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4/1/2021 Chik Chat: Square OneMeet our client Square One! Square One believes that building a better community starts with early childhood education.Their range of education and support services focus on providing opportunities for children and families to build the foundation for lifelong learning, to make smart choices, and to grow strong cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically.
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2/8/2021 Galentine's Day Gift GuideGive your girlfriend's the gift of local this Galentine's Day! Meghan shares her fave women-owned small businesses in our Galentine's Day Gift Guide.
11/19/2020 Chikmedia Holiday Gift GuideEvery year Chikmedia puts together a list of must have women owned products you need for the holidays. Check out our 2020 edition here!
10/27/2020 Dunkin' Ghost Pepper DonutAre you afraid of some spice?! Meghan put on her taste tester hat to give Dunkin's new Ghost Pepper donut a try. It was a real Halloween treat! Whether you're a spice fan or not, be sure to head to Dunkin' this Halloween season to try out their frightfully cute seasonal treats!
9/30/2020 Guest Chik:Lay & V On today's Guest Chik feature, we're excited to introduce you to Danielle of Lay & V. This boss chik has created a maternity bodysuit that will help mama chiks everywhere! If you're expecting, or know someone who is, read on to learn all about this staple you're going to want to pick up or gift!
9/4/2020 Guest Chik: Veronica MoyaHey Chiks! We'd like you to meet Veronica Moya! Veronica is a spirituality and meditation teacher based in New York City, whose emphasis is on nurturing self-reliance & assertiveness in young people. Read on to learn about Veronica's journey to the US and how she became the Boss Chik she is today!
7/24/2020 Guest Chik: Michaella Lesieur Continuing our Guest Chik series, we're excited to introduce you to Michaella Lesieur! Michaella is an author, advocate, model, and beacon of light. Check out her story and learn more about her latest upcoming adventure below. “When I was five years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life,’ ahhh one of most favorite quotes by John Lennon. Hi everyone, My name is Michaella Lesieur and I am a 25- year old author/illustrator, model for Donahue Models & Talent, and communications enthusiast. I have my Associates in Communications, Bachelors in English: Writing, Rhetoric and Communications and working towards my Masters in Professional Writing and Communications. I am a full of life girl who cherishes every second with a strong passion for philanthropic work and nonprofit organizations. I love spending time with my family and friends and have one awesome younger brother, Corey. In my free time you can find me enjoying the simple moments, taking long walks on the beach, traveling and exploring, a total foodie and dancing just because. I am huge on sharing stories and am motivated to tell the stories that surround me because it’s a way to learn from one another. I am so excited to share this one with Chick Media. My journey started from a very young age, as my inspiration sparked at the age of five. My best friend my mom, Madaline Lesieur was diagnosed with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES), the news was devastating leaving us on a fight for her life.It was in high school that my voice took action and has soared since then. Seeing my mom’s strength and love for life inspired me. I have a passion to advocate for causes that are near and dear to my heart and my mom and I truly have the relationship of our favorite hit Netflix show, Gilmore Girls! A mother and daughter is a built in best friend for life. When you have such a strong passion for what you do, it never feels like work.  Since, 2013 I have chaired several fundraisers forThe American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), in honor of my mom raising over $20,000 to contribute to their Hope On The Horizon Research fund which works to help support new medical treatments, trials and ultimately one day a cure which would be a dream. Most notably, would be my self published children’s book titled “Luna Lung...Meets HES,” which is a book that any age can pick up and fall in love with. My book is based on a true story on my mom and families road to her diagnosis. “Luna Lung...Meets HES,” brings to life the bond shared between a mother and daughter, the importance of advocacy and community and never giving up hope. When asking all those who know me, “Who is Michaella,” many would say I am a dreamer. My mom has always told me that the sky is the limit and when I say I am going to do something I am all in. Likewise, I started modeling in 2016, with the mission to bring along my platforms and break the silence. This includes shedding light to my mom’s illness