Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Beth Keenan | Artist, Entrepreneur, Hopeful Optimist

Though conceived long ago, FunktiniLand materialized in 2022. Following 15 years of traversing the nation for art shows, my mom and business partner, JoAnn Rawley, and I recognized the importance of being present in our family and community. Shifting from shows to online sales, our goal remained constant—to establish a space supporting Ohio artists and makers while providing a home for our own creations. The discovery of City Goods in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland in 2022 spurred us to promptly seize the opportunity to open our inaugural retail location. At present, FunktiniLand proudly showcases the diverse works of over 38 Ohio creatives, offering an extensive array of mediums at inclusive prices to make local art accessible to everyone. Read more>>

Kate Gnagey | CEO & Esthetician

Root Salon & Spa was created because I was interested in a holistic approach to beauty. Beauty starts from within. Our routines, the way we speak to ourselves, and the things we consume physically and mentally impact our outer appearance. I wanted to create a space that took all of these ideas into consideration when looking at the services and home care products offered. We also consider these things when growing our team. In our small town in Ohio, team based salon and spas were rare to non-existent. I wanted to create a team that allowed team members to grow as individuals and become top earners in the industry while also finding joy. We work to provide personal development, coaching towards their home and career goals, and offer flexible work hours while receiving a retirement plus match. Our industry is mostly filled with a hustle mentality that sacrifices balance and health. We work to show that isn’t the way to success and this profession is truly sustainable! Read more>>

Alexander V. Johnson | Founding Partner, Mixt Solutions

Really I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was a kid. I bounced around between all types of wild answers. My freshman year of college I took a Criminal Justice class because I thought I might want to become Jason Bourne (still do to be fair). Read more>>

Dr. Denise Lewis | President/CEO, Associate Professor, Clinical Counselor

In Her Honor was established based on the amazing woman that Sharon Broadnax (my mother) was. Sharon was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved not only her children, but all children. Sharon passed away in September 2020, after a fearless battle with MS. After the loss of Sharon, the family wanted to commemorate the love and support she had always provided their family and all children she encountered. Sharon did not meet a child that she didn’t love. Not only did the family want to honor Sharon, but also the other amazing women who have been the matriarchs of their family (Della E. Ervin & Laura L. Murrell). Creating an organization that supported Black youth was a wonderful way to give back and continue the legacy of who these amazing women were, built on the foundation of strength, resilience and wisdom. Read more>>