Spotlight On…. Shepherd Organizing with Dar Shepherd

de-clutter, professional organizing, UP holistic business, UP wellness publication

Tell us what Shepherd Organizing is all about.

It’s dedicated to helping people clear clutter in their home, office, business, to create living spaces that are really life-enhancing. I walk alongside people in the de-cluttering process. They decide what to put in the “keep” and “donate” piles and we find a place for what will remain.

I use the Marie Kondo method, organizing by categories—first clothing, then books, papers, and each room, going through everything. For example, we take all of your clothing out so you can decide with each piece whether you really love it, wear it, and want to keep it.

We look at what books really bring you joy and enhance your life, and release things that trigger guilt. We ask with each of your papers, “Do I still need this?” What a relief it is to know where everything is—car title, check, gift certificate, things that had been misplaced, and to have things organized so you know where everything is.

Little things can make a huge difference in how people feel and how they can work, especially in the kitchen. In the bedroom, we take out everything that doesn’t belong and make it look comfortable. Memorabilia collected through the whole process is saved for last. Piles can be made to pass things on to different people.

Every single one of my clients says they have more energy after de-cluttering.

Some hire me because they don’t want their kids to have to clean up after they’ve moved into a nursing home or passed. Young families with small children want their homes more organized so they can have more time together, and want to teach their kids “This is where this goes.”

Most kids have too many toys. Studies show they play better and in more depth when they have less toys. A connection’s also been shown between clutter and ADHD, especially in children. Plus, it’s hard to clean with lots of clutter.

Clients say their mental health is so much better afterward. I feel very honored that people trust me to help them with this intimate process. Some don’t want people they know to help them because they’re embarrassed, but there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

What led you to start Shepherd Organizing?

I’ve been helping people for over ten years—family, friends, some paid jobs. I’m pure Finnish. We did a lot of cleaning and didn’t have much clutter. And I had twins, so I had to be very organized. I realized it makes such a difference in people’s lives…. If I were a millionaire and didn’t have to work, I would still do this. It’s just so rewarding!

What other experiences have helped you to run it?
I studied a lot—Marie Kondo and other organizers. I continue to learn almost daily about the psychology of hoarding and different things that seem to create clutter. It’s an ongoing education. Having worked with many people now has taught me. Every session I have, I’m learning.

What do your clients enjoy most about your services?

One woman said “I’ve lived in this house for twenty years and never felt at home before.” People say they have breakthroughs—now there’s space and they’re not thinking about the clutter. One said she started writing again. Now they have time—for relationships and to start businesses. A father said, “I can’t wait ’til we’re done. We’ll have so much more fun!”

Future plans for Shepherd Organizing?

I’m connecting with more realtors for home staging. It’s crucial to de-clutter before you put your home on the market. Clutter takes away equity.

I am available for presentations at events and gatherings, and will do one at the Mind Body Spirit Fair in April. I recently launched my website, shepherdorganizing.com. There’s info on clutter-free gifts, where you can donate things, and more pages are in the works.

Spotlight On…. Tyler Tichelaar of Marquette Fiction

Interview with author Tyler Tichelaar, Marquette Fiction, Superior Book Productions, UP holistic business, UP holistic wellness publication

What do you write about and why?
I write lots of books about Upper Michigan, mostly Marquette, lots of historical fiction, and some non-fiction books. My most recent was a biography of Chief Kawbawgam.

As for why, I think because the advice given writers is to write what you know, and I knew the UP. There weren’t a lot of novels for adults about the UP, and I thought the UP deserved to have its own literature, especially its own fiction. I also write historical fantasy about King Arthur, and literary criticism.

How did you get into writing?
I was always a lover of books. When I was in about third grade, I had a friend who told me her aunt was an author who had written a few mystery novels and that put the idea into my head that “Hey that’s a job, and that’s the job I want!” Ever since then, I’ve written.

When I was in eighth grade, I took a creative writing class at NMU for middle school students in which I wrote a story called “The Ghost of Stonegate Woods,” named for where I grew up in the neighborhood Stonegate Heights near the Crossroads. That story had a mystery about a ghost, and some UP history. It was chosen out of the others in the class to be made into a video on the Upper Michigan Today Show. That was probably my first real story that brought in an interest in the UP and UP history. Of course I had the history all wrong. But the fact that my story was chosen was a big boost to my ego and made me feel like I could become an author.

