Millennials, move over… Gen Z is ready to make its mark on the Hoboken and Jersey City business scene. Bringing fresh ideas, tech-savvy strategies, and a deep commitment to social impact to the table, these business owners are all born between 1997 and 2012 and thus part of the Gen Z generation. Read on for more about a few local Gen Z business owners and entrepreneurs in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Disclaimer: This is a growing list — no omissions were intentional. To request to be added, please email [email protected].
About Gen Z
Gen Z are digital natives. They grew up with the Internet and social media at their disposal, unlike their predecessors, the Millennials. According to research, this constant connectivity has shaped Gen Z’s communication styles drastically, making them more adept than generations before them at navigating the digital landscape (Pew Research Center).
Because of the hybrid digital world Gen Z grew up in, trends show that the generation is generally fueled by a desire for independence and a preference for creating their own career paths. Unlike previous generations, they are less inclined to work traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Recent data shows that many Gen Zers are motivated by a sense of purpose and would prefer to align their business endeavors with their values (such as sustainability, social justice, or fostering community engagement), (McKinsey + Company). Meet the Gen Z Business owners in Hoboken and Jersey City below.
Read More: A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Hoboken + Jersey City
Anastasia S. K. — Social Fusion Studio
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26-year-old Ana has a background in Business and Marketing and her professional journey has led her to manage social media for diverse entities, such as the United Nations, and eventually, the creation of Social Fusion Studio. In 2018, Ana started her first business — a sustainable fashion brand. Recently, she decided to build her own social media practice intended to provide genuinely impactful services for business owners.
Dylan Zajac — Computers 4 People
Photo Credit: Dylan Zajac
Computers 4 People is a non-profit, green business (officially recognized by the City of Hoboken) led by 21-year-old Dylan Zajac. Dylan started the effort here in Hoboken when he was 15 years old. The organization is dedicated to collecting, refurbishing, and donating computers to individuals and organizations in under-resourced communities to promote equity and access to opportunity. Since its founding, the group has donated 2,400+ computers allowing thousands of individuals to get jobs, access education, and connect with family and friends. Dylan has raised over $1,500,000 for Computers 4 People. The group recently held a 5th Anniversary Fundraiser in Hoboken, raising over $30,000.
Jake Hertz — NanoHertz Solutions + Origin Labs
Jake Hertz is a 26-year-old originally from Westchester, NY, who has called Hoboken home for three years. In 2020, he graduated from the University of Rochester with a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Jake told HG, “I have been starting businesses my whole life, from selling candy in middle school to fixing iPhones and laptops in college.” In graduate school, Nick started his business, NanoHertz Solutions Inc., which has since split into both NanoHertz Solutions and Origin Labs, to help design and write about technology. NanoHertz Solutions is a Technical Communications business that helps develop technical content, like blog posts, articles, white papers, and eBooks, and provides Public Relations services, helping companies build industry awareness and brand leadership. Origin Labs is a high-tech product development and engineering design studio that helps entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life by providing professional engineering and product development services to startups.
Marissa Herrmann — Move House
Photo Credit: Marissa Herrmann
Move House is run by 26-year-old Marissa Herrmann and is a Hoboken-based fitness studio that provides a low-impact, high-energy, full-body sculpt workout. Marissa started dancing when she was just two years old and danced competitively until she was 18 years old. She graduated college from MSU with a BFA in dance. During her senior year, Marissa received her Barre certification to teach at her aunt’s studio in college and beyond. After college, she worked at local fitness studios as a part-time job, but soon realized it was exactly where she wanted to be. Move House combines Marissa’s background in dance and knowledge of fitness to create a workout that is effective and fun. She opened the studio on September 1st, 2023, hosting pop-up classes in Hoboken at The Studio at Hoboken, located at 251 1st Street, and in the lower level of the Citadel Building, located at 450 7th Street. Later, she launched Move House on Demand, a workout-from-anywhere program.
Natalia Artigas — Natalia’s Trinkets
Photo Credit: Natalia Artigas
At just 13 years old, 7th grader Natalia Artigas turned her passion for creativity, love for crafting, and eye for detail into a small business selling intricate, handmade earrings. Her parents supported her journey by purchasing her start-up materials, and since then she has been selling her handmade earrings at school and to family and friends. Her designs have garnered attention, leading her to set up an Instagram page, @nataliastrinkets, where she showcases her creations and takes custom orders. Her mom says “Her ability to balance schoolwork with her business is a testament to her exceptional time management skills and passion for what she does.”
Nicholas Petruzelli + Jordan Getz — Heart of Hoboken
Photo Credit: Nicholas Petruzelli + Jordan Getz
Nicholas Petruzzelli and Jordan Getz are currently juniors at Hoboken High School who created and run a non-profit organization for children with special needs, specifically aged 10-18, called Heart of Hoboken. They started the community activation group in February 2024, and it’s continued to grow each month. The first event was called “Night at the Nest”, a series of fun activities in the Hoboken High School gym, featuring pizza from Alessio’s Cafe and cinnamon buns from The Hive. The group’s second event was an inclusive kickball event and the latest event (their most successful yet) was an inclusive bowling event.
Olivia Renteria — Tutu School (coming soon)
Photo Credit: Olivia Renteria
Jersey City Heights is gaining a new business (and Gen Z co-owner) soon. Tutu Ballet School is founded by Olivia Renteria (age 24) and her aunt Purdie Baumann (owner of Purdie Space in JC Heights). Olivia Renteria is a professional dancer, singer, and actress. She was most recently seen in The First National Tour of Mean Girls. Olivia has performed alongside artists such as Julianne Hough and Emma Roberts. On top of her acting and entrepreneurial careers, she is also the frontwoman of her own band and now performs all over New York City singing Country, Pop, and R&B covers.
Peyton Jackson — Dyed by Pey
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Peyton Jackson is a 26-year-old Hoboken resident with two small businesses. Her first business is her tie dye company, Dyed by Pey. When the Covid pandemic struck, Peyton moved temporarily to the suburbs of Connecticut. After a bit of weekend boredom and craftiness, Dyed by Pey was created. The brand sells tees + tanks, sweatshirts + hoodies, shorts, sweatpants, accessories, and custom tie-dyed pieces. She’s participated in several pop-ups in Hoboken and also does birthday parties. Peyton’s second venture is an Etsy shop selling phone cases and sweatshirts.
See More: 7 Inventors of Pretty Cool Inventions From Essex County, NJ
Rachel Ziegler — Ivy Mane Studio
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Rachel Ziegler, founder and owner of Ivy Mane Studio, began her business in 2020 while pursuing a degree in Interior Design. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into more as she fell in love with the media of concrete. Rachel draws inspiration from the world around her, whether it’s the tranquility of nature or the bustling energy of NYC — and these influences blend with her passion for design and architecture to create unique and functional pieces that tell a story. While the studio primarily sells handcrafted goods for the home, Ivy Mane also hosts creative workshops for those interested in unlocking their creative sides — including experiences like Create Your Own ‘Drip Plant Pot’ and ‘Booty Planter’ (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like).
Where to Bring Visitors for the Holidays in the Hudson County Area
The holiday season is a great time for friends and family from out of town to come visit the Hoboken and Jersey City area. With its proximity to New York City, there is an abundance of activities and holiday must-sees within a short distance — from seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree to window shopping on Washington Street. Once a visitor's plans to come visit are solidified, it can be overwhelming to come up with ideas of what to do during their stay. What might seem mundane and run-of-the-mill to us may be exciting and noteworthy to those just passing through. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of places to bring your out-of-town visitors during the holiday season. Read on for some local holiday activity ideas in the Hudson County area.
Things to Do
Holiday Pop-Up Markets
Holiday markets offer unique finds alongside festive activities all season long — and there are so many to check out around Hudson County and greater North Jersey. For a full list of events and pop-ups in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond, read our article here.
Read More: A Self-Guided Holiday Cocktail Tour to Hoboken + Jersey City
Ice Skating
Photo Credit: Newport Skates
This quintessential wintertime activity can be enjoyed by almost all ages and is easily accessible in New Jersey — or it makes a great addition to a New York City day. Newport Skates, located at 95 River Drive South in Jersey City, is a must-visit location. The Rink in the American Dream Mall, located at 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford, is also a great indoor spot to take visitors who are looking to escape the cold outdoors.
For Manhattan, Rockefeller Center at 45 Rockefeller Plaza and Bryant Park both have ice skating available to the public. Central Park also has ice skating at Wollman Rink, located at 830 5th Avenue, or Lasker Rink at 110 Lenox Avenue. Taking the ferry to Chelsea Piers or Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street is another great activity full of beautiful skyline views — not to mention the fun ice skating that’s there as well.
Holiday Shows
When visiting the New York area, Broadway shows are often at the top of the to-do list. If your visitor is a true out-of-towner or is just behind on their Broadway viewing, Wicked, and The Lion King are long-running, must-see shows.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is great for any young ones who might be tagging along but is still truly amazing to see as an adult. For a classier vibe, there’s nothing like a trip to Lincoln Center to see a holiday show. See the December calendar for a look at what's playing.
Things to See
Sometimes it’s an adventure just to walk around and see the sights, especially around the holiday season. New York City turns into a magical — even more lit-up than usual — place in the wintertime, and you won’t want your visitors to miss out on it.
