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12 A New Lens on Leadership
Short Hills author Mita Mallick’s new book, “The Devil Emails at Midnight,” distills hard lessons from bad bosses into a modern blueprint for leading teams.
17 The Art of Holiday Gifting
Editor Eve Golden curates a guide for hosting, traveling, celebrating, and lasting well beyond the season.
22 The Season to Gather
Founder and curator Christina Codispoti brings a fresh home decor destination to downtown Millburn.
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Lustrous Traditions
6 AROUND TOWN
Gather, Give, Shop Local This Season
8 LOCAL TASTES
The Upper Crust
28 Q&A With Robin Finkelstein
32 PHOTO OP Rooted in Community
COVER
Christina Codispoti in her home decor store, Gather.
Photograph by Melissa Spector.
aLUSTROUS TRADITIONS
AS NOVEMBER BEGINS, you can feel the shift in the air—a quiet transition after Halloween and before the holiday season truly takes flight. I hope you enjoy this month’s edition, which includes, among many wonderful local stories, a look at how the Millburn High School cheerleaders are receiving wellearned recognition for their athleticism with a newly deserved varsity letter. Thanksgiving traditions hold cherished memories—cooking alongside grandparents, bringing out the fine china, setting the table days
in advance. Everyone contributes an essential piece to complete the special meal, adding so much warmth. It is truly a gift to partake in these family traditions. Don’t forget to check in with your friends and neighbors to make sure everyone has a place at the table.
Thanksgiving also marks the start of the holiday season. Small Business Saturday, on Saturday, Nov. 29, kicks off holiday shopping, and our local stores, cafes, and coffee shops are the reason this community remains so quaint and inviting. Supporting these gems means so much to the local families who depend on your patronage throughout the season. In addition to our cover story about Gather, downtown Millburn’s new home decor shop, we’ve curated a holiday gift guide brimming with thoughtful, locally sourced finds— from charming stocking stuffers to standout splurges.
So, as we ease into this time of gratitude and giving, let’s celebrate the people, places, and traditions that make our little pocket of earth home. Here’s to a joyful, inspired holiday season ahead!
We’re grateful for every story idea you share—please keep them coming. Reach out to us anytime at marylima@ millburnandshorthills.com and editor@ millburnandshorthills.com.
Warm regards,
Mary Lima Publisher
Millburn & Short Hills
Publisher Mary Lima
Editor and Lead Writer
Eve Golden
Writer
Steve Grillo
Photographer Melissa Spector
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
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Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor
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Operations Director
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Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.
Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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Gather, Give, Shop Local
This Season
BY STEVE GRILLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS
IT’S NOVEMBER—the leaves have fallen, the days are shorter, Halloween has passed, and it’s time to turn our attention to the holiday season. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to support local businesses in Millburn–Short Hills. Whether you’re hosting at home or traveling, consider what you can purchase locally for your Thanksgiving celebration.
From thoughtful hostess gifts at shops like Backyard Living, Gather, Paper Ribbon & Wrap, and TBoy Chic to delicious catering options from our local restaurants, everything you need is right here in town. And why not get a head start on holiday shopping? Pick up a few gift cards from your favorite local boutiques and surprise friends and family with something special.
WINTER VILLAGE
Support local this holiday season by joining us for Explore Millburn–Short Hills’ beloved “S’more Shopping” Winter Village Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Town Hall Plaza.
We’re back with all your favorite festivities—cozy igloos, s’mores, fire pits, live music, and more! This family-friendly event also features visits with Santa, carolers, costumed characters, and plenty of sweet treats. While you’re here, shop local at our downtown stores, grab holiday essentials, and enjoy a late lunch or dinner at one of our many restaurants. Christmas is Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Hanukkah is Dec. 14 to 22.
NEW BUSINESSES
As the holiday season approaches, check out the list of new businesses that have opened around the Special Improvement District and make sure to support them by shopping local!
