WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

APRIL LIUM

56 S Orange Ave

EMILY MARSAC

Bakes by Izzy is a small-batch bakery in the heart of South Orange. Owner, Emily Marsac strives to create sweet treats that allow her customers to pause and live in the moment. She is dedicated to creating a greater space for inclusivity, empathy, and sweetness.

108 W South Orange Ave

ERICA LEAHY

Erica Leahy is the owner of Three Daughters Bakery. Inspired by a desire to be more present with her three girls, model hard work, and give back to the community, she launched the business with a simple pre-Thanksgiving email offering holiday desserts—met with an overwhelming response. After growing through pop-ups, farmers’ markets, and time at Garden State Kitchen, Three Daughters opened its first retail space inside the General Store Cooperative. Today, the bakery proudly calls South Orange home in the Taylor Vose building.

12 Vose Avenue, South Orange

JACKIE PODHURST

Jackie Podhurst grew up in the deli business working alongside her father, mother and two brothers since she was a little girl. She met her husband, Jake, at the deli, where their love story began - he was a regular customer who came in all the time to 'buy gum.' “We have lived in South Orange for over 4 years and I am so happy to raise our children and operate our restaurant in this town, which we love and call home.”

134-136 S Orange Ave

JENNY CHEN

jenny Chen and her husband Edwinzheng Chen have lived in South Orange for eight years. The idea for Chipoba came when customers at the Chens’ other restaurant, Pandang, would ask for bubble tea and fried chicken, a unique pop-culture influenced combination. The name “Chipoba” comes from the Chens’ daughters, who created the name because of the cafe’s signature dishes: fried chicken (chi), create-your-own poke bowls (po) and boba (bo), combining the items into one word.

50 S Orange Ave

LESLIE POGANY

12-14 W South Orange Ave

MADDY CRETELLA

101 S Orange Ave South Orange

HELEN NGUYEN-VEINOTT

Owner/Partner of Bistro D'Azur.
Bistro d’Azur is the culmination of Mary’s career in theater, production, and hospitality.
As a restauranteur, it’s a dream project that brings together her favorite cuisine prepared by longtime colleague and partner, Chef Richard Krug, and a space created by husband and architect/designer Tom Conway.

The restaurant is an interpretation of the type of beach resort that she and Tom enjoy on the Côte d'Azur, and Mary is certain that guests will not only enjoy a fantastic meal—they’ll feel as if they’ve been transported to a European destination while in the heart of South Orange, NJ.

14 Academy St

MONICA HAUFF

Meet Monica, the owner of SOMA Sweets, a candy store and custom candy business located in downtown South Orange, NJ.  With both retro and trendy candies, you’re sure to find something to excite the taste buds. If SOMA Sweets doesn’t have your favorite candy in the store, Monica is always taking recommendations and loves to hear your candy store stories! 

58 Vose Ave

SAMANTHA PINTO

Samantha studied Pre-Law and Political Science at Rutgers University. She decided to quit her job at the United Nations Office of Project Services and follow her passion of cooking. Samantha opened THE ORDER in 2019 with her father, Ronald, and younger brother, Sheldon. “I wanted to create a special place in which anyone could call their “second home.” Each guest that walks into the café will have a unique experience with my meticulously curated seasonal menu, utilizing high quality ingredients and hand-crafted drinks. THE ORDER takes immense pride in what we do and strive to never fall short in what we serve to our community, our second family.”

50W South Orange Ave

SHEWAYE YASSIN

Shewaye Yassin, owner of Walia Ethiopian Restaurant is a long time resident of South Orange. Her passion for food and entertaining led her to open Walia in 2013. At Walia they share their culture by introducing and serving authentic Ethiopian food, When people dine at Walia Shewaye wants them to feel like they are part of the family and at home.

11 Village Plaza

SHARON & SHAUNA ARNETTE

This mother-daughter duo, Sharon and Shauna Arnette, owners of Elitist Coffee have lived in South Orange for the past eight years. Elitist Coffee is a paradise for coffee lovers and enthusiasts with the mission of offering a positive experience to all.

