THE LEADING LADIES OF KELLER WILLIAMS COASTAL REALTY

Rhode Island, Massachusetts & Connecticut License REALTORS®

Alessa Alvarez, Erica Arruda, Jennifer Bove, Christina Logan, Lavonne Lopes, Maureen Mills, Christina Myers, Belinda Nattress, Andrea St. Germain, and Joellen Wunner together make up the Leading Ladies of KELLER WILLIAMS COASTAL REALTY. Each brings their own unique talents to the agency, and they represent diverse backgrounds and knowledge, empowering them as some of the most notable and successful real estate professionals in the state of Rhode Island.

While most of these women have a driving force motivating their unique reasons for pursuing a career in real estate, their passions ultimately stem from wanting to support individuals in the path to home ownership, wealth building, and client care, as it relates to residential real estate transactions. These hard-working women are devoted to giving back to their communities, many of them growing up within the ecosystem of small business owners or professional realtors as parents or family members.

Among their accolades, each has consistently placed within the top 20 percent of all realtors at Keller Williams Coastal. Additional representation in this syndicate includes a past Realtor® board president and current board directors, as well as some holding national designations, including Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyers Rep (ABR), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and the Graduate Realtors Institute.

Real estate has provided remarkable opportunities to this group of professional women in so many capacities. Not only does it allow for flexibility and creativity within the trade, but working in real estate also provides them room to grow as professionals, and offers them an outlet to service their community. Leading with compassion, knowledge, and gratitude –always – these women are all passionate about being a part of their clients’ journeys of selling or purchasing real estate.

Keller Williams Coastal Realty creates a platform that allows individuals (especially women) to thrive based on hard work and compassion for the client. By providing unrivaled service to each and every client, these women have set themselves apart from their cohort, allowing them to shine as the best in the industry. They set the standard for what to expect when seeking the help of a realtor through their experience in the craft of real estate sales. They’re also supportive colleagues to each other, using their time, skills, and abilities to empower other professionals in the field and build each other up – all working for the shared goal of delivering the best service.

Changes in the market are to be expected, and can be advantageous to buyers and sellers alike. The Keller Williams Coastal Realty ladies keep up with these fluctuations so clients don’t have to worry. For many, home ownership and opportunities for wealth building through real estate can feel out of reach. Working directly with clients, these women find out what matters most to each client and work to accomplish everyone’s goals in each transaction. As they gear up for another year, each of them is also committed to local causes, always finding ways to give back by hosting events such as Wickford Harbor Lights, Children’s Backpack Drives, and Pet Adoption Days.

It’s important to know who you’re in business with, and the Leading Ladies of Keller Williams Coastal have the drive and grit to accomplish anything they set their minds to.

For top-notch dermatological procedures and cosmetic treatments, Dr. Alyssa Findley’s East Providence practice FINDLEY DERMATOLOGY LLC boasts compassionate care and expertise. A board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Findley specializes in skin cancer surgery, complex reconstruction, and cosmetic dermatology, with a particular interest in the surgical management of melanoma.

“We just opened our doors to patients two months ago, so we are constantly evolving and super excited about the future,” says Dr. Findley, who holds a MD from Tufts University School of Medicine. She has completed internship, residency, and fellowship-level training, and is a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery and member of other state and national medical associations. With 10 years of experience and intensive training, Dr. Findley has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and complex procedures. As one of very few fellowship-trained surgeons in the area practicing Mohs, Dr. Findley is often referred patients from across Southern New England. “I’m very passionate about educating my patients about the di erent procedures and treatments we o er,” she says. She’s a strong advocate for the benefits of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and reconstruction occuring in a single setting. Mohs surgery is a highly e ective technique used for treating many kinds of skin cancers, allowing for examination of tissue specimens real-time during the surgery to pinpoint the precise location of tumor cells. This allows for her to minimize the removal of healthy surrounding skin, ensuring optimal reconstruction, and an easier recovery.

Along with skin cancer treatment, Findley Dermatology’s specialties include complex reconstruction and cosmetic dermatology. The goal is always to achieve the best functional and cosmetic outcome, and when it comes to minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, Dr. Findley helps patients achieve a well-rested and refreshed look.