How many books have you published now?
Twenty-one, and there are more in the works, including a couple of historical novels set in the UP.

What keeps you inspired to write?
I think my desire to share knowledge and also to make sense of out things. I also think in many ways writing is therapy for authors. In some way, it’s my way to make sense of the world, and control the world a little bit, especially when writing fiction. As for non-fiction, it’s more an interest in making sure history is preserved, or certain ideas are preserved.

I had an English professor in college who said that English professors are the keepers of the culture, and I think writers are also keepers of the culture, at least writers of history.

What do you hope to convey to others through your books?
It varies from book to book. Sometimes, with fiction especially, you want to give people a sense of hope, of purpose, to be able to go on in difficult times. With history, it’s more wanting people to draw strength from the past, and understand the past, and not necessarily have romanticized ideas about the past.

What is your writing process like?
I typically write every day for an hour in the evening. On the weekend, it may be two or three hours in the afternoon. The process varies from book to book.

With non-fiction, I do a lot of research and outlines, and try to figure out how the parts of the book will go together. If it’s a novel, the process is a lot less structured. I usually try to write chronologically, but sometimes I’ll have an idea for the middle or the end, and I’ll write that. Then it becomes a matter of just sewing together the different chapters and scenes until you have a whole. And I do many, many revisions. Most of my books go through about a dozen drafts before I finally publish them.

How has your family influenced your writing?
My interest in UP history largely came from my grandpa who was always telling me stories about when he was a kid in the UP, and I had his brothers and sisters, eight great-aunts and uncles, who were always telling me stories about their past and stories about their parents and grandparents, so I became interested in genealogy. So my Marquette Trilogy, the first series of books I published, was largely inspired by my family history. One branch of my family came here in 1849, so I’m a seventh-generation Marquette resident. I had all of those stories to draw upon so a lot of the characters in my books in some ways resemble some of my ancestors. None are intended to be exact portraits but there are elements of them that are very similar to my ancestors.

What kind of feedback have you received about your books?
Initially, I was very surprised at the feedback from my early historical novels. People told me how much they learned from them. I just kind of assumed, growing up here, that everyone else here knew what I knew and that I was just creating fictionalized versions of it, but I apparently taught people a lot of local history through my novels. And I also wanted to entertain people, so I chose to write novels rather than history books in the beginning.

People have told me as they walk or drive around Marquette, they look at the city in a different way now because they know the history of the different buildings and the stories of what happened here based on my books, so I really have helped people understand history better that way. And the same is true with the non-fiction books.

I’ve also received several awards–my book on Chief Kawbawgam was named a UP Notable Book last year, my novel Narrow Lives was named Best Historical Fiction in the 2009 Reader Views Literary Awards. I also received the Barb H. Kelly Award for Historical Preservation in the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Awards, and was named Outstanding Author in the Marquette County Arts in 2011. Twice I’ve also had a short story nominated for the Pushcart Prize.

What was the process of becoming a professional writer like for you?
It’s very difficult to survive on being an author alone. Very few people can do that. Consequently, I got a PhD thinking I’d be an English professor and write on the side. There were hardly any teaching jobs available, so I was not an English professor for long. I came back to the UP and found a day job and wrote in the evenings.

Eventually, once I published my books they sold well, but not enough to live on, so I got involved with the UP Publishers & Authors Association and started connecting with other authors who needed help, and I ended up becoming an editor and founding Superior Book Productions. So the bulk of my income actually comes from editing.books, not writing books. But, of course, writing books is my passion. Being a writer has made me a better editor and being an editor has made me a better author.

How can someone purchase your books?
Locally they’re available in various stores, including Snowbound Books, the Marquette Regional History Center, the Marquette Maritime Museum, Michigan Fair, and Touch of Finland. They’re also available to order from my website, marquettefiction.com. All of them are also available as e-books at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
I would encourage readers to read local books, learn the history of the area and support local authors. Most authors these days are not traditionally published. They’re not New York Times bestsellers. They’re people in your own backyard who have a story to tell and they are independently publishing their books. Just like we support independent films and independent bookstores, we should also support independent authors.

Spotlight On… Blackbird Boutique with Owner Brett Stiles

Blackbird boutique, sustainable fashion, U.P. holistic business, U.P wellness publication

Tell us about Blackbird Boutique.

