Need a fun day out filled with fun, friends, shopping, pampering, learning, giving back and more? Mark your calendar for Sparkle & Sun on July 9 and read on for more!
Sparkle for Good is hosting Sparkle & Sun on July 9 at The Oasis in Loveland.
Mark your cals and grab your gals! On Sunday, July 9, from 12-3pm, Cincy Chic is teaming up with Sparkle for Good to create Sparkle and Sun, a fashionable event at the Loveland Oasis.
Sparkle for Good is a jewelry boutique run by Michele Carey that features jewelry by Chloe + Isabel, an affordable jewelry line with a lifetime guarantee designed in NYC. Carey was nice enough to give more insight into her company.
“I created Sparkle for Good over a year ago as a way to provide women with beautiful jewelry while at the same time, give back to non-profits in our community. I pop up all over town- at local boutiques, corporate events, people’s homes, and also Cincy Chic events,” says Carey.
The event itself was created for a few reasons. First, to support a great cause that helps women have quality jobs that lead to them living happy lives, like Dress for Success Cincinnati, whose mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence. The second reason is to give local women business owners a “boost” during July, when sales can be sluggish as people travel and tend to be busy. Lastly, the event is to provide the Loveland women a fun event in their own backyard.
Sparkle for Good also holds a personal meaning for Carey. “July 9th is the birthday of my mom, who passed away 6 years ago. I thought that this celebration of women, for women and by women, was a special way to pay her tribute to her memory acknowledge her many years of encouraging me to be an independent and successful woman. I’m thrilled to have Cincy Chic co-host the event as they are recognized for having the best events for women in our area and have been great about supporting Dress for Success,” Carey explains.
As mentioned earlier, the event takes place at The Oasis, a beautiful space in Loveland which offers a fun excursion for women who live in the city. For women who already live in Loveland, it brings a taste of some great downtown and Northern Kentucky businesses they may not yet know. Everyone wins.
The event itself is the ultimate shopping experience with 60 local business who cater to woman. From cute boutiques to female focused services, this event is for women and by women and is meant to support female owned businesses while having fun. Guests are invited to come shop, learn about services that will make your life easier, add a touch of elegance, and help you feel at your very best.
Specifics of the event include a raffle and a line up of speakers who will run mini-workshops on topics including “planning for progress (not perfection) to achieve your goals,” “re-entering the job market after time away,” and more.
The raffle is for a beautiful basket filled with items from the vendors. Everyone who purchases a ticket is eligible to win a gift basket (approximately $500), and VIP ticket holders will also be entered in a drawing for an exclusive VIP basket (approximately $800). 100% of the ticket prices go to Dress for Success Cincinnati.
Come join the women of Cincinnati for guilt free shopping at it’s best!
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door, or you can purchase a VIP ticket here (only 100 will be sold).
You picked ‘em, we chatted with ‘em! They’re sharing their goals, what success means to them, and what they enjoy doing outside of work! Learn more about Cincy Chic’s 2017 Single & Successful selections, and how you can meet them in person soon!
Check out our interviews below with the men selected to be part of our 2017 Single & Successful class! You can even meet them at our upcoming Single & Successful event this Thursday, June 29, at Igby’s as we partner with Cincinnati Profile and A-List Introductions! Click here to RSVP!
Kash Shaikh, Founder & CEO of Besomebody, Inc.
Kash Shaikh, Founder & CEO of Besomebody, Inc.
Cincy Chic: What does it mean to you to be “successful?” Shaikh: I believe success is relative, and personal. And success can be measured in a lifetime, or an afternoon, depending on what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. For me, being successful mixes in three core components: 1) Making a difference; 2) Loving what you do; 3) Inspiring others to make a difference and love what they do too.
The road to success is a different conversation. Because success does not come easy, no matter what measure you’re using or what goal you’re choosing. But, I believe that path is the same for all of us. The first week I started my own company (Besomebody), as I was brimming with excitement, proud of myself for “all I gave up” to chase my dream, someone gave my some sage advice. He said, “Sacrifice is just the first step. After the sacrifice, comes the struggle. After the struggle, comes the suffering… And then, after you suffer, then you’ll succeed. So don’t stop!”
That conversation taught me two important things that have kept me going during the darkest of days: 1) It’s going to get harder, before I get where I want to go. And, 2) Most people stop at the suffering, because it sucks to suffer. It’s painful… So most people stop, never knowing they are just one step away from success. So, I realized that no matter how hard things get, you gotta keep going. Success may only be one step away.
Cincy Chic: What do you do professionally? Shaikh: I’m the Founder & CEO of Besomebody, Inc. We give people hands-on skills training for great jobs through our “Besomebody Paths.” We do this by reverse-engineering the typical education model, beginning with employers and then working backwards. We partner with great companies in fast-growing industries that have a lot of job openings to really understand the SKILLS needed to succeed at those jobs. Then, we co-create a curriculum designed to teach people those skills, and bring on industry experts to lead all the instruction. Finally, we open up those Paths to people who are passionate about that industry and/or excited to work for that employer. On average, our Paths are about 10x less expensive and 20x faster than traditional alternatives like community college and for-profit schools. And most importantly, we guaranteed every graduate a job with the endorsing employer (or we give them a full refund on their tuition).
We created our Paths because we saw two crises colliding in this country: the student debt crisis and the skilled worker crisis. Last year was a record year of student debt – $1.3 Trillion. And student debt is going to reach $6 Trillion in 6 years. Right now is the most expensive time in history to get a college degree. And on the flip side, after spending all that money and time (an average of 6 years for most college students) on college, 80% of college grads didn’t have a job at graduation last year. And even more importantly, 90% of employers say college grads are NOT ready for the workforce. Companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars having to retrain new hires for the job, and lose hundreds of millions of more dollars due to retention and recruiting-related losses. There are nearly 6 million jobs available in America right now, but only 20% of applicants have the skills they need to get those jobs.
