Checkout the some of their jewelry selections on http://www.vippstyle.com.


Immediate Release:
August 29, 2021
(Louisville, KY) During one of the toughest times in the City of Louisville a group of business owners found a way to support themselves. From the pandemic to the social unrest that spilled into the streets due to the Breonna Taylor case and other cases across the nation. One community leader and entrepreneur Nachand Trabue, owner of Manhattan on Broadway rallied area businesses to work together to generate wealth in the Black community.
Now, the MELANnaire Marketplace invites you to come out and celebrate it’s one-year anniversary on Saturday, September 4th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Manhattan on Broadway located at 716 E. Broadway.
The MELANnaire Marketplace showcases products and services of Black-owned businesses. Many of the entrepreneurs do not have the capital for storefronts or office space so this marketplace is critical for their growth, and it puts them in front of consumers, both local and tourist looking for shopping opportunities in downtown Louisville.
According to local census, only 2.4% of businesses are Black owned while they make up 22.4% of the population. That’s why are requesting your support as consumer and/or sponsor.
When you visit the marketplace you will see all type of vendors from homemade pet treats, artwork, clothing, accessories to soul food and healthy food options and produce.
There will be a live DJ and band playing throughout the event.
The founder and creator of the MELANnaire Marketplace Nachand Trabue says “This was birthed out of love for community and to see other Black-owned businesses reach their ultimate potential. We are literally sitting in a food desert, and no one is coming to the aide of the residents in the Smoketown and downtown residents. We had an urgent need, so I contacted businesses and we all agreed that we needed to help ourselves instead of waiting on someone to help us.
Over this past year, we have had people from all over the city and surrounding communities come out and support us. This is truly a community effort. I just feel so blessed to be able to spearhead the initiative. I had no idea that when we started that the MELANnaire Marketplace would become so important in the community. That’s a testament for the need and the quality service our businesses bring to the table.”
We would like to thank all the Black-owned businesses, sponsors, and community leaders who have participated and supported us over the past year. We look forward to the next year.
We currently have more than 30 local businesses participating on Saturday, September 4th:
We invite you to stop by and see what the entrepreneurs have to offer.
If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at www.melannaire.com. Please announce and/or post on your community calendars. If you have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306.
“Where Black Businesses Matter”
Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.
Instagram: @melannairemarketplace
HEAD TO FOURTH STREET LIVE! THIS WEEKEND FOR MELANNAIRE MARKETPLACE
Where the community comes out to Shop, Socialize & Support
(Louisville, KY) The MELANnaire Marketplace welcomes you to come out to Fourth Street Live! on Saturday, July 17th from 12pm to 6pm. This week’s theme: Summer Breeze Festival featuring live jazz with the Baconaters and entertainment provided by DJ Cam, FaithWorks Studio and Redline Performing Arts.. We have a large array of Black-owned businesses from handmade jewelry, fresh baked goods, fresh produce to clothing and unique crafts. This is a FREE event that we invite the whole community to come out and support.
If you are looking for a great story, we invite you to come out and hear the stories of how these entrepreneurs got their start. We will help coordinate your request and/or you can walk to see who catches your eye.
WHO: Melannaire Marketplace Summer Breeze Festival
WHAT: Pop Up Mall
WHEN: 12:00pm-6:00pm
WHERE: Fourth Street Live!
If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at www.melannaire.com.
Please announce and/or post on your community calendars. If you have any questions, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306.
“Where Black Businesses Matter”
Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU & #MELANnaireMarketplace.
Instagram: @melannairemarketplace
As the world begins to reopen and the economy is on the upswing many consumers prepare to get back into a some kind of new norm. Which means that its time to start getting dressed up again for work. Why not, make a true statement with VIPP Style Accessories.
Checkout our website http://www.vippstyle.com. Follow us on Instagram @VIPP_Style/ Facebook @VIPPStyleAccessories/ Twitter @StyleVipp
VIPP Style Accessories’ fashion forward statement pieces will bring any Fall fashion come to life. You will see gold make a comeback as well as layering necklaces. Checkout some of their must have pieces.
To see their full collection visit their site at http://www.vippstyle.com and #makeastatement.
*Inventory updated weekly along with holiday sales and special offers.
VIPP Style Accessories is gearing up for their spring/summer accessory collection. Easter, prom, weddings and the Kentucky Derby are just weeks away and everyone know that’s a fantastic piece of jewelry can take your outfit to the next level.
VIPP Style Accessories specializes in “statement pieces”. The define it as unique, bold, head turner and show stopper. Their thought process is if they would wear it, they will stock it.
Checkout their available stock online at http://www.vippstyle.com where their customers always “make a statement. They add new pieces and restock bestsellers weekly. If you need an item in bulk they can do custom orders.
Follow them on Facebook @vippstyle and Instagram @vipp_style.
To join their online team contact a VIPP stylist at booking at vippstyle dot com.
Make an impression with VIPP Style Accessories.
VIPP is pronounced V-I-P. It meaning is Visualizing into People’s Personalities. You have to know the style of your client before you can “style” them. VIPP Style Accessories is the fashion division of VIPP Communications.
By Sherlene M. Shanklin
When I was contacted by Today’s Woman Magazine I had mixed emotions. – shocked to even be nominated even though no one knows anything about me.
People have no idea that I’ve worked in the media for almost 27 years.
When teachers told my graduating class that we would likely have to start at a smaller market to get your experience and then work your way back to your hometown. I beat those odds and jumped straight to my hometown of Louisville. I was hired part-time as an associate director. Working crazy hours, weekends and holidays. All while I worked in a new healthcare division full time and attending graduate school obtaining two master’s degrees.
I’ve worked in just about every position behind the scenes. Receiving several award nominations for floor directing and my camera work for some of the biggest news events in Louisville. I had the opportunity to first produce/coordinate the very first forum where community leaders said some 20 years ago that Louisville was ready for a professional team. Many of the same believers in that idea are still believing in the vision today and its moving in the right direction. I believe there will be a farm team that’s affiliated with an NBA team who will make Louisville their home first. Those players, when developed, will be called up to team.
After proving I could produce I went from production to the newsroom where I had the opportunity to write and produce some of the biggest stories of our lifetime like 9-11. Then I was recruited away in 2003 to WHAS11. I started off as a producer but later moved to the assignment desk.
I had an opportunity to start one of the first webcasts in the area about entertainment and community news that you did not see on the air. I took the challenge upon myself to help promote people and events. My original concept was to find national figures throughout the world that had Kentucky ties. That helped me create that niche in the market and The411 with Sherlene Shanklin was born.
In 2018, the Society of Professional Journalists announced my story about the NBA as their Best Sports Writing piece of the Year. I also won Best Use of Social Media for Louisville’s own Bryson Tiller announcing his national tour and pop-up concert series. In 2017, I was nominated for an Emmy Award for the coverage of Muhammad Ali’s memorial coverage.
After, first using web-based and social media platforms to promote my stories. I had the opportunity to go on air. There was only a few stories out there at the time but now the table has turned and dozens of stories are developed with the emphasis on “did you know that person is from Kentucky?”
Now, you can watch The411 on Thursdays at 12:50 p.m., Fridays at 4:20 p.m. and Saturday mornings during Good Morning Kentuckiana Weekend.
You can hear me on 104.7/WLOU on Miss Krystal Goodner’s show on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. and of course you can read my stories on www.whas11.com and www.thevippreport.com.
Can you believe it all started from an idea and now it has flourished into its own standalone brand. My primary job at WHAS11, an ABC Affiliate is the assignment desk. In a nutshell I’m reading and/or listening to all of the story ideas, news tips and helping develop the story.
Even if the story doesn’t make air I still try and assist as many people as I can with their problems.
So, no I’m not new to the area. Some people consider me as the go-to in the community when they need assistance. Even if I can’t assist, I try to lead then in the right direction to get assistance. Once I think we can do the story. I consult with the reporter I believe has the sources and passion to get the story done.
