By Lora Settle Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair is an Old Town Alexandria staple, celebrating its 30th year in business this year. The owners, Don and Jenny Restrepo, have worked tirelessly over the years to provide exceptional service to the community. The business has been a consistent fixture of the frequently changing environment of Old Town and has played an important role in the wider DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area, as well. In 1995, Don began operating the Shoe Mobile – a mobile shoe repair that serviced many businesses in the DMV area. In May of 1996, however, Don opened a brick-and-mortar store at 726 King Street, naming it Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair. Don and Jenny recall fondly the support received from the Old Town community in the early days of their business – a support that has been unceasing through 30 years of business. Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair began doing contracted work for various businesses in the area in 1997, beginning with Nordstrom. The dedication, precision and fairness of pricing that Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair provides to customers resulted in the business further expanding its client base to many of the area’s favorite performance venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington National Opera, Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, National Theatre DC, Signature Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair’s customer base continued to grow exponentially in 1998, when they began working with additional retailers, such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bottega Veneta, Bloomingdale’s, Stuart Weitzman, Ermenegildo Zegna, Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, and Joan & David. Old Town Shoe & Luggage Repair began contracting with many local dry-cleaning companies around this time, as well. Additionally,…
By Lani Gering Alexandria’s own Ten Thousand Villages has changed its name and has re-branded itself as The World Crafted on King. I was reassured that it will continue its current role as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to fair trade practices as it gets more involved with the community. They celebrated the Grand Re-Opening with a full weekend of activities on February 21st-23rd. The following information was gleaned from a press release they put out late last year and it pretty much outlines why they made the change: “Located at historic King Street, our store was opened in 1994 by a group of dedicated people with a passion for the mission of supporting fair trade practices. More than just a store, The World Crafted on King is a way to shop with intention, shop one’s values and connect with global villages. From communities throughout the world, every inspired design is crafted with love using local materials (usually natural or recycled) and time-honored skills by known makers. At The World Crafted on King, discover organic clothing and jewelry; home décor and hand knotted rugs; and specialty foods and beverages from over 45 countries. Each handmade purchase directly impacts the life and community of its maker, breaking the cycle of generational poverty and igniting social change. Alexandria’s store has been closely linked to the national Ten Thousand Villages organization since its Alexandria inception in 1994. While the Ten Thousand Villages undertakes a new business plan to focus exclusively on wholesale channels and online sales, independent stores like Alexandria’s, are seeking to rebrand under their own names. Alexandria’s The World Crafted on King store will continue to be affiliated with Ten Thousand Villages US as a fair-trade retailer, supporting the artisans around the world that Ten Thousand Villages US represents but will…
By Lani Gering Arielle Shoshana is the brain child of Arielle Shoshana Weinburg. She and her partner Katri Haas have dubbed Arielle Shoshana as “Alexandria’s perfume playground”. According to their website, they have the most exciting and exclusive fragrances that you won’t smell anywhere else and they embrace a line of audaciously original fragrances for perfume lovers who spray by their own rules. Unfortunately, I can’t personally attest to the above statement…yet! Due “inclement” weather we had the last week of January, we had to conduct our interview remotely so I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Arielle (left) and Katri (right) at the store. The upside is that they introduced me to Google Meet. This is the first interview that I have conducted remotely. The only other face to face “tool” I have used is good old Facetime with friends and family and that’s been a handful of times. (Guess you can tell that I didn’t have to work remotely during the pandemic.) The downside, obviously, is that I didn’t get to experience just what the process is in creating my own fragrance or sampling the many interesting scents they have in-house. However, the friend that suggested we profile the perfumery said she had a fabulous experience and highly recommended checking it out. That being said, by the time you’re reading this, I will have met the ladies in person and, hopefully, customized a fragrance to my specs. In order for you to “spray by your own rules” you are encouraged to take a two-question quiz – questions below. All of the choices for answers made me smile but here are a few standouts: How do you want to smell? Bold, juicy, vibrant, like a passion fruit margarita from your favorite rooftop Bar. Comforting, cozy, delicious, like a matcha latte…
