Mercer Island is home to an extraordinary group of women whose leadership, creativity, and commitment help shape the character of our community every day. From entrepreneurs and medical professionals to designers, builders, educators, and business leaders, these women bring passion and purpose to the work they do.
Many are longtime residents deeply connected to the island, while others have built businesses here because of the strong sense of community and collaboration that defines Mercer Island. What they share is a dedication to excellence and a belief that great work—whether designing a home, caring for patients, building a business, or guiding a client through a major life transition—can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
In this special feature, we celebrate the women behind some of Mercer Island’s most respected businesses and organizations. Through their stories, we see how professional passion and community connection go hand in hand.
Featured Women
Sharon Singh, Global Real Estate Advisor, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Michele Schuler, Managing Broker, Real Residential
Nadine Stellavato Brown, Interior Designer, Studio Stellavato
Maria Amadi, PA-C, Owner & Practice Manager, Amadi Aesthetics MedSpa
Niki Baklinski, Co-Owner, Baklinski Home Improvement
Kelly Weisfield, J.D., ABR, CRS, Luxury Broker
Partner Businesses Supporting Mercer Island Women in Business
These businesses and organizations are also part of the strong network of women-led and women-supported enterprises serving Mercer Island.
Mercer Island Orthodontics
Islander Orthodontics
Islander Dental Arts
Hip Zephyr Boutique
Bellevue Club
Gallagher Company Construction
NW Lifestyle Homes
RE-VESTA Group
Mirelle Education
Maria Amadi, PA-C
Owner & Practice Manager | Amadi Aesthetics MedSpa
For Maria Amadi, serving the Mercer Island community is both meaningful and deeply personal. Having grown up on the island, she feels a strong connection to the people and families who call it home. Today, through her work at Amadi Aesthetics MedSpa, she has the privilege of caring for patients within the same community that helped shape her own life.
Amadi’s path into aesthetics was profoundly influenced by her personal journey as a sarcoma survivor. After undergoing craniofacial reconstructive surgery and both surgical and non-surgical treatments to restore her own confidence, she developed a deep empathy for patients navigating similar experiences. That perspective continues to guide her work today. For Amadi, aesthetic medicine is about more than treatments—it’s about helping people rediscover their confidence and reconnect with their sense of self.
As owner and practice manager of Amadi Aesthetics MedSpa, Amadi is focused on leading with intention in the year ahead. Her goals include supporting the growth of her team, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring every patient receives an exceptional and thoughtful experience.
Her approach combines medical expertise with compassion, creating an environment where patients feel cared for, understood, and confident in the care they receive.
Favorite Mercer Island Spot
The northern tip of Luther Burbank Park is one of Amadi’s favorite places on the island—a peaceful spot where she often pauses during runs to take in the water and surrounding natural beauty.
“My own experience as a patient shaped my purpose—to help others rediscover confidence and feel comfortable in their own skin through thoughtful, compassionate aesthetic care.”
Nadine Stellavato Brown, Interior Designer, Studio Stellavato
For interior designer Nadine Stellavato Brown, the most rewarding part of her work is helping Mercer Island homeowners transform their houses into meaningful retreats. She is continually inspired by working with individuals and families who have built their lives here and want their homes to reflect that journey. Each project becomes an opportunity to thoughtfully layer materials, original art, and architectural influences in a way that feels deeply personal and intentional.
Brown’s path to interior design evolved naturally from a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. After more than three decades as a creative director and branding designer, she became fascinated with how principles like color, composition, and narrative could extend beyond two-dimensional design into the built environment. Interior design offered the perfect next chapter—creating spaces that not only look beautiful, but also express identity and emotion.
Looking ahead, Brown is focused on continuing to explore layered materials, nature-inspired palettes, and timeless architectural influences in her work. She is also placing greater emphasis on incorporating original artwork into interiors, sourcing pieces from auctions, galleries, and independent artists. For Brown, original art brings authenticity and emotional connection to a home—adding depth, individuality, and a sense of story to the spaces where people live their daily lives.
Sano Café is one of Brown’s favorite island stops—fresh, nourishing, and beautifully simple, whether she has time to pause or needs something quick between projects.
“Interior design is about more than beautiful rooms—it’s about creating spaces that tell a story, support everyday living, and reflect the lives unfolding within them.”
Niki Baklinski: Co-Owner | Baklinski Home Improvement
For Niki Baklinski, serving the Mercer Island community is about more than improving homes—it’s about uplifting people. She finds joy in everyday interactions that leave someone feeling supported, encouraged, and better for the exchange. Whether helping a homeowner rethink a space or guiding them through a renovation, Baklinski approaches each project with the belief that thoughtful work and genuine care can strengthen a community one home at a time.
Her path into the profession was influenced early by her grandfather, a civil engineer who helped build the Channel Tunnel between England and France. A natural tinkerer with an inventive mindset, he was always improving and fixing things around the house. As a child, Baklinski often worked beside him—handing him tools and listening as he talked through ideas and solutions. That experience, combined with her own strengths in spatial thinking and functional analysis, shaped the way she approaches her work today.
