Women in Business

iCRYO Grosse Pointe offers a variety of services that are known to reduce inflammation throughout your body and minimize the pain you experience in your muscles and joints. All first-time guests receive a 1-on-1 tour of our center, to learn about the life-changing benefits of our services.
WHOLE BODY CRYO OZONE UV i V THERAPY i V INFUSIONS
INFRARED SAUNA
RED LIGHT THERAPY
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS i M SHOTS
BODY SCULPTING NAD+ THERAPY
COMPRESSION THERAPY SECA BIOIMPEDANCE MEDICAL SCALE
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
i CRYO - Grosse Pointe
Local residents Kristen, an ICU Nurse, and Dominic, a local business owner, have joined the iCRYO family. Together, they form an unstoppable team! Their mission? To inspire their local community to live their best lives. Join them on this shared journey toward health and wellness.
Red Light Therapy utilizes near infrared light waves to stimulate cell regeneration and enhance tissue repair.
RELIEVES JOINT PAIN
NATURAL STRESS RELIEF
ENHANCES SKIN HEALTH
INCREASES ENERGY
IMPROVES BLOOD FLOW
BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH
It's the ladies' issue and an opportunity to recognize the women who make our community unique and special. They make both seen and unseen sacrifices so we can experience the love and care that echoes generationally. We honored them and wanted to highlight some of their stories showcasing women in business.
Growing up, my mom, Fina, was a seamstress by trade. She turned the basement into a fully opera tional shop where she made custom draperies for highend clients. While running a business, she kept a spotless and organized home, dinners and getting together with family regularly, and the compassion only a mom can bring. Therefore, inspired by her, I wanted to highlight some of the businesswomen in our community.
Realtors Joan Hardy Brown and Kim Lodge are a dynamic duo who love what they do. Working with The Agency Hall & Hunter Realty, they bring world reach to real estate in Grosse Pointe by utilizing technology, relationships, and experience. Read about their expertise in buying and selling a home.
Andrea Moran and her sister Lindsay Napiorowski took a brainstorming session and created a business based on a need they saw in event planning. The Rustic Root Design Co evolved over the years and offers a fantastic shopping experience or event planning session. They do it all, whether it's a wedding, special event, funeral, gifting, or anything.
Erin Johnson was training for a triathlon when her business plan was formulated. She decided to create a one-stop shop for feeling better and training through RAMP Athletics and Recovery. This athlete gets it, and with her business, we can benefit from living a healthier and happier life.
Caitlin Hall brings years of experience and a great team to her physical therapy business, HealthQuest. Whether recovering from injury or wanting to feel better physically and mentally, you will have a plan that goes to the core of any problem with a team of people who treat you like family.
Finally, we spoke with Lisa Schlage and Kelly Hilliard, co-chairs of The Children's Foundation, which raises money for the Children's Hospital of Michigan. Their yearly fundraiser, Derby for Kids, is coming this May at the Country Club of Detroit. It is an awesome event that grows every year to benefit children needing physical or mental illness assistance.
It's about the ladies this May….and Happy Mother's Day!
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One of the world's most unique automotive events
Each Father's Day, thousands of car fans journey to the idyllic home of Edsel and Eleanor Ford for the visual feast that is EyesOn Design. Organized around an annual design theme, vehicle owners are invited to share their rolling sculptures with the world.
EyesOn Design has raised millions of dollars to support the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. For event information and tickets, please visit eyesondesign.org
Whether you are a competitive athlete seeking to bring your workout and recovery to the next level or a weekend warrior who'd like to add extra spring to your step after a long winter, a cutting-edge solution is as close as Mack Avenue opposite Grosse Pointe Farms.
That is the location of RAMP, an elite athletic performance and recovery facility that employs licensed strength coaches, athletic trainers, and massage therapists. RAMP stands for Recovery, Athletic Mobility, and Performance, an acronym chosen by owner and founder Erin Johnson to sum up RAMP's unique multidisciplinary approach. "We do many different things under one roof. We work with each client to design an individual plan based on their personal goals for strength and fitness," says Johnson. "All fitness levels and ages are welcome."
