Rising Boutique Makes Space for Contemporary Fashion in Cleveland
Since its first storefront opened in Ohio City five years ago, Rising Boutique has expanded to a second location at Pinecrest.
by Julia Lombardo | Jun. 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Photographed by Julia Lombardo
Heather Sapanos has always been obsessed with fashion. Nine years living in Los Angeles gave her exposure to one of the country’s style epicenters, and upon returning to Cleveland, she channeled that chic influence into Rising Boutique for a local offering of acclaimed wardrobe trends.
Sapanos first opened Rising Boutique in Cleveland’s Hingetown district in 2021, fitting right in with an area that thrives off small business and artsy culture. Her second location at Pinecrest opened in the summer of 2025, joining a more mainstream, yet high-end environment. Expanding to Orange garnered more foot traffic for the business and anchored a shopping strip saturated with corporate clothing stores.
But Sapanos’ space is more intentional than big-brand clearance sections. A gamut of women’s streetwear and pieces for special occasions are made to last and won’t quickly fall out of favor. An upscale selection of accessories and gifts makes the inventory more robust and well-rounded. The larger store also allowed Sapanos to revive a limited selection of vintage clothing, a nod to her early career as owner of the former Vintage Fashion CLE.
No matter what a customer stops into Rising Boutique for, Sapanos prides herself in a hands-on shopping experience that helps folks feel connected to the store and find their perfect pairing — not just clothes to get through the day, but a look crafted with their needs in mind that they’ll be truly excited to wear.
“When people come into the store, we really try to get to know them and figure out what their personal style is,” Sapanos says, “so we can suggest items that work for them and make them feel their best. That’s really important as a small business. We want customers to come in and feel inspired, but also feel like it’s approachable.”
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Julia Lombardo
Julia Lombardo is the editor of Cleveland Magazine’s home and style section and contributes to coverage of arts, culture and dining. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with an English degree. As both a journalist and poet, she is inspired by stories with creative flair. When she puts down the pen, she enjoys going to concerts, ranking coffee shops and walking aimlessly through wooded trails.
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