In an age where beauty has become surface-level and transactional, Marialana Romagnoli-Gunning is doing something different. For this entrepreneur and salon owner of M’s on the Square, beauty is — and has always been — a family affair.

As a little girl, Marialana would tag along with her father, a hairdresser himself, to the salon where he worked. Something about the energy of that space captivated her — the tools, the craft, the rhythm of it all. She knew early on she wanted to follow in his footsteps. Like so many little girls, her Barbie dolls became her first muses, her first clients, her first creative outlet.

By her teenage years, Marialana was accompanying her father to a salon in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he began formally introducing her to the industry. She memorized product lines, booked appointments, and took on responsibilities that most kids her age wouldn’t have considered. She was mature beyond her years, and she took every task seriously. It was clear, even then, that entrepreneurship wasn’t just a possibility — it was an inevitability.

“I always knew I wanted to be my own boss,” she says. And when the time was right, she took the leap.

Her big break came after cosmetology school, when she landed a position at Estethica Salon on 17th and Locust — a high-end Philadelphia institution with an affluent clientele that held its reputation for over a decade. Head stylist Steven Tamaccio took Marialana under his wing, training her with a precision that got her on the floor ahead of schedule. After several fulfilling years, she made another deliberate pivot, seeking out new experiences at another salon to round out her expertise.

At just 27 years old, Marialana purchased and converted a space at the Hopkins House — and never looked back. She had the clientele, the confidence, and the clarity to make the move. The timing, the location, the vision: it all aligned. Her dream of owning her own business wasn’t a gamble. It was a well-earned arrival.

So what advice does she offer aspiring entrepreneurs? Marialana is quick to acknowledge that social media and the internet have cracked open doors that previous generations never had access to. But she’s equally quick to stress something less glamorous: learn the business side. Truly learn it. Understanding every aspect of your craft — combined with heavy, intentional networking — is what separates dreamers from doers.

When she’s not behind the chair or building her brand, Marialana refuels the way she knows best. Facials, massages, and discovering new coffee spots restore her. Rare downtime finds her at the Jersey Shore, soaking up quality time with her family. And on the horizon? Workshops in Europe and a growing passion for color education that she’s eager to bring back home to her clients.

The ambition doesn’t stop there. Marialana has her sights set on expanding her role as a color educator, with more travel and international experiences planned to sharpen her knowledge and deepen her artistry.

Marialana Romagnoli-Gunning is our In The Spotlight Entrepreneur of the Month — and she defines success simply: making people feel and look better. She loves sharing style tips, answering questions, and helping her clients step into the best versions of themselves. In the Greater Philadelphia beauty scene, Marialana bets on herself every single day. And her clients are better for it.

M’s on the Square Salon is a full service salon. To learn more visit https://msonthesquare.com/

Want to see our previous In The Spotlight Profile? Check out our previous article! https://thespotmagazine.com/women-redefining-success-your-2026-guide-to-authentic-leadership/

Victorian Elegance Meets the Modern Soul

Finding yourself in America’s oldest seaside resort, where time slows down and inspiration flows as freely as the Atlantic breeze.

In a world where your calendar runs your life and your phone buzzes with endless demands, Cape May, New Jersey offers something increasingly rare: permission to pause. This isn’t just another beach destination cluttering your Instagram feed. This is where Victorian grandeur whispers stories of resilience, where whale migrations remind you that some journeys are worth taking slowly, and where the rhythm of waves gradually replaces the relentless tick of daily life.

Whether you’re juggling work deadlines, managing a household, raising children, or simply seeking moments of peace in your busy life, you’ve mastered the art of keeping everything together. But when was the last time you allowed yourself to wander without a destination? Cape May isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to remember who you are beneath all the roles you play.

The Victorian Soul That Still Beats Strong

Cape May’s crown jewel isn’t hidden—it’s impossible to miss. The largest collection of Victorian architecture in America lines the streets like a pastel dreamscape, each gingerbread house more elaborate than the last. But here’s what the guidebooks don’t tell you: these aren’t museum pieces frozen in amber. They’re living, breathing testament to women who, over a century ago, ran boarding houses, entertained guests, and built businesses in an era when such independence was revolutionary.

