One of the best aspects of owning a store in a close-knit town is having customers become friends. Megan met Koko three years ago as a consignor at 529 Kids Consign, and when Koko found out about Mint, she became a weekly staple in our stores. As they say, the rest is history.

Fast forward three years, and now Koko is one of my dearest friends. Our little girls go to preschool together, and Koko has helped me keep my you-know-what-together more times than I can count. She is one of those friends who knows what is going on all the time. Can’t remember when soccer starts? Koko knows. When is the teacher’s birthday again? Koko knows. Where is the drama class located? Koko knows. You get the drift.

One of my favorite things about Koko is how dang interesting she is. As a busy mom to two adorable kiddos and numerous animals (yes, plural), Koko is the Website Operator for Jessicasimpson.com. Koko grew up in sunny Los Angeles, the daughter of a pediatrician and a chef, and married her high school sweetheart, Quincy. Quincy just recently retired from the Army after 12 years of service, and, praise be, they are staying here! Koko and Quincy have moved numerous times, ranging anywhere from Alaska to Georgia. She shares the same unique birthday as my daughter, Halloween, and her daughter’s godmother is Jessica Simpson. She is an avid undercover baker and is always baking something from scratch for dinner parties, and she always smells good. I can’t give away all her secrets, but I do know she uses cult favorite Aesop and is good friends with Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking (I own all her cookbooks). This is just scratching the surface; I told you she was interesting.

I haven’t read her answers from the questionnaire yet, but if I had to guess, her go-to piece in her wardrobe is probably a pair of jeans. Koko has a very cool, relaxed California vibe about her, so when I asked her if she would be okay with doing a photo shoot, her response was, “I am always on the other side of the camera, I would love to!”  When we walked into The Hive and saw the white power suit from Tibi, we KNEW she had to wear it. And she rocked it!

Everyone, please meet my good friend, Koko. If you are fortunate enough to run into her around town, you will instantly see that this mama has it going on!

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Koko is styled by The Hive and Mint Condition.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Marlan Forest

How long have you lived in Alexandria: 5 years!

What is your hometown? Los Angeles

What brought you to Alexandria? My husband’s job, but we are staying because we love it here so much.

What would surprise people about you? I recharge alone (only child habit).

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Fly (then I could travel anywhere instantly).

Favorite cocktail: Margarita on the rocks, no salt.

Last book read or movie seen: We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz

Guilty Pleasure: Homemade popcorn with truffle salt and a movie at home.

Phrase you overuse: Okie Dokie

Facebook or Instagram? Instagram!

Latest binge-watch: Under The Banner of Heaven (still binging it).

Bucket list travel destination: Italy! (Quincy and I are actually going at the end of the month!)

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? I feel like, as a mom of two, I can’t live without either! I trade my coffee mug in for a wine glass at 5pm!

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Casual, LA vibes

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Mother Hustler Fray Jeans

Favorite trend ever: Birkenstocks

Favorite current trend: Birkenstocks (haha)

Beauty product you can’t live without: Environ skincare

Favorite fragrance: Le Labo Santal (I am super picky with fragrance, and this one just does it for me!)

Heels or flats? Flats all day, heels for work and fun.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: We just had Marks-Woods add 1,000 square feet to our house, including this beautiful, covered outdoor space. Our formal living room has a glass sliding wall that opens all the way up to the patio, and it gives me the California vibes look.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? I think my style is California Cool, so more on the modern side!

Last item bought for your home: Outdoor stools for the porch outside of our master.

Next planned purchase: A 9x12 rug for the den.

Favorite way to entertain: We recently renovated, so we love to host people in our outdoor space.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free!

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES! Totally modern!

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Orangetheory Old Town + Madabolic, Peloton

Most fun way to exercise: With friends (many made at the gym!)

Group exercise or solo: Group!

Fitness goal: Orangetheory Dri-Tri

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Any sort of race.

Proudest fitness achievement: Working out until the day I gave birth to both kids.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Anywhere in Old Town. I never find myself going into DC because everything I need is in Old Town!

Last purchase in Alexandria: I pretty much consign and shop at 529 and Mint Condition weekly!

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Coffee: Mae’s / Happy Hour: Barca during the summer, Old Hat Bar during the fall and winter / Date Night: Oak Steakhouse

Favorite local organization: Campagna Center

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Scottish Walk