Welcome to Pamira Bezmen Photography Blog.
I'm a photographer. I'm a mother. I'm a student of life. I'm a believer in love.
My blog is about my passion for life and photography, about children, the miracle of babies,
mothering, and maybe more.
I hope you find joy and inspiration in what you read.
Don't forget to check out my gallery and see my photographs,
and maybe I will get to photograph your family's precious moments one of these days...
Love and Light be on you today and every day… :)
- Pamira
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Happy Easter, Happy Spring | Pamira Bezmen Photography
Happy Easter, Passover, Naw Ruz, Holi, Songkran, and Happy Spring!
As Mother Earth awakens and the sun shines brighter, I hope you embrace your loved ones and life with renewed joy, peace, and excitement.
May the new season bring to you all the joys you desire and more...
Love and blessings,
- Pamira
Let's Talk!
862-812-2313
Gratitude and Complimentary Photo-Shoot Gift When You Book NOW | Pamira Bezmen Photography
I feel blessed to be a photographer. To have a studio. To have the luxury of having a dream, or a visual in my mind, and then putting it into a plan to execute, with the right lighting, the accessories, the posing, and post processing...
This year has been hard for many of us. We have been forced to set aside our normal lives, our passions, our connections and relationships, even our livelihood. We have had to adjust and refocus. We became creative and resourceful and smart in new ways.
I feel blessed that despite all the challenges, I have the life that I have. And that I have my studio, and my camera, and my clients, family and friends who trust me with their memories.
I feel blessed that I am able to dress up and go to my studio to make myself new head-shots, and do a photo shoot for my own family, capturing memories to be seen many years later... That I can do all this for others...
I am grateful. Every single day.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. Being in my life. Being my clients, friends, and family.
Life is not about always agreeing with everyone, but to me, life is about love. So much love that even disagreements don't matter. And in the long term, all that will be left are memories and photographs. What we leave for our children. That is why I do what I do. So that when all that we say and do is gone, the masterpieces we've created out of love have been captured and documented, so that our children, and their children, know what we were about - love and light...
We just wrapped up our annual family photo-shoot, and this is what I'm putting together for my family as a holiday gift to ourselves... So that when we look back at the year 2020, my children don't just remember being locked up in the home weeks on end, the uncertainty of the times, and the feeling of lack, but that we remained strong, loving and beautiful, that we stuck together and that we persevered. That 2020 was a difficult year, but they still had a beautiful childhood full of love and care under the unconditional love and security of their doting parents...
I was thinking about how many more families need exactly THIS right now.
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So, I will offer it up to all my clients, friends and family. If you are interested in a similar experience, all you need to do is to call me at 862-812-2313 or send me an e-mail.
Here is my offer:
Book a family photo-shoot for $550 in the comfort and privacy of my studio (in Essex County), and you will get a fully complimentary second photo-shoot to use towards head-shots or glamour (or a mix of both) on the same day or another day.
That is a $550 value - yours, no strings attached, and completely my gift to you.
Because I know how hard this year has been. And maybe you need some fresh head-shots to revive your business. Or maybe you need to get some head-shots to feel sexy or handsome again, and feel like the hot-shot that you really were - that you still are!
You can use this gift towards personal fun photos or glamour for photos like this one:
or use it towards business-related head-shots like this one:
Or you can just gift the second session to your significant other, your mom, dad, or another loved one... Your choice.
I will even gift wrap the certificate and put it in a gorgeous box for you to give it as a gift.
(You can use it as a holiday gift. The certificate can be redeemed any time within 1 year from date of purchase.)
If you prefer, you can gift the family session to a loved one and keep the personal shoot for yourself.
The possibilities are endless...
Booking fee: $550. Includes an all-inclusive custom photo-shoot in the studio, styling, professional retouching and $300 towards professional prints of your choice.
You can pre-purchase a 28"x28" custom framed wall art like the unique mother of pearl frame shown above for an additional $600.
Or we can create your own print collection in any size after you see your gallery. You can pick from a selection of award winning fine art prints, canvas gallery wraps, float wraps, albums, or framed products.
There will be no purchase button on this offer because space is limited and it will be first come, first served.
If you are interested, please shoot me an e-mail and let's talk!
