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.
Madalina Swan
Hello, welcome. My name is Madalina Swan. I’m a holistic esthetician with six years of experience, beginning my journey in cosmetics with Christian Dior before moving into skincare at Moxie Studio. Just under a year ago I had taken the step to open Volimé Esthetics so I could embody my practice as a whole within holistic esthetics. Over the years, I’ve discovered my true passion lies in helping people feel confident in their skin while creating a calming space for them to unwind and reconnect with themselves. My approach goes beyond surface level care. Holistic skincare considers the connection between mind, body, and soul. I believe our skin reflects our internal state. Read more>>
Serena Dingman
We lived in a beautiful house with food and transportation provided. It wasn’t all easy whatsoever but the experiences and connections gained were priceless. Shortly after all this I became pregnant at 21 and was forced to sit down for some years. At age 26 I revamped and started working consistently doing modeling again. I have now been featured in Target, billboard ads, been a lead in a Eminem and LL Cool J video ‘Murdergram’, and also worked with numerous others including Wild n out and The Lip Bar. I’ve done creative direction for a few projects as well. So far all these experiences have been the most pivotal moments in my career thus far, but plenty more to come! Read more>>
Rachel George
This led to a volunteer role at my church, which eventually turned into a paid position. It felt like opportunity after opportunity fell in my lap, and I wondered if this was a sign from God to take it more seriously. Over the past couple of years, I’ve invested in better equipment, created a website to expand my reach, and continued to hone my skills. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and advice I’ve received from fellow photographers in my circle, as I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Read more>>
Kelli Coykendall
I was lead through a set of double doors and into a dim room lined with chain link kennels. On the left were the larger dogs, spinning in circles and barking; bouncing off the walls of their cages. On the right were elevated cages, chain link sides and wire bottoms. Surely one of the shelter workers had cared enough to try and provide a semblance of comfort as each cage had a small piece of cardboard placed in the bottom, to try and provide some relief from the harsh flooring. Read more>>
Sami Cekaj
We’re proud to be a small business that focuses on relationships. We don’t just take orders, we build connections with athletic directors, coaches, and parents. Whether it’s a school visit for a jacket fitting or working one-on-one with a student to design something personal, we’re hands-on from start to finish. Read more>>
Nicole Svitanek
In February 2024, I officially launched my Custom Lip Gloss Bar, and it’s been growing ever since. We’ve added lip scrubs, lip oils, and lip balms—and bath salts are coming soon. Today, I get to meet so many boss babes through pop-ups, custom parties, girls’ night outs, and custom orders. It’s the best part of what I do, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds. Read more>>
Kayla Lee
In 2023, I opened a second location in Ames, IA. During my time with a storefront in Iowa, I was heavily focused on growing my online and social media presence. I learned a lot about the differences in running a seasonal business vs a year round location. In January of 2024. I moved out of Iowa and ended up opening a second seasonal location in Frankfort, MI. This was very short-lived as I ended up being presented with an opportunity in Pentwater. Read more>>
Jenna Arcidiacono
She moved to Italy with him spending 3 years in the kitchen with her new mother-in-law, her passion for Italian Casalinga cuisine grew stronger. Moving back to the US Jenna realized it was time to take the leap and open Amore Trattoria Italiana . Her personal touch by meeting her guests in the dining room became part of the experience and her connection to the community. During COVID Jenna started Food Hugs feeding frontline workers during the COVID pandemic. She continues to learn by hosting culinary trips all over Italy twice a year. If you see a sparkly pink SUV on the streets with a “Food Hug“ license plate, that’s her. Read more>>
Robert Augustus
At six years old, I knew exactly who I wanted to be. A stylist. Or a chef. My dad, deep southern roots, worked his ass off, made magic out of food. He showed me what it meant to make people feel something through experience. He dragged me into the kitchen, made me his sous-chef, and taught me that hustle and taste go hand in hand. My mom drilled discipline into me, if you commit to something, you show up, no excuses. Read more>>
Teresa Tafoya
I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember — not just in business, but in life. My journey began with a deep calling to serve others, which led me to minister to incarcerated women at our local jail, offering faith-based encouragement and hope. That experience shaped my belief that true success isn’t just about building businesses — it’s about building people. Today I own and operate two thriving companies that might not fit the “typical” mold for a single woman. Read more>>
John Voelz
My wife and I opened a restaurant, coffee shop, and beer-and-wine bar just six days before COVID hit. We poured every ounce of our personal resources into it. But because the business was so new, we had no track record to prove our losses—and no access to financial aid. Read more>>
Justice Medrano
In 2014, after witnessing my uncle’s murder, I started Redemption as a way to turn pain into purpose. In the beginning, I focused on assisting people with getting a set aside of their conviction, helping them remove a felony and any misdemeanors from their records and regain opportunities they thought were lost. I learned this process, trying to remove convictions from my own record to attempt to get into the military, which never happened. At the time, I didn’t have a clear mission I just knew I wanted to make a difference. Read more>>
Ashley Barefield
My earliest memory of Herbalife was with my friend and business coach. I used to be a server and I remember hating my job and feeling like I wasn’t really doing much. I didn’t feel like I had much of a purpose. Then at the time my friend offered me a way out and got me a job at this Nutrition Club in Maumee Ohio. Read more>>
Britney Sylvester
My name is Britney Sylvester, and I am a proud mother of six beautiful children. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I still live today. My journey into baking began in 2018, quite unexpectedly. Over Labor Day weekend, my children and I were heading to Great Wolf Lodge for a family trip. I decided to bake some cookies for the road, and to my surprise, they were an instant hit with my kids—they couldn’t stop raving about them. Read more>>
Alexis & Lepa Dimovski
