Professional Services

Heather Colp

The owner of Colp Design & Consulting is Forging a New Path in the Construction Industry Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Emmanuel Sanchez, Greg Cormier Heather Colp is no stranger to working in a male-dominated industry.  Twenty-five years ago, Heather, who lives in Glastonbury with her husband, David, and the couple’s two boys, ages 10 and 9, graduated college with a bachelor's degree in interior design, earned her license, and entered a field in construction, that at the...

April 2024

Beauty

Beauty Bridge: Transforming Lives

The Hartford Nonprofit Offers Free Services to Women in Need Article and Photography by Allison Bellucci Located in the heart of Hartford, Beauty Bridge salon is more than just a hair care and beauty business — it's a sanctuary of hope and transformation for many women.  Founded by the mother-daughter team of Saasha Plefka and Dede Caldwell, two women with a visionary with a passion for giving back, Beauty Bridge is rewriting the narrative of beauty and empowerment. Beauty Bridge is a...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Empowering Women

The Aurora Women and Girls Foundation Article by Lucinda Jamison In Greater Hartford, the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation is a beacon of hope and empowerment for Connecticut women and girls.  Dedicated to catalyzing positive change by advocating for gender equality and community development, the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation has a multi-faceted approach of data-driven research, community engagement, and strategic grantmaking that increases economic security, educational attainment, and...

April 2024

Education

The Junior League of Hartford

For More Than a Century The Group Has Promoted Women and Volunteerism Article by Brian Boyer With a rich history spanning more than a hundred years, the Junior League of Hartford is a driving force behind numerous impactful projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of people and families in the Greater Hartford area. Founded in 1921 and based in West Hartford, the Junior League, is comprised of all- women volunteers, committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential...

April 2024

Professional Services

Small Businesses, Big Impact

Three Women-owned Ventures are Reshaping the Small Business Scene in Central Connecticut Article by Annisa Teich | Photography by The Flash Lady Since 2017 the mother-daughter team of Annisa Teich and Annette Farese have made Central Connecticut, and West Hartford in particular, the focal point of their life and work.  Small businesses are at the heart of Annisa and Annette’s endeavors. Their family has operated an array of businesses ranging from baking to bookkeeping and even retail. With...

April 2024

Arts + Culture

Ballet Theatre Company

Celebrating 25 Years of Dance: A Journey of Passion and Inclusion Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by Thomas Giroir Since its inception 25 years ago, the Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) in West Hartford has been more than just a dance organization—it's been a beacon of joy, passion and inclusivity for the community. Led by Director Stephanie Dattellas, whose love for dance began at the age of 3, the organization has evolved from a performance ensemble to a thriving training school and...

March 2024

Fitness

Investing In Your Fitness

GYMGUYZ: Bringing the Workout, and Expertise, to You Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Brian Ambrose As anyone who has embarked on a new fitness goal can tell you, the biggest hurdle is getting out, whether for a run, an indoor workout, or to the gym. Sure, you can buy expensive gym equipment for your garage, spare bedroom or basement, but how many of us end up using that stationary bike or treadmill as coat racks?  What if your workout came to you instead, trainer, workout, and...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Mitigating Your Investement Tax Burden

There Are Several Tax and Investment Strategies to Avoid Over Paying Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Carrie Draghi Tax season is upon us and if you have investments that means you'll probably need to pay some kind of state or federal tax on them. We asked local investment advisors David Mozoleski and Jason Cerniglia for some tips on what kinds of investments are taxed and how to mitigate your exposure.  Q. What kind of taxes do you pay on investments? Jason:  For...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

Passover: An Ancient Observance

This Sacred Jewish Holiday is Laden With Historic Significance and Food Rituals Article by Eileen M. McNamara Passover is one of the most sacred and widely observed holidays in Judaism. It honors the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt, where they were enslaved by the pharaohs. Passover this year begins before sundown on Monday, April 22, and ends after nightfall on Monday, April 30.   Jews observe the weeklong festival with a number of important rituals, including a...

March 2024

Local Services

Protecting Your Investments and Assets

Three Questions with Insurance Experts on How, and What, You Should Cover Photography by Brian Ambrose, Elizabeth Taylor We all have so many important things in our lives we need to protect -- homes, cars, jewelry, even our lives and health. How do we figure out how to prioritize them and how much coverage we should have? We spoke with two local insurance experts, Stephanie Johnson of Comparion Insurance and Coe Bancroft of State Farm Insurance here in Glastonbury, to get some answers.    ...

March 2024