The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below.
John & Thomas McGuin
John and Thomas McGuin’s journey in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu began with a spark of curiosity after watching a fight featuring MMA legend Nick Diaz. Inspired by the effectiveness and technical nature of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, John stepped onto the mats at 19 years old, with Thomas following in his footsteps just one year later. Read more>>
Monae Champion
I always knew I was different, I never fit in anywhere. I just never expected my life leading to a career in entertainment. The first 24 years of my life I lived an ordinary life and worked a traditional job when the time came. Read more>>
Dr. Alex Schechter
After veterinary school and years of clinical practice, I saw an opportunity to create a different kind of veterinary experience – one that combined high-quality medicine with exceptional communication, transparency and client service. Too often, pet owners felt rushed, overwhelmed or confused during veterinary visits. I wanted to build a practice where relationships and trust were just as important as diagnostics and treatment plans. Read more>>
Lorin Baum
A quick little backstory, before Black Cat Bodega, I owned Folklore Botanical, a landscaping company. After more than 20 years in the industry, I remember the exact moment I realized I no longer loved it. The passion for it was gone. After a long day of work, I was walking into the house and avoided even looking at my own gardens. Read more>>
Caroline Hovord
I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan from the UK in 2011 with my husband and our first child. During that time, I’d spend a lot of days perusing the stores in downtown Ann Arbor, especially the kids stores. I also spent a lot of time dreaming about how one day, I’d love to create something of my own. Read more>>
Cristina Magana
Creativity was part of my life long before I knew it could become a career. When I was 15, my dad worked at a print shop, and I spent my time helping design and price business cards for local small businesses. Looking back, it was my first introduction to branding, even though I didn’t have a name for it yet. Read more>>
Sarah Cunningham
My path has never been a straight line, but looking back, there has always been a common thread: helping people find their way back to themselves. I began my career nearly twenty years ago as a psychotherapist in Chicago, working primarily with children, teens, and families. Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to the ways emotional well-being, physical health, relationships, and lifestyle all intersect. Read more>>
Tammie Mathis
I started Tee’s Plentiful Salads with a passion for providing fresh, healthy, flavorful ,and affordable food options in my community. What began as a small idea has grown into a successful business serving customers throughout Flint and beyond. Read more>>
Amit & Juhi
URNAM began in 2024, in Gurugram, with one machine, one master ji, one lakh rupees, and a shared conviction that Indian craft deserved better than what the market was giving it. Juhi studied design at NIFT Delhi and spent years working as Head Designer at Salt, a fashion label she poured herself into. She understood construction, embroidery, the language of fabric. Read more>>
Bradley Miles
I’ve been part of the local music scene for quite some time and had been toying around with the idea of starting a punk band based around my favorite movie (Ghostbusters). I eventually found the right musicians that were actually interested in what I was looking to do. We’ve become pretty popular at least locally for being together for such a short period of time. Read more>>
Denetra Johnson
I was fortunate to grow up traveling with my parents. Some of my favorite childhood memories are our family trips to Disney World every Christmas and Thanksgiving. Those experiences sparked my love for travel, but as I got older, I viewed many destinations as out of reach. Read more>>
Rhani Chardae Hight
Creativity has always been at the core of who I am. I began modeling at 16 with 616 Model Management, where I gained experience through runway shows and photoshoots that helped shape my confidence and passion for fashion. A major milestone in my journey was walking in London Fashion Week, which expanded my perspective on creativity and opportunity. Read more>>
Sydney Noble
I am a retired professional dancer, turned chronic illness warrior and entrepreneur. When I hung up my dance shoes due to a disability caused by an autoimmune disease, I decided to go all in on my scent-centered wellness brand, The Noble Brand. Read more>>
Alli Fenwick
I was constantly stealing my mom’s camera to use growing up, and eventually started a photography business after leaving my stressful 9 to 5, just with the intent of bringing in some income. I didn’t expect to fall so in love with documenting couples and elopements out in the gorgeous beauty of Michigan. Read more>>
Dr. Anthony Kellum
My journey has been built around a simple belief Property is Power! I have always understood that ownership creates opportunities, builds wealth, and gives individuals and families greater control over their future. Early in my career, I recognized that many people viewed homeownership and real estate investment as something beyond their reach. Read more>>
