|
5/30/2018 Where To Go? Cape Cod Nail Co! Cape Cod Nail Company is a mobile nail salon providing manicures and pedicures for groups and parties. They specialize in weddings, birthdays, and events; bringing people together one manicure at a time! Sarah Mason, the owner told us all about them in an interview and what they provide. The company provides only natural nail manicures and pedicures and strive for an experience that will leave you confident, beautiful, and inspired! Cape Cod Nail Co. is most recently recognized for our polish line! The polish is "9 Free", made in USA, hand bottled, cruelty free, and boasts a high shine, quick dry, long lasting wear. We are Cape inspired with names including "Did the rotary confuschia?", "Stay off the dunes", and "Lifeguard on duty"!
You recently responded to our CC entrepreneur post, what is your big picture for yourself for your entrepreneurial endeavors? "My big picture is creating a business that gives back to our clients, nail techs, and the community. I want to change the way people experience the nail salon by creating a social outlet that brings people together as they check that beauty task off their list. My big dream is to have teams of techs servicing all corners of the state! What kind of education and training did you have to undergo? "I have held a nail license for about 12 years. I have zero background or education in business. I learn as I go through trial and error and trust my instinct! When in doubt, I reach out to my tribe..go straight to the source to feel out my next moves!" What initially motivated you to want to become a business owner? "The idea of going mobile evolved organically when all of my friends started getting married, asking me to do their nails for their weddings. It was a lot of fun! Going to their house, hanging out, painting nails...and getting paid! When the state board officially passed mobile services, I knew this is what I wanted to do. Originally I planned on this being something fun I could do on the side while raising my two boys. I quickly realized there is a huge gap in this industry. No one was doing exactly what I wanted to do. I had all these ideas, becoming a business owner was my only option! Thus, Cape Cod Nail Company was born!" What would you say sets you apart from other Nail Salons- that you will always offer? "The thing that sets us apart is that we are completely mobile! We are not a brick and mortar salon. Cape Cod Nail Company is the only mobile nail salon operating in the greater Cape Cod area. We get calls from Boston, Rhode Island, North of Boston, and Western Mass. Our nail polish line is also one of a kind. We're the only Cape Cod locally themed nail polish!" Why are you so passionate about what you do? "I love being on the road, working in different places all the time. I have met some amazing people and seen parts of the Cape I didn't know existed. It makes me appreciate the Cape even more (maybe the traffic a little less but hey, it comes with the territory!). I'm also very invested in what the future could mean for nail techs in general. I think being mobile is a huge opportunity for techs to be their own boss, work independently, and have a flexible schedule that allows them to pursue their passions and commitments while earning a living. And its just fun! All of our clients are celebrating something, everyone is happy and having a good time. It's really amazing." What do you see as your biggest challenge? "My biggest challenge is going to be about getting out of my own way. Sometimes it's really scary putting yourself out there, it's the only way to grow. I like to procrastinate to avoid being uncomfortable. I have to remind myself that building a brand and a business takes time, and to enjoy the little successes along the way. Balancing how much time I spend behind the scenes and on site is also very challenging. I love working events but realize I can't do it all." What do you see as your biggest success? "My biggest success...I want to say the polish line. It's really crazy going into a store and seeing your product on the shelves. Then I think about my team and how much this has grown in such a short period of time. I couldn't do this without my team. But on a more personal level and this still hasn't sunk in yet...I just won a pitch contest which is hugely amazing. I stood in front of a panel of judges (their motto is "shark tank without the teeth", still terrifying haha), pitched my business as the wild card draw out of a hat, and ended up winning the first place prize. Biggest personal success so far!" What is one piece of advice or helpful hint that you would give individuals who want to get started as an entrepreneur in the future? "A piece of advice I would give to a future entrepreneur would be...don't be afraid to start your adventure! Take it one step at a time, learn from your mistakes, you will make them big and/or small, it's going to happen! Stay true to your vision but be flexible. If something isn't working, come up with a new plan. Surround yourself with people who are a couple steps ahead of you. When you are always looking up, it's impossible to fall behind!" So now the real question is....where will you be going for your next mani pedi appointment? ;) Book your day of relaxation with CC Nail Co, today! As always♥, Alayna Anderson Editorial Contributor Marketing Specialist
2 Comments
