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What country were you born in (if first generation, where is your family from?), and how long have you lived in Cleveland? 

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand. I came to the United States in 2000 and I have lived in Cleveland for 16 years. 

What is the name and location of your business, and a brief description?   

Thai Thai is a restaurant in Lakewood. We serve traditional Thai “Bangkok Street Food” and Bubble Tea. 

Lastly, please provide any social media handles that we can add! 

Instagram: @thaithailakewood
Facebook: Thai Thai 

Tell me about the inception of your business! Why did you choose to open Thai Thai? Take me through the creative process! 

My family has been in the restaurant business for a long time. I wanted to create something different- yet modern, easy, and fun. I decided to introduce Bangkok street food to Clevelanders. Every dish on our menu is very flavorful and authentic. These are the types of dishes that my mother makes for us at home. 

The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.”: What has been the largest challenge in building your business? 

My biggest challenge was to give the community unique Thai Bangkok street food in hopes that they would enjoy the food that my mother and I had served them. Another challenge was moving into a brand new, larger location during the early days of a pandemic. 

How does your business enhance your community? What does it introduce to people, or what can people learn from it? 

Lakewood/Cleveland is a very diverse city. I always introduce different aspects of Thai and Asian cultures to my community. I believe in supporting other local small businesses, as they are owned and operated by my neighbors. We love and care about the well-being of our community and those in it. 

Additional info: I am the founder of Unknown Cleveland on Instagram. This page where I introducing and putting a spotlight on the creative and inspiring people that make our city a better place to live in. 

What country were you born in, and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  

Born in India, grew up in Portland, Oregon, have lived in Cleveland for about 14 years  

You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world?   

I have found that staying focused on my purpose and values helps me to operate with greater clarity in a time when there can be so much that competes for our attention.  Is what I’m doing helping to ensure a healthier, more equitable environment for children?  Am I showing up as a servant leader with consistent integrity and inclusiveness?  Am I honoring the relationships in my life?  For me, checking in with myself by asking those questions helps me to remain grounded. 

How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women?  

Welcoming newcomers to Cleveland and celebrating our cultural diversity help to make our city more vibrant and inclusive for everyone. 

Sandra Lee 

Founder & President of The Women’s Circle 

Are you an international newcomer or first-generation? If so, what country were or your family born in, and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  

I was born in post-communist Czechoslovakia, and I grew up on the family’s farm. It was quite a change when I moved to Cleveland. 

The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.”: What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success?  

The largest challenge for me was to change my mindset from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I will.’ I moved to Cleveland with one suitcase and less than 200 dollars in 2012. I applied for an Exchange Program (J1 VISA) and moved to Cleveland when I was 21. It was challenging to live in a new country without family or friends, but I wouldn’t change anything. It taught me who I am as a person and what my strengths and weaknesses are. 

You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world?  

One of the biggest lies people tell you is that pursuing your dream is going to be hard. It is harder to stay in a life that you know is not yours or you settle. It might seem harder to get to your dream destination, but when you follow your dream, you will love every step of your journey, knowing that you’re being authentic true to yourself. It’s not hard; it’s accelerating. We, women, can have so much fun if we unite and support each other. 

How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women?   

I think the Cleveland community is doing ok with supporting international women. Encouraging women with no family support system is my greatest passion. I started a community center for women, The Women’s Circle, and we are remodeling our space in Parma Heights. Our goal is to create a space where women connect, share their experiences, and build trust while improving financial security in our workshops. 

Bella Sin , Cleveland’s Burlesque Queen  

(They/Them)  

What country were you born in, and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  

Juarez, Chihuahua. Mexico  

I have been living in Cleveland for 18 years  

The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.” What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success? 

The largest challenge in my journey to personal success has been defeating the mentality that I’m not enough, I strongly believe one can get in the way of one’s dreams, achievements, goals, and we often make excuse after excuse as to why we can’t/won’t achieve what we desire. Defeating self-doubt has been the biggest challenge when it comes to my journey on constantly believing in myself because no matter how many people cheer you on you still must stand up and roll with the punches. I’ve always seen it as a competition not with my peers but with myself being better than the day before.  

Spanish  

El mayor desafío en mi viaje hacia el éxito personal ha sido derrotar la mentalidad de que no soy suficiente, creo firmemente que uno puede interponerse en el camino de sus sueños, logros, metas y, a menudo, inventamos excusa tras excusa de por qué podemos ”. No lograré lo que deseamos. Vencer las dudas sobre mí mismo ha sido el mayor desafío cuando se trata de mi viaje de creer constantemente en mí mismo porque no importa cuántas personas te animen, todavía tienes que ponerte de pie y aguantar los golpes. Siempre lo he visto como una competencia, no con mis compañeros, sino conmigo mismo siendo mejor que el día anterior.

You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world?  

Don’t be afraid to be yourself especially if you are a femme of color, you are not here to please everyone or make anyone comfortable with yourself by making yourself small. Wear what empowers you and walk into the room with your shoulders up and head high. just remember we fix queen’s crowns we don’t tear them down. We can all get ahead together is all about unity and conversation. 

