A Digital Guide of Women Entrepreneurs The ultimate guide to women‑owned businesses in Boston and New York City, featuring entrepreneurs YOU need to know First Edition
CRAVE Northeast: A Digital Guide of Women Entrepreneurs A publication of The CRAVE Company 1805 12th Ave W #A Seattle WA 98119 206.282.0173 thecravecompany.com twitter.com/cravecompany facebook.com/cravecompany © 2012 The CRAVE Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system nor transmitted in any form, by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise—without prior written permission of the copyright owner. While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information, details are subject to change so please call ahead. The CRAVE Company shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from the publication or use. All editorial content in this publication is the sole opinion of CRAVE and our contributing writers. First Edition June 2013
A Digital Guide of Women Entrepreneurs We CRAVE Community. We believe in acknowledging, celebrating and passionately supporting women-owned businesses. CRAVE is a celebration of women entrepreneurs that showcases some of the most creative, interesting and gutsy proprietors across North America and beyond. Our goal is to connect these women both to each other and to you. We are pleased to introduce you to the women behind the idea, the design, the product. We CRAVE Quality. CRAVE is all about quality products and thoughtful service. We know that a satisfying shopping trip requires more than a simple exchange of money for goods, and that a rejuvenating spa date entails more than a quick clip of the cuticles and a swipe of polish. We know you want to come away feeling uplifted, beautiful, excited, relaxed, relieved and, above all, knowing you got the most bang for your buck. We have scoured the region to find the hidden gems, new hot spots and old standbys, all with one thing in common: they’re the best of the best! We CRAVE Inspiration. By introducing you to the savvy businesswomen in this guide, we hope that CRAVE will help inspire your own inner entrepreneur. We want you to realize the energy and the desire to light a fire under your own ideas and passions, be it in business or anywhere else in your life. We all have fears and doubts, but the women in these pages refuse to talk themselves out of their dreams. Here’s to following in their footsteps!
aMortonDesign Somerville, Massachusetts Sustainable. Adventurous. Responsive. aMortonDesign is an architecture firm with a portfolio of residential, commercial, kitchen and furniture design projects. The underlying principle of this work is a commitment to sustainable design. This is achieved through the use of environmentally responsible materials and finishes, thoughtful redesign of existing buildings to preserve the embodied energy of their construction, or enhancements to increase energy efficiency. Good design is sustainable.
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Boston
Photos by Patrick Rogers Photography, except portrait by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Sustainable Design 561 Windsor St, Ste A404, Somerville, 617.894.0285, aMortonDesign.com facebook.com/aMortonDesign, Twitter: @aMortonDesign
What are your most popular products or services? Kitchen and bath renovations are popular ways to add personal flair to homes while increasing energy efficiency. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Grow your network and seek out mentors. Be honest and sincere about what you don’t know. Follow up with personal notes or gifts for those who go above and beyond.
Andrea Morton
What do you like best about owning a business? Independence, daily challenges and victories and the personal connections that are the foundation of any successful endeavor. 7
What are your most popular products or services? Mid-tour brainstorming sessions, sharing uses for unique finds, do-ityourself and repurposing suggestions. Who is your role model or mentor? Yves Saint Laurent. When I lived in Paris, I lived near his apartment and would peek in the window to see him studying master works and art history.
Toma Clark Haines
People may be surprised to know... I love modern abstract art. The juxtaposition of intense colors combined with the patina of aged pieces is poetry in 3-D. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? Paris for girlfriend getaways! We shop, we antique and we wine, dine and have tea at the Ritz.
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New York City
The Antiques Diva & Co New York City
Photos by Angelica Arbulu
Vibrant. Youthful. Timeless. The Antiques Diva & Co offers customized private tours in favorite European cities, hitting the best antique shops, flea markets, vintage and decor stores. And they’re doing it “Diva Style” with a shopping sack in one hand and a champagne glass in the other!
Specialty: Antiques Tours antiquesdiva.com, Twitter: @theantiquesdiva facebook.com/TheAntiquesDiva de.linkedin.com/in/theantiquesdiva
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Applaud Women LLC New Hampshire and Massachusetts Authentic. Celebratory. Informative. Applaud Women is a website that focuses exclusively on local women. It’s a free, quarterly online publication that provides articles written by local business people sharing information relevant to their business expertise and providing inspiration, information and solutions in an entertaining format. Its mission is to recognize and celebrate the strength of local women and their achievements. Additionally, the website includes a restaurant, beauty and wedding resource center.
Specialties: Celebrating Local Women 603.895.4699, applaudwomen.com, Twitter: @applaudwomen facebook.com/applaudwomen.nh.ma 10
Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? Freedom. To create, to be me, to work at my own pace and do what I’m passionate about. Who is your role model or mentor? My mentor is Ginny Williams from Coach Ginny who believed in me from the very start and inspired me to keep on taking risks. What is your biggest fear? Making mistakes! I hate making mistakes but I love to learn from them.
Susan Caldwell
What motivates you on a daily basis? Wanting to provide the best product I can by providing inspiration and information for my readers. I love being creative or coming up with something new and exciting.
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What are your most popular products or services? Custom framing, mirrors, dry mounting, matting and framed prints. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? If you go in with a friend, make sure that everything is spelled out before you open. What motivates you on a daily basis? Making it; making people happy; loving framing as much as I do. What is your motto or theme song? “Take a Chance on Me� by ABBA.
Kimberly Wilkins-Cummings
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Boston
How do you relax? Going antiquing on Sundays, and martinis.
Artful Edge Framing Allston Village Friendly. Artistic. Professional. Artful Edge Framing provides museum-quality framing at affordable pricing and a timely turnaround with a friendly staff. Artful Edge Framing offers all types of framing from 24K gold leaf to simple ready‑made frames. Specialties include framing of vintage posters, paintings, limited edition prints, sports memorabilia, family photos and dimensional objects.
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Custom Framing, Framed Art and Posters 55 Harvard Ave, Allston, 617.254.1444 artfuledgeframing.com
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Main photo by Sven Wiederholt; portrait, lower middle and right photos by Tracy Toler
Astrostyle.com astrostyle.com, Twitter: @astrotwins By appointment only: E 12th St, New York (email astrotwins@astrostyle.com)
Savvy. Empowering. Trustworthy. The AstroTwins, Tali and Ophira Edut, bring the stars down to earth with savvy and empowering astrological advice. Through their website, columns, books, events and private consultations, they help you unlock your “cosmic code” so you can reach your star‑powered potential in all areas of life. They are the official astrologers for Elle.com and MyLifetime.com and have read for celebs including Beyonce and Sting.
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Tali and Ophira Edut
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? One-on-one readings. Event appearances. Our book Love Zodiac, a guide to the men of every sign. Daily, weekly and monthly horoscopes on Astrostyle.com. Sirius radio for our monthly call-in guest spot. What do you like best about owning a business? As go-getter Sagittarians and identical twins, we are always motivating each other. We started with a calligraphy biz when we were 8 years old and haven’t stopped collaborating since. What do you CRAVE? Burning Man, Paris flea markets, turquoise waters. Genuine connections with people. Mini dachshunds. Family time. More great tools for indie publishing.
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What are your most popular products or services? My signature design, the flowered choker is still the most popular. Special orders are very popular when creating something for that special occasion or that brand-new outfit. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? The most important thing is to stay focused and be patient. Success does not come overnight, and sacrifices may have to be made. Just always love what you do.
Emily Athalia Hirsch
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Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? The freedom to be creative and take chances. Knowing that every day I have to push myself more and more to be the best that I can be.
Athalia Originals Boston, Massachusetts Beautiful. Colorful. Wearable. Athalia Originals was founded in 2002 by artist Emily Athalia Hirsch. Over the years, her one-of-a-kind jewelry has been seen at art festivals, boutiques and galleries. Just this year, she began a series of trunk shows at Bloomingdales in Chestnut Hill. This self-taught jewelry designer loves designing and creating jewelry for all who love unique jewelry.
Photos by Savas Studios
Specialty: Unique Jewelry 617.512.6228, athaliaoriginals.com
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Audrey’s Back Bay, Boston Philanthropic. Compassionate. Neighborly. Inspired by her beloved bulldog, Brittany opened Audrey’s to provide the pet community in Boston a place to shop for everyday essentials. A unique product mix and a welcoming environment creates a special shopping experience for your four legged friends. However, it is Brittany’s dedication to customer service and commitment to giving back to the local community and animal charities that sets this business apart.
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Boston
Photos by Shannon Michelle
Specialties: Pet Supplies and Delivery 296 Newbury St, Boston, 857.991.1236 audreysboston.com, Twitter: @audreysboston
What are your most popular products or services? Besides our core products, “Shop the Middle Table� is devoted solely to giving back proceeds to support animal charities. Some of Audrey’s treats raise money for canine cancer research.
Brittany Bang
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do the thing you love more than anything in life. You might become a bit unpredictable, sometimes cranky, but you will be happier than you ever imagined possible. What motivates you on a daily basis? I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact and give back to the community that supports me and my business every day. 19
AvantGarde Communications Group 732.385.1714 agcomgroup.com, Twitter: @agcg
Insightful. Sharp. Dedicated. AvantGarde Communications Group (AGCG) is a firm that delivers expertise in PR, marketing, business development, copywriting and creative solutions. Much like a first‑class couture designer, AGCG tailors programs based on needs, objectives and more. So whether you’re looking to define an image for your brand or want to spread the word about who you are and what you do, this is who you call on!
Photos by Jessica Morrisy Photography, except main photo by Amanda Buzard
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be passionate and resilient! And keep this in mind: “There are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible.” —Cherie Carter-Scott
Inna Shamis
What do you like best about owning a business? I’m the boss! The inherent ability to follow my own instincts. And the license to work with those who ignite my interest. Who is your role model or mentor? My mother, who ignited my entrepreneurial spirit and taught me some of those most important lessons: pursue your passion, never give in to fear and if one door closes, a better one opens! What is your biggest fear? “The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one.” —John Maxwell What is your motto or theme song? I have several: Never make a promise you can’t keep. Underpromise and overdeliver. Lead, follow or get out of the way.
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Photos by Soul Focus Photography
BeeCustom Design Boston, Massachusetts Creative. Fabulous. Sparkly. Nicole is a freelance graphic designer specializing in a boutique approach to designing custom invitations one stylish client at a time. Nicole believes that designing an invitation based on the client and not the market produces something far greater. She feels every client has a vision and it is her privilege to take that vision and make it a stunning reality.
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do what you love, find your niche and then do it fabulously! What do you like best about owning a business? Being able to work from home. It took 12 years to establish a career that would fit with my family; was so worth the wait.
Nicole Mitsakis
Who is your role model or mentor? My dad showed me the value of a good work ethic and how important it is to “always do the right thing” no matter how hard it may be. What is your motto or theme song? Don’t confuse education with intelligence.
Specialties: Invitation Design 978.766.0489 beecustom.blogspot.com Twitter: @beecustomdesign
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Antique African beaded necklaces from Ghana and paper robots from Japan. Who is your role model or mentor? My mother. What motivates you on a daily basis? The constant talent that surrounds me in my industry. I love to see what other stores, designers and creative people are doing. How do you relax? Watching bad movies and reading business books on international flights.
Erica Kiang (right)
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What place inspires you and why? New York. Inspiring things and people are around you all the time. I’m constantly impressed.
SoHo
Photos by Iris Bachman
Babel Fair 260 Elizabeth St, New York, 646.360.3685 babelfair.com, Twitter: @BabelFair
Global. Eccentric. Forward. Babel Fair is a specialty women’s apparel and lifestyle boutique in downtown Manhattan. Constantly scouring the globe, Babel Fair carries a unique and constantly changing international assortment. From Japanese denim to Argentinean leather, Babel Fair offers a rare shopping experience showcasing talent from around the world. Babel Fair has recently expanded into Babel Fair Showroom, which provides other retailers with their unique products. 25
Rachel Venning and Claire Cavanah
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? High-end, discreet, rechargeable vibes from companies such as Lelo, Jimmyjane, We-Vibe, Je Joue and Fun Factory; fun and educational workshops; and a knowledgeable and friendly staff of trained Sexuality Educators. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Set things up so monthly expenses are low—you can grow expense with revenue, but it puts pressure on you if you have a big number to make each month. Who is your role model or mentor? Ben & Jerry. Just like ours, their business is about pleasure plus politics. What motivates you on a daily basis? Women having more and better orgasms.
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SoHo
Lower East Side
Brooklyn
Main photo courtesy Babeland, lower left photos by Barbie Hull Photography, portrait by Sarah Small
Babeland 43 Mercer St, New York, 212.966.2120 94 Rivington St, New York, 212.375.1701 462 Bergen St, Brooklyn, 718.638.3820 babeland.com, babeland.tumblr.com, Twitter: @Babeland_NYC
Sexy. Fun. Knowledgeable. Babeland is the famously friendly sex toy boutique offering top-quality products, a pleasant place to shop, and, most of all, information and encouragement to women who want to explore their sexuality. The popularity of their flagship location in Seattle has led to three stores in New York, plus a thriving and educational website. 27
babybites and kiddybites babybites.com, Twitter: @babybites
Social. Educational. Supportive. Babybites and kiddybites are social and educational communities for moms and moms-to-be. Their mission is to provide advice and support to moms via their events, support groups and resources. They offer many free online services including webinars, original parenting videos by experts, blog talk radio shows, and fresh, informative articles on various parenting topics. They are also known for their premium, mom-generated nanny and babysitter listings.
Photos by BelathĂŠe Photography
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Q&A What do you like best about owning a business? Being our own boss, being able to choose amazing people to work with, the challenge of wearing many hats and the thrill of building something from the ground up. Who is your role model or mentor? Our moms! Being a mom community, it’s only natural that we turn to our moms for guidance and support. They help keep things in perspective and are our biggest cheerleaders. What motivates you on a daily basis? Our babybites community. It is because of our loyal community that we are always implementing new ways to help moms with one of the hardest jobs of all—parenting! Laura Deutsch and Heather Ouida 29
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Recently we’ve designed and built many websites using the Wordpress publishing platform. It’s an empowering, user-friendly solution for our clients to manage their own website content. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Work hard but be sure to make time for the people and things you love. Maintaining a work-life balance will keep you and your business happy and healthy.
Heather Marold Thomason
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What do you like best about owning a business? Our clients trust us to define their visual style. I love this responsibility, and feel truly proud when our ideas and creativity contribute to the success of a brand.
Portrait by BelathĂŠe Photography
Bad Feather badfeather.com, Twitter: @badfeather
Smart. Savvy. Bold. Bad Feather is a graphic design firm that specializes in identity design and branding as well as website design, strategy and development. Founded in 2008 by a husband-and-wife team with a passion for art, design and technology, Bad Feather works with creative businesses to address their challenges and realize their goals through design.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? We specialize in three-dimensional cake sculptures in every imaginable shape from fashion purses to pets, combined with unique cake flavors. What or who inspired you to start your business? The lack of cakes that are both beautiful and delicious. What is your indulgence? My true indulgence is hot chocolate and shoes; luckily I don’t have too much free time to indulge...
Miriam Milord 32
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life? Excitement, satisfaction and happiness. I love to see my clients’ faces when they see their cakes for the first time.
Brooklyn
BCakeNY 702 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, 347.787.7199 bcakeny.com, Twitter: @bcakeny
Portrait and upper middle photo by Jen Huang Photography, main photo and upper left and right photos by BCakeNY
Creative. Fresh. Delicious. BCakeNY is a custom cake-design studio dedicated to creating specialty cakes for every occasion. They transfer your vision into unique and delicious cakes and always bring special attention to your event by creating the most amazing cake that will wow everyone. Their mission is to combine beauty and creativity with the scrumptious taste of homemade cake. Anything can BCake!
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Photos by Belathée Photography, except portrait by Anthony Rhoades Photography
Belathée Photography 917.783.3207 belathee.com, Twitter: @belathee
Compassionate. Timeless. Inspired. Annabel and Dorothée came together in 2003 to launch Belathée Photography. Combining a romantic, timeless quality with a modern, fresh and wonderfully inventive perspective, their work feels delicate and powerful all at once. Annabel and Dorothée love to tell your story by creating a collection of photographs that reflect all of the joy, emotion and atmosphere surrounding you and what you stand for. 34
Annabel Braithwaite and DorothĂŠe Brand
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? While wedding photography is our specialty, our photographic range covers families, children, travel, events and food, as well as fine art. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Follow your goals with fantasy/humor, then bring them to life with sturdy steps in the same direction. Focus on what sets you apart from what is already being offered. What do you like best about owning a business? We love having the control of crafting our own style and approach. Being able to connect with our clients directly is very rewarding, as is building long-term relationships.
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? If you have a dream, just do it. There is never going to be a “good time� to start your business. Plan properly, budget wisely and then go.
Natasha Young
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New York City
What do you like best about owning a business? The feeling of accomplishment is unparalleled. It also gives me an opportunity to meet incredible women who have forged their own paths in business. They inspire and motivate me. What is your biggest fear? My biggest fear is failure. It’s simply not an option for me, and it drives me to make this business as successful as it can be.
BKLYN Baby New York, New York
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
Urban. Fashionable. Modern. BKLYN Baby is an online children’s boutique featuring the best designer apparel, accessories, toys and furnishings for your little one from baby through the age of 12. BKLYN Baby has curated a collection of the world’s most fashionable products. Come shop the brands you know and love, and let them introduce you to the best independent brands we know you will come to love as well.
Specialties: Children’s Apparel, Accessories, Toys and Furnishings bklyn-baby.com, 646.543.6439 facebook.com/bklynbaby1
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Wanda Mann
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? In addition to showcasing the best destinations for female travelers, The Black Dress Traveler features travel-friendly beauty products, fashion, food and wine. Who is your role model or mentor? I inherited my Grandma Bertha’s sense of adventure. She left home at a young age to pursue a singing career and landed a recording contract. She wasn’t afraid to shine. What is your motto or theme song? “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” —Miriam Beard What place inspires you and why? My hometown, NYC, never ceases to inspire me. NYC is energized by people from all over the world who come here in pursuit of a dream. What do you CRAVE? Exploring new places, meeting people full of laughter and light, food that is made with passion, wine that tells a story and the perfect little black dress!
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Photos by Missy Photography
The Black Dress Traveler 212.726.2210 blackdresstraveler.com, Twitter: @blackdressdiva
Vivacious. Stylish. Savvy. The Black Dress Traveler is a dynamic website that provides adventurous fashionistas with the information needed to travel the world in style. From where to go to what to wear, The Black Dress Traveler provides travel information from a female perspective. Adventure is always in fashion and The Black Dress Traveler encourages readers to be prepared with a little black dress whenever they travel. 39
Bling Boutique Braintree, Massachusetts Inspiring. Stylish. Fun. At Bling Boutique true style isn’t about paying haute couture prices, it’s about having a well-edited selection of key pieces and knowing how to put it all together. Bling Boutique carries the hottest looks in denim from all sorts of designers, has a wide range of jewelry and bags. No look is complete without the right accessories, and they carry a wide range of trendy jewelry and bags at great prices.
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Boston
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Clothing, Jewelry and Accessories 871 Washington St, Braintree, 781.848.6300 shopblingboutique.com, facebook.com/shopbling Twitter: @ShopBlingBtq
What are your most popular products or services? Denim tops and accessories. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Believe in yourself! What do you like best about owning a business? You can be creative and set your own tone. Also, it is more of your vision. What is your motto or theme song? Don’t stop believing.
