For me, celebrating the incredible women in my life is always a joyous occasion. These remarkable women enrich our lives in immeasurable ways. As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s crucial to acknowledge not only biological mothers but also the influential mother figures who leave an indelible mark on our hearts. One woman who holds an obvious special place in my life is my own mother. Her unwavering love and wisdom have guided me through life’s challenges and triumphs, shaping me into the person I am today. Her presence continues to inspire me to strive for excellence and kindness in all that I do.
In addition to celebrating the women closest to us, it’s essential to support female-owned businesses in our communities. I take pride in connecting with and championing the incredible women entrepreneurs in our city. They are the driving force behind innovation and creativity, making invaluable contributions to our local economy and culture. These women are the true movers and shakers, builders and makers, whose silent acts of service and attention to detail enrich the lives of those around them.
Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to the women who have made a difference in our lives. A simple text, phone call, or video chat can brighten their day and remind them of the love and appreciation we have for them.
DANA CIFONE, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @UPPERWESTCHESTER.CITYLIFESTYLE
May 2024
PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL
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1: Fernanda Giron, GWI grad, talks about coming from El Salvador 2: Copy of First Lady Annie Lamont introducing Indra Nooyi 3: Copy of Indra during Jen Openshaw's interview 4: Jen interviewing Indra, sharing a laugh 5: Jen interviewing Indra 6: Jen Openshaw, Indra, Kathryn Yow, Scott Mitchell 7: GWI Graduate & Talia CEO Fernanda Giron
JO DEE MESSINA KICKS OFF HER NEW ENGLAND HOME COMING TOUR
Hailing from the picturesque town of Holliston, Massachusetts, Jo Dee Messina ventured into the heart of country music at the tender age of 19, making Nashville her new home. Since then, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With two platinum and three gold-certified albums accredited by the RIAA, Messina has etched her name in the annals of country music history. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first female artist to consecutively top the charts with three multi-week No. 1 hits.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA
Recognized by the Country Music Association as a Horizon Award winner in 1999, Messina's illustrious career boasts six CMA Awards nominations, alongside two GRAMMY Awards nods. Her vocal prowess has been acknowledged with accolades such as the Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "That's The Way" in 2001, and the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "Bring On the Rain," featuring Tim McGraw, in 2002.
Beyond the accolades, Messina's connection with her audience is palpable, evidenced by her consistent sold-out shows across the United States. Recently, she electrified
packed arenas while supporting country legend Reba McEntire, igniting an atmosphere of pure euphoria. As The Columbus Dispatch noted, the crowd's fervor for Messina's performance was akin to a roaring cheer, marking each hit song with fervent sing-alongs and unbridled enthusiasm.
In the digital realm, Messina's impact is equally profound, with her music surpassing a staggering 1 billion streams collectively across platforms like Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music. Her influence remains evergreen, with over 4 million streams per week, a testament to her enduring appeal and resonance with fans.
“HOCKEY MAMAS ARE THE CLOSEST WITH THEIR CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY SPEND SO MUCH TIME IN THE CAR TOGETHER!”
Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of Jo Dee Messina, celebrating her legacy as a trailblazer in country music and exploring the enduring charm that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Every 90’s child can likely sing the Rolodex of Jo Dee’s songs on repeat. Her music has woven itself into the fabric of nostalgia for many, serving as a soundtrack to countless
memories and milestones. This hockey mom of two boys prioritizes her family and time with her sons. She says that hockey mamas are the closest with their children because they spend so much time in the car together! It's this bond and understanding of family dynamics that resonate deeply with her fans, making her not just a celebrated artist but also a cherished role model.
Among the myriad of connections she's forged, the Malloy family, local to Greenwich, holds a special place. This association is significant, as it's bringing the kickoff of her New England homecoming tour to the Palace Theater in Stamford. What's more, a considerable number of their kids' hockey mates hail from Greenwich, illustrating the intertwining of music, community, and shared experiences. As Messina prepares to embark on her New England homecoming tour, she eagerly anticipates revisiting favorite hidden gems in Stamford and the surrounding areas. However, her excitement extends beyond Connecticut, as she eagerly expresses her anticipation of indulging in the quintessential New England experience of savoring fresh lobster in Maine.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding Jo Dee Messina's upcoming tour, there's a buzz about the promise of fresh, exhilarating experiences awaiting fans. With a new record on the horizon, Messina is eager to share her latest musical creations, offering audiences an exclusive glimpse into her evolving artistry. As the spotlight shines on her upcoming shows in the Northeast, fans can expect a dynamic fusion of fan favorites interwoven with the allure of unreleased tracks, creating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and anticipation.
