Creative City Episode #11: Regina Russo

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We're back for Season 2, kicking things off with none other than Contemporary Arts Center Director of Communications Regina Russo! In this episode, Regina talks about helping people find and share their cultural voice, her experience working for “the Oprah of Detroit” after college, and the importance of always being connected to the community.

As a child, Regina knew she wanted to be like Phil Donahue even before she understood what that really meant. She’d always been fascinated by conversation and the exchange of ideas, by the electrifying feeling that comes when you’re aligned with your purpose. We chatted about her progression from radio to television to communications, how life-altering events gave her permission to create the life she wanted, and why it’s imperative to use your gifts in a meaningful way.

Sign up for the #CuratedCreatives newsletter to keep up with Cincinnati’s amazing community of makers.

Music by The Passion Hifi  

Pop-up Podcast - MORTAR Pitch Night

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Hey there! I’m back with a Very Special Episode (no, not the one where Jessie is addicted to caffeine pills) of the Creative City podcast. This time, I took my portable studio - aka laptop and mic - on location to MORTAR’s Life’s a Pitch event, where I talked to four of the program’s recent graduates about their businesses and future aspirations. Since the venue was a bar, I set up shop on the “quiet” back patio, only to be thwarted by a monsoon that decided to roll through anytime I hit record. Can you say background noise?

The event was great, though, and I managed to catch up with a few of the talented folks rounding out the Spring graduating class.

Rebecca Denney of Paleolicious Cincy - Catering locally produced, organic food that tastes great. paleoliciouscincy.com

Katy Dietz of Green Man Twist - Soft serve ice cream with a community focus, based in Walnut Hills. facebook.com/Greenmantwist

Stephanie Bohanon of Beaux Studios - A concept salon that’s combines a beauty salon, retail space, and events venue. instagram.com/beauxstudio.oh

Rolandis Williams of iCleanology - Specialty cleaning services for the restaurant industry (apologies--the first part of our interview got cut off). www.icleanology.com, coming soon

To learn more about MORTAR’s commitment to building communities through entrepreneurship, check out my chat with Allen Woods in episode 8.

 

Curated Creatives

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It turns out there’s one downside to living in a city with a thriving creative community: it’s nearly impossible to keep track of all the cool stuff everyone is doing. There are hundreds - thousands? - of people starting businesses, collaborating on interesting projects, and carving out their space in the creative ecosphere. As a card-carrying Nosy Person, I want to tell you about each and every one of those inspiring minds, but it’s impossible to talk to all of them on the podcast. So how to spread the word?

A newsletter! Each week, I’ll be sharing a curated list highlighting some of the creatives making moves in and around Greater Cincinnati. The ideas is to promote these individuals by driving awareness about their projects and (hopefully) send customers their way, creating a sustainable support system and opportunities for growth.

Learn more about these local entrepreneurs - from florists to jewelry designers to chocolatiers - by subscribing to the Creative City newsletter here!

 

Guest Updates and a Humble Confession

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I have a confession. I kind of cheated with the first season of the Creative City podcast. I talked to people I know and like and would’ve talked to regardless of a recording. It wasn’t so much about discovering new people doing creative stuff as it was conversations with friends who just happen to be cool people doing creative stuff. Selfish? Maybe a little. But hopefully you got something out of it anyway.

So, for Season two, I’d like your input: who do YOU want to hear from? It can be someone you know, or someone you’re curious about, but the idea is to explore the folks propelling our creative community and pushing our city forward. Get in touch and let me know your thoughts!

Speaking of friends/Season One guests, people have been busy! Here are a few updates:

Writer Grace Dobush (Episode 1) recently wrote an article for WCPO.com (helmed by Tasha Stewart, Episode 5) about Curtis Sittenfeld’s new book, which is set in Cincinnati and has been attracting national attention.

Cincy Chic founder Amy Scalia (Episode 3) always has great events--this Friday’s Haute Hyde Park promises to be a shopping extravaganza. Did I mention they wrote an article featuring me talking about this very podcast?

Matt Tomamichel (Episode 4) opened Corporate's OTR location and it is bee-you-tee-ful. Stop by the next time you’re waiting for a table at your favorite Vine Street restaurant.

James Marable (Episode 7) has yet another social media account under his belt--follow Its A Nudy Party on Twitter for the most fire parties in the city.

Allen Woods (Episode 8) and the rest of the MORTAR team are holding “Life’s a Pitch” Pitch Night and Graduation on April 26th, featuring participants who have successfully completed the 9-week entrepreneurship training course. I’ll be there hosting a pop-up podcast featuring several promising graduates, so stop by and say hello!

Creative City Episode #10: Christina Christian

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Event Stylist Christina Christian (somethingchicdesign.com) talks about how her business evolved from planning events for friends and family to working with national clients, what she does to give her work that “wow factor”, and how she balances being an attentive mom and a driven entrepreneur. And yes, that’s her real name!


As mentioned:

Creative City Episode #9: Leah Spurrier

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Interior Designer and HighStreet Co-founder Leah Spurrier talks about how she launched her career with a clear vision and a solid plan, how her one-person business grew into a nationally recognized lifestyle brand, and why she intentionally chose to come to Cincinnati to pursue her dreams.

Creative City Episode #8: Allen Woods

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MORTAR Co-founder and Branding Gladiator Allen Woods (justcallmeallen.com) talks about shaping a rough idea into a refined diamond, the importance of inclusion and diverse perspectives, and the initial pitch he received from his business partners (hint: “It was pretty terrible.”)


As mentioned:

Creative City Episode #7: James Marable

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Multi-hyphenate James Marable owns Original Thought Required (otrfresh.com), works as a Social Media Strategist/Recruitment Marketer at Macy’s, and produces events all over the city, but what is the glue holding all of those things together? In this episode, he talks about building a brand story, the importance of being able to lean on your network, and his time as the kid who ran a successful candy enterprise (every school had one!).

As mentioned: