The Fairfax Girl Team 
There are so many Northern Virginia neighbors doing amazing things for the community. Whether it’s running one of the small businesses that we can’t live without, managing a non-profit to serve others, or working with individuals to help them live a better life, there are changemakers all around us. We’re featuring five amazing Northern Virginia residents in our monthly Locals to Watch series. Read on for our September Locals to Watch.
Editor’s note: do you know someone who would be a good fit for this piece? please email us at [email protected] to get in touch!
Rachel Abbett | Luminous & Grounded
Rachel Abbett is the founder of Luminous & Grounded, an alternative wellness practice in Falls Church. She works with people and pets through Emotion Code, Body Code, bioresonance, and applied kinesiology, and also hosts women’s retreats focused on connection, wellness, and community.
Photo credit: Lisa D’Amico
After starting her career as an engineer, Rachel brought that same curiosity and problem-solving mindset into her wellness practice. Her goal is to create experiences where people can relax, reconnect, and find community, especially those navigating chronic health challenges. “I want to create experiences that bring people together. My one-on-one work allows me to know individuals on an intimate level, which helps me to better connect them to “their people” via retreats, workshops, and other creative collaborations,” she said. “I especially love connecting those who might never have crossed paths otherwise, or who have been suffering from chronic issues that limit them from socializing.”
Read more: Il Radicchio Brings 30+ Years of Pasta Nights to a New Clarendon Home
Allie Crump | Sincerely Silly Goods
Allie Crump is the creator behind Sincerely Silly Goods, a Sterling-based online and pop-up shop selling playful greeting cards, bookmarks, mini art prints, and other paper goods designed to make people smile. Her newest creation is a Mini Print Vending Machine featuring surprise hand-painted artwork that can be customized for events and local businesses. “I hand-paint each design and turn them into surprise mini art prints in a vending machine. The artwork can be customized per event we pop up or store we are being hosted at,” she said.
Allie said, “Inspiration mainly comes from my real life or whatever makes me smile. I think everything is worth celebrating and every celebration deserves at least a nice little card! When searching in the card aisle, I never found something that ever felt like me, so I wanted to make things that actually felt like me and the cards I would want to give to my friends to make them smile. I think in such a digital world it can be so special to send and receive mail or letters or really anything. It makes it so much more personal.”
Ezgi Kaya | Seyyah
Ezgi Kaya founded Seyyah, a jewelry brand born from her desire to create pieces that reflect movement, personal expression, and the evolution of style. Ezgi created the line during a transitional period in her life. Seyyah focuses on everyday jewelry, minimal stacks, and gold and gemstone pieces that feel effortless and personal.
For Ezgi, Seyyah is more than just a retail space; it is a community-driven environment where customers can slow down, explore their personal style, and feel confident in their expression. To foster this, she hosts “Seyyah Meets” on Sundays, casual gatherings that encourage connection among neighbors and customers. Her vision is to continue growing Seyyah into a lasting brand while maintaining the brand’s core values of intention, quality, and individuality.
Christina Edelen | LUMÉ Skin
Christina Edelen is a licensed esthetician and founder of LUMÉ Skin, an Old Town Alexandria skin studio focused on results-driven treatments with a restorative approach. Services include customized facials, microneedling, chemical peels, sculpting facial massage, lymphatic techniques, and care designed to help clients slow down and reset. “I’m inspired by the connections I’ve made with the people who trust me with their skin. Some of the most meaningful relationships in my life have started in the treatment room,” she said. “Beyond that, I love the connection between how we feel and how our skin responds: creating treatments that go beyond simply improving the skin, combining results-driven aesthetics with intentional touch, relaxation, and nervous-system support. More than anything, I want the people who sit with me to feel seen and taken care of.”
Photo credit: Marjanne Suarez
Christina says she loves being able to take advantage of everything living in Northern Virginia has to offer. “I live in Vienna and work in Old Town Alexandria, so I get the best of both! I love how diverse and inclusive Northern Virginia is; it genuinely feels like everyone has a place here. And Old Town itself has this charm that’s hard to find elsewhere: the history, the cobblestone streets, and a community built on small businesses,” she said.
See more: Inside Elaine’s, Old Town Alexandria’s Restaurant + Literary Salon
Kamri Morris | Brightside Blend
Kamri Morris is an Arlington-based Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and founder of Brightside Blend, a woman- and minority-owned coffee business. “You can usually catch me behind the scenes at Brightside, developing new drinks, planning events, or finding new ways to bring people together over coffee,” she said.
For Kamri, Brightside is about much more than coffee. She wants to create a welcoming place where people feel known and connected while continuing to support local businesses, community events, and meaningful causes throughout Northern Virginia. “Building Brightside has allowed me to combine so many things I love: creativity, hospitality, and connecting with people. I’m excited to see where we take it next,” she said. “What began with a coffee trailer has grown into something much bigger, and we’re now preparing to open our first brick-and-mortar café in Arlington.”
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