In an SL world where
clubs come and go, coming across a club that has been around for seven years or
more is rare. Thus, when the SL Enquirer
learned about Club Lion’s upcoming seven year anniversary, we decided to investigate
the club’s key to longevity.
To further our
investigation, we not only relied on club owner ℵITA
(huanita.wunderlich), we also turned to her partner Ricardo AvalirA.
With over 152 people
in attendance, the May 1, 2015 Club Lion Anniversary Celebration was, according
to ℵITA
(huanita.wunderlich) and her partner Ricardo Alvaliro, a huge success. According to AvalirA, “ℵITA
designed the whole [decorative] platform for the party, and she took some
pics…” To get a better understanding of just how awesome the decorations were, ℵITA
was kind enough to share her pictures with the SL Enquirer.
In addition to ℵITA’s
willingness to share the pictures she took of Club Lion’s Seven Year
Anniversary, the SL Enquirer asked Alvaliro about his take on Club Lion’s key
to longetivity. He states with no hesistation, “ℵITA’s
vision and dedication to her venue. She is
meticulous…it is amazing to watch her create everything for her club….”
ℵITA’s
meticulous nature is not only apparent in the way Club Lion is built, but it is
also obvious when one takes a look at the surrounding landscape. Delicate rose bushes, trees and neatly
trimmed shrubbery surround the Club. In
addition, there is a sitting area available for patrons, as well as an area where
patrons can candidly stare at the Club’s waterfront.
Outside of Club Lion’s
entrance is a neatly decorated, grey cobblestoned entrance that connects to a
black dancefloor trimmed in red. In the
middle of the dancefloor is the Club Lion’s name…a name that seems to spin and
flash as a reflection of ℵITA’s accomplishments.
In addition to ℵITA’s
meticulous nature, Ricardo AvalirA also credits her dedication to others as the
key to her longevity. He explains, “I
use to sing at ℵITA’s club years ago…then I took a break…but
I have been singing in SL for about five years…”
What is impressive
about this comment is the fact that AvalirA not only worked for ℵITA
prior to taking an SL break, but that he was allowed to return to his position as
a singer at ℵITA’s Club Lion upon his return to SL. Though
it is easy to assume that the reason for his easy return was due to his
partnership with ℵITA, to dismiss his return on that basis is
unmerited because it keenly demonstrates another secret to ℵITA’s
longevity: cultivating and keeping
strong relationships with her employees.
ℵITA Discusses How Cultivating
Friendships Has Led to Club Lion’s Longevity
ℵITA
states in a matter of fact fashion, “Well, [many club owners] just set up a
box…a stage, and call that a club…and sometimes, I really wonder about that…”
She smiles, then continues, “…you have to stand by your club and your singers…There
is so much work to running a club. People just think they can open a club and
make money...lol. For me, I find that if the chemistry between the singers, as
well as the hosts and other employees is ok with me, that often helps me to
keep them as long term employees…”
With honesty and
friendship acting as a foundation to Club Lion’s longevity, ℵITA’s
vision, according to her profile page, “…was to create a place where people in
Second Life could come to have fun, meet new people, here great music
[specifically live performances, though there is a DJ themed event at her Goth
Club on Thursdays, too], or just to relax.” This philosophy is regularly
practiced by ℵITA on a daily basis, and she ascertains that
this practice is similar to what many have to do on a daily basis in RL. She contends, “[yes, cultivating and
maintaining friendships in SL] is like RL…there are some that like you and some
that don’t…you can’t change that…you can only try to make people feel
comfortable…treat people like how you want to be treated.”
One of many ways ℵITA
treats others…specifically her employees…the way she would like to be treated
is by regularly supporting them when they perform at other venues. For
instance, she recently supported Ricardo AvalirA’s performance at Sunshine’s
Cove Beach Club and Mermaid’s Reef (61, 75, 22). While ℵITA contends that this is normal and in
keeping to being partnered with AvalirA, she acknowledges that this kind of
support is rare when it comes to SL employee relationships. She contends, “Supporting one another should
happen, but [I know] it does not happen often enough…”
Because ℵITA
is so steadfast in her support, her staff members, in turn are very helpful to
her. She explains, “I have a good staff
too…they help me a lot, and they also live with me on the [Club Lion] sim, so I
have the best people around me…”
Multitasking and Asking for Help: Another Secret to Club Lion’s Longevity
Besides cultivating
positive and long term relationships with her employees, ℵITA
contends that it is also important to ask for help…particularly if you are
interested in opening a club of your own.
“I would strongly suggest to consult with someone who is experienced in
running a club….” ℵITA
continues, “[because]..there are many things that can go wrong. But the biggest
thing is that you believe in what you're doing...and keep strong!”
Besides having a
strong belief in what she is doing, ℵITA stresses the importance of being talented
in multiple SL sectors. One way to
express this talent is by multitasking, which ℵITA
is a pro at. “In my spare time,” she explains, “I design clothes and make music
globes—among other items—that I sell in my storefront.” Though she coughs to
denote some sarcasm, the SL Enquirer has seen ℵITA
multitask with ease. This is because, in
addition to designing clothes, ℵITA is
also a talented Believe me, when you run a club you don't have a lot of spare
time. (cough) I design clothes and make music photographer and also runs a Goth
Club. And though ℵITA coughs once more and says, “Believe me,
when you run a club you don't have a lot of spare time…” the SL Enquirer urges
everyone to look to ℵITA as a fine example of a Club Owner that
not only DOES, but CAN multitask!
In the course of
multitasking, ℵITA also advises that club owners should stay
on their toes and be prepared for surprises. “You should always be ready for
the unexpected and be prepared…There are so many things to do behind the scenes
that nobody sees and believe me, it is a lot of work, but [also very]
rewarding.”
Helping
Other Charities and Standing By Those That Work For You…
ℵITA
believes that the best way a club owner can be duly rewarded in SL is by
sticking by those that work for them rather than treat them like disposable
commodities. ℵITA states, rather emphatically, “It's always
been my dream to own a club and sl gave me that chance to live my dream…” she
continues, “…and at times had to fight for that dream. [However,] I strongly
believe that I am doing good for others by providing great singers from all
over the world. It's always fun to meet new people who [later] become friends.”
Fueled by her belief
in helping others, ℵITA cites her talent in doing so as one of
her many accomplishments. She explains, “I have raised lindens for cancer
charities and have done many singer contests…as well as contests for our guests
[complete] with linden prizes.” Thus, by
reaching out to the community she serves, ℵITA has successfully built strong
relationships with other organizations, as well as sufficiently catered to
those that patronize her club.
Be mindful that ℵITA
is very modest about her accomplishments.
However, all modesty aside, there is an aura of respect that exudes from
an establishment that has been in SL for seven years. For this reason and more, the SL Enquirer
applauds ℵITA’s accomplishments, and offer our unconditional
support in insuring that Club Lion remains a successful SL establishment. To ℵITA
and the Club Lion staff, here is to another seven years in SL!
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