At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
Letter from the Editor
Investing means so much more than just money. It’s also about family, career, health, education, and relationships. With the warmer weather fast approaching, we get the opportunity to thaw out, take a breath, and look around. We can ask ourselves, are we investing enough energy into the things that are most important to us?
Our first story features Financial Advisor Erin O’Donnell. Her take on charitable contributions is personal. Not only does it do good for your finances, but it’s also great for the soul.
Looking to make a move in 2026? Our resident real estate expert, Sueanne Sylvester, filled us in on what to expect in the Spring market, just in time for inventory to kick into high gear. Get ready to rack up those real estate investments.
Health is a constant investment. One we should be pouring into each and every day. Dr. Marisa Sweeney, owner of Be Well Integrative Health Services in Morristown, is on a mission to teach women the best in health care from prenatal to post-menopause.
Just as your skincare or clothing choices may change with age, so should your financial decisions. Financial Advisor Kyle Kaiser takes you through the decades and sheds light on how our mindset towards money should evolve over the years.
Do you own a business? Luana Stavar, owner of La Vida Salon and Spa in East Hanover, feels one of the most important ways you can set your business up for success is by investing in your employees. She believes in a hands-on approach, regular access to continuing education, and treating your staff like family.
What’s more important than family? Not much. Our monthly columnist and Morris County mom, Felisha Lynch, invests in her family in a big way. Trust us. You’re going to wish you’d done this years ago.
If we’re trying to invest in ourselves each day, then this issue will get us on the right track. It’s packed with ideas from our favorite local experts. Take one bit of advice or take them all! Let’s enter this new, glorious season as the best version of ourselves.
Felisha Lynch, Nikki Blanche, Sueanne Sylvester, Kyle Kaiser, Lisa Kintish
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Barbora Hindson
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Attendees at a Tai Chi and Qi Gong fitness event held by Fitness Knocking 2: Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, President & CEO, of @partnership_mch participated in the closing bell at the Nasdaq 3: Olivia DeMattio @that.food.chick owner of @simplecoffeemendham and barista Daphne 4: Attendees at the @morrischambernj Network After Work at The Funplex event 5: Bartender Avante and Kegina Graham Assistant Director at The Funplex, East Hanover 6: Attendees with Marisa Sweeney at the @ladiesbubclub Galentine's Day event at the @stirlingtavern 7: Barbora Hindson at the @ladiesbubclub Galentine's Day event at the @stirlingtavern
ALISON LUKIN
LOIS MANZELLA MARCHITTO
COURTESY OF NASDAQ
ALISON LUKIN
ALISON LUKIN
BARBORA HINDSON
BARBORA HINDSON
8: Marisa Sweeney and guest at the @ladiesbubclub Galentine's Day event at the @stirlingtavern 9: Marisa Sweeney at the @ladiesbubclub Galentine's Day event at the @stirlingtavern 10: Attendees at the @ladiesbubclub Galentine's Day event at the @stirlingtavern 11: Attendees at the Government Affairs Committee meeting/luncheon 12: Kate Garzón, recipient of the Business Catalyst Award at the 105th annual meeting of @morrischambernj 13-14: Attendees at the 105th annual meeting of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce
BARBORA HINDSON
BARBORA HINDSON PROVIDED BY MCCC
KEVIN MURPHY
KM CERA
KEVIN MURPHY
KEVIN MURPHY
business monthly
Spring Market On The Upswing With The Dougherty Group
The Spring 2026 market looks healthy and active, with stabilized interest rates and improving affordability bringing buyers back. But inventory remains lean, so early positioning can help your home stand out before competition intensifies. Working with a full-time real estate specialist isn’t just convenient — it ensures your timing, pricing, preparation, marketing, and negotiation are all managed with expert strategy to maximize your results.
Barbora Hindson: Pass the Crown Around 2026 Trailblazer Honoree
Barbora Hindson was proudly honored as a Pass the Crown Around 2026 Trailblazer Honoree at their 5th Annual International Women’s Day experience in Jersey City. Recognized for her inspiring evolution from an international fashion model to a devoted single mother who courageously reinvented herself as a photographer, Barbora’s journey reflects resilience, creativity, and strength.
