Contributors
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Abby Fitzgerald
Abby Fitzgerald is a residential Interior Designer located in Central Pennsylvania. She has been executing design projects for years and officially launched Fitz Haus Interior Design in 2023. She is passionate about helping clients create stunning interiors customized to bring joy + provide function.
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Lindsey White
My name is Lindsay White.
As a licensed insurance agent for the last 15 years, I have helped people plan for their worst days. After planning our honeymoon and our huge family trip in 2019, I knew that I wanted to focus on the happy moments in life too and help create these special memories for others as well. I am now eager help people plan for their BEST days.
I joined Skye’s The Limit Vacations as a travel advisor to help people experience the adventures they dream about. Our agency is comprised of eleven working mom’s with an amazing leader, Skye Durrer, at the helm.
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Janae DeLaurentis
As an AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America) certified Group Fitness Professional, Janae DeLaurentis teaches strength training at a premier athletic and wellness facility and has a passion for all that encompasses a life of wellness through how we fuel, move, and inspire our bodies and minds. A single mom, she practices what she preaches and believes in being a model for her two daughters and to inspire women through mov ment and nutrition. When she isn’t training in a gym or meal planning with her face buried in cookbooks and making recipes in the kitchen she is teaching art to elementary aged children in a public school and creating her own portrait art.
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Sheila Hartmann
Sheila Hartmann is a freelance photographer and lifetime artist, specializing in business branding, high school & college senior/grad photos, pageant headshots, and product photography. Holding an Associate Degree in Commercial Art & Advertising, you might have seen her product images used for store advertisements in Lancaster County coupon magazines and newspapers.
For leisure, Sheila enjoys simple photographs from nature, which keeps her busy even during the chilly winter months.
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Suzanne Mull
Suzanne Mull founded Happily Decluttered to share her lessons and make decluttering easier for others. With a background in education, she helps clients clear clutter while teaching best practices. Her approach blends frugality, minimalism, and environmental mindfulness. She doesn’t chase magazine-perfect homes—she keeps what serves a purpose and removes distractions to create spaces that are easy to maintain.
Decluttering transformed her time, energy, and stress levels, giving her more moments with the people and activities she loves. She invites others to address their clutter and become Happily Decluttered, too.
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Ashlee Zimmerman
Ashlee Zimmerman, a wedding and family photographer, has been in business for over 10 years. Capturing those classic moments but also working hard to bring out your genuine selves in front of the camera. While she loves photographing all things weddings and family, has also enjoyed expanding into some branding and interior design photography over the past few years.
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Mary Katie Engle
Mary Katie Engle is part of a new era of young and creative makeup artists who are transforming the makeup industry. After several years in the industry, she is quickly becoming one of central PAs best makeup artists. Her skills have come to stand out as a result of her dedication to perfection and her love for her clients. In front of the camera, her makeup applications make not only the visions of her commercial clients come to life, but also those of her bridal clients. She has a unique compassion and understanding of the needs of each client and strives to create perfection every time.
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Brittany Guiles
Starting her Real Estate career amidst a divorce and bankruptcy, Brittany, a single mom at 28, embarked on a journey with minimal resources but a heart full of determination. Balancing part-time roles in realty and property management, she took the plunge to become a full-time Realtor with the Dave Hooke Team. This experience began her life long journey of learning that consistent effort and dedication to systems, models and tools could transform anyone’s life.
Since 2017, she’s aided over 100 families in real estate transactions, fueling her passion to empower others to leverage Real Estate as a tool for their growth. Transitioning into Growth Coaching and Tech Ambassador roles, she equipped agents with the tools for success, drawing from her experience with the Dave Hooke Team’s proven systems and models.
Now leading KW of Central PA as the Team Leader, her mission expands beyond professional growth, prioritizing agents’ and her leadership team’s personal development. Recognized as Team Leader of the Year in 2022, she’s driven by a desire to see agents flourish in all aspects of life, not just business.
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Thomas Laskiewicz
Thomas Laskiewicz is a freelance graphic designer based in central Pennslyvania. He earned his BFA in Graphic Design at York College of PA. Thomas designed the original typography for the Grit & Goals branding and layout for the cover.
