BELLA Around Town East Coast with Dolores Catania

Dolores Catania Making Waves

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DANIELLE CABRAL + THE EAST COAST CHANGE MAKERS

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Vanessa Coppes Chief Executive Officer, Editor-in-Chief, Creative Director Jennifer DeCillis Publisher, Contributor Lynette Barbieri Business Development Director, Contributor

Jonathan Calixto Contributor Yvonne Roman, Office Operations, Isabella Alvarez, Digital Marketing Assistant Kaylie Capella, Assistant Jana Roos, Intern Rebecca Wasserman, Intern 7

Photography Michele Behre, Valentina Rivera

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5 Must-Have Makeup Essentials from Pyramid

By Vanessa Coppes

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Meet C e n i a paredes

Caftan: Cenia New York Bikini: Melissa Odabash Hat: L*Space Bracelet: Carmen Sol Shoes: Fendi, Neiman Marcus | Paramus, NJ

Dolores Catania

Making Waves

By Vanessa Coppes

Creative Direction: Vanessa Coppes Styling: Mindy Gura + Paula Orlan | The Style Duo Photography: Michelle Behre Make-up: Chris Lanston Hair: Katie Rote Location: Wave Resort | Long Branch, NJ

Dress: Farm Rio Neiman Marcus, Paramus

Dolores Catania is a well-known American television personality, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She rose to fame with her appearance as one of the cast members of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, a popular reality TV show. Catania is loved by her fans for her straightforward and honest personality. In this interview, we will get to know more about her life, experiences, and future plans.

Can you share with us how you got involved in reality television and what attracted you to The Real Housewives of New Jersey specifically?

A lot of people have asked me over the years how I got involved in reality TV. Way back from the start, I can tell you that in the beginning of reality TV, when the Kardashians were just babies, production companies were scouting across the country for the housewife shows. It was very now a production company came to a hair salon and asked if they had known a group of women that were interesting, fun, and together. At that time, the original cast and I would go out every Thursday and mimic sex in the city. We would get dressed up, try newer places in the city, and think we were cool to drink an apple martini before we went home. But before we went out, we would get our hair done. So we were suggested by the hair salon to this production company. Next thing we knew, we were interviewed. Nobody really knew what it was. We just went along with it for fun. I remember standing in front of Caroline Manzo one day, and she said, “This is for a reality TV show.” I said to her, “What makes you think they will pick us?” She said, “Because we’re Jersey! ” It was during the time of the Sopranos, and people were intrigued by us across the country. However, being our small group of girls that didn’t leave far from home ever, we had no idea the rest of the world wasn’t like us. Hence, the beginning of it all. At that time, I opted to not be a housewife. It was not the right time for me. Finding life timing is everything. A few years later, Jacqueline approached me and said they were casting and I decided to come on again. I had to go through a whole new interview process, and the rest is history.

What is your approach to maintaining strong relationships with family and friends despite having such a public life?

Maintaining strong relationships with my friends and family has never been hard for me. I always make room for the beautiful people on this journey, including my friends at Bella Magazine. The Style Duo twins have been so good to me, but I never forget where I come from. I always go back to Paterson, where I grew up, to spend time with my family and friends. I still have my best friend from kindergarten, and my siblings and I are very close. It's the way I was raised, and that's what Jersey is all about – family.

In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about you, and how do you try to combat those perceptions?

One of the biggest misconceptions about me is that I am like a princess, but I'm not. I'm not a dainty girl, and I am scrappy. I like to do a lot of housework, and I like to get on the ground with a dog while walking down the street and roll in the mud. However, I have a tough exterior, and a lot of times, I don't show my emotions, so people don't really know when my feelings are hurt. But I am human. I try to tell people that just because someone doesn't show emotion doesn't mean that they're not going through something. You never know what someone is going through, so always be kind.

Earrings: Carmen Sol

Another big misconception people have about me is that I am very confident. I have confidence, but I struggle with certain things. I was only able to get up and speak in public a couple of years ago. The show helped me to do that. If I knew I had to talk in front of people obe in a bad situation, I would get anxiety a month before and have palpitations. I tried to YouTube how to speak in public, but it was just horrible feelings and anxiety. I think it stems from growing up and having dyslexia and some learning disorders and always being made to feel stupid. One day, I read a book called Emotional Intelligence, and I realized I'm not stupid after all. I have a lot of compassion for kids who struggle in school. Every child should be told how smart they are every day. It's so important to instill that confidence at a young age, whether they struggle academically or not.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and young women looking to break into the business world?

