Fan Mail:

The Beast: John Powers

Going out to get laid is totally different from dating. Your attitude is non-committal and it matters not if you find someone special. That’s not what you want. You’re not looking to get to know a person or develop a relationship. You’re looking for some action. It’s a numbers game. Your approach should be direct. Here’s a few girls who you should talk to at the bar that will give you the best odds at playing hide and skeet before closing time…

Fan Mail:

The Beast: John Powers

There are only two reasons to remain friends with an ex. I’m going to stipulate that it was a relationship that lasted at least a year, and that there were real feelings involved. If it was a fling, or a month of hookups… there is probably no benefit to staying friends (unless you hooked up with a friend, but that’s another blog…)

The first reason to remain friends is that your ex can help give you perspective. No matter how long you were together this person knew you (to some degree) at some point in your life. It could be helpful (or at least entertaining) to find out years later that you were a selfish lover, or that your sense of humor can be a bit abrasive, or that you kick people in your sleep. Someone who shares your bed and interacts with you every day can get to know you better than even your closest friends. Their insights can come in handy years later. It takes time apart before this honest communication can happen, but it has the potential to help you realize things about yourself.

The second reason to remain friends is out of concern. No matter how or why it ended this person was a part of your life at some point. They were there for whatever you were going through at the time. You cared about them and if it ended well it is natural to be curious how life is going for them. Did they end up following their dream of opening a yoga studio? How did that triathlon go? I would not suggest becoming BFFs, but it may feel good to check in once in a blue and see how this person is doing… if your intentions are good. This can sometimes be petty and self-serving. If you’re hoping to hear they lost a job or went back to crack it might be better to just leave them alone.

- John Powers

John’s parody of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind is now available on iTunes. Click here to download Empire State of Meh.

http://www.johnjpowers.com
facebook.com/ComicJohnPowers
@ComicJohnPowers

Beauty: Kendra Cunningham

Unless you have kids, property or a business to deal with, keeping in touch with exes is JV. Anytime I have ever kept in touch with an ex it’s been an uneven playing field. Either I still wanted to be involved but acted like everything was cool, hoping for an opportunity to get back together or I really had no interest in getting back together but I knew he did, and yes, that made me feel good about myself. Who doesn’t like to be wanted? Pined after?

I had a guy who wanted to remain friends. The thing is, usually you break up because you have decided you don’t like the other person. So why stay friends with someone you don’t like? To be considered a good sport? Guess what? I’m not a good sport. I’m a sore sport. I’m a bitter, vindictive sport. So let’s call a spade a spade here. One of us decided the other wasn’t worthy of extensive interpersonal time. So why keep our tiptoes in the ocean of connection? When I see guys I used to hook up with I tend to stick with a head nod. As far as I’m concerned, we served our time together, who wants to sit around and recap a prison sentence? Not me.

It’s never worked the other way for me. Whenever I have stayed in touch with the hopes of getting back together, it has never happened. Sure there have been confusing feelings and hopeful conversations alluding to possibly, maybe still having feelings for each other.

Life is too short. Relationships shouldn’t be hard. Seriously, a relationship should enhance your life not inhibit it. So if you were dating and now you’re not, steer clear. Pretend like one of you moved  to a new city or got sent to jail. Make up crazy stories about your ex, keep them in your head, but believe them. Fake it til you make it baby.

Pretend like you are over him long enough and walaaa, one day you wake up and you don’t have to fake it anymore. It has become a reality.

If you want to get in touch with an ex, write me Kendra@kendracunningham.com, I’ll pretend to be your ex and believe me, you won’t like your ex anymore. Because believe it or not, I can  be a meanie pants. Or in most cases, a meanie underpants.

Kendra

Kendra is a stand up comic living in Brooklyn where she owns a super comfortable bed. She spends most of her time wondering where the hell her sugar daddy is and hoping he didn’t settle.

www.kendracunningham.com

www.blondelogicblog.com

twitter @kendracomedy

For more from Beauty and The Beast visit their previous columns here!

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Fan Mail:

“I met a guy online and the date was going well but then he made me split the tab. If he was into me, he would’ve paid, right? Is chivalry really dead?”

The Beast:  John Powers

He might be into you… just a bit cheap. What did it say online about his income? (if it said nothing then he’s ashamed, guys that make good money like to tell people about it) Are you sure the date was going well? Did you both laugh and feel comfortable? Were you expecting a second date? How much would a guy pay to seal the deal? Maybe if you had ordered the chicken instead of the lobster he would’ve grabbed the check.

Chivalry is not dead. To quote Billy Crystal in Princess Bride, it is only “mostly-dead.” There was a time when women fought so hard for equality that it almost back-fired. Men are simple creatures. If you tell them you want to open your own door and pay for your own food… they will let you. After years of telling men that they were unnecessary, they have grown accustomed to feeling useless and out of place. There are many men that have stopped trying to impress women. That’s why video games were invented. It goes deeper than that. Women today earn more money than their male counterparts. They are doing better in their careers and trying harder to succeed. Men have become apathetic. To tell a man that he need not be your provider or protector, you are (in a sense) emasculating him and making him feel inadequate.

In my experience I have come across both modern and traditional women. I have been on dates where a woman was offended when I wouldn’t let her split the check (I paid but she insisted on getting the first round of drinks at the next spot… so I let her). I have had women look at me sideways when I pull out a chair for them. I have also been out with women who did not even take out their purse or offer to pay their share, as if it were expected. I have been on dates where the “lady” would not get in the car unless I opened the door for her. The one consistency here is that I was always a gentleman. That’s the important thing.

Chivalry is not dead, but it has changed. If you are an old-fashioned lady who wants a man to take care of certain things, then you should look for an old-fashioned man who enjoys taking care of those things. There are still a few out there. There are men who feel good about picking up the check even if you earn more money than they do. Some guys were taught that no matter what a lady should be treated like a lady.

… it sounds like you need to date one of those guys.

- John Powers

John’s parody of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind is now available on iTunes. Click here to download Empire State of Meh.

http://www.johnjpowers.com
facebook.com/ComicJohnPowers
@ComicJohnPowers

Beauty: Kendra Cunningham

Chivalry is not dead but it is in danger of extinction. I agree it’s hard to find a real gentleman nowadays especially a generous one. The harsh reality is online dating and internet based casual sex has made a lot of men lazy and apathetic. You met this guy online, for all you know he goes on internet dates every night of the week. That’s a big dating budget. I’m not saying it’s right but I do think of internet dates differently than I do a “I met this guy and he asked for my contact information and then he called and asked me to dinner” date. If I was a dude dating online, I would split the bill on the first date too.  I’m tempted to say ‘don’t take it personally’ but fuck, I know I would.

Here’s the thing, did you like him? Find him attractive? Funny? IF he had paid for you, would you see him again? Don’t write him off based on one incident. If he asks you out again, I wouldn’t hesitate to joke around and say something like “So is this gonna be our first official date as a guy who met a girl he’s interested in?”  Ok maybe say it different, more lighthearted but you know what I’m saying. COMMUNICATE your concern in some way. See if he gets it. There is nothing worse than getting involved with someone who doesn’t communicate well, whether it’s the listening or the sharing part of communicating. Bad communication means bad relationship. Either way, go to the second date prepared to pay anyway. Remember, people are fucked. You might think it’s clear this is a standard guy pays for girl date this time and boom, he springs the “Wow, dinner was great and the desert, well, it can only be topped by me sitting back and watching you pay for you.”  on you. Gloves are off. Grab the bill and say something like “Stop emasculating me” and pay the whole damn thing. Then lean back, look him in the eye, and rub your titties.

You may not get a boyfriend out of it, but everybody should have one story ending with  “then I leaned back, looked him in the eye, and rubbed my titties. I never saw that poor excuse for a man again”

Thanks for listening

Kisses-

Kendra

Kendra is a stand up comic living in Brooklyn where she owns a super comfortable bed. She spends most of her time wondering where the hell her sugar daddy is and hoping he didn’t settle.

www.kendracunningham.com

www.blondelogicblog.com

twitter @kendracomedy

For more from Beauty and The Beast visit their previous columns here!

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Fan Mail:

“My wingman and I are both solid 7′s but he always gets the girls. What gives? Why is he so lucky?”

Frustrated Fred

Want your dating or relationship question answered by Kendra and John? Email thecomedypoint@gmail.com

The Beast:  John Powers

Are you sure you’re a 7? Trace an outline of your face into a mirror with shaving cream. I’m willing to bet you’re not as symmetrical as your friend. If your eyes are more than three inches apart (or less than half an inch) you may have a problem. If you’re not a Picasso and this guy is legitimately getting more tail… it might not be about looks.

