Fill Up Your Cup-Great Lakes Bay

Founder, Jaime Krueger

"I'm a strong believer in empowering women, because if no one would have done that for me, I wouldn't be sitting here today. I have a passion to see women show up for each other."  
- Jaime Krueger

Very often women find themselves in lonely places of disconnect and the solitude runs deeper as time goes on. It can be a difficult place to be, especially with no common place to connect that feels safe and nonjudgmental. Women are beautifully emotional and relational. Continuing to be able to connect is so crucial to their overall well being. Jaime Krueger came to understand this when she found herself in this very position of wanting to connect, and she knew she was not alone. In 2018 she created a place of belonging for all women, to connect. A judgment free zone to create and foster friendships. A place where women can see how much they actually do relate to and need each other. And the beautiful thing is, this "place" goes with Jaime like an umbrella that protects from rains of isolation and brings women from our community together in a safe huddle... around a cup of coffee. 

Jaime realized there had to be something common that could draw women together, and it occurred to her a cup of coffee was just the thing. Coffee, or any hot beverage for that matter, can give us a sense of security and it can break down barriers as we meet new people. It's our boost of energy, it warms our core, it's something we huddle around like a warm campfire on a cool fall day. It unites us. But Jaime also loved the symbolism of filling our own cups with self care, hence the name "Fill Up Your Cup". As many a flight attendant has reminded us, it is hard to assist others when we don't take care of ourselves first and in this unique setting women have an hour or so to get away and do just that.



Connecting Over Coffee

One of the most lovely things about Fill Up Your Cup meetings is how women automatically bring each other into the fold. It is by no means exclusive. Jaime has created an atmosphere of women who beautifully encourage each other and look to get to know each other. Each monthly gathering has a new venue to meet at and a new topic. The topics chosen are so fruitful and informative to those who attend. Not only are you building friendships, but you also are learning so much about things that relate to building up your own confidence and well being in the process. Meetings vary in size, anywhere form 5 to 30 women and ages from 18 to 65 have attended with no one feeling they are out of place. Each generation and type of woman supports the other. Jaime is always at peace with that, trusting each month will be just as it needs to be. She remarked it is more about the "quality of the meeting time than the quantity of people that attend". Of course she believes the more the merrier, and yet at times more deep connection can happen with only a few on hand. 



Coffee and Connection Event at Iron Grind Coffee House



Ladies Night Event with Gift of Hope Boutique

Events are usually free or very low cost (in a situation like a paint or craft night, for supplies, a cost may be included) as Jaime believes there should be as few barriers as possible so all women that want to can attend. These events are carried out in varying locations, each so unique and diverse that you almost get your own amazing tour of Midland as you meet women who are making a difference all over our town. Visiting the events page on the Fill Up Your Cup - Great Lakes Bay Facebook Page will show you the many events that have already been held. Events have been held at places such as coffee houses, local boutiques, studios, parks and health facilities.  October's event was held at Keri Kenney's Alignment 8: Yoga and Cycle where participants discussed positivism and nutrition with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Taylor Schomaker of Enlightened Nutrition. Participants also joined in a workshop to learn to create some healthy snacks.

Fall Into Wellness Event and Alignment 8: Yoga and Cycle

Healthy Snack Food Prep at Fall Into Wellness Event

Keri Kenney, Owner of Alignment 8, Jamie Krueger and Taylor Schomaker, RDM,
collaborate at Fall Into Wellness Event


When Jaime was asked what makes her small business unique, she said it is simply that there is no agenda or unknown element propelling it. It is simply for women to feel known and worthy of each other's time. Nothing motivates these gatherings except knowing women are out there that desire to connect and gather with other women. Jaime wants women to know they are capable of great things. "Connection needs to be beyond social media" she states, "where we can see the realness in each other and share our stories, memories and what makes us up. Social media has added so much fear and shame. We need to be in physical community and not do things alone". Jamie identified Shannon and Patrick McElgunn of Grove Tea Lounge as some of her first mentors. The McElgunn's brought Jaime into healthier living and the health coaching community which helped her through some trying times and brought her back to the confidence she needed. Through community members and friends such as them, and people like Lisa Thompson of Self Love Beauty, Jaime's passion to serve people and show them the value they have, deepened quickly. She felt her call to move forward out of what was her current demanding job in health care and into her own brave journey in small business ownership and she has been quickly growing and giving women a place ever since.

