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
Summer is finally here, and we can all heave a sigh of relief. It’s time to crack open a beer, fire up the grill, and let that sunshine hit your skin. Drive with the top down and turn the music up, because this issue is for the guys.
If you haven’t heard of Chef Fredy’s Table, let us introduce you. They’re a tight-knit group of Latin-American men who do hospitality at its finest. Now they’re showcasing their down-home roots with a new venture in the heart of Morristown.
Men are complex creatures. Infiniti Fitness owner Chris Jones has tapped into the multitude of layers that make men who they are. He encourages individuals to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Greg Nugent is one of our favorite new business owners in town. He’s a positive, easygoing presence, encouraging clients who enter his sauna studio to chill and leave anything toxic behind. What most people don’t know is that under that chill exterior is an inspiring story of strength and survival.
Speaking of healing, Lucas Kadar, owner of the Acupuncture Center of New Jersey, gave us a glimpse inside his practice. His methods can be a vital part of maintaining men’s health, from athletics to aging.
And when we talk about inspiring men, we can’t forget our veterans. Morristown can look forward to a new healing garden in 2026, honoring those who have dedicated themselves to service spearheaded by the organization, Veterans Valor.
Lastly, our monthly columnist and Morris County mom, Felisha Lynch, gives us her take on raising good men through generations.
Celebrate the fabulous men in our lives! Whether it’s a father, son, brother, or friend. Admire their example and strength. To those who lead with integrity and resilience and have left a lasting impression on our hearts.
Felisha Lynch, Julian Garcia, Chris Jones, Greg Nugent, Judy Till
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
1-7: Women in Business Awards Event at the Mayo Starlight Ballroom. Photography: Barbora Hindson
1: Irish dance performance at Glenbrook Brewery for the St. Patrick's Day Parade 2-3: Sabores Latinos ribbon cutting in Morristown 4: Kim Cera, Sue Vorcheimer, and Alison Lukin @1776Morristown 5: Branch Manager Scott Anderson, Kim Cera, and VP Phil Iossa at Loan Depot in Morristown 6: Attendees at Business Connections for the Morris County Chamber of Commerce 7: Ribbon cutting ceremony for Conan Ward with Kingsview Partners
ALISON LUKIN
ALISON LUKIN
ALISON LUKIN
ALISON LUKIN
KIM CERA
KIM CERA
KIM CERA
business monthly
The Co-Co Expands with Second Location and New Creative Spaces
The Co-Co is a thoughtfully designed coworking community built for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals looking for productivity and connection. Now with a second location in Florham Park, alongside its Summit space, The Co-Co continues to grow with coworking areas, private offices, conference rooms, and a newly added podcast studio. It is a hub for collaboration and growth, hosting events, workshops, and gatherings that bring its vibrant community of members together.
Rauchberg Dental Group Celebrates Nearly 60-Years of Award-Winning Dental Care
Rauchberg Dental Group has been the trusted dental home for Morris County families since 1965. Founded by Dr. Joel Rauchberg and now led by his son, Dr. Alan Rauchberg, this award-winning, family-owned practice offers comprehensive, multi-specialty care — all under one roof. From routine cleanings and Invisalign to dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep apnea treatment, their in-house team of specialists handles virtually every dental need with precision and compassion.
Discover Fitness Offers 30-Minute Workouts
Busy people don’t have time to waste on exercise that doesn’t work. At Discover Strength, we deliver 30-minute strength workouts, twice per week, led by expert, educated trainers. We help you look and feel your best in a fraction of the time. Experience the difference of evidence-based resistance training and schedule your Free Introductory Workout! Call (973) 791-9017, email benjaming@discoverstrength.com, or visit our website to schedule.
ARTICLE BY JULIAN GARCIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
HERITAGE through HOSPITALITY
The owners of Chef Fredy's celebrate their Latin roots
When Nestor Bedoya is asked to describe how he was raised in Colombia, he uses food as a way to explain his ‘very humble beginnings.’
“There was never a lack of anything, but it was little portions,” Bedoya says. “A little piece of chicken, a little egg for everybody. But there was never a lack of anything.”
The food reference makes sense for a man who has made a significantly better life for himself in the United States because of it. Bedoya is the co-owner of two restaurants in Morristown, one firmly established – Chef Fredy’s Table – and the other brand new – Sabores Latinos.
