New Year, New Trash Day?

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🎉 New Year, New Trash Collection Day? 🎉
As you may have heard, are switching to Local Waste Services, LTD. for our trash and recycling collection beginning Monday, January 3.
A few reminders:
✅ Yes, use that 95 gallon trash cart!
✅ Yes, you can use *other* containers in addition to or instead of the new trash cart.
✅ Continue to use the blue recycling bin for recycling (no change).
✅ EVERYTHING will be collected on your designated day – trash, recycling AND yard waste. You’ll have to get those steps in elsewhere – you only have to make one trip to the curb each week.
❗️❗️Here’s your homework: go to https://www.gahanna.gov/refuse-recycling-and-yard-waste/ and find out if you are team MONDAY or team TUESDAY. There’s even a fancy interactive map – you can plug in your address to find out which team you’re on.
It’s still easier than deciding on a new year’s resolution, promise!
Here’s the map:
Still have questions: our Frequently Asked Questions document is HERE.

Gahanna PD Seeks Your Feedback

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We need you! And your opinion. Every two years, Gahanna Division of Police conducts a citywide survey to help us better understand and respond to safety concerns in Gahanna. This information will help us guide and improve the services we provide in this community. Take the survey HERE. 

Expressions Owner Creates Rose Bowl Parade Float Designs

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Since 2003, Expressions Floral Design Studio has helped Gahanna residents commemorate milestones and send cheer, a cherished act during the pandemic. Long-time business owner Jody Brown Spivey is now preparing to support the upcoming Rose Bowl, which will feature the Tournament of Roses parade followed by a college football bowl game on January 1, 2022 between The Ohio State University and the University of Utah.  

“I’ve attended many Rose Bowl events since 2002. I grew up watching the games with my mom, so this event has special meaning for me. I love working with Artistic Entertainment Services to produce floats for the Tournament of Roses parade,” said Brown Spivey. 

Brown Spivey has earned many accolades, including Great Lakes Designer of the Year in March 2021. In 2006, she won the Ohio State Florist Association Designer of the Year and was subsequently inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 2008. After decades of working as a florist, one of Brown Spivey’s favorite memories was attending the Rose Bowl in 2010 when Ohio State defeated the University of Oregon.  

“I committed to supporting the Rose Bowl this year before I knew Ohio State would be playing in the game. I’m really looking forward to another spectacular event. The 2010 game was really special, and I have so many great photos from that day,” shared Brown Spivey. 

Back in Gahanna, the team at Expressions Floral Design Studio recently grew from 5 to 6, adding Gahanna Lincoln High School alum Anna Gyde, who recently graduated from Miami University.  

“While participating in the National Honor Society, I volunteered to help Expressions Floral Design Studio. After graduating from college, I returned to Gahanna this past summer and got an apartment near Creekside. As an employee at Expressions Floral, I love seeing how integrated everyone is in this community,” said Gyde. 

Ongoing involvement in the local community has helped Expressions Floral Design Studio not only thrive, but ultimately survive. From the recession in 2009 to the ongoing pandemic, brand loyalty from local residents ensured this iconic flower shop could not only sustain business, but it could also take care of its employees during economic downturns.  

“I sit on the Visit Gahanna Board of Directors, and I’m an active member of the Creekside District Alliance. We’ve made floats for the Gahanna Christmas Parade and centerpieces for the Taste of Gahanna. We’ve even supported photoshoots at The Gahanna Sanctuary and participated in Supporting Gahanna Together Day. I’ve made changes to how I run my business over time to stay relevant and successful,” explained Brown Spivey. 

“Our clients are so amazing, and I love working for Jody,” shared Jenny Asmo, whose mother previously worked with Brown Spivey. “Workforce retainment is really high here because this shop takes care of everyone, and Jody knows how to take care of us. It’s a place filled with lots of love.” 

Stop in Expressions Floral Design Studio (1247 N. Hamilton Road) https://expressionsfloraldesign.com/ . 

Fourth Floor Interactive: Entrepreneurship in Gahanna

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Gahanna is home to a growing array of entrepreneurs who bring innovative products and relevant services into the marketplace.  Gahanna’s C|Suites Executive Offices at Creekside host 40 entrepreneurships, including Fourth Floor Interactive that is owned and operated by entrepreneur Jennifer Chiappisi. 

“I became an entrepreneur 13 years ago. It’s really a business lifestyle that enables you to work at any time and in any location. I have two children, and being an entrepreneur helps me to balance my work and home life better,” said Chiappisi. 