Blackbird carries anything from new vintage-inspired clothing to bohemian to more timeless, elegant classic pieces. I try to have quite a range in a small space, and for a range of ages too.

I spend a lot of time researching and networking with other designers and going to markets to find sustainable, ethical, fair trade clothing and accessories. I think it’s important to understand where your clothes come from and who made them. We carry a lot of things made from natural fibers. They’re more durable, and require less water to manufacture. A couple of brands I carry are zero waste. They use scrap materials that larger clothing manufacturers would have to get rid of, even whole bolts if there’s one little flaw, because they use machines. These are handmade, and if the fabric pieces are too small, they’ll use a more traditional patchwork style or weaving. Some lines use organic cotton or non-toxic, natural dyes. Some manufacturers say their items are natural but they still use copper and things to bring out more vibrant colors in clothing.

There’s a huge selection of locally made jewelry and artwork, gift items, accessories too, a little home décor as well—the little unexpected treasures that people find, whether it’s for themselves or gifts—little luxuries, little out-of-the-ordinary bits ’n bobs. I’m constantly on the hunt for unique jewelry, clothing, and accessories.

While it is difficult at times to be the sole proprietress of a business, it also has many rewards. Blackbird is really an extension of my life, philosophies and interests. It is challenging to have to wear so many hats—to be the creative force, as well as have the business mind that goes with it.

I think Blackbird fits well into the downtown Marquette scene. I feel I’ve created an inviting space and sometimes customers will just pop in for a little inspiration and because they love the way the shop makes them feel. I really can’t believe it’s been four years since Blackbird opened. I am excited to be a part of such a wonderful community here in downtown Marquette.

Why did you open Blackbird?

I grew up with my mom having a boutique. I worked there summers early on during college, and I absolutely loved it—helping women find things that inspired them, and all the patterns and textures and colors of the fabrics. I enjoyed it so much, I was kind of hooked.

Even back then, opening something like Blackbird was always in the back of my mind. I wanted to do it so badly, and just always thought, “It’s not a practical thing. I can’t.” I was afraid of going for it.

I finished school, was living in Denver a while, working at the Clyfford Still Museum. Although I loved it there doing event planning and coordinating for donors or for weddings, I just had this calling. I wanted to do something that made more of an impact. And I was missing Michigan, the lake, and family. It was time to move back. So I decided to go for it.

At the time there wasn’t a lot in Marquette like what I had in mind. I was nervous not knowing what the reaction would be. I always wanted to do something that was good, that made a difference. Finding sustainable, fair trade, ethically-made clothing allows me to offer something good for people and the planet.

I went to Western Michigan University and Kendall College of Art & Design. I have a degree in English, and minors in Environmental Studies and Art History. My education and art background play a big role in the design of Blackbird as well the merchandise I carry. I try to bring in a sort of ethereal, otherworldly vibe, and to make women feel empowered by dressing in a way that respects their confidence. There are things you can’t really find anywhere else—unique pieces that are also timeless and versatile, and can be worn comfortably too, with interesting forms and natural fibers. They just feel better.

What’s new at Blackbird?

I just did a little update while we were closed for March. I took down a couple free-standing walls to open the space up a little bit more. Also, there is a new wall mural, some new lighting, and I’m adding a much needed second dressing room. The space definitely feels more open because of the changes made.

What do you find most challenging about running Blackbird?

So far, the pandemic has been the most challenging thing to go through, but I have managed to successfully stay on top of it by following health department guidelines and offering contactless payments and pick-ups, if people wish. Also, there is an online shopping option at www.blackbirdmqt.com. And while not all of my inventory shows up online because so many things are one-of-a-kind or small batch, I can take pictures of similar items for customers if they desire. It’s sort of a personal shopping experience, and I’ve worked with many people this way.

What do you enjoy most about running it?

I enjoy my customers the most, definitely. I just love getting to know them, and I especially love the one-on-one experience. To connect with these women, and just have fun, and have them leave feeling really good about something they purchased, not just because it looks good on them, but also because they know it’s sustainable clothing. That’s something I really hold close to me, and what Blackbird is all about.

Spotlight On…. The Brownstone Inn with Co-Owner Deb Molitor

Tell us about the Brownstone Inn.
The Brownstone Inn is a family business serving comfort-style food in a really beautiful area—Au Train, Michigan, at a nearly-historic site. Twenty-nine years ago, we resurrected a sweet old business that hadn’t had much care, and ever since we’ve worked to keep it consistent historically and add modernizations where it doesn’t show.

