37 minute read
BUSINESS TALK
DANA EDWARDS
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
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My name is Dana Edwards, from Toms River, NJ. I am a wife and the mother of 6 beautiful kids, and our youngest son Tanner suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. My husband Brian is a licensed Master Plumber.
I’m the Ambassador of NJ for the JETT Foundation. I am the inventor of The Perfect Lift. (https://www. theperfectlift.com/) and creator and founder of a support group called Porch Nite.
What makes you “hustle”?
I have a mind that doesn’t sleep! I’m constantly thinking of ways to improve people’s lives with disabilities and make changes worldwide.
Tell us what made you decide to create your Perfect Lift and what exactly it is?
My first thought about creating the Perfect Lift was when we were on a family vacation. I was looking down over the balcony at the pool, and I saw a mom and her two young kids trying to slide their wet father off a pool lift onto his wheelchair using a sliding board, but he didn’t budge. A few people came to help the mom get him into his wheelchair. Once they got him on, they brought him around to go on the beach. The resort had a beach wheelchair, and again they tried using the sliding board, but they couldn’t budge him because his shorts were wet.
Watching a family trying to do this transfer was heartbreaking for me. I felt so bad for the helpless father and the mom and kids who were exhausted trying every way to move him; they never made it to the beach that day. Then I was home for about a week and got our son out of our pool using a little manual lift we had. He weighed about 200 lbs carrying him from the swimming pool to his wheelchair because the lift we were using retained water. When I got him into his power wheelchair, I pressed the side of the lift down to release the water. I burnt out his wheelchair battery. My son cried like we broke his legs. That was the day that changed everything!
The Perfect Lift is a transport sling that allows two or more individuals to quickly and safely move another individual who needs assistance. Caregivers or family members can use The Perfect Lift for any transfer necessary for bathing, toileting, or recreational use ( beach, pools, ocean, and boats). It is invaluable for airplane transfers, escaping dangerous situations and emergency evacuations (fire, tornadoes, and floods), medical procedures for care, and clinical trials.
One of my favorite uses of the lift is to ride a rollercoaster! It’s foldable, water-resistant, drains thoroughly, and has a commode cut out. The
Perfect Lift weighs about 1 lb. We have three sizes, and all are engineer tested and patented.
What was it like to have an idea and then see it come to fruition with a Kickstarter campaign?
It took us months to figure out the design. Our son has compression fractures, so I knew we needed back and neck support. I knew the lift had to be strong but lightweight and comfortable to sit on all day. I knew I wanted it to drain completely. I then thought about traveling to the airport, going on vacations, and using a bathroom, so we made it with a commode cut out. We made it so you could easily transport an individual up and down steps and get into and out of the pool or ocean.
There are endless applications for the t Perfect Lift. I took all my ideas and hard work and went to my friend who sews and told her what I wanted, and she made the first lift prototype. I showed it to my closest friends, and everyone cried to see it brought to life. I’m not computer-savvy, so Kickstarter I did not navigate well. In addition to the Kickstarter campaign, I met with the Minnows on Shark Tank. The Shark Tank Minnows loved my idea. I was number 66 out of 700. They only allow for a one-minute pitch; they spoke to me for 15. It was an incredible experience, but I didn’t make it. We only sold 40 lifts at the time.
What does the word “Influential” mean to you?
The word influential means helping people with all types of disabilities see and enjoy the world. Hopefully, I’ve helped fill that gap and turned
the “what we can’t do” into the “look what we can do .”I’ve helped so many lives worldwide, including children and adults who couldn’t or wouldn’t leave their house because they were afraid to go. The Perfect Lift has given them happiness and Joy!
According to you, what skills are necessary for becoming a successful female entrepreneur?
Determination and not quitting! Don’t give up!
What do you feel are your greatest strengths, personally and professionally, as a businesswoman?
I’m compassionate and creative, and I have an attention to detail. I think outside of the box, and I give 150%. #8 What has been the hardest thing to accomplish since starting this mission?