People often ask me about being an entrepreneur, and my biggest advice to them is to research everything you need to know about the business before you invest your money and time. Know it inside and out, including the risks involved. It's okay to dream and want that dream to come true, but most of all, be realistic. I call myself a relative pessimist.

Looking back on your time on the show, what has been your favorite moment?

Looking back on the show, I have to say my absolute favorite moment happened when I was standing in the middle of the cyclone field at my annual Mamonities softball game in Coney Island. I was in the middle of the field standing next to Frankie, and I looked out into the crowd. People were cheering, everyone was smiling, and it was a good time. Frankie had just made a double play with Tiki Barber, his childhood idol, and I'll never forget the feeling I had knowing that I brought all these people together for an amazing cause. Everybody was so happy, fans were getting to know each other, and taking pictures. Everybody was getting along in the field. I just can't explain that feeling. Often, when I'm having a bad day, I try to bring myself back to that place. Speaking of, stay tuned, we haven't picked a date yet for the Battle for Brooklyn softball game, but it's something you won't want to miss. The money goes to the hospital, with mostly charity care, so everyone gets treated. No one's ever turned away, whether they have insurance or not. You're able to get a mammogram, and I want to say to all the women reading this, a mammogram is like a seatbelt, you might not need it, but when you do, it'll save your life so don't forget to go for your check-up. That was a day that was surreal for me. My heart was so full, and the only words I can use are the ones I share with my family- "love, loyalty, and friendship."

What’s next for you?

Interviewee: Who knows! When you make a plan, God laughs! But I am always reinventing myself. I would like to say that what’s next is sitting on a beach, drinking Piña Coladas, enjoying all my hard work that paid off, and watching my kids thrive (Dr. Gabrielle Catania, DVM, and Frank Catania working in finance). However, I am not there yet. There is still some work left for me to do! The Italians say “I’ll sleep when I am dead”! [laughs]

@DoloresCatania

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KEEPING IT REAL WITH

e l l e i n Da ral Cab Creative Direction + Interview by Vanessa Coppes

Photography: Michelle Behre Hair + Makeup: Jennifer Capella Styling for Danielle Cabral by Danielle Sullivan, November Rose Boutique

Danielle Cabral, a recent addition to the cast of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey", was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. She pursued an acting and entertainment career and lived in Hollywood, California from 2008 to 2010, where she met her husband Nathan while working in Las Vegas. After an eight-month long-distance relationship, the couple moved to Fall River, Massachusetts, due to Nathan's father's cancer diagnosis. They later moved back to Staten Island and then settled in New Jersey, where they have been happily married for a decade and have two children, Dominic and Valentina.

Raised in a predominantly Italian household, Danielle is of Greek and Italian descent. She has a brother who features prominently on her debut season on "RHONJ", and she also has a stepbrother and stepsister who are the niece and nephew of fellow "RHONJ" star, Caroline Manzo.

Danielle has always been comfortable in front of the camera, having appeared on MTV's "True Life: I'm a Staten Island Girl" in 2006. In 2012, she and her husband starred in an eight-episode series on the DIY Network, remodeling their home. She also founded Relatable Productions, a production company that allows her to pursue her creative interests.

We met Danielle and her beautiful family at their New Jersey home. She is our Volume 2 cover star, and candid with us after a fabulous shoot: Why did you start your business?

"I started Boujie Kidz because I hated my full-time job in sales, and I wanted to do something I loved. Dressing my children over the top was a joy for me, and I decided to turn that into a business."

What is your favorite part about it?

"My absolute favorite part is when I hear the notification on my phone from a sale coming in. Packaging the product is also really rewarding for me; I take so much pride in how it gets shipped out."

What has been the best piece of advice you've ever received to make it to this point in your success?

"Keep moving forward. There would be days or even weeks without a sale, and my husband would always remind me to never give up, and if I put in the hard work, one day it will pay off."

You had built a successful business prior to coming on RHONJ. What’s the biggest misconception people have about you now that your platform has grown so rapidly?

To be honest, I haven't seen any misconceptions about my business. The show portrayed me correctly, in that I am STILL a very small business owner who is growing my company. I did not come into this as a multi-million dollar empire, and I think the fans are excited to see where I take Boujie Kidz.

What nugget of wisdom can you give to someone who is wanting to start their own business?

Educate YOURSELF on every aspect. Do not hire outside companies right away. Watch tutorials on YouTube and learn the ins and outs, so when you do hire someone, you will set an expectation.

Photography: Michelle Behre Styling for Danielle Cabral by Danielle Sullivan, November Rose Boutique Hair + Makeup: Jennifer Capella Styling for Nathan Cabral by Mindy Gura + Paula Orlan, The Style Duo Nate's Sneakers: Zara Kids: Boujie Kids

We get to see a lot of your family on TV. I can personally say that after spending some time with you all, you’re a tight unit. What would you say has been the key to this?