Nadine Aniello
What place inspires you and why? Europe, because I love their styles and trends and how they have a different pace!
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What are your most popular products or services? Razor cuts and dimensional hair coloring, Great Lengths hair extensions and keratin smoothing treatments. Sojourn hair products are good for your hair and the environment. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Have a good business plan, be fearless and never give up.
Kate Sanford
What do you like best about owning a business? I enjoy having flexibility in my schedule and doing a job that I love. Having created an environment where people come to feel and look great is incredibly rewarding. What do you CRAVE? A great blowout and dark chocolatecovered caramel with sea salt on top!
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Boston
Blush Hair Salon Arlington and Maynard, Massachusetts Inviting. Relaxing. Cool. Blush Hair Salon is a boutique-style hair salon with an inviting feel and cool vibe. With only six chairs, the emphasis is on excellent cuts, colors and style. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the professional stylists are educated in the most current trends and technique. Their goal is for clients to leave the salon and be able to re-create their new look every day.
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Hair Cuts, Colors and Styles 1241 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, 781.483.3500 138 Parker St, Maynard, 339.222.9269 blushhair.com
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Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Bona Clara Downtown Boston Fun. Educational. Modern. Bona Clara is a technology-driven beauty company whose mission is to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women everywhere while leveraging their online marketing platform and the best in formulation and technology. You can purchase their revolutionary age‑specific products from any of their brand reps (more than a thousand) or even earn some product for free as a thank-you for hosting an event of your own with some of your friends!
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do your best to plan going into it, but know that you won’t be able to anticipate everything. Just be flexible, and learn a lot along the way. What motivates you on a daily basis? The vision of what I am working toward creating! What is your motto or theme song? “There is no improving the future without disturbing the present.” —Booth
Jasmina Aganovic
What place inspires you and why? The beach in the morning. It is almost always calm and incredibly energizing. It makes you feel like you can do anything.
Specialties: Skincare and Beauty 24 School St, 4th Floor, Boston, 617.500.1664 bonaclara.com, Twitter: @Bona_Clara facebook.com/bonaclarabeauty
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Jump in! Begin, and the resources and people you need will follow. I started my business after practicing law. Chocolate was always my passion. You have a gift to share.
Valerie Beck
What do you like best about owning a business? Owning a business lets me live authentically. My business mission is Uplift Through Chocolate. We uplift our customers, our partner stores, our team and our charity partners. Who is your role model or mentor? Louise Hay reminds us that our thoughts create our future and that gratitude and love open doors.
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Boston
Boston Chocolate Walking Tours Boston, Massachusetts
Photos by Savas Studios
Delicious. Entertaining. Informative. Boston Chocolate Walking Tours provides guided walking and tasting tours of select chocolate shops, bakeries and cafes. You’ll sample the specialties, meet shop owners or artisan chocolatiers and learn about the history and health benefits of chocolate. Samples might include Champagne truffles, double chocolate cupcakes or chocolate infused with tea. The team also provides tours in Chicago and Philadelphia. The sweetest tour in town!
Specialty: Chocolate Tours 617.955.2228 bostonchocolatewalkingtours.com Twitter: @BosChocTours
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Boston Electrology and Skin Therapies (B.E.S.T) Downtown Boston Revitalizing. Soothing. Innovative. Boston Electrology and Skin Therapies (B.E.S.T) is a specialized skincare clinic and medical spa that focuses on electrolysis, laser skin care for hair removal, pigmented lesions, facial telangiectasia and photofacials. They also offer the latest in rejuvenation treatments with Botox/Dysport and dermal fillers. Other skin therapies include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and facials. Their eyelash extensions and skincare products will help you look and feel your B.E.S.T!
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Boston
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Electrolysis, Laser Skincare, Rejuvenation Treatments 59 Temple Pl, Ste 1106, Boston, 617.338.5188 bostonelectrology.com
What are your most popular products or services? Hair removal—either electrolysis or laser— and Botox/Dysport. Although there are still a lot of misconceptions about them, Botox/ Dysport are becoming more mainstream, and everyone loves the results. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Have a partner! Starting a business is an incredible amount of work; it’s great to have someone to help you along this awesome journey.
Lara Simondi, APRN, CNM, MPH, and Valerie Shirvani, LME
What do you like best about owning a business? Having access to all the rejuvenation and skincare products you can imagine! It’s a girl’s dream, however, sometimes it’s hard to fit in our own treatments! 49
Photos by Missy Photography
Bump Brooklyn 464 Bergen St, Brooklyn, 718.638.1960 bumpbrooklyn.com
Contemporary. Chic. Comfortable. Bump’s motto is simple: “Give up wine, sushi, coffee—not fashion.” Bump was founded in 2007 by two fashion-conscious moms who were surprised by the lack of stylish options for pregnant women and new moms in a borough bustling with babies. Bump is a boutique designed for the urban woman who is not willing to give up her sense of style while pregnant or nursing.
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Q&A
Brooklyn
Hannah Macdonald and SaSaDi Odunsi
What are your most popular products or services? Beautiful dresses, nursing bras, J Brand jeans, Basq skin care, BellaBands, personalized jewelry, and storksak diaper bags. People may be surprised to know... Bump carries a number of wonderful contemporary designers like Susana Monaco, Line and Yumi Kim, who feature styles that can be worn during pregnancy and long afterward. What is your indulgence? Tres Belle facials, travel, clothes, shoes, good food and wine, ice cream and Brooklyn Flea weekends.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our most popular items are onesies, custom blankets and stuffed animals; our concierge is our most popular service. We take all the work out of sending the perfect gift! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Identify your competitive advantage and with every dollar you’re tempted to spend (inventory, marketing, anything), think about whether or not it will help solidify that advantage and make decisions accordingly. What is do you like best about owning a business? When I am walking around NYC and I randomly spot someone carrying a Bundle shopping bag, it is the most amazing thing! Allison MacCullough O’Neill 52
Bundle
Children’s Boutique 128 Thompson St, New York, 212.982.9465 bundlenyc.com
Photos by Erin Leigh
SoHo
Drool-worthy. Friendly. Adorable. Bundle is a chic, new children’s boutique offering a beautiful selection of clothing and gifts for children from newborn through age 6. A favorite store of many style-savvy New Yorkers, as well as A-list celebrities and stylists, Bundle takes great pride in selecting only the finest products available and in keeping merchandise reasonably priced.
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cake pops boston Boston, Massachusetts Boutique. Inspired. Charming. cake pops boston is a boutique dessert business specializing in cake pops. Cake pops are delicious little treats served on a stick that are customized for flavor, color or theme. They make a perfect complement to a dessert buffet or sweets table and can also be used as place-card holders or favors. Their motto: forget the fork!
Specialties: Cake Pops 617.834.9454, cakepopsboston.com Twitter: @cakepopsboston
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do your research before making any major decisions! What do you like best about owning a business? Watching it grow and succeed; seeing that our customers truly enjoy our product. Who is your role model or mentor? Candace Nelson of Sprinkles, the first cupcake bakery in the United States. What is your motto or theme song? “Que sera, sera (whatever will be, will be).”
Heather O’Donnell
What place inspires you? Paris... love, love, love it! It is magical to the senses in every way: a total inspiration 55
Photos by Belathée Photography
Carli Beardsley Atelier 917.576.7491 carli.custom@gmail.com
Discreet. Eclectic. Inventive. Carli Beardsley is a concierge tailor and artisanal stitcher for the home. Incorporating her 20 years’ experience as a theatrical costumer and set decorator, Carli can help you revamp your wardrobe or stitch up a gorgeous textile confection to decorate your favorite old chair! Put her attention to detail and discreet manner to work for you. Have sewing machine—will travel! 56
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Concierge tailoring—fittings at home or the office. Wardrobe styling. Costume production. Soft properties production for stage and film. Interior decorating and color consultation. Home staging for real estate sales. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be ready to work hard at your craft or skill and take care of the nuts and bolts of business. Doing paperwork isn’t sexy, but it keeps you moving forward!
Carli Beardsley
Who is your role model or mentor? My dad. He taught me to not fear new things—whether it be gaining a new skill or getting advice to become better at what I already know!
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Chamin Ajjan Psychotherapy New York City Compassionate. Interactive. Transformative. Chamin Ajjan Psychotherapy is a boutique wellness practice specializing in psychotherapy services. Utilizing research and evidence-based treatment models such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Chamin Ajjan Psychotherapy customizes a plan to achieve goals and make positive changes in your life. Chamin’s unique blend of cosmopolitan sensibility, genuine care for clients, skill and experience stand out in the therapeutic community.
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New York City
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Female Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse 917.476.9381, chaminajjan.com facebook.com/ChaminAjjanPsychotherapy Twitter: @chaminajjan
What are your most popular products or services? Individual, couple and group psychotherapy. In addition, I facilitate workshops like the recent Mindful Dating Workshop for women.
Chamin Ajjan, MS, LCSW
Who is your role model or mentor? My amazing and beautiful mother has always been my role model. What she has done with limited resources is inspirational. I also admire Lucille Ball’s style, beauty, humor and entrepreneurship. What motivates you on a daily basis? My family and my love of connecting with and helping the people I work with keep me motivated.
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Causey Contemporary 92 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, 718.218.8939 causeycontemporary.com
Exquisite. Art-filled. Contemporary. Causey Contemporary, an 11-year veteran of the Williamsburg art gallery scene, cultivates and represents contemporary artists from their emergence through their maturity. They are dedicated to helping collectors understand and enjoy their artworks within historical, cultural and social contexts. Their mission is to nourish dialogue and relationships between artists, collectors and curators via exhibitions, studio tours and special events.
Photos by Tracy Toler
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Paintings by Elise Freda or Alexis Portilla, drawings by Norman Mooney or Kevin Bourgeois, and sculptures by Steven Dobbin or John Clement. What or who inspired you to start your business? The artists I met who create daily because they are passionate about the art they make and are often in need of representation that has their best interest in mind.
Williamsburg
Who is your role model or mentor? My role models are women like Peggy Guggenheim and later, Mary Boone. My mentor is an elderly sculptor, Sy Gresser, who has seen and participated in the art world since the 1950s along with my father, who was an entrepreneur in his own right. How do you spend your free time? Reading voraciously, writing poetry, walking with my husband, gardening, visiting other art exhibitions, traveling and enjoying great wines with friends and family. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? D.O.C. wine bar, the Richardson and Baci and Abbraci in Williamsburg. Tracy Causey-Jeffery 61
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
Center Of Female Empowerment 347.497.DIVA (3482) lusciouslifestylediva.com, Twitter: @shoshi
Sexy. Sensual. Spiritual. Yolanda Shoshana (“Shoshi”) is the creator of a lifestyle company for women that swirls sexuality, sensuality and spirituality, which has made her known as the “Luscious Lifestyle Diva.” Her passion is helping women leave behind the good-enough life and live lusciously. She brings back the virtues of the courtesans, taps into the senses and plays with the art of seduction. 62
Q&A What or who inspired you to start your business? Women who want more out of life but did not know how to get it. That’s where I come in. Who is your role model or mentor? Ali Brown. She is a fierce force, and I strive to be as savvy a businesswoman as she is. What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? My big mistake was not listening to my intuition; now it is where I go to first. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? I love going to Yankee Stadium. Not only do I get to see my favorite team, there’s also a buffet of men. Yolanda Shoshana
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Sydney Price
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Have a clear and complete vision of what you want to create, plan every step to reach your goals and never compromise on what is important to you. What do you like best about owning a business? It is a huge creative outlet for me. I am able to bring my dreams to reality every day, constantly enhancing and refining the environment and the visitor experience. Who is your role model or mentor? Mark Kalow taught me to seek good advice and the importance of balancing inspiration with stability. John Wilczak showed me that unwavering focus and determination will ultimately lead to success.
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City Treehouse 129A W 20th St, Ground Floor, New York, 212.255.2050 citytreehouse.com, Twitter: @citytreehouse
Chelsea
Main, upper left and upper right photos by Caitlin Greer, upper middle photo by AKi Tuccu, portrait by BelathĂŠe Photography
Fun. Educational. Nurturing. City Treehouse is home to the largest indoor water-play area in NYC and is also an oasis of fun and learning. Families enjoy drop-in play, birthday parties, classes and special events in an environment filled with trees, plants and laughter. It is no wonder that City Treehouse is recognized as Best of New York by Nickelodeon, New York Magazine and Urban Baby!
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Clinton St. Baking Co. 4 Clinton St, New York, 646.602.6263 clintonstreetbaking.com
Community Food & Juice 2893 Broadway (at 112th St), New York, 212.665.2800 communityrestaurant.com
Clinton St. Catering 4 Clinton St, New York, 646.602.6263 clintonstreetbaking.com, dede@clintonstreetbaking.com
Hip. Homey. Delicious. The Clinton St. Baking Company is one of the hottest brunch spots in a city obsessed with brunch. A tiny 32-seat eatery on Manhattan’s trendy Lower East Side, the restaurant draws around-the-block lines of devoted fans who come from far and wide (including a large contingent from Japan) to sample fresh baked goods, hearty omelets, sugar-cured bacon and light-as-air pancakes with maple butter.
Photos by Belathée Photography
Community Food & Juice
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Morningside Heights
Q&A
Lower East Side
DeDe Lahman
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be assertive. Have more than a wing and a prayer—your numbers need to make sense beyond the great idea. Write down concrete goals. Never waver from your brand. Who is your role model or mentor? My grandmother was a doctor with a private practice. She was strong and focused and accumulated her own wealth. What motivates you on a daily basis? Making money. Being creative. Serving guests. Finding new and exciting projects. Marketing the business. What place inspires you and why? NYC, baby! Best city to live and work in. Cultures, people, food, smells, architecture, sounds, wheels, shops—we have it all here. 67
Color Our World 265 E 66th St, New York, 212.249.0090 colorourworld.com
Enriching. Colorful. Homey. Gillian C. Rose, an interior and color designer, creator/owner of Color Our World can help you with your space, your colors, your feeling of well-being. Using a unique blend of color psychology and the most exquisite color palette, Color Our World will create you, in color! If your home or office does not represent you, they can! Their patented process delves into the hows and whys, through personality and color, to create the surrounding that you want to be immersed in every day.
Portrait, main and upper left photos by Michael Mundy, upper middle and right photos by Gillan Rose
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Upper East Side
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Paint colors that create a sense of well‑being and reflect who they are created for. People may be surprised to know... Pale colors are not usually soothing and relaxing. How do you spend your free time? Going to museums. Relaxing over a homemade meal with friends. What is your indulgence? Vintage colored glass.
Gillian C. Rose
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life? Bringing the perfect color to each and every person and becoming an international company. 69
CommonCove Coworking Admirals Hill, Boston Innovative. Creative. Collaborative. A marina-side cooperative work place where entrepreneurs, independent consultants, digital nomads, freelance writers and remote workers build relationships, collaborate on ideas and foster new business opportunities while embracing the relaxed environment of a waterfront community. CommonCove Coworking offers the opportunity to view work from many different perspectives—from the comfort of indoor and outdoor work spaces such as indoor floating desks or waterside garden tables.
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Balancing life, fun, healthy living practices, work and eight hours of sleep is incredibly important. Especially when starting a new business. You will be far more successful with balance in your life. What do you like best about owning a business? Making my own schedule allows me to put my energy and time into the things I value most.
Leslie and Brooke Saba
What motivates you on a daily basis? The desire to build a collaborative, comfortable and professional work space that inspires and encourages the success of our community—both inside and outside of our walls.
Specialty: Coworking Space CommonCove at Admirals Hill Marina: 305 Commandants Way, Chelsea, 603.254.4060 commoncove.com, Twitter: @commoncove
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Crush Boutique Beacon Hill and Back Bay, Boston Flirty. Style-savvy. Irresistible. Founded by childhood friends Rebecca Hall and Laura Macris, Crush Boutique specializes in providing customers with a well-edited collection of the best in women’s contemporary fashion. Crush juxtaposes up-and-coming designers like Rory Beca and Yumi Kim with celebrity-loved lines like Alice + Olivia, J Brand and House of Harlow 1960. Shoppers enjoy the luxuries of department store and stylist services in a more intimate environment.
Specialty: Personal Shopping 131 Charles St, Boston, 617.720.0010 264 Newbury St, Boston, 617.424.0010 shopcrushboutique.com, Twitter: @crushboutique facebook.com/crushboutique
Photos by Savas Studios
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? The one-on-one shopping experience that we provide on a daily basis. This customerfocused approach fosters a personal shopping experience in a boutique setting. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be confident and never stop believing in yourself and your vision. This is the key to success. As with any aspect of life, remaining true to yourself will guide you.
Rebecca Hall and Laura Macris
What place inspires you and why? NYC. Fashion is paramount at every turn. The city is ever-shifting and always original. We strive to shift with the needs of our customers and always create unique experiences. 73
Curious Light 917.447.4864 curiouslight.com, Twitter: @curiouslt
Creative. Unique. Professional. Curious Light designs and builds high-quality, affordable and stylish websites that will give your small business a big online presence. Owner Nadine Gilden is a seasoned website and graphic designer, with more than 12 years of experience. Curious Light also assists companies in creating their marketing materials such as WordPress blogs, email newsletters, business cards and Twitter pages.
Photos by Sofia Negron Photography
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? E-commerce and information sites, email newsletters and business cards. People may be surprised to know... The name Curious Light came from Curious George and my love of stained glass. What or who inspired you to start your business? The desire to work with a variety of clients on many different kinds of projects. What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? Not trusting my instincts. If alarm bells go off, pay attention to them! How do you spend your free time? With family and friends enjoying all that New York has to offer— shows, shopping, restaurants... Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? I love a good brunch, so anywhere that has one!
Nadine Gilden
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life? Projects that both challenge and inspire me. To be happy and appreciate what I have instead of wishing for what I don’t have. 75
Main photo by Bree Michael Warner Photography, portrait by Jen Huang Photography, lower left photo by Spencer Lum of 5 West Studios, lower middle photo by Gordon Studio Photography, lower right photo by Jensen Studio Weddings
Curtain Up Events, Inc. By appointment only, 212.781.6390 curtainupevents.com, Twitter: @curtainupevents
Innovative. Savvy. Chic. Curtain Up Events (CUE) provides planning and coordination services for intimate to large affairs, applying the unique insights of a professional theatrical background to produce unforgettably distinctive events. From initial concept to budgeting, production and execution, CUE works with its clients to realize the particular occasion they have envisioned or can provide full creative direction.
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Treat everyone who works for/with you with respect. I could never do what I do without my team. It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget. What motivates you on a daily basis? My clients. There’s nothing better than seeing the end result of all of your hard work and then hearing from your client that it exceeded their expectations. What is your motto or theme song? We have two slogans: “Dramatic events... without all the ‘drama’” and “Make sure your events happen on CUE.”
Danielle Bobish
What place inspires you and why? Florence, Italy. It’s such an amazing place to be. They really know how to appreciate life there. Food, wine, friends, family...
