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 17, 2014 | services
2014. A year that brought many Happy moments and many challenging ones. Here at #thesavageway, we are beyond grateful to have made it another year in business and still remain passionate about what we are doing in this world.
At the end of each year, we like to take time to reflect on the moments that defined us, inspired us and that simply made us happy. Here is a look at a year in the life of #thesavageway:
#thesavageway Team Expanded!
At the beginning of 2014, Paula came on as a full time partner! This was a huge moment for the company and one that we had been working on for some time.
Other areas of growth in Charlotte include our residential Clean Graffiti division, Clean Graffiti Kids. However, our biggest move has to be our expansion to New York. Our sales team in NYC is bringing our sustainable medium of Clean Graffiti to the dirty (and perfect) streets up north!
We Met the “Steve Jobs” of Our Industry!
Torrie & Paula on a Skype session with Jim and Mike of Green Graffiti.
Never in a million years did we think we would meet our European competitor let alone become friends and partners with him! We traveled to Nashville, TN in June of this year to meet Jim Bowes, founder of Green Graffiti and crusader for all things sustainable media. Talk about eye opening and inspiring! Our future with Jim and his team is developing as we write this and we cannot wait to see how together we can make change!
We Won an Art Grant!
Queen City Soup Proposal.
Talking Dirt at Queen City Soup!
On a whim and some encouragement, we applied for Project Art Aid’s Queen City Soup micro grant. After a fairly hilarious skit in front of 200 people, we were awarded the grant for our Clean Graffiti project. The premise was to put down positive messages in high-risk areas of Charlotte in both English & in Spanish. Upon winning we decided to partner with Project LIFT as they were already established in West Charlotte and would allow a more direct impact in the community. Our project is ongoing with the West Charlotte High School IB Art students. Stay tuned for the finished project around March 2015.
We got to work with some pretty rad people…
As a small business, your clients are your bosses and we have to say that we have had some of the best. Huge shout out to this amazing bunch of clients, partners and friends that we’ve had the opportunity to work with this year!
28toLife, AIR – Aerial Fitness, Breathe, Bruks Bars, Carolina Textiles, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology, CPCC The Curious Advertising & Graphic Design Club, CrossFit 704, Cruise Carts, Crunch Bistro, Custom, Epic Apparel, FaceMounts, Flex + Fit, Four Sisters Boutique, Green Graffiti, Green Teacher Network, Idolize, Justin Driscoll Photography, Libretto’s Pizzeria, LiveUptownNow.com, MADabolic, Midtown Search, NoDa Brewing Company, NoDa Neighborhood, NoDa Brewing Run Club, OrthoCarolina, Pink Toast Ink, Playing for Others, Progressive Urban Real Estate, Project Art Aid, Project LIFT, Queen City Church of Christ, Ready at 7, Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte, Second Helping Charlotte, Stache House, Tech Talent South, TRi Yon Performance, UNC Charlotte PRSSA, Wine & Design Charlotte, Yelp Charlotte, YMCA of Greater Charlotte
We Fell BACK in Love with Coffee.
Delectables from The Daily Press.
If we didn’t love this sweet nectar of the gods before, the coffee scene in NoDa sure made us obsessed. We’ve always had a soft spot in our hearts for Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Amelie’s French Bakery, but we were blessed with the opening of not one but three coffee shops this year. Ozpresso and Boquette Mountain Coffee became a staple for our client meetings. However the introduction of The Daily Press has to be our favorite. Their hand crafted treats bring a smile to our faces every time we sample them (hello fall favorite Piccadilly Fog). Needless to say there is no excuse to be tired in this neighborhood!
Networking Became Enjoyable Again!
The lovely Corri & Amy, creators of #InstaBeerUpCLT. Photo courtesy of @corriasmith Instagram.
We’ve all been there… a stuffy networking event that is more uncomfortable than meaningful. Well two pretty rad ladies decided that the Charlotte networking scene needed a shake up. Enter #InstaBeerUpCLT. Corri Smith & Amy Herman created a fun monthly event where social media followers could meet in real life! These networking socials bring together the movers and shakers of the social media world at different hot spots around town. Bravo ladies! Looking forward to the next one!
We also look forward to the 2015 development of the new Charlotte group, #WeLoveCLT. Bringing together awesome people to talk about making our city an even better place. YES!!! Stay tuned for more details here.
This is simply a snapshot of the monumental moments in the #thesavageway world. To us, a successful year is one where we get to work with people that we believe in and collaborate on projects that make a difference in the world. 2014 was fantastic and we look forward to 2015 with excitement, passion and possibility.
Cheers!
Paula & Torrie
by thesavageway | Nov 12, 2014 | services
Fearless. Giving. Empathetic. Kind. These are the characteristics of one Jen Band – Executive Director of Playing for Others (PFO). We’ve gotten to know Jen and PFO over the last few months. From that first cup of coffee we shared at Smelly Cat Coffeehouse in NoDa, we both knew that she was put into our lives for a reason. Jen is the kind of person that gives you that “You will change the world” feeling and you believe it. Her sincerity is refreshing and something we all need more of in this world.
Playing for Others Executive Director, Jen Band.
Playing for Others is an organization that “provides a space for teens to explore and answer the questions, “Who Am I?” and “How will I give of that?” through programming in Personal Development, Service and the Arts.” The main focus of this non-profit is to develop teenagers into the thoughtful, compassionate and accountable leaders of tomorrow.
We love how PFO addresses the very questions we should all be asking ourselves everyday, “Who am I?” and “How will I give of that?” Taking time to reflect on your purpose in this world is one of the many reasons we love this group. Later this year we will be given the chance answer the question “How will I give of that?” when we speak to the PFO leadership committee about social media and how each of them can be thoughtful media practitioners.
Recently, we joined several other people who believe in what Jen is doing at a PFO Gratitude Dinner. We were treated to a five-course food and wine pairing at the lovely Café Monte in Southpark. The evening was a beautiful showcase of the incredibly talented teens in the program. Singers, slam poets, writers – PFO has it all.
PFO Gratitude Dinner at Cafe Monte.
Photo Credit: Cafe Monte
PFO slam poet Lucy Murrey.
Now on the surface you may be wondering why #thesavageway, a sustainable media company, is spending time getting involved with PFO. However, for us it is simple. It’s not about “what will we get in return,” it’s about aligning ourselves with companies who are doing impactful, positive things that we want to stand behind. What Jen has created at PFO is the exact type of organization that we want to support.
We believe in everything this group stands for – empowerment, confidence, leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity! We’ve left every single encounter with the PFO team feeling that we could make significant changes in the world. There’s no issue too small, no dream too big, and if you believe you can make a change – you will!
2014 Playing for Others teens!
One of the most powerful talks from Jen that we’ve heard was that morning over coffee at Smelly Cat. It was her story, her journey from taking this little idea and turning it into what it is today – PFO, a successful non-profit that is directly impacting over 80 teens per year, over 30 children with disabilities and countless local charities.
Jen’s story is so powerful that the forward-thinking folks at TEDxCharlotte thought that other people should know about it too. Jen took the stage on October 24 and ignited a spark in every person in the audience.
“Today. Today is yours, claim it. This life is yours, live it,” stated Jen as she recited her Grandfather’s inspirational poem.
One of our favorite statements from her talk was, “If you’re going to jump, you might as well leap. See when you jump, you get to good. But when you leap, you get to great.”
More here: http://www.tedxcharlotte.com/live-jen-band
We are beyond excited to have a hand in such a positive, motivating venture. Jen has created something truly powerful. Do yourself a favor and check out their next event. You might just leave with the confidence to leap, and we mean truly leap to your potential!
by thesavageway | Oct 31, 2014 | services
Last Thursday, #thesavageway team had the pleasure of attending the media night tasting for the newest restaurant in the NC Music Factory, Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen. Eight Sushi is located to the left of the famous Fountain Plaza in a quaint yet extremely stylish venue.
The night began with cocktails and kind words with fellow media members – all of us taking in the beautiful atmosphere. The walls were flanked with fun local art. Lots of Asian influence with the wall murals, but one of the coolest aspects was the repurposed-skateboard bar top. The look was put together by the talented influence of The Design Bar, John Hairston, Matt Hooker & Matt Moore.
Gorgeous Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen located in the NC Music Factory.