154 Valley St UPPER LEVEL

TERESA GUZMAN

Teresa Guzman is the owner of Toro Loco Mexican Restaurant. I am known as "Mom" to many of the loyal customers who have passed through our doors over the years and "Tía" (aunt in Spanish) to our workers. When Toro Loco first opened its doors in 1988, I was afraid the SOMA community would not be accepting of a Mexican restaurant coming to the local dining scene, but thankfully they were and for the past 34 years have continued to patronize Toro Loco.

23 Valley Street

YANICK RAINERI

Originally from Haiti, Yanick Ranieri, owner of Papillon 25 was born with a passion and eye for food. She strives to provide her customers with the perfect meal and best experience. Papillon 25 is a sophisticated restaurant & martini bar that will take you around the world without you ever having to book a flight. Your palate will thank you.

Fun Fact: Papillon 25 uses fresh ingredients and organic chicken.

25 VALLEY STREET

EDITH GARCIA

1 Sloan St

AMPY & HEYSEL MORENO

These sisters love working together! Heysel runs the business, While Ampy works behind the chair. Their parents are both from Ecuador so it’s empowering being a minority woman owned business. Ampy has been able to overcome her learning disabilities when she is working behind the chair. Having ADD does not stop her from multitasking and focusing when working on clients. She loves growing at her craft and loves continuing education. We love watching our staff grow day to day to amazing professionals.

165 Valley St Unit A

ARMETTA JONES

Armetta Jones, owner of Demetrius Hair Salon teaches private classes in trichology and hair replacement. She has styled hair for shows around the world including NYC, Paris and Senegal.

137 South Orange Ave

BONITA ABAKAH

Bonita Abakah, owner of Silked the Salon is an easy going creative, music lover and foodie with an affinity for beauty & business. Although Bonita holds a Bachelors degree in Communications Studies, her passion for hair, beauty, and business has lead to a successful career. Bonita has made her mark in the Hair industry with her expertise in hair care, growth, thermal styling, weaving and extension services. Bonita operates in a serene atmosphere where clients can feel at peace and leave with a stellar style.

75 S Orange Ave Ste.210

CHRISTINA & SARAH

Christina (left) and Sarah (right) met over a decade ago and immediately bonded over their shared passion of all things yoga. With backgrounds in business and a lot of drive they decided to open their first yoga studio in 2016 in Florham Park, NJ. The name Three Birds came from the Bob Marley song “Three Little Birds” (a fave of Sarah’s) and expressed the feeling of deep well-being and joy they wanted to create in their studio. The dream of expanding with a second studio became a reality when a beautiful/light-filled space opened up in South Orange mid-pandemic. Despite the uncertainty, Sarah and Christina decided to jump in, have faith and knew that “every little thing, was gonna be alright.”

18 South Orange Avenue, 2nd Floor

JANELLE & FLORISE

Owners, Florise and Janelle have been in the healthcare field as nurses for over 9 years. Through their personal experiences of the cosmetic post-op journey, they decided to put their versatility and dedication towards others for a well planned recovery process.⁠
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Your go-to nurses for post op care have helped many obtain their desired body goals and get on their feet faster after cosmetic surgeries. At Javaflo Aesthetics, they offer a variety of services which includes post operative care, body contouring, skin tightening, waxing, facials, weight loss and many more.

76 S Orange Ave ST07

KOSIA ASIAMAH

Ghana-native, Kosia Asiamah owner of Lumie Salon has over 20 years of experience as one of NYC’s most sought after hair artists. Kosia boasts expertise in hair color, dry curly cuts, color correction and balayage. She is a color educator and empowers her team of stylists with techniques that create beautiful and effortless dimensions in the hair.

A customized creative experience and meticulous attention to detail - these are the ideals that guide every stylist at Lumie Salon.

“We know that your hair is an extension of you and our job is to equip you with an effective, simple, doable hair care routine. We believe in simple pleasures, healthy solutions, and feeling beautiful everyday.”

