Gym, Coffee and Moss Art

Gym, Coffee and Moss Art

Urban MVMNT/Southend Grind use Moss Art to bring life to the lounge area of their LoSo Gym

Exercise, coffee and creating Moss Art are a few of our favorite things. When the guys at Urban MVMNT & Southend Grind Coffee called us to help them with a Moss Art piece, we knew that it was going to be awesome. However, we had no idea that after brainstorming with them, that we would be creating an 8 foot wide abstract map of the city.. in moss!

Urban MVMNT is located at 255 Clanton Rd. Their space is gorgeous. From the state-of-the-art functional fitness gym to the modern coffee shop, they did not spare any detail. We were brought in to bring some greenery to the centrally-located lounge area. Our moss was a great solution since our preserved plants do not require any sunlight or watering. It was the perfect solution for this interior space. Our Moss Art map adorns the left side wall, overlooking the windows to the gym.

This piece turned into an interpretation of the LoSo area map. The “islands” of moss represent the land and the space where the wall pops through are the streets of Charlotte. We brought in our wood partners, 8lincoln30, to help us create the backing for this massive piece. Jeremy & Jason Calamusa (yes, they are brothers), also assisted with the installation of the art.

At the time of our installation, they were still finalizing all of the other new additions to the lounge area. But we saw the plans… it’s going to be GORGEOUS! So do yourself a favor and stop into their space and have a look around. You can stop in anytime, grab a coffee and hang out in the lounge. (note: you do not have to be a gym member to enjoy this gorgeous space in Charlotte)

 

pieces-of-moss-covered-wood-for-an-art-install

Moss Art pieces made by #thesavageway.

two men measuring for the installation of moss art

The lounge area of Urban MVMNT / Southend Grind Coffee gets a makeover. #thesavageway

two men use a nail gun to secure moss art to a wall

Our partners, 8lincoln30, help install the Moss Art wall at Urban MVMNT / Southend Grind Coffee.

blonde woman, the founder of #thesavageway, installs the final moss piece of an installation.

#thesavageway founder, Torrie Savage, installs the last piece of moss at Urban MVMNT.

Two men stand in front of a Moss Art wall made by #thesavageway.

Southend Grind owner, Fredric Nordoff (left), and Urban MVMNT owner, Stuart Brauer, stand in front of the Moss Art wall in their lounge.

Going MAD!

Going MAD!

#MADlifestyle : An individual who refuses to be a statist.  The architect of his or hers own life.  A goal seeker who creates his or her own path and one who chooses to do what they love.

When #thesavageway met with Brandon Cullen, owner of MADabolic, Inc, to talk Clean Graffiti, we saw firsthand what this #MADlifestyle was all about. We were invited to join the MAD trainers & gym members for a round of beers at local favorite Good Bottle Company. This group of athletes talked of their favorite workouts, places to shop, favorite farmers markets and more! This social hour is exactly what the gym is all about; connecting like-minded athletes and supporting locally owned businesses.

MADabolic Blog Post #thesavagewayBeyond their unique approach to athletes, MADabolic has an amazing brand and their marketing is incredibly on point (way to go Pink Toast Ink!)  When the conversation of Clean Graffiti came up, it seemed like a natural fit for this hip, community- conscious gym.

“I love everything about Clean Graffiti. Unique, professional and edgy, an exact parallel with our company MADabolic Inc,” said Cullen. “Everyday we strive to lead with innovative thinking in the competitive fitness market.  I believe Clean Graffiti represents this exact mindset in the advertising world and consider this to be the perfect marriage.”

The image of the “MAD” woman can be seen around the SouthEnd area of town near the flagship location on South Boulevard.

 

MADabolic Clean Graffiti Blog Post #thesavageway 

It’s as if she is keeping a watchful eye on her athletes. Encouraging them on their #MADlifestyle journey. Watch out for the MADness around the Queen City and who knows, she may even start watching the streets of Lake Norman next!

Clean 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!

 

 

 

Look Back At It: ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge

Look Back At It: ‘Stache House Bar & Lounge

Here at #thesavageway, we are taking a moment from the hectic pace of the everyday to look back at some of our awesome past clients.

Stache House Charlotte Logo

About ‘Stache House Bar and Lounge:
Located in Charlotte’s historic South End neighborhood this bar and lounge features high-end liquor, craft beer and a variety of flavored hookah. Stop in any night of the week (expect Monday when they are closed) and you are sure to groove to a wide array of DJ’s with music ranging from neo-soul and jazz to house and 80’s dance pop.

We began working for ‘Stache House during the construction phase of their Historic SouthEnd location at the end of 2012. Getting to join/contribute to the branding conversation from the beginning is beyond ideal and one that we do not always get to participate in. We were recruited by Morgan Tadlock, formerly General Manager, Partner and Creative Director.

We focused on creating their brand and identifying their target market. This project was also the first opportunity we had to work with Pink Toast Ink – an extremely talented local graphic designer. Here are some examples of the ‘Stache House branding we created.

Stache House Grand Opening Ticket

Stache House Grand Opening Flyer

Stache House Drink Menu

Beyond the branding, we consulted with the owners of ‘Stache House on their Social Media and creating their Areas of Content (or what they should be talking about online).

Stache House Clt Instagram started by #thesavageway

Owner Chet Desai putting up sign

Stache House Windows

One of the elements of our company that we thoroughly enjoy is getting to create and work big events. We planned the ‘Stache House Grand Opening celebration in January of 2013. Complete with Media Night, VIP Party and Opening Night.

Stache House Grand Opening #thesavageway

Stache House in Charlotte Observer

The media and crowds came out in full support of this fun, new bar/lounge and hookah bar. We were beyond happy with the support from the community and knew that the owners of this hip, new hot spot were happy with a job well done.

Fast forward to February 2014, we recently rekindled our relationship with ‘Stache House through an eco-friendly Clean Graffiti campaign in the SouthEnd neighborhood.

(Clean 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’s just water!)

Clean Graffiti for Stache house clt

Stache House Clean Graffiti

Work Hard. ‘Stache Hard.

Papi Queso Food Truck… #CheeseLove

Papi Queso Food Truck… #CheeseLove

Gourmet Grilled Cheese on wheels. Yes, we will say it again, Gourmet Grilled Cheese! We fell in love with Papi Queso Truck not just for the melted cheese sandwiches he pumps out of his incredibly busy Charlotte Food Truck, but for the fun, creative brand that Papi Queso became.

We started working with owner Brian Stockholm, Papi Queso himself, before that grill was ever heated up.  Brought on to manage the grand opening and teach how to effectively use social media, we ended up learning so much more! We were not only diving into our second real client, but an entire new industry – Food Trucks. Now this was in 2012 when the food truck boom had not yet hit the Queen City in a major way. But as all of you Charlotteans know today food trucks are incredibly popular; Hello Food Truck Friday!

This client taught us so many things, one of the most important being that we TEACH social media, we do not aim to execute long term. The mobile food truck industry is prominent online, especially Twitter, and we knew that Brian and his staff would have to OWN their accounts. There was no way that Papi Queso’s social media could be authentic by posting from afar – so we taught.

Papi Queso branding example by #thesavagewayPapi Queso branding by #thesavageway PapiQueso_CheeseLove

Twitter became the go-to for Papi Queso to let fans know where they were going to be located. This also became the real time communication between Brian and his fans! You can keep up with him here: https://twitter.com/papiquesotruck

Once PQ was up and running, we continued our contract to hone in on his branding and develop creative content. We worked with Papi Queso through his first year to ensure that the fun, “cheesy” branding came to life.

One of the reasons that we enjoy working with small businesses is that we are able to work hand-in-hand with the owner and help their vision come to life. Working with PQ was a great marriage for both companies; Brian was able to focus on running his food truck on all levels and we were able to be creative behind the scenes and create an online presence for Papi Queso.

Nothing but #CheeseLove! #thesavageway

Brian Stockholm owner of Papi Queso Food Truck

Papi Queso branding by #thesavageway

Papi Queso branding example by #thesavageway

Real Food: Cooking Demo and Nutrition Tips by Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen & 28toLIFE

Real Food: Cooking Demo and Nutrition Tips by Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen & 28toLIFE

#thesavageway had the pleasure of attending an amazing event last week that highlighted local food, nutrition and supporting local farmers. On Wednesday night, 28toLIFE and Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen hosted a cooking demo surrounding the principles of primal cooking or Paleo-friendly foods!

“The Paleo diet is built from modern foods that (to the best of our ability) emulate the foods available to our pre-agricultural ancestors: Meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, fruits, roots, tubers and nuts,” as defined by Robb Wolf.

This collaboration of two health-minded Charlotte companies took place at the buzzing Atherton Mill and Market in Southend for a two hour long lesson on how to prepare healthier, more local fare at home! Along the way a few knife skill lessons were shared including how to properly cut an onion (leave on the root) and how to peel ginger without a knife (hello spoon!). Life just became a little more more efficient.

The night started with wine, kombucha from local tap room Lenny Boy and mingling…always the start to a great night. Next up came the introduction of Cristina Gillespie, founder of 28toLIFE, a nutrition consultation service providing a hands-on realistic guide to finding Real Food Freedom.

Cristina touched on the 28-day program she utilizes to get the body back to basics through the Paleo diet. She talked about making optimal choices when it comes to food – you may not always be able to purchase straight from the farmer, so when that happens make the next best choice – organic – and then a big box store if necessary.

Cristina Gillespie, Founder of 28toLIFE (Photo Credit: Michael Newton Photography 2014)

Cristina Gillespie, Founder of 28toLIFE (Photo Credit: Michael Newton Photography 2014)

Then the aroma of spices began to infiltrate the market. Enter Chef Alyssa. Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen partnered with 28toLIFE on this cooking demonstration in order to help other people reach their health goals through food knowledge and how to prepare that food.

Chef Alyssa Gorelick, Photo Credit: Michael Newton Photography 2014)

Chef Alyssa Gorelick, Photo Credit: Michael Newton Photography 2014)

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is the brainchild of Alyssa Gorelick and Andrew Wilen who met in Charlotte in 2011. This couple saw a need in the Queen City for hands-on cooking classes to teach Charlotteans how to cook healthier food. Their mission says it best: To provide a comfortable and social environment that will allow guests to enhance their skills for those who love to cook and eat well.

The menu:
Beef and Pistachio Kofta – from Windy Hill Farms (available in the Atherton Market)
Curried Cauliflower
Arugula Salad
Dressings: Caesar, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Raw Beet

The demonstration ended with delicious sampling of the food Chef Alyssa just created. And let us tell you, it was DELICIOUS! The curried cauliflower is soon to become a staple at #thesavageway! And that Beet Vinaigrette – ridiculous!

The night was a ton of fun and we both took away some amazing new kitchen tricks, healthy 28toLIFE-approved recipes and a nice swag bag with free samples from Savory Spice Shop! Looking forward to the next cooking lesson!
Paula Bartlett, Torrie Savage, Alyssa Gorelick, Cristina Gillespie #thesavageway

Cheers,
#thesavageway