For him, food is life, and it has been since he arrived here in 1996 and landed his first job in the industry.
“I worked a week at a pizza joint and made enough money to buy myself a pair of Timberland boots,” Bedoya says. “I made enough money to buy a Polo shirt, Tommy Hilfiger – things that I wanted (in Colombia) but couldn’t have.”
Bedoya and his younger brother, Luis, are two of the four owners of Sabores Latinos on Morris Street. The others are Jose Ricardo, Nestor’s brother-in-law, and Fredy Umanzor – better known in town as Chef Fredy, whose namesake restaurant on Speedwell Avenue is considered one of Morristown’s best. Umanzor has owned the restaurant along with Nestor Bedoya since 2005, when they took over what was then called Tim Schafer’s Cuisine after its owner moved to North Carolina. They rebranded it as Chef Fredy’s Table in 2014.
Luis Bedoya has been a front-of-the-house fixture at Chef Fredy’s Table for years, working his way up from busboy just like his brother did. Now, the two of them have their hands in trying to get something off the ground from scratch.
Unlike Chef Fredy’s Table, which serves distinctly modern American cuisine in a high-end setting, Sabores Latinos’ menu features strictly Latin American fixtures, served in a more modest yet colorful and fun environment. And the Bedoya brothers admit their background had everything to do with that, which makes sense, since just blocks away from Morristown’s bustling South Street and its shops and restaurants is a large Spanishspeaking community.
According to the most recent census report, 32.9 percent of Morristown’s residents are Hispanic or Latino, second only to the town’s White population (51.1 percent). So opening Sabores Latinos in Morristown was a way for its owners to reach out and connect with that part of the city.
“We wanted to bring all ethnicities, all backgrounds,” Luis Bedoya says. “Not just Latinos, but anything from Latin culture. (We wanted to) be able to bring everyone together under one roof, without the denomination of a Mexican, Colombian, or Ecuadorian restaurant. We just wanted to have something for everyone in one place.”
For Nestor, opening Sabores Latinos in Morristown went deeper than that.
“We wanted to bring together all ethnicities and all backgrounds. We wanted to bring everyone together under one roof.”
“There’s a need for it,” he says. “When we identified the need for a good place, I started looking at Morristown and the diversity of this town, which is known to everybody. There’s a big Latin American population in this town. And there are only two places in town that serve rice and beans and stuff like that that are known in the town, but they’re kind of hidden places. And I didn’t want this place to be that.”
Nestor, 44, arrived in the U.S. along with his sister about a year after Luis, 42, and another of their brothers did. An older brother arrived in 1994, following their mother in 1989 and their father in 1986. Their parents scattered the arrivals so they had time to raise enough money to support each of their kids.
Once here, it did not take long for Nestor and Luis to find their way to Tim Schafer’s Cuisine, where they both worked their way up from clearing tables. Their fate changed when they were befriended by Umanzor, 61, a Salvadoran.
When asked who has influenced his career in the food industry the most, Nestor is quick to say, “Honestly, I’ve got to give it to Fredy. Chef Fredy was a big influence in terms of what I have done.”
After his humble start at the restaurant, Luis Bedoya worked for years in the banking industry while chipping in at Chef Fredy’s on weekends when he was needed. He now calls the restaurant “my backbone.” Luis says he’s “married to the business.”
“I want the best for the business,” he says. “And here I am – I own a piece of a dream come true.”
That dream come true – Sabores Latinos – is where Nestor and Luis Bedoya, Jose Ricardo, along with Fredy Umanzor, are surrounded by constant reminders of their heritage, from the logo on a menu that features 23 flags of Spanish-speaking nations, to the food, to a colorful interior brick wall featuring the face of a woman, the sun, and palm trees.
“Honestly, I’ve got to give it to Fredy. Chef Fredy was a big influence in terms of what I have done.”
“If you look at the logo, it pretty much encompasses most of our flags where Latin flavors and Latin American cuisine are served,” Nestor Bedoya says. “Our goal is to start with this menu and gradually, as time goes by, start incorporating different dishes.”
More than three decades after leaving Colombia, Nestor is reminded of his homeland as he stands behind the counter of his new venture. Motioning toward some nearby short rib soup, he says it’s the one item on the menu that takes him back in time.
“That short rib soup that we have here – I can eat soup every single day,” he says. “I can eat soup seven days a week. I can skip everything else. But if I have a daily soup, I’m a happy camper – especially if I grab my short rib soup.”
“That one puts me over the edge!”
Follow on IG @saboreslatinosbycheffredys @cheffredystable
Honoring Invisible Wounds
Veterans Valor To Build A Healing Garden for Fallen Soldiers in Morris County
No veteran should ever be forgotten. Yet for many who have served—and for the families who love them—the journey home is often marked by unseen wounds. These invisible scars can make reintegration into civilian life a profound challenge. While the public may struggle to fully grasp such sacrifice, a transformative initiative in Morristown is offering a meaningful path forward.
Led by William Draper and Charlie Iuliano, the nonprofit Veterans Valor, in partnership with the Morris County Park Commission and local Rotary clubs, is creating a Healing Garden on the historic grounds of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. More than a garden, it is designed as a journey through the veteran experience.
Set across three-quarters of an acre beside the Frelinghuysen Mansion, the space will guide visitors through an emotional arc—from trauma and reflection to recovery and renewal. It will serve as a place for education, remembrance, and community connection,
helping visitors better understand the invisible burdens carried by so many who have served.
A central feature is The Fallen Garden, offering solace for families of those lost in service, as well as those who returned home but continued to struggle. This garden is a sobering reminder of the need for continued care and awareness.
For Draper, the mission is deeply personal. Raised around naval hospitals, he witnessed the realities of war at a young age—experiences that continue to shape his commitment today.
With a groundbreaking set for November 2026, this vision is taking root in Morris County, supported by a strong coalition of community partners.
Because healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens where people feel seen, supported, and remembered.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit: www.veteransvalornj.com
At Mexican Spice, we believe every celebration deserves a touch of magic. That’s why our Taco and Cantina trucks are ready to come to you, bringing an authentic Mexican fiesta right to your doorstep. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, graduation, corporate event, or any special occasion, we’ll make your party unforgettable!
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.
Defining Strong Men
5 pillars every man needs to live a strong and balanced life
In today’s world, men are pulled in a hundred different directions—work, family, finances, expectations. Somewhere along the way, many lose connection with themselves. That’s why I started Infiniti Fitness & Wellness. I believe true strength goes far beyond the physical. A strong man is built from the inside out—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Here are five pillars every man should focus on to live a healthy, balanced, and purposeful life.
1. PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE: YOUR BODY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Your body is the foundation of everything you do. If you don’t take care of it, everything else suffers. Physical discipline isn’t about chasing aesthetics—it’s about building strength, resilience, and longevity.
Training should be non-negotiable. It teaches consistency, sharpens your focus, and builds confidence. When you push your body, you train your mind to handle discomfort. You become harder to break.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and respecting the one body you’ve been given.
2. MENTAL RESILIENCE: STRENGTH STARTS IN THE MIND
Life will test you. Stress, pressure, setbacks—they’re part of the journey. The question is whether you control your mind or let it control you.
ARTICLE BY CHRIS JONES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Mental resilience is built through intentional practices: slowing down, reflecting, and learning how to respond instead of react.
Whether it’s journaling, meditation, or simply creating quiet space in your day, you need time to reset and refocus.
A strong mind allows you to stay grounded when things get chaotic. It helps you think clearly, act decisively, and move forward when others shut down.
3. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: REAL STRENGTH IS CONTROL
For too long, men have been taught to suppress emotions. But ignoring what you feel doesn’t make you strong—it makes you disconnected.
Emotional intelligence is about awareness and control. It’s understanding your reactions, communicating effectively, and showing up better in your relationships. Whether you’re a partner, a father, or a friend, your ability to connect matters.
Strength isn’t silence. Strength is being able to face what’s inside you and handle it with maturity and intention.
4. PURPOSE AND DIRECTION: STOP DRIFTING THROUGH LIFE
Many men are busy—but not fulfilled. They’re moving, but not progressing. Without direction, it’s easy to fall into autopilot.
You need a clear sense of purpose. What are you working toward? Who are you becoming? What kind of man do you want to be remembered as?
When you have direction, your actions gain meaning. Your habits align. Your time becomes more valuable. You stop chasing distractions and start building something that matters.
Purpose doesn’t have to be perfect—but it has to be intentional.
5. SPIRITUAL GROUNDING: BUILD YOUR INNER FOUNDATION
No matter how strong you look on the outside, without inner grounding, everything can feel empty.