You can always book any type of session you want, but this offer is only valid until December 13, 2020.
So hurry up before you get wrapped up in your other projects and forget! I am just an e-mail away.
Love and blessings, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
- Pamira
fine print:
* The complimentary photo-shoot offer does not include any free products. It cannot be refunded for cash value.
* Pamira Bezmen Photography is a health-conscience and natural establishment, reflecting our own family values and priorities. The grounds and materials are organically cleaned with non-toxic cleaners and we do not book multiple clients on the same day. Due to the very limited foot traffic on premises, we do not expect clients to submit to any additional safety or hygiene measures beyond common sense measures. We do not hold any sessions when any of the parties is not healthy. We reschedule at no additional cost.
* We offer award-winning fantastic print products that will make you smile for a lifetime and then still shine on for generations. Prices start from $150. We customize everything to your taste, space, and budget for no additional fee.
* Due to the very customized nature of our services and products, purchases must be paid for before services and products can be rendered.
* We are not a "digital file studio". We pour our heart out to make memories that you will print and enjoy on your walls, in frames or in an album. Digital products are available to clients who have ordered professional prints.
Happy 4th of July | by Pamira Bezmen Photography
Independence and freedom never go out of style. I hope you are all enjoying your 4th of July with your loved ones, living and imagining life to its fullest, against all odds.
Love,
-Pamira
NCPE Spring Fundraiser Fashion Show | Pamira Bezmen Photography
I jumped for joy when North Caldwell neighbor and master organizer Carla Flynn asked me to photograph this year’s annual fundraiser for the North Caldwell Partnership for Education (NCPE). Ask a photographer if she wants to picture 54 adorable kiddos and their doting teachers on the runway to raise money for the local schools - and then count how many seconds it takes for her to start packing her camera bag!
This year’s fundraiser was a fashion show, held on March 5th, at the Montclair University Conference Center, at University Hall, in support of Grandview School (Pre-K-3) and Gould School (4-6). The children and guests had a fabulous time and made lovely memories while raising funds for our schools.
NCPE’s amazing team of dedicated parent and teacher volunteers executed the evening seamlessly. The children arrived at the beautiful Montclair State University Campus on a chilly but sunny afternoon for their early dinner and dress rehearsal, while NCPE team, parents and teachers helped get the children ready and the event hall perfected for the main event.
The models showed off comfy and joyful spring and summer collections by Pixielane JKK and A Spirit Animal. The theme for the show was “Kindness is Always in Style!”, and the Master of Ceremony Ms. Doyen read a personal quote by each of the models on kindness as they walked the runway while DJ Soni filled our ears with a musical feast.
I asked Carla for her take on the evening:
“The fashion show was absolutely amazing! The children radiated such joy and happiness that it filled the whole room. They worked really hard and were absolutely on point when it came to showing off their stuff! The entire community including many, many wonderful volunteers came together to make this event a success, truly showing that “Kindness is Always in Style!”
“This theme was chosen because we wanted to have a uniting message that kindness, friendship and understanding are truly important in society today. Many children are being taught these values at school as a means to stress social emotional learning and we wanted to perpetuate that message loudly into the community.”
The event had the highest participation in years from educators from the district schools. About 30 teachers joined us, as well as Superintendent Dr. Linda Freda, and Principals Dr. Mike Stefanelli (Grandview) and Mr. Chris Checchetto (Gould).
And may I add, they also rocked the runway, too, in style!
Mr. Checchetto said
"It was such an amazing event and just shows that our school community is second to none".
And Dr. Stefanelli added
“The NCPE coordinated another wonderfully successful event for the community and it was obvious that the students thoroughly enjoyed modeling the clothes".
