LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR Catsmeow, Tilly, Twinkie, Vanessa, Viginia & Vortice advance to the semi-finals!

The LOOK of the YEAR jury selected the second group of six semi-finalists. Well done to Catsmeow17, Tilly Opaline, TwinkieBean, VanessaJane66, Virginia Starchild and Vortice41 who are now in the race to obtain the prestigious LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR title and the incredible L$50,000 cash prize that comes with it!

 

In this challenge, the participants were paying tribute to Ponchituti Boucher, the legendary fashion producer, top modèle and instructor and a very inspiring muse for LUXE Paris since the creation of the brand twelve years ago.

 

YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE

 

Your photo is not there? It's not over! There will be 3 more selections of six semi-finalists in the coming weeks.

 

This week, we invite participants to create a LUXE Paris look for the famous jeweler Zuri Rayna who make diamonds and pearls dance in our life.

 

SPOTLIGHTS ON ZURI

 

She looks like a modern-day princess with her long hair, voluptuous jewelry and natural grace. And she makes us look like royalty with her opulent and refined creations. You will already recognize the legendary Zuri Rayna, jeweler in Second Life since 2007, another wonderful muse for LUXE Paris!

 

You want to know more? You will discover her tastes and preferences in her inspirational text in the FASHION ICONS SECTION of our website.

 

Next week will be dedicated to Coco Chanel and the last week/challenge will pay a tribute to the unforgettable Frolic Mills.

 

Remember that both men and women can participate. If the icon is female, the male participant must simply create a look for the icon's companion. Do not see the icons as limits but rather as flames to ignite your imagination. We definitely don't want carbon copies! Let your creativity run wild. Charm us! Surprise us!

 

FOR WOMEN & MEN, PROS & BEGINNERS

 

LUXE Paris is looking for an ambassador, an elegant and original person, with charisma. Could be a woman or a man. Could be a professional or a beginner, this has already been seen. The organization offers tailored mentoring to the 12 finalists.

 

Do you have what it takes? Send your photo FULL PERM to the avatar LUXEParisLOOKoftheYEAR in world. The deadline to submit your photo for the Tribute to Zuri Rayna is Thursday July 4th at midnight. Each participant receives a free LUXE Paris ensemble upon reception of the first photo. Stop procrastinating! Beyond the competition, a unique fashion adventure is within your reach!

 

The 2024 LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR competition is carried out in collaboration with One On One Agency, Zuri Jewelry, In-Nova Academy, The SL Enquirer, SL Confidencial, Swank Events, the Womenstuff and Menstuff groups, the Latin Quarter, ProPose Professional Poses, Hyacinth Poses & Design, Hayabusa Design and SL4Live-TV.

More information at LUXE Paris Fashion House

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How to Market Your Real-Life Business on Second Life

 

Image credit

Is it a good idea to bridge the gap between virtual reality and real life? Maybe a decade ago, it would be considered odd, but honestly, nowadays, it’s just so common!  So, you’ve got a real-life business, and you’re looking for a fun, innovative way to market it. Yes, digital marketing exists, but sometimes, it really helps to do more than the standard SMM ads, PPC, and video content on YouTube. 

Actually, sometimes it helps to combine your hobby with your business. So, if you play Second Life, why not consider that? Just think about it: it’s a virtual world where users create avatars, interact, and even do business. It’s really people, so it’s nice that everyone is an NPC. So, if this sounds like a quirky marketing avenue, you’re right, but it can also be incredibly effective. Here’s how you can take your real-life business into the virtual realm of Second Life.

You Need to Build Relationships

Alright, so it’s not exactly like you’ll be easily able to talk to people like you can in real life. You won’t be able to exchange physical business cards; you won’t be able to give out free samples of your product wrapped in branded wrapping paper, and you won’t be able to have people physically come to your storefront (especially if they live far away). 

But that’s fine. You don’t always need to have people physically in front of you to market your business. In digital marketing, the whole point is to attract people from a distance who are not physically around you or your business. 

So, just think of it this way: when it comes to playing on Second Life, Second Life, this is all about community. S, to market effectively, you need to build relationships. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and collaborate with other businesses. Plus, networking in Second Life can lead to partnerships that benefit both parties. For example, if you run a beauty brand, teaming up with a virtual spa could be mutually beneficial. 

Host Events and Experiences

Alright, so admittingly, this one might be tough; it just depends on how long you’ve been playing Second Life, the community that you’re in, and so on. But with that all said, one of the best ways to draw attention to your virtual business is by hosting events. You’ll need to think about workshops, Q&A sessions, or virtual tours.

If you’re an artist, why not host a virtual gallery opening? If you’re in the fitness industry, a virtual yoga class could be a hit. Events are a great way to engage with the community and showcase what you offer in an interactive way. Plus, they give people a reason to return to your space. This may or may not work for your real business, its really hard to say, because the end goal is to get your real business known.

You’ll Have to Keep Active

Marketing in Second Life isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it strategy- as nice as that would be, it’s just not the case. Stay active, keep your virtual store updated, and continue to engage with the community. Second Life, like any social platform, evolves, and so should your marketing tactics. Pay attention to trends within the virtual world and adapt your strategies accordingly.

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What to Do When Your Business is Losing Money

 If you know that your business is losing money then you will know how frustrating this can be. With that being said, there are some steps you can take to try and turn things around for yourself. If you don’t know where to begin, then take a look below.

Review your Accounts

The first thing you need to do is go through all of your accounts. You need to take the time to uncover any mistakes you might have made and you also need to look at any cash flow issues you may be having. Use a cloud-based accounting software and scan all of your receipts if you can. By doing this, you will soon find that you are able to keep track of things and that it also becomes easier to balance your books. A lot of small businesses make the mistake of not hiring a dedicated accountant or a bookkeeper too but this is the last thing you should be doing. If you want to help yourself then you should also look into the payment processor API as this is a great way for you to find out how much money you have coming in and how much you have going out of your accounts.

Source: Pexels

Identify Waste

Some expenses are hard to cut and there's nothing you can do about this. You have to pay rent, as well as payroll and taxes. With that being said it is possible to save money on things like paper products, meals and travel. Cut back on things where you can and also go through every item that your business might use. Ask yourself whether or not it is critical to your business. You might also want to try and sell some of your supplies, including your furniture. If you can do this then you may find that it helps you to get into the black once more.

Adjust Prices

If you set your prices far too high then not many people will buy your products. With that being said, if you set your prices too low then this can be bad for your business. Underpricing can give the impression that you are not giving a product that is worth the money and that it’s going to be low quality. Even if you know your product doesn’t fit into this box, it's what your customers will believe. If you undersell yourself then this will limit your profit. Make sure that you cover your expenses and that you focus on getting a good profit margin. If you can focus on getting around 10% for every product you sell then this is a good margin and it’s certainly a good way for you to get your finances back on track. A lot of businesses worry that if they put up their prices too much then they will stop getting customers, and although this will happen, the customers who stay with you are loyal and are worth far more to your customers over the long run so keep that in mind if you can. 

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LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR JENNI, JUDE, KEIRA, LAYCIE, GIRASOL & WYATT ARE IN THE RACE!

Its a go! The LOOK of the YEAR jury selected the first group of six semi-finalists. Well done to Jenni Eros, Jude Tatham, Keira Rhapsody, Laycie Pearl, Girasolmx and WyattFrost who are now in the race to obtain the prestigious LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR title and the incredible L$50,000 cash prize that comes with it!

44 applications were submitted for this first challenge dedicated to Jade Pono, our wonderful LOOK of the YEAR 2022 taken away by cancer.

YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE

Your photo is not there? It's not over. There will be four more selections of six semi-finalists in the coming weeks.

This week, we invite participants to create a LUXE Paris look for the famous fashion event producer Ponchituti Boucher, or for her partner, if the candidate is male.

SPOTLIGHTS ON PONCHITUTI

Extraordinary style icon, Ponchituti Boucher has been shining on Second Life fashion industry for almost fifteen years and always was an immense inspiration for LUXE Paris.

Also a modeling instructor, Ponchituti has discovered so many runway stars that she is nicknamed The Mother of All Models!

You don't know her very well? You will discover her tastes and preferences in her inspirational text on our website.

Next week will be dedicated to the jeweler Zuri Rayna, then it will be the tribute week to Coco Chanel and the week dedicated to the legendary Frolic Mills.

Do not see the icons as limits but rather as flames to ignite your imagination. We definitely don't want carbon copies! Let your creativity run wild. Charm us! Surprise us!

FOR WOMEN & MEN, PROS & BEGINNERS

LUXE Paris is looking for an ambassador, an elegant and original person, with charisma. Could be a woman or a man. Could be a professional or a beginner, this has already been seen. The organization offers tailored mentoring to the 12 finalists.

Do you have what it takes? Send your photo FULL PERM to the avatar LUXEParisLOOKoftheYEAR in world. The deadline to submit your photo for the Tribute to Ponchituti is Thursday June 27 at midnight. Each participant receives a free LUXE Paris ensemble upon reception of the first photo. Stop procrastinating! Beyond the competition, a unique fashion adventure is within your reach!

The 2024 LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR competition is carried out in collaboration with One On One Agency, Zuri Jewelry, In-Nova Academy, The SL Enquirer, SL Confidencial, Swank Events, the Womenstuff and Menstuff groups, the Latin Quarter, ProPose Professional Poses, Hyacinth Poses & Design, Hayabusa Design and SL4Live-TV.

All details at www.luxeparis.online

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Bridging Real and Virtual: Integrating Your Real-Life Business with Second Life Success

Second Life has not lost its popularity over 20 years after its launch. In fact, it is a vibrant platform for businesses to expand their reach and connect with a global audience. 

Businesses in Second Life can thrive by leveraging the unique opportunities it offers, such as virtual storefronts, interactive experiences, and a dynamic community. 

However, for those with an established real-life business, ensuring that your Second Life presence is aligned with your physical brand is crucial. 

Pixabay - CC0 License

Use the Same Name

A memorable business name is the cornerstone of effective branding. It's the first thing people notice and remember about your business. When expanding into Second Life, using the same name as your real-life business is essential. Consistency in naming helps in building a strong brand identity that is easily recognizable across different platforms. A well-chosen name should be easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. It should also be meaningful and reflective of your brand’s values and offerings.

Choosing the right name involves understanding your target audience and what resonates with them. Consider using keywords related to your industry, products, or services to make the name relevant and significant. 

Additionally, check for the availability of the name on both platforms to avoid confusion and ensure brand consistency. A consistent name across both realms helps in creating a seamless experience for your customers, fostering trust and familiarity.

Use the Same Branding

Branding is more than just a name; it's the visual and emotional connection you create with your audience. Consistent branding across all platforms, including Second Life, reinforces your business identity and makes it more memorable. Most dual businesses know to stick to their logo, color scheme, typography, and overall aesthetic should remain uniform whether customers encounter the brand online or offline.

Start by transferring your real-life business’s branding elements to your Second Life presence. Use the same logo and color palette in your virtual storefronts, advertisements, and products. 

This visual consistency helps in establishing a strong brand recall. Additionally, maintain the same tone and style in your communications and marketing materials. Whether you're writing a product description or interacting with customers, the voice of your brand should be consistent and reflective of your business values.

“As Seen on Second Life” Campaign

To ensure that your customers make the connection between your real-life business and your Second Life presence, consider launching an "As Seen on Second Life" campaign. This can be a powerful tool in bridging the gap between the two worlds and enhancing your brand's visibility.

One effective way to implement this campaign is by using clear stickers on your real-life business products that say "As Seen in Second Life." This not only piques curiosity but also invites your customers to explore your virtual presence. 

Additionally, create content that highlights this connection. Blog articles, social media posts, and vlogs featuring extracts from your Second Life storefront can provide a behind-the-scenes look at your virtual operations. This content helps your audience understand and appreciate the unique aspects of your Second Life business, fostering a deeper connection with your brand.

In conclusion, integrating your real-life business with your Second Life presence is a strategic move that can enhance your brand's reach and impact. As Second Life continues to grow as a hub for virtual commerce, aligning your real-life business with your virtual endeavors ensures that you stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on the vast opportunities this platform offers.

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Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me @ Visions of Carnal Desires Movie Night- Saturday June 22nd @ 1 am SLT

 

Jump to the left and take a step to the right and lets do the Time Warp at our Rocky Horror Movie Night. The movie will start at 1 am slt on Saturday 22nd June and we will have a Best Rocky Horror Costume Contest, raffle prizes and more. Dammit Janet come on over for a Science Fiction Double Feature with Frank-N-Furter, Riff Raff and the gang.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pennywise/104/64/25

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Come and see June's theme REVUE DES DANSEURS (Dancer's Choice) and what has inspired each ones imagination. This Sunday June 23/2024 @ 1:30pm slt.

 

As each dance the dance of their vision…have you ever wondered what it is…that gives them meaning? Come and see June's theme REVUE DES DANSEURS (Dancer's Choice) and what has inspired each ones imagination. This Sunday June 23/2024 @ 1:30pm slt. THEME: REVUE DES DANSEURS 🍸 Dress Code: Semi Formal 🍸 Bring Your Friends for a night of sexy fun! 🍸 Doors Open Early! Don't miss out if the sim gets full!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/French%20Soleil/117/135/28

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Spotlight Feature on Blue Ridge Country- This Place is a Country Song waiting to Happen- Lanai jarrico Reporting...

 

“Hillbilly” music originated in the Southern regions of the United States in the 1920’s and focused on story telling in ballads and dance tunes. In the 40’s this genre gained popularity the term Country Music was adopted; also known as Honky-Tonk, Bluegrass, folk and gospel and crossing over into. The musical instruments commonly played are fiddles, banjos and various types of guitar coupled with line dancing.

 

 In Second Life, Blue Ridge Country is a venue dedicated to Country music and rock.  It is a place where friends and good times are what it’s all about.  Visitors can Rock the Dock on Saturdays with a whole day of rock.  For those that like playing games, there is a Game room, Water horse rezzers and trails to ride on. There are also boat rezzers and an open water area to enjoy as well as Stores to shop.  The SL Enquirer met up with owner Hannock Evergarden to learn more about Blue Ridge Country and what it has to offer Country Fans gridwide.

Interview with Hannock Evergarden

SLE: Hi Hannock, before we get down to the nitty gritty, can you tell us how you discovered Second life and what inspired you to create Blue Ridge Country?

Hannock: I encountered SL almost 11 years ago. It was just a curiosity, and I had no intention of staying long term, but I discovered friends and fun destinations that intrigued me. I found a few fun clubs and from the start I had a fascination with some day starting my own. I had left Sl for a while and found many of the clubs and friends had disappeared. It was during Covid that I found my way back in and looked for a club I could call home. At the time I was not all that familiar with country music but found a love for it along with many new friends. After about a year I became interested in becoming a DJ and absorbed all I could from my favorites.  It was through the help of many close friends that happened to be DJ’s that I learned the ropes and as of 5/22 I performed my first set as a DJ and the rest is history.  I learned a lot about how a club works and eventually became part owner of a well-established country club. After about a year I started toying with the idea of starting my own club.  Lola and myself started from scratch and built a country club based on the Appalachian Mountains on a ¼ region. On September 1 2023, Blue Ridge Country opened with only 3 sets per day for 5 days. We only had 7 DJ’s and 7 Hosts.  Within 2 months we grew to 27 DJ’s and 27 Hosts and with 4 sets per day 7 days per week.  

  On 3/1/24 Blue Ridge Country moved to a whole region with an adjoining sim wide open water area. Blue Ridge continues to grow with hopes of expanding sets from 6AM – 10PM. 

Lanai: Your backstory is impressive. It shows with hard work and the right people in your circle to really manifest your vision into virtual reality!  Every successful venue has a solid team, can you share who makes up your team and what their roles are?

Hannock:  Hannock and Lola Evergarden – owners

                 Ange Blackwell – General Manager

                 Myth Blackwell   - General Manager

                 Rayn Vortex – Day Manager

                 Jessie Demure – Schedule Manager

Lanai: It looks like you have management covered! Country music is gaining popularity amongst the millennials and Gen Z as new talents hit the recording studios and popular singers Like Beyonce coming out with a whole Country Album. What does Country Music mean to you and how do you feel about other artists crossing over to the genre? 

Hannock:  I came from a rock background and knew very little about country music before I became a DJ. I learned quickly from other DJ’s and binged all the popular country songs on my music app and listened to them every day and downloaded everything that appealed to me. I never play a song that I do not like.  Country music has now become my favorite music genre and I get excited finding new songs every day.

Lanai: I like how motivated you are to try new things and really get involved in Country music so quickly. What type of events do you host at BRC?

Hannock: We have future RFL events in the planning stage. We have a racetrack skybox that we will soon be having competitions. Live singers are being approached and we hope to host a live event in the near future. 

SLE: That sounds like fun! Are you currently hiring? If so, what positions are you offering?

Hannock: We are always looking for good energetic DJ’s and Hosts. Many of our sets are covered but we always need cover DJ’s and Hosts as well as hoping to expand our sets in the mornings. 

SLE: Aside from live shows and DJ events, what other activities do you offer at Blue Ridge Country?

Hannock: Blue Ridge country has several stores with owners that would be happy to create something personal for you. We have an open water area with boat rezzers, bumper boats, kayaks, canoes and jet skis. Islands to explore, a huge tree house with several levels, cuddle spots and plenty of scenic photo opportunities. We have a trail that surrounds the region and horse rezzers to take a casual stroll around to see the mountainous sites. There is a beach area where occasional music sets are located. The huge club can accommodate over 100 vips with a massive game room upstairs. 

SLE: it sounds like a little something for everyone.  What group can guests join to stay up to date with your events?

Hannock: Blue Ridge Country, we also have subscribers if you are out of group space. 

SLE:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about BRC?

Hannock: We are a family friendly club where our number one goal is having fun and making friends. Blue Ridge Country will never have a sploder or linden chasers, we prefer genuine folks that enjoy good country music, good friends and a good time. Blue Ridge Country wants to be your club and a place anyone can call home. 

Additional Links:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/lohana/113/112/29

Discord: https://discord.com/channels/1132415568000065608/1132415569124130938

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