Clarity today. Confidence tomorrow.
At Synthesis Wealth Planning, understanding your finances changes how you move through the world. When the picture is clear, decisions get easier. If your future feels out of focus, let’s sharpen it. Schedule a conversation at synthesiswealth.com
At Enriched Aesthetics, our mission is simple: Valuing our commitment to quality care. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience that enhances and compliments your natural beauty, inspiring you to become the best version of yourself.
Located right here in Morristown, our clinic uses the latest innovative technologies and the highest quality treatments-from medical aesthetics and body contouring to skincare and wellness solutions. Our team of skilled professionals collaborates creatively to deliver personalized, effective results in a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking to refresh your look this summer or embark on a transformative journey, trust Enriched Aesthetics as your premier destination for aesthetic excellence. Because you deserve to look and feel your absolute best.
Visit us and experience the difference. Your beauty, our passion.
Put Money Where It Matters
FINANCIAL ADVISOR ERIN O’DONNELL TALKS
CHARITABLE INVESTING AND LONG-TERM STABILITY
ARTICLE BY NIKKI BLANCHE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
Why is the subject of money still taboo? When people hear terms like fiscal, budget, capital, and fiduciary, their eyes glaze over. While money can be fun, the details of finance can be downright lackluster. Thankfully, Financial Advisor Erin O’Donnell offers a fresh perspective on all things economic.
Her passion for helping people, combined with a natural affinity for numbers, first drew her to the finance industry. She went from pursuing her MBA with the goal of becoming a CPA to working in an administrative capacity at a financial firm, a career she soon fell in love with. Now she works for Forest Hills Financial Group and is energized by the firm’s pace, people, and collaborative office environment. After diving into a career she never initially considered, she realized what a great balance it is—between her accounting background, her desire to help people, and her natural understanding of how money works.
She believes financial organization and education are essential for everyone to make the most of their available resources. “I don’t want anyone to base their financial decisions on fear.” It’s common for people to experience ‘analysis paralysis’ when faced with financial decisions because they don’t want to do anything ‘wrong’; little do they know that ‘time in the market’ is better than trying to ‘time the market.’
Erin asks people to be honest about their true goals, whether they are financial or not. “One of my clients said a goal of theirs was to learn how to play the harmonica this year. Some might think this is silly to jot down, though it deserves the same attention and validation as retirement planning. I love that about my job!” Others are keen on vacations, charitable donations, or sending their children to the best college, but Erin sees all hopes, wishes, and goals as valid.
At the foundation of Erin’s ideology is her altruism. For years, she has devoted herself to Good Grief, a non-profit based in Morristown and Princeton whose
mission is to help children and their families navigate grief after the loss of an immediate family member. This is a matter close to her heart, largely due to the personal experience of losing her father in 2021.
Since 2004, Good Grief has been removing stigmas around grief and helping thousands of children in New Jersey who are experiencing it far too early in life. “Volunteering for this organization has inadvertently helped me with my own grief, and I think that allows me to show up even better for the kids I see every other week.” Erin continues to give back and support this wonderful non-profit by volunteering bi-weekly as a facilitator, raising funds for them, and contributing to their development committee.
In conjunction with her career in finance and her philanthropic efforts, she finds that many people are not aware of the tax benefits of making donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and how, in many instances, they are tax-deductible. Not only are donations to non-profit organizations amazing in their own right, but they also allow donors to benefit from a tax standpoint. She sees this often with clients and realizes how few people know about the effect donations can have on one’s tax bill each year.
Erin strongly believes that the same way that it’s never too early to start thinking about your future financially, it’s also never too early to consider philanthropic efforts, whether that be with your time, money, or otherwise. For those who are wondering how to donate to organizations, here are a few ideas:
1. Events: For example, Good Grief is hosting a 5k race in May 2026 at Drew University.
2. Recurring: At Good Grief, you are considered a ‘Good Grief Guardian’ if you become a monthly donor.
3. Donor-advised funds (DAF): These operate as tax-advantaged charitable investment accounts that allow donors to make irrevocable contributions of cash or assets and take an immediate tax deduction.
CONTINUED >
“Volunteering for this organization has inadvertently helped me with my own grief, and that allows me to show up even better for the kids I see every other week.”
“Not
only are donations to non-profit organizations amazing in their own right, but they also allow donors to benefit from a tax standpoint.”
Erin strongly feels that even those who believe they are the most organized and efficient with their finances still may have opportunities to optimize their goals and circumstances—one of those ways being through tax-deductible contributions to valid non-profit organizations. Although charitable donations come from the goodness of someone’s heart, the fact that donors can be rewarded for their efforts from a tax standpoint makes it all the sweeter.
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 200 BROADHOLLOW ROAD, SUITE 405, MELVILLE NY, 11747, 631-5895400. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Forest Hills Financial Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License Number - 4433520.
Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation.
8783153.1. Exp. 2/2028
At FHFG, Erin O'Donnell is supported by a team sharing her commitment to integrity, collaboration, and client-first service. They work to ensure that your financial plan adapts as goals and circumstances change, giving you direction today and confidence for tomorrow.
Elevate Your Expectations
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO SPRING INTO THE 2026 REAL ESTATE MARKET
ARTICLE BY SUEANNE SYLVESTER, COLDWELL BANKER
GLOBAL LUXURY SPECIALIST
Over the past three years, inventory and home sales were at historic lows. Meanwhile, homeowners celebrated spectacular equity growth as the median sales price grew 17.4%. Today, an estimated 30-40% of all homeowners in Morris County are mortgage-free!
WHAT DO EXPERTS FORECAST FOR 2026?
The National Association of Realtors predicts a 14% increase in sales, with interest rates stabilizing around 6%, bringing more buyers into the market and keeping prices strong.
First-time buyers, now averaging 40 years old, make up only 21% of the market. We’ll still see an influx of buyers from NYC and Hoboken seeking space and lifestyle.
“PAINT IS CASH IN A CAN! SELLERS CAN TAKE EASY STEPS TO MAXIMIZE VALUE AND CREATE A STANDOUT FIRST IMPRESSION.”
Move-up buyers will use their equity gains to buy newer, larger dream homes, boosting the luxury market. They’ll be competing with seniors who make up 42% of home buyers, almost half will pay cash for their next home. Seniors’ primary reason for moving is to be closer to family, boosting the trend for multi-generational living.
STEP 1: INSIDE — CREATE A CLEAN, NEUTRAL CANVAS
When preparing your home for sale, the goal is to help buyers envision their life here. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing—pack away family photos, collections, and bold artwork. Minimizing furniture makes rooms feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. To make this easy, I offer a complimentary two-hour consultation with a professional stager, and Liberty Moving and Storage will store excess furnishings for free.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the highest-return improvements you can make. Repair any cracks or watermarks, and choose light, modern neutrals that reflect light beautifully and photograph well. Small upgrades like brushed gold, satin brass, or matte black hardware create a cohesive, high-end feel throughout the home. Don’t forget to tidy closets - buyers definitely look inside.
Maximize natural light by removing heavy window treatments. Update dated fixtures with warm, LED lighting. Add new bedside lamps and accent lighting to brighten every room. Swap out vent covers, switch plates, and outlet covers for a polished, uniform finish.
Bedrooms and bathrooms should feel like a luxury retreat. Crisp white bedding with fresh pillows gives bedrooms an elegant presence, while white towels and spa-style presentation elevate bathrooms. Clean grout, re-caulk tubs and showers, and address any leaks. A professional stager can add those finishing touches that make your home feel picture-perfect. Finally, deep clean—and then clean again. A professional deep cleaning before photography and showings is essential. Pay special attention to kitchens, baths, baseboards, vents, and floors. Your home should look impeccably clean.
LUXURY LEADING
THE MARKET
In 2025, luxury home sales grew 2.9%—nearly double the traditional market’s 1.7% growth, according to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 2026 Trend Report. Affluent buyers remain well-capitalized and insulated from credit-driven volatility.
For many families, luxury real estate is more than a home, it’s a long-term wealth asset alongside private equity, art, and other investments. Parents increasingly purchase homes for adult children through family trusts, prioritizing proximity to grandchildren. Over the next decade, these Gen X and Millennials will inherit nearly $2.4 trillion in U.S. real estate.
For Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s 2026 Trend Report, contact Sueanne Sylvester: Sueanne.Sylvester@cbmoves.com.
STEP 2: OUTSIDE — FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER
Curb appeal sets the tone before buyers even enter. Think love at first sight! Refresh landscaping, add seasonal flowers, and power wash siding, decks, and walkways. If your roof shows moss or discoloration, a professional cleaning can make a dramatic difference.
Invite buyers inside with a freshly painted front door and trim, colorful plants, and a new doormat at the entry. Ensure steps, railings, and hardscape are solid and safe. Clean windows inside and out, and remove screens to showcase clear views. If needed, repair or sealcoat the driveway, and consider replacing dented garage doors—these upgrades often deliver strong returns.
STEP 3: BEHIND-THE-SCENES CONFIDENCE BUILDERS
Buyers pay more when they feel confident in a home’s condition. Service HVAC systems, clean and inspect the chimney, and ensure the furnace and hot water heater appear well-maintained. Address pests proactively, confirm permits are closed, and resolve any underground oil tank concerns early.
Gather surveys, warranties, manuals, and renovation documents, complete your seller disclosure, and prepare a list of upgrades to highlight the value buyers will appreciate.
DR. MARISA SWEENEY, OWNER IF BE WELL INTEGRATIVE HEALTH SERVICES, REVOLUTIONIZES THE SUPPORT OF WOMEN THROUGHOUT THEIR HEALTH
JOURNEY
INVESTING IN WOMEN’S HEALTH
BE WELL INTEGRATIVE HEALTH SERVICES
Those who have recently spent time on Bank Street in beautiful and historic Morristown may have been delighted to find a colorful doorway nestled on the corner of a standard brick building. The vivid arabesque images hint at warm sunbeams and suggest a peek through flowered vines and sweeping branches to a lush forest beyond. Unabashedly boisterous and intriguing, the entrance
hints at warmth within. Especially here, on a side street blanketed with concrete facades.
Hung above the door is a simple black sign with a bright lotus flower, inviting you to ‘Be Well.’
Nearly 15 years ago, Dr. Marisa Sweeney, a board-certified registered dietitian, envisioned a place where she could devote her energy to helping others invest in their health and wellness holistically, using disciplines from around the world, both old and new. With this iconoclastic theory and an entrance to match, Marisa founded Be Well Integrative Health Services
I recently spoke with Marisa to learn more about how she defines integrative health, the Be Well ideology, NJ VegFest, and the many ways she encourages others to invest in wellness in all its forms.
YOU OPENED YOUR DOORS IN 2012 –WHAT MADE YOU TAKE THE LEAP INTO BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?
I was previously a dietitian in private practice for a few years and quickly realized that health is not based on diet alone. It’s multifaceted and relies on mental wellness, meaningful physical activity, and the nutritional quality of the food we eat. We have to address all the pieces universally for true wellness.
“WE HAVE TO ADDRESS ALL THE PIECES UNIVERSALLY FOR TRUE WELLNESS.”
TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR TEAM AND HOW THEY SUPPORT YOUR VISION FOR WELLNESS.
I’m not a mental health pro or a personal trainer. I wanted to assemble a team of experts to manage and direct patient care across all aspects of wellness. So we have counselors who are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). This means they must complete supervised clinical hours to counsel patients. While we primarily focus on women’s health, we serve patients of all genders.
WOMEN’S HEALTH IS FINALLY GETTING ATTENTION.
I strongly believe that women are underserved in health and wellness. With that in mind, we support our patients holistically, cater to each individual, and view them through the lens of how women experience the world.
OF THE MENTAL, PHYSICAL, SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO WELLNESS, WHICH WOULD YOU SAY IS MOST IGNORED OR NOT CENTERED ENOUGH?
We like to say it’s “choose your own adventure” for patients who come in. I compare it to bumper bowling. We guide you with guardrails to get you where you want to go. It’s so individualized depending on what each patient needs and wants. But I would probably say mental health falls in the middle. Each facet touches mental health, like the center of a Venn diagram.
IF YOU HAD ONLY ONE SENTENCE OR TAGLINE TO PIQUE THE INTEREST OF A POTENTIAL PATIENT, SOME MIGHT SAY YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH – WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Be Well is a coming together of licensed health and wellness providers to serve women in a holistic capacity.
TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE BE WELL ACADEMY.
We offer yoga teacher training and are certified by The Yoga Alliance, a national credentialing agency. I’m so happy to CONTINUED >
offer this as part of our portfolio, as it’s one of my favorite things to do. We believe yoga should be accessible to all, regardless of income.
I ALWAYS SAY I FEEL LIKE THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE IF EVERYONE DID YOGA!
I agree!
I SEE YOU ALSO OFFER CORPORATE WELLNESS. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, EXACTLY?
Typically, we offer a lunch-and-learn session. It depends on what the company wants. We start all inquiries with a survey to narrow down the scope. Sometimes it’s a nutrition class where we cover meal prep for those who are limited on time, or it can be disease-specific, where we give tips on heart health. A popular one we offer is what I call our myth busters to debunk common misinformation. We try to keep it light and fun. We also offer an ergonomics lunch-and-learn hosted by our acupuncturist. Stress management is a big one.
I’M GOING TO PUT MY JEALOUSY OF YOUR OVERACHIEVING ACCOMPLISHMENTS ASIDE AND MENTION THAT YOU ALSO FOUNDED NEW JERSEY VEG FEST. LET ME HEAR MORE ABOUT THAT.
That one is kind of my side quest, but it turned into a fulltime passion. It was at the height of the vegan movement in
2016 when we launched, and even all these years later, we still host two festivals per year. The one in Asbury Park is always the weekend before Memorial Day, when everyone is itching to get out after a long winter. We moved the North Jersey festival from Morristown to Montclair, which has historically been held in November. Watching the vendors change and grow each year has been very rewarding. And of course, being together with others who share similar values about the food we eat.
When we discuss investments, health and wellness aren’t typically the first words that come to mind. In
“I WAS PREVIOUSLY A DIETITIAN IN PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR A FEW YEARS AND QUICKLY REALIZED THAT HEALTH IS NOT BASED ON DIET ALONE. IT'S MULTIFACETED.”
considering the old saying, “Health Is Wealth,” we are reminded that a sound body not only enriches our enjoyment of day-to-day experiences but also directly enables us to invest elsewhere. Our health is a lifelong journey. Investing in the different demands of a woman’s body, during each stage of life produces positive results long-term. Dr. Sweeney says, “To truly be healthy, a multitude of mental, physical, spiritual, social, and lifestyle factors must be considered and supported for women of all ages.”
And it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The Be Well IHS mission is “to provide science-based and empirically-supported holistic health and wellness services that lead individuals to an optimal state of health and happiness.” The keyword is INDIVIDUAL. Each body, each life-stage is different.
Investing in wellness now not only improves your immediate health but also your future journey through life.
Learn more at: https://bewellihs.com/
Smart Finances At Any Age
I am Kyle, a Financial Advisor at Newroads Financial Group. Growing up, jargon money terms that were thrown around made me as confused as a chameleon in a bag of Skittles. The day when it would all make sense to me felt out of reach. A required high school investments class, however, left me ravenous for more knowledge on these wide-ranging topics. Now, when guiding individuals through different life phases, I enjoy being a resource who simplifies complex financial topics and dispels myths about managing money.
THE ASSET ACCUMULATION PHASE:
This phase usually lasts until around age 45. The funds available for saving and investing may increase gradually as one moves through this life stage. For longer-term goals like retirement or saving for a child’s education, riskier, growth-focused investments might be appropriate, since there is generally plenty of time left on your “financial journey.” Starting early is critical because it gives your money more time to compound. Saving for your long-term goals is like rolling a snowball down a hill: the earlier you start, the bigger your snowball is at the bottom.
