The Soup Guy invites you to “come back to soup, the original comfort food,” and with his offerings, it’s quite easy to do! Curtis Gould creates wonderful homemade soups using locally sourced ingredients. “What sets me
apart is that my soups and chilis are low-fat, low sodium and gluten-free,”he says. “I make all my own chicken and beef stock, so my soups are very healthy food.” Gould has enjoyed cooking since he was a child, but didn’t really learn about soup until he cooked in an Ashram while living in India. After returning to the States, he cooked for family and friends for years, until a buddy suggested he turn his passion into a business. In November 2009, The
Soup Guy was launched. “For me, cooking is creative,” he says. “I liken it to art except I’m painting with flavors rather than colors. There is something basic and primal about cooking that is very satisfying. For me, cooking is a great way to unwind.” The Soup Guy’s soups are available at a range of local retail outlets
(visit www.thesoupguy.net for listings), but he will also sell containers to go here at the mill depending on how much he has in stock. He plans to generally be here Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, but suggests you call first to be sure. He can be reached at (603) 801-2957.

The Soup Guy is located on the first floor of One Washington in Suite 1015.

Geneice “Kathy” Foster started Seacoast Accountability in 2007. She offers accounting, bookkeeping, payroll and tax services, and specializes in helping small businesses, individuals, and families. “I took my first H&R Block course back in the 1970s,” she says. “I just had a knack for this kind of work and decided to pursue it. For me, it’s like putting a big jigsaw puzzle together. I like the challenge.”
Kathy enjoys getting the best possible results for her clients and finds her work very satisfying. “Many clients come in scared,” she says. “They don’t understand what’s going on or what they are supposed to do, and when they see I’m able to help them, they feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off of their shoulders. I get a lot of hugs!”
Kathy feels that her communication skills help set her apart from other tax and accounting services. “I have a lot of long-time customers and I feel it’s because I take the time to listen, and to explain everything,” she says. “I answer every question and make sure everything is clear to the client. I’ve had clients tell me they feel that their tax preparer didn’t treat them with respect and that’s just awful. I always try to make the client feel comfortable. I’m also very responsive–you will always get a phone call returned or a reply to an e-mail within 24-hours.”
Seacoast Accountability is located in Suites 301 and 302 of the Picker Building, and Kathy can be reached at (603) 834-1271.

                Scott Demers joined MetLife in 1994, but had been working in the insurance business since 1988. With MetLife, he advises on annuities, home and auto insurance, certificates of deposit, college funding strategies, estate planning, health insurance, life insurance and much more. Nearly any kind of financial advice you would need for your personal life, home or business, can be provided by Scott.
“I love working with people,” says Scott. “I enjoy helping them. I’ve always been good with money and investing, so working with MetLife has been a good way for me to match my expertise with my passion.”
In his business, Scott takes time to learn about his clients goals and aspirations, then works with them to help these wishes come true. “No two families have the same needs or the same goals,” he says. “So it’s a different challenge every time. I like the creativity of coming up with the solutions that will meet those needs.”
While there are many insurance agents out there, Scott feels he brings something different to the table. “I try to practice the Golden Rule with my clients,” he says. “I treat them the way I would want to be treated. I educate them about the different options, and make sure I provide the best possible service. I advise them with the same care I would take with my own family.”
MetLife Financial Services is located in Suite 304 of the Picker Building. To learn more, stop by for a brochure, or call Scott at (603) 516-LIFE  (33).

The Personal Approach: Human Resource Partners

Delise West, owner of Human Resource Partners, LLC, wants small and mid-size business owners to get a better night’s sleep. Her company provides all the services of an inhouse human resources department, without the financial commitment of having such personnel on staff. Having someone available to navigate the often complex waters of human resource law eases the minds of many business owners.

“My team and I allow our clients to focus on their business rather than worrying about human resource issues,” she explains. “With that area off their plate, they can put their emphasis on building the company and doing what they do best.”

