From Seattle to Miami, this social network guru knows how to stay connected!
By Siera Cerny
Published: May 21st, 2010 | 12:00am
Alexandra Friedman, editor of online shopping network Shoptopia and self-proclaimed “Spandex Socialite” is a master of online networking, style, and getting real with interior decorating. That’s why she’s our Venus Girl of the Month.
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Tell us about Shoptopia and what your job entails.
Shoptopia is bringing the social back to shopping! We’re creating an interactive community that plans to take over the retail world—one shopping list at a time. Users come from every sort of style and background and make creative (and often hilarious) shopping lists and content. I mean, who wouldn’t want to know what to wear to a Vegas Socialite Pool Party? And since I am a spandex and workout queen, this Richard Simmons-inspired list is one of my recent favorites!
From when you wake up to when you go to sleep, what is an average day like for you?
I go to the gym in the mornings before work, and pump up my booty for a good 40 minutes before I head into the office, where I sit on it all day in front of a computer and hone my social sage powers. My job involves making content sexy all day long. I get to be extremely creative and social, while using a lot of online networks for sharing strategies to inspire and interact with writers and community members.
How would you describe your personal style?
If I had to name my style, it might be something like “Spandex Socialite,” “Baby Got Back” or maybe “Hot Bohemian Chick.” I grew up in Seattle in the ’90s and that look is hard to shake! Even after I lived in Miami and New York. My move to Santa Fe and then to Denver has brought out the Bohemian cowgirl in me, which I think suits the ski slopes.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
Does spandex count as a hobby? I am totally into interior design, and love getting modern-creative with my 100+ year old home here in Denver. I even made my coffee table out of a mirror! Other hobbies include improv theater, writing, yoga, running, skiing, hiking, socializing, and crockpot-ing!
What is your favorite web-based social-networking tool right now? Why?
Other than Shoptopia, I am a huge fan of Yelp, Linkedin, and Stumbleupon. On a smaller scale, I love the concept and people Twenty Something Bloggers and Meetup.com.
What do you love about living in Denver?
It slightly reminds me of what Seattle was like when I was growing up. During that time there were only two Starbucks in the city and they were considered the “local coffee shops.” Denver is an up-and-coming place that continues to evolve. Anybody can get established here, especially in the tech industry. There are a lot of start-up opportunities and the energy is buzzing with excitement.
If I had one day to spend in Denver…
…most likely it will be sunny since Denver is sunniest city in the country! Grab brunch at Snooze downtown, then walk down to the flagship REI store which sits right on the Platte River. Check out Highlands Square (what I call the “Brooklyn of Denver”) via the Pedestrian bridge where there are cute boutiques, cafes, and cupcake shops. After that, head over to Larimer Square. Rioja is a great pick for dinner (make a reservation), but I also recommend Osteria Marco. In the evening, head over to the Meadowlark or Forest Room 5 for drinks.
What’s your life philosophy?
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue center light pop and everybody goes “Awww!” – Jack Kerouac, On the Road.
Alex loves new friends. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
