1. How did you hatch the brilliant idea that is your business?

After cutting our teeth in the music industry, we realized that just hanging out our individual shingles as freelance writers would put us at the back of a long line. So we decided to demonstrate our branding bona fides by launching a brand of our own. Thus our copywriting agency was born. By the way, “copywriting” means we write copy – for websites, e-newsletters, social media, advertising, whatever you need to promote your business; it has nothing to do with circle-c copyright.

Julia also has a business (in partnership with an agency recruiter) called Creative Profiles, wherein she manufactures personal-branding tools – resumes, LinkedIn summaries, cover letters, executive bios – for job-seekers in creative fields.


2. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

We’re very proud of having coined the slogan “Keep the Silver in Silver Lake” for the SLCC campaign. Since Silver Lake has such a strong brand identity, we felt it should have its own, branded version of “shop locally.” David Etzen of redbar did those eye-catching mid-century graphics.


3. What’s your motto?

“At a loss for words? We’re not.”


4. What don’t we know about you?

Simon has a doctorate in literature from Oxford University. He also organizes and hosts a regular club event called the Classic Rock Singalong. Julia lived in Haiti for a couple of years after college, wrote her first piece of journalism (previous career) about the opening of deer-hunting season and saw Parliament-Funkadelic in Detroit in 1978 (she was a mere child).


5. What kinds of clients are you looking for?

Purveyors of “lifestyle” products and services – things you eat, drink, wear, play, watch, listen to, sit on – are certainly the sweet spot. And, of course, our absolutely favorite clients are the ones who want us to help them nail their brand voice and extend its reach across a variety of projects.


6. How long have you lived/worked in Silver Lake? If neither, why did you decide to join the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce and not another local chamber?

We neither work nor live in Silver Lake! We’re members at large who owned a home (and a home office) in Glassell Park when we joined the chamber. The SLCC is unlike any other chamber we know of. The people are creative, fun and community-minded. We’re proud to be among them.


7. What’s your favorite aspect of being in business in the neighborhood?

Within minutes of walking into our first SLCC mixer, we said to ourselves, “These are our people.” We feel utterly at home here. There’s no neighborhood in Los Angeles that better reflects our ideals. This is where we find the people we most want to be with, professionally and personally. And we’re not gonna lie – coolness counts.


8. What’s the one thing about the chamber you’d want a prospective member to know?

It’s about community as much as commerce; it’s not focused on development at the expense of, say, sustainability and other principles we hold dear.


9. What’s changed most about Silver Lake since you first got here?

For one thing, the selection of fine hooch at places like the Thirsty Crow, Silver Lake Wine and Barkeeper just keeps getting deeper.


10. Favorite neighborhood discovery?

Our latest is dustmuffin. Its offerings are perfectly curated for Silver Lake, which means everyone we know and love can use something (actually, many things) from dustmuffin. And they host happenings in their gallery!


11. What SLCC members’ businesses would you recommend?

We love working with Ilka Erren-Pardiñas (Fly PR) and the aforementioned David Etzen (redbar). We enjoy browsing at Steve Melendrez’s Living Room (and have every intention of cleaning them out as soon as finances allow). Aside from dustmuffin, Yolk is a top spot for gifts. Tao of Venus is a favorite haven. The Satellite is our #1 destination for live music. We support the Pablove Foundation, the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic, L.A.C.E.R. After School Programs and the Silver Lake Jubilee. Rachel Barr has been a client, and when we have our 19th nervous breakdown, we’ll be turning to her for head-shrinkage. Simon has taken guitar lessons at the Silver Lake Conservatory. Julia visits the Establishment Salon. We’ve partied at Paul Redmond’s photography studio/event space. We could eat at Gingergrass every day. We have a soft spot for the Cheese Store of Silver Lake. We buy our dirt and pots at Sunset Nursery. Betsy Hall helped us with our groovy new business cards. We’ve gotten invaluable legal advice from Paige Gold. We could go on …


12. Have you ever collaborated with a member of the chamber who’s technically “the competition?” If so, how did it work out?

Yes – Mac+Cob Business Therapy technically overlaps with some of our territory. But we’ve already begun collaborating (starting with a fun-for-all photo shoot). And though she’s a fellow word nerd, Robin Rauzi of Get Rauzi Editorial Services has been generous with business intel.


13. What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?

Business development – which is another reason we rely on the chamber. Referrals are our life blood, but making them happen in a systematic way is tricky.


14. Who/what inspires you?

Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello, Blitzen Trapper, Stew, the Shins, Rufus Wainwright, Jeff Buckley, Jack White, Fleet Foxes, Ryan Adams, Orson Welles, David Lean, Fritz Lang, Quentin Tarantino, the Marx Brothers, Monty Python, William Castle, Charles Addams, Shepard Fairey, Karloff, Hitchcock, Borges, Poe, mid-century modernism, dry champagne, rye whiskey, Zinfandel, Grenache, Torrontes, Viognier, dino kale, black-truffle salt, Niman Ranch bacon, the Los Angeles River, Big Tujunga Creek, the San Gabriel Mountains, the Angeles National Forest, big-cone pines, coyotes, bobcats, hawks, owls, egrets, great blue herons (especially the ones roosting at the reservoir) … Again, we could go on.


15. If you could give one piece of advice to a business owner, what would it be?

It’s your business – it should sound like you. The voice of all your marketing materials, online and off, should authentically reflect your personality. Because when it comes down to the customer/client deciding between you and your competition, all things being equal, she’s going to go with whomever she wants to buy from/work with more. Be who you are – Brand You rules!


EDITORIAL EMERGENCY
(818) 273-4115
simon(at)editorialemergency.com
julia(at)editorialemergency.com
EE on Facebook

Member Profile Concept and Photograph by MAC+COB

Join us for another great evening with your friends and neighbors. Meet some of the dynamic entrepreneurs of this community who come together to enjoy wine (courtesy of Silverlake Wine), small bites and a whole lot of great conversation. We’re excited to be hosted by Piper Goldstein at Atwater Village Farm – a local corner market that is quickly becoming a community meeting place and where Piper’s vision (“everyone should have the opportunity to purchase fresh, organic local produce at an affordable price”) is becoming a reality.

| Check out Piper’s Member Profile |

APRIL 19, 2012
6:30-8PM
Atwater Village Farm
3224 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles 90039

RSVP: 323.665.1281 or president@silverlakechamber.com | We’re always looking for new members, so bring a friend!!!

(Metered street parking is available, as well as in the free lots located directly behind AVF.)

Wine generously provided by silver lake wine!

1. How did you hatch the brilliant idea that is your business?
After 20 years of restaurant/kitchen work, It is a natural progression for a chef to want more hands on interaction with fresh ingredients and to participate in the community.

2. Who/what inspires you?
Julia Child and Manny Howard (author of My Empire of Dirt)

4. Favorite neighborhood discovery?
Solano Canyon Community Garden

4. Name one thing that most people don’t know about you:
I am shy.

5. Which phrase do you most overuse?
“What do you guys want to eat?”

6. What’s your motto?
“I’m trying to save the world, don’t cha know (insert Canadian accent here)?!”

7. How long have you lived/worked in Silver Lake?
I have lived/worked in the Silverlake, Echo Park and Los Feliz area for 20 years; I was also born and raised in Los Angeles.

8. What’s your favorite part about being in business in the neighborhood?
The opportunity to be of service to my neighbors.

9. What’s changed most about Silver Lake since you first got here?
More variety in businesses and services

10. What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
Raising capital

11. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Talking about wanting to do this for 5 years, and actually having it come to fruition.

12. If you could give one piece of advice to another business owner, what would it be?
Believe in yourself

ATWATER VILLAGE FARM
(323) 660-8888
piper(AT)atwatervillagefarm.com

Member Profile Concept and Photograph by MAC+COB

Photographs by Gelatobaby (Alissa Walker) on Flickr

We’re sure by now you’ve noticed the green polka dot pedestrian plaza at Sunset and Griffith Park Blvd. What once was an intersection rife with biking accidents and too many near misses to count, is now a public space demonstration project spearheaded by the LA Department of Transportation, Streets For People (S4P) and the Silver Lake Improvement Association (SLIA). Using a safety barrier of moveable planters and a bright green color scheme, Los Angeles’ first-ever pedestrian plaza reclaimed from parking spaces and car traffic was created, replicating the successful street plaza projects in New York City that offer more public space to a park deprived city like our own.

As early supporters of the Sunset Triangle Plaza, we’re stoked to see so many people already using it as a place to meet and gather, learn tai chi, play a game of hoops, drink coffee with friends and read in the sun.

SLCC President Sarah “Mac” McGowan and Board Member Karen Numme attended a meeting early this week with S4P and the SLIA to discuss plaza programming and the unique opportunity this affords for us to decide how the space will be used.

Over the next few months, the project partners will welcome applications from the community to hold small scale events. Once the application becomes available online, we’ll be sure to let you know so you can pitch your event ideas!

See you on the green!

For more information, visit www.livingstreetsLA.org

We’re excited to announce that the directories are now available to stock your store shelves, to share with friends and to promote your business!

We owe a BIG THANK YOU to Helen Kim and her assistant, Janice, from The Think Farm for their incredible dedication to produce one of the best looking directories we’ve ever printed. Many thanks for executing our vision and making our dreams come true!

The directories are available to anyone who wants to display them. Contact us (info@silverlakechamber.com) to learn more!

Grab one and see who’s inside.

1. How did you decide to open a photo studio practice?
I became a professional photographer after working on documentaries. When I interviewed people, I saw key moments I wanted to capture in stills. I have a degree in photography, so effectively I returned to my intended profession. When I found a warehouse in a residential neighborhood on the edge of the Los Angeles River, I knew it would be a perfect space to work. I wanted clients coming for portraits to feel like they were entering a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There’s a view of the San Gabriel Mountains, lots of nature and natural light. Clients say it feels like home. It matches my style of shooting, which is very conversational.

2. What inspires you?
Light. Composition. Faces. Moments. All the elements that come together to make images. I’m constantly looking for a photograph. For work, whether it’s a studio setup I’ve created, a location we’re at or an event I’m hired to cover, I always use a combination of those elements to make a picture. Put a camera in my hand, I’m happy.

3. How long have you lived/worked in Silver Lake?
Since 1991. I was born in Canada, but lived in San Diego in the 80s and would come visit friends who lived on Hyperion Avenue. It’s my adopted hometown.

4. Favorite neighborhood discovery?
Corralitas Rail Path. Everything about the history of LA interests me. I happened on it years ago and later learned it’s where the Red Line ran. I connect with nature’s ability to heal and reclaim its footprint. It’s a running theme in my fine art work.

5. What’s changed most about Silver Lake since you first got here?
Maybe “grown” is a better word. I think people make a conscious decision to make Silver Lake their home. As much as it is evolving it remains, arguably, one of the most inclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. If you have something to contribute that fits this core principle, it’s accepted with open arms. It’s exciting to see my friends open successful businesses, raise families and thrive here.

6. How did you decide to join the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce?
I volunteered for several charity events the SLCC spearheaded. It’s important to get involved. I got to know the members. When I started my business, it just made sense to participate in the Chamber and continue working with my friends and neighbors in improving our civic and commercial life. Community service continues to be a passion, it’s rewarding. This month I start volunteer work as a mentor with Pablove’s Shutterbugs program. They teach children living with cancer to develop their creative voice through photography. Look them up.

7. What other member’s business have you experienced and would recommend?
Not only “have I” but “will I”. Suffice it to say I’m more likely to frequent businesses that are part of the Chamber because I’ll get a better product or service and a positive experience. It’s like our own Better Business Bureau!

8. What’s your favorite part about being in business in the neighborhood?
A lot of creative professionals live in and around Silver Lake. A certain type of person gravitates to this part of Los Angeles. Obviously there’s the multicultural diversity that is its foundation. I consider it home and I wanted to have my business be a part of that.

9. What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
The boss is a perfectionist and a technical geek. When I’m in the creative mode, I like to keep things light and flowing. The problem is we’re the same person.

10. What’s your motto?
Make celebrities feel like regular people and regular people feel like celebrities.

11. What would you want people to know about your work?
I shoot for professionals and businesses for the purpose of publicity and marketing. People want to breath life and character into what have traditionally been rather dry images.