Before starting Human Resource Partners, Delise worked as the U.S. human resources director for a large international biotech company. The constant travel was keeping her away from her family for long periods, and she wanted to make a change. Her sister-in-law encouraged her to start her own firm, bringing her many years of expertise to companies that might otherwise not have the benefit of a team of human resource professionals. “I did my research and found that New Hampshire is primarily made up of businesses with 100 employees or less,” says Delise. “There was a definite need for what we offer.”

Human Resource Partners offers expertise in areas such as:

HR Practices & Compliance: Providing solutions to protect and manage your assets Employee Performance and Retention: Establishing expectations, measuring results, and reducing turnover Employee Relations: Bringing the focus back to productivity

Training: For employee growth and development Mergers & Acquisitions: Preparing the company for transitions.

Human Resource Partners also helps companies keep up with the many changes in human resource requirements, thus avoiding costly mistakes. In addition, they can act as an intermediary when employees have questions, or there is an issue between the company owners and the employee.

Delise feels that her company’s personal approach sets Human Resource Partners apart from other firms offering similar services. “We take what I call a “high touch” approach,” she says. “You can call an 800 number and get general information about human resource issues, but those answers may not fit with your business. We take the time to really get to know your company, learn your business, and understand your philosophy. We dig deep. We function like an extension of your management team.”

For Delise, knowing that companies are being more productive thanks to her firm’s help, is very rewarding. “To know we are providing the peace of mind that allows a company to grow and thrive is very exciting,” she says.

“You might say we’re in the business of keeping people in business.”

To learn more about Human Resource Partners, call (603) 749-8989, or visit www.h-rpartners.com , or stop by 314 Picker Suites.

What’s Cookin’ with The White Apron Catering Company

 The White Apron, an acclaimed catering company formerly located on Chapel Street in Dover, has moved into the mill at first floor at Washington Street Mills. The White Apron is a partnership between Jay Curcio and Julie Dunfey. “We do social catering,” explains Curcio. “We  cater a lot of weddings, dinner parties, anniversaries, and events along those lines. We are very customer-oriented, and pay a lot of attention to detail. We will also produce anything the client wants–if you would like an elegant dessert party, we can provide that. If you dream of an event featuring Thai cuisine, we can do that, too.”
Curcio notes that The White Apron is thriving even in the down economy, and he credits their strong reputation for quality for seeing them through. “I think the fact that we are so busy, even in this downturn, says something about customer satisfaction,” he says. “We must be doing something right.” Curcio and his staff are excited to be in the mill, and encourage people to stop by and get to know the business. “Someone is usually here,” he laughs. “We’re on the go pretty nonstop. But if not, you can always reach us at (603) 617-3555, or on the web at www.thewhiteapron.com.”

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Colorful Creations epitomizes beauty with beads. Started two years ago by designer Annemarie Lemoyne, the studio creates one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, as well as decorative glass vases, antique bottles, candle sticks, and other home decor items embellished with beads. Annemarie has previously had a number of creative businesses, having worked as a floral designer and card designer, but once she began beading, she was hooked. “I’m addicted!” she laughs. “The combinations and options are endless. I’m just bursting with ideas all the time.”

Annemarie’s work features swarovski crystals, necklaces with pendants made by New England glass artisans, and locally made lampwork glass beads. She is the featured designer of the Mount Washington Hotel Spa, and feels her work is unique because of her quality of materials, distinctive designs, and the fact that she guarantees every piece 100%. Her goal is to have her work featured in Dover shops, and beyond.

To purchase Annemarie’s pieces, or have her design something for you, visit www.ColorfulCreationshome.com, or call (603) 978-9698.

There’s a line in the song, “Colors of the Wind” that “every plant and every flower has a name”–and a beneficial use as well, according to Native American lore. Learning these uses, and sharing this knowledge with her clients, is the foundation of Amanda Komisarek’s business, Lion’s Tooth Herbals, based at 3030 One Washington Center East Suites.

