Living the Width of Life: The Karen Wellington Foundation Story

What if a cancer diagnosis didn't just mean treatment schedules and doctor appointments, but also included something to look forward to—a moment of pure joy during the toughest battle of your life? That's the revolutionary idea behind the Karen Wellington Foundation, an organization I had the privilege of exploring with Columbus chapter leader Irene Adams.

Karen Wellington lived with breast cancer for ten years—a quarter of her life—before passing at age 40. But as Irene powerfully shared, "Karen lived the entire width of those years." She joined a band, bought a shoe shop, painted, and refused to let cancer define her existence. This determination to embrace joy even in darkness became the foundation's guiding philosophy when her husband Kent established it after her passing.

Instead of funeral flowers, Kent sent two families on vacation. Eighteen years later, that beautiful gesture has evolved into 4,000 "gifts of fun" delivered to women battling cancer across multiple chapters nationwide. These aren't just any gifts—they're deeply personalized experiences based on what each recipient defines as "fun," from Disney vacations and spa days to houseboats in Seattle and ski trips in Colorado.

What makes these gifts extraordinary is their timing. They arrive when fun seems impossible, when medical concerns dominate every thought. The foundation's simple question—"what does fun look like to you?"—opens a door to possibility. And with no restrictions on income or timing (nominations never expire), women can choose when they're ready, whether during treatment or in recovery.

The stories Irene shared moved me deeply. A mother and daughter who received a Disney vacation that became their final trip together. A family from Africa experiencing skiing for the first time, laughing as they tumbled in the snow. These aren't just vacations—they're memories that redefine a cancer journey.

As Karen's daughter Angeline beautifully wrote in a letter Irene shared, her mother "was the person who always made room for others" by expanding her dining room table to welcome more people. That's the perfect metaphor for this foundation: creating space for joy when life seems to offer only hardship.

Want to make a difference? Consider nominating someone you know who's battling cancer, volunteering for a gift delivery, or supporting their annual April Fool's Day gala (Karen's birthday). After all, as Irene wisely noted, "We can raise funds for cancer research and try to eliminate cancers, and we can put fun on our calendar." Sometimes, the most powerful medicine is laughter.

Buddy Up For Life: Creating Inclusive Programming for Down Syndrome

Beth's journey with Buddy Up for Life began in the most organic way possible - as a mother simply trying to help her son Will learn tennis. What started as a weekend clinic has blossomed into a national organization with over 20 chapters across the country, serving more than 800 individuals with Down syndrome and engaging approximately 1,800 volunteers.

The core philosophy of Buddy Up for Life centers around the concept of "expect more" - creating an environment where individuals with Down syndrome are challenged, supported, and given opportunities to grow. Unlike many programs for those with intellectual disabilities that are event-driven, Buddy Up provides consistent, year-round programming that allows participants to develop skills through repetition and routine - something particularly beneficial for individuals with Down syndrome.

What makes Buddy Up truly special is its one-to-one pairing system, matching each athlete or student with a volunteer buddy. These relationships often transcend the organization, developing into meaningful friendships that address a critical social gap. As Beth explained, many individuals with Down syndrome have acquaintances who might high-five them in the hallway, but lack deeper connections for weekend activities and genuine friendship. The organization's "Connections" program specifically addresses this by pairing athletes with buddies for social outings during summer months.

The organization has evolved considerably from its tennis origins. When Will became interested in fitness, they created a hit circuit training program. When families needed summer activities, they developed a camp. Recognizing the need for supplemental education tailored to different learning styles, they expanded into life skills classes covering communication, finance, technology, cooking, and personal safety. This comprehensive approach serves individuals from age five through adulthood, acknowledging that people with Down syndrome are lifelong learners who benefit from ongoing support and education.

Beth's background in retail planning and allocation at Express provided a surprisingly relevant foundation for building this nonprofit. The skills of testing programs before scaling, creating consistent processes, managing budgets, and presenting funding requests have all translated perfectly to growing Buddy Up for Life. The organization operates primarily through donations, with their annual gala being their largest fundraiser, complemented by grants, Down Syndrome Association partnerships, and modest participant fees to ensure engagement.

The impact of Buddy Up extends far beyond the athletes themselves. Volunteers, ranging from teenagers fulfilling service hours to college athletes to adults, often find themselves profoundly affected by their experience. Many continue volunteering long after their required hours are complete, inspired by the determination and positive outlook of the participants they work with. There's something transformative about witnessing individuals overcome significant obstacles without complaint, simply working harder - a perspective that changes how volunteers approach their own challenges.

Beth's story demonstrates how addressing a personal need can evolve into creating systemic change when approached with dedication, vision, and community support. From a kitchen table operation to a national organization, Buddy Up for Life continues to raise the bar and create opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to develop skills, build relationships, and thrive.

Hair, Family, and Community: Meet the Sisters Behind The Blowout Bar

In a world where innovation often means complex technology or groundbreaking products, sometimes the most successful business ideas come from simplifying and perfecting one specific service. That's precisely what sisters Kristin and Kailen did when they founded The Blowout Bar, a salon concept that focuses exclusively on hair styling and blowouts – no cuts, no color.

The concept began during a family trip to New York City about 15 years ago. Kristin, Kailenn, and their mother stumbled upon an independent blowout bar and decided to try it. That single experience transformed their perspective on hair care. As Kristin explains, "It was one of those experiences that I just couldn't go back to doing it the old way." The trio immediately recognized there was nothing similar in Columbus, Ohio, where they were living at the time. They saw an opportunity to bring this specialized service to their community.

What makes The Blowout Bar unique in the salon industry is its laser focus on one area of expertise. While traditional salons offer blowouts alongside cutting and coloring services, The Blowout Bar exclusively provides styling and blowout services. This specialization allows them to offer exceptional convenience with greater appointment availability, consistent quality, and staff specifically trained in perfecting blowouts. They've created a niche that traditional salons weren't fully serving.

The business model has clearly resonated with Columbus customers. Starting with their first location in Grandview 13 years ago, they quickly expanded to Dublin just a year later, and then added an Easton location about seven years ago. Their client base ranges from working professionals with standing weekly appointments to brides and wedding parties preparing for special events.

What's particularly interesting is how their business serves different client needs throughout the week. Weekday clients tend to be working professionals or stay-at-home moms with standing appointments – the modern equivalent of the weekly "set" their grandmothers might have had. Weekend appointments typically cater more to special events like weddings, bachelorette parties, and family photo sessions. Being open seven days a week allows them to accommodate both regular clients and those seeking services for special occasions.

Neither sister had a cosmetology background when starting the business, which might seem counterintuitive for salon owners. However, this unique perspective allowed them to focus on the business and customer experience aspects while building a team of specialists. Their business approach has advantages over the traditional salon owner path, where stylists often struggle to transition from behind the chair to focusing on business operations.

Looking ahead, The Blowout Bar has plans to continue expanding. They're currently eyeing one more Columbus location to cover all areas of the city, with future growth potentially targeting Cleveland and Cincinnati while remaining within Ohio to maintain hands-on quality control. Their growth strategy emphasizes geographic accessibility since blowouts are largely a convenience-based service, with most clients unwilling to travel more than five miles for an appointment.

The Blowout Bar represents entrepreneurship at its finest – identifying a gap in the market, focusing on a specific service, and executing it exceptionally well. By narrowing their focus rather than trying to compete with full-service salons, they've created a thriving business that continues to grow. Their journey from a chance New York City experience to owning three successful salon locations demonstrates how sometimes the most straightforward business concepts can yield the most impressive results.

Kids, Career, and Community: How Dr. Shirk Built His Life in New Albany

Dr. Jeff Shirck's journey from dental student to successful orthodontic practice owner offers valuable insights on entrepreneurship, family values, and financial discipline. His story begins in the challenging economic climate of 2009, when he graduated from his orthodontic residency at Ohio State University amid a recession that made traditional employment opportunities scarce.

With determination and a clear vision, Dr. Shirck opened Shirck Orthodontics in Pataskala in April 2009, just one month after graduating. This bold move came with significant risk – he had student loan debt, a baby on the way, and was launching during one of the worst economic downturns in recent history. However, this calculated risk exemplifies his approach to "good debt" versus "bad debt," a financial principle he now teaches his children.

Dr. Shirck credits much of his financial discipline to his wife Zhenia, who immigrated from Ukraine at age nine with her family and just $300 to their name. Her experience taught her valuable lessons about budgeting and money management that she passed on to their partnership. This foundation of financial literacy has been crucial to their success in expanding to five orthodontic practice locations throughout the Columbus area.

