New Jersey Family May 2020

NEW JERSEY’S

Women-Owned Businesses ARE HERE TO HELP

MAY 2020 | NJFAMILY.COM |

Virtual Medicine MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHILD’S VISIT

Unplugged

THE BENEFITS OF SCREEN-FREE PLAY DURING QUARANTINE

MEET OUR

MOMPRENEUR

Year!

OF THE

GET TO KNOW OUR WINNER AND FINALISTS CHALK ART TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS

MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS TO TREAT YOURSELF

DON’T FORGET

TO VOTE!

Nominate your favorite docs at njfamily.com/vote LAST YEAR WE RECEIVED MORE THAN

3,000 NOMINATIONS FROM NJ MOMS AND DADS LIKE YOU! Whether your child’s facing a minor illness or a medical crisis, you’ll want this list of more than 900 pediatric doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals.

LAURY CUDDIHY, MD

ARNO FRIED, MD

MARTIN COHEN, MD

Lawrenceville | Spine Surgeon Dr. Cuddihy came to see my daughter every day while she was in the hospital for seven days after her spine surgery. If I had a question, I could text the doctor and she’d get back to me that day! Her compassion for her patients is just amazing.

Rutherford | Pediatric Neurosurgeon Dr. Fried was always by our side through everything and we never felt alone through any surgery. He’s done two surgeries on my daughter, but also built a relationship with her and our family that’ll last a lifetime. He’s a doctor that my daughter looks up to and she aspires to one day be a pediatric neurosurgeon just like him.

Morristown | Pediatrician Dr. Cohen diagnosed correctly every time and is a genius. My son had an unusual pseudo tumor and he saved his life.

—J.W., MANALAPAN

­—D.S., STERLING HEIGHTS, MI —L.C., RUMSON

See our full list of parent-recommended medical professionals at njfamily.com/thelist JAN / FEB 2019 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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Contents Healthy + Happy

Stuff We Love

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MOTHER’S DAY ALL MONTH Take a break from homeschooling and treat yourself to these goodies

Mom Crush VIRTUAL DOCTOR IS IN 14 THE How to navigate their first telemedicine appointment

Special Advertising Section

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WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES Meet the inspiring women behind these innovative companies

THE BAG 8 IN Why Janine Wallace’s chic privacy bags matter now more than ever

Healthy + Happy

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Accidents happen. Dental offices can still see your kids for urgent matters

Feature

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MEET OUR MOMPRENEURS Get to know the winner and finalists in our Mompreneur of the Year contest

Me Time

On the Cover

JAMIE BLOOM MEIER / LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

Feature

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CHALK THE WALK How one mom is brightening our days with chalk art inspired by popular children’s books

TRUE TO YOURSELF 40 BE Use this challenging time to embrace your most authentic life

Raising Smarties

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CAMP IN Summer camps are finding ways to virtually connect with campers

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FREE PLAY The importance of unstructured playtime when homeschooling

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

ats!

Editor’s Letter

Congr MAY 2020 | NJFAMILY.COM VOLUME 30, ISSUE 4

TaylorDeanna is the k c Heaco f Good o r e d n u in fo ll Shop fi e R le Bott ood. w le p a M

PUBLISHER | CINDY MIRONOVICH EDITORIAL DIRECTOR | DINA EL NABLI EDITOR@NJFAMILY.COM ART DIRECTOR | LEEZA HERNANDEZ MANAGING EDITOR | ANGEL MADISON ASSOCIATE EDITOR MEGAN MUESSEN CONTRIBUTORS HEIDI BORST, RONNIE KOENIG, JESS MICHAELS, ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE

PRODUCTION DESIGNER ROSA M. JOSEPH PRODUCTION/BUSINESS MANAGER MARY LUCID PROJECT & CIRCULATION MANAGER DIANE ERDENBERGER PROJECT MANAGER ERICA BARTON

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING MARCY HOLETON ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES ANN CUSACK, RANDI EPSTEIN, DEBBIE LUBRANSKI, MUFFIN MULLER, BARBARA NASTRO, PAMELA PETERSON, ERIN SALMAN, ANDREA THORNE

TO SUBSCRIBE TO NEW JERSEY FAMILY, CALL 908-277-1919 X106.

The acceptance of advertising by New Jersey Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any products or services that are fraudulent or misleading in nature. Editorial inquiries, calendar information, ad­ vertising rates and schedules, and subscrip­­­ tion requests may be addressed to Kids Monthly Publications, Inc., 480 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901. New Jersey Family can be reached by calling 908-277-1919, emailing editor@njfamily.com, or by visiting our website, njfamily.com. New Jersey Family is a woman-owned business and has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by the Parenting Media Association.

New Jersey Family is published monthly by Kids Monthly Pub­ lications, Inc., 480 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901. Send address changes to us here.

Subscription rate is $28 annually. Reproduction of New Jersey Family in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2020 by Kids Monthly Publications, Inc. Readership: 345,000. 2016 circulation audit by CVC, Circulation Verification Council.

Shop Small and Local Before the world was turned upside down by COVID-19, we were planning to celebrate the state’s amazing women-owned businesses. In January, we launched our first ever New Jersey Family Mompreneur of the Year contest and heard from so many talented women who’ve built successful businesses. We teamed up with Morphmom, an organization that helps women figure out their next step, and together, we’re so excited to announce our winner: Deanna Taylor-Heacock, founder of Good Bottle Refill Shop, NJ’s first zero waste refill shop in Maplewood. We’re thrilled to introduce you to her and our finalists as well as some of NJ’s most innovative women-owned businesses whose owners are working hard to refocus and reinvent during the pandemic.

Small businesses need our support now more than ever. As a small business founded 30 years ago, we’re committed to being there for you during this unprecedented time in our history. We promise to help you stay informed, engaged and hopeful as we weather this crisis.

We’re #NJStrong and together we’ll get through this. In the meantime, we’ll continue to give back to those who need it most, find ways to thank our healthcare and essential workers and support the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities.

Turn to page 17 to get to know some of NJ’s fabulous women-owned businesses and head to page 31 to meet our mompreneurs of the year.

Head to njfamily.com/mompreneurs to read more online.

Stay in touch at njfamily.com, where you’ll find daily updates and ways to keep your family safely entertained. Stay healthy and well!

/NEWJERSEYFAMILY @NJFAMILYMAG @NEWJERSEYFAMILY

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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Stuff We Love

QuaranTEAM

Mom

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By Dina El Nabli

Step away from homeschooling and cooking and celebrate Mother’s Day all month long with these goodies.

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1. ONE EXHAUSTED MAMA Inspired by the Mom You’re So Annoying brand created by Michelle Weinberger, this is the perfect stay-home sweatshirt. $59.95, momyouresoannoying.com. 2.

SWEET DREAMS Moroccan Magic’s collection includes a lavender and argan exfoliating face wash, lotion and more. $79 for a 5-piece set, moroccanmagicbeauty.com. 3. NOT BAKED BY YOU This Groovy Mama gift box has 25 mini-cupcakes with flavors like Chocolate Strawberry and Electric-Tie Dye. $37, bakedbymelissa. com. 4. UPLIFTING WORDS The Little Words Project makes bracelets encouraging kindness with a portion of proceeds donated to an organization that promotes self love. $20 per bracelet, littlewordsproject.com. 5. WINE AND CHILL Backpack Wine makes it easy to have a glass without popping a cork. $10 for a 4-pack, backpack-wine.com.

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

Al’s Shed World and Weber Grills

SHEDS PERGOLAS SWINGSETS

PLAYHOUSES

186 Columbia Turnpike Regency Plaza • Florham Park

973.377.3174 www.alsshedworld.com

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

GAZEBOS WEBER GRILLS PAVILIONS

FOR A FREE RAMP MENTION THIS AD!

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Mom Crush

Look!

Go to njfamily.com/cartwright to read the full interview.

Left: Wallace with her husband and their children. Above: Cartwright’s lockable bags.

Privacy Matters

By Dina El Nabli

New Jersey Family: What exactly is a privacy bag and how did you come up with the idea?

Janine Wallace: During this time of quarantine and stay at home orders, millions of moms are witnessing firsthand the utter lack of privacy we have as parents. The first time your toddler gets into your makeup, it’s cute. By the fifth or twelfth time, not so much. I developed Cartwright, a line of lockable privacy accessories, because as we like to say, some things aren’t meant to be shared. All our accessories are fitted with our patentpending drop lock which is a two-digit lock housed on the side of each bag.

NJF: How have you pivoted your business to adapt to this stressful and uncertain time?

JW: The first thing we did was to focus efforts on supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) to our front-liners. We temporarily halted work on new styles and inventory restock and began supplying respirators to area hospitals. So far, we have supplied 10,000 masks and donated them to hospitals here in New Jersey and as far away as Arkansas. We’re currently running a campaign to donate the next 10,000 respirators and

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we hope people will join our effort at cartwrightbag.com. It’s free to sign up and makes a huge difference.

NJF: What has it been like juggling your business with three kids?

JW: It’s been a great learning experience for everyone including the kiddos.

They get to see Mom drawing with designers, creating Instagram ads, and even hauling boxes. They are asking insightful questions about what it takes to run a successful business and the importance of giving back, and I’m happy to show them every step.

NJF: What are your favorite things to do with the kids these days?

JW: Our favorite things have changed a little bit. It used to be doing seasonal activities like skiing, going to the beach, and apple picking. Now its bike rides, scootering, and baking. Our lives are smaller in some ways, but so much larger in others. We’ve used this time to teach our kids life skills like doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, and gardening, while at the same time teaching them about the importance of giving back to the community when possible. It’s been incredibly enriching for all of us.

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: LORRAINE DEVIN / CARTWRIGHT / CARTWRIGHT

Small businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19 but Cartwright, a company that makes chic lockable bags, has found a way to give back. Founded by Chatham mom Janine Wallace, the company is on a mission to donate respirators and face masks to healthcare workers. We asked the mom of three (ages 10, 7 and 5) how she juggles homeschooling with running the company and making a difference.

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MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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Healthy + Happy

In Case of Emergency Most dental offices are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but many dentists will still see your kids in an emergency.

