Interviewed and written by: Belle Mercurio, Marketing & Communications Manager for Engage! Cleveland 

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

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 proud Cleveland transplant Hannah Hines. You can either find Hannah at Mahalls DJ-ing the latest local dance party, a different coffee shop around town, or exploring one of the hidden gems of Cleveland. 

Stay tuned as we continue honoring these individuals and sharing their stories. Read on to learn more about Hannah and follow her journey on social media @hannah_unlost and @hannah.in.ohio.

EC: Welcome, Hannah. Thanks for joining us. We are excited to have this conversation and find out more about you. Tell us more about you.

HH:  Well, thank you for spotlighting me. Hi everyone, my name is Hannah Hines and I am excited to be here.  I am a marketing professional by day, but am the local content creator behind the account Hannah in Ohio. 

EC: Do you currently work and/or live in Cleveland?

HH: Yes, I work and live here in Cleveland. 

EC: How long have you worked in Cleveland?

HH: Since September 2019.

EC: How would you describe yourself? A Cleveland transplant, boomerang, or life-long resident.

HH: A Cleveland transplant – moved here for love and fell in love with the city. 

EC: What is it about Cleveland that makes you feel at home here, and why do you choose to live in this city over other places?

HH: I love the people and the energy, from calm of Lake Erie to the passion of the creatives, the Metroparks to the art shows and concerts. It’s a real city of grit and diversity and grounded humans for the most part – I can strike up a genuine conversation with almost anyone. People here love and support local so well, there is still a sense of community that can be hard to find everywhere. I grew up in Baltimore and lived in Chicago, but Cleveland felt like this perfect pace of create your own adventure – there is SO much to do, but it also can be cozy and slower – not as noisy as major cities. It just has this wonderful balance that made me feel right at home.

EC: Can you describe your favorite neighborhood or area in Cleveland? What makes it special to you, and how does it reflect your connection to the city?  

HH: I have to say Lakewood because it is how I first fell in love with the area when doing long distance with my fiancé. I would drive from Chicago and go straight to Mahall’s and just walk into this beating heart of a neighborhood of so many eclectic and eccentric souls (my kind of people). I moved here right before COVID so I spent a lot of time just walking around Lakewood and seeing how neighbors found togetherness by leaving treats or water out for other walkers, cute signs in windows or fun sidewalk chalk, messages of encouragement, and glimmers of humanity and hope. For an isolated time, I felt connected to so many strangers. As things opened back up, it felt too easy to become a regular, to get to know a store owner or a barista and have a friendly conversation. Those little daily interactions really make a difference – when you just want to know a friendly face or who is making your coffee – I do not take it for granted now. I feel like I live in the Richard Scarry books I read as a kid, being in such a walkable and bustling town. I feel like a lot of the ethos of Lakewood rings true across the great Cleveland area – from Coventry to Larchmere and Ohio City. So many businesses feel like second homes, so many people feel like friends – that is tough to beat!

EC: Cleveland has a rich history and culture. What part of the city’s history or culture do you connect with most, and how does that shape your view of Cleveland today?  

HH: I would say the music – the rock n roll city! My first visits here were for concerts and music journalism when I was in college and my early 20s – Cleveland always finds a way to put itself on a map while keeping its identity. I grew up in the more emo / alt / pop punk scene and Cleveland has so many incredible indie music venues, record stores, and so many artists and musicians. My fiance works in live music and is a musician himself and he has this attitude many Clevelander’s do that I admire, a very DIY mentality and drive to make it happen. It’s scappy and vulnerable and relies on a lot of “we will figure it out” and I love that. I try to always be open to new experiences and new music because I know the artists / bands here work so hard and are so talented. It’s not about numbers or money; it is the love and appreciation of an art form and a real need for expression and connection. I try to lean into that in my own ways, I find it inspiring.

EC: What are some of your favorite places to visit in Cleveland, whether for leisure, food, or entertainment? Why do these spots stand out to you?  

HH: Flower Child Vintage! Vintage and secondhand is such a thriving ecosystem here in Cleveland, well-loved items and funky fashion I feel like are really embraced.

Ready Set Coffee – always a friendly face and the most innovative coffee drinks you can tell they really care about their craft

CS Folk is so fun knick-knack shopping.

Loganberry Books and Visible Voice Books – such helpful and community-supporting book stores we are so lucky to have

Dahlia Coffee is just a must!

78th Street Studios to meet and admire so much creativity – a third Friday artwalk it the place to be

West Side Market is such a special and historical place – we have to keep those places alive and well.

Algebra Tea House is a beautiful space with such a lovely menu.

Mahall’s obviously! I get to DJ / host events and local markets here sometime, but everyone there is just a joy to encounter.

Waterloo arts district is also a favorite – just great energy and awesome markets and events!

And our local theatres big and small!

EC: If you’ve lived in other cities, how does Cleveland compare? Are there specific aspects of Cleveland that you think are better or unique compared to those places?

