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​A [MOSTLY-GRAMMATICALLY-CORRECT]
PUBLICIST'S BLOG


Five Books Every Business Owner Should Ready [Part 2]

8/30/2022

2 Comments

 
By Melissa A Vitale
If you’re a business owner, you should absolutely be reading as often as your rest-work schedule allows. You don’t always have to read what I would call “business books”, but you should always have one of these in your rotation. With all the books I’ve read so far, I find myself thinking differently, often more competitively, than folks with similar professional backgrounds or education to myself.
 
Make sure to check out Part 1 here! 
 
These are five books I highly recommend business owners reading: 
So You Want to Talk About Race

by Ijeoma Oluo;

As business owners, we are leaders in our industry. We set the tone and often must speak up even when things are uncomfortable. Following Summer 2020, absolutely no business owner should be afraid or unwilling to talk about race relations and racial injustice. Almost all white folks are raised racist. You may not want to be racist, and you may be actively unlearning through social media and news sources. But books are 250+ pages of lived experience, of resources, of expertise. Even if you feel confident speaking about race, if you’re a white business owner, you should read this book.

Purchase Options here
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We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide To Earning More, Building Wealth, And Gaining Economic Power

by Rachel Rodgers;
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One of my favorite sex educators and BIPOC Entrepreneurs, Taylor Sparks of Organic Loven essentially required me to read this book – she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’m so glad she did and in turn, I’ve sent this book as far as Amsterdam to a fellow boss babe who felt stuck. Popular yet outdated financial experts encourage folks to scrimp and save to build wealth, which being a conscious spender is one thing. Telling someone to deny themselves certain foods and experiences because they have debt while sitting on a yacht is, well to put it kindly, incredibly out-of-touch. Rachel Rodgers sets a different course. Rodgers argues that rather than yelling at someone that they don’t belong in a restaurant, we should teach marginalized folks how to make more money so they can buy the things they want and save like they should.

Purchase Options here
Anthro-Vision: A New Way to See in Business and Life

By Gillian Tett;
 
One of the smartest people I know recommended this book to me and it changed how I looked at business. Most entrepreneurs sit at the top and look down to a Birdseye view. Anthro-Vision encourages business owners to be anthropologists and look at problems from a worm-eyed view – aka right there in the center of the concern. Former editor of the Financial Times, Gillian Tett encourages curiosity, and preaches that one person won’t always have the exact answer at the top of their head. Especially if you love problem-solving, this book will help you approach issues with a whole new perspective.
 
Purchase Options here
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Hardball for Women: Winning at the Game of Business: Third Edition

by Pat Heim and Tammy Hughes with Susan K. Golant;

As women, we’re often raised differently than men. Unless you’re a sociopath, if you’re a woman, you were nurtured to think of everyone else before yourself, and this is what is holding you back in the boardroom. Hardball for Women lays out the framework to unlearn these niceties for the sake of your business acumen.

Purchase Options Here

Teamwork: How to Build a High-Performance Team

by Natalie Dawson;

If you’re like me and never planned or wanted to be an employer, but the chips landed that way regardless, you need to purchase this book, like yesterday! Teamwork gives business owners a roadmap and tons of resources to build a quality team. Maybe you’re not a good interviewer (guilty) or maybe you don’t know how to pick the best candidate from the bunch (also guilty). Natalie will walk you through these steps. Once you have a hired employee, Teamwork will walk you through and provide the worksheets to onboard them, grow them up and if needed, let them go.

Purchase Options here


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For brands looking to cement their name in their industry’s history, learn more about becoming a client: https://www.melissaavitale.com/become-a-client.html
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MAVPR’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

11/10/2021

2 Comments

 
By Melissa A Vitale ​
Whether checking names off the naughty and nice list, or looking to indulge yourself during the busy season, tis the season for gifting your favorite treats or discovering new indulgences. With the hectic busy time coinciding with Holiday season, cannabis treats, alternative wellness essentials and intimacy accessories will keep spirits jolly and bright. 

Treats from Kenneth Play, Her Highness, Emojibator ZALO, UPKO Organic Loven, Luxury Lifestyle Vacations, Pure for Men, Headero, Heir, Lia Holmgren, and Bijoux Indiscrets will spark pleasure and joy well into the new year. 

Be sure to check out MAVPR’s 2021 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales for deals on all these products. 

​Affiliate information below. ​
Hostess Gifts
Her Highness Get Lit Kit

The absolute perfect gift of acceptance and delight. The Her Highness lips gift box opens to reveal 'Lit for a Queen' in gold foil script and three Her Highness staples: the elegant gold snakes grinder, art pop red lips ashtray, and long gold butane lighter -- refillable for many lights and nights to come. These stylish cannabis gifts are beautifully presented in a sumptuous red velvet lined base that's sure to wow.

$75 via HerHighness.com
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Her Highness Thigh High Ashtray 

Make cannabis glamorous and elevate your smoke session with this iconic Thigh High Ashtray. Strong marble doesn’t break and shatter like glass and ceramics. Elegant design with gold accents blend with any modern decor. The kicky Thigh High Ashtray is the perfect resting spot for your elegant Her Highness preroll. Sturdy to prevent spills. Solid white marble with brass legs on each corner and 4 divots so no sharing required. 

$90 via HerHighness.com
Heir Handpipe

Thoughtfully designed smokeware made without compromise. Heir’s handpipe is the modern piece for the sophisticated consumer. With a sturdy, magnetic base and lid, this handpipe is designed to be on display and functional while on the move. Heir’s reinvention of the classic spoon pipe, featuring a multi-use cap that allows smoke on-the-go discreetly. Combining Stainless Steel, Zirconia Ceramic, and Silicone to create the most durable companion possible. Carbon Filters in the mouthpiece create blissfully smooth hits.

​$120.00 via smokeheir.com 
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Headero Bliss Mode
Premium Membership 

For a premium sexual exploration experience, try Bliss Mode with Headero by ThotExperiment, a nexus of digital products for modern dating. This new app creates a safe space for everyone (inclusive of all sexualities and gender identities) to pursue oral and sexual pleasure with other consenting adults. “Bliss Mode” offers extra features like unlimited profile views and the ability to filter profiles based on kinks, enhanced chat features and the ability to see who has favorited your profile. 

$4.99 for one week subscription via headero.com
$40.99 for three-month subscription via headero.com
Big-Ticket Items
ZALO Bess Clitoral Vibrator 
Legend Series 

The name of Bess comes from Egyptian God Bastet, who is the goddess of the home, domesticity, women's secrets, cats, fertility, and childbirth. She protected the home from evil spirits and disease. Bess fits comfortably in hand and offers the most accurate stimulation, with innovative DirectPower technology, concentrating on the sensitive zones, with motor revolutions up to 10,000 times per minute. Inspired by the myths of the magnificent pyramids, the Legend Series is designed to inspire the belief that anything is possible. 

Available in Obsidian, Velvet and Emerald 

$99.00 via ZaloUSA.com
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Organic Loven’s Luxury Holiday Pleasure Box

Organic Loven's Luxury Holiday Pleasure Box is sure to please you and the bodies you love to love for this holiday season!  With a value of more than $550.00 this box offers 2 luxury toys (valued at more than $100 each) for both the vulva and/or penis owners! Full sizes of organic lubricant, CBD Massage oil, CBD Tincture and CBD Intimate Oil, three sex-positive books to add the spice and the heat over the holiday break and an assortment of intimate sundries!

$425.00 via OrganicLoven.com
Luxury Lifestyle Vacations Deluxe Venice Cruise
August 2022; Venice, Italy

Join a group of open-minded travelers in a seductive, erotic, and Intoxicating adventure, starting at the magical saltwater city of Venice. Lovers will find the best secret hiding places; the sexy play points during the navigation; and the endless beauty of one of the world’s most stimulating cities. Drink a Bellini at a cafe, sneak down back alleys; Create a little magic with LLV, and the magnificent and legendary city of Venice, the most romantic place for lovers! Be a guest on board this ultra-luxury ship and enjoy the amazing views of Montenegro, scents of Greece, the charm of Slovenia, and crystal waters of Croatia.

Starting at $6,000 per person, via LLVClub.com
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Stocking Stuffers
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Hookup Without Heartbreak: How to feel empowered after Casual Sex
By Lia Holmgren

Most women want sex. Not just love...Sex. But the same desire that our culture celebrates in men can leave women feeling anxious, insecure, emotionally attached, or even ashamed. Enough. In Hookup Without Heartbreak, revered counselor Lia Holmgren guides women how to let go of those negative feelings and reclaim their sexual freedom.Learn how to deal with hookups who ghost, multiple partners, unclear communication, lousy sex, crushing on a friend with benefits, exploring fantasies while managing expectations —even how to know who’s worth hooking up with in the first place. With signature humor and honesty, Lia offers you straightforward advice. From history and science behind hooking up to the do’s and don’ts of Casual Sex, Hookup Without Heartbreak covers everything to know before your next date.

$19.99 via LiaPaulaHolmgren.com, Barnes & Noble
Pure for Men Pride Socks

It's a great day to be gay! Celebrate Pride every day with Pure for Men’s limited edition crew socks. Size: One size fits all. Fabric: 80% cotton, 17% polyester, 3% spandex. Washing Directions: Water temperature cool to warm; recommended to wash with similar colors.

$5.99 via PureForMen.com ​
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Emojibator Candle Warming Vibrator Wand

This Candle Warming Vibrator Wand is the ultimate sensual massager. One end has a vibrator light-up wand with deep vibration settings for external stimulation. On the other side, a simulated warming candle-drip surface for ease and relaxation. The wand features six pulsating patterns that vary in intensity, with convenient and easy controls for uninterrupted navigation. A beautiful and discreet addition to any nightstand.
 
Feature Include: 6 vibration settings that always hit the spot. Waterproof IPX6 for bath & shower play. Body-safe silicone + ABS material. USB charge cable included. 1-year warranty
 
$79.00 via Emojibator.com
Her Highness X Last Prisoner Project CBD Pre-Roll 

A joint on a mission to spark aid and awareness for women with non-violent cannabis convictions. The Last Prisoner Project Pre-Roll Collection features the stories of three of Last Prisoner Project’s female constituents. 50% of the proceeds directly benefit women working towards or transitioning after release.

Each Last Prisoner Project pre-roll features either Evelyn LaChapelle, Natalia Wade or Stephanie Shepard, three of the women Last Prisoner Project has aided through release and reentry. 

A half-gram of organic CBD in organic hemp wraps, this slim pre-roll CBD hemp wrap has an extra-long filter that’ll protect nails and eyelashes from getting singed, paired with a coved gold lighter. 

$15 via HerHignessCBD.com
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UPKO Snowflake Nipple Chains 

Tis the season! Trim your tits with these festive and stunning nipple garnish. The chains between the clamps trigger sensation with every move. For those who belong on both the naught and nice list. 

$39.99 via UpkoUSA.com
For Her
ZALO Rose Rabbit Thruster 
Rose Series 

The first vibrator on the market to combine suction, thrusting, and vibration technology. The inspiration for the new ROSE series comes from blooming roses. Zalo’s Rose Series Rose Rabbit Thruster  is a dual stimulation internal massager and thruster that targets both the clitoris and g-spot at once. Zalo’s latest model is adorned with jewelry grade gold-detailing, a silicone rose pattern and is textured for internal stimulation. Priced just under $100, the Rose Rabbit Vibrator continues Zalo’s mission of accessible luxury. Larger in girth than most dual-stimulation models, the Rose Thruster is meant to satisfy at a budget-gentle price point. Thrusting pattern is circular for rhythmed pleasure. Made with the highest-grade of supple silicone and USB rechargeable. 

Available in Lemon and Strawberry

$99.00 via ZaloUSA.com
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Bijoux Indiscrets Maze Tassel Choker
Maze Collection 

This is the pièce de résistance of all Maze collection. This choker hides so many secrets that it is a 3 in 1 accessory. The tassel choker is a beautiful necklace. Its fringes can turn into a leash and you can let yourself be guided by your lover. You can use it to punish with pleasure as it becomes a delicate whip. This fashion accessory brings bondage inspiration to your bedroom fun. Made with PETA-approved Vegan Leather. 

Available in Black and Tan 

$35.00 via shopusa.bijouxindiscrets.com
Her Highness Keep Calm CBD Bath Bombs  

It’s time for a deep soak. Her Highness believes queens deserve to be spoiled, pampered and indulged. CBD topically can relieve inflammation and aches. In time for Holiday Gifting season, Her Highness debuts a gift-set of bath bombs infused with 100mg of CBD each for a decadent and relieving soak. The set includes one each rose, lavender, jasmine and chamomile bath bombs. 


$40 via HerHighnessCBD.com
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For Him
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Pure for Men Face Care Kit 
For Normal to Dry Skin

Pure for Men’s Face Care Set for Normal to Dry Skin contains everything he needs to maintain a radiant complexion without the fuss. Pure For Men launches a natural skincare line designed by and for Gay Men. With two lines for Normal to Dry Skin or Normal to Oily Skin and a Vitamin C Facial Serum, the face care line addresses the concerns and needs of men’s skin. Pure for Men has made a name for allowing men to stay ready for play, dating, and life in between. Pure for Men’s Face Care collection follows in these ethos with simple, effective formulas for clear, radiant complexions. 

Set includes: Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner and Facial Cream, retailing separately at $17.99 each. 

