PHOTOS BY CHRISOM BEBEE

Jen & Tommy Brunett — Building Iron Smoke Their Own Way

Some businesses are carefully mapped out from the beginning. Others take on a life of their own. For Jen and Tommy Brunett, Iron Smoke Distillery became something even bigger than the whiskey, music and unmistakable brand they originally envisioned. What began with a simple idea—bringing together great American whiskey, BBQ, music and strong branding—eventually grew into a destination where people gather, celebrate, hear incredible music, make memories and, sometimes, even meet the person they’ll marry.

But behind the bottles, concerts and packed tasting room is a husband-and-wife team whose personalities couldn’t complement each other more perfectly. Tommy is the self-described “What if?” guy—the creative force who keeps turning over rocks looking for the next possibility. Jen is the one who can walk into complete chaos, understand what is actually happening and somehow create structure from it.Continue reading

Camille Lee: Drifting Through Life with Confidence, Courage, and Her Own Definition of Success

The roar of the engine echoes across the track long before the car ever begins to move. Spectators line the fence, cameras poised, conversations fading into the background as another driver prepares to take the course. The scent of race fuel hangs in the air, blending with the unmistakable smell of burning rubber that has become synonymous with the world of drifting. It’s loud. It’s fast. It’s unpredictable. For many, it can be intimidating. For Camille Lee, it feels like home.Continue reading

PHOTOS BY CHRISOM BEBEE

THE WOMEN OF 13WHAM BREAKING BARRIERS ON AND OFF THE AIR

Every day, they wake before the sun rises, step in front of the camera, and deliver the stories that shape our community. They guide us through breaking news, celebrate our triumphs, help us navigate challenges, and keep us informed when it matters most. But behind the anchor desk, weather maps, and sports highlights are remarkable women with stories every bit as compelling as the ones they tell.

For this special cover feature of Rochester Woman Online, we are proud to spotlight five extraordinary women of 13WHAM who are not only leaders in journalism but also powerful examples of resilience, authenticity, determination, and heart.Continue reading

PHOTOS BY BELEVATI STUDIOS

Terry Sinopoli’s story is one woven together by family, resilience, creativity, and generations of powerful women who dared to build something extraordinary long before it was common for women to lead businesses. As the owner of Arlene’s Costumes — a beloved Rochester institution celebrating over 70 years in business — Terry is proudly carrying forward a five-generation legacy that began with two women chasing a dream in the 1950s. What started as a small costume and vintage clothing shop built by her Great Aunt Arlene and great-grandmother Molly has grown into one of the most recognized costume businesses in the region, rooted deeply in community, imagination, and heart.Continue reading

PHOTOS BY BELAVATI STUDIOS

In an industry driven by noise, trends, and constant change, Michelle, founder of Tipping Point Communications, built something different — something rooted in precision, strategy, and fearless clarity. What began in 2005 as a boutique media shop quickly evolved into something far more powerful: a behind-the-scenes force transforming how brands think, communicate, and grow. Today, Tipping Point stands as a full-service agency known for its seamless integration of media, analytics, creative, and public relations — but at its core, it remains exactly what Michelle envisioned from the start: a strategic partner that makes every marketing dollar work harder.Continue reading

For our latest cover of Rochester Woman Online, we are honored to feature a woman who embodies grace, resilience, intellect, and heart — Miss New York USA. More than a titleholder, she is a leader rooted in service, a fashion editor and model with purpose, and a mentor committed to lifting other women as she rises.

When asked, “You’ve described the Miss New York USA crown as a bridge between your professional journey and your purpose — what does this moment mean to you personally and emotionally?” her answer reveals exactly why she wears it so powerfully. This crown merges two defining parts of who she is: her professional world of fashion, journalism, modeling, and mentorship — and her lifelong commitment to service. Philanthropy was instilled in her early, volunteering alongside her grandmother, Sister Janice Ann. Giving back was never optional; it was foundational. Becoming Miss New York USA was never about holding a title — it was about honoring responsibility. To her, the crown is not about perfection. It is about purpose.Continue reading

PHOTOS BY CHRISOM BEBEE

Leading with Purpose, Power & Red Bottoms: Dr. Myra Henry on Redefining Leadership, Legacy & Empowerment

Rochester Woman Online proudly kicks off 2026 with an extraordinary cover woman — Dr. Myra Henry, CEO of the YWCA of Greater Rochester & Monroe County — a woman whose leadership is as bold as her signature red bottom heels. For Dr. Henry, those heels are more than a symbol of style — they represent confidence, visibility, and walking unapologetically in purpose. Gifted by her mother, they serve as a daily reminder that leadership and authenticity are not mutually exclusive — that a woman can command a room with both intellect and grace, and never have to shrink to fit in.Continue reading

PHOTOS BY CHRISOM BEEBE

The Art of Passion: Dr. Beata Golec’s Life in Harmony

Rochester Woman Online proudly closes out 2025 with an inspiring and extraordinary woman whose life has been shaped by passion, precision, and purpose — Dr. Beata Golec. A world-class pianist, award-winning composer, and dedicated educator, Dr. Golec’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and boundless creativity. From her early beginnings in Poland, where her musical journey began at just seven years old, to performing on international stages and shaping the next generation of musicians here in Upstate New York, her life is a symphony of talent, perseverance, and heart.Continue reading

PHOTOS BY TANYA CONSAUL

Riding the Legacy: How Kim Wyman Revved Up a Family Dream at Harv’s Harley-Davidson®

There are stories that start with chance, and then there are stories that start with legacy — built on the calloused hands, hard work, and heart of a family who dared to dream. For Kim Wyman, that legacy began long before she ever twisted the throttle of a Harley-Davidson®. It began with her father, Harv, and mother, Milly — two visionaries who turned a passion for motorcycles into a family business that would become one of New York’s most beloved Harley-Davidson® dealerships.Continue reading

Life Is A Runway: Natalie Rae of Panache

For Natalie Rae, fashion has always been more than fabric and trends — it’s been a form of self-expression, empowerment, and storytelling. In 2023, she stepped into the iconic shoes of Panache founder Joan Lincoln, taking the reins of one of Rochester’s most beloved luxury consignment boutiques. With a bold vision, deep entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for sustainable fashion, Natalie has been carrying Panache into a new era while honoring the legacy that made it a staple in the community.Continue reading