West Chester, PA January 2021

JA N UA RY 2 02 1

RUN HEAD-ON INTO 2021 FITNESS

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Contact us today to see how we can assist you in improving your health and independence.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JANUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

A Fresh Start for West Chester

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com

WELL, FOLKS, WE'VE ARRIVED IN 2021!

AD DESIGNER

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Robinson Miranda Read

This past year felt like it went by both in a blur, and like it would never end. But

L AYO UT DESIGNER

one thing is certain—we wouldn’t have made it to this turn of the year without the

Emily Lisenbee

support of our incredible community. That’s you!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

This January, we want to take time to focus on wellness: our health, your health and

Kevin Peragine, Halkin Mason Photography, Tom Crane Photography

West Chester’s health. We all thrive when we work together and hold each other accountable. Make a point to check on your friends more often this month. Offer to meet up for a fitness class, such as the in-person and virtual sessions conducted by trainers at Tonicity Fit. Maybe you ask for your family’s support as you begin the search for a therapist for the first time. Whatever the next step for you is, we want to remain connected.

We've probably all been using credit cards to conduct more contactless purchases; take a look at our article on page 14 regarding the intricacies of credit card transactions. And, for those urges to revamp a room or your whole house, consider contacting the professionals at EM Interiors, as highlighted on page 26.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Lastly, it's our pleasure to share a list of local personal chefs, who can cook up

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

memorable meals for you in their kitchens or yours.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Happiest of New Years. Let's toast to a fresh start.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Douglas McDermott, Publisher

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

ON THE COVER Sarah Ostroski,

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

owner of Tonicity Fit, is ready to help others set new exercise and health goals for 2021.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ROBINSON 4

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Chester Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2021

FEATURES 14 Steady, Safe Sales Transactions Streamlined Payment Processing Solutions Improves Customers Shopping Experiences

20 Customized Personal Training How To Shine Bright in 2021 And Be Your Fit Self

26 Lovely Livable Interiors Blending Contemporary Function With Timeless Aesthetics Comes To Life From This Duo's Direction And Expertise

32 20

32 Personal Chefs What West Chester's Culinary Artists Serve Up In Private Settings

14

26 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Financial Buzz

26 Open House 32 Culinary Creations

GOOD TIMES

Support Local Small Businesses At West Chester Growers Market Positive vibes ooze from the West Chester Growers Market each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine). Stroll the market for sweet corn, fresh apple cider, apples, squash, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, leeks, turnips, radishes, fruit butters, award-winning chocolates and lots more. Local farmers, nursery growers and food artisans greatly appreciate all support during this pandemic period.

West Chester Views Inspire As everyone heads into winter weather, it's inspiring to remember just how beautiful and charming West Chester was this fall, such as shared on an open community social media page from "West Chester Views." Included are Everhart Park, sunset views from the Chestnut Street garage, and of course, High Street. Altogether now: Awwwwwww.

8

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

You Call. We Come.

It’s Fixed. Guaranteed.

610•444•3333 MoreVentServices.com

AROUND TOWN anxiety, depression and hopelessness among prison inmates. The results have been incredible. It's clear the program is having a positive effect on recidivism, and it can be shared and replicated in other counties so our communities as a whole benefit," says Janine Quigley, chair of the committee on County Criminal Justice Systems for the 21st Century.

2020 CENSUS: BE FIRST TO KNOW WEST CHESTER RESULTS At press time for this edition, 2020 Census Bureau staffers were scheduled to deliver apportionment counts by Dec. 31, 2020, to the U.S. Presidential staff, as required by law. By April 1, Census Bureau

LOCAL TOYS FOR TOTS BRINGS JOY TO 8,000 CHILDREN

staffers will send redistricting counts to the states.

This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.

