Florida Agenda

By Bob Kecskemety

In many ways, the Wilton Manors of today is not the same city it  was 15 years ago, and the same  can be said of some of its most iconic landmarks. In the 1990s, the Island City was a two-square-mile bedroom community, and its main drag, Wilton Drive, ran through a “downtown” that was plain and drab. When a local bar called Georgie’s Alibi opened its doors on “the Drive” in April 1997, there was little to help predict the sea-change to come.

Today, the Alibi’s owners, Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete, note with amusement that the city and their landmark establishment have “come a long way.”

“We try to run our businesses by always doing the right thing with the highest integrity and ethics,” said Padgett “and not stepping on other people’s toes.” Together with Negrete, his life and business partner, the pair also own Bill’s Filling Station just across the Drive.

Among other things, Padgett says that he and Negrete recognize the importance of patronizing other local gay businesses. “These are local ‘mom and pop’ operations and they are self-employed, as Mark and I are. Together we try to insure that money spent on necessity items are spent within our community.” That includes working with neighboring merchants in helping to create the highly successful “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” which has benefited all the businesses located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors.

The national spotlight first shone on Wilton Manors and its LGBT community just three years after Alibi opened its doors, when the 2000 U.S. Census data showed that between 11 and 17 percent of couples sharing homes in the Island City were “unmarried partners,” thinly-disguised official language to describe same-sex couples.

When the iconic establishment opened that spring, fifteen years ago, the property it occupies was boarded-up and had no electricity to power the lights. Most of the neighborhood’s stores were empty, although some businesses lined Wilton Drive: a lock and safe shop, a nursery, a vending machine company, and a couple of offices -not exactly what you’d consider an entertainment district.

The 2000 Census was a signpost that signaled the beginning of the area’s gay gentrification. Wilton Manors became the heart of South Florida’s gay community and Alibi undeniably became its heartbeat. The power couple of Padgett and Negrete, now celebrating their seventh year together, have been charged with the awesome responsibility of keeping the heart beating.

Negrete, who comes from Chicago, had a background in nightclub management both in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. Padgett, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, helped build the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, and became its first director of operations.

Immersing themselves as they have in the community means recognizing the importance of working with local LGBT organizations, especially during hard economic times. Alibi and Bill’s remain major sponsors of the annual Stonewall Street Festival and Parade, as well as Wicked Weekend in October, and the spring PrideFest. In addition, they support Kids in Distress, GLAAD, the Gay American Heroes Foundation, Broward House, Care Resource, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Tuesday’s Angels.

Padgett and Negrete also credit their staff for their success and relationship with the community. “[The staff] works very hard with Mark and I, and they do a great job. Our annual Turnabout Pageants are huge successes, and the staff does everything from decorating to entertainment,” says Padgett. “They’re also what make Alibi and Bill’s so inviting, so customers keep coming back. We thank [our customers] for being part of our family and hope to have them for many years to come.”

Both Alibi and Bill’s have fared better than many small businesses during the current downturn. Padgett says that there are good indications that the economy is picking up, including the opening of new food and drinking establishments on the Drive. He is philosophical about the competition.

“Obviously, when any competition comes in, there is a percentage of market share that goes away, so it certainly does affect you,” notes Padgett. “But why do you think furniture stores and car dealerships are always located in clusters together? It’s because they feed off each other. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it works. In order to build your business, you need to form strategic partnerships
and those partnerships may include the competing businesses. If you work well together, both businesses
are enhanced.”

Part of the continuing success of Bill’s and Alibi is the owners’ insistence on world-class entertainment. Famous names that have performed at their establishments include comedian Leslie Jordan and recording artist Lady Gaga. For  New Year 2013, Padgett and Negrete are planning special events and guest performers at both Alibi and Bill’s. For the power couple, the future is a welcome, if still undis-covered, country.

“We’re forging ahead,” says Padgett. “Everything’s going very well and we’re looking into expansion. Although it’s been a rough few years for everyone, we’ve just had to work a little harder and a little smarter. And we’ve made sure to continue to put the money  back into the community where it belongs. Our patrons loyal know we’re doing the best we can to make sure the community has what it needs to flourish.”

Photo: Jackson Padgett (Left) and Mark Negrete (Right)-  This pair of hearts credits their staff for making their club an ace.

Bob Kecskemety is a videographer, journalist and founder/producer of QueerChannel. www.QueerChannel.net YouTube.com/QueerChannel

Scissorium Salon, the petit hair salon on Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, has been taken over by entrepreneur Lorenzo Littlefield. The Florida Agenda sat down with him to talk business, community and change.

How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida?

I have been here for 18 years. I came down from Maine for the weather. It is far too cold up there! I have worked part time at Scissorium Salon for the past 13 years; I was one of their first employees.

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.
We are a full-service hair salon. We have recently become a Redken Salon. – meaning we now use only Redken 5th Avenue products. I think it is important for a salon to be attached to a high-end brand because of the education it provides the staff. We currently have five full-time stylists.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?
Well I took over the salon two months ago. The owners came to me and said they were selling and I decided to go for it. I have been in corporate America, but my passion was and is still for hairdressing. It is going really well. All the staff have stayed on board and the owners are still part of the business for the next year to ensure a smooth transition for our customers. I would like them to stay longer! Business is going very well; we are doing a lot of networking. I am quite well known in the community and I have a big mouth! I have been telling everyone about me taking over.

How have you changed the salon?
Well, in addition to branding it, we are slowly making changes to modernize the salon further. The branding is so important for us and our customers.

Would you consider expanding into a chain?
Yes, that is the ultimate idea, it may never happen. But that is what I would like to do with the salon in the future.

How do you feel you are different from other salons?
My passion. I don’t know the other owners of salons in the area, but I am sure my passion differentiates our salon from others.

Have you always wanted to be in the hair business?
Yes, I trained in Maine and got additional experience shadowing stylists in the area. However the reality of corporate America called and I answered mainly for the benefits, yet I always maintained a part-time position at Scissorium Salon. I loved it too much to give it up totally.

