Sometimes I don’t practice what I preach. I have always said the more stores we have in Old Town, the better. When fellow merchants are frustrated with someone opening who is a potential competitor, I always try to reinforce the civic-booster truism that “water makes all the ships rise.”But in 2011, when I heard about another shoe store opening in Old Town I freaked out. Then I met the new owner, and I panicked. She was beautiful (with the most perfect hair I had ever seen), young (like way younger than me), and from the moment she opened her doors I knew she knew what she was doing. Bishop Boutique was well curated and beautiful from the start and Kelly always had a distinct vision of what she wanted it to be. I knew she was going to be around for a long time. So I admit, at first I was terrified.Then something happened, I met Kelly Ferenc, and we actually became friends. Here is the thing: she is very hard not to like. If you follow her on Instagram, you also know she is extremely funny. A mother of four young kids, she pulls it off with style and grace but keeps it real about the constant juggle and struggle of being a small business owner and a mom.Often times, if you keep up with her on the ‘gram, you will see one of her kids along with her at the store and with a wink and a hey y’all she takes you along for a day in the life of a boutique owner. You also might get a sneak peek at her latest arrivals, deals, and trips to New York.If you haven’t been to Bishop, make sure you stop in. She carries one of my all-time favorite brands, Loeffler Randall along with many other shoe lines like L.K. Bennett and Sorel and over the past few years has expanded to carry clothing as well. 

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? I have four kids…I have no time.Neighborhood: Old Town…soon to be Belle Haven!How long have you lived in Alexandria: Almost ten years!What is your hometown? Atlanta, GA.What brought you to Alexandria? We wanted to open Bishop Boutique in Old Town. There was no other location that I wanted to do small business in except for here!Favorite cocktail: Landini Martini. You will not find a better one…trust me, I've done my research.Last book read or movie seen: Parasite. Very good.Facebook or Instagram? IGLatest binge-watch: I'm obsessed with all Real Housewives.Bucket list travel destination: Anywhere below the equator.If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? That’s like picking my favorite child. It's impossible.  

FASHION

Favorite trend ever: Sneakers.Beauty product you can’t live without: Hot Dog Water from Bellacara.Heels or flats? Dream life: heels, Real life: sneakers.  

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My bedroom.Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix.Last item bought for your home: Art from Nicole Seifert.Next planned purchase: Pretty much everything since I just bought a new house!Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free…I throw away everything.Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Completely obsessed with wallpaper.  

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Mind the MatGroup exercise or solo: Both.Fitness goal: To not have my jeans leave an indent in my tummy. Hashtag goals.Proudest fitness achievement: Running a marathon.      

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Majestic.Last purchase in Alexandria: Kids clothes from Monday's Child.Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Coffee: Mishas, Happy Hour: Majestic, Date Night: Landinis.Favorite charity: National Breast Center.Favorite annual Alexandria event: Tree Lighting.