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ow more than ever, in the midst of quarantine, we need to avoid trips to the ER or dentist’s office. But, as every parent knows, accidents are a fact of life. For any dental emergency call your child’s dentist ASAP. “Your dentist may be able to help your child via teledentistry until you are able to go into the office,” says Elisa Velazquez, a dentist at Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates in Toms River and president of the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. “Teledentistry allows the dentist to provide a consultation and [give] clinical guidance for your child’s emergency.”

Here’s how to handle common dental emergencies during these uncertain times:

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH “Whether it’s toddlers falling as they learn to walk

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or kids horsing around, accidents happen,” says pediatric dentist Mary Hayes, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “Because all dental emergencies involve a concussion risk, make sure your child is okay first.” If your child has injured her face or head or lost consciousness, it’s still advisable to head to the ER (though it’s a good idea to call as you’re on your way in case they have rules in place about where to enter the building, for example).

Otherwise, call your dentist immediately. Pick up the lost tooth by the crown. Keep the tooth wet to bring it to the dentist by placing it in a cup of milk. While milk is best, use water if milk isn’t available. Don’t reinsert it or clean it off. Let your dentist handle that so you don’t do further damage. And don’t delay. “The success rate is best when you can get the tooth placed within 30 minutes of the accident,” says Hayes. The good news: baby teeth

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / MOFLES

By Arricca Elin SanSone

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

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218 Ridgedale Ave., Suite 203 Cedar Knolls

973-585-6756

Orthodontist:

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Denise Kitay DDS, MMSc

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

Healthy + Happy

don’t need to be re-implanted because they could disturb the underlying permanent tooth buds. However, your dentist still should do an exam to ensure no fragments remain.

CHIPPED OR CRACKED TOOTH If you notice a chip or crack in your child’s tooth, call your dentist. There’s nothing you can do at home, but you do need to have your child seen as soon as possible.

“There’s a risk that the nerve has been exposed,” says Hayes. “And some kids are stoic and may not complain of pain.” The tooth may or may not be repaired. For instance, a toddler with a small chip may not need a restoration since the tooth will be replaced by a permanent one eventually. Each case should be evaluated individually, says Hayes.

TOOTHACHE Kids have toothaches for many different reasons including a cavity (you may see a brown spot on the tooth), swelling gums (an abscess) or from new teeth erupting.

“One of the most painful incidences is when a baby tooth is retained and the new tooth is coming through,” says Velazquez. With any toothache, call your dentist. In the meantime, consider giving an age-appropriate dose of ibuprofen. If it’s a new tooth erupting, dab a topical anesthetic such as Orajel on the gum.

BURNED LIP OR ROOF OF THE MOUTH If your child bites into a slice of hot pizza or gulps soup, he could burn his lip or palate (the roof of the mouth).

“There’s not much you can do except avoid crunchy foods and anything acidic, like citrus or tomatoes, for the next few days,” says Velazquez. “The upside is that the mouth is amazing in how quickly it heals.” Offer an ice pop to soothe discomfort or if he’s old enough, have him rinse with cool water. But if there’s blistering in or around the mouth, call your child’s dentist ASAP.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / LACHEEV

BITING THE TONGUE OR LIP Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about, and the pain subsides quickly. But if the tongue is bleeding profusely, use gauze to apply pressure. If the bleeding does not stop after ten minutes of direct pressure, call your child’s dentist, says Hayes. The same goes if your child has bitten through his or her lip. The dentist may recommend and oral surgeon as an option to the ER.

MOUTH SORES Painful canker sores may erupt due to stress or a minor

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

mouth injury, such as accidentally biting the inside of the cheek. Kids also sometimes get them right before or after a virus. Other lesions look similar but are viral in origin.

“Call your dentist, especially if it’s the first time your child has experienced mouth sores,” says Velazquez. “It’s especially important to treat young children who are not eating or drinking due to the pain because it’s easy for them to get dehydrated.” To aid healing, stick with a soft diet, avoid acidic foods and use topical anesthetics such as Orajel. Your dentist may be able to to perform an inoffice laser treatment or offer a prescription mouthwash for kids who are old enough to swish and spit.

LOOSE WIRE / BRACKETS ON BRACES / LOST APPLIANCES Orthodontic discomfort is typically not an emergency but it could be miserable. In the meantime, a poking wire can be pushed flat against the tooth with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. If that’s unsuccessful, pinch off some dental wax, roll it into a pea-sized ball, then flatten and place over the wire tip, says Velazquez. If an expander is loose, have your child eat soft foods—nothing crunchy or sticky, which may have caused the damage in the first place—until he or she can be seen by the dentist.

—Arricca Elin SanSone is a New York-based health and lifestyle writer.

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Healthy + Happy

HOUSE CALL

Make the most of your pediatric telemedicine visit.

By Dina El Nabli

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s the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed most of us to work from home, much of what we do—from learning to gathering with family­ —has gone virtual. While hospitals struggle to keep up with coronavirus cases and New Jersey’s stay-at-home orders continue in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading, your child’s non-urgent doctor’s visits have also gone virtual.

“COVID-19 has rapidly made telemedicine an essential element of care delivery,” says Marnie Dardanello, MD, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Summit Medical Group.

“Even in the midst of the pandemic, pediatric providers are available for patients by several telemedicine options, including telephone check-in and virtual video visit.”

IN-PERSON VS. VIRTUAL How do you determine whether your child needs to be seen in person? Start with a video visit and if that leads to a same day office visit, the telemedicine visit is not charged, Dardanello says. Serious symptoms or a need to be immunized are two examples of visits that need to happen in person, says Andy Anderson, MD, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group.

“Depending on the presence of any underlying conditions and the severity and type of symptoms (such as difficulty breathing or confusion are more concerning), the provider will make the decision on whether an in-person or telemedicine visit is the most appropriate care,” Anderson says. “We also want to ensure our children and adolescents are staying up-to-date with vaccinations, so that is an example of a patient who we would bring to the office site.”

Be prepared to list your child’s symptoms in detail. “For example, if your throat hurts, can you look in the mirror and

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see if your tonsils are enlarged or if there are white spots that can be seen?” Anderson says. “If you have stomach pain, the doctor may ask you to press on certain areas of your belly and describe the feeling.”

Dardanello says pediatricians are having a lot of success with virtual appointments “including those for rashes, pink eye, motor tic, stomach issues such as constipation, fever in older children, allergy symptoms, and cough,” Dardanello says. “Behavioral concerns such as toilet training questions, ADHD concerns or mental health concerns with stress and anxiety related to remote schooling and isolation have also been addressed. For the teenagers, virtual visits are a wonderful way to connect to discuss any physical or mental health complaint.”

Most practices are putting off well visits for now, except for newborn care. Questions about immunizations should be directed to your child’s pediatrician. The good news is that telemedicine visits are covered by insurance and most plans are waiving copays for telemedicine visits during the pandemic, Dardanello says.

Dardanello shared these tips to help you prepare for your

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / IMGORTHAND

child’s virtual visit: P ick a time that works for your child. For a younger child, in the morning after breakfast might be best. For a schoolage child, after the remote school day may be ideal.

F ind a quiet spot away from other distractions to sit for the visits, preferably a spot with a good wireless connection.

C lothing should be comfortable and loose in case it needs to be moved or removed for the exam.

H ave a pen and paper to review questions and take notes.

M ake sure you have a flashlight handy, which can help for examining the eyes, mouth, skin.

H aving a favorite doll or stuffed animal at hand can help younger kids feel more comfortable.

HOW TO HANDLE EMERGENCIES A video visit with your child’s pediatrician will determine whether your child’s illness or injury is serious enough to require a trip to a comprehensive urgent care facility or a hospital emergency room. “Many parents may be hesitant to seek emergency care at a hospital during the pandemic, but emergency departments that treat children are prepared to

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

treat illness and injury in a safe manner,” Dardanello says.

If you or a member of your family has symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor who will then follow screening guidelines. “If you experience any of the emergency warning signs of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips/face and/ or difficulty waking up, call 911 and advise medical personnel you are experiencing symptoms of and/or have been exposed to COVID-19,” Anderson says.

After assessing whether the patient has a temperature, cough or shortness of breath and/or other respiratory symptoms and whether he or she has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, a doctor will decide if a COVID-19 test should be administered. “There will also be a discussion about any pre-existing conditions the individual may have and the doctor will observe the patient to take note of his or her rate of respiration and if he or she can carry on a conversation without becoming short of breath,” Anderson says.

For an updated list of COVID-19 symptoms, a self-checker and the latest guidance, go to cdc.gov/coronavirus.

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

SPECIAL Advertising SECTION

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / ALEKSANDER KACZMAREK

Women-Owned

BUSINESSES Get to know New Jersey’s extraordinary entrepreneurs and what their companies have to offer.

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Beyond 20/20 Vision Training Center KIRTI P. PATEL, MPH, OD, FCOVD beyond2020vtc.com • Instagram @beyond.2020 H EA LT H & W E LLNESS

What inspired you to start your business?

It was my very first vision therapy patient in optometry school, an 8-year-old girl who had difficulty with reading.

During her first progress evaluation my attending optometrist asked her mother if she was noticing any improvements. Her mother responded that her daughter still hated to read. When he asked my patient, she sat there silently with her backpack on her lap and head down. Her mother proceeded to remove her backpack, only to find my patient was reading a chapter book. At that moment, I realized this is how I’d make my impact on this world.

What sets your business and brand apart?

The quality of my program sets us apart. Because I take a curative approach, patients who graduate from my program, see long-lasting results.

What was your proudest/happiest moment as a business owner?

I was treating a young girl of about 9 years old for exotropia, one eye turned outwards. She was seen by a local pediatric ophthalmologist who recommended surgery. Her mother wasn’t comfortable with the recommendation, researched alternatives and found my office. They drove long distances every week to see me.

Before she finished her program, her mother went back to the same pediatric ophthalmologist to get another evaluation. He told her she no longer needed surgery; her eyes were straight.

What do you love most about what you do?

Besides getting to know my patients and their families, I love to see the positive changes my program makes not just visually, but in peoples’ lives. We often hear that people are more confident, happy and successful both academically and professionally in their daily lives.

What’s your most memorable experience when you knew your business was nailing it?

I recall my patient, a senior in high school, had incurred three sports-related concussions. After three months of physical therapy, he was still complaining of daily headaches and began struggling academically. His goal was to get into college, but he couldn’t tolerate the visual demands needed to take the SATs. By the time he completed my vision therapy program, he was headache-free, back to being an A-student and received an early admission offer to his first-choice college. Prior to my vision therapy program, he’d seen numerous specialists including a neuropsychologist.

He failed every part of his neuropsychological evaluation.

After my program, he passed every part of it except the auditory portion, which I don’t train for.

How do you juggle the business with family demands?

I’m blessed with a supportive husband and three wonderful kids. We work as a team and make daily tasks into family time. For example, we cook together, eat meals together, run errands together and, my favorite, travel together.

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT ON Women-Owned BUSINESSES

Leezaworks, LLC LEEZA HERNANDEZ leezaworks.com • etsy.com/shop/leezaworks • Instagram @leezaworks G R APH IC DESIG N, A RT & ILLUSTRATION

What inspired you to start your business?

I’ve always freelanced as a graphic designer and illustrator in addition to a full-time job. It helps me stay inspired and keeps the workload interesting, because it’s so varied.

Forming the LLC two years ago and building what I’ve created into more of a brand seemed the next logical step.

Plus, being able to show my daughter that you can manifest a life that you love by doing what you love is important, too.

It’s hard work, but can be rewarding in unexpected ways.

What’s your business best known for?

My whimsical illustration work—mostly children’s books and cat art—as well as my large-scale abstract paintings.

What do you love most about what you do?

Connecting with people. One of the most gratifying parts of what I do is receiving a personal message saying how my work made an impact, or simply made someone smile. One of the biggest compliments was a parent thanking me for making a kid’s book character look like her babies. Diversity really does matter and make a difference!

What’s your best seller?

Private commissions and any cat art. I sell my work at cat conventions (yes, it’s a thing) and have built a base of loyal customers and furriends in the past few years. I’ve gotten many repeat customers through the conventions.

What was the hardest thing about getting the business off the ground?

Time management and work/life balance. Working my side hustle around a full-time job and spending quality time with my family meant a big shift in my daily schedule. It took time to adjust, but I now have a formula that works and I’m able to take it all in my stride with little to no stress.

H ow’s your business invested in your community?

I work with a not-for-profit organization visiting inner city second- and third-graders in New Jersey and NYC helping raise awareness of the importance of early literacy and sharing stories. Plus, a percentage of proceeds of art prints sold in my Etsy shop is donated to local animal shelters.

What would you like people to know about running your own business?

• Patience and perseverance is key. It’s taken years for me to get to the point where I’m comfortable with facing challenges head-on instead of getting frustrated, freaking out or throwing in the towel.

• Establish a support system. It can be exhausting and sometimes overwhelming trying to do it all when you’re a party of one. Having a spouse, partner, friend, relative or impartial third party to sound off ideas, vent to, celebrate milestones with (big or small) or keep your feet on the ground makes a world of difference.

Hang in there, trust your gut, take your time... you got this!

What’s next for you and your business?

Continuing to grow my body of work is a big focus, and I’m currently revamping my newsletter to stay in touch with my community of customers and supporters. I’m also expanding into art licensing, so you’ll see my work on fabric in the near future. Yay!

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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Njswim Schools CHRISTINE HOWE, Partner & Director of Swim School Operations JULIA ECKHARDT, Partner & Operations Manager; LINDA BOHN, Partner & Regional Manager njswim.com • facebook.com/njswim K ID S PRO GRA M S

hat is Njswim best known for?

W Christine Howe: We teach thousands of swim lessons every week, starting with Water Babies at three months old. We offer a developmental approach to swimming, year-round, in heated pools with private and small group swim lessons for children of all ages and abilities.

What sets the Njswim brand apart?

CH:“Warm Water—Cool Teachers—Happy Kids.” Each child who walks through the door is cared for, loved and taught in a way that benefits and works for them! From our heated pools to our state-of-the-art facilities and certified staff, our business model is unique.

Julia Eckhardt: Every team member, from lifeguards to upper-level management, is a swim teacher, trained and certified to deliver our in-water curriculum, supreme customer service and keep safety first. Our kind and loving, yet effective approach to teaching swim lessons has been the hallmark of our success.

How has Njswim evolved?

CH: When I first started almost 11 years ago, we had one location and about 15 team members. We are currently in the process of building our sixth location and have more than 100 employees. Today we have more systems and processes in place to ensure that all five Njswim locations are operating to the same standards.

What are your happiest moments as a business owner?

JE: Seeing the magical moments of a child progressing from a water baby all the way through learning the four swim strokes. The confidence and sheer joy of accomplishment that learning how to swim brings to a child makes me happy.

What was a moment when you knew your business was nailing it?

CH: Seeing team members who love coming to work every day. Watching them grow on their career path and work their way from part-time swim teachers to upper management positions. In some instances, our team members are now partners—amazing!

Can you name a recent milestone you are proud of?

Linda Bohn: When Njswim Manasquan reached enrollment of 800 active swimmers in February. It was an unbelievable feeling.

What’s on the horizon for Njswim?

LB: This summer we’ll open our sixth location in Brick.

The new, custom-designed 8,000-square-foot aquatic center will feature a state-of-the-art pool, custom changing rooms, stroller parking and hair drying stations.

The new location will be open year-round offering the highest quality swim lessons, water babies programs and pool parties.

How is Njswim invested in your local community?

CH: Njswim visits hundreds of elementary and preschools schools in New Jersey every year for free. We present our proprietary Water Safety Curriculum, designed for kids to recognize various drowning risks and ways to protect themselves and other people in and around water. We’re also creating the curriculum and piloting water safety programs to be taught in public schools across New Jersey.

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT ON Women-Owned BUSINESSES

Williams Law Group, LLC ALLISON C. WILLIAMS, ESQ. familylawyersnewjersey.com • facebook.com/TheWilliamsLawGroup L EGA L S E RV ICES

What sets your law practice apart?

Williams Law Group, LLC was founded in 2013 on the principle that good enough is not good enough when a family is at stake.

Though accomplished in matrimonial law, Ms. Williams is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Law, and Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a family law trial attorney. Ms. Williams built her career on helping the least fortunate, most demonized citizens battle the most formidable opponent—the State of New Jersey.

In child abuse and neglect matters, there is no “meeting in the middle.” A middle of the road outcome may mean the parent never sees the child again. So, learning how to fight and prioritizing the “win” became an essential lifeblood of this law firm.

Ms. Williams has appeared in the media, on news outlets, on the Katie Couric’s talk show and has presented to local, state, national and international conferences on issues involving child abuse, neglect and welfare. Of course, not every case warrants a “fight.”

Most cases require a nuanced understanding of the very human problems that face our clients and their children.

This understanding is informed by the extensive experience we have with psychological disorders, substance abuse and addiction science, developmental pediatrics, medical and mental health intervention protocols, and the countless trials, hearings, motions and pleadings we have conducted and prepared throughout New Jersey.

It’s this nuanced understanding that led the firm to dedicate an individual to meeting with and assessing new client matters to coalesce for each client the legal team best suited to meet the client’s needs and fit their unique personality.

The firm consists of a stellar legal team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative support and handles all types of family law proceedings: divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, adoptions, grandparent visitation, domestic violence, third party custody applications, and the one area of family law that the majority of family law practitioners will not handle— child abuse and neglect proceedings.

Our attorneys have appeared in every county in this state, in Superior Court, the Appellate Division and the New Jersey Supreme Court.

We also handle administrative appeals of child abuse investigation outcomes and advice and consultation of individuals involved in these matters, whether the person be the accused or a parent understandably concerned with the welfare of his or her child.

Our expertise in handling the worst of issues in the most dire of circumstances helps us deliver winning outcomes to our clients, day in and day out.

Main photo (from left to right): Alvin Eugene Richards III, Allison C. Williams, Sean O’Connor, Laurie J. Madziar, Victoria D. Miranda, April Katz Israeli.

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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DENTA L S E RV ICES

Chatham Orthodontics DR. BARBARA FODERO, DDS, MS chathambraces.com Instagram @chathamortho What sets your business and brand apart?

Having a “mom perspective” has helped me understand the demands of juggling children’s busy schedules along with work schedules. It’s made me a more compassionate and sensitive orthodontist. I treat my patients the way I’d treat my own children.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love having a profound impact on someone’s self-esteem when I create a beautiful smile. I also love the connections I make with my patients and their families. I feel like people come in as patients and leave as friends.

What’s the moment when you knew you nailed it?

When I learn that new clients hear positive things about me and my business on their community Facebook page, I know I’m doing something right.

H ow do you juggle being a business owner with family demands?

It’s not easy being a divorced mom running a business. I work my longer days and my Saturday hours when my children are with their dad, which has relieved me of a lot of mom guilt. I’ve learned not to overextend myself in order to maintain a work/family balance.

H ow’s your business involved in your local community?

I participate in a program called Smiles Changes Lives, where I donate free orthodontic treatment to children whose parents can’t afford braces. I also sponsor local school sports, performing arts and general fundraiser events.

H EA LT H A N D W ELLNESS

Fitness Coaching, LLC LOIS MANZELLA-MARCHITTO FitnessCoachingLLC.com facebook.com/FitnessCoachingLLC What do you love most about what you do?

Connecting with people then pairing with our team. Seeing our clients’ and team’s excitement when our clients surpass their goals and expectations. Helping make fitness easy and achievable for our clients.

What’s your business best known for?

We bring our exercise experts face-to-face with our clients for on-site (at home, office, park or online), one-on-one personal training and group exercise sessions.

What sets you apart?

Safety is our number one priority. We make it easy by coming to our clients. Our team’s education is leading the way in the industry to give the most value to our clients.

Lastly, we do a federal background check to assure our team’s professionalism.

What was the hardest thing to get the business going?

All of it! In the beginning, all I knew was how to train clients. Learning how to be a business owner was daunting and humbling. I’m still working on it.

H ow has your business invested in the community?

We’re active in the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Bernards Networking Group and Morris Networking Group.

We assist many nonprofits by providing warm-ups for golf and race outings.

What’s next?

To franchise my company so I can help others take the fitness industry to a new level and help more families. We’re changing this generation so the next one can thrive.

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT ON Women-Owned BUSINESSES H EA LT H & W E LLNESS

Modern Acupuncture JOAN ARATA modernacupuncture.com/nj001 Instagram @modernacupuncture_fp What inspired you to start your business?

