Carli Clesmere 
There’s no shortage of amazing people doing inspiring things around Montclair, and honestly, it’s hard to keep up. From small business owners to creatives and community leaders, the local talent here never misses. It’s the kind of energy that makes Montclair feel so special. This April, The Montclair Girl is spotlighting five incredible locals who are making a real impact in the community. Keep reading to meet the Montclair residents doing big things this month and beyond.
Chantal Bolivar
Chantal Bolivar, a French model, mom, and entrepreneur, is the founder of Crêpes Chantal, a woman-owned business based in Montclair. Through her brand, Chantal creates sweet and savory crêpe mixes and frozen crêpes with the goal of bringing the taste of France to American tables in a way that feels simple, joyful, and accessible.
Inspired by her own experience as the main cook in her household, Chantal set out to create a solution that is convenient, versatile, and balanced—something that works just as easily for breakfast as it does for lunch or dinner. Without formal culinary training, she built Crêpes Chantal from a real-life need: making meals that bring people together while still feeling good to serve.
What drives her work is the everyday moments around food—cooking for her family, sharing meals, and seeing how simple dishes can create connection. Rooted in French tradition but adapted for modern, busy lifestyles, Crêpes Chantal reflects her belief that food should be approachable, flexible, and nourishing.
Through her business, Chantal aims to build something lasting and meaningful, making it easier for people to enjoy high-quality food without sacrificing time, culture, or simplicity.
Chantal’s local favorites include: Plana, The Gift Bar, Raymond’s, The Corner, and more.
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June Martens + Stella Colón
Photo Credit: June Martens + Stella Colón
June Martens is a sophomore at Montclair High School and the co-creator of a creative writing contest designed for middle school students across New Jersey. Alongside her friend Stella Colón of Summit High School, June launched the initiative to give young writers ages 10–14 a platform to share their work, build confidence, and be recognized for their creativity.
Inspired by their shared passion for mentorship and community connection, June and Stella created the Pages For Purpose Contest to foster an encouraging space where middle schoolers feel their voices are valued. June, who has experience volunteering at local retirement homes and teaching dance to young children, is especially passionate about building meaningful relationships across age groups and creating opportunities for self-expression.
With their first short story contest already underway, the pair hopes to grow their organization into a supportive, statewide community that inspires younger students to explore their creativity, take pride in their work, and continue developing as writers and individuals.
June + Stella’s local favorites include: Jackie’s Grilllette and Vesta.
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Montclair updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
Warith Jumu’ah
Warith El-Amin Jumu’ah, a Newark, New Jersey native and Morgan State University alumnus, is the founder of Passionate Rebel, a fashion and lifestyle brand rooted in purpose, resilience, and community. Known for his “Passionate Rebel” mindset, Warith encourages individuals to reject mediocrity and pursue their passions with intention and determination.
After launching the brand in 2014 following a layoff, Warith turned adversity into motivation, using his platform to inspire others to push forward and embrace their potential. Passionate Rebel has since grown into more than just a brand—it’s a community that connects and uplifts aspiring entrepreneurs, youth, and changemakers through both apparel and educational initiatives.
Through his work, Warith aims to empower others to tap into their “inner Passionate Rebel,” using fashion as a vehicle for social impact and personal growth. His mission is to continue building a movement that fosters confidence, purpose, and opportunity, while encouraging people of all ages to lead meaningful, passion-driven lives.
Warith’s local favorites include: NJPAC, Amin’s Halal Chinese Restaurant, Top’s Diner, and more!
Sarah Lester
Sarah Lester has served as director of the Maplewood Memorial Library since 2012, bringing more than 30 years of experience from institutions including the New York Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, and Nutley Library. Born in Iran and raised in Washington, D.C., she was inspired early on by her parents’ commitment to public service and went on to build a career focused on expanding access to information and strengthening community connections.
A Maplewood resident since 2006, Sarah led the transformation of the Maplewood Memorial Library, which reopened in July 2025 as a 32,000-square-foot, LEED Gold-certified facility—the first of its kind in New Jersey. Designed to be “open for all,” the space reflects her commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation.
Through her work, Sarah continues to champion libraries as vital community hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, while advocating for open access to information and diverse ideas.
Sarah’s local favorites: Able Baker and City Workshop.
Lauren Wilson-Policke
Lauren Wilson-Policke is the founder of LWP PR, a boutique public relations agency based in Montclair specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Originally from Bergen County, she has lived and worked in Montclair since 2015, building a career centered around helping brands grow through strategic storytelling, media placements, and meaningful connections.
Through LWP PR, Lauren works closely with both local businesses and global brands to shape their narratives and get them in front of the right audiences—whether that’s securing press features, coordinating influencer campaigns, or creating standout brand moments. She prides herself on being a hands-on partner, working directly with every client to build long-term credibility and visibility.
Lauren is especially passionate about supporting small businesses and founders, helping them define what sets them apart and sharing their stories in impactful ways. She also values the power of connection, often bringing people together within Montclair’s thriving community to collaborate and grow. Through her work, Lauren hopes to inspire others to put themselves out there, embrace their ideas, and believe in the value of their story.
Lauren’s local favorites: Amanti Vino, The Montclair Farmer’s Market, Oso Felipe Tierney’s, and more!
See More: 33 Famous Women From New Jersey in Honor of Women’s History Month
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Montclair updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
