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.
Laine / Tabitha Ayre / McNeil
We’re lifelong dog lovers who bonded over a shared love of adventure, the outdoors, and, of course, dogs. While working full-time jobs, we’ve always made room for hiking, camping, dog sitting, and spending as much time as possible with our own pups. Read more>>
Mejed El Sukkari
Twelve Moons Perfumes began in 2018 with a simple idea: to create fragrances that feel personal, meaningful, and unlike the typical perfume experience. What started as a small family business grew from our love of fragrance, natural ingredients, and the art of creating something truly special by hand. Read more>>
Renae Baumgart
My love of paper began as a child. My dad brought me home seconds from the paper mill he worked at. That kept me stocked with huge paper pads to do whatever I wanted. My favorite pastimes were creating paper animal puppets, books and probably very unfunny comic strips. At this time I was also reading the C.S. Read more>>
Whitney Becker
It all started with really good music, a love for finding preloved garments and things, and the idea of bringing all of that together. Read more>>
Alana Michelle Howard
I started working in the performing arts at a very young age. I come from a very artistic family, so my earliest memories include making music in our at-home studio with my dad, choreographing dances with my cousins for community showcases, and rehearsing lines for grade school plays. Read more>>
Madison Kane
My path to becoming a therapist and eventually creating Bloom Body & Healing was influenced in part by growing up as a competitive dancer. Dance was a big part of my life, and while I loved it, it also exposed me at a young age to how much pressure can surround appearance, body image, comparison, and perfectionism. Read more>>
Glen Lundin
In 1998, my wife, Diane, and I wanted to quit our corporate jobs in Minnesota and move to Traverse City. We wanted to convert a large building into a home, antique store and workshop. We lucked out and discovered that Bob and Loretta Baynton had already done that with a huge dairy barn starting in 1969 and had operated Devonshire Antiques in the barn. Read more>>
Christian Royce
Christian Royce is a young comic from Southeast Michigan who found his voice in the Ann Arbor/Detroit comedy scene before taking that energy to Chicago in 2019. Currently he’s a familiar face in the Windy City as a regular at Zanies, Laugh Factory, and The Lincoln Lodge Theater where he’s a long time show producer and contributor. Read more>>
Nicholette Driggs
I never set out to become a Disability Advocate. In many ways, disability advocacy has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandmother used to drive a school bus, and one of my favorite times was riding along with her on the run to the skill center, where she transported young adults with disabilities. Read more>>
Princess Sanders
The Unified Women’s Empowerment Summit was founded in 2018, with our first event held at Cobo Center in Detroit. I created the summit because I wanted women from different backgrounds to have a space where they could feel inspired, supported, appreciated, and connected. Our goal has always been to honor women through inspirational speakers, meaningful networking opportunities, recognition, and indulgent pampering. Read more>>
Abbey Tulgestke
Absolutely! My name is Abbey, and I was born and raised in Northeast Michigan in a very blue-collar family. My dad was a truck driver, my mom was a factory worker, and I grew up surrounded by brothers and male cousins. My grandfather served in the Navy, and he always believed that one person from every generation should serve their country. Read more>>
Princess Sanders
The vision for Grand Epicurean began in 2011 when I entered the event industry as an event planner. From the beginning, I dreamed of owning a beautiful venue, creating unforgettable experiences, and using my business to make a difference in the community. Throughout my career, I have proudly owned and operated four event venues while planning and producing celebrations of all sizes. Read more>>
Jeffrey Kong
When my daughter was born in 2007, my wife and I both worked full-time but we didn’t want to use day care. We tag-team parented for several years… till school. I realized my schedule wouldn’t allow me to see her more than dropping her off at school. I would get home from work and she would already be in bed. Read more>>
Luke Woltanski
I grew up in Michigan: I spent my school years in Plainwell and I spent my summers around Traverse City. When I was a toddler my mother couldn’t get me to sleep unless it was while listening to Bruce Springsteen, Bruce Hornsby or Bob Seger (it’s funny that they were all ‘B’ names). Read more>>
Talia Dunn
The Flintstone Candle Co. started in 2020 during a time when the world felt uncertain and heavy. What began as a hobby quickly became something much more meaningful to me. I discovered that making candles gave me a creative outlet and a way to bring a little warmth, comfort, and joy into people’s homes. I named the business The Flintstone Candle Co. Read more>>
Dymond Phillips
My story with Dymond’s Diary really started during my junior year of college. At the time, I was surrounded by people who seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do with their lives. Read more>>
Jo McGinn
Got started making chocolates in my home as a hobby for Holidays. Then for people at work. This started my shipping line of the business and store front. Being in the store front allowed me to get better with my skills and become a chocolatier. Changing from using inferior chocolate products to Belgium and Swiss chocolate. Read more>>