It is getting the Perfect Lift the recognition it deserves. We now have three different sizes, and it is a powerful tool. All people with mobility issues can use the Perfect Lift. It has many uses in areas like fire trucks, EMS, boats, planes, pools, ocean, rides, camps, adaptive sports, veterans, lifeguards, funerals, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, veterinarians, FEMA, and hotels. The list goes on and on.
Who are some people who empower and inspire you, and why?
First, my husband Brian always supports and encourages me in all I do. My dear friend Mike Murray listened and believed in me and helped me bring it to life and make my prototype. Don Gioia, the owner of Gioia Sails, who manufactures all my lifts, said, “The Perfect Lift is the best thing his hands have ever
If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
Eliminate all the people that took money from me to help me and did nothing.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you do what you do?
Social isolation is a real thing for people in wheelchairs. There are roadblocks the minute you leave home. The brutality occurs when rescuing a person with a disability is disgraceful from broken bones, fractured spines, and even death. It’s unfair that in 2022 people in wheelchairs have been pushed aside, or the people trying to change their world don’t live it. My WHY is because we can do better.
Tell us a little about the mission behind creating the Perfect Lift?
I was determined to make a better life for anyone and everyone who has a disability that wants to engage and fully live life.
Name one special moment that has stood out to you during this journey.
The first time we used the Perfect Lift to get out of a pool while on vacation. A woman came over and asked where we got it. I told her I made it for my son, and she asked me if I would be making more. I told her yes. Two months later, she was my first customer.
What has been your best form of promotion for this product, and what platform is your favorite?
Word of mouth and the beautiful testimonies we receive almost daily. Stories of people getting out and living and taking trips that weren’t possible before. A family told me they got their child into the basement during a tornado. All of these testimonies are priceless!
What is one thing that motivates you?
Setting people with disabilities free!
What made you decide to create “the Perfect Lift”?
I needed to do something. I couldn’t accept the situation. We needed to live again!
What are your next plans?
Get the Perfect Lift to everyone and anyone in the world that can benefit by owning one. Safety is the number one goal!
COLLEEN COMMISSO
Tell us a litt bit about yourself, and your background.
My name is Colleen Commisso and I have lived in Syracuse, NY my entire 45 years of life. I have an amazingly supportive husband who deals with my constant insanity and ever evolving entrepreneurial journey. I have 3 children Rylyn 17, Nicholas, 16 and Reese 12. I am right in the throws of teenage life and college researching. It is never a dull moment.
I was an elementary teacher for 16 years and never imagined doing anything other than that. Seven years ago I started a “side gig” to help make a little extra cash. Never did I imagine that business would far surpass my teaching salary and change our family’s future! Stepping out of my comfort join and starting that business was the single most important financial decision. It taught me that nothing big can happen inside our comfort zone. Growth comes from change and that is always uncomfortable. A few years later, I wanted another business and I now had the mindset that if I put my mind to it, I could make it as big as I wanted. It just takes determination. That is when I started Inspired Beauty Boutique.
What makes you “hustle”?
Initially it was definitely my family and being financially secure. When you have struggled financially it is a very stressful experience. I don’t think you ever forget that feeling. I was determined to never experience that again. I didn’t want to say no when my kids asked to join a travel team because we couldn’t afford it. I didn’t want to wake up at night not knowing how we’d pay the bills. I wanted to be able to take my family on vacation without feeling sick about how much it cost. I wanted to be comfortable and not constantly worry about money. That was my initial drive.
If I’m honest now… it is about proving to myself that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I guess I’d have to say it’s not just proving it to myself, but showing others that they have so much more potential than they think, and they can accomplish anything as well. I drive this in my kids daily. And
let’s be honest, in this industry we get to know our clients on a very personal level. Our conversations always come back to what we are capable of and how we feel about ourselves. The name Inspired Beauty was intentional. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel inspired and know their worth! Unfortunately, we as woman wait way too long to realize we need to take care of ourselves and it’s not selfish to put ourselves first sometimes.
Tell us about what made you decide to open your own business in the skincare industry?.
My initial side gig was with a skincare company. I joined at a time when I was too busy with little kids and working full time to even wash my face. I was too tired most days to even think about it. Once I hit 40 I realized how important skincare is, and that I should have made it a priority a long time ago. I became obsessed with learning about it and all of the newest technology out there to improve our skin.
