We are over-the-moon excited to introduce the newest member of The Patterson Group, Margaret O’Meara. Margaret joined us in July as our marketing and listing coordinator and has seamlessly weaved her way into our team adding new energy and fresh ideas. Margaret is a life-long Alexandrian; she graduated from West Potomac High School (class of 2015) before attending Virginia Tech (class of 2019) where she studied communication, working in event planning and campus engagement.After her graduation in 2019, Margaret served as a chapter consultant for her sorority headquarters where she was assigned to the University of Alabama chapter in Tuscaloosa, AL. When her contract ended in April, it was time for her to return home and continue the job search amidst the pandemic shutdown. When the opportunity to work in Old Town with us opened up, it was the perfect fit! What we love about Margaret is that she loves meeting new people. She has an aura about her that puts you at ease while also igniting positivity; she is truly able to bring out the best in everyone she meets.Margaret is also the most famous Patterson Group team member! In 2018, Margaret served as the Virginia Cherry Blossom Princess during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. before later winning the title of 2018 United States Cherry Blossom Queen. She then traveled to Japan in both 2018 and 2019 to represent the United States on a goodwill tour through Tokyo, Ise, and Shizuoka. Margaret now likes to say she’s a “retired queen" and is excited about the next adventure!During such a crazy year, Margaret has been a bright spot for our team. She jumps right into all of our craziness with a smile on her face and a willingness to get to work. She has quickly learned that in our industry every day looks different and has come to expect the unexpected. She has de-staged houses in the dead of summer in a silk dress and high heels, she’s raked leaves before photoshoots, and she perfectly executes our crazy requests, like making 200 bags of Reindeer food. But, her enthusiasm for Alexandria and our community is what makes us most excited to have her on our team. Next time you see Margaret around town, make sure to say hi! However, it’s likely she will strike up a conversation with you before you’re even able to tell her you saw this article! 

Margaret is wearing the Remy Blouse in Jet by Ulla Johnson ($325), and Beth Heels in Nude by Sam Edelman ($130), available at The Hive and The Shoe Hive

:Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

 How long have you lived in Alexandria? I was born and raised in Alexandria and have lived here most of my life. I grew up near George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and now I love working in Old Town at our Sotheby’s office, off of South Washington Street. I’m enjoying discovering many new aspects of our area and yet it all feels familiar.Favorite item of clothing in your closet?  How can a girl pick just one?! I’ve got my favorite go-to jeans and my favorite Frye boots and I also enjoy dressing up -- but with this pandemic, there’s, sadly, not a lot of occasion to dress up.Biggest inspiration? I’ve been so inspired by the dynamic and capable team of women I am working for at The Patterson Group. I’ve learned so much in such a short time from Phyllis Patterson and her two daughters Britt and Paige, as well as Melissa Lepore and Maria Bowman.Dogs or cats? Dogs! My family has a much-loved (and well-fed) beagle named Marley. She’s often found belly up, basking in the sun in our front yard and keeping an eye out for her favorite neighbors and the UPS delivery man, who always brings her treats.    

AT THIS TIME

 How can the community support you and your employees during this time? The Patterson Group strives to be an involved and supportive member of the Alexandria community and the greater area. We all live and work in this community and want to make it better. We all benefit from supporting and celebrating local businesses, events, and people. Follow us on Instagram @pattersonrealestategroup to learn about things (in addition to real estate) that we are involved with. We welcome and appreciate the support of everyone in our community and also want to support the efforts of others!One act of kindness you’ve witnessed? A few weeks ago, I learned about a wonderful organization: Operation Christmas Hope. They collect wish lists from local families in need and provide them with gifts on Christmas morning. I loved hearing about their selfless mission to bring hope and the spirit of giving to local families in need.A favorite new hobby? I’ve recently been re-energizing my Pinterest boards. Now that I am working in real estate and have the chance to see different kinds of homes, styles, and staging, I’ve enjoyed curating inspirational photos and updating my love for interior design in my “dream home”’ Pinterest boards.Must-read books? The Defining Decade by Meg Jay. (Spoiler Alert: It’s your twenties.) It’s about why your twenties matter - and how to make the most of them. I’ve recommended it to several friends.Binge-worthy suggestion(s)? If something takes you down the rabbit hole, I’d say it’s a binge! I’ve recently found myself losing time scrolling through educational and inspirational Instagram accounts. @tmrwxtoday was a quarantine discovery when I realized I needed more positivity and inspiration on my social feed. The account is produced by The Today Show and it’s primarily female-focused with regular posts of inspirational advice, education, and opportunities to learn from female leaders. I also suggest @bymariandrew for thoughtful commentary on life and emotion.What local business have you supported this week? Penny Post, on King Street. It’s time to find the perfect 2021 planner!! Red Barn Mercantile has some great gifts and, of course, it’s always nice to warm up with a coffee from Dolci Gelati on N. Fairfax.Favorite carry-out restaurant? Sherwood Hall Gourmet, Grateful Kitchen, and Lavender Moon Cupcakes -- yum!Favorite family pastime? Rummikub! I’ve always been a big board games and card games gal. Since the beginning of quarantine, my family and I broke out all our old games and Rummikub has now become a part of our regular after-dinner routine.Go-to at-home workout? Does dancing in the kitchen count? Maybe I’ll put an at-home workout on my New Year’s resolutions, but I prefer to get outside and walk with a friend along the parkway.   

To learn more about Margaret and The Patterson Real Estate Group check out their website and follow them on Instagram at @pattersonrealestategroup.