By Barbara Leary On a Saturday inside the Cornerstone Craftsman workshop, a group of Alexandria teens is finishing the seams on the drywall sheets they hung earlier. Under Lead Instructor Rene Merino’s watchful eye, they take turns applying the mud and setting the tape, smoothing the rough edges to create a foundation for what will come next. It’s a metaphor for the work of Cornerstone Craftsman, the early-stage Alexandria nonprofit organization recently recognized as the 2025 “Rising Star” at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business Awards. The brainchild of Executive Director Roberto Gomez, Cornerstone Craftsman works with youth from low-income backgrounds to smooth their rough edges and help them acquire the foundational skills for stable, rewarding careers in the building trades. Through its innovative pre-apprenticeship program, which combines technical instruction and hands-on learning with mentoring and support services, the organization is on a mission to break the cycle of generational poverty. As the Rising Star award demonstrates, the community is taking note. “It’s more than an award,” says Gomez. “It’s the business community saying that these young people matter, that they are the future of our workforce. That belief in the kids, and our mission, makes the Chamber’s recognition especially meaningful.” An Idea Whose Time Is Now That mission aligns with a workforce need that is growing more urgent. A recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America found that 94% of contractors are finding it difficult to fill open positions. Meanwhile, young people are rethinking what success looks like after high school. As they weigh the rising cost of college and the threat of AI-driven job disruption, more of them are turning to technical education programs as a result, and for good reason: The trades offer stable, living wages and ample opportunities for growth. “All…
Pictured above: Together We Bake Co-Founder Tricia Sabatini, Executive Director Tricia Allen and Program Alumna and Shipping and Fulfillment Associate Reina Carranza By Elizabeth Hughes “The door never closes,” says Together We Bake (TWB) Executive Director Tricia Allen. It was in 2012 that the nonprofit launched its mission here in the Alexandria community. Many of you may know TWB for its cookies and granola, sold at outlets like Whole Foods. However, there is more to this success story than super-yummy baked goods.nThese days, the much-lauded organization is launching a metric-based plan for 2030.nThe Plan includes expansion of economic opportunity, a strengthening of community resilience through a “third space” (additional real estate), service to more women, and a scaling of social enterprise (production of TWB products that create a sustainable revenue stream). Let’s look at history. The goal at inception for Together We Bake was focused and simple: to teach women at-risk food preparation and food safety job skills in a kitchen and communal environment. The organization also baked goods to be shipped to patrons (again, we’re talking about the aforementioned and delicious cookies, etc.), so that was another skill set that participants received – shipping, fulfillment, and customer service. ServSafe Certification and soft people talents were part of this effort provided by the nonprofit’s visionaries, including Co-Founder Tricia Sabatini. Next, there was job placement in the food services and hospitality sectors. Over time, Together We Bake took hold locally and occupied space in The Common Good at 212 S. Washington Street, which is part of The Old Town Community Church. To this day, the space is shared with other charities and organizations, including a school for children diagnosed with autism. It includes offices, a fully-functioning work kitchen, and meeting space with a television and WiFi. All participants were paired one…
By Lauren Evoy Davis You’re holding your 90-year-old mother’s hand, and her breathing is slow. She seems to be unconscious, and you’re not sure she can hear you. You’re wondering if you’re doing this right, caregiving at the end of life. This can be a profoundly loving but overwhelming experience. That’s exactly why Ann M. Thompson (under pen name Grace Amani) wrote “The End-of-Life Caregivers’ Pocket Guide.” As someone who has cared for her parents through terminal illness and who is trained as an end-of-life doula, Ann, who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, knows how tough caregiving can be. But she also knows how helpful it is to have clear, compassionate advice to lean on. “There is a huge need for practical information about how to take care of someone who is near the end of life, without exhausting yourself or neglecting your needs and personal responsibilities,” Ann says. With nearly 53 million people in the United States serving as caregivers, many of whom are supporting terminally ill loved ones with little to no guidance, this compact guide fills a critical void. Ann distills decades of experience into clear language that demystifies the dying process and equips caregivers to face it with knowledge and compassion. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or deep in its challenges, this guide sorts out the complex emotions and practicalities of end-of-life care—because no one should have to do this alone. What makes this book different? Provides Clarity: Organized for quick reference, it empowers caregivers during emotionally overwhelming moments. Bridges clinical and emotional care: It explains what to expect physically, emotionally, and spiritually, without medical jargon. Addresses a cultural gap: In a society often unprepared to talk about death, this book gently opens the conversation. Ann’s Journey to Becoming a Death Doula Ann and her…