Messina kicks off her New England homecoming tour at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 8:00pm https://palacestamford.org
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ POLO, HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY
As a woman business owner, Tiffany Slowinski knows success comes from constantly evolving.
Over her journey from college student to young earner to motherhood to successful entrepreneur, she has forged new identities and reinvented herself many times over.
Recently, as she embarked on her latest venture— Team Spark Advisors, which employs data analytics to help businesses hire the right people in positions where they will be most effective—she reflects on how the experience that she has built over her decades as a professional informs the work she does today.
Where she started is far from where she is now, but in a way she has come full-circle, challenging herself and learning as she went. She earned her undergraduate degree in journalism and media studies with a minor in counseling from Rutgers University, which is where she met her husband, Jake. Although she initially pursued broadcast journalism, she earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University.
“I was fascinated by the developing mind and with a love for working with children, I became a high school counselor,” she says. “Although it was a safe career with perks, there was no upward progression.”
When she was on maternity leave after the birth of her youngest daughter, Violet, she felt it was time to start pursuing her dreams, but she wasn’t sure what they were. She felt pigeonholed in a specific career path and didn’t see how her skillset would translate to something else.
“While scrolling through Facebook, I saw an ad for a managing editor at a hyperlocal parents’ website. The description seemed tailored to me: a local mom with kids under 12 who was active in the community and had strong communication skills,” she says.
She applied but was initially passed over due to the fact they didn’t think she would have the time. Her husband convinced her to call and tell them why she would be successful. Filled with renewed confidence, she did and was hired as a “mommy blogger.”
It didn’t take long for Slowinski to recognize the potential for increased earnings through selling advertising space on her website. However, there was a catch: She had absolutely no experience in sales. Undeterred, she decided to teach herself. Early in the morning, on weekends and during Violet’s nap time, she dedicated herself to reaching out to prospective clients, driven by the goal of generating enough income from the website to match her current counselor salary. The ultimate aspiration? To transition to working from the comfort of her home. After one year, her dream became a reality. She quit her job in December 2018 and focused on building her site.
As she was settling into her new routine, her husband dropped some unexpected news: He had sold his business. Though it came as a shock, it was the right move. Seeking new business ventures, Jake learned about City Lifestyle, a national magazine franchise. “I think you’d be really good at this,” he told her. “What if we went into business together?”
“As we looked closer at the opportunity, I fell in love,” she says. “Owning a magazine combined my love of journalism, passion for my community and desire for helping local businesses get their message out.”
People have inquired what it is like working with a spouse. “In our case, working together has made us closer,” she says. “We discovered we are the perfect partners: We are aligned, trust each other and know the other is always acting in our collective best interest. Working together also allows us to better balance family life.”
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“Owning a magazine combined my love of journalism, passion for my community and desire for helping local businesses get their message out.”
“I realized: When you put the right people in the right seats, they shine. Everyone deserves to be in the right job for them. That is when the magic happens,”
They launched their first magazine, Bridgewater City Lifestyle in August 2019. “Our children were young and kept me busy. I’d rise at 4 a.m. on the weekends to edit articles and get a jump on the day before the girls woke up. In our first six months, I did not take a day off,” she says. Their hard work was rewarded. They grew quickly, and the corporate office named them “Rookies of the Year.”
In 2020, City Lifestyle headquarters invited Slowinski to join the corporate team to help other magazines in the franchise of about 190 markets nationwide achieve the same success. As she rose through the ranks to Vice President of Sales, Jake was busy launching their second publication, Somerset Hills City Lifestyle, and growing their local team.
“Our success continued, but at headquarters, our CEO was looking for a way to recruit stronger publishers. We wondered: Why were some people experiencing incredible success while other smart, capable people struggled?” she says. They enrolled her in training of a system that used a diagnostic tool that could tell them in about seven minutes who had the internal makings of a good publisher, one who naturally had the drive, vision and follow-through skills.
