Bergen County's vibrant community flourishes with the support of one of its most passionate advocates, Justine Santaniello. A longtime on-air lifestyle expert and entrepreneur, Santaniello has built her career around connecting with audiences. Now, through her multifaceted business, JustHaves Studios, she creates opportunities for others to thrive.
For Santaniello, the journey to Bergen County mirrors the familiar story of a city family seeking suburban charm.
“My husband, Dan, grew up in Rivervale and always spoke highly of the area,” she recalls. After an impromptu house hunt in Bergen County, the family found their dream home, moving in just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world.
“It ended up being a blessing in disguise. We got our home at a great time, and this ‘starter’ house became our forever home,” Santaniello reflects.
She quickly discovered that Ridgewood’s community-focused culture was the perfect fit for her family.
“The schools, events, and connections are unmatched. It’s a place where families genuinely support one another,” she shares.
This emphasis on connection inspired Santaniello to move her thriving production business, JustHaves, from Manhattan to Paramus, making Bergen County the home base for her studio. The facility has since become a creative hub for video production, photography, and collaborative projects.
“Why were we taking our resources to New York when we could invest locally?” she asks. “So many of our freelancers and contributors are in Jersey. It just made sense to bring everything closer to home, and it’s been so rewarding.”
Building Community
For Santaniello, it’s about more than business; it’s about giving back to the community that welcomed her family so warmly. Ridgewood’s close-knit atmosphere has been a revelation for her.
“The schools here focus on connecting parents and fostering a real sense of community,” she explains. “My husband participates in Dad’s Night at Somerville Elementary, and we’ve made lifelong friends. It’s the kind of environment I dreamed of for our kids.”
This community-driven mindset fuels the work at JustHaves Studios. The studio not only produces Santaniello’s nationally syndicated lifestyle show, Lifestyle Today, but also collaborates with local businesses and content creators. Whether it’s helping a restaurant owner create a promotional YouTube series or providing a space for local influencers to film their podcasts, Santaniello remains committed to uplifting others.
“We recently hosted a photo shoot for a Jersey-based entrepreneur and partnered with a local restaurant to develop their digital content,” she mentions. “There’s a sense of pride in helping people build their brands while staying true to our roots here in Bergen County.”
From Local to National
Lifestyle Today, a 30-minute show produced in-house at JustHaves Studios, exemplifies Santaniello’s dynamic approach to content creation. Featuring everything from holiday gift guides to celebrity interviews, the show airs in seven major markets, including New York and New Jersey.
“Instead of traveling for on-air segments, I decided to create my own show where I could spotlight the topics and brands I love—and bring other creators along for the ride,” Santaniello explains. “It’s thrilling to include local businesses and restaurants on a platform that reaches a national audience.”
The show has also become a springboard for initiatives close to Santaniello’s heart, such as supporting Ridgewood’s Feed the Front Lines during the pandemic and collaborating with organizations like Oasis to assist underserved communities.
Looking Ahead
As JustHaves Studios continues to grow, Santaniello has big plans.
“I want this studio to be a welcoming resource for anyone—whether you’re a local podcaster, a small business owner, or a content creator. We’re here to make the creative process accessible and enjoyable,” she says.
Santaniello is also passionate about exploring new ventures within the community. She plans to actively engage with local organizations, host workshops, and collaborate with area entrepreneurs to build a network that fosters creativity and growth. Through mentorship and hands-on support, she hopes to empower others to turn their ideas into reality.
“I’d love to see more local podcasts, collaborative projects, and even hyper-local lifestyle shows emerge from this space. The possibilities are endless,” she adds.
For Santaniello, it’s about using her expertise to empower others while celebrating the community that inspires her.
“I want people to know that they’re never too small to dream big, and I’m here to help them bring those dreams to life,” she affirms.
As Bergen County thrives with businesses like JustHaves Studios at its heart, Santaniello’s story reminds us why supporting local matters. It’s not just about boosting the economy; it’s about creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
JustHaves Studios
Website: justhaves.com
Instagram: @justhavesstudios