Angela Flowers Built A Business To Change Kids’ Lives

Angela Flowers has spent her career counseling at-risk kids challenged with mental health and social issues. Her years working in Cleveland’s public schools showed her the power of providing intervention directly in the learning environment. That set the stage for her to develop a business model to bring specialized support to as many kids as

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Impact Program Spotlight: Na Tasha Shabazz of The Taste Wine Bar

The Taste Wine Bar is Toledo’s first self-serve wine bar, with 20 wines on tap every day is a wine tasting. Established as a place where customers can feel comfortable (and not intimidated) when ordering and buying wine, Taste’s casual atmosphere allows you to sample and learn about wines at your own pace. COVID-19 made

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Core City: Cleveland Impact Program Spotlight

In February 2020, JumpStart kicked off its ninth Core City: Cleveland Impact Program. Then COVID-19 hit, forcing a switch to virtual class sessions and the cancellation of the program’s culminating showcase event. Still, Cohort Nine completed the program. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect with these graduates in person, so we sat down

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Impact Program Spotlight: Quintin Riley of Legendary Carpet Care

Legendary Carpet Care’s mission is simple: to provide the highest quality service to each and every customer. Led by entrepreneur Quintin Riley, the company utilizes innovative technology, green cleaning and professionally trained technicians to provide both clean and healthy living and working atmospheres. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Quintin

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Impact Program Spotlight: Karl Singleton of Foundation Transportation

Launched in 2013, Foundation Transportation caters to business executives and VIP clientele. Run by President and CEO Karl Singleton, the company strives to be a one-stop-shop for a luxury transportation experience, offering top-of-the-line luxury vehicles paired with professional and veteran fleet chauffeurs. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Karl and

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Impact Program Spotlight: Karen Hoskins of Divine Printing

Divine Printing T-shirts & More provides printing and consulting services in the heart of Toledo. Led by Karen Hoskins, Divine prints everything from T-shirts to business cards, wedding/funeral programs, yard signs, vehicle graphics and banners. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Karen and the rest of this year’s Northwest Ohio Impact

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Impact Program Spotlight: Katie Melnick of Fizz Creative

Fizz creative is an award-winning strategic design & branding studio founded on the concept that the best brand connections occur beyond the logo. Run by Katie and Jasen Melnick, the company specializes in developing strong, confident visual systems that create more memorable businesses. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Katie

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Impact Program Spotlight: Lisha Navarro of Elite Events & Weddings

Lisha Navarro’s Elite Events & Weddings is a one-stop-shop for event coordination and planning services. Coordinators consult with each client to discover their vision and budget and consider all the senses: sight, smell, sound, touch and taste to create an unforgettable experience that meets the needs of every client. COVID-19 made it impossible for us

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Impact Program Spotlight: Abbey Markiewitz & Julia Gramenz of Fetch & Co.

Launched by two stay-at-home moms turned small business owners, Fetch & Co. is a clothing boutique with a mission to make sure women feel beautiful and comfortable in their clothes. Abbey Markiewitz and Julia Gramenz have grown the company by creating highly curated selections that complement each other from season to season and are always

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Impact Program Spotlight: Denisha Anderson of Cleveland Flower Walls

Denisha Anderson created Cleveland Flower Walls in January 2019 after created her first flower wall as a DIY project for her own wedding. Now, the company offers the service to clients, hand-setting each custom cut flower into a wall designed specifically for each customer’s needs. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person

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Impact Program Spotlight: Rashida Vanleer-McHargh of Iron Koi

Rashida VanLeer-McHargh is the founder of Iron Koi, a certified personal training service offering private studio training, group training, in-home/in-office training sessions, event appearances and competition prep coaching. Inspired by the koi fish – Iron Koi symbolizes strength, personal determination, perseverance over adversity and inevitable success. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person

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From Light Bulb Moment To Industry Leader, Wireless Environment Illuminates Cleveland’s Culture Of Innovation

David Levine and Michael Recker were tired of the same old lighting fixtures: the kind with tangles of wires and a complicated installation process that required an electrician. So, they set out to create a simpler, more cost-effective solution: bright, efficient, wireless lighting that could be easily installed anywhere.   The Solution Wireless Environment launched

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