“All procedures are under local anesthesia, so my sta and I are a orded the opportunity to really get to know our patients,” Dr. Findley says. “I love these conversations, forming long-term relationships, and providing excellent care.” Whether the patient arrives at Findley Dermatology seeking skin cancer surgery, benign lesion removal, or cosmetic procedures, they can feel safe and assured that they’re getting the best possible care.

Even for those who don’t have any pressing skin concerns, Dr. Findley recommends that everyone schedule a full-body skin exam performed by a boardcertified dermatologist to potentially detect and diagnose skin cancer and other issues that the patient may otherwise believe are harmless.

Throughout Dr. Findley’s career, balancing work and family life has played a role in everything she does. “I’ve had babies at almost all points in my career – residency, fellowship, and as an attending. Perseverance, dedication, and laughter have gotten me through it,” she reflects. The mother of five (to four boys and one girl) brings her warmth and sense of humor to both her personal and professional life. “I’ve always felt that being a mom has made me a better doctor, and vice versa.” An outdoor lover, she can also often be found running at Barrington Beach with her sheepadoodle Ollie on the weekends.

Looking forward to seeing her new practice grow in the coming years, Dr. Findley is working on ways to illuminate the high-quality work she and her team are dedicated to carrying out. “Soon, we’ll be able to provide our patients with videos and media to showcase what happens at Findley Dermatology on a dayto-day basis.”

For the past almost three years, Sundays have been market days in Tiverton. Originally housed in the Sandywoods Community Hall, vendors congregate to share everything from fresh-caught seafood and farm-grown veggies to jarred, baked, or vegan treats. Patrons can sip a warm cup of co ee while perusing selections of hats made of alpaca wool, herbal teas, and nautical art, or snack on food truck bites while learning about sustainable farming practices straight from the source.

The TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET (TFM) sprung from a cultural moment when we were all craving connection, and it’s grown into not only a source of local produce and neighborly camaraderie, but also an educational experience of our food system – and director Meredith Brower made it all happen.

PANDEMIC SUCCESS STORY

“We had our first market on Tuesday, June 16, 2020,” recalls Meredith. “We worked together to get the Department of Health approval to open during a pandemic.” The market took o from there and has since outgrown its original space. Last year it moved to Sundays (10am-1:30pm) at the Tiverton Middle School. The yearround market now boasts two locations, with the winter market running November through May at the middle school and at the end of May this year, a new outdoor location – the Tiverton Town Farm Recreational Area – will host the summer session.

“The market has grown to include local farms, food entrepreneurs, food producers, makers, artists, and local and non-profit entities,” says Meredith. “Local musicians perform every week, too.” Her goal has always been to foster community connections – and what better way to bring folks together than with food and art?

Along with the Sunday market, eight specialty markets focus on holidays and seasonal themes, with an average of 25-35 vendors each week, upwards of 45 vendors for specialty markets, and the popular Harvest Market saw over 100. TFM has earned an Excellence in Business Award in the women-owned category from the Greater Newport County Chamber of Commerce, received state non-profit status in 2020, and received a Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant in 2021

And no two Sundays are exactly the same. “Each week you may find new and interesting vendors,” says Meredith. “All of them are local from the surrounding RI and southern MA area.”

Market Maker

“Before COVID, I was a freelance photographer and eco-artist,” says Meredith, who creates foraged designs via Firefly Mandalas, and hosts workshops. “The pandemic put a hold on that and the idea to create this market started.”

Along with managing a board of overseers and volunteers, “I handle all aspects of the market: social media, photography, marketing, financials, grants writing, vendor relations, and communications,” says Meredith. She also fosters a space for engagement, o ering regular workshops and facilitating collaboration. Working with the Tiverton Land Trust for the Harvest Market, TFM o ered Tent Talks on topics like honey production, land conservation, and organic farming, all led by vendors. Someday Meredith also hopes to have a full-fledged art market alongside TFM. This year, she looks forward to the market’s third anniversary in June, and she’s working on achieving 501(c)3 status. “It’s vital to know where your food comes from,” says Meredith – and a Sunday at the market is a great way to start.

Winter Location: 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton; Summer Location: Tiverton Town Farm

Recreational Area, 3524 Main Road, Tiverton, TivertonFarmersMarket.com

TANYA DONAHUE President & Owner

Growing up around her dad’s construction company when she was young, Tanya Donahue’s career path in building may have been inevitable, but the reputation she’s created for RIKB DESIGN BUILD goes above and beyond as a leading firm locally and nationally. “I have sawdust in the blood,” Tanya jokes, describing her love of the industry. It’s a passion she pours into fostering a company culture and mission centered around turning clients’ dream spaces into reality.