West Chester Borough Police Department was

A total of 69.6 percent of Pennsylvanian hous-

one of the dropoff locations for the local Marine

ing units turned in their "self-responses." Another

Toys for Tots Foundation with their Toys for Tots

30.3 percent of Pennsylvania data points were

program. They accepted new, unwrapped toys at

gathered through field data during the Census

a dropbox located in the police station main lobby

Nonresponse Followup Operation.

off Gay Street.

Sign

The local group received applications from 20

up

online

Public.GovDelivery.com/

Accounts/USCENSUS/signup/11626

to

get

nonprofit organizations and 303 families, covering

updates by email or text message when the 2020

a total of 8,033 children in need of some help. The

Census results are available. For more overall infor-

goal of the West Chester Foundation was to pro-

mation, check 2020Census.gov.

vide two toys per child.

Pajama Pals donated 500 of their Puppy Man stuffed animals.

HORSES WERE ESSENTIAL TO AWARD-WINNING THERAPY PROGRAM AT CHESCO PRISON Chester County Prison was selected as a statewide winner of the 21st Century Criminal Justice Best Practices Awards in the large jail category for the group's Cognitive Behavioral Equine Enhancement program. Because local probation specialists wanted people who left prison to stay out, their search for solutions took them to a unique therapy program that uses horse training to teach new behaviors.

Chester County Prison and Adult Probation staffers worked with Gateway HorseWorks' Stable Pathways equine-assisted psychotherapy program.

Through

private

donations,

the

Cognitive

Behavioral Equine Enhancement Program moved to

Given the unemployment effects of COVID-

the Chester County Prison with building a facility to

19 circumstances, two West Chester business

accommodate horses transported from HorseWorks.

owners stepped in to help individuals with much-

“(This) program brings together corrections

needed assistance, providing free resources for

staff, adult probation staff and the nonprofit sector to provide a system of support that targets 10

UNEMPLOYED GET COMPLIMENTARY ASSISTANCE FROM WEST CHESTER BUSINESS OWNERS

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

job seekers and local entrepreneurs.

Laura and Lindsay DiFrancesco, co-founders of the Flourish Coworking Space in West Chester, provided free headshots during the fall, informational podcasts to spotlight other business professionals, and a free week to use any workspace needs at Flourish, which is located at 1121 West Chester Pike.

For current offerings from Flourish, Laura and Lindsay can be contacted at 610.242.7000 or hello@ flourishcoworking.com.

SUSTAINABLE STOREFRONTS INITIATIVE GETS UNDERWAY IN WEST CHESTER Owners of Roots Café WC were the inaugural member of West Chester Sustainable Storefronts. The Roots' team at 133 E. Gay St. now is using biodegradable straws by request only, biodegradable takeout containers, and 100% reusable wares for on-site dining to reduce single-use waste in the community.

West Chester Borough council members in July 2019 approved an ordinance that bans single use plastic bags and straws in West Chester, which took effect July 2, 2020.

To participate and be recognized in this eco-conscious program, cafés, restaurants and bars must adopt three of the following five steps: + Use recyclable paper bags for takeout. + No plastic straws; biodegradable option by request. + No Styrofoam. + No plastic takeout containers. + 100% reusable wares for on-site dining.

Retailers commit to all of the following steps to participate in this environmentally friendly program: + Use recyclable paper bags. + Encourage customers to BYO (bring your own) bags.

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY'S WOMAN RUGBY PLAYER NOMINATED FOR NCAA WOTY West Chester University rugby flanker, Juah Toe, was nominated and recently attempted to become the first WCU NCAA Woman of the Year.

The program was established in 1991 and honors the academic achievements, athletics excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female college athletes from all three divisions. To be eligible, a nominee must have competed and earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and must have earned her undergraduate degree by Summer 2020 (or demonstrate that she would have earned her degree if not for the COVID-19 pandemic).