See “The Tree”
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New Yorkers and New Jersey residents alike know exactly what “the tree” is — obviously, the tree at Rockefeller Center needs to be on the schedule for a holiday visit. Easily accessible via NJ Transit, Rockefeller Center puts on its Sunday Best for the entire winter. The giant tree from Upstate New York is draped in thousands of lights and people come from all over just to take a peak. There is plenty to do at Rockefeller Center aside from seeing the tree — like ice skating, shopping, and great restaurants nearby.
HG pro tip: To avoid some of the crowds and get a closer look at an equally gorgeous tree, head over to Bryant Park at 42nd Street and get a great holiday photo with the whole family. There will also be less strangers in the background.
See a Light Show or Display
Photo Credit: Natasha Dzurny
While Saks Fifth Avenue isn't putting on its annual holiday light show this year, there are some must-see holiday signs right here in Jersey City. Created by local artist Natasha Dzurny, WORD Bookstore at 29 McWilliams Place and Jersey City Bicycle Co. at 231 Pavonia Avenue feature animated holiday-themed artwork, including an animatronic Santa riding a bicycle and a "Naughty or Nice" sign that tells its users where they fall on Santa's list.
Over on the other side of the Hudson River, the infamous Dyker Heights Holiday Lights can be accessible by bus tour. This Brooklyn neighborhood doesn’t take their holiday decorating lightly — pun certainly intended. The entire neighborhood gets completely decked out in Christmas lights and passing through has become a New York Holiday tradition.
Taking a quick drive up to the Bronx, visitors will love the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show at 2900 Southern Boulevard, which is NYC’s largest outdoor holiday light experience. This is an exclusive opportunity to walk through the botanical garden and see it lit up like never before. After touring the garden, grab a drink at one of the outdoor bars.
For a list of more light displays in the Tri-State area, check out this article here.
Places to Eat + Drink
Keep the good times rolling with festive restaurants and bars that embrace the holiday spirit. While in NYC, make sure to get a famous frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity 3 at 225 East 60th Street. After spending the day ice skating at Bryant Park, grab a drink or snack at Refinery Rooftop at 63 West 38th Street, only a few blocks away, and take in the perfect view of the Empire State Building. You can grab dinner at Rolf’s at 281 3rd Avenue, and make sure to get some Instagram-worthy shots of the insane decor — which is actually up all year round!
Loreley Beer Garden’s Winter Wonderland at 7 Rivington Street serves up festive cocktails and warm winter drinks, alongside giant pretzels and bratwurst, bringing you to a cozy European winter paradise in downtown Manhattan. Lilian’s Victorian Establishment has locations in Times Square and Union Square, so it makes for a great stop for post-holiday activities. The gorgeous Victorian-era decor is upgraded during the holiday season and transports guests to another time in history.
If choosing to stay in Hoboken + Jersey City for a nice meal or drink with guests, there are endless great options. Miracle on Mercer is located at Franklin Social in Jersey City at 292 Barrow Street and includes lots of holiday-inspired drinks. Other Hoboken restaurants like Bin 14 at 1314 Washington Street, Dear Maud at 205 1st Street, and Dino + Harry’s at 163 14th Street, as well as spots in Jersey City like The Archer at 176 Newark Avenue, Cellar 335 at 335 Newark Avenue, and Maddy Rose Restaurant at 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, have must-see holiday decor. Some articles from the archives that can help you pick a Hoboken spot for a meal include a roundup of Italian restaurants as well as where to take your parents out to eat in Jersey City and Hoboken.
Places to Shop
Of course, walking up and down Washington Street in Hoboken is a perfect pastime, even in the winter. Beat the cold by finding the perfect cup of hot chocolate at one of the numerous coffee shops in town and check out the gorgeous window displays. Holiday shopping is easy at the many small businesses and boutiques lining the avenue.
If staying in NYC to shop, there is plenty to check out nearby all the other holiday action. Rockefeller Center has high-class fashion options and even some spots for kids. There are the classics, like the Lego Store at 636 5th Avenue and the Nintendo Store at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, which are great options for any young ones looking for gift ideas. Let holiday dreams come true by taking kids to the FAO Schwarz store in midtown at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, or you can go to Macy’s on 34th Street to see the "real" Santa Claus.
See More: The Top Holiday Light Displays to See in New Jersey + Beyond This Season
There are several winter villages that get set up around NYC for easy holiday shopping, but the one that can’t be missed is Bryant Park’s Winter Village, located at 42nd Street + 6th Avenue. Local businesses and artists set up shop and sell art, gifts, homewares, and clothes, all in one spot.
Whether hoping to stay in New Jersey or taking the adventure across the river to NYC, there are countless great ways to spend the holiday season with your visiting loved ones. We hope this guide lessens the burden of planning the perfect holiday in Hudson County + New York City and makes more time for new memories and holiday cheer.
