Apryl Gassman

Peace Love Home

Even as a teenager, Apryl Gassman was organized and neat, with socks rolled tidily in a drawer. Family and friends acknowledged she had a natural knack for organizing, often asking her for help reworking their spaces. Yet, she said, she spent years in a job she was unhappy in. Then came the pandemic. “Everyone was reinventing themselves,” said Gassman. So, two years ago, she decided to do what she loved…she launched Peace Love Home, which declutters, reorganizes, and straightens up everything from closets to pantries to offices to garages— and everything in-between.

Her first ‘client’ was a friend who needed help preparing for a major home renovation and insisted on paying for Gassman’s aid. “I couldn’t believe I was getting paid for something I love to do!” she exclaimed.

If a house is cluttered, “People don’t want to be judged,” she states. The single mother of two teenagers understands it can be emotionally difficult detaching from excess ‘stuff.’ She helps her clients unclutter without judgement.

After hearing from her clients what their needs are, she gets started on a system, and loves hearing how happy they are with the reset. She offers monthly or quarterly maintenance services, but finds most clients transition easily to her systems. She also assists those who are cleaning out a loved one’s home, either in advance of a move to assisted living, or after a passing. Her relationships with nonprofits ensure usable items are donated, not thrown out.

Like many who’ve found fulfillment in their own business, her advice is simple: “Make sure you’re doing something every day that you love.”

516-672-0288 | www.peacelovehomenj.com

Amanda Cuoco AC Dance

Amanda Cuoco has fulfilled two professional dreams. As a professional dancer in Texas, she performed with Ballet El Paso/UTEP Ballet, Lone Star Ballet, West Texas A&M Ballet, and several other prestigious outlets. More recently, she fulfilled her second dream when she established a dance studio, AC Dance in Bloomfield. Amanda’s experience at Steps on Broadway in New York City helped to propel her to open her own business. Since 2022, AC Dance has offered various dance and fitness classes to students ages five through adult.

Dancers learn serious techniques at AC Dance and develop a deeper sense of ballet. “Yes, I stress proper form and technique in my classes, but my dancers understand that ballet encompasses the inner values of grace, grit, and integrity as well,” says Amanda.

Because Amanda’s studio is new, she continues to learn the ropes, confront the challenges, and celebrate the joys of establishing a business. She advises, “ Find people you admire who focus on bettering themselves. And keep striving despite any challenges. You will find your success.”

71 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Bloomfield 915-256-2454 www.acdancenj.com

Carol Karsos Partner of East Hanover Diner

Carol Karsos knows the restaurant business inside out. Being born into a restaurant family, it is all she has ever known. Karsos met her husband, Michael, one summer when she was working in her family’s restaurant—the Brookside Dinner. Michael later bought the restaurant with his brothers John and George. After graduating from college with a Management/Marketing Degree, Karsos married Michael and became the restaurant’s fourth partner. In 2013, the four owners bought their current restaurant, the East Hanover Diner.

The East Hanover Diner is a traditional Greek Diner that offers standard menu fare. With freshly baked desserts and bread selections, patrons never leave the Diner hungry. Traditional Greek cuisine is also a daily specialty.

Karsos loves all aspects of the restaurant business, which she says is hard, grueling work. “You must have a good work ethic to succeed in the restaurant business. Challenges happen 24/7.” Still, owning and managing a diner is a great opportunity. “Where else can you offer your customers large portions at a great value?”

275 Route 10, E. Hanover | 973-884 8840 www.easthanoverdiner.com

Christine Dutcher

Sitting Pretty Intimates

In November 2021, Christine Dutcher’s dream came true. She established her own small business, Sitting Pretty Intimates. The store offers a variety of intimate apparel for women: bras, swimsuits, cover ups, shapewear, lingerie, socks, and hosiery designed to make each woman feel special and uplifted. “We also cater to surgical and bridal customers,” Christine says.

The store exudes a welcoming and hospitable ambiance. “Body positivity, being comfortable in your skin, is what we promote,”states Christine. “We welcome women of all sizes and shapes and help them make the best decisions in their selections.” Sitting Pretty has five women consultants who uphold the store’s mission of women supporting women. Christine recommends making appointments before shopping for the best shopping experience and personalized bra fittings.

Christine supports all women who dream of becoming entrepreneurs and advises them to “Surround yourself with positive and encouraging women who believe in you.” She adds, “Do not be afraid to take that leap of faith.”

