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 Aimon Ali. Aimon is known for bringing Cleveland’s largest runway fashion show to life and continuously creates new opportunities for Cleveland creatives across the city!

Stay tuned as we continue honoring these individuals and sharing their stories. Read on to learn more about Aimon and follow her journey on social media @aimon.ali and @the_fashiontalks.

EC: Welcome Aimon, thanks for sitting down to talk to us. We are excited to get to know you better. Please share with us a little about you.

AA:  Thanks for having me, I am excited to be here. My name is Aimon Ali, and I am the Founder of Fashion Talks and Fashion Talks Foundation, based here in Cleveland.

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

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

EC: How long have you worked in Cleveland?

AA: I moved here 7 years ago.

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

AA: I’m a proud Cleveland transplant who quickly fell in love with the city’s creative energy and close-knit community.

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?

AA: Cleveland feels welcoming and full of surprises. People here genuinely root for each other, and there’s a sense of possibility, you can build something meaningful and find support. The creative community, affordability, and access to both vibrant culture and nature make it feel like the perfect place to grow personally and professionally.

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?  

AA: I don’t have just one favorite neighborhood, it’s the museums and locally owned shops and restaurants across the city that truly speak to me. Places like the Cleveland Museum of Art, MOCA, and the many small galleries fuel my creativity, while independent cafés, boutiques, and restaurants showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Cleveland so special. As a content creator and consultant, I’m constantly inspired by the way these spaces blend culture, artistry, and community, they reflect the same mission I have with Fashion Talks Foundation and my digital work: highlighting talent, supporting small businesses, and sharing Cleveland’s creativity with a wider audience.

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?  

AA: I connect most with Cleveland’s legacy of resilience and reinvention. From its industrial past to its thriving arts and entrepreneurial scene today, the city embodies creativity and grit. It inspires me to keep innovating with my own ventures.

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?  

AA: Some of my favorite places include the Cleveland Museum of Art for endless creative inspiration and Verbena Free Spirited, Cleveland’s first dry bar. Verbena is such a special spot because it celebrates the city’s diversity and offers an inclusive social experience with its incredible mocktails and beautifully designed space. I also love exploring locally owned cafés, boutiques, and restaurants around the city, each one reflects Cleveland’s entrepreneurial spirit and creative energy, which ties perfectly into my work as a content creator and consultant showcasing the people and places that make Cleveland shine.

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?

AA: Compared to larger cities, Cleveland offers big opportunities with a more accessible, supportive community. It’s easier to make meaningful connections here and actually see your ideas come to life without being lost in the noise.

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

AA: I’m not personally a big sports fan, but I love how Cleveland’s sports culture brings the city together. Seeing people from all walks of life unite to cheer for their teams reflects the same sense of community and pride that I value in Cleveland’s creative scene.

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

AA: My weekends in Cleveland are a mix of art and nature. I love exploring museums for inspiration, supporting local makers and cafés, and spending time outdoors in the city’s parks and green spaces.

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?  

AA: Cleveland is full of opportunity, creativity, and heart. The people are welcoming and eager to collaborate. Come ready to connect, you’ll find that if you invest in Cleveland, Cleveland invests back in you.

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

AA: I celebrate Cleveland by highlighting its creative talent through my work with Fashion Talks Foundation and by supporting local businesses, designers, and artists. Sharing their stories on social media and through events is my way of giving back.

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

AA: I actively work to make Cleveland a more vibrant and creative city through multiple avenues. Professionally, I founded the Fashion Talks Foundation, which produces Cleveland’s largest runway fashion show, now celebrating its 5th anniversary—a milestone that highlights local designers, emerging creatives, and the city’s thriving fashion scene. We also recently released the Fashion Talks Magazine, a locally produced publication featuring Cleveland-based writers, photographers, designers, and “Ladies of Influence,” showcasing the city’s talent and culture.

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

AA: Follow me on Instagram @aimon.ali and @the_fashiontalks, visit aimonali.com to work with me or fashiontalksfoundation.org to learn about upcoming events, or attend one of our Fashion Talks shows or creative entrepreneur summits to connect in person.

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