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
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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
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Connecticut Aerial Yoga
Traditional Yoga Meets the Aerial Arts Photography by Michele Tereso Aerial yoga, a fusion between traditional yoga and the aerial arts, offers an innovative, comprehensive, and exciting practice for all. Aerial yoga utilizes a fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling to partially, and sometimes fully, support the body in traditional and unique yoga postures. The fabric hammock, both yielding and malleable, can accommodate bodies of all sizes, shapes, and fitness levels. Aerial yoga...
April 2024
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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
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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
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Ridgewood Designs
A Partnership Founded on a Shared Love of Design Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Lam Photography For more than 25 years Leslie Ryan and Libby Gallant have been business partners and best friends. The pair operate Ridgewood Designs, an interior design and decorating company that came about after the two women met and realized their mutual love of home decorating. Both have Bachelor degrees in business and a mutual love of designing. Today, Ridgewood Designs is a highly...
April 2024
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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
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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
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Redefining the Investment Advice Model
A Transparent Approach to Wealth Management Article by Lucinda Jamison | Photography by Connecticut Headshots In a world where financial advisory firms often blur into a monotonous landscape, one voice stands out, advocating for transparency, lower costs, and genuine client-centric services. Metric Financial brings a refreshing perspective to the table and the expertise of its founder and CEO, Tim Baker, a CFA with a background steeped in investment management, not sales tactics. He...
March 2024
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Retirement Coaching
How to Live Your Best Life In Your Golden Years Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Brian Ambrose Call it retirement or your second act in life, if your career is at an end do you know what you’ll do next? How do retirees who still have years of life left figure out what the next phase of their life should look like? Those questions, and the challenge of helping others figure out the answers, is what led Ashley Rigby into her own new career path. The founder of Goldinage...
March 2024
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