BC the Mag Early Spring '22

It is her love of fashion that has turned her business manufacturing eco-conscious yet modest active wear for women into one of the fastest growing clothing lines in the industry. However, it is the relationship with her religion that ultimately helped put the diminutive West Paterson native in the position to create her own company.

Cohen, who was raised Roman Catholic, converted to Judaism more than a dozen years ago and lives the life of an observant follower of the faith. Her clothing line reflects the modesty that accompanies her beliefs but in a way that makes the pieces she creates modern and trendy. So, as she sits in that Ridgewood coffee shop, looking fashionable and stylish, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of her world, one that has seen her successfully merge two very different aspects of her life.

“I didn’t expect this,” Cohen said of her business’ growth. “It’s not like I have anyone backing me [financially], either. Unemployment paid for the launch of my business so in that respect I am very grateful for COVID-19. COVID-19 opened my eyes to so many things. I’ve been able to run a business from my home phone, in my own basement. From that standpoint, it’s been awesome, such a blessing.”

She’s certainly come a long way from when she was a teenager just hoping to somehow get across the Hudson River and into New York City to begin a career in fashion.

HEADING ACROSS THE RIVER Cohen grew up in West Paterson, but her family moved to Montville in Morris County as she reached high school and eventually began looking for where she would attend college. Fashion had been a fascination for years by that point so that is where her thoughts on furthering her education took her.

“I learned how to sew when I was in middle school in West Paterson and it just took off,” Cohen said. “I was making different outfits Continued on page 42