Tanya has been widely recognized for her work, earning the Extreme Sales award from ProRemodeler magazine and MVP award from Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston, as well as serving on the Rhode Island Builders Association board for three terms and speaking at national conferences. RIKB has also received design awards and, most important to Tanya, client recognition in the form of GuildQuality and Houzz customer service designations, as well as being named a PBN Best Places to Work every year since 2018. “Without our wonderful clients and fabulous team, nothing else matters.”

RIKB not only remodels homes but also builds careers. “We have employees who we trained right out of school as interns, apprentices, and design associates who now have full careers here,” shares Tanya. “We’ve seen their growth along the way, whether it’s buying a first car or home, getting married, or having children. I am so proud to see them all evolve and become leaders in the industry. We all celebrate each other’s successes.”

Serving clients with warmth and professionalism, Tanya and her team create spaces for clients to raise their families, entertain friends, and care for loved ones or age in place in their retirement. This year Tanya looks forward to relaunching in-person remodeling workshops for the community, as well as hosting client events like wine tastings and their Visiting Chef Series.

“I love that we have a direct impact on people’s lives, and that they welcome us into their homes and trust us to keep our promises.”

The Leading Ladies Of Stonelink Property Management

by hospitable and hardworking people, taught me the importance of going the extra mile when providing customer service,” says director of property management Adeliz Rodriguez, who was promoted to her current role last April and now leads a team of eight. “We all work together creating new processes, solving issues, learning, and providing support.” Recently promoted from legal coordinator to property manager, Becky Phelps manages 32 properties. “This career can be stressful, but it’s extremely rewarding.” takes her job seriously, keeping everything spotless and ensuring residents come home to a neat building. On the customer service end of things, o ce administrator Yeissy Fuentes shares, “I always do my best to make residents leave satisfied.”

According to Laurence Mann, who enjoys engaging in community outreach and displaying her creativity as communication and marketing manager, at Stonelink, “It feels like a family – you are heard and respected for everything you do.”

The women of STONELINK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT not only make up a key component of the team but have also played a huge role in the company’s growth and expansion. One of the region’s largest and fastest-growing full-service property management companies, Stonelink is also active in the local community, volunteering at the nonprofit We Share Hope.

“Growing up in Puerto Rico, surrounded

As director of accounting, Jennifer Sunderland brings two decades of experience to the fast-paced yet methodical property management field. Thriving in her supportive role is business administrator Lisa Gargaro, who keeps the Stonelink o ce running smoothly.

Assistant bookkeeper Yanis Rodriguez also leads the cleaning department with a steadfast and organized work ethic. Paola Correa, part of the cleaning department,

The Leading Ladies of Stonelink Property Management are an integral part of the company’s success, and they’re looking forward to a bright future in 2023. These women have demonstrated that they can achieve anything when working together as a team to drive them and the company to greater success.

15 Circle Street, Rumford, 401-223-2838, StonelinkPM.com

BRITTANY IAFRATI, FNP

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner & Owner

Striving to deliver only the best noninvasive cosmetic procedures, BEL VISO MEDICAL SPA opened in 2017 and last year alone completed over 3,500 procedures and treatments. “I could have never imagined this much growth in such a short period of time,” shares owner Brittany Iafrati, FNP. In those five years, Brittany has also built up a staff of four nurse practitioners, three medical estheticians, two receptionists, and one manager – all dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best.

“From the very first day I was introduced to the cosmetic industry I fell in love,” says Brittany, who holds a BS from URI and a master’s degree from Purdue University. She worked in the ICU and Endoscopy units at Rhode Island Hospital before finding her calling as an aesthetic nurse injector, and has since trained with top injectors in New England to become an expert of facial anatomy and injectable treatment protocols.

“My parents always taught me to

PSYCHOLOGY, CURIOSITY, & FINANCIAL PLANNING

I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology and started my career with fifteen years’ experience as a practicing psychologist. This perspective now benefits my awareness and approach when working with Personal Financial Planning clients. As a matter of fact, the CFP® Board recently introduced the Psychology of Financial Planning as a new Principal Knowledge Domain, which they define as “identifying and responding to attitudes, behaviors, and situations that impact decision-making and financial well-being.”