Chiappisi’s business is named after her inspirational experience working on the fourth floor of the Smith Bros.’ Building in Downtown Columbus for a large advertising agency, Northlich, where her team hustled to create interactive media. In 2008, Fourth Floor Interactive was launched, aligning Chiappisi’s passion for supporting local, small businesses with her knowledge of and experience in interactive design and development.  

“Everyone loves small businesses. They are the backbone of cities and towns – especially in Gahanna where community is so strongly valued. When small businesses share their products and services, it’s important that they convey their whole story so that friends and neighbors can truly connect with who they are. Small businesses rely on the collective community to help them succeed, and my role is to provide solid branding and immersive interactive experiences to help build and retain these key consumer relationships,” explained Chiappisi. 

Because Fourth Floor Interactive is located within C|Suites Executive Offices at 81 Mill Street Suite 300, Chiappisi can capitalize upon the vibrant amenities offered at Creekside.  

“Not only am I surrounded by so many energetic entrepreneurs, but I am also able to utilize Creekside’s beautiful natural amenities to replenish myself after a long stint of work in front of my computer. To succeed as an entrepreneur, it’s important to stay inspired and creative. I’ve had so many moments of inspiration and clarity while taking a walking break on the trails at Creekside. It’s truly amazing,” exclaimed Chiappisi.  

Aside from offering a slate of interactive and branding services, including responsive websites, logo design, and email marketing, Chiappisi builds the personal confidence of her clients. She empowers them to feel comfortable using interactive media, and more importantly, she gives them the courage to truly become the faces of their businesses, letting their authentic personalities shine through. 

“Marketing really starts to feel effortless when a business manages to create an emotional connection  with their customer, simply by sharing who they are and why they do what they do. Those emotional bonds and brand loyalty are not easily broken, and that is where true success lies – connecting with your customers,” explained Chiappisi, whose own business has grown exponentially since the global pandemic took hold.  

To learn more about Fourth Floor Interactive, visit https://www.fourthfloorinteractive.com/.  Local entrepreneurs can join C|Suites Executive Offices by visiting https://www.csuitesoffices.com/.  

 

Save on 2022 Swim Memberships with Early Bird Rates!

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Give your friends and family the gift of a sunny summer spent at the swimming pool! 2022 Gahanna Swimming Pool Memberships (with the Early Bird Discount) are now available! To purchase a membership, visit: http://ow.ly/sT2x50GVWXA

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Comes to Gahanna

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Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids opened this past May in Stoneridge Plaza (1257 N. Hamilton Rd.). Seven months later, this family-oriented business is reaping the benefits of operating a small business in Gahanna. 

“When I was searching for a place to open my business, it was obvious that Gahanna was the right fit,” explained Pavel Poplaukhin, owner of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. “The business occupancy rate is high here with very few commercial vacancies, demonstrating a lot of local consumer loyalty for small shops. A hair salon for our youth needs to be in the right place where families feel comfortable bringing their kids. There are also several schools nearby to help ensure the success of Sharkey’s.” 

A cascade of vibrant colors illuminates Sharkey’s interior, topped off with a glimmering disco ball. From the moment they step into the salon, this entertaining, image-oriented business creates action-filled experiences for its customers.  

“Young adults can play video games. We offer a variety of show options from Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ for customers to choose from,” shared Poplaukhin. “We’ve found a way to capture the entertainment preferences of our customers and even involve those who are waiting.” 

Young patrons at Sharkey’s can get a haircut sitting inside chairs transformed into a fire truck, police cruiser, racecar, or an off-road, four-wheeler. Older youth can sit in more traditional, yet still colorful, salon chairs. After photographing their new look in an oversized Instagram frame, customers receive a balloon and lollipop to celebrate their visit. 

“It’s critical for youth-oriented businesses to establish a strong reputation within the community. To that end, Sharkey’s sponsored an outdoor Halloween event at The Goddard School. We also helped sponsor a walkathon and provided complimentary gift cards at a local middle school,” said Poplaukhin. 

Poplaukhin is a first-time business owner who sought a career change after spending 19 years as a scientist. The Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchise appealed to his entrepreneurial side, and he saw an opportunity gap in Gahanna to offer haircuts and image support for older kids and even early teens.  

“I started planning this business before the pandemic took hold, and I waited until May 2021 to open the shop. I was committed to my business plan. I must appeal to parents who have extremely high standards and expectations for a business like mine. That’s why it’s so much fun to run this exciting business in Gahanna,” explained Poplaukhin.   

To learn more, visit: www.sharkeyscutsforkidsgahanna.com/.