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.

Michelle Marzejon

No, may speed bumps. I came from a single mom, dad passed away when I was 6 years old mom went to waiting tables for a living after not working, My older siblings were all out of the house by the time I was 9yrs old. I had to grow up fast and take care of myself at a very young age. I have worked since I was 11 years old and had no college education (only 1 semester) or experience of any kind in running a business. The business went through some very hard times during 2009 recession and of course surviving through covid. Read more>>

Chelsea Krejci

Then came Chelsea Nicole Co., my virtual assistant and online business management brand. As someone who knows how chaotic entrepreneurship can get, I started offering services to help other small business owners get back their time and peace of mind. I specialize in organization, launch support, and marketing, and now I’m building out an agency to support even more entrepreneurs with the systems and support they need to grow. Read more>>

Lindsay Lane

I began my college journey at Wayne State University, then transferred to the University of Michigan-Dearborn. There, I majored in health policy, which was the perfect intersection of my interests in medicine and law, complemented by coursework in business and marketing. Not long after graduating, I applied to law school and was accepted at Detroit Mercy Law the following year. Read more>>

Maria Baldwin

We specialize in resin art that honors both personal memories and the natural beauty around us. Our floral preservation pieces are crafted with care—encasing your cherished blooms in resin to create timeless keepsakes. Whether it’s a bouquet from a wedding, celebration, or memorial, we transform your flowers into lasting works of art. Read more>>

AURESCENT

I have, like, core memories with my grandma who was an artist her whole life—drawing on scrap paper in the Great Depression, and though she dreamed of being an illustrator for Hudson’s department store catalogues, she pursued art personally and painted like psychedelic nude mannequins, really intricate work on board and canvas, and had work at the Scarab Club in Detroit in the 1960s and 1970s, including a deactivated WWII bomb in protest of the Vietnam War. A main thing I remember personally is my grandma making paper dolls with me, and bringing me ones that were hers from the 1930s that I still have. A lot of drawing and playing dress up, and watching Old Hollywood films is like what wired my brain being like “how can I get paid for that and do it every day?” Read more>>

Dan Saunders

One home became two and soon people asked me to manage their second homes. A business was born and my inventory grew, but I was managing all this from Chicago. At the same time our family was growing and we decided Chicago wasn’t the right place for us to raise kids, so we moved to New Buffalo in 2009. It’s been a long road with different versions of what you see today in Third Coast Vacations. This growth has happened organically, by word of mouth and we take a lot of pride in that. Read more>>

Dana Bartos

In 2019, I took the plunge and decided to start my photography business. I began with Christmas mini sessions and small photoshoots for friends. In the fall of 2020, my son started T-ball during the height of Covid, and the town’s photographer had quit. Wanting to capture my son’s first T-ball season, I took individual and team photos and offered my services to other families. My photos weren’t perfect, and I definitely didn’t know what I was doing with sports photography, but I was happy to have a keepsake of my son’s first season. Read more>>

David Holowchak

We’re not doing anything that isn’t already available to the public in some way, shape, or form. The things that separate our brand from others is that we’re not afraid to dip into a myriad of things or fail at them either. We try and offer really unique designs in our own branded products and at the same time we’re open to developing other people’s ideas, brands, custom products and even production if needed. We don’t close our doors to sharing knowledge or helping. Read more>>

Michael Maxim

After a thirty four year career in a different profession, also of public service, I decided to combine my love of people and my love of architecture and move on to the next career of my life. The journey of life as well as in real estate sales, has given me more great memories. Read more>>

Scott Church

Rob had some health issues related to his heart so when he called me one day and told me that he had some health news, I figured it was about that. It turned out to be much worse. He had lung cancer. Rob never smoked a day in his life and was always in reasonably good health, so this was a shock. He started to forget things and asked me one day at the end of July how he was doing in our fantasy football league. At this point I was really concerned. The cancer was obviously affecting more than his lungs. Read more>>

