We’re so proud to announce our 2024 Monmouth Women in Business Guide! The Monmouth Moms community allows us to meet and work with so many wonderful female entrepreneurs and working professionals doing remarkable things. We’re delighted to highlight some of these amazing women in this year’s guide, who work to provide our growing families the best local resources, services, products, and more! Check it out below, and take note of how these Monmouth Women in Business can help to make 2024 your best year yet!
Meet Kristianne V. Macaraeg, DMD, Owner of Surfside Smile Co.
I am the owner of Surfside Smile Co. Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Middletown! I am a pediatric dentist and practice alongside my husband (JV Kracke, Orthodontist). We are a small, boutique practice and specialize in treating all infants, children, and adolescents for comprehensive oral health care including those with special needs and provide orthodontic treatment for the growing child, teens, and adults. Our mission is to provide high-quality and personalized dental care in an environment that is relaxing, fun, and welcoming for all! Whether your child is afraid of the dentist, has never been to the dentist, or has special health care needs, we cater to every child’s unique needs. We offer private and kid-friendly treatment rooms allowing you and your child to feel at ease. We spend quality time with each of our patients and focus on the patient and parent education and experience. We are a dental home your little one can grow with from their very first dental visit to getting braces!
The inspiration and vision for our practice started back in 2018 while we were on our honeymoon in Hawaii! Everywhere we went, we felt the warm aloha spirit. We wanted to create a space and a practice where our patients and families felt the same warm, welcoming vibe. We designed our office with happy and calming colors that appeal to kids, teens, and adults while keeping a fun surf-themed office.
From the perspective of patient care, it has always been a life-long dream of mine to open up my own pediatric dental practice! Over the years plus my new experience being a first-time mom, I have honed in on my practice philosophy. I strive to be the compassionate, gentle, and fun pediatric dentist every child deserves and I treat every patient the way I would want my daughter to be treated.
I love that Monmouth County has been growing with many creatives and local businesses! It creates a very supportive environment with lots of room for collaboration and innovative events and ideas!
I spent the majority of 2023 learning how to balance life and be a mom! Between working a full-time job, creating my business, and being a first-time parent, I couldn’t find the time to make connections in the area. It was a grind getting to our opening day but now that my practice is open, I can focus more time on creating new relationships. My plans for 2024 include getting out in the community more, finding and joining some mommy and me classes, and making new friends and relationships that will help me to be a better mom, business owner, and healthcare provider!
Two of my favorite women-owned businesses in the area are both part of the wedding industry! Jess Giovine of The Jess Press and Cassandra Shah Ditmars of Cassandra Shah Flowers & Event Design are both so talented and have such an eye for creative design. Their passion for what they do is seen in the spectacular works of art they create and their vision is always more than one would expect. Their creations always make a couple’s big day more than imaginable and leave you in awe.
Location + Contact Information
🦷 Board Certified Specialists
🍍 Dr. Kristianne Macaraeg • Pediatric Dentist
🌊 Dr. JV Kracke • Orthodontist
📍 NOW OPEN Middletown, NJ
Meet Eileen Burgess, Owner of Canvas Studio Art
Canvas Studio Art is a warm and colorful studio that provides a safe and friendly place to create art. We have welcomed talented artists throughout the years who have enjoyed the process of art-making while interacting and having fun with other artists who love creating. We have weekly classes that run for a six-week session throughout the school year and 8 weeks of summer camps. We have beautiful art-filled birthday parties on the weekends and Art Shows a few times a year selling local artist work. We have adult workshops and classes for beginners as well as advanced oil painting sessions.
Canvas Studio Art was founded thirteen years ago by four friends who are artists, we discussed the idea while training for the NYC marathon which we ran together in 2010. We had eleven children who we still call Canvas Cousins. As the other founders moved on to other exciting opportunities and travel, I purchased the business during the pandemic and am now the sole owner. We have had three locations throughout the years in Rumson and have been in Fair Haven since 2018. We have had wonderful teachers and staff over the years that have made Canvas a wonderful place to create art.