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

11

STEP INTO THE NEW YEAR

IN STYLE

R o m a n s 12 :10

w w w.de a n s-l a nd s c a p ing.c om | W es t Ches t er, Pa |

B FOL L OW U S ON FACEB OOK

FINANCIAL BUZZ

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN PERAGINE

Matt Conway, Premier Payments Online CFO

Steady, Safe Sales Transactions STREAMLINED PAYMENT PROCESSING SOLUTIONS IMPROVES CUSTOMERS SHOPPING EXPERIENCES

1

Take us into the interesting world of the payment industry.

Most people reading this have at least one credit card, yet probably don’t know how

a transaction happens. The process of how their information gets transmitted and ultimately either accepted or declined is rather complicated. To summarize this process, first it’s important to define some of the key players. Issuing banks are financial institutions

PREMIER PAYMENTS ONLINE

that provide traditional banking services, such as savings and checking accounts, loans

(PPO) IS A REGISTERED ISO

and credit card issuance to consumers and commercial businesses. Acquiring banks are

AND AGENT WITH MUL-

financial institutions that provide merchants with merchant processing accounts and

TIPLE ACQUIRERS AND

handle the acceptance and payment of credit card transactions on those accounts. After

PROCESSING PARTNERS.

you swipe your card, or enter your card info online, the merchant must validate your card

They offer both domestic

information and get authorization to charge your account. This is handled by the card-is-

and international merchant

suing bank, which either approves or declines the transaction. Transaction info is transmit-

services. Via a network of

ted to the card-acquiring bank, which automatically routes data to the card associations

providers, they service all

(MasterCard, Visa) network, also referred to as interchange. Here the card-issuing bank

merchant types and sizes.

is identified, and the transaction is forwarded to that bank. The card-issuing bank then

Funding payments are made

checks the customer’s account to see if the transaction can be approved. If approved, the

directly from the banks to the

issuer sends an approval code that’s sent back through interchange to acquirer until it

merchants, with any reserve

reaches the merchant’s POS terminal, and the merchant knows the transaction has been

funds held directly at the bank.

approved. This is only half of the equation, as there’s still the matter of how the merchant

For merchants requiring interna-

receives funds. There’s a ton that goes into the process. all in a matter of seconds.

tional processing, their customer

2

service specialists can assist

What business sectors does your company serve?

We service all business sectors and can meet all their retail and eCommerce needs.

3

Do you service merchants of certain sizes?

establishing international corporations. Matthew Conway, PPO’s chief financial officer, says one of the company’s strengths lies in discovering and implementing

We service merchants of all different sizes with a particular focus on

specialty processing solutions

small- and medium-sized businesses. Nowadays, merchants of any size can

for unique business operations.

utilize an Omnichannel approach, and we make it easy for merchants to

He shared more insights with

process eCommerce, retail, mobile and scheduled payments on any device,

West Chester Lifestyle.

anywhere, all from one payment gateway platform.

14

with the entire process, including

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

4

What exact financial services do you provide?

We provide merchants with all the necessary tools needed to accept credit

card payments. We offer merchants a bevy of features to make both their, and their customers’ lives, easier. Whether talking about a tailored hardware or software solution, or ensuring merchants are protecting themselves and customers from fraud, PPO covers it. Are you a retail or restaurant business looking for an exciting mobile-based solution? Or perhaps you’re in construction and need a cloud-based invoicing solution that automates accounts receivable from bill presentment, follow up, collection and reconciliation, without changing your custom-

5

er’s current process. We offer services to optimize businesses.

What benefits are provided to PPO clients and how do you operate differently than competitors?

We pride ourselves on our customer service. We’re a small business, so when one

of our merchants needs help, it is myself or one of my colleagues there to assist. You won’t have to wait on hold to get through to us like other competitors that outsource customer service responsibilities. We also offer merchants the ability to have a mer-

6

chant service solution tailored to their specific business.

How did you adjust your business approaches for the COVID-19 pandemic that hit merchants during 2020?

