39 Dodge Street #334, Beverlybiz: 978.232.6458; fax: 978.922.2724 mobileandi@aol.com
Andrea
Hall knows how to advertise effectively for your company.
Drawing on over two decades of experience and connections in the radio
and music industries, Andrea’s company, New Leaf Marketing Strategies,
has offered media planning and consultation, special events planning
and public relations services for seven years.
A Brookline native and Boston University graduate, Andrea knows the
ins and outs of the Greater Boston market. Currently she is putting
that knowledge to work for half a dozen retail clients, along with a
few more in the music industry and even one well-known local radio personality.
Andrea has coordinated and been the “maestro” for successful
campaigns for many clients in the Greater Boston and North Shore areas.
She even places the television campaign for a well-known children’s
footwear company in both the Boston and New York markets.
Though Andrea has worked in the big leagues throughout her career, she
specializes in understanding the logistics of marketing the small business.
She takes the time with each client to determine what their business
needs are and how to best reach their target customer, whether it be
through television, magazines, billboards, radio, internet or other
new media.
But her “co-pilot” is always her 8 year old son Ty, and
her motivation to become self-employed and start her business was because
she wanted to include motherhood in her list of accomplishments. Her
roster of clients are also very family-oriented, and they have been
gracious about allowing her the balance that she needs, though she claims
that she still works about 60-80 hours a week during the height of advertising
campaigns.
“I am online and leaving voicemails sometimes as late as 2am”,
she says. “I get paperwork done at midnight on many evenings with
the dog by my side.
Actually, I get a lot accomplished in those wee hours!”
978.590.3335
www.asweetreward.com
email: info@asweetreward.com
Last
fall, Lisa Rosenthal turned a job loss into
a job opportunity when she opened “A Sweet Reward,” her
home-based chocolate food imaging business.
After scouring the internet for ideas to start her own company, she
came across Chocolography™ technology and decided to take the
plunge.
“After working as a mortgage wholesale representative for many
years, I decided that my next career would focus not only on one of
my passions — in this case, chocolate — but on flexibility
and artistic creativity.” A Sweet Reward satisfies all three
of Lisa’s “cravings.”
Chocolography™ is so unique and innovative that it’s captured
the attention of people like Donald Trump, Liza Minelli and Jennifer
Lopez.
Using Chocolography™ technology, the mother of a three-year-old
daughter named Jessie set up shop in her Boxford home and began to
market her products. At any given time, she has at her disposal 500
pounds of Merckens kosher milk, dark and white chocolate to satisfy
the needs of her customers. Lisa, who earned a bachelor of science
degree in Marketing at the University of Massachusetts, finds her
new career a natural fit because of her sales ability.
A Sweet Reward offers the ultimate addition to any party or event
— from fundraiser to bar or bat mitzvah. “The unique technology
allows me to capture precious moments and images and reproduce them
on chocolate right on the spot,” said Lisa. “Watching
the process at my chocolate station is entertaining for guests and
provides a truly memorable experience.”
Pictures are taken with a digital camera and are later imprinted on
chocolate lollipops, candy bars, business cards, sports trading cards,
party favors, CDs and other products.
She offers her services to event and wedding planners, fundraisers
and party-givers. So far, word-of-mouth advertising has kept her business
thriving. A $25 minimum is required for all orders.
One of Lisa’s satisfied customers wrote in her thank you note,
“Having A Sweet Reward and the Chocolography™ system at
my daughter’s bat mitzvah was absolutely incredible. I can’t
thank you enough for making our event extra special.”
A few local families discovered not only does Lisa create chocolate
imaging but also custom molded treats. She received many orders for
10-1/2” tall turkeys as centerpieces for Thanksgiving.
“I can be as creative as I want to be,” said Lisa. “And
that’s one of the major reasons I love this business.”
For more information, call Lisa Rosenthal at 978-590-3335 or visit
her website at www.asweetreward.com
or E-mail her at info@asweetreward.com.
