Local Entrepreneurs Bring New Concepts to Beachwood

From the moment you walk into Statement Nail & Wax Lounge, which opened in September, it’s apparent this is no ordinary salon.

Co-owners and founders Andrea and Robert Kimmel wanted a spacious footprint to allow their clients privacy during their services and also room for a lounge and bar area. That generous space also hosts bridal showers, bachelorette parties and birthday celebrations.

The salon’s focus is manicures and pedicures. Robert Kimmel says there is a big demand for artistic work and “a number of the nail techs are highly skilled artists who are also really personable, which attracts repeat customers.” 

Other services include whole-body waxing, massage and permanent jewelry opportunities.    

The couple were former founders and owners of Sweet Kiddles, a group of seven daycare centers, one of which was located in Beachwood. They are happy to remain in the city, citing its many advantages for small businesses owners.

The Kimmels also are lovers of all kinds of music. Robert is a member of Brothers Keeper Classic Rock Band and the Rocky River United Methodist Church band. He plays “just about anything with strings,” he says, and Andrea performs on keys. The couple have a junior and senior in high school and a shih tzu named Sebastian. 

3365 Richmond Road, Suite 120 | 216-342-4424 | statementnails.com

“Everybody gets a ‘wow’ factor when they come into the store. There is a big curiosity about what we do,” says Tianna Blackmon, founder and owner of In My Bag Collection, a luxury handbag boutique that opened in Beachwood in November. Part of that surprise is the store’s bold appearance. Blackmon confesses a huge interest in (and talent for) interior design, which shows up in her red, black and white store. 

Blackmon moved her business, founded in 2018, from Tower City Center in Cleveland. In the early days, she hand painted handbags but became too busy to keep up with the time-consuming practice. Now she offers 100% genuine leather bags with double strap handles and a shoulder strap, plus gold or silver hardware. The bags, made in Italy, also feature a lock and key and certificate of authentication. Inventory also includes luggage, briefcases, backpacks, dog carriers and golf bags. Blackmon’s bestsellers are part of the “Ain’t No Birkin” luxury statement bags.

“Sometimes people come in and want to select a particular color bag to match an outfit, and of course we can help with that,” says Blackmon. “But for most people, and if it’s their first bag, I tell them to go with a black or red bag. With a black bag, you can get a feeling of the quality, and you can always add to your collection later.” 

Beachwood Place, 26300 Cedar Road | 216-310-7391 | inmybagcollectionbytiannab.com

Tanya Manning-Grant spent 30 years in the corporate world, traveling extensively. That experience helped strengthen her entrepreneurial skills, sense of fashion and awareness of women’s causes. Those qualities came together in 2019 when she opened DRESSCODE Boutique and Ashton’s Corner Kids Clothing Boutique (a children’s boutique named after her 8-year-old grandson). She moved to a larger location in Beachwood in 2024 and added DCB Spaces, an event space with capacity for 100 guests.

DRESSCODE Boutique caters to women 27 to 55 years old, with a focus on “the modern, everyday woman who wants comfy, chic style for the office and for fun.” The event space next door hosts bridal showers, birthday parties, corporate events and more. It’s also the location of Manning-Grant’s Breast Cancer Awareness events in October.  “I lost my mom to breast cancer, and most of that month we dedicate to raising awareness about early detection and fighting breast cancer,” says Manning-Grant.

She also collects donations of books, puzzles and games to help with childhood literacy. And if you see a little boy sweeping the store, passing out candy or helping select some inventory — that’s Ashton “learning the value of an education and hard work,” according to his grandmother. 

3365 Richmond Road, Suite 238 | 216-309-1116 | dresscodebytmg.com | ashtonscorner.com | dcbspace.net

Always dreamed of going to Paris? Or maybe you had a great time in New Orleans and want to wear that memory close to you. Or perhaps you are a proud Clevelander. The Anne Cate brand will let you express those feelings.

Anne Johnson is the founder and CEO of Anne Cate, an accessory brand with manufacturing and offices in Beachwood. Best known for its Skyline Collection (especially purses and pillows) with silhouette depictions of more than 100 specific locations, Anne Cate items are sold online and in 200 stores across the country.

Best-selling big city Skylines feature Cleveland, New York and Paris. And while not all communities have an actual skyline, Johnson, who designs all her creations, makes sure iconic landmarks or buildings represent places like Medina and Hudson. 

Anne Cate began when Johnson was a student in Kent State University’s fashion merchandising program. Armed with a single sewing machine in her dorm room, unbridled ambition and the help of her advisors, she began making skyline pillows for her room — and to sell. Her business is now 10 years old and offers both heavy-duty canvas and vegan leather (vinyl) purses. 

Johnson opened her Beachwood facility in January 2025, taking full advantage of the city’s support of local businesses and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.             

“Being in Beachwood has been invaluable,” she says. “And we especially want people to know our products are all made here in America.” 

Outside of work, Johnson and her husband love being outdoors, especially hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks. Growing up in Mentor, she also still enjoys spending time on the shores of Lake Erie.

23400 Mercantile Road, Suite 9C | 440-954-1742 | annecate.com