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Letter From the Editor
This magazine is about fashion and entertainment in the beautiful city of Columbus, Ohio. My mission through this magazine is to broaden the horizon of the Columbus entertainment scene for anyone who lives in the Columbus area and has a passion for the arts— to display the arts and fashion scene of Columbus in a way that all social backgrounds, incomes, and ages will feel connected to and excited about.
Over the years, I have seen so many entertainment magazines become very commercialized and detached. I want SCENE Magazine to be “an arts publication for the people,” so all types of people will have a place to go to stay relevant with the changing fashions and upcoming events in Columbus, Ohio.
Thanks so much for supporting this mission! Enjoy the read!
— Isabelle Henderson
SCENE Columbus
Writer:
Editor: Publisher:
Photography by: Isabelle Henderson Isabelle Henderson SEU
David E. Lucas (“Ghosts of Columbus Past”), (Isabelle Henderson (“From Heart to Health,”
“Columbus’ Fashion Revolution,” “Escape to Otherworld,” “The Vinyl Frontier,” “Game On,”
“Big Fun Toy Store,” “Flower Child Vintage”)
Columbus’ Fashion Revolution
Pg. 7-9
Big Fun Toy Store
Ghosts of Columbus Past
From Heart to Health: The Magic of Lávash Cafe
Flower Child Vintage
The Vinyl Frontier
Game On
Pg. 15
Pg. 19 Pg. 14
Pg. 4-6
From Heart to Health: The Magic of Lávash Cafe
The magic of Lávash Café is not simply in the food. It is not in their hummus (although it is phenomenal). It is not even in their customer service (this too is fantastic). The true magic of Lávash is in its values that are evident with every visit, every fundraiser, and every conversation.
I first visited Lávash in the spring of 2024, and I immediately fell in love. I found out about the restaurant through the phenomenon in May of 2024 when Lávash gained a moment in the spotlight by being featured in one of the band Twenty One Pilots’ music videos.
Although I was worried about annoying the employees of Lávash with my obvious fangirling, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The kindness and excitement of the Lávash employees took me by surprise as we were greeted
with an absolutely delicious plate of hummus that the server insisted was on the house.
The Lávash employees seemed truly happy to see fans geeking out and taking pictures. My aunt and I had the pleasure of speaking to one of the Lávash owners, Jamal Latif. He was open and friendly, talking to us about his experience with the newfound popularity and recognition by the band.
Lávash
Another example of Lávash Café’s generosity and values is the fundraiser they held when they realized how many fans were coming through. With the help of these fans, they raised and donated a total of $4347.97 of their profits to the Clintonville Beechwood Community Resources center food pantry.
This was not the first time the restaurant was involved in supporting the Clintonville
community. In fact, Lávash has been supporting the food bank for a while now.
When I asked one of the Lávash employees what his favorite thing about Lávash was, he replied, “The health.” I asked him if he was referring to the health of the food or the health of the environment. He replied, “both.”
The demeanor of both the customer and the employees proves this to be true.
Lávash Café is the first place I recommend to any newcomer or Columbus resident. I cannot say enough to recommend it, but I have certainly tried!
I promise it is worth the trip, and you will not be disappointed! I hope everyone who reads this will one day get a chance to taste—
“The Magic of Lávash Café.”
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. I’ve been in the restaurant business ever since I was born. My dad, Nasir, and I started Lávash on December 5th, 2008. I went to Ohio State for undergrad, got my master’s in public health from the University of Pittsburgh, and then came back to Columbus for dental school at Ohio State.
What is your favorite thing about Lávash?
My favorite thing about Lávash is seeing all the different types of customers we attract, all getting along and enjoying our amazing food. It’s hard these days to find spaces where so many different backgrounds can exist in harmony, but somehow, Lávash has become that place.
What do you think is the source of the workplace and culinary health of Lávash that one of your employees mentioned when I came in to take photos?
The culinary health is just the Mediterranean diet. All of my dad’s recipes use fresh, whole, and healthy ingredients because that’s what he grew up cooking within our little farm town in Palestine. As for the workplace environment, we just try and treat everyone like family. We realized early on that we spend just as much time with our Lávash family as we do with our actual families, so why not make it the best possible?
What was your reaction to being featured in Twenty One Pilots’ music video?
Well, being a Columbus native and around the same age as the guys, I’ve loved them for many years. It was surreal—I couldn’t believe it. Definitely a moment I’ll never forget, especially getting that message from a customer at like 5 AM the day after the video dropped.
How have the fans been?
Incredible. I think this is easily one of the best fan bases ever. Everyone has been so welcoming, and in an instant, it felt like
our Lávash family grew—not just for a short while, but for the long haul. These fans are here to stay, and it’s been such a blessing interacting with everyone and doing some fun memes that they enjoy as a thank-you for all the love.
How does Lávash impact the surrounding community?
Whenever we eventually had the budget for marketing, 99% of those dollars went to local non-profits. We’ve always believed in giving back to the community that supports us. We’d be nothing without the local Clintonville community. They’ve been our backbone since we opened, and my dad always taught us: never forget those who have supported you.
