Our Writers

Eleni Kassian is the Senior Editor of Main Street Economics for The Business Nearby, specializing in the micro-economies of urban neighborhoods. Her reporting examines the intersection of local government policy, commercial real estate, and small business resilience to show how city-level decisions impact local commerce.

Kendra Baptiste is a columnist for The Business Nearby, where she writes thought-provoking commentary on the social and cultural impact of small business. Her column explores the vital intersection of commerce, community, and economic justice.

Rizza Valencia is a Community Reporter for The Business Nearby, where she covers new openings, shop local guides, and community commerce. Her service-oriented reporting provides readers with practical guides to discover and support local establishments.

Shira Edelman is a Senior Staff Writer for Profiles at The Business Nearby, where she uses narrative journalism to highlight the human element of local commerce. She covers owner spotlights, multi-generational businesses, and the restaurant scene, focusing on the legacy-building and daily grind of community entrepreneurs.

As a Data Correspondent for The Business Nearby, Simone Ito uncovers the hidden trends shaping local commerce through data-driven investigations and consumer spending analysis. Her reporting visualizes complex market dynamics to provide actionable insights for local business owners and consumers.