#bestofcincinnati

[cocochanell1]

Had a rad little time at @citybeatcincy’s #bestofcincinnati event last night! I got to see so many stellar humans that I haven’t seen in such a long time. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcDxbPqu198/?utm_medium=tumblr

[tsgcincinnati]

Burn Boot Camp Opens Ft. Mitchell Location

We are so excited to announce a NEW location for one of our favorite workouts -- Burn Boot Camp in the Cincinnati/NKY area -- 6,000 square feet of the best gym space in the heart of Fort Mitchell (located at 2505 Dixie Hwy, the redeveloped Remke Plaza)! This now makes MULTIPLE locations around the area where you can challenge your body, build strength and community -- all while having a great time with some of the regions best personal trainers around. 

Head trainers Ashley, Kat and Ryan; Images by Ross Van Pelt

Current locations now: Hyde Park, Mason, Centerville and NEW Ft. Mitchell.

Never tried a Burn Boot Camp before? Don’t fear, they’re the BEST at making everyone feel comfortable, yet challenged, and create a personalized plan for you to reach your goals, regardless of your fitness level. They’re a fun and friendly-style gym that offers trainer-instructed camps (:45 each) that vary each day to ensure no one gets bored and remains challenged. There are between 8-9 camps/day, allowing you to choose the best time for you, between 5:00am to 6:15pm. 

There are multiple ways you can work out at Burn. First, if you’ve never tried it before, you should look for a FREE VIP camp and visit the gym closest to you. After that, most join the unlimited monthly so you can take as many camps as you want. They also have punch cards, should you want to drop into camps when you can. Also, when you’re a member, there’s CHILDCARE! 

Fort Mitchell is having a special in their opening month, $69 for 4 weeks for unlimited camps; sign up here. 

Be sure to tell them Scout sent you, and enjoy meeting some of the best trainers, partners and friends to help you achieve your fitness goals. 

[tsgcincinnati]

Some Valuable Learnings from our Last TSG Member Mingle

We had a great time last week meeting with the business owners of some of Cincinnati’s best local businesses at our Member Mingle. We value relationships here at TSG, and really work hard TOGETHER to build our community.  One of the best aspects of being a part of The Scout Guide is how we have built a true community of business owners and we learn from one another.

Beautiful setting @ Rug Gallery Cincinnati, Food by CWC The Restaurant, Music by Kyle English, Bartending by First Call Bartending

As the Editor and Owner of TSG Cincinnati, I hear repeatedly similar questions about how to run our businesses, how to overcome common challenges and how to make the most out of being a part of TSG. Thus, I work tirelessly to play ‘match-maker’ and ‘connector’ between my clients/members of our community. As such, I hosted a “Member Mingle” (think networking event with music, food and drinks) where I asked a few members to sit on a panel and help facilitate a great dialogue about how we all run our businesses. The Owners of The Rug Gallery, My Flower Service and Nest Home Staging all helped me with this great panel discussion that covered a variety of topics. Read below to see some of the topics we discussed and their insightful recommendations.

Sam Presnell, Arlene Presnell, Beau Presnell, Barbie Presnell, Shannon Adams, Christine Masur and McKenna Brooks

McKenna: You are transitioning ownership of The Rug Gallery from one generation to the next (Sam Presnell to his son, Beau Presnell). How are you managing this transition within the family, and what guidance do you have for those looking to transfer a business?

Sam Presnell, Founder/Owner, The Rug Gallery: “While it appears we are transitioning ownership within the family, we have started to look at it more like a sale of the business to a buyer, who happens to be family. Not until we started looking at this transition in this way, did we really understand all that is going into making this a successful transition. We have a clear step plan and it’s far more detailed and complex than we originally anticipated, but we are making great progress!”

Beau Presnell, Owner, The Rug Gallery: “We have loved working with the Goering Center at UC – and we are lucky to have this tremendous resource in our back yard, here in Cincinnati. They have guided us through a multi-step, multi-month process to ensure a smooth transition. We recommend to anyone seeking to sell a business here locally to leverage their resources.”

McKenna: You have really increased your presence of The Rug Gallery on social media and using events to drive traffic to the showroom. Tell us more about how you go about executing all of this work?

Barbie Presnell, Marketing Director, The Rug Gallery:  “I am lucky to be married to the owner(s) of The Rug Gallery, and we meet weekly to discuss all that’s going on in the business. I am a teacher (for my main job), but I love being involved in the family business. I have a passion for connecting people and have found that hosting events in the space is enjoyable to people who come, and it’s resulting in sales from those who come meet us and see the high-quality of support we offer our clients. “Regarding social media, when we meet weekly, I listen to what strategic focus areas there are for Sam and Beau. I then work back with the sales people and installers to help me get images and stories from rugs, carpets and flooring that have been installed in customer’s homes. I then tell the stories of these happy clients in Instagram posts and stories. That’s what our followers want to see – they want to be inspired by our work and be able to show examples of homes when they come in, and know we can give them the flooring to bring their vision to life. The key to successful social media for a small business (in my opinion) is to be authentic and tell stories and inspire the follower. They’ll take action with you if you do this right!”

Shannon Adams, Jessica of My Flower Service

McKenna: Shannon, you have been a part of TSG Cincinnati now for almost 5 years (as long as it’s been in Cincinnati). What advice do you have for small business owners who are either in TSG today, or contemplating joining this community?

Shannon Adams, Owner, My Flower Service: “TSG is the only spending on advertising I do. I believe that the quality and network of businesses in TSG are the ‘best of the best’ and I want my brand to be associated with these other brands and business owners. I hear all the time that readers know a few other companies in the Guide, and thus assume that ‘if My Flower Service is in here with a few of my other favorite businesses, they must be the best in the business’. So for me, it’s a lot of brand positioning. But, I also really value the connections I’ve made with other business owners in the Guide. For example, I have just met with a couple other owners to do their flowers out front of their stores because I’ve met them at these sorts of events. We all should support one another first and foremost, and continue to grow our community by having a very high-quality product and service across categories!”

McKenna: Christine, you’re partnering with other businesses in TSG in unique ways. Can you tell us about what you’re doing to help ‘get your brand out there’ and what advice you’d give to us if we want to do the same?

Christine Masur, Co-owner Nest Home Staging: “I have really embraced this community of great people, and leveraged the networking opportunities that being a part of TSG Cincinnati has enabled me. I always want to share my passion for design and staging with those around me, and however I can do that, I’m open and eager to get involved! For example, I have worked with Megan Stacey for 2 years now to co-host a “Color and design” party where we invite clients (of both of ours) to enjoy some wine, food and I talk about design trends I’m seeing in homes today. It’s nothing hard to pull together, but it’s so fun to see a group of 25 women talking (and laughing) about little changes they can make to their homes to ‘freshen things up’ without breaking the bank. I also worked with you, McKenna, to design the backdrop for a TSG event, Holly & Headshots, in December. I love designing ‘photo walls’ and this was an easy way for me to help in an event, and organically get the Nest brand out there.

“The best advice I can give about getting involved in your network is to be creative in how you partner with people, don’t be afraid to try something new and know that every person is a valuable impression, and they will grow your business over time.”

After we went through these specific topics, there was a lot of great dialogue around how to build up social media following, how to best partner (and ideas!) and how we all can really team up with one another on a regular basis to build up the local business community in Cincinnati. If you’re interested in learning more about WHO is a part of TSG, you can see them here (scroll down to see them listed alphabetically).

Delicious food was provided by CWC The Restaurant, Tables and decor by All Occasions Event Rental, Music by Kyle English.

A few common threads amongst all of us business owners in TSG, are that we believe in following our dreams, we work tirelessly to meet the needs of our customers and we are incredibly appreciative of the support we receive from you as our community. We want to hear from you on how we can all improve and appreciate your support of all-things-local!

Until the next event!

~McKenna L. Brooks Editor/Owner, TSG Cincinnati

[tsgcincinnati]

JOIN US! 2/13 Top Chef Dinner + Wine Pairing with Caitlin @ CWC The Restaurant

You asked, we delivered! To celebrate Valentine’s & Galentine’s Week, we are partnering with our friends @ CWC The Restaurant in Wyoming, OH, and hosting another DELICIOUS 5 course dinner with wine pairings on Thursday, 2/13! Bring your Valentine, or Galentine, and get ready for a fun, delicious evening full of laughter, full tummies and knowledge!

Buy Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/top-chef-gin-collaboration-dinner-tasting-event-tickets-84773984269

$150 Per Couple (2 seats, or you can buy just one for $75) includes 5 delectable courses + wine pairings for both of you, service, etc. Cash bar to purchase additional wine you fall in love with! Hurry -- there are only 24 seats available!

[tsgcincinnati]

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer of Pomegranate & Lime

We believe in storytelling here at The Scout Guide, and love telling the unique stories behind our business owners. This Member Spotlight focuses on Jennifer, the owner of one of our favorite gift shops in Cincinnati, Pomegranate & Lime, located in the Mariemont Strand. This great gift store opened in August 2010 and offers gifts for the home, ladies, gents and kids. 

How did you get into retail and open Pomegranate & Lime?

It was always a dream of mine to have my own store and was fortunate before having children to have extensive retail experience including hiring employees (staffing), running the business and running the merchandising side of retail. 

I started in department store training at Pogue's located in Carew Tower, and then as a ladies ready-to-wear buyer (ladies sports wear). I would go to NYC for buying trips and loved those. I then worked as a buyer for 5 years and then left the company to work at Talbots for 10 years and eventually managed up to 15 stores. I put retail “on hold” to raise my two children.

What do you love most about owning your store?

Building relationships with customers. (I witnessed this first hand, as when I asked her this, she really connected with each person, knew their names, helped with gift suggestions and gave them each personal time and smiles!) 

I’m in my 10th holiday season and have had customers who have attended all ten holiday open houses, which is very special for me to see. 

Why did you choose Mariemont to open your store?

As a recent empty-nester, I needed a purpose. I saw the open spot in the Mariemont Strand, I said to myself “that's my shop when the lease is available.” The prior jewelry store left the spot and I took the risk and never looked back. 

Why the name Pomegrante and Lime?

I wanted it to be unique and have it’s own identity. I started out with “Pomegrante” which is something I have always loved - it’s healthy and I love the look of the fruit. I’m a very visual person and loved the letters and shape the word creates. My daughter said it needed another word to go with “Pomegrante.” That’s when “Lime” came to mind along with the tag line - “classic gifts with a twist.” 

Explain to us more about how you pick your assortment. 

As a buyer, I have always been curating my assortment of goods I love. I consistently had a mental list building throughout my time in retail, which has made it a lot easier and fun working on the lines for the store which include baby, jewelry, home goods, mens and giftware. 

What are some of your favorite things you carry?

In Jewelry, I love Julie Vos &  Enewton (and have even met and been visited by Elizabeth Newton who is lovely!) In baby, I love Pixie Lily and Jelly Cat since they’re timeless and soft. My favorite right now in Giftware is Michel Design, and in Men's, it’s Smathers & Branson. I love to support other small businesses when I pick out lines to carry. 

Anything else you want to tell our readers about you and the store?  

My favorite holiday is Christmas - people are usually in a joyful mood and I love offering complimentary gift wrapping, which I feel is very helpful and appreciated by my customers. I love being a part of the Scout Guide because supporting dreams matters. I really love the saying, “When you support small businesses you are supporting a dream." 

You can visit Jennifer and her sweet team at the store at 6804 Wooster Pike in the Mariemont Strand, and follow along on her Instagram page --> here. Be sure to tell her Scout sent you and thank you for reading our stories! 

Jennifer, her husband Scott and their dog, Sophie. Photos by Ross Van Pelt.

[tsgcincinnati]

October Monthly Loves: Getting a Jump Start on the Holidays!

Whether you believe it or not (based on this heatwave we’re having!)... the “Holiday Season” is just weeks away! Before we know it, stores will be “Decking the Halls” and kids will be singing it 18 hours a day! 

Thus, we decided to show you all of the fun things around Cincinnati that we’ve scouted that might help you get a jump on the most wonderful, yet hectic, time of the year. Please support local and know that 50% more of your dollars spent in our community stay here through jobs, taxes and more spending! #livelovelocal

1. Gift Tags from @ Designs by Dawson // Be ready for the teacher gifts and all of those that come early in December, by designing and ordering them in October! 

2. Get the kids “holiday-ready” with outfits from Rory Maxwell // All holiday arrivals have landed and sweaters, dresses and pants are all there (although we know they might be worn once, they’re needed!)

3. Combat these changing temps by staying in shape with Dance Factory Fitness // You don’t have to be a dance to have fun and sweat (and you’ll never know an hour went by!)

4. Spruce up your outdoor spaces with My Flower Service // Leave making your doorstep stunning to Shannon and her team! They’re amazing! 

5. Get a start on creating the perfect custom suit for the men in your life from Trevor Furbay Bespoke Tailor // He might even have it ready for those holiday parties! 

6. Start ordering those custom gifts everyone loves so much from Just Add Embroidery // Either bring in special things you want monogrammed, or shop in the store for some amazing ideas! 

7. Create more personalized gifts -- using your own hands! // Create ornaments from Cincinnati Needlepoint and have them ready by Xmas morning! 

8. Schedule those haircuts (& color, in our case!) in advance so all photos are the best // We recommend the teams at all Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa 4 locations! 

9. Don’t forget about YOU!! Take some time to be mindful, rested and strong, and our favorite place to do all of this is with Anna and her team at Pure Barre Kenwood.

Again, thanks for reading and continue to support local Cincinnati! Tell them Scout sent you!

[tsgcincinnati]

No Bones About It: Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa is a 4-Paw Experience

Imagine spending the day frolicking with your besties, relishing in all the things you love most, like digging for hidden treasures, swimming in an indoor aquatics center, or basking in the sun. Your day of fun might include a visit to the spa, where professionals take care of your every need from washing and styling your hair to manicuring your nails. At the end of the day, you can retire to your guest suite with a cozy fleece lined bed, turn down service, TV, and outdoor patio. Did I mention that you are imagining a day in the life of your pet? And that this is happening while you are at work or out of town?

Owner Eric Schneider with pups in the Daycare.

That’s the reality if your pet is a Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa client. Whether your fur baby is a dog or cat, Red Dog provides care for your pet beyond his or her wildest, rabbit-chasing dreams. From full and half-day doggie daycare options to overnight boarding with 24/7 supervision by a caring staff; from swimming in the indoor pool, to professional dog training services, Red Dog has your pet’s needs (and desires) covered. Their 27,000 sq. foot indoor/outdoor facility plus an on-site dog park, allows dogs to socialize, exercise (even go for a swim in some locations!) and expend their excess energy so that when they come home, they are ready to curl up and take a nap. Feline friends spend their time away from home in a suite, condo or even townhouse with options for personal play, meow hour, laser tag and more.

This Rottweiler is guaranteed to be exhausted at the end of her day swimming after tennis balls.

No doubt, a Red Dog spa client is one lucky dog! Beyond just a bath and brush out, owners can indulge their dogs with add ons, such as a massaging bubble bath, a blueberry facial (to remove stains), pawdicures or can even have feather extensions added in their hair.

Owner Eric Schneider’s father began Red Dog Pet Resort and Spa in Cincinnati in 2007 (at Red Bank Road & Madison Road) after they were having difficulty finding quality boarding and day care options for their golden retrievers. “We had to drive 30 minutes to a place where we felt comfortable leaving our dogs,” Eric said. “We decided that there was a need for an affordable and comfortable retreat for pets that would also provide peace of mind for their owners.”

Eric and his family’s two dogs. 

The Schneiders have since added four locations: Boston, Northshore, Mass., Mason, Ohio, and Atlanta, and are opening a sixth location in Springdale, Ohio in the summer of 2020. As of 2019, the Red Dog team has cared for more than one million pets.

The staff will take dogs on leash walks or open play in their fenced dog park. 

Tours of the facility are available anytime. Call 513-229-3647 to set up an appointment or go to www.reddogpetresort.com to learn more.

We couldn’t help but share a bit of the behind-the-scenes from our Volume 4 photo shoot! What fun that was!!

Photos by Ross Van Pelt. 

[tsgcincinnati]

September Editor Loves

 Happy September! It’s been a BUSY Summer around TSG Cincinnati, and we are excited to get in the swing of Fall and hope you are too! 

Here is a list of our favorite things this month - and they’re all about taking great care of yourself - mind and body - around Cincinnati. We have scouted out some of the best, most relaxing and important things you can do to keep things ‘in check’. 

Read below for more details on all of the self care we recommend this month!

1. Feel the Burn during a workout (”camp”) at Burn Bootcamp

// Find your fitness potential during Burn Boot Camp’s 14 day free trial. Visit https://burnbootcamp.com/locations/cincy-hyde-park-oh/ to learn more! A\Camps also available at their Centerville & Mason locations!

2. Skincare consultation @ Mona Dermatology

// Discover your skin’s potential during a preliminary consultation with a Mona Dermatology skincare specialist.

3. Attend Cooking with Caitlin’s “Third Thursday’s” at CWC Restaurant in Wyoming, OH

// Spice up your daily meals with recipes and more from Cooking with Caitlin. This culinary experience offers surprising twists on everyday food with aim of building your culinary experience.

4. Teeth whitening at Cornerstone Dental Group

// Too much wine and coffee leaving your teeth dull and stained? Make an appointment at Cornerstone Dental Group to add some shine to you smile!

5. Acupuncture @ Lotus Integrative Therapy in Mariemont

// Feeling “off” and don’t know why? Ask Ingrid to help you! You’ll be amazed at the multitude of benefits that acupuncture can provide you -- from headaches, restlessness, anxiety -- you name it! She can help put you at more peace! 

6. Add a pop of color to your jewelry look with Kendra Scott

// Gone are the days when you had to just choose the color of the jewels in front of you... and here are the days where you can visit the “color bar” at the Kenwood and Liberty Center Kendra Scott stores and make your own jewelry, and choose your own colors! 

7. A New workout outfit from Brand New Day 

// Support #mentalhealthawareness and get a great Fall look by visiting their website, Co-op on Camargo, or pop up at Pilates Body Barre in Ft. Mitchell to see all of their amazing workout options! 

8. Go Beyond the barre @ The Barre Code downtown Cincinnati

// The Barre Code goes beyond the barre to incorporate strength, cardio and restoration into each class.

9. Eye Exam @ Eyecare on the Square in Mariemont

// Did you know you SHOULD have your eyes check annually (just like most other physician appointments)? Well, most of us don’t, but it’s important! And we tell you, honestly, that a trip to see this amazing Optic team is nothing shy of some fun and learning! 

Here’s to taking great care of yourself this month, TSG Cincinnati loyals, and thanks for reading and stay healthy! Be sure to tell these local businesses that I sent you! 

Thanks!

xo McKenna

Editor/Owner, TSG Cincinnati