From the Publisher: April 2021

From the Publisher: April 2021

Kellie Gunderman, Publisher

When I launched VIP Alexandria Magazine in August 2019, I knew that I was in for a chaotic and dangerous ride, but I never in a thousand years imagined that it would be a worldwide pandemic that brought me to my knees. After all, what does an events coverage magazine do when all of the events are canceled? I wasn't the only small business that had a unique set of questions to answer and obstacles to overcome.

So how did we all emerge intact on the other side?

We learned to pivot. We flipped our business models upside down, dug deep for as much empathy as we could spare, clung to those around us for support, hustled like we never had before, and remembered that it was ok to shed a few tears along the way.

The past year has been an earth-shattering experience for us all. Yet, here we are. It has been one year since COVID-19 busted down our doors and, though it is important to remember the loss and hardships that followed the pandemic's arrival, I think it is time to celebrate the resiliency of our community. What better way to do this than through the eyes of our small business owners. That is why VIP provided complimentary space to sixteen local, small businesses to share their COVID-19 success stories in this issue.


Do me a favor and support these businesses in any way that you can, even if it's just a quick comment on social media. It's not the beautiful homes, cobblestone streets, waterfront parks, or even the history that makes Alexandria such a special place -- it's the people. If we all remember this, it won't be long until we're thriving together once more!










Kellie Gunderman

Publisher, VIP Alexandria Magazine

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