Walk Congress Street in the early morning, coffee in hand, and you’ll feel their presence. The Chalfonte Hotel, operating since 1876, still serves dinner family-style, encouraging strangers to become friends over shared stories. The Victorian houses aren’t just pretty facades—they’re reminders that women have always found ways to create beauty and community, even within constraints.

The Southern Mansion, with its sweeping wraparound porches and meticulously maintained gardens, offers more than luxury accommodations. It offers perspective. Here, you can sip wine on a veranda where nineteenth-century women plotted business ventures and social reforms, their conversations carried on the same salt air that now carries yours.

Hidden Gems That Reward the Curious

While tour buses discharge passengers at the obvious attractions, Cape May’s true treasures reveal themselves to those who venture beyond the expected path. The Emlen Physick Estate’s grounds hide a secret garden where medicinal herbs still grow according to Victorian healing traditions—a quiet space perfect for anyone who’s forgotten the restorative power of green spaces and solitude.

Venture to Sunset Beach, not for the crowds that gather for the evening show, but for the morning hours when you can search for Cape May diamonds—clear quartz crystals polished smooth by centuries of waves. There’s something profoundly centering about walking this beach at sunrise, pockets filling with these natural gems while your mind empties of everything except the present moment.

The Cape May Bird Observatory offers another kind of hidden treasure. During migration seasons, you can witness thousands of birds following ancient flyways, their instinctual wisdom a reminder that sometimes the journey matters more than the destination. Women often identify with these migrants—constantly moving, adapting, finding strength in community while maintaining individual purpose. For moms traveling with children, the observatory’s junior naturalist programs turn bird watching into an adventure that creates lasting memories while teaching kids about conservation.

For a truly unique experience, visit the Cape May Fire Department Museum on a Tuesday afternoon when volunteer curator Jim McCloskey shares stories not found in any official history. His tales of women who fought fires disguised as men, and later became the backbone of the community’s emergency response, will resonate with any woman who’s ever had to prove herself or juggle multiple roles. Kids love the vintage fire trucks, making this a perfect stop for families seeking both entertainment and inspiration.

Whale Watching: Lessons from the Deep

The waters off Cape May teem with life from April through December, making it one of the East Coast’s premier whale watching destinations. But this isn’t about checking another experience off your bucket list—it’s about encountering something larger than your daily concerns.

Standing on the deck of the Cape May Whale Watcher as a humpback breaches fifty yards away, you’ll understand why ancient cultures saw whales as keepers of wisdom. These creatures migrate thousands of miles annually, following patterns older than human civilization. They travel alone yet somehow find each other across vast oceans. They communicate through songs that carry for miles underwater.

Modern women often find profound parallels in these magnificent creatures. Like whales, we navigate vast territories, maintain long-distance relationships, and somehow manage to find our pod when we need support. Whether you’re a single woman charting your own course, a mom coordinating family schedules across multiple commitments, or someone balancing work and personal life, the whales of Cape May waters—humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and occasionally blue whales—offer lessons in pacing. They don’t hurry. They surface when they need air, dive when they need depth, and trust their instincts completely.

Captain Jeff Stewart of the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center doesn’t just point out whales—he helps passengers understand their behavior, their intelligence, their family structures. Many women leave these trips with a new appreciation for the balance between independence and interdependence, between individual goals and collective wisdom. Families particularly enjoy how the experience brings multiple generations together in shared wonder, creating stories that grandmothers, mothers, and daughters will retell for years.

The best whale watching happens during the quieter weekday trips in late fall, when tourist crowds have thinned but whale activity remains high. There’s something magical about sharing this experience with a smaller group of intentional travelers, all of you united in wonder at creatures who’ve mastered the art of living purposefully. https://capemaywhalewatcher.com/

A Dining Scene That Nourishes More Than Hunger

Cape May’s culinary landscape reflects its character: sophisticated yet unpretentious, rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving. This isn’t about Michelin stars or celebrity chefs—it’s about places where food becomes a form of connection and creativity.

Port Cape May, located in in Port Marina, is an exciting and newer dining experience. Experience the outdoor deck with stunning views and the ocean breeze weaving through the air. The second level is an intimate and cozy atmosphere with floral aesthetics to match. Locally sourced ingredients from land and sea, not only nourishes our bodies but our souls with abundant local farms that we all know and love. Whether you’re dining solo at the bar (welcomed warmly, never made to feel awkward), enjoying a rare date night away from the kids, or sharing a bottle of wine with friends old or new.

