Former Lawyer For Obama Administration Opens Shop In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—An Obama administration lawyer-turned-business owner has opened a boutique called Threadleaf in Old Town Alexandria.

Nicole McGrew worked as deputy general counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Obama administration. So when a new administration came into power, the 10-year Alexandria resident decided to turn the page and open her own shop.

Threadleaf offers products that are all fair trade and environmentally friendly. The store is geared toward women seeking a balance between professional and comfortable attire. So you'll find things like work clothing and heels that won't get stuck in the brick sidewalks of Old Town.

"I do think businesses have a role to play in the society we want," McGrew told Patch. "We can do business in a better way. We can pay people fairly. We can do things the right way and make a profit."

Over half of the offerings are made in America, but she also brings in products from the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Kenya, to name a few.

The Georgetown Law graduate originally had been attending design school but switched gears. Since then, she's worked for a law firm, the Department of Justice, and most recently the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. She believes her store would have been different had she not pursued a career as a lawyer.

"I was always looking for things that were appropriate for work and still comfortable and stylish," she said. I think there are women in this area that have the same concerns."

Some of her designers were ones she wore while practicing law, and others she's built over time going to trade shows. The products rotate over time, so the store might look completely different one week to the next.

Threadleaf is part of the Old Town Boutique District, and McGrew is looking forward to her first Sidewalk Sale as a business owner in August.

Threadleaf is located at 121 South Royal Street. It is closed Sunday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 4, but regular hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.

Visit hellothreadleaf.com for more information.

Images via C. Mouledoux/Visit Alexandria