Northern New Jersey is filled with a plethora of inspiring people. From small business owners to individuals making a difference in their community, our small towns thrive thanks to the dedication of everyday people. That’s why, for November, The Montclair Girl is highlighting five Northern New Jersey residents. Read on to learn more about these five individuals making a positive impact in the Essex County + Northern New Jersey areas.

Brandi Kaye | Founder of Explorers Playgroup

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Miss Bee—Explorers Playgroup (@explorersplaygroup)

As the granddaughter of the master flutist Lloyd Mason and a student of composer and organist Dr. Carl Maultsby, music has played a significant role in Brandi Kaye's life.

In addition to music, Brandi (a.k.a Miss Bee) has always been passionate about children's education. She has dedicated many years to childcare-related fields as a nanny and an early childhood educator. Combining her passion for teaching and expertise in music, Brandi founded her own preschool, Explorers Playgroup.

At Explorers Playgroup — an early childhood music and movement enrichment program — young students sing, dance, and play instruments. The shared experiences and musical exploration help the children build emotional confidence and independence.

To Brandi, sharing her love of music with children and their families is a “privilege.” “Knowing that I help children develop a lifelong love of music truly inspires me,” Brandi told The Montclair Girl.

What she loves most about Montclair is the loving community. “It is such a wonderful feeling walking in town and hearing children shout, ‘I see Miss Bee!’” Brandi said. She hopes to share the joy of music with children not just in Montclair but all over New Jersey.

Brandi's Local Favorites: Fish Delish, Red Eye, Anthony Franco's Verona, Alto Rooftop, Anderson Park, The Montclair Art Museum.

Keep up with Brandi on Explorers Playgroup's website and Instagram.

Read More: New Jersey Resident Opens New Workout Studio in Montclair

Elly Otharsson | Artist

Photo Credit: Elly Otharsson

Elly Otharsson is a Montclair-based artist known for drawing town postcards, stickers, walk + wander maps, museum + landmark guides, buttons, pins, stationery items, and more.

After receiving a B.A. in Political Science and Government from Gettysburg College, Elly worked in media, publishing, and tech. In 2020, she received an iPad Pro for her birthday and began exploring Procreate. Then, in 2022, she finally left her career in the tech industry to pursue design.

Walnut Street was the first area of Montclair that Elly explored, inspiring her initial hand-drawn map that would become a symbol of her work. Her next project came a year later and was a map of Upper Montclair. Elly recently collaborated with Experience Montclair to promote the town as a premier travel destination.

Although the town is at the heart of Elly’s work, her art features areas far beyond Montclair, like the Newark Fire Station, East Orange City Hall, and places as distant as London, England.

Keep up with Elly on her website and Instagram.

Julia Morriss | Singer + Songwriter

Photo Credit: Julia Morriss

Julia Morriss is a neurodivergent, Bergen County-based singer, songwriter, and performer. Her most recent performance was at the 2024 Asbury Park PorchFest. Julia has also appeared on stage at Bergen County Players. There, she has performed in The Velveteen Rabbit, Elf: The Musical, Once Upon a Mattress, and more.

In addition to her music career, Julia is also a Best Buddies Ambassador for Best Buddies International, an organization known for creating opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Julia’s motivation for her music is the hope that her work will inspire others to strive for their passions. “If I could inspire people in one way based on the work I do, that would be amazing,” Julia said.

You can also find Julia on YouTube, where she has over 1,500 views. She looks forward to growing her fanbase, producing original music on Spotify, and one day acquiring a music manager.

Julia's Local Favorites: Allendale Bar + Grill, The Wonder Bar, the Jersey Shore beaches, Ada’s Gojo, Tim McLoone's, Lakehouse Music Academy.

Keep up with Juila on her YouTube and Instagram.

Josephine Arana | Baker

Photo Credit: Josephine Arana

Josephine Arana is a resident of Montclair, a self-taught baker, and a competitor for the Greatest Baker 2024 contest, sponsored by Hoboken’s Buddy Valastro.

Ever since she was a child, Josephine’s dream was to be a chef. After winning a Consumer Science Award for her baking in high school, she attended Montclair State University to study Business Management.

Only after college did she have her own kitchen space for the first time. There, she began experimenting with new recipes, techniques, and flavors. “That freedom to create has only deepened my love for baking,” Josephine told The Montclair Girl.

What inspires Josephine to continue following her culinary passions is the joy and connection her baked goods bring to others. “There’s something so rewarding about creating something from scratch, knowing that it can brighten someone’s day or bring people together,” Josephine said. “Baking has always been a way for me to express creativity and share love, and that drives me to keep improving and experimenting.”

Although baking is a large aspect of Josephine’s journey, it’s more than that for her. “It’s about embracing creativity, persistence, and sharing what you love with others,” Josephine said.

Montclair locals can vote for Josephine for the Greatest Baker contest here.

Josephine's Local Favorites: Dan + Day’s Burgers, Tacoria, Roosters, Sushi Koshi, Millburn Deli.

Keep up with Josephine on her TikTok and Instagram.

See More: 10 Hoboken + Jersey City Locals to Watch in November 2024

Melyssa Murray | Owner + CEO of NO. 95 Candles

Photo Credit: Melyssa Murray

Melyssa Murray is the founder and CEO of NO. 95 Candles, a Princeton-based organic candle company. Her husband is James Murray — also known as "Murr" from the hit comedy show Impractical Jokers.

Melyssa first established her candle business during the height of COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, she was out of a job, but she saw this as an opportunity to finally open her own business in a creative field.

After months of trial and error, Melyssa eventually perfected the formula for her 100% clean, non-toxic candles. She also went back to school to study business so that she could run NO. 95 Candles to the best of her abilities.

When she first started, the fans of Impractical Jokers were her biggest support. Eventually, her company grew, and she began to reap the rewards of her hard work. “Seeing positive reviews come in, watching people light up when they receive one, or hearing how it's the perfect gift keeps me smiling and wanting to continue with my work,” Melyssa said.

Three years ago, NO. 95 Candles partnered with the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research to raise funds for Alzheimer's research. James’ father passed away two years ago from Alzheimer’s, which made this philanthropy deeply personal to the Murrays. On November 9th, at 18 Label Studios, located on 18 Label Street in Montclair, Melyssa’s company will host its third annual fundraising event to benefit the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research.

In addition to expanding her company to a physical location in Montclair or Princeton, Melyssa looks forward to continuing to raise money for Alzheimer's.

Melyssa's Local Favorites: Witherspoon Grille.

Keep up with Melyssa on NO. 95's website and Instagram.

If you or someone you know would like to be considered for our next batch of people features, please fill out this Google Form. Looking forward to reading your stories!