Dr. Freda was equally appreciative of all the efforts, and celebrated the success of the evening saying
“The fashion show was another successful fundraising event for the NCPE. It was fun watching our students showing so much confidence and personality as they walked the runway. We greatly appreciate all that the NCPE does to support our schools”.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible! And special thanks to all the donors, vendors and sponsors, including Pixielane JKK, A Spirit Animal, DJ Soni Seehra, Pamira Bezmen Photography, All Jersey Title LLC, Thinsters, Parm Crisps, Shoprite, Premio Foods, Haddad Plumbing, House of Hawley Realty, Brach Eichler, Rampineli Team Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Jacobson Professional Insurance Marbro Inc, Sponzilli Landscaping, Willowbrook Animal Clinic, Curcio, Mirzaian, Sirot LLC, Colacurcio Wellness, Andrea’s Festive Flair, Dasilva Law, Cloverleaf Tavern, IB Hair Studio, Rosen Affiliates LLC, Honey’s Kitchen, JH Paper Company, Jag Physical Theraphy, Tony D’s Pizza, Jola Coffee; in addition to the generous support of Families Galvin, Filosa, Atlas, Daly, Opper, Lefton, Cordovano, Dolnik-Colacurcio, Cap Gatch, Zurlo, Curcio, Wang, Cordovano, Chen, Stroever, and Rosen.
NCPE will continue to accept donations. If you would like to support our local elementary schools, please consider sending an e-mail with your intent to: [email protected]
This article and my original images were published in the April 2020 issue of North Caldwell Magazine.
West Essex First Aid Squad | by Pamira Bezmen Photography
It is my honor to present to you this month’s cover story on The West Essex First Squad, especially at a time when their services and support are invaluable to our community above and beyond regular times, due to their increased work-load, in response to Covid-19. I was hosted at the squad building on Bloomfield Avenue, originally built by volunteer squad members, by our resident volunteer Luke Pryor (Crew Chief, EMT), who introduced me to Captain David Black, President Peter Nancoz, and organized our photo shoot with the evening shift.
We were joined by Jeff Sutherlin (Sr. Night Lieutenant, EMT), Matthew Adams (EF resident), Patrick Nancoz (EMT), Julia Adamowicz (NC resident), Thomas Salandra (Crew Chief), Kara Nancoz (Crew Chief, EMT), Caroline Murnane (EMT, NC resident), Meghan Malagiere (EMT), and Tyler Romaine.
The West Essex First Aid Squad (WEFAS) is an all-volunteer organization providing emergency medical services (EMS) and light rescue services to the New Jersey municipalities of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and West Caldwell. WEFAS is also a member of the NJ EMS Task Force. These services are provided at no cost to the residents.
WEFAS members are NJ certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The volunteer members donate over 8,000 man-hours of their time annually responding to calls, in addition to time they put in for training and practice.
They are able to do all this because of the generous donations of time and money from the community. Approximately 80% of the costs of providing first aid services comes from direct donations from the residents and businesses of our communities while 14% comes from municipal government donations.
Meeting the Squad members and speaking with them about their protocols, equipment, shifts, and care they provide was an impressive experience for me. These volunteers are truly unique individuals who have love and a desire to serve at the core of their hearts. They dedicate themselves over 100% to the Squad, so much so that many of them end up at the Squad building even when it’s not their shift, including on special holidays and their own birthdays. Their dedication is beyond commendable.
Volunteers can join the training program once they are 16 years old, and they can grow through the ranks as they gain more experience, training and certifications. It is quite impressive that once dedicated to the squad, many volunteers stay with it, and serve for many years. Some are 2nd generation, and some have more than one parent who served in the Squad. With so many hours spent at the squad building, preparing, training, and responding to calls, it is no coincidence that volunteers develop deep and meaningful friendships with each other, and become family. Spending the early part of the evening with them, it was easy to see their comradery, trusting and honest communication and devotion.
The Squad has close to 100 members, of various ages and diverse backgrounds, with one common passion: Service!
Captain David Black says:
“I am required to take additional training and classes as well as recertify every three years. I have a local accounting practice and am able to carve out time to volunteer a 12-hour shift once a week and an additional 12-hour weekend shift once a month. You may ask why I would do all this without being compensated, and I will tell you that for me, there is no greater gift than the gift of service. I have been fortunate in my life and live in a beautiful community. This is my way to show gratitude and to utilize the skills I have learned, whether it is holding the hand of a patient, bandaging a child or saving a life. I volunteer with other members of WEFAS who have become my close friends. Whether you join at 16 years old or 46 years old, age does not matter. We have become one family that values service to the community in a place that we call home.”
