|
Beard Octane was first conceived in 2017, by a man known to the world as Joe. Joe had long sought the perfect beard care product that would properly nourish his beard, fueling it like a high performance machine. Often finding that the big box store products simply fell short of accomplishing this, along with have unhealthy fillers. So Joe does what Joe always does and became obsessed with creating the best beard care product possible. A product that actually does what it is supposed to do; nourish and improve a man's beard. This is when the late nights, long hours, and personal sacrifices began in the developing the greatest beard care company known to the world today, Beard Octane. Vonoimag.com
0 Comments
 Written By: Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine Opening a coffee shop in New York City (NYC) is an exciting venture that combines passion for coffee with the dynamic energy of one of the world's most vibrant cities. However, navigating the complexities of starting a small business in NYC requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and strategic execution. This guide outlines the essential steps to help you establish a successful coffee shop in NYC in 2025. A well-crafted business plan serves as the foundation of your coffee shop. It should include. Define the unique selling proposition (USP) of your coffee shop. Will it focus on specialty brews, artisanal pastries, or a cultural ambiance? For instance, Café Rue Dix in Brooklyn offers a Senegalese market experience, combining a café with a boutique selling imported goods from Senegal. Research the local coffee scene to identify your target audience and assess competition. Estimate startup costs, operating expenses, and projected revenues. Outline how you plan to attract and retain customers.  Determine the total investment required and explore financing options such as personal savings, loans, or investors. Startup costs can vary widely; for example, a small coffee shop with sit-down service may require between $80,000 to $300,000. Selecting a strategic location is crucial to your coffee shop's success. Consider factors such as foot traffic, visibility, and proximity to complementary businesses. Each borough in NYC offers unique opportunities, so align your location choice with your target demographic. Decide on a legal structure for your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC) and register it with the New York State Department. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes. Compliance with local regulations is essential. Key licenses and permits include. Register your business with the city to obtain a business tax certificate. Ensures your premises meet building codes and are zoned for a coffee shop. Required for businesses preparing and serving food. All employees handling food must obtain this certification within 30 days of employment. Allows you to collect sales tax on taxable goods and services.  Create an inviting and functional layout that enhances customer experience and operational efficiency. Consider seating arrangements, workflow for staff, and aesthetic elements that reflect your brand.
Invest in reliable equipment such as espresso machines, grinders, and brewing tools. Establish relationships with reputable coffee bean suppliers, preferably local roasters, to ensure freshness and support local businesses. Recruit staff who are passionate about coffee and customer service. Provide comprehensive training to ensure consistency in product quality and service standards. Create a user-friendly website and engage with customers on social media platforms. Collaborate with nearby businesses for cross-promotions Host events or workshops to foster community ties. Incorporate sustainable practices such as using eco-friendly packaging, sourcing ethically produced coffee beans, and implementing waste reduction measures. Be aware of potential challenges such as high operational costs and competition. For example, Buddies Coffee in Brooklyn faced rent hikes and competition but garnered community support to sustain their business. Host a grand opening to introduce your coffee shop to the community. Gather customer feedback and be prepared to adapt and innovate to meet evolving customer preferences. Starting a small coffee shop in NYC in 2025 requires meticulous planning, adherence to regulations, and a passion for delivering exceptional coffee experiences. By following these steps and remaining adaptable, you can establish a thriving coffee shop in the bustling landscape of New York City. Vonoi Magazine  Gourdet is a celebrated chef, best-selling author, and television personality best known for his award-winning cuisine, numerous TV appearances, and trendsetting role in Portland, Oregon's culinary boom. In his role as Culinary Director of Printemps New York, Gourdet will oversee five concepts, ranging from fine dining to a casual cafe—each a celebration of artistry, unparalleled quality, innovation, culture, and creativity.
A New York City native, Gourdet studied at the Culinary Institute of America and began his career with legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongrichten. During his seven-year tenure, Gourdet honed his culinary skills at three of Vongrichten’s trailblazing restaurants and climbed the ranks to become one of his chefs de cuisines before moving to Portland, Oregon. There, he helped pioneer the city’s culinary boom with his unique approach, applying global influences and cooking techniques to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. His restaurant, Kann, is one of the country’s most celebrated Haitian restaurants, gaining international acclaim by La Liste for spotlighting traditional Haitian flavors alongside dishes inspired by the cuisines of the African and Caribbean diaspora. Gourdet is a three-time James Beard Foundation Award-winner. His debut cookbook Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health was recognized by the Foundation in 2022, Kann was named “Best New Restaurant" in 2023, and he brought home the “Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific” in 2024. Additional acclaim spans Bon Appetit, Esquire, The New York Times, and more. A two-time Bravo Top Chef finalist, he has been honored as “Chef of the Year” by Eater Portland and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Gregory sees food as nourishment and is committed to moving the restaurant industry forward sustainably and equitably. He is a member of the US State Department’s American Culinary Corp and an ambassador for the Marine Stewardship Council. VONOI MAGAZINE Written By: Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine  The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by rapid advancements in technology, shifting consumer preferences, and heightened environmental regulations. As we move into 2025, the landscape of the automotive sector is defined by the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), breakthroughs in autonomous driving, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and the growing dominance of connected and smart vehicles. This article explores the key trends shaping the automotive industry in 2025 and their implications for manufacturers, consumers, and the global economy. By 2025, electric vehicles are no longer a niche market but a mainstream automotive choice. Government regulations across the globe, including the United States, Europe, and China, have pushed automakers to accelerate their transition toward zero-emission vehicles. In 2025, EVs are projected to account for at least 25-30% of global vehicle sales, with even higher penetration in urban areas where governments have implemented stricter emissions standards. Tax rebates, grants, and subsidies have made EVs more affordable, while penalties for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have pushed consumers toward electric alternatives. Solid-state batteries, expected to become commercially viable by 2025, offer higher energy density, longer range, and faster charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Investments in public and private charging stations have reduced range anxiety, making EV ownership more convenient. Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors continue to lead in the EV space, but legacy automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen have made significant strides in electrifying their fleets. In 2025, Ford’s F-150 Lightning and GM’s electric Silverado are competing head-to-head with Tesla’s Cybertruck, while luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are offering high-end EVs with cutting-edge technology.  Autonomous driving technology, once considered futuristic, is rapidly approaching widespread adoption. By 2025, Level 4 autonomy—where vehicles can operate without human intervention in defined environments—is expected to be deployed in several urban centers, with Level 5 fully autonomous vehicles still in development for broader use. Companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Argo AI have launched autonomous ride-hailing services in select cities, reducing transportation costs and congestion. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Walmart have deployed autonomous delivery fleets, improving last-mile logistics and minimizing delivery times. Trucking companies have embraced autonomous technologies to address driver shortages and improve logistics efficiency. Despite technological advancements, regulatory hurdles and public skepticism continue to slow the rollout of fully autonomous vehicles. In 2025, most jurisdictions are refining their regulatory frameworks to ensure safety while promoting innovation. The integration of AI in automobiles has transformed vehicles into highly intelligent, connected platforms that offer a personalized and safer driving experience. In 2025, over 70% of new vehicles will feature advanced AI capabilities, allowing cars to learn from driver behavior, predict maintenance needs, and provide real-time traffic insights. AI-powered systems monitor vehicle health, alerting owners to potential issues before they occur, reducing downtime and repair costs. Connected cars exchange data with other vehicles, traffic infrastructure, and pedestrians, improving traffic flow and reducing accidents. AI-powered infotainment systems customize music, navigation, and climate settings based on driver preferences. AI and connectivity not only enhance convenience but also significantly improve safety. Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control have become standard features, reducing the likelihood of accidents and fatalities.  As environmental concerns take center stage, automakers in 2025 are prioritizing sustainability across their manufacturing processes and supply chains. Major manufacturers are adopting circular economy principles, utilizing recycled materials, and minimizing waste to reduce their carbon footprint.