• Backyard Living
740 Morris Turnpike*
• Beyond Young Academy
358 Millburn Ave.
• CKatzFitGym
535 Millburn Ave.
• CMM Interiors
311 Millburn Ave.
• Concierge Pediatrics
730 Morris Turnpike
• Enzo Custom Suits
533 Millburn Ave.*
• Gather
311 Millburn Ave.*
• Healthy Organic Juices
358 Millburn Ave.*
• JAG Physical Therapy
734 Morris Turnpike
• Millburn Wellness Center
60 Essex St.*
• Peel’d Juice Bar
346 Millburn Ave.*
• Pop Blossom Studio
306 Millburn Ave.*
• Raquel Stein Interior Design Studio
343 Millburn Ave.
• Sestra Boutique
507 Millburn Ave.*
• Ship Short Hills
514 Millburn Ave.*
• Siatta Jeans
348 Millburn Ave.*
• SkinSpirit
241 Millburn Ave.*
• SugaringNYC
389 ½ Millburn Ave.*
• Urban Scoop Ice Cream
331 Millburn Ave.
• VanLeeuwen Ice Cream
35 Main St.
• VEG ER for Pets
720 Morris Turnpike
*Holiday Hot Pick
AROUND TOWN
Greenwood Gardens Wreath and Garland Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m., is the perfect time to ring in the holiday season with a festive workshop— the only limit is your creativity. Choose to make either a garland or a wreath when registering. All instructions and supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own ribbon and/or ornaments to complete your holiday masterpiece. Price is $70 for members; $75 for nonmembers. Visit Greenwood Gardens’ website for more details at www.greenwoodgardens.org.
Paper Mill Playhouse Presents Disney’s “Frozen” Nov. 26 to Jan. 4. Disney’s “Frozen” brings the magic of the beloved animated film to the stage in an enchanting adventure. When sisters Elsa and Anna are torn apart by a mysterious secret power, they set out on journeys of courage, self-acceptance, and love in all its forms. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and a book by Jennifer Lee, this timeless tale will melt hearts of all ages. A special Q&A with the cast will follow the matinee on Saturday, Dec. 20. Visit the Paper Mill Playhouse website for more information at www.papermill.org.
DOWN THE BLOCK
Down the Block is a nonprofit corporation created and run by Millburn–Short Hills residents concerned about neighbors who are struggling financially. Since its inception in 2009, Down the Block has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover expenses for hundreds of residents in need. It is the only organization that can step in to pay a bill for a Millburn Township resident experiencing temporary, unforeseen financial hardship. If you are interested in donating to support their work—or if you need assistance—visit Down the Block online at www.downtheblock.org.
ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORTHILLS
Explore Millburn-Short Hills is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to support and promote the businesses throughout the five areas of the Special Improvement District that was established in 2020. Explore organizes numerous events, musical performances, educational programs, and networking events. The organization is also responsible for various public art and streetscaping projects in the town including the Millburn Art Alley and Town Hall Plaza.
The Upper Crust
Peter Falzo channels over a decade of culinary discipline into Vinnie’s Pan Pizza, a focused, modern spin on the classic.
BY EVE GOLDEN
PETER FALZO DIDN’T so much change lanes as refine the route. Vinnie’s Pan Pizza is the latest—and most confident—expression of a space that has evolved with him, from Marra’s Italian deli to Peter’s fine dining and now to a fast-casual pan pizza experience that is both forwardthinking and timeless.
A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
As the sole owner of Vinnie’s, Falzo says, “It was one of the hardest and best situations to separate my family when I transitioned from the restaurant (Peter’s), but it was a venture I needed to pursue on my own, and it was the best decision I have ever made as our relationship has never been better.”
“When I initially took the space in Millburn, it was for an Italian deli, called Marra’s,” he says. The idea nodded to a cousin’s beloved Roseland institution, but Millburn’s loyalty to Millburn Deli proved unshakeable, so Falzo rode the wave.
“We set folding tables up with linen, covered the deli case with my
grandmother’s tablecloths, and set up flowers and candles.” Weekend dinners quickly sold out. Marra’s evolved into Peter’s, which thrived for a decade as a popular social anchor. After a dedicated run, one chef retired, and a talented family member stepped in, bringing fresh energy. When the pandemic hit, the bustling dining room transformed into an intimate two-table experience.
Sensing the shift, Falzo changed direction to delivery, embraced the tech reshaping hospitality, and made a call. “I chose to close Peter’s proactively— before resources were stretched—so I could pivot with momentum.”
He moved to a format that could scale without sacrificing craft and returned to his family roots: pizza, with standards intact. “I keep our quality exactly where I’d want it for my own family—organic greens in every salad, hormone-free chicken, and the same care in every ingredient,” he says.