The visual stimulation continued at the table. We were treated with sake that was served in a traditional box (meaning prosperity in Japanese culture). Talk about an unexpected yet memorable service experience.
Traditional Sake at Eight Sushi.
Soon after the food presentation began. First up were delicious Korean Beef Skewers marinated in chili sauce and garnished with pearl onion & mushrooms.
Korean Beef Skewers at Eight Sushi Asian Kitchen.
Next came roll after roll of sushi. There were so many varieties including the refreshing Miami Roll with blue crab, avocado, cucumber roll wrapped with mango & avocado and the Pink Roll that featured crunchy tuna and avocado in a pink soy crepe with house sriracha mayo and angel hair kanikama.
Eight Sushi’s Miami Roll.
The Pink Roll from Eight Sushi.
However, the highlight of the tasting menu had to be the Panko Tuna Roll – a spicy yet light roll made with tuna, crab, avocado, ponzu and a house made sriracha, Japanese mayo! Talk about tasty!
Panko Tuna Roll served at Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen in the NC Music Factory.
The evening wrapped up with several more courses and a few more glasses of wine surrounded by good people. Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen has everything you look for in a new hot spot – good food, amazing art, great craft beer & cocktails and an intimate atmosphere. Go check this place out next time you’re at the Music Factory!
Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen.
Details:
Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen
Address: 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Hours: Tues -Thur: 5pm – 10 pm / Fri & Sat: 5pm – 12am / Sun & Mon: Closed
Phone: 704.900.6147
by thesavageway | Oct 21, 2014 | services
Balance. It’s the one thing in life that we are all seeking. It’s a sense of peace when it comes to work, relationships, family and life. Balance is quintessential to happiness, especially when you own your own business.
#thesavageway doing work!
#thesavageway has been in business for 2.5 years now and man how time flies! Owning a business is a highly stressful thing at times. Though rewarding, there are times when things are overwhelming. Thinking about your product, sales goals, PR plan, accounting, receipt tracking, client relations, bills, 5-year growth plan, and much, much more is a 24/7 job. There isn’t an IT department to call or HR when there is an issue. You are dealing with EVERY aspect of the company. It is extremely easy to become addicted to your work – putting in 14-hour days, running on fumes and drinking way too much caffeine (thanks to NoDa for having so many amazing coffee shops!).
As a result, every 6 months or so, #thesavageway team does a “Get Your Mind Right” Challenge to bring back the balance to our lives. We both (Torrie and Paula) make a conscious effort to take a few weeks to clear our minds, treat our bodies as we should, and in turn become more productive and happy.
Now what exactly does getting one’s mind right mean? Don’t worry we have a very scientific formula. 😉
Parameters of “Getting Your Mind Right”
- Healthy, Clean Eating! AKA No processed foods
- Eat tons of vegetables
- Be active everyday (exercise, walk the dogs, yoga, running)
- Drink at least two liters of water per day
- Save money (by cooking meals at home and not eating out)
- No alcohol (but hey, let’s be real, red wine once a week is healthy, right?!)
- Take time each day to focus on yourself (meditate, breathe, write in a journal, verbalize something you are grateful for in this awesome world)
Farmer’s market haul by #thesavageway ladies. Eat local whenever possible!
Torrie & Paula hanging at AIR for some much needed exercise!
The beauty of “Getting Your Mind Right” is that there is nothing difficult about it. No tricks. It is simply making the time to treat YOU in the best way possible. This will be the third time that we have done the challenge. Every single time that we finish, we learn something new about ourselves. When you pause and pay attention to the nourishment you are giving to your body, it is so easy to see why we don’t always feel our best. When you put good things into your life, good things will return.
Being an entrepreneur is one of the greatest challenges yet one of the most rewarding experiences either of us has ever experienced. It is so easy to forget to take care of yourself because you’re the boss. There isn’t someone there to tell you to take a break or that it’s okay to have a sick day. When you push yourself to your mental limits everyday, it is easy to overindulge. Taking a few weeks to recharge and get into a balanced place in life is well worth it!
#thesavageway ladies (Paula & Torrie) doing what they do best.
We have found success through this method and encourage you all to go out there and
“Get Your Mind Right” too!
