Birmingham, MI May 2024

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The Women’s Issue

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our mothers, wives, friends and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and women within our community doing awesome things and pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

This month, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

Here's to women!

ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER

@BIRMINGHAMCITYLIFESTYLE

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMMI

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Rayna Southart | rayna.southart@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shelby Dubin, Her Brand Photo, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

The New Social Queens

Meet three social-media experts who’ve broadened the platforms into viable businesses while living their best lives.

The Trailblazers

Meet three inspiring local female entrepreneurs, executives and leaders.

Joan 2.0

Publicist-extraordinaire Joan Frank talks business, tips for success — and how a cancer diagnosis paved the way for a new and improved perspective.

Handmade Breaking Bread

A quick and easy foccacia recipe.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Nicole Jarecz signs her new book, “Maman et Moi,” at book signing event at Petite Cabane in Birmingham on March 9. Nicole Jarecz and Shannon Murphy (Channel 95.5). 2: Kevin Nougarede, Nicole Jarecz, Claire and Ella Nougarede. 3: Carrie Martin Bardha (owner of Petite Cabane) and Nicole Jarecz. 4: Martina Camaj (Zana, Tallulah Wine Bar) and daughter. 5: Coloring fun at the event. 6: Nicole Jarecz with “Maman et Moi.” 7: Event guests reading “Maman et Moi.”

At Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios Functional Neurology Preview Party on March 14. 1: Trying out Chiropractic Lifestyle Studio’s new GyroStim. 2: Birmingham City Lifestyle Publisher Ali Kramer with Holly Amato, Erica Michaels and Monica Toomey. 3: Monica Toomey, Lomas Brown, Erica Michaels (co-owner of CLS & Functional Neurology Center) and Holly Amato. 4: Staff of Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios & Functional Neurology Center with Lomas Brown. 5: Joe Abramson, Lomas Brown and Dr. Guy Riekeman (owner of Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios & Functional Neurology Center). 6: Chiropractic Lifestyle Studio’s staff. 7: Joey Spina, Erica Michaels, Albert Freud and Wally Palmar (Birmingham resident and lead singer of the Romantics).

city scene

Rear Ends brought designer Ramy Brook to their Bloomfield store and celebrated women by Giving Back to Karmanos Cancer Institute on March 14. 1: Dr. Hirva Mamdani, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Anna Tobia, evening honoree, and Linda A. Filipczak. 2: Publicist Sari Cicurel and Ashley Gold, jewelry designer. 3: Dr. Hirva Mamdani and Anna Tobia. 4: Shoppers at Rear ends enjoying Ramy Brook Launch. 5: Anna Tobia, Elaine Blumenfeld of Rear Ends, Dr. Hirva Mamdani and Arianna Carps, owner of Rear Ends. 6: Arianna Carps, Lira Bordoley, Anne Stevens and Antisia King enjoying the Ramy Brook styles. 7: Ali Kramer, Arianna Carps and Ashley Gold.

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF ART, DESIGN + JOY

AWARD-WINNING

FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN FOR RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL SPACES LED BY PRINCIPAL DESIGNER HEATHER GREENE

EXPLORE + SHOP OUR NEW RETAIL STUDIO FEATURING OUR CURATED COLLECTION OF FINISHES, FURNITURE + ART ACCESSORIES FOR WORK + HOME

Breakthrough Care for Kids & Adults at CLS Functional Neurology Center

At CLS, we offer personalized treatment for ADD, ADHD, Reading Development Disorders, and Autism. Plus, benefits for patients of all ages experiencing a wide range of conditions, including:

Vertigo | Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Stroke Complications | POTS

Headaches/Migraines | Stroke Rehabilitation Fatigue, Focus problems, Long Covid symptoms, etc. Movement Disorders (Epilepsy, Restless Leg Syndrome, etc.) ...and more

Mention Birmingham City Lifestyle and receive 50% off a new patient Functional Neurology Exam.

Lisa B. Kirsch Satawa Chief Legal Strategist

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

GREENE & CO EXPANSION AND NEW LAUNCH

Greene & Co Interior Design recently expanded their full-service design studio and launched their new Shoppe by Greene & Co. in Downtown Birmingham. Founder and Principal Interior Designer Heather Greene, known for pushing the boundaries of art, design and joy for clients in both contract and residential interiors, invites the community to explore their library of curated small-batch and eco-sourced finishes, furnishings and accessories, with designs specified on Greene & Co.’s award-winning design projects. Greeneandco.online.

Photography by Shelby Dubin

DAXTON DELIGHTS REOPENS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Daxton Delights at Birmingham’s Daxton Hotel is reopening for the spring/summer season! The walk-up window at the hotel features seasonal desserts and a one-of-a-kind ice cream experience. From mouthwatering sundaes to delicious scoops of ice cream, guests can relish the culinary innovation of Madam’s pastry team. The reimagined classic frozen desserts are made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients from partners and farmers. Daxton Delights is open, weather permitting, Thursday to Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

TDR SPECIALISTS IN ORTHODONTICS OPEN 5TH CLINIC

TDR Specialists in Orthodontics celebrated the opening of their 5th clinic in March 2024. The new clinic in Taylor, Mich., joins 4 others in Birmingham, Rochester Hills, Novi and Howell. As the #1 Invisalign and Braces provider in the state of Michigan, TDR attributes its success to the “high tech, high touch,” treatment model it offers patients, one that utilizes industry-leading technology to provide pristine orthodontic results, while improving communication with patients and dental partners. Tdrortho.com.

Pictured left-to-right: Sue Minster, Jason Geisz, Adam Biswanger, Bob Alati, Beth Silver and Robyn Crewdson

SUMMER BODY

The New Social Queens

Meet three social-media experts who’ve broadened the platforms into viable businesses while living their best lives.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

EMILY A. HAY, BIRMINGHAM

Founder and CEO of Hay There Social Media, author and featured speaker.

Connect: @haytheresocialmedia, @emilyahay on Instagram; @emilyahay on TikTok; haytheresocialmedia.com

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SOCIAL MEDIA?

After studying marketing in college, I worked sales in corporate America. Despite having an entrepreneurial spirit, I had no role models to follow. Around 2009, I saw the potential of social media for businesses. My friend had a bakery and I leveraged my sales and marketing background to make her my first client, redirecting her Yellow Pages advertising budget to me to help her grow on Facebook.

WHAT IS HAY THERE SOCIAL MEDIA?

In 2010 I launched Hay There Social Media, a boutique social-media agency. My team of other work-from-home women and I were the outsourced social-media team creating content, building community and more for a variety of B2C businesses.

After operating as an agency for a decade, I decided to expand and teach other women to run a freelance business as social-media managers. My business

partner and I developed a custom curriculum for empowering women to build a flexible business in the in-demand social-media market. We teach the skills needed to be effective social-media managers and to run a freelance business. We then place the women we’ve trained with our agency’s clients.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE FROM OTHER SOCIAL-MEDIA BRAND-BUILDERS?

Many social-media brand builders are focused in the influencer space. Hay There builds social-media managers who help businesses of all sizes build their social-media presence.

TELL ME ABOUT FAIR PLAY .

The message of Fair Play, a New York Times-bestselling book by Eve Rodsky, is ‘A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live)’ — this resonated with me and led to a social-media connection with the author. The book was made into a documentary, produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom; my husband, two daughters and I were filmed in our home in Birmingham for two years, documenting our journey to find balance of the domestic labor.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?

In addition to sending B2C clients to our community of freelance social-media managers, we also serve larger clients, clients that simply need a social-media strategy and we offer social-media training to businesses and associations.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR LIFE OR CAREER?

I recently emceed a global conference led by Tammy Zonker, an expert nonprofit fundraising thought leader, with incredible speakers, including Seth Godin, who is kind of a rockstar in the marketing space.

Emily Hay, right, with Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play

SHELBY DUBIN + CAT GOLDEN

Content creators and founders of Social Rebel

Dubin is the Aesthetics Guru & Photographer/Videographer

Golden is the Brand Engagement Consultant & Marketing Expert (and nurse)

Connect: @socialrebelexperience, @thedubindiaries, @shelbydubinphotography, @catlgolden on Instagram; shelbydubinphotography.com , catgolden.com

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SOCIAL MEDIA?

