Local Entrepreneur Couple Happily Mix Business with Pleasure Between New York City and Alamo Heights
They fell in love amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City, but today, Alix Mane and Gordon von Broock are equally smitten with the charm of Alamo Heights. This dynamic duo, with roots in vastly different worlds—Alix, a proud Texan, and Gordon, a native New Yorker—are successful entrepreneurs who have found the perfect balance between the high-energy pulse of Manhattan and the serene sophistication of 78209.
Their love story began in an unusual setting: the pandemic lockdown in NYC. Gordon and Alix crossed paths through shared social circles in 2019, but it was an Instagram story that brought them closer in 2020—Alix discovered Gordon was fighting a serious battle with COVID-19. She reached out with well wishes, sparking a connection that led to Gordon asking her out on a virtual first date over Zoom. The rest, as they say, is history. The couple tied the knot in Tulum, Mexico, with their family and friends in 2022, and Alix introduced Gordon to life in Alamo Heights.
“I bought my Alamo Heights home in 2018, and when Gordon first saw it, he instantly fell in love,” Alix recalls. “The house has a craftsman-style charm—unpretentious yet spacious. We recently added a pool, which Gordon designed, drawing inspiration from his summers in the Hamptons.”
Gordon, with his seasoned eye as a real estate agent for Douglas Elliman, immediately saw the parallels between Alamo Heights and the affluent suburbs of New Canaan and Greenwich, Connecticut.
“Alamo Heights has the same rolling hills, tree-lined streets, and homes brimming with character,” he says.
Now, as he helps establish Douglas Elliman’s presence in San Antonio, Gordon’s bi-coastal lifestyle involves regular commutes to NYC while embracing the burgeoning luxury real estate market in Texas.
“You can feel the momentum here,” Gordon notes. “San Antonio is attracting more companies, and with that, an influx of CEOs and executives who are discovering the appeal of 78209. As a result, we’re seeing more upscale venues opening up, catering to this growing market.”
Alix, a visionary in her own right, launched Mane and Company, her first salon, at the bustling corner of Broadway and Jones in 2014. A seasoned industry artist and beauty expert, she’s lent her expertise to major networks like CBS, NBC, and 60 Minutes, as well as local news stations. However, post-pandemic, Alix decided to shift her focus closer to home and grow her salon brand, leading to a significant opportunity.
“When Saks Fifth Avenue approached me to open a second Mane and Company salon at their North Star Mall location, I knew it was the right move,” Alix shares.
Together, she and Gordon collaborated on the design and construction, ensuring that the new salon and the soon-to-open Spa Maya, launching on September 12, 2024, reflect the luxury and distinctiveness of both brands.
“I didn’t want to create a cookie-cutter spa,” Alix emphasizes. “Spa Maya is all about self-care, healing, and wellness, rooted in Ayurvedic principles. It’s a unique experience that aligns perfectly with the Saks and Mane and Company standards.”
But their entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. The couple also owns Kiki’s Coffee and Spirits, a design-forward and dog-friendly coffee shop connected to Alix’s Broadway salon, named after their beloved chihuahua, Kiki. Since its opening, Kiki’s has broken the mold, attracting locals from all corners of the city who usually stick to their own neighborhoods. It’s become a true hotspot, drawing Alamo Heights residents for its distinct and inviting vibe.
Alix, who built her impressive business portfolio as a single mother of four, now balances the roles of entrepreneur and mother with grace and grit. The abundance of blessings in their lives has also brought them a granddaughter, and they cherish every moment as Mimi and Pop Pops.
They absolutely love spending pool time together. She and Gordon complement each other perfectly — Gordon, the big-picture thinker, and Alix, the detail-oriented planner. Their synergy has only amplified their success, both personally and professionally.
“We bring different skills to the table,” Gordon reflects. Alix agrees, adding, “I love having Gordon as my partner. Together, we’ve built unique businesses that reflect our shared vision and bring something new and meaningful to the community.”
The couple’s love for NYC remains strong, and they frequently travel back for business and to reconnect with friends. Yet, it’s the tranquility and close-knit community of Alamo Heights that provides a grounding contrast to their New York adventures.
“We adore our neighborhood and are always looking for ways to give back,” Alix says. For Alix and Gordon, life is a harmonious blend of business and pleasure, East Coast energy, and Texas warmth — proving that with the right partner, you really can have it all.