and working to make it a household name where people are aware of these series of illnesses, because awareness leads to advocacy and advocacy leads to support. On the other side of my modeling I carry this mantra with me that anyone can be a model. It is 2020 and it’s time to break the stereotype of what a model is. A model is someone who carries a beautiful heart, shares their stories, uses their words for good and works to build each other up versus break them down. A true model portrays beauty from the inside. I was bullied in middle and high school, so I know what it feels like to be considered different...but what people don’t know is that being different is remarkable! The best outfit any women can wear are those that put on a confident smile and are happy with the person that they are. We all come into this world with a road to success. Will it be hard at times absolutely, but it will be fulfilling. Life teaches you to walk through it with a zest in your step and never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. I think when it comes to being female there is that want to portray the best version of ourselves that we can be. Waking up in the morning and looking in the morning and being happy with the reflection you see is the first step. We only have one life so the best way is tis to live out loud and don’t be afraid to take those big steps no matter how small or large they may be. Let your mind wonder, travel, explore different paths, work yourself hard and never ever give up.  I am a believer in coming together as a community and working to build each other up especially young girls and women. Life is so much better when we celebrate in one another’s accomplishments and successes. It’s also a great way to learn from other women and people because it can be so enriching. When collaborating as a mother and daughter there is a deep connection and bond that can create so many innovative works. With all that my mom has taught me and continues to teach me I look forward to passing it down to my children some day.
This coming August I am excited to announce that my website “Winged Out in Hope” will be launching under the account lunalungmeetshes.com as that is the name of my first book and how everything came to be. “Winged Out In Hope” was an idea that both my mom and I had that stemmed on New Year’s Eve and it was then that we said let’s make it happen. The website will host pages for my books, my charity advocacy and modeling, my own little boutique where I will be selling handmade hair accessories which is how the “Winged Out In Hope Collection” came to be and a blog. I wanted to create this space where everyone can come together as a community and spread positivity, especially with all that has transformed this year. Looking to the future I am also in the process of publishing my second book which will be for a more mature audience titled “Ps. Laugh Hard...Love Harder,” and will be a collection of short stories that dive into life and all of its emotions. I encourage everyone to go after what inspires them. Live life to the fullest and share your talents with the world because we all have something to bring to the table. Set no limits and own up to what makes you, you. Looking to connect? I would love to hear from you-- you can find me on Insta @melesieur_model. All photos credit to @AllInADayPhotography  Hello ladies, I recently started The Hero Project, a pay it forward fundraiser to provide Beauty Batlle Lounge complementary self care services to our medical professionals and first responders once this craziness is over. More details can be found here. So far, the program has already attracted the attention of local media, including Business West Magazine. We I have teamed up with a Chikmedia as a PR firm to gain additional exposure. Along with raising funds, I wanted to offer this an opportunity to collaborate with other small businesses. I would love for your business to put together a promotion featuring THP, while offering a donation from the proceeds toward the project. For example, Contribution Clothing recently launched the Hero Angel necklace in which a percentage of the proceeds go back to THP. We promote it on our end as well, of course. Please let me know if you are interested in participating and we can set up a time to discuss. Our goal is to not only take care of our essential personnel, but also to help small businesses collaborate and thrive. -Ashely Batlle, CEO  Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts empowers women to achieve economic independence and thrive in work and life. Beyond the well-known suiting program, Foot in the Door helps them find and maintain full-time work, the Margeret Fitzgerald Mentor Program provides one-on-one guidance and the Professional Women’s Group offers support, inspiration and tools to advance in career and life.