He also shifted the spotlight. “From a marketing standpoint, I realized being the face of the brand could limit the growth I envisioned. After opening, I made a conscious effort to let the food speak for itself.” As he stepped behind the scenes, the food stepped forward.
LOCAL TASTES
PAN, PERFECTED
When Falzo announced the pivot to Vinnie’s Pan Pizza to a select few he was overwhelmed by the positive response. “It made me realize how special the relationships I developed over the years are and that we are truly blessed,” he says. The change confirmed a longer-term shift from family-run dining to a scalable, craftfocused pizza concept. And the menu reads like a curated playlist—tight, deliberate, and built for repeat plays.
“In this day and age, food costs are at an all-time high, staffing is tough, and I am a firm believer that it’s better to make 10 things excellent than 50 items mediocre,” Falzo shares. The sauce follows a family recipe of more than 40 years. The cheese, now Grande—“the caviar of pizza cheese for the type of pizza we make”—melts into a dough that ferments for three days, emerging light, crisp, and easy to digest, “which sets us apart from the stereotypical slice or “football” pizza.”
Favorites surfaced quickly. “If I had to say which, it’s our ‘Roni’ pie,” he says. “We hand-cut our pepperoni into
strips. It’s a process, but people love it.” Parmigiana dishes provide the requisite Italian comfort, and the meatballs—refined with Falzo’s chef, are hand-rolled and cooked in small batches. “Our meatballs are an item people think we buy but are a special recipe made in house!”
Vinnie’s is still focused on takeout and delivery, but Falzo added a few tables to welcome those who make the trip. “It didn’t sit well with me that people were driving a distance to have it, then they had to either stand outside or eat in their car,” he says.
Following the quick growth of Vinnie’s, and after years of scouting North Jersey for a second location, Falzo walked into a shore-area space in Brielle and saw the next chapter. “I had a vision while I was there and said this is it.” Cousins in the area partnered on the project, and the welcome has been immediate. “We are open, and there is buzz around Monmouth County about us coming down there. It’s a great feeling when someone responds to something you put everything into.”
Today, Vinnie’s Pan Pizza sits at the intersection of tradition and innovation, with a loyal following that has embraced every step of the journey. Refined but not fussy, rooted yet forward-looking, Vinnie’s Pan Pizza reflects a craftsman who knows exactly what he wants to serve—and a community eager to sit down, or take out, and thoroughly enjoy it.
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Short Hills author Mita Mallick’s new book, “The Devil Emails at Midnight,” distills hard lessons from bad bosses into a modern blueprint for leading teams.
MMITA MALLICK HAS a word for bad bosses—and she’s written the book on it. The workplaceinclusion leader and author released her newest title in October: “The Devil Emails at Midnight,” a name that lands like both a wink and a warning. It’s a tour through the modern workplace’s subtle—and not-so-subtle— toxic culture.
THE DEVIL WEARS WI-FI
The book is Mallick’s case for better bosses and braver teams, told with the candor of someone who’s been on the receiving end of the worst and still believes in the best. The title comes from one of her earliest jobs, when a leader she nicknamed “The Devil” refused to make time during the day but kept a relentless cadence of late-night emails.
“She was the boss who never had any time for me during the day but did
have time to consistently send me emails between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.,”
Mallick recalls. “I started responding to her emails in the early-morning hours. I was so desperate to impress her that I would wait to bump into her at the office, trying to get a smile, a wave, a hello, a thank-you— anything to make me feel like she saw me, and I was appreciated.”
Mallick says, “As a leader, if you can’t make time for your teams during the day to coach, guide, and teach them, you have to ask yourself, “‘Why are you leading in the first place?’” She recommends treating your work calendar like a wardrobe declutter: focus on high-value meetings, remove meetings that are no longer needed, and delegate meetings to others. And while hustle culture still glorifies the night grind, Mallick reframes rest
Opposite page: Mallick hosts a live podcast episode at TroopHR Retreat. This page: Mallick reads an excerpt from her new book, “The Devil Emails at Midnight,” at ChiefX Chicago.
PHOTOGRAPH
as responsibility. “The foundation of good leadership is taking care of yourself—getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising—so you can be of service to others and resist bad-boss behaviors,” she says.
