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.

Adam Walsh

In 2022, I launched the “Corky & The Ginge” podcast. It’s my Best Friend and I on the show. At the beginning, we were just having a lot of fun. No real structure or format, just sitting down and hitting record. Now, we’ve grown the show and are more formatted and we concentrate on the things in the Metro Detroit area. We have segments throughout the week like “Local Spotlight” which focuses on local small businesses, non-profit organizations, community enfluences, and more. There’s also “Corky’s Kitchen”, “Corky Collects”, and more. There’s also daily Dad Jokes, Fun Facts, and Mental Floss Moments. Read more>>

Jessica White Rosas

We are a husband & wife team. We met in NYC, Rodrigo learned the culinary experience from the ground up over 15 years in the city and i spent 10 years there building my eco fashion label Jwhite Original. We moved to Northern MI in 2020 during the pandemic to be closer to my family. With our move up here we were uncertain where we were going to lay our roots, we were considering moving back to my home city Detroit or Traverse City. Read more>>

Dayna & Meghan Green & Martin

From the beginning, we knew we didn’t want to be just a hair and makeup company. Gals & Ghouls is a creative experience. Yes, we specialize in beauty services for weddings and special events, but we also thrive in special effects, commercial and editorial shoots, film work, and more. Whether we’re helping a bride feel like the most confident version of herself or building a creature for a short film, we bring the same level of artistry, attention to detail, and love for transformation. Read more>>

Jonathon Anderson

As I traveled and participated in more tattoo conventions, I started to feel inspired to produce one of my own. In 2016, I launched the Great Lakes Tattoo Expo. We ran it for two years, and although it was a great time and well-received, I wasn’t quite in a position to grow it into what I envisioned. So I took a break, with plans to bring it back—until the pandemic slowed everything down. Read more>>

Mickey Shorr

We got together fairly regularly, continuing to play covers for a while until Robbie asked if either of us had written any originals, and so I (Ian) offered up a song that he had written in college called Living Corpse. We immediately started working on it and the song came together relatively quickly. After that, we started working on more original songs with no plan to do anything with them. This went on until 2022 when I (Ian) started to really voice that I wanted to do something with our music like play a show, even though the group was lacking on the low end as the group consisted of two guitars, drums, and vocals. Read more>>

Cassie Schultz

I began walking dogs to supplement my income while running another business in a different industry. in 2021 I left that business due to burn out and made dog walking my main gig. I picked up some training skills along the way – in particular training leash manners. One of the biggest headaches for dog owners is their dogs constantly pulling on the leash during walks. That’s always been the only thing I’ve disliked about training with my own dogs because it takes so much time and patience. I realized that other owners must be experiencing the same frustrations and created a program to help. I got great feedback from my clients as well as questions about other behavior challenges so I decided to branch out and offer help with a variety of training issues. Read more>>

Staci Bailey

Situated in the heart of Shepherd, Michigan, the building was originally a movie theater which opened in 1950. Named the Laurel Theater, it had a short run and closed in 1955. It was later purchased by Merle Koutz Sr, who had several businesses in it, including an arcade. Later, it was the sight of two different pizza restaurants, Angels and Joey’s Pizza. Read more>>

Raymond Campise

Fast forward to 2016, when I first stepped into Sparrow Market—not as a customer, but as a hopeful job seeker in a full suit, resume in hand. I handed it to the meat manager, who, as I would later discover, tossed it in the trash. But I wasn’t going to give up that easily. Two days later, I returned to follow up with Bob himself. We had a brief conversation, and just like that—he hired me on the spot. I started the following week, training under the guidance of his son, Jordan Sparrow. Read more>>

Lauren Carobine

After finishing up with my externship and graduating from chiropractic school, I worked in the Appleton area for a few years at two amazing chiropractic offices. I was able to see a large variety of patients and found my passion for pediatric and family wellness. I loved seeing the difference chiropractic care made for kiddos, pregnant moms, and the whole family! I learned so much in my time there that when my husband got a job back in Iron Mountain, I was able to take the leap and start my own practice. It has been a crazy ride, but I am so thankful for the path that led me here. Read more>>