The biggest effect the pandemic had on the payments industry is it accelerated the

need for a strong digital presence, and not just giant retailers. Merchants of all sizes must be able to offer their customers a digital experience. Whether that’s through an online shopping cart, or a shop online pickup in-store feature, if there’s one thing this awful pandemic has shown us, it is customers’ buying experience is changing.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

15

FINANCIAL BUZZ (CONTINUED)

Irini Tomei, Premier Payments Online CEO

7

What measures did your company take in assisting clients to adapt to pandemic-related changes in customer service?

With the increase in online payments that the pandemic brought, so has come an increase

in fraud. Scammers have gotten better at stealing consumers’ information through phishing campaigns, which is why it’s even more imperative that merchants have every tool in place to guard against bad actors and their scams. We work with our customers to make sure they

8

are PCI-compliant and are setup to protect themselves and customers from getting their information stolen.

Are you launching new services for 2021?

There will be a continued focus on digital technology.

9

What else is important to know about PPO?

As a local small business, we know what others like ourselves go through, and

want to make your life as easy as possible. With 15-plus years of experience in the payments industry, we understand the importance of leading technology that can adapt to any business, store, industry or customer type.

925 Harvest Drive, Blue Bell, PA 610.828.6438 PremierPaymentsOnline.com

16

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

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C LO U D N IN E PA IN T E R Cloud Nine Studio Gallery Located in Malvern By appointment

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CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

17

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West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

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CUSTOMIZED PERSONA L TRAINING

HOW TO SHINE BRIGHT IN 2021 AND BE YOUR FIT SELF

20

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

and wellness advice, which is derived from experiences of our trainers, and is grounded in a strong exercise science base,” she adds.

The Tonicity Fit program fuses all five components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body composition. Each component is evaluated and addressed for each client before starting their customized program. Pre-, mid- and post-program assessments are provided.

Sarah says each client sees their progress, and together the team WHILE FOCUSING ON THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS, IT’S

addresses where improvement is or is not necessary.

OFTEN EASY TO FORGET TO SET GOALS FOR ONE’S SELF.

As an exercise physiologist who’s been working with holistic

Resetting wellness objectives during each January enables people

fitness approaches for the past 20 years, Sarah likes to tune into

to be the best version of themselves.

people’s individual needs, including hormonal control and muscle

“Just keep moving forward, because things worth having do

recovery times. In fact, she specializes in working with females, par-

take time,” asserts the owner of a local fitness studio whose team

ticularly when it comes to bone density issues. “Many women hav-

provides customized programs to produce successful, sustained

en’t been informed through the years that strength training is what

results for their clients.

combats loss of bone health. Aerobics alone doesn’t stimulate cells

As an all-inclusive personal training resource, the professionals at

in bones, for example,” says Sarah.

Tonicity Fit offer personal training programs organized by educated

“The overall goal of Tonicity Fit is to provide a positive and pro-

and nationally certified exercise physiologists to provide overall

gressive setting where its community can grow and thrive in a well-

improvements in client wellness.

founded, sound and effective environment,” she assures. “We put

“Tonicity Fit offers a unique opportunity to make positive, pro-

science into practice while making it fun.”

CONTINUED >

gressive health and fitness gains while focusing on health from the inside-out. We’re definitely not a one-size-fits-all type of studio,” assures owner Sarah Ostroski.

Mobility is such an important part of performance, reminds Sarah.

She says various Tonicity training options, including private and semi-private sessions, are tailored to each client’s needs. “It stands to reason that the very same boot camp delivered

c r u s h y o u r go a l s + What are your fitness dreams and life goals? + What do you want out of your day ? + What makes you happies t ?

to those who are 25 years old shouldn’t automatically be done for those 79 years old. Within large group training sessions is often how people are getting hurt. Too often, people are asked to sign waivers and then they jump unaware into large classes,” she explains.

