Love, Cleveland

An authentic 216 experience.

Love, Cleveland

Moments
Seyi Owolawi
a small studio
By 
December 4, 2025

Cleveland. To many, its name carries an air of misunderstood charm, if you know, you know. Since I met John, the Principal of a small studio, he has extolled his home city and its virtues. According to him, the world has overlooked this city's boundless potential and has been sleeping on all the incredible opportunities it offers.

Intrigued and perhaps skeptical (of his love and unending admiration for the 216), I packed my bags last week, left London behind, and crossed the Atlantic to experience and explore Cleveland, once more.

I found a city brimming with inspiration, resilience, and a surprising knack for embedding itself into your soul.

For me, the Cleveland experience started at the Gratitude Breakfast hosted by Stella Maris. I wasn't entirely prepared for how profoundly moving it would be. In that room, surrounded by people who had turned their lives around through connection and support, I felt a wave of humility. Their stories were raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. It was a vivid reminder of why an organization like Stella Maris is a lifeline and demonstrates how collaboration can rebirth a person, and in turn the community.

Then, we switched to work mode, presenting to the leadership team of one of the United States' most esteemed behavioral healthcare organizations. For over seven decades, they've been trailblazers in their field, yet when we revealed their Identity Narrative, it was as if they were seeing their reflection for the first time. Watching their faces light up as their story took on new clarity was deeply gratifying. It was a testament to the power of a small studio's creative operating system, Identity Architecture. That moment was a great reminder that the right visual and verbal identity can bring renewed purpose to even the most storied institutions.

The right visual and verbal identity can bring renewed purpose to even the most storied institutions.

I then met with Michael, a visionary partner spearheading a real estate revolution across the Great Lakes region. If you've seen Patina, you'll know what I mean when I say his ambition is nothing short of extraordinary. As we delved into his vision for the region, it was clear that Cleveland isn't just rebuilding; it's rethinking how cities, and individuals can thrive. Asides meeting Michael, I got to connect with Gavin, someone who has known John, all of his life, we toured the grounds of The iconic Westinghouse together, and I also enjoyed how Gavin teased John with warmth, admiration, and memories they made decades ago. It honestly made me regain an appreciation for anyone, and everyone who knew us growing up- the dynamics of the relationship is always so refreshing, because they are the ones who know how proud your younger-self would be of your current-self.

And not to forget the fact that I had a wonderful conversation with Adam, the founder Lounges, got a fresh-fade from him on the house, had an unbelievably fun photoshoot session, got exposed to artwork from emerging creatives across Cleveland, and got to record content with John too. All happened within the same space, it was like a Willy Wonka factory of intentional experiences. Now, I totally understand, why John favors the Lounges experience on certain days of the week. The spot is such a Vibe!

I also connected (in person) with the brilliant minds behind New Valley Labs, Dakota, and Rena. Over drinks, we traded dreams and ideas with the ease that comes from being among kindred spirits. They're not just fostering a startup ecosystem; they're really creating that "Greenhouse of a Founder revolution," which came out of our collaboration with them in rebuilding the identity of their company. Both founders are really reimagining how founders can be nurtured to grow on purpose. Their energy was contagious, their charm undeniable, and our conversations will likely echo in my mind for years to come.

Of course, no visit to Cleveland would be complete without exploring its cultural treasures. The Cleveland Museum of Art was breathtaking. Walking through the galleries, John and I wondered what artifacts our generation might leave behind. Will future museums showcase social media "tombstones," early iPhones, or even augmented reality relics? That playful speculation carried us through the exhibits, fueling conversations that seemed to stretch beyond time itself. We were lost in all the right moments of time.

Between meetings and musings, John made it his mission to show me the city's best coffee spots, too. According to him, Cleveland might just have the best coffee experience in the world (just kidding, he didn't say that), but I thoroughly enjoyed the endless caffeine-fueled conversations and experiences. Each café felt like a hidden gem, adding warmth and charm to what Cleveland represents.


Throughout the trip, Kendrick Lamar's newly released album, GNX, was my soundtrack. Its layered beats and reflective lyrics seemed to align perfectly with Cleveland's rhythm. It turned every moment into something cinematic, whether I was presenting to a room full of executives, walking through an art gallery, or simply soaking in the city's energy.

As I write this back in London, it's clear this wasn't just a work trip. It was a far more profound mental and emotional nourishment that will shape a small studio's work in the coming months.


In all its overlooked glory, Cleveland left a mark on me that I didn't expect.

So, to John, thank you for being the most authentic host and ambassador Cleveland could ask for. You showed me a city full of promise, resilience, and an undeniable soul. And to Cleveland, thank you for being exactly what John said you'd be: a city with potential that feels like a secret you're lucky enough to uncover.

✌🏽.

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