Jackson Free Press

Licensed nail technician Jolivette Wallace opened her new nail salon, Mani's & Pedi's, in The Township in Ridgeland on Oct. 15. Wallace's boutique focuses on natural nail care and promoting natural nail growth rather than relying on products such as acrylics.

"Our goal here is to make sure each client leaves in love with their nails," Wallace said. "Our focus is on the well-being of the client, so we would want to be aware of any health issues that could be affected by any services, for example. We want people to love their natural nails and to educate (clients) about proper care in a compassionate environment that makes people smile."

Mani's & Pedi's offers services for women, men and children, with prices starting at $18 for children and ranging from $30 to $65 for adults, depending on the complexity of the service they receive.

Mani's & Pedi's (1051 Highland Colony Pkwy., Suite B, Ridgeland) is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday except on Wednesday, when it closes at 6 p.m. For more information, call 601-790-9074 or visit ilovemanis.com.

Pop Culture Pops Closing

Pop Culture Pops, a gourmet ice-pop shop that Craig Kinsley and his wife, Lori Kinsley, opened in April 2015, will soon be closing. The couple posted about the closing on their Facebook page.

"Hey Jackson! First, we love you. We love that each of you has not only been a patron of Pop Culture, but has supported us in so many ways over the past one-and-a-half years," the post reads. "We began Pop Culture in our kitchen on E. Ridgeway St. in Fondren. We bought a couple of plastic molds from Amazon and some fresh fruit from Kroger, and spent hours and hours developing a product that we were proud of. With the help of our wonderful neighbors, we were able to sell our first pop in a matter of weeks at Fondren's First Thursday. Chane gave us a spot, and we rolled out our first wooden pop stand. Within 24 hours, we could barely keep up with demand. David Pharr allowed us to set up in front of the Capri Theater, and Craig spent many hours producing pops. It was from that humble beginning that we were able to serve you.

"While thinking about those times, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Pop Culture. Whether it was at our store in Fondren or at the many events we attended around the metro area, you all made all of the hard work worth it. Business ebbs and flows, and at times, it becomes apparent that it is time to end one journey and look towards beginning another. We do have a very exciting new venture in the works. We know that you will all love it just as much if not more than you did our yummy pops.

"I would especially like to thank the Fondren neighborhood. You welcomed us with open arms in every possible way. We sincerely could not have done it without you. To our E. Ridgeway neighbors, you are honestly the most loving, helpful, sincere and honest group of folks that we have ever had the privilege to share life with. You make every day that much easier and every night that much more peaceful. Pop Culture would have never happened without you.

"A few people we need to mention by name: Anna Hall, Chane, David Pharr, Steve Kinsley and Phil Walker. You guys made Pop Culture. The closing has been difficult, but it warms our hearts to think of you and your selfless support. To Jackson, to Fondren, to our families and investors: Thank you. Thank you so, so much."

Mississippi New Venture Challenge Pitch Competition

Innovate Mississippi is hosting the ninth annual Mississippi New Venture Challenge Pitch Competition on Nov. 1 at the downtown Jackson Marriott as part of Innovation Month in Mississippi.

Thirty innovators and technology entrepreneurs from around the state will compete, pitching their business ideas to a panel of judges. Each participant will compete in either the pre-revenue or student division, representing a startup or existing company with innovation-based venture opportunities.

Winners will receive cash prizes and services from attorneys, accountants, web designers and other professionals to help business development.

The competition begins at 1 p.m. and concludes with an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m. The event is free to attend and is open to the public. For more information, contact Tasha Bibb at [email protected] or call 601-960-3610.

Beneful Funding Ridgeland Dog Park

Beneful, a Purina dog food company, is working with the City of Ridgeland in order to the fund the creation of the Dog Park at the Rez, a public dog park in development off Post Road near the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

According to the Barnett Reservoir Foundation's website, the dog park would be located in Old Trace Park and would feature separate "off leash" sections for large and small dogs.

The Beneful Dream Dog Park Project donated an initial $5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign for the park and has pledged to match donations up to an additional $5,000 through Nov. 15. For more information or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.