Katerina Orlova
Editorial byline
Katerina Orlova is an editorial byline for Daily Local Finds, with a focus on Arts & Culture, Local Makers, Shop Local. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
Learn more about our editorial process and use of automation in our AI & Automation disclosure.
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
How to Curate a Local Art Exhibition: A Three-Phase Checklist From Concept to Wrap-Up
This guide details a structured, three-phase process for curating local art exhibitions, covering pre-exhibition planning, the exhibition period, and post-exhibition wrap-up. It emphasizes practical logistics and community engagement for a successful show.
Oct 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Four Unique Food Trucks to Seek Out in Phoenix, From Cuban to Nigerian to Venezuelan
Phoenix's food truck scene offers unique culinary adventures beyond typical fare, featuring Cuban Tacos, Lasgidi Cafe (Nigerian-American), Que Chevere (Venezuelan), and La Vida Coffee + Oats for distinct flavors on wheels.
Oct 23, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Check Your City's Zoning Rules Before Launching a Home Business
Before launching a home-based business, it's crucial to research your local zoning ordinances and any private restrictions like HOA rules. This guide provides a checklist to help you understand and comply with these regulations, ensuring your business operates legally.
Oct 23, 2026 · 4 min read
How Community Theaters Fund Their Stages: Grants, Sponsorships, Donations, and Earned Income
Community theaters fund their stages through a balanced mix of four key pillars: earned income from ticket sales and programs, grants from institutions, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. A resilient strategy integrates all these sources to ensure financial stability.
Oct 22, 2026 · 5 min read
elevateMLS Launches Cribio-Powered Home Search Site for Colorado Springs, Promising Real-Time Data and No Ads
Colorado Springs home buyers and sellers can now use elevateMLS.com, a new property search site powered by Cribio and local MLS data. The platform promises real-time listing accuracy, an ad-free experience, and direct communication with listing agents, differentiating itself from national real estate portals.
Oct 22, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent: A Four-Dimension Framework for Buyers and Sellers
Choosing a real estate agent is a critical financial decision. This guide provides a four-dimension framework—experience, local expertise, strategy, and communication—to systematically evaluate candidates and make a confident choice.
Oct 21, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Build a Rain Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide to Site Selection, Sizing, and Planting
Build a successful rain garden with this comprehensive guide, detailing essential steps for site selection, accurate sizing, and choosing the right plants. Learn to manage stormwater runoff effectively and enhance your landscape.
Oct 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Three Philly Gift Shops Where Your Money Goes Straight to Local Makers
Discover three unique Philadelphia gift shops—Philadelphia Independents, Trunc, and Occasionette—that champion local artisans. This guide helps you select the perfect shop based on your preferences for maker variety, sustainability, or occasion-specific curation.
Oct 20, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Build a Rain Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide to Siting, Sizing, and Construction
Learn how to build a rain garden to manage stormwater runoff effectively. This step-by-step guide covers site assessment, proper sizing, and construction techniques for a functional and attractive garden.
Oct 20, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Choose the Right Artisan Market for Your Handmade Goods
Selecting the right artisan market is crucial for handmade sellers to ensure profitability and connect with the intended audience. This guide offers a structured approach to match your products, price point, and business goals with suitable venues.
Oct 19, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Check Your Local Zoning Laws Before Starting a Home Business
Before launching a home business, it's crucial to research local zoning laws, identify permitted uses, and understand specific restrictions. This guide provides a 5-step process to ensure compliance with municipal ordinances and private covenants.
Oct 18, 2026 · 5 min read
Why Independent Bookstores Sell Socks and Spatulas: The Strategy Behind the Sidelines
Independent bookstores strategically sell non-book items, known as "sidelines," to extend the literary experience and cultivate community. This diversification is a careful balancing act to enhance the store's unique identity rather than dilute it.
Oct 18, 2026 · 5 min read
Starting a Farmers' Market: How to Pick the Right Legal Structure and Take the First Steps
Starting a farmers' market involves crucial decisions about legal structure and governance. This guide helps you navigate eligibility rules, compare organizational models like nonprofits and cooperatives, and take practical first steps for a successful launch.
Oct 17, 2026 · 6 min read
How Independent Bookstores Build Community: The "3 Cs" That Explain Your Local Shop
Independent bookstores thrive by focusing on the "3 Cs": Community, Curation, and Convening, a framework identified by Harvard Business School research. This approach allows local shops to build unique experiences and foster connections that online retailers cannot replicate.
Oct 16, 2026 · 4 min read
Three Ways to Shop for Home Decor in Charlotte: Marketplace, Boutique, or Value Hunt
Charlotte's home decor shopping scene offers three distinct models: multi-vendor marketplaces for broad browsing, curated boutiques for unique statement pieces, and value-focused stores for budget-friendly finds. The article guides shoppers to match their project goals with the right store type.
Oct 16, 2026 · 4 min read
What Thrift Stores Actually Accept: A Pre-Donation Checklist for Your Closet Cleanout
Before donating clothes, inspect each item for cleanliness, damage, and wear. Understanding what secondhand stores won't accept, like uniforms or heavily worn items, ensures your donations are useful.
Oct 15, 2026 · 5 min read
How Artisan Markets Pick Their Vendors: The Criteria Behind the Curated Booth
Curated artisan markets select vendors through a formal process that prioritizes genuinely handmade goods, professional applications, and crucial category balance within the market lineup. Understanding these criteria is key for makers to successfully navigate the application journey.
Oct 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Blacksburg Opens 'The Local': A Retail Incubator and Community Hub Under One Roof
Blacksburg's 'The Local' is a new dual-purpose destination combining a retail incubator for entrepreneurs with affordable storefronts and support, and a vibrant community hub featuring a café and event space. This initiative aims to revitalize downtown, foster local business growth, and enhance community engagement.
Oct 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Three NYC Bookstores, Three Ways to Find Your Literary Community
Discover three distinct NYC independent bookstores that serve as literary community hubs: Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, The Ripped Bodice, and Village Works. Each offers a unique way to connect with books and fellow readers, from supporting a cause to diving into specific genres or exploring local art and history.
Oct 14, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Choose the Right Plant Nursery for Your Garden
Selecting the right plant nursery is crucial for a thriving garden. This guide helps you define your project needs, evaluate plant health, assess staff expertise, and understand nursery specializations to make an informed choice.
Oct 10, 2026 · 5 min read