HomeGirl Chronicles #6: MASH Mag Launches 2nd Edition!!

Ladies, ladies, ladies and Divas! This one is for you...my homegirls!

Detroit-based MASH Magazine launched its second edition this week and we are all excited about the new things super luxe pages.

Everyone is invited to check out my article on bike culture in Detroit...and editor-in-chief, Mashawnta Armstrong, has put together one of the most dynamic fashion/beauty spreads to come out of the midwest in years.

Below is the press release I did to promote the launch of the new edition of MASH ...
The publication is available on iPad, iPod, Android and tablet devices via download with the Zinio app.

#DivasDayOut hits the Streets of SXSW

This year the #BlackInTheCity and BethanyEast PR teams are joining the ranks of marketing and social media campaigns at the 2012 SXSW Music Conference!

#DivasDayOut is a new guerrilla marketing campaign that will feature independent and new products and information from fashion, beauty, small business and lifestyle brands in a 2500 swag bag giveaway.

Some of the main features of #DivasDayOut are the opportunities to reach an audience of almost 15k consumers via social media and a definite 2500 female consumers via the swag bag giveaway.

Recipients will be required to check in on either Foursquare or the #DivasDayOut Facebook FanPage list as well as the Twitter feed.  Vendors will be able to forward messages, updates, discount codes and conduct contests with either lists.  Also professional pics taken during the giveaway will be uploaded/forwarded to all vendors. And did I mention that our specially trained Brand Ambassadors are the best in the business, this isn't just any "street-team" situation.

#EntrepreneursLife?? Do you want to promote your brand during SXSW?  

As you may know, sampling/freebie campaigns have been known to create instant consumer loyalty towards a brand as well as dual-exposure with the advent of social media, fashion vlogging and media sharing (Facebook pics, Tumblrs, Instagram and other pic/vid platforms).

I would love to converse with you further on the specifics of this campaign.  I'm able to forward any interested party a very illustrative marketing proposal which lists in full the marketing strategy, benefits and costs of participation (packages are priced for small business owners).

Deadline for participation is March 1st, 2012.  Contact Bethany.EastPR@live.com for more info or  to participate.

Gadgets, Gigs and Growth: #EntrepreneursLife

As an entrepreneur I am far too familiar with finding or developing shortcuts, great deals and new projects.  Aside from playing every single role in my business, from promoting to bookkeeping to sales, being open to suggestions and doing research on key tools is a never ending task.

If you are just starting out as an entrepreneur, or if you are a weathered industry member I have compiled a few important and useful sites, products or services that hopefully will interest you.

1.)  Elance.com - 

Click Here to Visit Elance.com and GET TO WORK!

When I first set off doing freelance copywriting and public relations I only found clients through recommendation (word-of-mouth) ... but then I ran into issues of the infamous "hook up".  I am not  in the business of "hooking-up" (I call it working for free) my friends' friends, so other than clearly stating to whomever I work with that I do this for a living and therefore stand to get paid my entire fee, I found Elance.com.

This site allows you to post, search and apply for freelance/contracting gigs.  It's completely free to use and they make precautions to ensure that you get paid.  The Elance University option helps you declare your skills, that means, you don't have to go threw that "training period" of "let me see what you can do, then I'll pay you."  .. Best part of it, IT'S FREE!

Looking for work? Sign up for a provider membership on Elance and find great clients today!

2.) Caseable.com

I belong to the Coffee Shop Career Group here in San Antonio ... My neighborhood shop, The Foundry on McCoullough, is my favorite place to get work done, meet new people and drink endless cups of caffeine.  I also use this place to see what's new when it comes to cool entrepreneur toys.  And in 2012 having the perfect statement case is all the rave.  Caseable.com is a cool site whereas you can create a purchase customized iPad, smartphone, and even journal cases.  I just ordered mine (post coming soon), and I am sure that my clients would get a kick out of the classic corporate yet funky design I've chosen.  Are you focused on building a recognizable brand? You can even upload your personal logo to your case.  Do you have an entrepreneur friend with a birthday coming up, these make perfect custom gifts.

3.) Car Mount

Gone are the days where you could even hold your phone in your hand while driving.  

Which is weird because I need Google Navigator whenever I go anywhere (being/getting lost is not cool and can get really expensive).   So, I went out and nerded up the Mazda with a shiney new, ultra necessary, car mount for the brand new Samsung Galaxy SII my hubby got me for Christmas.  These also help if you are tired of losing your found to that irritating crevice between the seats (of the car...lol).  It keeps my phone (and iPod) in my line of vision so I can see maps, easily hit the speakerphone option (I have an '04, so I'm not privy to "sync technology") and listen for directions without having to hold my phone.  You can get a really good car mount at Sears.com. And they are easy to install.

4.) Looking Good, Feeling Good

Everybody knows you do better when you feel better and you feel better when you look good.  But as entrepreneurs we know that looking good is a task when you're on a strict budget.  

Hince, one of everyone's favorite stores, TARGET!!! I love me some Tar-jay...and with all of the new clothing designers infiltrating the stores shelves, I can't wait to see what they come up with next.  From long flowy maxi dresses, to gladiator sandals, to a perfect blazer .. and you know what, even their heels are cute and comfortable.  The new Jason Wu line is amazing as well.

For my readers, THIS WEEK ONLY, Target is offering 25% OFF ALL CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES .. the site is already boasting 15% savings when you spend more than $125.

This summer I am going to live in dresses.  I love a good summer dress that I can throw a blazer over.  And for the fellas, think fitted (not skinny!!) jeans, colorful socks and manly accessories.

 

5.) Putting On Your (businesses) Face!

Every small business these days, whether social, retail, product or service based is creating their "brand" .. This week I was able to moderate a conversation via Twitter (follow my business @BethanyEastPR).  The Twitter chat was centered around morality and branding!!

First thing to do when determining and promoting your brands direction is your logo.  MycroBurst.com offers some great options and inexpensive deals on logos for businesses.  They also have a Money Back Guarantee!!

And my friends over at Hewlett-Packard have created some wonderful options for business owners as well .. I am just diving into what they have to offer by I'd love to hear what you have to say about my practical list for entrepreneurs.

ttyl!! 

HomeGirl Chronicles #5 - I admit, #IFoundMyManOnTwitter

Surprise Surprise ... I have not the most random of women, but I do know a good thing when I see one ... check out my personal, SOCIAL MEDIA induced love story at ...

http://happilyblended.com/2012/02/love-story-igboswag-darealchrisreed/

special thanks to HARO.com and Blogger @BrandyEllen for the feature

#teamOgba

@DaRealChrisReed and @MrOgba

Creating BLACK HISTORY month ... and #KeyAndPeele review

#KeyandPeele caught my eye this weekend, now I went to Michigan so I know how hard it is when you know you have to explain what it's like to be black.  I mean, there are actually people that don't know about it...and it amazes me.

I completely enjoyed the satire of it all, as well as the method it commercialized itself.  But, just as hipsters and nerds alike loyally trust Jon Stewart's commentary of news more so than @CNN, America's Most Watched News Source (they said it, not me) ..

  *in this case I think it's cool if you substitute for S. Colbert, they both the same. 

Then I know that this show will go down in the books as a valuable index of how white folks can* think and learn about blackness.  I mean, not ALL of the sketches were about "blackness" ... they however, make major claims in the hosting part.

So all in all, it's a pretty funny show.  I know @MrOgba thought the "My Wife is a B@#$H" sketch was lol hilarious!... (me and him had a lil talk afterward ... it started with "if you eva'")

I especially liked the Barack Obama-sketch .. if you missed it on Comedy Central, then check it out here

#TwoClaps: Anytime time it is ensued that Barack Obama would ever use or allow the use of the word cracker to refer to racist white people, will ALWAYS be great material, and therefore HYSTERICAL! #aintThataBiTC

This is supposed to be my Black History Month-post.  In recent years I've written about the King, had a few X's, and even swang my hair back and forth with a "Natural Sista's" post (how cliche... like we don't already get enough of ourselves)

But this year Black History feels different.  I am getting the chance to learn newer histories about my different heritages.  And although I reverence those people in our past that have created opportunities for my collective and entire race, there need be some changes in how Black History Month is going to be viewed in the far future.  

Are we always going to remember slavery as 

 something that still oppresses generations today?

I think we need to think of how 2013 (plan ahead) is going to look like "in the books". ... what capital gains are we shooting for ... will there ever be a time when we'll say 

"you know what, we've remembered the Civil Rights Movement, the Bus Boycotts,  the Four Little Girls the lynchings, Vietnam, the glass ceilings ...and slavery, for long enough.  Let's cut that out." and then boom ... 

• no more Symposiums, 
• no more museum exhibitions ... 
• there wouldn't even be any more new high schools named after MLK.

(although I don't think there could possibly be anymore room for another King HS...unless*)

 ... in 400 years (GODwilling) What would be the legacy WE leave behind? 

I understand that right now it seems as if we are still getting some "first" out of the way, but it's important to think about what's next for us, how do we proceed in building more history, 

I mean who doesn't get openly surprised when we realize that someone does something, albeit outside of our racial comfort zone, and is recognized for it... (how did u react when you found out the NY sniper was black .. and when OJ got off (the first time) ...or when Octavia Spencer won her SAG Award (s/o, #luvher).

To start the conversation ...

What are we fighting for RIGHT NOW, COLLECTIVELY, as a race that if/when we claim victory would be a momentous occasion!?

 I know we got our POTUS, but let's think about the gap between accomplishments outlive us.

#ImJustSayin  #WeCanDoMore

...and that is Black History, @darealchrisreed style.

TTYL!

HomeGirl Chronicles #4: Bag Lady!

I am not a fashion blogger, but I do love fashion ... which is why every now and then you will see me show off an outfit, post a #ThriftyThursday shopping spree, or just comment on a cool site.  This is one of those cases. 

One of my newest clients (keep in mind that I am still a publicist) is VintagePURSEnality.com.

VintagePURSEnality.com launched in late 2011 and will be opening its own Chicago-based showroom this spring.  Fashionistas can make an appointment to shop the exclusive finds at the urban store, which will also host private events and trunk shows.  VintagePURSEnality also boasts bag repair and cleaning services as well.

The site offers stylish women three fresh shopping options.  The first, vintage shopping from home, the collection is impressive and changes up often.  The second is the option to borrow verses buy, which allows budgeting divas to “rent” pricey pieces.  Lastly, are you constantly complimented for your handbags; but you could stand to “move on to the next”?  VintagePURSEnality.com has created consignment options for women that want to refresh their closets by selling directly to the Vintage community. 

For a limited time starting today, Feb. 1^st until (Valentine’s Day) Feb. 14^th all bag buyers will be entered to receive a free bag!  But that’s not all; the site will also host its first ever TIMED SALE, purchases made between Friday, Feb. 17 and midnight on Saturday, Feb. 18^th will receive 15% off. 

And that’s not all; are you a Chicago-shopper?  Make your appointment today and receive 20% off your next purchase. 

As a Homegirl, I try to maintain my diva without breaking the bank, therefore I have to pass along a little info about the 14 day sale VintagePURSEnality.com is hosting!  

For the next 2-weeks when you purchase a bag your name is entered to win a FREE BAG!   

Vintage PURSEnality is a Chicago-based company headed by Sylvia and Andrea Rushing.  Over the past few years, the sister duo, traveled the world in search of the perfect bag. And during all the travels we've accumulated our own collection to share with you as well.  Appointments to shop can be made by contacting VIPlist@VintagePURSEnality.com

TTYL!