Jessica Rauser

We started offering classes for all ages, hosting fun events for our community, and really plugging in. We recognized the need for healthier, more affordable food options. We saw that local makers lacked a consistent outlet to share their talents. That’s when we opened a store right on our property, creating an opportunity not only for ourselves but for over 30 local families to share and sell the things they grow, create, and source. Our shelves are filled with everything from handmade soaps, plants, jewelry, and home goods to baby items, skincare products, local honey, maple syrup, teas, jellies, pasture-raised meats from our farm, and all the delicious bread products and baked goods a person could want. Read more>>

Cyle Zablocki

Haha, it’s been a super bumpy journey so far. It has its moment where it was smooth, they didn’t last long. I grew comfortable after a while with the struggle. Those feelings, the deep ones that no one really sees, is where the work comes from. It’s what pushes me toward creating something new, or tearing apart something old to bring it new life. Without these struggles/lessons and the repetition of struggles/lessons I would not be who I am and the work would not have the look or voice it has. Read more>>

Robyn Schopp

Dunegrass is made up of four people who all met through work. Jason and Tom were interested in learning how to play rhythm and bass guitars, respectively, and Robyn brought 20 years’ worth of formal music training to the situation. Robyn picked up the mandolin, then the group brought David on board to play cajon. Together, this four-piece band of coworker friends started bringing a folk sound to fun and familiar music that people of all ages and varieties can enjoy. They enjoy playing at bars, breweries, restaurants, and community events, and most of all they enjoy bringing the soundtrack for everyone’s good time! Read more>>

Paige & Denise Woodruff & Zolinski

Holding multiple licenses and certifications, Denise and Paige are dedicated to staying at the forefront of the field through continuous education and skill refinement. Their proactive and detail-oriented approach ensures that they provide the highest standard of care to their clients. Their warm and compassionate personalities create a welcoming environment where clients feel valued and supported. At Pure Medical Spa, Denise and Paige are committed to helping clients achieve their ultimate skin health by integrating evidence-based procedures and cutting-edge technologies. They strive to deliver exceptional results while prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of each client. Read more>>

Geoff Brown

Our company gained fast recognition for offering exceptional customer service and marketing strategies that were unheard of in an industry dominated by old-school habits and outdated technology. But when the 2008 economic crisis hit, it took a toll on everyone—including us. By 2010, we had to file for bankruptcy. With no immediate job prospects and three hungry boys to care for, I went to work in sales leadership roles to provide for my family, leaning on my skills in management and development. Read more>>

Seunghyun Ahn

We have made good results with the first variety of rice bowls and menus with various healthy ingredients in Livonia, and many customers love the new sauces and food compositions. In addition, the prices are low, and we have been operating the restaurant for 5 years, and the prices of the food are still the same as when we first opened, and the restaurant’s belief is that it should be fast, delicious, cheap, and fresh. I, the owner, worked as a banker in Korea, and I also trained to learn various foods, and I am interested in sauces from various countries. These experiences are included in the operation of the restaurant and are being operated. Read more>>

AAron Wood

I unfortunately worked for people after that who used and abused our industry for pure profit. They had no care for the health or safety of the customers or the artist who make money for them. The first 8 years of my career there were a lot of ups and downs. A lot of hard lessons learned. But I feel without all of that I wouldn’t be the piercer I am today. It definitely was hard but taught me if I can make it through that I can make it through anything. Now I’m able to do what I’ve always dreamed of doing. As well show my kids that if you really work hard and make the necessary sacrifices. Dreams do come true! If it wasn’t for them and my amazing wife. I don’t know how i would have made it. Read more>>

The HNG Show

The podcast has evolved tremendously over the past 4years we’ve been open TheHNGShow is now a mixture between a podcast show and a music platform for artist to grow and build their fan base as they invest in their craft two be seen by thousands even millions of people all over the world. TheHNGShow is currently streamed 20% in Germany Read more>>