Donna Bragg

Once an adult struggling with morbid obesity and diagnosed with hypertension and prediabetes, Donna knew she had to turn her life around—not only for herself but for her family. In 2020, she obtained certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has lost 110 pounds without the aid of medications or restrictive dieting! Through her business, No Rules Health, she now helps others make lasting lifestyle changes for better health. Donna is passionate about learning new skills daily to improve her and her family’s lives, which led her to earn an Accounting degree from the University of Phoenix. Read more>>

Carrie Hill

Last year, in 2024, we logged over 25,000 volunteer hours and sent just over 3 millions servings of food around the world. We are able to accept volunteers of any age and we love providing the opportunity for families to serve together. We are also an “all abilities volunteer site” and do our best to accommodate different needs and abilities. We regularly welcome wonderful groups from local ministry partners Harbor House and our friends in wheelchairs and neuro diverse friends from Ben’s Hope. So from 2-102 years young, you are welcome to volunteer! Read more>>

Sheri Eaton

May 23, 2019 on my oldest son’s 16 birthday we received our Health Department inspection at 5:00pm we passed and were ready to open the very next day! May 24, 2019, 12:00 was our opening, we had a line of people ready to try Cluck Bucket and show their support to us. We had friends and family from hours away there to support and help in any way they could! We were ready, or were we?? We didn’t know what we didn’t know… but for such a time as this God gave the wisdom and strength for what was an amazing opening weekend!! Opening weekend was also Memorial Day weekend and we had so much to be thankful for! Read more>>

Nicole Ortiz-Rich

In 2010, I decided to open my own mobile pet salon, which has been my greatest career achievement! Within the first six months, I had a fully booked schedule, working full time, 5 days per week, year-round! My entire client list grew entirely through word of mouth! In 2014, I obtained National Certified Master Groomer status with the National Dog Groomers Association of America, which is a voluntary program whereby a pet stylist will perform written and practical skills testing under the supervision of experienced professionals, judging against accepted industry standards. I’m very proud to have achieved this, as it is a testimony to my passion, drive and commitment to providing the utmost care for pets! Read more>>

Ali D’Haillecourt

Building a business always comes with obstacles. I will share two of my biggest. So my first was moving a business to a state where I knew absolutely no one but with non stop perseverance I did it. I moved here July 2019 & shot my first wedding here June 2020. My second was deciding when to go full time & having the confidence to not listen to those who doubted. I went full time 5 years ago & it truly was the best decision I could have ever made. I love what I do & I couldn’t feel luckier to be entrusted to capture people’s once in a lifetime moments. Read more>>

Lauren Smith

The path has not always been smooth, that’s been the biggest lesson. As anyone can probably guess, media in general can be somewhat volatile & unforgiving at moments. But you constantly have the chance to learn something new, teach yourself something different, continue to expand your versatility & it turns out to be ALOT of fun! My new mantra is try to say YES . Even if its scary. Like being approached to become the In-Arena announcer for our first ever professional women’s volleyball team, the Grand Rapids Rise? Terrifying. I’d never even touched a volleyball. But I said yes & it has been one of the most fun things I’ve ever gotten to do in this career! I’ve made it through lay-offs, I’ve watched talented people leave, but you keep the faith and hard work. There’s always a lesson! Read more>>

Ashley Risch

I moved from my home state of Michigan to Southern California when I was just 20 years old, unsure of the everything. I could not have guessed at that point in my life that one day i’d be what I am today —a successful esthetician and business owner with flexibility to be there for all of my kid’s special moments. I don’t think I’d even heard of the word “esthetician” at that point. My journey started with makeup, and really, it all happened a bit by accident. Read more>>

Amber Eddy

Like any artist turning their passion into a business, I’ve faced my share of struggles—pushing past self-doubt, overcoming the fear of failure, and navigating the business side of photography (dyslexia definitely kept things interesting). But stepping outside my comfort zone has been the key to growth. Read more>>

BRAD SMITH

Growing up in Royal Center, Indiana, Mike Malchow and I have been fishing together for as long as I can remember. We were even college roommates, so we’ve shared a lot of memories on the water. After college, our paths went in different directions—Mike joined the Army and served with the 75th Ranger Regiment, while I went into law enforcement. Despite the distance and different careers, fishing was always something that kept us close. Read more>>