Joseph (Joe) Chow
As an admirer of art, I am a “late bloomer” when it comes to actually creating “ART”. Over the three decades, my professional career had been in science (pharmacy) and in corporate business settings. The long career in the restrictive and pressure-filled environments was once exciting and rewarding but had became a life unfulfilled. Read more>>
Contray/Tray Duncan
Hey hello my name is Trey. I’ll go by pooh that’s my nickname. I was given to me during birth. I’m a LA resident but lifestyle is in Detroit. I got here when I was 11 due to life situations and hard struggle life situations. My mother wanted a new life in Detroit was the best option for her during her options. Read more>>
Darcel Deneau
After experiencing a family tragedy I returned to college for creative studies in detroit to finish my fine art degree at the age of 36. In the early 2000’s i started painting positive images of detroit at a time when many did not share my optism and enthusiasm for the city. Read more>>
Tiffany Hersey
Well it all started as an idea to bring in some extra money while I was being a stay at home mom raising my son in the early years. I had been a licensed esthetician for a few years but working long hours just didn’t suit my lifestyle anymore. Read more>>
Danielle Felczak
I studied Fine Art in College years ago, and became interested in tattoo at a time when fine artists were just emerging in the the industry. The idea of not just recreating flash art chosen off walls was the thing that gave me a glimmer of inspiration.in this field. Read more>>
Nicole Noteboom
I’m a proud mom of two beautiful daughters and a graduate of Central Michigan University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Health Science and Community Health. In 2017, I started my own cleaning business, serving residential clients as well as apartments for Central Michigan University. Over the years, the business has employed more than 30 people. Read more>>
Aissa Ashford
My hair journey began when I was eight years old. I can still remember sitting in a dining chair in our kitchen while my mother styled my hair. One particular day, I decided that if I was getting my hair done, Barbie needed hers done too. As I watched my mother work, I began practicing on my doll. Read more>>
Camille Proctor
My story began in 2008 when my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It took me a year and a half to get him diagnosed, which I had suspected but he didn’t show the classic signs of autism as understood at that time. Read more>>
Winterlyn Stebner
I was born and raised in Chicago in a hardworking, blue-collar family. Growing up, I did not know anyone who had built a career around art or creativity, so becoming a professional photographer was never something I imagined for myself. I simply knew that I loved photography and that it made me feel creative in a way nothing else did. Read more>>
Marvin Harwell jr
I started my motivational journey in 2021 because I wanted to encourage people, speak up for those who may not have a voice, and remind people that they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through. I’ve always wanted to be a difference maker—not just for others, but for myself. Read more>>
Imani Ma’at AnkhmenRa Amen Taylor
My story begins long before any title, degree, fellowship, or recognition. At the heart of my journey has always been a calling to use art as a vehicle for education, cultural preservation, healing, and community transformation. I began my journey as a young dancer and educator in Norfolk, Virginia. By 19 years old, I was already teaching dance and leading summer programming for young people. Read more>>
Candais Hamilton
I’ve always grown up with the dog throughout my years. I’ve always loved dogs other people dogs. I started dog sitting on Rover in my one apartment then I started my own business. Can I call it? Jazzy queen‘s walking named after my two dogs jazzy was a pitbull Queenie. She was a Chihuahua and I would walk dogs. Read more>>
Maddie Kemp
My name is Maddie Kemp, singer/songwriter and Travel ER Nurse out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have been singing ever since I was a little girl. I never really knew what I wanted to do with my voice, I just knew how much I loved to use it. Whenever I sang, I saw the joy it brought to others around me. Read more>>
Nancy Labombard
My story is really a story about remembering myself. Like so many women, I spent much of my life caring for others, being a wife and mother, working, and doing what needed to be done. I was busy living the life in front of me, but somewhere along the way, a quieter part of me began asking to be heard. Read more>>
Tatum Outlaw
Early childhood years: The forefront of my childhood years were filled with sports! From as early as I can remember, I was always at my Nana and Papa’s gymnastics school they owned, L&M. My mom grew up doing gymnastics there, and I did the same. I spent everyday there and absolutely loved it. Read more>>
Journey of Hope Yoga Bonnie Gruppen
Bonnie Gruppen is the President and Co-Founder of Journey of Hope Yoga in Holland, MI. I have been teaching a variety of fitness classes for over 40 years. I fell in love with yoga because of its many benefits, including mindful breathing, gentle stretching, and a greater sense of calm. Ria Nieboer is co-founder and is a licensed complex trauma therapist. Read more>>
Rachael Block
