The women of Hoboken and Jersey City never cease to amaze us and as 2025 begins with a fresh start, we wanted to shine a light on some extra-special locals. These women are entrepreneurs, change-makers, and beloved members of our community. Read on for our list of 25 Hoboken and Jersey City women (+ an honorary Woman of The Year) to watch.

Christina Kizer | Owner of Chrissy The Crystal Indigo

Photo Credit: Chrissy The Crystal Indigo

Christina Kizer is the owner of Chrissy The Crystal Indigo, a metaphysical shop in Hoboken located at 423 Washington Street. Christina is a gifted Jersey City resident who positively impacts the community thanks to her healing energy. She is originally from Chicago and comes from a lineage of Cherokee Indian women who were skilled healers working closely with medicine and herbs. She is a certified Reiki healer, a past-life regression practitioner, a medium, and more. In 2025 Christina plans to provide more hands-on services at her shop including Sirian Star Healing and certifications and education for interested healers. Christina shared that she is so proud of all other clients and customers who have made outstanding changes as she watches them elevate to their aligned purpose. Christina’s local favorites are Fat Taco, Bloom Spa, Grubbs, Madd Hatter, Sephora, YogaRenew, and Madewell.

Brittany Graziosi | Owner of Twilight Thrift Shop + JC Oddities Market

Photo Credit: Brittany Graziosi

Brittany Graziosi was born and raised in Jersey City and runs two local businesses beloved by the community: Twilight Thrift Shop and The Jersey City Oddities Market located at 2845 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Brittany began Jersey City Oddities Market in 2016 to showcase all things weird and wonderful, hosting several pop-ups throughout the community. In early 2024, she opened Twilight Thrift shop in Journal Square to showcase all of her unique finds and to provide an affordable shopping spot with genuine thrift prices. Brittany and her 11-year-old son underwent several ups and downs this year that kept her out of the store, and she thanked friends Sam Moon and Lauren Kosinski for stepping up to help oversee the store. In 2025, she hopes to get back into the day-to-day operations of the shop, continue hunting at estate sales, and get back into creating. Some of Brittany’s local favorites are Baonanas, Balance Salon, Sip Studios, and Pet Shop. Brittany also gave a well-deserved shout-out to Amy Wilson, an artist and the founder of Jersey City Mutual Aid Society who has been vital in helping Brittany’s business and the good of the community.

Read More: 2 Hoboken Firefighters + Friends Step in to Reopen Green Pear Cafe

Ani Youssoufian | Owner of Youssoufiani

Photo Credit: Ani Youssoufian

Ani Youssoufian is the founder and instructor at Youssoufiani, a leather craftsmanship studio that opened in July 2024 at 33 Wayne Street in Jersey City. The fashion-focused leather studio allows customers to create their own designer–quality handbags through a hands-on experience. In 2025, Ani plans to expand her offerings introducing advanced classes that focus on luxury handbag making. She also hopes to collaborate with other locals and artisans to make her studio a go-to destination for learning and inspiration. Ani’s favorite thing about living in the area is the community. She told HG that Jersey City in particular is a vibrant, charming, and welcoming place filled with other talented artists, makers, and small business owners. 

Aretha Marotto | Owner of Gaia's Cavern Boutique Spa

Photo Credit: Aretha Marotto

Aretha Marotto is the owner of Gaia’s Cavern at 140 Wayne Street in Jersey City. She has been practicing esthetics for well over 20 years. She grew up in Buffalo New York and moved to Jersey City six years ago, when she took a leap of faith to operate her own spa business in collaboration with childhood friend and owner of LaKoet, and “fearless entrepreneur”, Kitty Varco. After five years of running Gaia’s Cavern alongside Kitty, Aretha took full ownership in February 2024. In 2025, she plans to continue enhancing her clients' lives through her passion for skincare, human touch, and connection with the community. Some of Aretha’s local favorites are: LaKoet Salon, Scale, Darke Pines, Harry’s Daughter, Orange Theory, Asana Soul Practice, and Busy Bee Organics.