Spanish  

No tengas miedo de ser tú misma, especialmente si eres una mujer de color. No estás aquí para complacer a todos o hacer que nadie se sienta cómodo contigo mismo haciéndote pequeña. Use lo que le da poder y entre a la habitación con los hombros hacia arriba y la cabeza en alto. solo recuerda que arreglamos las coronas de las reinas, no las derribamos. Todos podemos salir adelante juntos se trata de unidad y conversación.

How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women?  

Empower everyone who identifies themselves as a woman, womxn, non-binary femme especially POC/BIPOC individuals, supporting all femmes in all fields from those who are empowered by modesty as much as those who do sex work, from stay at homes moms to career-oriented women who have chosen to not have children. Support the right of choice of someone’s body autonomy and right for human rights. We are all affected by patriarchal practices, so let’s start truly including all femmes in conversation and protection. Then, we will thrive.  

Chingona’s Unite.  

Spanish  

Empoderar a todas las que se identifican a sí mismas como mujeres, mujxr, trans, femme no binarias, especialmente a las personas POC / BIPOC, apoyando a todas las mujeres en todos los campos, desde aquellas que están empoderadas por la modestia tanto como aquellas que hacen trabajo sexual, desde las madres que se quedan en casa hasta las carreras profesionales –mujeres orientadas que han optado por no tener hijos. Apoyar el derecho a elegir la autonomía del cuerpo de alguien y el derecho the las femme trans a los derechos humanos. A todos nos afectan las prácticas patriarcales, comencemos realmente a incluir a todas las mujeres en la conversación y la protección. Vamos a prosperar.

Chingona’s Unite. 

What country were you born in (if first generation, where is your family from?), and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  

I was born and raised in Albania, a small country in Southeast Europe. I have been living in Cleveland since 2015, which is when I first moved to America.  

What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success?   

My largest challenge has been becoming who I am today, a teacher. I moved to a new country at 44 years old, had to learn English while also providing for my family, and on top of that I had to study for several exams in order to get my teaching license. All the while having to get accustomed to a different society and societal rules. Getting my license and overcoming these obstacles has been my largest challenge and my biggest pride.  

You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world?  

If you are truly passionate about something, whether that be in a professional aspect or not, give it your all. Put in the work, work ethic is crucial. Set clear expectations and goals and make small steps each day to get to that ultimate goal. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help! I want the women in my community to know that supporting each other when we need that help impacts the community as a whole and promotes overall growth also.   

 How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women?  

There are many international women who own small businesses, which is also intertwined with shopping local and supporting small businesses in our community. There are some amazing women coming up with the most unique ideas to financially profit from their talent, and their success would undoubtedly be amplified by our support. Another form of support would be offering education opportunities to these women, who might be starting to learn English upon moving to the states. Perhaps not all of them can afford to take ESL classes, or maybe they have other responsibilities that keep them from taking these classes. I think international women would really benefit from a program that offers free English classes, and why not have these classes taught by other women?   

What country were you born in (if first generation, where is your family from?), and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  

Henan province, China. I came to Cleveland in 2017.  

The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.”: What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success?  

There is no equitable and safe space for my identity. Our society has a history and ongoing environment of normalizing misogyny and stereotype towards women. So that we often see not enough women at the table nor to make decisions or being seen as the caregiver role or the soft one.  

You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world?  

Take your time to breathe and enjoy the journey of finding and being yourself. Women (we) need each other to heal, grow, and learn how to love ourselves. 

How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women?  

We need more funding and access to resources and opportunities for women, such as women’s representation, professional development, support network, etc. Education and campaign are needed for Everyone to learn their biases against women. 

What country were you born in (or your family is from!), and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  I was born and raised in Cleveland, but my father was born and raised in El Salvador and my mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico. 

The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.”: What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success?  The largest challenge I have faced so far is being a first-generation American in my family. No one in my family has ever been to college and only a select few even have a high school diploma. In order for me to succeed and for me to make it all the way to a 4-year university, I had to do it all on my own with no one’s help or guidance. I had to network endlessly and make a lot of connections in order to be able to get to where I am today.  

You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world?  Do not be afraid to follow your dreams. There is no dream that is too small. Often when we are afraid, we end up straying from our paths and going towards something we are not passionate about. Do not settle for less than what you deserve and just go for it.  

How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women? The greater Cleveland community can encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women by having the proper resources available for them. Also, by giving a platform for those international women who are already successful to share their experiences that can in turn motivate and lead the international women who are struggling and losing motivation to do bigger things. 

What country were you born in (if first generation, where is your family from?), and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  

My family is from China and the Philippines. I have lived in Cleveland for 21 years. 

The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.”: What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success?  

It has been a challenge to change the perceptions of others. Sometimes people think that they know who you are or what you represent because of what they believe about your background or heritage. My own personal success has been achieved by overcoming barriers from inaccurate perceptions of others. 

You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world?   

Believe in yourself and do not let anyone set limits on what you can achieve. You deserve to have dreams and to pursue them. 

How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women?  

Each time an international woman achieves a goal, she can help another international woman achieve her goals. Mentorship circles help support future successful international women. 

