Meet ystark! YP: Ryan Michael

Name

Ryan Michael

Occupation/Title/Place of work

Owner and Creative Director at Ryan Douglas Salon

Age

41

Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative?

I want to see what the Young Professionals in Stark County are doing and planning. I would like to hear the future ideas with business, Innovations, and how they either accomplishment or have accomplished it.

What would you share to encourage other people to join?

The great networking group to meet others in the area for professional reasons and to help gain business credibility as well as business relationships.

Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why?

Yes I grew up in Stark County, I grew up in Jackson and went to Jackson schools K to 12.

Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view?

I moved to Columbus for almost 14 years in 2003-2017, then I ended up moving back to Canton in 2017 to be closer to family and a new change I never really had an opportunity to grow in Canton like I have now. Part of the reason I moved back is because I wanted to bring more culture and style to the area, because it was so common in Columbus. I think Stark needs a refreshing new perspective with a big city mentality and openness with different cultures, backgrounds, and embrace the change. The reason I am staying is also in part to my business, but a couple ideas that I want to start to help gain more opportunities for employment, events, and make this town a central hub for midwest fashion, style, and creative minds. The brilliance of Stark County is it's location. You have Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh all within a short distance. I think those 3 larger cities should collaborate more with Stark County as a little sister city. That's my goal is to merge Canton in those three cities in the creative area that could be utilized more here. That's why I stayed here, and because I want to make some noise and shake up the town with these ideas and my business. Basically, I stayed to make some noise in this town.

What do you like MOST about Stark County?

I find that the small owned restaurants are amazing. I hope the pandemic doesn't do havoc to these gems, because they're a major part of Stark to celebrate on.

What would you change about Stark County if you could?

I would like more creative community here with creative events. The town of people everywhere in the world, and I know Stark County has quite a few, they're just not being recognized or influencer enough to pursue that because of no opportunities are available here. And I would like to change the city's open-mindedness with each individual - their backgrounds, their cultures, heritage, sexual orientation or what they what they identify themselves as, race, financial status...whatever may be , it needs to be merged and not grouped. I feel this is a big issue here, from my own experience to hearing from others.

What do you see as valuable opportunities for YPs in Stark County when it comes to career opportunities, cultural access, leadership or community involvement opportunities?

I see my self as a citizen of valuable opportunity for future involvements and opportunities, because I have fresh new ideas that could be great financial ideas for individuals but also the cities of stark county.

What would attract more YPs to Stark County?

Creative Opportunities. We have the IT, Healthcare, and Production Manufacturing, but not any focus on the Arts.

What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio?

I usually clean my salon, refinish mid-century pieces, shop for interior design stuff, and business brainstorm.

Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave?

This is a difficult question. The older I get, my bones tolerate less cold than even 10 years. I love warm weather 24/7, I love the beach, and palm trees. But my family is here and that's also most important. You can find a solution for that while still staying in Ohio, please message me. LOL