Megan Foldenauer

In 2013, Ypsilanti lost its one art supply store and over the next decade, it (and Ann Arbor) would lose ALL of their independent art shops. As a local working artist, this frustrated me to no end. I wrote and re-wrote the idea for Ypsi Art Supply in notebooks year after year until I met Jennifer Eastridge, another local small business owner. She was so encouraging and offered to mentor me and cheerlead me toward my dream. For the next two years after that meeting, I worked to learn what I could about being a business owner and looking for a spot to open my shop. Read more>>

Jenn Strobl

As the years went on, my skills and creativity continued to grow. In 2020, I took a leap of faith and began pursuing photography professionally. I started part time only photographing families and couples, learning the ins and outs of the business and pouring into mentorship, education, and practice that helped shape the photographer I’ve become. In 2021, I felt a strong pull to go full-time, which led me to focus more intentionally on weddings and elopements—moments rich with emotion, beauty, and meaning. Read more>>

Camille Steverson

We’re also operating in a space that intentionally goes against the grain of fast fashion. Our focus on sustainability, upcycling, and conscious consumerism often means we’re educating customers, shifting mindsets, and carving out our own lane, without a blueprint. It’s not always easy, but we believe in what we’re doing. And every challenge has pushed us to become more resourceful, more resilient, and more rooted in our mission. Read more>>

Matthew Duncan

I’m a classically trained vocalist and full-time wedding DJ/musician based in Michigan, but my path here has been anything but linear. After high school in 2006, I took a bit of time to map out my life’s path and during that time I discovered a love for singing through private voice lessons. That passion led me to study vocal performance at the University of Michigan-Flint in 2009. I absolutely loved it, but life had other plans. Read more>>

Lauren DuCharme

I think every business owner runs into challenges — especially in the early stages when you’re wearing every hat and learning as you go. For me, one of the biggest challenges has been trusting the timing of things. It’s easy to want everything to happen overnight — fully booked schedules, perfect branding, all the systems in place — but I’ve learned that sustainable growth takes time. The slower seasons have actually been really valuable because they gave me space to fine-tune the client experience, deepen my education, and build stronger connections. It’s a lesson in patience, trust, and staying connected to why I started in the first place. Read more>>

Rebecca DuBois

While driving home from Traverse City I stopped at my favorite shop on US-31 that carried Michigan-made products. I saw a simple candle and thought, “I could do this—and I can do it better.” That same night, I ordered my first round of supplies. I leaned into my background of recipe development and sourcing, but quickly realized that creating a quality, clean-burning candle was more complicated than it looked. From the start I was getting headaches. After digging deeper, I learned how accepted toxic ingredients like synthetic oils and wicks are in mainstream candles. I didn’t want to just make candles, I wanted to make them better. Read more>>

Richelle Lester

After serving as an Assistant Prosecutor for Wayne County, I began working as a staff attorney with UAW Legal Services in 1998. Since that time, I have gained extensive experience across a broad range of legal areas, including insurance, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant disputes, real estate, guardianship, estate planning, and probate. I have successfully handled numerous bench and jury trials, arbitration hearings, and even an appellate court case. Read more>>

Hannah McWhorter

One of the biggest struggles for me was working for other media companies that didn’t value my time, my vision, or what I brought to the table. There were times I wasn’t paid what I was worth, and I felt more like a content machine than a creative partner. Some companies were more focused on flaunting excessive wealth—especially in the real estate world—than telling meaningful stories. I had experiences where the priority was making things look “expensive” rather than honest, beautiful, or human, and that never sat right with me. Read more>>

Meg Bundy

It has been a learning curve for sure! I had no prior business experience. When I got my first wholesale order request I had to google what wholesale was. I quickly got burned out making so many of the same things over and over again. I came to the realization I wanted to be an artist and not a machine pumping the same things out over and over. So I decided to move towards original work and releasing it in small collections. I’m so grateful to have gathered a following for this original small batch style work. Read more>>

Marjorie Wekwert

My journey into the world of healing began with a deep inner longing to understand my purpose. Even as a child, I felt the presence of angels around me, offering comfort and protection. I always believed that people came into my life to teach me lessons my soul needed to learn. But for a long time, I didn’t know what my purpose truly was. Read more>>