Montana Fucci | Owner of Cranky Angel

Photo Credit: Montana Fucci

Montana Fucci is the founder of Cranky Angel, a thrift and vintage store located at 304 Newark Avenue in Jersey City that won Best Clothing Boutique and Best Sustainable Business in HG's Best of Hoboken + Jersey City 2024. She is a born and raised Jersey girl who has always been passionate about clothing and community. Montana’s niche is the nostalgic fashion and pop-culture influence of the early 2000s. The combination of thrifted and vintage goods provides a little something for everyone. Montana is grateful to the community for their incredible support this year and plans to host many more hands-on events and customized clothing services. Montana’s local favorites are Frankie, Elevator JC, Into The Void, and Deep Space Gallery. She also gave a special shout-out to Deep Space Owner, Jenna Geiger who she says is “an amazing woman and entrepreneur with unmatched vision.”

India Joseph | Owner of Dirty Hippie Studio

Photo Credit: India Joseph

Jersey City resident India Joseph, aka Foxy Green, opened Dirty Hippie Studio in June 2024. The colorful storefront at 304 Newark Avenue in Jersey City has hosted several art shows and community events this year. India’s continued mission is to help artists and creatives have their work seen and displayed to the public. She aspires to bring out the entrepreneurial spirit in everyone she meets and plans to continue her creative work and community engagement in 2025. Dirty Hippie is proudly a safe space for all to feel at home. India feels grateful to be in a city surrounded by so many creative individuals. She told HG that living in Jersey City has allowed her “to fully express myself as an individual, and continues to shape me in more ways than one.”

Courtney Roselle | Owner of Iron Grace Fitness

Photo Credit: Sabrina Steck

Courtney Roselle is a competitive athlete and founder of Iron Grace Fitness, a health and wellness company she started six years ago. Courtney also coaches at Brazen Athletics and Montclair State University. Her biggest passion is motivational speaking and fitness modeling for body positivity. She has been featured in Vogue, Strong Fitness Magazine, Self, and Women’s Health. Outside the gym, Courtney is the youngest of five siblings and enjoys spending time with her loving and supportive family and friends. Courtney shared with HG that she admires HDSID director Rachel Sieg who has been a vital part of the board for Glamming the Warrior and Whole Spectrum Autism. Aside from Courntey’s close-knit love for the community, some of her favorite local spots are: Alfalfa, YogaRenew, M + P, Secur, and The Hive. In 2025 Courntey hopes to open her first personal training gym in Hoboken.

Madison Vitale | Co-Founder of Sistersnacking

Photo Credit: Clay Rodriguez

Madison Vitale is one of the four sisters behind Sistersnacking, a food blog filled with local recommendations and restaurants to travel guides and recipes. Madi Snacks is Madison’s solo endeavor where she showcases the behind-the-scenes action of her day-to-day as a food content creator. This year she made it on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list just one month before her 30th birthday. Madison told HG that her favorite part about living in North Jersey has to be the fresh mozzarella and how welcoming the community is. Her favorite local spots are the Riverview Farmers’ Market, Fiore’s Deli, La Isla, Rasoi, Darke Pines, Razza, Bread and Salt, and The Hive. Madison added an extra special shout-out to the owners of The Hive, Catherine and Kristen, who she admires greatly.

Sherry Cassin | Owner of Meow Mini Mart

Photo Credit: Richie Schwartz

Sherry Cassin combined her fashion retail experience and love of cats to create Meow Mini Mart, a cat specialty store in Jersey City Heights at 57 Congress Street. Her goal was to flip the script and create a cat-centric pet shop to focus on the needs of feline friends. The adorable shop has been a hit this year after opening and in 2025 Sherry hopes to continue building. She shared that she plans to host food and nutrition-based demos, and seminars for new cat parents and even grow the store’s online offerings. Sherry loves living in the Garden State sharing that she loves the open skies, the low buildings, the cute shops, and the cat-loving community. Locally, she admires and gives a special shout-out to Megan Wintersteen of the Riverview Farmers' Market who is a devoted pet parent and a philanthropic star in Jersey City Heights.