Even before coronavirus concerns limited group gatherings and public occupancies, Sarah kept Tonicity’s groups limited to 8 or 10 people so she and the other trainers can keep an eye on all of the participants’ safety and progress. Each new client goes through a thorough assessment, which includes health status and fitness levels, after which Sarah writes a one-on-one exercise prescription for them.

Attentiveness to goals is one of the keys to Tonicity’s success in assisting clients. “We also provide extensive, customized exercise

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

21

f it n e s s fo r m u l a

CUSTOMIZED PERSONAL TRAINING (CONTINUED)

+ Accountability, motivation and support are three pillars of overall personal health. + Before beginning any exercise program, first get a thorough fitness assessment from an experienced specialist. + Get ready for changes, including emotionally and spiritually. + Plan for frequent check-ins pertaining to wellness goals. + Nutritional balance is critical to fitness, too.

You might need to add certain numbers if you’re trying to get certain results, like weight loss or you’re trying to do injury recovery prevention, you might need to do a little bit less.” + “Get out in nature as often as possible. I’m out for a lovely little hike today on my break just getting a little stroll in and getting my steps up.

Being out in nature is one of the best things you can do for your health, not just physically but mentally as well. Being in nature has been shown to decrease your blood pressure and your stress levels, which is one of the biggest drivers of disease. Go out in nature, even if it’s just a quick stroll to your local park.” + “It’s important to write down goals.

Oftentimes people have goals, dreams, wishes and things they hope to complete but they never actually write it down. Writing it down is a really great way to monitor progress and also to

Sarah says she believes the studio also provides a bridge

commit to memory. If you even look at it once after writing it down,

between gaps when people are recovering from injuries, with

you’re 90% more likely to complete that goal. Your goals want to be

long-term approaches that are medically based and timed to

measurable and specific, so that way you can check your progress

assist recoveries at the proper frequencies.

later. So write down a goal that you want to complete today, a goal

A recent team undertaking at Tonicity Fit is to offer inspiring, pin-

that you want to complete in a week and a goal that you want to

pointed advice each week regarding additional considerations for

complete in a month and check back on that progress. It really does

well-rounded fitness plans. Some of those words of wisdom from

have a commitment when you write it down.”

Sarah, Ken, Jules and Lexi follow here.

+ “There’s a difference between doing something that’s on a machine or with free weights. With the machine, it’s designed to go

TONICITY FIT TRAINER TIP TUESDAYS:

a certain way so there’s no other motion then what it’s designed to

+ “A tip that I always talk to clients about is bone health, and

do. This is an incline press; it just goes up and down. There’s no other

ways you can protect your bones from becoming brittle as you

stabilization. When I decided to do a free weight shoulder press or

age. The number one bit of advice is strength training. Strength

incline press, there’s stability. So, I have to concentrate on keeping

training is so important because it stretches the joints, it puts

that stable. If you’re an athlete, you’re probably better off doing free

pressure on the bone, and it stimulates the cell that grows bone

weights because it will work more stabilizer muscles.”

to become more active and work a little bit faster. The next thing is making sure you have adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium, which will keep your bones nice and strong. Then, it’s about balanced nutrition in general.” + “How much cardio should you be doing? I’ve seen it all across the board from people coming in and doing an insurmountable amount of cardio. Way too much of it, an hour to an hour and half at a time. Sometimes a little bit less doing every single day of the week. So, what are the guidelines and where do you draw the line?

American College of Sports Medicine recommends for maintenance and heart health, a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. And 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise.

22

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

CONTINUED >

“It’s important to write down goals. Oftentimes people have goals, dreams, wishes and things they hope to complete but they never actually write it down.”

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

23

CUSTOMIZED PERSONAL TRAINING (CONTINUED) + “Mobility: So, I have a couple of exercises you can do to help with mobility and range of motion, for let’s say your shoulder. I have a stick right here and what I’m going to do is an overhead where I kind of reach, reach back, just like this. The other one I have is where you go around like a 360, just like that. So not only does this help work on mobility but it is also a great warm up if you’re going to do any weight training or sports training.” Tonicity Fit also offers online, virtual fitness training programs, which include frequent check-ins pertaining to goals. “It’s all about how to get ready for changes, including emotionally and spiritually. We plot how to plan it, and how to get comfortable with changing, just like a snake sheds its skin every so often,” Sarah proclaims.