The conversation reveals Dr. Shirck's philosophy on balancing professional success with family values. Despite the demands of business ownership, he emphasizes the importance of teaching his children the value of money and hard work. One compelling anecdote involves his continued use of a 1998 Toyota Corolla long after he could afford an upgrade, demonstrating that just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should purchase it.

Dr. Shirck offers fascinating insights on parenting in today's digital age, where children face different pressures than previous generations. He discusses the challenge of setting appropriate boundaries with technology while ensuring kids develop essential life skills. His approach includes requiring his children to take piano lessons (despite their protests), maintain good grades, and stay physically active – creating structure that builds discipline regardless of their natural inclinations.

The discussion explores the evolving landscape of youth sports, with Dr. Shirck noting how sports have become year-round commitments compared to the seasonal nature they had during his childhood. He questions whether early specialization is truly beneficial, observing that children who experience early success without having to work hard often struggle when they eventually face challenges. Instead, he advocates keeping children busy with multiple activities to help them develop time management skills and stay out of trouble.

Community involvement is another key theme, with Dr. Shirck describing his unexpected role as a youth football coach despite having no background in the sport. This experience connected him more deeply to the New Albany community while providing another avenue to mentor young people beyond his own children. These community connections exemplify how business owners can contribute to their local areas beyond their professional services.

Dr. Shirck's reflections on New Albany's growth showcase his appreciation for thoughtful community planning. While acknowledging that change is inevitable, he values how the city has managed development while maintaining its small-town character through community events like Founders Day and the Fourth of July celebrations.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Shirck emphasizes that true success isn't measured by material possessions but by relationships, values, and impact. His journey demonstrates how entrepreneurial success and strong family values can complement rather than compete with one another when guided by clear principles and purpose.

Building Community Brick by Brick: The Brickhouse Blue Story

Dave Mirgon's journey from corporate recruiter to the visionary founder of Brickhouse Blue offers a master class in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His story demonstrates how a consistent philosophy of helping others can manifest across different ventures while creating meaningful impact.

Before founding Brickhouse Blue, Dave spent two decades in recruiting, where he developed a keen understanding of human potential. "Recruiting is identifying talent, understanding people's core behaviors—who are you, how are you wired—and how do I get you to the right position versus the position that you applied to," Dave explains. This foundation in human development would later inform his approach to both business and youth sports coaching.

The genesis of Brickhouse Blue came in 2016 when Dave partnered with Sid Romberg, a former Cardinal Health marketing executive. Their vision was revolutionary yet simple: create a space where businesses could escape everyday constraints and think differently. This wasn't just about providing offices—it was about fostering an environment where innovation could flourish naturally. The name itself carries deep meaning, with "Brick" representing the methodical, step-by-step approach to building businesses and people, while "Blue" symbolizes innovation, blue-sky thinking, and endless possibilities.

What distinguishes Brickhouse Blue from typical coworking spaces is its intentional design and philosophy. Rather than simply "plugging and playing" by painting walls and adding furniture, Dave and his team have created a comprehensive formula that considers both physical space and human experience. The result is an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses find not just workspace but community, resources, and support tailored to their unique needs.

The partnership between Brickhouse Blue and Innovate New Albany represents a powerful combination of coworking space and innovation programming. After years of conversation, the collaboration finally materialized, bringing together Brickhouse Blue's expertise in creating productive environments with Innovate New Albany's established Tiger Talks and resources for technology startups. This partnership has created what Dave believes is "probably the best formula in all the suburban communities within Columbus right now between co-working, innovation and just general knowledge giving."

Paralleling his business success, Dave has built Midwest Basketball Club from a single team of baseball players looking for an off-season activity into one of the largest AAU basketball programs in the country. With nearly 200 teams across multiple states and approximately 2,000 kids trying out annually, the program embodies the same "brick by brick" philosophy that guides Brickhouse Blue. The focus remains on development rather than just winning, with initiatives like the D-League providing opportunities for kids who might not be ready for travel teams.

As Brickhouse Blue continues expanding with locations in Dublin, Plain City, New Albany, and upcoming spaces in Hilliard, Lancaster, Findlay, and potentially downtown Columbus, Dave maintains his founding philosophy. The company's success isn't measured just in square footage or membership numbers, but in the businesses and individuals who find their potential within its walls. Through thoughtful design, community connection, and a genuine desire to help others succeed, Brickhouse Blue has become much more than a coworking space—it's a catalyst for personal and professional transformation.

Dirt, Discovery, and Development: Raising Kids the Old-School Way. Coleen Barber, New Albany School House.

In the heart of New Albany, a revolution in early childhood education is taking place. Colleen, a passionate educator with deep roots in the community, has established The Schoolhouse—a unique educational environment that deliberately bucks the trend of technology-saturated learning in favor of a more traditional, hands-on approach.

Colleen's journey into education wasn't initially obvious. As she recounts, her own mother wasn't convinced she would "vibe with kids" when she first started working at a local daycare while attending college. However, that experience sparked a passion that would shape her career trajectory. After working as a floater and later becoming a lead pre-K teacher at Primrose in Dublin, Colleen's entrepreneurial spirit led her to ownership. With her father's support, she purchased a Goddard School in Westerville before building another location near Market District in New Albany.

What sets The Schoolhouse apart from other early childhood centers is its commitment to a technology-free environment. "We don't have smart boards, iPads...I promise you they'll have plenty of technology someday," Colleen explains. This philosophy stems from her belief that young children need physical experiences—cutting paper, playing outdoors regardless of weather (as long as it's above 25 degrees), and developing real-world skills that can't be replicated on screens. The approach harkens back to what many parents remember from their own childhoods: neighborhood play until the streetlights came on, creating messes, and learning through tactile experiences.

The curriculum at The Schoolhouse is designed to align seamlessly with the New Albany school district's approach, preparing children for kindergarten by using the same handwriting methods, phonics systems, and sight words they'll encounter when they transition. This intentional bridge makes the move to elementary school less jarring for young students, giving them confidence and familiarity with educational expectations. Colleen's own experience as a parent of four children in the district informs this alignment strategy, allowing her to create educational experiences that truly prepare children for their next steps.

Community involvement is central to The Schoolhouse's identity. From partnering with local businesses for field trips to the dentist and veterinarian's office, to participating in the Thanks for Giving run by sponsoring the Kids Dash, Colleen ensures her students feel connected to New Albany. This community-centered approach extends to her personal involvement as a PTO president across multiple schools in the district since 2014. Through these experiences, she's helped facilitate the merger of PTOs across grades K-8, ensuring more equitable distribution of resources to teachers at all levels.

The Schoolhouse also prioritizes hands-on learning through their garden program. Their chef, Susanna, involves children in planting, harvesting, and preparing food—turning cherry tomatoes and basil into caprese salad that the children eagerly eat because they helped grow it. This farm-to-table approach teaches responsibility while making healthy eating exciting and accessible to young palates.

For parents concerned about the omnipresence of technology in their children's lives, The Schoolhouse offers a refreshing alternative—a place where children can develop foundational skills, social connections, and a love of learning without the distractions of screens. As we navigate an increasingly digital world, Colleen's approach reminds us that some of the most valuable educational experiences still come through dirt, discovery, and human connection.

When Pets Meet People: Inside a Small-Town Veterinary Practice, Animals R Special.

At Animals Are Special, a veterinary practice nestled in the heart of New Albany, the human-animal bond is celebrated daily through compassionate care and community connection. Owned by Dr. Amy Wagner and staffed by registered veterinary technician Jessica, this small practice has been serving the local community since 2011, growing alongside the rapidly developing suburb.

The practice primarily focuses on cats and dogs, though they occasionally see what they affectionately call "pocket pets" - small animals like guinea pigs. Their reputation for quality care has evolved alongside New Albany itself, which has transformed dramatically over the past decade. As Dr. Wagner notes, "When I moved here, we had a Giant Eagle, and now we have two Chipotles." This growth has allowed Animals Are Special to focus on their core competencies while establishing relationships with specialized emergency veterinary facilities in the area.

What makes this practice truly special is its deep integration with the community. Both Amy and Jessica are avid runners who participate in local 5Ks, including the Turkey Trot run organized by local families. Their involvement extends beyond veterinary care to supporting community initiatives both financially and through physical presence. This connection to New Albany creates a unique dynamic where clients often know each other, creating an interconnected network of pet owners who share spaces and experiences.

The practice has had its share of memorable moments, including the infamous "birds got loose" incident during COVID lockdown. While attempting to trim the flight feathers of two birds, the tiny patients escaped their carrier and flew throughout the clinic, requiring a frantic chase with towels and blankets. This adventure led to a policy change regarding avian patients - a humorous reminder of why they prefer to stick with cats and dogs!

