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.
Read the StoryAll Stories
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
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
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
Charlevoix
A Seat at the Table
Jozef Zebediah of My Grandmother’s Table
From Polish dishes and Thai chicken to a one-hundred-year-old cake recipe from New Orleans, diners can experience the flavors of the world at Jozef Zebediah’s restaurant, My Grandmother’s Table
Sanilac
Raise a Glass
Kristi Nichols-Shopbell of 3 North Vines
As a lifelong Michigander, Kristi Nichols-Shopbell grew up with a love for the state’s natural attributes, from its four seasons to the plentiful ways to enjoy the water. Kristi attended Michigan State University and met her husband Nate in a wine tasting elective class.
Clare
The Show Must Go On
Lisa Benic of the Ideal Theater
After learning that their childhood movie theater was closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa Benic and her sisters breathed new life into the downtown Clare gem
Saginaw
Think Positive
Jeanne Conger of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw
As executive director of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw, Jeanne Conger oversees efforts to support the local community and bring positive attention to Saginaw’s downtown.
Chippewa
Culture and Community
Whitney Gravelle of Bay Mills Indian Community
As President of Bay Mills Indian Community, Whitney Gravelle is connecting with her past while leading her community into the future
Calhoun
All You Need is Love and Tacos
Javier Fortoso of Torti Taco
Javier Fortoso followed his heart to Michigan — and found a love for craft tacos that became his passion
Jackson
A Bright Idea
Clay McAndrews of Bright Walls
As a lifelong Michigander from Jackson, Clay McAndrews made his community more colorful with the Bright Walls Mural Festival
Shiawassee
Sweet Tooth
Melissa Wheeler of Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates
Melissa Wheeler has been sweetening up downtown Owosso since 2017 with her chocolate shop, Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates
Osceola
The Best Medicine
Michelle Ladd of Evart Pharmacy
Pharmacist Michelle Ladd embraces her small-town roots by serving the community where she grew up
Allegan
Heart and Sole
Alan Baugh of Baugh Shoe Repair
At 93 years old, Alan Baugh continues his family’s century-old legacy business in downtown Wayland
Crawford
Turning the Page
Rae Gosling of Hidden Nook Booksellers
Rae Gosling, former Michigan Main Street Director for the city of Grayling, starts a new chapter as the owner of Hidden Nook Booksellers
Lenawee
Born and Beard in Michigan
Arlo Brandl of Tecumseh Bread and Pastry
Artisan bread maker Arlo Brandl uses flour power to attract visitors to Tecumseh Bread and Pastry in downtown Tecumseh
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.
Read the Story