Watermark issue 18.16 Gay Business: Articles on the hottest Gay owned businesses, Beyonce, LGBT Live, Banyan Cafe closes, missing Daytona woman found.
On the cover: (L-R) Life and business partners Nick Olivieri and Eddie Nickell turned their dream of running a restaurant into a successful franchise of eateries around Orlando. Photo by Jake Stevens
Pg.6 | Orlando NewsA woman missing for several days after leaving a suicide note for her partner is found injured but safe in Port Orange; Area LGBT veterans honor the first out soldier killed in the line of duty more.
Pg.8 | Tampa NewsThe GaYbor District Coalition makes history when it is invited to join a community development group for the City of Tampa; The much loved and LGBT friendly Banyan Tree Café in St. Petersburg closes its doors; more.
Pg.23 | Scene+HeardBeyonce went from the lead singer of a trio to superstardom in a matter of years, thanks to her popular hits and acting gigs. Now, upon the release of her fourth album appropriately titled 4, the performer talks to us about her fondness for her gay fans and the importance of staying true to who you really are. Arica Love and Esme Russell fill us in on why their webcast LGBT Live is gaining momentum and what they hope to accomplish as budding show hosts. And Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis share why making Friends with Benefits was so much fun and why it is important for Hollywood to portray gay characters as everyday people.
Pg.41 | Gay Business The economy is down, businesses are closing and the idea of starting a new business venture is terrifying to most. Yet the men behind the successful Funky Monkey franchise in Orlando and the Florida Entertainment Group that owns several bars in Ybor City say business is booming. We ask them how they remain successful in tough economic times and how the LGBT community makes that possible. We also look at several businesses throughout the area that are making their own marks in the world and why we think they’ll be around for years to come. And, it’s 2011 and a business’ online presence is more important than ever. We talk with web evangelist Robert Gregor about the do’s and don’ts of webpage design.
