Voices
Voices
Dive into compelling stories from Michigan's 83 counties and hear from business owners, students, and community members as they describe their unique perspectives on living and working in Michigan.
Sometimes people ask me, ‘Why did you found a rocket company in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?' And I tell them the U.P. is as close to space as anywhere on the planet.
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Kent
Eyes on the Prize
Catlin Whitington of ArtPrize
Austin, Texas, transplant Catlin Whitington moved with his family to Grand Rapids to be at the helm of ArtPrize, the world’s most attended public art event
Ottawa
Anything but Artificial
Charles Elwood of SolisMatica
From (Power BI) dreams to (AI MVP) realities, Charles Elwood is using his passion for AI to build on Michigan’s leadership in tech
Berrien
That’s My Jam
Aiye Akhigbe of Sticky Spoons Jam
From a Navy veteran to a small business owner in Southwest Michigan, Aiye Akhigbe is making the world sweeter with her jam shop
Luce
Pizza My Heart
Jo Tranchita of Seder's Pizza
As an Upper Peninsula transplant, Jo Tranchita has made herself an invaluable member of her community – from volunteering with local organizations to taking ownership of a favorite pizza place
Dickinson
What's Mine is Yours
Karen Secinaro of Iron Mountain Iron Mine
As general manager of the Iron Mountain Iron Mine, Karen Secinaro is carrying on the legacy of the family business and honoring the Upper Peninsula’s mining history
Montcalm
Keep Montcalm and Carry On
Duane Weed of Discover Montcalm Podcast
As host of the Discover Montcalm podcast and owner of DW Video & Multimedia, Duane Weed captures the sights and sounds of the Montcalm community
Otsego
Sand and Snow
Barry Owens of Treetops Resort
As general manager of Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Barry Owens celebrates the variety and gift of Michigan’s four seasons
Antrim
Down on the Farm
Caitlin McSweeney-Steffes of Danu Hof Farm and Market
Born and raised in Michigan, Caitlin McSweeney-Steffes always dreamt of owning a family farm in her home state.
Leelanau
Bubbles Up
Larry Mawby of MAWBY Vineyards and Winery
As the Mawby of MAWBY Vineyards and Winery, Larry Mawby is enjoying the fruits of his labor as a wine pioneer in the Leelanau region and embracing the retired life in Northern Michigan
Barry
Skills of the Trade
Jillian Cowley of Bradford White Water Heaters
As a welder for Bradford White Water Heaters, Jillian Cowley is forging her own path in a male-dominated field
Lake
Recipe for Success
Dina Velocci of 876 Baldwin
Dina Velocci and her husband created a dining destination and inspired community revitalization in the small West Michigan village of Baldwin.
Clinton
Sweet as Pie
Ellie Sutherland of Sweetie-licious Bakery
Serving up baked goods and a slice of nostalgia in downtown DeWitt, Ellie Sutherland is carrying on the tradition of her mom’s pie shop
Emmet
It's in the Bag
Barbara May of B.May Bags
Perched in Petoskey, designer Barbara May brings her passion for fashion to the masses with B.May Bags
Oakland
ONE in a Million
Holly Schwarzwalder of Our Next Energy
Holly Schwarzwalder moved to Michigan to pursue a career in the state’s thriving automotive industry. Now she’s a program manager with Our Next Energy, a Michigan-born energy storage company looking to electrify the future.
St. Clair
On the Market
Steve Fernandez of PH Country Style Market
As the owners of a full-service grocery store in downtown Port Huron – a former food desert – Steve Fernandez and his wife Michele Jones are serving and feeding their local community
Macomb
Dynamic Defense
Cemone Moy of General Dynamics Land Systems
As a lifelong Metro Detroiter and manager of international sustainment programs for a military vehicle manufacturer, Cemone Moy is proud to be a part of Michigan’s Defense Corridor
Wayne
La Vida Detroit
Cristina Zamora of Xochi’s Gift Shop
Cristina Zamora is keeping her family’s gift shop and Mexican heritage alive in the heart of Mexicantown
Presque Isle
State of the Art
Tim Pritchard of Domaci Gallery
Tim Pritchard is creating a home for art and community at Domaci Gallery in Rogers City
Marquette
Rise UP
Bugsy Sailor of the Upper Peninsula Supply Company
As a prolific photographer of Michigan sunrises, co-founder of the Fresh Coast Film Festival and creator of 906 Day and Plaidurday, Bugsy Sailor is spreading his love of the U.P. across the state and the globe
Eaton
A Novel Idea
Nyshell Lawrence of Socialight Society
Nyshell Lawrence is capturing the attention of book lovers – including Oprah – with Socialight Society, a shop celebrating Black women and literature
I’m glad I had the opportunity to make a good impression and do positive things while I was here in a professional capacity as Main Street director, now I’m really excited to get to do this in a new professional capacity.
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