 There was no better way to ring in our summer season on Cape Cod than with our "Meghan Gets Mermade" event, with Tagen Crossley from Cause and FX! We have been planning this day for MONTHS and anticipating it's debut just as much as we know you all were and it couldn't have been more of a success! Tagen grew up on Cape Cod and has been in love with the art of makeup ever since she was a young teenager. Not only did I have the privilege to interview Tagen, but I also was able to attend the event IN PERSON and watch her work her magic. It is no easy task to complete flawless looks with regular makeup, let alone Special Effects styles. Meghan was transformed into a beautiful creature fro m under the sea in such a short amount of time, the results were amazing. "I think this look took the shortest amount of time I have ever used!" said Tagen ...Safe to say the term "blown away" is a complete understatement for this entire day, seeing as though every little thing she showed us absolutely wowed the room. How did you get involved in Special Effects Makeup? "I initially got into special Effects because I loved Halloween and horror movies! Especially anything with or about zombies! I just loved all the different variations and levels of creepy they could be! I started looking into what went into making creatures like that! I thought it was so much fun to sit down and create something realistic looking enough to give people a little scare. I have always loved art and always considered myself fairly good with any medium, but when I started out with FX there weren't very many others that knew much about it or how to start with it. It was cool to me that this be my own thing. Something that set me apart a little bit from other artists!" You're Self Taught (so cool) but did you do any additional "training" to learn this trade? Or- How did you teach yourself? "I am a super hands on learner. So when I decided I wanted to actually get into this I just sat down and started experimenting! I just used basic household items to begin with. I did watch a ton of you tube videos! Again, Special FX wasn't nearly as popular when I started as it is now. However there was some great videos out there that I used to help guide myself in the right direction. Especially when it came to doing things safely. As far as what you want to make, there is no right or wrong answer. There are so many open doors as far as the creative aspect goes which makes this field even more amazing. And a lot of it is trial an error. But you want to try and educate yourself as much as possible because you are working with your own skin and body as a canvas. " Where did the name Cause and FX come from? "Honestly, I can't even remember how or where the name came from. I remember searching and searching for something that was cool and different. Everyone that was in this field typically had "SFX" or "MUA" in their title. I chose this field because it was so different , and wanted a name to match. Not something that would blend in. Cause and Effect just kind of popped into my head. I of course tweaked it into "Cause and FX". I do remember thinking that I would end up changing it at one point. But as time went on it just stuck. I certainly wouldn't have it any other way!" How long have you been in this "business" for? "Technically I have been doing this for 7 or 8 years. I started teaching myself around 13 years old. And though I came up with a name, I don't think I really took it as a serious business opportunity until 2012-2013. And even then it was something I did in my spare time or for fun around Halloween. I think 2015 is when I realized that, with FX becoming more popular, it was an actual option for me as a full-time career. So I mad the decision to dedicate more of my time and money into getting proper supplies, practicing my skills, etc. " What are some of your biggest aspirations for your business? "I have so many different ideas that I hope for with this business. One of my biggest aspirations is to simply make this business into something more! That seems vague but I don't think I have ever had one set plan or goal for it because there are so many options and different directions I could go in. But to just know that I built something form the very start is something I would like to accomplish. I would also love to grow my own knowledge and skill set so I am able to teach others. I don't want to be a business that doesn't have anything to give back to those that support me. I have supporters because they enjoy seeing what I do and create. So I want to provide them with answers and options that I didn't have access to when I started." Would you ever expand past a one person operation? "Yes. I think I would always be the primary makeup artist for my business. However, there is much more that goes into my work that reaches beyond just the makeup . I have been doing my own own hair and photos for example, but neither I am fully knowledgeable about. When I am working on myself in my studio its fine, but If I am to be working on clients in the future I would prefer to have a team so that I can bounce ideas around with and have them bring their own skill into the areas that I lack. My makeups can look amazing in person, but if I don't know how to style my models hair correctly, or how to get the right lighting on a set, it can throw off the entire looks and really take away from it. So to have a team of creative minds, where each person specializes in their field, would be amazing." What do you consider your biggest success in this process? "My biggest success is my own growth and confidence in myself. As much as I loved creating different looks I really didn't take it seriously for a long time. I wasn't sure I could really go any where with it. I would make a lot of excuses as to why I couldn't do something. Or why it wasn't working for me without putting all my effort in first. There was a point where I almost didn't want to continue because I didn't think I could get any better. It felt like I had been in the same spot for years. However, I felt that I needed to try and put my full effort into it and more confidence into myself as an artist before I decided it wasn't for me. And as soon as I did I began seeing more and more improvements. I focused less on what i thought I had to have or needed and more on what I could accomplish and improve on. I still have so much more I can move forward with, but just getting to this point has been a huge turning point for my business." What would you say is your biggest challenge? "There are certainly a few challenges that come with this field. They are all equally difficult at times. But I think motivation to continue making art is a constant roller coaster ride . I haven't yet reached the point in this business to support my self enough to not have to work. A lot of artists, including myself still work two jobs, if not more, and have to try and find time in between work and life to sit down and create. On top of that, with social media, it is so easy to be constantly comparing yourself to other artists. Sometimes, it can feel like you just cant keep up with everyone else. And it makes you question if you're in the right field. But at the end of the day, its never really something that stops me for long. I just have to know that, yes it may be frustrating at times, but the negative thoughts will pass, and when they do I create some of my best work." What is your favorite or most rewarding part of this business? "I think my favorite part of this job is just how creatively free I can be! There is no exact way to do anything or any rules I have to follow when I create a look! And I love that!" What are some of your favorite "looks" to do? "I love creating funky and unique creatures! My "Dragon-Fruit" look is a great example of that! Anything that lets me make use of bright and bold colors! I also tend to lean towards skulls a lot because every time I create one they always come out a little different! And of course post apocalyptic theme has always been a favorite. Anything zombie or survivor/warrior style is right up my alley. I recently created a look for a makeup contest that mixed bright colors, skulls, and post-apocalypse all in one! It has become one of my personal favorites I have ever created." So you're making Meghan into a mermaid, can you tell us a little bit about what you'll be using? "Whenever I do body painting I use my water based body paints, they are amazing! Super easy to apply, safe for the skin, and really lightweight and comfortable. Which is really important, especially when you have to wear the makeup for a long time! I have always use the Mehron brand. However, there are several options out there! I use the water based paints for the base colors and the painted in details! I will also be using a selection of glitters, gems, and other props to really help pull the mystical idea of the look together!" As always,
Alayna Anderson♥ Editorial Contributor (and newly pronounced☺) Marketing Specialist and Mini Badass 5/16/2018 There's A Button For That! A few months back I brought up all the ways that Facebook has started to change their algorithm, now to add to their everlasting expansion they have completely begun enhancing their privacy settings. As 2018 continues into the crazy summer months the possibilities to keep your personal lives private are endless. In new news you can get an update of your privacy settings with a new feature called Privacy check-up. I have found this feature to be extremely important lately especially with just recently graduating this past Sunday. I can't have my whole college life online for the world to see forever! Or can I? A few centimeters away from the “Home” button, you can click the blue question mark icon which drops down to a variety of new buttons, one of them being the Privacy check-up button. Basically you’re able to see three of the most important things on your profile, quickly enough without searching through your “About me” info or any other confusing sections.
You can make yourself invisible, in other words limit who can even look you up, when you make your Facebook page you have to enter in just about anything they ask for… this includes your email, your phone number, your first and last name, your birthday, and if anyone that knows you enters in any of those things then there you are. You’re found. They might not be able to add or message you depending on how you have everything set up, but they can still physically see you, and if we really don’t want that then here’s how to fix it. Something that could really make or break a difference and that sounds so serious is actually super simple to do. Again, if you go to the little question mark button and click Privacy Shortcuts à See More Settings à in the “How People Find and Contact You” heading; there’s a little spot that says “Who can look you up using your email, phone number, etc. GENIUS!! Oh but I’m not done yet, you can even have your profile kept off search engines, like Yahoo, Bing and Google. Personally I didn’t even know this could happen, but believe me. If you’re online, even when you’re off you’re still on. You can fix this though! Have you ever heard the Apple commercial, with the slogan “There’s an App for that!” well, with Facebooks new privacy settings, There’s a button for that! If you follow the same steps that you did to ensure how individuals contact you, you can go to the same place to turn off access for search engines. Just switch the “Yes” to a “NO” ☺. Connecting online is so important in this day and age, so hopefully now that you have a few extra tricks up your sleeve you'll feel a little better about it knowing how private you can really keep your life while still being public! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook @chikmedia and let us know what you think about all these new privacy hacks! As always, xoxo♥ Alayna Anderson Editorial Contributor Intern and Mini Badass in Training 5/9/2018 a one-woman show Laurel Ryan is the owner and creator of the Cape company Nautically Northern. A local and lovely jewelry brand right on Cape Cod. The beautiful crafted pieces are all designed to help you show off what means the most to you. Each item is hand stamped, which makes no two piece of jewelry alike. "In the past year and a half, we have been able to donate over $2000 to the Red Cross and expand distribution to over 20 stores in 5 states, with more being added all the time. We hope to keep growing and be able to partner with more charities in the future." It truly is such a beautiful and selfless thing when a passion can also turn into helping others. Laurel has invested so much time and care into her work, it's hard to believe that she is really a one-woman show. You recently responded to our CC entrepreneur post, what is your big picture for yourself for your entrepreneurial endeavors? "My big picture for my entrepreneurial endeavors is to grow Nautically Northern into a recognizable national brand!" How did you originally get involved in this practice? "I was interested in starting a business and after being inspired by some jewelry that I saw in shops on the Cape, I decided to start my own line. After a few trial and error runs, I got the hang of it and started making pieces for friends and family. The reaction that I received was so positive that I decided that I was going to turn the jewelry into a business." Is there a story behind the name Nautically Northern? "At first I wanted to start a business designing nautical themed T-shirts. It was hard finding someone to bring my sketches to life so then Nautically Northern turned into a hand stamped jewelry company." What motivated you to want to become a business owner? "I love being able to control my own success. I also love being able to empower whoever wears my jewelry. The business has allowed me to meet so many incredible people that I am always excited to work." What do you see as your biggest challenge? "My biggest challenge is being a one-person operation. Family and friends help out when I really need it, but the majority of the work is done by me. I also have a full-time job and teach Zumba two nights a week, so balancing everything I want to do with Nautically Northern has resulted in some sleepless nights." What do you see as your biggest success? "My biggest success actually just occurred a few days ago. I was accepted into the handmade collection at AmericasMart in Atlanta this July. Exhibiting at AmericasMart will hopefully help Nautically Northern get into some of our target market areas that we have not been able to reach yet." What sets you apart from other homemade jewelry companies? "The fact that all of our items can be customized and the fact that we donate money from all purchases back to the Red Cross is really what sets us apart." I noticed that your company has a strong partnership with Red Cross, can you elaborate a little more on this? How did this come to be? "When I was in college I served on the Red Cross Blood Services Board of Directors as the Student Representative. When I graduated I was asked to sit on the South Eastern Mass, Cape and Island Board of Directors. Since joining the board I have been able to work with the Service to Armed Forced, Disaster Relief, and the Blood Service divisions of the Red Cross. I am currently a Supervisor for the Barnstable, Plymouth, and Bristol County Disaster Action Teams. We provide emergency relief to individuals in need after a disaster. The American Red Cross does so much more than just blood donations which I think most people do not know about. So many people that I have met have their own stories about how the Red Cross has touched their lives; from a blood recipient to someone who has received disaster assistance, to a solider that has been able to come home from duty for an emergency at home. As a business owner, I wanted to be able to give back to a cause that touches so many peoples lives across the nation and the world including my own." On the “Where to Buy” page, you’re in a variety of stores (love it), so does this mean any order that you need custom made is placed directly on the website? Do you pick it up in store or is it delivered? "All of the stores listed on the "Where to Buy" page have all of their own lines. We work with shops to create custom collections tailored to their customers. Some may have items we offer on the website but many times they will have a custom saying that they have requested. We have taken custom orders from shops for customers as well. In that case, the shop will take the order, we will send it to the shop and the customer can come pick it up in store." I also noticed you have upcoming events! Is there anything you can tell us that we’ll see? (Without giving anything away of course ;) ) "We will be at Provincetown Fashion Week as part of their Accessories Opening Party and all of the LoveLocal Fests this year. We have a few more events in the works that we will have on our site as soon as they are confirmed! Our brand new Home Collection will be available at all the events this summer." What is one piece of advice that you would give individuals who want to get started as an entrepreneur in the future? "Don't give up, success doesn't happen overnight. Just because it hasn't gone the way you wanted to, doesn't mean you should quit. Stick