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.

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