Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places

Contributing editor Tara Behan reflects on the places she’s encountered some female trailblazers.

After all these years in the publishing industry, one thing I’ve learned is that you never know when you’re going to come across a great story. This past spring, I was out to dinner with a friend at Cornerstone Cheese & Charcuterie in Wayne. (Side note: If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out on one of the most unique dining experiences on the Main Line.) We had a few of the best seats in the house—at the intimate 14-seat chef’s counter. 

While there, I had the chance to meet chef/co-owner Christine Kondra, who grew up in Berwyn and attended the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur and my alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University. She filled me in on how she met her husband and business partner, Nick, on Nantucket. For both, the plan was always to get back home and open their own business. But in an area where pubs and Italian restaurants abound, how could Kondra be confident that an offbeat BYOB like hers would work? 

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Kondra admitted it was no sure thing, but she also knew what she had to offer. “There isn’t another restaurant like this in this area,” she told me. 

For good reason, Kondra is featured in “Tried-and-True Trailblazers.”  Her path to success—much like the paths of the other 23 Power Women profiled—is a tale of vary degrees of risk and considerable reward. 

Tara Behan

Tara Behan

From Left: Cristela Tschumy, Tessa Smucker

This year’s cover story was a team effort. I worked alongside assistant editor Lisa Dukart and associate editor Melissa Jacobs to interview all of our honorees and bring you their stories. Staff photographer Tessa Smucker did a wonderful job on the images, and creative director Cristela Tschumy brought it all together with a compelling design.

From Left: Lisa Dukart, Melissa Jacobs

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You can meet our editorial team and network with our winners at Main Line Today’s annual Women on the Move Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 20. We’re excited to welcome Lynn Yeakel, a longtime Main Liner, political force and the founder of Vision 2020, as our keynote speaker. I recently had the pleasure of having lunch with Yeakel and her co-headliner, NBC10’s Tracy Davidson, and I’m confident that their conversation will offer a fascinating mix of personal anecdotes, current events, activism and more. 

I look forward to seeing you there. 

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!