LOVE. Within the walls of our home, it is filled with love, respect, and happiness. Of course, there is chaos, but my husband and I have built a strong foundation. I adore Nate, and Nate adores me; that is a powerful thing for children to see as they grow. My children will expect and provide nothing less when they have their families one day. And that is what I'm most proud of!

What’s next for you?

Everything! I'm ready to dominate every opportunity coming my way. I'm excited to do GOOD, meaningful things within various communities and grow my brands. I am so grateful for the opportunities coming my way, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of them!

As an entrepreneur, Danielle runs a business called Boujie Momma and Boujie Kidz, where she is manufacturing her clothing line based in New Jersey. She is also an avid traveler, especially enjoying visits to amusement parks like Disney.

Danielle's ambitions do not stop there, however. She aspires to write a book, become a talk show host, and develop her inspirational television projects. Above all, she hopes to inspire and empower other women to follow their dreams and become entrepreneurs.

Photography: Michelle Behre Styling for Danielle Cabral by Danielle Sullivan, November Rose Boutique

ETTWomen.com | 479 RT-79, Morganville, NJ 07751 | @ETTWomen

Why Checking your Credit Score Is

By Lynette Barbieri Important Knowing your credit score is important for several reasons: 1. Loan Approval: Your credit score is one of the primary factors that lenders consider when deciding whether to approve your loan application. A high credit score can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan, while a low credit score can make it difficult to get approved.

2. Interest Rates: Your credit score also affects the interest rate you'll be charged on a loan. A higher credit score can result in lower interest rates, which means you'll pay less in interest over the life of the loan. Conversely, a lower credit score can result in higher interest rates, which means you'll pay more in interest.

3. Credit Card Approval: Credit card companies also use your credit score to determine whether to approve your application. A high credit score can increase your chances of getting approved for a credit card with a lower interest rate and better rewards.

4. Insurance Rates: Insurance companies may also use your credit score to determine your insurance rates. A higher credit score can result in lower insurance premiums, while a lower credit score can result in higher premiums.

5. Employment: Some employers may also check your credit score as part of the hiring process. While they can't see your actual score, they can see your credit report, which can give them an idea of how responsible you are with money.

Overall, knowing your credit score is important because it can affect your ability to get approved for loans, the interest rates you'll be charged, and even your insurance rates and job prospects.

@LynetteBarbieri

Ways to Work with Creators

By Jonathan Calixto As the rise of social media continues, with new platforms launching every few months, content creators have become an important part of a brand's marketing strategy. As a brand owner looking to step into the influencer marketing space, it is important to be aware of your options so you can create an enticing pitch to a creator. Here is a list of some of the popular partnerships happening today.

Photo Credit: Karina Muñoz Photography

In-Kind Partnership One of the popular ways to begin a relationship with a creator is through gifting. While back in the day it was expected for a creator to post from gifting, now it serves as a conversation starter. Do you have an influencer, model, or celebrity you’ve been following for a while?

Find the best contact and reach out by introducing your brand and letting them test it out for themselves. This strategy works best for creators that are on your wish list.

Affiliate Partnership As a partnership that is solely based on commission, this type of partnership is most effective with creators that have a niche closely related to yours. For example, if you are a beauty brand, ideally you want to work with beauty creators but also as a second option would be fashion creators. It wouldn’t be ideal to work with a “foodie influencer.” Some of the key components to be aware of with affiliate partnerships are a discount should be provided to an influencers audience set by a promo code, you should be ready to host sales or incentives throughout the year to encourage purchases, and you want to set up a commission percentage for the influencer that doesn’t eat at your brands budget.

Influencer Partnership If you’ve seen posts with the hashtag “ad” then most likely the brand is engaged in a partnership with a creator based on a set fee. As a brand owner, you want to make sure you are collecting important information before moving forward with a paid sponsorship. Some of the key information include engagement rate, demographic insight, and fees (for posting, whitelisting, and exclusivity) which are typically included in a creators media kit. This information can help you identify a creator that fits your ideal clientele and has a genuine audience that could become your next customer.

User-Generated Partnership By now you’ve probably seen the buzz on TikTok regarding “UGC creators.” As a new form of collaboration that has been on the rise since the pandemic, this partnership includes a creator (doesn’t mean they need to have a ton of followers on social media) making content for the brand to share as ads or the brands social media with no requirement for the creator to post on their social platforms. The reason this is popular is because it means featuring real people and authentic voices to help generate sales.

@ThisIsJcali