5 Boston Women We Admire

Bettina Janco
This real estate guru balances simplicity with strength.

Bettina Janco, the glamorous 28-year-old executive vice president of Upland Capital, spends her time scouting commercial real estate in Boston and Nantucket while preparing for the launch of her latest real estate venture, SnapSuites, which she cofounded. The inexhaustible newlywed chronicles her personal style and home decorating journey in her blog, neatbit.net.

Trademark beauty look: I like to keep it simple with mascara and a bit of blush.
Signature scent: I actually wear a men’s cologne called HiM by Hanae Mori.
Boston influences my style because: It tends to be a little bit more conservative, which is perfect for how I like to present myself—very New England but with pops of fun and colorful accessories.
A woman is beautiful when: She knows who she is and embraces it.
Cause close to my heart: I cochaired an event last year called A Spoonful of Ginger, to benefit the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Most reread book: The Great Gatsby.
Words to l ive by: It could always be worse.
Secret for success: Love what you do and you’ll be happy.
Proudest accomplishment: Breaking into the private equity world with no real financial or real estate background. No one would ever guess that: I was a creative-writing major in college.
Favorite hero of fiction: Edna Pontellier from The Awakening.
Most valuable quality in a woman: Loyalty.
My philosophy on image: It’s important to be image-conscious while staying true to who you are. I still wear jeans to work every day, even when I have meetings with corporate business owners. I just pair it with a blazer and killer pumps.

BEAUTY: Perfect Rouge in OR544-Tiger, Shiseido ($25). Macy’s, 450 Washington St., 617-357-3000. Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara in Black, Bobbi Brown ($25). Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8200. Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lipstick in Orchid Surrender, Estée Lauder ($28). Macy’s, see above. Straight Blow Dry, Bumble and Bumble ($29). James Joseph Salon, 30 Newbury St., 617-266-7222.

FASHION: Chiffon layer dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim ($450). Curated by The Tannery, 711 Boylston St., 617-267-5500. Onda triple wrap bangle in white gold and diamonds, Marina B ($29,500). Dorfman, 24 Newbury St., 617-536-2022. Sterling silver bangles, Colleen Mauer Designs ($175). Good, 133 Charles St., 617-722-9200. Cultured pearl and diamond ring, Mikimoto ($8,500). Long’s Fine Jewelers, 100 Summer St., 617-426-8500. Diamond ring, Janco’s own.

Kate Brierley
Integrity is a touchstone for this eco-conscious designer.

Kate Brierley, 36, knows sartorial gold when she sees it. The Boston newcomer, who studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, recently introduced her carefully curated and socially responsible atelier, Isoude, to Newbury Street.

Trademark look: Clean complexion and a Nars bright red-poppy lip.
Signature scent: Aqua Universalis by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
Boston influences my style because: It has a collegiate, pretty approach to life that is not swayed by trends. The city maintains a fresh, timeless look.
On aging gracefully: The number- one contributor to beauty as women age is joy. Women who are happy with their lives and who are in supportive, loving relationships age beautifully.
My philosophy on image: It’s your own branding and communicates your values and interests. If you look back in history to Roman and medieval times, people remember the art and costume of that time.
Most valuable quality in a woman: I love the combination of compassion and intelligence.
My motto: Be in the ring.
Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: Listen, observe, but then walk your own path.
My proudest accomplishment: Growing a community of people, both clients and employees, based on integrity and values.
Most reread book: Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke.
My beauty routine: I mix my own moisturizers with essential oils for my bath. It’s hugely important to me for relaxation and as a ritual of self-care and self-respect.
New England is my home because: Boston is remarkable for a sense of local community. People are very welcoming and truly support each other.
Cause closest to my heart: The International Justice Mission.

BEAUTY: You Rebel Lite SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, Benefit ($30). Macy’s, 450 Washington St., 617-357-3000. Cheek Color in Frantic Pink, Tom Ford ($55). Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500. Lipstick in Manhunt, Nars ($26). Sephora, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8200. Curl Defining Cream, Moroccanoil ($34). Mizu, Mandarin Oriental, 776 Boylston St., 617-585- 6498.

FASHION: Dark orchid silk twist knot gown, Armani Collezioni ($1,655). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above

Cecelia Chung
The philanthropy powerhouse puts family first.

Cecelia Chung, 27, is the beautiful wife of New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung and a crusader for at-risk inner-city Boston youth. Through their foundation, Chung Changing Lives, the power couple are committed to enriching the lives of children by providing both athletic and educational after-school programs.

Trademark look: My signature MAC red lip.
Boston influences my style because: It allows me to be an individual. Everyone has his or her own expressive vibe in Boston.
Philosophy on age: Growing up, I was always looking toward the next big milestone. When I was 16, I wanted to be 18, and at 18 I couldn’t wait until I was 21. I was never celebrating the present moment and appreciating my current age. Now I’m just learning to take my time and enjoy the age that I am and every moment that is happening in my life.
What makes a woman beautiful: Her heart. Outward beauty fades eventually, unless you’re Halle Berry.
Most valuable quality in a woman: Poise.
Most reread book: I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life by Joel Osteen.
My motto: Live the life you love, love the life you live.
Secret to my success: My close-knit family has provided a strong foundation for me to explore my interests. My husband has been my biggest supporter.
When no one is looking: I pray.
No one would ever guess that: I was in a girls’ pop music group when I was 16.
Cause closest to my heart: Aside from my own charity, I’m an active member of the Patriots Women’s Association, and I love making visits to Boston Children’s Hospital. It shows the children that people care about them and their illnesses. It sends the message that we’re all a team.

BEAUTY: Terre Saharienne Collector in No. 2 Healthy Glow, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute ($50). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660. Style Eye Palette, Aerin ($70). Macy’s, 450 Washington St., 617-357-3000. Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Everyday Diva, MAC ($22). Macy’s, see above. Meta Lush Volumizer, Serge Normant ($23). Sephora, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-4200.

FASHION: Teal matte jersey asymmetrical column gown, Lanvin ($2,155), Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500. Yellow-gold earrings with diamond and citrine stones ($19,300), yellow-gold and diamond bangle ($29,950), and rose-gold, diamond, and citrine bangle ($29,900), Dorfman. 24 Newbury St., 617-536-2022. Brass and karung water snake bangles, Beatrice Kim ($225). Good, 133 Charles St., 617-722-9200. Tribeca lace peep-toe pumps, Brian Atwood ($1,695). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above

Mary J. Kakas
Service is a way of life for this Boston matriarch.

Part grande dame, part shrewd businesswoman, Mary J. Kakas, 68, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with, holding court as matriarch and president emeritus of Edward F. Kakas & Sons, the 155-year-old family-owned (and oldest in the world) furrier on Newbury Street. Her constant and prolific fundraising has earned her a position on the Rogerson Communities Board of Directors as well as its highest accolade: the Charles E. Rogerson Award for Community Service, in 2005.

I never leave the house without: Applying Super City Block by Clinique. It’s the first thing I do after I brush my teeth.
No one would ever guess that: I was a Clairol model in the ’60s.
Signature scent: I’ve been wearing Thierry Mugler’s Angel since it debuted in the US in 1993.
Living woman I most admire: Jane Fonda because of her age and beauty, and Hillary Rodham Clinton for her intelligence, perseverance, and toughness.
Most valuable quality in a woman: A giving heart.
Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: My father always used to say, “Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth.” I only wish more people thought that way.
Proudest accomplishment: I worked very hard to mold my two sons into good, kind citizens with philanthropy in their hearts.
On tough love: I refused to allow my children to charge at the Boston Yacht Club. I made them pack their lunches, and they had to ride their bikes when they went to the New England Conservatory.
Boston is my home because: It’s very polished and cultured. We call Boston the Athens of America.
On aging gracefully: It’s an art and a skill. The way to age gracefully is to take a little bit more makeup off each year. This year I’m dropping the concealer.
Go-to beauty brands: I’ve been wearing deep coral Chanel lipstick for about 35 years.
Cause closest to my heart: Rogerson Communities.