97 South Livingston Avenue, Ste. C, Livingston 973-251-2224 www.sittingprettyintimates.com

Brittany DeMaio Owner, New Moon Photography

New Moon

Photography is a children’s and family photography studio offering quality images and a fun experience. It is a “one-stop-shop – all you have to do is show up,” says owner Brittany DeMaio. “Parents can literally sit back and watch the magic happen.” They photograph in-studio, outdoors and off-site at parties. New Moon also offers a unique and valuefriendly membership option that allows families to capture milestones throughout the year.

Newmoonphotographynj.com

973-509-0792

Tracey Goldstein, Esq.

Feinstein Raiss Kelin Booker & Goldstein LLC, Attorneys at Law

Anyone who owns a multi-family apartment building should know Tracey Goldstein. Well respected in the real estate industry and known for her extensive knowledge of the law, Tracey represents owners, managers and developers of multi-family housing and commercial real estate.

Owners consult with her on lease and rent control issues, seek her guidance on housing discrimination matters, vendor disputes, landlord tenant matters and other real estate related litigation. Most recently, Tracey was selected for inclusion by the New Jersey Law Journal as one of the Women Attorneys of the Year for 2022 and she was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for Excellence by the New Jersey Bar Association in 2021 for her devoted service to the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

During COVID, she was also appointed to serve on the Judiciary Special Committee on Landlord Tenant to reimagine all aspects of the landlord tenant eviction process in New Jersey. Throughout her career, Tracey has participated successfully in numerous court cases having a state-wide impact.

973-324-5400 frkbg.com/attorney/tracey-goldstein

Brianna Pflug Photography: Through a Lens Clearly

Through a lens clearly, Brianna Pflug creates her visions. Brianna fulfills her missions both in the corporate world and as an entrepreneur. As a professional photographer, she seeks to improve her craft and encourage other women to enter this profession.

Brianna has been working at Unique Photo in Fairfield for the past four years as a lead technical consultant, and a senior salesperson, where she has been rated #1 in retail sales. Her duties are manifold: to ascertain the store has the correct inventory and to motivate, inspire, and encourage customers in photographic pursuits.

On a personal level, she maintains a private photography business, Brianna Pflug Photography, where she develops and shares her craft through freelance family portraits, senior pictures, headshots, and special event photos, such as weddings.

In high school, Brianna discovered photography. There she found dark room photography and slowly built a small freelance photography business as she improved her craft. She holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts with a concentration in photography from Ramapo College.

Brianna would like to see more women photographers. “Photography is traditionally a man-dominated field, but also one in which women can do very well, “she says. “I’d like to encourage more women to enter this field.” Solidarity with other women is important to Brianna. Through her endeavors, she seeks to collaborate with other women-based businesses.

As for the future, Brianna envisions her next career move to include education in photography. She dreams of teaching a photography class. Brianna hopes to motivate others to capture photography’s inspirations.

Brianna Pflug Photography

973-202-6026 www.briannapflug.com

Unique Photo

973-377-2007 www.uniquephoto.com

Valerie Ruddy

Valerie Ruddy Designs/ Decorating Den Interiors

Arecent client shared with Valerie Ruddy, owner of Valerie Ruddy Designs, Decorating Den Interiors, that she “just enjoyed being” in her new living room. That’s the ultimate goal of every designer—a room that looks and feels great.

Interior Design professionals see a room differently. They see a blank canvas on which to compose a design, a design that requires balance. Colors, patterns and textures need to be balanced with calmer tones and negative space giving the eye relief. Most of all the design needs to be exactly what the homeowner wants to live and feel comfortable in.

Valerie is celebrating her fifteenth year as an award-winning designer including six Best of Essex gold medals. She uses her degrees in Visual Arts and Interior Design to create timeless, functional and beautiful spaces. Specializing in residential and light commercial spaces, Valerie offers a full range of design and consultation services including: space planning, furniture, window treatments, wall covering, floor covering, accessories, color consultation and lighting.

973-239-3004 | valerieruddy.decoratingden.com

Alla Shapiro Owner, Woodhouse Day Spa

Owner Alla Shapiro has created an atmosphere of luxury, calm and relaxation at The Woodhouse Day Spa in Montclair. It is the definitive destination for a blissful day of therapeutic self-care. The spa offers more than 70 treatments for both men and women including their signature massages, manicures, skin treatments and facials, waxing and their immersive ritual packages. Treatments are designed to reset the body and mind with services that aim to indulge the senses and transform mindsets. The staff at Woodhouse works to ensure each client enjoys their spa experience.

You can bless someone special in your life with a Woodhouse Spa Gift Card, available at the spa or online that is good at any Woodhouse location. The Woodhouse Spa has won Best of Essex 16 times including 12 gold medals. Alla Shapiro owns a second Woodhouse Spa in Hoboken. She hosts a YourTube channel called Spa Runner where she covers health, wellness and beauty topics.

