Westchester is chock-full of innovative entrepreneurs and businesses across all different fields and categories. From crafting natural haircare to disposable goods and even reimagined telehealth systems with a human touch, Westchester is home to businesses creating products that are not only incredibly functional, but are also making an impact on the community. Here are three innovative businesses with roots in the 914 that are making an impact in Westchester and beyond.
Bask & Lather
Yonkers
Bask & Lather was born out of founder and CEO Shaina Rainford’s personal journey. After her sister suffered significant hair loss due to a misdiagnosed scalp condition, Rainford’s mother formulated both a scalp oil to stimulate regrowth and a hair oil to nourish and strengthen hair from 100% organic ingredients. “What started as a solution for our family quickly grew into a business, as we saw the impact it had on others facing similar challenges,” she explains.
View this post on Instagram
Based in Yonkers, Rainford says that Westchester has been the perfect home for Bask & Lather due to its vibrant, diverse community and proximity to New York City. “This allows us to reach a broad customer base while staying rooted in a supportive local network. It’s important for us to operate here because we want to be part of the community we serve and give back to the place that has supported our growth.”
Bask & Lather’s product line focuses on natural haircare solutions, including the Scalp Stimulator Hair Growth Oil and Hair Elixir Oil, designed to address hair thinning, alopecia, and overall hair health. Consumers can find a full list of products on the Bask & Lather website and through select independent retail partners.
“As a Black-owned, women-led company, our story is deeply personal, and we strive to empower our customers with products that are both safe and results-driven. The feedback we receive highlights not only the effectiveness of our products, but also our dedication to customer service and timely delivery,” says Rainford. “The most rewarding part of this business is hearing from customers who have regained their confidence and seen real results. Knowing that our products make a genuine difference in people’s lives is what drives us every day.”
Maadho
118 North Bedford Rd, Ste 100
Mount Kisco; 888.778.0801
Maadho, a dedicated manufacturer and distributor of disposable products to multinational organizations, was founded by Jesse Singh in 2018. Singh previously worked as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan, covering manufacturing and logistics companies. Through his work with J.P. Morgan, he was able to identify areas of opportunity within the manufacturing and distribution space, which led him to create Maadho.
Based in Mount Kisco, Maadho manufactures and distributes disposable products primarily used in the food service and retail sectors. Some of Maadho’s key offerings include products made from paper, plastic, aluminum, rubber, and biodegradable polymers, including paper bags, disposable gloves, eco-friendly cutlery, and aluminum containers.
Maadho manufactures products both domestically and internationally, and many Maadho products can be found at ShopRite, Sweetgreen, and Five Below stores.
“The most rewarding part about being in business is creating jobs,” Singh says. “Although it can be a stressful thought to have others depend on you, it often acts as motivation to strive for the best not only for yourself, but for your employees and their families.”
OnMed
7 Renaissance Sq, Fifth Floor
White Plains
OnMed was founded in 2014 to address one of America’s most pressing challenges: access to healthcare. The OnMed team recognized early on that telehealth would not be able to fully replace in-person care without exams or diagnostic tools. As a result, they created the OnMed CareStation, which is a private, clinic-in-a-box that combines the comprehensive, human approach of in-person care with the scalability and reach of telehealth.
The early years at OnMed were dedicated to research and development, but about two years ago, OnMed began rapidly commercializing the CareStation, expanding its footprint across the United States. Today, CareStations are deployed and operational in seven states across the United States and Puerto Rico, bringing access to healthcare directly to communities that need it the most.
View this post on Instagram
“At the heart of OnMed is a clear ‘why.’ Nearly 120 million Americans lack adequate access to healthcare. More than 80% of U.S. counties face health deserts, and average wait times for appointments have increased by over 40% in the last two decades,” says Karthik Ganesh, OnMed CEO. “OnMed exists to change that – to improve quality of life and well-being by bringing healthcare anywhere.”
OnMed’s CareStation is an 8×10 “clinic-in-a-box” that connects people to live clinicians and diagnostic tools right where they work, learn, and live. Upon entering an OnMed CareStation, patients will find a private, comfortable space. With a single tap on the screen, patients are then connected to a live, licensed clinician who guides the visit in real time. From above, advanced diagnostic tools descend to enable a thorough exam, allowing the clinician to provide a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and send an e-prescription directly to the patient’s pharmacy of choice.
The result is immediate access to care without the delays, travel, appointments, or waiting rooms of traditional healthcare. “Patients are treated sooner, at an optimal site of care, and health outcomes benefit,” says Ganesh.
Currently, OnMed is located in the fabric of communities, at the heart of busy lives where people work, live, and shop. CareStations can be found in community centers, hospitals, universities, airports, grocery stores, retail locations, and employer campuses.
“What truly sets us apart is that we’ve pioneered a new model: hybrid care. OnMed blends the best of both in-person care and telehealth into one seamless experience,” Ganesh says. “At the same time, we’ve removed the barriers patients find most frustrating: no crowded waiting rooms, no months-long waits for basic appointments. It is remarkably rewarding to see the tangible difference we make in people’s lives. It’s what drives every employee at OnMed, everyday. We’re not just bringing access to healthcare; we’re improving the well-being and quality of life in the communities we serve.”
Next Steps
Do you think you have the right idea for Westchester’s next fast-growing, entrepreneurial business? Check here for resources to get you started.
Related: A New Healthcare Training Program Is Available in Westchester