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Ekaterina Vachino
Ekaterina Vachino is a professional portrait photographer and owner of Ekaterina Vachino Photography in Wall, NJ. She specializes in timeless maternity and newborn portraits, creating elegant, heartfelt imagery that celebrates the beauty of motherhood and family. Known for her warm and personalized approach, Ekaterina offers a full-service studio experience complete with professional hair, makeup, and couture wardrobe. She loves giving back to the community and recently photographed a local breast cancer fundraiser honoring women’s strength and resilience.
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Tina Fortenberry
With 15+ years of employee development experience with a Fortune 100 company, Tina empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners to achieve success. She delivers top-tier professional development coaching on a deeply personal level. Starting with the Harrison Assessment, Tina identifies core behavior traits, motivating factors, and mental roadblocks.
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Eileen C. Wenger
I’m Eileen C. Wenger, born and raised in Lancaster County. As a luxury natural light boudoir photographer, I empower women to love themselves fiercely just as they are by capturing their natural beauty. Since 2019, I’ve created a calm, private experience with gentle guidance, flattering light, and images that feel like you. From our first call to final delivery, I listen, support, and handle every detail with care. Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply ready to see yourself in a new way, I truly love what I do, and the chance to empower women to love themselves fiercely lights my soul on fire.
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Catelynne Lewis
Hi, I’m Catelynne Lewis — a micro-influencer hailing from Harrisburg, PA. I’m passionate about discovering and spotlighting small businesses and mission-driven nonprofits that are creating real impact in their communities. My mission is to tell stories that inspire connection & generosity for the betterment of the people around me and our world as a whole. I’m also a proud mom to a one-year-old daughter, with a baby boy joining our family soon — who I’m sure will make his debut in a feature soon!
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Melissa Engle
I'm Melissa and I'm a Lancaster based family, portrait and lifestyle photographer who specializes in natural, true-to-life outdoor and in home photography that captures the magic of everyday moments with a focus on story-telling, connection and play. My photography centers around growing families and I hope to provide my clients with heirloom photography that will be enjoyed for years to come. With a background in studio art and photojournalism, I strive to tell the unique story of each family I serve using an interactive approach that is relaxed, playful and fun.
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Crystal Groves
Crystal Groves is an award-winning developer that has been involved in the website process since the first sites started being developed in the early 90s. With a heavy technical development background, Crystal knows the ins and outs of the entire workflow of getting your site launched, and what it takes to meet your needs in a timely fashion. She has worked for global agencies as a Front-End Developer, Search Engine Optimizer, Internet Marketing Manager, and Project Manager, so she has a full-circle set of skills available for you. Her vision for Misfit Interactive is to provide a leg-up for small businesses on their competition.
Crystal is passionate about being in #TeamMisfit to stand out while still keeping in touch with her small-town roots to support small businesses.
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Amy Nastick
I'm a Central Pennsylvania photographer passionate about capturing the heart and hustle of women-owned businesses. Through clean, light-filled imagery, I help female entrepreneurs show up confidently and authentically—whether you're launching a brand, running a boutique, or building your dream from the ground up. Your story deserves to be seen, and I'm here to help you tell it with intention and style.
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Jessica Maloy
Jessica Maloy (of Palmyra Greenhouse is a Central Pa, florist and author, Brightening people's day with beautiful fresh flowers and a fun flower truck experience. You can find me online or at pop-ups every weekend.
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Jessica Imperiale Garcia
Jess Imperiale is a multimedia artist, seamlessly navigating the realms of graphic design, digital art, and painting. With a BFA in Graphic Design & Multimedia, complemented by a Studio Art Minor, Jess developed a unique and diverse skill set. Recognized for her artistic excellence, Jess has been featured in magazines and actively participates in prestigious exhibitions. Jess also owns a small business called Imperiale Arts. This business has a focus in graphic design and fine art which also offers printing services to fellow artists and small business owners. As the visionary behind Imperiale Arts, Jess continues to leave her indelible mark, blending innovation and fusing creativity in the world of art and design.
