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WEST HARRISON, N.Y. What started as a social networking project quickly snowballed into a busy scene at a West Harrison estate full of models, photographers and activity in just three weeks. All it took was a little bit of brainstorming between Jill Imbrogno of White Plains and some colleagues.
"Today has been one of the best days of my life," Imbrogno said. "It's literally a dream come true. We're taking our services and our reach to the next level."
Imbrogno initially set out to redesign the website for JKFlashy Makeup Service of White Plains but said she quickly watched an idea blossom into a collaborative networking opportunity. After recruiting friends and coworkers in the industry, she quickly realized she was on the verge of a unique business opportunity.
A total of 14 different Westchester businesses joined together through social networking and word of mouth to collaborate what was meant to be a simple product photo shoot into a gigantic day-long showcase. The end result saved thousands of dollars in marketing and promotion for those involved while also providing free publicity and networking.
Diane Mammana of Mamaroneck's Salon Posh was one of Imbrogno's first friends recruited into the project. It was a match Mammana said couldn't be beaten.
"I've got a close relationship with Jill. Everything always comes together," Mammana said. "We're the dream team and business is booming."
Mammana said that in tough economic times, it was beneficial for all parties involved to get together and collaborate, citing a domino effect of publicity and exposure. The business, she said, would trickle down to the average customer by exposing new people to services they wouldn't have seen otherwise.
Photographer Ricky Restiano was also recruited to shoot various models and wedding dresses throughout the day. His popularity, Imbrogno said, was what sparked much of the interest from other vendors involved.
"I've never seen anything like this before," Restiano said. "I never thought this many people would get together for something like this."
Seemingly everything in plain sight was up for grabs. Members of the various Westchester businesses even joined with handfuls of local models inside a West Harrison estate currently up for sale at 7 Oak Ridge Court.
Imbrogno said she was planning a similar collaborative event to promote prom fashion later this year.
The following businesses were involved in the day-long event in West Harrison to collaborate services:
JKFlashy Makeup Service Inc., WestchesterRicky Restiano Photography, BronxvilleSalon Posh, MamaroneckBe Unique Boutique, Mount KiscoEstrada, ScarsdaleJewelry: Estrada, ScarsdaleMonica Chimes Floral Inc., White PlainsSilver Star Limousine, YonkersWaldorf Astoria, New York, N.Y.Mario & Joe Pilone of Pilone's & Meateria, White PlainsFrancesca Tatulli, Hopewell Junction7 Oak Ridge Court, West HarrisonChris Abate CS Realty 914.835.6600 ext. 204, White Plains
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