Payal Bhalani

I’m Payal Bhalani – an artist, educator, and content creator based in the U.S., and the face behind Artista Payal. My journey into the creative world started back in India during my undergraduate studies. While I was still in college, I began teaching art and craft to both kids and adults, which eventually led me to open my own successful art studio. It was a space full of colors, handmade projects, and constant creativity – and it gave me the confidence that art could be more than just a passion; it could be my career. Read more>>

Yazmine Vargas Root

Early in 2022 my sister called me and told me about a business she was planning on opening in Gilbert, Arizona. A matcha cafe that was gluten-free and dairy-free. She knew that I had extensive experience in the food industry while she had little, so she asked me to come down and help her open up. I had just gotten married to my husband, Tyler Root, and a week after the wedding we packed our car, dropped our dog and cats off at his parents, and drove to Arizona to stay for 3 months… it would have been longer if I didn’t have to finish my last year of college. Read more>>

Rod Sadler

A plea deal was reached wherein, if Miller would take LE to the bodies of the other three missing women, he wouldn’t be charged in two of their deaths and would be allowed to be plead to manslaughter instead and serve his time at the same time he was serving for attacking the kids. By 2031, Miller will have served all his time and will be released from prison. My latest book titled Grim Paradise details the still-unsolved murder of Frances Lacey on Mackinac Island in 1960. In this book, I identify at least two persons of interest, one of whom the police never considered. I have a new book that will launch on May 6 titled Depraved Obsession and highlights law enforcement’s collective efforts to find a sadistic serial killer and how two victims’ families turned their tragedy into triumph.  Read more>>

Jamie Adam

My husband and I moved from the Detroit area to Ludington in 2016. I retired as the Concessions Food and Beverage Director for the Palace of Auburn Hills, Pine Knob Music Theater and two of the other smaller ampatheaters in the metro Detroit area. Ludington Bay Brewing was in its final stages of completion when I sent in my resume. I was hired to do outside sales and special events. Read more>>

Beth

The process of rebuilding was full of challenges, none bigger than the decision about countertops. What I dreamed of was far beyond what I could afford. But then, fate stepped in—one day, I stumbled upon an ad for DIY epoxy countertops. The idea of creating something beautiful with my own hands was too tempting to ignore. So, we dove deep into research, watching countless tutorials. Soon, I knew this was the direction I wanted to go. Read more>>

Nani

It was never a smooth road. Brands would either not respond or not view my inquiry. I kept trying, even retrying the brands that I’ve reached out previously. It can definitely lead to discouragement especially when you know you have the potential and have worked hard on your content. Read more>>

Mark Lawson

Last year we had 4 bands and hosted our daughters graduation party. Our parties have about 200 people in attendance. When we’re not busy hosting parties, we are always out on a musical tour supporting live music and the venues that host them. We are locally dubbed as “Lawsons On Tour”. We let the local venues and bands promote on our private group Facebook page, which has more than 2,500 members from all over the place. The members consist of family, friends, and musicians we have met along the way in life. To join the private page, a series of questions must be answered. Members of the page are automatically invited to our parties every year. Read more>>

Ryan Reed

Born and raised in Detroit, Mumford High School graduated. Started my entrepreneurship journey in 2016 when I started my security firm Reed & Associates Protection. I did well in that field and was able to purchase the Detroit Cougars of the Rivals Professional football league. I learned sports on the business side and saw the need of more opportunity for women basketball players so I decided to form the Women’s Basketball League (WBL). Prior to this I was a grounds worker at Roseland Park cemetery searching for the right direction for my life. I’m the middle of 7 siblings married with 4 kids Read more>>

Jewel Knolton

What Knolton couldn’t have anticipated was how this foundation would catapult her through a series of roles that would reshape Detroit’s workforce landscape. At Focus: HOPE, she evolved from systems manager to division leader, ultimately directing a team of 55 professionals serving 500 adult learners annually. Under her transformative leadership, the organization launched its first-ever Robotics Training Lab and secured over $10 million in workforce development funding. Read more>>

