Carli Clesmere 
Hoboken and Jersey City residents have a lot to bring to their communities, and Hudson County continues to be a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection. From event planners and travel experts to run club leaders, beauty entrepreneurs, and jewelry designers, locals across the area are building businesses and creating spaces that bring people together. Read on for the April 2026 list of locals to watch in Hoboken + Jersey City.
Kyra Balan of Cornerstone Pilates
Jersey City local Kyra, often called KB, is the founder of Cornerstone Pilates, a boutique reformer Pilates studio in on Communipaw Ave in Bergen-Lafayette. Passionate about movement, wellness, and creating spaces where people feel strong and supported, Kyra said the studio began as something much deeper than a business idea. “Cornerstone Pilates is truly a seed that God placed on my heart, and it’s been incredible to see it grow into something real for the community.”
Cornerstone Pilates centers around the philosophy “Move with grace, build with strength,” a phrase that reflects both the approach to movement inside the studio and Kyra’s outlook on life. She lives in Jersey City with her husband and their doodle, and says being part of the local community has made the journey even more meaningful.
What inspires Kyra most is seeing people discover confidence and strength through movement. “Pilates has a beautiful way of meeting people exactly where they are,” she shared. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch someone leave class feeling stronger, more grounded, and proud of what their body can do.”
For Kyra, the goal is about more than physical fitness. Through her work, she hopes to encourage people to prioritize consistency and care for themselves. “Movement isn’t just about physical strength. It’s about building resilience, patience, and confidence that carries into every area of life.” With Cornerstone Pilates, Kyra hopes to create a space where both movement and community thrive.
Kyra’s local favorites include: Ko Cafe, Harry’s Daughter, Pinwheel Garden, Nûrish, Bergen Hall, The Grind, and All For The Wag.
Read More: 10 Ways to Support Animal Welfare Organizations in New Jersey If You Can’t Foster
Melisa Cristaldi of Winedering Around Italy
Melisa is a Hoboken-based local known for her vibrant energy, strong sense of community, and love for all things the neighborhood has to offer. A familiar face around town, she has built a lifestyle rooted in connection, whether that’s through friendships, daily routines, or her go-to spots.
With a natural ability to bring people together, Melisa is often the one organizing plans, recommending new places to try, or turning casual outings into something memorable. She embraces a balanced lifestyle, prioritizing both productivity and downtime, and finds joy in everything from morning coffee runs to spontaneous nights out.
Her approach to life is grounded and genuine, with a focus on meaningful relationships and making the most of where she lives. Melisa values authenticity and connection, something that’s evident in the way she shows up for her friends and her community.
“I’ve always loved being part of a community where everything feels close and connected,” Melisa shared. “There’s something special about having your favorite spots and always running into familiar faces.”
Having spent time immersed in the local scene, Melisa continues to lean into everything Hoboken has to offer. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, staying active, and fully embracing the lifestyle that makes this area feel like home.
Maria Jaeckel of Maria Sara Jewlery
Maria is the founder of Maria Sara Jewelry, a small jewelry brand known for its 14k gold-filled pieces designed to be both long-lasting and accessible. Born and raised in Central New Jersey, Maria now lives in uptown Hoboken and says she can easily see herself staying in the area long term. This June will mark the brand’s 10-year anniversary.
Maria started her business at 16 after presenting a two-page proposal to her parents requesting $200 to launch her first brand, Blue Bone Jewelry. She spent her summer weekends in Lavallette, New Jersey, selling handmade pieces on her Nana’s old card table, slowly growing what began as a beachside side project into something much bigger.
During the 2020 pandemic, Maria turned that summer hustle into a growing brand. Since then, she has hosted more than 100 pop-up shops along the East Coast, had pieces carried in boutiques across the country, and has been featured in New York Fashion Week Online, BuzzFeed, and on Amazon Prime TV. Maria handmakes her beaded bracelets and necklaces and designs the rest of the collection, which is ethically manufactured in California and Thailand. As a Hoboken resident, Maria hopes to continue growing the brand locally. She hosted her first pop-up with The Hive earlier this year and has since booked several more events there and at other neighborhood spots this spring. She also loves connecting with fellow small business owners and hopes to collaborate with more local businesses in the future, from clothing brands to coffee shops, bagel spots, and bars.
Family has always been a big part of Maria’s story. Her family has a shared home in Lavallette that has been in the family since before she was born, and she says some of her favorite memories are summer weekends spent there surrounded by relatives, good food, and the joyful chaos that comes with it.
