While cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York have advantages, the hype of “moving to the big city” is overblown. A new era shows medium sized Midwestern cities with a seat at the adult table, and Toledo deserves recognition.
Skeptical? Take a look at these new locals— bringing experience in creative arts, politics and social activism to our area. Some are calling Toledo home for the first time, while others are returning to the Glass City with a fresh perspective.
Whatever path they took to get here, all of these individuals are proud to call Toledo home.
Lisa Solstis via Los Angeles
From
Oregon, Ohio
Moved to:
Los Angeles, then moved to Toledo after seven years on the west coast.
What she did:
She and husband, Dan, started a jewelry business (L.A.S. Jewelry) and a family in Los Angeles.
What she does now:
Expanding L.A.S. as a brand and launching a t-shirt line with Lisa’s illustrations to accompany the jewelry
Why I’m here: Toledo has an inviting and mellow atmosphere for families with small children. Our work was at a place where we could leave L.A. (after seven years), and still have strong ties to the city. Above all, we lead a faith-based life and really felt God was calling us back to Ohio.
What would you tell out-of-towners about Toledo? Toledo is a city where there’s room and space— not just physical, but an environment that’s peaceable enough to think, dream, and accomplish, and the cost of living is fairly low. This city is open to all things new.
Toledo’s next steps: It can be too easy to take it slow here— I feel creativity brewing because other people are hungry for the same thing. It’s my hope that we can pool our thirst for thriving and really create an extra-exceptional city. Toledo is ready for it.
What sets Toledo apart from other cities? This city is a gold mine for thrifting and estate sales. Our family lives in a sort of unconventional style, approximately 75% of the things in our home are previously owned.
Noelle Roerig via New York City
From
Dayton
Moved to:
Bowling Green for college, then Nantucket for an internship, which led to a culinary career in NYC. Now in Toledo.
What she did:
Worked at notable NYC restaurants (a back leader and barista for The Modern at the New York Museum of Modern Art and server at NoMad, both high-end dining establishments).
What she does now:
Server at Manhattan’s Pub n’ Cheer and as the booking agent for her fiance, Ben Stalets, a local country singer/songwriter.
Why I’m here: I wanted to do some moving around and exploring, but NYC wasn’t conducive for that. [As a booking agent] Toledo allows me to help Ben build his music career— just picking up and going on tour for a month is feasible here in a way that wasn’t in NYC.
What I brag about: The Toledo story is the way every cool place starts: People know and care about what is happening in the area. You feel like you are part of something special.
Toledo’s next steps: In Dayton, there is a great place called the Oregon District. Toledo’s Adams Street corridor has the potential to become similar by growing into a great place with locally-owned restaurants, businesses, vintage shops and bars.
Jason Kucsma via New York City
From
Willoughby, Ohio (20 minutes east of Cleveland)
Moved to:
Bowling Green for school, Toledo to run Clamor Magazine and Allied Media Projects, Tucson for library science grad school, and NYC for work. Now in Toledo.
What he did:
He was the director of a nonprofit member services organization for libraries in NYC.
What he does now:
Serves as the Deputy Director of Toledo Lucas County Public Library (toledolibrary.org) where he works with public service administrators to provide programs and services for the local community.
Why I’m here: I was working in Manhattan and living in Brooklyn with my wife and infant twins. The opportunity arose to help lead a world-class library system here in Toledo— it was too good to pass up.
What I brag about: NW Ohio natives tend to think the grass is greener elsewhere. I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, lived in Bowling Green, Wyoming, Tucson, and New York City. Each has its own charm, but my overall quality of life has never been better than it is here.
Toledo’s next steps: I see big things on the horizon. I’m encouraged by the amount of collaboration happening between leaders of our cultural institutions. The Toledo Area Cultural Leaders (chaired by the Museum with the Arts Commission) meet regularly to explore opportunities for shared programs and services. Between their work, the planning of the 22nd Century Committee, and the investment in manufacturing we’re seeing come back to the region, I think we have a lot of the right ingredients.
Did you have ideas about the Glass City that changed after moving here? I think it was hard to see opportunity in Toledo when I left 10 years ago. Today, it feels like possibility is around every corner. You see all kinds of creative endeavors popping up— the city has good bones for people to build on.
What sets Toledo apart from other cities? One thing that sets us apart is our Midwest modesty. For all that we have here in our backyard, I think our regional pride should be on full display— everywhere. Every city has its problems, but those shouldn’t overshadow all the great things we have at our fingertips here in Toledo.
Getro Jean-Claude via Haiti
From
Les Cayes, Haiti (southern part of Haiti)
Moved to:
Toledo (in December, 2009) directly from Haiti after graduating high school.
