Throughout the month of December the Alexandria SBDC will be highlighting some of our clients to get an inside scoop of what their holiday season looks like.

Name: Mellenie Runion 

Business Name: Truly-Life 

How long have you been in business in Alexandria? 13 years. 

Tell me a little about your business(es): I started making soaps for our personal use and gave them out at our dog’s birthday party and the soaps were a big hit. My goal was to start a business that offered healthy items with ingredients we grow in our garden and use biodegradable packaging.   

How did you first learn about the SBDC? I met Bill Reagan at a Del Ray Business Association lunch meeting. 

Something unique you are doing this holiday season with your business(es): We invited customers to the garden this year to discuss what efforts we’re making to combat climate change with soil sequestration and other measures. People were excited about living more GREEN in 2022.  

Favorite thing about the holiday season in Alexandria: The luminaries along Mount Vernon Avenue, the Boat Parade on the Potomac and Santa water skiing on the Potomac. 

Something you are thankful for: Still being in business.  

Favorite Alexandria business to visit during the holidays (besides your own): Juniper Eco Salon because they are giving people essential oil scalp massages and getting their hair style just perfect for many formal parties and events. Everyone walks out of the salon feeling beautiful, which I think is very important going into the holidays. It’s such a comforting place.  

Favorite holiday tradition: We enjoy putting on our hiking boots and doing a long “urban hike” around the streets looking at holiday lights after dark. 

How people can find you (website, social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn):  
Website: www.truly-life.com 
Facebook: facebook.com/TrulyLife.EcoGifts 
Twitter: twitter.com/trulylife 
Instagram: Instagram.com/trulylife2008