Cat started as a nurse and built her first company, Nurses Inspire Nurses, a large nurses’ community, by posting on social media and creating organic content that fostered authentic connections. She grew the community to more than 100,000 nurses and scaled the e-commerce brand, which was acquired in 2024. While growing her company, Cat developed her skills over the course of five to six years and began working with national brands, helping them create content — and she loved it. She realized her innate gift was to connect with people and humanize the brand. Cat now does brand-engagement consulting and is the lead marketer for Social Rebel.

I am a professional dancer-turned-photographer. When dancing, I taught music and dance to kids all over the world — Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Australia and the US — sparking my travel bug. I then moved to Paris for a job and while there, started a travel blog, the Dubin Diaries. I quickly learned that I did not like to write (hence no more blog) but with my love for visual arts, I continued to grow and build @thedubindiaries through Instagram. During that year I documented my travels all over Europe and even met friends through Instagram.

Although I’ve loved photography as a hobby since high school, I never had any intention of actually becoming a full-time photographer. But friends began to reach out asking to hire me. I started and grew my photography business in 2020, when the world unexpectedly shut down and dancing no longer seemed like a possibility. A quick post on Instagram and my company was officially launched. It scaled quickly to full time, growing through referrals and social media, and has opened the doors to work with companies ranging from local businesses to national brands. My eye for aesthetic and capturing authentic moments has led me to be the visual expert for Social Rebel.

WHAT IS SOCIAL REBEL?

Social Rebel exists to take the overwhelm out of content creation. We live by the motto ‘document don't create.’ Our goal is to make content creation fun again and give clients the confidence to show up authentically. We believe that people’s unique stories hold the key to effectively marketing their products and building genuine connections with their customers.

Cat and I have 20-plus years of combined content-creation experience. We happened to work together on a few projects and realized our energy was contagious. Everyone was asking how they could work with us, and it just made sense with our skills to step into the content creation space. We also saw a huge gap in the market where so many business owners were

Cat Golden and Shelby Dubin. Photo by Her Brand Photo

struggling with making authentic content. It was stressing them out instead of empowering them.

We joined forces to create Social Rebel to help clients ‘un-curate’ their content and stand out — to ‘rebel’ just a little. Cat is the ultimate hype-girl and idea-machine and I am the visual aesthetics guru, and we connected over our love for travel, coffee and lucky-girl energy. Magic seems to always happen when we're together. Our personal goal is to create a life we never have to ‘escape’ from, which is why Social Rebel embodies everything we love and believe in.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE FROM OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA BRAND-BUILDERS?

We have Rebel in our name for a reason. It's not one-sizefits-all. We don't believe you have to follow trends or keep up with the algorithm. Trends come and go but authenticity builds a community that stays.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?

We work with a wide variety of clients, from Metro Detroit businesses to international brands such as Virgin Voyages. We've created content for Delta, Evolus, Nurse.com, BUBBL'R and even our very own Detroit Red Wings.

How would you describe your personal style?

We are lovers of all black (our personalities bring the color). Oftentimes we are dressing for travel or events and need to wear clothes that are both functional but represent our vibe and brand. Cat has a little edge and loves taking risks that match the vibe. I am 99 percent in head-to-toe Aritzia.

WHAT SHOULD CLIENTS ASK WHEN HIRING A SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST? WHAT IS A COMMON MISTAKE?

A common mistake we see is that people know they need help but don't know why or what their goals are. Communication is huge when hiring any creative or social-media specialist.

Being clear in your goals, expectations and desired outcomes can set everyone up for success.

ROLE MODELS?

Some of our favorite people in the world of social include Alix Earle, Tezza, Gary Vee and Jesse Itzler. We also shamelessly love @therealsahd, @laurandnicolas, @grandma_droniak and all the tarot card readers on TikTok (if you know you know!).

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR LIFE OR CAREER?

Cat is very proud of building and selling her company after six years. Personally, she is very grateful for getting divorced and moving across the country by herself when she was 22.

I am grateful to have lived my dream of performing for Disney and building an entire photography business from the ground up.

DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE?

We have a dream of working with Delta and if you know us, you know we won't stop until we make it a reality!

Photo by Her Brand Photo

KATIE GREENSTONE, METRO DETROIT

Social media entrepreneur, founder of Market-G Social House and Want Honey Connect: @marketgsocialhouse and @wanthoneywiththat on Instagram; @wanthoney on TikTok; wanthoney.club

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SOCIAL MEDIA?

I’ve always been into tech — I learned how to use an IBM Thinkpad when I was six years old. My love for learning new tech made early adoption of social media a no-brainer. I ran socials for free in college to get my bearings while I grew my personal online community, and the rest has been trial by fire. I’ve been in the field for six years and counting.

WHAT ARE MARKET-G SOCIAL HOUSE AND WANT HONEY?

Through experimentation and success with my personal social-media growth, a passion for community-building was ignited. This began my odyssey to make social media be and feel attainable to small and mid-sized companies through cool graphic creation, photos and videos. My main focus now is growing Market-G Social House, our content creation, social-media management and social-media strategy consulting firm.

What began as my personal social-media account, focused on food and Metro Detroit eateries, has grown into a community of more than 120,000 followers [check out her Detroit-focused merch at wanthoney.club]. When I’m not shooting content and strategizing for clients for Market-G, I’m shooting content for my Tiktok and Instagram, Want Honey — the community I’ve built where people

can share our love for Detroit, fitness, food and travel. I’ve created such a loyal following over the last six years that it’s become more like a family than a brand. People and business-owners who are part of the community, even those I’ve never met, invite me to coffee, invite me to eat at new restaurants — I’ve met so many amazing people through it, and the coolest is when I run into someone wearing a Want Honey sweatshirt, because it symbolizes the immense support I’ve received through it all.

WHAT'S YOUR GOAL?

Our mission at Market-G is to make social media feel more human. We want to push the boundaries of content creation for clients, especially those who feel lost, to find their unique voice within a sea of social-media trends.

WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY UNIQUE FROM OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA BRAND-BUILDERS?

We are by referral only, meaning our clients all sort of know one another by association in our community and they have a respect for one another. Social media is constant, and that mutual respect we have with our clients and in our community is critical for the success of being the small-sized powerhouse that we are. We also know it’s so easy to be paralyzed by unfamiliar processes, so our

Katie Greenstone

“Hot Girls Eat Coneys” tees from Want Honey

tried-and-true client onboarding and monthly strategy allows for us to get down to business efficiently and spend more time creating fun content that converts with our clients.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

Depends on the season for both business and fashion! Our business is cyclical, with our ‘busy season’ being March 1-Dec. 26, and we are always on and on-the-go, so I need to be comfortable. It’s also hard to get those photo angles of my clients in a stiff outfit! That being said, I match my clients’ energy, and each one has a different vibe. Generally speaking, I like to keep it light but professional, and I think that shows in our work as well.

WHAT SHOULD CLIENTS ASK WHEN HIRING A SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST? WHAT IS A COMMON MISTAKE?

I tell this to everyone who comes in our ‘door’ (i.e. Zoom call): If, during your time interviewing a potential social-media manager, they are using definites and promising x results — run. There is nothing definite about social media because it is ever-changing and it takes some failure to see what works. The biggest mistake I see on the management-side is being too timid. Clients are coming to us for our expertise, and just saying yes to everything they want usually means you’re just responding rather than innovating, which ultimately does a disservice to the client. From the client-side, when a client has too much red tape, or thinks they won’t need to put aside time to make the relationship work, it Want Honey

stunts the creator from being able to be creative. Social takes work and collaboration on both ends.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?

Our client base is amazing and so incredibly diverse. We work with architects, artists, builders, interior designers, realtors, chefs/food, health/fitness, retail, foundations and hospitality, with a few outliers in between.

ROLE MODELS?

My role models are my family — my mom/dad/sister, all creative in their own right, and all incredibly hard-working. One of my favorite social influencers, who I send all of my clients to review, is Timm Chiusano (@timmchiusano), a 40-something corporate creative based in NYC who practiced consistent, unique content creation and made his page feel like a home for so many. He is the definition of showing your human on social.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR LIFE OR CAREER?

That I’ve gotten myself to a place where I wake up in the morning and am excited to go to work every single day.

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THE TRAILBLAZERS

Meet three inspiring local female entrepreneurs, executives and leaders.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

PHOTO BY SHALEENA COLE, LEOSAGAGE IMAGES

DR. EMBEKKA ROBERSON

Superintendent of Birmingham Public Schools

Since joining Birmingham’s school district in 2008, Dr. Roberson has served as elementary principal, high-school principal and assistant superintendent of Student Learning and Inclusion. During her 25-year career, she has been an unrelenting champion for students, particularly interested in creating a culture of unity and well-being and improving student-learning outcomes. Dr. Roberson is the first African-American and first female superintendent of Birmingham Public Schools.

Tell me about your position?

As the Superintendent of Birmingham Public Schools, I oversee the school district's day-to-day operations. We have approximately 7,500 students enrolled in our 16 schools and programs, catering to students from early childhood to preschool through 12th grade. Additionally, our adult transition program offers support for neurodiverse students up to the age of 26.

Prior to becoming superintendent, I worked as an assistant superintendent.

Describe your leadership style. Is it different from your male counterparts?

Leadership challenges the status quo to help create optimal conditions for the people you serve. I am constantly identifying ways to improve our school district so every student can reach their full potential. My leadership style is to serve with integrity, empathy and a strong understanding of my core values.

The attributes of my leadership style can be seen in male and female leaders. However, sometimes the same qualities can be viewed differently: For example, acting on your core values can be considered strength and decisiveness in men; in women, it can be seen as cold and stubborn.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

I believe the most significant barrier is the lack of opportunity. According to an American Association of School Administrators (AASA) study, women comprise 76 percent of K-12 teachers; however, they only comprise 54 percent of principals and only 24 percent of superintendents. Several factors impact that statistic, and a lack of leadership opportunities is one of them.

There are still unconscious biases about who can fit that role when thinking of leaders. An interview committee member asked the group if a female candidate could be an effective leader when they had young children at home — I have never heard that asked about a male candidate.

I have also heard comments about whether a female candidate can handle the pressure of a leadership role, which I do not usually hear for male candidates.

Women must be seen as equally viable candidates. They must be encouraged and allowed to lead.

Have you been in a leadership position where you were treated differently than your colleagues?

Overall, people have been very supportive of my leadership. However, during each of my positions, there have been times when I have been treated differently. More than once, people have deferred to my male counterpart for a decision — even though I am present and the final decision-maker. I have also had people question my competency and use words to describe me such as difficult or cold when I hold people accountable.

When I face these challenges, I try not to spend too much time speculating on why I am being treated differently. It could be because I am female or African-American or because I don’t present as the gregarious extroverts who are often leaders. I focus on making sure that I do not project any bias on others and that I do what I can to call implicit biases out when I see them.

How do you “give back” to your community?

I am where I am because of the amazing opportunities both men and women have shared with me. It is essential that I pay that forward. I believe in the power of education, so I encourage anyone passionate about education to pursue leadership roles.

I intentionally share opportunities with people from marginalized groups who may not see themselves in the spaces they want to lead. If someone had not pulled me aside and said you will be a principal one day, I do not know if I would have considered pursuing the role. I have great mentors from different backgrounds who continue to help me be the best version of myself. I want to ensure I can be a great mentor for others.

MONICA NOTARO

Owner, Miroh Meals

National Anthem Singer

Birmingham-based Monica Notaro seems to do it all — degree in biochemistry, professional musician, national anthem singer for the Detroit Red Wings (for the last five seasons) and owner of Miroh Meals, a vegan meal-prep company in Bloomfield Hills. Founded in 2018 in her home kitchen while a single mom, she’s grown the business to a brick-and-mortar cafe offering weekly delivery service and grab-and-go gourmet meals that nourish both body and soul. Notaro’s goal is to make healthy eating accessible and effortless — and wholesome and delicious. Order online at mirohmeals.com or download the app. Plus — Notaro is a social-media queen, with Miroh Meals (@mirohmeals) garnering more than 10,000 followers on Instagram, showing gorgeously photographed dishes plus health and nutrition tips; her personal page’s more than 11,000 followers love her fashion finds, travel destinations and clips of her singing.