What is your most favorite service you provide to clients and why?
It’s very hard to answer this one hahahaha! Let me put it this way. I was recently ask how I decide which services to add. My answer was simple; if I want the services done for myself, then I add them! That may sound too simple, but that is literally how I have added my services. My absolute favorite is the Cryoskin. I have never seen a fat eliminating and cellulite reducing treatment that even comes close. It is perfect for all ages and sizes! Our clients (as well as all of us that treat them) are completely obsessed with it! Our HIFU, non-surgical facelift treatment is another one of our absolute favorites! It gives the tightened, firming and lifted results without surgery. Laser Hair Removal is always a go to with clients! Who doesn’t want to throw out their razor?
What does the word “Beauty” mean to you?
I am a firm believer that beauty comes from within. Let’s be clear here… if you are a nasty person then it doesn’t matter how you look on the outside. That being said let’s also be real here. Everyone wants to look good. I have so many clients come to me and apologize
about being vain and wanting to improve their appearance. The truth is we are all a little vain. This isn’t a negative thing. Beauty comes from feeling good about yourself. That is different for all of us. When a client asks me if they should do a treatment my response is always the same; if it will make you feel good then do it. My husband and I have always lived by that. Even when money was tight if there was something that was going to make us healthier or feel better than we did it.
According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful female entrepreneur?
The single most important skill is constantly working on your mindset. I could go on forever about this. Every single person who starts a business is scared to death. I don’t know anyone who knew for certain they would start a business and it would be hugely successful. One guarantee you will get is that it will absolutely not go the way you planned. That doesn’t mean you won’t get there. You absolutely will if you have the mindset to get you through the incredibly curvy path it will take. It’s not easy. Everyone wants to feel accepted and validated that what they are doing is right. As an entrepreneur you better be ready for that not to happen. This is not for everyone. And those that don’t have the stomach for it will be more than happy to tell you that you shouldn’t do it either. This is not to be negative. Most people like the comfort zone and that is great for them. But it also makes them uncomfortable when others go out of that comfort zone. As long as you know that and can talk yourself through it then you will be fine. Know that you will second guess yourself on a regular basis. You just keep going and going and you will absolutely find success!
How do you stay on top of the latest trends?
I am constantly looking at social media for the latest trends. That may sound simplistic, but the ones who are up on the latest happenings are the social media gurus. This is not me, lol, but I know I can scroll and find the latest treatments and techniques out there. From there, I do my research on the technique and see if it is legit or just a passing fad. I determine if it truly works, and if it works with my business and what my clients want.
Who are some of the people that empower and inspire you and why? This is a question I always struggle with. I don’t have some incredibly inspirational answer to this. I don’t have a specific woman or two that I look up to or that has pushed me to accomplish what I have. Those that empower and inspire me are the every day ladies who are overcoming obstacles on a regular basis and still kicking ass. Those that were told they were out of their element and didn’t back down. Cheers to all of you that are doing what you believe and ignoring the noise. Those are the people that empower and inspire me!
If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I know, I know that is a bunch of bull. But honestly I can’t say I would have done anything differently because if I had it wouldn’t have let me to exactly where I am. If I hadn’t failed at things then I wouldn’t have tried new paths. It truly is a journey and that crazy, curvy path leads us to where we are supposed to be. Ok, I do have one thing. Knowing what I know now, I would have saved A LOT of money on marketers that were not very good. For me I had no way to figure out what was decent marketing unless I just gave some people a try. I blew a lot of money that way.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you do what you do?
3 reasons: - To show my kids they can truly achieve anything they want
-To prove to myself that I can achieve anything I want
-To show other woman they are capable of way more than they think
Tell us a little about the mission behind Inspired Beauty Boutique?
I want everyone who walks through our door to feel like they belong. Most people that go to a spa for a treatment do so because they are self conscious about something. I want them to feel comfortable and know they are with a group of people that can completely relate to how they feel. I want them to believe they are worth feeling good about themselves. Through our conversations while they are there, our hope is that they will not only feel better about themselves, but also know their worth.
Name one special moment during your career that has stood out to you.
This is a tough one. There is one that always rings in my head. I had a client in for a beauty treatment. She messaged me the next day and said she just wanted to let me know that it was one of the best days she has had in a long time. Not because of the treatment (which she loved) but because after our session she went home and decided she was going to pursue her dream and start a new course she’s been thinking about for years. She said I made her realize that she can accomplish anything and life is too short to not try. To me that was just a moment of clarity that we were doing things right. And I had chosen the perfect name for the business. My goal is to truly inspire people. #14 What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful, and now expand from Central NY to Rochester as well?
Hard work and being a little bit crazy, hahahaha! I think just having the mentality that I can do it and I can do it even better than I imagine. Once I have that belief I will do whatever I need to in order to make that happen. It’s all about believing and envisioning it. Once that happens, nothing can stop you.
#15 What do you have planned for the next year? What about five years from now?
Over the next year I plan to open one more location. I’m thinking that may be in Webster. I also plan to help 3 others open their own locations around the country. In 5 years I want to expand even more and have Inspired Beauty well known as a place women can come to just “be” and feel inspired and motivated by others.
What has been your best form of promotion and what platform is your favorite?
This is the area I struggle with the most. As I said, I have wasted a lot of money learning the hard way. I don’t enjoy social media or creating flyers, ads, etc. I’m not creative and it takes a lot of effort for me to navigate this
area. That being said, I have found a great marketing guy. He mainly runs Facebook ads for me. This has been my main platform for promoting the business so far.
What is one thing that motivates you?
Always seeing what more I can do!
What’s the most important discovery you’ve made about yourself in the past few years during the pandemic?
No excuses! I had really just started rolling when the pandemic hit. Like everyone it shut me down. I used that time to plan out how to reopen and what I wanted it to look like when we did I had a clear vision of how I wanted it run and what I wanted it to feel like for people when they came to us.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
I believe our culture sets us apart. I can name very few spas or salons that I have gone to in my life where I felt truly welcome and comfortable when I walk in for the first time. Every one of the employees has the same mentality and believe when it comes to how we run our business. Everyone that comes in that door is to be treated as if they have always belonged there. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference. #20 do you have any special training or degrees to provide the services you offer your clients?
Well one thing I have learned on this journey is that NYS is very laxed in their requirements for a lot of beauty treatments. It has actually scared me how little is required. That being said, we over train at Inspired Beauty. If you need one training and certification to perform a treatment, we will do 3 different trainings. We are extremely cautious and prepared for any and all treatments we perform.
Where will we see you next?
I believe my next event will be with you in Syracuse on April 24th! I’m looking forward to it!
COLLEEN
ANDREA SCALICI
PHOTOS BY ALICE G PATTERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your background.
I used to be a dreamer. Always thinking about different ways I could live my life out of the norm - different ways I could make my mark in this world - and different ways I could inspire other people to do the same thing. I used to be a dreamer - until I actually started making my dreams happen. Now as a Certified Life Coach, I am constantly evolving myself and growing as a person. I am constantly setting new goals and achieving them. I don’t look back much anymore. I look forward.
What makes Andrea Scalici “hustle”?
I will only “hustle” if I like my reasons. I have to feel that HELL YEA energy or it’s just a no for me. That HELL YEA energy tells me I’m in integrity with myself. As an example, if one of my clients asks for help with something that goes way beyond our contract, and I feel like I would lose that client if I didn’t provide the additional help, then it’s just a no for me. But if one of my clients asks for help with something that goes way beyond our contract, and I feel excited to help him or her, I would definitely make it happen. I would definitely hustle. I am always in integrity with myself. This is what I teach my clients too.
What does it mean to be a life coach for business owners? Tell us about what made you decide to make this your career.
I help Business Owners feel more satisfied and fulfilled in their personal lives. Whether it’s focusing on their health or weight, relationships, or work-life balance. We work together to help them feel better in their daily lives at home - which always affects their businesses in a positive way too. I was inspired to make this my career because I was my first client…a Business Owner who felt frustrated, stuck, and alone. My mind was constantly thinking about my business and my personal life started to suffer. When my personal life started going downhill, so did my business. These two things are connected and aligned. When I realized what was happening, I knew exactly what to do to reverse things. I hired my own Life Coach and got myself back on track. When my personal life got better, so did my business life. No more feeling frustrated, stuck, or alone. And I knew I had to help other Business Owners do the same thing.
Who are some of the people that have inspired you in your journey?
There are a lot of people who inspired me but I’ll just name a few here. My family is definitely first. More specifically, my Dad. He was a Business Owner my entire life. I watched him work hard, stay focused, and build a successful business that he was proud of. I always knew I wanted to do the same thing. Other people who inspired me were… - Brooke Castillo of The Life Coach School - Samantha Siffring of Samantha Siffring Coaching - Dave Moreno of Dave Moreno Coaching - Michelle Joiner of Michelle Joiner Coaching - Megan Hopkins of Megan Hopkins Copywriting - Felicia Broccolo of Create Your Impossible Life
What type of services do you provide?
I’m a Life Coach for Business Owners. I help my clients get back on track with health and weight loss, relationships, work-life balance, and anything else that comes up for them. My clients get results and more. They get what they came for and they learn how to look in the mirror and like what they see. On the outside, with their bodies and the way they look. And on the inside, with the way they feel every day and the way they think about themselves. I currently coach my clients one-to-one via Zoom. My clients love coaching with me privately because they feel safe when they share intimate details of their lives - which we work through together.
According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful business owner, especially as a female?
Constrain your focus. Keep things simple. Empower yourself. Understand that your thoughts cause your feelings. And your feelings fuel your actions or inactions. Work with a coach or learn how to self-coach so you are always in control of what’s happening in your emotional life.
What do you feel are some of your greatest strengths?
Listening to my clients. Keeping things simple. Showing my clients how to create better results. And empowering them into action.
You teach people how to feel satisfied and fulfilled in their lives. How did you accomplish this for yourself in order to teach this to your clients?
Simple. Thoughts cause feelings. So the only way to feel more satisfied and fulfilled is to focus on what you’re thinking. It’s a daily practice. I coach myself everyday. I work with my own Life Coach every week. And I work with my own Business Coach. I get into the nitty gritty of my own mind so there are no thoughts hiding in there. I deal with them head on - instead of pretending they aren’t there.
What does the word empower mean to you?
Empower means taking responsibility for your own thoughts, feelings, actions, and results. It means not blaming anyone else for things in your life - especially your results. It means looking in the mirror and feeling proud, accomplished, and in control.
If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently?
Nope. Not a thing. I love my journey to this point in my life. There were dark times and light times and everything in between. I truly believe that everything happened exactly as it was supposed to.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you do what you do?
There are many different reasons I do what I do. But if I had to boil it all down to one - I would say this…my life was forever changed by coaching and I want to help as many people as I possibly can be forever changed by coaching too.
Name one special moment during your career that was your “aha” moment.
The day I learned that my thoughts cause my feelings was one of the best days of my life. At that moment, the moment I learned this from a podcast, was the moment that I stopped blaming external things in my life for how I felt. At that moment, I took responsibility for my life. I took control of it. And I knew it was up to me to create any life I wanted to create. If I dreamed it, I could create it.
What are some of the secrets to being a successful female entrepreneur?
The best secret I can share with you is to listen to yourself. You know what’s best for you and your business. You know exactly what step you need to take next. You know when you need help and when you’re just scared to take action. And when you know you need help, get it. Don’t waste a single second feeling stuck. Working with a Life Coach just might be the best option for you.
What has been your best form of promotion and what platform is your favorite?
My business has changed a lot over the past 3 years. Referrals, word-of-mouth, and the directory listing at the school where I earned my Coach Certification have been my main forms of promotion. I’m just starting to get into social media. I’m really loving Instagram right now. It’s super fun to connect with people there! I’d love to connect with YOU. Follow me at andrea.scalici.coaching and DM me to say hi. When I think about all the Business Owners out there who are passionate about their businesses and want to grow - but feel stuck in their personal lives - I feel extremely motivated. I know when they find me, I will help them. Whether they find me and follow my Instagram account for free advice or sign up to work with me, I will help them out of their funk. I will teach them all the tools and strategies that I’ve learned over the years to keep myself balanced and in control and moving forward. I truly believe we can all create the lives of our dreams. And I truly believe we should.