The 4,200-square-foot facility offers the following:
• Recovery lab
• Michigan's only hot and cold plunge bath that is open to the general public
• Compression boots
• Two Infrared saunas and a vitality booth (red light and salt booth) that restore health to mitochondria, soothe irritated skin, reset the Circadian rhythm for better restorative sleep, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system to help with colds and allergies
• Tune-up and assessments with licensed athletic trainers
• Bodywork and stretch sessions with licensed manual therapists
Treatment at RAMP helps alleviate chronic pain and the ability to manage stress. Clients report feeling really calm and sleeping really well after their sessions. "Our whole concept is to help you get to the issue's root. We want to work with you to make you feel better and move better," says Johnson. She is a Michigan native and current resident of Grosse Pointe Park, a licensed personal trainer, massage therapist, and mobility specialist. She honed her craft by
"The field of personal performance training is evolving rapidly because of biohacking. People want to live longer, healthier lives. RAMP is here to help."
working with performance athletes at training facilities in southern California before returning to southeast Michigan and taking on a role as a personal trainer at the Detroit Athletic Club. While training for her first triathlon, Johnson developed her business model.
"I learned all I could and reached out to owners to learn their best business practices," she reports. She incorporated those concepts into the latest technology when designing her new facility. "I developed a vision for a facility where I could stretch and train all in one place. I wanted to offer infrared saunas, red light, and hot and cold plunges because those things were making a difference in my life," Johnson explained. "I wanted everyone to have access to everything that helped me achieve my goals.
"The field of personal performance training is evolving rapidly because of biohacking. People want to live longer, healthier lives. RAMP is here to help." Johnson reports that most RAMP clients fall into two categories: middle and high school athletes and adults ages 45+. "However, we serve all ages," she says. "Our Recovery approach is super helpful to people ages 45 to 55 whose hormone levels change. We help manage that transition period, so they can continue achieving optimal results and maintain their fitness level throughout this time in their lives.
"We also serve clients ages 55 and up. We want to be a great resource for Grosse Pointers committed to a vibrant, healthy lifestyle so they can enjoy time with their loved ones and maintain their well-being," says Johnson.
She draws great inspiration from her father and his fitness journey. She worked closely with him to customize a wellness plan after he was diagnosed with a serious illness. She firmly believes that every outcome can be maximized with a commitment to strength and recovery training and a solid nutrition plan. She is happy to report that her father is in great health, eight years after a serious diagnosis.
"I returned to Grosse Pointe with an idea to establish a fitness center that would be a resource for this community," reports Johnson. "I had a vision and a drive to fill a need because there was nothing like it in this area."
Erin Johnson and her professional staff may be unable to turn back the hands of time, but a visit will leave you feeling like they did. RAMP will help design a package specifically to your needs to "RAMP you up!" A four-pack session is $68, with mix' n match available. RAMP is open six days a week. It is located at 4849 Canyon Street, Detroit, with an entrance off Mack Avenue between Ace Hardware and E-Z Storage. For details, visit www.rampathletics.janeapp.com or call 313-355-3840.
ST. CLAIR SHORES 23155 Greater Mack at 9 Mile Near Post Office (586) 775-6530
CLINTON TWP. 41891 Garfield at Canal Next to Kroger (586) 286-5225
MACOMB TWP.
51076 Hayes at 23 Mile
Near Emagine Theater (586) 786-1133
WARREN 13750 14 Mile Rd. at Schoenherr
Near Edge Fitness (586)296-1630
Joan Hardy Brown and Kim Lodge make a great team. Joan has been a Realtor® for over 23 years, while Kim obtained her license two years ago. Kim benefits from Joan's vast experience, while Joan gets to hear Kim's fresh ideas and new perspectives.
"Joan and I met through a house sale that we were both mutually involved with," says Kim. I was new to the business, but every time I bounced something off Joan, she would agree. It's just great to have someone to enjoy the process with."
Joan adds, "It's been a wonderful opportunity for both of us, and she's a quick study."
