The Hoboken Girl Team 
With a fresh new season, spring welcomes another opportunity to highlight the stand-out community members of Hoboken and Jersey City. This month, we’re excited to shine a light on business owners, artists, medical professionals, fashionistas, and more who are making a difference in the Hudson County area. Read on for a list of people to watch in Hoboken + Jersey City for April 2025.
Aleksandra Maria Czajka | Founder of Bunch
Polish native turned Jersey City resident Aleksandra Maria Czajka is the founder of the social app Bunch, which strives to “make connecting with others feel natural, accessible, and low-pressure,” she told The Hoboken Girl. Aleksandra has a background in computer science + engineering physics and has earned dual Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s from Cornell University. After a year and a half in the corporate world and two decades of working independently with smaller companies, she started a project “born from [her] desire to help people connect more meaningfully in real life,” she said. “What began as a small community initiative has since shaped the direction of my work and given me a renewed sense of purpose as a builder and community advocate.” With her social enterprise, Aleksandra aims to make socializing feel more natural by “[breaking] down the invisible walls in American society” and showing others how “meaningful, in-person connection[s] can awaken parts of them that may have been asleep.”
Aleksandra’s Local Favorites: The Hutton and Café Unica.
Keep up with Aleksandra here.
Annie Ferro | Founder of Sober Curious Community
After seeing the negative limitations alcohol put on her life, Annie Ferro, a registered nurse and Hoboken resident, decided to become sober seven years ago at age 25. Dedicated to the sober lifestyle, Annie founded Sober Curious Community, a group that provides “a safe environment for those who are sober curious, or already sober, to feel comfortable not drinking and socializing in places where there typically is drinking,” she shared with HG. With her group, which meets weekly via Zoom at 8PM, Annie hopes to end the stigma around sobriety and inspire others to live as their truest selves. “I believe that no one should feel ashamed if he/she decides that drinking is not positively contributing to their lives and wants to drink less in social settings or cut it out altogether,” Annie said. In Sober Curious Community’s weekly sessions, the group shares stories and brainstorms scenarios to help each other feel more prepared when in an alcohol-centric scenario. Partnering with local businesses and social clubs, Annie also has plans to host monthly + biweekly events in the Hudson County area, such as coffee meetups and singles mixers at bars and restaurants that serve mocktail alternatives.
Annie’s Local Favorites: Alfalfa, Roost Coffee, Urban Souls, and Seven Valleys.
Keep up with Annie here.
Read More: Long-Time Hoboken Pizzeria Owner Opening New Kebab Shop in Former DC’s Space
Asmi Shah + Amit Budhiraja | Owners of Soul Tara
Jersey City residents and husband and wife duo Asmi Shah and Amit Budhiraja run a wellness business from their own home. Asmi founded Soul Tara in 2021 after leaving a long-term job at Google. During her healing journey, she became a yoga and meditation teacher, sound healer, and pranic healer and documented her entire process in a journal, which was released as a book in 2024 under the title Cosmic Starlight. Soul Tara was launched soon after and now sells products like aura sprays, bath salts, and sage kits — all inspired by her own energy healing experience. Asmi and Amit’s products can also be found at local markets in the Hoboken + Jersey City areas. “Every product we create is based on energy healing principles,” Asmi told The Hoboken Girl. “We both know how much energy healing and spiritual studies have changed our life, and if we can help anyone in this journey of life to grow and heal, it would mean the world to us.”
Asmi + Amit’s Local Favorites: Subia’s Vegan, Semicolon Cafe.
Keep up with Asmi + Amit here.
Billy Mensch | Owner of Hudson Sportfishing
Hoboken resident Billy Mensch is a financial analyst and father of two who founded a fishing guide service based off the Hoboken piers. Stemming from his time fishing with his late father at the Jersey Shore, fishing has always been a huge part of Billy’s life. His passion has led him to fish in some of the world’s top destinations like Cabo, Key West, and Costa Rica, but, according to Billy, the piers right here in the heart of Hoboken provide amazing opportunities most may not know about, even for those who don’t have a boat. “Some of my best memories have been on the water,” Billy told HG, and with Hudson Sportfishing, he wants to help other locals create those same experiences. “Whether it’s a parent teaching their child how to fish, a group of friends bonding over a great catch, or someone discovering the joy of fishing for the first time, I hope my guide service can help facilitate those unforgettable moments,” he said. With his guide, he also wants to make fishing accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter the level of skill.
Billy’s Local Favorites: Leo’s Grandevous, Antique Bar and Bakery, World Boxing Gym (Jersey City), Alfalfa.
Keep up with Billy here.
Gaby Paterno | Founder of Gaby Paterno Art
Italian-American Multimedia Artist Gaby Paterno is a Hoboken BNR and current Rhode Island resident. Gaby’s work consists of wearable and fine art, custom stationery, and creative marketing. “Although it is somewhat of an uncommon practice for artists, I am a Multimedia Artist simply because I love to experiment and challenge myself,” Gaby told HG. “Working with various mediums and subjects allows me to create pieces I am always excited about!” Her love of fashion, art, and the combination of the two comes from her mother, who was an artist herself and worked in the fashion industry. “She has always helped me cultivate my passion and encouraged me to constantly create,” Gaby said. The inspiration for her work also comes from the global culture, fashion visionaries like Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Virgil Alboh, and Jerry Lorenzo, and artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Claude Monet, and Banksy. The goal of Gaby’s business is to “curate and elevate [her clients’] experiences,” create pieces that “bring back positive memories,” and give back to the community that shaped her into who she is today.
Keep up with Gaby here.