By Elizabeth Hughes Whether you’re looking to class up your wardrobe or to find that perfect gift, Old Town boutiques don’t disappoint. They cater to discerning locals and visitors, offering premium goods that you may not find anywhere else. So, with the annual Sidewalk Sale returning this month, OTC sent me out to spotlight places to shop local and the tastemakers that run them. 3 SISTERS 213 King Street This King Street destination is a woman and family-owned business operated by siblings Stella, Athina, and Stavroulla, who say that they were inspired by their refugee mother, Andrea. The boutique showcases feminine apparel like maxi-dresses and tops. Accessories are accessible with the boutique’s Milan Luxe sunglasses priced at $16. (I bought a pair while researching this story. I couldn’t help myself.) The team at 3 Sisters shared with me that they often extend Sidewalk Sale discount pricing into Sunday, so mark your calendars. DASH’S OF OLD TOWN 1114 King Street If you’re seeking sartorial armor, consider a visit to Dash’s of Old Town. Featuring finely-tailored men’s suits and other menswear imported from Italy or custom made, Dash’s sets itself apart from department stores. Focused on individualized attention, the boutique offers in-person meetings and wardrobe consultancy by appointment only. Proprietor Victor Dash confirms that he works closely with Pentagon officials, lobbyists, and other DMV luminaries to tailor looks based on ensemble sets. These pieces seamlessly go from being camera-ready for a press conference in the morning to casually-cool for a clambake in the evening. At deadline, Mr. Dash and his team say that they are looking into a having a presence at The Sidewalk Sale. ENCORE CONSIGNMENT 119 S. Fairfax Street If you’re on the hunt for haute brands like Chanel, Ferragamo, and Hermes without the haute price tags,…
Photo above courtesy of Chukwudinma Anthony Nsofor (aka Chudi) By Lani Gering I have been wracking my brain trying to remember when I first met Leah. Am thinking that it has been at least 10 years ago when a mutual friend of ours introduced us while we were having cocktails at the same watering hole. At that time, we didn’t really talk about what she did for a living but I do remember being very impressed that she made earrings out of discarded guitar strings. I love people that are creative about repurposing everyday items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. In these last 10 or so years, we see each other fairly often at that same watering hole and, obviously, I found out early on that she indeed makes jewelry for a living. I have been blessed with two pair over the years, both gifts from our mutual friend. The first pair I had were so loved by another good friend that I gave them to her – not sure what I was thinking when I did that since I clearly could have sent her straight to the source but…it made her very happy so it was worth it. My next pair were given to me for my 70th birthday almost 2 years ago and I wore them almost daily until I lost one a few months ago. I kept thinking it would show up but, no such luck. However, I ran into Leah at our “place” a couple of weeks ago and while we were talking over a glass of wine, I told her of the demise. She very matter-of-factly told me to bring her the remaining earring and she would see what she could do to recreate it. Keep in mind that all of her…
By Bob Tagert This month’s business profile is bitter sweet. Imagine Artwear, one of Old Town’s first and best retailers is retiring and closing her brick-and-mortar location at 1124 King Street. I first met Carol when we were in the now defunct Old Town Business Association. Her contributions have been many to this community. Imagine Artwear is one of the great success stories in Old Town Alexandria and Carol Supplee has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the city and business groups over the years. I started the Old Town Crier in January of 1988 and when Carol bought her store in 1992, she began advertising with us and has every month since. It love success stories in Old Town, but it took a lot of hard work. Carol first discovered the American crafts world as she pursued a journalism and history degree at Northwestern University and that is where her interest in hand crafted art emerged. “My Mom loved to sew and she was very good at it. She made all of the clothes for her three daughters and she taught me to sew as well,” says Supplee. Carol’s Grandmother’s last name was Penland as in the name of the Penland School of Crafts established in the early 1920’s in North Carolina and is the largest and oldest professional craft schools in the United States. Carol married and when her husband was transferred to Virginia she came along and transferred to George Washington University to continue her education and graduated with a degree in Art History and a Masters in Museology. In 1976 Carol worked for the American Freedom Train to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. The train itself consisted of 10 display cars each representing a segment of American history. Her job was to select all of the…
By Lani Gering “Irish foods and specialty cheese, you say? You have gruyere from two-time World Cheese Champion Michael Spycher and black pudding?” These questions and all others who are looking for legitimate “specialty” cheeses from around the USA and Europe can be addressed by Fergus Kennedy and Mike Bapstisa at Ripe Specialty Foods here in Alexandria. Ripe Specialty Foods has been offering cheeses, meats and other food products sourced from small farms and dairies that import directly to them for about 15 years. You won’t find their offerings in any of the mainstream grocery stores. Their clients are specialty shops the likes of Cheestique in Del Ray, Unwined in Bellview Shopping Center, La Fromagerie in Old Town, Arrowine and Corso in Arlington and the newly opened The Cut in Hollin Hill Shopping Center – next to River Bend Bistro. Fergus Kennedy has been selling Irish foods and smoked salmon to Irish bars and restaurants in the DMV since the beginning and incorporated Irish cheeses when asked by a local restaurateur if he could procure some specific cheeses as well. The following – taken directly for their website http://www.ripespecialty.com – gives you a much better description of what they do than I could write: “Ripe Specialty Foods is a distributor of artisanal cheeses, meats, and fine Irish provisions located just outside of DC in Alexandria, VA. You can find our food in nearly every Irish bar in the DMV, as well as in many specialty food shops and restaurants. We began when Fergus Kennedy started connecting Irish bars with traditional Irish fare like black and white pudding, smoked salmon, bacon, sausage rolls, Crunchie bars, and Tayto crisps. One day, a customer asked Fergus if he could get Cashel Blue for his bar. Fergus tracked it down and became a cheese…
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