Chatham & Short Hills, NJ May 2024

May 2024 Our Ladies Issue

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our grandmothers, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends, and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to local communities’ women.

They are movers and shakers, builders, and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our local community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities and Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @CHATHAMSHORTHILLS

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CHATHAMANDSHORTHILLS

May 2024

PUBLISHERS

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ben Meyer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Ana Meyer, Ben Meyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Jorda Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Frame Your Face

Beauty Is Their “Mane” Focus

Women Who Inspire: Tales of Resilience and Leadership

Dr. Azizian, DDS & Dr. Sallustio, DDS

Dr. Sallustio and Dr. Azizian practice a full scope of prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry. With a focus on implants, crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers, Dr. Sallustio and Azizian help patients regain confidence in their smile. The doctors also provide life changing treatments includng same day

All-on-4 implants and bridges, prosthetics for oral cancer, trauma and congenital defects including cleft lip and palate. Consider a consultation with Drs. Sallustio and Azizian to analyze your smile.

city scene

Short Hills house tour to benefit The Warehouse

The H.O.M.E. (HELPING OTHERS MOVE EQUITABLY) Tour of Short Hills benefiting The Warehouse NJ celebrates the importance of home through a carefully curated house tour of 5 extraordinary homes in Short Hills. Limited VIP tickets available for Preview Party which includes cocktails at a bonus 6th house. Act fast - last year this event sold out! Tickets go on sale May 5. www.thewarehousenj.org

Enjoy Mother's Day Dinner al Fresco at Millburn’s La Pergola

Nestled in the heart of Millburn, La Pergola has curated a delightful outdoor garden dining experience in addition to our signature indoor space. Now whether you prefer to dine surrounded by the lush, flower-filled beauty of nature or in the candlelit elegance of our chic interior, we look forward to serving you the region's best Northern Italian cuisine in style for Mother’s Day! https://lapergolanj.com/

Scan to read more

Azzurri Italian Cucina opens up in Harvey Cedars LBI!

Welcome to Azzurri Italian Cucina, the newest culinary gem nestled in the heart of Long Beach Island, NJ. Azzurri invites you on an exciting journey with their Michelin-trained chef offering meticulously crafted dishes to tantalize your taste buds. With a dedication to quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Azzurri combines a contemporary flare that transports you to the sun-kissed shores of Italy. Come savor the essence of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!

Welcome George’s & Sons to Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle

George’s & Sons based in West Orange is a general construction company and experts in Masonry and Paving! They do not use subcontractors! All work is done by the owners! They have been helping homeowners create their perfect home for over 20 years! http://www.georgessonsconst.com/

Enriched Aesthetics Mother’s Day Special $100 Off Any

Service

Celebrate Mother's Day with our exclusive week-long special honoring all moms, from May 4 to May 11! Enjoy $100 off any service as well as take advantage of our memberships to receive 50% off your first month. Treat your mom to a well-deserved pampering experience at Enriched Aesthetics, she will never forget!  https://enrichedaesthetics.com/

Scan to read more

For injury, illness and questions we offer excellence, ease and answers.

MAKING HEALTHY EASIER

High-quality, personalized care shouldn’t be complicated, difficult to schedule or inconvenient to find. That’s why we offer online scheduling, virtual doctor’s visits, more than 400 sites of care and thousands of doctors with the expertise you deserve. That’s healthy made a whole lot easier for you. AtlanticHealth.org

Frame Your Face Beautifully

A STUDIO WHERE TRANSFORMATIONS HAPPEN

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY

“You don't have to wear makeup, especially in the summer. We always say that lash extensions, great eyebrows and lip gloss are all you need.”

Mary Ellen Feehan is all about beauty. She has trained with some of the industry’s most talented practitioners, and in 2015, received her certification in eyelash extensions. She then continued her education in everything eyebrows.

“I always liked making people feel good about themselves,” she says. “It was always about girl power and enhancing natural beauty.”

She brings her many years of experience in the beauty industry to every facet of Lashz Studio in Madison. In 2016, she was the manager of the boutique and was basically running it on an everyday basis, so when the owner decided to sell in 2019, Mary Ellen seized the opportunity to buy it herself.

She updated the décor, and along with eyelash and eyebrow offerings, added skincare services to feed her creativity and passion. She also wanted to utilize her extensive knowledge to make clients feel beautiful.

When it comes to eyelash extensions, Lashz Studio only uses high-end products made of silk. “We definitely believe in a more natural look and preserving the health of the eyelashes.”

A lash lift, she says, is very similar to a keratin treatment. “It basically gives you what you would get with a really good eyelash curler. When we tint on top of it, lashes look nicer and fuller.” These lifts last for eight to 12 weeks.

High-quality facial waxing is available too. “We can also shape their eyebrows by waxing, but we can tweeze and tint them as well,” she says.

The boutique also carries a variety of all-natural skincare products as well as aftercare for eyelashes and brows. These include lip scrubs, lip balms, hand scrubs, and candles, plus lash serums, makeup removers, and more.

“I like knowing that I help women feel put together, beautiful and happy,” says Mary Ellen.

“We use all-natural products, and our facials are done by hand, not machines,” says Mary Ellen. “We do a purging facial, which is a deep cleansing. Homecare works so much better when you get a facial regularly. If you’re putting products on a face that’s not exfoliated or clean, they’re not doing anything.”

LashzStudio.com

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY

HAIR THAT LOOKS AND FEELS ITS MOST AMAZING

“MANE” FOCUS

PHOTOGRAPHY

After working together at various hair salons, Erlis Aguilar and Stephanie Parizot teamed up and opened their own special place. “We were ready to cultivate our own culture, and

The extensions consist of human hair that is ethically sourced, and when it comes to attaching them to clients’ own hair, the pair uses a beaded-weft method. “It’s the one method that we

“WHEN YOUR HAIR LOOKS GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT YOU'RE DOING.”

it always felt like there was always something missing at these other salons,” says Erlis.

The Mane House, a light and airy salon, opened in March of 2023 in East Hanover, and focuses on two things: hair extensions and lived-in color. “These are definitely the two services that we really enjoy doing,” says Stephanie. “Clients were asking for them, and we took that demand and ran with it. We honed in on what we were great at, took a lot of classes and invested in ourselves so our clients would trust us.”

When it comes to hair extensions, the two women feel there is a misconception. “People might think that it’s this really long hair and over the top addition, when really, most of our clients want something natural looking,” says Erlis. “They want to enhance what they have and also give them a little more styling flexibility.”

both feel is really comfortable and also blends in when people wear their hair up or down,” says Stephanie. “Plus, if they have really fine hair, it hides everything.” The color is also customized to match clients’ current hair to make sure the end result is flawless.

Speaking of color, specifically highlighting, Stephanie and Erlis like to provide lived-in color. “It’s more natural looking than traditional highlights, which can be very chunky and easily seen when they start to grow out,” says Erlis. “With lived-in color, we are blending clients’ natural darker color into the highlights, so as it grows out, it does so softly and seamlessly. You don’t see that harsh transition.” It’s also healthier for hair, since clients can wait much longer to get touchups.

Although most of their clients are women, men come in for hair extensions as well, but they have to

“IT’S REALLY REWARDING TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEMSELVES.”

be realistic. In order to add in extensions, they have to have somewhat longer hair.

The talented duo teaches clients how to maintain these extensions so they last as long as possible and look great. To help with that, The Mane House carries a wide range of curated salon products.

“It’s really rewarding to make people feel better about themselves,” says Stephanie. “I love what I do, which results in clients loving what I do for them.”

Erlis agrees, “It’s definitely very fulfilling when you see clients’ reactions to their hair. You remember why you’re doing what you’re doing.”

Make an appointment at ManeHouse.Salon today.

Tara

DISCOVER THE EMPOWERING NARRATIVES OF EXTRAORDINARY FEMALE TRAILBLAZER

Women Who Inspire: Tales of Resilience and Leadership

ARTICLE

BY KELSEY MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARA WANG, CHRIS JORDA, PROVIDED

Remember Who You Wanted to Be.

In a world where inspiration is a beacon of hope, where women rise above challenges, leaving indelible marks of empowerment, there are those who ignite flames of ambition and courage in others. They are the epitome of strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. Here are the stories of five extraordinary women of B.I.G. (Believe Inspire Grow), who inspire us:

TARA GILVAR: FOSTERING EMPOWERMENT THROUGH B.I.G.

Tara Gilvar, the visionary CEO of B.I.G. (Believe Inspire Grow), was moved by a simple yet profound message on a bumper sticker in 2009: “Remember Who You Wanted to Be.” Determined to provide a path for women to achieve their true life purpose, Tara rallied her community with a transformative email. At the heart of her motivation lies a deep belief that every woman possesses a unique gift worthy of sharing with the world.

B.I.G. offers a plethora of benefits to its members, from a supportive community of women entrepreneurs to educational webinars and events. But it’s the intangible benefits—like boosted self-esteem and genuine happiness from accomplishments—that truly set B.I.G. apart.

At B.I.G., the focus is on empowering women to recognize their value and providing them with the tools and resources needed for success.

