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LOCAL WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ENJOY GIRLS NIGHT OUT TO BENEFIT THE SALVATION ARMY WOMEN’S SHELTER L
WRITTEN BY: LATISHA HORTON
ast month a wonderful group of local business women – businesses ranging from non-profit, event planning, graphic design, skin care, to trendy jewelry/ accessory boutique owners celebrated the holiday season with a networking event. The theme of the event was, “Girl’s Night Out – Holiday Style”. The focus of the event was to celebrate local women owned businesses, to be (and to feel) glamorous and to give back to an organization – The Salvation Army Women’s Shelter.
The event was held at Perkin’s Restaurant on Cypress Gardens on December 10, 2011 and hosted by Ms. London James a local resident here in Polk County, Florida. Ms. James is the Owner of “Sooo Chic Accessories” – a mobile and online boutique providing the latest in trendy jewelry and accessories. Admission was free to all female business owners who wanted to attend to promote their business, simply network, or give back. The highlights of the event were the “Glam” Photo Booth, the Fashion Show, giveaways and the live music. The Girl’s Night Out event also afforded the opportunity to local business owners to set up a table and display some of their products or services. Vendor’s who participated included: Mary Kay by Cammie – who provided
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attendees with mini makeovers and live demonstrations. American Laser Skincare – provided skincare solutions and rejuvenation techniques to attendees. GL Accessories – Displayed handmade crochet and beaded accessories. GL Accessories also contributed to the Girl’s Night Out event giveaway by giving away several custom crochet pieces. Keisha J. Inc. – An event planning company created and styled a mock celebration and provided attendees with a live demonstration on how to create their own celebration(s) on a budget.
The most rewarding part of the Girl’s Night Out event was listening to the Program Director of The Salvation Army Women’s Shelter describe several encouraging stories of how families have overcame trials and tribulations with the help of the community – restaurants such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Long Horn Steakhouse provide free food (under the Harvest Program). Also, attendees learned how contributing toiletries or financial donations, volunteering time, etc. all work together to bring peace and hope to the families in the Women’s Shelter. Overall, the evening and response to it was amazing. Ms. James received so much positive feedback that the event will be held monthly in 2012 – the next Girl’s Night Out Event is scheduled for January 29th.
Sponsors and Business Owners: Sooo Chic Accessories – London James (Host) Keisha J. Inc. – Keisha Jones (Co-Host) Kim Moore (Co-Host) Eccentric Designs – Latisha Horton (Sponsor) Imagine That Events – Tronda Burton (Sponsor)
GL Accessories – Gwendolyn Lancaster (Sponsor and Vendor) American Laser Skincare (Vendor) Mary Kay – Cammie Fields (Vendor) Live Music – Raquel Arredondo Models – Cierra Smith and RoShenna Tramel