Bina Bhatt | Founder of Arleo Collection

Photo Credit: Olivia Steuer

Bina Bhatt is a Hudson County native and the founder of Arleo Collection, a gold vermeil jewelry brand crafted for the “fiery spirit”. Bina’s mission is to empower individuals to embrace their strength, confidence, and unique self-expression through timeless, sustainable jewelry. Bina is dedicated to creating jewelry that complements the wearer’s style and inspires the fearless pursuit of passion, resilience, and authenticity. Bina looks forward to scaling Arleo Collection in 2025 and hopes she can use her platform to “inspire others, especially women, to pursue their passions and step boldly into their purpose.” Bina’s local shopping favorites are 301 Collective, Brooke + Bel, and Kanibal Home.

Sheila Burmistrova | Founder + CEO of Narra Collective

Photo Credit: Nev Trinajstic of Nev Photography

Sheila ‘Shy’ Burmistrova is the founder and CEO of Narra Collective, Jersey City’s first family-friendly co-working space, located at 333 Washington Street. Sheila has a background in managing operations and commercial real estate for startups and decided to pause her career to stay home with her son during his first year of life. She shared with HG that the time at home gave her the inspiration and clarity to create Narra, a space that bridges the gap between career and family life. In 2025, Sheila hopes to continue expanding Narra and hosting more events to foster connection and showcase her heritage as a proud Filipina. As a foodie, Sheila shared that some of her favorite local spots are: Manila, Taqueria, Secret Kitchen, and Meryendang Pinoy.

Gianna Peraza | Owner + Director of Greatness Grows Early Learning Center

Photo Credit: Gianna Peraza

Gianna Peraza has been an educator in New Jersey for the past seven years and currently resides in Bergen County where she grew up. Education has always been an important part of her life and 2024 in particular brought some exciting new developments with Gianna’s education dreams: opening the Greatness Grows Early Learning Center in Hoboken (coming soon). Gianna shared with HG that “Outside of work, I’m lucky to have an amazing support system. My husband, Gio, is my rock, and I’m also a proud cat mom to Solomon. When I’m not busy with work or chasing my dreams, you’ll likely find me soaking up the sun at the beach, my favorite place to recharge. And if there’s something sweet involved, you can count me in—I never turn down dessert!” Some of Gianna’s local favorites are O' Bagel, Bean Vault Coffee, and Basile’s Pizza.

Efi Mihalis | Owner of Efi's Gyro + Cafe

Photo Credit: Efi Mihalis

Efi Mihalis is the owner of Efi’s Gyro + Cafe. Efi opened the first Efi’s Gyro location in Montclair at 521 Bloomfield Avenue when she was just 18 years old. Now at 22, she is thrilled to have a second location in Jersey City at 30 Park Lane North. Efi’s is all about serving fresh, authentic Greek flavors — from classic gyros to vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Efi shared, “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited to keep growing and sharing my passion with even more people.” Efi plans to continue growing and honing in on community events and catering services in 2025. Efi wants to shout out her mom for her unwavering support and her YiaYia whose recipes and wisdom continue to inspire everything she does. Her colleagues Johanna and Ariane also inspire her every day through their dedication. Some of her local favorites are Buddy’s JC and Lokal.

 

Neidy Gutierrez + Adrienne Romero | Founders of Slice of Culture

Photo Credit: Slice of Culture

Neidy Gutierrez and Adrienne Romero are the co-founders of Slice of Culture, a local publication focusing on the underrepresented stories of the Hudson County community. Growing up in Northern New Jersey, Neidy and Adrienne were aware of the various cultures around them but noticed there wasn’t enough positive coverage of our community in traditional media. So in 2020, the two started Slice of Culture to help cover the diverse community in Hudson County. In 2025, Neidy and Adrienne plan to continue serving the community through authentic multimedia storytelling and collaboration and eventually scale Slice of Culture to become a path of generational wealth for their amazing team. Some of Neidy and Adrienne’s local favorites are: Lotus Thai La Bodega, Dos Amigos, Wing Bar, Philippine Bread House, Cosy Cup Library, Broadway Diner, Crema, Wasabi Thai, Neptune Bakery, The Grind, Kanibal + Co, Into The Void, Seven Souls, Skye Styles, Zero Kid Vintage, and Harry’s Daughter, among a large list of others.

