Voices

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Hitting the Pavement

Cliff Cameron of KM International

Cliff Cameron has always had a vision for the road ahead; taking KM International from a small business in a pole barn to industry hall of fame.

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

There’s Snow Place Like Home

Benjamin Bartz of Snowriver Mountain Resort

For Benjamin Bartz, the U.P. is more than the place where he lives and works – it’s a way of life

True Blue

Amy Stocking of Turner’s Blueberry Farm

Amy Stocking and her husband Dan are growing their family and a superfood at Turner’s Blueberry Farm in Caro

Through the Grapevine

Nancie Oxley of St. Julian Winery

As Michigan’s first female winemaker, Nancie Oxley has stayed true to her Midwest roots and grown her career at St. Julian Winery

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

Chasing Waterfalls

Bill Thompson of Michigan Ice Fest

As an event organizer for the annual ice climbing festival, Thompson draws climbers and legends from across the nation and around the world to Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Spill the Beans

Carolyn May of Lucky Bean

As owner of Lucky Bean and a native Mackinac Islander, Carolyn May has been serving up coffee to locals and visitors since 2011