hi friends!
Last year, I set a goal to publish a blog post at the end of every month. As we head into 2025, I wanted to try something new. After tossing around a bunch of possibilities (mostly with my mom, who's never short on ideas), I landed on a theme that felt both meaningful and creative. Each month, I’ll be featuring a women owned business in the Lehigh Valley. This series is a small way to give back to the community, build new connections, and spotlight the incredible women making things happen right here in the valley. I’m so excited to introduce you to these women, share a bit about their work, and encourage you to visit them. Enjoy!
december
Hausbar
My spotlight series has officially concluded, and I couldn't be happier to close out this project with Hausbar - a Bethlehem, PA based cocktail and mobile bartending service owned by the delightful Beth. Hausbar specializes in handcrafted cocktails tailored thoughtfully to every client, offering a truly personalized experience.
I had the pleasure of working alongside Beth at a wedding in 2024, and she left an impression on me that I’ll never forget. She has poured her heart into every detail of this business (quite literally), and she is full genuine professionalism. From the gorgeous, handmade mobile setups to her eco conscious approach behind the scenes, you can feel the intention in everything she does. Her hospitality is effortless, which I witnessed first hand. I find this type of care and thoughtfulness to be rare these days, especially in the bustling wedding industry, but she always has a way of making guests to feel welcomed.
Beyond her craft, Beth is deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces. Hausbar is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, and Beth is a major advocate for other local small businesses in the area. It's clear that Hausbar extends way beyond supporting clients, as the kindness and connection is poured right back into the community. If you’re planning an event in 2026 and want a bar service that’s truly one of a kind, there's no doubt you should reach out to Hausbar. Cheers to the ending your 2025 with good people and good drinks.
november
Goddess by Gina
My spotlight series is coming to a close, but I'm thrilled that I was able to squeeze in another fellow wedding vendor before it ends. Introducing you all to Gina, the talented bridal hairstylist behind Goddess by Gina in Quakertown, PA. From braids, updos, boho looks and more, Gina has you COVERED. I had the pleasure of working alongside her at two weddings this year and from the moment I saw her in action, I knew she had to be a part of this series.
What stood out to me just as much as her beautiful work was her calm demeanor on those two wedding mornings. Gina had a way of bringing ease to her clients, all amongst the whirlwind that is a wedding day. As a photographer who knows how much those early hours set the tone for the entire day, I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to work with someone like her.
When she's not a busy bee making everyone feel gorgeous, Gina enjoys spending time with her family, especially her son. A portrait of him was framed front and center in her studio, and it was immediately clear to me how much her motivation is centered around being a wonderful mom. The strength women carry is what this spotlight series is all about: business owners, mothers, leaders, friends, advocators, educators, athletes, you name it. I'm in awe of what we can do! So, if you’re looking for a hairstylist who brings both talent and care to your wedding day, I can’t recommend Goddess by Gina enough.
October
The Farm Bakery + Events
As busy season winds down, engagement season is upon us, which means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about wedding venues! This month, I’m so excited to introduce you to Becca, the owner of the stunning Farm Bakery + Events in Quakertown, PA. I’ve admired this venue from afar for years, and finally meeting Becca and hearing her story only deepened my love for this special place.
The Farm Bakery + Events is one of those venues that instantly feels like home. Every corner of the property is filled with warmth, thoughtfulness, and charm. Becca’s journey with the farm has truly come full circle. She grew up on the property, surrounded by the beauty of the land she now shares with so many couples in her adulthood. After navigating challenges in her personal life, Becca and her husband were given a clear sign from God to return to her roots and move back to the farm. Little did Becca know, after hosting a few wedding ceremonies on the property, something life changing was on the horizon. The Farm Bakery + Events was born - a heartfelt business that allowed Becca to leave the corporate world behind and build a life centered around family, community, and pure joy.
From the cozy, rustic charm of the barn to the delicious baked goods made with love, it’s clear how much care goes into every detail of this place. Becca and her team are incredibly kind and community driven, always going above and beyond to make sure every guest and client feels at home.
When she's not busy at work, Becca spends her free time soaking up every moment with her kids, pets, and husband by traveling, cheering on her children, or simply enjoying slow days at home. She has also been dabbling in home grown florals from the farm and incorporating them into decor and details on wedding days. If you’re wedding planning, newly engaged, or starting to dream about your day, I can’t recommend checking out The Farm Bakery + Events enough. And as for me… I’ll be over here manifesting the day I get to photograph a wedding on this gorgeous property!
september
Conversational Threads
Happy September! Fall has arrived, and with it comes the perfect excuse to slow down, get cozy, and dive into something creative. This month I’m thrilled to welcome Cindy, the owner of one of my favorite local stores: Conversational Threads. To my knitting, crocheting, and craft lovers - this shop in the heart of downtown Emmaus is a must visit!
