In New Jersey, the home of legendary creatives like Bon Jovi and Queen Latifah, and successful entrepreneurs like the founders of Playa Bowls, you never know who will make or do the next big thing. That’s why this October, The Montclair Girl is shining a spotlight on five Northern New Jersey locals who are doing amazing things for the community. Read on to learn more about these five inspiring locals doing great things in the Montclair + Northern New Jersey area — from authors to business owners.
Audrey Hoffman | Actress + Model
Photo Credit: Audrey Hoffman
Audrey Hoffman, an Essex County local, is an established young actress and model. At just seven years old, Audrey has already starred in John Krasinski’s IF, as “Young Bea,” and in a promo for the Netflix original Cartoon Princess Power, where she filmed with Drew Barrymore and Savannah Guthrie.
In addition to her acting pursuits, Audrey is also a dancer, trained in tap, ballet, and jazz. She is also a model who has worked for numerous brands, including Puma (United Legwear), Imagikids, Simplicity (Butterick), and Flybar Toys.
Growing up with a photographer for a mother, Audrey fell in love with being in front of the camera. She first began her career in the spotlight while modeling for her mother at a very young age. That experience ignited a lasting passion that has been the driving force throughout all her projects.
What also pushes Audrey to continue is her teachers, acting coaches, and friends, and, of course, her mother. “My mom is a local business owner–she’s a photographer–so I would say I look up to her,” Audrey told The Montclair Girl.
Audrey hopes that her art encourages others, regardless of age, to strive for their passions. “If I could inspire people in one way based on the work I do it would be to find something that makes you happy and to keep doing it,” Audrey said.
Audrey’s Local Favorites: The Clairidge.
Keep up with Audrey and her future projects here.
Read More: Essex County’s Women of the American Revolution
Christopher Dale | Author
Photo Credit: Christopher Dale
Christopher Dale, a resident of Little Falls, is the author of We Saved Each Other: How Rescue Dogs Help Us Through Hardship, the newest title in the McFarland Books series “Dogs in Our World.” Christopher’s novel, which alternates between a memoir prose style and an interview-driven narrative, explores the relationship between rescue dogs and people, specifically through the struggles of grief, trauma, mental illness, addiction, and human relationships.
Christopher shared with The Montclair Girl that he has struggled with a few of the themes addressed in his novel. His rescue dog, Vector, a former street dog that was saved in Puerto Rico, has played a pivotal role in helping him navigate those struggles. The bond between Vector and Christopher and his influence on his life has heavily shaped his novel.
In publishing We Saved Each Other: How Rescue Dogs Help Us Through Hardship, Christopher hopes to encourage animal adoptions, and expand support for animal rescue and welfare organizations. “If my book inspires one person to adopt a rescue dog, I’ve done my job as a writer,” Christopher said.
Christopher’s Local Favorites: Olive Bistro, Charm Thai, Porta, Hollywood Pizza, Paw Couture, and Ethan + The Bean.
Keep up with Christopher and his novel here.
Samantha Bonizzi | Author
Photo Credit: Samantha Bonizzi
Samantha Bonizzi, a resident of Cedar Grove (and a freelance writer for The Montclair Girl!), is the co-author of The Losses We Keep – The Journey of Fertility, Loss, and Never Ending Hope. Her anthology is a collection of raw and honest testimonies from women, including Samantha, who have dealt with the emotional and physical struggles that come with pregnancy loss, IVF struggles, and the uncertainty of not knowing why they aren’t able to conceive.
Since experiencing pregnancy loss and fertility challenges, Samantha’s passion for wellness and women’s health has driven her to share her story and others’ for women who are dealing with the same struggles. “The book is a beacon of hope, a source of solidarity, and a reminder that no woman facing these trials is alone,” Samantha shared with The Montclair Girl.
Samanatha’s Local Favorites: Umai Omakase, Casa Nostra, The Windough, Le Salbuen Cafe, and Cedar Beans.
Keep up with Samantha and her anthology here.
Carmela Lane + Neil Gallagher | Owners of The Atelier in Montclair
Photo Credit: Carmela Lane + Neil Gallagher
Carmela Lane and Neil Gallagher, residents of Montclair, are tailors, seamstresses, designers, costume makers, and owners of The Atelier, an alteration boutique with a mission to promote sustainability.
In addition to their many titles, the couple also works in high-end event production and celebrity costume tailoring. At 26 Stars, an entertainment company specializing in custom bookings for events worldwide, Carmela serves as the founder and creative director, and Neil as the head designer.
With a passion for sustainable fashion, the FIT graduates advocate for repurposing older garments to combat hyper-consumerism and the overwhelming empire that is fast fashion. “Our goal is to create a sustainable business in our community where things can be recycled and turned into new fashionable items,” Carmela and Neil told The Montclair Girl.
Carmela and Neil hope that their work at The Atelier will encourage people to think twice before discarding old garments, and instead choose sustainability by giving life back to once-cherished clothing.
Carmela + Neil’s Local Favorites: Marcel Bakery and Kaight.
Keep up with Carmela and Neil on The Atelier’s Instagram and 26 Stars’ Instagram and website.
See More: This Hoboken Shoemaker Allows People to Design Their Own Shoes
Mamie Jenneh Bayoh + Tejash Shah | Owners of Vital IV Infusions
Mamie Jenneh Bayoh, a certified RNA, and Tejash Shah, a former ICU + oncology nurse and certified RNA, are the owners of Vital IV Infusions, a mental health and wellness center with locations in Montclair and Chatham.
Vital IV Infusions provides ketamine infusion therapy to treat illnesses, such as treatment-resistant depression, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and more. The wellness center also provides other services like IV vitamin therapy and weight loss treatments, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. With an 86% success rate, the Vital IV Infusions team has administered over 1,800 infusions since opening.
The goal in creating the wellness center “is to spread awareness and provide effective treatments to improve one’s well-being in a safe environment,” the Vital IV Infusions team told The Montclair Girl.
Mamie, with her passion for weight management, mental health, and holistic wellness, and Tejash, with his years of experience in the medical field and being a caregiver, have branded Vital IV Infusions as a successful business that has mastered the practice of self-care.
Keep up with Mamie, Tejash, and Vital IV Infusions here and here.