The Fashion Factory is Bringing Back Old-School Skills

The Fashion Factory is Bringing Back Old-School Skills

by | Aug 8, 2019 | Fashion Factory, LBN Community Series, Mount Clemens

The Fashion Factory is Bringing Back Old-School Skills

08

AUGUST 2019

BY REBECCA CALAPPI

LBN Community Series
Mount Clemens

When Toni Davison’s daughter was little, she was a fashionista. As a 4-year-old, the little girl would draw dresses and design fashion. As she got older, Davison taught her to hand-stitch, and then make doll clothes. But it wasn’t enough.

“She said, ‘No I want to sew something for me,’” recalled Davison.

TONI DAVISON

OWNER, THE FASHION FACTORY

The pair looked around for sewing classes, but those offered at big-box stores frequently got canceled, and those in smaller venues didn’t take the lessons far enough. As the daughter of a seamstress and a professional behind the sewing machine in her own right, Davison decided to do something about the deficit.

She had been working as a paraprofessional first in the Macomb Intermediate School District, then with L’Anse Cruise Schools, but after the death of her mother, going back to her job just didn’t feel right.

With the encouragement of her husband, Darrell Davison, she launched her business, The Fashion Factory.

“We started at our house with four sewing machines,” said Davison. “Literally at the beginning, it was her [daughter’s] friends. We kept getting more and more kids. We’re now at 20 sewing machines.”

Going into business for herself wasn’t an easy decision.

“At first I was super afraid,” she recalled. “I’m going to take our family money and purchase these sewing machines and I’m not really sure it’s going to work out. To me, that was a big ask.”

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Davison grew her business by taking sewing machines to scouting groups and after-school programs. Soon, she was looking for commercial space and settled in downtown Mt. Clemens on Cherry Street.

“I like the downtown area, I wanted a quirky space. It’s very unique down here,” she said.

It is. Snuggled on a pedestrian-only stretch, The Fashion Factory is a crafty diva’s dream. Because the store hosts summer camps, semester-long classes and workshops, the entry looks more like a living room. A big couch, a large crafting table and wire palm trees add the “quirk” Davison wanted. Further through, there’s a long room dedicated to sewing and fashion shows.

“Primarily, students learn to sew here. During the school year, we teach traditional sewing. We also teach about fashion illustration,” said Davison. “I like to find unique ways for them to stretch themselves.”

 

Classes are available beginning at age 7, according to Davison. “I like to tell people 7-107,” she said.

She’s also expanded The Fashion Factory offerings to include online classes. Schedules are so busy, it might be hard to fit sewing lessons in. Now, students receive a box full of the supplies they need for their projects and when they sign on to the lesson, they’re greeted by a live instructor, so if there are any questions, they can be addressed.

 

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“I’m hoping this is helpful,” said Davison. “What we hear from parents all the time is the daughter has a sewing machine but hasn’t taken it out of the box. We offer the online learning platform as a way to get those sewing machines out of the box and start using them.”

Rachel Rice’s daughter, Hudson Rice, has been a student at The Fashion Factory for two years. Rice discovered Davison’s business when a friend tagged her in a social media post.

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“She started with a poncho at this four-hour class, and she wore the poncho every day for probably six months,” said Rice.

Hudson was hooked.

Since then, she’s been to camps, workshops and more at The Fashion Factory, and even went on a fashion tour in New York City this summer with Davison.

 

“Sewing helps her to get her creativity out and make something to feel proud of. And I think Miss Toni makes something relatable, even if they are not simple,” said Rice. “She really likes them to push the envelope and work to their full potential and that’s been wonderful as a parent to watch somebody do that.”

54 Cherry St.
Mt Clemens, MI 48043
586-549-3274
fashionfriendsandfun.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ferndale’s Green Daffodil: Celebrating 10 Years “Above Ground”

Ferndale’s Green Daffodil: Celebrating 10 Years “Above Ground”

by | Aug 7, 2019 | Ferndale, Green Daffodil, LBN Community Series

Ferndale’s Green Daffodil: Celebrating 10 Years “Above Ground”

07
AUGUST 2019
BY HONEY MURRAY
LBN Community Series
Ferndale
Kathy Petrucci of Royal Oak had been dreading an upcoming weekend trip to her family’s cottage near Lake Huron.