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Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Debora Lunt Studio Beverly Farms, Massachusetts Current. Creative. Caring. Debora Lunt Studio offers expert cut and color. Having worked at a high-profile salon on Newbury Street, and after extensive training in Paris with Jacques Dessange, Debora’s sharp eye instantly catches the unique look, personality and lifestyle of each client and intuitively translates a cut and color technique that defines and shapes the client’s hair, creating a soft, sculpted silhouette, maximizing the client’s full potential.
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? Our organic, chemical-free hair color and products—a trend worth following— offer superb shine and manageability. And spa comforts: warm towels, head massages, slippers, lattes and more!
Debora Lunt
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be in it for the long haul and willing to take risks. Early in my career, I took a chance and left Newbury Street so that I could build a clientele. What do you CRAVE? Hair! Creating a superb salon experience that ultimately generates beauty and inspires happy confidence in my clients.
Specialty: Hairdressing 30 West St, Beverly, 978.232.1125 DeboraLuntStudio.com facebook.com/DeboraLuntStudio Twitter: @DeboraLunt linkedin.com/in/deboraluntstudio
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Photo by Soul Focus Photography
“I’m able to create an experience for each client by handpicking the best of everything, including the hair products, the coffee, the furniture, the staff and even the music.” —Debora Lunt, Debora Lunt Studio
Q&A What do you like best about owning a business? I love that I had a wild idea and it worked! It’s so fulfilling to be doing what I absolutely love to do, every day. What motivates you on a daily basis? My passion for interiors and joie de vivre. Anything from a flower to amazing architecture can give me that boost of motivation to create something new. What is your motto or theme song? “I am going to make everything around me more beautiful. That will be my life.” —Elsie de Wolfe
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What place inspires you and why? NYC! From the NY Library to Central Park, I am constantly inspired by the art and architecture of this city. Not to mention the fashion, it’s intoxicating!
The Decorista thedecorista.com, ashlinakaposta.com, Twitter: @thedecorista
Photos by BelathĂŠe Photography
Inspired. Vibrant. Dynamic. The Decorista provides fully customizable design experiences, from full-scale interiors to virtual decorating services around the globe. Ashlina’s skills have lended themselves to styling successful ad campaigns and cultivating oneof-a-kind looks that have landed her work in several publications. Her handson approach ensures complete client satisfaction. The Decorista’s widely acclaimed design blog provides daily inspiration to thousands of readers.
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Put all you have into it and dream big! What do you like best about owning a business? Getting to know so many people and helping people learn about the industry. Who is your role model or mentor? “Bunny” Mellon and Jackie Kennedy are my role models. Jackie because she was classy and stylish. Bunny is the world’s most amazing gardener; she has created world-famous gardens.
Desiree Spinner
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Boston
What is your motto? Treat people with kindness because you never know where they are in their walk of life.
Desiree Spinner Events Back Bay, Boston Osterville, Massachusetts
Photos by Bello Photography and Trent Bailey Photography
Creative. Chic. Fun. Desiree Spinner Events creates unique, modern hand-crafted celebrations for events large and small. They are inspired by the natural beauty and classic tradition of the local seaside. They are in love with color, texture and detail; they find endless inspiration in whimsy, romance and the timeless quality of special occasions.
Specialties: Wedding and Event Design By appointment only: 570 Sea View Ave, Osterville, 508.419.7449 30 Newbury St, Boston, 508.364.7800 desireespinnerevents.com facebook.com/DesireeSpinner Twitter: @desireespinner
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Research, research, research! Be absolutely sure you know your products and your targeted audience extremely well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. What do you like best about owning a business? Flexibility to direct my own schedule and be in control of my work product. And, of course, the ability to bring my children to work with me.
Salina Gonzales Frazier
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Boston
What motivates you on a daily basis? My husband, my kids and our amazing customers. I love that locals come and hang out with us. I love the sense of community we’ve built!
Diaper Lab Davis Square, Cambridge
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Smart. Simple. Green. Diaper Lab is a premier source in Boston for cloth diapers, baby carriers and other green baby goods. Stocking the largest retail selection of cloth diapers in the area for over five years, Diaper Lab’s staff knows diapers! With workshops and expert one-on-one support, Diaper Lab can help you choose the diapers and baby carriers that fit your baby, your family and your lifestyle.
Specialties: Cloth Diapers, Baby Carriers and Green Baby Goods 200 Elm St N, Cambridge, 617.764.0192 diaperlab.com, Twitter: @diaperlab, facebook.com/diaperlab
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Q&A What do you like best about owning a business? Personal connections. We are there for one of the most stressful and magical days of our clients’ lives, and we do not take that lightly! What motivates you on a daily basis? The industry! We are surrounded by immense talent that inspires us to continue creating, dreaming and designing. How do you relax? We would love to say “a good book” or “a day at the spa” but let’s be honest, we relax with a glass of wine and trashy TV!
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What place inspires you and why? Anywhere natural, whether it is a beach, forest or desert. Living in a city can make you crave the organic elements and color palettes of nature.
DM Events 646.530.3440 dmeventsny.com, Twitter: @DMeventsny
Photos by Sara & Sarma Photography
Whimsical. Passionate. Detailed. DM Events is a boutique-style event planning and design company. These ladies love what they do and it shows! From the linen to the flowers... and every color swatch in between... they will help you create a design that reflects your own fabulous style! Services include full, partial and day-of event coordination packages as well as custom designs and floral packages. Happy planning!
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Main photo by Lloyd C. Kirkland, lower right photos by Gwen Rodgers, portrait by Sofia Negron Photography
Doce Vida Fitness Wear docevidafitness.com, Twitter: @docevidafitness
Stylish. Slimming. Super moisture-wicking. Doce Vida was created under the mantra that every woman should feel fabulous about her body no matter what size or shape she may be. Their flattering fits feature an ultrasoft, instantly slimming 12 percent four-way stretch fabric that feels like butter against your skin as it wicks away moisture, so you can keep your body moving in comfort and style. 90
Q&A What or who inspired you to start your business? Growing up in athletic families who basically lived in workout clothes, we felt they never fit well. We were inspired to create a line that flattered a woman’s body. Our fashion and yoga teacher backgrounds helped us to create stylish, functional, long-lasting fitness wear. What is your indulgence? We love spa treatments! We are advocates for a whole health lifestyle.
Jordan Goffi and Lisa Pidge
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life? In business, we crave for all women to experience the difference Doce Vida makes in their workouts. We love hearing from happy customers about how Doce Vida makes them feel. In life, we crave health and being surrounded by positive people.
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e. scott originals Somerville, Massachusetts Edgy. Handcrafted. Timeless. e. scott originals specializes in wearable, handmade, precious metal jewelry. With inspirations varying from vintage tattoos to Grandma’s jewelry box to Mother Nature, e. scott originals creates a wide range of jewelry made to be worn and loved. Her technical background blends with her random creativity to produce unique and identifiable jewelry that can be found online or the store in Somerville.
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Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Precious Metal Jewelry 199b Highland Ave, Somerville, 617.776.2814 escottoriginals.com, facebook.com/escottoriginals Twitter: @escottoriginals
What are your most popular products or services? My “diamond” studs and anchor necklaces. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Take chances, but do your research first. Don’t jump blindly into anything, but definitely jump in.
Emily Scott
What do you like best about owning a business? Knowing that my success is mine. When you work so hard at something, it’s amazing to have it pay off and be 100 percent yours.
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Elizabeth Charles 639 1/2 Hudson St, New York, 212.243.3201 elizabeth-charles.com, Twitter: @MsCharles
Chic. Authentic. Personalized. Elizabeth Charles is a high-end multibrand boutique located in New York and San Francisco that carries an unparalleled selection of coveted and hard-to-find women’s clothing and accessories from around the world including Carven, Isabel Marant and Preen. The boutique’s originality, unique mix of constantly evolving merchandise and highly personalized service have attracted a loyal and discerning clientele.
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Keep refining your business plan by incorporating feedback and primary research and then do it! Dreams need to be executed to become a reality. What do you like best about owning a business? It doesn’t feel like work, and I get to read magazines and shop for a living! I get a lot of satisfaction out of watching my business grow and become more successful.
West Village
Elizabeth Charles
What motivates you on a daily basis? I love the fashion industry and I find it fascinating from many aspects: trends, business, consumers and designers. It’s a constant game that keeps me on my toes. What is your motto or theme song? You can do whatever you put your mind to. 95
Photos by Tracy Toler
Elke Von Freudenberg 1140 Broadway, Ste 906, New York, 917.475.6845 themodelbrow.com, Twitter: @TheModelBrow
Fashionable. Trendy. Stylish. Celebrity eyebrow specialist Elke Von Freudenberg is considered one of the best eyebrow shaping experts in New York, specializing in fixing and reshaping brows that are uneven, badly designed or in the process of growing in. 96
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our Clear Brow Ware, a clear water gel that grooms and gives a glossy sheen to brows, sells out constantly. That and our Model Brow Shaping Service. People may be surprised to know... I’ve been doing eyebrows since I was 16 years old. What or who inspired you to start your business? Seeing that women felt they had no say during the experience of getting their eyebrows shaped, I knew there had to be a way to offer a better client consultation as well as experience. Who is your role model or mentor? My father. He taught me to be honest, fair and to treat everyone with respect.
Flatiron
Elke Von Freudenberg
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Emily DeWan Photography, Inc. 917.620.5111 emilydewan.com, Twitter: @emilydewan
Relaxing. Captivating. Timeless. Emily adores capturing the precious moments of children’s lives: holding a parent’s hand, cuddling the family pet, playing with siblings and exploring the world around them. She loves to interact with children while photographing their adorable faces. The world is her studio! She’ll come to your house, meet you at your favorite neighborhood spot or join you anywhere else you’d like to explore.
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography, except portrait by E. Leigh Photography
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Emily DeWan
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? My clients love the opportunity to be themselves and have fun during their portrait sessions. I love putting together a fine art album to showcase the relationships between family members. What is your favorite part about owning a business? The ability to create my own road map in life. How do you relax? Biking around the city or swing dancing. What place inspires you and why? Iceland: I visited the northern part of the country a few years ago and was struck by its barely touched beauty.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? The Fat Witch Baby is our most popular product. It’s small but packs just enough chocolate punch to be satisfying. What is your biggest fear? Getting overwhelmed with all the projects there are to accomplish. What motivates you on a daily basis? The business itself. It’s exciting to run something. What place inspires you and why? The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC is a source of constant inspiration. Every work of art was done with passion.
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What do you CRAVE? A long weekend at a fabulous spa.
Fat Witch Bakery 75 9th Ave, New York, 212.807.1335 fatwitch.com, Twitter: @fatwitch
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
Chelsea
Fresh. Sassy. Delicious. Fat Witch is a local brownie bakery. Fat Witch bakes just like you do at home. The only difference is they bake more pans! Only natural ingredients are put into these scrumptious chocolate bars, along with a lot of love. Fat Witch has a shop inside the Chelsea Market and their brownies can be found in numerous gourmet stores in Manhattan and online.
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The Financialite Wellesley, Massachusetts Friendly. Factual. Fun. The Financialite is a personal financial consultant who enjoys dishing out advice on how to save money while still living a socialite’s life! Realizing that words like “budget” and “saving” tend to freak out the modern-day girl, her goal is to change that. She wants to inspire ladies to understand their budget, live within their means and start saving toward a goal!
Specialties: Personal Finance Tax and Accounting c/o Gormican, P.C., 148 Linden St, Ste 6, Wellesley, 508.397.4326 thefinancialite.com, Twitter: @thefinancialite
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Build a solid foundation of understanding the operation of a business and the general accounting concepts before you jump in headfirst! What do you like best about owning a business? I get to work with genuinely creative people and make a difference in their lives.
Trish Gormican, CPA
What motivates you on a daily basis? New ideas motivate me—a new way of getting clients to understand that finances are not scary. What is your motto or theme song? “Financial Advice for the Everyday Socialite.”
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What are your most popular products or services? To be honest, if it’s not popular, we don’t continue to carry it. We are just over 400 sq. ft., and we fill our space only with best sellers! What do you like best about owning a business? You get to make the decisions: If you don’t like something, change it. If something’s not selling, get rid of it.
Katherine Morse
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Boston
What do you CRAVE? Balance and happiness... and to have the girls I work with never leave: they are the best asset I have!
flat of the hill Beacon Hill, Boston Fresh. Fun. Fabulous. flat of the hill is a gift boutique heading into its 15th year of service to their incredible customers. They are always bringing in new items, but are very loyal to their quality lines that they have carried for well over a decade. Known for handbags, fun jewelry, candles, wood signs and pillows, flat of the hill strives to add fun new things to their mix at every turn!
Specialties: Jewelry, Handbags, Home Accessories 60 Charles St, Boston, 617.619.9977 flatofthehill.com, facebook.com/flatofthehill Twitter: @flatofthehill
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Footzyrolls’ most popular style is the Sparkle Toe collection, which is the regular everyday shoe with a little glitz at the tip of each of the shoes. What motivates you on a daily basis? Satisfaction from happy customers and retail accounts and being able to talk on a daily basis about the product that we created. What place inspires you and why? Bergdorf Goodman, because the store and clothes are so beautiful and the customer service is fantastic.
Sarah and Jenifer Caplan
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What do you CRAVE? Bloomingdales’ frozen yogurt, attention from good‑looking men, Chanel bags/shoes and always being able to get a cab in NYC.
Photos by E. Leigh Photography
Footzyrolls 646.827.0673 footzyrolls.com, Twitter: @footzyrolls
Chic. Compact. Practical. Footzyrolls was founded by two sisters because they wanted to look fashionable, but couldn’t take the pain of the heels they insisted on wearing. Footzyrolls allow women to wear high heels and keep a fashionable walkable street shoe small enough to fit in any handbag.
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Photos by Kyle Donovan, except portrait by Nathan Heyward Photography
Friends Of Jodi 917.941.5698 friendsofjodi.com, Twitter: @FriendsOfJodi
Strategic. Social. Inspirational. Friends Of Jodi is a network of colleagues and friends that Jodi Brockington connects professionally and socially. It is also a brand and a blog, which consists of a collection of ideas, commentary and occasional rants about marketing and branding through actions, philanthropy, business, corporate social responsibility and related topics. Consisting of both original and linked content, FOJ strives to provide its audience, clients and community with information to provoke thought, new ideas and increased effectiveness.
NIARA Consulting 917.941.5698 niaraconsulting.com
Reliable. Innovative. Energetic. Jodi Brockington helps clients figure out the career moves, dreams and goals that are right for them. Additionally, she is able to set up exploratory meetings and interviews with professionals in the fields you believe you want to enter, as well as with executive search firms and HR representatives that actually do the hiring and placements. If you are planning to leave your job to become an entrepreneur or are one already, Jodi can also help you plan, explore and connect you to other people, resources and services that will help you get your business to a better place or up and running quickly. 108
Jodi Brockington
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Social media and business development, consulting, brand building, strategic marketing and sponsorship, connecting/ networking, and events with a cause. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Network. Network. Network. You have to do the things that no one else wants to do— that’s how you stand out. It’s important to realize the power of relationship building. Who is your role model or mentor? I have many, but my mother is at the top of the list. She taught me to take the time to help others; especially women. What motivates you on a daily basis? My biggest motivators are my FOJs and my family. They support me and always give me a reality check when I need it. What is your motto or theme song? “Golden” by Jill Scott. I feel l embody the lyrics to the song and live my life to the fullest. What place inspires you and why? The beach—the way the water seems to go on for eternity, the colors, the salt water smell, the crashing waves... it’s always changing, but yet always staying the same. 109
FSL Cosmetics fslcosmetics.com, Twitter: @FSLCosmetics
Natural. Sexy. Stylish. FSL Cosmetics is a natural and eco-friendly brand of lipsticks and lip glosses. FSL stands for “Feel good, Smell good, Look good.” Each lipstick and lip gloss consists of highquality botanicals, exotic Brazilian fruits, antioxidants and vitamins. Kimberly Riley is the chemical engineer/cosmetic chemist behind the buzzworthy brand and will continue to use nature’s treasures in ways that revolutionize and enhance beauty worldwide.
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Popular colors: Purple Luv (exotic purple with a luscious white-chocolate scent), Pink Colada (neutral pink with a pi単a colada scent) and Seduction (sexy red with delicious chocolate aromas). What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Make sure you do your research, save money, and build your network. What do you like best about owning a business? I am my own boss, I can build my business at my own pace, and I can let my creativity run freely.
Kimberly Riley
How do you relax? Sleep and travel. I love visiting the Caribbean and my hometown, New Orleans. 111
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? CitySlips, foldable, portable ballet flats for the well-heeled gal on the go, and AfterSoles, rollable ballet flats for the dance-floor diva. People may be surprised to know... We are 23 years old and started our business out of our dorm room at NYU! Who is your role model or mentor? Both of us come from entrepreneurial families. Our fathers were small business owners, and growing up, we saw everything they did on a day-to-day basis.
Katie Shea and Susie Levitt
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How do you spend your free time? We are big believers in working hard and playing hard. When we aren’t working, we spend time with our friends and families.
Photos by Missy Photography
FUNK-tional Footwear 212.279.2466 x205 cityslips.com, aftersoles.com, Twitter: @cityslips, Twitter: @aftersoles
Innovative. Intelligent. Irresistible. FUNK-tional Footwear is an up-and-coming women’s lifestyle company dedicated to creating products with both fashion and function in mind. Within a year of starting the company, Katie and Susie successfully brought their first patent-pending item to market. CitySlips are now available at Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus and over 1,000 specialty shops worldwide. AfterSoles can be found nationwide at Bed Bath & Beyond. 113
Gabrielle Bernstein gabbyb.tv, Twitter: @gabbybernstein
Spirited. Fun. Transformational. Featured in the New York Times Sunday Styles section as the next-generation guru, speaker and author, Gabrielle Bernstein is expanding the lexicon for the future. Gabrielle is a #1 best-selling author of the book Add More ~ing to Your Life. In September 2011, Gabrielle launches her second book titled Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles. (Both books published by Random House.) Gabrielle is also the founder of HerFuture.com. For Gabrielle’s free meditations visit Gabbyb.tv.
Main photo by Amanda Buzard, upper right and portrait photos by Sam Bassett
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? My book, Add More ~ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness. My monthly lectures and four-week workshops. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Make sure you believe in it. Nothing can manifest into success unless you truly believe it can. What do you like best about owning a business? I can wear my gym clothes all day. I have always been self-employed so I don’t know any other way. What motivates you on a daily basis? I am motivated to spread my message to the masses. My mission is to help transform perceptions so you can experience miracles. What is your motto or theme song? Your intentions create your reality. What place inspires you and why? The Omega Institute because their mission is to inspire others through their empowering workshops. Gabrielle Bernstein 115
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
Ger-Nis International 540 President St, Ste 2E, Brooklyn, 718.789.2880 ger-nis.com, Twitter: @GerNisInt
Educational. Local. Sustainable. Ger-Nis specializes in cooking and education classes for adults and children; promoting healthy eating and living habits through hands-on and lecture‑style classroom environments. They are a passionate advocate of organic and fair-trade communities from all around the world and are committed to supporting local chefs, farmers and artisans in our own backyard. 116
Brooklyn
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be a businesswoman, not a businessman! Be brave, use your instincts and trust your judgment. Have a few business-savvy advisers or friends to use as a sounding board! What do you like best about owning a business? Freedom to bring my own creative ideas to fruition. Bringing my dog to work with me every day is also a big plus! What motivates you on a daily basis? Creativity. Children. Traveling to see and experience other people and cultures around the world.