How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible?
I would definitely say flexible. Obviously when you have a business you have to know everything that’s going on, and sometimes you have to put your foot down, but on the whole, flexible.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure?
We consistently give quality service and we try and cater to the locals all year round.

This is really what a business has to do; we don’t really survive solely through the tourist dollars, so we aren’t as affected by the season change.

In your lifetime how do you feel the gay community has changed?
I feel we are a much closer-knit community and that we are so lucky to have more organizations and people who are prepared to get involved in the causes that affect us. It has definitely changed and evolved for the better.

Do you see a positive change in attitudes towards the gay community?
Yes, in the 18 years since I have been out, without question. Even more so down here. I think people have a more open attitude towards gay people and gay issues here in South Florida.

Scissorium Salon is located at  2405 N Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors, FL 33305 and appointments can be made by calling (954) 563-1981. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

By Alex Vaughn

Macaviti may not be someone you know just yet, but he is definitely someone you won’t forget. Bursting with creativity and avant-garde style, it’s not hard to see how he has managed to stay current and at the top of his game predominantly in Orlando and the Bay Area. Often referred to as a super Diva for his striking costumes and incredible performance attitude, Macaviti has managed to evolve from a drag performer to a recording artist. The Florida Agenda sat down with him to get to know the powerhouse a little better.

How long have you been performing in Florida?
Well if feels like a lifetime. However, I have been an entertainer for about 12 years now with many more to come. So all those wishing I would fade in the background … suffer … I have legendary perseverance and not planning on going anywhere but to the top.

When did you start performing?
Well my mom says I came out the womb with jazz hands; however, I started performing in Orlando in 2000. At first, I was just a club kid personality and would make outrageous outfits to wear out. I was always intrigued by the club kids in New York and remember seeing how extravagant and creative they were on the Geraldo and Joan Rivers shows. I always knew I wanted to be in the spotlight, but never thought about being a drag performer. Even to this day, I still don’t consider myself a drag queen. I just enjoy allowing my creative inspirations to craft my image. After going to a few parties, friends would ask me to get on coffee tables and perform. Before I knew it, I was gracing stages everywhere.

What do you enjoy most about performing?
The ability to create and influence people through my performances and music is a feeling that is unparalleled to anything else. If I can inspire one person to think as an individual and not like a herd of sheep, then my goals are definitely being accomplished.
I never set out to be an entertainer because I wanted to be popular or to fill some void I have socially. I perform because it is not only therapeutic for me. I do it because I simply have to, just as I have to eat and breathe.

Your costumes are mind blowing, what inspires you?
I‘ve always been a visionary. Even as a child, while my mom was sewing and cutting out patterns, I would take the scraps of fabrics and make my own outfits and perform for her. I just always  had a love for fashion especially high fashion. I often find beauty in the unusual or unconventional, and, like any other artist, my mind sees shapes and forms most other don’t see.

Have you ever wanted to try for a show like “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent”?
Maybe not “American Idol” as I would be a ball of nerves amongst all the extraordinary singers. But best believe, if I had a voice like Whitney or Mariah, I’d be dangerous.

Many of my friends pressure me to audition for RuPaul’s Drag Race and to appease them, I have auditioned a few times already. It would be great to be featured on the show, but I’m not waiting for some casting agent to shine their light on me. I’m definitely on a path to take control of my own destiny.

How have all the positive reviews of “It’s Hot” helped in pushing your career further?
Well originally, I don’t think people were expecting me to transition to a recording artist. Most drag entertainers don’t seem to think progressively; to further themselves outside the comfort of the gay community. The focus is usually a pageant title or crown, and I was never content with putting myself on display for someone to make me feel admirable of a crown.

So when the opportunity arose for  me to record with my producer DJ Nineteen69, I took it and ran with it–not having a clue where it would take me.

Since the release of “It’s Hot,” I have received quite a bit of positive feedback from not only friends and well wishers, but other DJs, producers and artists. A few even are interested in collaborating with me on projects, so of course I’m ecstatic about that.

When I wrote “It’s Hot,” I never thought I could write a song. But because Nineteen69 kept encouraging me to tap deeper into my creativity, now I can’t stop writing.

Even though I think its going to take a while before people completely view me as a recording artist, this is just a very small step of great things to come.

Where would you really like to go in the future?
Right now the options are endless. It is just a matter of me pumping the gas and going full speed ahead. I am in the process of working on putting together a full-length CD and gathering producers willing to work with an independent artist.
In addition I could definitely see my self having my own talk show or taking my music on tour with a Cirque Du Soilel-style show.

Are there any disadvantages to working within the community?
As an entertainer, you make a lot of sacrifices. One of the biggest sacrifices is having meaningful relationships. I was one of the lucky ones who was able to maintain a relationship with my husband for seven years, although that did not come without a price.

Sometimes  you often feel torn between your personal life and your professional life.

That also goes for friendships as well.  Many times people befriend you because they want to get a piece of you or the “glamour” surrounding you, which makes it hard to figure people’s sincerity. I think sometimes with all flashing lights, there is a lot of smoke and mirrors which makes it had for both sides to see reality.

However I do pride myself on being honest with myself and I think if you’re honest with yourself that will help you maintain a sense of veracity.

When you look back over your career here, what’s the highlight?
I think the last few years combined have been a highlight from performing for thousands  at the Cherry Ball in Washington D.C. and
at Atlanta Pride.  However, I recently performed my track “It’s Hot” live at The Manor  in Fort Lauderdale. Knowing that the promoter Gary Santis has a reputation of only working with premiere entertainers, It was a complete honor to receive that opportunity from him. I’m not even sure if he remembers, but he gave me my very first headlining gig back in Orlando. So of course upon arriving at the club and seeing giant posters and ads of myself everywhere, I was like WOW! For the first time I think I TRULY felt like a star.

Now, what’s the biggest cringe moment?
LOL. The biggest cringe moment would probably be performing my track live for the first time at Revolution in Orlando on my birthday.

As I said before, this is a new step for me. For the first time that I can remember, I was extremely nervous thinking about how people would received me standing there with a microphone. Since then, I think I have more comfort with performing my own music rather than lip syncing someone else’s words. I find a huge sense of accomplishment knowing I now have the power to influence through my own music.

What effect has social networking had on your popularity and how do you think your show helps the community?
The era of social networking has had the most effect on my career. Through Myspace, I have often met promoters or club managers, and have negotiated gigs via the computer. Social networking sites have allowed me to reach an audience I might not have had the chance to and like every other opportunity in my life, I have used it to my advantage.

I think the community as a whole has already embraced cyber world for better or worse. I think it has definitely made people and places accessible that weren’t before. Many business and people have blossomed due to social networking. However, on the flip side, I think popularity of social networking had inhibited not just our community, but people in general, from physically interacting with one another. For social butterfly like me, going out to restaurants or clubs can be frustrating as I think as a society we are forgetting how to interact without a keyboard or phone in front of us.

So what’s next for Macaviti?
Of course, it’s in my nature to always keep everyone guessing. But in the midst of travelling all over performing for the masses, I do have new tracks coming out titled “All I Need” in November and “Pop That” in the spring … so stay tuned.

In the meantime, feel free to check  me out on my fan page at www.facebook.com/Macaviti and make sure you check out my new track “It’s Hot” on iTunes.

Caleb Ben-Avram and Tim Slivinski are the owners of Naked Grape

Wine Bar, a wine bar specializing in limited production wines, craft beers, artisan cheese and meats and tapas.

How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida?
We have been in South Florida permentaly going on 9 years, but bought our condo 11 years ago. We came to Fort Lauderdale when Tim accepted a job here.

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.
We are a unique, alternative gathering spot on the Drive. We are quiet and mellow, which creates a conducive atmosphere for conversation. It’s a great place to de-stress and relax.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?
We are in our fifth year. Business is going well with many loyal local clients. We have weathered the economic downturn well and have adapted to the changing times.

What niche did you feel was missing, that you started your business?
Many people want a quiet place to meet their partners, spouses and/or friends. We saw a need for a place that would be a great date night spot while, at the same time, introducing limited production wines to our customers. Our addition of tapas was actually a response to customer requests for unique, fun, fresh small plates.

How does your business benefit the community?
The business has given us many opportunities to give back to the gay community, as well as to the community at large.

What disadvantages do you feel there are?
We really see no disadvantages.

How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible? What do you see as the advantages to your approach?

Our staff is small and this allows us to be flexible. Our employees have great ideas and suggestions that we listen to and take to heart. We want them to have a stake in the business, so we respect their opinions.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure?
South Florida needs to come out of the “season” mentality. There are many in the area who are now year-round residents. Summer tourism is actually up also. Those of us who are permanent residents need events throughout the year.  We need to become a 12 month area, rather than a 6 or 7 month area.

How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business?
Our clientele is extremely diverse. All people who come to the wine bar gather and get along well, whether straight, gay, lesbian, old or young. That is a key reason why people come to the Naked Grape. It’s one of the aspects that we, as owners, really like about owning the business. Everyone feels welcome, and people like bringing their parents, siblings and friends into the wine bar when they visit.

In your lifetime how do you feel the gay community has changed?
Though we still have many steps to take, there is certainly a much greater acceptance in the community-at-large of gay and lesbian residents. We are fortunate to live in an area with such wide acceptance. Most people know someone in their lives who is either gay or lesbian, and that makes it much more personal. It’s hard to feel hatred when it’s that close to home. Though there is still prejudice out there, we feel it will continue to decrease as time passes.

Do you believe there is credence to the idea that a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community?
It depends on the business. In our case, we welcome the wider community and that co-existence does a great deal to broaden understanding and acceptance of the gay community.

How do you minimize that effect?
In some cases, minimizing it is not necessary. Again, it depends on the nature of the business.

What plans do you have for the future?
As of September 1, we are broadening the wine bar by offering a tapas menu and market items for sale at our new location. This plan has been under development for nearly a year. Our menu will focus on fresh, seasonal items. It will change regularly rather than remaining static. We hope to remain one option of many along the Drive in the years to come as we continue to watch and be a part of the on-going development of the Drive.

If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next?
We would remain with our wine bar/craft beer/tapas/market concept. We enjoy what we do, our many great customers and working with our loyal, fun staff. We really have no desire to change into another business but continue to improve the Naked Grape.

Ron Locke, Author, Chef & CEO, ChuckWag Productions

By Alex Vaughn

Ron Locke, better known as the  “Chuckwagon Cowboy”, can be found on Youtube & Facebook.

How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida?

I’ve lived in South Florida since 1990, from Racine, Wisconsin. The initial attraction to the sunshine state was the sun, ocean and more relaxed lifestyle. I vacationed in Fort Lauderdale on spring break in the 80’s and knew someday the area would be my home.

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.

I am known as “The Chuckwagon Cowboy”. Cooking has always been one of my biggest passions in life ever since I was 5 years old.

Throughout the years, I did catering  jobs on the side of my 60 hour a week  corporate job I held to maintain my interest
in the culinary arts.

When I was laid off from my company in 2010, I used the free time in between looking for work to pen my forthcoming cookbook coming out this fall and started to develop a cooking show, “The Chuckwagon Cowboy,” which can be seen currently on YouTube.

I’m also days away from releasing my own website and also continue to cater parties as well, when time allows me to.

I formed the company ChuckWag Productions in June of 2011 to umbrella all of my growing culinary ventures.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?

I started “The Chuckwagon Cowboy” cooking show with a couple demo episodes in the winter of 2011. After getting a lot of praise on the two shows, and taking some time to get some upgraded equipment and resources, I decided to create the show full time with 26 episodes each and the first episode debuted on May 26th, 2011. The show is getting close to the middle of Season One currently.

The show is doing fantastic and grows viewership with each new ep

isode. I am currently being shown on TV on KPVM in Pahrump, NV, as part of their local human interest show. I also have been picked up by a web TV station and in negotiations with two more TV stations.

What niche did you feel was missing, that you started your business?

I think you always try to turn a tragedy into a triumph and that’s how I look at being laid off and living in these hard economic times. This allowed me to reinvent myself and take something that I’ve always enjoyed doing and turn in into a career. So, if you want to say in my circumstance what the missing “niche” was, it was always time and security of a Monday – Friday job and not having the time to devote to creating your own business.

How does your business benefit the  community?

In many ways! I open the door for men and women who never entered a kitchen before or have very little cooking experience to see for themselves just how easy it is to prepare a delicious recipe in very little time and trouble with a few basic ingredients. My cooking method is based on the K.I.S.S. (Keepin’ It Short & Simple} way of cooking. There are a lot of wonderful chefs out there who prepare these fancy Five Star meals and do a great job at it, but for the common person, it’s very intimidating to try to recreate and also very expensive. My recipes are very “blue collar style comfort foods”. These are what my momma prepared for our family and what I’ve adapted from her basic recipes into my own creations.

They are economical and easy to create and my recipes and videos are very basic and inviting to the viewer, taking them step by step through the entire process. I also invite parents to get their children involved into the process as well in my videos as I was introduced at 5 years old from my momma. It’s all about the family getting back together again; working and talking with each other again in a positive and educational way!

What advantages do you feel there are having a business within the gay community?

Well, I can certainly tell you that being gay doesn’t come with a cooking gene! I know many gay and lesbian people that have come to me for help and guidance with cooking, baking and grilling. One of my future goals is to become more involved in the local South Florida gay community by offering workshops on basic cooking 101 with my K.I.S.S. method of cooking!

What disadvantages do you feel there are?

For my business, I don’t see any. If you can develop some basic cooking skills along with one or two “in the pocket” recipes to dazzle and impress your family, friends and associates with, you’ve got a great base for enjoying the culinary arts! Plus the many compliments you’ll receive from your fantastic recipe will propel you back in the kitchen to create even more wonderful dishes. Gay or straight, everyone should be able to use a stove top or oven!

How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible? What do you see as the advantages to your approach?

Being a manager for many years in my corporate career, I always expected excellence, and sometimes that meant having to get tough when the tough times were upon the department, but I was always open to communication and constructive suggestions to improve upon that excellence. My team was always cognizant and appreciative to the “Open Door” policy I had. So, I guess you could say my style was “Firm, but Communicable”.

The advantages to my approach were that everyone was accountable for their roles in the department and learned a sense of planning and timing which each role interacted with each other. Also, having an “open door” management approach allowed my team to feel comfortable about discussing either openly in a team meeting or one on one about issues or suggestions relating to their job or department.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure?

For me it couldn’t be HOTTER with the amount of momentum my company ventures are taking off, and it’s not looking to cool off anytime soon with the release of my long awaited book, “Cooking With Momma – A Collection of Short Stories & Recipes from the Hearth of The Chuckwagon Cowboy,” due out this fall (targeting for October) and  new and exciting ideas already in production for an exciting Season Two of “The Chuckwagon Cowboy” cooking show that will start Jan 2012.

How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business?

I’ve heard nothing but great things from the community. I have a lot of friends in South Florida and through meeting with them or on any of the social media sites (Facebook, Twitter or YouTube), they are so pleased at what I am doing for everyone and giving people something back of the knowledge I’ve amassed over 40 years!

In your lifetime, how do you feel the gay community has changed?

Yes. I was a late teen through the AIDS outbreaks in the early 80’s and that took promiscuous sex to a more cautious level with many gay men. Over the past few years, I have seen a return to that lifestyle again with the great HIV drugs that are out now and the fear that what was once a death sentence is now much more controllable, so I can see how the
promiscuousness has come back over the past couple years. Also, I think the biggest
challenge the gay community is facing now Is the marriage act discussions going on across the county and how that will play out to gay couples over the next 5 years.

Do you see a positive change in attitudes towards the gay community?

Certainly! I personally see more acceptance of it as the generations pass and get older. We will always have bigotry in our society. What the gay community needs to do is rise above that and work with the straight community to find common goals and boundaries that we can all accept and flourish in!
Do you believe there is credence to the idea a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community?
Yes and no. I don’t think just because you embrace and include the gay demographic as a primary focal point of your business that it will eliminate the straight or wider approach to your business, but I do believe a good business can interweave various demographics into a successful business.

How do you minimize that effect?

If you balance it outright by providing a service that will appeal to a cross section of people, I think you can create a much broader and successful business for everyone and not feel you have to eliminate a certain demographic.

What plans do you have for the future?

I will be working on my next book of recipes and short stories starting in the winter of 2012. I already have a working title and
penning some notes for recipe chapters. I also will be filming Season Two of “The Chuckwagon Cowboy” cooking show along with finalizing my website, which should be released in early September. I have an idea there will be A LOT more coming in the next year, stay tuned!

If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next?

I’d stay right where I am at! I couldn’t be happier with what I am doing right now, although the open check book would make things happen a lot faster with some better “bells and whistles”. For now though, I’m enjoying life in “Chuckwagon Country”!

Entrepreneur Series Profiles for The Florida Agenda Over the month of August, we will be highlighting entrepreneurs of the community  and getting their take on building a successful business within the community.

Entrepreneur Series Profiles for The Florida Agenda Over the month of August, we will be highlighting entrepreneurs of the community
and getting their take on building a successful business within the community.

Photo: Style Concierge with Sauvage Director Victoria Matveeva and Maria Lankina

How long have you been here? What brought you to South Florida?
I’m a native Floridian. I have been here all my life!! I love it and enjoy every minute of it!

Please tell Agenda readers about your business.
This service is for the individual who can afford luxury in their lifestyle but doesn’t have the time or simply doesn’t enjoy shopping at all. This service is also for the individual who feels they are not that stylish or fashion savvy and trusts the eye of another individual whom they admire and specializes in the field of fashion and personal shopping. Style Concierge also helps privileged individuals and companies in the areas of image consulting, styling for special occasions, events and shopping tours. Many people are unfamiliar with shopping tours. A shopping tour with Style Concierge is geared towards families and individuals who have a taste for luxury and are not from the South Florida area, are new to the area, or have been here for years and are not familiar with some of the most “exclusive” shopping malls, private boutiques and vintage stores. We set up private shopping for some of our clients, as well.

How long have you had your business and how is it going?
I have had the business for about 10 months now and it’s going great! I have been doing it here and there throughout the years working in luxury retail stores.

What niche did you feel was missing, that made you start your business?
I just felt like being a stylist and personal shopper is something that is very underground and you don’t hear about it a lot on the surface like for example, being a nurse, salesman, doctor, etc. There are a lot of questions people ask me about this business and how to break into it. In fact, before I started I had a book of questions. Many people, especially wealthy and upper class individuals, need a personal shopper and stylist just as well as they need an assistant, housekeeper or nanny. It’s an image and lifestyle to portray that has a lot to do with time.

How does your business benefit the community?
I make people feel beautiful, happy and confident. Confidence in yourself and what you do is a major player in “success.”  Style Concierge is a role model to the community in the areas of image, health and beauty.  We want to mimic people that at least look like they are beautiful and living a great, luxurious life. At the end of the day, I am making someone else’s life a little easier.

What advantages do you feel there are having a business within the gay community?
The gay community brings a lot of energy and ideas to my kind of work. They are fashion and entertainment! They display a lot of charisma and character, which is important in my line of work. Whether you are seeing a lesbian, a gay boy, a transgender or female impersonator, they are all inspiring! If you look and pay attention, you can learn a lot.

What disadvantages do you feel there are?
There are no disadvantages! In any community, it’s all about hard work, tenacity and who you know.

How would you identify your management approach? Iron Fist or more Flexible? What do you see as the advantages to your approach?
When it comes to building business, keeping business, customer service and clients, it’s an Iron Fist! When it comes to scheduling, looks, dates and times, I’m a little more flexible. You’ll find in this business that you have to know who and what you are dealing with. There are so many angles.

What do you feel about the idea that the summer season is slow? How do you combat this pressure?
Summer is slow? My business is steady.  It’s all about customer service and taking care of your clients. They will work with you all the time! I normally save a lot, even when I’m making a lot of money, so that there is a nice cushion for slow times.

How do you think the community as a whole responds to your business?
For those that are accustomed to having a luxury lifestyle and are jet-setters, they love it and need it! People love new things, fashion and exclusivity. For those that aren’t familiar with this line of work, they wonder either how to do it or how does he actually make money

? Some people probably don’t care!

In your lifetime how do you feel the gay community has changed?
I see that they are starting to understand that they do get old and life isn’t all about fun, parties and dating! They are starting to take their lives and careers more seriously!

Do you see a positive change in attitudes towards the gay community?
Yes. We are all equal.

Do you believe there is credence to the idea a business geared towards the gay market is cutting out a major section of the wider community?
Yes and no. It’s about individual comfort.

How do you minimize that effect?
Advertising in all publications.

What plans do you have for the future?
To grow and nurture Style Concierge, Inc.

If you had an open check book, what business would you go into next?
A charity for kids who are gifted in the areas of fashion, music, entertainment and the arts, but just don’t know how to get the exposure they need or just don’t have the means to get involved. A fashion-only magazine. A monthly publication showcasing only editorial and accessories. H

Style Concierge is a luxury personal shopping, styling, image consulting, shopping tour and alterations agency for the discerning individual who enjoys and needs all things fashion, beauty, confidence and style. Eric Christian can be reached via email at eric@styleconciergemiami.com and online at www.styleconciergemiami.com

By Alex Vaughn

Photo: LZ Granderson poses backstage with his award during the 20th Annual GLAAD?Media Awards in 2009.

LZ Granderson is a senior writer and columnist for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine and CNN contributor. He writes a weekly column for both CNN.com. and ESPN.com. He also regularly appears on both networks. He was recently named the 2011 Journalist of the Year by the National Lesbian Gay Journalist Association and was a 2011 and 2010 nominee and the 2009 winner of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation award for online journalism. He was also a Hechinger Institute Fellow at Columbia University.

Where were you born?
In a manger … or Detroit. Whichever sounds more dramatic.

How was early life for you?
I grew up poor, surrounded by crime outside of the home and physically abused inside the home. My stepfather provided for the family as best he could but often times took his frustrations out on me. But I was smart and I was tough and made it out of that situation to earn a college scholarship. Once I got out, I really didn’t look back. I`ve had my hiccups like anyone else, but for the most part I was able to stay out of trouble and move on from a rough beginning. I actually talk a lot about my upbringing in my columns.

Have you ever experienced bullying as a result of your sexuality?
My stepfather was a bully but it wasn’t about my sexual orientation. I’ve been in work environments where I felt as if bigots were trying to marginalize me but I never felt as bullied as I did growing up.

When you discover a passion for writing?
Gosh, early, maybe 1st grade. I won poetry writing and playwriting contest in elementary school but didn’t find journalism until college.

Who was your mentor in publishing?
Who wasn’t? I turned to all of my professors in college for guidance outside of the classroom and then once I was a professional writer, watched the people whose work I admired most. Gary Bond, a longtime sportswriter for The Grand Rapids Press and Prentis Rogers from the Atlanta Journal Constitution were particularly important to me. Sadly both men passed away before they saw my career really take off. I grew up reading the Free Press’ Mitch Albom and Nathan McCall’s “Make Me Wanna Holler” is probably the reason why I write as honestly as I do.

Please tell our readers about your incredible career? The steps you have taken to get to where you are.
You know, I’m not really sure how I got here myself really. I just always tried to be authentic and let my work speak for itself. I was blessed to have Mike Lloyd at The Grand Rapids Press take a chance on me out of grad school, but from there I was recruited by the Atlanta Journal and ESPN and CNN. There was a brief moment in which I chased, but when I returned to center and why I write in the first place, the other opportunities came. I also wrote for the South Bend Tribune and Kalamazoo Gazette.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Up until a few days ago, it was having beers with Kenny Chesney. but recently I was named Journalist of the year and that was really an emotional moment for me. I had worked so hard to be good and real and authentic and challenging, that being recognized by my peers was extremely gratifying.

Any low points?
It was late one night, I was on the police monitor, heard about a head-on collision that resulted in a fatality. I go out, talk to everyone, write the piece turned it in and the next morning when I woke I learned I had made a mistake and faulted the victim. It was gut wrenching to have done that to that family. My editor made me drive out and apologize face-to-face.

They graciously accepted my apology but to this day, that hurts. It also taught me the importance of being right over being first.

How do feel the gay community has changed over the years?
We’re getting comfortable in our own skin meaning, it’s OK to be splintered on issues. The running joke of taking our gay card away if we don’t like Madonna or Cher has fallen by the wayside. That’s a byproduct of no longer being ghettoized. We’re openly gay in the suburbs with our families, or in church or visible in cities other than NYC and San Fran. We’ve also benefited from having straight people be our allies so that we can correct bigoted legislation. There’s more work to be done, of course. AIDS robbed us of a lot of mentors and institutional knowledge and our rural brothers and sisters are still in hiding for safety reasons. But no doubt about it, things are much better than when I came out in the 90s.

What advantages do you feel there are within the gay community?
There are no inherent advantages to being gay, I don’t think.

What disadvantages?
Legal battles just to exist without fear of losing our jobs or paying extra taxes or being physically assaulted for simply existing.

Your career is extremely inspiring for many, but what inspires you and your writing?
Truth. I just want to tell the truth.

Do you feel you are a pioneer for gay journalists?
I don’t think about stuff like that.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a good father, husband, positive contributor to society and someone who strived to find the beauty in humanity.

To read some of LZ Granderson’s work, visit www.CNN.com or www.ESPN.com

By Alex Vaughn

Photo: Toni Barone, Sean David and AJ Cross at Johnny’s 30 Year Anniversary party last year.

AJ Cross is known to many as a  power fundraiser and a beacon of the community. He is currently the Vice President of Johnny’s, fundraiser for  multiple charities and a columnist for the Florida Agenda and Mark Magazine. His annual birthday fundraiser is on the 14th of July and The Florida Agenda sat down with AJ to get to know him a little better.

Where did you live before you moved to Florida?
I am from Montreal originally.

When did you move here to Florida and why?
It was 11 years ago, I moved to Florida originally for work and better weather!

So what’s kept you here?
I wasn’t supposed to be here that long.  It’s an easier lifestyle here. You can’t beat the weather and the ocean, especially when you are from up north.

You have become very well known for your incredible fundraising. How did that come about?
It was odd. What happened initially was I did a few birthday parties and they were big in scale, so I started to think I wanted to do more than my $50 a year to a charity.  I realized at my parties I had a captive audience that I hoped had the same mind set for giving that I had and the economy was much different to how it is now –people were able to give more! A lot of my clientele is wealthy, so I utilized that as I knew they were able to give a lot of money. I thought ‘what if I disguised a fundraiser as my birthday party’? So I did; the very first was for Poverello. It grew from there.  The first was at Cupids in Palm beach and it’s appropriate that this one is a reunion of the Cupids crowd, but at Johnny’s.

How do you feel community has changed for the better?
I think the best change is that now more than ever we have a sense of unity on a global scale. You hear about India and Israel – countries fighting for equality.  You used to  only hear about cities, then states, it’s new for me.
This is a political climate with a president who is not afraid to say the word gay, and the idea that it’s no one’s business who you sleep with – that’s new for us!

What negative changes do you see?
The economy has forced people to become less able to give because now people simply can’t afford to. Ultimately, I would like to get to a point where the gay community becomes more accepting of itself. I want to go to a bar and see a gay guy and lesbian or a tranny and a masculine gay man. I want to see those walls fall first before we get so eager to demand others accept us. We are so judgemental of each other, yet we get so angry when we are judged by others.

How long have you been with Johnny’s, and how has it helped your fund raising efforts?
Three years. Well, the very first year I was there, Sean is very aware of my interests; the outcome was I got non-profits to use the space at Johnny’s on Wednesdays to have fundraisers. I turned johnny’s into a rainbow lounge and offered that space for non-profits, for that year and a half we booked it 11 times. It was on Wednesdays, and we did the first for Kids in Distress.
I don’t have fundraisers on nights people don’t party, so they are usually on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, so that people who are in the industries can participate! Traditionally, my biggest supporters come from bar owners and club owners who come to support my events.

How much money do you think you have raised over the years?
This is my 9th year, and I believe after contact with all my different agencies I feel comfortable saying a hundred thousand dollars at least.

Photo: AJ?Cross with The Stable’s Russell, at one of AJ’s many fundraising events.

What do you see for the future?
It is interesting. I have no idea how I got here.

Sometimes my aim is bigger than who I am. I put myself in a position where people have expectations. I speak to people who talk about me and who didn’t even know I was AJ Cross, who I am when I’m home with my boyfriend is different to  the persona! I believe in what I do. I think that people should use whatever means they have to better the community. Sometimes its popularity or connection or just money, but it’s better than just going to pool parties with hot guys that do not serve to better the world!

This year’s event will benefit Covenant House. Why did you choose them?
I chose Covenant House because I was homeless, which I don’t think many people know. I was a recipient of some of the benefits of Covenant House when I was a younger person. It’s a great organization. I ask nothing of any of the charities. If it moves them to advertise the event, then great. All I require is they come and pick up the cheque!

Do you have any desire to run for the Mayor of Wilton Manors?
Well, as you may know, I was unanimously  appointed to the Budget Advisory Board of the City of Fort Lauderdale in  December of last year. That was huge for me that they overlooked my profession and appointed me based on merit and what I have done with the community. As for as running for Mayor, if I got to a point where I feel who am I as a person and my expertise could do more to sustain or further develop the city, then I will run.

Do you see yourself making Florida home forever?
Home is where you make it. It took me a long time to consider Florida as home, but if life took me in a different direction, I wouldn’t be closed minded to that.

Your column Cross Eyed has been very well received. I have been receiving fantastic feedback. How did that come about?
I am pleased to hear that. I take  a lot of time considering each article I write. It emerged in Buzz Magazine five years ago and it ran every week. Bobby Blair was the publisher of that publication as well when it started. It then went so SFGN and now it’s at Mark and Agenda. It has bounced around! I decided to keep writing and I want people to know I have never taken a dollar from my columns. I write because I really believe in what I am writing and that it will emotionally impact the readers. I got an email from someone whose brother died in the military; he was very moved  by the piece I wrote and that’s what I write for. Sometimes someone needs their story to be told and they need a voice.