As a Psychologist and a CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, I am so grateful that my prior skills have come full circle into my dayto-day life with clients. I am comfortable and experienced with crisis management, family conflict, and aiding clients through personal challenges. For example, I work with many widows and widowers as they dream big and there isn’t anything in this world you can’t do if you work hard.” When not working hard making those dreams come true in the office, Brittany is committed to family time.

“I spend every spare moment with my husband, who is my rock, and our two beautiful boys. They push me to do better every day.”

Brittany relishes every part of the job, from performing procedures that enhance (rather than change) clients’ natural features, to sharing her wealth of knowledge about the aging process. She and her “Bel Viso Family” set a high standard for customer service. “We check in on our patients post procedures and continuously ask for feedback so we can continue to be the best.”

With plans to expand into a larger facility, Brittany and team continue to put patients’ best interests and safety first. Her motto for Bel Viso from day one has been: “Do the right thing, do your best, and always show people you care.” navigate into a new world without their loved one by their side.

For each client, goals are personal, unique, and in progress, and I start each new client relationship by fully understanding their vision, opportunities, and challenges. And, although managing client assets and resources is central to our work together, much of the true work is accompanying the client through life’s journeys, ups and downs, and with the hope of providing peace of mind and encouragement towards personal fulfillment. We discuss difficult topics about mortality and life’s personal purpose such as “what is the life you have, the life you envision, and what do you want to leave behind?”

Each client is unique, which keeps me aware and open, observing, reading, wondering, thinking, and questioning. I am a curious person. And luckily for me, my clients provide ample opportunities for me to foster my curiosity.

Each spring admirers of WICKED TULIPS FLOWER FARM flock to Rhode Island and Connecticut to revel in the beauty of these mind-blowing blooms. This year they are reopening the Johnston location giving tulip lovers three locations and a total of 1.5 million tulips to view and pick. The experience brings happiness to both patrons and its co-owners Keriann and Jeroen Koeman.

Keriann often “worried something would go wrong” afraid the family would lose their stability. She found herself on a path exploring embodied movement to reconnect with and center herself. “It led me to giving myself permission to do what brought me joy, rather than what I ‘should’ do,” she explains.

As a result, Keriann became a facilitator of THE MOVEMENT EXPERIENCE and launched a series of classes both online and at the farm, with retreats in Nicaragua and Scotland scheduled for later this year. She also created a sup-

Jennifer Jones Rashleigh

Artist

“My work as an artist is about the process of observing the world acutely, distilling natural details into their salient poetic eloquence,” says Jennifer Jones Rashleigh, owner of CÉDIAN PAINTING: STUDIO-GALLERY.

Her portfolio of water and wildlife paintings dazzle visitors with her detailed, dynamic, and tactile art. “I work with acrylic in every capacity,” Jennifer explains, “diluted washes, translucent gel coats, brushed, poured, thrown, knifed, dragged opacities, and thickly pulled impasto textures that lift o the canvas.” But stretched canvas isn’t all Jennifer works on – she is widely known for her hand-painted pillows, which allow the viewer to experience art in a new way: “I encourage my clients to run their eyes and hands over the artwork,” she says. “Something generative occurs when we as humans look at and touch something simultaneously.”

“I am a picker and proud of it,” says Maureen Lawton. She’s referring to one of her favorite activities – looking for all things vintage, antique, repurposed, and unique – to bring back to her Wakefield shop COTTAGE CHIC DECOR. “The store is not only a furniture showroom, it has gifts, glassware, lighting, textiles, and so much more.” Whether assembling an inspiring vignette or for hire decorating a summer cottage, Maureen has a natural talent for imbuing spaces with timeless coastal charm.

119 Main Street, Wakefield, 860-798-4768, CottageChicDecor.com studios that open to the gallery. Patrons access finished work and creative process. “I prefer a working studio,” says Jennifer. “Art means more when you can deconstruct processes: sketching, underpainting, value studies, layering.” Jennifer encourages, “When you see how art is assembled, it’s easier to understand the work.”

Shifting careers after 9/11 from Art Historian and US Fulbright Scholar, Jennifer started painting and never looked back. “I’m grateful for the two decades I spent researching and teaching art history,” she explains. “It informs my thematic and aesthetic choices and method.”

