30 Holiday 2016 With that observation she tapped her skills as a computer scientist and developed a program that narrowed down the hundreds of potential scent combinations to a few of the most desirable for use in her products. Her research combined essences of floral, woodsy and spicy, denoting their “high and low notes.” Like a skilled sommelier, she painstakingly narrowed them down, plugged her data into her program, took her scientifically proven results andappliedthescentstoherproducts. It was a blissful marriage, which has led to a blossoming business and numerous awards. Most recently South Mountain Honey’s bees-wax lip balm earned first place in the Best in Cosmetics Division of the 2016 New Jersey Beekeepers Association (NJBA)HoneyShow.(TheNJBAisa not for profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting beekeeping in New Jersey.) At the same venue her Calendula and Ylang Ylang Soap garnered her a second- place ribbon, as had her Orange and Lemon Balm Soap at NJBA’s 2015 show. Her charmingly designed website, southmountainbees.com, boasts a wide variety of products where you’ll find an array of seasonal honey and cosmetics, which include deodorant and a beeswax shampoo bar for dry hair. Additionally, retro shaving and skin-renewal gift sets can be found among the many beautifully packaged delights. This 15-year South Orange resident and mom of two is married to her software engineer husband and active in her community, sharing her bees products not only online but in pop-upstoresinSouthOrange,theJAC andtheSouthOrangeFarmersMarket. “It’s interesting how many people enjoy talking to me about the bees,” she says with a smile. “Bees are much less intimidating than computer science.” Through her products, Compagnoni hopes to raise awareness of post-cancer-treatment depression. As she emphatically states, “It’s an issue that needs more high-profile attention.” Compagnoni’s courage, intelligence and ingenuity serve as a reminder to take charge of our overall health and wellness, not only with South Mountain Bees’ natural chemical-free products but also by valuing the beauty and vital importance of honeybees to our lives and planet. Doreen Chila Jones is a freelance writer, contributing to NY Dogs and Hot Guys Abz (Punchline Press). 7 Highland Place w Maplewood 973.762.2777 w monalisaframing.com Open Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am–6pm, Thurs 12pm–8pm Closed Sunday, Monday Frame your Holiday Gifts Early $75.00 off complete framing package WITH THIS AD Expiration: 12/15/16 Minimum order required. Not to be combined. Holiday Gifts Early Holiday Gifts Early Holiday Gifts Early Serving the community for over 10 years! Krista & Dayana PERCH HOME HOME / GIFT / JEWELRY 9 Highland Place in Maplewood Village Open 7 days a week / Free gift wrap! Instagram: perchhome or visit perchhome.com