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
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
Alpena
Beer Necessities
Blake and Brant Austin of Austin Brothers Beer Company
As the brothers of Austin Brothers Beer Company in Alpena, California transplants Blake and Brant Austin are contributing to Michigan’s robust craft beer industry
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.
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
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
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