Both women work with Hall & Hunter Realtors in Birmingham, Michigan, a 70-year-old boutique agency that focuses on luxury markets (although it handles all price points). "Everyone gets the same luxury experience, red carpet treatment," says Kim.
The women immensely enjoy their careers. "I absolutely love helping people get their homes ready to go on the market and getting them the highest price possible," says Joan. One of the things I also love about this business is that it's different every day."
Kim and Joan utilize skills from their former careers in their day-to-day dealings. Kim was a nurse anesthetist for 30 years and still has a hand in it.
"Real estate is very similar to anesthesia in an odd way," she says. You deal with all kinds of personalities, and you have to be able to read them quickly and react in a way they understand. Plus, I think all nurse anesthetists are very detail-oriented, so that fits perfectly in this business as well."
Joan comes from a teaching background. "I find that a number of teachers end up in this industry
because not only is it very detail-oriented, but you have to have incredible patience. That's a real asset in this business."
A few years ago, both Realtors became involved with The Agency, a global boutique real-estate brokerage. Founded in Beverly Hills by CEO Mauricio Umansky and a group of partners, The Agency is now recognized as one of the fastest-growing premier brands in the world. It's been named a Top Luxury Brokerage and has over 100 offices in over 12 countries.
The partners, explains Joan, came from a real estate background and wanted to form a company built around Realtors and what Realtors need to succeed in this business. "It's incredibly exciting to be a part of this company because we bring the tradition and great reputation of Hall & Hunter with us."
The Agency provides Realtors with extensive upscale marketing. "They also provide all kinds of IT," says Kim. We can connect those in the market for luxury properties with the right people in areas that they might like. If they want to be expats or buy a vacation home in Florida, we already know a great agent there."
Technology has become a huge part of the real estate industry and has changed how transactions are handled. "Everything is computerized and online," says Joan. Realtors and clients used to have to get together to sign documents. "We still do that if somebody wants, but everything can be signed electronically today.
"Also, because of technology, we are dealing with a more educated client, and in many regards, that's
"I absolutely love helping people prepare their homes for the market and get them the highest price possible," says Joan.
“We can connect those in the market for luxury properties with the right people in areas they might like," says Kim.
good for the client. But, in some cases, they're getting information that's not necessarily accurate, so they still need us."
Clients expect more luxury services than ever before. "We find ourselves hiring high-end photographers to shoot photos of the home and providing drone footage," says Joan. That has become a big asset in selling a home, especially if it's near water, like in the Grosse Pointes."
One thing that has stayed the same in the last few years after COVID-19 is the desire for homes that provide entertainment, like pools and outdoor living areas. "People are still looking at homes differently," says Kim. "They're looking for their own little oases."
Due to low inventory, including in the Grosse Pointes, it's a seller's market. "It's very slim pickings, but as we're getting into the spring season, we expect that to open up a bit," she says. "So, if you have a property that's well done and ready to go, and if it's priced right, it's probably going to sell for more than the asking price."
Joan adds, "Today, in most cases, you'll deal with a dual-income family. Everybody's working. Everybody's busy. Therefore, they're very interested in updated homes because they don't have the time to do it themselves. Those homes tend to be the ones that are getting multiple offers."
Even a real estate agent can still find a property.
"I used to live in Grosse Pointe Park, and my husband and I were downsizing and sold a beautiful large Tudor," says Kim. "We had a bid on a house in the Farms that fell through, and we're still looking."
Both women agree that certain factors are key to success, whether in this industry or others.
"Communication is tremendously important, as is
listening," says Joan. I've always thought of myself as a good listener, and I think in business, and in particular in this business, you have to be willing to listen to what your clients want and need. Also, be friendly and be available when they need you."
"I would also say that you have to put aside feelings of discomfort, reach out to people, and stay relevant," says Kim. "Really take the time to gather your thoughts when interacting with clients. Try to diffuse stressful situations. At any price point, it's a big purchase, and you must be aware that people react differently to stress."
Adds Joan, "Sometimes you have to use humor to diffuse a situation."
When not working, both women like to destress in different ways. "I like to exercise, and I have a dog, so I play with her and take her for walks," says Kim. "Sometimes you'll see little Frida in our advertising."
Joan has two grown children and often travels to Nashville and Denver to visit them. "I'm also very involved with a local charity called Jimmy's Kids. It provides help mainly to less-than-affluent areas in southwest Detroit. We started collecting toys in the office, and then the next year, a title company that we do a lot of work with heard me talking about it and became involved, too. It's grown yearly, and now I'm the vice president."
Kim also strongly believes in giving back. "I sponsor a couple of kids in a program called Kenya Relief. It was spearheaded by another nurse anesthetist whose daughter passed away and whose passion was to go there. He started a hospital and a school, so I've done fundraising for them too."
To learn more and find or sell a property, contact Joan Hardy Brown and Kim Lodge at TheAgencyRe. com/Region/Michigan
LEARN MORE: Looking to buy or sell a home? Realtors Joan Hardy Brown and Kim Lodge of Hall & Hunter Realtors are the dedicated team you want during your real estate journey.
Sometimes an inspiration can develop in the most unlikely of places. Sadly, Andrea Moran and her sister, Lindsay Napiorkowski, had to attend a couple of funerals within a few weeks of each other. While there, they noticed that all the flower arrangements looked the same.
"We felt like we could carve out our own creative space in the market," says Andrea.
In 2015, the two started brainstorming and, in the spring of 2016, opened their own flower shop, The Rustic Root, on Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores. The talented sisters offered organic and whimsical flowers and arrangements.
"They're not mechanical or look like something that came off an assembly line," she says.
In the fall of 2024, The Rustic Root moved to the downtown business district, and today, the name, The Rustic Root Design Co., reflects more of what they do.
"We decided to go more event-heavy," says Andrea. "We're always changing, always evolving."
Lindsay is the event coordinator and is wonderful at building rapport with customers. Weddings are a large part of their business. Still, they also provide flowers and arrangements for corporate events, fundraisers, showers, memorials, funerals, and more.
Andrea and her sister have many latenight conversations about where they want to take their business. One path involves supporting other small businesses and talented artisans by offering curated gifts. "We've met them personally and have relationships with our vendors."
One of these local artists is Kris Jezak. Customers really love her cards as well her
"WE'RE ALWAYS CHANGING, ALWAYS EVOLVING."
art pieces and paintings. The two women enjoy creating a space for customers to come in, feel at ease and enjoy a shopping experience that cannot be found online.
Other fun offerings include private and public workshops, a unique way to spend time with friends and family. One may involve building terrariums using plants, and another might make beautiful floral wreaths.
"Here, they get to create something and take it home," says Andrea. "Most people like to make something that will stay alive for a long time, so I tend to go heavier on the plants.
"The workshops are very cathartic and relaxing. People come in feeling like they don't know how to do something and walk away refreshed and having learned a new skill." For Mother's Day, she especially likes to incorporate a kids' workshop where they can make something for mom.
Its Plant Bar, full of soil, rocks, sand, and colored moss, is also enjoyable for customers who want to assemble their creations.
Andrea loves running a local business and also living in Grosse Pointe. "My kids can ride their bikes, roam the neighborhood with friends, and enjoy the parks. It's an absolutely beautiful, small community."
She never thought she would one day own her own business. "I had two young girls, and I wanted to be available for them," says Andrea. "I was always trying to find that balance."
Her youngest, who was born shortly after the business was founded, spent a lot of time with her mom in the shop. "She grew up here and watched me working and doing the hustle. She's also very creative."
In addition to co-owning The Rustic Root Design Co., Lindsey also owns and operates Glow Salon, which is only a few doors down from the shop. "She's always multitasking, like the boss lady," says Andrea. "And I have an English degree, and I'm creative, and I feel like I'm speaking through flowers because flowers and words go hand in hand."
At the Rustic Root Design Company, they do speak a beautiful language.
Bloomfield
Bloomfield
"People who come to see us are in much pain and can benefit from what we offer."
