This column is a look at brave souls who have taken a leap of faith to open their own businesses in and around Ann Arbor. Business owners who are following their dreams and thriving despite the odds.
Posts tagged #local businesses
Joob Activewear — Ann Arbor Clothing Company — Aims For Fair Trade, Climate Neutral Fashion
The hiking pants swished as I walked, hugging my legs as I squatted, lunged, and brought my knees to my chest. Not as tight as a legging but not as loose as a typical hiking pant, they ghosted over my skin, covering it, but not hampering movement a bit. I pushed my hands in the front pockets, felt the tug at the elastic waist, and checked out the zippered back pockets. A barely-there logo of an elephant shimmered near my left hip on the black fabric. I found the fit comfortable. I could wear these pants all day.
Leaps of Faith: Third Mind Books
When I spoke with Arthur Nusbaum, owner of Third Mind Books, he explained that The Third Mind is a literary collaboration between novelist William S. Burroughs and artist/poet/novelist Brion Gysin that was first published in 1977. The book illustrates how a third mind is created when two people share their individual perspectives through discussion. Their openness of thought makes it possible for a third intelligence to emerge. Nusbaum gave an additional interpretation, saying “Personally, and this is what Burroughs said philosophically about it, an author and the book are two things. And the reader creates a third mind when they translate what the author says through the book. It’s the same with other forms of art.” He adds that his personal interactions with Burroughs inspired him to name the store as “a wink at Burroughs, just like our logo with his silhouette in a fedora.”
Great Tastes in Local Food: Spring 2023
Restaurant reviews for: North Star Lounge, Latin American Cuban Cuisine, and Plate Sushi and Chicken.
Wreck It to Repair It — How Rage Rooms Are Helping People De-Str
“There are all sorts of people out there,” said Rachel Crawford, co-owner of Destruction Depot, “...some people do yoga, some people meditate, and sometimes people just need to break things.”
Our Neighbors to the East--Exploring the Diagon Alley(TM) of Ypsilanti
Did you know that downtown Ypsilanti is turning into a vibrant hub of the metaphysical community? It’s true! Within just a few short blocks, you will find candles and herbs for magical use, crystals and other stones, incense, tarot and oracle cards, deity statues, and so much more. Allow me to take you on a brief tour.
Pursuing Detroit's Hidden Gems--Told in Two Voices
As spring wakes us to the fresh colors and new life of this potent season, I feel pulled. The warming weather is a catalyst for change and I for one hear the call. To shop. For its miles of style, substance and swagger, the temptation takes me to Detroit. At over 139 square miles, our big city neighbor can seem overwhelming, so I decide to take a friendly local guide. Omar Davidson, born and raised in Detroit, partnered with me on this exploration and this piece.
Crysta goes Visiting: Winter 2022
In this column, Crysta Coburn writes about crazywisdom-esque people and happenings around Ann Arbor. Winter 2022 features local woodworker Chris Blackford, Ann Arbor Writer Shandra Trent, and Jerome Stuart Nichols with The Butters Hygenics.
The King Family: Half a Century of Farming, Making Music, Teaching Yoga, and Building Community
The King family has been a prominent presence in the Ann Arbor and Southeastern Michigan community in a myriad of ways—as farmers, musicians, teachers, and more—for nearly fifty years. The roots of the King family and their Frog Holler Farm go back to 1971, to the founding of the Indian Summer restaurant in Ann Arbor. That’s where Indian Summer’s co-founder, co-owner, and head cook, Ken King, met Cathy Munkholm. Cathy had been hired to make salads at the restaurant and worked alongside Ken, chopping vegetables.
Leaps of Faith: This That, and the ODDer Things
Claire Broderick waited with the world, trying to grasp the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though she wanted so badly for 2020 to be the year she would manifest her dream of opening a retail shop filled with her collection of what she calls “uniquities,” there was reason to pause. In the meantime, she kept dreaming, researching, and collecting. Adding a taxidermy octopus here, reaching out to a bone jeweler there. She knew how important it was to persist and keep planning.
