September 21, 2020 by Gabrielle S. Martin
Hello, Emily! Thanks for agreeing to an interview with The Anchor. We're so excited to feature you as one of our Humans of Hingham. First and foremost, can you describe your connection to the town of Hingham for our readers?
“I grew up in Hingham and now live next door in Cohasset with my husband and baby girl," Keneally says. "My business, Alice Walk, is actually named after a seaside path on Hingham Harbor that used to be a part of Melville Gardens, a Victorian-era amusement park in the area we now know as Crow Point.”
What's your favorite local spot around town?
“World’s End. The best spot for family walks through all four seasons—sometimes even for cross-country skiing in the winter! It’s also where my husband proposed to me several years ago, so it’s a particularly special place for me now.”
What's your favorite restaurant and meal in Hingham?
“Square Cafe has always been a favorite! Everything is great, but I particularly love their Tuna Tacos!”
Is there anybody in Hingham who you find inspiring?
“Aside from my parents Sheila and Mike Keneally, who have been my biggest supporters and best mentors, I really admire Sally Weston. She is not only an incredibly talented architect (the South Shore is so lucky to have her!), but also one of the kindest, most generous people I know. She juggles it all and makes it look easy!”
How would you describe your personal style?
“Classic and understated but not afraid of color. I design what I love.”
Have you always wanted to be a designer?
“No! In fact, I’m still surprised that I ended up in this business. I’ve always loved beautiful designs and gorgeous textiles and felt like there was a big need for a simplified, yet highly personalized, shopping experience offering classic silhouettes and stunning, high-quality fabrics—so I set out to build it. My true passion lies in the business side of it all and building a brand from scratch.”
What's your favorite piece you've ever designed? Why?
“It’s tough to choose, but I think my favorite piece is our best-selling virgin wool cape! It’s super chic and can really be dressed or down depending your mood or where you are wearing it. I often get stopped by strangers on the street asking where I bought it!” The designer shares proudly.
Photo courtesy of Emily Keneally: Emily, pictured in her favorite wool cape, posing with her husband.
Who is Alice Walk's "typical" client?
“The age range of our customer is very wide, so we like to think of her as ageless, but what our customers all have in common is an appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, timeless design and ‘slow fashion.’ She would much rather invest in a few beautiful pieces for her wardrobe that will last and always be in style, rather than fill it with trendy, cheaply made items.”
What's one thing people may not know about you?
“I was a serious ballet dancer growing up and danced the role of Clara in the Boston Ballet production of the Nutcracker one year!”
Where have you been spending your summer?
“Sandy Beach in Cohasset! One silver lining of a Covid-19 summer is spending so much time at home with my 18-month-old daughter and bringing her to Sandy Beach any chance that we get.”
Emily, I was thrilled to read this article! I am so glad to see that you are all grown up and have a wonderful, happy life with your husband and daughter! I am honestly not surprised that you are a designer because you always had a perfect style about you in the way you carried yourself and the beautiful way you treated other children when you were growing up! I have fond memories of being your fifth grade teacher and seeing you dance the role of Clara in the Nutcracker! You were fantastic in that role and looks like your new role also suits you to a T !