The best part of running Canvas Studio Art is watching the students’ excitement while enjoying the process of making art. Another wonderful part of our business is the collaboration we enjoy with our wonderful teachers and assistants who all get very excited about creating new ideas developing the curriculum, sharing techniques, and building new skills with the students. We plan to create more opportunities for adults to enjoy the process of creating art, workshops, and classes for painting and drawing. We are planning to highlight local artists each month in our gallery window and have more art gatherings to discuss art.
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Meet Dr. Kristine Keane, Founder of The Center for Neurowellness
Location + Contact Information
RED BANK LOCATION
Red Bank, NJ
CONTACT US Phone: (732) 920-3434 Fax: (732) 920-2447
Meet Jennifer Marmorato, owner of Enchanted Blossoms!
Enchanted Blossoms is a real independent florist in Holmdel NJ. We are a family-owned flower shop located on the block inside historic Bellworks, Holmdel, NJ. We create custom-made-to-order fresh and dried flower arrangements with a touch of whimsy. We offer arrangements for all occasions and life events like anniversaries, birthdays, get well flowers, and sympathy flowers, we also have every day or flowers for just because. Enchanted Blossoms has a wide selection of floral designs and we take care to deliver the very best fresh flowers.
Ordering flowers online is easy with our website and our flower shop prides itself in creating gorgeous floral arrangements using the freshest flowers sourced from the best flower growers. We carry a wide range of unique plants, succulents, orchids carnivores, and air plants. Surprise your loved ones with a unique design and fresh fragrant flowers for any special occasion. Send flowers from our website to surprise someone special. Whether it is a get-well flower gift basket, Mother’s Day flowers, a seasonal centerpiece for the holidays, or something that says “I love you” Enchanted Blossoms is your florist in Holmdel, NJ, and will make sure to send luxury flowers in a stunning arrangement.
We host parties and studio classes for all ages. Curate your own Friends Nite Out, Mommy and Me Day, or Birthday Party with us! We are an eco-friendly, sustainable florist. We compost and recycle the majority of our waste. We use earth-friendly, sustainable practices, and biodegradable materials. Please stop in to smell the flowers! Can’t make it to the shop or want to send flowers to someone? We offer convenient delivery to your local area including Holmdel, Lincroft, Colts Neck, Tinton Falls, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Matawan, Marlboro, Keyport, Aberdeen, Shrewsbury, Oceanport, and more!
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Meet Stefany Gittleman Founder, The Gold Maze
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Meet: Judi Crook, ASID, CID NJ Certified Interior Designer & Owner
Kaleidoscope Interior Design is a full-service Interior Design firm specializing in residential and commercial projects including existing, renovation, and new construction whose principal is certified by the State Board of Architects. We help individuals, families, and businesses change how they feel within their space by carefully crafting environments you will enjoy and that make you and your guests feel good. All interior and outdoor living spaces are carefully designed, planned, and managed from concept to completion with your specific style, needs, and interests in mind. We carefully coordinate our efforts with your Architect and/or contractor, if needed on your project, as well as provide design drawings for your Architect to incorporate for building permits and complete Interior Design construction documents for your contractor to build accurately from.
The most fundamental part of our process is ensuring a great client experience! As a professional NJ State Certified Interior Designer and ASID NJ President-Elect, I am committed to helping you by creating beautiful, safe, and healthy spaces while maximizing potential and function. Bringing my vast experience, I educate and guide you through your project so you can make informed decisions, protect your investment while increasing value, live happier lives in your dream home, or advance the growth of your business.
With more than 20 years of experience, we bring to your project knowledge of the construction process, the understanding and application of building codes, access to our vetted trade resources, quality products, as well as custom design for several different types of products from furniture to fixtures to finishes.
Location + Contact Information
Kaleidoscope Interior Design, llc
Serving Monmouth County
Middletown, NJ
848.218.9462
kidesignshop.com
Meet Christine Ruggiero, RN, FN, MSFP, BSN | Owner Operator
Location + Contact Information
1500 route 35
Middletown NJ 07748
732-993-6559
IG liquivida. Middletown
55 Willow Lane
Suite 103
Marlboro, NJ
732-612-9833
IG liquivida. Marlboro
Meet Lily Leventant, Owner of Play Big Zone
Play Big Zone, owned by Lily Leventant, in Marlboro, New Jersey offers party experiences that your child will surely enjoy. We bring excitement, fun, and a bit of a well-organized competition to every birthday celebration, making amazing memories for you and your guests. Play Big Zone offers a laser maze, arcade, amazing race, virtual reality pod, and more! 
