Street Style: Meet Danielle Farrah
When Maria Elizabeth told me I had to meet Danielle—the founder of Lalita Method—I didn’t hesitate. Maria has a gift for connecting people, and with the opening of her second Salon deZEN location in North Old Town, she’s introduced Stylebook to a whole new circle of inspiring entrepreneurs.
When Renée and I arrived at AKA for our photo shoot, we found the side doors to the studio locked. Just then, Danielle appeared, walking toward us in a chic brown-and-white polka dot ensemble that instantly gave Julia Roberts-at-the-polo-match vibes (if you know, you know).
Danielle lives nearby, and as she leads us inside, she shares her story. Originally from Andover, Massachusetts, her family moved to Potomac, Maryland, when she was ten. “I’ve lived in every neighborhood you could live in over the past 15 years,” she laughs. “In 2020, I moved to North Old Town.”
After earning her undergraduate degree in business from Georgetown and a master’s in health promotion management from American University, Danielle built her career in wellness. Childhood nutrition, she tells us, is a passion that still drives her. She interned at Rally Health—then a small startup—and stayed for 11 years until the company was acquired by UnitedHealthcare. All along, she dreamed of opening her own wellness house: a place that combined fitness, recovery, and community.
In 2019, she came close to signing a lease on a massive space. When it fell through, she now sees it as “a blessing in disguise.” Two and a half years later, a friend encouraged her to go for it, and Danielle hired business coach Amy Mewborn to help her bring the dream into focus. Together they searched for spaces, wrote a business plan, and connected with SBA mentors. Eventually, she landed on the AKA Hotel, which was in the midst of a full renovation.
“The space was literally down to the studs,” she says. “It took a year and a half of construction, but I loved the process because I’m so passionate about design.”
Danielle Farrah
Self-styled
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Shoot location: Lalita Method at AKA Hotel Alexandria
When Lalita Method opened, Danielle taught every single class herself—28 classes a week—until she built out a team. These days, she balances her entrepreneurial role with a full-time, client-facing job based in California. “Once the West Coast wakes up, I’m on Zoom calls and Slack all day. I only teach Wednesdays now, but I try to be at the studio as much as possible. And I literally live next door, which is amazing.”
Her non-negotiable? A morning walk by the water, paired with a guided meditation. “It sets the tone for my day. And it’s also when I call my mom,” she smiles. Family is deeply important to Danielle; her parents and siblings are all close by and have been supportive of her entrepreneurial leap.
On August 26, Lalita Method celebrated its one-year anniversary. Named after the Hindu goddess of play, Lalita is rooted in bettering oneself through both self-practice and community. Originally slated to be called “Roots Pilates,” Danielle rebranded just before launch. “I’m so glad I did. Lalita feels exactly right.” She credits Jennifer Muchowski for her incredible branding.
So what makes the Lalita Method unique? “We’re very prop-heavy and modification-heavy. We go until burnout, but everything is slow and controlled—no momentum, unlike some other formats. The studio was designed to support your nervous system: dim lighting, frequencies playing in the background, recovery tools like sauna and red light therapy. It’s extremely boutique with just eight reformers, so the instructor can tailor everything to the individual.”
Community, Danielle says, has been the most rewarding part of ownership. “The studio feels like home, like visiting a friend’s apartment. Members stay after class to chat, friendships form, people celebrate birthdays and bachelorette parties here. It’s everything I hoped for.”
And North Old Town couldn’t be a better fit. “There’s so much growth here. I haven’t left a four-block radius in weeks!” she laughs. “But truly, this neighborhood is collaborative, supportive, and full of energy.”
On women carving out time for themselves for movement and self-care, “ I always say it’s best to do what you like – so that you will do it consistently. It doesn’t matter what it is, just be consistent. It has to be a habit, like brushing your teeth. Doesn’t have to be a huge thing. Do a 10-minute flow, 20-minute walk. Even if it’s done in smaller chunks, consistency is going to win every time.”
Looking ahead, Danielle plans to add streaming workouts, a second location, and a deeper partnership with AKA to expand their wellness offerings for travelers. In the meantime, she’s excited to welcome the community to Lalita Method’s upcoming Open House on September 13 and 14, featuring mini-classes and recovery sessions.
As for advice she’d give herself when starting out? “Accept that it’s going to be harder than you think, but try to enjoy it. There’s no point unless you’re having fun. The ‘what-ifs’ will only steal your joy.”
Wise words from a woman who built a business rooted in balance, resilience, and a touch of play.
Check out Danielle’s Street Style:
ABOUT DANIELLE
Neighborhood: Old Town Alexandria
What is your hometown? Potomac, MD
What would surprise people about you? I’m an introvert
Favorite movie: A Few Good Men
Guilty Pleasure: Endless nut butter
Latest binge-watch: Gilmore Girls
Bucket list travel destination: Paris
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Refined, Comfortable, Neutral
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Oversized white sweater
Favorite trend: Wide-leg pants
Beauty product you can’t live without: Thrive Mascara
Boots, dress shoes or sneakers? Boots
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Pilates
Most fun way to stay active: Pilates
Wellness goal: To improve my memory
Want to try: Paddle Board Pilates
Proudest wellness achievement: Daily meditation or mindfulness exercise.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My bedroom
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern
Last item bought for your home: Candle sconces
Favorite way to entertain: Family-style
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free
Next planned purchase: Custom pillows
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? The sense of community it represents.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Barca Pier & Wine Bar
Your go-to shop: Eries Interiors
Best food spot: Oak Steakhouse
Favorite local organization: The Torpedo Factory, I love that they celebrate creativity and keep Old Town feeling vibrant and unique.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The July 4th firework celebration.
