Couture Cakes By Lizzy: Cake Design of the Most Flavorful Kind

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A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, birthdays, brands, business feature, cake designer, cakes, catering, corporate events, Couture Cakes By Lizzy, custom design cakes, entrepreneurs, event planning, Jacksonville business, special events, wedding cakes

~Creative cake design that’s pleasing to the palette~

~Frozenly Fabulous Delicacies~

~Cake Rules Everything Around Me~

~Nothing says Couture Like Hello Kitty~

The Couture Cakes By Lizzy Brand:

Making Cakes More Than a Common Delicacy

Who We Are

Couture Cakes By Lizzy is a husband and wife team that design and create amazingly, deliciously tasting cakes.  We’ve been in business for five years. We’re a privately owned home-based business located on the Westside.

Our Mission

Simply stated, it is to make your event more memorable.

Our Clientele

Our clientele covers a broad spectrum from the professional businessman or woman to the single mom celebrating her child’s first birthday. We cover all events from weddings, birthdays, graduations, holidays and corporate events.

Our Impact

We stand out from offering a better quality cake through painstaking attention to detail. We eat with our eyes first then taste. Our passion is not only to give you a beautiful cake but to ensure that it tastes as wonderful as it looks.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be one of the top go-to cake designers in the country. In the next five years we see the company expanded into a commercial location with a five man team of full-time cake designers and artists.

Our Journey

Through the years, we’ve learned that being patient and believing in yourself and the vision that you have is everything. We think that an effective businesswoman should possess vision, passion, patience and determination. Being goal-oriented is also important.

Contact Couture Cakes By Lizzy for your next event!

Phone: (904) 524-4738

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/CoutureCakesByLizzy

Instagram:  @couturecakesbylizzy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/couture-cakes-by-lizzy/6b/40/615

Cause to Communicate: Serving the PR Needs of Non Profits

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A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, Amy Rankin, boutique agency, brands, business feature, Cause to Communicate, fund development, Jacksonville business, nonprofit marketing agency, nonprofits, public relations

 

~Effectively and efficiently communicating your cause ~

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

 

Photo found on Google Images

~Always strategically focused~

Diagram found on Google Images

 

~Always providing honest assessment~

~Serving with you as your partner in change~

The Cause to Communicate Brand:

Making Your Nonprofit the Topic of Conversation

 

Our Mission

Every nonprofit has a cause to communicate…a story to tell…in the hopes of continuing and expanding its work. We can help you communicate your cause.

Who We Are

Cause to Communicate is a boutique public relations, marketing and fund development messaging agency that works exclusively with the nonprofit community. The firm’s focus is assisting nonprofits in the areas of market research, marketing and collateral development, public relations, special event management, social media, and fund development messaging.

 

 

What We Do

Cause to Communicate provides all aspects of public relations work from special event management to media relations to crisis management to market research. We also work with outside vendors to develop creative content that speaks to the nonprofit’s brand. Our fund development messaging strategy helps nonprofits find their voice in reaching out to donors and prospective donors.

 

How Cause to Communicate Impacts the Community

I’ve had so many rewarding moments working with clients over my career. I hate to single out just one. One that has had lasting benefits is research that I conducted with Jim Flagg of Ulrich Research on behalf of the Nonprofit Center. That research has led to their efforts to create “Local Focus/Lasting Impact,” an explanation of the work of the nonprofit community in Jacksonville. It’s nice to know that one project’s work will live on and communicate the benefits of the nonprofit industry to all of North Florida.

Our Vision

It’s simple–to do well for our community by helping a nonprofit to do well.

 Meet Amy Rankin: Founder of Cause to Communicate

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said, “I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.”

“The Wise Woman’s Stone”
Author Unknown

Bio

Amy Rankin’s career in public relations began in sports public relations where she worked for the World Football League, North American Soccer League, player agent Donald Dell, and the Jacksonville Tea Men soccer team. After stints at Amelia Island Plantation and Sawgrass, she spent 11 years at St. John & Partners as Vice President/Public Relations and Branded Accounts. From there she moved to Scott-McRae Advertising where for 12 years she served as vice president before founding Cause to Communicate.

 

Her Vision to Start Cause to Communicate

I have always felt a strong urge to be involved in community issues and helping others. When I was in college, I considered becoming a social worker but somehow ended up in public relations. As my career advanced, I wanted to return to my first love and decided to focus my public relations practice on the nonprofit community.

Cause to Communicate was originally part of Scott-McRae Advertising. That business closed in 2013 and I was able to go out on my own to continue the work.

 

Communicating Non Profit Causes, Dispensing Entrepreneurial Wisdom–Amy’s Advice to Businesswomen

Any effective businesswoman needs to be:

• Focused
• Strategic
• Not afraid to be aggressive on behalf of her business and/or her clients
• Well-read
• Be willing to take the time off to recharge

 

I would say that over the years I’ve learned a lot of things and they have coalesced this year:

• Don’t sweat the small stuff
• Not every client is right for your business
• If you are doing it right, you should be having fun

I have managed public relations and advertising departments, client budgets and even produced publications for sporting events. All of this has taught me time management and the importance of working with vendors who can get the job done right.

My advice is do something that you love because then it isn’t work.

 

Learn more about Cause to Communicate by connecting on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/causetocommunicate

Dignity U Wear: A Lifeline For Those In Need

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business feature, clothing donations, communities, Dignity U Wear, Jacksonville business, nonprofits, school children, veterans, women and girls in crisis

At Dignity U Wear we focus on one thing, procuring new clothing and delivering it at the right time to the people for whom it will make the most difference.  Founded in 2000 by philanthropist Henri Landwirth, a Holocaust survivor, Dignity U Wear provides brand new clothes to people in need.

Street Wise – photo of boy receiving his first pair of new jeans

“ I know what it means to be stripped of personal dignity,” Henri Landwirth says, “ to not have clothes of one’s own and to give up all hope.”

DCPS – Clothing Closet – serving 100% of the schools in the district – through social workers and guidance counselors

 

 

When I see people suffering indignities, I know we have to help: and through Dignity U Wear, we do.”~Henri Landwirth

Operation New Uniform participants receive new Brooks Brothers Suits

 “The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

California Girls – Girls involved in the “ Glass Slipper” non profit agency – located in California. Serving at risk girls in the community with self esteem, confidence building and new clothing helps support this mission.

  

The Dignity U Wear Brand:

Ribbon Cutting at the Duval County Public Schools District Wide Clothing Closet

A Purposeful Charity Delivering Dignity

Through

Donation of New Clothing

Our Mission:

The mission of Dignity U Wear is to positively impact the lives of children and their families in need throughout the United States by providing them with brand new clothing.  Dignity U Wear partners with the apparel industry to provide the supply of clothing and then works through a network of social service agencies to deliver the clothing based on specified needs. Founded by philanthropist and Holocaust survivor, Henri Landwirth in 2000, the organization has provided more than 9.3 million pieces, valued at $180 million, to more than 830,000 people. For more information about Dignity U Wear, visit www.dignityuwear.org or www.facebook.com/dignityuwear.org.

