Here, we chatted with eight impressive singles in the region.
Most Eligible Bachelorettes
Ashley Arias
29, Lifestyle Public Relations Manager at TAA PR
Lives in: Fairfax
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Arias works in Georgetown, helping stylish lifestyle brands with their public relations efforts. When she’s not being an arbiter of all things cool for her clients, Arias can be found getting cocktails with friends and exploring restaurants around town.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“A man that is kindhearted, funny, loves to travel and can keep up with me. Chemistry is also very important.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“The life of the party; an energetic personality that lifts everyone around me.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I am a figure skater in training. After working with Cirque du Soleil’s first show on ice, Crystal, I was inspired to take lessons.”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“I love going to places that have more than just dining options. If the date goes well, I want to be able to do something else after. I love Barcelona at Reston Town Center. We can grab a bite and then walk around.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“Aperol spritzer.”
Alexis Skinner
26, Associate Director of Talent Acquisition at Axios
Lives in: Arlington
Skinner moved to Northern Virginia from Maryland just over a year ago. As the director of talent acquisition at Axios, she helps to recruit professionals for the company’s tech team. In her free time, Skinner sings and attends open mic nights from time to time.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“Just a good, fun partner that is as driven as me. Someone that has goals and aspirations in life, but that also likes to have fun. It’s attractive when someone has a passion and fun things they like to do outside of work.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“They would say that I’m goofy and outgoing, caring, sometimes maybe too open and probably flirty too.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“As well as singing, I’m also decent at pottery-making and ceramics on the wheel.”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“Baba in Clarendon! It’s a hidden gem under the restaurant Ambar. The movies is a short walk from there too.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“I love all the drinks at Ambar!”
Kendra McCullough
30, Fashion Designer
Lives in: Oakton
McCullough, a fashion designer who helps run a local boutique, was born and raised in Chantilly. The NoVA native went to college in Arlington at Marymount University and now resides in Oakton. Her fashion pieces are romantic, feminine and modern, while maintaining tradition.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“Someone who makes me laugh. That’s always been No. 1. And someone who has confidence. I feel like those two traits usually go hand-in-hand. Being career-oriented, like me, is important. And someone who is pretty active. I love going to the gym or just going for a run. It’s more fun when your partner does too.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“I had a friend in college who said before he knew my name that he described me as the ‘witty, dark-haired girl who wore a lot of black leather jackets.’ That’s pretty accurate. Otherwise, I’ve been told I’m very loyal, genuine and compassionate.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I don’t think I have any hidden talents. I flaunt the talents I do have. I’m pretty good at cooking, mostly Mexican and Italian food.”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“I like to go off of whatever we’re talking about. If there’s a movie out that we both want to see, I’d suggest we go see it. If nothing else, my go-to is Bartaco in the Mosaic District.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“If we’re getting dinner, I usually get rosé. If we’re just grabbing drinks, it’s Tito’s or whiskey.”
Melanie Hansen
41, Residential Interior Designer at Josh Hildreth Interiors
Lives in: Washington, DC
Although Hansen resides in DC, she’s frequently in Fairfax County, as she works in Reston as an interior designer with clients across the DMV. Outside of work, Hansen spends her time taking fitness classes (favorites: spin, barre and yoga), indulging in the performing arts and hanging out with friends, family and her dog, Hugo.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“I’m looking for a big-life person. Someone who will never stop learning, never stop trying new things and is always up for adventures. I am pretty active, so fitness is also important.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“Oh dear, that depends on who you ask! I think you’d get consensus on fun-loving, kind and generous.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I’m pretty decent in the kitchen!”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“I really like Vermilion in Old Town, or cycling the W&OD or Mount Vernon trails and picnicking along the way.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“I love a glass of red wine in cooler months. Spring and summer call for a Negroni or Champagne.”