Taleah Greve

We collected around 1,000 books in donations and opened our doors! Since then, we’ve served tens of thousands of people who believe in books just as much as we do. Hundreds of thousands of books have been shared with families, seniors, teachers, literacy coaches, daycares, senior centers, and individuals across West Michigan. Read more>>

Julissa Robledo

5 years of inconsistency, plans not working in my favor and my negative thoughts overpowering my deepest desires was enough time for me to decide some extra help was necessary. I found SpringGR which is a program for entrepreneurs of all levels; beginners and experienced whom received a business coach to help them in their journey. My coach and cohort were truly amazing, receiving insights and opinions I needed from those who have been in the same place as me was always motivation to keep pushing. It was a major stepping stone towards not giving up and continuing to put in the work. Understanding the baby steps are all a major part of the end goal, it’s a compound effect towards the major impact. I found other entrepreneurs willing to give me 1 on 1 lessons to further educate myself in the beauty services I now provide. Read more>>

Isabella Babbish

I started massage therapy school during covid so learning hands on massage in a time where we weren’t really supposed to be super close to one another was challenging ! Imposter syndrome is real and getting your feet on the ground is hard at first when starting your own business, but I leaned on other massage therapists and business owners for tips and tricks and continue to do so. Read more>>

Eliana Lin

I have been in the running world for a while. I started competing in track and field as a freshman in high school. That’s really where my love for the sport evolved. I ended up going to college at Northeastern University where I also was on the Division 1 Track and Field team. I was a pole vaulter. I also was getting my education in the 6 year physical therapy program at Northeastern. Read more>>

Bonnie Kakuda

My husband and I purchased our first home in Auburn Hills, Michigan and have lived here for 30 years. We have raised three boys and they have all attended the Avondale School District, beginning their elementary school years at Auburn Elementary School. Auburn Elementary is one of the four elementary schools in the school district.  Read more>>

Eric Tett

He helped me with so many problems. I worked as a delivery driver, at the time, and would talk to Kory for hours about shirts, as i did my deliveries. Craziest thing is, I get nervous before every event, like a 7th grader doing an oral exam. But I love the feeling of after, when I’m packing up knowing how well I did mentally. Dedication and self encouragement have played a major part in me creating this, but in the end I only have the love of my life to thank. Samantha has been the backbone and soul I needed to push through so many different emotions when dealing with life. I’ve had to go through 4 different surgical operations due to cubital tunnel in both elbows and carpal tunnel in both hands. I’ve been dreaming about this moment for the last 6 years. And now I’m apart of 1 of the biggest Fairs in Michigan! Read more>>

Victoria Bernhardt

Now, you can find Little Miss Green Thumb’s plant shop inside The Corner building (280 W. Muskegon Ave). I love to book Planting Parties and conduct plant rehabs. You can even build your own plant! You can bring in unused containers to plant in or your own plant and pot it in a sustainably sourced container here. You are welcome to join for one of the monthly plant swaps! This allows everyone in the community the chance to connect and share their love of all things green. I’ve even grown into having a growing list of gardens I visit and care for. I’m so incredibly blessed to bloom where I’ve been planted. Read more>>

Cheyenne Galbraith

Finally on September 13th, 2019 Houndstooth was opened. We ran for a few months before shutting down in March of 2020 due to the pandemic. To keep business going we implemented a take out service, small online grocery ordering, and meal kits. This kickstarted “Loosetooth”, a temporary name to our smaller operation we kept going here. After reopening, we resumed normal business and Houndstooth has become a popular local spot. I strive to keep my vision of serving the community by working with local farms, and using locally sourced ingredients while bringing global inspiration to the table. Read more>>

Dakota Rosell

Photography has become a true passion of mine. It has enhanced my perception of the beauty in the world around us. I love walking through a park or a busy main street and noticing details in the environment that I haven’t seen before. I love the process of picking out the “keepers” from my camera and getting creative with post-processing. I take pleasure in sharing my pictures with the world through social media and a website I recently started developing. There is a lot of negativity in the world today; I enjoy capturing the moments that bring people together—or simply sharing photos that help people appreciate the inconspicuous beauty that often goes unnoticed. Read more>>