Tracy Thompson Viola, owner of Thompson Real Estate Group, Inc. in Springfield, has taken advantage of all of these programs, beginning just as she was launching her own business. “Starting a business is so hard,” she says. “Dress for Success surrounded me with the big support system that I didn’t have. They wanted me to succeed.” Program by program, Tracy honed job skills, learned about managing finances, and gained confidence. These tools and a strong support system have been more important than ever, as Thompson Real Estate Group has had to face the uncertainties of Covid-19. But, fortified by over twenty years of experience and the knowledge of how proud Dress for Success is of her accomplishments, Tracy has worked to meet new challenges head on. She has added a commercial division, begun promoting off market properties and established the unique ability to do the entire process safely online using 360-degree 3D tours. She has also, through a business called BRX360, branched out into professional real estate photography, making use of the best equipment in the industry. As with other women they serve, Dress for Success is working to help Tracy gain the tools she needs to navigate Covid-19, while encouraging her independent innovation. Getting slightly emotional, she says, “I’m so proud to be a part of an organization that is so happy to help and accommodating. You don’t find that a lot.” Dress for Success Program Information: dressforsuccessprograms@gmail.com Thompson Real Estate Group, Inc. www.tracyviola.com www.facebook.com/TheThompsonRealEstateGroup www.facebook.com/BRX360Marketing  Donna Versatile or Versatile Woman in Italian is 100% inspired by the Proverbs 31 woman. The one who does not give up, who multiplies her resources and does not neglect herself. The business is composed of an online boutique and blog who seeks to inspire women to be the best version of themselves in everything they do and to display it even through the way they dress.
The boutique carries accessories and clothing pieces for all body types, sizes run from S to 3XL. There are new arrivals every week for every taste and style, because personal style goes with every woman everywhere they go and with everything they do. During these trial times, it is important that even at home one can feel beautiful, equipped and in charge for the day. Just an outfit can make you feel accomplish. Because of the shift in the way business is been done, we will be carrying loungewear pieces as well. For every woman who wears it to be comfortable, without compromising chicness. We will keep carrying more dressy pieces as well, because dressing up is something that can still be done during special occasions at home and obviously when everything goes back to normal. Our content is offered through photo shots and short videos to offer different ideas, fitting details and fashion inspiration. We are also offering free shipping while this situation lasts, so everybody can get their pieces and save money at the same time. They can also feel free to subscribe to the website in order to receive 15% of one item the first time they order with us using code "Welcome". Website: http://www.donna-versatile.com Facebook: Donna Versatile or @versatiledonna Instagram: donna_versatile -Iris Rosario, Owner of Donna Versatile We've been hearing all the stories of couples having to reschedule their weddings due to COVID-19 and they are truly heartbreaking. The stress alone is enough to make anyone's head spin! The team over at The Beauty Studio is here to help. Not only are they available for those who have lost their hair and makeup vendors, but they're also supporting brides with digital content. They're encouraging couples who have had to postpone to still celebrate their original date at home. You can check out their tutorial for an easy updo you can do at-home to get dolled up and celebrate! We love a good celebration! And even more than that, we love small business who are supporting folks through this trying time. We couldn't be more excited to feature Marisa and The Beauty Studio as a guest blogger today. Hey there! We are The Beauty Studio located in Ludlow, MA! We are a one-stop-shop for all your beauty, fashion, and special event needs! Our location is a full-service salon and spa where you can come and receive a number of beauty services including Microdermabrasion facials, deep tissue massages, lash extensions, lash lifts, any hair color you could imagine- we even offer private tarot card readings! While you are in our little oasis, take a look around and grab yourself a brand new outfit from our ever-growing boutique! The boutique has new arrivals weekly including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Online shopping is always available on our website. Everything is currently 30% OFF until May 9th! The main service that we provide is hair and makeup for our wonderful brides. We have a full freelance team, therefore, we can accommodate any bridal party size and any popular dates. We travel all across New England to make your day-of-services as easy and smooth as possible. This year we have successfully rebooked every single wedding that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main concern is to keep our brides as calm as possible and we have been reassuring them every step of the way with any possible changes that need to be made. We are in contact with a number of wedding planners, mothers, maid of honors to successfully reschedule and adjust dates due to this virus. If you have a wedding that was canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 and your original hair and makeup team is no longer available, absolutely reach out!! We still have dates open at the end of summer and fall and we would love to work with you. I have an entire Bridal Guide as well and a Bridal Pampering Packet I would love to drop in your inbox. Here is where you can follow along with us: Instagram: @thebeautystudioma Instagram: @thebeautystudio.boutique My professional Instagram: @artistybymarsia  Contributionclothing.com is a mission driven online boutique based out of Springfield, and they are all about supporting the chiks!
The affordable boutique sells women’s accessories and apparel and offers sizes S-3XL with price points of $50 and under. Each quarter, the clothing line, founded by Kelly Partridge, selects a western Massachusetts nonprofit that has a focus on female empowerment, and provides them with a 15% net profit donation. Currently, boutique is working to raise funds for The Care Center of Holyoke and plans to contribute to Christina’s House of Springfield their upcoming quarter. As they reach their one-year anniversary the women run business has provided monetary donations to organizations such as Dress for Success, Empty Arms Bereavement Support, Ovations a Cure for Ovarian Cancer, Shriners, Girls Inc of the Valley, and Safe Passage. In additional to monetary donations, Contribution Clothing has proven to be a great community partner participating in events and fundraisers such as the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage, the Women Empowered calendar for Girls Inc., and the Unify Against Bullying Fashion show. Partridge, whose passion for female empowerment stemmed from a domestically abusive relationship, is working to build a company the helps women feel confident and comfortable through fashion. She hopes to use her personal experience to reach women in the community and help them become better versions on themselves. Now through May 1st, Contribution Clothing is offering the Chiks 20% off their order with code: CHIKS at checkout. Head on over to contributionclothing.com and support this amazing small business. For more information on Product: contributionclothing.com  Now more than ever, we could all use the expertise of Kelly over at Macaroni Kid Springfield! Kelly provides a weekly eNews chock-full of great activities, crafts, recipes, and more that are perfect for keeping your kids busy and bringing the family together. When the world isn't in quarantine, she also features local events perfect for the whole family. Did we mention that it's FREE?! With the kids at home for the foreseeable future, we couldn't think of a better resource for mom chiks to take advantage of. You can check out all of Kelly's articles and sign up for her eNews here.
How did you get started with your business? This is my tenth year publishing and when I first moved to Western Mass with my family, I used Macaroni Kid Springfield to find events in the area to keep busy with my toddler! What do you feel is most important for others to know about your business? Our children are our future and we need to give them a strong foundation through unconditional love, being surrounded by family and friends, and of course - PLAY! My newsletter and social pages help make it easy for families to find their fun. FOR FREE! How would you describe your leadership style? I love working together with locally owned businesses to collaborate on projects, events and of course promotions! While I am the only one to run my edition, I enjoy collaborating with others from time to time. When you were growing up, what is your ultimate dream job? If it's this, how does it feel to have met your dream?! If it was something different, how did your dream change over time? I wanted to be an actress and a news reporter! This job lets me do that in a way. I get to report and research on all the things happening in our area for families. I can be dramatic and events with the kids like when I host trunk or treats or story times... even when I make videos and go "LIVE" on social! Every business owner faces challenges. How are you empowered to overcome yours? It can be challenging to step away from the computer and phone - I always want to be connected and respond to families. Taking time to unplug helps and gives me focus. Tell us (in one word) how you would describe your boss chik business! FUN! If you're running out of things to do at home with your kids, we couldn't recommend Kelly enough! You can find here here: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube Cupcake Charlies is one of our all time favorite clients! We were fortunate enough to work with Penny and her team last fall with the grand opening of their latest Wareham location. They now have 6 locations across New England and offer a wide range of sweet treats. Those treats include 16 cupcake flavors (cupcakes that were featured on Cupcake Wars, mind you!), Whoopie Pies, S'mores Bark, Ring Dings, Cake Pops, Push Pops, Cupcake Jars, Frosting Shots, Cookie Dips, Trifle Cups and so much more! It's actually heaven on earth. With all that is going on in the world today, we couldn't think of a better way to make someone smile, than to send them a box of Cupcake Charlie's! *Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Cupcake Charlies is currently only open for takeout in their Plymouth, MA location. However, they are also offering an expanded shipping menu to include Easter products and additional flavors. Email shipping@cupcakecharlies.com to get started with your order today! 
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