Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana & Charlie Saxon / Tazzia.
Hi Dana & Charlie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During the 2024 election cycle we heard about Project 2025 and were deeply concerned about it. It seemed like a lot of other people were too. After the election we saw evidence pretty quickly that this plan was being put in place. We knew that many of our friends and acquaintances shared our concerns and felt that we needed to do something not only for ourselves and our family but for them as well. We heard about Indivisible through a friend and attended a Zoom meeting hosted by the founders. We were impressed with their knowledge of the inner workings of Government, the fact that they are non-partisan and seeking to peacefully preserve our Democracy without creating further division between us and that they had a Plan to oppose Project 2025. One of the biggest questions we had is “what can we do?”. Indivisible not only told us what we can do but how to do it. We invited a handful of friends over and openly discussed our shared concerns and desires for our country. Within just a few months that handful grew to over 100 people and continues to grow every day. We are so impressed and grateful for the diverse group of amazingly talented, compassionate and dedicated people who are helping us preserve what we love about our country. We have also formed Coalitions with groups with similar values and goals across SE Michigan to leverage the strengths of each group to be more effective.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been like building a plane while learning to fly it. We are trying to take meaningful action but at the same time organize ourselves quickly into a fulling functioning group. We both have experience leading other volunteer organizations, but this was different. The groundswell of interest and passion was exciting, but also overwhelming. People are scared, frustrated, angry and a whole host of other feelings. They needed an outlet and guidance as well as hope. We see our job as facilitating turning those feelings into Actions.
With the onslaught of concerning policy decisions out of Washington it’s been a daily struggle to absorb, prioritize and respond. This is where the guidance from Indivisible National and Statewide Indivisible Michigan have been super helpful. We also have met with other local leaders to gain some insight on best practices and how not to get burnt out.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dana – I work in the Architectural Design department at Pewabic Pottery, one of the oldest potteries in continuous existence in the United States. Our team designs residential and commercial tile projects for clients all over the country. I love our handmade product and helping to keep our 122 year legacy alive.
Prior to moving to Michigan I was a Merchandise Manager for Arhaus Furniture and oversaw the buying of 93% of the companies inventory. My last few years at Arhaus I oversaw the development and purchasing of a new catalog division called Arhaus Jewels. This was an exciting and challenging new role that I absolutely loved. I am most proud of the successful launch of that business. I am an entrepreneur at heart and thrive on challenge. I have had 3 unique small business in my career and each taught me something different.
Charlie – I have worked in the chemical industry for 36 years. While my current role is in technical service, I spent much of my career in research and development where I became known for executing creative, simple solutions to difficult problems. While in that role, I was also made the Technology Scout for our business unit. In this dual role, visited universities , start-ups and federal labs across the country looking for disruptive technologies. I never really thought of myself as a “people person”, but found that I had a knack at relationship building. The scouting role prepared me to transition to a new role in a new business unit as a Business and Market Development manager. After some growing pains, I learned than not only was I good at relationship building, but also seeing opportunities that weren’t immediately obvious. I think I am most proud being able to combine the creativity, the vision and the relational skills to get meaningful things done.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Charlie – While working as a chemist, I was also a practicing clinical psychologist in the evening. In addition, I was a part-time musician on the weekends
Dana – That I started riding horses and working with a riding trainer at the age of 53.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eiagrossepointe.org/take-action
- Instagram: @eastside.indivisible
- Other: @eastside.indivisible (threads) and @eiagrossepointe (bluesky)
