I R I S H T E A1 . 5 O Z M U R L A R K E Y T H R E E T E A W H I S K E Y3 . 5 O Z L E M O N A D ES U G G E S T E D G A R N I S H : L E M O N W E D G E & M I N T
IS A BUSINESS LOAN RIGHT FORYOU?CONTENTSBCN QUARTERLY MAGAZINELINKEDIN: A BUSINESSMUST HAVE FOR THEMODERNPROFESSIONALBURNOUT & SELF-CAREBURNOUT & SELF-CAREUNLOCKING GROWTH:STRATEGIES FOR SMALLTO MID-SIZE BUSINESSESIN THE DMV1802GROW, BUILD & EXPAND YOUR BUSINESSEDITOR'S NOTE13 061209EMBRACING THE DIGITALREVOLUTIONFEATURE STORYKELLY AULDRIDGEBUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKINFO@BUSINESSCROSSINGNETWORK.COMPO BOX 303MANASSAS, VA 20108WWW.BUSINESSCROSSINGNETWORK.COM10COLLABORATION OVER COMPETITION20POUR OF THE QUARTER FEATURING MURLARKEY15PIVOTING DOES NOT MEANFAILURE22MURLARKEY- FARM TO FLASK16
Edition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 2DMV Business Crossing Network is a leading professional networking company committed to connectingprofessionals in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) region.Our comprehensive platform offers a range of membership tiers tailored to meet the diverse needs ofentrepreneurs and professionals alike. Whether you're just starting out, seeking to grow your business, orlooking to expand your network, our membership options provide the perfect avenue for achieving yourgoals.At DMV Business Crossing Network, we go beyond traditional networking events by offering tailorededucation and training programs designed to empower our members with the skills and knowledgeneeded to excel in their industries. Through a combination of curated networking opportunities,educational seminars, and specialized training sessions, we foster meaningful connections and facilitateprofessional growth.In addition to networking and education, DMV Business Crossing Network offers unparalleled exposureopportunities. Our members have access to live interviews, social media exposure, and featureopportunities in our online magazine, which is also available in print in select establishments. Theseavenues provide members with visibility and recognition within the DMV business community, helpingthem to establish their brand and expand their reach.Our goal is to create a supportive ecosystem where members can access resources, exchange insights, andadvance their careers within the vibrant DMV business community. Join DMV Business CrossingNetwork and unlock the opportunities to start, grow, or expand your business while forging valuableconnections that will propel you to success.Carlos & Leeta HarlemEditor’s NoteBUSINESS CROSSINGNETWORK
B C N M A G A Z I N E | 3DMV Business Crossing NetworkDirector of Events & Member EngagementMichelle May-MontgomeryBeginning2End EventsDMV Business Crossing NetworkDirector of Events & Member EngagementMichelle May-MontgomeryBeginning2End Events
B U S I N E S SF I N A N C EL I F E S T Y L EE N T R E P R E N E U R S H I PFeaturingEdition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 4
Learn how to incorporateself-care practicesbeyond shopping,manicures, and massagesbecause ...................BURNOUTSUCKS!Get your personalized 3-monthcalendar with self-carepractices and business tasklayouts attwistedintimacy.com
BusinessThe DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) region has long been a hub of entrepreneurialactivity, attracting startups and small to mid-size businesses with its vibrant economy and diversedemographics. However, navigating the competitive landscape and achieving sustainable growth can be adaunting task. In this article, we delve into strategies tailored for small to mid-size businesses in the DMV,aimed at unlocking their growth potential.Leverage Local Networks:One of the greatest assets for businesses in the DMV is the wealth of local networks and resources.Whether it's industry-specific associations, chambers of commerce, or networking events, tapping intothese connections can open doors to partnerships, collaborations, and valuable insights. Buildingrelationships within the local business community not only fosters support but also providesopportunities for knowledge exchange and mentorship.Embrace Digital Transformation:In today's digital age, embracing technology is crucial for sustained growth. Small to mid-size businesses inthe DMV can benefit from leveraging digital tools and platforms to streamline operations, enhancecustomer experiences, and reach new markets. This includes investing in robust online presence throughwebsites, social media, and e-commerce platforms, as well as adopting cloud-based solutions for efficientmanagement of resources and data.Focus on Customer Experience:In a competitive market like the DMV, delivering exceptional customer experiences can set businessesapart from the competition. Understanding the needs and preferences of the local customer base is key totailoring products and services accordingly. Whether it's through personalized interactions, efficientcustomer support, or loyalty programs, prioritizing customer satisfaction can drive repeat business andpositive word-of-mouth referrals, fueling organic growth.Diversify Revenue Streams:Relying solely on one product or service can leave businesses vulnerable to market fluctuations andchanging consumer demands. Diversifying revenue streams not only mitigates risk but also creates newavenues for growth. For small to mid-size businesses in the DMV, this could involve expanding productlines, entering new market segments, or offering complementary services. By exploring untappedopportunities within their niche, businesses can unlock additional sources of revenue and strengthentheir resilience.Invest in Talent and Skills Development:The success of any business ultimately depends on its people. Investing in talent