What inspires you to write?
Sometimes it’s something that I overhear, or a conversation I had with a person – although I have to say 8 times out of 10, it’s something that pissed me off. I find a way to understand it by writing and investigating. I find an understanding or make peace with it, and it helps that I feel people share the emotions I evoke. I also write out of a selfish motive, to help people understand me more. I am not fond of the assumptions they make of me, I like people to surprised by who I really am.

What would you like your legacy to be how and would you like to be remembered?
I would like to remembered as somebody who lived their life. My life was set up for me to fail. I lost most of my family at an early age, and had many aspects of my life that should have led me down a different path. I am 44 now and whenever that time comes when I’m no longer here, I want people to know your life is your own and it’s possible to beat the odds – success for me is being given a certain path in life that would have taken you to not the best places, and being able to prove to myself that I could change the path and beat that, [I was] better than  people expected me to be. I don’t know what the purpose is; life is a game. Here’s all this crap we are going to give you and you can change that into a delicious cake!

That’s interesting. Do you feel that your life is that cake?
Yes I do. I’m 44, not a criminal, not a drug addict, still alive and HIV negative. I survived all the things that could have affected me – I didn’t do it on my own. I had helping hands, some known and I am sure some unknown, but I am being interviewed about the good things I am doing.  This is not about how was your 9 years in prison! I am also not single anymore, I am very happy with my beautiful boyfriend.

Photo: AJ?Cross with the infamous &?fabulous,  Fort Lauderdale’s very own Dame Edna.

Ray Boltz; New Life, New Career, New Hope

KEY
SP: Shane Phoenix
RB: Ray Boltz
FS: Frank Sperduti (Ray’s Partner)

Winner of the Out Music Awards for “Album of the Year”, “Songwriter of the Year” and “Spiritual Song of the Year”
for his brand new album, “True,” International Recording Artist Ray Boltz has sold 4.5 million records worldwide. Once adored by millions of Christian Fans around the world, in 2008 he came out to the world. Now Ray faces a new life, a new career and new hope! His new CD, “True,” tells us his story, a story millions of LGBT people share with him. He took time to sit with Shane Phoenix, a music review writer and reporter for multiple music and entertainment magazines.

SP: After millions loved you, after hundreds of thousands sent you hate mail, where did you find the strength, courage and self-esteem to write new songs? And was this the inspiration for “True”?

RB: When I was married and singing Christian music, I was struggling, it was a tough time. In 2004, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my kids and my wife at the time, Carol. My family has always been keen to my emotional state, we are very close. My son looked at me and asked, “Dad, what going on with you, what’s wrong”? So, I have been struggling with what was in my heart: Knowing I was gay. I tried to not be gay; try to be what I wasn’t; I tried to pray that I wasn’t gay; I confessed in hope that I could not be gay; all these things that they tell you to do, I tried to do for 30 plus years. So when my son asked me that question, I decided to be honest, to be authentic. I could die and my own family wouldn’t even know who I was. I thought to myself, ‘if I cannot be honest and authentic with my own family, the ones who I love the most, then who could I be honest and authentic with?’ So I told them, “I’m Gay”. And that’s where I think “True” was born

SP:What was the feeling like the very moment you uttered those words out loud for the very first time?

RB: It was overwhelming, but surreal; there was no super joy, or excitement or pride in it. It was the truth and sometimes being that honest with those you love and who love you so very much can be hurtful. I am very thankful my family and I are so close.

SP:How did your family react?

RB: We knew things would change, we knew tough times were ahead, not only for my career but for us as a family. We also knew that the one thing that wouldn’t change was our love and commitment to our family. My wife Carol and I would end up separating and obtain a divorce, but now she is part of Soul Force, a nonprofit organization that helps families like ours and others from oppression of anti-homosexual religious peers (read more at www.soulforce.org). My kids and I remain very close, and now my grandchildren, as well.

SP:You were selling millions of albums each year, about 4.5 million copies. How badly was your career hurt by your coming out?

RB: At the time I came out publicly in 2008, I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. I was kind of wrong there. I received a lot of hate mail, lots of youtube videos were put up against me and me coming out. I was told that I was going to burn in hell – all sorts of negative things were said. At the same time, a lot of great things were being said from other people and friends.

SP:Was this when you started writing songs again?

RB: When my wife and I separated and we were all going through this very tough time, I decided to do what I always did.  I picked up my pen and paper, tuned the guitar and started to put down how I was feeling. That’s where all my songs come from, deep within me.

SP:We know you have sold millions as a Christian singer, now that “True” is out and nowhere near that number, how do you look at that?

RB: Well I did not do this album for money, it was about being authentic, about being true, not only to myself but to my fans. We have sold a bunch of records for “True,” but for me it’s not about the sales, it’s about the letters I am getting from so many who say, “Yea that’s exactly how I feel right now”, “Thank you Ray for saying what I needed to hear”, “Finally someone who knows how I feel”. That’s what “True” is about; it’s about those who listen to it and understand that living an authentic and “True” life may not always be easy, but is better than living a lie.

SP:Your partner Franco and you have been together almost 5 years, where did you meet and has he been a part of the album?

RB: Franco and I met through a friend at the MCCC Church Softball league. Yes, there is a song on the album called “You Came To Me”. It was written for him, he is like a big teddy bear. He cry’s every time I play it on stage.

SP:Franco, so what is it like being with a celebrity of Ray’s stature?

FS: Well I didn’t even know who Ray Boltz was. I met him as just a regular guy, not until later did I find out about his singing.  Ray is just Ray to me. He doesn’t act like a celebrity or anything like that, he is just Ray, so I know him and love him for who he is, just Ray – a very caring and loving nice man. Not for Ray the celebrity.

SP:Franco, what was it like the first time he sang “You Came to Me” on stage in front of you?