I definitely didn’t take a straight path to get here. I spent many years in the restaurant industry, eventually working in management, and never really imagined that I would someday make a living creating and refinishing things. What started as something creative gradually became something much bigger. I began making things, refinishing furniture and teaching myself as I went. Read more>>
Kate Ames
When I was a teen, I worked as an banquet server at the local country club & when I left for college I had no clue what I was going to study. My brother took an elective class to study beer & wine through the Hospitality Management Program and said I HAD to meet the program directors – I would LOVE them. Read more>>
Liz Steffes
The story of Rise & Ride really starts before there ever was a ranch. I was coming out of an abusive relationship and trying to find myself again when Charlie came into my life. Charlie was a scared horse and needed a lot of patience. When I went to meet him, he was sweating, terrified and already saddled in a round pen. Read more>>
Gianna Gaizi
My name is Gianna, and I am the owner of Little Red Knits. My journey into fiber arts began in 2012, when my grandmother taught me how to knit. I was instantly hooked and began selling my handmade creations to friends and family, as well as at local craft shows. Read more>>
Ryan Wooley
When I was little I wanted to become a professional wrestler, and with my name being Wooley — I wanted to be called ‘The Wooley Mammoth’! Read more>>
Cindy Raffel
My dance journey began—just like it does for so many dancers—because my sister did it! At age two I would watch her class in the doorway and copy the steps. The dance teacher thought I was cute and decided to add me to their recital dance. Read more>>
SARA HARAJLI
As a child, art was an escape. A means to get lost within the marks and movement that quieted the noise when life became too loud. It offered a voice when words were extinguished to move through emotions while remaining deeply observant of the world around me, taking in nuanced details, textures, and energies of different environments. Read more>>
Alexandra Capellini
I was born and raised in NYC. At age seven, I was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in my right knee. I underwent chemotherapy and an above-the-knee amputation of my right leg. Soon enough, I was walking on a prosthesis and navigating life with limb loss. Read more>>
Julie Navickas
My story has never followed a straight path, but every piece connects through storytelling. I began my career in communications after earning my bachelor’s degree in public relations from Illinois State University, followed by master’s degrees in organizational communication and English studies. Today, I work in public relations and have taught communication courses at Illinois State for 18 years. Read more>>
Carly Neroni
I started off with a bachelors degree in teaching art k-12. I taught for about 3 years, and realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I wasn’t happy. I’ve always loved makeup, skincare and anything related to beauty, so I took a risk and decided to go to beauty school. I fell in love with it! Read more>>
Becky Ashcraft
My journey really stems from a combination of personal transformation and a deep-seated desire to leave a positive legacy. Five years ago, during a hike up the ‘M’ in Bozeman, Montana, a chance conversation made me reflect heavily on my family’s legacy of service and community contribution. Read more>>
Anthony Lee
I had had been drawing my whole life, but didn’t start painting until I was in college. I went to art school and explored painting and sculpture and working in a gallery. Read more>>
Demetrius Graham
My journey as a barber has been about much more than cutting hair. It has been about resilience, purpose, and learning how to turn a craft I love into a life I’m proud of. I’m a third-generation licensed barber, but I still had to create my own path. I attended Michigan Barber School in Detroit and graduated in 2019. Read more>>
Christine Sims
I started photography back in high school while working on the yearbook & school newspaper for Buckley Community School. It became a hobby of mine after graduating high school in 2010, I would do all my family and friend’s photos. I kept being told I should start my own photography business/career. Read more>>
Justin Caskey
As far as I can remember, I’ve always been into DIY T-shirts. Growing up during the swag dancing era (2010-2013), my mom helped me make T-shirts for my friends and me. Then later In high school, I was a local rapper and created custom gear for myself and my music peers. Read more>>
Melanie Libra
Sure! Keith was a stay at home dad to our two children, Josephine and Windsor, and I had a career in Supply Chain Management. While at home Keith slowly began selling his old toys and collectibles. We found that this could be a fruitful future for us and began sourcing toys through Craigslist, garage sales and FB Marketplace. Read more>>
Leandra Nisbet
My path to entrepreneurship was shaped long before I ever launched a business. Growing up, I watched my parents run their own businesses, so the entrepreneurial mindset was part of my DNA from an early age. What I didn’t expect was how long it would take me to find my way back to it. Read more>>
Jared Woods
There isn’t anything brief about my story but I can give a short version to sum it up. It’s been a long journey, even though my work here is not done. To start I’d have to say my story started when I understand my Assignment. Meaning knowing my purpose. Understanding that as an adolescent, I had a different thought process than the norm. Read more>>
