Street Style: Meet Jackie Gulley
We’re inside the Manes by Rachel Marie studio when we see a woman peering in through the front window of the door. Since we’re doing a photoshoot we assume she’s a passerby who’s just curious about the flashing lights. But she doesn’t walk away and a text confirms it’s Jackie Gulley, our next Street Style subject. She has Uggs on, and as I unconsciously furrow my brow she reads my mind, and starts pulling multiple pairs of heels from her bag. When she takes her jacket off – wow, teal is her color!
As we stroll down S. Patrick Street, a large butterfly catches our eye. We’ve seen it before, but when Jackie glides past it, Renée and I simultaneously shout: “STOP, that’s it.” It matches her dress and her vibe, perfectly.
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Styled by: The Hive
Shoot location: S. Patrick and King Streets
Jackie’s super upbeat and friendly, giving off an energy that is both contagious and so welcoming. Originally from Red Bank, New Jersey, she attended St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia and studied history and political science. After graduating, she craved independence and came straight to D.C. for an internship. Jackie later worked on Capitol Hill, representing three different corporations, doing their public policy and comms work.
In 2009, she moved to Alexandria because, “I got married, had some kids and needed a backyard.” She’s witnessed a lot, people coming and going, lots of new neighbors and the regrowth of Del Ray. “I have bought and sold all of my homes with Britt (Patterson) and Sotheby's. She’s moved from being my realtor to being my friend. She’s great at thinking ahead about what we'll need and guiding us through the process.”
She’s also witnessed her own regrowth, both personally and professionally. “Jeff and I are high school sweethearts, and we remet ten years ago on LinkedIn. I know, how romantic,” she laughs. “The algorithm suggested my profile for him, so thank you, LinkedIn. We hadn’t seen each other since high school. First question he messaged me, ‘Where have you been?’ I was here, he was in New Jersey.”
Jackie has two kids of her own, Kate and Connor, and three stepchildren, with most of her family still based in New Jersey. Her husband Jeff (also known as “Bagel Jeff”) owns a few stores including Bagel Station in Spring Lake Heights. And they go back and forth between Alexandria and the Jersey Shore. When I hear bagels, I also ask her about her favorite local pizza. “Andy’s Pizza, it’s so close to being perfect – and my kids love it!”
To get a break from the bagels and the branding, Jackie and Jeff will be taking a Viking cruise in the Mediterranean. They’ll fly into Barcelona, travel to France, stop in Monaco and end in Italy. “We want to see a lot in a little bit of time without schlepping luggage all over. And no umbrella drinks, no loud people.” I’m with her on that.
Professionally, she’s transitioned into a full-time entrepreneur. “I now help clients build their brand and visibility. I help them craft a personal brand that resonates with their audience and sets them apart.” She has a sweet spot for small businesses and says, “Their biggest challenge is their brand identity, identifying who they are and who they serve. And how they best reach their audience with authentic connections. Small businesses try to be everything to everyone, be on every social media site, attend every event. They first need to identify who they are and who they serve to take that next step to growth. When applying for awards or new business opportunities, the hardest thing for them is what to say and what to share. I always try to give them the first draft.”
When I ask Jackie for a good example of someone that represents their brand identity well, she shares a clip of Nick Bare, president of Bare Performance Nutrition. After watching, I email her later, “Nick Bare, as in barely ever wears a shirt…” She quickly responds, “Stick with your brand identity and if that just happens to be 3% body fat and shirtless…” and I see we have similar humor. Even if you're not into fitness, Nick is a great example of someone who displays brand consistency (and abs).
Jackie just completed her coaching certification and is excited to add it to her services. “It’s not just for the individuals, but for leadership. What I do is the handshake between coaching and consulting.” When I ask the difference, she says, “Coaching is asking powerful questions and helping clients get someplace in their minds. Consulting is about providing answers and directions for professional growth.”
To unwind Jackie likes to, “walk and talk with my girlfriends. We’ll start up by the Masonic Temple, and speed walk down King Street…with a little window shopping, too. We walk to the water and back, it’s a three-mile loop. Sometimes, we’ll stop at the farmer’s market and pick up a bag of apples and keep on going. Or make a pit stop at one of the wine bars in Old Town to get a cheese plate and wine, like Sonoma Cellar or The Tasting Room. Brut Champagne and Wine Bar is also great for a little nibble and a little glass of wine. On the weekend, we’ll do a late Saturday mass…a little Jesus and a little wine.”
Jackie just brings the good energy and if you can’t tell from this story, check out her Street Style:
ABOUT JACKIE
Neighborhood: Carlyle
What is your hometown? Red Bank, NJ
What would surprise people about you? In addition to being a brand and visibility consultant, I am a life coach! I often tell clients that my work is the handshake between business coaching and brand consulting.
Favorite book: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett (there’s that coaching background ☺)
Guilty Pleasure: Hallmark movies
Latest binge-watch: I am so late to the game on this one – Harry Potter. I just finished watching the movies.
Bucket list travel destination: Japan
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Classic, muted, feminine.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: MOTHER jeans – Runaway bootcut. The dark wash and subtle bootcut goes from business lunch to girls night out.
Favorite trend: I gave up on trends years ago and just stick to what works best for me and makes me feel good.
Beauty product you can’t live without: RMS Beauty SuperNatural Radiance Serum. I get the shade “Light Aura” and mix it with my foundation. It gives a glow without the glitter. You can grab it in town at Blue Mercury.
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Boots!
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Barre3! Love the online classes for when I don’t have time to make it in-person, but need to move my body. I always feel great after it's done – refreshed and like I cleared the clutter in my brain.
Most fun way to stay active: Walking King Street. I will meet friends and window shop from the water to the tower and back.
Wellness goal: For me, 2024 for me is all about slowing down to move ahead. Being intentional in how I book my time, and what I give my energy to, so I can meet my goals without stressing out.
Want to try: Bounce Class at MVMNT Society. I have got to try their mini-trampoline class. I follow them on Instagram, and it looks so fun!
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My home office/study. It's where I create, where I help my clients, read a book and have some good heart-to-hearts with my kids.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern Coastal. Clean lines, light and soothing tones, muted colors and monochromatic.
Favorite way to entertain: Champagne and potato chips at the kitchen island. No fuss, all the gossip between friends.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free!
Next planned purchase: ISO a fabulous floor lamp for the family room.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Learning about events and new businesses
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Mae’s! Great for meeting work clients, people watching, and their dirty chai latte.
Your go-to shop: Encore Consignment or The Hive. I love mixing vintage and new.
Best food spot: Andy’s Pizza, the closest to New Jersey pizza I’ve found in Virginia.
Favorite local organization: The Campagna Center
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Art on the Avenue in Del Ray.