264
Washington Street • Salem
artcornersalem@verizon.net
• 978.745.9524
Although
any customer of The Art Corner will experience fine service and a
wide selection of custom frames from which to choose, it is the local
artist to whom the store caters. Wendy Snow-Lang,
owner of The Art Corner devotes an entire wall of her store to an
exhibiting artist or artists. The store also carries frames specially
sized for oil and watercolor paintings. However Snow-Lang insists
that though she offers these amenities to artists, her business thrives
on the every-day customer.
“Regular custom framing is our bread and butter,” says
Snow-Lang, who was chosen as The Business Woman of the Year by the
Salem Chamber of Commerce in 2006. She has been working as a manger
at The Art Corner, located at 264 Washington St. in Salem, for 20
years, and three years ago the previous owner sold her the business.
Snow-Lang says she enjoys working with customers and guiding them
with their frame selections.
“Our slogan is ‘artistic design at an easy price,’”
she says. “Our prices are more than competitive but we also
have great service. If someone can’t fit a framed picture in
their car, I’m more than happy to drive it to their house.”
Snow-Lang’s has many ties to the local art community outside
of owning The Art Corner. She originally studied illustration at The
New England School of Art and Design in Boston and continues to draw
and paint in her spare time, she says. As a founding member of the
Salem Arts Association, and a member of the Marblehead Arts Association,
Snow-Lang spends much of her time outside the office organizing showings
of artwork at local venues, such as the Winfisky gallery at Salem
State College and trying to secure a summer spot at Artist’s
Row in Salem for the 100 members of the Salem Arts Association. In
April 2008, The Art Corner is hosting the Salem Arts Association’s
exhibit, titled “Brand Spanking New,” made up of drawings,
paintings, and photographs from 2008.
The Art Corner maintains relationships with many loyal customers,
says Snow-Lang. For the new customer, the store offers 300 moldings
in stock and more than 1000 special order frames.
“People often come in for advice on framing,” she says.
“We always have two in-store design consultants as well as someone
framing the pictures working. We can find a frame that will work for
everything in here.”
We look forward to assisting you in the future with all you artistic
needs.
284
California Street • Newton
www.hopplepopple.com •
617-964-6550
While
growing up in Pennsylvania, Linda Matzkin
was well acquainted with a recipe concocted of various vegetables
and other ingredients that were served by Amish people after church
on Sundays. The dish was called Hopple Popple, and it stuck in Linda’s
mind.
After enjoying a career as a speech pathologist for many years, Linda
decided it was time for a change. She loved the sociability of parties
and all they entail and opened an event planning company. When it
came time to name her company, she selected “Hopple Popple”
because it seemed an appropriate name for a dish that was comprised
of different ingredients every time but always with a wonderful result.
“Hopple Popple” might be an unusual name, but it’s
one I thought people wouldn’t soon forget,” said Linda.
She was right. After more than 30 years in business, Hopple Popple,
based in Newton, stands apart from other event planning companies
because of Linda’s amazing creativity, attention to detail and
strict adherence to individual budgets.
“The party was magical,” and “It was an honor to
be a guest,” are all comments made by people who have attended
her events. Many have enjoyed celebrity status — Harry Connick,
Jr. and James Taylor, among them.
With her multi-talented 12-member staff and wonderful daughter, Abby
Matzkin Gordon, the mother-daughter duo has overseen weddings, bar
and bat mitzvahs, black tie galas, corporate functions and every other
kind of party imaginable. “A picnic in the park or ice skating
in June,” said Linda, “we’ve done it all.”
People who attend events planned and executed by Linda and her staff
do not quickly forget the experience. In fact, word-of-mouth is her
best form of advertising.
Every party, whether a wedding or corporate holiday party, is unique.
Linda works with clients one-on-one to learn what it is they are looking
for. She puts her creativity into high gear and comes up with ideas
most people wouldn’t dream possible. “I have a gift for
being crafty,” she said. “And I always find a way to weave
my creativity into a result that amazes my clients.”
Animal prints, an ice cream motif and penny candy have all been themes
for bar and bat mitzvahs she’s planned for her clientele.
Anxiety takes a holiday when Linda plans a social event. Her staff
books the entertainment, designs and prints the invitations, hires
musicians, suggests a photographer and secures entertainment, from
clowns to comedians.
Linda is just as apt to be working on the West Coast as she is in
the Boston area. “I never
mind traveling any distance to satisfy the needs of my clients,”
she said.
Linda has earned the special distinction of having been named one
of the top 100 businesswomen in the Boston area over the last three
years by Commonwealth Institute, an arm
of the Boston Business Journal.
Linda makes her home in Newton with her attorney husband, Joe. Even
though she works hard and gives personalized attention to each client,
she finds time to spend with Abby and her husband, Brett, and her
son, Drew, and his wife, Karen, and her three grandchildren, Olivia,
4, Zachary, 3, and Reid, 7 months. “They truly are my reward
and joy of my life,” she said.
474
Lowell Street • Peabody
978.535.3644
It
was probably Shellee Rubin’s commitment
to exceptional customer service that motivated her to open a retail
eyewear store almost two years ago. The Eye Place, in the Lowe Mart
Plaza in Peabody, is a place where professional expertise is only
outweighed by the personalized care each customer receives.
After more than 20 years of working with optometrists, ophthalmologists
and major retailers in the eye care industry, Shellee learned the
value of providing personalized attention. Customers appreciated her
knowledgeable and friendly service, but more than that, they liked
that they could count on her to understand their needs. Her advice
was worth quite a bit, too. A licensed optician, Shellee graduated
from college with a degree in biology, then went on to get specialized
training.
Today, she achieves her goal by providing the best service anywhere
on the North Shore and works overtime to see that her customers get
just that. She excels in educating her patients, explaining all of
the factors to consider and suggesting certain products based on people’s
individual vision and lifestyle needs.
So far, her success seems to be rooted in her compassionate approach
to each person she meets, coupled with a straightforward, no-nonsense
attitude where price is concerned.
To that end, Shellee offers a diverse array of frames and lenses to
meet every taste and budget, from $99 packages to designer frames
by Cazal, Gucci, Maui Jim and Prada. She has collections for infants,
children, teens and adults. Shellee’s expertise isn’t
limited to choosing frames. She understands the principles of vision
correction and advises her customers how to use their glasses properly.
For instance, she takes the time to explain how progressive lenses
work, the function of high tech coatings and the proper care of eyewear.
If she feels that a frame is not fitting properly or that a prescription
will not work well in it, she will recommend alternatives.
“A colleague of mine once told me that I should treat every
client as if they were my mother, and I really believe that,”
she said. “Give each customer the best service possible, and
the best product possible, and the rest just falls into place.”
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9-5 p.m.; Thursday until 7 p.m.; Saturday 9-noon.
Additional hours by appointment.
322
Derby Street • Salem • 978.740.1044
www.rouge.com • info@rouge.com
Ann
Supple Massey has always loved the cosmetics business because
it’s all about helping people feel and look better inside and
out. When you walk into Rouge, you feel instantly at ease and are
encouraged to explore on your own while the expert staff are there
to offer help when you need them. No pressure like shopping in the
mall. Many clients have commented that Rouge is a “haven”
from the hectic pace that most face every day. Rouge has quickly established
itself as the place to go to treat yourself to great beauty products
and receive flawless makeup applications.
Ann believes that the way to develop loyal customers is by building
relationships with each client. We generously sample many of our products
so the customer can try before purchasing. We also follow up with
each client. “We always phone or email to say thank you and
ensure questions about products are answered.”
Rouge is filled with upscale, but not necessarily expensive skincare,
makeup, fragrances and makeup accessories for women and men. “I
believe women and men want to shop closer to home, where they can
receive personalized, friendly service in a more intimate setting,
and have access to niche products without having to travel into Boston”,
says Ann. Rouge carries NARS, NARSskin, Bare Escentuals, i.d.bareMinerals,
Paula Dorf, Darphin, Caudalie, Mario Badescu,
MD Formulations, B-Kamins, The Art of Shaving, Blinc, The Lip Scrub,
Anthony for Men, Clarisonic, Revitalash, and more. The store also
sells giftcards, provides all special event makeup services, and offers
Girls Night Out parties. The store is open daily 10-6, Thurs 10-8
and Sunday 12-5.