Maria’s local favorites include: The Hive, Little Bar, Napoli, Ovale, The Little Grocery, Vito’s, and more.
Susan Matukaitis of Susan Beth Designs
Susan is the founder of a Hoboken-based creative studio that blends her background in interior architecture with a lifelong passion for hands-on design. Splitting her time between New Jersey and Greenwich Village, Susan has always been drawn to creativity, from early crafting projects to sourcing unique pieces and designing spaces around the world. She pursued both fashion design and interior architecture, ultimately building an international career in interior design before opening her own studio locally.
Today, her Hoboken space, Susan Beth Designs, lives inside The Collective, which is as a creative hub, bringing together curated retail, custom accessories, personalized embroidery, hands-on workshops, and bespoke events alongside The Loop and The Hoboken Hat Bar. Rooted in her design background, the studio is thoughtfully crafted to inspire creativity, craftsmanship, and connection, whether visitors are shopping handcrafted pieces, attending a workshop, or collaborating on a private event. Her studio offers a wide range of DIY opportunities, including Italian charm bracelets, embroidery, and more.
Susan’s goal is to continue growing the studio as a welcoming, community-driven space where people can slow down, create something meaningful, and connect with others. Through her work, she aims to offer pieces and experiences that feel personal, unique, and made to be enjoyed for years to come.
Susan’s local favorites include: The Roost, Elysian Cafe, Grand Vin, and Haraz Coffee House.
Bridget McCormack of Milestones by McCormack
Photo credit: Nina Pali
Bridget is the founder of Milestones by McCormack, an event planning company focused on weddings and thoughtfully curated celebrations for life’s most meaningful moments. She has lived in Jersey City for the past six years and often describes her approach to event planning as her dharma, a Sanskrit word that refers to one’s life purpose. For Bridget, that purpose is bringing people together to celebrate and connect.
As the oldest of five in a big Irish family, Bridget grew up in a home where gathering was part of everyday life. Holidays meant extra places set at the table, and milestones like birthdays and backyard graduation parties were always celebrated. Those experiences shaped her love for hosting and her belief that well-planned events can make people feel welcomed, loved, and seen. After planning her own wedding in 2023 and working in the wedding industry over the past few years, Bridget brings both personal and professional perspectives to her work. With more than eight years of experience in project management, she approaches every event with organization, clarity, and a calm presence, helping make the planning process feel seamless and enjoyable. Through Milestones by McCormack, Bridget’s goal is to design events that feel personal, intentional, and memorable for every couple, family, or host she works with.
When she is not planning events, Bridget enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue dog, Sadie. The couple also loves trying new restaurants throughout Jersey City and Hoboken.
Bridget’s local favorites include: Dame’s Espresso and Uncle Momo’s.
Fanairy Sánchez of 718 Beauty Bar
Photo Credits: @krista.stucchio
Fay is a proud Latina mom, Hoboken-based beauty entrepreneur, and licensed beauty professional. She is the Creative Director and Owner of 7 1 8 Beauty Bar, where she focuses on creating elevated self-care experiences for the local community.
Fay rebuilt 7 1 8 Beauty Bar intending to make it feel more like a cozy luxury retreat than a traditional nail salon. The space was designed so clients can relax, feel cared for, and connect with the team. “At 7 1 8, we don’t just do nails, we create experiences,” she shared, adding that beauty has always been about more than services. For her, it is about connection and how someone feels when they walk out the door.
She believes self-care is closely tied to mental health and encourages people to take time for themselves, even when life feels busy. “Taking time for yourself is a reflection of how you value yourself,” Fay said. “You deserve to slow down, recharge, and make yourself a priority.”
Looking ahead, Fay hopes to continue growing 7 1 8 Beauty Bar into more than just a salon. Her vision is to create a welcoming space that feels like a second home where people can relax and truly enjoy a moment for themselves. She is also passionate about mentoring other women in the beauty industry and creating opportunities for her team, while showing that it is possible to build a meaningful business while putting family and community first.
Fay’s local favorites include: The Hive, Washington General Store, Alba Boutique, Little Linguists, Mile Square Cafe, and more.
Leonora-DiMauro of Departures in Style
Leonora is a luxury travel advisor, creative entrepreneur, and new resident of the Newport neighborhood in Jersey City. She is the founder of Departures in Style, along with Italy in Style, her Italy-focused travel design brand. An Italian native with more than 30 years in the travel industry, Leonora specializes in tailor-made journeys across Italy, Europe, and select global destinations, from Morocco to Japan.