Marisa Corrado | Owner of Nouveau + Vintage + Co-Owner of 301 Collective

Photo Credit: Marisa Corrado

Marisa Corrado is a mother, designer, business owner, and lover of all things new and vintage. In 2009 she founded her website Nouveau and Vintage while working in the fashion industry in NYC as an accessories designer. In 2023 an opportunity came along that allowed her to create a physical space to share all the whimsical pieces of fashion and home decor she discovered while shopping and traveling in some of the world's most romantic and hidden spaces. Before she knew it, 301 Collective opened at 301 First Street in Jersey City and has become a shopping staple in the area. Marisa is a resident of Hamilton Park and is excited to keep expanding the stores’ presence in 2025. Marisa told HG that the food and vintage shopping in Jersey City are two of her favorite things about living in the area with a special foodie shout-out to Cellar 335 and Peppercorn Station. 

Samantha Ciccarella | Founder of Anteros App LLC

Photo Credit: Samantha Ciccarella

Samantha Ciccarella is a New Jersey native who spent eight years in Manhattan before returning home where she now resides in Historic Jersey City. For over a decade she has worked in the wine and spirits industry, most recently doing consumer research, insights, and strategy. At the start of 2024, she stepped into entrepreneurship to revolutionize how people approach online dating which is how the Anteros App came to be. Besides a love for revolutionizing dating, Samantha also has a deep love for her state. She loves the proximity to all things in New York and New Jersey with access to some of the most amazing restaurants. Some of Samantha’s local favorites are Mathews Food and Drink, The Archer, Mezcal Kitchen, The District, and Pet Shop.

Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez | Owner of SW3AT Wellness + The Other Side Dispensary

Photo Credit: Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez

Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez is a multi-talented entrepreneur, brand maven, and veteran here in Jersey City. She is the founder of SW3AT Wellness at 317 Central Avenue in Jersey City and The Other Side Dispensary at 36 Congress Street in Jersey City. This year, Alyza has earned her doctorate with honors in Leadership, Management, and Policy; welcomed a new baby; and officially opened her dispensary. In 2025, Alyza plans to share more developments about her consumption lounge and enjoy time with her family. Additionally, Alyza will remain devoted to breaking the recurrence of generational adversity by empowering underserved communities with ownership, resources, education & inspiration. She shouts out her wife for being her rock, a full-time mom of two, and a leader at Rutgers while still showing up for her family at all times. Alyza loves the diversity, culture, and proximity to everything here in Jersey City. Local favorites include The Cliff, Rumbas, and Torico.

Lauren McElroy | Hairstylist, Salon Manager, Social Media Manager for The Chique Collective + Melted Mango Salon

Photo Credit: Ciara Perrone Cowell

Lauren McElroy has been a resident of Hoboken for almost nine  years and has been in the hair industry for 16 years. (Fun Fact: She is a fourth-generation Hairstylist). Lauren styles hair at The Chique Collective in Hoboken and Jersey City and Melted Mango Salon in Belmar. She has traveled the world to almost five countries doing hair work at both NYFW and London Fashion Week. Lauren is a cancer survivor and is proud to say that in 2024 she is finally in remission. She told HG “Nothing makes me happier than sharing my knowledge with my guests on how to care for their hair with the best practices and products. Going through my own hair journey from losing all of my hair from chemo treatments I really try to hold space for those going through any major hair changes and give them the best ways to care for something that is special to ourselves.” Lauren’s local favorites are City Bistro, Hudson Table, and anything along the waterfront.

