If you’re heading to Queen Bee Designs, Allison Priebe and Claire Schwab’s showroom and female business outfit in Old Town Alexandria, prepare to buy more than you need. Sure, you’ll pick up that gift for your friend, but you’ll also walk out with earrings for you, a mask (for you) and decanters for your home. You’ll chat with the pair over Champagne, plot your next visit—and decide which pal you’re bringing with you.
“Coming here is a respite,” says Priebe, founder of Queen Bee Designs and mother of one. “It’s becoming a destination. We need that now more than ever.”
Priebe took over the 5,000-square-foot space—the former Williams Sonoma on Washington Street—about a year ago. She invited Schwab, a well-regarded interior designer and mother of three, to join her. (They met more than a decade ago during a bingo night for their children’s school.) They’re a good yin and yang, says Priebe. She’s known for her statement-making necklaces and earrings. Schwab’s style is refined and classic, with pops of art, pillows and rugs to catch the eye.
You get a sense of that harmony at their store, which for now is a pop-up, officially hosted by Queen Bee Designs and Claire Schwab Interiors. Vignettes showcase furnishings and decor; there’s a wall of earrings and clothing displays. Clutches and accessories are arranged throughout. “It’s not predictable, and it makes people curious,” Schwab says.
Adding another layer is the mix of local women entrepreneurs they’ve welcomed into the shop—a move that’s been important in light of the pandemic.
An area is dedicated to vintage wares from Jordan Richards of Antiques at the Inn. Local celeb Monte Durham recently snapped up a valuables box that had been sold to Richards from Martha Bartlett, the woman who introduced Jackie Kennedy to John F. Kennedy.
Friend Adrienne Taylor occupies the former manager’s office with her burgeoning massage business. The studio is an oasis for soothing sore muscles, post-retail therapy. Schwab and Priebe even hosted Ella-Rue after the Georgetown boutique was looted during the protests—this after being closed for months.
“It’s been hard to have a brick-and-mortar during COVID,” shares Priebe, who expects the pop-up to remain open through February at least. “We’ve seen a lot of businesses close.” Before COVID, they hosted a dozen gatherings—networking events, bourbon tastings. While those are on hold, they hope their “cross-pollination” of luxury products will draw in customers, says Schwab.
“What’s interesting about my business is people still want to touch, feel and sit on things,” she adds. “The same goes for clothes and jewelry.”
Yes, the two browse each other’s products.
“I love to shop in my shop,” says Schwab. She’s drawn to Priebe’s oversize earrings because they force her out of her comfort zone.
“Claire gave me a blank check, but I haven’t tallied anything up,” adds Priebe, who has a penchant for the blue houndstooth chairs at the front of the store. “Everyone is taken with them. They’re going to go home with the right person, and that person might be me.”
Other bestsellers are Priebe’s masks—she stocks custom Gucci and Tory Burch. (Not to mention the mask chains she makes to sport them.) Schwab notes that upholstery and renovations have been booming. “People know they’ll be in their homes for a while,” she says. “They’re refreshing like crazy.” People come in for fabric a few times a week. As we head into winter, Schwab will be showcasing upholstery techniques and decor in a lighter shade of blue than the classic navy of 2020. She’ll bring in throws and candles. The showroom will also offer custom gift wrapping, and the pair hope to donate to a holiday children’s toy drive.
It’s all part of their effort to make this into a gathering place, a feel-good enclave for the Alexandria community. So stop in and shop. And bring your best girlfriend, too.
This story originally appeared in the December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly print magazine.