I’ve personally used acupuncture for many years to deal with many different challenges. My whole career was in corporate America, and I was looking for my next adventure.

When I heard from friends about this new national franchise concept in acupuncture, I knew it was something I was really interested in that would be my next adventure!

What sets your business and brand apart?

The Modern Acupuncture goal is to bring acupuncture to many more Americans by making it accessible and affordable. According to the NIH and WHO, only 3-5 percent of all Americans have ever tried acupuncture. By being in retail locations with retail hours (being open seven days a week) and offering affordable, efficient memberships and packages, we believe that we’ll meet our goal!

When was the moment when you knew your business was nailing it?

Every day, we have patients who tell us how we’ve positively impacted their lives by making it possible for them to try acupuncture. We have so many patients who tell us that friends are asking what they’re doing differently because they look so calm and relaxed. One patient who’s doing our Glow facial acupuncture said a relative asked her if she had a facelift after only two weeks of treatments! Then, of course, we have patients who are finally feeling relief from longstanding back pain. This can be life-changing.

L EGA L SERVICES

Tomasella & Associates, LLC VICTORIA TOMASELLA, ESQ., OWNER COURTNEY VACCA, ESQ., SENIOR ASSOCIATE tomaselladivorce.com What inspired you to start your business?

I was divorced 16 years ago. I have three little boys.

After my divorce was finalized, I dedicated myself to advocating for families.

What sets your business and brand apart?

I lived through my own divorce and teach family law at Pace University. I understand the emotional factors of each divorce and that each divorce is different and unique.

What was your happiest moment as a business owner?

When I receive a thank you note from a client, I’m always very happy and proud of the services our firm provides.

What was your most memorable experience with a client—a moment when you knew your business was nailing it?

Our business comes from past and current client referrals. It’s always satisfying to know our clients trust us and refer us to family and friends.

Why do you think it’s so important to support small businesses in general?

Large firms aren’t always able to provide individual services to the extent that small firms can.

What else would you like New Jersey families to know about you?

Our clients’ happiness is of the utmost importance to us.

Most of my clients have my personal cell phone number and I check in with them from time to time after the divorce legal proceedings are over.

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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L EGA L SERV ICES

Warshaw Law Firm, LLC JULIE WARSHAW, ESQ. warshawlawfirm.com

What do you love about what you do?

I love being able to find the right placement, services and accommodations for students so that their lives begin to change for the better. It’s magical when a child thrives academically, socially and emotionally in his or her learning environment.

What’s your most memorable experience with a client?

I have fond memories of all my clients. I love when students I worked with in the past come back to visit me years later and they’re smiling and proud of their accomplishments.

The most memorable experience with a client started several years ago. This child was autistic, and when I first met him, he was self-injurious, had virtually no language and had been placed in a self-contained class on the other side of the school away from other children. After we battled the district, he was placed in an appropriate out-of-district program. A few years ago, he came to my office, spoke my name, gave me a huge hug and told me he’d just graduated from high school. That was a great day.

H ow do you juggle being a business owner with family demands?

My family is most important to me. I moved my office closer to home and work my schedule around being there for my children. I work crazy hours and weekends, answer my own phone so I’m accessible to my clients, but I also prioritize and work as efficiently as possible.

C H IL D CA RE

Yaycare JEN GREENSPAN yaycare.app Instagram @yaycare_app What inspired you to start your business?

After the birth of my daughter, I had trouble finding flexible daycare, so I decided to create an app that allows parents to find and book open spots at licensed childcare centers (like Opentable for childcare)!

What sets your business apart?

We’re the first app in New Jersey that allows parents to book open spots at licensed daycares, preschools, school break camps, summer camps and Parents Night Out programs. We’re working with both top-rated franchises and independent providers, and we heavily vet all providers before allowing them on our app.

How does Yaycare work?

Simply download our free app to search, book and pay for open spots in just a few clicks! There are no fees and no commitments. Just pay for the days you need. We also provide a universal registration form and required health forms.

What’s next for you and your business?

For summer we’re introducing a weekly booking option for camps. Our goal is to allow parents to book lastminute spots at different types of camps for kids through age 14.

What else would you like New Jersey families to know about you?

We’re expanding quickly across NJ, so if we’re not in your town yet, we should be soon! Feel free to email me with any questions or feedback at jen@yaycare.app.

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT ON Women-Owned BUSINESSES HEA LT H & WE LLN E S S

Anew Dawn Beauty + Balance DAWN JACOBUS, LMT, LE, CHTP anewdawnbeautyandbalance.com facebook.com/anewdawnbeautyandbalance

What inspired you to start your business?

My passion for helping you look and feel your personal best through massage therapy, facials, quality skin care, energy therapy and various relaxation and rejuvenation practices to relax, refresh and renew.

What’s your best seller or most requested product or service?

The Microcurrent Face Lifting Treatment uses safe, noninvasive microcurrent technology to rejuvenate and reeducate the muscles of the face, neck and body. This treatment has no downtime and can create a firmer, lighter and brighter complexion.

What was your most memorable experience when you knew your were nailing it?

When my guests emerge from the treatment room with a glow and a smile, I know I made a difference and helped them get their glow on!

What else would you like NJ families to know about you?

We host spa and wellness events to soothe your soul, and Glowing Goddess™ Gatherings to celebrate and honor the goddess within. You can view our updated events on our website. We’d love to host your special occasion.

HEA LT H & WE LLN E S S

Foot and Ankle Premier Specialists JULIANA PATERNINA, DPM footandankleps.com Instagram @footankleps

HEALTHCARE

Holistic Family Healthcare ELAINE HARDY, APN holisticfamilyhealthcarepc.com Instagram @elainehardyfit

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

What inspired you to start your business?

I’m passionate about providing excellent care to my patients and want them to feel at home; not just like another number.

My personalized, holistic approach to care differentiates my practice from other practices.

How do you juggle being a business owner with family demands?

I try to dedicate family time with my daughter and husband whenever I can. When I’m here in the office, I focus on the business. It’s not about the quantity of time but the quality time I spend with my family that matters the most.

What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about running your own business?

It’s not easy running your own business and it takes a village to have a successful practice. Dedication along with a strong support system with mentors to guide you towards your goal are so important.

What else would you like NJ families to know about you?

My practice is here to serve them. We’re here to provide the best, personalized care for their foot and ankle conditions.

We offer the quality service that they deserve and are here to assist with anything that they need.

What is your business best known for?

Digging deep, thinking outside the box and resolving the root cause(s) of my patients’ medical issues.

What sets your business and brand apart?

I’m a nurse practitioner and the sole provider in my practice. Treatments include both holistic and mainstream medications. My patients have the best of both worlds.

What do you love most about what you do?

The rush I get as I pursue a resolution to the various cases that are presented to me.

Who inspired you to start your business?

My mother, a cutting-edge nurse practitioner. When she was ill, I took over the care of her patients and realized that integrative medicine was my calling.

A moment when you knew your business was nailing it?

When my staff had to create a new patient waiting list.

What’s your most memorable experience with a patient?

I detected a potentially fatal heart murmur in one of my pediatric patients that had gone undetected by several other providers. After open heart surgery, her family told me that I was instrumental in saving her life. That feeling is beyond description.

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DE N TAL

Hudson River Dental Arts JENNIFER SUNKIN, DMD hudsonriverdentalarts.com Instagram @HudsonRiverDentalArts

LEGAL S E RVICE S

Jacobs Berger, LLC SARAH JACOBS, ESQ. & JAMIE BERGER, ESQ. jacobsberger.com Instagram @jacobsbergerllc

DENTAL S E RVIC E S

Kids Smile DAWN M. FORBES, DDS kidssmilenj.com

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What are you and your business best known for?

We’re best known for treating patients gently, providing exceptional care and making even a dental visit fun!

What sets your business and brand apart?

We’re ethical, honest, gentle and take the time to listen to our patients. We don’t overbook or rush patients out of our office. We create an environment where our patients feel like family and actually become family.

What’s your proudest moment as a business owner?

The first time a new patient referred another patient. It meant that we did something right! As a new small business, referrals are how we stay alive and grow. Referrals are the greatest compliment we can ever receive.

What do you love most about what you do?

The most rewarding part of my job is when patients with severe dental phobias are able to sit in my chair and allow me to make their mouths healthy.

What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about running your own business?

It’s not a sprint, but a marathon. Be patient.

What sets your brand apart?

The “De-Stress Divorce Doctrine!” We focus on client-centered service. While we can’t wave a magic wand and eliminate all things “evil” (we bet you just thought “my spouse”), we can and do control aspects of the process to allow our clients to focus on what really matters. We can’t control everything, but we can control our client’s experience with us. We know life brings a ton of competing priorities (family, career, community, friends), and divorce just adds to the mix.

Our practical, goal-oriented advice is designed to weigh options and plan for long-term, sustainable success.

How do you balance being a business owner with family demands?

Creatively! As working moms, we each know all too well what an overscheduled life is like, and we need workable solutions to get the job done. We have a list of our own priorities, carve out time for work, family and, let’s be honest, ourselves, and we live (and die!) by our calendars. Sure, things can go sideways, but what good are we to our clients or families if we aren’t able to handle a crisis?

What inspired you to start your own business?

Dental visits aren’t usually a priority for some families. I started a family-friendly practice to help view dental visits as a routine activity, by welcoming families in a warm, caring, comfortable and professional environment.

What’s your most memorable experience with a client?

When a parent said this was her daughter’s fourth dental office and she didn’t think I’d be able to get X-rays or do treatment. We proved her wrong. At the end of her visit, her child remarked, “I like this dentist.” After 11 years, she’s still my patient, along with her siblings.

How are you involved in your local community?

One of our biggest annual events is giving back with Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) where we donate dental services to underserved children. We sponsor individuals (students and athletes), communities, schools, sports and PTA events, as well as school visits teaching children about dental health. I’ve mentored students who have shadowed me, interned and now attend or graduated dental school.

I volunteer with the South Brunswick Commission on Women to inform and motivate female students in dental careers.

