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Tag: Charlotte

Better Know a Sponsor: Painting with a Twist

Charlotte business owner Tara Fitzgerald likes that Ignite Charlotte strives to inspire people to think outside the box and learn something new.  That’s what she and the staff of Painting with a Twist try to do each day!  Originally from Louisiana, Tara found out about this franchise opportunity through some pictures that her friends back home posted on Facebook.  She saw her friends in an art studio drinking some wine and having fun.  She quickly learned about Painting with a Twist and decided to open a studio here in the Southpark area in 2011.

At Painting with a Twist, art is entertainment.  Their studio provides a venue for people to relax, create, and have a great night out.  A teacher is provided to guide people through painting their masterpiece, but the focus is really on fun and fellowship with others.  Students bring wine and food, and Tara provides music, cups, corkscrews and a relaxing environment that encourages the group not to take the art so seriously.  Fitzgerald just wants to inspire people to think a little creatively, and explore a different side of life.

While this is the first time that Fitzgerald has sponsored Ignite Charlotte, she does partner monthly with local non-profits to provide a unique avenue for fundraising.  She feels enlightened by learning about the various missions, success stories, and the ways that these non-profits are working to make Charlotte a better place to live.

We are excited to have Painting with a Twist as an Ignite Charlotte 5 sponsor!

Written by: Josie (@JosieMazz), Ignite Charlotte 5 Volunteer

 

Better Know a Sponsor: AdSpark

Charlotte web entrepreneur Matt McGlothlin founded AdSpark Promos in late 2010.  The company sells promotional products such as koozies, hats, pens, t-shirts, and any other product on which you can place a logo.

AdSpark has been a proud Ignite Charlotte sponsor since the third event. Matt says, “The event meshes nicely with our community-based philosophy. We like that the event opens minds and opens doors for people.” McGlothlin also loves the entrepreneurial spirit that surrounds the event. “Facilities such as Packard Place and Lightbulb Coworking are bringing local entrepreneurs into the spotlight. We like to think of our business as a startup because there is nothing quite like AdSpark out there.”

So what makes AdSpark different from other promotional product companies? They strive to use local screen printers and local suppliers as much as possible, helping to support other Charlotte business owners. Discounts are provided on any eco-friendly product ordered, and a portion of the proceeds of every order are donated to the client’s non-profit of choice. This is the essence of McGlothlin’s community-based philosophy.

AdSpark always seems to enlighten us with some of the neat gadgets on which they place the Ignite Charlotte logo: flash drive bracelets, laser pointer pens, and portable mini-mice for your netbook!

Welcome back AdSpark and thank you for your sponsorship support of Ignite Charlotte 5!

Written by: Josie (@JosieMazz), Ignite Charlotte 5 Volunteer