That is where we believe we can help. We want to bridge those gaps, and make education and employment more accessible, practical and passion-based.
Cincy Chic: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? Shaikh: I am always working because I love what I do, I believe in why I am doing it and I care about whom we are doing it for… I started sharing the “#besomebody” mantra and message over seven years ago while working at Procter & Gamble here in Cincinnati. I started a blog and would create content just to try and inspire people to do what they love and ignite that fire they had inside them. It was a passion project of mine that became my entire life. So I feel blessed for the opportunity to build this company, and grateful for the chance to create this dream.
Because my company and me are so intertwined, I have been able to weave in my own passions into it. Some of those include, writing, running and my best friend/dog, “Love”. (Yes, that’s her name, and she is also the official mascot of Besomebody. 🙂
Cincy Chic: What inspires you? Shaikh: I am inspired by effort, and hard work, and passion. Witnessing someone pour their heart and soul into something. Building something from nothing. That’s inspiring. Whether you’re building a business, a community, a campaign, a team, a family… whatever it is; the process of going for it, and putting the work in to make it happen – that’s inspiring to watch. And it’s even more inspiring to be a part of.
Cincy Chic: What are your biggest turn-ons/turn-offs? Shaikh: Turn-ons: Intelligence, vision, courtesy, work ethic, generosity, eloquence of spoken and written words, class, travel, self-awareness, fitness and a healthy lifestyle, loyalty, compassion and the authentic desire to help people. Oh, and if you love sports, animals and can make great French toast then, at a minimum, we are friends for life. 🙂 Turn-offs: Selfishness, lack of self-awareness, prejudice and discrimination, haters, laziness, all talk and no action.
RSVP for our upcoming Single & Successful event at www.june29ss.eventbrite.com
Cincy Chic: What’s something you hope to accomplish this year? Shaikh: Within the next 12 months I want to get at least 100 people jobs through our Besomebody Paths. From unemployed/underemployed to employed, because of the training, inspiration and connections we help provide. That would be freakin awesome.
I believe my purpose in life is to help people live their passion. And I really believe Besomebody is the vehicle in which I can best live that purpose. We are starting with education and employment – learning what you love and doing what you love. That’s the foundation. But there’s so much more I want to do, and so much more I know we can and will do. When I first started this company back in 2014, I tried to do it all at once, and I failed. I was writing and speaking at conferences and we were hosting events and selling gear and we created (and sold) an app and we were shooting videos and the list went on and on… and I wasn’t able to dedicate the attention and focus each one of those things deserved. So, while I am writing and creating content from time to time, I am single-mindedly focused on our Paths and helping people get jobs. Once we build that foundation, we’ll expand when and where it makes sense.
On a broader note, I believe that for all of us, our purpose has actually nothing to do with us… passion is about you – it’s about what you love. But purpose has NOTHING to do with you. I believe your purpose must start with one of these three words: help, give or serve. You should be able to say, “My purpose is to help/give/serve ______.” A big part of our lives is about figuring out how and what to fill in that blank. But once we do, everything starts to make sense.
Giovanni Piccolo, VP of Project Management and Application at Salvagnini America Inc.
Giovanni Piccolo, VP of Project Management and Application at Salvagnini America Inc.
Cincy Chic: What does it mean to you to be “successful?” Piccolo: Being successful means first to be conscious about your talents, then to cultivate them and make good use. Success is also something that can go through thick and thin, therefore you need to persevere and do not give up regardless the odds, in few words the most important success is your peace of mind and self-confidence.
Cincy Chic: What do you do professionally? Piccolo: I am the Vice President of Project Management and Application in Salvagnini America Inc. www.salvagnini.com. The headquarters is European, in Italy, and I moved to the U.S. in January 2016. Our company supplies high tech machinery to process sheet metal and plates, and we work with some of the most famous corporations in the States. In the past, I covered many positions, from purely technical ones such as Software Developer, to purely commercial such as Regional Sales Manager for northern Europe. My current position is the perfect mix of both experiences.
Cincy Chic: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? Piccolo: I recently moved the States, therefore my #1 hobby is to enlarge my social links. Being naturally shy, this activity challenges me, but the return is so far incredible. On top of this, I like to swim in the sea and hike. Living in the Midwest, I naturally had to relent the first passion.
Cincy Chic: What inspires you? Piccolo: Passion and honesty are my biggest drives and inspiration. I truly admire people who are driven by these values.
Cincy Chic: What are your biggest turn-ons/turn-offs? Piccolo: Turn-ons: sense of humor, smiles, good food, and the sea. Turn-offs: violence, greed, selfishness.
Cincy Chic: What’s something you hope to accomplish this year? Piccolo: Develop the marketing and the brand of my company in the USA to surpass the target of $100 million sales/year.
Cincy Chic: What’s a long-term goal/dream? Piccolo: To become a chef and a rock star! Joking aside, I truly enjoy people and good food, and in my future I can see me running my own restaurant by the sea, where the climate is warm all year around.
Terry Lukemire, Director/Editor at Barking Fish Entertainment
Cincy Chic: What does it mean to you to be “successful?” Lukemire: I think having freedom and independence is the definition of success for me. I also think that being able to find something that makes you happy and pursuing it because you’re passionate about it and not because it’s a “job” is important. As the old saying goes, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.”
