Galentine's Day (no, that's not a typo) is right around the corner and we are HERE FOR IT! GDay was started back in 2010 by the amazing Leslie Knope, of NBC's Parks & Rec. Since then, it has become a much celebrated female-focused holiday every February! 

Many of our local #bosschiks are putting together killer events and deals so you can grab your chiks and celebrate. We've got the scoop on all the local happenings:

Events

• February 7th: Rock the Black Dress by Sandra Costello Photography: Come celebrate the start of your best year yet with Rock the Black Dress: Shine On! Dress in your favorite sparkle, glitter and blingy outfit...nothing is off limits! Enjoy a glass of bubbly, meet amazing women, and win prizes, all while supporting Dress for Success Western Massachusetts. Tickets are limited so nab yours today! The evening will include networking games even introverts will enjoy, and an Intuitive Spiritual Guide who will be doing short readings for those wanting to create movement in their life.
• February 8th: Namaste for Drinks with YOU by Excel Therapy & Conditioning: Grab your best gal (pr SO) and enjoy this partnered yoga event, along with an adult beverage after the class!
• February 13th: Vodka Over Valentine's by Lotus & Compass Boutique: Lotus & Compass isn't big on the mushiness of Valentines Day... so how about we celebrate with some girl time and vodka?! They will have complimentary snacks and vodka punch- as well as a door prize raffle!! Bring a couple of girlfriends and come enjoy a Gal-en-tines event in Chicopee Center!!
• February 13th: Happy Galentine's Day by The Shops at Marketplace: Enjoy discounts, pedicures, shopping, food and more at this special celebration in downtown Springfield!
• February 13th: A shopping event by The Beauty Studio: Shop local female vendors, snap a pic in the photo booth and enjoy small bites and this women-centered shopping event.
• February 22nd: Go Red Shopping Event by Contribution Clothing, Shear Xtreme and Salon Solace: This pop up event will be benefiting the Go Red for Women Campaign with the American Heart Association. This campaign is a National movement to end heart disease and stroke in women.Contribution Clothing will be donating 20% of our net profits from this event to this cause, and we honestly can’t think of a better way to celebrate Valentines Day than to empower women overcoming this disease. ❤️
  

Sales & Specials

• SkinCatering: Sole Sanctuary with Hot Stones: Enjoy a side by side foot massage with your girlfriend for only $45! Includes a 20% off coupon for the Delaney House Restaurant.
• Beauty Batlles Lounge: Buy One, Get One Half Off lash lift and tint! Get your eyes ready for VDay with this girlfriend special.
• EventNiche: Receive $100 off when you book your winery & brewery tour on Galentine's Day. What better way to spend a day with girlfriends!
• Dunkin': Dunkin' has launched it's Iced Pink Velvet Macchiato, along with it's Valentine's Day themed donuts! Check out this amazing new pink beverage that we could not love more!

Kelley McShane is one of the owners and managing partners of The Granny Squibb Iced Tea Company. They are an iced tea company based about of Providence, Rhode Island. The original recipe was created in the 1930s in Saunderstown, Rhode Island by Sally “Granny” Squibb, while she was at her home overlooking iconic Narragansett Bay. Granny started making iced tea for all of her friends and family when iced tea was still a novelty. Fast forward 75 years and her granddaughter, Robin Squibb, decided to start bottling it. Their tea has the same homemade taste it did a hundred years ago.

Today, their business has a team who want to take Granny Squibb’s to new levels. They believe in adventure and fun, and most of all, being a part of our community. Every person that works for Granny Squibb’s is involved in other Rhode Island non-profits and a portion of their proceeds are donated to Save The Bay, which is an organization that helps protect Narragansett Bay, where the original recipe was developed!

Tell us everything we need to know about what makes Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea so unique?
We have an incredibly clean product. All of our teas have the same base: black tea, mint, and water. Then we add lemon, lime or cranberry depending on the flavor. Each of our flavors has both a sweetened and an unsweetened version. We use organic cane sugar for our sweetened varieties. We believe this is important because not only do we see upward trends in non-sweetened RTD beverages, but a lot of people can’t have any sweetener. Our iced tea is for everyone and we want our products to reflect that.

What sparked your passion to be a part of the Granny Squibb brand?
Before Granny Squibb’s, I worked with Amos House, which is a social services agency in Providence. Robin had been donating tea for years, so I was very familiar with the product line. Then, in 2017, my husband, Nick, and I moved into Providence and Robin ended up being our neighbor! We became good friends and, seeing an opportunity, Nick and I decided to team up with her.

Do you remember the exact moment when you wanted to be your own boss?
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be my own boss!

What healthy ingredients do you feel are important for others to know about your product?
All of our products use organic, non-GMO, preservative free and vegan ingredients. We pride ourselves on having the highest quality ingredients.

What is your ultimate dream job – or are you living it?
I am living my ultimate dream job. I believe that we all go through phases in life. People keep saying I won’t have the energy to do this forever, but for now, I’m happy as clam!

Every business owner can face challenges, how are you empowered to overcome yours?
My team. I do everything I do because I genuinely care about my team. I’m the boss, which means I work for everyone.

How can our readers get their hands on your product?
We are sold at Whole Foods Market, Dave’s Marketplace, and over 200 different restaurants and bars. We will be expanding our presence in Massachusetts this summer!

To end, please tell us (in one word) how you would describe your boss-chik role?
Onward!

​
Be sure to follow this chik-tastic brand and stay connected via social media!
Facebook and Instagram: @grannysquibb.

Welcome to our brand new blog segment, "At Home with Meghan"! 

As most of you know— our fearless leader is cruising on the high seas while rejoicing in the sunshine and sand. Watch this week’s #chikchat blog post as Meghan gives you a behind-the-scenes peek on her travel packing and organization tips!

Be sure to stay connected via social media!
Facebook and Instagram: @chikmedia_.

Blog by Editorial Contributor Crystal Dunn