I sat down with Biz Jarvis, the owner of Hue Mane, a salon in the Hamilton, Ohio, neighborhood of Lindenwald, We talk about how she transitioned from social work to being the owner of a successful hair salon, and why her business is a Safe Space.

Hue Mane is one of nearly 1 million small businesses in Ohio and part of the more than 32 million small businesses across the United States. Shops like Hue Mane--local, independent, community-rooted-- are what keep communities like Hamilton vibrant and connected.

This is Open Signs, a Southwest Ohio-based podcast that highlights the entrepreneurs and independent businesses shaping neighborhoods. Each episode features in-depth conversation with local entrepreneurs and small business leaders who are redefining what community means.