women in business / 25 Alma Victor Staynd Color 2 Depot Plaza, Maplewood 973.313.3100 stayndcolor.com Why I started my business A young stylist fresh out of beauty school, I worked for Libby at the Chelsea Set for 16 years. I built up a good following, moved to another salon for five years, and then came back to transition the shop to my own brand, Staynd Color, as the new owner...in the same salon I grew up in. My motto I have learned so much being a business owner and my motto remains "Never Stop Learning". My leadership style My staff and I collaborate so we can work together to take care of our clients' hair care needs with honesty and integrity. As an artist/facilitator for L'Oreal Professionel, I believe continued support and education is vital to a better understanding of the colorful world of hairdressing. I love seeing light bulbs go off, watching my staff grow and becoming even more fabulous. 7 Highland Place, Maplewood 973-762-2777 monalisaframing.com Krista Hyer and Dayana Moreno Mona Lisa Framing Why we do what we do Maplewood Village has had a frame shop for more than 50 years and we think it's important to maintain that tradition. When you think about it, framing art is really about the process of connecting with one another and developing trust. We get to be part of our customer's world by learning about their special artwork, hearing how they came to have it and creating the best way to express its fullness, all while using the finest materials in the industry to preserve it. Our favorite moments in our business We love the connection that comes from hearing stories about a piece of art and facilitating the creative potential of the story through the simple materials of matte, glass and wood. Most valuable lesson learned Listening to people. We had to cultivate that so we can pull out the fullest potential of a piece and make sure the finished piece expresses it. Dancette Pratts Inspirational Dance 1634 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood 973-761-7236 inspirationaldance.com Why I started my business Eleven years ago, after dancing professionally, I was looking to transition out of dance to another career when I had the chance to take the helm at the Bette White Dance Center where I had been a student. Ms. White had inspired me to be the best I could be and now I had the chance to influence other students, opening up as Inspirational Dance. My motto "Never give up." This is the mindset that kept me going, enabling me to dance professionally for so many years and I see it at work with my students who keep pushing themselves to realize their dreams. My favorite moments in my business I love seeing what my dancers are capable of doing and then performing, whether it's at a recital, a show or at our annual trip to Los Angeles. Photo by Maya Vallejo