THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY

I’ve worked in the beauty industry for nearly 40 years—starting at 16 and eventually opening Epiphany Salon & Spa in 1999, now with multiple locations and an advanced academy. I’m licensed across all beauty fields, teach cosmetology, and serve on the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology. My husband and I also run Bardon’s Wonder Freeze, a local Traverse City gem, and mentor students through a new salon space in Acme. My path wasn’t easy—I struggled with reading due to undiagnosed dyslexia and overcame major health battles. But I believe deeply in second chances, the power of kindness, and building a legacy of purpose. My passion is helping others find their worth and take bold steps toward their future.

https://epiphanyadvancedacademy.com/dawnette-wessell/

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Trevor Tkatch

Trevor Tkach is the President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, where he leads efforts to promote the region as a year-round destination for visitors from around the world. A lifelong Michigander and passionate advocate for Northern Michigan, Trevor combines strategic vision with deep local roots to support sustainable tourism, regional growth, and community well-being. Under his leadership, Traverse City has earned national recognition for its natural beauty, vibrant downtown, and thriving food, wine, and outdoor scenes. Trevor also serves on several local and statewide boards, championing partnerships that elevate the area’s economy while preserving its charm and character.

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Alaina Dodds Leech is the co-owner of Lake District Wine Co., a boutique wine shop in downtown Traverse City known for its curated global selection and warm, welcoming vibe. With a deep love for storytelling and a palate shaped by years of travel and study, Alaina brings both expertise and heart to the world of wine. She’s passionate about connecting people through shared experiences—whether that’s an intimate tasting, a community event, or a perfect bottle for a special moment. A lifelong advocate for the arts and local business, Alaina blends creativity, hospitality, and entrepreneurship to help make Traverse City even more vibrant.

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Nick Olson is a Traverse City native with a passion for building vibrant “third spaces”—places beyond home and work that foster real community and connection. After eight years in New Jersey, he returned in 2018 and has since founded Grand Traverse Social Sports, ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness, and Hearth Sauna.

Nick’s community-building spirit shines through events like two of the nation’s largest slackline festivals and Michigan’s first Sauna Fest, held right here in Traverse City. Whether it’s on a climbing wall, in a sauna, or through team sports, Nick’s mission is clear: create space for people to belong, move, and thrive together.

Follow along:
 🔥 @hearthsauna
🧗‍♂️ @elev8climbing
⚽ @grandtraversesocialsports

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Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, Kyan Olshove grew up riding local trails with his dad. That weekend hobby turned into a full-blown passion after joining Norte Youth Cycling, where he found both competition and community.

Now a semi-professional mountain bike racer, Kyan competes internationally while chasing his dream of making cycling a full-time career. He’s known for his focus, grit, and deep connection to the Northern Michigan trails that shaped him.

Kyan trains year-round in TC and often gives back—mentoring young riders, collaborating at local events, and sharing his journey on social media.

His story is proof that big dreams can start on small-town trails—and that you don’t have to leave home to go far.

https://www.instagram.com/mtb_kyan/

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 "Farming is a profession of hope." We’re a women- and veteran-owned business rooted in love for our land, animals, and what we create. Our brands—Little Long Ears Provisions, TC Spirit Donkeys, Old Mission Ciders, and Harpers Ridge Farm—grew from our farm on Old Mission Peninsula, founded in 2016. Today we care for 800+ organic fruit trees and a vibrant ecosystem of bees, chickens, donkeys, sheep, and more. We make wine from our Pinot Gris grapes and a seasonal cider blend called “The Kitchen Sink.” Our main brand, Little Long Ears Provisions, turns cider and wine into aged vinegars—apple, cherry, fire cider, beer malt, and more coming soon. Vinegar makes food better—enhancing flavor and offering probiotic, antioxidant, and metabolic benefits. Try our wellness shot, Donkey Fuel, with fire cider, tart cherry, and hydrogen water. We’re also trialing Michigan-grown olive oil! 1% of sales support the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and local nonprofits. 

https://www.instagram.com/littlelongearsprovisions/

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Born and raised in Elk Rapids, Alice Rubert always felt the deep pull of Northern Michigan. After years of travel and a career in real estate, it was burnout during COVID that led her to a powerful shift. Through meditation and breathwork, she began a personal journey of healing that transformed her life—mind, body, and spirit.

In 2022, Alice co-founded Waterside Wellness, a woman-owned wellness space in the heart of Elk Rapids, offering a sanctuary for mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery. She is a certified Chopra Meditation Coach and trauma-informed Revelation Breathwork facilitator, guiding individuals, couples, and groups through somatic practices that restore calm, clarity, and connection.

Alice also brings mindfulness into local schools, teaching meditation to grades 2–5 at Lakeland Elementary. Her mission is simple: help others slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with themselves and each other.

 📧 alice.rubert
 📱 Instagram: @alice.rubert | @watersidewellness_er
🌐 www.watersidewellness.co

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Jennifer Szunko – Co-Owner, The Discovery Cruise

Jennifer Szunko is a passionate advocate for the active, outdoor lifestyle that defines Northern Michigan. A graduate of Northwood University, her dynamic career has taken her from the slopes of Vail to the fast-paced corridors of Washington, D.C., before bringing her home to Traverse City in 1987. Since then, she’s played a pivotal role in the region’s hospitality and tourism landscape—leading initiatives across hotel convention sales, the cruise industry, wine education, publishing, and digital marketing.

Today, Jennifer is the co-owner of The Discovery, a premier cruise experience offering scenic and educational tours of West Grand Traverse Bay. With her background in publishing and communications, she brings both strategic insight and operational excellence to the helm, creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate the culture and natural beauty of the region.

A cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and community connector, Jennifer is known for her resilience, professionalism, and heartfelt commitment to helping others engage deeply with Traverse City’s land, water, and people. Whether she’s sailing, skiing, hiking, or biking, she thrives on forging authentic connections and inspiring others to live fully.

Connect with Jennifer and The Discovery Cruise:

• Website: www.discoverycruisestc.com
• Instagram: @discoverycruises
• Facebook: Discovery Cruises
• https://www.facebook.com/jszunko
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferszunko/
• https://www.instagram.com/mindfulvibelife/

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