Category: Entrepreneurs

Joy Morris-Burton performs a dance move in front of a giant mirror in her dance studio

The owners of new dance studio concept Move With Joy in the Edison neighborhood hope it improves mental health and career options for others, too.

Becky Bil holds a large bag of popcorn

A survey of shops in Kalamazoo’s downtown business district finds entrepreneurs in various industries keep their doors open by taking the pandemic in stride.

doreen gardner pouring peanut brittle into a pan

Doreen Gardner quit her job of 15 years at her church and is turning her family’s peanut brittle recipe into a family business.

Teresa Baker sits at a desk

Local independent book and notebook company is finding success in passing on lessons in empathy and entrepreneurship to kids.

kathy beebe stands behind a counter at caffe casa

The pandemic is no match for Caffe Casa and the couple who have served customers in the same Kalamazoo Mall location for nearly three decades.

Doreen Gardner prepares peanut brittle in a kitchen

The food industry start-up incubator Can-Do Kitchen is changing its name, moving to a bigger facility, and expanding its scope to help all entrepreneurs in Kalamazoo.

Angie Jackson roasting barley with a torch

A local mixologist has a newly-released book of both cocktails and “don’t call them mocktails” – just in time for the holiday season.

craft soil company co-owners in front of their store

The Craft Soil Company has opened up a new gardening store, focusing first on artisan soil as more supplies come in.

Ralph Humes standing in front of trees

When he’s not cooking for pop artists on tour, R. Stanley’s restaurateur and local chef Ralph Humes’ kitchen plans are low key. But the pandemic has made it difficult to decide what’s next.

co-owners sipping drinks behind the bar

Downtown cocktail lounge Stamped Robin expands globally-inspired esthetic to next door coffee and food spot Café Robin, which officially landed last week.