He’s probably got more charisma. The Jews call it “chutzpah.” These types of guys can be a 6 and if placed in the right situation can land a 9. There’s just something appealing about him. He’s got charm but he’s not arrogant. He knows how to flirt without going overboard. He can be sexual without being raunchy. He knows just what to say to make the ladies you’re hitting on want to be closer to him.

You may be asking yourself how I know so much about this guy. Well… he’s a lot like me. Women are constantly falling in love with my amazing personality. The difference is that I share the wealth. My wingmen are along for the ride and it usually works out well for everyone involved. There have been many nights that I struck up a conversation and then gave the boys the signal to join us.

My dudes occasionally ask how I do it. Unfortunately it’s not something that can be taught. You either have it or you don’t. Men waste hours and dollars taking classes on, “how to pick up women,” or even, “how to be smooth,” but it comes from within. The best thing you can do is harness your friend’s energy and be supportive when his charm is taking over.

If the guy you’re going out with is being greedy with potential matches, tell him so. Let him know what it means to be a good wingman. You’re not just there for him, he needs to reciprocate. Make sure that while he’s schmoozing the panties off one girl that you’re getting enough help to get her friend on board.

… call me if he continues to be selfish.

- John Powers

John’s parody of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind is now available on iTunes. Click here to download Empire State of Meh.

http://www.johnjpowers.com
facebook.com/ComicJohnPowers
@ComicJohnPowers

… John’s parody of “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s is now available on iTunes. Click here to buy “Venereal Disease”

Beauty:  Kendra Cunningham

You’re both 7’s? Ok first of all, as human beings we tend to overrate ourselves and underrate competitors so there is a possibility that he is simply more attractive than you. If you are calling him a 7 he’s probably an 8. An 8 is pretty damn good. Meanwhile, do people still do this whole rating from 1 to 10 thing? I can’t remember the last time I was talking to a friend and said “So this guy comes up to me, he’s about a, I don’t know, a 7….” And then we both understand what he looks like. No, I just think someone is attractive, I can’t even say why most of the time. Basically, if I meet someone and I am attracted to them, it is a mystery to me. Most likely they are distant, uncommunicative, immature and bigger than me. That tends to be my M.O..

How bad do you want to meet girls? I know so many apathetic dudes who sit around and complain about not meeting women yet they don’t TRY. No matter what is happening in our culture, women still like to be doted on. Everybody always says “guys love the chase”  “girls love the assholes” blah blah blah. In the long run we all like to feel liked and wanted. Acting like you like someone isn’t easy. It requires a degree of vulnerability, you open yourself up for rejection, and you have to communicate FEELINGS somehow.

Who wants to do that? People who want to over talk everything, that’s who. My point is, if you are out, are you talking to women? Are you asking questions about them? Being easy going and fun? Buying them a drink? For Christ’s Sake guys, would it kill you to buy a girl a friggin’ drink? Seriously. It’s a ten dollar gesture that speaks volumes.

It says “I don’t see you as a drink grubbing floosy, that thought never crossed my mind.”

Without more info I can’t say what the deal is here but it’s great that you care enough to write in. Do you have any girl friends? Ask them about your rap and wardrobe. A lot of guys think they should be themselves when they meet women. No way, Jose. Do you think women act like themselves when they meet men? It’s not even possible. You have to put on your game face, your best version of you. Seduction involves strategy. Ask some ladies what they think of you as a potential mate. Go online and go on dates you don’t care about, for the experience. Or maybe you don’t care that much. Maybe you just really want to get as much tail as your friend, nothing more. If that’s the case, be aggressive and don’t take rejection personally. It’s a numbers game. For every girl who thinks you’re a complete and utter tool there is a girl with flimsy standards and a past she’s trying to forget through fast paced romantic relationships.

If you want to get together and talk about it, let me know.

Bring your friend.

Kendra

Kendra is a stand up comic living in Brooklyn  where she owns a super comfortable bed. She spends most of her time wondering where the hell her sugar daddy is and hoping he didn’t settle.

www.kendracunningham.com

www.blondelogicblog.com

Twitter @kendracomedy

For more from Beauty and The Beast visit their previous columns here!

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Fan Mail:

“It’s been a while since I’ve had really frequent sex with my wife. I still think she’s attractive, but it’s easier to masturbate then to do the whole foreplay and sex thing. Is there something wrong with me?”

Stan the man

Beauty: Kendra Cunningham

Sexually apathy is common in long term relationships. Most great sex is fueled by our projected ideas about our sex partner. It takes years to get to know someone and when you do, miss-perceptions that may have had you all hot and bothered are laid to rest. Happens to the best of us. Not all of us but the best of us. Some of us are die hard sex fiends remember.

The thing is, maybe it’s not a problem for your wife. Maybe she’s thinking ‘I hope he goes and beats off this year’ who knows. Have you talked to her about it? I’ve heard stories of couples having highly sexual years followed by no sex for months then back to doing it on a daily basis. Daily basis is good loving. Shoot, I hate having to listen to friends talking about how much sex they are having, it’s like talking to a rich a person, you don’t want them to know how inferior you feel but you can’t help but say things like ‘well, how do you feel as a person though?” and other stupid in depth questions to try to trip up their level of life satisfaction. So that’s point number one, maybe you don’t have to take any concerted action.

On the other hand, if you feel like you need to take action to change the situation, as complicated as women are, there are a few things that are very simple about us.

We love compliments.

Pretty, skinny, funny, whatever it is, it’s even better if  you mention a specific instance “when you had on that pink satin kimono, singing the Japanese anthem in the park, you looked HOT”

We love surprises. – gifts, trips, dinners, anything that you have planned without our event planning skills, the more we can go brain dead the better. Have an outfit picked out for her  and take control. “Put this on, leave your phone and wallet on the bureau’ ok that might sound a little ominous but you catch my drift.

We love when you initiate conversations. We want to know you think about the  relationship and can articulate those thoughts without getting all weird and uncomfortable. Even if it’s a three minute divulgence, write down some thoughts, practice out loud. Look in the mirror even. Say something meaningful, unsolicited. “You know, I was thinking about how much I obsessed about maybe buying an iPhone, I just want to say,  you are such a great listener and have so much patience, I don’t know what I would do without you.” Girls LOVE the “I don’t know what I’d do without you” line. Trust me.

So that’s a start. If you want to reignite the engines, I would go the indirect route. Unless you want to have a direct conversation and run the risk of her being uninterested in addressing the situation, that’s a crap shoot.

It’s your call.

I’d pander if I was you.

Kisses-

Kendra

Kendra is a stand up comic living in Brooklyn  where she owns a super comfortable bed. She spends most of her time wondering where the hell her sugar daddy is and hoping he didn’t settle.

www.kendracunningham.com

www.blondelogicblog.com

Twitter @kendracomedy

The Beast:  John Powers

There’s nothing wrong with you. What you’re feeling is totally normal. After spending years with the same person it can become difficult to remember a time when it was new and exciting.

Fan Mail

“I’ve been seeing this guy for a few months and he won’t stop asking me to do anal. I told him I’m not into it. Why are guys still obsessed with ass sex?”

Plain Jane

The Beast:  John Powers

Everyone has different definitions to what they consider kinky and each of us draws a line where sex is no longer fun. Part of getting to know someone sexually is to learn what they like and what they don’t. We need to respect each other’s boundaries and make our lovers comfortable.

I’ve been with women who had no interest in anal… and that’s fine. It’s not something I require to feel good sexually. Many women are grossed out by the thought or afraid it will hurt. I had one girl tell me she absolutely loved it. There’s a thrill in doing something “forbidden” or going someplace nobody has gone before. It turned her on to feel dirty and get penetrated every way possible. Some people enjoy that.

Guys like it because it’s typically tighter. Your vagina is awesome but there’s nothing that can compete with a sphincter. There is also a feeling of power that comes with f***ing someone in the ass…  Many men are turned on by the thought of sodomizing your butt. We get to look at your beautiful booty from a new angle and watch our penis go someplace it doesn’t belong… partially because most women don’t want it there.

If you don’t want anything in your butt… and you’ve clearly experssed that… he should respect your decision and leave your anus alone. This guy sounds like he’s pushing you to do something you don’t want to do. That’s not healthy. Ask him if he would like something in his butt. It’s only fair. If he says he wouldn’t mind, then he may be too kinky for you.

Keep in mind that sex is about giving to someone and sharing vulnerability. If you decide that you’d like to try it there is a way to make it easier. Lubrication. Have a few glasses of wine and calm your nerves. Make sure you’re ready and relax your muscles. When you clench it gets tighter but it will only hurt in the end (haha). Supposedly (from what women have told me) the pain is mostly during entry. As long as you are both properly lubricated once he is in it should hit a spot that doesn’t otherwise get much attention. Believe it or not your anus has more sensitive nerve endings than your vagina and there are angles that can stimulate your clitoris and g-spot as well.

- John Powers

http://www.johnjpowers.com
facebook.com/ComicJohnPowers
@ComicJohnPowers

… John’s parody of “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s is now available on iTunes. Click here to buy “Venereal Disease”

The Beauty:  Kendra Cunningham

You know what? Guys are f’d up. Just as fucked up as us lady types. Who knows why SOME guys will bug the crap out of you about anal. Not all guys. I’ve met some guys who are squeamish about the whole thing. That’s the thing, most guys just want to convince you to do it more so than they really want to do it. These are my suppositions about why guys have anal fixations.

1.     They want you to do things you don’t want to do to prove you like them more than they like you. It’s a power play. There are some guys who, no matter how much you let them know you love them, are crazy committed to them, and have no interests outside of your relationship, these guys still want more proof ! Preferably nonverbal proof, guys are visual*. Guaranteed if a girl said “Sure let’s do it but then I get to strap one on and return the favor.” The deal is dead in the water. And probably the relationship too.

2.     It’s kinda taboo. It’s a low level kinky move. Guys will push the kinky thing just to test boundaries. Anal is part of the kinky orientation trifecta: threesome, anal, sex tape. These are the elementary kinky scenarios that guys like to bring up. Sometimes I think its because they can’t think of anything else to talk about.  Sometimes its because they like to wear Al Pacino Scarface masks while you blow him but he doesn’t want to tell you that until he has the sex tape in hand.

3.     They’re gay. Hey, let’s not pretend like we don’t have closeted homosexuals walking around having sex with heterosexual women. It happens every day. So yes, there are some guys trying to get you to do anal so they can practice for The Real Deal. You are simply an opportunity for them to get good. These are the guys who encourage you to stop waxing and prefer you face down with your hair in a baseball cap for sexual dalliances. We’ve all been there.

Listen, I know there are girls out there that like anal. Good for you. I’m sure you’re very popular. I prefer to suffer alone and horny, dressed like my favorite sexual position, missionary style.

*I’m so sick of people saying “guys are visual” “guys like to look at pretty things”.

Guess what? Who the fuck isn’t? You think I see ugly dudes and my sexual interest is unaffected? No!  Ugly pushes a chick off the-fuck-zone cliff just as fast as any dude.

Thanks for listening!

For more from Beauty and The Beast visit their previous columns here!

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Fan Mail

“My lady and I don’t have much cash. How can we go on a date and not spend a lot of money?”

Joe Dirt

The Beast:  John Powers

Dating shouldn’t be expensive. Times are tough and your sweetie has to know that your love is priceless. There are plenty of fun things to do that won’t break the bank. Here’s a short list of my favorites.

1. Play Skeeball. Everyone loves throwing balls into holes. Plus, it’s like a dollar a play and you get nine balls. That’s an amazing deal. You can play like… ten times for only $10.

2. Go Stargazing. Never underestimate the allure of laying with your sweetie andlooking at the stars. It will only cost whatever you spend on a bottle of wine and however much gas you need to drive to a place where stars are actually visible.

3. Take a Stay-dation. You’re heard of taking a vacation to stay at home… Here’s a date where you can stay at home! Get some popcorn and a good movie and snuggle up for the cold winter nights. Hibernate together. Go back outside when spring arrives.

4. Visit Nature. If you can find it… it’s still free. Go wandering through the woods, hike up a mountain, or hang out at the beach. There’s nothing more romantic than kissing under a waterfall or swimming naked in a natural hot spring.

5. Have Coffee. It’s a simple excuse to get out and talk. Whether a first date or with your long-term lover, coffee is a great excuse to go do something together. Grab a cup and walk around together, or find a local joint with live acoustic music or standup comedy.