Using this system, they also could easily identify who would be the right support staff for each publisher, people who could fill in their weaknesses. She started working closely with the recruiting department and the publishers on building their teams.
“I realized: When you put the right people in the right seats, they shine. Everyone deserves to be in the right job for them. That is when the magic happens,” she says.
“Then, I realized something else: I was not in the right seat. Although I loved my job, corporate life was taking me away from what I wanted. I had started my own business to be an entrepreneur, work with my husband and be involved with local businesses. I decided to make another adjustment in my life, while still continuing to help grow and build local magazines in New Jersey,” she says.
Inspired by the personnel analytics and team building she did at the corporate office, Slowinski founded Team Spark Advisors to bring these benefits to local
businesses. “I feel like I’ve come full-circle: I’m a counselor again, only now for business owners. I apply the diagnostic tools to the business’ team to give them insights on their strengths and weaknesses. This will help them place the right people for precise positions based on the current dynamic,” she says.
Sales is a part of every business, and with her background, Slowinski particularly loves working with sales teams. “It’s impactful to see their numbers skyrocket once they make the right hires,” she says. “I also particularly love working with female leaders. When a talented woman is surrounded by the right team, she can be her best self.”
What she is most proud of is that her four daughters can witness their mom pursuing her passion. “We talk a lot about business and entrepreneurship. They see how heavily involved I am in the business community: I am a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization NJ, Patriots BNI and the Somerset County Business Partnership,” she says.
“I lead by example. I want my girls to know that they are only limited by themselves. They do not have to follow societal norms of what is expected of them,” she says. “They should put in the hard work and never feel that opportunities are limited. I want them to grow and have a life like I have forged, one driven by passion where they wake up every day excited about the work they have chosen to do.”
What lies ahead? “Only time can reveal that, but currently, I take great pleasure in helping businesses build their teams. Furthermore, I derive immense satisfaction from contributing to the launch of new City Lifestyle publications throughout New Jersey,” she says. “I am eager to explore and seize the untapped opportunities present in both of these endeavors. My story isn’t over.”
Discover how Team Spark Advisors can help your business grow at TeamSparkAdvisors.com.
Photos: Office courtesy of Embrace Home Loans, Basking Ridge
Hair and makeup: J.Walker Salon, Bernardsville
Restaurant: Red Horse by David Burke, Bernardsville
DC: What are the secrets to your success?
HD: I am always striving for success, so it’s an ongoing pursuit. I attribute our successes to hard work, determination, and the support of my team. I am fortunate to have a team of hardworking, professional women and a husband who is a leader in the construction industry. The most driving factor to my success is having good relationships with my clients. In this profession, we invest a considerable amount of time with our clients in the privacy of their homes, which can be intimidating. My clients often become akin to family, and maintaining strong relationships with them, as well as with industry professionals, naturally fosters business growth.
DC: How do you persevere through the tough times?
HD: Having launched my business in 2020, we have not been immune to tough times. Starting a business during the pandemic was both challenging and rewarding. For myself, I have found it exceptionally
“I attribute our successes to hard work, determination, and the support of my team”
challenging at times to find the balance between work and self-care. As a busy wife and mother, finding that equilibrium is daunting. It’s also easy to get overwhelmed feeling like every single thing I have to do is urgent. This year, I’ve shifted my methods to work at a steady, but not frantic pace because I have found that creativity does not thrive under stress. The most successful projects are those that permit me to engage fully in the creative process, coupled with client relationships that have faith in that process.
HD: Presently I’m working on quite a few exciting projects. We love working in Westchester and would like to expand our clientele in this area. We are also servicing multiple states and the NYC Metro area. I’m thrilled to currently be renovating a Central Park West apartment. It’s been rewarding to see my vision come to life from start to finish. I would like to work more with architects and builders in the area on new builds. We understand that building a home from the ground up is an overwhelming endeavor. Hiring a professional designer, architect, and contractor makes the process enjoyable for clients. We love being a part of making their dreams a reality.
