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6/28/2018 She is happy by The Sea The Salty Crown Boutique carries a carefully curated collection of high quality affordable, on trend, women's fashion, accessories & home goods. Our boho inspired merchandise includes; comfy sweaters, dark wash denim, flowing tunics, cozy button downs, boot socks, cute shoes, bralettes scarves, hats sunglasses, big earrings, funky tees + more. Kelly Lungo is originally got into the boutique business because she LOVES to shop (who doesn't?), and what better lifestyle choice is there other than to go head first into something that you're passionate about. She has devoted her heart and soul into this boutique that is located on Cape Cod in Orleans, MA and says that she wants to inspire women and girls all around to stay true to their style and to themselves. Fashion should feel happy, confident and beautiful at all times. Self-expression should never come with a hefty price tag, so she enjoys making sure her customers feel satisfied with the way that they look without having to empty out their pockets. Currently, their only location is on beautiful Cape Cod, however this doesn't mean that she won't ever expand to the rest of MA, someday. The world is her oyster ;)
What is your big picture for yourself for your entrepreneurial endeavors? "My big picture is to be financially stable for my family. To work hard, play hard. I use to be in the restaurant business for 18 years. That industry is tough hours for a mom of 3. Love that working for myself gives me more flexibility for my children! My family has really motivated me to want to become a better boss and business owner." What do you believe people should be the most aware about when it comes to boutique shopping? "I just think boutiques are so fun to check out and shop in. Boutiques are a reflection of the owner in a sense. Their style/taste/vibe. Shopping small is important, your supporting a family a dream, it's not the same feel as the big box stores!" What do you see as your biggest challenge? "I live in a seasonal town. Winters are tough. However I am learning as I go through my experiences, you can always learn from the mistakes that you make." What do you see as your biggest success? "I am still so new. I don't really like to think about honing success yet." What sets you apart from other boutiques around the area? "There are not many boutiques in my area. I wanted to bring a fun vibe for all ages to be able to shop at, a lot of the shops next to me are aimed more towards the older ladies." On your site carry different brands in specific, can you tell us a little more about them? "Just brands I love! No particular meaning behind them." Where did your brand name stem from? "Haha! It has no meaning. Just popped into my head as I was piecing fun names together. Salty because we are from the Cape and Crown because what girl doesn't love a Crown?!" What is one piece of advice that you would give individuals who want to get started as an entrepreneur in the future? "That when the time is right you will know. It's scary and hard as hell but give it your all. Be dedicated! Don't let other people's negativity bring u down. Not everyone is supportive, let those people go gracefully and surround yourself with people who help you shine!" Stay tuned for what we have in store for you next week on Chikchat, as we continue our summer fun into the week of July 4th! xoxo♥ Alayna Anderson Marketing Specialist and Editorial Contributor
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 You've been anticipating this for months...and the day has finally come! The Lady Entrepreneur bus tour will commence on Sunday, June 24th. It sounds like a day in paradise, right? Supporting each other at locally owned businesses around Western MA with a bunch of driven, bad ass babes by your side. First things first, we will be heading over to Black Birch Vineyards for a wine tasting, because let's face it no one wants to start a day out with your girls without a little bit of an early bird happy hour ;) You'll be able to enjoy the gorgeous views and experience a truly notable wine tasting. They have over 19,000 vines stretching across 12 acres of rich Connecticut River Valley soil, which gives them access to well over 10 varietals of grapes. Since from the start, Black Birch has been planting their own grapes this means that they are 100% aware of everything that is going into the creating and processing of their wines. They won't miss a single step! Our next stop for our Lady Entrepreneur tour is Thornes Marketplace. Here you can shop, eat, relax, just about anything you could possibly imagine. Enjoy some down time and get a seated 15 minute massage from The Backstop Seated Chair Massage, or gallivant around the shopping grounds and pick out some handcrafted jewelry from The Blue Marble. It looks like we have a fun little pattern going on, drinking, non drinking activities....you guessed it: at stop number three we have Brew Practitioners Brewery for flights of unforgettable fun. This brewery is like no other, "Although she be little, she is fierce" is a perfect quote that we can match them up with because although they are a smaller sized brewery they make up for it with their bangin' personalities! They bring fun to flights, and are constantly bringing local and artistic beers to their brewing specialties. To wind the day down, we will end at La Fiorentina Pastry Shop where their motto is "Life is short, eat dessert first!" to taste some of their amazing sweet treats. Choose from tons of different pastries such as a cannoli, eclair, cream puff, sfogliatelle, or an assorted bunch of everything that your heart desires! Although we wish all of our Chiks could attend, this trip's for our ladies that are 21+, we'd love to see you there! Tickets can be found here! If you haven't already purchased your ticket, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! This day is really too good to be true...but it's happening, it's huge and it's here, you'll even get to leave with a goodie bag, full of surprises from all of our amazing sponsors. (as if you already weren't hooked enough☺) See ya Sunday, Chiks! xoxo, Alayna Anderson Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist 6/14/2018 Treating Yourself All Summer Long Robins Toffee by the Sea's retail shop is located in West Yarmouth, MA. Robin Costa's Toffee treats are "deliciously addictive", and were established in 2014. Robin enjoys the coastal community of Cape Cod, and it's people. She is thriving in her field every day and is a true definition of a soul following their dreams. Toffee is a perfect treat to enjoy on good old Cape Cod, especially when it is shared with friends and family members while enjoy a crisp ocean breeze. We asked Robin what it takes to thrive in the sweet and savory industry of all that is toffee, here's what she had to tell us.
How did you originally get involved in this field, and what really motivated you to want to become a business owner? “I made toffee for many years as a holiday tradition for family and friends and was always told how “deliciously addictive” it was! My recipe originated from family and was always made in small batches and this continues today. As my husband and I started to think about moving to the cape full time, I began to think about what I wanted to do to keep myself busy as I didn’t want to work for another company. That is what prompted me to think about starting my own business but doing something fun and that I enjoy. In 2014 I began to test the product at local venues to see how it was received. Immediately the response was overwhelming, and I was asked what else can I do? That’s how the flavors evolved, and I now offer sea salt, cranberry, peanut butter, coconut, chili pepper, and peppermint (holiday only). I have also partnered with Cape Cod Beer and make their Ale House Toffee as well as Cape Cod Coffee making their Vienna Roasted Coffee Toffee and Cranberry Coffee Toffee. I think the flavors set me apart as well as making it on the thin side. I am always trying something new to offer. My latest product is a Sea Salt Toffee Trail Mix. I also do custom favors for various events such as weddings, showers, birthdays, and other special occasions.” What sets you apart from other toffee companies? “My commercial kitchen had nice frontage but at first I only used the space to manufacture product for my wholesale accounts. Then I started getting inquiries from people who wanted to come in to buy toffee. In 2017 I decided to utilize the space and set up a full retail gift shop, not only offering my homemade toffee but also local food products and unique gifts from local artisans and beyond. A tasting of my toffee is always available to my customers and they love that!” When will you reopen? “My wholesale business is year round, but I close my retail shop January through March. However, I am often at the shop working and make myself available to meet customers who would like to come in and shop. I also participate in local fairs and events whenever possible.” What is one piece of advice that you would give individuals who want to get started as an entrepreneur in the future? “My best advice to an individual thinking about starting a business is to do your homework first and come up with a business plan. It’s a learning experience overall but start small and offer something unique whether it’s a product or service that will set you apart. Advertise smartly (as this can get very costly) and use social media to keep the public engaged. Most importantly listen to the needs of your customers, don’t fear rejection, and have fun!” We'll have new summer hotspots for you to hit all summer long, so be sure to check in to where we're checking in ;) xoxo, Alayna Anderson Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist 6/7/2018 Dignifying Diving into Donuts As we all know, summer time is when we really try to hone in on eating clean and providing our bodies with proper nourishment, but of course temptations are hard to resist and are being pushed in our faces constantly. You’ll often notice that many donut companies come out with seasonal flavors of their sweet treats, and donuts definitely tend to be one of those desserts that never disappoint… but what if you were able to justify satisfying your sweet tooth for a great cause? On Friday June 1st, Chikmedia’s President Meghan went out to MC and taste test at one of the most fun and interesting events Western Mass has seen. This Beer and Donut pairing event was in honor of celebrating Berkshire Brewing Company’s 20th anniversary of supporting The Food Bank. What better way to celebrate beer than with donuts too! The Food Bank has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger since 1982. They service over 220,000 individuals in the Western Massachusetts community and every dollar that this event was able to raise allows them to give three whole meals for those who are in need. There were eight beer specialists and eight donut specialists. Deans Beans Coffeehouse Porter offered a rich dark ale made with Dean’s Beans organic coffee paired with the Hager’s Farm Market Donuts, Slue’s Maibock Lager is a bronze- honey colored beer with a rich malt flavor that had a little bit of sweet and a little bit of spice, and paired fantastically with 30Boltwood’s donuts from the Lord Jeffrey Inn. The Russian Imperial Stout gives off hints of chocolate, licorice, toffee and ripe dark fruit, and it went great with Mrs. Murphy’s Donut Shop. The Farmstand Raspberry Barleywine Style Ale had half a pound of fresh raspberries per gallon poured into it, and they matched up with Westfield State Dining Services. The Busker Czech Style Pilsner was a lager that went great with the donuts from Randall’s Farm, the Hoosac Tunnel Amber Ale is a deep copper Ale with a rich malt profile from pale, caramel, and crystal malts and paired with Donut Dip. The Shabadoo Black and Tan was a Hoosac Tunnel Amber Ale and Drayman’s Porter, it embodied dark brew and caramel malt and hop profile of an Amber, with chocolate and mocha notes, and they went best with the Glazed Doughnut shop. Finally, The Berkshire Brewing Company’s flagship brew was a light-colored Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale which gave off exceptional freshness through its 2-row pale malt and signature hop flavor and of course were paired with the Storrowton Tavern and Carriage House. The outcome of this event was amazing, with a turnout of over 150 people. Alongside Meghan was Steve Nagle, a second host who is a Radio Broadcast professional with 12 years of entertainment experience in hosting and producing radio content for the morning program “Bax and O’Brien” on Rock 102. Special guest appearances from WWLP, Brian Lapis, and John O’Brien were also made at this tasting event. There were three judges, Jeff Lomma, Ashley Clark, and William C. Reichelt, who determined which beer paired best with each fried-dough concoction. In the end, We were able to raise $25,000 which equals 75,000 meals for neighbors in need in Western Massachusetts. It was definitely a close call, but Donut Dip from West Springfield won the judges hearts with their confectionery designs, but the Glazed Doughnut Shop from Northampton and Amherst won the People’s Choice. Attended the event? Let us know what you thought in the comments below! And if you didn’t, here are a couple of memories from it so that you can (almost) feel as though you were there in the midst of it all! ☺ |
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