Life & Work with Crystal Burditt of Sanford Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Burditt

Hi Crystal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I came to Michigan with no car, not a dollar to my name, a cancer survivor, and not knowing a single person. I was fleeing domestic violence, so I moved into Shelterhouse (a local domestic violence shelter). This is where I met Patti Osorio who would become my closest friend. I didn’t know anyone, and couldn’t go anywhere, so in my room all alone, I came across the cat cafe concept. I felt very strongly that this is what I was meant to do here.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had to create a variance in government to create a registered animal shelter, as they are not allowed in city limits. I began to go to every city and county meeting, to plead my case. During this time, I met my dear friend and mentor Delores Porte, and also Kevin King, who became my largest investor, and helped me with all the paperwork and everything that needed to make it official. I had to work two jobs the whole time to buy everything I needed for the café. After two years I found my building that had been a veterinary clinic and was for sale due to the owner Karen Noel breaking her back. So, without any government assistance, and with Kevin, Patti, Delores, Tom, Beth Juna DeGeer, Mary LeBlanc, and Mary BeBee by my side, (along with a few other amazing community members), we all got on our hands and knees and remodeled the building to fit our needs. I then named it Brooklynn Plaza after my daughter.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are a two-part business utilizing a duplex set up. One side is a registered animal shelter referred to as the cattery side, that features cats available for adoption from an amazing local rescue. As a way to support the shelter, we charge a small fee to visit the kitties that comes with a complimentary drink. We don’t receive any outside funding so donations, and sponsors are always needed, as well as creative ideas to raise money. We support the animal shelter with the other side of our duplex. That side features a cafe with a variety of drinks such as coffee, boba teas, and light snacks, A gift shop featuring the work of 39 local artists from the age of 6-81. We hold all kinds of fun events such as Paint and Sips, crafting classes, holiday related classes, game nights (DND, Neurodivergent, Family, etc), host support groups (Domestic Violence, etc). We partner with other local businesses for classes including kitty pilates, and much more. We also offer party packages and have party/craft rooms and office space available to rent, as well as a spa room with a massage chair, red light therapy, and a tanning bed. We have a passion for the disability and neurodivergent community and are proud to partner with the local ESA to provide job training to assist those wanting to be positive role models and even go into the workforce.

What does success mean to you?
To wake up every morning leading by example and making a difference in the lives of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cozycatscafe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozycatscafe?igsh=ZXI5Z2MxM3gwNGZi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DN69WAySa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cozycatscafe?_t=8sLwfJFUXz4&_r=1