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/.  

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/.