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Lyn Warne
Lyn Warne is a momentum catalyst for projects, business and individual development. Her lifelong passion didn’t start with the idea that project management would be a career. She built the skills by managing restaurants full-time while being a mom and also full-time student working on a BA in Biology and Chemistry that she completed in three years. From public speaking, research, and mentoring experiences, she transitioned into formal teaching, career advising and business development. For a boost of momentum, reach out straight away to Linkedin.com/in/warne2thewise/
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Laura Jones
Laura Jones is an Emmy Award-winning television host, reporter and producer with close to over three decades of experience in political journalism. Presently, she anchors "New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones," a weekly public affairs program on MeTV-WJLP serving New Jersey and New York. Previously, Jones worked at News 12 New Jersey, where she contributed as a reporter, anchor, and co-host for shows like "New Jersey Power & Politics" and "We've Got Issues." She also played a pivotal role in establishing the state house bureau in Trenton. During her tenure at cn8 in Philadelphia, Jones earned acclaim as a political reporter and hosted Emmy-nominated programs "Diner Politics" and "The Battling Bills." Her excellence was recognized with the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Best Talk Show Host. Jones began her career as a desk assistant at NJN in Trenton, progressing to cover various political events, including Presidential Campaigns, Gubernatorial Elections as well as national, state & local races. Beyond her dedication to politics, Jones prioritizes family and advocates fiercely for autism awareness. A proud alumna of Florida State University, she resides in Lambertville with her husband and three teenagers.
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Brittany Edie
Brittany Edie is a dedicated military spouse and mom of four, and the owner of Graceful Balance Wellness and Graceful Balance Collective. Graceful Balance Wellness is a faith-based, multidisciplinary mental health group practice offering counseling, functional wellness, nutrition counseling, and life coaching in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Through Graceful Balance Collective, she hosts Christian retreats for women, providing a space for renewal and spiritual growth.
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Emily Bowers
As a native of Hanover, PA, I reside there with my husband and five children. In 2014, I embarked on a career in the beauty industry, focusing on hair and makeup. I honed my skills by studying under multiple artists, distilling their expertise to refine my craft. I find immense fulfillment in my work, which allows me to tap into my creativity and bolster others' self-esteem. My expertise has been applied in various settings, including bridal, cinematic, production, photography, and instructional capacities as a hairstylist and makeup artist.
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Chelsey Crawford
Chelsey Crawford owns and operates Flower Crush Farm, a small specialty cut flower farm in Hanover, Pennsylvania. From April through October she sells her flowers at an on-farm stand as well as providing wholesale blooms to local florists and designers. In the winter she divides dahlia tubers before opening her tuber sale in February. Chelsey is proud to offer flowers that have been grown without the use of harmful chemicals, opting instead to use only natural inputs on her crops. She is passionate about farming organically, while still growing beautiful flowers that her customers love.
When Chelsey isn't busy working on the farm, she's spending time with her daughter and fiance - who are set to tie the knot in August of this year. Her family has cheered her on since starting the business in 2020, even after four years of crazy farm hours. She enjoys watching backyard birds and dreams of eventually turning the lawn at her home into a pollinator garden filled with native plants. To keep up with the farm and find out when you can grab some fresh flowers, follow Chelsey on Instagram or Facebook @Flowercrushfarm
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Nathan Walk
Nathan Walk is a licensed Cosmetologist, Cosmetology Educator and Barber with over 20 years in the Salon and Education industry. Nathan has been able to cultivate his audience in different ways that motivate and inspire from organizing and hosting yearly hair/fashion shows to freelance platform/print work with RAW that include natural born artists and coordinating school-wide hair competition and events. Nathan has always kept ahead of the cosmetology industry to encourage his learners, guests and community.
A native from Enola, Pennsylvania, Nathan decided early in his career to move to Philadelphia, PA and work in education. He spent a majority of his career working for premiere cosmetology schools such as Aveda, Toni & Guy, The Beauty Institute/Schwarzkopf and Paul Mitchell. Over the years he had the opportunity to mentor and train hundreds of the City’s most budding hairstylists. Nathan has received advanced education and certifications with companies such as; Goldwell, Wella, Framesi, Joico and Tigi.
With such strong passion, commitment and experience in education, Nathan decided to create his own vision of a cosmetology academy and bring this inspiration to central PA to offer a stellar experience for all students.
