Featured Business: Kevin Charles Salon

Kevin Charles Salon

6626 Monroe St          905 Central Avenue

   Sylvania Ohio         St. Petersburg, Florida

419.882.3400                  727.823.8585

One of the hardest things for me to deal with is my confidence.  I don't feel comfortable in my outward appearance.  I don't have my style.  And when I find something I like as far as my hair goes, even if I've brought in a picture and said "THIS IS WHAT I WANT" I've been convinced against it and I end up hating how I look until for the next month until I can have it fixed.


That was not the case at Kevin Charles Salon.


I've been to several salons over the last few years, ever since my dad got sick and I donated my hair.  This was probably the best experience I've had in a long time.


Of course the first thing that Kevin and Carly asked me was what I wanted - and I told them: less layers, darker to match my natural color and a touch of red.  Then they asked what my wardrobe consisted of (mostly dark and neutral colors, a few bright pieces), what my morning routine is, how I usually wear my hair, what I do for a living, they people that I meet.  


Hey, I've got a fun job, but I still need to look professional.  He asked me to trust them - and I did.


The process was about 2 1/2 hours, start to finish, but the time went fast.  Because there were other stylists with clients, we were all in conversation with one-another; fun and casual.  We all need girl talk from time to time, right?


I was also impressed by the wide variety of stylists and clients.  Whether it's a dramatic change or a quick trim, the people at Kevin Charles Salon will be able to help you out.  


The cut is what I need (and it's long enough for me to put up).  And the color is AMAZING!  It's exactly what I've been wanting for a couple of years, but had previously been told I couldn't pull it off.  

Thank you Kevin Charles Sylvania for giving me an wonderful experience, 

and a look that I can finally call my own!

Check them out on Facebook:

Sylvania, Ohio     St. Petersburg Florida

After my last hair appointment - see, some red...but it faded out within 2 weeks 

My New Hair!  

  

Great Opportunity To Share Your Business and Support a School

I've been asked to coordinate the Spring Carnival for my children's school.  I'm looking for businesses who would be interested in participating in this event.  There will be close to 1,000 people at this event.

Some of the Entertainment has been already arranged, but there may be room for others.

I'm also looking for businesses that would be interested in providing food for this event.  I'd like to offer a variety of foods this year.  Not your typical hotdogs and hamburgers; those will be available for the kids.  But I'd like to see a few restaurants participate and offering grazing stations for the adults.

I'm also looking for local businesses who would be interested in donating products or services for various raffles and game prizes.  Gift Certificates (to your business, or on behalf of your business), Products or Sample Products, or even promotional items!

Give kids great prizes that they'll used, and you're name will be seen by their parents!

I do have a limited budget for this event, so any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Your business will be featured on the promotional fliers for this event.  And as my thank you to you, I'd also like to feature you on my blog.

Featured Business: My Mary Kay Consultant Nicole!

Nicole Beat

Independent Mary Kay Sales Director

www.marykay.com/nicolemariel

www.nicolelloyd.net

567.455.6828

I am not a girlie girl.  I am not into what is hot and now in fashion.  I'm not up on the latest hair and make up trends.  It's just not me.  I'm very conscious about my skin.  And that's where Nicole comes in.

As a teen, I'd have the occasional break out (usually on my chin around that time of the month), but I generally had very nice skin.  Then when I was 21 and pregnant with my first child, it caught up to me.

I've tried just about every product under the sun - and nothing has seemed to work.  I'd begun using the Mary Kay Timewise products, and I really liked them.  My little frown/laugh lines diminished, my completion looked brighter, but I still had the adult acne.

My problem was that these products were too harsh on my skin.  I tried one product (I won't name it, but you've heard of it) that literally burned my face after 3 uses.   I did see a dermatologist after that - and not even their prescription strength products worked... I thought I was doomed.

But wait!  Nicole comes back from a Mary Kay conference with a brand new sensitive skin collection: Botanical Effects.  I set up an appointment with her and she introduced me to the new line.  We started with the dry skin set - in the winter I'm alway super dry.  She let me try it there, and she even let me take it home for a few days to really see the effects on my skin. (Does the department store do that?)



I loved the cleanser - very gentle.  But the moisturizer was a bit thick for my liking.  I told Nicole and she said "Not a problem, let's switch your lotion to 'normal'."  And it's working great for me.

After she switched my lotion, she also gave me the mask and refresher spray.  The mask can actually be used as a scrub or mask - which I loved.  The refresher is really nice as well, not a burning toner like I was use to.  If you have sensitive skin - this product is definitely for you!