It had been a restaurant with an inn that had rooms upstairs and cabins that were rented until the mid-60s. The upstairs became a large apartment for subsequent owners. We got to raise our two kids here. They got to grow up in this village called a restaurant, which is an unusual way to grow up. Community came to us in a lot of ways.

I grew up on a family farm. It was really similar in a lot of ways—everyone worked together. There was a lot of care for everyone who worked for us, and a lot of their children worked for us over the years.

Some of our staff members here have been with us since we opened. Without the really talented, experienced staff we have, as well as a community that’s super-supportive, we wouldn’t be able to do this right now. People that would not go out because of health concerns order takeout and tip our staff. Those outside the area don’t see it, but there’s community here, and it’s super-important to us.

Our menu is based a lot on the kind of food both of us grew up with, having really talented moms in the kitchen.

Our chef, my husband Jeff, has his own sense of it, creating layers of flavors and textures. He’s an artist who has to have every color in the crayon box. And he uses them all. He wants a nicely composed food plate, and gets excited about anything fresh. At times, we’ve had Hawaiian fish flown in, which is amazing, but the core of our menu uses local products as much as we can. Sourcing is not easy, but we’ve made that a point over the years.

Having a place with a bar in the dining room, we had to decide early on which way to go. My husband was all about the food. Plus there’s a highway out there. It didn’t feel responsible to focus on a bar in this location. That shaped the clientele and the people who work for us.

We were able to expand into the upstairs and create private dining space for weddings, funerals, memorials, anniversaries, birthdays…. You get to know people in another way when you’re part of their celebrations. Some have come every year for their anniversary for twenty-nine years.

What prompted you to get into this business?
It was a big compromise. I was working at a non-profit mental health organization with emotionally disturbed adolescents in California. Coming from a farm background, I was not super-comfortable raising my kids in Santa Barbara. Jeff had finished culinary school and my parents told us the Brownstone was on the market. It was always my favorite part of the U.P. I had spent a lot of time in the U.P. visiting with friends in the 70s. I always felt like I had to get to Au Train Bay. Then I felt like I was in the U.P. For me, it was the doorway, and it never occurred to me I’d be back here.

The U.P. has become home, and I want to make sure my grandkids who are not up here have access to that.

What do customers enjoy most about the Brownstone?
They like the way the building feels. They come in and go Ahhh! It’s old and you can see the dents, and that there’s been a lot of living to it. It’s something the building exudes. It’s warm and accepting, and customers like the food. We’re known for our whitefish and steak, and the burgers are really popular.

We always do our best to be responsive to those with limitations—vegetarians, and those with food allergies.

A lot of our customers have relationships with our servers—baby blankets are made and Christmas cards exchanged. People will come in and ask about someone who waited on them before and through the years. They’ll find out a younger server they had has graduated from college. People notice and care.

Our local customer base is from Newberry to Michigamme, Gladstone. People on their way to Marquette make a point of stopping; they plan the trip so they can have lunch here. For young people going to college here, we become a stop a couple times a year. Typically, we have lots of residents, but this year, it’s been heavily tourists because it feels safe in U.P., and they feel safer here because of the care we’re taking. Our staff was insistent on coming back safely masked. We sanitize all customer contact surfaces. We are distanced. We control the number of people coming in the door, and have balanced it by taking reservations when requested. And we’ve done a lot of takeout.

We close for November to have family time and clean up the space. Our hours for the rest of winter have not been determined yet. They’ll be on our website.

What do you enjoy most about running it?
The relationships and the community and feeling appreciated and successful overall in keeping people comfortable and happy and fed. That’s a primary motivation – feeding people.

What do you find most challenging?
Keeping up with all the tasks that are part of the business. If it were just food and people, staff and customers, that would be easy. Getting enough help is a chronic issue. That’s another reason why I’m so grateful for the staff we have.

Future plans for the Brownstone?
We’re continuing the takeout and working on creating a deli menu featuring smoked items. We’re considering possibly offering lodging. It’s all under discussion. Stay tuned.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about?

Our intense gratitude to the community that supports us. We’re in an intensely beautiful location but not a downtown one. Without the community responding the way it has, it would not work. This really was a dream.