Entrepreneurs have long been the backbone of strong communities, neighborhoods and our economy. They provide jobs, goods and services, and economic reinvestment into sometimes overlooked areas. More importantly, they serve as examples of success that others can use as inspiration and a template for their professional paths. For minorities, it is often an unspoken option […]
For 21-year-old Shanel Dewalt cooking goes beyond cutting vegetables and mixing ingredients. This is how her mind finds peace and how she is reminded of her purpose. As the oldest of five siblings being raised in a single-parent household, the Detroit native realized she had to grow up at a very young age. When her […]
“Kids like it (hooping) because they can vary the routine and feel like circus performers with a little practice.” – Missy Cooke Pick one up and put it on. Go ahead and “swirl” girl. Hundreds are discovering – and in some cases, rediscovering – the joy of “hooping” at area parks, which represents a fun […]
Mobile and move-in ready, immigrants are well-poised to transform the landscape of Michigan’s inner-city neighborhoods. They have the determination, skills and, most often, funding needed to start new businesses. Where they go, prosperity usually follows. In 2010, new immigrant business owners generated $1.8 billion in total net business income, which represented 9.2 percent of Michigan’s […]
For Victoria Roby the world of online retailing was beneficial. In her dining room, office, or anywhere she could flip open a laptop and reach cyberspace, she could serve loyal consumers of her natural hair, body and relaxation products. But it’s a new year and Roby’s ready to move her Natural Market business from […]
If you’ve ever had to choose between healthy eating and convenience, the Grubbable app might make your life a little easier. Think of it as your first stop to find the best restaurants connected to local farmers, businesses and nonprofits. The Grubbable app is designed to pair the user with eateries that use natural and […]
“Suicide” conditioning drills, strength training and plenty of sweat tell just part of the story Garnett Mims envisions for a fitness and community center opening this fall in Detroit’s English Village. The renovated 12,000-square-foot building at 16246 East Warren will welcome anyone looking to shed pounds and tone up, but the other part of the […]
Even 1,100 miles from Miami, Maricruz Moya felt right at home. Moya remembers arriving in Southwest Detroit with her parents at 9-years-old, almost instantly appreciating the Latino presence and Hispanic influence in one of the city’s most festive, lively districts. “Here, I was able to find the connection,” she recalls. “The cultural connection and the […]
At 53, Tack-Yong Kim could almost pass for one of the students or 30-something regulars who filter in and out of the busy lunchtime crowd at Slows Bar BQ on Michigan Avenue. Soft spoken and gentle in demeanor, Kim’s appearance is still boyish and youthful, except for the dark blazer and glasses that give him […]
New navigators emerge daily amidst explosive development opportunities that now characterize Detroit. But, there are few more formidable than Thomas Group Consulting Principals Buzz and Terence Thomas. Respected by corporate and community stakeholders alike, these native Detroiters are garnering increased recognition for their capacity to chart the course of community-minded development efforts throughout Detroit. With […]