Tag Archives: Interview

Business, Rising Stars

Lynette Barbieri: Helping Women Entrepreneurs

 

The #HipNJ studio welcomes back Vanessa Coppes, co-founder of ETTWomen!

On this trip to the studio, Vanessa is introducing her business partner, Lynette Barbieri. Lynette has built her career on the power of networking; building strong relationships and connecting with other women entrepreneurs.

Lynette has channeled her ability to bring people together into helping female entrepreneurs achieve their own business goals. She is the co-founder of ETTWomen, which aims to encourage and inspire other women to start their own businesses.

ETTWomen has recently opened their own headquarters, located in Morganville. This space doubles as the headquarters of the ETTWomen Foundation, which is a NJ non-profit organization dedicated to offering financial, educational, and planning assistance to female victims of domestic violence, as well as emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. This cozy, comfortable environment is open for members to utilize as well.

In addition to her work at ETTWomen, Lynette is the founder of LynetteWork. Over the last 20 years, Lynette met “women from all different businesses, all different agencies, all different backgrounds” and wanted to be able to give something back to the expansive network she grew.

LynetteWork offers a wide variety of consultant services, specializing in helping women entrepreneurs. Her site, LynetteBarbieri.biz is an amazing resources for any women thinking of starting her own business, looking to re-brand herself or simply in need of some inspiration!

To learn more about ETTWomen events, like March’s Power of Connection Conference, visit ETTWomen and be sure to follow HipNewJersey on social media.

Dining, Garden State Living

Stack Happy Sweets

Looking for the perfect dessert to share with others? You’re in luck! #HipNJ’s Lisa Marie Latino spoke with the founders of Stack Happy Sweets, Jeri Freeman and Lauren Ohl, about the concept behind their innovative treats.

Lauren and Jeri met years ago when their kids were little. Having discovered a common love for cooking—and each seeking  to bring something new and different to the dessert industry—they came up with the idea for Stack Happy Sweets. 

A “Stack” takes dessert to a new level by layering three different flavors. A Stack base can be a traditional brownie, sugar cookie, coffee bar, snickerdoodle, blondie, or red velvet. The middle layer’s rich choices include chocolate, toffee, cheesecake glaze and peanut butter. Finally, top your Stack with a variety of special toppings—M&M’s, sweet & salty pretzels, candied pecans,  and other unique choices. 

“If a cookie, brownie, and cupcake had a baby, it would be a Stack!” Jeri exclaimed.

Their menu features 16 original flavors of Stacks to choose from, or you can create your own assortment of these bite-sized desserts. Stacks can be color-coordinated to match your party’s theme, and they make memorable gifts to loved ones and clients alike. You can even  personalize your special delivery with a company logo! 

This unique, delicious and creative dessert concept is located in Montville, but you can ship your Stacks anywhere in the country. 

Check out more about Stack Happy Sweets at StackHappySweets.com. For some sweet satisfaction, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. 

Deerkill Day Camp
Across the River, Garden State Living

Deerkill Day Camp

Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time for parents to find their summer camp!  #HipNJ’s Lisa Marie Latino spoke with the owners of Deerkill Day Camp, Todd and Rebecca Rothman, about summer camps and what you can find at Deerkill Day Camp.

“Parents better start their search now and come on weekend tours to visit the camp before slots get filled,” explains Todd. Todd also mentions how the number one thing parents should look for in a camp is if it’s  ACA- Accredited. This means that your child’s summer camp cares enough to undergo a thorough peer review of its operation- from staff qualifications and training to emergency management.

Deerkill Day Camp is more than buildings, equipment, and scenery – it is a community, a vibrant space where each boy and girl contributes to the cooperative spirit that makes day camp such a magical place. When Rebecca’s grandparents Irwin and Mildred Rhodes founded Deerkill (Dutch for “deer stream”) in 1958, they wanted to create a community where children would be happy to explore their curiosity, develop new skills, form lifelong friendships, and, of course, have fun.

Now, 6 decades and 3 generations later, Deerkill Day Camp is still owned and directed by the Rhodes family and it is still that special place. Rebecca shares that their program is a really nice mix of both traditional and modern twists. They still have all sports that people would play at camp 20 years ago with an addition of new programs like movie-making, cooking programs and yoga. There is never a dull moment, you always have something exciting to do!

“Deerkill Day Camp is a nice mix of sports, arts and nature, an amazing opportunity to be totally unplugged, get away from all devices and be physically active getting in touch with outdoors.” – shares Rebecca.

To learn more about why so many families have turned to Deerkill Day Camp for their summer fun, visit them on their website. There you can find there virtual tours, videos and dates and rates. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.