Most Eligible Bachelors
Scott Thuman
46, Television Correspondent for Sinclair Broadcast Group
Lives in: Alexandria
Thuman was born in Fairfax, lived in Dale City as a toddler and has called Shirlington home since 2005. And although he resides in Alexandria, on most days he can be found on Capitol Hill. If you’re in the neighborhood, you may recognize him from your TV screen. The television correspondent covers the White House, Capitol Hill and foreign affairs for the Sinclair Broadcast Group, seen locally on WJLA-ABC7.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“I’m looking for someone who has a sense of adventure, strong family values, can tolerate my work and travel schedule, is passionate about making a difference … oh, and she doesn’t necessarily have to like all dogs, just mine.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“That I’m quick-witted. There’s never a dull moment when I’m in the room. They also say I’m hardworking and loyal to my friends.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“Most people know me for being in front of the camera but I’m often behind it too—shooting extra video and utilizing my photography skills to capture dramatic images that often make their way onto TV.”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“Del Ray. There are a bunch of great, cozy and casual spots where you can really get to know each other. I really like dinners at the Evening Star Cafe, the Lounge and Front Porch.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“Anything that’s different than I’m used to. I like to throw options at the bartender and try something new. After all, it’s a night of firsts, right?”
Teddy Kim
39, Principal of Avanti Holdings Group
Lives in: Alexandria
Lifetime Alexandria resident Kim is a graduate of T.C. Williams High School. He directs all acquisition efforts and oversees leasing, tenant management, zoning, selling and legal issues for Avanti Holdings Group. (Walk around Alexandria and you’re sure to pass by one of its client’s buildings.) In his free time, Kim is passionate about traveling, eating good food and skiing.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“A cinematic connection.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“Perhaps, ‘One of a kind.’”
What’s your hidden talent?
“Handyman tasks.”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“Old Town Waterfront.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“Wine.”
Calle Brown
27, Goalie for Loudoun United FC
Lives in: Loudoun County
Look for Brown on the soccer field as a team member of NoVA’s first professional soccer team. He grew up in Loudoun County and went to college at the University of Virginia. After a few soccer stints in Pittsburgh, Houston and Seattle, he’s back in Loudoun playing for the home team.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“I’m looking for someone who brings happiness and joy with them wherever they go; a woman who lives a healthy, active lifestyle and has respect and love for herself.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“My friends would say I’m a goofy, happy, easygoing, self-motivated, loving, loyal friend.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I’m a halfway-decent swing dancer.”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“Stone Tower Winery.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“Depends on the location and time of the year, but red wine is a go-to for myself.”
Sam Legg
25, Team Communications Manager for D.C. United
Lives in: Ashburn
If you read a great interview featuring a D.C. United player, you may have Legg to thank for making the connection. The Ashburn local moved to Loudon County from England when he was 4 years old (the British accent, however, did not jump the pond with him). Legg works closely with players to coordinate interviews and ensure the team is represented in local media outlets.
What are you looking for in a partner?
“I’m looking for somebody who is driven and work-oriented, but also knows how to relax and have a good time. Banter and humor are also important. If you can’t laugh at yourself then you’re probably taking yourself too seriously.”
What would your friends say about your personality?
“My friends would describe me as personable and outgoing. I’m always ready to make a joke or quip, even if it’s at my own expense. I’m loyal and do what I can to make my friends happy on a daily basis.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I make a decent stand-in for intramural soccer teams. I played in college and soccer is still very much a part of my life both professionally and personally. I couldn’t hide from it growing up with an English family.”
Favorite place in NoVA for a first date?
“It depends on where my date lives, but my preferences are Bracket Room and Ireland’s Four Courts in Arlington. I’m a big sports fan, so watching a game together at the bar is a laid-back way of getting to know somebody.”
Go-to drink on a first date?
“I tend to keep it simple and gravitate toward beer. I’m also keen on an occasional glass of whiskey and, if the time’s right, tequila.”
This post originally appeared in our January 2020 issue’s cover story, focusing on all things love. For more Northern Virginia Magazine content, subscribe to our e-newsletters.