After leaving Filene’s, where she worked for 19 years, Ann worked
for two years researching the business, writing the business plan,
and searching for the perfect location for the store. Ann is a passionate,
visionary leader with strategic and analytical skills that get ideas
into action. After graduating from Boston College, she entered the
Filene’s training program. She worked as a buyer for 14 years
in Designer/Bridge & Special Occasion Dresses, Men’s Sportswear,
and Cosmetics, and four years buying Clinique, M.A.C., Origins &
Clarins. In 2001, she was promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager,
overseeing the Children’s buying division and in 2004 she became
the DMM of Dresses/Suits, where she managed a $90 million business
with $185 million in annual receipts in 103 stores in 10 states. With
the opening of Rouge, she realized her lifelong desire to open and
run her own business.
|
781.477.6307 |
 |
Joy
Goldstein, the Senior Broker at Sagan Realtors, has had
a remarkable career since joining Phyllis Sagan as her first broker
when the agency was formed in 1983. She has been the consistent top
producing agent of Sagan Realtors for the past 22 of the last 25 years
and the recipient of multiple awards as a top producing agent of The
Realty Guild, a consortium of independently owned real estate offices
serving more than 200 communities from Maine to Massachusetts.
“It was sort of a Cinderella Story from the very first day,“
she said. “I sold my first property just three days after I got
my license: and within six months I sold three more, including a large
oceanfront estate.”
Since those early days, she has built a large and loyal clientele. Her
clients became treasured friends who unreservedly referred other clients;
and her network continues to expand. She has been fortunate to have
found a fantastic assistant in Hilary Foutes, a licensed Realtor and
successful broker in her own right. Energetic and competent, Hilary
completes Joy’s team with intelligence and integrity.
“It’s so gratifying to me,” she said, “When
I first started here, I knew nobody; now it seems I know everybody.
It’s like a big extended family. I’m doing what is so enjoyable,
something that comes naturally, and I have grown a business from the
bottom up. It makes me very proud. Buying or selling a home is one of
the most important decisions people make in their lifetime.” She
said, “Their home is often their most valuable personal asset.
If they entrust this decision to me, I should be a serious professional.”
She has spent many years achieving the highest credentials possible.
In addition to advanced RE degrees she has completed Massachusetts coursework
for Real Estate Appraisal Certification and attends seminars whenever
possible. Next month she will be an invited guest panelist at the Realty
Guild Awards luncheon.
Joy tries to give back to the community when asked and enjoys being
able to say “yes” and lend a helping hand to Swampscott
Little League, Gridiron, Golf Team, and Basketball teams. Her family
supports the Jewish Family Services, Jewish Federation, the JRC, Temple
and Israel Bond Drives.
Joy is very proud of her family, Joanna and Greg Hartunian and new grandson
Nathan, of Wayland, MA, Jessica and Bradley Smiedt of Los Angeles CA,
and her husband of 39 years, Dr. Paul Goldstein.
30-32
Maple Street • Danvers
978-774-0825 • www.lorraineroy.com
She
calls it her dream job. Jeanne Hennessey
took over the helm of Lorraine Roy Designer Collections and Bridal
Boutique in Danvers just months ago and is already comfortable, happy
and ready to continue the long tradition of superb service that has
been a trademark of the boutique for over half a century.
After 30 years in the consulting business, Hennessey helped out at
the store for a couple of seasons and was immediately recognized by
the former owners as someone who embodied everything they wanted the
next owner to have. With her marketing skills, flair for high fashion,
pleasant manner and business know-how, she was a natural fit to carry
on the Roy legacy. And Hennessey was excited to grab the opportunity.
“I want everyone who visits our dress shop to feel comfortable
and have fun,” says Hennessey. “The goal here is to make
every customer look spectacular and feel great. And we can accommodate
absolutely everyone with sizes from 0 to 32.”
The store continues to carry bridal gowns and special occasion dresses
but Hennessey is also bringing in more tea-length and cocktail attire
since even some on the prom circuit are choosing the shorter gowns
this season.
“Black and pink are very hot this year, as are metallics,”
notes Hennessey. Her well-qualified staff is always on hand to provide
personalized service, making sure every customer finds exactly the
right dress for their shape and personal tastes. And no one leaves
disappointed.
