This month, Law has partnered with local fave food truck and restaurant Arepa Culture. In order to bring new guests into the biz—and keep them coming back—any person who brings in a receipt from Arepa Culture for $25 or more to BWS can receive $10 off at the spa.
“Our hope is that folks who may have a small order may add a bit more to get them to $25 in order to enjoy the savings,” explains Law. “Guests can use one receipt per service. So, if someone comes in once a week, they can save up receipts and use them for multiple visits at Blue Water Spa.”
A minority-owned and -operated business by a Venezuelan-American family, Arepa Culture opened in 2014 as the Triangle’s first arepa food truck, before expanding its footprint and popularity into a full-blown brick-and-mortar. And Law attests to this success—saying the arepas are “truly amazing!” (The popular eatery is also known for its bowls and cachapas, aka Venezuelan corn pancakes.)
“As a small family-owned business, we are deeply appreciative of the support we are receiving through Blue Water Spa’s Small Helping Small program,” says Arepa Culture CEO Marcel Jera. “Their partnership is not only bringing new customers to Arepa Culture, but it is also reinforcing the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community.” Plus, it’s a win-win for customers. … And that is something we all can get behind. bluewaterspa.com,arepaculturenc.com
Support local businesses through Blue Water Spa’s Small Helping Small Program.
“Buy small or bye, bye small.” Cheeni Indian Emporium owner Preeti Waas posted this quote on Instagram on Small Business Saturday, and before you write it off as dramatic, it’s true. Local businesses need your support—every day, not just Small Biz Saturday—as without your support, they’ll go out of business (so, uh, clear that Amazon cart now!—and consider shopping for Christmas gifts locally).
Waas’ powerful post struck a chord with one local business owner in particular, Kile Law of Blue Water Spa, who proceeded to launch a Small Helping Small BWS Program in which Blue Water Spa clients can get $10 off any medical spa service, treatment or product with every $25 spent at Cheeni throughout the month of December. Just bring in your receipt from Cheeni—and there’s no limit to how many receipts you can bring in.
“As the female owner of a small locally owned business, I know the difficulties of running a small business and keeping it open,” says Law. The selfless spa owner also plans to partner with other small businesses throughout the year, with at least one small business partner each month.
Pro tip: Pop into the North Raleigh resto for lunch or dinner (bonus: Cheeni just started serving alcohol!) and enjoy delish authentic Indian cuisine like masala fries, paneer pav and lamb vindaloo; shop the bazaar for home and food products; then make an appointment for a little self care at BWS. It’s a win-win for everyone. #ShopSmall!
Spreading the holiday cheer—and sweetness—this season is Bake Eat Love, an all-the-rage subscription box biz offering easy-to-follow recipes for your holiday baking binge—think chocolate peppermint whoopie pies, gingerbread cake rolls and snow globe cookies.
Founded by Kristen and Nick Baileys with a mission to “share the love of baking by making it more accessible,” Bake Eat Love serves up its sweet monthly subscription box—or one-time purchase for the noncommittal—with premeasured ingredients, a tool used in the recipe, a detailed recipe card featuring step-by-step instructions, pictures, online instruction videos and a FAQ page. Translation: making it easy as pie to nail whichever treat you decide to try your hand at, whether it’s a simple cupcake or a macaron (one of the hardest feats, according to Kristen).
The baking aficionado got the inspiration for Bake Eat Love while she was working at a cupcake shop and saw how much joy baked goods brought people—but the idea didn’t take shape until a few years later after the Baileys moved to Raleigh and Kristen was unable to find an existing baking kit that really scratched her itch. And so, she created her own.
“[I wanted] to share the love of baking by making it more accessible,” says Kristen, and “offer some warmth and happiness in the craziness of life.”
Beyond the holidays, bring the “happiness” into the new year with unique recipes for sweets like tiramisu cupcakes, and yuzu and white chocolate lava cakes. “No matter where you are in your baking experience, we try to meet you there,” says Kristen. Hey, even “Cake Boss” had to start somewhere. bakeeatlovebox.com
