The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the spirit of giving. Consider shopping small and supporting local businesses that make our community thrive. This article highlights eight “local loves” that offer unique products and services while also showcasing the best of our community’s talent and entrepreneurship.
#1 Active Health Physical Therapy
Active Health Physical Therapy provides physical therapy and rehabilitation services to patients that are experiencing pain, athletes that have been injured, and post operative rehabilitation. Active Health PT was started by owner and physical therapist, Nikki Umina, who opened the business in November of 2019. Their services include strengthening programs, wellness programs for fitness, injury prevention programs, sports enhancement programs and pain relief techniques such as dry needling among many others. They also have an AllCore360 machine that strengthens the core and provides relief for low back pain and neck pain in addition to enhancing athletic ability. Active Health PT serves all ages and backgrounds and right now they are currently offering 20% off Wellness programs.
Location: 7770 Brecksville Road, Brecksville OH
FaceBook: Active Health Physical Therapy
#2 Chippewa Garden Club Inc.
The Chippewa Garden Club is always looking for those who are interested in gardening, flower design, learning to protect native and wildlife as well as assisting with civic beautification. Formed in 1949, members collaborate in support of the nonprofit organization by actively participating in flower shows, community service projects and contributing to their annual November design fundraising program. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and they offer speakers and programs to members related to their mission and yearly theme. With a green thumb or not, anyone is welcome to join, and information can be found on their website.
Meeting Location: Brecksville Human Service Building, 2 Community Drive in Brecksville
Website: www.ChippewaGardenClub.com
#3 ElderBEES
ElderBEES is a small business run by owner, Rebekah Bourquin, who creates elderberry syrup. Elderberry syrup is an immunity booster, anti-inflammatory, virus fighting syrup that works wonders for everything including cold and flu relief. The hemagglutinin protein found in elderberries can stop a virus from replicating by inhibiting its ability to penetrate the cell wall. The business has been around for six years and provides a natural, organic resource for health and wellness. ElderBEES is safe and effective for everyone, and the business is offering holiday bundles that come gift wrapped.
FaceBook: ElderBEES
#4 Embrace Recovery
Embrace Recovery offers sobriety coaching and has been in business for a year. The business is run by founder and head coach, Joe Pannitto as well as co-founder and wellness specialist, Susan Eileen. Located in the Northeast Ohio area, their mission is to support individuals facing substance use disorders and personal challenges by providing transformative coaching experiences. When they are unable to coach, they supply numerous resources for those who may need it. Written by Susan, the books ‘From Nada to Prada’ and ‘The Dictionary of Missing Time’ are available on Amazon to help support along with her podcast, The Empowerment Trajectory.
Website: Embracerecoverycoaching.com
#5 Hope & Lather
Hope & Lather is a line of handmade soaps, formulated with all organic ingredients and is owned by Rebekah Bourquin. She offers foaming hand soaps, hand cleanser, laundry detergent and scouring powder. Hope & Lather has been in business for about a month, but the products are promised to be safe and effective for everyone. The products provide a chemical free formula that bonds to germs and washes them away which allows for the body to retain a healthy skin microbiome. She is offering holiday bundles that come gift wrapped and you can find Hope & Lather on one of the options listed below.
Website: Hopeandlather.com
FaceBook: Hope & Lather
#6 LJ Splash ‘N Shine Car Wash
LJ Splash ‘N Shine Car Wash is a mobile detailing service owned by Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School’s very own, Leah Canter. This mobile detailing business specializes in exterior and interior cleaning as well as providing excellent quality for a great price. At your location or in North Royalton, she’s ready to turn your grime into shine.
Instagram: ljsplashnshinecarwash
TikTok: ljsplashnshine
#7 Pawsitivity Unleashed NEOH
Pawsitivity Unleashed NEOH offers positive reinforcement dog training while completing private in-home sessions with families and their dogs. Bri Bucci, dog trainer, works with rescues, reactivity, basic manners and puppies. The business has been around for four years and they are always looking to make connections with people who need help with their dogs. If you are interested in getting lessons, mention HyBreeze for $10 off a session.
FaceBook: PawsitivityUnleashed.NEOH
Instagram: Pawsitivity.Unleashed
TikTok: pawsitivityunleashedneoh
#8 Positively Portraits and Forever Filmz
Positively Portraits and Forever Filmz are two separate businesses who have joined forces to redefine senior photos across Northeast Ohio. Run by Samantha Ponomarenko, owner of Positively Portraits, and Charles Novak, owner of Forever Filmz, the couple captures memories out in the real world. Samantha captures story-driven senior portraits that highlight interests and passions during senior year, while Charles documents the entire journey in their exclusive Senior Spokesmodel video series which premieres February 2025. Each month, their team of students from schools across Northeast Ohio join them for themed photo shoots that celebrate creativity, explore Ohio’s hidden gems, foster new friendships and result in incredible senior photos. For students at Brecksville-Broadview Heights, their Senior Spokesmodel Program is an incredible opportunity to represent the school, make new friends and experience the excitement of themed photo shoots across Northeast Ohio. It’s more than just photos, it’s about building confidence, having fun and creating unforgettable memories during your senior year. Class of 2026 applications open in February and right now they are offering Christmas mini sessions (through January 1) that include unlimited photos, beautiful holiday backdrops and a special price of $160.
Website: positively-portraits.com or foreverfilmz.com
Instagram: positively.portraits or foreverfilmz
FaceBook: Positively Portraits or Forever Filmz
