The Legacy of Michigan’s Mother-Owned Businesses
Mothers are redefining entrepreneurship in Michigan, forging paths that extend beyond mere profit margins. With a focus on legacy, these trailblazing women are building businesses that intertwine family values and life lessons, shaping a brighter future for their children.
Inspiring Journeys: The Women Behind the Business
Mallory Vredeveld, 38, and her sister Maddison Husted, 36, share a thought-provoking mantra displayed prominently in Vredeveld’s bathroom: “What is Legacy?” This question transcends their roles as business owners of The Five Forks Bakery in Jackson, and resonates deeply with their aspirations to impart valuable life lessons to their children.
Through their baking business, located at 1194 N. West Ave., they aim to teach their kids more than just culinary skills; they focus on essential values such as confidence and boundary-setting. This approach becomes especially vital in the challenging landscape of being female entrepreneurs.
The Challenges of Entrepreneurial Motherhood
“There are going to be bad days, and that’s OK,” Vredeveld reflects, acknowledging the inevitable ups and downs. On this Mother’s Day, Vredeveld, Husted, and several female business owners statewide share their experiences of juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship. The narrative of their experiences is one of resilience, challenges, and triumphs.
Launching The Five Forks Bakery
The Five Forks Bakery was born during the pandemic—a time when both sisters found themselves reevaluating their career paths. With baking as Husted’s passion, they took a leap in 2020, hoping to create a family-centric business. The name The Five Forks honors their combined five children, symbolizing their commitment to both family and quality.
Initially operating from their homes, they soon faced the challenge of balancing baking with the demands of young children. “It could be challenging baking with kids underfoot,” Husted acknowledges, often working late into the night.
Navigating Challenges as Women Entrepreneurs
Upon opening their storefront, Vredeveld and Husted quickly learned the complexities of being young women in the business world. “We assumed everyone wanted to help,” Husted admits, recounting the lessons learned through occasional setbacks.
Now, they actively seek advice from experienced women entrepreneurs, sharing valuable insights and guidance. As their business expanded, they recognized the need for balance, eventually adjusting their hours to prioritize family time—a decision that sometimes draws criticism from customers. “As important as sales are, it wasn’t worth the changes that were happening at home,” Vredeveld shares.
Teaching Life Lessons through Business
Through their entrepreneurial journey, Vredeveld and Husted are also imparting important skills to their children. They encourage their daughters to understand the importance of setting boundaries and asking for help. It’s a powerful lesson in both business and life.
For example, Vredeveld’s daughter, Mia, eagerly spreads the word about her mother’s bakery at school, demonstrating early customer service skills and the pride that comes with entrepreneurial ownership.
Stories from Other Michigan Mother Entrepreneurs
Tweed Baby Outfitters
Over in Holland, Maggie Kleinheksel juggles her roles as a mother of four and the owner of Tweed Baby Outfitters. The shop is more than just a business—it’s a part of her family life. “Tweed Baby Outfitters is very public, even with much of the work being done behind the scenes,” Kleinheksel reveals.
Her children have spent significant time in the shop, learning from their mother’s work ethic as they grew up amidst the hustle and bustle. However, Kleinheksel adapted her business hours to ensure she could prioritize family time, further demonstrating the balance that mother entrepreneurs strive for.
Omoni Boutique
Jessica Hill, owner of Omoni Boutique in Bay City, draws inspiration from her mother, who emphasized quality over quantity and fostered a love for fashion in Hill. “My goal was to find pieces that are really good quality but don’t break the bank,” she explains.
REV Road to Revitalize LLC
Shardaira Jones, who runs REV Road to Revitalize LLC in Grand Rapids, blends her passion for health with family life. Her juice bar is not just about serving customers; it’s an avenue to teach her children about wellness and entrepreneurship. “Having children while running a business can be overwhelming,” Jones admits, but she balances the chaos with resilience.
Conclusion: Building a Legacy That Lasts
These remarkable women are crafting businesses that reflect their values, ensuring that family and entrepreneurship coexist harmoniously. Their stories emphasize that success is not just measured in dollars, but in the
lessons learned and the legacies built. In a world where traditional business models often overlook the importance of personal connections, Michigan’s mother-owned businesses are proving that a focus on family and community can be a powerful driver of lasting success.
Through passion and perseverance, these mothers are not just creating businesses; they are nurturing futures—**a legacy that extends far beyond profit.**
