Help us celebrate and acknowledge the businesses that could, especially with our support, receive the highest accolades in all the land … of Westchester county.
Every year, Westchester Magazine highlights the people, places, and businesses that make life in this county vibrant through their Best of Westchester competition. This year, several members of the HudCo community have been nominated — and we want to help propel them to the top for the rest of the county to see!
From florals to books, cheese and even a moving company, these are the small businesses and creative entrepreneurs that bring energy to the Rivertowns and beyond. Many of them work out of HudCo, host events here, collaborate with our members, or are simply part of our extended family.
Now they need your support. Voting for Best of Westchester closes Friday, March 13, at 5 PM, so this is the moment to show these businesses some well deserved love. We’ve made simple links to our crew below.
HudCo
Best Coworking Space
Best Event Space
OMG THAT’S US!! HudCo was built on a simple idea: bring city-quality hospitality and creative energy to the Rivertowns. What started as a coworking space has grown into a hub for entrepreneurs, artists, events, and community gatherings.
From pop-ups and bar/bat mitzvahs to weddings, workshops, and daily coworking, HudCo has become a place where ideas turn into real things.
Picture Book
Situated right inside HudCo since late 2020, Picture Book is a beloved independent bookstore in Dobbs Ferry. It’s the kind of place where browsing turns into an afternoon and every visit feels personal. Sara Davidson’s thoughtfully curated selection and community programming have made it a cornerstone for families across the Rivertowns.
Bloomy Cheese & Provisions
Best Charcuterie Business
Best Cheese Shop
Jessica Galen’s shop Bloomy Cheese & Provisions, which got its start within the HudCo café area, is known for its beautifully crafted cheese boards, curated provisions, and thoughtful approach to food and gathering. Jess has remained a devoted HudCo member, and we remain devoted to her and her mission of lactose and tolerance. Whether it’s a celebration, an event, or a cozy night in, Bloomy’s selections bring people together around good food.
A D’Zine Presents Make Your Mark[et] NY
Best Gift Shop
Best Custom Jewelry
A D’Zine’s Make Your Mark[et] NY is a vibrant, seasonal, destination for locally inspired gifts and creative goods, all curated by HudCo member and business owner Melissa Panszi Riebe. With a focus on artistry, culture, and unique finds, it’s a place where every item tells a story, and where supporting local creativity is at the center of everything.
Adonia Floral Design
Longtime member Andrea Perrone’s Adonia Floral Design brings thoughtful, artful florals to weddings, events, and everyday moments. Known for arrangements that feel both elegant and organic, Adonia’s work adds beauty and atmosphere wherever it appears — including many HudCo gatherings!
Best Art Gallery
HudCo member and Yellow Studio owner Tina Villaveces brings art and community together, first with the artist-focused and woman-friendly coworking space and then with The Gallery at Yellow Studio. She has featured HudCo member Monica Shulman as well as HudCo founder Christy Knell, and brings attention to a ton of female artists from Westchester and beyond. She’s also nominated for Best New Store for the Co-Op and Beehive at Yellow Studio.
But we must also highlight Hudson River Museum, where longtime member Laura Owens recently began as assistant director of development! HRM has been a stellar larger scale gallery for many years just south of us in Yonkers, and recently showcased a performance by member Morgan McEwan’s dance company Mordance. They’re also nominated for Performing Arts Theater, Wedding Venue, Music Venue (Touring Acts) and Music Venue (Local Acts).
Club Pilates
Longtime HudCo member Heather Rhyu is celebrating a decade of making wellness fun, accessible, and inspiring. She swapped Wall Street for wellness in 2016 and never looked back. Spotting a unique opportunity closer to home, she’s grown three thriving Club Pilates studios in Ardsley, Scarsdale, and Quaker Ridge, and recently added Rumble Boxing to her lineup. A mom of two, Heather champions Pilates for keeping her strong, injury-free, and balanced. Her studios mirror that vibe: inviting, well-designed spaces where fitness, strength, and community come together.
The Beauty Parlor
It’s time for Jessica Kachmar and Josephine Montemarano to get the kudos they deserve! The Beauty Parlor is without a doubt the best salon in Westchester, and we don’t just say that because Christy and Christina have been devoted clients since their days on Main Street Dobbs, or because Christina designed their space and Christy designed their branding. We say this because The Beauty Parlor is a total VIBE, it practically invented the concept of a VIBE.
Not only do you leave looking fabulous, but you leave with entertaining stories, buzzed from prosecco (or coffee), and probably with a new friend or two from sitting around the communal table. They’re down the hall, longtime HudCo members, and soon to be crowned BOW.
Wellnest Chiropractic and Holistic Wellness Center
Christine Aziz, Ahimsa Acupuncture
Best Chiropractic
Best Wellness Center
Best Acupuncture
Members and neighbors here at Hudson River Landing, Dr. Ivana Vargas and her squad at Wellnest Chiropractic and Holistic Center offer hands-on spinal alignment, therapeutic bodywork and pregnancy-focused adjustments Previously practicing out of HudCo and now within Wellnest, wonder woman Christine Aziz has helped heal countless members of our community.
Pilates Loft, Briarcliff Manor
Best Barre Studio
Best Group Fitness Class
Gym
Best Pilates Studio
HudCo member Anna Howington is founder and owner of Pilates Loft. Her bright, sunny studio offers everything you could want: reformer, springboard, mat, barre, and yoga classes. Anna has built an incredible team of experienced instructors who lead engaging workouts designed to build strength, flexibility, posture, and balance for clients of all levels.
Max Pact Health LLC
Diana Feinstein’s mission is to help executives embrace sustainable lifestyle changes that promote long-term health and well-being, which she’s often doing in the HudCo coworking lounge. By focusing on habits such as regular physical activity, quality sleep, and effective stress management, the goal goes beyond weight loss to support overall wellness—transforming lives step by step and redefining health as true wealth.
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We want to highlight two nominations just outside the HudCo community but still within our family.
Falena
Best Jewelry Store
Best Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Store
Owner (and former HudCo staffer) Nicole Vallario has crafted more than a shop—it’s an immersive experience. Plush velvet seating, striking wallpaper, and deep jewel tones create a luxurious, dreamlike atmosphere. After 16 years in the fine jewelry world, Nicole launched Falena in 2023 to showcase timeless jewelry, independent designers, and unique treasures. Plus you can shop fellow HudCo members from her shop—Adonia Florals, A D’Zine, and Fourteen August!
Barr Brothers Moving
Moving is rarely simple, but Barr Brothers Moving has built a reputation across Westchester for making the process smooth, professional, and dependable. Their team has helped countless families and businesses relocate with care (and is family to our dear Shannon and Sam!). Walkable from HudCo! Enjoy the river views and then easily hop on the train.
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Reminder: voting closes Friday, March 13, at 5PM.
Cast your votes through the official ballot (you must vote for a minimum of 5 categories):