Urban Bird & Company: Sparks Entrepreneurial Enthusiasm
Not far from the coast of Lake Huron, in Cheboygan Michigan, is a street filled with vibrancy and community. One of the shining lights in this area is Urban Bird & Company. Founded and owned by Lindsey Miller-Clark, this business and Lindsey have been a huge asset in boosting the community in downtown Cheboygan.
Overview
Lindsey grew up in a rural area outside Lansing and attended Michigan State University. Upon graduating with a degree in Retail and Advertising, she had job opportunities in Chicago and Detroit. Despite these tempting prospects, Lindsey couldn't shake the feeling that big city life wouldn't quite feel like home to her. Two weeks after graduation, she found a job in banking and finance in Cheboygan. Taking a huge leap of faith, she moved to this new area and purchased a home just weeks after college. Cheboygan, Michigan, soon became her new home where she established roots for herself. Later, she founded her business, Urban Bird & Company, in downtown Cheboygan. Over the past seven years, her business has thrived, injecting culture and vitality into the local area.
Why Here
Cheboygan was a parallel community to her hometown; it offered an easier transition and opportunities to connect with new people. She quickly fell in love with the natural assets like the Cheboygan River and the range of recreational activities available in the area. Despite initial expectations, her family found the area so appealing that it became their summer vacation home. Lindsey cherished sharing the community and experiences with her family and friends from outside the area. With such strong connections and the beauty of Cheboygan, Lindsey sometimes wonders why anyone would want to leave.
Urban Bird & Company
During her first years in the area, Lindsey became actively involved with several community groups and joined the Junior Chamber to establish connections within the city of Cheboygan. Recognizing the downtown area's limited retail offerings and economic challenges, Lindsey began advocating for its development. She proposed strategies to attract businesses and inject vibrancy into the community. However, tired of mere discussions, Lindsey decided to put her degree in Retail and Advertising to practical use by taking proactive steps. Along with a few others in the community with the same proactive approach, Lindsey launched Urban Bird & Company as a pop-up shop. She started with renting space within a local coffee shop during her first summer in business. Initially unsure of its longevity, she decorated using items from her home and purchased a few thousand dollars worth of inventory. This marked the beginning of Lindsey's entrepreneurial journey, as she aimed to fill a niche and contribute to the local economy.
Over the years, Urban Bird & Company thrived, prompting Lindsey to eventually move the business into its own dedicated space. The owner of the only other store in the area at the time, Billie Livingston, served as Lindsey's mentor. When Billie decided to retire from her own business, she generously rented out her storefront to Lindsey. Livingston played a pivotal role in Lindsey's journey with Urban Bird & Company. This transition provided more room and opportunities for growth, solidifying Lindsey's commitment to her vision for a vibrant downtown Cheboygan. Alongside providing Lindsey with a storefront, Billie offered valuable guidance by sharing crucial tips and tricks to prepare Lindsey and her business for the future. Although no longer at the rented space from Billie, Lindsey and Urban Bird & Company have found their forever home at the corner of Division and North Main Street.
Impact
With the Downtown area of Cheboygan being underdeveloped, Lindsey brought new and creative ideas to town. Opening her store added vibrancy and retail to the area. When testing the market to gauge community response, Lindsey found that people were simply grateful to have more options available locally. Beyond introducing new concepts, she along with help from the Mainstreet Program sparked momentum that encouraged others to pursue their ideas and seize opportunities. As other businesses began to emerge, there was also a noticeable increase in events and community gatherings in downtown Cheboygan, aimed at engaging residents and fostering a vibrant local atmosphere. The community has shown tremendous support for both local businesses and the revitalization of downtown. Attendance at events like the farmers market and arts and crafts shows in the park has increased, indicating a growing openness and enthusiasm for positive change. This support not only fuels local businesses like Urban Bird & Company but also fosters a sense of community pride and engagement in shaping Cheboygan's future.
Prospering
The new wave of enthusiasm and support is refreshing. Taking the risk of opening a business and investing in the area is proving to be worthwhile, not only for Lindsey but also indirectly benefiting the entire community. By demonstrating the potential for success and revitalization, Lindsey's initiative is inspiring others to act on their ideas and contribute to the community's growth and prosperity. Urban Bird & Company has also had the opportunity to expand and open a branch in Rogers City. In addition to running Urban Bird & Company, Lindsey also holds a career with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Her dual roles reflect her passion for community development, extending the same dedication she had shown in revitalizing Cheboygan to assisting other communities across Michigan.
