flair

The grit and grace of this small business owner is almost beyond comprehension. Her small tea & wine space in Montpelier, VT barely survived the recent massive flooding there. It's her care of her café, staff and neighbors - who lost everything - that gives Lauren sainthood status. We already knew this, as she is truly one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Creative, inventive, hilarious. Glamorous, illustrious, goofy. A powerhouse of presence. The adjectives just don't stop, much like her boundless talent. A true Irish lass with lasting impact wherever she goes, this actor, writer, producer is Noni Stapleton!

Yes, that is a gleam in the eye! Smart, funny and really darn nice, please meet Leigh Bahnatka. If you think there is a straight path to success, she is here to prove anyone wrong. This hard-working realtor (indeed, that is not her only professional experience) is a fan- favorite in the Hudson Valley. See why!

A natural. This young lady is taking the world by storm - and rocking the red carpet while she's at it. Actor, athlete, and all around savvy teen, Katherine Mallen Kupferer is making her way with so much poise and confidence, it's a lesson in how do it! (PS - catch her Mom's spotlight below, scroll down to Tara Mallen!)

Mover, shaker and savvy business owner - all starting under the age of 30 - means this bright and charming lady is in complete charge of her life and career. Say hello to Emily Venditti, the current partner and general manager at one of the region's most popular and vibrant restaurants.

Your go-to for smart lifestyle coverage is right here. Arts, entertainment, cuisine, real estate - what to do, where to go in the region - is brought to you each and every week by Lisa Green. Discover the best, most unique events and explore her spot-on recommendations. This lady has creative FLAIR to spare! Brilliant.

Excellence in hospitality! More than just a bartender, there are those who are "drink designers," who engage with you, make you feel most welcomed and create a special experience. Cheers to Devan Reid, a master mixologist (and assistant manager) whose warmth and work are works of art.

Signature style, that's an enduring FLAIR quality. All while making a mark with elegance and grace. And when you can do that with real pen and ink (remember those?), you're on to something. Please meet the ever-classy Chesley McLaren, who embodies a Gig always-favorite element in her work: Paris!

How can you make a difference in the world? Is it possible to alter how we live and build an earth-minded community, to actually make change for the present and far into the future? If you're a young entrepreneur who puts a mission into action like Amelia, you can!

We could probably just let Melissa's megawatt smile do the talking. If there was ever an "in the moment" leader in the business (and non-profit) world, it's her. A trained performer with impressive degrees, she is now an arts administrator who brings the perfect mix of smarts and smiles to every project.

Art and industry, that's what FLAIR is all about. Generally it's spotlighting a talent who is great at one or the other - but how about someone who is just rockin' it with both? Enter stage right, left or wherever - Jane Petrov. An actor, writer, producer and lots, LOTS more. Meet this busy Hollywood (and New York) lady.

Talk about making a splash. Kimberly Peacock is co-owner of Tousey Winery, a premier destination in the Hudson Valley. Why? Because this talented entrepreneur (plus wife, Mom and all around busy lady) has built this award-winning business from the ground up. Let's toast to that!

A creative who crafts a living out of making, teaching and nurturing art must really be a Good Egg. Oh wait, she is! A recipient of the local award that bears that very name, artist Betsy Jacaruso has made a career out of passion, talent and influence - which is all pretty great.

If you know (or have worked with) any stage managers, you will know they are the rarest of breeds. They "run" live performances with a combination of organizational skills, brains, charm, humor, juggling prowess and magic. Enter Marci Skolnick who, in this regard, is a Jedi master.

When art and business collide, it's like the perfect storm. And the ideal person to bring these two worlds to life is the illustrious Brenny Campbell. A veteran actress and executive coach, she is an ever-smiling presence and force of positivity. Her joy in whatever role she plays is infectious.

Her name alone brings a ray of sunshine. Sunny Edelman is a multi-talent in arts & entertainment. Taking her many specialties and carving out a unique career is her north star. An actress, festival host and casting associate (to name a few), she is firmly in the creative-arts scene.

A renaissance woman if there ever was one, Claudia Cooley - in her own words - is "at your service." She is a sales, marketing and social media maven, and a very familiar face around town. Her passion and personality are always center stage. When you meet her, see if you catch that twinkle in her eye.

Being a leader in what you love does not have to be your full time gig. As a matter of fact, if it's a side passion - even more inspiring. Meet Rita Ryan, a lover of music and musicians, and DJ/host of her self-created LocalMotion, an independent radio show and station based out of Vassar College.

Award-winning theater professional, artistic director, actor and Mom, Tara can pretty much do it all. She is the powerful combination of moxie and creativity, all wrapped up into one totally funny, busy and super down to earth lady.

Veteran journalist, brilliant writer and former movie critic - and all around great gal - Lisa is an inspiration on creating your unique path, being your own person and navigating the world of entertainment...all with grace, humor and style.