Cleveland Creatives: Support Local

Cleveland is full of creative people doing interesting and imaginative things. Most are making amazing art across a variety of mediums, but this city is full of surprises, too. KoKo Bakery in Cleveland’s AsiaTown district is one such surprise, making bakery, bubble teas and other tasty works of art that are as beautiful and creative as they are delicious. Looking for one of the best places to eat in Cleveland? Support local businesses like Koko Bakery: https://bit.ly/3ef4bEM.

Cleveland is a destination that has an scene of independent creative professional doing everything from creating amazing art to creating amazing cuisine. Join Ricky Smith and DJ EV as they explore Engel's Bar and Grille in South Euclide near Cleveland, OH. This awesome restaurant serves up some of the best Jamaican food in Cleveland. Meet owner Lisa and learn about her creative story. Support local businesses: https://engelsbarandgrille.com/

Join comedian Ricky Smith as he takes us on a journey through some of Cleveland best places to eat, including the Assad's Bakery in Little Arabia. Be there as Stina Aleah and Ricky chow down on some awesome Arabic and Mediterranean food -- all while learning about the Assad family and their welcoming spirit. Support local businesses: www.assadsbakery.com.

Jonny and Jimmy Hayden, twin tattoo virtuosos, opened their first Focused Tattoos location in Euclid because they didn’t really see any tattooing in Cleveland’s suburbs. For over 20 years, they’ve given a start to more than 60 tattoo artists while doing what they love and getting to express their creativity with other entrepreneurs.

When Siera McCoy opened her storefront for Private in Public Boutique in Lyndhurst, she already knew she was onto something. She had placed her showroom near Beachwood Place, drawing in customers who saw it and made a detour from the mall. Siera is proud to serve as inspiration for the women in her family by leaving her corporate job and chasing her dream.

While working as a reporter for Cleveland's historic "Call & Post" newspaper, Rhonda Crowder always loved telling the stories of people in the community. So, it was a natural transition to take her love of writing and telling stories and open Rhonda Crowder & Associates to help majority organizations develop and execute strategies for marketing, advertising and public awareness campaigns to reach and resonate with minority communities.

Drico Lamar was laid off from his job of eight years and faced a pivotal turning point in his life. He decided he didn’t want to go back to a 9-to-5, but instead wanted to start his own business. A talented videographer, Drico has since become one of Cleveland’s biggest names in commercial videography. Drico Lamar Media Production is dedicated to helping businesses spread their message to the world.

Teresa Doaty saw a need in Downtown Cleveland. So many Downtown residents and commuters needed a place to take the furry friends in their lives so they wouldn’t be cooped up all day. Today, Paws Play is a favorite Doggy Day Care and Grooming business in Downtown Cleveland, and more importantly is providing a safe, reliable and clean place for all the paws in the city.

Self-care is important, and creating spaces where all feel welcome to relax and reflect is just as important. Sage saw a need in the LGBTQ+ community for just such a space and founded Cleveland Massotherapy, an inclusive massage studio that prioritizes queer, trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary and other gender-diverse clientele in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood.

For more information on arts in Cleveland, visit www.ThisisCleveland.com.