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.

Crystal Smith

He printed 60 of them and sold out in 3 hours. From then on we knew we were on to something. My husband and I make a great team he has cool looking fun to play with toys and I have the cute and cuddly toys. I decided to expand into hats because I wanted ones that were warm and fun. Now you can get hats to match your critters. From there we decided to try our hand at a few others crafts like our tufted rugs that we decided to add to our booth. We started with a few shows here and there and have slowly expanded to shows all over Michigan and a website for people to always be able to shop with us. Read More>>

Milah Renee Aka Jamilah Wallace

Our work extends beyond traditional marketing, as we offer personalized consulting services to small businesses, helping them build strong brands, create innovative products, and expand their reach. Whether through crafting compelling visual narratives, building brand identities, or developing digital marketing strategies, we are passionate about supporting local businesses and nurturing the next generation of creators. Read More>>

Robert Yeo

Unlike a lot of companies, I do not really do a lot of advertising, between word of mouth and Recommendations from past clients, venues and fellow Wedding Professionals. It has been an incredible journey and I have the amazing support from my family and friends. I also Donate my time every year for the local Boy scouts they do a car show every year at the Marine City Maritime Days, As well as Walk N Roll for ALS at Kensington Park. It is always great to give back to the community that supports me so much. Read More>>

Lindsey And Ben Forche

While we LOVE what we do (it’s kind of dreamy that we sling coffee and brew beer and collaborate with the coolest artists and businesses), the unpredictability of a small business can be anxiety-provoking. Obviously, nobody could have foreseen a pandemic that would cause various widespread setbacks. But to be honest, the main struggles of business ownership are more personal: many nights away from our young children to work the taproom, precarious finances, long hours, the unrelenting necessity to innovate and adapt when we’re exhausted. While being able to exercise our creativity is an incredible perk, there are definitely times we wish we could be on autopilot for a day or two! Read More>>

Averi Slomp

My name is Averi Slomp and I own Little A’s Kitchen Personal Chef Service. I am a personal chef in the Grand Rapids area. I make meals for our hard working community, creating a stress free environment around meal time. I do weekly meal preparation services as well as dinner parties. Read More>>

Jill Tack

That passion eventually led me to open The Pet Beastro, a place where pet owners can find high-quality, natural food and holistic health solutions for their dogs and cats. My goal has always been to educate pet parents on the importance of nutrition and natural wellness so that their pets can live longer, healthier lives. What started as a personal mission for Max has now become a lifelong commitment to helping pets thrive. Read More>>

Maxine Bratus

As fate would have it, Two Wheel Tango closed rather abruptly. I was faced with the decision to carry on as a retail manager or shoot for my dream. With only $3000 to my name, I took the leap. I spoke with a family friend about starting an LLC and they helped me with my Articles of Incorporation. I began speaking with the co-owners of Sic Transit Cycles, as they had recently acquired a new lease and didn’t have plans yet for their upstairs space. I negotiated a win-win deal utilizing a tiny space in their shop for bike fitting, selling their parts and equipment without a commission in exchange for low-overhead “rent”. This little experiment proved beneficial for both businesses. Everybody has grown as a result of this symbiotic business relationship. Read More>>

Kyle Brown

Fast forward to after graduation, and I decided to move out from New Jersey to Toledo, Ohio to pursue a degree in photography. After graduating in 2017 with my photography degree, I knew my two passions were sports and concerts. Those were the two areas of photography I found to be more “me” as I didn’t enjoy taking photos of still subjects, and preferred things that I couldn’t control. Things with a lot of movement, lighting I had to adapt to, and were fun and different each time I shot something. By learning, and networking through clients in and out of college, I was able to get my foot in both doors and start my photography career in a successful manner immediately. Read More>>

Andre Barker

Through acrylic, I saw the potential for greater expression and the ability to create a more impactful visual language with my art that I could not have done with graphite or charcoal. So, I began learning how to paint in 2023. While working on my first painting titled “Attack on the Night” I began planning out my thesis and the work I wanted to create for it. It wasn’t until I had an outline done, an elevator pitch, and a clear plan for what I wanted to do that I began reaching out to galleries. One of which is the gallery that now represents me called M Contemporary Art in Ferndale, Michigan. After I graduated, I became an adjunct professor at Wayne State University, and I was able to have my first gallery solo show in 2024. Read More>>

