Kerrie Joyce 
Hoboken and Jersey City residents have lots to offer their neighborhoods. Hudson County is particularly a hub for creatives, including those who work in textile art forms in addition to digital and written media. Read on for the November 2025 list of locals to watch in Hoboken + Jersey City.
Reniqua Allen-Lamphere
Photo Credit: Nina Subin
Downtown Jersey City local Reniqua Allen-Lamphere is the founder of Oshun Griot, the first infertility wellness company built specifically for people of color. About Oshun Griot, Reniqua said, “We’re more than just an app—we create resources, products, and community for people navigating fertility challenges. I’m also a journalist working on a documentary for PBS about infertility and climate change, and a book for Penguin Random House about Black families and infertility.”
Reniqua lives in downtown Jersey City with her husband and two toddlers. She was inspired to create the Oshun Griot after undergoing four rounds of IVF, a miscarriage, and multiple surgeries, saying she wanted to “provide the culturally responsive support and resources I wish I’d had during my own fertility journey. 1 in 6 people face infertility, and for people of color, the numbers can be even higher.”
Her biggest inspiration behind her work is her kids. She is a journalist by trade, but was inspired to venture into her entrepreneurial role after her fertility journey. “I realized I wanted all people, especially people who looked like me, to have the babies they want and deserve. Because while my kids are in that toddler age and can be a lot, they are pretty much the best things ever, and I wouldn’t have them if it weren’t for IVF. That drives everything I do.”
Reniqua’s local favorites include Franklin Social, WurstBar, Word Bookstore, and Narra.
BB Stevens
BB Stevens, the Baltimore-born composer, musician, and novelist, now resides in Hoboken. He has previously worked with Madonna and is the host of “The BB Stevens Experience.” Since 2023 BB has released recordings on label imprints distributed by Universal and Virgin Records, the latest of which is titled Hoboken. The Mile Square-namesake album was released in September of 2025. Further, BB owns a Hoboken-based music management and promotion agency, Mia Mind Music.
His motivation to create music, he said, is inspired by the Nietzsche aphorism, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” BB also appreciates Hoboken’s people and restaurants. “The people and town of Hoboken. The kindness, acceptance, and generosity I’ve found living here. In addition, it has some of the best bars and restaurants in all of creation,” BB said.
Read more: A Comprehensive Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City Live Music Spots
Rachel (Ray) Wagner
Rachel “Ray” Wagner is a Hoboken-based personal trainer who started her business based on her own evolving relationship with health and body image. Ray’s journey wasn’t linear, as the desire to shrink herself gradually became a passion for “strength and self-discovery”. She is known for her compassionate yet tough approach to her clients, meeting them where they are at and challenging them to see what they are capable of.
In addition to personal training across private gyms in Hoboken, Weehawken, and Jersey City, Ray coaches the Women’s Muay Thai class at Remix MMA, helping women build confidence and community through martial arts. More information about Ray can be found on her website and Instagram @train.with.ray.
Ray’s local favorites include Dear Maud, Honey Medspa, and sunsets at the waterfront.
Donna Aleman
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Donna Aleman is a long-time Hoboken resident and employee at Hoboken Public Library who just retired from her time at the service desk. After two decades spent at the Hoboken Public Library, Donna’s coworkers celebrated her well-deserved retirement on Wednesday, October 23rd.
In an Instagram post announcing Donna’s retirement, the Hoboken Public Library said, “Donna has been a beloved part of our family, known for her kindness, dedication, and warmth that have touched countless lives over the years. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re so excited for her next chapter and all the joy it will bring.”
In addition to well-wishes from her colleagues, the comments were flooded with Hoboken residents who have crossed paths with Donna at the library over the years, thanking her for her vital work.
Daisy Arroyo
Daisy Arroyo is the artist behind Daisy’s Wearable Art, located at 260 1st Street. Daisy was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Hoboken at the age of six, and has stayed in the community ever since. She is an active supporter of local art and artists, having curated more than 50 local artists at her brick-and-mortar spot throughout her time there. (Note from HG: Daisy’s Wearable Art closed on November 14th, 2025).
Daisy has previously shared that her space will be closing sometime in the future as the space is available for rent, but will be keeping her doors open for the time being, likely leaving the space for good in winter 2026.
