As a relative newbie in the world of entrepreneurs, I must say that I am amazed at the vast skill set that is required of a typical small business owner. I have had the luxury of working for someone else for most of my working career, and I have to say that over the years I have had the occasional naïve thought that perhaps I could do something better than what was being done. What a wakeup call it is when you finally get to make all the decisions! It also gives me a lot of gratitude for all of the wonderful teachers and mentors that I have had throughout my life. There were times when I had no idea that I would come out of a bad experience with a new level of understanding or perspective, but collectively each and everything that I have experienced – both good and bad – has helped to prepare me for where I’m at and what I’m doing today.
One of my favorite parts of publishing Natural Awakenings Magazine is when I get to help others, and especially when I get the chance to empower others to help themselves. Most people I know can think of at least a few people that really impacted their lives in some way. You never know how something that might seem like a small gesture to you, might make a big difference to someone else. I believe that if you can help someone else along the way, that’s part of paying back what was given to you.
This month the Detroit Metro area will be hosting the opening of a very interesting film called “Ghetto Physics,” an entertaining and thought provoking look at how the world works. The show opens in Detroit October 8 at the AMC Southfield 20, 25333 W 12 Mile Rd. and the AMC Fairlane 21, 18900 Michigan Ave in Dearborn.
On October 16 & 17, join us for the Michigan Health & Beauty Fitness Expo located at the Rock Financial Showroom in Novi. With over 100 vendors, and lots of great speakers, this should be an amazing feast for the senses. One of the speakers, LaKeta McCauley is also in the process of opening a new raw food restaurant on Woodward in Detroit (in November if all goes well,) so be sure to seek her out. Natural Awakenings will be there with copies of the Wayne County edition plus the Oakland/Macomb County edition published by our NA neighbors to the North, Jerry & Tracy Neale. It’s especially helpful for those that might live in one community and work in another to know that Natural Awakenings are geographically based.
Farmers markets are wrapping up for the season, so be sure to stock up on the items that you can use throughout the winter by purchasing some extra produce to freeze or preserve. This time of year our local farmers are putting in some long hours to be able to bring you locally grown, farm fresh produce, so get out there and vote with your dollars and show that you appreciate all that they do.
Have you ever considered selling something at a farmers market? The Cottage Food Bill gives local entrepreneurs an opportunity to create some specific types of products in their own kitchens and then sell them at farmers markets. The food items must be clearly labeled with the ingredients and the fact that they were made in a home kitchen that was not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Visit Michigan.gov/documents/mda/MDA_CFLblngGuide-MASTER_327559_7.pdf for specific guidelines and labeling instructions. This gives you plenty of time in the off season to prepare for Spring when the markets open again. The Michigan Farmers Market Association is a great resource for finding local farmers markets. MIFMA.org
Another wonderful resource for farms, farmers markets, CSAs and restaurants is LocalDirt.org. This is a free site designed to help connect food growers with food buyers, from individuals to restaurants and locally owned fruit markets. Using simple templates, you can set up a website for free.
I hope that you get a chance to enjoy the tasty, bountiful Michigan harvest this year. We are so blessed to live in this beautiful state with so much to offer. I, for one, am doing my best to stay focused on gratitude for all that we have to be thankful for.
Live Well.