Now - cosmetics!

Deluxe Compact

I'd never really worn make-up.  I'd buy it for a special occasion, never wear it again.  But now that I'm in a professional setting, I can't look like a 14 year old.

Nicole has helped me find the right colors for me, taught me how to apply them (I had no idea how many looks you could get from just 3 eye shadow colors).  It's also extremely important to have the right tools, and know how to take care of them (yes, your dirty brushes can actually make your skin have bad reactions, and could even make you sick).

There are products for everyone - even guys!  I got the High Intensity Cologne for my husband - I love it!

What I really like about Nicole is her desire to really help other women feel as beautiful as they are.  It's not about covering your face up with 4 inches of make up and portraying something you're not.  It's about accenting the natural beauty that you are.  She'll keep you up to date on new products.  And if you give her your husband/boyfriend's contact info and your special dates (birthday, anniversary, etc.), she can even send them reminders and gift hints based on your wish lists or previous purchased.  She can even help with the gift wrapping.  Seriously guys - win/win!

So if you've never tried Mary Kay before, I encourage you to contact Nicole and try it now.  Not only are the products amazing and very reasonably priced; but you will gain a new friend.

Featured Business: NewTrition

NewTrition

6915 W. Central Ave

Toledo OH 43617

419-843-4200

I was originally invited to visit NewTrition after I attended a networking meeting.  I was still young in business and knew nothing of networking, but at that night at the NETT at the Oliver House, I met some people who today I can call close friends.

Melonie had invited me to have a one-to-one at NewTrition, and suggested I try the Blueberry Muffin shake.  OMG it was amazing.  I began stopping in on a regular basis, I enjoyed the comfortable atmosphere and good company.  Most days, if you want to find me, that's where I'll be.

NewTrition offers Herbalife products, and uses the variety of products to make dozens of shakes/smoothies to meet your tastes and dietary needs.  The combo includes a shot of mango/aloe water (trust me - it sounds weird, but it is delicious), a 8oz cup of green tea (plain, peach, lemon or raspberry)

Many people who first stop in to the 'club' (as it is know, all of the regulars are known as 'members') assume that it is all about weight loss.  While that is a component to the Herbalife product line, the message is more about becoming healthy. Recently, I was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance.  When I began feeling run down and sick at the end of the summer, Dawn sat down with me, asked me about my daily eating habits and activities.  My doctor didn't even do that with me after I was diagnosed.  I began stopping in everyday, and I felt my energy levels increase within a few weeks.

The weight loss aspect is also a large part of the business.  Weight loss challenges are offered several times every year, lasting three months at a time.  During these challenges, you get the group support that is proven in any weight loss program. But you also receive information that will help you along in your daily life.  Participants are not required to purchase the Herbalife products, but most of them find themselves getting shakes at NewTrition everyday.

One of the best services offered at NewTrition is something that most adults need, but don't know it.  The metabolism scans will help you identify the right amount of dietary needs your body requires for gaining, losing, or maintaining your weight.

As a young mom, my friends and I have often had discussions as to the best way to lose the last few pounds - and the information I learned from my metabolism scan really helped me.  I eat a mostly vegetarian diet, and after the body scan I discovered I was not getting enough protein.  I need between 75 and 100 grams of protein, and I was maybe getting 30-50 each day.  When I began adding the shakes into my daily meal plan, I became a bit leaner (and if I do say so looked AMAZING at my 10 year reunion after 1 month on the 'shake plan').

The shakes have also helped my son.  Steven is almost 4, and about the size of a 2 year old.  He was born 6 weeks premature, and we've had issues with his growth.  I bring him in with me after I pick him up from preschool a few days a week (he even has a special cup).  He's finally gaining weight, and slowly is starting to grow a few inches.  And he's healthy - when his sisters have been bringing home colds and flu's - he's not been sick once this year.  Which is even more amazing, because since he was 9 months old, he'd develop bronchitis at least twice in the colder months and needed breathing treatments 3 or 4 times a day.

If you're in Sylvania/Sylvania Township durning the day, between 8a and 3p, I encourage you; stop in for the healthiest breakfast or lunch that you can get.  

On Feb 16, Dawn S. has stepped down as owner of New-Trition.  

We all wish her well and will miss her.  

The club will now be maintained by Sue B. 

Highlighting Local Businesses

If you are a small business owner and would like to grow your reach by being featured in local blogs - here's your opportunity.

Business reviews can assist in your search engine optimization, can reach out to new individuals who can become fans/followers/customers, and can educate your current customers about things that they maybe forgot that you do.