What would you want to tell a potential Lávash customer or Columbus resident looking to stop in?
We love you, and everyone is welcome here.
- Jamal Latif
Columbus’ Fashion Revolution
“It’s not just the clothing... it’s the lifestyle, and I think what’s really important is the lifestyle. It brings inspiration. When you walk out, people are going to talk about your outfit.” —Joe Valenti, owner of Flower Child Vintage (pg. 16-18)
“I am truly in awe of and inspired by the fashion I see in Columbus. Fashion gives people the opportunity to show their creativity outwardly. That is something I really enjoy seeing.” —Anakin Pacheco, student at SEU Ohio
“I think fashion is important. It is an art form. It allows people to express themselves in ways that cannot be done vocally. It’s unfortunate that people’s fashions, styles have become a way for people to pick on one another, but I love to see people expressing themselves.”
Katie Curtis, student at SEU Ohio
“I would say, whatever you do, make your own clothes. Fashion is an outward art. I made these pants, and they are my favorite piece of clothing”
—Kaleb, visitor to Columbus, OH
Fashion is an expression of our interpretation of culture, heritage, family, and our understanding of who we are. We are influenced by what we see because of what we perceive. Fashion is localized to the interpreter of these perceptions. —Katherine Gallagher, visitor to Columbus, OH
Escape to Otherworld
An Interactive Journey
In the middle of a shabby shopping strip on the edge of Columbus lays a strange oasis of imagination and creativity. The interactive art exhibit Otherworld blurs the boundaries between reality and dreams. Otherworld opened on Friday, May 24, 2019. Ever since, the exhibit has encouraged adventure seekers to leave behind their familiar lives and step into a universe where every corner holds a new wonder.
When you enter Otherworld, you do not simply enter what most would define as an “art museum;” you are taken into a living, breathing landscape of creativity. Here, you have the power to be the artist, the explorer, and the dreamer all at once. Whether it’s stepping into a kaleidoscopic tunnel that warps the space around you or engaging with digital art that reacts to your movements, Otherworld breaks the fourth
wall, inviting you to shape the experience in real time.
Jennifer, an Otherworld visitor, says her favorite part of Otherworld is the fact that it is so immersive with sights, sounds, and all types of sensory experiences.
“I did not anticipate how interesting each section of the exhibit would be!” she says.
“I did not anticipate how interesting each section of the exhibit would be!”
-Jennifer Henderson
Each room in Otherworld offers a different perspective, filled with vibrant colors, shifting landscapes, and interactive elements. The Otherworld staff’s favorite room is the sepia-colored funeral room. This room is special because when you lift the coffin lid, the lights and music
become bright and animated. Otherworld isn’t just for art lovers. It is for anyone seeking a fresh perspective, a fun family outing, or a much-needed escape from ordinary life. Otherworld patrons rave about the photo opportunities the exhibit offers. The unique lighting and creative structures make even amateur photos look professional. Judy Saccenti joined in the fun with “the gang” as part of a birthday event at Otherworld. She says she and her group had a great time walking from room to room and posing one another as “props” within the gallery.
Overall, Otherworld is more than just an exhibit; it’s an experience that invites you to lose yourself in its limitless creativity. Whether you’re drawn to the interactive displays, the mind-bending visuals, or simply the joy of exploring a world unlike any other, Otherworld offers something for everyone. The interactive journey through Otherworld is a refreshing escape from reality like none other.
ELIZABETH’S RECORDS
3037 Indianola Ave Columbus, OH, 43202
USED KIDS RECORDS
2500 Summit St. Columbus, Ohio 43202
Game On
PLAY IT Games Movies and Music is a simi-hidden nerd nirvana in Clintonville, Columbus. Records and music posters, video games and consoles, movies and action figures— PLAY IT has something for every flavor of goth, gamer, and geek. In addition to the large selection of both digital and physical media, the atmosphere in this store is light and friendly. According
to one of the part-time employees, if you are looking for a good deal on your games, movies, or music, this is the place to go!
The manager is willing to talk about pricing and give you the best offer possible on rare media. I highly recommend checking out PLAY IT Games Movies and Music if you ever find yourself in or around the Clintonville area!
Big Fun Columbus
Big Fun Columbus Vintage Toys has been in business for 12 years. Its convenient location on N. High Street makes it an unskippable stop on any tour of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Big Fun is a family-owned business run by store owner Jason Williams and his wife. When you step into the store, you are immediately overwhelmed in the best way by the bright colors and dense inventory of every type of vintage toy you can imagine. I had the pleasure of talking to Williams when I stopped by a couple of weeks ago. His favorite thing about the store is the environment, and I couldn’t agree more.
Big Fun is a place where people can come in and find their favorite childhood toys. These vintage toys are more than fun action figures and games; they bring people back to a time of carefree youth and freedom. “Memories and nostalgia never go out of style,” Williams says as he looks with pride around “his web,” as he called it.
“I’m doing what I’m genetically supposed be doing— selling toys and comics.”
When I asked if there was anything specific he would like to tell people about Big Fun, Williams humbly replied, “We buy and sell vintage toys.” It couldn’t be more simple than that.
