Rooted in Resilience, Grown with Intention Espalier Natural Botanics was established in Westport, Connecticut, by Kimberly Hovstadius, a certified natural skincare formulator and aromatherapist whose journey into entrepreneurship was deeply personal. Founded in 2016, Espalier was years in the making. Long before the brand officially launched, its products were shaped
Some of my favorite VentureMom stories begin the same way—not with a business plan, but with a moment. For Center & Spring, that moment happened when interior designer Peyton Cochran created a custom mahjong table for a show house. It was beautiful, functional, and unexpected—and people couldn’t stop talking about
We often think about eating well in January—and what better place to look than @majafood. Maja is the plant-based, gluten-free brand redefining what it means to enjoy wholesome treats. From protein-rich overnight oats to homemade-but-healthier cookies, pancakes, and birthday cakes, Maja makes it easy for families to enjoy the classics—without
Featured VentureMom: Ani Khachian — Legacy, Craft, and the Art of Meaningful Jewelry Some women are born with a gift in their hands. For Ani Khachian, that gift is generations deep. A fourth-generation artisan jeweler, Ani grew up surrounded by creativity, craftsmanship, and the quiet magic of turning raw materials
Featured VentureMom: Anushree Gupta, Founder of Tiana NY Some women carry handbags — but Anushree Gupta carries a legacy.Growing up in India, she was surrounded by extraordinary craftsmanship: delicate beadwork, intricate embroidery, and the kind of artistry that takes generations to master. When she moved to the United States, she
Featured VentureMom: Krista LeRay – Founder of Penny Linn Designs Sometimes, the best ventures begin at home — literally. For Krista LeRay, founder of Penny Linn, her business began in a one-bedroom apartment with a love of creativity and a desire to bring something fresh to the world of needlepoint.
Featured VentureMom: Jess Miller – Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consultant For Jess Miller, fashion has always been about more than clothes — it’s about confidence, personality, and the joy of helping others look and feel their best. With over 20 years of experience as a personal shopper and stylist, Jess
Featured VentureMoms – Cranel – Christine Jurzenski and Erica Schultz These two powerhouse women, Christine Jurzenski and Erica Schultz, turned a frustrating and painful health problem into a breakthrough business and won the HAYVN Hatch Pitch Night competition along the way. When both women struggled with recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), they saw firsthand how
Featured VentureMom: Cara Hotchkiss — Founder of Oliphant Design A Global Eye, a Local Brand Some women are born with an eye for beauty—and Cara Hotchkiss turned hers into a business that inspires. As the founder of Oliphant Design in Litchfield, Connecticut, Cara brings her worldly sensibility and creative energy
Featured VentureMom: Jennifer Richardson — Helping Women Live Healthier, Happier Lives Meet Jennifer Richardson, a New Canaan native and mom of four who turned her lifelong passion for health and fitness into a thriving second career. After raising her children—three sons now living in New York City and a daughter