For nearly four decades, Reunions has been a light-filled gift shop tucked in the heart of Alexandria where generations of shoppers have come to get gifts for all of life’s events. For new co-owners Molly Merbeth and Blaire Bartlett, it is also where they grew up, in different ways and at different times in their lives, but where they mutually found a home.

Madisen Reid Beider doesn't wait for the right moment — she creates it. She has built a career out of knowing what people need before they know it themselves, and her latest venture is no different. As the founder of Alexandria Moms Passport, Madisen is redefining what it means to explore motherhood in Alexandria and has created a platform that feels less like a follow and more like a friendship.

Gizem Şalcıgil White has always believed that coffee is more than a drink—it's a doorway. A doorway into culture, into conversation, into the kind of human connection that the modern world too often rushes past. Inside Turkish Coffee Lady, that belief comes to life in every detail, and it's exactly what she set out to build—one cup of coffee at a time.

In an industry that constantly reinvents itself, Debbie Bates-Schrott’s legacy isn’t just the agencies she built or the campaigns she led. It’s the relationships she nurtured, the risks she took that paid off, and the confidence that even when someone tells you it won’t work – you can prove them wrong. And Debbie has done just that.

For Kristen Coffield, wellness isn’t a trend, it’s a way of life. As the founder of The Culinary Cure, she has spent decades helping women reclaim their energy, health, and sense of self through practical, resilient wellness. Now, she’s turning her focus to a powerful and personal chapter—Active Grandparenting—showing modern grandparents how to transform this stage of life into one of the most vibrant yet.

If you’ve ever owned a signature scent, hunted one down, or caught a fleeting trace and still regret not asking what it was, you know that a great scent lingers in memory long after it fades from skin. That identity defining and time-stopping relationship with scent is what drives Arielle Weinberg and Katri Haas, co-owners of the perfume playground, Arielle Shoshana.

A lifelong Alexandrian, Kendall’s story begins at Belle View Shopping Center, where a childhood favorite—The Virginia Florist—sparked an early love of flowers. That first job grew into a lasting skill she carried alongside a career in accounting and venture capital. Now, with an entrepreneurial spirit and deep local roots, Kendall’s path is coming full circle.

Kari Ginsburg doesn’t blend in. She has no interest in doing so and doesn’t want you to either. In a world where conformity often feels like the default, her presence and style is bright, intentional, and refreshingly authentic. That same spirit defines her work at Uproar Coaching, where she helps others show up unapologetically as their truest self.

 Meet Stephanie Bibighaus, the new Executive Director at The Alexandria Police Foundation — and a woman who’s turned personal loss into purpose. From her Pentagon days to championing K-9 heroes, Stephanie reminds us that style, service, and heart often go hand in hand. 

 Local author Brittany Mazique turned grief into creativity, transforming her love of storytelling into a thriving career writing children’s books for Disney and beyond. Read how this Alexandria mom balances family life, creative work, and the joy of helping all girls feel seen and celebrated.

Meet Jane Collins—a woman who’s redefining what it means to start over. Once an Air Force Colonel, now a model and makeup artist, she’s channeling her passion into helping women regain their confidence and embrace their next chapter with style and purpose.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins made history as the first African American woman to serve as Alexandria’s mayor — and she’s just getting started. From public health and urban planning to City Hall, she’s reimagining what it means to lead with heart, faith, and community.

Creativity is blooming in Hollin Hills!  Meet Paige Bradford, the visionary behind Hooray Art!, an Alexandria studio where kids (and adults) can unleash their imagination, make mistakes, and discover their inner artist.

From corporate life to curating dream trips, Alexandria’s own Kara Tomaiolo traded in her big corporate job for her true passion—helping people travel well. With a mix of honesty, humor, and impeccable taste, she’s the travel advisor you’ll want on speed dial. Meet Kara, discover her story, and find out why she’s the perfect person to plan your next adventure.

 Meet Kelly Jeffers, an Alexandria native with deep community roots and a love of gathering people together. From pontoon rides on the Potomac to her family’s legendary “Day of Meat Party,” Kelly shows us how to blend career, family, and fun.

Meet Sarah, Stylebook’s social media manager and Alexandria native whose work helped grow our TikTok following by thousands (yes, she’s behind that viral Spite House reel). From high school fundraisers that built water wells in Haiti to her current role at Active Minds, Sarah’s journey blends creativity, community, and purpose.

Alexander, Angelica, and Kelly aren’t just helping grow Alexandria Classical Christian Academy—they’re raising daughters in the same 4th grade class and making their mark in Old Town with style to spare. See our latest feature where these three share their story and show off their fall looks.

When her first lease deal fell through, Danielle Farrah thought her dream of opening a wellness studio was slipping away. Instead, it was the push that led her to create The Lalita Method in North Old Town—a boutique Pilates experience rooted in balance, design, and community.

How a restaurateur with heart is redefining what leadership looks like. Dan Simons shares why mental health, sustainability, and honesty belong at the center of the table—and how doing the right thing can still make good business sense.

 After building a career in tech, Angelika turned a creative family idea into one of Old Town’s most inspiring boutiques. Meet the woman behind Eliana Curated and discover how this local gem came to life—right on the corner of King and Patrick.