Portraits of Michigan

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around KC.

Terri McConnal

My journey started with Stormie beginning of 2024. I was at a point in life where I was very depressed, self conscious, insecure and Desperate. My weight was the cause of my melancholy, my schedule didn’t permit me to workout nor did my off days. I’d mostly spent my downtime recovering from work or engaging with family, hidden away from society. All the while not realizing I’d also become socially awkward and developed social anxiety. I was no longer a confident, outgoing person that I once was. However, knowing that change wasn’t going to happen unless I did something I’d had never done before to get results I was looking for. I had experience with all the weight initiated supplements and promising trainers, Not to mention countless gym memberships. Browsing instagram and passing stormie page I remembered hearing a coworker talk about recently starting a shot that helped her reach her weight loss goal. I had already booked an appointment to have liposuction in 12 areas in the coming months. However the dr required I lose 20 pounds. I booked a consultation with stormie’s clinic knowing that she is a very respected nurse with exceptional knowledge. Skeptical, but willing to listen and learn this program that is designed for especially for me. The team was knowledgeable and helpful. They answered every question that I asked. If they didn’t know, they found the answers. They held me accountable and gave me options. The team explained the entire process, I was never in a state of wandering. I started losing inches first. Then actual pounds. I was super excited because I had lost the weight needed for my procedure. Thinking to myself “ what if I can keep losing weight and get to my actual goal weight”. This process took dedication, and consistency. But with my team and my results I would be crazy not to keep going. fast forward today I am at my correct BMI. My body feels healthy. The depression went with the weight. I have more energy, my confidence is at an all time high. I no longer struggle with body imagery issues. I have energy to engage socially accompanied with positive self esteem. Only issue I have is I can’t get a return on the money I put down on the procedure I paid for prior to meeting stormie team. Although I’m happy I didn’t need surgery or took the risk having cosmetic surgery with unknowing results. I’m forever grateful for House of Contour. I now have control over my life again and feel better about myself. Read more>>

Elisa Satin

I am an Ann Arbor native. I left for college and went abroad after but have been back in Ann Arbor since 2006. I met my (French) husband in Italy, where I also got into the wine business. I’ve been selling great wine ever since and love my job! We have 2 kids and love to travel (and wish we could more but work and money get in the way…) Read more>>

Cakreshia Reed

Started my Scrubline journey while working in the Healthcare Industry. Most of my time I found myself in scrubs more than anything else in my closet. I’m running a Home Healthcare Agency while also working at the hospital. I said if I’m going to be in scrubs all the time, they have to be 1. comfy 2. stylish, and the journey began. Read more>>

Keli Christopher

B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. M.S. and Ph.D. from University of Illinois in Agricultural Engineering, where I became the first Black person to get a Ph.D. in that department and the third Black woman in the world to get a Ph.D. in that field. Read more>>

Danny Mullen

Growing up I was active and in sports. However, as I became a teenager, I mixed up with the wrong crowd and started getting into drugs and alcohol at an early age. I made poor decisions and was in and out of trouble most of my teenage years. Read more>>

Brittane Royal-Harris

I was introduced to Brillaint through Karlita at the Martin Park Hub during the pandemic. My girls started off with the literacy stem programs that were offered at the time. I believe it was stories and stem to be specific. They also participated with arts and scraps via zoom. I was so appreciative of the opportunity to have the kids engage in something besides the TV. Let me tell you Karlita was persistent and made sure the kids had the needed supplies and were on each call! I just knew we were in the right place because you could tell she genuinely cared for my babies! Read more>>

Dave Van Dyke

I began performing music when I was a teenager. In 1996, I moved to Oregon. The following summer, John Denver died, so I started performing in a John Denver Tribute band. Read more>>

Nancy Margolis

Embracing Our Differences Michigan is an art and education program promoting diversity: race, sex, LGBTQ, age, mental and physical challenges. I saw this program in Sarasota, Fla. Florida has been running the program for 20 years. With their inspiration and encouragement, I formed a non-profit in Ann Arbor, registered our name, and received federal tax-exempt status… I then met with over 70 local organizations to recruit their support. I hired part-time staff: art director, project manager, and education director. Read more>>