by thesavageway | Nov 19, 2014 | clean graffiti
Update time! As you know, we were awarded Project Art Aid’s Queen City Soup art grant a few months ago for our Clean Graffiti project (YAY!). You can read more here but the basics of the project are that we are putting down positive, inspiring messages in lower income neighborhoods around Charlotte in both English & Spanish. Our goal is for the community to see how something as simple as cleaning can change someone’s perspective.
#thesavageway team at the Queen City Soup proposal night!
In all honesty this project was simply an idea at first. It was that project we’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t afford to do on our own. We had no idea that we would actually win and get to do our community art project. So after winning the grant we decided that it would be best to find a partner in the community that could help streamline our project. We wanted to find a way to make the biggest impact on these lower income neighborhoods and align ourselves with an existing mission. Enter West Charlotte High School and Project L.I.F.T!
Project L.I.F.T. Facebook Page
Project L.I.F.T (Leadership & Investment For Transformation) is a non-profit organization right here in Charlotte. They are seeking to transform the way students, who traditionally perform poorly in school, are educated in reading and math and culture using a unique approach to teaching and learning. Their work directly impacts nine schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System:
We’ve teamed up with the Art Director at West Charlotte High School, Beverly Smith, to incorporate her advanced art students in our QC Soup project. They will learn about sustainable media and what Clean Graffiti is all about. During several class talks, we will work with the students on the design process and guide them through the actual messaging that will speak to them. Students will also help select exact locations around the campus that could have the most impact. Through this project, these art students will put together presentations and present the final design ideas to the #thesavageway team. Then we will choose a winner and get the design into production. The execution of our QC Soup project will take place primarily around West Charlotte HS with a few locations in the community where students walk everyday. In addition, each Project L.I.F.T. School will also get a Clean Graffiti spot to tie the entire project together.
#thesavageway Queen City Soup Grant Proposal flyer.
We know that by partnering with a community member like Project L.I.F.T. we will have a more direct connection to these neighborhoods as well as creating a conversation with our project. When we embarked on this journey, we had no idea that we would be able to work with these West Charlotte students and have a chance to help boost their morale to and from school. It has been such a pleasant surprise. We are BEYOND excited at our direction! We will be sure to give continuous updates as things unfold! Stay tuned!
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 14, 2014 | services
This past weekend, we had the amazing opportunity to experience a breathwork class with the wonderful Jonathan Winn of Breathe.
Breathwork is an extremely powerful tool that focuses on the breath in order to heal each of us mentally, emotionally and physically. It is more than just everyday breathing. You go through a journey to relaxation and clarity.
Now it must be admitted that we did not really know what to expect walking into this Saturday morning workshop. We kept asking Jonathan and his clients what the breathwork experience was like, and the resounding response was that, “it’s indescribable, you must experience it for yourself.”
We walked into the Breathe studio (located in the Highland Mill Lofts in NoDa), with open hearts and open minds. The space is refreshingly simple and zen-like. We felt at peace. Jonathan talked about creating a refuge, a safe place with his work and he did just that.
Breathe studio located in the historic arts district of NoDa.
We were in a room with 12 other people who were all looking for a relaxation tool. Some were small business owners (like us), others were corporate lawyers and some teachers. Each of us a different walk of life yet each experiencing the stress and anxiety of life.
At the beginning of the workshop, Jonathan walked us through everything we needed to know. He told us of the ladder that we would climb and then descend all while breathing. There was music playing that aided in the experience. Each of us were wrapped in a blanket and had an eye mask over our eyes in order to block out all distractions. It felt safe.
Breathwork Workshop with Jonathan Winn, owner of Breathe.
The breathwork workshop was unlike anything either of us had ever experienced before. It was a moment to be completely focused on yourself and the stressors in your life. You go to a place in yourself that you didn’t even know was there. The root of who you are as a person. It’s true! Jonathan’s teaching of breathwork is indescribable and something that you MUST experience for yourself.
What we learned at the end of the workshop is that breathwork is so much more than learning how to breathe. It was about embracing whatever happened (be it emotional or physical) in that moment and letting it go. Letting go by breathing through it. Life can be challenging and beyond stressful at times. Breathwork is a great, natural way to take an assessment of what you are feeling and using breath to get through.
Most of us are great at helping others and doing what we can to alleviate any stress from our loved one’s lives, but we aren’t so great at stopping and helping ourselves. Breathwork truly is life changing. Do yourself a favor and sign up Jonathan’s for the next workshop on November 8.
Breathe
Website
Location: 2901 N Davidson St #122 Charlotte NC
Next Workshop: Saturday, November 8, 2014, 10:30am-12pm
Twitter: @BreatheRefuge
Facebook: /BreatheRefuge
by thesavageway | Sep 18, 2014 | clean graffiti, services
Picture this. You’re running along your normal running path and you quickly approach that elusive runner’s wall that makes you want to stop and take a break. Then, all of a sudden you come across a message on the sidewalk that pushes you to finish the race.
“Today you will inspire someone. TRi-Yon Performance”
Clean Graffiti campaign targeting runners in the Charlotte area sponsored by TRi-Yon Performance.
This is the scenario that local Charlotte celebrity and WBTV news anchor, Brigida Mack, found herself in a few weeks ago as she was training for a road race.
Mack posted on her hugely popular Facebook and Instagram accounts a Clean Graffiti message sponsored by TRi Yon Performance, “Saw this on my run this morning & it def got me through the second half of my 10K! #wordstoliveby #Hot100 #weberunning”
Charlotte’s WBTV news anchor Brigida Mack spots Clean Graffiti on her run.
Clean Graffiti (also known as reverse graffiti) is an eco-friendly and green form of advertising. These branded, positive messages are strategically placed on dirty sidewalks and a clean message remains. Not only is this an innovative and creative way to get a business’ marketing initiatives out to the public in a place that you typically would not be able to have a logo or message, but there is no use of any harmful chemicals or sprays – It is just water!
TRi-Yon Performance and #thesavageway collaborated on this Clean Graffiti project to put down these inspirational running messages along popular running paths in Charlotte. The message was simple, “Today, you will inspire someone.”
“When you are training for a race, a lot of times you forget that what YOU are doing becomes an inspiration to others,” said Mack. “You are so focused on making it another mile, another day and eating clean that you forget the effect that your journey has on other people.”
Exercising is very much a mental activity, and that is exactly what trainer Jamey Yon was targeting when doing this Clean Graffiti campaign. He wanted his athletes to be surprised as they were on their normal running path. Clean Graffiti was an unexpected source of motivation to help push through to the finish line.
Mack agreed, “It was really cool to see! My first thought was how unique it was and once it settled in, it pushed me up the hill.”
The goal of this Clean Graffiti campaign was to give a little inspiration and positivity to Charlotte area athletes in an unexpected way. We would say it was a success! So the next time you are on your daily run, keep an eye out for that unexpected motivation from the sidewalks.
by thesavageway | Sep 3, 2014 | community
The weekend. Those two glorious days that we all long for during the work week. What is it about those Saturday and Sunday mornings? Maybe it’s the freedom to stay horizontal all day, or perhaps it’s the joy in knowing there is no need to sit in a cubicle from 9am-5pm. However, we think it just may be the fact that a new meal enters our lexicon on the weekend. Enter brunch – delicious, boozy brunch.
For a neighborhood that is known for being a hub for creative arts, craft beer and custom tattoos, NoDa is also representing on the Charlotte brunch scene. We are exploring the variety that NoDa has to offer for those perfect weekend meals.
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen
Brunch Offered: Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm
Menu: Offering a variety of authentic Cajun and seafood dishes including the Shrimp and Tasso Omelet, Eggs Benedict, Pancakes and more. Make sure to check their Facebook page for weekly Chef specials.
Cost: Inexpensive
Drink Specials: Must try the famous Bloody Mary Bar that runs from 12-3pm. Cajun Bloody Marys 1/2 price all day Sunday. Mimosas on special Sunday for $2.50.
Reservations: Recommended for groups of 3+ (Unless you would like to sit in Sanctuary Pub (sister bar) to watch the game).
