Have a Happy, and HEALTHY, New Year in Oz

A new year is like the dawning of a new day, but with infinitely more possibilities. Dawn on Lake Michigan at Harrington Beach State Park by Eric Curtin.

Cindy Freier Taylor and Kim Freier Schmit, founders of The Béne Network. Photo by Brevin Luehring

​By Mary Boyle

The New Year is often a time of resolutions, and those resolutions often involve our health.  Health, in all it's forms, is the structure that we need to build our lives on; if it is unstable or weak, all of our other structures become unstable, as well.  Prioritizing our health is one of the best resolutions we can make and, if you're ready to take that step, there are some great resources in Oz run by wonderful ladies who are here to support you on your journey.

The Béne Network

Sisters Cindy Freier Taylor and Kim Freier Schmit are graduates of Port Washington High School and the fifth generation of their family here in Port.  As a financial adviser, Taylor found herself listening to more than just her client's financial concerns.  "When people talk about money, a lot comes up," she said.  She wanted to be able to help more. Over the years, Taylor referred clients to people in the community who had helped her find better overall health, and she realized she was on to something.  Just launched in October, Taylor, along with her sister, spent the past several years vetting and growing a network of professionals to help people with their health, wealth and happiness, from financial advisers to chiropractors and counselors, and put them all in one place, where people who need them can easily find them. Béne means "be well," which is what these two sisters want for others.

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Gail Lerman, owner of Skin Alive and Director of the Mequon Thiensville School of Esthetics.

Skin Alive

For over 25 years, Gail Lerman of Mequon has been passionate about helping people with one of their most precious assets: their skin.  Staying on top of cutting edge treatments and offering high quality products to her clients, Lerman has not only personally helped people look their best, but she has trained generations of estheticians through the Mequon Thiensville School of Esthetics, which she operates out of Skin Alive.  The school is a win for both students and clients, as students are able to gain real-world experience working on actual clients and clients are able to have treatments done at a greatly reduced cost.  From microdermabrasion to chemical exfoliation and facials to laser skin rejuvenation, Lerman particularly enjoys treating severe acne and similar skin issues.  Helping them to feel good about themselves is the best part of her job. 

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Pamela Schwister of Saukville, co-owner of the new Fyndig Salon in Cedarburg.

Fyndig Salon

A Swedish word that means creative or inventive, Fyndig Salon in Cedarburg is the culmination of nearly 20 years of experience being a stylist and a dream to run a place of her own.  Pamela Schwister of Saukville, along with co-owner and stylist Jessica Keith of Slinger, share a dedication to community and supporting other small, local businesses, which is why you will find local art for sale inside the salon, as well as Java House coffee to drink.  Moreover, Schwister wanted to recreate what we think a salon is supposed to be.  Besides employing brilliant stylists, Fyndig has their own branded products created out of years of testing what works but, far from being austere and over-priced, the salon feels comfortable and the products, because they cut the middle man, are affordable.  A salon for everyone, where there's a warm and inviting community and where the stylists don't make you beautiful, they just help show you what you what was already there. If you're thinking of a new look in this new year, these are the people to see.

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Kimberly Manthey is the owner of Dirty Feet Yoga in Cedarburg.

Dirty Feet Yoga

Kimberly Manthey of Cedarburg has been teaching yoga for over 20 years to all ages and abilities.  A year ago, she opened her own studio in Cedarburg where, along with several other yogis, she offers a variety of classes for absolute beginners all the way to yoga regulars.  "There are many reasons to practice yoga, from physical well-being to mental clarity," Manthey said.  "The practice of yoga is about mind, body, and presence. Our yoga practice allows us to center and focus which allows us to sharpen our minds. While the stretching and movement are great for helping us become more limber and toned, it is the entire practice that helps our whole being."

​What I love about each of these women is their commitment to community and their desire to help others.  While this may not be your year to start a yoga class or reinvent your look, perhaps this is your year to follow your dream.  If they can't help you with that, perhaps they can at least inspire you to listen to the little voice in your soul and know that you can do it, too.  

​Happy New Year, everyone.

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