The store remains open 2PM – 6PM on Tuesdays and 1PM – 7PM on Wednesday through Saturdays.
Eden Created That
Photo Credit: Eden Jusma
Local crochet artist, Eden Jusma, was born and raised in Jersey City. 22 years later, she is running her own business selling custom orders and her other designs. She first discovered crochet in elementary school, and further immersed herself at County Prep High School, where she majored in Clothing + Textiles.
Eden has created everything from dresses to chokers to dog accessories. She operates her business through her Instagram page, @edencreatedthat, where those interested in a custom order can reach her via dm. In a previous conversation with HG, Eden shared her appreciation for creativity within the Hudson County community: “New Jersey is such a diverse community that even if somebody doesn’t like something somewhere, somebody will like it somewhere else!”
Sandra Manay + Thomas Konik
Sandra Manay and Thomas Konik are a local Hoboken couple who recently created a Día de Muertos altar in honor of their dog, Yogi. The altar was located at 12th Street and Park Avenue, and invited members of the community to participate in the altar and leave offerings for their own pets.
The altar was inspired by the couple’s desire to make Yogi a part of their new home, which they purchased prior to his death in 2022. Hoboken neighbors built upon the altar throughout the month, contributing photos and other memorabilia of pets passed.
“This altar is dedicated to every animal who once stood guard at our doors, brightened our mornings, and filled our days with joy. It is for every companion who asked for nothing but to be near us, and in return gave us everything,” the couple said in the dedication on their blog, Sweet Lazy Life.
Vince Dixon
Vince Dixon is a Hudson County local of nine years and a digital communications expert who has an extensive background working in journalism, including but not limited to Eater, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, and ProPublica. He also won a James Beard award for his storytelling work at Eater. More recently, Vince has pivoted from writing to a passion project called Klatchmaker.
Vince’s work is inspired by the “loneliness epidemic,” which is why he founded Klatchmaker to help people find friendships, saying, “My goal is to help adults connect with other adults, not superficially, but by building lifelong bonds with a core group of people in the community. It’s hard for working professionals (which our area is full of) to find core friendships.”
Vince expressed appreciation for Hudson County’s feeling of community in the midst of city life. Some of Vince’s local favorites include Elysian Park, Organic Basic, the riverfront and Toast x Bowl.
Bryan Douredjian
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Bryan Douredjian is the founder of private bartending service Neat & Shaken. After years of working in Hoboken cocktail bars, Bryan decided to bring his expertise to private events. “My goal with Neat & Shaken is to make Hoboken events unforgettable by bringing the energy of a cocktail bar straight to people’s homes. Long-term, I want to keep building a service that not only elevates parties but also represents Hoboken as a place where creativity and community go hand in hand,” Bryan said of the concept.
Bryan is especially motivated by the power of a great cocktail to “turn a room full of strangers into friends.” The cocktail company posts about its menus and events on Instagram @neat.and.shaken.
Bryan’s favorite part of living in Hoboken, he said, is the Mile Square’s balance of small neighborhood energy with close proximity to New York City, describing it as “the best of both worlds.”
Bryan’s local favorites include Apulia, City Bistro, and Dino + Harry’s, and he expressed admiration for independent restaurant and bar owners in Hoboken, which to him are a staple of the community.
See More: 5 Montclair Locals to Watch This November
Jillian Apostolico
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Jillian Apostolico is a stylist known by her Instagram user @jill_thestylist, and owner of The Stylist Salon in Hoboken. At the salon, Jill specializes in “highlights, balayage, hand-tied extensions, precision cutting, and more.”
Her motivation behind opening the 105 5th Street salon was the connection between her and her clients.
“I’m inspired by the opportunity to help people become the most beautiful and confident version of themselves. Every appointment is more than just hair — it’s about building trust, making genuine connections, and sharing moments with thousands of incredible people over the years,” she said of the relationships.
“I want to meet and serve as many people in our community as possible, offering them a space where they feel seen, valued, and completely taken care of on a one-to-one level,” she continued.
She praised Hoboken’s warm and friendly community, and shouted out local favorites including Forum Coffee, B Bagels, Project Sculpt, Ovale, and German Bakery.
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