Six years ago when Kellie told me that she was leaving the magazine we’d both been working for to start one of her own, I all but begged her to take me with her. And while the “taking” didn’t involve an actual physical move to a new city on my part, she was bringing me along on a leap of faith that I had full confidence she would make happen. And how she has.

Flash forward to 2024, I’ve had the honor of watching VIP Alexandria grow and shift under Kellie’s vision and creativity and be part of it all from day one, when it was just the two of us. And as it became bigger, the team also grew. By the time I finally had the opportunity to visit Alexandria, the magazine had been flourishing for two years. Two years during which I’d written about countless businesses and individuals of interest throughout Old Town, sitting at my computer in Florida. Through the interviews and articles I’d written, I had a certain sense of familiarity, but I could never have imagined how much I would fall in love with Alexandria when I visited for the very first time in 2021. 

Since then, I’ve become something of a familiar sight in Old Town. I can’t seem to stay away. I love the history, the incredible architecture, the small-town feel, the friendliness of the people. I love running the cobblestone streets on my morning runs and staring out at the Potomac as the sun comes up. I love sitting in Fontaine with a cup of coffee and my laptop, knowing that, at any point, one of the quirky individuals I now count as friends will show up and take a seat at my table, distracting me with some conversation that I don’t want to miss. I’m honored to be part of a magazine that celebrates all of that as I have been for the past six years as staff writer. And now, I’m excited to take on a new role as editor of this amazing publication. As we continue to grow, I’m looking forward to what’s next.

As we do each year, this issue is dedicated to celebrating the inspiring leaps of faith that so many women have taken to make their dreams a reality, starting their own businesses or making career shifts. It takes heart, soul and a great deal of courage to jump into the unknown without a net.

Thank you for your continued readership and your support of this incredible leap of faith over these last six years.

Yours,

Liesel