At Let's Go Midland we ask all Midland's small business owners what they like about Midland, since part of our own mission is to lift up the good in our town. In response Jaime said Midland is a place that is usually based on community over competition in the small business arena. In her opinion, that is something our town needs to keep ignited. Most small business owners around our town know and support each other and that is one reason we often succeed.

So how can you support Jaime!? Below is a graphic that explains ways you could aid in making sure these meetings stay funded so that nothing could dissuade a woman from attending . Maybe you have a space you would like to offer up for a meeting. Perhaps you can inspire and inform with speaking at an event. As Jaime moves forward and builds this year's events she would be thankful for your partnering with her to empower local women.

More than any sponsorship, Jaime wants women to know, they can come off social media, out of solitude and quickly into real time friendships and community... huddled around a cup of coffee, while they fill up their cups. I highly encourage you to attend, support or do both. You will not be sorry as you take your place, know your worth and give place to others as well. You will not walk away empty.



Photos provided by Fill Up Your Cup - Great Lakes Bay and Hope Krotzer

Sponsorship Graphic designed Paper Heart Design

Written By: Hope Krotzer

Miranda Lynn Photography

"When other people see happiness and bright colors, it makes them feel joy too" 
 - Miranda Wieber
   Owner of Miranda Lynn Photography

There are a lot of picture takers out there, especially these days, but then there are actual photographers, and Miranda Wieber is one of the best. As Miranda and I talked, I brought up how I personally love photography, but I am not a photographer, I am a picture taker. I have not spent the hours of training and apprenticing that it truly takes to become a photographer. I don't know how to use my camera professionally. But Miranda was quick and kind to say, "well, we really all just start out as picture takers." This humility and kindness is just part of what makes Midland, Michigan's Miranda Wieber, owner of Miranda Lynn Photography, such a phenomenal choice for wedding and family photos.

Miranda has been a professional photographer for 7 years now, but her passion started in middle and high school. She loved to take pictures, yes, she too was a picture taker, and she loved to see how the film would turn out. She started out, as most picture takers do, by taking pictures of just about anything, but she was quick to realize she enjoyed photographing people the most. She truly enjoys the emotional connection of taking pictures of people and capturing life's most precious moments of weddings and families growing through the years.

 

Eventually Miranda's, then fiancé, now husband, gifted her with her first digital camera, the rest is history. She loves how digital photography has opened up a whole new set of opportunities for the photographer as well as the client. The photographer can learn faster and perfect their craft with the quick results and the client can instantly have their trust built as they can get instant sneak peaks of the photographer's work.

 

The handful of gifted photographers Midland County boasts of are all so very different in style and approach. Some more dramatic, some black and white, some enjoy playing with filters. Some pose, some capture emotion in action, some do both. Miranda is a digital photographer who shoots manually. This means in short, she knows how to use her camera, the tool of her trade. This is something you certainly want in a photographer. She does not count on the camera getting the shot for her, she knows the shot she wants in her creative mind's eye and she makes her camera do exactly what it needs to in order to grab the perfect picture. Miranda is drawn to a clean, bright style as you can see in her photos. She is drawn to happiness and knows how to shoot lovely romantic and emotional photographs. She also loves getting to know her clients so they feel at ease working with her. Her years of experience have also helped her to know how to help clients relax and take beautiful, natural pictures.

 

When asked what keeps her going as a small business owner Miranda says it's definitely the end product. She loves to see how people are quick to share their images of special occasions. Scrolling through social media she often sees her images and just loves that she is able to capture such special moments for people to share. Miranda also believes that being a small business owner helps her to be able to structure her time in a way that fits her family. She loves that her children see her work. Working from home while she edits, her children will see she has a valuable trade that is a talent and contributes to the family, this is important to Miranda. She is hopeful she will spark passion in their hearts by involving them and letting them watch the process. Miranda encourages other business owners to not be afraid to grow slow. Also she states "don't be afraid to make mistakes and keep learning. If you are not making mistakes from time to time, you are not trying anything new".

 

Miranda was asked what she enjoys about Midland. She said she enjoys the perfect size of the town, not too big or too small. Also that with venues like Dow Gardens and the Chippewa Nature Center she does not have to go far for great settings for a shoot.