For breakfast that feels like a gentle awakening rather than fuel for the hustle, visit Uncle Bill’s Pancake House—not the obvious tourist trap, but the smaller location where owner Bill Miller still makes everything from scratch. The blueberry pancakes use berries from local farms, and the coffee comes with unlimited refills and genuine conversation.

The hidden gem of Cape May’s dining scene might be the weekly dinners at the Nature Conservancy’s South Cape May Meadows. These seasonal events combine exceptional farm-to-table cuisine with education about local ecosystems. Dining outdoors as the sun sets over protected wetlands, surrounded by the evening songs of native birds, provides perspective that no urban rooftop restaurant can match. https://www.capemay.com/play/south-cape-may-meadows/

For wine lovers, Willow Creek Winery offers tastings in a restored Victorian home where each room tells a different story through carefully curated vintages. Owner Gary Pavlis doesn’t just pour wine—he shares the stories of local grape growers, the challenges of coastal viticulture, and the surprising sophistication of New Jersey’s wine scene. The winery welcomes families during afternoon tastings, with grape juice tastings for children and spacious grounds where kids can play while adults savor the moment.

The Cape May State of Mind: Why Here, Why Now

Choosing Cape May isn’t about escaping your life—it’s about remembering what feeds your soul so you can return to your responsibilities renewed rather than depleted. In a culture that celebrates busy-ness as a virtue, Cape May offers permission to slow down without guilt, whether you’re a mom stealing a weekend away, a single woman treating herself to solo adventure, or a family seeking quality time together.

The town operates on what locals call “Cape May time”—a pace that honors both efficiency and contemplation. Restaurants don’t rush you through meals. Shop owners engage in actual conversations. Beach walks happen at the speed of thought rather than the speed of schedule.

Women from all walks of life often discover that Cape May’s greatest gift isn’t any single experience but rather the cumulative effect of being in a place where beauty isn’t an amenity but a baseline, where history isn’t a burden but a foundation, where nature isn’t a backdrop but a participant in daily life.

The Victorian houses teach persistence and attention to detail. The migrating whales demonstrate that long journeys can be both purposeful and graceful. The local business owners—many of them women who chose community over climbing corporate ladders—model alternative definitions of success. For families, Cape May offers the rare gift of a destination where multiple generations can find their own pace and interests while still enjoying shared experiences.

How Cape May Changes You

Women who spend intentional time in Cape May often describe a subtle but profound shift in perspective. The daily rhythm of sunrise beach walks and sunset porch conversations recalibrates your internal clock. The absence of skyscrapers lets your eyes remember how to focus on distant horizons. The sound of waves gradually replaces the mental soundtrack of daily obligations and notifications.

You’ll find yourself taking photos not for social media but for personal memory. You’ll engage in conversations with strangers without checking your phone. You’ll make decisions based on what sounds interesting rather than what seems most efficient. If you’re traveling with family, you’ll notice how your children become more present too, trading screens for seashells, digital games for beach discoveries.

This isn’t about becoming someone different—it’s about remembering who you were before you became so focused on managing everyone else’s needs or meeting endless expectations. Cape May doesn’t change ambitious women into passive vacationers, nor does it transform busy moms into carefree wanderers. Instead, it reminds driven women that ambition and peace aren’t mutually exclusive, that productivity and presence can coexist, and that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Your Cape May Story Awaits

Cape May offers what every woman needs but rarely allows herself: time to think, space to breathe, and permission to prioritize joy alongside achievement. Whether you come for a solo weekend escape, a much-needed girls’ trip, a romantic getaway, or a multi-generational family adventure, you’ll leave with more than souvenirs and photographs.

You’ll carry with you the memory of Victorian women who built businesses and communities with grace and determination. You’ll remember the wisdom of whales who travel vast distances at their own pace. You’ll recall conversations with local artisans and entrepreneurs who chose fulfillment over mere success. If you traveled with family, you’ll treasure the moments when everyone paused to watch a sunset together, phones forgotten in beach bags.

Most importantly, you’ll return to your regular life with a secret: the knowledge that places like Cape May exist, where the rhythm of waves can slow your racing heart, where beauty isn’t a luxury but a necessity, and where being present isn’t selfish but essential. Whether you’re managing a career, raising children, caring for aging parents, or simply trying to carve out space for yourself in a demanding world, Cape May reminds you that you deserve moments of peace and beauty.

