Mandy Kraynak, Author at The Land

Ethan Holmes crouching down and holding two packages of Holmes Mouthwatering applesauce in a store, among shelves of applesauce.

Owner of Cleveland-based Holmes Mouthwatering applesauce rebrands, mentors students

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● October 19, 2023

Sales have increased significantly since the company updated its packaging and switched from jars and cups to pouches. Forbes 30 Under 30 local list honoree Ethan Holmes started the business at age 15 and now teaches students about entrepreneurship.

Owner Chun Wong at the counter at Mooncat Boba Cafe.

Mooncat Boba Cafe opens in Clark-Fulton next to neighborhood empanada spot

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● October 10, 2023

The bubble tea shop has joined Bella Luna at 3460 W. 25th St. across the street from MetroHealth, bringing a storefront that has been vacant for five years back into business.

Greenleaf Floral Co. owner Catherine Conway selecting flowers for a bouquet at her stand in the produce Arcade at the West Side Market.

New West Side Market vendor Greenleaf Floral Co. plans to sell locally grown flowers year-round

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● September 28, 2023

Bouquets at Greenleaf Floral Co. currently feature flowers like dahlias, marigolds, and zinnias from Ohio flower farms. In the winter, the flower stand, which opened at the market this month, will have locally grown dried flowers and Christmas greens.

Greater Cleveland Community Credit Union president and CEO Steve Sims sitting at his desk.

‘Hidden gem’: Greater Cleveland Community Credit Union helps people access banking services from basement of City Hall

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● September 19, 2023

There’s a credit union in the basement of City Hall, and it focuses on providing financial services with affordable rates and terms to people who lack access to banking, credit, and loans.

Rosie’s Girls camp in Central neighborhood introduces middle school girls to careers in construction, other male-dominated fields

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● September 7, 2023

Through a program put on by Friendly Inn and a Vermont-based organization, students spend two weeks of their summer learning from women who work in construction fields, trying activities like woodworking, and visiting building sites.

Immigrants, refugees build trust, connections through Newcomer Navigators as city prepares to hire coordinator

By Mandy Kraynak ● Civic Engagement ● August 31, 2023

Through a county-funded collaboration of several community organizations, about a dozen Newcomer Navigators help immigrants and refugees access jobs, housing, support services, and other resources.

People gathered on a rooftop overlooking the water at a "For the Culture" mixer event.

Tastemakers events help entrepreneurs and creatives of color build community, get funding

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● August 23, 2023

The organization is holding its second annual “For the Culture Mixer” on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Worthington Yards art gallery downtown.

Customers sitting at picnic tables near the front window at Locos Street Tacos & Burritos.

Family-owned taco and ice cream shop opens in Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● August 18, 2023

Locos Street Tacos & Burritos has brought ice cream and now, tacos, back to the former home of the Frosty Dog at 4760 W. 130th St. The shop prides itself on serving fresh, made-to-order food, and it’s looking to grow its staff and menu.

People seated in chairs in a circle as Morgan Taggart writes a discussion question on a large paper taped to the wall.

All about co-ops: Cleveland co-ops discuss community ownership, collaboration at Woodhill Community Co-op Conference

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● August 15, 2023

On Saturday, co-ops like the Woodhill Community Co-op, Central Kinsman Wellness Collective, and Rust Belt Riders shared their challenges and ideas of ways to grow a cooperative movement in Cleveland.

Four Woodhill Community Co-op members sitting around a table during a co-op meeting.

Woodhill Community Co-op to hold conference raising funds for cooperatively owned laundromat, gathering space

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● August 9, 2023

The Woodhill Community Co-op Conference will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 12200 Fairhill Road. Guests can choose to pay $25 or $50 to attend or contact the organizers to ask about free tickets.

Mandy Kraynak

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