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.

Kayla (Kiior) Smith

I started doing lashes in September of 2024; at first it was an interest of mines I just never found the time. When I went on strike at work I started practicing lash extensions everyday. In September my friends trusted me to do their lashes and from then on out I have been perfecting my craft. Lashes to me is a luxury service; giving you a sense of peace and relaxation. I now do lashes as a sense of meditation it’s not about the money just the gift of making pretty girls even prettier. “No look is complete without Klashes “ Read more>>

Jah Youmans

I am the CEO owner and operator of The Weirdo Collection I ship all orders, make designs, count inventory etc. All myself everything goes through me. I’m definitely looking to hire some people here in the near future as my business grows more and more. I specifically want to hire kids from my hometown to create more jobs for the youth and teach them entrepreneurship and different trades they can do. Read more>>

Brady Dice

Overall, the process has been smooth sailing. I encountered a few challenges in finding the perfect location, but I couldn’t have asked for a better team to support me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had them by my side at every stage, guiding me toward success. Each person understood my vision and helped me execute it flawlessly. From beginning to end, I moved quickly, ensuring that my circle stayed aligned and in the loop. It truly takes a village to reach your goals, and I’m grateful to have had such a solid one behind me! Read more>>

Joshua Parsons

We started out with just me Jacob(Lead guitar) and Aden(Bass) and we were looking for a drummer for the longest time and one day we stumbled across Phillip who was also looking to start a band so we reached out. Originally it was just me and my brother Jacob and Aden just knew how to play guitar a little bit, so Jacob noticed that Aden had big hands so he gave him a bass to play and it all just flowed from there. We have been playing together for three years and played our first gig about last year. Our purpose together is to hopefully bring back the pop punk/rock scene and just do something that we love. Read more>>

Javier Bardauil

That experience got me thinking about what I really wanted to do with my life before I died, so I left the university and I enrolled to culinary school. Then my journey as a young cook full of passion began and never stopped. I’ve been cooking for 30 years and it has been like playing the whole time! My life is incredibly, full of adventure, full of purpose, a very strong experience. Read more>>

Carrie Willink

We can’t mention all of these adventures without including our three biggest, little adventure partners! Remy, 10, Jade, 7 and Zavia, 2. Even though their legs are tiny, they are learning the art of adventure from an early age and are always up for the thrill of exploration. Seeing our girls’ eyes light up as we reach the summit and look out at the mountain view, or their minds spinning as we teach them what makes the grass green, the bird chirp, or why people and cultures are different from ours but equally as beautiful, makes all the extra work to travel with kids completely worth it. Read more>>

Dayci Luttrell

I’m Dayci, a traveling muralist based in Nebraska. I work in spaces that feel forgotten or overlooked, using color and unique imagery to pull them into something new. My work isn’t about making a statement—it’s about creating something that feels like it belongs, even if it doesn’t immediately make sense. My goal is to create work that lingers in a way you can’t quite put your finger on. Read more>>

Kailee Marie

Around the fall of 2014, my mom suggested going to Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) for graphic design and I started playing with that idea at Kent Career Technical Center attending graphic design classes to prepare for KCAD. At the time, it felt unrealistic to even be a photographer because society pushes you to get “a real 9-5 job” and “taking pictures” won’t pay your bills. But I loved the intersection of graphic design and photography, how they complement each other, and how they go hand in hand. Read more>>

Anastasia Klavon

Now that my life had taken a new direction, I enrolled at Douglas J. Aveda Institute and became a Licensed Esthetician in May of 2019. After working many years at Ulta (10 to be exact) and many roles like Clinique, Lancome, and eventually, full time in-house Makeup Artist, I felt the need to grow. This August, with the help of my husband Jarod, I went part time to start my own Makeup Artistry business called Artistry by Anastasia. I am so happy to be able to use my eye for color and attention to the skin to improve my clients day and make them feel their best selves with my art. It really is very special to me. Read more>>

Language Matters Steering Committee

We aim to build knowledge on campus about language variation and change, providing new understandings of our everyday experience of language and of each other as speakers, writers, and signers. Through the creation of outreach programs and online resources, Language Matters is geared toward creating an empathetic and inclusive atmosphere between students, staff, faculty, and surrounding communities. Read more>>

Katie Keegstra

Following my certification, I gained hands-on experience working at two wedding venues in West Michigan. After much prayer and reflection, I felt called to take the next step and officially launch my own wedding planning business. With a deep appreciation for event design, I also expanded my services to include a curated rental collection alongside my planning and coordination offerings. Read more>>

Leonardo Quezada

From my earliest memories, art has been a fundamental part of my life. My name is Leonardo Quezada, I am 26 years old, known as DJLEAN, and I am originally from Managua, Nicaragua. My journey in music began in 2012 when I discovered my passion for being a DJ. With the support of my father, who gifted me my first console, an RMX2 Hércules, I fully immersed myself in the world of music. Read more>>

