The NY Daily News has recently reported on New York City’s first ever Divorce Expo.
Divorced New Yorkers by the hundreds descended onto a Chelsea expo Sunday for a one-stop shop selling all things ex.
At “Start Over Smart: A Modern Divorce Expo,” which ended Sunday after a two day run, vendors and exhibitors offered tips on parenting through a divorce, tools to background check online dates and even “divorce rings” with inspirational messages.
Attendees at the Metropolitan Pavilion event browsed nearly 100 stands, including divorce attorneys and mediators as well as financial planners, hair stylists and life coaches.
Jeff Morris, 45, of Commack, Long Island, said he came to get information on how to move forward with his divorce and custody proceedings.
“I knew I needed to delve into the process of getting a divorce instead of saying, ‘Wait, maybe things’ll change,” Morris said.
“Right now, I’m mainly here for advice, and maybe get some help.”
Mother and daughter co-founders Francine Baras and Nicole Feuer said they were inspired to bring a divorce expo to New York after visiting one in Paris. Feuer said the expos help people find support and feel better during a difficult time.
“(Divorce is) a nightmare,” Feuer said. “We’re here to say you can turn it into a positive experience for you, for your children.”
During a seminar on how to help children survive a divorce, Drs Jonah Schrag and Allison Bell urged parents not to demean the other parent in front of kids.
“Have a place for conflict, but not where children are party to it,” Dr. Bell said.
Their advice struck a chord for Robyn Rock, 45, of Westchester, who is in the midst of a divorce and said the talk got her “thinking how this affects my daughter. It’s really relevant to a lot of people.”
Downstairs, jeweler Kimberly Pauley hawked $8 to $58 divorce rings with messages like, “Trade Up,” and “Rock Your New Body,” at her stall.
“People have been having fun with them,” she said.
During Sunday’s expo, celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger offered makeovers and styling tips to people getting back into the dating scene.
“I love a makeover,” Harshbarger said. “So many people come to me to feel better. I am a firm believer if you look good, you’ll feel good.”