If you wish to donate and support WEFAS, there is no better time than now! Your support will go a long way and come back to serve our community!
If you might be interested in volunteering as a Squad member, they are always open to new recruits. Let your heart be your guide if this kind of selfless service is for you, and if the answer is yes, give them a call.
Remember, for a true medical emergency, do not directly call the squad - always call 911, who will direct you as necessary.
To get more information about the WEFAS and donations, please go to https://westessexfas.org.
Thank you WEFAS! We are grateful for all that you do every single day and night and for keeping a watch over our community during the greatest times of need!
This article and my original photos have been published in the Essex Fells Magazine and North Caldwell Magazine in their spring and summer 2020 issues.
Squad Photo:
Top row left to Right
Jeff Sutherlin- Senior Night Lieutenant, EMT
Mathew Adams- Essex Fells Resident
Patrick Nancoz- EMT
Julia Adamowicz, North Caldwell Resident
Peter Nancoz- President, Lieutenant EMT
Thomas Salandra- Crew Chief, EMT
Bottom Row Left to Right
Luke Pryor Crew Chief, EMT Essex Fells Resident
Kara Nancoz, Crew Chief, EMT
Caroline Murnane, EMT North Caldwell Resident
Happy Father's Day! | by Pamira Bezmen Photography
Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads in our lives and those who are no longer with us. Their legacy lives on...
Whether you're celebrating under quarantine with your closest ones or you've thrown off the masks and taken it to the town for a big party, you deserve all the celebration. For everything you do every day. For the balance, strength, perseverance, hard work, and love you bring to the world.
Thank you to all our dads from the bottom of our hearts...
Love,
-Pamira
Happy Mothers' Day | Pamira Bezmen Photography
To all the magical moms out there, who pull unicorns out of their hats every day, under the hardest conditions and against all odds! Sending you love, respect, and appreciation!
HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!!!
Love,
Pamira
Even though we have some limitations, we can still capture memories.
I continue to offer safe photo shoots to my clients, on your front porch, in your back-yard, or in nature. If you wish to capture special memories during this time, you don't have to miss out.
Happy Easter, Different times, same love | Pamira Bezmen Photography
Dear Friends,
It is the first time in our life-times that the whole world is experiencing a different spring all at once. As we crave the old normality of our lives, we have been equalized and naturalized beyond our wildest dreams virtually overnight.
I wish you all much love, strength and peace during this time, which I know is hard for many. I remain hopeful and trusting that out of the deepest darkness, unknown and challenges rise the greatest light, truth, and strength.
Happy Easter, Passover, and Ramadan!!!
With much love,
- Pamira
As we modify the way the interact with each other, make and capture memories, I am offering safe-distance photo shoots to my clients, on your front porch, in your back-yard, or in nature. If you wish to capture special memories during this time, you don't have to miss out. Inquire here.
The Astorino Financial Group | by Pamira Bezmen Photography
It is my great pleasure to introduce you to The Astorino Financial Group and share some images from our corporate branding photo-shoot. Meeting Frank has been one of the greatest gifts of 2019 for me, and I am excited to share with you what I’ve learned from him about financial planning and why every single one of us needs to be thinking about working with a professional who is not only experienced and has proven to stand the test of time, but also possesses the humanity to treat us as the unique individuals that we are.
Chances are, many of you already know Frank and his family, as he grew up in Essex Fells, being one of the 8 Astorino children. He and his wife Debbie moved next-door to North Caldwell when they had their triplets. Frank has been an integral part of the community ever since, active in philanthropy, education, and as a Councilman.
Frank’s passion for financial planning and his love of people came together under one umbrella when he opened his own practice in 1986. His motto has always been and still is: Putting Clients First.
The Astorino Financial Group offers highly personalized wealth management, financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, philanthropic strategies, longevity planning, divorce transition services, college planning, employee benefits, and more. But what makes The Astorino Financial Group significantly distinguished in the industry is not what they do, but how they do it. Before they even start talking about your financials, Frank and his team seriously care about WHO YOU are.
Every relationship begins with understanding your passions, your life-style, how you live today and how you want to be living into the future. Your priorities, family structure, age, health, and expectations from life play into what kind of financial plan they recommend to you. The team at The Astorino Financial Group walks you through the scenarios, why and how they may work for you, and what you need to know to make an informed decision about your investments. Educating clients so that they feel empowered in their choices is an integral part of what they do.