$45.99 via PureForMen.com 
Kenneth Play’s Sex Hacker Pro Series 
A Sex Hacker’s Digital Guide to Endless Orgasms, Mind-Blowing Connection, and Lasting Confidence

Sex hacking is the art and science of optimizing sexual experience and pleasure. One of the greatest lies we are told is that sex is natural therefore doesn’t require any elevation or sophistication. By applying the hacking method to sex, audiences experience pleasure beyond wildest expectations. Over 70 videos among 9 course modules including Squirting, Foreplay, Multiple Orgasms, Kink, Anal and so much more.  Learn pleasure techniques and sex hacks, backed = by science. Developed with and approved by women. Authentic interactions with real demos: no plastic models

$497 via Kenneth Play.com 
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Pure for Men Essentials Kit

Feel and look the best with Pure For Men’s favorite plant-based products for inside and outside of the bedroom. The Essentials Kit is designed to keep clean from head-to-bum, and everywhere in-between. This limited edition kit now includes 60 count Fiber Capsules and the best-selling Bar, Scrub, and Cream. 

$65.99 via PureForMen.com 
Affiliate partnerships available for select brands
Her Highness: Skimlinks
Everyday Dose: Skimlinks via ShareASale
Pure for Men: ShareASale
Zalo: ShareASale & Skimlinks
Upko USA: ShareASale​
Organic Loven: Skimlinks via ShareASale
Emoijbator: GoAffPro
Bijoux Indiscrets: ShareASale
Heir: ShareASale
​
2 Comments

MAVPR unveils PressBoxx – accessible public relations service and quarterly press sampling

9/16/2021

1 Comment

 
Brand Sign Ups are now open for the Fall 2021 PressBoxx Season, arriving by Holiday Gift Guides
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NEW YORK, NY: NYC-based vice agency, Melissa A Vitale Public Relations (MAVPR), announces their newest service, PressBoxx, an accessible PR option for the sex, cannabis and psychedelics industries.  

PressBoxx [www.pressboxx.co] allows more brands to access public relations through a quarterly press mailer offering a curated selection of sex-positive and legal-cannabis products delivered to more than fifty journalists and editors each season. 

Pressboxx meaningfully introduces a complimentary variety of up-and-coming brands and experts to media for potential coverage. Hand-picked by MAVPR, every PressBoxx features up to twelve full-size samples from vape pens, infused topicals, tinctures and edibles, smoking accessories, intimacy essentials and more.

“My goal to work with sex and cannabis startups has always been challenged by the operational hurdles that reduce marketing budgets. With a seasonal multi-brand sampler, more startups can access premium public relations while press are introduced to products and experts their audiences will want to know about.” Conceptualized in 2018, PressBoxx is a passion project of MAVPR founder Melissa A Vitale. “When the pandemic’s further strains on media drove PR retainers higher, I knew we had to cultivate this accessible option.”

Complemented by seasonal pitching from MAVPR, PressBoxx ships quarterly with a goal to arrive before holiday coverage clusters. Each box includes a booklet with further details on each product included, along with a corresponding digital asset collection with product images and founder headshots available to journalists before PressBoxx arrives. 

“We’ve become a go-to source for journalists, editors and producers. Offering more brands and experts only furthers our ability to support the media with vice-positive resources,” Vitale continues.

With three variations targeted for journalist focus, PressBoxx is designed to create a powerful product introduction without the cost of boutique PR services.
  • ViceBoxx provides samples to journalists and editors whose coverage includes both sex-positive and legal drug subjects  
  • LoveBoxx delivers products to media focused on topics related to relationships, intimacy, sex wellness and sexuality
  • DrugBoxx serves press covering CBD products, cannabis industry and psychedelic trends

​PressBoxx inclusion costs $3,500 for one product, with the option to add up to two (2) additional products for $1,000 each. Service includes product delivery to 50+ targeted journalists along with three months of seasonal pitching. Brands are responsible for delivering 65 units of each sample to Brooklyn.

Currently filling reservations for the Fall PressBoxx, brands interested in being included can reserve their spot through: www.pressboxx.co/brandreserve.html. Anticipated to arrive before the 2021 digital Gift Guide season. 


About PressBoxx
PressBoxx offers access to public relations by an industry-hailed name at a price that fits into most startup budgets. PressBoxx is a quarterly press mailer with a curated selection of sex-positive and legal-cannabis products delivered to top-tier journalists. Every Pressboxx features complimentary products and corresponding seasonal pitches from brands that press haven't seen in a while or heard from ever. For more information, please visit: www.pressboxx.co

About MAVPR
Founded in 2017 by Melissa Vitale, MAVPR has been serving media with sources determined to destigmatize alternative realms of wellness across sexuality and legal cannabis. Vitale has made a name among sex, cannabis, business and lifestyle press for her brand of PR that focuses on strong relationships and innovative storylines. Vitale and her team are often the first call for journalists covering sex and/or cannabis.
​
Follow MAVPR on Twitter @MelissaVitalePR, Instagram @MelissaAVitalePR or Facebook @MelissaAVitalePR

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    Melissa A Vitale Public Relations

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