From Hobby to Full-Time Art: A Journey with Hannah Smolensky of Owl Feather Watercolors Local artist Hannah Smolensky’s journey from casual painter to a full-time professional is both inspiring and packed with lessons for anyone looking to make art a viable career. In this conversation, Hannah shared her story with...
Behind the Bubbles: The Art and Science of Craft Soap-Making with Rhianna of Side Door Soaps and Sundry
In the world of artisan soaps, there's a fine line between crafting a luxurious, skin-loving bar and running a business. For Rhianna, owner of Side Door Soaps and Sundry, a journey that started as a way to solve her family’s skin issues evolved into a decade-long passion and a small...
Finding Comfort and Community with Mimi’s Snuggle Blanket Company
Finding Comfort and Community with Mimi’s Snuggle Blanket Company At the heart of every great product is a story, and at Mimi’s Snuggle Blanket Company, that story is one of family, creativity, and a whole lot of cozy vibes. Founded by Lisa, a talented artisan with a lifelong passion...
The 80/20 Rule in Business: Maximizing Efficiency and Growth
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by a long to-do list and struggle with prioritization in your business? The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, might be the solution you're looking for. While many people have heard of this rule, not everyone understands its true implications and how...
Covation Center awarded economic development grant from FCFP
The Covation Center is honored to be awarded a $27,250 Economic Development grant from the Lycoming Economic Development Foundation Fund IMO Joseph L. Rider at the First Community Foundation Partnership of PA to be used for the Center’s Entrepreneurial Equity Initiative. Through this initiative, the Center will expand its existing...
From Bars to Business: Branching Out
Turning a life around can often start by first helping something else to grow. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is working to do just this through a partnership with two correctional facilities in the state. The program seeks to pair willing inmates with a variety of arboriculture...
From Bars to Business: “Benefits Beyond Justice Involved”
Are you a business owner interested in hiring justice involved individuals who are working to turn their lives around? You're not alone, and there are a lot of resources to help you. Many of these resources, including six-months of salary paid by the state, are underused, according to Theresa Kohler, ...
From Bars to Business: Second Chances
After completing a prison sentence, a set time of probation and/or parole, an offender's debt to society is paid. However, as they move on with life, continue to apply for jobs, loans or child custody the criminal record remains. For some fortunate individuals, receiving a pardon from the state governor...
From Bars to Business: “Community”
At the GEO Reentry Group, helping individuals reenter the community is about more than just finding a job. It's a wholistic approach that starts with changing the mindset of the person trying to find a job and get out of the criminal justice system, according to Michael Boughton, program manager...
From Bars to Business: Success Beyond Bars
Clear expectations. Honest communication. And the benefit of the doubt. These are guarantees offered by most employers and when dealing with someone who has a criminal background, they should be no different. For Chad Ling, after spending years rotating in and out of prison, making the decision to turn his...