This month’s magazine celebrates "Love Local" by highlighting Naples entrepreneurs and their stories. We interviewed locals about their businesses, favorite activities in Naples, and the charities they support, showcasing the strong community spirit that defines our coastal town.
Tara Settembre - Author/Influencer
Tell us about your business.
Business? More like my passions turned into self-employment. ;) I'm a local author and social media influencer @TaraMetBlog covering Southwest Florida and sharing my travels and adventures along the way. Utilizing my master’s degree in Journalism and 20 years of blogging and PR experience, I turned my storytelling and communication skills toward my ultimate passion - writing romantic fiction. Now, I have seven published award-winning romance books under the pen name Tara September.
What do you love most about running a business in this community?
Seeing and connecting with so many familiar faces. This really is a close-knit community with so much to offer residents and tourists alike..
What’s a recent milestone or achievement in your business that you’re particularly proud of?
I’ve been blogging for 20 years now, back when it was still called a weblog, and my Instagram account @TaraMetBlog has reached over 46,000 engaged followers last year. On the author side, my latest release, a new-adult college hockey romance, "Hot and Cold" is a NJ Romance Writers’ 2024 Golden Leaf Finalist for Short Contemporary.
What’s your favorite local restaurant for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner?
The Bay House - with its delicious seafood and river views always makes me appreciate living here in the paradise coast.
If someone were visiting Naples for the first time, what’s one local tradition or event they shouldn’t miss?
They shouldn't miss exploring Third Avenue South — starting at the pier to take in our gorgeous beach, then walking past the different boutiques and gallery pop-ups; stopping for cocktails at The Continental’s outside bar, followed by fine cuisine at Campiellos. You’ll never want to leave!
Is there a local cause or organization in Naples that’s close to your heart?
I’m so thankful for HEAL - Heaven on Earth Animal League, a no-kill, non-profit 501 (3C) an all volunteer animal rescue group dedicated to taking homeless animals off the streets & finding great homes for them. I’ve had the privilege of fostering through their program and adopting two wonderful kitten siblings into our family.
Elena Theodora Barbos - Theo European Medical Skincare
Tell us about your business.
Theo European Medical Skincare's mission is to establish the standard of excellence in delivering the highest quality in cosmetic aesthetic treatments with the focus on personalized care.
What do you love most about running a business in this community?
With a focus on medical grade treatments and skincare, Elena-Theo's work is driven by their passion for enhancing skin health and helping individuals feel confident in their own skin.
What’s a recent milestone or achievement in your business that you’re particularly proud of?
Investing in the newest generation of CO2 Resurfacing Laser.
What’s your go-to spot in Naples for a little self-care or relaxation?
Therapeutic Massage with Andreea Gradea; Hair done by Laura Vlad and Kate Holloway.
Do you have a favorite local shop or boutique that you love to support?
Mikkelsen's Pastry Shop.
If someone were visiting Naples for the first time, what’s one local tradition or event they shouldn’t miss?
Visiting the Pier, the beach, enjoying the sun, palm trees.
How do you balance work and personal life in such a vibrant, beautiful community?
Creating a structured routine that allows for both professional fulfillment and personal well-being.
How do you hope your business will grow or evolve in the next year?
Outlining a strategic plan that includes expanding your customer base through new marketing initiatives, entering new markets, improving customer experience, developing new products or services, and potentially optimizing operations to increase efficiency.
Is there a local cause or organization in Naples that’s close to your heart?
Global Down Syndrome Foundation https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/the-story-of-two-syndromes/
If you could describe Naples in three words, what would they be?
The Green Paradise!
Tyrell Jackson — Investment Coach
Tell us about your business.
I’m an investment coach specializing in teaching technical analysis for stock option trading and long-term investment strategies.
What do you love most about running a business in this community?
Helping others achieve their financial goals in the stock market.
How does your business connect with or contribute to the Naples community?
It provides the wellbeing and the security for one to make good financial decisions.
