Made Up North Café and Goods
No more than fifteen minutes from beautiful Higgins Lake, is an extraordinary café and goods shop in downtown Roscommon. Created by Diane Suvada, Made Up North Café and Goods welcomes customers with a homey and quaint environment, where the air is filled with the inviting aromas of fresh coffee and baked goods along with a view of beautiful handmade crafts. The atmosphere exudes warmth and comfort, making visitors feel instantly at ease. The staff adds to the welcoming ambiance, offering friendly and helpful service that enhances the overall experience.
Steppingstones to Becoming a Business Owner
Diane, originally from Southeast Michigan with roots in Detroit and Belleville, ventured into entrepreneurship after gaining diverse business experience across various roles. Her position at Tech Town in Detroit, where she began as an Event Coordinator, exposed her to the vibrant local entrepreneurial scene. Over six years, Diane navigated through roles in event management and facilities management, honing her skills and deepening her understanding of business operations.
In 2016, Diane's life took a new direction when she and her husband moved to the Roscommon area. Captivated by its charm and potential, they made it their home. Her proactive networking efforts in Roscommon, including involvement with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), underscored her commitment to fostering local business growth. Co-founding the Sawmill Rural Business Center further solidified her role as a catalyst for small business development, offering essential resources to aspiring entrepreneurs in the area. Diane eventually launched her venture, Made Up North Café, and Goods which specializes in Michigan-made crafts, locally sourced goods, and artisanal coffee. Her business quickly became a cornerstone of the community, attracting a variety of vendors that have their own locally made products.
Driven by her passion and entrepreneurial spirit, Diane's transition from a corporate role to a small business owner marked a significant milestone. Her story not only highlights her ability to transform vision into reality but also highlights her enduring impact on the local community's economic landscape.
Business From Past to Present
Made Up North Café and Goods had humble beginnings, initially a craft shop stemming from a pop-up event during Christmas in the Village in 2016. Diane's involvement in this event allowed her to familiarize herself with the business space firsthand, gaining valuable experience and insights into the entrepreneurial world. Originally focused on selling crafts and goods created by locals, Made Up North evolved over the next several years, bringing in more and more vendors from around the area.
Today, Diane and her business are thriving, with a stable foundation and a clear focus on continued growth. In 2019, Diane seized the chance to relocate her business to a nearby space on Lake Street as a flower and coffee shop was shutting down. Harnessing her passion for coffee, she integrated her unique concepts of crafts and goods into the existing café setup. The increased foot traffic from the café and expanded space provide Diane’s vendors with a larger platform to display and sell their products, benefiting from the store's growing popularity and customer base. Beyond retail, Diane has added another dimension to Made Up North Café and Goods by offering classes. These classes, such as those on skills like canning, not only generate additional revenue but also enrich the community by imparting valuable knowledge and fostering a sense of shared learning and engagement.
Love of the North
Diane's fondness for Roscommon stemmed from her husband's family roots, making her visits "up North" especially enjoyable. She cherished the region's natural wonders, such as the pristine beauty of Higgins Lake, which offered a peaceful retreat from the hectic pace of city life. Moreover, she found solace in the warmth of the local culture, where the community's friendliness and welcoming nature left an impression. The people of Roscommon embodied a kindness that resonated deeply with Diane, further enriching her appreciation for the area, and reinforcing her affinity for Northeastern Michigan.
For more information about Made UP NORTH Café and Goods, visit https://www.madeupnorthmi.com/ or visit the beautiful Village of Roscommon and stop in.
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