Cupcakes on Wheels: STACE OF CAKES Cupcakery

Company Name: Stace of Cakes Cupcakery

Owner: Stacey Reece

Company Phone Number: 609-424-6670

Company Website: http://www.staceofcakes.com/  
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stace-of-Cakes/133169093368613

If you're in the mood for a sweet and savory treat that won't burn a whole in your wallet, look no further than Stace of Cakes Cupcakery. At Stace of Cakes Cupcakery, they take pride in offering all sorts of cakes and cupcakes to the community at affordable prices. Their cakes are specially made to your liking. Ladies and gents, Stace of Cakes is not hard to find. The Stace of Cakes Cupcake Truck makes stops throughout Downtown Trenton between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. They also plan to have a grand opening at their Willow Street location (11 N. Willow St., Trenton, NJ) in the very near future, so Anwar's Reflections will be sure to keep you up to date on that as new developments arise. Below you will find a copy of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with the owner of Stace of Cakes, Stacey Reece:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

  

My business started after a friend of mine encouraged me to start a cupcake truck business, after I did her son’s Confirmation cake. The idea seemed far-fetched at first, but after doing the research, and with my husband being laid off, we decided to give it a shot! So we decided to put a truck full of cupcakes on the streets of Mercer County viz. Trenton. The response has been great.

AGS: What is your background? 

 

My mother was a great baker, and I was her “sous- chef” growing up from the time I was 9 years old. I would grease all the pans, sift the  flour, and cream butter by hand . Tedious …..yes, but I loved doing it! Then I was allowed to work on my own baking projects. So though I may not have an official culinary degree, the many years of working in my mom’s kitchen have given  me the tools to be successful in the kitchen.

AGS: Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business?

 When I was younger, I would bake cookies, and sell them around the neighborhood.

So the answer to your question is…yes this is my first official business.

AGS: How long have you been open?

The Cupcake Truck was launched in September 2010 . The Stace of Cakes Cupcakery and Café will be open next month.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business? 

Honestly, there were talks at my husband’s job about upcoming lay-offs, then once it was established that it was going to become a reality, I no longer had a choice. I also felt like there was no other cupcake truck in New Jersey, and I knew that I could come up with really great recipes. So with those two ideas to work with, I decided to give it a shot. I researched the science of baking, tested many recipes, and turned my friends into “guinea pigs.” The feedback was awesome! So then I wanted everyone to try them. Once I’m fixed on an idea or project, I work really hard on accomplishing the task at hand.

AGS: Where did the name Stace of Cakes Cupcakery come from? 

The name was just a spin on one of my favorite cake design shows on Food Network ~ “Ace of Cakes,” with my first name being Stacey, and many of my friends  already calling me Stace as a nickname, I decided I was  going to call myself Stace of Cakes

AGS: In your own words, what makes your business unique?

My cupcakes, and products are made with the finest ingredients (Valrhona chocolate, imported spices, Madagascar Bourbon)  love, dedication, and passion. I do believe this is my formula for a unique, and one of a kind product.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges? 

Anytime you have to depend on the services of others, there will be challenges involved. However, I am believer of things always have a way of working themselves out, and patience is indeed a virtue. So I have learned to take everything in stride, and not to etch deadlines out in stone.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

  

My main source of advertising has been “word of mouth,” social networking media, such as Facebook, and Twitter.  I also have a website, which some people have found through “googling.” (http://www.staceofcakes.com/)

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing? 

I have not done any internet ads, but basically used the business’s Facebook page to promote day to day happenings, and the upcoming Grand Opening of the Cupcakery. I feel as if Facebook has been tremendous, because I can use my Blackberry to send updates about what’s going on with the business. People can then call, text, and email their orders. This in my opinion is priceless.

 AGS: Being that you're an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed? 

My advice is to have a dream, be realistic about it, research what other successful people in the field have done in the past, check your competition out, have someone to share this journey with, and most importantly try to be the best that you can be in your industry, and pray!!

AGS: Is there any one piece of advice you would give to anyone thinking of opening their own business? 

 Always save for rainy days, always have a smile on your face, and just work hard, because it always pays off! 

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow upon your progress?

 Without a doubt I will!!!!!!!

Thank you very much for your time. 

AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy. 

If You Don't Already Know About GHANDI'S POETRY SPOT, You Might Need A Little GPS

Event Name: Ghandi's Poetry Spot (GPS)

Event Founder: Uganda Prescott aka Ghandi

Event Location: 241 E. Front St., Trenton, NJ

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Ghandis-Poetry-Spot/101234173261574

Event Website: http://www.ghandigps.com

Phone Number: 609-638-3216 or 609-498-0123

If you're in the mood to have a great time and enjoy some positive vibes, then look no further than Ghandi's Poetry Spot (GPS). This bi-weekly event is held every other Friday at Cafe International, located near the Historic Mill Hill District in Trenton. GPS is an open-mic poetry event where everyone is invited to share their gifts and talents. Not only do you get a chance to perform if you are so inclined, you also get to enjoy great food and live music. The energy is positive and the people are great, you are sure to be both entertained and inspired. Ghandi's Poetry Spot is an event you don't want to miss. The founder of GPS, Uganda Prescott, more commonly known as Ghandi, was gracious enough to sit down with Anwar's Reflections and discuss the work he is doing with GPS. Below you will find a copy of the exclusive interview:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

Well, GPS stands for Ghandi's Poetry Spot. I decided to throw my name in there just to let people know what I'm about. At GPS, we offer you everything from spoken word to live music. Its an open mic affair, so everyone is invited to participate and share their talents and gifts when they come. In the past, we have had violinists, rap artists, R&B singers, and comedians just to name a few. So, its a very eclectic mix. From my personal experience, the people that come always have nothing but positive feedback about their time here at GPS.

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

I have some experience with the music industry. I was an A&R for Supreme Alliance for a couple years, but I found that was not my cup of tea. I also have a background in modeling, but soon came to find out that this wasn't my cup of tea either. As the host of GPS, it is interesting because I found that I had no experience with hosting but I'm just a people person. I took those people skills and put in a pot and mixed it with other people's personalities and the outcome was beautiful. People have told me they love the performers, the live band, and the food offered by the Cafe.

In the past, I have actually had two poetry spots.I was running them simultaneously. On Friday's, I was in Burlington and found that people were coming all the way from Trenton to view the show. So, I said why not start something bigger in Trenton. We've been doing Ghandi's Poetry Spot (GPS) for three strong years on a consistent basis.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business?

Well, I found that the city really needed a spot for poetry. There was really nothing to do in the city with regard to poetry and spoken word. So I thought about the law of supply and demand and said to myself 'why not supply what this city really needs?' The city needs a poetry spot where people share their talents and gifts through an open mic atmosphere. And from that date, GPS has been off and running successfully. It's been a lot of fun. Trenton has had some great times and I am confident that we can bring back that feeling.

AGS: Where did the name GPS come from?

I got the concept from the GPS navigation devices we have in our cars. I was thinking if you punch in the address 241 E. Front Street its going to bring you directly to the poetry spot, so I said let's name it GPS.

AGS: In your own words, what makes GPS (Ghandi's Poetry Spot) unique?

I think its definitely the vibe, there is a certain vibe, a certain energy to GPS (Ghandi's Poetry Spot). There's an almost homey feeling to GPS. We have a live band, delicious food, everything that makes for a good time on a Friday night. I think Trenton has a black eye, but I don't think Trenton deserves that black eye, there's a lot of beautiful things going on in the city. We offer the GPS every other Friday at Cafe International located on Front Street.

From my personal experience, I think the colorful mix of performers also makes you guys very interesting and unique as well. The GPS shows that there is a rich diversity of talent here in Trenton. Another great thing about GPS is that people from outside the city come to share their talents and enjoy the show.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

Trenton had a black eye for a long time. Some people think Trenton is nothing but trouble. As a matter of fact, a local defense attorney by the name of Robin Lord said, that the city has a bad case of 'gangaphobia' where everyone is afraid to come to the city due to gangs and crime. I think getting people to overcome that fear of coming to the city was a major hurdle, but I assure each and everyone out there that GPS is a safe show to go to. The cafe is well secured. Zero Tolerance Security does our security, and our establishment is very safe. They have been very helpful in making our customers feel safe and secure while at our show.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

A great deal of our advertising and promotion comes through people sharing their experience through word of mouth. However, we also have a street team that hands out fliers and posts them up at various establishments to get the word out about what GPS is doing.

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

I have a 14 year old daughter that is a wiz with the computer. I'm not the greatest with the PC, but I think with the right team, anything can pop off and be successful. So, I would definitely like to explore internet marketing further. We do have a Facebook page and have found that it has been helpful in getting the word out about upcoming GPS events.

AGS: Being that you're an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed?

Make sure your heart is in it. Make sure you are consistent. We have been running GPS for three years strong on a consistent basis. So the idea is no matter what obstacles come your way, stay consistent. Keep your eye on the prize.

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow upon your progress?

Absolutely.

Thank you very much for your time.

AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy.

A Bookstore That Is Nothing Short of CLASSIC

Company: Classics Bookstore

Owner: Eric Maywar
Address: 117 S. Warren Street, Trenton, NJ

Phone Number: 609-394-8400

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129424620065

Email Address: book_cellar@mindspring.com

 

 If you happen to be in the mood for a good read at an affordable rate, then look no further than Classics Bookstore located in the heart of Downtown Trenton. They not only offer copies of your favorite books, they also offer a great opportunity to meet and connect with some very interesting folks. From their book signings to their Scrabble nights, they are definitely a beacon of light in the city of Trenton. I invite you to stop by and check them out, trust me you won’t be disappointed. Below you will find a copy of Anwar’s Reflections exclusive interview with the owner of Classics, Eric Maywar:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

 Sure, Classics is a used and rare book store but we spend a majority of our time doing community related stuff. We provide free books for Trenton kids. We let community groups meet here for free, which has been a lot of fun. We run a Scrabble night on Friday nights that goes till midnight. A knitting club was also started here. People expand their networks by coming here. People have received jobs simply by going here and conversing with others. In addition, we also do book fairs and book signings. The bottom line is that we do a bunch of things that go beyond simply selling books.

In 2009, we handed out over $4,000 worth of books to area kids through our Books at Home program. We work with distribution groups that help hand out books on our behalf. For example, the Columbus School, the New Black Panther Party, and the local police come to mind. They all came to Classics wanting to hand out books to local kids. We also had the organization, Children's Future, come out and give out books during the Puerto Rican Day parade.

We found studies indicating that young kids with a personal library at their home tend to do better in school and get placed in college. They’re more likely to graduate. We here at Classics wanted to help kids get access to these books. In my experience, various groups have contributed to the Books at Home program and we are grateful. For example, there was Capital Health Center, Wiedel Insurance, Black Rock Financial, and Hutchinson. As a matter of fact, Black Rock has a book club as well.

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

  

This is my first time I have owned a business. I taught in the past, and worked in market research. However, the corporate world was not fulfilling to me. So, I decided to try something different.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business? 

Well, I'm a book-a-holic, I love books. But there’s also a story behind why I started Classics. Years ago my wife and I were going to Imani Community Church and they were trying to raise money to fix their roof. We ended up buying a whole host of books for $50 from a minister that was in a hurry to move. So we decided to sell the books as a way to help the church fix their roof. But we only ended up selling six. So we all had these books left, we then did flea markets, we then moved and put the books in our large basement. So we had 10 bookcases full of books. And we started inviting used book store owners over to our house. We played Scrabble together and had wine. They ended buying the books wholesale for their stores. So after a while, people started asking when are you going to open up your own business. So by accident, we started this business . I really enjoy owning a bookstore because I have really great conversations with the people that come in. It’s a lot of fun.

                            

AGS: Where did the name come from? 

My wife came up with the name. We had a store in New Hope, and the TDA recruited us and said that the downtown district needed a bookstore. First they wanted to set up a co-op where we have an antiques person, and an arts person along with our bookstore. So we needed to come up with a umbrella name for all those things. So my wife Donna said what about Classics, you can have classic artwork, classic antiques, and classic books. So we decided to use the name Classics.

AGS: In your own words, what makes your business unique?

 Our community focus makes us unique. None of these other bookstores have a ‘Books at Home program’. We really put an emphasis on giving back to the community.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

 Well, we were unsure how successful we would be. So we reached out to a market research company to help us better prepare. They were very helpful. Next the TDA (Trenton Downtown Association) made it very easy for us to come in on a trial basis and operate our business. They had things in place that made moving in very easy. For instance, they had reduced rent because there were three people in the building at the time, they had a façade grant, they offered to pay for some of the sign. So there were challenges but we had help so we made out okay.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

 Well, we don’t have a big marketing budget, but I have been very good at guerilla marketing which essentially involves no money on our part. At Classics, we realize that more people read articles than read advertisements. Since we do events, we inform the papers and if they think the story is newsworthy, they usually write about us. In addition, we’ve also used social media. For instance, we use Facebook and Twitter.

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

Yes, we take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc. Facebook has been helpful because it allows us to really start a conversation with the public and inform people about special events and promotions.

AGS: Being that you're an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed?

Do a good business plan and know what your assumptions are. Dont think its going to be easy. Do your research. Following a business plan will help you think about what you're doing in a very systematic way. Utilize your community resources. For example, in Trenton there are small business loans. In addition, there is a training program with Isles. CCRC also has low interest loans for potential entrepreneurs. There are places that will give you advice on your business plan. The TDA (Trenton Downtown Association) will help you with ribbon cutting, grand opening, site selection, mentoring, and advocacy.

AGS: Will you give us another interview one year from now so we can follow upon your progress?

Certainly, you can have another interview.

AGS: Thank you very much for your time.

AGS is an acronym that stands for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy

Tax Preparation With Care: Tax Centers of America

Company Name: Tax Centers of America

Owner: Ron Hayspell

Specialty: Tax Preparation/ Workforce Development Training

Address: 110 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 

Phone Number: 609-503-5820
Email Address: Ron@WSofAmerica.org

 We all know what this time of year means, its tax time. But cast your fears aside, Tax Centers of America are here to help. For those that don't already know, there's a new tax service in town and they are ready to crunch the numbers for you so you don't have to. Located near Downtown Trenton, Tax Centers of America offers the community affordable prices for their tax services. Below you will find a copy of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Ron Hayspell, the owner of the local chapter of Tax Centers of America:

 

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business? 

At Tax Centers of America, we specialize in income tax preparation. We offer online and electronic tax filing for taxpayers who want their refund fast. We also offer Refund Anticipation Loans RAL's that make sure you get your tax return fast.

I also have a workforce development business called Workforce Solutions of America At Workforce Solutions of America, we do everything from grant writing to training. We do market research. Most of our training is free to our clients. We apply for funds at the state and federal level to acquire grants to conduct the training sessions. Once we acquire the grant, we then basically monitor the grant for our clients. We either do the training ourselves or we outsource the training sessions to either a community college or a specific trainer provider that specializes in that kind of training.

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

I have a degree in business with a concentration in marketing. This is not my first business. I’ve been self employed for the last 8 years.  In the past, I had a direct marketing company. I’ve also worked with entertainment companies, record labels, and clothing lines. I also had a retail store and recording studio. However, after three years the retail store closed down I decided to try something new.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business?

Tax Centers of America was a last minute venture.  Someone I knew bought a franchise and told me about the pricing and told me about the features of direct funds. I realized I had a prime location for real estate where I’m at in Downtown Trenton. Then I said to myself, the only tax preparation business downtown is H&R Block and being that they can’t do Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL’s) I figured it would be a good thing for me to jump into real quick as a seasonal business. So I sort of stumbled into it.

With regard to Workforce Solutions of America, there’s a story behind that. When I shut down my retail store, I decided to go into real estate. I was doing good in real estate until the market went bad, then when the market went bad, I was like, ‘what am I going to do now?’. I knew I didn’t want to go back to the workforce. So I thought about it, and I met with a guy with that did some consulting. We had a good meeting, after the meeting I then decided to start my own. It’s been on ever since then. Since we’ve been in business, we’ve done over a million dollars in grants altogether for training.  We’re looking to expand and do so more programs. Write some more grants and do some training throughout the state to develop the workforce.

AGS: In your own words, what makes your business unique?

Workforce Solutions is unique because we train people with no cost. Workforce Solutions is also unique because we put so much care into what we do, other companies do it strictly for the money, we are in it for the money but more importantly we’re in business to help people develop and be more competitive in the labor market.

Tax Centers for America is unique because we can do everything these bigger guys are doing but for a fraction of the cost. Tax Centers of America is the 2^nd fastest growing tax preparation company in America only behind by Liberty Tax. In addition, we also offer outstanding customer service. We’re so into quality customer service that we’re thinking about offering a service where we do house visits for our clients.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

Definitely, it was challenging. I think it was challenging to get people to understand the importance of training. Training is very important in developing a competitive workforce. To remain competitive, you have to keep retraining yourself. However, not everyone understands that. Right now we have a lot of literacy grants where we are teaching people about computers. This is definitely a challenge because people don’t realize the importance of computer training in making themselves more marketable. A lot of people don’t know how to work Windows 7, so that’s where we come in to help. I think that’s the only challenge we had.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

Well, Workforce Solutions of America isn’t really a business you advertise it’s more of a business that gets promotion through word of mouth but I do some marketing. For instance, we might buy an ad for an award banquet that’s more of the marketing we do for Workforce Solutions of America. It’s not a business that you would advertise in the newspaper or anything like that.

Tax Centers of America, I’m about to start a marketing campaign on that hard. I want to do a lot of street marketing, you know guys passing out fliers, doing email blasts, have people go door to door within a half mile radius of where Tax Centers of America is and put up fliers in the windows of local business. I also want to pass out fliers and have them posted to bulletin boards. I also want to have hours that are accessible to everyone. I plan to have weekend hours and be open late.  

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

Yeah, we’re working on that right now. My IT (information technology) guy is doing a whole Facebook, Twitter campaign to promote my business. I want to use these social networking sites to make people aware of new things like the new healthcare act. For example, I would inform the public that all health records will be computerized in a couple years because not everyone is aware of that. By providing this information, we are adding value to the community.

AGS: Being that you’re an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed?

Persistence is the main thing. Stick to your guns. If you have an idea, stick to it. A person with persistence will in the long run win, even if they lose in the beginning. When you’re an entrepreneur, you have to understand that if you don’t do anything, you don’t eat. So there’s definitely risk, but I believe it’s worth it. Lastly, as an entrepreneur, you have to have to find a business that works for you but also works for the environment that you are serving. So do your research before launching your business.

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow upon your progress?

Of course, that would be no problem at all. I would like that. 

Thank you very much for your time. 

*AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy*

KATRINA T. SMITH, A Voice That Just Had To Be Heard

For those that don't already know, there's a new poet in town and she goes by the name Katrina Smith. From her powerful spoken word to her unforgettable artwork, Ms. Smith is an artist you don't want to miss. With her art, she has the uncanny ability to touch hearts, make you think, and motivate you to change your life for the better. Please see Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Ms. Katrina Smith below:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

It Just Had To Be Heard uses the healing power of the arts to touch and inspire the lives of men, women, and children. This unique power combines the art of poetry with artwork, music, and performing arts. Our mission is to provide exclusive spoken art with fine quality at an affordable price. We seek to build a network of elite artists. It Just Had To Be Heard seeks to enlighten, strengthen, and challenge our world to receive a spiritual relationship with God. We strive to build a deep reverence of all nationalities. It Just Had To Be Heard embraces unity and promotes empowerment and true knowledge of self. 

Our work is displayed by open performances, vending, hosting home-shows, writing poetry books, producing spoken word CD’s and t-shirts, creating customized poems, motivational speaking, and teaching others through the art of poetry.

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

I am a highly gifted poet. I have been writing poetry for 19 years now. What was once my release became my ministry? I am an educator at heart. I received my bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and psychology. In 2010, I received my master’s degree in education administration to become a principal. I am a motivational speaker, author, playwright, and performing arts specialist.

No, this is not the first time that I have owned and operated my own business. I also have a girls and boys program called Raising Young Ladies and Men. With this program I am contracted out to various organizations that seek to empower their youth, especially at-risk youth.

It Just Had To Be Heard has been officially open since 2007.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business?

My passion for helping, healing, inspiring, and challenging others motivated me to start It Just Had To Be Heard. This business felt more like a calling than just a choice. At first, my audience desired my poems after performing so I wanted to give them the opportunity to have my poems.  However being creative, as I am, I wanted to add a picture to speak visually what the poem was saying literally and thus I created spoken art.

AGS: Where did the name come from?

Being a spoken word artist with a powerful voice and message that transforms and embraces our world’s reality, I clearly knew that no matter what poem I have or deliver It Just Had To Be Heard. I wanted a name that illustrated the raw, unadulterated truth of God. I wanted a name that didn’t sugarcoat, but rather always kept it real. These messages need to be heard throughout the world.  I tell you I have a word and It Just Had To Be Heard.

AGS: In your own words, what makes your spoken word unique?

My spoken word uses everyday language so that understanding is clear for all and is targeted for all. My spoken word is down to earth, it is real. My spoken word combines stories and real life issues with a message intended to heal, to build, and to instill a word that transforms the old into the new. If you are searching, seeking, questioning, and yearning to discover and acquire more then I’m sure It Just Had To Be Heard is what you have been waiting for.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

When launching my business I faced the challenge of creating an online spoken art gallery the meets my creative yet secure ideas and vision. Actually, I am still in the process of launching my online store. I also faced the challenge of discovering and searching for talented artists. I am always seeking artists to submit their work, please feel free to email me at itjusthadtobeheard@yahoo.com or contact me at (609) 610-0703. I am always seeking an agent, creative manager, and customers looking for a fresh talent such as myself that has not been seen in years.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

My greatest advertisement and promotion of my business is by word of mouth from previous and new clients. Vending and performing at various locations and numerous events and shows greatly enhance my advertisement and promotion as well. I also advertise and promote my business when giving the opportunity in newspapers, radio talk shows, and now online thanks to Trentonian.Com. 

AGS:Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

I have not truly embraced the power of internet marketing actually; Trentonian.Com is the first internet marketing experience for my business. I want to reach a larger market and I believe the Internet can help It Just Had To Be Heard reach higher levels. I am very interested in learning more about internet marketing.

AGS: Being that you’re an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed?

I have several key quotes that I use.

• 1.      Nothing is going to happen to me that the Lord and I can’t handle.
• 2.      Each day, compel yourself to do something you would rather not do.
• 3.      The greatest achievement in life is to stand up again after failing.
• 4.      Your heart will always make itself known through your words.
• 5.      Failure is the mother of success.
• 6.      Everybody loves progress but nobody likes change.
• 7.      Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.
• 8.      I have to stay focused and keep my eyes on the prize.

AGS: Is there any one piece of advice you would give to anyone thinking of opening their own business?

• Never Give Up
• Keep moving ahead
• Never give up no matter what others said
• Never give up for your dreams are bound to come true
• Never give up loving you
• Never give up

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow upon your progress?

Yes

AGS: Thank you very much for your time. 

A copy of Katrina's book It Just Had To Be Heard: Seeking The Spiritual Blueprint For Your Life can be found at http://www.Xlibris.com

Her CD We Are At War can be found at http://cdbaby.com

You can purchase Katrina's art directly by contacting her via email at itjusthadtobeheard@yahoo.com or you can simply call her at (609) 610-0703. She also does performances. Her performance fee starts at $100.

*AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy*

A New Twist to Pasta Sauce, Front Street Style

Company: 11 Front Bar & Grill
Address: 11 W. Front Street, Trenton, NJ

Owners: Vince and Carolyn Ippolito

Specialty:  Italian Cuisine/ Pasta Sauce in a bag

In business since: 2011

Phone Number: 609-392-6900

For those that don’t already know, there’s a new business in town and they take pride in offering culinary delight, Italian style. They specialize in Italian cuisine. In particular, they have a unique pasta sauce. For all those individuals out there (like me) that don't enjoy cleaning up after cooking their favorite pasta sauce, the folks at 11 Front Bar & Grill have the answer for you. They have a new product. They offer a pasta sauce that they freeze in a cryovak bag. This new product makes the cleaning process much easier for all of us. They offer everything from steaks to pasta at affordable prices. The next time you’re in town, please be sure to check out 11 Front Bar & Grill located in the heart of downtown Trenton (11 Front Street, Trenton, NJ). Please see Anwar's Reflection's exclusive interview with the owners of 11 Front Bar & Grill below:

AGS: Can you please tell the audience a little more about your business?

