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LocalShops1 Blog

GPS READY: Find of the Day

Greetings ! I love hearing good music — I am particularly fond of Classical, Folk, Christian, and oldies among other pieces…so Sacred Grounds delivers again with its music scene with a couple of artists well worth hearing! Jonny Jenero, Cameron Willinger, Matthew Walker, Meredith Marsh, Dani Schmier and Tyler’s Group. You can see all these artists at various venues (even Sweetwater Stage) playing solo, playing together, or a mixed trio. Personally, the more of them you have at once, the better it sounds. Cameron can play a mean trumpet and really lay some grooves down and Dani and Meredith are the classy string section with their violas and violins.

Tyler’s mixed trio (piano, guitar, and viola) sounds inviting yet mournful, yet still enjoyable. Matt Walker (solo or peace mole) has a great 1940’s groove as well as more modern pieces that is hard not to like. However, my new fav is Jonny Jenero-He hits the triple mark with Spiritual folk rock, oldies, and regular blues/rock that covers the range of this American life-From the sorrows of friends who left this world too soon, the escape of his own life from a similar fate, and the celebration of the light and the Lord who keeps him from being mired in the darkness again.  It is the hard-won praise of overcoming and the sorrows over those who did not. I enjoy his playing whether he is doing covers or his own pieces. Good music, like my fav artist, ELi is hard to find so celebrate when you do! Linda :)

 (tyler also does a project called devil’s day parade but i have not heard it though)

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Wanted: Bizpeople for the Big Screen

Business people!
We’re working on our biggest video project EVER with our good friend Cat Stuart, who recently opened her own video company, Think Studios in St. Petersburg.

We want to hear the good & the bad of running your own business. If you’re willing to be honest and tell it like it is, we want to hear from you.

Please email us at stories@LocalShops1.com with answers to the following questions. You may also reach us via retro mail at LocalShops1.com, PO Box 530144, St. Petersburg, FL 33747.

Please make sure to include your business name, plus your own name and contact info. Deadline is Sept. 15.
We can’t tell you more yet, because it’s all about building the buzz, you know. But this will be huge, and if you’re chosen you can be sure your business name will be out there!

You don’t need to answer ALL the questions. Pick and choose as you wish, but keep in mind that we’re looking for “REAL” answers here, not just your 30-second elevator pitch …

When did you open your business?
What did you do before?
How are things going?
Would you walk away for $100,000?
What’s been your biggest struggle?
What’s been your greatest accomplishment?
Do you ever regret leaving the corporate world?
What advice would you give to a wanna-be entrepreneur?
OK, go ahead, give us your 30-second elevator pitch.

Remember, deadline is Sept. 15.

Please email us at stories@LocalShops1.com or respond via retro mail at LocalShops1.com, PO Box 530144, St. Petersburg, FL 33747.

You’re welcome to post comments here, but to be considered for the project, we must get your answers either via email or retro mail.

Have fun & good luck!

And the winners are …

LocalShops1.com celebrated its second birthday today with the first-EVER BFF award and first-EVER local business awards!

The BFF trophy was given to chiropractor Holly Furlong, who joined LocalShops1 earlier this year and immediately jumped on board, getting to know and supporting other members. A few months ago Holly even volunteered to help write the cover story for LS1 magazine. And then she went all over town to member stores, to gather a prize package for the BFF award! Of course, we couldn’t give Holly the prizes she collected. so those went to ….

BFF2 … Linda Evans of Tampa. We first met Linda last year, when she won the very first “Find the LocalShops1 Girl” contest. She told us how she mapped up the area, followed the clues and visited several local shops to find LS1 Girl. She also told us she’d win all our future contests. Well, she didn’t win EVERY one, but she got more than most. And today, she gets the prize package coordinated by BFF Holly.

Biz winners were chosen by a panel of judges and through online voting.

The winners!

Best new business:
Three Birds Tavern, St. Pete.
In less than a year, Robin and Jack King transformed a run-down bar into a classy, friendly restaurant and pub. Three Birds is at 1492 Fourth St. in St. Pete.

Best established business:
The WriteOne Creative Services, Tampa
Deb Kelley and her company prove that a home-based business can thrive by exceeding customers’ expectations. The company offers graphic, web design, copy writing and more.


Most community-minded business:
Illuminated Publishing, Lutz
Suzin Carr, past guv’na of Lutz, goes out of her way to promote other local businesses. She also is a huge proponent of local charitiest and frequently donates portion of book sales. The book is illustrated by her son, Chandler, 10.

Best at grassroots marketing:
Intensity Academy, Lutz
Instead of spending money on traditional ads, Michele Northrup and Tom Was of Intensity Academy focus on social media and networking. Best tool? The products. Once people try them, they’re hooked.