Like many of you, our lives have been a journey filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. We’ve walked through moments we wouldn’t wish upon our worst enemies, and we’ve celebrated memories that still make us smile to this day. If there is one definite truth, it’s that our history—our struggles, our lessons, and our victories—have gently shaped us into who we are today. Each experience, filled with joy or pain, is part of the journey that binds us together and reminds us of our shared strength. Read more>>
Stephanie Stamper
As my creations gained support, I realized that Little Dude Skeletons could be more than just art — it could be a way to give back. During that difficult chapter, so many people came to my aid, and I wanted to honor that kindness by paying it forward. That’s why with every sale, Little Dude Skeletons donates $1 to LACADA (Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault), a nonprofit that provides shelter, support, and resources for survivors of domestic violence. Giving back in this way is my way of turning pain into purpose and making sure others have access to the same kind of help that saved me and my children. Read more>>
Kathy Magaluk
Life, of course, had other plans. With three little boys to raise (and eventually a fourth!), I put retail on hold to focus on my family. Years later, as my youngest was finishing high school, I found myself ready for a new chapter. By then, my love of cooking and entertaining had truly blossomed, and I began to dream about opening a store again – this time with a focus on kitchen and home goods. Read more>>
Brock Fletcher
Brock Fletcher was born at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, in 1977. He spent his early childhood in Charlotte until 1984, when his family moved to Newark, Ohio, after his father, Harry, accepted a position with Rockwell International. In 1989, the family returned to Eaton Rapids, Michigan, where Brock grew up with his parents, Harry and Sandy, and his sisters, Laura and Jamie. Eaton Rapids was where Brock attended middle school and high school, learning the values of hard work, perseverance, and community that would shape his life. Read more>>
Marcelina Castro
I started making candles in my small condo kitchen back in 2018, while pregnant with my second daughter. At the time, I was preparing to return to work and searching for a creative outlet. I was also on the hunt for a body butter that would truly help my growing skin, so I began experimenting in my kitchen. After about six different recipes inspired by YouTube tutorials, I finally perfected the formula that I still use today. Soon after, candles followed. Read more>>
William Robinson
I am a grateful child of God. I am the son of William and Ola Robinson (both deceased). I am the oldest child of three – with a brother and a sister. I am the happy husband of my endearing wife, Monica. I am the proud father of two wonderful daughters. I am the grandfather of four beautiful grandchildren. I am a person that believes happiness is achieved by following the Path God has for me. I am a man that strives to maintain and develop my mind, body, and spirit. Read more>>
Casey Dietz
My husband, a licensed builder, and I decided to combine our expertise with a shared mission: to help individuals modify their homes so they can regain access, stay in the comfort of their own space, and age in place. After conducting a thorough home evaluation, our team works to implement the necessary modifications, ensuring that every project—big or small—is tailored to the unique needs of the client. Whether it’s installing a simple grab bar or designing an entirely accessible home, we are committed to making homes safer and more accessible for all. Read more>>
Thomas “Art” Taylor III
I moved to Bad Axe in March of 2022, after settling in I began to hold painting workshops and private painting parties in the Thumb Region. That summer I continue to sell my works at the Port Austin Farmers Market, I still am at the market on Saturdays throughout the summer. I added TAT3’s Face Painting to my market offerings. I don’t do the traditional face painting, I paint a custom version of a “flash” style picture for kids of all ages. Read more>>
Justin Gray
Professionally, I spent over two decades as a technology product manager, building and leading consumer products. But when I was laid off after ten years at my previous company, it gave me the opportunity to pause and think about what I wanted to build next. I knew I still wanted to use my business skills, but I also wanted something more tangible—something that would let me roll up my sleeves, connect with my community, and create value that couldn’t be outsourced. Read more>>
Anna Schlupp
I started doing photography more as something to help with the social media at my church in Monroe. One of my friends from the church was getting married and had a VERY small budget. As a wedding gift I offered to do photograph their wedding for free, especially because I had never done photography outside of the church setting. After the wedding a lot of my friends who saw the pictures told me I was a natural and I should look more into doing photography. So I started doing shoots for my close friends and family only. Then it really started to kick off when I met Bella, and became her second shooter for weddings. Ever since then I’ve started to promote my work more and hope to book more clients. Read more>>
Heather Bowman
I have always loved horses. From the time I was a small child my parents told me my third word I spoke was the word. Hor-hee which was horse. I didn’t own my first horse until I was 30 years old, and that started the true passion of learning about these fascinating creatures and teaching others. I always said if I was fortunate enough to own one I would share it with people who don’t have the exposure but adored them like I did. As the years went by I had many opportunities to work with and care for a variety of beautiful horses both professionally in veterinary medicine and personally. Read more>>
Tony Mcaleave
the online hate can become a lot, due to growing that size of following, which is more then the entire northern ireland population i grew up in, it can be overwhelming and people take shots at anythign they can, the way i look, any inseciruity so you do build reslience, however the fact im doing this for the people that need it is the reason it drives me and this allows me to provide a life for my mum dad and sister that i could of never dreamed of. Read more>>
Evan Haines
We aimed to create a group of service companies able to provide resources and labor needed to make spaces livable and beautiful for those who can’t or don’t have the time or means to do so themselves. We also wanted to give an alternative to the spread of companies for services that could be packaged under on another just to make another sale. Seeing firsthand how hard it can be as a business owner in the property sector we offer commercial services at a agreeable price while giving them a network within to attend their needs. Read more>>
