If you love popcorn (or a gourmet hot dog), then you’ve likely heard of  Pam’s Market Popcorn and Windy City Eats, a small business that has been in operation for 16 years. Owner Pam Tylka’s creativity isn’t limited to her culinary skills. She recently earned the Cutest Storefront Award for drawing positive attention to her business in  Visit Gahanna‘s Holiday Storefront Contest. The award was presented to Pam earlier this month by Lori Kappes (Executive Director of Visit Gahanna) and Courtney Thraen (Economic Development Manager, City of Gahanna).  

“I really love having my business in Gahanna, and I want to continue operating here for a long time. It’s allowed me to get to know many community members on a personal level, and the school district here is really great to partner with, too,” said Tylka.  

Located at 955 East Johnstown Road, the shop welcomes customers with a colorful array of food products, including dog treats. Aside from offering more than 20 flavors of popcorn, this Gahanna-based shop serves as a local distributor for nearby small-batch producers of honey, syrup and other goods.   

“Before running my shop in Gahanna, I operated out of the North Market in Columbus. While I was looking for a new space for my shop, I had stopped into the CVS in Gahanna. Nearby, I saw that this space was available for lease, and there was a shopping cart from the North Market in this space. I took this all as a sign to move my business to Gahanna,” shared Tylka.  

Treat options at Pam’s Popcorn also include homemade fudge brownies, cotton candy, buckeye chocolates, ice cream novelties, potato chip cookies, and more. Aside from treats, customers can order New York or Chicago-style hot dogs, Pam’s Award-Winning Coney Dog, bratwurst with sauerkraut, and four-cheese grilled cheese sandwiches, among other savory choices.  

“I started this business because food is everything. I sell great food at the best prices. The food I sell reminds me of the most precious childhood memories that I had with my family, and I want to share that feeling with everyone who comes into my shop,” exclaimed Tylka. 

Members of Gahanna’s Economic Development team assisted Pam (and other local businesses) during the pandemic by sharing information about local, regional, and state-level resources to support her business. Tylka is excited to pursue the Ohio Women-owned Business Enterprise certification to potentially apply for a no-interest loan through the Ohio Department of Development, where funds can be used to update appliances and large equipment, among other uses.  

“Like many small business owners, I started my business to take care of my kids. As a single parent, running a business gave me the needed flexibility to earn income on my own schedule,” explained Tylka. 

Aside from visiting the shop at 955 East Johnstown Road, patrons can browse  https://pamspopcorn.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/pamspopcorn for the latest updates.  

On Saturday, January 15, The Whole You Wellness Studio, located at 1024 N. Hamilton Road, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting with an energized fan base in attendance.  

“I really appreciate all the support from my family and friends. Having my own space here and opening The Whole You has been a dream of mine, but this dream has been made possible by all of you,” founder and CEO Fatima Bouyer shared before a crowd of loyal friends. 

Bouyer’s discipline and work ethic enables her to not only oversee a mix of businesses, but it also inspired her to open The Whole You Wellness Studio in Gahanna. Aside from fitness classes, The Whole You provides reiki treatment, sound baths, massages, meditation, and even a book club, among other services. The culmination of these services supports a mixed group of individuals aiming to improve their overall health. 

“Small businesses are really the heartbeat of our community, and I am thrilled to welcome The Whole You to the City of Gahanna in front of so many supporters,” said Laurie Jadwin, Mayor of Gahanna.  Saturday’s festivities also featured speeches from The Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce and State Representative Mary Lightbody.  

“The Whole You is unique and different because my services appeal to many types of people, and I want to positively impact different aspects of the same person, too. The start of year is a great time for everyone to focus on their own self-care,” exclaimed Bouyer. 

Bouyer’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped her manifest a bevy of business services. For the past 23 years she has worked full time as an executive assistant, focused on process improvement and systems management efficiencies at large companies. In this role, she worked for Bob Evans Corporate, L Brands, and National Church Residences, among other companies. Working for large companies helped Bouyer develop a vast network of people attracted to her fitness services.  

“My role models include bossy Beyonce and health-focused Michelle Obama. Both are visionaries who whole-heartedly pursued their dreams. I’ve channeled that same determination to pursue my passion for fitness in Gahanna,” explained Bouyer. 

Four years ago, Bouyer started Office Bad Ass, which led to her start Gym Bad Ass, a personal training service that she has operated for more than two years. Additionally, Bouyer launched the Bad Ass Mobile Bartending Service that supports a variety of events and functions throughout Ohio. 

“I’m so fortunate to have discovered this space in Gahanna to bring all my businesses together. The Whole You Wellness Studio feels like a second home to me, and the Gahanna community has treated me so well. The landlord here made the transition into this space really seamless. Everything has been turnkey, and getting my businesses settled into this new space has been a wonderful experience for me,” said Bouyer.  

Visit the The Whole You Wellness Studio at 1024 N. Hamilton Road or discover the services online at https://www.gymbadass.online.  

There’s a new place in Gahanna to shop for your wardrobe!  Clothes Mentor recently opened for business at 1331 Stoneridge Drive.

“Clothes Mentor moved into a 6,000 square foot space in Gahanna based on successful indicators from our affiliate business, Once Upon a Child, also located at Stoneridge Plaza. We just love Gahanna, and this community really supports our business model rooted in sustainability,” shared Susan Riley, Vice President of Clothes Mentor (OUAC, Inc.).  

The official January 8 ribbon cutting featured speeches from Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin, State Representative Mary Lightbody, and Brad Fisher, President of the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“We actually opened here on November 18, 2021, and we’re bringing 18 more jobs to the local Gahanna economy. We immediately connected with Gahanna Public Schools to discover new employees. Thrifting is so popular today with young people, and we’ve already filled 12 positions. Clothes Mentor employees work reasonable hours and receive a 25 percent credit, too,” shared Gahanna Store Manager Jessica Conkle, a graduate from Gahanna Lincoln High School. 

At Clothes Mentor, thrifting is made simple. Employees are trained as professional buyers to ensure that reused products for sale are both high in quality and style, accepting items typically from the past two years. Those who bring in items for resale are compensated in one of two ways – cash on the spot or a 25 percent store credit.  Clothes Mentor’s free personal shopper service can be scheduled online or in-person, assisting shoppers to discover great outfits. Because the store carries sizes 0 to 26 along with maternity options, its team can assemble outfits for a diverse array of preferences.  

“Clothes Mentor first started in 1985, and this business model rooted in environmental sustainability has only become more and more successful over the decades. The younger generation is really placing an emphasis on becoming more sustainable, and young people are smart with their money, too. This seriousness is actively on display when you look at the TikTok videos of young thrifters. The thrifting movement is strong and spreading,” explained Conkle.  

The social aspect of Clothes Mentor is also evident through its ongoing, experiential programming. For example, the Gahanna team is excited to host theme parties in the vein of a ‘70s night or ‘80s night. Regular fashion shows will be held to further celebrate the power of thrifting.  

To visit Clothes Mentor, stop in the store at 1331 Stoneridge Drive at the Stoneridge Plaza or visit clothesmentor.com.