NJ Pageant Winner Tours Millburn Women-Owned Business

MILLBURN, 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 Millburn.

Henderson recently toured Studio 1200, an architectural and interior design firm, and met with its owners, Sandee Markwith and Nancy Dougherty, with a warm welcome from Millburn Township Mayor Tara Prupis.

“I was impressed with the creativity, innovation, and scope of work at Studio 1200, led by two accomplished women and best friends," Henderson said.

She added, "Their exceptional designs of veteran housing, corporate headquarters, hotels, restaurants, and interior designs of phenomenal homes is only rivaled by their deep commitment to nonprofits in their community. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the career paths of these two dynamic women and how they support other women business owners… because when one woman succeeds, all women succeed."

Markwith added, “I think shining the light on women owned businesses, especially through COVID, is super exciting and invigorating, I think it inspires people to want to give back and do more. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Kristina here. I can’t wait to see where she’s going to go, because I think she’s going to be making waves in the future.”

Markwith is the founder and a principal at Studio 1200 with more than 25 years of experience.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. Women need to support each other, and I think the fact she’s doing it during the pandemic – really getting out there – is terrific. I know it brought a lot of energy to our business, it’s super vital and impressive,” added Dougherty, a principal at Studio 1200.

Dougherty is a LEED accredited, licensed Architect with more than 25 years of experience.

At all the stops on Mrs. New Jersey’s tour, Henderson discussed how women can better network with each other to grow their brands, adapt during the pandemic, get inspiration, obtain mentorships, and improve their overall visibility.

About Studio 1200

Studio 1200 is a boutique architecture and design studio that specializes in corporate, restaurant, mixed-use, and residential design. Studio 1200 was established in 2005 with just one employee and now has 18 employees.

Studio 1200 is a big believer in giving back to our community. The firm supports many charitable organizations as well as minority owned businesses and women owned businesses. We also mentor students in their pursuit of architecture and interior design through our work in schools, our internship program, and our collaboration with student organizations. They can be found at www.studio1200.com.

Henderson's Path

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.

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 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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