As B.I.G. celebrates its 15th anniversary, Tara’s hope is for the platform to continue evolving, fostering a culture of women supporting women for generations to come, ensuring that every woman can boldly pursue her dreams and achieve her full potential. https:// believeinspiregrow.com/

DIANNE GROSSMAN: PIONEERING EMPOWERMENT IN THE FLOORING INDUSTRY

Dianne Grossman, the visionary force behind The Carpet Girl LLC, embarked on a journey fueled by passion and purpose. Upon realizing the stark disparity between female consumer preferences and male-dominated sales in the flooring industry,

Dianne had her “ah-ha” moment. Determined to create a welcoming space for female buyers, she forged ahead, becoming a beacon of empowerment in the industry.

Overcoming hurdles, including the challenge of securing loans, Dianne’s perseverance paid off, enabling her to expand her business and fulfill her dreams. Dianne has built enduring relationships and a loyal customer base, rooted in trust and authenticity.

Beyond business, Dianne’s legacy extends to her advocacy work with Mallory’s Army, ( https://mallorysarmy.org/), championing against bullying in schools and online. Her resilience and unwavering commitment inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly.

As she continues to make strides in her industry, Dianne remains steadfast in her belief that every woman has the power to achieve her dreams. Her journey is a testament to the transformative impact of perseverance, empowerment, and unwavering determination.  https://thecarpetgirl.com/

BETTY

GALVAN:

CHAMPIONING ENTREPRENEURIAL EMPOWERMENT AT THE CO-CO

Betty Galvan, the visionary owner of The Co-Co, has dedicated her life to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a sense of community in the business world. Her journey began with a pivotal moment, witnessing the struggles of small business owners grappling with the rapid evolution of social media. She founded MFBS Digital Marketing Studio.

Betty’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as she addresses distinctive challenges faced by women in business, finding a harmonious balance between her professional endeavors and her role as a mother of three sons.

Her involvement in BIG (Believe Inspire Grow) and her recent venture as the new owner of The Co-Co underscore her belief in the power of community and connection. Through these endeavors, Betty has experienced firsthand the transformative impact of supportive networks in propelling entrepreneurial success.

Betty’s ultimate aspiration is to leave a legacy of empowerment and encouragement for future female leaders, inspiring them to pursue their dreams fearlessly and prioritize tasks that resonate with their passions. Her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to empowering others in the entrepreneurial realm. https://www.theco-co.com/

CHRISTINA LOANNIDES: FEARLESS CHAMPION EMPOWERING WOMEN WORLDWIDE

Christina Loannides, a name synonymous with resilience and empowerment, has traversed a remarkable journey, leaving an indelible mark on the world of martial arts and women’s empowerment. From her early days in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she discovered her passion for karate, to becoming a 6-time World Karate Fighting Champion and the USA KSI Women’s Coach, Christina’s dedication to excellence knows no bounds.

However, her journey took a poignant turn when she faced a formidable opponent in March 2021 – breast cancer. Christina approached this battle with the same determination and focus that propelled her to victory in countless tournaments. Her triumphant spirit and unwavering faith led her to emerge victorious.

Beyond her achievements in the martial arts arena, Christina’s commitment to empowering women extends to her business endeavors. As the founder of Fabulous & FearLESS, she empowers women to stand up for themselves, embrace their strength, and trust their intuition.

With a legacy built on empowering women to embrace their limitless potential, Christina continues

to inspire countless individuals worldwide, proving that with courage and resilience, anything is possible. www.fabulousfearless.com

CATHY MALONEY: EMPOWERING HOMEOWNERSHIP AND WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Cathy Maloney, the VP of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #218377), embodies passion and dedication in her mission to make homeownership dreams a reality. With an unwavering commitment to providing tailored mortgage solutions, Cathy transforms the process of obtaining financing into a seamless and understandable journey for her clients.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cathy is a devoted advocate for women entrepreneurs, recognizing the importance of mentorship and support networks. Through her involvement with organizations like Believe, Inspire, Grow (BIG), Cathy fosters a community where women uplift and empower each other. Her guidance extends beyond mortgages, offering invaluable advice and encouragement to fellow entrepreneurs.

Cathy’s legacy is one of empowerment and innovation, where women are encouraged to believe in themselves, seek out mentorship, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Through her leadership and mentorship, Cathy is shaping a more inclusive and diverse business landscape, where women are celebrated for their talents and achievements.

