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At @labodegajc , the sound of dominoes hitting the table means more than just a game. It means tradition, memories, and a sense of home. 🇩🇴🎴

“It’s something that you grow up around, either your uncle, your cousin, somebody playing dominoes in the Dominican Republic,” said Neal Antigua, one of the restaurant’s owners.

La Bodega first opened in 1995 as Maricarmen Supermarket. In 2023, Maricarmen Antigua and her husband, Neal Antigua, took over the business with a mission to preserve Dominican culture and continue the legacy of her grandparents and father, who previously owned it.

Today, La Bodega is more than a restaurant. It’s a gathering place where Dominican culture lives on through its decorations, music, food, and vibrant atmosphere. And, of course, through dominoes.

For many, the game is a connection to their roots.

“Uno se siente como si estuviera en su país,” said Ramón Torres, a customer who plays dominoes at La Bodega.

Just as dominoes are commonly played outside homes and grocery stores, known as “colmados,” in the Dominican Republic, the same tradition continues outside La Bodega.

“My father-in-law and old-timers and old friends, and even customers as well, they come here, they grab the dominoes table, and they just sit outside, and it reminds them of the good old days,” Antigua shared.

Those casual gatherings to play dominoes eventually inspired the owners to take things a step further. Last year, La Bodega partnered with @madeinjerseycc to bring dominoes tournaments to the community.

They were looking for another way to bring people together, and the opportunity came at just the right time.

On October 10, they hosted their second tournament, offering a friendly space not only for level players, but also those who just wanted to spend a good time.

At La Bodega, it’s all about building community and meaningful relationships. And one of the most rewarding parts for the owners is seeing that love and support returned by the people who walk through their doors.

“Definitely makes you feel good to see other people enjoying the space… something that you’re a part of makes you feel good,” said Neal Antigua.

#labodega #dominicans #culture

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Play dominoes and eat good food, celebrate community at the Five Corners in Jersey City, enjoy a night out in East Newark + more!!!

Swipe ➡️ to see what events are happening in Hudson County.

Want a list of more events? Sign up to our biweekly newsletter for access to our community calendar!! 🔗Link in bio!

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Graphic: @amandacurlss
Design by: @ms_merakishots

#hudsoncountynj

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EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, October 10th 5-9 PM
La Bodega - Jersey City
Come for the dominoes. Stay for the music, food, games, and community.

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Qué puedes ordenar en La Bodega?

Sabrosos platos típicos dominicanos, un churrasquito de nuestro menú a la carta, algo rico pa’ picar… y de paso, tirarte una manito de dominó con mucho humor y alegría!

Acompáñanos este 10 de Octubre, de 5–9 PM, para nuestro Domino Day celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

Dale pa’ La Bodega y ven a jugar!

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Is networking hard for you? You’re not alone.

@shakiraperezfm explains how shifting your mindset can lead to better results. It’s not a transaction. It’s about connecting with like minded people you can learn from.

Showing up to places like @madeinjerseycc, which she co-founded, where you can build community, will lead to stronger long term networks rather than relationships that feel forced.

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#networking #jerseycreatives #media #podcast #careeradvice

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I started my first (ever) panel with one simple reminder: you are not alone…

As I was preparing to facilitate this very important conversation, I knew I wanted to bring the audience, our @madeinjerseycc community, into the conversation. As someone who has produced many conversations throughout the years, I learned that people are more willing to engage when they realize they’re not the only ones thinking, feeling, or experiencing something.

Before we dove into our Business As Usual panel, I asked the audience a few questions and invited them to look around the room at who else had their hand raised.

It wasn’t just an icebreaker.

It was a reminder that the challenges, uncertainties, and questions we face as creatives and business owners are often shared experiences.

As a moderator, my goal isn’t simply to ask questions. It’s to create space for honest dialogue, meaningful connection, and conversations that make people feel seen.

This was my first time moderating a panel, and moments like this reminded me why I want to do more of it.

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At the beginning of this year, I chose three words to guide me: confidence, courage, and connection.

Every opportunity I say yes to, every room I walk into, every goal I set has to align with one of those pillars.

Now that we’re halfway through the year, I’ve been reflecting on what’s actually helped me move closer to those goals. And honestly? It’s not just discipline, motivation, or vision boards.

It’s people.

The conversations that challenge my thinking.
The friends who celebrate growth instead of questioning it.
The people building businesses, taking risks, breaking glass ceilings, and pursuing the kind of life they once thought was out of reach.

There’s something powerful about being in rooms where your biggest dreams don’t sound unrealistic. Where nobody looks at you sideways when you talk about wanting more for yourself. Where ambition isn’t seen as arrogance, but possibility.

The people you surround yourself with can either expand your world or shrink it.

So if you’re doing a mid-year check-in on your goals, don’t just ask yourself what habits need to change.

Ask yourself who you’re spending time with.

Because sometimes the difference between staying where you are and becoming who you want to be is the company you keep.

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I’ve been in my own world and I’m not apologizing for it because not every conversation deserves your energy, not every update deserves your attention.

If that means you’re a little harder to reach right now, that’s okay. The right people will understand and respect that.

🤌🏼 Tag someone who just gets it.

#liniaffirms #affirmed #entrepreneur #contentcreator #nj

Vlog, self love, mental health, entrepreneurship, personal development, community,

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While you’re questioning, “Am I good enough?” someone else is using you as inspiration.

For so long, I tried to make myself smaller. I convinced myself I wasn’t meant to be a leader, that I couldn’t command a room, that I was the reason friendships didn’t last. I spent so much time questioning whether I belonged, whether I was doing enough, whether I deserved the opportunities in front of me.

But while I was focused on everything amazing happening around me, I was missing something important: the people who were looking at me and saying, “Wow.”

So today, I’m choosing a different narrative.
I’m proud of myself.
I’m exactly where I need to be.
And I’m becoming the woman I once dreamed of being.

If you’re reading this, I hope you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be too. Your story matters. Your presence matters. You’re changing lives in ways you may never fully realize.

We’re only getting started.

I hope I make you proud. 🤍✨

#GrowthMindset #KeepGoing #WomenWhoLead #InspirationDaily #ConfidenceJourney BecomingHer PersonalGrowth DreamBig

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such an awesome event, so happy with the experience && 100% recommend.

after 5 months of posting everyday, I am in my creator bag.

@madeinjerseycc
@marlad_ @neryscraftshop
@shakiraperezfm @thechrisgarces

#yourreminder #madeinnj #unitedstatesofnj #content #grateful

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A little recap from the Business As Usual event hosted by Made in Jersey Creative Collective ✨

📍 Rec Room — Montclair, NJ

I had the opportunity to attend as a vendor with Nery’s Craft Shop and spend the evening surrounded by so many talented creators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

One thing I love about Made in Jersey is that they’re always creating opportunities for creatives to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Events like these are such a great reminder of the amazing creative community we have here in New Jersey.

✨ Highlights:
• networking with local creators & entrepreneurs
• supporting fellow small businesses
• meaningful conversations & connections
• shopping local vendors
• building community within New Jersey’s creative scene

If you’re a creator looking to expand your network, Made in Jersey is definitely worth following.

Follow @neryvision for more hidden gems and adventures ✨

#contentcreator #events #montclair #entrepreneur #creators

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