For the past five-plus-years, Bond Hill native and entrepreneurial boss lady Ray Ball has been navigating her way through the regional marketing landscape — and did it on her own. The self-described “creative brandpreneur” singlehandedly championed her own brand marketing operation BallR Media and has more than a few notable bullet points on her resume. According to her website, she’s managed an Ohio state representative’s campaign, helped a Cincinnati clothing company sell out a widely hyped product online in a single day, and boosted an e-commerce client’s online sales by nearly 521 percent within two months. Last year, she teamed up with Nike and designed custom Air Max 1 kicks that are an ode to Ball and her Bond Hill roots that she named the Neighborhood Rose. The sneakers also brought about a nationwide campaign launched by Ball that she coined “#myhoodtaughtme.” The goal was to encourage others to celebrate their neighborhood roots and to provide inspiration to become more active in their communities. Unfortunately, those clamoring for a pair of the $130 pink low-tops are out of luck. The shoes sold out at the beginning of November. And they ran out fast — Ball said sales ended just a week after the product’s national release. Ray Ball: Creative Marketing, iamrayball.com.
1. Caldwell Family Wellness
2. Tiny Needle Community Acupuncture
3. Hamilton Health Associates
1. Hustler Hollywood
2. Dusty Flynt Sexy Gifts
3. High on the Hill
1. Ohio Valley Antique Mall
2. Florence Antique Mall
3. Wooden Nickel Antiques
1. Cincinnati Art Museum
2. Clifton Cultural Arts Center
3. Brazee Street Studios
1. Jake Sweeney Automotive
2. Beechmont Subaru
3. Walt Sweeney Ford
1. Jake Sweeney Automotive
2. Courtesy Automotive
3. Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati
1. Jake Sweeney Automotive
2. CarZmedics
3. Carriage House Car Wash
1. Donovan’s Auto & Tire Center
2. Tire Discounters
3. AAA | Bob Sumerel Tire and Service
