West Bloomfield, MI May 2023

Zealand Spa Salon

Celebrating Women

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make mine richer and more beautiful. Our wives, mothers 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—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 neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives, and making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role— connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to women in the West Bloomfield area.

This month we celebrate women—from a woman-owned salon to a nonprofit helping local women seeking to start their own businesses, to ideas for a fun day out on the town for the women in your life.

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.

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.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Joe Geagea | joe.geagea@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Niezur | amy.niezur@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Emma Romick

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Gillespie, Dory Thomas

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

JOE GEAGEA, PUBLISHER @WEST_BLOOMFIELD_CITYLIFESTYLE

is a family owned and operated company established in 1917. Our high quality of workmanship has been handed down for four generations.

104 years of knowledge and experience produce not only the best quality work but also a total dedication to professionalism which is applied to every job.

Since we take pride in our work and our family business ethics, we consistently train our crews to ensure your project requests are personally met.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Girls and their special guys enjoyed the Daddy Daughter Dances on February 8 and 9.

Photography by West Bloomfield Parks

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @west_bloomfield_citylifestyle

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab your gal pals and plan a relaxing or upscale day, weekend, or a Girls Night Out with any one of these local experiences fit for the females. We have wineries, brunch spots, spas, classes, and more to inspire you.

Our Picks for The Gal Pals

TOUCH OF EUROPE DAY SPA: Get your beauty on with hot mud/seaweed wraps or a relaxing massage before heading out for a night on the town with friends. 4301 Orchard Lake Rd Suite 120 West Bloomfield, MI

CHRISTINA'S ADULT BALLET: Grab your friends and have fun revisiting the dance classes of your youth with adult-focused ballet classes for all levels, even absolute beginners. 31531 W 13 Mile Rd Farmington Hills, MI

THE JAGGED FORK: Drop by for brunch with your girlfriends! Savor a variety of unique pancakes, crepes, sandwiches, and more. 6339 Orchard Lake Rd West Bloomfield, MI

GO COMEDY IMPROV THEATER: Experience a unique night of laughs at Go Comedy! Audience suggestions fuel the entertainment, so no two nights are the same. 261 E 9 Mile Rd Ferndale, MI

HOUSE OF PURE VIN: House of Pure Vin features "tastings on demand," where guests are walked through a flight of three wines, each paired with a curated charcuterie board. 1433 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR Amy Niezur

Amy is the editorial coordinator for West Bloomfield Lifestyle.

Christina’s Adult Ballet

Michigan Women Forward

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR

Capri Scott, an educator with over 15 years of experience in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, needed help. She wanted to harness her skills to start an early childhood center for children from birth to age five, but required funding to cover the cost of a physical location.

Satara Holliday owns First Love Tours, a charter coach company started by her family nearly 40 years ago. When the pandemic started, the company shut down. Satara wanted to relaunch, but needed a loan to make her dream come true.

Joyell Lewis was eager to open a salon specializing in natural, eco-luxury services for wavy, curly, and textured hair. She wasn’t ready for a traditional bank loan, but wanted her landlord to know she was a serious entrepreneur.

Heather Fagan ran her own nonprofit, but dreamed of opening a restaurant. She was looking for assistance in getting it off the ground.

All of these women were able to make their dreams come true thanks to Michigan Women Forward, an organization whose mission is to expand economic opportunity for women and entrepreneurs of color.

Started in 1986 by Mary Jo Pulte in response to the fact that at the time, only 3% of philanthropic dollars benefited programs for women and girls, Mary Jo and a group of 30 Michigan women decided to do something to change that. Their solution was to create Michigan Women Forward, the only public, statewide foundation focused on the personal and economic well-being of Michigan women and girls.

Michigan Women Forward is a certified community development financial institution. In 2022, they provided 91 loans totaling $2.6 million to primarily women-owned businesses, and helped 1900 entrepreneurs gain the necessary skills to start their businesses through their technical assistance programs. These

programs give entrepreneurs help with business planning, cash flow projections, marketing, and technology to grow their businesses. Michigan Women Forward also provides mentorship opportunities and entrepreneurship programs to help open doors for women. Through their WomenUp and Pitch competition, entrepreneurs can present their business plans for a chance to win $10,000. Michigan Women Forward also celebrates the achievements of women through HERstory, the Women’s Hall of Fame, with 344 inductees so far including Diana Ross, Serena Williams, and Jocelyn Benson.

