First Place: Sun in Leo 

Founded by Kent State alum Justine Gallo, Sun in Leo is a gender-neutral circular fashion and accessory shop located in Acorn Alley. 

From seeing her friends and others struggle to finding clothes that fit both their bodies and aesthetics, to seeing a lack of sustainable shopping options, Gallo knew that there was some type of change that needed to be made. 

Gallo graduated from Kent State University’s fashion program with the goal of landing a fashion career centered around sustainability after many years of childhood spent dedicated to a love of fashion and sewing. 

Through the interweaving of her love to find a career in sewing, value of sustainability and size-inclusivity, Sun in Leo was born. 

“All of the things that I wanted and that I’ve seen as the consumer, I was able to put into this … you know that you’re gonna find something in your size, that fits, that could be your style, and, there’s still that newness that people crave, without it being, fast fashion too,” Gallo said. “I just tried to do it all in one stop instead of changing something that already exists.” 

Sun in Leo is a queer-owned store, but Gallo emphasized that the store is not necessarily “queer focused” and is open for everyone.  

“It’s more just like it’s supposed to be that way, everyone’s queer, it’s a normal thing.” she said. 

The vast amount of styles available is not the only thing that makes the shop welcoming to everyone. 

The circular fashion shop offers alterations as well as an open and inclusive environment to all—all clothes, accessories and items are meant to be gender-neutral in nature. 

“I feel like that’s just queer culture in general, including everybody, embracing everybody, seeing everybody; because we’re all just different people. So, we shouldn’t cater to, the one size fits all, and, obviously that includes, the queer community, even more than most,” Gallo said. 

The Sun and Leo founder is proud of her accomplishments of being an open and accepting space that everyone—regardless of gender, body type or sexuality—can feel welcomed into.  

“I do pride myself on it being as gender neutral as I can, and, by making it unisex with, universal sizing and creating something for everyone and not discouraging anybody from coming here,” Gallo emphasized. 

Flourish Plant Market 

With humble beginnings as an online business, Flourish Plant Market was birthed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Alicia Hall, the owner, began participating in pop-up events in the area until a few years ago when she moved her business into its current home along Kent’s Water Street. 

Hall recalls that when she began the search to set up a permanent shop, many were there to aid and assist in the process. 

“People within our community were reaching out to us because they knew we were looking, so it was just meant to be,” Hall said. 

A core value of the plant shop is giving back.

Through creating events, volunteer work at events like Rainbow Weekend, and prioritizing friendly and welcoming values, Flourish Plant Market is a space locals of all backgrounds can recognize as a safe space. 

Hall and her establishment continue to keep the cycle of inter-community connection just as alive and healthy as a well-cared for plant. 

Many queer locals view the business not only as a plant shop, but as a place they can feel at home in their identity.

“It means a lot that our community is recognizing us and that they not only just recognize us, but recognize us as a queer space and a place that’s safe and welcoming,” Hall said.

The runner up for this category is Sweet Mary’s Bakery at 76 E Mill St. in Akron.