A local entrepreneur who wants to use her brand to connect people to the outdoors recently opened her first brick-and-mortar space in Over-the-Rhine.
Cincinnati native Sierra Hayden says her outdoor lifestyle brand, We Outside, is all about championing outdoor adventures for Black and Brown communities, while remaining welcoming to all. We Outside also helps bridge the gap between existing outdoor and nature-based opportunities and those who may feel like outsiders, regardless of their background.
After launching her brand remotely in January, Hayden says she quickly saw the need for a physical space to deepen We Outside’s community impact. She fell in love with the space at 207 Woodward St. — just a short walk from many people and places in Over-the-Rhine, including Ziegler Park, an outdoor space that ties into her mission.
“I wanted to redefine what it means to be ‘outdoorsy’ — that it’s not just about hiking or camping, but about joy, culture, and belonging,” Hayden said in a press release. “Creating a physical home for We Outside was necessary because it’s not only a place for activities, but a community hub where people can connect, share resources and discover what’s already happening in this amazing city. We want everyone to feel they have a place to start and a space where they belong.”
We Outside hosts both workshops and community events, and it also offers a curated selection of sustainable, culturally relevant retail items, including seeds, books, apparel, outdoor gear and more. The products will rotate seasonally to keep offerings fresh and aligned with the rhythms of nature. Hayden says she wants to eventually add a gear library that will provide borrowable outdoor equipment, tools and wearables, making the outdoors more accessible to everyone.
We Outside offers tiered memberships that range in cost from $0-$50 a month, but to keep events accessible, it also offers pay-what-you-can tickets. You can see more event information and get tickets at swyaohio.com. The retail store is open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
We Outside, 207 Woodward St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: swyaohio.com.
This article appears in Aug 20 – Sep 2, 2025.