The assistance provided pays off. Capri obtained a loan that enabled her to open Foundation First and start changing the lives of young children in Detroit with a curriculum focused on essential learning skills. Satara also obtained a loan from Michigan Women Forward and got her family’s tour company in North Rosedale Park back on the road. Joyell’s loan gave her the funds she needed to build out her salon in Corktown, called Joyola Mei Salon, which opened in May of 2022. As for Heather, she attended Michigan Women Forward’s two-part How to Write a Business Plan course in Port Huron, and last fall opened Dona Marina’s LLC, serving Nicaraguan and Latin American cuisine out of a local incubator kitchen, with plans to open a full-service restaurant later this year.

Want to get involved? You can help advance opportunities for Michigan women by joining Power of 100, a group of women who give their time, talent and dollars to improve the lives of Michigan women and girls. Women starting their careers can join Power Forward, a group which supports the work of Michigan Women Forward. Individuals can also make financial contributions, or even support women and entrepreneurs of color by shopping at their businesses. Find out more at miwf.org

Michigan Women Forward is the only public, statewide foundation focused on the personal and economic well-being of Michigan women and girls.

Color-Matching Available

WE’RE CHANGING THE EXPECTATION OF EXTERIOR COATINGS, ONE HOME AT A TIME LET’S SCHEDULE A FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE NOW WHILE SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.

Take Back Your Yard

DAN MARTIN ON LIVING MOSQUITO-FREE

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR

“In 2021, we couldn’t enjoy our backyard because there were so many mosquitoes,” says Dan Martin of Mosquito Shield of Western Oakland County MI. “We tried candles, repellants, and everything else we could think of to get rid of the mosquitoes, but nothing worked. We still ended up being bit by mosquitoes every time we went outside.” Sound familiar? Many of us thrill when warmer weather arrives, but spending more time swatting at pests than relaxing in the backyard can really dampen a family barbecue, enjoying a cocktail on the patio, or playing with the kids on the lawn.

In frustration, Dan tried looking for professional mosquito control services, adding mosquito control onto his lawn treatment plan. “That didn’t work either,”

he says. “Then a friend who lives in Kalamazoo recommended Mosquito Shield. He is a longtime customer and thought it would work for me.” The only problem was, at the time Mosquito Shield did not have a location in southeast Michigan. “That’s when I started looking at bringing Mosquito Shield to this area.”

Dan found Mosquito Shield to be different from other mosquito control options he tried. “The biggest thing that separates Mosquito Shield from the competition is the number of treatments,” he says. “We tend to provide twice as many treatments as our competitors by servicing properties every 10 to 17 days. This allows us to kill the mosquitos, then create and maintain a barrier around the property that repels mosquitoes.”

Mosquito Shield of Western Oakland County MI, says Dan, is an outdoor living company. “We help our customers enjoy

their outdoor space to its fullest potential. Mosquito Shield wants you to enjoy your patio, deck, pool, firepit, and yard areas mosquito-free.” Dan backs this up by striving to provide the best possible service to his customers. “We have a money back guarantee on mosquito control service. We also offer a no-cost retreatment guarantee which means that in the unlikely event that a customer has a problem within a few days of treatment, we will return and retreat their property before the next scheduled service at no charge.”

At home, Dan and his wife are sports fans with a busy family. Whether you have children who play sports, as Dan’s do, or just enjoy lounging in the sun, Dan wants to help you do it mosquito-free. “As native Michiganders, we understand how short and valuable the warm weather season is in Michigan. We want to help make this time as enjoyable as possible for our customers.”

RIGOR WITH JOY

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY GILLESPIE

Character, truth, wisdom. These are the pillars of Oakdale Academy, a private Christian school in Waterford serving children from kindergarten to 12th grade. Oakdale Academy opened in 2011 with 32 students, after a group of parents visited Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, and came away wanting to bring the same type of school to our area. Today, Oakdale Academy has 200 students with 23 faculty and staff.

Based on Hillsdale Academy’s model for private education, Oakdale Academy uses a model focused on classical Christian education. This learning process puts a priority on the appreciation of “Truth, Goodness, and Beauty using the Greco-Roman Trivium and Quadrivium to support a distinctly Christian worldview.”

According to the school, “This process aims to inspire students to develop a life characterized by intellectual and spiritual pursuits and a sense of wonder.”

Erika Walker, Director of Marketing and Development, emphasizes the classical nature of Oakdale Academy. “Classical,” she says, “refers to the ancient thinkers of Greece and Rome, who laid the foundation of Western Civilization and articulated philosophical ideals [which] are still

relevant today. At Oakdale, we are to be actively engaging our intellect with the Good, the True, and the Beautiful, which Russell Kirk referred to as the ‘permanent things.’”

