Interviewed and written by: Kaitlyn Youn, Events Marketing & Outreach Intern for Engage! Cleveland 

Cleveland is a city of culture, resilience, and opportunity. 

At Engage! Cleveland, we’re passionate about amplifying what makes our city special—from its vibrant neighborhoods to its thriving professional community. We know that when we celebrate Cleveland, we build a reputation that draws in and keeps the next generation of changemakers. 

According to the 2023 State of the Young Professional Community Report (SYPCR), a survey Engage! Cleveland conducts bi-annually to get a finger on the pulse of the early to mid-career professional community in Cleveland, a whopping 91% of respondents had a positive view of Cleveland, but only 27% of those respondents said they were “cheerleaders” of Cleveland, with the remaining respondents being passive, or negative.  

That’s why, since the beginning of the year, we’ve been highlighting local influencers who actively champion Cleveland—people using their platforms, passions, and voices to reshape the narrative and showcase all that makes this city exceptional. 

Each month, we shine a spotlight on an individual who inspires us, and this month’s feature is the duo behind @cravecle, Bailey Purpura and Nikki Hannaway. These Cleveland transplants have turned their love of good food, strong coffee, lake sunsets, and neighborhood gems into a passion project that celebrates everything vibrant about this city. Whether they’re highlighting a new chef-driven concept, a favorite dive bar, or a local vendor market, their page captures Cleveland in motion! 

Stay tuned as we continue honoring these individuals and sharing their stories in 2026. Continue reading to learn more about Bailey and Nikk and follow her journey on social media @cravecle 

EC: Nikki, you grew up in Columbus and Bailey, you grew up in Youngstown, but you both chose Cleveland as home. When did it start to feel like your city? 

B&N: Nikki grew up in Columbus and Bailey in Youngstown, so we’ve always appreciated that mix of city energy with a suburban feel. Cleveland captures that balance perfectly. It has the vibrancy and culture of a bigger city, but it still feels approachable and connected. The food scene really sealed it for us. There’s so much creativity here, and it feels like new concepts are always popping up. At the same time, we have Lake Erie and the Metroparks right here. You can go from downtown to nature in minutes, and that’s something we truly value. 

EC: What’s your favorite neighborhood in Cleveland? 

B&N: Hingetown and Ohio City really capture what we love most. There’s this incredible mix of restaurants, dive bars, coffee shops, and historic staples like the West Side Market. It’s walkable, which means you can spend an entire day there, and it’s constantly evolving with new creative spaces opening up. It feels historic, but fresh at the same time. 

EC: Cleveland has so much culture, what cultural aspect of the city resonates with you most? 

B&N: There’s a deep appreciation here for arts, food, and sports that truly brings people together. You can dine somewhere that’s been here for generations, like Guarino’s in Little Italy, and then walk down the street to try a brand-new concept that just opened. That blend of history and fresh ideas gives the city so much character. It also makes Cleveland feel like a place where you can build something meaningful. There’s room to grow, and when you do, the community shows up for you. 

EC: If you were planning a perfect Cleveland day for yourselves, where would it start and end? 

B&N: For Nikki, Asiatown is one of her favorite areas. Within just a few blocks, you can experience so many authentic cuisines — it feels like traveling through multiple cultures in one afternoon. For Bailey, being on Lake Erie is one of the best parts of living here. Whether it’s a summer beach day at Edgewater Park or watching the sunset, there’s something grounding about the lake. As a downtown resident, Bailey also loves the walkability — grabbing a slice at Il Rione or Cents Pizza + Goods, then heading to Map Room for a nightcap. And when we want to unplug, places like Brandywine Falls or Cuyahoga Valley National Park remind us how lucky we are to live here. 

EC: How does Cleveland compare to other cities you’ve experienced? 

B&N: Nikki noticed right away how distinct Cleveland feels. In Columbus, so much is centered in one main area. Here, the west side, east side, and downtown all have their own personalities. You can drive 15 minutes and feel like you’re somewhere completely different. The food scene also feels more evolved and intentional. There’s depth, from long-standing institutions to innovative chef-driven spots constantly opening. It feels dynamic and exciting. 

EC: What does Cleveland sports culture add to your experience? 

B&N: The fan base here is incredibly strong. There’s something contagious about it. You almost feel like you want to root for Cleveland teams because the passion is so real. Being downtown makes it electric. When the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, and Cleveland Cavaliers are playing, the entire city feels alive. On game days, you can feel it in the streets and in the bars, it’s unmatched energy. 

EC: What does a typical weekend look like for you? 

B&N: We love starting our mornings at local coffee shops — Cleveland’s independent spots make the city feel creative and close-knit. A trip to the West Side Market is always a favorite. We also prioritize staying active. There are so many yoga studios and workout classes that make it easy to find your people. And if there’s a local market or vendor event happening, we’re there. Supporting small businesses is incredibly important to us. 

EC: What makes Cleveland unique in your eyes? 

B&N: It has the opportunities and excitement of a larger city, but it still feels like a collection of neighborhoods. Each one has its own personality and strong sense of community. You get the resources of a big city with the warmth of a place where people genuinely support one another. 

EC: Your content feels like a love letter to the city. What drives it? 

B&N: Cravecle started as a passion project. There’s just so much to celebrate here — from a great workout class to a new restaurant or local event. There’s always something happening, and we love highlighting it and sharing that energy. We don’t do this full-time, which can be challenging. But in a way, that keeps it authentic. We only showcase places and experiences we genuinely love. That’s what makes it feel real. 

EC: If you could shape one thing about Cleveland’s future, what would it be? 

B&N: Downtown is constantly evolving, which is exciting. But many storefronts are still struggling. We’d love to see more support for small businesses and more vibrant, diverse shops and restaurants downtown. That would strengthen the sense of community and help the city continue to grow. 

EC: How are you personally contributing to Cleveland’s growth? 

B&N: Everything we post reflects how we live. We explore, we attend events, we support local businesses, and we hype up what makes Cleveland unique. It comes from genuine love for the city. Our goal is to help more people see why Cleveland is such a special place to live and explore. 

EC: Where can people engage with you and your work? 

B&N: Follow @cravecle on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with everything we’re craving around Cleveland. 

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