Nissa Pierson
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Girls Write Now 247 W 37th St, Ste 1800, New York, 212.336.9330 girlswritenow.org, Twitter: @girlswritenow
Supportive. Inspiring. Life-changing. Girls Write Now is the first organization in the US to combine mentoring and writing instruction within the context of all-girls programming. Since 1998, they’ve provided a supportive environment for more than 3,500 at-risk girls to expand their natural talents, develop independent voices, and build confidence in making healthy choices in school, work and life. One hundred percent of GWN’s seniors graduate and move on to college.
Main photo by Meghan Hickey, portrait and upper left and middle photos by Belathée Photography, upper right photo by Jen Chu
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Garment District
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? The Mentoring Program matches girls with professional women writers for weekly meetings, monthly workshops and public readings each spring. Girls College Bound brings college essay‑writing clinics to girls throughout NYC. Who is your role model or mentor? I was lucky to have three high school English teachers who inspired and pushed me to face my own artistic power. This is how we approach the emerging authors of GWN.
Maya Nussbaum
What motivates you on a daily basis? At base, I’m a community organizer. I feel a responsibility to help others realize their desire to have meaningful creative connections. In turn, our community challenges and sustains me. 119
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Global Fashion Brands’ personal shopping feed as well as the continual discovery of independent brands. Who is your role model or mentor? My role model is Richard Branson because his determination, educated risks and courage are an inspiration. What is your motto or theme song? Never forget where you come from. What place inspires you and why? A family lake house in upstate New York. The silence clears my mind, the scenery inspires me and being by the water relaxes me. A reminder of life outside the city. Kerry Bannigan 120
Global Fashion Brands globalfashionbrands.com, Twitter: @missnolcha
Photos by BelathĂŠe Photography
Personal. Social. Exclusive. Global Fashion Brands is a social, online marketplace connecting savvy shoppers to independent fashion designers and retailers through a personal shopping and discovery platform. They learn your size, interests and price range to filter through your favorite stores, brands and product types to create a truly unique personal shopping feed.
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Glow Gluten Free 800.497.7434 glowglutenfree.com, Twitter: @glowglutenfree
Tasty. Fun. Glowing. Glow Gluten Free is a NYC allergy-friendly treat company created by a mom with celiac disease. They bake all-natural, wholesome, gluten-free goodies in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen using a secret recipe with a garbanzo bean flour blend in place of traditional wheat flour. Glow Gluten Free cookies can be found in Whole Foods Markets and specialty retailers on the East Coast.
Photos by Missy Photography
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Jill Brack
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? We sell four gluten-free cookies: double chocolate, gingersnap, snickerdoodle and, always the best seller, our traditional chocolate chip. People may be surprised to know... My husband and I work together 24/7/365 and we’re still happily married! What or who inspired you to start your business? My remarkable daughter, Stella, has been my inspiration from the start. We really need to name a cookie after her! What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? Kitchen disasters, recipe blunders and cookie carnage were insane before Glow cookies came to be what they are today. 123
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our top two goji berry cookie flavors are goji cherry cacao and goji ginger walnut. People may be surprised to know... Goji berries are considered the “happy berry� because they tend to make you feel good and actually do make people smile! They also happen to be a natural aphrodisiac!
Allison Jagtiani 124
What or who inspired you to start your business? Goji berries are a very magical berry from the Himalayan mountains that are super-healthy and rich in antioxidants. I wanted to create a company that honored this berry for its super powers and help spread the word to children and adults alike in creating a healthier lifestyle.
Goji Gourmet 877.EAT.GOJI (328.4654) gojigourmet.com, Twitter: @GojiGourmet
Photos by Missy Photography
Delicious. Wholesome. Exotic. Born in New York City, Goji Gourmet provides goji-licious, guilt-free gourmet snacks. Their goji berry cookies are 100 percent natural, preservative-free and loaded with antioxidant-rich goji berries (eight times more antioxidants than pomegranate!) and other powerful superfoods. Goji Gourmet cookies are low in calories and carbohydrates but satisfying and delicious for any time of the day! Their motto: “For goodness sake, we love goji!�
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Gotham Organizers 212.866.9493 gothamorganizers.com, Twitter: @GothamOrganizer
Inspiring. Motivating. Life-changing. For more than 10 years, Gotham Organizers has helped New Yorkers make the most of their space, stuff and time, so they can focus on what’s really important in life. They create customized solutions that you can easily maintain and that fit your budget, your style, your life.
Photos by Sofia Negron Photography
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Lisa Zaslow
Q&A What do you like best about owning a business? The serendipity! I’ve had opportunities beyond my dreams—being a corporate spokesperson, doing makeover segments on TV, giving talks and workshops that help many people get organized. Who is your role model or mentor? My grandmother was a milliner who owned two successful hat and bag shops. As a young girl, she showed me what was possible for women entrepreneurs. What place inspires you and why? New York has amazing shops that sell things like marine supplies and restaurant supplies. I get great ideas for storage and organizational solutions for my clients by wandering the streets.
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Main photo by Jared Skolnick, portrait and lower left and middle photos by Erin Leigh, lower right photo by Tracy Ellen Kamens
Grand Cru Classes 646.279.8494 GrandCruClasses.com, Twitter: @GrandCruClasses
Fun. Informative. Passionate. Grand Cru Classes provides fun and informative wine classes and events that unravel the mysteries of wine. From bachelorette parties and bridal showers to birthdays and business meetings, Grand Cru Classes can design the perfect wine event for you. Certified Wine Educator Tracy Ellen Kamens combines her love of wine with her passion for teaching to craft events that educate as well as entertain.
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Tracy Ellen Kamens
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Believe in yourself and follow your dreams even if everyone else thinks you are crazy; you don’t want to ever regret what might have been. Who is your role model or mentor? My role model is Harriet Lembeck, wine educator and writer, and owner of Harriet Lembeck’s Wine & Spirits Program. She embodies the same passion I do and is well respected in our industry. What is your motto or theme song? Life’s too short to drink bad wine, and everything in moderation... including moderation. How do you relax? I relax with a glass of wine, of course.
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What are your most popular products or services? Sewing Basics Class is the most popular by far. We make a pillow and a tote bag; it helps gals conquer fear of the sewing machine. It won’t bite, I promise!
Sarah Grey
What do you like best about owning a business? I like the freedom to try new things and work at my own pace. I also love getting to choose fabric and to curate all of our objects! How do you relax? Sewing club! A nice glass of sauvignon blanc, stitching camaraderie and my latest dress to work on: it’s my idea of heaven.
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Boston
Grey’s Fabric and Notions South End, Boston
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Colorful. Modern. Inspiring. Grey’s is a boutique fabric shop in the South End featuring designer fabrics for clothing, quilting and home decor in a colorful and inviting environment. Forget what you think you know about dusty, old-fashioned sewing stores and your long-repressed nightmares of Home Ec. At Grey’s, you’ll experience a stylish side of sewing that will inspire you to design your wardrobe and your world!
Specialties: Fabric, Sewing Classes and Supplies 450 Harrison Ave, Ste 63, Boston, 617.338.4739 greysfabric.com, facebook.com/greysfabric Twitter: @greysfabric
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Heads Up Hair Salon Natick, Massachusetts Stylish. Creative. Dedicated. Heads Up Hair Salon is located in downtown Natick. It is a busy urban salon in a suburban community. They employ nine senior stylists who are constantly up‑to‑date with current trends in cutting and color. The goal at Heads Up is to provide the best service to all customers and to keep you looking your best.
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Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Cutting, Color, Retexturizing and More By appointment only: 11 Main St, Natick, 508.653.4750 salonheadsup.com
Lola Matarazzo and Lois Haswell
What are your most popular products or services? We use Rusk, Redken and Goldwell color. We sell Rusk, KMS and Moroccanoil products. The Rusk AntiCurl or Coppola Keratin Treatments are popular services at Heads Up. What do you like best about owning a business? Mentoring young stylists to help them develop their talent to become successful behind the chair. What motivates you on a daily basis? We all motivate each other with our individual creativity and enthusiasm for the love of our career.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Hand-poured, beautifully packaged, scented soy candles. People may be surprised to know... The name Helen Julia was inspired by my grandmothers, Helen and Julia! Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? Sunday brunch for a nice earlyafternoon girl chat! How do you spend your free time? With family. My 2-year-old niece is the cutest to watch as she explores.
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What is your indulgence? Shopping at my favorite apparel store for new designs (hopefully during a sale).
Helen Julia New York 718.619.2267 helenjulia.com, Twitter: @helenjuliainc
Photos by Maia Studio Photography
Luxury. Classic. Natural. Helen Julia’s aromatic candle scents are based on simple accords of fragrance notes. Each candle inspires distinct moods, rich in meaning and memories. Scents include: I Do, Prima Donna, Magnolia Bliss, Cashmere Cloud, Chocolate Pear-adise and Terrycloth Robe, to name a few. All of Helen Julia fragrance candles are available in 10.5 oz and 3 oz, along with their individual velvet pouch—perfect for traveling.
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What are your most popular products or services? We build complete wardrobes from basics to the finishing accessories. We also add that one special, must-have piece that a customer has been craving.
Katherine Venzke
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Talk about your idea with people who support you. Find business owners who you admire and trust, and ask if they will chat with you about your endeavor. Get busy! What do you like best about owning a business? Re-creating the entire store every season. I buy four to six months out, which is truly delayed gratification! It’s thrilling when the new fashions come into the store.
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Boston
Helena’s Arlington and Belmont Vibrant. Inspired. Versatile. Helena’s was built on the style philosophy that, with the right help, a beautiful, puttogether look is easy to achieve. Helena’s offers a generous collection of colorful separates chosen for their style, versatility and wearability. In 2008 the boutique received a “Best of” award from Boston Magazine. This spring Helena’s expanded its offerings by opening a second location in Belmont’s Cushing Square.
Photos by SLY Photography
Specialties: Apparel, Accessories and Gifts 397 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, 781.483.3055 453½ Common St, Belmont, 617.484.2550 ilovehelenas.com, Twitter: @HelenasBoutique facebook.com/helenasofarlington
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Her Journey Girls Night Out! We encourage women to try new things, from new food to flying trapeze. Our friendly environment also allows women to connect with one another. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Surround yourself with others who are in line with your vision. Their wisdom and support can certainly take you further than you may go on your own. What do you like best about owning a business? I most enjoy the freedom that comes from making my own decisions. It is also so fulfilling to truly enjoy what I do. Danielle “Miss Journey� Fontus
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Photos by A. Anaiz Photography
Her Journey herjourneymag.com, Twitter: @HerJourneyMag
Exciting. Adventurous. Empowering. Her Journey is dually dedicated to travel and women’s empowerment. It is their mission to expand the reader’s traveling horizon by sharing glimpses of extraordinary travel experiences while also guiding her on her individual journey to discover and fulfill her life’s purpose. The Her Journey Girls social group is on a mission to share the empowered feeling that comes from exploring beyond one’s boundaries.
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Photos by Jen Huang Photography
In Good Company Workplaces 16 W 23rd St, 4th Floor, New York, 646.810.9195 ingoodcompanyworkplaces.com, Twitter: @ingoodcmpny
Innovative. Energetic. Dynamic. In Good Company Workplaces is a collaborative work space that gives women entrepreneurs flexible access to part-time and full-time professional space as well as access to colleagues, collaboration and educational programs that help you build your business. Membership is a wonderful asset to women business owners and aspiring business owners. In Good Company’s aim is to redefine the way women work for themselves and experience entrepreneurship. 140
Q&A People may be surprised to know... We have business owners from almost every industry and our members’ ages range from 25 to 75! We use our flexible work space the same way our members do! Who is your role model or mentor? Adelaide: I have so many people who I love to learn from. Anna Quindlan is one, Terry Gross is another, Jon Stewart is, too. Each have carved out a unique and meaningful role for themselves and made valuable contributions to the social dialogue. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? Amy: For a drink! Although I can never have more than one! Adelaide: I love tapas places (olives and cheese, yum)!
Chelsea
Amy Abrams and Adelaide Lancaster
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Q&A People may be surprised to know... I’ve worked in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. The one aspect they all have in common—people! What or who inspired you to start your business? The changing economy sparked my desire to create spaces for learning and discovery that empower leaders to find their next adventure. Who is your role model or mentor? Among others, I’m inspired by my grandfather for his compassion, work ethic and avid desire for continuous learning. What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? Thinking I could do it all by myself. Soliciting help demonstrates strength and recognition of the talents other people can offer. How do you spend your free time? Exploring different neighborhoods in New York City; spending time with family and friends. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? A fun cafe or wine bar where we can linger, catch up and indulge in tasty treats! Colette Ellis 142
InStep Consulting 646.450.4380 instepconsulting.com, Twitter: @coach_colette
Photos by A. Anaiz Photography, except portrait by Emily DeWan Photography
Dynamic. Holistic. Visionary. InStep Consulting is a nationally recognized coaching and consulting company that helps clients leverage their passion, power and relationships to achieve sustainable results. They have been coaching and training Fortune 500 and nonprofit leaders in effective communication since 1998. They show how to lead your team through change. As an InStep client, you can expect an honest, responsive partner who enhances your learning, lifestyle and legacy!
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What are your most popular products or services? Men love the custom shirts and pants. They are thrilled when they can get high-end apparel that fits them well at a great price. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Don’t give up! There will be bumps in the road. Don’t take things too personally. Learn from your mistakes, and you will get better and see your business grow. Stay confident.
Jennifer Hardock
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Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? Being my own boss which gives me flexibility with my schedule. I love being able to be there for my family while still getting out into the world.
J.Hilburn Jennifer Hardock Boston, Massachusetts Classy. Convenient. Affordable. J.Hilburn, men’s clothier, specializes in beautiful custom shirts, made-to-measure pants, sport coats and suits. Their fine fabrics come from the top Italian mills. Clients can choose their own styles to reflect their personal taste. J.Hilburn also has ready-to-wear items such as cashmere sweaters, performance polos, jeans, neckwear, cufflinks and belts.
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Men’s Clothing 978.697.9102 jenniferhardock.jhilburn.com facebook.com/jhilburnboston.jenniferhardock Twitter: @jenniferhardock
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Jan Consulting Group, LLP 212.933.4128, ljanicki@janconsultinggroup.com janconsultinggroup.com, businessconsultingnow.com, Twitter: @businessplanjcg
Creative. Trusted. Knowledgeable. Jan Consulting Group is a boutique management consulting firm working with entrepreneurs and small-business owners since 1996 and helping them start, grow and sustain their companies. They develop creative business strategies and support business owners in realizing their business vision. They also help clients develop the management, financial and sales infrastructure to support sustainable growth. They are the go-to small-business gurus!
Main photo and portrait by Tanzie Johnson Photography
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Š 2010, The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Business plans for raising capital, strategic planning for growth, outsourced CFO Services, and structuring strategic alliances. People may be surprised to know... We work with any budget and all our solutions are custom-tailored based on the unique client situation. What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? When I became a business owner, I thought my business was consulting and I was only half right. Marketing and sales is the other half of my business. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? Great Jones Spa—their water lounge feels like an urban oasis and mini-vacation. What or who inspired you to start your business? My mom. She gave me the courage to break from the norm of my profession at the time and follow my big business ideas.
Lisa Janicki
Who is your role model or mentor? My mentor on a professional level is my dad, who has been a professional consultant for more than 40 years. My role model as a female entrepreneur is Madonna. 147
Jen Huang Photography 347.323.5736 jenhuangphotography.com, Twitter: @jenhuangphoto
Fresh. Clean. Romantic. Jen Huang approaches wedding photography with a romantic, fine-art sensibility. She is known for her fresh, clean, light-filled images and striking portraits. Her passion for photography is exemplified in her continued dedication to medium-format film and the resulting work has appeared in bridal editorials all over the country.
Photos by Jen Huang Photography
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Jen Huang
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be kind to everyone—it is always appreciated and will make you feel at ease even on the toughest days. Who is your role model or mentor? My family is incredible. Their ability to sacrifice, work hard and dedicate themselves to their passions has always inspired me to be the best that I can be. How do you relax? I try to travel as often as possible, I’d like to eventually see the whole world! What do you CRAVE? Well-crafted objects, for example, an old Hermes typewriter, a wrought iron French campaign bed, a railroad tie dining table, and film cameras they don’t make anymore! 149
Q&A Who is your role model or mentor? Dawn Gantt from Bioelements. Her wealth of aesthetic knowledge is awe-inspiring. My secret role model is Erica Gragg, who founded Escape to Shape. She combines travel, fitness, culture and spa services, and brings her guests to unique locations all over the world. She’s my hero! What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? Bigger isn’t always better. A smaller, more controlled environment allows for better service, more creativity, superior therapists and refined hospitality. What is your indulgence? My favorite indulgences are dinner parties with my close friends and seeing my young children discover new things in life. Jillian Wright
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Upper East Side
Photos by Jen Huang Photography
Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa 22 E 66th St, 2nd Floor, New York, 212.249.2230 jillianwrightclinicalskinspa.com, Twitter: @jwclinicalskin
Innovative. Results-oriented. Down-home. Over the last decade, Jillian Wright based her aesthetic practice on a trinity combining her heart, mind and hands. Jillian believes that successful skin-care practices need this recipe to deliver superior facial and massage treatments. Jillian and her staff offer an array of skin and body therapies that are corrective yet pampering in nature. 151
Jo Laurie
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Custom furniture and artisan-inspired millwork. Complete concept origination including design development and implementation. Hospitality/commercial. Delivery of wholly unique spaces. Who is your role model or mentor? Coco Chanel, who was truly light years ahead of her time in many ways, especially in design and in business. Plus, my grandmother, who said, “Do it... because your generation can!� What do you CRAVE? Opportunities for all women globally, starting with reproductive choices. Clients interested in working with us to push design parameters. Health, happiness and more travel!
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Jo Laurie Design 212.460.9299 jolauriedesign.com, Twitter: @jolauriedesign
Portrait, main and upper middle photos by A. Anaiz Photography, upper left and right photos by Jo Laurie Design
Innovative. Unadulterated. Cosmopolitan. Jo Laurie Design, a multidisciplinary architectural interior design and branding company, has been operating from downtown Manhattan for more than 15 years. Projects range from high-end residential renovations to hospitality and commercial. Turning your vision into reality—within your budget and time frame—is their specialty, and they provide everything from architects to websites. JLD has an extensive portfolio of international award-winning projects.
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Photos by A. Anaiz Photography
Joan Hornig
Philanthropy is Beautiful® 212.427.6216 joanhornig.com
Philanthropic. Empowering. Effective. Joan Hornig Philanthropy is Beautiful® is designed to make a statement—and a difference. Merging women’s passions for jewelry and giving back, the company’s unique model leverages the “power of the purse.” With 100% of the profit on every sale donated to the charity of the purchaser’s choice, women are empowered to use beauty and fashion for the benefit of others. Support has been provided to hundreds of nonprofits throughout the US and abroad. Launched by Bergdorf Goodman and found through other fine retailers across the country. 154
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Believe in yourself and your power to realize your vision. Work with young, passionate and talented people. Be scrappy and utilize all the advantages and cost savings provided by technology. What do you like best about owning a business? Freedom to set standards and direction of the business. Working with people I respect and enjoy. Realizing my dream of giving away all of the profits to charity.
