The Hoboken Girl Team 
In every street you turn and every storefront you enter in Hoboken and Jersey City, you’ll find all kinds of inspiring people, whether they are business owners, artists, authors, or more. Each month, The Hoboken Girl highlights 10 individuals making a difference in the community. Read on for a list of people to watch in Hoboken + Jersey City for September 2025.
Kennedy Vecchio Munz | Graduate Student
Photo Credit: 2LT Kennedy Munz
Kennedy Vecchio Munz is a Hoboken resident who has “deep roots in public service,” she shared with The Hoboken Girl. After all, she’s the daughter of a Hoboken fire department captain.
As a student at Marymount School of New York, she was the first in the school’s history to be appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. There, she earned a degree in Mathematical Sciences, studied abroad at France’s École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, and served as Regimental S3, overseeing logistics for more than 1,000 cadets. She graduated this past May as a Second Lieutenant and was awarded the highly competitive GEM Fellowship. Recently accepted into graduate programs at Harvard, Brown, Cornell, and Yale, Kennedy is choosing Yale to pursue a master’s in Personalized Medicine and Applied Engineering.
After graduate school, Kennedy plans to serve in the Army’s Medical Services branch, with the hopes of combining military service and medical research to advance future healthcare. “I want to connect with younger students, especially girls, who might not see themselves in places like West Point or STEM fields,” Kennedy said. “I want more women to know those paths are possible. The more we talk about it, the more the next generation can see themselves there, too.”
Kennedy’s local favorites: The Hive + Sushi by Bou at the W
Keep up with Kennedy and her work on Instagram.
Read More: This Hoboken Resident Makes Jewelry Out of Sea Glass From the Jersey Shore
Brett Altman | Musican
Photo Credit: Ulysses Media
New Jersey pop artist Brett Altman grew up in a household that religiously watched American Idol. In college, his roommates pushed him to audition for Penn State Idol, which he won, performing in front of 17,000 people. After graduation, he took a corporate job and pursued a long-distance relationship, putting music on the back burner. But eventually, he made his way back to the arts, and at 27, he moved to Hoboken. Soon after, he formed his first band and began performing for crowds in the Big Apple.
Brett’s journey eventually brought him to Nashville, and within two weeks of being there, he wrote his first full-length album: Abundance. Now, 10 years later, Brett is pursuing music full-time and is preparing the release of his newest album. With his music, his goal is to one day play at Madison Square Garden and partner with charities to help raise funds for causes he’s passionate about.
“I want to inspire people to follow their passions,” Brett told HG. “I started singing publicly in my early 20s. It was a secret passion for so long. I did not know where it would lead me. I did not have the end goal in mind. I started performing because I loved it…If others read my story and feel compelled to make a leap of faith, I’d feel really good about that.”
Brett’s local favorites: Bwè Kafe, Antique Bar + Bakery, Pier 13, Jefferson’s Coffee, The Cuban, Finnegan’s Pub, + The Waiting Room
Keep up with Brett and his music on his website and Instagram.
Jennifer Wai | Wellness Consultant + Energy Healer
Photo Credit: LA Maust
Jennifer Wai is a Jersey City resident, mom, and wellness consultant + energy healer with certifications in both Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki and Jikiden Reiki. Since 2017, she’s provided Reiki healing, psychic guidance, and transformative workshops to local communities in the Hudson County area. And now, she has her very own healing center located at 831 Jersey Avenue.
Jennifer’s work is rooted in her ancestry, as her great-grandmother was a healer and midwife in Morocco who blended Amazigh tradition with Jewish mysticism. “I carry forward that lineage with reverence, combining my intuitive gifts with energy work,” she shared with HG.
Specializing in stress release, emotional healing, and energetic balance, Jennifer infuses her practice with trauma-informed counseling to create dynamic and bespoke healing plans for personal growth. Inspired by the breakthroughs she’s witnessed when people find inner peace, it’s “[her] greatest passion and purpose to continue serving those looking for healing, guidance and deep transformation,” she said.
Jennifer’s local favorites: Treehouse, Choc O Pain, Petshop, Torico’s, Jersey City Gelato + Co., + Honshu
Keep up with Jennifer and her healing practice on her website, TikTok, and Instagram.
Tess Thomas | Children’s Author
Photo Credit: Tess Thomas
Tess Thomas is a Hoboken-based editor and writer who has called the Mile Square home for the last ten years. Her first picture book, Shibu’s Tail, which was published by the award-winning, Hoboken-based children’s book publisher Levine Querido, is set to be released on September 2nd. Her debut book was also illustrated by Malaysian artist Kamwei Fung, who hand-inked every stroke featured.
Shibu’s Tail is a resource for parents and educators, as it is “all about feeling the big feelings and sharing them,” Tess says. She wrote it while on parental leave with her firstborn, using it as a creative outlet during a time when she was not feeling like herself. Written in the Notes app between diaper changes, she kept the story to herself for over a year before sharing it.
“I hope that the kids and parents who read this are reminded how important it is to share every emotion they experience — from the good to the bad to the in-between,” Tess said. “I hope they have fun with all the weird and wonderful ways Shibu’s tail reacts to different situations. And finally, as someone with dyslexia, I hope that I can inspire students with dyslexia to see a future for themselves in writing- and reading-focused fields.”
Locals of all ages are invited to celebrate the launch of Shibu’s Tail at Little City Books on Sunday, September 7th, at 10AM.
Aside from her authorship, Tess is also best known for her work with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai as the founding editor of Assembly, Malala Fund’s award-winning publication that shared girls’ stories in 29 different languages.