This brings us to Walk with Scissors. An Academy that is focused on the learner receiving the best quality of education. Learning the latest trends and advanced technical skills. Nathan is prepared to utilize its surrounding community to build incredible partnerships. He will offer top notch equipment, tools and supplies so students can work to their fullest potentials. Walk With Scissors thrives on guest speakers, demonstrations from other professionals, salon visits, career events, interviewing practices, business skills,competitions, photo shoots, portfolio building, and hair & makeup shows.
Visit www.walkwithscissors.com
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Lynnore K Seaton
Lynnore K Seaton is a family lawyer, mediator and collaborative lawyer in Central Pennsylvania. A graduate of Miami University of Ohio, she worked in business for several years, before attending Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.
Lynnore’s legal experience includes several years of litigating some of the most complex divorce, support, and custody matters. During that time, she also represented parties in mediations, arbitrations, and collaborative law matters. Lynnore deepened her knowledge of domestic relations law while serving as counsel to the Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The position provided her with the opportunity to work with some of the most respected and knowledgeable volunteer attorneys and judges in the state. Their mission was to ensure that the domestic relations procedural rules conformed to developments in the law and to the realities of family law practice. Lynnore provided guidance to the committee, which included the top family law attorneys in the commonwealth, through research and writing memoranda regarding various legal issues, including new legislation and case law.
Upon returning to private practice, Lynnore has resolved to use her knowledge and experience to assist parties in resolving their matters in the most compassionate way possible. She serves as an attorney or a neutral third party in alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediation and arbitration. As a divorce consultant, Lynnore also works with clients one on one, to map out a plan for their divorce as well as their future for themselves and their family.
More information can be found about Lynnore at: www.lseatonlaw.com and she can be reached at 717-586-7933.
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Emily Yost
I am a current Freelance Event Planner through small opportunities given to me by surrounding friends and family. I also have an internship with PA Wedding Guide as a Digital Marketing Intern where I am responsible for media branding and personal outreach. I strive to bring creativity and originality to the table all while providing quality service. I love to show my personality to my clients by making connections and showing support.
Reach out at emilyyostplanning@gmail.com
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Zoe Smith
Zoe Smith is a former York College Student graduating with BFA in Graphic Design and minors in Art History and Photography. She got her start in photography by taking a class in high school. She then furthered her education in photography in college by taking several classes. In her free time she also likes to read and write. She currently resides in Maryland.
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Adam Davis
Hello, I'm Adam, the photographer behind Daydream Photography. I've been doing photography for over 20years, all starting with the experience of developing photos in a darkroom. Since then I've always daydreamed of what it would be like to own a photography business. Becoming a parent, you daydream of countless moments, but when you're a parent of a special needs child, suddenly you're traveling a new roadand it starts to look a lot different. Challenging as it might be, you discover new dreams to chase and thebeauty behind it all! One dream that never goes away is capturing a family photo, a smile, holiday photos,etc. Every moment is an opportunity for a dream photo and that can become a very challenging task whenyour child has special needs. This unexpected road in my life as a special needs parent has led me back tomaking my dream as a photographer. But now this journey has turned into a mission: ensure theopportunity for everyone, with any ability to have their story captured in precious moments frozen in time.
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Emily Kenniston
Emily Kenniston is a professionally represented and multi-published model (specializing in bridal), freelance journalist and content writer, novelist, community television program host and producer (Small Business Spotlight on BCTV.org), singer, and public speaker. She currently holds the title of Mrs. Ireland Continental Worldwide, and is honored to use her title to support small business owners in her home state of Pennsylvania . She was lucky enough to marry her college sweetheart, Dillon, and together they reside in Berks County, PA with their daughter, Brielle, and rescue pup, Teddy.
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Linsdey Hart
` Hi there! I’m Lindsey! I’m a wife & a mom, a faith-driven believer, a Disney fanatic, a foodie, a gamer, an animal lover, a music & movie nerd, & a fan of a good coffee.
Lindsey has been the “girl with the camera” since middle school, but has been photographing professionally since 2014. Her passion is to capture the timeless memories & candid moments of life, as she strives to provide clients with quality genuine & impactful images for their home or business.
As a nationally published & award winning Photographer, images from her portfolio have been featured in & on local & regional magazines, book covers for authors, corporate advertisements, The Wall Street Journal, & even a Billboard in Times Square, located above the flagship Macy’s store. In 2022, Lindsey was nominated for Berks County Living’s “Best of Berks,” a contest that highlights favorite businesses in the area. Votes were tallied, & she was humbled & grateful to be awarded the title of “Best Family Portrait Photographer.”
When Lindsey isn’t behind her camera, she spends her time making memories with her supportive & loving husband, creative & curious son, & snuggly Siamese cat.
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Amanda Ruiz
Amanda Ruiz LPC has been providing outpatient therapy for over 14 years. She is a successful entrepreneur, having founded The Counseling Collective more than 6 years ago. She has grown the business into a group practice offering mental health therapy that employs a team of 14 therapists. She knows what it means to take a business from an idea to reality and the stress that comes with that.
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Isabelle Flores
Isabelle Flores was our social media management intern for Fall 2023. She is currently a senior at The Pennsylvania State University in the Bellisario College of Communications working towards her Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising with a minor in Digital Media Trends and Analytics and a Business Fundamentals certificate. Throughout her time with Grit & Goals Magazine, she helped to increase reach and engagement on our Instagram and Facebook platforms by curating on-brand content and interacting with other businesses nationwide expanding our network to several regions. We wish her the best as she moves onto her future endeavors!
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Jocelyn Renae Martin
Jocelyn Renae Martin is a wife and mom of two amazing boys. She is a licensed mental health therapist who utilizes photography as a her creative outlet. She enjoys encouraging others through portraiture and emphasizing the beauty in others.
Photography has been a love of hers for decades and she has chosen to continue to pursue her passion and turn it into a career. She owns and operates a full creative agency, Jocelyn Renae Creative, where she provides: Photography, microfilms, website design, creative consulting, and a host of other creative services. She has been published in a number of magazines and blogs for her work over the years. Jocelyn, following in her mother Renee’s footsteps, also has a heart for women and encouraging them with the word of God. She is excited to partner with her mother, Renee Marshall-McKinley on such a transformative experience.
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Amanda Fineman
Amanda Fineman was our intern for summer 2023.
During her time with us at Grit & Goals Magazine she helped to increase our social media reach and bring a fresh set of eyes to all our creative pursuits. We wish her the best of luck in her future pursuits!
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Sonia Branco Micliz
Sonia Branco Micliz is a proud Toms River local and owner of Elizabeth Grace Wellness. I’m a passionate mom of 2, wife and believer in clean living and wellness. So grateful to be able to help families feel confident in the choices they make while introducing them to organic and non toxic personal care products. We are a small family owned and run organic business. Elizabeth Grace Wellness is named after our 2 girls and everything is made by us in our home for you. It fits right in to our idea of making sure everything we place on our body is good for us. Being the Change we wish to see in the world.
www.elizabethgracewellness.com
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Taylor Spence
HEY! I’m Taylor Spence, after graduating from college, I recall someone telling me that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. So why not do something I enjoy, I combined my passion for cheesy romance novels and rom-coms with my passion for photography.
So that’s where the inspiration for T.Spence Photography came from.
I value my clients and the ability to capture their true emotions and personalities. I want the photographs I take to show you as a family or a couple, not just as a model in a magazine. I try to plan photoshoots around them. I want their session to be as simple as possible from beginning to end.
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Linda M. Toki
Linda M. Toki is a retired 33-year federal government employee who worked for Army Graphics at the Pentagon and the Farm Credit Administration as a Visual Information Specialist, where she was a graphic designer and photographer. She was involved with the agency’s diversity and inclusion programs working on SharePoint sites for special emphasis groups and the Annual Diversity Day. She volunteered for the Farm Credit Club and organized many agency social activities as well as photographing them. She was a member of the Combined Federal Campaign committee creating advertising and displays. She was responsible for the monthly displays set up in the atrium.
Throughout her career, she has been an award-winning graphic designer and photographer receiving recognition from the AIGA, Communicator’s Award, Washington Gardener Magazine, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area, and the Hungarian Embassy to name a few.
