Mohawk Valley Small Business Focus: Our Neighborhood

Mohawk Valley Today is so glad to feature Our Neighborhood as this week’s featured business! Based in Utica, Cheyenne Dorsagno of Our Neighborhood does so much to tell the stories that we all need to hear. We are so fortunate to be able to share Cheyenne’s stories on Mohawk Valley Today. She covers a wide variety of topics while highlighting the people and history from different corners of the valley. Take a minute or two and get to know more about Our Neighborhood.

Our Neighborhood is located in Utica, NY.

Our Neighborhood is owned and operated by local Mohawk Valley resident and artist, Cheyenne Dorsagno. This is a remote service that focuses on journalism, personal history, and legacy writing for both individuals and organizations. With the Client, Cheyenne honors the past, captures the present, and enriches the future. Using her journalism experience, Cheyenne collaborates with the Client to create sentimental keepsakes and everlasting artifacts. This may include press releases and various legacy artifacts like mini-memoirs, obituaries, love letters, family trees, timelines, identity collages, etc. Cheyenne also offers public education on resources to further people on their legacy journey.

About Our Neighborhood

The inspiration for Our Neighborhood’s name is two-fold. The word “Our” speaks to the fact that we are all individuals that come together to form a collective identity. We can lose sight of ourselves and our localities in a world that’s increasingly global. The “little” details are important to the big picture, just like anatomically-correct fingers are important in convincing AI-portraits. The word “Neighborhood” is a special omage to Mr. Rogers, who said, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor” and “I like you just the way you are.” But in what way are you? Sometimes, it’s hard to see something when we’re too close. Despite growing individualism and a surplus of selfies, I’ve found that most people are too humble to pat themselves on the back.

The Our Neighborhood logo is meant to feel both vintage and contemporary for a timeless effect. In Central New York, we have friendly homes amongst bustling businesses and enchanting habitats. Each factor of this spectrum is enriching in its own way. I’ve always felt that Central New York has a little bit of everything and everywhere.

In her own words

At 25, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It blindsided me. I was just getting started. Legacy hadn’t even crossed my mind. But I faced the possibility that my story might end before it was fully told.

We always think there’s more time — until suddenly, there isn’t. I was so focused on building a life that I forgot to soak it in. Then, I was overwhelmed. What did I have to say for myself?

What I wanted to be able to say was simple, yet meaningful: I had a family, we had fun, I learned lessons, I helped my community with my career, and it was special. I wanted to say, “I was here. I mattered. I go on.” I wanted peace that I had a slice of forever. Words etched in stone. For myself and my family. Thankfully, I’m still here. And now, I help others do what I almost didn’t get the chance to. As a legacy ghostwriter, I help people capture the richness of their lives — not just the big milestones, but the quirky details that make them who they are. For themselves and for their families (past, present, and future).

Did you know…

In part, Cheyenne has developed her expertise by becoming Editor-in-Chief at her college paper, by interning at The Observer Dispatch, by graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oneonta with a B.Sc. in English and a minor in Professional Writing, and by leading a memoir book with over 100 interviewees.

Our Neighborhood also has a blog through which visitors can see how she remains a student of life so she can better serve the public. For example, she has learned from a local historian, a geneologist, and a spiritual mentor.

Cheyenne believes that everyone has a story worth telling. She sees herself as a potential partner and conduit so that your may shape your legacy.

Where to find Our Neighborhood

You can connect with Our Neighborhood by email at ourneighborhood23@gmail.com or through the website at ourneighborhood.blog.

Look for more small business resources coming soon!

At Mohawk Valley Today, we will be introducing you to more of the small businesses and community resources we have found in any one, or all, of the six counties in our region.  It’s a great opportunity to get to know the people who help make the Mohawk Valley a great place to live, work and play!