Tess’s local favorites: Little City Books, Hoboken Public Library, Bounce Market, + Elysian Cafe
Keep up with Tess and her book on her website, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Eden Jusma | Founder of EdenCreatedThat
Photo Credit: @angel4rchive
Jersey City resident Eden Jusma, aka “EdenCreatedThat,” is a clothing designer who specializes in crochet pieces. Seeking an outlet to showcase her work, Eden started @edencreatedthat shortly after graduating from high school in 2021. Trained in sewing from a young age, she later rediscovered crochet, a skill she first learned in after-school clubs as a child, and fell in love with its freedom and flexibility.
Eden has always had a passion for fashion, and through crochet, she has been able to push her creativity, producing unique, handmade pieces that reflect inspiration from both her surroundings and social media. “What inspires me is the world around me, whether on social media or in real life, there’s inspiration to take from everywhere!” Eden told HG. “ If I could inspire others just from my work, it would mean the world to me as a small business. It makes me feel like the little girl who wanted to be a designer every time someone even compliments my work, especially as one who overthinks everything.”
For Eden, crochet is more than just a craft; it is a powerful art form that lets her express her voice, connect with others, and bring her lifelong dream of being a designer to life.
Eden’s local favorites: No Forks Given
Keep up with Eden and her crochet creations on her personal Instagram and business Instagram.
Samantha Levin | Founder of Hudson Park Boutique
Photo Credit: Kevin Levin
Samantha Levin is a full-time mom of two little ones and the founder of Hudson Park Boutique, an online soy-wax candle business. Inspired by her family, their story, and the simple joy of being home, Hudson Park Boutique began as a personal passion, but over time grew into a family-run business rooted in warmth, intention, and everyday comfort.
“I’m most inspired by the little moments that make a space feel like home—a quiet morning with coffee, a flickering candle on the counter, the scent of something familiar in the air,” Samantha said, “As a mom, I’ve come to appreciate how small touches can bring calm and comfort to even the busiest days. That’s what drives me—creating products that feel personal, thoughtful, and grounding.”
In the future, Samantha hopes to open a brick-and-mortar shop “where people can experience the brand in person, explore new scents, and feel a true sense of home,” she said. “I’d love for people to feel encouraged to slow down and create moments of warmth in their own lives. If one of our candles becomes part of someone’s evening routine or adds a sense of peace to their space, that means everything. It’s not just about the product—it’s about helping people feel at home, wherever they are.”
Samantha’s local favorites: bwè kafe + Little City Books
Keep up with Samantha and her candle business on her website and Instagram.
Alena Wedderburn | Tattoo Artist
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Alena Wedderburn is a popular NYC and NJ-based tattoo artist known for her black + grey realism, color, and micro-realism pieces, as well as her appearance on season 16 of Paramount’s Ink Master.
This September, Alena is planning to open her very own tattoo shop in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City. This space will also double as an art studio, providing residents with a space to express their artistic side. Alena previously shared with The Hoboken Girl that with her new business, she hopes to “keep traditional art alive.”
Keep up with Alena and her art on her Instagram and read about her business plans here.
Kunjal Kapadia | Founder of Kwench
Photo Credit: Kunjal Kapadia
Jersey City resident Kunjal Kapadia is the founder of Kwench, a wellness shot brand promising “energy, recovery, and glow from within,” as per its Instagram bio. With Kwench, Kunjal hopes to build a culture of openness and support where everyone feels welcome on their wellness journey. “Knowing that a simple, natural shot can boost energy, support immunity, and help people feel their best—that’s what gets me excited every day,” Kunjal said. “It’s about making health accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for busy lives.”
Kwench can be found at local fitness centers like Orangetheory Fitness, located at 475 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, and various pop-up events like the Hudson Fit Expo, taking place in the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza on September 6th.
“What inspires me most in my work with Kwench is the power of wellness to transform everyday lives,” Kunjal shared with HG. “Knowing that a simple, natural shot can boost energy, support immunity, and help people feel their best—that’s what gets me excited every day. It’s about making health accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for busy lives.”
Kunjal’s local favorites: Orale, Hybrid Coffee, Razza, Jane Do, + Rustique Pizza
Keep up with Kunjal and her wellness brand on Instagram.
Sarah Rausch | Founder of Cockle Cove Designs
Photo Credit: Sarah Rausch
Sarah Rausch is a Hoboken resident of over 14 years, a former corporate executive, part-time consultant, full-time wife, mom of three, and founder of Cockle Cove Designs, an online boutique selling handmade coastal art, decor, and designs.
In late spring, Sarah took a leap of faith into her creative side, blending her background in e-commerce and marketing with her love of the beach and the coastal grandmother aesthetic to launch her business. The name was inspired by her son, who suggested it be named after the family’s favorite summer destination: Cape Cod.
Inspired by the advice of other women-owned small businesses to “just start,” she has embraced the risks and rewards of building her own brand, and hopes to inspire other working women and moms to do the same.
Residents can find her handmade pieces online, on Instagram, and at local craft fairs. She will be at the Hoboken Street Fair on September 28th.
Sarah’s local favorites: Hoboken Family Chiropractic + Wellness, Stop Crying Studios, Little City Books, Washington General Store, Hoboken Family Pharmacy, Antique Bar + Bakery, Moran’s, La Boheme, East LA, Robongi, and Church Square Park + Columbus Park.
Keep up with Sarah and her coastal creations on her website and Instagram.
See More: 5 Montclair Locals to Watch This August
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