The Woodhouse Day Spa

56 South Park Street, Montclair | 973-509-8488 www.montclair.woodhousespas.com

Erin Gloor USA Twisterz

Nine years ago, Erin started a gymnastic studio, infusing it with her special ‘magic and passion.’ With humble beginnings, Erin began her business by changing the name of the former studio to USA Twisterz with just twenty students. USA Twisterz today is a renowned studio with 595 young athletes—ages three months to young adults.

USA Twisterz she offers classes for recreational pursuits as well as an elite competition program in which participants compete on local, regional, and national levels. Her business also offers camps throughout the year, birthday parties on weekends, and private instruction.

“I love seeing the kids grow and improve. I have had some students since they were two or three and have seen them progress into young, confident, skilled, and inspired gymnasts,” states Erin. She believes the family dynamics help her program flourish and distinguish her studio from others. The connection I have with the parents and students is incredible,” she says. “We learn and grow together as a family.”

USA Twisterz, 911 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell 862-702-3052 www.usatwisterz.com

Gina Stempler Owner, Bra Mobile

Gina Stempler understands the frustration women feel in being unable to find properly fitting bras. The former owner of an upscale lingerie shop hit upon a hasslefree concept: bring the bras to the customers, allowing them to shop and be expertly fitted in the privacy of their own homes.

Gina taps into her extensive experience to provide an expert fit and to help women navigate all the different styles and sizes. Bra Mobile carries a full selection of both popular and boutique-only brands encompassing the gamut of styles. Her motto: Every shape, every size. Gina believes there are bras available for every imaginable shape and size; the disconnect is getting the right bras to the right people. She suggests that women have a few different styles to complement their wardrobes.

The Fairy Bra Mother (to which Gina is often referred) fits all women—from young girls getting their first bras to women of all ages, shapes and sizes seeking help with any and all types of bras.

973-568-8141 bramobile.com

Melissa Cipriano, ESQ.

Founder of Cipriano Law Offices, P.C

Family Law Attorney, Melissa Cipriano, founder of Cipriano Law Offices, P.C. in West Caldwell is passionate about mediation. She feels that right now, with several counties experiencing Judicial storages, not scheduling trials, Family Court matters are paused making mediation more important than ever.

Cipriano Law Offices has 3 qualified mediators, who are on the court approved list and can help families work through all aspects of custody, parenting time, child support and deal with equitable distribution of marital assets. The firm recognizes the strain that delays place on families. “Right now, it is hard for those going through a divorce to get relief,” says Melissa. “Mediation allows your case to continue moving forward in the face of court delays.”

Mediation allows parties to resolve their issues amicably. According to Melissa, “Stats show that resolving issues by compromising leads to less litigious divorces and doing so through mediation helps keep the overall costs down.”

Melissa says, “As a mediator you get to know the parties well. You understand the challenges they are facing, and you can help them craft a resolution that will work best for their family.”

The ethos of Cipriano Law Offices is to help families create a happy, healthy, stable new life after divorce, which is certainly evident in their dedication to moving families forward in these difficult times.

Melissa and her team assist with all aspects of Family Law representation throughout NJ through Mediation, Parenting Coordination, and Litigation by a team with over 70 combined years of Family Law representation.

973-403-8600 | ciprianolaw.com

Why Stretching is Important for Your Health

Stretching is an essential aspect of any physical activity, from a light stroll to an intense workout. It involves moving your muscles and joints in a controlled manner, which increases flexibility, reduces stiffness, and helps prevent injury. It’s an excellent way to keep your body healthy and functioning optimally, regardless of your age or fitness level.

One of the primary benefits of stretching is that it improves your range of motion. This allows you to move your limbs more easily and with less discomfort. Tight muscles can restrict movement, leading to pain and discomfort, but stretching can help to alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, stretching can enhance athletic performance by preparing your muscles for physical activity, increasing circulation, and improving muscle coordination.

Stretching can also help to prevent injuries. It promotes better alignment, which reduces the likelihood of joint or muscle strain. It also helps to increase blood flow to the muscles, which can improve recovery time and reduce soreness after physical activity. In addition, stretching can have significant mental health benefits. It can reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving mental clarity. It’s an excellent way to unwind after a long day and can promote better sleep, which is crucial for overall health.

In conclusion, stretching is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. It can increase flexibility, reduce stiffness, prevent injury, enhance athletic performance, and promote mental wellbeing. Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, stretching is a valuable addition to any daily routine.