As far as parties go, this was a big one. Emphasis on One.
In August, Long Branch City Lifestyle owner and publisher Amy Dimes marked the completion of the magazine’s first year with a summertime celebration at 10PRL on Bath Avenue.
In all, nearly 100 friends, family members, business associates and advertisers gathered to mark the occasion with food, drinks, music and entertainment.
“I am so grateful for everyone who is here, and for everyone who supported the magazine’s growth,” Dimes said to the people in attendance. “It is constant work, to build this brand, and I am so grateful to celebrate with everyone who is here tonight. Thank you for making my dream come true.”
It also doubled as an opportunity for City Lifestyle advertisers and stakeholders to meet and mingle, sometimes for the first time.
“The biggest benefit for me has been the connections I've made with other business owners — especially other women business owners and other home/residential service providers,” said Shannon Littlehale, who owns Make Space Home Organizing in Long Branch. “I've gained a community that I didn't have prior to becoming an advertiser, and it's helped me grow my professional network, support and be supported by other local business owners, and feel more connected to the community.”
Real estate agent Sandra Valencia echoed Littlehale's sentiments. "Working with Amy has been great, and the magazine has really expanded my professional and personal networks."
Jeff Wosleger, a founding partner who operates the Budget Blinds franchise of Long Branch and Middletown, was equally pleased with the experience working with Dimes.
“It's been a great experience from the very first issue. A customer called the day it was in their mailbox, I didn't even realize it was already out,” Wosleger said. “Another customer called after her husband brought the magazine home from his business; now they’re repeat customers with a second order in production.”
The event was staged with the help of several partners, with food provided by Pastosa Eatontown, 21A on Broadway, Bella’s Pizzeria and personal cooking and catering by Chef Zazz. Jeff Gould of SCE Event Group supplied the soundtrack for the night. Aerialist and dancer Eliana Wenick welcomed guests with champagne, served in a way few have seen before, contorting herself through a golden hoop and pouring bubbly into glasses.
“This was a milestone event,” Dimes said, reflecting on the night. “I have to thank my founding partners, community members and, most importantly, my biggest support system, my family and close friends.”
The founding partners of Long Branch City Lifestyle magazine
Arctic Fire Cryotherapy
Budget Blinds of Long Branch
Casale Jewelers
Chocolates & Sweets by Joanna
Complete Care at Monmouth
Kim Keaveny | Strategic Life Coach
KUR Wellness Studio
Patricia George | O'Brien Realty
Pastosa Raviolo | Eatontown
RB Granite
Riverside Facial Plastic Surgery
Seacoast Spine and Sports Medicine
The Katz Team | Douglas Eilman
The Secret Garden Salon
Toms River Bintelli Street Golf Carts
Toms River Auto Group
The Remedy Realm | Dr. Abe Schreiber
The Whitechapel Projects
Vera Cengiz | The Lifestyle Group
Vivian Pisano Photography
Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home
“I'm so grateful for everyone who's here, and for everyone who supported the magazine’s growth”