b'Jill CohenCANNABOSS LADY DISPENSARY9 Highland Place, Maplewood973.609.9435 | thecannabosslady.comTENACIOUSImanychallengesinbecomingthefirst faced solelywoman-ownedcannabisdispensary in Essex County and the 47 thto open in New Jersey.Iwasabletoovercomemanyobsta-cles by having contingency plans in place. Despite thenumeroushurdlesthatcomewithstartinga new business, I persevered and never gave up on achieving my dreams. And here I am, leading this business alongside a talented team of employees and vendors who have helped me make this dream a reality. Persistence pays off! Alissa GardenhireCHRYSALIS17 Union Avenue, Floor 2, Maplewood973.400.9640 | chrysaliswoman.netDARINGF romthetimeIfinishedcollegeuntilnow, Ihavetakenleapsoffaithtopursuenew horizons.Aftercollege,Imovedcrosscoun-try without a plan, I applied to Harvard sight unseen to become an academic, relocated to New Yorktopursuea16-yearcareerasasocialpolicy researcher, and next opened a Best in Class franchise. My latest venture is Chrysalis, a gathering place for women that offers retreats, workshops and commu-nity to enable personal growth. It takes courage for me to step out but doing so lets me live my life fully.Carol V. FardinKELLER WILLIAMS MID -T OWN DIRECT REALTY181 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood917.450.8843 | CVFproperties.comNIMBLEItackleissues,especiallythosewithalotofmoving thrive on having a goal. Just set one in front of me and I will get it done: whether its launching a new town initiative or helping clients in my real estate business, I harness my ener-gy to succeed by using my many resources and connections toquickly parts. Being nimble helps me guide my clients and put them at ease during the home buying or selling process. They trust me as their partner who will smoothly navigate every twist and turn.women in business /29'