THE PROTECTION PHASE:
This phase usually lasts from ages 45 to 60, or until retirement. One may become aware of the risks present to their hard-earned savings and become more conservative. However, one should also be aware of the risks of being too conservative, because their savings may not keep up with the continually rising costs of living.
THE GIFTING PHASE:
This phase usually begins at age 60, or one’s retirement date, and lasts the rest of their lives. Here, gifts to heirs and expensive vacations to reward oneself for hard work may be prevalent. However, when withdrawing money in retirement, it is critical to be aware of risks present to your savings, such as sequence-of-returns risk, which is the risk that making withdrawals during poor market performance early in retirement may accelerate the depletion of retirement savings, like draining water from a leaking bucket. A potentially viable strategy to combat this risk may be to create a guaranteed income stream in retirement that will result in more confidence and less reliance on investment portfolios.
Follow Kyle on Instagram: @Kythemoneyguy
Investing In Beauty
Salon owner Luana Stavar finds that investing in her Team has beautiful results
Luana Stavar didn’t just want to open a salon; she wanted to change salon culture. Reimagining the very method in which she learned her craft, the owner of La Vida Salon in East Hanover was determined to let her stylists shine by offering them a hands-on education. She knew with the right kind of investment, they would flourish.
Recalling her early days as a stylist, Luana shared, “I worked in a very structured salon.” She explained that the owner used a more traditional business model, in which assistants primarily interacted with clients during shampoo services. “It was a different kind of environment,” she said. “Because assistants had limited hands-on experience, stepping into a stylist role later on could feel unfamiliar at first.”
Luana assembled her current team before she found the salon’s space. They were a group of newcomers eager for a career in styling. “I believed in them, and they believed in me There were three months of training prior to opening day. Nearly three years later, training continues. Done both in-house and at outside locations, Luana teaches most classes herself and, when she can, brings in local and international instructors. For one week, an instructor from Brazil was on site. Others have come from California and Florida. She is currently working to bring in someone from Australia.
ARTICLE BY LISA KINTISH
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LA VIDA SALON
“It’s important because it’s so great to see someone grow as a stylist and to see their potential,” explained Luana. “I have been working with them from the beginning and training them to be aligned with the brand.”
Truly committed to investing in her team, Luana devotes significant time to training and mentorship. She explained, “We teach a few times a week in different formats—short in-salon sessions, hands-on model work, and focused workshops. Classes typically range from two to six hours, depending on the topic. We also do deeper training and masterclasses when introducing new techniques or services.” The training covers services like keratin treatments, hair extensions, and advanced color techniques, including balayage, gray blending, blonding, and corrective color.
Then there are lessons that go beyond hair. Her growing team of twelve also learns consultation skills, pricing, retail sales, client retention, social media content, branding, and
time management. “The goal,” said Luana, “is to build well-rounded stylists who are confident behind the chair and successful long-term.”
Mentorship is another aspect of her reimagined salon culture. She said, “We provide one-on-one coaching, support with goal setting, pricing, and scheduling guidance, and regular feedback to help stylists grow. We also mentor on mindset, confidence, and personal brand building. Our team knows they’re supported not just as stylists, but as individuals growing their careers.”
Luana’s husband, Damien, is her partner in life and business. In addition to focusing on back-office work, he helped her create the salon’s rustic yet modern aesthetic. They used wood sourced from the couple’s farm, Goodwood Farms, to build the handcrafted elements that make the space feel inviting.
Everything about the salon was carefully thought out. The name means “the life,” and it represents the fact that “all who work here are the life of the salon and spa.”
The hands-on approach benefits not only the stylists and assistants but also the clients. Luana said, “This makes the experience 10 out of 10 for guests because we’re all a big team. We’re all friends. They see we’re working together to provide the best experience for them.”
As for her team, Luana enjoys seeing them become their own stylist. “When I see them become proud of what they’re doing, it elevates me.”
https://www.lavida.salon/
Photo: Xavier Reed
How We Turn Time Into Our Greatest Investment
INVESTING IN WHAT LASTS
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELISHA LYNCH
When most people talk about investing, they mean money. Numbers. Plans for the future. But the most important investment we make as a family every year has nothing to do with a bank account. We invest in time!
