In business over 10+ years, Ridgewood resident and owner of Style Venture Inc, Martha Fickinger has shifted her business model to an online platform to meet the times and add a smile to her clients (and a touch of lime.)
For Cinco De Mayo, she has scheduled a Zoom party and put together 'Muchas Gracias' gratitude bags to be hand delivered to her local clients filling them with everything you need to party at home: a bag of Doritos, napkin, sombrero straw, canned margarita (or Mexican soda for those who don't drink alcohol), a party hat and a look book of Peach's latest collection of athleisure wear.
"I sell great comfortable clothes and I'm committed to combining fashion with philanthropy. I am heartened by all of the kindness that has happened in these challenging times. My fellow Peach partners and our management team never cease to inspire me. Our mission is Helping Women Thrive."
Martha is dedicated to several local charities serving as a board member of Social Service Association and the YWCA of Northern New Jersey. "I am inspired by all the people who support our efforts to help local people in need."
Transitioning from her back patio where she often hosts Facebook Live's and Zoom calls with her clients and community, one of her two sons came out. He will be graduating next year. Her oldest son spent the fourth quarter of his freshman year at Manhattan College studying online. We spoke about high school graduation and how it's going to have to pivot in this 'new normal.'
A 'new normal' also includes using only one of their two vehicles as a feathered resident took over Martha's SUV. She enjoys talking each morning to this little creature that has repossessed her transportation. "I'm not going anywhere."
I asked Martha why she started her business. Her reply: "I'm passionate about helping women to look and feel their best. When you're confident in your own skin, you can do great things."
For more about Martha and her collection, she can be found on Facebook @Style Venture Inc or at www.discoverpeach.com/s/marthaf
If you are a business owner in Ridgewood or Montclair and would like to be included in our COVID19 Documentary Series, please visit www.villagestudiophotos.com or follow us on IG @vsphotos_nj or FB @Village Studio/Photography by Jennifer Bladel