Street Style: Kathleen Le And The Ladies of Salon Meraki
My love for Salon Meraki runs very deep! I’ve lived in Alexandria my entire life, and I’ve frequented many a nail salon in my time. In my opinion, there is no other place that is as friendly, talented, beautifully curated (and so clean!) as Meraki. I love them and the masterful work they do.
I don’t know Kathleen as well as I’d like to, but I’ve gotten to know so many of the wonderful women who work at Meraki, and that speaks so much to the owner - good staff is so hard to find, and Kathleen and her amazing sisters, Jen and Gwen (pictured here), have found them. They always indulge me in silly color combinations and bright designs that I ask them to paint, and they do it so well.
The salon aesthetic can’t be beat. I’m partial to the King Street location because it’s so close to me, but the expanded Queen Street location that re-opened and tripled in size during a global pandemic is inspirational to business owners everywhere. I’m in awe of the decor that is all part of Kathleen’s vision and creativity (the chandeliers, the flower walls, the long manicure tables). Meraki is such a special little oasis in Old Town where I’m always eager to escape. When I’m not hiding from my inbox at the salon, I’ve found I can be highly productive in those pedicure chairs! The place is magic. I’m so excited that Salon Meraki is part of Alexandria Stylebook; they are such a beautiful part of our community.
Kathleen Le (right) with Jen Le (center) and Gwen Do (left)
Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood: Potomac Yard
Neighborhood: Queen Street Corridor
How long have you been in Alexandria: 8 years
What is your hometown? Tam Ky, Vietnam
What brought you to Alexandria? The supportive community.
What would surprise people about you? That I’m actually nice!
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Ski Flying
Favorite cocktail: Margarita
Last book read or movie seen: Does Madam Secretary count?
Guilty Pleasure: Shoes
Phrase you overuse: Something that I can’t repeat here!
Facebook or Instagram? Facebook
Latest binge-watch: Squid Game
Bucket list travel destination: South-East Asia tour
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Fun, Conservative, Chic
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A dress
Favorite trend ever: Skinny Jeans
Favorite current trend: Block Heels
Beauty product you can’t live without: NuSkin Collagen
Favorite fragrance: Hérmes 24 Faubourg
Heels or flats? Heels
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Closet / Makeup room
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: Sofa
Next planned purchase: Dining Table
Favorite way to entertain: Backyard Barbeque
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-lived in
Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: No wallpaper.
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Barre
Most fun way to exercise: With my Merakians!
Group exercise or solo: Group
Fitness goal: Tone my arms
Proudest fitness achievement: Sadly, none.
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The waterfront
Last purchase in Alexandria: A dress and two tops at The Hive.
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Sisters Thai
Favorite local organization: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Favorite annual Alexandria event: The Scottish Walk
