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5/31/2023 0 Comments

Kemistry Media Lab Presents: Welcome to the Beauty Booth - A Unique Beauty and Social Networking Event

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Submitted by Kemistry Media Lab, LLC
Christina Outlaw, event producer for "Welcome to the Beauty Booth," is thrilled to announce a beauty and social networking event for beauty entrepreneurs, influencers, and new beauty professionals. Taking place on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, this highly anticipated event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.

Welcome to the Beauty Booth will showcase local master stylist, Marissa O. Kendrick as the keynote speaker, who will demonstrate her renowned "Scissor Queen" method on live models. The event will also feature renowned beauty entrepreneur Luvena Leslie from The Curly Hair Salon, international deejay DJ Too Much, and emerging beauty phenom Kierra Arbor of Superior Design Beauty. In-person attendees will have the opportunity to shop from select vendors, network in our selfie lounge, visit beauty activation stations, and learn from beauty professionals.

"We are excited to host Welcome to the Beauty Booth and provide an inclusive space for beauty enthusiasts to connect, learn, and grow," said Marissa O. Kendrick, the keynote speaker. "Our event is designed to inspire and empower beauty entrepreneurs, influencers, and aspiring professionals, fostering a vibrant and supportive local beauty community."

Welcome to the Beauty Booth is actively seeking partnerships with brands to enhance the attendee experience and further cultivate the local beauty community. For full event details can visit www.thebeautybooth.co. Tickets for Welcome to the Beauty Booth are currently on sale and can be purchased at www.thebeautybooth.co. 
"Our event is designed to inspire and empower beauty entrepreneurs, influencers, and aspiring professionals, fostering a vibrant and supportive local beauty community."
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5/31/2023 1 Comment

Unleashing Your Business's Full Potential: How Hosting Events Can Boost Your Revenue

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Submitted by Natural Annie Essentials
In today's competitive business landscape, it's important to find new and creative ways to add revenue to your business. One way to do this is by renting out space to create creative experiences. Not only does this provide an additional source of income, but it can also attract new customers and enhance your existing offerings.
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Here are some tips on how to rent out space to create creative experiences:
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  • Choose your niche
First, you'll need to decide on the types of classes or experiences you want to offer. Consider your skills, interests, and the needs of your community. For example, if you're an artist, you might offer painting classes. If you're a chef, you might offer cooking classes. Or, if you're a fitness instructor, you might offer yoga or dance classes. Whatever your niche, make sure it's something you're passionate about and that there's a demand for in your area.
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  • Determine the logistics and find a space to host your class
Once you've chosen your niche, you'll need to determine the logistics of your classes or experiences. Consider the space you'll need such as NaturalAnnie Essentials Candle Bar & studio, the equipment you'll need, and any other materials or supplies required. Will you need to rent a space or can you use your own? Will you need to hire any additional staff or can you manage on your own? These are all important considerations to make before launching your classes or experiences. 

If you are in Connecticut consider hosting your next event at NaturalAnnie Essentials Candle Bar & Studio located in Bridgeport Connecticut. Find out more about our event space here.

There are several benefits to renting our studio space if you don't have your own, including:
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  1. Cost savings: Renting our studio space is more cost-effective than owning a space, as you don't have to worry about property taxes, maintenance, or repair costs, and bonus, it already comes decorated!
  2. Flexibility: Renting our studio space gives you the flexibility to choose a location that is convenient for your customers, and you can adjust your space as your business grows. See our availability here
  3. Access to amenities: Our studio space come equipped with amenities such as utilities, internet, and furniture, which can save you money and time.
  4. Networking opportunities: Renting our studio space put you in close proximity to other like-minded business owners, which can lead to collaboration opportunities and potential partnerships at the candle bar.
  5. Professional appearance: Renting our studio space gives your business a more professional appearance and increase your credibility with customers.
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  • Set a price point
When setting your prices, you'll need to consider your costs, including materials, equipment, and staff. You'll also need to consider your target market and the price point they'll be willing to pay. Research what similar experiences are being offered in your area and what they charge. Set a price that is competitive and fair.
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  • Promote your classes or experiences
Once you've set up your classes or experiences, it's time to start promoting them. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share information about your classes and experiences. You can also create flyers and distribute them around town, and reach out to local media outlets for coverage. Consider offering discounts or promotions to new customers to encourage them to try out your classes or experiences.
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  • Create a positive experience
Once customers start coming to your classes or experiences, make sure to provide a positive and memorable experience. Be friendly, welcoming, and attentive to their needs. Encourage feedback and use it to improve your classes or experiences. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and satisfied customers will be more likely to recommend your classes or experiences to their friends and family.
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Here are some examples of crafts that can easily be turned into an event/ experience:
  • If you knit, host a knitting class
  • If you cook, host a cooking class
  • If you paint, host a sip & paint experience
  • If you are an artist, host an art class
  • If you are a bartender, host a cocktail making class
  • If you are a florist host a flower making class
  • If you braid hair, host a hair braiding class
  • If you love yoga, host a yoga class
  • If you love karaoke, host a karaoke experience
  • If you enjoy working out, host a workout class
  • If you make charcuterie, host a charcuterie board class
  • If you make jewelry, host a jewelry making class
  • If you are a coach, host a networking event
  • If you make soap, host a soap making class
  • and the list goes on!!

