Unlike most professional networking set-ups, Ashley Medina’s events sometimes get rolling in the wee hours of the morning—like 3:00 or 4:00 a.m.—with people gathered at her 603 E. Michigan Avenue storefront building.
And instead of swapping business cards, they're creating music and art as well as marketing strategies.
“Why go to Vegas or New York?” asks Medina. “We need to show Lansing and the world that we have the resources right here, right in Lansing, for creative professionals to thrive.”
A New ModelFor businesspeople, professional networking is vital to increasing the visibility of their business. Lansing has tons of networking groups including
Grand River Connection,
Capital City Toastmasters,
Kiwanis Club of Lansing, the
Junior League of Lansing, and
Chamber of Commerce-sponsored events.
But what kind of networking opportunities are there for creatives like a graphic artists, fashion models, musicians and fashion designers? Those who don’t fit the nine-to-five mold?
Many creatives in smaller markets make plans to leave for the Big City and the hope of bigger opportunities—and better connections. But when a budding photographer or actor or musician packs up a U-Haul and leaves Lansing for the coast, Lansing becomes just a bit less creative—and loses another business.
Medina is fighting to reverse this flight with
CHILL—Creating Hope in Lansing Lives.
Medina created CHILL to help people network and grow their business. But she has a very specific set of businesspeople in mind—and a very unique twist on the concept of “networking.”
A Creative NetworkMedina’s home base is located next to
Rum Runners, in the midst of the rapidly growing
Stadium District area on Lansing’s
Eastside.
“My goal is to give people a space not only to network, but also develop their talents and image through the resources I’m gathering here,” explains Medina.
CHILL’s ambience is funky—artsy graffiti covers the walls and Medina’s well-trained Dobermans roam about. But it’s also a comfortable urban loft full of modern furniture, plants and posters of upcoming events, and it’s giving creatives a place to gather, relax and refresh their creative juices.
Racks full of for-rent fashionable clothing stand in the back of the pace, along with an industrial-sized embroidery machine and a full styling center with hair, nails, makeup and massage services.
All of this seems odd for a business networking center, but Medina spent 10 years styling in the Lansing area, and has expanded her services to what she calls "life styling,” which includes image assessment, nutritional analysis and stress management.
"It's not just about providing a space for creative professionals to gather," says Medina. "It's just as much about helping people with their image, how they see themselves, how others see them.”
Medina has more than 150 creative clients, ranging from musicians, producers, stand-up comics and photographers to models, graphic designers, financial advisors, actors, DJs, club owners and politicians.
“So much of how successful we are depends on how we see ourselves,” she says. “I want to help people with their image, from hair and makeup to how they dress, how their body feels, how their home feels—it's all connected.”
Local businessman, Jon Eyde, is one of Medina’s customers, and has nothing but praise for Medina’s work. “One stop at her studio and you’ll learn why Ashley’s upbeat attitude and positive influence is one of Lansing’s greatest treasures.”
Advantages of Lansing“I know what Lansing has to offer,” says Medina. “I’m putting together a team of knowledgeable, experienced entrepreneurs and creative professionals who have the talent to make Lansing even more of a vibrant, exciting city.”
Medina’s enthusiasm for Lansing and its assets is both infectious and informed.
“One of Lansing’s advantages is its size,” explains Medina. “I wouldn’t want to try this in any other city. I’m trying to build excitement through word of mouth and gradually draw people here.”
Medina wants to start hosting events in her space, including a fashion show that can bring together local models, designers, DJs and photographers. She also wants to start a magazine showcasing Lansing talent.
Medina’s vision extends to a sustainable sense of community that starts with supporting neighbors. That means she’s eager to work with a wide variety of people and organizations in the Stadium District. She even hired a homeless man who happened to have sign painting skills—someone she met at the nearby
City Rescue Mission—to paint the signage in her storefront window.
“My plan is to work with all the businesses in the block, from Rum Runners to the City Rescue Mission. It doesn’t matter what your station in life is. We all need to manage our image and look our best. We’re all connected,” she says.
“I tell everyone that they can create their dream here in Lansing — it just takes patience, commitment and the sense of being part of a community that cares.”
Style of Self ImageMedina interviews every client to determine exactly how to improve their image.
“When someone comes in for the first time, I like to interview them and conduct an image analysis; find out what their self-image is, what they need to work on. It’s a mutual interview, really,” says Medina. “It may be their wardrobe needs attention, or their weight—or maybe they just need a massage once a week, or a new hairstyle.”
There’s a $100, one-time fee for the assessment, and a membership fee of $40 per month includes hair or nail treatments and a weekly massage for both male and female members.
“A lot of creative people try to go it alone, but it’s tough,” says Medina. “I’m trying to help. Everyone needs improvement of some sort, a fresh view of who they are and what they can accomplish, and CHILL offers a fresh view.”
Although anyone can come in and have their style updated (an appointment is recommended), members also have access to wider array of services. Member-only evenings are scheduled regularly, so members can bounce ideas off each other, make connections and expand their businesses. Medina is also putting together events for members to show off their talents, such as fashion shows and fashion photography sessions.
“This is a great space for creative endeavors, to meet up and show what you have,” says Medina.
“If you think you’re one of Lansing’s finest creative talents, I’d love to meet you.”
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Sam Mills is a local freelance writer who has lived in Lansing (with an occasional stint in Detroit) since 1976.
Dave Trumpie is the managing photographer for Capital Gains. He is a freelance photographer and owner of Trumpie Photography.
Photos:
Life Stylist Ashley Medina and her Michigan Avenue storefront building
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie