Community Magazine February 2014

Judy Gabbay-Edery loves make-up. She always has. She also loves helping people feel good about themselves with her positive attitude and good advice. She has parlayed these two passions into a thriving make-up application business, working on print ads and TV sets in a dynamic, enjoyable career. As a former Ilan student, Judy knows that if you want something you can make it happen with strong determination and proper guidance. These three dynamic women stressed the old adage, “Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” while acknowledging that there is a shifting balance between work and home life depending on what stage your family is at. “I have to admit sometimes dinner is pizza – for three nights in a row,” Mrs. Gindi shares. “But then again, I will have 15 people for a Shabbat meal, soup to nuts, and I wonder, ‘How did I do that?’” Be a Lifelong Learner Ilan High School promotes the concept of lifelong learning – the idea that learning does not cease when formal education ends. Although students are encouraged to seek an advanced degree in college, they are encouraged to always seek knowledge wherever it can be found. Panelist Stacey Gindi describes herself first and foremost as “a wife and mother and then the owner of S. Gindi Design Studio.” She attended NYU Fine Arts School and perfected her talents as a fine artist, but it wasn’t until years later that she pursued a career in graphic design. Through classes and committed self-study, Stacey became proficient in the most current design programs. She is now involved in all aspects of designing and printing magazine ads, postcards, brochures, catalogs, books, websites and more for both businesses and non-profit organizations. Her most widely recognized project is the creative layout and graphic design of The Jewish World of Wonders animal book series. Her message to the Ilan students was clear: find what you love, and then study it until you feel confident in your abilities. “Since I began designing,” she said, “many new innovations have emerged in the field of graphic design, and I have to be on top of learning them. Education is a constant. You have to stay sharp and cutting edge in order to be successful.” As the moderator of the panel, I impressed upon the students that even professionals have a requirement of continuing education credits in order to keep their licenses current. The more one knows, the more successful she can be. Believe in Yourself When embarking on a career or business venture, it is natural to feel anxious and unsure about oneself. You may be choosing a career or business that you are passionate about, but not quite sure you have what it takes to succeed. Sari Setton, another panelist at Project Aspire, is most widely known throughout the community as a founding partner of 2020 Kids, which she started with $5000 on a credit card in 1993. When a relative approached her about starting the business, she recalled, “I knew I could be successful, believed in a positive outcome and invested in my future. I had already had some success on Wall Street in the Real Estate industry, but that no longer fit my lifestyle once I got married and had children.” She cited family support as a crucial factor when women want to join the workforce. “Having your family, especially your husband, support and encourage you makes all the difference in the world.” Mrs. Botton added, “As women, we can have it all. But not necessarily all at the same time.” Don’t Be Afraid to Fail One major concern echoed by many students was the question: How do you recover from a failure? The panelists nodded their heads knowingly – each had at one time experienced a disappointment when they didn’t get the job or the sale, or the project didn’t emerge quite as successfully as they had wanted. Sarit Botton remarked, “Every failure is an opportunity. You can learn what to do when what you have already done doesn’t work. Don’t allow failure to discourage you.” Gloria Jemal added, “Success starts with having the confidence to try. Don’t underestimate yourself.” Sari Setton summed up the discussion perfectly in her eloquent answer: “Falling off the horse is not failure; not getting up and trying again is.” Stacey Gindi, owner & creative director of S. Gindi Design Studio, has over thirteen years of experience as a designer & marketing consultant. Her artistic flair & extensive experience are evident in her original creative solutions. To view Stacey's complete portfolio of work please visit her website at www.SGindiDesignStudio.com www.SGindiDesignStudio.com Gloria Jemal’s career as an interior designer began at a very young age. Her natural ability for decorating and organizing homes became apparent when she was just 12 years of age. Gloria explained to the girls, “Success starts with having the confidence to try. Don’t underestimate yourself.” THURSDAY EVENING OCTOBER 31, 2013 AT 8 PM ATDEALSHUL www.SGindiDesignStudio.com for HACHAM OVADIA YOSEF ARAYAT SHLOSHIM THE JERSEY SHORE COMM UNITY presents an... kwwmz www .SGindiDesignStudio.com ADAR I 5774 FEBRUARY 2014 65