Offering creative classes and experiences can be an excellent way to generate additional income for your business. Choose your niche, determine the logistics, set a price point, promote your classes or experiences, and create a positive experience for your customers. By following these steps, you can create a successful and profitable revenue stream for your business.

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5/26/2023 3 Comments

Free Therapy: Where Street Gear and Positive Vibes Meet Up

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By Lajeune Hollis
In November of 2022, after the pandemic had finally started to wind down, 18-year-old James Judkins of Hartford, Connecticut was looking for a meaningful way to spread positivity into the world.  He made the discovery with the opening of his online clothing brand of street gear he calls Free Therapy.

“If you have an idea, take a leap of faith,” said Judkins. “Don’t let your fears overcome your success. We are a community – we are one.  We are all here for a reason and you just have to find your reason and do it. This is Free Therapy, made from nothing but love.”

Wise words spoken from young entrepreneur James Judkins—or “Jay J”, as he likes to be called.

Judkins is committed to maintaining positive messaging and culturally-oriented designs through his brand. His online store—easily found at itsfreetherapy.myshopify.com—features five catalog subsections:

Essentials by Therapy are calm and relaxing matching duos of positive-scripted hoodies, sweatpants and sweatshirts. Vintage by Therapy are vintage-inspired t-shirts featuring famous celebrities. They are all 100% cotton and blend well with any street gear. Hoodies by Therapy are comfortable, warm and feature meaningful words to live by. Tees by Therapy are 100% cotton t-shirts that combine comfort and fashion with pivotal life messages.

Free Therapy home décor products work to bring out good vibes in any home or home office. Posters, journals, candles and jewelry boxes all come with signature messages of love and positivity.
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 “Don’t let your fears overcome your success. We are a community – we are one.  We are all here for a reason and you just have to find your reason and do it. This is Free Therapy, made from nothing but love.”
Judkins’s mission is to spread as much positivity into what he calls “a negative world”.  He reasons that “the inspirational messages found on my clothing could potentially captivate future generations on what to teach their own children.”

When asked what keeps him up at night, Judkins shared that he ultimately always wants to be the best person he can be and reach his full potential.

“Every day I push harder than the day before,” he shared. “By my pushing, it will honestly make me a better person.  This also relates to my clothing brand, Free Therapy. We reach out to local businesses as well as up-and-comers and help to build them up. We are built on love and growth and the desire to push towards a better tomorrow.”

His primary challenges since opening last November of 2022 are driving traffic to his website and brand awareness. Judkins has navigated these challenges by offering the opportunity to become Free Therapy Brand Ambassadors for anyone who visits his Instagram page, which is also linked to his online shop.
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Judkins shared that he will always work to support local businesses, spread awareness and network with individual businesses to create collaborations.
 
For those who are looking to open their own business but not certain where to start Judkins says, “Don’t let that stop you from doing something great, have a business plan but make sure you are open to change and open to new things.  And I will gladly share any knowledge I have about it with you.”

Speaking of business plans, in the next five years Judkins’s goal is to open a brick-and-mortar store for Free Therapy and also take his Free Therapy services worldwide.

For now, you can find Free Therapy online at @itsfreetherapy45 on Instagram, email Judkins at [email protected] or visit the Free Therapy shop at itsfreetherapy.myshopify.com.

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AUTHOR

Lajeune Hollis is a Connecticut resident, media sales professional, local news junkie, daughter, sister, proud aunt and colon cancer survivor. She has spent the past 30+ years in the media industry and has written, produced and hosted mini-biographies (bio-line) for a gospel video show called Lifeline Gospel Videos on a Bridgeport, CT public access television station; written African American book reviews for a monthly urban newspaper, The Inner City Newspaper, in New Haven, CT; co-hosted an on-air book review (the L & L Book Review) on an urban contemporary radio station (WNHC AM 1340); hosted an African American monthly book club at Barnes and Noble bookstore in North Haven, CT; worked as a community radio announcer (Lovers Corner with Lajeune) at a New Haven area radio station (WYBC 94.3 FM); worked as a local ad sales manager for Umoja Newspaper in Bridgeport, CT; worked in radio advertising sales and management for a total of four Connecticut radio stations (WNHC AM 1340, WEBE 108FM, WICC 600 AM, and WYBC 94.3FM) and is currently working in local ad sales (television, digital, online, content marketing and social media) for News 8, a New Haven, CT based ABC TV affiliate. Lajeune also has her own website, LajeuneHollis.com and blog, The View from Lajeune.
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PHOTOGRAPHER

