When kids “graduate” from elementary school or middle school they often recognize the students who are the “lifers.” These are the kids who have been present for all the possible years the school has to offer. This is how I feel about some people who shopped at The Shoe Hive when it was located at 115 South Royal Street. These are “The Shoe Hive lifers.” One of these originals is Mansie Iyer. She has been with us since…basically the beginning. 

You might have seen her running along the streets of Alexandria. Like literally running. I have been out doing errands and have seen her running up Russell Road, only to be returning home hours later and see that she is still running. I swear she wears one of those weighted vest things, too. She is a tiny thing but you can’t miss Mansie. She has a big personality and she dresses to match it. Bright colors, fun pieces and she always wears a really big smile. She is loyal and has always been so good to me and my stores.

Here is the funny connection between the two of us (besides our love of clothes): when Mansie moved to the states she left Mumbai and went to Athens, Ohio. That is correct, like me, she also attended Ohio University. Okay, so she was getting her PhD in Physics and I barely got by with my bachelors degree, but still, what a crazy connection. I laugh about what she must have thought landing in Appalachia for the first time.

After a short stint in Florida she moved to Alexandria, and has been here ever since. If you love to travel and see the world, you should follow Mansie on Instagram. She is always on the go and I mean, she goes everywhere, oftentimes traveling internationally for work and then for fun, too. A few years back she bought a beautiful house on the idyllic Caribbean island of Montserrat. She has been all over the world so if she picked a place to buy real estate, then it must be a special place. Lucky for all of us she has decided to rent her place as well. I thought it would be fun to share this beautiful spot with our Alexandria Stylebook readers:

Elizabeth: What is your favorite part about living in Alexandria?

Mansie: I love the diversity and inclusivity in Alexandria. I also absolutely love to be able to walk everywhere (restaurants, bars, shopping and everything in between).

Elizabeth: You have literally traveled all over the world, how did you pick Montserrat?

Mansie: Montserrat is truly one of those special places where nature rules and does not look like every other island. It’s the way the Caribbean used to be. Some of the best music was made in Montserrat and you really cannot beat how safe the island is and the kindness of the people. And there is an active volcano that really adds adventure. 

Elizabeth: What are your favorite things to do in Montserrat?

Mansie: I love to hike and Montserrat is a nature lover's paradise. It’s hard to pick a favorite hike as I feel that I still have a lot to do. 

Elizabeth: Favorite Places for Dinner and Lunch?

Mansie: So many places. The Attic, Andreas Takeaway, Olveston House, Vue Point and Isles Bay Beach Bar. I also love the local bars like Desert Storm, Uncles Place and Peoples Place. Heads up—Montserrat is not a late night island. No clubs. 

Elizabeth: What is the best time to visit the island?

Mansie: St. Patrick’s Day/week is one of the biggest parties on the island. Weather-wise November to April is great. I love going in the summer though, the ocean is so calm. 

If you are interested in learning more about her home you can reach out to her at runawaypointglinskiyer@gmail.com.

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