

What would surprise people about you? I play the piano!

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Pausing time because I never have enough time!

Favorite cocktail: Greyhound

Last book read or movie seen: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (read), Love Actually (seen...again!)

Guilty Pleasure: I love to play Words with Friends 

Phrase you overuse: Let's do this thing!

Facebook or Instagram? Both 

Latest binge-watch: The Originals. Yes, I have a thing for vampires.

Bucket list travel destination: Egypt 

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Sporty Chic 

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Vests. I own all kinds in all styles and fabrics.

Favorite trend ever: Leather/Vegan leather pants

Favorite current trend: Skinny jeans

Beauty product you can’t live without: SkinCeuticals C.E. Ferulic 

Favorite fragrance: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis

Heels or flats? Both. Flats for work. Heels for play!

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Den. Although the rest of my home is more contemporary, my den has an exotic vibe with decor and souvenirs from visits in the Middle East. 

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Last item bought for your home: Nespresso coffee maker. Needed a new one!

Next planned purchase: More makeup for my kit.

Favorite way to entertain: Dinner at home.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free. I'm a neat freak.

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Yes, totally modern when done with style and sophistication.

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: I alternate Spin and Bikram yoga.

Most fun way to exercise: Group class.

Group exercise or solo: Both. I also enjoy weight training on my own.

Fitness goal: Healthy mind and body.

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Skydiving!

Proudest fitness achievement: I hiked the Trolltunga in Norway!

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Waterfront, charming in the day and romantic at night!

Last purchase in Alexandria: Emmy Squared pizza

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Grab coffee at ESP after work and stroll down to BARCA for dinner and drinks.

Favorite charity: American Red Cross

Favorite annual Alexandria event: USA and City Birthday Celebration.