Getting to know Miranda myself I will say she is very easy to talk to and get to know. She is someone people have ease around, this is an important quality at events such as weddings. She is gifted in being able to help bring peace in situations that can tend to be high stress. She also is extremely organized, has beautiful ideas as you can see from her pictures, and she is extremely knowledgeable. Miranda Lynn Photography is a trusted photographer. Taking pictures of special occasions is never wasted money when you have such a delightful professional to work with. You can check out more about Miranda and her beautiful work at www.mirandalynnphoto.com or the Miranda Lynn Photography Facebook Page.
  

    

 

Miranda can also be reached at
(989) 492-0445 and mirandalynnphoto@gmail.com
Get in touch soon as this amazing photographer is well known!

Article By: Hope Krotzer
Photography By: Miranda Wieber (of course!)

 

Sanford Pizza



Roger and Pam Riggie, Owners

"Go out of your way to know your customers, if someone new comes in, get to know them as well and appreciate them, if it wasn't for our customers, we wouldn't be here." -Pam Riggie

When community shows compassion toward each other, amazing things happen, and it can all start with grandkids, pizza... and bad circumstances.

Let me set the stage.

Several years ago two very hard working, compassion filled, home health care workers were ready for a change after a combined 40 years of experience in caring for others. They poured their hearts and souls into others wonderfully, and life seemed to be giving them an open door to a new adventure. Little did they know a drive through Midland's village of Sanford would turn into a life changing moment for them as they saw that Sanford Pizza was for sale. It didn't take much convincing as Roger has a passion to cook and bake and Pam deeply loves people. A great combo if you ask me. After looking the place over a few times, they were sold and opened for business on May 3rd, 2013.

After buying Sanford Pizza from Fred and Nancy Lyons who owned it for about a year, Roger and Pam knew they needed to continue in home health care for a while as they watched their business grow at first. This meant some very long days, but when entrepreneurs want something, they make it work.

There is so much to tell about this wonderful business. Of course I want to touch on the delicious food. I truly believe it is some of the best in our county, and I know I'm not the only one. As I sat interviewing the Riggies a customer near by told Roger "You'll have to stop making these pizzas so good! I just can't stop coming back!" Roger said with a smile... "That's the point, we want you to come back!"

One unique thing you will find at Sanford Pizza... is the same cooks every time. You know you will get quality, delicious food prepared just as it should be by experienced hands. Roger and Pam pride themselves in that. They also have many components of their pizza that are homemade. Roger makes the dough every day and the sauce... well that is Grandma Hansen's secret recipe, just the right blend to make just the right taste. Along with your traditional pizza choices there are different monthly specialty pizzas, this month it is Chicken Cordon Bleu, other months have been Chicken Caesar, Pork Carnitas, Roast Beef and Cheddar, Italiano or Dill Pickle Pizza! What an adventure! Not only is the pizza perfectly crafted, but the pasta dishes on "Pasta Tuesday" range from a variety of lasagnas to delicious goulash, alfredos or Swedish Meatballs over egg noodles. And oh boy, on "Wing Wednesday", be ready to have your socks knocked off with some of the very best boneless or bone in wings you have ever eaten, with amazing variety. Tropical Rum, Kentucky Bourbon, Korean BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, Sweet Chili, Sweet or Spicy BBQ, Buffalo, Ranch, Blue Cheese and homemade sauces of Funky Chicken, Maple Bacon, Alabama BBQ and Jack Daniels BBQ. I mean, come on!! Oh and the rest of the menu... soups and sandwiches to die for and Roger bakes up some great sweet treats to go as well!

The atmosphere at Sanford Pizza is so very relaxed and family friendly. A revamp on the tables with beautiful work by Ron's Custom Woodwork and Design has brightened up the dining room wonderfully. There are always coloring books and games on hand to keep the customers busy and happy during the short wait for their food and sometimes live music entertains as well. And, what pizza place would be truly complete without a little arcade action!!? Pam and Roger have done a great job making Sanford Pizza a place anyone can belong and feel comfortable.

But now for my favorite part of all of things Sanford Pizza.