260 Valley Street

KY CLORY

Ky Clory, owner of Global Hair Image has over 20 years in the beauty industry, opening her first fully functioning salon at the age of twenty-two. She curates and provides an array of services to be a one-stop shop for all of your beauty needs! Her Beauty Bar currently offers high-end hair extensions, full body waxing, fully certified eye brow and lash technicians as well as semi-permanent make up services. Ky also offers eye lash certification classes.

124 S Orange Ave

MAURA HARGRACE

Maura Hargrace is the owner and creative force behind Air Aerial, an aerial fitness studio located in South Orange. With a deep passion for movement, strength, and self-expression, Maura founded Air Aerial to create a welcoming space where people of all levels can explore aerial arts, build confidence, and feel empowered in their bodies. Her teaching style blends artistry and athleticism while fostering a supportive, inclusive community that celebrates growth, balance, and joy—both on and off the silks.

15 Valley St Suite #SF2

DEBBIE REMBERT

During the 2016-2017 dance year, with an expanding company, Mrs. Rembert found and created a space in Orange, NJ, for her preprofessional dance students to thrive. Under the direction of Mrs. Rembert, the company students receive diverse training from both in-house faculty as well as professional dancers and top choreographers from around the country. Mrs. Rembert and her husband bought Maria Priadka School of Dance’s after the owner/founder, Maria Priadka, felt the desire to retire from her role in August 2020. Mrs. Rembert hopes to usher in the new generation of passionate, technical dancers.

50 South Orange Avenue, 2nd Floor

TRACY KELLY

Founded by Tracy, a mother of three and entrepreneur, Chestnut Hills Pilates reflects a journey rooted in perseverance, purpose, and community. Tracy opened her first studio in Bloomfield, making history as the town’s first Pilates studio, and later expanded her vision to bring high quality, inclusive Pilates spaces to neighboring communities. As a woman of color leading a wellness business, Tracy is committed to creating environments where people of all backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and empowered through movement. Her work centers on accessibility, connection, and building spaces that honor both personal growth and the communities they serve.

75 S Orange Ave Suite 213

LAVONIA BEARFIELD

Lavonia Bearfield have been a part of the medical field for over 20 years. She worked for many different doctor's offices, pediatrics, internal medicine, infection disease, cardiology, pain management, geriatric, blood banks, inpatient labs, and many more. 

​She knew early on that she wanted to become her own boss and bring new medical resources to her community so she started to research mobile phlebotomy and found out that it was far and few in the state of New Jersey. That's when Angel's Touch Mobile Phlebotomy service was born in 2014 and now she has Angel's Touch Lab Solutions - with a wider and broader range of services meant to serve her community in New Jersey.

177 Valley St

BRENDA HOPPER & TATIYANA LOFTON

Brenda Hopper and Tatiyana Lofton are the owners of CannaBoy Tree House, the first cannabis store in South Orange. In order to live a higher quality life, maintaining optimal wellness is key. Everything we feel and do relates to our well-being and directly affects our actions and emotions. In order to subdue stress, reduce pain, and ensure positive moments in your life, you must achieve optimal wellness. Choose CBD as your vehicle to a more fulfilling life.

57 West S Orange Ave

DARA, ELLEN, & ROBIN

Dara, Ellen, and Robin are the family trio behind Cute as New, a boutique children’s resale shop rooted in sustainability and community. What began as Dara’s love for stylish secondhand finds grew into a shared mission: making high-quality, pre-loved baby and toddler clothing feel fresh, accessible, and first-rate. With Ellen’s eye for quality and Robin’s operational expertise, the three combine heart, style, and purpose to help families shop smart while reducing waste.

57 S Orange Ave

EDITH VILLAVICENCIO

For Edith Villavicencio, owner & lead designer at Garden of Edith, gardening has always been the source of her joy. Edith grew up in Morelos, Mexico, a region often referred to as The Eternal Spring. “I spent countless hours alongside my grandfather as a little girl, my hands in the mud, planting flowers and appreciating the beauty of our own backyard.” Edith emigrated to the U.S. at age 12 and after a career detour found her way back to flowers. She’s trained in the U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, France and across Europe, mastering installation techniques, researching sustainable materials, and understanding the maintenance of rare flower and plant life.

