Good Spirit Café: Holistic Wellness & Community in Alexandria’s Carlyle District

Alexandria, VA – The Carlyle/Eisenhower neighborhood has quickly become Alexandria’s most progressive part of the city with the recent population growth and several new businesses. One of these establishments is the Good Spirit Café, owned and operated by Ms. Kahana Samms. A military brat who lived in Hawaii during her formative years, her international travels to Jamaica and Africa created a foundational awareness that incorporated a clean eating lifestyle coupled with a proactive approach to mental health – the new American dream. During this interview, I had the pleasure to learn more about Ms. Samms’ café and how she is building a community in this part of the city with a Good Spirit.

Zebra:  What inspired you to open your café?

Kahana:  It all just happened in phases. I have always dreamed of opening a coffee or tea shop that incorporated books in some way since I have a deep passion for reading. The first phase occurred when I was furloughed and when called back to my government job, I felt an overarching sense of doom that vibrated throughout the office. This was such a terrifying feeling to me because I had always been told and believed that the government was supposed to be a safe and stable job.

The second phase was when I noticed that there was a storefront in the Caryle/Eisenhower neighborhood that had been vacant for a while and then inquired about the space and the possibility of leasing it.

The third and final phase was when I finally heard back from the landlord in 2025, asking me if I was still interested and I immediately jumped at the opportunity. After brainstorming the idea of opening a convenience store, it dawned on me that this was the right time for me to bring my dream to life.

Zebra:  Tell me about your process setting up your brick and mortar.

Kahana: As a self-funded entrepreneur, I had a hard time going through the permit process and it was literally like navigating with a blindfold on because there was no written instruction. Luckily for me, everybody in the Alexandria City permit office was very accommodating by answering the numerous emails I sent to ensure that my paperwork was done correctly.

During this period, I also met a lady who lived in the building above the café who was friends with a city councilman, and he put me in contact with the city manager. Within two days, he came out to inspect the store himself and approved me for a permit on the spot. I’ll be forever grateful for what he did, the help from the Alexandria Permit Office, and my neighborhood advocates who have contributed to help me get this to this point.

Zebra:  There is a trend that people are looking for third spaces where they can connect and relax.  What can customers expect when visiting your establishment?

Kahana:  My guests can expect to have a place to work remotely and engage in community events such as karaoke and open mic nights. They will also be able to nourish their bodies by trying one of our signature mindful bites like the Eisenhower Chicken Salad Sandwich, or our popular handcrafted refreshers that have a layer of crushed fresh fruit at the bottom of the glass and filled with coconut water, lemonade or green tea, and generously topped with fruit-infused ice.

In addition, they can sign up for wellness services such as a mindfulness hour and yoga pop-ups.  My goal is to foster wellness from a 360-degree view in one place where they are encouraged to take care of their mind, body, and spirit.

Zebra readers can keep up to date with Kahana and all things Good Spirit Café on her website (https://www.goodspiritcafe.com) or by following her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/good_spirit_cafe_/) or Tik Tok (https://www.tiktok.com/@good.spirit.cafe).