Her hair is flowing and flawless when we arrive for her session. “I wanted to have big bouncy waves, it’s very in, right now,” she says. ‘Mission accomplished’ I think as I zero in on her strands for a trace of frizz. Not one. One of her tools: Velcro rollers. I need to find out the rest.

Since moving to her own salon, Rachel Marie shares, “I like that every day is different, I’m never doing the same thing.” It’s a place you can imagine bearing your soul, and then also walking out lighter – because Rachel has given your hair a lift, too.

“I’ve built a closer connection with my clients, it’s a more intimate space…which naturally leads to deeper conversations.” An empathetic soul, she is grateful, and sometimes finds the stories she’s heard staying with her long after her day has ended.

When I ask about her father, Rachel grows silent, and I realize it’s because she’s choked up. Thick with emotion, she shares, “My dad was so excited for me, he wanted me to go out on my own, he was very supportive. He was in the service industry for a long time, he had worked at a hotel…he knew how this life is.” After he passed, her mom turned his gold chain that he wore with a cross into bracelets for Rachel and her sister, an enduring tribute.

Born and raised in Fairfax, Rachel has always lived in Virginia. She started styling hair at a salon when she was just 15. After some time, she realized she was living her entire life within a five-mile radius, and wanted to venture out. At 20, she moved to PR at Partners location in Old Town. And when she was ready, she ventured even further – into working for herself. “I was getting bored, and thought, ‘am I just going to stand at this chair for the rest of my life?’ I was frustrated when I heard complaints beyond my control…a bad shampoo or a rude receptionist. I wanted to direct the experience from start to finish for my clients.”

Her eyes began to wander, and she floated the idea of starting her own business to those she trusted. After more than a few, “Oh my God, where are you going? Can I follow you?” responses, she had the confidence to take the leap. She recently celebrated five years in business as sole proprietor of Manes by Rachel Marie at 108 S. Patrick Street, something she is incredibly grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Michael and their two-year-old daughter, Delilah, also bring her much joy. “She’s been going around the house, saying ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ and that brings back the holiday magic that sometimes gets lost in the madness of the season.”

Not only is Rachel looking fiercely beautiful, she’s looking forward to her next five years in business helping others look beautiful, too. We couldn’t be happier for her success, and to have her as a Stylebook contributor.

Check out Rachel Marie’s Street Style: 

ABOUT RACHEL MARIE

Neighborhood: Groveton, VA

Hometown: Fairfax, VA

What would surprise people about you? My eclectic taste in music. Hip-Hop is my first love, but you can catch me listening to everything from electronic dance music to country. 

Favorite book and movie: Favorite movie: Blow; Favorite book: Where the Crawdads Sing.

Guilty Pleasure: Sweets 

Latest binge-watch: Honestly, I don’t have time to watch TV.

Bucket list travel destination: So many places, but I’d love to go to Trinidad & Tobago one day, that’s where my dad is from. 

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Sexy, comfortable, swaggy.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Spanx faux leather leggings, I love that I can dress them up or down.

Favorite trend: I’m going to go hair on this one: I’ve loved that warm tones are back in this year. I feel like forever it was ashy, cool tones, so I’m loving the switch-up. 

Beauty product you can’t live without: Lip gloss. 

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? I wear all three, but I’ll have to say sneakers, comfort is key these days.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Put on some music, it’s medicine. I have a playlist for literally anything and everything.

Most fun way to stay active: My Peloton, I bought it in 2020 and I’m still loving it. Especially now being a mom, it’s so convenient to have it right at home, it’s the only way I’m guaranteed to get a workout in. 

Wellness goal: Be able to work behind the chair as long as I WANT. I don’t want a bad shoulder or knee to stop me. I want to be able to say when I’m done. 

Want to try: A class taught by Megan Brown. I got to meet her when I was being styled at the Hive and I told her I’d come so it needs to happen soon! 

Proudest wellness achievement: I was in the best shape in 2020. I wore an itty bitty red bikini that summer, I look back at photos like ‘damn girl you look good’! 

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My daughter’s room, it’s so girly! We have a big floral print rug in there along with some floral artwork that was created by one of my clients, Jennifer Allevato. 

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix, I like the space to dictate what the vibe will be. 

Last item bought for your home: Touch-up paint.

Favorite way to entertain: Having people over in our backyard, we love having parties back there. We have a pavilion and a fire pit; it’s so perfect. 

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free, but I have a 2-year-old. 

Next planned purchase: I’d love to change up the light fixtures in the house. Fun lighting can truly transform a space.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Connecting with the community and other small business owners. I feel very lucky to be part of this community, Old Town is like the mecca of small businesses! 

Favorite spot in Alexandria: I find myself at Misha’s quite often. 

Your go-to shop: She’s Unique, I always find something in there! Sometimes I just have to walk by because I know I’m going to spend money if I go in! 

Best food spot: This is tough, but my family and I have been hooked on Andy’s ever since they opened! 

Favorite local organization: I’m currently exploring some to get involved in or support. I’d love recommendations! 

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: All of the parades. I don’t always get to partake because I’m in the salon on Saturdays, but I love the crowds and excitement they bring to town, rain or shine! 

View More Street Style Profiles