by thesavageway | Feb 11, 2015 | blog, services
In our line of work, we get to work with so many talented, driven females. In fact, Charlotte, NC is home to some amazing, women-owned businesses. Recently, we were able to witness one of our good friends take on the role of Boss. Kerri Flanigan became the owner and operator of the Charlotte location of AIR – Aerial Fitness!
Meet Kerri Flanigan, proud new owner of Air Charlotte! (photo courtesy of AIR-Aerial Fitness)
Kerri has been the right hand woman to the AIR-Aerial Fitness brand creator/owner, Shama Patel, since the beginning. She has been the lead manager of all locations and has held down the Charlotte location with grace.
“Owning a studio has always been a dream of mine. AIR brings results and it is fun for members. When the opportunity came for me to step in and own the Charlotte location, I knew this was meant to be,” said Flanigan.
Kerri brings such a fun energy to the studio. She makes you want to work out and better yourself. Local newscasters have seen this energy when AIR was featured on Good Day Carolinas with Charity Bailey and on Wilson’s World (Fox News Rising) with two other Girl Bosses Chef Alyssa Gorelick (Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen) & Cristina Gillespie (28toLIFE).
Having fun with Charity Bailey of Fox46 Carolinas! #thesavageway
The morning AIR crew hanging with Charity Bailey of Fox46 Carolinas. #thesavageway
AIR Owner, Kerri Flanigan, on Wilson’s World with Cristina Gillespie of 28toLIFE. #thesavageway
THE FITNESS CONCEPT
AIR – Aerial Fitness is located in Myers Park (in the shopping plaza next to Harris Teeter). This training program fuses ballet, yoga, barre work, Pilates and cardio – all in aerial silk hammocks. When it promises to “strengthen, lengthen + tone your physique in record-breaking time,” trust us – AIR is no joke.
We have been working with AIR since 2014 (when it was called Flex + Fit and was located Uptown in the Duke Energy Building). Aerial silks were always a huge element of the gym concept and as the brand grew in other cities (Chicago, Los Angeles) it became clear that AIR needed to be the star of this boutique gym. The concept shifted to what is now AIR.
#thesavageway hanging out at Flex + FIt in 2014 (now AIR).
#thesavageway has been involved with AIR in a variety of ways, including assisting with marketing, social media training, events and community partnerships. However we have also both been active members since day one. We LOVE this fitness routine. Each trainer has her own style that pushes you in different ways. Within a week’s time we get to sweat it out with Kristi in an intense interval session, get the shakes from Alicia during her barre work class and fly high (and often) with Kerri’s AIR classes.
AIR Charlotte Side Plank. #thesavageway
Some of the AIR Charlotte Trainers showing off new moves. #thesavageway
Part of the 30-Day Challenge at AIR Charlotte. #thesavageway
Each month offers different specials and events to keep the members involved. Currently, we are at the tail end of a 30-Day Challenge to complete 30 classes in a month (and man have these ladies whipped us into shape)! Learn more about AIR at the next FREE Social on Thursday, February 12.
We are beyond proud of Kerri for taking a chance on something that she is passionate about. Owning a company is exciting yet challenging, but it is worth every moment! Looking forward to continuing on this AIR journey with Kerri and her team! #LikeABoss
by thesavageway | Feb 3, 2015 | clean graffiti, services
Clean Graffiti is an innovative, sustainable form of messaging that is eye catching at its core. In fact, it’s just a clean message on a dirty sidewalk! However, when a client decides to be witty or clever with their message, Clean Graffiti has an even bigger impact.
Enter the NC Music Factory.
When we approached the Marketing Director (and Social Media Cowgirl herself), Corri Smith about using Clean Graffiti for the NC Music Factory (NCMF), she was immediately interested. It also happened to be perfect timing since they were in the midst of a big re-launch of their brand identity. Clean Graffiti became a natural (no pun intended) addition to their marketing efforts. It would become that 4th or 5th point of contact for the consumer to become familiar with the NCMF brand.
Clean Graffiti for the NC Music Factory.
Everyone knows the NCMF as a great place to catch a concert (Fillmore, Uptown Amphitheatre), however not everyone knows that you can catch a comedy show, enjoy a nice plate of sushi or even play a game of sand volleyball. With the new re-launch, the NCMF began showcasing everything that their facility offers. Running billboards, radio spots and print advertising, their city-wide campaign touted the tagline “Made Fresh Nightly.”
NC Music Factory Facebook Cover Photo for the Made Fresh Nightly Campaign.
NC Music Factory Printed Ad in the Made Fresh Nightly Campaign.
Example of the NC Music Factory Made Fresh Nightly Campaign Neon Sign.
The agency behind the “Made Fresh Nightly” campaign is Centerfold Agency. The team decided to take the creative route in using reverse graffiti and use some witty play-on-words.
Creative Clean Graffiti for the NC Music Factory.
New Clean Graffiti for the NC Music Factory.
With phrases like “Enjoy the Flavor Flav of our Burgers” and “Refreshing Ice-T Served Daily,” the NCMF is bringing attention to the fact that yes, they have concert venues, but they also have a ton of delicious restaurants (something that Charlotteans should be aware of)!
Our hats off to Centerfold and the NCMF for showing their corporate social responsibility and using Clean Graffiti to round out their marketing campaign!
by thesavageway | Jan 22, 2015 | services
It’s pretty hard for us to resist two of our favorite things – good friends and good beer – so when we were invited to attend the Media Night for Charlotte’s next beer festival coming this spring, we knew that we would be in for a treat.
On Monday, we joined several other media members at Draught Charlotte for the announcement of Creative Loafing’s Moo & Brew Craft Beer & Burger Festival sponsored by Stone Brewing Company and Sysco. This new event will be kicking off on April 11, 2015 from 2pm – 6pm at the NC Music Factory festival grounds. The premise of the festival is to bring together “great craft beer, delicious burgers and great music!”
Moo & Brew Festival coming April 11, 2015 to the NC Music Factory.
Though the specifics are not yet released, it was announced that over 40 craft breweries will be on hand, as well as 15+ food purveyors for this inaugural event. The twist with this beer fest is that food vendors are vying for the title of “Creative Loafing’s Best Burger.”
Burgers and beer?! Yes please! The panel of “burger-testers” (what a lucky panel!) will vote for their pick via text and the winner will be announced at the festival! However, it is really all about enjoying the day and sampling some of Charlotte’s best beer and burger places.
The creative team behind Moo & Brew consists of Amy Mularski from Creative Loafing, Ken Thomas from the NC Music Factory, and one of the busiest women in Charlotte, the Social Media Cowgirl herself, Corri Smith.
The Social Media Cowgirl, Corri Smith (photo via @VTGCLT on Instagram)
Another member of the event is a veteran in the beer festival world, Cesar Leyva, co-host for Cheers Charlotte and Director of Marketing for Charlotte Oktoberfest. “I’m involved to make sure that the beer is good,” said Levya during the media night, “Charlotte and North Carolina will be well-represented.”
Moo & Brew is about the beer and the burgers, however there is also a focus on great music. The headlining band was announced as national touring act, Langhorne Slim, along with local favorite Ancient Cities. Click here for a breakdown of the day’s schedule.
Langhorne Slim photo by Todd Roeth
Ancient Cities via www.ancientcitiesband.com
Big thank you to Draught and Stone Brewing Co. for the hospitality. Draught put out a spread of yummy bites including a jalapeño cheese dip with soft pretzels (melt in your mouth good). We were also were treated to Stone’s Lucky Bastrd, an anniversary blend of dry-hopped Arrogant Bastard Ale, Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale and Double Bastard Ale (and it was delicious).
You may think, “Oh it’s just another beer festival” but any event that showcases the amazing food, beer and music that Charlotte and North Carolina offers should be supported! You can purchase your tickets here beginning on Monday, January 26. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets run at $65 (with an early entrance at 12:30 and other perks). A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
by thesavageway | Jan 9, 2015 | services
As #thesavageway, we are blessed to have the opportunity to work with some amazing people and innovative business ideas. Our clients cross industries and company size (and that is exactly how we want it!) We love the variety working with clients on everything from sustainable media like our Clean Graffiti to social media training, brand consultation, copywriting, logo development, public relations, event management and more.
However, every once in a while we are given the opportunity to work with a business from the ground up and get our hands in everything. Most recently that business has been Cruise Carts.
THE CONCEPT
Cruise Carts is Charlotte’s newest transportation service and it is FREE for riders. The company offers a free, green & safe ride in and around the Queen City on an advertiser-sponsored golf cart.
A wrapped Cruise Cart during the testing period.
Cruise Carts Instagram Account: @RideCruiseCarts
“I saw a need in Charlotte for a sustainable transportation service,” said Owner Dustin Adams. “We offer a unique way for companies to not only practice social responsibility but to give back to their customers in a fun way!”