Looking ahead, Baklinski is focused on deepening the company’s “WOW-level” culture at Baklinski Home Improvement. Her goal is to ensure every interaction—from team members and subcontractors to clients—feels thoughtful, respectful, and memorable.
Caulkins Landing holds special meaning for Baklinski. As a child, her grandmother took her swimming there every summer day—memories that still make the spot feel like home.
“Improving homes is really about improving people’s lives. When a space works beautifully and someone feels cared for along the way, that’s where the magic happens.”
Michele Schuler Managing Broker | Real Residential
After more than twenty years selling real estate on Mercer Island, Michele Schuler says the most meaningful part of her work isn’t simply the homes—it’s the relationships built over time. Many of her clients return through multiple chapters of life, from first homes to growing families and new transitions. That continuity, she says, is what makes the work so rewarding. Being someone clients trust again and again is a privilege she never takes lightly.
Schuler was drawn to real estate because it blends several passions: strategy, design, and human connection. Each transaction requires thoughtful problem-solving, but also a deep understanding of the people behind the decisions. No two clients—or homes—are ever the same, and that variety continues to keep the work engaging after decades in the profession.
Looking ahead, Schuler’s focus is on thoughtful, intentional growth. She plans to expand her team while continuing to deepen long-standing client relationships and elevate the level of service she provides. Maintaining a refined, highly personalized experience remains central to her approach.
Favorite Mercer Island Spot
The Roanoke remains a longtime favorite—a true gathering place on the island. In the summer, the outdoor spaces fill with neighbors connecting and enjoying the relaxed spirit of Mercer Island.
“The most meaningful part of my work is the relationships built over time—supporting clients through multiple chapters of their lives and earning their trust again and again.”
Sharon Singh
For this Mercer Island real estate professional, helping people find their place in the community is more than a career—it is deeply personal. Mercer Island is where she and her husband are raising their two sons, and that connection shapes how she serves every client. From sharing firsthand insights about schools, clubs, and neighborhood life to thoughtfully presenting a home at its best, she brings pride and genuine enthusiasm to every conversation.
Her path into real estate grew naturally from years of deep community involvement. As a stay-at-home mother, she served on the PTA board and later as President of the Mercer Island Orchestra Boosters, building relationships and supporting local families. When she decided to start a business of her own, the transition felt seamless. “My husband has always told me I’m a connector,” she says. “In real estate, I finally feel completely in my element.” Today, the care she invests in each client relationship reflects the same dedication she once poured into community leadership.
Recently recognized as a Top Performer at the Mercer Island branch of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, she is focused on expanding her professional network and bringing fresh insights back to clients across Mercer Island and the greater Seattle Eastside.
Her favorite place on Mercer Island? The home her family discovered at an open house twelve years ago—still the view that reminds her why helping others find theirs matters.
“Helping someone find a home on Mercer Island means helping them find a life here. That sense of belonging is what makes this work meaningful.”
Retail & Fashion
Hip Zephyr - Dana
Dana Smith
Owner | Hip Zephyr Boutique
Dana Smith brings style, creativity, and community spirit to Mercer Island through Hip Zephyr, a boutique known for its curated fashion and welcoming atmosphere.
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Community Connection
For Dana Smith, Hip Zephyr is more than a boutique—it’s a place where women can feel confident, inspired, and connected. Serving the Mercer Island community through her shop allows Smith to help customers express their personal style while creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and approachable.
Smith believes fashion should feel joyful and empowering. At Hip Zephyr, she focuses on curating clothing and accessories that help women feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves. Whether someone is looking for an everyday staple, a special event piece, or simply a moment of retail therapy, Smith and her team aim to make every visit feel personal and uplifting.
Opening Hip Zephyr was inspired by Smith’s love of fashion and her desire to create a boutique that feels both stylish and inclusive. She enjoys discovering new designers and thoughtfully selecting pieces that reflect both current trends and timeless style.
Looking ahead, Smith is excited to continue growing Hip Zephyr as a destination for Mercer Island shoppers—expanding collections, introducing new brands, and hosting events that bring the community together around fashion, creativity, and connection.
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Favorite Mercer Island Spot
Smith loves the Mercer Island Farmers Market—a vibrant place where neighbors gather, local makers shine, and the strong sense of island community is always on display.
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“Fashion should feel joyful and personal. I love helping women discover pieces that make them feel confident, comfortable, and excited about how they show up each day.”
My own experience as a patient shaped my purpose—to help others rediscover confidence and feel comfortable in their own skin through thoughtful, compassionate aesthetic care.” Maria Amadi
’Interior design is more than beautiful rooms—it’s about creating spaces that tell a story, support everyday living, and reflect the lives unfolding within them.” Nadine Stellavato Brown
“The most meaningful part of my work is the relationships built over time—supporting clients through multiple chapters of their lives and earning their trust again and again.” Michele Schuler
Fashion should feel joyful and personal. I love helping women discover pieces that make them feel confident, comfortable, and excited about how they show up each day.” Dana Smith