Kara Gorski is tireless, brilliant, fun and all-around incredible. Where to begin? She started and owns her own retail and design company, she is a Ph.D. economist, and she currently works as the CFO at Landed, an Alexandria-based landscape and outdoor space design and build company, with her husband. Kara is all about empowering women to live life on their own terms by discovering what makes them truly happy, doing just that, and saying no to the rest of it. She shares her passion in many ways, including as an entrepreneur, author, blogger, speaker, and active community member.Kara also strives to share her passion of empowering women through her work with the National Breast Center Foundation (NBCF). October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the month of the NBCF’s annual Walk to Bust Cancer, a 1.2-mile walk designed to increase awareness and celebrate survivorship. This is especially important to Kara for many reasons: first, she lost her mother to the disease when she was 7. Second, she carries the BRCA 1 gene for breast cancer and was diagnosed at 35. Third, last fall, her sister was diagnosed. Kara winks jovially as she says, “it’s a family affair.”Kara believes that women shouldn’t have to choose between having enough money to feed their kids and getting a biopsy, and loves the NBCF because it aims to give women the resources they need to do both. Kara currently serves on the Board of the NBCF and is a dedicated member of the Alexandria community — in addition to being incredibly stylish and just a remarkable person. Read on to learn more about Kara (and Magnolia Grace, her adorable puppy, also pictured) and join her at the Walk to Bust Cancer on October 14th!

Kara is wearing the Marten Jacket by Veronica Beard, the Ribbons Blouse by Emerson Fry. the Highwaisted Looker by Mother,all available at The Hive, and Etta booties by Marion Parke, available at The Shoe Hive.

📸:: Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

 How do you spend your time? Working with my husband, Aaron, at Landed; designing personalized stationery and family holiday cards plus fun tees; cooking; reading; and hanging out with all my boys at home or on an adventure.Neighborhood: Seminary HillHow long have you lived in Alexandria: 15 YearsWhat is your hometown? Concordia, KansasWhat brought you to Alexandria? A job, of course! We got married and moved here right after I finished my Ph.D. so that I could start a career as an economist in D.C.What would surprise people about you? When I run, I love to pop in my earbuds and sing as loud as possible the entire timeYou’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Making my children be quiet anytime I want toFavorite cocktail: Vodka martini, dirtyLast book read or movie seen: Before We Were Yours by Lisa WingateGuilty Pleasure: Vanilla Crème BruleePhrase you overuse: Alexa…Facebook or Instagram? InstagramLatest binge-watch: Goliath on Amazon PrimeBucket list travel destination: Paris, outside the airport!If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? That’s just unfair! But, I guess red wine always wins.  

FASHION

 Define your style in three words or less: Classic with edgeThe go-to piece in your wardrobe: Rag & Bone Black Simone pantsFavorite trend ever: Blazer with jeans and kicksFavorite current trend: Kitten heelsFavorite fragrance: Bataclan, Les Parfums de GrasseHeels or flats? Both.               

HOME

 Favorite room in your home: KitchenAntiques, modern, or a mix? A mixLast item bought for your home: A pair of navy blue leather tufted armchairsNext planned purchase: Doors on the entire main level (we're currently renovating).Favorite way to entertain: Cooking a big meal for friends. Kids in the pool followed by a dive-in-movie in our backyard with popcorn. Hipster cocktail or Eric Church stations playing on Pandora.Clutter-free or well lived-in? Clutter-freeWallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Yes! In certain rooms or on certain walls, for a hint of fun.  

FITNESS

 Your go-to work-out: A 2-mile run-walk combo with Magnolia Grace (our one-year-old English golden retriever)Most fun way to exercise: 2-mile walk with Magnolia Grace and my husbandGroup exercise or solo: Solo, I’m an introvert.Fitness goal: Enough arm-toning that my kids stop laughing in the back seat and saying “watch mom's arms jiggle when we stop.”Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Tai Chi               

ALEXANDRIA

 Favorite spot in Alexandria: On the back patio of Saylor Place during a good rain, sipping coffee or wine, watching the trees sway with Aaron. Saylor Place is our home.Last purchase in Alexandria: Cappuccino and a loaf of ciabatta at The JunctionBest coffee / happy hour / date night spot: The Big Daddy at Busboys and Poets for coffee / Hank's Oyster Bar for happy hour / and favorite date nights include Bastille for muscles and champagne then Shirlington Cinema for a movie, if we can stay awake.Favorite charity: The National Breast Center Foundation!Favorite annual Alexandria event: The National Breast Center Foundation Walk to Bust Cancer. Join us!