Desiree Watson, president and CEO of Wellness Interactive and the South Orange-based Wellness Lounge, has been named a finalist in the Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Awards.

The Award recognises women entrepreneurs for their service, leadership and contribution to the communities they serve and to New Jersey’s overall economic recovery, according to a press release.  The finalists have been chosen from among hundreds of entries, based on performance in Market Potential, Innovation, Advocacy for Women and Community Involvement.

Watson, a resident of West Orange, is being considered in Phase Two of the competition where the Top 25 women will be selected by an Advisory Board. If chosen, Watson will be recognized at a cocktail reception in December 2012 at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Founded in 2000, Wellness Interactive, Inc. originally focused on educational programming for women and children. After a seven-year global research effort dedicated to programming excellence, Wellness Interactive now serves as a principal resource for corporations, organizations and professionals interested in developing and implementing educational programs that promote a Wellness Lifestyle.

Recognizing the need to bring wellness programming and a “green focus” to the local community, Watson launched the flagship Wellness Lounge^® in November 2011, featuring the Something Healthy^® store. The Wellness Lounge^® is an oasis where people can learn new ways to improve their health and wellbeing.  The lounge offers an array of living therapy lifestyle workshops and classes dedicated to personal development, stress management and environmental education for adults and children. The goal is to help members become closer to wellness from various perspectives that can improve their quality of life.

Read more at www.wellnessinteractive.com.