02/04/2025
What’s inspiring you this year? For me, 2025 is the year of community. Now more than ever, we need to support each other, from our neighbors to the diverse small businesses who help make our city so vibrant.
I’ve lived in Cincinnati all of my adult life, and since 2016, has been my home. This neighborhood is special to me, and I’m proud to be a new member of the to further forge meaningful connections with other local business owners.
That said, it’s been a hard five years for small businesses, most of whom are still feeling the lingering effects of the pandemic. It’s disheartening to see our friends and colleagues close their doors, both in my neighborhood and across the city.
But I believe there is strength in unity—Juncta Juvant, as our city motto goes. We can choose every day to show up for each other, to shop small, and to support our local businesses however we can. I’m happy to pour back into my community, and I encourage others to do the same.
For me, that looks like buying my produce and eggs at , getting my daily matcha dose from or , and enjoying fresh bread from and (thank you ). It looks like many impromptu dinners at , and countless others, or date nights at and . It looks like shopping for beauty products at and household + personal care items at . It looks like shopping secondhand at , , , and so many more. Honestly, this is just the short list.
I am beyond lucky to call this place home and to have the opportunity to partner with other local businesses who have invested in our neighborhood. Above all, I want to foster connection—both on and offline.
How are you showing up for your community? 👇 This may be my love letter to OTR, but Cincinnati is bursting with amazing small businesses all throughout our city, and I want to support each and every one of you.
If you’re a local business owner, drop a 💜 in the comments! Thanks for being here.
—Ashleigh
