I kept seeing Suzanne Thibeault’s face on social. She was in group shots on LinkedIn, at openings on Insta…in recaps of networking events. Who was this woman? Then I saw her in person. I felt like one of the cool kids when I was invited to a VIP party for the opening of Atlas Brew Works and Andy’s Pizza in Carlyle, and there she was. I introduced myself by sharing that she was my professional girl crush, because she was making moves. She was not freaked out. When I ran into her again at Hotel Heron’s opening party we took a pic or two together – and became fast friends. Suzanne’s energy is contagious and she always has a smile on her face. It’s easy to see she truly enjoys meeting new people. It’s a great fit for her role at Visit Alexandria, plus, she knows all of the city’s hidden gems - so she’s a great source for insider tips and venues.

That’s how Renée and I wound up on the second floor of Principle Gallery on King Street. Many have probably walked inside and browsed the first floor, but have you been upstairs? It’s remarkable. This is also where Asher made his Stylebook debut. More about the furball later. Back to Suzanne.

She refers to herself as a NOVA girl, though she did spend years away from the area. Her father was a diplomat with the foreign service and they lived in Thailand from 1993-1996,and then in Jordan until 1999. They returned to the area, so her father could be closer to D.C. Suzanne attended James Madison University, and says “I fell in love with Shenandoah.” Ironically, she is more of a hiker now, and wishes she had done it more back then “when it wasn’t two hours away. I studied hospitality management with a business minor, wondering what I was doing at the time. I’m dyslexic and it was a workaround so that I didn't have to test to get into business school.”

After graduating, she did a bit of wedding planning on her own and then entered the meeting and event planning space for the scientific community. When I pause, she responds, “Yes, it’s just as sexy as it sounds.”

SUZANNE THIBEAULT

Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography

Self-Styled

Shoot location: Principle Gallery

She made a transition to the other side when she joined Visit Alexandria two years ago. “I had been on the meeting planner side for eight years and had my CMP, and was nominated for the PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties. I was traveling a lot for conferences, and friends would ask ‘How was Berlin?” I hadn’t seen anything besides the four walls of a meeting room since I arrived. I had an itch to being doing things much bigger. I stumbled across this job posting on LinkedIn and thought, ‘Am I going to leave a career that I have my arms around?’”

She did. “I took the job and I love the team and the mission. And I’m living where I so badly wanted to live – Alexandria. You would think it would be so crazy to find a job where you talk about a place where you live and that you love…but I do. I help planners, what I used to be. It’s kismet, all the stars aligned.”

When I ask her to describe Visit Alexandria, she says, “we’re a destination marketing organization, we promote the city’s top destinations for tourism and business travel. I used to feel that sales was a yucky word, with people selling things they didn’t believe in.” And for some it very well may be. But for Suzanne, she is part of a sales team that promotes Alexandria from the perspective of booking a wedding, hosting a convention or a tournament. She’s not going after the “bread and butter association groups who know what they want.” She’s approaching groups and segments that may have never even considered Alexandria, like sports tourism. 

“Alexandria is a  great destination for all the social events – weddings, rehearsal dinners, unique venues interacting with inside and outside business, religious groups, military, reunions, students and tourists traveling domestically…and yes, the big 8th grade trip. We propel businesses in Alexandria, and especially Monday through Thursday when restaurants and hotels can use that extra support.” 

One of the perks of her gig: “My hidden gems. The place that you never knew existed where you’re going to have your next meeting. Il Porto has a second floor place that can do 100-plus, the downstairs used to be a speakeasy…and the beautiful things, the Athenaeum. Many people see it, clock it, but don’t go in. It is one of the few Greek revival buildings in this area. It’s a place for a special gathering where the art hung can feel like it’s integrated with your event. And yes, Principle Gallery’s second floor, I would have never discovered it before this.” We joke about her hosting a “Hidden Gems Tour” – I would buy a ticket! Because Principle Gallery is definitely a gem I was unaware of, and Asher, Clint’s security dog, is an added draw.

As for her own gem, she hopes she has found it in her new residence, an Old Town house built in 1845, with a black plaque outside proudly displaying its historic mark. “It’s charming…and old…my dresser is tilted halfway,” she says.

I empathize, “Ah yes, because of old floors that have shifted. I had once lived in an old building in the East Village in NYC and on my first night thought I was imagining that all my furniture was crooked.”

“You can tell it was built in segments,” she continues, “like they kept needing more and more room. So far there’s been no spooky…though there was one morning when we woke up and all the lights were on at 6am…but it’s just because the power went off while we were sleeping.” Uh huh. But, she and her boyfriend Stephen have “a ridiculously big cat, Boudica. My sister named her and I took her in…she runs the roost, she has bright green eyes and weighs 17 lbs…basically a mini dog.” 

Boudica will protect them, they’re all good. And her immediate family is not far. “My mom and dad still live in the same house in Annandale, it’s our home base when we all get together. I’m the baby and my sister is two years older, and she lives in Herndon with her husband and kids.”

She also hones in on the importance of female friendships. “My girlfriends keep me sane. Even though we’re spread out…Phoenix, New York, Philly and Texas…we stay in touch. One is back here and we'll definitely be watching Love is Blind together. And the rest will find their way back.”

Since Suzanne is at every single hotel and venue opening and celebration and kickoff, I ask if she’s a total introvert when not working. “I do need down time, it depends on the month. Sometimes I need to unplug myself. Take me on a hike. Let’s go on a walk…I walk everywhere. I want to go out and see and feel.”

She’s looking forward to traveling overseas in November. “My mom, Connie, is spearheading a family trip to Austria. It’s our new thing, last year we did Iceland. I’m excited for our first Opera; Vienna looks like a fairytale.”

Suzanne says you can catch her on the weekend with her hair up and wearing a big sweatshirt. I’m not sure if I believe that because I’ve never seen her look less than flawless. But she probably looks like that in sweats, too.

Check out Suzanne’s Street Style: 

ABOUT SUZANNE

Neighborhood:  Waterfront Park in Alexandria.

Hometown: Annandale, VA

What would surprise people about you? I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and lived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Amman, Jordan. In Chiang Mai, our home neighbored an elephant and animal sanctuary, where my sister and I spent time as kids playing with gibbons.

Favorite movie: Fever Pitch (2005). This movie reminds me of my dad. He’s a true Bostonian—he’s had Red Sox season tickets since he was 18 and met my mom at Fenway Park in 1988.

Guilty Pleasure:  Dairy Godmother’s chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich and listening to true crime podcasts.

Latest binge-watch: I’m more of a podcast-binger. My latest is The Liz Moody: Healthier Together podcast and My Favorite Murder.

Bucket list travel destination: Internationally, I’ve checked off some bucket list travels, seeing the pyramids in Egypt, the Northern Lights in Iceland, and the Duomo in Florence, but I would love to hike the National Parks.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less. Classic, unique, and understated.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Blazer – your wardrobe’s best friend. Dress it up, dress it down—either way, you'll look like you’ve got it all together.

Favorite trend: Gold jewelry overload and high-rise bottoms.

Beauty product you can’t live without: M-61: Hydraboost Face Oil – I actually can’t live without this stuff.

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? It’s a toss-up between heeled boots and sneakers.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Long walks through the charming streets of Old Town are my daily reset.

Most fun way to stay active:  I've recently discovered the joy of biking, and I’m hooked! The Mount Vernon bike trail has become my favorite loop.

Wellness goal: Moving my body for joy — it's all about finding what makes me feel good and staying energized.

Want to try: Running a marathon…wish me luck.

Proudest wellness achievement: Carving out time for weekly therapy is my wellness non-negotiable. Shout out to my therapist – I’ve been seeing her for almost seven years!    

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living Room. I recently moved into a charming historic home with an original brick fireplace as the centerpiece. It’s my happy place.

Antiques, modern, or a mix?  Mix—classic charm and contemporary style.

Last item bought for your home: Desk for the home office.

Favorite way to entertain: Casual evenings in with friends or family. I’m known for bringing the charcuterie board or banana bread.

Clutter-free or well-lived in?  Clutter-free – my peace is when everything in the house has its place.

Next planned purchase:  Headboard, not exciting, but we just moved! I’m looking for a piece to ground the bedroom and create balance.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love learning about the inspiration behind Alexandria’s small business owners and community—their beginnings, their ‘ah-ha’ moments, and the journeys that led them to pursue their passions. Seeing how so much of the success of these stories is amplified by strong women supporting each other makes it even more empowering.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Any spot along the Potomac River with ample people and dog-watching.

Your Go-to Shop: She’s Unique (gifts for me..) and Red Barn Mercantile (gifts for everyone else). 

Best food spot: I have too many, but here are my spark notes: My Friday night slice is all about Andy’s Pizza. Date night? Hank’s Oyster Bar. For entertaining, I love BARCA Pier & Wine Bar. On-the-go sammies, Union Street Sandwich Company. For my iced black coffee fix (addiction) Misha’s Coffeehouse & Roaster.

Favorite local organization: Carpenter's Shelter and Together We Bake.

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Alexandria's Biggest Holiday Weekend which takes place the first weekend of December. This includes the Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

View More Street Style Profiles