New Jersey Family Announces its 2024 Mompreneurs of the Year
June 27, 2024– Today, New Jersey Family, the go-to source for Garden State moms and dads, announced the results of its fourth annual Mompreneur of the Year contest. The contest recognizes small businesses owned and operated by NJ moms. The 2024 winner is Kate Assaraf, a Sparta mom of two and founder of Dip, an environmental awareness company that makes shampoo and conditioner bars aimed at reducing plastic waste.
New Jersey Family, in partnership with contest judge Morphmom—an organization that helps women at all stages of their work lives figure out their next step—is also honoring 6 finalists. The magazine spoke with the winning mompreneurs about the creative inspiration behind their businesses and how they juggle entrepreneurship with parenting.
“Shining a spotlight on the many unique and amazing businesses run by New Jersey moms is one of the most important things we do,” said Dina El Nabli, Editorial Director of New Jersey Family. “We hope you’ll get to know each of these amazing women and their businesses and support them when you can."
In an interview with New Jersey Family, Assaraf shares her entrepreneurial journey and how a gap in the haircare market led her to launch Dip using her closest friends as her focus group. "Being a part of the local female entrepreneur community has been incredibly rewarding," Assaraf said. "My ethos has always been to support small, local businesses, and I am proud to share that 95 percent of our retailers in New Jersey are female-owned. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with these incredible women, many of whom are mothers themselves, and contribute to their success. Together, we are building a community of like-minded individuals who share a vision of sustainable living and entrepreneurship. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential we have to make a positive impact."
The contest was judged by Kathleen Butler-Smith, founder and CEO of Morphmom. Morphmom hosts conferences around the country and provides mentoring and coaching to women-owned businesses. "It was an absolute honor to once again judge the New Jersey Family Mompreneur Contest," Butler-Smith said. "I’m thrilled to play a role in helping to support fellow New Jersey 'morphmoms.' It was an incredibly difficult decision to make as each and every applicant was truly a winner....brave, courageous, inspirational and empowering to us all!"
Here is a complete list of the 2024 New Jersey Family Mompreneurs of the Year:
Mompreneur of the Year Winner:
Kate Assaraf (Sparta)
Founder, Dip Premium Hair Care
Mompreneur of the Year Finalists:
Beauty
Winner: Emanuela Arreaga (Holmdel), Cosmesi LLC
Organization That Gives Back
Winner: Bridget Cutler (New Providence), Moms Helping Moms
Food
Winner: Cassandra Burnett (Williamstown), Lizzie's Love Cakes
Kids & Families
Winner: Jennifer L. Pacht-Goodman (Watchung), Jammin Jenn Music Therapy
Professional & Legal Services
Winners: T.H. Irwin (Cresskill) & Jessica Herzberg (NYC), The exEXPERTS
Media & Marketing
Winner: Angela Thomas (Englewood), Prana Marketing & Media Relations
For more on the winners, go to njfamily.com/mompreneurs and share your favorite mom-owned NJ business with #njfamilymompreneur.
For nearly 35 years, New Jersey Family has been the #1 trusted authority on what to do, where to go and where to raise a family for more than half a million parents in New Jersey. We know what families in the Garden State need to live happier, healthier, more involved lives—and we deliver it. Find us at njfamily.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/newjerseyfamily and on Instagram at instagram.com/newjerseyfamily.
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PHOTOS: JONATHAN ASSARAF (TOP) & DAILY POST MEDIA