Bundled
Michigan natives, young moms and best friends since middle school, Courtney Taylor and Chelsea Gheesling love their home state. Back in 2014, they started Chick in the Mitt, a blog focused on all things Michigan. After featuring local eats and amazing makers, the duo came up with Bundled – thoughtfully curated batches of mitten-made products.
“We wanted to share these products while making gift giving unique and easy,” says Taylor, who, along with Gheesling, is from metro Detroit. “The idea of using Michigan products came from our true admiration for this great state and the hardworking makers it houses.”
Their desire to give back also shaped their business. Each package is bundled by a team of individuals with disabilities at Services to Enhance Potential in Dearborn. Ultimately, Taylor says their family-oriented team takes pride in what they do – with her daughter Emme, 2, and Gheesling’s 8-month-old Desmond watching on.
“Whether it’s a birthday gift for a friend or an event favor for 300 guests, we are committed to providing the perfect gift,” she says.
5 Michigan picks
Here are things you might find in a Bundled package:
- Coffee by Detroit Bold
- Succulents by Goldner Walsh Greenhouse (Pontiac) Michigan map coaster by Detroit Coaster Company
- Toffee by Dave’s Sweet Tooth (Michigan)
- Detroit stickers by Small Moments (Michigan)
Packages typically run $30-$100 depending on size.
Hand-crafted
If Michigan tugs at your heartstrings, Trenton mom of two Becky Loyer has a project for you. Her business, HandCrafted, lets you turn Michigan-made goods into string art. Loyer began her venture a year ago while juggling law school, the bar exam and her babies.
“I had always been a little bit crafty. I liked the idea of the paint-and-pour type parties … but I never liked the end product.”
Her first class sold out in a week. Prime for a moms night out, the classes travel to metro Detroit bars – just BYO hammer. The most popular design? Michigan, of course.
“There’s such a push right now to support local, and people love our state.”
Get creative: Three-hour classes are $35.