Cape May doesn’t promise to solve your daily challenges or eliminate your responsibilities. But it offers something perhaps more valuable: the reminder that you are more than your to-do list, that your worth isn’t measured only in what you accomplish for others, and that sometimes the most nurturing thing you can do—for yourself and those you love—is to slow down and simply be.

In a world that constantly demands more, Cape May whispers a different message: you are already enough, and you deserve beauty, peace, and joy not as rewards for productivity but as essential elements of a life well-lived.

Harbor Views and Summer Vibes

There’s something magical about dining by the water in Cape May, and Port Restaurant captures that coastal charm perfectly. Located at 954 Ocean Drive, this waterfront gem embodies everything we love about summer dining at the Jersey Shore.

Port’s expansive outdoor deck steals the show with breathtaking harbor views, where you can watch boats drift by while salt air mingles with the aroma of fresh seafood. Whether arriving by land or pulling up by boat, Port creates that perfect summer escape where time slows down and every sunset feels like a celebration.

The restaurant offers three distinct spaces: the casual outdoor deck with harbor views, a sleek downstairs bar, and an elegant upstairs dining room. We first enjoyed Aperol Spritzes while waiting for our table. The flow of low-fi house music weaving through the air gave us the impression of a European seaside destination. Each space captures a different summer mood, from spontaneous afternoon lunches to sophisticated evening dinners.

Farm-to-Table Meets Ocean-to-Table

What sets Port apart is their commitment to truly local ingredients. The menu features beef from their own cattle in Woodstown, wild-caught sea bass from their own fishing boats off Cape May’s coast, and seasonal produce from their local farm. This complete circle of local sourcing connects you directly to South Jersey’s land and sea. My dinner of red snapper and local farm vegetables illustrated our fresh fare of the Atlantic.

The outdoor deck menu embraces fresh, light coastal flavors perfect for lazy summer afternoons – think vibrant seafood preparations, fresh sushi, and dishes that capture seaside dining’s essence. The indoor menu offers refined, shareable plates crafted with the finest local ingredients.

The Perfect Summer Rhythm

Port represents Cape May dining’s evolution – honoring maritime heritage while embracing modern culinary excellence. This summer, for that perfect Cape May experience where exceptional food meets stunning views, Port delivers on all counts.

Port Cape May: 954 Ocean Drive. Deck seating first-come, first-served. Indoor reservations recommended via OpenTable.

Summer Fun for All

As a busy professional in Philadelphia, finding activities that work for everyone – whether it’s family time with the kids or a fun night out with friends – can feel like searching for a unicorn. Between work demands and juggling life’s endless to-do l\ists, we often miss out on the magic happening right in our backyard. That’s exactly how I felt when I finally discovered the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival – and honestly, I’m kicking myself for waiting so long.

A Magical Escape for Families and Friend Groups Alike

Now in its ninth year, this summer festival in Philadelphia has quietly become one of the city’s most enchanting family-friendly cultural events. Running from June through August in Franklin Square, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival offers something we all need: a chance to disconnect from our devices and reconnect with wonder – whether you’re bringing the kids or planning a memorable night out with your crew. https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/things-to-do/franklin-square

The moment you step through the Palace Lantern corridor, everyday stress melts away. It’s like walking into a different world – one where 200-foot dragons dance with light and fountain shows captivate visitors of all ages. The Parx Liberty Carousel? Pure magic that reminds everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, that it’s okay to embrace childlike wonder.

Picture-Perfect Memories for Every Occasion

Let’s be honest – we all love capturing special moments, whether it’s family photos or fun shots with friends. The Jelly Fish Infinity Room is an absolute treasure trove for memorable photos. Those mirror installations and jellyfish light fixtures create magical images that everyone will want to share and remember.

For families planning holiday cards or friend groups looking for unique photo ops, the Magnolia and Octopus tunnels make stunning backdrops. The giant shark bite photo op? Your kids (and friends) will be talking about it for months, and you’ll have the perfect conversation starter photos.

Supporting Artisans and Discovering Cultural Treasures

One detail that particularly impressed me was watching the artisans at work. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to show kids the value of craftsmanship, and for friend groups to find unique keepsakes together. The handmade lanterns, souvenirs, and beaded gifts aren’t just trinkets – they’re beautiful reminders of a special evening and perfect gifts for loved ones back home.

