Some stories begin with a place that has always felt like home.
For Christine, that place is Madison. Her husband, Paul, grew up there, and his family has been part of the community for generations. Today, their children proudly carry on that legacy as fifth-generation Madisonians. After owning a wedding invitation business, Christine saw an opportunity to create something the community was missing. A gift boutique where finding the perfect present felt just as special as giving it. What started as a small pop-up shop in her living room grew into The Pink Pear, a boutique built on the belief that shopping should be an experience, not just a transaction. Over the years, The Pink Pear has become more than a store; it's become a place where friendships are formed, milestones are celebrated, and community comes first.
Bri's journey to New Jersey looked a little different. Growing up in a small town in Vermont, she moved here to attend Drew University, where she studied Media & Communications and English. During the pandemic, she watched many local businesses struggle to connect with customers and realized she could help. She began reaching out to small businesses, offering social media and website support. After hearing more than a few "no's," one business owner finally said "yes."
That business was The Pink Pear.
What started as one opportunity six years ago grew into a partnership built on trust, creativity, and a shared passion for championing local businesses. Together, we've celebrated grand openings, supported entrepreneurs, navigated challenges, and watched dreams become reality.
Earlier this year, we met Alison Lukin and Kim Cera, the local owners of Eastern Morris and Greater Morris City Lifestyle magazines. As we learned more about the City Lifestyle mission, we knew it aligned perfectly with what we already loved doing. When the opportunity arose to become the new local owners of Chatham + Short Hills (now including Millburn) City Lifestyle, we knew it was a journey we wanted to take together.
Our vision is simple: to create more than a magazine. We want these pages to celebrate the people, businesses, nonprofits, and events that make our community such an extraordinary place to call home. We believe every entrepreneur has a story worth telling, every local business deserves to be seen, and every community member has something that can inspire others.
Just as Christine's "yes" changed the course of Bri's career, we hope this magazine becomes a "yes" for our community. A yes to supporting local, discovering new businesses, celebrating big dreams, and connecting neighbors through meaningful stories.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. We can't wait to tell your stories. We hope every issue inspires you to shop local, connect with neighbors, and discover someone new.
“Just as Christine's "yes" changed the course of Bri's career, we hope this magazine becomes a "yes" for our community!”