Micro Enterprises
Thiel's Beauty Supply
Charles A. Thiel, a long-time resident of Midland County, sells affordable hair accessories, wigs, and other beauty products in a variety of styles and colors. You can view the products available at the Tressalure website. Products are currently displayed at Hair Expressions and at the Micro-Enterprise Kiosk at the Midland Mall.
For more information, or to order, contact Chuck at thielsbeautysupply@yahoo.com.
Sharon’s Nature’s Best
Sharon McGinnis is the business owner of Sharon’s Nature’s Best. Sharon’s business officially started over 3 years ago, but she has been making some of the products for much longer. Sharon and her mother, Jean Key, pick and press flowers. Once the flowers are dry, the mother/daughter team makes cards, placemats, etc. This is an enjoyable time for both.
Today, Jean is involved in Sharon’s business when time allows, and Cathy Solomonson serves as Sharon’s business manager. Some of the products Sharon offers are bookmarks, pictures, coasters, as well as the original cards and placemats. They are always looking for new ideas and will test out new items at the Micro-Enterprise kiosk at the Midland Mall. Sharon’s products are also displayed in the Trade Center in the Farmer Jack’s shopping center. In the past, Sharon has sold her products at the Midland County Fair, the Artist’s Market during the summer and craft shows in the community.
Sharon especially enjoys picking the flowers for pressing during the spring and summer. She also likes purchasing her supplies and taking the new products to the kiosk. Occasionally Sharon serves as an “Artist in Resident” at the kiosk and finds the opportunity to greet the customers and discuss the products very gratifying.
Watch both the Micro-Enterprise kiosk at the Midland Mall and the Trade Center in the Farmer Jack’s shopping center for Sharon’s latest products.
Jill's Hot Tootsies
Brrrrrr! It’s cold outside! But Jill Dennis has just the product for you! Jill’s Hot Tootsies are all natural, handmade warmers that will warm you from the outside in. The warmers are two layers, an inner layer made with muslin and an outer layer that can Velcro on and off for laundering. To use Jill’s Hot Tootsies, simply put it in the microwave for 3 minutes. Then apply to any area that is cold or a sore muscle. Anybody with cold feet at night will want to try Jill’s product, it will keep your feet warm all night. Jill also carries coffee cup coasters and hair scrunchies that are handmade.
Where can you get Jill’s Hot Tootsies? Jill has a display at the Apothecary Shoppe downtown and at the Trade Center, in the Towne Centre Plaza, in the Micro-Enterprise booth.
The Apothecary Shoppe is open during the week and the Trade Center is open on weekends. Jill’s Hot Tootsies sell for $14.95 and she has plenty of inventory for our cold winter season.
How did Jill start her business? Jill’s mother, Mary Dennis, had a broken collarbone and someone gave her a hot tootsie while she was recovering. It was so helpful and Jill was looking for business ideas, so Jill’s Hot Tootsies was born. Jill’s roommate, Amy, makes the products and Jill stamps them with her logo that she created. Jill enjoys the income from her business, usually spending it on frozen yogurt.
Hmmmmm, what do I do with a Hot Tootsie in the summer? Put it in the freezer and use it as an ice pack!
If you would like more information about Jill’s Hot Tootsies, coffee cup coaster or hair scrunchies, you can call Jill at 989-837-0937.
Jeff's Jiffy Delivery Service
Jeff’s Jiffy Delivery Service is owned and operated by Jeff Saunders. Jeff’s dream was to have a business that involved riding in a car. He started his delivery business, but the work was not steady, until he was able to meet a need. The need developed shortly after Midland/Gladwin CMH merged with other sites to become Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, with 6 counties total. There was a need to efficiently transport mail and packages between the sites, so Jeff’s Jiffy Delivery Service came to the rescue! Two days a week, Jeff and a member of his staff travel from Midland to Gladwin, Mt. Pleasant, Clare, Reed City and Harrison before returning to Midland. Jeff enjoys the opportunity to ride in the car and eat out, as well as getting to know the people in the other CMH offices. CMH enjoys the dependability and convenience of having Jeff’s Jiffy Delivery Service get their mail and packages where they need to be in a timely fashion – a win-win.
Brenda's Pins and Things
Brenda Bell makes lovely items using various sizes of safety pins and beads. These items include candle toppers and holders, hair bands, sleeve clips, flag pins, along with many other creations. Brenda also sews items, including grocery bag holders and her new hand towels. Brenda sells her items at the Micro-Enterprise Kiosk at the Midland Mall. Watch for Brenda and Heather as you visit the various craft shows. Brenda also makes buttons using seasonal designs and can custom order buttons. If you are interested, contact Brenda at 832-3351.