Many clients choose to work with The Astorino Financial Group year after year, and some have stayed with the group for 3, even 4 generations. The Astorino Group is proud to be chosen to serve these clients over the long term.
The Astorino Financial Group employs a diverse group of professionals who span a wide knowledge and experience base, from corporate executives to retirement, estate-planning to women-centric advice that is specific to women investors and longevity.
While The Astorino Financial Group uses complex, state-of-the-art technology to help clients attain their financial goals, they also offer a full arsenal of easy-to-use modern tools that clients can use on their own on a daily basis to get their financials under control and to improve their own understanding of their habits. With all their financial assets, liabilities and investments at their finger-tips, Astorino clients are able to get a thorough understanding of where they are relative to their goals, and what adjustments are necessary. As a result, clients and Astorino advisors work as a team, focused on the same goals.
Frank’s advice for clients is to:
- Take the time to interview your potential financial advisor to ensure that their philosophies and value proposition match your values and priorities
- Prioritize your time to be with your family and pursue your life’s passions.
- Delegate managing money to a capable professional who understands your values and whom you trust.
If you are ready to get professional advice on wealth management, you can find The Astorino Financial Group at www.astorinofinancialgroup.com or [email protected], on Facebook at @Astorino Financial Group, or call them at (973) 575-1403.
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The original article and a selection of images from our photo shoot were published in the March 2020 issue of the Essex Fells Magazine.
Daly Family | by Pamira Bezmen Photography
The first time I spoke with Jenny on the phone to begin planning our photo shoot, it was a series of excited "yes, I know"s and "yes, exactly!!!"s and more of "yes, that's so true!"s back and forth. It was clearly just one of those times we were destined to come into each other's lives, and this photo shoot was just the right excuse to make it happen!
The Daly Family call themselves "The Daly Bunch", in a humorous way, after The Brady Bunch. Both Scott and Jenny have their first daughters Amelia and Ava, and Emily, respectively, from their previous marriages, and they decided to unite their lives under one roof, joined by their mutual babies Abigail and Scott Jr., adored by all their elder sisters.
I met The Dalys in their North Caldwell home, at the end of a lovely cul de sac. As soon as the door opened, I felt a rush of bubbly energy, love and joy wash over me! I am an energy-feeler and an empath, and I have a tendency to immediately read the energy in a space. It fills my heart with joy when this level of positivity comes over me, and I just wanted to throw my camera on the floor and hug everyone! LOL! If you know me, you are probably visualizing this scene, because I actually did some of that - it was before the coronavirus social distancing times, so we were all cool with that :)
This beautiful family is a modern family, where Jenny proudly wears the skirt to bring in the bread as a Vice President of Wealth Management and Financial Advisor at Janny Montgomery Scott LLC, and Scott proudly wears the pants running the household, taking care of the kids and attending to their education and activities as their stay at home father. Clearly it takes a strong level of mutual trust, respect and self confidence for any family to step outside of the "typical" roles, and it's easy to see why Jenny and Scott are so good at it. These two love-birds have known each other forever, and developed a deep friendship before anything else. They shared with me their photo albums from their teenage years, and I got to photograph them holding their first ever picture together in their hands, now adorned by their wedding bands. I can't think of too many scenes more meaningful to a loving couple than this - history, longevity, friendship, commitment, endurance, all in one little photo.
The kids are an absolute bundle of joy, each one sweet, kind and special. The little ones are bursting with such bomb-like energy, you have to know them to appreciate the personalities! They all share a special bond and care for each other immensely.
My day with The Daly Bunch was absolute joy and fun. Getting to know them, hearing their stories, feeling their love just warmed my heart, and I am honored and blessed to meet them, as I look forward to many more years of friendship and making memories together.
If you get to see them around town, say hello! And if you're searching for an experienced financial advisor to help you navigate through your finances, help you organize and simplify your life by streamlining your finances, you can find Jenny at [email protected] or call her at 201.883.5615. Her clients adore her and I am sure it's for al the good reasons.
Some of the photographs from our photo shoot were published in the March 2020 issue of the North Caldwell Magazine, where The Daly Family was the cover family of the same issue, accompanied by an article written by NC resident Kat Krannich.
Pamira Bezmen Photography Earns Bronze Medals at 2020 Portrait Masters Awards
Leprechauns are not the only magical creatures | Pamira Bezmen Photography
Leprechauns are not the only magical creatures!
I know it can be hard to focus sometimes in the midst of health scares, global economic concerns, with every news station yelling in our ears on the impending dooms day that is approaching... And by all means, we need to stay smart, open eyed and take precautions to the best of our ability to protect our loved ones and our community.
But once we have done the best that we can do, we need to detach and have hope and faith. That is when we need to focus on all the beauty and joy that is here, right now. If it is your children, your spouse, your pets, your home, or sunshine filling into your bedroom in the morning, or a new petal growing on your kitchen plant... Focus on it.
Focus on it deeply, feel its magic, feel its power, and be grateful.
Because life is only meaningful as long as we are able to feel the magic.
With only a few days to go before St. Patrick's Day, schools closing and stores running out of toilet paper, let's all take the weekend off from being sad and scared, and let's all renew our souls and hearts with all the magic currently in our lives.
Let's renew our hearts so that if the going gets tougher later on, we will have our reserves full and ready to keep going. Grab your kids and go for a walk in the woods. Get out to the back-yard to run around with them. Take your camera or cell phone and snap a few pictures of someone or something that makes you happy.
Sending you all much love. Please stay happy, hopeful and healthy. Wash your hands often, eat well, rest well, and stay away from sick people and stress.
PS: A quick note for anyone who is considering a photo-shoot in the coming days/weeks:
As usual, we take great care that the studio and all supplies, outfits and accessories are cleaned and sanitized appropriately. We never book multiple sessions back-to-back, everything that will come into contact with children, especially babies, is pre-washed with non-toxic materials. I wash my hands thoroughly before every photo shoot, and sanitize several times during a newborn photo-shoot. All hard surfaces are also sanitized.
I never show up sick at a photo-shoot or if I have symptoms that can be contagious.
This is just normal business here, as I care for your family like I do for my own, so that you can enjoy your photo-shoot and make memories without other worries.
With much love,
-Pamira
#pamirabezmen #pamirabezmenphotography #capturethemagicoftheirchildhood #staycalm #focusonlove #hope #stpatricksday #njfamilyphotographers #covid19
Wormser Family Cover Story | Pamira Bezmen Photography
Recently I photographed the adorable Wormser Family for the February Cover Story of North Caldwell Magazine. They welcomed me to their beautiful, light and airy home, sparkling with daylight throughout the grand room, floor to ceiling. Fresh with modern art and minimalistic when it comes to decorations, the Wormsers have imagined and designed their home to reflect their personality: Loving, fun and easy-going.
My heart melts when I hit it off with the family I'm photographing, and it was no different with the Wormsers. We picked the grand room for the family cover photo, and then Marni and Cooper hosted me in their rooms for some play-time. Marni enjoyed a private make-up session with Scott, and Cooper and Danielle did story time.
Oh these two!!! Speak of a-do-ra-ble!!!!
Scott and his brother Evan are the third generation at their family business, Wormser Corporation, located in Engelwood, NJ, a global supplier for cosmetics and beauty packaging. The Wormsers belong to the Congregation Agudath Isreal, where Danielle is on the board of the Early Childhood Center, and Marni and Cooper are also enrolled.
Scott also shared with me his story about how he got involved in Project Purple, a charity in search for a cure for pancreatic cancer. He has run many races to raise awareness and funds for the organization, in honor of his late grandmother who lost the battle to this disease. I have no doubt that she is fondly smiling down at him and giving him wings in all his races.
It was fantastic meeting the Wormsers and getting to know them. Their lovely story came out just in time for Valentine's Day in North Caldwell Magazine, written by dear Kat Krannich. Could not have been better timing!
Happy Valentine's Day!
-Pamira
Banshee + Co Hairdressing & LaRosa Family | by Pamira Bezmen Photography
I went to Banshee + co. Harrdressing on a rainy fall day to photograph the beautiful salon and the lovely LaRosa Family. We had a wonderful photo shoot and chit-chatted about natural products, avoiding toxins in our every day lives, healthy living, and caring for our clients like they are family. All things dear to my heart... I'd love to share some of the photos with you and also inform you about a community event coming up on March, 14 2020 organized by Verona Together, in honor of Team Mighty Micco, to raise funds for Alagille Syndrome (a rare childhood disease that Micco has). Read on and join in...
Meet Banshee + co. Hairdressing, located at 396 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell. I’d like to start by saying that what immediately struck me first about this lovely hair salon is the fact that it’s truly a family affair. Catrina, owner and master stylist, has brought her almost 20 years of experience into the salon without compromising an ounce of the personal touch and intimate attention that each client gets. Her husband Mike, although a real estate agent himself (Realtor One Group), dedicates considerable time and support to the salon, personally handling a lot of details from the logo design to marketing and business decisions. Their precious boys Leo (6) and Micco (4) are always visiting, and the staff, currently Olivia and Stephaney, are like family who make you feel welcome and cared for in a down to earth, casual and comfortable ambiance.
Catrina was born and raised in Bellville, NJ and always had a love of arts.
She studied Interior Design before deciding to pursue her passion of Hairdressing. She is an alumna of Artistic Academy and has continued her education at Wella Studios NYC, Goldwell, and her personal favorite Vidal Sassoon just to name a few.
She’s had the opportunity over the years to hone her craft in a few different salons. For the past 10 years she found her home at Shag86, where she fully developed her own signature style of hairdressing, thanks to all the mentors she has meet along the way.
This is how Catrina defines her salon and what makes them stand out from others:
“We are a full-service American hairdressing salon, which was founded on integrity and a promise of providing a quality experience for all of our guests. We really try to offer the clients a calm and relaxing environment they can come to get their hair done and leave feeling refreshed. We like to offer hair care and hair products that are made from naturally derived ingredients. We are environmentally conscious; we recycle and conserve as much as possible; we are a certified Green Business and generate all of our power from Renewable energy sources through MPower Energy.”
Services at Banshee Hairdressing are mindfully crafted to each individual Guest. They hold their Guests’ hair to the highest integrity and take pride in the process. They are proud to offer coloring and cutting customized to your lifestyle in a relaxed atmosphere. Their promise is to have every Guest leave their doors with great energy and an even greater Mane.
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Banshee + Co. believes in sustainable beauty, that's why Catrina partnered with Davines as an official Davines Concept salon! Davines haircare is made mostly with natural, biodegradable ingredients, free of sulphates and parabens, offering superior technology with ammonia-free options.
But there’s more to Banshee than a cool atmosphere and great hair! Catrina and Mike have been living in Verona for 8 years and they are strongly connected with the community.
“Our beliefs and values always come first, and we like to communicate that in business as well. We believe strongly in treating everyone with respect and caring for others especially at home and in our local community. Charity is always at the forefront for us, we regularly fundraise for local causes like the PBA, American Liver Foundation, and more specifically the Alagille Syndrome Alliance. Our youngest son, Micco was born with a rare genetic disorder called Alagille Syndrome, which directly effects his liver. Mike was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Alagille Syndrome Alliance, which is a global organization and that works directly with Families and children effected by Alagille Syndrome. We even sell Banshee coffee mugs in the salon and online, which the proceeds go directly to the Allagille Syndrome Alliance (ALGSA for short).”
Next time you need a no-fuss, custom hair experience that reflects your authentic style and spirit in a cool and relaxed environment, stop by Banshee + co. Hairdressing. They are sure to send you out feeling refreshed with a low maintenance style and multi-faceted, shimmering hair with depth and drama.
You can find Banshee + co. Hairdressing at 396 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ. 973-310-9755.
www.bansheehair.com [email protected] @banshee.hair_caldwell #BansheeHair
https://www.facebook.com/BansheeHair/
The original article I wrote for Banshee + co. Hairdressing was published in the North Caldwell Magazine in the December 2019 issue.