What he did:
A graduate of the University of Toledo, he led several student organizations, including Toledo CAN which provides clean water and school supplies to people in need in third world countries. In 2013, he interned at the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority.
What he does now:
A Financial Analyst for the Port Authority (toledoport.org), where, along with traditional loans, he manages the ECDI loan program which provides funds to entrepreneurs that would not be eligible for conventional financing. He is also the sole owner of the photobooth and video company, CAN Digital Group (candigitalgroup.com)— primarily focused on providing services to nonprofit organizations.
Why I’m here: After graduating high school in 2009, I received an email from Aaron and Nicole Coulter (who have been involved with Haiti through their Charity, Hut Outreach since 1997). They informed me that they were going to host me for my college education— they had even purchased my plane ticket. Thirteen days after my arrival in Toledo, the earthquake of 2010 devastated Haiti. This is when I decided to stay in Toledo to pursue my college career. Since then, I have called Toledo, my sweet home.
What I brag about: Toledo offers everything you need: great universities, great attractions and affordable living. This community is very resourceful, supportive and fun! As I typically share with others every time I get the opportunity, I could not have been more excited to come to this Land of Opportunity— Toledo. I would, without a doubt, tell others that Toledo has played a tremendous part in my success today. I wouldn’t be able to accomplish nearly as much as I have been able to if I landed in another city.
Toledo’s next steps: With several of the current downtown projects serving as catalysts, I see a revitalization to our downtown with the creation and retention of jobs, up-rise in the “TREP” (entrepreneurial) opportunities, and entertainment.
Suzy Ujvagi via New York City
From
East Toledo
Moved to:
After University of Toledo, NYC for graduate school. Now in Toledo.
What she did:
Used her Masters in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Masters in Social Work from Hunter College during her time as a social worker in the Bronx.
What she does now:
Serves as a hospital chaplain and is a board member of Equality Toledo (equalitytoledo.org)
Why I’m here: In February of 2014 I started with Equality Ohio, a statewide LBGTQ advocacy group, working in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodation.
What I brag about: There is an impression that Toledo is a boring, quiet place with nothing going on. As you spend some time here, it becomes very apparent how false that perception is.
Toledo’s next steps: There are so many voices when it comes to a vision for Toledo— I am amazed at both the activist and artist communities here. As a daughter of a Hungarian refugee, I envision Toledo as a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees from all over the world.
My next steps: I became part of the Executive Committee of Equality Toledo, so I am now taking more of a leadership role. I am looking forward to the advocacy and educational opportunities that help affirm and celebrate the LBGTQ community.
Natalie Lanese via Cleveland + Brooklyn
From
Cleveland
Moved to:
New York for a Masters of Fine Art from the Pratt Institute. Now in Toledo.
What she did:
Began teaching at Siena Heights College (Adrian, MI) in 2012.
What she does now:
Assistant professor of art and Director of the Klemm Gallery at Siena Heights College.
Why I’m here: Toledo just seemed like a good fit for me. I had always liked it here when I visited, and once I moved here and started meeting people, it felt like home.
What I brag about: There is such a dynamic and tight-knit arts community, which I’ve been lucky to be a part of. Toledo’s a really great place for an artist to make exciting things happen.
Toledo’s next steps: I would love to see the creative community grow and have a more noticeable role in the development of downtown— there are lots of things, besides nightlife, that interest people.
Did you have ideas about the Glass City that changed after moving here? I feel like it is fairly easy to make any idea happen. A pop-up gallery with a show— or any type of art project I dream up with friends of mine— can be done without much trouble or expense.
TIM Korenich via Pittsburgh
From
Pittsburgh
Moved to:
Athens, Ohio to attend Ohio University where he met fellow musicians, Toledo natives Dean Tartaglia and Steven Warstler. Now in Toledo.
What he did:
After graduating from OU, Tim landed in Toledo in the fall of 2014.
What he does now:
In just over a year he has released an EP titled “Change of Pace”, and an LP titled What A Weird Thing, and he has toured the Midwest. Korenich plans to have another album out this summer.
timkorenich.bandcamp.com.
Why I’m here: I wanted to branch out after college and do a little more of my own thing. Dean and Steven were here, and they were interested in working with me, so it just made sense.
What I brag about: If you want a small-town vibe with an artistic community— It’s sort of the perfect marriage of the two.
Toledo’s next steps: Things are on the upswing— people are starting to open up spaces or their houses as venues for bands to play. From a music standpoint, I wouldn’t change much.
What should locals look out for? More live music. I feel like we have a fairly diverse music community— people who are talented enough for an entertaining show.