What’s the most important discovery you’ve made about yourself during your career?
I love this question. My most important discovery I’ve made about myself during my career is how much I have avoided the feeling of embarrassment. I used to hide from the crowd, play small, and hope no one would see me. I thought hiding would help me avoid failure or embarrassment because I knew I wasn’t perfect. Through coaching, I’ve learned to embrace failure and embarrassment and put myself out there. I’ve learned that embarrassment is just an emotion - and I’m strong enough to feel any emotion.
What sets you apart from other life coaches?
The combination of my training and direct, yet funny nature set me apart from other life coaches. I’m a Certified Life Coach, an Advanced Certified Weight Coach, and I’ve got my MBA. I’m super direct, which my clients appreciate. And I like to keep things light, funny,
and interesting. The combination of all of these things is why my clients love working with me and why my clients get results.
Do you have any special training or degrees to provide the services you offer your clients?
Yes. I’m a Certified Life Coach from The Life Coach School. I’m an Advanced Certified Weight Coach from the No BS Advanced Weightloss Coach Certification Program. I’ve also got my MBA which comes in handy working with Business Owners. These special certifications and my MBA have taught me high level tools and strategies to get my clients feeling better fast and creating the life of their dreams. I teach these tools and strategies to my clients so they can use them in their own lives after our work together is complete.
Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.
I’m a creative woman. I love visualizing things in my mind. I’m talking about seriously detailed fantasies. Sometimes I take action and create them in real life and sometimes I don’t. Lately I’ve been building a new life for my family in my mind - where we sell our house and most of our belongings, we live in a tiny house, and travel around the country. It’s been super fun to build this in my mind. My husband and I have started to talk about it together. We’re still deciding if it’s something we want to do in real life. If you have ever lived tiny or plan to in the future, I’d love to connect with you! Follow and DM me on Instagram. I’m at andrea. scalici.coaching.
MELANIN MIXOLOGIST
Tell us about Shawntanique Coleman, and how you started Melanin Mixologist.
I am a mother of a beautiful teenager. Rochester born and raised. I left in the year 2000 to attend college first at Baltimore, MD, then transferred to school in Huntsville, Alabama. I began working as a waitress in a bar for what I like to call fun money as a college student. While waitressing there was a need for a bartender. I called back home to Rochester, NY and asked my aunt how to make popular drinks. The first drink I made at the age of 21 was a “Long island”. From that night forward I was bitten by the bug. It became my passion.
What makes you hustle?
My daughter makes me hustles because I want better for her. I want to show her your passion can make you money. We can build generational wealth. The want to build an empire makes me want to hustle. I am on the go. The need to want to always make moves. The elders say “Idle time is a devils playground”. I never want to sit idle until I am dead.
What, in your opinion, is the most important quality in your business and the services you provide?
The most important quality in my business is TOP tier personal service. Without great service I wouldn’t be in business. My customers need a smile, they need me to listen, and they need
PHOTOS BY L SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY
to feel they are connected to me on a positive note.
What’s your favorite drink to make?
I don’t have a favorite drink to make. All my signature drinks are special to me. I love creating new drinks.
What made you decide to start your own business, and how did you come up with the name?
I made the decision to start my business after a LOT of encouragement from my chosen sister friends. Being the bartender I was always the friend they would call if we were having a gathering to mix something up, or work a bar for any given even. Usually under someone else name, or just as the help. My chosen sisters said to me multiple times I should do it as my side hustle. I made every excuse as to why I could not do it. But having a conversations with my chosen sisters and they always gave me an answer as to why I could. So this year I knew I was turning 40 (March 6).. I knew it was time to hustle for my OWN, under my own name. To begin the journey towards generational wealth. I came up with the name while listening to a song on Pandora Music. The word Melanin came popping into my head. I use to only call myself a bartender. But then someone said you I was a mixologist. There for the name MELANIN MIXOLOGIST was born.
As a female entrepreneur, who has inspired you?