How are these brands giving back exactly? By wrapping a cart, that company is sponsoring a month of FREE rides to potential customers. Cruise Carts can be found cruising the Charlotte streets at popular areas (think Panthers Games, the EpiCentre, NC Music Factory, etc) so everyone walking by or riding in the cart is being exposed to that particular brand (as well as being given promo items). In addition, brands are giving back because each cart is not only 100% electric, but those harmful emissions left from motor vehicles are eliminated when using a Cruise Cart.
BIG PICTURE
There is something to be said for companies that constantly keep their consumers in the forefront of their mind. Seeing companies actively make the decision to think outside the box of traditional media AND practice sustainability is so rewarding for us.
We’ve seen these innovative thinkers with our Clean Graffiti service. Leaders like OrthoCarolina, MADabolic, and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte (just to name a few) have seen the benefit of using sustainable media. Now we have the chance to watch our client, Cruise Carts, take on this sustainable, outdoor media world as well!
HITTING THE STREETS
On New Years Eve 2014, Cruise Carts had their first contract with another Charlotte startup, Socialtopias. Socialtopias is a social networking app that allows users to discover new places, make plans with friends, and claim exclusive deals. During their NYE launch party, Cruise Carts acted as the VIP shuttle service to and from the several event locations happening around the city.
The Socialtopias team on the Cruise Cart in Uptown Charlotte.
Wrapped Socialtopias Cruise Cart.
Socialtopias quickly embraced the free ride concept and saw the value of aligning with another cool, innovative company in the Queen City. In the coming months, Cruise Carts will have an official launch date and media event, so stay tuned for more details. In the mean time, follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on progress (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
We are elated for Dustin and the Cruise Carts team! They truly are leaving Charlotte a little bit happier with each FREE ride!
More happy passengers on a Cruise Cart.
Cruise Carts at a Carolina Panthers game.
by thesavageway | Dec 30, 2014 | clean graffiti
#thesavageway won an art grant sponsored by Project Art Aid’s Queen City Soup. The grant is to execute positive Clean Graffiti messages/art around high-risk Charlotte neighborhoods. Upon winning, #thesavageway partnered with Project LIFT & West Charlotte High School to make a larger, more direct community impact. As this project unfolds, #thesavageway will be documenting their experience working with the students.
On December 18, 2014 we met for round 2 with the West Charlotte High School students. Today we brought along one of our videographers, Jacob Teer, to capture our progress and record the class for a future video we are having produced.
Paula & Torrie with art teacher Mrs. Beverly Smith.
Jacob Teer – Teer Drop Photography
Since our last visit, the students have been broken into two groups and they have done some incredible research on graffiti artists and Clean Graffiti as an art form. We sat down with each group to get their feedback on the method and to answer questions. These IB art students started pulling away the layers of what Clean Graffiti could be and how they see themselves using it for our art grant. As this project is now part of their curriculum, they are required to create a portfolio piece on Clean Graffiti. Here is a small sampling of their initial research work.
Research by the students on the art form.
Next we started talking design ideas for the Clean Graffiti art grant. Every idea we heard was impactful, well thought out and meaningful to these students. We threw around the idea of pollution prevention and protecting the planet, making a statement that Black Lives Matter, and different positive thoughts in a more deconstructed form. We were blown away at how focused the students were, as well as how serious they are taking this project.
West Charlotte High School IB art class.
To sit back and listen to how this project has ignited a spark in these west Charlotte students is awe-inspiring. We always wanted Clean Graffiti to be used in a positive way, but to have first hand input on what will ACTUALLY speak to these kids is an incredible experience.
“Personally, I have taken this task seriously because we are not just creating artwork, but we are also inspiring positive actions from our peers,” stated Mathis Gales, one of the art students. His powerful words continued, “This task has been a huge blessing because this is our opportunity to give back not just to our school but our community as well. Our project has the potential to have an immense effect that will go beyond the walls of West Charlotte. . . Many people at our school don’t have someone in their life giving positive messages, and our Clean Graffiti project will provide that for them.”
Group talk about the Clean Graffiti art grant at WCHS.
Chatting with the Clean Graffiti groups at WCHS.
This project is turning into more than just a simple positive message campaign. It is challenging these students and hopefully inspiring a community. We are excited for the progress. Stay tuned for more updates in the New Year!