Shariffah Mason is a female, versatile, freelance photographer from Connecticut. She typically admires photographs of friends and family, scenic views, and just moments that are memorable without even realizing it! She wanted people to see that same beauty she does so she decided to get a camera, create her brand (Reef's Views Photography) and went to work! Now she's able to deliver quality content and make memories last a lifetime for her clients. Currently as a photographer, she volunteers for ShopBlackCT and does her own freelance work too. If you'd like to see more of Shariffah's work, check out her IG/Facebook @Queenofallltrades! ​

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5/19/2023 1 Comment

PLAYA BOWLS: Acai Comes to Avon

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By Mikki A.Ealey
Look out, all you health-conscious consumers and smoothie bowl lovers—there’s a new acai in town! Playa Bowls announced its grand opening in April 2023 in Avon, marking the third Playa Bowls location in Connecticut for Mitch Jackson. The two other locations are in West Hartford and Glastonbury.

Jackson was born and raised in Connecticut and is passionate about his community. While he works a full-time job in addition to being an entrepreneur, he always makes time for his family. When his college friend, Mike Bogdan, pitched the idea of opening a Playa Bowls to him he wasn’t sold at first. But Jackson believes in striving for success and providing high-quality products that community members can enjoy, so he took a leap of faith and invested in the franchise, which originated in New Jersey with founders Rob Giuliani and Abby Taylor. According to the Playa Bowls website, what began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge has flourished into over 170+ stores, thousands of employees, and a mission to lead communities in healthy, sustainable living.
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For Jackson, it’s been a great experience ever since, and an even greater benefit to the community.

Playa Bowls offers a variety of options on the menu, from acai bowls to smoothies and fresh juices. The bowls offer a base choice of acai, pitaya, coconut, greens, mango, banana and oatmeal, and are topped with a variety of fruits. The acai and pitaya (dragon fruit) are even from Brazil! Fresh juice blends of fruits and vegetables—including spinach, beets, kale, carrots, oranges and pineapple—are also a customer favorite. Playa Bowls love to switch things up from time to time to cater to the community, and for fun!
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Playa Bowls bowls offer a base choice of acai, pitaya, coconut, greens, mango, banana and oatmeal, and are topped with a variety of fruits. 
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Customers will notice a unique look and feel when they visit Playa Bowls Avon, which features a sleek and interactive juice bar and a spacious seating area. Staff greet everyone who comes through the doors with big smiles and are happy to customize orders. A loyalty club also provides special perks for those who enroll.

For Jackson and Bogdan, the opening of this third location is exciting and a way to connect with even more people across Connecticut. So, when you get a craving for something healthy AND delicious, think of Playa Bowls and head to Avon or your closest location.
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Playa Bowls Avon is located at 380 West Main Street, Avon, Connecticut and is open daily from 8:00am-9:00pm. Get more info on Facebook, Instagram or at www.playabowls.com. 
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AUTHOR

Mikki A. Ealey (MAE) has 15 years of experience in the literary field and is currently the CEO and Founder of “Mz Social Butterfly Network, LLC and Small Press”, a company that takes pride in building quality unique products and service. In February 2017, she published her first book “Ready Set Go: 30 Days of Motivation to Get You to The Next Level” and in 2019, she just released a book collaboration called “Glambitious Guide to Winning in 2020." She is currently working on her second book “Unlock The Power in You.” In addition to writing, MAE is deeply involved in her community.  She also sits on the board of several organizations, Complete Girlz Inc., ENACT, just to name a few. MAE is a proud mother of four beautiful children. She is a hardworking, and spiritually inclined woman whose goal is to help heal the world any way she can. Her journey stems from receiving her first diary at the tender age of ten years old from her mother. She has always been determined to face her fears, and step into her purpose to grow from a Caterpillar to a Butterfly.
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PHOTOGRAPHER

Quatina Frazer is a New England photographer. She enjoys taking portrait and landscape photos. Capturing natural, candid photos is what she enjoys most. Quatina has been called a Prophetic Visualist; she desires to see deeper than the lens and the eye and she captures what's beyond and not otherwise evident. Quatina graduated from Wesleyan University in 2020 with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in Arts.

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