women in business / 19 Vanessa Pollock Team Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty 181 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood 973.544.8484 vanessapollock.com Julie China idea space architecture & design 65 Hilton Avenue, Maplewood 347-452-1591 ideaspacead.com Why we do what we do As a team, we strive to put our clients' interests first and let our actions facilitate and inspire generosity in our communities. At our staff meetings, our conversations are often about the number of families we've served and the lives impacted. It's how we're wired and a reflection of the culture we've created. Our motto Care. Serve. Give. CARE for our clients and community. SERVE with the best service in the real estate industry. GIVE back to the client's charity of choice and the communities we serve. Best business advice we've ever received "Put people first and success will follow" was shared by a pastor at the start of our business. That quote has proven to be true and still hangs in our office. Why I do what I do I am passionate about design, and it gives me joy to see our clients’ vision and our designs come to life after all of the planning and collaboration. I consider it a real privilege to create beautiful spaces that families can be proud of and be comfortable living and raising their families in. Why I started my business After 20 years of industry experience, I was ready to take the leap of running my own business and having full creative control. I love having the freedom and flexibility of being near my family doing great projects in this community. Most valuable lesson learned Keep an open mind and be a problem-solver. I’ve found that every challenge has a great solution. 973-762-2414 PinnaclePilatesNJ.com Bridget Insana Pinnacle Pilates Why I started my business I always wanted my own business and thought I'd open a dance studio. But then I fell in love with Pilates because it helps people gain strength and flexibility. My studio is private rather than in a gym setting and I'm able to tailor sessions to fit a client's individual needs. My favorite moments in my business Seeing the transformation in my clients is what motivates me. They may come in stiff and tired but always leave standing taller and more confident because they've accomplished their fitness goals. Why I do what I do I love helping people move and seeing them discover muscles they never knew they had. Joseph Pilates said, "Change happens through movement and movement heals" and I've found that to be absolutely true. Photo by Paul Madsen