The judges:

Brian Butler, founder, Vistra Communications
Nancy Howe, publisher, the Maddux Business Report
Stephanie Hayes, staff writer and Deal Diva, St. Pete Times

Here is the complete list of finalists:

Best new business

* ArtPool Gallery, St. Petersburg
* Ashley Grant’s More than Photographs
* Bohemian Vintage, Tampa
* Cupcake Spot, St. Petersburg
* Island Seafood, St Petersburg
* MISRED Outfitters, St. Petersburg
* Nanny Jean’s Consignment Shoppe, Tampa
* Orange Home Accessories, Tampa
* Rex Pub, St. Petersburg
* Three Birds Tavern, St. Petersburg

Best established business
 * Canine Connection, Gulfport
* Dairy Inn, St. Petersburg
* Diamonds Direct, St. Petersburg
* Erika’s Place, Dunedin
* Globe Coffee Lounge, St. Petersburg
* Sacred Grounds, Tampa
* Shapiro’s Gallery, St. Petersburg
* The SPIRITS of St. Petersburg
* Twice as Nice, Dunedin
* The WriteOne Creative Services, Tampa

Most community-minded business
 * e-Women Network, St. Petersburg
* Grand Central District Association, St. Petersburg
* Illuminated Publishing, Lutz
* Kaleisia Tea Lounge, Tampa
* Kayak Adventures, Gulfport
* Banyan Scapes. St. Petersburg
* Nature of Art Gallery, St. Petersburg
* Paddy Burke’s, St. Petersburg
* Tanya Sharkey Photography, St. Petersburg
* Witty Wocks, Tampa

Best at grassroots marketing
 * Bowled restaurant, St. Petersburg

* Bright Eyes Family Vision, Tampa
* Downtown Women’s Club, Pinellas
* Eat St. Pete!, St. Petersburg
* Historic Shed, Brooksville
* iLovetheBurg.com, St. Petersburg
* Intensity Academy, Lutz
* Tuesday Morning Market, Gulfport
* Two Haute Chics, St. Petersburg
* Working Women of Tampa Bay, Clearwater

GPS Ready’s Find of the Day

If you are on henderson, in South Tampa, look for the Outback Steak house…Why? Dishtopia and the Anytime Tea Bar are in the same Plaza! They have over one hundred teas to choose from, from mint chocolate to carrot rooibos tea, bread pudding, to desserts like cheesecake and dessert cups and dipped preztal sticks-The ambiance is incredible-lime green with cool jazz and all the interesting dishes to take home ! They also have game and music nights as well. I enjoy sitting in there and relaxing with my tea. Go check them out!

http://www.dishtopia.biz/MENU.html

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GPS Ready Find of the Day !

Remington College has just opened a fabulous Spa covering all manner of hair care, facials, spa mani/pedicures as well as bridal and event packages. The Spa is run by the teachers of the beauty school and you are given the best treatment for mere pennies! I got my hair shampooed/Conditioned, Styled /cut while being attended to by two teachers and a stylist-plus a free spa pedicure where my toes and feet were massaged, painted, and happy! How much was this luxury? Ten bucks ! (plus tip) I would definitely go back -excellent service, clean spa, friendly people !

 http://www.remingtoncollege.edu/cosmetology-beauty-school-overview 

Mini-Shout out!

Check out Tribeca Color Salon which is more upscale, serves tea or a glass of wine with your hair or nail care and is raved about by lawyers and other people in the know.  Located at Ybor Centro Plaza 8th Ave.

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Prizes galore!

Hi, ShopperBoys & ShopperGirls! I turn 2 on Aug. 8, and I’m having a big party to celebrate with all the awesome people I’ve met in the past couple of years! There will be a ton of food and drinks, of course, plus … shopping! Well, shopping in the form of raffles and silent auctions, anyway.
Want to join the fun & games? It all takes place 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Includes complete brunch, with bottomless mimosas! Registration is required.

My business buddies have given me lots of prizes to share. But first, a word about our sponsors:

Intensity Academy: This might be, literally, the hottest company in Tampa Bay. Founded just three years ago, Intensity Academy has already received dozens of national awards! And its founders, Michele Northrup and Tom Was, have been featured ALL OVER the news.

Groupon-Tampa: Bizpeople, looking for a quick — but huge — boost? Groupon might be what you’re looking for. Shoppers, check them out for daily deals on stuff you love, for half-off!

Aaron’s Rod Web Solutions: Need help with your Web site, social media, or other marketing needs? Nancy Adkins and Marcella Ruso can help.

Gulfport! Magazine: This is our latest venture! We partnered with 007 Web Development, founder of GulfportFlorida.us, to bring our lovely city its very own magazine.

