Podclair

Episode 11: College Application Camp

We speak with Pat Berry, a college essay coach and founder of College Application Camp, on how she counsels students on applying to college. Her own interest in writing took root in Montclair, where she partly grew up, and after a career in publishing, she settled back here to raise her family and begin a new career as a writing coach.

Check out the show notes for Pat's personal recommendations on college application and essay resources. 

Episode 10: Fractal Science & Math Academy

We speak with Kevin Anderson, founder of Fractal Science and Math Academy. Kevin shares with us the career journey he took from sports to science to teaching, the real hours needed to be a small business owner, and the most rewarding part about being able to help bring students closer to where they want to go.

Check out the show notes for personal recommendations from Kevin ranging from science shows, tutoring videos and tips, and his source for innovative science news.

Episode 9: Sew Montclair

We speak with Chelsea Harriman, owner of Sew Montclair on 41 Glenridge Ave, by Bay Street Station.  Chelsea discusses how she started out to become a doctor, but ended up with a long career in fashion and costume design after graduating with a MFA from Rutgers. She raised both her children and her business in Montclair, where she and her husband have decided to stay as empty-nesters.

Check out the episode show notes to see her favorite source for patterns and projects, a fashion history timeline, as well as details about whom she's worked with over the years.

Episode 8: Chelsea Square + Freespace Dance

We speak with two local entrepreneurs with different kinds of businesses, but are both in the midst of re-branding and shifting direction. Both women are graduates of Montclair State University and they found themselves returning to Montclair to raise their daughters. 

KaraLynne Wolf, who grew up here, now owns Chelsea Square and speaks about entering local retail after a career in finance in Miami. Donna Scro Samori, artistic director of Freespace Dance and head trainer and yoga teacher at Yoga Mechanics, discusses how she started her 14-year old dance company and what she is planning next.

Episode 7: Piccola Cucina 98

We speak with Lisa Marie Suriano, owner of Piccola Cucina 98. She shares how her mother-in-law's ravioli inspired her to start the shop in extra kitchen space off of her husband, Elio's, restuarant Corso 98. She reveals how she uses her merchandising background to optimize her cozy space, how she sources and re-creates her authentic Italian recipes, and how she's seen Walnut Street transform over the twenty years she and her husband have been on the block.

Check out the episode show notes for links about Abruzzo, Italy, the shops she mentions along on Walnut Street, and the creative lives her daughters have been pursuing.

Episode 6: Angelbeck's and Watchung Deli

We speak with Peter Von Hoffman, third generation Montclarion, and owner of Angelbeck's (est 1933) and Watchung Deli (est 1926). He discusses how 9/11 brought him from a career in banking back to his first love of teaching math, which Montclair park he proposed to his high school sweetheart in, and how his son inspired his move into local retail.

Episode 5: Blooms in Hand

We speak with Anna Coy, of Blooms in Hand, a bouquet subscription service for Montclair residents, restuarants, and nearby towns. Learn how Anna started her business after moving from Philly and what keeps her going as orders keep coming in.

Check out the show notes to see Anna's "shop baby," a floral glossary, and links to floral blogs and podcasts.

 

Episode 4: Dem Two Hands

We speak with Marion Lake, owner of Dem Two Hands, self described as a boutique "for your eyes to smile." Marion discusses how she got her start moving from Brooklyn twenty-five years ago, how her business almost burned down (literally) before it opened, and how her mission to design clothing that creates confidence and helps women of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities see their unique beauty, is her driving force.

Episode show notes connect the dots from her two children she discusses as raising in Montclair back in the day, to the musicians and fashion designers they have now become. Links also include the full tracks used in Podclair  performed/composed by her husband, who gave her the seed money to start her store.

 

Episode 3: Bivio Pizza Napoletana

We speak with Tomasso, owner of Bivio Pizza Napoletana on Pine Street about how his Neapolitan roots and being a musician enrich his craft to create his legendary wood oven pizzas. Check out our show notes to learn more about Napoletana Pizza and find links to hear him playing alto sax, flute, and clarinet live at Tierney's Tavern.

Episode 2: Held Massage Therapy

We speak with Jess of Held Massage Therapy about what inspired her to create a space in the community for those going through grief, loss, or life transitions. Check out the show notes from this episode for share-able community links and resources curated by Jess and the link to a print designed by Stella (interviewd in last week's episode) inspired by Jess' interview.       

Sponsored by: Amy Owens Realtor and Montclair Pet Girl.