A variety of courses are available to students at Oakdale Academy, including Latin, math, language arts, history, science, art, physical education, and music. Oakdale Academy’s curriculum differs from what is typically offered in public schools, says Erika, in that it is designed to stand the test of time and is “not focused on a job for tomorrow, but on developing a whole person.” Additionally, Oakdale aims to “teach students how to think well, write clearly, and speak eloquently.”

Oakdale Academy is a member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and the Society for Classical Learning. Says Erika, “Oakdale Academy exists to instill Character, Truth, and Wisdom in our students in order to prepare them for a life of service to God, family, community, and country through Classical Christian Education.”

Open Houses are offered each fall and spring, but applications for admission are accepted anytime, and there are currently spaces available at some grade levels.  For more information, visit oakdaleacademy.com .

Dr. David J. Stanton IV, Headmaster

Artificial Grass + Turf

Zealand Spa Salon

A Full-Service Spa and Salon with a Personal Touch

ARTICLE BY EMMA ROMICK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DORY THOMAS

WE FIND THE RELATIONSHIPS WE BUILD WITH OUR CLIENTELE TO BE AT THE VERY CORE OF OUR FOUNDATION.

Zealand Spa Salon is a full-service spa and salon with a close-knit team that focuses on customer care. From the moment you enter, you are warmly greeted by our concierge who will take your coat, offer you a refreshment, and check you in for your experience. While many salons have eliminated this function, at Zealand Spa Salon, we find the relationships we build with our clientele to be at the very core of our foundation. We offer hair, nail, and skin services as well as permanent jewelry. We also have different events throughout the year, such as makeup demonstrations with celebrity makeup artists, beauty bashes, or open houses.

As we are in the heart of spring and quickly moving toward summer, we are glad to have the dreary days of winter behind us. Just as the calendar transitions from one season to the next, we do so as well with the services we offer. Now is the time to get a bright champagne blonde which is this summer’s hot trend. To complement a new hair color, we have the latest line of nail polishes as well. To finish out the look, a signature facial will have you boat ready in no time.

We love color. Whether you are looking for a root touchup or something completely different, we have a stylist that can help. With over 150 combined years of industry experience, our team can take on the latest trends as well as timeless styles. From root touchups to green, purple, or pink fashion colors to balayage, highlights, or grey blending we have you covered. Because of this, we have recently been named “Best Of The Best” hair salon in Oakland County for a third consecutive year. This is a great honor and feel it shows how dedicated

we are to our craft. We proudly use Redken hair color which offers great grey coverage as well as lustrous shine with Shades EQ along with a low ammonia and PPD-free line. We have solutions for everyone.

Along with loving color, we are very passionate about skincare, which has awarded us our first win as “Best Of The Best” spa in Oakland County in 2023. At Zealand Spa Salon, we use Eminence Organic products that aid in correcting aging, acneic, and hyperpigmented skin types. Our skilled estheticians can guide you to the perfect skin by providing a regimented program for you by offering multiple facial modalities that will get your skin looking the best it ever has.

To keep pace with the latest fashions, we focus on continuous learning. At a minimum, we have quarterly education for both hair and skin. The training our team receives is both in person as well as virtual. To enhance our robust skill set, we belong to multiple platforms that showcase new trends and techniques.

Zealand Spa Salon is honored to collaborate with Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, where we donate approximately 30 bundles of hair annually. We also work with several local organizations such as Haven Oakland, Hospitality House, and Outcry Ministries with various types of donations. We believe that giving back to our community builds strength and helps empower those around us.

With Mother’s Day being right around the corner, we are happy to help you find the perfect products or gift card for the special Mom in your life. We invite you to come by, meet the team, and enjoy our wonderful experiences.

Zealand Spa Salon

West Bloomfield Adult Education

Learn English, meet new people & make friends at your West Bloomfield ELL class. Join us today to improve your language & connect with the community!

Register NOW for Spring ELL Classes!

Spring Session 5: May 1-May 24 (4 weeks)

ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE ENGLISH - Mon./Wed. | 9:30-11:30 | $50

CONVERSATION/CURRENT EVENTS - Tuesdays | 9:30-11:00 | $50

AMERICAN CUSTOMS AND CULTURE (online) - Tuesdays | 10:00-12:00 | (FREE)

Spring Session 6: June 5-June 28 (4 weeks)

Students 18 and older are welcome from any district.

7071 Orchard Lake Rd, Suite 100; West Bloomfield, MI 48322 wbsd.org/departments/community-education

(248) 539-2390

• DAWN.HANFORD@WBSD.ORG

West Bloomfield Adult Education

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 6TH

Farmington Farmers Market Opening Day

GEORGE F. RILEY PARK, 33113 GRAND RIVER AVE FARMINGTON, MI | 9:00 AM

Spring is here! Find fresh produce and more at the opening day of the Farmington Farmers Market. For more information, visit farming tonfarmersmarket.com .