Individualized care is the most significant factor that makes HealthQuest in St. Clair Shores stand out. "Everyone who comes in for treatment receives a one-hour evaluation based on the results of a full questionnaire and a full body screen," reports Caitlin Hall, Clinical Director and Co-Owner of HealthQuest Physical Therapy on East 9 Mile Road. Everyone is different. We take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you to develop an individual plan for physical therapy. "We try to get to the root of your issue so we can ease your pain and discomfort without needing pain medication," Hall reports.
"People who come to see us are in much pain and can benefit from what we offer." Customized treatment plans are developed to help clients with various diagnoses, including treatment for dizziness/vertigo, people who have undergone amputation surgery, patients seeking to build strength pre- and post-operation, pediatrics, and generic orthopedics. HealthQuest offers a range of treatment techniques, including dry needling, Graston, and cupping, which help decrease tissue tension and improve overall flexibility and mobility. Cardio equipment, weights, and bands are also available to assist with endurance and strength training. "Our patients become like family," Hall says. "We see clients and work with them twice or thrice weekly.”
Our ultimate goal is to get someone to work independently at home and continue their progress while they are here with us in our facility. "We can help with that. We make it easy for them and develop a routine they can follow at home." Hall heads a staff of three physical therapists, one assistant, additional therapy technicians who assist clients in completing their programs, and front office staff. "The secret to our success is our staff," says Hall. We are specialists in how
the body moves." Hall started with HealthQuest in Mt. Clemens immediately after completing her Doctoral studies at Central Michigan University. "I experienced a sense of vibrancy as soon as I joined," she reports. It grabbed my attention." She also found inspiration in her then-supervisor's wellness and healing journey. He was a former professional baseball player who had been injured and received inadequate rehabilitation.
That example taught Hall what not to do and inspired her to strive for excellence in her chosen field. "I have always loved sports, and I liked helping athletes," Hall says. It was a great beginning. Hall's grandmother and aunt were nurses, which gave her a keen interest in medicine. She credits her success to her loving husband, mother, and mother-in-law, who together make a great team in caring for their four young children. After seven years at the Mt. Clemons location, Hall took the opportunity to establish a new HealthQuest location. "St. Clair Shores is a great area that serves the Grosse Pointe communities. I knew right away this would be a good resource for the east side," says Hall. It has been six years, and she has never looked back. Thanks to the passage of a Michigan law providing direct access, no prescription is required to obtain physical therapy services. HealthQuest works with insurance companies and sells packages. All ages are welcome.
Healthquest is a 25-year-old physical therapist-owned company with more than 40 locations, most in Macomb and Oakland counties. HealthQuest St. Clair Shores is located at 20229 E. 9 Mile Road. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon. Further information is available at www.HQPT.com or call (586) 265-5252.
The Children's Foundation has supported research and wellness programs at Children's Hospital of Michigan (CHM).
Funding is critical to continuing this legacy of helping kids with their physical and mental health needs. One of the Foundation's major fundraisers is its annual Derby for Kids.
"In 2023, we raised $220,000, and this year, we're hoping to double that."
This fun and festive event will take place on May 4th at the Country Club of Detroit, and it will be bigger and better than ever. Guests will enjoy Southern cuisine, mint juleps, and a silent auction while watching the 150th Kentucky Derby live on big screens.
"The last few years, we've had about 500 people attend, and this year, we expect about the same," says Lisa Schrage, one of the co-chairs, along with Kelly Hilliard, Rose Bolyard, and Mariana Parke.
"In 2023, we raised $220,000, and this year, we're hoping to double that."
Along with the usual amazing offerings, one thing that will be different this year is the educational aspect. "We plan to play a video that will capture the audience and shows where we especially need their support," says Lisa. "That will tie back into showing where their money is going."
This video will allow them to tell the story about the hard work The Children’s Foundation is doing and the dedication it has to help children live better lives. This year's event will focus on four areas - mental health, substance use disorders, health equity and access, and legacy initiatives of the hospital.
