Street Style: Meet Morgan Jones
Morgan Jones is one of those women that looks like she is genuinely happy to see you every time you meet. She has a bounce in her step and there’s always a warm smile on her face. She was so flattered when she was nominated for Street Style and must have thanked us a hundred times. No, Morgan, thank you!
From a town outside Chicago, Morgan’s midwest roots remain strong with most of her family still planted there. She came east for college, attending American University for undergrad and John Hopkins for post-grad. “I went for political science and comms…I was a little bit in the poli-sci world, but veered more toward healthcare communications.” She worked for a small PR firm in DC right out of college, and then moved to the National Institutes of Health. She worked in research and made the content and findings more digestible for multiple audiences.
“When my son was really young and we were hoping to grow our family, I wanted to be more present at home. I took a pause, and I’m grateful for having the opportunity to do that, and recognize that privilege. I was taking time to consider what was next. The career change thing, leaving the corporate world, it’s scary and overwhelming and those feelings are real. It’s also so empowering. We need to normalize taking a career pause.”
Morgan Jones
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Self-Styled: Dress and shoes from The Hive and The Shoe Hive
Hair: Lydia at Revive Salon in Old Town
Makeup: Celthia Corsino, owner of Bellacara
Shoot location: Spite House at 523 Queen St., Old Town, Alexandria
She continues, “Laura (Campbell) had her own architecture firm and we met for coffee and we started talking. She was thinking more about marketing and communications, and we had already known each other through church. I then met Ruben and when they decided to merge their firms, I was there to help them launch Convene Architecture at the end of 2019, early 2020.” Whenever I hear that timeframe from someone I’m interviewing, I bite my lip because I know what’s coming next…the pandemic. “I was struck by how quickly Laura and Ruben pivoted to 100 percent remote. They found a way to creatively work with our clients to do the work.
Of her role at Convene she shares, “Storytelling is so important to me, digging in and explaining the art and science behind architecture. All of my experiences in operations and comms led me here, and I’m so grateful for my career and to work for a local small business, where I’m raising my family. The team cares so much about bettering the community one house at a time, and connecting with clients and building relationships. Their approach is smart and they’re such amazing humans.”
Morgan appreciates the simple things and is generous with her time. At her church, Old Presbyterian Meeting House on South Fairfax Street, they host Open Table every Thursday. “It’s a safe place for people, it’s not just about serving food. We sit down and have breakfast with one another. It’s a fellowship, we’re family, we know each other’s name. I started before my son was born and he recently turned eight and asked if he could start coming with me. It’s important for my family to fully see everyone in our community. And he greets them by name…it touches my heart.”
She shares how she met the other man who touches her heart – her husband, Jamie. “I was living with dear friends after college, and we wanted something fun to do on the weekends…where we could be outside and meet other people. Bocce ball? We chose kickball. We played at the National Mall and it was beautiful, quintessential DC. My husband was living with his friends and they had the same idea…though I think if you asked him he’d say they wanted to meet girls.”
Her husband was on the same team and they got to know each other first as friends. She also got to know his close friends, who played on the team. “There are four marriages that came out of that kickball team. Three of my good friends wound up marrying three of my husband's friends. DC Kickball folks!”
After they were married, she and Jamie moved from Arlington to Alexandria and their first place was on Queen Street. “We welcomed our first dog and our son…I have the fondest memories. We would walk to our church, the farmer’s market…there was a playground down the street, and all the parades. That’s when I fell in love with the City of Alexandria.”
They later moved “down the parkway” to Waynewood. “We were looking for a backyard and more space…what seemed far at the time is so close. We have wonderful neighbors…and have friends from all stages of life nearby.” She plays tennis at the Waynewood Rec Center, and takes lessons in the evening after the kids are tucked in.
Before bed though, she loves “a good kitchen dance party” with them. “I’m mindful to embrace these joyful moments. We also like doing bike rides on the trail or around the community. Hiking is also in the mix. “It started when we were dating…hiking with friends…and now we hike together as a family. Our favorite place is Sky Meadows State Park, near Marshall, VA. It’s about a 45 minute to hour drive from Alexandria. Leave in the morning, have lunch out there and then head back.”
