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Tag: gardening

Cabin in the woods surrounded by snow and pine trees

Happy Places

June 16, 2021

Life is kicking up several paces again, which means our stress is also increasing. We are big on mental health at 8THIRTYFOUR, and that means

We're Kind of a Big Deal

2025 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Woman-Owned Small Business Award Recipient

Michigan Celebrates Small Business 50 Companies to Watch Award Recipient

8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications

8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications

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This month’s session for the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship reminded us why we show up: the connections.

We shared wins, talked honestly about what’s been stressing us out, and @karen.scarpino shared lessons from 35 years of running her business, @green_giftz.

Then, Mari Martin from Performance Strategies Group, Inc. walked us through how our natural instincts shape the way we communicate and connect with each other.

Can't wait to see where this year goes.

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We are days away from an important conversation about women-owned small businesses and the bias they face in accessing capital.

Join us on November 19 from 5-7 p.m. at @rebelnell's new Grand Rapids store for a Captial Conversation.

You'll hear from @bode834, @wanglerjennifer, and experts from @growbusinessgr, @independent.bank, and the Michigan Certified Development Corporation (MCDC).

Reserve your spot at the link in bio.

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This is why 8THIRTYFOUR is expanding what we do and how we make an impact. The @smallbusinessassocofmichigan's Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship hasn't just changed the lives of those in the program, it's had a huge impact on us as a company and team.

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Supporting Veterans shouldn't just be something we think about on Veterans Day, which is why we love being able to promote organizations like @fisherhousemich that do an incredible job at it year-round.

Their comfort homes in Ann Arbor and Detroit allow military and Veteran families to stay close while their loved ones are receiving treatment, saving them thousands on food and a place to stay.

Maddie recently talked to their executive director, Kate Melcher (a veteran herself), about their mission and why one of the best ways to support them is by simply spreading the word.

Listen to their full convo at the link in bio.

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Endings aren’t failures. They’re opportunities.

We’re not changing direction, just refining the way we move forward to create more space for what matters most.

@bode834 says it best.

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Hunger shouldn't be a partisan issue.

When SNAP benefits were paused on November 1st due to the federal shutdown, it put 300,000 families at risk in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

In response, @feedingwestmich launched its 'Bridge the SNAP Gap' campaign - an emergency food drive across 40 counties to make sure nobody goes without a meal.

Tomorrow, the food bank will collect donations from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at their warehouses in Kentwood, Benton Harbor, and Cadillac.

Learn how you can help at the link in bio.

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It takes a lot to be compliant as a small business.

Don't take our word for it, just take a look at these posters from the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan.

Thank you for the lovely walkthrough, Ro.

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Nearly 50 women employed. None returned to shelter living.

That's the impact of @rebelnell

The Detroit-based social enterprise provides employment, equitable access, and holistic support to women facing barriers to work.

Now, they’re bringing that mission to Grand Rapids. Congrats to Amy Peterson and the team for expanding a movement that continues to change lives.

Learn more at the link in bio.

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Trauma may have built you. But it doesn’t have to run the show.

@bode834 writes about facing the hard stuff and choosing different.

Check out the full blog at the link in bio.

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Swipe to see some business owners gone wild.

Thank you to the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan for a memorable Leadership Council Fall Summit.

Always great to see some Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship alum.

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Rising costs, unpredictable tariffs, broken systems, and a total disconnect between Washington and the real world.

We keep hearing how “resilient” small business owners are. Sure, we’re resilient. But resilience shouldn’t be an excuse for bad policy.

We’re not the problem. We’re the people keeping this economy alive.

Full blog at the link in bio.

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Just a casual day in the life of 8THIRTYFOUR.

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Before the 2025–26 Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship kicked off, @bode834 and Sarah Miller met with the @miwomenscomm to share what makes this program different.

Built by women business owners for women business owners through the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan, the fellowship blends mentorship, coaching, and emotional intelligence with practical business strategy.

Learn more at the link in bio.

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For Christy Howden, building @wolverinepickleball has always been about more than just the sport. It’s about creating a space where people feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger.

In our latest Happy Hour Hustle episode, Maddie and Christy talk about what it took to make it happen, the challenges along the way, and how she helped shape a community that continues to grow.

Full episode at the link in bio.

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The next chapter starts here.

The 2025–26 cohort of the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship just kicked off. It brings together women leading businesses, teams, and change.

A big thanks to Jane Mitchell and Lillian Werbin from the inaugural cohort for bringing their experience and guidance to the first session.

Want to learn more? Check out the link in bio.

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Nothing tops spending the day surrounded by driven women business owners.

Thank you to the @comerica_bank Women’s Forum for hosting a great event and sharing information on labor markets, tariffs, interest rates, and (of course) AI.

It's always great to run into Deborah Harris and Lillian Werbin—two incredible business owners and graduates of the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship.

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Women are still getting dismissed in 2025. Still lagging in promotions. Still hearing patronizing labels that men never deal with.

@bode834 wrote about this years ago for @thrive—being called "rough around the edges" early in her career. The problem hasn't gone away.

Her message: those edges are your strength. They make you resilient, help you fight for what matters, and push you to speak up when it's uncomfortable.

Own them. Article at the link in bio.

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We're pretty excited to have been named a 2025 Best of MichBusiness winner.

We are honored to get to do the work we do - supporting women, helping small business owners, and taking real action.

A huge thanks to MichBusiness and @corpmagazine for the recognition.

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@bode834 has been in business for nearly 20 years. She's survived recessions, algorithm changes, and so much more.

Most businesses don't fail because they weren't good enough. They fail because they weren't ready.

In our latest Happy Hour Hustle episode, Kim breaks down how she's has stayed ahead by planning for worst-case scenarios and staying authentic when it matters most. Link in bio.

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For over 30 years, Fisher House has addressed a problem no military or veteran family should ever face: choosing between being at their loved one's bedside and having a place to sleep.

@bode834 recently attended @fisherhousemich's Founder's Day event in Ann Arbor, where Kate Melcher and her team provide free lodging so families can stay close while they receive care.

This is what real community support looks like. Find out how you can help at the link in bio.

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