Cleveland Women Finding Sisterhood Through “Ladies in the Land”

Published: Jun 7, 2026 - 5:53 p.m.

By Marra Ingram

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CLEVELAND, OHIO — In a city often described as fast-paced and disconnected, one Cleveland woman is working to create something softer: a space where women can reconnect with themselves and each other. Ladies in the Land, founded by Nautica Smith, is a growing women's social club focused on friendship, femininity, personal growth, and community-building through intentional experiences and events. Created only a few months ago, the organization was inspired by Smith's desire to help women step away from nightlife-centered environments and instead engage in activities that encourage healing, connection, and self-discovery. "What it means to actually be a girl," Smith explained during an interview with Cleveland 13 News. "The point of Ladies in the Land is to get women out of the clubs, out of the bars, out of the hookah, and to come do things like flower picking, horseback riding, ski parties — things that really help women heal their inner child." The organization hosts a variety of social gatherings designed to encourage women to meet new people while stepping outside their comfort zones. From wellness-centered activities and networking opportunities to hobbies many women may not have previously had access to, Smith says the goal is to create experiences rooted in intentionality and support. While the organization welcomes women from all backgrounds, Smith says the response from Black women across Northeast Ohio has been especially powerful. "There's always been this stereotype that women in Cleveland don't get along or don't support each other," Smith said. "I wanted to create a space where women could build genuine friendships and feel supported." That sense of sisterhood has already started extending beyond the organization's scheduled events. According to Smith, many women who met through Ladies in the Land now spend time together outside of the club, attending sporting events, wellness walks, and other outings together. In addition to friendship-building, the organization is also expanding into personal development and wellness programming. Upcoming offerings include yoga, meditation, finance workshops, cooking classes, book clubs, golf opportunities, pickleball partnerships, and real estate education courses. Outside of Ladies in the Land, Smith is currently studying UX/UI technology design at Cleveland State University, where she combines creativity and branding into the organization's visual identity. From the website to the graphics and social media content, Smith personally designs every aspect of the brand herself. She says the organization's signature blue color palette was chosen intentionally. "Blue can symbolize sadness, but it can also symbolize healing," Smith explained. "I feel like jazz is very feminine, and it all kind of goes hand in hand." As the organization continues growing, Smith says her long-term vision is to expand Ladies in the Land throughout Ohio before eventually branching into other states. She also plans to launch additional mentorship-style programs and nonprofit initiatives focused on giving back to local communities. For women interested in joining, applications are available through the organization's website and social media platforms. "We're all here for the same thing," Smith said. "To work on ourselves, put ourselves out there, and be there for each other." FOLLOW LADIES IN THE LAND: INSTAGRAM: @ladiesintheland TIKTOK: @ladiesintheland WEBSITE: WWW.LADIESINTHELAND.COM -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.