“I’ve got a 3-month-old baby,” she said, “and we like to be outdoors. But mosquitoes and bugs make it a challenge, especially since I have to be so wary of chemicals but still need an effective bug deterrent for our skin.”

“Luckily,” she continued, “through a friend, I learned about Green Daffodil and their all-natural bug spray with lemon-eucalyptus oil – which the C.D.C. says is as effective as D.E.E.T.!”

ANNE SIMONETTI & SIOUXSAN MILLER

OWNERS, GREEN DAFFODIL
“While there, I was also able to grab a perfect hostess gift: hand-made, cucumber-mint lip balm and soap, on a beautiful earthware dish – and a key lime pie lip balm for me.”

Located on the east side of Livernois, south of Nine Mile in Ferndale, the shop, its sidewalk lined with blooming plants and flowers, has free street parking, a welcoming table with a lit candle and sample bottle of silky, fragrant lotion and, inside, Green Daffodil’s amiable owners: Anne Simonetti and Siouxsan Miller.

While cheerily aproned Anne skillfully fills hundreds of tea light molds with golden, melted soy wax (wafting with summer’s very-popular Beach Breeze scent), Siouxsan shares some of the history of this cottage business that began in her basement in 2006 and has evolved into a renowned area gift shop and a wholesale provider to over 250 stores across the country.

“We started as neighbors who both have a retail and art background and have always loved good candles,” Siouxsan says. “We decided to make the best soy candle we possibly could, though now we have so many other items!”

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Originally, the owners say, they chose the location strictly as a place for product production and because they lived in Ferndale.

“But now that we were out of the basement and ‘above ground,’” Siouxsan says, “people wanted to come and shop. And even though we are not in downtown Ferndale, we definitely have evolved into a shopping destination.”

The store, bright with lime-green walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, is charmingly stocked with unique and affordable items from all over the country: one-of-a-kind wallets, purses, aprons, table linens, and greeting cards; tableware, jewelry, pottery, and novelty gifts.

But the heart of the business remains the creation of the soy candles, bar soaps, lip balms, lotions, room mists, and roll-on essential oils that “the Green Daffodil Girls” lovingly make in small, hand-poured batches.

“The ‘Green’ in our name is because all the products we make are ecofriendly, biodegradable, multi-purpose, and minimally packaged from recyclable and reusable materials,” Anne says. “And we chose ‘Daffodil’ because it’s cheery, a sign of rebirth, and the first flower of spring in Michigan.”

The shop now produces two lines of candles in additional to their original Green Daffodil brand.

 

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“When we were just starting,” Siouxsan said, “we created a fictitious founding mother – our own ‘Betty Crocker’ – and her husband, based on a vintage wedding photo we’d found, and we named them Wick and Rosemary Candleton, and added another branch of our candles.”

“My husband tends to use our ‘Wick & Rosie’ candles,” Anne shares. “They have certain blends that are more complex, and as they burn the scent is enriched.”

They’ve also developed vintage-style Top Shelf candles, inspired by cocktails and high-end liquors, with names like Mojito, Rum and Coke, Whiskey Sour.

“All of our candles have lead-free, cotton wicks and are made with 100% American, non-GMO soy wax,” Anne explained. “And our products’ scents are body-safe essential oils and phthalate-free fragrance oils.”

“The fragrances are pure and true,” Siouxsan adds. “If it says ‘lemon verbena,’ it smells like lemon verbena. And lilac smells exactly like the bush that blooms in your yard.”

Customers are always delighted with the product selection, which changes seasonally.

 

“This summer, people have loved our Michigan line of product scents: Mackinac Island Fudge, Sleeping Bear Dunes Breeze, Traverse City Cherry.”

“And this fall, we’ll be re-starting our Candle Pour Parties,” Anne says, “for socializing with your own food and drinks and making your own soy candle to celebrate a birthday, a shower, a bachelorette party, or just a girls’ night out.”

“Another fun thing we have,” says Siouxsan, “is our ‘recipe box registry,’ where people can note a store item they’d love to receive as a gift.”

“We have customers who say, ’I don’t need to use the registry. Anything that I received from here, I would love!’ “

“And that’s when Anne and I know we’ve really done our job.”

