Portraits of Michigan

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around KC.

Taylor Elias

My husband came up with the name Cremi Cookie because our daughter’s name is Remi (short for Remington) and our son’s name is going to be Colton so together he thought of Cremi! In just the past couple months Cremi Cookie has grown so much and I’ve been able to create the cutest cookie sets using my great great grandmother’s sugar cookie recipe and have become known for not just having cute designs but also really good tasting custom sugar cookies! Read More>>

Jafax, Inc.

JAFAX spent 17 years at the GVSU Allendale campus, growing to occupy multiple buildings and attracting more than 5,000 fans of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. To better accommodate attendees, JAFAX moved to the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Today, JAFAX is West Michigan’s longest-running animation celebration, with 2025 marking its 27th year. Read More>>

Jayla Emon Woodson

As time went on, I wanted more stability, so I worked in sales while still following my passion for beauty. I spent a lot of time learning and planning to reach my goals step by step. In January 2024, I lost my grandmother, and it was one of the hardest things I’ve faced. She was my rock, and her love inspires me to keep pushing forward. Everything I do now is in honor of her and the belief she had in me. My story is about finding strength, even during tough times, and staying committed to what I love. Read More>>

Sidney Anderson Dodge

I’ve always had a passion for using my artistic talents for good, which is why non-profits have been at the heart of my career. With seven years of experience in the field, I’ve made a name for myself crafting a unique professional path that blends creativity with purpose. At Wayne Metro, I’ve taken on roles that allow me to make a difference while fulfilling my artistic passions, producing everything from podcasts to documentaries to talk shows to commercials for local television. Through my work, I aim to uplift communities, share impactful stories, and use my skills to make the world a better place—all while paving my own way and proving that meaningful work can also be personally fulfilling. Read More>>

Kyle Hayman

Another hurdle would be financial problems, only sometimes having the resources or backing to help propel my career to the next level. Still, I work with what I have and don’t cry or complain about what I don’t enjoy doing what I love cause there is no telling how long I can do this to try to leave my impact on the world if my music can touch one person in this world on a deeper level, then this was all worth doing. Read More>>

Alecia Massad

I always knew that I wanted to have a career where I was allowed to express my creativity. I graduated with my BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Over the years I have been a freelance designer and social media manager for small businesses throughout the Metro Detroit area. But more recently I have wanted to tap into my love of nature and tie it into a creative business and that’s how the concept of opening Persephone began. Read More>>

Taylor & Payton Sanford

We’re known for our attention to detail and our ability to create a personalized experience. Every client is unique, and we take the time to understand their vision and ensure they feel completely at ease. What truly sets us apart is the vibe we bring to the process—it’s like hanging out with your sisters or your best girlfriends. We’re all about making the getting-ready experience feel fun, relaxed, and like a stress-free hangout session. Read More>>

Natalie Butler

June we got into The 4 Paws Market in Waterford. Throughout the summer my parents and I went to different dog events throughout Oakland County. We started seeing the same vendors and friendships started to form and without those friendships I wouldn’t be where I’m at now, I’m very grateful. Read More>>

Jazmine Williams

I am a COVID entrepreneur. Started my baking business in the mist of boredom and needing fun money for my family. I had this long lost dream to be a baker when I was 13. In 2020 it seemed to be a perfect time to give it a shot. My son’s 4th birthday was the first cake that I made that really sparked the desire. After a few family orders Moma Made It was born. Almost five years later I had pushed through and overcome so many obstacles to keep it growing Read More>>

Rosilene Rodrigues Demizu

Despite my established career, I longed for more time with my son. The pressures of my job and the guilt of being away from him began to weigh heavily on me, leading to a challenging period emotionally. After much discussion with my husband, I made the life-changing decision to leave engineering behind. My goal was to turn my hobby into a business, allowing me to work from home and spend more time with my family. Read More>>

Jessica Ramirez

Honestly my oldest sister was a model and she always kept me in the latest clothes or designer brands like Perry Ellis no one else was wearing my age growing up as a kid. I’ve only been actually modeling for a year, but always had a love for fashion. When she passed I took her goals as my own and made it my job to fulfill her dreams as if they were my own. I was scouted out in New York just walking around by a senior booker for NYMMG. She said she loved my look and from there it’s been nothing, but amazing experiences. Read More>>

Chelsea Olivo Benefield

By 2014, I decided I wanted to design my own fabric for my collections. I bought a Wacom tablet and began teaching myself how to draw and design. During my daughter’s naps, I would watch countless “how-to” videos to learn the skills needed to become a designer. Eventually, another company reached out to me, expressing interest in selling my fabric designs to their customers. That was such an exciting moment for me. I started freelancing that same year. Read More>>

Terri McConnal

My journey started with Stormie beginning of 2024. I was at a point in life where I was very depressed, self conscious, insecure and Desperate. My weight was the cause of my melancholy, my schedule didn’t permit me to workout nor did my off days. I’d mostly spent my downtime recovering from work or engaging with family, hidden away from society. All the while not realizing I’d also become socially awkward and developed social anxiety. I was no longer a confident, outgoing person that I once was. However, knowing that change wasn’t going to happen unless I did something I’d had never done before to get results I was looking for. I had experience with all the weight initiated supplements and promising trainers, Not to mention countless gym memberships. Browsing instagram and passing stormie page I remembered hearing a coworker talk about recently starting a shot that helped her reach her weight loss goal. I had already booked an appointment to have liposuction in 12 areas in the coming months. However the dr required I lose 20 pounds. I booked a consultation with stormie’s clinic knowing that she is a very respected nurse with exceptional knowledge. Skeptical, but willing to listen and learn this program that is designed for especially for me. The team was knowledgeable and helpful. They answered every question that I asked. If they didn’t know, they found the answers. They held me accountable and gave me options. The team explained the entire process, I was never in a state of wandering. I started losing inches first. Then actual pounds. I was super excited because I had lost the weight needed for my procedure. Thinking to myself “ what if I can keep losing weight and get to my actual goal weight”. This process took dedication, and consistency. But with my team and my results I would be crazy not to keep going. fast forward today I am at my correct BMI. My body feels healthy. The depression went with the weight. I have more energy, my confidence is at an all time high. I no longer struggle with body imagery issues. I have energy to engage socially accompanied with positive self esteem. Only issue I have is I can’t get a return on the money I put down on the procedure I paid for prior to meeting stormie team. Although I’m happy I didn’t need surgery or took the risk having cosmetic surgery with unknowing results. I’m forever grateful for House of Contour. I now have control over my life again and feel better about myself. Read more>>