I'd be honored to write something for your business!  My goal for the next year is to feature at least one business per week.  

Your review will be featured on:

sociablycindy.com

sociablycindy.blogspot.com

sociablycindy.wordpress.com/

tumblr.com/blog/sociablycindy

@Sociably Cindy

Facebook.com/sociablycindy

Would you like to be one of them?

Fees to be featured are reasonable - all I ask is that I'm able to experience your service or products for myself.
Email Cindy@SociablyCindy.com for details - special gifts for the first 10 who respond.

Digital Discounts - part 2

I've been harsh on digital discounts in the past, because I've seen mostly bad experiences from the business' side: "Lost money on the deal", "They came in for it once and never came back", "Didn't even know what they were buying".  However this week, I'm giving it a shot and suggested to my husband that we try a half off deal through Living Social.

The deal went live Tuesday October 18th at 5am.  By 9am we had already sold 7.  Honestly, we were pretty excited about it.  By 5pm we had sold 21.

For those who aren't familiar with these half off deal sites (really?) - the consumers get a product/service for at least 50% off.

The customer is getting 50% off, the business only receives 50% off that.  So for a $65 photo session, we received $15.  Now, we do not have any overhead, as we are a home based business, and our only expense is time.  So for 1 hour of photography and 1 hour of editing, Steve made $7.50 an hour.

Around 3pm we received a phone call asking if this is a good deal...

Well for the consumer who might usually visit a studio like JC Penny or Sears, if you are a family of five, like we are, you would be paying $9.95 per person sitting fee: a whopping $49.75.  Then, you have to purchase prints.  If all you want are the digital files - which are covered with their logo and are small images files so you can't make prints your self, it's an additional $15-$20.  You are given 45 minutes for your in studio photo session, and are posed in the same positions as every other family, with the same 4 background options.

Now consider Sylvania Area Photography.  You are given about an hour with a photographer, in any location that you choose.  You can change your clothes, have props, even include the family pets.  You are not limited to 4 pre-set poses, but can interact as a family, which is the memory you are trying to capture anyway.  And digital copies are provided with every session

So which would you prefer? Paying $65 at a department store, getting the same images as everyone else, just with different faces?  Or $65 with a professional photographer, capturing the personality of your family in a setting that best shows who you are?

So was it a good deal?  Since I'd consider Sylvania Area Photography a better deal than department store photographers, that half off deal was an AMAZING DEAL for the consumer.  And if you missed out on getting it, using Sylvania Area Photography is still a great choice. (Plus, if you Like the Facebook page, specials are offered regularly).

Family Portrait, Sylvania Area Photography

Disclaimer: I'm not saying you shouldn't purchase these daily deals.  But please consider the businesses that you are buying them from.  If they offer you additional products/services - get it.  Consider how much money you're already saving there anyway.  And if you liked the business, don't wait for another deal to come along to go back - there's plenty more perks for return clients then there are for first time visitors.

Featured Business: Sylvania Area Photography

Sylvania Area Photography

419-318-9301

www.SylvaniaAreaPhotography.com

In 2009, Steve invested in a Cannon 40d, and it's his pride and joy. He uses Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for post edit work. Steve has spent countless hours studying and editing, learning and perfecting his skills. From this hobby, Sylvania Area Photography was created.

"I started Sylvania Area Photography out of my passion for photography. When I first started doing photography as a hobby I would take portraits of my children. 

I just wanted more options - I don't like the pictures that are cookie cutter images with different faces.

 

I want my pictures to show the people in their element, having fun and being themselves.

I am passionate about my work and I am satisfied only when you are satisfied."

The services include Weddings, Family, Event, Business and High School Seniors. Also offering digital copies and restoration of prints, digital editing, video slideshows, and photo greeting cards.

One of his 'trademark techniques' is muliplicity shots. Using this technique, he is able to put the same person into 1 picture multiple times, create scenes, and (in the case of our family Christmas card) put each person in individually when the kids are not cooperating...

Christmas 2009 - kids added separately 

Another great technique is panoramic. These are multiple shots put into one. These are great for weddings, events and businesses because you can get a 180 degree picture of the room.

It's the desire of Sylvania Area Photography to be there for all your photographic needs, be it family portraits for your holiday cards, weddings, or family reunions and birthday parties. (And we HIGHLY recommend hiring a photographer for these events! At a surprise 30th birthday party, the guest of honor was the photographer, and there are no pictures of the party)

Please consider Sylvania Area Photography for your photographic needs: Creativity is our Ambition!