The Joy of - Inside Chappaqua

Inspiring and Dynamic Women Business Partners
Marilyn Rifkin and Deborah Notis
were just your typical busy moms;
they spent hours trying to find the
best tutors, coaches, and activities for
their kids. Pretty soon, their friends
were coming to them for recommendations.
Light bulb! Why not pool their
resources and help other parents save
time and effort?
Thus, Gamechanger was born; for
no fee, there’s one stop shopping for
assistance with preparation for the
SATs, locating opportunities for music
and sports activities, even help with
the dreaded college essays needed to
get into the best schools.
“It’s all about having fun,” says Lisa
Ballou, “because we understand that
everyone has wardrobe problems,”
adds Susan Smugar Goodman. These
best friends are so in sync, they finish
each other’s sentences. Together, their
company StyleCycle offers women a
chance to get professional help cleaning
out an overstuffed closet, creating
impeccable outfits out of clothes they
already own, and buying new threads
that are perfect for who they are right
now. They’ll even take those items you
never wear to a consignment shop.
They do all this with ease and grace,
and a true appreciation for the fact
that we’re all unique. Lisa and Susan
have formed stellar relationships with
select boutiques and trendy stores.
26 Inside Chappaqua May 2013
By Michall Jeffers
Editor’s Note: Inside Chappaqua asked long time contributor and cultural journalist Michall Jeffers to catch up with two new
teams of women business partnerships who are changing lives in and around town! Here are her two reports!
Gamechanger: Two Moms Match Up Kids with the Right Expert
“Our goal is to empower the wellrounded
child,” explains Marilyn. “We
vet all the teachers, coaches, everyone
connected with helping give kids the
ultimate experience,” adds Deborah.
“We’re committed to matching up
youngsters with just the right person
to help them achieve success. We make
sure that prices are competitive, and
that only the best people are on our
rosters for coaching in bar and bat
mitzvahs, organizing children’s parties,
teaching languages. Very often,
parents start by seeking help with
academics; when they understand how
easily and quickly we can provide other
great prospects for their kids, they
branch out.”
They do the shopping, and bring you
fabulous clothing and accessories to
replace and to implement your wardrobe.
Their clients come from New
York, as well as Westchester, and span
all ages–the oldest
was a chic 82! And
they know their
stuff; “It’s so fun
reading fashion
magazines, and
we study them
all” declares Lisa.
“We get a lot of
inspiration online,
and by watching
the style shows on
TV. I think Rachel
Zoe is terrific, for
example,” proffers
Susan.
Gamechanger collects
a commission
from their proven
experts, not from
the families they
help. “We value creating
a work/life balance
for ourselves,
so we understand how important
it is to free up valuable time for our
clients,” Deborah says thoughtfully.
Marilyn smiles, “We’re very regimented
and organized, and we’re experts at
networking. It’s all about giving your
child the ultimate advantage, which is
the goal of every parent.” “Gamechanger,”
uwn@gamechangernow.com;
914 449-6772
“Stylecycle” Takes the Angst Out of Dressing Great
Trends for the coming season? These
experts advise that large accessories
are in, leather is hot, and cropped
pants show off trim ankles. Susan
advises, “Store the platform shoes; buy
lower pumps for jeans and dresses;
pointy toes are back. Floral prints are
big, but you have to be careful; they’re
not for everybody.” Lisa counsels.
“Black and white and graphics are
much easier for everyone to wear. You
don’t have to spend a fortune, especially
on trends.”
We all get stuck in a certain time
frame when it comes to how we
present ourselves. The mission of
StyleCycle
is to gently
guide
us “to that
next phase
of dressing beautifully for our age,
shape, and lifestyle,” offers Susan.
“And once women realize how much
more comfortable this is, they embrace
it,” agrees Lisa. info@stylecycle.com or
susan@stylecycle.com;
914 953-4141 or 914 522-1158
Michall Jeffers eponymous cable TV
show is syndicated throughout the tristate
area, and features celebrity interviews,
reviews, and commentary. www.
michalljeffers.com