Living in a community that beautifully preserves wildlife while continuing to develop creates unique challenges for pet owners. Dr. Wagner emphasizes that New Albany residents shouldn't assume their suburban setting protects pets from disease. "The community has preserved the wildlife, and we are surrounded by these beautiful Metro parks," she explains, making preventative care crucial. They strongly advocate for vaccinations and parasite prevention, especially since many animal diseases can be transmitted to humans.

Among the practice's specialized offerings is canine massage therapy, a service Jessica is particularly passionate about. While not heavily advertised, this therapy provides significant benefits for working dogs, show competitors, and pets with orthopedic issues. Much like human massage, it helps with pain management, muscle preparation before activity, and general relaxation - though as Jessica notes with a laugh, some energetic dogs struggle to sit still long enough to receive the full benefits.

Perhaps what stands out most about Animals Are Special is the genuine affection they have for their patients. When asked about favorite pets, Jessica immediately mentions her love for German Shepherds, while Amy acknowledges the special connections they form with many of their regular visitors. This personal touch extends to their knowledge of local resources like the New Albany Pet Rescue, a volunteer-based organization that helps place animals with foster families in the community.

The practice's small team creates what they describe as "organized chaos" - a workplace with good music (rotating between 90s rap and country), staff pets lounging around, and a commitment to knowing not just their animal patients but also the families who bring them in. As New Albany continues to develop, with new businesses opening regularly and community spaces expanding, Animals Are Special remains a constant - growing alongside the community while maintaining the personal connections that make them truly special.

From Bridge Park to New Albany: How Brick House Blue is Redefining Workspace Culture

In the heart of New Albany, a transformation has been taking place along a scenic pond that's redefining how professionals work, connect, and collaborate. Brick House Blue's newest location at Water's Edge represents more than just another coworking space—it embodies a philosophy of community-centered productivity that's resonating deeply with the New Albany business ecosystem.

The journey of Brick House Blue began in 2019 with its original Bridge Park locations, expanding to Plain City, and now finding a new home in New Albany. What makes this evolution particularly fascinating is how each location has built upon the success of previous sites, with Water's Edge representing their most elevated concept yet. As Nia, the community manager, explains, this newest space offers enhanced amenities that reflect both the upscale nature of New Albany and the evolving needs of today's professionals.

What sets Water's Edge apart immediately is its thoughtful integration with the natural surroundings. The name itself pays homage to the beautiful pond that creates a serene backdrop for the workspace. This connection to nature isn't merely aesthetic—it's integral to the experience Brick House Blue aims to create. Members and visitors alike can enjoy views of the water while working, meeting, or socializing, creating an environment that feels simultaneously productive and relaxing. This balance between professional functionality and comfortable ambiance appears to be a cornerstone of their approach.

The diversity of spaces within Brick House Blue demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how different types of work require different environments. From the cozy, informal setting of the Bluebird room with its comfortable furnishings and snacks, to the dynamic Newport space with its sports simulator (complete with options like kickball and zombie dodgeball), each area serves a specific purpose while maintaining flexibility. This blend of purpose-built spaces alongside adaptable areas allows members to find the right setting for whatever task they're tackling that day.

Perhaps most interesting is how Brick House Blue structures its membership options. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, they offer everything from private offices to desk memberships (described as "an office without the four walls around you"), daily coworking passes, and meeting space rentals. This tiered approach makes the space accessible to a wide range of professionals—from established businesses needing dedicated space to remote workers seeking occasional community and amenities beyond what a home office or coffee shop can provide.

What comes through most clearly, both in the physical design of Water's Edge and in Nia's description of its purpose, is that Brick House Blue understands that today's workspaces need to be more than just functional—they need to foster genuine community. As Nia eloquently stated about New Albany itself, "The community here is unlike no other. Once you're in, you're fully invested in and you can invest in other people as well." This same philosophy appears to guide Brick House Blue's approach to creating not just a place to work, but a place to belong.

As workspaces continue to evolve in response to changing professional needs, Brick House Blue's Water's Edge location offers an insightful case study in how thoughtful design, flexible options, and community focus can come together to create something that transcends traditional notions of office space. For New Albany professionals seeking productivity without isolation, Water's Edge represents an exciting addition to the local business landscape—one that promises both practical functionality and meaningful connection.