Street Style: Meet Kari Ginsburg
Kari Ginsburg doesn’t blend in. She has no interest in doing so and doesn’t want you to either. In a world where conformity often feels like the default, her presence and style is bright, intentional, and refreshingly authentic. That same spirit defines her work at Uproar Coaching, where she helps others show up unapologetically as their truest self.
Her path to coaching wasn’t linear. Kari has worked as a teacher, leader in government and at a Fortune 500 company, actor, event planner, and more. Through it all, the common thread is clear: Kari has always been deeply connected to people.
During her time in corporate settings, Kari often found herself the only young woman at the table and pushed ideas that challenged the way things had always been done–the “male, pale, stale way,” she calls it with a laugh. But in 2012, a serious illness forced her to slow down, take time off, and confront the gap between who she was at work and who she was at home.
“I realized the mold I was forcing myself into never really fit,” she says. When she returned to the office, Kari showed up differently. She stepped back in the corporate world, but this time, as a more authentic version of herself. She rocked a gray suit with pink metallic pinstripes with pink lipstick to match, a vintage blouse, flashy shoes, and a new short haircut. “I walked in looking like a baddie. I was feeling myself and I stopped hiding.”
“The minute I started wearing the clothes that were actually me, it’s like I gave myself permission to truly be myself.”
This shift in her presence benefited her personally and professionally. Colleagues started to notice that her ability to get things done exploded and Kari’s point of view became more sought out as an impactful and challenging (in the best way) thought partner.
They wanted to know how she did it, and instead of Kari simply sharing her own story, she began asking them what parts of themselves did they feel they were holding back? Together, they dove deeper. Soon, friends and former colleagues from outside her office were reaching out asking for support. “I didn’t even realize I was coaching,” she says. “It wasn’t until people pointed out I was doing this as a side hustle that I realized it really was a side hustle.”
Kari had always wanted to start a coaching or consulting business but felt the reality of that was always years away. After one particularly bad day, she sat crying at the kitchen counter while her husband made dinner and finally said outloud, “I want to quit my job. I think this might be the time to start my coaching business.” To which her husband lovingly replied, “I know. Have some spaghetti, let’s grab the laptops, and see what we can do.”
In June 2020, Kari founded Uproar Coaching and hasn’t looked back since.
Kari Ginsburg
Self-styled
Hair Color: Katie Harty
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Shoot location: Roundel by Joseph O'Connell (1190 N Fayette St)
At Uproar, Kari works with women, femme professionals, and yes, “dudes too,” who are navigating leadership at its loneliest points. “There’s a moment where you’re expected to have all the answers, all the resources, and it can be incredibly isolating,” she explains. “You might be lonely, but you’re not alone. That’s where I come in.” Her clients—affectionately dubbed “glitterbombs”—come to her at inflection points: new roles, burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or the quiet fear of wanting something more for themselves.
“My only goal is this: Whatever you want for yourself, we get there as your truest, most colorful self.”
That philosophy extends beyond her coaching practice. In July 2025, Kari published Hey Glitterbomb!, a book designed to help readers reflect, reconnect, and move forward. It’s part book, part journal with notes and quips from Kari written in the margins, encouraging and supporting readers along the way.
Since Kari is a mentor to so many, I had to ask her about those who mentored her. Kari lights up as she thinks about one leader, Cheryl, who held her up and held her accountable. Cheryl was also the first to call Kari a unicorn–a symbol she now embraces personally and professionally. “A group of unicorns is called a blessing. It’s kismet because every day I feel so blessed for my community and the work I get to do,” she says.
In Alexandria, Kari has found both grounding and inspiration. It’s a city that is evolving, full of possibility, and celebrates authenticity–Just like Kari Ginsburg.
ABOUT KARI
Neighborhood: We’re in Alexandria near Annandale, in a wild little neighborhood that’s HOA-free, which means each house has a special and spectacular character unique to the folks who live there.
What is your hometown?: Rockville, MD - although the Rockville of today is hopping compared to the suburb of my youth!