Geno Harris
I began my creative journey as a visual artist in 2003 the year Downtown Detroit (where I lived) experienced a huge brown out. That experience showed me that people can be decent and kind and I thought that remembering that time through art was appropriate. Read more>>
Salena Taylor
I started Partial to Girls in 2019 on a piece of scrap paper. I had no money and no experience but I had an imagination, a dream and a creative thought pattern that I could actually bring change in these areas. . I wanted to help Mothers and their Children to find a way to cope through poverty. Read more>>
Dale Bartosz
I started in the media world working for a local church capturing photo and video content. I remember talking with certain people back then how I could start opening up options for myself by doing photography or video for clients but really had no idea how to get things rolling. Read more>>
Shay Dockery
My journey began with a lot of challenges. Growing up, I experienced homelessness, instability, and trauma within an abusive home environment. As a young person searching for acceptance and belonging, I found myself surrounded by influences that led me down paths that were not healthy or productive. Read more>>
Thy Nguyen
I truly believe it’s a God thing. Chiropractic was never originally part of my plan. There are only about 18 accredited chiropractic schools in the United States, and at the time, I really did not want to go out of state for school. In fact, I didn’t even receive my first chiropractic adjustment until I was in chiropractic school. Read more>>
Telly Mallory
I have vivid memories of my younger self sitting for hours with crayons, sketching outfits behind a makeshift runway, imagining myself as a fashion designer. Looking back, I think that was the beginning of my love for fashion. That and the movie “Don’t tell Mom the babysitter’s dead.” Over the years, fashion became more than clothing for me. Read more>>
Ashley Abdenour
My career began in live events and music nearly 15 years ago, driven by a passion for bringing people together through memorable experiences. While attending Ferris State University, where I studied Music Industry Management and Business Administration, I started working in concert promotion, artist support, festival operations, and grassroots marketing. Read more>>
Cristina Gutierrez
I started Chica Churros because I have always loved churros but here in our area the only way we could get them is at the Mexican bakeries but in Mexico you can get them freshly made and when you have them that way you won’t ever want them any other way. So I started playing with different recipes. Read more>>
Tracy Hazel
Advanced Training and Consulting, LCC is a woman-owned small business based in Grand Ledge, MI that specializes in occupational health and safety services. Founded in 2007 by Tracy Hazel, the company acts as a dedicated safety resource for businesses of all sizes, helping them manage compliance, reduce workplace injuries, and build a safer company culture. Read more>>
levi knoll
I started pursuing culinary in 6th grade, attending week long immersion summer school classes. During regular school courses I was electing anything culinary related, as well as attended vocational school working in the schools bakery and restaurant my junior and senior year. Read more>>
Katie Eppley
In the fall of 2022, I found myself at a turning point. I had been working in education as an elementary school teacher for 7 years, but I was completely burnt out and knew I needed a change. Read more>>
John Hanson
I was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, and from an early age I was drawn to the arts. Throughout the 2010s, I lived in Grand Rapids, where I worked across music, film, and community events. Read more>>
Lucas Klein
What essentially started as making products for friends & family for birthday gifts & holidays slowly grew into a full time business. In the early 2010s, my husband Patrick started making bar soap & herbal body care products in our Chicago suburban apartment & selling a few things here & there on Etsy. Read more>>
Kristen Mccarter
I’ve always enjoyed creating spaces where people can connect, have fun, and try something new. In 2019, I launched Mixology in the D as a way to bring people together through immersive cocktail experiences that blend education, entertainment, and community. Read more>>
Sylvia Hubbard
My mother knew I was a writer before I knew it. (according to her) I used to lie to her when I was six or seven, and she used to punish me and then make me write the lie down. Afterward, I had to read it to her again, and I was given another punishment. I learned three things. One is that lies hurt. Read more>>
Ashley Doehring
I’m the owner of Wildwood Photo Booth, a luxury photo booth company serving Traverse City and the surrounding areas of Northern Michigan. What started as a simple idea to create fun, memorable experiences has grown into a business that allows me to be part of some of life’s biggest celebrations. Read more>>
Ellie Harold
I’m a late blooming artist–I started painting (when I was 52) in response to a second calling I received in 2002 while transitioning out of a career as minister of a Unity Church in Atlanta, GA. Read more>>