Tracy Severe | Associate Director of Public Relations at AILEY

Photo Credit: Tracy Severe

Jersey City resident and first-generation Haitian-American Tracy Severe is a results-driven public relations professional with over a decade of experience across the entertainment, performing arts, nonprofit, and lifestyle sectors. Tracy is the Associate Director of Public Relations at AILEY, a non-profit organization honoring the legacy of Alvin Ailey, a world-class dancer, choreographer, and director through dance, theatre, and community programs. Tracy leverages her expertise to amplify the visibility and impact of one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. Tracy is passionate about the transformative power of the arts to foster connection and enrich communities. Tracy is connected to the community and shared that “there are so many amazing women in this community whom I look up to for their tenacity, kind souls, and unwavering dedication to their businesses.” She wants to shout out baking duo and HG team members, Jordan and Joelle Hernandez of Double Dough, for their creativity and passion that has made their delicious treats one of Tracy’s local favorites. Other community members that Tracy mentioned include Eiko La Boria and Sabrina Browne of The Flow Initiative and Lisa Malanga, owner of Pure Barre Jersey City + Hoboken. Some of Tracy’s other favorite local spots in Hoboken + Jersey City include Alfalfa, bwè kafe, Cafe Alyce, dullboy, Harry's Daughter, Little City Books, Metropolitan Nails, Nûrish, Pure Barre Jersey City + Hoboken, Scram, The Beaute Spot JC (formerly Vision of Hair), and Zee Braiding.

Carri Degenhardt Burke | Owner of City Swipes

Photo Credit: Carri Degenhardt Burke

Carri Degenhardt Burke is a Jersey City resident, mother, wife, and owner of City Swipes, a fluid art experience studio. The studio at 78 Erie Street in Downtown Jersey City is one of the only fluid art studios open to the public in the tri-state area and people come from all over to experience it. In addition to workshops and private events at City Swipes, the studio also has a boutique space that features a fluid artwork gallery with original artwork, sustainable jewelry, and more. Carri enjoys the boutique and gallery space as much as the workshops and private events as it allows her to connect with so many people from all different walks of life. When Carri isn’t teaching a class or holding a private event she is busy creating her own abstract art pieces. Her favorite thing about living in Jersey City, aside from not pumping her own gas, is the easy access to restaurants and experiences. Her local favorites are Jane Doe and Madame in Jersey City.

Aditi Guha | Founder of PCOS Transformation Academy

Photo Credit: Aditi Guha

Aditi Guha is a Hoboken-based certified Precision Nutritionist with a four-year specialization in PCOS. Her drive to become a nutritionist started with her struggles to lose weight. After trying many diets with little success, Aditi decided to focus on her symptoms to lose the weight she desired. Now, she helps women with PCOS through her customized 1:1 program — PCOS Transformation Academy. In 2024, HG spoke to Aditi to learn all about her program that is positively impacting the lives of women in Hudson County.

Caroline Henderson | Owner of For Cup Sakes

Photo Credit: Caroline Henderson

Caroline Henderson is the owner, founder, and creative director at For Cup Sakes, a custom cookie studio at 720 Monroe Street in Hoboken. Caroline Henderson moved from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Hoboken nearly ten years ago with her two children. She absolutely loves calling the Mile Square city home. Aside from her love for her quiet neighborhood and close access to New York City, Caroline’s local favorites are Panello, Bin 14, and Otok Bakery. Through her immersion in the Hoboken community, Caroline has received moving support from the community over the years, including Councilwoman Emily Jabbour. This year, she was most proud of her perseverance and determination to succeed while opening her new commercial kitchen while undergoing treatment for breast cancer and growing her business by nearly 200%. One of her other favorite moments of 2024 was opening For Cup Sakes’ first retail spot in the Plaza Hotel and hopes to have more expansion into New York City in 2025.

Sue Stephens | U.S. Army Veteran + The Hoboken Resident Behind “Stumpy”

Photo Credit: Sue Stephens

Hoboken residents may recognize a friendly-looking stump that lives on the corner of Bloomfield + Second Streets who appears dressed in festive outfits at the change of every season who goes by the name of Stumpy. The stump’s “stylist” is Hoboken resident and 24-year U.S. Army National Guard Veteran, Sue Stephens. In fall 2024, Sue noticed someone had drawn a smiley face on the stump, but the smile had started to fade. Since then, Sue has taken a festive approach to Stumpy’s fashion: she dressed “him” in a pilgrim’s hat for Thanksgiving, a Santa Suit for Christmas, NYE glasses, bunny ears for Easter, cozy scarves for winter, and more. Sue made it clear that the stump is not “hers.” If other locals want to decorate it, she welcomes them to join in on the fun. Sue’s innovative creation has truly lifted the spirits of Hoboken this year. Sue was also the first woman Grand Marshal to lead the Hoboken Memorial Day Parade back in May — you can read more about that here.