Well, we started off with just a pasta sauce. The pasta sauce comes from a family recipe that is over 100 years old. My wife and I decided to start marketing the sauce at the Pennington Market. The interesting thing about the sauce is that it is not offered in a jar. What we do is freeze the sauce in a cryovak bag. As a user, all you have to do is just toss it into boiling water along with the spaghetti. It simplifies the process of cooking to one easy step. Its what we call 'one-pot preparation'. So after all your hard work in the kitchen making dinner, you’re not getting that typical dirty pasta sauce pot because our sauce never actually comes out of the bag until you’re ready to serve it. Once you’re ready to serve it, all you have to do is just cut open the pouch and pour the sauce over your pasta and voila there you have it. There is no sauce pot to wash. in a nutshell, it simplifies the cleaning process for you. Other than that, we have an Italian inspired menu, we offer everything from burgers to steaks, and pasta to fish, by the way, the tilapia is fabulous. We also offer Chicago style hot dogs. We take pride in servicing the state workers (among many others)  in the area. We’ve also got people coming in from Pennington. We offer quality food at affordable prices.

AGS: What is your background? Is this your first time owning and operating your own business?

This is our first business, I have a business degree from Rider University and my wife has a law degree from Seton Hall.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business?

Vince has always had this family recipe. He always believed in it. Since we are small business; we wanted to create something unique. So we were thinking, let’s try to fix a problem, and we went back to the cleaning process when cooking pasta sauce. We understand how many people feel they are cooking pasta sauce and how time consuming the clean up process can be so through various gyrations, we came up with this unique idea to create a pasta sauce that can simplify the cooking process.In addition, we were also motivated by the positive feedback we were receiving kids at the Pennington Market. They liked our samples so much that they brought their parents with them the next time they came in the store. 

AGS: What Makes 11 Front Bar & Grill unique?

We want to be a place that services our local community. Of course we mean Trenton, but we also want folks coming in from outskirts like Pennington and surrounding areas to see what Trenton has to offer. Since we’re a small business we’re not trying to sit 100 people. We want to provide that friendly, neighborhood atmosphere for each and every customer.

I know it sounds clichéd but we have an almost ‘Cheers’ atmosphere where everyone knows your name. We want to establish that sort of neighborly climate for our establishment where we really get to know our customers. We like to chat and get to know what our clientele really likes to eat and drink. We want to be a place where people feel like they’re at home. We strive to provide quality food at affordable prices.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so how did you overcome those challenges?

Nothing was easy, everything was a challenge. It was one challenge after another. As an entrepreneur, the big idea is not to get caught up in the challenges or quagmires you encounter but rather to fix your problem, persevere and move on.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

We don’t yet. We wanted a soft opening. We were asked by the TDA (Trenton Downtown Association) to be a part of the pub crawl that took place on December 30^th. We participated in this pub crawl and the reception was great. Our place of business was shoulder to shoulder, our place was packed solid. It was a great success. And then January 5^th we had our official grand opening. It was supposed to be with the mayor but he got tied up in Washington, DC, but luckily we did have Councilman Holly Ward and Councilman Caldwell Wilson in attendance. Even though the soft opening never happened, we still did well due in large part to the TV spot we received and the articles published on our behalf. We also received a great deal of word of mouth advertising. All of this has helped us a great deal. We have been packed. With regard to advertising, we plan to eventually advertise and offer happy hour and things of that sort. However, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, we want to make sure we provide quality service to customers. That's priority number one.

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all?

We have not as of yet, however we are interested in setting up a Facebook page in the near future. However, we heard there is some great feedback about our business online through social networks like Facebook. Right now, we have literally done no advertising yet because we haven’t needed to. But we will soon, we plan on starting with a Facebook page, radio spots, advertise in the paper, we’re doing advertising with the Fraternal Order of Police and the CWA, places like that.

AGS: Being that you’re an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to be successful as well?

Patience is huge; don’t let anyone force you into a deadline. Don’t rush things. No matter what it takes, get the vision right. When its done, you want people to say 'wow, this took a lot of care in developing your vision and putting your business together'. Use the resources at your disposal, especially community resources.

I want to say in particular that we have received a great deal of help from the TDA (Trenton Downtown Association). They were very helpful. We received a great deal of support from the Pennington Fire Department. The community was instrumental in getting our business off the ground.

AGS: Will you give us another interview one year from now so we can follow up on your progress?

Certainly we would be interested in meeting with you in the future. In fact, you can come in next week for dinner, we would love that.

AGS: That sounds like a plan. Thank you very much for your time.


*AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy*

Music Industry Strategy - Newark Business Strategies | Examiner.com

Music Industry Strategy - Newark Business Strategies | Examiner.com

A Taste of Jamaica: The HUMMINGBIRD Restaurant

Company: The Hummingbird
Location: 29 S. Warren Street, Trenton, NJ
Owners: Marjorie Barclay, Norman Francis, and Yvette Graffie

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm

Phone Number: (609) 278-9555

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hummingbird-Restaurant/275000915558#!/pages/The-Hummingbird-Restaurant/275000915558

TRENTON-For those that don't already know, there is a new bird in town and she's been singing quite a sweet and savory tune for just over a year now. Today I was able to sit down with the owners of the Hummingbird Restaurant. Located in the heart of Downtown Trenton (29 S. Warren Street), this merchant specializes in Jamaican cuisine.

From their tantalizing oxtails to their scrumptious jerk chicken, the Hummingbird is surely a place you don't want to miss whenever you’re in the mood for fine cuisine at affordable prices. Below you will find a copy of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with the Hummingbird staff.

AGS: First off, can you tell the audience a little bit about your business?
 
Well, we're a Carribean restaurant that specializes in Jamaican cuisine. We bring a mixture of everything Jamaica cuisine has to offer. We bring a little bit of Jamaica to Trenton. We have the finest Jamaican entrees Downtown Trenton has to offer. At the Hummingbird, we offer quality food, low prices, and great customer service. We offer jerk chicken, curry chicken, oxtails and so forth.
 

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

Yes, this is actually our first restaurant, our first business I should say. It’s a blessing; this January marked a full year that we have been open. So we're doing very well.

AGS:What motivated you to start your own business?


Mrs. Marjorie Barclay, she's an excellent cook and one of the owners. She has a special gift with her hands, she can really cook. I always wanted to open up a franchise by the name of Golden Crust in New York, but I did some research and thought building our thing down here in Jersey would be a better idea.

AGS: Where did the name come from?
 
The Hummingbird, well, me and my wife were talking about this and she thought it would be good to name the restaurant after our national bird.

AGS: In your own words, what makes the Hummingbird unique?


Mrs. Barclay unique seasoning and ideas. We here at the Hummingbird really put love in all of our food. We also take pride in serving our customers nothing but the best. Excellent customer service is at the center of what we do.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?
 
Yes, this was not the ideal place that we first wanted to open up at. We were actually going to open up on East State Street, but things didn't work out there, but it turned out to be a blessing because I think we are doing great here on S. Warren Street.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

Word of mouth mostly. When we first opened we had a grand opening that was pretty successful in getting the word out as well. I had friends that worked for the state that sent out emails. In the Downtown Association newspaper, we had articles there as well, but pretty much, word of mouth is how our business promotes itself. Everyone comes and sees what we're about. They try our food and leave with an overall experience that is positive.

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

No, not really, but we do a little Facebook, Miss Barclay's daughter is really into the internet and has helped us out tremendously. We have a Facebook page where many of our fans have left positive feedback for our restaurant. We hear the people saying that they have had a great experience here at the Hummingbird.

AGS: Being that you're an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed as well?

If you have an idea, whatever idea you have, you have to go for it.  And once you get started, just dont back down because of the obstacles you come across. Things aren't always going to go right at first. You just got to keep going if that's what you want to do. You can't go halfway. You got to go for dreams. Don't give up. That's the key to success.

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow up on your progress? 

We will certainly give you another interview. 

AGS: Thank you so much for your time.


AGS is an acronym that stands for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy.