“Storytelling is so important to me, digging in and explaining the art and science behind architecture. All of my experiences in operations and comms led me here, and I’m so grateful for my career and to work for a local small business, where I’m raising my family.”

I had walked by Ms. Moxie’s Moonshop more than a few times and was always curious about what was inside. The name kind of intrigued me, too. Did they sell crystals? Was it a hippie shop and did they howl at the moon?

We discussed all the things – relationships, spring events, retirement planning, the wealth transfer and the language of money. That’s what I love about smart, confident women—the conversation goes much deeper.

Something you may not know about me: I had a not-so-awesome childhood. Well, that’s not all true. Until the age of eight it was pretty idyllic. But in the fourth grade, my parents divorced and it was a doozy. 

We tapped two of our local home and entertainment experts, Amanda Mertins of Patina Polished Living and Rachel Gang of Helen Olivia, for tips on outdoor entertaining.

From nightly happy hours to curated on-site entertainment, there’s always something to do at Alate Old Town, making it easy to stay engaged and socialize with friends

It began with an email forwarded to me, “Read this.” Alexandra shared that with the passing of her mother she had taken over the reins of American in Paris on King Street.

A common thread I hear and even feel myself: there is no divide between home and work – when you work from home.

As knitters, we feel a connection to the animal who provided the wool as we work with their fibre in our fingers.

My aunt always joked that she didn’t need to get a new man, that she had a dog who farted and snored. When I was little I didn’t get the joke, I do now.

As I walk up to Goodies Frozen Custard on Commerce Street, a woman walking in front of me in heels runs to our photographer, Renée and hugs her.

“I don't sleep, I’ll be up at 5:30am, in the office by 7:30am, and up till 1am that morning,” said Brandi Yee of Spring2ACTion, Alexandria's annual 24-hour giving day.

In many partnerships, one partner takes the lead and ‘relieves’ the other of the responsibilities in an area of life: laundry, car maintenance, and often money and finances.

She says her true trajectory aligned in 2017 through the Chamber. “I met Through the Fourth Wall, a production company based in Alexandria.

Natalie O’Connor is a whirlwind of energy, gliding across the wood floor of her art loft, from painting to painting, explaining the artist’s journey, shuffling back to open a window, offer a chair, show us more paintings, offer us champagne. Yes, please, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. 

A vacation does not have to be a long extended trip, sometimes a weekend escape is exactly what we need to rejuvenate. Virginia offers extensive options from mountain retreats to beach getaways.

Since I began working with Meghan, what I’ve enjoyed most about our relationship is the reverse mentorship. Every day there is a knowledge exchange, and when we’re all together, age is irrelevant. We’re just a couple girls having fun and creating content that promotes the city we all love: Alexandria.

Kristina started painting as a kid. “I had severe dyslexia and academia was hard for me. My grandmother helped me get my first exhibition in Palm Springs when I was 21. My family was very supportive, as was interior designer Arthur Elrond. He fell in love with my work and championed me.”

As we narrow in on our backdrop, Lauren greets us in a long flowered dress, and pulls her sunglasses down to say hello. She is embodying spring and we’re ready to roll.