Street Style: Meet Ksenia Varakina of Cherry On Top
Tucked away off the bustling streets of Old Town lies a sunlit courtyard that feels like a secret garden. Today, it's home to one of Alexandria's newest coffee shops and the realization of a dream Ksenia Varakina held onto for years. As the founder of Cherry On Top, Ksenia has transformed this little oasis into a vibrant gathering place where coffee, wine, and community come together.
Originally from Moscow, Ksenia moved to New York City a decade ago, where she earned a degree in data science. To support her studies, she took a job at a local coffee shop and fell in love with it—eventually rising to become manager for five years. It was an experience that quietly shaped her view of what a coffee shop could be: a true heart for the community.
Ksenia Varakina
Self-Styled: ASOS & Zara
Shoot Location: Cherry On Top
Photography: Renée C. Gage
After graduating, Ksenia spent five years climbing the corporate ladder as a data scientist at Mastercard in New York, but the corporate grind left her unfulfilled.
"There was no real connection with people,” she says. “The idea of being in that environment for the next 30 years started to scare me. I missed seeing the direct product of my work."
Seeking a fresh start, Ksenia relocated to the D.C. area, transferring to her company's Arlington office. The idea of owning a coffee shop always felt like a quiet dream in the back of her mind, but she assumed it was a goal for years down the road. Then, a twist of fate intervened.
As it turns out, Ksenia didn't find Cherry On Top's location—it found her. A friend hoping to open a tattoo studio invited her along to tour a former artist's space in Old Town, only to learn the day before that her New York license wouldn't transfer to Virginia. They went on the tour anyway, and Ksenia had a sudden realization: the space would be perfect for a coffee shop.
"I was doubting it so much and had so many fears about taking the leap," she admits. "But I asked myself, ‘What is the scariest scenario? If I try and it doesn't work, I just have a loan to pay off. But if I don't try, I'll lose this incredible space with a garden out front and regret it forever.’"
She chose to take the leap, but bringing her vision to life was far from easy. Navigating local permits in a historic district, finding contractors, and managing the buildout while still working full-time at Mastercard made for an intense year. Through it all, her husband—an economics professor—was right by her side, helping run the shop during chaotic opening shifts.
"It felt like we had a newborn baby," Ksenia laughs. "We were literally trading off sleep schedules just to keep the work going."
Her vision culminated in June 2026, when Cherry On Top officially opened its doors. As for it’s name, "A 'cherry on top' is that little extra thing added to your day," Ksenia explains. "I wanted this place to be something special that people look forward to."
The cafe serves custom espresso and drip blends roasted by her former boss from that first New York shop, alongside inventive signature drinks made with house-crafted ingredients. In the afternoons and evenings, the vibe shifts seamlessly, allowing guests to enjoy curated wine selections, artisan cheese and charcuterie boards, and great company.
For Ksenia, it’s become everything she imagined and more.
“My favorite part is learning about people and seeing this space become part of their lives,” she says. “We’ve had couples take their engagement photos in the courtyard, people come in on first dates, and families who come back three weekends in a row. Seeing people love the space and want to come back makes every hard day completely worth it.”
When Ksenia set out to open Cherry On Top, her goal was simply to give her neighbors a little something extra in their daily lives. In return, Alexandria offered her a gift of its own: a welcoming community and a dream brought to life. After a year of hard work, that really is the sweetest cherry on top.
ABOUT KSENIA
Your neighborhood: Old Town Alexandria
Your hometown: Moscow, Russia
What would surprise people about you? I trained in ballet for 12 years
Favorite book or movie: The Master and Margarita / The Taming of the Scoundrel (Il bisbetico domato).
Guilty pleasure: Escargot and champagne
Latest binge-watch: Furious
Bucket list travel destination: The South of France
What would your walkout song be? The Winner Takes It All
Favorite motto/quote: There’s a way out of everything. If you can’t see it, you just haven’t found it yet.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Minimalist
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Tailored trousers or a fitted dress
Favorite trend: Timeless French chic
Beauty product you can’t live without: SPF, year-round
Boots, heels or sneakers? Sneakers
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Dancing
Favorite way to stay active: Exploring new cities on foot
Wellness goal: Better work-life balance
Want to try: Pilates
Proudest wellness achievement: Learning to actually listen to my body
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Living room
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item you bought for your home: Tiffany glasses we received as a wedding gift
Favorite way to entertain: Wine, small bites, good conversation
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter- free
Next planned purchase: An upgrade espresso machine for my home
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Learning the stories of the people behind each local business
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Waterfront
Your go-to shop(s): Friends to Lovers, Anthropologie, Eliana Curated
Best food spot(s): Josephine / Zento
Favorite local organization(s): AEDP
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Scottish Walk Parade
SEE ALSO: Street Style: Meet Helen Clemens
