Health + Wellness

Kirk Gibson’s New Team

Inside the Detroit Tigers legend’s fight against Parkinson’s and how he’s coaching others through it Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa I’m midstream in conversation with Kirk Gibson when the Detroit Tigers legend suddenly pauses. He’s spotted someone lining up a shot at the pool table on the far side of the room. Gibson offers a quick apology and steps away from the interview. “I need to go show Harry a thing or two,” he says. With that, Kirk is at the table, cue in hand...

Auto + Marine

Precision Meets Protection

Inside Clean Vision Tinting & Detailing, where craftsmanship defines every finish Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Darrel Ellis Ryan Lloyd was nine years old, sitting beside his dad, carefully piecing together model cars. It wasn’t just about the rote assembly. It was the detail, the way each piece fit just right. The sense of pride when the finished models displayed a perfect shine. Even then, he thought, “I’d like to do something like this when I grow up.” Ryan is amazed how...

Life + Culture

Our Men of Influence

A closer look at three West Bloomfield men whose leadership and vision are leaving a lasting mark on business and community. Article by Todd Haight Shane Pliska President of Planterra Conservatory Planterra.com PlanteraEvents.com Why have you chosen to build your business and raise your family in West Bloomfield? What makes this community special to you? Our roots in West Bloomfield run deep. Planterra is a family business founded by my father in 1973, and in 1983, he relocated the...

Arts + Culture

Grit and Grace

In her own words, local entrepreneur shares how giving back is simply good business Article by Cheryl Arafat Philanthropy isn’t separate from business for me, it’s a natural extension of it. Cleaning homes is really about caring for people, so giving back has always been easy. We look for ways to support those who serve others or are facing difficult times. We love participating in Cleaning for a Reason, where individuals undergoing cancer treatment can receive two months of free home...

Style + Beauty

Luxury, On Her Terms

Building her empire with intention and grace, leading boldly and creating a lasting legacy Article by Margaret Meyer Haight | Photography by Darrel Ellis A look behind the seams with local high fashion expert Madonna Arabo. WEST BLOOMFIELD CITY LIFESTYLE: Every luxury brand begins with a point of view. What first drew you to the world of fashion, ultimately inspiring the creation of your business, Scarlett’s Leather and Furs? Madonna Arabo: Growing up, fashion was part of who we were...

Entertainment

Where Music Lives

Audrey Ray writes in the language of feeling – soft, sincere and impossible to ignore Article by Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa Some songs don’t start with melody. They begin with a feeling you can’t quite name. For Audrey Ray, music often arrives that way, from memories that refuse to dissolve. “I always go to music at defining moments of my life,” she says. “After a sad experience or heartbreak, I write it down. I know I can translate it into a song.” That instinct makes sense...

Health + Wellness

The Power of Light

How I discovered pain relief and better skin through infrared and targeted light therapy Article by Margaret Meyer Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa What if feeling better didn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul? Just an hour to yourself a few times a week? That’s the question I had when I stepped inside beem Light Sauna, now open in West Bloomfield. I had heard about infrared sauna and red light therapy, but like many people, I wasn’t exactly sure what “light therapy” meant or...

Health + Wellness

The Smile Architect

Dr. David Kam and his team are redefining what it means to feel truly cared for — one smile at a time. Article by Susan Thwing | Photography by Simran Bajwa For David Kam, DDS, dentistry has always been about more than clinical skill. It’s about trust, relationships and treating people the way you would want to be treated yourself. That philosophy has guided him for more than three decades and shaped the growth of Lifetime Dental (lifetimedentalgroup.com), now serving patients with locations...

Finance + Legal Services

Planning With Purpose

How Chuck Vercellone can help you build the life you’ve envisioned. Article by Susan Thwing | Photography by Simran Bajwa When Chuck Vercellone talks about financial planning, it’s never just about the numbers. The longtime Troy-based financial advisor, owner of Wealth Strategies (wsgllc.net) and an Investment Advisor Representative with Osaic Advisory Services, believes that true financial wellness comes from clarity, purpose and relationships built on trust. “I don’t want to be looked...

Fitness

The 401(K) of Fitness

Inside the West Bloomfield gym that trains for longevity. Article by Susan Thwing When Ryan Kurrle talks about fitness, he rarely frames it as a short-term goal. “It’s definitely an investment,” he says. “We all invest in 401(k)s and retirement accounts. But if we don’t keep muscle mass on our bodies and keep ourselves mobile, we’re not going to be able to enjoy any of that later.” Kurrle and his wife, Candice, own LIFT Training (lifttraining.co) in West Bloomfield, where Kurrle approaches...