HD: Interior Design is part of the service industry, but it’s also a sector that requires a great deal of creative thinking and organizational skills. There are a lot of moving parts that go into designing a person’s home. When I first started my own business, I found myself taking on every client that came my way, which inevitably wasn’t always the right course. So my tip is to interview your clients the way they’re interviewing you and your company. Choosing to work with clients who align with your personality and vision, allows you to create a better working relationship. Building strong professional relationships is advantageous when striving to establish a sustainable company.
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DC: What are the secrets to your success?
CP: I love helping people feel well. I have since I was a little girl. Being the NP/clinical director at Nusoma Health, I believe that any success at this company comes from my passion for augmenting someone’s innate ability to heal, and allow them to regain control of their health/life. I think that when someone takes pride in what they do and is enthusiastic about what they do, success always follows suit.
DC: How do you persevere through the tough times?
CP: Practicing gratefulness and reminding myself that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel; one way or another.
DC: What do you want to achieve next?
CP: Build a platform that allows for an increased ability to reach people who need assistance with transforming their health, lifestyle, and overall well-being. I always think of the world as my oyster!
DC: What are your tips for growing a company?
CP: Patience and positivity. It’s easy to become frustrated, get down on yourself and lose hope, but DON’T. Keep trying and keep doing what you love most.
DC: What are the secrets to your success?
TWC: Treating every person as if they are a friend or a member of our family. We are compassionate and understand the true value of taking the time to really listen to our clients/patients. We are deeply committed to helping them feel their best and heal.
DC: How do you persevere through the tough times?
TWC: We have become great communicators. As business partners, we did a lot of work with a mentor before we opened our doors so that we could truly understand each other – our strengths and weaknesses, and how to support one another best. We are yin and yang in a lot of ways, creating true balance. We honor each other and what the other person is feeling and we try to problem-solve together. We have also learned the importance of the pause before reacting so that we can make clean, informed decisions about the business. We also look at hard times as growth and learning opportunities – as exercises in what are we missing and what we need to work on, and similar to a healing journey, those challenging times often become quite meaningful and impactful in positive ways.
DC: What do you want to achieve next?
TWC: We want to continue to find flow and balance and success professionally and personally. As two moms and business owners, it’s not always easy to find that balance, and we keep striving for that. We believe in abundance – we want to continue to be at the forefront of the Westchester wellness community, making it accessible for everyone so that success is achievable for all.
DC: What are your tips for growing a company?
TWC: The power of NO. We used to want to be everything to everyone, yet learning to focus on what we do best and stay in that lane has been the biggest lesson in owning a business. Also, remember your WHY so that when we’re faced with challenges or growth opportunities, the decisions we make are in alignment with the central ethos of our company. We have our core pillars so that all of our decisions feel like they’re in alignment with our initial intention.
DC: What are the secrets to your success?
KL: The secrets to our success lie in our unique approach to staging, which combines sleek and modern design aesthetics with a deep understanding of human psychology. By tapping into our clients’ emotions, preferences, and aspirations, we create spaces that not only look fantastic, but also feel like home from the moment you step through the door. Our ability to connect with our clients on a deeper level sets us apart in the staging industry and ensures that every project we undertake is a resounding success.
DC: How do you persevere through the tough times?
KL: Perseverance is key to navigating through tough times, and we approach challenges with a combination of resilience, creativity, and determination. When faced with obstacles, we lean on our team’s collective expertise and experience to find innovative solutions and adapt to changing circumstances. We also prioritize open communication and transparency, both internally and with our clients, to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal. By staying focused on our mission and maintaining a positive mindset, we’re able to overcome adversity and emerge even stronger on the other side.
DC: What do you want to achieve next?
KL: Our goal is to continue expanding our reach and establishing ourselves as the go-to staging company in our region. We’re constantly seeking new opportunities for growth and innovation, whether it’s expanding our service offerings, entering new markets, or forming strategic partnerships with other industry leaders. Ultimately, we aim to become the undisputed leader in the staging industry, known for our unparalleled creativity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
DC: What are your tips for growing a company?
KL: Growing a company requires careful planning, dedication, and a willingness to embrace change. One of our top tips for growing a company is to prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. By delivering exceptional service and exceeding our clients’ expectations, we’ve been able to build a loyal customer base and generate positive word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, we invest in our team’s professional development and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Finally, we’re not afraid to take calculated risks and explore new opportunities for expansion and diversification. By staying agile, adaptable, and laser-focused on our long-term goals, we’re confident that we can continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
DC: What are the secrets to your success?