What country were you born in, and how long have you lived in Cleveland? 

My name is Chinenyenwa Adanma Nkemere (Igbo Kwenu!) and I was born in Cleveland, Ohio.  For a short part of my childhood, my mother and I lived in Nigeria but eventually came back to the States.   

I describe myself as an Igbo person raised by Cleveland; I am equally influenced by Black American Midwest culture as well as being raised in a Nigerian household.  

What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success? 

The biggest challenge is pervasive imposter syndrome; when you consistently doubt and second-guess your abilities, even to the extent of feeling like a fraud in professional and personal settings. 

As a Black and Nigerian woman, society mandates we “work twice as hard to get half as far” within the realm of professional pursuits, relationships, financial stability, and healthcare access.  We are told that much of our success is dependent on the good graces and “sponsorship” of well-meaning white allies.  It gives you a sense of inferiority about your skills – even when confronted with the reality of Black Women’s collective and individual excellence.   

Breaking free of that cycle, and consistently working to amplifying the voices of other Black Women, at all intersections, truly helps to keep imposter syndrome at bay. 

What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world? 

If you find community in Black Women, you will find community and peace within yourself.  In Beloved, Toni Morrison writes: “The pieces I am, she gather them and gave them back to me in all the right order.” 

That’s how I feel about Black Women; if you find a group(s) where you can be your most authentic self; vulnerable to strong, nerdy to vain, bright, and funny – you have found a good thing.  You have found a healing thing.  You have found your home. 

How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women? 

There is an Igbo proverb, “He who lives in the attic, knows where the roof leaks.”  Black women, the most marginalized in this city, intimately know where the deep-seated structural inequities are and are best equipped to fix them. 

As an economic sustainability issue for our region, Northeast Ohio MUST empower Black Women with unencumbered financial resources and cross-curricular positions of influence.  Non-profits, business, academic institutions, and healthcare facilities MUST leverage their platforms and silently learn from the lived experiences of Black Women year-round; not just during Black History Month or Women’s History Month. 

Black Women are deeper, more thoughtful, more resilient than you could imagine – now is time for Cleveland to prove they value these traits in tangible and meaningful ways, or be left behind. 

What country were you born in (if first generation, where is your family from?), and how long have you lived in Cleveland?  

I was born in Vietnam and I have been living in Cleveland for about three and a half years.  

Tell me about the inception of your business! Why did you choose to open this type of business? Is this part of your culture? Take me through your creative process.   

I opened up Amplio Fitness because, through personal experience and shared ones from community members, I realized there was a giant gap in care when it came to Queer Wellness. Public resources (like gyms) were severely undereducated to unique Queer experiences, which created an unsafe and anxiety-provoking experience. Many folks didn’t even attempt to engage with wellness/fitness because of the fear of how they would be treated. Personally, my own gender journey inspired my interest in wellness. I wanted to take care of myself and my body and the utter lack of resources and information guided me to get my certification in Health Coaching and fill in the gap of care. 

Culturally, Jikiden Reiki was inspired by my desire to reclaim parts of my identity and culture and become more in tune with my spiritual health. I chose Jikiden Reiki specifically because it is an Asian (specifically Japanese) holistic healing method. When it was brought to the Americas, it was extremely Westernized and white-washed due to anti-Asian sentiment from World War 2. Jikiden is a specific branch of teaching, intentionally using methods and intentions from the founder of Reiki to preserve its original meaning. Being able to provide comfort and restoration to my clients while also intentionally honoring the authentic intentions of Reiki has been a blessing.  

The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.”: What has been the largest challenge in building your business?  

The largest challenge so far has been COVID-19. We’ve been in business for a little less than three years, and in 2020 we were set to break even. With the arrival of COVID and the shutdown proceeding, our client base and source of income were erased. In 2021, we are still trying to recover from that damage. 

How does your business enhance your community? What does it introduce to people, or what can people learn from it?  

Access to wellness is a right. There are so many systemic mechanisms that prevent Queer folks from accessing wellness resources, from public gyms to medical services. We as a community should not have to fear physical danger, social isolation, ineffective programming, and other forms of violence based upon our identity. Specifically, the Transgender and Nonbinary communities are subject to elevated levels of violence and persecution, while arguably being the group that needs these resources the most. 

Amplio Fitness recognizes these gaps of care and begins to remedy them. From preferred names and gender pronouns on our intake forms to specific Gender Affirmation Fitness and Nutrition Programming, we seek to reclaim wellness spaces for our community. We are a queer founded and led organization working to dismantle the systemic inaccessibility to wellness that we face. 

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.ampliofitness.com/ 

My business is called Amplio Fitness, located in Rocky River, Ohio. We are a wellness studio dedicated to increasing accessibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Currently, we are able to provide personal training, nutrition coaching, and Jikiden Reiki sessions (both online via. Zoom and in-person). Our mission is to reclaim wellness accessibility for marginalized communities by providing a safe space for clients to explore what wellness means to them and receive guidance and support to achieve their goals.  

Amplio Fitness 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ampliofitness 

IG: @ampliofitness 

Belle Ursa 

IG: @truepersuasian