Finnola Gray 
Growing up with three sisters, I know how strong that dynamic can be, but working together full-time, let alone running a business, is a whole different challenge (one I don’t think we could get through without some serious arguments). In Hoboken and Jersey City, there’s a standout group of women-owned businesses tackling that challenge: brands built and run by sisters. Across a variety of industries, these businesses bring a different perspective to the small-business story. There’s a built-in level of trust, communication, and shared history that you don’t always get with traditional cofounders, and it shows in how they operate. Here are some sister duos who own businesses in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Happy Box | Owned by Sisters Hannah + Ariel Redmond
Hannah and Ariel are the sisters behind Happy Box, a custom gifting platform serving both personal and corporate clients. The idea was born from a simple, deeply personal moment: Hannah wanted to lift Ariel’s spirits after a breakup and realized there was no easy way to create a thoughtful, 100% customized care package online. What started as a gesture quickly revealed a larger opportunity, so combining Hannah’s background in marketing strategy with Ariel’s creative expertise, the sisters built a brand that blends personalization with seamless e-commerce.
In the early days, Happy Box was a true side hustle developed during nights, weekends, and even family vacations. That changed in 2020, when the pandemic accelerated demand for meaningful ways to connect from afar. As remote gifting surged, Happy Box grew rapidly, evolving into a leading platform in the space.
Since then, the company has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies, served Fortune 500 clients including Meta, Tropicana, Gymshark, and Capital One, and shipped more than 700,000 gifts for personal, influencer, employee, and other gifting. Beyond the business, Hannah and Ariel also co-host Business Roached, a podcast that explores the often overlooked “messy middle” of entrepreneurship. Learn more about Happy Box here.
Read More: A List of Women-Owned Hoboken + Jersey City Businesses
Dirty Celebrity | Owned by Twin Sisters Yevette + Eva Estime
Yevette and Eva created Dirty Celebrity to address the waste in the fashion industry while creating accessories that expand your wardrobe. The brand creates original accessories using post-consumer and upcycled materials. The sisters complement each other in business, with Yevette focusing on branding and production, and Eva serving as the creative director.
Dirty Celebrity won the Elaine Gold Fellowship in 2023 and the Verizon Digital Ready Grant this year. The twins are currently working on an upcycling event called “Re:Vamp’d” to teach people to do something new out of something cherished. Learn more about Dirty Celebrity here.
Double Dough | Owned by Twin Sisters Jordan + Joelle Hernandez
Jordan and Joelle are twin sisters who operate a home-based baking business specializing in hand-decorated cookies, cupcakes, and small cakes. The sisters have always done pretty much everything together, from extracurriculars to full-time jobs. What started as a hobby became an official business once the State of New Jersey approved home baking operations. Jordan and Joelle got their permit, and the rest is history. Learn more about Double Dough here.
PLNTD | Owned by Sisters Lauren + Danielle
PLNTD is a specialty plant and home boutique on Erie Street. Sisters Lauren and Danielle opened the doors in October 2021. Having always worked well together thanks to complementary focuses, Lauren, the creative mind, and Danielle, the logistical side, the sisters knew they could succeed by following their shared passion for plants. PLNTD features easy-care to exotic houseplants, unique homewares, and wellness products, with a specialization in the meaning and wellness behind plants.
The sisters love to collaborate with local small businesses, especially women-owned brands, by promoting a selection of their products in the PLNTD space. The team has also started working with local schools to teach gardening skills and plant knowledge to the next generation of green thumbs. Learn more about PLNTD here.
Hermanitas Design | Led by Sisters Iris + Rosalinda Ponce
Hermanitas is a sister-led creative studio rooted in Latin heritage, art, and community. Through design, handmade goods, workshops, and rural gatherings, the team creates spaces where creativity and connection flourish. For Iris and Rosalinda, Hermanitas Design is a reflection of who they are and where they come from. Their lives serve as both blueprint and inspiration, allowing them to create meaningful, beautiful designs for just about everyone. The sisters hope to inspire others by celebrating diversity and unity through their work. The team creates stickers, candles, bookmarks, prints, and more. Learn more about Hermanitas Design here.
Shaka Kitchen | Run by Sisters Krista + Kiersten Gormeley
Krista and Kiersten built Shaka from the ground up by turning a simple idea into a growing restaurant brand centered around feel-good, nutrient-dense food. They wanted their restaurant brand to excite people about the idea of eating simply and eating well. What started as a shared vision of creating a place where people could grab something quick and genuinely good for them has grown into something the sisters are incredibly proud of. Krista says that “being sisters, there is a sort of built-in trust between us that you just can’t replicate; it’s an unspoken bond that sort of allows us to fully trust the other’s intentions wholly.” Learn more about Shaka Kitchen here.
See More: 20 Multi-Concept Coffee Shops in New Jersey to Visit ASAP
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