Hi friends and followers! I’m one of those people that likes to consider themselves an “Entrepreneur”. There are never days when ideas stop flowing. My love for Shark Tank and passion to help small business owners build their brand presence, and considering my college degree in entrepreneurism, are all a part of “my why” as an entrepreneur. However, there are days when I just have no idea what I actually want to do with my life or can ever seem to clearly explain what I do currently. I’m still learning…and I hope to continue learning throughout my entire life! I’ll also include that I love exploring, connecting with people in our community, and giving back to others. So, please, yes you reading this, connect with me on social, I would love to find a time to sit down over a cup of coffee, preferably at Mundos, and learn more about you!
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
To begin, I’m not the best at sharing about myself and personal questions can often stump me. But, I have built some confidence in who I am from the time I’ve invested in myself and hopefully this translates to you getting a better understanding of me. So, happy reading! I, McKenzie Mac, consider myself a true Northern Michigander. Born and raised in Traverse City, I grew up playing ice hockey, competing against family members in the great game of cards called euchre, and have explained many times where my hometown is using my hand…(If you know, you know.) My love and competition for ice hockey led me to play on the east coast. And now, my hockey career has come full circle. I currently skate in a league at Centre Ice Arena here in Traverse City during the winter months. As for my professional career, I’ve experienced working with large and small brands alike. Some of my experience includes living and working on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel. With over five years in marketing, I can confidently say, I still have no idea what my next adventure will be. “Exciting” some may say and yet I just wonder how many gray hairs I have given my parents along this journey! I continue to grow my faith in God, as He has never failed, and I as an entrepreneur have “failed” many times! I am always finding ways to keep myself busy. Whether I’m competing in a sports game, working for small businesses, dog sitting, flipping clothes from thrift stores, exploring new items and brands in grocery stores, or enjoying the TART Trails, I am working on finding the JOY everywhere I go, and with everything I do!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love connecting with real, authentic people, who want to explore their ideas and see them transform! I enjoy helping small business owners build their brand.
Q: What is your favorite book?
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – Her writing won’t allow me to put down a book. This story will lead you on a deep emotional rollercoaster. I also really enjoyed reading “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Burrow TC, Poppycocks, Oaky’s Tavern, and Happy’s Taco Shop are all restaurants that I enjoy dining at. I’m always on the look out for new, fun, and quality restaurants that have a passion to share great food with people!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
Born and raised in this great city, family and a place to live, brought me back home after college! I adventured to Mackinac Island for a summer, working at Grand Hotel. Currently, help small businesses with their digital marketing needs.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
When visiting connect with local people in the community. There is a great bunch of people who will point you in the right direction of places to go, visit, and see. I highly recommend visiting the Traverse City Tourism website which has great resources for getting the most out of your visit to the area as well. I live here and constantly go on their website to find new events, or fun places to explore.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
I would love to have lunch with a small number of women who want to better their faith and aspire to do good for our community. I want to grow deeper connections with authentic people who also share a passion to grow their faith. We would meet at Mundos or someones house!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Traverse City has an amazing non-motorized trail system operated by a local non-profit known as TART Trails. The non-motorized trail system allows the community and visitors to get out of a motorized vehicle and be immersed in the great outdoors. I grew up biking and rollerblading on the Leelanau Trail. On a beautiful light summer’s day, plan a ride from Traverse City to Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Trail. It’s those moments being in nature that you can take in the fresh air and surroundings of all the natural beauty we have an abundance of. As I write this on a cold, February day, I’m warmed by the memories I’ve had traveling the trail.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy writing and mailing cards to people. It brings me joy!
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
I still love attending events at the National Cherry Festival. An answer not most native people from TC would perhaps say.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
My favorite season in Northern Michigan would be fall. I wouldn’t consider myself a basic white girl (although I probably am), and you won’t find me sipping a pumpkin spice latte, but I will be enjoying the views from overlooks on a hiking trail. Taking hikes in the fall, when the weather isn’t too hot, the air is crisp, and fall colors are beautiful!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Fresh Water Community
