Local businesses are the backbones of their community. Meet business owners who are motivated to meet their neighbor’s needs, create safe spaces for people to gather, and build strong connections with their customers to make a positive impact.
83 posts in Community building
In the business of invigorating their community, Susie and Lewis Cooper of the Elk Rapids Marina and Dam Shop have built a cafe, repair shop, boat retailer, and community space, all wrapped up in one.
Painting company Harmony Haus prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. From non-toxic paint to TerraCycling waste, owner Nichole Lovett shows how small business owners can mesh their personal values with business practices.
From colorful shag cuts to outstanding customer service, stylist Jackelyn Madrigal and her wife Monica have created a pampering space that feels like home to the LGBTQ Mexican American community in Fresno, California.
Pearl River Mart was the first-ever Chinese American department store when it opened in 1971. Five decades later, President Joanne Kwong is nurturing its mission of cultural exchange for a new generation.
East Los Musubi is among the restaurants featured on HBO Max’s series Take Out with Lisa Ling, now streaming all episodes. Hear more from the restaurant owners as we take a deeper dive into their stories.
Anju and Mandu are among the restaurants featured on HBO Max’s series Take Out with Lisa Ling. Hear more from the restaurant owners as we take a deeper dive into their stories.
Toni Binanti, owner of Rudy’s Bakery in Queens, NYC, knows your order, your grandparents, and which flavor birthday cake will suit your tastes. But most importantly, after 41 years in business, she knows her community best of all.
At 016 Restaurant & Sandwich Shop, Serbian traditions form the basis of the chef’s farm-to-table creations. Plus it's home to a 4,000-pound meat smoker.
Young Dick Tiger, former professional boxer, welcomes everyone in his gym. Whether training to be a professional, for competition, or for fitness, the ring is there to help everyone become more confident.
The Andrade family helped define Miami cuisine, from Latin-Asian fusion to traditional Cuban cooking. Now, chefs Nancy and her daughter Eileen share how they’ve nurtured and evolved the family legacy for a new generation.
Self-described “plant daddies” Anthony Diaz and Kevin Alcaraz dive deep into lessons from opening Plantiitas, a brick-and-mortar shop where they share a love of plants and their mental health benefits with the Long Beach community.
Step inside Chicago’s iconic Music Box Theatre and learn how it survived the pandemic, delighted movie lovers, and preserved its vintage charm in the heart of Southport Corridor.