What would surprise people about you? I’m an overcompensating introvert who can – and does – talk to anybody. LOL, maybe that won’t surprise you, if we’ve spent time together! But something lesser-known? I’ve won two Helen Hayes Awards for acting, and I’m a published author!
Favorite book or movie: ‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara has stuck with me. It’s not an easy read and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but I recommend it to anyone who is ready to read hard and feel harder. I’m also a HUGE fan of anything coming from Stephen or Jess Spotswood.
Guilty pleasure: Spicy romance. I’m new to the genre, and I'm not at all ashamed of the titles stacking up among the non-fiction ones in my StoryGraph.
Latest binge-watch: The BBC Pride & Prejudice. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth are the only Lizzie and Darcy I recognize, and I’m not accepting questions about that at this time.
Bucket list travel destination: Ooooh! A Paris to Istanbul rail journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. I love travelling by train, and the luxury and ostentatiousness of this particular type of trip feels very once-in-a-lifetime.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Toddler-chic
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: My sequin bomber jacket. Is it warm? Absolutely not. But it’s fun and playful, and it always makes me feel my best.
Favorite trend: Blazers with a graphic tee. If I don’t have to wear a button-down and futz with a modesty pin, I’m my happiest. I’ve also been experimenting with wide-leg pants which, as a shorter gal with an equally short waist, this is quite a humbling journey.
Beauty product you can’t live without: C.O. Bigelow’s Rose Salve. I have those little tins everywhere. They’re great for lips and hands, but the slight tint also makes it an awesome “oops I need to perk up my cheeks” blush-in-a-pinch.
Boots, dress shoes or sneakers? Dressy sneakers. I used to be a heels girl, but after a couple of knee surgeries the style is willing but the joints are weak. I’ve found bedazzled, wedge, or wild sneakers acceptable in most situations, and if you ever catch me in a ballgown, you can be sure I’m sporting some sequin Chucks.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: I curl up on the couch with our rescue pitties under a blanket. They’re both excellent snugglers and napping companions.
Favorite way to stay active: I’m an unleash’d member at Sculp’d in Old Town. Having been a pilates reformer girlie for years, I LOVE the workouts and the community they’ve formed.
Wellness goal: To navigate perimenopause without succumbing to the rage.
Want to try: Actually, I’d love to try Float Therapy - Epsom salt pods where you go and just… float. It’s good for your skin and joints, and it’s an hour of no one pulling at my attention.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Whichever one I’ve just finished a DIY project in. We live in a converted farmhouse that’s been updated and added-on to since the 1940s. That means there’s a lot of charm and rough edges. From floors to painting, to tiling, to wall papering (we demo’d and reno’d the kitchen in a week by ourselves a couple of summers ago), we’ve been spending a lot of time making each room ours.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix – I love a little vintage with a modern twist.
Last item you bought for your home: A new carpet shampooer. It’s glorious and SO lightweight compared to the early aughts giant that finally gave up on us.
Favorite way to entertain: We love throwing parties. My partner is an excellent mixologist and I delight in feeding people, and we’ve made sure that all of our home feels warm and welcoming. A large table overflowing with bites, whiskey flowing, and laughter as the soundtrack – is anything better?
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-lived but tidy.
Next planned purchase: We’re backyard beekeepers, and January is when we typically place orders for supplies or bee packages for the upcoming season.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? As a local business owner, I love the connections I can make to other local businesses. I love that I can walk down the street and see other folks featured in the Street Style section (Local celebs!). And I love the reminder that this is a special place to live and there are new things to discover and explore.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: King Street Farmers Market.
Your go-to shop: The amount of time I spend at PR @ Partners on King Street (every five weeks. Gotta keep the cut and color fresh!) makes this my go-to.
Best food spot: Thompson Italian. Their gnocchi and olive oil martini… so delicious. I also love Misha’s on King: I’ve had client meetings there, worked from the back community table, taken refuge from the rain. The vibes are almost as good as the coffee.
Favorite local organization: What the gals over at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop are doing to demystify the stigma around women’s health.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: ALX Dog Walk. Our dogs believe this is a race they have to win, so you may see us in a blur as they high-tail it to the front of the pack.
