So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Carmine Steffens. I was born on Long Island, New York, and have lived in Freehold, New Jersey, since I was 3 years old.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

I love the sense of community we have in Freehold. It feels like everyone knows each other, and everyone cares about one another.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

I started The Happy Hearts Foundation in October 2023 when I was 15 years old in memory of my grandparents, Carmine and RoseMarie Bonomo. We provide hospital care bags for patients and their caregivers. Our goal is to bring joy and compassion to those who need it most in our community.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice will help them?

Perseverance may be the only thing you have at certain points. As long as you hold on to your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goals.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won't forget about?

One recipient of our patient bags wrote this beautiful testimonial that still sticks with me to this day:

"I was at the hospital today waiting to see if my surgery to remove the cancer was successful when I saw the bags. It said, 'Take one.' I actually felt guilty, so I didn’t. After I spoke to the doctor, I was feeling down. On my way out, I saw the bags again and thought, 'OK. I could use a little smile.' I opened it when I got home, and it had a few little things that I actually needed—a new toothbrush, some lip gloss, and puzzles, my favorite. But when I saw the note saying, 'You are not alone,' I cried. I didn’t even realize how much I needed that. So I just wanted to say thank you. From the bottom of my heart, you are really helping people. It helped me today."

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see us continuing to preserve my grandparents' memory while expanding the ways we help the people around us.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

People often think that those in the nonprofit world simply give. That isn't true. I would argue that I have received more from The Happy Hearts Foundation than I have given. I have gained knowledge, experience, friendships, and, most of all, a greater purpose in life.

What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?

The biggest struggle was getting off the ground and sharing our mission with the community. I emailed countless media outlets to get our name in front of people who would be able to see our work. Eventually, we were featured on the news in January. Now, our biggest goal is to grow our social media presence to showcase our work.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

As a kid, my mom dragged me to countless Bon Jovi concerts, so for her, I'll say Bon Jovi. As for my favorite athlete, I would have to go with George Kittle from the San Francisco 49ers. He's a stand-up guy and an incredible talent.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I'd like to give a shout-out to my mom, RoseMarie; my sister, Giovanna; and Raffaella, Giuseppe, Frank, and Stephen. None of this would be possible without you.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

They can follow our Instagram happy_hearts_foundation_ or visit our website happy-hearts.org