Join Cathy and the BIG community to embark on a journey of growth, friendship, and empowerment, where every woman’s entrepreneurial dreams can flourish. https:// www.grarate.com/loan-officers/cathy-maloney-218377

Clara Wang photogrpahy

Innovation by Inspiration

ARTICLE

BY BENJAMIN MEYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY

From Huggy Pets to Garbage Pantz, Innovation is a family affair

Inventor of Garbage Pantz Designer Can Covers

As a young reporter delving into the theme of “Women Who Inspire” for our May issue, I found myself drawn to write about someone close to home who inspires me every day: innovator and entrepreneur, my mother, Ana Meyer. Intrigued by her accomplishments, I sat down with her to uncover the story behind her inspiring journey.

Growing up, I always admired my mom’s ability to balance her career, family, and personal passions. She often emphasized the importance of leading by example, teaching me valuable lessons even in the simplest moments of our everyday life. One of her fundamental principles was to embrace life’s twists and turns, recognizing that unexpected changes could lead to new opportunities.

Pineapple Pantz

Inventor of Huggy Pets Infomercial product

Her journey into product development began during her time as an architect at a global franchise company. She received advice from her mentor: “If you want to grow in corporate America, you need to put your pencil down.” Motivated by this, she pursued an MBA in Marketing, fueling her passion for innovation.

Inspired by Donny Deutsch’s show “The Big Idea”, she kept a sketchbook, and encouraged us to have one too. We wrote down ideas and sketched designs. The results are two exciting new products on the market, Garbage Pantz®, the instant makeover for your ugly trash can, and Huggy Pets® an infomercial children’s product sold across the country in major retailers including Rite Aid. Despite juggling a demanding corporate job, international travel, and raising a family, my mom’s newfound passion drove her to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams.

After putting us to bed, she stayed up to 3 am researching patents, manufacturers, attorneys, and more. She used vacation days to attend tradeshows. Huggy Pets®, think of Build-A-Bear meets your kid’s favorite pillow, where the cover is a washable adorable plush pet that is sanitary, colorful, and fun. My brothers and our friends loved the prototypes. She knew we had a hit. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xs90ap

In addition to Huggy Pets®, she brought to market a second product after an infomercial executive advised her to “solve a common problem”. The results, Garbage Pantz®. The instant makeover for your ugly trash cans! I vividly recall the moment my mom had her breakthrough idea for Garbage Pantz®. Driving home on “trash day,” she questioned why we

“There’s magic in the power of storytelling and engagement. I’m inspired by our communities and our advertising partners.”

adorned our homes with decorations while neglecting the unsightly appearance of our trash cans.

Garbage Pantz® are attractive, stretchy, and washable. They simply slide on to fit snugly on most sizes and types of cans. You can decorate for the seasons and support your favorite NFL or collegiate team. Trash cans are used for more than just trash, they can be used to hold pool noodles, water toys, and more. Garbage Pantz® designs fit our lifestyle and help celebrate holidays with Santa Pantz® or Rudy Pantz® (kitchen cans too), seasonal, fun everyday designs like Froggy Pantz®, Hawaii Pantz®, Pineapple Pantz®, Party Pantz®, Rodeo Pantz® and more. Garbage Pantz® offers 16 designs plus NFL and collegiate teams. https://garbagecancovers.com/

Shark Tank casting call bracelets

As Garbage Pantz® gained traction and garnered attention from media outlets like the DIY Network and CBS, we became actively involved in our parents’ entrepreneurial journey. From assisting with prototypes, and filling orders, to Shark Tank, we were there every step of the way.

My mom’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. Transitioning into her role as Publisher and VP of Engagement for Chatham + Short Hills and Morris City Lifestyle, she found a new calling in storytelling and

Shark Tank casting call

community building. “There’s magic in the power of storytelling and engagement,” she says. “I’m inspired by our communities and our advertising partners. As a forever student, I explore opportunities to make a positive difference and look for ways to tell your stories, both as community members and as clients, in a meaningful way.” Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, her mission is to share meaningful narratives through her various platforms, from print, digital, social media and events. Samir Patel, Blue Code Networks, an advertising partner said, ”Ana, you’ve built a community.”

As I conclude my interview with my mom, I’m filled with pride and admiration. Her story serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the profound impact of leading by example. In reflecting on her journey, my mom emphasizes the importance of flexibility and resilience in navigating life’s challenges. Her advice is, “In the sea of life, be ready to adjust your sail. You might be surprised by the adventure you experience along the way! If you have kids, take them along the journey with you.”

Have you had to adjust your sail? Share your story with her. ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

“In the sea of life, be ready to adjust your sail. You might be surprised by the adventure you experience along the way! If you have kids, take them along the journey with you.”

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe is exploding with flavor and is simple to make.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

SPRING BEAUTY SPAS

Primrose

PrimroseFlorhampark.com

Primrose

PrimroseMorristown.com

Primrose

Primrose

PrimroseWestOrange.com