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT ON Women-Owned BUSINESSES LEGAL S E RVIC E S

Lawrence Law JERALYN LAWRENCE, ESQ. lawlawfirm.com facebook.com/LawLawFirm

K ID S PROGRAMS

Merry Musicians Music Together GENEVIEVE SCHMIDT merrymusicians.com Instagram @merrymusiciansmusictogether

DENTAL S E RVIC E S

Singh and Smile Pediatric Dentistry ANUPREET SINGH, DMD singhandsmile.com Instagram @singhandsmiledental

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

What inspired you to start your business?

My kids. It’s exciting to show that hard work pays off, and that if you dream it and believe it, you can make it happen.

What sets your business apart?

While every divorce/family law case is different, Lawrence Law’s philosophy is the same for every client: Be mindful of what they’re going through to guide them to a better place.

How do you juggle being a business owner with family demands?

The days go slow and the years go fast. I live that harsh truth, but make it a priority to manage my to-do list so that my kids come first.

How is your business invested in your local community?

We proudly support law enforcement, military personnel, food insecurity, autism, domestic violence and breast cancer survivors, plus we sponsor an underprivileged girls’ basketball team.

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about running your own business?

Take the leap. Surround yourself with an amazing team.

Have no weak links in your chain. Invest in yourself. Control your future.

What sets your business and brand apart?

What sets us apart is the research that we have and share with our families. Music Together (MT) is in more than 3,000 locations in 40 countries; we must be doing something right!

What’s your proudest/happiest moment as a business owner?

My proudest moment was when my son decided to become an MT teacher. My happiest moment was when my husband brought our granddaughter to class without me.

How’s your business involved in your local community?

I often offer my services to libraries and have a scholarship program for those in need.

Why is it important to support small businesses?

When you support a local business, you’re supporting your neighbors and your community, which is your extended family; everyone benefits.

What else would you like NJ families to know about you?

I’m celebrating teaching MT for 25 years, having served more than 7,000 families in Morris County. Each day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my love of music with families, and to inspire them to bring the love of music into their families.

What inspired you to start your business?

I decided to become a pediatric dentist after noticing a trend with my adult patients; the ones who were most fearful were the ones that had not-so-pleasant experiences when they were younger. I decided that I wanted to be a part of the solution. I wanted to provide my patients with the tools to develop great preventative habits at a young age so that way, their experience at the dentist could be as positive as possible.

What is unique about your business?

Our office is designed specifically with kids in mind.

By combining our specialized pediatric dental training with a staff that loves working with kids, our practice is tailor-made for treating young smiles. When you choose a practice that specializes in pediatric dentistry such as ours, you’re ensuring that your child receives customized, ageappropriate care.

What sets you apart?

While we take the practice of dentistry very seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. In fact, we love to have fun! We often sing to our patients and love to see them smile, hence Singh and Smile.

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C H ILDCARE

SuperKids BRIDGET O’BRIEN superkidsnj.com facebook.com/superkidsnj

K ID S PROGRAMS

The Gagasphere PAM DIAMOND AND LESLIE SCHRAER TheGagasphere.com Instagram @TheGagasphereNJ

What inspired you to start your business?

Necessity is the mother of all invention. Nineteen years ago, I was a single mom looking for childcare. The options in our area lacked a sense of community or family environment. I sold my house and started my own.

What sets your business and brand apart?

We’re a community with a history. Twenty-five percent of our teachers have been here more than 10 years. More than 90 students have relatives here or graduated SuperKids.

What do you love most about what you do?

Watching our community grow and seeing their accomplishments. Our first class graduates college this year!

What was the hardest thing about getting the business off the ground?

Starting a business is hard. When you do things for the right reasons, it always works out.

How do you juggle a business with family demands?

SuperKids was conceived to be with my own children as much as possible. My daughter chose the name. We strive to make the work/family balance easier for parents with loving developmental and educational programming that promotes family time, too.

What inspired you to start your business?

We have five kids between our two families. Each played Gaga at camp and were obsessed with the game, even though not all typically enjoy sports. In a community like ours, most active play is focused around competitive team sports, so we opened the The Gagasphere because Gaga Ball presented an alternative for kids and parents. Gaga is a “playground equalizer”: all children participate and get the benefits of socialization and exercise.

What’s your business best known for and how has it evolved?

Kids know us as the official Gaga Ball facility. Parents know us as a mom-owned business. The facility is clean and bright and birthday parties run seamlessly due to the attention given to each party. We are flexible and treat each event as if it was for our own child, and customers always notice. The Gagasphere started with Gaga birthday parties, Disco Gaga and 9 Square. Now we offer a STEM and Gaga field trip for grades two through six which incorporates mind and body.

We also bring Gaga pits to local after school programs as well as block parties, barbecues and recreation camps.

HEA LTH & WE LLN E S S

Vein Center for Women GIRIJA SURYA, MD veincenterforwomen.com

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What inspired you to start your business?

I started my residency in surgery with a desire to ultimately train as an OB/GYN. This gave me a particular interest in women’s health and cardiovascular surgery.

What do you love most about what you do?

The process of diagnosis, when someone comes in, is a very interesting part of my practice, like Sherlock Holmes tying the clues together. This keeps me engaged with the patient until I have solved the problem and helped them with what they came to me for.

What is your business best known for?

My business is best known for the personal care we render to each individual. Our mission statement is 1) “Love your legs again” and 2) “Beauty Inside Out.” We try to achieve this by examining a patient in whole, to make sure that her inner health and outer health achieve the ideal of “Total Health.”

Why do you think it’s so important to support small businesses?

While the future of healthcare is evolving into large corporate entities, physicians need to keep a balance and not lose sight of the needs of their patients as their primary focus.

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

SPOTLIGHT ON Women-Owned BUSINESSES HEA LT H & WE LLN E S S

Vorona Massage Therapy & Holistic Wellness, LLC SARAH R. WIKANDER, LMT, CR voronamassagetherapy.com

What sets your business and brand apart?

I decided to dedicate my attention to therapeutic services that would allow people in the community help in finding a solution to live a more pain-free life.

What do you love most about what you do?

The joy I receive in providing to others is something that’s deeply uplifting for my soul. I find great blessings in being involved personally with those on a day-to-day basis.

How is your business involved in your local community?

It’s important to remember the aspect of giving back and bringing overall betterment to others on a larger scale.

Why do you think it’s so important to support small business in general?

Small businesses are generally cultivated by dreams and visions women have about providing an area of expertise, talent and work ethic to their fellow members of the community. Supporting small business ventures provides a valuable systematic flow and a good example for our younger generations willing to go beyond a corporate level of dependency.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / YINYANG

SHOP SMALL. SUPPORT LOCAL The extraordinary women-owned businesses in this issue need your support now more than ever!

Go to njfamily.com/womenowned and help spread the word about their products and services.

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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GET TO KNOW OUR

MOMPRENEURS JAMIE BLOOM MEIER / LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

OF THE YEAR!

While we face unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to support small businesses has never been more important. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our first-ever New Jersey Family Mompreneur of the Year! With help from our friends at Morphmom, we reviewed nearly 200 entries and chose Deanna Taylor-Heacock, founder of Good Bottle Refill Shop in Maplewood—NJ’s first zero waste refill store— as our winner. Get to know Deanna and other mompreneurs in this issue and at njfamily.com/mompreneurs.

By Dina El Nabli

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

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Raising Smarties

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

Good Bottle Refill Shop

Mompreneur of the Year

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: JAMIE BLOOM MEIER / LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY / KATHRYN HUANG

Deanna Taylor-Heacock goodbottlerefillshop.com New Jersey Family: What makes your business unique?

Deanna Taylor-Heacock: Good Bottle Refill Shop is New Jersey’s first zero waste refill shop. At Good Bottle, you can bring your own containers or buy one from us. We sell soaps, detergents, cleaning products and bath and body products in bulk. We sell everything by the ounce so you can buy as little or as much as you like. We also carry an assortment of unique zero waste lifestyle products intended to help you reduce your consumption of single-use items.

NJF: What was the inspiration behind your business?

DTH: First, I was disgusted with the amount of trash my family was producing. We made it our New Year’s resolution to reduce our waste. I stumbled upon the zero-waste movement looking for sustainable ideas and products. I also wanted to cut down on our spending. I started separating our food shopping from all the other household goods and only shopped for those things once a month. I had an ‘aha moment’ when I was at Walmart looking at all the plastic bottles I was buying and realized that all I really needed was the liquid inside. There was absolutely no reason for us to be throwing away all these bottles each week or month since they never break down. I searched for a store like this near me and couldn’t find it. I started working on a business plan right away and spent the summer making it a reality. We launched on September 9, 2019.

NJF: Small businesses are being hit hard during COVID-19. How has this affected Good Bottle?

DTH: Although we have taken a hit in our sales, luckily, we are still able to do business. We’re thankful that we can still pay our bills and employees.

NJF: How have you pivoted to adapt to this uncertain time?

DTH: We were in a unique position because we were considered an essential business but also knew we couldn’t service our customers the way we normally do by handling bottles from their home. We already had an e-commerce website selling products.

I spent two full days converting it to a local delivery and curbside pick-up store instead. I had to get pictures taken of the products, price them and get them on the site. They are called “prefills” which are sustainable bottles filled with the product of your choice. We were up and running with delivery and curbside pickup hours after the shop had to close its doors. Our customers embraced this new way of shopping from us. We’re also buying back the bottles from our customers with our new “good bottle loop” program. We’re lucky to have a commercial sink and kitchen where we can wash and sanitize our bottles to be filled again.

We have a standard operating procedure in place during this pandemic and are able to ensure all of our products are safe and sanitized.

NJF: How are you giving back through this period?

DTH: We normally spend Mondays doing re-orders for our best sellers to stay in stock. Now we spend that money on Go Fund Me campaigns for local businesses. We also donated 10 gallons of soap to Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and have

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

given away many hand sanitizer bottles to local doctors’ offices.

NJF: What do you love most about what you do?

DTH: So much! I’ve never been so excited to go to work in my life.

I love working with our customers and helping them find solutions in their homes. I love finding new products and working with our suppliers on developing new items. I especially love figuring out ways to merchandise the store and make processes more efficient for our customers. There is no ‘best practice’ or example for me to follow since we are one of the first shops out there so every issue we run into, we have to figure it out ourselves and I love doing that.

NJF: How have your kids been inspired to get involved?

