Staten Island leaders in business, culture, and the arts share their most notable business risks, favorite home spaces, and skills they hope to one day master

BY ZACHARY WEG AND DANIELLE KIRIAKOS
PHOTOS BY ALEX BARRETO AND AMANDA DOMENECH

Carlann Scala

General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island
hilton.com / officespacestatenisland.com

Though she began her career in the travel sector, Carlann Scala feels especially at ease in the hospitality industry. As the general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island, Scala oversees the smooth operation of the cozy South Avenue hotel through both her ever-deepening knowledge of the industry and her genuine passion for welcoming guests. Simply put, she’s a people person. “I realized I needed to reinvent myself, and hospitality felt like the natural next step,” she said.

After a fateful cup of coffee with one of her mentors, Scala eventually met the operators of the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island, Lois and Richard Nicotra, where she has remained ever since. “The Nicotras’ vision for elevated hospitality and what it means for our guests and community continues to inspire the way my team and I operate every day,” Scala said. “We want every guest to leave feeling that their time at the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island was effortless, warm, and memorable — not just ‘good enough,’ but unexpectedly thoughtful. If they walk away saying, ‘I felt taken care of,’ then we’ve done our job.”

IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I’d love to master photography. Capturing moments, especially in an industry built on experiences, feels meaningful and creative.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF?
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career was deciding to pivot from the travel industry into hospitality. Reinventing myself wasn’t just a career move; it was a leap of faith. That decision led me to Lois and Richard Nicotra who have recognized my work ethic and leadership. Looking back, taking that chance was one of the best decisions I’ve made and now I try to mentor others when they find themselves at that moment.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
My favorite room in a home is the kitchen. To me, it’s the true heartbeat of any space. The place where people naturally gather, unwind, and connect without effort. Conversations flow more easily there, whether it’s over a cup of coffee in the morning or while preparing a meal at the end of the day. Warmth and connection are what make a space memorable, and the kitchen embodies that perfectly.

Eve Esposito, PT, DPT

Clinical Director, JAG Physical Therapy Great Kills
jagpt.com

As clinical director of one of JAG PT’s newest locations in Great Kills, Eve Esposito is doing things the JAG way: treating everyone like family. Alongside her team of 12, including four physical therapists, the Staten Island native cares for patients (ranging in age from children to older adults) with genuine warmth, helping them feel comfortable and supported throughout their entire recovery journey.

Having grown up playing soccer, Esposito understands firsthand the impact of a physical injury, and she’s passionate about helping patients stay active — whether that means returning to the field or simply moving comfortably around Staten Island in their day-to-day activities.

At the Great Kills office, Esposito explained, “We want every single person to feel comfortable walking through the door, and then feel much better when they leave. That’s a cornerstone of our approach: treating everyone like they’re your own mom, grandma, grandpa, father, uncle, or aunt. It makes people feel truly supported, especially because physical therapy can be intimidating. Patients come in with pain, and we want them to walk out feeling better.”

IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would probably master the skill of cooking! It’s definitely something that I’m working on, and I want to be better at it.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF?
One of the biggest chances I took was, when I was young, taking over a soccer program for my parish. It flourished. We started off with just four coaches and ten kids, and it grew into a huge program.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
I would say my favorite feature in a house is the backyard. As a soccer player, I love to be outside.

Nicole Cheret

Founder, Luminesse Laser / luminesselaser.com

Nicole Cheret’s entry into the aesthetics world began as a client long before it became a career. In 1996, when laser hair removal was still an emerging technology and far from mainstream, she began treatments herself and quickly became fascinated by the science behind it. “I always had a fascination with the beauty industry, especially hair removal,” she said.

At the time, Cheret was building a career in web design and development, but the corporate path eventually left her searching for something more personal and entrepreneurial. Drawing on her technical background, she designed her own website, liquidated investments, and purchased her first laser — trading the digital world for aesthetics and founding Luminesse Laser.

Nearly two decades later, Cheret still approaches the business with the same hands-on mindset that shaped its beginnings. She continues treating many longtime clients while also managing the marketing, operations, and day-to-day details that keep the practice running. “I truly believe a company performs best when the owner stays involved,” she said. What began with one device and a personal passion has grown into a trusted practice known for consistent results and long-standing client relationships.

As the aesthetics field continues to evolve, Cheret remains focused on embracing new technologies while refining the treatments clients already rely on. That consistency has become the hallmark of her practice.

IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would love to master interior design because renovating our office made me realize how much I enjoy transforming older spaces into something fresh, functional, and contemporary.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF?
Leaving a stable corporate career to open my own practice felt like jumping without a parachute, but nearly two decades later, it’s turned out to be one of the best risks I’ve ever taken.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
One of my favorite small luxuries in a home is an instant hot water tap because such a simple upgrade becomes incredibly practical for everyday things like cooking, tea, cleaning, and even the occasional beauty hack.

Chris Mariani

Owner, Buona Sera Restaurant / buona-sera.com

With his irrepressible charm and megawatt smile, Chris Mariani was born to be a restaurateur. Now the owner of Buona Sera in Red Bank, the New Jersey native grew up around his family’s pork shops and naturally gravitated toward the restaurant industry.

After first operating a small sandwich shop of his own, Mariani saw an opportunity in Red Bank and seized it, laying the groundwork for what would become Buona Sera. The palatial Italian restaurant — credited with helping rejuvenate the Red Bank dining scene in the late ’90s — is famed for its signature dishes made with homemade pastas, aged prime beef, and fresh seafood delivered daily without compromise. Buona Sera (“Good Evening” in Italian) thrives largely because of Mariani’s dedication.

As he half-jokes, he’s at the restaurant “all of the time,” cultivating and educating his staff on the philosophy of exceeding expectations — whether it’s a wedding, milestone event, or a couple’s first date. “I’m the last of the Mohicans,” he quipped, referring to the difficulty of being an independent restaurateur and chef-owner these days. With Buona Sera heading into its 28th year — and with Mariani’s genuine affection for his patrons — he shows no signs of slowing down. “The restaurant business is extremely challenging, and I’ve always understood that it’s an extension of who I am,” he said. “It requires unshakable dedication, and with the support of my beautiful and understanding wife, I’ve been able to accomplish that over the last 45 years.”

IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
For a hobby, I would love to master the art of golf [laughs]. In my work, I’ve been perfecting the skill and art of cultivating a staff for 45 years, instilling the philosophy that drives me: passion, customer satisfaction, and exceeding expectations every single time a customer frequents Buona Sera. Our staff is the heart of the restaurant. Many have been here for decades, with an average tenure of 30 years — something almost unheard of in this industry. That depth of experience and passion makes all the difference. The staff of Buona Sera is its true strength!

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF?
Buying our property in Red Bank. I was in my ’30s, and I had to put every dime I had on the line to create and develop that property. I never looked back. I did it and never thought about losing it; I just moved forward.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
My favorite room in my home is any room occupied by my grandchildren.

Claudette Duff

Founder, Staten Island Center of Light for the Blind and Visually Impaired / statenislandcenteroflight.org

She wouldn’t say so, modest as she is, but Claudette Duff could easily be considered the saint of care on Staten Island. From beginning her career in social work at a local hospital to creating the widely respected Integrity Senior Services program and, most recently, founding a nonprofit for the blind and visually impaired, Duff has dedicated her life to the service of others.

As she explained, “I realized that social work is a profession that cares for the most vulnerable among us, and that this is how I wanted to spend my life serving the community.”

After Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast in 2012, Duff established a 501(c)(3) to house seniors, and the program has since expanded to serve seniors who are victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, or at risk of homelessness.

The Staten Island Center of Light for the Blind and Visually Impaired is Duff’s latest initiative, and one that vividly illustrates her lifelong passion for helping people. “This is a first-of-its-kind, full-service center for the blind and severely visually impaired that will serve the Staten Island community,” she said.

With Duff’s tireless efforts behind it, the center is poised for success.

IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ONE HOBBY OR SKILL, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I am not an avid social media user but I know the importance in terms of reaching people, so I think I’d like to become more fluent in different digital platforms. I am an expert in elder care. I have worked on elevating that messaging as I meet with the community: it is important to amplify the message of underserved populations like the elderly and homebound, and to discuss what we can do as a society to support their day-to-day life.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OR RISK YOU’VE TAKEN IN BUSINESS THAT PAID OFF?
Starting my own business in a field that many don’t want to discuss until the need presents itself in their own life. There is opportunity in this field; however, in owning my own business, the burden of supporting our many clients and making sure that our practitioners are supported as well is something that I take seriously. Entrepreneurs know the weight of a 365-day obligation to all we serve.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM OR FEATURE IN A HOME AND WHY?
I have a home office that I love. It is also a cozy space where I connect with my two daughters, one who lives in the states and one who lives in Germany, and my grandson, who is about to start law school. To be able to connect from my home to theirs really illustrates how we can build relationships and strengthen connections in many ways.