MAY 12TH

Farmington Chorus Spring Concert

HAWK COMMUNITY CENTER, 29995 12 MILE RD FARMINGTON HILLS, MI | 8:00 PM

Since 1980, local vocalists have participated in the Farmington Chorus. Their spring concert continues on May 13 at 4:00 PM. For tickets, visit fhgov.com .

MAY 13TH

Community Garage Sale RECREATION ACTIVITIES

CENTER, 4640 WALNUT LAKE RD WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI | 8:00 AM

Find new homes for your unwanted household items, or shop to find something new to you! Sale continues until 2:00 PM. Sellers can register for a spot at wbparks.org . CONTINUED >

who is known for getting deals

Patrice Henderson has found that integrity has been the foundation to success, creating long-lasting relationships with clients and a purpose for doing what she does. With her unique marketing plan for luxury homes including intricate home tour videos that excite buyers to purchase her clients’ homes, smart floor plans and so much more; she is able to help her clients net the most money from the sale of their homes. In addition, she is a Certified Waterfront Specialist for all of your waterfront real estate needs.

Patrice is much more than the average realtor – she’s a real estate broker. This means she’s highly knowledgeable in her craft of selling real estate, helping her clients and is held to a higher standard. She also has a supportive team to make sure that you get the world class service you deserve. So if you’re even just thinking about selling your home, be sure to reach out to Patrice Henderson for a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION on what you can expect to sell your home for in the current market and what she will do differently so you don’t just sell your home but that you close with Patrice.

YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

MAY 14TH

Orchard Lake Museum Open House

ORCHARD LAKE MUSEUM, 3951 ORCHARD LAKE RD ORCHARD LAKE, MI | 1:00 PM

Learn about the agricultural history of the area. Most of the surrounding area was a farming community until the 1940s! Visitors can try their hand at antique farming tools and other activities. Free, event runs from 1:00-4:00 PM.

MAY 18TH

Eat it Up Trio

HAWK COMMUNITY CENTER, 29995 12 MILE RD FARMINGTON HILLS, MI | 7:00 PM

Detroit-based trio performs original songs and arrangements from a variety of musical genres, from jazz to modern R&B to funk, classic rock, and more. Tickets at fhgov.com

MAY 19TH

Motor City Comic Con

SUBURBAN COLLECTION

SHOWPLACE, 46100 GRAND RIVER AVE NOVI, MI | 12:00 PM

Immerse yourself in your pop culture favorites! Get celebrity autographs, shop the vendors, and more. Show opens at 10:00 AM Saturday and Sunday. For details, visit motorcitycomiccon.com

Want

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestBloomfield

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

Whether you desire a special dining experience or have an occasion to share with your family or friends, Orchard Lake Mezza is the right place to enjoy real, exceptional cuisine.

You will love our Mediterranean dishes from Kabob, Shawarma, Hommous, Tabbouli, Fattoush to many other delicious fo ods. 4189

248.865.0000

ORCHARDLAKEMEZZA.COM

ORCHARD LAKE ROAD WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI 48323

The Nessel Team

Husband and Wife Realtors Bring Their Expertise to West Bloomfield

ARTICLE BY AMY NIEZUR

Buying and selling a home is one of the most important decisions people will make in their lifetimes, says Rick Nessel, who along with his wife Patty form the Nessel Real Estate Team. “Patty and I have been in the real estate business for years,” says Rick. “We came to real estate with very different, but helpful, backgrounds.” Patty has been a lawyer for 30 years, while Rick worked in marketing and advertising for over 30 years.

Rick and Patty are lifelong residents of the West Bloomfield area and know it well. “We are excited to share our expertise and knowledge with those looking to buy or sell in West Bloomfield,” notes Rick. Patty particularly enjoys working with first time buyers and educating them

about the process. Rick and Patty work primarily with buyers and sellers of residential properties, though they also assist clients in the rental market. “We believe in what this area has to offer,” says Rick, “We are proud of our community.”

The Nessel Real Estate Team offers a free market analysis, references from area buyers and sellers, professional photography, and cutting-edge marketing and advertising at no charge, adds Rick. “A great Realtor can make the process smooth and rewarding by negotiating on your behalf and looking out for your best interest. We guide you from the first day we meet until closing day.”

Find out more at ricknessel.com

A great Realtor can make the process smooth and rewarding by negotiating on your behalf and looking out for your best interest. We guide you from the first day we meet until closing day.