Through Jan. 8, Tonicity Fit is offering a special “25% off for the holidays” rate.

Precautions related to COVID-19 taken by the Tonicity Fit team include setting their maximum capacity at any given time to only 11; in-person group sessions are limited to six; all clients’ temperatures are taken at the door with a no-contact, infrared thermometer; masks are required while clients navigate around the gym, such as when using locker rooms; locker rooms are restricted to three people at a time; all equipment is cleaned with EPA-approved disinfectant wipes; hand sanitizer is available throughout the gym; sneeze guards were installed between sinks; hands-free soap dispensers are at every sink; showers and facility towel service is temporarily discontinued; 15 minutes are deliberately scheduled between sessions to allow for cleaning; cardio equipment can be reserved for private sessions; equipment is spaced 7 feet apart; the gym is fogged each night with a medical grade disinfectant; and the facility is deep-cleaned twice weekly by locally based Trish’s Cleaning Service.

610.241.9548 TonicityFit.com

24

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

West Chester, PA (610) 241-9548

ANY VIDEO CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO BUILD MUSCLE.......

But how to build YOUR muscles in YOUR body with YOUR goals.

That's what we do. That's customized personal training at Tonicity Fit.

VALANCES • DRAPERIES • SHEERS • BLINDS • SHADES • BED ENSEMBLES • PILLOWS

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pecializing in Window Treatments & Home Decor!

We can coordinate everything for a complete home look including room, walls and windows or just give you a few ideas.

Stop in or call for an appointment:

717-354-2233 Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

1064 East Main St. (Rt. 23) | New Holland, PA

www.HeritageDesignInteriors.com CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

25

OPEN HOUSE Tom Crane Photography

Mia: 215.808.4094 Mia@em-interiordesign.com Cate: 215.601.6035 Cate@em-interiordesign.com EM-InteriorDesign.com

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

BLENDING CONTEMPORARY FUNCTION WITH TIMELESS AESTHETICS COMES TO LIFE FROM THIS DUO'S DIRECTION AND EXPERTISE 26

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

Lovely Livable Interiors

Mia Miller (on left) and Cate Lownes, co-principals of EM Interiors.

“ We work i n a r a n ge of s t yle s , but a lways pl a n for sp ace s t h at a re cl a s sic , cle a n , com for t a ble a nd

mo s t i mp or t a nt ly, l iva ble. We fo cu s on m a k i n g a home f u nct ion a l a s wel l a s com for t a ble.”

CREATING AUTHENTIC REFLECTIONS OF UNIQUE PER-

“We conduct a thorough interview process with our clients

SONALITIES IN HOME ENVIRONMENTS BY BLENDING

regarding what’s meaningful to them, because our designs and

ART AND SCIENCE IS THE SIGN OF SPLENDID INTERIOR

plans are about them, not us,” explains Cate. “We’re careful to

DESIGN. From farmhouse to townhouse, modern or historic, the

respect the architecture of their homes.”

design professionals at EM Interiors assure they start by keeping the visions of clients top-of-mind.

“We work in a range of styles, but always plan for spaces that

Cate and Mia each contribute varied talents and unique backgrounds to designs, ranging from project management to sourcing unusual materials.

are classic, clean, comfortable and most importantly, livable. We

As the daughter of a talented seamstress, Cate’s love of textiles

focus on making a home functional as well as comfortable,” says

began early in her life as she learned to make her own clothes and

Mia Miller, EM Interiors co-principal.

home accessories. She graduated from Moore College of Art &

Mia collaborates with co-principal Cate Lownes to pool

Design, and worked for some of Philadelphia’s leading architec-

their practical and creative knowledge to transform clients’

tural and design firms. She later worked for the DuPont Company

dreams for their homes into a livable reality. The two previously

as a carpet fibers specialist.

worked together at Ellen Magen Interior Design for a decadeplus, a company established by their late colleague, Ellen Magen.

