Meet Jenifer Baker, an all-star Alexandrian and the chair of Junior Friends of The Campagna Center. 

Jenifer is originally from Aiken, SC. She attended the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!) and she met her wonderful husband Karl in Charleston. Jenifer and Karl moved to Alexandria nine years ago this month and just celebrated their 20-year wedding anniversary! 

For the past 7 years, Jennifer has been a Speech Language Pathologist in Fairfax County where she helps children find their voice and teaches them how to effectively communicate. Her job is exceptionally important for kids who have difficulty communicating and has given her a first-hand experience of the needs faced by children in our local community. Encountering this need is what led Jenifer to join Junior Friends, where she now leads an incredible group of women volunteers!

Beyond her commitment to the children in our community, Jenifer is a great person to get to know! She has a sweet southern disposition while also being energetic, and positive. She loves to make people laugh and has a wicked sense of humor! Jenifer is also a great cook, and she loves to read, thus is always good for a book recommendation!

Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.

Jenifer is styled by The Hive | The Shoe Hive with makeup by Bellacara.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Old Town

What is your hometown? Aiken, South Carolina

What would surprise people about you? I have been on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry during my cousin’s performance. 

Favorite cocktail: Old-fashioned

Favorite book or movie: Watership Down. I also highly recommend A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham. She is from Charleston.

Guilty Pleasure: Anything dark chocolate

Latest binge: On television, Iliza Schlesinger’s comedy shows. For books, I just finished The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. So good! And, the fact that it was written by 2 authors made the characters even more realistic. 

Bucket list travel destination: Portugal and Hawaii

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: chic, effortless, and versatile

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Jeans (I have an obsession)

Favorite trend: Magnetic eyelashes

Beauty product you can’t live without: GHD hair straightener

Boots, heels, or sandals? Wedges

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Taking a long walk, yoga, or a 45-minute elliptical sweat fest

Most fun way to stay active: Weightlifting

Wellness goal: Incorporating massage therapy at least once a month.

Want to try: Pilates

Proudest wellness achievement: Discovering enjoyment in yoga and being able to do the crow and wheel pose.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: The Loft

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix (I have furniture from my mom that I have refurnished).

Last item bought for your home: A new chandelier for the kitchen.

Favorite way to entertain: Having friends over to eat my homemade lasagna.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Depends on the room in the house.

Next planned purchase: New sinks

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love the mix of articles, everything from style, food, fitness, lifestyle, and shopping. Alexandria is truly a gem.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Jones Point Park near the Lighthouse

Last purchase in Alexandria: Cute dress with a plaid collar and a jacket from The Lucky Knot

Best food spot: Fontaine Caffe and Creperie

Favorite local organization: The Campagna Center

Favorite annual Alexandria event: The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend