Owning a small business means more than turning a profit—, it also means reaching out to your community

Small businesses should actively engage in their communities to help improve the quality of life of their customers and fellow residents. This is a great way to not only increase the profile of your company, but also gain satisfaction from a job well done.

How does the best comedy show in Los Angeles find its way to a benefit in Kinnelon, New Jersey? Through small business, community outreach and friendship.

On Friday, October 18^, at the Smoke Rise Village Inn in Kinnelon, Kiki Melendez’ Hot Tamales Live will perform a stand-up comedy show in the suburbs of New Jersey. The show is sponsored by the Women of Smoke Rise to benefit the town’s Tri-Boro First Aid Squad and the Women of Smoke Rise Scholarship Fund. The Hot Tamales show, usually seen in Los Angeles, is open to everyone.

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As a small-business owner I know how important it is to get out in the world, be a part of what’s happening and give back to the community. I am the author of two children’s books that I sell on my own via our website www.mcculloughbooks.com and at book festivals. I also write screenplays, and that’s where this comedy adventure begins.

In 2009, my family and I relocated to Los Angeles to check out the writing scene.  It was there that I met and befriended comedian, actress and owner of Latin Hollywood Films, Kiki Melendez. She invited me to her Hot Tamales show at the Hollywood Improv. My husband and I loved the show and were able to enjoy a night out each time they took the stage. As our friendship continued to grow, Kiki and I began working together. My experience as a production coordinator and producer lent itself to helping her with film shoots, writing projects, and even stage managing one of her shows. Her business was growing and I was happy to be working with her.