Connecting as a family and supporting state and national parks is really important to her. “We spend a lot of time at Fort Hunt…and there’s a new playground coming. My son and I have done parts of the Appalachian trail. We’ve talked about wanting to hike through the entirety of the trail in Virginia, but in pieces. Hiking and being outside is a religious and spiritual experience for me, I don't have to be in a pew at church to practice my faith. I also find it at Open Table on Thursday mornings.”
When I ask how her younger daughter takes to the trails (I have a four-year-old and need to know!), she says, “Don’t set a lot of expectations. Every kid is different. We may not make it that far, but we love being outside. For my daughter, we make it a game and have her look for trail markers along the way to the next destination. Bring lots of snacks and water. Just take your time, stop whenever, and most importantly—just enjoy it.”
Maybe you’ll run into Morgan on the trail, check out her Street Style:
ABOUT MORGAN
Neighborhood: Waynewood
What is your hometown? Hinsdale, Illinois
What would surprise people about you? I met my husband playing kickball in Washington, DC.
Favorite book: American Primitive by Mary Oliver
Guilty Pleasure: Ice cream, but I feel zero guilt about it!
Latest binge-watch: Loving Abbott Elementary and Loot
Bucket list travel destination: Returning to South Africa with my family. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa – it was formative on many levels. In addition, over time my son and I want to hike the entire Virginia length of the Appalachian Trail – we’ve already enjoyed hiking parts of it together!
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Comfortable, classic, and simple.
Favorite trend: I love what makes me feel good!
Beauty product you can’t live without: Aquaphor and Supergoop! Glow screen (sunscreen and some glow).
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sneakers! (Or gym shoes as I call them from growing up in the Midwest :)
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Being outside and trying to set healthy boundaries.
Most fun way to stay active: Kitchen dance parties with my family, playing with my kids, hiking, bike rides, walks in Fort Hunt Park, tennis, and lifting weights.
Wellness goal: More sleep.
Want to try: Regular cold-water plunges.
Proudest wellness achievement: I’m proud of being more proactive about my health – mentally, physically, and spiritually. This includes staying active, therapy, and being intentional about how I spend my time – I’m doing the work to show up for myself, which allows me to show up stronger, better, and more present in every facet of my life and for the people I love.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Does my backyard count? Be it the swing set, patio, or gardening - I love spending time outside in my backyard.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: Flowers and herbs for our outdoor pots/garden.
Favorite way to entertain: Dinner with family and friends and/or backyard fire pit with s’mores.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Overall, clutter-free…with a good dose of lived-in.
Next planned purchase: More books from Old Town Books.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? It fosters an authentic and meaningful space that celebrates, empowers, and brings together local voices, businesses, and organizations. I’m inspired by the stories people share, the impactful work that is highlighted, and the supportive spirit that helps cultivate community.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Queen Street – the street where I first lived in Old Town, which will forever hold many beautiful memories I’ll cherish forever.
Your go-to shops: Old Town Books and I love following Melissa LaSalle, aka thebookmommy, for her great book recommendations; Helen Olivia for gorgeous flowers; Red Barn Mercantile and Shop Made in Virginia for a variety of wonderful things; Monday’s Child for adorable children’s clothes.
Best food spots: I love coffee (perhaps too much coffee) and food, so here we go! Mae’s Market & Cafe, Taqueria Poblano, Caphe Banh Mi, Stracci Pizza, Momo Sushi & Cafe, Barca, Hank's Oyster Bar, and Thompson Italian.
Favorite local organization: There are many! Open Table, a food program every Thursday morning at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House – it’s always been more than food, it builds relationships and nurtures community; Friends of Guest House, helps women successfully reenter the community after incarceration; and Neighborhood Health, provides primary healthcare to low-income, uninsured patients regardless of ability to pay.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Spring2Action, presented by ACT for Alexandria, is Alexandria’s annual day of giving that supports nonprofits doing important work in our community. I’m amazed each year to see how people support these incredible organizations. I love the quote, “we all rise by lifting others” and I see that reflected so deeply on this day.
