It has been ten years this month since Leslie and her husband Joseph Edwards left their childhood hometown of Beaumont, Texas, and embarked on a new journey in Alexandria. A journey to take the movie theatre industry by storm!  

It is only fitting that Leslie, a tried-and-true friend, is from ‘The Friendship State’ of Texas. She pours her heart into her relationships and is known to make a stranger feel like a friend after just one conversation. Leslie and I met through the Junior Friends of The Campagna Center in 2011. She and Joseph had just moved to Washington, D.C. in November, and were married just a few months before. She worked as an early childhood intervention specialist in Texas before making their big move, and she carries that calm energy and caring demeanor with her today.  

It says a lot about someone making such a big move, not knowing a soul where you are going, and jumping in and getting involved so quickly in the community. Leslie and Joseph are incredible people who have embraced Alexandria as their forever home and are investing in the future of our community. The Edwards, along with their business partner, own three Alamo Drafthouse movie theatres, with another expected to open later this year. 

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a theatre experience like no other! They specialize in a casual menu with made-to-order food - A few of my favorite elements are reclining seats and service in your chair, including drinks, popcorn, and warm cookies with ice cream served straight from the oven. Of course, you can’t forget the brunch menu, fried pickles, and excellent burgers as well. Each location’s menu features fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and the chefs regularly create special menus inspired by classic cinema and upcoming blockbusters (think cheese pizza during Home Alone!). 

They currently have locations in Woodbridge, Charlottesville, and Ashburn. They are opening another location in the Bryant Street Development in Northeast Washington, D.C., in December. And a National Landing location - (closest to home!) - is opening in the third quarter of 2022.  

Outside of taking on the movie theatre industry, Leslie and Joseph are raising the coolest four-and-a-half-year-old son, William. Leslie is also a talented photographer, and we are lucky enough to employ her services at The Patterson Group. If that’s not enough, she began working at The Hive in 2020. 

What I love most about Leslie is that she is authentically herself while also lifting the spirits of others around her. So, next time you see her around town, strike up a conversation - you will leave feeling a little lighter and happier!

I couldn’t let this introduction go by without adding something to it! But truth be told, Britt is the reason I know Leslie and that she works at The Hive. We are so lucky to have her. Here is the thing you need to know and you probably already do if you have met her, she is always kind. There is always a smile on her face; she is always pleasant and cheerful. Which is a really rare trait these days, but we for sure need more of it in the world. She comes to work every Monday (and other days) ready to work and help people find something that makes them feel great. We are so fortunate to have her as part of our team, and we just wait until we can get more of her time! - Elizabeth Todd of The Hive, The Shoe Hive, and Yellow Jacket

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Leslie is styled by The Hive & The Shoe Hive.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Wellington Heights

How long have you lived in Alexandria: 10 years this month!

What is your hometown? Beaumont, Texas - home of Janis Joplin and the world’s largest fire hydrant

What brought you to Alexandria? Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas. My husband and his business partner will be opening their fourth theater next month in Northeast Washington, D.C. The fifth will be coming to National Landing in 2022.

What would surprise people about you? I love karaoke!

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Teleportation. I would love to quickly visit family in Texas then pop back to Alexandria.

Favorite cocktail: Lemon drop martini

Last book read or movie seen: The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary by Catherine Gray

Guilty Pleasure: HGTV home renovation shows

Phrase you overuse: “Heavens to Betsy!”

Facebook or Instagram? Instagram circa 2013

Latest binge-watch: Ted Lasso

Bucket list travel destination: Greece

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee, we’ve had the longest relationship.

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Texas meets East Coast

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: AGL mules

Favorite trend ever: The leather jacket

Favorite current trend: Mini flare denim

Beauty product you can’t live without: NARS radiant creamy concealer

Favorite fragrance: Burberry Brit Red

Heels or flats? Wedges

HOME

Favorite room in your home: The primary bathroom

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Last item bought for your home: Interior doors

Next planned purchase: Wallpaper for the half bath

Favorite way to entertain: Miles Davis and twinkle lights

Clutter-free or well-lived in? I live clutter-free to a fault

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Yes, totally modern.

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: I love Barre 3, yoga, and walks around the neighborhood with friends.

Most fun way to exercise: Outdoors

Group exercise or solo: Almost always group, I love the energy that’s in the room of an exercise class.

Fitness goal: Making exercise a priority throughout all seasons of life

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching/encouragement: Tennis

Proudest fitness achievement: Getting back to my pre-pregnancy workout routine after having my son

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: I’ll never forget falling in love with Alexandria when I laid eyes on the first block of Royal Street in Old Town for the first time. So charming!

Last purchase in Alexandria: A dress-up pirate vest for my son that will be a Christmas present from Red Barn Mercantile (it has a Velcro parrot on the shoulder, so cute!)

Best coffee/happy hour/date night spot: Misha’s/ Brut Champagne and Wine Bar/ Landini Brothers

Favorite charity: The Campagna Center

Favorite annual Alexandria event: The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend