Blog

This week’s newsletter highlights what’s happening across the Chamber, including details on an upcoming mixer and opportunities to stay engaged with the community. You’ll also see a special note wishing Paula Norman a happy retirement, a warm welcome to new member and Financial Advisor Robert Cohen, along with Chamber Realtor updates and this week’s Member2Member feature from Dog Camp LA.

Read more below:

Please join us in wishing Paula Norman a happy retirement as she wraps up this chapter and begins a new one. Paula has been a wonderful part of our business community, and we’re grateful for the time and energy she’s shared with the chamber. We wish her the best in her next chapter.

Robert Cohen
Financial Advisor 

Please welcome Robert Cohen, Financial Advisor, as a new member. Robert provides personalized financial guidance to help individuals and small businesses plan for their future with confidence. His areas of focus include investment strategies, retirement planning, tax planning, and wealth preservation. We’re excited to have Robert join our community.

(424) 343-5086
Robert.Cohen@ampf.com
ameripriseadvisors.com/robert.cohen

Here’s what our Chamber Realtors are up to:
 

• Brittany Walter: 7617 Lilly Way — Contemporary 4-bed. 3-bath in North Hollywood for under $1M. More info HERE.

• The Local Real Estate Group: 932 S Harvard Blvd — 3-bed, 2-bath classic Craftsman home in Koreatown. More info HERE.

• Kenya Reeves-Costa / The LA Homegirl: 4135 S Victoria Ave — 3-bed, 2-bath beautiful, light-flooded single-story home in View Park. More info HERE.

• Pinky Jones: Check out Pinky’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

• Tiao Properties: 2105-2107 E Cesar Chavez Ave — Historic, mixed-use, 30-unit property in Boyle Heights. More info HERE.

• Anthony Vulin / The Collective Realty: 108 S Croft Ave #102 — 3-bed, 3-bath contemporary townhome in the heart of Beverly Grove. More info HERE.

• Paul Redmond: Check out Paul’s website for updates, listings and news.

• Fatima Malik: 440 Raymond Ave #20 — Top-floor Ocean Park apartment available for rent. More info HERE.

• Julie Mollo Homes Group: 2018 Griffith Park Blvd #109 — Fully renovated 2-bed, 2-bath in the heart of Silver Lake. More info HERE.

• Jade Devitt: Check out Jade’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

• Mark Duncan / Think Real Estate: 317 W Palmer Ave — Flexible space in the heart of Glendale. Currently a church and zoned for multifamily. More info HERE.

• Anthony Mian: Check out Anthony’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

• Trevino Properties: 611 N Buena Vista St — 3-bed, 2-bath main home with 2-bed, 1-bath ADU in Burbank. More info HERE.

• Romy Flint: Check out Romy’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

• Fenton Real Estate: 3220 Garden Ave — Charming Cape Cod-style 2-bed, 1-bath home in Atwater Village. More info HERE.

• Tracy Do: 540 Mt Washington Dr — 5-bed, 5-bath Mediterranean-Moorish estate set on nearly an acre of verdant grounds in Mt Washington. More info HERE.

• Congrats to Oui Smile Pediatric Dentistry and owner Jenny Garcia on the Voyage LA Magazine feature. A nice spotlight on a local business making an impact in the neighborhood. Check it out HERE.

• The Silver Lake Reservoirs Conservancy is hosting a Native Plant Giveaway and Volunteer Planting Day on Saturday, January 31st from 9:30AM – 12:30PM along the Ivanhoe Path. Community members can pick up free native plants and wildflower seeds and observe hands on planting with guidance from experienced volunteers. Join if you are interested.

• Oaktown Spice Shop has updated hours. They are now open Saturday and Sunday from 10–7PM, and Monday through Friday from 11–7PM. Check them out HERE.

The 2026 Marketing Reset:
Practical Strategies and AI Tools

Thursday, January 29th at 10am

This event explores a practical, human-centered approach to marketing, with a focus on simplifying strategy and using AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for thoughtful planning. Attendees will be introduced to ideas around clarifying what’s working, reducing overwhelm, and approaching marketing with more intention. The session is designed for business owners who want to stay informed about evolving marketing tools and frameworks. Open to all.

SIGN-UP HERE

Dog Camp LA

**10% off all services for chamber members**

Dog Camp LA is your friendly, reliable neighborhood pet service made up of an excellent roster of independent pet care professionals.  They’re committed to providing the highest standards of service for your fur baby, including giving individualized attention to all of your pets.

Joel Alvarez
joel@dogcampla.com
dogcampla.com
(213) 590-8369

This week’s newsletter opens with a look at what’s ahead for the new year, highlighting an upcoming networking mixer and opportunities for small business planning and growth. You’ll also find a warm welcome to a new mind-body fitness Pilates studio, along with member updates and upcoming events. We’re featuring a helpful small business taxes webinar, plus this week’s Member2Member spotlight from Silverlake Yoga.

Read more below:

The start of the year is a great time to refresh your marketing and take advantage of four seasonal moments in January that naturally resonate with customers and help build momentum for the months ahead.

1. New Year Reset Campaigns (January 1 and all month)

January is prime time for fresh-start messaging. Businesses can promote services or products that support healthier habits, better organization, financial planning, or personal and professional growth. This is a great month for reset packages, introductory offers, and free consultations that help customers take the first step toward their goals.

2. Customer Appreciation Promotions (National Thank You Month)

All of January is recognized as National Thank You Month, making it a natural time to reward loyal customers. Businesses can offer exclusive discounts for repeat clients, small thank-you gifts, loyalty bonuses, or early access to upcoming services and events. These gestures help strengthen relationships during a slower retail season and encourage long-term retention.

3. Community and Service-Focused Marketing (MLK Day – January 19)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is widely recognized as a day of service and reflection. Businesses can participate by partnering with local nonprofits, donating a portion of sales, highlighting community causes, or offering special pricing to educators, volunteers, or nonprofit staff. Campaigns centered on giving back often resonate strongly with customers and reinforce a company’s local commitment.

4. Back-to-Routine Productivity Promotions (Mid to Late January)

After the initial New Year excitement fades, many people shift into routine-building mode. This is an ideal window for promoting services related to planning, maintenance, wellness consistency, business organization, and long-term scheduling. Messaging that focuses on staying on track, preparing for spring, or simplifying daily life tends to perform well during the second half of the month.

Mind-Body Fitness
Pilates Studio

We’re excited to welcome Mind-Body Fitness back to the chamber! Mind-Body Fitness is a Pilates studio offering private and shared sessions in a quiet, welcoming space. Their functional spring-resistance training focuses on core strength, posture, flexibility, and full-body conditioning for a stronger, longer, and more balanced body. Owner Lynne DeMarco brings decades of experience as a certified Pilates instructor and former professional dancer, with specialized training in injury recovery, pre- and post-natal care, and senior fitness. With a long-standing commitment to personalized instruction, Mind-Body Fitness provides thoughtful, supportive training for clients at every stage of their wellness journey.

 (323) 633-2532  
2018 Griffith Park Blvd. 
mind-bodyfitness.net

• Tacolina is moving the party to midweek with Taco Wednesday, featuring the same $5 tacos and $42 margarita pitchers everyone loves. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome for a perfect excuse to turn Wednesday into your new favorite taco night. More info HERE.

• SIJCC is hosting Mindfulness Mondays on January 26th from 9:15 – 10:15am, a gentle in-person session to help participants slow down, reflect, and reset. The class focuses on intention-setting and alignment as the community steps into the new year with clarity and calm. More info HERE.

• Silverlake Wine’s popular Thursday Night Tastings are back, inviting guests to enjoy a weekly wine flight in a relaxed, social setting. Drop in anytime between 5 – 8pm for four pours at $20 and stay as long as you’d like. More info HERE.

• Barbrix has introduced a new kids menu with family-friendly favorites like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets with fries, fresh buttered pasta, and a classic cheeseburger. It’s an easy, tasty option for families to enjoy alongside Barbrix’s regular menu any night of the week. More info HERE.

• April’s Feel Da Beat is hosting a beginner salsa series, offering a fun and welcoming way to learn the basics in a supportive group setting. Classes meet Sundays from 6-7pm in North Hollywood for a seven-week session designed for brand-new dancers. More info HERE.

• Salt & Straw is celebrating its Vegandulgence Series with bold, fully vegan flavors that push dessert creativity to the next level. Guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of rich, indulgent scoops all month long, proving that plant-based can still mean seriously decadent. More info HERE.

Small Business Taxes for 2025 and 2026

Tuesday, January 13th at 10am

This live online training will cover key tax deductions, major tax changes for 2025 and 2026, and practical tax-planning strategies for small businesses. The focus will be on helping business owners make informed accounting and budgeting decisions as they close out 2025 and prepare for the next tax season. It is designed for sole proprietors, LLCs, and corporations looking to reduce liabilities and take advantage of available tax-saving opportunities.

SIGN-UP HERE

Silverlake Yoga
a friendly, neighborhood studio

**10% discount on all series cards**
 

Whether you’re looking to stay in shape, relieve stress, address chronic aches and pains or connect to a deeper part of yourself, everyone is welcome at Silverlake Yoga. One of the most long-lived studios in the LA area, they now offer their relaxed, friendly classes in an online format.

2810 & 1/2 Glendale Blvd.
(323) 953-0496
info@silverlakeyoga.com
silverlakeyoga.com

This week’s newsletter includes a recap of our Barbrix mixer, ideas to inspire your holiday promotions, and a warm welcome to new member Maison Nail Spa. You’ll also find Chamber Realtor updates and this week’s Member2Member feature with Susan North.

Read more below:

✨ What a great night at Barbrix! ✨

Our November Mixer was a wonderful evening filled with connection, conversation, and community. A big shoutout to Barbrix and owner Claudio Blotta for hosting us in their beautifully renovated space. The atmosphere, the wine, and the food made it the perfect setting to bring local business owners together.

It was inspiring to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones, all contributing to the spirit of Silver Lake!

Stay tuned for our next mixer, and check out our social media HERE for more from this special night!

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Holiday Promo Ideas for the Week Ahead

To help you prepare for one of the biggest shopping weeks of the year, here are simple, ready-to-use ideas you can roll out for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. These are designed to be easy, flexible, and effective for all types of businesses.

Black Friday (This Friday)
• Feature One Big Deal: Pick one product/service and make it the spotlight.
• Create Bundles: Pair items for a holiday bundle.
• VIP Early Access: Email your customers with an “early access” offer.
• Extended Hours: Consider opening a little earlier or staying open later.

Small Business Saturday (This Saturday)
• Shop Local Giveaway: Every purchase earns an entry in a small raffle.
• Partner Up: Team up with another business for cross-promos.
• Free Gift With Purchase: Even something small adds excitement.
• Share Your Story: Post about why your business loves being part of the community.

Cyber Monday (Next Monday)
• Online Promo Code: A simple code like “THANKFUL10” works great.
• Digital Gift Card Bonus: “Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 free.”
• Flash Sale Windows: Rotate small offers every few hours online.
• Free Shipping or Local Delivery: If possible, offer a small perk to encourage checkout.

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Maison Nail Spa

We’re excited to welcome Maison Nail Spa to the Chamber! Maison offers elevated nail care using non-toxic products, trending designs, and services tailored for comfort and style. Their beautiful space, relaxing treatments, and commitment to making every client feel pampered truly set them apart. This is owner Thao’s second salon; we’re thrilled to welcome her to our community and look forward to supporting their continued growth. If you dislike the typical smell of acrylics in many salons, you’ll love coming here!

Thao Nguyen
2474 Glendale Blvd.
(626) 848-4568
maisonnailspa.com
silverlake@maisonnailspa.com

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Here’s what our Chamber Realtors are up to:
 

• Fenton Real Estate: 3143-3145 Larga Ave — Spanish bungalow and ADU (on the same lot), in Atwater Village. More info HERE.

• Trevino Properties: 4437 Avocado St #101– 2-bed, 3-bath two-level, front unit, with a private balcony, in the heart of Los Feliz. More info HERE.

• Paul Redmond: Check out Paul’s website for updates, listings and news.

• Fatima Malik: 440 Raymond Ave #20 — Top-floor Ocean Park apartment available for rent. More info HERE.

• Julie Mollo Homes Group: 2018 Griffith Park Blvd #109 — Fully renovated 2-bed, 2-bath in the heart of Silver Lake. More info HERE.

• Mark Duncan / Think Real Estate: 317 W Palmer Ave — Flexible space in the heart of Glendale. Currently a church and zoned for multifamily. More info HERE.

• Brittany Walter: 7617 Lilly Way — 4-bed, 3-bath contemporary home in North Hollywood. More info HERE.

• The Local Real Estate Group: 11218 Camarillo St — 3-bed, 3-bath spacious and bright corner unit in Toluca Lake. More info HERE.

• Anthony Mian: Check out Anthony’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

• Romy Flint: 1724 Golden Gate Ave — 1-bed, 1-bath in a Spanish triplex with beautiful views, available for rent. More info HERE.

• Jade Devitt: Check out Jade’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

• Tiao Properties: 2105-2107 E Cesar Chavez Ave — Historic, mixed-use, 30-unit property in Boyle Heights. More info HERE.

• Kenya Reeves-Costa / The LA Homegirl: 2978 Ripple Pl #105 — 2-bed, 2-bath corner unit at Riverhouse in Frogtown. More info HERE.

• Pinky Jones: Check out Pinky’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

• The Collective Realty: Check out the collective Realty’s Instagram and/or website for updates, listings and news.

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• Get ready to funk up your Thanksgiving night (Nov. 27th) at Akbar’s Jive Turkey edition, where funk, soul, house, and disco hit the floor all night. After you’re stuffed, come dance it out under the disco ball. No cover, just pure groove. More info HERE.

• Join SIJCC on Friday, December 5th from 5:30-7:30pm, for a family-friendly night with trivia for the adults and a cozy PJ movie pizza party for the kids. Dinner, drinks, popcorn, and Paddington 2 make it the perfect Friday night for ages 4 to 11. More info HERE.

• Join AGC Collision for a Cars & Coffee morning filled with great cars, warm coffee, and even better company. Swing by on Saturday, November 29th from 9-11am, for a relaxed meet-up and connect with the AGC team in the sunshine. More info HERE.

• Rockaway Record‘s new Premier Auctions are now live, featuring a curated lineup of rare and collectible music treasures. Browse, bid, and claim your favorites now through December 9th. More info HERE.

• Oaktown Spice Shop has everything you need to take your Thanksgiving turkey from simple to unforgettable. Explore their brines, rubs, and seasonal blends to make your holiday table full of bold, fresh flavor – or pick up a gift certificate for your holiday host! More info HERE.

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Finding Grants and Sponsorships:
Locate Opportunities, Apply Confidently, Stand Out to Funders

Wednesday, December 3rd at 10am

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

• How to find legitimate small business grants & sponsorships
• How to prepare for common types of business funding
• What it means to be “grant-ready” and how to determine eligibility
• Key application documents funders expect and how to prepare them
• Free and low-cost business resources that support growth, visibility, and funding readiness

SIGN-UP HERE

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Susan North
Parent Educator and Mediator

**FREE CONSULTATION**

Susan North helps people understand/manage conflict and provides the following services: Mediation • Conflict Coaching • Facilitation • Peer Mediation Training • Parent Education Classes • Parent Coaching

2524 Micheltorena St. 
(323) 661-0226  
northmediates@gmail.com

Susan is also the author of The Opposite of Combat, a guide for parents & caregivers (see her WEBSITE for more information) and writes a blog called Squabblefest www.squabblefest.com/blog.