Skidding across fresh, bright black and white tile, a very exuberant 6 month husky jumped up excitedly to greet me at the door of Yellowcake, recently renovated and expanded Gordon Square boutique. Owner and Cleveland designer Valerie Mayen was quick to follow. “Mango! Get down!”

“Sorry! She gets very excited!”

Inside Yellowcake lives colorful, custom mod women’s coats, dresses and skirts, and the beginnings of a mens line including crisp ties and jackets. All of her designs crafted right here in Cleveland, Ohio, Mayen has had her roots in the city since November of 2011.