We empower small businesses to understand their finances and thrive. With over 25 years of accounting experience and a Master’s degree, Balance Financial was founded to provide clarity, education, and peace of mind, focusing on established entrepreneurs ready to grow with clean books and tailored financial insights.

Laura Viola Maccarone fell in love with graphic design at age 11, captivated by magazine layouts and her father’s collection of branded hockey pucks. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, she was immersed in branding, fabrication, and design thinking from an early age. Her passion deepened through formal education and hands-on experience in editorial design, eventually expanding into nearly every design discipline—photography, signage, packaging, web, and print. In 2016, she founded Rizbee Studio, bringing over a decade of creative leadership and freelance experience to help consumer brands elevate their visuals and meet their business goals. Today, Laura is known for her commitment to brand continuity, material quality, and community-driven collaboration.

The Preppy Mess is my passion project on steroids. My love for stripes, popped collars, Diane Keaton and pea coats represents the roots of the preppy. The mess is possibly my roller coaster life but more likely its a reference to the chaos we all strive to balance everyday. In that all too familiar chaos, I found myself extremely grateful but also frustrated with the state of our world. My desire to challenge wrongs and speak truths often goes off like the smoke alarm at 3am. An outlet for this internal struggle was inevitable, but picket lines and my big mouth were a recipe for disaster. So to salvage my sanity and my belief that we can all make an impact, I started The Preppy Mess. Money is power. I realize that is obvious, but much like stating that the sky is blue, sometimes it's necessary to restate the obvious. We as consumers for far too long have been giving away our power for crap. Now let's collectively put it to use. It is time for us to spend thoughtfully and empower the companies that are conscious of their impact and are transparent in their process. Lets reward the instinct to pay fair wages, avoid toxic chemicals, practice sustainable standards and not just focus on profit.

Nichole, a North Shore native, was born and raised in Revere and currently resides in Saugus. She is licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Apart from her professional life, Nichole cherishes her role as a mother to three incredible children - Sebastiano, Valentino, and Lola. In the real estate industry, Nichole utilizes her extensive background in law, operations, and corporate business to deliver specialized services for both buyers and sellers. One of her unique programs designed for sellers who may be dealing with distressed properties, foreclosure, or inherited properties, and lets them easily and swiftly transfer the property, leaving the buyer to handle the remaining aspects. Another specialized service caters to sellers who prefer a more discreet approach to selling their homes. It matches them with market-ready buyers who understand the value of acquiring a property in an off-market setting and is particularly advantageous in low-inventory markets like Massachusetts' North Shore. Nichole also remains committed to assisting first-time homebuyers, helping clients upgrade to their dream homes, or downsizing when the time is right. Her vibrant and entrepreneurial spirit sets her apart from others. Clients appreciate her diverse professional experience, as she has worn many hats throughout her career. Nichole's strong sense of protection, stemming from being the eldest of four siblings, extends to her clients in the real estate world, while also creating a positive and enjoyable experience for her clients. Interestingly, Nichole ventured to Los Angeles where she spent a decade overseeing worldwide operations for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Dualstar Entertainment Group. In 2008, she returned home and joined her family's Plumbing, Heating, and Home Services business, bringing her valuable operations experience to the company. Recognizing the need for high-level expertise in small businesses without the hefty price tag, Nichole founded Perfection Consulting where she thrived until launching into real estate.

I am the Principal and Founder of Star HR Consulting, LLC. I bring deep subject matter expertise and a collaborative style to organizations., bringing "big company" HR practices to small and mid sized organizations. I partner with leaders throughout the employee life cycle from onboarding to talent development, and succession planning. I am also a certified practitioner of Hogan and Facet 5 Personality Assessments. Prior to founding the firm, I spent over 25 years in the Human Resources field leading a variety of functions including recruitment, talent management, employee relations, compensation, employee development, human resources systems and human resources services. In my last corporate role I served as head of Global Human Resources Shared Services for Manulife and John Hancock. I currently serve as Chapter Lead for the Plymouth Chapter of the Women's Business League. Prior to this I served as a member of the Community Board for the South Shore Conference for Women and on the Executive Leadership Committee for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Boston. I am a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), The Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce, and the South Shore Women's Business Network. Over the years I have attained an Advanced Director Certification from the American College of Corporate Directors, a Compensation Certification from World at Work and a Senior Professional of Human Resources Certification from the Society for Human Resources Management. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Bridgewater State University . I have served as a mentor for young professionals and a service trip leader for the Appalachia Service Project. When I am not focusing on the needs of my clients, she is a I am a wife and mom who advocates for women’s issues and diabetes.