Joan Hornig
Who is your role model or mentor? In addition to my family, Paul Newman who pointed the way to combine consumer products with philanthropy and Oprah who illustrates that a woman can move mountains regardless of modest beginnings.
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Joulebody 917.612.5827 joulebody.com, Twitter: @joulebody
Energetic. Fresh. Organic. Joulebody is a lifestyle management program designed for new beginnings in health and weight. Joulebody’s programs are for urban warriors juggling professional and home life on a daily basis and who therefore can’t find time for personal wellness. Joulebody has grown by adding an additional service/product, The Kickstart Diet, which is a vegan, food-cleansing meal replacement program that can be a short commitment starting from three days up to 21 days.
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
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Q&A What do you like best about owning a business? I get to do what I really love instead of doing what I have to do to get a paycheck. I come to work every day because I want to. Who is your role model or mentor? My husband is my role model. He keeps his cool. He is there for anyone who needs him. He is honest and believes in hard work. How do you relax? I relax by listening to music and drinking wine while cooking food. I love that combo. Even if it’s only for me.
Yvette Rose
What place inspires you and why? The place that most inspires me is Coney Island. I never want to go back, yet I know it is the place that helped mold me into who I am. 157
Photos by Kat Thek, except portrait by Scott Jones
Journelle 3 E 17th St, New York, 212.255.7802 125 Mercer St, New York, 212.255.7803 journelle.com, Twitter: @clairejournelle, @shopjournelle
Elegant. Warm. Zen. Journelle is a lingerie concept for modern women, with two stores in New York City and a third in Miami Beach. Taking inspiration from the archaic French word journellement, which means “daily,� owner Claire Chambers and the Journelle team provide a tastefully curated selection of lingerie from top brands, expert assistance and a beautiful environment.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Lingerie from top brands such as Chantelle, Elle Macpherson Intimates, Hanky Panky, Eberjey, La Perla and many more. What do you like best about owning a business? Choosing the team of people I get to work with. What motivates you on a daily basis? Seeing the company grow and helping women feel great about themselves.
What do you CRAVE? Happiness.
Flatiron
Claire Chambers
SoHo
What place inspires you and why? Strangely, I’m always inspired on airplanes. I’m up in the air, no one can reach me and I suddenly think of all these ideas!
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What are your most popular products or services? Pilates lessons for injury prevention and rehabilitation are in demand because people want to trust their body with a licensed health professional. Barre classes are also hot right now! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be dedicated and balanced. Maintaining the health of your own mind, body,and spirit is essential to sustaining success.
Kristen Reynolds, PT, DPT, PMA-CPT
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Boston
Who is your role model or mentor? Kelley Allardi, co-owner of Active Motion Physical Therapy, introduced me to Pilates. She is intelligent, adored by patients, a devoted mother, incredibly thoughtful, and makes it look effortless.
k pilates rehab Boston, Massachusetts Centering. Restorative. Compassionate. Former dancer and gymnast turned Doctor of Physical Therapy and PMA 速 Certified Pilates Teacher brings a chic, refreshing presence to orthopedics and sports medicine. Kristen Reynolds complements sharp diagnostic skills by integrating manual therapy with classical Pilates to provide an alternative therapeutic approach to patients. Clients also opt for small group training, such as her killer, unparalleled barre method that reforms bodies like no other.
Specialties: Pilates kpilatesrehab.com facebook.com/kristenpilatesrehab Twitter: @kpilatesrehab
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Photos by A. Anaiz Photography
Karen Litzy, MSPT Physical Therapist 347.565.5578 karenlitzy.com, Twitter: @karenlitzynyc
Healthy Wealthy & Smart radio show talkingalternative.com
Holistic. Hands-on. Compassionate. Karen Litzy is a licensed physical therapist who specializes in private home/ office–based PT. She knows that New Yorkers have busy schedules and strives to make PT more convenient by coming to them. Her hands-on approach to patient care, along with careful exercise prescription, has resulted in outstanding results for her patients. She treats the person, not just the diagnosis. 162
Karen Litzy, MSPT
Q&A What do you like best about owning a business? I love being able to take my ideas and turn them into real results of which I can be proud. I also love the freedom of setting my own schedule! What motivates you on a daily basis? My patients. Knowing that I can make a positive difference not only in their health but in their overall lives is a very powerful motivator. What place inspires you and why? My monthly women’s entrepreneurial group meeting. I always leave feeling positive and motivated to push forward with my ideas and they give me the confidence to execute them!
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? My 7 Layers of Love速 charms, rings and KK logo drop charms. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Start a business with a product or service that you genuinely respect, admire and love. What motivates you on a daily basis? Knowing that women shine from the inside and out when they don jewels. What is your motto or theme song? Love the life you live and live the life you love.
Katrina Kelly
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What place inspires you and why? Wherever I am inspires me. To me, inspiration is a state of mind that I create.
Photos by Antfarm Photography, except portrait by Adriano Fagundes
Katrina Kelly Jewelry 917.331.8619 katrinakellyjewelry.com, Twitter: @katrinakelly
Beautiful. Empowering. Enduring. Katrina Kelly Jewelry is an heirloom-influenced collection that fuses cultures and combines fine intricate design with an old-world feel. The launch of her 7 Layers of LoveŽ Collection took the company to another level and became a top seller for brides. Each piece is a timeless expression of the wearer’s deepest feelings and most heartfelt sentiments. 165
Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken and Rothwell Custom Catering Salem, Massachusetts Home-cooked. Fast. Driven. Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken started with an idea to provide great home-cooked foods that were natural and affordable. Catering was the primary focus early in the business, and then expanding on that to bring quality food to people’s own kitchens. Rothwell Catering is still a thriving business providing custom menus for clients who want something special for their events. Customer service and high‑quality food are the driving forces behind every catered event or pie sold.
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Boston
Photos by Renee Trichilo
Specialties: Chicken Pot Pies and Full-service Catering 130 North St, Salem 978.744.6838, 978.825.0200 rothwellcuisine.net
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be prepared to work and work some more! Being your own boss takes more discipline than working for anyone else. What do you like best about owning a business? I like the freedom it gives me to make my own decisions, to step out of the nine‑to-five box and do what I love to do.
Cris Ingemi
Who is your role model or mentor? I have to say my grandmother was my role model; she was the strongest woman I have ever known. She was a forward thinker and one of the best cooks I ever met! She instilled in me a strong work ethic and an even stronger sense of self-worth.
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Photos by Savas Studios
Koo de Kir Beacon Hill, Boston Dedicated. Creative. Urban. Koo de Kir provides comprehensive design services to commercial and residential clients locally, nationally and internationally. The studio’s widely editorialized style is described as modern, casually elegant, classic and fresh. From entire home design to luxury retail consulting, Koo de Kir’s team of designers, architects and design professionals works hard to translate a vision into a designed and built environment.
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Believe in your intuition and find a mentor for when you don’t. What do you like best about owning a business? I love knowing that I can change my course at any moment at my own pace and with my own resources. What motivates you on a daily basis? I like the process of design, and I love seeing the progress from ideas to drawings to built spaces. It’s great to see ideas come to life.
Kristine Irving
How do you relax? Cooking, gardening and hanging out at home. Being at home really centers me when things get crazy. I am a home body.
Specialties: Commercial and Residential Interior Design By appointment only: 45 River St, Boston, 617.723.8111 koodekir.com, Twitter: @koodekir
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Kristina Crestin Design Boston, Massachusetts Fresh. Intuitive. Thoughtful. Kristina Crestin Design specializes in high-end residential design, working with clients in New England and beyond. As a “Rising Star of Design� per Boston Common Magazine, Kristina begins the design process by listening to the story each client wants to tell with his or her space and then taking that thread and running with it. This way, each project develops with a unique vision and focus.
Specialty: Interior Design 978.890.7186, kristinacrestindesign.com eatsleepbreatheinteriordesign.com facebook.com/StudioKCKristinaCrestinDesign Twitter: @KristinaCrestin
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Read a lot, ask questions, and then in the end, trust your instincts! What do you like best about owning a business? Touching all aspects of running a business: developing the branding, working with clients, networking and even yes, bookkeeping. What motivates you on a daily basis? My clients. They put a lot of trust in us to help guide them in the right direction and oversee the execution.
Kristina Crestin
How do you relax? Wandering through architectural salvage warehouses, playing ball with my husband and our pup Cooper and reading, when I can find the time.
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What are your most popular products or services? We specialize in fee-only financial planning for young professional couples and individuals. We offer several customizable service plans through private meetings or interactive workshops. What do you like best about owning a business? I love the flexibility to change the world the way I desire, according to the timeline that makes sense for me. I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission to shine!
Lisa J.B. Peterson, CFP(R)
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Boston
What motivates you on a daily basis? There is nothing like the thrill of presenting clients with a financial plan that will truly transform them and allow them to live with greater purpose.
Lantern Financial, LLC Boston, Massachusetts Creative. Empowering. Transformative. Lantern Financial is a financial planning firm exclusively dedicated to helping young professionals reach their dreams and helping couples talk about money in their relationships. Lantern believes that people can have the life they truly desire if they surround themselves with that which they love and eliminate that which they do not value.
Photos by Jessica Pegg Photography
Specialties: Financial Planning and Counseling 617.482.2700, lantern-financial.com facebook.com/LanternFinancialLLC, Twitter: @lisalantern
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? It isn’t going to be a gravy train, especially at the beginning; you may have to work for less knowing that the future you’re working toward holds something bigger. What do you like best about owning a business? I am blazing my own trail and following my personal vision. I surround myself with experts in all fields to help me on my journey toward success. What do you CRAVE? Chocolate on a regular basis, and Italian food! Above all I crave the one-on-one time spent unwinding with my son—it both grounds me and recharges me at once! Laura Geller
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Upper East Side
Photos courtesy of Laura Geller Makeup
Laura Geller Makeup 1044 Lexington Ave, New York, 212.570.5477 laurageller.com, Twitter: @laurageller
Ingenious. Fun. Timeless. In 1993, Laura opened Laura Geller Makeup Studios on New York City’s Upper East Side. The purpose was to teach women the how-to of cosmetics. Her handson, multitasking approach has allowed her to demystify makeup for all women. She provides tools needed to create both basic and breathtaking looks. The studio has become a “living laboratory” and showcase for her eponymous line of cosmetics. 175
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? The Sexy Seductress has been a winner right out of the gate. Followed by the Moonstone Choker. Who is your role model or mentor? My grandmother. She has been an incredibly supportive person who has guided me all my life. Lauren St. Julian is dedicated to her—an amazing woman. How do you relax? Give me a great book or foreign film and I can zone out. On a bad day, a musical lifts my spirits and gives me my second wind.
Tanya Brown 176
Lauren St. Julian By appointment only: 108 14th St, Ste 1 A, Hoboken laurenstjulian.com, single-bliss.com, Twitter: @Singledashbliss
Photos by Tracy Toler
Beautiful. Stunning. Classic. Tanya Brown found that the styles in the stores all looked the same so she started designing pieces that she wanted to wear. From chunky cocktail rings to beautiful necklaces that look fabulous with a white button-down shirt and jeans as well as rock (no pun intended) a little black dress. At first filling a void for pieces that Tanya could not find, the collection has evolved into a beautiful line that others covet as well. Tanya achieves her goals while honoring her grandmother, who is aptly named Lauren St. Julian, in creating the line she loves.
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Liz Lange Maternity Located at Target stores nationwide lizlange.com
Completely Me by Liz Lange fashion.hsn.com
Shopafrolic.com shopafrolic.com, Twitter: @Shopafrolic
Innovative. Trend-setting. Sophisticated. In 1997, Liz Lange created Liz Lange Maternity, changing forever the face of maternity fashions. In 2007, after dressing every major pregnant celebrity, forging licensing deals with Nike and Target (Liz Lange for Target is the exclusive maternity department at all Target locations), Lange sold her business though she continues on as the face of the brand. Last year her non-maternity clothing collection, Completely Me by Liz Lange, debuted on HSN, and she co-founded the popular woman’s shopping site, Shopafrolic.com. 178
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? You almost have to cover your ears to shut out all the negativity and naysayers. Believe in yourself no matter what, because it’s hard to be an entrepreneur. What is your favorite part about owning a small business? I feel so lucky to love what I do. I work very hard, I’m very invested emotionally and I really care about my work. And, as a mother, I feel so fortunate that my job allows flexibility.
Liz Lange
Who is your role model or mentor? There are so many women who I look up to. Mary Wells Lawrence, an important figure in advertising, is a great example, as is Estée Lauder. There are a few well‑known businessmen who motivate me: Phil Knight, Howard Schultz and Tony Hsieh.
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Photos by William Brinson, except portrait by A. Anaiz Photography
LuxuryMonograms.com LuxuryMonograms.com, Melanie@LuxuryMonograms.com
Playful. Sophisticated. Personalized. Luxury Monograms is an online store that allows you to create customized contemporary home decor items and bags. You select your product, fabric and monogram style to create the ultimate personalized piece! Choose from throw pillows, place mats and bags made from fabrics such as boldly colored chevrons, ikats, animal prints, stripes and florals. These are monogrammed pieces for a new generation.
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Melanie Duncan
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our custom throw pillows and bags are very popular. However, brides love our place mats and napkins in their new homes. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Pace yourself. Start small and get your idea out there so that you can invest in your business as you grow, instead of getting in over your head. What is your motto or theme song? “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” —George Bernard Shaw What place inspires you and why? New York City—because every person and place has such an incredible story, and by living here you get to become a part of it.
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What are your most popular products or services? We specialize in custom gift baskets, stylish jewelry, handbags, clothing, stationery, frames, candles, gourmet goods and wine-themed gifts. We feature several local artists. We also offer complimentary gift wrap! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be prepared to work harder than you ever have for anyone else. But the best part is... the success you find is all yours.
Liz White
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Boston
What motivates you? Travel... even if it’s local. Exploring new places sparks my creativity. You never know where you’ll find inspiration.
Mason & Madison Middleton, Massachusetts Upscale. Exclusive. Inspired. Mason & Madison offers a refreshing departure from the usual gift shop experience: it’s a boutique—stocked with an ever-changing selection of beautiful and unique gifts for every occasion—devoted entirely to the best products and exceptional service. In three years, it has quickly established itself as a premier gift retailer, featured in multiple magazines and recently chosen as one of the “Top 25 Gifted Retailers” in the country.
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Custom Gift Baskets 106 S Main St, Middleton, 978.777.8883 masonandmadison.com facebook.com/masonandmadison Twitter: @masonandmadison
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Photo by Soul Focus Photography
“The best part of owning my business is the freedom. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” —Liz White, Mason & Madison
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Mastiha was the first natural chewing gum, so our gums are the most popular. They prevent plaque and gingivitis! People may be surprised to know... Chios Mastiha kills H. pylori bacteria and combats acid reflux, ulcers and Crohn’s disease. What or who inspired you to start your business? We were inspired by our deep love for our roots and heritage. Chios Mastiha has an amazing history and the shops are a brilliant way of modernizing this ancient super-resin while telling its story. Having grown up with Mastiha, our parents having cultivated it themselves, we wanted to be a part of it! Kalliopi and Artemis Kohas
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Lower East Side
Photos by Tracy Toler
mastihashop 145 Orchard St, New York, 212.253.0895 mastihashopny.com, Twitter: @mastihashopny, info@mastihashopny.com
Natural. Healthy. Unique. mastihashop NY is the first retail outpost of the official shops of the Chios Mastiha Growers Association. They feature natural products from the eastern Mediterranean, most with Chios Mastiha—an antibacterial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory resin with more than 300 known uses. A fair-trade business based on an ancient renewable sustainable resource, mastihashop aims to unite people in their quest for healthy lifestyles and well-being. 187
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? We help brides in styling all aspects of their wedding day: from finding “theâ€? dress and all the right accessories to developing chic dĂŠcor details that will have friends and family swooning. What or who inspired you to start your business? Shortly after my own New York wedding, I began thinking about what it means to be a city bride. I had searched for an unbiased, style-minded resource. When my search came up short, I set out to create one.
Jacqueline Weppner
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What place inspires you and why? Paris. The art, the culture, the lifestyle of its people... Parisians live to enjoy life and take such pleasure in little, special details. I find that wonderfully inspiring.
Upper West Side
Main photo and portrait by Missy Photography, lower left and middle photos by Sofia Negron Photography, lower right photo by Elizabeth Messina
Merci New York 60 W 75th St, Ste 5F, New York mercinewyork.com, Twitter: @MerciNYC
Chic. Stylish. Citified. Merci New York is a Manhattan-based boutique fashion and event styling service that infuses fêtes, photo shoots, soirees and special occasions with chic details worthy of a magazine tear sheet. While they’ve been the style‑minds behind beauty industry pop‑up shops and high‑fashion photo shoots, Merci New York also focuses on providing “chic and stylish inspiration for the busy city bride™”—unique services that channel their experiences in the fashion industry and translate them into a high-style NYC bride’s big day. 189
Danielle Corbin Jaime and Ajanee Alston
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our most popular services are Bio Sculpture Gel manicures, Minx nail services and Deborah Lippmann Polish. What do you like best about owning a business? Interacting with clients is amazing! By the end of each service, we feel like we’ve made a new friend. Who is your role model or mentor? Danielle: Ajanee’s constant encouragement is why we started this business together. Also, my husband, Michael, and family and friends who constantly reminded us, “This is your passion; do it.” What do you CRAVE? Happiness, a thriving business and love from family and friends.
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Nail Taxi NYC 516.476.1696 nailtaxinyc.com, Twitter: @nailtaxinyc
Photos by E. Leigh Photography
Therapeutic. Tranquil. Pampering. Nail Taxi NYC is a mobile nail boutique catering to the client who believes that spa services are a necessity, not a luxury. Clients can incorporate spa services into their busy schedules and celebrations. A relaxing spa manicure and pedicure relieves stress, relaxes tense muscles and offers the opportunity to temporarily escape the chaos of multitasking day-to-day routines.
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NewlyWish 212.348.6115 NewlyWish.com, Twitter: @NewlyWish
Innovative. Personalized. Convenient. NewlyWish is the cure to the common wedding registry. They offer a collection of unique stores and stylish brands, plus a range of nontraditional and experience gift options, allowing engaged couples to create gift registries that truly reflect their personal styles. Plus, they have wonderful ideas for wedding party gifts and favors, so you can share the love with all of your family and friends.
Main photo by Amanda Buzard, portrait by Sofia Negron Photography, upper right photo by Karen Wise
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Kitchen and dinnerware are the most common gifts couples include in their registries; however, many also include experience gifts, with cooking classes and dancing lessons the most popular. What do you like best about owning a business? The personal connection and commitment to customers and sense of accomplishment when things go right. Ultimately, you are responsible for the success of your company and the livelihoods of employees.
Amanda Allen
What motivates you on a daily basis? Obviously, the overall success of the company, but also keeping an eye on near-term goals and taking things one step at a time. Small accomplishments add up to larger ones! 193
Photos by Belathée Photography
The Nic Studio 646.470.1642 thenicstudio.com, Twitter: @nicstudio
Stylish. Elegant. Quirky. The Nic Studio specializes in stationery and prints, characterized by signature illustrations from Nicole Block. With three branches under one roof—NicEvents for custom stationery, NicNotes for notecards or ready-to-order invitations, and NicIllustration for prints and custom artwork—The Nic Studio has you covered. Custom corporate design also available.