THE SHERIFF
If the Devil is the avatar of unhealthy urgency, then another boss—”The Sheriff”—serves as Mallick’s case study in how exclusion masquerades as everyday office banter.
“My full name is Madhumita Mallick,” she shares. “I started just going by ‘Mita’ and stopped trying to teach people how to say my full
name.” After business school, she tried to reclaim it—only to be derailed by a leader who “decided to completely rename me because he didn’t want to learn how to pronounce it. He called me ‘Mohammad’ because he could and wanted to. I was embarrassed to admit that for many weeks, I responded to a name that was not my own,” she says.
“Microaggressions like the ones I repeatedly experienced can become a manifestation of bullying,” Mallick says. “They deplete our energy, chip away at our confidence, and make us question our contributions. Our collective silence can fuel those
bullies.” Her simple advice is to mirror the behavior with humor to deescalate; address it directly, calmly; and, when power dynamics make immediacy risky, intervene later— document, check in, plan. “We spend too much time at work not to look out for each other.”
THE NAPPER
Mallick’s former boss—whom she calls “The Napper”—was a leader who dozed through meetings, town halls, even a vice president’s monthly review. “I presented our annual brand plan as he napped. I saw him doze off dozens of times during quarterly
town halls and VP meetings,” Mallick shares. “He came and went as he pleased, gossiped loudly about how awful it was to work here, and even interviewed for jobs in the cubicle next to mine—loud enough for everyone to hear. Years later, I still wonder why he was allowed to nap repeatedly and remain disengaged without consequence.”
Disengagement can spread. It can become contagious, erode trust in the team, and negatively affect productivity. “More of us need to intervene when we witness disengagement,” Mallick argues. A few simple remedies could make all the difference: “Take the team member to lunch or coffee, and remind them of their impact,” she shares. “Focus on the facts, not
on feelings. Next, allow space for the individual to reveal what’s going on. Finally, ask them, ‘What must change?’ As leaders, we must have the courage to stop this downward spiral and help people move on to what they’re meant to do next.”
WHEN THE DEVIL EMAILS
Mallick urges leaders to distinguish “good attrition”—people outgrowing roles—from “bad attrition,” where poor management pushes talent out. “Bosses have so much power over us. Over our teams. And in our workplaces,” she says. “Bosses can make or break inclusion. It’s not, ultimately, the policies, procedures, or employee handbooks that dictate and define our workplace culture. Our culture becomes defined by
what each and every one of us is doing when no one is looking over our shoulders.”
What makes “The Devil Emails at Midnight” resonate is Mallick’s insistence that tough stories can lead to better systems and kinder habits. The book doesn’t let bad bosses off the hook. Instead, it nudges everyone—executives, managers, teammates—toward small, measurable acts: reclaiming the calendar, pronouncing the name correctly, making the coffee, owning the reasons behind employee turnover, and asking the right questions. The devil might email at midnight, but the better boss responds at noon, in person, with time to listen—and a plan to make work work for everyone.
The Art of Holiday Gifting
Curated for hosting, traveling, celebrating, and lasting well beyond the season.
BY EVE GOLDEN
7.
12.
1. Maison de Sabre The Sabremoji Fruit Coin Purse, Bloomingdale’s*
2. Alpaca Slippers, Gather 311 Millburn Ave.
3. Zimmermann Charm Bracelet*
4. Veronica Beard Crystal Wide-Leg Jean*
5. Nest Fragrances Blue Cypress & Snow Reed Diffuser, Paper, Ribbon & Wrap 271 Essex St.
6. Hoop Earrings, K+Co Goods 36 Chatham Rd., Short Hills
Ombre Scarf, K+Co Goods 36 Chatham Rd., Short Hills
12. Oud For Greatness Neo Eau de Parfum, Bluemercury 341 Millburn Ave.
13. Hot Chocolate Trio, Crate & Barrel*
14. Legend Sweater Shirt, Faherty*
The Season to Gather
BY EVE GOLDEN
Founder and curator Christina Codispoti brings a fresh home decor destination to downtown Millburn.
WWALK INTO GATHER, and the mood meets you at the doorway: clean light, a curated playlist, a delicate veil of incense—an atmosphere that feels calm yet alive with inspiration—exactly as founder and curator Christina Codispoti intends.
