Tashira's Alexandria
It’s all fashion on Tashira’s corner of the internet. So, what keeps her going in the DC Metro area? Find out more as she takes us through her Alexandria City Guide. Tashira Halyard—known to her online community as Tashira Garcon—is an attorney, equity consultant and fashion content creator. She’s a breast cancer survivor who seamlessly blends style, self-care and social justice into her brand “Politics & Fashion.” Her Instagram and YouTube channel are hubs for not only fashion inspiration, but also a rapidly growing sisterhood.
Cameron Cafe
This is my local coffee shop that I visit a few times a week. It feels so good to be known by not just the owner and staff, but also the patrons. Outside of coffee, they also have a great wine and beer selection. It’s quaint and easily one of my favorite neighborhood spots.
Visit WebsiteLa Fromagerie
This little wine bar is owned and operated by a couple who have created such an intimate vibe. It’s my favorite place to go to have a glass of wine and get away from the world. It’s so special that I haven’t shared it with my friends or family because I want it to be my little secret.
Visit WebsitePenny Post
I’m a stationary lover, and Penny Post holds a special place in my heart. It’s woman-owned and so thoughtfully curated. I could spend hours just combing through their unique greeting cards.
Visit WebsiteW & O.D. Railroad Trail
I walked this trail with my partner and dog almost every day at the start of the pandemic. It was so important to get fresh air and see real people – even if we were socially distant. The views are amazing along the trail and it has always felt safe no matter the time of day we visited. It even got me thinking about investing in a bike to really explore all that it has to offer. Let’s see if that actually happens!
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Mike
“Spurweezy” knows how to throw down in the kitchen, but even the best home chef wants to let someone else do the cooking sometimes. Mike Spurlock is an event professional and content creator who’s built a loyal, food-loving following on TikTok with his authentic and relatable approach to food and cooking. While grateful for his virality on the platform and the opportunities that have come along with it, Mike is most passionate about creating content that truly connects with his audience and wants to create a more inclusive space for all creators and viewers alike.
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Paris
Born and raised in Richmond, Paris is a flight attendant by day and a full-time Content Creator whose creativity never really turns off. For someone who travels daily for a living, coming home to RVA always feels like a “big hug after a long stretch of time away.” She’s had the chance to see the world and truly enjoys being immersed in other cultures and expanding her worldview, but the 804 will always be her home.
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Jarrell
Jarrell Williams of Nomarama is the father of two beautiful boys, Lennon & Leo, and promotes a lifestyle of positivity, self-worth and exploring the world with his partner, Heidi Joy. His online brand, Nomarama, highlights an authentic lifestyle of travel, food, power of play and exploration of nature, all while supporting local businesses. On his shows, “The City with Bite” and “Just Droppin’,” he takes you on food journeys around the state and beyond. You might also recognize him from his small business incubator the Munchie Market, or his adventures as a tourism ambassador, nature aficionado, and overall creative powerhouse.
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Matt
A resident of Charlottesville, Matt Harmon spent the past 5 years developing a love of wine. As his passion for wine developed, he wanted to share that passion with family and friends. As he did so, he noticed people’s preconceived ideas about wine, and who “should” drink wine and sought to change this perception. And thus, his entrepreneurial journey with Harmony Wine was born. Matt challenges the perception of who and what wine drinkers should be in his everyday life—sometimes he drinks wine in a suit, sometimes he kicks back and drinks his wine wearing his joggers.
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Xavier
Xavier Tramaine Duckett is a community leader, artist, entrepreneur, traveler, and mentor based in Roanoke, VA, where he was raised in a culture of service, generosity, and love for community. In 2015, Xavier moved back to Roanoke after finishing his football career at ODU, with the mission to not only give back to his community, but to uplift it. He recognized the need for local youth empowerment programs and founded nonprofit The Humble Hustle Co. with that in mind. Xavier has leveraged his diverse background to impact youth and inspire others. His work continues to uplift his community and its members.
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