Peter Palazzolo

I’ve always been fascinated by military history—the gear, the stories behind it, and the craftsmanship you just don’t see anymore. That interest naturally turned into a side business online, where I started selling surplus items I had collected or sourced. But the more I got into it, the more I noticed something: military surplus stores were disappearing across Michigan. The few that were left either didn’t carry the real-deal gear anymore, or they were closing up altogether. Read more>>

Emily Abe

I actually started out as a receptionist at a local medical supply company — I was the one calling candidates to confirm their interviews, greeting them at the door, and doing whatever was needed to keep things moving. I nannied for wonderful families- one family especially that was actually included in our wedding party! From there, I became a receptionist at a local staffing agency, The KPM Group, where I simply answered phones, filled out I-9s and chatted with the candidates in the lobby before their interviews. I started to see how impactful it could be to be someone’s first point of contact — how much people just want to feel seen. Read more>>

Lydia Ellison

I graduated high school and then attended college to pursue a degree in Marketing. I graduated and not sure what to do next, I started working with my brother who moved back to our hometown to start his law firm. I worked 5.5 years for him in which I learned how to run a business, bookkeeping, scheduling, talking with clients, etc. From there, I got a job at a business college in the Alumni Department. Here I got to do a lot of event planning, social media management, meeting and building relationships with alumni, and expanding my marketing skills. Read more>>

Ametria Peridot

Leaving a legacy and making sure I inspire and teach others along the way matters the most to me because I didn’t have the same opportunities or role models growing up. Read more>>

Uzi Makhdoom

Hey my name is Uzi and im 21 and a junior in my university and Im a mental health advocate and anti bullying advocate,I had a dark time in my life and that was in 2021 and I feel like ever since then and since I was bullied most of my life and I feel like I always was trying to help people and that mental health and bullying and my journey go hand and hand and I also think that people tend to turn a blind eye to this or to these topics Read more>>

Chris Hughes II

Yes and No. Finding models is tough. Finding indoor space for a photoshoot is tough. Getting your pictures to your client is tough. Through it all, it gets easier as time goes on and you don’t let nothing stop you from getting your shot. Read more>>

LaTasha Henry

As the podcast grew, it expanded beyond solo narratives. Guests—fellow warriors—joined in, weaving stories of resilience, vulnerability, and healing. An unexpected anthology opportunity I had made me an international bestselling author. Then, the Wealthy Women Entrepreneurs Network recognized the podcast’s impact, I was blessed enough to be asked to be a part of this amazing network. Since then, Empowering YOU has propelled to being on multiple platforms including satellite radio waves. Read more>>

Taylor Cortis

Being a female DJ in the male-dominated music industry comes with its unique set of challenges and struggles. Female DJs often face discrimination, lack of opportunities, and stereotypes that can hinder their growth and success in the industry. Despite the increasing number of women entering the DJ scene, they still have to work twice as hard to prove themselves and earn the same level of respect as their male counterparts. Read more>>

Melissa Hartley

Was I a perfect parent no but I did my best and never missed a parent teacher conference or anything my children did. Also the most important thing that kept me together was my Faith in God I prayed and prayed and went to church and God Blessed me through it all. Days were rough and hard where I was tired from going from one job to the next to make sure my children were provided for and kept a roof over their heads. So yes there where days I struggled but I pushed on and my children were my motivation to provide them with a better life. Read more>>

Mike Clark

This is the one thing that I’m sure was meant to be spiritual standpoint. I believe it was what some people will call got calling and I listened And I gave into that and that carried me to where I’m at today my dream of who I am came before if you became a celebrity situation, I was very happy to be able to play my music and support myself and doing so it’s a joy extra to see the world by doing this that would’ve never registered that game when I first started and now that it became such a international thing, I couldn’t ask for a better job Read more>>

Gail Perry-Mason

Wealthy people invest for generational wealth and leave a legacy. Thank God I was promoted to a an assistant and started going into people accounts to see what they owned (stocks)…. My goal was to teach women and my community about investing, but I was turned down over 20 times to be promoted to an advisor. One evening I copied the study guide and another assistant paid for my test and eventually passed and became a license assistant and was still turned down until I hosted a seminar and had over 200 people of color attend and they decided to give me an opportunity but decided not to pay for my training because they thought I would never make it….Thank God I became VP and brought others with me as I climbed the ladder that others built. Read more>>

