On Sunday, All Things Detroit — a quarterly showcase of a local small businesses presented by Ask Jennyfer — went down at Eastern Market’s Shed 3.
An impressive showcase of more than 80 Metro Detroit businesses, the event drew a massive crowd and was a testament to the inventive and talented small business community in Detroit, and we had a blast wandering through the aisles and meeting so many people.
From reclaimed and reinvented Detroit relics from newcomers like Resurrect Detroit, to nonprofit organizations and unique, Detroit inspired clothing from companies like Breathe In Detroit, the event featured something for everyone.
We’ve put together a list of a few of our favorites from the event for you to enjoy. We should point out that this list is only a small portion of the businesses present on Sunday, and you should be sure to explore the full list of vendors from the event right here.
1. House of Lemonade — Detroit
This family owned & operated business was started in 2010 as a way to bring in extra income. However, demand grew so quickly, the company soon began stocking product in gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants throughout the city. With over 13 flavors including blueberry, raspberry, peach and more, all made with real fruit that floats around inside each bottle, you’re sure to find something you love.
2. yumbitz — Clinton Township
This gourmet sweet-snacks company offers all natural, better-for-you, soft-baked, bite-sized cookies. The cookies were outstanding, but the best part of giving into this sweet indigence is that it gives right back, with 10% of each sale donated to local charities that help feed hungry children. You can pick up these little bites of heaven at a number of local stores, including Whole Foods Market, Western Market, Beyond Juice, and more.
3. Centurium’s Creations — Detroit
Centurium’s Creations — Detroit Frost is a graduate of both Henry Ford Community College and the College for Creative Studies. A student of art with a focus on illustration, his passion for drawing soon found a soul mate in ceramic pottery, which he has combined into is new business. The unique line of bowls, vases, mugs and more feature Detroit inspired art laid on top of well crafted pottery.
4. Drifter Coffee — Detroit
Detroit has its share of coffee chops, but Drifter Coffee took the traditional coffee shop and put it on four wheels, creating a mobile java palace that serves up top tier coffee all around Metro Detroit. You can’t miss the teal and chrome, funky Scotty trailer the Drifter calls home, and the affordable and high quality selection is sure to satisfy the caffeine junkie within.
5. Mrs. Pruitt’s Gourmet Cha Cha Salsa — Detroit
OK, I realize this list has been a bit heavy on the food, but this stuff needs recognition! If you’re a fan of what I consider the greatest culinary achievement of all time — salsa — then make sure you try some of Mrs. Pruitt’s CHA CHA Gourmet Salsa.
CHA CHA, also called CHOW CHOW, is a southern term meaning “Nothing Ever Wasted.” Made with fresh vegetables and Mrs. Pruitt’s special blend of herbal seasoning, this salsa can add flavor to any dish, including beans, greens, hot dogs, and of course especially with chip and dips.
6. MRockstar Designs — Eastpointe
Lacy Mrock of Mrockstar Designs out of Eastpointe, MI offers and array of Michigan inspired crafts and jewelry that are perfect for the expat on your holiday gift list. Her booth was chock full of great gift ideas, but a few of our favorites were the Michigan chess board with bottle caps from local beers, as well as the snazzy key chains that also featured Michigan beer bottle caps.
7. Detroit Native Apparel — Detroit
There are a ton of Detroit t-shirt makers out there, and a lot of them have similar products, but this one stood out because of the official collaboration with artist Kobie Solomon. The shirt is inspired by the impressive Detroit Chimera mural on the Russell Industrial Building #2 (the giant lion you can see from I-75).
8. Detroit Remade — Detroit
We first met Nate Gangwer this summer when we followed him for a day on the job, and amid the sea of “reclaimed this and refurbished that” companies in the metro area, his work really stands out. His work is original and features an array of interesting pieces from lighting to furniture that will add some historic Detroit flavor to your home.
9. InPro Enterprises — Wayne County
One of our favorite organizations of the event was InPro Enterprises, a organization that helps people with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other disabilities find increased independence and productivity through innovative vocation rehabilitation programs. On display were several products made by the folks involved in the program, including the chair pictured above, and several other great looking products.
10. Detroit Kombucha Brewing Company — Detroit
If you’ve never tried Kombucha, then this product is right up your alley. While many popular Kombucha brews are overwhelmingly pungent and hard to choke down, the ladies at DKB have created a tasty elixir that still maintains all the perks of the more stank-laden brands. They’re just getting off the ground, but check out them out at their website.