Manufacturers are incorporating bio-based materials and recycled metals into vehicle design. Automakers are transitioning to renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices to reduce emissions during production. Companies are focusing on responsible sourcing of rare earth minerals used in EV batteries, ensuring ethical labor practices and minimizing environmental degradation. In 2025, car ownership is no longer the default mode of transportation, and subscription-based models are gaining traction, offering consumers flexible access to vehicles without long-term commitments. Consumers can subscribe to a fleet of vehicles based on their needs, swapping between models as required. Ride-sharing, car-sharing, and micro-mobility services continue to thrive in urban environments, reducing the overall number of privately owned vehicles. Fully autonomous fleets provide on-demand transportation solutions, offering convenience and affordability. The automotive industry in 2025 is defined by innovation, sustainability, and a shift toward more connected and autonomous mobility solutions. As electric and autonomous technologies mature, the industry is poised to redefine the future of transportation. For automakers, success in 2025 hinges on their ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, embrace sustainability, and meet evolving consumer expectations. For consumers, this new era of mobility offers safer, more convenient, and more environmentally friendly transportation options than ever before. Vonoi Magazine  Written by: B. Randall for Vonoi Magazine Gentrification, the process by which urban neighborhoods undergo transformation through the influx of more affluent residents, has been a significant force in reshaping Harlem over recent decades. Historically celebrated as a cultural epicenter for African Americans, Harlem's demographic landscape has evolved, prompting discussions about cultural preservation, economic development, and community identity. Harlem's identity as a predominantly Black neighborhood solidified during the early 20th century, particularly with the Great Migration, which saw African Americans moving from the rural South to Northern cities. This migration fostered the Harlem Renaissance, a flourishing of Black arts, music, and literature. For much of the 20th century, Harlem remained a symbol of Black culture and resilience.  The onset of gentrification in Harlem became noticeable in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Between 1990 and 2006, Harlem's population grew by 16.9%, with the percentage of Black residents decreasing from 87.6% to 69.3%. By 2010, this figure had further declined to 54.4%, while the White population increased from 1.5% to nearly 10% during the same period. Recent data indicates that this trend has continued. In Central Harlem, as of 2022, the population was approximately 138,953, with 45.8% identifying as Black, 28.2% as Hispanic, 14.4% as White, and 4.5% as Asian Similarly, East Harlem reported a population of 128,317, with 29.9% identifying as Black, 45.6% as Hispanic, 10.8% as White, and 8.9% as Asian. These statistics underscore a significant demographic shift: while Black residents remain the largest racial group in Harlem, their proportion has declined over the past few decades, accompanied by an increase in White and other non-Black populations. The demographic changes in Harlem are emblematic of broader gentrification trends affecting urban neighborhoods nationwide. Gentrification often brings economic revitalization, improved infrastructure, and increased property values. However, it also raises concerns about displacement, cultural erasure, and the affordability of housing for long-standing residents. In Harlem, the influx of more affluent residents has led to the development of luxury housing, upscale retail establishments, and a burgeoning life sciences sector. For instance, the Taystee Lab Building, a $700 million development in West Harlem, exemplifies the neighborhood's transformation into a hub for the life sciences industry.  While such developments can stimulate economic growth and job creation, they also contribute to rising living costs, making it challenging for lower-income residents to remain in the area. This economic pressure often results in the displacement of long-standing communities, altering the social fabric of neighborhoods like Harlem.
Beyond economic implications, gentrification poses challenges to the cultural identity of Harlem. The neighborhood's rich history as a center of African American culture is at risk as demographic shifts occur. Long-standing Black-owned businesses, cultural institutions, and community landmarks face the threat of closure or relocation due to escalating rents and changing clientele. Efforts to preserve Harlem's cultural heritage include community advocacy for affordable housing, support for local businesses, and initiatives to document and celebrate the neighborhood's history. Balancing economic development with cultural preservation remains a critical concern for residents and policymakers alike. As of the latest available data, Black residents continue to constitute the largest racial group in Harlem, though their majority status has diminished over time. The neighborhood has become more racially and ethnically diverse, reflecting broader urban trends. This diversification presents both opportunities for enriched cultural exchange and challenges related to maintaining community cohesion and identity. Gentrification in Harlem encapsulates the complexities of urban development, where economic revitalization intersects with issues of race, culture, and community stability. While the neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts, the enduring presence of Black residents ensures that Harlem's legacy as a cornerstone of African American culture persists. Navigating the future requires thoughtful policies that promote inclusive growth, protect cultural heritage, and ensure that all residents can share in the benefits of Harlem's ongoing evolution. Vonoi Magazine |
Get Your Copy Today
Issue 601
Issue 600
Issue 400
Issue 300
Issue 200
Issue 100
AuthorThe Business of Doing Business. Archives
March 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
|
|
(c) 2022 - 2025 Copyright, All Rights Reserved Vonoi Magazine, New York, NY 10001 All Rights Reserved