Highlighting Local Gems

Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.

Charissa Gracyk

I wandered for a very long time, but now I feel like I’m finally on the right path and walking in the direction I’m supposed to be headed. I stopped chasing things not meant for me and opened myself up to what is–and it’s been the best decision ever. Read more>>

Matthew Adam

I recently was in Atlanta Georgia for the ISSA awards. I won emerging artist of the year. And that made me very proud. Read more>>

Christopher Bush

Last winter was one of the hardest moments for Hive Works Honey Company. We lost nearly 90% of our bees. It was heartbreaking, and for a moment, I questioned whether we could keep going. But then I remembered why we started: to create a positive social and environmental impact, teach kids valuable skills, and connect our community through purpose-driven work. Read more>>

Ben Kowalczyk

Yes. We went through infertility struggles for over 6 years before having Atticus. We were diagnosed with unexplained infertility, meaning we were both healthy and all our parts were working but they didn’t know why we couldn’t get pregnant. We went through 4 IUIs, 1 superovulation, two egg retrievals, and 4 embryo before before the 5th one worked to give us Atticus. Read more>>

Kevin Cedar

I meet a lot of musicians who believe they’re inventing sounds no one has ever heard before—that the more complex the riffs, scales, or gear, the better the music will be. I don’t see it that way. To me, the most authentic and simple compositions are often the ones that travel the furthest. Read more>>

Belinda Workman

When I think about the biggest lies in the skin and hair care industry, it’s hard to know where to begin. For decades, companies have brainwashed consumers with flashy marketing on the front of their bottles—claims of vitamin E, shea butter, or other nourishing ingredients—while hiding a cocktail of toxins on the back. Read more>>

Robert Reza Greer

Right now, I’m being called to fully stand in my voice — not just creatively, but publicly. For years, I shared my work in pieces… behind the scenes, under other names, or quietly from the background. But this season is asking something different of me. It’s asking me to lead. To create openly. Read more>>

Pastaura

I am very proud of becoming a mom. Getting pregnant was very scary. I honestly did not know what the future would hold especially for my music. I contemplated giving up music, but I realized now that I am a mom that can make it as a hobby. I am proud that I currently released music where I’ve expressed myself over the years. Read more>>

Teddy Eisenberg

The part of my work I value the most is actually the quiet work because it gives everything else its shape. Listening closely, shaping a flow, connecting the dots until the music feels alive. Sometimes that means sequencing a set until it breathes on its own, other times it’s supporting an artist as a song comes together. Read more>>

Kimberly Novak

When you experience suffering, it serves as a reminder that you are alive, and it often accompanies a long list of things for which you can be grateful. There are many lessons that suffering can impart, even amidst the heartache. In my case, following my brain injury, I learned that God still has work for me to do on this earth. Read more>>

Kortynie C

Suffering taught me things success never could. It showed me how to lean fully on God when I had nothing else to stand on. It built character, patience, and resilience in me that success alone could never produce. Suffering stripped away my pride and my need to control, and it reminded me that joy doesn’t come from circumstances it comes from faith. Read more>>

Robert Cooperman

The fear of failure. This is a paralyzing fear that can prevent someone from moving toward a goal. I did not want to face rejection and therefore tried little, again assuming that success would come my way without much effort, Today, I put myself out there, often swimming against the tide of the arts world. Read more>>

Gia Evangelese

I’ve been in therapy since I was a kid. I’ve deconstructed so many parts of myself and healed so many wounds. One of those is being a parentified child. I grew up the eldest daughter of a narcissistic mother and an abusive step-father with a completely absent father. Read more>>

Nat Comisar

I grew up in a family of Restaurateurs which demanded excellence. There was no exception to that rule. It was the only rule. My grandparents opened Maisonette in 1948. When I closed the doors in 2005 it was the most honored and decorated restaurant in the history of North America. Read more>>

Dion Green

I stopped hiding my pain when I realized that silence was slowly destroying me. After losing my father, Derrick Fudge, in the 2019 Dayton mass shooting, I carried a heavy burden that felt impossible to share. For a long time, I wore strength like armor — smiling on the outside while breaking on the inside. I thought if I stayed quiet, I could protect myself. Read more>>

Shannon Kane

I feel most at peace when I can slow down, quiet the noise around me, and just be present—in prayer, reading Scripture, or simply sitting in a calm space. Those are the moments where I can breathe deeply, reset, and remember what truly matters. I also find a deep sense of peace when I’m by the water, listening to music. Read more>>

Allison Steele

When my feet are in the sand at the beach, taking deep breaths, and being completely present with someone I love. Read more>>

