SHARE THE LOVE
The St. Valentine's Way
February is a reminder that love shows up in many ways. It’s in the people we care about, the clients we collaborate with, the connections we make and the moments we take to care for ourselves.
This month, we’re celebrating all of it: loved ones, valued partnerships, our Olympic athletes (go team USA!) and our country with Black History month and President’s Day.
“Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something.
It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.”
USA Olympian Mary Lou Retton
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Choice Training & Coaching Solutions
At KGI Design Group, we’re grateful to work alongside an inspiring mix of businesses and industries. Each month, we are shining a light on a client to share their wisdom with us and with you. This month, client and coach Janine Friedman of Choice Training & Coaching Solutions offers her insights. See her advice below for self-care and personal growth.
SELF LOVE:
The Starting Point for Everything Else
Janine Friedman, PCC, MSILR, SPHR
While the focus this month is often on romantic love, this season is also an invitation to pause and reflect on the relationship that shapes every other part of our lives — the one we have with ourselves.
Self-love isn’t about indulgence or perfection. It’s about treating yourself with the same compassion, patience, and honesty you offer others — especially when life feels busy, stressful, or uncertain.
Here are a few simple ways to practice self-love this month:
• Notice your self-talk. Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself? If not, gently reframe it.
• Honor your energy. Self-love sometimes means resting, saying no, or slowing down — setting boundaries even when the world says “push.”
• Celebrate progress, not perfection. Growth rarely looks linear. Acknowledge what is working instead of focusing on what isn’t. What you focus on tends to expand.
When self-love becomes a practice — not a buzzword — it strengthens confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. And from that place, everything else tends to flow more easily.
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Meet Sydnee
We’re excited to officially welcome Sydnee Sexton to the team! As our newest Junior Graphic Designer, Sydnee brings a fresh perspective, thoughtful creativity, and a strong eye for detail that’s already making an impact across our projects.
Sydnee has experience creating cohesive, engaging visual assets across digital platforms, and her work as a social media manager has sharpened her ability to align design with audience engagement and brand strategy. She brings a detail-driven, collaborative approach to visual communication while supporting marketing initiatives and team-based creative efforts.
FEBRUARY OBSERVANCES
Black History Month, Presidents Day & The Olympics
In recognition of Black History Month, we’re highlighting designer Gail Anderson, whose bold, expressive work has helped redefine visual storytelling and representation in design. As a trailblazer in the creative industry, her career is a reminder of the power design holds in shaping culture, amplifying voices, and challenging convention.
As we observe Presidents’ Day, we take a moment to reflect on leadership, service, and the evolving story of our nation. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this day reminds us that progress is shaped not only by past leaders, but by the values we carry forward: responsibility, resilience, and a shared commitment to the future.
The 2026 Winter Olympics have delivered exciting competition and inspiring moments of global sportsmanship. Athletes proudly representing their countries have brought passion, resilience, and unity to every event- an energy perfectly echoed in the bold, vibrant design of the official Milano Cortina poster, celebrating both national pride and the shared spirit of the Games.
BUSINESS MINDFULNESS
The Importance of Making Connections
As we wrap up a month based on connections of course networking is right up there for business owners. And as we also had a month where love was a key theme, when it comes to networking some people love it while other people hate it. I happen to be in the first group. I love networking. While it can be a challenge to carve out the time, once at an event it is usually fantastic. It is a way to be around like-minded supportive business owners, meet new people from different industries and learn more about the local business landscape.
My key tips for making connections at networking events are
1) Remember every person has the same fears as you, that they don’t know anyone or what to say, so just introduce yourself. Yes walk up to a group and say hi. They are there to meet new people too and now you just made that easier for them also.
2) Have your elevator pitch memorized. Going into a situation with a few scripts in mind helps you to get over the fear of what to say.
3) Be a good listener. People like to talk about themselves and their businesses, let them, you will get your chance to speak about your business. And try to tie into something they spoke about to be positioned as an understanding, engaged fellow owner.
4) Be prepared with your contact information. Many people now have digital cards, but I personally prefer a printed card. Once a contact is in my phone it is very hard for me to recall that connection. However, with a physical card it is a reminder to follow up.
5) No matter how you swap information be sure to follow up in a timely manner. Don’t have time? Have a team member set catch up calls or use your email software to send a generic note to whomever you met at that last event.
You never know who you will meet at a networking event that just might change your whole business. Be picky and attend the events that align and will grow your business. And of course, inquire ahead of time if you can present or speak. Lastly wear your best, biggest smile. Bring positivity and joy with you and you will always leave with more.
Recent Local Networking Events
Some recent events that led to some great connections and information include clockwise from top left:
SCWBEC’s February Meeting at the Miller Business Center, FCC Mind Your Business at In Motion Physical Therapy, The NYC SBS hosted the NYC Contracting Summit: A New Era for Small Business at Barclays, and Thrive 2026 Symposium
Upcoming Events That Just May Change Your Business
Look for these events or add to your calendar:
March 10th
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce MYB – Women in Business Networking Dinner: Women’s Event filled with great vibes, networking, music, and delicious food at the Dominican Restaurant!
March 12th
SCWBEC March 2026 Meeting: Employment Law Pitfalls for Small Businesses – Part 2: Learn about navigating the intricate landscape of employment law for compliance driven small businesses.
March 19th
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce is hosting After Hours Networking at Palmer’s American Grill
LET'S STAY CONNECTED
Inspirational Swag for the New Year
Thank you for being part of KGI’s journey!
As a small thank-you, we’re offering our travel-inspired inspirational magnet set to help you start the year on a positive note- but only a few sets remain, so don’t wait. Available while supplies last.
To receive yours, visit our contact page and begin your message with “Along for the Ride!”