My name is Claire, and I own Juniperfolk Designs, a brand & web design studio focusing on working with passionate entrepreneurs to give them digital confidence and elevate them to be leaders in their industry through strategic design. I am a Northern Michigan native, and while I went away for college, I have loved living here since I graduated. You can usually find me reading some sort of novel on the beach, running on the TC trails, or going out to eat at my favorite places.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked in the hospitality here in Traverse City before starting my own business and while I am grateful for what I do now, I think the biggest thing I loved about both of the industries was meeting new people from all corners of the world and getting to know them. There are so many wonderful people the interact with in this world and both of my job have given me to do the chance to experience this in different ways.
Q: What is your favorite book?
The Picture of Dorian Gray or Da Vinci Code
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Trattoria Stella, Pepenero, Modern Bird, Flying Noodle, Cooks House.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I grew up in Benzie County, but moved to Traverse City when I was young. Although I lived away during college, I have been back in Traverse City full-time since 2019.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
With Traverse City, you really can choose your own adventure. Whether you are looking to experience fine-dining, an award-winning winery, or a national park. Do your research and talk to the locals.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
Anyone? That’s is so broad! Honestly, probably just my family. We would meet at Fogarelllis, grab one of their sandwiches, and then go to the dunes or a Lake Michigan beach.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
How supportive and layered it is. There are always people around looking to help and there are wonderful little communities you can be a part of.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I used to want to be an actress in some sort of television show.
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
The Bayshore Races or just summertime in general.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
Either Spring or Summer. You know that first long walk you take right after Northern Michigan has one of its first warm days? Either that or going to the beach all day in the summer & then going out to each downtown at Little Fleet.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Water, Safety, Downtown