Beignets and mimosas at Boudreaux’s. Photo by @YelpCharlotte
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen
501 E. 36th St.
Charlotte NC, 28205
704.331.9898
JackBeagle’s
Brunch Offered: Saturday and Sunday, 8am-1pm
Menu: Neighborhood staples are plentiful, including a full Omelet Menu, Banana/Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Grilled Ribeye on Texas Toast w/ Sausage Gravy, Breakfast Hoagies and a variety of specials.
Cost: Inexpensive
Drink Specials: $5 Double Mimosas, $6 Double Bloody Marys and Daily Beer Specials (Local and Craft Beer Selection).
Entertainment: Stop in to watch your favorite team with the NFL Ticket or hang out on the patio and listen to some live music.
Biscuits and gravy with applewood-smoked bacon and tots at Jack Beagle’s. Photo by @taylorsworld21
JackBeagle’s
3213 N Davidson St.
Charlotte NC, 28205
704.334.5140
Crepe Cellar Kitchen & Pub
Brunch Offered: Sunday, 11am-3pm
Menu: Taking the traditional European street fare and adding that local touch, this brunch menu shines with items such as Kahlua Batter French Toast, Steak & Eggs and Smoked Salmon Crepes.
Cost: $8-$15
Drink Specials: Try the delicious French Press Coffee and enjoy a Bloody Mary or Mimosa after noon.
Salmon Crepes at Crepe Cellar. Photo by @cturnip
Crepe Cellar Kitchen & Pub
3116 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
704.910.6543
Heist Brewery
Brunch Offered: Sunday, 10am-2pm
Menu: This neighborhood brunch features twisted American cuisine at its finest. You never know what you will see on this buffet, but think You-Call-It Omelets, Caramelized Rum-Soaked Pineapple and Breakfast Flatbreads.
Cost: $19 (plus tax) All-You-Can-Eat buffet
Drink Specials: $12 Bottomless Mimosas, $3 Bloody Marys and a new small-batch craft beer release every week.
Entertainment: Catch up with your team at this brewpub via the NFL Ticket. If you’re a Panthers fan, note that game sound will always favor the hometown favorite. Stay for live music on the patio every Sunday starting at 5pm.
Mussels at Heist Brewery. Photo by @_tasharenae_
Heist Brewery
2909 N. Davidson St. Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28205
704.375.8260
Dolce Vita
Brunch Offered: Sunday, 12-7pm
Menu: Wafflepalooza. Yes, this wine bar offers Belgian waffles with fresh fruit, nuts, Nutella and more. Check out the Pizza Waffle, a house specialty. Also offering half price cheese pizzas.
Cost: $5, toppings are extra (fruit, Nutella, nuts, etc.)
Drink Specials: $2 select beer, $5 Fireball, and half price wine.
Belgian Waffles at Dolce Vita. Photo by @dolcevitanoda
Dolce Vita
3205 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
704.334.1052
Solstice Tavern
Brunch Offered: Sunday, 10am-4pm
Menu: This sports bar offers the brunch staples a la breakfast burritos, pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage and eggs. Check out the Egg Nog Monte Cristo, a house favorite.
Cost: All items $8 and below
Drink Specials: $3 Mimosas, $5 Bloody Marys and $6 Sangrias (flavors vary).
Entertainment: A sports lovers dream with 29 flat screens – inside and on the patio. Watch all NFL and MLB Extra Innings games.
Southern tea and patio sitting at Solstice Tavern. Photo by @h4rb
Solstice Tavern
3221 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
704.342.2556
Amelie’s… A French Bakery
Brunch Offered: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Menu: A known local, dessert favorite (hello SCB), this French bistro should cross your mind when debating brunch. Menu includes everything from house made Quiche and Pain Perdu to Seasonal Salads and Berry Bowls.
Cost: Starts at $7.99
Drinks: Seasonal specials rule; currently featuring a house made Sparkling Blackberry Violet Lemonade and Honey Jasmine Iced Tea.
Entertainment: While not a sports haven, check out the atrium or event rooms for those special events (i.e. Bridal Showers to Birthday Parties).
Spinach, bacon and mozzarella Pain Perdu at Amelie’s. Photo by @ameliesfrenchbakery
Amelie’s… A French Bakery
2424 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
704.376.1781
