Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/848827
14 Hartford Business Journal • July 17, 2017 www.HartfordBusiness.com Brenda Mierzejewski Q&A: What do you do in your current job? I am the creator of Lipluxe lip care. I physically produce the products, oversee distribution, marketing and customer service. Together with my staff we also do our own research and development. I manage a staff of five employees and four consultants. You can see me from time to time on NBC CT showing the state what's new with our company and possibly providing a little beauty tip. What are your goals in your current job? Our goals are to go to national distribution and sell our product inter- nationally. I want to see Mizzi grow into a full-fledged cosmetics company offering a variety of natural and organic products from lip care, to face care, body care and an entire makeup line. We have so many products in our pipeline that we cannot wait to release to the world. What's your biggest passion? My biggest passion is my family. The entire reason I am thriving as an entre- preneur is because of the love I have for my family, my dedication to providing for them and providing healthy products that I know are safe and effective for them. I am also a makeup addict, and as I get older, taking care of your skin is becoming more and more important. Using products that are made right here in our backyard, chemical free and still having the glam is a win-win for me. What are your future professional aspirations? I would love to be on QVC or HSN selling our product to view- ers all over the world. I have a passion for being behind the camera and speaking to audiences on air. Second, I would really like to prepare for the next company we might venture into or help a young entrepreneur get started. Building a business is challenging work, but I absolutely love every aspect of it. How are you involved in the community? I am currently a volunteer head coach for the Portland Panthers cheer squad. In the off season, I volunteer my time to provide cheer clinics with the town. I am a part of the Middle- town Chamber of Commerce. I gave my time to help our town's economic development team with some projects they were working on. Our company got involved with the Petit Family Foundation to create a garden here in Portland in memory of Michaela Petit, which is called "Michaela's Garden." Mizzi Cosmetics loves to sponsor small town and local fundraisers. If you had one wish to brighten Greater Hartford's eco- nomic future what would it be, and why? I would per- sonally love to see a professional sports team become part of Connecticut. My family and I are big fans of football and baseball. Having a team here would bring people in from all over the United States, creating jobs and income for the state. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: Founded a company that has turned a profit within two years right out of my kitchen. Created a natural product for my family that quickly turned into a national brand and has been recognized by well- respected magazines such as People, InStyle, Allure, Us weekly. Received two outstanding and voluntary celeb- rity endorsements by Kate Hudson and Kylie Jenner via social media to over 100 million people. Philanthropist at heart. Always trying to give back in any way to our community and surrounding local communities. I'm a diehard cook/ baker. In my free time, I am always preparing new and exciting meals at home for my family and friends. That passion comes from my Sicilian mother. Age: 38 Company: Mizzi Cosmetics Title: Founder/President Town where I live: Portland Town where I work: Portland College: Albertus Magnus College FUN FACT Faith Zeller Q&A: What do you do in your current job? I manage the devel- opment and implementation of the brand strategy of our company, along with the implementation of the overall marketing strategy, including campaigns, events and digital marketing. I also develop the marketing strategy for new and existing products and work with our sales team on leadership training and development. What are your goals in your current job? My goals are to continue to market and brand our company in the community. I want to continue to focus on engage- ment strategies and goals to collect feedback to vali- date our product and services in the marketplace. What's your biggest passion? As a graduate of Milton Hersey School, I recognize the impact that educa- tion and mentorship provide. I was an individual who struggled in my childhood and came from a very difficult family environment. It is because of this, that I have made a commitment to help others who are in similar situations. With the support of the people I consider my parents and Milton Hersey School, I made a tremendous transformation personally, which set the foundation for my personal and professional success. What are your future professional aspirations? I want to continue to develop and implement new marketing strategies for Nutmeg Technologies, and to continue to build my knowledge and prowess in the marketing field through professional development. I would also like to own my own business someday and continue to pick up new skills both personally and professionally. I want to continue to have more of an impact in the community as well with the nonprofits that I give my time to. How are you involved in the community? I give in three areas: women, children and veterans. I work with the Peter P. Monaco Jr. Detachment 40 and their efforts to fight veteran suicide. I am involved with Milton Hershey School and will be mentoring through the Hartford Consortium for Higher Ed and the Villages for Families and Children, and the local chamber. If you were governor of Connecticut for a day what is one policy you'd push to improve the state's future? I would reduce taxes and provide incentives for small businesses and make Connecticut a business-friendly state. The current policies continue to drive companies out of Connecticut, which has a trickledown effect on the entire Connecticut economy. It is critical for busi- ness owners to work with legislators to help them better appreciate the interests and apprehensions of compa- nies to stay in Connecticut. That will help to facilitate an environment that business owners will need in order to continue to invest in long-term business in our state. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: I am tremendously passionate about giving back to the communities I live and work in. I am committed to working to better the environment for business in Connecticut and play leadership roles within local chambers to help with the development of businesses. I am an asset to my company playing many diverse roles within the organization. I created a very successful comprehensive internship program within Nutmeg Technologies. I work with local and regional colleges to employ interns, and help them to find employment upon graduation. I was fortunate to have Jack and Nancy and Milton Hershey School propel my life personally and professionally. Age: 36 Company: Nutmeg Technologies Title: Director of Sales and Marketing Town where I live: Manchester Town where I work: South Windsor FUN FACT 40 Under Forty 2017