624 Livernois
Ferndale, MI  48220
248-547-4172
greendaffodil.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Berkley – August 5, 2019

Berkley – August 5, 2019

by | Aug 5, 2019 | Berkley News

Start Your Engines – Cruising Time is Here

Berkley is gearing up for the 24th CruiseFest Classic Car Parade sponsored by DTE Energy. This kick-off event for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise takes place Friday, Aug. 16, between Woodward and Greenfield. More than 400 classic cars are signed up to participate in the parade.

“This is one of the many great annual events that we’re proud to host here in Berkley. It’s a day for the whole family to enjoy,” said Dan Terbrack, mayor of Berkley.

Contact Parks & Recreation at 248-658-3470 for more information regarding the schedule of events and official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise or visit the Berkley CruiseFest Facebook page.

The 2019 Woodward Dream Cruise is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. Visit

www.woodwarddreamcruise.com for more information about the event.

Aerobatic Teams Fill the skies at OCIA Open House & Air Show

The Phillips 66 Aerostars will once again tear into the skies at 250 mph over the Oakland County International Airport Open House & Air Show in four Extra 300L aerobatic planes. They will join other aerial performers at the Sunday, Aug. 11.

Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

The air show begins at 2 p.m.

Fire Station Construction Making Progres

Construction on the new Berkley fire hall has made progress in week four. A large portion of the masonry work has been completed and the steel has been erected. Roofing materials have been delivered in preparation for next week. Cement work will begin at the end of next week/early the week after.

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Help Conserve Water

It can never be stressed enough how important it is for our state’s biggest asset, water, to be maintained, and we can all do our part to ensure waterways and lakes are kept pristine for generations to enjoy for years to come.

Berkley supports the OneWater campaign initiative started by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, which has a goal of informing everyone of easy ways to keep the lakes clean and all of the water line infrastructure clear as well.

Some easy ways to ensure the pipes are clear and our infrastructure is free to move clean water effectively include:

  • Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, it can clog sewer pipes.
  • Don’t rinse grease into your drains, it will cause blockage all through the pipes.
  • Keep fertilizer away from storm drains, it contaminates waterways.
  • Plant a tree; it can absorb lots of rainfall, preventing runoff into storm drains.
  • Clean up after pets; keep their dirty business out of storm drains.

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net
Auburn Hills – August 5, 2019

Auburn Hills – August 5, 2019

by | Aug 5, 2019 | Auburn Hills News

Continental Automotive, Oakland University Partner to Robo-Taxi Pilot

This fall, students at Oakland University will have a futuristic option for getting around campus: Robo-taxis.

The pilot for the driverless vehicles could last as long as six months on the school campus. According to a report in Dbusiness, “During the pilot, Continental will demonstrate its Zonar technology, which enables vehicle inspections via the radio-frequency identification-based (RFID) electronic verified inspection reporting (EVIR) system. The EVIR system captures, transmits, and records inspection, compliance, and maintenance data to the operator. Additionally, the Zonar Z Pass technology detects where and when the passengers enter and exit the vehicle. The aim of this pilot project is to gather experience in the operation of driverless vehicles and to collect empirical data that will be integrated in the technological development of these vehicles.”

Aerobatic Teams Fill the Skies at OCIA Open House & Air Show

The Phillips 66 Aerostars will once again tear into the skies at 250 mph over the Oakland County International Airport Open House & Air Show in four Extra 300L aerobatic planes. They will join other aerial performers at the Sunday, Aug. 11.

Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

The air show begins at 2 p.m.

Memorial Tree and Bench Program

The City Memorial Tree and Bench program was initiated in 1990 by the Beautification Advisory Commission and offers individuals and families an opportunity to commemorate the life of a loved one through a living memorial— planting a tree in one of the city parks or other public spaces. In recent years, memorial benches placed in city parks have become a second option for memorials. Please click this link for more information on how to get involved with this program.

Police Department Engages the Community

Last week, the Auburn Hills Police Department lost its beloved stuffed duck mascot, James Pond.

To engage the community, and especially kids, the department put out an all-points bulletin to help locate Pond on social media:

“Kids please help us! Our friend James Pond has gone missing and we need to find him as soon as possible! James has been known to frequent the Adams Ridge Subdivision at Adams Rd. and South Blvd. We are offering a REWARD when he is located! When he is found please call us immediately and claim your prize! #FindJamesPond #ScavengerHunt#AHPDKids #KidDetective

As a reward for finding Pond, young Colton received a ride to Little Caesars in a police cruiser, a free pizza, crazy bread and cookies.