Terry Lukemire, Director/Editor at Barking Fish Entertainment
Cincy Chic: What do you do professionally? Lukemire: I am a Director/Editor and Partner at Barking Fish Entertainment telling stories that range from Independent films to commercials and corporate work. I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to make documentaries about the playing career of Pete Rose called “4192: The Crowning of the Hit King” and the 1981 Simon Kentucky Basketball State Championship season, “Rebound: a basketball story”, narrated by Nick Clooney. I’ve also edited films starring James Franco, Val Kilmer, Ving Rhames and for you Oprah fans, “Brothers of the Borderland” at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Cincy Chic: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? Lukemire: I spend a lot of time with my two year old chocolate lab Sienna hiking and going for rides in my Jeep. I also love playing golf, catching a Reds game and supporting our local micro brews and kickin’ it with friends. Really just about anything outdoors!
Cincy Chic: What inspires you? Lukemire: I love meeting “characters” in life who live their life on their own, unique terms. Many of the stories I’ve been able to tell have been inspirational to me. I have many extremely creative friends whose own work pushes me to want to be better at what I do. Also personally, my Mom and Dad just celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year and they inspire me everyday.
Lukemire with actor JK Simmons
Cincy Chic: What are your biggest turn-ons/turn-offs? Lukemire: I think smiles are infectious and a fun-loving sense of humor are big time turn-ons.. The word “no” is a huge turn off. Negativity in general. Close-mindedness.
Cincy Chic: What’s something you hope to accomplish this year? Lukemire: I’m really wanting to direct a scripted narrative with a decent budget and some star power this year. We’ve been building towards this and definitely ready to put our know how out in front of a big theatrical audience. It’s been great watching all of the Hollywood films coming to Cincinnati, but I think it’s our turn now!
Cincy Chic: What’s a long-term goal/dream? Lukemire: I think finding that special someone who I can share a life full of laughs and adventures with. As far as career goals, after all of the years of developing projects, it would be fantastic to see something sold to a Network and ride that wave for awhile.
Les Fultz, Valere Studios
Les Fultz, Founder of Valere Studios
Cincy Chic: What does it mean to you to be “successful?” Fultz: Successful to me does not mean the fanciest cars or a vacation home in Hilton Head. While earning a sustainable income and being happy are key parts of success, it more about the impact my service or work provides the people I serve. I’ll never forget the feedback I received from someone who ended up in an event video I shot for Loveland Canoe and Kayak. Her dog was majestically starring into the river during the Frog Man Race. “May I film your Golden Retriever?” I asked. Without question she replied “yes.” Shortly after the video was published I received a note thanking me for the work. Not only did her husband win that race, but their dog was not going to be with them for much longer. She was grateful that her dog was featured in the video. Knowing that my work and purpose far exceeds monetary value absolutely defines success to me.
Cincy Chic: What do you do professionally? Fultz: I’m a digital content producer. The Founder of Valere Studios. Creative at the core. I start with a dream and a purpose and create something that drives business activity for local brands. More recently I’ve made the shift to producing my own content. An editorial style show called “MORE with Les” and “Music Live” produced at our live broadcasting studio in Westwood. When the content I produced was changing the lives the clients I served, I questioned why I wasn’t focused on the same exact format for my own business. We just aired Music Live soon to be recognized by Roland A/V in a nationally published use case due to the success of the programming. I’m overjoyed. I’m officially a Facebook Live Content Producer. I’m proud of that title.
Cincy Chic: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? Fultz: Spending time outdoors and hanging with my best friend at the dog park. Minnie Cooper. She’s a 4 year old Min Pin. That’s how I de-stress from the adventurous lifestyle as an entrepreneur. I love the Pacific Northwest. When I’m able, often between the months of June and August, I get outdoors. There’s almost nothing like the Cascades. Majestic waterfalls, rain forests, volcanic moutaintops, and endless out door activities. The seafood in the Northwest is nothing short of amazing. From Dungeness crab cocktail to sockeye it’s one of my favorite places to escape.
Cincy Chic: What inspires you? Fultz: Earlier this year I was hired to film Dennis Roady a YouTube personality at Sundance Film Festival. It was an incredible eye opening experience. Surrounded by film and creative professionals and celebrities. I knew that there is so much opportunity by controlling what I do with a camera. For good. One day I hope to be recognized on one of those stages.
Cincy Chic: What are your biggest turn-ons/turn-offs? Fultz: I’d say go getters. Someone with as much hustle and desire to succeed as I do. Couch potatoes big turn off. Rarely do I sit around contemplating on the future. I make it happen.
Cincy Chic: What’s something you hope to accomplish this year? Fultz: Hire additional staff to help grow the company.
Cincy Chic: What’s a long-term goal/dream? Fultz: Long term I’ll probably want to retire in the northwest with a beautiful log home and a boat similar to the Boston Whaler 345 Conquest. Enjoying the peacefulness of the outdoors.
Zach Franke, Certified Holistic Health Counselor
Zach Franke, Certified Holistic Health Counselor
Cincy Chic: What does it mean to you to be “successful?” Franke: To me, being successful is a process, not an event. It’s staying in the ring and being willing to get punched. It’s getting back up when you are knocked down and then having the perseverance to keep on swinging. That said, I’ve learned that a big part of success is not just being willing to stand there and take punishment and being willing to keep on going, but to actually get better and have a real strategy to win long-term! Success really starts to come together when we can learn from those punches, and actively avoid the same ones in the future. One thing that’s abundantly clear to me though, we MUST be in the ring to even have a chance.
Cincy Chic: What do you do professionally? Franke: Right now, a little bit of a lot of things! I am a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and have a handful of high-end private clients here locally. I also am the Lead Health Coach at an online Holistic Health company called Rebooted Body. I host a podcast called “Bite-Size Wellness” (check it out on iTunes) and finally, I work part-time as a Chastity Educator for grade schoolers and high schoolers at Pregnancy Center West. Like I said, a little bit of everything!
