Entrepreneurs + Innovators

Mind over matter: Can this Clevelander help boost COVID-19 immunity with hypnotherapy?
If there’s one thing that Michelle Leyden Nguyen knows for sure, it’s that hypnotherapy works. The one-time night owl is now a devout early riser, thanks to a successful hypnotherapy stint in 2019—and Leyden Nguyen was so inspired that she decided to get certified to do it herself. Now she's helping others steel themselves against COVID-19.
Falcon Rising: CycleWerks to unveil its new, all-in-one electric bicycle, e-moped, and e-motorcycle
The Falcon is about to take flight. Cleveland CycleWerks is gearing up to release its newest creation, three high-tech vehicles in one.
Food from the heart: Popular Falafel Café owner prepares for grand reopening
Falafel Cafe is returning this month to University Circle, serving up Middle Eastern favorites made from scratch.
We tried it: I pitched my idea for taking Cleveland next-level at Accelerate
FreshWater Cleveland's contributing editor Jen Jones Donatelli shares her experience as one of 30 finalists in this year's round of Accelerate: Citizens Make Change.
This crash course on 'adulting' offers young CLE professionals a passport to the real world

Memes about adulting have pretty much taken over the Internet, but if Candace Swaisgood has her way, the phrase “bad at adulting” will eventually be a thing of the past. In 2019, Swaisgood launched Adulting: A Crash Course, offering skills-based experiential learning for young adults as they make the transition from college students to young professionals.

Does your small business create positive change? Citizens Bank may award you $20K for your efforts
Small businesses can win big bucks in Citizens Bank's annual competition, and this year, Greater Cleveland has been chosen to participate in the Small Business Community Champion Award.
Seasoned entrepreneurs roll out 3 new taste sensations to please every craving at Clifton Corners
The dining options on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland near the Lakewood border are about to get a lot more interesting.
Something wild: Wildroots Modern Market puts down roots at Van Aken District in Shaker Heights
The newest place for Cleveland's movers and makers to convene is Wildroots Modern Market, making its debut at the Van Aken District Feb. 9.
The circus is in town: Wizbang Circus Theatre finds permanent home in Cleveland Heights
Wizbang Circus Theatre is taking over a performance space across the street from Cleveland Heights High School, allowing them to expand on their unique brand of variety shows.
The real-life bionic people: Cleveland FES Center uses technology to help people with paralysis
Five Cleveland medical organizations are teaming up to help paralysis victims regain partial movement. Called the Cleveland FES Center, this consortium is featured in a documentary, "I Am Human."
Stop in and get a virtual hug at Larchmere’s UnBAR Café
Larchmere has a new health-conscious hybrid coffee and entertainment spot. UnBAR Cafe recently opened, serving up a peaceful atmosphere instead of alcohol.
This Cleveland inventor is putting Mario Kart lovers in the driver's seat with a real-life version
Leave it to someone who works at Case Western Reserve University’s Sears think[box] to think out of the box. Ian Charnas' newest project is sure to appeal to lovers of Nintendo, nostalgia, and go-karting by bringing Mario Kart to life.
New dining options round out Fairmount Circle
Picnic Hill Market Cafe is the first of several new dining options coming to Fairmount Circle, near the campus of John Carroll University.
Central Kitchen sets the table for minority-owned craft food startups to flourish
Central Kitchen's two locations put it at the center of Cleveland's thriving craft food scene.
Lakewood rock climbing gym Nosotros prepares second location near Cleveland State
Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym in Lakewood is so successful, a second one is coming to downtown Cleveland.
LISTEN --> FreshFaces Podcast: Shelly Gracon of GLO Cleveland/EVOLV
Our latest episode of FreshFaces features social entrepreneur Shelly Gracon, whose colorful new EVOLV space is designed to be a launching pad, workspace, and gathering place for Cleveland's entrepreneurs.
 
Something special: Downtown Euclid set to become region's next Special Improvement District
Business owners in downtown Euclid hope the recent decision to make it a Special Improvement District will bring new energy and traffic.
What's old is new again: 3 historic Euclid buildings that have found second life
Euclid's industrial heyday may have been decades ago, but the city's industrial corridor is taking on new life with businesses like HGR Industrial, AAble Rents, and the Transportation Innovation Center.
Lo-Key Entertainment hits high note with $10K prize from JumpStart
The $10,000 grand prize at a JumpStart pitch competition goes to Lo-Key Entertainment owner Daron Henderson, who has big plans for expansion.
LISTEN --> FreshFaces Podcast: Jacquie Gillon of Black Environmental Leaders
Our latest episode of FreshFaces features environmental warrior Jacquie Gillon, who is tackling the dearth of diversity in the environmental field and helping the neighborhoods of Buckeye, Woodland Hills, and Mount Pleasant to become "clean and green."