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net
Troy – August 5, 2019

Troy – August 5, 2019

by | Aug 5, 2019 | Troy News

Get Educated on Recycling

Join an expert on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. to learn recycling facts and myths. Participants will also hear

how to recycle more and recycle correctly. The burning question of what happens to recyclables after collection and why some things cannot be recycled will also be addressed. Join the fun as an expert from SOCRRA walks you through the earth-friendly process.

Click here to register.

Two New Ladder Trucks Head Into Service

The city announced the delivery of two new ladder trucks.

The new trucks are 2019 Sutphen SLR 75. It is 75 feet long and carries a large hydraulically lifted aerial ladder, which is attached to the back of the vehicle. The new trucks replace a 1997, and a 1998 Spencer, rear-mount, 65’ ladder truck.

“In addition to the longer aerial ladder, the new trucks carry 115 feet of ground ladders and provide us with additional reach over the older models,” Fire Chief Dave Roberts said. The new trucks also have a water pump with a rated delivery of 2,000 gallons per minute, exceeding the delivery rating of the older trucks of 1,500 gallons per minute.

Purchasing these trucks from Sutphen Corporation helps the Troy Fire Department standardize the fleet, an operating model that they have been working toward over the last several years. The addition of these two new vehicles means that five of six of the ladder trucks have been produced by Sutphen Corporation. The one remaining ladder truck is scheduled to be replaced within the next year or two with the Sutphen SLR75 model ladder truck. All have similar operations and maintenance.

Aerobatic Teams Fill the skies at OCIA Open House & Air Show

The Phillips 66 Aerostars will once again tear into the skies at 250 mph over the Oakland County International Airport Open House & Air Show in four Extra 300L aerobatic planes. They will join other aerial performers at the Sunday, Aug. 11.

Admission is free. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

The air show begins at 2 p.m.

 

Suicide Prevention Training Available

Suicide is a significant public health problem and is the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 34 in the United States and in Michigan. For each suicide death, family and close friends are at higher risk for suicide themselves. Many others are affected in a variety of ways, including those providing emergency care to the victims and those who may feel they failed to prevent the death.

The Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force has developed a plan to focus and coordinate suicide prevention efforts in Oakland County.

On Aug. 13 from 8 a.m. to noon, join safeTALK for a one-day training session for anyone aged 15 and older. The purpose of the training is to teach the verbal and non-verbal signals that someone is having thoughts of suicide as well as to connect those people to potentially life-saving resources.

For more information, contact Kat Polmear at 248-858-7171 or polmeark@oakgov.com.

 

 

Beaumont Hospital, Troy Earns National Recognition

Beaumont Health’s Troy hospital earned national recognition by U.S. News & World Report in the “America’s Best Hospitals” rankings. Beaumont, Troy is ranked No. 3 in Michigan and Metro Detroit.

Additionally, Beaumont, Troy is nationally ranked in four medical specialties based on objective measures for 2019-20:

Cardiology & Heart Surgery – #38
Diabetes & Endocrinology – #26
Ear, Nose & Throat – #46
Neurology & Neurosurgery – #46

Beaumont, Troy also earned “high-performing” rankings in six medical specialties: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Geriatrics; Nephrology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology and Urology.

 

 

MITroy – Putting City Hall Into Your Hands

The city rolled out a municipal Smart Phone App – MITroy. This new app will provide more proactive public engagement and a better connection to all of the services, resources and information Troy has to offer. Whether it is issue reporting, city news, event calendars, department directories, paying bills, or finding parks and facilities, this “whole” city app will house it all in one user-friendly app branded just for Troy.

MITroy App will interface with the city’s Service Request system, Cityworks, which will allow users to submit service requests such as code enforcement issues or pothole concerns, from a mobile device and receive status updates. MITroy App will also provide easy access to city department contacts, provide targeted information, and supply another way to receive details on important city events. Users will also be able to provide feedback to the city.

Residents can also sign up for CodeRed emergency notifications through the MITroy app. CodeRED is Troy’s public safety emergency alert system. Receive emergency notifications via mobile alert, email and/or phone by signing up today. CodeRED, a reverse 911 system, provides real-time safety information in a community emergency. From evacuation notices to severe weather alerts, CodeRED is Troy’s system for sharing time sensitive emergency alerts.

Sign up for the app on Google Play Store or iTunes – search for MITroy.  

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net