DTH: They love the shop and are so proud. They know why we are doing this business and like talking about ways to stop using plastic. I’ve been told by teachers and other moms that it comes up in conversation at school and play dates often.

NJF: How has Good Bottle brought the Maplewood and South Orange communities together?

DTH: Good Bottle is in a marketplace with other locallyowned businesses called the General Store Cooperative. The marketplace has a mission to bring our communities together through events and outreach. Good Bottle has certainly sparked a conversation in our community regarding zero waste and reducing our consumption. There is lots of discussion on this topic on our community Facebook pages now more than ever before.

NJF: What advice do you have to encourage a waste-free life?

DTH: Start with a trash audit. Understand what single-use items you fill your trash with. We realized our trash was almost half filled with paper napkins and paper towels. We eliminated those things first and then tackled other things. We found reusable items to replace almost all the single-use items in our home.

NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?

DTH: When I was a buyer for Bloomingdales, I was responsible for buying the brand Spanx. Founder Sara Blakely was such an inspiration to me and I’ll never forget something she said which was “hire your weakness.” I will always remember that. I have one employee at Good Bottle and she shines in so many ways but especially in the places where I do not.

NJF: What will be the first thing you do when this is behind us?

DTH: Celebrate our new line of soap. Right before the pandemic, we launched our line of hand soap, dish soap and laundry detergent. We never got a chance to fully launch the product line and celebrate with our customers.

NJF: What else should we know about Good Bottle Refill Shop?

DTH: Good Bottle is a no judgement zone. We don’t believe that zero waste is a one-size-fits-all mentality. Whatever changes you would like to make in your home, we are here to help you out and give suggestions. We’re so excited to bring this new concept to the Garden State and start a #refillrevolution.

Go to njfamily.com/ mompreneurs to read more about our winner and finalists.

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MOMPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Finalists

BEAUTY

Iva Sebestyan, Ridgewood

Flora’s Cottage • florascottages.com

NJF: How have you adapted your business during this uncertain time?

IS: This time is tough for everyone.

I’m still adjusting to the situation, juggling between homeschooling and business, but I love having my kids around more. As far as business goes, I put together DIY kits, which I

deliver to my customers, for curbside pickup or I can ship. I’m extremely happy if I receive an order for my DIY kit, which I think is fun for everyone.

So, if anyone would like to make their own face mask or lip balm, contact me. That’s how I’m trying to survive this situation, beyond selling gift certificates and skincare. I always put something extra in my kits, so all my clients know I highly appreciate their support. I’m also planning on bringing face yoga classes online.

NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?

IS: Do not hope. Trust yourself, do it, and the rest will come.

Runner Up

Shanetta Blackman Your Beauty Plug instagram.com/ mybeautyplugllc

NJF: What will be the first thing you do when this is behind us?

IS: Put my sign and flowers outside and welcome every client with a big hug.

WOJCIECH UJDA / CLAUDIQ PHOTOGRAPHY

New Jersey Family: What makes your business unique?

Iva Sebestyan: Flora’s Cottage is my life dream. It’s a workplace, but I built it as a home so clients feel relaxed and like they’re on vacation. I offer organic facials, which means no devices or machines. I also sell certified organic skincare products from all over the world. As I love herbs, I put together hands-on beauty workshops where we make natural, organic products to take home. Those events are great for birthday parties, ladies’ nights, bridal parties, Girl Scouts and more.

BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK

Rosa Vasquez Zaremba, South Plainfield

Runner Up Dana KaspereenGuidicipietro FAYLA, Inc. faylainc.org

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New Jersey Family: What makes your organization unique?

Rosa Vasquez Zaremba: MA of NJ is exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and works to empower and provide socialeconomic change through the power of education. We provide educational and career services to Hispanic and Latino underserved high school and college students, as well as the community at large.

NJF: What inspired you to launch MA of NJ? RZ: MA of NJ was established in 2018. The inspiration came from talking to college students who are Hispanic and Latino who needed help. Most of them were first generation going to college and had no clue of what their options were when it came to college and had no access to mentorship or career

readiness to get them ready for their first “big job.”

NJF: How have you pivoted to adapt to this stressful time and what can others do to support you?

RZ: We have moved our strategy 100 percent online. We ask that you connect with us on social media, apply to be a virtual volunteer and if you can, please donate at maofnj.org. Your contribution will go towards funding our mission, classes, workshops and the scholarships we provide.

NJF: How is your organization giving back through this period?

RZ: We’ve been providing essential information on food pantries and other vital resources available for people in need via social media and virtual meetings.

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

FROM TOP: KRISTIN MORIN PHOTOGRAPHY / CHIZPHOTOZ (CHIMAOBI)

MA of NJ • maofnj.org

MOMPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Finalists FOOD

Kacy Erdelyi, Montclair Joyist • joyistnation.com

New Jersey Family: What makes your business unique?

Kacy Erdelyi: Joyist is an organic, functional foods café. When you eat better, you feel better, and we want to help make that choice as easy and delicious as possible.

FROM TOP: SYLVIE ROSOKOFF / REBECCA RYAN

NJF: What inspired you to launch your business in 2017?

KE: My biggest inspiration was that I was surprised at how hard it was to get healthy food on the go in Montclair.

NJF: How has the pandemic affected your business?

KE: We decided to temporarily shut down. It was an incredibly hard and sad decision, but ultimately the best one for Joyist and for the safety of our customers and team.

NJF: How are you and your business giving back through this period?

KE: On our final day, we sold off many of our perishable items at a discount.

The money we made that day was distributed among our team members to help them get through this time without work. We also donated $1 of every school lunch we sold to Toni’s Kitchen, a local organization helping to keep children in food insecure families fed while they’re out of school.

NJF: What will be the first thing you do as a business when this is behind us?

KE: Refocus on growth and try to bring Joyist to as many towns as possible.

NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?

KE: My friend Jodie told me to always come from a place of abundance.

Sharing ideas and resources with other businesses, even if they might be competitors, always works out better in the end.

Runner Up

Rasheedah Cook Treats For The Streets ifundwomen.com/ projects/treats-streets

HEALTH

Giselle M. Tadros, PT, DPT, Jersey City

In-Home Pediatric PT of NJ • inhomepediatricpt.com New Jersey Family: What makes your practice unique?

Giselle M. Tadros: My business is a concierge physical therapy service that treats babies in the comfort of their own home. I started this business because I recognized the need for more convenience for parents working long hours with children at home that don’t want to be bringing them to germy hospitals and public waiting rooms. I also offer sessions in my office.

GISELLE M. TADROS

Runner Up

Jeri Rothe JBR Therapeutic Services therapynetworknj.com

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

NJF: What inspired you to launch the business?

GT: I worked in various settings for almost 15 years, in schools, hospitals, private clinics and early intervention. After the birth of my third son, I started to really appreciate the need for more convenience for parents who work long hours, and have itty bitty

newborns or toddlers at home and don’t want to be bringing them out.

NJF: How has COVID-19 affected your business?

GT: We are providing telehealth services and frankly are quite surprised at how well they’re going. We’ve also been doing a lot more education online on Instagram and Facebook on what parents can do to keep their children active at home.

NJF: How are you giving back?

GT: We’re putting a lot of content online to help parents try activities at home. We have also significantly decreased our rates.

NJF: What’ll be the first thing you do when this is behind us?

GT: I can’t wait to see all the little babies and parents and give them big hugs!

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MOMPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Finalists

KIDS & FAMILIES

Moira McCullough, Summit College Scoops • collegescoops.com

NJF: What inspired you to launch your business?

MM: My kids inspired me to launch College Scoops in 2018 after their college admissions journey. They learned more about the important aspects of life in college and the surrounding areas from the research I conducted and the people we connected with, than any other source that we were given. Whether they were able to visit the college or not, the

content I produced for each college helped them narrow down their college list in a meaningful and thoughtful way.

NJF: How has the pandemic affected your business?

MM: With the COVID-19 crisis, our materials and information are more relevant now than ever before. Parents and students need to make decisions on colleges without being able to visit them. College Scoops provides the information to help families make better-informed choices with real student experiences to learn from.

NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?

MM: As entrepreneurs, we are running in many different directions, multi-tasking and trying to keep our family life on track. We are doing rather than listening. Listen with the intent to understand, not to reply.

Runner Up

Jennifer Greenspan Yaycare yaycare.app

COLLEGE SCOOPS

New Jersey Family: What makes your business unique?

Moira McCullough: College Scoops helps families with the answer to “What I Wish I Knew” during every aspect of the college experience— applying to, attending and graduating college. We highlight the inside scoop on everything college-related—where to eat, stay and explore when visiting or living on a college campus.

LEGAL

Christine L. Matus, Esq., Toms River New Jersey Family: What makes your law firm unique?

Christine L. Matus: We’re a boutique law firm focused on helping families, especially those with loved ones with special needs.

We are unique because we have walked in the shoes of our families and know first-hand of the highs and lows they face.

NJF: What inspired you to start your own firm in 2003?

CM: My father instilled in me the passion to have my own business to help people.

Runner Up

Sarah Jacobs, Esq. Jamie Berger, Esq. Jacobs Berger, LCC jacobsberger.com

NJF: How has the pandemic affected your firm?

CM: We’ve seen a surge in requests to complete important documents like wills, trusts and living wills.

NJF: How has your firm pivoted during

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the pandemic?

CM: We’ve become creative with ways to help our clients like offering phone and video conferencing, video notary services and using email and tech like Docusign to get things done.

NJF: How are you giving back through this period?

CM: Our firm believes in education and that knowledge is power. We provide daily tips and advice on Facebook Live, webinars that help families cope during these times and podcasts through our Unique Family Podcast with information like how food stamps are effected during these times. We also support non-profit organizations like 21 plus, Inc. and MOCEANS.

NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?

CM: Every morning, focus on ‘What can I do to help more people?’

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

FROM TOP: TRACY HARMON OF HARMON PHOTOGRAPHY / CHRISTINE L. MATUS

The Matus Law Group • MatusLaw.com

MOMPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Finalists MEDIA

Marci Hopkins, Wyckoff

FROM TOP: BY MARTA CHODUR PHOTOGRAPHY / MARCI HOPKINS

Wake Up with Marci/Dragonfly Studios • wakeupwithmarci.com New Jersey Family: What makes your show unique?

Marci Hopkins: Wake up with Marci is your wake-up call to a better life and a happier future. It’s a revolutionary show that promotes better living through meaningful life lessons and specialist interviews that help guests and audiences move forward with their dreams, hopes and aspirations.

NJF: What inspired you to launch the show?

MH: I’ve been through hardships in my life and I am now living my happiest life and I wanted to give that to others through Wake Up with Marci. I saw the need for a safe place to share triumphant stories, provide empowerment and help others to live their happiest life. My guests are everyday people that have gone through hardships but are now living triumphant lives, along with guests at

the top of their fields that can teach us and help us to move forward. We tackle subjects from beauty/wellness and mental and physical health to female issues, divorce and chronic illness.

NJF: How have you pivoted your show to adapt to this uncertain time?

MH: I’m now interviewing others from home. Technology has been an amazing gift during this time.

NJF: How are you and your show giving back through this period?

MH: I’m doing daily Instagram lives at 11 am with guests that can inspire and help us evolve and move forward during this time. I want to bring happy news and encourage others to start to go after their dreams and evolve while we are forced to stay home. I’m helping to uplift others during this new normal.

Runner Up

Danielle Silverstein Marriage and Martinis marriageandmartinis.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Shari Seshadri, Secaucus PhotoSesh • photosesh.com

JACK ADAMS VIA PHOTOSESH

New Jersey Family: What makes your business unique?

Shari Seshadri: We’re proud to say that PhotoSesh is the easiest, fastest and most efficient way to book a photographer in the United States. There are almost 10,000 pre-vetted pro photographers across the country available between $30 to $95/hour. We pride ourselves on an easy to use iOS mobile app and web booking platform. Being married to your co-founder is unique in itself.

My amazing husband Chris has been instrumental in the growth of PhotoSesh.

Runner Up

Lauren Decker Lynne Pagano Suzanne Willan The Co-Co, Summit theco-co.com

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

NJF: How has COVID-19 affected your business?

SS: We’re encouraging rescheduling indoor shoots and, of course, waiving cancellation fees. For those that choose to continue their PhotoSesh gigs, we’re offering best practices

and suggestions like avoiding indoor shoots, following local guidelines, keeping a safe distance, enjoying our cashless payment system and referring to the CDC website for proper precautions. We’re keeping our employees on payroll and finding ways to use our downtime productively with charitable efforts to fight COVID-19.

NJF: How else have you pivoted to adapt through this period?

SS: In March, we launched PhotoSesh Por(ch)traits. Families can request a PhotoSesh and your pro will photograph your family outdoors, completely distanced.

All of our company’s earnings from any PhotoSesh por(ch)rait will go to a COVID-19-fighting charity of the customer’s choice, while we continue to pay local photographers for their work.

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MOMPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Finalists

STYLE

Mona Malhotra, Livingston

The Millionaires Closet • tmcloset.com

NJF: What inspired you to launch the business?

MM: The Millionaires Closet launched in 2012. Sustainable fashion and luxury designer labels are on the cusp of millennial minds. I align the need for luxury resale with the younger affluent generation’s

desire for sustainability. This was the perfect storm for me to launch my company and offer wardrobe advisory services based on the individual needs of my consignors and clients.

NJF: How has COVID-19 affected your business?

MM: When people are uncertain of their financial stability due to economy, job loss and closures, they stop shopping for items that aren’t essential. That said, I invite anyone who has the skills to stitch face masks to consign with me at no additional markup and purely as a pass-through cost, plus any cost of shipping.

Runner Up

Michel Bezoza Hunt and Orchard huntandorchard.com

NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?

MM: If it’s not your passion, then it’s not your business, but simply a series of transactions.

KARINA MALHOTRA

New Jersey Family: Tell us about your business and what makes it unique?

Mona Malhotra: The Millionaires Closet is a mom-owned online small business run from my home.

While I don’t have a brick or mortar storefront, I do invite local people referred to me to come by and try on specific items they’re seeking. I work with my consignors to help them retire some of their “lightly used” or “new with tags” luxe items so that they can get maximum cash payout and use the proceeds to purchase current season items.

WELLNESS & FITNESS

Mara Kimowitz, Mountain Lakes StretchSource • stretchsourcetraining.com

NJF: What inspired you to launch the business?

MK: I launched in September 2017 and my biggest inspiration was seeing that there was a need for stretch training resources other than yoga and physical therapy.

Runner Up

Taryn Lagonigro Iris Mind and Body irisstudiosnj.com

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NJF: How has the pandemic affected your business?

MK: Unfortunately, we were forced to stop all operations on March 17 for an uncertain amount of time. We are a hands-on and in-person service so we’re unable to go virtual. We’re

offering free stretch information, resources and classes online through the Everything Stretch Community on the StretchSource Facebook Page.

NJF: What can others do to support your business during this period?

MK: Offer a kind review of our business on Facebook, Google or other social media platforms, create an account with StretchSource on mindbodyonline.com and join our Everything Stretch Group.

NJF: What’ll be the first thing you do as a business when this is behind us?

MK: I will take my staff out for dinner to celebrate.

NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?

MK: Never underestimate what you’re capable of.

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

ADS PHOTOGRAPHY

New Jersey Family: What makes your business unique?

Mara Kimowitz: StretchSource is the original provider of assisted, partnered stretching in Morris County and the only one that also provides continuing education for fitness and wellness professionals.

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39

Me Time

LIVING How the COVID-19 pandemic is giving many of us the opportunity to slow down and embrace our true selves.

H

ere in the New Jersey area, at the epicenter of the global COVID-19 pandemic, life as we know it has forever changed. The things we once took for granted, like stopping at our favorite coffee shop on the way to work, taking our kids to swim practice, or having extended family over for a weekend barbecue, have become too risky. Instead, the pressing objective of every single thing we do (or, more accurately, don’t do) is to flatten the curve. Finding our new normal isn’t easy, as parents, we’re navigating a wide range of emotions, anxiety, anger, confusion, fear, and more. At the same time, we strive to balance the demands of work or the stress of unemployment, homeschooling our children (a job none of us signed up for), and a few minutes of self-care— remember that?

Our job is to guide our children during this unprecedented time, even if we’d rather hide under the covers until it’s all over. Social distancing, aka being stuck at home with no end in sight, may feel impossible but it’s also an unprecedented opportunity for us to slow down and connect with our families. Now more than ever, in this period of immense uncertainty, we’re yearning for truth, honesty, and transparency. By being authentic and open during this surreal time, we can show our children the way through.

Three authenticity experts weigh in:

CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF Most of us are so focused on making sure everyone else is okay, we’ve lost touch with our own needs and desires.

To embrace authenticity we must reconnect with ourselves, identify who we are and what we need at the core.

“If you’re in the midst of your motherhood journey, you may have lost some parts of you,” Anna Seewald, parent educator, author, speaker and host of the Authentic Parenting podcast says. “Ask yourself: ‘Who am I?’ and ‘What do I like?’

Think back on who you were when you were ten years old, excavate those parts of the old you and ask, ‘Who am I today?’

We always have a choice but we have to listen to our heart and have faith in it. Stand up for your needs, desires and boundaries.”

Pinpoint what you want independent of what others may think. “Trust your inner authority to make decisions; it takes a lot of self-compassion,” says Helene Brenner, PhD., author of I Know I’m In There Somewhere: A Women’s Guide to Finding Her Inner Voice and Living a Life of Authenticity.

“Being authentic involves becoming aware of what you feel

40

By Heidi Borst and trusting what you know but at the same time, not being closed off to other people’s opinions. When we love our kids and other people in our lives, we feel their wants so intensely.

Get in touch with what your senses tell you. Wanting is a physical feeling that pushes and motivates us. It’s a powerful motivator that’s unique to each person. What would you do if you weren’t worried about what anybody thought? What would you do for you?”

Self-care is essential during a crisis because you can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself. If you always compromise to satisfy the desires of others, give yourself permission to make decisions based on what makes you happy.

EMBRACE THE GIFT OF SELF-LOVE It’s okay to not have all the answers and we owe ourselves the same kindness we extend to others.

Mike Robbins, author of Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken, says, “Talk to yourself as if you’re talking to someone you love. Self-love and self-acceptance are intricately connected. My wife, Michelle, and I know that our two daughters, ages 11 and 14, are going to pay more attention to what we do and how we show up than what we say. They watch how we treat each other but also how we treat ourselves.”

By being open and honest about our fears about the coronavirus pandemic, we invite our kids to be open with theirs. “Share the real experience of what’s going on with you. We have to be willing to tell the truth, not hold back or sugar-coat,” Robbins says. “In the midst of all this, our girls are doing okay. They’re adjusting to online school, but missing their friends, activities and more. We’re trying to give them space and let them express themselves. We’re talking to them about what’s happening and allowing them to watch a little bit of news, although not too much. We’re also sharing with them how we are feeling—sad, scared, angry, confused… and also hopeful, grateful and peaceful. It isn’t all that easy but there are aspects of it that are sweet, even though it is really hard.”

ALLOW YOUR KIDS TO BE WHO THEY ARE During coronavirus and beyond we want our children to know it’s okay to be themselves. That means guiding our kids toward their own unique trajectory of personal growth without any agendas of our own. “Treat your child as a separate human being. Honor their feelings

NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / PRAETORIANPHOTO

Me Time

and accept who they are without wanting to change them. Our children are not here to live our dreams. We need to relinquish the ideal of who we want our children to be and accept who they really are, by welcoming their voice and opinion without judging, criticizing, or denying,” Seewald says.

Listening, free of judgement, validates our children’s inner reality which is an important step in encouraging our kids to be authentic. “Let’s raise children who won’t have to recover from their childhoods. Acceptance is the biggest gift we can give, not only to our children, but to another human being. Let’s allow them to be who they are,” Seewald says.

BE PRESENT WITH YOUR KIDS Equally important is resisting the desire to fix things for our kids when life gets hard. Instead, allow your child to confide in you about the situation, take their feelings seriously and ask why they are feeling that way. Doing this elevates the trust and intimacy between you and your child.

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

When you’re listening, always be present. “When somebody’s really present with us, we come alive more, we’re not just on automatic, we’re being real. There’s an aliveness that’s exciting because you have the opportunity to be who you are in the moment. When you see your kids get really juiced and alive with that spark, it’s nurturing,” Brenner says.

