10 Hoboken + Jersey City Locals to Watch in February 2025
In Hoboken and Jersey City, local people are what keeps the community lively. This month, The Hoboken Girl is highlighting ten people doing amazing things in the area, from artists to small business owners to fitness trainers to young students. Read on for a list of 10 Hoboken and Jersey City locals to watch this February 2025.
Brittany Vogel | Artist
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Brittany Vogel is a long-term Hoboken-based visual artist known for her vibrant, layered abstract paintings and portraits of Powerful Women. Her work is celebrated for its ability to bring energy into any space, with many commenting that her art makes rooms feel instantly happier. She has been recognized with a Merit Scholarship from the Art Students League of New York and has showcased her work in solo exhibitions, murals, and juried shows across NYC and NJ. Brittany’s Powerful Women series tells the stories of influential women throughout history, highlighting their achievements and challenges. Passionate about community engagement, she is dedicated to making art accessible.
Brittany’s Favorites: Having lived in Hoboken for 27 years, Brittany loves being able to walk down the street and see friends. She also enjoys going to art museums in NYC. If she isn’t in NYC, you can find her playing pickleball, working out at Fit Foundry, or eating at Chango Kitchen or Grimaldi’s.
Keep up with Brittany here and here.
Read More: 25 Hoboken + Jersey City Women to Watch in 2025
Tomoko Ryan | Founder of Tomoko at Home
Photo Credit: Takako Harkness
Tomoko Ryan, of Tomoko at Home, founded a gluten-free home bakery based in Jersey City Heights, called Tomoko at Home, dedicated to crafting high-quality, delicious baked goods for everyone — especially those with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Using a signature Komeko (Japanese rice flour) recipe, Tomoko creates treats that are both safe and flavorful. Driven by a passion for bringing joy and connection through food, the bakery inspires others to see that gluten-free options can be healthy and enjoyable. Tomoko hopes to delight customers with creative offerings while fostering community connections and promoting healthier eating.
Tomoko’s Favorites: Tomoko enjoys local businesses such as bwè kafe, who she has worked with before, and Busy Bee Organics. She also enjoys going to Riverview Park in JC Heights.
Keep up with Tomoko here and here.
Natasha Frazer | Owner of Hello Gorgeous Beauty Studio
Photo Credit: Silence ByK Photography
Natasha Frazer is a mother of three, residing in Jersey City, NJ. By profession, Natasha is a Project Manager in the financial services industry, but her true passion lies in owning and operating Hello Gorgeous Beauty Studio. She created the studio to help people look and feel their best while building a sense of community. Natasha strives to provide an inclusive and relaxing space offering top-tier self-care services. She finds joy in seeing the growth of young beauty providers and the smiles of clients after their services, with a vision to make her studio a beauty destination where people can network, learn, and feel gorgeous.
Natasha’s Favorites: Some of Natasha’s favorite spots include Inner City Cafe, Harpers Cafe, Castaways, OKO, Sara's Cafe, and Sankofa.
Keep up with Natasha here.
Lloyd Pearson | Founder of LWL
Photo Credit: Eve Kenny
Lloyd Pearson, a global fitness instructor from New Jersey, founded LWL (formerly Live with Lloyd), a fitness brand that combines music, dance, and wellness. After transitioning from the music industry, he created a virtual platform during the pandemic, providing diverse classes that built a supportive community. LWL has grown significantly, attracting celebrities and averaging 1,000+ in-studio bookings monthly. In 2025, LWL will expand to Jersey City. Lloyd's mission is to inspire people to be their best selves through fun, inclusive, and empowering fitness experiences.
Lloyd’s Favorites: Lloyd enjoys The Hamilton Inn — his go-to brunch spot. He also enjoys getting pizzas at Razza, his favorite cheat day spot.
Keep up with Lloyd here and here.
Reggie Hartnet | Owner of Reggie’s Window Cleaning
Photo Credit: Sara Demenkoff
Reggie Hartnett, an 11-year-old from Hoboken, is a 6th grader at Hola Middle School. He runs a window cleaning business, Reggie’s Window Cleaning, with his friends. Through this venture, they have fun, learn about making money, and have learned to understand business costs. Reggie is motivated by the belief that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. He enjoys cleaning windows for places like GTK and Mashed, where the people are super friendly to him and his friends.