If you’ve tried all these and still need more ideas, then your person is high-maintenance. You should have considered that before getting serious with them. If its not too late… find someone that enjoys the simple things in life.

- John Powers

http://www.johnjpowers.com
facebook.com/ComicJohnPowers
@ComicJohnPowers

… John’s parody of “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s is now available on iTunes. Click here to buy “Venereal Disease”

The Beauty:  Kendra Cunningham

This is terrible timing. I recently entered a phase that revolves around the premise “I will not die poor.” I might die alone, or fat, or hated by most, but I WILL NOT DIE POOR.  So, you want to talk cheap. I know cheap. I’m trying to leave it in the rear view. Had you asked this question last month, I would have said “Give me your email. I’ll send a list of places” because I was PROUD to know that stuff. Not now, now I’m a lady preparing for my due lifestyle. I tell you all that so you know, I probably know a lot more than what I am about to share but there’s not enough room in my mind for it anymore, my imaginations too big.

So you can’t go out and spend money, that sucks but you can still do fun stuff.

Go to the beach

It doesn’t even matter what season it is, going to the beach together is always a memory in the making. First of all, there are beach people and then there is the rest of the world. I remember the first time I dated someone who didn’t like the beach, couldn’t stand it. Hated the beach. I liked him less. I couldn’t help it. Hate the beach? That’s a type of fucked up that can’t be fixed.

If its summer you get to see how they would act if they were naked in public.

What people wear makes up a big part of their personality. Or at least, they’re perceived personality. When the individualistic threads factor is removed from the equation, people act different. I’m going to admit something here, I have been known to date people based on appearance, and wardrobe is a big part of appearance. Once he takes that chunky- knit- cashmere- sweater- in- an- unusual- color- I- can’t- even- name sweater off, not so into him.

Zoo

Zoos are a great bang for your buck. You get to see animals, learn about animals, and even, feed animals sometimes. I think you know my strategy here, you get to see your partners thoughts and feelings about animals. Are you kidding me? This is evidence gathering gold. You have to love a guy who loves animals. I especially like it when he can add to the educational information already available at the zoo. “Not only does a baboon ass swell when they are ready to mate, the male also grooms the female before mating.” A guy who can talk about mating? Are you shitting me? A lot of the information available on each animal at any zoo involves  MATING, it’s a great way to lay the ground work.

Cook at home

Cooking at home always saves money. It’s a good team building exercise. When 2 people cook together, sometimes someone gets burned. Let’s face it, there is not one relationship in existence where people are of equal relationship status, there’s always someone steering the ship. Cooking is a good way to see who thinks what about where they stand in the relationship. I’ve had a few “so you think I’m just gonna cut onions and peel potatoes? I don’t think so mister, sauté some shit”

It’s also fun to watch someone cook. I have more experience with that. You sit and drink wine and ask questions about what’s going in where. The only thing that stinks about watching is it’s kind of expected that the watcher cleans up. Cleaning up is the worst. I hate cleaning up. I usually go for the I’ll clean it up in the morning, which I would, but a lot of people don’t like that. They want to watch you clean it. They enjoy watching your buzz kill responsibility. People who like to cook always look down on people who don’t. Rightfully so, people who like to cook are gifted.

We both know there are more ways to have fun on a limited budget but I feel satisfied with what I have here.

It is a blog for Christ’s sake.

A free one for that matter.

Let us know what you end up doing!

Thanks for writing in and reading and all that jazz

For more from Beauty and The Beast visit their previous columns here!

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EYES ON RETAIL INC
Follow Eyes on Retail on Twitter: @EyesonRetail1

 

How did you get into your business?

Ken:

It dawned on me a few years ago when I was sifting through the Clearance racks at one of my favorite stores that there were probably many people doing the same thing – shopping in the same manner as myself  I thought that maybe… if we pooled our intelligence… voila!  The key thing is the cooperation between myself and other shoppers ‘pooling’ our intelligence about bargains to share the info.

Was there any overlap between starting your business and working a “day” job?

Ken:

My company is my passion – I cannot imagine a world without it.  Fortunately my day job gives me some manner of flexibility, that I need to keep moving forward. But I always find myself pining away for when I can get back to work on my life’s passion – Eyes on Retail!

Describe your craziest day of juggling your professional and personal life?

Ken:

I think that crazy dysfunctional day happened this past August (2012), when I was scheduled to speak on a radio program on the same day that I had an article written about us in the local newspaper and published.  I was so nervous – people at work were like looking at me funny – I thought I was going to be overwhelmed by it all – but it just came and went.

Many people tell me that I work all the time, but I’m passionate about what I do, so I never look at it the way people in corporate America do. Do you live to work or work to live?

Ken:

I work to live – I love my project so much – and all the things I need to do to keep it lively – always moving, changing, pushing and pivoting.  I feel energized by it. When it starts to make money then I will pretty much have my proof of concept – then I can blow raspberries at all the naysayers who never believed it could amount to anything.

Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years?

Ken:

A large company with our own servers – serving a National or International market with several dozen employees.  Making a nice profit and at least a health Stock valuation – and well capitalized.  Maybe getting picked up by Google for $200 -$300 Million.

Does your current living location have anything to do with having your own business or could you live anywhere?

Ken:

For the time being as my company is focused on this city – this is where I am based out of.  I can get around very well here from tip to tip,  North to South or whatever.  Visiting individuals and Small and Medium sized businesses.  In the future who knows where this may land me!   Maybe the Borough President will give me the ‘Key to the City.  ’

Some people have an office or work from home, what is your most productive work environment?

Ken:

I have an office in my home.  Instead of being a golf widow, my wife probably thinks of herself as a widow to my project.  I use Starbucks or Everything Goes bookstore to do presentations, and do most of my thinking and planning in my home office.

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Wagner College, SOUL Joel’s Alma matter, has been instrumental in launching his career in entertainment and hiring Soul Joel Productions for entertainment for various student and alumni events. What better way to give back to his Alma mater than to periodically spotlight fellow Wagner College Alumni on The Comedy Point’s website. This week The Comedy Point is proud to present Peri Anderson, owner and operator of Brooklyn Girl Bakery.

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How did your experience at Wagner College help you with your career?

Peri:

Like a lot of other people I know, I ended up in a field completely outside of my major. Although, Arts Administration is a long way from cake decorating, I did learn that a strong work ethic and a love for your craft are keys for success.

Do you still keep in touch with other Wagner Alumni?

Peri:

Some of my closest friends today are the girls from my sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. They were my bridesmaids at my wedding and even though we live in different cities, they are still my sisters. Thanks to Facebook, I’ve been able to keep in touch with a lot of other Wagner alumni, as well.

What advice would you give others that are trying to break into your field?

Peri:

Be willing to work for free! No, seriously, my first bakery internship was unpaid but it was there that I learned everything I know today. I never went to culinary school and a lot of restaurants and bakeries wouldn’t give me an internship without any prior experience. Fortunately, The Night Kitchen Bakery in Philadelphia gave me a shot. My internship turned into a full-time job as a baker, which led to a promotion to assistant pastry chef and then head pastry chef over the course of 7 years. In August of 2011, I left the bakery to start my own wedding cake business.

When did you know that you wanted to be in the food industry?

Peri:

I was working in Manhattan at a market research company and started taking a recreational cake decorating class with my mom after work. I’d always enjoyed baking and the decorating part came pretty easily to me. I wasn’t cut out to work in an office and I needed a creative outlet.

What is the one thing that helped you most throughout your life?

Peri:

My family has been my backbone. My parents have always been supportive of all of my choices, whether it was my decision to quit my job and move to Philly or to quit another job and start my own business. My husband is the reason I moved to Philly and he has been behind me ever since.

What were your biggest challenges earlier on and throughout your career? 

Peri:

My biggest challenge was overcoming my own insecurities about my lack of culinary experience. Most of the people I’ve worked with had a formal culinary education in addition to a regular college education. I’ve always felt like I’ve had to prove myself to everyone and show them that I’m just as capable and talented. Over the course of my career, I’ve found that people are actually more impressed with the fact that I’ve learned everything on the job or on my own.

Are you happy doing what you’re doing?

Peri:

I love what I do! I’ve always loved being in this field, even when I was working 14 hour days or on holidays. There is nothing better than seeing a customer’s reaction to something you’ve created especially for them. It’s also really rewarding seeing my cakes featured in magazines or on-line. Now my job is even better, because I can take holidays off!

Check out Brooklyn Girl Bakery’s Website!
Add Brooklyn Girl Bakery on Facebook!

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