HH: Cleveland actually feels like an odd marriage of the East Coast grit and work ethic of Baltimore, the Midwest niceties and creative energy of Chicago – but really it is its own unique place! I don’t like to compare too much, but as someone with anxiety, Chicago was tough for me personally to settle down in – while I loved and I miss the public transportation of the state / area (we need trains to the rest of Ohio’s cities so bad) I just felt constantly overwhelmed and this pressure to be out and doing. That is why I mentioned the balance I found here. There are other cities I traveled to where people really stay to themselves, and everything feels so cookie-cutter and corporate. Cleveland embraces its history and uniqueness and identities, which I love – there is so much diversity here, which should be spotlighted and embraced because it makes this city the melting pot.

EC: Cleveland has a passionate sports community. Do you feel like the sports community resonates with the city’s culture?  

HH: I love going to Guardians games – you will hear screaming very loudly every hot dog race. The standing room tickets make it easy to justify, and it is fun to go even if you don’t follow sports closely.

I grew up in Baltimore so (sorry) I will always be a Ravens fan, but at every game I have been to here, including Browns / Cavs / Monsters, there is a real camaraderie across the board that has made going to sporting games really enjoyable and approachable.

EC: How do you typically spend a weekend in Cleveland? Are there any local events or activities that you never miss?  

HH: Almost every weekend requires a local coffee shop visit, a Cleveland Bagel or Roaming Biscuit stop – local shopping/markets, whether vintage or thrift or art – exploring a new neighborhood for the day – hitting a Metropark or walking along the Lake – and so much nightlife from dancing to comedy. I try to never miss a Mix at the art museum – it is so fun to dress up, and people bring their game! I have never spent a weekend bored in Cleveland.

EC: What would you say to someone who is thinking about moving to Cleveland? What do you think they should know about the city and its people before making the move?  

HH: Be willing to talk to anyone – be willing to meet new people and try something new. You will find your people if you try, but this is a city where you can pick up new things, and you don’t have to be good, but maybe join a bowling league, or shuffleboard, go to an open mic night, go see a jazz band, watch a play you have never heard of, or take yourself to the orchestra. This is city to challenge yourself and explore the arts. People here are multifaceted and dynamic, like so many people have a few hobbies, are in a club, work more than one job, are pursuing a dream – it is something to lean into, and even in all that, it is not about competition its about collaboration and working with your neighbors. And yes, there is winter, but it is what you make it! There is still so much to do, and you just have to find it. This is not a city that really tries to be trendy or “cool” or “aesthetic,” and I love that, but it’s not for everyone – some people want the big shopping centers and next big things, so just know Cleveland is a lot more laid back and local. It’s charming, there is great architecture, and so much to preserve. I hate when people come in and want to flip everything and ruin a good thing just because it is not their “aesthetic”.

EC: In what ways do you celebrate Cleveland—whether through its festivals, local businesses, or other cultural traditions?

HH: There are TOO many, but let me list off all the amazing festivals – well some! IngenuityFest, Chalk Festival at Cleveland Museum of Art, Cain Park Arts Fest, Lakewood Arts Fest, our farmers market – north union, Cleveland International Film Festival, all the Playhouse Square’s Broadway series, PorchFest, Cleveland Bazaar, Cleveland Asian Festival, Parade the Circle, Brite Winter, Waterloo Arts Fest, Taste of Tremont, it just keeps going!

This year, I went to One World Day (Cultural Gardens) by myself, and I had the best time. I ran into friendly faces, met some new ones, had conversations with strangers, learned about different cultures and countries, and enjoyed so much food, art, and dancing. It reminded me of what Cleveland is all about. I love staying curious in general – we are never done learning and growing – so I try to celebrate Cleveland by trying new events and meeting new people when I can because the people really make this city stand out. If all you can do is show up and listen, that is usually a great place to start supporting from.

EC:  What’s your personal way of showing love for the city?  

HH: I post a video every week on tik tok with events around greater Cleveland / Akron coming up for that weekend – I try to include as many as possible and I just do this as a hobby its not monetized so it really is just about putting a spotlight on events and giving people an oppurtunity to get out of the house, plug into community, etc. I have a full-time job a my side hustles – my social accounts are really.a passion project of mine to use my marketing skills for good. Small businesses have to wear so many hats – it I can help get some people in the door at places I believe in that is very soul-fulfilling for me. I have not had as much time the last 2 years to pour into it since getting diagnosed with POTS, but lately I have had more capacity, and the weekly videos and event spotlights have been a rewarding series – having people come up to me at a market and say I am here because of you? Yeah, that is the best.

I also host small business and local markets at Mahall’s or help plan them and put them on – To Books and Beyond with my friend Melissa, a Valentine’s day market, this year a Renaissance Faire themed market and more. Nothing makes me happier than bringing people together to support local makers who are pursuing their dream and giving people a chance to see who they are buying from and supporting – that human connection in a transaction is not something you can replicate with mass produced items.

I have so many more ideas and dreams – these all feel so small, but I want to continue to impact however I can.

EC: What are some ways our audience can engage with you or your work? 

HH: My TikTok is Hannah_Unlost – I also use that for my personal Instagram. My local Instagram is Hannah.In.Ohio and also check out the band Rusted Hearts (hi Pat), because I think they are pretty cool – and send me YOUR favorite spot around the area so I can check it out and say hi if I see you out and about.

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