24 / matters magazine / fall 2017 Erin Williams Erin's Faces 917-701-0644 erinsfaces.com Why I do what I do My entire motive in having my organic skincare/mineral makeup line is to empower and educate women, and the occasional gent! My favorite moments in my business When I see the lightbulb go off for someone during a workshop or a lesson. As women we’re expected to roll out of the womb knowing what a serum does and how to wing our eyeliner but that’s just not realistic, so when you see someone grasp a concept they’ve struggled with, it’s awesome. Also, when a product has really changed someone’s skin or given them relief from something they’ve dealt with for a long time, that really drives me as well. Most valuable lesson learned I’m a huge fan of community and support – I feel like there’s room for everyone – so it’s really important to me to lend a hand when someone needs it and be grateful when someone extends theirs to me. Victoria Carter Weichert, Realtors 505 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills 973-220-3050 victoriacarter.com Why I started my business After 20 years in corporate America, I saw an opportunity to raise the bar in the real estate profession. I wanted to offer an exceptional level of service and professionalism to clients that I viewed as not widely available. I made the decision to pursue a career as a real estate professional. Best business advice It’s essential to be a good listener and highly responsive to your clients’ needs. I have established myself as a trustworthy advocate that guides clients through the home-buying or selling process with their sole interest in mind. I seek to close the right deals – ones that are best for my clients. My leadership style Although I have a large team, I am very hands-on and involved in each transaction. Integrity is key to my reputation as is my two decades of experience, and if my name is associated with a transaction, I am involved. Dr. Davia Strachan South Orange Dental Center 481 South Orange Avenue, South Orange 973-762-2660 southorangedentalcenter.com Why I do what I do I love working with children and have wanted to be a dentist since I was 8 years old. Treating children allows me to do what I enjoy while helping someone grow and develop. My favorite moments in my business Being a pediatric dentist can be both challenging and rewarding. I see children at age 1 who are getting their first teeth. The child and their parents are often anxious but by the second or third visit that child is comfortable, happy and confident enough to sit in the dental chair on their own. Watching this progression is really rewarding to me and the families. Favorite part of working locally I've practiced in South Orange for over 20 years. My children grew up here and I feel like my patients and their parents are part of my family. It is amazing to watch patients mature from preschool to graduating from college. Some even have children now that I have the privilege of seeing for their first dental visit. Photo by Billy B Photography