Design + Build

La Placita offers testing ground for Hispanic entrepreneurs
The monthly open-air market, which is set for this weekend, brings together over 30 eclectic local makers and food purveyors.
Olivia Rose Bakery makes confections a family affair
Saidah Farrell has always enjoyed baking with her two daughters. While cupcakes were their favorite confection to make, the three always used a box mix. But when Farrell lost her job as a help desk manager almost six years ago, she decided it was time for a career change. “When you lose your job, what are you going to do,” she asks. “You either find another job or go back to school.” Farrell decided to go back to school.
 
In 2010 Farrell enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College to earn her associate of applied business degree in hospitality management with a concentration in culinary arts. This weekend will be the grand opening of Olivia Rose Community Bake Shop at 16832 Chagrin Boulevard in Shaker Heights. Farrell runs the bakery with the help of her two daughters, Olivia, 12, and Rose, 16.
 
“The oldest works on the cupcakes and croissants, while the younger one does the cookies,” Farrell explains. “I went back to school and then I saw my 16-year-old making croissants from scratch. You never realize how much they pay attention of you.”

Farrell received a lot of help to make her vision a reality. She went through ECDI for help securing loans get things off the ground.  “I started off needing nearly $20,000 but if you don’t have collateral, it’s hard to get a loan, she says. “ECDI got me $15,000 in loans through the SBA, the City of Shaker Heights and Cuyahoga County.”

Farrell has been marketing her bakery mostly through Facebook and has already gotten a lot of support from the community. Word has gotten out about her macaroons – especially her maple bacon macaroons. Other goodies include croissants, cookies, eclairs and cinnamon rolls. All of her creations use natural ingredients.

Farrell, who taught baking before opening her shop, plans to offer baking workshops, classes and kids' baking parties at the shop. She also welcomes other area bakers to bake and sell at her shop. Eventually, she plans to exhibit the works of local artists on a regular basis.

The grand opening runs Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14 with the ribbon cutting on Saturday.
Fighting blight in the 'burbs
Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Lakewood are on the forefront of using the CDC model.
Entrepreneurial scene set to take over Gordon Square Arts District
Startup Scaleup, a daylong event on June 17th, will offer resources, networking -- and ice cream -- for Cleveland’s startup businesses.
This weekend In Cleveland: Never-seen photos of rock icon Stiv Bators and more
This weekend, view a never-before-seen slice of Cleveland rock history, laugh with the Angry Ladies of Improv, hit the dance floor at Sanctuary, celebrate Praxis Fiber Workshop’s grand opening and more.
Riding the rails of the (future) Red Line Greenway
The proposed three-mile trail and linear park along the rapid tracks could be one of the most transformational projects the city has seen in years.
This weekend in Cleveland: Greek Fest, East Meets West and more
This weekend, enjoy authentic Greek food at Tremont Greek Fest, indulge in brunch at Hingetown’s May Market, tear it up at East Meets West's 2015 Game of S-K-A-T-E and more.
RTA facing challenges as it grows ridership alongside communities
Financial cuts and aging infrastructure require creativity for a transit authority seeking to connect riders to new and improved rapid transit stations.
This Weekend In Cleveland: Rooms to Let, Sunday Funday and more
This weekend, explore art in unexpected places at Rooms To Let, soak up the vibe at Hessler Street Fair, pump life into the Flats West Bank at Sunday Funday and more.
Women-led arts ventures bringing new life to Waterloo
Three new creative studios, BRICK Ceramic + Design Studio, Praxis Fiber Workshop and Ink House Annex, are set to open just in time for the summer season.