Spiritual grounding is about connection—to your values, your beliefs, and something greater than yourself. It’s taking time to slow down, reflect, and stay aligned with who you truly are. This can look different for everyone. It might be prayer, time in nature, or simply practicing gratitude. What matters is that you create space to reconnect and stay centered. When you’re grounded, you move with clarity and conviction. You’re less reactive and more intentional.
A strong man isn’t defined by one area of his life, but by how he develops all of them. Physical strength, mental clarity, emotional control, purpose, and spiritual grounding—these are the pillars that create true balance.
This is the standard. Not perfection, but progress.
And it starts with the decision to work on yourself—every single day. Follow on IG @infinitifitness_nj
HOW
THE OWNER OF DRIP SAUNA STUDIO SURVIVED CANCER AND FOUND TRUE
WELLNESS
ARTICLE BY GREG NUGENT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
SWEAT.HEAL.
THRIVE.
I was 21 years old, a senior at James Madison University, when everything changed. Up until then, I thought I had a solid handle on wellness. I was active in the gym, playing intramural sports, and doing my best to eat healthy—at least by college standards. I felt like I was doing all the right things, which is why it took me so long to fully accept that something might actually be wrong.
Looking back, the signs were there. Over about a year, I was losing weight without trying. My appetite started to fade, and simple things, like walking up a flight of stairs, left me completely out of breath. I also had this persistent, full-body itch that I couldn’t explain. At the time, I brushed it off. College life is busy, stressful, and not exactly known for great sleep or nutrition. I figured it was just part of the grind.
It wasn’t until I went for a blood test, thinking I might have mono because I was so exhausted all the time, that things finally came into focus. My calcium levels were dangerously high, which raised a major red flag. That led to more testing, and eventually, my diagnosis: stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Oddly enough, my first reaction wasn’t panic—it was validation. For nearly two years, I had felt like something was off. I had seen multiple doctors, and nothing had been flagged. One even told me I was probably just overdoing it with caffeine or alcohol. So when I finally got a real answer, it confirmed what I had been feeling all along. It taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: listen to your body and advocate for yourself.
From there, everything moved quickly. I had to leave school and begin treatment—six months of chemotherapy followed by three months of radiation. It wasn’t easy, but it brought my family closer than ever. There were small moments of light in a really heavy time, like finally convincing my parents to let us get a dog, which I still consider one of our best decisions.
Through it all, I stayed focused on the fact that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is treatable and often curable. My doctors and support system were incredibly encouraging, and I leaned into that. I took it one day at a time. Because my cancer was so advanced, they don’t really use the word “cured,” they say “treated.” Even now, the only lasting effect is that my lung function is around 60 to 70 percent due to everything my body went through. But I’ve learned to live with that, and honestly, I don’t take a single day of good health for granted.
CONTINUED >
“IT TAUGHT ME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS OF MY LIFE: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF.”
After treatment, my perspective on wellness shifted. I became much more intentional about what I put into my body, focusing on natural, whole foods. I also discovered something that would become a huge part of my life: sauna therapy. I started using the sauna during treatment and continued afterward, initially to help rebuild my cardio strength. The more I used it, the more I became fascinated by its benefits. I delved deep into the research, and it became a real passion.
Along the way, I explored other holistic practices too—massage, breathwork, red light therapy, and cold plunging. The combination of sauna and cold exposure became especially powerful for me, not just physically, but mentally. It helped me manage stress, improve my energy, and feel balanced. Tools like these became part of my daily routine, and I saw firsthand how impactful they could be.
That passion ultimately led me to start Drip Sauna Plunge. What began as a personal journey turned into something much bigger. Today, the most rewarding part of what I do is helping other people feel better. We see everyone from athletes to seniors, people recovering from injuries, dealing with chronic conditions, or simply looking to improve their sleep and mental clarity.
For me, it all comes back to that moment at 21, when my body forced me to pay attention. Everything I’ve built since then is rooted in that experience. And if there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s this: don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you. It might just change your life.
Follow on IG @dripsaunaplunge
HEALING Through Ancient ARTS
The
Acupuncture Center
of New Jersey celebrates ancient healing through generations
ARTICLE BY JULIAN GARCIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
When Lucas Kadar presses a small needle into his left index finger, he does it as casually as others push straws into plastic lids on top of paper cups. After all, this is a man who has spent most of his 37 years inside an acupuncturist’s office, so needles don’t faze him.