Evening Entertainment That Delights All Ages

The live entertainment truly shines after sundown, creating the perfect atmosphere for families with older kids or adult friend groups. The performance artists, acrobats, and dancers create an experience that’s both educational and purely entertaining – exactly what we need for quality time together away from screens and daily routines.

Dining Options for Every Group and Taste

Because everyone gets hungry during a fun evening out, the festival offers something for every palate and group dynamic. Whether your family is craving Chickie and Pete’s famous crab fries, your friend group wants to share fresh sushi from Oishii, or everyone’s excited to try dumplings from Humpty’s, there’s something to satisfy every appetite. The Octopus Cocktail Garden provides a relaxing spot for adults to unwind while kids enjoy their treats nearby. https://phillychineselanternfestival.com/must-see/

Add This Philadelphia Summer Experience to Your Must-Visit List

Here’s my advice to families and friend groups in Philadelphia: stop putting off experiences that bring everyone together. Add the Chinese Lantern Festival to your summer bucket list. Block out an evening, gather your favorite people, and give yourselves permission to be amazed together.

Trust me, you’ll leave feeling connected and wondering, like I did, what took you so long to discover this magical corner of our city. Sometimes the best memories happen when we simply step away from our busy lives and embrace wonder together. Subscribe to our newsletter here for all the extras! https://thespotmagazine.com/contact-information/

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival runs through August in Franklin Square. Perfect for family outings, friend adventures, or anyone looking to add a touch of magic to their summer in Philadelphia.

Ready to discover Philadelphia’s most amazing secrets? Beyond the famous landmarks, our city is home to two absolutely incredible spots that will blow your mind. The Philadelphia Magic Gardens and The Academy of Natural Sciences are serving up experiences you won’t find anywhere else – and trust us, you’re going to love them!

Philadelphia Magic Gardens: Your Ticket to a Sparkling Wonderland

Get ready for the most Instagram-worthy adventure of your life! Philadelphia Magic Gardens is like stepping into a kaleidoscope dream where every single surface sparkles with colorful mosaics. Artist Isaiah Zagar transformed ordinary South Street lots into this magical maze using mirrors, bottles, tiles, and treasures he found around the city.

This isn’t your typical art gallery – it’s an adventure! You’ll wander through glittering tunnels and discover hidden messages tucked into the artwork. Every corner reveals something new and amazing. The best part? All those mirrors catch the light differently throughout the day, so the space literally transforms before your eyes. It’s like being inside a living, breathing work of art that tells the story of Philadelphia itself.

The Academy of Natural Sciences: Where Fashion Gets a Science Makeover

Who knew fashion could be so fascinating? The Academy’s “Ecology of Fashion” exhibit is absolutely mind-blowing – it’s like getting the inside scoop on your favorite clothes while learning how to save the planet!

This isn’t boring science class stuff. You’ll discover incredible things like how mushrooms can become leather and how algae transforms into fabric. The interactive displays are super cool – you can actually see how much water goes into making your jeans or learn about amazing new materials that don’t hurt the environment.

The best part is walking away with insider knowledge about making better fashion choices. You’ll never look at your closet the same way again! Plus, the Academy’s scientists team up with actual fashion designers to create displays that are as stylish as they are smart.

Why You Need to Visit Both Right Now!

These spots are absolutely perfect for anyone who loves unique experiences! The Magic Gardens will spark your creativity and give you a totally new perspective on what art can be. Meanwhile, the Academy’s fashion exhibit will make you feel like you’re getting VIP access to the future of sustainable style.

Both places show off what makes Philadelphia so special – we’re a city that thinks outside the box and isn’t afraid to try something completely different. You’ll leave feeling inspired and maybe even a little smarter about the world around you.

Make It a Perfect Philly Day!

Here’s the best part – you can totally do both in one amazing day! Start with the sparkling magic of the Gardens, then head over to dive into fashion science at the Academy. It’s like getting two completely different adventures that somehow work perfectly together.

Each location has something new to offer no matter when you visit, so you could honestly go back multiple times and discover something fresh every single time. Ready to see Philadelphia in a whole new light? These incredible spots are waiting for you!