Street Style: Meet Jennifer Szymanski
When I catch up with Jennifer, she’s in Hilton Head with her husband, Stephen, and their 11-year-old son, Christopher, who’s attending a junior golf academy. “The first week is camp, the second is relaxation,” she says. “A lot of our travel revolves around places we can do golf stuff.” She’s especially excited about the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, Long Island this September, and maybe a day or two in NYC. When I ask if she still plays herself, she laughs and admits her clubs are a bit dusty. “Maybe it’s time to take it up again?”
Jennifer grew up in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and has lived in the DC area since 2002—"the longest I’ve lived anywhere," she says. After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Delaware, she began her career as a registered dietitian, working in Rockville to procure medical foods for children with severe food allergies.
She eventually moved into a new role, developing nutrition solutions for those with rare genetic disorders called inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). As a manager at a UK-based international company, she led a team of dietitians and traveled extensively.
Jennifer met Stephen, then in the Army, through a mutual friend who later walked her down the aisle. “Stephen had just returned from a Dutch Army exchange program. I met him the day he landed back in the U.S. It was love at first sight, wasn’t it, hunny?” she laughs, as Stephen tries to pull her outside during our call. Their first date was at Mai Thai on King Street, followed by drinks at O’Connell’s.
Jen Szymanski
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Hair: Katherine Perez at Genderless Beauty Salon
Shoot location: Torpedo Factory
The couple settled in Alexandria and held their wedding reception at the Torpedo Factory—ironically, the same place I chose for Jennifer’s Street Style shoot. Their son Christopher was born in 2014, and Stephen retired from the Army in 2015.
After a long and successful career in medical nutrition, Jennifer didn’t plan to leave the corporate world, but when the decision was made for her, she saw it as an unexpected opportunity. “I took some courses, earned certifications, dabbled in consulting and product development,” she explains. With some of her own health challenges, and those in her family, Jennifer felt pulled back to her roots. “I returned to functional nutrition, specifically in the areas of autoimmune wellness and, more recently, skin disorders.”
A year and a half ago, Jennifer completed advanced training with a West Coast naturopath to deepen her expertise in skin-related conditions. “I wanted to go beyond symptom relief and really get to the root cause.”
She focuses on gut health and the microbiome, using functional testing to guide clients with customized dietary and supplement strategies. “There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. Everyone who comes to me has a different history, and I build tailored protocols to match.” Clients begin with a discovery call to ensure mutual fit. Her business, Vitality-Led Health, recently celebrated its third anniversary.
At our photo shoot, Jennifer’s skin glows, and I have to ask about her skincare routine. “It’s very much a ritual for me, especially in the evening” she says. “It’s a cherished part of how I wind down at night. I also work with Donna Gorda at The Skin Lounge, to curate a regimen that truly supports my skin. The products I use are gentle, clean and botanical-based. Nothing complicated, just supportive of what my skin needs.”
Jennifer is mindful of her diet, too, especially when it comes to managing Hashimoto’s. “I focus on protein, whole, nourishing foods and avoid gluten and dairy,” she says. “I keep sugar intake low and make sure to stay well-hydrated with plenty of water. I’ll sip on iced green tea during the day to switch things up and give me a little boost.” She adds, “And when it fits, I enjoy a glass of wine. I love a good bubbly, rosé in the summer, and a bold red in the fall or winter.”
As for fitness, she’s an advocate for free weights and outdoor movement. “Movement is therapeutic for me,” she says. “Lifting weights has been a game-changer, and I always feel my best when I’m getting outside regularly.” She’s also an avid reader. “I jump between historical fiction and health and wellness books. I’m a lifelong learner—if I’m not learning, I feel like I’m missing something.”
She’s aware that in the world of health and wellness, misinformation is everywhere. “There’s a lot of confusing advice out there,” she says. “I know AI is becoming a popular tool for people looking for nutrition support, and it certainly has its place. But in functional nutrition, there’s a depth of insight that comes only from real-life experience and working closely with individuals. Much depends on context and nuance, and that’s something AI just can’t replicate.” Her advice? “Always ask questions, work with someone who can see the full picture, and don’t believe everything you find online.”
Check out Jen’s glowing skin in her Street Style:
ABOUT JENNIFER
Neighborhood: Potomac Greens
Hometown: Nazareth, Pennsylvania
Favorite book or movie: Sleepless in Seattle
Guilty Pleasure: I have quite a few dietary restrictions, but I make a delicious gluten and dairy free brownie loaded with chocolate chips. I also love Siete tortilla chips!
Latest binge-watch: Clarkson’s Farm. It’s hilarious and heartwarming! We’re lovers of all things animals and nature, so this really touched our hearts.
Bucket list travel destination: There are several. The Burgundy Region of France, Iceland and Acadia National Park just to get started.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Classic and comfortable.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A hoodie or a cardigan. I’m always cold.
Favorite trend: I don’t usually jump on trends. I like timeless pieces that I can wear through the years and easily mix and match.
Beauty product you can’t live without: I make a ritual out of my morning and evening skincare routines, and I love my sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 68 Sunscreen. I’m not a big makeup fan, so this is perfect because it is protective and provides just the right amount of coverage.
Boots, dress shoes or sneakers? Sneakers!
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Getting outside and walking. Being in nature is like an instant reset to my nervous system!
Most fun way to stay active: I love exercising with my husband, whether we are walking, lifting weights or biking. I’m more motivated and work harder.
Wellness goal: I’m working toward a lower-toxin lifestyle, one that supports my health and energy in a more sustainable, conscious way.
Want to try: Horseback riding
Proudest wellness achievement: It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve learned to be much kinder and more gentle with myself. I used to feel worn down by the pressure to look and feel a certain way. Now, I focus on listening to my body rather than pushing through, and let that awareness guide how I care for my health and well-being.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My kitchen. At least I feel like I’m in it most of the time!
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: Two large Areca palm trees.
Favorite way to entertain: Grilling, games and good wine!
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free, but my reality is well-lived in.
Next planned purchase: Most likely new windows for our house.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love getting to know the creative, inspiring entrepreneurs in the area, many of whom I might never have discovered otherwise. I’ve also met some truly kind people who are genuinely invested in helping others grow and succeed, which makes the community feel really special.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The waterfront trail along the Potomac.
Your go-to shop: Slater’s Market
Best food spot: Del Ray Cafe
Favorite local organization: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. I’m a huge dog lover. We lost our golden retriever last August, so these days I happily get my dog fix from all the pups around Alexandria.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Rather than a specific event, I think my favorite time in Alexandria is the fall. The crowds thin out, and there’s this cozy, local rhythm that returns. I love that shift.
