For the last five years the building at 158 S. Broadway in Lake Orion has been the home of North Oakland Vocational Association (NOVA).
Established in 1992, NOVA helps differently-abled folks prepare for and find employment. The service is invaluable, but proprietor Barbara Bell of Rochester didn’t stop there.
About a year ago she converted the front of her building into a second-hand shop. Now she’s made another change and has repurposed her storefront.
Everything Michigan is the name of her new business, and she sells only Mitten-state items, many of which are made locally.
So, what can you find there? Everything. Well, everything Michigan related, that is.
For the sports fans, she’s got gear from your favorite Michigan teams. She’s also got hand-knit, locally produced hats and scarves. Soaps by Angelica, Fireside coffee, Jar Head Chips and Salsa, locally created artwork, and a whole lot more await you at Everything Michigan.
Bell, operating the store from her wheelchair, said the task is made much easier with her great support staff.
Everything Michigan is made all the more successful with the partnership she’s developing with local artisans. Many of the wares she displays come from local artists, with whom she shares profit.
If you’re looking for a place to market your handcrafted work, contact store manager LaToi English at 810-814-2214, and she’ll hook you up with a very convenient downtown location.