AF: I think I owe my art career to the fact that I continuously decide to put myself and my work out there even if it seems like I’m doing it imperfectly. Having a creative career and an entrepreneurial career means I’m fully in control of my destiny which is both amazing and tough because there is no option to put it on autopilot and there is no set blueprint to follow, but I love that I get to create my own version of success.
DC: How do you persevere through the tough times?
AF: If I face a setback or get a rejection that stings, I give myself a day to grieve it and then after that I have to get back on the horse and start planning for the next project! Rejection is redirection.
DC: What do you want to achieve next?
AF: I am in the middle of creating my next body of work/collection release which I’m so excited about!
DC: What are your tips for growing a company?
AF: Whatever you sell, make or offer— make it the best it can be & then constantly be refining and upgrading your business practices. Growing a business is not a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reworked my website and e-commerce flow— it’s a job that will never truly be done.
“I continuously decide to put myself and my work out there even if it seems like I’m doing it imperfectly.”
DC: What are the secrets to your success?
NR: Not being so transactional with clients. Getting to know them, their love story, and building a bond with them through the process.
DC: How do you persevere through the tough times?
NR: Being positive: A positive attitude opens up your mind to more possibilities.
DC: What do you want to achieve next?
NR: I'd love to eventually have a storefront, where I can showcase my previous work and have a place to meet with clients one on one.
DC: What are your tips for growing a company?
NR: Get organized, keep detailed records, understand the risks and rewards, be creative, stay focused on your goals, and be consistent.
“Get organized, keep detailed records, understand the risks and rewards, be creative, stay focused on your goals, and be consistent.”
For over thirty years, Pools Of Perfection has won the respect, trust and friendship of our customers by providing courteous, prompt and expert service and superlative design and uncompromised construction standards.
MAY 2024
MAY 2ND
Fox Lane Middle School | 8:00 AM
The Bike Run is back! This is a community-wide health and wellness event built by parents in partnership with the district. Children from every BCSD elementary school, of all biking and scooting abilities, will ride around the Fox Lane campus, onto the track, and cross the finish line to receive a medal from their Phys. Ed. teachers!
MAY 4TH
Katonah Village Library | 10:00 AM
Celebrate Mom with the very best locally handcrafted gifts from the Northeast Etsy Artists Collective! Sixteen artists and makers from the group will be hand offering all types of jewelry, soaps, accessories, pottery, scented soy candles, home decor, journals, photography, original artwork, and so much more! Stop by and pick up something special for Mom, or something for yourself!
MAY 15TH - MAY 19TH
St. Patrick's Church, Bedford NY 6:30 PM
Please call Christopher Carthy at 914.273.SWIM (7946) to discuss your new poolscape, pool renovation or our fixed price annual maintenance program.
www.poolsofperfection.com
The 49th Annual Carnival hosted by St. Patrick’s Church in Bedford will feature exciting carnival rides for all ages, delicious food and treats, carnival games & prizes, and fun for the entire family! This annual event is a fundraiser for educational and charitable ministries of the Parish.
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MAY 18TH
Peter and the Wolf & Other Excerpts
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center 2:00 PM
Experience an enchanting afternoon of music, dance, and storytelling! Watch the timeless tale of Peter and his animal friends through the captivating melodies composed by Sergei Prokofiev. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the incredible talent of Westchester Ballet Company, one of the oldest nonprofit ballet companies in the United States, as they bring this cherished ballet to life.
MAY 19TH
Sonia De Los Santos
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts | 2:00 PM
Just try to not smile while listening to Sonia de Los Santos sing about things like migrating birds, friendship, chocolate, and anecdotes about growing up in Mexico and her childhood dream of moving to New York. Singing in both Spanish and English, her music will get the entire family dancing! Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the music!
MAY 31ST - JUNE 1ST
Bedford Village | 10:00 AM
Don't miss the Bedford Village Sidewalk Sale later this month! Gather your friends and family to shop the Village and enjoy specials and discounts from local merchants. Enjoy food tastings and other goodies!
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