Dr. Brittany Turner
My journey began with a deep curiosity about people and their stories. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Olivet, followed by a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Doctor of Social Work degree from Capella University. Read more>>
Rachel McClenahan
I grew up in Muskegon and later joined the Laker community at Grand Valley State as a social work major. A lot of experiences in college – working at a YMCA after school program, being a Big Brother Big Sister mentor, working as a summer camp counselor, and interning in the court system- opened my eyes to the importance of healthy families for children. Read more>>
MR.1204
I started writing and performing music at a very young age! Performing has always been my passion! Live shows and performances is where I find peace. I wrote my first rap at the age of 10 and started performing live shows (talent shows) at the age of 13 years old. Read more>>
Adam Spencer
My journey in the culinary world started with a simple love for food and bringing people together. What began as working in kitchens and learning the craft evolved into a career spanning more than 15 years in the hospitality industry. Throughout that time, I worked my way through different roles, gaining experience in restaurants, catering, menu development, leadership, and operations. Read more>>
Bri Danielle
What began as a hobby became my whole life. I taught myself how to do my own makeup towards the end of college to save money. I didn’t know I’d end up loving doing makeup on myself. I began to post the looks on social media & discovered the world of beauty influencing. Read more>>
Amber Straughter
I started modeling my senior year of high school. A friend of my mother’s is also a fashion designer and noticed me right away. She convinced me to getting it to modeling and actually put me in my first show. After that, I fell in love with the feeling that modeling gave me. I was inspired to start building up my portfolio! Read more>>
Clint Kyro
These things can be very boring, so I’m going to keep it brief for your reading pleasure. I’m 52, grew up in a small town called Chassell in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and ever since I was a kid I’ve been into drums and drumming. Read more>>
Emily francis
I can remember becoming interested in cosmetology during my years at Chippewa Valley highschool. Bless my gfs, they would let me experiment on them before I had a clue what I was doing. I built a project in a creative writing class identifying what my own salon would look like as I dreamed of the freedom that comes with business ownership. Read more>>
Arlo Brandl
I began almost accidentally — as a nineteen-year-old college student staring at a rough loaf of bread and realizing I was more interested in baking than the path I was on. After a friend challenged me to pursue what genuinely interested me, I switched majors, immersed myself in baking books, and took a job at a local bakery the very next day. Read more>>
shahriar kobir
My journey started with a simple goal — to build something of my own that could bring people together through great food and hospitality. I moved to the United States in late 2023, and like many immigrants, the beginning came with a lot of challenges, uncertainty and hard work. Read more>>
Stephanie Sloop
I took a ceramics class in college at GVSU but didn’t really do anything with it. During lockdown my husband and I got hooked on The Great Pottery Throwdown! I decided to take a class and then I took another…and another. I asked if the studio I was taking classes at was hiring and it turns out they were! Read more>>
Taylor Brown
Chandler Charcuterie started in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID lockdown. I was home, like everyone else, and I just started making boards – picking up ingredients from the grocery store, arranging them on craft store trays, and selling them through Facebook DMs. It was purely a passion project. I had no grand business plan. I just loved doing it. Read more>>
Asia Rawls
My journey with running started as a child and eventually led me to compete at the collegiate level as an NCAA Division I athlete. What began as a love for competition evolved into a passion for coaching and helping others discover their potential through movement. That passion ultimately led me to become the founder of Machine Athletics, elite level coaching right here in Detroit. Read more>>
Sonya Harris-Oguzor
but was encouraged to take various other modalities as well to be adaptable. I was super ambitious and I wanted to be the very best massage therapist in the United States. While in school I practiced massage on my church members and those close to me so by the time I graduated massage school I had a few clients that were ready to pay me for my efforts. Thus unofficially a business was created. Later I’d have children and see a need to pivot into prenatal and perinatal massage before becoming a doula. Read more>>
Clare Ramirez
Honestly, Boxing House International was never part of some grand master plan. At the time, I had moved from Chicago to Southwest Michigan to open a restaurant and meditation retreat farm. Even though I was living in Michigan, I was still deeply involved in boxing. Read more>>
