Being a Creative in Columbus, Ohio
What does it mean to build something beautiful in a city that doesn’t always get the spotlight?
Columbus isn’t New York. It isn’t Los Angeles. And it isn’t trying to be.
And maybe that’s exactly why I’ve grown so much here.
A City That Lets You Become
Columbus has a quiet confidence.
It doesn’t rush you.
It doesn’t demand that you arrive fully formed.
It gives you space to experiment, evolve, and change your mind.
As a creative, that matters.
There’s room here to try something new without being swallowed by comparison. Room to grow a brand without having to scream to be heard. Room to build community instead of competition.
Creativity Lives in the In-Between
Creativity in Columbus doesn’t always look loud or flashy.
It looks like small studios tucked into old buildings.
Early mornings at coffee shops where ideas are scribbled between sips.
Women building businesses between school drop-offs and client appointments.
It’s intimate. It’s intentional. And it’s deeply human.
Building a Beauty Brand Here
Building Makeup with Anna K in Columbus has shaped the way I work.
Clients here value connection. They care about how something feels, not just how it looks. They want beauty that’s elevated — but still approachable.
There’s a groundedness in this city that carries into the work I create. Bridal makeup here isn’t about excess. It’s about refinement, comfort, and confidence.
And I love that.
Community Over Competition
One of the most beautiful things about being a creative in Columbus is the community.
There’s a genuine desire to support, collaborate, and uplift — especially among women. We celebrate each other’s wins. We share resources. We show up.
In a city this size, relationships matter. And those relationships become the foundation of everything you build.
Why I Stay
I could chase bigger markets. Louder scenes. Faster timelines.
But Columbus allows me to build a life that feels full — not just busy.
It’s where I can be a mother and a business owner. Where creativity fits into real life. Where ambition doesn’t require burnout.
It’s where my work feels rooted, not rushed.
For the Creatives Growing Quietly
If you’re building something in Columbus — slowly, intentionally, maybe even quietly — know this:
You don’t need a bigger city to make meaningful work.
You don’t need permission to take yourself seriously.
And you don’t need to be louder to be impactful.
Sometimes the most beautiful things are built exactly where you are.
And for me, that place is Columbus, Ohio.
Anna K