Morgan Brooks

I also help run the social media for the salon, where I get to produce engaging videos and professional photos that showcase our work. Being in front of the camera feels like second nature, thanks to my background in acting and performing. Those experiences helped me grow confident and comfortable expressing myself, and I love bringing that same energy to the content I create now. Hearing people laugh and seeing them enjoy themselves has always been one of my favorite feelings. It’s the perfect reminder of why I love what I do. Read more>>

Bronwyn Smith

Not only did I find a place where I felt challenged and valued, I had energy and excitement back to work on Studio Bee as a concept and then a business. I always saw myself starting my own business at some point in my life, but with the typical structure of a dance career, thought it would be impossible until I retired from dance completely. Dancing with Deos Contemporary Ballet, I can do both! Being able to use my arts administration, marketing, and dance brains in my day to day work is so exciting and fulfilling to me. I have a perfect storm of inspiration and energy to lean into my work. Read more>>

Stacey Lewis

One of my proudest moments was when the senior editor of MarthaStewart.com reached out to feature me as a thrifting expert in their article, “9 Holiday Décor Items You’re Better Off Buying at Thrift Stores, According to Experts.” It was a full-circle moment—an opportunity to contribute to a publication that represents the ultimate in home and lifestyle inspiration. My photography has a feature in Visit Muskegon ‘s Visitor Guide. I love our beach town and excited to help get people to check us out! Read more>>

Sierra Vazquez

I would say that I’m most proud of not giving up on my talent and wanting to pursue something creative in life. I would say what sets me apart is that I try to find creative new ways to make a photo pop, different angles that people typically don’t use, but can make a very fun photo, and that the turnaround time for my photos is fairly quick compared to most because I have to sit there and edit even if I can’t leave that seat for several days I’m always trying to produce quick but great results Read more>>

Crystal Robertson

I was born and raised on the eastside of Detroit! I have over 15 years of experience as a director of operations, new hire onboarding manager and digital marketing manager for fortune 100 companies and have had the pleasure of developing a plethora of leaders to successfully manage their own teams. I sit on the board of directors for BUF and was a foster parent. As a foster parent I took pride in being a part of the “village” helping our children succeed. My 3 boys Richard, Dontez and Donis have by far been what I am most proud of and they certainly don’t take it easy on the fridge. I lost my parents 8 months apart, both had very little or no life insurance.  Read more>>

Jack Rutkowski

During a long lunch break on a big artificial turf field, waiting for the sun to shift positions, I grabbed a bunch of these markers and challenged the crew to a game. I threw out a yellow marker, then one of my blue ones, and told them to get closer. Before long, everyone was dialed in and having a blast. That’s when it hit me: “These are a WAY better use than for working out!” It was such a simple game—like bocce, where you roll a heavy ball to get close to a tiny ball called the pallino. But these hexagons could fly like a frisbee or be thrown like a lawn dart, overhand or underhand. The target could go anywhere, making a unique “course” out of every frame. It was like bocce, but with elements of cornhole, disc golf, and darts. Read more>>

Jena Hovey

Find something you’re passionate about and start there. For example, I love photographing live music so I blindly reached out to a music magazine and asked if I could shoot for them. They accepted my request and from there I have met so many amazing photographers who I can now call mentors. Finding and being active in forums online can also be helpful and will most likely open a lot of doors. Read more>>

Melissa Taylor

Melissa: My journey into the world of physical therapy began back in high school when I had the opportunity to shadow a physical therapist for a week. As an enthusiastic runner, both in high school and college, I faced my fair share of minor injuries. But instead of letting those setbacks hold me back, I discovered a passion for helping others navigate similar challenges. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of someone else’s recovery journey. Read more>>

Janine Rex

So, with over 20 years in the wedding industry, I’ve done it all—catering, bartending, planning, and executing unforgettable events. I’ve always dreamed of owning and running my own venue, so when the opportunity to manage Woodbridge came along, it was as if the stars had aligned. Now, I get to pour my passion and experience into creating seamless and beautiful celebrations in a place that truly feels like home. Read more>>

Asia Weber

Challenges include social media struggles, marketing, competition from other bookstores & other people out there with book bundles. One of the largest challenges is trying to convince people that I am a REAL bookstore and not just someone peddling my old used book collection. Not having a brick and mortar has been challenging however after meeting with a few realtors i realized it wasnt what i wanted, i want to be mobile with my store, so i decided upon a Book Mobile. Read more>>

Derrick And Erica Kratt

When we were in northern Georgia, we went to a coffee roastery, met the owner/roaster and talked for hours. It peaked our interest in learning how to roast coffee on our own. When we got home, we immediately ordered green coffee and roasted it in a cast iron skillet on an outdoor stove. We instantly fell in love with the process, then our friends and family wanted to try our coffee. It snowballed into selling our coffee during the holidays, then the pandemic hit and our coffee roasting business blew up, because we offered local delivery. Read more>>

Nic Mclean

School was no respite either since his parents signed a permission slip allowing school administrators to administer corporal punishment (beatings with a paddle). From kindergarten to 6th grade, there were no “safe spaces”. His father was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2001 and finally devoured by it in 2004. At the age of 17, he was thrust into the world of adulthood with distorted understandings of God, trust, forgiveness, and love. Read more>>

Fatima Loyola

After that, that lady recommended me to someone else and months went by when they recommended me to a real estate agent. I started to get more work. After a while, I registered my business, although I must say that I had no idea how to manage it until I began to educate myself and get to know the cleaning industry in more depth. I am still training. Currently, I have a team of 5 people but I continue working to have more clients and to be able to give work to more people. My dream is to have a great company and to be able to help women like me who are left alone with the responsibility of supporting the family. Read more>>

Forge The Sun

Coming up, Forge the Sun is set to take their music in a new direction, bringing heavier elements into their sound. Since doing this, they have landed a slot to play at Upheaval Festival this July, their biggest opportunity to date. The band is constantly reinventing and challenging themselves to learn new techniques and styles of music. Having a set that spans from progressive classic rock to early 2000s alt-hard rock to hardcore has become very on-brand for them! Read more>>

Dianne Boyer

When I graduated college in the 1980’s, it was a tough time to get a job. Living in the Detroit area, almost everyone I knew, including my father and brother, worked for General Motors, so it seemed like a good place to work, and it was. I spent 20 years at GM working in marketing and events and it gave me a great sense of how important dressing is in the workplace. You dress not just as a representative of the company but also as a representative of yourself. I learned how to manage both a company brand and a personal brand. A great training ground for a future stylist. Read more>>

Danielle Rancilio

This is such a labor of love for me, I really haven’t viewed anything as a struggle as it pertains to The Crone. Sure there have been markets where I sold very little, a market where I dropped a box and broke every piece of inventory I had, lots of failed kiln loads or ideas. Social media is tough, I have a lot to learn in that area, but overall I am just thrilled that people want to buy what I am making and that I get to keep on making more. Read more>>

Holly Trombley

Back in 2014, I had finally had enough of paying $9 for a bar of all Natural, hand made soap. I started making my own. It took a lot of work to get the perfect goats milk soap recipe but it was worth it. I started making my own lotions and deodorants as well because it was easier (and cheaper) then trying to find one’s that didn’t contain phthalates and other useless garbage chemicals. My husband convinced me to open a store to sell my products and have a Workshop to teach people to make their own products. I now own a beautiful historic building in downtown Richmond where you can come in and make your own bath and body products. Read more>>

Shadesha Johnson

This mission not only fulfills my desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives but also allows me to be a leader in my community. I take pride in creating job opportunities for others while ensuring that our clients receive compassionate and professional care tailored to their specific needs. Knowing that our work helps individuals maintain their independence while improving their quality of life is incredibly rewarding and drives my passion every day. Read more>>

Craig Washington

Well I have always been someone who likes help people. I get it from my mother. The reason I started Guided Grace Christian Services was to help people dealing with church hurt and grief and loss. I have been at a church for over 25 plus years that ended up becoming toxic and I ended up leaving there. I began to see how this really impacted people view of God and many people did not have no one to talk to about. Because of this people did not know who to trust or even take to, After I left my old church it was in a fog for a while and how to take it day by day, I had some trauma, it was a place I thought I would never leave but I did. Read more>>

Corrynn Jackson

It hasn’t been entirely smooth as every creative journey comes with its own set of challenges. There have been moments when translating my vision from a sketch on an iPad to a tangible, wearable piece was tougher than I imagined. Learning to balance the technical demands of sewing with my creative ideas meant I had to master new techniques and often rethink my approach. Some days, it felt like I was wrestling with fabric and form, trying to perfect every detail so that the final piece truly captured the emotion behind the design. Read more>>

Erica Jones

Once I started networking it was actually very easy for me to get the ball rolling. I knew at that moment it was meant to be, it just felt right. Once the publisher accepted my manuscript we started to work on the illustrations and Chris Dudley did an amazing job! He captured exactly what I wanted and we both visioned the same things. As far as being an Indie Author it’s about accountability, everything relys on you. Are you writing, are you promoting, is your work edited properly. Are you doing enough. If you’re not disciplined this can be a challenge for some. Read more>>

Tangela Dortch

I am known for being a make up artist and doing lashes as in lash clusters I love being a makeup artist. I am most proud of how strong my faith is and how consistent I am with my business when it comes to restocking products and getting flyers posted for clients. I can go on and on about a lot of things that I’m proud of when it comes to Arts Of She Studio but the consistency is the main one. What set me apart from others is that I’m genuine. I want of a kind. I’m rare. I come with no hidden agendas. You get what you see.. Read More>>

Nichole Haywood

My own healing and recovery journey underscored the importance of creating a welcoming space for those who find me through my website or social media platforms. I wanted to offer a haven where individuals could feel comfortable sharing their stories and exploring their inner power. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help others discover their unique strengths, beauty, and the love that surrounds them. Read More>>