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Meet: Shannon Russell, Owner of Second Act Success Career Coaching
My business is Second Act Success Career Coaching. I am a certified Career Transition Coach, and I help women who are unfulfilled in their careers pivot towards a second act that produces a balanced life, career, or business they desire. I made the leap out of a high-profile career in the entertainment industry after starting my family, and I opened a small business. I know the struggles and stress of making a career transition firsthand, and now I support others who are trying to plan a path toward a new career or business that works with their current lifestyle. I work with clients through one-on-one coaching or through my Second Act Accelerator Program. I also host the Second Act Success Career Podcast to offer advice and inspiration for those thinking about starting a second act.
Being a Career Coach allows me to work with clients online in other states, as well as here in Monmouth County. In addition to Second Act Success, I also own another local business called Snapology, where we teach children STEM education. Through that business, I have been fortunate to meet so many incredible women and local business owners. This has given me the opportunity to coach other small business owners in the area to support them as they grow their businesses as well. I just love living and running both of my businesses here in Monmouth County.
2024 is going to be a busy year! I will be re-launching my coaching program, and I am starting a new membership for women interested in a career transition or in launching a small business of their own. I am also writing a book that I hope to have released by the end of 2024. In addition to continuing with my Second Act Success Career Podcast, I will also be speaking at more conferences and events to urge others to step out of their comfort zone and start a second act in life.
Some of my favorite Monmouth County Women-owned businesses are Raising Sunshine, Little Rockers, Cottontails, Just Play, Little Dreamers Play Cafe, Freehold Montessori, and The Littlest Detail Photography.
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Meet: Kaitlin Bailey, Owner of Shea Communications
My work world is male-dominated and so is my personal life. As a wife, mom of two boys (Derek age 2.5, and Shane 6 months), and dog mom of 3 (2 boys and 1 girl) I’m constantly on my toes and ready to go. Owning a business is tough but I wouldn’t have it any other way as a mom. It gives me the freedom to be able to pause when possible and spend time with my boys and husband. If you’re in need of my services please reach out, we are here to help you with all of your technology needs. I hope to hear from you soon.
Location + Contact Information
Phone: (732)-530-3704
Fax: (732)-530-3707
Mail: P.O. Box 125 Rumson, NJ 07760
Email: [email protected]
Meet Coach Katie, Owner Shrewsbury Gymnastics
Shrewsbury Gymnastics has been supporting toddlers, children, and young adults in the sport of gymnastics since 1981. We offer team programs, recreational classes, and parent/child programs. Our goal is the safe practice and instruction of this challenging sport, helping to keep our students fit, and providing them with a set of skills widely applicable in other sports and daily life such as balance, strength, and coordination. We have athletes ranging from cheerleaders and dancers to soccer players and swimmers who attend classes to enhance their performance as athletes! We love to serve as a home away from home for gymnasts spending their summer months in Monmouth County.
I am so grateful to own a business in the same county I am proud to live in. On a regular basis I get to interact with parents and grandparents bringing their children to class who also once did gymnastics at our facility. I think our area is so unique in how community-focused it is. We take great pride in maintaining a gym culture that makes people wish to return! We are thrilled to be expanding our summer camp program. NEW for 2024 we will be an air-conditioned facility! This year there we will also have more expansive class and team programs available.
I am proud to be a Monmouth County mom with an 8-year-old son. My husband (of 15 years) and I love the area we chose to raise our family in. I was always an athlete and spent a short time pursuing recreational gymnastics but finally found my perfect fit in the sport as a coach in 2006.
I was fortunate enough to have been mentored by some of the best coaches from Shrewsbury Gymnastics such as Marsha Reardon, Cyndi Skove, and Suellen Breon amongst others prior to becoming co-owner of Shrewsbury Gymnastics with Ed Soles. I take great pride in our JOGA team program which annually has gymnasts securing top placement at the state level, but one of my deepest passions continues to be instilling a love of this sport in young children. Whether they decide to pursue gymnastics long-term as one of our team gymnasts or apply the skill set to another endeavor I feel accomplished!
