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, it’s a wonderful way to work with other professionals to support our local small businesses and shine a spotlight on community favorites.
Based on this experience, which reality show would you be best suited to judge?
Shark Tank. I don’t really watch reality shows, but I love a good new idea and invention, and I feel like it would be really fun to witness all that coming to fruition.
What stood out to you during this year’s judging process?
All the judges were more comfortable with the process and fell into a groove a little bit sooner than we did last year. Even though we had some new judges, having a year under our belts gave us some background on how to start the discussions and what to discuss first.
Did you take bribes? Be honest…
I wish! But no. No bribes were taken in the course of this endeavor.
What’s harder? Keeping the winners a secret or keeping your personal opinions to yourself?
Keeping the winners a secret, but I did not tell anyone. I’m a really good secret keeper. Plus, I love a good surprise. There are very few of them left in life, so why spoil it? It makes a much bigger splash when it all comes out at once.
If you could sum up the experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Stop, collaborate and listen.
You’re going on the judge circuit. What type of contest would you rather judge?
Ugliest ugly sweater or a preschool talent show?
Preschool talent show. Toddlers are hilarious!
Most creative excuse for being late or best secret handshake?
Best secret handshake. I feel like there’s not enough physical connection in the world these days, and a secret handshake is a great way to go.
Most soothing song created exclusively with cat sounds, or best attempt at building an Ikea dresser without instructions?
Oh, definitely number two because I’m more of a dog person. But also, my husband and I have put together about 15 IKEA dressers in a lifetime, and he can almost do it without the instructions.
Most beautiful rubber band ball or best appetizer made with fennel?
Best appetizer made with fennel. I really like fennel; it’s an underutilized ingredient.
Funniest impersonation of a cat throwing up or best folded fitted sheet?
Best folded fitted sheet. It’s a mystery that will always elude me. I’ve even watched videos where people climb into the sheet and act like a starfish to fold it.
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Kayla Schmidt
Kayla Schmidt is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School. She is part of the newspaper and the SADD club, and she is also the co-manager of the track team. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dogs, along with reading (preferably on the beach).
