We sure love our events, especially when it comes to our children! Newborn arrivals, birthdays, graduations, weddings, new homes or any number of milestones are just a few of the special moments that give us an opportunity to honor and celebrate our loved ones throughout a lifetime! And, what better way to elevate your event than to consult with these local experts who are passionate about making your event even more special and memorable!
Jolena Simoneau
Sun & Moon Balloon Design
SunMoonBalloon.com
IG & FB: @sunmoonballoon
Jolena started Sun & Moon Balloons in 2002, inspired by her young daughters, Emma and Quinn, who embody the essence of her “Sun & Moon.” Motivated by a desire to nurture strong, confident leadership qualities in them, Jolena embarked on this venture.
“Bringing joy to others is easily the best part of this business, but being able to make client’s lives easier while being creative is extremely rewarding,” Jolena shared.
Jolena moved to Frederick County in 1997, when she was entering high school. After graduating, she enrolled full-time at Frederick Community College while also working full-time. Though her family moved out of state during this time, she chose to stay in Frederick County to complete my semester. Jolena fell in love with Frederick County and decided to make it her home.
Jolena is a passionate creator and proud women-owned business, specializing in crafting both classic and organic balloon decor suitable for all occasions. Jolena explained, “Our commitment extends beyond balloons; we provide a seamless, delightful experience from effortless ordering to exceptional communication…We advocate for responsible enjoyment of balloons, reflecting our dedication to sustainability.”
Reflecting on her experience as a business owner in Frederick County, Jolena shared, “The robust support for small businesses and the widespread collaboration across diverse sectors (from non-profits to business and education) contribute to a thriving community that fills me with pride to both reside in and operate my business within. It’s an extraordinary and inclusive environment that offers an exceptional blend of residential living and entrepreneurial opportunities.”
Jolena serves on the Board for Key City Rotary and is a member of the Women in Business Committee for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, in addition to serving as an Ambassador. Even while running a very successful business, Jolena explained, “My greatest joy and honor is being a mom to my two daughters and teaching them the importance of contributing to their community.”
O
The Box Theory
TheBoxTheory.com
FB & IG: @theboxtheory.eatprettyfood
Originally from Thailand, O first came to Idaho as an exchange student in 2014, and then went to college in Pennsylvania. In 1999, she moved to the DMV and said, “We stumbled upon Frederick when we were house hunting in 2015 and fell in love with this city…Frederick is beautiful. People here are really nice. The community is very involved and very supportive of small businesses. And the small businesses are also very supportive of each other. I feel very lucky to live and have a business here in Frederick.”
The Box Theory was started by O in 2022. She specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind fruit carvings. And, she also offers Asian inspired foods on her menu which many of her customers say are “hidden gems.”
O is a talented food artist. “I always loved throwing parties," she explained, "and I thought I would be able to spread joy and share my passion with more people.”
She loves to support local schools though part of her business foundation. O shared, “I love spreading joy to teachers, students and families in the community by providing my ‘pretty food’ experience and even teaching classes.”
With a goal to grow her business, O plans to travel the world and teach about her fruit creations. She explained, “Every single one of my creations makes my heart sing…I just want people to eat pretty food!”
Amanda Brown
Card My Yard Frederick
CardMyYard.com/Frederick
FB: Card My Yard Frederick
IG: @cardmyyard_frederick
“We opened Card My Yard Frederick in 2021, as we were coming out of the Pandemic,” Amanda recalled. “Our nation and so many families we knew had been through so much hardship. We loved the idea of being able to uplift, support and celebrate all of the amazing things happening in Frederick.”
Amanda grew up in Montgomery County, MD and moved to the Frederick area after college. She is an “elementary school teacher turned homeschool mom.” Her husband is a local firefighter and they are blessed to be the parents of two incredible children (who often love to help card yards). “Having such a tangible way for our family to spread joy to others has been incredibly special to us,” Amanda shared.
Card My Yard Frederick is so grateful for the huge support. They love using their greetings to celebrate milestones and important moments. They can even card inside a home or building just as easily as outside on your lawn! In addition, Amanda offers discounts for U.S. military members, first responders, schools, realtors and returning customers.
Amanda loves doing business in Frederick because it feels like they are working with family. “We've been loved and embraced since day one,” she explained. “There are so many homes that we don't even have to Google the address for anymore! Being chosen to celebrate multiple occasions for the same family or business has been such a gift.”
Amanda sponsors several local events each year, including Relay for Life and the MS Walk. Card My Yard also has a corporate partnership with Make a Wish Foundation. “We've been honored to celebrate two local Make a Wish Days,” Amanda said. “I love that we get to celebrate the people in our immediate community. It's a way to give back and be a light to others.”
Jennifer Rosaria Varriale
Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography
JenniferRosariaPhotographer.com
IG: @jenvarriale
While Jennifer officially launched Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography and opened her studio along East Patrick Street last year, she has been a freelance videographer and photographer, working in filmmaking for other companies, since 2018.
Originally from Italy, Jennifer moved to the United States ten years ago. She is trilingual (Italian, English and Spanish). She earned an Associate’s Degree in Art at Montgomery College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Media & Film with a concentration in Cinematography at Towson University.
“I started my company because I wanted to be creatively free, not having to always follow someone else’s direction; but, instead, expressing my own creativeness through my work,” she explained.
Jennifer loves creating art, in both film and photography. She elaborated, “I love the process of creating something new every time I meet new people and see new places. I love to capture moments and create something that will stay in people’s lives forever.”
While her personal business is relatively new, Jennifer has a lot of experience in industry that she can build on right here in Frederick. “I really love the community and what Frederick has to offer,” she said. “I love working in Frederick because it has so many beautiful areas, including downtown and all the parks. And, the sunsets are always so amazing. There are beautiful locations for pictures anywhere you look…I also love how creative Frederick is and how it supports the arts. I have enjoyed getting to meet and photograph people who live in Frederick and do so much for the community. It has been inspiring.”
Jennifer provides photography and videography services for a variety of special occasions: weddings, families, children, editorial, branding and fashion studio work. She also volunteers in the community, capturing events and supporting businesses in Frederick. “I would like for people to know that I am a down-to-earth, fun, genuine person, and passionate about what I do. I love to have a good laugh and connect with people.”
“Bringing joy to others is easily the best part of this business, but being able to make client’s lives easier while being creative is extremely rewarding.”
“Every single one of my creations makes my heart sing…I just want people to eat pretty food!”
“I love that we get to celebrate the people in our immediate community. It's a way to give back and be a light to others.”
"I love to capture moments and create something that will stay in people’s lives forever.”