NJ Pageant Winner Tours A Woman-Owned Business In Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — "Mrs. New Jersey" Kristina Henderson, who recently competed in the National Mrs. American Pageant in Las Vegas, highlighted female-owned businesses across the state recently, including in Hoboken.

Henderson travelled to Pump Hoboken, a pilates and fitness studio owned by Jennifer Russo Shukofsky.

“Mrs. New Jersey visiting helps give my small business a boost," said Shukofsky. "We appreciate the publicity and her time and attention."

The studio pivoted to virtual classes during the height of the pandemic. Pump Hoboken is now back to full capacity, a spokesperson said.

Shukofsky, a Hoboken resident and pilates devotee, is also the co-founder of Align Pilates & Wellness. A lifelong competitive athlete, she believes that "bodies and needs are fluid, and our fitness experience should be as well," according to a release. "What works for your body and your lifestyle in December may not be what works in May."

Pump was created with that notion in mind. For more information, go to pumppilateshoboken.com.

At all the stops on Mrs. New Jersey’s tour, Henderson — a 29-year-old business owner and former journalist — discussed how women can better network with each other to grow their brands, adapt during the pandemic, and improve their overall visibility.

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, Henderson 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.

Henderson 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 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 Kristina's 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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