With a company less than half a year old and production beginning barely a month ago in Buffalo, New York, it’s hard to believe that Anthony Violante and Robert D’Amico, co-founders of Hemingway For Men, already have plans for a Sarasota expansion, much less on the back of a single product—beard oil. But when you’re trying to reinvent men’s grooming, the expected is suspect.

Starting with a beard oil may seem too niche, but that made it the perfect test product for the Hemingway conceit—a limited product line with limited availability but the kind of care and quality control that could build a loyal following. “It’s difficult for a small start-up to take that approach with an expansive line,” explained Violante, “and put that attention into packaging and the product itself.” Made with all cold-pressed and organic oils, each ingredient is chosen for a specific reason and together work to soften, shine and promote growth, but also protect the beard and skin from UV damage and dryness.

As for the packaging—sleek, solid and matte black with minimal adornment—if the name ‘Hemingway’ didn’t give the right impression, this surely hammers it home. “The ‘coolness factor’ that we’re going to bring to the men’s grooming game is the major game-changer,” said Ryan Lyke, director of sales and marketing at Hemingway. It’s a break from the stereotypical man of the age of the sitcom, he says, the hopeless oaf schlubbin’ up the sofa. “That’s just who he is,” said Lyke, "but there’s been a paradigm shift.”

“We wanted to grow organically,” said Violante, “and once we got our foothold, expand.” And after a heartening welcome up in Buffalo, the crew sought a new test market in Sarasota, where Lyke and Violante struck deals with the likes of Shore and Southern Roots Salon, avoiding big-name chains and franchises and opting for more boutique options. “That’s the backbone,” said Violante, careful with how the new product is associated. “Those places are where you find original things.”

With new products on the way, including a moisturizer, the flagship facility will arise in Buffalo sometime in the next few months, with a secondary headquarters scheduled to arrive in Sarasota by this summer, according to Lyke. “It’s been very quick; it’s seems crazy,” said Violante. “But if we could do that with a beard oil, a very niche product, then we’re ready to roll.” 

Pictured: Anthony Violante (left) and Ryan Lyke (right) meet with Tatyana Sharoubim-Stewart, founder of T. Georgiano's Shoe Salon. Courtesy of: Hemingway for Men.

London Bay Homes has begun construction of its first luxury single-family waterfront estate model on Bird Key, an island neighborhood on Sarasota Bay between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. The two-story Cedarberry, located on a canal that provides direct access to the bay, will feature coastal contemporary architecture and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2016. 

London Bay Homes

Goodwill Manasota’s Supported JobsPlus (SJP) program recently received a $10,000 grant from the Jerry and Fay Bainbridge Foundation to support the program, which employs individuals with physical, developmental and psychiatric disabilities. Implemented in 2005, the SJP program targets sustainable employment for those with significant disabilities. There are currently 115 participants in the SJP program, making up 20% of Goodwill Manasota’s retail workforce and 14% of Goodwill Manasota’s total workforce. 

Goodwill Manasota

ROBRADY design took home three gold awards and a bronze along with numerous honorable mentions at this year’s Spark Design & Architecture Awards ceremony, a global competition honoring designs that could change the world. ROBRADY won awards for its work on products ranging from a zero gravity exoskeleton arm to an automated spring coiling machine. 

ROBRADY design

The 12th Annual SRQ Home of the Year Competition is still accepting entries! Though the advanced deadline has passed, the opportunity to submit a beautiful home in the 2016 competition is still fair game. Now featuring new categories, the 2016 competition promises to deliver the platinum, gold and silver standard in regional architecture, design and gorgeous curb appeal. Late submissions will be accepted through January 7, 2016. Each submission will be judged on design concept, function, integrity of design and creativity. Out of market judges within the home design field are supplied with blind submissions to ensure that every entry's critique is balanced and based upon industry standard criteria. Winners will be announced in the March edition of SRQ Magazine. For more information, click here.