Cincy Chic: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? Franke: I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, and nurturing the other relationships in my life that are most important. I also love hiking, running, and practicing martial arts with a group of inspiring young men at a local dojo called Aikido Works a few times a week. Last, I am actively involved in several volunteer endeavors that keep me pretty occupied as well!
Cincy Chic: What inspires you? Franke: People who are in the ring trying to live out their life while tapping into their fullest potential. People who treat others well and always try to do the right thing even when no one is looking. People who share their failures and fears with others and live out life courageously despite the obstacles they may be facing. People that have had incredible challenges come along and still have found a way to rise above whatever could have easily stopped most of us.
Cincy Chic: What are your biggest turn-ons/turn-offs? Franke: My biggest turn-ons are honesty and a willingness to be wrong. My biggest turn-offs are confrontational hypocrites and perpetual complainers.
Cincy Chic: What’s something you hope to accomplish this year? Franke: I really want to take the lessons I have learned and the failures that I have experienced from being a health coach over the past four years and transform them into meaningful change that can more efficiently and easily inspire and activate* lifelong health changes in my clients’ lives. Bringing authentic and lasting health transformations to people I’ve learned is NOT easy. I’ve been constantly tweaking my approach through lots of trial and error and I now have some exciting plans to rock out this year that I can’t wait to watch unfold.
Cincy Chic: What’s a long-term goal/dream? Franke: My long-term goal is to live a life of lasting meaning to the people I look up to, love, and admire the most. I used to have dreams of “changing the world” and “waking people up” and “becoming enlightened” and all kinds of crazy stuff. No bueno! These days, instead of thinking really “big,” it’s much more about the tiny little daily decisions I make, choosing to do the “right thing” despite not really wanting to a lot of the times, that I feel brings me closer to my accomplishing my dreams every day.
February is Heart Health Awareness month, so read on for all the exciting events and activities the American Heart Association has planned around the city!
Join a celebration of heart health at Cincy Chic’s annual Lady in Red event on February 3 at Macy’s in downtown Cincinnati.
Did you know that Cardiovascular Disease claims the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year? The American Heart Association in Cincinnati is an organization that wants to improve people’s heart health.
“The mission of the AHA/ASA is to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” says Lori Fovel, Director of Communications for the AHA in Cincinnati. “That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question.” It is Fovel’s job to tell AHA’s story and have Cincinnati connect to the mission. The goal of the AHA is to improve the cardiovascular health of people by 20 percent, and reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent by 2020.
Fovel has personal experience with heart problems in her family. Recently, her husband, who is an athletic and fit 54-year-old, had a heart attack. “He had a blockage in one artery, which required a stent. This event hit very close to home as you can imagine,” Fovel says. “After sharing stories of those who have been affected by cardiovascular disease for so many years, it got very personal when it happened to my own husband. Heart disease doesn’t discriminate and touches people of all ages, ethnicities and gender.”
The month of February is National Heart Month. The Christ Hospital Health Network plays a big part in the month’s festivities “Their support enables us to activate grassroots programs in our community, such as Learn and Live days at all girls’ high schools to share the message that heat health begins at an early age,” says Fovel. “They also participate in our Little Caps Big Hearts campaign that provides hand knitted baby caps to all newborns in February. Moms receive take home information about heart health.”
To raise awareness for heart health, the AHA of Cincinnati is going to host multiple events. February 3 is going to be National Wear Red Day. “It’s a call to action to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans,” says Fovel. “Why go red? Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one women every 80 seconds. Fortunately, we have the power to change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action.”
You can paint the town red as you wear your red on Feb. 3 at the 8th annual Lady in Red event at Macy’s downtown. From 6-10pm, you can enjoy a 20% store-wide* Macy’s discount, fashion show, music, swag bag, refreshments, fun photo booth and fundraising activities. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign. Click here for more information and to reserve your tickets. http://2017LIR.eventbrite.com
The next day, February 4, there is a Ride Your Heart Out event. This event consists of “indoor cycling classes that are happening all over the country, hosted by our CycleNation sponsor, CycleBar. The proceeds from this event go to AHA.”
Another event happening is Kendra Scott in Liberty Center. Kendra Scott is a store, and 20 percent of the sales for the whole day will go to AHA. “Dollars raised are used to support local heart and stroke research, educational programs and advocacy efforts,” she says. At Kendra Scott, there will also be a mini event, “Sips, Sweets, and Jewels” from 5-8pm, where there is going to be door prizes, sweets, and drinks. There are also a variety of other events happening, such as the Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball, Heart Mini, and HeartChase NKY.
To keep up with what the AHA is doing, you can follow them on Facebook or check out the Heart Mini’s page; Instagram for both the Cincinnati AHA and the Heart Mini, and on Twitter.
Cincinnati is full of inspiring women. For our annual Women of the Year issue, we're featuring some of the best! Read on to learn about Litsa Spanos, a local entrepreneur, philanthropist and art aficionado who’s making the city more colorful.
Litsa Spanos, Founder of Art Design Consultants.
Litsa Spanos says she likes to think of her business, Art Design Consultants (ADC), as Cincinnati’s “best known” secret.
So many people in Cincinnati have seen the work we do — our art installations are in hospitals, businesses, and homes all over town — but people just don’t realize that ADC is behind it,” she says.
ADC brings fine art to businesses, hospitals, and homes in the Tri-State. “We have a huge selection of artwork, and work with not only local, but national and international artists as well,” explains Spanos of her 10,000-square-foot gallery in the newly renovated Edge building in downtown Cincinnati.
Spanos also recently dipped her toe in the publishing world by launching ADC’s third annual BLINK catalog, which features selected art and artists. “BLINK is sent to nearly 10,000 interior designers all over the country,” says Spanos. “It’s a terrific way to showcase our artists. And not to toot our own horn, but we’re also an award-winning business. We’re ranked in the top 2% of the nation’s women-owned businesses! I am really proud of that.”
ADC’s story dates back to 1992, when Spanos first launched the business. When she started it, she wanted to make art accessible to everyone.
“I am one of those people who is transformed and inspired by art, and I personally know the power a beautiful space can have and what an impact it can make on one’s moods and levels of happiness,” she says. “I wanted to spend my life doing something meaningful, and I can’t think of anything more meaningful than making others feel happy and surrounded by beauty.”
Spanos and her team at ADC.
Spanos says her favorite part about running ADC is helping people. She sees what she does not as selling art but as working to connect artists with collectors and businesses who will appreciate the work.
“Artists benefit financially, sure, but they find meaning too, and a purpose for why they do what they do,” she adds. “Plus, businesses, hospitals, and individuals benefit because they are uplifted, inspired, and, especially in cases of healthcare environments, soothed or healed.”
Spanos says she also loves working with her employees. “I walk into work so excited to see each of them, and I am often just blown away by the talent I am surrounded by,” she says. “I am truly humbled every day. I believe the greatest purpose of my life is to help others.”
Spanos says if there’s anything she could tell other people it’s to follow their passions to the ends of the earth. “I love creating beautiful spaces,” she says. “And I get to spend every day of my life doing exactly what I am most passionate about. That being said, following your passion is also the hardest and riskiest thing you’ll ever do. So don’t get discouraged during the downturns or when obstacles get in your way. Let those times make you better, strengthen your resolve, and reaffirm your beliefs. I took a lot of risks — and suffered some major setbacks — but I just kept going and never looked back.”
In 2017, Spanos will celebrate 25 Years of ADC. To give back in honor of 25 years, Spanos is writing a book to help artists supercharge their career. “I want to give back to all the artists that have helped and inspired me,” says Spanos. “The other exciting news is, we just hired a new Chief Curator and she’ll be helping to launch a new publication that is geared toward individual collectors and online buyers. The sky’s the limit in the art world. And I want to reach as many people as I can, while I can.”
To learn more about ADC, visit www.adcfineart.com or stop by the gallery on the fifth floor of The Edge building, located at 310 Culvert Street Cincinnati, OH 45202.
From skincare and beauty treatments to de-stressing and detoxifying through cutting edge treatments, learn about the local woman who offers it all at her new facility in Mason.
Mason Skin Clinic and Float Center uses a holistic approach to heal the body and mind.
Mason Skin Clinic and Float Center takes a holistic approach healing the body and mind, enabling clients to leave their stress at the door. From skincare to body therapy treatments this local clinic has all your bases covered.
Owner and founder, Julie Kline has a passion for beauty that runs much further than skin deep which is why she started this practice eleven years ago. According to Kline, Mason Skin Clinic and Float Center is all about personalized care and this is reflected in their unique and versatile treatment options.
The practice is split into three unique parts; the skin clinic, floatation therapy and infrared sauna detoxification, complimenting each other in order to maximize the benefits of each treatment.
The skincare clinic offers a large variety of services such facials, collagen induction therapy, acne treatments, LED light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and dermaplaning.
Julie Kline, Owner of Mason Skin Clinic and Float Center
A service that is unique to the Mason Skin Clinic and Float Center is floatation therapy. In their customized float room there is an extra-large, enclosed pod with over 1,000 pounds of medical grade epsom salt dissolved in filtered Kangen water that’s heated to 94 degrees. Kline describes the service as “feeling free from gravity and external stimulation that lets you relax in a meditative state as sensation from the outside world melts away. Floating offers a multitude of benefits for both mind and body. It is safe, all natural and therapeutic,” she says.
Mason Skin Clinic and Float Center’s Infrared sauna is a specialized detoxification treatment room that uses infrared light to turn up the heat which can help rid the body of built up toxins that lead to common illness. According to Kline, this service coupled with float therapy is incredibly helpful for chronic pain and sports injures. She also asserts that infrared sauna detoxification assists with weight loss, improved circulation and reduced blood pressure. New clients receive the first session half off.
For Kline, her entire practice is a dream come true. “I love getting to know our clients on a personal level. I love having a relaxing atmosphere where our clients feel like they are at home. We truly care about their whole health, wellness and skin, she says.
Mason Skin Care and Float Center has a variety of new client specials. They’re offering flotation therapy services at a reduced price, one float for $45 or two for $89, regularly priced at $89 per session. In addition the Skin Clinic is offering new clients a $59 facial service. Another skincare special, not limited to new clients is three facials for $200. You can choose from microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, chemical peels or a microcurrent facial.
Mason Skin Care and Float Center is located at 1066 Reading Road in Mason. To learn more about their services stop by their website. Booking an appointment is easy, just reach out to Julie directly at 513-913-7373.
Learn about a local fashion designer who’s on a mission to change the world - one beautifully designed dress at a time.
Geetha Minton, Founder of GKM Design
Geetha Minton believes you can have a uniquely-designed dress, featuring luxurious materials from around the world, while providing a new life for a woman in need.
Minton is the founder of GKM Design, a fashion line that not only creates beautiful, culturally-inspired dresses, but products that help save modern day slaves from the realm of human trafficking.
When she launched GKM, Minton says she started out with one goal: To employ as many women as possible. “The more we sell, the more women we can help,” she says.
To help expand her brand and reach more buying customers, Minton partners with production companies in India and Moldova. Those companies hire survivors of human trafficking, allowing GKM to employ those women.
Minton says she hopes to inspire other women through the work she’s done in three ways. She wants to inspire them to live without the “what ifs.”
“It doesn’t matter what you went to school for or what you think other people want you to do in life,” she says. “Absolutely anything is possible. No matter how many people tell you you can’t do something, you absolutely can.”
