Street Style: Sue Henry
I remember meeting Sue almost five years ago at Swing’s coffee shop. She knew I owned Mind the Mat and she strolled over and introduced herself. I remember thinking how easy and natural it felt, like I was in presence of an old friend from the start. That’s Sue, she’s easy going and authentic. What you see is what you get, and what you see is long, gorgeous, silver hair, natural beauty, and a spark in her bright blue eyes that reflect a zest for life, great conversation, and laughter from deep within.
Sue and I have always had a spontaneous relationship. We’ll meet up on a whim, have lunch, or share a glass of wine on her back porch and talk and talk. Speaking of her back porch, it’s attached to the hippest home I’ve ever seen. She and her husband John pretty much designed the whole thing themselves, blending modern basics with bohemian antiques. Next to her industrial kitchen, above her dining table, hangs a custom designed (by her) colorful chandelier that looks like it’s from a land far, far away. Over-sized doors with faded paint, for a rustic look, lead into pristine bathrooms with all the latest modern luxury. In her living room, hand-sewn, embroidered (again, by her) pillows lay strewn on a vintage couch, recovered with gray velvet.
Over the years, during our back porch chats, Sue revealed her vision for her home goods business, Tulusa. I was so inspired that we almost opened a home goods store together in Del Ray! I’ve seen Sue grow Tulusa from a dream to a reality. Just like her home, the Tulusa brand expresses Sue’s artistic genius, which is really an extension of her essence — warm, elegant, natural, and fun. If she invites you over for dinner someday you’ll see that her artistry comes through in all she does, even her unbelievably delicious cooking which, like everything she does, seems to appear so effortlessly.
I’m pretty sure the key ingredient is love, seasoned with the joy she feels when she is creating.
Sue is wearing the Caldwell Dickey Jacket and Farrow Pants by Veronica Beard, available at The Hive.
The clutch is from her line Tulusa.
Photography by Sarah Marcella Creative at the Greetingsfrom Del Ray mural near SnackBar
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? I’m in my studio whenever I can be. Other than that I’m running around with my boys or seeing music.
Neighborhood: Del Ray
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 17 years
What is your hometown? Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
What brought you to Alexandria? My (now) husband. We met in Colorado and after three dates he got a job offer here and off we went. It was a whirlwind for sure and we planned to stay for only one year and here we are 17 years later.
What would surprise people about you? I’ve seen more than 60 Grateful Dead shows.
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? In reality: making the fastest and yummiest dinner around. In my fantasy world, teleportation.
Favorite cocktail: Romarin at Le Diplomate or tequila on the rocks with lime
Last book read or movie seen: UGH, Show Dogs for my son’s birthday party
Guilty Pleasure: British crime dramas
Phrase you overuse: To my boys: lead with kindness, please.
Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
Latest binge-watch: Troy: Fall of a City
Bucket list travel destination: It’s a large target: anywhere in the Mediterranean.
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Um, no.
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Simple. Modern. Paint-splattered.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Jeans
Favorite trend ever: Sneakers
Favorite current trend: Embroidery
Beauty product you can’t live without: Overnight Oil from Ever Skin Care
Favorite fragrance: Citrus essential oils
Heels or flats? Flats
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My studio and the kitchen
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix
Last item bought for your home: Linen sheets
Next planned purchase: Plants for the garden
Favorite way to entertain: Cooking for friends and hanging out on the deck in the summertime
Clutter-free or well lived-in? Such a nice way to put it: well lived-in
Wallpaper — yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Love wallpaper but prefer to block print my walls
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Hawt Pilates at Mind the Mat
Most fun way to exercise: Same as above
Group exercise or solo: Group
Fitness goal: Good health
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: A spin class
Proudest fitness achievement: Giving birth to two boys 🙂 It made me realize that I can do ANYTHING!
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Our house
Last purchase in Alexandria: A gift for a friend at Red Barn Mercantile
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Stomping Ground / The Majestic lounge / Captain Gregory’s
Favorite charity: Mount Vernon Community School Playground Renovation fund
Favorite annual Alexandria event: The Halloween parade
- About the studio
Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga was founded in 2008 by Megan Brown, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Polestar Certified Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation and Sara VanderGoot, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher (e-RYT 200, RYT 500). In their private practices as physical therapist and massage therapist respectively Megan and Sara observed that many of their clients were coming in with similar needs: relief for neck and shoulder tension and low back pain as well as a desire for more flexibility in hips and legs, stability in joints, and core strength.
Together Megan and Sara carefully crafted a curriculum of Pilates and yoga classes to address needs for clients who are pregnant, postpartum, have injuries or limitations, who are new to Pilates and yoga, and for those who are advanced students and are looking for an extra challenge.
2214 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.683.2228