It is said that money can't buy happiness, but no one wants to worry about having enough money, especially when it comes to big life events like retirement, education or the unexpected. Providing my clients with financial clarity is the foundation of my business. Through our proven process, I work to understand what is important to you today, and where you want to be tomorrow. I am your partner along the journey of getting from here to there. My intention is that you feel understood, informed and secure as you build your future. Our team works with clients in our office in Scituate, MA, and across the country, with clients in many states. Many years ago, I began my career as an architect. I love the idea of seeing a thought go from an idea to a completed project that meets the hopes and dreams of a client. While my career path may have changed, the passion I have for seeing a plan fulfill the needs of those I serve has not. Our Edward Jones team is focused on building strategies to help our clients achieve their goals. Making a shift in my career is not something I took lightly. But I realized that there are a lot of families out there like mine. Focused on the day to day, getting kids to practice, cheering from the sidelines, caring for loved ones and making sure careers are on track. At the end of the day, there isn't time or energy to think about the financial future we hope to have. That is where my Edward Jones team comes in. My team and I are focused on working with business owners and families. If your financial goal is in a few months or many years down the road, call or email Victoria.Robillard@EdwardJones.com today. Together, we can create a strategy to help build your financial future. A little more about me. I grew up on the South Shore and have always called it my home. I love a good barroom style pizza and putting my feet in the ice-cold water of the ocean. My husband and I spend most evenings and weekends watching our two kids play sports and dance, and we wouldn't have it any other way. If I am not driving to and from practices, rehearsals, games or shows, you can find me with a good book or some knitting needles. On a warm day, I will be on the beach, and on a cool day, I will be next to the fire.

Having been in the Property and Casualty industry for over 25 years, my expertise is to educate and work with clients to help identify risk exposures, apply individualized insurance solutions as well as risk management strategies through a consultative approach. Areas of knowledge include personal and commercial insurance as well and high net worth insurance programs. Understanding critical components to complex placement of insurance programs and consistent business and life-style changes, allows me the opportunity to build continued relationships with my clients and referral networks. When I am not working, I enjoy skiing, walking, golfing, home design projects, but most importantly I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Katherine is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Arbonne Independent Consultant, and Certified Pilates instructor who supports people in creating a strong, sustainable foundation for their wellness through supportive nutrition, cleaner products, and mindful movement. She loves helping people feel more energized, strong, and at home in their bodies. As a busy mom of two, she understands how full life can be and is passionate about helping others build simple, realistic habits that bring more energy, strength, and ease into their daily lives.

Valerie McCormack is a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience and a dedicated focus on estate planning and elder law since 2018. As the founder of Integrative Legal, with offices in Newburyport, MA and Portsmouth, NH, she offers a thoughtful, holistic approach to estate and elder planning tailored to each client’s unique goals. She holds a JD and a Master’s in Estate Planning and elder law, and from the University of Connecticut School of Law and Western New England School of Law, respectively. Valerie has focused her practice on helping families protect their legacies and care for loved ones with thoughtful, strategic planning. She is on the board of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Essex County Estate Planning Council, a member of the Greater Newburyport Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association. She’s the secretary/treasurer of Port City BNI and a co-chapter leader of the Women’s Business League Tri-town chapter. She also teaches elder law in the LLM program at WNEU.

Jodi Crowley is a REALTOR® with Lamacchia Realty (MA License #9037552) serving the communities north of Boston — Woburn, Winchester, Burlington, Arlington, Lexington, Reading, Wakefield, and beyond. With over 15 years of experience, she's built a business grounded in something simple but rare: real relationships and deep community roots. Jodi is also the creator of North of Boston Lifestyle, a community-driven platform that celebrates the towns, small businesses, and people that make this region such an incredible place to call home. She serves as Co-Founder and Co-Leader of the Woburn Chapter of the Women's Business League, a Board Member of the Woburn Chamber of Commerce, and Co-Committee Leader of Women In Business at the Woburn Chamber. A long-time resident, mom, and outdoor enthusiast, Jodi knows these neighborhoods not just professionally but personally — and that's the lens she brings to every client she serves.

Jenny Belanger is the founder and creative director of JennyB Designs, a website design studio helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build websites that feel like them and attract the right clients. With a background in nonprofit and corporate marketing and over 20 years of design experience, she brings both strategy and calm guidance to every project. She is also the host of the Website Design Made Simple Podcast, where she shares practical tips to help small business owners get more from their websites. Jenny lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and dog, and loves a challenging Pilates class.

Cleo Villaflores is a native of Exeter, NH, where she resides with her daughter and her dog, Jonas. She is a Senior Sales and Client Strategy Advisor with State Farm, bringing over 18 years with the company and more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. As a fully licensed professional across home, auto, commercial, life, and health, Cleo works with clients throughout New Hampshire and Maine, with a strong focus on helping families build long-term financial security through life insurance and strategic planning. Cleo is also the founder of The Seacoast Edit, a curated media platform highlighting what’s happening—and who’s making it happen—across the Seacoast. Her work is centered on connection, visibility, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth within the community. A natural connector and leader, Cleo is a past President of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, NH, and served on the board of the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. She is deeply committed to supporting local businesses, creative initiatives, and women in leadership. In her free time, Cleo enjoys running, reading at the beach, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Her daughter will be attending the University of Miami in the fall, marking an exciting new chapter for their family.

A New Hampshire native, Sarah resides in Chester with her husband, their three children and two rescue dogs. She works for Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor where she partners with individuals and families to help them achieve their financial goals. She is passionate about making the world of finance and investing approachable for all people. Outside of work, she serves on the Board of Directors for Seacoast Family Promise, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter and assistance to local families experiencing homelessness. She is also active in the local Chamber of Commerce helping to build strong community connections. She loves spending time with family and friends, beach days, traveling and painting.

Julia is a clinical social worker, parent educator, nonprofit leader, and passionate advocate for the rare disease community. After her son, Asher, was diagnosed with Classic Galactosemia at just nine days old, Julia dedicated herself to supporting families navigating similar journeys. She is the founder of Care for Rare Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness, building connections, and providing support for families affected by rare diseases. Julia also serves as the Outreach Coordinator and a board member for the Galactosemia Foundation, where she works to strengthen community engagement and support programs for families across the country. In addition to her advocacy work, Julia owns a local handmade jewelry business and uses her entrepreneurial efforts to help raise awareness and funds for rare disease initiatives. She is also the founder of Rooted Foundations Initiative, where she partners with schools and families to promote positive, relationship-based approaches to discipline and behavior support. Through her professional background in child and family mental health and her personal experience as a rare disease parent, Julia is passionate about empowering families, fostering meaningful connections, and creating stronger support systems for children and families facing life's challenges.

I help people navigate the home buying process with clarity, honesty, and a little bit of humor along the way. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions someone will make, and I love walking alongside my clients to make sure they feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. Before mortgages, I spent the last 15 years as a professional photographer, which taught me that the most important part of any business is people and relationships. As a fun full-circle moment, I gift all of my homebuyers a professional portrait in front of their new home as a closing gift because getting the keys deserves to be celebrated and remembered. I also have over 500 hours in yoga training, so my ability to keep calm and practice patience is something that is valued daily working in this industry. Helping people step into a new chapter of their lives is truly the best part of what I do!

Dr. Jennifer Edwards is a Conscious Leadership Coach and Professional Speaker who works with business owners, leaders, and teams to strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and drive more effective results. With more than 25 years of leadership experience, including building and selling a multi-doctor veterinary practice, she understands firsthand the complexity of leading people, navigating difficult conversations, and carrying responsibility that doesn’t turn off at the end of the day. She is the creator of The CORE Element™ Framework, which helps leaders identify and shift the internal patterns driving how they think, communicate, and respond, especially under pressure. Her work focuses on the root causes of performance and culture, not just surface-level fixes. Through private coaching, team development, and speaking, Jennifer helps leaders move out of reactive patterns and into more intentional, confident leadership—creating stronger cultures and healthier team dynamics. She is an ICF-credentialed coach, iPEC-trained Core Energy Coach, an Extraordinary Teams Inventory Certified Practitioner, and co-host of The Resilient Vet podcast.