I grew up in Northside (before it was cool), and had big dreams of getting out of Cincinnati and exploring the world. After attending the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program for Graphic Design, and doing co-op gigs in New York and Boston, and a first job in Northeast Ohio, I figured out all I really ever wanted was right in front of me. Cincinnati is a great place to live, work, get involved, and make a big difference.
My husband and I bought our first home in Westwood, thinking we would stay for three years. Two kids, 18 years, and a second house later, we are still in Westwood. I have personally invested so much of my own blood, sweat, and tears into the revitalization of Westwood, and our kids’ school community with no plans to leave now. Life constantly reminds me that plans change so that better ones can arise.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Chris, and I have been married for over 17 years. We have two boys who attend Dater Montessori Elementary, Louie and Malcolm. After struggling with infertility, we grew our family by adoption. I wouldn’t trade that struggle for the world, because it brought us two beautiful, funny, smart, and awesome kids.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career as a designer is always bringing me something new to learn about. I have worked on the in-house creative teams at Rubbermaid and Cincinnati Children’s. I’ve also worked in Creative agencies — hyperQUAKE, pep, and brn digital. Each of these experiences has given me the opportunity to work with a broad range of projects and clientele, and gain experience in everything from logo design, to print and packaging design, web design and social media, creative writing, food styling, brand strategy and execution, and much more. I have also taught typography to design students at the University of Cincinnati, something I find greatly rewarding. My biggest and most rewarding professional challenge has been owning my own design consultancy, Mayhew Creative, for the past eight years. It has allowed me to blend my passions for problem solving and community building into a business that compliments my energy and enthusiasm. For the past ten years, I have been very invested in the revitalization of Westwood, alongside my career. This has allowed me to flex different muscles and harness the power of positive messages to work arm-in-arm with my neighbors to achieve what is positive and possible in our community. Working with small businesses, non-profits, and neighbors to turn their dreams into reality with branding and messaging work is what I love doing most. I can see and feel the results right where I live. It is most rewarding to me to play a part in helping others make their dreams a reality.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love exploring the great restaurants in our community—we have an abundance of creative talent here. I’d say my go-to spots are Ivory House, in Westwood (for whom I did the branding, signage, and menu design), Otto’s in Covington, or Pho Lang Thang in OTR.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Cincinnati, and have spent most of my life here, but I have lived in Westwood for 18 years. I have been very active in the community for the last 10 years, running my business out of our home for the last eight years.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mary Jenkins. Though she moved to New Hampshire to care for family several years ago, she is a friend and a shero to me. The community is a better place for her patience, persistence, copious note taking, and her amazing ability to lead with civility for a better, more equitable Westwood. I told her often years ago that I want to be Mary Jenkins when I grow up, and I still feel that way.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d love to go back to just about anywhere I haven’t been to experience the food, culture, and people with my family, and through the eyes of my kids. I love getting out of my comfort zone, and gaining more cultural fluency, so immersing us into something new is always an enthralling goal. Argentina, Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco, and South Africa are all bucket list destinations.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
“Elizabethtown” is a favorite movie. I love Cameron Crow soundtracks and a good tragicomedy. “This is Us” is my current favorite show, partially for the great writing, but also because it features a transracial adoptive family like mine, and has done so well tackling the nuances of race and adoption in prime time.
What advice would you give to people?
Don’t look back. That’s the advice my Dad gave me as I made the decision to start my business, and it has served me well.
What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to design a mural or other piece of public art to be displayed in our community.
What is your go to music when you cant decide what to listen to?
Talking Heads
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Just about all of them in the Westwood Town Hall business district. We are all enjoying the fruits of the labor of many to enjoy what we have there now, and also, the investment of so many of our own neighbors to bring to life what the community has wanted. Ivory House, Muse Cafe, Wondercade, Emma’s, Westwood Skateboarding, and so many others are successes because poeple who live here have believed enough in our community to invest in it and bring it to life. 18 years ago, there were many vacant storefronts, and not a lot of hope for improvement. It’s been so fun to prove that negative outlook very, very wrong.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Glennon Doyle (and her wife, Abby Wambach, if I could include her). Glennon is one of my most favorite writers and role model activists on parenting, body positivity, feminism, love, and so much more. I’d love to host that lunch right in my own home, and make an intimate meal for that conversation.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Cincinnati is such an easy place to roll up your sleeves and make big change. I love the grit, the passion, and the welcoming spirit of our town.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
It’s hard to say. Every time I make a plan for that far out, it completely changes. But it’s safe to say I’ll be helping my kids navigate what’s next in their lives as almost-adults, and hopefully immensely enjoying the people they have become. I hope to have the rewarding and flexible career I enjoy now and have worked so hard to build, and I hope to have the free time to enjoy life with my best friend and husband.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When I was a young girl, I modeled for Polly Flinders. Those sweet, smocked dresses were a work of art.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cinque Terre, Italy. I was fortunate to spend a month backpacking through Europe after college, and my friend and I visited this place on a whim, at the advice of other travelers in hostels. It still remains the most beautiful place I’ve been.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is my favorite month. And I love the magic of Halloween—especially with small children as their imaginations run wild being someone or something else for a day. And their excitement is so infectious. Election Day is the best single day on the calendar though. I love enjoying the freedom to vote.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Napping. I love a quiet hour to rest and recharge.
Who inspires you to be better?
All the people around me, but especially my kids. I am so fortunate to surround myself with inspiring people every day who work hard, love harder, and keep me laughing all the time.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Mom’s spaghetti & meatballs, homegrown tomatoes from my garden.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Chris, Louie, Malcolm.