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Nicole Block
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Custom wedding invitations, ready‑to‑order bridal collection, private commissioned artwork, and corporate invitations and identity design. Who is your role model or mentor? I don’t have just one. I have met and continue to meet so many women in the same boat as me. They always inspire me and propel me forward. What is your motto or theme song? Just keep swimming. What do you CRAVE? Art. Chocolate. Wine. A great dinner out with my husband. A hug and kiss from my daughter. Praise from my mom. And good friends and clients to keep me going.
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NYC Faces 868 Metropolitan Ave 2B, Brooklyn, 212.203.5277 nycfaces.net, Twitter: @nycfaces
Approachable. Luxurious. Attentive. Anni Bruno founded NYC Faces in 2005. She is an on-location, fully freelance makeup artist. She specializes in bridal work but has experience designing makeup for all occasions, such as design for theater and film, and fashion work. Her home base is her studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (aka “The Makeup Loft�), but she is available to travel worldwide.
Main and upper middle photos by Sofia Negron Photography, portrait and upper right photos by Stefan Heinich, upper left photo by Lauren Gabrielle
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Q&A Williamsburg
What are your most popular products or services? Airbrush makeup and individual false eyelashes—they’re gorgeous and natural looking. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Learn the art of self-promotion! Don’t hesitate to really put yourself out there and meet as many people as you can in your field. Doors will open! What motivates you on a daily basis? Knowing that every day I’m connecting with people, making them feel good about themselves and improving their confidence.
Anni Bruno
What is your motto or theme song? Motto: “Committed to the Art of Pretty.”
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Sotiria Krikelis
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our debut product is called Relax Missy; it’s the ultimate foldable ballet flat. The designer followers can now wear their sky-high heels and have foldable flats on hand to go from blisters to bliss. Who is your role model or mentor? All women who strive for something better in life and have the ambition to make it happen. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? Where else but fabulous Las Vegas! There isn’t any other place like it.
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Photos by E. Leigh Photography
One Life, Live-It, Inc. relaxmissy.com, Twitter: @RelaxMissy
Trendy. Sophisticated. Innovative. One Life, Live-It, Inc., is a fashion and accessory-minded solutions company catering to the “fashionista frustrations” that plague today’s style-conscious woman. Taking its first, fashionable step, Relax Missy foldable ballet flats provide double-duty fashion for stiletto-loving missys. They’re sure to be the ultimate wardrobe staple. Comfy couture never looked so good!
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The Organized Wardrobe dress with purpose Boston, Massachusetts Sophisticated. Resourceful. Inspiring. The Organized Wardrobe offers a variety of services to help you revive your wardrobe and discover your style. Services include closet edits, wardrobe consulting, personal shopping and group presentations. Their mantra: life is challenging, but we have to get dressed!
Specialties: Wardrobe Consulting, Personal Shopping 617.947.0573 TheOrganizedWardrobe.com facebook.com/TheOrganizedWardrobe Twitter: @Doreen.Dove
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? Closet edits and wardrobe discoveries! Step one toward transformation is enabling the client to stop thinking something is wrong with her body and recognizing instead that something is wrong with her clothing! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Don’t delay: do it today and always remember that you are the brand!
Doreen Dove
What do you like best about owning a business? Being the owner comes with the privilege of being able to create and refine all of those wonderful ideas that you have stockpiled over a lifetime. 201
Q&A People may be surprised to know... I work really well under stress or in a time crunch. I never stop multitasking. What or who inspired you to start your business? First and foremost my creativity, but also working with large families in the past with a lot of household possessions gave way to my obsession with “ridding the world of clutter.� Who is your role model or mentor? Having passed on their hard-working, never-slow-down business nature to me, my parents are my role models. No matter where I choose to go or what I choose to do, I always have their love and support.
Juli Oliver 202
What is your indulgence? Cheese, chocolate, and being outdoors in the sun!
OrganizeNY 315.559.4845 organizeny.com, Twitter: @OrganizeNY
Photos by Missy Photography
Essential. Creative. Efficient. Working with families, small businesses and home offices, owner Juli Oliver solves organizing dilemmas from Washington Heights to Beijing, all while maintaining a loyal NYC customer base. OrganizeNY offers assistance to clients who need help with household clutter, paper management, relocation, and countless other personal-assistant services to achieve balance, success and peace of mind!
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Pawfect Day 16 W 23rd St, 4th Floor, New York, 917.456.0330 pawfectday.com, Twitter: @PawfectDay
Personal. Reliable. Professional. Bonded and insured, Pawfect Day tailors to you and your pet’s needs with high‑quality attention to detail. As pet owners themselves, they know the importance of finding a trusted pet caregiver. They believe that pets are family and should be treated accordingly. When initiating services with Pawfect Day, you become part of their family. Contact them for a complimentary consultation and mention CRAVE for a discount.
Photos by Tanzie Johnson Photography
Q&A People may be surprised to know... My first rescue was a chicken. As a child, I found a dirty, rain-soaked chicken on the streets of Washington Heights and brought him home. In spite of coming home to a pearly white chicken in a fish tank, my mother was not too pleased.
How do you spend your free time? Going to animal rescue socials, fundraising walks and riding my bike by the East River. What is your indulgence? Smoothies—can’t get enough of them. My personal favorite is strawberry, banana and pineapple with coconut flakes! What do you CRAVE? In business? In life? I crave finding daily fulfillment in all I do in the midst of the daily hustle and bustle of NYC.
Flatiron
Jacqueline Rivera
Who is your role model or mentor? Judy Josey. She mentored me as a freshman in college and has always believed in me. She is truly an inspiration and has taught me strength and perseverance. We have kept in touch ever since and she is my second mom.
Person + Killian Photography Back Bay, Boston Unobtrusive. Fun. Perfectionist. Person + Killian Photography is a go-to duo for the elite clientele in Boston. Lead photographers Jill and Lauren are known for their delicate photojournalism, quick turnaround time and stellar reputation. P+K often shoot from atypical angles and add extra jolts of color so that every image pops off the page. Their boutique style studio is located on Newbury Street.
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Boston
Photos by Person + Killian Photography
Specialty: Wedding and Event Photography 251 Newbury St, Boston 617.236.1662 personkillian.com facebook.com/PersonKillian Twitter: @PersonKillian
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Follow your bliss! Do what makes you happy. If you bring something unique and good to the table, people will be interested in you and will come back for more!
Lauren Killian and Jill Person
What motivates you on a daily basis? Never feeling dormant. We are constantly motivated to work harder each day and to reflect on what we can do to make our work better. What do you CRAVE? Happiness, success and the feeling that our work will be a lifelong treasure to so many people for many generations.
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Photo by Person + Killian Photography
“Owning a business is rewarding. It is a really powerful feeling when you can say... ‘I made this happen for myself.’” —Lauren Killian and Jill Person, Person + Killian Photography
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Trust your gut. Do what you love, and go for it.
Tracy Cranley
What motivates you on a daily basis? When customers tell me how much they love Pine Straw. Their approval of and appreciation for the overall feel of the store to the merchandise motivate me. What is your motto or theme song? Live. Give. Celebrate. What place inspires you and why? I love Paris for its culture and endless inspiration. The people, the shopping, the buildings all inspire me every time I’m there.
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Boston
Pine Straw Metrowest, Wellesley
Photos by Soul Focus Photography, except portrait by Savas Studios
Inviting. Warm. Inspirational. Pine Straw features tabletop and home decor, personal gifts and accessories, as well as women’s apparel. The newly expanded shop, which opened in 2011, stemmed from the need for that “go-to” store, offering a little bit of everything for every occasion with a reasonable price. Whether you’re hosting a party or in need of a great gift, Pine Straw has something for everyone.
Specialties: Tabletop and Home Decor, Gifts, Women’s Apparel 466 Washington St, Wellesley, 781.235.1844 pinestrawshopwellesley.com Twitter: @pinestrawgirl
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Q&A Who is your role model or mentor? All the other small business owners making things happen for themselves and their businesses and, of course, my mother who taught me how to stitch! What motivates you on a daily basis? The opportunity that starting this business has afforded me to inspire people to be creative, try something new and feel good about something they have made. What is your motto or theme song? “We do not remember days, we remember the moments.” —Cesare Pavese
Rachel Low 212
How do you relax? Going for walks with my puppy, Molly, taking yoga, reading and exploring all the fun and interesting design and creative‑driven websites and blogs out there.
Pins & Needles 1045 Lexington Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, 212.535.6222 pinsandneedlesnyc.com, Twitter: @startstitching
Photos by A. Anaiz Photography
Upper East Side
Handmade. Modern. Inspiring. Pins & Needles (P&N) is a sewing, fabric crafts and needlework shop located on the Upper East Side of NYC. This gem of a store offers everything from fun and unique fabric for fashion, home decor and craft sewing to fabulous painted needlepoint canvases and supplies. What’s more, P&N offers private and group lessons, classes and workshops on all kinds of stitching.
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What are your most popular products or services? Start-to-finish planning for outdoor athletic events; bike rides and 5Ks; galas and conferences. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Tell every single person that you know and meet about your plans. You never know who may need your services down the road.
Jennifer Saphier Whitman and Michelle Coury Harris
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Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? We love that you see the direct results from all the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears that you put into your own business.
Plum Productions Boston, Massachusetts
Upper-left and lower-right photos by Soul Focus Photography, lower-left photo by Rick Bern Photography
Strategic. Resourceful. Detailed. Plum Productions is a full-service event production and cause marketing firm. Their services include initial event concept, project management, event-day completion and venue management. They can work alongside your staff or take on all of the planning, leaving your team free to focus on their primary roles.
Specialties: Event Productions, Cause Marketing, and Fund-Raising 617.416.0013, plumproductionsinc.com, Twitter: @PlumBoston
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Photos by Jen Huang Photography
Poppies & Posies
floral and event design By appointment only: 153 Roebling St, Ste 4E, Brooklyn, 347.709.0762 poppiesandposiesevents.com, poppiesandposiesevents.blogspot.com, Twitter: @poppiesposies
Stylish. Unique. Vibrant. Poppies & Posies is a boutique floral and event design firm based in New York City. Every detail of their fabulous fetes are meticulously designed and, whenever possible, handcrafted. Their arrangements are inspired by the organic movement and composition of the country gardens that both girls spent sunny summer days in as children. They love what they do and hope you will too!
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Upper West Side
Q&A What or who inspired you to start your business? Our families both inspired us to start our business. Sierra’s mother is a successful small-business owner and Juliet’s father was an avid gardener. They’ve both influenced our lives greatly. Who is your role model or mentor? Jacqueline Kennedy. Her style is timeless. How do you spend your free time? We try to take advantage of this fabulous city we live in. There are countless parks, cafés, museums and restaurants to keep us busy. We adore this new Upper West Side restaurant, Recipe, and keep going back for their delicious cocktails and rustic chic atmosphere. Juliet Totten and Sierra Yaun
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Get tapped into a supportive community of like-minded people, prepare yourself to wear a lot of hats and learn when to delegate. What do you like best about owning a business? Freedom to adapt and create as needed. The way it pushes you beyond what you thought you were capable of. The creative results and lessons we get from a good challenge. What motivates you on a daily basis? Creating things. Our amazing team. The possibility of magnificent developments! Melissa Wildstein, Katie Hellmuth Martin and Sabina Ptacin
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What do you CRAVE? Happiness, inner peace and good coffee. Others to feel the buzz entrepreneurship brings!
Main, lower left and middle photos by Amanda Buzard, portrait by Belathée Photography, lower right photo by Ag Apparel
‘PRENEUR preneur.net, Twitter: @preneuring
Forward-thinking. Strong. Collaborative. ‘PRENEUR showcases and offers educational resources and a community for entrepreneurs. Whether in person or online, ‘PRENEUR is your connection to others you can turn to for advice, education, collaborations, referrals, partnerships and even the occasional commiseration. The ‘PRENEUR team and community is full of constant connectors, creators of “aha” moments, cheerleaders whether you’re up or down, and supporters who empower you daily via membership tools and benefits.
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Main photo by Doug Ross, portrait and lower left and middle photos by Annelize Bester | THUTO
pūr~lisse beauty 310.430.8989 purlisse.com, Twitter: @purlisse
Beautiful. Graceful. Scientific. pūr~lisse is a cosmeceutical solution for sensitive skin and age prevention inspired by Jennifer Yen’s grandmother’s Chinese beauty wisdom and advanced skin science. pūr~lisse’s scientifically proven ingredients make up the Lotus Lupine 5 Complex (blue lotus, white tea, lupine peptides, sea silk, soy protein), which offers superior anti-aging properties. All pūr~lisse products are free of parabens, petrochemicals, phathalates and animal by-products, synthetic colors and fragrance. 220
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Have passion and love what you do. This is the only way you will have the energy and stamina for the challenges and unexpected obstacles of starting a new business. What do you like best about owning a business? Doing what I love and creating amazing skincare products for people. Who is your role model or mentor? Women like Madame C. J. Walker, Hillary Clinton, Cristina Carlino and my mother. All of them are strong, smart, wise, driven and have defied the odds.
Jennifer Yen
What is your motto or theme song? “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.� —Johan Wolfgang von Goethe
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Chocolate chip cookie mix. What or who inspired you to start your business? I was fed up with all the unhealthy baking choices on the market and wanted to provide a nutritious, tasty alternative. Who is your role model or mentor? All the other small, young, conscious companies who are helping to make a difference in the healthy food movement. What is your indulgence? Traveling, eating at farm-to-table restaurants and sleeping in.
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purely elizabeth 646.330.5825 purelyelizabeth.com, Twitter: @purelyelizabeth
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
Pure. Healthy. Real. Purely elizabeth makes delicious gourmet baking mixes, using the highest-quality natural and organic ingredients, loaded with health benefits and free of the bad stuff (sugar, dairy, wheat or gluten). Just pure and honest. Good for you and the planet!
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Bryn Taylor
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Closet cleaning and wardrobe revamping for women over 40—both one-onone and through helpful online tips. What do you like best about owning a business? I have to answer to myself at the end of the day, which makes me work the hardest but also reaps the most satisfaction. Who is your role model or mentor? My smart and stylish mother who’s incredibly candid about the issues she’s faced after 40. She is the inspiration behind The Re-Stylist. What do you CRAVE? I crave helping women feel confident through a simple change of clothes. It can do wonders!
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Photos by E. Leigh Photography
The Re-Stylist therestylist.com, 973.979.4771, Twitter: @TheReStylist
Chic. Creative. Empowering. The Re-Stylist is a personal styling service and website devoted entirely to the fashion needs of women over 40. The Re-Stylist offers unique, practical advice either face-to-face with professional stylist, Bryn Taylor, or via the web with helpful tips on everything from how to find the right pair of jeans to what shoes to wear to your daughter’s wedding.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? One-on-one nutrition counseling, supermarket tours and pantry/ kitchen makeovers. People may be surprised to know... I eat chocolate every day! What or who inspired you to start your business? My family and my previous experiences working for other companies. I have tons of ideas, now I can execute them. Who is your role model or mentor? My sister, who has been a successful business owner for over five years and my best friend for over 30! Amy W. Shapiro MS, RD, CDN 226
What is your indulgence? Chocolate, wine and shopping!
Real Nutrition NYC 16 W 23rd St, 4th Floor, New York, 646.269.8205 realnutritionnyc.com, Twitter: @RealNutritionNY
Photos by Al Green
Chelsea
Realistic. Supportive. Effective. Real Nutrition NYC solves the nutritional challenges served up by everyday life. Whether you want to lose weight, treat a medical condition, boost your physical performance and fitness levels, or learn how to make healthier food choices, they will help you meet and maintain your individual goals through realistic solutions designed for your lifestyle. Lively and interactive corporate wellness and media events are also scheduled regularly. Real Nutrition NYC’s motto: “Real food. Real life. Real solutions.”
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Photos by Barbie Hull Photography, except main photo by Baydra Rutledge
Rebecca Luke Style 646.688.5846 rebeccalukestyleblog.com, Twitter: @rebeccaluke
les Egoistes Creative Services 646.688.5846 lesegoistes.com
Relevant. Stylish. Perceptive. Rebecca Luke founded les Egoistes in 2000 and Rebecca Luke Style in 2008. Les Egoistes focuses their creative services on anything requiring an image. A stylist, costume designer and personal image consultant, Rebecca speaks internationally on sustainable fashion and building a wardrobe. She is a published author and blogs about fashion and lifestyle. 228
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Personal styling and closet consultations. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do your research and be willing to be flexible as you develop your concepts. Who is your role model or mentor? Coco Chanel. What is your biggest fear? Ill-fitting clothing. What is your motto or theme song? “It’s better to be looked over than overlooked.”—Mae West
Rebecca Luke
What place inspires you and why? Paris, for the sheer chicness of it all and New York, for its people.
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Main and lower left photos by Lauren Gabrielle, lower middle photo by Allan Zepeda, lower right photo by ohana photographers, portrait by Jen Huang Photography
Rock Paper Scissors Events 212.675.2202 rpscissors.com, Twitter: @rpsevents
Creative. Flexible. Affordable. Rock Paper Scissors Events is a new boutique event design firm. Their designs have already captivated and inspired the industry and clients, quickly earning them a place among the most stylish in the business. Think of them as interior designers for your events. Blog darlings, specializing in weddings, social events and branding events like launch parties, they even offer flexible and affordable hourly pricing. 230
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Most clients love our flexible hourly consulting that allows them to choose how much or how little help they need, along with a day-of setup package. What place inspires you and why? Having my background in interior design, I go back to my interior design magazine collection. Those have been, and probably always will be, my go-to for a shot of inspiration.
Manhattan
Ara Farnam
What do you CRAVE? I crave being deliciously in love, with beautiful surroundings, gorgeous flowers, inspiring patterns, unexpected color choices, fantastic hotels with even more fantastic service, a good laugh and some fun adventure.
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Start small and build on success. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with the prospects of what’s next—focus on actions and momentum. And ask for help! What do you like best about owning a business? The flexibility of choosing where I want to grow my business. I am grateful to have full control over who I choose to work with and when. Who is your role model or mentor? Seth Godin. His motto of “go do something!” is my MO. I believe in taking action, even if it means failing. What motivates you on a daily basis? A deep desire to help people. Whenever overwhelmed, I step back and say: “What’s the one thing I can do today that will help someone?” And then I do it. What is your motto or theme song? “Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting.” —Katharine Hepburn
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Rodskog Change Consulting 415.235.3213 rodskog.com, Twitter: @beccalynn
Photos by Iris Bachman
Inspiring. Engaging. Connected. Rodskog Change Consulting supports entrepreneurial-spirited women in the pursuit of making their dreams a reality. With more than 18 years’ experience in change management, Rebecca has deep insight into what breeds successful changes in one’s life—both personally and professionally. Rebecca’s ability to deeply understand each individual’s journey and help guide them toward their vision of success is the foundation of her practice.
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Ruby Jewelry Beverly, Massachusetts Eclectic. Creative. Fabulous. Ruby Jewelry is an eclectic mix of fashion-forward jewels, crystals, baubles for the holidays, designer-inspired jewelry, costume jewelry and cocktail rings. Ruby Jewelry trunk shows are based in the Boston area, but have been showcased in Venice, CA, in the famously artsy Abbott Kinney area and on the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
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Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Cocktail Rings, Chandelier Earrings, Bangles 978.590.1100, rubyparties.com, facebook.com/rubyparties
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Love and believe in what you are doing. Think of the business as a marathon toward a successful and balanced life, and not a sprint toward riches. What do you like best about owning a business? Fabulous customers and friends who enjoy my things.
Megan Shepherd
What motivates you? As a mother of four children, it motivates me to have something that is just mine! What place inspires you? Anywhere near the ocean. The ocean has so many stories to tell.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? IntenSession healing and massage and intuitive counseling/life coaching. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Listen to your intuition, she whispers to you. Christine Gutierrez
What do you like best about owning a business? Being able to do what I love daily—inspiring women all over the world to be their best selves and spreading this message of love. Who is your role model or mentor? Terri Cole, Kris Carr, Bianca Beldini, Gabrielle Bernstein, Sera Beak, my mom and dad and all those who live from the heart. What motivates you on a daily basis? Being connected to the endless supply of love energy around me, and the beautiful women I work with. What is your motto or theme song? “Ignite Spirit. Expand Consciousness.” What place inspires you and why? Puerto Rico, the land of my cultural roots. I feel the warmth of the people and love the food and nature. The colors are vibrant and I feel alive when there.
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Sacred Space NYC By appointment only: 280 Madison Ave, New York, 646.240.6747 sacredspacenyc.org, Twitter: @sacredspacenyc
Murray Hill
Photos by BelathĂŠe Photography
Innovative. Spirited. Holistic. Sacred Space NYC (SSNYC) is a women’s wellness company that offers tailored, spirited relaxation and wellness treatments, including massage, healing, life coaching and holistic health coaching. Offering an oasis from the hectic urban life in one of their relaxing NYC studios, SSNYC offers the chance for a rejuvenating experience. Featured in Time Out NY magazine, the intenSession method fuses intention-setting, guided breath-work, meditation, reiki and positive affirmations. Sacred Space NYC has reinvented the world of relaxation: come and ignite your inner goddess!
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Sadia Seymour
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? The Closet Clean Out helps women revamp or update their existing wardrobe. The Personal Shopping package helps you expand your wardrobe while having an expert by your side. What do you like best about owning a business? I love the freedom to be able to do what I love and still have the option to have a full personal life. The key is time management. Who is your role model or mentor? My mother is my role model. She is not in the industry, but she led by example that you can have whatever you want, if you work hard for it. What place inspires you and why? New York City! Do you really need to ask?
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Photos by Emily Dewan, except main photo
Sadia Seymour Fashion Stylist 516.356.6188 sadiaseymour.com
Stylish. Friendly. Creative. New York–native fashion stylist Sadia Seymour loves everything fashion! She has been a professional stylist for over 10 years and loves to work with women in addition to styling for catalogs, editorial, print ads and commercials. Sadia’s knowledge of the fashion industry and expertise on where to shop for all budgets make shopping with her a truly satisfying experience. There’s a package for everyone! 239
What are your most popular products or services? We offer a website photography package that business owners love. It is a great way to revamp or help design a company’s website. Video content is also becoming huge. The power of images and video is invaluable when connecting with people or potential customers.
Sarah M. Winchester
What is your motto or theme song? As a creative, visual person, it has to be “stop and smell the roses.” Beauty can be found everywhere. What place inspires you and why? Florence, Paris and Bangkok. Florence for the art and memories of my study abroad, Paris for the streets and photo inspiration and Bangkok for the food and people.
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Boston
Sarah Winchester Studios Seaport/Fort Point, Boston Innovative. Savvy. Helpful. Sarah Winchester Studios is a full-service creative studio specializing in commercial photography, video, video editing, creative direction and photography consultation. From interior photography and fashion editorials to head shots, portraits and video content, Sarah’s work is known for its professionalism, style, quick turnaround time and client-focused approach. The loftlike industrial space is located in the Seaport/Fort Point area of Boston.
Photos by Sarah M. Winchester
Specialties: Commercial Photography, Video and Creative Direction 369 Congress St, 2nd Floor, Boston, 404.542.2833 sarahwinchesterstudios.com, Twitter: @sarah_w_studios facebook.com/sarah.m.winchester
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Find a mentor you can trust. Listen, research and stay focused.
Christine and Stephanie Savas
What do you like best about owning a business? Owning a business provides a great sense of pride. Working hard and knowing you’re doing it for yourself make a world of difference. Accomplishing tasks feels incredible. What is your motto or theme song? Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself. What do you CRAVE? The creative process of the next challenge or project.
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Boston
Savas Studios North End, Boston Fresh. Urban. Sincere. Savas Studios is a hybrid of boutique and studio. The space boasts high ceilings and exposed brick and immediately gives an urban loft feel. The boutique carries many local as well as international designers that are exclusive to Savas Studios. The studio can be set up for photography or transformed to host a networking event or even a cozy dinner for family and friends.
Left-page photos by Shannon Michelle, right‑page photo by Frank Monkiewicz
Specialties: Photography, Make-up and Clothing 456 Hanover St, Boston, 617.728.7775 savasstudios.com, Twitter: @savasstudios facebook.com/savasstudios
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What are your most popular products or services? Logos and brand identity, packaging, websites, ads, marketing materials and social media campaigns. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Find something that you are passionate about, and go for it! “The only people who fail are those who don’t try.” —David Viscott
Erin L. Schiffman
What is your motto or theme song? Everything happens for a reason. I truly believe this in every aspect of my life. What place inspires you and why? New York City! The art, the energy, the culture, the fashion and the people.
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New York City
Schiffman Creative New York, New York
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
Stylish. Innovative. Savvy. Schiffman Creative is one of New York’s most dynamic boutique graphic design and branding agencies. Operating from Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Erin and Philip Schiffman have secured their place among the most sought-after creative teams in New York City by developing lasting relationships and delivering proven results. Schiffman Creative can help your brand achieve visual excellence without compromising your own unique identity.
Specialties: Graphic Design and Branding 212.879.1006, schiffmancreative.com facebook.com/schiffmancreative Twitter: @SC_Creative_NYC linkedin.com/in/erinlschiffman
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Photo by Emily DeWan Photography
“I believe there is more out there for me. I just need to keep moving forward to find it!” —Erin L. Schiffman, Schiffman Creative
Photos by E. Leigh Photography
Sex Ed Solutions 49 W 24th St, 8th Floor, New York, 212.686.5359 sexedsolutions.com, igniteyourpleasure.com
Engaging. Inspiring. Empowering. As a nationally recognized certified sexuality expert, Amy Levine is featured in many well-known magazines including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Health and SELF. In her private coaching sessions and group workshops, Amy answers all your sexuality questions and solves your most intimate sexual dilemmas. Ultimately, inspiring you—whether single or coupled—to become savvy and empowered in and out of the bedroom.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? My coaching sessions and workshops— especially those for bachelorette parties and girls’-night-out soirées that include tidbits, tips and tricks. People may be surprised to know... I’m the real deal—I have my master’s degree in human sexuality from NYU and certification from AASECT. What or who inspired you to start your business? Wanting women and men to learn about sexuality in a fun, educational and honest way, so they become sexually confident and satisfied! What is your indulgence? Pleasure—whether it comes from great food, great shopping or great sex!
Flatiron
Amy Levine, MA, CSE
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Photos by Shannon Michelle, except right‑page upper photo by Megan Ryan
Shannon Michelle Photography Boston, Massachusetts Beautiful. Intimate. Modern. Shannon Michelle is one of the most sought-after beauty photographers in her industry. She believes in celebrating the ability to be beautiful, strong and confident... at any age. When not shooting the runways of New York, Shannon is in Boston, where she specializes in boudoir photography. She often speaks to other photographers, and her educational materials have sold worldwide.
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? Hands down, our custom-designed bedroom books. These handcrafted albums, printed in Italy, include 20-plus pages, a one-of-a-kind “crystal” cover and retouching. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be passionate. Work hard, and then find the balance. Don’t give up. Learn as much as you can. Always grow.
Shannon Michelle
What is your motto or theme song? “The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.” —Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City
Specialties: Beauty Portraits, Boudoir and Fashion Photography 617.307.1155, shannon-michelle.com, Twitter: @bostonboudoir facebook.com/shannonmichellephoto Fashion Foto Wire: fashionfotowire.com, Twitter: @fashionfotowire
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What are your most popular products or services? Our amazing gemstone cocktail rings! They will be a conversation starter anywhere you go. I’ve been stopped on many flights and asked, “Where did you get your ring?” What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be flexible and constantly creative! When the recession hit, we doubled our revenues with some creative thinking—by opening up Sikara pop-up stores in San Francisco and Boston.
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Boston
Who is your role model or mentor? My mom of course! She opened her jewelry store in Corpus Christi over 20 years ago. She told me, “There’s no limit to what you can do.”
Sikara & Co. Back Bay, Boston
Photos by SLY Photography
Modern. Bold. Classy. Inspired by the architecture, food, people and textiles seen through founder Mousumi Shaw’s travels around the world, the eye-catching sterling silver and 18K vermeil designs are sure to make a statement. When people stumble upon Sikara & Co.’s beautiful Modern Fusion™ jewelry, most say, “I’ve never seen anything like this!” Sikara & Co.’s handcrafted jewels can be found in Sikara stores, high-end boutiques, museums and online at sikarajewelry.com.
Specialties: Modern Fusion Jewelry 250 Newbury St, Boston, 617.236.7770 sikarajewelry.com, facebook.com/SikaraJewelry Twitter: @sikarajewelry
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Photos by Shannon Michelle
Skiler Love Boston, Massachusetts Boho. Feminine. Edgy. Skiler Love (pronounced “Sky-ler”) is a jewelry line for women who want to add luxury to their everyday looks. Designer Alyssa Davis launched Skiler Love’s Bohemian Luxe collection during Boston Fashion Week 2012 to great responses! What makes Skiler Love special? Quality and care! Alyssa Davis designs and creates all jewelry in her Boston studio, so no two pieces are exactly the same.
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? The Jett is our most popular statement piece, often rocked with a strapless dress for an elegant but funky look. Also, our stackable beaded charm bracelets and Swarovski crystal necklaces. What do you like best about owning a business? Being involved in every aspect and having freedom and control over the creative direction of the brand. I also love collaborating with other designers and industry professionals.
Alyssa Davis
What is your motto or theme song? “If you never ask, the answer will always be no.� I found my voice this year and when I had an idea, I wasn’t afraid to share it.
Specialty: Jewelry 857.231.6034, skilerlove.com Twitter: @skilerlove facebook.com/skilerlove
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Skill Blaze Boston, Massachusetts Creative. Holistic. Effective. Skill Blaze empowers women to activate their skills and passions, maximizing their potential and presentation, leading them on the fast track to career bliss. In a creative, personalized and goal-oriented way, we help women of all ages in various stages of their careers. Popular offerings include RĂŠsumĂŠ Revamps and Kick-Starter Coaching Sessions. Services and programs are available locally as well as online.
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Boston
Portrait by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Career Coaching, Resume Revamps, Strategy Sessions 781.330.3949, SkillBlaze.com, Twitter: @Skill_Blaze facebook.com/SkillBlaze2013
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Creativity, dedication and passion for what you do is essential. Focus on what makes you unique and how your services make a difference in people’s lives.
Kim Phillips
Who is your role model or mentor? My role model in business has been Marie Forleo. Her story, strategies and success have focused on empowering women to excel in business. In Marie’s words, “Everything is figureoutable.” What do you CRAVE? I love networking and connecting with other women in business, locally and beyond. Women naturally support and encourage one another, and we all learn through each other’s experiences. 257
Skin by Kyra By appointment only: 417 Grand St, New York, 917.609.6000 skinbykyra.com, Twitter: @kyralive
Radiant. Peaceful. Welcoming. Skin by Kyra is a sanctuary for beauty and health tucked into a Lower East Side residence. You can find many services that are deeply relaxing and will even soothe away your wrinkles. Kyra’s treatments are inspired by Indian and Asian traditions and vitalized with modern science; they really work wonders. You can also pick up great handmade skin-care products with exotic essential oils.
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
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Lower East Side
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? My Ayurvedic Face and Body Rejuvenation is the most requested treatment and my Skin Polish is the best-selling product. Skin Polish was my first! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Develop your intuition and then listen to it. If you believe in your ideas, you can succeed; stick with it, don’t let others dissuade you. What motivates you on a daily basis? Feedback from my clients. Recently one said “If everyone could have a treatment with you, Kyra, there would be no more war.” Enough said.
Kyra Saulnier
What is your motto or theme song? Create balance in health and life, from the outside in. 259
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Dream big and set realistic expectations, hire for your weaknesses, do the best you can to balance work and life. What do you like best about owning a business? Having control over our destiny. What motivates you on a daily basis? Our team, the desire to succeed and that we enjoy coming to work every day.
Kate Saliba and Deb Bastien
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Boston
What place inspires you and why? My garden. It needs tending, is always changing and growing. A snowy trail through the woods— it’s peaceful and rejuvenating.
Smudge Ink Charlestown, Massachusetts Playful. Simple. Resilient. Smudge Ink is a design and letterpress printing company specializing in stationery and gift products including boxed notes, everyday greeting cards and gift wrap. Weddings by Smudge Ink is their custom wedding line where they work directly with clients to design and print unique invitations. Smudge Ink: Designing beautiful stationery and celebrating the art of the handwritten note.
Specialties: Stationery and Gifts 50 Terminal St, Building 2, Charlestown, 617.242.8228 smudgeink.com, facebook.com/SmudgeInk Twitter: @SmudgeInkBoston
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Francine Rivera
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our amazing walnut polisher. It’s a very fine grain, foaming, face and body polisher that leaves the skin unbelievably soft. What motivates you on a daily basis? Expression. I love expressing myself through my products, designs and concepts. I truly enjoy providing outstanding customer service. It’s something I was born to do. How do you relax? I take a long, hot bubble bath. Nothing relaxes me more! What place inspires you and why? New York! No place is more inspirational, artful and upbeat. This city is amazing.
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Soapology 67 8th Ave, New York, 212.255.SOAP (7627) Limelight Marketplace, 656 Avenue of Americas, New York, 212.255.SOAP (7627) soapologynyc.com
Photos by Emily DeWan Photography
West Village
Natural. Colorful. Aromatic. Soapology is an all-natural skin-care company located in the fabulous Meatpacking District in Manhattan. What is most unique about Soapology is their aromatic oil bar where clients can choose or create a scent, which is then blended into any product in the store. Try their wonderful hand treatment at the vintage claw-foot bathtub. We guarantee your skin never felt so soft!
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Soul Focus Photography Downtown Salem Artistic. Inspired. Charming. Soul Focus Photography is a boutique studio specializing in portraits with a focus on maternity, newborn, children and families. Principal photographer Courtney Trembler is very passionate about what she does; she creates beautiful memories for the families she photographs. Her jovial personality and great way with children make it a fun process. She is a certified professional photographer, a mark of distinction.
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Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Maternity, Newborn, Children and Family Portraits By appointment only: 221 Essex St, 2nd Floor, Salem, 978.697.8164 soulfocusphoto.com
What are your most popular products or services? Our most popular products are framed wall portraits for the home, as well as albums (available in different sizes) that help to showcase many images at once. What motivates you on a daily basis? On a daily basis I remember what I am doing for my clients, which in turn feeds my soul. I capture memories that they will be able to enjoy forever. How do you relax? I love doing hot yoga, taking walks and going to the beach.
Courtney Trembler
What do you CRAVE? I crave all things fun! I love to be around people who have a passion for life! 265
Photos by Sofia Negron Photography, except portrait by Ryan Estes
Sofia Negron Photography 917.975.6167 sofianegron.com, Twitter: @sofianegron
Authentic. Elegant. Connected. New York City photographer Sofia Negron loves getting to know her couples. Sofia’s easygoing manner and unobtrusive style puts everyone at ease and allows for more authentic imagery and fun. Sofia draws upon her experience as a professional dancer: anticipating the next moment and creating an image that responds to what is happening and draws you in. Sofia also photographs dance and actors’ head shots. 266
Sofia Negron
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Couples love the New York Love Affair sessions. These are lifestyle portrait sessions designed to reflect a couples’ love affair with each other and the city they live in. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Believe in what you are doing, create a good support network and keep going. When things get bumpy, your belief in yourself is sometimes all you have. What do you like best about owning a business? I love getting to know my clients and building authentic relationships with them and the other businesses that help create the client’s big day.
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Tory Johnson
Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? It’s all about the hustle—the daily decisions you make and actions you take. It doesn’t matter how fabulous your idea is if you don’t know to market and sell it. What motivates you on a daily basis? Emails and calls from women nationwide who are determined to make tomorrow better than yesterday—and they’re willing to do the hard work to make it happen. How do you relax? Playing Scrabble and shopping sprees at Target with my husband and our kids. What do you CRAVE? My purpose is to fuel the success of the women I serve, so I cheer relentlessly for their victories big and small.
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Lower left photos by MrAesthetic.com, portrait by Allyson Lubow
Spark & Hustle 212.290.2600 sparkandhustle.com, Twitter: @toryjohnson
Curious. Daring. Transformational. Tory Johnson’s Spark & Hustle conferences provide tools to enable small business owners to launch and grow their entrepreneurial dreams now. Profit Partner programs deliver customized feedback and direction through intensive coaching and business support. Participants value the “real deal” aspect of Spark & Hustle: no upselling, no gimmicks, no tricks. Just nuts and bolts advice on how to make more money through genuine business growth. 269
SPiN NEW YORK 48 E 23rd St, New York, 212.982.8802 spingalactic.com, Twitter: @SPiNgalactic
Innovative. Action-packed. Fun. SPiN New York has taken the city’s social scene by storm with a mix of sport, design and entertainment since its launch in 2009. SPiN was created by Academy Award–winning actress Susan Sarandon, Franck Raharinosy, Andrew Gordon, Jonathan Bricklin, and designed by renowned designer Todd Oldham. The club boasts a 13,000 sq. ft. space with up to 16 courts, a full bar, a restaurant, and a private room. SPiN is open to members and guests alike for nightly events, tournaments, private or group instruction, and casual socializing and play.
Main photo and portrait by Roxy Hunt, upper right photos by Todd Oldham
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? The Dirty Dozen—weekly professional ping pong tournaments held on Fridays with a DJ, two MCs and a dance-off! Our tongue-in-cheek “Balls Are My Business” T-shirts and Inocente Tequila (it’s smooth and delicious!). And ping pong, of course!
People would be surprised to know... Susan can be seen at SPiN almost every Friday (schedule allowing) for our most exciting weekly tournament: The Dirty Dozen! As it is a tournament reserved for our cream of the crop players, she lets the pros play—but she’s got a pretty great serve of her own! Susan Sarandon
Flatiron
What inspired you to start your business? We’re still trying to figure that one out...
Main photo courtesy of botkier, lower left photo courtesy of CCSkye, lower middle photo courtesy of Katherine Kwei, lower right photo courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff, portrait by Joanne Schulter Photography
stefaniBags.com 877.357.0707 StefaniBags.com, Twitter: @StefaniBags
Chic. Modern. Lust-worthy. StefaniBags was developed to fill a growing demand for the freshest, coolest handbag designers online. The site offers the convenience of shopping at home in a stylish boutique setting. StefaniBags is a well-edited e-boutique that offers highly coveted, contemporary handbag, shoe and accessory brands that are chic and modern. The e-boutique’s customer base has grown in the United States and around the globe.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Handbags of course! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? You must love what you are doing to succeed. Never give up, don’t stop trying! What do you like best about owning a business? Making my own decisions and choices. What is your motto or theme song? Rocky song! Work harder, play harder!
Monica Prestia
What place inspires you and why? Buenos Aires, where I was born, is filled with glamour, passion for life and the arts. Also, NYC, where I was raised. It is the city where all your dreams can come true.
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Photos by Emily DeWan Photography, except portrait
Stork Crown Heights, Brooklyn Novelty. Local. Trendy. Stork is a children’s retail boutique located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, that sells exclusive children’s clothing, shoes and accessories for boys and girls from babies to age 6, as well as educational toys, books and eco-friendly household products for the entire family.
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New York City
What are your most popular products or services? Locally made clothing and gifts for newborns. What do you like best about owning a business? Owning a business! Who is your role model or mentor? The owner of BCakeNY, Miriam Milord, who was instrumental in believing in me to pursue my dream of owning a business.
Eyana Carballo
What motivates you on a daily basis? My two children, Vincent and Marlee. What do you CRAVE? Business growth!
Specialties: Children’s Clothing, Shoes and Accessories 726 Franklin Ave, Ste 2, Brooklyn, 718.313.0031 stork-baby.com facebook.com/storkbrooklyn, Twitter: @storkbkny
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Photo by Emily DeWan Photography
“When times get tough, push forward.” Eyana Carballo of Stork
Laura Siner
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Our rich fudge brownies in all shapes, sizes and flavors. People may be surprised to know... Sweet Muse brownies began as an activity to help prepare before acting in the theater at night. What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? Underestimating the amount of extra help needed during the busy end-of-year holiday season. How do you spend your free time? Movies, theater, reading, walking in the park and (even still) baking.
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Photos by Sofia Negron Photography
Sweet Muse 212.874.2801 sweetmuse.com, Twitter: @sweetmuse
Delicious. Delightful. Creative. Sweet Muse bake shop specializes in rich fudge brownies baked to order from scratch with premium ingredients and carefully wrapped in gift tins and boxes to create customized personal and corporate gifts. Sweet Muse can offer sweet inspiration for birthdays, weddings, bridal showers, corporate events and other special occasions.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? sweetriot’s original bite-sized 100 percent dark chocolate “peaces” (cacao nibs) dunked in dark chocolate and packaged in reusable, recyclable tins that feature original artwork by emerging artists. Plus there is only one calorie per “peace.” People may be surprised to know... Dark chocolate really comes from fruit– the cacao fruit. It is often compared with other superfoods and, in fact, there are many antioxidant charts that show the power of cacao is stronger than blueberries and red wine! What do you CRAVE? In business? In life? I crave exploration of new, amazing places and people! Sarah Endline 280
sweetriot 212.431.7468 sweetriot.com, Twitter: @sweetriot
Photos by Jean-luc Mège
Innovative. Colorful. Yummy. sweetriot is a chocolate company that is creating a sweet movement to fix the world! sweetriot sources exclusively from farmers in Latin America, puts original artwork by emerging artists on every package and celebrates culture and diversity along the way. sweetriot uses all-natural, healthy ingredients that are antioxidant‑packed and only one calorie per “peace.” Sweet for the world and sweet for you!
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Main, lower left and middle photos by Brian Dorsey Studios, lower right photo by R Wagner Photography, portrait by Jen Huang Photography
Tammy Golson Events 917.860.3312 tammygolson.com, Twitter: @tammygolson
Artistic. Visionary. Resourceful. Tammy Golson’s sophisticated yet thoughtful approach to planning weddings and events is appreciated by her clients. She prides herself on being resourceful while assisting individuals in personalizing their events in creative, savvy and culinary-inspired ways. Tammy Golson Events helps those who want to treat their guests to an event that marks the milestone with delicious, well-prepared and beautifully presented cuisine. 282
Brooklyn
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Full wedding and event planning, partial planning and day-of coordination. I love planning bridal and baby showers and kids’ birthday parties as well. What do you like best about owning a business? I love helping people mark their most important milestones in a way that suits them best. Each client and event brings amazing variety to my business, which I welcome wholeheartedly. What place inspires you and why? New York City brings out the very best in me. I am surrounded by talent, delicious food, smart and interesting people. I am always encouraged to strive to do better. Tammy Golson
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Taste Buds 109 W 27th St, 10th Floor, New York, 212.242.2248 tastebudscook.com, Twitter: @tastebudscook
Creative. Engaging. Delicious. Jessi Walter, a former VP on Wall Street, turned in her calculator for a spatula when she founded Taste Buds (formerly Cupcake Kids!). Based out of the only kids’ kitchen studio in Manhattan, Taste Buds offers an ever‑growing variety of hands‑on cooking classes for kids, moms and families including weekly classes, camps, birthday parties, school field trips and more. Experience a fun and unique culinary adventure with family and friends.
Photos by E. Leigh Photography
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Cooking birthday parties, special holiday classes, and mommy and me classes. People may be surprised to know... I’m over six feet tall and was a tall model on the Martha Stewart Show. Martha also came to one of our birthday parties, which was a real treat.
Chelsea
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? Taking too long to make decisions. Keep moving forward! How do you spend your free time? Relaxing with family and friends, trying new restaurants and baking cookies. Jessi Walter
What is your indulgence? Cookie dough. 285
Upper-left photo and right-page photos by Linda Holt, Left page: lower-left and right photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Thirty Petals Boutique 34 Leonard St, Belmont, 617.489.2334 thirtypetals.com, facebook.com/ThirtyPetals Authentic. Stylish. Comfortable. Thirty Petals is a warm and inviting boutique located in the heart of Belmont Center. The shop features a unique and versatile collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. Their friendly staff will help you find something special whether it’s a casual outfit or an elegant dress. With a focus on quality and value, Thirty Petals takes pride in providing a unique but affordable shopping experience. 286
Boston
What are your most popular products or services? Unique clothing, jewelry and accessories... as well as a wonderful staff that is happy to help you put it all together! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Trust yourself, and go with your intuition. What do you like best about owning a business? I like the independence of making my own decisions and being able to use my creative spirit. What motivates you on a daily basis? The fact that I wake up every day knowing that I do something that I love.
Erica Kleinkopf
What is your motto or theme song? Style + Value = Thirty Petals.
Specialties: Clothing, Jewelry and Accessories
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Tracy Anderson Method Studio 408 Greenwich St, 3rd Floor, New York, 212.965.1408 tracyandersonmethod.com
Empowering. Transformational. Inventive. Tracy Anderson’s New York studio, located in TriBeCa, offers both membership and private training options. Members participate in group classes that range in focus from muscular structure–based classes to dance/aerobic/cardio-based. The classes are held in the main room where resistance band systems line the ceiling. Highly skilled Tracy Anderson Method trainers lead clients through their individualized programs that are designed to activate smaller muscle groups and that also incorporate Tracy’s customized hybrid reformer, ballet barres and hanging cubes.
Photos by Belathée Photography, except portrait
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? I have a successful line of DVDs that reaches a global audience. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Only weigh in on the things that you really know what you’re talking about; stick to your strengths.
TriBeCa
Tracy Anderson
Who is your role model or mentor? My mother, Diana. She taught me the importance of being honest and following your passion. She is secure, confident, creative, and gave me all the elements I need. What is your biggest fear? Not being able to create anymore or not being able to bring anything new and inspiring to the business. 289
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Find your niche, and know your competition. Always find ways to improve on your craft. Be patient with the process of growing your business. What do you like best about owning a business? The challenge. Making women feel glamorous, beautiful and stylish is my passion.
Tscherina Telesford
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Boston
What is your motto or theme song? “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” —Coco Chanel
Umoya Designs LLC and Umoyaisms Boston, Massachusetts
tPhotos by Leigh Smyth
Bold. Captivating. Chic. Designing jewelry has always been a desire and a passion. Tscherina’s initial customers were family and friends, and the business grew through word of mouth quickly. Through her customer base she received requests to restore, repair, replicate and design jewelry. These experiences increased her knowledge in designing and more intricate techniques such as metal soldering. The construction process for each piece is exciting and rewarding.
Specialties: Jewelry Design, Restoration and Repairs 774.275.3062, info@umoyadesigns.com, umoyadesigns.com umoyadesigns.com/blog, Twitter: @umoyadesigns facebook.com/umoyadesignsjewelry, Instagram @umoyadesigns pinterest.com/umoyadesigns, about.me/umoyadesigns umoyaisms.com, umoyaisms.tumblr.com
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Seek a strong group of mentors, people proven in their respective fields to guide you along the process. What do you like best about owning a business? Having the ability to be as creative as I would like and to know that the harder I work, the better the rewards I will reap. Who is your role model or mentor? Any successful woman entrepreneur who has had to do it on her own.
Heather Carbone
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Boston
What place inspires you and why? Europe. The way of life there is much more relaxed.
The Urban Art Bar South Boston
Photos by Shannon Michelle
Social. Fun. Creative. The Urban Art Bar offers a unique experience where clients sign up for a painting class and come in to “Sip, Socialize, and Paint!� The students are guided through a 2.5 hour class by an artist where they create their own masterpiece of the night. Come with friends or a date, and enjoy a night filled with cocktails and lots of cheer.
Specialty: Art Instruction By appointment only: 163 Old Colony Ave, Boston, 617.596.0553 theurbanartbar.com, Twitter: @theurbanartbar
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Vamped Boutique Saugus, Massachusetts Trendy. Edgy. Appealing. Vamped Boutique is a new boutique in Saugus that offers trendy and fun clothing, shoes and accessories for juniors and young women. They have a great selection that ranges from casual and chic to dressy and dazzling! Featuring over 50 different brands, you can be sure that you will find amazing and exclusive outfits at great prices at Vamped Boutique.
Specialties: Trendy Clothing and Accessories 358G Broadway, Saugus, 781.558.2491, vampedboutique.com facebook.com/VampedBoutique, Twitter: @vampedboutique
Portrait by Sandra Kimball Photography
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Stay focused on your goals and don’t give up. Network, find a mentor, know every aspect of your business and stay organized. These are all important for getting your business started successfully. What do you like best about owning a business? The freedom to be your own boss and to have the opportunity to grow your business without any limits is great! You can be as creative as you’d like.
Andrea Belschner and Lauren Maloney (Liz Maloney not pictured)
What do you CRAVE? We crave a champagne bottle life! We love to stand out and grab the attention of others. Having fun and doing what we love, you just can’t beat that! 295
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? We’re most often asked to design roof terraces or backyard gardens but greenroofs and living walls are really taking off. People may be surprised to know... New York City offers a tax credit for installing a greenroof. Who is your role model or mentor? We both have young children, and their inquisitiveness and creativity inspires us every day. What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? We’ve been too shy about telling people how excited we are about the work we’re doing. Martha Desbiens and Kristi Stromberg Wright
What is your indulgence? Stopping for chocolate ice cream between meetings. Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? Out for a really delicious meal or coffee. Good food is key, but the most important part is the company. What do you CRAVE? In business? In life? Creating beautiful moments that make you stop and wonder.
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Photos by Jen Huang Photography
VertNY, inc. 212.799.1716 vertny.com
Modern. Fresh. Green. VertNY, inc. is a landscape design firm specializing in the integration of innovative, sustainable techniques with attractive, inviting designs for the urban landscape. The principals of the firm, Kristi Stromberg Wright and Martha Desbiens, have collaborated on numerous residential, corporate and public landscape projects, including roof terraces, backyard gardens, estates, public plazas, greenroofs and living walls. 297
Main, lower middle and right photos by Victor Ng Photography, lower left photo by Bun Chan, portrait by BelathĂŠe Photography
WGIRLS INC 233 W 15th St, Ste 2W, Manhattan, 888-WGIRLS8 (888.944.7578) wgirls.org, Twitter: @wgirlsinc
Philanthropic. Fun. Rewarding. Touted by the Wall Street Journal as perfecting the model for making philanthropy fun, social and transparent to the next generation of donors, WGIRLS is an all-female volunteer organization working to provide underprivileged women and children with the resources necessary to lead healthy, productive and successful lives. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Manhattan, WGIRLS is now a global organization.
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Q&A What are your most popular products or services? The WGIRLS are best known for their wildly successful fund-raising events, which routinely attract hundreds of young professionals in cities across the country.
Manhattan
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Trust your intuition and surround yourself with strong, smart, ambitious people who will keep you motivated, challenged and in check! What motivates you on a daily basis? Knowing that our work is not only making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in need but also enhancing the lives of our members. Amy Elizabeth Heller
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Baby steps are underrated! Doing something small every day still gets you where you wanna go, and I’m convinced it’s the best route to get there.
Michelle Ward
What do you like best about owning a business? I love not having to hide my quirky self because it’s “unprofessional.” Nobody’s telling me I can’t have blue nails or say “crapballs,” which is the sweetest kind of freedom. What place inspires you and why? My Brooklyn apartment! We have views from almost every room of the Manhattan Bridge, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. It makes everything feel possible! Who is your role model or mentor? My mom. She lives life solely by her values, which is exactly what I aspire to. Also, she often gets mistaken for my sister. I hope I have her genes! What do you CRAVE? Relationships. Passion. Connection. Belly laughs. Forward movement. Partners in crime. Sweet potato fries. A fashion line by Punky Brewster. Witnessing someone discovering their grown-up dreams and realizing that it’s possible.
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When I Grow Up Coach 917.678.7461 whenigrowupcoach.com, Twitter: @WhenIGroUpCoach
Main photo by Amanda Buzard, portrait by E. Leigh Photography
Spunky. Creative. Enthusiastic. Michelle Ward helps creative people devise the career they think they can’t have—or discover it to begin with! A certified life coach and an actress with a BFA from NYU, Michelle uses a dose of empathy, a shot of butt‑kickin’, a wagon-full of enthusiasm and a load of inspiration to help turn her clients’ grown-up skills and values into a real-life career.
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Main and lower middle photos by Amanda Buzard, portrait by Dustin Fine
WireMedia Communications 212.686.1486 wiremedia.net, Twitter: @wiremedia
Strategic. Experienced. Detail-oriented. WireMedia develops communications strategies for nonprofits and socially responsible businesses that improve lives, communities and environments. WireMedia’s award-winning work has helped win advocacy efforts and campaigns, establish new businesses and grow existing organizations. Founded in New York City in 2002, the company has since expanded to Los Angeles, and works with a distinctive list of clients in major cities across the country. 302
Marcy Rye
Q&A What are your most popular products or services? Branding (logo design and identity collateral) and online strategy (website design and development, ads, social networking). What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Have a solid plan and know where you want to be by the end of year two. It’s not easy, but don’t give up! What do you like best about owning a business? I like the problem-solving aspect—the satisfaction of providing solutions for clients that really help them out. How do you relax? Biking, hiking, swimming, Tae Kwon Do, wine tasting, travel, painting, reading, playing with my cats...
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The YinOva Center 74 E 11th St, New York, 212.533.2255 yinovacenter.com, Twitter: @yinova
Healing. Compassionate. Comforting. Founded more than a decade ago by acupuncturist, herbalist and author Jill Blakeway, The YinOva Center uses traditional Chinese medicine to treat modern families for a wide variety of ailments. As the business grew, Jill’s husband, Noah, joined her and in 2005 the New York Times named them as NY’s best acupuncturists. The center now has 19 treatment rooms and employs nine experienced and caring practitioners.
Photos by Belathée Photography
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Q&A What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Never forget that your customers have a choice. At The YinOva Center, we go the extra mile for each and every person who comes through our door. What do you like best about owning a business? I get enormous satisfaction from watching our center grow, and enjoy the creativity of dreaming about what we’ll do next and then seeing those dreams become a reality.
Union Square
Jill Blakeway
How do you relax? I plant fruits and vegetables in our garden in upstate New York and watch them grow. I love cooking with my husband and like feeding friends homegrown produce.
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Melody bIringer Innovative. Feminine. Connective. Melody Biringer, self-avowed “start-up junkie,” has built companies that range from Biringer Farm, a family‑run specialty‑food business, to home furnishings to a fitness studio.
CRAVE Founder thecravecompany.com startupjunkie.com
Her current entrepreneurial love‑child is The CRAVE Company: designed to creatively connect entrepreneurs who approach business in a fresh way with the consumers they desire, as well as with each other. CRAVE is a resource for women entrepreneurs to promote their business and support likeminded women. Melody has taken CRAVE from Seattle to more than 30 cities worldwide, including New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Amsterdam and Toronto. Melody is a loyal community supporter, versed traveler and strong advocate for women-owned businesses.
What are your most popular products or services? The global CRAVE community connects savvy business owners through online networks and in-person events. We believe in the power of collaboration amongst smart, successful women entrepreneurs and we facilitate these relationships through our dynamic community. Our new online directory creates a hub for discovering women-owned businesses, with personal insights to attract followers to your business and encourage them to pursue dreams of their own. What was the motivation behind starting your business? I saw my best friend twice in a year and thought, “This is not right.” So I created excuses to get together so that we’d get it on the calendar, instead of giving it lip service. I crave girlfriend time. What is your motto or theme song? “Flashdance... What a Feeling” by Irene Cara. Every time I’m feeling a bit low, I play that song, and my spirits lift immediately.
CRAVE is about building bonds among friends and fostering connections with inspiring, entrepreneurial women. CRAVE cultivates friendships through quality girl time, strengthens the local community by supporting small businesses and serves as a guide to one-of-a-kind shopping, indulging and urban adventures. Learn more about the CRAVE network, including our guides, business events, girls-night-out parties and online networking at:
thecravecompany.com
Being an entrepreneur can be the most rewarding and thrilling choice you make in your business life. CRAVING SUCCESS is a peek into a sister entrepreneur’s head. Melody Biringer, founder of The CRAVE Company, invites you along for a readable romp through the up‑and‑down lessons of being an adventurous and independent businesswoman. Read reviews, get a sneak peek and purchase an e-book or paper copy at: thecravecompany.com/cravingsuccess
CRAVE Northeast is a celebration of women entrepreneurs that showcases some of the most creative, interesting and gutsy proprietors throughout our area. Let us introduce you to a fabulous new designer, to a miracle-worker masseuse, to a confectionery queen, to the amazing women in this region who will help satisfy your next craving. WHAT DO YOU CRAVE?
“CRAVE is all about community and stands out as a model of collaboration across female entrepreneurs from every industry. Now recognized across the country and expanding internationally, when you become a part of CRAVE, you are joining a truly diverse and powerful network of women. As a community and as a business, the brand reminds us to answer the desire-driven question, ‘What do you CRAVE?’” —Liz Lange of Liz Lange Maternity, Completely Me by Liz Lange and Shopafrolic.com “CRAVE is a modern treasure hunt for woman-owned businesses. Mapping a network of business owners throughout the world, CRAVE creates a sense of solidarity, support and goodwill that crosses all genres of business in one incredible collective.” —Robin Coe Hutshing, founder of STUDIO BEAUTYMIX