Rarely have I seen a business with such wonderful hometown love for people. As I sat interviewing them, Pam greeted every customer that came in by name. She even knew what was going on in their lives. Pam would ask how family members were doing, how vacations went and so on. And when I introduced myself and gave her my name, with a lovely smile she said, I already knew your name.

One Christmas day, the Riggie's grandkids asked if they could go to the restaurant with them to make some pizza. Obliging, as grandparents do, they headed in, although they were closed for the holiday. Before too long they heard a knock at the restaurant's front door, it truly is something like a Hallmark movie, only better because this is real. They opened the door to a family looking for a bite to eat  and a place to warm up... and being touched by their experience serving this family, Roger and Pam have opened every Christmas day since. They realized that people need a place open on Christmas. People still need each other, maybe people ESPECIALLY need each other on the holidays. Whether it is simply friends that want to get together, neighbors going through a hard time, or community members that have no friends or family around, the Riggies opened up their arms and became that place on Christmas, no questions asked, where all are accepted and fed and enjoyed for who they are. But there is even more. One morning as Pam was filling the ice machine before opening, she turned around to see the oven on fire. Thankfully she was able to act quickly and put out the flames, but the oven was ruined. A quote to fix it was between 6 and 10,000 dollars... more than they could imagine. Roger and Pam were certain they were done serving the community they loved so much. But soon news stations showed up due to an anonymous call and they were quick to tell the story. (click here to read one news story) As word got out, miracles and kindness started to return to Pam and Roger in a way that touched their hearts forever. One loyal family, the Weingartz, came in with their three little boys in tow, stating they had been praying for the Riggies and they emptied every cent out of their piggy banks to help however they could. Also, one evening a gentleman knocked on the restaurant door. They let the man by the name of Don Chambers in, and heard him out. He was a retired serviceman who fixed kitchen equipment when active and after he retired he worked servicing a popular pizza chain's ovens. He took a look and soon found the problem. He could fix the issue, but couldn't reach it and the parts were still a bit costly. The community rallied and raised enough funds quickly and the Riggie's friend, Wesley Stewart, climbed right in the oven, fixing every part as Don instructed . The oven has been working fine since and the community and friendships grew stronger than ever, interesting how hard times bring good people together.

  

These acts of kindness propelled Roger and Pam to reach back even more now to the community that loved them in their time of need. Pam said one thing she loves about Midland, and especially Sanford, is that it is a very giving and caring community. She encourages fellow small business owners to sincerely get to know their customers and care about them. Caring for each other is what makes the world go around. The Riggies continue to open each Christmas Day from noon to 5:00. Friends come help serve and the community brings toys and clothes for families in need that may show up on Christmas Day. Pam said she was able to give out every item that was donated last year and any excess goes places like the Caregiving Network or area Foster Closets.  

 (Read more about Christmas Day at Sanford Pizza by clicking here)

We highly recommend you take a drive in to the Village of Sanford. There is a lot of great food. And a great place where you belong. Sanford Pizza is a wonderful part of the Sanford and Midland community. The care between the customers and owners really tells the entire story. What goes around comes around. If you're just in small business ownership for profit the customer knows. But when you are in it for the good of the people in your community, the customers know that too. When you give, you receive. We all need more Sanford Pizza's in our lives, or maybe the world just truly needs a few more Pam and Rogers.

Sanford Pizza can be found in the heart of Sanford, Michigan at 335 W Saginaw Rd,

on Facebook or

at (989) 687-4992.

You can dine in, or carry out.

You really should try them. Trust Grace, we give them 5 stars too!!

Article and Photos by Hope Krotzer

Pudgy Puppies Grooming

Laura Bejcek, Owner of Pudgy Puppies Grooming, with Freya

 

“I love that people allow me to spend time with their animals.” -Laura Bejcek

 

 

 Laura Bejcek is full of passion, she’s a dreamer, a creative, and she is humble. Self-described as socially awkward (I disagree), any supposed lack of communication skills with humans is certainly not apparent when it comes to the canine species. If you believe in empaths or simply that some people have a distinct calling in life—Laura has it with dogs.

Pudgy Puppies Grooming is a full-service dog grooming business owned and operated by Laura out of her home. It’s a drive out of town, but easy to find (us townies really like our 2-3 square miles). Walking into Pudgy Puppies is any dog-lovers dream; on interview day Laura had two boarders making her pack a solid seven that day—all different sizes and personalities.