OK now, ready to hear about the PRIZES? We’ve got jewelry, artwork, books and more. Here’s the latest!

Artwork from Alchemy, Bradenton

Painting by Kathy Rabold, Art Studio 203, Clearwater

Gift card from Black Pearl Salon and Day Spa, Gulfport

Oil service for a year from Bob Lee Tires, St. Pete

Car detailing from Brightwaters Buff, St. Pete

Gift card from Bright Eyes Family Vision, Tampa

Sunset cruise from Dolphin Landings, St. Pete Beach

Membership from Downtown Women’s Club, Tampa Bay

Gift card from Dr. Holly Furlong, chiropractor, Clearwater

Painted glasses from Glassterpieces, Indian Rocks Beach

“I Choose” gift set from Illuminated Publishing, Lutz

Gift card from Impulse Clics, St. Pete

Limited-edition hot sauce from Intensity Academy, Lutz

Jewelry from Jewlya’s Green Gems

Gift card from Krayl Funch Design, Tampa

Gift card from Limelight Consulting, Tampa

Jewelry set from Linda Evans jewelry, Tampa

Brochures for your company from Mad House Advertising, Tampa

Gift card from Nature of Art gallery, St. Pete

Painting classes from Painting with a Twist, St. Pete

Jewelry from Poisoned Apple Studios, St. Pete

Mexican glass bowl from RoCo Traders, St. Pete

Jewelry from Suzzzy Gal Treasures, Dunedin

Gift card from Talk of the Town, St. Pete

Computer work from Tampa Empire, Madeira Beach

Photo sessions from Tanya Sharkey Photography, St. Pete

Gift card from Thai-rific Orchids, Gulfport

Gift card from The Riley Group, Tampa

Gift card from The WriteOnes, Tampa

Gift card from Twice as Nice, Dunedin

Custom painted rock, Witty Wocks, Indian Rocks Beach

Want to come? Sign up here!

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Ginger & John are getting married

Our super-awesome Hillsborough director — and owner of her own marketing biz, Spice Girl — Ginger Rockey-Johnson is getting married in October!
Ginger and John Sheid met years ago at a conference in New York. For him, it was love at first sight. For her, well, it took a little work. JOKING! She was all giddy over him right from the start, too.

Ginger Rockey-Johnson and John Sheid are getting married

And now, they’re getting married. But Ginger, being the marketing genius that she is, offered to let us use her wedding to draw attention to all the awesome independent businesses in the Tampa Bay area. There will be no wedding registries at Target or Ikea. She’s doing it ALL local.

Here’s where you come in. We want suggestions on where she can get everything she needs:

• Hospitality Gifts for out of Town Guests : Gift certificates for guests to use the weekend they are here, samples, etc.
• Attendants Gifts: Ginger needs unique gifts for the three very special friends.
• Wedding accessories: Ring pillow, cake knives, toasting glasses, garter, guest book, pen.

And of course, the traditional biggies:

• something old
• something new
• something borrowed
• something blue

She’s also considering putting together promotional gift bags for her final, single Girls Night Out. Samples, coupons, they’re all welcome. For more info, please email Ginger at ginger@localshops1.com.

Please post your ideas here, or email them to ginger@localshops1.com. Don’t forget to include store names and city they’re in. She can’t buy EVERYTHING that’s suggested, of course, but she’ll get as many as she can!

What does John think of all this? Whatever makes Ginger happy …. aaaaw! No wonder Ginger snatched him :)

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GPS READY-Upcoming Events

I have been very busy with all manner of adventure and fun–I hosted a table at Etsy’s 5-year party at Tempus Projects. We had a really good turnout, with many locals includingSweet Whimsy, Crystal (yarn queen) and Tampa Art Emporium. Joy Engdahl was promoting help for Cambodia (see bindingthebroken.blogspot.com) and I sold some pieces and received many compliments -It was a great night :)

Coryn  and company did a great job ! (She and her husband also do screen printing nearby) 

Now, here are some more things happening in the art world:
–  St Pete Studio 620 is celebrating all things Sci-Fi in July at the Crislip Arcade-645 Central Ave -5pm on 7/10/10 Celebrate all manner of Sci-fi Art and Invention.

– Tampa and St Pete art museums have a different theme for every Art After Dark they host every month. 

– Chihuly glass exhibit at Morean Art Studio at 400 Beach Dr on 7/17/10  and their new glass blowing center is just down the Street. (719 Central Ave)

– Art Pool’s Recycle me -Trashin Fashion Show 3 takes place 7 p.m. July 17, and features Jewelry, clothes, and other items will be recycled into something fabulous!