54 S Orange Ave

KATRINA HANDY

Katrina Handy is the owner of Neighbors Wine Shop in South Orange, NJ alongside her husband Chris.  Growing up all over the world helped Katrina develop a passion for food, travel, and diverse culture.  After living in Manhattan for over 10 years and working for numerous media and entertainment companies, she decided to pivot careers entirely and move to New Jersey with her new family, including two daughters.  Realizing there was a lack of sustainable wine that she had found in the city and her travels, she started Neighbors Wine Shop in 2019.  The focus of the shop is to provide a community for anyone, without pretension, who is genuinely passionate about food, wine, and drink culture, in addition to highlighting sustainable farming and smaller, women, and minority producers.  Neighbors is a small business supporting smaller producers and winemakers globally.  When Katrina is not in the shop she’s on the lookout for the best Tex-Mex in New Jersey."

61 S Orange Ave

CAT FISHER

Cat Fisher is not only the owner of Sadie's and Kitchen a la Mode but a resident of South Orange and newly appointed Chair of South Orange Downtown. She is passionate about creating a sustainable future for South Orange where she lives with her husband, Andrew. Cat is originally from Michigan and has 15 years of retail experience and has been an active participant in the community since moving to South Orange coordinating Theater in The Park a event put on by the Academy Heights Neighborhood Association in Founders Park on Valley St.

19 S Orange Ave

GLENDA JIMENEZ

The Art Boutique is my window to share my art with the world.
You will find handmade artistic jewelry, watercolors, acrylics and stained glass.

Every piece is designed and made from my heart.

57 S Orange Ave

KRIS HASS

Kris Haas is the founder of The Botanica Boutique. We believe that self-care isn't selfish - it's essential. Our commitment to you is to offer a carefully-curated collection of high-end wellness products that will benefit your body and mind. Our products are of the highest-quality, responsibly-sourced, and made with all-natural ingredients. We personally vet each and every one of the products we carry. We search and experiment, so you don’t have to.

70 Taylor Pl

LESLIE TORRE & LAINY O’CONNELL

The Charmery, a unique charm bar where creativity, personal style, and storytelling come together to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind jewelry.

The Charmery is more than just a jewelry shop—it’s a curated space where customers can mix, match, and create a personalized collection of charms that reflect their unique style and story.

57 S Orange Ave

DIANA DJEAN

Diana is the owner of Touch of Silver

69 South Orange Ave

JOSI STONE

Josi Stone, Owner/Creative Director of Wildly Floral Co. here in South Orange. In January 2018, she turned her love of the living world into a floral design business as a way to share the beauty and serenity of nature

9 Scotland Rd

RACHEL ZOREL

Rachel founded 7 Layer Studio in 2004 and has grown it to an award-winning agency specializing in brand identity systems with clients in a wide range of industries. She is a leader with extraordinary focus of vision guided by honesty and trust. With nearly two decades of experience, Rachel finds her passion helping brands hatch an idea and bring it to life through comprehensive design thinking and a memorable aesthetic. Rachel’s commitment to creative excellence can be seen in her work for clients both large and small, and she uses her perspective as a female-founded design firm to affect positive change for both her clients and their audiences. When Rachel isn't working, she's hanging with her husband and four kids.

58 Vose St

CLAUDINE BAPTISTE

Claudine Baptiste, a Business Development Officer at BCB Community Bank, oversees the Essex County branches in South Orange, Maplewood, and Newark. With over 17 years at BCB, she takes pride in serving customers, supporting business growth, and helping people achieve homeownership and financial security. Claudine believes healthy finances are vital to overall health and well-being, as financial stability reduces stress and promotes better physical and mental health

200 Valley St

JENNIFER GLASS

Jennifer Glass is the Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Eventage, a national event agency founded in 1998 with headquarters located in South Orange Downtown. She and her husband (and business partner) Matt moved to South Orange in 2005 and soon moved Eventage to town. Her primary day-to-day responsibilities in the agency are overseeing finance and budgeting as well as staff allocation for full timers and the hundreds of freelance “eTeam” members who help staff events like the TCS New York City Marathon and the TD Five Borough Bike Tour. She’s a proud Wisconsin Badger who is now a proud mom of an Indiana Hoosier and a CHS sophomore

18 S Orange Ave #3

RANDY GOLDSTEIN

Randy Goldstein is a realtor salesperson with Hearth Realty Group.