She wants everyone around her to attempt whatever it is they have their sights on, so at least they can say they had the guts to try.
Minton also wants to inspire others to surround themselves with supportive people.
“I’m not talking about people that will urge to go on American Idol even if you suck,” she laughs. “People that will tell you if you’re idea or dream makes sense or how to tweak it to make it work. I’m my own worst enemy and if I didn’t have the squad that I have surrounding me I would never gone as far as I have. Particularly my husband. He is my biggest support and my rock of Gibraltar. So having that support at home in incredibly important!”
Minton says that she believes anything is possible when you have the best intentions behind it. “You will absolutely receive help and blessings as long as you’re serving, working, and persevering with purpose,” she adds.
Dresses designed for GKM Design by Minton.
She doesn’t want you to give up when things get tough, because they will get really hard, she wants you to keep going with your purpose because things will work out.
Minton says that in the new year she will be bringing new designs to her line. Be on the lookout for five long dresses coming to the collection as well as a jumpsuit. “I’m super excited about these,” she says.
See how a local executive director is using her marketing experience to nurture female entrepreneurs in Cincinnati and beyond.
Nancy Aichholz, Executive Director of Bad Girl Ventures
Did you know that there are only 14 business organizations that are solely geared toward female entrepreneurs? Nancy Aichholz is proud to be a part of one – based right here in Cincinnati – as the Executive Director of Bad Girl Ventures.
Aichholz says she’s passionate about making an impact for businesswomen in the Cincinnati area because she is one herself. In fact, she says, it was her entrepreneurship experience as founder of NanCakes bakery that was the perfect “pre-heat” setting for her to now lead Bad Girl Ventures, a Cincinnati-based incubator for women-owned startups.
Bad Girl Ventures was listed as one of the top 10 organizations in the country in Forbes Magazine. The company comprehends what women need and the unique asset they would bring to a startup.
“We are a multi-market education based organization that empowers female entrepreneurs and leads them to successful accessing of capital,” she says. “Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of a female owned startup from idea to exit. A woman can enter our programs at various points along her journey.” The company includes seven employees, one board of directors, an advisory board, two local advisory committees, plus 200+ volunteers and a lot of generous sponsors.
After getting her degree in International Business and Marketing, Aichholz spent some time in media sales.
“That was perfect because I was selling a marketing product to all types of small businesses in order to meet their advertising needs. I spent a lot of time learning about their businesses and how I could solve their problems with media,” she says. Her experience in media sales led her to an opportunity to work for Chiquita Brands, International, which according to Aichholz, “had to be the best possible marketing job on the planet.
I loved that opportunity and am I’m so grateful to have had that experience.” Her experience at Chiquita empowered her to be qualified for her current Executive Director position at BGV.
A “bad girl” is a female entrepreneur who is bold and takes risks. “They are starting businesses in all types of industries and they support one another,” she says. Aichholz is able to bring her experience in corporate marketing, fundraising, starting and running her own successful, small business called NanCakes, and her long history of relationships in the region. Her favorite part of the job is watching women succeed.
“I love to help our entrepreneurs problem solve, believe in themselves, and make the connection that will move them forward. But in my role, I have the added blessing of being able to hire talented women into the BGV organization itself and watch them grow and thrive,” says Aichholz. “I have a passion for women mentoring women along the way. In my corporate experience, women still weren’t doing a very good job of helping each other. I am determined to be different, Success should be determined by talent, passion and drive, not by gender.”
Aichholz loves the business world, but at the same time, she is creative and energetic. “Marketing can be the heartbeat of the organization when it is done right – it isn’t just advertising. Marketing is knowing your product and its target demo, then being sure your product or service is exactly what your target will adopt/ purchase and connect to sustain them and the business,” she says. Aichholz’s inspiration comes from her three children and her faith. “At the end of the day/ end of life, that is really all that matters and if family and faith are on track, all is well,” she says. She comes back to work everyday because she loves to watch her staff develop, shine and she loves knowing her employees are changing the lives of female entrepreneurs.
To learn more about Aichholz and Bad Girl Ventures, you can email info@badgirlventures.com, and to subscribe to updates. Or, you can follow along on social media through Facebook and Twitter.
See how one of Cincinnati’s healthiest women turned her passion for raw foods into a new healthy food service, catering and delivery program.
Inspired by a love for all things vegetables as well as the inclination to eat healthy, Trinidad Mac-Aucliffe launched her very own high raw + vegan and gluten free business Raw Intervention.
Another inspiration for Raw Intervention was Mac-Aucliffe’s passion for the concept of raw food. “The sprouting, soaking, marinating, fermenting, etc. All those ways to bring the life force of the foods to your body with great flavors is like an endless supply of goodness,” she says.
At Raw Intervention, Mac-Aucliffe uses natural methods to create alkalinity, to add probiotics and nourish the body. “It’s what I call the alchemy of foods, and that is one very important principle here at Raw Intervention,” she adds.
Mac-Aucliffe says she was always inspired to eat healthy. But it wasn’t because she knew those foods were healthy, she says that it was the flavor of the foods she always liked. “I always cooked for myself a lot but when going out I found it difficult to find 100 percent clean eats,” she says.
Then she had children and things got a little busy. She was attending the University of Cincinnati for her Masters in Fine Arts. With a busy schedule and less time for shopping, she knew she needed to do something herself.
“In my search for good foods I found that a lot of vegan or vegetarian foods and dishes were loaded with chemicals or preservatives, and the staple of soy by-products was standard in both vegan and vegetarian cuisine,” she explains. “Food, in general, is full of sugar, even so-called healthy wheat breads, which takes us to the other issue of gluten intolerance. It was then that my quest began. I saw clearly there was an issue and I wanted to be part of the solution, therefore I wanted to create a business that brings 100 percent nutritional value with none of that other stuff.”
