Auburn Hills – November 25, 2019

Auburn Hills – November 25, 2019

by | Nov 25, 2019 | Auburn Hills News

Friends,

Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.

One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.

It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.

Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca

Auburn Hills Teen Council Sock Drive

The Auburn Hills Teen Council is collecting socks to compete with Teen Councils in surrounding communities for lifelong bragging rights. The sock drive starts at the beginning of the year, with all donations going to homeless shelters. Donations can be made at the Auburn Hills Community Center. All socks must be new.

 

 

 

 

 

Tree Lighting

Join your neighbors for an evening of holiday celebration as Santa, Mrs. Claus and the mayor light the Auburn Hills Christmas tree.
Stop by the DEN for pictures with Santa, take a carriage ride through downtown, enjoy s’mores around the fire pit, and see an amazing performance by the Avondale High School Choir.

Questions? Call 248-370-9400

 

DIY Macrame Plant Holder Workshop

Sign up now for a DIY macramé plant holder workshop in the Community Room at the library. The workshop is Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.
Participants will follow along with a professional instructor through Creative Bug and there will be someone there to lend a helping hand if you need it. All supplies are provided, you’ll just need to put a plant in when you’re done. This program is for ages 16 and over. Click here for more information.

 

 

Register for the “Do Not Knock” List

In 2017, the Auburn Hills “Do Not Knock” ordinance became effective. This allows residents to add their address to a “Do Not Knock” list, which will restrict certain vendors, peddlers and solicitors from door-to-door sales at their homes. The list is provided to any door-to-door salespeople when they apply for a permit to solicit. Register here!

 

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net
Farmington – November 25, 2019

Farmington – November 25, 2019

by | Nov 25, 2019 | Farmington News

Friends,

Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.

One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.

It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.

Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca

Farmington Recognized for Business Growth

Farmington was recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Farmington was honored as a four-star community along with 178 other communities across the state.

“We are pleased and honored to again be recognized by the University of Michigan – Dearborn Center for Innovation Research for the City of Farmington’s successful efforts in contributing to growth and economic development in the State of Michigan,” said Kevin Christiansen, Farmington economic and community development director.

 

Small Business Saturday

Help make a lasting impact in Downtown Farmington on Small Business Saturday®. Founded by American Express in 2010, it’s a day to celebrate the local businesses that make your neighborhood great — and anyone can join in, from business owners to shoppers to government officials. This year, the big day is Nov. 30. Check out the deals offered by Farmington retailers.

Make a purchase at a small business in Oakland County for a chance to win $5,000, $2,000, or $1,000. Take a picture of your receipt and submit it with the contest entry form for a chance to win.

 

 

Taller Than They Appear

Jere Stormer, Bobby Pennock, Sigrid Christiansen and Lauren Crane are Taller Than They Appear, a band of songwriters. Each has a style that is miles from the next, but they come together with soulful harmonies, fabulous arrangements and a large array of toys, sound effects and musical instruments. Register here for the Sunday, Dec. 1, concert.

The fun starts at 3 p.m. at the Main Library.

 

 

 

 

Holly Days – Light Up the Grand Parade

‘Tis the season to be jolly with Holly Days. Celebrate the season from Saturday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 8, with free holiday movies, visits from Santa and kids’ events. Merchants will be open for a head start on shopping. Hear carolers, sample hot chocolate and feel the warmth of the holiday season. Top off the perfect day with the Light Up the Grand parade. Find a spot along Grand River Avenue and join in the lighted fun!

 

 

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net
Mount Clemens – November 25, 2019

Mount Clemens – November 25, 2019

by | Nov 25, 2019 | Mount Clemens City News

Friends,

Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.

One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.

It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.

Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca

 

Winter Snow Removal and Snow Emergency Information

This winter during snowstorms, please park vehicles at an off-street location. Parking in a driveway or parking lot is helpful for when the snow plows come through. On-street parking can resume after the city has plowed the streets.

Whenever there is an abundance of snow or there is a possibility that snow will accumulate to extraordinary depths, the city may declare a Snow Emergency. Local television and radio news stations will be alerted when a snow emergency has been declared and cancelled, so tune in for this information during snow storms or excessive snow falls.

After the initial notice of a snow emergency is declared, remove all vehicles within six hours on any major streets and/or within 12 hours on local streets or alleys. Once the entire street has been cleared of snow from curb to curb and no additional snow has accumulated or is predicted to accumulate, vehicles may then resume parking on that street.

 

Silent Christmas Film Tea

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with friends while watching turn-of-the century Christmas films with music played by local composer and pianist Time O’Neil on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m.

The menu includes Three Wives Tea, scones with mock Devonshire cream and lemon curd, a variety of tea sandwiches and desserts.

Tickets are limited, non-refundable and cost $35 for members of the Macomb County Historical Society and $40 for non-members. Call for your reservation: 586-465-2488.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jingle Journey

Save the date for the 2019 Jingle Journey on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 5 p.m.