EBRI YAHLOE

A person who saw me clearly before I even saw myself was my pops, ‘Pooka.’ He’s not my biological father, but my brother’s dad and he raised me. Growing up as my mom’s first and only daughter, she loved dressing me up in cute, girly outfits, but I was always rough and tough. Read more>>

James Rosenberger

I started playing music professionally when I was 13 and an interest in theatre soon followed. By the time I was seventeen, I was playing clubs in Kent, Ohio 5 nights a weeek, along with groups fronted by people like Joe Walsh, Michael Stanley and Joe Vitale. Read more>>

Vitality

I’ve been a lot of different versions of myself. Considering my journey & growth. Especially when I look back at the me that was in survival mode, trying to please those who were close to me. To the now me who understands prioritizing my personal needs as a necessity. The world had thoughts in mind when it came to who they thought I should be. Read more>>

Stefanie Hockett

Absolutely! As a mom and a business owner you’re usually not earning the daily accolades. Especially now while my son is still a toddler you have no idea who they’ll grow up to be and if all the hard work you’re putting in now pays off. My philosophy is to try to be the good in the world. Read more>>

Carla Welechuk Kowski

That’s a critical distinction, especially in the beauty industry. We view fads as temporary trends—often driven by social media—that focus on a specific, uniform look. A real foundational shift, however, changes the underlying conversation. Shifts like the movements toward self-love, inclusivity, and the celebration of individual beauty are transformative because they’re about mindset, not just appearance. At Alea Beauty, this philosophy is our foundation. Read more>>

Jaye Nicole Turner

If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my heart, my faith, and my purpose. At the core, I am someone who loves deeply, believes in the power of God’s grace, and desires to make a difference in the lives of others. Those things can’t be stripped away—they are who I am. Read more>>

Marian Thompson

If I were to retire tomorrow, customers would likely miss the personalized service and attention to detail that they have come to expect. They might miss the consultations where their unique preferences and styles were taken into account. Many clients appreciate the familiarity and rapport built over time, which can lead to a sense of trust and comfort during their visits. Read more>>

Candice Zinner

If I’m being honest, there’s something I’ve been avoiding—something that’s been sitting in the back of my mind for quite some time now. The thought of closing my business. It would be easy, even tempting, to simply walk away. To release the stress of rising costs, fluctuating schedules, and the sting of empty appointment slots. Read more>>

Nia Alexandra

Definitely ‘Red String Theory’ — the idea that certain people are tied together by an invisible thread. No matter the time, place, or circumstances, that thread has a way of pulling two people back into alignment when it’s meant for them to be. Read more>>

Rob H

I wake up shower, then while eating breakfast I look to see what messages I have, personal and business, and I respond to those. Then I make sure I am prepared for what jobs are on the schedule and I gather my things and go to meet my team at the truck. Read more>>

Robert Morris

As a film production director there is nothing normal about my days, as each day varies dramatically depending on the project’s phase, but the core role remains the same: As I oversee all business, financial, and logistical aspects of a film to ensure the director’s creative vision is realized, within budget and on time. Read more>>

Yonder Miller

Faith and family always come first. Community will always mean more than money. Hard work and integrity pay off, even when no one is watching. And food is more than business, it’s culture, love, and connection. These truths are so foundational to who I am that I rarely have to speak them aloud; they naturally guide how I live, lead, and serve. Read more>>

Luciano Ruscitto

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to view failure. Back in 2020, when I helped bring the Cleveland Crunch back, I thought success meant winning, hitting every goal, and getting everything right the first time. I’ve since realized that chasing perfection only makes you afraid to fail. I’ve learned that failure isn’t the enemy. It’s where the real lessons live. Read more>>

Jenae’ Criswell

I’ve learned that people’s love for handmade treats runs deeper than I ever expected. Customers often share how a cookie set or cake became part of a big moment—birthdays, weddings, or simply a pick-me-up for a friend—making every order feel personal and meaningful. What continues to surprise me is how adventurous and creative they are. Read more>>

Makaylah Clark

I recently changed my mind about not going to college. After attending my first artist residency in the countryside of France at CHATEAU d’ORQUEVAUX. It made me realize how much I missed and needed to be around other creatives. My work is influenced by my experiences, so being able to connect with a variety of people changes the way I create. Read more>>

Jesse Mohler

My father, of course. He’s always been a great man – although he’s never held any special positions of power or super-important job titles. Back in 2013 he had some serious, near fatal health issues and suffered a brain aneurysm while at work. Read more>>