Shannon Bishop

All this hard work led me to where I am today! I currently reside in Livonia, Michigan (with my family) after a decade of the California dreaming. I now have a Studio that I run with my business partner, and we rent out our studio space to photographers, for events, model calls and photoshoots. I maintain my chair there, and it’s where my hair business is as well. I specialize in Bridal Hair Styling and cutting and coloring, along with being certified in Bellami Extensions. Read More>>

Danielle Viaene

While I was working at that salon I also trained at the American Beauty Show in Chicago and Redken HeadQuarters in NYC with the same excitement as the first time in Las Vegas. I eventually decided to part ways from that salon and step into a new salon that I am currently at. The enthusiasm and passion for my career continues as I stepped into a new adventure. I am currently focusing on scalp wellness and exploring different hair products. My son is now 7 and a half years old and has grown up in the salon. I love showing him what it takes to follow your dreams and really work hard for it. Read More>>

Jayda Williams

My journey into the beauty world started quite young. I remember being a young girl, maybe 12-13 years old, who loved doing my grandmas make up and hair. Whenever I would visit her I would apply her foundation, blush, mascara and lipstick and style her hair with the curling irons or sometimes braid her hair like Princess Leia. Read More>>

Samuel Zeeryp

Fast forward to today, and my brand has evolved once again. Bitchin’ Blowouts has transitioned into The Hairapist—a name that embodies what I do best: Transformations from the inside out. Hair is deeply personal, and for many clients, the salon chair is more than just a place for aesthetic change—it’s a space for renewal, for self-discovery, for healing. My mission is to create those life-changing moments, both through technical expertise and authentic connection Read More>>

Chris Nicolaou

On the business side, I’m the founder of Phantom City Records – which I’m proud to say is the first fully-housed hiphop record label in Dallas. Our long-term vision is to keep local artists in Dallas. We’re major label going through puberty. We provide aspring artists industry standard marketing materials, Arist Development, videography, music production and studio time. Read More>>

Kate Pearson

Owning a business doesn’t mean you have the schedule you want and the income you’ve always strived for. It means long days that turn into nights. Cancelled vacations because of broken water pipes. Children who want you home more but the bookwork and payroll needs to be done. Managing staff sick days and maternity leaves and the necessity for mental health breaks. Read More>>

Samantha Vanderson

Wedding photography in particular has been my primary area of focus over the last several years! I enjoy the flow and pace of the day and the overall joy that comes with preserving family legacy. I approach each wedding with passion & vision to capture the coupe’s day which will tell a timeless story. As time has passed, I have had a lot of clients come back to me to preserve more life milestones. It’s such a privilege to be invited back time and time again to watch a family as they grow and change. Read More>>

Kendra Henley

That is how Kendra La Crème Cookies was born! After watching The Christmas Cookie Challenges for years on Food Network and seeing decorated sugar cookies throughout various bakeries and stores. I took the leap to decorate in 2019. Working as an elementary teacher, my time was limited. Since the first cookie set, I’ve grown to become a cottage food baker that absolutely loves helping people celebrate anything and everything with the help of a little sweet sugar treat. Read More>>

Shalandria McGlown-Allen

Hot Commodity Eyewear LLC not only protect your vision from digital screens, but they also keep dirt and dust from getting into your eyes. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. With offering blue light lenses and 100UV-400UV protection. Convenience unlike contact lenses, glasses are easy to put on and take off. With numerous styles, colors, and shapes, eyeglasses are up to date on the latest fashion trends. Ensuring options to fashionable accessories any outfit and enhance your facial features. Read More>>

Cynthia Hagedorn

Painting and creating with people is deeply meaningful to me. I am humbly told that when someone steps into my peaceful studio, they quickly feel comfortable, empowered, and relaxed, allowing them to release their
message onto the canvas. I call this experience a conversation in color on a canvas—a way for people to process, express, and communicate beyond words. Read More>>

