abigailDAt Conscious, we’re always exploring for conscious culture. We’re inspired by communities making a difference together. We’ve witnessed cities changing the conversation to what really matters.

This is why Abigail Driscoll is joining Conscious Magazine as an Editorial Collaborator to introduce us to the Cincinnati conscious community and guide us through how Cincinnati is quickly becoming a conscious hotspot of giving back together. Get to know Abigail in this interview below.

Q | ABIGAIL, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am an Ohioan, born and raised. I’ve lived in Cincinnati for about five and a half years now. I am a writer with a background in the mental health field and currently in sales. At my core, I am passionate about people. I want to know people, to hear their stories, to find out about their hidden dreams, and to celebrate them. I believe that the secret to making the world more beautiful lies in our ability to find out who we were each made to be, and then, dare to run toward our purpose. I want to help others make that happen.

Q | AT CONSCIOUS MAGAZINE, WE’RE ABOUT CHANGING THE CONVERSATION. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I believe in the power of words – both spoken and written. I believe that change, both individually and culturally, happens through conversation and expression. I think people are tired of inauthenticity. People want real conversations, real purpose, and real relationships. These things are what create movements. These movements are what will change culture. This culture is what will change the world.

Q | YOU ARE ABOUT TO LAUNCH A COLUMN ON CONSCIOUSMAGAZINE.CO FOCUSING ON THE CONSCIOUS CULTURE OF CINCINNATI. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR OUR READERS?
I think Cincinnati tends to be a forgotten city. It is not a big one and tends to move at a bit of a slower pace than others. It may not be one that most people would think to travel to in order to see beautiful landscapes, architecture, or diversity. But let me tell you: there is something happening here. Call it a revival of sorts. Individuals, as well as large and small businesses alike, are using their creativity and drive to make this city and this world a better place. People are changing the way things look, the way people think, and the way we interact with one another. There is an overall aura of new life that is bubbling up and overflowing. Conversations are being cultivated; collaborations are being fostered; stories are being told, and change is being made. Conscious readers need to know this so that Cincinnati is not left out of the conversation. We want you to know that we are here, and we want to use our voice for good.

Q | CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE CULTURE OF CINCINNATI?
Cincinnati has the feel of a classic midwest city. She is very welcoming and makes it so easy to call her home. Today’s Cincinnati has come from a marvelous combination of old school and new school. A portion of her population has grown up here and keeps her wonderful traditions alive; the other portion has moved here from other places and have brought new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities to complement those traditions. Generally, people in this city are eager to strike up a warm conversation wherever and whenever; in Cincinnati, strangers really do become best friends.

Q | IF We WERE TO VISIT CINCINNATI TOMORROW, WHAT TOP 5 PLACES DO YOU RECOMMEND AND WHY?
This is such a tough choice! There are so many grand adventures to go on, so it’s difficult to narrow it down.

1. OVER THE RHINE. Up until about five years ago, this section of the city (just north of downtown) was the most run down in the area. But now, it is full of trending shops, innovative restaurants, and one of a kind bars and microbreweries. This part of our city has been given an incredible amount of life in the past five years, and it is a really fun place to be.

2. FINDLAY MARKET. A Cincinnati staple. This is where you want to go, especially if it’s a Summer Saturday morning. There are lots of local vendors and artisans, super fresh produce, meats, flowers, and more. Your taste buds will thank you.

3. EDEN PARK. Not only do you have the greenery and water to enjoy, but all within walking distance there is: Krohn’s Conservatory, the Cincinnati Art Museum (it’s gorgeous and free!), and Mt. Adams, which has lots of unique architecture, yummy restaurants, and some killer views of the city.

4. FOUNTAIN SQUARE. In the middle of downtown, the fountain could be considered the face of Cincinnati. In the Summer, it’s Salsa on the Square and a different genre of live music every night. In the Winter, it’s a skating rink. All throughout the year, it is festivals, trivia nights, beer and wine tastings, poetry slams and art shows, and the list goes on.

5. ROEBLING BRIDGE. Wait until it’s dark, and go drive back and forth across the Roebling Bridge. There are round-a-bouts on both sides, so you can just drive back and forth, watching the city disappear and reappear. Roll the windows down and put your favorite song on repeat. It kind of feels like you’re flying.

We’re excited to have Abigail join our team of Editorial Collaborators by inviting us to a explore a new conscious city.

FROM THE EDITOR
At Conscious, we are inspired by remarkable people, and so we set out to tell stories that highlight real human interactions and human dignity. You can read more stories like this when you Subscribe.