I am excited to be a sponsor for Verona Together's 3rd Annual Charity Cornhole Tournament in honor of Team Mighty Micco. We will be fundraising for a rare childhood disease, Alagille Syndrome. If you know my friends Mike Michael LaRosa Your Neighborhood Real Estate Expert and Catrina, Banshee + Co. Hairdressing, they are very active in the community and in raising awareness and funds for this rare disease. If you would like to come to the event on March 14, or become a sponsor, please reach out to VeronaTogether.
#VeronaTogether #AlagilleSyndrome ##TeamMightyMicco #PamiraBezmenPhotography #PamiraBezmen
Meet Astorino Family, North Caldwell | by Pamira Bezmen Photography
A couple of months ago I paid a visit to the Astorino Family in their home in North Caldwell. We had a lovely photo-shoot utilizing their favorite spots inside their home, in the sunny grand room, the cozy family room, and by the piano, as well as some outdoor shots in the back-yard by the pool and the front yard backlit by the warm autumn sun. Here are some favorites from our session. I hope you enjoy the images and the article.
Many of you may already know Frank and Debbie through their community involvement via Bridge, Unico, Write on Sports, Church, or other venues, or maybe some of your children have gone to school with one of their four children Remy, Sheri, Kevin and Kerri, who are as involved in the community as their parents through programs at college, The Bridge, handicap holiday party, and church retreats. Frank is also a Councilman, bringing his positive and balanced energy to the township at a time when it's most welcome.
The Astorinos have been an active and integral part of the North Caldwell community over the past two decades.
This is how Frank reminisces about their initial move to North Caldwell:
“I lived in Essex Fells most of my life. Debbie is originally from South Orange. When we first started a family, we lived in a Cape Cod in Essex Fells. We commenced with an international adoption with the help of Lou Barretti, Phd. and the late Dr. Schlachter, who both lived in Essex Fells at the time. Remy was magic for us after being a childless couple for nine years. Shortly thereafter, adjusting with the new joy in our life, Sheri, Kevin and Kerri arrived on the same day a minute apart from one another. The rest is history.”
History it is! It’s already been 20 years since Frank and Debbie made North Caldwell their home, and during this time they watched their family grow and flourish. All four of the Astorino children are down to earth, sweet and smart, while their bond with each other is visibly strong. Frank and Debbie are rightfully proud of who each one has grown up to become.
“Remy is a beautiful, athletic, warm and friendly young woman who played state champion singles for West Essex and ultimately played for Farleigh Dickenson University in college. She currently works in child development in West Caldwell.
Sheri is currently a senior at Boston College (Frank’s alma mater). She brings joy to everyone she meets. She is intelligent, attractive, and loving. Her memory of growing up in North Caldwell is filled with gratitude.
Kevin is also a senior graduating with honors from Seton Hall University (Debbie’s alma mater) next spring. He is very personable and eager to launch his career. Kevin played varsity sports throughout his West Essex career while maintaining excellent grades and enjoying being an integral part of the family.
Kerri has brought with her beauty, artistic talent and flare for entrepreneurism. She runs her own side business while maintaining a challenging curriculum at TCNJ. She is filled with natural talent and will surprise everyone with every step of her personal journey.”
The Astorinos enjoy their family time and traditions including Sunday dinners and holidays with extended family. They like various activities including golf, tennis, time at their pool and Glen Ridge Country Club; traveling to Italy, the Jersey Shore, and Florida. They cheer for the Giants, Yankees, and US tennis; and to relax, they prefer to listen to jazz and soft rock, read in the family room or go out to dinner to one of their favorite Italian, Asian, or steak restaurants.
Debbie is a teacher. Frank is a Wealth Manager and entrepreneur, the owner of Astorino Financial Group that is a well-established wealth management firm with a dedicated team of professionals that is continuing to grow and expand its services and commitment to its clients. You can find them at www.astorinofinancialgroup.com.
What the Astorinos love the most about North Caldwell are the neighbors, its progressive citizenry, the ability to walk in pleasant surroundings, being involved with important committees, being close to Frank’s work, the dynamic population, services, education and recreation.
Many thanks to the Astorino Family for opening their doors to us and sharing a glimpse of their warm family life with the community.
The original article has been published in the North Caldwell Magazine in December, 2019. Written by Pamira Bezmen. Original photography by Pamira Bezmen Photography.