So, stop by Big Fun next time you’re on High Street and discover a world of vivid color and warm nostalgia.
Jason Williams and Wife
Flower Child Vintage
Flower Child Vintage is a true wonderland of unique fashion and impeccable vibes. As soon as you step in, you immediately know you have entered an oasis of style and charm. Joe Valenti, the owner of Flower Child, took a moment out of his busy day to talk to me about his store and the stories that surround it.
When he was asked what his favorite aspect of the store was, Valenti responded, “The people.” He said, “Everybody comes in. They have a good time. You know, it's easy. I think everybody likes to explore. I don't like when people walk in and go, ‘Can I help you?’ I say, ‘Welcome. If there's anything you need just ask.’” This welcoming and curious environment is evident in the relaxed and almost serene atmosphere the shoppers have as they spend hours browsing through the vintage clothing.
“It’s not just the clothing that we’re selling, it’s the lifestyle” -Joe Valenti
I asked Valenti if he had any special customer interactions he remembered. He told a story of a couple’s engagement in the store. “We had a couple in the high street store that used to come in every Sunday, and he would buy her a silver ring out of the cabinets. And then one day he called me up and he goes, ‘Um, I need to put my engagement in the cabinet.’ Then he asked us if we would just not sell anything out of the cabinet, you know because it was a very expensive rock. He walked in and we knew what was happening, so we kind of shut the door. We said, ‘pipe break open in 15 minutes,’ so that he could walk around the store and they could be by themselves. He said, ‘Well, let’s pick up your ring.’ She's looking and she goes, ‘this one's unusual,’ and he grabbed it, put it on her, and he dropped his knee.”
Valenti also spoke of a girl who came into the shop and found her high school jacket. She had a child at a young age and her parents kicked her out. She came through the store and the jacket was there. She was so excited to be able to buy it back.
“We’re at the point where we buy during of the worst point of people’s lives, you know. Most people pass on, and our job is basically to take the item and find a new home. So, we’re the bridge between them and the new. Everybody’s kind of like an interview, ‘How are you gonna use it? What are you gonna do with it?’ We give everything here a new life, so it goes to another party or goes to another wedding. As far as the clothing and the furniture, it’s an heirloom you know, it’s not mass produced, it’s one of a kind.”
I asked Valenti about his view of fashion and the arts in the Columbus area.
“We give everything here a new life” -Joe Valenti
“Well, because we are the third fashion capital of the world—people do not know that—we’re always learning. Because with the college, every year you get more students, and for four years, we get to train them. They walk away with a lot more sense and a little bit more fashion sense. They understand what good food is and what’s not good food and understand what an event is and what an event isn’t—because there’s a lot of them that happen here. Remember, we don’t have a professional sports team. It’s not like we have an amazing ballet or the arts, and we don’t have a water source—we’re flat. So, what we do here is we create. There are a lot of creatives here that make moments, so I believe that the creativity is just amazing here.” My experience in Columbus has certainly proven this to be true.
—Continued on next page—
In addition to existing for local fashion lovers, Flower Child Vintage also is an active part of the Ohio music scene. The store provides vintage outfits, props and all types of furniture for music videos and films.
“We sell to a lot of rock bands and things like that. Twenty One Pilots came through. They were gonna go out of New York and pull all the fashion and the furniture for their set, and they were like, ‘No, we already know where we want to go.’ So, they keep it local. I think that’s the thing about Northeast Ohioans,” Valenti muses, “we keep it real. If you do something wrong, we remember. But if you’re doing something right, we’ll refer the heck out of you.”
My conversation with Valenti was truly enjoyable. I walked away from Flower Child Vintage with a better understanding of the value of a store like this. The customers I talked to came from all over Ohio to specifically shop here, and now I know why.
Flower Child is
not merely a vintage store but a hub for all art and fashion lovers to come together. Here, they can find more ways to express their most authentic selves through the clothing they find and wear.
As Valenti said, “When you go through here, it’s not just the clothing that we’re selling, it’s the lifestyle, and I think what’s really important is the lifestyle. When you walk out, people are going to talk about your outfit, and it brings inspiration.”
Owner, Joe Valenti
Ghosts of Columbus Past
An Expo by Judy Saccenti
“Are you completely ready? Because this train is leaving at 6:30 am!” The train was actually our Oldsmobile station wagon; the destination was our monthly shopping trip to the downtown Lazarus Department Store in Columbus, Ohio. The year was 1978. The event was called The Final Countdown.
Once the doors to the store opened, a full-on shopping frenzy commenced. Household needs, fashion upgrades, and furniture- were available to savvy shoppers at discounts of 75% AND MORE!
Holidays were THE BEST!
The window dressings were an event in themselves: animated animals, lights, and music. Best of all you might be a part of a special promotion!
For instance— Christmas 1981 our family came home with 6 full-sized fluffy white Teddy bears (I remember the date because it was stitched on my bear’s little cap).
A sorrowful day came in 2004 when the flagship store of the Lazarus company was closed forever. So, tomorrow I might head out for a day of shopping, I’ll hit the outlet mall, and maybe IKEA. No special planning needed!
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