One item that differentiates Shrewsbury Gymnastics from other gymnastics facilities is how accessible and inclusive it is. Parents can spectate and be both present and visible to their child. The close community and family atmosphere of our gym culture is one item I want to invite our Monmouth County mom community to experience at our gym!
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Meet Stacey, Owner of Studio On Willow
Studio on Willow delivers professional service and beautiful hair in a clean, fresh, and cozy environment. We are committed to providing you with excellent hair and a memorable
experience. Our talented staff specializes in balayage, highlighting, keratin treatments, extensions, color, precision haircuts on both men and women, bridal services and so much more. We place a high importance on customer service and make the utmost effort to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We opened Studio on Willow in the beginning of 2021. With Covid on the rise, it was a scary time in business, but we decided to give it a go. We are blown away by the warm welcome we received from the community!
We love hosting events to promote ourselves and help support other small local businesses. Our past events have been so successful that we plan to have more moving into the new year. This has been such a great way to get to know some of our neighbors and strengthen some of the relationships we have built in the community.
There are so many wonderful local women-owned businesses in the area. Some of the businesses we have grown to love and support are HerSpace Med Spa, The Bond Society, Silver Spirit Wellness, Waverles, MadebySarahJ, Carlena’s Creations, and of course who doesn’t LOVE The Blonde Shallot!
Location + Contact Information
316 Willow Dr
Little Silver, Monmouth County 07739
USA
Email:
Phone:
732-377-2210
Meet Kimberly Rea, Owner and Operator of Waxing Studio at Wall
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Meet Dr. Guerrasio, Owner of Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Safari & Dr. Guerrasio, owners of Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry in Little Silver, NJ give the ultimate care for your child’s dentistry needs. Providing a “child-friendly” environment is an understatement, with a vibrant and warm office, compassionate and helpful staff, and the most innovative technology on the market, Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry has it all. With a focus on preventative care, their 3 years of additional training after attending dental school has equipped them for the unique dental needs of each child they serve. Their goal is to help each child grow a healthy smile to last a lifetime!
Atlantic Pediatric serves infants, children, teens, and children with special health care needs. Dr. Safari and Guerrasio have over 35 years of combined experience, and Dr. Guerrasio is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Guerrasio is the current president of the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society, and Dr. Safari is a past president and active board of trustee member, and has received the award of NJ Top Dentist. Investing in the latest technology is important to Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry. They continually update their equipment to provide the best care possible. Digital X-rays, Solea Laser technology, paperless check-in, and latex-free supplies are just some of the ways they have continued to improve their care.
Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry also has an “open door” policy, acknowledging that children often need the support and confidence that a parent’s presence brings during a visit, and all are welcome in the patient care room.
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Meet Kate Santangelo of The Monmouth Moms!
My name is Kate Santangelo, founder of The Monmouth Moms! I grew up in Monmouth County, and now I’m raising my family here! After spending over a decade in the wine and hospitality industry, I combined my passion for community, motherhood, food, and business, and created themonmouthmoms.com! You can read more about me in my interview, here!
The Monmouth Moms is a resource website for busy parents in Monmouth County. We provide seamless access to information about local events, activities, resources, and more! Capturing the entire cycle of motherhood, our content gives our rapidly growing network of moms the gift of time, who frankly don’t have the time to research everything you’ll need raising a family in our community. I absolutely love our community, and am passionate about helping moms find the best local schools, events, pediatricians, shops, and everything in between!
I sincerely hope you always find something you can count on when visiting our website, as I work to consistently bring you the best Monmouth County has to offer our growing families!
Xo,
Kate
For all advertising and marketing inquiries, please email us at [email protected]
Photography by: Sea Salt + Honey Photography
2024 Women in Business Guide is sponsored by:
🦷 Board Certified Specialists
🍍 Dr. Kristianne Macaraeg • Pediatric Dentist
🌊 Dr. JV Kracke • Orthodontist
📍 NOW OPEN Middletown, NJ