While working around the clock in the media. It gave me other opportunities to help people. Once the demand was so real I started VIPP Communications. It’s a one-stop public relations, branding, marketing, special events and video production firm.
Then The VIPP Report was created so I could have a platform to talk about clients. Then through supply and demand everyone wanted to know where I purchased my jewelry, so I created VIPP Style an online accessory store.
So, to be nominated as “Most Admired” by the magazine is simply humbling. I’ve worked so hard for so long that I didn’t think anyone was noticing. I’ve chosen not one but multiple fields that are highly competitive. When no one wanted to help me, I created and developed what others would not give me a chance to do. To now receiving calls for assistance simply brings me to tears. This was not an overnight, an instant potato career. I’ve been moving mountains my entire adulthood and making ways out of no way.
I still have a lot more to accomplish because I’m never satisfied but to know others are watching and acknowledging that I’m on their radar lets me know that a real breakthrough is just around the corner. This is a little bit about me and what I do. I will be sharing more in the future about my journey, who I work with and why I refuse to lose.
If you have time between now and March 22nd at noon, please vote for me in the #media category for Today’s Woman Most Admired for WHAS11 Television.
With Christmas just two weeks away, shoppers walk the malls and up and down the aisles of stores looking for the perfect gift.
With a busy schedule many are looking for a quick way to check names off their list. The trend now is to find credible online stores with competitive prices.
VIPP Style Accessories is an online store that carries unique statement pieces that you can dress up or down. The site has a wide variety of styles, colors and prices that pretty much fits anyone’s budget.
During the holidays, you get free shopping for purchases over $50.00. All you have to do is use the code: VIPP HOLIDAY.
Visit their website http://www.vippstyle.com. Follow them on Instagram @vipp_style and Facebook @vippstyle for special offers and sales.
Season’s Greetings,
As we approach Christmas 2018, we at VIPP Communications would like to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with you. We understand and appreciate how important business relationships are and we thank you for your confidence in our talented staff to bring your vision to life. We take pride in successfully executing your goals and/or projects.
We have a wonderful team of professionals that handle your projects as if it were their own.
Thank you for your continued support as you begin to plan for 2019. Consider our full service public relations,marketing, branding, booking and video production firm.
Again, we appreciate your business and thank you for choosing VIPP Communications, VIPP Style Accessories, The VIPP Report & SherleneShanklin.com.
We look forward to working with you in the coming year. Secure your date(s) with our VIPP Communications booking agent. Check out our new site for a complete list of services by visiting http://vippcommunications.com.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate contacting our office at info@vippcommunications.com.
Happy Holidays to you and Merry Christmas!
Sherlene M.Shanklin, CEO/Sr.Partner
https://vippcommunications.com
http://www.vippstyle.com–www.sherleneshanklin.com–https://thevippreport.com
This year’s holiday market benefits the Kids Cancer Alliance
(Louisville, KY) The Fleur De Flea Vintage, Antique and Handmade Holiday Market will deck the halls of the newly renovated Kentucky International Convention Center, (KICC) located at 221 S. 4th Street where shoppers get to experience Kentuckiana’s largest and best holiday market in the area. Save the date of Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm to go on your shopping spree for the hard to buy family, friend and/or coworker who have everything.
The Holiday Fleur de Flea will have vendors from all over the region with more than 200 booths specializing in vintage, antique, boutique and handmade items. There will be a holiday bar withy festive drinks that shoppers can enjoy. Plus, there will also be plenty of food for you to enjoy.
Admission for the Holiday Fleur de Flea is only $5.00. In turn, proceeds to benefit the Kids Cancer Alliance. They will be on site both days to talk about their non-profit organization and answer any questions our guests may have.
With the holiday market strategically located in downtown Louisville it helps shoppers avoid long lines from mall traffic and it gives our neighbors in Indiana to make a quick trip across the bridge to support small businesses.
The Holiday Fleur de Flea Vintage, Antique and Handmade Holiday Market is on Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th at KICC from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you would like to set up an interview, schedule a live shot and/or to cover the event, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.
Prior to the market, we request that you put on your community calendars and/or place on your media outlet websites and social pages.
You can follow Fleur De Flea on IG: @fleurdeflea and FB: @fleaurdeflea.
VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. http://vippcommunications.com
The holiday season is quickly approaching and many have no idea what to buy as gifts. You find yourself getting the wrong size or the wrong color. Why not just give them accessories that can go with anything! VIPP Style Accessories is preparing for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Accessorize your life with great statement pieces. The online accessories store has a little something for everyone.
Go to http://www.vippstyle.com and review their selections. New items will be added daily to get you ready for holiday parties, gift ideas and of course New Year’s Eve.
Follow them on IG: @vipp_style; FB: @vippstyleaccessories.
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping from Team VIPP Style!!!!!
VIPP Style Accessories will host their monthly Sip, Shop & Support on Sunday, August 19th at Virtue located at 103 W. Oak Street from 2 pm to 5 pm. Admission is FREE! We are just asking you to come out and support the vendors/businesses.
This is an opportunity for local entrepreneurs get a chance to showcase their service and/or product and network with other businesses.
There will be vendors from statement pieces, beauty, health, romance, fashion clothing to locally owned company that actually makes their own cremes, bath soaps.
Here’s some of the vendors that’s confirmed their participation:
Virtue is a sponsor for the event. If you would like to be a sponsor to market your business contact VIPP Style Accessories at booking at vippstyle dot com.
It’s time for the next Sip, Shop & Support hosted by VIPP Style Accessories. The pop up shop vendor fair will be held on Sunday, June 24th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Virtue, 103 E. Oak Street in Louisville.
If you would like to be a vendor send your request to booking at vippstyle dot com.
If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport at vippcommunications dot com. Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.
Welcome to VIPP Communications. We are your one-stop Public Relations, Marketing, Branding and Event Management firm.
Our company was founded in 1998, after an overwhelming demand for our freelance services. We cater to every realm of business from professional athletes, entertainers to community and business leaders in their industry.
VIPP stand for “Visualizing into People’s Personality” and it’s pronounced V-I-P because our clients always get the V.I.P. treatment when we work on their project. Our dedication, experience, hard work and innovation is why clients enjoy our services.
Sherlene Shanklin started this firm with giving back in mind. VIPP helps groups needing assistance with planning and receiving media coverage. Many had no idea where to begin and Shanklin came in and helped develop a plan which many today still use her services and techniques she taught them.
The symbol we use is a circle meaning that that its never ending, continuous, and everlasting. We are what you call a timeless team of communication professionals working to shape your business to have longevity and prosperity.
If you would like to speak to one of the members of “Team VIPP” contact us at mail at vippcommunications dot com.
Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm and Instagram @VIPPCommunications
(Louisville, KY) Kimmielaine’s Fashion Designs and Alterations will host their inaugural Finding Peace Through Fashion Charity Fashion Show on Saturday, May 26th at the Mellwood Arts Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue starting at 1:00 pm. This year’s theme: Peacocks.
Kimmielaine’s in conjunction with the “No More Red Dots” (NMRD) campaign lead by Dr. Eddie Woods will bring “Sew A.W.A.R.E.”, (Advocating Women around Revolutionary Excellence) which is an extension of Woods’ initiative.
NMRD is dedicated to building a safer, more peaceful inner city by offering opportunities such as activities, events and programs that help improve the lives of young girls.
During the fashion show you will see young ladies participating in the event. They will also have the chance to sit in the audience to witness how a show and the many moving parts to execute a show on that level.
Kimberly Foree, owner of Kimmielaine’s Fashion Designs and Alterations and fashion show coordinator says “Our goal is reach the young ladies by giving them opportunities that they normally don’t get a chance to experience. We are looking to assert energy in a creative and constructive manner instead of a destructive and unmanageable mindset. We are Helping YOU be Sew AWARE of your beauty and Designing Fashion for Today’s World”.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door for general admission. You can purchase them on eventbrite.com. The link is provided: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-through-fashion-charity-fashion-show-tickets-45561561858?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Doors open at 12 p.m. and guests will shop with local vendors until the show begins. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, (JDRF) and the No More Red Dots campaign.
