Women to Watch

Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Lauren Companioni Strahan has positively shaped the way thousands of children feel about going to the dentist. Children love to visit her at her practice, South Tampa Dental Krewe. “Working with kids every day is pretty amazing,” she says... Read More

Laurie Champagne-Bumberg has always been interested interested in physiology and histology, so a career in aesthetics was an obvious choice. “I love helping people feel good in their own skin,” she says. “I’ve always admired beautiful skin and after 30, was when I really star... Read More

Inspired by her late husband’s advice to seize the moment, Linda Muszynski opened Tate & Tilly Boutique—home to fine gifts, standout service and unique finds. Fifteen years later, she still loves retail. Outside the shop, she cherishes time with her grandkids, boating i... Read More

At International Plaza & Bay Street, Lindsay Grinstead helps local companies and organizations connect with the millions of shoppers who visit the mall’s 200-plus shops and restaurants each year. She says visitors have been excited to get back to shopping with safety in mi... Read More

Lisa Gilmore doesn’t just design spaces—she creates stories. Her journey into interior design began in high school, inspired by HGTV, and after graduating from design school, she honed her craft at a small firm in her hometown of Lakeland. There, she learned to layer textiles,... Read More

Sheltair is a family-owned company that enjoys a reputation for its superior safety and service-driven culture. Founded in 1963 by Jerry Holland, it is the nation’s largest privately owned aviation network, operating 18 award-winning FBOs and managing over 4.5 million square f... Read More

During COVID, Lizette Rivera, her daughter Sami, and her mom, Rose, started crafting espresso-infused baked goods, founding the Roasted Whisk Gifting Co. When her mom’s dementia worsened, Lizette put a pause on the business, but after her passing, she followed her mother’s enc... Read More

Loretta Nguyen Zanetti and Kristen Capo are the “women who do it all” behind Erasable Med Spa, a full-service med spa that offers patients laser tattoo removal, laser hair removal, vaginal rejuvenation, body contouring, injectables, fillers and facials. The duo, along with the... Read More

A dedicated wine enthusiast, Lynn Dowdell’s vision is to share the wine and stories of lesser-known winemakers and producers. As founder and lead curator of Vin Collective, Lynn meticulously crafts luxury wine tasting experiences to engage, enhance, and “edutain” guests. Kno... Read More

With nearly a decade of experience in marketing, public relations and brand strategy, Madison DeChellis brings her expertise to Hyde Park Village. She honed her skills in New York City and Dallas, leading campaigns for fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands as Senior Account Exe... Read More

Before she and her husband purchased their first salon, Aviles Hair Studio in Orlando, Tampa native Madison Rahman was an executive director at a digital marketing company specializing in aesthetics and salons. This experience helped them nearly double Aviles’ numbers after... Read More

As the founder of Hearth and Honey Homes, Margie Kaercher knows that an eye for design isn’t something you learn – it comes naturally. A talented designer with a creative eye and depth of industry knowledge, she has a natural gift for creating beautiful, functional spaces wher... Read More

Dr. Maria Upshaw stands out not just as a dentist but as a multifaceted force to be reckoned with. With over two decades of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry, her newest state-of-the-art practice is setting the standard for crafting smiles and customer care. Yet, ... Read More

With nearly 20 years in education, Marlee Strawn has transitioned from classroom teacher to edtech leader, shaping the future of AI in education. As co-founder and head of education at Scholar Education—an AI-powered platform inspired by two lovable bernedoodles—she is dedicat... Read More

Marrin Costello is a businesswoman, designer, and brand architect. Her career as a creative began at age seven when a bead kit ignited a passion for jewelry design. Over the past two decades, this childhood hobby has transformed into a global luxury lifestyle brand with jewel... Read More

With nearly a decade of esthetician experience, Mary Massa felt inspired to create something unique—a space where results-driven treatments meet deep relaxation. “Too often, skincare is either effective or soothing, but I believe you deserve both,” she says. Her passion lie... Read More

Dr. Megan Toufexis is a respected, double-board-certified psychiatrist known for her work with a wide range of mental health conditions, including women’s mental health. She provides personalized treatment at her South Tampa office and at TMS of South Tampa under the mentor... Read More

Melanee Eslamy believes there’s no such thing as bad hair when you’re under the care of her team. Specializing in hair care for all textures, including curly, kinky and unmanageable locks, clients can expect nothing short of exceptional expertise at Melanee’s Hair Studio. Off... Read More

Dr. Melanie Aya-ay, CEO and owner of Melanie L. Aya-ay, M.D. Plastic Surgery and Vivia MedSpa, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Tampa Bay with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive breast surgery and minimally invasive facial a... Read More

As a first-generation college graduate, Melanie Henry has always been a risk taker. When she first walked through the door of a Rukus Cycling Studio, she felt called to the brand. After 23 years in Corporate America, she resolved to realize her dream of entrepreneurship. Spar... Read More