FS: I cried. It is such a beautiful song. Ray and I talked about it being on the CD, and it almost didn’t get to be on it, but I know what the song means and know what

it can mean to so many others.

SP:What artist do you like to listen to?

RB: I like Adam Lambert, Lady GAGA, Rufus Wainwright, but I haven’t listened too much lately.

SP:Since you live here in the Ft. Lauderdale, where is your favorite place to hang out at?

RB: (laughing) There are a lot of places, but I find I go to Scandals a lot. I like the Lady Fancy show they have, and the atmosphere there as well.

FS: The softball field (laughing) every Sunday – that’s my church.

SP:Wilton Manors has an influence on the new CD as well, doesn’t it?
RB: Yes there is a song called “American Queen” on the cd. It talks about a guy walking past Five Points and Georgie’s Alibi and talks about all the great things I love about Wilton Manors.

SP:How does it feel to be the most nominated and then win The Out Music Awards?

RB: I was overwhelmed at the response, not only to the Album, but at the outpouring of good wishes and the wonderful responses to it. I have been nominated for awards before, and have won 3 Dove awards, but The Out Music Award wins are like an acceptance into the community.  Like they are saying, not only do we love your music, but we appreciate your efforts, as well. I am so very thankful to all my fans and family.

SP:You are going to appear at The Stonewall Street Festival and Parade on June 19th, 2011. Will it be any different now that you are an Award winner?

RB: No it will be an authentic and “True” show just as before.

SP:If equal marriage was allowed, would you and Franco be married?

RB: I think that would be up to us. I think we should have that choice already. Not IF we should have that choice.

FS: I don’t think it’s anyone’s business. If Ray and I want to get married it should already be our choice and not something we should have to ask anyone’s permission to do!

SP:Anything you want to say to our readers here at the Florida Agenda?

RB: I would like to thank each one of them if I could. I love the fact that there is a publication out there that reaches so many and has some really great content.

SP:Thank you, Ray Boltz, for your time, compassion and music.

RB: It’s been a pleasure, Shane. Thanks so much for having me here.

You can reach Ray Boltz for comment or questions, or to listen to his Multi-Award Winning Album online at www.rayboltz.com.

Shane Phoenix is an independent music review writer and international talk show host of “South Off with Shane Phoenix” and contributes regularly to Billboard Magazine and several Music Blogs around the world.  He can be reached at Shane@prideshows.com

Jai Rodriguez Talks Summer Shorts Theatre Festival

Jai Rodriguez, who made a name for himself on Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, is showcasing his comedic and dramatic acting skills this summer for the sunny South Florida audience. After many years on the Broadway stages of New York and making several guest appearances on popular television shows, Jai is currently headlining the 2011 Summer Shorts Theatre Festival. The festival, which will be in the Carnival Studio Theater at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts through June 26

and at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale from June 30 – July 3, features nine short plays with Jai along with several other actors and also features three late-night performances of Rodriguez’ solo show Dirty Little Secrets. Jai recently spoke with The Agenda about the upcoming Summer Shorts Festival, expanding his acting chops and shedding his ‘Queer Eye’ image.

You will be in South Florida for the entire month of June for the Summer Shorts. What can we expect?

Well, I’m very excited to be down in South Florida this summer. I’m very much looking forward to it. With the “Summer Shorts,” you can expect several short plays that range anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Each of the short plays is different and all are a mix of comedy and drama, and I also get to work with other actors. Dirty Little Secrets is my solo show with music and stories about all kinds of things that I get to dish the dirt on.

How does performing in several different plays at one time help expand your range as an actor?

It’s just a continuation of what I’ve been doing the past several years. I’ve starred on Broadway with Rent and The Producers and have also guest starred on shows like Nip/Tuck. I also recently did a guest appearance on Kathy Bates’ new show Murphy’s Law. It was a very meaty role. It’s one of the biggest acting roles I’ve ever taken on. I finally got to show on television what most New Your City theatre audiences already knew I could do.

What was it like working with Kathy Bates on the show?

Just from the table read alone, she was very professional and welcoming to the guest stars. When you’re around a legend like that and someone who has been in the business so long, it’s a great experience. In the mornings, I wouldn’t say hi to her first — I would always wait for her to talk to me first. But she was very warm, interesting and complex.

With playing gay roles early on or with your role on Queer Eye, did you ever think you would be pigeonholed as just being able to play one type of role?

I don’t think if you make a gay film, or if you star in a gay show, you should be pigeonholed or how people see you forever. I think it’s ridiculous, but it does happen. That’s what makes it harder for gay actors to come out. They still have bills to pay and have to find work. It’s easy to say that certain actors should do the right thing and come out, but they are the ones that need to keep their career.

What do you look for the most when choosing a role?

Well, in the last year and half I’ve really been looking at more and more scripts, and I am shocked at the diversity of roles that are available for gay actors. You don’t have to be the punch line anymore — you don’t have to be a cliché. The character might just happen to be gay and have nothing to do with the story line. But at the same time, I’m not going in for the roles for they guy who jumps out of a plane and lands on a bus. That’s just not really in my skill set. I mainly look for roles that will stretch me and challenge me as a person. But one thing I did learn from Kathy Griffin is that you should never turn down work. It’s a very competitive market.

Has it been hard to shed your image from Queer Eye For The Straight Guy? Is that something you hope to continuously break away from as you move forward in your career?

In the past couple of years, I haven’t been asked about it as much. I’ve had beard or stubble for the last few years, so I kind of look different. I also have a lot of tattoos now. I definitely walk into the room now with a familiar presence, but they might not be able to pinpoint me as “the guy from Queer Eye”. In the scripted community, it really hasn’t come up in the last year-and-a-half. It’s not really a show that’s on people’s radar anymore. They will remember it if you talk about it, but it really hasn’t affected my scripted work — thank God! For me now, it’s all about presenting who I’m trying to play as soon as I walk in the room.

Jai Rodriguez is an actor and musician best known as the culture guide on the Bravo network’s Emmy-winning American reality television program Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He has also co-authored a book with the other Queer Eye hosts. He will be headlining the 2011
Summer Shorts Theatre Festival in Miami through June 26.