Beloved Northern New Jersey towns wouldn’t be what they are without the work of their residents, which often goes unnoticed. For this very reason, The Montclair Girl chooses five people in the local area to shine a light on each month. For February, readers can expect to hear stories from small business owners, artists, and more who making a difference in their communities. Keep reading to learn more about these five individuals doing amazing things in the Essex County + Northern New Jersey areas for February 2025.
Ahlilah Longmire | Founder of Ascot Manor Sport, Inc.
Photo Credit: Ahlilah Longmire
Ahlilah Longmire is the founder and owner of Ascot Manor Sport, Inc., a tennis lifestyle brand that helps talented but under-resourced junior players compete at higher levels. She started the company after seeing young athletes — especially in Harlem — struggle to afford the opportunities they deserved. With over 20 years of experience in sports, entertainment, and consumer goods, she previously ran The Tesla Group, a PR and marketing agency that worked with top athletes and brands. Now living in Montclair, she is focused on growing Ascot Manor Sport, building a stronger tennis community, and creating more opportunities for young players. She also has plans for a local tennis shop and a new project that could make a big impact on the sport.
Ahlilah’s Local Favorites: Ahlilah enjoys Montclair’s pub scene, especially Egan + Sons and Tierney’s, and loves the British Pie Store. She also admires unique spots like Vesta and Pasta Ramen for their creativity.
Keep up with Ahlilah on her website and Instagram.
Read More: 25 Montclair + North Jersey Women to Watch in 2025
Mike Ventura | Chef + Founder of Pasta Partners Cooking Class
Photo Credit: Mike Ventura
Mike Ventura is the founder of Pasta Partners Cooking Class, a business he started with his daughter to teach cooking as a valuable life skill for all ages. With a passion for inspiring others in the kitchen, he believes that learning to cook builds confidence, creativity, and connection. A professionally trained chef from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Mike has worked in restaurants across New York and New Jersey. He currently serves as a chef at Montclair Kimberley Academy, providing meals for all three of its Montclair locations. Born, raised, and still residing in Nutley, he is dedicated to sharing his love for food and helping others embrace the joy of cooking.
Mike’s Local Favorites: One of Mike’s favorites includes Zeugma Grill. He also enjoys going to the Montclair Farmers Market.
Farnoosh Torabi + Ali Privitera | Co-Hosts of The Montclair Pod
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Farnoosh Torabi and Ali Privitera co-host The Montclair Pod, a podcast that covers the news, culture, and people of Montclair. Along with journalist Michael Schreiber, they share local stories and discuss important issues affecting the community.
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Farnoosh, a financial journalist and bestselling author, has lived in Montclair for five years and enjoys the town’s cultural events, farmers’ markets, and parks. Ali, a former CNBC content strategist who focuses on financial literacy, has been in Montclair for nearly a decade. Together, they aim to bring fresh perspectives and useful information to The Montclair Pod for both locals and those curious about the town.
Farnoosh + Ali’s Local Favorites: Farnoosh enjoys dining at Halcyon and Gioia Mia and working out at FitLoft and The Bar Method. Ali’s favorites include Mercado, Java Love for coffee, and Anderson Park.
Keep up with Farnoosh + Ali on their podcast’s website and Instagram.
Vanessa Freeman | Anchor at Pix 11 News + Founder of 1 Woman 4 All
Vanessa Freeman is the founder of 1 Woman 4 All, a nonprofit that provides undergarments to women in need, helping them feel confident and supported. She is also an early morning anchor at Pix 11 News and chose to settle in Montclair with her family because of its charm, diversity, and easy access to New York City. Originally planning to be a psychiatrist, she discovered a passion for storytelling and pursued a career in journalism instead. Alongside her demanding schedule, which starts as early as 1:30AM, she balances work and family life with her two young children. Despite her hectic days, she remains dedicated to her nonprofit’s mission of empowering women in underserved communities.
Vanessa’s Local Favorites: When she’s not working, Vanessa loves staying active with CrossFit and Peloton workouts and enjoys spending time with her kids at trampoline parks and bouncy houses.
Keep up with Vanessa on Instagram.
See More: 10 Hoboken + Jersey City Locals to Watch in February 2025
Sarah Och | Artist + Founder of SochCo Designs
Photo Credit: Sarah Och
Sarah Och started SochCo Designs in 2022 as a creative outlet during a tough breakup, and it quickly turned into a thriving business. What began as housewarming gifts for friends soon grew into selling on Etsy and at markets across New Jersey. Now, SochCo has expanded into retail stores, corporate gifts, weddings, and college towns, bringing people joy with prints of their favorite places. Sarah balances her business with her full-time job in workforce strategy at Nielsen. She also loves working with local businesses to create meaningful partnerships and help each other grow.
Sarah’s Local Favorites: In her free time, Sarah enjoys visiting local spots like Stirling Tavern, Scoop Station, the Mayo Performing Arts Center, and running in Loantaka Park.
Keep up with Sarah on her Etsy shop 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!