In fact, needles are a very big part of Lucas’s life. And they always have been. His father, Peter, has been an acupuncturist for as long as he’s been alive. It’s the family business.
“It’s kind of funny, because in some ways I was a little rebellious toward it growing up,” Lucas says. “Now I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. It’s what I appreciate most.”
He runs the Acupuncture Center of New Jersey, a practice his parents started in Morristown in 1987. They’re currently a team of four practitioners.
Lucas has done just about everything there is to do in the office, from cleaning to handling paperwork and insurance, and now running the show. He’s officially been an acupuncturist for just under a decade. He started his own practice in Brooklyn before taking over the Morristown office from his father, who, at age 73, still works there but has stepped back.
“I feel well,” Peter Kadar says. “I like doing it, so I don’t have a plan to stop. I enjoy it. I don’t need to manage the place or be the boss anymore. I’m in a good place.”
What’s made Peter’s transition go smoothly is the fact that the business is now in the capable hands of his son, who approaches the practice with the same passion his father always had.
Lucas Kadar studied at the Pacific College of Health and Science in Manhattan, where he says he was able to get a ‘hands-on’ education on top of what he already knew about acupuncture due to his family ties.
Now, he believes acupuncture is the best way to cure and prevent a plethora of health issues, especially in men. Two of the biggest issues they treat at the office are sports injuries and stress issues. Both of which can often be neglected. Acupuncture can also support sexual wellness, hormonal balance, and overall wellness in men.
“Men are under a lot of stress,” Lucas says, “and it manifests in different ways—sexual wellness, fertility issues, anxiety, digestive issues. Speaking for myself as a man, we kind of need support sometimes.”
Peter emphasizes that it’s important for men to understand that acupuncture is not just something to be used as a treatment for a problem, but also as a preventative solution. “You’re not always trying to fix something,” he says. “Sometimes you’re trying to protect yourself and counterbalance the stress state a lot of men live in.”
MensHealth.com conducted research in 2020, citing a significant reduction in stress and improved sleep after running a course of acupuncture treatments. A simple Google search will show countless studies within recent years showing its positive effects.
Father and son have both studied Chinese medicine and the philosophies that accompany it. And they both feel acupuncture can and should be used as a legitimate alternative to conventional modern medicine. There’s a huge positive change in the way others look at the things they’ve been practicing and preaching for decades.
“Now a lot of hospitals and clinics will have acupuncture, natural foods, and emphasize exercise, including yoga, tai chi, and martial arts,” Peter says. “It’s much more incorporated now than it was way back then.” When he started showing interest in acupuncture, many people in his life were skeptical. Now, it’s become so accepted that most insurance companies cover it, a sign of how far it’s come since he started the business decades ago.
“A lot of people come see me only after nothing else worked, and then I’m able to help them,” Lucas says. “I’d like more people to know it’s an option sooner.”
Learn more at https://www.acupuncturecenterofnj.com/ Featured model: Chris Jones @infinitifitness_nj
Recommended Resources from the Acupuncture Center of New Jersey
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Harriet Beinfield & Efrem Korngold
A comprehensive and accessible book that demystifies traditional Chinese medicine for Western readers.
The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuck
A classic guide to Chinese medicine, explaining its holistic approach to health, which views the body as an interconnected system.
Website: https://acupuncturetoday.com/
This website provides in-depth, up-to-date resources. Store: https://kamwostore.com/
A trusted herbal supplier with a wealth of information. Shop online or at their Chinatown location. The website has a useful search tool for symptoms and herbs.
From My Dad to My Husband to My Sons
RAISING GOOD MEN
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELISHA LYNCH
Before I ever had daughters, I was a boy mom. Three little boys in four years. Loud, wild, and always moving. While I don’t know exactly what kind of men they will grow up to be, I know one thing for sure: they have an incredible example right in front of them.
My husband.
But this didn’t start with him.
I saw it growing up.
I have a dad who set the standard for me. He was kind, patient, steady, and a man who showed up every single day. He was excited and proud to be my father. Because of him, I always knew what I wanted in a partner.
And then I met Kieran!
After almost 20 years together, he has always been calm, dependable, and intentional in a way that never feels forced. He is such a good example of the type of man I want my sons to grow into and the kind of person I hope our daughters will one day marry.
He’s also the kind of dad who shows up. The first one to volunteer to coach, the loudest one cheering from the sidelines, and always ready to spend time, no matter how busy life gets.