Conversational Threads is a community hub for those of all skill levels. The shop carries over 100 brands of all natural high quality yarns, along with tools, accessories, and classes to support you in every way. The space is inviting from the the moment you walk in, often filled with friendly faces chatting, crafting, and sharing ideas on the living room style cozy couches. I’ve personally built close friendships here by having a space to relax, chat, and crochet.
Cindy has a deep love for both knitting and crocheting (sometimes blending the two!), and it shows in the thoughtful way she runs her business. Her passion shines through as she helps others tap into their creativity and learn new skills, all while providing support along the way. Conversational Threads has just stocked up on a beautiful selection of worsted weight yarn, so it’s a great time to stop in, find inspiration, and maybe even sign up for a class to learn something new. Don't miss out!
august
The Little Things
Can y'all believe August is over? This month I’m excited to introduce you to Kaitlin and Erin, the duo behind The Little Things, a charming boutique nestled in downtown Emmaus. This hidden gem is thoughtfully curated with a little something for everyone offering stylish finds for both men and women.
Best friends turned business partners, Kaitlin and Erin brought their dream to life by creating a space that celebrates individuality, inclusivity, and community. Every item in the shop is handpicked, and they can speak passionately about each product they carry. In addition to clothes, the boutique features body care, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and so much more.
Outside of running their shop, these two stay busy with family life. Both moms to high school boys, they juggle sports schedules and family time while continuing to nurture the friendship that started it all. Looking ahead, The Little Things is gearing up for their fall collection arriving in September along with holiday goodies to follow. It's a great time to stop in to check the space out, whether you're getting a head start on holiday gifts or simply treating yourself!
As always, support local, support women-owned, and don’t miss out on all The Little Things has to offer.
july
In Motion Academy of Dance
Happy July! This month I'm welcoming Christine from In Motion Academy of Dance. Tucked right in the center of Coopersburg, this cozy studio is warm, welcoming, and full of energy. With a packed schedule of classes, from ballet to hip-hop, there’s truly something for every kiddo no matter their interest or experience level.
As a former dancer myself, featuring a dance studio in this series felt especially close to home. The moment I met Christine and heard her talk about the studio, I knew there was something special about this place. Her goal? Make the studio feel like a “second home” for every child who walks through the door, which you can truly feel in every detail. The space is full of personality and charm, and I was delighted to discover that you may even find some four legged friends hanging around (see the pic below of their scaly friend).
When she's not at the studio, Christine is soaking up time with her husband, two kids, and two fur babies. She’s a lifelong local with a big love for travel and new experiences, something that totally shines through in the inclusive community she’s built at In Motion. If you’re on the lookout for a studio that truly cares (not just about dance, but about every dancer), then this is the place. Check out their upcoming classes and events on their website to learn more. You'll be glad you did!
june
The Harmony Mountain House
I'm so excited to introduce you all to Elyza and Sarah, the owners of The Harmony Mountain House! This beautiful, spiritual retreat space is nestled in the mountains just outside of the Lehigh Valley in NJ. The Harmony Mountain House holds space for connection, sustainability, growth, and healing through a multitude of events, including retreats and community events.
I connected with these two by originally crossing paths with Sarah through a recreation volleyball league, and we instantly shared the commonality of being business owners. Once I started this project, I knew I had to connect with her and Elyza. I was instantly grateful that Sarah shared this whole other passion of hers, and experiencing this sacred space that her and Elyza have built was an honor.
When Elyza and Sarah aren't hosting, you may find them cooking fresh, plant based meals (potentially from ingredients grown right outside!), hiking, journaling, embracing nature, or even exploring the property in their Kubota 😉 I got to see firsthand just how much this space, business, and lifestyle fuels these two women's souls. This is what this project is all about! If you are interested in yoga, healing, spiritual journeys, connection, or community, look no further. I invite you all to read more about their story on their website, take a look at some of their upcoming events, or just simply connect with these wonderful humans!
may
Alex Uphold - State Farm
My girl Alex HAD to be a part of this, no question! Although Alex's office is based in Maryland, she also serve Pennsylvania and is well equipped to serve the Lehigh Valley from afar. Alex is a State Farm agent, but everything about her business gives small town vibes. I've had Alex help me through all the things: auto, renters, business insurance and more. Even while miles away, she has helped me through hit and runs, moves, and business changes.