What’s a recent milestone or achievement in your business that you’re particularly proud of?
I have brought in 250 members into my business within 60 days of my official launch day as well as helped 15 people make over $50,000 in the stock market.
What’s your favorite local restaurant for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner?
Continental Naples.
Do you have a favorite local shop or boutique that you love to support?
I like to go to my esthetician, EstheticswAlexis, for a Hydrafacial every month. It’s my favorite way to practice self-care and keep my skin refreshed."
If someone were visiting Naples for the first time, what’s one local tradition or event they shouldn’t miss?
5th Ave parades.
How do you balance work and personal life in such a vibrant, beautiful community?
In order for me to continue to partake in the vibrant community of Naples, I must continue to work hard to enjoy the fruits of my labor.
If you could describe Naples in three words, what would they be?
Established; intelligent; futuristic.
What’s one thing you’ve learned from the Naples community that has impacted your business?
Having a 5-10 year plan is pivotal to the success one will experience today.
How do you hope your business will grow or evolve in the next year?
500 members; public speaking events; selling merchandise.
Virginia Inglese - Be Hot Yoga
Tell us about your business.
At Be Hot Yoga, we believe in a total health approach that combines physical and emotional healing. Powered by infrared radiant heat, our yoga practice ranges in temperature from a hot 105 degree Bikram style to our 80 degree Yin class! Beyond yoga, we offer a full range of pilates and barre classes as well. Total Health Concepts offers comprehensive outpatient counseling programs to include individuals, families, groups, recovery and nutritional coaching. We offer a holistic approach to address trauma, family systems, eating disorders and life events and specialize in helping those from all walks of life.
What do you love most about running a business in this community?
My first priority is our client and through BeHot Yoga and Total Health Concepts I have an opportunity to connect clients to improving mind, body, and spirit in a beautiful location.
How does your business connect with or contribute to the Naples community?
By changing the body, the mind will follow. By changing the mind, the body will follow. Our location is across from Cambier Park which makes it easy for people to join a yoga, pilates, or barre class. The location also makes it easy to join community events. BeHot Yoga participates in the monthly Naples Tri WEllness Beach Yoga and encourages that mind and body connection with our beautiful surroundings in Naples.
What’s a recent milestone or achievement in your business that you’re particularly proud of?
BeHot Yoga will celebrate its 2nd anniversary in January. In 2024, we had 10k new customers visit our studio! Total Health Concepts celebrates 40 years of counseling this year! We strive to offer fun classes and new ways to be there for all of our clients.
If someone were visiting Naples for the first time, what’s one local tradition or event they shouldn’t miss?
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden. It is spectacular!
Hemita Klose - Naples Dental Boutique
Tell us about your business.
Naples Dental Boutique is more than just a dental practice; it's a patient-centered haven designed to transform the ordinary dental visit into a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. We believe in prioritizing comfort and aesthetics alongside exceptional care. Our vision is simple: to redefine what it means to receive dental treatment. We've meticulously curated a beautiful and tranquil environment where you can feel at ease. Cutting-edge technology and advanced techniques are seamlessly integrated to ensure you receive the most precise and effective care possible. At Naples Dental Boutique, honesty and integrity are paramount. We prioritize open communication and always put your needs first. Our focus extends beyond individual teeth; we emphasize comprehensive care, promoting optimal oral health and its vital link to overall well-being.
How does your business connect with or contribute to the Naples community?
Deeply inspired by my husband's service as a combat veteran, I am committed to supporting those who have served our country. To honor their sacrifices, I partner with the Army Reserve Health Readiness Program, providing comprehensive dental care to service members preparing for deployment. Additionally, I proudly support the Wounded Warriors Relief Fund, ensuring access to quality dental care for disabled veterans in our community. These partnerships reflect my profound gratitude for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation.
What’s a recent milestone or achievement in your business that you’re particularly proud of?
A recent milestone I’m incredibly proud of is the completion of my new state-of-the-art dental practice, where we’ll enhance our existing exceptional customer service with the benefits of a cutting-edge facility. Ever since graduating, I've dreamed of creating a practice of this caliber in a beautiful community like Naples. My experience building and growing a successful practice in New York City provided invaluable knowledge. Now, back in Florida, I've been able to translate that experience into a reality, bringing my lifelong vision to life.
What’s your favorite local restaurant for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner?
The Grill at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples is my top pick for a romantic dinner. It offers a truly exceptional dining experience.
Nick Vician - TerraCap
Tell us about your business.
TerraCap is a real estate private equity firm that invests in multifamily and industrial assets in high growth markets across the United States.
How does your business connect with or contribute to the Naples community?
We have invested heavily in commercial real estate throughout Naples and Southwest Florida since the firm’s inception, and we have been pleased with the outcome of our investments in the area. I anticipate we will invest in Southwest Florida for a long time to come.
What’s a recent milestone or achievement in your business that you’re particularly proud of?
Our firm recently celebrated its 16th anniversary, and we are proud to have grown 100x in assets under management over that period of time.
What’s your favorite local restaurant for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner?
There are so many fantastic local restaurants in Naples that it’s hard to choose just one. The Continental in Old Naples is one of my favorite local restaurants for special occasions.
Do you have a favorite local shop or boutique that you love to support?
My favorite local shop is John Craig, a men’s clothing store. It carries a great assortment of outfits for all occasions, and the staff is extraordinarily helpful.
If someone were visiting Naples for the first time, what’s one local tradition or event they shouldn’t miss?
Live Fest is a live music festival that occurs each December at the Ritz Carlton at Tiburon. The event features major headline entertainers at a concert that takes place right behind the resort. It is a great event in an intimate atmosphere, and I highly recommend that everyone experience it at some point.
What’s one thing you’ve learned from the Naples community that has impacted your business?
The Naples community is full of philanthropic residents who donate their time and financial resources to worthwhile causes. It is a great inspiration to our company, partners, and employees to give back.
Is there a local cause or organization in Naples that’s close to your heart?
There are a lot of worthy charitable organizations in Naples. Two that immediately come to mind are St. Matthew's House and Harry Chapin Food Bank.
Kate Holloway - Master Color Expert & Blonding Specialist
Meet Kate Holloway: Global Elite Master Color Expert & Blonding Specialist in SWFL With over 18 years of experience, Kate Holloway has established herself as a leading voice and authority in the salon industry. Her career began on Long Island, leading to honing her skills at a prestigious celebrity salon located on Fifth Avenue in New York City. After moving on to practicing her expertise in Ludlow, MA, where she currently owns KH SALON SUITES, Kate found her home in Naples, Florida, where she now serves as a sought-after personal hairstylist and colorist. From a young age, unwavering passion has driven her success in making “blonde dreams come true”. She has trained directly with industry elites such as Rita Hazan and Nicci Welsh, further refining her craft through their mentorship. The fast-paced energy of NYC's 5th Avenue and Broadway has not only fueled her creativity but also equipped her with the confidence necessary to excel in a competitive market. As a two-time salon owner and commitment to on going investment in education, Kate’s resilience to excellence has positioned her as a Global Elite Master Color Expert. This prestigious designation, earned in 2018, (1 out of 200 hairstylists selected for the opportunity) underscores her authoritative knowledge in hair color theory and application. MCE grants her access to an exclusive network of experts based out of London, UK where all hair trends are born and thrive, along with ongoing education from the most renowned educators in the industry. Kate is dedicated to providing an unparalleled client experience. Her clear communication, extensive knowledge, and unwavering passion ensure that each client feels valued and confident in their results.
What’s your go-to spot in Naples for a little self-care or relaxation?
I love the Woodhouse Spa! Great spot for relaxation and zen. Their massage therapists really know what they’re doing. I have actually meet some amazing girlfriends in the sauna! If you’re looking for a relaxing medical-grade facial, I recommend Elena at THEO Medical SkinCare on 9th!