Your Hosts
Kristy Lewis
Co-Kristy Lewis, Founder of Goodland Hocking HillsGoodland began as a shared dream between Kristy and her husband, Seth—a place where slowing down, gathering together, and living close to the land became a way of life.
As the heart behind the farm, Kristy is part visionary, part farmer, part creative, and always a gracious host. She believes the best hospitality is found in thoughtful details—a loaf of fresh bread, flowers gathered from the garden, a crackling fire, or simply making guests feel at home.
Together, Kristy and Seth care for the land, celebrate the changing seasons, and believe that sharing good food and meaningful moments around the table is one of life's greatest joys. They hope every guest leaves feeling rested, inspired, and a little more connected to the simple beauty of farm life.
You'll likely find Kristy tending the gardens, caring for the animals, or welcoming guests with a warm smile. When she's away from the farm, she's a devoted mom, loves CrossFit, and is always trying a new seasonal recipe in the kitchen.
Charity D'Amato, Founder of studio Chartreuse + The Colorful CreativeCharity D’Amato-Crawford
As the founder and creative director of studio Chartreuse, a boutique branding and design studio just outside Cleveland, Ohio, Charity has spent more than two decades helping organizations tell meaningful stories through thoughtful design. From emerging businesses and nonprofits to museums, cultural institutions, and national brands, her work has always centered on creating experiences that feel authentic, memorable, and beautifully crafted.
A graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in Communication Design and Arts Education, Charity has always considered herself an educator at heart. Whether she's leading a client workshop, mentoring young designers, or teaching around a farmhouse table, she believes creativity grows when it's shared. Helping others discover the joy of making has remained one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
When she's not designing brands, painting, hunting for vintage treasures, or adding to one of her many collections, Charity is happiest at home with her husband and best friend, Ben, their twelve-year-old son, Max, and Sophie, the family's lovable St. Bernard mix. She finds inspiration in flower gardens, antique shops, home-cooked meals, long walks, and the everyday beauty that often goes unnoticed.
The Colorful Creative was born during an unexpected season of stillness. While recovering from a serious fall on black ice, Charity spent months slowing down, reflecting, and rediscovering what mattered most. In the quiet, one idea kept returning: life is richer when we make time to create, gather, and celebrate beauty together. What began as a personal dream slowly grew into this retreat—a weekend devoted to creativity, connection, color, and the simple joy of making something with your hands.
When Charity first met Kristy, and Kristy began dreaming about Goodland Hocking Hills, the two connected over a shared appreciation for intentional living, beautiful design, and meaningful hospitality. A few conversations, countless ideas, and more than a handful of Instagram DMs later, The Colorful Creative found its home at Goodland Hocking Hills.
She can't wait to welcome you to the farm!
Ruthann Kostadinov, Chef & Founder of Gatherings Kitchen & Gingham MarketRuthann Kostadinov
When dreaming up The Colorful Creative, Charity knew there was only one person she wanted to nourish both the guests and the spirit of the weekend—her dear friend and longtime collaborator, Chef Ruthann Kostadinov.
For more than 25 years, Ruth and Charity have shared ideas, creative adventures, countless meals, and a friendship built on encouragement, laughter, and a mutual love of gathering people together. Together, they've been sounding boards, creative partners, and, as they like to joke, Thelma and Louise.
Raised in Lakewood, Ohio, Ruth grew up in a family where food and hospitality were simply a way of life. Her first job was as a prep cook in her uncle's restaurant, planting the seeds for a lifelong love of the kitchen. After spending more than a decade in the advertising industry, she found her way back to her true calling—creating memorable meals that bring people together.
Teaching has always been at the heart of Ruth's work. After leading hundreds of cooking classes at the Loretta Paganini School of Cooking, she founded Gatherings Kitchen, a place where home cooks gained confidence, shared stories, and discovered the joy of cooking together. That same passion eventually led to the creation of Gingham Market, a beloved neighborhood destination filled with comforting food, beautiful kitchen finds, and a warm welcome for everyone who walks through the door.
Ruth believes the best meals aren't just about what's on the plate—they're about the people gathered around the table. Her thoughtful, seasonal approach to cooking is one of the many things that makes this weekend so special.
Ruth lives in Lakewood with her husband, Sasha. Together they love traveling the world, welcoming friends and family into their home, and creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong.