Nice to Meet You!

Photographer - Social Media Manager - Community PR

Education

Mercy University - Communications - Public Relations

Who do you work with?

JoAnna Tamarazzo

JoAnna Tamarazzo is a Communications student, creative professional, and fitness industry specialist based in Westchester County, NY. She is the founder of JT Collective Media and a community-driven creator working at the intersection of media, storytelling, and real-world experience.

JoAnna is currently pursuing her B.S. in Communications at Mercy University (Class of 2027). Prior to a program restructure, she originally planned to formally concentrate in Public Relations. As her academic path evolved, she found herself exploring public relations more independently and experientially—through hands-on work across Westchester’s professional networking landscape, content creation, and community media.

At Mercy University, JoAnna serves as a Social Media Content Assistant, supporting institutional marketing and communications while gaining practical experience in digital storytelling, brand voice, and audience engagement. In parallel, she has developed a growing interest in journalism and narrative media, documenting local stories, fitness professionals, and community leaders through photography, podcasting, and long-form writing.

Today, these skills—communications, social media, journalism, photography, and content strategy—collide across every platform she builds and every project she supports.

Alongside her education, JoAnna brings over a decade of professional experience across fitness, hospitality, retail, and service-based environments, including national and boutique brands such as David’s Bridal, OrangeTheory Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, NYSC, Solidcore, Pure Physique, and others. She is known for her strong work ethic, high level and top sales performance across brands for the time she is there, relationship-building skills, and ability to represent brands with professionalism on the front lines.

As an employee and collaborator, JoAnna is recognized for being organized, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, with a deep understanding of both operational demands and creative strategy. Her work reflects a commitment to community, consistency, and growth—balancing education, employment, and entrepreneurship with intention.

Home

Yonkers (Raised) Scarsdale- Eastchester (Employed)

Date of Birth: March 4, 1996

I love coffee shops, espresso, and photography—especially when those worlds intersect. What began as an interest in social media and self-promotion during my early career as a bridal sales consultant, and later as a personal trainer, evolved naturally into creative media work. Photography first became an adventure shared with my boyfriend, and today it’s also a professional practice supporting health, hospitality, small businesses, and community events across Westchester County.

Fun Facts about JoAnna Tamarazzo

My professional experience has been rooted locally, working exclusively in Yonkers, Scarsdale, and Eastchester, while attending college in Dobbs Ferry. I value teamwork, lead with good intention, and believe strong communication is the foundation of any successful organization.

I’m a twin and one of four siblings, and I approach both life and work through a lens of growth and self-awareness. After self-discovering ADHD, I sought support and learned how to manage my symptoms through therapy, structure, and wellness-based tools. That journey has shaped how I show up professionally—with empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

Education has never been limited to a single classroom for me. My learning has been built through a combination of formal and applied experiences, including:

Community college and undergraduate-level education
NASM certification and fitness-based continuing education
Internal job training across multiple organizations
LinkedIn Learning, ANA Marketing resources, and industry-led coursework
Ongoing education through coaches on YouTube, in-person mentorship, and peer learning

I actively enrich myself by surrounding myself with other business owners and professionals in the community, believing that proximity to strong thinkers sharpens both skill and perspective. Since 2014, I’ve invested personally and financially in my development—working with dietitians, personal trainers, business coaches, yoga instructors, and funding academic and professional growth out of pocket.

Looking ahead, I’m interested in pursuing an MBA, with a focus in journalism, marketing, or general business administration, continuing to blend strategy, storytelling, and people-centered leadership.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find me in a local café with a camera nearby—and I’m still hoping for a dachshund as my college graduation present.

Work Experience

Sept. 2024 - Present
Event Photography & Social Media Management

January 2024 - Present
Hospitality & Personal Training

JoAnna had long envisioned a future in media and already had her logo prepared—but she surprised herself by diving fully into photography. Her first photoshoot was booked through the 914 Pop Ups group chat, leading to a vibrant portfolio that began with a child’s birthday party, followed by shoots for local cafés, restaurants, and eventually a Sweet 16—referred by a family friend from elementary school.

By November 2024, while working coat check and hostessing at Mulino’s of White Plains, JoAnna began capturing guests amidst the restaurant’s iconic holiday décor. These candid moments sparked connections with patrons who later booked her for private events including baby showers, first birthdays, and high school pre-prom photoshoots—like the upcoming Maria Regina Pre-Prom in May 2025.

Her work has since expanded through collaborations with prominent event professionals such as:

Melissa Tomlin of 914 Pop Ups
Itzel Aguilera, Westchester Blogger
Jessica Williams of Elegant Spreads by Jess

JoAnna has served as an event photographer, sponsor, or guest at local venues including 55 Church Street, Stamford Co-Create, The Sailhouse of Tarrytown, and B Social Event Space. She also proudly invites collaborators and clients to Toscana on Main, where she manages social media and works as a weekend hostess.

JT Co Media continues to grow organically through authentic community connections, personalized service, and JoAnna’s passion for storytelling through photography.

After closing her chapter in retail with Sephora in November 2023, JoAnna returned to her roots in health and fitness. She began substitute instructing group fitness classes at a local gym in Tuckahoe while continuing her own fitness journey as a personal training client and mentee. Immersed in the process, she quickly realized the dedication, education, and energy required to effectively coach others and deliver real results.

On February 4, 2024, JoAnna officially became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and launched her career with 10 committed clients on her first day at 24 Hour Fitness in Scarsdale, NY. She soon expanded her role, becoming a substitute HIIT instructor and earning her Tivity Health SilverSneakers Classic Certification, allowing her to coach a broader range of clients, including older adults.

In Summer 2024, JoAnna faced personal health challenges and an injury, prompting a temporary pause from onboarding new clients. During this time, she stayed connected with her fitness community, shifted focus to hospitality, and embraced new opportunities. She began working at Omni Café and later hostessing at Gigante Restaurant & Bar by July.

This period sparked a creative resurgence—JoAnna began capturing behind-the-scenes moments and events through photography. By November 2024, she was invited to hostess at Mulino’s of White Plains and joined Restore Hyperwellness in front desk and spa membership sales.

Though it was a season of highs and lows, JoAnna emerged renewed in her purpose—blending her passions across photography, events, fitness, and hospitality. Today, she continues to grow her portfolio, network with local professionals, and serves private in-home personal training clients while building toward her next chapter.

June 2014 - November 2024
Retail Sales & Membership Management

JoAnna began her career in 2014 as a Full-Time Bridal Consultant at David’s Bridal in Yonkers, NY, where she spent 6.5 years helping brides find their dream dress. She captured and shared their special moments through her Instagram page, @joannasbestdressedbrides. Following the store’s post-pandemic closure in 2021, JoAnna transitioned into the fitness industry, starting at Orangetheory Fitness and later expanding her expertise in sales, training, and instruction at Hydrogen Fitness and StretchLab.

She briefly returned to retail as a Sales & Service Leader at Sephora, where she deepened her leadership skills and ultimately confirmed her passion lies in hospitality and fitness—rather than the traditional retail sales floor. This role reinforced key values that now guide her approach to coaching, client engagement, and entrepreneurship.

In February 2024, JoAnna became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and joined 24 Hour Fitness in Scarsdale. She now works independently with private clients and is developing **www.beginwithyou.fitness**—a digital platform that celebrates local fitness professionals, studios, and wellness experiences throughout Westchester.