"There's a stigma around mental health, and we're working hard to teach our children and the community to help others and try to get rid of that stigma," says Kelly. "So, I think this mission is about getting kids the help they need before it's too late."
Adds Lisa, "Kelly and I have both learned a lot about the science behind how important it is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and substance use. Especially knowing that if we had changed the way we thought and were more open to speaking about it and allowing people
Top:John & Abby Wujek
Bottom: Event Committee April Spinale, Beth Walstrom, Rose Bolyard, Christy Sherding, Angelena Torrice, Merrill Starr, Taryn Cusmano, Lisa Schrage, Kelly Hilliard, Shana Bonkosky, Aubrey Crawford, Mariana Parke, Sarah Schrode, Julia Morawski, Jocely Padden, Lindsay Roberts, Hayley Bonafede, Kristen Campbell, Ashley Thibodeau & Catherine Bahoura.
who had issues to be open and feel welcome and loved in a safe environment, maybe this could have reshaped where we are now.
As parents, Kelly and Lisa feel it's important to be involved in this type of philanthropy and have co-chaired the event for the past five years.
"Kelly and I are sisters-in-law. We raise our children together - she has quadruplets, and I have a son and twins. By doing this, we've also inspired our kids. They see us working hard and when I tell them it's for children's health services, they want to know more."
Adds Kelly, "This mission has a special place in my heart, and I'll always volunteer to help."
While they love helping the young people in their community, they focus on broadening their reach. "In 2022, the event really blew up," says Lisa. "There was this motivation and momentum to keep the ball rolling and it just felt like it was a time that our community needed it more than ever. And, we need to keep building that and getting more people involved."
“Both women agree that the Derby for Kids is a group effort. “ We have a dedicated, hard working committee and we rely heavily on the support of our network.”
“Sponsorships are the bread and butter of our event and we couldn’t do it without the help of Clark Hill, ITC, GIFFIN, Molina Health Care, Bolyard Lumber, DTE Foundation, The Parke Family, Fred and Michelle Minturn, MP Tool and Engineering, Lauren and Jon Cotton and Plante Moran.
"We have trips and all sorts of exciting items, and we open that up a couple weeks before the event and roll out items gradually, so not everything will be out there the first time.”
"I was born and raised in Grosse Pointe," says Kelly. My family and I moved back about six years ago. The community's support has been incredible."
"I'm from Madison Heights, on the west side, but I moved to Grosse Pointe with Brian, Kelly's brother, in 2010," says Lisa. I can't imagine raising my kids anywhere else."
While ticket sales are a big part of the fundraiser, so is the silent auction. "We have trips and all sorts of exciting items, and we open that up a couple of weeks before the event and roll out items gradually, so not everything will be out the first time," she says.
“Some of these wonderful prizes include a trip to Portugal, Rocket Mortgage Classic
Experience, Aspen trip, Apple products, Discovery Flight Experience, jewelry, cooking experiences, Lake St. Clair boat curises, art, fishing charters, golf trips and much more!
Come out and support this great cause, have an unforgettable time and help children live happier and healthier lives. "We hope to see as many people as possible on May 4th," says Kelly.
To buy tickets and bid on the silent auction, go to YourChildrensFoundation.org/ events/Derby2024/ .
Katie Couture, Special Events Manager, kcouture@yourchildrensfoundation.org, 586-441-9671
Putting the needs of my clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where you want to go.
313.885.4414
726 Notre Dame St, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230 daniel.j.harrison@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ daniel.j.harrison CA Insurance #0G26119
315 Lakeland Avenue, Grosse Pointe | 6:30 PM
Come celebrate the 25th Show House Fundraiser. Tour the house and meet the designers. Open bar, small bites, DJ, curated silent auction and valet parking. Jldetroit.org for tickets.
Country Club of Detroit | 4:00 PM
Come dressed in your best hat or bow tie, ready to support local kids. Enjoy delicious southern cuisine, signature mint juleps, a silent auction, and big-screen coverage of the 150th Kentucky Derby! Funds raised will enable long-lasting, meaningful solutions that improve the mental and physical health of kids in our community. https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/events/derby2024/