-Take your own photos with Santa, go caroling, do crafts, eat cookies and watch silent film screenings at the Crocker House Museum (15 Union St, $4 adult, $2 children)
-A Holiday Express experience with story-telling, a personalized ticket, hot chocolate and cookies at the Michigan Transit Museum (200 Grand Ave.)
-Miracle on 34th Street screening at 4 p.m. at the Emerald Theatre (31 N Walnut St, adults are $5 or ages 12 and under free)
-See the operating HO scale 40’ x 40’ model train layout and enter to win your own HO operating train set at the Gratiot Valley Railroad Club (281 North Ave.)
-Enjoy drop-in make-and-take holiday crafts at the Anton Art Center (125 Macomb Place). Be sure to visit the Anton Art Center’s Holiday Market to find gifts for everyone on your holiday gift list.

For more information call: 586-469-8666

 

Emerald Theater Gets Mural

Swing by the Emerald Theater and check out the updates to the Believe mural. It’s the work of local graffiti artist fel3000ft.

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net
Clothing Shop fab’rik a Good Fit for Birmingham

Clothing Shop fab’rik a Good Fit for Birmingham

by | Nov 22, 2019 | Birmingham, Fabrik, LBN Community Series

Clothing Shop fab’rik a Good Fit for Birmingham

22
NOVEMBER 2019
BY REBECCA CALAPPI
LBN Community Series
Birmingham
Bringing fab’rik to downtown Birmingham was a journey of a thousand miles, and it began with sisters.

Carrie Sofikitis, 45, and Melissa Mistrot, 50, are sisters from the South. Raised in Alabama, the women have a love of fashion and style. So much so that Mistrot opened a fab’rik store in Homewood, Alabama. Working with Sofikitis, she brought fab’rik to Birmingham several times over the years as a pop-up store, which created a local following.

CARRIE SOFIKITIS & MELISSA MISTROT

OWNERS, fab’rik
“Two years ago, Ingrid Tighe [executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District], approached me, because the city of Birmingham wanted a fab’rik because it fit,” said Sofikitis. “People would call my sister’s store to order things. My sister and I always wanted to do something together, but we live hundreds of miles apart.”

Fab’rik was the link.

They knew they already had a fan base for the clothing line; they just needed a storefront. Working with the Birmingham Shopping District, the women found the perfect place right on Maple Road that met the standards of fab’rik corporate officials and spoke to them of creativity, fun and beauty.

“They loved the atmosphere on Maple,” Sofikitis said of the bosses’ take. “It’s probably one of their smallest stores, but they were OK with that to be right here.”

While the sisters are partners, Mistrot still lives in Alabama and visits regularly, leaving Sofikitis to manage the store.

The white walls inside act as a blank canvas against which shoppers can view the clothing styles. Everything from denim to leggings and cocktail dresses to business wear can be found at fab’rik, but with a fun twist.

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“It’s fun to explore and dress up and try new things. Play with colors and patterns, be daring, be conservative. Be creative,” said Sofikitis.

Shopper Jen Krut from Birmingham agreed.

“I love that every time I walk into fab’rik I can find an amazing, quality piece of clothing at the perfect price point that leaves me feeling good about my purchase and excited about what I will wear,” she said.

More than a clothing store, fab’rik is an experience. Not sure what you want? Ask a stylist to help you out. In a hurry? Call ahead with what you need, and they’ll run it out to the curb when you pull up.

“It’s not about selling, it’s about connecting. I want them to text their favorite stylist,” said Sofikitis. “We’re there to wow the customer. Fab’rik’s motto is one of the things that drew me — ‘No sticker price, no attitude. High style with heart.’ It’s supposed to be like you’re in your best friend’s closet.”

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In addition to fabulous fashion finds, fab’rik gives back. For example, proceeds from the in-house Asher brand go to the orphanage in Africa from which the company owner adopted her child. Also, there’s a donation trunk at the front of the store where customers can leave clothing they no longer want. That clothing is then donated to women at a local shelter.

“We’ll go to the shelter that serves women coming into rehab. We get them dressed, do a fashion show, they keep the clothes,” said Sofikitis. “There’s that giving back that really spoke to me.”

Linda McMahon has worked at fab’rik since its Nov. 7 opening.

“It was the right time. I needed a few hours out of the house,” McMahon said. “I know Carrie and I love her. This is fun and it’s wonderful. I haven’t met anyone I didn’t like. It’s a blast to see something new start up and be part of that, especially in Birmingham because it’s my home town.”

While most of the merchandise is sent from corporate, Sofikitis has some flexibility with accessories and some of the clothing.

“This is their first Michigan store and their first in a northern climate. It’s going to be a learning experience for all of us,” said Sofikitis.