– July 23-Tampa Art Emporium is having a Party! -7pm -Come check out the new and existing artists–(my favorite is the spiritual carved wood guy)  

See all the Pictures and Video at Linda’s Jewelry and More on Facebook!

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The LocalShops1 challenge

In the newspapers and on the television news today, there was talk of a University of Florida survey that showed Florida’s consumer confidence index dropped 3 points in June.

What that means, they say, is that we’re not feeling confident in the economy, so we won’t be shopping much.

Here’s what we have to say: UGH. Enough of all the negative talk. Yes, economy, right now, pretty much sucks. We don’t mean to trivialize the facts: unemployment is at an all-time high, or close to it; home sales are picking up, but are still quite sluggish. But that doesn’t mean we have to just accept all gloom-and-doom and sit back, waiting for our economy to crumble even more.

We can choose to continue on downward path, back into a recession; or we can choose to head toward a recovery by investing back in our local businesses — investing back in our communities.

Lots of factors are not in our control. But there is one thing most of us CAN do: Go shopping. Even if you have just a few dollars to spend.

Here is the plan, a “pay-it-forward” sort of thing. Our challenge to you:
1. Go to your favorite local, independent business and buy something for $10 (or $5 or $20 or $100).
2. *** and this is an important one *** Ask the business owner to promise to spend that money back in the next 24 hours at another local, independent business.

The Greater Tampa Bay area has an estimated 4 million residents. If just half of us spends $10 each, that’s $20 million that will be circulating in our local economy. For this to work, the money needs to be spent at an independent shop. Think Dairy Inn or Stella’s Deli, not Five Guys; ArtPool Gallery or China Finders, not Pier One.

No, this won’t solve all our problems. But it might be a quick confidence boost we seem to so desperately need.

You can find more than 1,500 local, independent shops here on LocalShops1.com.

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Happy news!

Here in LocalShops1-land, we like to be positive and look at the bright side of things. And, frankly, all the gloomy economic stories in the news these days are just dragging us down. So we asked our Facebook friends to share their happy news. The response was overwhelming! Here is a sampling:

David Hill: At Two Poodles And A Mutt Salon & Boutique we continue to make appointments for new clients

Terry Foster: Me too! Ok, good news, new items to list, excited about having new images with more detail, happy to have those items to list. I see jobs opening up, locals supporting local businesses…it is changing for everyone, just have to stick with it through the hard times…eventually there will be good times mixed in. Is that happy stuff?

Bonnie Gray: My adult tap dance students are headed for Disney this weekend to defend their National Titles in Solo and Small group Adult Tap Dancing! Average age = 54

Rob Moorman: Very excited to have landed a photography contract with a prominent private school in the area. This will be of great benefit to the kids for quality portraits and to our studio financially. Growth is a good thing. Praise God!!!

Cheryl Meyer-Sanchez: For 26 years, Diamonds Direct has been giving back to our community & always will. Last Thursday, our ladies night with celebrity handbag designer Debbie Brooks to benefit the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who joined us & supported this worthy cause. There are still so many BIG hearts giving during these tough economic times.

Hilary Oliveira: Was voted in as vice president of The Literacy Council of St Petersburg!

Jon K. Ziegler: Got my 1 card yesterday in the mail!

Susan Robertson: USA won today!

Laurie P Galle: I’m happy that even thought I’m not doing as much work as I have in the past I’m still doing some work . Also the lack of work has opened up more time for doing volunteer work which I love to do. So its been win-win-win all the way around.

Brenda Smoak: I just got selected to be one of 5 teaching artist fellows with the national VSA organization in Washington, DC. I’m totally psyched and humbled! Great news, indeed!

Olga Bof: I’m ecstatic that I have the possibility of winning a Pepsi grant in July to open a children’s book & toy shop in Downtown St Pete! (Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys – www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks). Details on voting to come!

Christina-Tina Lee: Students are signing up for Summer Classes at Lee Shore Gallery, Village of the Arts, Bradenton, Florida. I teach Stained Glass, Fused Glass Pendant Making, Precious Metal Clay (PMC), Glass (Lampwork) Bead Making, Silk Painting, Off Wheel Pottery, Bead Stringing and Batik if anyone is interested.

Estela Cabrero Kallweit: A Stellar Affair is working with some very cool people on an awesome event coming in November! In the meantime we are meeting with a couple more potential clients in the next two weeks. We love helping individuals and businesses throw fabulouss parties! Who knew you could get paid for this?

JoAnna Chylinski-Mincarelli: We are all responsible for our own economy! Stay in the “now”. Good news – we are having our 7th Annual Christmas in July Sales event. It will start on July 7th and run until July 31. Woo Hoo!

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