Michigan’s Most Inspiring Stories

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.

Marie Thouvenot

Since I had time on my hands, I decided to do a career reassessment with the help of a French professional. After a few weeks of introspection work and personality tests, I’ve been clued in to the fact that working in the area of alternative therapies or nutrition may be a good fit for my personality and skills. That’s when a hypnosis training caught my interest and curiosity. Read More>>

Bri Mathias

The work/play balance is a tough one to master, even to this day. So yes, it’s taken me years to get to where I am now and I’m still not even close to where I want to be; but that’s half the fun of it – the journey. I know I’ll get there because of how far I’ve already come. You don’t always realize the measure of the strides you’ve made until you turn around and look at where you started. Read More>>

Ari’el Chenise

Then before I realized it I was in school for Fashion Design at Dallas College and in 2017 I was able to showcase one of my designs. That little spark showed me that I could do this. I ended up launching a company called Le’iralogy but it didn’t really fulfill me like I had thought. So I rebranded myself and randomly one day I was looking at some unused fabric I had and decided to make a clutch and named it “The Anvelop”. At that’s when the creative wheels started spinning and I changed my brand’s official name to Ar’Re and relaunched it in my hometown. Read More>>

Dtrap_

So, In 2016, I dove into my music career using a small Android phone with an app called Groove Mixer. At that time, I wasn’t thinking about making money from it; rather it was all like just for fun with music. As a teacher, Stanly used to share tips with me, and one day, I stumbled upon a life-changing YouTube video: “How to Make a Metro Boomin X 21 Savage Type Beat in FL Studio” by Nick Mira from Internet Money Records. That video opened my eyes to the professional side of music production, and I knew I wanted to dive deeper. Read More>>

Dj Pressure

Collaborating with other people isn’t always the easiest. Knowing the right people to have around myself and my brand has been something interesting to figure out to say the least. I think another issue is venues not trusting new faces to hold it down. Working with the same wo=folx definitely builds community etc. but it stunts the growth when opportunities are passed to people that have been around for years. Read More>>

Taylor Gilson

I specialize in providing both services and am absolutely passionate about working with couples to identify core issues and concerns in marriage and to strengthen communication and a shared sense of vision for their marriage or relationship. I am passionate as well about helping individuals to work through their traumas experienced in efforts to live a more hopeful and meaningful life. At Mid-Mitten Psychological Services, we provide counseling at an individual, couples and family level and accept most insurances. Our goal is to help the client to feel valued and to empowered to pursue their individual treatment goals without fear of judgement. Read More>>

Sarah Castle

In the end, it is up to you as an individual to choose YOU over EVERYTHING because what you may think of as love, could just be the persuasion of lust that is enacted flawlessly by narcissists. Because their behavior is an instilled trait that has been rehearsed time and again, telling what is real and what isn’t would save you from an ocean of heartache. Take heed of my experience and use the advice in my book to safeguard your mind, body, and soul from those who are meant to destroy you. Read More>>

Barry Walton

Barry’s work has been widely recognized, earning him 18 awards for Best Documentary Short for his film Empty America and an Emmy for a one-time sports special that aired on FOX Sports. Today, he runs his own media company, Endless Media, where he collaborates with professional and college athletes to document their stories and share them with the world. In 2024, he expanded his creative work by becoming an author, completing his first book, The Unknown Adventure, which reflects his dedication to storytelling and exploration of the human spirit.  Read More>>

Samantha Allen

I couldn’t believe it. I was now selling at markets, on Etsy, and had my plushies in 2 stores. We were growing so fast, it was getting difficult to keep up. I had to take a short break from everything from December of 2023 until this fall due to having complications in my second pregnancy and having my son born via an emergency c-section 8 weeks early. Since then, I have quit my full time job and get to raise my babies and crochet. It took me a while to get back on track but I’m participating in markets again and coming up with even more fun and exciting ideas! I have never been as happy as I am at this point in my life. Read More>>

Chris Fox

I grew up in a small city here in Michigan, Ionia. My mother was an amazing artist, and my father is a fantastic musician. My whole life they both heavily supported anything I felt was my calling, but being their son, I believe being around them molded my interests to their skill set. So I too ended up becoming an artist and musician. Read More>>

Gerald Turner

Just like anything in life you have your ups and down. You have days where filming goes perfect. No issues with cameras, lighting or artist. On the other hand it can be a nightmare. For example the first short film title Doves Cry, we had to film the whole project over due to issues with audio and lighting. I was frustrated but I took it as a learning lesson. Read More>>

Whitney Waz

I’m currently in the middle of releasing my EP called, the psychosis project or maybe summer diaries I haven’t decided haha, I just hit 55 thousand streams for a record I did with my homie, Curator! Super huge and feels so good and I’m excited about the visuals that I’m bringing into my project with the help of the homie Frostyyyy ! So life is good and I’m really happy with how my music career in unfolding🫶🏻 Read More>>

