Paint2Inspire:
Women Making Their Mark in NJ and beyond
Live Series

Real Stories. Bold Women. Lasting Impact.
A series celebrating women who lead, inspire, and uplift.

Paint2Inspire is a bi-weekly video series hosted by Laura Hoyos of Paint2Smile, created to spotlight remarkable women entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders from New Jersey, New York, and beyond. Through honest conversations and inspiring stories, this series uplifts voices that are building stronger, more inclusive communities.

The goals of Paint2Inspire are:

  1. To spotlight women who are making a difference — so we can celebrate, support, and learn from their work.

  2. To inspire other women and entrepreneurs — reminding them they’re not alone, and that challenges are part of the journey to growth.

  3. To educate viewers on programs and resources in New Jersey — especially those designed to help small business owners start, grow, and thrive.

Whether you’re just starting out or building something big, these stories are here to empower you with connection, courage, and community.

Episode 10: Building Dreams Brick by Brick – Lilia Ríos Preserves Culture While Scaling Business Success

In this episode, we sit down with Lilia Ríos — Mexican American entrepreneur, cultural ambassador, and co-founder of La Providencia, a company that started with just $8,000 and now operates across 22+ U.S. states. With her Law degree, MBA in Digital Marketing, and 20+ years of business experience, Lilia’s journey showcases the power of resilience and never giving up.

She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing that success doesn’t happen magically but requires believing in yourself, working hard every day, and standing up after every fall. Beyond business growth, Lilia works directly with 1,200 artisans in Mexico, preserving Mexican artisan traditions not only in Mexico but for Mexicans living in the US through authentic cultural products. As founder of the acclaimed Nuuku boutique hotel in Riviera Maya and board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce NJ, she reminds us that building dreams requires sacrifice and that “no es color de rosa” – but the impact is extraordinary.

Learn how cultural preservation and business success can go hand in hand through determination and authentic connection.

Featuring voices from NJ including Bergen County, Hoboken, and Hudson.

Paint2Inspire is powered by Paint2Smile, offering professional face painting, balloon twisting, caricatures, live airbrushing, and airbrush tattoos for unforgettable celebrations across the tri-state area.

Episode 9: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs – Nicole Russell Helps Small Businesses Succeed Through WCEC

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Russell from the WCEC Women’s Business Center — a dedicated leader who has spent 9 years helping small businesses succeed across the northernmost 14 counties of New Jersey. With 12 years of non-profit experience in marketing, grant writing, and event planning, Nicole’s mission is transforming how women access business education and support.

She shares the incredible impact of WCEC’s free to low-cost training programs, the power of one-on-one business counseling, and how their Growth Venture program has helped countless entrepreneurs scale their businesses. As someone who personally benefited from WCEC’s Growth Venture course, this conversation highlights a game-changing resource that every woman entrepreneur needs to know about.

Learn how accessible entrepreneurship education is breaking barriers and building stronger business communities across New Jersey.

Featuring voices from NJ including Bergen County, Hoboken, and Hudson.

Paint2Inspire is powered by Paint2Smile, offering professional face painting, balloon twisting, caricatures, live airbrushing, and airbrush tattoos for unforgettable celebrations across the tri-state area.

Episode 8: From Stage to Success – Giselle Gastell Transforms Creative Passion into Real Estate Power

In this episode, we sit down with Giselle Gastell — Cuban-American REALTOR, Columbia University graduate, and 2025 President of NAHREP North NJ. From professional performer to real estate powerhouse, Giselle’s journey showcases how creative backgrounds become business superpowers.

She shares how her theater and dance background taught her to stand confidently and use her voice in negotiations, the personal decisions that led her to real estate as a wife and mother, and her mission as NAHREP Top 250 honoree to empower Latino families through homeownership and generational wealth building.

Learn how artistic experience translates into bold negotiation skills and community impact.

Featuring voices from NJ including Bergen County, Hoboken, and Hudson.

Paint2Inspire is powered by Paint2Smile, offering professional face painting, balloon twisting, caricatures, live airbrushing, and airbrush tattoos for unforgettable celebrations across the tri-state area.

Episode 7: Passion, Perseverance & Purpose - Ana Milena Rincón Transforms Sports Media with Purpose

On episode 7, we spoke with Ana Milena Rincón, Director of Media Partnerships at the United States Soccer Federation. Ana’s inspiring journey from the small town of Restrepo in Cali, Colombia, to working with world champions – the US Women’s National Soccer Team – showcases the power of passion and perseverance.

During our conversation, Ana shared her 13-year journey in the United States, breaking barriers as a Latina woman in sports media while working with premier organizations like Major League Soccer, FOX Sports, and Univision. As a professor at Universidad de San Buenaventura in Colombia, she’s committed to being the change and instilling ethics in the next generation of sports agents. Her powerful message resonated: “Sometimes we do not have the opportunity to open doors ourselves, but we have the responsibility to show others where the doors are, and it’s up to them to knock.” Ana’s story demonstrates how determination, cultural pride, and commitment to opening doors for others can lead to extraordinary success.

Looking for professional entertainment in New Jersey? Paint2Smile’s face painting artists create memorable experiences for corporate events, birthday parties, and special occasions throughout New Jersey. Our skilled face painters deliver high-quality, safe, and engaging entertainment that makes every event special. Contact Paint2Smile today to add colorful magic to your next New Jersey event.

Episode 6: Breaking Tech Barriers – Rosario B. Casas Leads with AI Innovation & Mentorship Mission

Join us for an inspiring conversation with award-winning Latinapreneur Rosario B. Casas, a powerhouse in data, AI, and spatial computing technology. With over 25 years in executive roles, Rosario is passionate about empowering women and Hispanics in the tech industry.

As co-founder of XR Americas and BCPartners Tech, former CEO of Senseta Group, and featured entrepreneur in Forbes and Business Insider, Rosario shares her incredible journey of breaking barriers in artificial intelligence. Named “Legendary Women 2019” by Ford Motor Company, she brings valuable insights on leadership and creating inclusive tech environments.

In this episode, Rosario opens up about her passion for diversity in technology, her entrepreneurial journey across multiple successful ventures, and the importance of representation in STEM fields. She shares practical advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

Rosario encourages tech professionals to step up and become mentors, emphasizing that “kids need more mentors” to succeed in technology careers. Her story exemplifies the spirit of women making their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries, inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

Connect with Rosario: https://www.bcpartnerstech.com and www.brooklyn2bogota.com 

Episode 5: Free to Be Mindful – Vanessa De Jesus Guzman on Mental Wellness & Motherhood with Purpose

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Vanessa De Jesus Guzman — Board Certified Licensed Therapist, speaker, mom coach, and founder of Free to Be Mindful. With over 20 years of experience helping thousands of children and families, Vanessa brings a refreshing, real-world perspective to mental wellness, motherhood, and mindful living.

As CEO of multiple platforms including Amiga Moms and co-founder of the Latinx Practice Collective, Vanessa shares how she’s built impactful communities while raising a family and championing the importance of emotional well-being in today’s busy world.

Learn more about Free To be  Mindful

In this episode, we sit down with Karem Ospino — Latina entrepreneur, award-winning financial strategist, and founder of Ospino Consulting. From immigrating to the U.S. to building one of the Top 50 Accounting Firms in the country, Karem’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, vision, and impact.

She shares how she helps small and mid-size businesses grow with clarity and confidence, her passion for uplifting the Latina community through mentorship and financial education, and what it means to lead with both numbers and heart.

Learn more about Ospino Consulting

📍 Featuring voices from NJ including Bergen County, Hoboken, and Hudson.


✨ Paint2Inspire is powered by Paint2Smile, offering professional face painting, balloon twisting, caricatures, live airbrushing, and airbrush tattoos for unforgettable celebrations across the tri-state area.

 

Episode 3: Cultivating Community & Confidence – Lauren Garcia Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in NJ

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Garcia — founder of Bloom Social Club and Mrs. New Jersey International 2025. Lauren shares how her passion for authentic connection sparked a powerful movement that now supports women in business through collaboration, curated events, and meaningful relationships.

From entrepreneur to pageant titleholder, and caregiver to community builder, Lauren inspires women to lead with intention, grow with grace, and bloom with purpose.

Learn more about Bloom Social Club

 

Episode 2 :Healing with Purpose – Brenda Green Empowers Survivors & Uplifts the Next Generation

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brenda Green, Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and founder of B. Green Health Coaching. A breast cancer survivor herself, Brenda shares how her personal journey led her to support others in reclaiming their health after treatment. She’s also the visionary behind The Kids Blessing Bag Project, a nonprofit teaching children the joy of giving back.

 

Learn more about Brenda 

Episode 01: Bridging Dreams & Resources – Carolina Builes Empowers the Latino Community in NJ

Carolina Builes is the founder of Vesta Group LLC, a Latina-led agency providing immigration, real estate, business, and marketing services to the Latinx community. In this episode, Carolina shares her personal journey and how she’s helping immigrants in New Jersey and beyond turn their goals into reality. Her office is located in Englewood, NJ. 

“We want to be the bridge between your dreams and the future you’re building.”

 

Learn more about Vesta Group

Face Paint & Balloon Bash

Up to 13 guests

2 hours of entertainment

Every guest receives a full face design with glitter and gems and enjoys a creative balloon creation

A magical combination of artistry and fun!

Balloon Bonanza

Up to 25 guests

2 hours of balloon twisting magic

Up to 25 kids entertained

Create unforgettable balloon characters, superheroes, and unicorns

Watch as imaginations soar with every balloon creation

Pure balloon twisting bliss!

Party Add-ons:

  • Glitter Tattoos: Shimmering designs for a touch of sparkle.
  • Face Painting: Transform faces into works of art.
  • UV Face & Body Paints: Create designs that glow under black lights.
  • Airbrush Tattoos: Quick, cool, and water resistant designs.

  • Caricatures: Capture personalities in fun, personalized drawings.