Podclair

Episode 76: Bangz Salon

We speak with Andy, one of the stylists at Bangz Salon here in town. You probably noticed the award-winning renovation of the former 19th Century Masonic Temple on Fullerton Street several years ago that transformed that building into a world-class salon that offers hair color and cut as well as salon services like hair treatments, balayage, and extensions. They have a full range of other treatments like nail, skin and spa services, as well. And best of all, this takes place inside a truly breathtaking building that streams with sun and color through the stained glass windows.

 

Andy tells us the story of how he found his way to this career and we speak about the important emphasis that Bangz puts on using sustainable, earth-friendly dyes, treatments and chemicals so that customers not only look fabulous but the process is environmentally safer, to help keep our environment healthy as well.

 

Here's the link to the site he mentions in his interview: https://greencirclesalons.com/about/

Episode 75: Entwined Studio Photography

We speak with Angie McCaffrey and discuss her life and career in film making and media. She tells us about the rewards of a creative lifestyle on film and video production, and also about the life challenges and personal uncertainties that life can bring. We talk about what she's learned and finally about her decision to open a photography studio, Entwined Studio, with her husband, Matt's help and support.

Episode 74: When I Grow Up Coach

We speak with Michelle Ward, PCC, the When I Grow Up Coach, guiding creative women to bridge the gap between an unfulfilling career and their dream business since 2008.  If you're finally ready to listen to the quiet voice in the back of your head that says "I want to be a successful entrepreneur," Michelle Ward is the person to talk to...and we did.  Michelle has an online news list about creating the work-life you dream of and has blogged about careers "for wherever you are at in your dream business timeline".  She has been interviewed by leading news sources like Newsweek, NY Magazine, Huffington Post, USA Today and Forbes Top 100.

 

If you need the energy to restart your career, Michelle has more than needed to share that Ooomph! to get you going!

Episode 73: Tostchu

We speak with Gokhan Bars, the owner of the new eatery Tostchu (toast-chew) on North Willow.  Gohkan grew up in Istanbul, went to college, and then went into the textile business, manufacturing high quality fabrics for the garment industry. He made a great success of his business in Turkey and Europe, but after many years of hard work and wise investing, he found himself living a life that left him no time for anything but work. His inspiring story it reminds us that though we think we're in charge, sometimes life has other plans for us. We talk to Gokhan about what it's taken for him and his family to build a life on two continents, through resilience, paying attention to what's important in life and remembering to listen to the call of destiny.

Episode 72: The Amy Owens Team at Keller Williams NJ Metro Group

We speak with Amy Owens of The Amy Owens Team at Keller Williams NJ Metro Group. Since 2005, Amy has been the local go-to for all things real estate, specializing in NJ commuter towns. Formerly a Garment Center Executive and Upper West Side Resident.  There, she learned how to be a meticulous facilitator and negotiator, which translated well to her thriving career in real estate. Amy and her family moved to Glen Ridge in 2002 and is now the team leader of The Amy Owens Team at Keller Williams NJ Metro Group. 

Her team of 6, includes Buyers’ Agents, Staging and Administrative Staff who service transactions from contract to closing ensuring that her clients receive the utmost care.  Building a sense of community for her clients is something Amy and her team is highly passionate about.   Amy is the recipient of the Circle of Excellence Platinum Level Award, the top honor presented to agents based on their production. In her career, she has closed 400+ transactions totaling over $200 million in sales.  

Episode 71: Heratij

We speak with Christopher Francois and Alexander Aronoff of Heratij, an apparel business in Montclair known for being all about Slope Street Style.  When Christopher and Alex worked together over a decade ago in a small ski/snowboard shop, they never imagined they would eventually end up as business partners. Through many commonalities, they took a chance on a venture they felt so strongly about. They started dreaming about a shop that reflected their passion for skateboarding and snowboarding. That dream would blossom into a lifestyle store on Fullerton Avenue featuring products that reflect their passion and also, a line of denim with their own brand.

Episode 70: Wyanoke Builders

We speak with longtime Montclair residents, Daren and Brandon Rogers, who along with their father Glenn, founded Wyanoke Builders in 2009.  The Rogers Men, as they are affectionately known, were able to create a successful business together despite their extremely diverse backgrounds.  Together they have had the unique responsibility of restoring and renovating the town they’ve called home for over 30 years.

As their business approaches its 10-year anniversary, we laugh about the slippery slope that is working with family, we discuss what it takes to make and keep clients happy, and we chat about the demands and thrills of staking your lawn sign throughout our town. 

Episode 69: Allegory at the MC Hotel

We speak with Lou Narvaez, the Beverage Supervisor and Head Bartender at the new MC Hotel. Guest Producer Rashaun Hall discusses with Lou his role as manager of the Allegory Restaurant and Bar and his overseeing the Alto Rooftop Lounge for the hotel. Lou has managed bars and created imaginative and elegant cocktails for many premier lounges in our area. He has also worked throughout the region in some of the most exciting and noted restaurants in northern Jersey including The Ashford in Jersey City and Montclair's own Social Club. And now he's excited to bring top-notch service to the two great "libation stations" at the MC!

Episode 68: Marie Fromage

We speak with Montclair native, Mary Connolly who has several ongoing creative passions in her life. She has made a busy but rewarding lifestyle of song, cheese, and travel that any of us would be jealous of. Also, she has brought her alter ego, Marie Fromage, the expert cheese master, affineur and turophile with her to share her vast knowledge of cheese and taste pairings. We'll also hear her story about her other love, the Sausage Kings.

Episode 67: Moline Kronberg

We speak with Marcello and Patricia Rodio, owners of Moline Kronberg Drycleaners of Distinction. If you have treasured keepsakes or vintage clothes and costumes Moline Kronberg is the place to bring them.  Something special is always going on at their shop. They run one of the most exacting and meticulous cleaning services available. Marcello Rodio was born into the business as a boy on Staten Island, and Patricia's family was also involved in the biz and then she married into it as well!  They're originally from South America but they've been here for quite a few decades. Their business is a treasured institution in town.