Young business owners open shop in Suttons Bay
Photo: Carly Campbell of Forget-Me-Not Florist
By Chris Loud
Sun contributor
Across Leelanau County, more and more businesses are getting started, or revitalized by young entrepreneurs. Some are longtime locals, some are “boomerang” locals, back from years away to better discover their desire to come back home, and some are folks lured away from their past lives in big cities to the smaller, welcoming communities of northern Michigan. In Suttons Bay, a clear resurgence in young business owners and operators brings a freshness to an already vibrant small town on Grand Traverse Bay.
“I think Suttons Bay is a great place for small business owners,” said Carly Campbell of Forget-Me-Not Florist, “because it’s not quite as large and busy as Traverse City, but also is not necessarily a “small town” either. It’s the perfect balance, location, and size for businesses like mine, and other businesses similar in size, productivity, and focus.” Campbell recently took over Forget-Me-Not Florist, a staple floral shop in Suttons Bay.
Younger generations are seeking ways to live in this region, and live well. “Being in restaurant management positions, I kept wanting more, but didn’t want a restaurant. When the opportunity to buy Forget-Me-Not came about, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for the responsibility I was seeking, plus the creative outlet that would make my soul happy.” Along with Angel Wolf, the floral designer, Forget-Me-Not offers arrangements for all occasions, and will deliver around Leelanau County, and to Traverse City.
“There’s always an event taking place that provides all business owners with the opportunity to participate and spread the word about their business,” mentioned Grace Soave, owner of Grace Elizabeth Bridal. “I’ve also come to realize it’s a small town and word-of-mouth is key to starting a new business and being successful. The community has been amazing in sharing their experience with me and my shop, which has helped bring in a large number of new clientele. This past year exceeded my expectations!” Grace Elizabeth Bridal provides wedding gowns, tuxedos, suits, and accessories, with Grace as your personal bridal consultant.
Gold Baby Biscuitsand Mundos Coffee Roastingalso just recently opened up in Suttons Bay. Many aspects of the Mundos coffee shops and roasting are managed by the young children of Dan and Melissa Clark. Gold Baby Biscuits is run by young Chicago transplants, Lyndsey Egli & Alicia Manson. Both businesses are part of the same small building on St. Joseph St., and go hand-in-hand for breakfast, with Gold Baby’s breakfast sandwiches, and high-quality coffee drinks from Mundos.
In addition to those young Suttons Bay entrepreneurs, Jared and Jillian Pontius came back to the area from Park City, Utah to run Korner Kottage Bed & Breakfast. “Suttons Bay called to us as a beautiful, centralized location for our guests that travel to Leelanau peninsula,” said Jared Pontius. “Since moving here and taking over the Korner Kottage, we have seen support from the local community, Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Leelanau residents and businesses, especially other bed and breakfasts.”
Also, Jay and Debby Saksewski moved from Grand Rapids and opened the Bear Den Gallery, just south of town on M-22, and some of the longest running businesses in the entire region are managed by young Eric Bahle, who took over many of the family operations in the Suttons Bay area. The Bahle family operates businesses like the well-knownBahle’s of Suttons Bayretail shops on St. Joseph, and Bahle Farms Golf Course, southwest of Suttons Bay.
The influx of young entrepreneurs in Suttons Bay seems to be a welcome trend, and a testament to the way small towns can stay sustainable by supporting small business.