Trinidad Mac-Aucliffe, Founder of Raw Intervention
Mac-Aucliffe decided to fight through the bad stuff in food and create her own good-food business, which led to the birth of Raw Intervention.
“Raw Intervention has a weekly delivery program called Collective Delivery, which consists of a four-item menu box for a fixed price of $65,” she explains. The menu is posted on Thursday afternoons on our Facebook page and we take orders until Saturday morning, with delivery on Tuesdays. We have a la carte desserts to add to your order and will be offering other goods throughout the year, such as loaves of amazing, healthy sprouted breads, wonderful layer cakes and pies, and lots of other yummo food!”
Mac-Aucliffe says that Raw Intervention also caters small parties and creates educational programs that are focused on food preparation and nutrition as well as simple ways to implement better eating habits into a lifestyle.
Mac-Aucliffe says her goal through Raw Intervention is to keep the integrity of food, share it, and help to nourish humans in the process.
“I want to share food that is healing as well and will help you and me reset our bodies (metabolism) and integrate a sense of well being and vitality in our lives,” she says. “Raw Intervention food is here to help balance, align and alkalize the body and therefore take guilt out of the equation.”
Mac-Aucliffe says that Raw Intervention brings clients nutritional value, which is lacking in many foods today. She says that just because a label says vegan or gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. However, Raw Intervention does bring the healthy benefits of food to customers.
“By taking the time to utilize methods of soaking, sprouting and marinating to make our breads, tacos, pizzas, sauces, dehydrated nuts, salad dressing, and desserts, we bring life force food to people,” she adds.
The future is looking bright for Raw Intervention. Mac-Aucliffe says that she is focusing on growth to expand and develop her business.
To learn more about Raw Intervention, visit rawintervention.us.
From the National Guard to owning her own bakery, learn about a local lady who’s a Jack of all trades, creating a legacy through her tasty treats.
Taren Plesinger-Kinebrew, Founder of Sweet Petit Desserts
When Taren Plesinger-Kinebrew entered the National Guard and studied IT in college, she didn’t expect a bakery to be on her career path.
Today, she’s the owner and CEO of Sweet Petit Desserts, based in OTR. As a third generation baker who enjoyed baking with her grandmother as a child, it was a natural fit for her to make this passion a profession. But she followed her passion for the Armed Forces first.
She joined the National Guard during her senior year of high school and spent seven years there. She hoped to travel the world, but Desert Storm complicated this. While in the military she went to college, majoring in information systems and minored in accounting.
After getting her degree she started working for IBM, but she wasn’t satisfied. “After being in the corporate world I felt there was more for me and figured I would try my hand at being my own boss,” Plesinger-Kinebrew says. “It took a few businesses for me to figure out that baking is truly my passion.” With her childhood memories of baking in mind, Sweet Petit Desserts was born in August of 2009.
As the name suggests, Sweet Petit Desserts specializes in miniature desserts made from what Plesinger-Kinebrew calls “the finest ingredients.” In fact, that’s all it serves. Plesinger-Kinebrew and her staff focus on simple flavors and unique artistry so they can deliver big flavor in a small package. The menu includes everything from cookies, pies, cake pops, brownies, macarons, chocolate-covered strawberries, tartlets, dessert cups, chocolate covered pretzels, and their newest editions of Petit cakes.
A portion of the proceeds from their LOVE Bites goes toward the Sister Accord Foundation, which focuses on educating girls and women and eradicating violence and bullying. In addition to the shop, Sweet Petit Desserts does a lot of event catering, designing and setting up dessert tables. They can even create a menu of treats specific to an event.
Sweet Petit Desserts has five staff members, most of whom are related to Plesinger-Kinebrew, she laughs. It’s only fitting, though, as Plesinger-Kinebrew was inspired by family memories. Plesinger-Kinebrew loves baking for others and the spirit of friendliness it creates. “I really enjoy connecting with my customers,” she says. “It really is the best part of work outside of baking.”
As her varied résumé shows, Plesinger-Kinebrew is sort of a Jack of all trades who found her dream trade. For those who wish to follow suit and start their own business, Plesinger-Kinebrew offers one simple piece of advice: “It’s important to do the research in your field of expertise. Know your market and really plan.”
A local artist, teacher, philanthropist, and all-around fun gal was selected as one of Cincy Chic’s Women of the Year. Read on for her quirky, inspiring story.
Photo: Jenn Prine
Cincy Chic: Tell us about you! What keeps you inspired in everything you do? Pam Kravetz: I am inspired by the beauty in the chaos of the everyday! I am inspired by the vibrancy, energy, and brilliance that is Cincinnati. I am inspired by the art, the artists, the music and the musicians, the dancers, the dreamers, and the makers in our city. I am inspired by the community and the crazy that I get to be part of riding in the bathtub for Arnold’s in all our parades that sets Cincinnati apart. I am inspired by the passion and love of my parents, my brothers and sisters, my family and friends, my cool husband Craig and his amazing daughters, and Max, my son, his lust for learning, adventure, and possibilities, he keeps me on my toes. I am inspired by my art students at Harrison High School – everyday they surprise, challenge, and fascinate me. I am inspired by the “what if” and the magic that trying new things creates. I am inspired by this great honor from Cincy Chic, and I am verklempt too. Oh, yeah, and I am totally inspired by lipstick.
Cincy Chic: What path did you take to get where you are today? Kravetz: Is there a road less than less traveled? A path of most resistance? If so, that is probably the path I took to get where I am today. I struggled in school beginning in Kindergarten and had teachers take me under their wing throughout my educational career to help me succeed. That is what I hope I do for my students. Reenie and Stanley Kravetz (my mom and dad) have always supported me and been my biggest fans, that got me early on, that I don’t follow the rules or “fit in.” After undergraduate school, I took some time off and wasn’t involved in making art or being part of the art community. I became a docent (tour guide) at the CAC and realized I loved to teach. I became an art teacher and all the parts started to fit together. My first public art piece was one of the Big Pigs from Artworks with my two art-making partners in crime Karen and Carla. That was a pinnacle point for me, an introduction to collaboration, Artworks and Tamara Harkavy. I was hired by Artworks as a Project Leader and was able to combine my love of art making, collaboration and public art and realized the important impact for our community that it had. I was delighted to have my art at the CAC’s UnMuseum, I created an interactive installation, The Beauty Queen, The Super Hero, and The Peanut. I also realized there are people in my life that can do thing better than me, and to rely on them. For instance, my sister Andrea can bead like nobodies business. I loved the viewer being part of my artwork, the art came alive when they interacted with it. All this led up to masterminding the fabulous street art group, The Bombshells of Cincinnati! I realized we can make a larger impact and have a louder voice when I collaborate with other artists. Performance art, kind of happened by accident at that time. That is where the dressing up come from too – my yarn bombing (graffiti art with knitting a crochet) moniker is Pinky Shears and I am a rootin’, tootin’, art makin’ yarn bombing, tutu wearing art making machine. Pinky Shears lead to the performance art of driving the Arnold’s bath tub, presenting at various art related events and being a self proclaimed ambassador of fun and awareness. I am a connector, a collaborator and a communicator which has helped me to champion other artists, community events and charitable organization. I loved that I am able to be part of such an exciting, cultural mecca, and growing city. I feel so incredibly lucky.
Photo by Joseph Fuqua II for WCPO
Cincy Chic: What organizations are you currently involved with in the city? Kravetz: I am a brand-spanking-new Trustee for Artworks and I love getting to develop plans with them for creating jobs, art, community, and vibrancy in our city. I am involved with creating opportunity for art students through higher education with affiliations at The Art Academy of Cincinnati and DAAP. What I do that is totally crazy and fun and impactful in a super non-traditional way! I have a dressed up persona, alter ego, playful instigator of fun and awareness. I have danced the runway at Party in Plaid and Punk Fundraiser for Caracole (Paisley) with Heather Britt of Dancefix, popped out of a cake for the Artworks 21st Celebration Fundraiser, and driven the Arnold’s tub in Pride Parade, Open Day Parade, and Bockfest with my amazing friends. I was invited to create CACtv and be the hostess with the mostest as we celebrated The Contemporary Arts Center’s 75th Anniversary as well as created a gigantic memory quilt. And I will be creating a Julia Child/CACtv character for The Art of Food Fundraiser at The Carnegie Art Center.
Cincy Chic: How do you hope to expand your reach to other organizations and people in 2017? Kravetz: I am new being on air with WNKU, in a program called Cincinnati Art Beat, with Pam Kravetz (that’s me). I have been given an incredible opportunity to give an “insider’s” guide to the arts in our region. I am so proud of our artists, and our arts organizations – both traditional arts institutions and non – and it is a blast getting the word out to a larger audience. I have always been an advocate and champion of the arts and artists – the seasoned professional as well as the novice. I have new opportunities for collaboration with artists both through my own artwork, as well as through Artworks, The Carnegie Art Center, Nearby Collective and Art on the Street.
Cincy Chic: What have been some of your favorite organizations to work with so far? Kravetz: I have been over the moon to have the opportunity to work with Artworks as an artist, a Project Manager and as a Trustee, The Carnegie Art Center in KY, and their super fun fundraiser The Art of Food, The Contemporary Arts Center and Art on the Streets. I have had the pleasure of creating over 45 art quilts with patients, doctors, caregivers and families of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Additionally, I have been part of a team from Artworks that has redesigned/created four clinics and artwork at Ronald McDonald House. Seeing the difference art makes in a child’s life is so incredible, and to honor their legacy with a piece of art about them was pretty life changing experience for me.
Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon for you in 2017? Kravetz: I am working on a big project with Artworks, Brave Berlin, Agar, and the Haile Foundation called Blink – a huge, exciting art extravaganza of projected light. There will so many artists and high school and college art students involved in the project – it will be amazing! I am the co-host of The Artworks Fundraiser Breakfast in the spring! I am delving deeper into my own personal art-making and currently working on a large scale, crazy-town, over the top installation with my big fiber pieces as well as inflatable sculptures and I am super excited about it! I feel now, more than ever, the voice of the artist is so incredibly important and I am excited to use my art and my voice in the community for change, understanding, celebration, and awareness. I have loved donating my art to numerous wonderful causes throughout the years, from Caracole, Visionary and Voices, to Eight Lights for Ethan and Bricks Along the Journey, to name a few. I lost my younger sister to breast cancer in 2015 and my mom to ovarian cancer as a child. Cincy Chic’s Amy Scalia asked me to create a piece of art to auction for Bras with Flair on The Square for a breast cancer awareness fundraiser – it was a very emotional and important moment for me.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more about you and what you do? Kravetz: Check out my super old website from like 1950, I am working with a cool branding company, We Have Become Vikings, to do a new one in 2017, so maybe wait a bit. I am active on Facebook, sharing what is going on with my art and happenings around town, so let’s be friends! I have an Instagram account too, that I like to share happenings on. I do this fun selfie thing, I know selfie – REALLY? I always say that “it is all about me,” but the point of my selfies is what is going on behind me. It is my way of promoting cool things going on and saying, you are invited, you should be here. Come to almost any parade in Cincinnati and find me, I’ll be the one in the HUGE wig (thanks to Stacey Vest, wig-maker extraordinaire) and probably in a bathtub, or a Left Shark suit, or who knows what! And come and say hello!