22 First St

JACQUELINE HUNTER

Jacqueline says, "As a SOMA native and seasoned real estate professional, I recognize and value the trust my clients place in me. I take pride in giving back to my community and serve as a Board Member of the South Mountain YMCA in Maplewood. With my comprehensive market knowledge let me help you find your next home!"

22 First St

FRAN LICHTMAN & RANDY RABNEY

Fran and Randy are partners in both life and business. Living in NYC in 2003, they began looking for a community where their family would not be an oddity and their young son would thrive. Finding that community in South Orange-Maplewood, they moved here and began their local Real Estate careers. Together, along with Mary Ellen Dawkins, they are The Lichtman Rabney Group at Hearth Realty in South Orange.

As full time Realtors, Fran and Randy bring their prior experience (Fran led the International Department at Atlantic Records and Randy practiced law) and their combined 38 years of realty sales experience. They love building community and connecting clients who might not know each other but become great friends. Hobbies outside of work include spending time in nature, cooking and enjoying meals, and travel.

JODI CAMPBELL

Jodi Campbell is a realtor salesperson with Hearth Realty Group.

22 First St

ZOE BEAN

Zoë Bean is a Tattooer, Painter, Mom, Baker & Ice Cream enthusiast. She loves dots!  Her work is heavily influenced by all things Victorian, botanical illustrations, floriography & taxidermy.  Zoë started tattooing in 2007 in New York City. She owned the New Moon Studio in Brooklyn from 2018-2023. She lives in South Orange with her husband Sweety, son Emmet & French bulldog Margot.

111 South Orange Ave Suite 28

CANDICE IHEME

Ms. Iheme is a first-generation American whose early work in the insurance industry inspired her to pursue law in order to advocate for underserved clients. A graduate of Rutgers University and Rutgers Law School, she completed over 600 pro bono hours assisting families with children with special needs.

After clerking in the Essex County Superior Court and working in litigation at an AMLaw100 firm, she joined a boutique practice. She now handles personal injury and criminal defense cases, committed to fighting for justice and ensuring her clients receive what they are entitled to.

76 S Orange Ave Suite 207B

GUERLYNE MILLINGTON

Guerlyne Millington, owner of Little Stages goal is to have a family-oriented environment with a philosophy that believes in supporting all families. The program and curriculum encourages a child's individual development while embracing and scaffolding the learning process to make it fun and welcoming. The cozy environment is specifically designed for a child’s well-being while they grow and learn with the support for every child’s style of learning.

14 S Orange Ave

BETTY, DELORES, & MATTIE

The Love You Girl Foundation was born of tragedy after founder, Betty’s best friend, Alice lost her life to the crime of domestic violence. Business owners Betty, Delores, and Mattie’s mission of their comprehensive program is to educate and empower victims, survivors, and advocates through education and awareness and to provide support to community organizations that provide counseling and outreach services to those impacted and those at risk of being impacted by domestic violence.

76 S Orange Ave Suite 02

KRYA HARRISON

Krya Harrison, owner of North Star Realty advocates for clients not only as a Real Estate Broker, but also as an engaged member of the town and chamber of commerce. With unparalleled industry knowledge, 15 years experience and local expertise, working with Krya is a huge win for her clients.

3 Vose Ave

LILIANA GUTIERREZ

71 S Orange Ave

JENNIFER CARTER

Jennifer Cleary Carter has been a successful Realtor-Associate® since 2001 and is committed to providing her clients the highest level of customer service in the industry. She is a member of New Jersey Association of Realtors®, National Association of Realtors®, Monmouth County Association of Realtors®, and Monmouth/Ocean Multiple Listing Services. [...]