In collaboration with AppWhisperer, Linda was the designer for a quilt that showcases iPhone photography from its inception to now. The quilt has traveled worldwide on exhibit. Along with her sister Laura, she is a published poet creating the collection: “Only Black is in Style; Unfashionably Dark Verse.” It features original works and photos.
Following retirement, she has taught iPhone photography, composition for photography and Photoshop at the Adams County Arts Council. Linda also teaches tarot for Etheric Connections, Gettysburg, and The Sacred Willow in Littlestown. She reads tarot cards every first Saturday at Crystal Wand in Gettysburg. She is a part time product photographer and graphic designer for Fresh Boutique. Her freelance work includes many logos and branding for local businesses to include: Fresh, Etheric Connections, The Sacred Willow, and Soothsayer’s Aria. She remains connected to Casa Italiana and the Vespa Club of Washington DC doing graphics and photography as a volunteer. Linda serves as a board member for the Gettysburg Community Theater and volunteers for photography assignments and shows. She belongs to We Women Empowered, and BIG Businesswomen Influencing Gettysburg. She is co-founder of the Gettysburg Area Camera club and a women’s spirituality organization called Gettysburg Goddesses. She is the creatrix behind Sacred Sight Spirit Animal Stones which are hand painted eyes used in shamanic practices.
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Alex Van Orden
Alex Van Orden is a highly accomplished business professional with a diverse background and extensive experience across various industries. She obtained her degree from Rutgers University and has solidified her reputation as an entrepreneur and leader in the business world. Through her previous roles in high-level operations management, business consulting, and franchise development, Alex has garnered invaluable insights and skills that contribute to her ongoing success.
Currently, Alex holds the esteemed position of co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at C Sweet Logistics, a prominent media, design, and production company. In this capacity, she takes charge of overseeing high-level operations management, providing strategic business consulting, and excelling in project management.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Alex resides in New Jersey with her boyfriend and their beloved English Bulldog, Massimo.
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Chelsea Kenny
I’m Chelsea Kenny, the founder of Rosebud Photography. I am a business branding, portrait and event photographer based in Ocean/Monmouth county NJ. For some photographers, the end result is all that counts. However, for me, it is as much about the process as it is the final product. I love creating and inspiring other women to pursue their dream careers and help them visually create the look and feel of their brand.
I started my entrepreneurial photography journey almost 6 years ago and designed Rosebud Photography to be an alternative to the run-of-the-mill photography experience most people are used to. About 4 years ago I started focusing more on the powerful aspects of business branding.
I’ve created a membership-styled program for all business owners/entrepreneurs who are looking to UP their visual content game and always have fresh new imagery for their brand. With each photoshoot, you’ll find that your ideas are respected and our process of creating is going to give you something all your own.
If you’re looking to update your visuals and want to chat, visit me on all the things ;)
IG - @Rosebudphoto.ck + @RosebudVIB
Web - www.rosebudphotographynj.com + www.rosebudvib.com
Email - rosebudphoto.ck@gmail.com
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Alesha Courtney
Alesha Courtney, MS, CHHC, CPT is a certified nutritionist and trainer who battled her own health issues growing up. She became passionate about nutrition after finding out she had been living with food allergies. This passion was enough to make her go for a Masters degree and open a fitness studio where she helped women create healthier lifestyles through diet and exercise. After 6 years she decided to close when COVID hit and she has now pivoted online.
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Sara Hall
Sara Hall is the owner and operator of Harmony Hall Organizing. When she isn't helping busy people get organized, she's playing with her 2 kiddos or spending time with her husband, Chris. The thing she loves most about her work is watching people finally find harmony in their homes! Live in the Lancaster Area and want to work with Sara?
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Melissa Stanton
Melissa Stanton (cover feature waredrobe)worked for 40 years as a Wardrobe Supervisor for theater, film and TV in NYC. Some of her credits include Working Girl, 12 Monkeys, Orange Is The New Black, and Russian Doll, for which she won an Emmy Award. She is now retired and lives at the New Jersey shore.
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Rachel Martelli
IG @itsyourbeautycall
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Alicia DeMille
IG: @aliciad_beauthere