I am a Michigan native and have been coming to northern Michigan often for vacation since I was a little girl. Most recently my husband and I made a decision to leave our home in the Ann Arbor area for the previous ten years to uproot our family to Traverse City. My husband works remotely for Charles Schwab and I am primarily a stay at home mom. Having the opportunity to move to where we once vacationed to felt like a dream!
I am a mom of my daughter Clara (age 5) and son Finley (age 3) and most recently got a puppy named Griswold. As a family, we love to explore new beaches, go on hikes, meet new people and try all the wonderful wineries, breweries and dining Traverse City has to offer!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a stay-at-home mom by day and balloon artist by night. During the pandemic when everything shut down I was determined to make my daughter’s birthday special and learned how to make balloon garlands. I eventually started a small balloon business in Ann Arbor but once we moved to TC it got put to a halt. Until I met Megan Swan, owner of Poppy & Co! I am now a team member and help her client execute their party planning vision. Before children and balloons, I bounced back and forth from directing a music and dance studio as well as preschool teaching in the Ann Arbor area. I love that working with Poppy & Co brings out my creative side as well as meeting new people in the community.
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mama lus, Jacobs Farm, Farm Club and cookies from slabtown cookie co.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
My family has lived in Traverse City for almost one year this June. We moved here with the dream of living where we always loved vacationing but still in Michigan close to friends and family.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
As someone who hasn’t been here long, I hope to never take the drive up the peninsula for granted or the beautiful open sky of stars at night. The simplicity of just opening your eyes to the beauty on a hike or laying at the beach is one of my most favorite things about being here.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
If I could have lunch with anyone it would be my two deceased biological grandmothers. They passed away before I was born and I’d love to sit at Bonobo Winery, taking in the views, sipping wine and asking them questions about their lives and my parents.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Everyone that I have met seems to have such a relaxed mindset that truly enjoys the outdoors and the beauty Traverse City offers!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Before my second child was born, I worked with one of my friends and illustrator on creating a children’s book called “Penny and the Pineapple Pants”
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
We have so much fun at Cherry Festival but I’m still learning what is my favorite since I’m new to the community and haven’t truly experienced it all quite yet! I can’t wait to find our family favorite community events!
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
Fall is absolutely breathtaking but you can’t beat summer beach hopping! It’s a toss up for me.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peaceful, rejuvenating, heartwarming.
