WRIST WATCH
BY REBECCA SCHAEPER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOUSTON RAEF
WRISTS OF WHISKEY & WATCHES
E very watch that leaves our store is destined to tell a story. Intimately selected by the wearer for the balance it offers their personality, a watch is worn with intention. This timepiece is with you daily, experiencing the ebb & flow of life, tracking the very passage of time itself. With “Wrists,” we aim to celebrate these singular stories and share a spotlight on the individual journeys, strides, and passions that make Cincinnati a vibrant, thriving city. These are our honored Wrists of Whiskey & Watches for 2024.
BETWEEN THE PAGES OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND EMBRACING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, THE LOVE STORY OF CHANDA AND DEMETRIA REMINDS US THAT WHEN YOU MEET SOMEONE WHO BRINGS OUT YOUR FINEST QUALITIES, LOVE HAS A REMARKABLE WAY OF SPARKING UNPARALLELED GENEROSITY AND DEEP PERSONAL GROWTH.
beyond the salon. It’s been a part of Demetria and I’s relationship and our journey together to dedicate time, services, or whatever we can whenever we can to make a difference. That’s how Restore Cincy came to be. Demetria: About seven years ago, we started Restore Cincy as our small, independent way of improving living conditions for single parents or struggling families in our community. We invested in properties around the city, and instead of just flipping them for profit, we’ve focused on creating comfortable homes for those in need. We want to provide second chances to tenants with credit issues or unstable employment and serve as a source for information or resources if that’s what they need. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to live in a safe and comfortable environment, and we’re passionate about making that a reality, particularly in underserved communities. Living in a fast-paced world, getting lost in your purpose can be easy. How do you find the balance of living a full life while also practicing a public-spirited mindset? Demetria: For me, it’s about finding joy in the simple things, like waking up and feeling healthy and capable of doing what I love. I think sometimes people see us and might not really know who we are or what drives us. But when they spend time with us, they realize we’re just down-to-earth folks who genuinely love life. We’ve experienced loss, so I often hear my partner say, “I’m tired; we’re doing so much.” But I remind her I’m grateful for our ability and strength to do all these things
Where did you meet?
concerts that come to Cincinnati. Many people have to leave their area for these experiences, but you can catch them all here, right in our city. Cincinnati does have everything, notably fantastic food, arts, and sports, but what is one thing that is totally Cincinnati that you feel is overlooked? Chanda: One thing that is so Cincinnati but goes under the radar is our parks and bridges. It’s so Cincinnati to walk down by the river, enjoy Smale Park, and stroll across the bridge. It’s the perfect place to admire the Cincinnati skyline. Demetria: OTR isn’t hidden, but there are many underrated spots, especially boutiques. The small shops in Cincinnati can be hidden gems. For example, on Main St. is Moreau Sewing Unlimited, Ian Moreau’s place - he’s a wonderful person! There are lots of opportunities to shop small and support local. There’s a great sense of community in Cincinnati.
Demetria: We met at a party. I saw her across the room and knew I had to meet her. I have an eye for special things, and the moment I saw her, I knew she was special. So, that evening I didn’t have my phone on me, because I like to be present. After hanging out the entire night, I asked for her phone number. She gave it to me, and I asked her to repeat it because I had to memorize it! Chanda: And she did. She got out to her car and called me right away and asked me to brunch the following day. I didn’t think too much of it, I just thought it would be a friendly brunch with someone I met last night. Right from the day we met, it felt like we were inseparable. She would call me constantly, and we spent so much time together. Then came the flowers, a daily occurrence. It was overwhelming, and I couldn’t ignore it. At first, I was a bit puzzled, wondering, “What is this?” But she made it so easy to love her that I couldn’t deny it. I realized, “Wow, I’m truly in love with this person.” And here we are today - ten years later.
What does it mean to be a part of the Cincinnati community?
What makes Cincinnati Home?
Demetria: Chanda was born and raised in Cincinnati. I am from Owensboro, Kentucky, just across the bridge a little bit. But Cincinnati just has everything. Chanda loves to travel, but I like my feet on the ground. Cincinnati is incredible because there are so many experiences you can have, from cruising the river on our boat to going to a pro sports game - you’ve got the Bengals, FCC, not to mention the incredible plays and
Chanda: I’ve been a hairstylist in Cincinnati for 30 years. This industry is special because you can play an intimate role in your client’s lives. My clients rely on me on some level, which keeps me going, even during challenging times. Interacting with the ups and downs of so many individual stories really puts into perspective all the varying levels of personal journies that are going on in our community every day. And that inspires me
16 RICHTER & PHILLIPS JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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