Paige Nocera
Tell us about you and your business.
Events With Paige is a charcuterie and event shop where you can find all things charcuterie, wine, champagne and event accessories! What started off as a hobby during Covid, snowballed into a full time business and shop. I graduated from the University Of Florida in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Event Management. I always knew I wanted to be a part of the event world, I just didn’t know exactly where I wanted to be in it. As I was helping with some local event companies after I graduated, covid hit and the event world shut down. Feeling discouraged as having events during this time was non existent, I started watching YouTube videos and TikToks on everything charcuterie and taught myself how to build all different kinds of charcuterie boards. Once I started posting these boards on social media, spreading the word around town and had the full support of family and friends, I was able to open up a shop in downtown Naples! I have just celebrated 2 years of my business being open and am excited to see what the future holds!
What does giving/the holiday season mean to you?
The holiday season is all about spreading kindness, love, cheer and joy anywhere you can! I love giving back as much as I can and enjoy making boards for people during the holiday season to make their holiday events a little more special and personalized!
Tell us about a special holiday memory.
Being a Naples native, I know that us locals appreciate at least one “cold” day around the holidays. Christmas Day 2020 was actually cold outside and I remember my family being so excited that we could actually sit outside, enjoy a fire, drink, play games and all be together!
Dionne Fleming
Tell us about you and your business.
I am a Real Estate Professional, specializing in luxury homes throughout Pelican Bay and Bay Colony. As a full-time resident of the community for over 10 years, I have a deep understanding of Naples’ premier coastal lifestyle and am able to bring an elevated level of expertise and to every client experience. Before calling Naples home, I enjoyed living in some truly special places including a beautiful cattle ranch in Los Olivos (wine country Santa Barbara), Beverly Hills, CA and Manhattan’s Upper East Side. I also had the pleasure of spending my teenage years in Lake Forest, IL.
What is your favorite local shop to find gifts for loved ones?
In North Naples, Waterside Shops offers a nice selection of high-end shops such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Van Cleef & Arpels and Alo Yoga. One of my favorite stores in Olde Naples, however, is Marissa Collections.
Do you have any local traditions or Naples events you look forward to each year?
"Season" in Naples is very special. With a strong dedication to philanthropy, I have been actively involved with various non-profit organizations for many years which has allowed me to make a purposeful and meaningful impact in our community. I strongly believe in supporting charitable organizations in any way possible.
Naples has its own unique charm—how does the local community influence how you celebrate or give back?
Watching Naples evolve over the past several years has been truly extraordinary. The city has flourished with new world-class luxury residential developments, restaurants, and private membership clubs, creating an environment that is more vibrant than ever. Yet, amidst this growth, Naples has preserved its sense of tranquility and elegance— a rare blend that makes it an exceptionally unique and desirable place to live. Every day in Naples, Florida is a day to be grateful and celebrate! I really try to put forth an effort to exude positivity amongst those around me and to contribute to preserving our pristine environment.
Patrick Jira
Tell us about you and your business.
Jira Media- I promote and create content for clients as well as production. I am also a host of 239 Live.
20 months ago I was sitting in a detox facility, hopeless and broken. I thought my life was pretty much over. I had given up hope and felt like I was never going to be able to break free of drug addiction. I did finally have enough though and when I got out of detox and rehab, I reconnected with an old friend and old sponsor -- Blake Becker. He guided me, mentored me and helped show me a better way of living life. With his help, becoming spiritual once again and going through a 12 step program, I now have 20 months of sobriety and my life has never been better or more fuller. I also want to shout out my big brother, Larry Wilcoxson, for ALWAYS being there for me through thick and thin.
Naples has its own unique charm—how does the local community influence how you celebrate or give back?
The Naples community is the reason why I’m where I’m at today and I’m blessed to be on the cover off this issue. They never turned their back on me despite my trials and tribulations. I absolutely love the Naples Community.
What advice would you give other local entrepreneurs who want to make a difference through their work?
Follow your passion. Don’t chase the dollars. That will come if you love what you do and stay true to yourself.
What’s the best holiday gift you’ve received that really reflected who you are as a person?
When my daughter made a poster for me about how much she loves her dad.
Is there a gift or experience your business can provide? Tell us about it and who the ideal receiver would be.
I’d love to do a live telethon charity on 239Live raising money for families in need for Christmas.
Robert Schmidt
Tell us about you and your business.
Monkfruit Gold offers a unique alternative to traditional and artificial sweeteners. The many health benefits from the monkfruit create the ideal foundation on which to layer our formulations. Experience a calorie free approach to conquering life's daily hurdles, with our innovative all-natural sweeteners.
What does giving/the holiday season mean to you?
The holiday season is a time to reflect, reconnect, and give from the heart. It’s a reminder that the greatest gifts aren’t things, but moments of kindness, care, and understanding. Giving means uplifting others — helping them find balance and wellness so they can live their fullest, healthiest lives.
Tell us about a special holiday memory.
One of my favorite holiday memories is spending an evening surrounded by family, sharing stories and laughter over a home-cooked meal. There’s something so healing about those simple moments — they remind me that true wellness begins with connection, gratitude, and love.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations both within your family and community?
I hope to leave behind a legacy of mindfulness, compassion, and balance. My goal is to inspire others to care for their health naturally, to listen to their bodies, and to live in harmony with the world around them. Within my family and community, I want to be remembered for helping people rediscover their own strength and peace.
What is your favorite local shop to find gifts for loved ones?
I love supporting small, locally owned shops that carry unique, handcrafted, or wellness-inspired gifts. Places that value sustainability and intention behind their products always draw me in — they make every gift feel that much more meaningful.
Frank Potoczak
Tell us about you and your business.
Naples' leading provider of custom security solutions and smart home tech. Over 25 years of expertise in innovative, personalized automation and smart security systems. Transforming homes and businesses into modern, secure spaces.
Tell us about a special holiday memory.
Putting together a fundraiser for those less fortunate in my hometown and collecting over 55 bicycles for children in the community.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations both within your family and community?
I hope my legacy is one of building — building people, building trust, and building safety. In my family, I’ve always believed that each generation should make the next one better; if that’s not happening, something’s gone wrong. With Freedom Technologies, I want to leave behind a company that continues to innovate and protect long after me. If our work helps create a community that’s safer, stronger, and more connected, then I’ll know I’ve done my part.
What is your favorite local shop to find gifts for loved ones?
I love heading to Tin City as there are many shops that I can hit up in a short period of time, but Naples Soap Co is one of my favorite.
What advice would you give other local entrepreneurs who want to make a difference through their work?
My advice to local entrepreneurs is to build your business the right way — with honesty, integrity, and a genuine love for what you do. When your focus is on serving people instead of just selling to them, the work will always come. Success doesn’t come from cutting corners; it comes from consistency, passion, and doing right by your customers and your community. If you stay grounded in that, your business will grow naturally and your reputation will carry you far.
Brennen Seaman
Tell us about you and your business.
Detailers of Naples - We specialize in automotive protection films & coatings. Vinyl Color Changes, Detailing, etc.
What does giving/the holiday season mean to you?
Spending time with my wife and 1 year old daughter, while creating traditions and memories.
Tell us about a special holiday memory.
Spending Christmas/New Year's in Colorado with my entire family. We rented a cabin for all of us to stay in and spent the weeks skiing and creating memories together.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations both within your family and community?
I'd hope that my dedication, motivation, and hard work is a legacy id be known for. I'd like to be remembered for how resilient I am, never giving up, being disciplined and always pushing myself for the best outcome.
What is your favorite local shop to find gifts for loved ones?
I can always count on Waterside shops to find great gifts for my loved ones.
What advice would you give other local entrepreneurs who want to make a difference through their work?
Be consistent, be visible, and stay humble enough to keep learning. Surround yourself with a team that believes in your mission and treat them like partners, not employees.
Naples has its own unique charm—how does the local community influence how you celebrate or give back?
Giving back is something I always look forward to doing each year, especially around the holidays.
Anna Catherine Block
Tell us about you and your business.
I founded Harper Juliet Atelier as a reflection of everything I love — timeless storytelling, understated luxury, and the art of connection. Named after my daughter, Harper Juliet, the atelier represents more than a brand; it’s a world where elegance meets intention, and where fashion, interiors, and culture intertwine through an editorial lens. My journey began in fashion when I was sixteen and later evolved into a career in publishing, where I served as Editor-in-Chief for a luxury lifestyle magazine. Those experiences shaped my eye for detail, my appreciation for design, and my belief that true beauty lies in authenticity and craftsmanship. Today, through Harper Juliet Atelier, I bring that same refined sensibility to the clients and brands I partner with. Based between Naples, Florida and Lake Forest, Illinois, I curate public relations, branding, and lifestyle experiences for those who value artistry, heritage, and meaningful storytelling. Harper Juliet Atelier is my way of connecting worlds — of celebrating the people, places, and ideas that define modern luxury while honoring the grace of tradition.
What does giving/the holiday season mean to you?
For me, giving is about connection — it’s the quiet beauty of thoughtfulness, of knowing that even the smallest gesture can make someone feel seen and loved. I’ve always believed that the most meaningful gifts are not about extravagance, but intention — a handwritten note, a shared moment, something chosen with care and heart. The holiday season, to me, is a time to slow down and be present. It’s about gathering with the people who make life feel full, reflecting on the year with gratitude, and finding joy in the simple, beautiful details — the scent of pine, a candlelit dinner, the sound of laughter in a warm room. It’s a reminder that elegance and generosity go hand in hand — that true luxury lies in how we make others feel.
What advice would you give other local entrepreneurs who want to make a difference through their work?
Stay true to your vision and lead with heart. Success comes from authenticity — from creating something meaningful, not just profitable. Build relationships, honor your community, and let purpose guide your work. When passion and integrity align, the impact naturally follows.
Sher Canada
Tell us about you and your business.
Shecanlove is a luxury women’s boutique in Naples, Florida, offering meticulously curated fashion, tennis, pickleball, golf and athleisure. We are “Luxury You Live In”. Each piece is hand-selected to blend style, versatility, and confidence. Shecanlove embodies effortless elegance—curating timeless, ready-to-wear, travel-ready looks, and polished pieces that move seamlessly from the office to the court, from cocktails to the clubhouse. Each collection features seasonal must-haves and statement silhouettes designed to blend style, comfort, and confidence. More than a boutique, Shecanlove offers a personalized fashion experience that empowers women to express their most confident and beautiful selves every day.
What does giving/the holiday season mean to you?
Shecanlove's business motto is to TEACH, LOVE and INSPIRE. I have a deep passion for helping women look and feel beautiful. At this stage of my life, I get a lot more out of giving than I do receiving.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations both within your family and community?
That Sher always protected the little guy. I have always been known by family and friends to be the glue that holds it all together.
Do you have any local traditions or Naples events you look forward to each year?
Shecanlove's annual Fashion Show! This year will be our 4th annual Fashion Show! We LOVE this event and are opening it up the public this year! It's a blast!
Sarah LeVeque
Tell us about you and your business.
I moved to Naples in 2014 and instantly fell in love with the sense of community and coastal charm this area offers. As a mother of three, much of my time outside of work is spent participating in school events and serving as their personal chauffeur to countless practices and games. Family and connection are at the heart of everything I do both personally and professionally.
With over 26 years in real estate, I’ve built my career on relationships, trust, and a genuine passion for helping people find their place in our beautiful Naples community. I began my career at a family-owned company that taught me the importance of service both to clients and the community, a philosophy that continues to guide me today.
When I joined John R. Wood, I immediately felt that same family atmosphere and shared commitment to giving back. For me, real estate is about so much more than transactions; it’s about connection, understanding people’s stories, and helping them begin new chapters in homes they love. With a background in construction and advertising, I offer my clients far more than simply opening doors and writing contracts. I bring insight, creativity, and a thoughtful, hands-on approach that ensures they feel supported, informed and confident throughout the entire process.
Tell us about a special holiday memory.
It’s hard to choose just one special holiday memory when there have been so many. A few years ago, while our house was being renovated, all seven of us squeezed into my mom and stepdad’s small three-bedroom home. Determined to be back in our own house by Christmas Eve, I put pressure on the contractors—and after a few panic attacks and plenty of stress, they finally finished on December 30th.. We spent Christmas Eve at a friend’s house but had no tree to come home to. In a simple yet touching gesture, my friends unplugged the small Christmas tree from their porch and placed it in my car. That small act of kindness reminded me what the holiday season is truly about—sharing, generosity, and love.
Yana Pravednova
Tell us about you and your business.
I am a personal trainer.
Naples has its own unique charm—what do you love the most?
The beach!
What is your favorite local shop to find gifts for loved ones?
I enjoy getting gifts for loved ones from other countries.
Where is your favorite place to celebrate the holidays with friends or family?
In my home.