development and skillsenhancement not only boosts employee morale and retention but also fosters innovation andproductivity. Small to mid-size businesses in the DMV can benefit from offering training programs,mentorship initiatives, and career advancement opportunities to empower their workforce. By nurturinga culture of continuous learning and professional growth, businesses can unlock the full potential of theirteams and drive sustainable business growth.Unlocking growth for small to mid-size businesses in the DMV requires a strategic approach thatcombines leveraging local networks, embracing digital transformation, prioritizing customer experience,diversifying revenue streams, and investing in talent development. By implementing these strategiestailored to the unique characteristics of the region, businesses can overcome challenges, seizeopportunities, and thrive in the dynamic marketplace of the DMV.Unlocking Growth: Strategies for Small to Mid-SizeBusinesses in the DMVWritten By: DMV BCN STAFFEdition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 6
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Edition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 9Embracing the Digital Revolution: Transforming D.C., Maryland,and Virginia Businesses with Tech InnovationsThe landscape of business is continuously evolving. Now more than ever, the integration of technology is not just a choice but anecessity for businesses in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region to thrive and remain competitive. With the advent ofdigital innovations, businesses have the opportunity to undergo a transformative journey, revolutionizing operations, enhancingcustomer experiences, and unlocking new avenues for growth. Here's how you can embrace the digital makeover and leverage techinnovations to propel your business forward in the DMV area.1. Adopt Cloud Computing SolutionsTransitioning your business operations to the cloud offers a myriad of benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud-based services enable businesses to store and access data securely from anywhere, at any time, fosteringcollaboration and productivity among remote teams. Whether it's leveraging Software as a Service (SaaS) applications forstreamlined workflows or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) for scalable IT infrastructure, embracing cloud computing solutions canenhance efficiency and agility within your organization.2. Harness the Power of Data AnalyticsIn today's data-driven economy, insights gleaned from data analytics can unlock valuable opportunities for business growth andinnovation. By leveraging tools and technologies such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence platforms,businesses can extract actionable insights from vast datasets, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning. Whetherit's optimizing marketing campaigns, forecasting demand, or identifying emerging market trends, harnessing the power of dataanalytics can give your business a competitive edge in the DMV marketplace.Business3. Embrace E-Commerce and Digital MarketingThe proliferation of e-commerce platforms and digital marketing channels presents businesses in the DMVregion with unprecedented opportunities to reach a wider audience and drive sales growth. Whether you're abrick-and-mortar retailer looking to expand your online presence or a service-based business seeking toattract new clients through digital channels, embracing e-commerce and digital marketing strategies can helpyou tap into new markets and engage customers in meaningful ways. From search engine optimization (SEO)and social media marketing to email campaigns and content marketing, leveraging digital channels canamplify your brand visibility and drive conversions.4. Enhance Customer Experiences with TechnologyIn today's digital age, customer expectations are higher than ever, making it imperative for businesses toprioritize the delivery of exceptional customer experiences. By leveraging technologies such as artificialintelligence, chatbots, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, businesses can personalizeinteractions, streamline support processes, and build long-lasting relationships with customers. Whether it'sproviding instant assistance through AI-powered chatbots or delivering personalized recommendations basedon customer preferences, embracing technology to enhance customer experiences can foster loyalty andadvocacy for your brand.5. Invest in Cybersecurity MeasuresWith the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, safeguarding your business against potential security risks isparamount. Investing in robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factorauthentication, can protect your business assets, sensitive data, and customer information from unauthorizedaccess and cyber attacks. Moreover, implementing cybersecurity best practices, conducting regular securityaudits, and providing employee training on cybersecurity awareness can help mitigate risks and ensure theintegrity of your business operations in the DMV region's digital landscape.The digital transformation of businesses in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region represents a tremendousopportunity for growth, innovation, and sustainability. By embracing technology and leveraging digitalinnovations, businesses can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and stay ahead of thecurve in today's dynamic marketplace. Whether it's adopting cloud computing solutions, harnessing thepower of data analytics, or investing in cybersecurity measures, embracing the digital makeover is essentialfor businesses seeking to thrive in the DMV area's ever-evolving business landscape.
Edition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 1 0BusinessCollaboration Over Competition: Fostering Success in BusinessIn the world of business, the prevailing narrative often revolves around fierce competition—a race to the topwhere only the strongest survive. However, a paradigm shift is underway as businesses increasingly recognizethe power of collaboration over cutthroat competition. In this new era, fostering partnerships, alliances, andcooperative ventures is not just a strategy; it's a mindset—one that redefines success and drives sustainablegrowth.Shifting Perspectives: From Rivals to AlliesIn a hypercompetitive landscape, it's easy to view other businesses as adversaries vying for the same slice of thepie. However, adopting a collaborative mindset entails shifting this perspective—from seeing competitors asthreats to viewing them as potential allies. By recognizing shared goals, complementary strengths, and mutualinterests, businesses can unlock opportunities for collaboration that benefit all parties involved.Leveraging Collective Expertise and ResourcesCollaboration enables businesses to tap into a diverse pool of expertise, resources, and networks that they maynot possess individually. Whether it's sharing knowledge, pooling resources for joint ventures, or accessing newmarkets through strategic partnerships, collaborative efforts amplify the collective capabilities of businesses,fostering innovation and driving collective success.Building Synergistic RelationshipsAt the heart of collaboration lies the principle of synergy—the notion that the whole is greater than the sum ofits parts. By aligning their efforts, businesses can achieve outcomes that surpass what they could accomplishindependently. Synergistic relationships foster creativity, spark innovation, and generate value for allstakeholders involved, propelling businesses towards shared objectives and collective prosperity.Nurturing Trust and Long-Term RelationshipsCollaboration thrives on trust, transparency, and mutual respect—values that form the foundation of enduringrelationships. By prioritizing integrity, open communication, and a commitment to shared goals, businesses cancultivate partnerships built on trust and mutual benefit. These relationships transcend short-term gains, layingthe groundwork for long-term success and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.
Driving Social Impact and SustainabilityBeyond economic benefits, collaboration in business can also drive positive social impact and sustainability. By partnering withstakeholders, including communities, NGOs, and government agencies, businesses can address pressing social and environmentalchallenges, contribute to community development, and promote responsible business practices. Collaborative initiatives empowerbusinesses to make a meaningful difference in the world while also enhancing their brand reputation and goodwill.Conclusion: Collaboration as a Catalyst for SuccessCollaboration over competition represents a powerful paradigm shift that is reshaping the business landscape. By embracingcollaboration, businesses can unlock new opportunities, leverage collective expertise, and drive sustainable growth in anincreasingly interconnected world. As businesses forge partnerships, build synergistic relationships, and prioritize shared goals,they not only enhance their competitive advantage but also contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future for all.In the journey towards success, collaboration emerges as the ultimate catalyst—a force that propels businesses forward andtransforms visions into reality.Network with likeminded entrepreneurs at DMV Business Crossing Network! Follow us on Eventbrite to stay up to date with networking events, trainings and workshops at DMV Business Crossing Network!https://BCNEVENTS.eventbrite.com
Risks and ConsiderationsDebt Burden: Taking on debt means adding another financial obligation to your balance sheet. Before takingout a loan, carefully consider whether your business can afford the additional debt payments, especiallyduring periods of economic uncertainty.Interest Costs: Business loans come with interest costs, which can significantly increase the total amountrepaid over the life of the loan. Be sure to carefully review the terms of the loan, including the interest rate,fees, and any other associated costs.Collateral Requirements: Depending on the type of loan and your creditworthiness, lenders may requirecollateral to secure the loan. This could put your personal or business assets at risk if you're unable to repaythe loan.Impact on Cash Flow: Loan repayments can impact your business's cash flow, particularly if your revenuefluctuates seasonally or if unexpected expenses arise. It's essential to consider how loan payments will fitinto your overall cash flow projections.Alternatives to Business LoansBefore committing to a business loan, explore alternative sources of financing that may better suit yourneeds. These alternatives could include:Bootstrapping: Funding growth through reinvested profits.Angel Investors or Venture Capital: Seeking investment from individuals or firms in exchange for equityin your business.Grants or Government Programs: Exploring grants or subsidized loan programs offered by governmentagencies or non-profit organizations.Crowdfunding: Raising funds from a large number of individuals through online platforms.Is a Business Loan Right For You?In the world of entrepreneurship, the decision to take out a business loan is a significant one. It can be a pivotal step inscaling up your operations, investing in new equipment, hiring staff, or expanding your product line. However, it's not adecision to be taken lightly. Before diving into the world of business loans, it's crucial to weigh the benefits against thepotential risks and consider whether it's the right move for your business.Assessing the NeedThe first step in determining whether to take out a business loan is to assess your business's financial needs. What specificpurpose will the loan serve? Are you looking to fund a short-term project or a long-term investment? Understanding thepurpose of the loan will help you determine how much you need to borrow and what type of loan is most suitable for yoursituation.Benefits of Business LoansAccess to Capital: One of the most obvious benefits of taking out a business loan is access to much-needed capital. Thiscapital can be used to cover operational expenses, purchase inventory, expand marketing efforts, or invest in newtechnology.1.Flexible Repayment Terms: Business loans often come with flexible repayment terms, allowing you to tailor therepayment schedule to fit your business's cash flow. This flexibility can help alleviate some of the financial strainassociated with repaying the loan.2.Build Credit: Responsible borrowing and timely repayment of a business loan can help you build your business creditprofile. A strong credit profile can be invaluable when seeking financing in the future.3.Opportunity for Growth: With access to additional capital, businesses can seize growth opportunities that wouldotherwise be out of reach. Whether it's expanding into new markets, launching a new product, or upgradinginfrastructure, a business loan can provide the financial resources needed to fuel growth.4.FinanceEdition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 1 2
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MurLarkey® is a family business. It is a lifestyle brand built on a foundation of honor and heritage. Our name is ananagram derived from our families’ surnames and that of our maternal, Irish immigrant grandparents’ (Kelly). Thus,Mur-Lar-key was born capturing all three (Murray, Larkin, Kelly), honoring our roots while having some fun with theIrish slang for fun and merriment - malarkey.Starting with a meager 23-gallon copper still and a dream, second generation Irish-American cousins Tom Murray,Mike and Jim Larkin, along with a small team of friends and family, set out to create a legacy. Drawing on eachother’s professional backgrounds, and skill sets, the team began distilling high-quality, small-batch spirits. Distilledto perfection, packaged with pride and delivered with cheer, MurLarkey embodies the Irish heritage, culture andlove for life upon which it was founded.Today, MurLarkey Distilled Spirits LLC is an internationally awarded emerging growth craft distillery, liquor brandand landmark tourist attraction located in Prince William County, Virginia. It was formed in 2013 and commencedoperations in 2016. Since launch it has experienced exponential growth while leading the Virginia craft market andemerging as a nationally recognized destination with a social media presence which has grown to over 50,000followers. In both 2018 and 2020 MurLarkey was recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the 25 Best Distilleriesin the US – ranking #16 and #4 respectively - THE ONLY VIRGINIA DISTILLERY TO EVER MAKE THIS LIST. MurLarkey produces a broad line of internationally acclaimed, Gold, Double Gold and Best in Category award-winning spirits. In fact MurLarkey is the only craft distillery to have been awarded Gold, Double Gold and / or Bestof Category in 5 unique categories: vodka, gin, aged whiskey, flavored whiskey and Bourbon. We’re in the business of bringing people together to celebrate life and share simple pleasures. The best craft spiritsmake the best craft cocktails and our creative geniuses have struck the right balance of prestige and playfulness.It’s all about having good clean fun!At MurLarkey, we support local farmers and we are proud to be 100% FARM-TO-FLASK. All of our ingredients aresustainably sourced here in Virginia and we hand (nose) select only the highest-quality, all-natural raw materials,grains, and botanicals. All of our premium spirits from our 100% all-natural infused whiskeys to our botanical ginare all free of artificial flavors, free of artificial colors, and certified gluten-free.B C N M A G A Z I N E | 1 6Edition Q2 | 2024
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B C N M A G A Z I N E | 1 8Edition Q2 | 2024 B U R N O U T S U C K S ! D O N ' T A P P L Y Y O U R 9 - 5 L I F E S T Y L E T O Y O U RB U S I N E S S , E S P E C I A L L Y I F Y O U H A V E A W O M B . L E A R N H O W T OI N C O R P O R A T E S E L F - C A R E P R A C T I C E S I N T O Y O U R B U S I N E S S B E Y O N DM A N I C U R E S , S H O P P I N G , A N D M A S S A G E S B Y U S I N G M Y P E R S O N A L I Z E D3 - M O N T H C A L E N D A R W I T H S E L F - C A R E A N D B U S I N E S S F L O WT E C H N I Q U E S C U R A T E D J U S T F O R Y O U ! G E T Y O U R S T O D A Y A T T W I S T E D I N T I M A C Y . C O M . C O N T A C T I N F O : E M A I L : I N F O @ T W I S T E D I N T I M A C Y . C O MW E B S I T E : W W W . T W I S T E D I N T I M A C Y . C O MI N S T A G R A M & T I K T O K : @ T W I S T E D _ I N T I M A C Y
How many times have you had to pivot in your business? Did you become frustrated whenit happened? Was the fear of failure creeping in your path? Like many others, I've had topivot plenty of times within my business. From niching down my target audience torebranding my messaging, I had to learn that these were not failures but pivot points. The passion I had for my business was still present, so I knew that I was remaining in mypurpose. However, I needed to figure out the best way to flow with my business and notagainst it. Here's a few tips and examples of how I navigated pivoting within my business. If you have a product or service that's been struggling to make a profit, take a pause andreevaluate that product or service offer. Best example of this happened to me when I washosting in-person classes. Barely anyone showed up, and I was becoming frustrated fromthe rental cost and dedicated time to hosting classes. When I took a pause and re-evaluated the in-person classes, I found that hosting virtual classes flowed better for mybusiness at that point in time. When you are facing resistance within your business, review your business flows,systems, and processes. There is no shame with finding the best business process thatworks for you. Don't treat your business like your 9-5! A 9-5 can be very stressful with gruesome, longwork hours. Do you really want your passion to stress you out? I don't! Incorporate self-care practices in your business flow, which may include timeboxing your tasks, takingbreaks, or hiring others to do tasks that stress you out. Remember, when you are facing pivot points in your passion, also known as yourbusiness, you will never face failure. Failure is when you no longer have passion for whatyou are doing. No one ever said entrepreneurship would be easy. There will be ebbs andflows, long nights, blissful mornings, and huge successes. It takes one moment to realizethat pivoting may be the best thing to happen to your business. Monika MonkOwner of Twisted Intimacy and Phoenix Crochet DesignsCo-owner of MR J GamingAuthor SpeakerCoach Pivoting Does Not Mean FailureWritten by: Monika MonkENTREPRENEURSHIPB C N M A G A Z I N E | 2 0Edition Q2 | 2024
DABBLE
KELLY AULDRIDGE CRAFTING SUSTAINABILITY: INSIDE THE WORLD OF KELLY AULDRIDGE, FOUNDER OF DABBLEKelly Auldridge, a shining star in the DMV scene, unveils her quirky thrifting craft shop nestled in the lively city ofManassas. We caught up with Kelly to spill the beans on her fabulous store and its awesome mission in our local hood.B C N M A G A Z I N E | 2 3How did the idea for Dabble come about? Dabble is a thrift store focused on art and craftingsupplies, we also offer public and private classes and camps. Our mission is to make arts andcrafting more accessible and sustainable. I found out about the concept of the Creative ReuseCenter at an artist event at Fillagreen last summer while talking with another artist who workswith Upcycle CRC in Alexandria. I loved the concept immediately and after visiting a fewCRCs, I really wanted to bring it to Manassas.Can you share a bit about your journey in the crafting industry leading up to theestablishment of Dabble? I have always enjoyed crafting and had started selling at craft fairsand events several years ago under my brand Necessary Frippery. Through that I met theowners of Vita Nova Creatives and Coffee in Nokesville who asked to carry my work in theirshop. One of their patrons had asked about a macrame class and the owners asked me if Iwould be interested in teaching some. This was something I hadn't done before, but I lovedworking with people in this way and seeing the joy as they learned something new and wereproud of what they made. I think that this really gave me a lot of confidence to branch out andexplore new opportunities.What inspired you to focus on sustainability and reuse within the crafting community? After visiting other CRCs in Virginiaand seeing all of the materials that they had to offer, it really brought to light just how much is out there and available for reuse. Asartists and crafters, we tend to hold on to our extra supplies hoping to pass them on to the right person doing the right project, but thatcan be hard to find. We act as a medium to help those supplies get into the next creative hands.What sets Dabble apart from other crafting stores or centers? We are certainly different than any other local craft stores becauseof the thrift store model, allowing us to sell materials at a much lower cost. Beyond that, we are very much a community project. Ihave provided the location and organization, but it's the community that makes this happen with donations, shopping and supportingeach other in their art and crafting endeavors. We are here to help people achieve their creative goals by helping to remove barriers andbuild relationships.How do you source materials for Dabble? All of the materials available at Dabble are donated by the community.Can you describe the process of bringing donated materials to the center and making them available for crafters?Contributors can bring up to two shopping bags or equivalent boxes in without an appointment during our regular business hours. Ifyou want to bring in a larger donation, we ask that you e-mail us to make an appointment.What types of materials can crafters find at Dabble? How do you ensure the quality and safety of the materials provided atDabble? We have gotten such an amazing variety of donations! We get a lot of fabric, yarn, scrapbooking supplies, kid's craft kits andmaterials, buttons, beads, paper, sewing materials and kits. Honestly, if you can craft with it, we've probably had it come through. We do try to check materials as they go out by making sure things are in good working condition.How has Dabble been received by the local community so far? We have been overwhelmed by the positive response from thecommunity! There has been so much excitement and love around this idea. It has been more wonderful than I could have evenimagined. We have such a beautiful creative community in this area and I am so happy that they have embraced this concept andwant to be a part of it.What role does Dabble play in promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness within the community? I thinkthat Dabble, and other Creative Reuse Centers, shine a different light on sustainability. We demonstrate the importance of sharingwithin in our community, and the importance of building relationships to have a way to do that sharing. Being focused on art andcraft supplies really allows us to help build relationships in a community with shared interests.
KELLY AULDRIDGE CRAFTING SUSTAINABILITY: INSIDE THE WORLD OF KELLY AULDRIDGE, FOUNDER OF DABBLEB C N M A G A Z I N E | 2 4Can you share any success stories or memorable moments involving Dabble and its impact on the community? We have hadso many memorable moments already. I love being a part of something where people feel comfortable expressing themselves andtrying something new, and knowing that they are enjoying what we are building. I have learned so much from our patrons and someof my favorite moments are hearing experienced folks sharing their knowledge with those just getting started.What challenges have you faced in establishing and running Dabble, particularly in terms of sourcing materials or gainingcommunity support? How have you overcome these challenges? What advice would you give to others looking to start asimilar venture focused on sustainability and reuse? This is something that was completely new to my husband and I. We haveboth had corporate careers and have never been in the small business world. What has helped us the most has been the relationshipsthat we have built with the BCN and the local community. We have had so many fantastic people mentor us, answer our questions,point us in the direction of resources, inspire and motivate us. There are 8 independently owned CRCs in Virginia, and all of the ownershave started meeting periodically to discuss challenges and opportunities. There is no way we could have done this alone. For anyonelooking to start a new venture, I would say build your community and talk to those who have done what you want to do. In regards tosourcing materials and gaining community support, it has been all about communication. We love to talk about what we are buildingand are overjoyed that so many others are sharing it within their circles. Do you have any upcoming projects or initiativesfor Dabble that you're particularly excited about?We have big plans! Our ribbon cutting was on April16th at 1pm. We were excited to announce that wewill be expanding our hours to be open during theweek and expanding our space to include the upstairsof our building where we will have dedicatingcrafting space for classes and independent work.These changes also mean that we will be able to startorganizing volunteers and expanding our programs.We have some fun summer camps already listed andare working on lots of other fun program ideas!How do you envision the future of Dabble and its role within the crafting and sustainability movements? I hope that weare able to continue to grow with the community and meet them where the needs are. We have already learned so much and lookforward to continuing to let the community guide our path forward.What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating and operating Dabble? The most rewarding aspect, and something I hadnot anticipated, was how happy people are to have a special place to donate their materials to, knowing that they will find their wayto new creative hands. Artists and crafters spend a lot of time selecting and curating their supplies. There is a lot of joy knowingthey are going somewhere where they will be appreciated.How has your perspective on crafting and sustainability evolved since starting Dabble? This experience has really openedmy eyes to how much extra is out there waiting to get into the right hands.Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey with Dabble or your vision for the future? I would just like tosay thank you to everyone who has contributed to this project so far. Everyone who has donated, shopped, and shared theirsupport and kindness has made this possible, and we appreciate each one of you more than you can know.How can readers support Dabble and its mission? You can support us by shopping, donating, and sharing us with your friends!Come see me and let us know how we can support you in your creative journey.Dabble Creative Reuse Center9100 Church Street #101Manassas, VA 20110www.dabblecrc.com
