Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt Marialisa is the president and owner of Cyrus Contracting Corporation, where she works with many local businesses. She also plays on the Kiss My Pass flag football team and is the lead singer in the rock band Blame It On The Bourbon. Marialisa believes that being a longtime northern Westchester resident and her ...

Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt Jennifer, of Northern Westchester Moms, is incredibly passionate about local businesses. She spends her days supporting local businesses on her website and social media pages, doing her part to help each one succeed. Why did you choose to return as a judge? The first experience was so magical. To see local businesses get ...

Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt Jason is the writer and founder of the cartoon “Teddy’s Friends” and its foundation, which donates teddy bears to hospices, orphanages and hospitals, among other charitable acts.  He’s also a licensed real estate salesperson for Douglas Elliman. He returned for his second year to use his knowledge to better the community—and decide who’s ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Sarah is the owner of Honeybee Grove Flower Farm in Somers and knows what it takes to run a successful small business. With a background in marketing, she’s helped many businesses develop their branding and create their first logos. Why did you choose to return as a judge? Last year was so much fun. Plus, ...

Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt A new judge for 2026, Marc is the director of marketing and communications for Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, co-chair of the New Castle Arts and Culture Committee and a founding member/guitarist/vocalist of the band Color TV.  Why did you want to be a judge? I enjoy the democratic process, and ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Anne is a longtime Pleasantville resident and the president/founder of A Joyce Design, Inc. As an entrepreneur, she is as passionate about local businesses as she is about her design projects and clients. Why did you choose to return as a judge? I was asked last year, but I was unable to attend the onsite ...

Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt Courtney Walker is the owner of Full Court Press, a public relations/special events consulting firm that specializes in arts organizations and small businesses in the Westchester region. She is also a proud member of the Pleasantville Pride committee, a singer who is very involved in the local music scene, a fierce supporter of ...

Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt Jessica is a real estate agent with Rand Realty and a “community hype girl” who strongly believes that communities help people build meaningful connections and increase home values. She takes a lot of pride in teaching people about sustainable choices that can help them save money and make better choices. Why did you ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Patti is the chief of development and community relations for Hope’s Door, co-founder of New Dawn Family Resource Center and the director of marketing and communications for The Pound Ridge Partnership. Her decades in northern Westchester have given her an authentic, intuitive understanding of our community. Why did you choose to return as a judge? ...

Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt Longtime Westchester resident and founder of Very Lovely Soles, Vanessa is a returning judge who is a strong advocate for supporting small businesses. As an entrepreneur herself, she brings both experience and empathy, allowing her to connect with and understand the businesses owners on a meaningful level. Why did you choose to return ...

Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt Julie returned to her passion for music and art several years ago after a decades-long successful career in healthcare. Today, she sells her hand-painted electric guitars and plays guitar in Reservoir Road Band and as a solo musician. Julie also serves as president of the Katonah Museum Artists’ Association and was recently featured ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? I walk through the kitchen and the dining room before anything else. It’s my way of grounding the day—checking the energy, the stations, the people. It tells me exactly what kind of day we’re about to have. What’s one thing your customers ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Discuss the previous day's customer service, any issue we had and how to improve. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? I check the camera to see if customers like our food… What’s something you do that ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?  Choose the music to set the vibe for the day! (Start brewing coffee and turn on the lights.) If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?  "Always Present." What’s one item you always have on hand?  ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?   Make a pot of coffee. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?   Maintenance man! I’m always fixing or cleaning or painting something. If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?  ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Turn on the coffee machine! That is what most people are interested in at that time of the morning. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We run the entire oHHo business from the Old Firehouse so ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? Clean the bathroom. 🙂 If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called? When you live your dream. What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year? Not taking people’s attitudes personally.  What’s something you do that seems small ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? At approximately 5 a.m. check all the fish that I ordered the night before with my buyer (employee), log in all shellfish with the DEC, and then I can turn the lights on. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? DRINK ESPRESSO, and then turn the lights on and do a walkthrough to make sure the restaurant is clean and ready for service. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? Taste test constantly... but I guess that's ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?  In season we check on our garden outside of La Bastide; we grow herbs, flowers and all sorts of peppers for the restaurant. What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?  Treat every guest like family. We’ve spent ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?  We turn on the ovens at 2 a.m. What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?  We are trying to be better every year at anticipating our customers needs, and also streamlining production processes and systems to make the holidays easier. What’s ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What makes you stand out? We keep it simple and fresh. We don't complicate dishes; we focus on the ingredients. What’s your most popular item? The scallop salad as the appetizer and the spicy shrimp fried rice as our entree. What’s something people should know? Our fish comes directly from boats, and the produce comes ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? The first thing I do is check on my wellbeing. I need to make sure that I’m happy with myself before I start the day. Then I check the ingredients. I will personally check on my inventory of fresh, raw seafood.  What ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?  Check ticket sales. If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?  The Duct Tape & Dreams Award. What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?  I try to learn and participate in ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We “tech” every single film before you ever see it. Whether it’s a one-night screening or a film we’re showing 15 times, our booth team runs a full technical review—picture, sound, and projection—before it ever reaches an audience. That’s more than 400 films ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? When we open, we take a moment to make sure the gallery feels like an inviting space for the community—tidying, adjusting lighting, and reviewing the day’s visitors or programs. It’s about creating a calm, inspiring atmosphere from the very start. What’s something ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? The incredible work performed by our facilities team. Many people don’t consider the massive effort required to beautify our 81 acres and preserve our historic home, the Rosen House. Our facilities crew are the behind-the-scenes superstars of the Caramoor experience and they don’t ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?  Outreach, programming, engagement, and impact. We've expanded our impact throughout our home of Ossining and out into the larger tri-state area and internationally, hosting events and programs accessible to all. This spans across increased workshops, concerts, theater productions, exhibits, and other community offerings. We've had the honor ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? We get the store organized and ready for customers. The priority is making sure everything is in place so we can focus on following up with customers, processing orders, confirming availability, and making sure delivery timelines are communicated clearly and promptly. What’s ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?  Unbox and display whatever arrived the night before. We shop small and always have new goods coming in, so we are constantly unboxing new arrivals! What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?  All the research: Identifying trends, ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is something you wish more people knew about you and/or your business? About six months before COVID, I began rebranding Rhododendron—a shop serving teens and women of all ages—into Rhoda, which focuses on women in their 20s to 40s. When the pandemic hit, the rebrand became more important and more involved. Rhoda launched in ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? The first thing we take care of is making sure our three bunnies—Moo, Chuck and Chip—have everything they need. They get fresh water, food, bedding, and a clean-up every morning and evening. They are the stars of the store so they have ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference? Something I do that seems small but makes a huge difference is taking the time to really see each person who walks into Nine. Whether it’s remembering their style preferences, their size, or simply asking about their week, those little moments of connection ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Describe my business in 3 words. Chic. Cheerful. Curated If your business had a theme song, what would it be? “Happy” by Pharrell Williams What’s your business’s unofficial motto? Be kind to everyone. What’s your dream customer reaction? “When they say, ‘This place is so cute and amazing, and I’m coming back every week.’” What ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Our trainers turn the lights and music on, walk the floor, and check the schedule so we know exactly who’s walking through the door and what they need from us that day. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?  Turn up the heat and FaceTime my grandsons. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?  Play the saxophone (attempt). If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?  The Lucky Award What’s ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We are co-owners with a shared vision, and we are three sisters by chance. Inspired by our father, the patriarch who built a pharmaceutical manufacturing company from the ground up, we were motivated to follow in his footsteps and create something of our ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?  Turn down tons of products. We are extremely picky in our selection and only carry products that reflect our high standards. That means denying a lot of products a place on our shelves. What was your “I made it” moment?  The first day ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? I choose every item that we sell in the store personally. and I travel around the country visiting tiny stores and makers. I am always looking for great, unique products to bring to Katonah. What’s one item you always have on hand? Birthday ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Check on the beer and then check our private event inquiries. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We spend most of our time brewing and packaging beer for the northeast markets.   If there was an award ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? The first thing we do each morning is prepare the library to welcome our families—we straighten the shelves, tidy the play areas, and ensure that coffee and hot chocolate are stocked in the drinks station. Those few quiet minutes feel a bit ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Describe your business in three words. High-quality childcare & education. If your business had a theme song, what would it be? “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars What’s your business’s unofficial motto? “Give every child the best 11 hours and sprinkle a little magic!” What’s something your business does differently than anyone else? MKCCC operates ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Turn on some music! We typically play 80s music or current pop but right now you’ll hear classic Christmas music in both stores. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We deliver all of the inventory to ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? I always check on any overnight patients to make sure they’re stable. I usually been keep an eye on them via webcam overnight, so I know they’re doing well, but that morning check is really important. And of course, we always start ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Describe your business in three words.  Lively. Enchanting. Versatile. What’s your dream customer reaction?  The acknowledgement of the expansion of the business.  We started as a small orchard and farm store. Now we are much larger, and doing so many more things than just apple picking in the fall. We host a ton of events ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia When were you founded?  The Pantry was founded in 1991 and was originally called The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. The Pantry started with just eight families in need that year. It has grown to be the largest weekly choice pantry in the 21 northern Westchester areas and communities we serve, ensuring that up to ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia When were you founded?  Neighbors Link was founded in 2001.  What’s your mission? Neighbors Link is a nonprofit organization that works to build stronger communities through immigrant empowerment and integration. We’re headquartered in Mount Kisco, have three locations in Westchester County, and offer services throughout the Hudson Valley. We serve over 10,000 immigrants each year ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia When were you founded?   Interfaith Prison Partnership, and its acclaimed Adopt-A-Prison program, all started when Dr. Hans Hallundbaek emigrated here from Denmark. Upon leaving the airport, coming from a country where the government takes care of its people, he was surprised to see signs that asked normal citizens to Adopt-A-Highway. Why would anyone want to, ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia When were you founded? We were founded in 2014. What is your mission? We are a nonprofit teaching farm and community organization with four focus area initiatives: Westchester Local Food Project: Focuses on community gardens, garden education, preparing and donating meals along with fresh produce to the community in need, food rescue from schools, kids ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia When were you founded? We were founded in 1991.  What’s your mission? CCNW’s mission is to improve the well-being and self-sufficiency of neighbors in need as community-based organization serving over 3,000 food insecure Northern Westchester households annually. CCNW helps families move toward long-term stability by offering food, clothing and an array of personalized services free ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia When were you founded?  2014 What are the most important points you’d like us to get across about your mission? 914Cares provides Westchester families in need with the basic essentials that everyone deserves, distributed through our network of Community Partners through a lens of dignity and respect. Is there anything else you’d like us to ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Sarah Coldwell's Pick Why she chose them: “We’re lucky to live in an area with so many wonderful art studio options for kids and adults, and my family takes lessons at many of them. Petite Art Studio reminds me of the studio I frequented growing up; it was such a large part of my high ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Marc Lowenstein's Pick Why he chose them: “It’s easy to miss this hole in the wall down an alleyway in Mount Kisco, but once you’ve had their tacos, nothing else in Westchester will suffice!” What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Prepare our ingredients to start cooking. What’s something ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Julie Rosenberg's Pick Why she chose them: “KMAA is a unique opportunity where artists showcase their artwork, enjoy vibrant programming, and most of all, support the Katonah Museum of Art.” On January 28, the Katonah Museum’s Artists’ Association will have an author panel at the Katonah Museum of Art, moderated by Susan Hodara. In May, ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Jennifer Wege's Pick Why she chose them: “Such a great selection. It’s always a go-to when I need an outfit.” What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? I turn on the lights, put on music, and take a quick walk through the store to make sure everything feels fresh ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Jason Kadlec's Pick Why he chose them: “The directors greet each child at the door with the same joy and enthusiasm as they did on day one. Every teacher, director and person associated truly cares about the growth and development of each child.” What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?  ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Patti D’Agostino Pick Why she chose them: “Great vibe, no ticket fees, easy to find something to eat at the event or neighboring establishments and live music.” Describe your business in three words. Fun. Community. Gathering. If your business had a theme song, what would it be? “Happy days are here again" by Milton Ager ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Anne Joyce's Pick Why she chose them: “It’s an upscale resale shop that supports those battling breast, ovarian and gynecological cancers.” What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?  Our 45 volunteers, some who have been with us for almost 25 years. What’s the unsung hero of your business?  Our donors! We get donations ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Marialisa Zyqotchenko Pick Why she chose them: “I've gone there a dozen times with girlfriends; we rent the little cottage out and back, bring mimosas, and take turns getting massages and sitting in the hot tub. It's glorious.” What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? We check the schedule ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Jessica Watts Pick Why she chose them: “I love the party options, art and screenings they provide.” What is something you wish more people knew about you and/or your business?  We wish more people knew just how much membership at the Playhouse pays off—literally and experientially. The more you visit, the more you save. And ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia Courtney Davis Walker Pick Why she chose them: “It’s my go-to gathering spot to work, meet friends and enjoy a great cup of coffee. I always leave with a smile—it’s such a perfect Pleasantville spot.” What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Take out the butter! Have to let ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We make “in-house” salad dressings from our recipes: chili ranch, blue cheese, 1000 Island, Parmesan peppercorn. And, of course, we make our cream of tomato bacon soup. What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?  We donate to local ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is the first thing you do when you open for the day? Countless hours of mowing, from the orchards, to the Christmas trees, and around the fields.  Also trying out new ideas and recipes for tasty treats in the bakery. What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? Only picking ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is one thing you do that seems small but makes a huge difference? The approach towards the customers. I always try to be generous and open to our customers. I greet them, smile when they come in and treat them as best as I can. If you weren't doing this, what would you be ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? Most people don't realize that we have two young grandsons (ages 2 & 4) that keep us busy when we're not at work. What’s the best advice you ever received? Success isn't always measured by how much you make, but by how many ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What's something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?  We change products based on the seasons. It may be earlier than someone would think, but then they say, "Oh, it's time to get that.” When did you open?   The business itself has been open since 1887. Describe your business in three ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We spend a lot of time researching and testing toys before they ever make it onto our shelves. We want everything we carry to spark imagination, last through real play, and feel truly special—so a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes “work” looks like grown-ups ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?  I think one thing my customers may not know that I do behind the scenes is curate and design our Katonah merchandise—hats, bags, mugs, t-shirts. I would love to do more of this type of work but it's hard to find the time ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What is something that you do behind the scenes that people probably don't know? We make all fresh pasta here, like lemon spaghetti pasta, which we’ve had for a few years. It’s very popular.  Is there something small you do that makes a big difference? We try to use fresh and local products, especially in ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?  Most of the social media is still me! I have an intern helping with the more time-consuming reels, but I set the strategy for each post (is it a single photo, a carousel, or a reel?) and I write the captions. People keep ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia When did you open (month & year)? October 2025. Describe your business in three words. Fresh. Local. Live. What’s something your business does differently than anyone else? Our attention to detail and storytelling in everything from our sound system to the bands we book and our menu curation. What’s one thing people often say when ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? The teachers and I meticulously curate the Spotify playlist that plays throughout the common areas of the school. We’re a music school after all, so of course we need to have great tunes playing! If you weren’t doing this, what would you be ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We cup the teas and coffees beforehand, which means tasting each delivery, particularly the coffees; they're not always the same from season to season. What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference? We dial in the coffee recipes with ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? I am constantly reading new medical updates, often diving into a "rabbit hole" to see how they tie into other aspects of medicine, such as nutrition and longevity. I then work on applying new management options to real patient situations and often call ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes? We love to put up birdhouses and bat boxes all around the farm. Our customers might not be able to see it, but the nursery is home to many different species of birds, owls and bats. What’s something you do that seems small ...