NJ Pageant Winner Tours Cranford's Women-Owned Businesses

CRANFORD, NJ — "Mrs. New Jersey" Kristina Henderson, who recently competed in the National Mrs. America Pageant in Last Vegas, highlighted female-owned businesses across the state recently. Among others, she visited several in Cranford and in Bergen and Passaic counties.

“It was a pleasure to tour Cranford, Westwood, and Wayne and learn that many women business owners ... have pivoted to survive during the COVID pandemic,” Henderson said.

Henderson met with Penny Schmal-Andrews, the owner of The Mane Event Hair Salon, and with Cori Ardente, the owner of Anthem Style+Gift, both on North Union Avenue in Cranford.

Cranford Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty also provided a warm welcome and said, “We are grateful that Kristina took the time to help promote and support small businesses in our town, which are truly the heart and soul of Cranford. Women supporting women helps us all succeed.”

Henderson, a 29-year-old New Jersey native and former journalist, discussed how women can better network to grow their brands, adapt during the pandemic, get inspiration, obtain mentorships, and improve their overall visibility.

It was part of Henderson’s statewide tour of New Jersey visiting with women business owners in all 21 counties. COVID precautions were taken, including mask wearing and temperature checks.

“To have Mrs. New Jersey Kristina Henderson as a voice for women business owners in New Jersey is fantastic. We applaud her dedication and encouragement of women in business. I found her messages about building strength by supporting each other and networking to be inspiring,” said Schmal-Andrews, after Henderson spoke to her team of employees.

During all the visits, the business owners compared experiences about pivoting during the pandemic to succeed and the importance of growing a female support system in the business community.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Henderson Promos in Red Bank, Kristina shared her personal experience about having to take a risk during COVID and shifting to PPE manufacturing as a result of fewer in-person events. Her company, that she owns with her husband Barton Henderson, is now one of only a handful of companies producing “USA made" 3-ply masks. Of the millions of masks sold, most have gone to protect frontline workers.

Mrs. New Jersey also spoke to the women business owners about the benefits of being a certified U.S. Women-Owned Small Business (U.S. WOSB) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). The benefits include access to leads for bids and proposals, access to opportunities in large corporations, credibility, access to purchasing agents, and, most importantly, being part of the valuable network that helps a business increase its visibility.

“I encourage women business owners to think bigger. No matter how well their existing company is doing, always think about the next level… and go for it.” added Henderson. The 29-year-old from Pine Beach, New Jersey, grew up in Colts Neck.

Henderson graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism. She serves on the Girl Scouts of America's Phenomenal Women Under 40 Committee, where she inspires young girls to be leaders in the community.

Henderson is the Co-Founder of “The Giving Back Forum” - an event that brings together 65+ non-profits in the community to one space, where they can learn from one another, share resources, and promote awareness for their causes.

After graduating from Colts Neck High School, Henderson became a flight attendant at the age of 19. She went on to be a television news producer in New Hampshire.

When Henderson is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Barton Henderson, co-owner of Henderson Promos, and her two dogs, Gatsby and Kona, at the Jersey Shore.

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