Author

Ellen Piligian

Ellen Piligian is a Detroit-based independent journalist.

Ellen Piligian's Latest Articles

Summer is Selling Season: Realtors’ tips on Metro Detroit’s hottest neighborhoods and trends

What can we expect in the real estate market this summer? Metro Detroit realtors weigh in on trends they're seeing, where to look for best value, and what's ahead for home buyers of all ages. 

Afghanistan: Three Metro Detroit veterans share their perspectives

"Check in with your buddies. Make sure they're doing okay."  "My ask would be: Patience and grace for the veteran in your space." These are some of the requests from Metro Detroit veterans as they reflect on the Afghanistan war. Three courageous vets open up about the impact on them and what they need from their communities right now. 

Jason Johnson carefully selects what he stocks in Midtown's Bob's Classic Kicks.
Detroit entrepreneur proving people wrong with sneaker success story

When Jason Johnson started his Midtown business, he had no idea the sneaker industry was about to take off. Now the owner of Detroit's iconic Bob’s Classic Kicks store is surviving COVID-19 challenges with a bit of help from his community. 

Detroit barber business weathers COVID-19 with community approach

By the time he reached high school, Dante Williams and his brother were cutting hair for about 120 clients a week — from neighbors to classmates to teachers — paying $5 a cut. Now the Detroit entrepreneur owns Cutz Lounge, and shares how he is making it through the current COVID-19 crisis. 

Restaurants in Metro Detroit can reopen at 25% capacity starting Feb. 1.
What Metro Detroit restaurants learned from the pandemic and plans for reopening

Among the lessons learned were how to trim costs without sacrificing quality, ways to reinvent menus for carryout, and the willingness of customers to dine outdoors — a trend that’s likely to stick around.

Go Green, Go White, Go Film, Go Detroit: Movie Maker Carrie LeZotte

Hers could have been an L.A. story, but two-time MSU grad Carrie LeZotte has made her career behind the camera right here in Michigan. From her Lafayette Park Studio, she's making movies that make a difference.

Passion for Percussion

He's a worldbeat drummer with a collection of over 100 percussion instruments. He lives in a Corktown building. Meet Detroit musician and collector Mark Sawasky.

Focus on the Famous

She's taken pictures of world leaders and pop stars, and was civil rights icon Rosa Parks' official photographer.  Monica Morgan is a globetrotting professional who never lost the love for her Detroit home.

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