Dileiny Baron | Influencer + Founder of The Creators Loft

Photo Credit: Jonathan Paul

Dileiny Baron is a Jersey City-based influencer, entrepreneur, mother, wife, and founder of The Creators Loft, a sophisticated, vintage-inspired content studio designed to empower influencers, photographers, brands, and creators to bring their visions to life in an elevated way. Dileiny has over a decade of experience in content creation and influencer marketing and is proud to have built an action-driven, inspiring, and relatable brand. Dileiny’s passion for fashion and beauty has allowed her to build close, meaningful connections with locals, noting that her favorite thing about living in North Jersey is the perfect blend of urban energy and a close-knit community.  She told HG “I love having access to the vibrant culture, creativity, and opportunities of Jersey City and Hoboken, while still being close to New York City. The diversity here inspires me daily, and there’s such a strong sense of connection among the people”. Dileiny’s local favorites are 143 Social for cocktails, La Brujeria for tacos, and Sirena Boutique for shopping. In addition, Dileiny shouts out her friends, Sherma, Debb, Jennifer, Michelle, Selina, Mona, and Sasha, for their unwavering support, saying “They remind me every day of the power of women supporting women, and I’m so grateful to have such a strong, dynamic group of women in my life.”

See More: Succession Actor Dagmara Dominczyk Shares a Peek Inside Her Life as a Montclair Resident

Joann Saitta | Co-Owner of Olijon’s Thrift Store

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instagram இல் இந்தப் பதிவைக் காண்க

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OliJon’s Thrift Store பதிவைப் பகிர்ந்துள்ளார் (@olijonsthrift)

 

OliJon’s Thrift Store opened in December 2024 at 138 Park Avenue in Hoboken. Owner Joann Saitta saw an opportunity to jump on her dream of becoming a personal stylist and made it happen this year. Before opening OliJon’s, Joann spent time in the corporate world up until her breast cancer diagnosis 15 years ago. Years later, after time at home due to several ups and downs and complications with cancer-related treatments, Joann began spending her time volunteering at St. Mary’s Advocates on 536 Garden Street in Hoboken. It was there that she began to build close bonds with the community. She honed in on her fashionable talents to help customers understand the power of a good outfit that makes you look good and feel good, regardless of the price. Joann said, “The one thing that made me happy was styling men and women and seeing the look on their faces when they looked in the mirror.” Now, Joann and her husband John, a JCFD fire captain of over 25 years, run the shop named after their two children Olivia and Jonpierre. OliJon’s is full of affordable clothing and accessories for men and women with prices ranging from $2-$100.

Honorary Woman of The Year:

Jen Giattino | City Councilwoman

Gave Her Hand and Heart to All Who Needed It

“Jen Giattino’s unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community was the cornerstone of her life. As a devoted wife and mother, Jen’s love and dedication to her husband Joe, their three sons—Joey, Jack, and Alex—and her beloved dog Jane were at the very heart of everything she did. That same spirit carried over into her service to Hoboken, where she was elected four times by 6th Ward residents to represent them on the City Council and chosen by her peers as Council President six times. Jen led with fairness, integrity, and a unique ability to bring people together, bridging divides to make meaningful change—from enhancing parks and open spaces to championing sustainability and supporting the city’s most vulnerable. She had a gift for lifting others, celebrating and supporting her many friends and neighbors, their small businesses, non-profits, and community efforts. Guided by her belief that “you can never do wrong by doing the right thing,” she gave her hand and her heart to anyone who needed it, whether it was a friend, a neighbor, or a stranger on the street. Hoboken is forever better because of Jen, and she is deeply missed by so many, but her legacy continues to inspire all who had the privilege to know her.” — Hoboken Councilwoman, Tiffanie Fisher.