When you began your career, did you ever imagine you’d be where you are now?

Starting out as a chemist, I honestly could not have guessed I would be in the food industry or on the ice every game for the Detroit Red Wings!

Describe your leadership style and how you “lead” others.

I like to lead by example with a more transformational style — I give everyone an opportunity to ask questions and, for me, it’s all about demonstrating proper techniques and setting standards on our expectations. I like to inspire and encourage my employees to be innovative and develop new ways to grow the business. I love when people ask questions, as it shows the curiosity of my employees. It’s important to keep people involved in all steps of the process.

What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?

I think the impact starts at a very young age. It’s all about the values and exposure to leadership that we show our children and daughters. You have to be vocal, ask questions and speak to people that are enmeshed in the industry. But you also have to be willing to state what you want and put that out to the universe.

It’s been amazing having my daughter surrounded by these processes and able to see leadership and generate positive leadership role models.

What do you consider a major accomplishment in your life or career?

I am so in love with what I do. Singing the national anthem for the Detroit Red Wings is an absolute dream. I bring my seven-year-old daughter with me to every game, and having her see my hard work and all that comes with it is so important.

I also started my meal prep company out of my home five years ago, and my daughter has seen me go through the ups and downs of owning a business. I’m so proud of both my singing career and my business.

How do you “give back” to your community?

Miroh Meals donates all of their unsold meals to refrigerators throughout Detroit; we also donate all of our unused produce.

How do you encourage women to not give up?

Anything is truly possible if you’re passionate about it. I started my business five years ago out of my garage and now I have a full restaurant and serve 2,500 meals a week in our delivery service.

I also started a band 10 years ago and always dreamed of singing the national anthem — and now I do! There are going to be tough times when starting a business. But you have to envision the outcome and push through.

“I BRING MY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME TO EVERY GAME, AND I LOVE HAVING HER SEE MY HARD WORK AND ALL THAT COMES WITH IT.” — MONICA NOTARO

“THERE IS A KEY ADVANTAGE TO BEING A WOMEN-LED COMPANY IN AN INDUSTRY HISTORICALLY RUN BY MEN — WE REALLY KNOW OUR CUSTOMER, BECAUSE WE ARE OUR CUSTOMER.” — RACHEL STEWART

RACHEL STEWART

Chief Executive Officer of Gardner White

The fourth-generation leader of the 112-yearold family-owned and operated furniture and mattress retailer, Stewart was promoted from president to CEO this past April, succeeding her parents, Barbara and Steven Tronstein. As one of the only female leaders in the industry, Stewart has been instrumental in the company’s expanded footprint to include 13 retail locations throughout Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and Saginaw with a team of more than 1,000 employees. Prior to returning to the family business, Stewart worked in the clean-energy sector for nearly 10 years, including in the U.S. Department of Energy with Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Steven Chu.

What are your professional goals?

I am determined to continue the thoughtful expansion of the Gardner White brand and am committed to leading innovation to benefit the industry and our customers. Our team works tirelessly to always anticipate trends and technological advancements, like integrating AI and 3-D printing technologies, to help lead the future of retail. It is a challenge we embrace and we are incredibly mindful of bringing the best products at the best prices to our customers.

How do you “give back” to your community?

Gardner White's mission is to ‘Change Lives Through Furniture’ — this is truly what we aspire to do each day. We are deeply dedicated to giving back to the community and we approach community-giving with the same mindset as our retail approach — how do we go above and beyond to make a positive impact on people’s lives with what we

do and what we invest in. For example: We partner with local and national nonprofits to help improve the lives of Michigan families; Gardner White is the presenting sponsor of America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit; we have a yearlong partnership with Serta and American Cancer Society, in which a portion of every Serta mattress sale through Dec. 31, 2024, supports the American Cancer Society and their mission to save lives; we host one of the largest blood drives in the state through our partnership with the American Red Cross; and we recently hosted free CPR training for the community with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of American Heart Month.