Toya Robinson

I began my pageantry journey at 8 and completely fell in love with them. I even qualified for the national competition my second year of competing by winning the talent competition. Unfortunately due to my parents divorce and financial difficulties growing up, my pageant career was put on halt but I always yearned to get back on stage. Never giving up on that dream, I signed myself up for my first pageant as an adult at 21 and it’s safe to say that the love is still the same as before. Now I use my platform to inspire others who have gone through financial hardship and have had to miss out on opportunities due to them that they can still be successful in life. Read more>>

Tolice Nether

As if it was not crazy enough to step out on faith and quit my job, I decided that I wanted to pursue my entrepreneurial dream and start a Kona Ice business, Kona Ice of Southfield. This will be my first season with the truck, and I am hoping to make some summer smiles with the delicious, flavored ice. I picked Kona Ice because there is a lot of emphasis on fundraising and giving back which aligns with my values. Schools, corporations, camps, sports venues, churches and more can benefit from the Kona Ice service. So, as I embark on this new journey, I am up for the challenges ahead, look forward to the blessings that will come and hope that I can shine a light in the community that made me, Southfield, Mi. Read more>>

Beth & Patty Buttery & Branigan

Over the past five years, our business has grown significantly, filling a bookshelf with 16 books we’ve written and published, each addressing mental health issues that help everyone from children to individuals in prison navigate their struggles. Along the way, we’ve had the joy of sharing our journey and love of writing with students at local schools during Reading Month, celebrating a book launch at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids, and enjoying many other incredible experiences. Schuler’s amazing consignment program helped us realize the dream of seeing our books on a bookstore shelf—a moment we’ll never forget. We’re so grateful for their support. Throughout it all, we’ve laughed, cried, strengthened our friendship, continued writing, and learned so much along the way. Read more>>

Weam

I also delved into the stories of women like Enheduanna, who played a pivotal role in Mesopotamian politics and religion, and Queen Kubaba, the only queen on the Sumerian Kings List. These women’s contributions have been overshadowed by the rise of patriarchy, erasing much of “her story” from history. This imbalance has deeply impacted the Middle East, but I hold hope in the Dalai Lama’s belief that “Western women will save the world” by reviving these lost narratives. Read more>>

Emily Wentland

I would be lying if I said the road has been perfectly smooth. Like most wedding industry professionals, I was drawn to this work because of my love for the craft—not necessarily for the business side of things. While I’ve been blessed with both the creative and strategic skills to build a thriving planning business, the behind-the-scenes logistics—taxes, finances, legalities, and team-building—have been muscles I’ve had to strengthen over time. Read more>>

The Briar Payne Band

We went through several bass players before we found Ryan and we are lucky to have him. We started without a keyboard player, we couldn’t find one so Jim’s youngest son and Briars little brother Max decided to start playing, he joined the band after only playing a few months and has been an asset. Read more>>

Bethany Jansen

My name is Bethany and I grew up near Cleveland, Ohio. I moved to Michigan to attend Grand Valley State University. I graduated in 2019 with a BA in Dance and a minor in Non-Profit Administration. I have always loved the arts and creating. January of 2023 I started content creation on TikTok and have loved it ever since. Creating relatable content is my goal and making new friends and partnerships along the way. Grand Rapids is a an amazing city with so much to offer. I love the food scene here and the people. I’ve visited other cities and Grand Rapids seems to have the kindest people. Love where I am today and I want to continue meeting new people along my journey. Read more>>

Klep

Some of the struggles along the way were when I became a family man at a young age. Without hesitation I put my music on hold to do what had to be done for the sake of my family. I continued to create, but not at the same capacity as I did before becoming a father. Of course that struggle became harder when there was a split between my daughters mother and myself. This lead down a road of addiction and mental health issues that would take years to overcome and put strains on every aspect of my life. Thankfully with the help of my wife, loving family, and four children as a support team we have overcome any of the obstacles that once plagued the path to success and happiness. Read more>>

