Niki Montgomery started following my Instagram, and our first meeting was at my office. Upon our first meet, I would say I was in a bit of awe. Here’s this elegant woman, not just in physical presence but in spirit as well.

Here is a little background: she is a local business owner in Alexandria. She and her business partner own Hazel O. salon, well known for its inclusivity of all hair types and textures. She is also deeply rooted in Alexandria. In fact, her grandparents lived in Alexandria for 50 years, so her love for our community is truly generational. Niki is a mother of three and a dedicated wife. Yet, she somehow manages to find the 25th hour in a day to run a business and mom in a way that I admire. She is the official #bossmom. As a former makeup artist with professional experience in marketing, she managed to keep her newly opened salon afloat during a pandemic through a strong push on social media: @hazelosalon. On a personal level, if you spend a minute on her TikTok, @themompreneurdaily, you see her passion for life, family, and fashion. Her fashion is next level and best described as flirty and sophisticated, with just a little edge.

I love all of this about her, but what I love the most is her unwavering support and promotion of our friendship and mutual success. Ed Mylett said, “What kind of friend do you want? There is an incredible power about who you have around you. You must have friends who you want to level up for and who believe in you.” Guess what? Niki is that friend, so without further ado, meet my dear friend, Niki Montgomery.

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Niki is styled by Mint Condition.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Cameron Station

What is your hometown? Alexandria

What would surprise people about you? That I’m a member of a sorority - Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. 

Favorite book or movie: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 

Guilty Pleasure: Haagen-Dazs Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Latest binge-watch: Yellowstone

Bucket list travel destination: Christmas Markets in Trier, Germany

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Classic, feminine, and fun 

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers - I wear them five to seven days a week. I get my cost per wear out of them, so no guilt on the investment in the collection.

Favorite trend: 90’s - high waist wide leg denim

Beauty product you can’t live without: Red Lipstick - YSL Slim Matte in True Chili 

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Boots - Fall and Winter fashion is my fave!

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My bedroom - when I need to recharge, it’s where I retreat.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Last item bought for your home: Monstera Plant

Favorite way to entertain: We’re super competitive, so we like having game nights.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-Free

Next planned purchase: A plant for my office.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Cardio Workout - Running or Stair Climber 

Most fun way to stay active: Playing with my kids.

Wellness goal: To deepen my knowledge of nutrition and what dietary routines are optimal as I age.

Want to try: Boxing

Proudest wellness achievement: Running consistently despite not liking it.             

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Features members of the community that I may not have otherwise known.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Waterfront - I love looking over and seeing the Woodrow Wilson bridge to the right and the monument to my left. 

Last purchase in Alexandria: A lemon blueberry scone and vanilla bean latte from Mae’s.

Best food spot: Fontaine Cafe

Favorite local organization: Together We Bake

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Holiday Boat Parade of Lights