CLOSE TO HOME
“Before opening Gather, I worked in New York City as a buyer and merchandiser in the home and fashion industries,” she explains. “That experience helped shape my eye for detail, quality, and storytelling through design.” Codispoti’s decision to plant roots locally was both practical and personal. “I live in South Orange and wanted to open something close to home—something that would be part of the local community I’ve been connected to for years,” she says. “Millburn and Short Hills have so much to offer—amazing businesses and a strong sense of neighborhood—and I wanted to contribute something that felt personal and inspired. I love the idea of people popping in after lunch, browsing, discovering something new and unexpected.”
Gather houses a thoughtful mix of vintage finds, personal gifts, and inspired home objects.
PIECES WITH PRESENCE
“Gather grew out of the idea of people, objects, and spaces coming together,” Codispoti says. “What we bring into our homes matters—it tells our stories.” She favors a curated mix of antiques, personal gifts, and home objects that inspire connection and creativity: “My style is a thoughtful mix—calming yet collected, timeless, layered, and intentional.”
On the floor, that translates to a natural palette with hand-finished materials and striking silhouettes. “I start with a neutral palette and layer
textures,” she notes. “That combination creates harmony and makes the mix feel seamless and lived-in.”
The assortment at Gather is intentionally balanced between new and vintage pieces: “It naturally ends up about 50/50, which also reflects how I decorate spaces,” Codispoti says. “When everything is new, it lacks soul. Vintage brings depth, history, and contrast; it’s about craftsmanship and uniqueness.” That same intentionality guides what makes it onto the shelves. “I test every new product, get to know the makers, and learn where and how things are
made,” she adds.
Lately, she’s gravitating toward Art Deco and 19th-century pieces while partnering with small makers who are passionate and intentional with their craft. Integrity runs through every piece.
“I’m always cautious of anything that feels overly restored or lacks provenance,” Codispoti shares. Her sourcing is wide-ranging—auctions, local dealers, travel—and shaped by family: “My mom is equally obsessed, and we’ve been doing this together for years.”
Neutral tones and layered textures create a cohesive, lived-in ease.
THE JOY OF DISCOVERY
Beyond the design world, Codispoti roots sustainability in relationships and materials, sourcing ethically made, natural materials and partnering with brands that have a social-good component.
“I wanted to bring back the joy of discovery in shopping— where each visit feels inspiring and personal.” Vignettes rotate regularly—new vintage arrives weekly—so the space is always in motion. Gatherings are part of the brand’s DNA, too. “We have a beautiful back space, and hosting meaningful community gatherings has always been part of the vision.”
The price range is considered and wide—$15 to $3,000— bringing heirloom quality within reach. Online shopping launches soon, with in-store pickup first and shipping to follow. For those who love a tactile experience, the Apothecary corner grew from her passion for self-care. “I test every product myself, drawn to those that evoke ritual, comfort, and a deep sense of well-being.”
If Gather had a soundtrack, it would be “River” by Leon Bridges—low-key, warm, perfect for dinner. And when a room needs a refresh, Codispoti suggests starting with what you already own: “Play with scale and don’t be afraid to do the unexpected…Rethink what you already have—it’s all about perspective.”
In essence, Gather offers a modern, refined way to live with objects—pieces with patina and personality, chosen with an editor’s precision and a collector’s heart. Or, as Codispoti puts it: “Gather is about connection—to craft, story, and community.”
“I wanted to bring back the joy of discovery in shopping—where each visit feels inspiring and personal,” Codispoti says.
PEP Talk
Inside the program everyone’s cheering for with head coach and local resident Robin Finkelstein.
BY EVE GOLDEN
Over the past three years, the cheerleading squad nearly doubled—from 15 members to 29. What do you think sparked that growth, and what does it say about interest in cheer locally?
We shifted the squad to more of a teamcentered atmosphere. When our current senior captains were sophomores, they worked with me to get approval from the previous administration for cheerleaders to earn a varsity letter, just like other athletes. I believe that, combined with the addition of our assistant coach, Stephanie Cardoso—an in-district special education teacher at Deerfield Elementary School and a former cheerleader—sparked our growth.
What are the core values you want every athlete to take from this program?
