Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

Nadide Camur Óscar Salamanca

Currently CHDC is working together with LFMP in the creation of their first album. This multidisciplinary project brings artist from all different branches to tell stories that can help to grow the perspective of what the word LatinX means. CHDC is dedicated to cultivate a growth of Latin dancing education for all aspiring dancers as well as spread the understanding of how to create connection with inner-self through movement and music. Read More>>

Maia Rosenberg

Navigating a new city and new community also has its challenges, but I feel lucky to have found such good friends so quickly. I highly recommend finding a group of people who are all the same kind of nerd as you. Never before have I felt so welcome to be geeky about language. I was upset about leaving the wonderful community I’d built for myself in New York, but I’m so pleased to have found an equally supportive group of folks here. Read More>>

Brandy Frank

So many struggles and blessings along the way over the last three years. In the beginning the most challenging thing was wrestling to take the limits off God and go all in with this macramé business. I remember that day in 2021 as I was crying at my kitchen table trying to give up my unbelief for trust. Read More>>

Andrew Crabtree

On the year anniversary of my start of this challenge, I finally received the follow. I truly believe I would not be where I am today if I had not taken that risk. In the days that followed I received my other two sponsors, Spank Industires and FAAST Products. I currently am a freshman in mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University. I am working on a lot of exciting projects currently and planning even more. I am very thankful for my journey and for what the future holds. Read More>>

Sean Fee

My podcast, The WellSport Podcast is a great way to learn more about me and about the field of mental performance. I interview some of the world’s best Mental Performance Coaches, Sport Psychologists, Olympic Athletes, Dietitians, Strength & Conditioning Coaches and more. I was even lucky enough to fly to Boston to interview the mental coach of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and the Edmonton Oilers and author of The Mindful Athlete and Unlocked, George Mumford. Read More>>

Kersten Davis

Alumnae members come from all walks of life. We have members who are teachers, performers, nurses, advertisers and more! Remaining active in our chapter can sometimes be difficult, but we are fortunate enough that we can be flexible with our attendance, activeness and involvement to meet our needs and our chapters needs. Read More>>

Christeenia Smith Peart

Let me first say thank you for the opportunity to showcase my business. I’m excited to share the reason behind my small business, which focuses on natural haircare, body care , men’s grooming products, lip balms, wax melts, and room sprays. My journey started with a personal need; I wanted to find a healthier alternative for my twin toddlers, who were struggling with eczema. My own experience growing up in Jamaica taught me the value of using natural products, just like my mom did for me and my siblings. I wanted to bring that same nurturing approach to my family, steering clear of steroids and other harsh chemicals. Read More>>

Al “Chilly” Wynn

It’s definitely been a bumpy ride, far from smooth. A Construction worker putting in long hours, or an hip hop artist working til he can’t stay awake, it gets to you some time. Juggling 2 LLCs could easily become a circus act if you’re not careful. I also had to deal with certain individuals who only see me as a walking dollar sign…. Vultures will try and sell a starving artist lies and charge an arm and a leg, then nothing ever comes of it. On the flip side, there are some solid business minded people out there that help, encourage, and guide you through this gauntlet called the entertainment industry. Progress will be made! Read More>>

Snot Rokette

I was already impersonating a female everyday I woke up and made others more comfortable by presenting in a way that made the most sense to them. It was exhausting! The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and digital drag shows by artists that I found through that show really changed my world. Each performer that I saw on the show and watched excitingly on live streams further and further solidified that if I wanted to play with my identity and gender, this was the way to do it! I would mess around with makeup, outfits from my closet I’d throw together, and doing a lot of jumping around in front of the mirror to wacky music. Whenever–and if ever–the ability to go out and explore drag in person was available, I was gonna be there. Read More>>

Savon Washington

My story has a few chapters even doe I am still young, I Am a black 22 year old creative musical artist who was raised and many tuff environments who goal is to inspire as many people as I can with my art and vision of creativity. I want people to have the courage to stand out and be different and there own unique way and to know there’s all forms of art and multiple ways to express them and to always be themselves no matter what Read More>>

Eric Wright

So I started out when I left Ohio for New York City in the 1980’s where I hooked up with a few East Village scenes. I was painting every day and occasionally doing club decor and costume designs. Eventually I moved on to London and experienced more success and I have now shown my work not only in many London galleries but in Museums and art fairs in both the USA and Europe. I have had work in PS1/MoMA in New York, Museum of Modern Art in Paris and galleries in Paris, Brussels and others. I have through all of this maintained connections in Ohio and draw most of my inspiration from Ohio too. Read More>>

Michael Alfarah

With success, comes a bumpy road… and when you find success on the internet you can expect quite a few potholes. I have had struggles with finding the right team to work with, peaks and valleys in video performance, being told I should change my content and approach to suit others, and deal with constant criticism because of the current state of social media. And with all that said, I wouldn’t change a thing! You develop thick skin, you get used to the cyclical nature of content performance, and find your own voice and stand your ground over time when it comes to your identity in the content space. Read More>>

John Roberto

As business started growing the Pizza place was a bit too small for all the catering we do. So I Built an Event Center (The Woods on 84) with a big kitchen. The hall seats 80 people and I also have a place to prepare all of our catered events . I love what I do and am thankful to be a part of celebrations and special occasions. I currently work with a group of amazing adults and Teenagers along with my wife Tami, my son Jacob, and my daughters Jenna & Megan. Being able to do what I love with the people I love. Read More>>

Maddy Bermejo

I opened my salon originally in Northwood in March of 2019, and we just opened our second location in downtown Toledo in May of 2023. Our Northwood location is staffed with nail techs, tattoo artists, and an aesthetician. Our downtown location has 7 hair stylists. We are a team of independent artists who full run their own business how they’d like inside of our supportive and inclusive team. Read More>>