Caidy Brasure

Excited to embark on this new journey, I eagerly shared my goal of becoming a Styling and Braiding Specialist. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was met with discouragement, as others doubted my ability to succeed in such a niche field, insisting that no one went to cosmetology school for that purpose. Despite the negative feedback, I remained determined to turn my passion into my purpose. Sixteen years later, I stand proud as an Award-Winning Hair Styling and Hair Extension specialist, with a focus in Editorial, Bridal and Braiding, while also helping other professionals advance their own artistry as an Industry Educator. Read More>>

Jane Stoepker

Her initial desire to pursue her own artistic creations, including greeting cards, never went away and resulted in the founding of SeeJaneRun. Jane’s success as an illustrator was recognized by the Muskegon Museum of Art in 2020 and was featured in the “20 f0r 20: Celebrating Michigan Illustrator”s”. Her children’s books, written and illustrated by Jane, were featured at a west Michigan bookstore and, along with her greeting cards, have been sold on line. Read More>>

Scott Dickson

More to the point, fortunately my creative interests were always supported by my parents. Art and music lessons balanced out the typical sports-based extracurriculars. That gave way to skateboarding hangouts in the driveway, all too-loud jam sessions in the basement (during my Dad’s home office work hours), and a bedroom-turned art studio/creative think tank. I don’t think I was fully aware of the either the direct or indirect encouragement that I was provided in my youth, the encouragement to pursue things in a way that made sense to me. This is my call to all of the parents out there- support your kid’s interests- no matter what. It is worth it. Read More>>

Patrick Wise

Upon returning to my hometown of Petoskey, Michigan in 2018, I established a Live Artist business and continue to exhibit my work in local galleries, along with accepting commissions. I am honored to have received the prestigious gold medal award on Mackinac Island, where I was also granted an artist residency to capture the island’s unique natural beauty. My artwork is proudly displayed in homes and businesses across the United States. Read More>>

Jill Decelle

In the beginning it was tough juggling all the tasks alone. I was working a full time job in the medical field and had 2 small kids under the age of 5 and my husband traveled for work frequently. But we made it work! It was a great experience showing my kids how to juggle multiple responsibilities and succeed in doing it. My kids, now teenagers LOVE helping me in the business. My daughter is quickly becoming a talented crafter and artist herself. Read More>>

Rachel Baker

I think I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. As a child, I spent a lot of time at my gram’s house, where she saved everything any of the grandkids ever made. Recently, I found old flyers I had typed up as a kid, offering horseback riding lessons, pet-sitting, and even brushing pets—despite being too young to do any of those things. Read More>>

Jannah Garback

Jannah G is an emerging artist and singer-songwriter known for blending elements of R&B, Pop and soul in her music. Her sound often incorporates smooth melodies and emotive lyrics, reflecting themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Jannah G has been gaining attention for her unique voice and authenticity of her music. While she may not yet be a household name, she has been building a following through platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Her style and musical contributions are often compared to other contemporary R&B and soul artists like Joss Stone, Alicia Keys and Adele. Read More>>

Tara Thomas

Despite the difficulties, every struggle taught me something valuable. They shaped my strength, resilience, and determination to not just survive but thrive. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step. Each setback became a setup for a comeback, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Read More>>

Paul White

My concern wasn’t with what people thought of me, rather, I became laser-focused on giving them something they could believe in beyond the “up until covid success” of our business. That’s when I became a syndicated columnist with a weekly column that focuses on a positive perspective on things we all face in life. That led to the book I wrote “The Answer Discovery” which is a book designed to help people believe in themselves and then utilize that belief to help others. People now see me in a completely different light versus when I was running the business. Read More>>

Lauren Rice

After college, I gained valuable experience working in a print shop and then as a marketing specialist at a local dentist office. These roles helped me apply my creative skills in a professional setting for the first time. Currently, I work as a marketing specialist in the healthcare field, designing materials like member brochures, ID cards, and various other designs as needed (flyers, social media graphics, etc). Read More>>

Erin Reinholtz

I worked as an Art Therapist for a number of years before choosing to stay home to raise my children. All this time, I had been making my own art. But as a mother of young children, I didn’t make time for it anymore. I was still creative, photographing my kids and other people and some of the landscape around us, but it didn’t fulfill me or feel the same as drawing and painting had. It wasn’t until that moment when I thought I wouldn’t ever be able to paint what I saw again that I realized I took it for granted. Read More>>

