In the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End, two local entrepreneurs are making waves, not just in their industries but also within the community. Jordan Mikhal, the visionary behind the clothing brand A Loved 1, and Crystal Wamalwa, the creative force driving AudaCITY Tours, met through the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation’s (WCDC) Core Four Business Workshop Series. Their stories are a testament to the power of local support, collaboration, and the drive to turn dreams into reality.
A Loved 1: A Brand Born from Passion and Purpose
Jordan’s journey began in Pittsburgh, where she was raised before attending Kent State University to study fashion merchandising and design. The idea for her brand, A Loved 1, was sparked during a period of self-reflection. “The name came from a love letter I wrote to myself years before even considering a fashion design brand,” Jordan explains. “I admired how people combined a meaningful message with the visual aspects of fashion and art, and I wanted to create something that embodied that uniqueness.”
However, like many entrepreneurs, Jordan faced challenges along the way. After initially launching A Loved 1, she found herself in a creative rut, unsure of how to move forward. That’s when her cousin introduced her to the WCDC’s Core Four Business Workshop Series. “I was at a point where I needed structure and guidance,” Jordan says. “Core Four was right in Wilkinsburg, just minutes from my home, and it provided me with the insight and support I needed to recalibrate my business.”
Through Core Four, Jordan met Crystal, the founder of AudaCITY Tours. Their connection was instant, and their collaboration became a turning point for Jordan’s brand. “Crystal told me about AudaCITY and their fashion show component,” Jordan recalls. “One of my goals was to have a fashion show, and this opportunity felt like it was meant to be. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to collaborate in ways I hadn’t before.”
The partnership culminated in a fashion show that Jordan describes as “overwhelming in the best way possible.” The visibility and positive reception of her work at the show led to further opportunities, including another fashion show and an upcoming pop-up shop in Chicago. “This experience has given me a different kind of confidence,” Jordan reflects. “It’s been pivotal in this next phase of my creative journey.”
AudaCITY Tours: A Platform for Artistic Expression
Crystal Wamalwa’s journey to founding AudaCITY Tours was equally inspiring. Originally from Baltimore, she moved to Pittsburgh in 2020 and brought with her a passion for the arts. Her vision for AudaCITY was to create events that combined multiple artistic mediums—fashion, music, film, and more—into a single, collaborative space. After successfully hosting two sold-out events in Baltimore, Crystal was on the brink of launching her third when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
In Pittsburgh, Crystal found herself working in various professional roles but always yearning to return to her creative roots. Encouraged by her husband, she left her job in 2023 to fully dedicate herself to AudaCITY Tours. “I wanted to create that experience again, but this time, I wanted to expand it,” Crystal says. She envisioned a four-city tour that would showcase local artists and provide them with the opportunity to reach new audiences.
Crystal’s encounter with Core Four came at a pivotal time. “I met Gordon, the instructor, at a local event, and he mentioned the business class,” she recalls. “I knew I needed to learn more about building a business, so I signed up.” The course provided her with invaluable knowledge about business models, pricing, and revenue generation—skills that were crucial as she prepared for AudaCITY’s 2025 tour.
The Pittsburgh show, part of the AudaCITY tour, was a resounding success, selling out and bringing together a diverse array of artists. “It was such a surreal moment, being able to see all these faces,” Crystal says. “The experience solidified the importance of what we’re doing with AudaCITY. Meeting Jordan and watching her blossom through this process was incredibly rewarding.” Read more about all of the artists that were included in the sold out Pittsburgh show.
The Power of Core Four and Community Support
Both Jordan and Crystal credit the WCDC’s Core Four Business Workshop Series with providing them the tools, connections, and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The program, designed to help local entrepreneurs and business owners develop the critical skills needed to succeed, has been a game-changer for both women.
“Core Four gave me a sense of community and structure,” Jordan says. “It’s a free resource that offers so much value. I would recommend it to any entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level.”
Crystal echoes this sentiment. “The classes helped me refine my business model and prepare for the future,” she says. “I’ve already started sending out information about the next round to others who could benefit from it.”
Looking Ahead: How You Can Support
As Jordan and Crystal continue to build their businesses, they invite the community to support their endeavors. For A Loved 1, this means following the brand on social media, signing up for the email list, and checking out upcoming product drops. For AudaCITY Tours, it’s about raising funds to support local artists and ensuring that the 2025 tour is a success.
“Supporting local businesses and artists is crucial to the vitality of our community,” Crystal says. “Whether it’s through donations, buying tickets, or simply sharing our stories, every bit of support makes a difference.”
Jordan and Crystal’s stories are just two examples of the many local entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact. Thanks to programs like Core Four and the support of the WCDC, they’re well on their way to achieving their goals—and inspiring others to do the same.
Photos Courtesy Of:
– Gail Manker
– Kim Jenkins – Jinx Photography
– Kristen Lucero Photography
– Corey Lankford, CWL Creatives
– Jordan Mikhal Bigelow