I can say I am inspired by any woman running her own business. This is not easy. To see woman putting our own stamp on any & everything we can is inspiring.
What is a mixologist, and What are your top three priorities for being a successful one?
A mixologist is someone that puts together a drink. Not just with a simple powder drink mix. But someone who is able to mix the flavors, to make it the drink savory and memorable to keep people coming back for more. Top priorities
are you must be able to use your senses (smell, look, and taste), knowing how to measure your ingredients properly, and giving your drink, and service persona touch.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do it because I love it. It puts me in a different head space. I get to turn my alter ego on. I get to step out of being Shawntanique for a moment. I get a rewarding feeling when my customers take the first sip and smile cause my drink has taken them on a journey to a magical place.
What do you do when you are not working in/on your business?
When I am not mixing or bartending I am being a mom, expanding my modeling portfolio, traveling. Living my personal best life.
What kind of training did you have to go through to become a mixologist?
I learned how to bartend over the phone from my aunt while working at a bar. I received my license to bartender online in 2004 while living in Alabama. I became a MIXOLOGIST by working on the science of mixing the flavors, and by gaining a team of great mentors who are mixologist.
What do you find is the best form of promotion for your business?
The best promotion I have is word of mouth from those who have experience my services.
success in getting your business out to the community and being booked?
I have found to be successful since starting my business I have to seize every opportunity, continue to learn, and grow.
What was the first place you bartended at?
The first place I ever was a bartender was CLEM’s in Huntsville, Alabama.
Where will we see you next?
You can find me every Friday at Urban Eurphoria 35 S. Washington Street, behind the bar at your next occasion. You can contact me at ROC MELANIN MIXOLOGIST on facebook, or MIXING_MELANIN_MODEL on Instagram, or just call (585)286-8667. But shoot me am email at LADYCHOCLIT@ gmail.com
MICHELLA HAND
Tell us about yourself and what made you decide to start your own business as a blogger.
My blog was created out of the pandemic in May 2020. I was working from home full-time and wanted to invest my extra time into something that could help and inspire others during a time that felt so helpless. I have a lot of passions, so it was difficult for me to pinpoint what it was exactly that I wanted to focus on until one day I decided to feature a small business in my town that I loved and knew was struggling. The response I received from my followers and the business were so heartfelt that I knew this is what I wanted to focus my efforts on moving forward, small businesses and the hardworking people behind them.
Now, almost two years later, I’ve had the pleasure of featuring over 100 small businesses and entrepreneurs on my platform. Sharing with others the talent, hard work and passion these businesses and entrepreneurs have has kept me inspired and driven to keep doing my blog to this day.
What makes you hustle?
I always tell people that my blog is my “side hustle”. I love it when a business shares with me how my feature on them has generated new customers and has provided them with marketing and exposure into a new audience. Not to mention, my “hype crew’s” support and encouragement means everything to me, and I wouldn’t have this platform without them.
What has been the hardest part of starting a blog?
The hardest part of starting a blog is honestly staying up to date with the technology. Most of my audience comes from Instagram which I then filter to
my website. To stay relevant and to keep growing my audience, it’s important to be in the know of what new updates and trends are coming out. This can be challenging to juggle since it can be very time consuming and blogging is not my full-time job.
Why do you think it was appealing?
My blog features have ranged from businesses who make apparel and beauty products to entrepreneurs in the hospitability industry. What might be interesting to one person may not be as interesting to another and what I’ve found that makes a post more successful than others is directly related to social media. People love to support other people’s successes and hard work and the power of social media has helped with this tremendously. Businesses and entrepreneurs who share their blog feature on their social media are always more successful in sharing their stories than others who don’t.
What made you decide to start blogging?
I touched on this in the first question but supporting small business and entrepreneurs is something that I’ve always been passionate about. Not only do small local establishments have amazing, handcrafted, one-ofa-kind products and services, but the stories and faces behind these businesses are even more captivating. By creating genuine relationships with entrepreneurs and small businesses, I can empower them to tell the authentic story behind their self-made brand while sharing it with others.
Who has inspired you?
When I featured Valatie Bar and Grill for the first time in my Small Town Sunday series, the owner Tina Driscoll
