The former pro athlete and model is still on the frontlines of looking great.
Joy Kingsley-Ibeh at Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown
Joy Kingsley-Ibeh knows life’s physical and mental dividends stem from routine. Tiny things, repeated each day with precision and care, have led her to the promised land of personal achievement. Born in Nigeria, raised in a London flat, celebrated for her volleyball prowess at George Mason University (she still holds conference records) and professionally in Holland, Kingsley-Ibeh founded and now runs one of DC’s most successful model and talent management companies, Kingsley Model + Talent Management. “A lot of my clients’ needs are time-sensitive and urgent, so I often have to rearrange my personal schedule,” she says. “That’s why I work out in the morning before the busy day sets in. And I can’t be camera-ready without sleep, so I aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.”
The idea of breathlessness is usually related to panic, but to Kingsley-Ibeh, it’s a willed sense of accomplishment. It’s also a handy metaphor for how she rolls through 24 hours. “I do something each day that causes me to run out of breath,” she says. “Whether it’s attending a class at my gym or simply running up and down my stairs, I try to get my heart rate up.”
Her fashion sensibility is a mix of established designers (she adores the gorgeously crafted Goyard clutch she snagged while on a recent trip to Paris) and local upstarts with an international flair, especially those who lean toward her Nigerian roots. “I love that DC is forward-thinking and has completely elevated its style in fashion, music, hotels and restaurants,” she says. “People are taking more risks and unapologetically expressing themselves. I love seeing how fashion has exploded and continues to grow in the city.”
7am
The Workout
“For the ultimate workout and nutritional help, I go see my girl Inez at F45 in Pentagon Row. She’s pretty badass!” 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington
10:30am
Recharge
“Colony Club is a cute, trendy little place to have business meetings. I always walk away feeling supercool when I introduce someone new to this spot—I love their chai lattes.” 3118 Georgia Ave. NW
12:30pm
Face Time
“For routine brow upkeep I go to the best in town, Erwin Gomez, owner of Karma by Erwin Gomez.” 1104 24th St. NW
4:30pm
Passion for Fashion
“It’s not unusual to find me wearing designs by DC-based Ghanaian designer Afua Sam, owner of Studio D’Maxsi, because she beautifully merges African patterns with Western influences—allowing me to pay homage to my Nigerian roots and my American home.”
7:30pm
On the Town
“Gravitas in Ivy City is my date night for an exquisite fine-dining experience from Michelin-starred chef Matt Baker.” 1401 Okie St. NE
Photography by: Greg Powers | Hair, makeup and styling by Erwin Gomez | salon photo courtesy of karma by erwin gomez