Gabriel Carter

When I began my secondary education, I realized that some of the larger collegiate music schools weren’t the best fit for me. As a result, I chose to attend Grand Valley State University, where I created my own major (Art Politics) through the Integrative, Religious, and Intercultural Studies program. Twelve years later, I am excited to announce the publication of my e-book, An Introduction to Art Politics. In addition to music production and touring, I audit art program curricula and advocate for a more diverse and comprehensive range of educational offerings within these programs. Read More>>

Yvonne Holt

On Mothers day, May 2000, my daughter Aniya, passed away. I felt my story was unique surrounding her death, I was inspired to share it in my first published book, “Deliverance Shall Come.” Many shared they were inspired by my story. I enjoyed using my words to create a Happy and Peaceful feeling inside others despite the dismal situation. I thought how many other people need help telling their story. I wanted to help. Read More>>

Marcus Ragains

im a young successful creative kid from the suburbs. I was adopted into my new family at the age of two and before i could know it I turned 18. I played sports for 13 years and started to gain social media presence in 2015-2019 hosting bicycle meet ups for the community while posting it to youtube. one of the video’s/posts got a $600 sponsorship which lead to a bigger and stronger following in my community, This was Quite a hobby to get made fun of for. This was the beginning of highschool for me..  Read More>>

Dr. Kelli Morgan

After receiving my master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I set out to change the discriminatory foundations of traditional Western art museums. Thus, the concept for the Black Artists Archive began germinating in 2011 when I visited Kellie Jones’ groundbreaking exhibition Now Dig This!: Art and Black Los Angeles, 1960-1980. I identified immediately that I needed to bring more visibility to the fact that Black artists in L.A. were not an anomaly. The artists in the exhibition in L.A. were just one example of a much larger scenario. Read More>>

Megan Trigg

I’m a self taught braider that started at the young age of 8. I braided hair until I graduated high school in 2008 and stopped for 10 years. At the end of 2018 I started praying to God about finding my purpose in life. I was praying and meditating so hard that in 3 days his voice came to me and said ‘I gave you your gift a long time ago and you’re not using it’ I instantly knew what that was. I immediately enrolled at Douglas J. Aveda in Royal Oak, MI to complete their cosmetology program. I used my God given talent to open up ToriLee Studios in 2019 and I have been braiding professionally since. Read More>>

Michelle Segba

My drive for perfection makes me my toughest critic, constantly pushing me to refine and improve my work. While I can distinguish between objective criticism and subjective opinions, the pressure to meet both my high standards and the expectations of others can be overwhelming. Fashion design demands not only creativity but also immense dedication, commitment, and resilience. It’s a field that tests my ability to persevere through tight deadlines, evolving trends, and fierce competition, but my passion fuels my determination to succeed. Read More>>

Kirsten Field

As a mom, I was tired of buying the same boring craft kits that only lasted 20-30 minutes and then ended up in the garbage because of low-quality materials. I wanted more for my girls. I saw the importance of teaching them about influential women and thought, “what if I created crafts kits that combine the introduction to these mighty women with a tangible keepsake craft to remember their story?” Read More>>

DJ Boutdatlyfe

Well, To Be Completely Honest, Music Is In My DNA And Has Always Been A Pivotal Part Of Who I Am Or Forever Will Be.. For as long as I can remember, music has always been a constant part of me and my everyday Life, shaping me into the man I am today.. I come from a long line of dj`s, my mother, uncle, just about everyone in my family really, and growing up watching them move the crowd and keeping the party so hype was just so super exciting for me to see and experience, so it’s no big surprise to see me following in their footsteps. Read More>>

Ta’rod Gaston

Before I found the passion for fitness, I was mentally lost and didn’t have any direction on where I was going in life. Often I would find myself blaming others for the way my life was and not taking accountability for my own actions. I would say I had a negative mindset for a few years and I’d put my focus on things that would negatively impact my thoughts which would lead to me having bad days. Fitness has changed that completely. Read More>>

Dwayne Byrd

I was actively involved in sports throughout high school, competing in track, football, and wrestling during my junior year. Unfortunately, I sustained a severe ankle injury, tearing three ligaments during football season, which sidelined me for the remainder of the year. During that time, I purchased a camera and began photographing the games. It was then that I discovered my talent for photography, and I’ve pursued it ever since. Read More>>

Dave Tuzinowski

I started surfing sometime after I graduated from College, but I look more like a basketball player then a surfer. I’d usually ride smaller out of the way breaks because I’m not all the good at being 6’7″ tall. On a flight back to mainland, I had lots of time to think as it was a long flight. I came up with the name “Detroit Surf Co.”. to combine my nickname “Detroit” and my surfing hobby. Read More>>

Annie Alberts

My journey into spiritual healing and wellness began before I even fully realized it. I believe we all have a purpose long before we step onto this Earth, but for me, the path became clear when my older sister introduced me to the world of energy and healing at just 11 years old. From that moment, I had a deep knowing and began exploring holistic remedies and energy work, turning to them as a way to nurture both myself and others. Read More>>

Madeline Hopkins

Growing up I had a lot of favorite content creators and it was always a small dream of mine to maybe one day get to have a community of my own. As my following grew on TikTok I realized I could use my social media for more then just advertising my art, I could use it to connect with people all over the world, who enjoy similar things that I do. I am not quite what you’d call an influencer but I have a community even if its small and I love them all the same. Read More>>

Ashley Bader

I believe teaching and coaching not only adults but kids that maneuvering through the comfortable into the uncomfortable is an unforeseen gift as it all leads to growth and that seeing life through a positive lens is an actual super power. Just know that you are not alone in this season of life, that you will never have to be put in a box with everyone else and you deserve to shine and live the life you deserve because you are simply and amazingly you. Be a warrior for you and remember you got this. Read More>>

Jess Jarrard

Metta + Moxie is a women’s wellness practice in the Metro Detroit area. We want to change the narrative of how women care for themselves. Through the mind+body connection, we strive to help every woman feel seen, heard, and abundantly cared for. We created a space for women to care for themselves through talk therapy as well as yoga and movement of the body. Read More>>

Kyla Hendricks

I was inspired to start sewing by my great-grandmother at an early age. My Great-grandma, Hazel Taylor was a wonderful seamstress and quilt maker. I did some hand sewing in my early years but graduated to a sewing machine by age 11. My first garment that I made, with a sewing machine, was a faux fur coat for my Barbie! I had no clue how to feed the top thread or bobbin thread through the machine. I didn’t know how to measure the Barbie doll properly (much less a real human!). Somehow, I figured it out and pulled off a full-length coat with a hood and scarf attached. I still have it to this day. Four decades later, I still love sewing as much as when I made my first garment. Therefore, I feel it’s in my DNA. Read More>>

Faye Baker

I later took equity out of the second home and turned that into a rental and purchased my third home. Having a house made it easy to save for a down payment because the house was saving money while I slept. Fast forward to 2008 when the housing market crashed, and employment was uncertain I leveraged my 401K and my kid’s 529 plans and I began to buy homes that were meager cost. I was able to turn those homes into rentals and those rentals were able to put three kids through college. Read More>>

Lindsay Skowronek

I gravitate towards creating “spooky” art that most could find disturbing, hence why I named my business, The Uglies. What started off as doing make-up looks in my room suddenly became my motivation to go to school for Special Effects. I graduated from Multimedia Makeup Academy and shortly after started an internship at one of Michigan’s best haunted attractions, Erebus, where I got to assist with painting a variety of scary sets. Once the haunt season was over, I set out to focus on my small business and challenged myself to see what I could produce! I just finished my first art expo and cannot wait to keep creating and see where I end up. Halloweentown, perhaps? Read More>>

April & Evan Hoard & Marrero

April and Evan moved back to Aprils home (East Lansing) in 2021 and started VisionScapes the following spring in 2022. We seldom tell the whole story of what pushed us to start our own business as it is heavy and personal. But I feel it’s worth noting how even the most painful experiences can birth extraordinary transformations in our lives and set us in a new direction we did not perceive previous to that event.  Read More>>

Lauren Howell

I’ve had a love for interior design as far back as I can remember. From antiquing with my grandma to HGTV marathons with my dad on the weekends. I was always changing my room or rearranging furniture with my mom. In college I had the opportunity to help staging for a realtor and starting taking on friends and family as clients. After we had our first daughter, and pregnant with my son I knew I wanted to further pursue my passion and with the big push of my husband, opened up G & Co and started taking on clients. G standing for my daughter, Georgie and Co, my son Copeand. (now we have 2 more littles!) Read More>>

Wes Conkling

We started out as just an Idea from the mind of a 15 year old kid. His determination quickly made us a real business and over a couple years of hard work and tenacity he we are today. Our journey was full of ups and downs but that makes us who were are today. Our goal from the beginning was to bring exceptional car care to the West Michigan area at an exceptional price. Read More>>

Jacob Robbins

I started music production after my wife (girlfriend at the time) bought me Ableton 10 Suite for Christmas in 2019 and started producing music on New Year’s Day in 2020. I never looked back! Since then, I have grown a small following on SoundCloud and other various platforms that seem to appreciate the music I make. Read More>>

Kristine Choate

I have definitely learned a lot of lessons along the way! I think a lot of people have misconceptions of what owning a hair salon truly entails. Since working in so many different types of salons, I had a decently well rounded view of things but there were still many curveballs thrown my way. Read More>>