Downtown Detroit

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. 

Krista McClure wants to bring metro Detroit parents together in her collaborative space on W. Nichols Road.
Detroit coworking child care space leverages funds to support parents through COVID-19

Krista McClure has been bringing metro Detroit parents together since 2017 in her family-friendly, coworking space on West McNichols Road. Now, the owner of Detroit Parent Collective sees a chance to grow, and to double down on the inclusivity she set out to achieve.

24 hours in Detroit with chef Ederique Goudia

An expert in food, music, and culture with more than 20 years of restaurant industry experience, Goudia highlights her favorite local spots on the east side. Here’s how Goudia would spend a perfect day in the city she now calls home.

Cherie Styles built her Detroit freight company, Cheetah Logistics, from the ground up.
Trucking entrepreneur navigates her company through COVID-19 roadblocks and industry stereotypes

Drawing inspiration from her family’s background in the trucking industry, Detroit entrepreneur Cherie Styles built Cheetah Logistics from the ground up, and she’s not about to let the COVID-19 pandemic stand in her way.

Local tech entrepreneur helps bridge Detroit’s digital accessibility divide

Willie Brake has always been ahead of the curve, joining business incubators before they became trendy and recognizing the value in refurbishing computers early on. Now the Detroit entrepreneur is using his business to build up equitable access to technology and tech training in his city.

Ruth Bell's pathway to opening Chugga's Bakery has been a bumpy one, but one she seems destined for.
Detroit baking entrepreneur determined to see her business rise again

Ruth Bell has been constantly told by the people in her life — from family members to business moguls to postal workers — that she needs to be baking. Now, she's finally listening. 

Felicia Williams-Patrick says the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged her to focus on what really matters to her and her business, Flo Boutique.
Surviving Detroit’s highs and lows: Flo Boutique owner on navigating a crisis

COVID-19 isn't the first crisis Felicia Williams-Patrick has seen her business through. The Detroit boutique owner has weathered the city's ups and downs, and knows a thing or two about what it takes for a retail store to survive. 

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.

Setting the scene: Meet the set designer bringing Detroit visions to life

You've likely seen Tytiana "Ty" Steele's work without realizing it. The set designer and director is behind sumptuous scenes in TV shows like "Queen of the South" and brand campaigns like Barefoot Wine's We Stan with Her, but now the Detroit artist is bringing her talent back to her hometown, starting her own company to help build equity in her industry. 

Our Partners

The Kresge Foundation logo
Ford Foundaiton

Don't miss out!

Everything Detroit, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.