Arielle Shoshana opens Old Town flagship, bringing niche fragrances to Cameron Street
After 10 years in Mosaic, the D.C. area's first niche fragrance boutique expands to Cameron Street.
Arielle Shoshana, a specialty fragrance boutique, opened its flagship location at 313 Cameron St. on Wednesday. Mayor Alyia Gaskins joined co-founders Arielle Weinberg and Katri Haas for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the store’s arrival in Old Town.
“This is the very kind of place we need in Alexandria,” Gaskins said.
The mayor said she’d heard about the store from a friend who had visited the original Mosaic District location many times.
“I think what makes our small businesses so special is that every business you go into, you get an experience unlike anywhere else that you will find,” Gaskins said. “It feels like every time you step in, the people who work there, they were created just to be like your best friend. They know everything about you, the things that bring you joy, the excitement that you bring to this world, and they want to help you unleash all of that.”
The boutique has operated in the Mosaic District for 10 years. When it opened in 2015, it was the Washington, D.C., area’s first niche fragrance shop. The store is known for its tea-based scents and a fragrance collaboration with RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, whom Haas called “one of the best smelling people in Hollywood.”
Beyond its own line, the boutique curates niche perfume brands from around the world.
“We want people to have interesting signature scents that really connect and resonate with them,” Haas said. “Our goal is to make Alexandria smell even more amazing.”
Gaskins celebrated the arrival of another women-owned business on the block, which includes The Hive and Friends to Lovers.
“You have got here in Old Town more than 100 independently owned boutiques and amazing women-owned businesses that are out here saying we’re crushing it and we’re bringing products and experiences that you can’t even imagine,” Gaskins said.
Haas said the opening felt like a community moment.
“I’m truly humbled by everyone that has shown up, come through, encouraged us,” she said. “An amazing team, amazing customers. I don’t know that we could have ever pulled it off without everyone.”
Weinberg thanked her parents, Irving and Linda Weinberg, who are co-owners of the business, along with team members present at the ceremony.
“I can’t believe this day has come,” Weinberg said. “We’re so grateful to get to be a part of your day.”
The new location features a private courtyard garden that Haas hopes to use for events and product launches, including what she called “a giant crazy tea party.”
Gaskins, who said she doesn’t typically wear perfume, pledged to find her own scent before leaving the store.
“I imagine that every person who comes in here, they may not know what they’re looking for, but they’ve met two amazing people who know they can help them find it,” Gaskins said.
Haas said customers should expect a relaxed shopping experience.
“We’re low sales pressure,” she said. “We just want you to have fun and play with stuff.”
Arielle Shoshana is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Haas said Old Town’s small business community drew them to the area.
“We have Cyrus down the street who used to own this location, who’s been on Cameron Street for a couple decades,” she said. “At this point, we’re just hoping that’s us in a few years.”