Great Tastes in Local Food, Winter 2021
Great Tastes in Local Foods. Support our local restaurants.
Leaps of Faith : Tales of Local Businesses, Fall 2020
This column is a look at a brave soul who took a leap of faith to open her own business . What follows is a personal profile of a business owner following her dreams and thriving despite the odds—and Covid.
Vestergaard Farms: Pasture-Raised Local Meats and Local Foods
This past winter I was eager to visit the newly built storefront of Vestergaard Farm, attractively situated on the farm property. Along with their farm raised meat, the store offers other goods from Matty’s Bakery in Saline, Zingerman’s coffee and treats, Calder Dairy products, The Brinery products, Aldente Pasta, Amaizin Pop Popcorn, honey, bath products, maple syrup, eggs, and many other locally sourced items.
The Grit Behind the Grange
“Join us for seasonal menus inspired by the fresh flavors of local farms and farmers’ markets.” This is the best way Grange Kitchen and Bar can describe what they provide through their inspired kitchen and bar operating in an historic building in the Old West side of town. Their style is simple and elegant, but not pretentious. There is no dress code and all are welcomed to enjoy small plates, entrees, appetizers, and desserts with unique beverages, many fueled by one of the three partners who owns Ann Arbor Distillery. From cocktails to shrimp, the Grange Kitchen and Bar’s menu is truly an homage to fresh Michigan flavors and Ann Arbor’s community custom.
Crysta Goes Visiting, Fall 2020
When I was asked to take over this column in 2014, I had no idea where it would take me. It goes without saying that I have met some amazing, passionate, and creative people. Some have become friends and touched my life in ways beyond the scope of my column.
Nicole Marinette Bedy (Spring 2015) performed a house cleansing when my now-husband and I purchased our first home. Jen Mullins (formerly Gossett) of Fairytale Baked Goods (Spring 2016) made the scones at our wedding, which people still talk about over three years later.
In celebration of the Crazy Wisdom Community Journal’s 25th anniversary, I wanted to look back and check in with some of the people featured in the Crysta Goes Visiting column. I hope our readers enjoy seeing where they are now as much as I did!
Winter Around Town Doesn’t Have to Put the Freeze On a Good Date Night
Winter around town doesn’t have to put the freeze on a good date night! Here are five unique local spots that will warm your date’s heart this season.
Our Western Neighbors
Although Jackson has not traditionally been known for its spiritual community, it is a quickly growing region with a bright future ahead and many new opportunities blossoming on the horizon.
Leaps of Faith--Tales of Local Businesses, Red Yoga and Teaspressa
This column is a look at brave souls who have taken a leap of faith to open their own businesses in and around Ann Arbor. What follows are personal profiles of business owners following their dreams and thriving despite the odds.
The Ecology Center – 50 Years of Innovative Solutions for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet
n 2020, the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. It has grown to become one of the most dynamic and influential organizations of its kind in the United States. Created in the wake of the first Earth Day, the Ecology Center was founded by members of ENACT (Environmental Action for Survival), the University of Michigan’s student environmental group. ENACT and the Ecology Center’s primary original focus was to start a recycling program. The city’s first recycling program, at the newly created Recycling Center, was not the recycling program Ann Arbor residents know today: no curbside pickup, only a few types of recyclables were eligible, and residents had to sort recyclables into separate containers and deliver them directly to the Recycling Center.
Local Farm and Orchard Visits
When school starts and the stars begin to twinkle a bit earlier in the evening sky, one can’t help but think of picking apples, carving pumpkins, Halloween costumes, and hay rides. We’ve compiled some of the most unique orchard and farm experiences we could find in southeastern Michigan. Grab your jacket and wellies and enjoy the crisp autumn air before Jack Frost dances on your eyelashes!