Hennessey’s family, husband Mike and children Jaclyn, Nicholas
and Megan are solidly behind her. Megan, a senior at Danvers High
School, has begun working at the store. She will be heading off to
college in North Carolina to study marketing this fall.
Hennessey has some busy times ahead but remains very active in the
community she lives and works in. She has been involved with Project
Graduation for nine years and was also a founder of the Danvers Education
Enrichment Partnership’s endowment. She is also a current member
of Kiwanis as well as being involved in a number of other local organizations
over the years.
She is now heading into a new challenge and is very optimistic about
the future of the store. With new dresses coming in every day from
some of the nation’s top designers, making her customers look
fantastic is more fun than ever.
And for Jeanne Hennessey, that’s what it’s all about.
Visit Lorraine Roy Designer Collections and Bridal Boutique at 30-32
Maple Street in downtown Danvers or give them a call at 978-774-0825.
More information is also available online at www.lorraineroy.com.
52
Wingate Street • Haverhill
www.margotsgallery.com
• 978.373.0200
Looking
for a unique wedding gift or bar mitzvah present? Or maybe a nice
piece of jewelry to add a bit of color to your wardrobe? Margot’s
Gallery in Haverhill has just what you are looking for.
For nearly eight years Margot Lindau has
provided residents of the Merrimack Valley with original world folk
art and handmade jewelry, with a focus on Judaica and Israeli art.
Customers used to driving to Brookline for mezuzot, candlesticks,
kiddush cups, etc., now have a more local option.
But the gallery’s focus is truly international. Drawing inspiration
from the different cultures in her native Miami, Margot has featured
the work of Haitian artists. Having recently returned from a trip
to Mexico, Margot is now featuring fresh and daring artists she discovered
there.
A veteran of the corporate world, Margot always longed to do something
fresh and creative. Whenever she found herself daydreaming, her mind
would wander towards art. Nearly eight years ago she took the plunge
and opened up her first gallery in North Andover. Three years later,
she moved to her current location in Haverhill.
The gallery often features showings on the weekends. She is planning
some large events for April and May.
With pieces to fit any budget, one can spend as little as $5 and walk
out with something both beautiful and unusual.
427
Paradise Road • Vinnin Square • Swampscott
781.599.8829 • Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Thurs. ’til 8, Sun. 12-5
Pauline
Spirito has created a haven for shoppers seeking the
latest fashions in an environment that features such hard-to-find
amenities these days as comfy chairs and super-friendly and knowledgeable
salespeople.
Even before she opened her first store 26 years ago, Spirito had a
flair for fashion and a sense of how to best meet the needs of clothing-conscious
mothers and daughters. “I started in the seventies, making wearable
art for my kids,” she explains. Next thing she knew, Spirito
was hosting house parties for her friends, selling her wearable art
as well as ice skating dresses in her dining room. “I found
a need and I filled that need,” says Spirito. Eventually, the
ambitious Spirito took out a small business loan and moved her fashions
to a 600-square-foot store at Fisherman’s Crossing. As business
grew, she moved to a larger space and opened Infinity Boutique which
now carries today’s latest fashions for women of all ages in
juniors, misses, plus and petite sizes as well as dance, skate and
workout wear for children and adults.
“We have something for everyone,” says Spirito. “From
casual to dressy, and everything in between, at moderate prices.”
According to Spirito, what’s “hot” for spring are
black and white, bright colors, polka dots, stripes, flowers, animal
prints and metallic silver and gold for contrast. You will also find
fashion jewelry at its best.
Beyond the fashions, what sets Infinity apart is Spirito’s business
philosophy which can be summed up in two words: customer satisfaction.
We give our customers the personal attention they deserve. Even when
buying fashions for her store, Pauline has specific customers in mind.
“I’m a personal shopper and I love it,” she says.
Spirito has a great sense of community involvement. She was one of
the first businesses to participate in operation Boost Morale which
encourages local business owners to collect toiletries and non-perishable
food for our U.S. soldiers in Iraq. She is also on the Board of Directors
of the JCC in Marblehead. She is currently co-chairing the signature
fundraising event this July 27, 2008. Spirito also gives back to the
community by donating to local temples and other organizations which
gives her a great sense of pride. She was awarded the Lynn Chamber
of Commerce ‘Commitment to Swampscott’ Award in 2002.