Please post our event on your calendars. If you would like to setup an interview, and/or request media credentials, please contact us at please contact VIPP Communications at at info at vippcommunications dot com.
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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand. Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes. Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.
(Louisville, KY) TheVIPPReport: On Sunday, April 29th VIPP Style Accessories will do a pop up shop to help Louisville and surrounding areas get ready for Kentucky Derby Weekend.
It all takes place at Virtue, 103 W. Oak Street from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. They will be jewelry, statement pieces, lashes, Oaks & Derby hat vendors as well as a massage therapist. Helping those wind down before the big wind up for the 1st Saturday in May.
Come out and Sip, Shop and Support!
If you would like to be a vendor space is limited. Contact them at booking at vippstyle dot com.
If you have a Kentucky Derby event send it to us at thevippreport at vippcomunications dot com.
Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm.
Time to freshen up your jewelry. VIPP Style Accessories just received a few new statement pieces that we know you are going to love. forecasting some of the colors you will see in the coming months, olive, gold, purple (all shades) and cream. So, we went and found these beautiful bold pieces.
You can purchase them online at http://www.vippstyle.com. To see online specials, popup shop and special event opportunities. Follow us us on Facebook @vippstyle and Instagram @vipp_style. Make a statement with our beautiful, bold and stylish pieces.
To join our style team, contact us at booking@vippstyle.com.
“Make A Statement” with VIPP Style Accessories
VIPP Style Accessories is your new online shopping experience. Finding unique, bold and vibrant statement pieces can be difficult. So, our stylists work hard to locate great pieces from all over the U.S. and we will showcase them on our site. “Make An Impression “
THE FLEUR DE FLEA VINTAGE AND HANDMADE HOLIDAY MARKET PARTNERS UP WITH THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE ON DECEMBER 9TH WITH OVER 100 LOCAL VENDORS NESTLED AMNONGST SOME OF LOUISVILLE’S GREATEST HISTORY
(Louisville, KY) Tis the Season to be Jolly and Shop local! We are in countdown mode for Christmas and many have not purchased one gift and now you’re thinking to yourself “How will I get it all done in time?” We have the perfect one-stop shop with over 100 vendors under one roof. It’s the Holiday Fleur de Flea Vintage Urban Market on Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, (KCAAH) located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
The Holiday Fleur de Flea will have vendors from all over Kentucky and Southern Indiana selling everything from handmade items, vintage holiday, collectibles, repurposed, to recycled plus so much more. There will be gift ideas for even the hardest to shop for loved one.
There will also be plenty of food for you to enjoy. Food trucks will be on site plus a holiday bar with festive drinks. If you’ve never visited KCAAH, this is a wonderful time to learn more about their history and see their displays along with shopping. There’s also plenty of parking in the rear of the venue for your convenience.
Admission for the Holiday Fleur de Flea is only $3.00. In turn, the proceeds will go to KCAAH’s new January 2018 exhibit “Imagine Peace Now.” Artists from all over the world constructed this exhibit by taking nearly 80 guns off the streets used in violence and recycled them into art. KCAAH will release additional information about the exhibit in the coming weeks.
Avoid the malls and shop local to support area business by attending the Holiday Fleur de Flea Vintage Urban Market on Saturday, December 9th at KCAAH from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you would like to set up an interview and/or to cover the event please contact Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com
There’s a new online jewelry line that’s BOLD, BEAUTIFUL and makes a statement. VIPP Style Accessories is a jewelry vendor that searches high and low to find affordable statement pieces. They started their business in December 2016 and they are already having to expand. The VIPP Style team handpicks each piece.
To see what’s currently available go to http://www.vippstyle.com.
On Facebook @vippstyle and Instagram @vipp_style.
If you would like to have some of these pieces in your boutique, on display, style shows and/or weddings contact us booking@vippstyle.com.
No order is too small nor too big. If you would like to be on the VIPP Style Team and/or would like to host a jewelry show email us at vippstyle@vippcommunications.com.