 

Lola

 

 

The newest member of her pack is a sweet Australian Shepherd puppy, Lola. Laura’s love for dogs is so strong that when she found out that Lola was deaf, only after bringing her home, she refused the previous owner’s offer to return the pup. Laura recognized that her pack will be good for Lola and is researching the best ways to communicate with her newest love. Another family member is a tiny little cutie named Muffin. Muffin was a one-time grooming client and when the owner stated that she was going to have to get rid of her, Laura said “she can be part of our family.” Rumor has it she is a daddy’s girl. Harley, a sweet Golden, was one of Laura’s oldest rescues and his pudgy frame was the inspiration for the business name. Unfortunately, he crossed the rainbow bridge last year.

 

Harley

 

A life-time dog person, Laura didn’t start out with any intention of working in the grooming business (to be fair it wasn’t really a ‘thing’ like it is today). Laura has had a lot of jobs over the years, because unlike some people who think a job is a means, she truly believes a job is a dream. She had been chasing that dream all over Michigan, Florida, California, Montana, Las Vegas, and back and it was just a few years ago that she figured it out. While working in a retail shop washing dogs she made a great friend, Laurie, the now-owner of Looking Pretty Pet Grooming in Freeland. She saw the talent Laurie had with the dogs and learned a lot from her style and approach, Laura considers Laurie her mentor. What Laura (and Laurie) didn’t like about their jobs at the time was the focus on numbers—get the dogs in and out—she saw how stressed they were and that they did not thrive in those conditions.

 

 

 

Laura started grooming for a few friends, a Golden and a Bichon, it would take her hours because she only had a few pieces of equipment. After that, Laura continued to groom a bit on the side, but necessity meant she had to work other jobs. Laura quickly became a lifelong student of Google University, using the world wide web to learn techniques and approaches best-suited for each breed. And, you guessed it, thanks to these friends and a solid word-of-mouth advertising she was able to take the plunge and make grooming her full-time gig. Those two dogs who served as her guinea pigs are still grooming clients, today (it goes a little quicker than it used to). Her unwavering belief that passion comes before a paycheck came true! Goose. Bumps. Laura is such an inspiration and, I don’t know about you, but that is the kind of passion I want when I surrender the care of my three children (yes, they are my children) to someone else.

 

 

 

Laura’s big goal is for her clients (the dogs) to have a stress-free experience. So much so, that she books extra time for new clients to get to know her (again, I mean the dogs). She wants you, the parents, to know they are safe in her care. She is not in it for the money, she’s in it because she loves to do this, and she loves animals. Her promise to them (and you) is that she devotes all her attention to the animal until they leave her care. Oh, and when they leave, they will have an adorable bow, flower or bandana as a memento.

             Laura has had to turn away a few clients when the fit wasn’t right, but she will give it her all and even recounting the stories of bad attitudes, bites, horribly matted fur, etc. she still “feels like a jerk” when she must turn them away or tell the parents that she won’t be able to see them again. She gets a lot of tough clients because she is so patient. Laura does a little bit of boarding too but requires a pre-meet to make sure the animals will get along in her pack. Her family is on-board with this and loves to play with the dogs—grooms too. I guess it would be difficult if they didn’t because Laura currently works out of her home, using her kitchen sink and bathroom tub to wash and a mudroom to do the groom. Her big dream is to build a shop in their barn and you guys, it’s going to happen, I just know it!

 

 

 

A few points of wisdom Laura has learned and would love for puppy parents to appreciate too:

1.      Start grooming right away, when they are puppies. If puppies are groomed, it’s less stressful for them as they grow. She even offers a “Face, Feet and Fanny” discount for puppies under one. This means she will wash their face (you know the tear stains) and will wash and groom their feet and fanny. This sets them up for success for full grooms as they get older.

 

2.      Tell her what the finished product looks like. Is a light trim half an inch or 3-inches? Do you want your dog groomed like the standards suggest or do you have something else in mind?

 

3.      Tell her what you are really bringing to her. “I just need a good brushing for Lassie.” Okay but, a “brushing” of a dog is not the same as a de-matting of a dog. The time commitment and charge would be vastly different so just be honest and Laura will be honest right back.

 

4.      Parents are parents and dogs are a lot like kids; i.e., you should not be there so the dogs will let Laura do her thing.

 

5.      Holiday time for dog groomers is just like hair stylists—everyone wants to look their very best for those family photos. AKA-she’s busy, so book early or if you don’t care about the family photos; if it’s just because you had time, book after the holiday.

 

Muffin

 

 

     Laura does everything from simple nail clipping to a full groom by appointment only Monday-Thursday and Saturdays. Like all of us, Laura loves the community and how they look out for each other. She is so grateful that people gave her a chance and is so thankful for the people she has. If you want to be one of Laura’s people, she would love to have awkward conversation with you and a deep relationship with your dog.

Contact Laura via Facebook or text at (989) 430-3420.

Pudgy Puppies Grooming is located at 1629 S. 4 3/4 Mile Road in Midland, Michigan.

 

 

Article and Photography by Joslyn Chulski

Wellington Ltd.

Geri and Laurie

 “We are always going to put people first, and in the way they need.” – Geri Horsley

If you are reading this, you probably know there is something special about our little town of Midland. A little larger than Mayberry and surely not quite as wholesome—the sense of community and family is strong here. It’s that unique appeal that brought Geri (pronounced Gary) Horsley back from a big job out east and it’s why we are lucky enough to have Wellington Limited in our little town today.

Wellington Limited is a true Midland treasure, nestled in Midland Plaza you will find high-quality gifts for both personal and business use. Need a YETI® or Polar Camel with your business logo? Trying to create a portrait on a piece of jewelry? Building a service program or custom award for your employees, corporation, or special occasion? Just need a unique gift? Wellington can help! It’s their customer-first focus that has been the cornerstone of their success and why they have been in business in this town since 1974.

Interview day was not the first time I’d met Geri, but only the second. When you meet him, you know he’s in it for the relationship not the sale. He even said that to me, that he didn’t want to seem cliché, but that people walk in strangers and he wants them to leave as friends. With a personality like his and his first-mate, Laurie Kramer—you cannot help but become a Wellington family member and you will be glad for it.

Geri likes nostalgia, you can feel it all around from the Horsley’s sign on the wall, to some of their most challenging pieces on display to his U of M memorabilia in his office. Getting nostalgic about the origin story of Wellington was a true pleasure for me and I think you’ll feel the same.

  

As Geri would say “Many, many years ago…” Horsley’s was a floral and gifts business run by the Horsley children (four in all) and their parents, it was the predecessor to what we now know as Village Green. He recalls helping to carry the cement blocks that laid the foundation of the building. Geri’s father worked at Dow and the entire family worked at Horsley’s. Geri would later head off to Ann Arbor to earn a business degree and, “after university,” spend time out east working for Alcoa and then in sales for a medical supply company. A phone call from his brother would lead to a brainstorm about a business venture for the two of them: What if we opened a smoke shop and specialty store for men? The vision was strong enough to bring Geri back to Midland, but as I already mentioned, it was also that Midland magnetism that played a heavy hand. And so, it began, a 600-foot corner of Horsley’s was carved out for Wellington Limited to be born. They carried top-of-the-line articles from Cartier, Dunhill, Marc Cross leather, and George Jensen pewter. Wellington held pipe smoking competitions at the old Holiday Inn—entire families came to watch. If you are curious, as I was, as to what a pipe competition entails each competitor held a pipe with exactly 3.3 grams of tobacco and whomever could keep the pipe lit the longest would be the victor.

Heat Stamper

As is often the case in our small town, The Dow Chemical Company became an important part of the Wellington story early on. In the 70’s you could smoke just about everywhere, even at Dow corporate. As the Chairman of the Board was retiring, a special project was presented to the Horsley men: we need this 18-karat gold Dunhill lighter engraved with the Chairman’s initials. There were no engravers locally at the time. Geri, as he will still do today, said he would figure it out and came upon a hand-engraver in New York City. Dow flew Geri to New York where he hand-delivered the lighter to a man in Manhattan, returned three-hours later to retrieve it and flew back to Midland. This is where Geri realized Midland needed engraving. They purchased a heat-stamper that they still have and use to this day (albeit less often than their laser and sandblasting machines).

Laser Machine

As is true for all businesses, they needed to evolve and grow. Wellington became a big retailer of travel accessories, carrying the Hartmann luggage line. When Dow AgroSciences (then located in Midland) approached Wellington for 50 attaché cases their corporate business began booming. It was this corporate focus that allowed Wellington to thrive. At one-point Wellington employed more than 30 people. Once the Horsley’s business was sold to Village Green, Geri moved Wellington to Dartmouth and Cambridge into an 1800 square foot space. They worked all day in the original space and built the new space by night. Fun fact: around this time, Wellington also had a shop inside the lower level of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island—it was the first shop of its kind in what’s now a multi-store boutique shopping space. Wellington spent 18 years at Dartmouth and Cambridge and later headed to Eastlawn Plaza where the Chinese buffet now resides; when their lease was up, they found out Walgreens would be built out front and decided to move on. They landed at their current location in Midland Plaza and have been there ever since.

You know I love origin stories for business names. Where did “Wellington” come from? Geri and his brother wanted a strong English name (as was their heritage). They started with Churchill’s—one of the strongest and most well-known English names, which was already taken—so they selected Wellington. The first Duke of Wellington (an original writing of his hangs in the store), was an impressive figure serving twice as Britain’s Prime Minister and a decorated military man.

We talked for longer than I’d planned but it wasn’t labored conversation. It was friendly and casual. Geri and Laurie ordered in pizza and salad, treated me to that lunch. They also laser engraved a few Let’s Go Midland articles for me to take (so nice!!!). We chatted through their upcoming deadlines—busier this time of year than usual. We talked about the ‘right now’ world we live in and how people sometimes pop in and expect things to be engraved immediately like some other shops can do. I, myself, am certainly guilty of this ‘right now’ expectation sometimes: Not willing to wait; Waiting too long and making it someone else’s problem; Not willing to venture outside of my house for a truly unique gift. Of course, sometimes Wellington can oblige a last-minute request, but other times they have an order of 100 for a corporate client in line ahead of the last-minute customer. A friend recently told me about a great experience with her own last-minute request for a Bible engraving—the team came in on a day off to complete the gift.

Wellington Gifts

Geri speaks fondly of Midland, when I asked what has kept Wellington going for these 44 years? He said “Friendships; staying true to Midland; and loving this community the way we do.” As for competition besides the Internet, competition isn’t something that Geri worries much about because they don’t say ‘no’ very often. If they must, Wellington will work hard to find a local business that can say ‘yes.’ They aren’t afraid to help other businesses, keep it local and make it easy for the customer (we—at Let’s Go Midland—LOVE this!).

Wellington Letters

Geri is complex—he’s got a keen business sense and a bias for results for his customers that is unmatched, but he’s also a super sweet man. He said, “I have to get romantic for a second” saying that Laurie “has completed life.” The Northwood grad who once worked at Horsley’s entered his life years later and became his love and partner in business. You can sense a quiet satisfaction in the almost 45-year journey and as he prepares, in the next few years to retire, his daughter Natasha and son-in-law, Scott, will take over. The Horsley legacy and Wellington Limited will continue to thrive and grow in Midland—full of love for their craft and for this community. The meaning of the Wellington surname is “a prosperous estate”—I daresay it’s certainly held true for this small Midland business.

Geri Heat Stamping

Whatever your gift-giving needs, Wellington can help; from the Baggallini line to travel accessories or small leather goods to beautiful vases and scenic framed photographs, Wellington provides more than just engraved products. Wellington also tries to use as many Michigan and United States artisans as possible in their vast offering of merchandise; they carry many unique Michigan-made gifts including Petoskey stones and other products native to Michigan. So, next time you need a gift (engraved or not) make sure you check out Wellington Limited at 1900 South Saginaw Rd., Suite K, Midland, MI 48640, Monday through Friday from 10AM until 5:30PM, they are open for a few hours on Saturday for last minute gifts, just drop in between 10AM and noon. They are closed on Sundays. Follow them on Facebook at @wellingtonltd or visit their website www.wellingtonltd.net. Have a question? Call them at (989) 631-5270 or shoot them an email at wellingtonltd@yahoo.com. Tell them Let’s Go Midland sent you.

Article and Photography By Joslyn Chulski