ANITA YODER
Interior Designer Specializing in Window Treatments, Home Décor and Design
Owner of Heritage Design Interiors Inc.
What "first" stands out in your life, now at the stage of your life you're in?
As an empty nester, I realize how quickly your children grow up!
What's your indulgence of choice?
Traveling.
What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your dreams! Don’t wait until it’s too late.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you immediately change in the world?
Get everyone to work together for a better future.
JAIME HAZLEY WEISBROT
Store owner of men's clothing
Phineas Gage
What "first" stands out in your life, now at the stage of your life you're in?
My most recent “first” would be the first time having kids, a real life change for us, and even more now that we added our second in September.
What's your indulgence of choice?
A great pair of jeans!
What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
Not to react with emotion, take a breath.
How do you expect this catchy 2020 decade-starter to unfold by the end of the year?
Hopefully introducing our store to new customers and bringing in new brands and styles our customers love.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you immediately change in the world?
Find a cure to end pediatric cancer (and the coronavirus!).
SANDRA RIPER
Graduate Gemologist
Owner of Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery
What "first" stands out in your life, now at the stage of your life you're in?
At age 18, I sold my first $24,000 sapphire ring.
What's your indulgence of choice?
Emerald cut diamonds and vintage Cartier Jewelry, as well as celebrating with French champagne.
What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
Treat everyone you work with as a "team" and every client with care and respect.
How do you expect this catchy 2020 decade-starter to unfold by the end of the year?
I think people are looking to set clear and decisive goals, and to keep better balance in their lives.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you immediately change in the world?
I would eliminate man-made diamonds from retail jewelry stores.
SUSAN REISER
Professional Artist
Devoted painter and owner of Cloud Nine Studio Gallery, LLC
What "first" stands out in your life, now at the stage of your life you're in?
Starting my own business as the owner of my studio/gallery Cloud Nine Painter, LLC. I sold my first painting in my early twenties and now sell hundreds of works annually. However, I am still catapulted onto Cloud Nine with every painting I sell and/or am commissioned to paint just like it was my first. Being an entrepreneur and running my own business as a working artist is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Painting is my calling and will always be my first love.
What's your indulgence of choice?
Divine, rich oil paint.
What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
"Have confidence in your future" said my dad, the living legend Villanova basket ball star, Bernie Schaffer. He has told me this piece of advice ever since I was a child.
How do you expect this catchy 2020 decade-starter to unfold by the end of the year?
I'm at the mercy of art lovers and art enthusiasts who wish to collect artwork for their home. By the end of this beautiful year, I hope to have installed over 400 works throughout the country and internationally. I have to spend long hours in my studio and painting en plein air to achieve this goal but luckily I don't consider my career as actual work. I consider it a privilege and a joy to belong to the art world. When you were born to create, that's what you're going to do. You don't have a choice. And if I don't reach my goal by the end of 2020, I will still be content. Just spending each day at my easel is enough for me.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you immediately change in the world?
I'm a firm believer that art can change the world. Perhaps not day-to-day on a large scale, but a single piece of artwork can alter a person's perception of the world. Therein lies its power. Art speaks to the soul and it's a gateway for beauty and hope. My magic wand is my paintbrush, and I can only hope that I've made a difference in someone's life through my work. That would be my definition of Cloud Nine.
DENISE MAGGITTI COLLINS
Marketing and Business Development Manager
Chapman Windows, Doors & Siding
What "first" stands out in your life, now at the stage of your life you're in?
The births of my two children, and that overwhelming feeling of absolute love. My son and daughter are now 20 and 17, and bring such a feeling of peace and joy to my life. Parenting is the toughest job in the world by far, the pay can’t be measured in dollars…it is measured in an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the gift.
What's your indulgence of choice?
Blue Claw Crabs. I started eating them by the bushel at my grandparents' hotel in Atlantic City. Once a week, we would have a crab feast with all of the guests. Kids all sat together, and we would spend hours eating crabs and just having fun conversations. I believe you could solve the world’s problems with a bushel of crabs and a six pack of beer.
What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
At the age of 20, my first real job at Scott Paper, with 401(k) benefits, my mentor and still good friend Jack Travis told me to save money every pay period. It didn’t need to be a lot, just something. I have been saving ever since.
How do you expect this catchy 2020 decade-starter to unfold by the end of the year?
Hindsight is 2020. I think the start of this decade should lead us to think of the mistakes of the past…personal and global, and to learn from them, not be too stubborn to change, and to move forward personally and as a world nation to advance peace and goodwill. All lives matter, the elderly can teach us so much with their wisdom, those in their middle path of life should realize that the future belongs to the young, and we should give them more guidance in their lives. And the unborn are just waiting to make their mark on humanity, let’s let them.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you immediately change in the world?
World peace. No more wars for land, power, oil, religious domination or greed. One simple solution: We treat others the way we want to be treated. And I believe a fundamental return to religious values; wherever you are in your walk with God, keep going!
LINDA BARILANI
Natural Hormone Balancing Specialist Coach
Owner and NHB specialist at BeBalanced Natural Hormone Balancing Center
What "first" stands out in your life, now at the stage of your life you're in?
The "first" firsts that stands out in my life are the births of my incredible two children. They are such a blessing. What stands out now in my business is the way this program helps, supports and changes the lives of the people that come through my doors. It's the most rewarding job I've ever done.
What's your indulgence of choice?
Hmmm, my most favorite thing to indulge in is time with my family away from phones and computers.
What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
To be kind and realize that everyone is going through tough stuff.
How do you expect this catchy 2020 decade-starter to unfold by the end of the year?
Regarding my business, I see it blossoming and branching out to touch more and more people and make their lives better.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you immediately change in the world?
Judgment, it will serve no good purpose.