Home + Design

2024 Home Design Trends

Say hello to color Article by Ashley Labaki Spring breezes bring a refreshing change, inviting us to revitalize our living spaces with the vibrant creativity that the warmer months inspire. The transition between seasons is more than a shift in temperature—it's an opportunity to infuse our homes with new life, new themes and a fresh perspective. From timeless classics to contemporary boldness, this year's interior design trends cater to a wide spectrum of individual styles. One of the...

April 2024

Beauty

A Nonprofit Dedicated to Mentoring Young Artists

A young woman's determination to prepare students for a career in art pays off Article by Ashley Alt | Photography by Gianna Nicolette Photography Art is the driver of so much. The clothes we wear, the music we listen to and the conversations we have with our peers all stem from art. Despite its cultural and societal relevance, the arts industry is largely underfunded and underrepresented, which means artistic individuals yearning to turn their passion into a career have an uphill battle to...

April 2024

Arts + Culture

Extraordinary Women of Northwest Columbus

Inspiring Messages from local leading ladies, from the past to the present Article by Ashley Alt In honor of the women's issue, we wanted to highlight inspiring forces in our community's history, including a beloved author, the infamous Shirley Brooks-Jones, and a woman dedicated to helping young girls and women recover from eating disorders. While each female leader is an inspiration in her own way, the common thread in these three exemplars is a message of taking action when the opportunity...

April 2024

Food + Beverage

Building a Community-Focused Business

Woman-owned chocolate shop brings delight to Northwest Columbus Article by Ashley Alt Denise Steele, owner of Lohcally Artisan Chocolates, just celebrated her one year anniversary of holding her quaint chocolate shop on prime real estate in downtown Powell, located at 77 W. Olentangy Street. Her love of chocolate started when she was a little girl watching her own mother work in a chocolate shop, witnessing firsthand the love and happiness that a simple hometown shop can bring. “It was an...

April 2024

Food + Beverage

A Beloved Restaurant Built on Family

How Joya's Cafè came to be a community staple Article by Ashley Labaki | Photography by Nicholas Dekker, Avishar Barua, Bravo Avishar Barua sits on a couch next to his mother, Jayasree Barua, better known by her nickname, Joya. One of her arms lays across his shoulders, and a smile radiates from her face like a warm glow. Avishar was already a Food Network alumnus by the time he opened Joya’s Café, a Bengali-American daytime restaurant named after his mother, in September 2022. But this isn’t...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Investments Worth Making

From finances to fitness to fashion, some expert tips Article by Ashley Labaki & Ashley Alt Retirement, college, that dream vacation, a new business—Invest in making your future plans a reality .  Nathan Daugherty with Ameriprise can help you reach those financial goals, but the time is now. "There is no secret formula to financial success—it just comes down to discipline and time." Crafting the plan is a great way to get those dreams in motion. Purchasing a home is an investment that...

March 2024

Local Services

Get Dressed with Alise of ModeAlise

A woman who knows good style is more than what meets the eye Article by Ashley Alt Alise Ghanem has been in the fashion industry for 26 years. Her beloved store, ModeAlise, has occupied the same space since its inception 14 years ago inside The Shops at Worthington mini mall. Offering a beautiful range of clothing, accessories and shoes from European lines, American brands and more, ModeAlise is all about dressing  differently.  What is your background? I was born and raised overseas. I am...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

Murgir Jhol (Bengali Homestyle Chicken Curry)

From Joya's restaurant owner Avishar Barua; 8 Pieces, 4 servings Article and Photography by INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp Cooking Oil or Ghee 1 Cinnamon Stick 4 Cardamom Pods 2 Whole cloves 2 Bay Leaves 1 large white onion, thinly sliced 1 tsp Kosher Salt 1 tbsp Pureed Garlic 1 tbsp Pureed Ginger 2 tsp Cumin, ground 2 tsp Coriander, ground 1 tsp Turmeric, ground 1 tsp Cayenne or hot Chili Powder 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder 1 Chicken, cut into 6 or 8 pieces 1 tsp Kosher Salt 1/4 cup...

March 2024

Wellness

Home Roots

The Story of Blue Boat Counseling Article by Ashley Labaki | Photography by Leah Taranger For Andy and Carrie Sears, it was important for Blue Boat Counseling to be their way of helping others find their true selves. Andy and Carrie met as children while growing up in Worthington. After serving in the United States Air Force, Andy followed his calling and became a therapist in 2008 where he found success working with other veterans. “Vets seek out other vets,” Andy said. “They’re just more...

February 2024

Life + Culture

Meet the Publisher: Lisa Federico

My "Must Do" list for 2024 Article by Lisa Federico Experience an aviation adventure via Take Flight Ohio: Fact: I love to travel, but hate turbulence. So, Take Flight Ohio is on my Must Do List this year. Where else can you fly a commercial airliner without ever leaving the ground? T akeflightohio.com Do some soul shopping at Fritzy Jacobs boutique. I love, love, love their baby clothes and gifts. This is a great place to escape (and have a friendly conversation with shop owner Anne)...

February 2024