THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 56 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2024 theconnectionsnj.com The Connection Magazine is dedicated to empowering women and supporting women entrepreneurs by shining a spotlight on the incredible achievements and dedication of women-owned businesses in our community. Promoting these small businesses creates a strong foundational network for its success. Ilisa Zollenberg loves meeting female artists and business owners and learning about their craft. The Basking Ridge resident attended Boston University and studied at their School of Fine Arts, later working in advertising and graphic design. “I was still searching for more, and when you’re an artist, that’s in your soul forever,” she says. She opened her online boutique in April 2023, selling custom blankets. “I didn’t realize the power of a blanket!” she laughs. “People would tell me their stories as they bought them.” It was one of the most humbling experiences she has ever been a part of. “I would look at my friends that were such talented people and say, ‘I wish we could all start a company together.’” She posted online looking for artists/crafters/women business owners who would be willing to collaborate with her on anything. Within 12 hours, she received sixty responses. “I said there must be a need here,” she says, “I interviewed each person that reached out to me to hear about their different fields and what they are all about.” One person who reached out was a member of the Board at The Center for The Center for Contemporary Art (“The Center”) in Bedminster, and a nonprofit that serves the community through art classes for all ages, exhibitions, events, and community partnerships. Ilisa told her what she was imagining, and they worked together to curate a show. On Friday, November 1st from 5:30-9 pm, their vision will come to life. Guests are invited to a Creative Women’s Show- Creative Women’s Showcase at The Center. The exhibition will be open from November 1 – December 8. Open to the public, with refreshments served, guests are invited to not only view and learn about local female artists and business owners but ask them questions about their craft and purchase from them as well. “I wanted to put a face to a name,” she explains, “I want people to be able to engage with the artists.” Ilisa likens the experience to being in a museum, seeing beautiful artwork and interacting with the artists who created it. “I focused on the community; everyone is local and very established in their careers,” she says, “They are confident in who they are and are showing up to make a great thing happen. I am honored and humbled to be in their presence!” The community-based, female show is full of unbelievable talent. Ilisa is so pleased with how the show has developed. “At the beginning of the journey, I had no idea who would respond, and now it is a live art piece that is unfolding into a masterpiece. I took a leap of faith, and this is what happened!” she says. She is all about women supporting one another and offers this advice to anyone: “Find your passion because being able to be creative is a gift; never take it for granted and consider yourself lucky and reach for your inner self to create.” For more information please email Ilisa Ilisa Zollenberg at: esquaredibz@gmail.com. You can see more of Ilisa’s work at instagram.com/e.squaredboutique/. The Center for Contemporary Art 2020 Burnt Mills Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 (908) 234-2345 COMMUNITY NEWS... Creative Women’s Showcase By Katrina Musto LOST IN A MAZE OF COMPLEX FAMILY LEGAL MATTERS? LET US SHOW YOU THE WAY. RIKER DANZIG FAMILY LAW. EXCELLENCE AT WORK. / w` ÕÌ Ài] VÌ>VÌ Allen Scazafabo,Esq. iÀÌwi` >ÌÀ> >Ü ƂÌÌÀiÞ LÞ Ì i -Õ«Àii ÕÀÌ v iÜ iÀÃiÞ°* 973.451.8428 À >ÃV>â>v>LJÀiÀ°V *For information on the Supreme Court of New Jersey Board on #VVQTPG[ %GTVKƂECVKQP XKUKV YYY PLEQWTVU IQX CVVQTPG[U CVVEGTV JVON WWW.RIKER.COM • CHECK OUT OUR BLOG AT RIKER.COM/BLOG/FAMILY-LAW MORRISTOWN • TRENTON • NEW YORK CITY ATTORNEYS AT LAW
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