I’m a township resident who has raised four Millburn High School graduates—three athletes and one band member. Each formed a meaningful bond with a coach or band director that helped them grow into young adults. My goal is for our athletes to realize that regardless of their experience, each one is unique and special. By doing their best, being supportive of their teammates on and off the field, and being kind to one another, they will be successful as MHS cheerleaders and later in life.
Since cheer isn’t recognized as a sport in New Jersey, what are the practical challenges?
Our biggest challenge is that we don’t have our own mats for stunting; we use gym mats and sometimes wrestling mats. The squad is also not entitled to opt-out periods like athletes, since cheer is not recognized as a sport in New Jersey. We are extremely lucky that our athletic director, Christopher Drechsel, along with the football coaching staff and their booster club, are very supportive of the cheerleading squad. They’ve invited us to participate in events typically reserved for approved New Jersey sports.
INTERVIEW WITH Robin Finkelstein
How does that status affect your athletes’ experience and motivation?
At the end of the day, these are teenagers. They get frustrated and disappointed that they don’t have opt-out like the soccer players, even though they practice four days a week and start when the athletes start. Having that one free period would give them more breathing room for their academics. We work with them; if they have a heavy test week or are working on college applications, they can miss a practice. We also make ourselves
available when they need to vent about a test or homework, or when they just need someone besides their parents to reassure them that it’s going to be okay.
How critical are donations and parent support to covering essentials like uniforms, mats, travel, and clinics?
Donations are what support our program. Our booster parents raised $10,000 last year, earmarked for new uniforms. Donations and fundraising paid for new uniforms for all 29 members, our weekly team dinners,
snacks for away games, a stunt clinic, senior day activities, and our end-ofyear banquet. Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish all of this.
What special events do you host or participate in each year that families look forward to?
The squad helps welcome new staff members to Millburn in late August by cheering them in. This year, we also participated in Rocktoberfest, which was a great community event. These events give the squad opportunities to interact directly with community members and staff in a positive, informal setting. Our big October event was our Cheerleading Clinic, which is open to grades K–8. The squad creates a special routine that we teach to the “Mini Millers.” The Minis also learn a cheer and a band dance. Each participant receives a T-shirt and poms. The Minis then come to a home game in October and perform with the squad at halftime. This year we sold out with 78 participants. The kids are so excited to be with the squad, and it’s wonderful for our team as the younger ones look up to them in awe.
LAWRENCE J. GREENBERG
PRICE UPON REQUEST
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Designed & Built By
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Since launching Birch House Candles in 2016, Short Hills–based founder Emily Gunselman has focused on clean ingredients, sustainable living, and community connection.
BIRCH HOUSE is a small-batch candle company that stands apart in a crowded market. Each candle is hand-poured with sustainable soy wax and scented with phthalate-free, non-toxic fragrance oils.
“Clean ingredients have always been non-negotiable for me,” Gunselman explains. “I wanted to create something people could feel good about bringing into their homes—something beautiful, but also safe and responsible.”
Known for scents that are both sophisticated and comforting, every candle is designed to elevate everyday living and gifting without compromise. For Gunselman, Birch House has always been about more than candles. Rooted in Short Hills, the brand has participated in local favorites—Rocktoberfest,
Girls’ Night Out, and school fundraisers—and she remains a member of the Millburn–Short Hills Chamber of Commerce. “This community has given so much to me and to my business,” she says. “Being able to show up at events, to connect with neighbors and friends—that’s one of the best parts of what I do.”
made with sustainable soy wax and scented with phthalate-free, nontoxic fragrance oils.
Looking ahead, Gunselman is focused on creating candles that reflect clean living, sustainability, and the simple joy of home. And though her products travel far beyond Millburn–Short Hills, she’s quick to emphasize where it all began. “This is home,” she says. “There’s no better place to share the glow.”
To explore Gunselman’s collection of clean candles and reed diffusers, visit www.birchhousecandles.com.
Have a great image for Photo Op?
Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@ millburnandshorthills.com.
PHOTO OP
Hand-poured by Gunselman in her Short Hills home studio, each candle is
Photographs by Clara Wang Photography.
Farley Road, Short
Asking $6,599,000.
Falmouth Street, Short Hills. Asking $3,688,000. 47 Barnsdale Road, Short Hills. Asking $2,888,000.