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A r e y o u t i r e d o f D I Y d i s a s t e r s ? L e a v e i t t o t h e e x p e r t s a t H u n g R i g h t H o m eS e r v i c e s ! O u r s k i l l e d t e a m o f f e r s a w i d e r a n g e o fh a n d y m a n s e r v i c e s , i n c l u d i n g b e d i n s t a l l a t i o n ,T V b r a c k e t r e p a i r s , a n d m u c h m o r e . W i t h y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e u n d e r o u r b e l t , w eg u a r a n t e e t o p - n o t c h r e s u l t s e v e r y t i m e .B a s e d i n T r i a n g l e , V A , w e t a k e p r i d e i n s e r v i n go u r l o c a l c o m m u n i t y . B u t d o n ' t w o r r y i f y o u ' r ei n a s u r r o u n d i n g a r e a - w e ' v e g o t y o u c o v e r e dt o o !W h y s t r e s s o v e r h o u s e h o l d t a s k s w h e n y o u c a nt r u s t H u n g R i g h t H o m e S e r v i c e s t o h a n d l e t h e me f f i c i e n t l y a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l l y ? C a l l u s t o d a y t o s c h e d u l e y o u r a p p o i n t m e n t !( 5 7 1 ) 3 1 6 - 9 5 0 9 Get Things Done Right with Hung Right Home Services Get Things Done Right with Hung Right Home Services
B C N M A G A Z I N E | 2 8Edition Q2 | 2024S a t u r d a y , J u n e 1 , 2 0 2 43 : 0 0 P M 6 : 0 0 P MC l e a r b r o o k C e n t e r o f t h e A r t s W e l c o m e t o t h e V e n d o r T r a i n i n g E v e n t !C o m e j o i n u s f o r a d a y o f l e a r n i n g a n d n e t w o r k i n g a t t h e C l e a r b r o o k C e n t e r o f t h e A r t s .T h i s i n - p e r s o n e v e n t i s p e r f e c t f o r v e n d o r s l o o k i n g t o e n h a n c e t h e i r s k i l l s a n d k n o w l e d g e .G e t r e a d y t o c o n n e c t w i t h i n d u s t r y e x p e r t s , g a i n v a l u a b l e i n s i g h t s , a n d t a k e y o u r b u s i n e s st o t h e n e x t l e v e l . D o n ' t m i s s o u t o n t h i s f a n t a s t i c o p p o r t u n i t y t o g r o w a n d s u c c e e d i n y o u rf i e l d !A r e y o u a r e g u l a r a t b u s i n e s s e v e n t s o r g e a r i n g u p f o r y o u r f i r s t e x p o o f t h e y e a r ? R e a d yt o e l e v a t e y o u r v e n d o r g a m e ? M a r k y o u r c a l e n d a r s f o r o u r 2 n d Q u a r t e r T r a i n i n g o n J u n e1 s t ! W e ' r e h o s t i n g a n e v e n t d e s i g n e d t o s u p e r c h a r g e y o u r v e n d o r e x p e r i e n c e .F o r t h e f i r s t h o u r , t e n l u c k y b u s i n e s s e s w i l l s n a g t h e c h a n c e t o s h o w c a s e t h e i r g o o d s a n ds e r v i c e s a t a v e n d o r b o o t h w h i l e w e m i x , m i n g l e , a n d n e t w o r k . I t ' s y o u r t i m e t o s h i n e ,m a r k e t , a n d s e l l !B u t w a i t , t h e r e ' s m o r e ! F o l l o w i n g t h e s h o w c a s e , o u r e x p e r t t e a m w i l l p r o v i d e p e r s o n a l i z e df e e d b a c k o n y o u r b o o t h s e t u p — h i g h l i g h t i n g w h a t ' s w o r k i n g l i k e a c h a r m a n d o f f e r i n gs u g g e s t i o n s f o r e n h a n c e m e n t s . O u r m i s s i o n ? T o e q u i p y o u w i t h r e a l - t i m e i n s i g h t s t h a tt r a n s l a t e i n t o i n c r e a s e d s a l e s a n d p r o f i t s .T h a t ' s n o t a l l ! W e ' l l d e l v e i n t o t h e a r t o f s u c c e s s f u l e v e n t v e n d i n g — c o v e r i n g n e t w o r k i n gs t r a t e g i e s , l e a d g e n e r a t i o n , a n d p o s t - e v e n t f o l l o w - u p t e c h n i q u e s .R e a d y t o l e v e l u p y o u r v e n d i n g g a m e ? S e c u r e y o u r s p o t n o w — v e n d o r s l o t s a r e l i m i t e d t oj u s t t e n , s o e a r l y r e g i s t r a t i o n i s k e y . D o n ' t m i s s o u t o n t h e c h a n c e t o l e a r n , g r o w , a n dh a v e a b l a s t w i t h u s !
B C N M A G A Z I N E | 2 9
Edition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 3 1ABOUT THRASH & SASSYWe want clients to feel empowered by their new style when they leave our salon.At Thrash & Sassy, we want to help our clientele look their best. To achieve this,we use high-end products and the latest styling techniques. Our aim is to deliver arelaxing, luxurious experience that will make you return to us time and timeagain.With your ideas and our skills, you can achieve the look of your dreams. Come tous for a new image.Thrash & Sassy Hair Salon571-662-8717thrashnsassy@gmail.comthrashnsassy.com
Edition Q2 | 2024B C N M A G A Z I N E | 3 2Submit An ArticleInterested in writing an article for our magazine? Wouldyou like to advertise with us? We are looking for articlesthat are about a minimum of 500 words long or amaximum of 1500 words single spaced. Topics include, business tips and strategies, economics,technology, book reviews pertaining to business, etc. Would you like to advertise in our magazine? Our current rates are:$100 full page and $50 for half page ad.For more info: businesscrossingnetwork.com/ban-magazine Fill out the form and one of the members of our team will getwith you asap.
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