Emily Miller

I stopped thinking about medical school and instead traveled back and forth to California to study Chinese Facial Diagnosis under the top Chinese Face Reader in the world, Lillian Bridges. It was through learning about face reading and understanding organ imbalances that I then became really interested in learning how to use nutrition therapy to help bring harmony and balance back into someone’s life and body. After I became certified in Chinese Facial Diagnosis, I obtained a Master degree in Human Clinical Nutrition and then became a Certified Nutrition Specialist to combine everything I know about facial diagnosis and what I can see in someone’s face with nutrition. Read More>>

Matalyn Rowe

I have made some of the best relationships with people. I get to capture people start new journeys, fall in love, create life, creating new memories, the list goes on! It truly is the best job. One of my favorite perks of my job is being able to travel the world! I have done weddings in: St. Lucia, Costa Rica, Mexico and all over the USA. I have captured over 150+ weddings, and I have zero intentions of stopping. Read More>>

Meghan Baker

Great Lakes Modern specializes in interior design featuring hand picked antiques to make a space look “period appropriate” to look classic Northern Michigan. I try to create a “nostalgic experience” through my spaces that make you feel like you took a step back in time. I create this by using anything vintage, games, books, decor to create this vibe. Read More>>

Deante Pinkett

Im a recording artist from Detroit Michigan. And i feel my witty bars and punchlines set me apart because at times it can be right in your face simple, then there others where you actually have to think about. I feel my song “Get Money” ft Tone Lee is one of my most put together song that i have , song is available on all digital streaming sites as well as the music video on YouTube. Read More>>

Leslie Cirinesi

When I was on my late 40s, I started studying Reiki, which is energy healing, and helping people get into a meditative state so that their body can heal itself . The more that I did, the more my intuition continued to grow and open. I started to notice that during sections that I would get “messages”. This would happen when I was given Ricky to humans and to animals. I didn’t really give it too much credence until the year that I turned 50. Read More>>

Christina Hamman

While reflecting on these possibilities, I had the privilege of meeting Quinn Laird, LMT, CYT, Reiki III who provided me with massage therapy. This connection re-engaged an idea I had brewing a while ago: integrating massage therapy and yoga with psychotherapy. I saw an exciting opportunity for collaboration and presented the concept to Quinn. She enthusiastically agreed, becoming not only my first independent contractor but also the co-founder of Embody Healing Collective. Together, we began planning in February 2024, and by June 2024, Embody Healing Collective was born. Read More>>

Damian Paxton

I created Burning Flesh Pyrography to use as a catalyst to explore my own abilities and challenge myself from an artistic standpoint. Wood burning became my preferred medium by way of two personal interests: tattoos and western culture. Since creating this platform, I’ve since expanded my horizons beyond what I’d previously imagined possible for me. I now work with wood, acrylic paintings, sketches, flash art, and most recently and by far the most challenging, glass etching. Read More>>

Kyrah Gradford

With little to no success, I joined the Pom/dance team in band. It refueled my love for the sport, therefore I extended my knowledge and went into higher education for dance performance. Since graduating in 2020, I have had the privilege of dancing for both locally and globally known artists. I have also had the privilege of television appearances! Today, my hopes are to continue to excel in my career, while connecting and exchanging stories with others, being inspired while sharing inspiration. Read More>>

Maya Green

During law school, I gained experience in criminal law, working on cases ranging from juvenile offenses to traffic violations and even homicides. However, I quickly realized that criminal law was not the path I wanted to pursue. At the same time, I was also working as a guardian ad litem, looking after children in foster care. Through this role, I discovered that I could help the same demographic of underprivileged children in a different way—one that did not necessarily involve being their attorney. Read More>>

Sade Weathers

Well, where do I even start? I was brought in this world by my lovely parents Gwendolyn and Michael Weathers. My parents were my first number one fans that ensured that anything I work hard for is always possible to achieve. Also, being raised in a Christian household faith, obedience and prayer was very high principal in my household and help shape my perspective in life. Unfortunately, although my parents did an amazing job creating a beautiful woman, they’ve sadly both passed but ended up with best seats from heaven to watch me thrive! Read More>>