As Seen In

Media, mentions, and published writing about (and by) me

I’ve been grateful to share my work and story through a variety of media outlets.

I've been featured sharing what I've learned about turning big ideas into actual businesses, figuring out entrepreneurship as a creative mom, and creating spaces where people want to hang out.

Whether I’m speaking about running a bookstore, launching a small business, or finding joy in creative work, I try to inspire, educate, and connect through every conversation I’m part of.

If you’re a journalist, producer, or podcast host looking for a guest or source on small business, book culture, motherhood, or creativity, I’d love to hear from you.

RECENT FEATURES & WRITING

Media Highlights

Stylized black text that reads 'edible DC' on a white background.
NBC 4 Washington logo with large blue number 4, a multicolored peacock, and the word Washington below.
Logo of abc 7 New York, featuring a stylized number 7 within a circle and the abc 7 text.
Pink text on black background reads 'The AUDACITY' in large, bold letters, arranged diagonally.
Thriftlist logo on an orange background.
Logo of The Washington Post in black gothic font on a white background.
Logo of WDM, a local news station, with the tagline "Your Local News Leader" in black text.
Logo for Alexandria Living Magazine featuring a blue circle with 'ALM' initials, and the text 'Alexandria Living Magazine' with the website 'alexandralivingmagazine.com'.
The word 'Zebra' written in stylized red, white, and black letters with a 3D appearance.
Logo of Northern Virginia Magazine with the text "Northern Virginia" in blue and "Magazine" in black.
Black logo with the text 'The Sherlock' and a silhouette of a magnifying glass, with the phrase 'showing the world its shape' underneath.

Fast facts
and features

  • 7+ years running Alexandria, VA’s Old Town Books

  • 100+ gallons of ice cream churned (so far!) while developing Fabled Ice Cream

  • 40+ dogs fostered through local rescue partnerships

  • MA in Creative Nonfiction from NYU

  • Supported by VCCA, McCoy Grant, Martha's Vineyard Institute, and other literary residencies

  • Published in Guernica Magazine, Edible DC, The Audacity, and other outlets

Ally Kirkpatrick in Old Town Books in Alexandria, VA with Mic

Let’s make
something together

I’m always open to thoughtful conversations—whether you’re looking for a podcast guest, expert commentary, or just someone to swap ideas with. I love talking about:

  • How to turn "what if" ideas into actual businesses (spoiler: it involves more spreadsheets than you'd think)

  • The reality of launching (and funding) brick-and-mortar ventures when you're definitely not rich

  • Building businesses that feel like community gathering places, not just places to buy stuff

  • Mental health and motherhood, and the juggling act of creative work and business ownership when you've got kids asking for snacks every five minutes

  • How creativity is a survival skill, not just a hobby

  • Why independent bookstores and businesses matter (and how to make them financially sustainable)

  • The messy, meaningful process of creating something new

If you’ve got a project in mind or just want to start a conversation, reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

I’m available for interviews & features, and I love to collaborate.