What makes Gardner White “special” in the industry as it pertains to women in leadership?

There is a key advantage to being a women-led company in an industry historically run by men — we really know our customer, because we are our customer. The Gardner White team includes a diverse group of women and working mothers who value time and money, so we understand first-hand the importance of making shopping easy. We listen to our customers and offer services that are important to them, like same-day delivery and night-time delivery to accommodate busy working families.

How do you balance professional success with personal well-being?

The key to finding balance and success is discovering what you love to do so that work doesn’t feel arduous. There are only so many hours in the day, so it’s important that you are spending the majority of your time doing something you truly enjoy. It also helps to be surrounded by a great team of colleagues.

Joan 2.0

PUBLICIST-EXTRAORDINAIRE JOAN FRANK

TALKS BUSINESS, TIPS FOR SUCCESS — AND HOW A CANCER DIAGNOSIS PAVED THE WAY FOR A NEW AND IMPROVED PERSPECTIVE.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

Joan Frank

Tammy Stemas (center) from Detroit Dye House offers a tiedye demonstration at CBS News Detroit.

Joan Frank exudes warmth and authenticity. She is nurturing, but also a straight-shooting force of nature. Exactly who you want on your side, no matter the cause.

Frank is a leader in the public-relations industry — the founder and president of Birminghambased B Frank Communications has more than 25 years under her belt making connections and managing client PR, locally and nationally (at the time of our interview, she was readying to accompany a client to the Oscars’ A-List Lounge in Los Angeles).

“I always knew that this was what I wanted to do,” Frank says. “I was very lucky — my dad owned an advertising agency [Robert Solomon of Robert Solomon & Associates, then Solomon Friedman Advertising] in Downtown Detroit. He was ‘the guy’ but I’m sure I didn’t realize that at the time.

“Every summer since I was 12, I lived there,” she says. “They’d stick me in different departments — but PR is the area that I always gravitated to.”

After studying communications at Boston University, Frank returned to Metro Detroit for a position with Renaissance Detroit. “We did the first Detroit Grand Prix — an absolutely amazing experience,” Frank says. “How incredible is it that they were able to create a Formula One race course through the city of Detroit? People came from all over the world to see it.”

Following a stint in New York City, Frank again returned to Detroit before getting married (she’s since divorced), having two children and dabbling in residential real estate (she sold a house to former Detroit Tiger Alan Trammell). Soon lured back into the world of PR, she landed the position

of director of public relations with the Berline Group, where she ran accounts for Wendy’s, the Michigan State Fair and more.

Encouraged by the company’s VP to start her own shop, “gifting” her with an important client to take with her, Frank launched her own business, originally B Frank Public Relations before transitioning to B Frank Communications. The firm will celebrate its 28th anniversary in June.

Often described as a powerhouse by friends and clients, Frank excels at the connection, the media relationships, the telling-it-like-it-is but also listening to what the client needs and coaxing it out.

“I have an intuitive gift,” Frank says. “I can go in and talk to a client, and it’s like the universe downloads it to me — I know exactly how to spin their story and what’s going to work. But I also meet with clients who I don’t think are a good fit. I’m very honest about whether I can work with them or not.”

Starting out with local clients, Frank grew to having clients all over the world, “which I love,” she says. “Mine is a boutique firm — which means I’m always the person there for a client. Often clients come in after working with a big agency, where they were given the impression they’d be working with the CEO, but once the contract is signed, that’s not the case. If a client is happy, I’m the one they’re going to tell. But if a client is not happy, I’m still the one they’re going to tell.

“This is what works for me. I meet the client, come up with the angle, do the pitching — all of that is what I really love,” she says “I develop these crazy fabulous relationships with the media. Then I bring in really accomplished

“I have an intuitive gift. I can talk to a client, and it’s like the universe downloads it to me — I know exactly how to spin their story.”

— Joan Frank

“Before cancer, I never spoke my voice. But then you start to prioritize what’s important — you take out the trash and trim the BS, because life is just too short.” — Joan Frank

Frank booked client Jeff Newsome, a lifestyle curator, to appear on Fox 2 News.

independent contractors who will do the writing, the graphic design, the social media — all aspects that have different skill sets than mine. Having a home office keeps the overhead low, so I can hire the best in each discipline.”

Frank has a diversified client base, which she loves. “It keeps me fresh and makes it so much more fun for me,” she says. “I’m a real ‘idea’ girl.”

Among her current local clients are a cosmetic dentist (Dr. Robert DiPilla in Birmingham), a shopping mall (all the shops at Orchard Mall in West Bloomfield), a psychic medium (Lynn Darmon) and an architectural firm in Ferndale (Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas), which she loves working with “because the president’s mantra is that ‘you give back however you can, whenever you can,’” she says. “They’re a for-profit firm that works with nonprofits and has changed the landscape of Detroit,” even earning kudos from Mayor Mike Duggan.

She also works with New York City celebrity psychic Thomas John and bone-broth expert and author Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, who has changed the lives of celebrities in New York City and Los Angeles — and for whom Frank got her first TV segment.

Another client, local manifestation expert Dr. Michelle Barr, has been “the most incredible case study for me,” Frank says. “In two years, she’s gone from no footprint to having a weekly segment on Fox 2 Detroit, which is picked up nationally on Fox. She’s viral. She’s always on the front page of Yahoo after segments that are picked up in the U.K., Australia — it’s mind blowing.”

Sixteen years ago, Frank was diagnosed with thyroid cancer — and although she scheduled her surgery on Leap Day so she wouldn’t have an annual reminder, she has also come out ahead.

“Everyone says, ‘if you’re going to get cancer, that’s the one with a high success rate,’” Frank says. “That’s great, but when it’s you, and you’re going in for these scans and praying you’ll be able to see your kids grow, it’s hard. I had a fabulous team at Beaumont [now Corewell Health], and I went through my surgery and treatment. Everything is good now, I get my checkups.

“But before cancer, I never spoke my voice,” she says. “There was a huge shift in my life. You begin to prioritize what’s important — you take out the trash and trim the BS, whether it’s people or clients, because life is just too short.

“It turned out to be a very positive experience for me. I know that sounds weird,” she says. “But it was like, this is ‘Joan 2.0.’ I started understanding more about the spiritual realm. I became an Imerman Angel [founded by Michigan-native cancer-survivor Jonny Imerman to connect those touched by cancer to Mentor Angels].

“I’ve always been an empath, it’s very much how I work — I am maternal,” Frank says. “My job is helping my clients shine, and to help them do that, I have to help them identify what their story is. It’s all part of the package for me.”

Frank is grateful for her gift of “finding the story,” even more so post-cancer.

“I tell this to my kids all the time — I think that everybody has at least one gift,” she says. “One of life’s big challenges is identifying your gift. And if you can make your gift your career, you’re golden.”

JOAN FRANK’S TIPS ON BUILDING A BRAND

1. You must have a logo, a stationery suite, a good photo, a good writer and a website.

2. Any brand must have a social-media footprint.

3. Invest in yourself and invest in the brand: For example, we will do a deep dive for award nominations — it builds your credibility and gives you the opportunity to share accolades with your client base.

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HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe is exploding with flavor and is simple to make.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

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events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 5TH

Birmingham Farmers Market Opens

Public Parking Lot #6

Birmingham celebrates their Farmers Market's 22nd season! The Birmingham Farmers Market is an outdoor market featuring Michigan-grown produce, meat and dairy, floral arrangements, plants, artisan goods and more. It's open every Sunday, May 5 through October 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and is located in Public Parking Lot 6 at 660 North Old Woodward Avenue.

MAY 11TH & 12TH

Art Birmingham

Shain Park

Art Birmingham (May 11-12), originally known as the Birmingham Fine Art Festival, celebrates its annual return to Shain Park, downtown Birmingham’s beautiful City Park.  This exquisite fine art fair showcases 150 juried artists, free admission, art activities and a food court creating a great tradition to enjoy for Mother’s Day weekend.

MAY 22ND

Neil Young+ Crazy Horse Bring Love Earth Tour to Michigan

Pine Knob Theatre

Neil Young + Crazy Horse have announced their 2024 tour – Love Earth Tour – and will perform at Pine Knob Music Theatre on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com