Street Style: Nakia Carter
There is only one word I would use to describe Nakia: magic. In hospitality, you can always tell when someone is “putting on a voice.” That's not the case with Nakia. Her warmth and generosity of spirit radiate from her. It draws you in, and when you are near her, she makes you feel like the most important person in the room. I have no idea how she does it, but all children fall in love with her. They can sense she has a heart of gold.In small business, your staff gets to know you - like, really gets to know you. Like family. Nakia has seen me at my highest highs and lowest lows and vice versa. In many ways, I feel like she and I have grown up together. Attending her mother’s funeral this year was a privilege because I learned Nakia brings this openness to her immediate family; comforting everyone else around her despite her heartbreaking loss.I am so proud to know her. Stomping Ground wouldn’t be the Stomping Ground you know without her and she is bringing that special magic to Bagel Uprising. How lucky are we?She is one of a kind, and no one can rock a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle t-shirt, a hoop earring, or a box braid better than Nakia.
Nakia is wearing the Codie boot in silver by Sam Edelman, on sale for $108, and Pearl Fiona hoops by Mignonne Gavigan, $295, available at The Shoe Hive.
:Sarah Marcella Creative
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time?Nakia: Watching reality TV. I love crime shows. I’ve been watching Twisted Lovers on TV1. It’s a documentary about crimes of passion.How long have you lived in Alexandria?Nakia: All my life. Literally.What is your hometown?Nakia: I’m a Del Ray original, baby.What brought you to Alexandria?Nakia: My parents. They are both from Alexandria as well.What would surprise people about you?Nakia: I don’t know. I really do tell it all! There isn’t a mystery about me. If you ask me, I’ll tell you. So maybe my honesty? You ask me a question, I’ll give you an honest answer.You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower?Nakia: To run my mouth, that’s honest. I can talk myself into and out of trouble all at the same time.Favorite cocktail?Nakia: Patron. Straight up, no chaser. On ice.Last book read or movie watched?Nakia: I love movies. Mr. & Mrs. Unfortunately, it was boring!A phrase you overuse?Nakia: Tried it. Don’t try my time.Facebook or Instagram?Nakia: Instagram. Facebook is for old people. I just got hip. IG baby!Latest binge-watch?Nakia: Body of Proof on Netflix. It was a CW show. It’s about a coroner helping detectives figure out how a person died. It’s like CSI but better.A bucket list travel destination?Nakia: I want to go to Turks and Caicos.If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Nakia: Wine puts me to sleep. I drink espresso but I don’t really need it. So, neither. 
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less:Nakia: Cheap chic.The go-to piece in your wardrobe?Nakia: T-shirts, jeans, and hoops.Favorite trend ever?Nakia: Leggings!Favorite current trend?Nakia: Mom jeans. I like ‘dem joins. They are loose and they be giving. And I love how they fit me in the hip!Beauty product you can’t live without?Nakia: Eucerin lotion.Heels or flats?Nakia: Sneakers. Girl, please. 
HOME
Favorite room in your home?Nakia: My bedroom.The last item bought for your home?Nakia: A wok. I cooked in it for Christmas. Fried rice and chicken Teriyaki. My family tore it off.Next planned purchase?Nakia: A china cabinet but, I don’t want a fancy one like my grandma used to have full of dishes you never use.Favorite way to entertain?Nakia: Gatherings at other people’s house. So I don’t have to clean up!Clutter-free or well-lived in?Nakia: Clutter-free. I’ve really come a long way. I used to throw my dishes in the trash if I didn’t want to clean them up. 
FITNESS
The most fun way to exercise?Nakia: Ha! Dancing. Especially random dancing.A fitness goal:Nakia: Pass. 
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria?Nakia: Bagel Uprising. Cause I’m always here.Last purchase in Alexandria?Nakia: Stomping Ground chicken tortilla soup.Best happy hour spot?Nakia: Los Tios for Happy Hour. I get sangria swirl and Pupusas!Favorite annual Alexandria event?Nakia: When they used to have the Block Party (not Art on the Avenue). There was a service /gas station where Holy Cow is now and the Black folks would be down on that side and the kids would play on the other side. We would hang with a band, they had food trucks, and live performances. We would dance and hang out. That’s when Del Ray felt like “Del Ray.” It’s the same, but it’s different now. 
To learn more about Nakia, Stomping Ground, and Bagel Uprising follow along on Instagram at @stompbiscuits and @bageluprising.