with it, stay positive, and keep working and it will happen." This summer is going to be full of unforgettable memories, so you might as well look fabulous while creating them! We cannot wait to see what she'll have in store for everyone in the next coming months. See you next Wednesday when we issue our weekly post on Chikchat! xoxo♥♥ Alayna Anderson Editorial Contributor Intern and Mini Badass In Training 5/2/2018 Feliz cinco de mayo! May 5th is right around the corner, and for most it is a day that is celebrated by gathering with loved ones, to eat drink and be merry. You always hear the term “Cinco de Drinko!” but what are you actually celebrating for? I have noticed over the years that people use this day just to formulate their own festivities, but if you actually understood what it was about there would be so more many things to be cheering for. Therefore you would really have something to celebrate, eat drink and be merry about. Cinco de Mayo is an amazing holiday that is actually celebrated because it is observed to honor and remember the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire, at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Without the symbolic victory, you really would have no reason to celebrate the fifth of May in the first place. This day always seems to be filled with happiness and good memories, so it’s important that we appreciate it just a little more. It’s commonly misunderstood, and if you asked around during this time what this day meant, most reply that it is Mexico’s Independence Day which is completely wrong (it happens to be September 16th). This holiday is celebrated just about everywhere you look, it’s posted about on the web, on social media apps, and there are newscasts raving about the beautiful festivals and endless smiles that it brings. So before you pop the champs, make sure you know what you’re popping them for! Here are some easy and tasty recipes so that you can celebrate the right way- straight from the Food Network (Aka, my favorite place… and yes, I have tried them all #noshame) Horchata- One of my personal favorites (non-alcoholic) What You’ll need:
How to make it: In a blender, combine the rice and warm water. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until the rice breaks up but does not form a powder. Let the rice mixture stand in the refrigerator for 6 hours or up to overnight. Strain the rice mixture into a container through a fine-mesh sieve or several layers of cheesecloth to remove the rice solids. Pour the rice water into a blender and add the milk, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, and sugar. Blend for 1 minute until well combined and smooth. Serve the Horchata over ice with cinnamon sticks as stirrers. Next up we have Michelada (alcoholic beverage, almost tastes like a Bloody Mary with a beer base) What You’ll Need:
How to make it: Combine the salt and chili powder in a small bowl and transfer to a flat plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each beer mug and dip it into the chili-salt to coat the rim. Squeeze the juice of 4 lime wedges into each mug. Add a lime wedge to the mug and fill with ice. Add 1 bottle of beer, a dash of hot sauce and a dash of Worcestershire sauce and serve immediately. Third is Mango Guava Batidos (non-alcoholic) What You'll Need:
How to make it: Combine 3 cups guava nectar, 1 cup milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and 3 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl; add 3 cups frozen mango chunks. Working in batches, puree in a blender until smooth and frothy. Divide among small glasses. Fourth is Lime Shaped Margarita Jello Shots *insert heart eye emoji here* (alcoholic) What You'll Need:
How to make it: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the lime gelatin and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Pour into a liquid measuring cup and mix in the orange liqueur and tequila. Then cut the limes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh out of both halves. Place each half in the cups of a mini muffin tin and pour the gelatin mixture into each half. Place the muffin tin in the fridge until set. Cut each half into 2 wedges, sprinkle with salt and shoot! Super cute, super fun, super festive. Fifth if Tequila Refresca (alcoholic) What You'll Need:
How to make it: Fill a goblet or rocks glass with ice cubes. Add the tequila and a dash of Campari to give the drink a slight blush and balance the sweetness of the soda. Top off with the grapefruit soda. Skewer the fruit and stir into the cocktail. Serve with a plate of wedged pineapple, a small bowl of your favorite chili powder, and coarse salt, for dipping! As always, if you are 21+ and plan on partying (and possibly dartying) this weekend, please do so safely! With Uber, your first ride is always free- and local cabs are always just a phone call away! And if you’re feeling adventurous, we found some events that may be just for you☺ For our Western MA Followers: 100 State Street #122, Ludlow, MA 01056 Cantina Curbside Food Truck and Sunday Minor Band: 7-10 PM
DJ Hatch and Bozo at 10 PM-Free Giveaways! For our Cape Cod Followers: 3176 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630 Cinco de Mayo Tequila Dinner from 6:30 pm- 9 pm As always, Alayna Anderson Editorial Contributor Intern and Mini Badass in Training ♥ |
CHIKCHAT
Hey girl (and guy), we're so glad you're here. ChikChat is our version of an informative blog that keeps you up to date on all the latest marketing trends, fabulous business owners and must-see hot spots. So pour a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and get comfy. Categories
All
Archives
October 2024
|
RSS Feed