Cate now focuses on space planning, architectural detailing and project management.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

27

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

“We’re the eyes of ou r cl ients, especia l ly for

th i ngs they ca n’t v isua l ize.

We’re thei r pr ivate por ta l to ma k i ng ideas th ree-

d i mensiona l so they ca n pict u re size a nd sca le.”

Tom Crane Photography

Mia often incorporates a global influence to the firm’s work, harkening back to having before lived in the

FOLLOWING SERVICES:

Middle East, Europe and South America. She graduated

+ Conceptual Design and Space Planning

from Syracuse University and started her career at fashion

+ Architectural Finish Selection

label Emanuel Ungaro in New York City. While working

+ Furnishings Selection and Specification

with renowned designer Thom Filicia, she fell in love with

+ Lighting Selection and Specification

interior design. She developed her talents for sourcing

+ Custom Millwork and Furniture Design

contemporary furniture and lighting at OLC in Philadelphia

+ Construction Documentation

before moving to Ellen Magen Interior Design.

+ Project Management

Mia has a keen sense for sourcing unique materials and accessories for clients’ homes.

28

TOGETHER, THESE TWO DESIGNERS DELIVER THE

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

+ Color Consultation + Custom Window Treatments

Tom Crane Photography

Halkin Mason Photography

“We’re the eyes of our clients, especially for things they

of creating lasting partnerships with their clients, with

can’t visualize. We’re their private portal to making ideas

many of them returning with new projects as their lives

three-dimensional so they can picture size and scale,”

change and families grow.

says Cate, who has been known to hold up pots, pans

Now that people are spending more time in their

or other easily grabbed items to truly show how much

houses, condos and apartments — and they are often

space a new light fixture would take up, for example.

working there — Mia says she and Cate have turned

The two decorators guide clients through several stages

toward incorporating design elements that are not solely

of a project, including a conceptual and schematic phase.

about entertaining guests, per se, but that shift the func-

Clients are encouraged to save pictures from magazines,

tion of spaces to adapt to clients’ new needs. She says

create a vision board or share Pinterest images of their

artwork, collections, framed portraits and personal

ideas and thoughts. “It all gets considered as we work

objects are significant components of making a space

through mockups, and we’re happy to partner and collab-

a client’s own.

orate with architects, when applicable,” adds Cate.

Working within clients’ timeframes as best they can, these interior designers say they’ve had the good fortune

“Whatever those happy things are that bring joy to each homeowner, that’s what EM Interiors accentuates.” she adds.

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

29

Jeff Kitchen, Jeff Kitchen, AAMS® AAMS® Brendan Murphy, AAMS®

Brad Abel

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IRT-1848D-A

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The new normal: Look forward to doing your taxes.

Prepare@DelphiTMG.com | (484) 928-1715 | DelphiTMG.com 30

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

MAINLINEMENSCUSTOM.COM

formal wear rentals & wedding suits

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We also offer custom suits and shirts by appointment!

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CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

31

CULINARY CREATIONS

PERSONAL CHEFS WITH CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS CAME NEW INTERESTS IN

WHAT WEST CHESTER'S

SERVICES OFFERED BY PERSONAL CHEFS, WHO ARE HIRED BY

CULINARY ARTISTS SERVE UP IN

DIFFERENT CLIENTS TO PREPARE MEALS IN EACH PERSON'S

PRIVATE SETTINGS

HOME KITCHEN, BASED ON DISTINCTIVE HEALTH/DIETARY NEEDS AND TASTE PREFERENCES. Some personal chefs also cater or provide ready-to-prepare meal packages. Their updated services include social distancing while preparing meals in homes, wearing masks and gloves. All cooking surfaces are disinfected; many bring and use their own pots, pans and utensils, to stay self-contained. Which local personal chefs have you tried?