Life at home is busy in the way only a house with five kids can be. School schedules, sports practices, dinners, laundry, and the constant feeling of moving from one thing straight into the next. We’re together a lot, but I realized being in the same place doesn’t always mean being present.
That’s why once a year, we do something a little different. We take an extended family trip. Not a quick getaway. Not a rushed vacation. We step away from our normal routine long enough to actually slow down. Last year, it was Puerto Rico. This year, we spent seven weeks in the Dominican Republic. Every time, it changes us for the better.
The pace shifts. Mornings aren’t rushed. Conversations last longer. We sit together without checking the time. The kids play differently, rely on each other more, and just get to be kids.
Education matters to us, but learning doesn’t only happen inside a classroom. Being in another country teaches our kids things a traditional school day can’t. New cultures, new perspectives, and different ways of life build confidence and empathy in ways books alone never could.
Some of our favorite simple things we do on these trips that rarely happen at home:
• Eating dinner together without rushing off to practice
• Slow mornings with no alarms
• Letting the kids play outside until the sun goes down
• Exploring new places
• Going days without saying “hurry up” (a true luxury!)
People always ask if it’s worth it. Every year, the answer is YES. We come home closer, calmer, and more connected. At the end of the day, our kids won’t remember how full our schedules were. They’ll remember how it felt to be together. And for us, that’s an investment worth making.
Follow along for our family adventures on @felishalynchxo
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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
APRIL 4TH
1776 Brunch and Bubbly
1776 Morristown | 11:00 AM
The Saturday Party Brunch continues every week! DJ VIBES, BRUNCH SPECIALS & THE BEST BUBBLY! Gather your Brunch Club for a SUPER FUN Saturday afternoon from 11 am - 3 pm. More details here: https://www.1776morristown.com/event/beats-bubbly-brunch/
APRIL 7TH
Collective Soul
Mayo Performing Arts Center | 7:30 PM
With nearly three decades of hits behind them, Collective Soul remains creatively energized and united, delivering high-impact live performances that blend new material with fan-favorites such as “Shine,” “December,” and “The World I Know.” Tickets: ttps://www.mayoarts.org/events/
APRIL 10TH
Abstract Paint and Sip
Glenbrook Brewery, Morristown | 6:30 PM
This is an in-person event, perfect for some hands-on fun and meeting awesome people. Whether you're a newbie or a pro, Abstract Paint and Sip is all about creativity, laughs, and great company. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com
APRIL 17TH
Patti LaBelle
Mayo Performing Arts Center | 8:00 PM
Beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. Through the years, her name has become synonymous with grace, style, and class, with an effortless ability to belt out classic rhythm and blues, pop standards and soul, such as “Lady Marmalade,” “On My Own,” and “New Attitude.” Tickets: https://www.mayoarts.org/events/
APRIL 19TH
Morris County Park Alliance Spring Forward 5K & 10K
Central Park of Morris County | 9:00 AM
Event: Spring Forward 5K and 10K Run
New this year: Added 10K option (two 5K loops)
Terrain: Mixed terrain featuring grass, pressed gravel, dirt, and some hills
Post-race: Enjoy a finisher medal, race shirt, and fun post-race festivities
Participants: Open to runners of all abilities, families, and friends
Course Details: 5K: One loop - 10K: Two 5K loops
APRIL 25TH
Master Gardeners Q & A
Morristown & Morris Township Public Library | 10:00 AM
This month's topic: "Planning Your Garden"
Join us from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in our Circulation lobby to ask your gardening questions of the volunteer Master Gardeners of Morris County. For more info about the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Program visit: https://extension.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners
PLUM & GLORY
RECIPE PROVIDED BY 1776 MORRISTOWN
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 3/4 oz Patron Silver
• .75 oz Lychee juice
• .75 oz Fresh lime juice
• .5 oz Plum liqueur (Ume plum liqueur recommended)
DIRECTIONS:
Place all ingredients in a tin shaker, add ice, and shake