BEAUTY: Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40, Clinique ($21). Macy’s, 450 Washington St., 617-357-3000. Parure de Lumière Foundation in 02 Beige Clair, Guerlain ($59). Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500. Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 95 Enjouée, Chanel ($34). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above. Luminous Hairspray Strong, Moroccanoil ($23). James Joseph Salon, 30 Newbury St., 617-266-7222.

FASHION: Venetian red shimmer cowl-neck gown, St. John ($1,495). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above. Sapphire and diamond earrings (price on request) and full cut sapphires with white diamonds necklace, Shreve, Crump & Low’s Precious Jewel Collection ($75,000). 39 Newbury St., 617-267- 9100. Golodoni Medallion bracelet with diamonds in 18k yellow gold, Tiffany & Co. ($100,000). Copley Place, 617-353-0222. Crossover cuff, David Yurman ($1,550). Copley Place, 617-236-8777. Ring, Kakas’s own

Sinesia Karol
The designer loves a challenge and all four seasons of our New England climate.

Brazilian-born swimwear designer Sinesia Karol first came to Boston at the tender age of 19 and instantly knew it would be her second home. Now 43, she’s a doting mother of four children and an integral part of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital volunteer network. Like a true Bostonian, she doesn’t even mind the cold winter temperatures. This year she launched a swimsuit line, her first venture as a designer.

Trademark look: I always use a nude color for my lips, and I love a smokey eye.
I never leave my house without: Putting on mascara and eyeliner first. I use Diorshow mascara and Chanel eyeliner. It used to be a routine, but now it’s just my lifestyle.
Boston is my home because: We are blessed with all four seasons. It’s ironic because I’m from Brazil and I’m a swimwear designer, but I fell in love with the cold weather when I came to Boston. I think the fall and winter seasons make a woman look more glamorous.
On aging gracefully: Taking care of your physical and emotional health is key. I love everything to do with sports, and exercising is essential. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is so important.
My philosophy on image: Everyone knows that people judge a book by its cover, but it’s deeper than that. If you look good, you feel good. It’s important to be aware of and invest in your image, but not to be obsessed with it.
My most valuable talent: My creative eye.
Cause closest to my heart: Newton-Wellesley Hospital. I learned how to be philanthropic through my husband and his family, and that’s how I raised my four children: to reach out and be involved with the community.
Most reread book: Anything related to fashion or the history of fashion.
Secret to my success: Never give up. I am excited, not intimidated, by challenges and I am not afraid to try new things.
Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: Live your life to the fullest; you never know about tomorrow.
My proudest accomplishment: Raising four beautiful children.
I’m always inspired by: The beach. I grew up on an island, so there wasn’t a backyard. There was a beach. It motivated me to design a swimwear line people would feel comfortable wearing, with designs no one had ever seen before.

BEAUTY: Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum, Elizabeth Arden ($159). Macy’s, 450 Washington St., 617-357- 3000. Diorshow Mascara in Black, Dior ($25). Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500. Écriture de Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Chanel ($34). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660. Volumizing Mousse, Moroccanoil ($28). Mizu, Mandarin Oriental, 776 Boylston St., 617-585- 6498.

FASHION: Trumpet dress with leather detail, Yigal Azrouël ($1,050). Intermix, 186 Newbury St., 617-236-5172. Twisted strass earrings, Louis Vuitton ($775). Copley Place, 617-437-6519. Baroque pearl necklace, Lena Skadegard ($800). Good, 133 Charles St., 617-722-9200. Pink sapphire, diamond, and pearl ring, Dorfman ($16,500). 24 Newbury St., 617-536-2022. Padma sandal in brocade suede, Edmundo Castillo ($1,050).