SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT!

Anyone who knows this colorful person, known to some as Aqua Maureen, would know she has impeccable taste and design sense. I featured some candid shots of Maureen in my film photography exhibit last summer.  She's been living the dream since 2015, and a blogpost has been long overdue!

She's just as colorful as her store. Filled with ideas and putting 100% into her business, Maureen aims to make the atmosphere of her store positive and fun.  Before Maureen owned the infamous "Change Is", a small business in Belmar, New Jersey, I had known of her as the queen of window displays. She rubbed elbows with a few vintage store owners and had quickly established herself as an aficionado of the rare, beautiful, and eccentric, especially if it was wearable.

It was no surprise that she would have her own space with beautifully painted teal and mustard yellow walls, filled with items you could never buy anywhere else.

It's a vintage store unlike any other. You know you want to shop for clothes but you may want to leave with the displays, lighting, and especially that amazing vintage giraffe that holds the jewelry.  I'll be honest for a moment and tell you I own ONE pair of high heels, and they don't come out from hiding much. As someone who does not own and collect shoes, I can honestly say that Change Is... is the only place I consider purchasing vintage heels for the design or patchwork of colors.

Maureen is also a huge supporter of local artists and even has art receptions in the store. Check the store's Facebook page for more information and updated events.  Throughout the store, you'll find photographs, books, and paintings made by locals.

The reds came out so rich on that one roll of film.  I think photographing Maureen in her fitting room area is still one my favorite photoshoots.  She rocks octagon glasses like no other.

Change Is has mens' and womens' clothing, so be sure to check out her unique collection. 

Change Is Facebook Page

Small Business of March

The featured small Business of March goes to....

This guy knows his stuff; if you come to him with a question about film or digital cameras (or the best tattoo artists in the area), I would bet money that he'd know the answer. Jeff, artist and owner of Photo Center, has a selection that is incomparable to any camera store. He's got everything from lens belts to darkroom supplies to the most recent Nikons and Cannons.  I'm a regular in the store with all the film I need developed.  I'm always impressed with their quality and consistency.

There's a lot to see in the store, and just as much to see behind the scenes. I'm one of the privileged few who can go into the "off limits" sections.  I found Elevator Art's merch box behind the scenes in Photo Center; it was originally an old film reel box from the 70s or 80s.  I love the shelves of lens and sections of old cameras.

This funny odds 'n ends wall is sandwiched between shelves of 400 speed film.  The polaroid to the right was my recent donation to the wall. My first donation was a drawing I did years ago that's still there of Daimon and Jeff.

Jeff, and the entire staff of Photo Center are knowledgable, courteous, and constantly up to date with the ever-changing technology of cameras.

Each month, Photo Center has another contest where you can compete for a gift certificate. It's so fun checking out the entries every month; how can you pick just one winner!?

Photo Center is the largest camera store in Ocean and Monmouth counties and is located in Brick. They have some pretty awesome classes for the budding photographer, including basics courses, on-location portraits, photoshop instruction, and newly added events such as the Cape May Birding Day they hosted in September. You can check out their events here.  This business finds ways to give back to the community by hosting free events and contests. For a small business, they have a lot of big events and the contests keep growing with each month.  For this reason, I wanted to make sure Photo Center got the spotlight it deserved. If you submit a photo, you might just win a gift certificate. Here's the winning photo of February.

March's Photo Contest theme is inspired by Cartier-Bresson.  The theme is "The Moment". 

"He believed that “The Decisive Moment” was that split second of genius and inspiration that a photographer had to capture a certain moment. For example, that half of a second that you have when a man is jumping over a puddle, when a couple embraces for a kiss, or when a person points a finger at another. This moment is fleeting, meaning that once you miss that half of a second to capture that moment, it is gone forever. You can never recreate the same circumstances in terms of location and people."

You can submit ONE jpeg photograph to thephotocenter.contest2@gmail.com for a chance to win. Good luck!!

http://thephotocenter.com/

Small Business of FEBRUARY

February's Small Business goes to......

February marks the 4th year anniversary for this clothing company, which was started by 3 locals in the poetry and art scene in New Jersey. Karma Cartel is known for working with charities through events and sales. Their mission is to give back to the community (the Jersey Shore) they grew up in.  Recently, KC helped Ocean County's HEAD START Program by hosting the event Karmegeddon.  One of the founders, Chris Rockwell, hosted the Open Hearts: Tent City Benefit Show last August, and KC also had their own vendor space at the event. After the hurricane hit, Rockwell says, "We knew it was time to step in and lend a helping hand, so we donated half of all our website sales for the entire month of November to victims of the hurricane."  In addition, Rockwell held a clothing drive at Revolutionary Lounge in Toms River, NJ and had 13 full bags of clothing in under 2 hours.  

Currently, KC is working with local artists such as Jordan Ocello, Tim Hughes, Leon Rainbow, and Tim Sramowicz (of ReBearth Art Supply in Asbury Park) when developing their Artist Series line.  It features original artwork silk screened onto t-shirts.  Check out some of their fresh threads:

http://karmacartel.bigcartel.com/product/tim-hughes

http://karmacartel.bigcartel.com/product/believe-in-today

I fancy this one...

http://karmacartel.bigcartel.com/product/bubble-gum

Karma Cartel is one of those small businesses that I proudly support because they are so involved with the community and helping others. They have quality shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories for the price so you can show off your style.  This Toms River-based business has followers and fans from all over the world; from Australia to the UK to all corners of the USA.   They have free shipping if you order online and you can sign up for their free newsletter and smartphone app.

Thanks KC for all you do. I hope you guys have a great year! 

http://www.karmacartel.com

https://www.facebook.com/tryintogetitall

Small Business of December

December's featured small business goes to...

This girl might have scrawny arms and little hands but don't let that fool you! She's not only knowledgable about using the torch, fusing metals, and making casts but she can bring her skills and equipment to events, festivals and instructional programs. Tiffany Asraf, founder of her small business Salt and Steel, has had an eye for jewelry design since childhood. Jewelry making and collecting is in her family lineage and her heirlooms have inspired her aesthetic.  After lots of experimenting, completing courses from Montclair State University, and collecting jewelry over the years, Tiffany has created her own unique designs fusing gold and silver together. I fancy these rings so much, and they're only $25 on her etsy page.

This beetle cast ring can be made in silver or brass.

It's obvious that Tiffany's art and jewelry-making are closely related; you can see elements from her jewelry design in her artwork and visa versa.  Tiffany's art can be found on her blogspot.

Tiff is going away on a retreat in January and will return in the spring. Place an order for the holidays or revisit her etsy page after Memorial Day :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/saltandsteel