Reggie’s Favorites: Reggie enjoys how small and convenient Hoboken is, his favorite spots being Grubbs, 7th Street Burger, Saka, and Anthony David’s.
Kurt Doanvon | Founder of Underground Developmental, Artist, + Event Curator
Photo Credit: Underground Development
Kurt Donavon, of Underground Development, is a 24-year-old artist and event curator from Jersey City, dedicated to uplifting local creatives. As the founder of Underground Developmental, a monthly artist showcase, he provides a platform for emerging talent to grow and turn their passion into a career. With a deep understanding of the struggles artists face, Kurt is committed to fostering a supportive community while making his own mark in the music scene. His mission is to help creatives thrive by offering the guidance and exposure they need to succeed.
Kurt’s Favorites: Kurt’s favorite spot in Hudson County is Bolt Print Shop in Union City — a screen printing shop. Wawa is also an Underground Development showcase staple.
Keep up with Kurt here.
Mariana Flor + Oscar Sanchez | Owners of Paint Your Fluff
Photo Credit: Mariana Flor
Mariana Flor and her stepdad, Oscar Sanchez, run a pet portrait business in Union City, Paint Your Fluff, where Oscar’s artistic talent brings pets to life on canvas. With Mariana handling the business side, while also working at Blue Skies Pottery, and Oscar pouring his passion into every piece, they create paintings that capture not just the likeness but the spirit of each pet. As a Cuban family and pet lovers themselves, they understand the deep bond between pets and their owners, often working on commemorative pieces for those who have lost their furry friends. Their goal is to expand their reach and connect with more pet lovers, providing meaningful artwork and keeping cherished memories alive.
Mariana + Oscar’s Favorites: Their favorite local spot would have to be Saigon Bistro — favoriting the pho! As well as Las Cubanitas bakery.
Keep up with Mariana + Oscar here.
Dora Dmitriev | Founder of Dora Dmitriev Design
Photo Credit: Dora Dmitriev
Dora Dmitriev, founder of Dora Dmitriev Design, is a Hoboken-based interior designer dedicated to creating beautiful, functional spaces. After years of experience with top NYC firms, she launched her own studio to make interior design more accessible and transparent. Specializing in full-home renovations, custom design, and project management, Dora believes that a well-designed home is essential for well-being. Her mission is to help people transform their spaces into personal sanctuaries where they can truly thrive.
Dora’s Favorites: Some of Dora’s favorites are Barsky Gallery, Dear Maud, Baking Mama, and Cafe Sophia.
Keep up with Dora here.
Jordan Ortiz | Head Chef + Founder of OrGovia
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OrGovia, Hoboken's newest Puerto Rican-Chilean fusion restaurant, is the brainchild of head Chef and Owner, Jordan Ortiz. Drawing on his cultural roots, OrGovia serves traditional Puerto Rican street food like alcapurria bites and mini empanadas served with a side of Chilean salsa. While Jordan has always had a passion for cooking, things really ramped up after the pandemic in 2020. It was then he decided to start cooking at pop-up events in Jersey City. He hosted ‘OrGovia Fridays’ at Blends Cafe and had pop-ups at Garden State of Mind. His innovative menu items gained popularity over the next few years and Jordan opened his first restaurant, OrGovia, on January 1st, 2025.
Keep up with Jordan + OrGovia here.
See More: An Interview with Vanessa Freeman, Pix 11 News Anchor + Montclair Resident
Donna Olah-Reiken | Owner of Preferred Small Business Solutions + Preferred Business Management Solutions
Photo Credit: Howard Olah-Reiken
Donna Olah-Reiken is the owner of Preferred Small Business Solutions and Preferred Business Management Solutions, dedicated to supporting businesses and high-net-worth individuals with their financial and administrative needs. Based in Hoboken, Donna and her team help small businesses streamline their back-office operations so they can focus on growth while also protecting high-net-worth clients from fraud and financial mismanagement. With a passion for helping others succeed and a commitment to safeguarding her clients, Donna’s mission is to provide peace of mind and financial security, allowing people to thrive without worry.
Donna’s Favorites: Donna’s favorites in Hoboken are Elysian Cafe and Little City Books, and her JC favorite is Milk Sugar Love.
Keep up with Donna here and here.
