See the youtube video about the SBDC  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdhMpionnZw 

Maria Rizzo Art

Maria Rizzo's recent paintings are a tribute to trees. 

To create these "Totems of Life" she uses her memories of nature as a reference and intuition as her guide. The painting process is her journey to find beauty and balance among texture, color, and form. 

It is also a political journey in which she uses her art to create an awareness of endangered trees, the beauty and frailty of nature and, consequently, the necessity of recycling. Maria Janina Rizzo’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout New York State and abroad, including the Red House Gallery in Syracuse, the Frederic Remington Museum in Ogdensburg, and the Museo d' Arte Contemporanea di Lissone in Italy. Maria Janina Rizzo was born in Bologna, Italy in 1987. She has been working as a professional artist since 2010. 

Maria came to the SBDC seeking assistance with marketing. A marketing plan was developed and implemented and her business has been growing.  

 mariarizzoart@gmail.com       www.mariarizzoart.com     Facebook: Maria Rizzo    Facebook page: mariarizzoart    Twitter: @RizzoArt 

Aubrey James: Lashes, Locks & Lips

Lashes, Locks & Lips is located in historic Armory Square.  It serves clients who are looking for Make-up Artistry for Brides, Bridal parties and Special Event. Lashes, Locks & Lips also offers customized Airbrush Spray Tanning and Lash Extensions.

Aubrey James, the business owner, is a certified aesthetician, certified Lavish Lash Technician and funded the business by using her personal assets, in 2010. 

The location is a prime location, since it is in the heart of Armory Square which is a very vibrant location in Syracuse with many local restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, jewelry stores and a museum which draws a clientele to Aubrey’s business.

Lashes, Locks & Lips caters to age groups of teens and above, and the business’ main focus is specializing in on site Airbrush Make-up application for wedding parties. A number of packages are offered to fit each Bride’s unique occasion which include packages that range from The “Silver Package” to the “Lavish Bride.”  A “trial” session is provided for a very nominal fee and is done at 136 Walton St, Syracuse.

After working as a Professional in the Corporate world for 11 years, Aubrey has been fortunate enough to leave that life behind and follow her dream. Her daily routine is doing what she loves… Makeup and making people feel good about themselves! In the past, Aubrey worked for a fashion designer traveling to LA, Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta and NYC. As her world soon became surrounded by fashion, the love of Makeup grew more intense. Aubrey applied the skills she learned in her younger days of Cosmetology School and began doing Makeup for Weddings, Proms, Special Events, Fashion shoots and Editorial. To expand her education in skincare, she completed the 600 hour Esthetic Program at the Aesthetic Science Institute. In 2007 she completed her Certificate in Esthetics with honors. Aubrey firmly believes in continuous education and attends educational workshops in NYC to keep up to date on the newest trends and techniques in the Makeup Industry. She has recently become a Certified Lash Technician in Semi-Permanent Lashes so she can now expand her expertise to her current and future clients. In addition, Aubrey has worked as an independent Contracted Make-up Artist for events held by Maybelline, NY and Seventeen/Cosmo Magazine.

www.lasheslockslips.com 

Melinda Ames: Webbit Media Designs

"Prior to starting my business I learned of the SBDC 3-day Fast Track to Business Start Up.  I attended it and cannot begin to tell you how valuable that seminar has been to the success of my business.   I learned more about small business in NY in those three days than in all my college business classes combined.  From a legal stand point, running a small business in NY can be intimidating with all the paperwork and rules but through this seminar, I learned exactly what type of business I needed to be, how to price my services, what my target markets are,  where the profitable price points are, how and when to file with the government and so much more.  From creating a business plan to bookkeeping to target marketing, this seminar answered all my questions.  

And I also have the privilege of continued guidance from Tania Hanouille.  I can proudly say she is more than advice for my business but is also my friend.  The SBDC has given me the knowledge, counseling and support that helped bring my small business dreams to reality.  Thank you SBDC!"

"Webbit Media Designs is a web development firm specializing in small business e-marketing solutions.  We provide results that not only showcases small business but are built around their growth potential.  We use the latest in web technologies to take companies to the next level of success. 

We know e-commerce and custom web development solutions are the backbone of a powerful web presence.  That is why we offer a vast range of internet and web related solutions to fit all small business platforms.  We listen to what our clients needs are, then guide them to the solution that uses their current and future business goals to create a dynamic web presence that will grow with them. 

Our mission is simple, to help small businesses become more agile, competitive, and profitable."

www.webbitmediadesigns.com   

Stella Penizotto: Shining Stars Day Care, Inc.

"I really appreciate all of your help and support over the years. I tell everyone who is thinking about starting a business to call the SBDC."

Shining Stars has been serving the community since July of 1994.  Shining Stars Day Care, Inc. has three convenient locations: East syracuse, Liverpool and Manlius. They serve children aged six weeks through twelve years.

Stella Penizotto was selected by the Small Business Administration as the 2010 New York State Person of the Year and was invited to meet President Obama at the White House during Small Business Week in May, 2010.

Stella and Shining Stars Day Care were inducted into the New York State Small Business Hall of Fame by the New York State Small Business Development Center. 

www.shiningstarschildcare.org