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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.