Kristen Freeland

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. I had no background in nonprofit formation or management when I started this journey. I just knew I wanted to make a bigger impact and bring more people into the experience of growing and giving flowers. So, I did what I could—I turned to my local library and educated myself on how to build an organization from the ground up. Read more>>

Kai Heers

Along side my playing career I also repair guitars in Saline. I attended Bryan Galloups’ School of Lutherie from 2019-2020 where I learned to build and repair. I mostly repair these days as it speaks a bit more to what I enjoy tinkering wise. And lastly, the teaching lessons avenue of guitar (sorry, I know it’s a lot!). This is still a new facet for me as I haven’t been doing it long, but the idea is there! I remember the first time I wanted to play guitar: listening to Crazy Train. With Randy Rhoads as an inspiration I knew there was a lot of work to be done for myself, in a good way of course! For me, being able to inspire even just one person and encourage them to be better than they were is such a cool idea to me. Read more>>

Felicia Steimel

Smooth? Not exactly—but it’s definitely been an interesting and rewarding ride! There have been some incredible highs, but also plenty of challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles has been building the right team and learning how to grow in a way that stays true to the vision. As the business expanded, so did the need for continued education, consistency, and team dynamics—which is a whole journey in itself! Read more>>

Kris Davidson

Our biggest struggle has been the drastic increase in inventory costs, especially eggs. Everything we make has eggs in it. We cannot possible increase our prices at the same level as the increase in our inventory. We have just taken the loss in profits. Also the new Earned Sick Time Act that went into effect February 21. 2025 forces us to pay sick leave time to all employees. This is a several thousand dollar cost to the business each year. Read more>>

Arlean Thompson

I used Canva for our logo and business cards, it makes it so easy to bring your vision to life. I started marketing and networking on social media and got a lot of support from friends and family to follow me and share my posts. Finally I decided it was time to get my product out there. Our first market was at Two Guys Brewing for their spring Brews and Bazaar and it was a blast. We sold out of tea cup candles and that gave me a lot of confidence and some feedback on scents and my different candle products. So here we are, less than a week after the market and I’m working on restocking and gathering more tea cups. Read more>>

Dawn Levian

Surprisingly, it was me who felt drawn to the idea. As someone who grew up in the foster care system and faced the lasting effects of abuse, I’ve carried a lot of emotional weight throughout my life. The idea of physically breaking something to feel emotionally lighter struck a chord. It wasn’t about the chaos or destruction—it was about giving myself permission to let go, to physically release the pain that had been trapped inside for so long. Six years later my husband fully supports my idea of the business and understands why others find value in it even if it wasn’t something for him. We are both thankful to be able to provide this space to the community. Read more>>

Allie Chandler

In 2013, I was teaching high school creative writing, living a life of burnout. I loved my students, but the pressure and stress of teaching, along with the low pay and long hours, drained me. So, in true impulsive fashion, I quit my job and took a life-changing trip to Europe. I wandered through the streets of Paris, ziplined in Switzerland, and marveled at the Tower of Pisa, but I wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Read more>>

Elisa Hurt

Calm, soothing experiences are required in life and the Rachel Virgina Collection specializes in that. Candles are our main product, but also carry CBD candles, room sprays, carpet fresheners, car freshers and more. Rachel Virgina Collection is primarily known for candles. What sets the business apart from others is that the products are all hand crafted. What I’m most proud of is how fam much the business has grown, What I want the readers to know is that our products are also available on Amazon, Instagram, and on Rachelvirginiacollection.com. Read more>>

Richard Crawford

My family were (and still are) humble, humble people. My father, a humble man, had inherited his father’s haggis farm and his gnarled, calloused hands (and face) told a story of toil and countless early mornings preparing the haggis for market. He didn’t speak a single word to me until my 18th birthday when he sat me down on a stack of haggis pelts, put his gnarled, calloused, humble hand on my shoulder and declared, “Son, one day all this will be yours.” Read more>>