Komisarek became interested in herbs somewhat by accident. While studying anthropology at the University of New Hampshire, she was sent to Misty Meadows herbal shop in Barrington to learn about herb lore. Intrigued, she decided to sign up for their six-month apprenticeship program. “I fell in love with the profession,” she says. “It was the perfect fit for me.” Komisarek’s interest was further piqued when she herself experienced the healing benefits of herbs.

“I was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition and was facing surgery,” she relates. “Instead, I opted to see an alternative medicine practitioner, and for the next three months, underwent treatments involving herbs, body cleanses, diet changes, and meditation. Amazingly, at my next check up with my doctor, all the pre-cancerous cells were gone. It’s amazing what herbs can do–the same herb can have hundreds of uses. We are really just scratching the surface of our knowledge in this field.”

To keep abreast, Komisarek attends workshops and takes courses regularly. At Lion’s Tooth Herbals, she offers teas, extracts, essences, seasonal body care products, classes, lectures, and personal consultations. All of her products feature herbs that are hand-picked from wild local plants, and are fully organic, and without synthetic ingredients. She sees clients by appointment, but is in the office at least once a day if you want to stop by.

And the name, Lion’s Tooth? “Lion’s Tooth is another name for dandelion,” she laughs. “It’s always been my favorite flower, even as a child. The dandelion is a very useful plant–all parts are edible. The roots are good for the liver; the leaves help the kidneys and are good for lowering blood pressure without leeching potassium from the body. They also aid the skin, and relieve aches and pains. The flower is good pickled or stir-fried. It’s an amazing plant!”

Lion’s Tooth Herbals can be reached by calling (603) 969-4603, or visit their web site at www.lionstoothherbals.com.

Isabeau Esby, who everyone calls “Beau,” is a renowned psychic medium who serves clients nationally and internationally. She has been tested by Kitt Research Initiative for her accuracy, and has brought comfort to many by providing the answers and resolution they seek. Esby connects people with their loved ones who have passed on, and also with the spirit guides who follow each of us on our life’s path. Her services are not religion-based, and she works with people of all faiths, as well as atheists. “The only requirement for working with me is having an open mind,” she says.

Esby was unaware of her gift until her grandmother died, and one hour later, she saw her standing in her living room. She tried to deny what had happened, but began receiving so many messages from the spirit world that making this connection for others ultimately became her calling. Esby sees clients by appointment at her office at 205 Picker Suites, and also does phone consultations. Call her at (603) 973-2317 for more information.

Esby’s other profession is body painting, which she also does by appointment. After a one hour meeting to ascertain a person’s feelings and motivations, she comes up with a design. The painting process, which is done directly on the skin, may take 3 to 8 hours. Esby then photographs the work, and the paint is washed off. She calls the experience “very spiritual” and notes that the process often reveals a personal dimension or goal that the client was previously unaware of. To learn more, call Esby at the number previously listed.

Isabeau Esby, who everyone calls “Beau,” is a renowned psychic medium who serves clients nationally and internationally. She has been tested by Kitt Research Initiative for her accuracy, and has brought comfort to many by providing the answers and resolution they seek. Esby connects people with their loved ones who have passed on, and also with the spirit guides who follow each of us on our life’s path. Her services are not religion-based, and she works with people of all faiths, as well as atheists. “The only requirement for working with me is having an open mind,” she says.

Esby was unaware of her gift until her grandmother died, and one hour later, she saw her standing in her living room. She tried to deny what had happened, but began receiving so many messages from the spirit world that making this connection for others ultimately became her calling. Esby sees clients by appointment at her office at 205 Picker Suites, and also does phone consultations. Call her at (603) 973-2317 for more information.

Esby’s other profession is body painting, which she also does by appointment. After a one hour meeting to ascertain a person’s feelings and motivations, she comes up with a design. The painting process, which is done directly on the skin, may take 3 to 8 hours. Esby then photographs the work, and the paint is washed off. She calls the experience “very spiritual” and notes that the process often reveals a personal dimension or goal that the client was previously unaware of. To learn more, call Esby at the number previously listed.