Her work centers on immersive travel experiences that blend culture, food, art, and authentic local connections. From multi-generational family trips to milestone celebrations and wellness-focused getaways, Leonora designs travel that is thoughtful and deeply personal. Her goal is to go beyond the surface when sharing destinations and help people experience the world in a more meaningful way.
“My goal is to educate people about different destinations, cultures, and food while helping them see the world with more curiosity,” Leonora shared. “If my work encourages deeper understanding and leaves a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives, then I know I’m making a difference.”
After many years living in California, Leonora recently relocated to Newport in Jersey City. She was drawn to the neighborhood’s international energy, waterfront setting, and easy access to both Hoboken and Manhattan. When she is not curating travel itineraries, she enjoys exploring neighborhood cafés, discovering local businesses, and fitting in a Pilates class.
John Sanchez Local Community Builder
Photo credit: Tracy Sham Photography
John is a Hoboken resident, a proud gay Latino, and a community builder who is helping create space for connection through movement. Originally from Central Jersey, John came out to his parents and school at just 15 years old, a moment that shaped much of his path and passion for building community.
In high school, he helped start an after-school club called Safe Haven, where LGBTQIA+ students could gather with supportive teachers to talk openly about identity, culture, and their experiences. The space gave students a sense of belonging and sparked John’s long-standing commitment to bringing people together.
A few years ago, John discovered running as a personal outlet during a time when he was feeling burned out from his career in executive leadership, where he managed large teams and helped grow the business he worked for. Running quickly became a way to relieve stress and focus on his health, eventually leading him to complete his first marathon.
Last year, after hearing about a new run club forming in Hoboken, John joined alongside his best friend, Billy, and saw an opportunity to help shape something meaningful. He wanted to create a space where the queer community could connect outside of traditional nightlife settings and build friendships through movement and support.
For John, visibility and belonging are at the heart of the club’s mission. He hopes to continue growing the group so it becomes a recognized and welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Hoboken. His goal is to show that queer people are here, visible, and ready to build community together, whether someone is an experienced runner or simply looking for a supportive group to walk with.
John’s local favorites include: Blue Violets, Joey No Nuts, Project Sculpt, and Chen’s Kitchen.
Ariel Sabo of By Ari Media
Ariel is a Hoboken-based food, lifestyle, and travel content creator and the voice behind @ariels_eats. After spending five years living in New York City, she now calls Hoboken home, where she shares restaurant discoveries, local experiences, and travel through engaging photo and video content. Through her platform, Ariel has built a strong community rooted in a love for exploring and supporting local businesses.
In addition to content creation, Ariel is the owner of By Ari Media, a social media and content creation company focused on helping brands grow through strategic storytelling and digital marketing, with a particular emphasis on weddings. She is passionate about working closely with restaurants, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to elevate their online presence and connect with new audiences in meaningful ways.
What inspires Ariel most is the ability to help businesses tell their story and see firsthand how thoughtful, creative content can drive real growth. She hopes to show others that creativity and passion can lead to tangible opportunities, and that even starting small can turn into something much bigger.
Ariel’s local favorites include: Alfalfa, The Lola, The Hive, and Antique Bar + Bakery.
Liza Spector of The Little Stitchery
Liza is a Hoboken resident + the founder of The Little Stitchery, a creative space inspired by her love for needlepoint. Originally from Woodcliff Lake, Liza works full-time as a pediatric speech-language pathologist in Bergen County, where she is passionate about supporting and connecting with her young patients and their families.
Outside of her professional role, Liza has always been drawn to creative hobbies—especially needlepoint, a craft introduced to her by her grandmother. What began as a relaxing pastime quickly grew into something she loved sharing with others, ultimately leading her to launch The Little Stitchery as both a creative outlet and a community-driven space.
Through The Little Stitchery, Liza hopes to create a welcoming environment where people can slow down, unplug, and make time for creativity. Whether someone is picking up a needle for the first time or has years of experience, the space is designed to bring people together to learn, create, and connect. Inspired by the calming nature of needlepoint, Liza’s goal is to build a community where everyone feels supported, inspired, and encouraged to try something new.
Liza’s local favorites include: Otto Strada, Luna Rose, The Little Grocery + more.
See More: 30+ Restaurants to Try in Union City, New Jersey
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