Our Impact:

Founded in 2000, Dignity U Wear will celebrate 15 years of service in 2015. Dignity U Wear is a national foundation headquartered in Jacksonville.  In 2014 Dignity U Wear served 139 non profit agencies in  42 states, of those agencies 45 are located in the Jacksonville area.  We are among the few agencies that provide service in the form of new clothing to many other non profits in support of helping individuals in need.  Dignity U Wear operates out of its national headquarters and warehouse located on Myrtle Avenue. On average we deliver over $1 million of dollars of new clothing each month to our network of non profit agencies.

Our Most Memorable Moment:

Our Five Year Vision:

Our local goal is to reach the as many individuals facing personal crisis and who are struggling throughout North Florida, and to do this  in the most efficient way possible

Our national goal is to deliver to agencies serving in all 50 states in 2015 and beyond.

 

 

Our Advice to Those Who Want to Open a Non Profit:

• Have a passion for what you want to do in the non profit business.
• Be able to explain why your non profit is important.
• Know what you want to do and how you will fill feed the need.
• Know how much it will take to get this done and who is on board to help fund and get the non profit up and running.
• Decide which community you will be serving: local, regional, national etc.

 

 

Our Upcoming Campaign:

The “National Undie Campaign”  begins in March and ends in May each year.   This is a campaign to raise awareness, raise dollars and collect brand new underwear and socks. Every delivery includes underwear.   In 2014 we reached a new level of giving with over 200,000 units of underwear, socks, bras for all ages. We also raised $37,000 in much needed funding to support our work.

Help us make this campaign an even greater success in 2015!

 

 

Learn more about Dignity U Wear!

 

Website:      http://www.dignityuwear.com

Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/dignityuwear

Twitter:        https://twitter.com/dignityuwear

Instagram:   http://instagram.com/dignityuwear

Pinterest:     https://www.pinterest.com/dignityuwear/

Youtube:      www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLWbiDg2M9k

EBS Security, Inc.: Where Proactive Protection Provides Peace of Mind

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A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, apartments & community associations, bodyguard services, brands, business feature, colleges and schools, EBS Security, government facilities, Inc., minority businesswomen, patrol service, Printella Bankhead, real estate security, retail, securty services, special events, theft detection

~We’re up all night so you can sleep all night~

Going above and beyond in our security services

Always there for you

Dependable & Diligent

Strategically searching for ways to enhance your safety

The EBS Security, Inc. Brand:

Ensuring the Safety of Our Clients and Their Operations

OUR MISSION

EBS Security, Inc.‘s mission is to provide excellent security services & cost-effective solutions to ensure the safety and security of the assets of our client’s organizations. EBS Security Inc. strives to preserve protection of the personnel, programs, resources and facilities of our clients.

 

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to enhance the success of our clients and their operations by providing quality service and consulting with the highest degree of integrity and responsiveness, while enhancing the success of our employees and the communities served. EBS Security, Inc. will strive to provide an environment of trust, equal opportunity, teamwork, accountability, high expectations and open door communication with our clients, and employees.

 

OUR VISION

EBS Security, Inc.‘s vision is to be a leader in the security industry by enhancing the success of our clients and employees.

OUR SERVICES

Construction Site security including fire watch

Armed/unarmed officers

Bank security

Long term contract security

Body Guard Services

Control room monitoring

Employee and/or Customer Theft Protection

Office Buildings

Retail

Shopping Centers/Malls

Special Events

Real Estate Securty

Apartments

Colleges & Schools

Government Facilities & much more!

OUR CERTIFICATIONS

8(a) Certified

MBE Certified

DBE Certified

JSEB Certified

WBE Certified

OUR HIGHLIGHTS OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE SINCE 2002

Great Client Reviews

Employee Recognition Program

Nominated for Strathmore’s Who’s Who

Nominated for National Women’s Business Associaton

Nominated for SBA’s Emerging Leaders E200 2013

Nominated for Best of Jacksonville Businesses for 2014

Better Business Bureau A+

Meet Printella Bankhead, Founder & President of EBS Security, Inc.

Bio

Printella Bankhead was born in Sulligent, Alabama. She is the founder and President of EBS Security Inc., Jacksonville, FL and has over 26 years of experience in the security industry. Her lifetime achievements include: Author of Staying on Course in Business and in Life, Honor Graduate of Florida State College, Graduate of International Correspondence School, Kaplan College Program Advisory Board ,Coach, Speaker, Strathmore’s Who’s Who, Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Certified, Government Certified, Women Business Certified, Minority Business Certified, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Member, Better Business Bureau Member, American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens Member and Toastmasters International Member.

 

Her Journey as a Businesswoman

I was an administrative assistant and security officer prior to establishing EBS Security Inc.  Drawing from the information and experience gained from both jobs enabled me to envision the organizational design that I wanted for my company. I was able to apply my administration background for maintaining EBS’s office records and payroll, and I used my security knowledge to gain contracts by assessing a client’s need for protection.

Her Advice to First Time Business Owners

The importance of maintaining business receipts was my first year lesson learned. Although I had extensive office knowledge, I had never worked with maintaining property records. So, during my second year in business I was audited by the I.R.S. and I was not prepared. It took me quite some time to gather the business receipts for property and material purchased during the first year of business. Needless to say, that same year I purchased a computerized record keeping system.

I have discovered that two of the most common mistakes that first time business owners make are:

1. Not conducting background or reference checks on hired employees
2. Hiring family and friends

Background and reference checks are essential in a business’ hiring process. Both checks will provide an insight of the potential employees’ character, knowledge and behaviorism for employers. The hiring of employees based on family ties or friendships does not necessarily mean that these persons are a good-fit for the company. This type of hiring will often lead to difficulty when enforcing company policy and discipline.

 

Her Nuggets of Wisdom for Aspiring Businesswomen

1. Make sure that you enjoy working in the business you are establishing.
2. Learn or continue to learn as much as you can about your industry.
3. Create a business plan or revise your business plan (based on growth and need).
4. Prepare yourself to work harder than you have in any previous job(s).
5. Market your business.

 

Her Vision for EBS Security, Inc.

Within the next five years, EBS Security, Inc. will have at least three 8(a) government contracts, and approximately 200 to 300 employees. My long-term goals are to expand the company throughout the State of Florida, and into several of the surrounding states.

For reliable security guard service that includes security officers who patrol the location and go the extra mile for you, contact EBS Security, Inc. today!

Website:      www.ebssecurity.com

Twitter:        https://twitter.com/ebssecurity (@ebssecurity)

Google+:      https://plus.google.com/u/0/111970902628240562581/reviews

Press Release:  http://www.prweb.com/releases/usfederal/contractorregistration/prweb12355160.htm

http://youtube.com/AEfdf6WD3b0

Your Pie: Where the Power of the Pizza Lies with the People

Tags

A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, business feature, businesswomen, Dea Sims, entrepreneurs, franchises, Jacksonville business, pizza, restaurants, stories, Your Pie Fleming Island, Your Pie Southside

~Express Your Inner Pizza~

FUN – FRESH – FAST

YOUR PIE is a fast, casual restaurant concept that invites customers to “express their inner pizza” utilizing a “down-the-line” concept.

 Guests choose from three dough, nine sauces, nine cheeses and 40+ different toppings to create their own custom 10″ inch pizza. Baked in less than five minutes in a fiery, hot brick oven, YOUR PIE is fresh, fast and flavorful! Other signature menu items include panini, bread bowl salads, signature soups, creamy Italian gelato and ice-cold craft beers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Express your inner pizza – fast & delicious!

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONDAYS from 5 pm to 9 pm – Kids 12 & Under Eat Free with the purchase of an adult entree.

TUESDAYS @ YOUR PIE Southside – Join us at 6:30 pm for our weekly group run with the Jacksonville Running Company – it’s a YOUR PI(e) K – 3.14 mile fun run. Runners get their first craft beer on draft free afterwards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s YOUR PIE – we just make it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY HOURS –

2 for 1 beer & wine Weekdays from 4 to 7 pm and all day on Sundays

We host FUN-raisers for area non-profits and schools at both locations on WEDNESDAY evenings beginning at 5 pm. Following the in store events, we donate 10% of all sales back to the organization!

 

 

 

The Your Pie Brand:  Making Pizzas into Masterpieces

Our Mission

Providing a healthy way to feed families by giving them choices in fresh ingredients and preparation

 

Our Menu

We’ve developed a huge following for our gluten free dough since we opened in 2013. We also take special care to accommodate our guests with severe allergies as well as dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, etc.).

 

Our Clientele

Anyone who cares about the quality of the food he or she is ingesting. We serve a lot of personal trainers, professional athletes, and health conscious people in general. Our guests appreciate SEEING the freshness and quality of our ingredients right in front of them as we create their entrees.

 

The fast, casual segment is the one bright spot in the restaurant industry right now. Consumers are looking for quality product and service, but they also appreciate the opportunity to save time and money too.

 

 

Our Catering Services

We do quite a few kids parties on the weekends. It also doesn’t hurt that both of our locations are in close proximity to large movie theaters – so we’re perfect for a fast, inexpensive food option before a movie or other group activity.

 

We also like to host groups of 15 to 40 in store in our bar areas or on our patios for fun, easy networking events. Good food, fast with ice-cold craft beer and wine at hand – what’s not to love?

 

Our Impact

Jacksonville is my hometown and I’d like YOUR PIE to reflect the things that I value – great people, great products and a commitment to giving back to the community at large.

 

For many of our team members, YOUR PIE is their first job in high school or college. It’s important to me that working at YOUR PIE be a positive, learning experience that will help these young people frame up how and where they want to fit into the business community in the future.

 

Our Signature Brand

You won’t find a hand tossed individual pizza with such fresh ingredients here in North Florida at our price points ($6.95 for one cheese and unlimited vegetables, each protein is an additional $1).

Our best-kept secret is probably our panini. We bake our rustic focaccia bread in store daily.

 

 

Our Locations

We opened our first location in March 2013 in Fleming Island on County Road 220 in the Winn Dixie center and our second location in August 2013 at Tapestry Park (JTB & Southside Blvd).

Fleming Island was appealing because it is such a family oriented community – lots of schools, kids and grassroots opportunities to get involved. In Tapestry Park we liked the fact that several major companies are within walking distance (Merrill Lynch and others) and hoped to become a great option for a quick, healthy lunch.

 

 

“When the moon hits your eye
Like a big pizza pie, that’s amore!”

–Bing Crosby

 

Meet Dea Sims, Owner of Your Pie

Bio

Dea is a Jacksonville native and earned her BA in Marketing and Management at Jacksonville University in 1989. She began her career in radio sales and promotions for what is now Clear Channel Communications. In 1996, she founded Promo Depot, a promotions company that was acquired in 2008 by Acosta Sales and Marketing. She’s was honored by the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce as their Small Business Leader of the Year in 2003.

 

Over the years she has volunteered for numerous non-profits organizations and is a Past President of both the Jacksonville Marketing and Advertising Club (now the Jacksonville Advertising Federation) and Women Business Owners of North Florida. In May of 2014 she succeeded her husband as the franchisee for YOUR PIE in North Florida.

 

 

Dea’s Vision for YOUR PIE

In a market this size, we’ve got to grow our footprint substantially to impact the North Florida community at large – either through personal expansion of our company or through additional franchisees in the area. I’m in the process now of deciding how best to grow YOUR PIE.

 

On a personal level, I’ve got two sons – one is off to college this year and I’m going to spend as much time as possible with my 7th grader – they grow up way too fast!

 

Her Journey as a Businesswoman

I founded my first company, Promo Depot, on my kitchen table in 1996. Twelve years later the company had evolved into a multi-million dollar full service promotional agency providing traditional promotional products, embroidery, screen printing, company store programming and more to local, regional and national clients. In December 2008 Acosta Sales and Marketing acquired Promo Depot as a keystone of their Marketing Services platform at the time. After a period of time, I opted out of the corporate environment to “retire” and spend more time with my young family.

 

The truth is that I am at heart an entrepreneur, a builder. Working with such a young franchise group (there are currently only 20 YOUR PIE locations, but they’ve got another 20+ in development all over the country) has been rewarding to date. I serve on the Franchise Advisory Board and have thoroughly enjoyed having a voice in the formation and refinement of a young brand with so much potential.

Her Advice for First Year Business Owners

1) Know your numbers.

The cost of a freshly laundered apron may seem negligible individually, but when you multiply it by the number of shifts and employees you have and then multiply it again the number of weeks in a year and viola! – suddenly you’re looking at a substantial investment. Same with paper towels. Same with a zillion other details that can add up to big dollars on your P & L statement.

 

2) Learn everything you can from everyone you can.

My favorite quote is posted over my desk “I am still learning. – Michelangelo” I DO learn something new every single day – from the 16 year old team member who knows how best to get the baked on cheese off our plates to the beer vendor who shares the latest trends in craft beer with me all the way to a vegetarian guest who shares a great new menu idea.

 

I AM still learning and I couldn’t be happier.

 

 

Her Suggestions for Qualities That Every Businesswoman Should Have

1) A “make it happen” attitude

2) The ability to learn and listen from both employees and guests

3) A good sense of humor

4) A good sense of humility – mine has definitely become more fine-tuned in this entrepreneurial adventure! I know more than I ever wanted to about operations. I’ve also had to relearn my bartending skills I used in college on busy nights!

 

Her Insights

Now that I’m on the other side of the proverbial table (traditional entrepreneur versus franchisee) I’m not sure I always gave my friends who own(ed) franchises as much credit as they deserve for building their businesses. Although as a franchisee, you’re not technically creating the business, you work just as hard (or in our case, harder since YOUR PIE is such a new concept and a new brand to the market) as those who create a brand new business.

 

At home, I like to make reservations versus cooking. I lack culinary talent (why should I when my husband is so good at it?!) and definitely leave the cooking to our skilled team members at YOUR PIE when I’m working!

 

 

Visit a YOUR PIE location near you today to create your own taste of Italy today!

 

Locations:

YOUR PIE Southside • across from Aloft Hotel

4828 Deer Lake Drive West, Jacksonville, FL 33246

904.337.0155

 

YOUR PIE Fleming Island • In Winn Dixie Center

1545 County Road 220, Orange Park, FL 32003

904.375.9771

 

Website:

http://www.YourPie.com

 

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/YourPieSouthside

 

 

Hester Group: Where One Woman’s Vision Launched A Thousand Strategies for Businesses

Tags

A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, advertising, brands, business feature, government contracts, Hester Clark, Jacksonville business, minority businesswomen, program management, public relations, staff augmentation, strategic communications, The Hester Group

~Strategically and creatively moving our clients forward~

Image found on Google Images

Making moves in strategic communications

Image taken from Google Images

Transforming companies through program management

Image taken from Google Images/ToledoBlade.com

Building brands with exceptional professional services

                        

 

 

 

Image taken from Google Images

The Hester Group Brand: Strategizing Solutions in the Public & Private Sectors

 

Many years ago, Helen of Troy was known in Greek mythology as the face that launched a thousand ships. In Jacksonville, Hester Clark has been making her own place in history. She has always possessed the ability to problem solve. Whether problems occurred in the corporate world or her own personal realm, Hester has always been determined to face them head-on and find a way to overcome them.

Through her company, Hester helps government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and private corporations reexamine their programs and discover new ways to operate them more efficiently.

Hester Group has become the face that has launched strategies geared toward the success of its clients.

Who We Are

Hester Group is an 8(a) Woman-Owned Small Business serving government agencies and private corporations through strategic communications and program management. From humble beginnings as a home-based public relations business, Hester Group has grown to manage more than $10 million in contract awards with offices in Metro DC and downtown Jacksonville.

 

Our History:

Hester Group has been in operation for 16 years. Hester Clark started her business in her home after working in PR/Marketing. Her main focus was to achieve a work-life balance as she raised her two children. Her tenacity and vision enabled her to transform her local business into a nationally recognized powerhouse corporation.

 

Our Vision:

We want to be the best professional service agency to federal and commercial clients. In the next five years HG will expand services to federal agencies.

 

Our Brand:

We embody creativity, quality service and perseverance. Every service we provide is executed through strategies proven to work and enhance.

 

Our Impact:

What makes us unique is our longstanding quality service. We want to continue to serve as an example to young entrepreneurs.

 

 

Meet Hester Clark, Owner & President of Hester Group

 

Bio

Hester Clark is the Owner and President of Hester Group. As an innovative visionary and leader, Clark has positioned Hester Group as one of the leading multi-cultural strategic communications firms in Florida as well as a nationally recognized leader in federal contracting. Clark was named Woman Government Contractor of the Year by American Express Open (2011).

She is often invited to The White House to speak as a subject matter expert on small business affairs.

 

How Every Opportunity Led to Her Elevation

Hester’s previous experience as a communications marketing director for several health agencies prepared her in becoming the owner and president of Hester Group. Through those opportunities, she developed the ability to understand marketing, hone strong writing skills and engage with diverse communities. These skills would prove to be invaluable during meetings with various government officials, including President Obama.

Her business acumen has allowed her to garner numerous government contracts and forge powerful partnerships with various agencies and corporations. She is a woman who embodies the characteristics of her brand.

Perseverance is at her core. As a first year entrepreneur, she learned about the importance of understanding costs.

Her advice for a woman who wants to start her own business is to immerse herself in the start-up programs available from SCORE, The Jacksonville Women’s Business Center and SBA. Hester Clark also pays it forward by sharing her own advice and expertise with other entrepreneurs and championing small businesses.

Five Qualities Every Effective Businesswoman Should Have

Based on her years of experience, Hester believes aspiring women entrepreneurs should possess the following characteristics:

• Commitment
• Work ethic
• Intuition
• Desire to learn
• Ability to delegate

 

 

Connect with Hester Group today!

 

Website:  www.hester-group.com

Facebook: facebook.com/HesterGroup

Twitter: twitter.com/HesterGroup

Email: hclark (at) hester-group (dot) com

Student Futures: Coaching Possibilities into Achievable Dreams

Tags

A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, academic coaches, academic coaching, brands, business feature, communities, educational consultant, entrepreneurs, FSA, graduation rates, high school, homeschooling, Jacksonville business, learning, Melanie Black, middle school, struggling learners, Student Futures

~Achieving Self-discipline, Self-motivation & Self-efficacy~

To me education is a leading out of what is already there in the pupil’s soul. To Miss Mackay it is a putting in of something that is not there, and that is not what I call education. I call it intrusion. ~Muriel Spark, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

 

 

 

Image taken from Google Images

 Our most precious resource is a young mind wanting to learn.

 

 

 

Image taken from Google Images

 

 

The Student Futures Brand:  The Evolution of the Educationally Cool

 

 

 

 

The evolution of someone or something is a chance to watch it or the person change and manifest into what he, she or it was meant to be. At first, someone who has potential may not look like it based on appearance, past experiences or current circumstances. Sometimes a student is judged by his or her background, disciplinary record, educational label(s) or test scores. He or she may be a little rough around the edges. But there is no excuse to give up on him or her.

Potential is inside of him or her, waiting like buried treasure to be discovered.

It takes someone with courage, passion and fortitude to mine that treasure and develop it into the gold mine of knowledge and opportunities destined to effect change in his or her community and world.

It takes someone who has served as a teacher, volunteer and administrator in the educational ranks and is determined to continue encouraging students by providing guidance in all areas of their academic, social and personal lives.

It takes a company that is able to show students how succeeding in school, graduating with a diploma and moving forward into their collegiate or professional lives is not only an expectation, but a key characteristic of those who choose to be educationally cool.

Student Futures is the company

that is positioned in the forefront

to take students to the next level.

Our Mission

Student Futures is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential by creating opportunities for personal growth through quality education and client support.

We are a company that wants to help students maintain success through high school, college and beyond. Through academic coaching students can improve academically and develop the motivation, skills, and passion to succeed. Thus, making them lifelong learners. We believe that ALL students can succeed.

 

Our Values

• We put students first.
• We value education.
• We do our best to help the “whole” student.
• We believe with the right tools ALL students can succeed regardless of race, creed, gender, or disability.

 

 

Our Conception

Student Futures was founded by Melanie Black to help struggling students become successful life long learners. Melanie Black’s background offers an advantage with this business as she has over eight years of experience in the education industry. She is familiar with the local education system and programs as well as familiar with local higher education institutions. After attending the Grad Nation Summit in Jacksonville, Florida and learning about how much local students are struggling, Melanie was inspired to start Student Futures in hopes of raising the graduation rates in high schools, colleges, and universities.

Today’s educational system is becoming increasingly competitive for both students and institutions. Students must learn as much as they can, and learn it effectively. The key to a student’s success is self-efficacy, self-motivation, and self-discipline. As educational institutions become more competitive, and are required to increase their standards, there will be more of a need for private academic coaches who can give students the consistent personalized attention they need to be successful.

 

 

Our Service

Student Futures provides personalized academic coaching sessions for teens age 13-19 who are struggling in school.

Unlike a tutor who helps a student with one subject, academic coaching offers help with the student’s whole approach to school.

 

 

 

Melanie Black’s Vision for Student Futures

I want the students I coach to be able to be successful members in the Jacksonville business community, thus, helping our local community thrive.

I hope to have helped hundreds of students achieve their dreams, and I hope to be involved with local schools and organizations. I want to help local schools and organizations develop strategies to motivate and empower students to succeed.

Meet Melanie Black, Founder of Student Futures

“One of my goals is to continue to be a humanitarian who helps our local community. I am passionate about my relentless pursuit of knowledge and desire to help others.”

Passion, a positive attitude, self-confidence, a determination to succeed and not be afraid of failure–these are the qualities that describe an effective businesswoman such as Melanie Black. As she networks with other business owners, Melanie infuses her conversation with such fervor about the educational field.  You will leave her presence knowing that she absolutely loves helping students.

She understands that educators are responsible for educating the whole child.  Melanie sees herself in the students she have reached in her classrooms.  She struggled in school, but she had a strong will and ambition to keep pushing forward.  Her willingness to persevere fits so well in coaching students. Melanie knows that everyone has a gift inside of him or her, a talent that he or was meant to share with the world in order to impact and shape it into the potential it was meant to be.

Melanie Black has taken her gift and expanded it outside of the classroom, reaching the educational masses and helping them to achieve the possible, not impossible, dream.

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. ~Sydney J. Harris

Bio

Melanie Black is a dedicated, ambitious and goal-driven professional with eight+ years experience in the field of education as an educator, mentor and program coordinator. She has achieved documented and quantified success in facilitating programs for incorporating and encouraging intellectual and social development in young adults.

 

After graduating from the University of North Florida in 2006 she accepted a teaching position with Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida. Being certified in both social sciences and English Language Arts has provided her the opportunity to teach an array of subjects ranging from history to writing to public speaking to career and college planning. She taught classes in the Cambridge AICE program as well as the A.V.I.D. program. Melanie worked as a Community Content Leader with Teach for America where she mentored new teachers. She has also worked with Communities in Schools, a dropout prevention organization, as a teacher. Melanie has volunteered with Junior Achievement where she taught their curriculum at Pace Center for Girls. Melanie is on an uncompromising mission to help others achieve success, and to lead by example.

 

From Classroom to Boardroom:  Melanie’s Journey in Starting Student Futures

Being an educator for eight years has helped me understand how to help students with their approach to academics so that they may be successful and reach their goals. Educational requirements and standards are constantly changing and students have to adhere to all the modifications, which can cause a lot of anxiety over academics. I believe that some students can benefit from consistent guidance to get on the right track. While teaching I had students consistently coming to me during my planning period requesting guidance. I realized what an impact I could make as an academic coach for teens. This is one reason why I started Student Futures.

One lesson I have learned is not to give up. Owning your own business can be tough but it is important to remember why you are doing what you are doing in the first place. For me the answer has to do with following my passion for education and helping students succeed. Always follow your passion!

 

Guiding Parents through the Goliaths of FSA & Common Core Standards–Melanie’s Advice

Parents need to understand that the standards are guidelines for instruction and curriculum will still be decided locally. The local district designs a curriculum framework targeting Common Core tests and standards for school personnel to use when creating and implementing lesson plans. It is important to understand that school districts and teachers can choose to include more or different material based on these frameworks, if they think it will help students be successful. As an educator I believe teaching is an art. An artist will often sketch something before painting it or have specific guidelines to which they adhere. In schools teachers use the standards and curriculum framework as guidelines, but the lessons they create and implement based on the framework and standards become something magnificent, which inspires, motivates, and empowers students to succeed.

 

 

Seeing the Rise in What Others May Call Defeat

There is a story about a man who gave up on life.  He settled for where he was. It wasn’t until a guardian who had been watching over him the whole time had spoken to him and called forth the valor that was inside of him. There are students in the Jacksonville area who have settled for where they are academically.  Melanie Black can bring to the surface the academic potential that was there all along.

Let Student Futures coach Jacksonville students into pillars of academic success!

 

 

Contact Information:

 

Website:   http://studentfutures.org/

Phone Number: (904) 487-8269

Email: hello@studentfutures.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studentfutures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/4StudentFutures

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/studentfutures/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/melanie-black/41/5a3/802

 

OnPay Solutions: Revolutionizing the AP World, One E-Payment At A Time

Tags

A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, ACH, B2B e-payments, B2B solutions, brands, business feature, International ACH, Jacksonville business, MICR Checks, Muse on Blast, payment automation, payment processing, SWIFT and IBAN, Virtual Card, Wire Transfer

~Returning the power to pay back to businesses~

You’ve connected to your customers,

Image taken from Google Images

constantly perfecting your product or service.

Image taken from Google Images

Now simplify daily payment processing operations

 by cutting out the middleman.

The OnPay Solutions Brand

Providing Flexibility in Payment Processing

• Dedicated –Our team is growing into a very committed group of payment technology experts who are committed to providing excellent service to our customers.

• Stealth – We compete against money-center banks and very large corporate payment providers.  We are lean, fast and good at what we do.

• Forthright – We are open and honest with our customers about what we do and what we don’t do.  I think they really respect that.

Who We Are

Located in Baymeadows, OnPay Solutions focuses exclusively on business-to-business payments. We offer a range of products and services to help businesses make payments in the most efficient way possible all while allowing them to remain bank-neutral. We provide software solutions, hosted solutions, consulting services and outsourced check printing services to help businesses achieve maximum efficiency and even a revenue stream back into their accounts payable department.

OnPay Solutions took over the software support and customers of ProCheck Plus.  ProCheck Plus was a payment technology business formed by Mark Broughton.   Later, OnPay Solutions acquired the assets of ProCheck Plus. The asset acquisition included all ProCheck Plus software source code for ACIS, SecurePay Plus, EPaySignUp.com and APWebView.com.

Today, we support more than 300 customers.

Our Signature Products:

http://www.onpaysolutions.com/products/securepayplus/

http://www.onpaysolutions.com/products/a-p-webview/

http://www.onpaysolutions.com/products/e-pay-signup/

Our Impact

We are ready for OnPay Solutions to be the next BIG payment technology company here.  There are others.  My husband was a part of two of them in his past.  He was the fifth employee of the very first company to create the technology to print checks from a laser printer as a means of mitigating fraud. That technology started here in Jacksonville.

We are in the process of developing new, better technologies than those mentioned here.  Soon we hope to have then next big thing in B2B payments.  That would really put Jacksonville, FL on the payment technology map.

Meet Julie Negrete-Anderson, Executive Vice President of OnPay Solutions

With extensive experience gathered in organizations ranging from start-up companies to multinational corporations, and more than 20 years of marketing, communications and project management experience, Julie has a record of successes in managing strategic marketing initiatives, brand building, project implementations and product and corporate integrations. She accomplishes this while building highly-motivated and productive teams.

Her whole career before OnPay Solutions was in Marketing Communications and Marketing. She worked for many different types of companies of various sizes. The best experiences she had that prepared her for being a business owner was that of Director of Marketing Communications and Corporate Communications for Armor Holdings.

She started there when it was just seven companies and two divisions; the total revenue then was about $12 Million.  By the time she left her full-time role and took a consulting position, five-years later, the company had grown to a billion dollar company, had three divisions and more companies than she could remember.

Her husband’s career has been in business-to-business payments.  When the time came for her to go back to full-time employment after taking a few years off from the corporate world to consult while her children were little, she decided that it was the right time to start her own business, and B2B payments seemed like a great opportunity.

For more than a decade, it had been thought that business payments would migrate to electronic payments, but the adoption of electronic payments had come slowly to many large, small and mid-sized companies. It seemed that now might be the actual time when heavy adoption would transpire.

This shift to electronic payments was the very reason why Julie advised businesses to take control of their payment automation solutions. She explained that controllers were initially given this responsibility because they really wanted control of their company’s money. Outsourcing payments to banks or other payment providers meant that the business really wasn’t in control anymore. The bank or service provider was making more of the decisions then.

This was all by design, a tool used to keep businesses “locked into their relationship.” By maintaining control of the payment process, the businesses stayed in control, could diversify their assets to multiple banks and always had a handle on their cash flow.

Now Julie’s vision for OnPay Solutions is quite simple in her own words: “We say we want to be the best B2B payment technology company. We may never be the biggest, but we want to be the best with the happiest customers.  In the next five years, I hope to see the company grow exponentially as we take on some new projects and roll out some new products.”

Now she and her husband work together.  For the first sixteen months of the business, though, it was just her, one of her good friends and another gal in tech support who kept the company running.

Her career journey has taught her many lessons. During the first year of the business, she made a conscious effort to do no marketing to solicit for new customers. They really worked to earn the trust and enhance the technology of the customers they had just acquired.

Through the rapid growth and aggressive integration of so many companies, brands, assets (both intellectual and physical), she learned that it is very, very important to create a strong organization that has the strong infrastructure to create, analyze, challenge and maintain systems and procedures to allow for managed growth.

The bottom line key point she took away was it was important to understand work-flow and seek to improve it at every opportunity in order for people to be their most effective, efficient and happiest!

That’s what she wants at OnPay Solutions… a great environment for great people to excel and achieve their goals and dreams.  That can best happen when they are sure of what’s expected and how things should be happening in their work environment.

Thanks to Julie and her husband’s vision, OnPay Solutions is on its way to experiencing its breakout year.

Julie’s Personal Brand: Multiple Roles, One Phenomenal Businesswoman

I’m very fortunate to be in business with my husband, which allows me a bit more flexibility than I would perhaps have in a corporate environment.  I drive my kids to school almost every day and flex my time around their schedules.  I try to be at as many school functions as possible and if that means I also work from 8:30 – 10pm…so be it.

I want my children to see that life is a balance of many different things: personal passions, professional passions and others, too.  Pursuing passions requires time, effort, sometimes money…I could go on and on. I want them to know that if you plan your work and work your plan, then things might be easier.

 ***

By demonstrating the two most important qualities of a businesswoman, strength and flexibility, Julie has the tenacity and creative genius to grow OnPay Solutions into a brand that connects to its customers.

Become a new chapter in OnPay Solutions’ brand story and break out of your old way of payment automation by contacting this groundbreaking company today!

Connect With OnPay Solutions:

Website: http://www.onpaysolutions.com

Julie’s LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/pub/juliet-negrete-anderson/15/a04/b78/

OnPay Solutions LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onpay-solutions?trk=company_logo

Twitter: @onpaysolutions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onpaysolutions

College Funding Architects: Empowering Parents With Financial Aid Solutions

Tags

529 plans, A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, brands, business feature, college costs, college planning, education, educational consultant, educational resources, educational webinars, educational workshops, financial aid, financial aid workshops, Fleming Island, Florida businesses, Muse on Blast, saving money for college, women fashion, women-owned businesses

~Sending your kids, not your nest eggs, off to college~

Celebrating the end of one stage and the start of a new one

Image found on Google Images

Banking on 529 plans & savings to cover college costs

Image found on Google Images

Helping your children settle in

Image found on Google Images

Fighting back the tears of letting go

Image found on Google Images

Realizing too late that college financial aid offices have put your nest egg to rest

Image found on Google Images

 

 

 

 

 

Image Taken From Google Image

 

The College Funding Architects Brand:  Passionately Providing Parents With A Peace of Mind

 

 

 

 

 

The Educational Financial Planning Forerunner Wears Passion, Not Common Consensus

The workshop participants filter into the boardroom one by one, each one with a different purpose for being there. The presenters engage excitedly in conversation as they discover six degrees of separation and connection in their experiences. Before the event begins, networking commences.  Conversations bubble over with interest as each participant shares information about their companies. But one lady stands out among the crowd. Others are energized and quite surprised by the passion behind her platform. It isn’t a typical elevator pitch; it is a call to action to help parents who want their children to go off to college without sending their nest egg with them. She breaks the mold about the appearance and demeanor commonly associated with people in the financial services field. She simplifies money matters into common sense tips determined to save parents cents. She is a wealth of knowledge, offering sage advice to help parents negotiate the right price for college costs.

Her sincere purpose in helping parents with their children’s college future has made her an advocate for them. She doesn’t just see a customer, but someone who is just like her: a parent who wants the very best for her children.

Strength and honor are her clothing. She has no fear of the future; with her as your college funding advisor, neither will you.

Michele Larson’s personal brand embodies what College Funding Architects represents.

 

Our Mission:

We help parents uncover little-known strategies and unique funding resources so they can better manage their finances throughout the critical college years. In addition to being college advisors, we are wealth architects and are equipped to help you manage the expense of college as efficiently as possible.

Our Brand:

DIRECTION, CONFIDENCE, CAPABILITY, PEACE OF MIND, CERTAINTY.

People are drowning in information and what they really want is knowledge.  They want to know that they are making the right financial decisions.

College Funding Architects is here to help.

 

Our Services:

I am a College Financial Planner.  I show families how to pay for college without jeopardizing their retirement.  I provide direction and education for families on how to reduce the impact that college costs have on their savings!  I also instruct families on what to do to make sure they pay as little as possible for college.  Although I am happy to provide guidance to any family that wants to send their children to college, the people that I help the most are those that have incomes greater than $75,000.  People that make less than that are often able to receive aid without my help.  Also, I would LOVE to meet families that are curious about how to save money for college for their grade school and middle school children.

 

College Funding Architects shows parents how to do the following:

• Take Steps to Significantly Lower the Total Cost of College
• Maximize Cash Flow and Pay for College in the Most Efficient Way
• Re-allocate Assets to Maximize Financial Aid Qualification
• Understand the FAFSA & CSS/Profile
• Provide College Funding Solutions
• Assist with Cash Flow Management
• Eliminate Wasteful Spending
• Maximize Retirement
• Reduce Taxation

 

Our Impact:

There is so much uncertainty in the world today about how people spend (and save) their money is making a critical difference in the quality of life that they will have in the future.  I know that I can’t meet everyone – – but for those people in my sphere of influence, I would love to make an impact on their financial lives.  So many people today are on auto-pilot when it comes to their money that their future standard of living is in jeopardy.  People are failing in retirement today because they did not pay for college correctly.  I want people to know that it doesn’t have to be them.

I have not seen any other companies in Jacksonville that can provide the same expertise and knowledge that I bring to the table.  For the past five years, I have committed myself to learning as much as I can about how the college funding process works, and how to structure a financial plan to pay for college most efficiently.

 

Our Vision:

I would love to have a team of people that work with me.  I envision having satellite offices in other parts of the country.  I believe that this information needs to reach the masses and I would like to be a part of getting the word out.

 

Our Views on 529 Plans:

I guess what parents need to realize is that most pre-paid plans only cover tuition.  Colleges know this – so they are not raising tuition as much anymore.  You will find costs increasing in other areas, like fees and room and board.  Today, for example, tuition is around $6,500 – – total college costs are around $22,000.  Guess who has to cover that gap?  And, if you start a pre-paid plan when the children are young, it may turn out that a “state school” is not the best-fit school for your child.  Finally, what if the “college experience” we have today is nothing like what it will be in 10 or 15 years.  There is so much technology out there that I am worried if parents put money in a pre-paid plan, by the time their child goes to college, there are other options available.

 

Our College Planning Tips for Parents:

Meet with a Professional– –  College can cost between $80,000 – $100,000 PER CHILD.  College should be treated as a major investment…because it is!  Make sure that professional is training in “College Funding”.  (Did you know, for example, that a 529 PLAN can actually increase how much you have to pay for college?)

Educate Yourself – – I know life is busy – – but, there is no “do over” when it comes to this large of an investment.  Make the time to find out what you need to know.

Start Early – – You will be so much better off if you can start a financial savings plan for college in grade school – – rather than when your son or daughter is a Senior in High School

 

 

 

 

The Michele Larson Brand: A Woman Dedicated to the College Planning Cause

 

 

 

 

About Michele Larson

As an experienced, Certified College Funding and Wealth Architect, Michele Larson works with families to help them create a financial plan to pay for college AND retire successfully. Her expertise has helped families across the country save tens of thousands of dollars off the cost of college.

After personally discovering what the “true cost” of college is and the impact it can have on a family’s financial future, she decided to specialize in college planning to better prepare families for one of the most expensive periods of their lives.

 

Michelle’s Journey

When I was in my 20’s, I had the great fortune to work with a motivational speaker, Tony Robbins.  The ups and downs of running a business were emotionally trying, and I was able to use the information that I learned with Tony Robbins and the other mentors I met through my involvement with him to have the right attitude to succeed.

A few years ago, I met a college funding advisor, and had my eyes opened to the financial devastation that college costs are having on families.  And, my husband and I were unknowingly headed down this path.  We had 529 Plans and thought we were doing what was necessary.  Little did we know that 529 Plan can actually INCREASE your cost of college.  I was grateful that I learned what I learned and decided to share this information with as many people as I could.

I have been a College Funding Advisor for almost five years.  I started in California, and opened my business here in Florida when my husband relocated to this area.  My office is actually in Fleming Island, but I have clients all over greater Jacksonville, including St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, etc.

My favorite title, though, is mom and lessons I learned from my kids are too many to list here.

 

Michele Makes Her Entrepreneurial Experiences Her Classroom

The one lesson that I have learned during my first year of business and I would offer to someone new to business ownership would be the following: Never give up!  There will be hard times, there will be times that you feel like you are going to make it.  But, just hang on – – believe in yourself – – believe in what you are doing – – success is just around the corner. As a businesswoman, I have found that integrity, passion, expertise, understanding and the desire to help are effective qualities to have to be a leader in your field. And, of course, I am here to help anyone in her journey to becoming an entrepreneur.

 

Think about it.  Would you want someone who is more passionate about the numbers or your needs? Don’t delay planning for your child’s future. Choose a company who wants you to remember the times while in retirement instead of mourning the loss of a hard-earned nest egg.

 

Attend the next College Funding Architects workshop!

 

COLLEGE COSTS ARE COMING…

ARE YOU READY???

 

FREE WORKSHOP
The decisions you make today will have a PROFOUND impact on your financial future!!

 

The world of college funding is filled with myths and misinformation. During this workshop, you will learn:

 

• How the college funding process works
• What parents can do to lower their cost of college
• The pros and cons of the college savings vehicles available

 

If you are sending a child to college now or in the future, you could spend $100,000 or year per child! College is a MAJOR investment. Come to this workshop to ensure that you are armed with enough information so that you can make educated decisions for your long-term financial success.

 

Tuesday, October 7th

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

1845 Town Center Blvd

Building 110 – Conference Room

Fleming Island, FL 32003

 

How To RSVP?

Scan / Email / or Call: 904-625-0299

Michele@CollegeFundingArchitects.com

 

Can’t attend this event? Sign up for our next webinar.

Go to www.collegecostscut.com or SCAN.        

It’s never too early to start planning for the most expensive time in your life…

 

 

Contact College Funding Architects today!

WEBSITE:  www.collegefundingarchitects.com

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/CollegeFundingArchitects

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=41846097&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

College Funding Architects

1845 Town Center Blvd., Suite 110F

Fleming Island, FL  32003

904-625-0299

 

 

The Adrian Pickett Gallery: Passion Expressed By Strokes of Artistic Genius

Tags

A Business Blooms in Jacksonville, Adrian Pickett, art, art advocacy, art education, art gallery, artists, brands, business feature, charcoal, entrepreneurs, Florida art galleries, Jacksonville art gallery, Jacksonville business, Jr., minority businesses, minority leaders, Muse on Blast, stories, The Adrian Pickett Gallery

~Where the divine is in the creative~

Many are called by the muse. . .

but few answer that call

by being faithful stewards of their talent. . .

like Adrian Pickett.