But when it comes to compliments, the modest Spirito would rather
focus on her customers. “To me, the biggest compliment is when
a customer comes back to the store and says how wonderful she felt
in her new dress, and shares with us all the compliments she received.”
Pauline and her husband Vincent are devoted parents of Stacey and
Todd and grandparents of Joshua and Vincent. Visit her and experience
first-hand the friendly atmosphere and great fashions that make Infinity
Boutique so unique!
Raina’s
Hair Color Cafe
Specialists
in the Art of Hair Color
34
Humphrey Street • Swampscott
781.595.5511 •
www.rainashaircolorcafe.com
The
mission at Raina’s Hair Design Studio in Revere over the past
16 years has been to embrace and enhance their multi-cultural community
by creating awareness about organic products and by providing their
guests with personalized sensory experiences in a warm, comfortable
and beautiful environment. Each day they strive to become better hair
colorists by recognizing, promoting and inspiring excellence in each
other. And now, owner Raina Morgan has expanded
that mission to include Swampscott.
“It’s all about customer service, ongoing education and
the environment”, says Morgan. “My team members in Revere
and Swampscott receive superior training. These artists are passionate
about their art and travel several times a year to take advanced classes
in hair color and bring back that knowledge to share with the rest
of the team. They respect our guests, each other and the Earth. Every
April, we work hard to raise both money and awareness for Earth Month.”
Raina’s Hair Design Studio was voted Best Hair Salon “2006”
and “2007” in the Revere area by the Market Surveys of
America. At both locations, each guest receives a complimentary hand
massage and hot beverage of choice. “People like to gather and
socialize in hair salons and cafes,” say Morgan, “so why
not combine your experience and make your hair color visit fun and
free of anxiety.”
Raina’s Hair Color Cafe carries several lines of Organic products
and Ecoist Handbags made from recycled candy wrappers and newspapers.
Raina’s advice to other women in business, “Use your intuition.
Try creative ways to make your business stand out from the others.
It’s all in the details, so don’t be afraid to take a
risk. Surround yourself with amazing individuals and always give back
to the community and the environment.
Meryl:
781.592.4140 • Susan: 617.332.3844
msdesign.email@gmail.com
What
began as a “gleam” in the eyes of Meryl Rich,
Swampscott, and Susan Shamus, Newton, while working
together in a family planning setting 30 years ago evolved into a
business of their own — MS Design.
In business since 2006, the women took their natural ability to facilitate
change in people’s lives and segued their gift into creating
new and vibrant living spaces inside their clients’ homes, often
in just one day.
Today, de-cluttering, organizing, rearranging furniture, suggesting
lighting, shelving and paint colors and bringing long-forgotten knickknacks
out of hiding are all in a day’s work. “We shop people’s
homes,” said Meryl. “It’s amazing what a little
rearranging can do.”
Both women work full-time jobs and devote their weekends to building
their business. They serve the entire North Shore and are looking
to expand outside of Boston.
One satisfied client from Framingham said, “Meryl and Susan
came into my home and within a few hours had rearranged and redesigned
my living room using only what I already owned. The result was far
more beautiful than I could have imagined.”
Meryl commented that people often have beautiful objects and furniture
that have been lost in a crowded display area. “After years
of collecting artwork and other treasures that should be a focal point
in a room, they become like the proverbial forest and the trees,”
she said.
The satisfaction Meryl and Susan receive is immediate. “We can
see the results of our work right away,” said Meryl. “It’s
exciting for us to know we helped someone achieve a new look for their
home without the high cost of a decorator.”
A recent success has spurred Meryl and Susan on to expand their business
to offer “staging” services to people planning to sell
their homes. “It’s all in the presentation,” said
Susan. “If a home looks good, it will sell quickly.”
One woman tried to sell her home for a year, without success. “MS
Design came in and rearranged furniture and re-hung pictures. I could
not believe how great and different the space looked. The house sold
one month later.”