3848 Main Rd, Tiverton, RI, 508-951-0696, cedianpainting.com

In February, Jennifer reopened Cédian Painting: Studio-Gallery in the heart of Historic Tiverton Four Corners. Working together with colleague Ashley Ainsworth, both artists share exhibition space while painting from

“The response to my growing body of water and wildlife painting has been exhilarating,” she confesses of her birds, fish, botanicals, and beach scenes. Discover Jennifer’s inspiring art for yourself at Making Waves, a Pillow Painting Demo April 7 from 5:30-7pm at the gallery. Join upcoming classes Tuesday evenings 6-8pm May 2, 9, 16 & 23. Come to the Gallery Grand Opening Saturday June 17, 5-7pm, or stop by the studio, open weekly Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm.

Professional photographer Caitlyn

Lifschitz puts her heart, head, and soul into every portrait session. As owner of LOVERLY PHOTOGRAPHY, she captures beautiful moments in time with her camera, from big events and engagements to family photos and senior portraits. Her clients praise how easy-going and fun she is to work with, especially her ability to draw out real smiles, even from their kids. Caitlyn loves watching her clients grow with each milestone she photographs. “Your happiness is my biggest goal!”

Downtown Westerly, 401-388-0124, LoverlyPhotos.com

ASHLEY AINSWORTH Fine Artist

“I have always had an artful eye,” says Ashley Ainsworth, whose close attention to color, line, and pattern and studious obsession with drawing and reading have blossomed into her career as a fine artist. Through ASHLEY AINSWORTH ART, she has garnered praise for capturing the essence of her subjects and conveying a sense of place and time in vibrant scenes painted on canvas.

As an art history major at Boston College, Ashley supplemented her education with several studio courses and has since developed her artistic style creating works for herself and commissioned pieces, working in large and small formats alike. “I like to switch mediums after a spell, almost as a palette cleanser,” she explains of her process, and she thrives as a collaborator, too.

To house her growing business, this spring Ashley looks forward to opening a brand new working studio and show space in the heart of historic Tiverton Four Corners with colleague Jennifer Rashleigh. Says Ashley, “I’m so grateful to live in this area that welcomes and encourages artists’ contributions to the community.”

3848 Main Road, Tiverton, 908-902-5449, Ashley-Ainsworth.com

Alicia Reynolds, Barrington-based Realtor® for RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

LTD., sees her role as that of a trusted, well-informed friend who has your back.

“I’m kind of a client conduit, who connects them to their real estate goals,” Alicia says. “I work hard to understand their needs and wants.” Her industriousness has earned due recognition, receiving the Five Star Professional Rising Star award in 2023 and 2022, a designation based on consumer evaluations as well as production and business information. A native Rhode Islander, she’s been involved in real estate for roughly 25 years. Her career started in mortgage lending, giving her unique insight into navigating the market and making sound choices. On her blog, she o ers perspective and seasoned advice for prospective buyers. “Whether it’s buying a first home, selling a long-loved family home, or building your real estate portfolio, I try to anticipate and mitigate stress so my clients can focus on the fun part,” Alicia adds. “I love helping new residents explore our great state and am honored to help folks figure out where their next move might be.”

Connecting with people is a passion for Alicia. Her ability to form close bonds with clients while solving problems is a true calling for her. “I love that they know that I am always here for them, even after the deal is over. I do more than help you buy or sell a property; I handle everything personally and have wonderful partners who can facilitate the smoothest and most stress-free transaction.”

When she’s not showing clients homes around the state, Alicia keeps herself sharp mentally and physically through cooking, knitting and quilting, reading, Pilates, and pickleball. She’s enjoying a few milestones in her personal life as well. “My daughter is getting married this summer,” Alicia adds. “It’s very exciting!” Her take on the 2023 spring market? “I think it’s going to be busy,” she says. “But more balanced for buyers and sellers.”

CARRIE A. MCPHERSON, CRPS®, CDFA®, CHSNC® Financial Advisor & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

“I enjoy solving problems, building plans, and helping execute them,” begins Carrie A. McPherson, a Financial Advisor with BEACONPOINT WEALTH ADVISORS, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. “In a nutshell, people hire me to help them make educated decisions regarding their financial and investment questions and serve as an unbiased opinion when looking at the big picture.”

