Back in 2011, my ex-husband and I decided to put our first house on the market and find something larger. We hired a top-earning Alexandria agent after interviewing a few. The house went on the market, and we started looking at homes to buy. Our first home tour was at a historic townhouse in Old Town, and when we pulled up, the agent we hired was not who met us at the door to let us in. Instead, we were met with this very young beautiful blonde woman (Jillian). Being discriminatory jerks, both Phil and I assumed she was our agent’s assistant. We kept looking at homes, and each time Jillian was who met us at the door. Then, we found a place that we wanted to make an offer on. We sat down to discuss what our offer would be, once again with Jillian. At this point, we realized that Jillian was our primary agent who would be representing us in this transaction. My ex-husband is a lawyer, so he was always super critical of other people’s negotiation skills. Jillian impressed both of us. She was a phenomenal negotiator. Phenomenal. Jillian eventually went out on her own and has her own group at McEnearney. She’s continued to represent me in the many homes that I have bought and sold over the last ten years. She’s also represented a number of my friends and customers. She’s been repeatedly recognized by the Washingtonian as a Top Agent. But, she has also become a friend and a partner for Alexandria's business collaborations. You know I love any business owner who wants to help contribute to the good vibe we have here in Alexandria! Her group is focused on connecting clients with the local community they are living in, and she brings more to the table because of her involvement in our business community. She hosts “Talk and Taste” at ALX Community, which is a guided wine tasting where she and her team will answer all of your questions about the buying and selling process. Jillian is a presenting sponsor of the Parkway Classic race each year, which seems fitting for an Old Town resident at the top real estate agency in town. She helped bring the McEnearney Annual Blood Drive to Old Town. 

Jillian is always dressed impeccably, whether it's denim shorts and a ruffle sleeve top for a casual day with her husband and baby or a gorgeous, well-fitting, show-stopping dress for a business event. Paired with her warm smile and bubbly personality, her looks are polished but approachable. She’s got a southern charm to her look that I really envy. 

Photography credit: Sarah Marcella

 Jillian is styled by The Hive & The Shoe Hive.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: SE Quadrant, Old Town

How long have you lived in Alexandria: On and Off, 12 years!

What is your hometown? Powhatan, VA

What brought you to Alexandria? Working for McEnearney Associates, Inc, in 2009.

What would surprise people about you? I grew up on a cattle farm. And was proposed to while hunting.

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? To #FreeBritney

Favorite cocktail: Vodka Martini

Last book read or movie seen:  “You are my sunshine” Every night to my daughter.

Guilty Pleasure:  Ice Cream for breakfast

Phrase you overuse:  “Does that make sense” I am always helping clients understand the details before they sign any contracts. And, “does that make sense” might be said 100 times before a closing. My husband has also informed me that I say it outside of the office, a lot, as well.

Facebook or Instagram? Instagram.

Latest binge-watch: Schmigadoon!

Bucket list travel destination: Tanzania, Africa

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine. Not even a contest between the two.

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Casual. Preppy. Fun.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Shorts.

Favorite trend ever: All black.

Favorite current trend: High wasted jeans or sneakers.

Beauty product you can’t live without: Moisturizer. No, I am not that cool. I just don’t really ever wear makeup.

Favorite fragrance: Jo Malone

Heels or flats? Flats.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My daughter’s room.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Last item bought for your home: Ha! A flapper to fix my toilet. A little DIY repair.

Next planned purchase: A new house ;)

Favorite way to entertain: Over a meal and drinks and plenty of music.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? I was clutter-free before a 1-year-old…

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES! Wallpaper is amazing.

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Running. It is just easy when I don’t have time to make a class.

Most fun way to exercise: At Mvmnt, Sculpt, or Barre3 with my friends!

Group exercise or solo: Group!

Fitness goal: Oh geez. Just to keep moving.

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Boxing. I feel like it would be a good way to release some stress on a hard week.

Proudest fitness achievement: I ran 50 miles in one month.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Waterfront.

Last purchase in Alexandria: Golden Goose from the Shoe Hive

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot:  Mishas, Fish Market, Virtue (it is where I met my husband).

Favorite charity: The local Big Brothers, Big Sisters. I was a Big Sister in college and really appreciate the impact it makes on our community youth. Honestly, I love all charities that support our children.

Favorite annual Alexandria event:  Parkway Classic!!! It is an amazing race put on by Pacers Running and I am so grateful that they brought me in as the Realtor Sponsor. They are awesome!