Lapeer, Michigan
I talk to a young woman, a boutique owner, who grew up in Lapeer.
“All I wanted to do was leave,” she says.
So she did.
She moved to Chicago, but after six years she moved back, met her husband and had two kids, and opened two businesses.
“I’m grateful to be here,” she says wearing a wide brimmed hat in a long colorful dress for her portrait. Originally, her plan was to expand her first business, a spa, but after a survey of citizens done by Michigan Main Street identified retail growth as a primary need and desire for the community, she opened a boutique…and isn’t looking back.
“I can fill a need and can help Lapeer level up,” she says. “It was unexpected, but I discovered what I really want to do.”
I ask her what she would say to her younger self about moving away if she could travel back in time.
“Move away,” she says, “and bring what you learn back here so you can make this place better.”
I ask her what she would say to communities trying figure out how to make kids stay, or young people who have left come back.
“If you want kids to be interested in your community, you need to be interesting.”
Long day, good day, heading home.