Amy Vartenuk joins the podcast to share how she’s building Clevelandish, a modern local newsletter focused on connection, positivity, and personality. Funded by a local business owner but operated independently, Clevelandish offers a unique hybrid model for local media entrepreneurs.

Amy explains how polling readers, encouraging replies, and leaning into her own perspective helped differentiate Clevelandish from traditional media outlets. She also discusses how being creator-led makes the brand more resilient in an era of AI-generated content.

Listeners will hear real-world insights on paid subscriber growth, advertiser outreach through Instagram DMs, and why not every advertiser is the right fit. Amy emphasizes sustainability, creative freedom, and designing a media business that supports long-term growth rather than burnout.