It was during the Mind the Mat Yoga Teacher Training that I got to know Shruti and witness her way of moving through the world. As a student in the training, she was dedicated, inquisitive, and delightful to interact with.  Shruti has a unique way of working toward goals and outcomes with lightness, creativity, and a twinkle in her eye, so being in it with her feels like fun instead of work.

When I reflect on the way Shruti relates with people and life, the word that comes to mind is 'artful.'  Shruti has her own thoughtful style that she expresses in the way she dresses and carries herself.  She is simultaneously bold and delicate.  She is smart, a strong listener, and graceful conversationalist. She is an observer, taking in the moment, then responding with mindfulness, wisdom, and often an insightful perspective that is fresh and new.

These days Shruti teaches at Mind the Mat.  Her yoga classes are both grounded and clear but also whimsical and engaging.  As many of you already know, Shruti is also working with Alexandria Stylebook.  In a moment of perfect serendipity, I was about to have coffee with Shruti just after I read the email about Alexandria Stylebook looking to hire.  When we sat down outside at St. Elmo's coffee shop in Del Ray, Shruti told me she wanted to quit her current job and transition to part-time work, ideally within a community of small businesswomen entrepreneurs somewhere in Alexandria.  I immediately told her about Stylebook.  It truly was meant to be, and I'm not surprised it happened just that way - like a butterfly landing on a flower - easy, natural, aligned, and pretty much miraculous, just like Shruti.

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Shruti is styled by Mint Collective and Mint Condition.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Del Ray

How long have you lived in Alexandria: 2.5 years

What is your hometown? Raleigh, North Carolina

What brought you to Alexandria? The community. We were looking for a place to call home in the Washington, D.C. area and fell in love with the small-town feel of Alexandria.

What do you do at Stylebook? All things digital! I manage Stylebook’s website, social media, and newsletter.

What do you love about your job? I love being able to share stories of women entrepreneurs and leaders who are running the businesses and organizations that form the backbone of this community we call home.

What do you bring to Stylebook? New ideas! Some are better than others, a few are a tad far out, but I love ideating and trying new things!

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: easy modern whimsical

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A Suzanne Kalan necklace for a splash of fun!

Favorite trend ever: Sneakers + dresses

Favorite current trend: Jumpsuits

Beauty product you can’t live without: Kiehl’s Midnight recovery oil - it’s the perfect way to end a busy day.

Favorite fragrance: Obsessed with the elizabethW Tuberose Body Oil from Mint Collective.

Heels or flats? Boots

HOME

Favorite room in your home: The living room! It’s such a fun and vibrant place filled with sunshine.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A well-balanced blend.

Last item bought for your home: Satin pillowcases from Bellacara - gamechanger!

Next planned purchase: A house! And then fancy stemware to level-up our hosting.

Favorite way to entertain: In the afternoon with a giant cheese board. Small snacks make it an informal and cozy affair plus they’re super easy to pull together with a toddler underfoot!

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Aspirationally clutter-free

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Yoga, a dance class, or kettlebells

Most fun way to exercise: Partner yoga

Group exercise or solo: Group! I absolutely love teaching yoga!

Fitness goal: Maintain a robust range of motion.

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: HAWT Pilates? 😳

Proudest fitness achievement: Becoming certified to teach yoga and getting back into dance despite feeling stiff and creaky after many years out of practice.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Mt. Vernon trail as it turns the corner into Old Town.

Last purchase in Alexandria: B.May pouch from The Shoe Hive!

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Swings / Lena’s / Ada’s

Favorite local organization: Rosie Riveters, helping kids build STEM confidence through creative projects

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Art on the Avenue