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Hidden gem supports small Detroit businesses

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If you’ve driven down East Jefferson near Chene in Detroit, you may have noticed a beautiful, historic building, with a black awning. “People have noticed it, but a lot of people wonder, what’s inside”, Vallery Hyduk, Co-Owner of the Bagley Mansion told “Live in the D,s” April Morton. Built in 1887 by former Michigan Governor John Bagley, the Bagely Mansion, as it’s still called today, was once home to the Bagley family. “In the past we’ve had a bridal shop in here, its been an event venue. It’s new innovation for post-Covid is that we’re leasing office space. There are 20 beautiful office spaces in the building which are primarily leased out to small businesses, entrepreneurs, serving Detroiter’s,” Hyduk said. The businesses serving Detroiter’s are all Detroit-based, and range from a massage parlor, tattoo artist, seamstress, event planner and more. The businesses serve in a much different capacity, but most have something in common. “We’re really proud that as we’ve pivoted to leasing that we created this wonderful environment predominantly African American, and strongly female,” Hyduk said. April sat down with a couple of small businesses there, and enjoyed a few great services.

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Creating art on the “Ave.”

Read full article: Creating art on the “Ave.”

There’s a place on the Avenue of Fashion in Detroit bringing something very unique to the area. Art in Motion Ceramic Studio and Gallery is a cool place to shop and learn. Kay Willingham, Owner/Operator of Art in Motion Ceramic Studio and Gallery told “Live in the D’s,” April Morton, “We offer parties, classes, for all ages; I have a wonderful space here a lot bigger than where I was further down the way. We also have a cute little playroom, which is just a bonus room where kids can have a party or eat, or entertain your guests.” The business has been around nearly 9 years and is located on Livernois Avenue between 7 Mile and 8 Mile Roads. This is the 2nd location on the “Ave.”. Willingham says she outgrew her last space due to the popularity of ceramic making, something she says is unique to the area where she grew up. “It was the place to be, the place to shop and, of course, the place to live during that time, and even now, it’s still a very thriving community,” Willingham said. It’s a community, she says, she’s fortunate to share her talents with. “My present students now are more into hand building and sculpting, but you can learn how to throw on the wheel, paint your own pottery, you can do slip casting, so it’s pretty open to whatever your experience level is,” she said.