My name is Mariah Hess, I am 26 years old, and live in Traverse City. I’m a pretty laid back person, sometimes I’m a bit of a homebody but I do love spending time with my family and friends. I like hiking, bonfires, playing card games, watching movies, dancing, singing(even though I’m awful), and vacations!! I was born in Dearborn, MI, and grew up in Fenton, MI, where I continued to live until I graduated from Fenton Sr. High School in 2012. I went to NMC for 2 years and studied culinary arts. Although I didn’t continue down the culinary path I still really enjoy baking and cooking at home. In 2014 I almost moved back to Fenton once my school year was over but then I met the man I now call my husband, JR Hess. We have been together for just over 6 years and tied the knot in September of 2019. We also have a 4 year old daughter together who is just the coolest kid ever! We also just bought a house in the last few weeks, thanks to my awesome Realtor Marissa Spencer!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently I work at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate as the Office Administrator. This is my first office job and I love it! I have always worked as a line cook or in retail but I don’t think I would ever want to go back. I really love that I get to be a part of a team and help our Realtors accomplish their goals.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Little Fleet food trucks in the spring/summer, Firefly, Apache, La Senoritas, and Slabtown Burgers…but maybe I’m biased since I’m married to one of the General Managers.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I moved here after graduating high school, 8 years ago, to attend NMC’s culinary arts program.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I can’t really think of anyone specifically.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My ancestors are from Croatia and I really don’t know a lot about it. So, I think it would be cool to explore the place that part of my family originated from and it looks like an absolutely beautiful country.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Princess Bride and Stranger Than Fiction. Parks and Recreation and The Handmaids Tale.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Go check out the state hospital! There are some awesome shops, restaurants and tours of the grounds. And they move the farmers market over there when it gets cold out.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I don’t have a bucket list… haha I don’t know I want to travel more or seeing a really fancy fashion show or something would be super cool!
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
My sisters because they live downstate and I don’t get to see them much. Mama Lu’s sounds really good right now so let’s go with that!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There are a lot of cool places to go hiking. I didn’t expect that when I moved here because all I really knew was downtown.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’ve never done well with this question. I think because I have never really looked at my life like that. I’ve always been a go with the flow person when it comes to the bigger picture. My biggest goal in life is just to be happy, whatever that entails. So, I guess that’s my answer… I see myself living a happy life.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Honestly I have no idea. I feel like I’m a fairly open book.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado. JR and I hiked up this one part and you could look out over this huge valley, it was gorgeous!
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
June, HALLOWEEN, September 7th
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and daughter
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
Fall because Halloween, crunchy leaves, pumpkin patches, apple cider, and sweater weather!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My family. It’s a feeling not a place.