And then there’s the everyday stuff that he thinks probably goes unnoticed. He just handles things. Shows up, figures it out, and keeps going without making a big deal out of it. He wakes up with the kids and wants to put each of them to sleep just to spend that extra time with them.
I’m not just raising boys. I’m raising someone’s future husband. Someone’s father. The kind of men who will go out into the world and impact other people’s lives.
I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with my best friend and watch him become such an incredible man who cares deeply for us and takes care of us, all while doing it with a smile.
And if they grow up to be anything like their dad, I know we’re doing something right!
Follow along on our journey on socials @felishalynchxo
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 6TH
Blippi: Be Like Blippi Tour
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown | 1:00 PM
1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Blippi is coming to your hometown in the all-new Be Like Blippi Tour! Get ready to see the world more curiously as you move like, play like, and explore just like Blippi! Join Blippi and Meekah live on stage in a high-energy live show packed with music, laughter, and surprises. https://www.mayoarts.org/events/
JUNE 9TH
2026 Annual Invitational Golf Tournament
Spring Brook Country Club, Morristown | 11:00 AM
Join us for the annual Market Street Mission Invitational to benefit our neighbors in need! Spring Brook Country Club features an 18hole Walter J. Travis designed championship course, delicious food, and a warm, congenial atmosphere promising a fully enjoyable day of golf with friends for a great cause. https://www.marketstreet.org/annual-golf-tournament/
JUNE 10TH
Women Entrepreneurs Networking Walk
En Masse Coworking, Morristown | 11:00 AM
Join us from 11 am - 1 pm for a BizBestie Walk networking meetup in Morristown, NJ — starting at En Masse Coworking and concluding with a coffee meetup at The Artist Baker. Explore a women-owned coworking space and take a guided networking walk around town while connecting in small groups and rotating 1:1 chats. Get Tickets: https://www.bizbestiewalk.com/
JUNE 13TH
Morris Plains Farmer's Market
771 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains | 9:00 AM
9:00 am - 1:00 PM
The Morris Plains Farmers Market is back for another exciting season filled with freshness, flavor, and fun. Join us every Saturday from June 13 through October 10 (excluding July 4th) as we gather in the heart of town for one of Morris Plains’ favorite traditions.
JUNE 14TH
Chicago
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown | 7:30 PM
Chicago, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. Chicago has released 38 albums and had 20 Top 10 singles, including “If You Leave Me Now,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Beginnings,” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” https://www.mayoarts.org/events/
JUNE 27TH
Morristown Marketplace
121 South St, Morristown | 12:00 PM
Join us on the lawn of St Peter's Episcopal Church to enjoy a satisfying community vibe, take in great live music, and shop a diverse assortment of makers and merchants right in the heart of Morristown! Browse a new variety of goods at each event. Free admission!
SABORES LATINOS GUINNESS STOUT BBQ SAUCE
a bright and mouthwatering sauce to up your grilling game this summer from Chef Fredy
ARTICLE BY ALISON LUKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBORA HINDSON
Chef Fredy’s Table has been a mainstay in Morristown for years, known as the pinnacle of high-end dining. You want a guaranteed top-notch meal with elegant ambiance? They deliver every time.
Now, those same gentlemen who spent years crafting the ultimate dining experience are returning to their roots. Sabores Latinos Morristown is dedicated to bringing the rich culinary traditions of Latin America to Morristown. They pride themselves on using authentic ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.
Our personal favorite? The barbecue chicken (and maybe the plantains, too!). What makes it so special? It’s all about the sauce. With grilling season upon us, Chef Fredy shared his famous Guinness Stout BBQ Sauce recipe so you can wow your guests right in your own backyard. ¡Buen provecho!
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 white onions, diced
• 1 head of garlic, minced
• 1 large minced shallot
• ½ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup ketchup
• 8 oz Guinness (Extra Stout recommended)
• ½ cup grape jelly
• 1 cup molasses
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 4 TBSP chili powder
• Ground Allspice (to taste)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
DIRECTIONS:
In a large pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and shallots until translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and ketchup, cooking for 2–3 minutes.
Incorporate the Guinness, grape jelly, orange juice, and molasses. Whisk over medium heat until the jelly has completely melted.
Add the chili powder and ground allspice. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Finish by adding salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the allspice as needed.