01

ANDREW THE C H E F LL C

Head chef is founder and West Chester native who pre-

pares four- or six-course sit-down dinners and mealsto-go. Tablescapes, flowers, appetizers, wine pairings or cocktails can be added. Andrew cooks for collegiate D1 athletes and clients with special dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, Diabetes).

484.880.3300 | AndrewTheChef.com

02

G I A B E LL A C AT E R I N G

“Love of Family and Food” comes from five generations of hospitality and full service catering experience and professionalism; all cuisines.

JulesShortt@giabellacatering.com

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

610.316.9609 | GiaBellaCatering.com

32

03

TO N Y L AW R E N C E G LO B A L W I N E C H E F

04

CHEF PIERRE D E R AG O N

Personal chef services and small event caterer that delivers exquisite food, luscious desserts as well as sweet and savory delicacies. pderagon@earthlink.net 484.926.5871

05

FOOD GODDESS

This personal chef and caterer specializes in custom-craft-

Wine and food pairing services for women, men, couples,

ing menus with the right selection of delicious foods for all

family “bubbles” and small groups who are practicing COVID-

kinds of palates and dietary needs. She also offers meal

19 safety precautions, including at-home anniversary celebra-

preparations, luncheons trays, dinner platters and time-

tions, date nights and ladies-nights-in.

tested desserts.

winechef@comcast.net

267.633.8146 | WestChesterCateringService.com

267.250.5715 | WineChefForYou.com

West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

Gruyere cheese-filled profiteroles (empty cream puff shells) with a gruyere and parmigiano reggiano Mornay. Courtesy of Pierre DeRagon, personal chef.

08

CHE F E LIZ ABETH

Executive personal chef whose food preparation is influenced by

06

TEX MEX CONNECTION

Caters fresh, made-daily cuisine that’s a fusion of Tex Mex

American, decadent, French, health, Mediterranean and Spanish notions. She’s happy to use organic or sustainable ingredients, as well as safe substitutions for food allergies or sensitivities.

484.716.7561 | elizabethsorganics@gmail.com

family owned, 3-star certified green restaurant.

09

Cyle@texmexconnection.com | 215.699.9552

At-home caterer/personal chef who offers French cuisine

TexMexConnection.com

for small groups, especially buffet style. She also provides weekly

that’s evolved over the years into a unique American tradition;

07

LE T ’ S C U LTI VATE F O O D

Personal Chef Yoon Lee specializes in flavor combination, healthy eating and keeping up with what’s fresh and in-style.

Together with a sous chef, she provides high-quality meal

C U I S I N E D E S Y LV I E

meal preparation. sylvie@cuisinedesylvie.com 484.639.1605 | CuisinedeSylvie.com

10

SWEET PEA C AT E R I N G C O M PA N Y

with gourmet plating, such as edible flowers and special gar-

The motto of chef Kiesha Colbert is to “live for one more bite,” as

nishing, in the comforts of homes.l

she takes comfort foods from granny’s kitchen and puts a special

etscultivate@gmail.com

spin on those delicious dishes. In addition to preparing unique

610.329.0199 | LetsCultivateFood.com

meals, she specializes in private culinary coaching for adults, kids and couples.

484.467.7275 | SweetPeaCateringCo.com

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

33

Let Me Help You Puu It AA Together I bring innovative design solutions that will enhance your living space and make you love your home. Best of all, I execute all phases. From initial consultation, to product selection, to final installation, I handle every detail. I am a true end-to-end service.

So you can be sure your new space will be a dream come true.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation!

Deborah Bettcher Owner | Interior Designer (610) 964-8403 · debbettcher@gmail.com deborah.decoratingden.com

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West Chester Lifestyle | January 2021

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