This period of social isolation presents a unique chance for us to spend precious time connecting with our families. Often, it’s the simple things that bring us the most joy. Robbins says, “We’re spending time playing in the backyard, playing cards, watching movies, riding bikes and going on family walks… when we all feel up to it and we’re not getting on each other’s nerves.”

Our job in the midst of this pandemic is to embrace togetherness, support one another and validate our children’s feelings whatever they maybe. We’re in this together.

—Heidi Borst is a mother, writer and nutrition coach based in South Orange.

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©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / PORTISHEAD1

Raising Smarties

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NJFAMILY.COM | MAY 2020

Raising Smarties

VIRTUAL CAMP (IS IN SESSION) Camp directors share how they’re keeping communities connected during quarantine.

N

o school. Zero playdates. Cancelled sports activities. COVID-19 has essentially put a hold on life for our children and for us. Both children and adults are turning to technology to stay connected with one another. Summer camps, known for building strong friendships, have taken this opportunity to create virtual activities for their campers and staff as a way to socialize and feel close to their beloved camp during this unprecedented time. From virtual dance parties to campfire hangouts, here’s what they’re doing to keep campers connected:

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS Jeff Grabow, owner and director of Camp Echo, a coed overnight camp in Bloomingburg, NY, feels that camp today extends well past the seven weeks of summer and that technology has enabled Camp Echo to continue its connections all year.

“With our current situation, camp and our relationships are more important than ever,” Grabow says. “We’ve been using social media and our website to share TikTok videos, Nancy Tucker live concerts, DJ Todd Yahney dance parties, online March Madness gaming competitions, funny videos and more to continue the connectivity our community shares. We feel it’s essential to keep our spirits up and to hold on to positivity.”

Camp Watitoh, a coed overnight camp in Becket, MA, is hoping its campers feel connected to their second home through their virtual activities. “We did a Facebook live concert for our campers, staff and alumni by singer/ songwriter Tom Carroll who has been a camp favorite for years,” says Drew Bitterman, director of Camp Watitoh.

“We’re also posting daily Bunkorama activities each day that campers can do at home from shaving cream fights to virtual visits to the nearby Norman Rockwell Museum.

We feel that being able to bring a smile to the face of our campers brings some peace and calmness during this challenging time.”

Nicki Fleischner, assistant director of Camp Scatico, an overnight camp for boys and girls in Elizaville, NY, is offering activities including virtual novelty challenges and art and talent shows. “Like so many things at camp, there are both concrete and tangible messages we are trying to

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

By Jess Michaels

convey and larger, more organic, intangibles,” Fleischer says. “On a concrete level, we are telling our community that we are here for them, that we are a resource, and that we will help them fill their days with something that sparks joy. On a macro level, our activities, just like everything at camp, are about community, connection, and trying new things.”

RECONNECTING WITH CAMPERS Over the past few weeks, Fleischer says she’s heard from staff members on other continents who haven’t been at camp in years, including alumni from the 1970s. “It’s about community, the bonds and that carefree feeling of camp that connects and grounds us, especially during this tremendously disorienting time,” she adds.

Sleepaway camps aren’t the only ones having some remote fun. Day camps are also getting in on the action.

Todd Rothman, owner and director of Deerkill Day Camp in Suffern, NY, says they’re engaging camp families and staff with virtual activities, too. Deerkill hopes to provide a healthy diversion while also doing its part to ensure all campers, parents and staff retain a sense of community that’s so elusive now.

“Our camp offerings have been varied from word searches and community sing-a-longs for our younger campers to virtual staff lessons on juggling and the #deerkilloutfitchallenge for our older campers and staff,” Rothman says. Deerkill is also planning virtual cooking lessons, art projects and a lesson on how to apply ceramic skills to pie crusts.

“We’re also arranging Zoom meetings for each group with their group counselors from last summer to add an even more personal connection,” Rothman says. “It’s so important for campers to have a sense of normalcy right now and participating in activities with their camp friends immediately transports them to a place of happiness and provides a respite from the stress we are all feeling being homebound.”

—Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association (acacamps.org), NY and NJ, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the summer camp experience.

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Head to art om/chalk .c y il m a njf ore of to see m ork. ’s w Maassen

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Raising Smarties

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Feature

CHALK the WALK A Florida-based mom inspires us with sidewalk art that thanks essential workers and first responders during COVID-19

KATRINA MAASSEN

By Dina El Nabli

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

eeing colorful sidewalk chalk art shared on our social media feeds has been a consistent bright spot during quarantine.

An elementary school teacher and mom from Saint Cloud, Florida has taken chalk art to a whole new level with drawings inspired by beloved children’s books along with gratitude for the nation’s first responders and essential workers.

Katrina Maassen was inspired by the chalk art she saw on Pinterest and Instagram when she decided to share her own works based on popular children’s books. The drawings place Maassen’s 4-year-old daughter in the midst of a scene from a book. She chose stories based on favorites like Llama Llama I Love You and Where The Wild Things Are. “I’ve always liked children’s literature because it inspires children and helps them navigate through issues and their own feelings,” Maassen told New Jersey Family. “I love stories with an underdog who comes out on top and other characters change for the better.”

After creating two weeks’ worth of book art, Maassen went on to create images honoring first responders and essential workers. Each drawing takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1½ hours. She says it has been wonderful to focus on something hopeful during this difficult time.

“There’s been such a positive response that I’ve wanted to keep going because so many have told me the joy it brings them,” said Maassen, who creates the art on her U-shaped driveway and shares the pictures on Facebook and Instagram. “I’m just happy that it brings smiles to people’s faces.”

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Raising Smarties

Play FREE

ow that kids across the country are being homeschooled, the concept of “free play” has taken on new meaning. Our kids are around us all the time, but with remote learning, chores and Zoom playdates, the idea of just letting kids be kids can easily get lost.

During this unique time, it’s actually more important than ever to just let your kids loose without the structure of organized activities.

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By Ronnie Koenig

A study from the University of Colorado Boulder revealed that less structured free play resulted in higher levels of executive function which refers to the ability to organize, plan, self-regulate and initiate tasks—all vital characteristics for academic success.

WHAT IS FREE PLAY? Free play is a concept that’s hard for many parents to wrap their minds around. With homeschooling, parents are more

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Why unstructured time should be part of your homeschool curriculum.

Raising Smarties

involved than ever with kids’ schedules. We’re juggling lesson plans with online extra-curricular activity meetings, all while trying to curate and limit our kids’ media consumption. I know that this has definitely been the case with my eight-year-old twins. Sometimes a game on the tablet is the only option. But their favorite thing to do? Just run around outside and play.

“Free play is the heart and language of childhood,” says Eileen Kennedy Moore, PhD, a psychologist based in Princeton and author of Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends.

Kennedy Moore says that it’s not that structured activities aren’t good, it’s just that they provide something different.

“Organized activities are aimed at improving kids and are directed by adults,” she says. “Most of the time kids don’t have a lot of control. Free play is a way for kids to have control—they can make anything happen through their imaginations. When they’re playing there’s creativity and problem-solving. There’s coordination of actions with different players, compromise and negotiation.”

Although kids may not be able to physically play with their friends right now, there’s still value in getting outside and allowing them to explore their imaginations, either by themselves or with a sibling. When my kids do this, I can appreciate how they put their imaginations to work in a way that just doesn’t happen through organized activities. It amazes me to overhear them hosting their own dance parties, making up songs or just getting their energy out together on our backyard trampoline.

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HOW DO I ENCOURAGE FREE PLAY? “Unstructured play gives children an opportunity to have freedom of expression, where their imagination can take over with no set boundaries or restrictions,” says Len Saunders, a New Jersey-based educator and spokesperson and author of Keeping Kids Fit: A Family Plan for Raising Active, Healthy Children.

“Today’s children are engaged in so much technology,” says Saunders. “It’s critical for their growth and development to have free play to enhance their creativity and cognitive skills instead of letting the technology do this for them.”

Beyond developing their imaginations, free play is a great way for kids to get in more physical activity, which improves their bodies and lowers their stress levels.

“Make sure you give them the tools they need to begin, whether it’s some sports equipment such as hula hoops or jump ropes, or even paper and crayons,” says Saunders. “Give them a clean slate to begin creating what they want to do. As long as they are participating in a safe environment, let the magic happen.”

And if your kids need a little nudging, Saunders says that’s okay too. “Give them some examples of things you did at their age like trying to throw a hula hoop around a soda bottle or jumping rope with your eyes closed,” says Saunders. “They need to know as long as their ideas are safe, there is no right or wrong way to play.”

BUT WHAT IF THEY GET HURT? Regarding the risks involved in letting kids play unsupervised, Kennedy Moore says while you know your child best, in most cases it’s not a major concern.

“For most kids the risks from playing are pretty low,” she says.

“They might scrape a knee but being able to use their bodies and

MAY 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

explore danger in a safe context—that’s thrilling. Why do adults go on rollercoasters? A little bit of risk adds to the excitement of play.”

Letting kids figure things out on their own is a truly brilliant idea. I notice that when I don’t step in and help my kids, they always find a way to make it work.

“We don’t want to try and solve things for kids that they could solve for themselves,” said Kennedy Moore. “When we don’t jump in, we’re expressing our faith in them that they can figure it out.”

Now that technology has become even more central to our kids’ lives, it’s more important than ever to find time to allow for free play. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do it.

For some families it could mean time outside in the backyard or taking a nature walk (while observing social distancing rules). For others it could just mean allowing time in our children’s busy schedules for them to have at their favorite materials, whether it’s art supplies, musical instruments or other tools with no set goal in mind.

As kids try to adjust to the new normal we’re living in, free play can be an outlet from the stress of these uncertain times. In a way, allowing our kids to play is just as important as keeping them current on school subjects. After all, there are just so many benefits.

“First, there’s the health point of view—free play can be beneficial to reducing heart disease through exercise, especially if done on a regular basis,” says Saunders. “Second, play helps develop the children cognitively, as it improves brain function. Third, it can help build social skills. Lastly, play is fun, as it reduces stress for children creating a happier child.”

If free play can help our kids can come out of this quarantine feeling happy and less stressed isn’t that something worth trying? ­—Ronnie Koenig is a freelance writer living in Princeton with her husband and twins. Follow her on Instagram @theronniekoenig.

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