I’ve been shooting since I was a kid. My experience shooting everything from concerts to events, on location and in the studio gives me an eclectic toolbox to draw from.

I enjoy mixing techniques to achieve effective images that suit a purpose. A successful image to me appears simple and natural while being anything but that to the educated eye. Sure, anyone can take a decent photo these days, but when they’re ready to take the next step, they come to me.

12. What do you have planned for 2012?
I’m expanding my customer base. Recently I’ve added two universities, a concert promoter and a financial firm as clients along with realtors, architects and, of course, family portraits which I continue to do. My shooting style fits the demand for branding in a growing number of industries.

PAUL REDMOND PHOTOGRAPHY
(323) 823 5001
mail(at)PaulRedmondPhotography.com

Photograph by MAC+COB

JANUARY 19, 2012
6:30-8PM
Paul Redmond Photography Studio
1839 Blake Ave, Los Angeles 90039

RSVP: 323.665.1281 or president@silverlakechamber.com

(Street parking is available, but limited. We recommend carpooling or ride your bike! The studio is on the L.A. River bike path!)

Wine generously provided by silver lake wine!

:: Prices ::

Men’s and Women’s Tees
$12.00

Stuff Bag
$5.00

Sling Bag
$10.00

Messenger Bag
$15.00

Send us an email at info(at)silverlakechamber.com to buy one today!

A few themes were consistently apparent throughout the survey results – community, capacity, value and vision.

Community
We’ve long felt that the most important role the Chamber can and does fill in Silver Lake is in building community. We see it and feel it every time we host one of our quarterly mixers. Connections are made, support is offered and everyone goes home feeling like their roots are growing just a little bit deeper. Though we focus most of our activities around our members, we’re also working hard to build our annual holiday block party, Silver Lake Holiday Night Out, into a true community event that includes chamber and non-chamber members alike. And most importantly, we know that we can absolutely promise and deliver on being a community of business owners who have chosen Silver Lake as our oyster and who come together to support each other.

Capacity
As an all-volunteer organization, we know that building capacity and executing all the great ideas we have is often a challenge. Sometimes it seems like there’s never enough time or able bodies to pitch in and help. The upshot is that we have a committed team of board members, many of whom are new this year, and the wellspring of ideas that is pouring forth bodes well for our future plans. The survey told us that many of you miss some of the old events like the Queen of Silver Lake pageant, and that others want new and innovative ways to connect with other members. Luckily, many of you expressed interest in helping us with some of these projects and we’ll be calling on you in the coming months to continue building the capacity of our organization to have a vibrant presence in the neighborhood.

Value and Vision
The chamber is always transforming. As we respond to the economic climate, the demands of business and personal life, and everything in between, we recognize that being of value and service to our members means we must be flexible, creative, and innovative. It also means that we have to make the most out of what we have. As part of our strategic planning process, we’ve begun setting priorities for the year that reflect our commitment to give our members the value and vision they expect. Our 2012 Directory, New Member Packets and Cards, Member-to-Member Discount Program, “i heart silver lake” campaign and in the not too distant future, new website and Silver eNews will offer our members even more ways to connect, to promote local business and to help each other thrive. When the 2012 Directory hits storefronts in just a few weeks, you’ll see the new look and direction that we’re working on. Our “Silver Lake Is” theme is all part of a much larger plan to capitalize on the Silver Lake “cool factor”, while keeping our community connections and deep sense of neighborhood history very much alive.

We hope you’ll partner with us to make our eclectic, creative, dynamic community even more vibrant, connected and thriving. As we move forward, we’ll be sure to keep you posted on our progress. And we always welcome your input, suggestions and support. We can’t do it without you

Member Shout Out
Chamber member John Seffker (broker/partner at Deasy/Penner & Seffker) took the time to sit down and give us some great constructive feedback in his survey answers, that we’ve very much taken to heart. For filling out the survey by October 1st, John was entered in our raffle and won a $50 gift certificate to SLCC member and sponsor, silverlake wine. Congrats and cheers, John!

With lots of neighborhood love,
Sarah “Mac” McGowan
President, SLCC

SILVER LAKE HOLIDAY NIGHT OUT 2011!
Saturday, December 17th
3-8pm
Sunset Junction & Silver Lake Blvd

If you’re a business owner, then you know just how many people wait until the last minute to do their holiday shopping. And if you’re one of our neighbors, you’re probably scrambling to come up with the perfect gift for that certain someone! Look no further – Holiday Night Out is here!

On Saturday, December 17th, we’ve engaged all interested businesses (whether they’re chamber members or not) in Sunset Junction and along Silver Lake Boulevard to party with us from 3-8pm for our 2nd Annual Holiday Night Out!

We’re coordinating family-friendly activities on SLB, live music at the Living Room (3531 Sunset Blvd, 90026) and an Artist Bazaar & Marketplace (1717 Silver Lake Blvd, 90026) to support all the great local artists in our neighborhood. Enjoy roving carolers from the Silver Lake Conservatory of Music in Sunset Junction! Eggnog, cider and cookies doled out with a smile by local merchants! Locally made products, special sales and giveaways! We want the whole neighborhood to be buzzing with locals shopping, eating, enjoying music and having a great time!

SAMPLE OF SOME OF THE DEALS & IN-STORE SPECIALS!

• 15% off and other treats at Matrushka Construction
• 20% off any Aveda purchase when you buy any Aveda Holiday Gift Set or full size candle, or spend $75 or more on retail products and get a complimentary $25 Gift Certificate toward Aveda Spa Facial Services in 2012 at The Establishment Salon
  
• 20% off all merchandise (treatments not included) during the event at Stark Waxing Studio
• 25% off any purchase, brownies and cider at Hot Mess Vintage
• $12 Gift Certificate for use in the Casbah Cafe with the purchase of at least $50.00 or more from the Casbah Store (can be used only on your next visit and good for one year). They’ll also feature musicians Deux Sons (accordian and Trumpet) and Samuel Aguirre of Sister Rogers (guitar and violin duo).
• New weavings (rugs, blankets and purses) by Sergio Martinez, Zapotec weaver from Oaxaca, Mexico at Studio 1617. They’ll also have special surprise items on sale and of course hot apple cider and cookies!
• Enjoy a slammin’ DJ at The Hive and a Santa Dance Off!

This is just a teaser of some of the deals around town. Stop in at all your favorite stores and get some great deals and sweet treats!

VISIT OUR ARTIST BAZAAR & MARKETPLACE (3-7pm)!

• Located at Satellite (1717 Silver Lake Boulevard), this year’s event features a unique Artist Bazaar & Marketplace produced in collaboration with the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s Arts & Culture Committee!
• Support local artists by giving the gift of art this holiday season! From handmade cards to matted photography, handmade jewelry and clothing, there’s something for everyone!
• Bring the kids for face painting and holiday activity tables!
• Enjoy some great music by local bands! Stay tuned for updates on the set lists!
• Yelp will be on hand with a FREE Gift Wrapping + Holiday Card Creation Station! Wrap up all those awesome, locally purchased gifts and make a card!

HEAR SOME GREAT LIVE MUSIC FROM LOCAL BANDS!

• Solarians
• The Negro Trio
• Shotgun Honeymoon
• Black Crystal Wolf Kids

STOP BY OUR EVENT SPONSOR CHEER BOOTHS!

• Located at Living Room (3521 Sunset Blvd, 90026) and Satellite (1717 Silver Lake Blvd, 90026), stop by our Cheer Booths and say hi to members of the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce board and Silver Lake Neighborhood Council!
• Grab some of our great stocking stuffers and show your neighborhood pride!
• Enjoy some complimentary cheer (coffee, hot chocolate, cider and cookies) on us!
• Find out about what these two neighborhood organizations are doing to build community!

SPECIAL THANKS!
A BIG thank you to Living Room, The Satellite, Smog Design and Silver Lake Cleaners for generously donating the use of their space for our community event.

And to our SPONSORS…
A hearty and most delicious thanks to Broome Street General Store, Cafecito Organico, Cafe Tropical and Casbah Cafe for helping bring some yummy complimentary cheer to our neighbors!

Why look any further than Silver Lake for holiday cheer? RSVP ON FACEBOOK!

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT US:
323.908.4086
info(at)silverlakechamber.com

This is a collaborative community event sponsored by the SLCC and the SLNC.