Jessie Laracuente | Owner of Tropicalia Resort Wear
Jessie Laracuent launched Tropicalia Resort Wear in May of 2020. Swimwear has been a staple in Jessie’s life for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Puerto Rico, she was always surrounded by water and spent most of her days in a swimsuit. Over the years, Jessie noticed a gap in the market and wanted to help women of all shapes and sizes find swimwear they were comfortable in. Aside from being a business owner and fashionista, Jessie is also an active-duty military member currently serving in the Army. In 2021, she made her move to the East Coast ,where she fell in love with Bayonne, ultimately prompting her to open Tropicalia’s brick-and-mortar shop at 74 ½ Broadway Avenue (in Bayonne). Since moving to New Jersey, Jessie has been growing her business within Hudson County by participating in local markets like the Main Street Pops Market. She says she’s looking forward to further introducing her brand to the Jersey City and Hoboken areas.
Keep up with Jessie here.
John Gesumaria | Founder of Diffrently
John Gesumaria is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and founder of Diffrently, a company dedicated to bridging the gap between individuals and social work with ease. John candidly shared with HG that experiencing trauma, loss, and the challenges of learning disabilities shaped his mental health in his early years. John was accepted to Kean University, where he excelled in lacrosse, becoming a pre-season all-American D-3 goalie, though he continued to struggle academically due to his learning disabilities and navigating a bipolar diagnosis. John pursued a career in finance but remained curious about stepping into the world of psychology. Years later, a serendipitous layoff prompted John’s career change. He attended Columbia University, where he received his LMSW. After graduation, John worked at NAMI NJ as the School Education Program Coordinator, where things fell into place. It was during this time that John also worked as a therapist, giving him a deeper understanding of the challenges individuals and families face, further fueling his desire to create more effective and accessible mental health services, and soon, Differently came to be. This multifaceted social services company, providing accessible and effective mental health support, extended far beyond traditional settings. John shared, “I wanted to create a platform that empowered social workers, utilized their unique skills and lived experiences, and provided a more personalized and holistic approach to care. If the individual needs a higher level of care, we help find a therapist, and help prepare and understand therapy.”
John’s Local Favorites: Empanadas Cafe + Baja Mexican Cuisine.
Keep up with John here.
Dr. Karoline Fischer | Certified RTT Hypnotherapist + Medical Doctor
Jersey City resident Karoline Fisher moved to downtown JC back in 2017 after immigrating from Austria to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Before her move, Karoline received her MD from the Medical University of Austria and even won the Austrian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, living many lives before touching down in the US. Now, the multi-passionate mother of two works as a Rapid Transformational Therapy Hypnotherapist (RTT) and actress. Karoline’s passion for alternative medicine began with her journey that helped her realize she too, could help other human beings connect with their subconscious to transform their lives. Karoline believes that working with your subconscious is powerful and has experienced it firsthand through her work with her clients. She told HG “I am inspired every day by the quote that if we don’t make the unconscious conscious, it will direct our lives and we will call it fate. If I could inspire people, I would want them to know that we have way more power over our own lives, we only need to own it; through healing and reframing.”
Karoline’s Local Favorites: Ani Ramen, Rumba Cubana, Liberty Science Center, Hudson Hall, and warm days at Hamilton Park + Newport Park.
Keep up with Karoline here.
See More: 5 New Jersey Locals to Watch in April 2025
Mariana Alpizar | Founder of La Mary
Mariana Alpizar is the founder of La Mary, a local jewelry company that uses high-quality painted enamels and natural stones. Mariana is currently working on expanding her designs to include more metals and styles as she takes classes to keep refining her craft. Mariana aims to keep evolving her skills while holding onto that handmade personal touch that locals can only find at La Mary. Mariana is inspired by her mother, who taught her endless resilience, and her late father. She told HG that she can truly feel his presence when she creates, almost as if he is guiding her, adding, “Jewelry has always been more than just an accessory to me; it’s a form of storytelling, a way to carry meaning, love, and memories.” Her message for her customers is: following your passion is always worth it. As a mother, Mariana also wants her children to see her chasing her dreams so they know they can do anything they set their minds to. Mariana said, “Whether it’s through my designs or my journey as a mompreneur, I hope to encourage others to believe in themselves and create something beautiful—whatever that may be.” Mariana loves being a part of the Jersey City and Hoboken community, enjoys doing pop-ups and connecting with other locals in person, making her feel truly rooted to the amazing people of this area, noting that the sense of community here is one of her favorite things about living in North Jersey.
Mariana’s Local Favorites: The Grind Coffee Shop, Chilltown Fitness, Baonanas, The Common Earth Company, and Food Hall Café.
Keep up with Mariana here.
Renelle White Buffalo (Buffy) | Contemporary Indigenous (Lakota) Visual Artist
Renelle White Buffalo (Sičáŋǧu Lakota, an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe) is a visual artist born and raised in rural South Dakota. After also living in Los Angeles and New York City, she is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Incorporating her Lakota heritage and upbringing, her identity as an indigenous woman, and her focus on environmental connection, White Buffalo primarily works with acrylic and collage on canvas, as well as printmaking. Renelle White Buffalo’s art was featured on the cover of the documentary Lakota Nation vs. United States. She has also exhibited nationally, including at K Art Gallery (Buffalo, NY), Montclair Art Museum (Montclair, NJ), All My Relations Gallery (Minneapolis, MN), Blue Rain Gallery (Santa Fe, NM), and Self Help Graphics (Los Angeles, CA). White Buffalo has participated in residencies including Jentel Foundation (Sheridan, WY) and Modern Multiples (Los Angeles, CA). White Buffalo has been a guest speaker at St. John’s University, the Kupferberg Holocaust Center, and Northern State University. White Buffalo holds a BFA in Studio Arts from Iowa State University (2011).
Keep up with Buffy here.