Carrie brings nearly 15 years in the finance industry and certifications as a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and most recently, Chartered Special-Needs Financial Consultant®. Carrie’s personal experiences with divorce and growing up with a mother struggling with mental illness makes her especially empathetic and connected to her clients. She loves working with women in particular, helping them feel empowered to make choices regarding the money they’ve worked so hard to earn.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to work with a professional that will help them feel more comfortable and confident about their finances,” says Carrie, who reveals plans for some fun events this year – “because finances don’t have to be boring!” she says.

1 Citizens Plaza, Suite 610 Providence, RI 02903, 401-824-2557, AmeripriseAdvisors.com/carrie.mcpherson Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. ©2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Though TANDEM DESIGNWORKS was founded in 2017, owners Sara Beatrice and Lindsay Letourneau have been working in “tandem” in design and marketing for nearly two decades. To this day they eagerly tackle each new design challenge to meet clients’ unique needs, from food packaging to higher education collateral, and everything in between. Sara explains, “We love to work ‘with you,’ not ‘for you,’ and many clients say that rings true after many years of amazing partnerships with large and small companies.”

PO Box 681, Wakefield, TandemDesignworks.com

A first-generation Cape Verdean immigrant and proud owner of THE BUCKET NUTRITION, Lo Sena grew up helping her father run the family business. When he passed, she felt lost, but channeled her grief into doing good for her community. With a degree in communications and career in healthcare, Lorraine learned what her Pawtucket neighbors needed. “Beyond weight loss shakes and energizing teas, I created a safe place for my community and that makes it all worth it. I love helping people be their best self!”

863 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, 401-362-9547, FB/IG: thebucketnutrition

“I’m proud to be working at a school that remains a leader in giving all students and families a sense of belonging, regardless of their race, gender, and economic status,” says Caroline Mullaney, Admissions Director at GORDON SCHOOL. While she didn’t originally consider a career in admissions, Caroline now can’t imagine doing anything else. She loves that every day is di erent. One moment she might be taking a family on a tour of campus, chatting with a future kindergartener, planning an event with middle schoolers, or explaining the value of Family Individualized Tuition – but always, Caroline’s number one job is making everyone feel welcome. “Feeling like we belong plays such a big role in our experience,” she explains. “I’m grateful that I get to help families find a sense of belonging at Gordon, and grateful that I found it here myself.” This fall, Caroline is excited that they will be launching the Gordon Family Table, making lunch community-inclusive for everyone: students, faculty, and sta . “Food will connect to our curriculum, our equity and sustainability e orts, and help link our community together.”

45 Maxfield Avenue, Providence, 401-434-3833, GordonSchool.org

HEATHER PALIOTTA Executive Director

MEG JONES Owner, Artist & Interior Designer

Meg Jones has been fostering a love for art in clients of all ages through ART BY YOU AT WEIRDGIRL CREATIONS

POTTERY STUDIO since 1998 in Rhode Island with drop-in paint-your-own pottery and summer camps for kids. A potter by trade, she also memorializes customers’ special moments in the form of custom ceramic house numbers; name signs; hand, foot, and paw print impressions in clay; and more with IN GOD WE TRUST CERAMICS.

Community leader Heather Paliotta has been with the CHARLESTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE for 21 years, taking the lead with recruiting volunteers and growing membership. She’s especially proud of tripling the size of the beloved Charlestown Seafood Festival, their largest annual fundraiser. “We are strong advocates for our members, and strong ambassadors for preserving our coastal heritage.”

401-364-3878

CharlestownRIChamber.com

Melissa Shaw

Owner

401-419-5163

ShawSearch.com

Meg attended SUNY New Paltz and NY Institute for Art and Design, and found her calling crafting one-of-a-kind custom ceramics. She’s also an interior designer with C & C Investing Group. This began as a hobby for the family real estate investment company, but turned into her going back to school to take over the design of all projects. “Through it all, the career I’m most proud of is being a mom of four adult children and grandmother to my four

Melissa is owner and founder of SHAW SEARCH PARTNERS, a recruitment consulting firm focused on the hiring of marketing, creative, and strategy talent within the consumer goods, retail, ecommerce, and healthcare industries nationwide and globally. Melissa is the recipient of the Business Women Awards “Woman to Watch” award by Providence Business News. With a focus on national and global opportunities, her company is known for recruiting diverse, highlevel, and executive candidates, and competes with some of the nation’s leading recruitment agencies.