Jhordyn Auguste

Of course not, starting something new will always have bumps in the road. It’s all about how you adapt and overcome those experiences. My biggest struggle so far has been the financial aspect. To be a stylist you have to be really good with your money. Save up for passion projects that you want to do, create a budget and stick to it! Do your research on styling as a whole too, before you do anything. From there test out your skills, don’t be afraid to bring your exact ideas to life. Be yourself and truly appreciate your work. Read more>>

Mary Rose Kreger

Truly my writing has become a labor of love–something that brings joy to myself and to others. This joy flows over into my family life, while my family life also informs my writing. For women wondering if they have to choose between a family or a career: I can say with confidence that it is possible to do both. My husband and children fill my days with new life, adventure, and possibilities. They also make my house messy, noisy, and more than a little wild! Read more>>

Deborah Reed

Finding time to write my novels while having young children is always challenging. If I became frustrated with my writing output, I would take a step back and remember that I wouldn’t trade my children for anything in the world – even a writing career. And then I would figure out what I WAS able to do with the amount of time I had, and not worry about the rest. As my children grew and became more independent, the time available to write also increased. Read more>>

Caroline Bell

My name is Caroline Bell, and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I grew up overseas in Singapore. I have lived and traveled around the world, which has greatly influenced who I am as a person, artist, and educator. I am currently living in Grand Rapids, where I am finishing up my degree in Art Education at Grand Valley State University. I plan to become an international art teacher to continue to help others flourish and grow in the arts globally. Read more>>

Wendee Mullikin

As the first in my family to earn advanced degrees, my journey started with a full-ride music scholarship, earning a BA in music with a creative writing minor. Between a full load of coursework, some beginning at 8 AM, I worked nights bartending at a local nightclub – an early sign of the determination that would mark my career path. Following graduation, I stepped into teaching at a parochial school, beginning a career in education that would span decades. Read more>>

Kaylynn Hunt

Beyond writing and filmmaking, I’m focused on building a legacy—not just for myself, but for my grandchildren (that I don’t have yet). I want to create something lasting that will provide opportunities and financial stability for future generations. Whether through books, movies, or other creative ventures, my goal is to keep growing, evolving, and making an impact. And with the support of my readers, my book club, and my creative community, I know I’m just getting started. Read more>>

Emily Jennings & Melissa Boldt

Whew, that’s heavy. But, with all that behind us, we decided why not become business partners too! I left my position as an elementary teacher to be home with my daughter and Melissa knew her job would be ending soon due to her boss’s retirement goals. We both love to be creative and really wanted an opportunity to utilize that energy in a way that was flexible for our family needs while having the capacity to be able to grow a business over time and expand as our children grew. In that vein, LULU RAE (our company name honors our daughters’ names) was born! Read more>>

Anesa Trisch

In September 2022, I had a random thought to start a mobile coffee trailer. I had bought a trailer to redo, but then at the end of October of 2022 that was put on hold due to me getting pregnant with my son. After I had him in July of 2024, he was the best baby ever. A trailer popped up on Facebook that was pretty well built out for what I needed and Gypsy Mitten Cafe became a reality. I bought the trailer in September 2023, jumped the hurdles with licensing with the health department. I passed my final inspection of February 2024 and it took off! I can’t wait to see where it can go —literally and figuratively lol! Read more>>

Stefania & Richard

As a new business, we were not immediately accepted into larger-scale events during our first year and had to really build up our reputation. Owning a food-truck business can be quite fun and profitable, however, the amount of “hustle” that you need to put into it is unbelievable. There are days when you are on your feet for 16 hours plus, there’s others when the weather does not cooperate, hence your business will suffer no matter how good your product is. Learning the intricacies of successfully operating a mobile business takes time, dedication, ambition and LOTS of effort – however, we wouldn’t have it any other way! Read more>>

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>>