508 Warren Ave

HEATHER CROSS

Heather turned her life-long travel bug into a business when she founded her travel agency in 2014 after years of travel writing. She loves the unfamiliar and nothing makes her more excited than visiting a new destination. This mother of two didn't let her (now tween/teen) kids get in the way of traveling -- instead, she recruited grandparents early-on to join them on family trips creating unforgettable memories. She shares her first hand knowledge to take the overwhelm out of vacation planning to destinations near and far, from honeymoons to multi-generation getaways.

DR. L. DAWN CHRISTIAN, D.D.S

Dr. Christian graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry in 1984. She worked with Dr. James Lassiter in Summit and Dr. Neville Thame in Montclair NJ, before leaving to serve as Director of Dentistry at United Hospital. She began a part-time dental practice when the hospital closed, going full-time in 1997. She opened her own General Dentistry practice in 1998, which has expanded and grown to its present location, treating all ages of patients.

71 Valley St Ste 101

ESE CROSSETT

Ese Crosett is the owner of the Little Brain Lab play space. The first and only play space of it’s kind in the South Orange and Maplewood area.

You can reserve a 90 minute open play spot for children under 6, host a birthday party or join as a member.

76 S Orange Ave Ste 04

ILENE MORENO

CRAFT CLUB STUDIO is owned by Ilene Moreno, a local Maplewood resident. She believes that crafting can be fun, relaxing, energizing, and community building, and something that everyone can enjoy.

Ilene holds a BFA in Textiles from The Rhode Island School of Design, where she studied a variety of fiber arts, including weaving, embroidery, printmaking, and fabric dying, as well as traditional fine arts such as painting and drawing.

Ilene’s current craft obsessions are needlepoint houseplant portraits and punch needle mug rugs.

122 South Orange Ave

IRINA LESTER

The Local Yarn Store is a true passion project for Irina and she has been working hard to establish a creative community seat in South Orange.  “I have had the privilege of helping new knitters and crocheters explore and invest themselves into a craft that I have loved for so many years, and can honestly say that each one has become a member of the beautiful, funny and diverse family that is TLYS.”

57 Academy St

LACEY BUCCELLETO

Lacey Buccelleto born and raised in Kentucky, received a BFA from The University of Georgia and then an MA in Art Education at Brooklyn College. She and her husband moved to Maplewood from Brooklyn in 2014 after having their first child. After getting to know the community here, she recognized the need for local art experiences for young children and founded Oh! Canary in the winter of 2017. “I would pack up our trunk once a week with art materials to teach in a shared space in South Orange, and that was where it all started. Since then we have organically grown into a vibrant creative community housed in our 1500 sq ft studio with daily programming and a teaching staff of a dozen incredible local women. I am a mama of two boys- one more on the way- and Oh! Canary has become an extension of my family's heart and soul.”

165 B Valley Street

LEANA LU

Leana Lu has lived in Maplewood for 12 years, and is going into her 7th year as a local business owner. Leana was in fashion for 10 years before going back to school for a degree in education. “With SewLeana, I've combined my two passions in teaching sewing to kids and adults. I can't think of a more rewarding job! I volunteer as a local Girl Scout leader and formerly as a Cub Scout leader. My husband and I have three kids and we love RV camping, hiking, and outdoor activities.”

12 W South Orange Ave

LINDSEY SHEVKUN AGUAYO

Lindsey Shevkun Aguayo was formally trained as an Art educator at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and jumped right into her career teaching high school art in 2007. A few years into her career in public education, she began a ceramics program that focused primarily on hand building. In 2019, Lindsey built a home Pottery studio to begin expanding her knowledge in wheel thrown forms. Soon after, Indigo Road Studio was born and selling her handcrafted wares became a full time position in 2020. Lindsey loves exploring the versatility that clay provides and is excited to share her experience with you at her new studio space

10 Vose Ave