Women-owned business supports local artists

Kaitlyn Hughes | features editor Eight years ago, Monica Grunick and Kelly Sanders met “serendipitously” at a Pittsburgh Technology event. “We were the only two creative people in the room,” Grunick said. “We hit it off right away.” They were both involved in the maker community. Grunick taught pop-up craft workshops, and Sanders made her own upcycled fabric notebooks. The pair clicked immediately, bonding over … Continue reading Women-owned business supports local artists

‘Soul Food Fest’ celebrates local Black-owned businesses

Andrew Cummings | multimedia editor 9/9/21 Over Labor Day weekend, Market Square held “Soul Food Fest,” an event that celebrates the history of Pittsburgh’s Black-owned food businesses. Food, festivities, live music and art could all be found in Market Square from Sept. 2-5. “Soul Food Fest” started in 2019 as a one-day event, and did not occur in 2020. The 2021 event was expanded to … Continue reading ‘Soul Food Fest’ celebrates local Black-owned businesses

Cake it ’til you make it: Mel’s Magnolia owner brings passion to reality with bakery

Gillian Fitzgerald | Staff Writer 02/18/2021 Just about everyone has that one thing they are passionate about and instantly makes them feel better. For some, it might be sports or meditation. For others, maybe it’s painting or playing an instrument. For Melissa “Mel” Montalvo of Mel’s Magnolia Boutique Bakery, it’s baking. Montalvo bakes anything and everything one could come up with — she loves trying … Continue reading Cake it ’til you make it: Mel’s Magnolia owner brings passion to reality with bakery

Black-owned ice cream shop promises ‘happy day’ with each scoop

Gillian Fitzgerald | Staff Writer 10/29/2020 A quick T-ride over to the North Side, Happy Day Dessert Factory sits on a hill above Heinz Field. Just as its name promises, the dessert shop exudes warmth and happiness, even on a rainy Pittsburgh day. Galen Moore Jr. spends each day providing Pittsburgh with sweet treats he and his dad create themselves as a small, Black-owned business. … Continue reading Black-owned ice cream shop promises ‘happy day’ with each scoop

Farmers markets show perks of sustainability, local business

Anna Walnoha | Staff Writer If you live in or around the Pittsburgh area and find yourself in need of something to do, you’ll find that there is no shortage of activities to fill the time. Pittsburgh is a lively city with exciting attractions for every age, but sometimes it’s nice to just have a laid back day with yourself or family. Besides, if you’re … Continue reading Farmers markets show perks of sustainability, local business