Stories are the foundation of a community, a nonprofit, a business, adding meaning to our history.
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Authentic. Trusted. Your story matters.
Photo by Marsha Mood Photography
"I believe everyone has a unique, interesting and worthy story to share." ~ Teresa (Tess) Nguyen
Testimonials
Since 2017, Tess has had the pleasure and honor of interviewing a wide range of Janesville area folks, from CEOs and philanthropists to General Motors workers, family farm owners and nonprofit volunteers. Each person's story is special and inspiring! Read what some of our great, community-minded people had to say.
In every community we have people, businesses, organizations that LOVE to make their community the best that it is. Teresa is that person that has a special passion for sharing her love for her community through the extraordinary talent of writing. Make no mistake her music ability is another light to shine.
I’ve been following her many stories of incredible people and remain intrigued about the detailed stuff she highlights in her stories that make you not want to stop reading it. You almost get lost in it.
Thank you Teresa for sharing your passion in writing and for the many years you and your family have supported us. I still can remember when hubby would come in to pick up your food like it was yesterday. Thanks for telling the stories of JANESVILLE ... No one does it better.
~ Edmund Halabi
Owner of Italian House
Janesville, Wisconsin
Tess is a conscientious, passionate, caring, and professional person. I had the privilege of being interviewed by her for a piece on diversity. I was impressed with the accuracy of her story. Her commitment and dedication to the topic was evident. Tess is a community leader and passionate about our diversity initiatives. She can be seen at many events which showcase and promote our growing, diverse community.
~ Santo Carfora
Educator, Diversity Consultant
Partner, S & J Consulting, LLC
Tess does an excellent job telling stories! She is a wonderful listener and asks great questions. Her stories are fascinating to read! Each bio is a treat, whether it's a person or a business. Thank you, Tess, for bringing history to life and documenting these stories for the present and the future!
~ Marsha Mood
Retired Special Education Teacher
Award Winning Photographer
Photographer for Rotary Botanical Gardens
Tess is a passionate and dedicated community leader. When creative story telling is part of any project I am working on, she is the first person to come to mind. Her hard work was integral to the successful planning and beautiful execution of HealthNet's 25th Anniversary celebration last year. It is always a joy to collaborate with Tess.
My husband John recently retired, and I wanted to present him with a meaningful legacy gift not only for him but for our family.
Teresa made the process simple and she provided all of the tools needed to get the information for the story. Her communication style allowed me to relax throughout the entire process.
If you're looking for a gift or a legacy story, give Teresa a call and let her create a story of and for a lifetime.
~ Lucy Beckord
Executive Director for Rock County Cancer Coalition
Tess is perfect for this. She has the skills to do it. Tess has a sincere interest in people, is easy going, personable and has a love for history. Janesville Area Stories is the perfect vehicle to preserve our community's history through stories.
~ Jackie Wood
Co-owner and Manager of Olde Towne Mall
Emeritus Board Member of RCHS
Downtown Janesville, Inc. Board Member
Janesville HIstoric Commission
Tess is a very professional interviewer and her friendly style makes you feel comfortable and at ease. I was flattered with my story, as well as the creative and thorough coverage Tess gave to the Janesville Noon Rotary Club. She is passionate about this community and I can’t wait to read more of her stories on the Janesville Area Stories website!
~ Milly Babcock
Former Director of Catering and
Banquet Sales for The Hoffman House
Past President of Janesville Noon Rotary Club
~ Heidi Van Kirk
Development Consultant
Van Kirk Consulting, Inc.
I met Tess when she interviewed me and, while her approach was friendly and put me at ease, it was also evident that she was professional in her style of storytelling. Her skills resulted in a creative piece and her community passion came through front and center. It was a pleasure working with her and I believe her website will be of interest throughout the entire Rock County area.
Teresa wrote our story and did a beautiful job. It was above and beyond all our expectations! She asked for pictures from us and had to ask again and again. She was always sweet and kind and patient with us. She is a true professional with an incredible gift. Thanks for sharing your gift with us Teresa!
~ Patty O'Brien
Founder of O’Brien Computer Consulting
Former Teacher and St. John Vianney Cross Country Co-Coach with husband Mike
Marriage Preparation & Enrichment facilitator with husband Mike
Love love LOVE! Tess was so sweet and easy to talk to. She was both professional and personable. She wrote a nice story up about my business that perfectly captured my start up story as well as correctly informed the readers. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to tell their story. You will not be disappointed! Thanks again!
~ Rachel Milbrandt
Owner of Little Bowtique
Teresa is community-minded, caring and a great listener. She asks the right questions and her easy manner makes you feel comfortable and willing to share your story.
~ Rich Fletcher
Owner of Roam Around Tours
Local Historic Tour Guide
Everyone has a story. . . everyone, and if you want it told, Tess is the one to do it. She is a gift to our
community. She makes the community a better place to live with her passion and dedication to telling
those stories (among her other artistic gifts).
I wanted to get my husband’s story of his trip, following in his father’s World War II footsteps, down on paper, and Tess captured it for all time. These stories would make a great gift to remember a parent, a grandparent, or other special person in your life, for all time, a true legacy.
I truly believe everyone should tell their story . . .because it matters.
~ Sharyn Sheen
Retired Counselor, Janesville Craig H.S.
~ Dave Sheen
Retired Janesville Firefighter
Thank you for all your efforts to bring attention to Gloria (the eagle sculpture), Richard (Lazcano) and Art in Place Alliance thru your talented and far reaching "Janesville Area Stories". The research and time spent interviewing make your stories so valuable to read. your personality adds to the friendliness and flavor of your stories. We appriciate your part in this!
~ Mary Rekowski
Former Art in Place Co-Chair
Inspired Spaces Associate
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~ Stan Milam
WCLO Host of
Your Talk Show with Stan Milam
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