The customer service at Alex's is incredible, and everyone in the office is a pleasure to speak to: helpful, informative, and most of all, kind. Insurance can be stressful and life can be unexpected, and Alex lifts that burden.
Besides being a successful business owner, you can find Alex loving on her pup Sadie (who is so stinkin' cute). She is also a huge supporter to the local community, participating in many fundraisers and events throughout the town. Most of all, she is a wonderful momma and role model for those around her. If you are looking for coverage, need a quote, or simply want to chat, give Alex a call and I promise you won't be disappointed!
april
Diana's Catering & Gourmet Market
For this month's spotlight, meet Diana! Formally known as Diana's Cafe since 1998, Diana has recently restructured the vision to serve the Lehigh Valley with high quality, homemade food through the new Diana's Catering & Gourmet Market. They offer several services and fun events, including catering, sunset dinners, brunch, rentals for small events, and much more. You can even purchase prepackaged meals and scrumptious other items such as house roasted coffee (I can attest - delicious!), jams, and soups. You can also find many other small business items inside the market for sale.
Diana's is not only a wonderful, family-owned business, but they source their products locally when possible, prioritize quality, and support the local community. Businesses like Diana's can be hard to find these days, and I promise you won't regret making a visit.
Outside of her busy work as a business owner, Diana loves spending time with her family and doing outdoor projects. Check out Diana's Catering and Gourmet Market next time you need a caterer, a date night, or even a quick snack! See the photos below and prepare to drool 🤤
march
Sky Gold Design
Of course I had to make sure I included a fellow photographer in the monthly spotlights! Meet Skylar (if you haven't already) from Sky Gold Design this month. Skylar is a local Pennsylvania wedding photographer and has been a part of over 100 weddings. Although she specializes in weddings, she offers services for engagements, couples, elopements, and more.
You may have seen some of Skylar's work on my own page, as she has done some of my branding shoots (including the latest!). Skylar also photographed my sister's wedding who to this day still expresses how grateful she was to have such a beautiful wedding gallery from her.
Skylar previously worked as a graphic designer at an architecture firm before becoming a full time wedding photographer, and a lot of those skills have carried over into her work by being intentional with the space around her subjects. Fun fact - that's where the "design" comes from in Sky Gold Design. For fun, she loves to spend time in nature, travel and explore new places, and love on her golden doodle of course! I highly recommend checking out some of Skylar's work - she's not only a talented photographer, but a wonderful person to get to know.
february
The Old Library Bookshop
I am so excited to share this month's spotlight - The Old Library Bookshop! Mary and Margaret, a mother-daughter duo, have run this lovely shop since 1996. This gem of a book shop has drawers of photos, maps, ephemera and wonderful artwork on top of a diverse collection of over 26,000 second-hand books. New items are brought in every single day!
Admittedly, I had not been in the shop since I was in college. I immediately found a little treat to leave with (a poetry book) and I look forward to visiting these ladies more often. The shop was bustling with customers the whole time I was there, and Mary and Margaret were a delight with every person that entered. This is everything we love about these small local businesses.
Besides operating their book shop for years, Mary and Margaret are extremely active in the community participating in rallies, supporting local organizations, and working with their church group to assist those in need in Bethlehem. They are both passionate about social and political issues and strive to push for change. If you are nearby, or passing through Bethlehem, I highly recommend stopping in to meet Mary and Margaret. There is a book for everyone in this shop.
And for funsies...
Margaret has a collection of Irish literature that she loves, but one of her favorite books is Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa
Mary loves historical fiction and one of her favorites is A Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
january
Jaquelyn's on Main
There is no better way to kick this off than to highlight the owner of my favorite local coffee shop - Jaquelyn's on Main! Jackie has special occasion cakes and sweat treats, coffees and specialty drinks, and even gluten free goodies. On top of that, she also has an event space to rent for bridal showers, work get-togethers, and more.
I go to Jackie's quite often to work remotely, and my go-to drink is a chai latte (shocker), but I love trying the specialty drinks each month too. Sometimes she even has chai drinks on the specialty menu, like the pear chai this month! Soooo delicious. I've had many treats from Jackie's as well, and as someone who is not the biggest fan of cheesecake, I can truly attest that Jackie's cheesecake bars are TO DIE FOR. I love to watch the place fill up in the morning, even on work days. The shop truly brings people together, and it's a great spot for your next meetup with a friend.
Aside from being a rockstar business owner, Jackie loves to mow the lawn and do landscaping projects. Her favorite dessert is pudding, but she's also a huge fan of chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling, with a little ganache too! Next time you're in Coopersburg, stop by and say hi! I promise you won't regret it.