Part of the fab’rik experience are the services offered. In addition to the stylists, gift wrapping is available, as are private parties. Fab’rik can host parties for up to 20 people — refreshments are provided ­— and shoppers receive 20% off their purchases that night.

There’s something for everyone at fab’rik.

“It’s a multigenerational place to shop and find something for everyone. We get new stuff all the time,” said Sofikitis.

123 West Maple
Birmingham, MI 48009
248.885.8750

fabrikstyle.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In the Bag: Women-Run Company Sells Trendy, Affordable Handbags

In the Bag: Women-Run Company Sells Trendy, Affordable Handbags

by | Nov 20, 2019 | Auburn Hills, K. Carroll, LBN Community Series

In the Bag: Women-Run Company Sells Trendy, Affordable Handbags

20
NOVEMBER 2019
BY CAROL HOPKINS
LBN Community Series
Auburn Hills
Not many companies have had their products selected by TV superstar Oprah Winfrey for her annual list of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” in two separate years.

But that happened in 2016 and 2018 at K-Carroll Accessories in Auburn Hills. “We were shocked. It’s phenomenal what Oprah can do for a small business,” said Kelly Carroll Burgin, who owns the company.

KELLY CARROLL BURGIN

OWNER, K-CARROLL ACCESSORIES
Burgin has been selling trendy handbags, wallets and tote bags, mainly through her website, K-Carroll.com, since 2002. Carroll is Burgin’s maiden name.

The Favorite Things 2018 bag, a trim cross-body cell sleeve bag called the Harper, is still a big seller. The $20 bag has a metal lining to protect credit cards, a belt loop for people who might want to go hands-free and a carabiner if the owner wants to hook the bag to, say, a grocery cart.

“Sales went through the roof,” said Burgin, who noted the bag is also featured on Amazon. In 2018 it was Amazon’s number-one bag, she said.

Patti Eisenbraun of Shelby Township has been buying K-Carroll purses for the past three years.

“I love the quality and the safety that is there,” Eisenbraun said. “The zippers, clasp and sewing are good. I have had the purses for all that time and they are still as good as new.”

Eisenbraun, who runs Brown Iron Brewhouse in Washington Township (with another opening in Royal Oak in January), said the handbags are fashionable and affordable.

“I get compliments on them all the time,” she added.

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The friendly all-female K-Carroll crew has worked together for years.

Burgin, a Rochester native who had a background in retail, began her business after being displaced from her corporate recruiting job in 2002.

At first, she and a partner sold personalized bracelets.

“We’d go to these parties and notice (knockoff) handbag sellers were killing it,” said Burgin, 51.

She and her partner decided to work with suppliers and come up with reasonably priced vegan handbags created from manmade materials.

“And it ended up being the right time,” Burgin explained. “It was at a point where people didn’t want to spend $500 on a handbag. We wanted to give them the ability to buy three handbags in fun colors for $50 versus buying one designer bag for $500.”

They began selling at fundraising events at hospitals. Hospital gift-shop operators became aware of the products and wanted to sell Burgin’s handbags in their shops.

That meant working on a bigger scale with wholesalers. “We had to figure that out,” said Burgin.

Products sold steadily and the merchandise available expanded to include not only handbags but also totes, wallets, belts, sunglass cases and even passport covers.

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Burgin has a small shop in Auburn Hills if people want to check out the products. But most of the business comes from online sales. “We focus on building our website and our following,” she said.

Merchandise changes twice a year: fall-winter and spring-summer. Prices range from $10 for coin purses up to $60 for tote bags.

And what about that Oprah moment?

It started when a Chicago boutique owner — who by chance happened to be wearing a K-Carroll cross-body cellphone bag — went to a New York gift show, recognized a staff member from Oprah’s show and asked if that staffer would pose for a photo, said Burgin.

The show staffer noticed the cross-body bag and said, “‘I’ve been looking for something like that for two years.”

Oprah’s people reached out to K-Carroll and featured the bag (made then for smaller phones) on the 2016 show.

In 2018, the bag was redesigned to fit any size phone — and this time K-Carroll employees sent the new bag to Oprah. It was again featured among Oprah’s favorites.

The accolades keep coming. K-Carroll has been selected this year as one of the 50 businesses to watch in Michigan. At https://michigancelebrates.org/2019-award-winners/

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” said Burgin.

A change coming next year will be the addition of men’s wallets. And watch for straw bags to be added to the catalog.

Burgin appreciates the flexibility her business has afforded her. One example: When her four children were younger, she could bring them into the office.

“We’re all women (at K-Carroll), so we’re creating and designing what we would want in a bag,” said Burgin. “Women making for women.”

On her website, Burgin states she is “appreciative of customers for their input – from the constructive criticism to the rave reviews; all of the feedback has helped us build the engine we’ve become.”

2285 North Opdyke Road, Suite C,
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-364-740

K-carroll.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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