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”~Georgia O’Keeffe

Meet Adrian Pickett, Jr.–Owner of The Adrian Pickett Gallery

Artist Statement:

I am an artist by nature. I believe that my faith increases my talent. I believe that the quality of art should not be based on its medium nor canvas, but rather by the skill of the artist. I give a little of myself in creating which adds soul to my subjects. I am committed to expounding a newfound respect for the use of charcoal in Fine Art.

 

Biography:

Artist Adrian Pickett, Jr. is considered to have mastered the use of charcoal portraiture and demonstrates an intricate skill of technical perfection in his artwork. Gifted in the use of many mediums, including oils and acrylics, Pickett has a current passion for charcoal that stems from the challenges it presents. As a self-taught artist, he has spent most of his life exploring different creative outlets. At just ten years old, Pickett’s gift was apparent after taking a one day summer course at a local art school. His acrylic rendering that day of a painted ocean landscape with blowing willows can be found in his personal studio/gallery located in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL. Pickett’s unique approach to art reveals the essence of his subjects and allows his creations to expose a multifaceted, naturally talented artist.

 

Experience:

“Imagine viewing Da Vinci or Raphael as they begin the process of creating one of their iconic paintings. Charcoal in hand, smudging, pushing and manipulating the fine black grains to coerce a beautifully detailed drawing out of the white nothingness of a simple sheet of paper. This is Adrian Pickett at work. Pickett’s drawings are intricate, soulful renderings. Portraits of some of our most respected and adored personalities, from President Barack Obama to Clint Eastwood. Like Da Vinci he has a delicate, but deliberate touch and like a proud parent he nurtures his creations until they are mature enough to be shown.” Darryle Carr, Jacksonville Fine Arts Examiner

 

The multiple-award winning Artist Adrian Pickett Jr. has emerged after becoming a full time professional artist in 2008. Owner of the eponymous Adrian Pickett Gallery since January 2010, Pickett has exhibited in major museums, galleries and events throughout the nation. He currently has an ongoing traveling exhibit entitled, “The Journey.” His artwork was internationally publicized in the 2009/2010 Faber Castell Artist Catalog and republished as a Featured Artist in 2011/2012_250th Anniversary Edition Faber Castell Artist Catalog. Pickett is a widely sought after commissioned artist and his renderings can be found in the personal collections of celebrities, civil rights leaders, art aficionados, athletes and adorning the walls of many homes and businesses throughout the nation.

 

 

Strokes of a Memorable Work of Art

In 2013, I had a gallery visitor originally from the UK who was nine-years-old. He was in the US taking chemo treatment at Nemours and fighting a rare form of cancer. I was able to create a portrait for him and actually delivered the piece to him at his residence at the Ronald McDonald House. It was a small face portrait, and the most memorable part of that experience was the life in his real face when he saw it.

 

Strokes of Entrepreneurial Genius

I was born to be an artist. I truly feel that because it’s the only thing that has been a natural part of my being. I was an artist before I became an art gallery owner. I was traveling to art events, participating in Art Walk and juried art shows and charity events, participating in the art world.

As an artist…you always have ideals of owning your own space. For me, I used my home as a work studio but always knew I wanted my own gallery. When the opportunity presented itself to make it a reality, it was like a dream come true.

My 1^st location of The Adrian Pickett Gallery, the original, is located in Suite 112 of The Jacksonville Landing. We have occupied that space since January 2010. With future plans pending for the Landing itself, I have recently dedicated another space in Jacksonville, on the other side of the river, at 1611 San Marco Blvd, as an Adrian Pickett Gallery, as well as a location at 570 NW 26^th St Miami, FL .  All three locations have just been great opportunities to showcase my work to the public and the response has been more than I ever expected.

I have learned if you never try, you will never have. Trying is half the battle, then you DO. You should have a plan, but have to be very flexible. My advice to anyone starting an art gallery is to make sure you do your due diligence in creating a presence for your business prior to beginning the business. Make sure that you know your clientele. Art is a luxury commodity so you have to be willing to roll with the tide. Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket and have a plan to create multiple streams of income.

 

 

Strokes of Insight on Jacksonville’s Arts Community

Jacksonville has a large and vibrant arts community. It should be used as a catalyst to increasing arts in education. I recently began teaching at The Potter’s House Christian Academy because I see the need to keep art alive in the minds of our youth. I also saw a great divide on how art is identified within our community, especially the lack of knowledge on Fine Arts, and I made a choice to get involved in a new movement in educating on the Art of Art.

 

Strokes of Vision for the Gallery’s Future

My visions change daily as opportunities continue to come. In the next five years, I see much expansion into multiple national galleries and increased branding. I foresee national recognition as an artist and have international travel plans.

 

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.”~Henry Ward Beecher

  The Adrian Pickett Gallery Brand: The Ultimate Art of Expression

The Brand    

My primary collection consists of charcoal works. I am best described as a realistic portrait artist, but that is not all of me. Although I didn’t have any secondary level education in art, I have an innate sensibility with it. My natural acumen allows me to explore all aspects of concept and design and to use my talent is to transfer what I see onto a canvas. I like to create works of art within multiple mediums that expound artistic boundaries. My art stroke awakens the canvas and seems to speak to all people. My hope is to not exclude anyone from appreciating my service and I believe that Fine Art can and should be treasured by all.

 

 

The Impact

Having a location inside The Landing was a great starting point. It is a nationally known venue and downtown hotspot and has allowed me to reach customers outside of the local area. It was the best location for me to begin in. We were able to transform the gallery into a contemporary galleria that one would envision stumbling upon in uptown New York. The large scale portraits demand your attention and once you step inside, the essence of the work overtakes your spirit. Our vision was for you to feel as comfortable inside as you would in your home. You are to visualize how the works would feel inside your own oasis.

The gallery has already exceeded my expectation. The comments that have been shared and compliments that have been received over the years and that are still being expressed let me know that this gallery’s impact was more than I could have ever imagined. I love to hear that people are inspired by the art.

 

 

 

The People’s Choice

Visitors to the gallery have shared the following responses with me in the guest book: “Amazing,” “Unbelievable,” “Awesome Artwork,” “God has Great Things in Store” & Impressive and Inspiring.”

 

 

So what are you waiting for? Make the time to visit the beautiful art collection of Adrian Pickett, Jr. today! Art is an experience into a world that represents reality as the way it should be. Lose yourself into the divine inspired craft of an innovative genius whose strokes will create a brave new world.

 

Contact Information:

The Adrian Pickett Gallery Suite 112

2 Independent Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202

info@adrianpickett.com

904-300-5754

 

Connect Online:

Website: www.adrianpickett.com

FB: Adrian Pickett Jr. / Artist Adrian Pickett Jr

Twitter: @adrianpickett

Instagram: iam_thestroker

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