“I launched Shaw Search Partners in 2010 with a belief that there was a need for a recruiter to have a vested interest in the business, culture, and environment of the client’s company, in addition to the job specifications,” says Melissa, who had been working in the industry since 2001 when she decided to leave corporate recruiting to start her own business. “I started with one client and grandchildren,” she says. “I’ve learned through God all things are possible. I am blessed to be able to do what I love each day.”

33 Kent Street, Suite B, Barrington, 401-247-1397, WeirdGirlCreations.com have worked tirelessly to organically, and single-handedly, grow the business to where it is today: a nationally recognized firm with numerous clients.”

Melissa is known for her optimism, dedication, work ethic, and honesty, which she brings to the table when she connects with all candidates and clients, from small start-ups to Fortune 4 corporations and everything in between. When she reflects on her success, Melissa credits watching her dad pave his way as an entrepreneur for teaching her the true tenets of hard work and perseverance: “Doing so has allowed me to start, grow, and run a successful Rhode Island-based business.”

While Shaw Search Partners has grown immensely over the last 13 years, Melissa is excited for what 2023 has in store. “We are continuing to expand our client roster, including new industries and geographies,” she says. “I love helping people find their dream job, and I can honestly say that doing that is MY dream job!”

JESSICA FERROL Licensed Mental Health Counselor

“The interconnectedness of the body and the mind has intrigued me from a young age,” shares Jessie Ferrol, owner and practitioner of JESSIE’S WHOLE-ISTIC CARE. She’s since majored in holistic modalities ranging from yogic psychology to psychosomatic expressions. She is a licensed therapist and has a MA in Holistic Mental Health Counseling and is a Certified Ayurvedic Doctor and Hakomi Practitioner. “I am excited to practice in a time when the coexistence of the body and mind has been acknowledged by mainstream medicine.”

Jessie supports clients in reaching their personal, professional, and health goals. “What I appreciate most about my work is the opportunity to hold sacred space for my clients as they process and move through the barriers to feeling their best selves,” says Jessie. She describes her work with clients as a synthesis of counseling and creating a holistic lifestyle that will provide daily support. “Taking care of your body is taking care of your mind and vice versa.” She also looks forward to launching her line of Ayurvedic herbal care.

271 Post Road, Westerly, 401-323-4638, JessiesWhole-isticCare.com

LAURA BREWER & LILITH GUERRERA CEO & President

While on vacation, Lilith Guerrera fell in love with jewelry designed in Spain and decided to use her business savvy and creative genius to begin her own luxury jewelry line, LOLA & COMPANY. Laura Brewer, CEO of LOLA, tapped into her years of experience in operations and human resources to help Lilith grow the company to over 300 retailers nationwide.

“We are surrounded by a team of smart, strong, dynamic women who are just as driven as we are,” says Laura, who credits her and Lilith’s working relationship as a huge factor of their success. “We both love and are incredibly passionate about what we do. There is no slowing us down!”

Today, LOLA has two brick-and-mortar stores called “The Love Shack” – one in Nantucket and one in Newport, which recently opened last July. Here, customers can browse the collection of pendants, chains, and bracelets, and other creatively branded Love Shack clothing and items.

Laura and Lilith look forward to their first full season on Thames Street and are excited to meet all of their Newport Love Shack supporters.

If you enjoy listening to the kind of soulful singing that transforms the vibe of even your living room into a cocktail bar, Providence-based ALEXUS LEE needs to be on your radar. Known for her commanding stage presence and a four-octave range, this singer-songwriter can be found performing on stages around Rhode Island and beyond.

Alexus’ love of making music started early. “When I was eight I started taking piano and violin lessons with my mom, but even before that I was writing songs.” Today, Alexus still starts the process at the keyboard. “I start by fiddling around on the keys and once I come up with a progression I like, I start to sing.”

Her favorite show to date? The Sinclair in Cambridge, November of 2019. Says Alexus, “I had the amazing opportunity to open for Mac Ayres. I played a 40-minute set, entirely of originals – the crowd was alive and singing my songs with me, my parents were in the balcony – it was just a perfect night.”

Hear Alexus Lee perform at the Leading Ladies party on March 23 at Aloft Providence.

40 Thames Street, Newport, 978-304-4760, lolacompany.com

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